bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable event-based performance measurement in high-end environments
Authors: Mohror Kathryn , Karavanic Karen L.
Published: January 2008

We are developing a novel performance measurement technique to address the scalability challenges of event-based tracing on high-end computing systems. We collect the information needed to diagnose performance problems that traditionally require traces, but at a greatly reduced data volume. Performance analysis working on today's high-end systems require event-based measurements to correctly identify the root cause of a number of the complex performance problems that arise on these highly parallel systems. These high-end-architectures contain tens to hundreds of thousands of processors, pushing application scalability challenges to new heights. Unfortunately, the collection of event-based data presents scalability challenges itself: the added measurement instructions and tool activities perturb the target application; and the large volume of collected data increases tool overhead, and results in data files that are difficult to store and analyze.
Dynamic replica placement and traffic redirection in content delivery networks
Authors: Vicari Claudio , Petrioli Chiara , Presti Francesco Lo
Published: January 2008

This paper jointly addresses dynamic replica placement and traffic redirection to the best replica in Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). Our solution is fully distributed and localized and trade-offs the costs paid by the CDN provider (e.g., the number of allocated replicas, frequency of replicas additions and removals) with the quality of the content access service as perceived by the final user. Our simulations experiments show that the proposed scheme results into a number of replicas which is only slightly higher than the minimum required to be able to satisfy all users requests, thus keeping the replicas at a good level of utilization.
Tsunami Simulations
Authors: Gisler Galen R.
Published: January 2008

I present a brief review of tsunami simulations, first introducing the subject with an overview of notable tsunamis. Then I discuss modeling strategies and philosophies, describing the use of shallow-water equations and Navier-Stokes and Euler equations for various phases of tsunami development. Recent developments have made possible the real-time forecasting of impending tsunami dangers, which I briefly describe. Finally I focus on modeling in the generation phase, during which rock meets water, often violently and sometimes explosively, and discuss why I believe this phase (at least) must be modeled using fully compressible hydrodynamics. I then describe some illustrative simulations with the Los Alamos/SAIC code SAGE of underwater earthquakes and underwater landslides and demonstrate how these couple to surface waves.
High-Speed Imaging of Drops and Bubbles
Authors: Thoroddsen S.T. , Etoh T.G. , Takehara K.
Published: January 2008

This review presents recent technological advances in charge-coupled-device ultrahigh-speed video cameras and their applications in experimental fluid mechanics. Following a brief review of the various high-speed camera types, we point out the advantages of the new technology. Then we show examples of how these cameras are leading to new discoveries in the study of free-surface flows, emphasizing the dynamics of drops and bubbles. We specifically review work on the basic singularities occurring when liquid masses come into contact and coalesce, or break apart during the pinch-off of drops or bubbles from a vertical nozzle. We briefly discuss the imaging of cavitation bubbles and finish by outlining future prospects for these sensors.
The Role of Health Care Systems in Increased Tobacco Cessation
Authors: Curry Susan J. , Keller Paula A. , Orleans C. Tracy , Fiore Michael C.
Published: January 2008

Health care delivery systems are critical components of tobacco cessation efforts. This review summarizes recent evidence in support of the health care system recommendations in the 2000 U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Measurable progress in addressing tobacco use through the health care system is summarized, including accountabilities for addressing tobacco in national health care reporting systems, increases in reported advice to quit smoking from health care providers, and wider availability of insurance coverage for tobacco cessation treatments. Despite progress, significant gaps remain between what is possible and what is done by health care systems to impact tobacco cessation. A four-point public policy agenda is outlined to help close these gaps.
Sexually different actions of leptin in proopiomelanocortin neurons to regulate glucose homeostasis
Authors: Shi Haifei , Strader April D. , Sorrell Joyce E. , Chambers James B. , Woods Stephen C. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: January 2008

Leptin regulates energy balance and glucose homeostasis, at least in part, via activation of receptors in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus located in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Females have greater sensitivity to central leptin than males, suggested by a greater anorectic effect of central leptin administration in females. We hypothesized that the regulation of energy balance and peripheral glucose homeostasis of female rodents would be affected to a greater extent than in males if the action of leptin in POMC neurons were disturbed. Male and female mice lacking leptin receptors only in POMC neurons gained significantly more body weight and accumulated more body fat. However, female mice gained disproportionately more visceral adiposity than males, and this appeared to be largely the result of differences in energy expenditure. When maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD), both male and female mutants had higher levels of insulin following exogenous glucose challenges. Chow- and HFD-fed males but not females had abnormal glucose disappearance curves following insulin administrations. Collectively, these data indicate that the action of leptin in POMC neurons is sexually different to influence the regulation of energy balance, fat distribution, and glucose homeostasis.
Molecular Imaging of the Efficacy of Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitors in Living Subjects
Authors: Chan Carmel T. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Gheysens Olivier S. , Kim Joungnam , Chiosis Gabriela , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam
Published: January 2008

