bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of race/ethnicity on laryngeal cancer in patients treated at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Authors: Sandulache Vlad C. , Kubik Mark W. , Skinner Heath D. , Malsky Joseph A. , Gelbard Alexander H. , Zevallos Jose P. 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisBlack patients generally present with advanced head and neck cancer resulting in decreased survival. The objective of this study was to determine whether equal access to laryngeal cancer care in a tertiary care Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center would result in similar survival for white and black patients.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsPatient and tumor characteristics, compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, and survival outcomes were collected for 205 male patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated between 2000 and 2012 at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center.ResultsBlack patients constituted 33% of the entire cohort, were older (mean age, 65.1 vs. 62.1 years), and consumed less tobacco (46.6 vs. 65.8 mean pack‐years) than white patients. Disease stage and compliance with NCCN guidelines were not affected by race. Mean follow up time was 3.6 years. A higher recurrence rate was noted among white patients (24% vs. 15%, P < .05). Neither disease‐free survival (DFS) nor overall survival (OS) was significantly different between black and white patients (DFS 69% vs. 68%, P = .7; OS 68% vs. 77%, P = .1).ConclusionsUtilization of a multidisciplinary approach to laryngeal cancer care at the VA medical center allows for high compliance with NCCN guidelines and excellent oncologic outcomes. Ethnicity did not impact stage at presentation, treatment selection, or treatment intensity in this patient cohort. Our data suggest that cancer care at a VA medical center results in clinical outcomes that do not significantly vary based on patient race.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2170–2175, 2013
Investigations into the Mass Spectrometric Method for the Determination of the Mode of Termination in Radical Polymerization
Authors: Alghamdi Majed M. , Russell Gregory T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe fraction of termination by disproportionation, λ, in radical polymerization may be determined by a mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of the resulting polymer. It is subjected to an array of stringent consistency checks, working with polymerizations of methyl methacrylate at 85 °C in three different solvents and with four different initiators. λ is shown to be unaffected by the choice of initiator, initiator concentration, or isoviscous solvent. These findings serve to allay any fears about the method being undermined by effects such as primary radical termination or chain transfer to solvent, thereby establishing its robustness. At the same time, direct evidence for the occurrence of chain transfer to the solvent methyl isobutyrate is uncovered, and the importance of knowing other rate‐parameter values accurately, if λ is to be determined accurately, is illustrated. By carrying out MS analyses, it is concluded that electrospray ionization with time‐of‐flight detection gives the best results for the present purpose.magnified image
Grafting of Chitosan with Styrene and Maleic Anhydride via Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: García‐Valdez Omar , Ramírez‐Wong Diana Guadalupe , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , Luna‐Bárcenas Gabriel 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA novel synthesis route is used to produce chitosan‐graft‐poly(styrene‐maleic anhydride)‐OH‐TEMPO (CTS‐g‐PSMA‐T). A three‐step reaction scheme is proposed: 1) bromine 4‐OH‐TEMPO oxoammonium salt is synthesized. 2) Hydroxyl‐targeted groups in the CTS molecule are reacted with the synthesized salt in aqueous acid solution. A functionalization of 18.9% is achieved. 3) Graft copolymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride is done via NMRP by a unimolecular initiation system. The reaction is run in a dispersion in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) in the presence of camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) to avoid autopolymerization. A modified CTS with a graft content of 68% in weight is obtained.magnified image
Quantitative trait locus linkage analysis in a large Amish pedigree identifies novel candidate loci for erythrocyte traits
Authors: Hinckley Jesse D. , Abbott Diana , Burns Trudy L. , Heiman Meadow , Shapiro Amy D. , Wang Kai , Paola Jorge Di 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe characterized a large Amish pedigree and, in 384 pedigree members, analyzed the genetic variance components with covariate screen as well as genome‐wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) linkage analysis of red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell count (WBC) using SOLAR. Age and gender were found to be significant covariates in many CBC traits. We obtained significant heritability estimates for RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, and WBC. We report four candidate loci with Logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores above 2.0: 6q25 (MCH), 9q33 (WBC), 10p12 (RDW), and 20q13 (MCV). We also report eleven candidate loci with LOD scores between 1.5 and <2.0. Bivariate linkage analysis of MCV and MCH on chromosome 20 resulted in a higher maximum LOD score of 3.14. Linkage signals on chromosomes 4q28, 6p22, 6q25, and 20q13 are concomitant with previously reported QTL. All other linkage signals reported herein represent novel evidence of candidate QTL. Interestingly rs1800562, the most common causal variant of hereditary hemochromatosis in HFE (6p22) was associated with MCH and MCHC in this family. Linkage studies like the one presented here will allow investigators to focus the search for rare variants amidst the noise encountered in the large amounts of data generated by whole‐genome sequencing.
