bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is effective as first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer with mutated EGFR: A meta‐analysis from six phase III randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gao Guanghui , Ren Shengxiang , Li Aiwu , Xu Jianfang , Xu Qinghua , Su Chunxia , Guo Jian , Deng Qinfang , Zhou Caicun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractGefiinib and erlotinib are two similar small molecules of selective and reversible epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs), which have been approved for second‐line or third‐line indication in previously treated advanced Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The results of comparing the EGFR‐TKI with standard platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy as the first‐line treatment in advanced NSCLC patients with activated EGFR mutation were still controversial. A meta‐analysis was performed to derive a more precise estimation of these regimens. Finally, six eligible trials involved 1,021 patients were identified. The patients receiving EGFR‐TKI as front‐line therapy had a significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS) than patients treated with chemotherapy [median PFS was 9.5 versus 5.9 months; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.37; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.27–0.52; p < 0.001]. The overall response rate (ORR) of EGFR‐TKI was 66.60%, whereas the ORR of chemotherapy regimen was 30.62%, which was also a statistically significant favor for EGFR‐TKI [relative risk (RR) = 5.68; 95% CI = 3.17–10.18; p < 0.001]. The overall survival (OS) was numerically longer in the patients received EGFR‐TKI than patients treated by chemotherapy, although the difference did not reach a statistical significance (median OS was 30.5 vs. 23.6 months; HR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.77–1.15; p = 0.57). Comparing with first‐line chemotherapy, treatment of EGFR‐TKI achieved a statistical significantly longer PFS, higher ORR and numerically longer OS in the advanced NSCLC patients harboring activated EGFR mutations, thus, it should be the first choice in the previously untreated NSCLC patients with activated EGFR mutation.
Race and prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among men residing in Brazil, Mexico and the United States
Authors: Akogbe Gabriel O. , Ajidahun Abidemi , Sirak Bradley , Anic Gabriella M. , Papenfuss Mary R. , Fulp William J. , Lin Hui‐Yi , Abrahamsen Martha , Villa Luisa L. , Lazcano‐Ponce Eduardo , Quiterio Manuel , Smith Danelle , Schabath Matthew B. , Salmeron Jorge , Giuliano Anna R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Genital HPV prevalence in men appears to vary by world region with men residing in Asia having among the lowest prevalence. Unfortunately, there is little information on prevalence of HPV infection in men by race. The purpose of this study was to examine HPV prevalence by race across three countries. 3,909 men ages 18–70 years enrolled in an ongoing prospective cohort study of the natural history of HPV in men (The HIM Study) were included in the analysis. Participants completed risk factor questionnaires and samples were taken from the penile epithelium and scrotum for HPV detection. HPV testing of the combined DNA extract was conducted using PCR and genotyping. Asian/Pacific Islanders had the lowest HPV prevalence of 42.2% compared to Blacks (66.2%), and Whites (71.5%). The Asian/Pacific Islander race was strongly protective in univariate analysis (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.74) and multivariate analysis for any HPV infection (PR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52–0.8). Stratified analysis by lifetime number of female partners also showed strong inverse associations with the Asian/Pacific Islander race. We consistently observed the lowest prevalence of HPV infection among Asian/Pacific Islanders with moderate inverse associations even after various adjustments for potential confounding factors. Unmeasured behavioral factors, sexual mixing with low risk women, and/or race‐specific differences in the frequency of germline variations among immune regulating genes may underlie these associations. Further studies among Asian populations that incorporate measures of immuno‐genetics are needed to understand this phenomenon.
