bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Multifunctional Growth Factor Midkine Promotes Proliferation and Migration in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Rawnaq Tamina , Dietrich Luisa , Wolters-Eisfeld Gerrit , Uzunoglu Faik G. , Vashist Yogesh K. , Bachmann Kai , Simon Ronald , Izbicki Jakob R. , Bockhorn Maximilian , Güngör Cenap 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a devastating prognosis among solid tumors and despite increased knowledge of the molecular mechanisms contributing to progression and metastasis, minimal progress has been done in establishing new targeted therapies for this deadly disease. The expression of the multifunctional growth/differentiation factor midkine (MK) promotes a variety of cellular functions leading to increased angiogenesis, proliferation, migration, and survival. Moreover, MK is intensively discussed as a potential new-therapy target and as biomarker for cancer progression and chemotherapeutic resistance in multiple cancers. Therefore, the present study investigated the molecular role of MK in pancreatic cancer. It was found that MK is elevated in PDAC and differentially expressed in other histologic subtypes of pancreatic cancer, whereas normal pancreatic cells did not express MK, thus making it an attractive candidate for targeted therapies. As a secreted growth/differentiation factor, MK was investigated as a biomarker in clinical serum specimens using ELISA. In addition, knockdown studies of MK revealed a link to proliferation and migration status in vitro. Finally, upstream signaling pathways were analyzed, with TNF-α and EGF being the main inductors of MK expression in PDAC.
Implications: This study presents novel MK functions and new upstream signaling effectors that induce its expression to promote PDAC and therefore defines an attractive new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(5); 670–80. ©2014 AACR.
Exploring the Roles of Spectral Detail and Intonation Contour in Speech Intelligibility: An fMRI Study
Authors: Kyong Jeong S. , Scott Sophie K. , Rosen Stuart , Howe Timothy B. , Agnew Zarinah K. , McGettigan Carolyn 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The melodic contour of speech forms an important perceptual aspect of tonal and nontonal languages and an important limiting factor on the intelligibility of speech heard through a cochlear implant. Previous work exploring the neural correlates of speech comprehension identified a left-dominant pathway in the temporal lobes supporting the extraction of an intelligible linguistic message, whereas the right anterior temporal lobe showed an overall preference for signals clearly conveying dynamic pitch information [Johnsrude, I. S., Penhune, V. B., & Zatorre, R. J. Functional specificity in the right human auditory cortex for perceiving pitch direction. Brain, 123, 155–163, 2000; Scott, S. K., Blank, C. C., Rosen, S., & Wise, R. J. Identification of a pathway for intelligible speech in the left temporal lobe. Brain, 123, 2400–2406, 2000]. The current study combined modulations of overall intelligibility (through vocoding and spectral inversion) with a manipulation of pitch contour (normal vs. falling) to investigate the processing of spoken sentences in functional MRI. Our overall findings replicate and extend those of Scott et al. [Scott, S. K., Blank, C. C., Rosen, S., & Wise, R. J. Identification of a pathway for intelligible speech in the left temporal lobe. Brain, 123, 2400–2406, 2000], where greater sentence intelligibility was predominately associated with increased activity in the left STS, and the greatest response to normal sentence melody was found in right superior temporal gyrus. These data suggest a spatial distinction between brain areas associated with intelligibility and those involved in the processing of dynamic pitch information in speech. By including a set of complexity-matched unintelligible conditions created by spectral inversion, this is additionally the first study reporting a fully factorial exploration of spectrotemporal complexity and spectral inversion as they relate to the neural processing of speech intelligibility. Perhaps surprisingly, there was little evidence for an interaction between the two factors—we discuss the implications for the processing of sound and speech in the dorsolateral temporal lobes.
Ḥadīth in the Christian Arabic Kalām of Būluṣ Ibn Rajāʾ (c. 1000)
Authors: Bertaina David 
Published: February 2014

‭The Coptic saint and theologian Būluṣ b. Rajāʾ (b. c. 955; d. c. 1010) wrote a work entitled Kitāb al-Wāḍiḥ in which he employed kalām-style interrogation to defend Christianity and critique Islamic truth claims. As a Muslim convert to the Coptic Church in Fatimid Egypt, Ibn Rajāʾ was familiar with the Islamic ḥadīth tradition and made use of them in his religious arguments. This article examines the biography of Ibn Rajāʾ, the contents of Kitāb al-Wāḍiḥ in Ms. Paris BNF Syriac 203, and its audience. The article investigates how Ibn Rajāʾ employed oral traditions in his work, concluding that he was attracted to ḥadīths as supporting evidence for his polemics while he was also disenchanted with their lack of reliability in his apologetics.‬
Routines of families with adolescents with autistic disorders: A comparison study
Authors: Bagatell Nancy J. , Cram Megan , Alvarez Christian G. , Loehle Laura 
Published: February 2014

