bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adnexal masses in women with breast cancer
Authors: Tuncer Zafer Selcuk , Boyraz Gokhan , Selcuk Ilker , Şahin Nihal , Kaynaroğlu Volkan , Özışık Yavuz 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundAdnexal masses detected in breast cancer survivors are of particular concern because of the increased risk of ovarian malignancy.AimsThis study was performed to analyse adnexal masses among women with breast cancer with regard to variables predictive of malignancy.MethodsThe study included women with breast cancer who had undergone surgery for an adnexal mass between 2002 and 2010 at Hacettepe University Hospital. A total of 45 consecutive women with a mean age of 47.3 years (range 25–76) were analysed retrospectively.ResultsOf 45 cases reviewed, benign ovarian pathology was found in 35 cases (77.8%) and malignant ovarian neoplasms were found in 10 cases (22.2%). A simple ovarian cyst was observed in 25 cases (71.4%) as the most common type of benign pathology. Of the 10 cases with malignancy, 5 (50%) had primary ovarian carcinoma, while the remaining five women had breast carcinoma metastases to the ovary. Complex mass at ultrasonography, increased CA 125 level and oestrogen receptor–negative tumour were found to be the significant predictors of ovarian malignancy.ConclusionsAlthough an adnexal mass in a woman with breast cancer is most commonly a benign ovarian cyst, the overall risk of ovarian malignancy is increased with breast cancer. An adnexal mass with complex architecture detected by ultrasonography and high CA 125 level were the strongest risk factors associated with increased risk of malignancy.
Are Dialysate Sodium Levels Too High?
Authors: Marshall Mark R. , Dunlop Joanna L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractUniversal lower dialysate [Na+] is often advocated as a means of improving the dire cardiovascular plight of our dialysis patients. However, there is evidence associating lower dialysate [Na+] and increased morbidity and mortality especially in frailer patients, probably as a result of more frequent intra‐dialytic hypotension. In this editorial, we summarize arguments for and against lower dialysate [Na+], and provide recommendations around selecting the most appropriate dialysate [Na+] for specific clinical subsets that may benefit from manipulation of salt and water balance. The lack of overall clarity on relative benefits and risks of lower dialysate [Na+] does not support the case for empirical “across the board” change, and experimental testing in clinical trials is required to determine safe and effective use.
Evolution of yolk protein genes in the Echinodermata
Authors: Prowse Thomas A. A. , Byrne Maria 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYVitellogenin genes (vtg) encode large lipid transfer proteins (LLTPs) that are typically female‐specific, functioning as precursors to major yolk proteins (MYPs). Within the phylum Echinodermata, however, the MYP of the Echinozoa (Echinoidea + Holothuroidea) is expressed by an unrelated transferrin‐like gene that has a reproductive function in both sexes. We investigated egg proteins in the Asterozoa (Asteroidea + Ophiuroidea), a sister clade to the Echinozoa, showing that eggs of the asteroid Parvulastra exigua contain a vitellogenin protein (Vtg). vtg is expressed by P. exigua, a species with large eggs and nonfeeding larvae, and by the related asterinid Patiriella regularis which has small eggs and feeding larvae. In the Asteroidea, therefore, the reproductive function of vtg is conserved despite significant life history evolution. Like the echinozoan MYP gene, asteroid vtg is expressed in both sexes and may play a role in the development of both ovaries and testes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that a putative Vtg from the sea urchin genome, a likely pseudogene, does not clade with asteroid Vtg. We propose the following sequence as a potential pathway for the evolution of YP genes in the Echinodermata: (1) the ancestral echinoderm produced YPs derived from Vtg, (2) bisexual vtg expression subsequently evolved in the echinoderm lineage, (3) the reproductive function of vtg was assumed by a transferrin‐like gene in the ancestral echinozoan, and (4) redundant echinozoan vtg was released from stabilizing selection.
