bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age and gender difference in non-drafting ultra-endurance cycling performance - the ‘Swiss Cycling Marathon’
Authors: Zingg Matthias , Knechtle Beat , Rüst Christoph A , Rosemann Thomas , Lepers Romuald 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
In recent years, there was an increased interest in investigating the gender difference in performance and the age of peak performance in ultra-endurance performances such as ultra-triathlon, ultra-running, and ultra-swimming, but not in ultra-cycling. The aim of the present study was to analyze the gender difference in ultra-cycling performance and the age of peak ultra-cycling performance in the 720-km ‘Swiss Cycling Marathon’, the largest European qualifier for the ‘Race Across America’.

Methods
Changes in the cycling speed and age of 985 finishers including 38 women and 947 men competing in the Swiss Cycling Marathon from 2001 to 2012 covering a distance of 720 km with a change of altitude of 4,993 m were analyzed using linear regression.

Results
The gender difference in performance was 13.6% for the fastest cyclists ever, 13.9% ± 0.5% for the three fastest cyclists ever and 19.1% ± 3.7% for the ten fastest cyclists ever. The gender difference in performance for the annual top three women and men decreased from 35.0% ± 9.5% in 2001 to 20.4% ± 7.7% in 2012 (r
2 = 0.72, p = 0.01). The annual top three women improved cycling speed from 20.3 ± 3.1 km h−1 in 2003 to 24.8 ± 2.4 km h−1 in 2012 (r
2 = 0.79, p < 0.01). The cycling speed of the annual top three men remained unchanged at 30.2 ± 0.6 km h−1 (p > 0.05). The age of peak performance for the ten fastest finishers ever was 35.9 ± 9.6 years for men and 38.7 ± 7.8 years for women, respectively (p = 0.47).

Conclusions
The gender difference in ultra-cycling performance decreased over the 2001 to 2012 period in the 720-km Swiss Cycling Marathon for the annual top three cyclists and reached approximately 14%. Both women and men achieved peak performance at the age of approximately 36 to 39 years. Women might close the gender gap in ultra-endurance cycling in longer cycling distances. Future studies need to investigate the gender difference in performance in the Race Across America, the longest nonstop and non-drafting ultra-cycling race in the world.
MatMRI and MatHIFU: software toolboxes for real-time monitoring and control of MR-guided HIFU
Authors: Zaporzan Benjamin , Waspe Adam C , Looi Thomas , Mougenot Charles , Partanen Ari , Pichardo Samuel 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The availability of open and versatile software tools is a key feature to facilitate pre-clinical research for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) and expedite clinical translation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications.
In the present study, two customizable software tools that were developed at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute are presented for use with both MRI and MR-HIFU. Both tools operate in a MATLAB®; environment. The first tool is named MatMRI and enables real-time, dynamic acquisition of MR images with a Philips MRI scanner. The second tool is named MatHIFU and enables the execution and dynamic modification of user-defined treatment protocols with the Philips Sonalleve MR-HIFU therapy system to perform ultrasound exposures in MR-HIFU therapy applications.

Methods
MatMRI requires four basic steps: initiate communication, subscribe to MRI data, query for new images, and unsubscribe. MatMRI can also pause/resume the imaging and perform real-time updates of the location and orientation of images. MatHIFU requires four basic steps: initiate communication, prepare treatment protocol, and execute treatment protocol. MatHIFU can monitor the state of execution and, if required, modify the protocol in real time.

Results
Four applications were developed to showcase the capabilities of MatMRI and MatHIFU to perform pre-clinical research. Firstly, MatMRI was integrated with an existing small animal MR-HIFU system (FUS Instruments, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) to provide real-time temperature measurements. Secondly, MatMRI was used to perform T2-based MR thermometry in the bone marrow. Thirdly, MatHIFU was used to automate acoustic hydrophone measurements on a per-element basis of the 256-element transducer of the Sonalleve system. Finally, MatMRI and MatHIFU were combined to produce and image a heating pattern that recreates the word ‘HIFU’ in a tissue-mimicking heating phantom.

