bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twisted gamma filtration of a linear algebraic group
Authors: Zainoulline Kirill 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn the present paper we introduce and study the twisted γ-filtration on K0(Gs), where Gs is a split simple linear algebraic group over a field k of characteristic prime to the order of the center of Gs. We apply this filtration to construct nontrivial torsion elements in γ-rings of twisted flag varieties.
Temporal and spectral imaging with micro‐CT
Authors: Johnston Samuel M. , Johnson G. Allan , Badea Cristian T. 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:Micro‐CT is widely used for small animal imaging in preclinical studies of cardiopulmonary disease, but further development is needed to improve spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and material contrast. We present a technique for visualizing the changing distribution of iodine in the cardiac cycle with dual source micro‐CT.Methods:The approach entails a retrospectively gated dual energy scan with optimized filters and voltages, and a series of computational operations to reconstruct the data. Projection interpolation and five‐dimensional bilateral filtration (three spatial dimensions + time + energy) are used to reduce noise and artifacts associated with retrospective gating. We reconstruct separate volumes corresponding to different cardiac phases and apply a linear transformation to decompose these volumes into components representing concentrations of water and iodine. Since the resulting material images are still compromised by noise, we improve their quality in an iterative process that minimizes the discrepancy between the original acquired projections and the projections predicted by the reconstructed volumes. The values in the voxels of each of the reconstructed volumes represent the coefficients of linear combinations of basis functions over time and energy. We have implemented the reconstruction algorithm on a graphics processing unit (GPU) with CUDA. We tested the utility of the technique in simulations and applied the technique in anin vivo scan of a C57BL/6 mouse injected with blood pool contrast agent at a dose of 0.01 ml/g body weight. Postreconstruction, at each cardiac phase in the iodine images, we segmented the left ventricle and computed its volume. Using the maximum and minimum volumes in the left ventricle, we calculated the stroke volume, the ejection fraction, and the cardiac output.Results:Our proposed method produces five‐dimensional volumetric images that distinguish different materials at different points in time, and can be used to segment regions containing iodinated blood and compute measures of cardiac function.Conclusions:We believe this combined spectral and temporal imaging technique will be useful for future studies of cardiopulmonary disease in small animals.
Intensity modulated neutron radiotherapy optimization by photon proxy
Authors: Snyder Michael , Hammoud Ahmad , Bossenberger Todd , Spink Robyn , Burmeister Jay 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:Introducing intensity modulation into neutron radiotherapy (IMNRT) planning has the potential to mitigate some normal tissue complications seen in past neutron trials. While the hardware to deliver IMNRT plans has been in use for several years, until recently the IMNRT planning process has been cumbersome and of lower fidelity than conventional photon plans. Our in‐house planning system used to calculate neutron therapy plans allows beam weight optimization of forward planned segments, but does not provide inverse optimization capabilities. Commercial treatment planning systems provide inverse optimization capabilities, but currently cannot model our neutron beam.Methods:We have developed a methodology and software suite to make use of the robust optimization in our commercial planning system while still using our in‐house planning system to calculate final neutron dose distributions. Optimized multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf positions for segments designed in the commercial system using a 4 MV photon proxy beam are translated into static neutron ports that can be represented within our in‐house treatment planning system. The true neutron dose distribution is calculated in the in‐house system and then exported back through theMATLAB software into the commercial treatment planning system for evaluation.Results:The planning process produces optimized IMNRT plans that reduce dose to normal tissue structures as compared to 3D conformal plans using static MLC apertures. The process involves standard planning techniques using a commercially available treatment planning system, and is not significantly more complex than conventional IMRT planning. Using a photon proxy in a commercial optimization algorithm produces IMNRT plans that are more conformal than those previously designed at our center and take much less time to create.Conclusions:The planning process presented here allows for the optimization of IMNRT plans by a commercial treatment planning optimization algorithm, potentially allowing IMNRT to achieve similar conformality in treatment as photon IMRT. The only remaining requirements for the delivery of very highly modulated neutron treatments are incremental improvements upon already implemented hardware systems that should be readily achievable.
Design of a Community Ownership and Preparedness Index: using data to inform the capacity development of community-based groups
Authors: Thomas Tom , Narayanan Pradeep , Wheeler Tisha , Kiran Usha , Joseph M J , Ramanathan T V 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundCommunity mobilisation is an important component of a participatory approach to health and development interventions. However, it is challenging to define, measure and assess community participation and ownership of a programme, especially at scale.MethodsAn iterative cross-sectional survey was designed for implementation across a representative sample of community-based groups, using a weighted index that captured both qualitative and quantitative data in a standardised form. These data were aggregated at the level of individual groups, as well as state-wide or across the whole programme. Community participation in the survey is a primary feature of the methodology and was integral to the process of designing the index and administering the survey.ResultsThe survey provided programme management and communities with objective tools for monitoring community mobilisation across a large-scale and complex intervention covering 32 districts in India. The implementation of the survey engaged communities in an open discussion of their goals and capabilities and helped them to challenge the power dynamics between themselves and other stakeholders.ConclusionsIt is possible to translate the theoretical premises of participatory development into a tool that both measures and fosters meaningful participation. The active participation of community members in the collection and analysis of data on their mobilisation suggests that monitoring of participation can be undertaken to inform a scaled-up programme and can be a useful intervention in its own right.
Performance of a reinforced embankment on a sensitive Champlain clay deposit
Authors: Taechakumthorn Chalermpol , Rowe R. Kerry 
Published: July 2012

