bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salinity changes in the Agulhas leakage area recorded by stable hydrogen isotopes of C37 alkenones during Termination I and II
Authors: Kasper S. , van der Meer M. T. J. , Mets A. , Zahn R. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , Schouten S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. At the southern tip of the African shelf, the Agulhas Current reflects back into the Indian Ocean causing so called "Agulhas rings" to spin off and release relatively warm and saline water into the South Atlantic Ocean. Previous reconstructions of the dynamics of the Agulhas current, based on paleo sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity proxies, inferred that Agulhas leakage from the Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic is reduced as a consequence of changes in wind fields related to a northwards migration of ice masses and the subtropical front during glacial stages. Subsequently, this might have led to a build-up of warm saline water in the southern Indian Ocean. To investigate this latter hypothesis, we reconstructed sea surface salinity changes using alkenone δ D, and paleo sea surface temperature using TEXH86 and UK'37, from two sediment cores (MD02-2594, MD96-2080) located in the Agulhas leakage area during Termination I and II. Both UK'37 and TEXH86 temperature reconstructions infer an abrupt warming during the glacial terminations, which is different from the gradual warming trend previously reconstructed based on Mg/Ca ratios of Globigerina bulloides. These differences in temperature reconstructions might be related to differences in the growth season or depth habitat between organisms. A shift to more negative δ Dalkenone values of approximately 14‰ during glacial Termination I and approximately 13‰ during Termination II is also observed. Approximately half of these shifts can be attributed to the change in global ice volume, while the residual isotopic shift is attributed to changes in salinity, suggesting relatively high salinities at the core sites during glacials, with subsequent freshening during glacial terminations. Approximate estimations suggest that δ Dalkenone represents a salinity change of ca. 1.7–2 during Termination I and ca. 1.5–1.7 during Termination II. These estimations are in good agreement with the proposed changes in salinity derived from previously reported combined planktonic foraminifera δ18O values and Mg/Ca-based temperature reconstructions. Our results show that the δ D of alkenones is a potentially suitable tool to reconstruct salinity changes independent of planktonic foraminifera δ18O.
Assessing the impact of Laurentide Ice-Sheet topography on glacial climate
Authors: Ullman D. J. , LeGrande A. N. , Carlson A. E. , Anslow F. S. , Licciardi J. M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Simulations of past climates require altered boundary conditions to account for known shifts in the Earth system. For the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and subsequent deglaciation, the existence of large Northern Hemisphere ice sheets provides a profound change in surface topography and albedo. While ice-sheet extent is fairly well known, numerous conflicting reconstructions of ice-sheet topography suggest that precision in this boundary condition is lacking. Here we use a high-resolution and oxygen-isotope-enabled fully-coupled global circulation model (GCM) (GISS ModelE2-R), along with two different reconstructions of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) that provide maximum and minimum estimates of LIS elevation, to assess the range of climate variability in response to uncertainty in this boundary condition. We present this comparison at two equilibrium time slices: the LGM, where differences in ice sheet topography are maximized, and 14 ka, where differences in maximum ice sheet height are smaller but still exist. Overall, we find significant differences in the climate response to LIS topography, with the larger LIS resulting in enhanced Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and warmer surface air temperatures, particularly over Northeast Asia and the North Pacific. These up and downstream effects are associated with differences in the development of planetary waves in the upper atmosphere, with the larger LIS resulting in a weaker trough over Northeast Asia that leads to the warmer temperatures and decreased albedo from snow and sea-ice cover. Differences between the 14 ka simulations are similar in spatial extent but smaller in magnitude, suggesting that climate is responding primarily to the larger difference in maximum LIS elevation in the LGM simulations. These results suggest that such uncertainty in ice-sheet boundary conditions alone may greatly impact the results of paleoclimate simulations and their ability to successfully simulate past climates, with implications for estimating climate sensitivity to greenhouse gas forcing utilizing past climate states.
Dispersion of tsunamis: does it really matter?
Authors: Glimsdal S. , Pedersen G. K. , Harbitz C. B. , Løvholt F.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This article focuses on the effect of dispersion in the field of tsunami modeling. Frequency dispersion in the linear long-wave limit is first briefly discussed from a theoretical point of view. A single parameter, denoted as "dispersion time", for the integrated effect of frequency dispersion is identified. This parameter depends on the wavelength, the water depth during propagation, and the propagation distance or time. Also the role of long-time asymptotes is discussed in this context. The wave generation by the two main tsunami sources, namely earthquakes and landslides, are briefly discussed with formulas for the surface response to the bottom sources. Dispersive effects are then exemplified through a semi-idealized study of a moderate-strength inverse thrust fault. Emphasis is put on the directivity, the role of the "dispersion time", the significance of the Boussinesq model employed (dispersive effect), and the effects of the transfer from bottom sources to initial surface elevation. Finally, the experience from a series of case studies, including earthquake- and landslide-generated tsunamis, is presented. The examples are taken from both historical (e.g. the 2011 Japan tsunami and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami) and potential tsunamis (e.g. the tsunami after the potential La Palma volcanic flank collapse). Attention is mainly given to the role of dispersion during propagation in the deep ocean and the way the accumulation of this effect relates to the "dispersion time". It turns out that this parameter is useful as a first indication as to when frequency dispersion is important, even though ambiguity with respect to the definition of the wavelength may be a problem for complex cases. Tsunamis from most landslides and moderate earthquakes tend to display dispersive behavior, at least in some directions. On the other hand, for the mega events of the last decade dispersion during deep water propagation is mostly noticeable for transoceanic propagation.
2001–2010 glacier changes in the Central Karakoram National Park: a contribution to evaluate the magnitude and rate of the "Karakoram anomaly"
Authors: Minora U. , Bocchiola D. , D'Agata C. , Maragno D. , Mayer C. , Lambrecht A. , Mosconi B. , Vuillermoz E. , Senese A. , Compostella C. , Smiraglia C. , Diolaiuti G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Karakoram is one of the most glacierized region worldwide, and glaciers therein are the main water resource of Pakistan. The attention paid to this area is increasing, because the evolution of its glaciers recently depicted a situation of general stability, known as "Karakoram Anomaly", in contrast to glacier retreat worldwide. Here we focused our attention upon the glacier evolution within the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP, a newborn park of this region, ca. 12 162 km2 in area) to assess the magnitude and rate of such anomaly. By means of Remote Sensing data (i.e.: Landsat images), we analyzed a sample of more than 700 glaciers, and we found out their area change between 2001 and 2010 is not significant (+27 km2 ± 42 km2), thus confirming their stationarity. We analyzed climate data, snow coverage from MODIS, and supraglacial debris presence, as well as potential (con-) causes. We found a slight decrease of summer temperatures (down to −1.5 °C during 1980–2009) and an increase of wet days during winter (up +3.3 days yr−1 during 1980–2009), possibly increasing snow cover duration, consistently with MODIS data. We further detected considerable supra-glacial debris coverage (ca. 20% of the glacier area which rose up to 31% considering only the ablation area), which could have reduced buried ice melting during the last decade. These results provide further ground to uphold the existence of the Karakoram Anomaly, and present an useful template for assessment of water availability within the glaciers of the CKNP.
Saliva CA125 and TPS Levels in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Geng Xue-fei , Du Meng , Han Jing-xiu , Zhang Min , Tang Xiao-fei , Xing Ru-dong
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To determine the levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS) in saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and patients with nonneoplastic disease of the oral cavity, and to investigate their diagnostic value and their relationship with pathological grade and clinical stage.

