bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Image Filters and Observations Parameters in CBCT for Identification of Mandibular Osteolytic Lesions
Authors: Monteiro Bruna Moraes , Nobrega Filho Denys Silveira , Lopes Patrícia de Medeiros Loureiro , de Sales Marcelo Augusto Oliveira
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of filters (algorithms) to improve the image of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the mandible, in order to establish the protocols for viewing images more suitable for CBCT diagnostics. 15 dry mandibles in which perforations were performed, simulating lesions, were submitted to CBCT examination. Two examiners analyzed the images, using filters to improve image Hard, Normal, and Very Sharp, contained in the iCAT Vision software, and protocols for assessment: axial; sagittal and coronal; and axial, sagittal and coronal planes simultaneously (MPR), on two occasions. The sensitivity and specificity (validity) of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) have been demonstrated as the values achieved were above 75% for sensitivity and above 85% for specificity, reaching around 95.5% of sensitivity and 99% of specificity when we used the appropriate observation protocol. It was concluded that the use of filters (algorithms) to improve the CBCT image influences the diagnosis, due to the fact that all measured values were correspondingly higher when it was used the filter Very Sharp, which justifies its use for clinical activities, followed by Hard and Normal filters, in order of decreasing values.
Cadherin Cell Adhesion System in Canine Mammary Cancer: A Review
Authors: Gama Adelina , Schmitt Fernando
Published: August 2012

Cadherin-catenin adhesion complexes play important roles by providing cell-cell adhesion and communication in different organ systems. Abnormal expression of cadherin adhesion molecules constitutes a common phenomenon in canine mammary cancer and has been frequently implicated in tumour progression. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on cadherin/catenin adhesion molecules (E-cadherin,β-catenin, and P-cadherin) in canine mammary cancer, focusing on the putative biological functions and clinical significance of these molecules in this disease. This paper highlights the need for further research studies in this setting in order to elucidate the role of these adhesion molecules during tumour progression and metastasis.
Millimeter-Wave Rotational Spectra of trans-Acrolein (Propenal) (CH2CHCOH): A DC Discharge Product of Allyl Alcohol (CH2CHCH2OH) Vapor and DFT Calculation
Authors: Jaman A. I. , Bhattacharya Rangana
Published: August 2012

Millimeter-wave rotational spectrum of trans-acrolein (propenal) (CH2CHCOH) produced by applying a DC glow discharge through a low-pressure (~10–20 mTorr) flow of allyl alcohol (CH2CHCH2OH) vapor has been observed in the ground and several excited torsional states in the frequency region: 60.0–99.0 GHz. A least-square analysis of the measured and previously reported rotational transition frequencies has produced a set of rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for the ground as well as excited torsional states. Detailed DFT calculations were also carried out with various functional and basis sets to evaluate the spectroscopic constants, dipole moment, and various structural parameters of the trans conformer of propenal for the ground state and compared with their corresponding experimental values. A linear variation of the inertia defect values with torsional quantum number (v=0,1,2,3) demonstrates that the equilibrium configuration of trans-propenal is planar.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cellular Activation May Participate in the Immunopathogenesis of Visceral Leishmaniasis Alone or in HIV Coinfection
Authors: Santos-Oliveira Joanna Reis , Da-Cruz Alda Maria
Published: August 2012

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease which constitutes a serious public health problem, integrating the list of neglected tropical diseases. The disease is characterized by aLeishmania-specific immune suppression T-cell depletion and a decrease of other hematopoietic cells. In parallel, an immunostimulatory response also occurs, represented by polyclonal B lymphocytes, T-cell activation, and systemic proinflammatory responses. Parasite antigens were believed to mediate both suppression and activation mechanisms, but these concepts are constantly being revised. Similar to reports on HIV/AIDS, we have proposed that gut parasitation by amastigotes and lymphocyte depletion could also affect gut-associated lymphoid tissue, leading to mucosal barrier breach and predisposing to microbial translocation. An increment of plasmatic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels observed in Brazilian VL patients was implicated in the reduced blood CD4+and CD8+T cell counts, systemic T-cell activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and MIF plasma levels, suggesting that a bacterial molecule not associated withLeishmaniainfection can exert deleterious effects on immune system. Recent results also pointed that the proinflammatory response was potentiated in VL/HIV-AIDS coinfected patients. The LPS-mediated cell activation adds another concept to the immunopathogenesis of VL and can bring a rational for new therapeutic interventions that could ameliorate the management of these patients.
Empirical Bayes Model Comparisons for Differential Methylation Analysis
Authors: Teng Mingxiang , Wang Yadong , Kim Seongho , Li Lang , Shen Changyu , Wang Guohua , Liu Yunlong , Huang Tim H. M. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Balch Curt
Published: August 2012