Heat shock protein 90α (Hsp90α)/p23 and Hsp90β/p23 interactions are crucial for proper folding of proteins involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Small molecule Hsp90 inhibitors block Hsp90α/p23 and Hsp90β/p23 interactions in part by preventing ATP binding to Hsp90. The importance of isoform-selective Hsp90α/p23 and Hsp90β/p23 interactions in determining the sensitivity to Hsp90 was examined using 293T human kidney cancer cells stably expressing split Renilla luciferase (RL) reporters. Interactions between Hsp90α/p23 and Hsp90β/p23 in the split RL reporters led to complementation of RL activity, which was determined by bioluminescence imaging of intact cells in cell culture and living mice using a cooled charge-coupled device camera. The three geldanamycin-based and seven purine-scaffold Hsp90 inhibitors led to different levels of inhibition of complemented RL activities (10–70%). However, there was no isoform selectivity to both classes of Hsp90 inhibitors in cell culture conditions. The most potent Hsp90 inhibitor, PU-H71, however, led to a 60% and 30% decrease in RL activity (14 hr) in 293T xenografts expressing Hsp90α/p23 and Hsp90β/p23 split reporters respectively, relative to carrier control–treated mice. Molecular imaging of isoform-specific Hsp90α/p23 and Hsp90β/p23 interactions and efficacy of different classes of Hsp90 inhibitors in living subjects have been achieved with a novel genetically encoded reporter gene strategy that should help in accelerating development of potent and isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibitors. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):216–26]
An Intracellular Signal Pathway That Regulates Cancer Cell Adhesion in Response to Extracellular Forces
Authors: Basson Marc D.
Published: January 2008

Increasing evidence suggests that tumor cells can regulate their own adhesion via intracellular signals that modulate integrin binding affinity. Although the full pathway has not yet been elucidated, the effects of pressure seem likely to require cytoskeletal mechanosensing, Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, focal adhesion kinase, and Akt-1 activation. Ultimately, activated focal adhesion kinase accumulates at the membrane in association with β1-integrin heterodimers and may modulate integrin binding affinity. This pathway may be a promising target for manipulation to inhibit metastatic cancer cell adhesion. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):2–4]
Differential Involvement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Survival of Hypoxic Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Calvani Maura , Trisciuoglio Daniela , Bergamaschi Cristina , Shoemaker Robert H. , Melillo Giovanni
Published: January 2008

The recent approval of bevacizumab (Avastin), a humanized anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, has provided proof of principle of the efficacy of antiangiogenic strategies for cancer therapy. The activity of bevacizumab is primarily attributed to its ability to inhibit endothelial cell survival. Whether anti-VEGF strategies may also have a direct effect on cancer cell survival is poorly understood. We show that serum-starved colon cancer cells differentially respond to autocrine production of VEGF with the induction of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and survival under hypoxic conditions. Inhibition of VEGF or VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2)/KDR, but not VEGFR1/Flt-1, was sufficient to abrogate VEGF-mediated induction of HIF-1α and survival in sensitive HCT116, but not in resistant HT29, colon cancer cells. These results provide evidence that a VEGF/KDR/HIF-1α autocrine loop differentially mediates survival of hypoxic colon cancer cells, and they suggest that colon cancer cells may be intrinsically sensitive or resistant to anti-VEGF strategies, which may determine the therapeutic efficacy of bevacizumab. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):285–91]
Prostate-Restricted Replicative Adenovirus Expressing Human Endostatin-Angiostatin Fusion Gene Exhibiting Dramatic Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Li Xiong , Liu You-Hong , Lee Sang-Jin , Gardner Thomas A. , Jeng Meei-Huey , Kao Chinghai
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Our previous studies coadministering a replication-deficient adenovirus expressing endostatin and angiostatin fusion gene (EndoAngio) and a prostate-restricted, replication-competent adenovirus (PRRA) showed dramatic antitumor efficacy. This study integrated EndoAngio with an improved PRRA vector to make a single antiangiogenic PRRA, thereby exerting a similarly dramatic antitumor effect with feasibility for future clinical trials.

Experimental Design: We developed an antiangiogenic PRRA with structural improvements. The antitumor efficacy of EndoAngio-PRRA was evaluated in prostate-specific antigen/prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSA/PSMA)-positive, androgen-independent CWR22rv tumor models. The tumor vasculature and cell morphology were observed by dual-photon microscopy. The antiangiogenic effect of EndoAngio delivered by PRRA and the killing activity of EndoAngio-PRRA were evaluated in vitro. Virus-inactivated conditioned media from virus-infected PSA/PSMA-positive cells were tested for apoptosis induction in prostate cancer cells.

Results: Our novel EndoAngio-PRRA is a strong antiangiogenic and antitumor agent. Nine of 10 CWR22rv tumors treated by EndoAngio-PRRA completely regressed, with 1 tumor remaining in a dormant status for 26 weeks after treatment. Dual-photon microscopy revealed that EndoAngio-PRRA not only inhibited the development of tumor vasculature but also induced apoptosis in tumor cells. Subsequent in vitro study indicated that EndoAngio-PRRA exhibited stronger tumor-specific killing activity than enhanced green fluorescent protein-PRRA, which expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein instead of EndoAngio. Virus-inactivated conditioned medium from EndoAngio-PRRA–infected PSA/PSMA-positive cells induced apoptosis in C4-2 and CWR22rv cells.