Methods

A total of 97 hospitalized patients with OSCC, 36 patients with nonneoplastic disease of the oral cavity and 50 healthy individuals were included in this investigation. Mixed saliva was collected from these patients and the healthy controls before treatment. Saliva samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The saliva CA125 and TPS concentrations were significantly higher in patients with OSCC than in patients with nonneoplastic disease and healthy controls, but not significantly different between patients with nonneoplastic disease and controls. Neither the saliva CA125 nor the TPS level was correlated with pathological grade and clinical stage. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of saliva CA125 and TPS for the diagnosis of OSCC were 80.0%, 66.0%, 75.7%, and 82.1%, 74.0%, 79.3%, respectively. When CA125 and TPS were analyzed independently, there was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between the two markers. When CA125 and TPS were analyzed in combination, there was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between independent detection and combined detection.

Conclusions

The saliva CA125 and TPS concentrations were elevated in patients with OSCC. CA125 and TPS may prove to be useful tumor markers in OSCC.
Expression of ABCG2 Associated with Tumor Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving First-line FOLFOX Therapy – Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Lin Pei-Ching , Lin Hung-Hsin , Lin Jen-Kou , Lin Chun-Chi , Yang Shung-Haur , Li Anna Fen-Yau , Chen Wei-Shone , Chang Shih-Ching
Published: June 2013

Purpose

We retrospectively analyzed ABCG2 expression levels in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) to investigate the interaction between ABCG2 expression and the tumor response to oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX).

Methods

Forty-three patients with CRC with liver metastasis who received first-line FOLFOX treatment at our institution between 2008 and 2010 were enrolled. ABCG2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Tumor response was determined using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria.

Results

At least 50% tumor shrinkage was observed in 16/43 patients (37.2%), including a complete response in 1 patient. According to the intensity of ABCG2 expression and the percentage of tumor cells expressing ABCG2, 21 tumors displayed high ABCG2 expression. Among these tumors, only 2 (9.5%) exhibited partial responses to FOLFOX; conversely, 63.6% of tumors with low ABCG2 expression (14/22) responded to FOLFOX. Primary and corresponding metastatic samples were available for 15 patients, and 13 of the metastatic tumors had higher ABCG2 expression than the corresponding primary tumors, but only 1 of these tumors responded to FOLFOX (7.7%).

