bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RET/PTC and PAX8/PPARγ chromosomal rearrangements in post‐Chernobyl thyroid cancer and their association with iodine‐131 radiation dose and other characteristics
Authors: Leeman‐Neill Rebecca J. , Brenner Alina V. , Little Mark P. , Bogdanova Tetiana I. , Hatch Maureen , Zurnadzy Liudmyla Y. , Mabuchi Kiyohiko , Tronko Mykola D. , Nikiforov Yuri E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBACKGROUND:Childhood exposure to iodine‐131 from the 1986 nuclear accident in Chernobyl, Ukraine, led to a sharp increase in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) incidence in regions surrounding the reactor. Data concerning the association between genetic mutations in PTCs and individual radiation doses are limited.METHODS:Mutational analysis was performed on 62 PTCs diagnosed in a Ukrainian cohort of patients who were < 18 years old in 1986 and received 0.008 to 8.6 Gy of 131I to the thyroid. Associations between mutation types and 131I dose and other characteristics were explored.RESULTS:RET/PTC (ret proto‐oncogene/papillary thyroid carcinoma) rearrangements were most common (35%), followed by BRAF (15%) and RAS (8%) point mutations. Two tumors carrying PAX8/PPARγ (paired box 8/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma) rearrangement were identified. A significant negative association with 131I dose for BRAF and RAS point mutations and a significant concave association with 131I dose, with an inflection point at 1.6 Gy and odds ratio of 2.1, based on a linear‐quadratic model for RET/PTC and PAX8/PPARγ rearrangements were found. The trends with dose were significantly different between tumors with point mutations and rearrangements. Compared with point mutations, rearrangements were associated with residence in the relatively iodine‐deficient Zhytomyr region, younger age at exposure or surgery, and male sex.CONCLUSIONS:These results provide the first demonstration of PAX8/PPARγ rearrangements in post‐Chernobyl tumors and show different associations for point mutations and chromosomal rearrangements with 131I dose and other factors. These data support the relationship between chromosomal rearrangements, but not point mutations, and 131I exposure and point to a possible role of iodine deficiency in generation of RET/PTC rearrangements in these patients. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Use of colonoscopy for polyp surveillance in Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Cooper Gregory S. , Kou Tzuyung D. , Barnholtz Sloan Jill S. , Koroukian Siran M. , Schluchter Mark D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBACKGROUND:Professional society guidelines recommend follow‐up colonoscopy for patients with resected colonic adenomas. However, adherence to guideline recommendations in routine clinical practice has not been well characterized.METHODS:The authors used a population‐based sample of Medicare beneficiaries to identify all patients aged ≥70 years who had a claim for colonoscopy with polypectomy or hot biopsy during the period from 2001 to 2004. Medicare claims through 2009 identified colonoscopy within the following 5 years as well as fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema.RESULTS:In total, 12,771 patients were included. At 5 years, 45.7% of patients underwent another colonoscopy, and 32.3% of procedures included a polypectomy. The rates of fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema at 5 years were 54%, 3.8%, and 2.9%, respectively. There was a marked decrease in repeat colonoscopy at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years with more recent years of index procedures. Other predictors of undergoing repeat colonoscopy were younger age, African American race, and a colonoscopy before the index examination. There was no association with physician specialty. The decreasing use of colonoscopy with time was maintained in a multivariable analysis.CONCLUSIONS:In a sample of elderly Medicare beneficiaries, there was under use of follow‐up colonoscopy at 5 years after polypectomy, and <50% of patients received a repeat examination. In particular, the use of this procedure decreased over the 4‐year study period. Coupled with other data indicating the overuse of follow‐up colonoscopy in patients without polyps, there appeared to be significant discordance between guidelines and actual practice. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Spiroconjugated Intramolecular Charge‐Transfer Emission in Non‐Typical Spiroconjugated Molecules: The Effect of Molecular Structure upon the Excited‐State Configuration
Authors: Zhu Linna , Zhong Cheng , Liu Cui , Liu Zhongyin , Qin Jingui , Yang Chuluo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA set of terfluorenes and terfluorene‐like molecules with different pendant substitutions or side groups were designed and synthesized, their photophysical properties and the excited‐state geometries were studied. Dual fluorescence emissions were observed in compounds with rigid pendant groups bearing electron‐donating N atoms. According to our earlier studies, in this set of terfluorenes, the blue emission is from the local π–π* transition, while the long‐wavelength emission is attributed to a spiroconjugation‐like through‐space charge‐transfer process. Herein, we probe further into how the molecular structures (referring to the side groups, the type of linkage between central fluorene and the 2,2′‐azanediyldiethanol units, and—most importantly—the amount of pendant groups), as well as the excited‐state geometries, affect the charge‐transfer process of these terfluorenes or terfluorene‐like compounds. 9‐(9,9,9′′,9′′‐tetrahexyl‐9H,9′H,9′′H‐[2,2′:7′,2′′‐terfluoren]‐9′‐yl)‐1,2,3,5,6,7‐hexahydropyrido[3,2,1‐ij]quinolone (TFPJH), with only one julolidine pendant group, was particularly synthesized, which exhibits complete “perpendicular” conformation between julolidine and the central fluorene unit in the excited state, thus typical spiroconjugation could be achieved. Notably, its photophysical behaviors resemble those of TFPJ with two pendant julolidines. This study proves that spiroconjugation does happen in these terfluorene derivatives, although their structures are not in line with the typical orthogonal π fragments. The spiroconjugation charge‐transfer emission closely relates to the electron‐donating N atoms on the pendant groups, and to the rigid connection between the central fluorene and the N atoms, whereas the amount of pendant groups and the nature of the side chromophores have little effect. These findings may shed light on the understanding of the through‐space charge‐transfer properties and the emission color tuning of fluorene derivatives.
