bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of beam arrangements and the impact of non‐coplanar beams on the treatment planning of stereotactic ablative radiation therapy for early stage lung cancer
Authors: Fitzgerald Rhys , Owen Rebecca , Barry Tamara , Hargrave Cathy , Pryor David , Bernard Anne , Lehman Margot , Mai Tao , Fielding Andrew 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare various coplanar and non‐coplanar 3‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) beam arrangements for the delivery of stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) to patients with early stage lung cancer, based on the dosimetric criteria from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 1021 protocol.MethodsTen medically inoperable lung cancer patients eligible for SABR were re‐planned using three different coplanar and three different non‐coplanar beam arrangements. The plans were compared by assessing planning target volume (PTV) coverage, doses to normal tissues, the high‐dose conformity (conformity index) and intermediate dose spillage as defined by the D2cm, (the dose at any point 2 cm away from the PTV), and the R50% (the ratio of the volume of half the prescription dose to the volume of the PTV).ResultsSixty plans in total were assessed. Mean PTV coverage with the prescription isodose was similar between coplanar (95.14%) and non‐coplanar (95.26%) techniques (P = 0.47). There was significant difference between all coplanar and all non‐coplanar fields for the R50% (P < 0.0001) but none for the D2cm (P = 0.19). The seven and nine field beam arrangements with two non‐coplanar fields had less unacceptable protocol deviations (10 and 7) than the seven and nine field plans with only coplanar fields (13 and 8). The 13 field coplanar fields did not improve protocol compliance with eight unacceptable deviations. The 10 field non‐coplanar beam arrangement achieved best compliance with the RTOG 1021 dose criteria with only one unacceptable deviation (maximum rib dose).ConclusionA 3DCRT planning technique using 10 fields with ≥6 non‐coplanar beams best satisfied high and intermediate dose constraints stipulated in the RTOG 1021 trial. Further investigations are required to determine if minor protocol deviations should be balanced against efficiency with the extended treatment times required to deliver non‐coplanar fields and if treatment times can be improved using novel intensity modulated techniques.
Guidance for representing uncertainty on global temperature change maps
Authors: Retchless David P. , Brewer Cynthia A. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTUncertainty in the spatial distribution of projected climate changes can be represented along with the magnitudes of those changes using coincident‐bivariate maps. While these maps are popular in climate change assessment reports, limited empirical research has tested which combinations of colour (including variation in the visual variables of hue, lightness, and saturation) and pattern (including variation in the visual variables of size, shape, spacing, orientation, and arrangement) are best suited to mapping projected changes coincident with uncertainty. We evaluate eight coincident‐bivariate techniques for mapping global temperature (CMIP5 ensemble using RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 scenarios) and its uncertainty, each using 20‐classes: five temperature change classes combined with four uncertainty classes. Subjects ranked rectangular map regions by overall amounts of temperature change and uncertainty; response accuracy was evaluated using Kendall's Tau Distance. Maps using colour for representing temperature change and pattern for uncertainty appear most suitable for retaining separability of temperature and uncertainty information. Spot symbols for uncertainty (combining arrangement and lightness) overlaid on hue/lightness for temperature performed best for uncertainty ranking, second best for temperature ranking, and were map users' preferred representation. If colour alone must be used for both variables, then a classed overlay of lightness/saturation differences for uncertainty with hue/lightness for temperature change was preferred; such maps were strong performers on the uncertainty‐ranking task but interfered with map users' ability to rank temperature change. Such a masking approach may be the best choice if the goal is to actively prevent map users from making erroneous inferences based on highly uncertain model output for climate change.
Regional climate simulations of the changes in the components of the moisture budget over South America
Authors: Coutinho Maytê Duarte Leal , Lima Kellen Carla , Santos e Silva Cláudio Moisés 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe moisture transport over South America (SA) was investigated through the vertically integrated moisture flux of three regions: the Amazon (AMZ), Northeastern Brazil (NEB) and the La Plata Basin (LPB), in different climates, past (1961–1990) and future (2071–2100), in the summer (DJF) and winter (JJA) seasons. For this, we used the results of the simulations of four regional climate models (RCMs) of the Regional Climate Change Assessment for the La Plata Basin (CLARIS‐LPB) project. The capacity and limitations of the models to simulate seasonal precipitation for the past period is discussed. In general, the RCMs tended to overestimate the observed precipitation during DJF in the NEB and underestimate it during JJA in the LPB. In relation to change in precipitation (future minus past), the RCMs indicated a decrease in precipitation over northern SA. The average fluxes of the AMZ and NEB regions provided most of the water vapour through the east and north edges, which indicates that the contributions of the North and South Atlantic trade winds are equally important for the entry of moisture during JJA and DJF. This configuration was observed in all models and climates. By comparing past and future climates, the moisture flux convergence during the past was lower relative to the future in different regions and seasons, with statistically significant differences at the 5% level considering the Student's t‐test. In the same study, we compared the simulated (RCMs) and reanalysis moisture flux (ERA‐40) in the past climate. The result indicated that the CLARIS project's RCMs are capable of simulating values similar or equal to the observed ones, providing high quality data for SA that can be useful in the analysis of changes in future moisture fluxes.
