bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Relevance of c-Myc and BMI1 Expression in Patients With Glioblastoma
Authors: Cenci Tonia , Martini Maurizio , Montano Nicola , D’Alessandris Quintino G. , Falchetti Maria Laura , Annibali Daniela , Savino Mauro , Bianchi Federico , Pierconti Francesco , Nasi Sergio , Pallini Roberto , Larocca Luigi Maria 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Although the c-Myc oncogene is frequently deregulated in human cancer, its involvement in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is not clear. We conducted immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of c-Myc, polycomb ring finger oncogene (BMI1), and acetylation of the lysine 9 (H3K9Ac) of histone 3 in 48 patients with glioblastoma who underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide treatment. The expression of c-Myc, BMI1, and H3K9ac was correlated with clinical characteristics and outcome. We found that overexpression of c-Myc was significantly associated with that of BMI1 (P = .009), and that patients who harbored glioblastomas overexpressing c-Myc and BMI1 showed significantly longer overall survival (P &lt; .0001 and P = .0009, respectively). Our results provide the first evidence of the prognostic value of c-Myc and associated genes in patients with glioblastoma. The favorable effect of c-Myc and BMI1 expression on survival is likely mediated by the sensitization of cancer cells to radiotherapy and temozolomide through the activation of apoptotic pathways.
Automated 22-kD Growth Hormone–Specific Assay without Interference from Pegvisomant
Authors: Manolopoulou Jenny , Alami Younes , Petersenn Stephan , Schopohl Jochen , Wu Zida , Strasburger Christian J , Bidlingmaier Martin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Large variability exists among different growth hormone (GH) assays owing to differences in calibration, antibody specificity, isoform recognition, and interference from GH binding protein (GHBP). The GH receptor antagonist Pegvisomant presents a new challenge because Pegvisomant interferes with many GH assays. A recent consensus conference established criteria for standardization and evaluation of GH assays. Following consensus recommendations, we developed a new GH assay on an automated analyzer (IDS-iSYS, Immunodiagnostic Systems).

METHODS
A monoclonal antibody not cross-reacting with Pegvisomant was combined with a monoclonal antibody specific for 22-kD GH. Isoform specificity and interference from GHBP was tested and compared to that seen in 2 existing automated GH assays (Siemens Immulite, Diasorin Liaison). We also compared GH concentrations measured by the 3 assays for healthy volunteers and patients with acromegaly receiving different treatments. Using the iSYS assay, we also established nadir GH values during oral glucose load and analyzed changes in endogenous GH during Pegvisomant treatment.

RESULTS
Analytical and functional sensitivities were 0.01 μg/L and 0.04 μg/L, with a dynamic range from 0.04 to 100 μg/L. Intraassay CVs were 2%–4%, whereas interassay CVs were 5%–7% at GH concentrations between 1.7 and 27.5 μg/L. The assay was specific for 22-kD GH and not affected by GHBP. The presence of Pegvisomant, which leads to a negative bias on the Immulite and dramatic overestimation of GH on the Liaison, had no impact on the iSYS GH assay.

CONCLUSIONS
The new assay fulfils recent consensus recommendations and presents a useful new tool for reliable measurement of GH.
Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin and Risk of Clinical Diabetes in American Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Chen Brian H , Brennan Kathleen , Goto Atsushi , Song Yiqing , Aziz Najib , You Nai-chieh Y , Wellons Melissa F , Manson JoAnn E , White Donna L , Butch Anthony W , Liu Simin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent prospective studies have shown a strong inverse association between sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations and risk of clinical diabetes in white individuals. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship extends to other racial/ethnic populations.METHODSWe evaluated the association between baseline concentrations of SHBG and clinical diabetes risk in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Over a median follow-up of 5.9 years, we identified 642 postmenopausal women who developed clinical diabetes (380 blacks, 157 Hispanics, 105 Asians) and 1286 matched controls (777 blacks, 307 Hispanics, 202 Asians).RESULTSHigher concentrations of SHBG at baseline were associated with a significantly lower risk of clinical diabetes [relative risk (RR), 0.15; 95% CI, 0.09–0.26 for highest vs lowest quartile of SHBG, adjusted for BMI and known diabetes risk factors]. The associations remained consistent within ethnic groups [RR, 0.19 (95% CI, 0.10–0.38) for blacks; RR, 0.17 (95% CI, 0.05–0.57) for Hispanics; and 0.13 (95% CI, 0.03–0.48) for Asians]. Adjustment for potential confounders, such as total testosterone (RR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07–0.19) or HOMA-IR (RR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14–0.48) did not alter the RR substantially. In addition, SHBG concentrations were significantly associated with risk of clinical diabetes across categories of hormone therapy use (never users: RRper SD = 0.42, 95% CI, 0.34–0.51; past users: RRper SD = 0.53;, 95% CI, 0.37–0.77; current users: RRper SD = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.69; P-interaction = 0.10).CONCLUSIONSIn this prospective study of postmenopausal women, we observed a robust, inverse relationship between serum concentrations of SHBG and risk of clinical diabetes in American blacks, Hispanics, and Asians/Pacific Islanders. These associations appeared to be independent of sex hormone concentrations, adiposity, or insulin resistance.
Transient Redox Activity of Vanadyl Pyrophosphate at Ambient and Elevated Pressure
Authors: Shekari Ali , Patience Gregory S. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The transient catalytic activity of vanadyl pyrophosphate (VPP) catalyst was studied at ambient and elevated pressure (4.1 bar) and a wide range of operating conditions. The range included the commercial operating conditions typical of fixed bed, fluidized bed and circulating fluidized beds (CFB) for the partial oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride (MA). The maleic anhydride yield improved by increasing the feed oxygen molar fraction, temperature and pressure. When the catalyst was cycled between an oxidizing (synthetic air) and a reducing environment; yield increased with an increase in the catalyst residence time in the oxidizing environment. This effect was more pronounced at higher pressure. At ambient pressure, MA selectivity varied between 50-73 % while it decreased to about 48-54 % at a pressure of 4.1 bar. A strong MA selectivity dependency on feed composition was observed when the oxidation time was in the range of actual industrial reactors (< 1 minute). Selectivity data suggested that different oxygen species might be responsible for CO formation compared to other products such as CO2 and MA. Under oxidizing feed conditions (oxygen/n-butane ≥ than 3.7), an increase in n butane conversion was the main contributor to improved MA yield: n-butane conversion increased by about 70 % when the catalyst oxidation time extended from 0.3 to 10 minute. While, under fuel rich feed conditions, typical of industrial CFB operations, both MA selectivity and n-butane conversion contributed to enhancement in MA yield. Depending on the feed composition, MA selectivity increases by about 16-30 % and n butane conversion increases by about 32-55 % by extending the catalyst oxidation time. These results show the critical importance of catalyst oxidation time on reaction yield improvement especially when operating under fuel rich feed conditions. The surface adsorbed or surface lattice oxygen species were suggested to be the main responsible for n butane activation. While, the contribution of catalyst’s sub-surface lattice oxygen was believed to be very limited at fuel rich feed conditions. Under these conditions, catalyst over-reduction cannot be effectively compensated even after excessive catalyst regeneration and presence of gas phase oxygen is critical to maintain a high catalytic activity. As the reactor pressure increased to 4.1 bar, up to 60 % increase in n butane conversion accompanied by 100 % increase in oxygen conversion was observed. MA selectivity decreased by about 20 % on average but the increase in n-butane conversion resulted in an overall yield improvement of up to 30 %. Data show that the catalytic performance could be enhanced at certain combination of reactor pressure and temperature.
