bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supporting Treatment Decision Making in Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial of a Decision Aid for Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer Considering Chemotherapy
Authors: Leighl Natasha B. , Shepherd Heather L. , Butow Phyllis N. , Clarke Stephen J. , McJannett Margaret , Beale Philip J. , Wilcken Nicholas R.C. , Moore Malcolm J. , Chen Eric X. , Goldstein David , Horvath Lisa , Knox Jennifer J. , Krzyzanowska Monika , Oza Amit M. , Feld Ronald , Hedley David , Xu Wei , Tattersall Martin H.N. 
Published: April 2011

Purpose Decision making in advanced cancer is increasingly complex. We developed a decision aid (DA) for patients with advanced colorectal cancer who are considering first-line chemotherapy and reviewing treatment options, prognostic information, and toxicities. We examined its impact on patient understanding, treatment decisions, decisional conflict, decision making, consultation satisfaction, anxiety, and quality of life by using a randomized trial design. Patients and Methods In all, 207 patients with colorectal cancer who were considering first-line chemotherapy for metastatic disease were randomly assigned to receive a standard medical oncology consultation or a consultation in which the DA (take-home booklet with audio recording, reviewed by an oncologist) was used. Participants completed questionnaires postconsultation, postdecision, and 1 month later. Results In this study, 100 patients were randomly assigned to the control arm, and 107 received the DA. Median age of the sample was 62 years, 58% were male, 89% had a performance status of 0 or 1, and 36% had received prior adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients receiving the DA demonstrated a greater increase in understanding of prognosis, options, and benefits, with higher overall understanding (P < .001). Decisional conflict, treatment decisions, and achievement of involvement preferences were similar between the groups. Anxiety was similar across groups and decreased over time. Most patients were confident in a decision during the first consultation; 74% chose chemotherapy, 7% supportive care alone, and 10% observation. Conclusion This randomized trial of a decision aid in advanced cancer showed that its use in advanced colorectal cancer improved patient understanding of prognosis, treatment options, risks, and benefits without increasing anxiety. DAs can improve informed consent and can be tested through randomized trials even in the advanced cancer setting.
Incidence of EGFR Exon 19 Deletions and L858R in Tumor Specimens From Men and Cigarette Smokers With Lung Adenocarcinomas
Authors: D'Angelo Sandra P. , Pietanza M. Catherine , Johnson Melissa L. , Riely Gregory J. , Miller Vincent A. , Sima Camelia S. , Zakowski Maureen F. , Rusch Valerie W. , Ladanyi Marc , Kris Mark G. 
Published: April 2011

Purpose EGFR mutations underlie the sensitivity of lung cancers to erlotinib and gefitinib and can occur in any patient with this illness. Here we examine the frequency of EGFR mutations in smokers and men. Methods We determined the frequency of EGFR mutations and characterized their association with cigarette smoking status and male sex. Results We tested 2,142 lung adenocarcinoma specimens for the presence of EGFR exon 19 deletions and L858R. EGFR mutations were found in 15% of tumors from former smokers (181 of 1,218; 95% CI, 13% to 17%), 6% from current smokers (20 of 344; 95% CI, 4% to 9%), and 52% from never smokers (302 of 580; 95% CI, 48% to 56%; P < .001 for ever v never smokers). EGFR mutations in former or current smokers represented 40% of all those detected (201 of 503; 95% CI, 36% to 44%). EGFR mutations were found in 19% (157 of 827; 95% CI, 16% to 22%) of tumors from men and 26% (346 of 1,315; 95% CI, 24% to 29%) of tumors from women (P < .001). EGFR mutations in men represented 31% (157 of 503; 95% CI, 27% to 35%) of all those detected. Conclusion A large number of EGFR mutations are found in adenocarcinoma tumor specimens from men and people who smoked cigarettes. If only women who were never smokers were tested, 57% of all EGFR mutations would be missed. Testing for EGFR mutations should be considered for all patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung at diagnosis, regardless of clinical characteristics. This strategy can extend the use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors to the greatest number individuals with the potential for substantial benefit.
Temperature-dependent regulation of blood distribution in snakes
Authors: Amiel Joshua J. , Chua Beverly , Wassersug Richard J. , Jones David R. 
Published: April 2011