Enhanced expression of Wnt9a in the flexor tenosynovium in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Menuki Kunitaka , Zenke Yukichi , Hirasawa Hideyuki , Sakai Akinori 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to clarify the association between abnormal Wnt signaling and the cause of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (ICTS) and whether an association exists between Wnt signaling and cell proliferation in the flexor tenosynovium. The subjects included nine patients with ICTS; the controls were nine patients with distal radius fractures without any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. We extracted mRNA from the flexor tenosynovium and compared the expression levels of genes encoding 17 types of Wnt in both subjects and controls via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression levels of factors involved in cell proliferation, such as estrogen‐responsive finger protein, epidermal growth factor receptor, heparin binding‐epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also measured using quantitative real‐time PCR. In addition, we compared the Wnt and MIB‐1 protein expression levels to clarify the effect of Wnt on cell proliferation. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed significantly greater expression of the gene encoding Wnt9a in subjects with ICTS than in controls and also revealed a positive correlation between the expression of genes encoding Wnt9a and VEGF in subjects with ICTS. Quantitative evaluation using immunohistochemical staining also indicated more marked Wnt9a expression in subjects than in controls. However, there was no relationship between the expression of Wnt9a and the cell proliferation index MIB‐1. These results indicate that Wnt9a expression is enhanced in ICTS and that Wnt9a may be involved in VEGF expression in ICTS. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1531–1536, 2015.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Suicidal Ideation Among U.S. Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
Authors: Gradus Jaimie L. , Wisco Blair E. , Luciano Matthew T. , Iverson Katherine M. , Marx Brian P. , Street Amy E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with suicidal behavior among veterans, and gender differences in the strength of associations may exist. Almost all research has been limited to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients, and it is unclear if findings generalize to veterans who do not use VHA services. We examined gender‐ and VHA‐user‐specific associations between TBI related to deployment and postdeployment suicidal ideation in a U.S. national sample of 1,041 female and 880 male Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans. Path analysis was used to estimate TBI and suicidal ideation association, and examine PTSD and depression symptomatology in these associations. TBI was associated with suicidal ideation among male VHA users, OR = 3.64, 95% CI [2.21, 6.01]; and male and female nonusers, OR = 2.24, 95% CI [1.14, 4.44] and OR = 2.65, 95% CI [1.26, 5.58], respectively, in unadjusted analyses. This association was explained by depression symptoms among male and female nonusers. Among male VHA users an association between TBI and suicidal ideation remained when accounting for depression symptoms, OR = 2.50, 95% CI [1.33, 4.71]. Our findings offered evidence of an association between TBI and suicidal ideation among male OEF/OIF VHA users.
A novel dual‐wavelength, Nd:YAG, picosecond‐domain laser safely and effectively removes multicolor tattoos
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Schomacker Kevin T. , Basilavecchio Lisa D. , Plugis Jessica M. , Bhawalkar Jayant D. 
Published: July 2015

Background and ObjectivesAlthough nanosecond‐domain lasers have been the mainstay of laser tattoo removal for decades, recent disruptive innovations in laser design have introduced a new class of commercial Q‐switched lasers that generate picosecond‐domain pulses.StudyA picosecond‐domain, Nd:YAG laser with a KTP frequency‐doubling crystal was used to treat 31 decorative tattoos in 21 subjects. Safety and effectiveness were determined by blinded evaluation of digital images in this prospective clinical study.ResultsThe average clearance overall as evaluated by blinded observers evaluating randomized digital photographs was 79 ± 0.9% (mean ± sem) after an average of 6.5 treatments. Of the 31 tattoos completing treatment, 6 had evidence of mild hyper‐ or hypo‐pigmentation by evaluation of photographs.ConclusionThe 350 picosecond, 532 nm, and 450 picosecond 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for removing decorative tattoos. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:542–548, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acid‐Sensitive Nanogels for Synergistic Chemo‐Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Xiaofei , Yao Xuemei , Chen Li , Chen Xuesi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHerein, a novel kind of intelligent nanogels have been designed, which can spatiotemporally control the release of drug (doxorubicin) and photosensitizers (porphyrins) to combine chemo‐therapy and photodynamic therapy. Further, the fluorescing properties of porphyrins make it possible to be used as a kind of diagnostic bio‐imaging agents. In vitro release assays confirm that DOX‐loaded nanogels show obvious intracellular pH‐sensitive property. The intracellular experiments further prove that drug‐loaded nanogels has the significantly antitumor efficacy due to the combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, which made this drug delivery system hold great potential applications for further cancer treatment.
