bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of nonspecific HIF1α inhibitors on development of castrate resistance and metastases in prostate cancer
Authors: Ranasinghe Weranja K. B. , Sengupta Shomik , Williams Scott , Chang Mike , Shulkes Arthur , Bolton Damien M. , Baldwin Graham , Patel Oneel 
Published: January 2014

AbstractExpression of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)1α increases the risk of castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastases in patients on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC). We aimed to investigate the effects of nonspecific HIF1α inhibitors (Digoxin, metformin, and angiotensin‐2 receptor blockers) on development of CRPC and metastases while on ADT. A retrospective review of prospectively collected medical records was conducted of all men who had continuous ADT as first‐line therapy for CRPC at the Austin Hospital from 1983 to 2011. Association between HIF1α inhibitor medications and time to develop CRPC was investigated using actuarial statistics. Ninety‐eight patients meeting the criteria were identified. Eighteen patients (21.4%) were treated with the nonspecific HIF1α inhibitors. Both groups had similar characteristics, apart from patients on HIF1α inhibitors being older (70 years vs. 63.9 years). The median CRPC‐free survival was longer in men using HIF1α inhibitors compared to those not on inhibitors (6.7 years vs. 2.7 years, P = 0.01) and there was a 71% reduction in the risk of developing CRPC (HR 0.29 [95% CI 0.10–0.78] P = 0.02) after adjustment for Gleason score, age, and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The median metastasis‐free survival in men on HIF1α inhibitors was also significantly longer compared to those on no inhibitors (5.1 years vs. 2.6 years, P = 0.01) with an 81% reduction in the risk of developing metastases (HR 0.19 [CI 0.05–0.76] P = 0.02) after adjustment for Gleason score, age, and PSA. Nonspecific HIF1α inhibitors appear to increase the progression‐free survival and reduce the risk of developing CRPC and metastases in patients on continuous ADT.
Impact of Sludge Floc Size and Water Composition on Dewaterability
Authors: Fitria Dewi , Scholz Miklas , Swift Gareth M. , Hutchinson Simon M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn order to observe the impact of different water compositions on sludge dewaterability, assessments of floc sizes using a particle size analyzer and of sludge dewaterability based on the capillary suction time (CST) test were carried out. Synthetic raw water had small floc sizes, and synthetic domestic wastewater had both larger median floc sizes and a better correlation between sludge dewaterability and median floc sizes. The floc size distribution results showed that synthetic raw water is associated with a narrow particle size distribution. In comparison, synthetic domestic wastewater produced a wider distribution. However, the CST values were similar for both waters. Compared to synthetic wastewater, natural wastewater had the largest distribution with generally larger particle sizes.
Seeding Molecular Rotators on a Passivated Silicon Surface
Authors: Guillermet Oliver , Mahmood Ather , Yang Jianshu , Echeverria Jorge , Jeannoutot Judicael , Gauthier Sebastien , Joachim Christian , Chérioux Frederic , Palmino Frank 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThermally activated rotation of single molecules adsorbed on a silicon‐based surface between 77 and 150 K has been successfully achieved. This remarkable phenomenon relies on a nanoporous supramolecular network, which acts as a template to seed periodic molecule rotors on the surface. Thermal activation of rotation has been demonstrated by STM experiments and confirmed by theoretical calculations.
Orthogonal Orientation of Chromonic Liquid Crystals by Rubbed Polyamide Films
Authors: Mcguire Aya , Yi Youngwoo , Clark Noel A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractChromonic liquid crystals (CLCs) have drawn attention for applications to organic electronics and optical films as well as biological materials. Understanding the alignment mechanism of CLCs is important for those applications. Using a polarized transmission optical microscope, we observe the optical texture, dichroism, and birefringence of CLC films of sunset yellow (SSY) confined by polyamide (nylon) films that are rubbed with a brush. The films align with the stacks of SSY molecules oriented, surprisingly, perpendicular to the rubbing direction. We propose that this alignment is stabilized by molecular interaction between the stretched nylon chains and molecular grooves of the SSY stacks rather than elastic energy of the CLCs due to surface topography induced by the rubbing.
