bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High permittivity pads reduce specific absorption rate, improve B1 homogeneity, and increase contrast‐to‐noise ratio for functional cardiac MRI at 3 T
Authors: Brink Wyger M. , Webb Andrew G. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo improve image quality and reduce specific absorption rate in functional cardiac imaging at 3 T.MethodsTwo high permittivity dielectric pads on the anterior and posterior sides of the thorax were numerically designed and implemented using an aqueous suspension of barium titanate. The effects on the average transmit efficiency, B1 homogeneity, reception sensitivity, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio were verified in vivo on a dual‐transmit system with the body coil driven in conventional quadrature and radiofrequency‐shimmed mode.ResultsStatistically significant improvements in average transmit efficiency, B1 homogeneity, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio were measured in healthy volunteers (n = 11) with body mass indices between 20.3 and 34.9. Simulations show that no radiofrequency hot spots are introduced by the dielectric material.ConclusionHigh permittivity pads are shown to reduce specific absorption rate, improve B1 homogeneity, and increase contrast‐to‐noise ratio in functional cardiac magnetic resonance at 3 T. The results presented in this work show that the current approach is more effective than dual‐channel radiofrequency shimming. Magn Reson Med 71:1632–1640, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DCE‐MRI analysis methods for predicting the response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Pilot study findings
Authors: Li Xia , Arlinghaus Lori R. , Ayers Gregory D. , Chakravarthy A. Bapsi , Abramson Richard G. , Abramson Vandana G. , Atuegwu Nkiruka , Farley Jaime , Mayer Ingrid A. , Kelley Mark C. , Meszoely Ingrid M. , Means‐Powell Julie , Grau Ana M. , Sanders Melinda , Bhave Sandeep R. , Yankeelov Thomas E. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this pilot study is to determine (1) if early changes in both semiquantitative and quantitative DCE‐MRI parameters, observed after the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, show significant difference between responders and nonresponders and (2) if these parameters can be used as a prognostic indicator of the eventual response.MethodsTwenty‐eight patients were examined using DCE‐MRI pre‐, post‐one cycle, and just prior to surgery. The semiquantitative parameters included longest dimension, tumor volume, initial area under the curve, and signal enhancement ratio related parameters, while quantitative parameters includedKtrans,ve,kep,vp, and τiestimated using the standard Tofts‐Kety, extended Tofts‐Kety, and fast exchange regime models.ResultsOur preliminary results indicated that the signal enhancement ratio washout volume andkepwere significantly different between pathologic complete responders from nonresponders (P < 0.05) after a single cycle of chemotherapy. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the AUC of the signal enhancement ratio washout volume was 0.75, and the AUCs ofkepestimated by three models were 0.78, 0.76, and 0.73, respectively.ConclusionIn summary, the signal enhancement ratio washout volume andkepappear to predict breast cancer response after one cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This observation should be confirmed with additional prospective studies.Magn Reson Med 71:1592–1602, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accumulation of micron sized iron oxide particles in endothelin‐1 induced focal cortical ischemia in rats is independent of cell migration
Authors: Granot Dorit , Shapiro Erik M. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeEndogenous labeling of stem/ progenitor cells via intracerebroventricular injection of micron‐sized particles of iron oxide (MPIOs) has become standard methodology for MRI of adult neurogenesis. While this method is well characterized in the naïve rodent brain, it has not been fully investigated in disease models. Here, we describe methodological challenges that can confound data analysis when this technique is applied to a rat model of stroke, the endothelin‐1 model of focal cortical ischemia.MethodsWe intended to track endogenous neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone to the stroke area using previously described methods for in vivo labeling of endogenous neuroblasts with MPIOs and following migration with high resolution MRI.ResultsMPIOs accumulation in stroke regions of endothelin‐1‐treated brains involves two dynamic steps: an initial rapid cell independent mechanism, followed by slower MPIOs accumulation. While the latter may in part be attributable to cell dependent delivery of the particles, the cell independent mechanism complicates the interpretation of the data. Strategies aimed at prelabeling the stem cell niche reduced cell independent MPIOs accumulation, but failed to abolish it.ConclusionWe conclude that MRI‐based neural stem/progenitor cell tracking via direct injection of MPIOs into the lateral and third ventricles, requires significant validation in models of brain disease/trauma. Magn Reson Med 71:1568–1574, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular imaging and texture analysis distinguish differences in cellular dynamics in mouse brain tumors
Authors: Gazdzinski Lisa M. , Nieman Brian J. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe heterogeneous tumor cell population and dynamic microenvironment within a tumor lead to regional variations in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In this work, MRI and optical projection tomography were used to examine and compare the redistribution of a cellular label in two mouse glioma models.MethodsGL261 and 4C8 glioma cells labeled with iron oxide particles or with a fluorescent probe were injected into the brains of syngeneic mice and allowed to develop into ∼10‐mm3 tumors. Texture analysis was used to quantitatively describe and compare the label distribution patterns in the two tumor types.ResultsThe label was seen to remain predominantly in the tumor core in GL261 tumors, but become more randomly distributed throughout the tumor volume in 4C8 tumors. Histologically, GL261 tumors displayed a more invasive, aggressive phenotype, although the distribution of mitotic cells in the two tumors was similar.ConclusionThe redistribution of a cellular label