bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time saving with narrow‐band imaging for distinguishing between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic small colorectal lesions
Authors: Sakamoto Taku , Matsuda Takahisa , Aoki Takaya , Nakajima Takeshi , Saito Yutaka 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  For colonoscopic examinations, the narrow‐band imaging (NBI) system is more convenient and timesaving than magnifying chromoendoscopy (MCE). However, the time‐saving aspects of NBI techniques have not been assessed. The present study compared interpretation times between NBI and MCE techniques in distinguishing between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic small colorectal lesions.Methods:  Between January and March 2010, 693 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, were enrolled. When the first lesion was detected by conventional white‐light observation, the patient was randomly assigned to undergo a sequence of NBI and MCE observations (group A: NBI–MCE, group B: MCE–NBI). The time to diagnosis with each modality (NBI, from changing to NBI until diagnosis; MCE, from the start of indigo carmine solution spraying until diagnosis) was recorded by an independent observer. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the first modality used in each group (NBI or MCE) were assessed by referring to the histopathological data.Results:  Seventy‐one patients with 137 lesions were randomized to group A, and 80 patients with 163 lesions to group B. The median interpretation times were 12 s (interquartile range [IQR]: 7–19 s) in group A, and 17 s (IQR: 12–24 s) in group B, the difference being significant (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between NBI and MCE in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy.Conclusions:  NBI reduces the interpretation times for distinguishing between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic small lesions during colonoscopies, without loss of diagnostic accuracy.
Immunohistochemical biomarkers for bladder cancer prognosis
Authors: Matsushita Kazuhito , Cha Eugene K , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Baba Shiro , Chromecki Thomas F , Fajkovic Harun , Sun Maxine , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Scherr Douglas S , Shariat Shahrokh F 
Published: July 2011

AbstractUrothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is an especially complex and heterogeneous disease with a broad spectrum of histologic findings and potentially lethal behavior. Despite advances in surgical techniques, as well as intravesical and systemic therapies, up to 30% of patients with non‐muscle‐invasive UCB and 50% of patients with muscle‐invasive UCB experience disease progression, recurrence, and eventual death. Standard prognostic features, such as pathologic stage and grade, have limited ability to predict the outcomes of this heterogeneous population. Current risk‐stratification algorithms using clinical and pathologic parameters are limited in their prognostic ability. Molecular medicine holds the promise that clinical outcomes will be improved by more accurate prognostication and directing therapy towards the mechanisms and targets associated with the growth of an individual patient's tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis of biomarker expression has provided insight into the molecular pathogenesis of UCB and offers the potential for improving clinical decision making. Numerous candidate immunohistochemical biomarkers for patients with UCB have been identified, with those relating to the cell cycle and apoptosis/cell proliferation being the most extensively studied. The present review discusses the most promising immunohistochemical biomarkers. Special attention is paid to recent data from a multi‐institutional collaboration that has implemented a regulated, phased biomarker discovery and validation pathway. Because UCB tumorigenesis and progression is a process involving multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations, multiple biomarkers need to be integrated into a prognostic signature to accurately predict outcomes. There is no doubt that biomarkers will eventually guide our clinical decision making regarding follow‐up scheduling and treatment choice.
Health‐related quality of life after salvage high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for locally radiorecurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Berge Viktor , Baco Eduard , Dahl Alv A , Karlsen Steinar Johan 
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To evaluate health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) after salvage high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for locally radiorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa).Methods:  Since June 2006 we have treated 61 patients consecutively by salvage HIFU. All patients were offered the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA‐PCI) questionnaire at baseline and at follow‐up. Scores ranged from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). Clinically significant changes were defined as a minimum difference of 10 points between the baseline score and the score at follow‐up.Results:  Fifty‐seven patients (93%) had evaluable data at baseline, compared with 46 (75%) after treatment. The mean time lapse between HIFU treatment and questionnaire response was 17.5 months (range 6–29 months). The mean score for urinary function decreased from 79.7 ± 12.1 prior to HIFU to 67.4 ± 17.8 after HIFU (P < 0.001). The mean score for sexual function decreased from 32.1 ± 24.1 prior to HIFU to 17.2 ± 17.0 after HIFU (P < 0.001). There were no significant effects on bowel function. There was a significant reduction in the mean score for Physical HRQOL, but the mean score for Mental HRQOL was did not change significantly.Conclusion:  Treatment of localized radiorecurrent PCa by salvage HIFU is associated with clinically significant reductions in urinary and sexual function domains after a mean follow‐up of 17.5 months.
Strategic Privatization in Developing Countries
Authors: Bjorvatn Kjetil , Eckel Carsten 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPrivatization of state‐owned enterprises may have important welfare implications, in particular in less developed economies where markets are small and domestic firms are typically relatively weak, both technologically and financially. In these environments, a high‐tech foreign investor acquiring the state‐owned assets may end up dominating the local market, thereby harming local consumer and producer interests. A foreign investor, however, is likely to be both willing and able to offer a higher bid for the assets than local investors. This paper addresses the trade‐off for local governments between privatization revenues and foreign market power. The authors find that there may be an incentive to privatize “strategically” by selling the state‐owned firm to a local (less advanced) investor at a lower price in order to achieve a more competitive post‐privatization market structure.
Factorial correlators and oscillatory multiplicity moments of ring-like and jet-like events in 16O–Ag/Br interactions at 60 A GeV1Supported by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India through SERC Fast Track Scheme for Young Scientists Project.
Authors: Haldar Prabir Kumar , Manna Sanjib Kumar 
Published: July 2011

