bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ‘Necksafe’ head articulation control system: a novel cervical immobilisation device
Authors: Sparke Alison , Torlei Karina , Voss Sarah , Page Mike , Benger Jonathan , Matthews Ed , Hillman Michael , Hart Darren , McLaughlin Ella , Carter Jane , Harris Nigel 
Published: August 2014

IntroductionThe early application of a semirigid disposable cervical collar following trauma is considered a routine practice. The aim of these devices is to immobilise the cervical spine and minimise the risk of additional neurological damage. However, these collars provide only partial immobilisation, are uncomfortable and are associated with a number of complications. Our team designed and tested a novel cervical immobilisation device that aims to improve immobilisation with reduced complications: the ‘Necksafe’.MethodsHuman volunteers were recruited and consented to test the novel Necksafe device in comparison with a conventional collar (the AMBU Perfit ACE) in a range of evaluations. These included assessments of the cervical range of movement (CROM) that occurred during scripted movements of the head and neck, and the effect of the new and conventional devices on jugular vein dimensions, assessed using ultrasound scanning.ResultsCROM analysis showed that, under standardised testing conditions, the Necksafe device offers cervical immobilisation that is at least equivalent to a conventional collar, and is superior in the planes of extension, lateral flexion and rotation. Ultrasound examination of the jugular veins was inconclusive and did not reveal any differences in jugular venous diameter or flow. Qualitative feedback from ambulance paramedics was highly supportive of the new design, suggesting that it is more comfortable, easier to fit, less confining and better tolerated than a conventional collar, with improved immobilisation effectiveness.ConclusionsThe results of quantitative and qualitative testing are highly supportive of the new Necksafe design, with improved cervical immobilisation, comfort and access to the airway.
α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) serves as a prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence/metastasis of HCC
Authors: Xu Bo , Cai Zhixiong , Zeng Yongyi , Chen Lihong , Du Xiaobo , Huang Aimin , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng 
Published: August 2014

AimsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and it is still lacking effective prognostic biomarkers so far. Previous results of the iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics study (iTRAQ-2DLC-MS/MS) have shown that α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) might be a promising prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence/metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here a large-scale cohort clinical study was performed to evaluate its prognostic potential.MethodsHCC samples from patients (n=158) were used for the construction of tissue microarray. The expression level of AMACR was determined by immunohistochemical staining. A large-scale cohort clinical study between the expression of AMACR and some major clinical parameter has been performed to assess the prognostic potential of AMACR for the early recurrence/metastasis of HCC.ResultsSome important clinical parameters such as α-fetoprotein, tumour numbers, dissemination to regional lymph nodes, tumour capsule and portal vein tumour thrombosis are significantly associated with the low expression of AMACR. The expression of AMACR was an independent factor for the survival of patients with HCC. The median survival time was 17 months in the low-expression group compared with 45 months in the high-expression group.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the AMACR might be a potential prognostic marker for predicting early recurrence/metastasis of HCC after hepatectomy.
Rare Earth Doped Lanthanum Calcium Borate Polycrystalline Red Phosphors
Authors: Xiong H. H. , Zhu C. , Zhao X. , Wang Z. Q. , Lin H. 
Published: August 2014

