bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diesel motor emissions and lung cancer mortality—Results of the second follow‐up of a cohort study in potash miners
Authors: Neumeyer‐Gromen Angela , Razum Oliver , Kersten Norbert , Seidler Andreas , Zeeb Hajo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractInternational health authorities have graded diesel motor emissions (DME) as probably cancerogenic in human beings. There are gaps in epidemiological evidence regarding exact exposure quantification, confounder control and the investigation of highly exposed populations. We investigated the association of DME and lung cancer mortality in a historical cohort study of 5,862 German potash miners who were followed from 1970 to 2001. Cumulative exposure (CE) was measured by representative concentrations of total carbon multiplied with exposure years from the mines' medical records. Exposure and smoking behavior were validated by interviews of 3,087 participants. We computed standardized mortality ratios (SMR, external comparison) and performed Cox regression (internal comparison). The relative risk estimates (RR) with 95%‐confidence intervals were adjusted for age and smoking. Vital status and causes of death were confirmed for 98.1% of participants. Sixty‐one lung cancer deaths occurred. SMR‐analysis showed lower than expected lung cancer mortality (healthy‐worker‐effect). Internal comparisons revealed risk elevations from moderate to risk doubling depending on the exposure categories used (dichotomized: up to RR 1.43[0.67–3.03] for a CE of 4.90[mg/m3]*years as compared with less exposure; quintiles: RR 1.13[0.46–2.75], 2.47[1.02–6.02], 1.50[0.56–4.04] and 2.28[0.87–5.97] for a CE up to 2.04, 2.73, 3.90 and >3.90, respectively, as compared with the reference of <1.29[mg/m3]*years). Additional adjustment of length of follow‐up leads to further RR increases and indicates healthy‐worker‐survivor‐phenomena. The analyses of a sub‐cohort (n = 3,335) with particularly accurate exposure measurement revealed a nonsignificant dose‐response‐relationship. Our results support an association of DME and lung cancer mortality. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does the increase of endogenous steroid hormone levels also affect breast cancer risk in Chinese women? A case–control study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Bin , Mi Mantian , Wang Jian , Wei Na , Zhang Qianyong , Zhu Jundong , Yang Shu , Guo Botao , Xu Jing , Yang Xinhua 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAccumulating epidemiological evidence suggests that sex steroid hormones are positively associated with the development of breast cancer. However, most of these studies were conducted among Caucasian women and few have been carried out in China. To determine whether the associations of sex steroid hormone levels with breast cancer risk observed by and large in Caucasian populations are also evident in Chinese women, we conducted a case–control study in Chongqing, China. The study included 367 incident breast cancer patients and 367 healthy controls matched on menstrual status, age and periods of blood collection in the menstrual cycle. Plasma concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were determined by electrochemiluminescene immunoassay (ECLIA). Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to examine their associations with breast cancer risk. From comparisons of upper and lower tertiles, we observed statistically significant positive associations with breast cancer risk for plasma estradiol levels in follicular phase (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58–18.97), luteal phase (OR = 4.23, CI = 1.65–10.87) and postmenopausal (OR = 2.67, CI = 1.20–5.93); for progesterone levels in luteal phase (OR = 3.11, CI = 1.28–7.56), and for testosterone levels in postmenopausal (OR = 2.83, CI = 1.26–6.35). No significant association was found with DHEAS or SHBG. Our study suggests that high circulating levels of estradiol and testosterone are positively associated with increased breast cancer risk in Chinese women, which are generally consistent with the observations in Caucasian populations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rheological characterization of the nucleus pulposus and dense collagen scaffolds intended for functional replacement
Authors: Bron J.L. , Koenderink G.H. , Everts V. , Smit T.H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractLumbar discectomy is an effective therapy for neurological decompression in patients suffering from sciatica due to a herniated nucleus pulposus (NP). However, high numbers of patients suffering from persisting postoperative low back pain have resulted in many strategies targeting the regeneration of the NP. For successful regeneration, the stiffness of scaffolds is increasingly recognized as a potent mechanical cue for the differentiation and biosynthetic response of (stem) cells. The aim of the current study is to characterize the viscoelastic properties of the NP and to develop dense collagen scaffolds with similar properties. The scaffolds consisted of highly dense (0.5%–12%) type I collagen matrices, prepared by plastic compression. The complex modulus of the NP was 22 kPa (at 10 rad s−1), which should agree with a scaffold with a collagen concentration of 23%. The loss tangent, indicative of energy dissipation, is higher for the NP (0.28) than for the scaffolds (0.12) and was not dependent of the collagen density. Gamma sterilization of the scaffolds increased the shear moduli but also resulted in more brittle behavior and a reduced swelling capacity. In conclusion, by tuning the collagen density, we can approach the stiffness of the NP. Therefore, dense collagen is a promising candidate for tissue engineering of the NP that deserves further study, such as the addition of other proteins. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 620–626, 2009
