bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrepancy between radiological and pathological size of renal masses
Authors: Jeffery Nicola N , Douek Norbert , Guo Ding Y , Patel Manish I 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundTumor size is a critical variable in staging for renal cell carcinoma. Clinicians rely on radiological estimates of pathological tumor size to guide patient counseling regarding prognosis, choice of treatment strategy and entry into clinical trials. If there is a discrepancy between radiological and pathological measurements of renal tumor size, this could have implications for clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare the radiological size of solid renal tumors on computed tomography (CT) to the pathological size in an Australian population.MethodsWe identified 157 patients in the Westmead Renal Tumor Database, for whom data was available for both radiological tumor size on CT and pathological tumor size. The paired Student'st-test was used to compare the mean radiological tumor size and the mean pathological tumor size. Statistical significance was defined asP< 0.05. We also identified all cases in which post-operative down-staging or up-staging occurred due to discrepancy between radiological and pathological tumor sizes. Additionally, we examined the relationship between Fuhrman grade and radiological tumor size and pathological T stage.ResultsOverall, the mean radiological tumor size on CT was 58.3 mm and the mean pathological size was 55.2 mm. On average, CT overestimated pathological size by 3.1 mm (P= 0.012). CT overestimated pathological tumor size in 92 (58.6%) patients, underestimated in 44 (28.0%) patients and equaled pathological size in 21 (31.4%) patients. Among the 122 patients with pT1 or pT2 tumors, there was a discrepancy between clinical and pathological staging in 35 (29%) patients. Of these, 21 (17%) patients were down-staged post-operatively and 14 (11.5%) were up-staged. Fuhrman grade correlated positively with radiological tumor size (P= 0.039) and pathological tumor stage (P= 0.003).ConclusionsThere was a statistically significant but small difference (3.1 mm) between mean radiological and mean pathological tumor size, but this is of uncertain clinical significance. For some patients, the difference leads to a discrepancy between clinical and pathological staging, which may have implications for pre-operative patient counseling regarding prognosis and management.
Plasma fatty acids and the risk of metabolic syndrome in ethnic Chinese adults in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Kuo-Liong , Chao Chia-Lun , Kuo Chen-Hong , Lin Hung-Ju , Liu Pi-Hua , Chen Pei-Rony , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Lee Bai-Chin , Lee Yuan-Teh , Chen Ming-Fong 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Evidence of predictive power of various fatty acids on the risk of metabolic syndrome was scanty. We evaluated the role of various fatty acids, including saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, transfat, n-6 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for the risk of the metabolic syndrome in Taiwan.

Results
A nested case-control study based on 1000 cases of metabolic syndrome and 1:1 matched control subjects. For saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and transfat, the higher the concentration the higher the risk for metabolic syndrome: participants in the highest quintile had a 2.22-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66 to 2.97) higher risk of metabolic syndrome. In addition, the participants in higher EPA quintiles were less likely to have the risk of metabolic syndrome (adjusted risk, 0.46 [0.34 to 0.61] for the fifth quintile). Participants in the highest risk group (low EPA and high transfat) had a 2.36-fold higher risk of metabolic syndrome (95% CI, 1.38 to 4.03), compared with those in the lowest risk group (high EPA and low transfat). For prediction power, the area under ROC curves increased from 0.926 in the baseline model to 0.928 after adding fatty acids. The net reclassification improvement for metabolic syndrome risk was substantial for saturated fat (2.1%, P = 0.05).

