bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of health‐related family role functioning in systemic lupus erythematosus: Preliminary validation of a new measure
Authors: Hassett Afton L. , Li Tracy , Radvanski Diane C. , Savage Shantal V. , Buyske Steven , Schiff Samuel A. , Katz Patricia P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often experience symptoms that affect family relationships, which are important components of quality of life. To assess the impact of SLE on family role functioning, we developed a 6‐domain (Fatigue, Activity participation, Mental health, Isolation, Love and intimacy, and You/fulfilling family roles [FAMILY]) measure. The objectives of this study were to pilot test and achieve preliminary validation for the SLE‐FAMILY questionnaire.MethodsThis was a 3‐phase study. In phase 1 (development), domains were identified and items were generated for evaluation. During phase 2 (pilot test), a pilot test was conducted to assess the performance of candidate items. In phase 3 (initial validation), 52 individuals with SLE completed questionnaires, including the 6‐item SLE‐FAMILY. Data were analyzed for internal consistency reliability, and validity was assessed using correlations between the SLE‐FAMILY questionnaire and well‐validated measures.ResultsThe SLE‐FAMILY had good test–retest reliability (0.82) and internal consistency (0.67). Reliability analysis of individual items revealed weakness in the performance of item 5. We reviewed raw data and determined that 9 individuals likely overlooked the reverse scoring of item 5, thus explaining its poor reliability. When these 9 individuals were excluded from analysis, Cronbach's alpha increased to 0.71, while test–retest reliability remained acceptable (0.75). Spearman's rho correlations supported the validity of the SLE‐FAMILY measure. A pilot test of the SLE‐FAMILY questionnaire without the reverse‐scored item was conducted; results suggested that the modified version is superior to the initial form.ConclusionThe SLE‐FAMILY questionnaire is a promising new instrument for robust measurement of family role functioning.
Fabrication and characterization of polyurethane electrospun nanofiber membranes for protective clothing applications
Authors: Gorji M. , Jeddi Ali. A. A. , Gharehaghaji A. A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractElectrospun nanofibrous webs are important in nanotechnology applications due to their high surface area and interconnected porosity. In this study, the effect of electrospinning duration on some physical and mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) electrospun webs is investigated for potential applications such as protective clothing and membranes. The results show that the thickness and weight of webs and subsequently their tensile strength increase linearly with the electrospinning duration. Air permeability of nanofibrous webs decrease and hydrostatic pressure increases nonlinearly while water vapor permeability remains constant. This work shows that air permeability of PU webs follows Fick's law of diffusion. Some regression models have been proposed to describe electrospun membranes behavior. The results of this investigation indicate that this new generation of nanofibrous materials has a good potential for application as membrane in protective clothing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Solving train formation problem using simulated annealing algorithm in a simplex framework
Authors: Yaghini Masoud , Momeni Mohsen , Sarmadi Mohammadreza 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThe train formation plan (TFP) determines the train services and their frequencies and assigns the demands. The TFP models are often formulated as a capacitated service network design problem, and the optimal solution is normally difficult to find. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm of the Simplex method and simulated annealing is proposed for the TFP problem. The basic idea of the proposed algorithm is to use a simulated annealing algorithm to explore the solution space, where the revised Simplex method evaluates, selects, and implements the moves. In the proposed algorithm, the neighborhood structure is based on the pivoting rules of the Simplex method that provides an efficient method to reach the neighbors of the current solution. A state‐of‐the‐art method is applied for parameters tuning by using the design of experiments approach. To evaluate the proposed model and the solution method, 25 test problems have been simulated and solved. The results show the efficiency and the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The proposed approach is implemented to develop the TFP in the Iranian railway as a case study. It is possible to save significant time and cost through solving the TFP problem by using the proposed algorithm and developing the efficient TFP plan in the railway networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contemporary use and practice of electroconvulsive therapy worldwide
Authors: Leiknes Kari Ann , Schweder Lindy Jarosh‐von , Høie Bjørg 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTo explore contemporary (from 1990) utilization and practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) worldwide. Systematic search (limited to studies published 1990 and after) was undertaken in the databases Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, SveMed, and EBSCO/Cinahl. Primary data‐based studies/surveys with reported ECT utilization and practice in psychiatric institutions internationally, nationally, and regionally; city were included. Two reviewers independently checked study titles and abstracts according to inclusion criteria, and extracted ECT utilization and practice data from those retrieved in full text. Seventy studies were included, seven from Australia and New Zealand, three Africa, 12 North and Latin America, 33 Europe, and 15 Asia. Worldwide ECT differences and trends were evident, average number ECTs administered per patient were eight; unmodified (without anesthesia) was used in Asia (over 90%), Africa, Latin America, Russia, Turkey, Spain. Worldwide preferred electrode placement was bilateral, except unilateral at some places (Europe and Australia/New Zealand). Although mainstream was brief‐pulse wave, sine‐wave devices were still used. Majority ECT treated were older women with depression in Western countries, versus younger men with schizophrenia in Asian countries. ECT under involuntary conditions (admissions), use of ambulatory‐ECT, acute first line of treatment, as well as administered by other professions (geriatricians, nurses) were noted by some sites. General trends were only some institutions within the same country providing ECT, training inadequate, and guidelines not followed. Mandatory reporting and overall country ECT register data were sparse. Many patients are still treated with unmodified ECT today. Large global variation in ECT utilization, administration, and practice advocates a need for worldwide sharing of knowledge about ECT, reflection, and learning from each other's experiences.
