bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excellent local control with preoperative radiation therapy, surgical resection, and intra‐operative electron radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Stucky Chee‐Chee H. , Wasif Nabil , Ashman Jonathan B. , Pockaj Barbara A. , Gunderson Leonard L. , Gray Richard J. 
Published: February 2014

PurposeTo examine the value of surgical resection combined with preoperative external beam radiation therapy and intraoperative radiation therapy (Surg‐RT) for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS).MethodsReview of 63 consecutive patients with RPS from 1996 to 2011.ResultsThirty‐seven patients (59%) underwent Surg‐RT and 26 (41%) had surgery alone. 51% of tumors were high grade and 36% of patients had locally recurrent disease. Final margin status was: R0 73%, R1 16%, R2 6%, and unknown 5%. Of those with R0 resections, 67% received Surg‐RT. Median follow‐up was 45 months. The 5‐year local control rate was 89% for Surg‐RT patients and 46% for surgery alone patients (P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, Surg‐RT was the only variable associated with a lower risk of LR (HR 0.19; CI 0.05–0.69, P = 0.003). The actuarial 5‐year OS was 60% for patients receiving either Surg‐RT or surgery alone.ConclusionsThe combination of pre‐operative radiation, surgical resection, and intraoperative radiation produces excellent local disease control for RPS. Combination therapy was associated with improved local control but not with overall survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:798–803. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A monte carlo appraisal of plot and distance sampling for surveys of black grouse and rock ptarmigan populations in alpine protected areas
Authors: Franceschi Sara , Nelli Luca , Pisani Caterina , Franzoi Alessandro , Fattorini Lorenzo , Meriggi Alberto 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe used distance sampling to assess density and the detectability of male black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in 2 protected areas of the Italian Alps. Our sampling effort was not sufficient to provide reliable inference for monitoring projects. Therefore, we used our field results to structure a simulation study to compare the performance of plot‐based and distance sampling estimators of density. These 2 methods have different assumptions: plot sampling assumes a perfect detection of animals within the surveyed plots, whereas distance sampling assumes a decrease in detectability as the distance between observer and animal increases. The density and the detectability conditions adopted in the simulation were designed to be similar to those observed in our 2 studies, whereas the spatial patterns presumed for the simulated populations described a wide range of possible scenarios. Sampling points were allocated according to both random and stratified distributions. Simulation results showed that plot sampling underestimated density with bias invariably greater than 30% and confidence intervals with coverage lower than the nominal level of 95%. Conversely, distance sampling estimators provided bias levels invariably smaller than those obtained using plot sampling and bootstrap confidence intervals with empirical coverage near to or greater than 95%. Based on our simulations, the distance sampling estimator was superior to the plot sampling estimator for these grouse species on our study areas in terms of precision and accuracy and the stratified allocation was superior to the random allocation. However, distance sampling would be very costly to implement. Based on our simulations, 4–5 points per km2would be necessary to achieve reliable estimates of density and density changes. If distance sampling cannot be completed at this intensity, other sampling methods should be adopted. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Ex vivo laser thermoplasty of whole costal cartilages
Authors: Sviridov Alexander P. , Zakharkina Olga L. , Ignatieva Natalia Yu. , Vorobieva Natalia N. , Bagratashvili Nodar V. , Plyakin Vladimir A. , Kulik Innokentii O. , Sarukhanyan Oganes O. , Minaev Vladimir P. , Lunin Valerii V. , Bagratashvili Victor N. 
