bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in techno-economic estimates of cellulosic ethanol production due to experimental measurement uncertainty
Authors: Vicari Kristin J , Tallam Sai Sandeep , Shatova Tatyana , Joo Koh Kang , Scarlata Christopher J , Humbird David , Wolfrum Edward J , Beckham Gregg T 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Cost-effective production of lignocellulosic biofuels remains a major financial and technical challenge at the industrial scale. A critical tool in biofuels process development is the techno-economic (TE) model, which calculates biofuel production costs using a process model and an economic model. The process model solves mass and energy balances for each unit, and the economic model estimates capital and operating costs from the process model based on economic assumptions. The process model inputs include experimental data on the feedstock composition and intermediate product yields for each unit. These experimental yield data are calculated from primary measurements. Uncertainty in these primary measurements is propagated to the calculated yields, to the process model, and ultimately to the economic model. Thus, outputs of the TE model have a minimum uncertainty associated with the uncertainty in the primary measurements.

Results
We calculate the uncertainty in the Minimum Ethanol Selling Price (MESP) estimate for lignocellulosic ethanol production via a biochemical conversion process: dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of corn stover followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and co-fermentation of the resulting sugars to ethanol. We perform a sensitivity analysis on the TE model and identify the feedstock composition and conversion yields from three unit operations (xylose from pretreatment, glucose from enzymatic hydrolysis, and ethanol from fermentation) as the most important variables. The uncertainty in the pretreatment xylose yield arises from multiple measurements, whereas the glucose and ethanol yields from enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, respectively, are dominated by a single measurement: the fraction of insoluble solids (fIS) in the biomass slurries.

Conclusions
We calculate a $0.15/gal uncertainty in MESP from the TE model due to uncertainties in primary measurements. This result sets a lower bound on the error bars of the TE model predictions. This analysis highlights the primary measurements that merit further development to reduce the uncertainty associated with their use in TE models. While we develop and apply this mathematical framework to a specific biorefinery scenario here, this analysis can be readily adapted to other types of biorefining processes and provides a general framework for propagating uncertainty due to analytical measurements through a TE model.
Analysis of 777 cases with obstruction of the ureter or extrahepatic bile duct by ultrasonography after normal saline retention enema
Authors: Tang Chong , Wu Xuegang , Fan Qiuhong , Deng Zhensheng 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Conventional transabdominal ultrasound usually fails to visualize parts of the ureter or extrahepatic bile duct covered by bowel gas. In this study, we propose a new method for gaining acoustic access to the ureters and extrahepatic bile duct to help determine the nature of obstruction to these structures when conventional transabdominal ultrasound fails.

Methods
The normal saline retention enema method, that is, using normal saline-filled colons to gain acoustic access to the bilateral ureters and extrahepatic bile duct and detecting the lesions with transabdominal ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, was applied to 777 patients with obstructive lesions, including 603 with hydroureter and 174 with dilated common bile duct, which were not visualized by conventional ultrasonography. The follow-up data of all the patients were collected to verify the results obtained by this method.

Results
Of the 755 patients who successfully finished the examination after normal saline retention enema (the success rate of the enema is about 98%), the nature of obstruction in 718 patients was determined (the visualizing rate is approximately 95%), including 533 with ureteral calculus, 23 with ureteral stricture, 129 with extrahepatic bile duct calculus, and 33 with common bile duct tumor.

Conclusions
Colons filled fully with normal saline can surely give acoustic access to the bilateral ureters and extrahepatic bile duct so as to determine the nature of obstruction of these structures when conventional transabdominal ultrasound fails.
In vivo breast cancer characterization imaging using two monoclonal antibodies activatably labeled with near infrared fluorophores
Authors: Sano Kohei , Mitsunaga Makoto , Nakajima Takahito , Choyke Peter L , Kobayashi Hisataka 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The gene expression profiles of cancer cells are closely related to their aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Antibody-based immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tissue specimens is a common method of identifying expressed proteins in cancer cells and increasingly inform treatment decisions. Molecular imaging is a potential method of performing similar IHC studies in vivo without the requirement for biopsy or tumor excision. To date, antibody-based imaging has been limited by high background levels related to slow clearance, making such imaging practical. However, optically activatable imaging agents, which are only fluorescent when bound to their cognate receptor, open the possibility of doing in vivo multi-color IHC.

