bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Race disparities attributed to volumetric tumor burden in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad M. , Romesser Paul B. , Ajani Abdallah , Kachnic Lisa A. , Jalisi Scharukh , Truong Minh Tam 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate how gross tumor volume (GTV) affects treatment outcome among different race/ethnic groups in patients with head and neck cancer receiving definitive radiotherapy (RT).MethodsNinety‐one patients with head and neck cancer were treated to a median RT dose of 69.96 Gy in 33 fractions. The patient's self‐reported race/ethnicity, primary tumor, and nodal GTV were obtained. Two‐year actuarial local, nodal, and distant control, and overall and disease‐free survival were calculated.ResultsThe patients were categorized as white (n = 43) or non‐white (n = 48), which included 29 African Americans, 11 Hispanics, 5 Asians, and 3 others. The mean primary GTV was 21.0 cc and 39.9 cc for whites and non‐whites, respectively (p = .011). White patients reported improved overall survival of 85.4% compared to non‐whites (65.8%; p = .006). Improvements in local and nodal control and disease‐free survival rates were also observed.ConclusionWhite patients demonstrated improved treatment outcomes compared with non‐whites, which may be reflective of tumor volume. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 126–134, 2016
Porous PLGA microspheres tailored for dual delivery of biomolecules via layer‐by‐layer assembly
Authors: Go Dewi P. , Palmer Jason A. , Mitchell Geraldine M. , Gras Sally L. , O'Connor Andrea J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTissue engineering is a complex and dynamic process that requires varied biomolecular cues to promote optimal tissue growth. Consequently, the development of delivery systems capable of sequestering more than one biomolecule with controllable release profiles is a key step in the advancement of this field. This study develops multilayered polyelectrolyte films incorporating alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), an anti‐inflammatory molecule, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The layers were successfully formed on macroporous poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid microspheres produced using a combined inkjet and thermally induced phase separation technique. Release profiles could be varied by altering layer properties including the number of layers and concentrations of layering molecules. α‐MSH and bFGF were released in a sustained manner and the bioactivity of α‐MSH was shown to be preserved using an activated macrophage cell assay in vitro. The system performance was also tested in vivo subcutaneously in rats. The multilayered microspheres reduced the inflammatory response induced by a carrageenan stimulus 6 weeks after implantation compared to the non‐layered microspheres without the anti‐inflammatory and growth factors, demonstrating the potential of such multilayered constructs for the controlled delivery of bioactive molecules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1849–1863, 2015.
Role of integrin α2β1 in mediating osteoblastic differentiation on three‐dimensional titanium scaffolds with submicron‐scale texture
Authors: Wang Xiaokun , Schwartz Zvi , Gittens Rolando A. , Cheng Alice , Olivares‐Navarrete Rene , Chen Haifeng , Boyan Barbara D. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHierarchical surface roughness of titanium and titanium alloy implants plays an important role in osseointegration. In vitro and in vivo studies show greater osteoblast differentiation and bone formation when implants have submicron‐scale textured surfaces. In this study, we tested the potential benefit of combining a submicron‐scale textured surface with three‐dimensional (3D) structure on osteoblast differentiation and the involvement of an integrin‐driven mechanism. 3D titanium scaffolds were made using orderly oriented titanium meshes and microroughness was added to the wire surface by acid‐etching. MG63 and human osteoblasts were seeded on 3D scaffolds and 2D surfaces with or without acid etching. At confluence, increased osteocalcin, vascular endothelial growth factor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were observed in MG63 and human osteoblasts on 3D scaffolds in comparison to 2D surfaces at the protein level, indicating enhanced osteoblast differentiation. To further investigate the mechanism of osteoblast‐3D scaffold interaction, the role of integrin α2β1 was examined. The results showed β1 and α2β1 integrin silencing abolished the increase in osteoblastic differentiation markers on 3D scaffolds. Time course studies showed osteoblasts matured faster in the 3D environment in the early stage of culture, while as cells proliferated, the maturation slowed down to a comparative level as 2D surfaces. After 12 days of postconfluent culture, osteoblasts on 3D scaffolds showed a second‐phase increase in ALP activity. This study shows that osteoblastic differentiation is improved on 3D scaffolds with submicron‐scale texture and is mediated by integrin α2β1. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1907–1918, 2015.