Conclusions: EndoAngio-PRRA uniquely combines three distinct antitumor effects to eliminate androgen-independent prostate cancer: antiangiogenesis, viral oncolysis, and apoptosis. This novel antiangiogenic PRRA represents a powerful agent feasible for future clinical trials for prostate cancer therapy.
Identification of Matrix Metalloproteinase 11 as a Predictive Tumor Marker in Serum Based on Gene Expression Profiling
Authors: Yang Yan-Hong , Deng Hua , Li Wen-Mei , Zhang Qing-Yun , Hu Xiao-Ting , Xiao Bai , Zhu Hai-Hong , Geng Pai-Li , Lu You-Yong
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Prognostic markers discovery is a strategy for early diagnosis and individualization therapy for human cancer. In this study, we focus to integrate different methods to identify specific biomarker and elucidate its clinical significance.

Experimental Design: A powerful tool named Digital Gene Expression Display online was applied to isolate differentially expressed genes correlated with gastric cancer. Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11) was selected and confirmed at both mRNA and protein level in 10 cell lines, 123 cases of tumor tissues, and 305 cases of gastric cancer serum specimen by semiquantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and ELISA techniques, respectively.

Results: Our data showed that overexpression of MMP11 at mRNA and protein level was consistently detected in cell lines and primary tumors compared with matched normal tissues. Importantly, serum MMP11 levels were also significantly elevated in gastric cancer patients compared with those of the control subjects (P < 0.001), and the positive expression was well correlated with metastasis in gastric cancer patients (P = 0.009). Furthermore, we have shown that overexpression of MMP11 was associated with the malignant proliferation of AGS cells.

Conclusions: Combination of gene expression profiling and specific clinical resource is a promising approach to validate gene expression patterns associated with malignant phenotype. As a secreted protein, MMP11 may play an important role in carcinogenesis and has potential implication as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers including gastric cancer.
Catheter Ablation for the Treatment of Electrical Storm in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Authors: Carbucicchio Corrado , Santamaria Matteo , Trevisi Nicola , Maccabelli Giuseppe , Giraldi Francesco , Fassini Gaetano , Riva Stefania , Moltrasio Massimo , Cireddu Manuela , Veglia Fabrizio , Della Bella Paolo
Published: January 2008

Background—

Electrical storm (ES) caused by recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can cause sudden death in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and adversely affects prognosis in survivors. Catheter ablation has been proposed for treating ES, but its long-term effect in a large population has never been verified.

Methods and Results—

Ninety-five consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (72 patients), idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (10 patients), and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (13 patients) undergoing catheter ablation for drug-refractory ES were prospectively evaluated. Short-term efficacy was defined by a complete protocol of programmed electric stimulation and by in-hospital outcome; long-term analysis addressed ES recurrence, cardiac mortality, and VT recurrence. Pleomorphic/nontolerated VTs required electroanatomic and noncontact mapping in 48 and 22 patients, respectively, and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support in 10 patients. An epicardial approach was used in 10 patients. After 1 to 3 procedures, induction of any clinical VT(s) by programmed electrical stimulation was prevented in 85 patients (89%). ES was acutely suppressed in all patients; a minimum period of 7 days with stable rhythm was required before hospital discharge. At a median follow-up of 22 months (range, 1 to 43 months), 87 patients (92%) were free of ES and 63 patients (66%) were free of VT recurrence. Eight of 10 patients with persistent inducibility of clinical VT(s) had ES recurrence; 4 of them died suddenly despite appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator intervention. All together, 11 of 95 patients (12%) died of cardiac-related reasons. In the group of patients presenting with all clinical VTs acutely abolished, no ES recurrence was documented, and cardiac mortality was significantly lower compared with the group of patients showing ≥1 clinical VT still inducible after catheter ablation.

Conclusions—

Advanced strategies of catheter ablation applied to a large population of patients are effective in the short-term treatment of ES. By preventing ES recurrence, catheter ablation may play a protective role over the long term and, together with long-term pharmacological therapy, may favorably affect cardiac mortality.
Risk Associated With Preoperative Anemia in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Karkouti Keyvan , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Beattie W. Scott
Published: January 2008

Background—

Preoperative anemia is an important risk factor for perioperative red blood cell transfusions, which are associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Whether preoperative anemia also is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery, however, has not been fully elucidated.

Methods and Results—

In this multicenter cohort study, data were collected on 3500 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery during 2004 at 7 academic hospitals. The prevalence of preoperative anemia, defined as hemoglobin <12.5 g/dL, and its unadjusted and adjusted relationships with the composite outcome of in-hospital death, stroke, or acute kidney injury were obtained. The overall prevalence of preoperative anemia was 26%, with values ranging from 22% to 30% at the participating hospitals. After the exclusion of patients who had severe preoperative anemia (hemoglobin <9.5 g/dL) or preoperative kidney failure and those who underwent emergency surgery, the composite outcome was observed in 7.5% of patients (247 of 3286). The unadjusted odds ratio for the composite outcome in anemic versus nonanemic patients was 3.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.7 to 4.7). The risk-adjusted odds ratios, obtained by multivariable logistic regression and propensity-score matching to control for important confounders (including comorbidities, institution, surgical factors, and blood transfusion), were 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 2.8) and 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.7), respectively.