SUMMARY
Regional control of blood flow is often suggested as a mechanism for fine thermoregulatory adjustments in snakes. However, the flow of blood to different body regions at various temperatures has never been visualized to confirm this mechanism. We used 99mtechnetium-labelled macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA), a radioactive tracer, to follow the flow of blood through the bodies of garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) near their thermal maxima and minima. We injected snakes with 99mTc-MAA at cold (6–8°C) and hot (27–32°C) temperatures and imaged them using a gamma scanner. At cold ambient temperatures, snakes significantly reduced the blood flow to their tails and significantly increased the blood flow to their heads. Conversely, at hot ambient temperatures, snakes significantly increased the blood flow to their tails and significantly reduced the blood flow to their heads. This confirms that snakes are able to use differential blood distribution to regulate temperature. Our images confirm that snakes use regional control of blood flow as a means of thermoregulation and that vasomotor control of vascular beds is likely to be the mechanism of control.
Organic Charge-transfer Salts and the Component Molecules in Organic Transistors
Authors: Mori Takehiko 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Electron donors and acceptors such as tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), which have been long known as components of organic metals, act as p- and n-channel organic semiconductors in organic field-effect transistors. High performance, good thin-film properties, and long-term stability have been achieved on the basis of appropriate molecular design. In addition, their charge-transfer complexes work as the active layers as well as conducting electrode materials showing low contact resistance.
Selective Transformation of N-(Propargylic)hydroxylamines into 4-Isoxazolines and Acylaziridines Promoted by Metal Salts
Authors: Wada Norihiro , Kaneko Kentaro , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Cyclization of N-(propargylic)hydroxylamines catalyzed by AgBF4 afforded the corresponding 4-isoxazolines in good yields. Copper salts were found to promote the further transformation to acylaziridines. The combined use of AgBF4 and CuCl realized direct transformation of N-(propargylic)hydroxylamines into cis-acylaziridines.
Preparation of Crystalline Tungsten Oxide Nanorods with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Sadakane Masahiro , Tamura Naoya , Kanome Naoko , Sumiya Sadanobu , Abe Ryu , Sano Tsuneji 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Crystalline tungsten oxide (WO3) nanorods with diameters of approximately 8 nm were prepared using SBA-15 mesoporous silica as a hard template and ammonium metatungstate as a tungsten source, which have larger surface area (ca. 90 m2 g−1) than other WO3 materials and, therefore, exhibit superior photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of acetic acid under visible light irradiation after Pt loading.
Novel Molecular Conductors Based on Cyclopenteno-TTP Showing Strong Self-aggregation
Authors: Nishiwaki Masataka , Nakamura Ken-ichi , Shirahata Takashi , Misaki Yohji 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Several molecular conductors based on CP-TTP, where CP-TTP is 2-(4,5-cyclopenteno-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-5-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene, have been prepared. X-ray structure analyses revealed that all the CP-TTP conductors obtained so far have β-type array of the donors regardless of the counter anions. Among them, the ReO4− and Au(CN)2− salts exhibited metallic conducting behavior down to 10 K.
Mammographic morphology and distribution of calcifications in ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed in organized screening
Authors: Hofvind Solveig , Iversen Barbro F , Eriksen Liv , Styr Bodil M , Kjellevold Kjell , Kurz Kathinka D 
Published: April 2011