A number of empirical Bayes models (each with different statistical distribution assumptions) have now been developed to analyze differential DNA methylation using high-density oligonucleotide tiling arrays. However, it remains unclear which model performs best. For example, for analysis of differentially methylated regions for conservative and functional sequence characteristics (e.g., enrichment of transcription factor-binding sites (TFBSs)), the sensitivity of such analyses, using various empirical Bayes models, remains unclear. In this paper, five empirical Bayes models were constructed, based on either a gamma distribution or a log-normal distribution, for the identification of differential methylated loci and their cell division—(1, 3, and 5) and drug-treatment-(cisplatin) dependent methylation patterns. While differential methylation patterns generated by log-normal models were enriched with numerous TFBSs, we observed almost no TFBS-enriched sequences using gamma assumption models. Statistical and biological results suggest log-normal, rather than gamma, empirical Bayes model distribution to be a highly accurate and precise method for differential methylation microarray analysis. In addition, we presented one of the log-normal models for differential methylation analysis and tested its reproducibility by simulation study. We believe this research to be the first extensive comparison of statistical modeling for the analysis of differential DNA methylation, an important biological phenomenon that precisely regulates gene transcription.
Total Saponin from Root ofActinidia valvataDunn Inhibits Hepatoma 22 Growth and MetastasisIn Vivoby Suppression Angiogenesis
Authors: Zheng Guo-Yin , Xin Hai-Liang , Xu Yan-Fen , Li Bai , Zhai Xiao-Feng , Zhang Yuan-Hui , Ling Chang-Quan
Published: August 2012

The root ofActinidia valvatadunn has been widely used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), proved to be beneficial for a longer and better life in China. In present work, total saponin from root ofActinidia valvataDunn (TSAVD) was extracted, and its effects on hepatoma H22-based mousein vivowere observed. Primarily transplanted hypodermal hepatoma H22-based mice were used to observe TSAVD effect on tumor growth. The microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are characterized factors of angiogenesis, which were compared between TSAVD-treated and control groups. Antimetastasis effect on experimental pulmonary metastasis hepatoma mice was also observed in the study. The results demonstrated that TSAVD can effectively inhibit HCC growth and metastasisin vivo, inhibit the formation of microvessel, downregulate expressions of VEGF and bFGF, and retrain angiogenesis of hepatoma 22 which could be one of the reasons.
Using Reflectance Spectroscopy and Artificial Neural Network to Assess Water Infiltration Rate into the Soil Profile
Authors: Goldshleger Naftali , Chudnovsky Alexandra , Ben-Dor Eyal
Published: August 2012

We explored the effect of raindrop energy on both water infiltration into soil and the soil's NIR-SWIR spectral reflectance (1200–2400 nm). Seven soils with different physical and morphological properties from Israel and the US were subjected to an artificial rainstorm. The spectral properties of the crust formed on the soil surface were analyzed using an artificial neural network (ANN). Results were compared to a study with the same population in which partial least-squares (PLS) regression was applied. It was concluded that both models (PLS regression and ANN) are generic as they are based on properties that correlate with the physical crust, such as clay content, water content and organic matter. Nonetheless, better results for the connection between infiltration rate and spectral properties were achieved with the non-linear ANN technique in terms of statistical values (RMSE of 17.3% for PLS regression and 10% for ANN). Furthermore, although both models were run at the selected wavelengths and their accuracy was assessed with an independent external group of samples, no pre-processing procedure was applied to the reflectance data when using ANN. As the relationship between infiltration rate and soil reflectance is not linear, ANN methods have the advantage for examining this relationship when many soils are being analyzed.
Mg(HSO4)2/SiO2 as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Green Preparation of 2-Aryl-1,3-Dioxalanes/Dioxanes and Linear Acetals
Authors: Jafari Fariba , Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: August 2012

Silica-supported magnesium hydrogen sulfate has been used as a recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of some linear and cyclic aromatic acetals under solvent-free conditions. This environmentally friendly method has advantages, such as high yield of products, simple work-up procedure, and avoidance of the organic solvents, which will contribute in serving as a green process greatly.
Visceral Leishmaniasis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare?
Authors: Garg Sunny , Kundu Mousumi , Dwivedi Amit Nandan Dhar , Meena Lalit Prashant , Varyani Neeraj , Iqbal Asif , Tripathi Kamlakar
Published: August 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder characterised by B-cell hyperactivity with production of multiple autoantibodies. Fever in SLE may be caused by disease exacerbation or by infection. We report a patient of SLE that was later complicated by fever, pancytopenia, and massive splenomegaly. Corticosteroid therapy for SLE might have masked the underlying infection at earlier stage. Despite negative results of rk-39 test and bone marrow biopsy, a very high suspicion for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) led us to go for direct agglutination test (DAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for leishmanial antigen that revealed positive results. Moreover, significant improvement in clinical and biochemical parameters was noted on starting the patient on antileishmanial therapy.
Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and Its Application to Multimodal 3D Medical Image Registration
Authors: Lin Chen-Lun , Mimori Aya , Chen Yen-Wei
Published: August 2012

In the area of medical image analysis, 3D multimodality image registration is an important issue. In the processing of registration, an optimization approach has been applied to estimate the transformation of the reference image and target image. Some local optimization techniques are frequently used, such as the gradient descent method. However, these methods need a good initial value in order to avoid the local resolution. In this paper, we present a new improved global optimization approach named hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) for medical image registration, which includes two concepts of genetic algorithms—subpopulation and crossover.
Optimizing Spectrum Trading in Cognitive Mesh Network Using Machine Learning
Authors: Alsarhan Ayoub , Agarwal Anjali
Published: August 2012

