bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Impacting Prognosis Prediction in BCLC Stage C and Child-Pugh Class A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Prospective Clinical Trials of Systemic Therapy
Authors: Lin Zhong-Zhe , Hsu Chiun , Hu Fu-Chang , Shao Yu-Yun , Chang Dwan-Ying , Yang Chih-Hsin , Hong Ruey-Long , Hsu Chih-Hung , Cheng Ann-Lii 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of clinical factors and staging systems for survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who are candidates for therapeutic clinical trials.

Methods.
From December 1990 to July 2005, 236 patients with unresectable HCC were enrolled into six published phase II trials assessing various therapeutic regimens. Of these, 156 chemotherapy-naive patients with Child-Pugh class A and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C disease were included in this analysis. Twenty-seven relevant clinical characteristics were analyzed to identify prognostic factors of survival. Beyond these prognosticators, the predictive ability of eight staging systems (the tumor–node–metastasis, Okuda, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program [CLIP], Chinese University Prognostic Index, Japanese Integrated Staging, Tokyo, National Taiwan University Risk Estimation, and Advanced Liver Cancer Prognostic System [ALCPS] score) were compared using the Akaike information criteria.

Results.
The median overall survival time was 129 days (95% confidence interval, 111–147 days). Significant predictors of a shorter overall survival time were an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score ≥2, the presence of symptoms, ascites, an aspartate transaminase level more than two times the upper limit of normal, and regional lymph node involvement. The ALCPS and CLIP scores were superior to the other systems for predicting survival.

Conclusions.
The prognosis of patients with advanced HCC who are candidates for therapeutic clinical trials is affected by several factors related to the patient, liver function, and the tumor. The ALCPS and CLIP scores appear to be superior to the other systems for predicting survival.
Administration of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and β-Blockers During Adjuvant Trastuzumab Chemotherapy for Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer: Marker of Risk or Cardioprotection in the Real World?
Authors: Oliva Stefano , Cioffi Giovanni , Frattini Silvia , Simoncini Edda Lucia , Faggiano Pompilio , Boccardi Lidia , Pulignano Giovanni , Fioretti Agnese Maria , Giotta Francesco , Lestuzzi Chiara , Maurea Nicola , Sabatini Silvia , Tarantini Luigi ,   Italian Cardio-Oncological Network
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background.
Adjuvant trastuzumab therapy improves the outcome of patients with early breast cancer (EBC) and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). However, it is potentially cardiotoxic. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) and/or β-blockers and development of heart failure (HF) and/or left ventricular dysfunction during 1 year of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy.

Methods.
A total of 499 women receiving adjuvant trastuzumab therapy for EBC entered in a multicenter registry and were divided into four subgroups according to treatment with ACEi/ARBs and/or β-blockers. Occurrence of HF and decrease of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; minimum 10 percentage points) were recorded.

Results.
HF occurred in 2% of patients who did not take either ACEi/ARBs or β-blockers, 8% of patients receiving ACEi/ARBs alone, 8% receiving β-blockers alone (p = .03), and 19% receiving both medications (p &lt; .01). The prevalence of patients with LVEF that decreased by at least 10 percentage points was similar in all groups. Combined ACEi/ARBs and β-blocker therapy was independently associated with hypertension and a significant reduction of LVEF from baseline to 3-month evaluation. The use of ACEi/ARBs alone or β-blockers alone was predicted only by hypertension. Combined therapy of ACEi/ARBs plus β-blockers predicted LVEF recovery from the 3-month to 12-month evaluation.

Conclusions.
In clinical practice, the degree of hypertension and decrease in LVEF during the first 3 months of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy for EBC are associated with the use of ACEi/ARBs and β-blockers. The combined use of these two medications is associated with a recovery of LVEF during months 3–12 of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy.
Motivating Employees to Share Their Failures in Knowledge Management Systems: Anonymity and Culture
Authors: Huerta Esperanza , Salter Stephen B. , Lewis Philip A. , Yeow Pamela 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effect of the type of information to be disclosed and the possibility of sharing the information anonymously on the intention to share information through a knowledge management system. Data for the experiment were collected in two individualist (U.K. and U.S.) and two collectivist (Chile and Mexico) countries to evaluate the influence of culture on information sharing patterns. The study finds that although anonymity has no influence on the intention to share successes, the intention to share failures increases when the information is shared anonymously. Further, participants from collectivist (versus individualist) cultures are more likely to share failures. However, the influence of anonymity and culture is limited. Failures are still shared at lower levels than successes, even in anonymous conditions and in collectivist cultures.
