bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the FIB4 index in a Japanese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease population
Authors: Sumida Yoshio , Yoneda Masato , Hyogo Hideyuki , Itoh Yoshito , Ono Masafumi , Fujii Hideki , Eguchi Yuichiro , Suzuki Yasuaki , Aoki Noriaki , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Fujita Koji , Chayama Kazuaki , Saibara Toshiji , Kawada Norifumi , Fujimoto Kazuma , Kohgo Yutaka , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Okanoue Takeshi ,   Japan Study Group of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (JSG-NAFLD)
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundA reliable and inexpensive noninvasive marker of hepatic fibrosis is required in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FIB4 index (based on age, aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels, and platelet counts) is expected to be useful for evaluating hepatic fibrosis. We validated the performance of FIB4 index in a Japanese cohort with NAFLD.MethodsThe areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) for FIB4 and six other markers were compared, based on data from 576 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. Advanced fibrosis was defined as stage 3-4 fibrosis. FIB4 index was assessed as: age (yr) × AST (IU/L)/(platelet count (109/L) × √ALT (IU/L))ResultsAdvanced fibrosis was found in 64 (11%) patients. The AUROC for FIB4 index was superior to those for the other scoring systems for differentiating between advanced and mild fibrosis. Only 6 of 308 patients with a FIB4 index below the proposed low cut-off point (< 1.45) were under-staged, giving a high negative predictive value of 98%. Twenty-eight of 59 patients with a FIB4 index above the high cut-off point (> 3.25) were over-staged, giving a low positive predictive value of 53%. Using these cutoffs, 91% of the 395 patients with FIB-4 values outside 1.45-3.25 would be correctly classified. Implementation of the FIB4 index in the Japanese population would avoid 58% of liver biopsies.ConclusionThe FIB4 index was superior to other tested noninvasive markers of fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD, with a high negative predictive value for excluding advanced fibrosis. The small number of cases of advanced fibrosis in this cohort meant that this study had limited power for validating the high cut-off point.
The Chinese version of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS): Mokken scaling
Authors: Watson Roger , Wang Wenru , Ski Chantal F , Thompson David R 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundHierarchical scales are very useful in clinical practice due to their ability to discriminate precisely between individuals, and the original English version of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale has been shown to contain a hierarchy of items. The purpose of this study was to analyse a Mandarin Chinese translation of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale for a hierarchy of items according to the criteria of Mokken scaling. Data from 180 Chinese participants who completed the Chinese translation of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale were analysed using the Mokken Scaling Procedure and the 'R' statistical programme using the diagnostics available in these programmes. Correlation between Mandarin Chinese items and a Chinese translation of the Short Form (36) Health Survey was also analysed.FindingsFifteen items from the Mandarin Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale were retained in a strong and reliable Mokken scale; invariant item ordering was not evident and the Mokken scaled items of the Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale correlated with the Short Form (36) Health Survey.ConclusionsItems from the Mandarin Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale form a Mokken scale and this offers further insight into how the items of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale relate to the measurement of health-related quality of life people with a myocardial infarction.
Identification and proteomic profiling of exosomes in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Street Jonathan M , Barran Perdita E , Mackay C Logan , Weidt Stefan , Balmforth Craig , Walsh Tim S , Chalmers Rod TA , Webb David J , Dear James W 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Exosomes are released from multiple cell types, contain protein and RNA species, and have been exploited as a novel reservoir for disease biomarker discovery. They can transfer information between cells and may cause pathology, for example, a role for exosomes has been proposed in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Although studied in several biofluids, exosomes have not been extensively studied in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from humans. The objective of this study was to determine: 1) whether human CSF contains exosomes and 2) the variability in exosomal protein content across individuals.

Methods
CSF was collected from 5 study participants undergoing thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (around 200 - 500 ml per participant) and low-density membrane vesicles were concentrated by ultracentrifugation. The presence of exosomes was determined by western blot for marker proteins, isopycnic centrifugation on a sucrose step gradient and transmission electron microscopy with immuno-labelling. Whole protein profiling was performed using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR).

Results
Flotillin 1 and tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), two exosomal marker proteins, were identified in the ultracentrifugation pellet using western blot. These markers localized to a density consistent with exosomes following isopycnic centrifugation. Transmission electron microscopy visualized structures consistent with exosomes in size and appearance that labelled positive for flotillin 1. Therefore, the pellet that resulted from ultracentrifugation of human CSF contained exosomes. FT-ICR profiling of this pellet was performed and 84-161 ions were detected per study participant. Around one third of these ions were only present in a single study participant and one third were detected in all five. With regard to ion quantity, the median coefficient of variation was 81% for ions detected in two or more samples.

