bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Expression and Association of Platinum Resistance with Immunologic Profiles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mariya Tasuku , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Asano Takuya , Kuroda Takafumi , Yasuda Kazuyo , Mizuuchi Masahito , Sonoda Tomoko , Saito Tsuyoshi , Sato Noriyuki 
Published: October 2014

AbstractEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most deadly carcinomas in females. Immune systems can recognize EOCs; however, a defect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression is known to be a major mechanism for escape from immune systems, resulting in poor prognosis. The purpose of this study is to identify novel correlations between immunologic responses and other clinical factors. We investigated the expression of immunologic components in 122 cases of EOCs for which surgical operations were performed between 2001 and 2011. We immunohistochemically stained EOC specimens using an anti-pan HLA class I monoclonal antibody (EMR8-5) and anti-CD3, -CD4, and -CD8 antibodies, and we analyzed correlations between immunologic parameters and clinical factors. In multivariate analysis that used the Cox proportional hazards model, independent prognostic factors for overall survival in advanced EOCs included low expression level of HLA class I [risk ratio (RR), 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–3.83; P = 0.046] and loss of intraepithelial cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration (RR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.06–4.20; P = 0.033). Interestingly, almost all platinum-resistant cases showed a significantly low rate of intraepithelial CTL infiltration in the χ2 test (positive vs. negative: 9.0% vs. 97.7%; P &lt; 0.001). Results from a logistic regression model revealed that low CTL infiltration rate was an independent factor of platinum resistance in multivariate analysis (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 1.08–13.12; P = 0.037). Platinum-resistant EOCs show poor immunologic responses. The immune escape system of EOCs may be one of the mechanisms of platinum resistance. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(12); 1220–9. ©2014 AACR.
5-Lipoxygenase Pathway in Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Bhamidipati Castigliano M. , Whatling Carl A. , Mehta Gaurav S. , Meher Akshaya K. , Hajzus Vanessa A. , Su Gang , Salmon Morgan , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Owens Gary K. , Ailawadi Gorav 
Published: October 2014

Objective—
The impact of leukotriene production by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway in the pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has been debated. Moreover, a clear mechanism through which 5-LO influences AAA remains unclear.

Approach and Results—

Aneurysm formation was attenuated in 5-LO
–/–
mice, and in lethally irradiated wild-type mice reconstituted with 5-LO
–/–
bone marrow in an elastase perfusion model. Pharmacological inhibition of 5-LO–attenuated aneurysm formation in both aortic elastase perfused wild-type and angiotensin II–treated LDLr
–/–
(low-density lipoprotein receptor) mice, with resultant preservation of elastin and fewer 5-LO and MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase)-producing cells. Separately, analysis of wild-type mice 7 days after elastase perfusion showed that 5-LO inhibition was associated with reduced polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration to the aortic wall. Importantly, 5-LO inhibition initiated 3 days after elastase perfusion in wild-type mice arrested progression of small AAA. Human AAA and control aorta corroborated these elastin and 5-LO expression patterns.

Conclusions—
Inhibition of 5-LO by pharmacological or genetic approaches attenuates aneurysm formation and prevents fragmentation of the medial layer in 2 unique AAA models. Administration of 5-LO inhibitor in small AAA slows progression of AAA. Targeted interruption of the 5-LO pathway is a potential treatment strategy in AAA.
DNA Methylation of a GC Repressor Element in the Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain Promoter Facilitates Binding of the Notch-Associated Transcription Factor, RBPJ/CSL1
Authors: Rozenberg Julian M. , Tesfu Daniel B. , Musunuri Srilaxmi , Taylor Joan M. , Mack Christopher P. 
Published: October 2014

Objective—
The goal of the present study was to identify novel mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation marker gene expression.

