bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimension‐Controlled Synthesis of CdS Nanocrystals: From 0D Quantum Dots to 2D Nanoplates
Authors: Son Jae Sung , Park Kunsu , Kwon Soon Gu , Yang Jiwoong , Choi Moon Kee , Kim Junhyeong , Yu Jung Ho , Joo Jin , Hyeon Taeghwan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe dimension‐controlled synthesis of CdS nanocrystals in the strong quantum confinement regime is reported. Zero‐, one‐, and two‐dimensional CdS nanocrystals are selectively synthesized via low‐temperature reactions using alkylamines as surface‐capping ligands. The shape of the nanocrystals is controlled systematically by using different amines and reaction conditions. The 2D nanoplates have a uniform thickness as low as 1.2 nm. Furthermore, their optical absorption and emission spectra show very narrow peaks indicating extremely uniform thickness. It is demonstrated that 2D nanoplates are generated by 2D assembly of CdS magic‐sized clusters formed at the nucleation stage, and subsequent attachment of the clusters. The stability of magic‐sized clusters in amine solvent strongly influences the final shapes of the nanocrystals. The thickness of the nanoplates increases in a stepwise manner while retaining their uniformity, similar to the growth behavior of inorganic clusters. The 2D CdS nanoplates are a new type of quantum well with novel nanoscale properties in the strong quantum confinement regime.
Chapter 8: Meta-analysis of Test Performance When There is a “Gold Standard”
Authors: Trikalinos Thomas A. , Balion Cynthia M. , Coleman Craig I. , Griffith Lauren , Santaguida Pasqualina L. , Vandermeer Ben , Fu Rongwei 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Synthesizing information on test performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios is often an important part of a systematic review of a medical test. Because many metrics of test performance are of interest, the meta-analysis of medical tests is more complex than the meta-analysis of interventions or associations. Sometimes, a helpful way to summarize medical test studies is to provide a “summary point”, a summary sensitivity and a summary specificity. Other times, when the sensitivity or specificity estimates vary widely or when the test threshold varies, it is more helpful to synthesize data using a “summary line” that describes how the average sensitivity changes with the average specificity. Choosing the most helpful summary is subjective, and in some cases both summaries provide meaningful and complementary information. Because sensitivity and specificity are not independent across studies, the meta-analysis of medical tests is fundamentaly a multivariate problem, and should be addressed with multivariate methods. More complex analyses are needed if studies report results at multiple thresholds for positive tests. At the same time, quantitative analyses are used to explore and explain any observed dissimilarity (heterogeneity) in the results of the examined studies. This can be performed in the context of proper (multivariate) meta-regressions.
Oral Supplementation of Butyrate Reduces Mucositis and Intestinal Permeability Associated with 5‐Fluorouracil Administration
Authors: Ferreira Talita Mayra , Leonel Alda Jusceline , Melo Marco Antônio , Santos Rosana R. G. , Cara Denise Carmona , Cardoso Valbert N. , Correia Maria I. T. D. , Alvarez‐Leite Jacqueline I. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMucositis affects about 40 % of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), mainly butyrate, are claimed to improve mucosal integrity, reduce intestinal permeability and act as anti‐inflammatory agents for the colon mucosa. We evaluated the effects of oral administration of SCFA or butyrate in the 5FU‐induced mucositis. Mice received water, SCFA or butyrate during all experiment (10 days) and a single dose of 5FU (200 mg/kg) 3 days before euthanasia. We evaluated inflammatory and histological score by morphometry, and by activity of enzymes specific to neutrophil, eosinophil and macrophage and TLR‐4, TNF‐alpha and IL6 expressions. Intestinal permeability and tight junction protein ZO‐1 expression were evaluated. Mice from the 5FU (5‐Fluorouracil) group presented weight loss, ulcerations and inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils, increased expression of IL6 and TNF‐alpha and increased intestinal permeability. SCFA minimized intestinal damage, reduced ulcerations without affecting intestinal permeability. Butyrate alone was more efficient at improving those parameters than in SCFA solution and also reduced intestinal permeability. The expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and ZO‐1 tended to be higher in the SCFA supplemented but not in the butyrate supplemented group. We showed the beneficial effects of butyrate on intestinal mucositis and its promising function as an adjuvant in the treatment of diseases not only of the colon, but also of the small intestine.
