bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new finite element approach for near real‐time simulation of light propagation in locally advanced head and neck tumors
Authors: Oakley Emily , Wrazen Brian , Bellnier David A. , Syed Yusef , Arshad Hassan , Shafirstein Gal 
Published: January 2015

Background and ObjectivesSeveral clinical studies suggest that interstitial photodynamic therapy (I‐PDT) may benefit patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). For I‐PDT, the therapeutic light is delivered through optical fibers inserted into the target tumor. The complex anatomy of the head and neck requires careful planning of fiber insertions. Often the fibers' location and tumor optical properties may vary from the original plan therefore pretreatment planning needs near real‐time updating to account for any changes. The purpose of this work was to develop a finite element analysis (FEA) approach for near real‐time simulation of light propagation in LAHNC.MethodsOur previously developed FEA for modeling light propagation in skin tissue was modified to simulate light propagation from interstitial optical fibers. The modified model was validated by comparing the calculations with measurements in a phantom mimicking tumor optical properties. We investigated the impact of mesh element size and growth rate on the computation time, and defined optimal settings for the FEA. We demonstrated how the optimized FEA can be used for simulating light propagation in two cases of LAHNC amenable to I‐PDT, as proof‐of‐concept.ResultsThe modified FEA was in agreement with the measurements (P = 0.0271). The optimal maximum mesh size and growth rate were 0.005–0.02 m and 2–2.5 m/m, respectively. Using these settings the computation time for simulating light propagation in LAHNC was reduced from 25.9 to 3.7 minutes in one case, and 10.1 to 4 minutes in another case. There were minor differences (1.62%, 1.13%) between the radiant exposures calculated with either mesh in both cases.ConclusionsOur FEA approach can be used to model light propagation from diffused optical fibers in complex heterogeneous geometries representing LAHNC. There is a range of maximum element size (MES) and maximum element growth rate (MEGR) that can be used to minimize the computation time of the FEA to 4 minutes. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:60–67, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mit der Kraft des Lichts
Authors: Kisch Horst 
Published: January 2015

AbstractUrsprünglich eine Domäne der physikalischen Chemie, entwickelt sich die Halbleiterphotokatalyse zu einem interdisziplinären Gebiet von Chemie, Physik, Biologie und Ökologie. Anorganische Halbleiter katalysieren dabei Reaktionen, die formal der natürlichen Photosynthese ähneln.
Rydberg‐Exzitonen – die größten künstlichen Wasserstoffatome
Authors: Bayer Manfred , Fröhlich Dietmar 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn den letzten Jahren haben Atome mit einem Elektron, das in einen sehr hohen gebundenen Zustand angeregt wurde, großes Interesse erfahren. Diese so genannten Rydberg‐Atome können Abmessungen bis zu einigen Mikrometern aufweisen. Unser Team von der Universität Dortmund hat nun in einem Festkörper wasserstoffähnliche Rydberg‐Exzitonen erzeugt, die erstaunliche Eigenschaften besitzen.