Cancer‐generated lactic acid: a regulatory, immunosuppressive metabolite?
Authors: Choi Stephen Yiu Chuen , Collins Colin C , Gout Peter W , Wang Yuzhuo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe common preference of cancers for lactic acid‐generating metabolic energy pathways has led to proposals that their reprogrammed metabolism confers growth advantages such as decreased susceptibility to hypoxic stress. Recent observations, however, suggest that it generates a novel way for cancer survival. There is increasing evidence that cancers can escape immune destruction by suppressing the anti‐cancer immune response through maintaining a relatively low pH in their micro‐environment. Tumours achieve this by regulating lactic acid secretion via modification of glucose/glutamine metabolisms. We propose that the maintenance by cancers of a relatively low pH in their micro‐environment, via regulation of their lactic acid secretion through selective modification of their energy metabolism, is another major mechanism by which cancers can suppress the anti‐cancer immune response. Cancer‐generated lactic acid could thus be viewed as a critical, immunosuppressive metabolite in the tumour micro-environment rather than a ‘waste product’. This paradigm shift can have major impact on therapeutic strategy development. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terahertz‐induced effects on excitons in magnetic field
Authors: Böttge C. N. , Breddermann B. , Schneebeli L. , Kira M. , W. Koch S. , Bhattacharyya J. , Schneider H. , Helm M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTerahertz‐induced intra‐exciton transitions are studied in semiconductor quantum‐well systems under the influence of a constant magnetic field. A systematic description is developed to include carrier–carrier interactions, terahertz transitions, and magnetic‐field effects to the exciton‐correlation dynamics.When a magnetic field is present, the exciton states and energies are changed directly and parametrically via the center‐of‐mass momentum of excitons. The numerical results show that both effects influence the terahertz spectroscopy. Especially, the transition between 1s‐ and 2p‐exciton states is shown to depend strongly on both magnetic field and center‐of‐mass momentum. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Screening calmodulin‐binding ligands using intensity‐fading matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Zhaofu , Liu Shu , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying 
Published: May 2013

RATIONALECalmodulin (CaM) plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism, cytoskeleton and cell proliferation. CaM antagonists are a class of drugs that can bind to CaM and modulate the interactions between CaM and their target biological processes. Screening new calmodulin antagonists and developing novel methods for detecting calmodulin ligands are important for developing novel anti‐cancer drugs that bind specifically to CaM.METHODSAn intensity‐fading matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (IF‐MALDI‐MS) method for screening calmodulin ligands was established, with the non‐binding drug propranolol as the internal control. The experimental sample was prepared by mixing the positive ligand trifluoperazine (or chlorpromazine), propranolol and Ca2+‐CaM. The control sample was treated in the same way without the addition of CaM. The experimental and control samples were both analyzed by MALDI‐MS. Based on the relative intensity fading (IF) of the ligand to propranolol, the MS conditions were optimized and then used to study the binding of eight alkaloids and calmodulin. Competitive experiments were performed in a similar way by adding two drugs to compare their binding affinities with calmodulin.RESULTSThe matrix 2,6‐dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) was suitable for detecting calmodulin ligands. Compared with propranolol, the relative intensities of six free drugs (berbamine, tetrandrine, papaverine, reserpine, brucine and tetrahydropalmatine) clearly faded after the addition of calmodulin, indicating that they can bind with CaM. The other two alkaloids (strychnine and piperine) had no or weak interaction with the target protein. Based on the data from the competitive binding experiments, the binding affinities of five drugs to calmodulin were obtained in the order: tetrandrine > trifluoperazine > berbamine > chlorpromazine > imipramine.CONCLUSIONSThe IF‐MALDI‐MS method was successfully applied to screen novel calmodulin agents at both qualitative and semiquantitative levels. The new ligands may be novel leads for CaM antagonists. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput determination of cortisol, cortisone, and melatonin in oral fluid by on‐line turbulent flow liquid chromatography interfaced with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fustinoni Silvia , Polledri Elisa , Mercadante Rosa 