The analysis of ring-like and jet-like events in 16O–Ag/Br interactions at 60 A GeV is performed using the methods of factorial correlators and oscillatory multiplicity moments. The investigation reveals that the correlators increase with a decrease of the size of bin separation interval, following the power law, and suggest the presence of the intermittent nature of the dynamical fluctuations measured. The analysis shows the signal of the intermittency to be stronger in the ring-like events. However, both the ring-like and jet-like events are found to be consistent with the α-model predictions. The oscillatory moments are found to follow a different behavior in ring-like events and jet-like events. In most cases, the simulation fails to reproduce the measurements.
A Prospective Pilot Study to Evaluate the Relationship Between Acute Change in Left Ventricular Synchrony After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Patient Outcome Using a Single-Injection Gated SPECT Protocol
Authors: Friehling Mati , Chen Ji , Saba Samir , Bazaz Raveen , Schwartzman David , Adelstein Evan C. , Garcia Ernest , Follansbee William , Soman Prem 
Published: July 2011

Background—
There are ongoing efforts to optimize patient selection criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this regard, the relationship between acute change in left ventricular synchrony (LV) after CRT and patient outcome remains undefined.

Methods and Results—

A novel protocol was designed to evaluate acute change in left LV synchrony after CRT using phase analysis of standard gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging with a single injection of radiotracer and prospectively applied to 44 patients undergoing CRT. Immediately after CRT, 18 (41%), 11 (25%), and 15 (34%) patients had an improvement, no change, or a worsening in LV synchrony. An algorithm incorporating the presence of baseline dyssynchrony, myocardial scar burden, and lead concordance predicted acute improvement or no change in LV synchrony with 72% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 96% positive predictive value, and 64% negative predictive value and had 96% negative predictive value for acute deterioration in synchrony. Over a follow-up period of 9.6±6.8 months, patients who had an acute deterioration in synchrony after CRT had a higher composite event rate of death, heart failure hospitalizations, appropriate defibrillator discharges, and CRT device deactivation for worsening heart failure symptoms, compared with patients who had an improvement or no change [hazard ratio, 4.6 (1.3 to 16.0); log rank test;
P
=0.003].

