bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male sexual function and pelvic floor surgery of their female partner: A one-year follow-up study
Authors: Lonnée-Hoffmann Risa AM , Salvesen Øyvind , Mørkved Siv , Schei Berit 
Published: March 2014

Objective The aim of this study was to examine if sexual function of male partners changed after surgery for pelvic floor disorders and to explore associated factors. Study design This was an observational follow-up study at the Gynecological Department at the St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim. The sample consisted of 35 male partners of women scheduled for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence surgery. Self-administered questionnaires, containing validated instruments as well as exploratory questions, were sent to women and their partners before and one year after pelvic floor surgery. Vaginal dimensions were measured in all women according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System, both before and after the surgery. Main outcome measures The Brief Sexual Function Instrument and the presence of erectile dysfunction. Results One year after pelvic floor surgery, scores for sexual drive, erection and overall satisfaction from the Brief Sexual Function Instrument were unchanged; the ejaculation score (range 0–4) had mildly improved from a range of 4 (median 4) to a range of 3.5 (median 4), ( p = 0.014). The proportion of men with erectile dysfunction was unchanged, while the proportion of men reporting vaginal wind had significantly decreased ( p = 0.016). None of the baseline factors, subjective experiences or vaginal dimensions at baseline or follow-up were associated with the improved ejaculation score; only a reduction in the proportion of men reporting their partners with dyspareunia (ns) was significantly correlated (Spearman’s rho 0.42, p = 0.019). Conclusion Sexual function of male partners was unchanged or mildly improved after pelvic floor surgery.
On the oscillation of solutions for a class of second-order nonlinear stochastic difference equations
Authors: Yu Zheng , Zhu Enwen , Zeng Junshan 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the asymptotical behavior for a partial sum sequence of independent random variables, and we derive a law of the iterated logarithm type. It is worth to point out that the partial sum sequence needs not to be an independent increment process. As an application of the theory established, we also give a sufficient criterion on the almost sure oscillation of solutions for a class of second-order stochastic difference equation of neutral type.
A comparative study on the physicochemical and biological stability of IgG1 and monoclonal antibodies during spray drying process
Authors: Ramezani Vahid , Vatanara Alireza , Najafabadi Abdolhossein Rouholamini , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Khabiri Alireza , Seyedabadi Mohammad 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The main concern in formulation of antibodies is the intrinsic instability of these labile compounds. To evaluate the physicochemical stability of antibody in dry powder formulations, physical stability of IgG1 and a monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab) during the spray drying process was studied in a parallel study and the efficacy of some sugar based excipients in protection of antibodies was studied.

Results
The SDS-PAGE analysis showed no fragmentation of antibodies after spray drying in all formulations. The secondary structure of antibodies contained 40.13 to 70.19% of β structure in dry state. Also, CD spectroscopy showed the similar secondary structure for trastuzumab after reconstitution in water. ELISA analysis and cell culture studies were conducted in order to evaluate bioactivity of monoclonal antibody. Formulations containing combination of excipients provided maximum tendency of trastuzumab to attach to the ELISA antigen (86.46% ± 2.3) and maximum bioactivity when incubated with SKBr3 cell line (the cell viability was decreased to 65.99% ± 4.6). Incubation of formulations with L929 cell line proved the biocompatibility of the excipients and non-toxic composition of formulations.

Conclusion
The IgG1 and trastuzumab demonstrated similar behavior in spray drying process. The combination of excipients containing trahalose, hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin and beta cyclodextrin with proper ratio improved the physical and chemical stability of both IgG1 and monoclonal antibody.
N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 expression is associated with glucose transport and correlated with prognosis in breast carcinoma
Authors: Ma Ji , Liu Wenchao , Guo Hang , Li Shaoqing , Cao Wei , Du Xilin , Lei Shixiong , Hou Wugang , Xiong Lize , Yao Libo , Li Nanlin , Li Yan 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a novel tumour suppressor and cell stress-related gene, is involved in many cell metabolic processes, such as hormone, ion and fluid metabolism. We investigated whether NDRG2 is involved in any glucose-dependent energy metabolism, as well as the nature of its correlation with breast carcinoma.