Published: May 2013

RATIONALECortisol, cortisone, and melatonin (CORTol, CORTone, and MELA, respectively) are hormones related to stress and sleep disorders. Their detection is relevant to epidemiological studies aimed at investigating the effects of circadian cycle disruption. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a high‐throughput assay for the detection of CORTol, CORTone, and MELA concentrations in non‐invasively collected oral fluid samples.METHODSA liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method to measure levels of CORTol, CORTone, and MELA in oral fluid samples in the presence of deuterated analogs was optimized and validated. A 50 μL aliquot of oral fluid sample, obtained by centrifugation of a chewed swab, was purified using on‐line turbulent flow liquid chromatography. Analytes were then separated using C18 reversed‐phase chromatography, subjected to positive ionization using an electrospray source, then quantitated using a triple quadrupole mass detector in the selected reaction monitoring mode.RESULTSLimits of quantification and linear dynamic ranges were found to be 0.55 nmol/L, 5.5 nmol/L, and 0.004 nmol/L, and up to 28 nmol/L, 277 nmol/L, and 0.43 nmol/L for CORTol, CORTone, and MELA, respectively. Inter‐ and intra‐run precisions as relative standard deviation values were <5%, and accuracies were within 95–106% of theoretical concentrations. An evaluation of matrix effects showed that the use of deuterated analogs controlled sources of bias. Furthermore, the total analysis time per sample was 13 min, resulting in a throughput of approximately 100 samples/day.CONCLUSIONSTo our knowledge, this is the first automated, high‐throughput assay for the simultaneous quantification of CORTol, CORTone, and MELA in oral fluid specimens. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Light Out‐Coupling of OLEDs with Low Haze by Inserting Randomly Dispersed Nanopillar Arrays Formed by Lateral Phase Separation of Polymer Blends
Authors: Lee Cholho , Kim Jang‐Joo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA simple and efficient method to fabricate light extraction layers is demonstrated by utilizing the phase separation of two polymer blends to enhance the light out‐coupling efficiency of OLEDs with low haze. Polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran are mixed and spin‐coated over ITO‐coated glass substrates. Nanopores and nanopillar arrays are formed through lateral phase separation of the polymer blend. The shape, size, and distribution of the patterns can be controlled through changes in the composition and thickness of the coated polymer blends. Phosphorescent OLEDs are fabricated using randomly dispersed nanopillar arrays as light extraction layers and they show a 24% enhancement in external quantum efficiency with a Lambertian emission pattern, no spectrum dependence on viewing angles, and only a small increment in the haze. With these advantages, this newly developed method can be adapted to be used for large‐area, flexible substrates for lighting and display applications.
Larval competition causes the difference in male ejaculate expenditure in Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Katsuki Masako , Toquenaga Yukihiko , Miyatake Takahisa 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus larvae exhibit two types of resource competition: scramble, in which a resource is shared, and contest, in which the resource is monopolized. This difference in larval behavior results in different adult densities. Under contest competition, adult density remains constant regardless of larval density, but under scramble competition, adult density increases with larval density. This in turn affects mating frequency during adulthood, and thus, the intensity of sexual selection operating on males. In this study, we examined the relationship between larval competition types and male reproductive investment in mating. We assessed the male ejaculate expenditure per mating across geographic strains of C. maculatus. The male investment (ejaculate expenditure) increased with the degree of scramble competition and decreased with the degree of contest competition. We therefore suggest that males experience different selective pressures depending on the type of larval competition: scramble type males are selected for increased reproductive investment.