Utilization of antibiotics for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Zobell Jeffery T. , Epps Kevin L. , Young David C. , Montague Madison , Olson Jared , Ampofo Krow , Chin Melissa J. , Marshall Bruce C. , Dasenbrook Elliott 
Published: January 2015

SummaryObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to characterize the utilization of antibiotics for chronic methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with acute pulmonary exacerbations (PEx).MethodsAn anonymous national cross‐sectional survey of CF Foundation accredited care programs was performed using an electronic survey tool.ResultsFifty‐eight percent (152/261) CF Foundation accredited programs completed the survey. Ninety‐eight percent (149/152) of respondents reported using antibiotics (oral or intravenous) against MRSA. Variability exists in the use of antibiotics amongst the programs and in the dosages utilized. For oral outpatient treatment, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was the most commonly utilized antibiotic by both pediatric (109/287, 38%) and adult (99/295, 34%) respondents, of which, ten percent of reported to use it in combination with rifampin. For inpatient treatment, linezolid (both intravenous (IV) and oral) was most commonly utilized in both pediatric (IV 35/224, 16%; oral 41/224, 18%), and adult (IV 44/235, 19%; oral 38/235, 16%) respondents for inpatient treatment. IV vancomycin was the second most commonly utilized antibiotic by pediatric (70/224, 31%) and adult (71/235, 30%) respondents. Most respondents reported dose titration to achieve a vancomycin trough level of 15–20 mg/L (150/179, 84%). Topical or inhaled antibiotic utilization was reported to be an uncommon practice with approximately 70% of pediatric and adult respondents reporting to use them either rarely or never. The concomitant use of anti‐MRSA and anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics was common with 96% of pediatric and 99% of adult respondents answering in the affirmative.ConclusionWe conclude that anti‐MRSA antibiotics are utilized via various dosage regimens by a majority of CF Foundation accredited care programs for the treatment of chronic MRSA in PEx, and there is no consensus on the best treatment approach. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:552–559. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related increase in IL‐17 activates pro‐inflammatory signaling in prostate cells
Authors: De Angulo Alejandra , Faris Robert , Daniel Benjamin , Jolly Christopher , deGraffenried Linda 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundA close relationship between aging, inflammation, and prostate cancer is widely accepted. Aging is accompanied by a progressive increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 17 (IL‐17), a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine that becomes dysregulated with age. However, the contribution of IL‐17 to age‐related prostate tumorigenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of age‐related IL‐17 dysregulation in prostate tumorigenesis.MethodsSerum and splenic T‐lymphocytes from young GPAT‐1 knock‐out aging‐mimic T cell mice as well as young and aged wild‐type mice were collected. shRNA was used to knock down the IL‐17 receptor in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and RWPE‐1 non‐transformed prostate epithelial cells, which were then exposed to the mouse sera or conditioned media from stimulated T‐lymphocytes. NF‐κB activation, NF‐κB target gene expression, and cell proliferation were all measured in these cells by luciferase assay, qPCR, Western blot analysis, and MTT assay, respectively.ResultsT‐lymphocyte‐secreted IL‐17 from aging‐mimic mice induced NF‐κB activity and target gene expression in LNCaP and RWPE‐1 cells. It also promoted proliferation of these cells.ConclusionAging‐mimic T cell mice produce increased levels of IL‐17, which stimulates the pro‐inflammatory NF‐κB pathway in prostate epithelial cells. NF‐κB increases inflammation, carcinogenesis and metastatic potential in the prostate. These findings provide evidence that the dysregulation of cytokine production seen in aged T cells may directly contribute to the increased risk for prostate cancer in the elderly. Prostate 75: 449–462, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated circulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1) levels are associated with neuroendocrine differentiation in castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Gong Yixuan , Chippada‐Venkata Uma D. , Galsky Matthew D. , Huang Jiaoti , Oh William K. 
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUNDTissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) is a 28.5 kDa secreted glycoprotein that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Our group has previously shown that elevated plasma TIMP‐1 levels predict poor survival in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients; however, the underlying source and impact of elevated circulating TIMP‐1 protein is unknown.METHODSIn this study, we used qRT‐PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry to evaluate TIMP‐1 expression in androgen‐sensitive and resistant prostate cancer (PC) cell lines, tumor tissues and patient sera, and to correlate TIMP‐1 levels to expression of chromogranin A (CGA), an established marker of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). We also explored the relationship between TIMP‐1 overexpression