Conclusions
Exosomes were identified in human CSF and their proteome is a potential new reservoir for biomarker discovery in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. However, techniques used to concentrate exosomes from CSF need refinement to reduce variability. In this study we used relatively large starting volumes of human CSF, future studies will focus on exosome isolation from smaller 'real life' clinical samples; a key challenge in the development of exosomes as translational tools.
Structure and electrical properties of sputtered TiO2/ZrO2 bilayer composite dielectrics upon annealing in nitrogen
Authors: Dong Ming , Wang Hao , Ye Cong , Shen Liangping , Wang Yi , Zhang Jieqiong , Ye Yun 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The high-k dielectric TiO2/ZrO2 bilayer composite film was prepared on a Si substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering and post annealing in N2 at various temperatures in the range of 573 K to 973 K. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that the bilayer film fully mixed together and had good interfacial property at 773 K. Metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with high-k gate dielectric TiO2/ZrO2/p-Si were fabricated using Pt as the top gate electrode and as the bottom side electrode. The largest property permittivity of 46.1 and a very low leakage current density of 3.35 × 10-5 A/cm2 were achieved for the sample of TiO2/ZrO2/Si after annealing at 773 K.
Microstructure and adhesion characteristics of a silver nanopaste screen-printed on Si substrate
Authors: Kim Kwang-Seok , Kim Yongil , Jung Seung-Boo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The microstructural evolution and the adhesion of an Ag nanopaste screen-printed on a silicon substrate were investigated as a function of sintering temperature. Through the two thermal analysis methods, such as differential scanning calorimeter and thermo-gravimetric analysis, the sintering conditions were defined where the temperature was raised from 150°C to 300°C, all with a fixed sintering time of 30 min. The microstructure and the volume of the printed Ag nanopaste were observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope and a 3-D surface profiler, respectively. The apparent density of the printed Ag nanopaste was calculated depending on the sintering conditions, and the adhesion was evaluated by a scratch test. As the sintering temperature increased from 150°C to 300°C, the apparent density and the adhesion increased by 22.7% and 43%, respectively. It is confirmed that the printed Ag nanopaste sintered at higher temperatures showed higher apparent density in the microstructural evolution and void aggregation, resulting in the lower electrical resistivity and various scratched fractures.
Structural and optical properties of a radio frequency magnetron-sputtered ZnO thin film with different growth angles
Authors: Ko Ki-Han , Joung Yeun-Ho , Choi Won Seok , Park Mungi , Lee Jaehyung , Hwang Hyun-Suk 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This study introduces optical properties of a columnar structured zinc oxide [ZnO] antireflection coating for solar cells. We obtained ZnO films of columnar structure on glass substrates using a specially designed radio frequency magnetron sputtering system with different growth angles. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was utilized to check the growth angles of the ZnO films which were controlled at 0°, 15°, and 30°. The film thickness was fixed at 100 nm to get a constant experiment condition. Grain sizes of the ZnO films were measured by X-ray diffraction. A UV-visible spectrometer was used to measure the transmittance and reflectance of the ZnO film columnar structures as a function of the growth angles.
Fabrication of core/shell ZnWO4/carbon nanorods and their Li electroactivity
Authors: Shim Hyun-Woo , Lim Ah-Hyeon , Lee Gwang-Hee , Jung Hang-Chul , Kim Dong-Wan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Carbon-coated ZnWO4 [C-ZW] nanorods with a one-dimensional core/shell structure were synthesised using hydrothermally prepared ZnWO4 and malic acid as precursors. The effects of the carbon coating on the ZnWO4 nanorods are investigated by thermogravimetry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The coating layer was found to be in uniform thickness of approximately 3 nm. Moreover, the D and G bands of carbon were clearly observed at around 1,350 and 1,600 cm-1, respectively, in the Raman spectra of the C-ZW nanorods. Furthermore, lithium electroactivities of the C-ZW nanorods were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. In particular, the formed C-ZW nanorods exhibited excellent electrochemical performances, with rate capabilities better than those of bare ZnWO4 nanorods at different current rates, as well as a coulombic efficiency exceeding 98%. The specific capacity of the C-ZW nanorods maintained itself at approximately 170 mAh g-1, even at a high current rate of 3 C, which is much higher than pure ZnWO4 nanorods.
