bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERPRETATION OF SINGULAR SPECTRUM ANALYSIS AS COMPLETE EIGENFILTER DECOMPOSITION
Authors: KUME KENJI
Published: April 2013

Singular spectrum analysis is a nonparametric and adaptive spectral decomposition of a time series. This method consists of the singular value decomposition for the trajectory matrix constructed from the original time series, followed with the subsequent reconstruction of the decomposed series. In the present paper, we show that these procedures can be viewed simply as complete eigenfilter decomposition of the time series. The eigenfilters are constructed from the singular vectors of the trajectory matrix and the completeness of the singular vectors ensure the completeness of the eigenfilters. The present interpretation gives new insight into the singular spectrum analysis.
SENSING DNA WITH ALTERNATING CURRENTS USING A NANOGAP SENSOR EMBEDDED IN A NANOCHANNEL DEVICE
Authors: DAVIS BRET H. , PAN JUNHAN , TUNG CHIH-KUAN , AUSTIN ROBERT H. , RIEHN ROBERT
Published: April 2013

We report an integrated nanochannel/nanoelectrode sensor for the detection of DNA using alternating currents. We find that DNA can be detected using platinum as the metal for the detecting electrodes, with a signal to noise ratio exceeding 10. We argue that the signal is at least in part electrochemical in nature, thus holds the promise to yield a sequence-dependent signal. However, we also find that for large voltages, DNA attaches irreversibly to the driving electrodes.
Some early eighteenth century geological Materia Medica
Authors: Duffin Christopher J.
Published: April 2013

The transition from the late seventeenth to the early eighteenth century represented an interesting time in the development of the Materia Medica, with the traditional ‘Galenical’ approach being progressively replaced by the ‘Chymical’ approach, a necessary precursor to modern pharmacology. Four surviving complete and partial Materia Medica cabinets belonging to Sir Hans Sloane, John Vigani, John Addenbrooke and William Heberden form the focus for a consideration of changing practices in the medicinal use of geological materials over this period. The working and teaching cabinets contain both processed and unprocessed specimens of geological simples. Of these, some were waning in popularity (e.g. nephrite jade, Irish slate, pyrite and garnets, jet and cannel coal), others were hardly ever used (e.g. belemnites, echinoid spines, Goa Stone, hematite and aetites), whilst others still continued to be popular, either in raw or processed form (e.g. amber, cinnabar, selenite and
Terra Sigillata
). The collections, considered in the context of contemporary literature, provide a unique insight into this dynamic period in the history of pharmacy.
Longer T2relaxation time is a marker of hypothalamic gliosis in mice with diet-induced obesity
Authors: Lee Donghoon , Thaler Joshua P. , Berkseth Kathryn E. , Melhorn Susan J. , Schwartz Michael W. , Schur Ellen A.
Published: April 2013

A hallmark of brain injury from infection, vascular, neurodegenerative, and other disorders is the development of gliosis, which can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In rodent models of diet-induced obesity (DIO), high-fat diet (HFD) consumption rapidly induces inflammation and gliosis in energy-regulating regions of the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), and recently we reported MRI findings suggestive of MBH gliosis in obese humans. Thus, noninvasive imaging may obviate the need to assess MBH gliosis using histopathological end points, an obvious limitation to human studies. To investigate whether quantitative MRI is a valid tool with which to measure MBH gliosis, we performed analyses, including measurement of T2relaxation time from high-field MR brain imaging of mice fed HFD and chow-fed controls. Mean bilateral T2relaxation time was prolonged significantly in the MBH, but not in the thalamus or cortex, of HFD-fed mice compared with chow-fed controls. Histological analysis confirmed evidence of increased astrocytosis and microglial accumulation in the MBH of HFD-fed mice compared with controls, and T2relaxation times in the right MBH correlated positively with mean intensity of glial fibrillary acidic protein staining (a marker of astrocytes) in HFD-fed animals. Our findings indicate that T2relaxation time obtained from high-field MRI is a useful noninvasive measurement of HFD-induced gliosis in the mouse hypothalamus with potential for translation to human studies.
Role of androgen and vitamin D receptors in endothelial cells from benign and malignant human prostate
Authors: Godoy Alejandro S. , Chung Ivy , Montecinos Viviana P. , Buttyan Ralph , Johnson Candace S. , Smith Gary J.
Published: April 2013

