bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of statins and farnesyl transferase inhibitors on ERK phosphorylation, apoptosis and cell viability in non‐small lung cancer cells
Authors: Pelaia G. , Gallelli L. , Renda T. , Fratto D. , Falcone D. , Caraglia M. , Busceti M. T. , Terracciano R. , Vatrella A. , Maselli R. , Savino R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) can affect post‐translational processes, thus being responsible for decreased farnesylation and geranylgeranylation of intracellular small G proteins such as Ras, Rho and Rac, essential for cell survival and proliferation. In this regard, recent in vitro and in vivo studies suggest a possible role for both statins and farnesyl transferase inhibitors in the treatment of malignancies. Within such a context, the aim of our study was to investigate effects of either simvastatin (at concentrations of 1, 15, and 30 μm) or the farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 (at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 μm), on two cultures of human non‐small lung cancer cells, adenocarcinoma (GLC‐82) and squamous (CALU‐1) cell lines. In particular, we evaluated actions of these two drugs on phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 group of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and on apoptosis, plus on cell numbers and morphology.Materials and MethodsWestern blotting was used to detect ERK phosphorylation, and to assess apoptosis by evaluating caspase‐3 activation; apoptosis was also further assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Cell counting was performed after trypan blue staining.Results and conclusionIn both GLC‐82 and CALU‐1 cell lines, simvastatin and R115777 significantly reduced ERK phosphorylation; this effect, which reached the greatest intensity after 36 h treatment, was paralleled by a concomitant induction of apoptosis, documented by significant increase in both caspase‐3 activation and TUNEL‐positive cells, associated with a reduction in cell numbers. Our results thus suggest that simvastatin and R115777 may exert, in susceptible lung cancer cell phenotypes, a pro‐apoptotic and anti‐proliferative activity, which appears to be mediated by inhibition of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling cascade.
Engagement in retirement: an evaluation of the effect of Active Mentoring on engagement of older adults with intellectual disability in mainstream community groups
Authors: Chng J. P. L. , Stancliffe R. J. , Wilson N. J. , Anderson K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundAs adults with intellectual disability age, retirement options need to be explored. One option is to attend a mainstream community group for retirees. Support within these groups could come from group members who are trained to act as mentors for the older adults with intellectual disability. This research evaluated a support training programme, Active Mentoring, which combines elements of Active Support and Co‐worker Training.MethodThree older women with intellectual disability participated in a non‐concurrent multiple baseline design. Effect size analyses (Percentage of Non‐overlapping Data) were used to evaluate observational data.ResultsActive Mentoring was effective in increasing most types of engagement in activities, but there was no observed effect for social engagement. Mentor help also increased.ConclusionActive Mentoring was effective in eliciting support from mentors, and in increasing activity engagement of older adults with intellectual disability in mainstream community groups.
Reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with an Intellectual Disability (GAS‐ID)
Authors: Hermans H. , Wieland J. , Jelluma N. , Van der Pas F. , Evenhuis H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn the Netherlands, no self‐report screening questionnaire for anxiety in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) was available yet. Therefore, we have translated the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with an Intellectual Disability (GAS‐ID) into Dutch and studied its reliability and validity in adults with borderline, mild or moderate ID.MethodTest–retest reliability was studied in 66 participants, convergent validity against the Anxiety sub‐scale of the Hospital, Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS‐A) in 96, and criterion validity against psychiatric diagnosis in 195 participants.ResultsInternal consistency was α = 0.86 and test–retest reliability ICC = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82–0.93). Correlation with the HADS‐A was r = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.47–0.72); sensitivity was 83.9% (95% CI: 72.2–91.2) and specificity was 51.8% (95% CI: 43.6–59.9) using a cut‐off score of 17. Missed diagnoses (false‐negatives) were mostly specific phobias. Of the false‐positives, 38 of 66 participants (58%) had another psychiatric diagnosis.ConclusionsThe Dutch version of the GAS‐ID is a reliable screening instrument with satisfactory sensitivity, but moderate specificity for anxiety disorders. Although specificity for anxiety disorders is only moderate, high scores appear to be indicative of other psychiatric problems too, justifying referral for psychiatric assessment of false‐positives.
