bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating for a geospatial relationship between radon levels and thyroid Cancer in Pennsylvania
Authors: Goyal Neerav , Camacho Fabian , Mangano Joseph , Goldenberg David 
Published: July 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine whether there is an association between radon levels and the rise in incidence of thyroid cancer in Pennsylvania.Study DesignEpidemiological study of the state of Pennsylvania.MethodsWe used information from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry and the Pennsylvania Department of Energy. From the registry, information regarding thyroid incidence by county and zip code was recorded. Information regarding radon levels per county was recorded from the state. Poisson regression models were fit predicting county‐level thyroid incidence and change as a function of radon/lagged radon levels. To account for measurement error in the radon levels, a Bayesian Model extending the Poisson models was fit. Geospatial clustering analysis was also performed.ResultsNo association was noted between cumulative radon levels and thyroid incidence. In the Poisson modeling, no significant association was noted between county radon level and thyroid cancer incidence (P = .23). Looking for a lag between the radon level and its effect, no significant effect was seen with a lag of 0 to 6 years between exposure and effect (P = .063 to P = .59). The Bayesian models also failed to show a statistically significant association. A cluster of high thyroid cancer incidence was found in western Pennsylvania.ConclusionsThrough a variety of models, no association was elicited between annual radon levels recorded in Pennsylvania and the rising incidence of thyroid cancer. However, a cluster of thyroid cancer incidence was found in western Pennsylvania. Further studies may be helpful in looking for other exposures or associations.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:E45–E49, 2015
Turbinate‐septal suture for middle turbinate medialization: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Chen Weihu , Wang Yonggan , Bi Yonghua , Chen Wenwen 
Published: July 2014

Objectives/HypothesisOne of the primary goals of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is to create widely patent paranasal sinus ostia, but lateralization of the middle turbinate (MT) after ESS can obstruct otherwise patent ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of turbinate‐septal suturing in preventing lateralization of the MT.Study DesignA prospective, randomized, blinded controlled study.MethodsThe study was performed in 120 patients who had undergone ESS. The patients were randomized to receive nasal (group A) or turbinate‐septal suture plus nasal packing (group B). Postoperative lateralization of the MT and synechia formation were assessed as the primary outcome 3 months post‐ESS. The Lund‐Kennedy Scores at 1 week, 2 week, and 1 month after ESS were assessed as the secondary outcomes.ResultsA total of 120 patients were enrolled (60 patients in each group). Group B had a significantly lower rate of MT lateralization compared to group A after 3 months of surgery (6 of 120 sides vs. 19 of 120 sides; P < 0.01). Synechia formation rates in groups B were also significantly lower than those in group A (4 of 120 sides vs. 13 of 120 sides; P = 0.023).ConclusionMiddle turbinate‐septal suturing medialization during ESS is an effective method for preventing lateralization of the MT.Level of Evidence1b. Laryngoscope, 125:33–35, 2015
The biofilm matrix destabilizers, EDTA and DNaseI, enhance the susceptibility of nontypeable Hemophilus influenzae biofilms to treatment with ampicillin and ciprofloxacin
Authors: Cavaliere Rosalia , Ball Jessica L. , Turnbull Lynne , Whitchurch Cynthia B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNontypeable Hemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram‐negative bacterial pathogen that causes chronic biofilm infections of the ears and airways. The biofilm matrix provides structural integrity to the biofilm and protects biofilm cells from antibiotic exposure by reducing penetration of antimicrobial compounds into the biofilm. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) has been found to be a major matrix component of biofilms formed by many species of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including NTHi. Interestingly, the cation chelator ethylenediaminetetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) has been shown to reduce the matrix strength of biofilms of several bacterial species as well as to have bactericidal activity against various pathogens. EDTA exerts its antimicrobial activity by chelating divalent cations necessary for growth and membrane stability and by destabilizing the matrix thus enhancing the detachment of bacterial cells from the biofilm. In this study, we have explored the role of divalent cations in NTHi biofilm development and stability. We have utilized in vitro static and continuous flow models of biofilm development by NTHi to demonstrate that magnesium cations enhance biofilm formation by NTHi. We found that the divalent cation chelator EDTA is effective at both preventing NTHi biofilm formation and at treating established NTHi biofilms. Furthermore, we found that the matrix destablilizers EDTA and DNaseI increase the susceptibility of NTHi biofilms to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Our observations indicate that DNaseI and EDTA enhance the efficacy of antibiotic treatment of NTHi biofilms. These observations may lead to new strategies that will improve the treatment options available to patients with chronic NTHi infections.