Dibenzo[b,f]oxepin‐10(11H)‐one and dibenzo[b,f]thiepin‐10(11H)‐one as useful synthons in the synthesis of various dibenzo[e,h]azulenes
Authors: Pešić Dijana , Landek Ivana Ozimec , Rupčić Renata , Modrić Marina , Džapo [1] Iva , Trojko [2] Rudolf , Merćep [3] Mladen , Mesić Milan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe present review focuses on dibenzo[b,f]oxepin‐10(11H)‐one (I, X = O) and dibenzo[b,f]thiepin‐10(11H)‐one (I, X = S) as common synthons in the efficient synthesis of various dibenzoxepino[4,5‐ and dibenzothiepino[4,5]‐fused five‐membered heterocycles: [2,3] fused thiophene (II), [3,4] fused thiophene (III), furan (IV), pyrrole (V), imidazole (VI), pyrazole (VII), oxazole (VIII), and thiazole (IX). The potential of I to be converted into reactive intermediates that readily undergo heteroaromatic annulation reactions by cyclocondensation with proper binucleophiles allows formation of a range of enumerated functionalized dibenzo[e,h]azulene [4] structures (II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX). Dibenzo[e,h]azulenes as heterotetracyclic scaffold can be exploited in further modifications to obtain compounds with altered physicochemical and biological profile. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Climatic changes in western North America, 1950–2005
Authors: Booth Evan L. J. , Byrne James M. , Johnson Dan L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe rate of climatic change over western North America (WNA) is quantified for 485 climate stations for the period 1950–2005. Additionally, six stations with quality long‐term records were selected and analysed for the period 1906–2005. The indicators used were developed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the World Climate Research Program's Expert Team on Climate Change Detection, Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDMI). From the 27 core indices, 4 temperature‐based and 4 precipitation‐based indicators were selected for in‐depth analysis. The 8 million km2 study area is comprised of the 22 contiguous US states and 4 Canadian provinces west of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes. The results were divided into six general regions for interpretation and presentation. GIS interpolation of station‐specific statistical output was completed to further aid in the identification of spatially coherent trends across WNA. Mean slopes were calculated over the whole study area, and by region, for each index, and then tested to determine if they were significantly different from zero.Results of the study show statistically significant historical climate trends across the study area. As expected in a region as geographically diverse as WNA, results differed between, and within, regions. Overall, temperature‐based indicators showed a general warming trend over the entire study area, with the greatest increases along the North American Cordillera. The trends in precipitation‐based indicators were more varied. General trends indicate moderately increasing precipitation volume and intensity over much of WNA. The strongest precipitation trends were found in areas with climate largely controlled by air masses originating over the Gulf of Mexico. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Some considerations on onset dates of the rainy season in Western‐Central Brazil with antisymmetric outgoing longwave radiation relative to the equator
Authors: Garcia Sâmia R. , Kayano Mary T. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA new method to determine the onset dates of the rainy season (ONR) in the Central Amazon area using the antisymmetric in relation to the equator outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data was developed in a previous paper. This method is adjusted and used here to determine the ONR in Western‐Central Brazil (WCB). The adjustment is needed because of the northwest‐southeast (NW‐SE) orientation of the American monsoon‐related convection displacement. The area averages of the OLR (AOLR) are used to identify the ONR dates. The ONR dates in WCB based on the precipitation index determined in a previous work are used as reference for comparisons. The differences between the results with the AOLR method and those shown in previous papers, as well as the advantages of this method are discussed, using composite maps of OLR and maps of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation data for individual years. The results obtained here for the WCB indicate a potential of the new method for monitoring purposes because the OLR data can easily be obtained and the AOLR calculation is very simple. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Kinetic and kinematic changes with the use of valgus knee brace and lateral wedge insoles in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Fantini Pagani Cynthia H. , Hinrichs Maren , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effect of a valgus knee brace and a lateral wedged insole on knee and ankle kinematics and kinetics was evaluated in ten patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). The knee orthosis was tested in two valgus adjustments (4° and 8°), and the laterally wedged insole was fabricated with an inclination of 4°. A motion capture system and force platforms were used for data collection and joint moments were calculated using inverse dynamics. The valgus moment applied by the orthosis was also measured using a strain gauge implemented in the orthosis' rotational axis. For the second peak knee adduction moment, decreases of 18%, 21%, and 7% were observed between baseline and test conditions for the orthosis in 4° valgus, in 8° valgus, and insole, respectively. Similar decreases were observed for knee lever arm in the frontal plane. Knee adduction angular impulse decreased 14%, 18%, and 7% from baseline to conditions for the orthosis in 4° valgus, in 8° valgus, and insole, respectively. Knee angle in the frontal plane reached a more valgus position during gait using the valgus knee brace. The valgus moment applied by the orthosis with 8° valgus adjustment was 30% higher than with 4° valgus adjustment. The valgus knee orthosis was more effective than the laterally wedged insole in reducing knee adduction moment in patients with medial knee OA. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1125–1132, 2012
Preparation and selective recognition of a novel solid‐phase microextraction fiber combined with molecularly imprinted polymers for the extraction of parabens in soy sample
Authors: He Juan , Chen Si , Jiang Yili , Shen Yanzheng , Zhu Jing , Wei Hongliang , Zhang Hongxia , Lu Kui 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA prepared molecularly imprinted polymer with ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate as template molecule was applied for the first time to a homemade solid‐phase microextraction fiber. The molecularly imprinted polymer‐coated solid‐phase microextraction fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Various parameters were investigated, including extraction temperature, extraction time, and desorption time. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the molecularly imprinted polymer‐coated solid‐phase microextraction fiber exhibited higher selectivity with greater extraction capacity toward parabens compared with the nonimprinted polymer‐coated solid‐phase microextraction fiber and commercial fibers. The molecularly imprinted polymer‐coated solid‐phase microextraction fiber was tested using gas chromatography to determine parabens, including methyl p‐hydroxybenzoate, ethyl p‐hydroxybenzoate, and propyl p‐hydroxybenzoate. The linear ranges were 0.01–10 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient above 0.9943. The detection limits (under signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3) were below 0.30 μg/L. The fiber was successfully applied to the simultaneous analysis of three parabens in spiked soy samples with satisfactory recoveries of 95.48, 97.86, and 92.17%, respectively. The relative standard deviations (n=6) were within 2.83–3.91%. The proposed molecularly imprinted polymer‐coated solid‐phase microextraction method is suitable for selective extraction and determination of trace parabens in food samples.