Effect of particle size on osteoinductive potential of microstructured biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic
Authors: Wang Liao , Barbieri Davide , Zhou Hongyu , de Bruijn Joost D. , Bao Chongyun , Yuan Huipin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMaterial factors such as chemistry, surface microstructure and geometry have shown their influence on osteoinduction of calcium phosphate ceramics. Hereby we report that osteoinduction of a micro‐structured biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (BCP) has a relation with the particle sizes. BCP particles with the size of 212–300 µm, 106–212 µm, 45–106 µm, and smaller than 45 µm were prepared and implanted in paraspinal muscle of dogs for 12 weeks. Histological evaluation of the explants showed abundant bone in all samples with particle size of 212–300 µm, 106–212 µm, and 45–106 µm, while no bone was seen in any sample having particle size smaller than 45 µm. Bone was formed as early as 3 weeks after implantation in implants having BCP particles bigger than 45 µm and the volume of the formed bone was similar among the implants with particles larger than 45 µm after 12 weeks implantation. The results herein show that a size limitation of microstructured calcium phosphate ceramic particles for osteoinduction. It is most likely that the particle size affect inductive bone formation via macroporous structures for body fluid infiltration, cell/tissue ingrowth and angiogenesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1919–1929, 2015.
Nurse practitioner and physician assistant scope of practice in 118 acute care hospitals
Authors: Kartha Anand , Restuccia Joseph D. , Burgess James F. , Benzer Justin , Glasgow Justin , Hockenberry Jason , Mohr David C. , Kaboli Peter J. 
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUNDAdvanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are cost‐effective substitutes for physicians, with similar outcomes in primary care and surgery. However, little is understood about APP roles in inpatient medicine.OBJECTIVEDescribe APPs role in inpatient medicine.DESIGNObservational cross‐sectional cohort study.SETTINGOne hundred twenty‐four Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals.PARTICIPANTSChiefs of medicine (COMs) and nurse managers.MEASUREMENTSSurveys included inpatient medicine scope of practice for APPs and perceived healthcare quality. We conducted bivariate unadjusted and multivariable adjusted analyses.RESULTSOne hundred eighteen COMs (95.2%) and 198 nurse managers (75.0%) completed surveys. Of 118 medicine services, 56 (47.5%) employed APPs; 27 (48.2%) used NPs only, 15 (26.8%) PAs only, and 14 (25.0%) used both. Full‐time equivalents for NPs was 0.5 to 7 (mean = 2.22) and PAs was 1 to 9 (mean = 2.23). Daily caseload was similar at 4 to 10 patients (mean = 6.5 patients). There were few significant differences between tasks. The presence of APPs was not associated with patient or nurse manager satisfaction. Presence of NPs was associated with greater overall inpatient and discharge coordination ratings by COMs and nurse managers, respectively; the presence of PAs was associated with lower overall inpatient coordination ratings by nurse managers.CONCLUSIONSNPs and PAs work on half of VHA inpatient medicine services with broad, yet similar, scopes of practice. There were few differences between their roles and perceptions of care. Given their very different background, regulation, and reimbursement, this has implications for inpatient medicine services that plan to hire NPs or PAs. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:615–620. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Posidonia oceanica (L.) based compost as substrate for potted basil production
Authors: Mininni Carlo , Grassi Francesco , Traversa Andreina , Cocozza Claudio , Parente Angelo , Miano Teodoro , Santamaria Pietro 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDPeat is the main component of growing media but is also a non‐renewable resource; therefore European policy strongly encourages the use of peat alternatives such as compost. Posidonia is a Mediterranean seagrass that produces very conspicuous onshore deposits that can be composted. In this study, a commercial green compost and a Posidonia residue‐based compost were tested in order to assess their potential use as substitutes or complements to peat.RESULTSAll macro and micro‐element concentrations of the substrates were positively and significantly related to the percentage of composts in the growing media. Plant grown on peat showed higher content of P, Ca, K, Na, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe, and a slightly higher biomass production in comparison to compost‐based growing media. In contrast, plants grown on compost‐based substrates showed lower uptake of Cd and Cr than peat.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that both composts can be used as a complement to the peat for substrate preparation, especially at a rate of 30%. The Posidonia‐based compost showed better productive results in comparison to the green one. Basil grown on the two compost‐based media showed reduced absorption level of potentially toxic metals in comparison to peat. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Photo‐Induced Anomalous Deformation of Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide) Gel Hybridized with an Inorganic Nanosheet Liquid Crystal Aligned by Electric Field