Development of Layered Multiscale Porous Thin Films by Tuning Deposition Time and Molecular Weight of Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Yu Jing , Sanyal Oishi , Izbicki Andrew P. , Lee Ilsoon 
Published: July 2015

This work focuses on the design of porous polymeric films with nano‐ and micro‐sized pores existing in distinct zones. The porous thin films are fabricated by the post‐treatment of layer‐by‐layer assembled poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) multilayers. In order to improve the processing efficiency, the deposition time is shortened to ≈10 s. It is found that fine porous structures can be created even by significantly reducing the processing time. The effect of using polyelectrolytes with widely different molecular weights is also studied. The pore size is increased by using high molecular weight PAH, while high molecular weight PAA minimizes the pore size to nanometer scale. Having gained a precise control over the pore size, layered multiscale porous thin films are further built up with either a microsized porous zone on top of a nanosized porous zone or vice versa.
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In vivo role of Candida albicans β‐hexosaminidase (HEX1) in carbon scavenging
Authors: Ruhela Deepa , Kamthan Mohan , Saha Paramita , Majumdar Subeer S. , Datta Kasturi , Abdin Malik Zainul , Datta Asis 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe capability to utilize of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as a carbon source is an important virulence attribute of Candida albicans. But there is a lack of information about the in vivo source of GlcNAc for the pathogen within the host environment. Here, we have characterized the GlcNAc‐inducible β‐hexosaminidase gene (HEX1) of C. albicans showing a role in carbon scavenging. In contrast to earlier studies, we have reported HEX1 to be a nonessential gene as shown by homozygous trisomy test. Virulence study in the systemic mouse murine model showed that Δhex1 strain is significantly less virulent in comparison to the wild‐type strain. Moreover, Δhex1 strain also showed a higher susceptibility to peritoneal macrophages. In an attempt to determine possible substrates of Hex1, hyaluronic acid (HA) was treated with purified Hex1 enzyme. A significant release of GlcNAc was observed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis analysis suggesting HA degradation. Interestingly, immunohistochemistry analysis showed significant accumulation of HA in the mice kidney infected with the wild‐type strain of C. albicans. Northern blot analysis showed that C. albicans HEX1 is expressed during mice renal colonization. Thus, C. albicans can obtain GlcNAc during organ colonization by secreting Hex1 via degradation of host HA.
Impact of Depression on Progression of Impairment and Disability in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bega Danny , Luo Sheng , Fernandez Hubert , Chou Kelvin , Aminoff Michael , Parashos Sotirios , Walker Harrison , Russell David S. , Christine Chadwick W. , Dhall Rohit , Singer Carlos , Bodis‐Wollner Ivan , Hamill Robert , Truong Daniel , Mari Zoltan , Glazmann Sofya , Huang Meilin , Houston Emily , Simuni Tanya ,   the NET PD LS1 investigators
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundDepression is one of the most common nonmotor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the impact of depression on progression of disease is unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to prospectively characterize the relationship between depressive symptoms and measures of disease progression in a large sample of patients with early, medically treated PD.MethodsBaseline and longitudinal Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores from participants in the NINDS Exploratory Trials in PD Long Term Study 1 were correlated with changes in multiple measures of disease severity over 5 years. Multivariate analysis of predictors of change in BDI was performed.ResultsOf 1,741 participants, 746 completed 5‐year assessments and were included. Mean age was 62.00 years (standard deviation [SD]: 9.22) and mean disease duration was 1.69 years (SD, 1.16). Mean BDI score was 6.24 (SD, 5.02) at baseline and 8.57 (SD, 6.60) at 5 years. Baseline BDI score was strongly associated with rate of change in all examined measures of disease severity. In multivariate analysis, BDI 5‐year change was associated with change in UPDRS Part I (excluding depression item; P < 0.01), 33‐item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (P < 0.01), EuroQOL Five Dimensional Questionnaire (P = 0.02), and Total Functional Capacity (P < 0.01), but was not associated with motor or cognitive measures. This model explained 68.8% of the variance 5‐year change of the BDI score.ConclusionsWorse baseline BDI scores are associated with a decline in multiple measures of disease severity in PD. Worsening of BDI at 5 years was associated with worsening in UPDRS Part I and quality‐of‐life measures, but not with motor or cognitive measures.