Single-phased Sm3+doped lanthanum calcium borate (SmxLa2−xCaB10O19, SLCB,x=0.06) polycrystalline red phosphor was prepared by solid-state reaction method. The phosphor has two main excitation peaks located at 398.5 nm and 469.0 nm, which are nicely in accordance with the emitting wavelengths of commercial near-UV and blue light emitting diode chips. Under the excitation of 398.0 nm, the dominant red emission of Sm3+in SLCB phosphor is centered at 598.0 nm corresponding to the transition of4G5/2 → 6H7/2. The Eu3+fluorescence in the red spectral region is applied as a spectroscopic probe to reveal the local site symmetry in the host lattice and, hence, Judd-Ofelt parametersΩt  (t=2, 4)of Eu3+in the phosphor matrix are derived to be3.62×10-20and1.97×10-20 cm2, indicating a high asymmetrical and strong covalent environment around rare earth luminescence centers. Herein, the red phosphors are promising good candidates employed in white light emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination.
Cryotherapy with Concurrent CpG Oligonucleotide Treatment Controls Local Tumor Recurrence and Modulates HER2/neu Immunity
Authors: Veenstra Jesse J. , Gibson Heather M. , Littrup Peter J. , Reyes Joyce D. , Cher Michael L. , Takashima Akira , Wei Wei-Zen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPercutaneous cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure for tumor destruction, which can potentially initiate or amplify antitumor immunity through the release of tumor-associated antigens. However, clinically efficacious immunity is lacking and regional recurrences are a limiting factor relative to surgical excision. To understand the mechanism of immune activation by cryoablation, comprehensive analyses of innate immunity and HER2/neu humoral and cellular immunity following cryoablation with or without peritumoral CpG injection were conducted using two HER2/neu+ tumor systems in wild-type (WT), neu-tolerant, and SCID mice. Cryoablation of neu+ TUBO tumor in BALB/c mice resulted in systemic immune priming, but not in neu-tolerant BALB NeuT mice. Cryoablation of human HER2+ D2F2/E2 tumor enabled the functionality of tumor-induced immunity, but secondary tumors were refractory to antitumor immunity if rechallenge occurred during the resolution phase of the cryoablated tumor. A step-wise increase in local recurrence was observed in WT, neu-tolerant, and SCID mice, indicating a role of adaptive immunity in controlling residual tumor foci. Importantly, local recurrences were eliminated or greatly reduced in WT, neu tolerant, and SCID mice when CpG was incorporated in the cryoablation regimen, showing significant local control by innate immunity. For long-term protection, however, adaptive immunity was required because most SCID mice eventually succumbed to local tumor recurrence even with combined cryoablation and CpG treatment. This improved understanding of the mechanisms by which cryoablation affects innate and adaptive immunity will help guide appropriate combination of therapeutic interventions to improve treatment outcomes. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5409–20. ©2014 AACR.
LOXL2 Status Correlates with Tumor Stage and Regulates Integrin Levels to Promote Tumor Progression in ccRCC
Authors: Hase Hiroaki , Jingushi Kentaro , Ueda Yuko , Kitae Kaori , Egawa Hiroshi , Ohshio Ikumi , Kawakami Ryoji , Kashiwagi Yuri , Tsukada Yohei , Kobayashi Takumi , Nakata Wataru , Fujita Kazutoshi , Uemura Motohide , Nonomura Norio , Tsujikawa Kazutake 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histologically defined subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To define the molecular mechanism in the progression of ccRCC, we focused on LOX-like protein 2 (LOXL2), which is critical for the first step in collagen and elastin cross-linking. Using exon array analysis and quantitative validation, LOXL2 was shown to be significantly upregulated in clinical specimens of human ccRCC tumor tissues, compared with adjacent noncancerous renal tissues, and this elevated expression correlated with the pathologic stages of ccRCC. RNAi-mediated knockdown of LOXL2 resulted in marked suppression of stress-fiber and focal adhesion formation in ccRCC cells. Moreover, LOXL2 siRNA knockdown significantly inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, LOXL2 regulated the degradation of both integrins α5 (ITGAV5) and β1 (ITGB1) via protease- and proteasome-dependent systems. In clinical ccRCC specimens, the expression levels of LOXL2 and integrin α5 correlated with the pathologic tumor grades. In conclusion, LOXL2 is a potent regulator of integrin α5 and integrin β1 protein levels and functions in a tumor-promoting capacity in ccRCC.
Implications: This is the first report demonstrating that LOXL2 is highly expressed and involved in ccRCC progression by regulating the levels of integrins α5 and β1. Mol Cancer Res; 12(12); 1807–17. ©2014 AACR.
Immune Consequences of Decreasing Tumor Vasculature with Antiangiogenic Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Combination with Therapeutic Vaccines
Authors: Farsaci Benedetto , Donahue Renee N. , Coplin Michael A. , Grenga Italia , Lepone Lauren M. , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Hodge James W. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This study investigated the effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of combining antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) with therapeutic vaccines, and in particular, how vascular changes affect tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We conducted studies using a TKI (sunitinib or sorafenib) in combination with recombinant vaccines in two murine tumor models: colon carcinoma (MC38-CEA) and breast cancer (4T1). Tumor vasculature was measured by immunohistochemistry using three endothelial cell markers: CD31 (mature), CD105 (immature/proliferating), and CD11b (monocytic). We assessed oxygenation, tight junctions, compactness, and pressure within tumors, along with the frequency and phenotype of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) following treatment with antiangiogenic TKIs alone, vaccine alone, or the combination of a TKI with vaccine. The combined regimen decreased tumor vasculature, compactness, tight junctions, and pressure, leading to vascular normalization and increased tumor oxygenation. This combination therapy also increased TILs, including tumor antigen–specific CD8 T cells, and elevated the expression of activation markers FAS-L, CXCL-9, CD31, and CD105 in MDSCs and TAMs, leading to reduced tumor volumes and an increase in the number of tumor-free animals. The improved antitumor activity induced by combining antiangiogenic TKIs with vaccine may be the result of activated lymphoid and myeloid cells in the TME, resulting from vascular normalization, decreased tumor-cell density, and the consequent improvement in vascular perfusion and oxygenation. Therapies that alter tumor architecture can, thus, have a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(11); 1090–102. ©2014 AACR.
Ranking Games
Authors: Osterloh Margit , Frey Bruno S. 
Published: August 2014