Approach and Results—
We demonstrate that the CArG-containing regions of many SMC-specific promoters are imbedded within CpG islands. A previously identified GC repressor element in the SM myosin heavy chain (MHC) promoter was highly methylated in cultured aortic SMC but not in the aorta, and this difference was inversely correlated with SM MHC expression. Using an affinity chromatography/mass spectroscopy–based approach, we identified the multifunctional Notch transcription factor, recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin κ J region (RBPJ), as a methylated GC repressor–binding protein. RBPJ protein levels and binding to the endogenous SM MHC GC repressor were enhanced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB treatment. A methylation mimetic mutation to the GC repressor that facilitated RBPJ binding inhibited SM MHC promoter activity as did overexpression of RBPJ. Consistent with this, knockdown of RBPJ in phenotypically modulated human aortic SMC enhanced endogenous SMC marker gene expression, an effect likely mediated by increased recruitment of serum response factor and Pol II to the SMC-specific promoters. In contrast, the depletion of RBPJ in differentiated transforming growth factor-β–treated SMC inhibited SMC-specific gene activation, supporting the idea that the effects of RBPJ/Notch signaling are context dependent.

Conclusions—
Our results indicate that methylation-dependent binding of RBPJ to a GC repressor element can negatively regulate SM MHC promoter activity and that RBPJ can inhibit SMC marker gene expression in phenotypically modulated SMC. These results will have important implications on the regulation of SMC phenotype and on Notch-dependent transcription.
Does Aneurysmal Wall Enhancement on Vessel Wall MRI Help to Distinguish Stable From Unstable Intracranial Aneurysms?
Authors: Edjlali Myriam , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Régent-Rodriguez Christine , Trystram Denis , Hassen Wajih Ben , Lion Stéphanie , Nataf François , Raymond Jean , Wieben Oliver , Turski Patrick , Meder Jean-Francois , Oppenheim Catherine , Naggara Olivier 
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—
Arterial wall enhancement on vessel wall MRI was described in intracranial inflammatory arterial disease. We hypothesized that circumferential aneurysmal wall enhancement (CAWE) could be an indirect marker of aneurysmal wall inflammation and, therefore, would be more frequent in unstable (ruptured, symptomatic, or undergoing morphological modification) than in stable (incidental and nonevolving) intracranial aneurysms.

Methods—
We prospectively performed vessel wall MRI in patients with stable or unstable intracranial aneurysms. Two readers independently had to determine whether a CAWE was present.

Results—

We included 87 patients harboring 108 aneurysms. Interreader and intrareader agreement for CAWE was excellent (κ=0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.95 and κ=0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.98, respectively). A CAWE was significantly more frequently seen in unstable than in stable aneurysms (27/31, 87% versus 22/77, 28.5%, respectively;
P
<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression, including CAWE, size, location, multiplicity of aneurysms, and daily aspirin intake, revealed that CAWE was the only independent factor associated with unstable status (odds ratio, 9.20; 95% confidence interval, 2.92–29.0;
P
=0.0002).

Conclusions—
CAWE was more frequently observed in unstable intracranial aneurysms and may be used as a surrogate of inflammatory activity in the aneurysmal wall.
A taxonomic revision of the Asian keelback snakes, genus Amphiesma (Serpentes: Colubridae: Natricinae), with description of a new species
Authors: GUO PENG , LIU QIN , ZHANG LIANG , LI JIAN X. , HUANG YU Y. , PYRON R. ALEXANDER 
Published: October 2014