Published: February 2014

Background and ObjectiveTo examine the possibilities of laser thermoplasty of whole costal cartilages for correction the human congenital chest wall deformities.Study Design/Materials and MethodsEx vivo the samples of porcine costal cartilages were heated with lasers of differing wavelengths, including a 0.97‐μm diode laser, a 1.56‐μm erbium‐doped quartz fiber laser, and a 1.68‐μm fiber Raman laser. The dynamics of the temperature fields and the degradation of collagen in the laser‐affected regions of samples were determined by using, respectively, thermometry, trypsin treatment, and light microscopy. Ex vivo the whole mechanically deformed costal cartilages of pigs were treated by laser radiation with wavelength 1.68‐μm. The changes of cartilage shape were recorded at certain intervals over a 24‐hour period by photographing them in a fixed position with a digital camera.ResultsTreatment of costal cartilage samples from 5 to 11 mm in thickness by laser radiation with 0.97, 1.56, and 1.68 μm wavelengths showed that the 1.68‐μm radiation could produce the necessary nonuniform bulk heating of the exposed sample. The altered shape of costal cartilage proved to remain stable after treatment when the laser irradiation settings used provided for the heating of a broad region within the tissue to temperatures about 80°C.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the possibilities of laser thermoplasty of whole costal cartilages for treatment of human congenital chest wall deformities. The development of novel approaches based on laser cartilage engineering techniques will enable to treat the human congenital chest wall deformities. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:302–309, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of Oxygen Permeability in Acrylic‐Based Hydrogels by Proton NMR Spectroscopy and Imaging
Authors: Compañ Vicente , Mollá Sergio , Vallejos Saúl , García Félix , García José Miguel , Guzmán Julio , Garrido Leoncio 
Published: February 2014

Polymer network membranes with a high capacity for water absorption are obtained by radical polymerization ofN‐[2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]methacrylamide (HEEMAM). The permeability, solubility, and diffusion coefficients of oxygen in hydrogels are determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods based on the paramagnetic effect of dissolved oxygen gas on the proton spin‐lattice relaxation times of water, and the results are compared with those obtained with electrochemical procedures. The results of NMR measurements of oxygen transport coefficients in distilled water show excellent agreement with corresponding literature values. The results of the potentiostatic and NMR oxygen transport measurements in hydrogels are in reasonable agreement and support the viability of the NMR method.image
Poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐block‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Featuring a Furan Group at the Block Junction—Synthesis and Functionalization
Authors: Rudolph Tobias , Barthel Markus J. , Kretschmer Florian , Mansfeld Ulrich , Hoeppener Stephanie , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S. , Schacher Felix H. 
Published: February 2014

Furfuryl glycidyl ether (FGE) represents a highly versatile monomer for the preparation of reversibly cross‐linkable nanostructured materials via Diels–Alder reactions. Here, the use of FGE for the mid‐chain functionalization of a P2VP‐b‐PEO diblock copolymer is reported. The material features one furan moiety at the block junction, P2VP68‐FGE‐b‐PEO390, which can be subsequently addressed in Diels–Alder reactions using maleimide‐functionalized counterparts. The presence of the FGE moiety enables the introduction of dyes as model labels or the formation of hetero‐grafted brushes as shell on hybrid Au@Polymer nanoparticles. This renders P2VP68‐FGE‐b‐PEO390, a powerful tool for selective functionalization reactions, including the modification of surfaces.