In a cognitive wireless mesh network, licensed users (primary users, PUs) may rent surplus spectrum to unlicensed users (secondary users, SUs) for getting some revenue. For such spectrum sharing paradigm, maximizing the revenue is the key objective of the PUs while that of the SUs is to meet their requirements. These complex contradicting objectives are embedded in our reinforcement learning (RL) model that is developed and implemented as shown in this paper. The objective function is defined as the net revenue gained by PUs from renting some of their spectrum. RL is used to extract the optimal control policy that maximizes the PUs’ profit continuously over time. The extracted policy is used by PUs to manage renting the spectrum to SUs and it helps PUs to adapt to the changing network conditions. Performance evaluation of the proposed spectrum trading approach shows that it is able to find the optimal size and price of spectrum for each primary user under different conditions. Moreover, the approach constitutes a framework for studying, synthesizing and optimizing other schemes. Another contribution is proposing a new distributed algorithm to manage spectrum sharing among PUs. In our scheme, PUs exchange channels dynamically based on the availability of neighbor’s idle channels. In our cooperative scheme, the objective of spectrum sharing is to maximize the total revenue and utilize spectrum efficiently. Compared to the poverty‐line heuristic that does not consider the availability of unused spectrum, our scheme has the advantage of utilizing spectrum efficiently.
Accuracy and Uncertainty Analysis of PSBT Benchmark Exercises Using a Subchannel Code MATRA
Authors: Hwang Dae-Hyun , Kim Seong-Jin , Seo Kyong-Won , Kwon Hyuk
Published: August 2012

In the framework of the OECD/NRC PSBT benchmark, the subchannel grade void distribution data and DNB data were assessed by a subchannel code, MATRA. The prediction accuracy and uncertainty of the zone-averaged void fraction at the central region of the 5 × 5 test bundle were evaluated for the steady-state and transient benchmark data. Optimum values of the turbulent mixing parameter were evaluated for the subchannel exit temperature distribution benchmark. The influence of the mixing vanes on the subchannel flow distribution was investigated through a CFD analysis. In addition, a regionwise turbulent mixing model was examined to account for the nonhomogeneous mixing characteristics caused by the vane effect. The steady-state DNB benchmark data with uniform and nonuniform axial power shapes were evaluated by employing various DNB prediction models: EPRI bundle CHF correlation, AECL-IPPE 1995 CHF lookup table, and representative mechanistic DNB models such as a sublayer dryout model and a bubble crowding model. The DNBR prediction uncertainties for various DNB models were evaluated from a Monte-Carlo simulation for a selected steady-state condition.
Elevated VEGF Levels in Pulmonary Edema Fluid and PBMCs from Patients with Acute Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Authors: Gavrilovskaya Irina , Gorbunova Elena , Koster Frederick , Mackow Erich
Published: August 2012

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is characterized by vascular permeability, hypoxia, and acute pulmonary edema. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is induced by hypoxia, potently induces vascular permeability, and is associated with high-altitude-induced pulmonary edema. Hantaviruses alter the normal regulation ofβ3 integrins that restrict VEGF-directed permeability and hantavirus infected endothelial cells are hyperresponsive to the permeabilizing effects of VEGF. However, the role of VEGF in acute pulmonary edema observed in HPS patients remains unclear. Here we retrospectively evaluate VEGF levels in pulmonary edema fluid (PEF), plasma, sera, and PBMCs from 31 HPS patients. VEGF was elevated in HPS patients PEF compared to controls with the highest levels observed in PEF samples from a fatal HPS case. VEGF levels were highest in PBMC samples during the first five days of hospitalization and diminished during recovery. Significantly increased PEF and PBMC VEGF levels are consistent with acute pulmonary edema observed in HPS patients and HPS disease severity. We observed substantially lower VEGF levels in a severe HPS disease survivor after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These findings suggest the importance of patients’ VEGF levels during HPS, support the involvement of VEGF responses in HPS pathogenesis, and suggest targeting VEGF responses as a potential therapeutic approach.
Multitemporal High-Resolution Satellite Images for the Study and Monitoring of an Ancient Mesopotamian City and its Surrounding Landscape: The Case of Ur
Authors: Di Giacomo Giacomo , Scardozzi Giuseppe
Published: August 2012

The paper concerns the use of multitemporal high-resolution satellite images for the study of the ancient city of Ur, in southern Mesopotamia, inaccessible to scholars from 2003. The acquired dataset is composed by two Gambit KH-7 (1966) and one Corona KH-4B (1968) declassified spy space photos and by few images taken by the recent satellites for civilian use QuickBird-2 (2002, 2004, 2007), Ikonos-2 (2008), and WorldView-1 (2008). The processing of all these images and the integration with ASTER and SRTM DEMs allowed the acquisition of new data about the topographical layout of the city and its monuments and ancient roads; the georeferencing of all archaeological remains and traces visible on the images allowed the upgrade of the archaeological map of Ur. The research also provided important data concerning the reconstruction of the surrounding landscape, where a lot of traces of old channels and riverbeds of the Euphrates were identified in areas much modified and altered during the last decades by urbanization and agricultural works. Moreover, the multitemporal images allowed the monitoring of the conservation of the archaeological area, particularly before and after second Gulf War.
Foldable Denture: For Microstomia Patient
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Arora Aman , Yadav Reena
Published: August 2012