during tumor growth is characteristic of a tumor model. The label distribution map reflects more than simple differences in cell proliferation and is likely influenced by differences in the tumor microenvironment. Magn Reson Med 71:1531–1541, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transparent cyclic olefin copolymer/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Roy Sunanda , Das Tanya , Yue Chee Yoon , Hu Xiao 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this work, melt blending of fumed nanosilica with cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) was carried out to prepare high strength transparent composites. The effects of various loadings (1, 2, 3 and 5 wt%) of nanosilica on the physical, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal, tribological and optical properties of the COC composites were investigated in detail. The tensile test results showed that the nanocomposite with 3 wt% nanosilica content provides the highest tensile strength (55.6 MPa) compared with the nanocomposite with 5 wt% nanosilica content (54.6 MPa), which is believed to be significantly dependent on better dispersion. Moreover, the glass transition temperature (from tan δ) increased from 184 °C for pure COC to 194.3 °C for the COC composite with 3 wt% nanosilica. The scratch test and nano‐indentation results showed that addition of nanosilica increased the stiffness and hardness of the composite, providing higher scratch resistance and lower frictional coefficient. UV−visible spectroscopy measurements showed that the nanocomposites have excellent optical transparency which is similar to that of the pure COC film. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical analysis in a drop: a dynamic surface tension detector for polymer and protein characterization
Authors: Bramanti Emilia , Skogerboe Kristen J. , Synovec Robert E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA dynamic surface tension detector (DSTD) for the multidimensional analysis of polymers and proteins in aqueous solutions is reviewed. The DSTD is briefly compared with other instrumental methods for the measurement and evaluation of time‐dependent surface tension assessment. The dynamic nature of the surface tension signal is shown to provide unique selectivity and useful chemical information. The benefits of multidimensional detection using the DSTD for flow injection analysis and high performance liquid chromatography providing selective and sensitive surface activity analysis are discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Tibetan sound meditation for cognitive dysfunction: results of a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Milbury K. , Chaoul A. , Biegler K. , Wangyal T. , Spelman A. , Meyers C. A. , Arun B. , Palmer J. L. , Taylor J. , Cohen L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveAlthough chemotherapy‐induced cognitive impairment is common among breast cancer patients, evidence for effective interventions addressing cognitive deficits is limited. This randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Tibetan Sound Meditation (TSM) program to improve cognitive function and quality of life in breast cancer patients.MethodsForty‐seven breast cancer patients (mean age 56.3 years), who were staged I–III at diagnosis, 6–60 months post‐chemotherapy, and reported cognitive impairment at study entry were recruited. Participants were randomized to either two weekly TSM sessions for 6 weeks or a wait list control group. Neuropsychological assessments were completed at baseline and 1 month post‐treatment. Self‐report measures of cognitive function (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)‐Cog), quality of life (SF‐36), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), sleep disturbance (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory), and spirituality (FACT‐Sp) were completed at baseline, the end of treatment, and 1 month later.ResultsRelative to the control group, women in the TSM group performed better on the verbal memory test (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test trial 1) (p = 0.06) and the short‐term memory and processing speed task (Digit Symbol) (p = 0.09) and reported improved cognitive function (p = 0.06), cognitive abilities (p = 0.08), mental health (p = 0.04), and spirituality (p = 0.05) at the end of treatment but not 1 month later.ConclusionsThis randomized controlled trial revealed that TSM program appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention and may be associated with short‐term improvements in objective and subjective cognitive function as well as mental health and spirituality in breast cancer patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximal respiratory pressure reference values for Navajo children ages 6–14
Authors: Arnall David A. , Nelson Arnold G. , Owens Beatrice , Iranzo Maria dels Àngels Cebrià i , Sokell Geri Ann , Kanuho Verdell , Interpreter Christina , Coast J. Richard 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundSince anthropometric variables are critical to the creation of pulmonary nomograms for FVC, FEV1, and other volumes and capacities, it is logical that anthropometric variables also influence the values of the maximal respiratory pressures (MRPs). Since nomograms are race‐specific, it is important that tribe‐specific tables of normal maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) be developed. To date normal tables for MRPs do not exist for Navajo children.ObjectiveTherefore the purpose of this study was to derive MRP normative reference values for Navajo children in the age range of 6–14 years.Methods—Participants and MeasurementsA cross‐sectional study was undertaken with a representative sample of 534 healthy children, ages 6–14 years, attending Navajo Nation elementary schools in Arizona. MIP and MEP were measured.ResultsTest results from 275 girls and 259 boys met American Thoracic Society quality control standards and showed that MRPs all increased with height. Mean MIP in cm H2O was 77 for boys and 67 for girls with lower limits of 44 and 40, respectively. Mean MEP in cm H2O was 75 for boys and 66 for girls with the lower limits of 42 and 38, respectively.ConclusionSince the data were collected from the population of interest, the resulting MIP and MEP reference equations should be used when testing Navajo children ages 6–14 years. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:804–808. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of lung clearance index measured during helium washin and washout in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Vermeulen François , Ophoff Jill , Proesmans Marijke , De Boeck Kris 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimLung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive marker of early lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). This preliminary study compares results obtained from the washin and the washout phase of the multiple breath washout in CF children and healthy controls using an early commercially available device.MethodsLCI was measured using a device measuring flow and mainstream molar mass with helium as the inert gas. Sixty‐five healthy controls and 65 CF children (age range 4.6–17.9 years) were included.ResultsLCI measured on the washout (LCIWO) and on the washin (LCIWI) were correlated in CF children (R = 0.440, P < 0.001, n = 185). LCIWO was higher than LCIWI with a mean difference of 1.08 (95% limits of agreement −2.11 to 4.27, n = 185) in CF children and 0.26 (95% LA −3.2 to 3.72, n = 185) in controls. Within‐test repeatability criteria were met in 107/130 WO and 93/130 WI (P = 0.034), In 81 children, LCIWI and LCIWO were obtained. LCIWI was higher in CF patients than in controls (7.72 vs. 6.55, P < 0.001), as was LCIWO (8.49 vs. 7.13, P < 0.001). In 34 CF patients with normal FEV1, LCIWI only was abnormal in five, LCIWO only in five and both were abnormal in three. One of seven CF patients with abnormal FEV1 had normal LCIWI and LCIWO.ConclusionIn CF patients, discordances between abnormal LCIWI and LCIWO were observed. LCIWI and LCIWO were only weakly correlated. This likely resulted from technical factors as the use of mainstream molar mass signal, a temperature model validated for infants only and absence of CO2 correction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:962–969. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Use of Doripenem in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Case of Meropenem Shortages
Authors: Zobell Jeffery T. , Kemper Andrea L. , Young David C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCeftazidime is the only anti‐pseduomonal beta‐lactam that has been reported to be administered by extended infusion in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. A small pediatric pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study has been published regarding the use of intermittent extended infusion doripenem in the treatment of an acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) in pediatric CF patients; however, clinical use of intermittent extended infusion doripenem in pediatric CF patients has not been previously reported. We present three cases administering intermittent extended infusion doripenem in pediatric CF patients for the treatment of an APE in the case of replacing meropenem due to shortage. The delivery of beta‐lactam antibiotics via intermittent extended infusion should be considered in order to optimize the pharmacodynamics of beta‐lactams in the treatment of an APE. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E48–E51. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plk1‐dependent microtubule dynamics promotes androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer
Authors: Hou Xianzeng , Li Zhiguo , Huang Weize , Li Jiejie , Staiger Christopher , Kuang Shihuan , Ratliff Tim , Liu Xiaoqi 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe androgen receptor (AR) signaling continues to be essential in castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Taxel‐based chemotherapy is the current standard treatment for CRPC patients. Unfortunately, almost all patients eventually develop resistance toward this chemotherapy. Significantly, it was recently found that the anti‐tumor effect of paclitaxel in CRPC is due to its inhibition of AR activity via its inhibition of microtubule dynamics. Polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1), a critical regulator in many cell cycle events, is elevated in prostate cancer (PCa) and linked to tumor grades. Of note, we have previously shown that Plk1 phosphorylates CLIP‐170 and p150Glued, two important regulators of microtubule dynamics.METHODSWe compared paclitaxel‐mediated phenotypes (inhibition of the AR signaling, decrease of microtubule dynamics and cell death) of PCa cells expressing different forms of CLIP‐170 and p150Glued with different Plk1 phosphorylation states.RESULTSWe show that Plk1 phosphorylation of CLIP‐170 and p150Glued affects cellular responses to paclitaxel. Expression of Plk1‐unphosphorylatable mutants of CLIP‐170 and p150Glued results in increased paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis, increased protein degradation of the AR, and decreased nuclear accumulation of the AR in response to androgen in prostate cancer cells. Finally, we show that cells expressing unphosphorylatable mutants of CLIP‐170 have defective microtubule dynamics, thus providing a new mechanism to understand how Plk1‐associated kinase activity promotes constitutive activation of AR signaling in CRPC.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that a combination of inhibition of Plk1 and paclitaxel might be a novel avenue for treatment of CRPC. Prostate 73:1352–1363. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A trust model based on semantic distance for pervasive environments
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Gang , Wang Jiang‐Tao , Deng Xiao‐Heng 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTTo cope with the challenges existing in pervasive environments, based on the characteristics of pervasive environments, a semantic distance‐based trust model is proposed in this paper. The semantic distance between entities and between trust categories is borrowed to calculate trustworthiness more precisely. In the model, the behavior trust and capability trust are distinguished and evaluated separately; on the basis of the trust evaluations, all entities in pervasive environments make independent decisions that can maximize their own profit with the trust model. The simulation experiment results proved the effectiveness of the model in improving the interaction success ratio and efficiency between entities under pervasive environments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of nitric oxide nanoparticulate platform for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Kutner Allison J. , Friedman Adam J. 