and induction of NED by overexpressing TIMP‐1 in androgen‐sensitive LNCaP cells, as well as by inducing NED of LNCaP cells with IL‐6.RESULTSPatients with CRPC have significantly higher serum TIMP‐1 levels compared to patients with hormone‐sensitive disease. Although circulating TIMP‐1 levels were increased, peripheral blood cells were not the source of elevation. Instead, elevated TIMP‐1 expression was associated with higher expression of CGA in both blood and metastatic tumor tissue. We further show that androgen receptor (AR) and PSA non‐expressing prostate cancer cell lines known to display NED phenotypes such as PC‐3, PC‐3M, and DU145 cells, expressed high levels of TIMP‐1, in contrast to AR (+) and PSA (+) adenocarcinoma cell lines such as LNCaP, VCaP, and LAPC‐4, which had barely detectable levels of TIMP‐1. In addition, ectopic overexpression of TIMP‐1 in LNCaP cells did not induce NED. However, TIMP‐1 mRNA expression was elevated >10‐fold during IL‐6‐induced NED of LNCaP cells, suggesting that TIMP‐1 overexpression accompanies, but is not the driving force for NED. Finally, we show that conditioned media from androgen‐resistant PC‐3, PC‐3M, and DU145 cells induced TIMP‐1 mRNA expression in primary prostate stromal fibroblasts in an ERK and NF‐κB dependent manner.CONCLUSIONSWe provide in vitro and clinical evidence to support the association between NED and elevated circulating TIMP‐1 expression in CRPC. Our observation supports further evaluation of TIMP‐1 as a tissue and serum biomarker for NED in CRPC. Prostate 75: 616–627, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of a neuropeptide S tetrabranched derivative
Authors: Ruzza Chiara , Rizzi Anna , Malfacini Davide , Pulga Alice , Pacifico Salvatore , Salvadori Severo , Trapella Claudio , Reinscheid Rainer K. , Calo Girolamo , Guerrini Remo 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe peptide welding technology (PWT) is a novel chemical strategy that allows the synthesis of multibranched peptides with high yield, purity, and reproducibility. With this approach, a tetrabranched derivative of neuropeptide S (NPS) has been synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. The in vitro activity of PWT1‐NPS has been studied in a calcium mobilization assay. In vivo, PWT1‐NPS has been investigated in the locomotor activity (LA) and recovery of the righting reflex (RR) tests. In calcium mobilization studies, PWT1‐NPS behaved as full agonist at the mouse NPS receptor (NPSR) being threefold more potent than NPS. The selective NPSR antagonists [tBu‐D‐Gly5]NPS and SHA 68 displayed similar potency values against NPS and PWT1‐NPS. In vivo, both NPS (1–100 pmol, i.c.v.) and PWT1‐NPS (0.1–100 pmol, i.c.v.) stimulated mouse LA, with PWT1‐NPS showing higher potency than NPS. In the RR assay, NPS (100 pmol, i.c.v.) was able to reduce the percentage of mice losing the RR after diazepam administration and their sleep time 5 min after the i.c.v. injection, but it was totally inactive 2 h after the injection. On the contrary, PWT1‐NPS (30 pmol, i.c.v.), injected 2 h before diazepam, displayed wake‐promoting effects. This PWT1‐NPS stimulant effect was no longer evident in mice lacking the NPSR receptor. The PWT1 technology can be successfully applied to the NPS sequence. PWT1‐NPS displayed in vitro a pharmacological profile similar to NPS. In vivo PWT1‐NPS mimicked NPS effects showing higher potency and long‐lasting action.
Identification of trichlormethiazide as a Mdr1a/b gene expression enhancer via a dual secretion‐based promoter assay
Authors: Schulze Sarina , Reinhardt Sven , Freese Christian , Schmitt Ulrich , Endres Kristina 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTransporters of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) family such as MDR1 play a pivotal role in persistence of brain homeostasis by contributing to the strict permeability properties of the blood–brain barrier. This barrier on one hand compromises treatment of central nervous system diseases by restricting access of drugs; on the other hand, an impaired or altered function of barrier building cells has been described in neurological disorders. The latter might contribute to increased vulnerability of the brain under pathological conditions or even enforce pathogenesis. Here, we present a novel approach for a systematic examination of drug impact on Mdr1 gene expression by establishing a dual reporter gene assay for the murine upstream core promoters of Mdr1a and b. We validated the time‐resolved assay in comparison with single reporter gene constructs and applied it to analyze effects of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drug library consisting of 627 substances. The chemo‐preventive synthetic dithiolethione oltipraz was reidentified with our assay as an already known inducer of Mdr1 gene expression. Together with two newly characterized modifiers – gemcitabine and trichlormethiazide – we prove our findings in a blood–brain barrier culture model as well as in wild‐type and Mdr1 knockout mice. In sum, we could demonstrate that our dual reporter gene assay delivers results, which also persist in the living animal and consequently is applicable for further analysis and prediction of Mdr1 regulation in vivo.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Open and Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Lung Lobectomy for the Treatment of Early Stage Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer are Similar: A Propensity‐Matched Study