Longitudinal brain activity changes in asymptomatic Alzheimer disease
Authors: Codispoti Kari‐Elise T. , Beason‐Held Lori L. , Kraut Michael A. , O’Brien Richard J. , Rudow Gay , Pletnikova Olga , Crain Barbara , Troncoso Juan C. , Resnick Susan M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAsymptomatic Alzheimer disease (ASYMAD) is characterized by normal cognition despite substantial AD pathology. To identify factors contributing to cognitive resilience, we compared early changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in individuals subsequently diagnosed as ASYMAD with changes in cognitively impaired (CI) and normal older participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Participants underwent annual positron emission tomography (PET) rCBF measurements beginning 10.0 (SD 3.6) years before death and while cognitively intact. Based on clinical and autopsy information, subjects were grouped as cognitively normal (CN = 7), ASYMAD (n= 6), and CI (=6). Autopsy material was analyzed using CERAD and Braak scores and quantitative stereologic measures of tau and amyloid. ASYMAD and CI groups had similar CERAD and Braak scores, similar amounts of β‐amyloid and tau in middle frontal (MFG), middle temporal (MTG), and inferior parietal (IP) regions, and more β‐amyloid than CN in precuneus, MFG, and IP areas. Voxel‐based PET analysis identified similarities and differences in longitudinal rCBF change among groups across a 7.2‐year interval. Both ASYMAD and CI groups showed similar longitudinal rCBF declines in precuneus, lingual, and MTG regions relative to CN. The CI also showed greater rCBF decreases in anterior and posterior cingulate, cuneus, and brainstem regions relative to ASYMAD and CN, whereas ASYMAD showed greater relative rCBF increases over time in medial temporal and thalamic regions relative to CI and CN. Our findings provide evidence of early functional alterations that may contribute to cognitive resilience in those who accumulate AD pathology but maintain normal cognition.
Perceived helpfulness of online consumer reviews: The role of message content and style
Authors: Schindler Robert M. , Bickart Barbara 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe rise of online reviews written by consumers makes possible an examination of how the content and style of these word‐of‐mouth messages contribute to their helpfulness. In this study, consumers are asked to judge the value of real online consumer reviews to their simulated shopping activities. The results suggest the benefits of moderate review length and of positive, but not negative, product evaluative statements. Non‐evaluative product information and information about the reviewer were also found to be associated with review helpfulness. Stylistic elements that may impair clarity (such as spelling and grammatical errors) were associated with less valuable reviews, and elements that may make a review more entertaining (such as expressive slang and humor) were associated with more valuable reviews. These findings point to factors beyond product information that may affect the perceived helpfulness of an online consumer review. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Optoelectronic Properties of Hexahydroxylated 10‐O‐R‐Substituted Anthracenes via a New Modification of the Friedel–Crafts Reaction Using O‐Protected ortho‐Acetal Diarylmethanols
Authors: Bodzioch Agnieszka , Marciniak Bernard , Różycka‐Sokołowska Ewa , Jeszka Jeremiasz K. , Uznański Paweł , Kania Sylwester , Kuliński Janusz , Bałczewski Piotr 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA new modification of the Friedel–Crafts type intramolecular cyclization involving O‐protected ortho‐acetal diarylmethanols as a new type of reactant, was carried out for the first time in a medium containing a large amount of water at room temperature and enabled synthesis of a series of electron‐rich, hexahydroxylated 10‐O‐R‐substituted anthracenes, where R is an alkyl (Me, nBu, n‐C16H33) or arylalkyl group (CH2Ph, CH2‐2‐Napht, CH2C6H4CH2OAr) and also evaluation of their electronic and optoelectronic properties in solution, crystal, and solid thin film. In this transformation, a central 10‐O‐R‐substituted benzene ring was formed, fused to rings originating from two independent aromatic aldehydes. The reaction proceeded via two identified mechanisms involving acetal and/or free aldehyde groups. The acid sensitive acetal and dibenzyl alkoxy functions have never been used together in the intramolecular Friedel–Crafts type cyclization. The new compounds revealed deep blue fluorescence and quantum yields in solution around 0.3. The electrical properties investigated for thin films obtained by vacuum deposition on glass were 10‐O‐R‐substituent dependent and showed much faster transient current decay in the case of the 10‐O‐CH2Ph derivative than for the material with a 10‐O‐Me substituent (the lifetime of charge carriers was 25 times shorter in this case). The AFM images of thin films, Stokes shifts, and X‐ray analysis of π‐stacking interactions in crystals of the new materials have been also obtained.
