bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Dialysis Modality on Survival of Hepatitis C-Infected ESRF Patients
Authors: Bose Bhadran , McDonald Stephen P. , Hawley Carmel M. , Brown Fiona G. , Badve Sunil V. , Wiggins Kathryn J. , Bannister Kym M. , Boudville Neil , Clayton Philip , Johnson David W. 
Published: September 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients. Despite a lower incidence and risk of transmission of HCV infection with peritoneal dialysis (PD), the optimal dialysis modality for HCV-infected ESRF patients is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dialysis modality on the survival of HCV-infected ESRF patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The study included all adult incident ESRF patients in Australia and New Zealand who commenced dialysis between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2008, and were HCV antibody-positive at the time of dialysis commencement. Time to all-cause mortality was compared between hemodialysis (HD) and PD according to modality assignment at day 90, using Cox proportional hazards model analysis.

Results
A total of 424 HCV-infected ESRF patients commenced dialysis during the study period and survived for at least 90 days (PD n = 134; HD n = 290). Mortality rates were comparable between PD and HD in the first year (10.7 versus 13.8 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.26) and thereafter (20 versus 15.9 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively; HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.88).

Conclusions
The survival of HCV-infected ESRF patients is comparable between PD and HD.
On the homeomorphism groups of manifolds and their universal coverings
Authors: Kowalik Agnieszka , Rybicki Tomasz 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Let H
c(M) stand for the path connected identity component of the group of all compactly supported homeomorphisms of a manifold M. It is shown that H
c(M) is perfect and simple under mild assumptions on M. Next, conjugation-invariant norms on Hc(M) are considered and the boundedness of Hc(M) and its subgroups is investigated. Finally, the structure of the universal covering group of Hc(M) is studied.
Normalizers and self-normalizing subgroups II
Authors: Širola Boris 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Let $\mathbb{K}$ be a field, G a reductive algebraic $\mathbb{K}$-group, and G
1 ≤ G a reductive subgroup. For G
1 ≤ G, the corresponding groups of $\mathbb{K}$-points, we study the normalizer N = N
G(G
1). In particular, for a standard embedding of the odd orthogonal group G
1 = SO(m, $\mathbb{K}$) in G = SL(m, $\mathbb{K}$) we have N ≅ G
1 ⋊ µm($\mathbb{K}$), the semidirect product of G
1 by the group of m-th roots of unity in $\mathbb{K}$. The normalizers of the even orthogonal and symplectic subgroup of SL(2n, $\mathbb{K}$) were computed in [Širola B., Normalizers and self-normalizing subgroups, Glas. Mat. Ser. III (in press)], leaving the proof in the odd orthogonal case to be completed here. Also, for G = GL(m, $\mathbb{K}$) and G
1 = O(m, $\mathbb{K}$) we have N ≅ G
1 ⋊ $\mathbb{K}$
×. In both of these cases, N is a self-normalizing subgroup of G.
The determination of changes in the expression of genes for selected specific transcriptional factors in in vitro ductal breast cancer cells under the influence of paclitaxel
Authors: Ziaja-Sołtys Marta , Rzymowska Jolanta 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the changes in the expression of genes for selected specific transcriptional factors that have both activating and repressing functions in in vitro ductal breast cancer cells, under the influence of paclitaxel, applying the microarray technique. The cells are treated with 60 ng/ml and 300 ng/ml doses of paclitaxel that correspond to those applied in breast cancer therapy. About 60 ng/ml doses of paclitaxel cause a statistically significant increase in expression of all the 16 analysed genes coding transcriptional factors, ranging from 1.84-fold (for PO4F2) to 4.65-fold (for LMO4) (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control cells, and enhanced the taxane mechanism of action. The 300 ng/ml doses of paclitaxel cause a cytotoxic effect in the cells. In this article, we argue that these changes in gene expression values may constitute prognostic and predictive factors in ductal breast cancer therapy.
Problem of Trust in Alliance Networks
Authors: Sroka Włodzimierz 
Published: September 2011