Background Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) represents a challenge in mammographic screening due to its unknown progression into invasive cancer. The majority of the DCIS is detected due to signs of calcifications on the mammograms. Purpose To analyze the combinations of mammographic morphology and distribution of calcifications by Van Nuys nuclear grade (grade). Material and Methods A total of 217 DCIS diagnosed in women aged 50–69 years old who participated in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program in the period November 1995 to December 2007 were reviewed by four breast imaging specialists. The mammograms were classified according to the morphology and distribution of the calcifications, using BI-RADS nomenclature. Chi square test was used to compare the groups of morphology and distribution by grade. Results Calcifications were identified in 93% (202/217) of the cases, 15% (30/202) as grade 1 and 74% (149/202) as grade 3. Fine pleomorphic calcifications were seen in 38% (77/202) of the lesions and fine linear and fine linear branching in 31% (62/202). Sixty-nine percent (53/77) of the fine pleomorphic and 84% (52/62) of the fine linear and fine linear branching calcifications were high grade lesions. Grouped distribution was seen in about half of all the cases (104/202). Among the high grade lesions with fine pleomorphic or fine linear and fine linear branching calcifications, 75% (40/53) and 69% (36/52), respectively, had grouped or segmental distribution. Conclusion DCIS presented overlapping groups of morphology and distribution of calcification by grade, but fine pleomorphic and fine linear and fine linear branching calcifications with grouped and segmental distributions were associated with high grade DCIS. Seeking for further knowledge that allows separation of non-high grade from high grade DCIS has to continue to improve the quality of mammographic screening.
Secretion of Glycosylated Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide from Normal Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tonne Jason M , Campbell Jarryd M , Cataliotti Alessandro , Ohmine Seiga , Thatava Tayaramma , Sakuma Toshie , Macheret Fima , Huntley Brenda K , Burnett John C , Ikeda Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a key cardiac hormone in cardiorenal homeostasis, is produced as a 108 amino acid prohormone, proBNP1-108, which is converted to a biologically active peptide BNP1-32 and an inactive N-terminal (NT)-proBNP1-76. The widely accepted model is that the normal heart releases a proteolytically processed BNP1-32 and NT-proBNP, whereas the diseased heart secretes high amounts of unprocessed/glycosylated proBNP1-108 or inappropriately processed BNPs. In contrast, circulating proBNP1-108 has recently been identified in healthy individuals, indicating that the normal heart also secretes unprocessed proBNP1-108. However, the mechanism of proBNP1-108 secretion from the normal heart remains elusive. Our goal was to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying proBNP1-108 intracellular trafficking and secretion from the normal heart.

METHODS
We expressed preproBNP in cardiomyocytes, and determined the subcellular localization and dominant intracellular and extracellular forms of BNP.

RESULTS
Intracellular immunoreactive BNPs were first accumulated in the Golgi apparatus, and then distributed throughout the cytoplasm as secretory vesicles. The predominant intracellular form of BNP was nonglycosylated proBNP1-108, rather than BNP1-32. Glycosylated proBNP1-108, but not nonglycosylated proBNP1-108, was detected as the major extracellular form in the culture supernatants of preproBNP-expressing cell lines and primary human cardiomyocytes. Ablation of O-glycosylation of proBNP1-108 at T71 residue, near the convertase recognition site, reduced the extracellular proBNP1-108 and increased extracellular BNP1-32.