Forty years ago, Judah Folkman (Folkman. N Engl J Med 285: 1182–1186, 1971) proposed that tumor growth might be controlled by limiting formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) needed to supply a growing tumor with oxygen and nutrients. To this end, numerous “antiangiogenic” agents have been developed and tested for therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients, including prostate cancer (CaP) patients, with limited success. Despite the lack of clinical efficacy of lead anti-angiogenic therapeutics in CaP patients, recent published evidence continues to support the idea that prostate tumor vasculature provides a reasonable target for development of new therapeutics. Particularly relevant to antiangiogenic therapies targeted to the prostate is the observation that specific hormones can affect the survival and vascular function of prostate endothelial cells within normal and malignant prostate tissues. Here, we review the evidence demonstrating that both androgen(s) and vitamin D significantly impact the growth and survival of endothelial cells residing within prostate cancer and that systemic changes in circulating androgen or vitamin D drastically affect blood flow and vascularity of prostate tissue. Furthermore, recent evidence will be discussed about the expression of the receptors for both androgen and vitamin D in prostate endothelial cells that argues for direct effects of these hormone-activated receptors on the biology of endothelial cells. Based on this literature, we propose that prostate tumor vasculature represents an unexplored target for modulation of tumor growth. A better understanding of androgen and vitamin D effects on prostate endothelial cells will support development of more effective angiogenesis-targeting therapeutics for CaP patients.
Existence Result for Impulsive Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ning Peipei , Huan Qian , Ding Wei
Published: April 2013

We investigate the following differential equations:-(y[1](x))'+q(x)y(x)=λf(x,y(x)), with impulsive and integral boundary conditions-Δ(y[1](xi))=Ii(y(xi)),i=1,2,…,m,y(0)-ay[1](0)=∫0ωg0(s)y(s)ds,y(ω)-by[1](ω)=∫0ωg1(s)y(s)ds, wherey[1](x)=p(x)y'(x). The expression of Green's function and the existence of positive solution for the system are obtained. Upper and lower bounds for positive solutions are also given. Whenp(t),I(·),g0(s), andg1(s)take different values, the system can be simplified to some forms which has been studied in the works by Guo and LakshmiKantham (1988), Guo et al. (1995), Boucherif (2009), He et al. (2011), and Atici and Guseinov (2001). Our discussion is based on the fixed point index theory in cones.
Synchronization and Control of Linearly Coupled Singular Systems
Authors: Qingxiang Fang , Jigen Peng , Feilong Cao
Published: April 2013

The synchronization and control problem of linearly coupled singular systems is investigated. The uncoupled dynamical behavior at each node is general and can be chaotic or, otherwise the coupling matrix is not assumed to be symmetrical. Some sufficient conditions for globally exponential synchronization are derived based on Lyapunov stability theory. These criteria, which are in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI), indicate that the left and right eigenvectors corresponding to eigenvalue zero of the coupling matrix play key roles in the stability analysis of the synchronization manifold. The controllers are designed for state feedback control and pinning control, respectively. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed conditions.
Adverse Event Burden, Resource Use, and Costs Associated with Immunosuppressant Medications for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Oglesby A. , Shaul A. J. , Pokora T. , Paramore C. , Cragin L. , Dennis G. , Narayanan S. , Weinstein A.
Published: April 2013

This paper assessed the burden of adverse events (AEs) associated with azathioprine (AZA), cyclophosphamide (CYC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), methotrexate (MTX), and cyclosporine (CsA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thirty-eight publications were included. Incidence of AEs ranged from 42.8% to 97.3%. Common AEs included infections (2.4–77%), gastrointestinal AEs (3.2–66.7%), and amenorrhea and/or ovarian complications (0–71%). More hematological cytopenias were associated with AZA (14 episodes) than MMF (2 episodes). CYC was associated with more infections than MMF (40–77% versus 12.5–32%, resp.) or AZA (17–77% versus 11–29%, resp.). Rates of hospitalized infections were similar between MMF and AZA patients, but higher for those taking CYC. There were more gynecological toxicities with CYC than MMF (32–36% versus 3.6–6%, resp.) or AZA (32–71% versus 8–18%, resp.). Discontinuation rates due to AEs were 0–44.4% across these medications. In summary, the incidence of AEs associated with SLE immunosuppressants was consistently high as reported in the literature; discontinuations due to these AEs were similar across treatments. Studies on the economic impact of these AEs were sparse and warrant further study. This paper highlights the need for more treatment options with better safety profiles.
Photoreceptor Impairment and Restoration on Optical Coherence Tomographic Image
Authors: Mitamura Yoshinori , Mitamura-Aizawa Sayaka , Katome Takashi , Naito Takeshi , Hagiwara Akira , Kumagai Ken , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: April 2013

With recent development of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), the pathological changes of retina can be observed in much greater detail. SD-OCT clearly delineates three highly reflective lines in the outer retina, which are external limiting membrane (ELM), photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction, and cone outer segment tips (COST) in order from inside. These lines can serve as hallmarks for the evaluation of photoreceptor condition. In retinitis pigmentosa (RP) leading to photoreceptor degeneration, the ELM, IS/OS, and COST lines are shortened with the progression of the disease. In addition, shortening of the ELM, IS/OS and COST lines is significantly associated with each other. The line length is longest in the ELM, followed by the IS/OS, and COST, suggesting that retinal layer becomes disorganized first at the COST, followed by the IS/OS and finally the ELM. This finding is consistent with the previous report that the earliest histopathological change in RP is a shortening of the photoreceptor outer segments. On the other hand, retinal layer becomes restored first at the ELM, followed by the IS/OS and finally the COST after macular hole surgery. There may be a directionality of photoreceptor impairment or restoration on optical coherence tomographic image.
Rotating Parabolic-Reflector Antenna Target in SAR Data: Model, Characteristics, and Parameter Estimation
Authors: Deng Bin , Wang Hong-Qiang , Qin Yu-Liang , Zhu Sha , Li Xiang
Published: April 2013

