bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Validation of a Gene Expression Signature That Predicts Outcome in Adult Men With Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Korkola James E. , Houldsworth Jane , Feldman Darren R. , Olshen Adam B. , Qin Li-Xuan , Patil Sujata , Reuter Victor E. , Bosl George J. , Chaganti R.S.K. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Germ cell tumor (GCT) is the most common malignancy in young adult men. Currently, patients are risk-stratified on the basis of clinical presentation and serum tumor markers. The introduction of molecular markers could improve outcome prediction. Patients and Methods Expression profiling was performed on 74 nonseminomatous GCTs (NSGCTs) from cisplatin-treated patients (ie, training set) and on 34 similarly treated patients with NSGCTs (ie, validation set). A gene classifier was developed by using prediction analysis for microarrays (PAM) for the binary end point of 5-year overall survival (OS). A predictive score was developed for OS by using the univariate Cox model. Results In the training set, PAM identified 140 genes that predicted 5-year OS (cross-validated classification rate, 60%). The PAM model correctly classified 90% of patients in the validation set. Patients predicted to have good outcome had significantly longer survival than those with poor predicted outcome (P < .001). For the OS end point, a 10-gene model had a predictive accuracy (ie, concordance index) of 0.66 in the training set and a concordance index of 0.83 in the validation set. Dichotomization of the samples on the basis of the median score resulted in significant differences in survival (P = .002). For both end points, the gene-based predictor was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate model that included clinical risk stratification (P < .01 for both). Conclusion We have identified gene expression signatures that accurately predict outcome in patients with GCTs. These predictive genes should be useful for the prediction of patient outcome and could provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Multicenter Phase II Trial of YM155, a Small-Molecule Suppressor of Survivin, in Patients With Advanced, Refractory, Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Giaccone Giuseppe , Zatloukal Petr , Roubec Jaromir , Floor Karijn , Musil Jaromir , Kuta Milan , van Klaveren Rob J. , Chaudhary Subhash , Gunther Adrie , Shamsili Setareh 
Published: September 2009

Purpose To evaluate the antitumor activity and safety of YM155, a novel, small-molecule suppressor of survivin, as single-agent therapy in patients with previously treated, advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Patients with stage IIIb/IV NSCLC who had experienced treatment failure during one or two prior chemotherapy regimens (at least one of which was platinum based) received YM155 as a continuous intravenous infusion (4.8 mg/m2/d) over 168 hours followed by observation for 14 days in 21-day treatment cycles. The primary end point was objective tumor response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included duration of stable disease (SD), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, and pharmacodynamic evaluations. Results Thirty-seven patients received YM155. Two patients achieved a confirmed partial response, with an ORR of 5.4% (95% CI, 0.7% to 18.2%). An additional 14 patients (37.8%) achieved SD resulting in a disease control rate of 43.2% (95% CI, 27.1% to 60.5%). Median duration of PFS was 1.7 months (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.8 months). Median duration of OS was 6.6 months (95% CI, 4 to 12.2 months), with a 1-year survival rate of 35.1%. Treatment with YM155 was well tolerated with the majority of treatment discontinuations not treatment related. Conclusion YM155 exhibited modest single-agent activity in patients with refractory, advanced NSCLC. A favorable safety/tolerability profile was reported. Further evaluation of YM155 in combination with chemotherapy and other targeted agents may be warranted.
