bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metallic nano-structures for polarization-independent multi-spectral filters
Authors: Tang Yongan , Vlahovic Branislav , Brady David Jones 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCross-shaped-hole arrays (CSHAs) are selected for diminishing the polarization-dependent transmission differences of incident plane waves. We investigate the light transmission spectrum of the CSHAs in a thin gold film over a wide range of features. It is observed that two well-separated and high transmission efficiency peaks could be obtained by designing the parameters in the CSHAs for both p-polarized and s-polarized waves; and a nice transmission band-pass is also observed by specific parameters of a CSHA too. It implicates the possibility to obtain a desired polarization-independent transmission spectrum from the CSHAs by designing their parameters. These findings provide potential applications of the metallic nano-structures in optical filters, optical band-pass, optical imaging, optical sensing, and biosensors.
The Regulation of Leptin, Leptin Receptor and Pro-opiomelanocortin Expression by N-3 PUFAs in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Is Not Related to the Methylation of Their Promoters
Authors: Fan Chaonan , Liu Xinli , Shen Wenwen , Deckelbaum Richard J , Qi Kemin 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The expression of leptin is increased in obesity and inhibited by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been firmly established.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs on the methylation of CpG islands in the promoter regions of the leptin, leptin-R and POMC genes, as well as the effects of n-3 PUFA status in early life on the modification of the promoters of these three genes. Male C57 BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet with one of four different fat types: sunflower oil (n-3 PUFA deficient), soy oil, fish oil, or a mixture of soy and fish oil (soy:fish oil = 1:1). Two low-fat diets with sunflower oil or soy oil served as controls. Female mice were fed two breeding diets, sunflower oil or a mixture of soy and fish oil (soy:fish oil = 1:1), during pregnancy and lactation to breed new pups.

Results
Compared to mice fed the control diets, the expression of leptin in fat tissue and leptin-R and POMC in the hypothalamus was higher in the diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice, and the n-3 PUFAs in the diets reversed these elevated expression levels. The mean methylation levels of CpG sites in the promoter regions of the leptin and POMC genes showed no difference between the DIO and the control diet groups nor between the n-3 PUFA-containing and -deficient diet groups. For the CpG sites in the promoter regions of leptin-R, no methylation was found in any of the DIO or control groups. Feeding mice with the n-3 PUFA diet during pregnancy and lactation did not affect CpG methylation in the leptin or POMC promoters.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that promoter DNA methylation may not be related to the expression of leptin, leptin-R or its related hypothalamic satiety regulator POMC.
Symbolic flux analysis for genome-scale metabolic networks
Authors: Schryer David W , Vendelin Marko , Peterson Pearu 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
With the advent of genomic technology, the size of metabolic networks that are subject to analysis is growing. A common task when analyzing metabolic networks is to find all possible steady state regimes. There are several technical issues that have to be addressed when analyzing large metabolic networks including accumulation of numerical errors and presentation of the solution to the researcher. One way to resolve those technical issues is to analyze the network using symbolic methods. The aim of this paper is to develop a routine that symbolically finds the steady state solutions of large metabolic networks.

Results
A symbolic Gauss-Jordan elimination routine was developed for analyzing large metabolic networks. This routine was tested by finding the steady state solutions for a number of curated stoichiometric matrices with the largest having about 4000 reactions. The routine was able to find the solution with a computational time similar to the time used by a numerical singular value decomposition routine. As an advantage of symbolic solution, a set of independent fluxes can be suggested by the researcher leading to the formation of a desired flux basis describing the steady state solution of the network. These independent fluxes can be constrained using experimental data. We demonstrate the application of constraints by calculating a flux distribution for the central metabolic and amino acid biosynthesis pathways of yeast.

