bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Japanese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Cancer Module
Authors: Tsuji Naoko , Kakee Naoko , Ishida Yasushi , Asami Keiko , Tabuchi Ken , Nakadate Hisaya , Iwai Tsuyako , Maeda Miho , Okamura Jun , Kazama Takuro , Terao Yoko , Ohyama Wataru , Yuza Yuki , Kaneko Takashi , Manabe Atsushi , Kobayashi Kyoko , Kamibeppu Kiyoko , Matsushima Eisuke 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module is a widely used instrument to measure pediatric cancer specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for children aged 2 to 18 years. We developed the Japanese version of the PedsQL Cancer Module and investigated its reliability and validity among Japanese children and their parents.MethodsParticipants were 212 children with cancer and 253 of their parents. Reliability was determined by internal consistency using Cronbach's coefficient alpha and test-retest reliability using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Validity was assessed through factor validity, convergent and discriminant validity, concurrent validity, and clinical validity. Factor validity was examined by exploratory factor analysis. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined by multitrait scaling analysis. Concurrent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients between the Cancer Module and Generic Core Scales, and the comparison of the scores of child self-reports with those of other self-rating depression scales for children. Clinical validity was assessed by comparing the on- and off- treatment scores using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.ResultsCronbach's coefficient alpha was over 0.70 for the total scale and over 0.60 for each subscale by age except for the 'pain and hurt' subscale for children aged 5 to 7 years. For test-retest reliability, the ICC exceeded 0.70 for the total scale for each age. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated sufficient factorial validity. Multitrait scaling analysis showed high success rates. Strong correlations were found between the reports by children and their parents, and the scores of the Cancer Module and the Generic Core Scales except for 'treatment anxiety' subscales for child reports. The Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C) scores were significantly correlated with emotional domains and the total score of the cancer module. Children who had been off treatment over 12 months demonstrated significantly higher scores than those on treatment.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the PedsQL Cancer Module among Japanese children.
Size-dependent visible absorption and fast photoluminescence decay dynamics from freestanding strained silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Dhara Soumen , Giri PK 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this article, we report on the visible absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and fast PL decay dynamics from freestanding Si nanocrystals (NCs) that are anisotropically strained. Direct evidence of strain-induced dislocations is shown from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. Si NCs with sizes in the range of approximately 5-40 nm show size-dependent visible absorption in the range of 575-722 nm, while NCs of average size <10 nm exhibit strong PL emission at 580-585 nm. The PL decay shows an exponential decay in the nanosecond time scale. The Raman scattering studies show non-monotonic shift of the TO phonon modes as a function of size because of competing effect of strain and phonon confinement. Our studies rule out the influence of defects in the PL emission, and we propose that owing to the combined effect of strain and quantum confinement, the strained Si NCs exhibit direct band gap-like behavior.
Plasma creatinine in dogs: intra- and inter-laboratory variation in 10 European veterinary laboratories
Authors: Ulleberg Tina , Robben Joris , Nordahl Kathrine M , Ulleberg Thomas , Heiene Reidun 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
There is substantial variation in reported reference intervals for canine plasma creatinine among veterinary laboratories, thereby influencing the clinical assessment of analytical results. The aims of the study was to determine the inter- and intra-laboratory variation in plasma creatinine among 10 veterinary laboratories, and to compare results from each laboratory with the upper limit of its reference interval.

Methods
Samples were collected from 10 healthy dogs, 10 dogs with expected intermediate plasma creatinine concentrations, and 10 dogs with azotemia. Overlap was observed for the first two groups. The 30 samples were divided into 3 batches and shipped in random order by postal delivery for plasma creatinine determination. Statistical testing was performed in accordance with ISO standard methodology.

Results
Inter- and intra-laboratory variation was clinically acceptable as plasma creatinine values for most samples were usually of the same magnitude. A few extreme outliers caused three laboratories to fail statistical testing for consistency. Laboratory sample means above or below the overall sample mean, did not unequivocally reflect high or low reference intervals in that laboratory.