Functional interplay between protein arginine methyltransferases in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Lott Kaylen , Zhu Lu , Fisk John C. , Tomasello Danielle L. , Read Laurie K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractArginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification that has far‐reaching cellular effects. Trypanosoma brucei is an early‐branching eukaryote with four characterized protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), one additional putative PRMT, and over 800 arginine methylated proteins, suggesting that arginine methylation has widespread impacts in this organism. While much is known about the activities of individual T. brucei PRMTs (TbPRMTs), little is known regarding how TbPRMTs function together in vivo. In this study, we analyzed single and selected double TbPRMT knockdowns for the impact on expression of TbPRMTs and global methylation status. Repression of TbPRMT1 caused a decrease in asymmetric dimethylarginine and a marked increase in monomethylarginine that was catalyzed by TbPRMT7, suggesting that TbPRMT1 and TbPRMT7 can compete for the same substrate. We also observed an unexpected and strong interdependence between TbPRMT1 and TbPRMT3 protein levels. This finding, together with the observation of similar methyl landscape profiles in TbPRMT1 and TbPRMT3 repressed cells, strongly suggests that these two enzymes form a functional complex. We show that corepression of TbPRMT6/7 synergistically impacts growth of procyclic‐form T. brucei. Our findings also implicate the actions of noncanonical, and as yet unidentified, PRMTs in T. brucei. Together, our studies indicate that TbPRMTs display a functional interplay at multiple levels.
HD‐CAB: A cognitive assessment battery for clinical trials in Huntington's disease1,2,3
Authors: Stout Julie C. , Queller Sarah , Baker Kalyca N. , Cowlishaw Sean , Sampaio Cristina , Fitzer‐Attas Cheryl , Borowsky Beth ,   the HD‐CAB Investigators
Published: July 2014

AbstractCognitive dysfunction is central to Huntington's disease (HD) and undermines quality of life. Clinical trials are now targeting cognitive outcomes in HD; however, no cognitive battery has been optimized for HD clinical trials. We evaluated 16 cognitive tests in a 20‐site, five‐country, observational study designed to mimic aspects of a clinical trial (e.g., data collection managed by a contract research organization, repeated testing, prespecified statistical analyses). Fifty‐five early HD, 103 premanifest HD (pre‐HD), and 105 controls were tested at visit 1, visit 2 (1‐3 days later), and visit 3 (5‐7 weeks after visit 1). For inclusion in a recommended battery, tests were evaluated for sensitivity, practice effects, reliability, domain coverage, feasibility, and tolerability. Most tests differentiated controls from pre‐HD and early HD and showed excellent psychometric properties. We selected six tests to constitute the Huntington's Disease Cognitive Assessment Battery (HD‐CAB): Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Paced Tapping, One Touch Stockings of Cambridge (abbreviated), Emotion Recognition, Trail Making B, and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test. These tests demonstrated sensitivity to disease status (Cohen's d effect sizes: early HD= −1.38 to −1.90 and pre‐HD= −0.41 to −0.78), and acceptable reliability (r's 0.73‐0.93). A composite score yielded large effect sizes (early HD = −2.44 and pre‐HD = −0.87) and high reliability (r = 0.95). HD‐CAB is the first cognitive battery designed specifically for use in late premanifest and early HD clinical trials. Adoption of the HD‐CAB will facilitate evaluation of treatments to improve cognition in HD. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Proton T2 measurement and quantification of lactate in brain tumors by MRS at 3 Tesla in vivo
Authors: Madan Akshay , Ganji Sandeep K. , An Zhongxu , Choe Kevin S. , Pinho Marco C. , Bachoo Robert M. , Maher Elizabeth M. , Choi Changho 
Published: July 2014

