bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of PTEN Expression Is Associated With IGFBP2 Expression, Younger Age, and Late Stage in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dean Sarah J. R. , Perks Claire M. , Holly Jeff M. P. , Bhoo-Pathy Nirmala , Looi Lai-Meng , Mohammed Nur Aishah Taib , Mun Kein-Seong , Teo Soo-Hwang , Koobotse Moses O. , Yip Cheng-Har , Rhodes Anthony 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
To investigate the association between PTEN loss and IGFBP2 expression in a series of triple-negative breast cancers and to relate this expression to basal cytokeratin expression and clinicopathologic features.

Methods:
One hundred and one formalin-fixed and paraffin-processed triple-negative breast cancer cases from the University of Malaya Medical Centre were tested immunohistochemically for cytokeratins 5/6 and 14, PTEN, and IGFBP2. The resulting slides were scored for proportion and intensity of staining.

Results:
Loss of tumor nuclear and cytoplasmic staining for PTEN occurred in 48.3% of cases and was significantly associated with younger age at diagnosis (47 years compared with 57 years in those without PTEN loss; P = .005). Independent predictors of PTEN loss were late stage at presentation (P = .026), cytokeratin 5/6 positivity (P = .028), and IGFBP2 expression (P = .042). High levels of IGFBP2 expression were seen in 32% of cases; an independent predictor of high levels was cytokeratin 14 negativity (P = .005). PTEN loss and high levels of IGFBP2 expression were associated with poorer survival, but neither of these trends was significant.

Conclusions:
PTEN loss is a frequent event in triple-negative breast cancers and is significantly associated with younger age at onset of breast cancer, late stage, and IGFBP2 expression.
Tobacco Treatment Specialists: A New Profession
Authors: Hughes John R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTobacco treatment specialists (TTS) are essential to developing an adequate system of treatment for smoking. Tobacco cessation treatment should be seen, not solely as a public health or prevention activity, but rather as a clinical activity. TTS should increase their professionalism by embracing evidence-based medicine. TTS should form professional organizations and credentialing bodies to insure a high quality professional identity.
Lesen macht stark
Authors: Schabos Julia 
Published: February 2014

Zusammenfassung:
Im Juli 2013 startete der Deutsche Bibliotheksverband e.V. (dbv) gemeinsam mit der Stiftung Digitale Chancen das Projekt „Lesen macht stark: Lesen und digitale Medien“. Seit Oktober 2013 setzten lokale Akteure erste Aktionen des dbv zur Leseförderung mit digitalen Medien in die Praxis um. Dieser Artikel bietet einen Überblick über das Projekt sowie einen Praxisbericht der Anna-Seghers-Bibliothek in Berlin-Lichtenberg.
GM1 and GM2 gangliosides: recent developments
Authors: Bisel Blaine , Pavone Francesco S. , Calamai Martino 
Published: February 2014