Methods
The correlations between NDRG2 expression and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression in clinical breast carcinoma tissues were analysed. The effects of NDRG2 on glucose uptake were assessed in breast cancer cells and xenograft tumours. The consequences of NDRG2-induced regulation of GLUT1 at the transcription and translation levels and the interaction between NDRG2 and GLUT1 were examined.

Results
Data derived from clinical breast carcinoma specimens revealed that (1) patients with high NDRG2 expression had better disease-free survival and overall survival than those with low NDRG2 expression and (2) NDRG2 expression was negatively correlated with GLUT1 expression in these breast carcinoma tissues. NDRG2 inhibited glucose uptake by promoting GLUT1 protein degradation without affecting GLUT1 transcription in both breast cancer cells and xenograft tumours. In addition, NDRG2 protein interacted and partly colocalised with GLUT1 protein in cell cytoplasm areas.

Conclusions
The results of our study support the notion that NDRG2 plays an important role in tumour glucose metabolism, in which GLUT1 is a likely candidate contributor to glucose uptake suppression and tumour growth. Targeting the actions of NDRG2 in cell glucose-dependent energy delivery may provide an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention in human breast carcinoma.
Increased biomass production and glycogen accumulation in apcE gene deleted Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Joseph Ancy , Aikawa Shimpei , Sasaki Kengo , Matsuda Fumio , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The effect of phycobilisome antenna-truncation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 on biomass production and glycogen accumulation have not yet been fully clarified. To investigate these effects here, the apcE gene, which encodes the anchor protein linking the phycobilisome to the thylakoid membrane, was deleted in a glucose tolerant strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Biomass production of the apcE-deleted strain under photoautotrophic and atmospheric air conditions was 1.6 times higher than that of strain PCC 6803 (1.32 ± 0.01 versus 0.84 ± 0.07 g cell-dry weight L−1, respectively) after 15 days of cultivation. In addition, the glycogen content of the apcE-deleted strain (24.2 ± 0.7%) was also higher than that of strain PCC 6803 (11.1 ± 0.3%). Together, these results demonstrate that antenna truncation by deleting the apcE gene was effective for increasing biomass production and glycogen accumulation under photoautotrophic and atmospheric air conditions in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
Pathologic and Molecular Features Correlate With Long-Term Outcome After Adjuvant Therapy of Resected Primary GI Stromal Tumor: The ACOSOG Z9001 Trial
Authors: Corless Christopher L. , Ballman Karla V. , Antonescu Cristina R. , Kolesnikova Violetta , Maki Robert G. , Pisters Peter W.T. , Blackstein Martin E. , Blanke Charles D. , Demetri George D. , Heinrich Michael C. , von Mehren Margaret , Patel Shreyaskumar , McCarter Martin D. , Owzar Kouros , DeMatteo Ronald P. 
Published: March 2014

Purpose The ACOSOG (American College of Surgeons Oncology Group) Z9001 (Alliance) study, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, demonstrated that 1 year of adjuvant imatinib prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) after resection of primary GI stromal tumor (GIST). We sought to determine the pathologic and molecular factors associated with patient outcome. Patients and Methods There were 328 patients assigned to the placebo arm and 317 to the imatinib arm. Median patient follow-up was 74 months. There were 645 tumor specimens available for mitotic rate or mutation analysis. Results RFS remained superior in the imatinib arm (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.75; Cox model–adjusted P < .001). On multivariable analysis of patients in the placebo arm, large tumor size, small bowel location, and high mitotic rate were associated with lower RFS, whereas tumor genotype was not significantly associated with RFS. Multivariable analysis of patients in the imatinib arm yielded similar findings. When comparing the two arms, imatinib therapy was associated with higher RFS in patients with a KIT exon 11 deletion of any type, but not a KIT exon 11 insertion or point mutation, KIT exon 9 mutation, PDGFRA mutation, or wild-type tumor, although some of these patient groups were small. Adjuvant imatinib did not seem to alter overall survival. Conclusion Our findings show that tumor size, location, and mitotic rate, but not tumor genotype, are associated with the natural history of GIST. Patients with KIT exon 11 deletions assigned to 1 year of adjuvant imatinib had a longer RFS.
Customized Adjuvant Phase II Trial in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: IFCT-0801 TASTE
Authors: Wislez Marie , Barlesi Fabrice , Besse Benjamin , Mazières Julien , Merle Patrick , Cadranel Jacques , Audigier-Valette Clarisse , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Gautier-Felizot Laure , Goupil François , Renault Aldo , Quoix Elisabeth , Souquet Pierre-Jean , Madroszyck Anne , Corre Romain , Pérol David , Morin Franck , Zalcman Gérard , Soria Jean-Charles 
Published: March 2014