Safety Aspects during Process Development and Small Scale Production with Microreactors
Authors: Kockmann Norbert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDie geschlossene Bauweise, gute Wärmeabfuhr und das kleine innere Volumen von Mikroreaktoren erlauben die sichere Durchführung von anspruchsvollen und gefährlichen Reaktionen. Neben einem robusten und scale‐up‐fähigen Reaktor müssen die Pumpen, Auffangbehälter und eventuelle Trennoperationen für das Sicherheitskonzept genau betrachtet werden. Vier Beispiele mit organometallischen Reaktionen und Nitrierungen erläutern das Vorgehen bei der Prozessentwicklung unter Sicherheitsaspekten. Zwei Checklisten zur Prozess‐ und Arbeitssicherheit unterstützen das systematische Vorgehen bei der Risikoanalyse auf Basis der HAZOP‐Methode.
Characterization of Plasmodium Liver Stage Inhibition by Halofuginone
Authors: Derbyshire Emily R. , Mazitschek Ralph , Clardy Jon 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMalaria is a devastating parasitic disease that afflicts one‐third of the world’s population. Antimalarial drugs in common use address few targets, and their efficacy is being undermined by parasite resistance. Most therapeutics target blood‐stage malaria, whereas only few compounds are active against malaria’s liver stage, the first stage of the Plasmodium parasite’s life cycle within the human host. The identification of inhibitors active against liver‐stage malaria would benefit the development of chemical probes to elucidate the poorly understood biology of this phase of the parasite life cycle and could provide agents to prevent and eliminate the disease. Herein we report the development of a live‐cell parasite traversal assay in 384‐well format amenable to high‐throughput screening that exploits the wounding of liver cells by the parasite. This method identifies small molecules that may inhibit the parasite′s actin–myosin motor system. The traversal assay, in addition to established methods, was used to evaluate the activity of halofuginone, a synthetic halogenated derivative of the natural alkaloid febrifugine, against liver‐stage Plasmodium berghei parasites. Halofuginone was found to inhibit P. berghei sporozoite load in HepG2 cells with an IC50 value of 17 nM. While the compound does not affect parasite traversal through human liver cells, an inhibition time course assay indicates that it affects essential processes in both early‐ and late‐stage parasite development.
Intraoperative detection and removal of microscopic residual sarcoma using wide‐field imaging
Authors: Mito Jeffrey K. , Ferrer Jorge M. , Brigman Brian E. , Lee Chang‐Lung , Dodd Rebecca D. , Eward William C. , Marshall Lisa F. , Cuneo Kyle C. , Carter Jessica E. , Ramasunder Shalini , Kim Yongbaek , Lee W. David , Griffith Linda G. , Bawendi Moungi G. , Kirsch David G. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:The goal of limb‐sparing surgery for a soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity is to remove all malignant cells while preserving limb function. After initial surgery, microscopic residual disease in the tumor bed will cause a local recurrence in approximately 33% of patients with sarcoma. To help identify these patients, the authors developed an in vivo imaging system to investigate the suitability of molecular imaging for intraoperative visualization.METHODS:A primary mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma and a wide field‐of‐view imaging device were used to investigate a series of exogenously administered, near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes activated by cathepsin proteases for real‐time intraoperative imaging.RESULTS:The authors demonstrated that exogenously administered cathepsin‐activated probes can be used for image‐guided surgery to identify microscopic residual NIR fluorescence in the tumor beds of mice. The presence of residual NIR fluorescence was correlated with microscopic residual sarcoma and local recurrence. The removal of residual NIR fluorescence improved local control.CONCLUSIONS:The authors concluded that their technique has the potential to be used for intraoperative image‐guided surgery to identify microscopic residual disease in patients with cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A phase 2 study of the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor inhibitor MK‐0646 in patients with metastatic, well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Reidy‐Lagunes Diane L. , Vakiani Efsevia , Segal Michal F. , Hollywood Ellen M. , Tang Laura H. , Solit David B. , Pietanza M. Catherine , Capanu Marinela , Saltz Leonard B. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell lines frequently express both insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) ligand and the cognate IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and, as such, potentially depend on the activation of IGF‐1R and its downstream effectors for growth and survival. Preclinical studies suggest that somatostatin analogs and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors exhibit antitumor activity against NETs through inhibition of IGF‐1‐dependent signaling, suggesting that IGF‐1R inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach to NETs. Therefore, the authors of this report evaluated the safety and efficacy of MK‐0646, a fully human monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that binds to the IGF‐1R, as monotherapy in patients with metastatic, well‐differentiated NETs.METHODS:A phase 2 study was performed in which