The origin of parental care in relation to male and female life history
Authors: Klug Hope , Bonsall Michael B. , Alonzo Suzanne H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe evolution of maternal, paternal, and bi‐parental care has been the focus of a great deal of research. Males and females vary in basic life‐history characteristics (e.g., stage‐specific mortality, maturation) in ways that are unrelated to parental investment. Surprisingly, few studies have examined the effect of this variation in male and female life history on the evolution of care. Here, we use a theoretical approach to determine the sex‐specific life‐history characteristics that give rise to the origin of paternal, maternal, or bi‐parental care from an ancestral state of no care. Females initially invest more into each egg than males. Despite this inherent difference between the sexes, paternal, maternal, and bi‐parental care are equally likely when males and females are otherwise similar. Thus, sex differences in initial zygotic investment do not explain the origin of one pattern of care over another. However, sex differences in adult mortality, egg maturation rate, and juvenile survival affect the pattern of care that will be most likely to evolve. Maternal care is more likely if female adult mortality is high, whereas paternal care is more likely if male adult mortality is high. These findings suggest that basic life‐history differences between the sexes can alone explain the origin of maternal, paternal, and bi‐parental care. As a result, the influence of life‐history characteristics should be considered as a baseline scenario in studies examining the origin of care.
Polyphenols are responsible for the proapoptotic properties of pomegranate juice on leukemia cell lines
Authors: Dahlawi Haytham , Jordan‐Mahy Nicola , Clench Malcolm , McDougall Gordon J. , Le Maitre Christine Lyn 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPomegranates have shown great promise as anti‐cancer agents in a number of cancers including clinical trials in prostate cancer. We have previously shown pomegranate juice (PGJ) induced apoptosis and preferentially alters the cell cycle in leukemia cell lines compared with nontumor control cells. However, the agents responsible have not yet been fully elucidated. Treatment of four leukemia cell lines with five fractions obtained from PGJ by solid phase extraction demonstrated that only the acetonitrile fractions decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in all leukemia cell lines. Acetonitrile fractions also significantly activated caspase‐3 and induced nuclear morphology characteristic of apoptosis. S phase arrest was induced by acetonitrile fractions which matched S phase arrest seen previously following whole PGJ treatments. The acetonitrile fractions contained higher phenol content than whole PGJ whereas only low levels of phenols were seen in any other fraction. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis demonstrated that acetonitrile fractions were enriched in ellagitannins, ellagic acid, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives but depleted in anthocyanins. Individual treatments with identified compounds demonstrated that the ellagitannin: punicalagin was the most active and mimicked the responses seen following acetonitrile fraction treatment. Bioactive components within pomegranate were confined to the acetonitrile fraction of PGJ. The enrichment in ellagitannins and hydroxycinnamic acids suggest these may provide the majority of the bioactivities of PGJ. Individual treatments with compounds identified demonstrated that the ellagitannin: punicalagin was the most active agent, highlighting this compound as a key bioactive agent in PGJ.
A semimechanistic model of the time-course of release of PTH into plasma following administration of the calcilytic JTT-305/MK-5442 in humans
Authors: Cabal Antonio , Mehta Khamir , Ross David S , Shrestha Rajiv P , Comisar Wendy , Denker Andrew , Pai Sudhakar M , Ishikawa Tomohiro 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

JTT-305/MK-5442 is a calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) allosteric antagonist being investigated for the treatment of osteoporosis. JTT-305/MK-5442 binds to CaSRs, thus preventing receptor activation by Ca2+. In the parathyroid gland, this results in the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Sharp spikes in PTH secretion followed by rapid returns to baseline are associated with bone formation, whereas sustained elevation in PTH is associated with bone resorption. We have developed a semimechanistic, nonpopulation model of the time-course relationship between JTT-305/MK-5442 and whole plasma PTH concentrations to describe both the secretion of PTH and the kinetics of its return to baseline levels. We obtained mean concentration data for JTT-305/MK-5442 and whole PTH from a multiple dose study in U.S. postmenopausal women at doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg. We hypothesized that PTH is released from two separate sources: a reservoir that is released rapidly (within minutes) in response to reduction in Ca2+ binding, and a second source released more slowly following hours of reduced Ca2+ binding. We modeled the release rates of these reservoirs as maximum pharmacologic effect (Emax) functions of JTT-305/MK-5442 concentration. Our model describes both the dose-dependence of PTH time of occurrence for maximum drug concentration (Tmax) and maximum concentration of drug (Cmax), and the extent and duration of the observed nonmonotonic return of PTH to baseline levels following JTT-305/MK-5442 administration.
