bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Targeting of Angiogenesis with a Recombinant CTT Peptide–Endostatin Mimic–Kringle 5 Protein
Authors: Wang Houbin , Yang Zhigang , Gu Jun 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis, and targeting angiogenesis is a novel anticancer strategy. However, cancer development is a complex multistep process, and single antiangiogenic agents have limited therapeutic efficacy. Here, we report a triple fusion protein, namely CTT peptide–endostatin mimic–kringle 5 (AARP), consisting of MMP-2/9–selective inhibitory peptide (CTT peptide) and well-known endogenous antiangiogenic agents (endostatin mimic and kringle 5), which can simultaneously target matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and endothelial cells, blocking their actions. AARP was bacterially expressed, and biologic activity of purified AARP was assessed. AARP could significantly inhibit the enzymatic activity of MMP-2/9, proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro. The antitumor activity of AARP was shown in a concentration-dependent manner when injected i.p. into immunodeficient mice bearing multidrug-resistant human epidermoid carcinomas (KB), and AARP is superior to clinical grade endostatin in inhibiting KB xenograft growth. In mouse models of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and hepatoma H22, when given as a single dose, AARP is highly effective for reducing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and increasing survival time. AARP possessed significantly greater antiangiogenic activity than endostatin mimic, CTT peptide–kringle 5 (RK5) both in vitro and in vivo. Compared with conventional chemotherapeutic agents (cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel), AARP is also effective. More importantly, AARP is cytocompatible and no tissue toxicity could be observed after large dose administration. Taken together, our findings suggest AARP is a highly effective, safe, and more potent antiangiogenic agent for blocking tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and warrants further testing for clinical applications. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 2674–87. ©2014 AACR.
Synergistic Loss of Prostate Cancer Cell Viability by Coinhibition of HDAC and PARP
Authors: Chao Olivia S. , Goodman Oscar B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTumors with BRCA germline mutations are defective in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) through homologous recombination (HR) pathways, making them sensitive to PARP inhibitors (PARPi). However, BRCA germline mutations are rare in prostate cancer limiting the ability to therapeutically target these pathways. This study investigates whether histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi), reported to modulate DSB repair pathways in sporadic cancers, can downregulate DSB repair pathways and sensitize prostate cancer cells to PARPi. Prostate cancer cells cotreated with the HDAC inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and the PARPi, olaparib, demonstrated a synergistic decrease in cell viability compared with single-agent treatment (combination index &lt; 0.9), whereas normal prostatic cells did not. Similarly, clonogenicity was significantly decreased after cotreatment. Flow cytometric cell-cycle analysis and Annexin-V staining revealed significant apoptosis upon treatment with SAHA+olaparib. This coincided with increased DNA damage observed by immunofluorescence microscopy analysis of γH2AX foci, a marker of DSBs. In addition, immunoblot analysis showed a significant and persistent increase in nuclear γH2AX levels. Both SAHA and olaparib downregulated the expression of HR-related proteins, BRCA1 and RAD51, whereas SAHA + olaparib had an additive effect on RAD51. Silencing RAD51 sensitized prostate cancer cells to SAHA and olaparib alone. Collectively, cotreatment with HDACi and PARPi downregulated HR-related protein expression and concomitantly increased DNA damage, resulting in prostate cancer cell death.Implications: These findings provide a strong rationale for supporting the use of combined HDAC and PARP inhibition in treating advanced prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(12); 1755–66. ©2014 AACR.