Microstomia may result from surgical treatment of orofacial neoplasms, cleft lips, maxillofacial trauma, burns, radiotherapy, or scleroderma. A maximal oral opening that is smaller than the size of a complete denture can make prosthetic treatment challenging. This clinical paper presents the prosthodontic management of a total edentulous patient with microstomia. Sectional mandibular and maxillary trays and foldable mandibular and maxillary denture were fabricated for the total edentulous patient.
Biomarker-Based Targeting of the Androgen-Androgen Receptor Axis in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kohli Manish , Qin Rui , Jimenez Rafael , Dehm Scott M.
Published: August 2012

Recent therapeutic advances for managing advanced prostate cancer include the successful targeting of the androgen-AR axis with several new drugs in castrate resistant prostate cancer including abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide (MDV3100). This translational progress from “bench to bed-side” has resulted in an enlarging repertoire of novel and traditional drug choices now available for use in advanced prostate cancer therapeutics, which has had a positive clinical impact in prolonging longevity and quality of life of advanced prostate cancer patients. In order to further the clinical utility of these drugs, development of predictive biomarkers guiding individual therapeutic choices remains an ongoing challenge. This paper will summarize the potential in developing predictive biomarkers based on the pathophysiology of the androgen-AR axis in tumor tissue from patients with advanced prostate cancer as well as inherited variation in the patient’s genome. Specific examples of rational clinical trial designs incorporating potential predictive biomarkers from these pathways will illustrate several aspects of pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic predictive biomarker development in advanced prostate cancer therapeutics.
Polyamine Metabolism in Fungi with Emphasis on Phytopathogenic Species
Authors: Valdés-Santiago Laura , Cervantes-Chávez José Antonio , León-Ramírez Claudia Geraldine , Ruiz-Herrera José
Published: August 2012

Polyamines are essential metabolites present in all living organisms, and this subject has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide interested in defining their mode of action in the variable cell functions in which they are involved, from growth to development and differentiation. Although the mechanism of polyamine synthesis is almost universal, different biological groups show interesting differences in this aspect that require to be further analyzed. For these studies, fungi represent interesting models because of their characteristics and facility of analysis. During the last decades fungi have contributed to the understanding of polyamine metabolism. The use of specific inhibitors and the isolation of mutants have allowed the manipulation of the pathway providing information on its regulation. During host-fungus interaction polyamine metabolism suffers striking changes in response to infection, which requires examination. Additionally the role of polyamine transporter is getting importance because of its role in polyamine regulation. In this paper we analyze the metabolism of polyamines in fungi, and the difference of this process with other biological groups. Of particular importance is the difference of polyamine biosynthesis between fungi and plants, which makes this process an attractive target for the control of phytopathogenic fungi.
Catalyst‐Free and Highly Selective N,N‐Diallylation of Anilines in Aqueous Phase
Authors: Du Zhengyin , Wei Xiaohong , Zhang Wenwen , Zhang Yuanmin , Xue Qunji
Published: August 2012

A highly selective diallylation reaction of anilines with allyl bromide was achieved in aqueous alcohol solution in the presence of potassium carbonate and without the use of any catalyst. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functionalities, and various tertiary amines were obtained in the yield of up to 99% with complete conversion of anilines.
MiR-10b Downregulates the Stress-Induced Cell Surface Molecule MICB, a Critical Ligand for Cancer Cell Recognition by Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Tsukerman Pinchas , Stern-Ginossar Noam , Gur Chamutal , Glasner Ariella , Nachmani Daphna , Bauman Yoav , Yamin Rachel , Vitenshtein Alon , Stanietsky Noah , Bar-Mag Tomer , Lankry Dikla , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: August 2012

Natural killer cells (NK) are a component of innate immunity well known for their potent ability to kill virus-infected or neoplastically transformed cells following stimulation of the NK cell receptor NKG2D. One of the various ligands of NKG2D is MICB, a stress-induced ligand that has been found to be upregulated on the surface of tumor cells. However, there is little knowledge about how this upregulation may occur or how it may be selected against in tumors as a mechanism of immune escape. Here, we report that the metastasis-associated microRNA (metastamir) miR-10b directly binds to the 3′ untranslated region of MICB and downregulates its expression. Notably, antagonizing miR-10b action enhanced NKG2D-mediated killing of tumor cells in vitro and enhanced clearance of tumors in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of miR-10b downregulated MICB and impaired elimination of tumor cells. Together, our results define MICB as a novel immune target of miR-10b, implying a direct link between metastasis capability and immune escape from NK cells. Cancer Res; 72(21); 5463–72. ©2012 AACR.
14-3-3ζ, a Novel Androgen-Responsive Gene, Is Upregulated in Prostate Cancer and Promotes Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Survival
Authors: Murata Taro , Takayama Ken-ichi , Urano Tomohiko , Fujimura Tetsuya , Ashikari Daisaku , Obinata Daisuke , Horie-Inoue Kuniko , Takahashi Satoru , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Homma Yukio , Inoue Satoshi
Published: August 2012