Background. Research has consistently shown that families with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty engaging in family routines, yet little is known about families with adolescents with ASD. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to compare the routines of families with adolescents with ASD (FASD) and families with typically developing adolescents. Method. Twenty families in each group were compared using the Family Routines Inventory and supplemental questions. Data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U and content analysis. Findings. No significant difference between groups was found; however, there was a trending toward significance in the subscale of mealtime routines in both endorsement and adherence. Analysis of open-ended questions revealed differences in how routines were carried out. Implications. Occupational therapists should consider assessing and addressing routines of importance to FASD to increase family health and well-being. Further research is needed to better understand the routines of FASD.
Binge drinking and drinking and driving among South Korean international college students in the USA
Authors: Sa J , Seo D-C , Nelson TF , Lohrmann DK , Ellis NT 
Published: February 2014

Objective: To investigate two risky behaviours (i.e. binge drinking and drinking and driving) and their individual- and college-level correlates among South Korean international college students in the USA Design: Cross-sectional online survey (student response rate = 41.6%). Setting: South Korean college students ( N = 1201) were recruited from 52 different four-year universities in the USA in 2009. Method: Self-reported binge drinking, drinking and driving, smoking, study-related stress, life dissatisfaction, region lived in, and type of university attended, were assessed using already-validated instruments. Results: A total of 92% of the sample reported at least one occasion of binge drinking in the previous 30 days. Among those who had driven a motor vehicle in the previous 30 days ( n = 950; 79% of the overall sample), 67% had engaged in drinking and driving. Students’ binge drinking was positively associated with current cigarette use and higher levels of life dissatisfaction at college and study-related stress. Students’ drinking and driving was also positively associated with higher levels of life dissatisfaction at college and study-related stress. These relationships were stronger among students attending private institutions than among those attending public institutions. While both college-level correlates (university region and university type) were significantly associated with drinking and driving, none of the college-level correlates were significant in the binge drinking models. Conclusion: A very high proportion of South Korean international students attending colleges in the USA appear to engage in binge drinking and drinking and driving. Development of intervention programmes designed specifically for them is necessary.
Protocadherin 17 promoter methylation in tumour tissue from patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bo , Lin Ying-Li , Li Zhi-Gang , Ma Jian-Hua , Li Jian , Ma Jian-Guo 
Published: February 2014

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of protocadherin 17 ( PCDH17) promoter methylation in bladder cancer. Methods Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the promoter methylation status of PCDH17 in tumour tissue specimens obtained from patients with bladder cancer, and in normal bladder epithelial tissue specimens obtained from age- and sex-matched controls. The correlations between methylation status and demographic and clinicopathological parameters, and disease outcome, were assessed. Results Methylation of the PCDH17 promoter was detected in 77/115 (67.0%) patients with bladder cancer and 0/43 (0%) of the controls. Methylation was significantly associated with high cancer grade (G3), advanced cancer stage (T2–T4), large tumour diameter (> 3 cm) and tumour recurrence. Methylation was also associated with significantly shorter survival time compared with unmethylated PCDH17 in patients with bladder cancer, and was an independent predictor of overall survival. Conclusions PCDH17 promoter methylation is closely associated with bladder cancer malignancy and may be used as an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer.
Paraoxonase lactonase activity, inflammation and antioxidant status in plasma of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Savu Octavian , Serafinceanu Cristian , Grajdeanu Ioana Veronica , Iosif Liviu , Gaman Laura , Stoian Irina 
Published: February 2014

Objectives To investigate paraoxonase-1 (PON1) lactonase activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (as a marker of inflammation) and antioxidant status in plasma of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods Whole blood and plasma samples were collected from patients with diabetes and healthy control subjects. PON1 lactonase and MPO activities and total antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were determined in plasma. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was quantified in whole blood. Results Plasma PON1 lactonase and MPO activities were significantly higher and TEAC was significantly lower in patients with diabetes ( n = 18) compared with healthy control subjects ( n = 20). There were significant positive correlations between PON1 lactonase activity and MPO activity and HbA1c level, and plasma MPO and HbA1c. There were significant negative correlations between PON1 lactonase activity and TEAC, and MPO activity and TEAC. Conclusions Increased lactonase activity may inefficiently compensate for the high level of chronic inflammation and low antioxidant capacity in the plasma of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Subjectivity and Solidarity – A Rebirth of Humanism
Authors: Cha In-Suk 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe notion of subjectivity with which the argument will be carried out may be defined as our ability to reflect critically, to think creatively and to act resolutely in our relation to society and nature. Some essential marks of subjectivity are illustrated through an example taken from rescue operation conducted in the fall of 2010 for the miners trapped in deep underground at the San Jose mine site in Chile for 69 days. With the science and technology applied in constructing the drilling rigs and making the capsule which lifted up the trapped miners to freedom, ingenuity, the resilient sense of mission and perseverance of the rescue personnel, and the purposeful solidarity among the trapped miners are among the decisive factors contributing to the successful accomplishment of the rescue undertaking.At this critical juncture of the current global economic downturn, it is consequential for us to bring ourselves to reflecting on the seriousness of the predicament which all humanity is in. It is indeed time for the intellectuals to rise up to share responsibility in keeping our world sustainable by setting purposive and resolute subjectivity before themselves and coming forward to tenaciously find ways toward renewing ourselves as well as toward the continuing betterment of humanity.
“Hidden” sexually transmitted infections among women in primary care health services, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Danielle Albuquerque Pires , Filho Roberto Alexandre Alves Barbosa , Mariño Josiane Montanho , Santos Cristina Maria Borborema dos 
Published: February 2014