The relationships between insomnia, sleep apnoea and depression: Findings from the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008
Authors: Hayley Amie C , Williams Lana J , Venugopal Kamalesh , Kennedy Gerard A , Berk Michael , Pasco Julie A 
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine the association between insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and comorbid insomnia-OSA and depression, while controlling for relevant lifestyle and health factors, among a large population-based sample of US adults. Method: We examined a sample of 11,329 adults (≥18 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the years 2005–2008. Insomnia was classified via a combination of self-reported positive physician diagnosis and high-frequency ‘trouble falling asleep’, ‘waking during the night’, ‘waking too early’, and ‘feeling unrested during the day’. OSA was classified as a combination of a positive response to a physician-diagnosed condition, in addition to a high frequency of self-reported nocturnal ‘snoring’, ‘snorting/stopping breathing’ and ‘feeling overly sleepy during the day’. Comorbid insomnia-OSA was further assessed by combining a positive response to either insomnia (all), or sleep apnoea (all), as classified above. Depressive symptomology was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores of >9 used to indicate depression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sleep disorders and depression were attained from logistic regression modelling adjusted for sex, age, poverty level, smoking status and body mass index (BMI). Results: Those who reported insomnia, OSA or comorbid insomnia-OSA symptoms reported higher rates of depression (33.6%, 22.2%, 27.1%, respectively), and consistently reported poorer physical health outcomes than those who did not report sleep disorders. After adjusting for sex, age, poverty level, smoking status and BMI (kg/m2), insomnia (OR 6.57, 95% CI 3.89-11.11), OSA (OR 5.14, 95% CI 3.14–8.41) and comorbid insomnia-OSA (OR 6.67, 95% CI 4.44–10.00) were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting depression. Conclusions: Insomnia, OSA and comorbid insomnia-OSA are associated with significant depressive symptomology among this large population-based sample of adults.
Randomized controlled trial protocol feasibility: The Wheelchair Self-Efficacy Enhanced for Use (WheelSeeU)
Authors: Best Krista L. , Miller William C. , Eng Janice J. , Routhier François , Goldsmith Charles 
Published: August 2014

Background. Manual wheelchairs (MWCs) can improve mobility and social participation for individuals who experience difficulty walking; however, older adults receive little training for wheelchair use. The Wheelchair Self-Efficacy Enhanced for Use (WheelSeeU) research program provides peer-led training that may positively influence wheelchair use while reducing clinician burden. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of WheelSeeU. Method. A randomized control trial (RCT) recruits and randomly assigns 40 MWC users (55+ years). Feasibility indicators assessing process, resource, management, and treatment issues are measured, and clinical outcomes (wheelchair skills, safety, confidence, mobility, social participation, quality of life, health utility) are collected at three time points. Implications. WheelSeeU provides an innovative approach for teaching wheelchair skills to an aging population that may improve wheelchair use and decrease clinician burden. Since RCTs are expensive and challenging in rehabilitation, establishing feasibility prior to larger effectiveness trials is prudent.
A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between uric acid and coronary atherosclerosis in patients with suspected coronary artery disease in China
Authors: Sun Yujiao , Yu Xin , Zhi Ying , Geng Song , Li Hua , Liu Ting , Xu Ke , Chen Ling , Wu Chunwei , Qi Guoxian 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough many studies have examined the relationship between uric acid (UA) and coronary artery disease (CAD), whether UA is an independent risk factor contributing to progression of CAD is still controversial. Whether UA plays a different role in different sexes is also unclear.MethodsA total of 1116 individuals with suspected CAD were stratified into four groups according to their serum UA quartiles in total (men and women combined), in men, and in women. The association of UA with coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsIn total and in women, the prevalence of any plaques and significant/severe stenosis was significantly increased with an increase in quartiles of UA (all P < 0.05). The proportion of triple-vessel disease and left main artery lesion was highest in the fourth quartile (both p < 0.05). Increasing quartiles of UA were significantly associated with a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >10 (all P < 0.01). As UA levels increased in women, the incidence of double-vessel lesions (p = 0.017) and the proportion of mixed plaques (p = 0.022) were significantly increased. The proportion of a CACS of 0 in total, in men and women was highest in the first quartile (all P < 0.01). UA was the strongest predictor of significant stenosis, multivessel disease, and mixed plaques in women (all p < 0.05). UA was the only risk factor for mixed plaques in total (P = 0.046).ConclusionThe level of UA was significantly associated with coronary atherosclerosis in women, but not men.