Conclusions
MatMRI and MatHIFU leverage existing MRI and MR-HIFU clinical platforms to facilitate pre-clinical research. MatMRI substantially simplifies the real-time acquisition and processing of MR data. MatHIFU facilitates the testing and characterization of new therapy applications using the Philips Sonalleve clinical MR-HIFU system. Under coordination with Philips Healthcare, both MatMRI and MatHIFU are intended to be freely available as open-source software packages to other research groups.
Room temperature photo-induced, Eu3+-doped IGZO transparent thin films fabricated using sol–gel method
Authors: Krishnan Rajagopalan , Thirumalai Jagannathan , Chandramohan Rathinam 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Red-emitting Eu3+-doped indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) transparent thin films were fabricated using sol–gel method under UV (254-nm irradiation) in nitrogen atmosphere (inside the glove box) and thermally annealed at 500°C for 1 h. Structure, morphology, composition, and optical properties of the materials were examined using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence, respectively.
The efficacy of Ezetimibe added to ongoing Fibrate-Statin therapy on postprandial lipid profile in the patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sharifi Faranak , Hojeghani Nima , Mazloomzadeh Saeideh , Shajari Zahra 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Background
Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes mellitus can be followed by endothelial dysfunction, impaired vascular compliance and increased cardiovascular complications. So focus on better control of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia is as important as controlling fasting triglyceride level in type 2 DM.

Objective
We evaluated the effect of ezetimibe adding to fibrate or statin on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia.

Methods
In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 47 subjects with type 2 diabetes and hypertiglyceridemia were enrolled and divided in three treatment groups including Gemfibrozil 1200mg/d + placebo(group A), Ezetimibe10mg/d + Gemfibrozile 1200mg/d(group B) or Ezetimibe10mg/d + Atorvastatin10mg/d (group C) for a 6- week period. Oral fat loading test were performed in the initiation and also at the end of the study and lipid profile and APOB were measured.

Results
Fasting and postprandial serum triglyceride (TG) decreased significantly with all the three treatment groups with no difference between them in the percent of TG reduction. Although serum total cholesterol decreased significantly in all the three groups of treatment its reduction was more prominent in group C(−38.1% ± 11.2%in group C vs. -16.5% ± 19.6% and −7.2% ± 10.7% in groups B & A respectively, p < 0.0001 ). Fasting serum HDL increased significantly only by Gemfibrozil (23.4% ± 28.4% vs. 6.4% ± 18.9% and 1.8% ± 17.7%, p < 0.05 ). Fasting serum APOB was reduced only in ezetimibe containing groups (B &C).

Conclusion
Adding ezetimibe to gemfibrozil has no additional effect on reducing postprandial TG but ezetimibe can potentiate the effect of low-dose atorvastatin on lowering TG and LDL-c.
Human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells reduce renal fibrosis through induction of native and foreign hepatocyte growth factor synthesis in injured tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Du Tao , Zou Xiangyu , Cheng Jun , Wu Shuai , Zhong Liang , Ju Guanqun , Zhu Jiang , Liu Guohua , Zhu Yingjian , Xia Shujie 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Based on some well-documented reports, we attempted to clarify the antifibrotic mechanisms of human Wharton’s-jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ-MSCs) from the perspective of induction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression in tubular epithelial cells (TECs).

Methods
A rat model of acute kidney injury (AKI) was established through unilateral renal ischemia for 1 hour. Two days later, a single intravenous cell or vehicle injection, or contralateral nephrectomy, was performed. Rats were sacrificed at 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, or 6 weeks after the intervention. Renal fibrosis was evaluated by Masson trichrome staining and Sircol collagen assay. The upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) versus E-cadherin expression was adopted as an indicator of tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Gene and protein expression of HGF or transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. HGF expression in TECs was detected with immunostaining. In vitro, rat TECs subjected to hypoxia injury were incubated with or without conditioned medium (CM) from WJ-MSCs for 1, 3, 24, or 48 hours. Rat or human HGF synthesis in TECs was assessed with immunostaining, RT-PCR, or ELISA.