Authors: Inadomi Takumi , Ikeda Shogo , Okumura Yasushi , Kikuchi Hirotsugu , Miyamoto Nobuyoshi 
Published: September 2014

Poly‐(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) hydrogel films doped with uniaxially aligned liquid crystalline (LC) nanosheets adsorbed with a dye are synthesized and its anomalous photothermal deformation is demonstrated. The alignment of the nanosheet LC at the cm‐scale is easily achieved by the application of an in‐plane or out‐of‐plane AC electric field during photo‐polymerization. A photoresponsive pattern is printable onto the gel with μm‐scale resolution by adsorption of the dye through a pattern‐holed silicone rubber. When the gel is irradiated with light, only the colored part is photothermally deformed. Interestingly, the photo‐irradiated gel shows temporal expansion along one direction followed by anisotropic shrinkage, which is an anomalous behavior for a conventional PNIPA gel.
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Subthalamic nucleus‐deep brain stimulation for early motor complications in Parkinson's disease—the EARLYSTIM trial: Early is not always better
Authors: Mestre Tiago A. , Espay Alberto J. , Marras Connie , Eckman Mark H. , Pollak Pierre , Lang Anthony E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSubthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) has revolutionized the management of disabling motor complications in Parkinson's disease. The EARLYSTIM trial applied this treatment to patients who had been experiencing motor complications for less than three years. STN‐DBS significantly improved all primary and secondary outcome measures while best medical therapy failed to provide any improvement at the two‐year follow‐up time point. On face value these results strongly favor the application of STN‐DBS far earlier than is currently applied, when patients are just beginning to experience problems with motor complications. Here we review the application of early DBS and the EARLYSTIM trial from the perspectives of clinical issues, health economics and study design and patient expectation of benefit. We conclude that the most relevant issue is not when to operate but on whom and that early is not always better. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A primer on the fundamental principles of light microscopy: Optimizing magnification, resolution, and contrast
Authors: Goodwin Paul C. 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYThe light microscope is an indispensable tool in the study of living organisms. Most biologists are familiar with microscopes, perhaps being first introduced to the wonders of the world of small things at a very early age. Yet, few fully comprehend the nature of microscopy and the basis of its utility. This review (re)‐introduces the concepts of magnification, resolution, and contrast, and explores how they are intimately related and necessary for effective microscopy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 502–507, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing tumor cytoarchitecture using multiecho DSC‐MRI derived measures of the transverse relaxivity at tracer equilibrium (TRATE)
Authors: Semmineh Natenael B. , Xu Junzhong , Skinner Jack T. , Xie Jingping , Li Hua , Ayers Gregory , Quarles C. Chad 
Published: September 2014

PurposeIn brain tumor dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)‐MRI studies, multiecho acquisition methods are used to quantify the dynamic changes in T1 and T2* that occur when contrast agent (CA) extravasates. Such methods also enable the estimation of the effective tissue CA transverse relaxivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the transverse relaxivity at tracer equilibrium (TRATE) to tumor cytoarchitecture.MethodsComputational and in vitro studies were used to evaluate the biophysical basis of TRATE. In 9L, C6, and human brain tumors, TRATE, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the CA transfer constant (Ktrans), the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (ve), and histological data were compared.ResultsSimulations and in vitro results indicate that TRATE is highly sensitive to variations in cellular properties such as cell size and density. The histologic cell density and TRATE values were significantly higher in 9L tumors as compared to C6 tumors. In animal and human tumors, a voxel‐wise comparison of TRATE with ADC, ve, and Ktrans maps showed low spatial correlation.ConclusionThe assessment of TRATE is clinically feasible and its sensitivity to tissue cytoarchitectural features not present in other imaging methods indicate that it could potentially serve as a unique structural signature or “trait” of cancer. Magn Reson Med 74:772–784, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of myocardial blood flow using non–ECG‐triggered MR imaging