Conclusions
In spite of close analytical results, further standardization among laboratories is warranted. The discrepant reference intervals seem to largely reflect different populations used in establishing the reference intervals, rather than analytical variation due to different laboratory methods.
Acute appendicitis caused by endometriosis: a case report
Authors: Laskou Styliani , Papavramidis Theodossis S , Cheva Angeliki , Michalopoulos Nick , Koulouris Charilaos , Kesisoglou Isaak , Papavramidis Spiros 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Endometriosis is a well-recognized gynecological condition in the reproductive age group. Surgical texts present the gynecological aspects of the disease in detail, but the published literature on unexpected manifestations, such as appendiceal disease, is inadequate. The presentation to general surgeons may be atypical and pose diagnostic difficulty. Thus, a definitive diagnosis is likely to be established only by the histological examination of a specimen.

Case presentation
We report a case of endometriosis of the appendix in a 25-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis and was treated by appendectomy, which resulted in a good outcome.

Conclusions
We discuss special aspects of acute appendicitis caused by endometriosis to elucidate the pathologic entity of this variant of acute appendicitis.
Expression of MICA, MICB and NKG2D in human leukemic myelomonocytic and cervical cancer cells
Authors: Weiss-Steider Benny , Soto-Cruz Isabel , Martinez-Campos Christian A , Mendoza-Rincon Jorge Flavio 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Cancer cells are known to secrete the stress molecules MICA and MICB that activate cytotoxicity by lymphocytes and NK cells through their NKG2D receptor as a mechanism of immunological defense. This work was undertaken to evaluate if cancer cells can also express this receptor as a possible mechanisms of depletion of MIC molecules and thus interfere with their immune recognition.

Methods
Myelomonocytic leukemic (TPH-1 and U-937) and cervical cancer (CALO and INBL) cell lines were evaluated by Western Blot, ELISA, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry to evaluate their capacity to express and secrete MICA and MICB and to be induced to proliferate by these molecules as well as to express their receptor NKG2D. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA for time course analysis and Student's t-test for comparison between groups. Values were considered significantly different if p < 0.05.

Results
THP-1 and U-937 produce and secrete the stress MICA and MICB as shown by Western Blot of lysed cells and by ELISA of their conditioned media. By Western Blot and flow cytometry we found that these cells also express the receptor NKG2D. When THP-1 and U-937 were cultured with recombinant MICA and MICB they exhibited a dose dependent induction for their proliferation. CALO and INBL also produce MICA and MICB and were induced to proliferate by these stress molecules. By Western Blot, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry we also found that these cells express NKG2D.

Conclusions
Our novel results that tumor cells can simultaneously secrete MIC molecules and express their receptor, and to be induced for proliferation by these stress molecules, and that tumor epithelial cells can also express the NKG2D receptor that was thought to be exclusive of NK and cytotoxic lymphocytes is discussed as a possible mechanism of immunological escape and of tumor growth induction.
Low-Dose Decitabine Versus Best Supportive Care in Elderly Patients With Intermediate- or High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Ineligible for Intensive Chemotherapy: Final Results of the Randomized Phase III Study of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Leukemia Group and the German MDS Study Group
Authors: Lübbert Michael , Suciu Stefan , Baila Liliana , Rüter Björn Hans , Platzbecker Uwe , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Selleslag Dominik , Labar Boris , Germing Ulrich , Salih Helmut R. , Beeldens Filip , Muus Petra , Pflüger Karl-Heinz , Coens Corneel , Hagemeijer Anne , Eckart Schaefer Hans , Ganser Arnold , Aul Carlo , de Witte Theo , Wijermans Pierre W. 
Published: April 2011