Differential deployment of paralogous Wnt genes in the mouse and chick embryo during development
Authors: Martin Audrey , Maher Stephanie , Summerhurst Kristen , Davidson Duncan , Murphy Paula 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYGenes encoding Wnt ligands are crucial in body patterning and are highly conserved among metazoans. Given their conservation at the protein‐coding level, it is likely that changes in where and when these genes are active are important in generating evolutionary variations. However, we lack detailed knowledge about how their deployment has diverged. Here, we focus on four Wnt subfamilies (Wnt2, Wnt5, Wnt7, and Wnt8) in mammalian and avian species, consisting of a paralogous gene pair in each, believed to have duplicated in the last common ancestor of vertebrates. We use three‐dimensional imaging to capture expression patterns in detail and carry out systematic comparisons. We find evidence of greater divergence between these subgroup paralogues than the respective orthologues, consistent with some level of subfunctionalization/neofunctionalization in the common vertebrate ancestor that has been conserved. However, there were exceptions; in the case of chick Wnt2b, individual sites were shared with both mouse Wnt2 and Wnt2b. We also find greater divergence, between paralogues and orthologues, in some subfamilies (Wnt2 and Wnt8) compared to others (Wnt5 and Wnt7) with the more highly similar expression patterns showing more extensive expression in more structures in the embryo. Wnt8 genes were most restricted and most divergent. Major sites of expression for all subfamilies include CNS, limbs, and facial region, and in general there were more similarities in gene deployment in these territories with divergent patterns featuring more in organs such as heart and gut. A detailed comparison of gene expression patterns in the limb showed similarities in overall combined domains across species with notable differences that may relate to lineage‐specific morphogenesis.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Trough and Tower Concentrating Solar Power Electricity Generation
Authors: Burkhardt John J. , Heath Garvin , Cohen Elliot 
Published: April 2012

SummaryIn reviewing life cycle assessment (LCA) literature of utility‐scale concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, this analysis focuses on reducing variability and clarifying the central tendency of published estimates of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a meta‐analytical process called harmonization. From 125 references reviewed, 10 produced 36 independent GHG emissions estimates passing screens for quality and relevance: 19 for parabolic trough (trough) technology and 17 for power tower (tower) technology. The interquartile range (IQR) of published estimates for troughs and towers were 83 and 20 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh),1 respectively; median estimates were 26 and 38 g CO2‐eq/kWh for trough and tower, respectively.Two levels of harmonization were applied. Light harmonization reduced variability in published estimates by using consistent values for key parameters pertaining to plant design and performance. The IQR and median were reduced by 87% and 17%, respectively, for troughs. For towers, the IQR and median decreased by 33% and 38%, respectively. Next, five trough LCAs reporting detailed life cycle inventories were identified. The variability and central tendency of their estimates are reduced by 91% and 81%, respectively, after light harmonization. By harmonizing these five estimates to consistent values for global warming intensities of materials and expanding system boundaries to consistently include electricity and auxiliary natural gas combustion, variability is reduced by an additional 32% while central tendency increases by 8%. These harmonized values provide useful starting points for policy makers in evaluating life cycle GHG emissions from CSP projects without the requirement to conduct a full LCA for each new project.
Transplantation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells into a murine model of passive chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Xiao Jianhong , Zhang Changran , Zhang Yangchun , Zhang Xiangzhong , Zhao Jiangning , Liang Jiayi , Zhong Xueyun , Chen Yunxian 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder characterized by antibody‐opsonized platelets (PLTs) being prematurely destroyed by macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system. T helper (Th) cells and different Th cytokines play an important role in the pathophysiology of ITP. As immunomodulators, adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) regulate Th cells and show therapeutic effects in autoimmune diseases. However, it is not clear how ADSCs affect ITP. In this study, we explored the specific effects of ADSCs on ITP in mice.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal controls, ITP controls, and ITP with ADSC transplantation. PLT levels were monitored by an automatic blood cell counter, and the cytokines interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ); interleukin (IL)‐2, ‐4, ‐10, and ‐17; and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS: Compared to the untreated ITP mice, the PLT level of the ITP mice significantly increased after ADSC treatment. In the ADSC group, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, and IL‐17 significantly decreased, while IL‐4, IL‐10, and TGF‐β1 increased.CONCLUSION: These findings constitute the first experimental evidence that ADSCs are efficacious in improving PLT levels and reducing the related Th cytokines mediating proinflammatory response in ITP mice, which may provide a scientific basis for using ADSCs as a new therapy for ITP.
A Study of Online Auction Sellers’ Intention to Switch Platform: The Case of Yahoo!Kimo Versus Ruten_eBay*
Authors: Lin Tung‐Ching , Cheng Hsing Kenneth , Wang Feng‐Sheng , Chang Kuei‐Jung 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe study of consumers’ switching from one service provider to another has a long tradition in economics, information systems, and marketing. The emergence of electronic commerce presents new challenges in understanding consumers’ switching intentions in the context of e‐commerce in general and online auctions in particular. With the abundance of literature on online auctions, there is a surprising lack of research on auction sellers’ intentions to switch from one online auction platform to another. Using the competition between Yahoo!Kimo and Ruten_eBay, two leading auction platforms in Taiwan, as the backdrop, we developed a research model and collected empirical data based on this real case to study what factors influence auction sellers to switch to a competing service provider. We find that the higher the procedural switching costs, financial switching costs, relational switching costs, site design quality, or interaction quality, the lower the intention of an auction seller to switch to a competing auction service provider. A higher perceived transaction fee, however, leads to a higher switching intention.