Conclusions
Plasma fatty acid components improved the prediction of the metabolic syndrome risk in Taiwan.
Nanoscale electro-structural characterisation of ohmic contacts formed on p-type implanted 4H-SiC
Authors: Frazzetto Alessia , Giannazzo Filippo , Lo Nigro Raffaella , Di Franco Salvatore , Bongiorno Corrado , Saggio Mario , Zanetti Edoardo , Raineri Vito , Roccaforte Fabrizio 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis work reports a nanoscale electro-structural characterisation of Ti/Al ohmic contacts formed on p-type Al-implanted silicon carbide (4H-SiC). The morphological and the electrical properties of the Al-implanted layer, annealed at 1700°C with or without a protective capping layer, and of the ohmic contacts were studied using atomic force microscopy [AFM], transmission line model measurements and local current measurements performed with conductive AFM.The characteristics of the contacts were significantly affected by the roughness of the underlying SiC. In particular, the surface roughness of the Al-implanted SiC regions annealed at 1700°C could be strongly reduced using a protective carbon capping layer during annealing. This latter resulted in an improved surface morphology and specific contact resistance of the Ti/Al ohmic contacts formed on these regions. The microstructure of the contacts was monitored by X-ray diffraction analysis and a cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and correlated with the electrical results.
Effect of the Nd content on the structural and photoluminescence properties of silicon-rich silicon dioxide thin films
Authors: Debieu Olivier , Cardin Julien , Portier Xavier , Gourbilleau Fabrice 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this article, the microstructure and photoluminescence (PL) properties of Nd-doped silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRSO) are reported as a function of the annealing temperature and the Nd concentration. The thin films, which were grown on Si substrates by reactive magnetron co-sputtering, contain the same Si excess as determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra show that a phase separation occurs during the annealing because of the condensation of the Si excess resulting in the formation of silicon nanoparticles (Si-np) as detected by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Under non-resonant excitation at 488 nm, our Nd-doped SRSO films simultaneously exhibited PL from Si-np and Nd3+ demonstrating the efficient energy transfer between Si-np and Nd3+ and the sensitizing effect of Si-np. Upon increasing the Nd concentration from 0.08 to 4.9 at.%, our samples revealed a progressive quenching of the Nd3+ PL which can be correlated with the concomitant increase of disorder within the host matrix as shown by FTIR experiments. Moreover, the presence of Nd-oxide nanocrystals in the highest Nd-doped sample was established by XRD. It is, therefore, suggested that the Nd clustering, as well as disorder, are responsible for the concentration quenching of the PL of Nd3+.
Polymorphic genetic characterization of the ORF7 gene of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in China
Authors: Hao Xiaofang , Lu Zengjun , Kuang Wendong , Sun Pu , Fu Yu , Wu Lei , Zhao Qing , Bao Huifang , Fu Yuanfang , Cao Yimei , Li Pinghua , Bai Xingwen , Li Dong , Liu Zaixin 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) exhibits extensive genetic variation. The outbreak of a highly pathogenic PRRS in 2006 led us to investigate the extent of PRRSV genetic diversity in China. To this end, we analyzed the Nsp2 and ORF7 gene sequences of 98 Chinese PRRSV isolates.

Results
Preliminary analysis indicated that highly pathogenic PRRSV strains with a 30-amino acid deletion in the Nsp2 protein are the dominant viruses circulating in China. Further analysis based on ORF7 sequences revealed that all Chinese isolates were divided into 5 subgroups, and that the highly pathogenic PRRSVs were distantly related to the MLV or CH-1R vaccine, raising doubts about the efficacy of these vaccines. The ORF7 sequence data also showed no apparent associations between geographic or temporal origin and heterogeneity of PRRSV in China.

Conclusion
These findings enhance our knowledge of the genetic characteristics of Chinese PRRSV isolates, and may facilitate the development of effective strategies for monitoring and controlling PRRSV in China.
Double suicide genes selectively kill human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Jia Weiguo , Mei Longyong , Wang Yanping , Liu Lunxu , Che Guowei 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
To construct a recombinant adenovirus containing CDglyTK double suicide genes and evaluate the killing effect of the double suicide genes driven by kinase domain insert containing receptor (KDR) promoter on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Methods
Human KDR promoter, Escherichia coli (E. coli) cytosine deaminase (CD) gene and the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (TK) gene were cloned using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasmid pKDR-CDglyTK was constructed with the KDR promoter and CDglyTK genes. A recombinant adenoviral plasmid AdKDR-CDglyTK was then constructed and transfected into 293 packaging cells to grow and harvest adenoviruses. KDR-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV304) and KDR-negative liver cancer cell line (HepG2) were infected with the recombinant adenoviruses at different multiplicity of infection (MOI). The infection rate was measured by green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. The infected cells were cultured in culture media containing different concentrations of prodrugs ganciclovir (GCV) and/or 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). The killing effects were measured using two different methods, i.e. annexin V-FITC staining and terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining.