Symposium on Static and Dynamic Spinal Implants: Are We Evaluating Them Appropriately? Effect of Tightening Torque on ASTM F1798 Axial Gripping Capacity
Authors: Vadapalli Sasidhar , Woods Daniel L. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate how the axial gripping capacity can be affected by varying the tightening torques applied to the set screws in a pedicle screw ASTM F1798 subassembly. Although the current ASTM F1798 standard indicates that all tightening loads to the locking mechanism be applied as specified by the manufacturer, the torque limiting instruments used in the field can have nominal upper and lower torque limits. The interconnection assemblies were assembled using a multi-axial screw, spinal rod, and set screw. Six groups were assembled using different types of spinal rods. Each group was sub-divided into three groups each containing five interconnection assemblies. The three sub-groups of interconnection assemblies were locked to the nominal torque value as indicated by the manufacturer technique, lower limit, and higher limit respectively. Static axial grip testing was performed according to ASTM F1798 guidelines. Axial gripping capacity was influenced by the nominal tightening torque and lower tightening torque and holds true regardless of rod diameter and rod material. There is no significant difference in the axial gripping capacity between the nominal tightening torque and higher tightening torque. These results indicate that the set screw tightening torque has an effect on the gripping capacity and could potentially affect yield load, ultimate load, and failure modes when performing ASTM F1717 compression bending testing. With the wide range of materials used to manufacture pedicle screw systems and the processing techniques that are currently available, e.g., anodization and shot peening, critical thinking should be put into determining if the torque applied to the system represents a worst-case scenario.
Quality of Reporting in Abstracts of Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Leading Journals of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry: A Survey
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas 
Published: January 2012

Background: Most readers, reviewers, and editors rely on abstracts to decide whether to assess the full text of an article. A research abstract should, therefore, be as informative as possible. The standard of reporting in abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in periodontology and implant dentistry has not yet been assessed. The objectives of this review are: 1) to assess the quality of reporting in abstracts of RCTs in periodontology and implant dentistry, and 2) to investigate changes in the quality of reporting by comparing samples from different periods.Methods: The authors searched the PubMed electronic database, independently and in duplicate, for abstracts of RCTs published in seven leading journals of periodontology and implant dentistry from 2005 to 2007 and from 2009 to 2011. The quality of reporting in selected abstracts with reference to the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) for Abstracts checklist published in January 2008 was assessed independently and in duplicate. Cohen κ statistic was used to determine the extent of agreement of the reviewers. Pearson χ2 test and/or Fisher exact test were used to assess differences in reporting in the two samples. Level of significance was set at P <0.05.Results: Three hundred ninety‐two abstracts are included in this review. Three items (intervention, objective, and conclusions) were almost fully reported in both samples. In contrast, other items (randomization, trial registration, and funding) were never reported. There were significant changes in reporting for only two items, trial design and title (items better reported in the pre‐ and post‐CONSORT samples, respectively). Most topics, however, were similarly poorly reported in both samples of abstracts.Conclusions: The quality of reporting in abstracts of RCTs in periodontology and implant dentistry can be improved. Authors should follow the CONSORT for Abstracts guidelines, and journal editors should promote clear rules to improve authors’ adherence to these guidelines.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of IgA Nephropathy with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Kim Jwa-Kyung , Kim Jeong Ho , Lee Sang Choel , Kang Ea Wha , Chang Tae Ik , Moon Sung Jin , Yoon Soo Young , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Choi Kyu Hun , Han Dae Suk , Kie Jeong Hae , Lim Beom Jin , Jeong Hyeon Joo , Han Seung Hyeok 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a rare manifestation of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of this condition have not yet been explored.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2000 and September 2010 in 1076 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN from four medical centers in Korea. The primary outcome was a doubling of the baseline serum creatinine concentration.

Results
Of the 1076 patients, 100 (10.2%) presented with NS; complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), and no response (NR) occurred in 48 (48%), 32 (32%), and 20 (20%) patients, respectively. During the median follow-up of 45.2 months, 24 patients (24%) in the NS group reached the primary endpoint compared with 63 (7.1%) in the non-NS group (P<0.001). The risk of reaching the primary endpoint was significantly higher in the PR (P=0.04) and NR groups (P<0.001) than in the CR group. Among patients with NS, 24 (24%) underwent spontaneous remission (SR). SR occurred more frequently in female patients and in patients with serum creatinine levels ≤1.2 mg/dl and a >50% decrease in proteinuria within 3 months after NS onset. None of the patients with SR reached the primary endpoint and they had fewer relapses during follow-up.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that the prognosis of NS in IgAN was not favorable unless PR or CR was achieved. In addition, SR was more common than expected, particularly in patients with preserved kidney function and spontaneous decrease in proteinuria shortly after NS onset.
Analysis of accuracy of digital elevation models created from captured data by digital photogrammetry method
Authors: Hudec P. 
Published: January 2012

Analysis of accuracy of digital elevation models created from captured data by digital photogrammetry methodA digital elevation model (DEM) is an important part of many geoinformatic applications. For the creation of DEM, spatial data collected by geodetic measurements in the field, photogrammetric processing of aerial survey photographs, laser scanning and secondary sources (analogue maps) are used. It is very important from a user's point of view to know the vertical accuracy of a DEM. The article describes the verification of the vertical accuracy of a DEM for the region of Medzibodrožie, which was created using digital photogrammetry for the purposes of water resources management and modeling and resolving flood cases based on geodetic measurements in the field.