PurposeSurgical resection plus adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy is considered standard care for stage II to III non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its efficacy is limited, and it involves toxic risks, justifying patient-tailored treatment. Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) was shown to predict cisplatin-based chemotherapy response; EGFR mutations were predictive of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition response.Patients and MethodsThis prospective randomized phase II trial enrolled 150 patients with completely resected non–squamous cell stage II or IIIA (non-N2) tumors. Patients in the control arm (n = 74) were treated with four standard-dose courses of cisplatin plus pemetrexed (CP). In the customized treatment arm (n = 76), patients with activated EGFR mutations received erlotinib 150 mg for 1 year; ERCC1-negative patients received four CP courses, whereas ERCC1-positive patients underwent follow-up. The trial sought to demonstrate the feasibility of customized adjuvant chemotherapy based on timely biomarker analysis within a 2-month postsurgery delay. Secondary objectives were tolerability, compliance with adjuvant therapy, and biomarker distribution.ResultsIn arm A, all patients received CP; in arm B, seven received erlotinib, 53 were administered CP, and 16 underwent follow-up. Median erlotinib exposure was 344 days. Of the 127 patients allocated to CP, 82% received four cycles with good tolerability. The overall success rate of the trial (ie, percentage of patients with complete biomarker status able to start adjuvant treatment within 2 months of surgery) was 80%.ConclusionThe primary end point of the trial was met, demonstrating the feasibility of a national biology-driven trial in the adjuvant NSCLC setting. Nevertheless, the phase III part was canceled because of the unreliability of the ERCC1 immunohistochemical readouts.
On the Origin of Utility, Weighting, and Discounting Functions: How They Get Their Shapes and How to Change Their Shapes
Authors: Stewart Neil , Reimers Stian , Harris Adam J. L. 
Published: March 2014

We present a theoretical account of the origin of the shapes of utility, probability weighting, and temporal discounting functions. In an experimental test of the theory, we systematically change the shape of revealed utility, weighting, and discounting functions by manipulating the distribution of monies, probabilities, and delays in the choices used to elicit them. The data demonstrate that there is no stable mapping between attribute values and their subjective equivalents. Expected and discounted utility theories, and also their descendants such as prospect theory and hyperbolic discounting theory, simply assert stable mappings to describe choice data and offer no account of the instability we find. We explain where the shape of the mapping comes from and, in describing the mechanism by which people choose, explain why the shape depends on the distribution of gains, losses, risks, and delays in the environment.Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1853 .This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, judgment and decision making.
El diseño de la experiencia del turismo gastronómico en Bilbao
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqing 
Published: March 2014