Purpose: Androgen receptor is an essential transcriptional factor that contributes to the development and progression of prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the androgen regulation and functional analysis of 14-3-3ζ in prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) analysis in LNCaP cells, we identified a functional androgen receptor–binding site in the downstream region of the 14-3-3ζ gene. Androgen regulation was examined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot analysis. Prostate cancer cells stably expressing 14-3-3ζ and siRNA knockdown were used for functional analyses. We further examined 14-3-3ζ expression in clinical samples of prostate cancer by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

Results: Androgen-dependent upregulation of 14-3-3ζ was validated at the mRNA and protein levels. The 14-3-3ζ gene is favorable for cancer-cell survival, as its ectopic expression in LNCaP cells contributes to cell proliferation and the acquired resistance to etoposide-induced apoptosis. 14-3-3ζ expression was associated with androgen receptor transcriptional activity and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA expression. Immunoprecipitation indicated that 14-3-3ζ was associated with androgen receptor in the nucleus. Clinicopathologic studies further support the relevance of 14-3-3ζ in prostate cancers, as its higher expression is associated with malignancy and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions: 14-3-3ζ is a novel androgen-responsive gene that activates proliferation, cell survival, and androgen receptor transcriptional activity. 14-3-3ζ may facilitate the progression of prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(20); 5617–27. ©2012 AACR.
Expression of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 19 in Human Lung Cancer Cells Is Triggered by Entry into S-Phase and Supports G2–M Cell-Cycle Progression
Authors: Kastner Stefan , Voss Tilman , Keuerleber Simon , Glöckel Christina , Freissmuth Michael , Sommergruber Wolfgang
Published: August 2012

It has long been known that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are subject to illegitimate expression in tumor cells. Presumably, hijacking the normal physiologic functions of GPCRs contributes to all biologic capabilities acquired during tumorigenesis. Here, we searched for GPCRs that were expressed in lung cancer: the mRNA encoding orphan G protein-coupled receptor 19 (GPR19) was found frequently overexpressed in tissue samples obtained from patients with small cell lung cancer. Several observations indicate that overexpression of Gpr19 confers a specific advantage to lung cancer cells by accelerating transition through the cell-cycle. (i) Knockdown of Gpr19 mRNA by RNA interference reduced cell growth of human lung cancer cell lines. (ii) Cell-cycle progression through G2–M-phase was impaired in cells transfected with siRNAs directed against Gpr19 and this was associated with increased protein levels of cyclin B1 and phosphorylated histone H3. (iii) The expression levels of Gpr19 mRNA varied along the cell-cycle with a peak observed in S-phase. (iv) The putative control of Gpr19 expression by E2F transcription factors was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation: antibodies directed against E2F-1 to -4 allowed for the recovery of the Gpr19 promoter. (v) Removal of E2F binding sites in the Gpr19 promoter diminished the expression of a luciferase reporter. (vi) E2f and Gpr19 expression correlated in lung cancer patient samples. To the best of knowledge, this is the first example of a GPCR showing cell-cycle-specific mRNA expression. Our data also validate GPR19 as a candidate target when overexpressed in lung cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 10(10); 1343–58. ©2012 AACR.
Ah Receptor Antagonism Represses Head and Neck Tumor Cell Aggressive Phenotype
Authors: DiNatale Brett C. , Smith Kayla , John Kaarthik , Krishnegowda Gowdahalli , Amin Shantu G. , Perdew Gary H.
Published: August 2012

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been shown to play a role in an increasing number of cellular processes. Recent reports have linked the AhR to cell proliferation, cytoskeletal arrangement, and tumor invasiveness in various tumor cell types. The AhR plays a role in the de-repression of the interleukin (IL)6 promoter in certain tumor cell lines, allowing for increased transcriptional activation by cytokines. Here, we show that there is a significant level of constitutive activation of the AhR in cells isolated from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Constitutive activation of the AhR in HNSCCs was blocked by antagonist treatment, leading to a reduction in IL6 expression. In addition, the AhR exhibits a high level of expression in HNSCCs than in normal keratinocytes. These findings led to the hypothesis that the basal AhR activity in HNSCCs plays a role in the aggressive phenotype of these tumors and that antagonist treatment could mitigate this phenotype. This study provides evidence that antagonism of the AhR in HNSCC tumor cells, in the absence of exogenous receptor ligands, has a significant effect on tumor cell phenotype. Treatment of these cell lines with the AhR antagonists 6, 2′, 4′-trimethoxyflavone, or the more potent GNF351, decreased migration and invasion of HNSCC cells and prevented benzo[a]pyrene-mediated induction of the chemotherapy efflux protein ABCG2. Thus, an AhR antagonist treatment has been shown to have therapeutic potential in HNSCCs through a reduction in aggressive cell phenotype. Mol Cancer Res; 10(10); 1369–79. ©2012 AACR.
Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) Profiles—Validated Risk Predictors for Progression to Oral Cancer
Authors: Zhang Lewei , Poh Catherine F. , Williams Michele , Laronde Denise M. , Berean Ken , Gardner Pamela J. , Jiang Huijun , Wu Lang , Lee J. Jack , Rosin Miriam P.
Published: August 2012