Accuracy of the national institute for neurological disorders and stroke/society for progressive supranuclear palsy and neuroprotection and natural history in Parkinson plus syndromes criteria for the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Respondek Gesine , Roeber Sigrun , Kretzschmar Hans , Troakes Claire , Al‐Sarraj Safa , Gelpi Ellen , Gaig Carles , Chiu Wang Zheng , van Swieten John C. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Höglinger Günter U. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTAutopsy is the diagnostic gold standard for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (NINDS‐SPSP) criteria for the clinical diagnosis of “probable” PSP are thought to possess high specificity and low sensitivity. The NINDS‐SPSP criteria for “possible” PSP are considered to increase sensitivity at the expense of specificity. The Neuroprotection and Natural History in Parkinson Plus Syndromes (NNIPPS) criteria are intended to improve sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. The aim of this study was to conduct a clinicopathological evaluation of the NINDS‐SPSP and NNIPPS criteria in tertiary neurological centers. Defined clinical features and their year of onset were recorded by chart review in neuropathologically diagnosed patients with PSP, Parkinsons's disease (PD), MSA parkinsonism and corticobasal degeneration from four European brain banks. Fulfilment of the clinical diagnostic criteria was verified for each year after disease onset and for the final antemortem record. We analyzed 98 PSP patients and 46 disease controls. The NINDS‐SPSP “probable” criteria yielded shorter time to diagnosis, slightly higher specificity and positive predictive value (PPV), and similar sensitivity, compared with the NNIPPS criteria. Unexpectedly, the NINDS‐SPSP “possible” criteria yielded the lowest sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. A combination of NINDS‐SPSP possible and probable criteria yielded the highest sensitivity. We suggest that the NINDS‐SPSP probable criteria might be preferred for recruitment of patients for clinical trials, where an early and specific diagnosis is important. For routine clinical care, where high sensitivity is crucial, a combination of NINDS possible and probable criteria might be preferred. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Computing solution spaces for robust design
Authors: Zimmermann Markus , von Hoessle Johannes Edler 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYIn some engineering problems, tolerance to variation of design parameters is essential. In an early development phase of a distributed development process for example, the system performance should reach the design goal even under large variations of uncertain component properties. The tolerance to parameter variations may be measured by the size of a solution space on which the system is guaranteed to deliver the required performance. In order to decouple dimensions, the solution space is described as multi‐dimensional box with permissible intervals for each design parameter. An algorithm is presented that computes solution spaces for arbitrary non‐linear high‐dimensional systems. Starting from a design point with required performance, a candidate box is iteratively evaluated and modified. The evaluation is performed by Monte Carlo sampling and Bayesian statistics. The modification algorithm drives the evolution toward increasing box size. Robustness and reliability with respect to the required performance can be assessed without knowledge of the particular kind of uncertainty. Sensitivity to design parameters can be quantified by the widths of solution intervals. Designs failing to meet the performance requirement can be improved by adjusting parameter values to lie within the solution space. The approach is motivated and illustrated by automotive crash design problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mifepristone for Management of Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Morgan Farah H. , Laufgraben Marc J. 
Published: February 2013

Cushing's syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder caused by elevated circulating glucocorticoid levels. Although uncommon, Cushing's syndrome is associated with significant morbidity necessitating rapid reversal of hypercortisolemia. Primary therapy for most patients with Cushing's syndrome is surgical, but many patients will require additional treatments with radiation or drugs. Although several options for drug therapy exist, few are readily available and all have dose‐limiting adverse effects. Mifepristone (RU 486), a first‐in‐class glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2012 for use in Cushing's syndrome to control hyperglycemia in patients who are not surgical candidates or have not achieved remission from surgery. The drug is approved for oral once‐daily administration. In its pivotal trial, 60% of patients responded to mifepristone with significant improvements in glycemic control and 38% had a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. The most common adverse events were nausea, fatigue, headache, endometrial hyperplasia, and hypokalemia. Adrenal insufficiency occurred in fewer than 5% of patients. The recommended starting dosage of mifepristone is 300 mg/day. The dosage may be increased every 2–4 weeks up to a maximum of 1200 mg/day, although it should not exceed 20 mg/kg/day. Significant drug–drug interactions exist due to mifepristone's effects on a number of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Despite its limitations, mifepristone is a welcome addition and an appropriate alternative to the available drug therapy for Cushing's syndrome.
