bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preservation of Memory With Conformal Avoidance of the Hippocampal Neural Stem-Cell Compartment During Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases (RTOG 0933): A Phase II Multi-Institutional Trial
Authors: Gondi Vinai , Pugh Stephanie L. , Tome Wolfgang A. , Caine Chip , Corn Ben , Kanner Andrew , Rowley Howard , Kundapur Vijayananda , DeNittis Albert , Greenspoon Jeffrey N. , Konski Andre A. , Bauman Glenn S. , Shah Sunjay , Shi Wenyin , Wendland Merideth , Kachnic Lisa , Mehta Minesh P. 
Published: October 2014

Purpose Hippocampal neural stem-cell injury during whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) may play a role in memory decline. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy can be used to avoid conformally the hippocampal neural stem-cell compartment during WBRT (HA-WBRT). RTOG 0933 was a single-arm phase II study of HA-WBRT for brain metastases with prespecified comparison with a historical control of patients treated with WBRT without hippocampal avoidance. Patients and Methods Eligible adult patients with brain metastases received HA-WBRT to 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Standardized cognitive function and quality-of-life (QOL) assessments were performed at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months. The primary end point was the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised Delayed Recall (HVLT-R DR) at 4 months. The historical control demonstrated a 30% mean relative decline in HVLT-R DR from baseline to 4 months. To detect a mean relative decline ≤ 15% in HVLT-R DR after HA-WBRT, 51 analyzable patients were required to ensure 80% statistical power with α = 0.05. Results Of 113 patients accrued from March 2011 through November 2012, 42 patients were analyzable at 4 months. Mean relative decline in HVLT-R DR from baseline to 4 months was 7.0% (95% CI, −4.7% to 18.7%), significantly lower in comparison with the historical control (P < .001). No decline in QOL scores was observed. Two grade 3 toxicities and no grade 4 to 5 toxicities were reported. Median survival was 6.8 months. Conclusion Conformal avoidance of the hippocampus during WBRT is associated with preservation of memory and QOL as compared with historical series.
Meta-analysis of diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET or PET/CT for detecting lymph node and distant metastases in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Shen G , Zhang W , Jia Z , Li J , Wang Q , Deng H 
Published: October 2014

Objective:
We performed this meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the diagnostic performance of positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/CT for detecting lymph node and distant metastases in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods:
Through a search of four English and three Chinese databases (January 1990 to June 2013), pooled estimated sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated based on the data extracted from the included studies. We also constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves, with the area under the curve (AUC) and obtained the Q* index. Heterogeneity and subgroup analysis were also performed.

Results:
In total, 18 articles consisting 20 studies were included in this meta-analysis. On a per-patient basis, the overall pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity of PET or PET/CT in N and M staging of NPC were 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–0.91] and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95–0.96), respectively. The overall DOR, AUC and Q* index were 162.07 (95% CI, 90.72–289.55), 0.9689 and 0.9181, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that AUC and Q* index were 0.9734 and 0.9255 for N staging and 0.9715 and 0.9223 for M staging, respectively.

Conclusion:
The present meta-analysis showed that PET or PET/CT has excellent diagnostic performance for detecting lymph node and distant metastases in patients with NPC.