Conclusions—

Preoperative anemia is independently associated with adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Future studies should determine whether therapies aimed at treating preoperative anemia would improve the outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Development of the Pan-Arctic Snowfall Reconstruction: New Land-Based Solid Precipitation Estimates for 1940–99
Authors: Cherry J. E. , Tremblay L-B. , Stieglitz M. , Gong G. , Déry S. J.
Published: January 2008

A new product, the Pan-Arctic Snowfall Reconstruction (PASR), is developed to address the problem of cold season precipitation gauge biases for the 1940–99 period. The method used to create the PASR is different from methods used in other large-scale precipitation data products and has not previously been employed for estimating pan-arctic snowfall. The NASA Interannual-to-Seasonal Prediction Project Catchment Land Surface Model is used to reconstruct solid precipitation from observed snow depth and surface air temperatures. The method is tested at four stations in the United States and Canada where results are examined in depth. Reconstructed snowfall at Dease Lake, British Columbia, and Barrow, Alaska, is higher than gauge observations. Reconstructed snowfall at Regina, Saskatchewan, and Minot, North Dakota, is lower than gauge observations, probably because snow is transported by wind out of the Prairie region and enters the hydrometeorological cycle elsewhere. These results are similar to gauge biases estimated by a water budget approach. Reconstructed snowfall is consistently higher than snowfall from the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40) but does not have a consistent relationship with snowfall derived from the WMO Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Project correction algorithms. Advantages of the PASR approach include that 1) the assimilation of snow depth observations captures blowing snow where it is deposited and 2) the modeling approach takes into account physical snowpack evolution. These advantages suggest that the PASR product could be a valuable alternative to statistical gauge corrections and that arctic ground-based solid precipitation observing networks might emphasize snow depth measurements over gauges.
Estimating the Spatial Distribution of Precipitation in Iceland Using a Linear Model of Orographic Precipitation
Authors: Crochet Philippe , Jóhannesson Tómas , Jónsson Trausti , Sigurðsson Oddur , Björnsson Helgi , Pálsson Finnur , Barstad Idar
Published: January 2008

A linear model of orographic precipitation that includes airflow dynamics, condensed water advection, and downslope evaporation is adapted for Iceland. The model is driven using coarse-resolution 40-yr reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA-40) over the period 1958–2002. The simulated precipitation is in good agreement with precipitation observations accumulated over various time scales, both in terms of magnitude and distribution. The results suggest that the model captures the main physical processes governing orographic generation of precipitation in the mountains of Iceland. The approach presented in this paper offers a credible method to obtain a detailed estimate of the distribution of precipitation in mountainous terrain for various conditions involving orographic generation of precipitation. It appears to be of great practical value to the hydrologists, glaciologists, meteorologists, and climatologists.
Performance of Hourly Operational Consensus Forecasts (OCFs) in the Australian Region
Authors: Engel Chermelle , Ebert Elizabeth
Published: January 2008

This paper presents an extension of the operational consensus forecast (OCF) method, which performs a statistical correction of model output at sites followed by weighted average consensus on a daily basis. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) model forecasts are received from international centers at various temporal resolutions. As such, in order to extend the OCF methodology to hourly temporal resolution, a method is described that blends multiple models regardless of their temporal resolution. The hourly OCF approach is used to generate forecasts of 2-m air temperature, dewpoint temperature, RH, mean sea level pressure derived from the barometric pressure at the station location (QNH), along with 10-m wind speed and direction for 283 Australian sites. In comparison to a finescale hourly regional model, the hourly OCF process results in reductions in average mean square error of 47% (air temperature), 40% (dewpoint temperature), 43% (RH), 29% (QNH), 42% (wind speed), and 11% (wind direction) during February–March with slightly higher reductions in May. As part of the development of the approach, the systematic and random natures of hourly NWP forecast errors are evaluated and found to vary with forecast hour, with a diurnal modulation overlaying the normal error growth with time. The site-based statistical correction of the model forecasts is found to include simple statistical downscaling. As such, the method is found to be most appropriate for meteorological variables that vary systematically with spatial resolution.
Rotavirus-Induced Seizures in Childhood
Authors: DiFazio Marc P. , Braun Loranee , Freedman Scott , Hickey Patrick
Published: January 2008

Rotavirus infection is a frequent cause of gastroenteritis in children and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. Less well recognized is the association of rotavirus-induced central nervous system dysfunction, which has been associated with seizure, encephalopathy, and death. Symptoms may vary widely, however, and children can experience short afebrile convulsions as the only manifestation of rotavirus encephalopathy. We report 4 further cases of rotavirus-induced seizures with mild neurologic manifestations. The condition is reviewed and practical management strategies are suggested.
The Balancing Act
Authors: Sulik Gayle A.
Published: January 2008

Care work is both gendered and relational, defined typically as the care women do for others. When faced with a chronic life-threatening illness such as breast cancer, women must learn to perform care work for the self. Drawing from participant observation and 60 in-depth interviews, the author explores the gendered strategies and justifications women use to cope with breast cancer and engage in care work for the self. Women in the study used a multiprocess, gendered “balancing act” to learn to balance their needs with the needs of others, which involves setting boundaries and establishing criteria for accepting and asking for help. These strategies reflect a negotiation of normative expectations that stress women's selflessness, empathy, and caring for others.
State Abortion and Nonmarital Birthrates in the Post—Welfare Reform Era
Authors: Kelly Kimberly , Grant Linda
Published: January 2008