Male‐biased dispersal promotes large scale gene flow in a subterranean army ant, Dorylus (Typhlopone) fulvus
Authors: Barth Matthias Benjamin , Moritz Robin Frederik Alexander , Pirk Christian Walter Werner , Kraus Frank Bernhard 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSex‐biased dispersal is a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom, which strongly influences gene flow and population structure. Particularly army ants, important key‐stone predators in tropical ecosystems, are prone to population fragmentation and isolation due to their extraordinary mating system: queens are permanently wingless, propagate via colony fission, and only the males disperse in mating flights. Here we report on sex‐biased dispersal and the genetic population structure of an African subterranean army ant, Dorylus (Typhlopone) fulvus. Using maternally inherited mtDNA markers and bi‐parentally inherited nuclear microsatellites we found strong geographical structuring of mtDNA haplotypes, whereas the nuclear genetic population structure was less pronounced. Strong mtDNA (ΦST = 0.85), but significantly lower nuclear (FST = 0.23) genetic differentiation translated into a more than an order of magnitude larger male migration rate compared to that of queens, reflecting the low motility of queens and strong, promiscuous dispersal by males. Thus, the well flying D. fulvus males appear to be the sex to promote large scale gene flow, and D. fulvus is indeed a species in which sex specific dispersal patterns and the mating system profoundly affect the population structure and phylogeography.
Case Study of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter's Migration into the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Patrona-Aurand Rosanna , Schubert Leanne 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAn untoward event took place in Australia in 2011 involving a patient whose entire peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) migrated into his pulmonary artery. At this particular rural hospital, a small vascular access team was initially formed; however, the PICC insertion procedure was taken over by a physician intensivist and his medical residents, who learned the procedure from him during their 3-month rotations. The distal portion of the patient's PICC, attached initially to a distal catheter-stabilizing device, dislodged and was drawn into the vein. The patient's PICC, now in his pulmonary artery, was retrieved via interventional radiology and the patient experienced no serious side effects from this event. This case highlights the importance of using only highly trained personnel who are familiar with the medical supplies to insert PICCs.
Effect of crop rotation on the root system morphology and productivity of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm)
Authors: GŁĄB T. , ŚCIGALSKA B. , ŁABUZ B. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThe root and shoot characteristics of triticale grown in either a monoculture sequence of winter triticale (WT) and spring triticale or in rotation with sugar beet and faba bean (Norfolk rotation) were studied. Grain yield, root and shoot biomass as well as root morphometric parameters, were determined in a long-term field trial carried out in Poland. Spring triticale had lower root biomass and shorter root length than WT as observed at a soil depth of 5–20 cm and was related to the 0·1–0·5 mm root diameter fraction. Grain yields were affected by both crop rotation (Norfolk>monoculture) and the type of triticale grown (winter>spring). Straw yield was lower for the Norfolk rotation (7·16 t/ha) than for monoculture (8·47 t/ha). Consequently, the harvest index (HI) was higher in the Norfolk rotation (0·421 v. 0·324). In conclusion, when grown in monoculture, triticale showed lower biomass production and HI compared with triticale grown in a rotation with other non-cereal crops. These differences could be caused not only by deterioration in the physical, biological and/or chemical properties of the soil resulting from the use of a monoculture rotation, but also by the beneficial effects of the organic amendments applied and the legumes grown in the Norfolk rotation.