Preparation and characterization of porous and nonporous polymeric microspheres by the phase inversion process
Authors: Lakshmi D. Shanthana , Figoli A. , Buonomenna M. G. , Golemme G. , Drioli E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMicrospheres (MCs) of different polymers, such as poly(ether sulfone) (PES), polyetheretherketone with card, with and without pore formers, were prepared by the non‐solvent–induced phase separation (NIPS) process. The polymers were solubilized in different types of solvents, such as dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N‐methylpyrrolidone, and γ ‐butyrolactone as a dispersed phase, whereas dodecane, isopropanol, water, and sodium dodecyl sulfate were used as continuous phases. The technique yielded asymmetric and symmetric porous, spongy, or finger‐like, spherical MCs having a diameter tailored by the monopore film pore size employed. The influence of polymer and pore former (polyvinylpyrrolidone k17), the continuous phase composition and operating membrane process conditions, and solvent uptake behavior of different solvents are studied in detail. The operative conditions and chemical compositions are correlated with the spherical nature, structural interaction, pore size, porosity, and morphology of the MCs prepared. Ternary phase diagrams were drawn for PES/DMF and PES/DMSO using different alcohols, such as butanol, isopropanol, ethanol, and methanol. BET (Brunauer–Emmet–Teller) surface analysis also provided information about the surface of MCs. MCs with different diameters and porosities are obtained by controlling the concentration of the dispersed phase polymer concentration, used during the preparation, and diameter of the monopore film. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 231–241, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21281
Homozygous SMN1 exons 1–6 deletion: Pitfalls in genetic counseling and general recommendations for spinal muscular atrophy molecular diagnosis
Authors: Thauvin‐Robinet C. , Drunat S. , Saugier Veber P. , Chantereau D. , Cossée M. , Cassini C. , Soichot P. , Masurel‐Paulet A. , De Monléon J.V. , Sagot P. , Huet F. , Antin M. , Calmels N. , Faivre L. , Gérard B. ,   le “réseau français de génétique moléculaire”
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe report on a rare homozygous intragenic deletion encompassing exons 1–6 of the SMN1 gene in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) born into a consanguineous family. This exceptional configuration induced misinterpretation of the molecular defect involved in this patient, who was first reported as having a classic SMN1 exon 7 deletion. This case points out the possible pitfalls in molecular diagnosis of SMA in affected patients and their relatives: exploration of the SMN1 exon 7 (c.840C/T alleles) may be disturbed by several non‐pathological or pathological variants around the SMN1 exon 7. In order to accurately describe the molecular defect in an SMA‐affected patient, we propose to apply the Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature. This widely accepted nomenclature would improve the reporting of the molecular defect observed in SMA patients and thus would avoid the commonly used but imprecise terminology “absence of SMN1 exon 7.” © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies of TBX4 and chromosome 17q23.1q23.2: An uncommon cause of nonsyndromic clubfoot
Authors: Lu W. , Bacino C.A. , Richards B.S. , Alvarez C. , VanderMeer J.E. , Vella M. , Ahituv N. , Sikka N. , Dietz F.R. , Blanton S.H. , Hecht J.T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractClubfoot is a common birth defect characterized by inward posturing and rigid downward displacement of one or both feet. The etiology of syndromic forms of clubfoot is varied and the causes of isolated clubfoot are not well understood. A microduplication of 2.2 Mb on chromosome 17q23.1q23.2 which includes T‐box 4 (TBX4), a hindlimb‐specific gene, and 16 other genes was recently identified in 3 of 66 families reported as nonsyndromic clubfoot, but additional non‐foot malformations place them in the syndromic clubfoot category. Our study assesses whether variation in or around TBX4 contributes to nonsyndromic clubfoot. To determine whether this microduplication was a common cause of nonsyndromic clubfoot, 605 probands (from 148 multiplex and 457 simplex families) with nonsyndromic clubfoot were evaluated by copy number and oligonucleotide array CGH testing modalities. Only one multiplex family (0.68%) that had 16 with clubfoot and 9 with other foot anomalies, had a 350 kb microduplication, which included the complete duplication of TBX4 and NACA2 and partial duplication of BRIP1. The microduplication was transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern and all with the microduplication had a range of phenotypes from short wide feet and toes to bilateral clubfoot. Minimal evidence was found for an association between TBX4 and clubfoot and no pathogenic sequence variants were identified in the two known TBX4 hindlimb enhancer elements. Altogether, these results demonstrate that variation in and around the TBX4 gene and the 17q23.1q23.2 microduplication are not a frequent cause of this common orthopedic birth defect and narrows the 17q23.1q23.2 nonsyndromic clubfoot‐associated region. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
De novo triplication of the MAPT gene from the recurrent 17q21.31 microdeletion region in a patient with moderate intellectual disability and various minor anomalies