The impact of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA , or welfare reform) on the economic circumstances of women and children has received substantial research attention, but provisions of the act that attempt to influence women's reproductive behaviors have been much less studied. Provisions of PRWORA encouraged states to intensify efforts to restrict access to abortion and to decrease rates of nonmarital births, particularly among teenagers. Using state-level data, this study analyzes the effects of state policies enacted in the wake of welfare reform, controlling for prior rates of abortion and unwed births. The authors find that economic-based incentives have only minor, and inconsistent, influence on statewide rates of abortion and nonmarital births in 2000. Results are consistent with feminist scholarship proposing that noneconomic considerations are more central in women's decision making about reproduction than economic factors.
Phase I Study of Individualized Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Tse Regina V. , Hawkins Maria , Lockwood Gina , Kim John J. , Cummings Bernard , Knox Jennifer , Sherman Morris , Dawson Laura A.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To report outcomes of a phase I study of individualized stereotactic body radiotherapy treatment (SBRT) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC).

Patients and Methods

Patients with unresectable HCC or IHC, and who are not suitable for standard therapies, were eligible for six-fraction SBRT during 2 weeks. Radiation dose was dependent on the volume of liver irradiated and the estimated risk of liver toxicity based on a normal tissue complication model. Toxicity risk was escalated from 5% to 10% and 20%, within three liver volume–irradiated strata, provided at least three patients were without toxicity at 3 months after SBRT.

Results

Forty-one patients with unresectable Child-Pugh A HCC (n = 31) or IHC (n = 10) completed six-fraction SBRT. Five patients (12%) had grade 3 liver enzymes at baseline. The median tumor size was 173 mL (9 to 1,913 mL). The median dose was 36.0 Gy (24.0 to 54.0 Gy). No radiation-induced liver disease or treatment-related grade 4/5 toxicity was seen within 3 months after SBRT. Grade 3 liver enzymes were seen in five patients (12%). Two patients (5%) with IHC developed transient biliary obstruction after the first few fractions. Seven patients (five HCC, two IHC) had decline in liver function from Child-Pugh class A to B within 3 months after SBRT. Median survival of HCC and IHC patients was 11.7 months (95% CI, 9.2 to 21.6 months) and 15.0 months (95% CI, 6.5 to 29.0 months), respectively.

Conclusion

Individualized six-fraction SBRT is a safe treatment for unresectable HCC and IHC.
Impaired generation of mature neurons by neural stem cells from hypomorphic Sox2 mutants
Authors: Cavallaro Maurizio , Mariani Jessica , Lancini Cesare , Latorre Elisa , Caccia Roberta , Gullo Francesca , Valotta Menella , DeBiasi Silvia , Spinardi Laura , Ronchi Antonella , Wanke Enzo , Brunelli Silvia , Favaro Rebecca , Ottolenghi Sergio , Nicolis Silvia K.
Published: January 2008

The transcription factor Sox2 is active in neural stem cells, and Sox2`knockdown' mice show defects in neural stem/progenitor cells in the hippocampus and eye, and possibly some neurons. In humans, heterozygous Sox2 deficiency is associated with eye abnormalities, hippocampal malformation and epilepsy. To better understand the role of Sox2, we performed in vitro differentiation studies on neural stem cells cultured from embryonic and adult brains of `knockdown' mutants. Sox2 expression is high in undifferentiated cells, and declines with differentiation, but remains visible in at least some of the mature neurons. In mutant cells, neuronal, but not astroglial,differentiation was profoundly affected. β-Tubulin-positive cells were abundant, but most failed to progress to more mature neurons, and showed morphological abnormalities. Overexpression of Sox2 in neural cells at early,but not late, stages of differentiation, rescued the neuronal maturation defect. In addition, it suppressed GFAP expression in glial cells. Our results show an in vitro requirement for Sox2 in early differentiating neuronal lineage cells, for maturation and for suppression of alternative lineage markers. Finally, we examined newly generated neurons from Sox2 `knockdown'newborn and adult mice. GABAergic neurons were greatly diminished in number in newborn mouse cortex and in the adult olfactory bulb, and some showed abnormal morphology and migration properties. GABA deficiency represents a plausible explanation for the epilepsy observed in some of the knockdown mice, as well as in SOX2-deficient individuals.
Ácido fumárico e sua combinação com os ácidos butírico ou fórmico em dietas de leitões recém desmamados
Authors: Gomes F.E. , Fontes D.O. , Saliba E.O.S. , Ferreira W.M. , Fialho E.T. , Silva F.C.O. , Silva M.A. , Corrêa G.S.S. , Salum G.M.
Published: January 2008