Conclusions

ABCG2 expression is associated with the tumor response to FOLFOX in patients with metastatic CRC. ABCG2 may be a selective marker for the efficacy of FOLFOX in treating CRC.
DKK-1 in Serum as a Clinical and Prognostic Factor in Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jiang Tao , Huang Ling , Zhang Shulan
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) is involved in osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer development and can become a potential therapeutic target of these diseases. The different expression of DKK-1 in different cancers shows that the function of DKK-1 depends on the histological type of the cancer cells and the tissue microenvironment. Because DKK-1 is a secreted protein, we investigated whether it could be found in the serum of patients with cervical cancer.

Study design

The expression of DKK-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the serum of 60 healthy women, 60 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 156 patients with cervical cancer. Detailed treatment information of all 156 patients with cervical cancer and exhaustive follow-up data of 138 patients were collected.

Results

The levels of serum DKK-1 were significantly increased in patients with cervical cancer (11.90 [SD, 17.28] μg/mL) compared with healthy women (1.48 [SD, 1.86] μg/mL) and patients with CIN (4.77 [SD, 10.24] μg/mL) (p=0.00, p=0.00). The expression of DKK-1 in serum was correlated with lymphatic metastasis and tumor diameter in cervical carcinoma and associated with the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.

Conclusions

DKK-1 detection with ELISA as a biological marker can be used for the detection and diagnosis of cervical carcinoma. DKK-1 in serum is a good predictor of poor prognosis in patients with cervical cancer.
Hypoxia Regulation of Phosphokinases and the Prognostic Value of pAKT in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wennemers Marloes , Stegeman Hanneke , Bussink Johan , Versleijen-Jonkers Yvonne M.H. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W.M , Raleigh James A. , Varia Mahesh A. , Sweep Fred C.G.J. , Span Paul N.
Published: June 2013

Tumor hypoxia results in poor treatment response and is an indicator of poor outcome in cancer patients. TRIB3 is a hypoxia-upregulated protein involved in the ability of breast cancer cells to survive in hypoxic conditions. It is also involved in the prognosis of cancer patients, possibly by affecting several kinase-signaling pathways. We set out to establish which kinase-signaling pathways are regulated by hypoxia and whether these kinases are relevant for breast cancer prognosis. Using a phosphokinase antibody array comparing cells cultured under hypoxic conditions with those cultured during normoxia, we found that the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2, AKT, p70 S6 kinase, Lck and STAT3 was altered in both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Using Western blotting, we found that phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) increased in hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of TRIB3 attenuated this effect of hypoxia on AKT activation. Both pAKT and TRIB3 were expressed in pimonidazole-positive, hypoxic areas of human breast cancer tumors. In breast cancer patients significantly lower 5-year disease-free survival was observed for the pAKT-positive compared to the pAKT-negative group (64.6% vs 86.1%, p=0.03).

In conclusion, the phosphorylation status of AKT is increased in hypoxic conditions and TRIB3 knockdown attenuates this response. Furthermore, pAKT expression denotes a worse prognosis in breast cancer patients. The hypoxia-related activation of AKT could explain the resistance to various treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Cytometric Profiling of CD133+ Cells in Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines Identifies a Common core Phenotype and Cell Type-specific Mosaics
Authors: Gemei Marica , Di Noto Rosa , Mirabelli Peppino , Del Vecchio Luigi
Published: June 2013

In colorectal cancer, CD133+ cells from fresh biopsies proved to be more tumorigenic than their CD133– counterparts. Nevertheless, the function of CD133 protein in tumorigenic cells seems only marginal. Moreover, CD133 expression alone is insufficient to isolate true cancer stem cells, since only 1 out of 262 CD133+ cells actually displays stem-cell capacity. Thus, new markers for colorectal cancer stem cells are needed. Here, we show the extensive characterization of CD133+ cells in 5 different colon carcinoma continuous cell lines (HT29, HCT116, Caco2, GEO and LS174T), each representing a different maturation level of colorectal cancer cells. Markers associated with stemness, tumorigenesis and metastatic potential were selected. We identified 6 molecules consistently present on CD133+ cells: CD9, CD29, CD49b, CD59, CD151, and CD326. By contrast, CD24, CD26, CD54, CD66c, CD81, CD90, CD99, CD112, CD164, CD166, and CD200 showed a discontinuous behavior, which led us to identify cell type-specific surface antigen mosaics. Finally, some antigens, e.g. CD227, indicated the possibility of classifying the CD133+ cells into 2 subsets likely exhibiting specific features. This study reports, for the first time, an extended characterization of the CD133+ cells in colon carcinoma cell lines and provides a “dictionary” of antigens to be used in colorectal cancer research.
EED Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Seo Geom Seog , Yu Ji-In , Chae Soo-Cheon , Park Won Cheol , Shin Sae Ron , Yoo Seung Taek , Choi Suck Chei , Lee Sung Hee
Published: June 2013

Background

Our previous work indicated that, first, the embryonic ectoderm development (EED) gene is a candidate gene associated with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and, second, that the haplotypes of the EED polymorphism are one of the markers for UC susceptibility. The risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) increases in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Aim

The present study aimed at determining the association between polymorphisms in the EED gene and CRC.

