bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Phase I Study of Temsirolimus and Bryostatin-1 in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Plimack Elizabeth R. , Tan Tingting , Wong Yu-Ning , Mehren Margaret M. , Malizzia Lois , Roethke Susan K. , Litwin Samuel , Li Tianyu , Hudes Gary R. , Haas Naomi B. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Author Summary

Background.
Temsirolimus, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1, is approved for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Bryostatin-1 inhibits protein kinase C, a downstream effector of mTOR complex 2. We observed antitumor effects with the combination of temsirolimus and bryostatin-1 in RCC cell lines.

Methods.
Four cohorts of patients received weekly bryostatin-1 (20 μg/m2) with temsirolimus (10, 15, 25, or 37.5 mg) in 28-day cycles.

Results.
Thirty patients received a total of 138 cycles across four dose levels. Twenty-five patients had RCC (17 clear cell, 7 papillary, and 1 unclassified). Two sarcoma patients with prior cytotoxic therapy experienced dose-limiting toxicity at 15 mg of temsirolimus (grade 3 neutropenia and grade 3 hypophosphatemia). Subsequently, patients with prior cytotoxic therapy were excluded. Two additional dose-limiting toxicities were noted with 37.5 mg of temsirolimus (grade 3 neutropenia and grade 3 creatinine elevation). Consequently, the maximum tolerated dose was defined as temsirolimus at 25 mg and bryostatin-1 at 20 μg/m2 every 28 days. Of the 25 RCC patients, 3 patients had partial responses that lasted for 14 months, 28 months, and ≥80 months, respectively. Partial responses were seen in both clear cell and papillary histology.

Conclusion.
This combination of 37.5 mg of temsirolimus with 20 μg/m2 of bryostatin-1 was reasonably safe and well tolerated. Durable responses were observed in 3 of 25 patients with RCC.
An Open-Label Phase II Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Ramucirumab Combined With mFOLFOX-6 as First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Rivera Fernando , Maurel Joan , Ayoub Jean-Pierre M. , Moore Malcolm J. , Cervantes Andres , Asmis Timothy R. , Schwartz Jonathan D. , Nasroulah Federico , Ballal Shaila , Tabernero Josep 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Author Summary

Background.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) are believed to mediate angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Ramucirumab (RAM; IMC-1121B) is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGF ligand binding to VEGFR-2, inhibiting VEGFR-2 activation and signaling.

Methods.
Patients with metastatic CRC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1, and adequate organ function who had not received chemotherapy for metastatic disease received RAM and the modified FOLFOX-6 regimen every 2 weeks. Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, overall survival, and safety. The sample size was based on a potentially improved median PFS from 8 months to 11 months.

Results.
Forty-eight patients received therapy. Median PFS was 11.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.6–13.1 months). The objective response rate was 58.3% (95% CI: 43.21–72.39). The disease control rate (complete or partial response plus stable disease) was 93.8% (95% CI: 82.8–98.7). Median overall survival was 20.4 months (95% CI: 18.5–25.1 months). The most frequent grade 3–4 adverse events included neutropenia (grade 3: 33.3%; grade 4: 8.3%), hypertension (grade 3: 16.7%), and neuropathy (grade 3: 12.5%). Two patients died during the study due to myocardial infarction and cardiopulmonary arrest.