El presente trabajo se dedica al diseño de la experiencia del turismo gastronómico en Bilbao con el objetivo de que los turistas disfruten sus viajes a través de los recursos gastronómicos. En la primera parte, establecemos el marco conceptual del trabajo: los conceptos de turismo cultural, turismo gastronómico, experiencia de ocio e innovación de servicios. En la segunda parte utilizamos los datos de encuestas de Basquetour[1], entrevistamos a la Directora de Bilbao Turismo[2] y a los productores de alimentos, por último consultamos documentos y estudios con el objetivo de realizar un diagnóstico y este proceso da lugar a un análisis DAFO sobre turismo gastronómico en Bilbao. Respecto a las fortalezas, consideramos que Bilbao posee recursos diversos para desarrollar turismo gastronómico, destacando la importancia de la gastronómica dentro de las costumbres bilbaínas. Por el contrario, para mejorar la experiencia de este tipo del viaje, aún queda mucho para hacer y mejorar.En la tercera parte del trabajo, dividimos el turismo gastronómico en tres etapas: pre-viaje, dentro del viaje y post-viaje, y plantemos las propuestas para desarrollar experiencias en cada etapa. Se hace una reflexión sobre los aspectos que deben mejorarse, siendo objeto de futuros trabajos la concreción de cada uno de ellos. [1] Agencia Vasca de Turismo, que es una sociedad pública y creada con función ejecutiva.[2] Bilbao Turismo es la entidad encargada de la promoción turística del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao.
Generic properties of homogeneous Ricci solitons
Authors: Di Cerbo L. F. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We discuss the geometry of homogeneous Ricci solitons. After showing the nonexistence of compact homogeneous and non-compact steady homogeneous solitons, we concentrate on the study of left invariant Ricci solitons. We show that, in the unimodular case, the Ricci soliton equation does not admit solutions in the set of left invariant vector fields. We prove that a left invariant soliton of gradient type must be a Riemannian product with non-trivial Euclidean de Rham factor. As an application of our results we prove that any generalized metric Heisenberg Lie group is a non-gradient left invariant Ricci soliton of expanding type.
The effect of AST-120 on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of metoprolol extended-release tablets in healthy subjects
Authors: Inoue Shinsuke , Shimizu Miho , Arita Kiyoshi , Akimoto Kei 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background: This was a randomized, open-label, three-way crossover study to assess the effects of AST-120 (an orally administered spherical carbon adsorbent acting in the gastrointestinal tract without systemic circulation) on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of metoprolol in an extended-release formulation (metoprolol ER) in healthy volunteers.

Methods: A total of 34 subjects were singly administered metoprolol ER alone (A), and metoprolol ER in combination with AST-120 simultaneously (B) and 1 h later (C).

Results: The total exposure was more significantly reduced in both treatments B and C than that in treatment A; the geometric mean ratios of area under the curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞) for B/A and C/A were reduced by approximately 30% in both treatments B and C. Maximum observed plasma concentration (C
max) of metoprolol in treatment B significantly decreased, whereas C
max in treatment C was slightly decreased. AST-120 treatment was unlikely to affect apparent first-order terminal elimination half-life (T
1/2) of metoprolol significantly. Reduction in heart rate and blood pressure readings were similar across the treatment periods. Coadministration of AST-120 and metoprolol ER was safe and was well tolerated.