Problem of Trust in Alliance Networks
At a time of growing globalization, we can observe the increasing role of cooperative strategies among companies, including alliances, joint ventures, and networks. Trust is one of the most important factors of success for any business activity. It relates especially to alliance networks because it can lower transaction costs, increase productivity and innovativeness, facilitate inter-organizational relationships and resolve conflicts. Therefore the article comprehensively discusses the problems of trust in alliance networks. The conclusion of the text is that trust building in alliance networks has an influence on the effectiveness of the whole network. The text is based on the latest world literature as well as the personal experience of the author in creating effective cooperative network agreements.
The Influence of Broadband Regulation in EU on the Development of the Regulated Technology
Authors: Mihevc Andrej 
Published: September 2011

The Influence of Broadband Regulation in EU on the Development of the Regulated Technology
The aim of the article is to answer the question if the level of intensity of "ex ante" regulation (also "regulation") imposed by NRA (national regulatory Authority or regulators) influence on the development of incumbent DSL technology against other Access technologies. There are several approaches which support the basic idea of regulation, that "ex ante" regulation promotes the competition. The approaches must be also based on the size of the market. In the internet world there are different access technologies. Open Access is crucial for the development of competition. Regulators have to ensure, that also new entrants can reach end users through the facilities of the incumbent operator. Based on the approach of three criteria, European Commission defines two wholesale relevant access markets both based on DSL technology ("bitstream" access and unbundled local loop) susceptible to sector specific "ex ante" regulation. In the last stage also optical access is included on the relevant markets. Other technologies are still not equivalent to incumbent DSL technology according to the opinion of the commission. The intensity of regulation influences on the competition conditions. It influences on the level where and at which point of the investment ladder entrants will enter the market through wholesale inputs or through building its own infrastructure.
Profitability of dairy farming in relation to the type of feeding system
Authors: Frelich Jan , Šlachta Martin , Střeleček František , Lososová Jana 
Published: September 2011

Profitability of dairy farming in relation to the type of feeding systemWe investigated the profitability of dairy farms in relation to the type of feeding system (seasonal pasture vs. permanent housing). An economic analysis was carried out of data on the structure and financial health of 50 farms in 2007 using questionnaires filled in by the farmers. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to reveal causal relationships between a number of characteristics of the farms. The two axis of PCA explained 40.48% and 16.13% of the variability among the selected farm characteristics. Profitability related more to the number of subsidies, the area of arable land, the number of livestock and to the milk and plant production than to the area of meadows and pastures. Although a better cow performance was achieved on farms with confined herds, the profit per agricultural area and profit rate did not differ significantly between the two feeding strategies (P>0.05). The profit was 3,259 and 3,655 CZK/ha on average and the profit rate 7.9% and 5.6% on average on farms with pastured herds and on farms with confined herds, respectively. A lowering of input costs and a more effective utilisation of grasslands may further enhance profitability.
Influence of dietary fish oil supplementation on humoral immune response and some selected biochemical parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Hosseini-Mansoub Navid , Bahrami Yadollah 
Published: September 2011

Influence of dietary fish oil supplementation on humoral immune response and some selected biochemical parameters of broiler chickensThe objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of fish oil (FO) supplementation in the diet of broiler chickens on the humoral immune response as well as some blood parameters. Two hundred and sixteen one day old broiler chickens were divided into four dietary groups 0, 1, 2, or 4% FO with 3 replicates of 18 birds. Four chicks randomly selected and marked from each replicate were immunized intramuscularly with 0.2 ml of 5% sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as a non-infectious antigen, at the ages of 15 and 35 days and blood samples were taken 7 days after each immunization. The highest BW was observed in the 2% FO dietary group (T3), followed by T2 (P<0.01). The serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly decreased in the FO groups at the age of 42 days (P<0.01). In addition, the inclusion of FO in broiler diets significantly increased the blood glucose (G) level and decreased the total protein (TP), albumin (A) and globulin (GL) concentrations. Fish oil-treated birds had significantly more serum antibody (predominantly immunoglobulin M, IgM) to SRBC than the control group. The highest response to primary and secondary injections of SRBC after 7 days, were detected for group 4 (4% FO), followed by 2% FO group (P<0.05). The results indicate that the addition of 2 % FO to broiler chick's diet may stimulate the development of the immune response and improve blood indices, while 4% level was not recommended because of probable off-flavours in the product.
Overcoming Localization Errors due to Node Power Drooping in a Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Khan Safdar , Daachi Boubaker , Djouani Karim 
Published: September 2011