Predicting survival in cancer patients: the role of cachexia and hormonal, nutritional and inflammatory markers
Authors: Utech Anne E. , Tadros Eiriny M. , Hayes Teresa G. , Garcia Jose M. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundCancer can lead to weight loss, anorexia, and poor nutritional status, which are associated with decreased survival in cancer patients.MethodsMale cancer patients (n = 136) were followed for a mean time of 4.5 years. Variables were obtained at baseline: cancer stage, albumin, hemoglobin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, bioavailable testosterone, appetite questionnaire, and weight change from baseline to 18 months. Primary statistical tests included Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression (PHREG).ResultsUnivariate PHREG showed that cancer stage, albumin, hemoglobin, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and weight change were each significantly associated with mortality risk (P < 0.05), but bioavailable testosterone was not. Multivariate PHREG analysis established that weight change and albumin were jointly statistically significant even after adjusting for stage.ConclusionIn this sample of male oncology patients, cancer stage, serum albumin, and weight loss predicted survival. High levels of inflammatory markers and hemoglobin are associated with increased mortality, but do not significantly improve the ability to predict survival above and beyond cancer stage, albumin, and weight loss.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13539‐012‐0075‐5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Safety of transient abdominal ovariopexy in patients with severe endometriosis
Authors: Poncelet Christophe , Ducarme Guillaume , Yazbeck Chadi , Madelenat Patrick , Carbonnel Marie 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate complications of transient ovariopexy performed to reduce adhesions in patients with severe endometriosis.MethodsA bicentric retrospective study involved 193 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for severe endometriosis at 2 French university hospitals from 1997 to 2009. At the end of surgery, unilateral or bilateral transient ovariopexy was performed on 297 ovaries. Immediate (e.g. reproducibility, tolerance, and hospital stay) and long‐term (evaluated via vaginal access to the ovaries, ovarian function, and ovarian vascularization) complications were assessed.ResultsThe technique, which was easy and reproducible, did not increase hospital stay and was well tolerated. There were 2 (0.7%) immediate complications. There was no difference in ovarian accessibility before and after surgery (177/183 [96.7%] vs 176/183 [96.1%]). Potential vaginal oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization was possible for all patients. The antral follicle count and the pulsatility index of suspended ovaries were not different from those of contralateral unsuspended ovaries. Endometrioma excision did not modify these results.ConclusionThe short‐ and long‐term safety results of transient ovariopexy for adnexal adhesions in patients with severe endometriosis were encouraging.
Aerobic degradation of organic carbon inferred from dinoflagellate cyst decomposition in Southern Ocean sediments
Authors: Kupinska Monika , Sachs Oliver , Sauter Eberhard J. , Zonneveld Karin A.F. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOrganic carbon (OC) burial is an important process influencing atmospheric CO2concentration and global climate change; therefore it is essential to obtain information on the factors determining its preservation. The Southern Ocean (SO) is believed to play an important role in sequestering CO2from the atmosphere via burial of OC. Here we investigate the degradation of organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) in two short cores from the SO to obtain information on the factors influencing OC preservation. On the basis of the calculated degradation indexkt, we conclude that both cores are affected by species-selective aerobic degradation of dinocysts. Further, we calculate a degradation constantkusing oxygen exposure time derived from the ages of our cores. The constantkdisplays a strong relationship with pore-water O2, suggesting that decomposition of OC is dependent on both the bottom- and pore-water O2concentrations.