Low‐level laser irradiation promotes cell proliferation and mRNA expression of type I collagen and decorin in porcine achilles tendon fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Chen Chia‐Hsin , Tsai Jin‐Lian , Wang Yan‐Hsiung , Lee Chia‐Ling , Chen June‐Kai , Huang Mao‐Hsiung 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAchilles tendon problems are commonly encountered in sports medicine and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is widely used in rehabilitative applications to decrease pain, reduce inflammatory processes, and promote tissue healing. This study examined the effects on the proliferation of porcine Achilles tendon fibroblasts and gene expression, using different doses of low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI). Four groups of identically cultured fibroblasts were exposed to LLLI and harvested after 24 h. The control group (Group 1) was subjected to no LLLI. Other groups received 1 J/cm2 (Group 2), 2 J/cm2 (Group 3), and 3 J/cm2 (Group 4), respectively. Cell proliferation and mRNA expressions of type I collagen and decorin were then measured. When compared to the control group, the cell proliferation of irradiated Achilles tendon fibroblasts in the other three groups increased significantly by 13% ± 0.8% (Group 2), 30% ± 0.4% (Group 3), and 12% ± 0.6% (Group 4) respectively. But progressively higher laser intensity did not achieve a correspondingly higher cell proliferation effect in Achilles tendon fibroblasts. The mRNA expressions of decorin and type I collagen in fibroblasts with LLLI were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Therefore, suitable dosages of LLLI may result in more effective tissue healing by promoting type I collagen and decorin synthesis. However, these positive effects of LLLI on the repair of the Achilles tendon in humans should be further investigated in clinic. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 646–650, 2009
Distribution of TRAP‐positive cells and expression of HIF‐1α, VEGF, and FGF‐2 in the reparative reaction in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Li Weizhe , Sakai Takashi , Nishii Takashi , Nakamura Nobuo , Takao Masaki , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugano Nobuhiko 
Published: November 2008

AbstractOsteogenesis and angiogenesis are closely associated with the reparative process in bone. In osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), although the progression of bone resorption by osteoclasts is considered to be followed by femoral head collapse, the reparative reaction remains unknown. In order to investigate the reparative reaction in patients with ONFH, the distribution of TRAP‐ positive cells and expression of HIF‐1α, VEGF, and FGF‐2 were observed in 51 hips in 42 patients. TRAP‐positive cells were detected around the teres insertion and retinaculum in the early radiologic stage, and increased around the new trabecular bone throughout the reparative interface zone in the late collapsed stage. HIF‐1α expression was detected at the fibrosis area and the transitional area, which included the proximal area of the reparative interface zone adjacent to the necrotic zone. VEGF was expressed at the edematous area of the reparative interface zone, while FGF‐2 was detected widely in the reparative interface zone and the normal zone. In the late radiologic stages, HIF‐1α, VEGF, and FGF‐2 were not detected in the necrotic zone, and they acted in angiogenesis in the reparative interface zone, while TRAP‐positive cells increased around the new bone formation in response to remodeling after the collapse. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 694–700, 2009
Preconditioning and a posteriori error estimates using h‐ and p‐hierarchical finite elements with rectangular supports
Authors: Pultarová I. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe show some of the properties of the algebraic multilevel iterative methods when the hierarchical bases of finite elements (FEs) with rectangular supports are used for solving the elliptic boundary value problems. In particular, we study two types of hierarchies; the so‐called h‐ and p‐hierarchical FE spaces on a two‐dimensional domain. We compute uniform estimates of the strengthened Cauchy–Bunyakowski–Schwarz inequality constants for these spaces. Moreover, for diagonal blocks of the stiffness matrices corresponding to the fine spaces, the optimal preconditioning matrices can be found, which have tri‐ or five‐diagonal forms for h‐ or p‐refinements, respectively, after a certain reordering of the elements. As another use of the hierarchical bases, the a posteriori error estimates can be computed. We compare them in test examples for h‐ and p‐hierarchical FEs with rectangular supports. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the wettability of granular alumina by aluminum–magnesium alloys using the infiltration method
Authors: Kocaefe Duygu , Ergin Guvenc , Kocaefe Yasar 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWettability of the granular bed media influences the efficiency of aluminum filtration. This project was undertaken to develop a method for determining the wettability of the granular media in order to evaluate its suitability for filtration.The wetting characteristics of different granular alumina particles by aluminum–magnesium alloys were studied using the infiltration method. The contact angles for rough as well as smooth surfaces were determined, and alumina particles were classified according to their wetting characteristics. The results were consistent and showed that it is possible to differentiate the wetting characteristics of different alumina samples with the infiltration method.A capillary model based on the energy balance was developed to analyze the experimental data. The model uses an average capillary pore size. For one type of alumina, this model was extended to carry out the analysis using a capillary pore size distribution. Similar results were found in both cases.This paper describes the experimental and modeling work, and the results are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of several testing strategies for combination drug efficacy trials based on the closure principle