Krylov space approximate Kalman filtering
Authors: Bardsley Johnathan M. , Parker Albert , Solonen Antti , Howard Marylesa 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYThe Kalman filter is a technique for estimating a time‐varying state given a dynamical model for and indirect measurements of the state. It is used, for example, on the control problems associated with a variety of navigation systems. Even in the case of nonlinear state and/or measurement models, standard implementations require only linear algebra. However, for sufficiently large‐scale problems, such as arise in weather forecasting and oceanography, the matrix inversion and storage requirements of the Kalman filter are prohibitive, and hence, approximations must be made. In this paper, we describe how the conjugate gradient iteration can be used within the Kalman filter for quadratic minimization, as well as for obtaining low‐rank approximations of the covariance and inverse‐covariance matrices required for its implementation. The approach requires that we exploit the connection between the conjugate gradient and Lanczos iterations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐and‐a‐half‐dimensional displacement‐based PML for elastodynamic wave propagation
Authors: François S. , Schevenels M. , Lombaert G. , Degrande G. 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYThis paper presents a perfectly matched layer (PML) technique for the numerical simulation of three‐dimensional linear elastodynamic problems, where the geometry is invariant in the longitudinal direction. Examples include transportation infrastructure, dams, lifelines, and alluvial valleys.For longitudinally invariant geometries, a computationally efficient two‐and‐a‐half‐dimensional (2.5D) approach can be applied, where the Fourier transform from the longitudinal coordinate to the wavenumber domain allows for the representation of the three‐dimensional radiated wave field on a two‐dimensional mesh. In this 2.5D framework, the equilibrium equations of a PML continuum are formulated in a weak form for an isotropic elastodynamic medium and discretized using a Galerkin approach.The 2.5D PML methodology is validated by computing the Green's displacements of a homogeneous halfspace, demonstrating that the 2.5D PML absorbs all propagating waves for different angles of incidence. Furthermore, the dynamic stiffness of a rigid strip foundation and the efficiency of a vibration isolating screen are computed. The examples demonstrate that the PML methodology is computationally efficient, especially when only the response of the structure or the near field response is of interest.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The viscoelastic properties of modified thermoplastic impregnated multiaxial aramid fabrics
Authors: Torki A.M. , Stojanović D.B. , Živković I.D. , Marinković A. , Škapin S.D. , Uskoković P.S. , Aleksić R.R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study reports the manufacture of new fabric forms from the preparation of hybrid laminated multiaxial composites with enhanced thermo‐mechanical properties. Thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis of polymer matrix films and fabricated hybrid composites were used to determine the optimal material composition and reinforcement content for composites with improved viscoelastic properties. The introduction of 5 wt% silica nanoparticles in a composite of p‐aramid–poly(vinyl butyral) led to significant improvements in the mechanical properties, and the addition of silane coupling agents yielded maximal values of the storage modulus for hybrid nanocomposites. The introduction of silane led to a better dispersion and deagglomeration of SiO2 particles, and to the formation of chemical bonds between organic and inorganic constituents, or p‐aramid–poly(vinyl butyral) composites. In this way, the mobility of macromolecules was reduced, which can be seen from the decreasing value of damping factor for the p‐aramid–poly(vinyl butyral) composite. Analysis of the glass transition temperature of the composite with amino‐functionalized silica nanoparticles revealed improved thermal stability in addition to the aforementioned mechanical properties of the tested materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of the mesostructure of HDPE under “in situ” uniaxial tensile test by incoherent polarized steady‐light transport
Authors: Blaise A. , Baravian C. , Dillet J. , Michot L.J. , André S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study presents quantitative results related to in situ investigation of the microstructural evolutions of high‐density polyethylene with deformation. These results were obtained thanks to a novel technique (IPSLT) based on the polarized light scattering transport phenomenon. The heterogeneities produced during whitening of the polymer bulk are characterized at the mesoscale level (from hundred of nanometers to a few micrometers). The technique is described as well as the identified parameters it provides, namely: the average size of the scatterers, the anisotropy developed in the medium, and the light transport length, representative of both the volume fraction and size of the heterogeneities. Results obtained during video‐controlled tensile experiments confirm those obtained previously with X‐ray microtomography. They put forward the role of morphological transformations of the amorphous/crystalline phases (especially regarding the creation of fibrillar assemblies) rather than the cavitation phenomenon. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Employee to employer communication skills: balancing cancer treatment and employment