CONCLUSIONS
Intracellular proBNP trafficking occurs through a conventional Golgi–endoplasmic reticulum pathway. Glycosylation of proBNP1-108 controls the stability and processing of extracellular proBNP1-108. Our data establish a new BNP secretion model in which the normal cardiac cells secrete glycosylated proBNP1-108.
Genetic and Environmental Factors Shape Infant Sleep Patterns: A Study of 18-Month-Old Twins
Authors: Brescianini Sonia , Volzone Anna , Fagnani Corrado , Patriarca Valeria , Grimaldi Valentina , Lanni Roberta , Serino Laura , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Antonietta Stazi Maria 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE:Between 25% and 30% of children and adolescents experience sleep disorders. These disorders are complex phenotypes that are regulated by many genes, the environment, and gene-environment interactions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to sleep behaviors in early childhood and to contribute to the knowledge on appropriate therapeutic approaches, using a twin design.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Data on sleeping behavior were collected from 314 18-month-old twin pairs (127 monozygotic and 187 dizygotic)using a parent-rated questionnaire. We used structural equation modeling to estimate genetic and environmental variance components for different sleep behaviors (cosleeping, sleep duration, and night awakenings).RESULTS:Shared environment explained almost all (98.3%) of the total variance in cosleeping. Sleep duration was substantially influenced by shared environmental factors (64.1% nocturnal sleep and 61.2% diurnal sleep), with a moderate contribution of additive genetic effects (30.8% and 36.3% for nocturnal and diurnal sleep, respectively). For nocturnal waking episodes, we found a shared environmental contribution of 63.2% and a heritability estimate of 35.3%.CONCLUSIONS:Most sleep disturbances during early childhood are explained by common shared environmental factors, and behavioral interventions adopted by parents and focused on modifying sleep behavior could contribute to solving sleep disturbances in this age group. However, the influence of genetic factors should not be underestimated, and research in this area could clarify the physiologic architecture of sleeping and contribute to selecting appropriate personalized therapeutic approaches.
Everolimus Induces Rapid Plasma Glucose Normalization in Insulinoma Patients by Effects on Tumor As Well As Normal Tissues
Authors: Fiebrich Helle-Brit , Siemerink Ester J.M. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Links Thera P. , Remkes Wouter S. , Hospers Geke A.P. , Vries Elisabeth G. E. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background.
Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus administered to four insulinoma patients rapidly controlled hypoglycemia (Kulke et al., N Engl J Med 2009;360:195–197). We wanted to identify the kinetics of everolimus effects on controlling hypoglycemia and understand underlying mechanisms.

Methods.
Three consecutive patients with a metastasized symptomatic insulinoma were started on 100 μg of octreotide subcutaneously three times daily. Because of persisting hypoglycemias, treatment with daily 10 mg of oral everolimus was initiated. Serial plasma glucose levels and serum insulin levels were measured. Computer tomography (CT) scans were performed before and after 2 and 5 months of treatment. [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) scans, to visualize glucose metabolism, were made before and after 2 weeks, 5 weeks, and 5 months of treatment. The 18F-FDG uptake was quantified as the maximum standardized uptake value.

Results.
All patients achieved control of hypoglycemia on everolimus within 14 days. Insulin levels were 2.5- to 6.3-fold elevated before start of treatment and declined 14%–64% after 4 weeks of treatment. CT scans showed stable disease at 2 months in all patients, with progressive disease after 5 months in one. Before treatment, both the tumor lesions and the muscles and myocardium showed high 18F-FDG uptake. Everolimus reduced tumor and muscle 18F-FDG uptake after 2 weeks by 26% ± 14% and 19% ± 41%, and after 5 months by 31% ± 13% and 27% ± 41%.

Conclusions.
Everolimus normalizes plasma glucose levels in metastatic insulinoma within 14 days, coinciding with a lower glucose uptake in tumor and muscles and declining (pro)insulin levels. This effect on tumor as well as normal tissues explains the rapid controlling of hypoglycemia.
F‐Spondin Inhibits Migration and Differentiation of Osteoclastic Precursors
Authors: Oka Hiroko , Mori Maya , Kihara Hisae 
Published: April 2011

Background: Clinically, severe cemental resorption is a rare consequence of periodontitis, although alveolar bone resorption by osteoclasts is one of the main pathologic changes. F‐spondin is a secreted neuronal glycoprotein that localizes to the cementum. F‐spondin is among the cementum‐specific factors in periodontal tissue that have been reported. However, the effects of F‐spondin on osteoclastogenesis have not yet been established. We examined the effects of F‐spondin on stages of osteoclastogenesis, migration, and differentiation in a mouse osteoclastic precursor model, RAW 264 cells.Methods: RAW 264 cells were treated with recombinant F‐spondin. Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF)–induced cell migration was examined by migration assay performed with cell culture inserts. Osteoclastic differentiation was measured by counting tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)–positive multinucleated cells.Results: In a transmigration assay, F‐spondin significantly downregulated M‐CSF–induced cell migration. Further, F‐spondin significantly reduced the number of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand–induced TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells. The receptor‐associated protein, an antagonist of the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family, blocked the effects of F‐spondin on M‐CSF–induced migration. The suppressive effect of F‐spondin on M‐CSF–induced cell migration was blocked by knockdown of LDL receptor–related protein 8 (LRP8), a member of the LDL receptor family.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that F‐spondin downregulates recruitment to the root side of periodontal tissue via LRP8 and inhibits differentiation of osteoclastic precursors. It is suggested that F‐spondin is essential to protect the root surface from resorption.
Feasibility of In-Situ Combustion in the SAGD Chamber
Authors: Paitakhti Oskouei Seyed Javad , Moore R. Gordon , Maini Brij B. , Mehta Sudarshan A. 
Published: April 2011

