bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase I study of induction chemotherapy with afatinib, ribavirin, and weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel for stage IVA/IVB human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Dunn Lara A. , Fury Matthew G. , Sherman Eric J. , Ho Alan A. , Katabi Nora , Haque Sofia S. , Pfister David G. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoprotein enhances the oncogenic potential of ErbB proteins in HPV‐related malignancies. This phase I study evaluates the addition of afatinib, an ErbB family inhibitor, and ribavirin to paclitaxel and carboplatin induction chemotherapy in HPV‐associated, locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsThis dose escalation study included 2 doses of oral afatinib: 30 and 40 mg daily. Ribavirin dosing was weight based. Paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] 1.5) were administered on days 1 and 8 of each 21‐day cycle. After 3 cycles, patients were removed from protocol to receive definitive treatment.ResultsAmong 10 patients, there were no dose‐limiting toxicities. Six patients (67%) had unconfirmed objective partial responses. The 2‐year progression‐free survival rate was 75%.ConclusionAfatinib, ribavirin, paclitaxel, and carboplatin induction chemotherapy is safe and well tolerated. The phase II recommended dose of afatinib is 40 mg oral daily in this combination regimen.
Risk of depressive disorder among patients with head and neck cancer: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Fan Chao‐Yueh , Chao Hsing‐Lung , Lin Chun‐Shu , Huang Wen‐Yen , Chen Chang‐Ming , Lin Kuen‐Tze , Lin Cheng‐Li , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and risk of depressive disorder among patients with head and neck cancer.MethodsWe identified 48 548 patients from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan who were newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer between 2000 and 2010. Each patient was randomly frequency‐matched with an individual without head and neck cancer, based on index year, sex, age, occupation category, urbanization level, monthly income, and comorbidities. The Cox proportional Registry of Catastrophic Illnesses Patient Database regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of head and neck cancer on the risk of depressive disorder.ResultsPatients with head and neck cancer had a significantly higher risk of depressive disorder than the matched cohort (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.05‐3.61), with the highest risk seen in the hypopharynx and oropharynx.ConclusionPatients with head and neck cancer had >3 times the incidence of depressive disorder, relative to the comparison group. Psychological evaluation and support are essential in head and neck cancer survivors.
Serum parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase as predictors of calcium requirements after total parathyroidectomy for hypocalcemia in secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ge Pingjiang , Liu Shuangxin , Sheng Xiaoli , Li Sijia , Xu Mimi , Jiang Jie , Chen Shaohua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundTo prevent hypocalcemia, this study examined the efficiency of a calcium supplement formula guided by predicted calcium requirement in patients with renal failure after parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation.MethodsIn the first phase, a protocol was followed whereby intravenous calcium gluconate was repeatedly titrated based on serum calcium levels in 22 patients with parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation. In the second phase, the first equation protocol was applied in 74 patients with parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation and revised.ResultsThere is a significant correlation between the postoperative amount of calcium requirement and preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase level (r = 0.442; P < .001) and parathyroid hormone level (PTH; r = 0.889; P < .001). For prediction of insufficient calcium supplement, the cutoff point of PTH and alkaline phosphatase level values were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and modified equations were developed by regression analysis.ConclusionThe preoperative PTH and alkaline phosphatase levels can predict postoperative calcium requirements, such that equations of calcium supplement allow the management of hypocalcemia efficiently in patients on dialysis after parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation.
From ion exchange resins to polymer‐supported reagents: an evolution of critical variables
Authors: Alexandratos Spiro D 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe concept of immobilizing ligands onto cross‐linked polymer supports is presented as an evolution of a concept that begins with ion exchange resins and evolves into ion‐selective polymers, polymer‐supported catalysts, and the general area of polymer‐supported reagents. Each of the four categories of polymers is defined by a set of major variables {electrostatic attraction (for ion exchange resins); steric, geometric, and electronic factors (for ion‐selective polymers); attracting and orienting reactants, and stabilizing the transition state (for polymer‐supported catalysts); and binding reactants with weak or strong forces (for polymer‐supported reagents)} and of minor variables {pH, concentration, competing ions, counterions, ionic strength, hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions, hydration energies, and polymer crosslink level}. The rational design of each category will require identifying the relationships between major and minor variables and applying the principles inherent to complexity science will be an important focus of future research. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Racial and ethnic disparities in a national cohort of ampullary cancer patients
Authors: Nassour Ibrahim , Mokdad Ali A. , Minter Rebecca M. , Polanco Patricio M. , Augustine Mathew M. , Mansour John C. , Porembka Matthew R. , Wang Sam C. 
Published: October 2017