The development of a torsional braid analyser interfaced to a microprocessor and some of the factors affecting the optimisation of the technique
Authors: Sakellariou Panagiotis , White Eric F. T. , Rowe Raymond C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper reports the development of a torsional braid analyser equipped with a gas lubricated bearing to minimise undesirable lateral oscillations of the sample, and its interface to a microprocessor for automatic data acquisition and reduction. The contribution of the glass braid substrate to the recorded dynamic mechanical behaviour is examined and some factors (polymer concentration in impregnating solution, braid structure) for the optimisation of the technique are discussed.
A review of combined power and cooling cycles
Authors: Demirkaya Gökmen , Padilla Ricardo Vasquez , Goswami D. Yogi 
Published: February 2013

Combined power and refrigeration cycles have been explored for improving their overall energy conversion efficiency and decreasing the cost of energy produced. Bottoming cycles can be used to recover the waste heat or exhaust heat of gas turbines and conventional steam Rankine cycles and convert it to work and/or refrigeration. In most applications, refrigeration is the more expensive product than power because it requires refrigeration equipment as well as power to produce conventional refrigeration. Therefore, the additional output of refrigeration by the combined cycle provides greater benefit than conventional power systems. This paper presents a review of combined power and cooling cycles for effective utilization of heat sources.This article is categorized under:

Concentrating Solar Power > Science and Materials
Energy Efficiency > Science and Materials
Energy Systems Economics > Science and Materials
Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy as a training procedure for surgeons learning laparoscopic hepatectomy
Authors: Hasegawa Yasushi , Nitta Hiroyuki , Sasaki Akira , Takahara Takeshi , Ito Naoko , Fujita Tomohiro , Kanno Shoji , Nishizuka Satoshi , Wakabayashi Go 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic liver resection remains limited to a relatively small number of institutions because of insufficient hepatic and laparoscopic surgical experience and few training opportunities. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of an improved laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy technique as a training procedure for new surgeons.MethodsTwenty‐four laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies (LLLSs) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups with 8 patients in each: those undergoing surgery by expert surgeons prior to 2008 (Group A); those undergoing surgery by expert surgeons after 2008, when a standardized LLLS technique was adopted (Group B); and those undergoing LLLS by junior surgeons being trained (Group C).ResultsThe median operative time was significantly shorter for Group B (103 min; range, 99—109 min) and C (107 min; range, 85—135 min) patients than for Group A (153 min; range, 95—210 min) patients. There were no significant differences in blood loss or hospital stay. In Groups B and C, no conversions to open laparotomy or complications occurred.ConclusionThe standardized LLLS procedure was both safe and feasible as a technique for training surgeons in laparoscopic hepatectomy.
Thermally mediated body temperature, water content and aggregation behaviour in the intertidal gastropodNerita atramentosa
Authors: Chapperon Coraline , Le Bris Cédric , Seuront Laurent 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIntertidal organisms are vulnerable to global warming as they already live at, or near to, the upper limit of their thermal tolerance window. The behaviour of ectotherms could, however, dampen their limited physiological abilities to respond to climate change (e.g. drier and warmer environmental conditions) which could substantially increase their survival rates. The behaviour of ectotherms is still mostly overlooked in climate change studies. Here, we investigate the potential of aggregation behaviour to compensate for climate change in an intertidal gastropod species (Nerita atramentosa) in South Australia. We used thermal imaging to investigate (1) the heterogeneity in individual snail water content and body temperature and surrounding substratum temperature on two topographically different habitats (i.e. rock platform and boulders) separated by 250 m at both day‐ and night‐times, (2) the potential relationship between environment temperature (air and substratum) and snail water content and body temperature, and (3) the potential buffering effect of aggregation behaviour on snail water content and body temperature. Both substratum and snail temperature were more heterogeneous at small spatial scales (a few centimetres to a few metres) than between habitats. This reinforces the evidence that mobile intertidal ectotherms could survive locally under warmer conditions if they can locate and move behaviourally in local thermal refuges.N. atramentosabehaviour, water content and body temperature during emersion seem to be related to the thermal stability and local conditions of the habitat occupied. Aggregation behaviour reduces both desiccation and heat stresses but only on the boulder field. Further investigations are required to identify the different behavioural strategies used by ectothermic species to adapt to heat and dehydrating conditions at the habitat level. Ultimately, this information constitutes a fundamental prerequisite to implement conservation management plans for ectothermic species identified as vulnerable in the warming climate.