Methods
We describe the use of activatable, near infrared fluorescence-labeled AlexaFluor680 (Alexa680) conjugated panitumumab (Pan) targeted against human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (Pan-Alexa680) and Indocyanine Green (ICG) conjugated trastuzumab (Tra) targeted against human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) (Tra-ICG) were synthesized and evaluated in cells in vitro and in an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model in vivo.

Results
Pan-Alexa680 (self-quenched; SQ) and Tra-ICG were initially quenched but demonstrated a 5.2- and 50-fold dequenching capacity under detergent treatment, respectively. In vitro microscopy and flow cytometry using MDA-MB-468 (EGFR+/HER2-) and 3T3/HER2 cells (EGFR-/HER2+), demonstrated specific fluorescence signal for each cell type based on binding to Pan-Alexa680(SQ) or Tra-ICG. An in vivo imaging study employing a cocktail of Pan-Alexa680(SQ) and Tra-ICG (each 50 μg) was injected into mice with orthotopic MDA-MB-468 and 3T3/HER2 tumors in the breast. Each probe visualized only the target-specific breast tumor.

Conclusions
Multi-color target-specific fluorescence breast cancer imaging can be achieved in vivo by employing two activatable fluorescent probes administered as a cocktail. The images allowed us to see a specific receptor expression in each breast tumor without post-image processing.
Cancer-Related Fatigue in Women With Breast Cancer: Outcomes of a 5-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Goldstein David , Bennett Barbara K. , Webber Kate , Boyle Fran , de Souza Paul L. , Wilcken Nicholas R.C. , Scott Elizabeth M. , Toppler Ruth , Murie Penelope , O'Malley Linda , McCourt Junie , Friedlander Michael , Hickie Ian B. , Lloyd Andrew R. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose Prolonged and disabling fatigue is prevalent after cancer treatment, but the early natural history of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has not been systematically examined to document consistent presence of symptoms. Hence, relationships to cancer, surgery, and adjuvant therapy are unclear. Patients and Methods A prospective cohort study of women receiving adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer was conducted. Women (n = 218) were enrolled after surgery and observed at end treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months as well as 5 years. Structured interviews and self-report questionnaires were used to record physical and psychologic health as well as disability and health care utilization. Patients with CRF persisting for 6 months were assessed to exclude alternative medical and psychiatric causes of fatigue. Predictors of persistent fatigue, mood disturbance, and health care utilization were sought by logistic regression. Results The case rate for CRF was 24% (n = 51) postsurgery and 31% (n = 69) at end of treatment; it became persistent in 11% (n = 24) at 6 months and 6% (n = 12) at 12 months. At each time point, approximately one third of the patients had comorbid mood disturbance. Persistent CRF was predicted by tumor size but not demographic, psychologic, surgical, or hematologic parameters. CRF was associated with significant disability and health care utilization. Conclusion CRF is common but generally runs a self-limiting course. Much of the previously reported high rates of persistent CRF may be attributable to factors unrelated to the cancer or its treatment.
Prevention of Pegfilgrastim-Induced Bone Pain: A Phase III Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial of the University of Rochester Cancer Center Clinical Community Oncology Program Research Base