A major barrier to oral cancer prevention has been the lack of validated risk predictors for oral premalignant lesions (OPL). In 2000, we proposed a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) risk model in a retrospective study. This paper validated the previously reported LOH profiles as risk predictors and developed refined models via the largest longitudinal study to date of low-grade OPLs from a population-based patient group. Analysis involved a prospective cohort of 296 patients with primary mild/moderate oral dysplasia enrolled in the Oral Cancer Prediction Longitudinal Study. LOH status was determined in these OPLs. Patients were classified into high-risk or low-risk profiles to validate the 2000 model. Risk models were refined using recursive partitioning and Cox regression analyses. The prospective cohort validated that the high-risk lesions (3p and/or 9p LOH) had a 22.6-fold increase in risk (P = 0.002) compared with low-risk lesions (3p and 9p retention). Addition of another 2 markers (loci on 4q/17p) further improved the risk prediction, with five-year progression rates of 3.1%, 16.3%, and 63.1% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk lesions, respectively. Compared with the low-risk group, intermediate- and high-risk groups had 11.6-fold and 52.1-fold increase in risk (P < 0.001). LOH profiles as risk predictors in the refined model were validated in the retrospective cohort. Multicovariate analysis with clinical features showed LOH models to be the most significant predictors of progression. LOH profiles can reliably differentiate progression risk for OPLs. Potential uses include increasing surveillance for patients with elevated risk, improving target intervention for high-risk patients while sparing a large number of low-risk patients from needless screening and treatment. Cancer Prev Res; 5(9); 1081–9. ©2012 AACR.
Evaluation of Long-Term Outcomes, Cytogenetic and Molecular Responses with Imatinib Mesylate in Early and Late Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Report from a Single Institute
Authors: Bendit Israel , Sanabani Sabri Saeed , Conchon Monika , Serpa Mariana , Novaes Mafalda Megumi Yoshinaga , Nardinelli Luciana , Pereira Thales Dalessandro Meneguin , Tucunduva Luciana , Ferreira Patricia de Barros , Dorlhiac-Llacer Pedro Enrique , Fischer Chamone Dalton de Alencar
Published: August 2012

Here we compare the management and survival outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who had early or late imatinib mesylate (IM) therapy. The cytogenetic and molecular responses of 189 CML patients were analyzed. Of this group, 121 patients were classified as the early chronic phase (ECP) group and started IM within 12 months of diagnosis. The other 68 patients were classified as the late chronic phase (LCP) group who had been treated with interferon (IFN)-alpha-2 and crossed over to IM more than 12 months after diagnosis. The overall rates of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR) at last follow-up were 83.6 and 78.1% in the ECP and LCP groups, respectively. The CCyR rates were 89.3 (for ECP patients) versus 73.5% (for LCP patients; p < 0.0001). At last follow-up, 82.4% ECP and 64.2% LCP patients had achieved an MMR (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were noted between the two groups with regard to survival outcomes. Our experience reveals that IM is an effective rescue therapy in most CML LCP patients who are intolerant or in whom IFN-alpha therapy fails. Such therapeutic options should be considered in LCP patients, particularly in countries where IM may not be available.
Effect of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy on in vitro and in situ Biofilms
Authors: Teixeira A.H. , Pereira E.S. , Rodrigues L.K.A. , Saxena D. , Duarte S. , Zanin I.C.J.
Published: August 2012

Aim: The effect of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) on oral biofilms was evaluated. Methods: Biofilms formed in vitro were treated with sensitizer (S) and/or light (L) in the test (S+L+) and control (S–L–, S+L–, S–L+) groups. Additionally, 21 volunteers wore intraoral devices and the biofilms formed on each side of the device were referred to as S+L+ or S–L– groups. Results: Significant decreases in the viability of in vitro biofilms were observed after PACT. PACT was ineffective in inhibiting multi-species biofilms formed in situ. Conclusion: PACT was effective on in vitro biofilms and was ineffective on in situ biofilms.
Ischemic Stroke on Awakening: Patients’ Characteristics, Outcomes and Potential for Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Koton Silvia , Tanne David , Bornstein Natan M. ,   on behalf of the NASIS Investigators
Published: August 2012

Background: Reports on differences between patients with and without wake-up stroke are inconsistent. We studied the proportion, characteristics, and outcomes of wake-up ischemic stroke (IS) and estimated the number of potential candidates for reperfusion therapy in a national registry of hospitalized patients. Methods: IS patients in all three National Acute Stroke ISraeli (NASIS) registry periods (2004, 2007, and 2010; 2 months each) were included. In-hospital neurological complications, poor functional outcome (death, modified Rankin scale ≥2, or discharge to a nursing home), and in-hospital mortality were the study outcomes. Risks of poor outcomes were estimated with logistic regression analysis. Results: Wake-up IS was reported for 820/4,408 (18.6%) patients. Baseline characteristics were similar for patients with and without wake-up IS. ORs (95% CIs) for wake-up compared to non-wake-up IS were 1.2 (0.9–1.6) for neurological complications, 0.8 (0.7–0.98) for poor functional outcome, and 0.8 (0.5–1.2) for death. According to an estimated 20–40% prevalence of penumbra, wake-up stroke patients could add 3.7–7.4% to the number of patients potentially eligible for reperfusion therapy. Conclusions: Stroke on awakening is present in almost one fifth of IS patients. Characteristics and stroke outcomes are similar for patients with and without wake-up IS. Confirmation of a valid approach for the detection of wake-up stroke patients who can potentially benefit from reperfusion therapy is essential.
Colchicine Protects against Hyperoxic Lung Injury in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Ozdemir Ramazan , Yurttutan Sadık , Talim Beril , Uysal Bülent , Erdeve Omer , Oguz Serife Suna , Dilmen Ugur
Published: August 2012