AbstractGM1 and GM2 gangliosides are important components of the cell membrane and play an integral role in cell signaling and metabolism. In this conceptual overview, we discuss recent developments in our understanding of the basic biological functions of GM1 and GM2 and their involvement in several diseases. In addition to a well-established spectrum of disorders known as gangliosidoses, such as Tay-Sachs disease, more and more evidence points at an involvement of GM1 in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. New emerging methodologies spanning from single-molecule imaging in vivo to simulations in silico have complemented standard studies based on ganglioside extraction.
Targeted Estimation of Nuisance Parameters to Obtain Valid Statistical Inference
Authors: van der Laan Mark J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn order to obtain concrete results, we focus on estimation of the treatment specific mean, controlling for all measured baseline covariates, based on observing independent and identically distributed copies of a random variable consisting of baseline covariates, a subsequently assigned binary treatment, and a final outcome. The statistical model only assumes possible restrictions on the conditional distribution of treatment, given the covariates, the so-called propensity score. Estimators of the treatment specific mean involve estimation of the propensity score and/or estimation of the conditional mean of the outcome, given the treatment and covariates. In order to make these estimators asymptotically unbiased at any data distribution in the statistical model, it is essential to use data-adaptive estimators of these nuisance parameters such as ensemble learning, and specifically super-learning. Because such estimators involve optimal trade-off of bias and variance w.r.t. the infinite dimensional nuisance parameter itself, they result in a sub-optimal bias/variance trade-off for the resulting real-valued estimator of the estimand. We demonstrate that additional targeting of the estimators of these nuisance parameters guarantees that this bias for the estimand is second order and thereby allows us to prove theorems that establish asymptotic linearity of the estimator of the treatment specific mean under regularity conditions. These insights result in novel targeted minimum loss-based estimators (TMLEs) that use ensemble learning with additional targeted bias reduction to construct estimators of the nuisance parameters. In particular, we construct collaborative TMLEs (C-TMLEs) with known influence curve allowing for statistical inference, even though these C-TMLEs involve variable selection for the propensity score based on a criterion that measures how effective the resulting fit of the propensity score is in removing bias for the estimand. As a particular special case, we also demonstrate the required targeting of the propensity score for the inverse probability of treatment weighted estimator using super-learning to fit the propensity score.
Groups which do not possess characters of nontrivial prime power degree
Authors: Du Ni , Lewis Mark L. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract.
In this paper, we consider groups where the only prime power that occurs as a character degree is 1. We prove that the nonabelian composition factors of such a group also have this property or are the sporadic simple group M
12. We characterize these groups that have a normal nonabelian Sylow p-subgroup.
Bounding group orders by large character degrees: A question of Snyder
Authors: Lewis Mark L. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Let G be a nonabelian finite group and let d be an irreducible character degree of G. Then there is a positive integer e so that |G| = d(d + e). Snyder has shown that if e > 1, then |G| is bounded by a function of e. This bound has been improved by Isaacs and by Durfee and Jensen. In this paper we will show, for groups having a nontrivial, abelian normal subgroup, that |G| ≤ e
4 - e
3. Given that there are a number of solvable groups that meet this bound, it is best possible. Our work makes use of results regarding Camina pairs, Gagola characters, and Suzuki 2-groups.
Maternal serum placental growth factor and fetal SGA in pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gutaj Paweł , Wender-Ożegowska Ewa , Iciek Rafał , Zawiejska Agnieszka , Pietryga Marek , Brązert Jacek 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the role of maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) in the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight in pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods: A prospective observational study on 59 normotensive T1DM pregnant women, assessing maternal PlGF concentrations between the 10th–14th and 22nd–25th weeks of gestation.

Results: Number of SGA vs. non-SGA newborns was 11 (18.6%) vs. 48 (81.4%), respectively. First trimester PlGF serum concentrations (pg/mL) were similar between SGA vs. non-SGA groups [data given as median (interquartile range)]: 65.5 (35.58–159.20) vs. 68.23 (11.59–150.03), respectively; P=0.44. A trend for lower PlGF concentrations was observed in the second trimester in the SGA vs. non-SGA group: 63.34 (12.79–119.16) vs. 116.75 (33.93–235.82); P=0.07. In the SGA group, PlGF concentrations did not differ between the first and the second trimester: 65.5 (35.58–159.20) vs. 63.34 (12.79–119.16), respectively; P=0.36. In the non-SGA group, PlGF concentrations were significantly higher at the gestational age of 22–25 weeks compared to 10–14 weeks [116.75 (33.93–235.82) vs. 68.23 (11.59–150.03); P=0.03).