Conclusions
We were able to find symbolic solutions for the steady state flux distribution of large metabolic networks. The ability to choose a flux basis was found to be useful in the constraint process and provides a strong argument for using symbolic Gauss-Jordan elimination in place of singular value decomposition.
Metformin therapy in a hyperandrogenic anovulatory mutant murine model with polycystic ovarian syndrome characteristics improves oocyte maturity during superovulation
Authors: Sabatini Mary E , Guo Lankai , Lynch Maureen P , Doyle Joseph O , Lee HoJoon , Rueda Bo R , Styer Aaron K 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Metformin, an oral biguanide traditionally used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is widely used for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related anovulation. Because of the significant prevalence of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in PCOS patients, and their putative role in ovulatory dysfunction, the use of metformin was touted as a means to improve ovulatory function and reproductive outcomes in PCOS patients. To date, there has been inconsistent evidence to demonstrate a favorable effect of metformin on oocyte quality and competence in women with PCOS. Given the heterogeneous nature of this disorder, we hypothesized that metformin may be beneficial in mice with aberrant metabolic characteristics similar to a significant number of PCOS patients. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the in vitro and in vivo effects of metformin on oocyte development and ovulatory function.

Methods
We utilized metformin treatment in the transgenic ob/ob and db/db mutant murine models which demonstrate metabolic and reproductive characteristics similar to women with PCOS. Results: Metformin did not improve in vitro oocyte maturation nor did it have an appreciable effect on in vitro granulosa cell luteinization ( progesterone production) in any genotype studied. Although both mutant strains have evidence of hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and hyperinsulinemia, only db/db mice treated with metformin had a greater number of mature oocytes and total overall oocytes compared to control. There was no observed impact on body mass, or serum glucose and androgens in any genotype.

Conclusions
Our data provide evidence to suggest that metformin may optimize ovulatory performance in mice with a specific reproductive and metabolic phenotype shared by women with PCOS. The only obvious difference between the mutant murine models is that the db/db mice have elevated leptin levels raising the questions of whether their response to metformin is related to elevated leptin levels and/or if a subset of PCOS women with hyperleptinemia may be responsive to metformin therapy. Further study is needed to better define a subset of women with PCOS that may be responsive to metformin.
Assessment of genome integrity with array CGH in cattle transgenic cell lines produced by homologous recombination and somatic cell cloning
Authors: Liu George E , Hou Yali , Robl James M , Kuroiwa Yoshimi , Wang Zhongde 
Published: May 2011

Background
Transgenic cattle carrying multiple genomic modifications have been produced by serial rounds of somatic cell chromatin transfer (cloning) of sequentially genetically targeted somatic cells. However, cloning efficiency tends to decline with the increase of rounds of cloning. It is possible that multiple rounds of cloning compromise the genome integrity or/and introduce epigenetic errors in the resulting cell lines, rendering a decline in cloning. To test these possibilities, we performed 9 high density array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) experiments to test the genome integrity in 3 independent bovine transgenic cell lineages generated from genetic modification and cloning. Our plan included the control hybridizations (self to self) of the 3 founder cell lines and 6 comparative hybridizations between these founders and their derived cell lines with either high or low cloning efficiencies.

Results
We detected similar amounts of differences between the control hybridizations (8, 13 and 39 differences) and the comparative analyses of both "high" and "low" cell lines (ranging from 7 to 57 with a mean of ~20). Almost 75% of the large differences (>10 kb) and about 45% of all differences shared the same type (loss or gain) and were located in nearby genomic regions across hybridizations. Therefore, it is likely that they were not true differences but caused by systematic factors associated with local genomic features (e.g. GC contents).

Conclusions
Our findings reveal that large copy number variations are less likely to arise during genetic targeting and serial rounds of cloning, fortifying the notion that epigenetic errors introduced from serial cloning may be responsible for the cloning efficiency decline.
Effect of Very Small Tumor Size on Cancer-Specific Mortality in Node-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Wo Jennifer Y. , Chen Kun , Neville Bridget A. , Lin Nancy U. , Punglia Rinaa S. 
Published: May 2011