Methods

Genotype analysis of EED single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed with high-resolution melting analysis, and the genotype and allele frequencies of the EED SNPs were compared between CRC patients and healthy controls. The haplotype frequencies of EED for multiple loci were estimated using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm.

Results

Our study had a power of 76.6% at a 0.05 significance level. Genotype and allele frequencies of the SNPs and haplotype frequencies of the EED gene in CRC patients were not significantly different from those in healthy controls. Only the allele frequency of g.-1850G>C in the rectal cancer (RC) patient group was significantly different from that of the control group (p=0.04). Similarly, the genotype and allelic frequencies of the EED SNPs for either tumor site (left or right) or tumor stage were not significantly different from those in healthy controls. However, our data show an association between the g.-993G>C polymorphism in the EED gene and the presence of lymph node metastasis in CRC.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the SNPs of the EED gene might not be associated with susceptibility to CRC. However, this study shows that the allele frequency of g.-1850G>C in the RC patient group was significantly different from that in the control group (p=0.04) and that g.-993G>C may play a role in the lymph node metastatic process of CRC.
Status of Oral Ulcerative Mucositis and Biomarkers to Monitor Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Effects in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Loo Wings TY , Liu Qing , Yip Michael CW , Wang Min , Chow Louis WC , Cheung Mary NB , Yip Adrian YS , Ng Elizabeth LY
Published: June 2013

Background

This study was designed to assess oral ulcerative mucositis, C-reactive protein, blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function in breast cancer patients in relation to the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

A total of 120 female breast cancer patients and women 100 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. PTSD status was assessed by questionnaire. Before and after treatment (modified radical mastectomy and chemotherapy), serum samples were collected and measured for levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) by ELISA. Oral ulcerative mucositis was evaluated by the number and duration of oral ulcers and the degree of pain.

Results

Breast cancer patients experienced long-term PTSD and had elevated serum T3 and T4 levels. Patients experienced more severe pain and longer duration of oral ulcers compared with the healthy group. Oral ulcers were significantly associated with PTSD score in terms of the number of ulcers (p=0.0025), the degree of pain (p<0.0001) and the duration of ulcers (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

These findings support that thyroid function is altered in breast cancer patients with PTSD. Elevation of T3 and T4 and oral ulcerative mucositis might be indicative of the emotional status of breast cancer patients.
New Developments in Breast Cancer Prognosis: Molecular Predictors of Treatment Response and Survival
Authors: Foo Eleanor MN , Boost Maureen V , Wong Anthony SW , Loo Wings TY , Chow Louis WC , Chow Christopher YC
Published: June 2013

Aim

This study aimed to assess the molecular subtypes of breast cancer for patients attending a dedicated breast care center and examine the association with clinicopathological features, treatment and survival outcomes.

Methods

Demographic, clinicopathological and treatment details were collected from women with primary breast cancer. Immunohistochemical subtypes were also collected. The association between breast cancer subtypes and clinicopathological features was assessed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Survival outcomes were compared among subtypes with the log-rank test.

Results

Immunohistochemical subtypes were not associated with tumor size, lymphovascular invasion or lymph node involvement but differed by histological grade (p=0.014) and nuclear grade of tumors (p=0.001). The 5-year overall survival estimates for luminal A, luminal B, HER-2-positive and triple-negative tumors were 100%, 96.2%, 71.4% and 92.3% respectively. Compared to luminal A tumors (93.4%), luminal B (80.8%), HER-2-positive (71.4%) and triple-negative (76.9%) tumors exhibited a reduced disease-free survival (DFS). Patients with ER-positive tumors had a higher DFS than their ER-negative counterparts (p=0.036). Patients with tumors expressing a low Ki-67 level had a more favorable prognosis (p=0.02).

Conclusions

The most prevalent luminal A subtype is associated with relatively better prognosis, whereas HER-2-positive and triple-negative tumors are prone to early relapse with diminished survival.
Procalcitonin in Abdominal Exudate to Predict Prolonged Postoperative Ileus following Colorectal Carcinoma Surgery
Authors: Zhu Pengcheng , Liang Zhonglin , Fu Jihong , Chen Wei , Wang Zhongchuan , Jiang Honghua , Cui Long
Published: June 2013

Background

Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is a common problem after major abdominal surgery and can cause postoperative morbidity, extended hospitalization, as well as increased health care costs.

Aim

To investigate whether the levels of cytokines from abdominal exudate are predictive for early diagnosis of PPOI after colorectal surgery.

Methods

One hundred patients who had undergone elective resection for carcinoma of the sigmoid or rectum were recruited. The abdominal exudate was obtained from a drain tube after surgery to examine the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The relationship between cytokine levels on postoperative day 1, 3 and 5 and the occurrence of PPOI was analyzed.