Managing for resilience
Authors: Allen Craig R. , Cumming Graeme S. , Garmestani Ahjond S. , Taylor Phillip D. , Walker Brian H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractEarly efforts in wildlife management focused on reducing population variability and maximizing yields of selected species. Later, Aldo Leopold proposed the concept of habitat management as superior to population management, and more recently, ecosystem management, whereby ecological processes are conserved or mimicked, has come into favour. Managing for resilience builds upon these roots, and focuses on maintaining key processes and relationships in social‐ecological systems so that they are robust to a great variety of external or internal perturbations at a range of ecological and social scales. Managing for resilience focuses on system‐level characteristics and processes, and the endurance of system properties in the face of social or ecological surprise. Managing for resilience consists of actively maintaining a diversity of functions and homeostatic feedbacks, steering systems away from thresholds of potential concern, increasing the ability of the system to maintain structuring processes and feedbacks under a wide range of conditions, and increasing the capacity of a system to cope with change through learning and adaptation. The critical aspect of managing for resilience, and therefore ecosystem management, is undertaking adaptive management to reduce uncertainty and actively managing to avoid thresholds in situations where maintaining resilience is desired. Managing adaptively for resilience is the approach best suited for coping with external shocks and surprises given the non‐linear complex dynamics arising from linked social‐ecological systems.
Th17 Cells in Multiple Sclerosis Express Higher Levels of JAK2, Which Increases Their Surface Expression of IFN-γR2
Authors: Conti Laura , De Palma Raffaele , Rolla Simona , Boselli Daniela , Rodolico Gabriella , Kaur Surinder , Silvennoinen Olli , Niccolai Elena , Amedei Amedeo , Ivaldi Federico , Clerico Marinella , Contessa Giulia , Uccelli Antonio , Durelli Luca , Novelli Francesco 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
IFN-β inhibits the expansion of Th17 cells in active multiple sclerosis (AMS), and this might contribute to improve the clinical symptoms. The effectiveness of this inhibition, however, requires intact IFN-γ signaling in T cells. In this study, we report that both mRNA and cell surface expression of the signaling chain of the IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR2) and its cognate tyrosine kinase JAK2 are enhanced in peripheral blood Th17 cells and clones from patients with AMS compared with those with inactive multiple sclerosis (IMS) or healthy subjects (HS). IFN-γ decreased the frequency of Th17 peripheral cells and proliferation of Th17 clones from AMS patients. Stimulation of PBMCs from HS in Th17-polarizing conditions resulted in the enhancement of JAK2 expression and accumulation of cell surface IFN-γR2. The role of JAK2 in the modulation of IFN-γR2 was demonstrated as its transduction prevented rapid internalization and degradation of IFN-γR2 in JAK2-deficient γ2A cells. In conclusion, these data identify JAK2 as a critical factor that stabilizes IFN-γR2 surface expression in Th17 cells from AMS patients, making them sensitive to IFN-γ. These data may have clinical implications for a better use of IFNs in multiple sclerosis and possibly other inflammatory diseases.
Cells Exposed to Sublethal Oxidative Stress Selectively Attract Monocytes/Macrophages via Scavenger Receptors and MyD88-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Geiger-Maor Anat , Levi Inbar , Even-Ram Sharona , Smith Yoav , Bowdish Dawn M. , Nussbaum Gabriel , Rachmilewitz Jacob 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The innate immune system responds to endogenous molecules released during cellular stress or those that have undergone modifications normally absent in healthy tissue. These structures are detected by pattern-recognition receptors, alerting the immune system to “danger.” In this study, we looked for early signals that direct immune cells to cells undergoing stress before irreversible damage takes place. To avoid detecting signals emanating from apoptotic or necrotic cells we exposed fibroblasts to sublethal oxidative stress. Our results indicate that both nonenzymatic chemical reactions and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2–mediated enzymatic activity released signals from fibroblasts that selectively attracted CD14+ monocytes but not T, NK, and NKT cells or granulocytes. Splenocytes from MyD88−/− mice did not migrate, and treatment with an inhibitory peptide that blocks MyD88 dimerization abrogated human monocyte migration. Monocyte migration was accompanied by downmodulation of CD14 expression and by the phosphorylation of IL-1R–associated kinase 1, a well-known MyD88-dependent signaling molecule. The scavenger receptor inhibitors, dextran sulfate and fucoidan, attenuated monocyte migration toward stressed cells and IL-1R–associated kinase 1 phosphorylation. Surprisingly, although monocyte migration was MyD88 dependent, it was not accompanied by inflammatory cytokine secretion. Taken together, these results establish a novel link between scavenger receptors and MyD88 that together function as sensors of oxidation-associated molecular patterns and induce monocyte motility. Furthermore, the data indicate that MyD88 independently regulates monocyte activation and motility.