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e as características morfológicas e morfométricas do intestino delgado de 210 leitões, desmamados aos 15 dias de idade, com peso médio inicial 4,04±0,66kg, em dois períodos experimentais (15-30 e 15-36 dias de idade). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com sete tratamentos (T1: ração-controle sem adição de acidificante; T2: ração-controle + 0,5% de ácido fumárico; T3: ração-controle + 1,0% de ácido fumárico; T4: ração-controle + 0,5% de ácido fumárico +0,1% de ácido butírico; T5: ração-controle + 0,5% de ácido fumárico + 0,5% de ácido fórmico; T6: ração-controle + 1,0% de ácido fumárico + 0,1% de ácido butírico e T7: ração-controle + 1,0% de ácido fumárico +0,5% de ácido fórmico), cinco repetições e seis animais por unidade experimental. O peso dos leitões aos 30 dias de idade não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos, mas houve efeito significativo de tratamento sobre ganho de peso e consumo alimentar diário no período de 15-30 dias de idade, com maior desempenho para os leitões alimentados com dietas suplementadas com ácido fumárico. Não houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre o peso médio aos 36 dias, o ganho de peso, o consumo diário e a conversão alimentar dos leitões de 15 a 36 dias de idade. Houve diferença entre tratamentos para a altura do epitélio do duodeno, porém não houve diferença em relação à do jejuno e à do íleo. As eletromicrografias do duodeno dos leitões alimentados com as diferentes dietas experimentais revelaram vilosidades com características normais.
Qualidade das silagens de genótipos de girassol (Helianthus annuus) confeiteiros e produtores de óleo
Authors: Jayme D.G. , Gonçalves L.C. , Rodrigues J.A.S. , Pires D.A.A. , Guimarães Júnior R. , Rodriguez N.M. , Borges I. , Borges A.L.C.C. , Saliba E.O.S. , Jayme C.G.
Published: January 2008

Avaliou-se a qualidade das silagens de três genótipos de girassol produtores de óleo (M742, IAC Uruguai e V2000) e três com sementes confeiteiras (Mycogen 93338, Victoria 807, Victoria 627). Os silos foram abertos após 56 dias de fermentação. Os menores valores de matéria seca observados foram para os genótipos Mycogen 93338 e V2000. Não foram observadas diferenças nos teores de proteína bruta entre cinco dos seis genótipos estudados. Com exceção do IAC Uruguai, os genótipos com sementes produtoras de óleo apresentaram valores de extrato etéreo mais altos que os confeiteiros. Os valores de fibra em detergente neutro variaram de 43,6% a 55,8%. Os menores teores de fibra em detergente ácido foram 33,2% para o V2000 e 35,2% para o Mycogen 93338. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os valores obtidos para N-NH3/NT. O valor de pH médio das silagens foi de 4,51. Os maiores valores de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca foram 52,0% para o V2000 e 54,5% para o Mycogen 93338. As silagens dos genótipos confeiteiros e dos genótipos produtores de óleo foram classificadas como de boa qualidade para os parâmetros avaliados, o que demonstra o potencial do girassol como uma opção para produção de silagem na época da safrinha.
A elite parlamentar brasileira (1989-2004)
Authors: Messenberg Débora
Published: January 2008

O presente artigo analisa o perfil dos parlamentares que fizeram parte da elite parlamentar brasileira ao longo dos anos de 1989 a 2004, procurando não só identificar os atores e suas práticas políticas, mas compreender de que maneira diferentes matizes socioculturais interferem no fazer e pensar a política no Brasil.
As condições físicas e de saúde dos escravos fugitivos anunciados no Jornal do Commercio (RJ) em 1850
Authors: Amantino Márcia
Published: January 2008

Examina as condições de saúde de uma população de escravos fugidos, com base em anúncios publicados no Jornal do Commercio do Rio de Janeiro durante o ano de 1850. Para tanto, analisa as características físicas dos escravos, conforme descrição de seus senhores e, considerando a saúde do escravo, examina os problemas físicos que cada um possuía, de acordo com o saber médico ou popular da época. Essas evidências podem ser relacionadas com procedimentos ligados ao próprio sistema escravista, que privilegiava a máxima utilização dos cativos.
Necessidades de saúde: uma análise da produção científica brasileira de 1990 a 2004
Authors: Campos Célia Maria Sivalli , Bataiero Marcel Oliveira
Published: January 2008

Partindo do pressuposto de que as respostas às necessidades de saúde oferecidas pelos serviços de saúde sofreram impacto com a regulamentação do Sistema Nacional de Saúde - SUS, o objetivo deste estudo foi apreender as tendências dessa reorganização em publicações científicas sobre o tema. Dentre 73 publicações selecionadas na base de dados on-line LILACS, 66 (90,4%) não abordavam o conceito de necessidades, utilizando o termo no senso comum; as que o abordavam tinham caráter de reflexão, sendo praticamente inexistentes as publicações que tomavam a perspectiva da Saúde Coletiva. Os artigos tomavam/definiam necessidades comuns a todos os indivíduos, considerando-os um agrupamento homogêneo de sujeitos abstratos, sem pertencimento de classe - que é o que determina e diferencia as necessidades de saúde. É preocupante o que os artigos revelam, pois a atenção à saúde vem privilegiando um recorte fragmentado que enfatiza a doença e pode reforçar práticas amparadas na visão funcionalista e classificatória, em detrimento de uma práxis emancipatória.
Modelo numérico do transporte de nitrogênio no solo. Parte I: Desenvolvimento e teste do modelo
Authors: Rocha Felizardo A. , Martinez Mauro A. , Matos Antônio T. , Cantarutti Reinaldo B. , Silva Joseane O. da
Published: January 2008