Fast Pyroylysis of Polyolefin Waste over Cracking Catalysts for Producing Hydrocarbon Fuels Using a Fluidized-bed Reactor
Authors: Wei Dr. Ta-Tung , Lin Prof. Yeuh-Hui 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A mixture of post-commercial polyolefin waste (PE/PP/PS) was pyrolyzed over various micro- and mesoporous catalysts using a fluidized-bed reactor operating isothermally at ambient pressure. The yield of volatile hydrocarbons with zeolitic nano-catalysts (n-ZSM-5 > n-MOR > n-USY) were higher than with non-zeolitic catalysts (MCM-41 > ASA). MCM-41 with large mesopores and ASA with weaker acid sites resulted in a highly olefinic product mixture with a wide carbon number distribution, whereas n-USY yielded a saturate-rich product mixture with a wide carbon number distribution and substantial coke levels. A novel developed model based on kinetic and mechanistic considerations which take into account chemical reactions and catalyst deactivation for the catalytic degradation of commingled polyolefin waste has been investigated. This model represents the benefits of product selectivity for the chemical composition such as alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and coke in relation to the performance and the particle size selection of the catalyst used as well as the effect of the fluidizing gas and reaction temperature.
Potentiation of Etoposide and Temozolomide Cytotoxicity by Curcumin and Turmeric Force in Brain Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Ramachandran Cheppail , Nair Smitha M. , Escalon Enrique , Melnick Steven J. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We have investigated on the potentiation of etoposide (ETP) and temozolomide (TMZ) cytotoxicity in U-87MG glioblastoma and D283 medulloblastoma cell lines by curcumin (CUR) and turmeric force (TF), a nutraceutical formulation of turmeric, with the objective of assessing the potential for their adjuvant use in brain tumor chemotherapy. While U-87MG cell line was generally resistant to TMZ, IC50 values for CUR and TF were 37.33 and 30.75 µg/ml, respectively. TF is the only agent that demonstrated efficacy at the IC90 level. When CUR or TF was combined with ETP and TMZ, increased chemotherapeutic efficiency in the U-87MG cells was observed. TF is highly cytotoxic to D283 Med cell line compared to curcumin with an IC50 value of 1.55 ug/ml. Although both CUR and TF potentiated ETP and TMZ cytotoxicity, TF is more efficient than CUR in both U-87MG and D283 Med cell lines. Treatment of U-87MG cells with the triple combination of TMZ+ETP+TF induced a high percentage of apoptotic cells. Potential mechanisms that may explain evidence of synergy include down regulation of p10 and p53 mRNAs and increase in BAX/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio. These pre-clinical results suggest that TF may be useful as an adjuvant with ETP and TMZ for brain tumor chemotherapy.
Operation of Multi DC Smart Grids Based on Renewable Energy Sources and Protection of DC Transmission Line
Authors: Nassor Thabit S. , Kina Masahiko , Senjyu Tomonobu , Yona Atsushi , Funabashi Toshihisa 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper presents the operation under fault and protection of multi DC smart grids connected to the DC transmission line. The smart grid consists of wind turbine and photovoltaic generators, controllable loads, generator side and grid side inverters. The voltage stability of the DC bus voltage is attained by applying the power consumption control of controllable loads, the power control of grid connected converter and power control of renewable plants. On the other hand, the fault protection for short-circuit and low resistance ground fault at the DC transmission line was sighted. Simulation results based on PSIM are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.
Economic Justification for a V2G Facility in a Radial Distribution Network
Authors: Chukwu Uwakwe C. , Mahajan Satish M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A V2G facility has the potential to reduce losses and loading in the power distribution network, thereby effecting savings and an increase in the generator, line and substation capacity for additional loading. In this paper, economic models are developed to compute the amount of economic incentives accruable from the penetration of V2G into the distribution network subject to two potential benefits of V2G: released generation capacity and reduced energy losses. The developed models were tested using IEEE test systems. Results from the test systems reveal that operational choice affects economic incentives. Hence, further analytical expression was developed to model operational formulation that will lead to economic incentives. This principal model was formulated to indicate the manner in which economic incentives can be impacted by decision variables, namely: loading pattern, V2G location and capacity injection. More than 95% released generation capacity was obtained. In addition, $37,775/year of economic incentive due to reduced power losses in the IEEE 123 Node test Feeder was observed. The results from the principal model showed that V2G promises significant economic incentives. It may be concluded, based on the results obtained, that proper system studies are necessary at the planning stage before installing a V2G facility.