Randomized Phase II Study Comparing Two Schedules of Everolimus in Patients With Recurrent/Metastatic Breast Cancer: NCIC Clinical Trials Group IND.163
Authors: Ellard Susan L. , Clemons Mark , Gelmon Karen A. , Norris Brian , Kennecke Hagen , Chia Stephen , Pritchard Kathleen , Eisen Andrea , Vandenberg Ted , Taylor Marianne , Sauerbrei Eric , Mishaeli Moshe , Huntsman David , Walsh Wendy , Olivo Martin , McIntosh Lynn , Seymour Lesley 
Published: September 2009

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, in two different schedules in minimally pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer and to explore for possible biologic correlates of response. Patients and Methods Patients who received no or one prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic breast cancer were entered onto this multicenter, noncomparative, randomized phase II study of everolimus 10 mg daily versus 70 mg weekly; the multinomial end points of response and progression were evaluated at 8 weeks. A two-stage accrual design was used, with 15 evaluable patients in each schedule in stage 1. Only daily therapy met criteria for continuing, and another 15 patients were added. pAKT, PTEN, carbonic anhydrase 9, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were evaluated for possible correlation with response. Results The most common drug-related toxicities were fatigue, rash, anorexia, diarrhea, stomatitis, cough, and pneumonitis. Pneumonitis occurred at higher than expected rates and seemed to be schedule dependent, with the highest incidence on the daily schedule. Response rate with daily therapy was 12% (95% CI, 3.4% to 28.2%) compared with 0% (95% CI, 0.0% to 20.6%) for weekly therapy. Twenty-seven percent of patients on daily therapy discontinued treatment compared with 13% on weekly therapy (16% v 6% with pneumonitis, respectively). No biologic correlates of response could be identified, although there were trends favoring benefit in ER-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Conclusion Oral everolimus has activity in metastatic breast cancer that is schedule dependent. Daily therapy with 10 mg is worthy of further study in this patient population.
Preoperative Multimodality Therapy Improves Disease-Free Survival in Patients With Carcinoma of the Rectum: NSABP R-03
Authors: Roh Mark S. , Colangelo Linda H. , O'Connell Michael J. , Yothers Greg , Deutsch Melvin , Allegra Carmen J. , Kahlenberg Morton S. , Baez-Diaz Luis , Ursiny Carol S. , Petrelli Nicholas J. , Wolmark Norman 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Although chemoradiotherapy plus resection is considered standard treatment for operable rectal carcinoma, the optimal time to administer this therapy is not clear. The NSABP R-03 (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R-03) trial compared neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced rectal carcinoma. Patients and Methods Patients with clinical T3 or T4 or node-positive rectal cancer were randomly assigned to preoperative or postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Chemotherapy consisted of fluorouracil and leucovorin with 45 Gy in 25 fractions with a 5.40-Gy boost within the original margins of treatment. In the preoperative group, surgery was performed within 8 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. In the postoperative group, chemotherapy began after recovery from surgery but no later than 4 weeks after surgery. The primary end points were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results From August 1993 to June 1999, 267 patients were randomly assigned to NSABP R-03. The intended sample size was 900 patients. Excluding 11 ineligible and two eligible patients without follow-up data, the analysis used data on 123 patients randomly assigned to preoperative and 131 to postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Surviving patients were observed for a median of 8.4 years. The 5-year DFS for preoperative patients was 64.7% v 53.4% for postoperative patients (P = .011). The 5-year OS for preoperative patients was 74.5% v 65.6% for postoperative patients (P = .065). A complete pathologic response was achieved in 15% of preoperative patients. No preoperative patient with a complete pathologic response has had a recurrence. Conclusion Preoperative chemoradiotherapy, compared with postoperative chemoradiotherapy, significantly improved DFS and showed a trend toward improved OS.
Equity in the distribution of community pharmacies in England: Impact of regulatory reform
Authors: Wagner Andrew , Hann Mark , Noyce Peter , Ashcroft Darren 
Published: September 2009

Objectives: To examine whether relaxation of control of entry regulations for community pharmacy contracts in England, introduced in 2005, affected the distribution of community pharmacies relative to population need indicators. Methods: Community pharmacy locations and population need indicators were used to calculate three summary measures of distributional equity across Primary Care Trust (PCT) areas (n = 152): the Gini coefficient, Atkinson Index and community pharmacies per PCT population. The indicators were adjusted for need using data from NHS GP contract Quality and Outcomes Framework disease registers, deprivation, all-cause mortality and elderly population rates. Results: Numbers of community pharmacies increased by 397 (4%) between 2005 and 2007 with three supermarket chains accounting for 152 (38%) of new pharmacies. Over one-quarter of PCTs experienced increases of 5% or more in community pharmacies per capita between 2005 and 2007. Gini and Atkinson indicators showed small increases in distributional equity across all population needs indicators. Conclusion: Deregulation was associated with more community pharmacies per capita and a small increase in geographic equity of community pharmacy distribution at PCT level. Future research should continue to monitor how pharmacy distribution changes over time and assess the extent to which the new regulatory framework has allowed clustering of pharmacies which could result in increased inequity below PCT level.