Authors: Chen David , Sharif Behzad , Dharmakumar Rohan , Thomson Louise E.J. , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Berman Daniel S. , Li Debiao 
Published: September 2014

PurposeMR myocardial perfusion imaging is dependent on reliable electrocardiogram (ECG) triggering for accurate measurement of myocardial blood flow (MBF). A non–ECG‐triggered method for quantitative first‐pass imaging may improve clinical feasibility in patients with poor ECG signal. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a non–ECG‐triggered method for myocardial perfusion imaging in a single slice.MethodsThe proposed non–ECG‐triggered technique uses a saturation‐recovery magnetization preparation and golden‐angle radial acquisition for integrated arterial input function (AIF) measurement. Image based self‐gating with a temporal resolution of 42.6 ms is used to generate a first‐pass image series with consistent cardiac phase. The AIF is measured using beat‐by‐beat T1 estimation of the ventricular blood pool. The proposed technique was performed on 14 healthy volunteers and compared against a conventional ECG‐triggered dual‐bolus acquisition.ResultsThe proposed method produced MBF with no significant difference compared with ECG‐triggered technique (mean of 0.63 ± 0.22 mL/min/g to 0.73 ± 0.21 mL/min/g).ConclusionWe have developed a non–ECG‐triggered perfusion imaging method with T1 based measurement of the AIF in a single slice. In this preliminary study, our results demonstrate that MBF measured using the proposed method is comparable to the conventional ECG‐triggered method. Magn Reson Med 74:765–771, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Best practices in noncommercial radio fundraising: a practitioner perspective
Authors: Bentley Joshua M. 
Published: September 2014

This study uses in‐depth qualitative interviews with radio professionals in the United States to identify best practices for noncommercial radio fundraising. Most noncommercial stations use on‐air pledge drives to solicit donations from listeners, and this is a major source of revenue for these stations. The interview data are analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings indicate that radio professionals use a variety of fundraising appeals to reach listeners with different motivations for donating. These fundraising appeals have three dimensions: altruism/self‐interest, rational/emotional, and reinforcement/trigger. The data also indicate that noncommercial stations try to foster relationships with their listeners and donors. These relationships are managed through direct communication and through mass communication, which produces parasocial interaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal mandibular growth and diagnosis of micrognathia at prenatal MRI
Authors: Nemec Ursula , Nemec Stefan F. , Brugger Peter C. , Weber Michael , Bartsch Bernhard , Bettelheim Dieter , Gruber Michael , Prayer Daniela 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this article is to present reference data for fetal mandibular growth on magnetic resonance imaging, enabling the diagnosis of micrognathia.MethodsRetrospectively, on 355 magnetic resonance scans of apparently facially normal fetuses [gestational age (GA), 20–36 weeks], mandibular anterior–posterior diameter (APD = mandibular size), inferior facial angle (IFA = mandibular position), and jaw index (APD normalized to biparietal diameter) were correlated with GA by Pearson correlation. APD–age relationship was modeled. A receding chin was subjectively determined. Ten fetuses with mandibular anomalies were compared with normal fetuses.ResultsFor GA, APD showed high correlation (r = 0.850;P < 0.001), IFA (r = 0.086;P = 0.119) no correlation, and jaw index (r = −0.139;P = 0.018) weak correlation. APD–age relationship was expressed by the following: APD = 0.281 + 0.989 * GA (r2 = 0.723). A receding chin was identified in 7/10 abnormal fetuses. APD, IFA, and jaw index of abnormal and normal fetuses were significantly different (P < 0.001). In 10/10 abnormal fetuses, IFA was <50.0°; in 7/10, jaw index was less than the fifth percentile (micrognathia); in 3/10, jaw index was at low normal range (retrognathia).ConclusionsSubjective identification of micrognathia may be limited. Reference data provide quantitative evaluation of mandibular size and position. An IFA <50° reflects micrognathia or retrognathia; a jaw index less than the fifth percentile suggests micrognathia. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Derivation of the σ‐w relationship for SFRC from prism bending tests