Authors: Soulakova Julia N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe author discusses three multiple testing procedures for identifying the minimum efficacious doses in a balanced factorial combination drug trial. All of these procedures utilize the closed testing principle, and hence strongly control the overall error rate and satisfy the coherence property, that is, if a hypothesis is retained then any hypothesis implied by it is also retained. While coherence is an essential requirement for any multiple testing procedure, consonance is a highly desirable characteristic. In the considered settings if a testing procedure is consonant then it always provides a set of all minimum efficacious combinations as a result, otherwise, it may lead to ambiguity. Although the coherence property is satisfied for any closed testing procedure and thus, does not depend on the test used for an individual hypothesis, whether the considered procedures satisfy the consonance property depends entirely on the nature of the test statistic. The author identifies the consonant and non‐consonant procedures among the presented procedures and discusses possible drawbacks of non‐consonant procedures with respect to combination drug efficacy trials. Additional properties of these procedures are assessed by simulations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomegalovirus‐related fetal brain lesions: comparison between targeted ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Benoist G. , Salomon L. J. , Mohlo M. , Suarez B. , Jacquemard F. , Ville Y. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the relative contributions to the diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities of targeted ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of targeted brain ultrasound examination and fetal brain MRI performed in fetuses diagnosed with CMV infection following proven maternal primary infection. The prenatal findings were compared with findings from postnatal transfontanellar ultrasound examination during the first week following delivery or from postmortem when the pregnancy was terminated.ResultsBoth targeted prenatal ultrasound and MRI were performed on 49 fetuses. Brain abnormalities were present in 15/49 (30.6%) cases at postnatal/post‐mortem follow‐up. Fetal cerebral abnormalities were observed in 19/49 (38.8%) cases by ultrasound and/or MRI. The most frequent cerebral lesions induced by CMV and seen on ultrasound and MRI, respectively, included ventricular dilatation in nine and five cases, subependymal cysts in two cases each, microcephaly in five and three cases and periventricular calcifications in five cases on ultrasound only. Termination of pregnancy was performed in 10/49 cases. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for the presence of cerebral lesions were 88.9%, 93.3%, 88.9% and 93.3%, respectively, when both prenatal ultrasound and MRI findings were abnormal, 85.7%, 85.3%, 70.6% and 93.5%, respectively, for ultrasound alone, and 42.9%, 91.2%, 66.7% and 79.5%, respectively, for MRI alone. Prenatal ultrasound, MRI and postnatal or postmortem examinations were concordant with the presence of brain abnormalities in six cases; however, their conclusions were exactly concordant in only two (33.3%) of these cases. In cases without cerebral abnormality, the results of prenatal and postnatal/postmortem examinations were concordant in 28/34 cases.ConclusionsThe addition of MRI to ultrasound increases the positive predictive value for the diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities in fetuses with CMV. The two techniques appear to be complementary and should not be mutually exclusive in high‐risk fetuses. Their high predictive value for the presence or absence of cerebral lesions provides a useful tool for appropriate counseling since current evaluation of the prognosis is based mainly on the presence of fetal brain lesions. The lack of concordance between ultrasound and MRI should stimulate standardization of the interpretation of both ultrasound and MRI prospectively. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early second‐trimester diagnosis of intracranial teratoma
Authors: Saada J. , Enza‐Razavi F. , Delahaye S. , Martinovic J. , MacAleese J. , Benachi A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCongenital brain tumors are rare and, whether diagnosed prenatally or postnatally, the most frequent type is teratoma. Prenatal diagnosis relies on sonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and is usually achieved during the second or third trimester. We report a case of an intracranial tumor diagnosed in the early second trimester. The diagnosis had been suspected at first‐trimester routine sonography, which showed a compressive intracranial mass with mild vascularization. Because of the poor prognosis, termination of pregnancy was discussed with the parents and was carried out at 14 weeks of gestation. Postmortem examination provided a diagnosis of right frontal immature teratoma. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential effects of arboreal and terrestrial avian dispersers on seed dormancy, seed germination and seedling establishment inOrmosia(Papilionoideae) species in Peru
Authors: Foster Mercedes S. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:The relative effectiveness of arboreal or terrestrial birds at dispersing seeds ofOrmosia macrocalyxandO. bopiensis(Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) were studied in south-eastern Peru. Seeds of both species were either scarified, to represent seed condition after dispersal by terrestrial birds, or left intact, to represent seed condition after dispersal by arboreal birds. Seeds were distributed along forest transects, and germination, seedling development and mortality were monitored to determine the successes of the two groups at producing seedlings. Scarified seeds germinated with the early rains of the dry-to-wet-season transition, when erratic rainfall was interspersed with long dry spells. Intact seeds germinated 30 d later when the rain was more plentiful and regular. Intact seeds ofO. macrocalyxgave rise to significantly more seedlings (41.1% vs. 25.5%) than did scarified seeds, in part, because significantly more seedlings from scarified seeds (n = 20) than from intact seeds (n = 3) died from desiccation when their radicles failed to enter the dry ground present during the dry-to-wet-season transition. Also, seedlings from scarified seeds were neither larger nor more robust than those from intact seeds despite their longer growing period. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that dispersal effectiveness of arboreal birds, at least forO. macrocalyx, is greater than that of terrestrial birds. Screen-house experiments in which seedlings developed under different watering regimes supported this result. Numbers of seedlings developing from intact and scarified seeds ofO. bopiensisdid not differ significantly.