Background: Research rankings based on bibliometrics today dominate governance in academia and determine careers in universities. Method: Analytical approach to capture the incentives by users of rankings and by suppliers of rankings, both on an individual and an aggregate level. Result: Rankings may produce unintended negative side effects. In particular, rankings substitute the “taste for science” by a “taste for publication.” We show that the usefulness of rankings rests on several important assumptions challenged by recent research. Conclusion: We suggest as alternatives careful socialization and selection of scholars, supplemented by periodic self-evaluations and awards. The aim is to encourage controversial discourses in order to contribute meaningful to the advancement of science.
Matrix‐Metalloproteinases in Head and Neck Carcinoma–Cancer Genome Atlas Analysis and Fluorescence Imaging in Mice
Authors: Hauff Samantha J. , Raju Sharat C. , Orosco Ryan K. , Gross Andrew M. , Diaz‐Perez Julio A. , Savariar Elamprakash , Nashi Nadia , Hasselman Jonathan , Whitney Michael , Myers Jeffrey N. , Lippman Scott M. , Tsien Roger Y. , Ideker Trey , Nguyen Quyen T. 
Published: August 2014

Objective(1) Obtain matrix‐metalloproteinase (MMP) expression profiles for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) specimens from the Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA). (2) Demonstrate HNSCC imaging using MMP‐cleavable, fluorescently labeled ratiometric activatable cell‐penetrating peptide (RACPP).Study DesignRetrospective human cohort study; prospective animal study.SettingTranslational research laboratory.Subjects and MethodsPatient clinical data and mRNA expression levels of MMP genes were downloaded from TCGA data portal. RACPP provides complementary ratiometric fluorescent contrast (increased Cy5 and decreased Cy7 intensities) when cleaved by MMP2/9. HNSCC–tumor bearing mice were imaged in vivo after RACPP injection. Histology was evaluated by a pathologist blinded to experimental conditions. Zymography confirmed MMP‐2/9 activity in xenografts. RACPP was applied to homogenized human HNSCC specimens, and ratiometric fluorescent signal was measured on a microplate reader for ex vivo analysis.ResultsExpression of multiple MMPs including MMP2/9 is greater in patient HNSCC tumors than matched control tissue. In patients with human papilloma virus positive (HPV+) tumors, higher MMP2 and MMP14 expression correlates with worse 5‐year survival. Orthotopic tongue HNSCC xenografts showed excellent ratiometric fluorescent labeling with MMP2/9‐cleavable RACPP (sensitivity = 95.4%, specificity = 95.0%). Fluorescence ratios were greater in areas of higher tumor burden (P <. 03), which is useful for intraoperative margin assessment. Ex vivo, human HNSCC specimens showed greater cleavage of RACPP when compared to control tissue (P =. 009).ConclusionsHuman HNSCC tumors show increased mRNA expression of multiple MMPs including MMP2/9. We used RACPP, a ratiometric fluorescence assay of MMP2/9 activity, to show improved occult tumor identification and margin clearance. Ex vivo assays using RACPP in biopsy specimens may identify patients who will benefit from intraoperative RACPP use.
Austerity as a global prescription and lessons from the neoliberal Baltic experiment
Authors: Sommers Jeffrey , Woolfson Charles , Juska Arunas 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article analyses the 2008 economic crisis and its outcomes for the Baltic states. It then gives a genealogy of European economic policy responses to the crisis, tracing them from the emerging ‘freshwater’ school of economics (e.g. University of Chicago) that arose in opposition to Keynesian theory. The more immediate cause of the 2008 crisis, long in the making, was its reliance on private debt to sustain economic demand in light of profit-enhancing wage suppression. Following the 2008 financial shock, European Union policymakers crafted policy that placed the burden of adjustment on labour. A programme of austerity was chosen in much of the European Union, at odds with the post-war European ‘social model’. This represented a retreat from the notion of a European project that encouraged liberalisation of economic policy but at the same time could be harmonised with a social dimension to create a distinctive ‘Social Europe’. Nowhere was this austerity more vigorously applied than in the Baltic states. Its effects are examined here, along with lessons to be derived from that experience.
Reduction of nitric oxide level leads to spontaneous resumption of meiosis in diplotene-arrested rat oocytes culturedin vitro
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh N , Chaube Shail K 
Published: August 2014