The Asian keelback snakes (genus Amphiesma) are a widely distributed group of Old World natricines, inhabiting a variety of niches and exhibiting significant morphological variation. Recent molecular phylogenies suggest that this genus is not monophyletic, and that additional cryptic diversity is also likely present. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the group based on 3162 bp of one mitochondrial gene (Cyt. b) and three nuclear genes (C-mos, Rag1, NT3), sampling 18 species in addition to those sequenced in previous works. All analyses consistently show that Amphiesma consists of three distinct, monophyletic lineages with strong support. We divide Amphiesma into three genera, Amphiesma, Hebius, and Herpetoreas. The genus Amphiesma is monotypic, Herpetoreas contains three species, and Hebius comprises the remaining 39 species. On the basis of a combination of molecular analyses and external morphological comparisons, we describe a new species in the Herpetoreas group from China as H. burbrinki sp. nov. Several other species are shown to be non-monophyletic or contain significant levels of intraspecific genetic diversity. Another Old World natricine genera, Xenochrophis is also found to be non-monophyletic. Our results indicate that further taxonomic revisions are needed in Natricinae, at multiple levels.
Mesoscale Eddies Affect Near-Surface Turbulent Exchange: Evidence from Lidar and Tower Measurements
Authors: Eder Fabian , Schmidt Marius , Damian Thomas , Träumner Katja , Mauder Matthias 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe eddy-covariance technique tends to underestimate turbulent heat fluxes, which results in nonclosure of the surface energy balance. This study shows experimental evidence that mesoscale turbulent organized structures, which are inherently not captured by the standard eddy-covariance technique, can affect near-surface turbulent exchange. By using a combined setup of three Doppler wind lidars above a cropland-dominated area in Germany, low-frequency turbulent structures were detected in the surface layer down to a few meters above ground. In addition, data from two micrometeorological stations in the study area were analyzed with respect to energy balance closure. In accordance with several previous studies, the data confirm a strong friction velocity dependence of the energy balance residual. At both stations, the energy balance residual was found to be positively correlated with the vertical moisture gradient in the lower atmospheric boundary layer, but at only one station was it correlated with the temperature gradient. This result indicates that mesoscale transport probably contributes more to the latent heat flux than to the sensible heat flux, but this conclusion depends largely on the measurement site. Moreover, flow distortion due to tower mountings and measurement devices affects the energy balance closure considerably for certain wind directions.
Characterization of Initiation and Growth of Selected Severe Convective Storms over Central Europe with MSG-SEVIRI
Authors: Senf Fabian , Dietzsch Felix , Hünerbein Anja , Deneke Hartwig 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe early development of severe convective storms over central Europe was investigated on the basis of nine cases from 2012. Using data from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) imaging radiometer aboard a geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite, dynamical and microphysical properties of developing storms were monitored and combined. Several satellite-based storm properties, for example, cloud-top temperature, cloud-top cooling rate, and cloud particle effective radius, were investigated following the storm tracks. A framework for quantification of uncertainties of along-track properties resulting from tracking errors was also introduced. The majority of studied storms show a distinct maximum in cloud-top cooling rate; the corresponding time was used for track synchronization. The cloud growth phase was divided into an initial updraft intensification period before the maximum cooling and a continued growth period afterward. The initial updraft intensification period is variable and strongly depends on the convection initiation mechanism and detection conditions. The continued growth period is more confined, lasting between 30 and 45 min. The change in anvil size and the resulting average anvil edge velocity were determined from infrared satellite images. As a consequence of mass transport, the anvil edge velocity shows its highest correlation with the cloud-top vertical velocity approximately 20–30 min after the maximum in the cloud-top cooling rate. Larger effective radii of ice crystals were observed for vertically slower-growing clouds. The largest anticorrelation between cloud-top vertical velocity and effective radius was found at a time lag of 20 min after the maximum in cloud-top cooling.
The MJO and Air–Sea Interaction in TOGA COARE and DYNAMO
Authors: de Szoeke Simon P. , Edson James B. , Marion June R. , Fairall Christopher W. , Bariteau Ludovic 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) and Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) observations and reanalysis-based surface flux products are used to test theories of atmosphere–ocean interaction that explain the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Negative intraseasonal outgoing longwave radiation, indicating deep convective clouds, is in phase with increased surface wind stress, decreased solar heating, and increased surface turbulent heat flux—mostly evaporation—from the ocean to the atmosphere. Net heat flux cools the upper ocean in the convective phase. Sea surface temperature (SST) warms during the suppressed phase, reaching a maximum before the onset of MJO convection. The timing of convection, surface flux, and SST is consistent from the central Indian Ocean (70°E) to the western Pacific Ocean (160°E).
Mean surface evaporation observed in TOGA COARE and DYNAMO (110 W m−2) accounts for about half of the moisture supply for the mean precipitation (210 W m−2 for DYNAMO). Precipitation maxima are an order of magnitude larger than evaporation anomalies, requiring moisture convergence in the mean, and on intraseasonal and daily time scales. Column-integrated moisture increases 2 cm before the convectively active phase over the Research Vessel (R/V) Roger Revelle in DYNAMO, in accordance with MJO moisture recharge theory. Local surface evaporation does not significantly recharge the column water budget before convection. As suggested in moisture mode theories, evaporation increases the moist static energy of the column during convection. Rather than simply discharging moisture from the column, the strongest daily precipitation anomalies in the convectively active phase accompany the increasing column moisture.
Optimization of the High-Frequency Radar Sites in the Bering Strait Region
Authors: Panteleev Gleb , Yaremchuk Max , Stroh Jacob , Posey Pamela , Hebert David , Nechaev Dmitri A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMonitoring surface currents by coastal high-frequency radars (HFRs) is a cost-effective observational technique with good prospects for further development. An important issue in improving the efficiency of HFR systems is the optimization of radar positions on the coastline. Besides being constrained by environmental and logistic factors, such optimization has to account for prior knowledge of local circulation and the target quantities (such as transports through certain key sections) with respect to which the radar positions are to be optimized.In the proposed methodology, prior information of the regional circulation is specified by the solution of the 4D variational assimilation problem, where the available climatological data in the Bering Strait (BS) region are synthesized with dynamical constraints of a numerical model. The optimal HFR placement problem is solved by maximizing the reduction of a posteriori error in the mass, heat, and salt (MHS) transports through the target sections in the region. It is shown that the MHS transports into the Arctic and their redistribution within the Chukchi Sea are best monitored by placing HFRs at Cape Prince of Wales and on Little Diomede Island. Another equally efficient configuration involves placement of the second radar at Sinuk (western Alaska) in place of Diomede. Computations show that 1) optimization of the HFR deployment yields a significant (1.3–3 times) reduction of the transport errors compared to nonoptimal positioning of the radars and 2) error reduction provided by two HFRs is an order of magnitude better than the one obtained from three moorings permanently maintained in the region for the last 5 yr. This result shows a significant advantage of BS monitoring by HFRs compared to the more traditional technique of in situ moored observations. The obtained results are validated by an extensive set of observing system simulation experiments.
Estimation of the Added Value of the Absolute Calibration of GPS Radio Occultation Data for Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Aparicio Josep M. , Laroche Stéphane 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
An analysis of the impact of GPS radio occultation observations on Environment Canada’s global deterministic weather prediction system is presented. Radio occultation data, as any other source of weather observations, have a direct impact on the analyses. Since they are assimilated assuming that they are well calibrated, they also impact the bias correction scheme employed for other data, such as satellite radiances. The authors estimate the relative impact of occultation data obtained from, first, their assimilation as atmospheric measurements and, second, their influence on the bias correction for radiance data. This assessment is performed using several implementations of the thermodynamic relationships involved, and also allowing or blocking this influence to the radiance bias correction scheme.
The current implementation of occultation operators at Environment Canada is presented, collecting upgrades that have been detailed elsewhere, such as the equation of state of air and the expression of refractivity. The performance of the system with and without assimilation of occultations is reviewed under conditions representative of current operations. Several denial runs are prepared, withdrawing only the occultation data from the assimilation, but keeping their influence on the radiance bias correction, or assimilating occultations but denying their impact on the bias correction procedure, and a complete denial.
It is shown that the impact of occultations on the analysis is significant through both paths—assimilation and radiance bias correction—albeit the first is larger. The authors conclude that the traceability link of the ensemble of occultations has an added value, beyond the value of each datum as an atmospheric measurement.
Use of Imaging to Evaluate Course of the Carotid Artery in Surgery for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Raol Nikhila , Caruso Paul , Hartnick Christopher J. 
Published: October 2014