Parabolic-reflector antennas (PRAs), usually possessing rotation, are a particular type of targets of potential interest to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) community. This paper is aimed to investigate PRA’s scattering characteristics and then to extract PRA’s parameters from SAR returns, for supporting image interpretation and target recognition. We at first obtain both closed-form and numeric solutions to PRA’s backscattering by geometrical optics (GO), physical optics, and graphical electromagnetic computation, respectively. Based on the GO solution, a migratory scattering center model is at first presented for representing the movement of the specular point with aspect angle, and then a hybrid model, named the migratory/micromotion scattering center (MMSC) model, is proposed for characterizing a rotating PRA in the SAR geometry, which incorporates PRA’s rotation into its migratory scattering center model. Additionally, we in detail analyze PRA’s radar characteristics on radar cross-section, high-resolution range profiles, time-frequency distribution, and 2D images, which also confirm the models proposed. A maximal likelihood estimator is developed for jointly solving the MMSC model for PRA’s multiple parameters by optimization. By exploiting the aforementioned characteristics, the coarse parameter estimation guarantees convergency upon global minima. The signatures recovered can be favorably utilized for SAR image interpretation and target recognition.
Management of Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma with Invasion of the Duodenum
Authors: Schlussel Andrew T. , Fowler Aaron B. , Chinn Herbert K. , Wong Linda L.
Published: April 2013

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare but aggressive, with greater than 20% of patients presenting with stage III or IV, disease. Surgical resection of the primary tumor regardless of stage is the treatment of choice, and en bloc resection of involved organs provides the only potential chance for cure. This case report describes a patient with metastatic right-sided RCC with invasion of the inferior vena cava and duodenum managed by en block resection and pancreaticoduodenectomy. This report will review the workup and treatment of locally advanced RCC, as well as the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the setting of metastatic disease.
Photofunctional Co-Cr Alloy Generating Reactive Oxygen Species for Photodynamic Applications
Authors: Wang Kang-Kyun , Kim Bong-Jin , Lee Mi Hee , Kwon Byeong-Ju , Choi Dong Hoon , Park Jong-Chul , Kim Yong-Rok
Published: April 2013

We report the fabrication of photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate that is prepared by a simple modification process for photodynamic application. Photoinduced functionality is provided by the photosensitizer of hematoporphyrin (Hp) that initially generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion radical and singlet oxygen. The photosensitizer with carboxyl group was chemically bonded to the surface of the Co-Cr alloy plate by esterification reaction. Microstructure and elemental composition of the Co-Cr alloy plate were checked with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Fabrication of the photofunctionality of the Co-Cr alloy plate was confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflectance UV-Vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy. Reactive oxygen generation from the photofunctional Co-Cr alloy plate was confirmed by using the decomposition reaction of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF). The results suggest that the immobilized photosensitizer molecules on the surface of Co-Cr alloy plate still possess their optical and functional properties including reactive oxygen generation. To open the possibility for its application as a photodynamic material to biological system, the fabricated photofunctional Co-Cr alloy is applied to the decomposition of smooth muscle cells.
Comparing Two Different Initial Conditions AAMQS and Quartic Action in Illustrating the Effect of Valence Color Charges in High-EnergypACollisions at Forward Rapidity
Authors: Zhao Ye-Yin , Chen Ya-Hui , Gao Ya-Qin , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: April 2013

The inclusive particle productions in proton-proton (pp) and deuton-gold (d+Au) collisions at forward rapidity at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) energy are studied in the framework of the color glass condensate (CGC) theory by using two different initial conditions: AAMQS (Albacete-Armesto-Milhano-Quiroga-Salgado) and quartic action. Then, the results obtained by the two different initial conditions in illustrating the effect of valence color charges in high-energy proton-nucleus (pA) collisions at forward energy are compared. Meanwhile, the inclusive particle productions inpAcollisions at forward rapidity at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energies are predicted. The main dynamical input in our calculations is the use of solutions of the running coupling Balitsky-Kovchegov equation tested in electron-proton (ep) collision data. Particle production is computed via the hybrid formalisms to obtain spectra and yields. These baseline predictions are useful for testing the current understanding of the dynamics of very strong color fields against the upcoming LHC data.
Standing Wave Solutions for the Discrete Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Unbounded Potentials
Authors: Huang Meihua , Zhou Zhan
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate the existence of standing wave solutions of the discrete coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with unbounded potentials by using the Nehari manifold approach and the compact embedding theorem. Sufficient conditions are established to show that the standing wave solutions have both of the components not identically zero.
Obesity Status and Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States
Authors: Kendall Karima A. , Lee Euni , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Simoni-Wastila Linda , Daniel Marlon , Green Pauline M. , Adderley-Kelly Beatrice , Wutoh Anthony K.
Published: April 2013