PurposeTo evaluate the T2 relaxation time of lactate (Lac) in brain tumors and the correlation of the T2 and concentration with tumor grades.MethodsEight pairs of the subecho time sets of point‐resolved spectroscopy were selected between 58 and 268 ms, with numerical and phantom analyses, for Lac T2 measurement. In vivo spectra were acquired from 24 subjects with gliomas (13 low grade and 11 high grade) and analyzed with LCModel using numerically‐calculated basis spectra. The metabolite T2 relaxation time was obtained from monoexponential fitting of the multi‐echo time (TE) signal estimates versus TE. The metabolite concentration was estimated from the zero‐TE extrapolation of the T2 fits.ResultsThe Lac T2 was estimated to be approximately 240 ms, without a significant difference between low and high grade tumors. The Lac concentration was estimated to be 4.1 ± 3.4 and 7.0 ± 4.7 mM for low and high grades respectively, but the difference was not significant.ConclusionThe Lac T2 was similar among gliomas regardless of their tumor grades. This suggests that the T2 value from this study may be applicable to obtain the T2 relaxation‐free estimates of Lac in a subset of brain tumors. Magn Reson Med 73:2094–2099, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studying the effect of non‐spherical micro‐particles on Hoek–Brown strength parameter mi using numerical true triaxial compressive tests
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhu He‐Hua , Zhang Lianyang 
Published: July 2014

SUMMARYThe strength parameter mi in the Hoek–Brown strength criterion is empirical and was developed by trial and error. To better understand the fundamental relationship between mi and the physical characteristics of intact rock, this paper presents a systematic study of mi by representing intact rock as a densely packed cemented particle material and simulating its mechanical behavior using particle flow modeling. Specifically, the three‐dimensional particle flow code (PFC3D) was used to conduct numerical true triaxial compression tests on intact rock and to investigate the effect of non‐spherical micro‐particle parameters on mi. To generate numerical intact rock specimens containing non‐spherical micro‐particles, a new genesis process was proposed, and a specific loop algorithm was used based on the efficiency of the process and the acceptability of generated specimens. Four main parameters—number, aspect ratio, size, and shape—of non‐spherical micro‐particles were studied, and the results indicated that they all have great effect on mi. The strength parameter mi increases when the number, aspect ratio, or size is larger or the shape becomes more irregular, mainly as a result of the higher level of interlocking between particles. This confirms the observations from engineering experience and laboratory experiments. To simulate the right strength parameter mi, it is important to use appropriate non‐spherical micro‐particles by controlling these four parameters. This is further demonstrated by the simulation of two widely studied rocks, Lac du Bonnet granite and Carrara marble. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The IPCC and treatment of uncertainties: topics and sources of dissensus
Authors: Adler Carolina E. , Hirsch Hadorn Gertrude 
Published: July 2014

Characterizing uncertainty in the assessment of evidence is common practice when communicating science to users, a prominent example being the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports (ARs). The IPCC guidance note is designed to assist authors in the assessment process by assuring consistent treatment of uncertainties across working groups (WGs). However, debate on this approach has surfaced among scholars on whether applying the guidance note indeed yields the desired consistent treatment of uncertainties thus facilitating effective communication of findings to users. The IPCC guidance note is therefore a paradigmatic case for reviewing concerns regarding treatment of uncertainties for policy. We reviewed published literature that outline disagreement or dissensus on the guidance note in the IPCC assessment process, structured as three distinct topics. First, whether the procedure is reliable and leads to robust results. Second, whether the broad scope of diverse problems, epistemic approaches, and user perspectives allow for consistent and appropriate application. Third, whether the guidance note is adequate for the purpose of communicating clear and relevant information to users. Overall, we find greater emphasis placed on problems arising from the procedure and purpose of the assessment, rather than the scope of application. Since a procedure needs to be appropriate for its purpose and scope, a way forward entails not only making deliberative processes more transparent to control biases. It also entails developing differentiated instruments to account for diversity and complexity of problems, approaches, and perspectives, treating sources of uncertainty as relevant information to users. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:663–676. doi: 10.1002/wcc.297This article is categorized under:

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Integrated Assessment by Expert Panels
Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making
Integrative analysis of ‘‐omics’ data using penalty functions