Overcoming Localization Errors due to Node Power Drooping in a Wireless Sensor NetworkReceived Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) plays a vital role in the range-free localization of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network and a good amount of research has been made in this regard. One important factor is the battery voltage of the nodes (i.e., the MICAz sensors) which is not taken into account in the existing literature. As battery voltage level performs an indispensable role for the position estimation of sensor nodes through anchor nodes therefore, in this paper, we take into a account this crucial factor and propose an algorithm that overcomes the problem of decaying battery. We show the results, in terms of more precise localization of sensor nodes through simulation. This work is an extension to [1] and now we also use neural network to overcome the localization errors generated due to gradual battery voltage drooping.
Real Time Processing of Networked Passive Coherent Location Radar System
Authors: John Mathew , Inggs Michael , Petri Dario 
Published: September 2011

Real Time Processing of Networked Passive Coherent Location Radar SystemA Passive Coherent Location (PCL) Radar system, consisting of spatially distributed transmitters and receivers is currently being integrated at the University of Cape Town (UCT). The paper investigates the feasibility of real-time processing of PCL system signals using Graphic Processing Units (GPUs), specifically a study of two distinct clutter cancellation algorithms: ECA (Extensive Cancellation Algorithm) and NLMS (Normalised Least Mean Square). Clutter cancellation is the most computationally demanding part of PCL signal processing. This investigation compares the processing speed-up achieved by GPU over CPU implementations, with very encouraging results.
Subthalamic nucleus stimulation for attenuation of pain related to Parkinson disease
Authors: Oshima Hideki , Katayama Yoichi , Morishita Takashi , Sumi Koichiro , Otaka Toshiharu , Kobayashi Kazutaka , Suzuki Yutaka , Fukaya Chikashi , Yamamoto Takamitsu 
Published: September 2011

Object
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chronic subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation for alleviating pain related to Parkinson disease (PD).

Methods
Among 163 consecutive patients undergoing STN stimulation, 69 were identified as experiencing pain preoperatively that was related to their PD. All 69 patients suffering from pain were followed up prospectively for 12 months after surgery. All patients described the severity of their pain according to a visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Pain unrelated to PD was not studied.

Results
Several types of pain related to PD, the categories of which were based on a modification of 2 previous classifications (Ford and Honey), can occur in such patients: 1) musculoskeletal pain, 2) dystonic pain, 3) somatic pain exacerbated by PD, 4) radicular/peripheral neuropathic pain, and 5) central pain. The overall mean VAS score was significantly decreased postoperatively by 75% and 69% at 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean VAS score at 12 months was also decreased by 80%, but 6 instances of pain (3 reports of somatic back pain and 3 reports of radicular/peripheral neuropathic pain) required additional spinal surgery to alleviate the pain severity. The results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and demonstrated a significant reduction in VAS scores at all follow-up assessments (p < 0.001). Musculoskeletal pain and dystonic pain were well alleviated by STN stimulation. In contrast, somatic pain exacerbated by PD and peripheral neuropathic pain originating from lumbar spinal diseases, such as spondylosis deformans and/or canal stenosis, often deteriorated postoperatively despite attenuation of the patients' motor disability. Patients with central pain were poor responders.