Innovation Strategy, Human Resource Policy, and Firms' Revenue Growth: The Roles of Environmental Uncertainty and Innovation Performance*
Authors: Oke Adegoke , Walumbwa Fred O. , Myers Andrew 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the interactions of innovation strategy execution and innovation‐focused human resource (HR) policy adoption on innovation performance and revenue growth. In addition, we investigate the moderating role of environmental uncertainty on the effects of innovation strategy execution and innovation‐focused HR policy on innovation performance. Results show that the interaction of innovation strategy execution and innovation‐focused HR policy is positively related to innovation performance. Results also show that environmental uncertainty positively moderates the innovation strategy execution–innovation performance relationship. Finally, innovation performance mediates the interaction of innovation strategy execution and environmental uncertainty on firms’ revenue growth. Implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
The Knowledge‐Learning‐Instruction Framework: Bridging the Science‐Practice Chasm to Enhance Robust Student Learning
Authors: Koedinger Kenneth R. , Corbett Albert T. , Perfetti Charles 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDespite the accumulation of substantial cognitive science research relevant to education, there remains confusion and controversy in the application of research to educational practice. In support of a more systematic approach, we describe the Knowledge‐Learning‐Instruction (KLI) framework. KLI promotes the emergence of instructional principles of high potential for generality, while explicitly identifying constraints of and opportunities for detailed analysis of the knowledge students may acquire in courses. Drawing on research across domains of science, math, and language learning, we illustrate the analyses of knowledge, learning, and instructional events that the KLI framework affords. We present a set of three coordinated taxonomies of knowledge, learning, and instruction. For example, we identify three broad classes of learning events (LEs): (a) memory and fluency processes, (b) induction and refinement processes, and (c) understanding and sense‐making processes, and we show how these can lead to different knowledge changes and constraints on optimal instructional choices.
Oral contraception in Denmark 1998–2010
Authors: WILSON NADIA M. , LAURSEN MAJA , LIDEGAARD ØJVIND 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground. Oral contraceptives (OC) are the most popular contraception in Denmark. Overall figures on use are well described, but more detailed use patterns according to type and age need to be updated. Objectives. To assess trends in the use of OC including progestogen‐only pills among Danish women in 1998–2010 and to describe in detail use patterns in 2010. Design. Annual cross‐sectional prescription statistics. Setting. Denmark. Population. Danish women 10–49 years old. Material and methods. Analysis of prescription data from the National Registry of Medicinal Products Statistics from 1 January 1998 through 31 December 2010. Results. Combined OC (COC) with 50 μg estrogen decreased their market share from 3% in 1998 to zero in 2010, and COC with 30–40 μg estrogen decreased to 50% in 2010, in contrast, COC with 20 μg estrogen increased to 46% in 2010. Progestogen‐only pills accounted for 4%. COC with levonorgestrel decreased, while the use of pills with desogestrel and gestodene among two‐thirds of current users was constant. Conclusion. Low‐dose COCs gradually replaced middle‐dose pills. Pills with newer progestogens are used primarily by young women, and 85% of users in 2010 were on products with desogestrel, gestodene, drospirenone or cyproteroneacetate. We still need low‐dose pills with 1st and 2nd generation progestogens on the Scandinavian market.
The influence of the cementation margin position on the amount of undetected cement. A prospective clinical study
Authors: Linkevicius Tomas , Vindasiute Egle , Puisys Algirdas , Linkeviciene Laura , Maslova Natalja , Puriene Alina 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the amount of undetected cement after cementation and cleaning of implant‐supported restorations.Materials and methodsFifty three patients were treated with 53 single implant‐supported metal‐ceramic restorations. The subgingival location of the margin of each implant was measured with a periodontal probe mesially, distally, buccaly, and lingually, resulting in 212 measurements. The data were divided into four groups: equally with tissue level (14 samples), 1 mm subgingivally (56), 2 mm (74), and 3 mm (68) below tissues contour. Metal‐ceramic restorations were fabricated with occlusal openings and cemented on standard abutments with resin‐reinforced glass‐ionomer. After cleaning, a radiograph was taken to assess if all cement had been removed. Then the abutment/crown unit was unscrewed for evaluation. All quadrants of the specimens and peri‐implant tissues were photographed and analyzed with Adobe Photoshop. Two proportions were calculated: (1) the relation between the cement remnants area and the total area of the abutment/restoration and (2) the relation between the cement remnants and the total area of implant soft tissue contour. Significance set to 0.05.ResultsExcess on the crown groups: 1 (0.002 ± 0.001); 2 (0.024 ± 0.005); 3 (0.036 ± 0.004); 4 (0.055 ± 0.007). Undetected excess increased when the margin was located deeper subgingivally (P = 0.000), significant difference was found among all groups (P ≤ 0.05). Remnants in the soft tissue groups: 1 (0.014 ± 0.006); 2 (0.052 ± 0.011); 3 (0.057 ± 0.009); 4 (0.071 ± 0.012). The increase of the remnants was statistically reliable (P = 0.0045), significant difference was found between group 1 and 2 (P ≤ 0.05). Radiographic evaluation showed that cement remnants mesially were visible in four cases of 53 or 7.5%, and in six cases of 53 distally (11.3%).ConclusionsThe deeper the position of the margin, the greater amount of undetected cement was discovered. Dental radiographs should not be considered as a reliable method for cement excess evaluation.