Delineating nonmotor symptoms in early Parkinson's disease and first‐degree relatives
Authors: Baig Fahd , Lawton Michael , Rolinski Michal , Ruffmann Claudio , Nithi Kannan , Evetts Samuel G. , Fernandes Hugo R. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Hu Michele T.M 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTNonmotor symptoms (NMS) are an important prodromal feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, their frequency, treatment rates, and impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in the early motor phase is unclear. Rates of NMS in enriched at‐risk populations, such as first‐degree PD relatives, have not been delineated. We assessed NMS in an early cohort of PD, first‐degree PD relatives and control subjects to address these questions. In total, 769 population‐ascertained PD subjects within 3.5 years of diagnosis, 98 first‐degree PD relatives, and 287 control subjects were assessed at baseline across the following NMS domains: (1) neuropsychiatric; (2) gastrointestinal; (3) sleep; (4) sensory; (5) autonomic; and (6) sexual. NMS were much more common in PD, compared to control subjects. More than half of the PD cases had hyposmia, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, or urinary dysfunction. NMS were more frequent in those with the postural instability gait difficulty phenotype, compared to the tremor dominant (mean total number of NMS 7.8 vs. 6.2; P < 0.001). PD cases had worse HRQoL scores than controls (odds ratio: 4.1; P < 0.001), with depression, anxiety, and pain being stronger drivers than motor scores. NMS were rarely treated in routine clinical practice. First‐degree PD relatives did not significantly differ in NMS, compared to controls, in this baseline study. NMS are common in early PD and more common in those with postural instability gait difficulty phenotype or on treatment. Despite their major impact on quality of life, NMS are usually under‐recognized and untreated. © 2015 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Ethyl‐eicosapentaenoic acid treatment in Huntington's disease: A placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ferreira Joaquim J. , Rosser Anne , Craufurd David , Squitieri Ferdinando , Mallard Nicholas , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that treatment with ethyl‐eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may improve motor function in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) with cytosine‐adenine‐guanine repeat numbers of <45.MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled 6‐month trial compared the effects of ethyl‐EPA versus placebo on 290 subjects with mild‐to‐moderate HD. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to 6 months in the Total Motor Score 4 (TMS‐4) component of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in UHDRS subscores and Clinical Global Impression (CGI).ResultsNo significant differences in TMS‐4 scores were noted between treatment groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences between groups on any of the UHDRS subscores or CGI scores.ConclusionEthyl‐EPA was not beneficial in patients with HD during 6 months of placebo‐controlled evaluation. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
L‐dopa increases α‐synuclein DNA methylation in Parkinson's disease patients in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Schmitt Ina , Kaut Oliver , Khazneh Hassan , deBoni Laura , Ahmad Ashar , Berg Daniela , Klein Christine , Fröhlich Holger , Wüllner Ullrich 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing gene dosages of α‐synuclein induce familial Parkinson's disease (PD); thus, the hypothesis has been put forward that regulation of gene expression, in particular altered α‐synuclein gene methylation, might be associated with sporadic PD and could be used as a biological marker.MethodsWe performed a thorough analysis of α‐synuclein methylation in bisulfite‐treated DNA from peripheral blood of 490 sporadic PD patients and 485 healthy controls and in addition analyzed the effect of levodopa (l‐dopa) on α‐synuclein methylation and expression in cultured mononuclear cells.Resultsα‐Synuclein was hypomethylated in sporadic PD patients, correlated with sex, age, and a polymorphism in the analyzed sequence stretch (rs3756063). α‐Synuclein methylation separated healthy individuals from sporadic PD with a specificity of 74% (male) and 78% (female), respectively. α‐Synuclein methylation was increased in sporadic PD patients with higher l‐dopa dosage, and l‐dopa specifically induced methylation of α‐synuclein intron 1 in cultured mononuclear cells.Conclusionsα‐Synuclein methylation levels depended on disease status, sex, age, and the genotype of rs3756063. The pharmacological action of l‐dopa was not limited to the dopamine precursor function but included epigenetic off‐target effects. The hypomethylation of α‐synuclein in sporadic PD patients' blood already observed in previous studies was probably underestimated because of effect of l‐dopa, which was not known previously. The analysis of α‐synuclein methylation can help to identify nonparkinsonian individuals with reasonable specificity, which offers a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Challenges and Opportunities in Continuous Production of Emulsion Polymers: a Review
Authors: Asua José M. 
Published: July 2015

Profit margin reduction and global competition are pushing latex producers to consider process intensification that relies on the replacement of semicontinuous reactors by continuous ones. The challenges involved and ways in which the challenges can be transformed into opportunities are discussed for: (i) production of branched polymers in CSTRs; (ii) minimization of the grade transition product in the production of a portfolio of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) in CSTRs; (iii) synthesis of flocculants by inverse microemulsion polymerization in CSTRs and in tubular and Couette–Taylor reactors; and (iv) production of polyurethane‐acrylic PSAs by miniemulsion polymerization in a tubular reactor.
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