The present study was aimed to investigate whether a decrease of nitric oxide (NO) level is beneficial for sponateous resumptiom of meiosis in diplotene-arrested oocytes cultured in vitro. For this purpose, diplotene-arrested oocytes were collected from ovary of immature female rats after a single subcutaneous injection of 20 IU pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropins (PMSG) for 48 h. In vitro effects of S-nitroso-l-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP; an NO donor) and aminoguanidine (AG; an inducible NOS [iNOS] inhibitor), intracellular NO, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), Cdc25B, Thr-14/Tyr-15 and Thr-161 phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (CDK1), and cyclin B1 levels were analyzed. The SNAP inhibited spontaneous meiotic resumption form diplotene arrest in a concentration-dependent manner, while AG-induced meiotic resumption form diplotene in 0.1 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-treated oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. The intracellular NO as well as cGMP levels were decreased significantly during spontaneous meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest. The reduction of Cdc25B expression level was associated with the accumulation of Thr-14/Tyr-15 phosphorylated CDK1 level. However, Thr-161 phosphorylated CDK1 as well as cyclin B1 levels were reduced significantly during meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest. Taken together, these data suggest that the inhibition of iNOS expression leads to a decrease of NO and cGMP levels thereby decreasing Cdc25B level. The reduced CDC25 B level leads to accumulation of Thr-14/Tyr-15 phosphorylated CDK1 level. As a result, Thr-161 phosphorylated CDK1 as well as cyclin B1 levels are decreased leading to maturation-promoting factor (MPF) inactivation. The inactive MPF finally induced meiotic resumption from diplotene stage in rat oocytes cultured in vitro.
Comparative evaluation of molar distalization therapy with erupted second molar: Segmented versus Quad Pendulum appliance
Authors: Caprioglio Alberto , Cozzani Mauro , Fontana Mattia 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
There are controversial opinions about the effect of erupted second molars on distalization of the first molars. Most of the distalizing devices are anchored on the first molars, without including second molars; so, differences between sequentially distalize maxillary molars (second molar followed by the first molar) or distalize second and first molars together are not clear. The aim of the study was to compare sequential versus simultaneous molar distalization therapy with erupted second molar using two different modified Pendulum appliances followed by fixed appliances.

Methods
The treatment sample consisted of 35 class II malocclusion subjects, divided in two groups: group 1 consisted of 24 patients (13 males and 11 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of 12.9 years, treated with the Segmented Pendulum (SP) and fixed appliances; group 2 consisted of 11 patients (6 males and 5 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of 13.2 years, treated with the Quad Pendulum (QP) and fixed appliances. Lateral cephalograms were obtained before treatment (T1), at the end of distalization (T2), and at the end of orthodontic fixed appliance therapy (T3). A Student t test was used to identify significant between-group differences between T1 to T2, T2 to T3, and T1 to T3.