Este trabalho visa realizar modificações no modelo de transporte de soluto no solo SIMASS-C, permitindo-lhe simular as concentrações do nitrato e amônio no solo, considerando-se as transformações biológicas e o efeito da temperatura e do teor de água do solo. A primeira etapa da pesquisa constou da formulação matemática e da elaboração da rotina computacional do modelo, em linguagem Delphi 7.0; na segunda etapa foram parametrizados os modelos de mineralização e nitrificação e testado o modelo SIMASS-C modificado, com base em coeficientes estatísticos pela comparação entre os dados observados e os simulados. O modelo exponencial apresentou bom ajuste aos dados de mineralização e nitrificação. A inclusão do processo de mineralização e nitrificação no modelo SIMASS-C resultou em uma melhoria na estimativa da concentração de nitrato e amônio no solo, enquanto o modelo de temperatura permitiu estimar a temperatura na camada de solo analisada e ao longo do tempo, com boa precisão.
Consumo, digestibilidade e parâmetros ruminais em bovinos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de sorgo e pré-secado de capim-tifton 85
Authors: Pereira Odilon Gomes , Souza Viviane Glaucia de , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Ribeiro Karina Guimarães , Pereira Dalton Henrique , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: January 2008

Avaliaram-se o consumo e as digestibilidades total e parcial dos nutrientes, a eficiência microbiana, o balanço de nitrogênio, a taxa de passagem da digesta ruminal, o pH e a concentração de amônia ruminal em bovinos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo como fonte de volumoso pré-secado de capim-tifton 85 e silagem de sorgo nas seguintes proporções: 100:0; 68:32; 34:66 e 0:100, respectivamente, com base na MS. Foram utilizados quatro animais mestiços Holandês × Zebu (H × Z), fistulados no rúmen e abomaso, com peso médio de 364 kg, distribuídos em um quadrado latino 4 × 4. A relação volumoso:concentrado foi de 60:40, na base da MS. Os consumos de MS, MO, PB, carboidratos totais (CT), assim como as digestibilidades totais da PB, EE, CNF e FDN não foram influenciados pelas dietas, registrando-se valores médios de 6,01; 5,69; 0,76 e 4,64 kg/dia e 67,94; 82,42; 84,43 e 53,57%, respectivamente. Os consumos de EE, CNF, FDN e NDT e as digestibilidades aparentes totais da MS, MO e CT aumentaram linearmente com o incremento da proporção de silagem de sorgo no volumoso. As digestibilidades ruminais e intestinais de MS, CT, CNF e FDN não foram influenciadas pelas dietas. O pH não foi alterado pelos tempos de coleta nem pelas dietas. A concentração de amônia foi influenciada pelos tempos de coleta, estimando-se valor máximo de 13,14 mg/100 mL, às 2,90 horas após a alimentação. Para as dietas contendo 0; 32; 66 e 100% de silagem de sorgo no volumoso estimaram-se taxas de passagem da digesta ruminal da ordem de 4,10: 4,22; 4,27 e 5,30%/hora, respectivamente. A eficiência microbiana não foi afetada pelo nível de silagem de sorgo na dieta. O uso de silagem pré-secada de capim tifton 85 associada à silagem de sorgo mostrou-se uma boa alternativa de volumoso para bovinos de corte.
Host-parasite interactions between the piranha Pygocentrus nattereri (Characiformes: Characidae) and isopods and branchiurans (Crustacea) in the rio Araguaia basin, Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Lucélia Nobre , Arruda Rafael , Del-Claro Kleber
Published: January 2008

In the tropics, studies on the ecology of host-parasite interactions are incipient and generally related to taxonomic aspects. The main objective of the present work was to analyze ecological aspects and identify the metazoan fauna of ectoparasites that infest the piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri. In May 2002, field samples were collected in the rio Araguaia basin, State of Goiás (Brazil). A total of 252 individuals of P. nattereri were caught with fishhooks and 32.14% were infested with ectoparasite crustaceans. The recorded ectoparasites were branchiurans, Argulus sp. and Dolops carvalhoi and the isopods Braga patagonica, Anphira branchialis and Asotana sp. The prevalence and mean intensity of branchiurans (16.6% and 1.5, respectively) and isopods (15.5% and 1.0, respectively) were similar. Isopods were observed in the gills of the host; branchiurans were more frequent where the skin was thinner, and facilitated attachment and feeding. The ventral area, the base of the pectoral fin and the gular area were the most infested areas. The correlations between the standard length of the host and the variables intensity and prevalence of crustaceans parasitism, were significant only for branchiurans (rs = 0.2397, p = 0.0001; chi2 = 7.97; C = 0.19). These results suggest that both feeding sites and body size probably play an important role in the distribution and abundance of ectoparasites.
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Before and After Medicare Expansion Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Diabetes Who Do Not Use Insulin
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Ping , Narayan K.M. Venkat
Published: January 2008

Objectives. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 authorized Medicare to expand the coverage of glucose monitors and strips to non–insulin users with diabetes and self-management training to non–hospital-based programs. We examined the impact of this expansion on self-monitoring of blood glucose among Medicare beneficiaries who were not using insulin to treat their diabetes.