Summary
Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is a commercially successful bitumen-recovery method that has transformed some of the vast Canadian oil-sand deposits into recoverable reserves. Several SAGD projects have been developed in northern Alberta in the past few years, and many more are in the planning stages. As the projects mature, new operational problems are revealed, demanding new solutions. Because of operational restrictions, it is almost impossible to have the same growth rate in all steam chambers in a SAGD pattern. Hence, interference between a mature chamber and an adjoining immature chamber can become a problem. Steam leakage from the immature chamber into the mature chamber reduces the thermal efficiency of the project and requires a solution to prevent the steam dissipation.
Filling the mature chamber with combustion gases is a possible solution for this problem. Carrying out in-situ combustion (ISC) in the mature chamber not only would create the needed combustion gases in the chamber, but also could recover a substantial part of the residual oil in the mature chamber. It is also likely that the combustion would create a reduced-permeability coke (toluene insoluble fraction) zone around the mature chamber, thus isolating it from the rest of the reservoir.
To evaluate the merit of this idea, an elevated-pressure experiment was conducted using a 2D physical model. The conventional SAGD process was conducted in the model to develop a steam chamber. Air was then injected through a horizontal well near the top of the model into the SAGD chamber, and a combustion front was established around the air-injection well. By operating combustion in the depleted chamber, residual oil was mobilized and produced. Additional oil recovery was attained by more than 20% over the SAGD operation as a bonus. Initiation and propagation of combustion were confirmed by a large increase in the temperature in the combustion zone. After unpacking the model, it was found that a coke layer formed around the perimeter of the chamber.
Competition and Welfare Effects of VAT Exemptions
Authors: Dietl Helmut M , Jaag Christian , Lang Markus , Trinkner Urs W.O. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Distortions under the value-added tax (VAT) arise partly from the exemption of specific services and sectors. This paper develops an analytical model that is applicable to any sector characterized by asymmetric VAT exemptions of services and activities. We analyze the effects of such asymmetric tax regimes on market shares, optimal prices, tax receipts, and social welfare. The analytical model shows how asymmetric VAT exemptions distort competition by strengthening the competitive position of non-rated firms. The net effect of such tax exemptions depends on the fraction of VAT-rated inputs versus the fraction of non-rated customers. We further elucidate main competitive impacts of VAT policies, while showing their consequences on overall welfare by presenting simulation results based on a calibrated quantitative model of a selected sector. Our paper provides guidance on how to resolve the policy trade-off between a level playing field in the market, consumer surplus, and government tax revenue.
Stagnation-point flow past a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid
Authors: Nazar Roslinda , Jaradat Mihaela , Arifin Norihan , Pop Ioan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
In this paper, the stagnation-point flow and heat transfer towards a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid is considered. The nonlinear system of coupled partial differential equations was transformed and reduced to a nonlinear system of coupled ordinary differential equations, which was solved numerically using the shooting method. Numerical results were obtained for the skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number as well as the velocity and temperature profiles for some values of the governing parameters, namely the nanoparticle volume fraction φ, the shrinking parameter λand the Prandtl number Pr. Three different types of nanoparticles are considered, namely Cu, Al2O3 and TiO2. It was found that nanoparticles of low thermal conductivity, TiO2, have better enhancement on heat transfer compared to nanoparticles Al2O3 and Cu. For a particular nanoparticle, increasing the volume fraction φ results in an increase of the skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer rate at the surface. It is also found that solutions do not exist for larger shrinking rates and dual solutions exist when λ < −1.0.