Authors: Gregor Anne , Krumbiegel Mandy , Kraus Cornelia , Reis André , Zweier Christiane 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe report on a 16‐year‐old male patient with moderate intellectual disability, behavioral problems, and further anomalies such as facial dysmorphism, heart defect, and urogenital anomalies. By molecular karyotyping we identified the first de novo copy number gain to four copies on chromosome 17q21.31 including the MAPT gene but not the entire recurrent microdeletion/microduplication region. Recurrent microdeletions of this region including the MAPT and the CHRH1 genes have been shown to be a relatively frequent cause of intellectual disability, while only a few reciprocal duplications in patients with variable cognitive disorders have been published so far. A common inversion polymorphism in this region has been linked to a distinct H2 haplotype and seems to be associated with an increased risk for microdeletions and ‐duplications. Our patient and his father were both heterozygous for the H1/H2 haplotype, whereas the mother was homozygous for the H2 haplotype. In our patient the dosage gain apparently occurred on the paternal H1 allele and did not involve the H2 allele as in the previously published cases. This patient further delineates the genotypic and phenotypic variability associated with copy number variants from the 17q21.31 microdeletion region. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An unmasked mutation of EIF2B2 due to submicroscopic deletion of 14q24.3 in a patient with vanishing white matter disease
Authors: Shimada Shino , Miya Kazushi , Oda Nozomi , Watanabe Yuki , Kumada Tomohiro , Sugawara Midori , Shimojima Keiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLeukodystrophy with vanishing white matter (VWM) is a neurodegenerative disorder with autosomal recessive traits that is caused by alteration of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor‐2B (EIF2B). An 11‐month‐old patient with distinctive features began to exhibit progressive developmental deterioration associated with intractable epilepsy, which was triggered by recurrent acute infectious diseases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal white matter intensity. Chromosomal microarray testing identified a submicroscopic deletion at 14q24.3 that included EIF2B2, the gene encoding one of the subunits of EIF2B. Because the patient's clinical findings were distinctive for VWM, compound heterozygous mutations of EIF2B2 were suspected, and subsequent sequencing analysis of the remaining allele unmasked the existence of a novel missense mutation of EIF2B2 (V85W). Some distinctive features including small palpebral fissures, bushy eyebrows, ear abnormalities, small upturned nose, downturned corners of the mouth, and micrognathia may be the common features of the patients with 14q24.3 deletions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene with VO(P204)2 activated by methylaluminoxane, purified methylaluminoxane, and trimethylaluminum
Authors: Wang Haiying , Cao Lihui , Zhang Xuequan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe effect of different aluminum‐based cocatalysts (MAO, pMAO, and TMA) on butadiene (Bd) polymerization catalyzed by VO(P204)2 was investigated. The bimodal dependence of the polymer yield on the [MAO]/[V] molar ratio was revealed, and an highest polymer yield was achieved at a rather low [MAO]/[V] molar ratio ([MAO]/[V] = 13). The microstructures of the resulting poly(Bd)s were also significantly influenced by the ratio. In the TMA or pMAO system, the polymer yields were also very sensitive to the [Al]/[V] molar ratio. However, the microstructures of the resulting poly(Bd)s were almost independent of the ratio. In relation to the microstructures of poly(Bd)s obtained by the MAO and TMA systems at various temperatures, the 1,2‐unit contents were found to be the most abundant microstructure for both systems. In the pMAO system, the trans‐1,4‐units were the most abundant. The results of the additions of Lewis bases (THF and TPP) into Bd polyerization system comfirmed the existing of the two types of the reactions of VO(P204)2‐MAO catalyst and had the polymerization process controlled to some extent. The different thermal behaviors of these catalytic systems also show that multiple types of active centers were formed during the reaction between VO(P204)2 and MAO. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of modified kaolin clays on the mechanical properties of polypropylene/polystyrene blends
Authors: Krishnan Asha K. , George Tresa Sunitha , Anjana R. , Joseph Newly , George K. E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNanoclay composites based on polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) blends were prepared by melt mixing in a Thermo Haake Rheochord mixer. The effect of modified clays on the properties of nanocomposites has been studied. The degree of dispersion and morphology of nanocomposites were evaluated from X‐ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. Nanocomposites prepared from modified clays show improved tensile modulus and strength as compared to those prepared from unmodified clay. Vinyl silane modified nanocomposites show maximum improvement in mechanical properties, suggesting that vinyl silane provides better interfacial interaction. Thermogravimetric analysis shows improved thermal stability of PP/PS/clay nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical analysis reveals higher storage moduli over a temperature range of 40–125°C for nanocomposites, and the extent of increase in the storage modulus is dependent on the type of clay. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical modeling of a three‐phase nanocomposite polymeric material