Background. Findings from previous studies on an association between obesity and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening are inconsistent and very few studies have utilized national level databases in the United States (US).Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2005 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey to describe CRC screening rate by obesity status.Results. Of a 15,769 Medicare beneficiaries sample aged 50 years and older reflecting 39 million Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, 25% were classified as obese, consisting of 22.4% “obese” (30 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 35) and 3.1% “morbidly obese” (BMI ≥ 35) beneficiaries. Almost 38% of the beneficiaries had a body mass index level equivalent to overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30). Of the study population, 65.3% reported having CRC screening (fecal occult blood testing or colonoscopy). Medicare beneficiaries classified as “obese” had greater odds of CRC screening compared to “nonobese” beneficiaries after controlling for other covariates (ORadj= 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12–1.39).Conclusions. Findings indicate that obesity was not a barrier but rather an assisting factor to CRC screening among Medicare beneficiaries. Future studies are needed to evaluate physicians’ ordering of screening tests compared to screening claims among Medicare beneficiaries to better understand patterns of patients’ and doctors’ adherence to national CRC screening guidelines.
Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Implantable Electromedical Devices is Safe
Authors: Harris Lucinda A. , Hansel Stephanie L. , Rajan Elizabeth , Srivathsan Komandoor , Rea Robert , Crowell Michael D. , Fleischer David E. , Pasha Shabana F. , Gurudu Suryakanth R. , Heigh Russell I. , Shiff Arthur D. , Post Janice K. , Leighton Jonathan A.
Published: April 2013

Background and Study Aims. The presence of an implantable electromechanical cardiac device (IED) has long been considered a relative contraindication to the performance of video capsule endoscopy (CE). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of CE in patients with IEDs. A secondary purpose was to determine whether IEDs have any impact on images captured by CE.Patients and Methods.A retrospective chart review of all patients who had a capsule endoscopy at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ, USA, or Rochester, MN, USA, (January 2002 to June 2010) was performed to identify CE studies done on patients with IEDs. One hundred and eighteen capsule studies performed in 108 patients with IEDs were identified and reviewed for demographic data, method of preparation, and study data.Results.The most common indications for CE were obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (77%), anemia (14%), abdominal pain (5%), celiac disease (2%), diarrhea (1%), and Crohn’s disease (1%). Postprocedure assessments did not reveal any detectable alteration on the function of the IED. One patient with an ICD had a 25-minute loss of capsule imaging due to recorder defect. Two patients with LVADs had interference with capsule image acquisition.Conclusions.CE did not interfere with IED function, including PM, ICD, and/or LVAD and thus appears safe. Additionally, PM and ICD do not appear to interfere with image acquisition but LVAD may interfere with capsule images and require that capsule leads be positioned as far away as possible from the IED to assure reliable image acquisition.
A Novel Inhibitor of c-Met and VEGF Receptor Tyrosine Kinases with a Broad Spectrum of In Vivo Antitumor Activities
Authors: Awazu Yoshiko , Nakamura Kazuhide , Mizutani Akio , Kakoi Yuichi , Iwata Hidehisa , Yamasaki Seiji , Miyamoto Naoki , Imamura Shinichi , Miki Hiroshi , Hori Akira
Published: April 2013

The c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are dysregulated in a wide variety of human cancers and are linked with tumorigenesis and metastatic progression. VEGF also plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis and progression by stimulating the proangiogenic signaling of endothelial cells via activation of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR). Therefore, inhibiting both HGF/c-Met and VEGF/VEGFR signaling may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treating patients with a broad spectrum of tumors. Toward this goal, we generated and characterized T-1840383, a small-molecule kinase inhibitor that targets both c-Met and VEGFRs. T-1840383 inhibited HGF-induced c-Met phosphorylation and VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 phosphorylation in cancer epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells, respectively. It also inhibited constitutively activated c-Met phosphorylation in c-met–amplified cancer cells, leading to suppression of cell proliferation. In addition, T-1840383 potently blocked VEGF-dependent proliferation and capillary tube formation of endothelial cells. Following oral administration, T-1840383 showed potent antitumor efficacy in a wide variety of human tumor xenograft mouse models, along with reduction of c-Met phosphorylation levels and microvessel density within tumor xenografts. These results suggest that the efficacy of T-1840383 is produced by direct effects on tumor cell growth and by an antiangiogenic mechanism. Furthermore, T-1840383 showed profound antitumor activity in a gastric tumor peritoneal dissemination model. Collectively, our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of targeting both c-Met and VEGFRs simultaneously with a single small-molecule inhibitor for the treatment of human cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(6); 913–24. ©2013 AACR.
Abstract A26: DNA copy number alterations deregulate expression of miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Stewart Greg L. , Enfield Katey SS , Lam Stephen , Lam Wan
Published: April 2013

Background: Lung cancer represents an enormous health burden, representing the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, with a five-year survival of less than 15%. microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as major players in lung cancer oncogenesis, displaying both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions. DNA copy number (CN) amplification of oncogenes is a major molecular mechanism driving cancer, and like protein coding genes, CN alterations can influence miRNA expression levels. We hypothesize that DNA copy number gain modulates the expression of miRNAs important to cancer cell growth, and that integrative analysis can identify these cancer driving miRNAs.