Authors: Kirshner Jeffrey J. , Heckler Charles E. , Janelsins Michelle C. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Hopkins Judith O. , Coles Charlotte , Morrow Gary R. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose Pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain is a significant clinical problem that may result in discontinuation of pegfilgrastim and lead to less effective chemotherapy dosing. Interventions for pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain are needed. Patients and Methods The University of Rochester Cancer Center Clinical Community Oncology Program Research Base randomly assigned 510 patients at 17 sites to receive either naproxen (500 mg two times per day) or placebo on the day of pegfilgrastim administration, continuing for 5 to 8 days after pegfilgrastim. Patients recorded pain severity (using a scale of 0 to 10) and duration in daily diaries. The primary outcome measure was the area under the curve (AUC) for pain for days 1 through 5. Secondary outcome measures included the identification of risk factors for the development of pain and response to naproxen. Results Patients' mean age was 55.6 years and 86% were female. Sixty-eight percent of patients had breast cancer and 10% had lung cancer. Pain reached its peak at 3 days for both groups. The mean AUC for pain was 7.71 for the placebo group and 6.04 for the naproxen group (P = .037). Naproxen reduced maximum pain from 3.40 to 2.59 (P = .005). Naproxen also reduced overall pain incidence from 71.3% to 61.1% (P = .020) and duration from 2.40 to 1.92 days (P = .009). The reduction in severe pain (> 5 on a scale of 1 to 10) from 27.0% to 19.2% was also significant (P = .048). Risk factors could not be identified to predict incidence, severity, or ability to prevent pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain. Conclusion Our phase III randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrated that naproxen at a dose of 500 mg twice per day is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain.
Toward Patient-Centered Cancer Care: Patient Perceptions of Problematic Events, Impact, and Response
Authors: Mazor Kathleen M. , Roblin Douglas W. , Greene Sarah M. , Lemay Celeste A. , Firneno Cassandra L. , Calvi Josephine , Prouty Carolyn D. , Horner Kathryn , Gallagher Thomas H. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeCancer treatments are complex, involving multiple clinicians, toxic therapies, and uncertain outcomes. Consequently, patients are vulnerable when breakdowns in care occur. This study explored cancer patients' perceptions of preventable, harmful events; the impact of these events; and interactions with clinicians after such events.Patients and MethodsIn-depth telephone interviews were conducted with cancer patients from three clinical sites. Patients were eligible if they believed: something “went wrong” during their cancer care; the event could have been prevented; and the event caused, or could have caused, significant harm. Interviews focused on patients' perceptions of the event, its impact, and clinicians' responses to the event.ResultsNinety-three of 416 patients queried believed something had gone wrong in their care that was preventable and caused or could have caused harm. Seventy-eight patients completed interviews. Of those interviewed, 28% described a problem with medical care, such as a delay in diagnosis or treatment; 47% described a communication problem, including problems with information exchange or manner; and 24% described problems with both medical care and communication. Perceived harms included physical and emotional harm, disruption of life, effect on family members, damaged physician-patient relationship, and financial expense. Few clinicians initiated discussion of the problematic events. Most patients did not formally report their concerns.ConclusionCancer patients who believe they experienced a preventable, harmful event during their cancer diagnosis or care often do not formally report their concerns. Systems are needed to encourage patients to report such events and to help physicians and health care systems respond effectively.
High Frequency of Germline SUFU Mutations in Children With Desmoplastic/Nodular Medulloblastoma Younger Than 3 Years of Age
Authors: Brugières Laurence , Remenieras Audrey , Pierron Gaëlle , Varlet Pascale , Forget Sébastien , Byrde Véronique , Bombled Johny , Puget Stéphanie , Caron Olivier , Dufour Christelle , Delattre Olivier , Bressac-de Paillerets Brigitte , Grill Jacques 
Published: April 2012