Conclusion.
RAM may enhance the efficacy of modified FOLFOX-6 chemotherapy with an acceptable safety profile in metastatic CRC.
Analysis of complex-valued functional magnetic resonance imaging data: are we just going through a “phase”?
Authors: Calhoun V.D. , Adali T. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data are acquired as a natively complex data set, however for various reasons the phase data is typically discarded. Over the past few years, interest in incorporating the phase information into the analyses has been growing and new methods for modeling and processing the data have been developed. In this paper, we provide an overview of approaches to understand the complex nature of fMRI data and to work with the utilizing the full information, both the magnitude and the phase. We discuss the challenges inherent in trying to utilize the phase data, and provide a selective review with emphasis on work in our group for developing biophysical models, preprocessing methods, and statistical analysis of the fully-complex data. Of special emphasis are the use of data-driven approaches, which are particularly useful as they enable us to identify interesting patterns in the complex-valued data without making strong assumptions about how these changes evolve over time, something which is challenging for magnitude data and even more so for the complex data. Finally, we provide our view of the current state of the art in this area and make suggestions for what is needed to make efficient use of the fully-complex fMRI data.
Trajectory tracking control with obstacle avoidance capability for unicycle-like mobile robot
Authors: Kowalczyk W. , Michałek M. , Kozłowski K. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this paper the trajectory tracking control algorithm with obstacle avoidance capability is presented. As a robot gets into a neighborhood of the obstacle, the collision avoidance behavior is turned on. It is implemented using the artificial potential function (APF) that increases to infinity as the robot approaches a boundary of the obstacle. This feature guarantees collision avoidance. As avoidance behavior is active only in the neighborhood of the obstacle it does not affect the motion when there is no risk of the collision. Authors show that trajectory of the robot converges to desired one when a robot is out of the APF area. Due to a local characteristic of the APF, the implementation of the algorithm of the robot that uses only on-board sensors is possible. The stability proof is presented for both a near obstacle and obstacle-free areas. Effectiveness of the algorithm is illustrated with experiments on a real robot in an environment with static circle-shaped obstacles.
PCA-based approximation of a class of distributed parameter systems: classical vs. neural network approach
Authors: Bartecki K. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this article, an approximation of the spatiotemporal response of a distributed parameter system (DPS) with the use of the principal component analysis (PCA) is considered. Based on a data obtained by the numerical solution of a set of partial differential equations, a PCA-based approximation procedure is performed. It consists in the projection of the original data into the subspace spanned by the eigenvectors of the data covariance matrix, corresponding to its highest eigenvalues. The presented approach is carried out using both the classical PCA method as well as two different neural network structures: two-layer feed-forward network with supervised learning (FF-PCA) and single-layer network with unsupervised, generalized Hebbian learning rule (GHA-PCA). In each case considered, the effect of the approximation model structure represented by the number of eigenvectors (or, in the neural case, units in the network projection layer) on the mean square approximation error of the spatiotemporal response and on the data compression ratio is analysed. As shown in the paper, the best approximation quality is obtained for the classical PCA method as well as for the FF-PCA neural approach. On the other hand, an adaptive learning method for the GHA-PCA network allows to use it in e.g. an on-line identification scheme.
Precision spectroscopy of cold strontium atoms, towards optical atomic clock
Authors: Bober M. , Zachorowski J. , Gawlik W. , Morzyński P. , Zawada M. , Lisak D. , Cygan A. , Bielska K. , Piwiński M. , Trawiński R.S. , Ciuryło R. , Ozimek F. , Radzewicz C. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This report concerns the experiment of precision spectroscopy of cold strontium atoms in the Polish National Laboratory of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics in Toruń. The system is composed of a Zeeman slower and magneto-optical traps (at 461 nm and 689 nm), a frequency comb, and a narrow-band laser locked to an ultra-stable optical cavity. All parts of the experiment are prepared and the first measurements of the absolute frequency of the 1S0-3P1, 689 nm optical transition in 88Sr atoms are performed.
Laser modification of the materials surface layer – a review paper
Authors: Kusinski J. , Kac S. , Kopia A. , Radziszewska A. , Rozmus-Górnikowska M. , Major B. , Major L. , Marczak J. , Lisiecki A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The state of laser processing in surface materials modification in Poland is reported, based on own experience, coworkers and coauthors results, as well the literature review. The curriculum concerning historical development of lasers and laser technology in Poland, laser-matter interaction, as well basis of different laser techniques applied in materials surface engineering (solid state hardening, melting, alloying, cladding, ablation, shot peening, cleaning and texturing) are reviewed, and compared with results of coauthors, as well with a wide range of Polish authors papers. Finally, it is concluded that overall state of research on laser application in surface engineering in Poland is well developed and still growing industrial application is observed.
Patellofemoral Joint Stress During Weight-Bearing and Non—Weight-Bearing Quadriceps Exercises
Authors: Powers Christopher M. , Ho Kai-Yu , Chen Yu-Jen , Souza Richard B. , Farrokhi Shawn 
Published: March 2014