Authors: Brown Richard F. , Owens Myra , Bradley Cathy 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundCancer patients face difficulties in accessing legally mandated benefits and accommodations when they return to the workplace. Poor employer–employee communication inflates these difficulties. Although proven methods to facilitate physician–patient communication exist, these have not been applied to the workplace. Thus, we aimed to assess the feasibility and utility of applying these methods to educate patients about their workplace rights and provide them with communication skills training to aid their conversations with their employers.MethodsA DVD was produced to educate patients and facilitate workplace communication. Participants consisted of 28 solid tumor cancer patients (14 women and 14 men) who completed primary cancer treatment in the past 12 months and were employed at the time of diagnosis. Participants watched a communication skills training DVD and completed a telephone interview. The interview elicited information about workplace experiences and evaluation of the DVD training program.ResultsThe physician–patient communication skills training model utilized was successfully translated to the employer–employee setting. All but one participant found the DVD useful and easy to understand and indicated a high degree of confidence in using the communication skills to help them ask for workplace accommodations. All participants agreed that it would help newly diagnosed patients in discussions with their employers.ConclusionOur data provides promising preliminary evidence that patient communication skills training can be applied to the workplace setting and is a welcomed aid to newly diagnosed cancer patients in their discussions with employers regarding the impact of treatment on their work performance and needs for accommodations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endobronchial findings of hydatid cyst disease: A report of five pediatric cases
Authors: Kut Arif , Cakir Erkan , Midyat Levent , Cakir Fatma Betul , Ozaydin Erhan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHydatid disease is still an important public health problem throughout the world. Diagnosis of the disease is generally based on clinical and radiological findings. Evaluation of pulmonary disorders by flexible bronchoscopy (FOB) is a rapidly developing facility, but diagnostic and therapeutic FOB for pulmonary hydatid cysts is still controversial. This study examines the findings of endobronchial hydatid cyst disease in five pediatric patients from Turkey, and clinical experience about this subject is reviewed. All our patients presented with unusual symptoms of the disease, and for all of them, diagnosis had been delayed using current diagnostic methods. As a result of our experience, it can be reported that the endobronchial appearance of the hydatid cyst membrane is whitish‐yellow, and it is difficult to differentiate it radiologically from some other common causes of endobronchial lesions in childhood, such as endobronchial tuberculosis, foreign body aspirations, mucous plaques, and granulation scars. The findings of these cases show that, hydatid cyst should also be kept in mind in differential diagnosis of endobronchial lesions. In the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst in children without typical clinical and radiological findings of the disease, FOB examination is a valuable diagnostic procedure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:706–709. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
International survey of physician recommendation for tracheostomy for spinal muscular atrophy Type I
Authors: Benson Renée C. , Hardy Karen A. , Gildengorin Ginny , Hsia Danny 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe ethics of invasive mechanical ventilation for children with the neurodegenerative disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I (SMA I) is highly debated, and wide variability in clinical outcomes exists internationally. We conducted this international survey to identify physician characteristics associated with recommendation for tracheostomy and ventilation for SMA I. A cross‐sectional online survey was distributed to 1,772 pediatric pulmonologists and pediatric intensivists from online membership directories of American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, and European Respiratory Society. Questions explored physician demographics, attitudes and experience with SMA and end‐of‐life care, knowledge of consensus guidelines, and recommendations for respiratory care of SMA I. A logistic regression model assessed the independent effects of physician variables on the recommendation for invasive ventilation for SMA I. A total of 367 (21%) physicians completed the survey; 82% were pediatric pulmonologists; and 16% pediatric intensivists. Seventy percent of respondents were from the U.S. Fifty percent of physicians were aware of SMA consensus guidelines. Physicians from Commonwealth countries (U.K., Canada, Australia, etc.) were less likely to recommend tracheostomy/ventilation than U.S. physicians (7% vs. 25%, P = 0.005). Logistic regression modeling identified years of experience, pediatric pulmonology specialty, agreement with a pro‐life statement, and recommendation for non‐invasive ventilation as predictive of recommendation for long‐term invasive ventilation for SMA I. In the largest international survey on this topic, we identified regional differences in physician recommendation for invasive ventilation for children with SMA I. Our data demonstrate a need for increased awareness of consensus guidelines and further dialog about the physician role in variability of care for children with SMA I. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:606–611. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.