Conclusions: Decreased PlGF serum concentration in mid-pregnancy, as well as a lack of physiological increase in PlGF levels between early and mid-gestation, may precede development of SGA in women with T1DM.
Highly-filled hybrid composites prepared using centrifugal deposition
Authors: Daud Norlinda , Shanks Robert A. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Natural composites of high filler content, such as nacre, a composite comprised of 95–99% w/w aragonite layers, have been of interest due to their hardness, strength and toughness. High filler content composites have been prepared synthetically, although due to viscosity and processing requirements, the filler content was limited compared with natural systems. In this paper we describe hybrid high filler content composites prepared to be biomimetic of nacre. Development of processing conditions increased the filler content from 50% w/w using a laboratory stirrer to obtain hybrid composites with 77–86% w/w filler content, prepared by centrifugal deposition and hot compression molding techniques. Both methods were very different from natural formation from layer-by-layer (LBL) construction, however, the composites formed were of high filler content approaching the level in nature. The composites exhibited high modulus and strength, although deformation at break was low, consistent with highly filled materials. Glass transition of the resin phase was increased slightly, while damping was decreased by filler content. Surface morphology of the fractured composite showed a layered structure of well dispersed fillers with minute voids scattered evenly, indicating that the composite was effectively compacted.
Oklahoma!, “Lousy Publicity,” and the Politics of Formal Integration in the American Musical Theater
Authors: O'Leary James 
Published: February 2014

The achievements of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (1943) are well known: since the musical opened, critics have proclaimed it a new version of the genre, distinguished by its “integrated” form, in which all aspects of the production—score, script, costume, set, and choreography—are interrelated and inseparable. Although today many scholars acknowledge that Oklahoma! was not the first musical to implement the concept of integration, the musical is often considered revolutionary.
Building on the work of Tim Carter, I use the correspondence and press materials in the Theatre Guild Collection of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University to situate the idea of integration into two intimately related discourses: contemporary notions of aesthetic prestige and World War II-era politics. By comparing the advertising of Oklahoma! to the Guild’s publicity for its previous musical productions (especially Porgy and Bess, which was labeled integrated in 1935), I demonstrate that press releases from the show’s creative team strategically deployed rhetoric and vocabulary that variously depicted the show as both highbrow and lowbrow, while distancing it from middlebrow entertainment. I then describe how the aesthetic register implied by this tiered rhetoric carried political overtones, connotations that are lost to us today because the word “integration” has become reified as a purely formal concept.
Preventive and Cautionary Dynamics in the Symphonies of Mendelssohn and his Time
Authors: Schmidt-Beste Thomas 
Published: February 2014

From the late eighteenth century onward, composers began to use dynamic signs as an independent layer of expressive meaning, deployed either to reinforce the dynamic tendencies inherent in the music (through melodic or harmonic trajectory, phrasing, texture, etc.) or to counteract them. The study of this phenomenon thus far has been limited to individual observations regarding particular events, such as “surprise dynamics” (for example sudden peaks in volume or a subito piano following a crescendo), with no attempt to reach a systematic understanding. This article elucidates a little-noticed device, the preventive or cautionary dynamic. Some nineteenth-century composers reiterate dynamic instructions in their instrumental music several times in succession. The purpose of these repetitions is to maintain a desired dynamic level that runs counter to the intrinsic ebb and flow of tonal music (the “internal dynamic” as defined by some authors). The device is used most frequently at the extremes of the dynamic spectrum, often to create expressive tension in a poetic/extramusical sense. The first composer to make substantial use of this technique was Beethoven, but it is Mendelssohn who developed and deployed it most fully.
This type of dynamic instruction is most prevalent in large-scale instrumental compositions, such as the symphony, and highlights another aspect of musical practice of the period: composers increasingly had to contend with conductors and performances over which they had no direct control. The increased use of dynamic signs in general and preventive or cautionary dynamics in particular can thus be read as an attempt to assert control over expressive aspects of their compositions that traditionally had been left to performers.
A Drosophila Protease Cascade Member, Seminal Metalloprotease-1, Is Activated Stepwise by Male Factors and Requires Female Factors for Full Activity
Authors: LaFlamme Brooke A , Avila Frank W , Michalski Kevin , Wolfner Mariana F 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Females and males of sexually reproducing animals must cooperate at the molecular and cellular level for fertilization to succeed, even though some aspects of reproductive molecular biology appear to involve antagonistic interactions. We previously reported the existence of a proteolytic cascade in Drosophila melanogaster seminal fluid that is initiated in the male and ends in the female. This proteolytic cascade, which processes at least two seminal fluid proteins (Sfps), is a useful model for understanding the regulation of Sfp activities, including proteolysis cascades in mammals. Here, we investigated the activation mechanism of the downstream protease in the cascade, the astacin-family metalloprotease Seminal metalloprotease-1 (Semp1, CG11864), focusing on the relative contribution of the male and female to its activation. We identified a naturally occurring semp1 null mutation within the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel. By expressing mutant forms of Semp1 in males homozygous for the null mutation, we discovered that cleavage is required for the complete activation of Semp1, and we defined at least two sites that are essential for this activational cleavage. These amino acid residues suggest a two-step mechanism for Semp1 activation, involving the action of at least two male-derived proteases. Although the cascade’s substrates potentially influence both fertility and sperm competition within the mated female, the role of female factors in the activation or activity of Semp1 is unknown. We show here that Semp1 can undergo its activational cleavage in male ejaculates, without female contributions, but that cleavage of Semp1’s substrates does not proceed to completion in ejaculates, indicating an essential role for female factors in Semp1’s full activity. In addition, we find that expression of Semp1 in virgin females demonstrates that females can activate this protease on their own, resulting in activity that is complete but substantially delayed.
Ultrasound as a Screening Test for Genitourinary Anomalies in Children With UTI
Authors: Nelson Caleb P. , Johnson Emilie K. , Logvinenko Tanya , Chow Jeanne S. 
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND:
The 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) should be performed after initial febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in a young child, with voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) performed only if RBUS shows abnormalities. We sought to determine test characteristics and predictive values of RBUS for VCUG findings in this setting.