Advances in knowledge:
To provide evidence to assess the role of PET or PET/CT in staging of NPC.
The limitations of molecular markers in phylogenetic reconstruction: The case of Centaurea sect. Phrygia (Compositae)
Authors: López-Alvarado Javier , Sáez Llorenç , Filigheddu Rossella , Garcia-Jacas Núria , Susanna Alfonso 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper we seek to elucidate the phylogeny of Centaurea sect. Jacea and sect. Phrygia (= sect. Lepteranthus nom. inval.) which have long been a source of controversy. A molecular phylogenetic approach is used based on nrDNA and plastid markers. The study confirmed incongruence between datasets, which can be explained both by hybridization and the occurrence of shared ancestral polymorphisms. Both factors are critical in limiting the resolution of phylogenetic trees. Despite this, we provide an interpretation of the current European distribution of sect. Phrygia, and suggest a probable eastern center of origin for the section. Our results support previous studies in Centaurea, suggesting on molecular grounds that sect. Phrygia and sect. Jacea can not be clearly separated, particularly when C. nigra s.l. or C. jacea s.l. coexist with other taxa of sect. Phrygia and sect. Jacea.
Deconstructing the Tricholomataceae (Agaricales) and introduction of the new genera Albomagister, Corneriella, Pogonoloma and Pseudotricholoma
Authors: Sánchez-García Marisol , Matheny P. Brandon , Palfner Götz , Lodge D. Jean 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe family Tricholomataceae, contained within the Tricholomatoid clade, has traditionally been one of the largest families of the Agaricales. However, in this sense it is highly polyphyletic and requires emendation. Here, we present a phylogeny of the Tricholomatoid clade based on nucleotide sequence data from two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (large subunit and small subunit) and the second‐largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). Our aim is to delimit the Tricholomataceae and identify monophyletic groups within the Tricholomatoid clade. We also infer a separate phylogeny, based on the three genes above, in addition to sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS), in order to evaluate generic‐level boundaries within the Tricholomataceae s.str. Based on this analysis we recover seven monophyletic genera within the Tricholomataceae s.str. that correspond to Leucopaxillus, Tricholoma, Pseudotricholoma stat. nov., Porpolomas.str., Dennisiomyces, Corneriella gen. nov., and Albomagister gen. nov. Of the 98 genera that have been traditionally assigned to the Tricholomataceae sensu Singer, only four can be placed within it (Tricholoma, Porpoloma, Dennisiomyces, Leucopaxillus). The genus Porpoloma is highly polyphyletic and divided into four genera: Porpoloma s.str., Corneriella gen. nov., Pseudotricholoma stat. nov., and Pogonoloma stat. nov. In all, four new genera are proposed. Taxonomic descriptions, and a key to genera of the Tricholomat‐ aceae as emended here are also presented.
Sexuality, intimacy and motor neurone disease: matters of concern
Authors: Taylor Bridget 
Published: October 2014

Background: There is limited research considering sexuality and intimacy in people living with motor neurone disease (pwMND). To ensure that healthcare practice meets service-users' needs, it is important to consider how living with MND affects expressions of sexuality and intimacy. Aim: To understand experiences of sexuality and intimacy when living with MND. Method: In this Heideggerian phenomenological study, one-to-one, conversational interviews were held with 13 pwMND and 10 partners of pwMND. Findings: Thematic analysis showed sexuality and intimacy to be experienced through sexual and non-sexual touch. Barriers included the failing body, an altered sense of sexual self and the intrusion of equipment. Partners' difficulty in adapting to change or their own health problems created additional barriers. Many participants found ways to adjust, and recommended that health-care professionals provide opportunities for people to discuss any concerns. Conclusions: The findings greatly enhance our understanding of living with MND and indicate a role for health-care professionals in addressing sexuality.
Spiritual wellbeing and perceived uncertainty in patients with multiple sclerosis in south-east Iran
Authors: Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Tirgari Batool , Tofighi Maryam , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh 
Published: October 2014

Background: The increasing incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) over the previous decade in Iran has been examined in the literature. This chronic and unpredictable disease creates psychological impairment, including uncertainty, among patients. It is important to examine the extent of uncertainty experienced by patients with MS and their spiritual wellbeing. It could also be useful to assess the relationship between these two variables. Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between spiritual wellbeing and uncertainty among MS patients in south-east Iran. Method: The sample in this cross-sectional, descriptive study comprised 200 non-hospitalised patients with MS referred to a disease centre in Kerman (south-east Iran). Using the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS-C) and spiritual wellbeing scale (SWB), data were collected and analysed. Results: The study results showed that the total mean score of SWB was 93.81 (SD=15.25). The mean score of the sub-scale of religious wellbeing was greater than the sub-scale of existential wellbeing (50.80 vs 43.01). The mean score of uncertainty scale was 67.20 (12/35). The highest mean score belonged to the sub-category of ambiguity (32.24±7.90). Pearson correlation test showed that perceived uncertainty score negatively correlated with spiritual wellbeing (r=-0.345; p=0.000), existential wellbeing (r=-0.421; p=0/00) and religious wellbeing (r=-0.172; p=0.015). Conclusion: MS patients should be offered opportunities to reflect on their experiences, feelings, actions and reactions to spirituality to enhance the possibility of using their personal experiences as part of positive and constructive learning. The study results suggest that information about spirituality and spiritual care should be included in the continuous and in-service education of MS patients and nurses working with them.
Preparing for palliative caregiving as a transition in the awareness of death: family carer experiences
Authors: Janze Anna , Henriksson Anette 
Published: October 2014