Authors: Murakawa Tomohiro , Ichinose Junji , Hino Haruaki , Kitano Kentaro , Konoeda Chihiro , Nakajima Jun 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundGenerally, in retrospective studies, favourable short‐ and long‐term outcomes for patients after lung lobectomy for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have been reported. However, the interpretation of lung lobectomy outcomes may be biased in retrospective settings.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent lung lobectomy for cT1‐2N0M0 NSCLC from 2001 to 2010. The outcomes of patients who underwent VATS lobectomy were compared to those who underwent open lobectomy before and after performing propensity score matching. Preoperative covariates were entered when developing the propensity score‐matching model.ResultsThis study reviewed the outcomes of 101 VATS patients and 184 open lobectomy patients. Before propensity score matching, the VATS group had a higher mean age (p < 0.0001), smaller solid tumour size (p = 0.0042), similar whole tumour size (p = 0.2082), and larger tumour‐disappearance ratio (p = 0.0007). The VATS group had a shorter mean operation time (p = 0.0002), less blood loss (p < 0.0001), shorter chest tube duration (p = 0.0002), and shorter hospital stay (p < 0.0001). As for long‐term outcomes, the VATS group had higher disease‐free, disease‐specific, and overall survival rates (p values by log‐rank test: 0.0049, 0.0154, and 0.032, respectively). After propensity score matching, all differences, except operation time, blood loss, chest tube duration, and hospital stay, were no longer significant.ConclusionsVATS lobectomy is less invasive than open lobectomy, but in terms of survival outcomes, VATS lobectomy was oncologically equivalent to open lobectomy. The oncological benefit of VATS reported by retrospective studies might be overestimated.
A delayed oscillator model for the quasi-periodic multidecadal variability of the NAO
Authors: Sun Cheng , Li Jianping , Jin Fei-Fei 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Wavelet analysis of the annual North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index back to 1659 reveals a significant frequency band at about 60 years. Recent NAO decadal variations, including the increasing trend during 1960–1990 and decreasing trend since the mid-1990s, can be well explained by the approximate 60-year cycle. This quasi 60-year oscillation of the NAO is realistically reproduced in a long-term control simulation with version 4 of the Community Climate System Model, and the possible mechanisms are further investigated. The positive NAO forces the strengthening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and induces a basin-wide uniform sea surface temperature (SST) warming that corresponds to the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). The SST field exhibits a delayed response to the preceding enhanced AMOC, and shows a pattern similar to the North Atlantic tripole (NAT), with SST warming in the northern North Atlantic and cooling in the southern part. This SST pattern (negative NAT phase) may lead to an atmospheric response that resembles the negative NAO phase, and subsequently the oscillation proceeds, but in the opposite sense. Based on these mechanisms, a simple delayed oscillator model is established to explain the quasi-periodic multidecadal variability of the NAO. The magnitude of the NAO forcing of the AMOC/AMO and the time delay of the AMOC/AMO feedback are two key parameters of the delayed oscillator. For a given set of parameters, the quasi 60-year cycle of the NAO can be well predicted. This delayed oscillator model is useful for understanding of the oscillatory mechanism of the NAO, which has significant potential for decadal predictions as well as the interpretation of proxy data records.
CALCULATING VARIABLE ANNUITY LIABILITY “GREEKS” USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors: Cathcart Mark J. , Lok Hsiao Yen , McNeil Alexander J. , Morrison Steven 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe implementation of hedging strategies for variable annuity products requires the calculation of market risk sensitivities (or “Greeks”). The complex, path-dependent nature of these products means that these sensitivities are typically estimated by Monte Carlo methods. Standard market practice is to use a “bump and revalue” method in which sensitivities are approximated by finite differences. As well as requiring multiple valuations of the product, this approach is often unreliable for higher-order Greeks, such as gamma, and alternative pathwise (PW) and likelihood-ratio estimators should be preferred. This paper considers a stylized guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit product in which the reference equity index follows a Heston stochastic volatility model in a stochastic interest rate environment. The complete set of first-order sensitivities with respect to index value, volatility and interest rate and the most important second-order sensitivities are calculated using PW, likelihood-ratio and mixed methods. It is observed that the PW method delivers the best estimates of first-order sensitivities while mixed estimation methods deliver considerably more accurate estimates of second-order sensitivities; moreover there are significant computational gains involved in using PW and mixed estimators rather than simple BnR estimators when many Greeks have to be calculated.