Summary This study describes the prevalence of infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in a female population in Amazonas, Brazil. We collected cervical samples from 361 women examined at 10 primary care health services in the city of Coari, Amazonas, Brazil. The women were interviewed about socio-economic data, clinical history and sexual behaviour. Pelvic examinations were performed and cervical specimens were collected for detection of pathogens by PCR. The prevalence of infection was: 12.7% for Trichomonas vaginalis, 6.4% for Chlamydia trachomatis and 1.4% for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There were no statistically significant associations between infections by any of the pathogens nor by any pathogen alone with any clinical variable, socio-demographic data or sexual behaviour. This study draws attention to the need for surveillance and possible need for screening for Chlamydia trachomatis, which often progresses asymptomatically. For the significant prevalence found, attention should also be given to asymptomatic infection by Trichomonas vaginalis, since this pathogen has recently been implicated as a risk factor for HIV infection.
Anisotropic ductile damage fully coupled with anisotropic plastic flow: Modeling, experimental validation, and application to metal forming simulation
Authors: Rajhi W , Saanouni K , Sidhom H 
Published: February 2014

The main goal of this paper is the modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation of the anisotropic ductile damage effects on initially anisotropic plastic flow with mixed (isotropic and kinematic) nonlinear hardening under large plastic strains for metal forming processes simulation. A symmetric second-rank damage tensor together with a symmetrized fourth-rank damage-effect tensor is used to describe the anisotropic ductile damage evolution and its effect on the large plastic flow with hardening. Following the concept of effective state variables in the framework of the total energy equivalence assumption, the “Murakami” fourth-rank damage-effect tensor is chosen to describe the anisotropic damage effect on the elastic-plastic behavior including the mixed hardening. The “Lemaitre” ductile anisotropic damage evolution relationships, where the principal directions of the damage rate tensor are governed by those of the plastic strain rate tensor, are used. As difference with the works cited above, the nonlinear mixed isotropic and kinematic hardening is taken into account considering the full and strong damage effects through the effective state variables deduced from the total energy equivalence assumption initially proposed by Saanouni et al. The non-associative plasticity theory is considered, and the “ Hill 1948 ” quadratic (equivalent) stress norm is used to describe the large plastic anisotropic flow accounting for mixed isotropic and kinematic hardening with anisotropic damage effects. The formulation is performed assuming finite plastic strains and small elastic strains through the so-called rotated frame formulation. The obtained model was implemented into ABAQUS/Explicit® FE software thanks to the user’s developed subroutine VUMAT. The numerical aspects related to the time discretization of the fully coupled anisotropic constitutive equations are carefully described. Finally and for the validation purpose, the model is identified using an appropriate experimental data base concerning the grade 316L stainless steel to simulate numerically some metal forming processes.
Piston ring load carrying capacity: Influence of cross-hatching parameters
Authors: Bouassida H , Biboulet N , Sainsot P , Lubrecht AA 
Published: February 2014

This work studies the influence of the cross-hatching groove parameters on a model piston ring load carrying capacity. Over 2000 transient calculations were performed varying all parameters (groove depth, groove width, groove angle, and the distance between cross-overs) to obtain the average load carrying capacity. It is shown that the load carrying capacity results fall close to a single master curve when using the Δ parameter that is a combination of the groove parameters. Finally, the influence of the starvation level on load carrying capacity was analyzed.
Assessing attachment in the school years: The application of the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment to the coding of a child attachment interview with community and looked-after children
Authors: Farnfield Steve 
Published: February 2014