Population dynamics of the ruddy-capped nightingale thrush (Catharus frantzii) in Chiapas, Mexico: influences of density, productivity and survival
Authors: Rangel-Salazar Jose Luis , Martin Kathy , Marshall Peter , Elner Robert W. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:We used long-term population data for the ruddy-capped nightingale thrush (Catharus frantzii Cabanis), to examine the influence of forest conditions on annual productivity, survival and growth rate (λ) in a montane forest reserve of Chiapas, southern Mexico, from 1995 to 2003. Productivity was higher in primary, mature forest than in secondary, young forest. More adults were captured in primary forest (n = 132) than in secondary forest (n = 64). Adult survival (φ = 0.79) and encounter rate (ρ = 0.36) did not vary across habitats. Males and females had similar survival between primary and secondary forests (φ = 0.80 vs. 0.83, and 0.77 vs. 0.79, respectively). Juvenile survival (φ = 0.67) was only 12% lower than for adults. Overall, the population of C. frantzii appeared to be declining at 3% y−1 (λ = 0.97, SE = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.88–1.03). Productivity and survival correlated positively with λ across years within habitats, although survival was the primary, significant demographic parameter determining λ. Although habitat alteration may have reduced the carrying capacity and productivity in secondary forest, there was no apparent negative effect on population persistence in this habitat. Thus, secondary forests represent habitats that may facilitate the long-term persistence of C. frantzii populations.
Linguistic and Conversational Adjustments to Non-Native Speakers
Authors: Long Michael H. 
Published: November 2008

At least 40 studies have been conducted of the linguistic and conversational adjustments made by native speakers of a language using it for communication with non-native speakers. The modifications sometimes result in ungrammatical speech. Generally, however, they serve to provide input that is well-formed, a sort of linguistic and conversational cocoon for the neophyte second language acquirer. Most of the findings hold across age groups, social classes and settings, although some differences, both qualitative and quantitative, have been noted in these areas, too.In making the adjustments described, native speakers appear to be reacting not to one, but to a combination of factors. These include the linguistic characteristics and comprehen-sibility of the non-native's interlanguage, but particularly his or her apparent comprehension of what the native speaker is saying. The adjustments appear to be necessary for second language acquisition, in that beginners seem unable to acquire from unmodified native speaker input. There is some doubt as to their sufficiency in this regard.
Production vs. Comprehension: Differences in Underlying Competences
Authors: Flynn Suzanne 
Published: November 2008

In this paper empirical data are presented that demonstrate significant differences in the manner in which two commonly used experimental tasks evaluate developing linguistic competence in adult second language (L2) learners. Results indicate that production tests principally evaluate a learner's developing structural competence in the L2. On the other hand, comprehension tests provide a less direct measure of structural competence and are significantly influenced by pragmatic context.Fifty-one adult Spanish speakers at three levels of ESL ability were tested in both their elicited imitation (production) and act-out (comprehension) of complex sentences that were structurally identical. The stimuli varied in terms of the pre- and post-posing of a subordinate adverbial when clause and in terms of the direction of pronoun anaphora (forward and backward). Results from the production test indicate a significant effect of directionality, i.e., a preference for forward pronouns in post-posed clauses at the intermediate level. Results from the comprehension test did not show a significant directionality constraint at any level. They did, however, demonstrate a significant effect due to the use of a biasing pragmatic lead. Such findings are comparable to those found in early first language acquisition (Lust, Loveland, & Kornet, 1980). Implications of these findings for experimental methodology are discussed.