Purpose Traditionally, larger tumor size and increasing lymph node (LN) involvement have been considered independent predictors of increased breast cancer–specific mortality (BCSM). We sought to characterize the interaction between tumor size and LN involvement in determination of BCSM. In particular, we evaluated whether very small tumor size may predict for increased BCSM relative to larger tumors in patients with extensive LN involvement. Patients and Methods Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry data, we identified 50,949 female patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2002 with nonmetastatic T1/T2 invasive breast cancer treated with surgery and axillary LN dissection. Primary study variables were tumor size, degree of LN involvement, and their corresponding interaction term. Kaplan-Meier methods, adjusted Cox proportional hazards models with interaction terms, and a linear trend test across nodal categories were performed. Results Median follow-up was 99 months. In multivariable analysis, there was significant interaction between tumor size and LN involvement (P < .001). Using T1aN0 as reference, T1aN2+ conferred significantly higher BCSM compared with T1bN2+ (hazard ratio [HR], 20.66 v 12.53; P = .02). A similar pattern was seen among estrogen receptor (ER) –negative patients with T1aN2+ compared with T1bN2+ (HR, 24.16 v 12.67; P = .03), but not ER-positive patients (P = .52). The effect of very small tumor size on BCSM was intermediate among N1 cancers, between that of N0 and N2+ cancers. Conclusion Very small tumors with four positive LNs may predict for higher BCSM compared with larger tumors. In extensive node-positive disease, very small tumor size may be a surrogate for biologically aggressive disease. These results should be validated in future database studies.
Randomized Phase II Study Comparing Gemcitabine Plus Dacarbazine Versus Dacarbazine Alone in Patients With Previously Treated Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Spanish Group for Research on Sarcomas Study
Authors: García-del-Muro Xavier , López-Pousa Antonio , Maurel Joan , Martín Javier , Martínez-Trufero Javier , Casado Antonio , Gómez-España Auxiliadora , Fra Joaquín , Cruz Josefina , Poveda Andrés , Meana Andrés , Pericay Carlos , Cubedo Ricardo , Rubió Jordi , De Juan Ana , Laínez Nuria , Carrasco Juan Antonio , de Andrés Raquel , Buesa José M. 
Published: May 2011

Purpose To assess the activity and toxicity of the combination of gemcitabine plus dacarbazine (DTIC) in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in a randomized, multicenter, phase II study using DTIC alone as a control arm. Patients and Methods Patients with previously treated advanced STS were randomly assigned to receive either fixed-dose rate gemcitabine (10 mg/m2/min) at 1,800 mg/m2 followed by DTIC at 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks, or DTIC alone at 1,200 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. The primary end point of the study was progression-free rate (PFR) at 3 months. Results From November 2005 to September 2008, 113 patients were included. PFR at 3 months was 56% for gemcitabine plus DTIC versus 37% for DTIC alone (P = .001). Median progression-free survival was 4.2 months versus 2 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.86; P = .005), and median overall survival was 16.8 months versus 8.2 months (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.90; P = .014); both favored the arm of gemcitabine plus DTIC. Gemcitabine plus DTIC was also associated with a higher objective response or higher stable disease rate than was DTIC alone (49% v 25%; P = .009). Severe toxicities were uncommon, and treatment discontinuation for toxicity was rare. Granulocytopenia was the more common serious adverse event, but febrile neutropenia was uncommon. Asthenia, emesis, and stomatitis were the most frequent nonhematologic effects. Conclusion The combination of gemcitabine and DTIC is active and well tolerated in patients with STS, providing in this phase II randomized trial superior progression-free survival and overall survival than DTIC alone. This regimen constitutes a valuable therapeutic alternative for these patients.
Cytarabine Dose of 36 g/m2 Compared With 12 g/m2 Within First Consolidation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Results of Patients Enrolled Onto the Prospective Randomized AML96 Study
Authors: Schaich Markus , Röllig Christoph , Soucek Silke , Kramer Michael , Thiede Christian , Mohr Brigitte , Oelschlaegel Uta , Schmitz Norbert , Stuhlmann Reingard , Wandt Hannes , Schäfer-Eckart Kerstin , Aulitzky Walter , Kaufmann Martin , Bodenstein Heinrich , Tischler Joachim , Ho Anthony , Krämer Alwin , Bornhäuser Martin , Schetelig Johannes , Ehninger Gerhard 
Published: May 2011