Transcriptional regulation of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism after dietary soyabean meal treatment in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Kortner Trond M. , Gu Jinni , Krogdahl Åshild , Bakke Anne Marie 
Published: May 2012

Inclusion of plant protein sources such as soyabean meal (SBM) in aquafeeds is associated with decreased lipid digestibility, reduced bile acid levels and hypocholesterolaemia. The mechanism for these metabolic abnormalities is unknown. The present study aimed at gaining further insight into how cholesterol and bile acid metabolism is modulated by SBM feeding by quantifying a number of mRNA species corresponding to key proteins involved in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism using quantitative real-time PCR. A 21 d feeding trial with sequential sampling at ten time points following initiation of 20 % SBM exposure was conducted on Atlantic salmon. A histological evaluation confirmed distal intestinal enteritis after 5 d of dietary exposure to the SBM, whereas diminished glycogen/lipid deposition was the only relevant finding observed in the liver. SBM inclusion resulted in reduced body pools of cholesterol and bile acids. Hepatic gene expression profiles revealed up-regulation of genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes in cholesterol (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase; HMGCR) and bile acid (cytochrome P4507A1 (CYP7A1)) biosynthesis, as well as up-regulation of their associated transcription factors (sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1 and 2, liver X receptor, farnesoid X receptor and PPAR isoforms). Hepatic gene expressions of cholesterol (ATP binding cassette G5 (ABCG5)) and bile acid (ATP binding cassette B11 (ABCB11)) transporters were, by and large, not influenced by the SBM, but distal intestinal expression patterns of ABCG5 and apical Na-dependent bile acid transporter indicated impaired cholesterol and bile acid reabsorption. In conclusion, hepatic gene expression profiles indicated that the capacity for cholesterol and bile acid synthesis was up-regulated, whereas the indicated impaired cholesterol and bile acid reabsorption probably occurred as a direct result of distal intestinal inflammation.
Preventing social isolation in later life: findings and insights from a pilot Queensland intervention study
Authors: BARTLETT HELEN , WARBURTON JENI , LUI CHI-WAI , PEACH LINDA , CARROLL MATTHEW 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe isolation of older people is recognised as a major social problem in contemporary Western society. While the risk factors and social or health outcomes of isolation and loneliness in later life are well documented, evidence regarding the effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing social isolation in older people remains inconclusive. This paper reports on the challenges of attempting to undertake a rigorous evaluation of three demonstration pilot projects targeting older people at risk of social isolation, conducted within different social settings in Queensland, Australia. The demonstration projects were part of the Queensland Cross-Government Project to Reduce Social Isolation in Older People (CGPRSIOP) led by the Office for Seniors within the Queensland Department of Communities. In the absence of good evaluation of programmes aimed at social isolation, this government-run programme incorporated validated psychological measures to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. While use of these measures suggested some promising results, the focus of this paper is on the methodological and practical challenges associated with utilising evaluation measures in community-based interventions. The detailed consideration of the methodological issues involved in this programme highlights some key lessons and offers new insights into evaluating interventions for reducing social isolation.
A typical working-day breakfast among children, adolescents and adults belonging to the middle and upper socio-economic classes in Mumbai, India – challenges and implications for dietary change
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Malathi , Kamath Vidya 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveBreakfast has been linked to several aspects of health, yet breakfast skipping is rampant across the globe. Studies in India have focused mostly on children. Hence the present study examined breakfast behaviour across different age and gender groups.DesignCross-sectional sample, purposive sampling. Nutrient intakes of the participants derived from 24 h dietary recall and 3 d breakfast record data were compared with RDA values prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research using Student'sttest, withP< 0·05 taken to indicate significance.SettingMumbai, India.SubjectsParticipants (n1027) aged 8 years and above.ResultsNutritional adequacy of the breakfast meal and that of the day's diet were the main outcome measures. Eighty-one per cent of the participants had a nutritionally inadequate breakfast. Intakes of Fe and dietary fibre were notably low. Consumption of just milk or milk plus a milk food-based drink among schoolchildren (49 %) and increased breakfast skipping among adolescents (37 %) were seen.ConclusionsThe study identifies both irregularities and/or nutritional inadequacies with respect to the breakfast meal. Age- and gender-specific challenges in breakfast behaviour need to be addressed. Development of ‘nutrient-dense’ breakfast foods that can be prepared easily, school breakfast programmes and education on the importance of breakfast are the needs of the hour.