Results
Recombinant adenoviruses AdKDR-CDglyTK were successfully constructed and they infected ECV304 and HepG2 cells efficiently. The infection rate was dependent on MOI of recombinant adenoviruses. ECV304 cells infected with AdKDR-CDglyTK were highly sensitive to GCV and 5-FC. The cell survival rate was dependent on both the concentration of the prodrugs and the MOI of recombinant adenoviruses. In contrast, there were no killing effects in the HepG2 cells. The combination of two prodrugs was much more effective in killing ECV304 cells than GCV or 5-FC alone. The growth of transgenic ECV304 cells was suppressed in the presence of prodrugs.

Conclusion
AdKDR-CDglyTK/double prodrog system may be a useful method for suppressing tumor angiogenesis.
Fibroblasts derived from human embryonic stem cells direct development and repair of 3D human skin equivalents
Authors: Shamis Yulia , Hewitt Kyle J , Carlson Mark W , Margvelashvilli Mariam , Dong Shumin , Kuo Catherine K , Daheron Laurence , Egles Christophe , Garlick Jonathan A 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Pluripotent, human stem cells hold tremendous promise as a source of progenitor and terminally differentiated cells for application in future regenerative therapies. However, such therapies will be dependent upon the development of novel approaches that can best assess tissue outcomes of pluripotent stem cell-derived cells and will be essential to better predict their safety and stability following in vivo transplantation.

Methods
In this study we used engineered, human skin equivalents (HSEs) as a platform to characterize fibroblasts that have been derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cell. We characterized the phenotype and the secretion profile of two distinct hES-derived cell lines with properties of mesenchymal cells (EDK and H9-MSC) and compared their biological potential upon induction of differentiation to bone and fat and following their incorporation into the stromal compartment of engineered, HSEs.

Results
While both EDK and H9-MSC cell lines exhibited similar morphology and mesenchymal cell marker expression, they demonstrated distinct functional properties when incorporated into the stromal compartment of HSEs. EDK cells displayed characteristics of dermal fibroblasts that could support epithelial tissue development and enable re-epithelialization of wounds generated using a 3D tissue model of cutaneous wound healing, which was linked to elevated production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Lentiviral shRNA-mediated knockdown of HGF resulted in a dramatic decrease of HGF secretion from EDK cells that led to a marked reduction in their ability to promote keratinocyte proliferation and re-epithelialization of cutaneous wounds. In contrast, H9-MSCs demonstrated features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) but not those of dermal fibroblasts, as they underwent multilineage differentiation in monolayer culture, but were unable to support epithelial tissue development and repair and produced significantly lower levels of HGF.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that hES-derived cells could be directed to specified and alternative mesenchymal cell fates whose function could be distinguished in engineered HSEs. Characterization of hES-derived mesenchymal cells in 3D, engineered HSEs demonstrates the utility of this tissue platform to predict the functional properties of hES-derived fibroblasts before their therapeutic transplantation.
Newborn Screening for Isovaleric Acidemia Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Data from 1.6 Million Newborns
Authors: Ensenauer Regina , Fingerhut Ralph , Maier Esther M , Polanetz Roman , Olgemöller Bernhard , Röschinger Wulf , Muntau Ania C 
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND
Electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) has been used in the Bavarian newborn screening (NBS) program since 1999. The use of ESI-MS/MS has led to the inclusion of isovaleric acidemia (IVA) into NBS. We retrospectively evaluated data on more than 1.6 million newborns screened during 9.5 years.

METHODS
Acylcarnitines from whole blood spotted on filter paper were converted to their corresponding butyl esters, and the samples were analyzed by use of ESI-MS/MS with stable isotope labeled internal standards.

RESULTS
A total of 24 individuals with IVA were detected by use of a multiparametric threshold criteria panel including isovalerylcarnitine (C5) and the ratios of C5 to octanoyl-, butyryl-, and propionylcarnitine. A cutoff set at the 99.99th percentile for isolated C5 or at the 99th percentile for C5 plus at least 2 ratios resulted in a positive predictive value for IVA screening of 7.0% and an overall recall rate of 0.024%. Adjusted reference ranges for age and birth weight were applied, and the incidence of IVA in the study population was calculated to be 1 in 67 000. Missed cases were not brought to our attention. IVA was also detectable in cord blood and early postnatal blood samples.