Results

Eight patients developed PPOI, which was diagnosed on postoperative day 10-15. PCT levels on postoperative day 1 and 3 were not significantly different between the 8 patients who developed PPOI and the 92 patients without PPOI. In contrast, PCT levels on day 5 were significantly higher in patients who developed PPOI than in patients without PPOI. The levels of CRP and TNF-α were irregular from day 1 to 5, and were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Increased PCT levels in abdominal exudate may predict PPOI in the early period following colorectal surgery.
Aberrant Promoter Methylation of PTEN Gene among Indian Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alyasiri Nisreen S. , Ali Asgar , Kazim Zakia , Gupta Sunita , Mandal Ashish K. , Singh Ishwar , Rizvi Moshahid A.
Published: June 2013

Background and aims

Oral cancer is the second most common cancer in men and accounts for 50%-70% of the total cancer mortality in India. PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a critical role in controlling cell growth and survival. Promoter hypermethylation of the PTEN gene has been reported in many tumors. However, little is known about the association between promoter methylation and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, we aimed to detect the role of PTEN hypermethylation in OSCC patients in the Indian population.

Methods

Genomic DNA was isolated from 100 fresh oral tumor specimens and was subjected to bisulfite conversion. Methylation-specific PCR was employed on the converted DNA to investigate the methylation status.

Results

Of the total cases examined for PTEN promoter methylation we found that 35% were positive and 65% were negative. When evaluated in connection with tumor differentiation it was found that 82% of poorly differentiated, 24% of moderately differentiated and 32% of well differentiated OSCC samples were methylated. Methylation was further correlated with patient age, sex and tumor grade. Interestingly, we found that patient age and grade of differentiation were significantly associated with PTEN promoter methylation (p=0.05 and 0.0019, respectively) while sex was not (p=0.9).

Conclusions

The present study underlines the importance of PTEN hypermethylation among Indian OSCC patients.
Detection of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen with Two Systems in the follow-up of Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Sandri Maria T. , Salvatici Michela , Mauro Cristian , Radice Davide , Lentati Paola , Massaro Maria A. , Boveri Sara , Zorzino Laura , Landoni Fabio
Published: June 2013

Since squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) testing became commercially available on the Architect platform, the previously established method on the Abbott IMx platform has been progressively replaced. Aim of this work was to compare SCC-Ag values obtained with the 2 methods. Clinical and laboratory data of 188 patients for whom SCC-Ag determination was requested, were reviewed. IMx was used to determine the levels of SCC-Ag from June 2007 to May 2009, while the Architect system was used from June 2009 to April 2011. Only patients consistently diagnosed with no evidence of disease, for whom at least 2 determinations with each analyzer were available were used. Comparison of the results obtained with the 2 systems was then performed. Mean values for SCC-Ag were 0.56 ng/mL (Standard Error (SE): 0.08) with the IMx method, and 1.08 ng/mL (SE 0.10) with Architect (p<0.0001). False positive results were found in 4.8% of patients with the IMx method and in 9.5% of patients with Architect (p=0.049). The values of SCC-Ag determined on the Architect platform are higher than those obtained on the IMx, with a higher percentage of false positive results.
αB-Crystallin Expression is Correlated with Phospho-ERK1/2 Expression in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: van de Schootbrugge Chantal , van Asten Freekje , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Versleijen-Jonkers Yvonne M. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W.M. , Roeffen Melissa H. , Sweep Fred C.G.J. , Bussink Johan , Kaanders Johannes H.A.M. , Pruijn Ger J.M. , Boelens Wilbert C. , Span Paul N.
Published: June 2013

αB-crystallin is regarded as a biomarker for triple-negative and/or basal-like breast cancer. In normal breast cells, over-expression of αB-crystallin leads to neoplastic-like changes, which likely relate to enhanced expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). In this study, we investigated whether αB-crystallin expression is correlated to pERK1/2 expression in breast cancer. In a balanced tissue microarray the expression of αB-crystallin and pERK1/2 kinase were determined immunohistochemically, together with the triple-negativity and basal-like markers CK5/6 and SMA and the signaling molecules pAKT, pmTOR, EGFR, and IGF-1R. αB-crystallin expression significantly correlated with triple negativity and basal-like markers CK5/6 and SMA (Pearson Chi-square test p=0.004, p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). A significant correlation was also observed with pERK1/2 expression (p=0.002). siRNA-mediated knockdown of αB-crystallin in the triple-negative breast cell line MDA-MB468 did not show an effect on pERK1/2 expression levels, indicating that lowering the level of αB-crystallin does not reduce pERK1/2 expression. Our results confirm that αB-crystallin can be used as a biomarker for triple-negative and/or basal-like breast cancer. The expression of αB-crystallin correlates with pERK1/2 expression in breast cancer tissue suggesting that therapies targeting αB-crystallin might be considered for treatment of triple-negative or basal-like breast cancer.
Expression of Clock Genes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Karantanos Theodoros , Theodoropoulos George , Gazouli Maria , Vaiopoulou Anna , Karantanou Christina , Lymberi Maria , Pektasides Dimitrios
Published: June 2013