Purpose Germline mutations of the SUFU gene have been shown to be associated with genetic predisposition to medulloblastoma, mainly in families with multiple cases of medulloblastoma and/or in patients with symptoms similar to those of Gorlin syndrome. To evaluate the contribution of these mutations to the genesis of sporadic medulloblastomas, we screened a series of unselected patients with medulloblastoma for germline SUFU mutations. Patients and Methods A complete mutational analysis of the SUFU gene was performed on genomic DNA in all 131 consecutive patients treated for medulloblastoma in the pediatrics department of the Institut Gustave Roussy between 1972 and 2009 and for whom a blood sample was available. Results We identified eight germline mutations of the SUFU gene: one large genomic duplication and seven point mutations. Mutations were identified in three of three individuals with medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity, four of 20 with desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastomas, and one of 108 with other subtypes. All eight patients were younger than 3 years of age at diagnosis. The mutations were inherited from the healthy father in four of six patient cases in which the parents accepted genetic testing; de novo mutations accounted for the other two patient cases. Associated events were macrocrania in six patients, hypertelorism in three patients, and multiple basal cell carcinomas in the radiation field after age 18 years in one patient. Conclusion These data indicate that germline SUFU mutations were responsible for a high proportion of desmoplastic medulloblastoma in children younger than 3 years of age. Genetic testing should be offered to all children diagnosed with sonic hedgehog–driven medulloblastoma at a young age.
Decidual Endovascular Trophoblast Invasion in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Experimental Case-Control Study
Authors: Palomba Stefano , Russo Tiziana , Falbo Angela , Di Cello Annalisa , Amendola Giuseppina , Mazza Rosa , Tolino Achille , Zullo Fulvio , Tucci Luigi , La Sala Giovanni Battista 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Context:
Previous experimental and clinical data suggest impaired decidual trophoblast invasion in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Objective:
The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that decidual endovascular trophoblast invasion in pregnant patients with PCOS is impaired and to clarify the potential mechanisms involved.

Design:
This was an experimental case-control study.

Setting:
The study was conducted at the academic Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Unit of Pathology (Italy).

Patients:
Forty-five pregnant subjects screened from a wide population of women waiting for legal pregnancy termination were included in the final analysis. Specifically, 15 pregnant patients with PCOS were enrolled as cases and another 30 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy pregnant women without any feature of PCOS were enrolled as the controls.

Intervention:
Interventions included the collection of trophoblastic and decidual tissue at the 12th week of gestation.

Main Outcome Measures:
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and biochemical data as well as the histological analysis of decidual endovascular trophoblast invasion.

Results:
The rate of implantation site vessels with endovascular trophoblast invasion (ratio between total number of implantation site vessels and total number of vessels with endovascular trophoblast invasion) and the extent of endovascular trophoblast invasion (proportion between immunoreactive areas to cytokeratin 7 and to CD34) were significantly lower in patients with PCOS compared with healthy non-PCOS controls. Endovascular trophoblast invasion data were significantly and indirectly related to the markers of insulin resistance and testosterone concentrations in PCOS patients.