Conclusions: Because AST-120 reduced gastrointestinal absorption of metoprolol ER, careful monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is recommended in coadministration of AST-120 with metoprolol ER.
Lignification of ray parenchyma cells in the xylem of Pinus densiflora. Part I: Microscopic investigation by POM, UV microscopy, and TOF-SIMS
Authors: Zheng Peiming , Aoki Dan , Yoshida Masato , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Imai Takanori , Fukushima Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The lignification process from sapwood (sW) to heartwood (hW) in ray parenchyma cells (Pray) of Pinus densiflora has been analyzed by means of ultraviolet (UV) microscopy, acetyl bromide (CH3COBr) lignin determination, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The cell wall layers were localized by polarized optical microscopy (POM). POM revealed that Pray have almost no secondary wall in sW and have only the outer layer of secondary wall (S1) in the transition zone (TZ) and hW. UV microscopic observations indicated that the secondary wall of Pray, which is in contact with ray tracheids (Trray), begins to lignify in sW, while the secondary wall of Pray, which is not in contact with Trray, is partially lignified in the TZ. The secondary wall of both types of Pray is completely lignified in hW. The CH3COBr lignin content in sW is slightly lower than that in hW. In the TOF-SIMS measurements, the relative intensities of the secondary ions of guaiacyl-lignin (G-lignin) in the rays in sW are significantly lower than those in hW.
Sex hormone imbalances and adipose tissue dysfunction impacting on metabolic syndrome; a paradigm for the discovery of novel adipokines
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sairam M. Ram 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Sex hormone imbalance is causally related with visceral adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction and visceral obesity – an etiological component of metabolic syndrome (MetS), associated with high risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. In general, premenopausal women appear to be protected from CVD and the dramatic decline in sex steroid hormone occurring during menopausal transitions or other sex-related disorders influence the regional distribution, function, and metabolism of AT and increase the risk of CVD. Visceral AT dysfunction, manifesting as abnormality of fatty acid metabolism, increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and excessive production of adipokines have been proposed in the pathogenesis of MetS. However, direct evidence of molecular mechanisms of depot-specific AT alterations, and dysfunction causally related to MetS is limited in studies on postmenopausal women due to difficulty in collecting discrete AT specimens at different ages and repeated sampling from different fat depots. This can be overcome using animal models that can mimic the cluster of pathology leading to MetS and help establish the molecular basis of links between loss of gonadal function on various AT depots and their contribution to MetS. Our group used sex hormone imbalance FSH receptor knock out (FORKO) female mice to recapitulate different aspects of the MetS and addressed the mechanism of visceral obesity related to MetS and discover two novel sex steroid hormone-regulated deep mesenteric estrogen-dependent adipose (MEDAs) genes. Taken together, such recent studies raise hopes for pharmacologic intervention strategies targeting sex steroid hormone signaling in AT to provide protection against AT dysfunction.
Health risk behaviors and sexual initiation among in-school adolescents in rural communities in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Olugbenga-Bello Adenike I. , Adebimpe Wasiu O. , Akande Roseline O. , Oke Olufemi S. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background: Adolescents exhibit numerous risky sexual behaviors leading to initiation of sexual intercourse not mindful of the many consequences.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of sexual risky behavior and its association with sexual initiation.
Methods: This was a school-based descriptive cross-sectional study among 377 in-school adolescents, who were selected using multistage sampling methods. Research instruments were semistructured self-administered questionnaires.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 15.7 (+1.8) years. Most of the respondents claimed to have heard about sex education at one time or another. About 53 (14.1%) had their first sexual experience before or at the age of 15 years. The mean age of the first sexual experience for males was 14 years 3 months and 15 years 3 months for females. Fourteen (3.7%) had no fixed sexual partner; most of the sexually active respondents did not use a condom during their last intercourse. Only 7.7% of the respondents reported to have had a sexually transmitted infection. Most of the 207 female respondents (85.5%) had never been pregnant while 88.9% of those who had been pregnant had an abortion. Females were about 1.5 times more likely to have had first sexual intercourse before the age of 15 years, though the observed likelihood was not statistically significant [odd ratio (OR)=0.7, 95%; confidence interval (CI)=0.3–1.5; p=0.642]. Likewise, males were 1.7 times more likely to have used condoms at the last sexual intercourse, and the observed likelihood was not statistically significant (OR=1.7; 95%CI=0.8–3.4; p=0.079).
Conclusion: In this study, adolescents were sexually active with negative consequences on their reproductive health. Stakeholders involved in the care of adolescents should take the consequences into consideration.
Non-Standard Tests through a Composite Null and Alternative in Point-Identified Parameters
Authors: Hahn Jinyong , Ridder Geert 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We propose a new approach to statistical inference on parameters that depend on population parameters in a non-standard way. As examples we consider a parameter that is interval identified and a parameter that is the maximum (or minimum) of population parameters. In both examples we transform the inference problem into a test of a composite null against a composite alternative hypothesis involving point identified population parameters. We use standard tools in this testing problem. This setup substantially simplifies the conceptual basis of the inference problem. By inverting the Likelihood Ratio test statistic for the composite null and composite alternative inference problem, we obtain a closed form expression for the confidence interval that does not require any tuning parameter and is uniformly valid. We use our method to derive a confidence interval for a regression coefficient in a multiple linear regression with an interval censored dependent variable.