Purpose To assess the optimal cumulative dose of cytarabine for treatment of young adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) within a prospective multicenter treatment trial. Patients and Methods Between 1996 and 2003, 933 patients (median age, 47 years; range 15 to 60 years) with untreated AML were randomly assigned at diagnosis to receive cytarabine within the first consolidation therapy at either a intermediate-dose of 12 g/m2 (I-MAC) or a high-dose of 36 g/m2 (H-MAC) combined with mitoxantrone. Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or intermediate-dose cytarabine (10 g/m2) were offered as second consolidation. Patients with a matched donor could receive an allogeneic transplantation in a risk-adapted manner. Results After double induction therapy including intermediate-dose cytarabine (10 g/m2), mitoxantrone, etoposide, and amsacrine, complete remission was achieved in 66% of patients. In the primary efficacy analysis population, a consolidation with either I-MAC or H-MAC did not result in significant differences in the 5-year overall (30% v 33%; P = .77) or disease-free survival (37% v 38%; P = .86) according to the intention-to-treat analysis. Besides a prolongation of neutropenia and higher transfusion demands in the H-MAC arm, rates of serious adverse events were comparable in the two groups. Conclusion In young adults with AML receiving intermediate-dose cytarabine induction, intensification of the cytarabine dose beyond 12 g/m2 within first consolidation did not improve treatment outcome.
Oncogenic Targets, Magnitude of Benefit, and Market Pricing of Antineoplastic Drugs
Authors: Amir Eitan , Seruga Bostjan , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Kwong Ryan , Pandiella Atanasio , Tannock Ian F. , Ocaña Alberto 
Published: May 2011

Purpose The relationship between market pricing of new anticancer drugs and the magnitude of clinical benefit caused by them has not been reported. Patients and Methods Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated approved new agents for solid tumors by the US Food and Drug administration since the year 2000 were assessed. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were extracted for time-to-event end points described for each RCT. HRs were pooled for three groups: agents directed against a specific molecular target, for which the target population is selected by a biomarker (group A); less specific biologic targeted agents (group B); and chemotherapeutic agents (group C). Monthly market prices of these different drugs were compared. Results For overall survival (OS), the pooled HR was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.81) for group A (six drugs, six trials); it was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.83) for group B (seven drugs, 14 trials); and it was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.90) for group C (eight drugs, 12 trials). For progression-free survival (PFS), the pooled HR was 0.42 (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.49) for group A (six drugs, seven trials); it was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.64) for group B (seven drugs, 14 trials); and it was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.85) for group C (six drugs, 10 trials). Tests for heterogeneity between subgroups were highly significant for PFS (P < .001) and OS (P = .02). The median monthly prices for standard doses of drugs were $5,375 for group A, $5,644 for group B, and $6,584 for group C (P = .87). Conclusion New agents with specific molecular targets are clinically the most beneficial, but their monthly market prices are not significantly different from those of other anticancer agents.
Patient Experience Tracker (PET) survey as measure of quality in the Neonatal Unit
Authors: Aladangady Narendra , Negus Jennie 
Published: May 2011

In the current era of consumerism, patient assessments of care are increasingly being considered an important dimension of quality of care. Good communication with patient or relatives is an important element in General Medical Council's (GMC) guidance on ‘Good medical practice’. Providing proper parent communication may help in improving parental satisfaction with overall care provided in the neonatal unit. The Patient Experience Tracker (PET) device is a small wireless electronic handset used to gather real time report on patient experience. The neonatal unit PET survey was started after discussion and agreement with all departmental staff. Initial resistances by some staff overcome by open and honest discussion. A good uptake and accurate response depends on the information provided to parents and family about the PET device and survey. The questions should be appropriate to the department conducting the PET survey. Staff should be prepared to respond to the PET survey findings to improve patient satisfaction and thereby patient care. Ongoing support from Hospital Management is essential to ensure the information is disseminated in a constructive manner to all concerned and appropriate actions are taken to improve overall patient experience. The PET system has the flexibility to decide on questions, and more importantly to track performance and improvement progress.
Dilute acid pretreatment of starch-containing rice hulls for ethanol production
Authors: López Yoney , Gullón Beatriz , Puls Jürgen , Parajó Juan C. , Martín Carlos 
Published: May 2011