Alpha-fetoprotein level as a biomarker of liver fibrosis status: a cross-sectional study of 619 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Liu Yu-rui , Lin Bin-bin , Zeng Da-wu , Zhu Yue-yong , Chen Jing , Zheng Qi , Dong Jing , Jiang Jia-ji 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and pathological stages of liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsThe study included 619 patients who were diagnosed with CHB from March 2005 to December 2011. AFP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. Liver biopsy samples were classified into five levels of inflammation (G) and fibrosis (S) stages, according to the Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis. Two multivariable ordinal regression models were performed to determine associations between AFP, GGT, and APRI (AST/PLT ratio) and stages of inflammation and fibrosis.ResultsSignificant positive and moderate correlations were shown between AFP levels and inflammation stages and between AFP levels and fibrosis stages (ρ = 0.436 and 0.404, p < 0.001). Median values of AFP at liver fibrosis stages S0-1, S2, S3, and S4 were 3.0, 3.4, 5.4, and 11.3 ng/ml, respectively, and median APRI (AST/PLT ratio) was 0.41. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed that the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.685, 0.727, and 0.755 (all p <0.001) for judging inflammation stages of G ≥ 2, G ≥ 3, G = 4 by AFP; and 0.691, 0.717, and 0.718 (all p <0.001) for judging fibrosis stages of S ≥ 2, S ≥ 3, and S = 4 by AFP. APRI levels showed significant positive and moderate correlations with inflammation stages (ρ = 0.445, p < 0.001). AST, GGT, and APRI levels showed significant positive but very weak to weak correlations with fibrosis stages (ρ = 0.137, 0.237, 0.281, p < 0.001).ConclusionsSerum AFP levels increased as pathological levels of inflammation and fibrosis increased in CHB patients. Our data showed the clinical significance of serum AFP levels in diagnosing liver inflammation and fibrosis. Assessment of liver pathology may be improved by creating a predictive mathematical model by which AFP levels with other biomarkers.
Exponential replicate broadcasting mechanism for adaptive bandwidth allocation in mobile networks
Authors: Lin Chi-Kun , Horng Gwo-Jiun , Wang Chi-Hsuan , Yang Jar-Ferr 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper proposes an exponential replicate broadcasting (ERB) algorithm for data dissemination to improve data access efficiency. The proposed ERB algorithm first constructs a broadcast tree to determine the broadcast frequency of each data and splits the broadcast tree into some broadcast wood to generate the broadcast program. In addition, this paper develops an analytical model to derive the mean access latency of the generated broadcast program. In light of the derived results, both the index channel's bandwidth and the data channel's bandwidth can be optimally allocated to maximize bandwidth utilization. This paper presents experiments to help evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. From the experimental results, it can be seen that the proposed mechanism is feasible in practice.
Interactions between planar cell polarity genes cause diverse neural tube defects
Authors: Murdoch Jennifer N. , Damrau Christine , Paudyal Anju , Bogani Debora , Wells Sara , Greene Nicholas D. E. , Stanier Philip , Copp Andrew J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNeural tube defects (NTDs) are among the commonest and most severe forms of developmental defect, characterized by disruption of the early embryonic events of central nervous system formation. NTDs have long been known to exhibit a strong genetic dependence, yet the identity of the genetic determinants remains largely undiscovered. Initiation of neural tube closure is disrupted in mice homozygous for mutations in planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway genes, providing a strong link between NTDs and PCP signaling. Recently, missense gene variants have been identified in PCP genes in humans with NTDs, although the range of phenotypes is greater than in the mouse mutants. In addition, the sequence variants detected in human patients are heterozygous, and can often be detected in unaffected individuals. It has been suggested that interactions between multiple heterozygous gene mutations cause the NTDs in human patients. To determine the phenotypes produced in double heterozygotes we bred mice with all three pairwise combinations of Vangl2Lp, ScribCrc and Celsr1Crsh mutations, the most intensively studied PCP mutants. The majority of double mutant embryos had open NTDs, with the range of phenotypes including anencephaly and spina bifida, therefore reflecting the defects observed in humans. Strikingly, even on a uniform genetic background, variability in the penetrance and severity of the mutant phenotypes was observed between the different double heterozygote combinations. Phenotypically, Celsr1Crsh; Vangl2Lp; ScribCrc triply heterozygous mutants were no more severe than doubly heterozygous or singly homozygous mutants. We propose that some of the variation between double mutant phenotypes may be attributed to the nature of the protein disruption in each allele: while ScribCrc is a null mutant and produces no Scrib protein, Celsr1Crsh and Vangl2Lp homozygotes both express mutant proteins, consistent with dominant effects. The variable outcomes of these genetic interactions are of direct relevance to human patients and emphasize the importance of performing comprehensive genetic screens in humans.