An analysis of performance factors on Esper‐based stream big data processing in a virtualized environment
Authors: Ku Mino , Choi Eunmi , Min Dugki 
Published: January 2014

SUMMARYTo process big data in a cloud computing environment, a large scale of stream big data is one of the challenging issues. In particular, complex event processing is an emerging technology to handle massive events from multiple sources and process them in a near real time. In this paper, we analyze four performance‐influencing factors on a virtualized event processing system: the number of query statements, garbage collection intervals, the quantity of virtual machine resources, and virtual CPU assignment types. In our experiments, we observe the performance effects of these performance parameters, by implementing and running an Esper‐based event processing application on top of a Xen‐based virtualized system. With experimental results, we analyze the memory consumption problem, and apply periodic garbage collection, to reduce unexpected memory consumption of JVM. Also, we analyze performance effects of the number of cores in a virtual machine (VM) and resource sharing among VMs. Under the virtualized environment in cloud computing infrastructure, one of the critical issues is the management of virtualized computing resources. Accordingly, we present the event processing performance on VMs as a function of virtual CPU assignment types and the number of VMs that share virtual CPUs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular and metabolic alterations in the hippocampus caused by insulin signalling dysfunction and its association with cognitive impairment during aging and Alzheimer's disease: studies in animal models
Authors: Calvo‐Ochoa Erika , Arias Clorinda 
Published: January 2014

SummaryA growing body of animal and epidemiological studies suggest that metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with the development of cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, particularly in aging. Several lines of evidence suggest that insulin signalling dysfunction produces these metabolic alterations and underlie the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we address normal insulin function in the synapse; we review and discuss the physiopathological hallmarks of synaptic insulin signalling dysfunction associated with metabolic alterations. Additionally, we describe and review the major animal models of obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The comprehensive knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind the association of metabolic alterations and cognitive impairment could facilitate the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases in patients with metabolic alterations, with treatment that focus on neuroprotection. It could also help in the development of metabolic‐based therapies and drugs for using in dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients to alleviate their symptoms in a more efficient and comprehensive way. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and aggregation of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in seawater: Role of salinity and dissolved organic carbon
Authors: Wang Huanhua , Burgess Robert M. , Cantwell Mark G. , Portis Lisa M. , Perron Monique M. , Wu Fengchang , Ho Kay T. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

The behavior and fate of nanoparticles (NPs) in the marine environment are largely unknown and potentially have important environmental and human health implications. The aggregation and fate of NPs in the marine environment are greatly influenced by their interactions with seawater and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In the present study, the stability and aggregation of 30-nm–diameter silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with citrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; AgNP-citrate and AgNP-PVP) and 21-nm-diameter titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs as affected by seawater salinity and DOC were investigated by measuring hydrodynamic diameters and zeta potentials. The added DOC (in humic acid form) stabilized the 3 types of NPs when the seawater salinities were ≤5 parts per thousand (ppt), but the stabilizing effect of DOC was reduced by a higher salinity (e.g., 30 ppt). In addition, AgNP-PVP was more stable than AgNP-citrate in seawater, indicating that surface capping agents and stabilization mechanisms govern the stability and aggregation of NPs. Statistical analysis showed that salinity is the most dominant influence on the stability and aggregation of AgNPs and TiO2NPs, followed by DOC. These findings expand our knowledge on the behavior of AgNPs and TiO2NPs in seawater and indicate that the fate of these NPs will be primarily to aggregate in the water column, precipitate, and accumulate in sediments following release into the marine environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1023–1029. © 2014 SETAC