METHODS:
We analyzed 3995 clinical encounters from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 during which VCUG and RBUS were performed for history of UTI. Patients who had previous postnatal genitourinary imaging or history of prenatal hydronephrosis were excluded. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RBUS for VCUG abnormalities were determined.

RESULTS:
We identified 2259 patients age &lt;60 months who had UTI as the indication for imaging. RBUS was reported as “normal” in 75%. On VCUG, any vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was identified in 41.7%, VUR grade &gt;II in 20.9%, and VUR grade &gt;III in 2.8%. Sensitivity of RBUS for any abnormal findings on VCUG ranged from 5% (specificity: 97%) to 28% (specificity: 77%). Sensitivity for VUR grade &gt;III ranged from 18% (specificity: 97%) to 55% (specificity: 77%). Among the 1203 children aged 2 to 24 months imaged after a first febrile UTI, positive predictive value of RBUS was 37% to 47% for VUR grade &gt;II (13% to 24% for VUR grade &gt;III); negative predictive value was 72% to 74% for VUR grade &gt;II (95% to 96% for VUR grade &gt;III).

CONCLUSIONS:
RBUS is a poor screening test for genitourinary abnormalities. RBUS and VCUG should be considered complementary as they provide important, but different, information.
Application of Glass Particles Doped by Zn+2as Antimicrobial and Atoxic Compound in LLDPE and HDPE
Authors: dos Santos Marcel Ferrari , de Oliveira Camila Machado , Tachinski Camila , Júnior Jair Fiori , Piletti Raquel , Ávila Clever Pirola , Tófoli Thiago , Gonçalves Jaqueline Madeira , Fiori Marcio Antônio 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThis study demonstrates the potential application of glass particles doped with Zn+2 (GZn) as antimicrobial additives and atoxic of the HDPE and LLDPE polymers. Toxicity tests indicated the absence of toxicity in human cells. Microbiological tests proved the antimicrobial effect of GZn pure compound and of the additives polymeric compounds (HDPE/GZn and LLDPE/GZn). Have also indicated that with percentages of GZn higher than 2.00 wt% and a time of 4 hours the bactericidal performance is excellent and equal for both polymeric compounds.
Rheological Properties of Multi-Block Associative Polyelectrolytes Obtained by Nitroxide-Mediated Solution Polymerization
Authors: Coronado Alejandro , Velazquez Areli I. , Jiménez Enrique J. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA multi-block associative polyelectrolyte based on poly(methacrylic acid-ra-styrene) [MAA-S] and poly(octadecyl methacrylate) [ODMA] was synthesized through stepwise nitroxide-mediated solution polymerizations. The obtained polymer has a heptablock copolymer structure, alternating MAA-S as hydrophilic blocks (theoretical degree of polymerization [DPT] of 250), and ODMA as hydrophobic blocks (DPT = 15). Rheological properties, in the linear-response regime, of aqueous solutions (polymer content = 1.5 wt.%) were studied as a function of the amount of blocks on the polymer using steady-shear and creep-compliance experiments. Rheological experiments demonstrate that the viscoelastic behavior of the polymer bearing an ODMA block in terminal position greatly differs from that of the polymer with MAA-S block terminations. The former behaves as a newtonian fluid on a wider range of shear rates than the latter, which exhibit a shear-thinning behavior, even at low shear rates, independently of the molecular weight and number of blocks.
Characterization and Modeling of the Conduction and Switching Mechanisms of HfOx Based RRAM