AbstractRice hulls are potential low-cost feedstocks for fuel ethanol production in many countries. Most of the relevant publications are devoted to homogenous (high quality) hulls generated in industrial mills. On the other hand, small-scale mills give rise to hulls containing grain fragments and bran. In the present work, the dilute-acid pretreatment of such heterogeneous rice hulls was investigated based on a central composite rotatable experimental design. The variables were: temperature (140–210°C), biomass load (5–20%), and sulfuric acid concentration (0.5–1.5% based on reaction mixture). A total of 16 experimental runs were carried out, including a 23-plan, two replicates at the central point and six star points. Low temperatures were found to be favorable for the hydrolysis of xylan and of the easily hydrolyzable glucan fraction. High glucose formation (up to 15.3% of the raw material dry weight), attributable to starch hydrolysis, was detected in the hydrolysates obtained under the least severe pretreatment conditions. Several models were developed for predicting the effect of the operational conditions on the yield of pretreated solids, xylan and glucan conversion upon pretreatment, and on enzymatic convertibility of cellulose. The pretreatment temperature exerted the most significant effect on the conversion of the polysaccharides. Optimum results were predicted for the conversion of easily-hydrolyzable glucan in the material pretreated at 140.7°C, and for the enzymatic saccharification of cellulose in the material pretreated at 169°C. These results are interpreted that a two-step acid hydrolysis may be the best pretreatment strategy for heterogeneous rice hulls produced in small mills.
Visions and Reality: Reconsidering the Creation and Development of Lowell's National Park, 1966–1992
Authors: Weible Robert 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
For more than four decades, historians, historic preservationists, journalists, and public officials have debated the purpose and appropriateness of a national park in Lowell, Massachusetts. This article, written by the first NPS historian in Lowell, builds on existing literature and interprets the founding and early development of Lowell National Historical Park in the context of changing national politics. It locates the concept for the park in the Great Society, documents the contested debate over the park's founding in the 1970s, and argues that the park developed very differently than planned during the radically changed political environment of the 1980s.
Equimolar Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Versus Placebo for Procedural Pain in Children: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Reinoso-Barbero Francisco , Pascual-Pascual Samuel I. , de Lucas Raul , García Santos , Billoët Catherine , Dequenne Violaine , Onody Peter 
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:
This randomized, single-dose, double-blind, Phase III study was designed to compare the level of procedural pain after use of premixed equimolar mixture of 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide (EMONO) or placebo (premixed 50% nitrogen and oxygen).

METHODS:
Patients aged 1 to 18 years were randomly assigned to receive EMONO (n = 52) or placebo (n = 48) delivered by inhalation through a facial mask 3 minutes before cutaneous, muscle, or bone/joint procedures. Pain was evaluated (on a scale from 0–10) using a self-reported Faces Pain Scale–Revised (FPS-R) or a Spanish observational pain scale (LLANTO). Rescue analgesia (with propofol or sevoflurane) was administered if pain scores were greater than or equal to 8. Collaboration, acceptance, ease of use and safety were evaluated by the attending nurse.

RESULTS:
There were significant differences between the 2 groups (EMONO versus placebo) for both scales (mean values): LLANTO: 3.5 vs 6.7, respectively (P = .01) and FPS-R: 3.2 vs 6.6, respectively (P = .0003). Patients not receiving EMONO (P = .0208)—in particular those aged younger than 3 years (P &lt; .0001)—required more rescue analgesia. There were also significant differences between the 2 groups (EMONO versus placebo) for adequate collaboration (80% vs 35%; P &lt; .0001) and acceptance (73% vs 25%; P &lt; .0001). Ease of use was not significantly different between groups (98.1% vs 95.8%; P &gt; .05). Only 2 patients (in the EMONO group) presented with mild adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:
EMONO inhalation was well tolerated and had an estimated analgesic potency of 50%, and it is therefore suitable for minor pediatric procedures.