Authors: Meng Qingkai , Kee Daniel De 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe presented model to predict the elastic modulus of a polymer/ellipsoidal filler/oblate platelet system is based on Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method and Mori‐Tanaka's back‐stress analysis. We considered wood flour and intercalated clay particles in three‐phase polymer nanocomposites as ellipsoidal and oblate platelet shapes, respectively. The intercalated clay particles along with the polymer chains in the clay galleries are treated as equivalent oblate fillers (EOFs). Via controlling wood flour and EOF aspect ratios (α and β) and the silicate layer number (n) in an EOF, the model prediction was compared with experimental data. The model predicted α and β values are within a range of 2.4–5 and 44–75, respectively, which are in good agreement with experimental observations. Quantitative agreement between model prediction and experimental data is achieved for α = 3.7 and β = 75 when n = 2. The proposed model recovers the two‐phase results for polymer/ellipsoidal filler systems or polymer/oblate platelet systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Positive‐tone, aqueous‐developable, polynorbornene dielectric: Lithographic, and dissolution properties
Authors: Mueller Brennen K. , Elce Edmund , Grillo Angelica M. , Kohl Paul A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA positive‐tone, aqueous base soluble, polynorbornene (PNB) dielectric formulation has been developed. The photolithographic solubility switching mechanism is based on diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) inhibition of PNB resin functionalized with pendent fluoroalcohol and carboxylic acid substituents. The optical contrast (at 365 nm) was found to be 2.3. The maximum height‐to‐width aspect ratio of developed line and space features was 3 : 2. The sensitivity, D100, of a formulation containing 20 pphr of DNQ photoactive compound (PAC) was calculated to be 408 mJ cm−2. The effects of the PAC molecule structure on miscibility and dissolution of the photosensitive films in aqueous base developer were studied. The effect of the monomer composition of the PNB polymer on the dissolution rate of the formulated PNB resin was evaluated. A unique dissolution and swelling behavior was observed. The effect is attributed to a copolymer synthesized with two monomers each of which is susceptible to deprotonation in aqueous base. FTIR measurements showed that the pure PNBFA has a small percentage of free hydroxyl groups, which did not change appreciably by the addition of PAC to the mixture. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and electrochemical properties of poly‐2,5‐dihydroxyaniline/activated carbon composite electrode in organic electrolyte
Authors: Sun Miao , Wang Wei , He Benlin , Sun Mingliang , Liu Wei , Ge Honglun , Zhang Qinjie , Sun Fan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPoly‐2,5‐dimethoxyaniline coating has been fabricated on active carbon (AC) substrates by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in organic system. The resulted coating is hydrolyzed to produce poly‐2,5‐dihydroxyaniline (PDHA) to enhance the capacitance of the composite electrode. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectra, CV, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge test are used to investigate the properties of these electrodes. In organic electrolyte, due to the introduced hydroquinone units, high value of capacitance up to 975 F g−1 of the PDHA/AC has been obtained at a current density of 0.37 A g−1 at a potential window of 0–1.5 V. An asymmetric capacitor has been assembled with the PDHA/AC positive and pure AC negative electrodes, which is able to obtain a specific energy as high as 178 Whkg−1 in the potential range of 0–2.0 V at a current density of 0.93 A g−1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Development and characterization of plasticized starch‐based biocomposites with soy pulp as reinforcement filler
Authors: Behera Ajaya Kumar , Avancha Sridevi , Sen Ramkrishna , Adhikari Basudam 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSoy pulp, a byproduct of soymilk industry, was used in varying amount as reinforcement filler with thermoplastic starch, to develop and characterize starch–soy (SS) composites. The composite filled with 10 wt % soy pulp showed 112% and 98% increment in tensile and flexural strength, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrum of composite revealed occurrence of chemical bonding between hydroxyl group of soy pulp and that of starch matrix. The optimized composite containing 10 wt % soy pulp, with maximum mechanical strength was found thermally stable up to 312°C. Water absorption of these composites was enhanced with the increase in filler loading due to increase in hydrophilicity as evident from lowering of contact angle value. These composites are expected to be ecofriendly as soy pulp and starch are biodegradable in nature. The SS pulp composites so developed and characterized find potential application as disposable and packaging items. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical and UV‐shielding properties of in situ synthesized poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene)/zinc oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tobías Heriberto , Morales Graciela , Rodríguez‐Fernández Oliverio , Acuña Pablo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA series of poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene)/ZnO nanocomposites with different ZnO nanoparticles content were synthesized by a mass‐suspension polymerization process. Nanocomposites obtained through this technique presented high impact resistance despite the presence of agglomerates for high ZnO nanoparticles content so that, these samples were subjected to twin‐screw extrusion. The extrusion led to a dramatic morphological change and increased in impact resistance, higher than 100% in most of the cases. On the other hand, the higher the ZnO content, the higher the UV blocking (>95% for 1 and 3% of ZnO) for both materials, before and after extrusion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013