Conclusions
This study found that STN stimulation produced significant improvement of overall pain related to PD in patients with advanced PD, and the efficacy continued for at least 1 year. The present results indicate that musculoskeletal pain and dystonic pain responded well to STN stimulation, but patients with back pain (somatic pain) and radicular/peripheral neuropathic pain originating from spinal disease have a potential risk for postoperative deterioration of their pain.
The effects of chemotherapeutic agents on differentiated chordoma cells
Authors: Bayrak Omer Faruk , Aydemir Esra , Gulluoglu Sukru , Sahin Fikrettin , Sevli Serhat , Yalvac Mehmet Emir , Acar Hasan , Ozen Mustafa 
Published: September 2011

Object
Chordoma is a rare type of malignant bone tumor and is known to arise from the remnants of the notochord. Resistance to chemotherapy makes the treatment of chordoma difficult; therefore, new approaches need to be developed to cure this disease. Differentiation therapy, using various differentiating agents, is attracting oncologists as a common therapeutic method to treat other tumors. Based on forcing cells to mature into other lineages, differentiation therapy might be an available method to treat chordomas in addition to conventional therapies.

Methods
In this study a chordoma cell line, U-CH1, was exposed to several chemotherapeutic agents including vincristine, doxorubicin, cisplatin, etoposide, fludarabine, methotrexate, nilotinib, and imatinib mesylate under appropriate conditions. The first group of U-CH1 cells was exposed to drugs only and the second group of cells was exposed to the simultaneous treatment of 1 μM all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapeutic agents in differentiation therapy. The efficacy of the differentiation method was assessed by measuring the viability of U-CH1 cells.

Results
Vincristine, doxorubicin, etoposide, cisplatin, and fludarabine, each at a concentration of 10 μM, decreased the number of chordoma cells when given alone down to 11%, 0%, 30%, 67%, and 3%, respectively. Etoposide and cisplatin, each at a concentration of 10 μM, reduced the percentage of viable chordoma cells in a more effective way when given with 1 μM ATRA simultaneously, reducing the number of viable cells to 14% and 9%, respectively. On the other hand, imatinib and nilotinib, each at a concentration of 3 μM, as well as 10 μM methotrexate, showed no decrease in the number of cancer cells.

Conclusions
The results suggest that chordoma cells may be treated using the differentiation method in a more effective way than when they are treated with chemotherapeutic agents alone. This new approach may be an alternative method to conventional therapies in the treatment of chordoma.
The V2 segment of the vertebral artery: anatomical considerations and surgical implications
Authors: Russo Vittorio M. , Graziano Francesca , Peris-Celda Maria , Russo Antonino , Ulm Arthur J. 
Published: September 2011

Object
Iatrogenic injury of the V2 segment of the vertebral artery (VA) is a rare but serious complication and can be catastrophic. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship of the V2 segment of the VA to the surrounding anatomical structures and to highlight the potential site and mechanisms of injury that can occur during common neurosurgical procedures involving the subaxial cervical spine.

Methods
Ten adult cadaveric specimens (20 sides) were included in this study. Quantitative anatomical measurements between selected landmarks and the VA were obtained. In addition, lateral mass screws were placed bilaterally, from C-3 to C-7, reproducing either the Magerl technique or a modified technique. The safety angle, defined as the axial deviation from the screw trajectory needed to injure the VA, and the distance from the entry point to the VA were measured at each level for both techniques.

Results
The VA coursed closer to the midline at C3–4 and C4–5 (mean distance [SD] 14.9 ± 1.1 mm) than at C2–3 or C5–6. Within the intertransverse space it coursed closer to the uncinate processes of the vertebral bodies (1.8 ± 1.1 mm) than to the anterior tubercle of the transverse processes (3.4 ± 1.6 mm). The distance between the VA and the uncinate process was less at C3–6 (1.3 ± 0.7 mm) than at C2–3 (3.3 ± 0.8 mm). The VA coursed on average at a distance of 11.9 ± 1.7 mm from the anterior and 4.2 ± 2.6 mm from the posterior aspect of the intervertebral disc space. Lateral mass screw angles were 25° lateral and 39.1° cranial for the Magerl technique, and 36.6° lateral and 46.1° cranial for the modified technique. The safety angle was greater and screw length longer when using this modified technique.