Visually detected NREM Stage 2 sleep spindles in kindergarten children are associated with current and future emotional and behavioural characteristics
Authors: Mikoteit Thorsten , Brand Serge , Beck Johannes , Perren Sonja , Von Wyl Agnes , Von Klitzing Kai , Holsboer‐Trachsler Edith , Hatzinger Martin 
Published: October 2012

SummarySleep electroencephalogram spindles are associated with efficient cortical–subcortical connectivity, and intellectual and learning abilities. In the present study, we assessed healthy preschoolers with a twofold aim: (i) to explore associations of non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindles with emotional/behavioural characteristics cross‐sectionally; and (ii) longitudinally. A total of 43 children who were 5 years old underwent objective sleep electroencephalogram monitoring in their homes. Emotional and behavioural dimensions were assessed by parents and teachers with the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire at baseline and at follow‐up 1 year later. Non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindles were visually scored and compared with Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire dimensions. High non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindle density was associated with less internalizing behaviour, more prosocial behaviour and a low total problem score. In girls, high non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindle density was related to low hyperactivity, while in boys it was associated with less internalizing behaviour, more externalizing behaviour and more hyperactivity. Longitudinally, a higher number of non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindles at 5 years old predicted fewer peer problems 12 months later. In kindergarten children, high non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindle density is associated with observable current and future favourable emotional/behavioural patterns. However, gender differences were also found, as should be taken into account in future studies.
The undiscovered potential of dehydroproline as a fire blight control option
Authors: De Zoysa G. H. , Washington V. , Lewis G. , Sarojini V. 
Published: October 2012

The non‐protein amino acid 3,4‐dehydro‐l‐proline (DHP) significantly reduced the incidence of fire blight infection on immature pear fruits infected with wildtype Erwinia amylovora. DHP also inhibited biofilm formation in both streptomycin‐sensitive and ‐resistant strains of E. amylovora and induced dispersal of preformed biofilms in the streptomycin‐sensitive strain. The investigations shed light on the hitherto undiscovered ability of DHP to inhibit bacterial biofilms and its potential as a chemical control option for fire blight.
Phylogenetic relationships, pathogenicity and fungicide sensitivity ofGreeneria uvicolaisolates fromVitis viniferaandMuscadinia rotundifoliagrapevines
Authors: Samuelian S. K. , Greer L. A. , Cowan K. , Priest M. , Sutton T. B. , Savocchia S. , Steel C. C. 
Published: October 2012

Greeneria uvicolacauses bitter rot onVitis vinifera(bunch grapes) andMuscadinia rotundifolia(muscadine grapes) in warm moist temperate and subtropical regions. This study investigated the phylogenetic relationship ofG. uvicolarepresentatives from Australia (67 isolates), the USA (31 isolates), India (1 isolate) and Costa Rica (1 isolate) and compared their pathogenicity and fungicide sensitivity. Differences in cultural and conidial morphology were observed between the isolates from Australia and the USA. Phylogenetic relationships were determined based on three gene regions: the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1–5∙8S–ITS2), 28S large subunit (LSU) nuclearrDNAand β‐tubulin‐2.Greeneria uvicolaisolates were clearly differentiated into four groups: isolates from Australia and India; USA isolates fromV. vinifera; USA isolates fromM. rotundifolia; and the isolate from Costa Rica. All isolates were pathogenic onV. vinifera(cv. Chardonnay) berries although those originating fromM. rotundifoliawere not as aggressive as isolates fromV. vinifera, irrespective of geographical origin. Sensitivity to pyraclostrobin and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) was studied. Despite differences in fungicide applications, hyphal growth inhibition was not significantly different for geographical location, cultivar, tissue, year of collection or different spray regimes. For the Australian and USA isolates, fungal growth inhibition was significantly greater for pyraclostrobin than for SHAM, and was significantly greater for the combined treatment than for each of the fungicides applied singly. The aetiological and epidemiological knowledge of bitter rot collected through this study will aid better prediction and management strategies of this pathogen.
A quantitative real‐time PCR assay for detection of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in navy bean seeds
Authors: Chen Y. Y. , Conner R. L. , Gillard C. L. , McLaren D. L. , Boland G. J. , Balasubramanian P. M. , Stasolla C. , Zhou Q. X. , Hwang S. F. , Chang K. F. , Babcock C. 
Published: October 2012

Bean anthracnose is a seedborne disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Using seed that did not test positive for the pathogen has been proven to be an effective strategy for bean anthracnose control. To quantify the extent of anthracnose seed infection, a real‐time PCR‐based diagnostic assay was developed for detecting C. lindemuthianum in seeds of the commercial bean class navy bean. The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region consisting of part of the18S rDNA, 5.8S rDNA, internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1, 2 and part of the 28S rDNA of seven races of C. lindemuthianum, 21 isolates of Colletotrichum species and nine other bean pathogens were sequenced with the universal primer set ITS5/ITS4. Based on the aligned sequence matrix, one primer set and a probe were designed for a SYBR Green dye assay and a TaqMan MGB (minor groove binder) assay. The primer set was demonstrated to be specific for C. lindemuthianum and showed a high sensitivity for the target pathogen. The detection limit of both assays was 5 fg of C. lindemuthianum genomic DNA. To explore the correlation between the lesion area and the DNA amount of C. lindemuthianum in bean seed, seeds of the navy bean cultivar Navigator with lesions of different sizes, as well as symptomless seeds, were used in both real‐time PCR assays.