An existing elastoviscoplastic constitutive model is modified using concepts of the state-dependent fluidity parameters and the damage law, to incorporate the effect of soil structure and its destructuration. The model is employed to simulate the performance of a well-documented case study of the reinforced test embankment constructed over a sensitive Champlain clay deposit at Saint Alban, Quebec. The finite element calculations, using both the original (nonstructured) and modified (structured) elastoviscoplastic soil models, are compared with the observed field data from a test embankment brought to failure. The results from the structured elastoviscoplastic soil model show better agreements with the field data when compared with those analyzed using the nonstructured elastoviscoplastic soil model. The modified model captures many features of the reinforced embankment behaviour, such as vertical settlement, excess pore-water pressure responses, and reinforcement force. However, they also reveal the fact that another important characteristic of the natural clay deposit — anisotropy — needs to be considered to provide an adequate prediction of horizontal deformations. The role of geosynthetic reinforcement and its viscosity on short-term responses of the reinforced embankment examined in this study is also discussed
Modelling the efficiency of a drainage gallery work for a large landslide with respect to hydrogeological heterogeneity
Authors: Matti Boris , Tacher Laurent , Commend Stephane 
Published: July 2012

This study describes transient hydrogeological and geomechanical models realized jointly in 2006 by the Geolep office (Géologie de l’Ecole Polytechnique) of the Polytechnical School of Lausanne (EPFL) and GeoMod SA within the framework of the stabilization work of the La Frasse landslide (Vaud, Switzerland). These models evaluate the impact of a deep drainage gallery with subvertical drainage boreholes towards the surface in terms of reduction of the deformation velocities and increase of the landslide’s factor of safety. The paper presents the effect of different pipe spacing of the drainage system. Considering the local heterogeneities, the results show that a mean spacing between the drainage boreholes of the order of 10 m is sufficient to control the temporal head fluctuations between the wells within a range of a few metres. Moreover, this solution induces a strong diminution of the predicted displacements during a specific crisis, from 101 cm for the model without drainage to around 14 cm for the drained model, and a significant gain of stability (from a factor of safety (FoS) of 1.05 to 1.30).
Phase IB Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Dose Escalation Study of Polyphenon E in Women with Hormone Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Crew Katherine D. , Brown Powel , Greenlee Heather , Bevers Therese B. , Arun Banu , Hudis Clifford , McArthur Heather L. , Chang Jenny , Rimawi Mothaffar , Vornik Lana , Cornelison Terri L. , Wang Antai , Hibshoosh Hanina , Ahmed Aqeel , Terry Mary Beth , Santella Regina M. , Lippman Scott M. , Hershman Dawn L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Epidemiologic data support an inverse association between green tea intake and breast cancer risk, and numerous experimental studies have shown the antitumor effects of its main component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). We conducted a phase IB dose escalation trial in women with a history of stage I to III hormone receptor–negative breast cancer of an oral green tea extract, polyphenon E (Poly E) 400, 600, 800 twice daily or matching placebo for 6 months. The primary endpoint was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), defined as the dose that causes 25% dose-limiting toxicity (DLT, grade ≥II). Assignment to dose level was based upon an adaptive design, the continual reassessment method. A mammogram and random core biopsy of the contralateral breast were obtained at baseline and 6 months and serial blood/urine collections every 2 months for biomarker analyses. Forty women were randomized: 10 to placebo, 30 to Poly E (16 at 400 mg, 11 at 600 mg, 3 at 800 mg). There was one DLT at 400 mg (grade III rectal bleeding), three DLTs at 600 mg (grade II weight gain, grade III indigestion and insomnia), and one DLT at 800 mg (grade III liver function abnormality). The DLT rate at 600 mg was 27% (3 of 11). Pharmacologic levels of total urinary tea polyphenols were achieved with all three dose levels of Poly E. Using a novel phase I trial design, we determined the MTD for Poly E to be 600 mg twice daily. This study highlights the importance of assessing toxicity for any chemopreventive agent being developed for chronic use in healthy individuals. Cancer Prev Res; 5(9); 1144–54. ©2012 AACR.
Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Loke Yoon K. , Brown J. William L. , Kwok Chun Shing , Niruban Alagaratnam , Myint Phyo K. 
Published: July 2012

Background—
The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular events remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review to determine the incident risk of cardiovascular events among patients with OSA.