Study of Transformer Switching Overvoltages during Power System Restoration Using Delta-Bar-Delta and Directed Random Search Algorithms
Authors: Sadeghkhani Iman , Ketabi Abbas , Feuillet Rene 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In this paper an intelligent-based approach is introduced to evaluate harmonic overvoltages during three-phase transformer energization. In a power system that appears in an early stage of a black ‎start of a power system, an overvoltage could be caused by core ‎saturation on the energization of a three-phase transformer with residual flux. ‎Such an overvoltage might damage some equipment and delay ‎power system restoration. A new approach based on worst case determination is proposed to reduce time-domain simulations. Also, an artificial neural network (ANN) has been used to estimate the temporary overvoltages (TOVs) due to three-phase transformer ‎energization. ‎ Three learning algorithms, delta-bar-delta (DBD), extended delta-bar-delta (EDBD), and directed random search (DRS), were used to train the ANNs. ANN Training is performed based on equivalent circuit parameters of the network; thus trained ANN is applicable to every studied system. The ‎developed ANN is trained with the worst case of the switching condition and remanent flux, and ‎tested for typical cases. The simulated results for a partial of 39-bus New England test system, ‎show that the proposed technique can estimate the peak values and ‎durations of switching overvoltages with good accuracy and EDBD algorithm presents best performance.
Bactericidal Activity of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water Produced by Different Methods Analyzed with Ultraviolet Spectrophotometric
Authors: Zheng Weichao , Cao Wei , Li Baoming , Hao Xiaoxia , Ni Li , Wang Chaoyuan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) as a novel antimicrobial agent is generated by electrolysis of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) and/or sodium chloride (NaCl) solution in a cell with or without a separating membrane. The ultraviolet absorption spectra were used to determine the concentration of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite ion (ClO–) in SAEW generated by four different methods and their bactericidal efficiency for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enteritidis was evaluated. During the production of equivalent available chlorine in SAEW, more HClO was produced by electrolysis of HCl solution in a non-membrane generator and mixing the acid and alkaline electrolyzed water generated in a generator with membrane, compared with the methods of adding HCl to neutral electrolyzed water (NEW) and electrolyzing the mixture of NaCl and HCl solution in a non-membrane cell. At the 10 mg/L available chlorine concentration, SAEW produced by the methods with more HClO generation had significantly higher (p<0.05) bactericidal efficiency for inactivation of both pathogens.
Genomic and non-genomic actions of estrogen: recent developments
Authors: Azuma Kotaro , Inoue Satoshi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEstrogen affects transcriptional status by activating its corresponding nuclear receptor, the estrogen receptor (ER). It can also induce rapid cellular reactions within a few minutes, and this feature cannot be explained by the transcription-mediated effects of estrogen. The latter mechanisms are called ‘non-genomic actions’ of estrogen. In contrast, the former classic modes of action came to be called ‘genomic actions’. One of the recent developments of research on estrogen was the substantiation of the non-genomic actions of estrogen; these were initially observed and reported as intriguing phenomena more than 40 years ago. The interacting molecules as well as the biological significance of non-genomic actions have now been shown. In the field of genomic actions, invention and spread of new technologies, including high-throughput sequencers, promoted a comprehensive view of estrogen-mediated transcriptional regulation.
Multidrug resistance-associated ABC transporters – too much of one thing, good for nothing
Authors: Prochazkova Jirina , Lanova Martina , Pachernik Jiri 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOverexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer cells results in multidrug resistance (MDR) which leads to unsuccessful chemotherapy. The most important MDR-associated members of ABC superfamily are ABC B1/P-glycoprotein/MDR1, ABC C1/multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1), and ABC G2/BCRP. This study is not only focused on function, substrates, and localization of these popular proteins but also on other ABC C family members such as ABC C2–6/MRP2-6 and ABC C7/CFTR. Current research is mainly oriented on the cancer-promoting role of these proteins, but important lessons could also be learned from the physiological roles of these proteins or from polymorphisms affecting their function. Thorough knowledge of structure and detailed mechanism of efflux can aid in the discovery of new chemotherapy targets in the future. Although the best way on how to deal with MDR would be to prevent its development, we describe some new promising strategies on how to conquer both inherited and induced MDRs.
Diversity, occurrence, and habitats of the diatom genus Bacteriastrum (Bacillariophyta) in the northern Adriatic Sea, with the description of B. jadranum sp. nov.