Methods: Global gene dosage profiles for 46 lung adenocarcinoma and paired adjacent non-malignant tissues were generated by array comparative genomic hybridization. miRNA sequencing analysis was performed on this same panel of tumors and matched non-malignant tissues using Illumina GAXII small RNA sequencing technologies. CN and expression were correlated for each miRNA (Spearman's correlation >0.3, p<0.05) and expression of each significant miRNA was compared between tumors with and without CN gain (U-test p<0.05). To select for miRNAs that most likely play a role in cancer we compared the expression between tumor and matched normal and selected for miRNAs with a fold change of at least 2 in tumors as compared to normal tissues.

Results: We identified a panel of miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma whose expression deregulation was associated with CN alteration. These miRNAs were found to be gained in >15% of tumors and underwent at least a 2 fold greater increase in expression in tumors compared to matched normal tissues. This study identified several miRNAs known to play a role in cancer including miR-141, known to be highly upregulated in lung and ovarian cancer, and miR-301a, upregulated in invasive early cervical cancer. In addition we identified several novel miRNAs that have not yet been implicated in cancer.

Conclusion: Here we identify a panel of miRNAs that are selectively gained at the genomic level to alter expression in lung adenocarcinoma. Several of these miRNAs have been previously shown to have oncogenic properties in many cancer types including lung cancer and may be potentially useful as therapeutic targets. In addition we identify several miRNAs that have not been previously reported in lung cancer. Future characterization of these miRNAs may lead to increased knowledge of adenocarcinoma oncogenesis.

Citation Format: Greg L. Stewart, Katey SS Enfield, Stephen Lam, Wan Lam. DNA copy number alterations deregulate expression of miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A26.
Abstract B28: MicroRNA-641 activates MAPK by targeting NF1 and cooperates with its host gene AKT2 in human cancer
Authors: Richards Edward J. , Coppola Marc , Guo Jianping , Kong William , Cheng Jin Q.
Published: April 2013

AKT2 is frequently up-regulated in human cancer. MiR-641 is an uncharacterized microRNA that locates at intron-1 of the AKT2 gene. We hypothesize that miR-641 and AKT2 are co-regulated, and cooperate to promote tumor development. Here we demonstrated that the transcription factors which induce AKT2 also increase miR-641 expression. Further, we identified miR-641 activation of the MAPK pathway by targeting tumor suppressor NF1, a GTPase-activating protein that inhibits RAS. Upon ectopic expression of miR-641, NF1 expression was reduced. As a result, pERK was elevated. Whereas knockdown of miR-641 exhibits opposite effects. In addition, depletion of miR-641 sensitizes tumor cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of miR-641 synergized with AKT2 inhibition to induce cell death. These data suggest that miR-641 functions as an oncomiR that co-regulates and cooperates with AKT2 in human cancer.

Citation Format: Edward J. Richards, Marc Coppola, Jianping Guo, William Kong, Jin Q. Cheng. MicroRNA-641 activates MAPK by targeting NF1 and cooperates with its host gene AKT2 in human cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B28.
Abstract IA1: Physiological and pathological functions of microRNAs
Authors: Baltimore David
Published: April 2013

microRNAs have emerged as major regulators of the functions of genes in multicellular organisms. They generally and perhaps always act as reducers of the protein output from a given mRNA allotment generated from a particular gene. However, when acting on mRNAs that function in a regulated pathway, they can either inhibit or augment the output from that pathway depending on whether they act on inhibitory gene transcripts or activating gene transcripts. We have concentrated on miRs that function within the circuitry of the hematopoietic system, focusing on those that impinge on innate and adaptive immune responses. We have found that miR-146a acts as a classic negative regulator of inflammation while miR-155 acts as a positive regulator by targeting inhibitory proteins. A miR that has particularly interested us recently is miR125b, which both acts during the development of hematopoietic cells from the hematopoietic stem cell and modulates the function of myeloid cells. In all of this work, we have relied on mouse knockouts, siRNA knockouts and overproducing constructs to probe miR function and have been impressed by the ease with which these genetic manipulations can lead to hyperproliferation and cancer. Overexpression of miR-125b leads to particularly rapid induction of very aggressive tumor cells that can be of either the myeloid or lymphoid lineage. The developmental origin of these tumors is under investigation.

microRNAs have been seen as modulators of gene expression. Because it is becoming clear that they are so powerful in their physiological and pathological properties, it seems more appropriate to now consider them as co-regulators of gene expression, partners with transcription factors in determining the functional outcome of developmental and regulatory pathways.