The Opinions of Manufacturers of Resin-Based Composite Materials towards the Repair of Failing Composite Restorations
Authors: Blum Igor R , Jagger Daryll C , Newton J Tim , Wilson Nairn HF 
Published: September 2009

Aim To investigate the opinions of manufacturers of resin-based composite (RBC) towards the repair of their materials. Methods Representatives of 20 manufacturers of RBC were electronically mailed a questionnaire seeking information on aspects of the repair of direct composite restorations. Results The response rate was 100%. The findings indicated that although the majority of respondents regarded repair as a viable option for managing failing direct RBC restorations, marked variations were found to exist regarding recommendations for and contra-indications to performing repairs of RBC restorations. Conclusions Within the limitations of the current study, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) the majority of manufacturers of RBC materials are aware and in favour of repair as opposed to replacement of defective composite restorations; (2) there is a need for manufacturers to produce guidelines for repair of their materials; and (3) there is a need for robust randomised controlled dental practice-based clinical studies in the field of repair of composite restorations.
Evaluation of the End User (Dentist) Experience of Undertaking Clinical Audit in a PCT-Led NHS Modernisation Agency Pilot Scheme
Authors: Cannell Phillip J 
Published: September 2009

Introduction A new dental contract was introduced in the National Health Service (NHS) General Dental Services (GDS) in April 2006. Responsibility for clinical audit activities was devolved to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) as part of their clinical governance remit. In July 2003, an NHS Modernisation Agency pilot scheme for clinical audit was launched by Southend PCT. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate this scheme. Methods A qualitative research method was used. It used audiotape recorded semi-structured research interviews with eight general dental practitioners (GDPs) who had taken part in the scheme. The evaluation focused on dentists’ experiences of the scheme. Results Dentists appreciated the central PCT-based coordinator for the scheme and found that the streamlining of design, analysis and report writing within the audit projects enabled efficient use of time. The design by an outside agency appeared to add credibility to the scheme. Participants felt that comparability of data derived from clinical audit was enhanced by the scheme and could lead to comparison across PCT patch, regional or even national levels. The use of feedback mechanisms within the scheme was appreciated and thought to help produce maximum value from a clinical audit project. There was evidence of beneficial change occurring within practices and for patients. Conclusions This study provided an evaluation of a particular clinical audit scheme, several aspects of which differed from the traditional GDS scheme. Organisations proposing to undertake clinical audit activities in conjunction with dentistry in the future may benefit from incorporating elements of this scheme into their project design.
Image Analysis for the Quantification of a Developing Crack Network on a Drying Soil
Authors: Lakshmikantha M. R. , Prat P. C. , Ledesma A. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The paper presents a methodology for quantifying surface crack patterns that appear in cohesive soils under drying conditions due to environmental changes, using image analysis techniques. This has practical applications in the study of many geotechnical problems related to soil cracking such as the impact of permeability changes due to cracking in clay barriers, development of preferential flow paths for contaminant transport along cracks, decreasing bearing capacity, and others. The study of soil cracking may become even more relevant with the current climate change that may induce more frequent and severe droughts in many parts of the world, increasing the areas at risk of cracking. Qualitative and quantitative characterization of the crack patterns is needed to study the mechanical behavior of a cracking soil, how cracks generate and propagate. For this purpose a simple laboratory set-up has been developed for continuous monitoring of the processes of formation and propagation of cracks due to desiccation, and to study the final crack pattern. The paper describes a simple technique to process sequences of images obtained during the laboratory tests, and how image analysis can be used to quantify the parameters that characterize the evolving and final crack patterns.