Statistical analysis of histopathological endpoints
Authors: Green John W. , Springer Timothy A. , Saulnier Amy N. , Swintek Joe 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Histopathological assessments of fish from aquatic ecotoxicology studies are being performed with increasing frequency. Aquatic ecotoxicology studies performed for submission to regulatory agencies are usually conducted with multiple subjects (e.g., fish) in each of multiple vessels (replicates) within a water control and within each of several concentrations of a test substance. A number of histopathological endpoints are evaluated in each fish, and a severity score is generally recorded for each endpoint. The severity scores are often recorded using a nonquantitative scale of 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no effect, 1 indicating minimal effect, through 4 for severe effect. Statistical methods often used to analyze these scores suffer from several shortcomings: computing average scores as though scores were quantitative values, considering only the frequency of abnormality while ignoring severity, ignoring any concentration–response trend, and ignoring the possible correlation between responses of individuals within test vessels. A new test, the Rao-Scott Cochran-Armitage by Slices (RSCABS), is proposed that incorporates the replicate vessel experimental design and the biological expectation that the severity of the effect tends to increase with increasing doses or concentrations, while retaining the individual subject scores and taking into account the severity as well as frequency of scores. A power simulation and examples demonstrate the performance of the test. R-based software has been developed to carry out this test and is available free of charge at www.epa.gov/med/Prods_Pubs/rscabs.htm. The SAS-based RSCABS software is available from the first and third authors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1108–1116. © 2014 SETAC
The naturally occurring carcinogen ptaquiloside is present in groundwater below bracken vegetation
Authors: Clauson-Kaas Frederik , Jensen Pia H. , Jacobsen Ole S. , Juhler René K. , Hansen Hans Christian B. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

The present study demonstrates unequivocally the presence of the natural carcinogen ptaquiloside and its transformation product pterosin B in groundwater and surface water. Groundwater concentrations up to 0.23 nmol/L (92 ng/L) ptaquiloside and up to 2.2 nmol/L (0.47 µg/L) pterosin B were found. Of 21 groundwater samples, 5 contained ptaquiloside, exceeding the estimated threshold for drinking water (1.3–40 pmol/L). The results are critical for water abstraction in bracken-infested areas. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1030–1034. © 2014 SETAC
Correlation between traffic granularity and defragmentation periodicity in elastic optical networks
Authors: Khodashenas Pouria Sayyad , Comellas Jaume , Perelló Jordi , Spadaro Salvatore 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWhile elastic optical network technologies have emerged as promising solutions for future ultra‐high‐speed optical transmission, the unavoidable spectral fragmentation problem that appears in such networks significantly degrades their performance. In light of this, spectral defragmentation technologies have been introduced in elastic optical networks, aiming to increase the spectrum utilisation. During the defragmentation operation, the available fragmented spectrum bands are consolidated by reallocating existing connections, either re‐routing them along alternative routes and/or re‐tuning them onto different spectrum portions. Obviously, spectral defragmentation increases network complexity and cost. Therefore, it is highly desirable to limit its application as much as possible, while keeping network performance within acceptable margins. In this paper, we focus on analyzing the correlation between the optimal (i.e. minimum) spectrum defragmentation periodicity in the network with the granularity of the supported traffic. For this purpose, we initially introduce a novel algorithm for efficient spectrum defragmentation. The proposed algorithm aims to consolidate the available fibre spectrum as much as possible, while limiting the number of reallocated active connections. Then, supported on extensive simulation results, we show how spectral defragmentation periodicity can be effectively configured by having knowledge of the offered traffic granularity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dual effect of ultrasound‐targeted microbubble destruction in mediating recombinant adeno‐associated virus delivery in renal cell carcinoma: transfection enhancement and tumor inhibition