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and mucosal necrosis, which leads to emphysematous coalescence of alveoli. Objective: We tested whether prophylaxis with colchicine , an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifibrotic drug, would decrease the severity of lung injury in an animal model of BPD. Methods: Twenty-five rat pups were divided into three groups: control (n = 8), hyperoxia (n = 7), and hyperoxia + colchicine (n = 10). The hyperoxia groups were exposed to >95% oxygen from day 1 to 10 of life. On day 10, the animals were sacrificed and the lungs were processed for histology and biochemical analysis. Lung morphology was assessed by the mean linear intercept (MLI), a measure of alveolar size. The degree of lung inflammation and antioxidant capacity were assessed by quantifying lung homogenate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels. Results: Colchicine significantly decreased lung damage as determined by the MLI in the hyperoxia groups (p < 0.01). The median level of lung MDA was significantly higher in the hyperoxia group compared with the control group (p < 0.05) and the colchicine-treated group (p < 0.05). Lung homogenate SOD and GSH-Px activities in the colchicine-treated group were significantly higher than in the hyperoxia group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, colchicine-treated pups had lower lung homogenate TNF-α and IL-1β levels compared with the hyperoxia group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Colchicine has favorable effects on alveolarization as well as inflammation and oxidative stress markers in an animal model of BPD.
Clinical Approach to Diagnosis of Pre-Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease (CAD-PAD)
Authors: Alom J. , Llinares I. , Fajardo S.
Published: August 2012

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate clinical and neuropsychological features to identify pre-dementia Alzheimer’s disease (PAD) among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study of 89 consecutive patients affected with MCI was conducted. Clinical evaluation consisted of a clinical interview protocol, neuropsychological evaluation, standard laboratory tests, and CT scan. A 6-month clinical check-up was made to determine whether patients remained in MCI, improved or progressed to AD or another dementia. Results: At 3-year follow-up, 47% patients developed AD dementia. Seventeen variables were significant and were evaluated by logistic regression analysis to identify the remaining optimal diagnostic criteria: age, gender, repeating comments, difficulties in understanding explanations, time of symptom evolution, history of depression, and word fluency (with animals) were identified with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93%. A computer application was developed with all these variables which we have named Clinical Approach to Diagnosis of PAD (CAD-PAD). Conclusions: These results suggest that CAD-PAD can help in the clinical diagnosis of PAD.
Roles of Education and IQ in Cognitive Reserve in Parkinson’s Disease-Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Armstrong M.J. , Naglie G. , Duff-Canning S. , Meaney C. , Gill D. , Eslinger P.J. , Zadikoff C. , Mapstone M. , Chou K.L. , Persad C. , Litvan I. , Mast B.T. , Fox S. , Tang-Wai D.F. , Marras C.
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: The role of cognitive reserve in Parkinson’s disease (PD)-mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is incompletely understood. Methods: The relationships between PD-MCI, years of education, and estimated premorbid IQ were examined in 119 consecutive non-demented PD patients using logistic regression models. Results: Higher education and IQ were associated with reduced odds of PD-MCI in univariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, a higher IQ was associated with a significantly decreased odds of PD-MCI, but education was not. Conclusion: The association of higher IQ and decreased odds of PD-MCI supports a role for cognitive reserve in PD, but further studies are needed to clarify the interaction of IQ and education and the impact of other contributors such as employment and hobbies.
Systematic Review and Adjusted Indirect Comparison Meta-Analysis of Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Baker William L. , Phung Olivia J.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Oral anticoagulants such as apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban are alternatives to warfarin for preventing events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Direct comparative studies between agents are unavailable. Our objective was to conduct an adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis between new oral agents in atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central through February 2012 for randomized, controlled trials in patients with atrial fibrillation evaluating apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban versus warfarin. For dabigatran, only data from the Food and Drug Administration–approved dose were included. Outcomes included the composite of stroke or systemic embolism, any stroke, and major bleeding among, others. Outcomes were initially pooled using standard random-effects methods, producing risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Adjusted indirect comparisons using these pooled estimates were then performed. A total of 44 733 patients from 4 studies were analyzed. Most analyses yielded no differences between agents. Dabigatran lowered risk of composite outcome (risk ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–1.00), ischemic stroke (0.67; 0.48–0.93), and hemorrhagic stroke (0.45; 0.45–0.99) versus rivaroxaban. No differences in all strokes or mortality were seen. Apixaban lowered the risk of major bleeding (0.74; 0.60–0.91) and gastrointestinal bleeding (0.58; 0.41–0.82) versus dabigatran and major bleeding versus rivaroxaban (0.68; 0.55–0.83), but increased systemic emboli versus rivaroxaban (3.86; 1.17–12.75).