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The source of the memory impairment in Parkinson's disease: Acquisition versus retrieval
Authors: Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , DeLuca John , Rusu Olga , Pena Javier , García‐Gorostiaga Inés , Ojeda Natalia 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTMemory deficits are common in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) even without the presence of a frank dementia. These memory deficits have traditionally been attributed to inability of patients to retrieve information from long‐term memory, referred to as the “retrieval failure hypothesis.” However, some studies additionally document problems in recognition memory, noted to be inconsistent with the retrieval failure hypothesis. Given the neuroanatomical abnormalities observed in the hippocampus of PD patients and the role of the hippocampus in learning new information, the current study was designed to specifically examine learning abilities in a nondemented PD sample through the application of a learning paradigm, the Open Trial Selective Reminding Test. We examined 27 patients with PD without dementia and 27 age‐, gender‐, and education‐matched healthy controls (HCs) with a neuropsychological test battery designed to assess new learning and memory. Results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of their ability to learn a list of 10 semantically related words. However, once the groups were equated on learning abilities, no significant difference was noted between the PD and HC participants in recall or recognition of the newly learned material. The memory deficit observed in nondemented PD patients is thus largely the result of a deficit in learning new information. This finding should be used to guide treatment for memory deficits in persons with PD, and future research should seek to identify novel means of improving new learning in this population. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Recruitment of mental health survey participants using Internet advertising: content, characteristics and cost effectiveness
Authors: Batterham Philip J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPostal and telephone survey research is threatened by declining response rates and high cost. Online recruitment is becoming more popular, although there is little empirical evidence about its cost‐effectiveness or the representativeness of online samples. There is also limited research on optimal strategies for developing advertising content for online recruitment. The present study aimed to assess these aspects of online recruitment. Two mental health surveys used advertisements within a social network website (Facebook) to recruit adult Australian participants. The initial survey used advertisements linking directly to an external survey website, and recruited 1283 participants at $9.82 per completed survey. A subsequent survey used advertisements linking to a Facebook page that featured links to the external survey, recruiting 610 participants at $1.51 per completion. Both surveys were more cost‐effective than similar postal surveys conducted previously, which averaged $19.10 per completion. Online and postal surveys both had somewhat unrepresentative samples. However, online surveys tended to be more successful in recruiting hard‐to‐reach populations. Advertising using “problem” terminology was more effective than “positive” terminology, while there was no significant effect of altruistic versus self‐gain terminology. Online recruitment is efficient, flexible and cost‐effective, suggesting that online recruitment has considerable potential for specific research designs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Olefin Polymerization Process Modeling: Multi‐Scale Approach and Modeling Guidelines for Micro‐Scale/Kinetic Modeling
Authors: Touloupidis Vasileios 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe scope of this work is to explain the multi‐scale polymerization process modeling framework, comprising of polymerization kinetics (micro‐scale), system thermodynamics (meso‐scale), and reactor performance (macro‐scale) as well as to present the methodology for developing a mathematical model for catalytic olefin polymerization. Guidelines for tuning the kinetic model parameters are proposed. This review aims to provide basic knowledge and understanding regarding catalytic olefin polymerization kinetics and offers the starter‐kit tools for developing similar works.
Restrictive lung involvement in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Scully Michele A. , Eichinger Katy J. , Donlin‐Smith Colleen M. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffery M. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Few studies have evaluated the frequency or predisposing factors for respiratory involvement in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) and type 2 (FSHD2). Methods: We performed a prospective cross‐sectional observational study of 61 genetically confirmed FSHD participants (53 FSHD1 and 8 FSHD2). Participants underwent bedside pulmonary function testing in sitting and supine positions, a standard clinical history and physical assessment, and manual muscle testing. Results: Restrictive respiratory involvement was suggested in 9.8% (95% confidence interval 2.4–17.3): 7.5% FSHD1 and 25.0% FSHD2 (P = 0.17). Participants with testing suggestive of restrictive lung involvement (n = 6) were more severely affected (P = 0.005), had weaker hip flexion (P = 0.0007), and were more likely to use a wheelchair (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Restrictive respiratory involvement should be considered in all moderate to severely affected FSHD patients with proximal lower extremity weakness. The higher frequency of restrictive lung disease in FSHD2 seen here requires confirmation in a larger cohort of FSHD2 patients. Muscle Nerve 50: 739–743, 2014