Conclusions
The relation of the V2 segment of the VA to anterior procedures and lateral mass instrumentation at the subaxial cervical spine was reviewed in this study. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the V2 segment of the VA combined with careful preoperative imaging is mandatory for safe cervical spine surgery.
The use of 3D computer graphics in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal vascular malformations
Authors: Takai Keisuke , Kin Taichi , Oyama Hiroshi , Iijima Akira , Shojima Masaaki , Nishido Hajime , Saito Nobuhito 
Published: September 2011

Object
Digital subtraction (DS) angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing spinal vascular malformations. Recently, multidetectorrow spiral CT and contrast-enhanced MR angiography have been introduced as screening examinations before DS angiography. These methods, however, do not always determine the accurate location of an arteriovenous shunt because the resulting images lack information about the spinal cord or the dura mater.

Methods
Between April 2009 and December 2010, 13 patients underwent imaging evaluations for spinal vascular malformations at the authors' university hospital. This group included 8 patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), 3 with perimedullary AVFs, and 2 with intramedullary arteriovenous malformations. Using data from these patients, the authors attempted to develop 3D computer graphics (CG) based upon the fusion of 3D rotational angiography and postmyelographic CT. They subsequently verified the accuracy of this imaging method. Ten of these 13 patients underwent surgical treatment for their lesions (11 AVFs), and for these 11 lesions the authors compared the diagnoses obtained using 3D CG with those obtained using conventional DS angiography.

Results
In all 13 cases, 3D CG images of the spinal lesions were successfully developed using the patients' actual data. Four (36%) of 11 AVFs were correctly identified using DS angiography, whereas 10 (91%) were correctly identified using 3D CG. Results from 3D CG of spinal AVFs corresponded well with operative findings, and 3D CG was significantly better than conventional DS angiography at predicting AVF location (p = 0.024, Fisher exact test).

Conclusions
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case series in which 3D CG of spinal vascular malformations was used to provide simultaneous, stereoscopic visualization of the spinal vascular system, spinal cord, dura mater, and bone. The 3D CG method provides precise visual images for the diagnosis and treatment of these lesions.
Analysis of in vivo kinematics of 3 different cervical devices: Bryan disc, ProDisc-C, and Prestige LP disc
Authors: Kowalczyk Izabela , Lazaro Bruno C. R. , Fink Marie , Rabin Doron , Duggal Neil 
Published: September 2011

Object
Cervical arthroplasty has emerged as a means of preventing adjacent segment disease by preserving motion, restoring sagittal balance, and mimicking natural spinal kinematics. The purpose of this retrospective in vivo study was to characterize the impact of arthroplasty on sagittal balance and segmental kinematics of the cervical spine.

Methods
Sixty patients receiving the Bryan disc, ProDisc-C, or Prestige LP disc were retrospectively analyzed. Only single-level arthroplasty cases were included in this study. Lateral dynamic radiographs of the cervical spine were evaluated using quantitative measurement analysis software to determine the kinematics at the index level both preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Collected parameters included range of motion (ROM), disc angles, shell angles, anterior and posterior disc heights (ADHs/PDHs), translation, and center of rotation (COR). Preoperative and postoperative data were compared using the Student t-test, with p < 0.05 indicating significance.

Results
The Bryan and Prestige LP discs preserved motion, whereas the ProDisc-C increased segmental ROM from extension to flexion. Following surgery, the Bryan disc exhibited significant shell angle kyphosis, while ProDisc-C and Prestige LP retained lordosis. Both ADHs and PDHs decreased following insertion of the Bryan disc. In contrast, the ProDisc-C increased the ADHs and PDHs by 80% and 52%, respectively, and the Prestige LP disc increased the ADHs and PDHs by 20%. Only the ProDisc-C demonstrated significant translation of 0.7 mm. The ProDisc-C shifted the COR x by 0.9 mm anteriorly, while the Prestige LP disc demonstrated a significant superior shift of 2.2 mm in COR y.

Conclusions
All discs adequately maintained ROM at the surgical level. The greatest difference among the 3 devices was in the disc height and index angle measurements.