Results
Cell delivery or nephrectomy led to abrogation of renal scarring. At the incipient period of AKI, through induction of HGF expression, either of them remarkably promoted the upregulation of HGF versus TGF-β1 expression in damaged kidney. Rat TECs were not only the principal cells expressing HGF but also exhibited human HGF expression after cell infusion. During fibrogenesis, the downregulation of HGF versus TGF-β1 expression was greatly prevented by WJ-MSCs or kidney removal, thereby resulting in tubular EMT delay. In vitro, after 24 or 48 hours of incubation, CM not only robustly induced the upregulation of rat HGF gene expression in TECs but substantially amplified the release of rat HGF. Under the induction of CM, human HGF mRNA and protein were detected in rat TECs.

Conclusions
WJ-MSCs contribute to tubular EMT delay and the alleviation of renal fibrosis. Induction of native and foreign HGF synthesis in damaged TECs at the initial stage of AKI leads to recovery of the disturbed balance of HGF/TGF-β1 during scar formation, being one of the vital mechanisms.
Minimal Residual Disease Assessed by Multiparameter Flow Cytometry in Multiple Myeloma: Impact on Outcome in the Medical Research Council Myeloma IX Study
Authors: Rawstron Andy C. , Child J. Anthony , de Tute Ruth M. , Davies Faith E. , Gregory Walter M. , Bell Sue E. , Szubert Alexander J. , Navarro-Coy Nuria , Drayson Mark T. , Feyler Sylvia , Ross Fiona M. , Cook Gordon , Jackson Graham H. , Morgan Gareth J. , Owen Roger G. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose To investigate the prognostic value of minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in patients with multiple myeloma treated in the MRC (Medical Research Council) Myeloma IX trial. Patients and Methods Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) was used to assess MRD after induction therapy (n = 378) and at day 100 after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT; n = 397) in intensive-pathway patients and at the end of induction therapy in non–intensive-pathway patients (n = 245). Results In intensive-pathway patients, absence of MRD at day 100 after ASCT was highly predictive of a favorable outcome (PFS, P < .001; OS, P = .0183). This outcome advantage was demonstrable in patients with favorable and adverse cytogenetics (PFS, P = .014 and P < .001, respectively) and in patients achieving immunofixation-negative complete response (CR; PFS, P = .0068). The effect of maintenance thalidomide was assessed, with the shortest PFS demonstrable in those MRD-positive patients who did not receive maintenance and longest in those who were MRD negative and did receive thalidomide (P < .001). Further analysis demonstrated that 28% of MRD-positive patients who received maintenance thalidomide became MRD negative. MRD assessment after induction therapy in the non–intensive-pathway patients did not seem to be predictive of outcome (PFS, P = .1). Conclusion MRD assessment by MFC was predictive of overall outcome in patients with myeloma undergoing ASCT. This predictive value was seen in patients achieving conventional CR as well as patients with favorable and adverse cytogenetics. The effects of maintenance strategies can also be evaluated, and our data suggest that maintenance thalidomide can eradicate MRD in some patients.
Randomized Phase II Study of the Anti–Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibody Cetuximab With Cisplatin Versus Cisplatin Alone in Patients With Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Baselga José , Gómez Patricia , Greil Richard , Braga Sofia , Climent Miguel A. , Wardley Andrew M. , Kaufman Bella , Stemmer Salomon M. , Pêgo António , Chan Arlene , Goeminne Jean-Charles , Graas Marie-Pascale , Kennedy M. John , Ciruelos Gil Eva Maria , Schneeweiss Andreas , Zubel Angela , Groos Jutta , Melezínková Helena , Awada Ahmad 
Published: June 2013