Molecular chaperone heat shock protein 70 participates in the labile phase of the development of behavioural sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice
Authors: Qin Wang-Jun , Wang Yan-Ting , Zhang Min , Wen Rui-Ting , Liu Qing , Li Yu-Ling , Chen Feng , Lawrence Andrew J. , Liang Jian-Hui 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
De-novo protein synthesis is required in the development of behavioural sensitization. A prior screening test from our laboratory has implicated heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) as one of the proteins required in this behavioural plasticity. Thus, this study was designed to extend our understanding of the role of Hsp70 in the development of behavioural sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice. First, by employing transcription inhibitor actinomycin D (AD) and protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX), we identified a protein synthesis-dependent labile phase (within 4 h after the first morphine injection) in the development of behavioural sensitization to a single morphine exposure. Second, Hsp70 protein expression in the nucleus accumbens correlated positively with locomotor responses of sensitized mice and, more importantly, the expression of Hsp70 increased within 1 h after the first morphine injection. Third, AD and CHX both prevented expression of Hsp70 and disrupted the development of the single morphine induced behavioural sensitization, which further implied Hsp70 was highly associated with behavioural sensitization. Finally, the selective Hsp70 inhibitor pifithrin-µ (PES) i.c.v. injected in mice prevented the development of behavioural sensitization and, critically, this inhibitory effect occurred only when PES was given within 1 h after the first morphine injection, which was within the labile phase of the development period. Taken together, we draw the conclusion that Hsp70 is crucially involved in the labile phase of the development of behavioural sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure, probably functioning as a molecular chaperone.
Rapid subglacial erosion beneath Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica
Authors: Smith A. M. , Bentley C. R. , Bingham R. G. , Jordan T. A. 
Published: May 2012

We present measurements of ice thickness, gravimetry and surface elevation on Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, separated by a period of 49 years. At one station, on the main trunk of the glacier we measured a surface elevation lowering with no significant change in ice thickness. We interpret these as indicating subglacial erosion of 31.8 ± 13.4 m at this location, at a mean rate over the measurement period of 0.6 ± 0.3 m a−1, and suggest that a current erosion rate of ∼1 m a−1is possible. Our results emphasize that locally, basal processes can have a significant effect on ice sheet changes, particularly where fast‐flowing ice has an easily erodible bed.
Anisotropic magnetoresistance in polycrystalline La0.67(Ca1−xSrx)0.33MnO3
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Yang Zhihuan , Yang Huali , Zou Tao , Xie Yali , Chen Bin , Sun Young , Zhan Qingfeng , Li Run-Wei 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We investigated the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effects in polycrystalline La0.67(Ca1−x
Sr
x
)0.33MnO3. An anomalously large AMR of 19.1% was observed near the metal–insulator transition temperature (T
MI) in polycrystalline La0.67Ca0.33MnO3, but slight Sr doping could significantly depress the anomalous AMR around T
MI. By studying the temperature, magnetic field, current direction dependence of AMR and the phase transition process, it was suggested that the anisotropic spin-polarized transport and the demagnetization effect together with the metamagnetic transition around T
MI play important roles in the anomalous AMR effects in polycrystalline perovskite manganites.