Objective: This study aimed to describe syndromes where preoperative imaging may be essential in determining the course of the carotid arteries before velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery and therefore affect surgical planning. Methods: Records of children who underwent surgery for VPI between May 1, 2012, and October 30, 2013, at a tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology center were reviewed. Data collected included age at operation, preoperative and postoperative nasometry values, presence of underlying genetic disorders, and imaging findings. Results: Twenty-five patients underwent 33 surgeries for VPI, with 1 posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation, 6 Furlow palatoplasties, 11 sphincter pharyngoplasties, and 15 pharyngeal flaps. Medialized carotid vasculature was identified in 5 of 25 patients (20%). Seven syndromic patients were identified, with 3 patients having 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. All patients (100%) with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome had medialized carotid arteries. Of the 4 additional syndromic children, 2 (50%) had medial internal carotid arteries, with 1 patient diagnosed with neurofibromatosis 1 and another with Prader-Willi syndrome. Both patients underwent Furlow palatoplasty. Conclusion: Whereas 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is recognized as an entity where a medial carotid is often present, other syndromic children may also demonstrate vascular variability. Although a larger study is needed to confirm an increased prevalence in these patients, clinicians may need a higher degree of suspicion while performing the physical examination. If examination findings are suggestive or the disease process may lend itself to this abnormality, vascular imaging can be considered as part of presurgical planning to help guide surgical technique and prevent complications.
Prioritization of Resources for Participants in a Peer Counseling Breastfeeding Support Program
Authors: Rozga Mary R. , Kerver Jean M. , Olson Beth H. 
Published: October 2014