Published: May 2013

The incidence of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) due to multi‐drug resistant pathogens is increasing. The concomitant increase in antibiotic use along with the ease with which organisms develop mechanisms of resistance have together become a medical crisis, underscoring the importance of developing innovative and effective antimicrobial strategies. Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenously produced molecule with many physiologic functions, including broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. The risk of resistance to NO is minimized because NO has multiple mechanisms of antimicrobial action. NO's clinical utility has been limited largely because it is highly reactive and lacks appropriate vehicles for storage and delivery. To harness NO's antimicrobial potential, a variety exogenous NO delivery platforms have been developed and evaluated, yet limitations preclude their use in the clinical setting. Nanotechnology represents a paradigm through which these limitations can be overcome, allowing for the encapsulation, controlled release, and focused delivery of NO for the treatment of SSTI. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1230This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Fatty acid oxidation: systems analysis and applications
Authors: Cintolesi Angela , Rodríguez‐Moyá María , Gonzalez Ramon 
Published: May 2013

Fatty acids (FAs) are essential components of cellular structure and energy‐generating routes in living organisms. They exist in a variety of chemical configurations and functionalities and are catabolized by different oxidative routes, according to their structure. α‐ and ω‐Oxidation are minor routes that occur only in eukaryotes, while β‐oxidation is the major degradation route in eukaroytes and prokaryotes. These pathways have been characterized and engineered from different perspectives for industrial and biomedical applications. The severity of FA oxidation disorders in humans initially guided the study of FA metabolism at a molecular‐level. On the other hand, recent advances in metabolic engineering and systems biology have powered the study of FA biosynthetic and catabolic routes in microorganisms at a systems‐level. Several studies have proposed these pathways as platforms for the production of fuels and chemicals from biorenewable sources. The lower complexity of microbial systems has allowed a more comprehensive study of FA metabolism and has opened opportunities for a wider range of applications. Still, there is a need for techniques that facilitate the translation of high‐throughput data from microorganisms to more complex eukaryotic systems in order to aid the development of diagnostic and treatment strategies for FA oxidation disorders. In addition, further systems biology analyses on human systems could also provide valuable insights on oxidation disorders. This article presents a comparison of the three main FA oxidative routes, systems biology analyses that have been used to study FA metabolism, and engineering efforts performed on microbial systems. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:575–585. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1226This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism
Physiology > Physiology of Model Organisms
Impact of Preoperative Breast MRI on Surgical Decision Making and Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Parsyan Armen , Alqahtani Awadh , Mesurolle Benoit , Meterissian Sarkis 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used in the workup of breast cancer patients and could lead to changes in surgical management. It is unclear how the information gained from MRI studies affects surgical decision making and influences clinical outcomes. These issues are addressed in this review.MethodsPubMed database searches were performed to retrieve and analyze respective original research and review articles on preoperative MRI in the evaluation of breast cancer patients.ResultsPreoperative MRI is a highly sensitive but nonspecific method that leads to changes in surgical management with increased numbers of more extended surgical interventions. It appears that a relatively large proportion of MRI‐driven changes in surgical management result in overtreatment without conclusively proven beneficial effects on such clinical outcomes as decrease in reoperation rates or improved patient survival.ConclusionsThus, routine use of supplementary preoperative breast MRI should be discouraged until compelling evidence of its effectiveness is available.