Results
QP and SP were equally effective in distalizing maxillary molars (3.5 and 4 mm, respectively) between T1 and T2; however, the maxillary first molar showed less distal tipping (4.6° vs. 9.6°) and more extrusion (1.1 vs. 0.2 mm) in the QP group than in the SP group, as well as the vertical facial dimension, which increased more in the QP group (1.2°) than in the SP group (0.7°). At T3, the QP group maintained greater increase in lower anterior facial height and molar extrusion and decrease in overbite than the SP group.

Conclusion
Quad Pendulum seems to have greater increase in vertical dimension and molar extrusion than the Segmented Pendulum.
Modeling elastic anisotropy resulting from the application of triaxial stress
Authors: Collet Olivia , Gurevich Boris , Madadi Mahyar , Pervukhina Marina 
Published: August 2014

Elastic wave velocities in rocks vary with stress due to the presence of discontinuities and microcracks within the rock. We analytically derived a model to account for stress dependency of seismic velocities when a rock is subjected to triaxial stresses. We first considered a linearly isotropic elastic medium permeated by a distribution of cracks with random orientations. The geometry of cracks is not specified; instead, their behavior is defined by a ratio [Formula: see text] of their normal to tangential excess compliances. When this isotropic rock is subjected to triaxial stresses, cracks tend to close depending on their orientation with respect to the applied stresses. For small stresses, the model predicts ellipsoidal anisotropy and expresses the ratios of Thomsen’s parameters [Formula: see text] in the three orthogonal planes of symmetry as a function of the compliance and Poisson’s ratios. It also establishes relationships between anisotropy parameters and stress ratios. Deriving the model for larger stresses shows that such results still hold for stresses as high as approximately 40 MPa. There is a reasonable agreement between the model predictions and laboratory measurements made on a sample of Penrith sandstone, although crack opening in the direction of maximum stress should be taken into account for larger stresses. The proposed model could be used to differentiate stress-induced anisotropy from fracture-induced anisotropy. Besides, if the cause of anisotropy is known, then this model could enable one to determine P-wave anisotropy from S-wave anisotropy.
Risk-Adjusted Pathologic Margin Positivity Rate As a Quality Indicator in Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Massarweh Nader N. , Hu Chung-Yuan , You Y. Nancy , Bednarski Brian K. , Rodriguez-Bigas Miguel A. , Skibber John M. , Cantor Scott B. , Cormier Janice N. , Feig Barry W. , Chang George J. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose Margin positivity after rectal cancer resection is associated with poorer outcomes. We previously developed an instrument for calculating hospital risk-adjusted margin positivity rate (RAMP) that allows identification of performance-based outliers and may represent a rectal cancer surgery quality metric. Methods This was an observational cohort study of patients with rectal cancer within the National Cancer Data Base (2003 to 2005). Hospital performance was categorized as low outlier (better than expected), high outlier (worse than expected), or non-RAMP outlier using standard observed-to-expected methodology. The association between outlier status and overall risk of death at 5 years was evaluated using Cox shared frailty modeling. Results Among 32,354 patients with cancer (mean age, 63.8 ± 13.2 years; 56.7% male; 87.3% white) treated at 1,349 hospitals (4.9% high outlier, 0.7% low outlier), 5.6% of patients were treated at high outliers and 3.0% were treated at low outliers. Various structural (academic status and volume), process (pathologic nodal evaluation and neoadjuvant radiation therapy use), and outcome (sphincter preservation, readmission, and 30-day postoperative mortality) measures were significantly associated with outlier status. Five-year overall survival was better at low outliers (79.9%) compared with high outliers (64.9%) and nonoutliers (68.9%; log-rank test, P < .001). Risk of death was lower at low outliers compared with high outliers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.75) and nonoutliers (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.83). Risk of death was higher at high outliers compared with nonoutliers (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.23). Conclusion Hospital RAMP outlier status is a rectal cancer surgery composite metric that reliably captures hospital quality across all levels of care and could be integrated into existing quality improvement initiatives for hospital performance.