Citation Format: David Baltimore. Physiological and pathological functions of microRNAs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA1.
Abstract IA5: Epigenetic genome control by heterochromatin machinery and non-coding RNAs
Authors: Grewal Shiv
Published: April 2013

Heterochromatin assembly involving posttranslational modifications of histones is critical for various chromosomal processes including the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Defective heterochromatin formation has been linked to cancer. Our previous work has shown that non-coding RNAs and the RNAi machinery, involved in the processing of non-coding RNAs, play prominent roles in the assembly of heterochromatin structures. Indeed, the loss of factors involved in RNAi such as Argonaute, Dicer and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase cause severe defects in centromeric heterochromatin formation, leading to missegregation of chromosomes during cell division. An Argonaute-containing RNAi effector complex named RITS has been identified that facilitates the loading of a conserved histone methyltransferase Clr4/Suv39h, which is essential for heterochromatin assembly. We have recently discovered an unexpected role for heterochromatin factors in the RNA quality control. Heterochromatin factors localize broadly across the genome and collaborate with RNAi machinery to suppress potentially deleterious RNAs, the uncontrolled accumulation of which can cause DNA damage and modify epigenetic genomic profiles. I will present our recent findings showing that non-coding RNAs and heterochromatin play important roles in dynamic regulation of genomes, which has important implications for human health and disease.

Citation Format: Shiv Grewal. Epigenetic genome control by heterochromatin machinery and non-coding RNAs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA5.
Abstract IA9: Small RNA pathways in germline
Authors: Aravin Alexei A.
Published: April 2013

In animals, a discrete class of small RNAs, the piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), guard germ cell genomes against the activity of mobile genetic elements.

piRNAs are generated, via an unknown mechanism, from apparently single-stranded precursors that arise from discrete genomic loci, termed piRNA clusters. Presently, little is known about the signals that distinguish a locus as a source of piRNAs. It is also unknown how individual piRNAs are selected from long precursor transcripts. To address these questions, we inserted new artificial sequence information into piRNA clusters and introduced these marked clusters as transgenes into heterologous genomic positions in mice and flies. Profiling of piRNA from transgenic animals demonstrated that artificial sequences were incorporated into the piRNA repertoire. Transgenic piRNA clusters are functional in non-native genomic contexts in both mice and flies, indicating that the signals that define piRNA generative loci must lie within the clusters themselves rather than being implicit in their genomic position. We found that both local and long-range sequence environments inform the generation of individual piRNAs from precursor transcripts.

Citation Format: Alexei A. Aravin. Small RNA pathways in germline [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA9.
Cognitive Profiles of Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hildebrandt Helmut , Fink Frauke , Kastrup Andreas , Haupts Michael , Eling Paul
Published: April 2013

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with severe cognitive decline, but it is still unclear to what extent they become functionally more similar over time. Methods: We compared amnestic mild cognitively impaired (aMCI; n = 29) patients to mild cognitively impaired (MCI) PD patients (n = 25), and patients with AD (n = 34) to patients with PD dementia (PDD; n = 15) with respect to cognitive functioning and mood. Results: aMCI patients were impaired in episodic memory, while MCI PD patients showed deficits in visuoconstruction and attention. AD and PDD patients showed comparable deficits on tests for language, attention and visuoconstruction. However, unlike PDD patients but similar to aMCI patients, AD patients showed a characteristic memory impairment, especially commission errors on recognition tasks, whereas PDD patients scored higher on the depressive mood questionnaire. Conclusions: In advanced stages of both diseases, the pattern of functional deficits associated with parietal and temporal lobe functions (attention, visuoconstruction and language) is similar. However, specific differences, already present in the early stage (recognition errors in AD, associated with mediobasal temporal lobe functioning, and depressed mood in PDD, associated with non-motor basal ganglia loops), are also observed in the late stage.
Cost-Effectiveness of Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Harrington Amanda R. , Armstrong Edward P. , Nolan Paul E. , Malone Daniel C.
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose—

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation by using novel oral anticoagulants apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 150 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg compared with warfarin.

Methods—

A Markov decision-analysis model was constructed using data from clinical trials to evaluate lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years of novel oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin. The modeled population was a hypothetical cohort of 70-year-old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, increased risk for stroke (CHADS
2
≥1), renal creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min, and no previous contraindications to anticoagulation. The willingness-to-pay threshold was $50 000/quality-adjusted life-years gained.