Authors: Li Fan , Jin Lifang , Wang Huiping , Wei Fang , Bai Min , Shi Qiusheng , Du Lianfang 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) is recognized as a promising vector for cancer gene therapy, although its low transfer efficiency in less permissive cells limits extensive application. Our previous studies reported that ultrasound‐targeted microbubble (MB) destruction (UTMD) enhanced rAAV transfer in its permissive retinal cells. In the present study, we investigated whether UTMD increased rAAV transfer in less permissive human renal cell carcinoma (hRCC) cells and tumors.MethodshRCC cells were treated with rAAV2 under different conditions of UTMD, and the viral transfer efficiency and cell viability were analyzed. Fifty‐two male nude mice (BALB/c) implanted with hRCC cells were randomly assigned to four groups consisting of rAAV, rAAV + ultrasound and rAAV + UTMD (20 µl and 40 µl of MBs). UTMD was initiated immediately after intratumoral viral injection, and viral transfer efficiency and tumor volumes were analyzed at 12 weeks after infection.ResultsThe efficiency of non‐augmented transfer of rAAV2 into hRCC cells was low (17.28 ± 2.44%). The use of UTMD enhanced viral transfer efficiency by two‐ to three‐fold, and enhanced viral genomic DNA by more than nine‐fold, without decreasing cell viability. In vivo studies also showed that UTMD increased rAAV2 transfer in tumor. The enhancements were maintained for a period of 12 weeks. Tumor growth in mice was inhibited by UTMD treatment, and UTMD treatment augmented by MBs (40 µl) produced an even stronger effect.ConclusionsUTMD enhanced rAAV2 transfer into less permissive RCC cells and tumors, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth, which suggests that UTMD may be a useful delivery tool for cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a Khon Kaen experience
Authors: Khuntikeo Narong , Pugkhem Ake , Titapun Attapol , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa 
Published: January 2014

Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common cancer in the northeast of Thailand. Most of the patients present when the disease is in an advanced stage. Improvement of preoperative diagnoses and surgical techniques provide more satisfactory results. Herein we reviewed our 30‐year experience in management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Khon Kaen northeast Thailand. Between 1982 and 2012 we reviewed four specific studies of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. The first study focused on advanced surgical pathology and palliative surgery, which were used to treat obstructive jaundice cholangiocarcinoma patients. Long‐term survival in this study was rare with a one‐year survival of just 15%. The second study was conducted on 30 consecutive cases of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who presented with obstructive jaundice without preoperative biliary drainage. All the patients underwent major liver resection with bilio‐enteric reconstruction. Perioperative mortality was 6.7% without a 5‐year survival. The third study aimed to analyze the survival rates and factors affecting survival in extrahepatic CCA patients following surgical treatment at Srinagarind Hospital and concluded that resection margins are an important prognostic factor. The last study objective was the analysis of curative surgical attempt in 99 consecutive perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and results showed that R0 resection could improve long‐term survival. We evaluated four studies of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand from 1982–2012. Viewed chronologically there has been a progressive improvement of diagnosis and surgical treatment during the past 30 years. Despite these advances the 5‐year survival rate remains unsatisfactorily low. Future improvement of patient selection and surgical techniques can lead to a greater survival rate for patients.
Block Copolymer Morphology Formation on Topographically Complex Surfaces: A Self‐Consistent Field Theoretical Study
Authors: Ye Xianggui , Edwards Brian J. , Khomami Bamin 
Published: January 2014

A self‐consistent field theoretic study is performed to study morphological development of lamellae‐forming diblock copolymers on substrates with a well‐defined roughness, modeled as trenches of varying depth and width engraved into the substrates. There are three possible lamellar orientations observed: horizontal lamellae, vertical lamellae that are parallel to the trench direction, and vertical lamellae that are perpendicular to the trench direction. Which of these three morphologies formed depends upon the trench width and surface affinity; however, trench depth has a relatively insignificant effect on the morphological development. Therefore, tuning trench width, but not trench depth, should allow for a reduction of the morphological defect density in directed self‐assembly of lamellar morphology of diblock copolymers.