Improved immunoblotting methods provide critical insights into phenotypic differences between two murine dysferlinopathy models
Authors: Mueller Amber L. , Desmond Patrick F. , Hsia Ru‐ching , Roche Joseph A. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We adopted a proteomics‐based approach to gain insights into phenotypic differences between A/J and B10.SJL murine dysferlinopathy models. Methods: We optimized immunoblotting of dysferlin by preparing homogenates of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle under several different conditions. We compared TA muscles of control, A/J, and B10.SJL mice for levels of dysferlin; dysferlin's partners MG53, annexin‐A2, and caveolin‐3; and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker CHOP. We performed immunoelectron microscopy on control rat TA muscle to determine the precise location of dysferlin. Results: RIPA (radioimmunoprecipitation assay) buffer and sonication improves immunoblotting of dysferlin. The ER stress marker CHOP is elevated in A/J muscle. Dysferlin is localized mostly to membranes close to the Z‐disk that have been reported to be part of the Golgi, ER, and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) networks. Conclusions: ER stress might underlie phenotypic differences between A/J and B10.SJL mice and play a role in human dysferlinopathies. Muscle Nerve 50:286–289, 2014
Skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ryan Terence E. , Erickson Melissa L. , Verma Ajay , Chavez Juan , Rivner Michael H. , Mccully Kevin K. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction in the motor neuron has been suspected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). If mitochondrial abnormalities are also found in skeletal muscle, assessing skeletal muscle could serve as an important biomarker of disease progression. Methods: Using 31P magnetic resonance (31P‐MRS) and near infrared (NIRS) spectroscopy, we compared the absolute values and reproducibility of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in people with ALS (n = 6) and healthy adults (young, n = 7 and age‐matched, n = 4). Results: ALS patients had slower time constants for phosphocreatine (PCr) and muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2) compared with young, but not age‐matched controls. The coefficient of variation for the time constant was 10% (SD = 2.8%) and 17% (SD = 6.2%) for PCr and mVO2, respectively. Conclusions: People with ALS had, on average, a small but not statistically significant, impairment in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function measured by both 31P‐MRS and NIRS. Both methods demonstrated good reproducibility. Muscle Nerve 50: 767–774, 2014
New links between S‐acylation and cancer
Authors: Greaves Jennifer , Chamberlain Luke H 
Published: February 2014

AbstractS‐acylation (also known as palmitoylation) is a major post‐translational protein modification in all eukaryotic cells, involving the attachment of fatty acids onto cysteine residues. A variety of structural and signalling proteins are modified in this way, affecting their stability, membrane association and intracellular targeting. The enzymes that mediate S‐acylation are encoded by genes belonging to the large (> 20 genes) ZDHHC family. The importance of these enzymes for normal physiological function is highlighted by their links to a diverse range of disease states, including neurological disorders, such as Huntington's disease, schizophrenia and intellectual disability, and diabetes and cancer. The recent study by Yeste‐Velasco et al published in the Journal of Pathology highlights a novel tumour suppressor function for the zDHHC family: expression of zDHHC14 is decreased in testicular germ cell tumours, prostate cancer and a variety of other cancer types. This important finding further emphasizes the emerging clinical significance of the zDHHC family of S‐acylation enzymes. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
De‐escalation of therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma: Trade‐offs between quality of life and survival
Authors: Henrich Natalie , Marra Carlo A. , Gastonguay Louise , Mabbott Donald , Malkin David , Fryer Chris , Bouffet Eric , Taylor Michael D. , Hukin Juliette , Scantlebury Nadia , Lynd Larry 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundTreatment intensity for pediatric medulloblastoma may vary depending on the type of medulloblastoma. In some cases, the dose of radiation may be reduced or eliminated. Correspondingly, there may be trade‐offs between quality of life and survival. In this study, focus groups were conducted with parents and clinicians to explore their opinions about these trade‐offs as well as the alignment/misalignment between parents and clinicians regarding the trade‐offs.MethodsOne hour semi‐structured focus groups were conducted with parents of children with medulloblastoma and health care providers who were involved in the care of these children.ResultsParents and providers showed differences in which factors they believe have the greatest impact on quality of life for children with medulloblastoma and their families. For parents, the most important factor is social functioning and their child's ability to make friends and have a social life. In contrast, providers thought that parents cared most about their child's cognitive functioning and ability to attend and perform in school.ConclusionUnderstanding parents' perspectives on quality of life is important in terms of providing support services that target the areas that the parents prioritize. The types of functioning that are most strongly correlated with quality of life from the parents' perspective may be the ones that should be targeted to protect during treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1300–1304. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of hydroxyl‐terminated copolysiloxanes containing γ‐cyanopropyl groups