Choice and pronunciation of words: Individual differences within a homogeneous group of speakers
Authors: Hanique Iris , Ernestus Mirjam , Boves Lou 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates whether individual speakers forming a homogeneous group differ in their choice and pronunciation of words when engaged in casual conversation, and if so, how they differ. More specifically, it examines whether the Balanced Winnow classifier is able to distinguish between the twenty speakers of the Ernestus Corpus of Spontaneous Dutch, who all have the same social background. To examine differences in choice and pronunciation of words, instead of characteristics of the speech signal itself, classification was based on lexical and pronunciation features extracted from hand-made orthographic and automatically generated broad phonetic transcriptions. The lexical features consisted of words and two-word combinations. The pronunciation features represented pronunciation variations at the word and phone level that are typical for casual speech. The best classifier achieved a performance of 79.9% and was based on the lexical features and on the pronunciation features representing single phones and triphones. The speakers must thus differ from each other in these features. Inspection of the relevant features indicated that, among other things, the words relevant for classification generally do not contain much semantic content, and that speakers differ not only from each other in the use of these words but also in their pronunciation.
Effects of polarization force and nonthermal ions on dust-acoustic (DA) shock waves in a strongly coupled dusty plasma with positively charged dust
Authors: Pervin Shikha , Ashrafi Khandaker , Zobaer M. , Salahuddin Md. , Mamun A. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The nonlinear propagation of the dust-acoustic (DA) waves in a strongly coupled dusty plasma containing Maxwellian electrons, nonthermal ions, and positively charged dust is theoritically investigated by a Burgers equation. The effects of the polarization force (which arises due to the interaction between electrons and highly positively charged dust grains) and nonthermal ions are studied. DA shock waves are found to exist with positive potential only. It represents that the strong correlation among the charged dust grains is a source of dissipation, and is responsible for the formation of DA shock waves. The effects of polarization force and nonthermal ions significantly modified the basic features of DA shock waves in strongly coupled dusty plasma.
The collisions of two ion acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized nonextensive plasma
Authors: El-Shamy Emad , Tribeche Mouloud , El-Taibany Wael 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Using the extended Poincaré-Lighthill-Kuo (EPLK) method, the interaction between two ion acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) in a multicomponent magnetized plasma (including Tsallis nonextensive electrons) has been theoretically investigated. The analytical phase shifts of the two solitary waves after interaction are estimated. The proposed model leads to rarefactive solitons only. The effects of colliding angle, ratio of number densities of (positive/negative) ions species to the density of nonextensive electrons, ion-to-electron temperature ratio, mass ratio of the negative-to-positive ions and the electron nonextensive parameter on the phase shifts are investigated numerically. The present results show that these parameters have strong effects on the phase shifts and trajectories of the two IASWs after collision. Evidently, this model is helpful for interpreting the propagation and the oblique collision of IASWs in magnetized multicomponent plasma experiments and space observations.