Recent studies have demonstrated the influence of clock genes in cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis and DNA damage recognition and repair. There is evidence suggesting the implication of clock genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression levels of clock genes in CRC and correlate them with patients' prognosis. Forty-two CRC samples (from 24 males and 18 females), their paired noncancerous tissues and 8 biopsies from healthy individuals were included. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to examine the expression levels of CLOCK1, BMAL1, PER1, PER2 and PER3 genes in all the samples. In the cancerous tissues CLOCK1 (p<0.0001) and BMAL1 (p<0.0001) expression levels were higher, while PER1 (p<0.0024) and PER3 (p<0.0001) expression levels were lower compared to matched healthy tissues. No difference was observed in the expression levels of PER2 (p=0.99). No correlation was found between clock gene expression and patients' clinicopathological characteristics or prognosis. The results suggest abnormal expression of CLOCK1, BMAL1, PER1 and PER3 genes in CRC but no correlation with patients' prognosis.
The Ethics of History in Royce's The Spirit of Modern Philosophy
Authors: Harrelson Kevin J.
Published: June 2013

This essay examines the method and context that underlie Josiah Royce's The Spirit of Modern Philosophy (SMP). I locate this work among Royce's German influences, and I argue that SMP represents a considerable departure from his early Neo-Kantianism. In the concluding sections, I outline the ethical approach to historiography that Royce practices in SMP. Focusing on his polemic against Hans Vaihinger, I then draw from Royce some suggestions concerning how we should study and write the history of philosophy.
Sallis on Deuteros Plous: The Philosopher as Voyager
Authors: Freydberg Bernard
Published: June 2013

Among the recurrent themes of John Sallis's Plato interpretation, the Socratic deuteros plous or “second sailing” occupies a major place. First treated by both Plato and Sallis in the Phaedo, the “second” acknowledges the impossibility for humans of a first voyage that would disclose the causes of all things in their originality. This essay is divided into four sections: (1) Sallis's reflections on the Phaedo, in which Socrates calls eikē phuro, “random mixing,” his only method; (2) his incorporation of Derridean themes into his reflections on deuteros plous, leading to his insights into a destabilizing in the very nature of logos; (3) his treatment of deuteros plous in Chorology, where he attests to the closing of access to a “first” beginning; and (4) his treatment of a nature in Force of Imagination and Topographies that remains inaccessible in its “first” form but occurs as immense and monstrous. In the conclusion, I return these interpretive developments to another of Sallis's guiding themes.
Representações sociais dos surdos do curso de graduação em letras-libras
Authors: Costa Simone Saldanha Carneiro , Kelman Celeste Azulay
Published: June 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X5451 Foi realizada uma pesquisa cujo objetivo principal era analisar as representações sociais dos alunos Surdos e profissionais do curso de graduação em Letras- Libras-Educação a Distância – Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) sobre o aluno surdo. Neste artigo destacamos um dos instrumentos utilizados: o questionário aplicado aos alunos surdos do curso. Trazemos para reflexão os resultados sobre as representações sociais que os Surdos têm sobre si mesmos e as representações sociais dos Surdos sobre sua situação educacional. Os resultados mostram ainda a importância da educação bilíngue para o Surdo e que esse modelo de curso os fazem sentir valorizados, capazes e iguais. Assim, a educação bilíngue é capaz de promover mudanças nas representações que os surdos têm sobre si mesmos e sobre sua própria aprendizagem. Palavras-chave: Surdos. Ensino superior. Bilinguismo. Língua de sinais.
Consciência fonológica e aprendizagem da linguagem escrita em crianças com Síndrome de Down nas pesquisas brasileiras
Authors: Barby Ana Aparecida Machado , Guimarães Sandra Regina Kirchner
Published: June 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X6687A existência de relação positiva entre a consciência fonológica e a aprendizagem da escrita em crianças com Síndrome de Down tem sido relatada por pesquisas brasileiras nos últimos anos. Este estudo teve por objetivo apresentar os resultados da investigação de teses, dissertações e artigos científicos que abordaram esta temática no período de 1995 a 2011, disponíveis nas bases de dados Lilacs, Scielo e Banco de Teses do Portal Capes. Para a realização das buscas foram utilizadas as expressões “síndrome de down” conjuntamente com “leitura e escrita”, “consciência fonológica”, “alfabetização fônica”, “fonologia”, “habilidades metafonológicas” e nos trabalhos identificados pelo título e/ou palavras-chave foram analisados os resumos. A partir dos resultados encontrados, foram identificadas 3 dissertações e 2 teses defendidas em programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação, Linguística, Psicologia e Educação Especial. Também foi possível localizar 6 artigos, publicados nas revistas: CEFAC, Psicologia: Reflexão Crítica, Pró-Fono: Revista de Atualização Científica e Revista de Educação Especial de Santa Maria. Concluiu-se que todos os estudos apontaram a existência de uma relação positiva entre o desenvolvimento da consciência fonológica e a aprendizagem da leitura e escrita em indivíduos com Síndrome de Down. Porém, as pesquisas sobre a temática ainda são pouco numerosas e recentes, sobretudo, as que avaliam a aplicação de programas de intervenção. Palavras-chave: Síndrome de Down; leitura e escrita; consciência fonológica.
Editorial – Revista Educação Especial
Authors: Naujorks Maria Inês
Published: June 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X9100
Ontological Empowerment: Sustainability via Ownership
Authors: Greenberg Jane , Murillo Angela , Kunze John A
Published: June 2013