Background and ObjectivesRacial and ethnic variations have been described in the different malignancies, but no such data exists for ampullary cancer. The aim of this study was to present an updated report on the epidemiology, treatment patterns, and survival of a national cohort of ampullary cancer patients.MethodsPatients diagnosed with ampullary cancer between 2004 and 2014 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Overall survival was estimated and compared between racial/ethnic groups using the log‐rank test.ResultsA total of 14 879 patients were identified; 78% of the patients were White, 9% Hispanic, 8% Black, and 5% Asian. We noted significant differences in disease presentation, socioeconomic status, and outcomes. Blacks had the lowest median overall survival at 18.9 months followed by Whites at 23.9 months, Hispanics at 32.7 months, and Asians at 37.4 months. On a multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model, being Black was associated with worse survival compared to being White while being Asian and Hispanic were associated with better survival.ConclusionsOverall survival of ampullary cancer patients was independently associated with race and ethnicity. Further studies are needed to clarify whether these disparities are primarily due to socioeconomic status or biologic factors.
Properties and characteristics of polylactide blends: Synergistic combination of poly(butylene succinate) and flame retardant
Authors: Suparanon Tunsuda , Phusunti Neeranuch , Phetwarotai Worasak 
Published: October 2017

A study on the influence of flame‐retardant types, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) contents, and combination of flame retardant and PBS on the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and flame retardancy properties of polylactide (PLA) and PLA/PBS blends was investigated. Blending of PLA, PBS, and flame retardant was prepared by a twin screw extruder. Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and montmorillonite (MMT) were used as a flame retardant, whereas PBS acted as a flexible material for enhancing the fire resistance and toughness of PLA, respectively. The results revealed that the introducing of TCP and MMT greatly improved the impact strength of the PLA. The impact toughness of PLA blends with 20 wt% of PBS increased to about 244% that of neat PLA. The addition of flame retardants markedly improved the limiting oxygen index of PLA from 18.0% to 30.1% and 24.3% for the blends containing TCP and MMT. The V‐0 rating in UL‐94 testing was achieved with PLA/TCP blend. Elongation at break, impact toughness, and thermal stability of PLA significantly increased with the increment of PBS concentration. The synergistic effect of flame retardant and PBS afforded the PLA blends with outstanding increase of impact resistance. Furthermore, the flame retardant of TCP in the system not only affected dripping behavior and total flame time of PLA/PBS blends but also improved limiting oxygen index values due to the forming of char layer and inhibiting of burning mechanism.
Origins and structure of chloroplastic and mitochondrial plant protoporphyrinogen oxidases: implications for the evolution of herbicide resistance
Authors: Dayan Franck E , Barker Abigail , Tranel Patrick J 
Published: October 2017

AbstractProtoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)‐inhibiting herbicides are effective tools to control a broad spectrum of weeds, including those that have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Their utility is being threatened by the appearance of biotypes that are resistant to PPO inhibitors. While the chloroplastic PPO1 isoform is thought to be the primary target of PPO herbicides, evolved resistance mechanisms elucidated to date are associated with changes to the mitochondrial PPO2 isoform, suggesting that the importance of PPO2 has been underestimated. Our investigation of the evolutionary and structural biology of plant PPOs provides some insight into the potential reasons why PPO2 is the preferred target for evolution of resistance. The most common target‐site mutation imparting resistance involved the deletion of a key glycine codon. The genetic environment that facilitates this deletion is apparently only present in the gene encoding PPO2 in a few species. Additionally, both species with this mutation (Amaranthus tuberculatus and Amaranthus palmeri) have dual targeting of PPO2 to both the chloroplast and the mitochondria, which might be a prerequisite to impart herbicide resistance. The most recent target‐site mutations have substituted a key arginine residue involved in stabilizing the substrate in the catalytic domain of PPO2. This arginine is highly conserved across all plant PPOs, suggesting that its substitution could be equally likely on PPO1 and PPO2, yet it has only occurred on PPO2, underscoring the importance of this isoform for the evolution of herbicide resistance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Grafting on resistant interstocks reduces scion susceptibility to pear psylla, Cacopsylla bidens
Authors: Shaltiel‐Harpaz Liora , Gerchman Yoram , Ibdah Mwafaq , Kedoshim Rike , Rachmany Dor , Hatib Kamel , Bar‐Ya'akov Irit , Soroker Victoria , Holland Doron 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPear psylla is a major obstacle to efficient integrated pest management in pear orchards in Israel and around the world. We used two accessions with natural resistance to pear psylla Cacopsylla bidens (Šulc) – Py.760‐261 (760) and Py.701‐202 (701), both apparently of Pyrus communis L. origin – as interstock grafts to confer psylla resistance to the commercially important ‘Spadona Estiva’ (Pyrus communis) scion (Spadona) cultivar. The interaction of the interstocks with quince (Cydonia oblong Mill.) and Pyrus betulifolia Bunge rootstocks was also tested.RESULTSUsage of Py.760‐261 (760) and Py.701‐202 (701) as interstocks for the psylla‐sensitive Spadona resulted in a five‐fold decrease in the C. bidens population, apparently as a consequence of antibiosis affecting nymph survival. Additionally, psylla survival was negatively correlated with the interstock length and amount of foliage. The yield and fruit quality of Spadona grafted on the ‘701’ interstock equaled or even exceeded those of the control in fruit quantity, fruit size and soluble solids content, especially on P. betulifolia rootstock.CONCLUSIONSusceptibility to pear psylla decreased significantly following grafting of commercial Spadona on resistant interstock. This is the first demonstration of increased resistance to pear psylla conferred by the use of resistant interstock in pear trees and among the few examples demonstrating transfer of resistance to insects from the interstock in fruit trees. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Robust observer design for uncertain one‐sided Lipschitz systems with disturbances
Authors: Nguyen Cuong M. , Pathirana Pubudu N. , Trinh Hieu 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn this paper, we study the robust observer design problem for a class of uncertain one‐sided Lipschitz systems with disturbances. Not only the system matrices but also the nonlinear functions are assumed to be uncertain. The nominal models of nonlinearities are assumed to satisfy both the one‐sided Lipschitz condition and the quadratically inner‐bounded condition. By utilizing a novel approach, our observer designs are robust against unknown nonlinear uncertainties and system and measurement noises. The new approach also relaxes some conservativeness in related existing results, ie, less conservative observer design conditions are obtained. Furthermore, the problem of designing reduced‐order observers is considered in case the output measurement is not subject to uncertainty and disturbance. Two examples are provided to show the efficiency and advantages of our results over existing works.
Toward an integrated theory of strategy
Authors: Zollo Maurizio , Minoja Mario , Coda Vittorio 
Published: October 2017