Purpose To compare low-dose decitabine to best supportive care (BSC) in higher-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) age 60 years or older and ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Two-hundred thirty-three patients (median age, 70 years; range, 60 to 90 years) were enrolled; 53% had poor-risk cytogenetics, and the median MDS duration at random assignment was 3 months. Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Decitabine (15 mg/m2) was given intravenously over 4 hours three times a day for 3 days in 6-week cycles. Results OS prolongation with decitabine versus BSC was not statistically significant (median OS, 10.1 v 8.5 months, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.17; two-sided, log-rank P = .38). Progression-free survival (PFS), but not acute myeloid leukemia (AML) –free survival (AMLFS), was significantly prolonged with decitabine versus BSC (median PFS, 6.6 v 3.0 months, respectively; HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.88; P = .004; median AMLFS, 8.8 v 6.1 months, respectively; HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.12; P = .24). AML transformation was significantly (P = .036) reduced at 1 year (from 33% with BSC to 22% with decitabine). Multivariate analyses indicated that patients with short MDS duration had worse outcomes. Best responses with decitabine versus BSC, respectively, were as follows: complete response (13% v 0%), partial response (6% v 0%), hematologic improvement (15% v 2%), stable disease (14% v 22%), progressive disease (29% v 68%), hypoplasia (14% v 0%), and inevaluable (8% v 8%). Grade 3 to 4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 25% of patients on decitabine versus 7% of patients on BSC; grade 3 to 4 infections occurred in 57% and 52% of patients on decitabine and BSC, respectively. Decitabine treatment was associated with improvements in patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL) parameters. Conclusion Decitabine administered in 6-week cycles is active in older patients with higher-risk MDS, resulting in improvements of OS and AMLFS (nonsignificant), of PFS and AML transformation (significant), and of QOL. Short MDS duration was an independent adverse prognosticator.
Validation of a Novel Staging System for Disease-Specific Survival in Patients With Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Jeruss Jacqueline S. , Tucker Susan L. , Kolli Aparna , Newman Lisa A. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Sahin Aysegul A. , Cormier Janice N. , Buzdar Aman U. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Hunt Kelly K. 
Published: April 2011

Purpose We previously described a novel breast cancer staging system for assessing prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the basis of pretreatment clinical stage (CS), estrogen receptor status (E), grade (G), and post-treatment pathologic stage (PS). This clinical-pathologic stage (CPS) + EG staging system assigned and summed points for each factor, allowing for better determination of breast cancer–specific survival than CS or PS alone. The current study was undertaken to validate this staging system using internal and external cohorts. Methods We identified an internal cohort of 804 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy at our institution from 2003 to 2005 and an external cohort of 165 patients treated at another institution. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment regimens, and patient outcomes were assessed. Outcomes were stratified by CPS + EG score. Results Five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for the internal cohort was 77% (95% CI, 72 to 82) at a median follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 0.3 to 5.9 years). Five-year DSS for the external cohort was 86% (95% CI, 79 to 91) at a median follow-up of 4.7 years (range, 0.5 to 10.5 years). The ability of the CPS + EG score to stratify outcomes was confirmed in both the internal and external cohorts. Application of the CPS + EG staging system facilitated more refined categorization of patients into prognostic subgroups by outcome than presenting CS or final PS as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Conclusion The current study validates the CPS + EG staging system in two independent cohorts. We recommend that biologic markers and response to treatment be incorporated into revised versions of the AJCC staging system for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Ion Formation Processes in Laser Ablation of Multicomponent Inorganic Particles Relevant to Single Particle Laser Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosols
Authors: Yabushita Akihiro , Kinugawa Takashi , Narukawa Masahiro , Takahashi Kenshi , Kawasaki Masahiro , Matsumi Yutaka 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Nanosecond laser ablation and subsequent ion formation processes of submicron aerosol particles containing multicomponent ammonium and sodium salts relevant to atmospheric aerosols were studied using a laser-ionization single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer. In the case of ammonium salts, chemical species with a low ionization energy are predominately observed in the positive-ion mass spectra, while those having a high electron affinity are predominately observed in the negative-ion mass spectra. Dissociative electron attachment processes take place. However, as far as sodium salts are concerned, the energetically preferred ions are not necessarily dominant, and the ion formation processes are suggested to be more complex than the ammonium salts.
A Möbius Aromatic Pd(II) Complex of [28]Hexaphyrin(2.1.1.0.1.1)
Authors: Moriya Kohei , Yoneda Tomoki , Saito Shohei , Osuka Atsuhiro 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Pd(II) complex of [28]hexaphyrin(2.1.1.0.1.1) 5 was prepared in 36% yield from [26]hexaphyrin(2.1.1.0.1.1) 3 via reduction with NaBH4 and subsequent metalation of 4 with Pd(OAc)2 in the presence of triethylamine. This molecule constitutes the first example of Möbius aromatic species formed from expanded porphyrins other than the regular meso-aryl expanded porphyrins with the alternate arrangement of pyrroles and methine carbons.
Integrated Sequencing and Scheduling in Coil Coating
Authors: Höhn Wiebke , König Felix G. , Möhring Rolf H. , Lübbecke Marco E. 
Published: April 2011