Authors: Zhao Qing , Shi Xingjie , Huang Jian , Liu Jin , Li Yang , Ma Shuangge 
Published: July 2014

In the analysis of omics data, integrative analysis provides an effective way of pooling information across multiple datasets or multiple correlated responses, and can be more effective than single dataset (response) analysis. Multiple families of integrative analysis methods have been proposed in the literature. The current review focuses on the penalization methods. Special attention is paid to sparse meta‐analysis methods that pool summary statistics across datasets, and integrative analysis methods that pool raw data across datasets. We discuss their formulation and rationale. Beyond ‘standard’ penalized selection, we also review contrasted penalization and Laplacian penalization that accommodate finer data structures. The computational aspects, including computational algorithms and tuning parameter selection, are examined. This review concludes with possible limitations and extensions. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:99–108. doi: 10.1002/wics.1322This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Genomics/Proteomics/Genetics
Effects of male‐biased harvest on mule deer: Implications for rates of pregnancy, synchrony, and timing of parturition
Authors: Freeman Eric D. , Larsen Randy T. , Peterson Mark E. , Anderson Charles R. , Hersey Kent R. , Mcmillan Brock R. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTEvaluating how management practices influence the population dynamics of ungulates may enhance future management of these species. For example, in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), changes in male/female ratio due to male‐biased harvest may alter rates of pregnancy, timing of parturition, and synchrony of parturition if inadequate numbers of males are present to fertilize females during their first estrous cycle. If rates of pregnancy or parturition are influenced by decreased male/female ratios, recruitment may be reduced (e.g., fewer births, later parturition resulting in lower survival of fawns, and a less synchronous parturition that potentially increases susceptibility of neonates to predation). Our objectives were to compare rates of pregnancy, synchrony of parturition, and timing of parturition between exploited mule deer populations with a relatively high (Piceance, CO, USA; 26 males/100 females) and a relatively low (Monroe, UT, USA; 14 males/100 females) male/female ratio. We determined rates of pregnancy via ultrasonography and timing of parturition via vaginal implant transmitters. We found no differences in rates of pregnancy (98.6% and 96.6%; z = −0.821; P = 0.794), timing of parturition (estimate = 1.258; SE = 1.672; t = 0.752; P = 0.454), or synchrony of parturition (F = 1.073 P = 0.859) between Monroe Mountain and Piceance Basin, respectively. The relatively low male/female ratio on Monroe Mountain was not associated with a protracted period of parturition. This finding suggests that relatively low male/female ratios typical of heavily harvested populations do not influence population dynamics because recruitment remains unaffected. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Six Pentanuclear and Tetranuclear Mo/W‐Cu‐S Clusters with Bis(diphenylphosphanyl) Methane
Authors: Li Zhongfeng , Li Jianbao , Fan Weiwei , Xue Xiaonan , Wang Rong , Jiang Yuhan , Wu Manhua , Jin Qionghua 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSix heterothiometalic clusters, namely, [WS4Cu4(dppm)4](ClO4)2·2DMF·MeCN (1), [MoS4Cu4(dppm)4](NO3)2·MeCN (2) [MoS4Cu3(dppm)3](ClO4)·4H2O (3), [WS4Cu3(dppm)3](NO3)·4H2O (4), [WS4Cu3(dppm)3]SCN·CH2Cl2 (5), and [WS4Cu3(dppm)3]I·CH2Cl2 (6) [dppm = bis (diphenylphosphanyl)methane] were synthesized. Compounds 1–4 were obtained by the reactions of (NH4)2MS4 (M = Mo, W) with [Cu2(μ2‐dppm)2(MeCN)2(ClO4)2] {or [Cu(dppm)(NO3)]2} in the presence of 1,10‐phen in mixed solvent (CH3CN/CH2Cl2/DMF for 1 and 2, CH2Cl2/CH3OH/DMF for 3 and 4. Compounds 5 and 6 were obtained by one‐pot reactions of (NH4)2WS4 with dppm and CuSCN (or CuI) in CH2Cl2/CH3OH. These clusters were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as IR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Structure analysis showed that compounds 1 and 2 are “saddle‐shaped” pentanuclear cationic clusters, whereas compounds 3–6 are “flywheel‐shaped” tetranuclear cationic clusters. In 1 and 2, the MS42– unit (M = W, Mo) is coordinated by four copper atoms, which are further bridged by four dppm molecules. In compounds 3–6, the MS42– unit is coordinated by three copper atoms and each copper atom is bridged by three dppm ligands.