Results—

In the base case, warfarin had the lowest cost of $77 813 (SD, $2223), followed by rivaroxaban 20 mg ($78 738±$1852), dabigatran 150 mg ($82 719±$1959), and apixaban 5 mg ($85 326±$1512). Apixaban 5 mg had the highest quality-adjusted life-years estimate at 8.47 (SD, 0.06), followed by dabigatran 150 mg (8.41±0.07), rivaroxaban 20 mg (8.26±0.06), and warfarin (7.97±0.04). In a Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis, apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 150 mg, rivaroxaban 20 mg, and warfarin were cost-effective in 45.1%, 40%, 14.9%, 0% of the simulations, respectively.

Conclusions—

In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and an increased risk of stroke prophylaxis, apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 150 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg were all cost-effective alternatives to warfarin. The cost-effectiveness of novel oral anticoagulantss was dependent on therapy pricing in the United States and neurological events associated with rivaroxaban 20 mg.
Has ICT Polarized Skill Demand? Evidence from Eleven Countries over Twenty-Five Years
Authors: Michaels Guy , Natraj Ashwini , Van Reenen John
Published: April 2013

We test the hypothesis that information and communication technologies (ICT) polarize labor markets by increasing demand for the highly educated at the expense of the middle educated, with little effect on low-educated workers. Using data on the United States, Japan, and nine European countries from 1980 to 2004, we find that industries with faster ICT growth shifted demand from middle-educated workers to highly educated workers, consistent with ICT-based polarization. Trade openness is also associated with polarization, but this is not robust to controlling for R&D. Technologies account for up to a quarter of the growth in demand for highly educated workers.
KUNIO SEKIYA, IKUO MIURA & MITSUAKI OGATA (2012) A new frog species of the genus Rugosa from Sado Island, Japan (Anura, Ranidae). Zootaxa, 3575, 49–62.
Authors: SEKIYA KUNIO , MIURA IKUO , OGATA MITSUAKI
Published: April 2013

On the page 52 line5, “collected on 14 July 2009”, should be replaced as “collected on 14 June 2009”.
Community College Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Weis Robert , Speridakos Elena C. , Ludwig Katharine
Published: April 2013

Recent research suggests that most 4-year college students diagnosed with specific learning disability (SLD) do not meet objective criteria for the disorder, show normative deficits in academic skills, or have childhood histories of SLD. The purpose of this study was to examine the functioning of students diagnosed with SLD attending community college. We reviewed SLD documentation for 359 community college students previously diagnosed with SLD and receiving academic accommodations. Most students met objective criteria (82.3%) and were first diagnosed in childhood (93.3%). Most students also showed average intellectual functioning and below-average to borderline academic achievement. However, 27.3% showed uniformly low ability and achievement scores, suggesting possible misclassification. Students who failed to meet objective criteria for SLD often submitted test data that lacked current, adult-normed standardized test scores; many were diagnosed based on response to intervention and submitted only an individualized education program or summary of performance. This finding provides initial evidence of a disconnect between the qualitative documentation that secondary schools provide and the quantitative documentation that postsecondary institutions require for SLD classification.
Reputation-based cluster head elections in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wang Gicheol , Cho Gihwan
Published: April 2013

In clustered sensor networks, because CHs (cluster heads) collect data from sensors and transmit the aggregated data to the sink, it is very important to elect the CHs in a secure manner. In order to protect CH elections from attackers, unpredictability, non-manipulability, and agreement property should be guaranteed in CH elections. However, existing schemes for secure CH election cannot prevent intelligent attackers from violating the properties via cooperation. In this paper, we propose a scheme that securely elects CHs by detecting intelligent attackers and excluding them. For every CH election round, each CH candidate provides reputation values to other CH candidates according to their behavior and extracts real reputation values. Then, each node evaluates the real reputation values of members in its cluster and excludes some disreputable nodes from CH candidates. The scheme greatly enhances the non-manipulability and agreement property of CH election results compared to other rival schemes. Furthermore, the scheme presents higher non-manipulability and higher agreement property than other schemes, even in an environment where message losses can occur.
Enhancing School Counselor Instructional Leadership Through Collaborative Teaming
Authors: Young Anita Antoinette , Millard Tanganyika , Kneale Marcy Miller
Published: April 2013

Many educational models emphasize that best instructional practices are effective when working collaboratively with stakeholders. Professional learning communities focus on learning, collaborative endeavors, and shared accountability. The purpose of this article is to introduce an effectual framework for developing school counselor instructional leadership through the implementation of school counselor collaborative teams. The authors highlight the combined impact of intentional collaborative school counseling and instructional best practices. Four types of collaborative configurations and a school example are presented to illustrate the framework.
Joining With the Client in an Open Event
Authors: Draper Matthew , Polizzi David
Published: April 2013