Positive impacts associated with urban housing/home ownership programs motivate us to study this topic in relation to ontologies. This paper reviews ontological dependence and presents early work underway in the DataONE Preservation and Metadata Working Group (PAMWG) to collectively leverage existing metadata schemes and ontologies. The paper introduces a high-level set of functional requirements and the stackoverflow model that may be used detect highly rated metadata or ontological properties to from a loose cannon for describing scientific data. The long term goal is to establish community identity and rhythm supporting a sustainable ontology/metadata driven workflow.
Complications in Climate Data Classification: The Political and Cultural Production of Variable Names
Authors: Weber Nicholas M , Thomer Andrea K , Strand Gary
Published: June 2013

Model intercomparison projects are a unique and highly specialized form of data—intensive collaboration in the earth sciences. Typically, a set of pre‐determined boundary conditions (scenarios) are agreed upon by a community of model developers that then test and simulate each of those scenarios with individual ‘runs’ of a climate model. Because both the human expertise, and the computational power needed to produce an intercomparison project are exceptionally expensive, the data they produce are often archived for the broader climate science community to use in future research. Outside of high energy physics and astronomy sky surveys, climate modeling intercomparisons are one of the largest and most rapid methods of producing data in the natural sciences (Overpeck et al., 2010).

But, like any collaborative eScience project, the discovery and broad accessibility of this data is dependent on classifications and categorizations in the form of structured metadata—namely the Climate and Forecast (CF) metadata standard, which provides a controlled vocabulary to normalize the naming of a dataset’s variables. Intriguingly, the CF standard’s original publication notes, “…conventions have been developed only for things we know we need. Instead of trying to foresee the future, we have added features as required and will continue to do this” (Gregory, 2003). Yet, qualitatively we’ve observed that  this is not the case; although the time period of intercomparison projects remains stable (2-3 years), the scale and complexity of models and their output continue to grow—and thus, data creation and variable names consistently outpace the ratification of CF.

 
L’action syndicale à l’international vue du Sud : du global au local ou du local au global?
Authors: Adanhounme Armel Brice , Lévesque Christian
Published: June 2013

Ce texte propose une relecture du débat sur l’action syndicale à l’international entre la construction de coalitions globales et le développement de réseaux locaux. Il se base sur le récit des représentants syndicaux du secteur minier au Ghana et au Mexique. Les stratégies syndicales sont saisies sous les trois dimensions analytiques que sont les espaces de l’action syndicale à l’international, les modes d’interaction et le cadre de référence. L’objectif de l’article vise à comprendre comment les syndicats nationaux naviguent entre le local et le global, et les facteurs qui les poussent et les attirent vers les espaces transnationaux.

Alors que les deux syndicats sont engagés dans un processus de renouvellement de leur action, leur stratégie transnationale diffère : les Ghanéens sont engagés dans le développement de nouvelles aptitudes et de nouveaux savoir-faire et les Mexicains dans la construction des coalitions. Ces constats suggèrent que l’action syndicale à l’international est fonction des contingences nationales. Primo, le syndicat ghanéen intervient surtout au niveau continental africain et privilégie le développement des compétences locales et nationales. De son côté, le syndicat mexicain est présent aussi bien au niveau continental nord-américain que transnational, notamment dans des campagnes de solidarité. Secundo, les Ghanéens entretiennent de faibles liens avec les autres syndicats. De l’autre, les Mexicains sont engagés dans un large répertoire d’action avec les syndicats nord-américains et les fédérations internationales. Tertio, les Ghanéens conçoivent leurs intérêts sur la base d’une forte identité clanique et définissent leur engagement international en termes de ressources. Pour leur part, les Mexicains bâtissent des coalitions transnationales sur la base d’une identité de classe.

Allant au-delà de la dichotomie entre le local et le global, les stratégies syndicales à l’international sont socialement construites et localement enracinées. Elles s’expliquent par la dynamique de l’économie politique dans laquelle se trouvent insérés ces syndicats et les structures d’opportunité transnationale à leur portée.
Globalization, Restructuring and Unions: Transnational Co-ordination and Varieties of Labour Engagement
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Lucio Miguel Martínez , Walker Steve
Published: June 2013

This paper considers the various ways in which unions respond to transnational restructuring in their longer-term planning and at different levels of action. To this extent, it avoids simply falling into a workplace-based view of mobilizing, or a national and state level view of union lobbying and mobilizing, but instead looks at how different (multi) levels of union action develop (or otherwise) a portfolio of sustainable longer term planning approaches. More concretely, it examines the way that unions activate their learning capacity at various levels in order to develop and use coordination and networking to respond to transnational restructuring. We approach restructuring not only from the point of view of unions’ external organizational relations (employers, members, community, etc.), but also their internal organizational requirements and relations that build a more proactive union response.