Research summary:We develop an integrative approach to the study of strategic management in a four‐step logical sequence. First, we discuss one of the rare conceptual frameworks of integrated firm strategy introduced by Coda (1984). Second, we focus on competitive, growth, and stakeholder strategies and identify four integrative mechanisms underlying the creation of joint outcomes from the combination of different strategic choices. Third, we study how these mechanisms might allow specific binary combinations of strategic choices to create higher levels of value for stakeholders. Lastly, we study the likelihood of alternative three‐way bundles of strategies to generate the highest expected value. This analysis identifies two bundles of strategic decisions that can potentially maximize performance outcomes.Managerial summary:Our integrative approach to strategic management can potentially contribute to the improvement of managerial decision making in three main ways. First, by raising managers’ awareness that decisions in different strategic domains—e.g., competitive, growth, and stakeholder strategies —produce joint effects on value created for stakeholders and, thus, should be selected as an internally coherent bundle. Second, by identifying the factors that influence different strategic decisions and the consequent production of joint results. Some of these factors can be directly learned and leveraged by managers to shape a more internally coherent and effective portfolio of strategic decisions. Third, by proposing specific bundles of internally coherent choices that might provide useful reference points within the context of the three strategies considered.
Productive HBV infection of well-differentiated,
hNTCP-expressing human hepatoma-derived (Huh7) cells
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zhao Kaitao , Yao Yongxuan , Yuan Yifei , Pei Rongjuan , Wang Yun , Chen Jizheng , Hu Xue , Zhou Yuan , Chen Xinwen , Wu Chunchen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFeasible and effective cell models for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are
required for investigating the complete lifecycle of this virus, including the early
steps of viral entry. Resistance to dimethyl sulfoxide/polyethylene glycol
(DMSO/PEG), hNTCP expression, and a differentiated state are the limiting factors
for successful HBV infection models. In the present study, we used a hepatoma cell
line (Huh7DhNTCP) to overcome these limiting factors so
that it exhibits excellent susceptibility to HBV infection. To achieve this goal,
different hepatoma cell lines were tested with 2.5% DMSO / 4% PEG8000, and one
resistant cell line (Huh7D) was used to construct a stable hNTCP-expressing cell
line (Huh7DhNTCP) using a recombinant lentivirus system.
Then, the morphological characteristics and differentiation molecular markers of
Huh7DhNTCP cells with or without DMSO treatment were
characterized. Finally, the susceptibility of Huh7DhNTCP
cells to HBV infection was assessed. Our results showed that Huh7D cells were
resistant to 2.5% DMSO / 4% PEG8000, whereas the others were not.
Huh7DhNTCP cells were established to express a high
level of hNTCP compared to liver extracts, and Huh7DhNTCP
cells rapidly transformed into a non-dividing, well-differentiated polarized
phenotype under DMSO treatment. Huh7DhNTCP cells fully
supported the entire lifecycle of HBV infection. This cell culture system will be
useful for the analysis of host-virus interactions, which should facilitate the
discovery of antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Getting angry matters: Going beyond perspective taking and empathic concern to understand bystanders' behavior in bullying
Authors: Pozzoli Tiziana , Gini Gianluca , Thornberg Robert 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the relations between different empathic dimensions and bystanders' behavior in bullying. Specifically, the indirect effects of empathic concern and perspective taking via empathic anger on defending and passive bystanding were tested in a sample of Italian young adolescents (N = 398; Mage = 12 years, 3 months, 47.2% girls). Path analysis confirmed the direct and indirect effects, via empathic anger, of empathic concern and perspective taking on bystanders' behavior, with the exception of the direct association between perspective taking and passive bystanding that was not significant. Our findings suggest that considering empathic anger together with empathic concern and perspective taking could help researchers to better understand the links between empathic dispositions and bystanders' behavior in bullying.
Identification and Functional Verification of MicroRNAs in the Obese Rat With Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Bai Yunlong , Zhang Liangshuan , Jiang Yanan , Ju Jiaming , Li Guiyang , Xu Juan , Jiang Xing , Zhang Peng , Lang Linchuan , Sadkovaya Olga , Glybochko Peter V. , Zhang Wei , Yang Baofeng 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Introduction
Obesity is a potential risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of genes involved in various pathophysiologic processes.