In this article, we respond to the insightful commentary offered by Drs. Anstoos and Davidson. In particular, we discuss our humanist assumptions behind our original article and explicitly address the issue of uncertainty in psychotherapy relative to the event itself as well as to therapeutic outcome. We assert, however, that even in the face of this uncertainty, we can still open ourselves to the event and prompt the patient to do likewise, if they are willing. This openness is not without risk, so we detail the importance of enduring the experience. Such evential experiences can change the thrownness of the participants in that event, such that their experience of prison can change, although it does not necessarily. We also address the open/closed position of the therapist and patient by addressing the issue of action and potential, the Husserl’s “horizon” compared with Marion’s “manifest.” By doing so, we argue that using the language of the event, nonexclusive to the language of the horizon but rather inclusive of it, we can produce a compelling phenomenology of the event of offender treatment.
Moving Toward Greater Diversity
Authors: Loftin Collette , Newman Susan D. , Gilden Gail , Bond Mary Lou , Dumas Bonnie P.
Published: April 2013

Purpose: To report the results of a comprehensive review of interventions used by nursing programs to increase the success of underrepresented minority nursing students graduating from prelicensure programs. Design/Method: This review used the five stages of review methodology described but Whittemore and Knafl to extract data, summarize, and synthesize findings of 11 studies included in this review. Intervention strategies were organized using concepts of Jeffreys’s Nursing Undergraduate Retention and Success model. Findings: Interventions were designed to improve recruitment, retention, and academic performance through a variety of innovative activities. Conclusions: This review highlighted the necessity for future researchers to report in-depth and detailed information about the implementation of interventions. Comprehensive information about the program, faculty, setting, interventions, and challenges faced during implementation were often missing from these reports, making replication difficult.
Jordanian Mothers’ Beliefs About the Causes of Cancer in Their Children and Their Impact on the Maternal Role
Authors: Arabiat Diana H. , Al Jabery Mohammad , Abdelkader Raghad H. , Mahadeen Alia
Published: April 2013

Background: Arab culture and Islamic beliefs contribute to values and practices regarding cancer. Mothers in Jordanian society are expected to be the primary caregivers to children. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore Jordanian mothers’ beliefs regarding the causes of cancer in their children and their impact on their role as mothers. Design: A descriptive, qualitative design was used. Individual interviews were conducted with Jordanian mothers ( n = 51) of hospitalized children with cancer. Results: Causes of cancer were attributed to supernatural explanations and biomedical explanations. The impact of cancer on these mothers’ lives varied. For some, their child’s illness resulted in stronger family bonds, whereas for others, the families suffered a state of disequilibrium. Conclusions: Cultural beliefs helped assign meaning to their children‘s illness. The maternal role of Jordanian women was partially fulfilled or inadequately performed, which in turn affected the functioning and coping abilities of the entire household.
Measurement Equivalence of Four Psychological Questionnaires in Native-Born Germans, Russian-Speaking Immigrants, and Native-Born Russians
Authors: Hirsch Oliver , Donner-Banzhoff Norbert , Bachmann Viktoria
Published: April 2013

Psychological constructs depend on cultural context. It is therefore important to show the equivalence of measurement instruments in cross-cultural research. There is evidence that in Russian-speaking immigrants, cultural and language issues are important in health care. We examined measurement equivalence of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), the Hamburg Self-Care Questionnaire (HamSCQ), and the questionnaire on communication preferences of patients with chronic illness (KOPRA) in native-born Germans, Russian-speaking immigrants living in Germany, and native-born Russians living in the former Soviet Union (FSU). All four questionnaires fulfilled requirements of measurement equivalence in confirmatory factor analyses and analyses of differential item functioning. The Russian translations can be used in Russian-speaking immigrants and native-born Russians. This offers further possibilities for cross-cultural research and for an improvement in health care research in Russian-speaking immigrants in Germany. The most pronounced differences occurred in the KOPRA, which point to differences in German and Russian health care systems.
Teacher Reports of Student Health and Its Influence on Students’ School Performance
Authors: Moore Tara C. , Wehby Joseph H. , Hollo Alexandra , Robertson Rachel E. , Maggin Daniel M.
Published: April 2013

Physical health may be an important variable that influences students’ behavioral and academic performance in school settings. Poor health status is hypothesized to negatively influence student performance even in the presence of evidence-based practices. In this study, teachers reported their perceptions of students’ health status as well as their perceptions of the relation of health status to classroom performance and programming considerations for a sample ( N = 217) of elementary and middle school students identified as exhibiting problem behaviors. Results indicated inconsistencies between teachers’ perceptions of student health and school programming considerations. Limitations are presented along with implications for future research and practice.
Youth Perceptions of the Police
Authors: Stewart Daniel M. , Morris Robert G. , Weir Henriikka
Published: April 2013

The relevance of examining juveniles’ attitudes toward the police has been firmly established in the literature. Employing group-based trajectory modeling, the present study builds upon this previous research by estimating police attitudinal trajectories among a general sample of youths. The models produced a 5-group solution for both males and females, with four of the trajectories remaining relatively stable over the time observed and one noticeably experiencing a downward trend. Furthermore, of the items making up the police attitudinal scale, for several of the groups, the item measuring prejudice most consistently oscillated away from the trajectory profile. Policy implications are discussed.