Aim:The aim of this study was to explore family caregivers´ experiences from partners' stories about preparing for caregiving.Methods:The study had a descriptive and interpretive design using qualitative interviews and qualitative content analysis.Results:Preparing for caregiving was described in the two sub-themes: living in uncertainty, focusing on the present and preparing for the future; and preparing for caregiving while transitioning to new roles. One overarching theme ‘preparing for caregiving in awareness of death’ was seen as a common thread throughout the results. Preparing meant dealing with changes in life, living in uncertainty and transitioning to new roles.Conclusion:Family (partner) caregivers continuously tried to prepare in different ways in response to their partners' illness. Preparing for caregiving meant to willingly or unwillingly prepare for the dying and death of their partner and awareness about this was always present in some way, influencing the whole experience.
Chromosomal Instability in Cell-Free DNA Is a Serum Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schütz Ekkehard , Akbari Mohammad R , Beck Julia , Urnovitz Howard , Zhang William W , Bornemann-Kolatzki Kirsten , Mitchell William M , Nam Robert K , Narod Steven A 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDGenomic instability resulting in copy number variation is a hallmark of malignant transformation and may be identified through massive parallel sequencing. Tumor-specific cell free DNA (cfDNA) present in serum and plasma provides a real-time, easily accessible surrogate.METHODSDNA was extracted from serum of 204 patients with prostate cancer (Gleason score 2–10), 207 male controls, and patients with benign hyperplasia (n = 10) and prostatitis (n = 10). DNA was amplified by use of random primers, tagged with molecular identifiers, sequenced on a SOLID system, and aligned to the human genome. We evaluated the number of sequence reads of cfDNA in sliding 100-kbp intervals for variation from controls. We used chromosomal regions with significant variations in alignment hits for their ability to segregate patients and matched controls.RESULTSUsing ROC curves to assess diagnostic performance, we evaluated the number of regions in a first subset (n = 177), with variations in alignment hits alone, provided an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% CI 0.7–0.9, P &lt; 0.001). Using 5 rounds of 10-fold cross-validation with the full data set, we established a final model that discriminated prostate cancer from controls with an AUC of 0.92 (0.87–0.95), reaching a diagnostic accuracy of 83%. Both benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatitis could be distinguished from prostate cancer by use of cfDNA, with an accuracy of 90%.CONCLUSIONSAssessment of a limited number of chromosomal structural instabilities by use of massive parallel sequencing of cfDNA was sufficient to distinguish between prostate cancer and controls. This large cohort demonstrates the utility of cfDNA in prostate cancer recently established in other malignant neoplasms.
Validation of DNA Methylation to Predict Outcome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Use of xMELP
Authors: Wertheim Gerald B W , Smith Catherine , Luskin Marlise , Rager Alison , Figueroa Maria E , Carroll Martin , Master Stephen R 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Epigenetic dysregulation involving alterations in DNA methylation is a hallmark of various types of cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although specific cancer types and clinical aggressiveness of tumors can be determined by DNA methylation status, the assessment of DNA methylation at multiple loci is not routinely performed in the clinical laboratory.

METHODS
We recently described a novel microsphere-based assay for multiplex evaluation of DNA methylation. In the current study, we validated and used an improved assay [termed expedited microsphere HpaII small fragment Enrichment by Ligation-mediated PCR (xMELP)] that can be performed with appropriate clinical turnaround time.