Study Design Single-group, repeated-measures design. Objective To compare patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stress among weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing quadriceps exercises. Background An important consideration when prescribing exercises to strengthen the quadriceps in persons with patellofemoral pain is to minimize PFJ loading. Currently, there is disagreement in the literature as to which exercises and ranges of motion best accomplish this goal. Methods Ten healthy subjects participated. Lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography of the knee musculature were obtained during a weight-bearing squatting exercise and 2 non-weight-bearing knee extension exercises: (1) knee extension with variable resistance, and (2) knee extension with constant resistance. A previously described biomechanical model was used to estimate PFJ stress at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° of knee flexion. PFJ stress was compared among the 3 exercises using a 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results Compared to the 2 non-weight-bearing exercises, the squat exercise produced significantly higher PFJ stress at 90°, 75°, and 60° of knee flexion. Conversely, the 2 non-weight-bearing exercises produced significantly higher PFJ stress at 30°, 15°, and 0° of knee flexion when compared to the squat exercise. The knee-extension-with-variable-resistance exercise produced significantly lower PFJ stress than the knee-extension-with-constant-resistance exercise at 90°, 75°, and 60° of knee flexion. Conclusion To minimize PFJ stress while performing quadriceps exercises, our data suggest that the squat exercise should be performed from 45° to 0° of knee flexion and the knee-extension-with-variable-resistance exercise should be performed from 90° to 45° of knee flexion. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(5):320–327. Epub 27 March 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4936
Are the Hierarchical Properties of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale the Same in Acute Stroke and Chronic Stroke?
Authors: Crow J. Lesley , Kwakkel Gert , Bussmann Johannes B.J. , Goos Jos A.G. , Harmeling-van der Wel Barbara C. ,   for the Early Prediction of Functional Outcome After Stroke (EPOS) Investigators
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe motor function section of the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FM motor scale) is a robust scale of motor ability in people after stroke, with high predictive validity for outcome. However, the FM motor scale is time-consuming. The hierarchical properties of the upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) sections of the FM motor scale have been established in people with chronic stroke. These data support the use of a more concise method of administration and confirm scores can be legitimately summed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish that a similar hierarchy exists in people within 72 hours after stroke onset.DesignA prospective, cross-sectional design was used.MethodsData were obtained from 75 eligible people in a nationwide prospective study (the Early Prediction of Functional Outcome After Stroke). The full version of both sections of the FM motor scale was administered within 72 hours after stroke onset. The hierarchy of item difficulty was investigated by applying Guttman scaling procedures within each stage and each subsection of the UE and LE sections of the scale. The scaling procedures then were applied to item difficulty between stages and subsections and finally across all scale items (stage divisions ignored) of the FM motor scale.ResultsFor all analyses, the results exceeded acceptable levels for the coefficient of reproducibility and the coefficient of scalability.LimitationsThe sample was a population of people with stroke of moderate severity.ConclusionsThe unidimensional hierarchy of the UE and LE sections of the FM motor scale (already established for chronic stroke) within 72 hours after stroke onset was confirmed. A legitimate total summed score can indicate a person's level of motor ability.
Validity of Maximal Exercise Testing in People With Multiple Sclerosis and Low to Moderate Levels of Disability
Authors: Heine Martin , Hoogervorst Erwin L.J. , Hacking Hub G.A. , Verschuren Olaf , Kwakkel Gert 
Published: March 2014

Background
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing can be considered the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. Little is known about the criteria for maximal exercise testing in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how these criteria behave across different levels of neurological disability.

Objective
The study objectives were to determine the criteria for maximal exercise testing across various levels of disability and to assess concomitant subgroup differences in measures related to the participant, disease, and function.

Design
This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was conducted with a sample of 56 participants with MS. Analysis of variance was used to assess the criteria in participants with MS and low, mild, and moderate levels of disability.

Results
Mean peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak) was 21.4 (SD=7.1) mL·kg−1·min−1. An oxygen consumption (V̇o2) plateau was seen in 37.5% of participants. A respiratory exchange ratio of 1.10 or greater was achieved by 69.6% of the participants, a maximal heart rate within 90% of their age-predicted maximal heart rate was achieved by 48.2% of the participants, and 23.2% of the participants perceived their exertion to be 18 or greater on the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion (scores of 6–20). The values for achieved heart rate and incidence of a V̇o2 plateau were significantly lower in participants with moderate levels of disability than in those with mild levels of disability.

Limitations
The primary limitations of this study were its cross-sectional nature and relatively small sample of participants with moderate levels of disability.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that the outcome of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in people with MS and low to mild levels of disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of ≤4.0) is a valid measure of cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas the outcome in people with moderate levels of disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of &gt;4.0) is most likely symptom limited.
Enhanced expression of proapoptotic and autophagic proteins involved in the cell death of glioblastoma induced by synthetic glycans
Authors: Faried Ahmad , Arifin Muhammad Zafrullah , Ishiuchi Shogo , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Yazawa Shin 
Published: March 2014

Object
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor, and overall patient survival has not been prolonged even by conventional therapies. Previously, the authors found that chemically synthesized glycans could be anticancer agents against growth of a series of cancer cells. In this study, the authors examined the effects of glycans on the growth of glioblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
The authors investigated not only the occurrence of changes in the cell signaling molecules and expression levels of various proteins related to cell death, but also a mouse model involving the injection of glioblastoma cells following the administration of synthetic glycans.

Results
Synthetic glycans inhibited the growth of glioblastoma cells, induced the apoptosis of the cells with cleaved poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression and DNA fragmentation, and also caused autophagy, as shown by the detection of autophagosome proteins and monodansylcadaverine staining. Furthermore, tumor growth in the in vivo mouse model was significantly inhibited. A dramatic induction of programmed cell death was found in glioblastoma cells after treatment with synthetic glycans.