Faecal index to estimate intake and digestibility in grazing sheep
Authors: DAVID D. B. , POLI C. H. E. C. , SAVIAN J. V. , AMARAL G. A. , AZEVEDO E. B. , CARVALHO P. C. F. , MCMANUS C. M. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThe current research was carried out to evaluate the use of crude protein and fibre components in faeces for estimating intake and digestibility in sheep fed with pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke). The equations were developed from four trials in metabolism cages with 16 sheep in each trial. Each animal received a different quantity of millet leaves in the diet: 0·015, 0·020 and 0·025 dry matter (DM) as a proportion of live weight (LW) and ad libitum with at least 0·2 of daily feed refusals. Organic matter intake (OMI, g/day) was measured, through the difference between offer and refusals; total faeces were collected for 5 days, which was used to determine faecal crude protein (CPf, g/day and g/kg of organic matter (OM)), faecal neutral detergent fibre (NDFf, g/day and g/kg OM), faecal acid detergent fibre (ADFf, g/day and g/kg OM) and OM digestibility (OMD). Linear regression equations were calculated to determine the relationship between OMI and CPf (P<0·001, R2=0·90, relative prediction error (RPE=14·02%). A multiple linear equation was generated for OMI including CPf and NDFf (P<0·001, R2=0·94; RPE=9·25%). Hyperbolic (single and multiple) and exponential models were tested to estimate OMD, where the hyperbolic multiple model including CPf and NDFf showed lower RPE (3·90%). These equations for estimating OMI and OMD were evaluated on sheep grazing P. americanum fertilized with increasing levels of nitrogen (N) (50, 100, 200 and 400 kg N/ha), comparing measured and estimated OMI. The intake estimated by multiple regression (CP and NDFf) showed a higher R2 (0·98) and lower RPE (5·25%) than the simple (CPf only) linear equation (R2=0·94; RPE=20·45%). The results demonstrated the feasibility of using the faecal index generated in metabolism cages for estimating intake and digestibility in sheep grazing P. americanum.
DIFFERENTIAL PERCEPTIONS OF BODY IMAGE AND BODY WEIGHT AMONG ADULTS OF DIFFERENT SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS IN A SUB-URBAN POPULATION
Authors: MARUF FATAI A. , AKINPELU ADERONKE O. , UDOJI NWANNEDIMMA V. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThis study explored the association of socioeconomic status with individuals' perception of their body image (BI) and body weight (BW) among adults in a sub-urban Nigerian population. The cross-sectional sample comprised 1521 residents (775 males and 746 females) of the town of Nnewi. Perceived BI was assessed using figural representations of different sizes for males and females. Perceived BW was determined by presenting participants with BW category options to choose from. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from objectively measured BW and height using standardized procedures. Actual BW categories were derived from participants' BMIs using WHO criteria. Perceived BI and BW differed from actual BW among unskilled and non-tertiary males (p<0.001) and female (p<0.001 top<0.04) in all BW categories whereas these variables differed (p<0.001) among skilled and tertiary males and females in normal weight, overweight and obese categories. Perceived BW differed (p<0.001) from actual BW among unskilled and non-tertiary males in underweight, overweight and obese categories whereas these variables differed (p<0.001) among unskilled and non-tertiary females, skilled and tertiary males and females in overweight and obese categories. Underweight ‘unskilled’ and ‘non-tertiary’ males perceived their BI to be different from their actual BW (p<0.001). Overweight and obese ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’, and ‘tertiary’ and ‘non-tertiary’, males and females perceived their BI and BW to be different from their actual BW (p<0.001). Significant differences in perceived BI existed between ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’ (p<0.001), and ‘tertiary’ and ‘non-tertiary’ (p=0.005), overweight males, and between ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’ (p<0.001), and ‘tertiary’ and ‘non-tertiary’ (p=0.008), normal-weight females. The ‘skilled’ participants had a lower risk of perceiving a larger BI (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41–0.64;p<0.001) and larger BW (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53–0.96;p=0.03) than the ‘unskilled’ participants. The ‘tertiary’ participants had a lower risk of perceiving a larger BI (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.40–0.63;p<0.001) and larger BW (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53–0.95;p=0.02) than the ‘non-tertiary’ participants. After adjusting for possible confounders, all the risks became insignificant except for perception of BI by the ‘skilled’ participants (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.99;p=0.04). Individuals in the different occupational and educational categories perceived their BI differently but their BW similarly. Given the same BMI, age, perceived ideal BI and sex, only occupation is found to be associated with perception of BI.