The Effect of Incorporation of Gramicidin on the Translational Lipid Diffusion in Bicontinuous Cubic Monoolein/Water Mesophases
Authors: Pospiech E.-M. , Geil B. , Fujara F. , Winter Roland 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The influence of incorporating the polypeptide gramicidin on the lateral mobility of the monoacylglyceride monoolein (MO) in its bicontinuous cubic lipid mesophases is studied applying static field gradient NMR. The effects of gramicidin on the topology, structure and phase behaviour of the system are characterized by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. On the structural level the experiments show significant shifts in the boundaries of the various mesophases. Measurements of the translational dynamics are restricted to cubic mesophases, where the diffusion coefficients of lipid and additive are determined both by geometrical obstruction and by lipid-protein interaction effects.
Myoglobin and Apomyoglobin in their Native, Molten Globule and Acid-Denaturated States. A Dielectric Relaxation Study
Authors: Ajaj Yathrib , Wehner Mark , Weingärtner Hermann 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The acid-induced unfolding of myoglobin and its haem-free derivative apo-myoglobin is studied by broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy at pH values near 5, 4 and 2, which reflect the transition N → MG → UA from the native state (N) via a molten globule state (MG) to an acid-unfolded state (UA). Spectral changes are singled out by considering difference spectra for the transitions N → MG and N → UA. A pronounced increase of the amplitude of the tumbling motion of holo-myoglobin and apo-myoglobin in the sequence N → MG→ UA reflects the increase of their electrical dipole moments by progressive unfolding. A distinct high-frequency shoulder of the tumbling mode indicates an enhanced internal protein dynamics in the unfolded states. The calculated Stokes radii confirm a compact nature of the MG state and a large increase in size of the UA state relative to the native state. In the native state the Stokes radii deduced from the dielectric spectra agree fairly well with those deduced from dynamic light scattering. In the MG state, and particularly in the UA state, the Stokes radii determined by light scattering are markedly larger than those determined by dielectric relaxation. The difference is attributed to aggregation of the unfolded species, which affects dynamic light scattering more than dielectric relaxation. In the high-frequency regime, the dielectric spectra indicate that unfolding enhances the number of water molecules showing bulk-like dynamics, but the effect is rather weak.
Formation of controlled alumina films using Supercritical Fluids Chemical Deposition for electronic and telecommunication devices
Authors: Aymonier C. , Lamirand-Majimel M. , Bousquet C. , Moncade C. , Cansell F. , Maglione M. , Ellisalde C. , Heintz J.-M. , Silvain J.-F. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAlumina is one of the most widely used oxide ceramic material. It exists in many metastable forms, among which is the thermodynamically stable α phase, obtained upon severe thermal treatment. Sintering of alumina is generally performed in several stages: first, phase transitions towards the stable α phase followed by its densification. The first step is strongly dependent on the crystallinity of initial powders. By controlling this parameter, it is possible to optimize the sintering properties, in particular by decreasing the phase transition temperature. This effect has been studied for alumina elaborated in sub- and supercritical fluid media. This work highlights the possibilities to obtain, according to the nature of the fluid, different kinds of transition alumina: boehmite AlO(OH) or amorphous Al2O3. The sintering processes of these powders all lead to α-alumina, however, different microstructures and densities can be obtained. A significant shift towards lower λ/α phase transition temperature is also observed when amorphous alumina is considered, compared to boehmite. The transfer of this know-how to the design of core-shell nanoparticles and film deposition onto copper heat sinks is investigated to develop nanostructured ceramics for telecommunications and electronics.