Authors: Hu Tao , Dai Lina , Gao Xiyin , Xie Jiang , Xie Wenchun , Xie Zemin , Zhang Zhijie 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA series of random copolysiloxanes (PCDMS) containing various amount of γ‐cyanopropyl groups are prepared by a new method under mild conditions. Structures of the synthesized polymers are fully characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 29Si NMR, and GPC. Rheological properties of PCDMS are tested by cone and plate rheometer, and thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Damping properties as well as fuel resistance of the cured PCDMS elastomers are also tested. The correlation between chemical structure, content of cyanopropyl group and properties are discussed. With the increasing amount of polar cyanopropyl group introduced, glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the synthesized PCDMS gradually increases from −121 to −65 °C, residual weight increases from 0 to 36% at 800°C, loss factor reaches as high as 1.74, mass increase under fuel immersion for 14 days can be as low as 3.6%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1408–1421
Interleukin‐18 may lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia via thrombospondin‐1 production in prostatic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Hamakawa Takashi , Sasaki Shoichi , Shibata Yasuhiro , Imura Makoto , Kubota Yasue , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Kohri Kenjiro 
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUNDAlthough inflammation plays an important role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), little is known about the exact mechanism underlying this pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the relationship between the inflammatory reaction and BPH.METHODScDNA microarray analysis was used to identify changes in inflammation‐related gene expression in a recently established rat model that mimics human BPH. To investigate the genes identified in the analysis, quantitative (q)RT‐PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, and a cell proliferation assay were conducted using BPH model tissues, human prostate tissues, and normal human prostate cultured cells.RESULTSOf the 31,100 genes identified in the cDNA analysis, seven inflammatory‐response‐related genes were expressed at a >2‐fold higher level in rat BPH tissues than in normal rat prostate tissues. The levels of the most commonly expressed pro‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐18, significantly increased in rat BPH tissues. In humans, IL‐18 was localized in the epithelial and stromal components, while its receptor was strongly localized in smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, in human prostate smooth muscle cell line (PrSMC), IL‐18 effected dose‐dependent increases in the phosphorylated Akt and thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) levels. TSP‐1 promoted proliferation of the human prostate stromal cells (PrSC).CONCLUSIONSIL‐18 may act directly in BPH pathogenesis by inducing TSP‐1 production in prostatic smooth muscle cells via Akt phosphorylation. Prostate 74:590–601, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Talin‐driven inside‐out activation mechanism of platelet αIIbβ3 integrin probed by multimicrosecond, all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Provasi Davide , Negri Ana , Coller Barry S. , Filizola Marta 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTPlatelet aggregation is the consequence of the binding of extracellular bivalent ligands such as fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor to the high affinity, active state of integrin αIIbβ3. This state is achieved through a so‐called “inside‐out” mechanism characterized by the membrane‐assisted formation of a complex between the F2 and F3 subdomains of intracellular protein talin and the integrin β3 tail. Here, we present the results of multi‐microsecond, all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations carried on the complete transmembrane (TM) and C‐terminal (CT) domains of αIIbβ3 integrin in an explicit lipid‐water environment, and in the presence or absence of the talin‐1 F2 and F3 subdomains. These large‐scale simulations provide unprecedented molecular‐level insights into the talin‐driven inside‐out activation of αIIbβ3 integrin. Specifically, they suggest a preferred conformation of the complete αIIbβ3 TM/CT domains in a lipid‐water environment, and testable hypotheses of key intermolecular interactions between αIIbβ3 integrin and the F2/F3 domains of talin‐1. Notably, not only do these simulations give support to a stable left‐handed reverse turn conformation of the αIIb juxtamembrane motif rather than a helical turn, but they raise the question as to whether TM helix separation is required for talin‐driven integrin activation. Proteins 2014; 82:3231–3240. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.