Conclusions—

Significant differences in efficacy and safety parameters may exist between oral anticoagulant agents in patients with atrial fibrillation. Apixaban lowers the risk of major and gastrointestinal bleeding versus dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Dabigatran lowers the composite of stroke or systemic emboli, and ischemic stroke versus rivaroxaban. Head-to-head clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.
Mildly Non-Projective Dependency Grammar
Authors: Kuhlmann Marco
Published: August 2012

Syntactic representations based on word-to-word dependencies have a long-standing tradition in descriptive linguistics, and receive considerable interest in many applications. Nevertheless, dependency syntax has remained something of an island from a formal point of view. Moreover, most formalisms available for dependency grammar are restricted to projective analyses, and thus not able to support natural accounts of phenomena such as wh-movement and cross–serial dependencies. In this article we present a formalism for non-projective dependency grammar in the framework of linear context-free rewriting systems. A characteristic property of our formalism is a close correspondence between the non-projectivity of the dependency trees admitted by a grammar on the one hand, and the parsing complexity of the grammar on the other. We show that parsing with unrestricted grammars is intractable. We therefore study two constraints on non-projectivity, block-degree and well-nestedness. Jointly, these two constraints define a class of “mildly” non-projective dependency grammars that can be parsed in polynomial time. An evaluation on five dependency treebanks shows that these grammars have a good coverage of empirical data.
Learning Dependency-Based Compositional Semantics
Authors: Liang Percy , Jordan Michael I. , Klein Dan
Published: August 2012

Suppose we want to build a system that answers a natural language question by representing its semantics as a logical forxm and computing the answer given a structured database of facts. The core part of such a system is the semantic parser that maps questions to logical forms. Semantic parsers are typically trained from examples of questions annotated with their target logical forms, but this type of annotation is expensive.

Our goal is to instead learn a semantic parser from question–answer pairs, where the logical form is modeled as a latent variable. We develop a new semantic formalism, dependency-based compositional semantics (DCS) and define a log-linear distribution over DCS logical forms. The model parameters are estimated using a simple procedure that alternates between beam search and numerical optimization. On two standard semantic parsing benchmarks, we show that our system obtains comparable accuracies to even state-of-the-art systems that do require annotated logical forms.
Hypotheses for the Climax Wintertime Orographic Cloud Seeding Experiments
Authors: Grant Lewis O.
Published: August 2012

The hypothesis used for the initial Climax wintertime cloud seeding experiment and for subsequent Climax replication-type experiments are described and briefly discussed. More recent physical studies of Colorado orographic clouds and seeding hypotheses are briefly summarized. These later tests and studies of orographic cloud seeding hypotheses emphasized direct and remotely sensed cloud and precipitation measurements utilizing instrumentation and modeling capabilities not available during the Climax statistical experiments. The conclusions suggested from the hypothesis testing, considering both the statistical experiments and the later physical studies, are summarized.
A Comparison of Winter Orographic Storms over the San Juan Mountains and the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Marwitz John
Published: August 2012

The winter orographic storms over the San Juan Mountains and the Sierra Nevada are compared. The topography of the San Juans is complex while the Sierra barrier is comparatively simple. The barrier jet is well developed upwind of the Sierra Nevada and its development is restricted upwind of the San Juans. The major difference between the storms on the two barriers is that the Sierra Nevada storms are typically maritime while the San Juan storms are continental. The implications for seeding are discussed.
Stochastic Lagrangian Models of Turbulent Diffusion
Authors: Rodean Howard C.
Published: August 2012

No Abstract available.
Response of Storm Tracks to Bimodal Kuroshio Path States South of Japan
Authors: Nakamura Hirohiko , Nishina Ayako , Minobe Shoshiro
Published: August 2012

A large meridional shift of the sea surface temperature front occurs off the south coast of Japan associated with transitions between the large-meander and straight paths of the Kuroshio. Most extratropical cyclones generated in winter near the Kuroshio in the East China Sea pass through the region where the Kuroshio takes either the meander or the straight path. To examine whether such cyclones change their tracks and intensities according to the two states of the path, a new dataset of winter cyclone tracks derived from surface weather charts from the period 1969/70–2008/09 was produced. The composite analysis of cyclone tracks with respect to the meander and straight path states reveals the following: the cyclone track axis for the meander path state is located away from the south coast of Japan with a dispersive tendency, while that for the straight path state is attached to the south coast with a long extending feature. A difference in track between these two states also occurs to the east of Japan over the North Pacific. In addition, this behavior of the cyclone track is shown to be independent of the wintertime atmospheric circulation anomalies around Japan. The development rate of cyclones is 41% faster for the straight path state than the meander path state. Snowfall in Tokyo caused by south-coast cyclones is more frequent for the meander than the straight path state because the former state can act to decrease air temperature in Tokyo.