Purpose Epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in metastatic triple-negative breast cancers (mTNBCs), an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Our randomized phase II study investigated cisplatin with or without cetuximab in this setting. Patients and Methods Patients who had received no more than one previous chemotherapy regimen were randomly assigned on a 2:1 schedule to receive no more than six cycles of cisplatin plus cetuximab or cisplatin alone. Patients receiving cisplatin alone could switch to cisplatin plus cetuximab or cetuximab alone on disease progression. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary end points studied included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety profiles. Analyses included a significance level of α = .10 with no adjustments for multiplicity. Results The full analysis set comprised 115 patients receiving cisplatin plus cetuximab and 58 receiving cisplatin alone; 31 patients whose disease progressed on cisplatin alone switched to cetuximab-containing therapy. The ORR was 20% (95% CI, 13 to 29) with cisplatin plus cetuximab and 10% (95% CI, 4 to 21) with cisplatin alone (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 0.81 to 5.59; P = .11). Cisplatin plus cetuximab resulted in longer PFS compared with cisplatin alone (median, 3.7 v 1.5 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.97; P = .032). Corresponding median OS was 12.9 versus 9.4 months (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.20; P = .31). Common grade 3/4 adverse events included acne-like rash, neutropenia, and fatigue. Conclusion While the primary study end point was not met, adding cetuximab to cisplatin doubled the ORR and appeared to prolong PFS and OS, warranting further investigation in mTNBC.
Type I and II Endometrial Cancers: Have They Different Risk Factors?
Authors: Setiawan Veronica Wendy , Yang Hannah P. , Pike Malcolm C. , McCann Susan E. , Yu Herbert , Xiang Yong-Bing , Wolk Alicja , Wentzensen Nicolas , Weiss Noel S. , Webb Penelope M. , van den Brandt Piet A. , van de Vijver Koen , Thompson Pamela J. ,   The Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study Group, Strom Brian L. , Spurdle Amanda B. , Soslow Robert A. , Shu Xiao-ou , Schairer Catherine , Sacerdote Carlotta , Rohan Thomas E. , Robien Kim , Risch Harvey A. , Ricceri Fulvio , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Rastogi Radhai , Prescott Jennifer , Polidoro Silvia , Park Yikyung , Olson Sara H. , Moysich Kirsten B. , Miller Anthony B. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Matsuno Rayna K. , Magliocco Anthony M. , Lurie Galina , Lu Lingeng , Lissowska Jolanta , Liang Xiaolin , Lacey James V. , Kolonel Laurence N. , Henderson Brian E. , Hankinson Susan E. , Håkansson Niclas , Goodman Marc T. , Gaudet Mia M. , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Friedenreich Christine M. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Doherty Jennifer , De Vivo Immaculata , Courneya Kerry S. , Cook Linda S. , Chen Chu , Cerhan James R. , Cai Hui , Brinton Louise A. , Bernstein Leslie , Anderson Kristin E. , Anton-Culver Hoda , Schouten Leo J. , Horn-Ross Pamela L. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose Endometrial cancers have long been divided into estrogen-dependent type I and the less common clinically aggressive estrogen-independent type II. Little is known about risk factors for type II tumors because most studies lack sufficient cases to study these much less common tumors separately. We examined whether so-called classical endometrial cancer risk factors also influence the risk of type II tumors. Patients and Methods Individual-level data from 10 cohort and 14 case-control studies from the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium were pooled. A total of 14,069 endometrial cancer cases and 35,312 controls were included. We classified endometrioid (n = 7,246), adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (n = 4,830), and adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation (n = 777) as type I tumors and serous (n = 508) and mixed cell (n = 346) as type II tumors. Results Parity, oral contraceptive use, cigarette smoking, age at menarche, and diabetes were associated with type I and type II tumors to similar extents. Body mass index, however, had a greater effect on type I tumors than on type II tumors: odds ratio (OR) per 2 kg/m2 increase was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.21) for type I and 1.12 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.14) for type II tumors (Pheterogeneity < .0001). Risk factor patterns for high-grade endometrioid tumors and type II tumors were similar. Conclusion The results of this pooled analysis suggest that the two endometrial cancer types share many common etiologic factors. The etiology of type II tumors may, therefore, not be completely estrogen independent, as previously believed.
Photocatalytic Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Room-temperature Sinterable Silver Nanoparticle Ink with Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) Ligand