Authors: Yu Shimeng , Philip Wong H.-S. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe conduction and switching mechanism of resistive random access memory (RRAM) is reviewed in this paper. The resistive switching in oxides is generally attributed to the conductive filament (made up of oxygen vacancies) formation and rupture in the oxide due to field assisted oxygen ion migration. As a model system for device physics study, HfOx based RRAM devices were fabricated and characterized. To identify the electron conduction mechanism, various electrical characterization techniques such as I-V measurements at various temperatures, low-frequency noise measurements, and AC conductance measurements were employed. It was suggested that the trap-assisted-tunneling is the dominant conduction mechanism. In order to explore the oxygen ion migration dynamics, pulse switching measurements were performed. An exponential voltage-time relationship was found between the switching time and the applied voltage. To obtain a first-order understanding of the variability of resistive switching, a Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) numerical simulator was developed. The generation/recombination/migration probabilities of oxygen vacancies and oxygen ions were calculated, and the conductive filament configuration was updated stochastically according to those probabilities. The KMC simulation can reproduce many experimental observations in the DC I-V sweep, pulse switching, endurance cycling, and retention baking, etc. The tail bits in the resistance distribution are attributed to the oxygen vacancy left over in the gap region due to a competition between the oxygen vacancy generation and recombination. To enable circuit and system development using RRAM, a compact device model was developed. The compact model, implemented in MATLAB, HSPICE, and Verilog-A, which can be employed in many commonly available circuit simulators using the SPICE engine.
Technical Efficiency in Shackled Actions after A Short Audiovisual Training Session
Authors: Ramos Domingo Jesús Campo , Sánchez Peraza Antonio A. , Robles-Pérez José Juan. , Montañez-Toledo Pedro , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier 
Published: February 2014

Introduction:
Shackled maneuver was poorly studied in specific literature despite being a technique used every day for security and police forces. The use of new technologies had reported important benefits in learning process and could improve shackled learning process. Therefore, the objectives of the present research were: (i) to analyze the effect of an audiovisual training on the efficiency in shackled technique in three different stress situations and (ii) to study the week point in the shackled maneuver to know how to improve the audiovisual training.

Methods:
Technical procedures in shackle techniques in 3 different situations of 26 male soldiers were analyzed after an audiovisual session. The situations were normal, alert and danger. All the shackle interventions were filmed by a video camera and were analyzed later. Shackle maneuver was divided in approach to the subject, subject control, placing the first shackle, limb immobilization, placing the second shackle, frisk and transfer. Every part of the shackle maneuver was evaluated with 10, 5 or 0 point.

Results:
Maneuver efficiency decreased with the stress. There was significant difference in the placement of the second phase shackle between the normal and alert situations and in all the situations the limb immobilization phase obtained the lower values. Furthermore, the execution time was lower in normal (40.30 s) than in alert (120.08 s) and danger situations (180.36 s).

Conclusion:
A short audiovisual training was enough to learn the proper shackled procedure in non experimented soldiers with a low technical level in the limb immobilization phase and differences between the stress situation in the placing the second shackle phase. Also, the increase in stress caused an increase in the maneuver time, and an increase in number of the video reproductions.