Authors: Amin Ali , Foster Stephen J. , Muttoni Aurelio 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe material characterization of steel fibre‐reinforced concrete (SFRC), which is required for its implementation in design codes, should be based on nominal properties that describe its post‐cracking strength in tension. In the case of brittle and quasi‐brittle materials, such as concrete, the tensile parameters are often derived indirectly. However, for materials with more ductility, such as SFRC, there is conjecture as to whether or not an indirect measure may be used to establish the stress versus crack opening displacement relationship, such as the use of a three‐ or four‐point prism test combined with an inverse analysis. In this paper a simple and efficient inverse analysis technique is developed and shown to compare well with data obtained from direct tension tests. Furthermore, the methodology proposed by the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 has been investigated and recommendations made to improve its accuracy.
Attributions of consciousness
Authors: Sytsma Justin 
Published: September 2014

Many philosophers and brain scientists hold that explaining consciousness is one of the major outstanding problems facing modern science today. One type of consciousness in particular—phenomenal consciousness—is thought to be especially problematic. The reasons given for believing that this phenomenon exists in the first place, however, often hinge on the claim that its existence is simply obvious in ordinary perceptual experience. Such claims motivate the study of people's intuitions about consciousness. In recent years a number of researchers in experimental philosophy of mind have begun to shed light on this area, investigating how people understand and attribute those mental states that have been thought to be phenomenally conscious. In this article, we discuss the philosophical concept of phenomenal consciousness and detail the work that has been done on the question of whether lay people have this concept. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:635–648. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1320This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Consciousness
Influence of Anchoring on Miscarriage Risk Perception Associated with Amniocentesis
Authors: Nuccio Regina , Hashmi S. Shahrukh , Mastrobattista Joan , Noblin Sarah Jane , Refuerzo Jerrie , Smith Janice L. , Singletary Claire N. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOne factor women consider when deciding whether to pursue amniocentesis is the risk of miscarriage. People use mechanisms like anchoring, or the prior belief regarding the magnitude of risk, as a frame of reference for new information. This study aimed to determine a woman's perception of miscarriage risk associated with amniocentesis before and after genetic counseling and to determine what factors anchor a woman's perception of miscarriage risk. One hundred thirteen women being seen for prenatal genetic counseling and possible amniocentesis at six Houston clinics participated in the two‐part anonymous survey. While most women (56.7 %) perceived the risk as low or average pre‐counseling and indicated the numeric risk of amniocentesis as <1 %, significantly more patients (73 %) correctly identified the numeric risk as <1 % post‐counseling (p < 0.0001). However, the majority of patients’ qualitative risk perception did not change after the genetic counseling session (60 %). Those who changed their feeling about the risk after counseling showed a decreased perception of the risk (p < 0.0001). Participants who elected amniocentesis had a significantly lower perception of the risk (p = 0.017) whereas those who declined amniocentesis were more likely to view the risk as high (p = 0.004). The only two anchoring factors that had an effect were having a friend or relative with a personal or family history of a genetic disorder (p = 0.001) and having a child already (p = 0.038); both were associated with a lower risk perception. The lack of significant factors may reflect the uniqueness of each patient's risk assessment framework and reinforces the importance of genetic counseling to elucidate individual concerns, particularly as non‐invasive prenatal testing becomes more widely available and further complicates the prenatal testing landscape.