CONCLUSIONS
IVA can be reliably detected in NBS through acylcarnitine analysis in dried blood spots by using multiparametric threshold criteria. Further improvement (positive predictive value 13.0%, recall rate 0.01%) can be achieved by using more stringent recall criteria. In view of the potentially life-threatening natural course of IVA in early life, presymptomatic diagnosis may thus prevent mortality and morbidity.
Messunsicherheitsbestimmung für die industrielle Computertomografie anhand kalibrierter Bauteile
Authors: Schmitt Robert , Damm Björn , Niggemann Christian 
Published: February 2011

Zusammenfassung
Bei der Messung dimensioneller Größen mit Röntgen-Computertomografie (CT) kann die Messunsicherheit anhand kalibrierter Werkstücke ermittelt werden. Die Methode eignet sich sowohl zur Abschätzung von Einflussgrößen auf das Messergebnis als analytisches Instrument als auch zum Nachweis der Eignung eines Prüfprozesses. Beide Möglichkeiten werden vor dem Hintergrund der komplexen Messung mit CT aufgezeigt und die Anwendbarkeit diskutiert.
Gewachsene Siliziumstrukturen zum Kalibrieren von Messgeräten im nm-Bereich
Authors: Dietzsch Michael , Gröger Sophie 
Published: February 2011

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse eines Ringvergleiches zur Messung plateauartiger Nano-Strukturen auf einer gewachsenen Siliziumoberfläche mit verschiedenen taktilen und optischen Messgeräten vor. Die Strukturen sind Inseln mit einem Durchmesser von ca. 800 nm und einer Höhe von ca. 12 nm. Neben der vertikalen und horizontalen Ausdehnung können damit Auflösung, Sensoreigenschaften, Stufenhöhen und auf Grund des ideal ebenen Grundmaterials auch die Geradheiten von Führungsbahnen im Nanometerbereich kalibriert werden.
Neuere Entwicklungen von Normalen für die 3D-Mikro- und Nanometrologie
Authors: Neuschaefer-Rube Ulrich , Neugebauer Michael , Dziomba Thorsten , Danzebrink Hans-Ulrich , Koenders Ludger , Bosse Harald 
Published: February 2011

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über neuere Entwicklungen von Normalen und Messverfahren für die 3D-Mikro- und Nanometrologie mit Fokus auf Arbeiten der PTB. Ziel der Entwicklungen ist die Verringerung der Messunsicherheiten von Messgeräten zur dimensionellen Charakterisierung von Mikro- und Nanostrukturen.
Early post-transplantation hypophosphatemia is associated with elevated FGF-23 levels
Authors: Trombetti Andrea , Richert Laura , Hadaya Karine , Graf Jean-Daniel , Herrmann François R , Ferrari Serge L , Martin Pierre-Yves , Rizzoli René 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundWe examined the hypothesis that high FGF-23 levels early after transplantation contribute to the onset of hypophosphatemia, independently of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and other factors regulating phosphate metabolism.MethodsWe measured serum phosphate levels (sPi), renal tubular reabsorption of Pi (TmPi/GFR), estimated GFR (eGFR), intact PTH (iPTH), calcitriol, intact (int) and C-terminal (Cter) FGF-23, dietary Pi intake and cumulative doses of glucocorticoids in 69 patients 12 days (95% confidence interval, 10–13) after renal transplantation.ResultsHypophosphatemia was observed in 43 (62%) of the patients 12 days after transplantation. Compared with non-hypophosphatemic subjects, their post-transplantation levels of intact and CterFGF-23 were higher (195 (108–288) vs 48 (40–64) ng/l,P<0.002 for intFGF-23; 205 (116–384) vs 81 (55–124) U/ml,P<0.002, for CterFGF-23). In all subjects, Cter and intFGF-23 correlated inversely with sPi (r=−0.35,P<0.003; −0.35,P<0.003, respectively), and TmPi/GFR (r=−0.50,P<0.001; −0.54,P<0.001, respectively). In multivariate models, sPi and TmPi/GFR were independently associated with FGF-23, iPTH and eGFR. Pre-transplant iPTH levels were significantly higher in patients developing hypophosphatemia after renal transplantation. Pre-transplant levels of FGF-23 were not associated with sPi at the time of transplantation.ConclusionIn addition to PTH, elevated FGF-23 may contribute to hypophosphatemia during the early post-renal transplant period.
Coronally Advanced Flap Combined With a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft Using Full‐ or Partial‐Thickness Flap Reflection
Authors: Mazzocco Fabio , Comuzzi Luca , Stefani Riccardo , Milan Ylenia , Favero Giovanni , Stellini Edoardo 
Published: February 2011