RESULTS
Using the xMELP assay in conjunction with a new 17-locus random forest classifier that has been trained using 344 AML samples, we were able to segregate an independent cohort of 70 primary AML patients into methylation-determined subgroups with significantly distinct mortality risk (P = 0.009). We also evaluated precision, QC parameters, and preanalytic variables of the xMELP assay and determined the sensitivity of the random forest classifier score to failure at 1 or more loci.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that xMELP performance is suitable for implementation in the clinical laboratory and predicts AML outcome in an independent patient cohort.
Dynamic inequalities of Hardy and Copson type on time scales
Authors: Saker Samir H. , O'Regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we will prove some new dynamic inequalities on time scales.
These inequalities as special cases contain some integral and discrete
inequalities due to Hardy and Copson. The main results will be proved by
using the Hölder inequality and a simple consequence of Keller's chain
rule on time scales.
Comparative analysis of breast cancer detection in mammograms and thermograms
Authors: Milosevic Marina , Jankovic Dragan , Peulic Aleksandar 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we present a system based on feature extraction techniques for detecting abnormal patterns in digital mammograms and thermograms. A comparative study of texture-analysis methods is performed for three image groups: mammograms from the Mammographic Image Analysis Society mammographic database; digital mammograms from the local database; and thermography images of the breast. Also, we present a procedure for the automatic separation of the breast region from the mammograms. Computed features based on gray-level co-occurrence matrices are used to evaluate the effectiveness of textural information possessed by mass regions. A total of 20 texture features are extracted from the region of interest. The ability of feature set in differentiating abnormal from normal tissue is investigated using a support vector machine classifier, Naive Bayes classifier and K-Nearest Neighbor classifier. To evaluate the classification performance, five-fold cross-validation method and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed.
Relationships between flavonoids and selected elements in infusions of medicinal herbs
Authors: Konieczynski Pawel , Arceusz Agnieszka , Wesolowski Marek 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The aim of the studies was to establish relationships between flavonoids and elements important for human health. Therefore, total contents of flavonoids and phosphorus were determined by UV/Vis methods, flavonoids by HPLC, and Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu by FAAS in 68 infusions of medicinal herbs. Total flavonoids content in the aqueous extracts were in the range of 0.26 - 16.40 mg per 100 mL. The mean flavonoid contents (in mg per 100 mL of aqueous extract) were 2.24, 2.01, 1.83, 1.88 for rutin, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, P were determined in mg per 100 mL, and of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in μg per 100 mL. Total content of flavonoids was weakly correlated with quercetin (r = 0.41), kaempferol (r = 0.53), Cu (r = 0.43), and Ca (r = -0.30). Statistically significant correlations were also found among Cu, Ca, Mn, Zn and Fe. Cluster analysis grouped the studied herbs based on total flavonoids, also four flavonoids and essential elements contents, extracted from the whole population of herbs Sambuci flos, Betulae folium, and Sylibi mariani semen. Principal component analysis confirmed these findings and enabled identification of quercetin, kaempferol, Cu and Fe as the factors responsible for differentiation of the studied material.
A straightforward electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry method for underivatized long chain polysaccharides
Authors: Ghiulai Roxana M. , Sarbu Mirela , Ilie Constantin , Zamfir Alina D. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Structural analysis of long chain polysaccharides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is challenging since these molecules do not contain readily ionizable groups. Their mass spectra are dominated by singly charged ions, limiting the detection of high molecular weight species. Derivatization can enhance ionization, but analyte loss on purification decreases sensitivity. We report a method based on nanoESI-MS and MS/MS by collision induced dissociation (CID) for underivatized long chain polysaccharides. The procedure was tested on underivatized polydisperse dextrans (average molecular weight 4,000) at 2.6 kV ESI voltage and CID MS/MS at energies between 30-60 eV. 113 ions corresponding to species from Glc2 to Glc35 were detected. Ions at m/z 1,409.48, 1,107.35 and 1,438.47, assigned to [G17+2Na]2+,[G20+H+Na+K]3+ and [G35+2H+Na+K]4+, were sequenced and characterized by MS/MS. The component containing 35 Glc repeats is the longest polysaccharide chain detected by ESI-MS and structurally analyzed by MS/MS without prior derivatization and/or separation.