We consider a complex planning problem in integrated steel production. A sequence of coils of sheet metal needs to be color coated in consecutive stages. Different coil geometries and changes of colors necessitate time-consuming setup work. In most coating stages one can choose between two parallel color tanks. This can either reduce the number of setups needed or enable setups concurrent with production. A production plan comprises the sequencing of coils and the scheduling of color tanks and setup work. The aim is to minimize the makespan for a given set of coils. We present an optimization model for this integrated sequencing and scheduling problem. A core component is a graph theoretical model for concurrent setup scheduling. It is instrumental for building a fast heuristic that is embedded into a genetic algorithm to solve the sequencing problem. The quality of our solutions is evaluated via an integer program based on a combinatorial relaxation, showing that our solutions are within 10% of the optimum. Our algorithm is implemented at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, a major German steel producer. This has led to an average reduction in makespan by over 13% and has greatly exceeded expectations. This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
Fund Flows, Performance, Managerial Career Concerns, and Risk Taking
Authors: Hu Ping , Kale Jayant R. , Pagani Marco , Subramanian Ajay 
Published: April 2011

We develop a unified model of the interactions among investors, fund companies, and fund managers. We show that the interplay between a manager's incentives from her compensation structure and career concerns leads to a nonmonotonic (approximately U-shaped) relation between her risk choices and prior performance relative to her peers. Significantly outperforming (underperforming) managers are less (more) likely to be fired in the future and are also more likely to increase relative risk. Ceteris paribus, relative risk declines with the level of employment risk faced by a manager. Using a large sample of mutual fund managers, we find strong support for the hypothesized U-shaped relation between relative risk and prior performance. Our findings also highlight the importance of employment risk as the underlying driver of risk shifting by fund managers. Our theoretical model also generates additional hypotheses that link determinants of the fund flow–performance relation and managers' employment risk to their risk-taking behavior. In support, our empirical analysis shows that funds with higher expense ratios have less convex fund flow–performance relations and less convex U-shaped relations between relative risk and prior performance; funds with younger managers, who face greater employment risk, have more convex U-shaped relative risk–prior performance relations; and managers in larger fund families have lower incentives to engage in risk shifting, thereby leading to a less convex U-shaped relation. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Capacity Investment Timing by Start-ups and Established Firms in New Markets
Authors: Swinney Robert , Cachon Gérard P. , Netessine Serguei 
Published: April 2011

We analyze the competitive capacity investment timing decisions of both established firms and start-ups entering new markets, which have a high degree of demand uncertainty. Firms may invest in capacity early (when uncertainty is high) or late (when uncertainty has been resolved), possibly at different costs. Established firms choose an investment timing and capacity level to maximize expected profits, whereas start-ups make those choices to maximize the probability of survival. When a start-up competes against an established firm, we find that when demand uncertainty is high and costs do not decline too severely over time, the start-up takes a leadership role and invests first in capacity, whereas the established firm follows; by contrast, when two established firms compete in an otherwise identical game, both firms invest late. We conclude that the threat of firm failure significantly impacts the dynamics of competition involving start-ups. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Entry and Patenting in the Software Industry
Authors: Cockburn Iain M. , MacGarvie Megan J. 
Published: April 2011