Predicting Recurrence after Chronic Subdural Haematoma Drainage
Authors: Jack Andrew , O’Kelly Cian , McDougall Cameron , Max Findlay J. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBackground: Recurrence of chronic subdural haematomas (CSDHs) after surgical drainage is a significant problem with rates up to 20%. This study focuses on determining factors predictive of haematoma recurrence and presents a scoring system stratifying recurrence risk for individual patients. Methods: Between the years 2005 and 2009, 331 consecutive patients with CSDHs treated with surgery were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed searching for risk factors of increased post-operative haematoma volume and haematoma recurrence requiring repeat drainage. Results: We found a 12% reoperation rate. CSDH septation (seen on computed tomogram scan) was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence requiring reoperation (p=0.04). Larger post-operative subdural haematoma volume was also significantly associated with requiring a second drainage procedure (p<0.001). Independent risk factors of larger post-operative haematoma volume included septations within a CSDH (p<0.01), increased pre-operative haematoma volume (p<0.01), and a greater amount of parenchymal atrophy (p=0.04). A simple scoring system for quantifying recurrence risk was created and validated based on patient age (< or ≥80 years), haematoma volume (< or ≥160cc), and presence of septations within the subdural collection (yes or no). Conclusion: Septations within CSDHs are associated with larger post-operative residual haematoma collections requiring repeat drainage. When septations are clearly visible within a CSDH, craniotomy might be more suitable as a primary procedure as it allows greater access to a septated subdural collection. Our proposed scoring system combining haematoma volume, age, and presence of septations might be useful in identifying patients at higher risk for recurrence.
Risk Factors forMycobacterium abscessussubsp.bolletiiInfection After Laparoscopic Surgery During an Outbreak in Brazil
Authors: Baruque Villar Gabriela , de Mello Freitas Felipe Teixeira , Pais Ramos Jesus , Dias Campos Carlos Eduardo , de Souza Caldas Paulo Cesar , Santos Bordalo Fernanda , Amorim Ramos Tatyana Costa , do Nascimento Pereira Vívian , Cordeiro-Santos Marcelo , Abdalla Santos Joao Hugo , Coelho Motta Glauco , Gomes Suzie Marie , Mendes de Souza Verena Maria , de Araujo Wildo Navegantes 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVETo identify risk factors related toMycobacterium abscessussubsp.bolletiiinfection during an outbreak, associated with laparoscopic surgery and to propose recommendations for preventing new cases.DESIGNA retrospective cohort study.SETTINGA private hospital in Manaus, Brazil.PATIENTSA cohort of 222 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between July 2009 and August 2010 by a single surgical team.METHODSWe collected information about the patients and the surgical procedure using a standard form. We included sex, age, and variables withP≤0.2 in the bivariate analysis in a logistic regression model. Additionally, we reviewed the procedures for reprocessing the laparoscopic surgery equipment, and the strains obtained with culture were identified by molecular methods.RESULTSWe recorded 60 (27%) cases of infection. After multivariate analysis, the duration of surgery beyond 1 hour (odds ratio [OR] 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.5), not to have been the first operated patient on a given day (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4–5.2), and the use of permanent trocar (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1–4.2) were associated with infection. We observed that the surgical team attempted to sterilize the equipment in glutaraldehyde solution when sanitary authorities had already prohibited it. Eleven strains presented 100% DNA identity with a single strain, known as BRA100 clone.CONCLUSIONSBecause contaminated material can act as vehicle for infection, ensuring adequate sterilization processing of video-assisted surgery equipment was crucial to stopping this single clonal outbreak of nonturbeculous mycobacteria in Brazil.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 81–86