Conclusions—
In this single-center pilot study, phase analysis of gated SPECT was successfully used to predict acute change in LV synchrony and patient outcome after CRT.
Assessment of the Regional Climate Model Version 3 over the Maritime Continent Using Different Cumulus Parameterization and Land Surface Schemes
Authors: Gianotti Rebecca L. , Zhang Dongfeng , Eltahir Elfatih A. B. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This paper describes an assessment of the Regional Climate Model, version 3 (RegCM3), coupled to two land surface schemes: the Biosphere–Atmosphere Transfer System, version 1e (BATS1e), and the Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS). The model’s performance in simulating precipitation over the Maritime Continent was evaluated against the 3-hourly Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis 3B42 product. It is found that the model suffers from three major errors in reproducing the observed rainfall histogram: underestimation of the frequency of dry periods, overestimation of the frequency of low-intensity rainfall, and underestimation of the frequency of high-intensity rainfall. Additionally, the model does not accurately reproduce the observed timing of the diurnal rainfall peak, particularly over land. These four errors persisted regardless of the choice of lateral boundary conditions, convective parameterization scheme, or land surface scheme. The magnitude of the wet–dry bias in the simulated volumes of rainfall was, however, strongly dependent on the choice of the convection scheme and lateral boundary conditions. The Grell convection scheme with Fritsch–Chappell closure was the best performing of the convection schemes, having the smallest error magnitudes in both the rainfall histogram and average diurnal cycle, and also having good representation of the land surface energy and evapotranspiration components. The 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) was found to produce better simulations of observed rainfall when used as lateral boundary conditions than did the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. Discussion of the nature of the major model errors is provided, along with some suggestions for improvement.
Direct Evidence of a Changing Fall-Rate Bias in XBTs Manufactured during 1986–2008
Authors: DiNezio Pedro N. , Goni Gustavo J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This paper presents direct evidence of systematic depth errors consistent with a fall-rate bias in 52 temperature profiles collected using expendable bathythermographs (XBTs). The profiles were collected using the same recording system and under the same ocean conditions, but with XBTs manufactured during years 1986, 1990, 1991, 1995, and 2008. The depth errors are estimated by comparing each XBT profile with a collocated profile obtained from conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) casts using a methodology that unambiguously separates depth errors from temperature errors. According to the manufacture date of the probes, the XBT fall-rate error has changed from (−3.77 ± 0.57)% of depth in 1986 to (−1.05 ± 1.34)% of depth in 2008. The year dependence of the fall-rate bias can be identified with statistical significance (1σ) below 500 m, where the effect of the fall-rate bias is larger. This result is the first direct evidence of changes in the XBT fall-rate characteristics. Therefore, for the 1986–2008 period, the hypothesis that the XBT errors are due to a time-varying fall-rate bias, as hypothesized by Wijffels et al., cannot be rejected. Additional implications for current efforts to correct the historical temperature profile database are discussed.
Modeling Training Effects Using a Human Performance Taxonomy
Authors: Meador Douglas P. , Hill Raymond R. 
Published: July 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize skill acquisition during training and skill retention as a function of training strategy, retention period, and task type in the form of a numerical model and then apply that model to make predictions of performance on an unknown task. Background: Complex systems require efficient and effective training programs for the humans who operate them in discontinuous fashion. Although there are several constructs for learning theory, models that enable analysts to predict training outcomes are needed during the design of training programs. Method: This study involved 60 participants who were trained on five tasks relevant to RQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system sensor operators by one of three strategies that represented a continuum of instructor interactivity. After training, performance data for all five tasks were collected. Participants completed the same tasks 30 or 60 days later to determine skill retention and the rate at which task proficiency was reacquired. Results: Models built from tasks that isolate human performance channels adequately predicted performance on a task that combined those channels. Conclusion: Models that predict performance on tasks that isolate human performance channels can be used to make predictions on tasks that draw on multiple channels. This model provided a distribution of performance data that was statistically similar to actual performance data. Application: System designers trained with human performance data on a set of tasks can apply those tasks’ characteristics to future tasks to make reasonably accurate performance predictions, thereby allowing the designers to make early decisions regarding training strategy to teach those tasks.
Food Allergy
Authors: Reisacher William , Damask Cecelia , Calhoun Karen , Veling Maria 
Published: July 2011

In the past several years, food allergies have taken center stage in the media and have become a topic of great concern for our patients and their families. Whether or not this is due to a rise in the prevalence of food allergies or just a heightened awareness, it is our responsibility as clinicians and scientists to critically analyze the current evidence available concerning the epidemiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and management of this disease. In 2010, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) published guidelines concerning the diagnosis and management of food allergies. Since 2009, the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery has sponsored a miniseminar titled, “Food Allergy: State of the Science.” This commentary focuses on the highlights from the 2010 meeting and provides some thoughts on what this latest publication means to otolaryngologists.
Successive influenza virus infection and Streptococcus pneumoniae stimulation alter human dendritic cell function
Authors: Wu Yuet , Mao Huawei , Ling Man-To , Chow Kin-Hung , Ho Pak-Leung , Tu Wenwei , Lau Yu-Lung 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza virus is a major cause of respiratory disease worldwide andStreptococcus pneumoniaeinfection associated with influenza often leads to severe complications. Dendritic cells are key antigen presenting cells but its role in such co-infection is unclear.MethodsIn this study, human monocyte derived-dentritic cells were either concurrently or successively challenged with the combination of live influenza virus and heat killed pneumococcus to mimic the viral pneumococcal infection. Dendritic cell viability, phenotypic maturation and cytokine production were then examined.ResultsThe challenge of influenza virus and pneumococcus altered dendritic cell functions dependent on the time interval between the successive challenge of influenza virus and pneumococcus, as well as the doses of pneumococcus. When dendritic cells were exposed to pneumococcus at 6 hr, but not 0 hr nor 24 hr after influenza virus infection, both virus and pneumococcus treated dendritic cells had greater cell apoptosis and expressed higher CD83 and CD86 than dendritic cells infected with influenza virus alone. Dendritic cells produced pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α, IL-12 and IFN-γ synergistically to the successive viral and pneumococcal challenge. Whereas prior influenza virus infection suppressed the IL-10 response independent of the timing of the subsequent pneumococcal stimulation.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that successive challenge of dendritic cells with influenza virus and pneumococcus resulted in synergistic up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines with simultaneous down-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine, which may explain the immuno-pathogenesis of this important co-infection.
Solid tumors of the pancreas can put on a mask through cystic change
Authors: Paik Kwang Yeol , Choi Seong Ho , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Dong Wook 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Solid pancreatic tumors such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT), and pancreatic endocrine tumor (PET) may occasionally manifest as cystic lesions. In this study, we have put together our accumulated experience with cystic manifestations of various solid tumors of the pancreas.