Rogue waves in Lugiato-Lefever equation with variable coefficients
Authors: Kol Guy , Kingni Sifeu , Woafo Paul 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we theoretically investigate the generation of optical rogue waves from a Lugiato-Lefever equation with variable coefficients by using the nonlinear Schrödinger equation-based constructive method. Exact explicit rogue-wave solutions of the Lugiato-Lefever equation with constant dispersion, detuning and dissipation are derived and presented. The bright rogue wave, intermediate rogue wave and the dark rogue wave are obtained by changing the value of one parameter in the exact explicit solutions corresponding to the external pump power of a continuous-wave laser.
Investigation of isospin forbidden 0+ → 0+ Fermi beta decays with Pyatov method
Authors: Çalık Abdullah 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In the present work, the matrix elements, isospin impurities and log ft values of the isospin forbidden 0+ → 0+ beta decays have been investigated. The calculated results have been compared with available experimental and another theoretical data. The isotopic invariance of the Hamiltonian has been restored by Pyatov method. Within the quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA), the computations have been performed both in presence and absence of the pairing interactions.
Experimental and simulated validation of the energy dependence of saturation thickness of multiple scattered gamma rays
Authors: Eshwarappa Kunabevu , Kiran Kiggal , Ravindraswami Kalladka , Somashekarappa Hiriyur 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Saturation thickness for multiple scattering gamma rays from multiple sources has been measured experimentally and simulated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Code. Experimental measurements were performed using a collimated beam of gamma-rays from 57Co, 203Hg, 133Ba, 22Na, 137Cs, 65Zn and 60Co sources. The gamma rays were directed at rectangular aluminium targets of varying thickness. A NaI (Tl) scintillation detector placed at a backscattering angle of 180° was used to detect the scattered photons. The measured and calculated saturation thickness increases with increasing energy of incident gamma-rays. Experimental and simulated values are compared and are in good agreement.
Survival of B
c mesons in a hot plasma within a potential model
Authors: Alberico Wanda , Carignano Stefano , Czerski Piotr , Pace Arturo , Nardi Marzia , Ratti Claudia 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
We extend a previous work on the study of heavy charmonia and bottomonia in a deconfined quark-gluon plasma by considering the B
c family of mesons. With the introduction of this bound state of a charm and a beauty quark, we investigate at finite temperature the behavior of the quarkonium, in an energy region between the ψ and the Y states.
Methylation-specific PCR: four steps in primer design
Authors: Davidović Radoslav , Božović Ana , Mandušić Vesna , Krajnović Milena 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) is still the method of choice for a single gene methylation study. The proper design of the primer pairs is a prerequisite for obtaining reliable PCR results. Despite numerous protocols describing the rules for MSP primer design, none of them provide a comprehensive approach to the problem. Our aim was to depict a workflow for the primer design that is concise and easy to follow. In order to achieve this goal, adequate tools for promoter sequence retrieval, MSP primer design and subsequent in silico analysis are presented and discussed. Furthermore, a few instructive examples regarding a good versus a poor primer design are provided. Finally, primer design is demonstrated according to the proposed workflow. This article aims to provide researchers, interested in a single gene methylation studies, with useful information regarding successful primer design.
Bergmann’s rule for Neomys fodiens in the middle of the distribution range
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Balčiauskienė Laima , Timm Uudo 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The body size of Palearctic Sorex shrews decreases at higher latitudes, and as such the Bergmann’s rule does not work. However, no analysis has ever been done for water shrew (Neomys fodiens) in the middle of distribution range. Analysis of available literature data showed that some body and skull measurements of N. fodiens are negatively correlated to latitude. Measurements of 158 water shrews from Estonia and Lithuania were also analyzed with respect to the short scale latitudinal pattern. We found that populations are separated (Wilk’s lambda = 0.363, p<0.0001). Differences are related to PC1 (skull size), explaining 49.80% of the variance and PC2 (body size), explaining 10.06% of the variance. Estonian shrews are smaller in their body and skull (most differences significant) and their skulls are relatively shorter and wider in the area of the brain case. Thus, the negative correlation of body and skull size to latitude in N. fodiens is applicable even over quite short latitudinal distances. Further analysis of diagnostic characters between N. fodiens and N. anomalus is required.