Authors: Godrijan Jelena , Marić Daniela , Imešek Mirna , Janeković Ivica , Schweikert Michael , Pfannkuchen Martin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Ongoing phytoplankton monitoring programs over the last 12 years in the northern Adriatic Sea showed that the diatom genus Bacteriastrum is an important component of the pelagic diatom assemblage. The main goals of this study were to identify which Bacteriastrum species occur in the northern Adriatic Sea and describe their distributions. Bacteriastrum comosum and B. hyalinum f. princeps were rare, while B. delicatulum, B. hyalinum, and B. mediterraneum were frequently present, together with the newly proposed species B. jadranum, described herein. This new species is weakly silicified and is mainly characterized by a large aperture between each cell of the filament. Cells are connected to each other by 8–12 setae, which cross at a distance equivalent to the diameters of 2–3 cells. There is no difference in the orientation of the setae on the two terminal cells, hence the species is placed in the section Isomorpha. The new species was recorded throughout the study area, in both coastal and offshore waters, with higher cell abundances in the vicinity of the Po River during the September–October period. The maximum cell abundance of B. jadranum was 244.2×103cells l-1in the surface waters at 44.75666667ºN, 12.75ºE in September 2006, sometimes representing up to 46% of the entire phytoplankton assemblage, as recorded in the surface waters at 45.06833333ºN, 13.515ºE in October 2008.
Species composition, zonation, and biomass of marine benthic macroalgae in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
Authors: Hop Haakon , Wiencke Christian , Vögele Barbara , Kovaltchouk Nikolaj A. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We surveyed macroalgae at Hansneset, Blomstrand (78°39′N, 11°57′E) in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, down to 30 m depth between 1996 and 1998. In total, 62 species were identified: 16 Chlorophyta, 25 Phaeophyceae, and 21 Rhodophyta. The majority of species (53.5%) belonged to the Arctic cold-temperate group, followed in frequency by species distributed from the Arctic to the warm-temperate region (25.9%). Four endemic Arctic species (Laminaria solidungula, Acrosiphonia flagellata, A. incurva, and Urospora elongata) were found. Two species (Pogotrichum filiforme and Mikrosyphar polysiphoniae) were new to Svalbard. Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyta extended from the eulittoral zone down to 11, 21, and >30 m depths with maximum biomasses at 1–5 m, 5–10 m, and 5–30 m depths, respectively. Annual and pseudoperennial species had highest biomasses in the upper 5 m, while perennials were distributed deeper. The highest biomass (8600 g m-2 wet weight) at 5 m depth comprised mainly L. digitata, Saccorhiza dermatodea, Alaria esculenta, and Saccharina latissima. The biogeographic composition of macroalgae at Hansneset was rather similar to that of northeastern Greenland, but different from that of northern Norway, which has a higher proportion of temperate species. Climate warming and ship traffic may extend some of the distribution ranges of macroalgae from mainland Norway to Svalbard.
The invasive seaweed Sargassum filicinum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) is on the move along the Mexican Pacific coastline
Authors: Riosmena-Rodríguez Rafael , Boo Ga Hun , López-Vivas Juan Manuel , Hernández-Velasco Arturo , Sáenz-Arroyo Andrea , Boo Sung Ming 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Sargassum filicinum Harvey is an important ecological engineer in the subtidal regions of northeastern Asian waters, as it forms marine forests that provide shelter for invertebrates and fishes. First discovered in Long Beach Harbor, CA, USA, in 2003, S. filicinum was thought to occur mainly in the California Channel Islands and near Ensenada, Mexico. However, during a survey from 2007 to 2009, we found S. filicinum off Isla Natividad, which is an extension of its range 550 km south of its last recorded location in the Mexican Pacific. Morphological and molecular data support the identification of the species. Considering its faster spread from Ensenada to Isla Natividad (4 years) than Sargassum muticum (14 years), S. filicinum may follow the path of S. muticum and arrive at the subtropical-tropical Pacific coast of Mexico. Although S. muticum has become well established within the local seaweed flora, S. filicinum may replace native Sargassum species and change the composition of local marine floras.