Differential effects of behaviour, propensity to migrate and recruitment season on glass eels and elvers’ growing performance
Authors: Geffroy Benjamin , Bardonnet Agnès 
Published: April 2012

Abstract – Social interactions impact growth rate of animals in different ways such as direct or indirect competition for food and/or territories. In this study, behaviour of glass eels and elvers was described throughout three trials of 9 days spread out over 3 months. The impact of recruitment season (spring and autumn runs) and glass eels’ propensity to migrate (assessed thanks to an experimental sorting) on individual growth was studied. Overall, spring elvers were more aggressive and active than autumn elvers while autumn fish were more gregarious and reached a higher specific growth rate than spring fish. At the individual level, gregariousness and swimming, respectively, promote and impair growth rate. In addition, skinny individuals and individuals with high motivation to get food achieved better growth rate suggesting catch‐up growth processes. These findings may help in clarifying the complex relations between behaviour, growth, river basin colonisation and future sex (which is environmentally determined in eel) and then contribute to the urgent need of scientific knowledge to guide the stocking programme of this endangered species.
Storage media enhance osteoclastogenic potential of human periodontal ligament cells via RANKL‐independent signaling
Authors: Zhan Xuan , Zhang Chengfei , Dissanayaka Waruna L. , Cheung Gary S. P. , Jin Lijian , Yang Yangqi , Yan Fuhua , Tong Edith H. Y. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract –  Background:  Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) and milk have gained wide acceptance as storage media for avulsed tooth. However, the effect of the media and storage time on the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells involvement in the development of root resorption is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether precultured PDL cells in HBSS, milk, or modified Eagle’s medium alpha (α‐MEM) would affect osteoclastogenesis.Materials and methods:  PDL cells were precultured in HBSS, milk, or α‐MEM for 1 h or 6 h before being co‐cultured with RAW 264.7 cells for an additional 3 days for mRNA analysis and 11 days for osteoclastogenesis assay.Results:  Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) mRNA was detected immediately in PDL cells precultured in the three storage media. The expression was up‐regulated markedly in all co‐cultures when compared with RAW cells alone. As a result of the co‐culture, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) expression was detectable in both PDL and RAW cells. TRAP+ multinucleated, osteoclast‐like cells developed in all co‐cultures; the number of TRAP+ cells was highest (P < 0.05) in the co‐cultures that PDL cells precultured in milk for 6 h. The mRNA level of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) was not detected in PDL cells. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA expression reduced with increased preculture time, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05).Conclusions:  PDL cells kept in the three storage media led to TRAP+ multinucleated, osteoclast‐like cells formation via RANKL‐independent signaling. The ability to induce osteoclastogenesis may be considered as one of the factors to evaluate the ability of storage medium to maintain PDL viability after tooth avulsion.
Light Source Spectrum Strongly Influences the In Vitro Estimation of Sun Protection Factor
Authors: Miura Yoshimasa , Suzuki Sayaka , Hirao Tetsuji , Hatao Masato 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIrradiation from an artificial solar simulator that matches the relative cumulative erythema effectiveness (RCEE) of sunlight is used for in vivo sun protection factor (SPF) testing, whereas irradiation that matches the spectrum of natural sunlight (NS) is generally used for in vitro SPF testing. This study was designed to clarify whether this difference is important. Eight sunscreens spread on artificial substrates and several optical filters as sunscreen mimics were used. Their in vitro SPF values were evaluated using RCEE‐compliant and NS spectrum‐matching light sources in calculation. The calculated in vitro SPF values obtained using NS light (SPF [NS]) were lower than those obtained using RCEE light (SPF [RCEE]). The in vitro SPF (RCEE) values showed a better correlation and better agreement with in vivo SPF values, as compared with the in vitro SPF (NS) values. A marked difference between in vitro SPF values obtained with the two light sources in calculation was found for sunscreens showing low transmittance in the ultraviolet B region. To obtain in vitro SPF values that correspond well to in vivo SPF values measured with currently accepted methodology, it is important to use an RCEE‐compliant light source.