Superhydrophobic Silicon Surfaces with Low Light Reflectivity
Authors: Xiu Yonghao , Liu Yan , Hess Dennis W. , Wong Chingping 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCreation of superhydrophobic self-cleaning surfaces is an important objective for a variety of applications. Indeed, numerous routes to generate superhydrophobic surfaces have been proposed. In this paper, a facile way of forming superhydrophobic surfaces is reported that uses Au assisted HF/H2O2 etching of silicon wafers. The Au layer was deposited onto a silicon wafer via e-beam evaporation. By controlling the evaporation and etching times, the surface roughness can be manipulated and superhydrophobic surfaces with reduced light reflection can be generated. Contact angles were measured with a CCD camera equipped goniometer; these values determined the water repellency. Light reflection on the as prepared black surfaces was measured to assess the efficiency for low cost solar cell applications. This approach offers a new way both to theoretically study the surface roughness effect and to investigate engineering applications of self-cleaning surfaces in solar cells, MEMS, anti-bacteria coating, and microfluidic devices.
Synthesis and Characterization of LiFePO4/C Composite Obtained by One-Step Solid-State Reaction Using Solid PVA as Carbon Source
Authors: Yang Limei , Liang Guangchuan , Wang Li , Zhi Xiaoke , Ou Xiuqin 
Published: September 2009

AbstractLiFePO4/C composite cathode materials were synthesized by one-step solid-state reaction using FePO4 as main raw materials and solid PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) as a reductive agent and carbon source. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis and charge-discharge test. The results indicated that the carbon generated from the pyrogenation of PVA did not affect the olivine structure of the cathode materials but considerably improved its high-rate discharge ability and cycle performance. The initial discharge capacity of the sample was 149.7, 133.1, 120.6, 93.0 mAh/g at 0.2C, 1C, 2C, 5C respectively, and the discharge capacity could reach 90 mAh/g at 5C rates after 80 cycles. It is believed that the carbon coating could lead to small particle size and high electronic conductivity of active materials, thus leading to excellent electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C cathode materials.
Improved Analytical Models for Single- and Multi-layer Silver Superlenses
Authors: Moore Ciaran P , Blaikie Richard John , Arnold Matthew D 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSpatial-frequency transfer functions are regularly used to model the imaging performance of near-field �superlens� systems. However, these do not account for interactions between the object that is being imaged and the superlens itself. As the imaging in these systems is in the near field, such interactions are important to consider if accurate performance estimates are to be obtained. We present here a simple analytical modification that can be made to the transfer function to account for near-field interactions for objects consisting of small apertures in otherwise-continuous metal screens. The modified transfer functions are evaluated by comparison with full-field finite-element simulations for representative single-layer and multi-layer silver superlenses, and good agreement is found.
Effect of Partial Oxygen Pressure on Structural, Electrical, and Magneto transport Properties of Cobalt Doped Indium Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Ghosh Abhijit , Ukah N. , Gupta R K , Kahol P K , Ghosh K 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDilute magnetic semiconductors are ferromagnetic semiconductors recently discovered in nitride and oxide semiconductors by incorporating a small percentage of magnetic atoms into the semiconductors host. Recently it is reported that the structural and electrical properties of pure indium oxide can be modified by growth parameters. In this paper we investigate magneto-transport properties of Co-doped In2O3 dilute magnetic semiconductors thin films grown on sapphire and quartz substrates using pulsed laser deposition technique. The effect of partial oxygen pressure on structural, electrical, optical, and magneto-transport properties was discussed in details. The crystallinity of the films largely depends on growth temperature. Magneto-transport properties such as temperature dependent resistivity and magneto-resistance were found to be very sensitive to the micro-structural properties such as crystalinity as well as oxygen defect. The electrical carrier density of the films depends on oxygen pressure and a change of two orders of magnitude is observed. Depending on growth parameters, both positive and negative magneto-resistance is observed. Optical band-gap seems to vary with the growth partial oxygen pressure.