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Diffusion magnetic resonance monitors intramyocellular lipid droplet size in vivo
Authors: Cao Peng , Fan Shu‐Juan , Wang Anna M. , Xie Victor B. , Qiao Zhongwei , Brittenham Gary M. , Wu Ed X. 
Published: January 2014

PurposeIntramyocellular lipid (IMCL) droplets are dynamic organelles whose morphology reflects their vital roles in lipid synthesis, usage, and storage in muscle energy metabolism. To develop noninvasive means to measure droplet microstructure in vivo, we investigated the molecular diffusion behavior of IMCL with diffusion magnetic resonance spectroscopy.MethodsUsing extremely large diffusion weighting, we measured the IMCL apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in hindlimb muscle of rodents from normal feeding, 60‐h fasting, streptozotocin‐induced diabetic, and high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese groups.ResultsIMCL ADCs decreased markedly with diffusion time, confirming the restricted diffusion of lipid molecules within IMCL droplets. IMCL droplet size, determined by transmission electron microscopy, was closely correlated with ADC. IMCL ADC was sensitive to metabolic alterations, decreasing in the 60‐h fasting and diabetic groups while increasing in the obese group. These findings indicated that the IMCL droplet size decreased following 60‐h fasting and in STZ‐induced diabetes but increased in high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity.ConclusionMR diffusion characterization of IMCL droplet size provides a unique means to examine the intracellular lipid dynamics and metabolic abnormalities in vivo. Magn Reson Med 73:59–69, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ophthalmic adverse drug reactions to systemic drugs: a systematic review
Authors: Miguel Ana , Henriques Filipe , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Pereira Altamiro Costa 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeTo perform a comprehensive and systematic review regarding ophthalmic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to systemic drugs to: (i) systematically summarize existing evidence, (ii) identify areas, ophthalmic ADRs or drugs that lacked systematization or assessment (namely drugs with original studies characterizing specific ophthalmic ADRs but without causality assessment nor without meta‐analysis).MethodsSystematic review of several electronic databases (last search 1/7/2012): Medline, SCOPUS, ISI web of knowledge, ISI Conference Proceedings, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and Google scholar. Search query included: eye, ocular, ophthalmic, ophthalmology, adverse and reaction. Inclusion criteria were: (i) Primary purpose was to assess an ophthalmic ADR to a systemic medication; (ii) Patient evaluation performed by an ophthalmologist; (iii) Studies that specified diagnostic criteria for an ocular ADR. Different types of studies were included and analyzed separately. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility criteria, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias.ResultsFrom 562 studies found, 32 were included (1 systematic review to sildenafil, 11 narrative reviews, 1 trial, 1 prospective study, 6 transversal studies, 6 spontaneous reports and 6 case series). Drugs frequently involved included amiodarone, sildenafil, hydroxychloroquine and biphosphonates. Frequent ophthalmic ADRs included: keratopathy, dry eye and retinopathy.ConclusionsTo increase evidence about ophthalmic ADRs, there is a need for performing specific systematic reviews, applying strictly the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of ADR and WHO causality assessment of ADRs.Some ophthalmic ADRs may be frequent, but require ophthalmological examination; therefore, ophthalmologists' education and protocols of collaboration between other specialties whenever they prescribe high‐risk drugs are suggestions for the future. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of the blackhole information paradox
Authors: Brustein R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIt is argued that the blackhole information paradox originates from treating the blackhole geometry as strictly classical. It is further argued that the theory of quantum fields in a classical curved space with a horizon is an ill posed problem. If the geometry is allowed to fluctuate quantum mechanically, then the horizon effectively disappears. The sharp horizon emerges only in the classical limit when the ratio of the Compton wavelength of the black hole to its Schwarzschild radius vanishes. The region of strong gravity that develops when matter collapses to form the blackhole remains visible to the whole of spacetime and has to be described by a microscopic theory of strong gravity. The arguments imply that the information paradox is demoted from a paradox involving fundamental principles of physics to the problem of describing how matter at the highest densities gravitates.