Methods. With data from the 1996–2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and a logistic regression model using a complex survey design, we compared the probability of self-monitoring of blood glucose among Medicare beneficiaries at the frequency recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians’ clinical guidelines before and after the Medicare expansion. We also compared the change in the frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose during these periods between Medicare beneficiaries and persons with private insurance by using a difference-in-difference model.

Results. Medicare expansion was positively associated with the probability of self-monitoring of blood glucose for both Medicare beneficiaries and persons with private insurance; the magnitude was between 7.1 and 16.6 percentage points.

Conclusions. The Medicare expansion effectively increased the frequency of the recommended self-monitoring of blood glucose in the Medicare population.
Aging Effect on Visual and Spatial Components of Working Memory
Authors: Beigneux Katia , Plaie Thierry , Isingrini Michel
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the storage of visual and spatial working memory according to Logie's model of working memory (1995). In a first experiment young, elderly, and very old subjects carried out two tasks usually used to measure visual span (Visual Patterns Test) and spatial span (Corsi Block Tapping test). In the second experiment, we modified the encoding time of the Visual Patterns Test so that it was the same as in the Corsi Block Tapping test. Results indicate that the visual span decreases more with advanced age than the spatial span, even when the encoding time between the Visual Patterns Test and the Corsi Block Tapping test is controlled. These results support the fractionation of the visuo-spatial working memory and show that the more pronounced age-related effect on the visual span is robust and independent of the encoding time.
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies in Chronic Rhinosinusitis May be a Marker of Undisclosed Vasculitis
Authors: Gonçalves Carla , Pinaffi Juliana V. , Carvalho Jozélio F. , Pinna Fabio R. , Constantino Guilherme T. , Voegels Richard L. , Bueno Cleonice , Bonfá Eloisa , Viana Vilma S.T.
Published: January 2008

Background

Upper airway manifestations are common features of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–related vasculitis. Determining the presence of this antibody in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may allow early identification and treatment of underlying vasculitis.

Methods

Forty-nine consecutive CRS patients and 165 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated for vasculitis complaints. ANCA were detected by indirect immunofluorescence, and antibodies to proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase were determined by ELISA.

Results

Patients and controls were comparable concerning the mean age (47.2 ± 15 years versus 45 ± 12.5 years; p = 0.303) and female predominance (73.5% versus 60%; p = 0.502). Vasculitis-associated complaints were reported in 8/49 (16.3%) patients: 7 patients reported a 10-year history of asthma and 1 patient had red/painful eyes associated with epistaxis. ANCA was positive in 5/49 (10%) patients and absent in controls (p < 0.0001). One patient had high titer cytoplasmic ANCA/PR3 and during the investigation developed clinical features of Wegener's granulomatosis. The other four patients had perinuclear ANCA, of whom three were asymptomatic and one is currently under surveillance for Churg-Strauss syndrome. Sinus computed tomography scan revealed that patients who were ANCA+ had more extensive disease involvement than ANCA- patients (Lund-Mackay score median value, 21 versus 13; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

ANCA may identify a subset of difficult to treat CRS patients with underlying vasculitis and may be useful for establishing an early diagnosis of vasculitis in CRS.
The Cigarette Smoke Component Acrolein Inhibits Expression of the Innate Immune Components IL-8 and Human Beta-Defensin 2 by Sinonasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lee Won Kyung , Ramanathan Murugappan , Spannhake Ernst W. , Lane Andrew P.
Published: January 2008

Background

Tobacco use is associated with poorer outcomes of medical and surgical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), although the underlying mechanism is unknown. Acrolein (AC) is a major component of cigarette smoke that has been shown to suppress innate immune gene expression by human bronchial epithelial cells and murine macrophages. In this study, we explore whether exposure of human sinonasal epithelial cells (HSNECs) to AC similarly reduces their innate immune gene expression.

Methods

Primary HSNECs from CRS patients were grown in culture, either differentiated or submerged. HSNECs were treated for 30 minutes with 0–50 μM of AC and were subsequently analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA to determine IL-8 and human beta-defensin (HBD) 2 expression. Total glutathione was measured to see the oxidative stress within the treatment range.

Results

In primary HSNEC, IL-8 mRNA levels decreased dose dependently in the range of 10–50 μM of AC with an eightfold decrease at 50 μM. In addition, a 125-fold decrease at 50 μM for IL-8 protein was observed. HBD-2 mRNA decreased twofold and HBD-2 protein decreased fourfold at 50 μM of AC in primary HSNEC. However, differentiated HSNEC showed a marginal decrease in a dose-dependent manner for both IL-8 and HBD-2 within the range of 10–50 μM of AC. There was no oxidative stress observed over this range of AC concentration.

Conclusion

The tobacco smoke component AC has the capacity to suppress the inflammatory and innate immune function of sinonasal epithelial cells. Whether this effect contributes to the negative clinical impact of smoking on CRS outcomes merits additional investigation.