Background: Although the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in conjunction with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) is a widely performed periodontal procedure, the creation of a partial‐thickness flap can incur a risk of perforation or overthinning of the flap itself. Therefore, the aim of the present trial is to compare the efficacies of partial‐ and full‐thickness flap reflections combined with an SCTG.Methods: Twenty patients with Miller Class I or II defects (52 teeth) were selected, and teeth with defects were randomly assigned to the test group (25 teeth) for a CAF and SCTG using a full‐thickness flap reflection or to the control group (27 teeth) for a CAF associated with an SCTG and partial‐thickness flap reflection. The probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and width of the keratinized tissue (KT) were assessed at baseline and 6 months after surgery.Results: The mean root coverage was 97% in the test group (mean reduction in GR: 2.27 ± 1.15 mm) and 95% in the control group (mean reduction in GR: 1.68 ± 0.74 mm). The gain in KT was 0.46 ± 1.47 mm in the test group and 0.49 ± 1.3 mm in the control group, the PD ranged from 1.33 to 1.55 mm in the test group and from 1.31 to 1.64 mm in the control group; no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for all of these parameters (P >0.05).Conclusions: The elevation of a full‐ or partial‐thickness flap did not appear to influence the amount of KT or the percentage of root coverage achieved post‐surgically. More expanded studies are needed to confirm the present findings.
Advantages and Challenges of Worldwide Standardization of Rig and Equipment Audits
Authors: Wirth S. A. , Spoerker H. F. , Ali M. K. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Any organization operating in diverse geographic areas experiences the challenge of standardizing equipment and service requirements to a common quality level. Controlling the level of risk that a company is willing to accept on its operations is one of the key reasons for having Management Systems, which are only as good as the auditing initiatives behind them to ensure compliance across the board. Such risk control can only be achieved if a consistent quality of all rigs and equipment working for the Company's worldwide subsidiaries in ensured.
Standardizing such auditing initiatives makes the outcomes comparable and usable as key performance indicators for benchmarking subsidiary compliance levels with corporate Standards. Having operations in countries as diverse as Austria, Yemen, Libya, UK/Norway, Pakistan, Kazakhstan etc. provides unique challenges in implementing one consistent set of Standards and executing audits to the same scope in all environments. What is considered as minimum requirement in one operating environment can sometimes be seen as excessive in another – and lead to conflicts with other operators who see such initiatives as unwarranted cost increases in generally less regulated areas.
This paper is intended to show the efforts taken by OMV in establishing a standardized audit procedure/schedule and producing an adequate framework of standards. As audits are not purely focused on equipment but strongly include personnel competence and management systems, the paper also presents typical challenges and findings from the first two years of auditing initiatives.
Remediation: An Evolution to Sustainable Environmental Practices
Authors: Martinson Michael , van den Brand Marco 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Applying environmental sustainability concepts to contaminant remediation continues to evolve in the remediation cleanup marketplace. Increasingly, we recognize that mass transfer remediation practices only defer contamination problems to the future. The importance of environmental footprints in remediation work related to global issues has led to the consideration and development of sustainable practices in the selection and design of remediation systems. The recent development of Remediation Carbon Footprint Models (RCFMs) globally illustrate a variety of approaches to estimating the carbon footprints of remediation activities, ranging from simple, user-friendly input to comprehensive inputs resulting in cradle-to-grave considerations of carbon footprint impacts. Preferred practices in environmental sustainability increasingly contribute to long-term protection of human health and the environment, conservation of natural resources, and biodiversity – all balanced against economic viability. Sustainable remediation seeks to connect and balance shared values between economics, environmental, and social contributions.