Methods and Results—

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE in January 2011 for prospective studies that followed up patients with OSA for incident ischemic heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Outcomes data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis and heterogeneity assessed with the I
2
statistic. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of different gradations of OSA severity based on apnea-hypopnea index. We identified 9 relevant studies from 1731 citations. OSA was associated with incident stroke in a meta-analysis of 5 studies (8435 participants), odds ratio (OR) 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57–3.19; I
2
=7%. A significant association was seen in studies that were predominantly on men; OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.91–4.31, whereas data on women were sparse. In the overall analysis of 6 studies (8785 participants), OSA was nonsignificantly associated with ischemic heart disease (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.83–2.91), with significant findings in the 5 studies that recruited mainly men (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.06–3.48). Substantial heterogeneity was noted (I
2
=74%). OSA was linked to cardiovascular death in 2 studies involving 2446 participants (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.20–3.65, I
2
=0%). Regression analysis showed greater likelihood of stroke or cardiovascular events with increasing apnea-hypopnea index values.

Conclusions—
OSA appears to be associated with stroke, but the relationship with ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular mortality needs further research.
A narrative literature review of the contribution of volunteers in end-of-life care services
Authors: Morris Sara , Wilmot Amanda , Hill Matthew , Ockenden Nick , Payne Sheila 
Published: July 2012

Background: Volunteers are integral to the history of hospices and continue to play a vital role. However, economic, policy and demographic challenges in the twenty-first century raise questions about how best to manage this essential resource. Aim: This narrative review explores the recent literature on end-of-life care volunteering and reflects upon the issues pertinent to current organisational challenges and opportunities. Design: The parameters of the review were set deliberately wide in order to capture some of the nuances of contemporary volunteer practices. Articles reporting on research or evaluation of adult end-of-life care services (excluding prison services) that use volunteers and were published in English between 2000 and 2011 were included. Data sources: Seven electronic databases, key journals and grey literature databases. Results: Sixty-eight articles were included in the analysis. The articles were drawn from an international literature, while acknowledging that volunteer roles vary considerably by organisation and/or by country and over time. The majority of articles were small in scale and diverse in methodology, but the same topics repeatedly emerged from both the qualitative and quantitative data. The themes identified were individual volunteer factors (motivation, characteristics of volunteers, stress and coping, role boundaries and value) and organisational factors (recruiting for diversity, support and training and volunteers’ place in the system). Conclusions: The tensions involved in negotiating the boundary spaces that volunteers inhabit, informality and regulation, diversity issues and the cultural specificity of community models, are suggested as topics that merit further research and could contribute to the continuing development of the volunteer workforce.
Results of a 2-year retrospective cohort study of newly prescribed triptan users in European nationwide practice databases
Authors: Ng-Mak Daisy S , Chen Ya-Ting , Ho Tony W , Stanford Bianca , Roset Montse 
Published: July 2012

Objective: This study was conducted to characterize prescription refill patterns for triptans among European patients with new prescriptions of triptans. Background: Persistency with prescriptions of triptan monotherapy for migraine headache among newly prescribed users in European primary-care practices has not been well described. Methods: Using electronic medical databases in the UK ( N = 3618), France ( N = 2051) and Germany ( N = 954), we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis to identify refill patterns over 2 years among migraineurs receiving new prescriptions of triptan monotherapy in 2006. Results: Of all patients, >33% of migraineurs with new triptan prescriptions received ≥1 refill of their index triptan prescriptions (UK, 44.3%; France, 34.2%; Germany, 37.7%). More than 50% never received index-triptan refill prescriptions (UK, 55.7%; France, 65.8%; Germany, 63.3%). Small proportions of patients (<7.0%) switched to alternative triptans, and even fewer switched to different prescription-medication classes (UK and Germany, 2.3%; France, 4.0%). More than 48% of patients received no further prescriptions for migraine after index prescriptions (UK, 48.5%; France, 54.9%; Germany, 54.7%). After the second year, >83.0% of patients in each country had no further prescriptions for migraine medications, <14.0% remained persistent with index prescriptions, <4.0% switched to other triptans, and <3.0% switched to alternative medication classes. Conclusions: In migraine patients who received new prescriptions of triptan monotherapy from their primary-care physicians, poor triptan prescription refill frequency was observed in Europe. Although consistent with potential clinical challenges in migraine management, our findings should be interpreted with caution given certain inherent limitations associated with the database study design. Further research is warranted to confirm our findings and to identify reasons for, or predictors of, triptan discontinuation.
Compliance with Baby-Friendly Policies and Practices in Hospitals and Community Health Centers in Quebec
Authors: Haiek Laura N. 
Published: July 2012