Background: This article reports on the analysis of a Child Attachment Interview using the Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) of attachment coding system developed by Crittenden for use with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). The aim of the study was to see if the two coders could classify the child interviews using the DMM-AAI approach and produce the range of DMM attachment strategies to be expected from previous research and the literature. Methods: Two coders independently classified interviews with 41 children aged between 6 and 13 years with an average age of 9.8 years. In total, 24 of the children were from a local authority middle school (the community children) and 17 were in foster care (looked-after children). Results: The full array of DMM strategies was identified, with significant differences between the community and looked-after children in terms of attachment security and lack of resolution of loss and trauma. There was 100% agreement between coders on secure versus insecure attachment patterns, a Kappa of .910 for the full range of DMM attachment strategies and Kappas of between .655 and .773 for unresolved loss, trauma and depression. Discussion focuses on the strengths and deficits of the use of the DMM compared with other published work on child attachment interviews, the use of interviews to assess post-traumatic stress disorder in children and the implications of defensive attachment strategies for services offered to looked-after children.
Barriers and facilitators to self-care communication during medical appointments in the United States for adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ritholz Marilyn D , Beverly Elizabeth A , Brooks Kelly M , Abrahamson Martin J , Weinger Katie 
Published: February 2014

Objective Diabetes self-care is challenging and requires effective patient–provider communication to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. This study explored perceptions of barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-care communication during medical appointments. Design Qualitative study using in-depth interviews with a semistructured interview guide. Participants Thirty-four patients with type 2 diabetes and 19 physicians who treat type 2 diabetes. Results Physicians described some patients as reluctant to discuss their self-care behaviors primarily because of fear of being judged, guilt, and shame. Similarly, patients described reluctant communication resulting from fear of being judged and shame, particularly shame surrounding food intake and weight. Physicians and patients recommended trust, nonjudgmental acceptance, open/honest communication, and providing patients hope for living with diabetes as important factors for improving self-care communication. Further, patients stressed the clinical benefits of physicians directly addressing poor self-care behaviors while physicians described having few strategies to address these difficulties. Conclusions Physician–patient self-care communication barriers included patients’ reluctance to discuss self-care behaviors and physicians’ perceptions of few options to address this reluctance. Treatment recommendations stressed the importance of establishing trusting, nonjudgmental and open patient–provider communication for optimal diabetes treatment. Medical education is needed to improve physicians’ strategies for addressing self-care communication during medical appointments.
Para-dichlorobenzene toxicity – a review of potential neurotoxic manifestations
Authors: Dubey Divyanshu , Sharma Vibhash D. , Pass Steven E. , Sawhney Anshudha , Stüve Olaf 
Published: February 2014

Background: Para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB) is an active ingredient of mothballs, deodorizers and fumigants. Due to the easy availability of this chemical, there is a considerable risk for accidental or intentional toxic exposure. Recently, multiple cases of PDCB toxicity due to mothball ingestion were reported. PDCB toxicity can affect multiple organ systems including liver, kidneys, skin, lung and the central nervous system (CNS). CNS toxicity often results in leukoencephalopathy and heterogeneous neurological manifestations. Objectives: The objective of this study was to illustrate the clinical presentation, imaging findings, diagnosis and management of PDCB toxicity. Methods: We carried out a literature review of the pharmacological and toxicological properties of PDCB. Conclusions: PDCB and other aromatic hydrocarbons are capable of CNS tissue damage and in promoting functional neurological decline. While very little is currently known about prevalence of PDCB addiction, it cannot be ruled out that its illicit use among young people is under-recognized. The number of cases of PDCB toxicity might also rise due to the increasing industrial and domestic use of this chemical.
The Effect of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction on Pitch Velocity in Major League Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Lansdown Drew A. , Feeley Brian T. 
Published: February 2014

Background: The medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary restraint to valgus load, and injury is commonly encountered as a result of overuse in throwing athletes. Reconstruction of this ligament has allowed for a high rate of return to sport for elite pitchers. Public perception of this procedure has resulted in a commonly held belief of increased throwing velocity following UCL reconstruction. Hypothesis: Fastball velocity for Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers is significantly decreased following UCL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 129 pitchers were identified as undergoing UCL reconstruction from publicly available reports, and a final group of 80 MLB pitchers were included for analysis. Statistics were collected, including pitch velocity, pitch selection, and performance outcomes. Pre- and postoperative statistics were compared using paired t tests to allow for evaluation of each pitcher relative to his baseline velocity and performance. Results: Mean fastball velocity was significantly decreased following UCL reconstruction, with a presurgical mean velocity of 91.3 mph and postoperative velocity of 90.6 mph ( P = .003). The greatest observed difference was in pitchers older than 35 years, with fastball velocity decreasing from 91.7 to 88.8 mph ( P = .0048). Pitchers threw fewer fastballs after reconstruction. Pitch velocity for curveballs, changeups, and sliders did not change significantly after UCL reconstruction. Additionally, pitchers threw fewer innings and pitches following reconstruction and produced fewer wins above replacement relative to their preinjury state. Conclusion: Contrary to popular opinion, fastball velocity for MLB pitchers is significantly decreased following UCL reconstruction, which should reinforce the importance of preventing overuse injuries.