To what extent are firms kept out of a market by patents covering related technologies? Do patents held by potential entrants make it easier to enter markets? We estimate the empirical relationship between market entry and patents for 27 narrowly defined categories of software products during the period 1990–2004. Controlling for demand, market structure, average patent quality, and other factors, we find that a 10% increase in the number of patents relevant to market reduces the rate of entry by 3%–8%, and this relationship intensified following expansions in the patentability of software in the mid-1990s. However, potential entrants with patent applications relevant to a market are more likely to enter it. Finally, patents appear to substitute for complementary assets in the entry process, because patents have both greater entry-deterring and entry-promoting effects for firms without prior experience in other markets.This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Detection of HOXA9 gene methylation in tumor tissues and induced sputum samples from primary lung cancer patients
Authors: Hwang Sang-Hyun , Kim Ki Uk , Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Hyung-Hoi , Lee Min Ki , Lee Chang Hun , Lee Sang-Yull , Oh TaeJeong , An Sungwhan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths. Unfortunately, no effective early screening modality exists for lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HOXA9 promoter methylation in tissue and induced sputum samples from Korean patients with lung cancer.

Methods: Using pyrosequencing, HOXA9 methylation was analyzed for 40 pairs of primary lung cancer and normal tissues and 185 induced sputum specimens, including 76 patients with lung cancer.

Results: The methylation of HOXA9 in lung cancer tissue was significantly higher compared with normal tissues (67.4%±17.6% vs. 23.6%±10.3%, respectively; p<0.001). With a cut-off of >45.6% of HOXA9 gene methylation in tissues, the sensitivity was 90.5% and the specificity was 97.5%. In induced sputum specimens, the HOXA9 gene in lung cancer patients was significantly more hypermethylated compared with patients with benign lung diseases and the healthy group (23.4%±15.9%, 14.9%±7.9%, and 9.7%±5.0%, respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusions: The HOXA9 gene was hypermethylated in 32 of 40 tumors (80%), especially in early stages of lung cancer. HOXA9 methylation could be a potential biomarker to aid early detection and prognosis.
Modulation of fear memory by retrieval and extinction: a clue for memory deconsolidation
Authors: Hong Ingie , Kim Jeongyeon , Song Beomjong , Park Sungmo , Lee Junuk , Kim Jihye , An Bobae , Lee Sukwon , Choi Sukwoo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMemories are fragile and easily forgotten at first, but after a consolidation period of hours to weeks, are inscribed in our brains as stable traces, no longer vulnerable to conventional amnesic treatments. Retrieval of a memory renders it labile, akin to the early stages of consolidation. This phenomenon has been explored as memory reactivation, in the sense that the memory is temporarily ‘deconsolidated’, allowing a short time window for amnesic intervention. This window closes again after reconsolidation, which restores the stability of the memory. In contrast to this ‘transient deconsolidation’ and the short-spanned amnesic effects of consolidation blockers, some specific treatments can disrupt even consolidated memory, leading to apparent amnesia. We propose the term ‘amnesic deconsolidation’ to describe such processes that lead to disruption of consolidated memory and/or consolidated memory traces. We review studies of these ‘amnesic deconsolidation’ treatments that enhance memory extinction, alleviate relapse, and reverse learning-induced plasticity. The transient deconsolidation that memory retrieval induces and the amnesic deconsolidation that these regimes induce both seem to dislodge a component that stabilizes consolidated memory. Characterizing this component, at both molecular and network levels, will provide a key to developing clinical treatments for memory-related disorders and to defining the consolidated memory trace.