Conclusions:
Pregnant patients with PCOS patients have impaired decidual trophoblast invasion. Further studies are needed to evaluate the exact mechanisms through which insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia exert this effect.
Beneficial Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment on Cognition in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Longitudinal Study
Authors: Siemensma Elbrich P. C. , Tummers-de Lind van Wijngaarden Roderick F. A. , Festen Dederieke A. M. , Troeman Zyrhea C. E. , van Alfen-van der Velden A. A. E. M. (Janielle) , Otten Barto J. , Rotteveel Joost , Odink Roelof J. H. , Bindels-de Heus G. C. B. (Karen) , van Leeuwen Mariette , Haring Danny A. J. P. , Oostdijk Wilma , Bocca Gianni , Mieke Houdijk E. C. A. , van Trotsenburg A. S. Paul , Hoorweg-Nijman J. J. Gera , van Wieringen Hester , Vreuls René C. F. M. , Jira Petr E. , Schroor Eelco J. , van Pinxteren-Nagler Evelyn , Willem Pilon Jan , Lunshof L. (Bert) , Hokken-Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:Knowledge about the effects of GH treatment on cognitive functioning in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is limited.Methods:Fifty prepubertal children aged 3.5 to 14 yr were studied in a randomized controlled GH trial during 2 yr, followed by a longitudinal study during 4 yr of GH treatment. Cognitive functioning was measured biennially by short forms of the WPPSI-R or WISC-R, depending on age. Total IQ (TIQ) score was estimated based on two subtest scores.Results:During the randomized controlled trial, mean sd scores of all subtests and mean TIQ score remained similar compared to baseline in GH-treated children with PWS, whereas in untreated controls mean subtest sd scores and mean TIQ score decreased and became lower compared to baseline. This decline was significant for the Similarities (P = 0.04) and Vocabulary (P = 0.03) subtests. After 4 yr of GH treatment, mean sd scores on the Similarities and Block design subtests were significantly higher than at baseline (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), and scores on Vocabulary and TIQ remained similar compared to baseline. At baseline, children with a maternal uniparental disomy had a significantly lower score on the Block design subtest (P = 0.01) but a larger increment on this subtest during 4 yr of GH treatment than children with a deletion. Lower baseline scores correlated significantly with higher increases in Similarities (P = 0.04) and Block design (P &lt; 0.0001) sd scores.Conclusions:Our study shows that GH treatment prevents deterioration of certain cognitive skills in children with PWS on the short term and significantly improves abstract reasoning and visuospatial skills during 4 yr of GH treatment. Furthermore, children with a greater deficit had more benefit from GH treatment.
Maps and the Teaching of Latin American History
Authors: Dym Jordana , Offen Karl 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Historical maps deserve a place in the college classroom as primary sources. Since the 1980s, scholarship has shown how maps can be analyzed and interpreted to reveal something not only about the peoples, spaces, and times they portray but also about the societies that create, consume, and contest them. Over the last decade, the maps themselves have become increasingly accessible, as important research libraries and archives digitize their holdings. Yet these graphic texts are not yet staples of college curricula or documentary readers. This essay provides a brief overview of recent research in the history of cartography and presents two examples of map discussion modules for the Latin American history classroom: a demonstration of US neocolonialism, resource extraction, and social change in late nineteenth-century eastern Nicaragua, and a case of urban planning and ideas of order in colonial Mexico City.
Migration and Labor in the Americas: Praxis, Knowledge, and Nations
Authors: Craib Raymond , Overmyer-Velázquez Mark 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This article examines the conceptualization, development, and implementation of two related courses on the lives and labors of migrants in the United States. Both courses focus on the histories and hemispheric experiences of migrant workers, within and between the United States, Latin America, and the Spanish Caribbean. The courses are used as a means to think more broadly about what it means to teach courses on Latin America in the twenty-first-century context of the transnational turn in scholarship, the debates over immigration and its reform, concerns over the future of labor organizing, and efforts to seek social justice. Drawing on the work of Paulo Freire in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, students in the seminars engage in praxis and work to deconstruct four interrelated and seemingly fixed binaries: structure and agency, theory and practice, classroom and outside world, and teacher and student.
Radiation dose reduction in CT of the brain: can advanced noise filtering compensate for loss of image quality?
Authors: Siemund Roger , Löve A , van Westen D , Stenberg L , Petersen C , Björkman-Burtscher IM 
Published: April 2012

Background Computed tomography (CT) of the brain is performed with high local doses due to high demands on low contrast resolution. Advanced algorithms for noise reduction might be able to preserve critical image information when reducing radiation dose. Purpose To evaluate the effect of advanced noise filtering on image quality in brain CT acquired with reduced radiation dose. Material and Methods Thirty patients referred for non-enhanced CT of the brain were examined with two helical protocols: normal dose (ND, CTDIvol 57 mGy) and low dose (LD, CTDIvol 40 mGy) implying a 30% radiation dose reduction. Images from the LD examinations were also postprocessed with a noise reduction software with non-linear filters (SharpView CT), creating filtered low dose images (FLD) for each patient. The three image stacks for each patient were presented side by side in randomized order. Five radiologists, blinded for dose level and filtering, ranked these three axial image stacks (ND, LD, FLD) as best to poorest (1 to 3) regarding three image quality criteria. Measurements of mean Hounsfield units (HU) and standard deviation (SD) of the HU were calculated for large region of interest in the centrum semiovale as a measure for noise. Results Ranking results in pooled data showed that the advanced noise filtering significantly improved the image quality in FLD as compared to LD images for all tested criteria. No significant differences in image quality were found between ND examinations and FLD. However, there was a notable inter-reader spread of the ranking. SD values were 15% higher for LD as compared to ND and FLD. Conclusion The advanced noise filtering clearly improves image quality of CT examinations of the brain. This effect can be used to significantly lower radiation dose.