patients received intravenous MK‐0646 10 mg/kg once weekly over 1 hour. Archived pretreatment tumor tissue was obtained and genotyped for v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA); and v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutations, and immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression IGF‐1R.RESULTS:Twenty‐five patients received treatment (40% women; median age, 61 years; age range, 37‐83 years), including 15 patients with carcinoid tumors and 10 patients with pancreatic NETs. No partial or complete responses were observed. The median progression‐free survival was 4.2 months in the pancreatic NET cohort (range, 0.7‐6.7 months) and 2.7 months in the carcinoid cohort (range, 2‐3 months). Serious adverse events that were potentially related to MK‐0646 included grade 3/4 hyperglycemia in 8 of 25 patients (32%), grade 2 hypersensitivity reaction in 1 of 24 patients (4%), and grade 3 lipase elevation in 1 of 25 patients (4%).CONCLUSIONS:Despite a compelling preclinical rationale, MK‐0646 was inactive as a single agent in well‐differentiated NETs. Further studies of MK‐0646 as a monotherapy in unselected NETs are unwarranted. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Impact of disease progression date determination on progression‐free survival estimates in advanced lung cancer
Authors: Qi Yingwei , Allen Ziegler Katie L. , Hillman Shauna L. , Redman Mary W. , Schild Steven E. , Gandara David R. , Adjei Alex A. , Mandrekar Sumithra J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:In patients with advanced lung cancer, overall survival is largely influenced by progression status. Because progression‐free survival (PFS)‐based endpoints are controversial, the authors evaluated the impact of the progression date (PD) determination approach on PFS estimates.METHODS:Individual patient data from 21 trials (14 North Central Cancer Treatment Group trials and 7 Southwest Oncology Group trials) were used. The reported PD (RPD) was defined as either the radiographic scan date or the clinical deterioration date. PD was determined using Method 1 (M1), the RPD; M2, 1 day after the last progression‐free scan; M3, midpoint between the last progression‐free scan and the RPD; and M4, an interval‐censoring approach. PFS was estimated using Kaplan‐Meier (M1‐M3), and maximum‐likelihood (M4) methods. Simulation studies were performed to understand the impact of the length of time elapsed between the last progression‐free scan and the PD on time‐to‐progression estimates.RESULTS:PFS estimates using the RPD were the highest, and M2 was the most conservative. M3 and M4 were similar because the majority of progressions occurred during treatment (ie, frequent disease assessments). M3 was influenced less by the length of the assessment schedules (percentage difference from the true time‐to‐progression, <1.5%) compared with M1 (11% to 30%) and M2 (−8% to −29%). The overall study conclusion was unaffected by the method used for randomized trials.CONCLUSIONS:The magnitude of difference in the PFS estimates was large enough to alter trial conclusions in patients with advanced lung cancer. The results indicate that standards for PD determination, the use of sensitivity analyses, and randomized trials are critical when designing trials and reporting efficacy using PFS‐based endpoints. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
DF3 epitope expression on MUC1 mucin is associated with tumor aggressiveness, subsequent lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hamada Tomofumi , Nomura Masahiro , Kamikawa Yoshiaki , Yamada Norishige , Batra Surinder K. , Yonezawa Suguru , Sugihara Kazumasa 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:DF3/MUC1 mucin is expressed in various cancer tissues, and many in vitro studies have suggested that it may play a role in the aggressive behavior of malignant tumors. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the relation between DF3/MUC1 expression and outcome has not yet been investigated in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of DF3/MUC1 expression in patients with OSCC.METHODS:The expression profile of DF3/MUC1 in OSCC tissues from 206 patients was examined using immunohistochemistry. Its prognostic significance in OSCC was statistically analyzed on the basis of detailed clinicopathologic factors.RESULTS:DF3/MUC1 expression was found to be significantly correlated with tumor aggressiveness, such as pathologic lymph node metastasis (P = .002), advanced tumor stage (P = .02), diffuse invasion of cancer cells (P = .03), and vascular invasion (P = .01). Respectively, the overall survival (OS)and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were significantly worse for patients with DF3/MUC1 expression compared with those without DF3/MUC1 expression (P = .001 and P = .0003, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DF3/MUC1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS (P = .04 for both). In addition, DF3/MUC1 expression was found to be an independent risk factor for subsequent regional lymph node metastasis (P = .03).CONCLUSIONS:Aberrant expression of DF3/MUC1 is an independent prognostic factor indicating poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. DF3/MUC1 expression is a risk factor for subsequent lymph node metastasis in patients with OSCC and therefore may represent an indication for elective neck dissection. Patients with OSCC demonstrating positive expression of DF3/MUC1 should be followed carefully. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.