Authors: Lee Mi Yeon , Lee Jung Yup , Lee Won Jin , Kim So Yeon , Park Young Ho , Mosaiab Tamim , Park Sung Young , In Insik 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Highly conductive silver (Ag) film on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate was prepared by using room-temperature sinterable silver nanoparticle (AgNP) ink having TiO2 nanoparticles as photodecomposition catalysts. AgNP-40T ink having TiO2 nanoparticles (1 wt %) successfully produced Ag film with a conductivity up to 5.2% of that of bulk silver, after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for 1 h. The photodecomposition of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) ligands by TiO2 during UV irradiation might contribute to facile room-temperature sintering of AgNP-40T ink.
Fabrication of Step-edge-decorated Graphite Electrodes with Platinum and Their Electrocatalytic Activities
Authors: Miyazaki Kohei , Fukutsuka Tomokazu , Abe Takeshi , Ogumi Zempachi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Step-edge-decorated graphite electrodes with Pt nanoparticles were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and the impacts of the morphological change of Pt nanoparticles on the electrocatalytic activities were investigated. Primary Pt particles (about 5 nm in diameter) were formed by PLD and were aggregated along the step-edge lines of highly oriented pyrolytic graphites (HOPGs). An increase in the temperature of the HOPG substrate leaded to the diffusion of Pt particles along the step-edge lines of HOPG and resulted in the agglomeration of Pt particles (100–150 nm in diameter). As for methanol oxidation, it is found that the agglomerated Pt particles exhibited higher catalytic activities than small Pt nanoparticles on HOPGs.
Low-temperature-sintered Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Using Surface Treatment of TiO2 Photoelectrode with Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Zen Shungo , Saito Daiki , Ono Ryo , Oda Tetsuji 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) require the sintering of TiO2 paste at 450–550 °C in their manufacture. However, high-temperature sintering is disadvantageous because it limits the use of materials that cannot withstand high temperatures. We have developed a new technique for reducing the sintering temperature through ultraviolet (UV) treatment of the TiO2 photoelectrode. The UV treatment enables the sintering temperature to be reduced 250 °C while maintaining the energy conversion efficiency.
PEO-b-PPO Diblock Copolymers for the Preparation of 2D Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica Films with Extremely Large Structural Periods
Authors: Takahashi Masahiko , Kubo Wataru , Miyata Hirokatsu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Use of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide) (PEO-b-PPO) diblock copolymers with appropriate block ratios effectively increases the structural period of the mesoporous silica films with a two-dimensional hexagonal structure, which are prepared by the evaporation-induced self-assembly process. The number of the hydrophobic PPO block can control the periodicity over a wide range, which reaches even ca. 20 nm.
Cesium Ion Uptake by Synthetic K-birnessite K0.30(Mn4+0.90Mn3+0.030.07)O2·0.50H2O
Authors: Chitrakar Ramesh , Makita Yoji , Sonoda Akinari 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The ion-exchange properties of layered manganese oxide (K-birnessite) synthesized by decomposition of KMnO4 at 600 °C were examined. The material showed Cs+ uptake of 1.3 mmol g−1 at pH 2–4 and 1.0 mmol g−1 at pH 10. The distribution coefficients (Kd) of cations showed that the material is effective for Cs+ uptake in the solution (pH 1.7, pH 10) containing 0.1 mmol dm−3 of Na+, K+, Cs+, Mg2+, and Ca2+.
Preparation, Properties, and X-ray Structures of Bis(10-methyl-9-methyleneacridan)-type Electron Donors with a Thiophene, Bithiophene, or Terthiophene Skeleton: Redox Switching of Thiophene–Thienoquinoid Structure Accompanied by UV–vis–NIR Electrochromic Response
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Hoshiyama Yuuki , Wada Kazuhisa , Ishigaki Yusuke , Miura Youhei , Kawai Hidetoshi , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Fukushima Takanori 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The newly designed title dyes 1–3 have a thiophene-type π-skeleton, to which two methyleneacridan subunits are attached as electron-donating end groups. They undergo reversible one-wave 2e-oxidation to the corresponding dications containing a thienoquinoid moiety. The redox and spectral properties can be modified by changing the π-skeleton, and bithiophene 2 and terthiophene 3 can serve as new entries of UV–vis–NIR electrochromic materials.
Computerized Memory Training Leads to Sustained Improvement in Visuospatial Short-Term Memory Skills in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Bennett Stephanie J. , Holmes Joni , Buckley Sue 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of a computerized visuospatial memory training intervention on the memory and behavioral skills of children with Down syndrome. Teaching assistants were trained to support the delivery of a computerized intervention program to individual children over a 10–16 week period in school. Twenty-one children aged 7–12 years with Down syndrome were randomly allocated to either an intervention or waiting list control group. Following training, performance on trained and non-trained visuospatial short-term memory tasks was significantly enhanced for children in the intervention group. This improvement was sustained four months later. These results suggest that computerized visuospatial memory training in a school setting is both feasible and effective for children with Down syndrome.