Conclusions
These results suggest that synthetic glycans could be a promising novel anticancer agent for performing chemotherapy against glioblastoma.
Blunt traumatic occlusion of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries
Authors: Morton Ryan P. , Hanak Brian W. , Levitt Michael R. , Fink Kathleen R. , Peterson Eric C. , Vilela Marcelo D. , Kim Louis J. , Chesnut Randall M. 
Published: March 2014

Object
The stroke rate, management, and outcome after blunt cerebrovascular occlusion (Biffl Grade IV injury) is not well defined, given the rarity of the disease. Both hemodynamic failure and embolic mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of subsequent stroke after blunt cerebrovascular occlusion. In this study, the authors evaluated their center's experience with Biffl Grade IV injuries, focusing on elucidating the mechanisms of stroke and their optimal management.

Methods
A retrospective review identified all internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebral artery (VA) Biffl Grade IV injuries over a 7-year period at a single institution.

Results
Fifty-nine Biffl Grade IV injuries were diagnosed affecting 11 ICAs, 44 unilateral VAs, and 2 bilateral VAs. The stroke rates were 64%, 9%, and 50%, respectively. Of the 11 Biffl Grade IV ICA injuries, 5 presented with stroke while 2 developed delayed stroke. An ipsilateral posterior communicating artery greater than 1 mm on CT angiography was protective against stroke due to hemodynamic failure (p = 0.015). All patients with Biffl Grade IV injuries affecting the ICA who had at least 8 emboli per hour on transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography developed an embolic pattern of stroke (p = 0.006). Treatment with aspirin versus dual antiplatelet therapy had a similar effect on stroke rate in the ICA group (p = 0.5) and all patients who suffered stroke either died (n = 3) or required a decompressive hemicraniectomy with subsequent poor outcome (n = 4). All 10 strokes associated with Biffl Grade IV VA injuries were embolic and clinically asymptomatic. In VA Biffl Grade IV injury, neither the presence of emboli nor treatment with antiplatelet agents affected stroke rates.

Conclusions
At the authors' institution, traumatic ICA occlusion is rare but associated with a high stroke rate. Robust collateral circulation may mitigate its severity. Embolic monitoring with TCD ultrasonography and prophylactic antiplatelet therapy should be used in all ICA Biffl Grade IV injuries. Unilateral VA Biffl Grade IV injury is the most common type of traumatic occlusion and is associated with significantly less morbidity. Embolic monitoring using TCD and prophylactic antiplatelet therapy do not appear to be beneficial in patients with traumatic VA occlusion.
Endoscopic endonasal surgery for suprasellar meningiomas: experience with 75 patients
Authors: Koutourousiou Maria , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Stefko S. Tonya , Wang Eric W. , Snyderman Carl H. , Gardner Paul A. 
Published: March 2014

Object
Following the introduction of the neurosurgical microscope, the outcomes in suprasellar meningioma surgery were dramatically improved. More recently, the neurosurgical endoscope has been introduced as a visualization option during removal of skull base tumors, both transcranially and endonasally. The authors retrospectively reviewed the effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) in the management of suprasellar meningiomas.

Methods
Between 2002 and 2011, 75 patients (81.3% female) with suprasellar meningiomas underwent EES at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The authors present the results of EES and analyze the resection rates, visual outcome, and complications.

Results
Seventy-one patients presented with primary tumors, whereas 4 were previously treated elsewhere. Their mean age was 57.3 years (range 36–88 years), and most patients presented with visual loss (81.3%). Tumors occupied the tuberculum sellae (86.7%) and planum sphenoidale (50.7%), with extension into the optic canals in 26.7% (unilateral in 21.3% and bilateral in 5.3%) and the pituitary fossa (9.3%). Gross-total tumor resection (Simpson Grade I) was achieved in 76% of the cases in the whole cohort and in 81.4% of the patients in whom it was the goal of surgery. Tumor location and extension into the optic canals was not a limitation for total resection. Tumor size, configuration, and vascular encasement were significant factors that influenced the degree of resection (p < 0.0001). Vision was improved or normalized in 85.7% of the cases. Visual deterioration following EES occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). Complications included postoperative CSF leaks (25.3% overall, 16.1% in recent years) resulting in meningitis in 4 cases. One patient had an intraoperative injury of the artery of Heubner resulting in associated neurological deficit. Another elderly patient died within 1 month after EES due to cerebral vasospasm and multisystem impairment. No patient developed postoperative cerebral contusions, hemorrhage, or seizures. During a mean follow-up period of 29 months (range 1–98 months), 4 patients have shown recurrence, but only 1 required repeat EES.

Conclusions
With the goal of gross-total tumor resection and visual improvement, EES can achieve very good results, (comparable to microscopic approaches) for the treatment of suprasellar meningiomas. Avoidance of brain and optic nerve retraction, preservation of the vascularization of the optic apparatus, and wide decompression of the optic canals are the main advantages of EES for the treatment of suprasellar meningiomas, while CSF leaks remain a disadvantage.