Aim
To identify the miRNA profile in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of obese rats with ED and elucidate the potential function of miRNA in the pathogenesis of ED.

Methods
Obesity was induced in rats by a high-fat diet. After the erectile function test, experimental animals were divided into two groups: obese rats with ED and obese rats with normal erectile function. The CCs from these rats were collected for miRNA microarray analysis. The results were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subsequently, the targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the functions of differentially expressed miRNAs in ED. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to evaluate the effects of miRNA on the erectile function of rats.

Main Outcome Measures
MiRNA expression in the CC of obese rats with ED and those with normal erectile function was detected by miRNA microarray analysis. Candidate miRNAs were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the functions of miRNAs. Apomorphine-induced penile erection and intracavernous pressure measurements were used to reflect the erectile function of rats.

Results
Sixty-eight miRNAs were differentially expressed in the CC of obese rats with ED (≥1.5-fold change). The real-time polymerase chain reaction results were consistent with the miRNA microarray analysis results. Specifically, miR-328a was significantly upregulated in rats with ED compared with control rats and was chosen for functional evaluation in the pathogenesis of ED. Overexpression of miR-328a noticeably decreased the erectile response to apomorphine and the expression of heme oxygenase-1.

Conclusion
MiRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related ED. MiR-328a might facilitate the induction of ED.
Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia—A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Lev-Sagie Ahinoam , Kopitman Asia , Brzezinski Amnon 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an emerging medical technology in which non-thermal laser irradiation is applied to treat pain. Because LLLT has been found effective in treating various pain syndromes without known side effects, we conducted a study evaluating the effect of LLLT on provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a complex sexual pain disorder characterized by pain confined to the vulvar vestibule in response to contact or pressure.

Aim
To investigate the effectiveness of LLLT for PVD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial.

Methods
Patients with PVD were randomly assigned to receive treatment with LLLT or sham treatment. Patients were treated twice weekly for 6 weeks, for a total of 12 LLLT or placebo sessions. Patients who showed improvement after LLLT were followed for 1 year by clinical pain report and Q-tip examination.

Outcomes
Change in pain scores obtained in response to the Q-tip test, clinical pain report, visual analog scale score, pain with tampon insertion, daily pain intensity, intercourse pain intensity, frequency of intercourse, and a battery of quality-of-life measures.

Results
Thirty-four patients with PVD participated, 18 received LLLT and 16 received placebo. In the clinical pain report at study completion, 14 of 18 patients (78%) receiving LLLT reported improvement compared with 7 of 16 (44%) in the placebo group (P = .042). This effect was not apparent in other outcome measurements. None of the patients reported side effects during the study. At 1-year follow-up, eight patients (57%) reported lasting improvement.

Clinical Implications
Larger studies with various treatment protocols are needed to define which patients can benefit from LLLT therapy.

Strengths and Limitations
Strengths include a placebo-controlled, double-blinded design, measurement of a large number of multidimensional end points, and a follow-up period of 1 year. Limitations include the small number of patients recruited, no improvement in measurable parameters, a high improvement rate in the placebo group, the absence of use of validated questionnaires, and the lack of evaluation of psychological and interpersonal factors that might have influenced the results.

Conclusions
Given the results of this pilot study, LLLT cannot currently be recommended as a treatment for PVD. Further studies with a larger population, various treatment protocols, and evaluation of LLLT in different subgroups of PVD are needed to define which patients can benefit from this therapy.
Green’s functions for Rossby waves
Authors: Kloosterziel R. C. , Maas L. R. M. 
Published: October 2017

Compact solutions are presented for planetary, non-divergent, barotropic Rossby waves generated by (i) an impulsive point source and (ii) a sustained point source of curl of wind stress. Previously, only cumbersome integral expressions were known, rendering them practically useless. Our simple expressions allow for immediate numerical visualization/animation and further mathematical analysis.