Background: Peer counseling (PC) breastfeeding support programs have proven effective in increasing breastfeeding duration in low-income women. Objectives: This study aimed to describe program participants and breastfeeding duration in a PC program according to (1) timing of enrollment (prenatal vs postnatal) and (2) breastfeeding status at program exit (discontinued breastfeeding, exited program while breastfeeding, and completed 1 year program) to improve understanding of how these groups differ and how services might be optimized when resources are limited. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from low-income women enrolled in a PC breastfeeding support program. Participant characteristics and breastfeeding duration were described using chi-square tests, analyses of variance, and logistic regression. Results: Postnatal enrollees had longer breastfeeding duration than prenatal enrollees ( F < .001) and were more likely to be older, to be married, to be more educated, and to have prior breastfeeding experience (each variable P < .01). Women who withdrew from the program while breastfeeding were more demographically similar to those who discontinued breastfeeding prior to 1 year than to those who continued in the program breastfeeding for 1 year, although they breastfed for significantly longer at exit (mean ± SD = 27.8 ± 14.8 weeks) compared to women who discontinued breastfeeding while in the program (15.7 ± 13.3 weeks) ( P < .001). Conclusion: It may be advantageous for peer counselors to direct fewer resources to later postnatal enrollees and more to prenatal or early postnatal enrollees. It may also be advantageous to focus on supporting women at high risk of discontinuation rather than on retaining women who choose to withdraw from the program while breastfeeding.
Indication of Adequate Transdermal Fentanyl Dose in Opioid Switching From Oral Oxycodone in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Matsumura Chikako , Yamada Masami , Fujihara Saki , Chisaki Yugo , Takahashi Kazushige , Yano Yoshitaka 
Published: October 2014

Objective: The present study aimed to examine affecting factors for conversion ratio and to predict adequate fentanyl dose for patients with cancer pain in opioid switching from oral oxycodone. Methods: Patient characteristics, biochemical parameters, daily oxycodone dose, and reasons for opioid switching were retrospectively collected. The effect of variables on the conversion ratio was analyzed by multiple regression analysis. Results: Regression analysis for the data from 122 patients suggested that the typical conversion ratio was 95:1; however, this ratio was significantly reduced in patients taking a daily oral morphine-equivalent dose of <45 mg/d and in patients with poor pain control to 52:1 and 64:1, respectively. Conclusion: We should carefully and rapidly control pain in opioid switching based on the adequate dose indicated in this study.