Methods
From 2000 to 2006, 376 patients with pancreatic solid tumor resections were reviewed. Ten (2.66%) of these tumors appeared on radiological imaging studies as cystic lesions. We performed a retrospective review of medical records and pathologic findings of these 10 cases.

Results
Of the ten cases in which solid tumors of the pancreas manifested as cystic lesions, six were PDAC with cystic degeneration, two were SPT undergone complete cystic change, one was cystic PET, and one was a cystic schwannoma. The mean tumor size of the cystic portion in PDAC was 7.3 cm, and three patients were diagnosed as 'pseudocyst' with or without cancer. Two SPT were found incidentally in young women and were diagnosed as other cystic neoplasms. One cystic endocrine tumor was preoperatively suspected as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm or mucinous cystic neoplasm.

Conclusions
Cystic changes of pancreas solid tumors are extremely rare. However, the possibility of cystic manifestation of pancreas solid tumors should be kept in mind.
Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic behavior of WO3-fullerene/TiO2 catalysts under visible light
Authors: Meng Ze-Da , Zhu Lei , Choi Jong-Geun , Park Chong-Yeon , Oh Won-Chun 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
WO3-treated fullerene/TiO2 composites (WO3-fullerene/TiO2) were prepared using a sol-gel method. The composite obtained was characterized by BET surface area measurements, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-vis analysis. A methyl orange (MO) solution under visible light irradiation was used to determine the photocatalytic activity. Excellent photocatalytic degradation of a MO solution was observed using the WO3-fullerene, fullerene-TiO2, and WO3-fullerene/TiO2 composites under visible light. An increase in photocatalytic activity was observed, and WO3-fullerene/TiO2 has the best photocatalytic activity; it may attribute to the increase of the photo-absorption effect by the fullerene and the cooperative effect of the WO3.
Infectious alphavirus production from a simple plasmid transfection
Authors: Steel Jordan J , Henderson Brittney R , Lama Siddhi BC , Olson Ken E , Geiss Brian J 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
We have developed a new method for producing infectious double subgenomic alphaviruses from plasmids transfected into mammalian cells. A double subgenomic Sindbis virus (TE3'2J) was transcribed from a cytomegalovirus PolII promoter, which results in the production of infectious virus. Transfection of as little as 125 ng of plasmid is able to produce 1 × 108 plaque forming units/ml (PFU/ml) of infectious virus 48 hours post-transfection. This system represents a more efficient method for producing recombinant Sindbis viruses.
Predictors of long-term cognitive outcome in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wattmo Carina , Wallin Åsa K , Londos Elisabet , Minthon Lennart 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to describe the longitudinal cognitive outcome in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and analyze factors that affect the outcome, including the impact of different cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI).

Methods
In an open, three-year, nonrandomized, prospective, multicenter study, 843 patients were treated with donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine in a routine clinical setting. At baseline and every six months, patients were assessed using several rating scales, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and the dose of ChEI was recorded. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. The relationships of these predictors with longitudinal cognitive ability were analyzed using mixed-effects models.

Results
Slower long-term cognitive decline was associated with a higher cognitive ability at baseline or a lower level of education. The improvement in cognitive response after six months of ChEI therapy and a more positive longitudinal outcome were related to a higher mean dose of ChEI, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)/acetylsalicylic acid usage, male gender, older age, and absence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele. More severe cognitive impairment at baseline also predicted an improved response to ChEI treatment after six months. The type of ChEI agent did not influence the short-term response or the long-term outcome.

Conclusions
In this three-year AD study performed in a routine clinical practice, the response to ChEI treatment and longitudinal cognitive outcome were better in males, older individuals, non-carriers of the APOE ε4 allele, patients treated with NSAIDs/acetylsalicylic acid, and those receiving a higher dose of ChEI, regardless of the drug agent.