Synthesis, crystal structures, and fluorescent properties of zinc(II) complexes with benzazino-2-carboxalidin-2-aminophenols
Authors: Nosova Emiliya , Stupina Tatyana , Chupakhin Artem , Lipunova Galina , Valova Marina , Slepukhin Pavel , Charushin Valery 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Complexes ZnL2 with novel fluorinated benzazines as tridentate ligands (HL = 6,7-difluoroquinoxalinand 6,7-difluoroquinolincarboxalidin-2-aminophenol) have been prepared. The photophisical properties of the ligands and the complexes has been studied.
Titanium dioxide high aspect ratio nanoparticle hydrothermal synthesis optimization
Authors: Półrolniczak Paulina , Walkowiak Mariusz 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
TiO2-B (bronze) nanowires were synthesized via simple hydrothermal treatment of commercial titanium dioxide nanopowder in aqueous NaOH. The reaction temperature, calcination temperature, reaction time, NaOH concentration, autoclave filing fraction and precursor were systematically varied to optimize the nanowire morphology. The crystal structure, morphology and particle size were investigated by XRD, SEM and TEM. The morphology and structure are sensitive to experimental conditions. A reaction temperature of at least 150°C and NaOH concentration at least 10 M are essential, but reaction time from 24 to 72 h makes little difference. Nanowires obtained at 150°C were 60-180 nm wide and 2-4 μm long, while those after treatment at 200°C were thinner (40-100 nm) and longer (2-6 μm).
The relationship between reaction conditions and morphology is discussed and practical guidelines for titanium dioxide nanowire synthesis are suggested
Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic analysis of volatile organic compounds in distillate of fermented Sorbus domestica fruit
Authors: Vyviurska Olga , Pysarevska Solomiya , Jánošková Nikoleta , Špánik Ivan 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The Slovak-Czech spirit distilled from Sorbus domestica was analyzed by GCxGC with headspace solid phase microextraction and liquid-liquid extraction. Two column combinations, nonpolar × medium-polar and polar × medium-polar were tested. The second column setup provided more exploited 2D separation space with better distribution of peaks in chromatogram. Effects of the first column on the elution order of γ-lactones, benzyl esters, and unsaturated aldehydes in the second separation were observed. More than 500 compounds were detected; nearly 100 were confirmed with standards.
Spontaneous non-linear oscillations of interfacial tension at oil/water interface
Authors: Kovalchuk Nina M. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Three particular systems are considered where transfer of a surfactant across the interface between two immiscible liquids, water and oil, is accompanied by spontaneous oscillations of relaxation type with an abrupt decrease of interfacial tension followed by its gradual increase. These oscillations cannot be explained in the frameworks of linear stability analysis, because they are related to essentially non-linear effects. The oscillations characteristics depend on the properties of a surfactant (interfacial activity, solubility, partition coefficient, density difference between the surfactant solution and pure solvent), other solutes present in one or both liquid phases, and, usually, also on the system geometry. If the transferred surfactant is an ionic one, then, the oscillations of interfacial tension are synchronised with the oscillations of electric potential across the interface. The available hypothesis about oscillations mechanism are discussed, in particular, the model proposed recently for oscillations due to Marangoni instability by surfactant transfer from a point source located in one of the liquid bulk phases.
Compactness and
non-compactness for the Yamabe problem on manifolds with boundary
Authors: Disconzi Marcelo M. , Khuri Marcus A. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
We study the problem of conformal deformation of Riemannian structure to
constant scalar curvature with zero mean curvature on the boundary. We
prove compactness for the full set of solutions when the boundary is
umbilic and the dimension

n
≤
24

${n\leq 24}$

. The Weyl Vanishing Theorem is
also established under these hypotheses, and we provide counter-examples
to compactness when

n
≥
25

${n\geq 25}$

. Lastly, our methods point towards a
vanishing theorem for the umbilicity tensor, which will be fundamental for
a study of the non-umbilic case.