First Report of Gray Leaf Spot on Pepper Caused by Stemphylium solani in Malaysia
Authors: Nasehi A. , Kadir J. B. , Abidin M. A. Zainal , Wong M. Y. , Ashtiani F. Abed 
Published: May 2012

Symptoms of gray leaf spot were first observed in June 2011 on pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants cultivated in the Cameron Highlands and Johor State, the two main regions of pepper production in Malaysia (about 1,000 ha). Disease incidence exceeded 70% in severely infected fields and greenhouses. Symptoms initially appeared as tiny (average 1.3 mm in diameter), round, orange-brown spots on the leaves, with the center of each spot turning gray to white as the disease developed, and the margin of each spot remaining dark brown. A fungus was isolated consistently from the lesions using sections of symptomatic leaf tissue surface-sterilized in 1% NaOCl for 2 min, rinsed in sterile water, dried, and plated onto PDA and V8 agar media (3). After 7 days, the fungal colonies were gray, dematiaceous conidia had formed at the end of long conidiophores (19.2 to 33.6 × 12.0 to 21.6 μm), and the conidia typically had two to six transverse and one to four longitudinal septa. Fifteen isolates were identified as Stemphylium solani on the basis of morphological criteria described by Kim et al. (3). The universal primers ITS5 and ITS4 were used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1, 5.8, and ITS2) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of a representative isolate (2). A 570 bp fragment was amplified, purified, sequenced, and identified as S. solani using a BLAST search with 100% identity to the published ITS sequence of an S. solani isolate in GenBank (1). The sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JQ736024). Pathogenicity of the fungal isolate was tested by inoculating healthy pepper leaves of cv. 152177-A. A 20-μl drop of conidial suspension (105 spores/ml) was used to inoculate each of four detached, 45-day-old pepper leaves placed on moist filter papers in petri dishes (4). Four control leaves were inoculated similarly with sterilized, distilled water. The leaves were incubated at 25°C at 95% relative humidity for 7 days. Gray leaf spot symptoms similar to those observed on the original pepper plants began to develop on leaves inoculated with the fungus after 3 days, and S. solani was consistently reisolated from the leaves. Control leaves did not develop symptoms and the fungus was not reisolated from these leaves. Pathogenicity testing was repeated with the same results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. solani causing gray leaf spot on pepper in Malaysia. References: (1) S. F. Altschul et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389, 1997. (2) M. P. S. Camara et al. Mycologia 94:660, 2002. (3) B. S. Kim et al. Plant Pathol. J. 15:348, 1999. (4) B. M. Pryor and T. J. Michailides. Phytopathology 92:406, 2002.
A new prognostic classification for overall survival in Asian patients with previously untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shinohara Nobuo , Nonomura Katsuya , Abe Takashige , Maruyama Satoru , Kamai Takao , Takahashi Masayuki , Tatsugami Katsunori , Yokoi Shigeaki , Deguchi Takashi , Kanayama Hiroomi , Oba Koji , Naito Seiji 
Published: May 2012

The aims of the present study were to: (i) develop a clinically useful prognostic classification in Asian patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by combining metastatic features with several pretreatment parameters; and (ii) evaluate the validity of this prognostic classification. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were collected for 361 patients who underwent interferon‐α‐based therapy between 1995 and 2005. Relationships between overall survival (OS) and potential prognostic factors were assessed using Cox's proportional hazard model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using bootstrap resampling procedures and by using an independent dataset obtained from randomly selected institutions. The predictive accuracy was measured using the concordance index (c‐index). Four factors were identified as independent prognostic factors: time from initial diagnosis to treatment, anemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and poor prognostic metastatic group (liver only, bone only, or multiple organ metastases). Each patient was assigned to one of three risk groups: favorable risk (none or one factor; n = 120), in which median OS was 51 months; intermediate risk (two factors; n = 101), in which median OS was 21 months; and poor risk (three or four factors; n = 102), in which median OS was 10 months. The c‐index was 0.72 in the original dataset and 0.72 in 500 random bootstrap samples. In the independent dataset for external validation, the c‐index was 0.73. Thus, the new prognostic classification is easily applicable for Asian patients with previously untreated metastatic RCC and should be incorporated into patient care, as well as clinical trials performed in Asia.