To reframe the context in which union coordination capability is built up, transnational restructuring should be examined. We start from a conceptual distinction between “influencing” (external) and “communication” (internal) union strategies. Specifically, four different strategies, which take place at different levels of union action, are identified and presented in the paper. They reflect different dimensions of coordination as a feature of long term union learning and preparation in relation to restructuring: (1) lobbying and campaigning to influence the macro-level regulatory environment; (2) organizing and coordinating action in relation to influencing micro-level change; (3) developing informational and learning strategies about skills and training development to prepare individuals for negotiating change at the micro-level; and (4) developing communication and exchange of information with each other to create greater levels of awareness and focus in relation to restructuring at the macro-level.

Conclusions identify that the structure and content of union coordination in the context of cross-border restructuring is a complex issue that cannot be reduced to simple historical binaries of bureaucracy-activist or employer facing versus membership facing. Our findings demonstrate that coordination works across various sets of dimensions (i.e. “influencing” and “communicating”), relations (internal and external) and levels (i.e. micro and macro). Therefore, it requires complex sets of organization and agendas.
The changing epidemiology of the global paediatric HIV epidemic: keeping track of perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents
Authors: Sohn Annette H , Hazra Rohan
Published: June 2013

The global paediatric HIV epidemic is shifting into a new phase as children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) move into adolescence and adulthood, and face new challenges of living with HIV. UNAIDS reports that 3.4 million children aged below 15 years and 2 million adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years have HIV. Although the vast majority of children were perinatally infected, older children are combined with behaviourally infected adolescents and youth in global reporting, making it difficult to keep track of their outcomes. Perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents (PHIVA) are a highly unique patient sub‐population, having been infected before development of their immune systems, been subject to suboptimal ART options and formulations, and now face transition from complete dependence on adult caregivers to becoming their own caregivers. As we are unable to track long‐term complications and survival of PHIVA through national and global reporting systems, local and regional cohorts are the main sources for surveillance and research among PHIVA. This global review will utilize those data to highlight the epidemiology of PHIVA infection, treatment challenges and chronic disease risks. Unless mechanisms are created to count and separate out PHIVA outcomes, we will have few opportunities to characterize the negative consequences of life‐long HIV infection in order to find ways to prevent them.
Bone health in children and adolescents with perinatal HIV infection
Authors: Puthanakit Thanyawee , Siberry George K
Published: June 2013

The long‐term impact on bone health of lifelong HIV infection and prolonged ART in growing and developing children is not yet known. Measures of bone health in youth must be interpreted in the context of expected developmental and physiologic changes in bone mass, size, density and strength that occur from fetal through adult life. Low bone mineral density (BMD) appears to be common in perinatally HIV‐infected youth, especially outside of high‐income settings, but data are limited and interpretation complicated by the need for better pediatric norms. The potential negative effects of tenofovir on BMD and bone mass accrual are of particular concern as this drug may be used more widely in younger children. Emphasizing good nutrition, calcium and vitamin D sufficiency, weight‐bearing exercise and avoidance of alcohol and smoking are effective and available approaches to maintain and improve bone health in all settings. More data are needed to inform therapies and monitoring for HIV‐infected youth with proven bone fragility. While very limited data suggest lack of marked increase in fracture risk for youth with perinatal HIV infection, the looming concern for these children is that they may fail to attain their expected peak bone mass in early adulthood which could increase their risk for fractures and osteoporosis later in adulthood.
Metabolic complications and treatment of perinatally HIV‐infected children and adolescents
Authors: Barlow‐Mosha Linda , Ross Eckard Allison , McComsey Grace A , Musoke Philippa M
Published: June 2013

The benefits of long‐term antiretroviral therapy (ART) are recognized all over the world with infected children maturing into adults and HIV infection becoming a chronic illness. However, the improved survival is associated with serious metabolic complications, including lipodystrophy (LD), dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, lactic acidosis and bone loss. In addition, the dyslipidemia mainly seen with protease inhibitors may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood and potentially in children as they mature into adults. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, particularly stavudine, zidovudine and didanosine are linked to development of LD and lactic acidosis. Perinatally infected children initiate ART early in life; they require lifelong therapy with multiple drug regimens leading to varying toxicities, all potentially impacting their quality of life. LD has a significant impact on the mental health of older children and adolescents leading to poor self‐image, depression and subsequent poor adherence to therapy. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is reported in both adults and children on ART with the potential for children to develop more serious bone complications than adults due to their rapid growth spurts and puberty. The role of vitamin D in HIV‐associated osteopenia and osteoporosis is not clear and needs further study. Most resource‐limited settings are unable to monitor lipid profiles or BMD, exposing infected children and adolescents to on‐going toxicities with unclear long‐term consequences. Improved interventions are urgently needed to prevent and manage these metabolic complications. Longitudinal cohort studies in this area should remain a priority, particularly in resource‐limited settings where the majority of infected children reside.