Review of Our Experience With Neuroblastoma and Ganglioneuroblastoma in Adults
Authors: Jrebi Nezar Y. , Iqbal Corey W. , Joliat Gaëtan‐Romain , Sebo Thomas J. , Farley David R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundNeuroblastomas and ganglioneuroblastomas (NB/GNB) are malignant tumors that rarely occur in adults. Their disease progression and appropriate treatment are unclear.MethodsAll adults (age ≥18 years) were evaluated for histologically confirmed NB/GNB within our institution. Data were collected via chart review and direct patient contact.ResultsFrom 1980 to 2009, a total of 15 adult patients with NB/GNB were evaluated: six men (mean age 23 years, range 19–33 years) and nine women (mean 34 years, range 20–66 years). Their overall average age at diagnosis was 30 years. Tumor‐related symptoms occurred in ten patients: Pain (abdominal 3, back 2, pelvic 1, groin 1) was more common than a mass (abdominal 2) or dysmenorrhea (1). Five patients had tumors found incidentally by computed tomography (4) or chest radiography (1). Primary tumor origins were in the pelvis (4), mediastinum (3), abdomen (2), adrenal gland (2), retroperitoneum (2), and mixed locations (2). Altogether, 12 patients underwent surgical resection (biopsy in 3; resections of R0 in 5, R1 in 3, R2 in 4). Ten underwent chemotherapy. Histology showed four GNBs and 11 NBs. Five patients with stage I disease survived a mean of 21 years (range 10–40 years). Two are alive today. Three stage III patients died at 2, 6, and 9 years after diagnosis (mean 5.7 years). Six of seven patients (one was lost to follow‐up) with initial stage IV neuroblastoma died within 5 years (mean 2.7 years). NB and GNB patients had similar survivals.ConclusionsAdult‐onset NB/GNB is rare. Symptoms appear to occur later when incurable stage IV disease is detected. Complete surgical resection can lead to long‐term, disease‐free survival in stage I patients.
Impact of Preoperative Risk Factors on Morbidity after Esophagectomy: Is There Room for Improvement?
Authors: Mantziari Styliani , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundDespite progress in multidisciplinary treatment of esophageal cancer, oncologic esophagectomy is still the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies. Several scoring systems are used to predict postoperative morbidity, but in most cases they identify nonmodifiable parameters. The aim of this study was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors associated with complications after oncologic esophagectomy.MethodsAll consecutive patients with complete data sets undergoing oncologic esophagectomy in our department during 2001–2011 were included in this study. As potentially modifiable risk factors we assessed nutritional status depicted by body mass index (BMI) and preoperative serum albumin levels, excessive alcohol consumption, and active smoking. Postoperative complications were graded according to a validated 5‐grade system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify preoperative risk factors associated with the occurrence and severity of complications.ResultsOur series included 93 patients. Overall morbidity rate was 81 % (n = 75), with 56 % (n = 52) minor complications and 18 % (n = 17) major complications. Active smoking and excessive alcohol consumption were associated with the occurrence of severe complications, whereas BMI and low preoperative albumin levels were not. The simultaneous presence of two or more of these risk factors significantly increased the risk of postoperative complications.ConclusionsA combination of malnutrition, active smoking and alcohol consumption were found to have a negative impact on postoperative morbidity rates. Therefore, preoperative smoking and alcohol cessation counseling and monitoring and improving the nutritional status are strongly recommended.