Background: Since 2001, Quebec’s ministry of health and social services has prioritized implementation of the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI), which includes the original hospital initiative and its expansion to community services. Objective: The objective was to document across the province compliance with the BFI’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in hospitals, Seven Point Plan in community health centers (CHCs), and International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (Code). Methods: Using managers/staff, mothers, and observers, the author measured the extent of implementation of indicators formulated for each step/point and the Code, based on the revised WHO/UNICEF recommendations. Results: Mean compliance scores in Quebec were 3.13 for 140 CHCs (range, 0 to 7) and 4.54 for 60 hospitals/birthing centers (range, 0 to 10). The mean compliance score for the Code was 0.69 for both CHCs and hospitals/birthing centers. The evaluation documented marked variations in implementation level for each of the steps/points and the Code. Also, managers/staff, mothers, and observers differed in their report of BFI compliance for most steps/points and the Code. Facilities that had applied for or obtained BFI designation demonstrated higher compliance with the BFI than those that had not. Conclusions: Results disseminated to participating organizations allowed comparisons on a regional/provincial perspective and in relation to BFI-designated facilities. Furthermore, this first portrait of BFI compliance in Quebec provided provincial, regional, and local health authorities with valuable information that can be used to bring about policy and organizational changes to achieve the international standards required for Baby-Friendly certification.
Assessing Somatic, Psychosocial, and Spiritual Distress of Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Fischbeck Sabine , Maier Bernd-Oliver , Reinholz Ulrike , Nehring Cornelia , Schwab Rainer , Beutel Manfred E. , Weber Martin 
Published: July 2012

Objective: For adequate distress assessment in palliative care, we developed a screening evaluation tool. Methods: Proven methods of scale construction led to a 53-item pilot form of the Advanced Cancer Patients’ Distress Scale (ACPDS). We used Hornheide Questionnaire (HQ), Palliative Outcome Scale (POS), and Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS) for validation. Advanced cancer patients (N = 168) from 3 centers for palliative medicine (aged 23-89, 51% female) filled out the questionnaire. Results: With a principal component analysis (PCA), we extracted 5 distress scales (emotional reactions/physical restrictions, communication deficits, negative social reactions, pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms). Internal consistencies varied between medium (.52) and very good (.88). Positive validity scores were found. Conclusions: Using the ACPDS may help to identify needs for palliative care interventions and enhance the quality of palliative care.
Psychosocial risk assessment: French validation of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ)
Authors: Dupret Emilie , Bocéréan Christine , Teherani Mardjane , Feltrin Martine , Pejtersen Jan Hyld 
Published: July 2012

Aims: This study presents a French version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and analyses its psychometric properties for the purpose of validation. The questionnaire assesses psychosocial risk factors at work. The French questionnaire (derived from the Danish short version) is composed of 32 items grouped into 17 scales measuring five domains and eight additional questions assessing aggressive behaviour at work. Method: The questionnaire was administered to 935 employees of a large firm in the Parisian area. Results: All psychometric analyses performed (internal consistency of the scales, exploratory factor analysis, concurrent validity analysis) gave satisfactory results and demonstrated the validity of the French COPSOQ. Conclusions: A new questionnaire is now available in French. A large body of data is currently being gathered in view of comparing occupations and types of firms using this new instrument.
Transplanted bone marrow mononuclear cells and MSCs impart clinical benefit to children with osteogenesis imperfecta through different mechanisms
Authors: Otsuru Satoru , Gordon Patricia L. , Shimono Kengo , Jethva Reena , Marino Roberta , Phillips Charlotte L. , Hofmann Ted J. , Veronesi Elena , Dominici Massimo , Iwamoto Masahiro , Horwitz Edwin M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTransplantation of whole bone marrow (BMT) as well as ex vivo–expanded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) leads to striking clinical benefits in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI); however, the underlying mechanism of these cell therapies has not been elucidated. Here, we show that non–(plastic)–adherent bone marrow cells (NABMCs) are more potent osteoprogenitors than MSCs in mice. Translating these findings to the clinic, a T cell–depleted marrow mononuclear cell boost (> 99.99% NABMC) given to children with OI who had previously undergone BMT resulted in marked growth acceleration in a subset of patients, unambiguously indicating the therapeutic potential of bone marrow cells for these patients. Then, in a murine model of OI, we demonstrated that as the donor NABMCs differentiate to osteoblasts, they contribute normal collagen to the bone matrix. In contrast, MSCs do not substantially engraft in bone, but secrete a soluble mediator that indirectly stimulates growth, data which provide the underlying mechanism of our prior clinical trial of MSC therapy for children with OI. Collectively, our data indicate that both NABMCs and MSCs constitute effective cell therapy for OI, but exert their clinical impact by different, complementary mechanisms. The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00187018.