Neonatal vesiculopustular eruption associated with transient myeloproliferative disorder: report of four cases
Authors: Narvaez‐Rosales Veronica , de‐Ocariz Marimar Saez , Carrasco‐Daza Daniel , Ramirez‐Davila Brenda , Orozco‐Covarrubias Luz , Duran‐McKinster Carola , Palacios‐Lopez Carolina 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) affects up to 10% of patients with Down syndrome (DS). A small proportion of newborns are asymptomatic and only manifest circulating blast cells, with or without leukocytosis, while others present with hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, serous effusions, and liver fibrosis. Few cases in the literature also have skin manifestations, described as crusted, erythematous, vesiculopustular eruptions occurring mainly on the face, with spreading to the trunk and extremities.Materials and methods  Four patients with DS and TMD were studied due to the presence of cutaneous eruptions. Systemic involvement, work‐up, and follow‐up were documented for each patient. Our results were compared with the previously reported cases.Results  All patients were males, with ages ranging from 1 to 20 days at the time of diagnosis. In three patients, the eruption was papulopustular, and two of them also had vesicles. In one patient, lesions resembled bullous impetigo. In all, the lesions involved the face, followed by the extremities in three and the trunk in two patients. Pathergy phenomena was present in one patient. Hepatomegaly and a leukemoid reaction were present in all patients. Bone marrow showed an M7 immunophenotype in three patients and normal cellularity in one. Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 11 months, during which the patients were healthy.Conclusions  Recognition of the cutaneous eruptions associated with TMD in neonate patients with DS may lead to early diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary chemotherapy. However, because leukemia may develop later, careful follow‐up is mandatory in all cases.
Expression of Fas and Fas ligand in primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in association with grade of tumor differentiation
Authors: Lee Young Bok , Kyung Kim Eun , Park Hyun Jeong , Cho Baik Kee , Park Young Min , Kim Jin Woo , Yoo Nam Jin , Park Yong Gyu , Oh Shin Taek 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Fas (CD95) and Fas ligand (FasL) immunoreactivity in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are correlated with grade of tumor differentiation.Methods  A total of 31 cutaneous SCC specimens excised during 1997–2004 were collected from the four branch hospitals of the Catholic University of Korea. A tissue microarray technique was used for immunohistochemical staining. Expression of Fas and FasL was evaluated in correlation with the grade of tumor differentiation. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and exact trend test.Results  Six of 31 SCCs exhibited strong (+++) intensity for Fas immunostaining, and all of these were well differentiated. Five of 31 SCCs exhibited strong (+++) intensity for FasL staining; all of these were moderately or poorly differentiated.Conclusions  Fas was expressed more strongly in well‐differentiated SCCs than in poorly differentiated tumors. FasL was expressed more strongly in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors. These findings indicate that Fas and FasL play important roles in immune surveillance and grade of differentiation in SCC.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of Cushing disease: an Australian experience
Authors: Wein L. , Dally M. , Bach L. A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractStereotactic radiation therapy has emerged as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy for treatment of Cushing disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of this treatment. Records of patients with Cushing disease treated with stereotactic radiation were reviewed. Seventeen patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. Ten achieved remission after a mean of 23 (95% confidence interval, 15–31) months, and two developed hormone deficiencies.
Fearlessness in juvenile offenders is associated with offending rate
Authors: Syngelaki Eva M. , Fairchild Graeme , Moore Simon C. , Savage Justin C. , van Goozen Stephanie H.M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPoor fear conditioning is a correlate of violent offending in adults, but there is no evidence concerning juvenile offenders. Our aim was to compare emotional learning in juvenile offenders and controls and establish whether crime rate is related to seriousness of emotional learning problems. To this end, emotional learning was assessed in 42 juvenile offenders by measuring skin conductance responding (SCR) during fear conditioning. Compared to controls, juvenile offenders showed lower conditioned SCRs to visual stimuli associated with a subsequent aversive stimulus and the magnitude of the SCR during fear acquisition was inversely associated with the number of their recorded offences. These findings suggest that juvenile offenders have impairments in the neural systems that subserve emotional learning. The implication is that using punitive measures to control persistent offenders is unlikely to be effective in an identifiable group of juvenile offenders.
Modernization and Devolution: Delivering Services for Older People in Rural Areas of England and Wales
Authors: Doheny Shane , Milbourne Paul 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe modernization of public services, with its emphasis on managerialism, choice, co‐production and outcome focused service delivery, has been implemented to a certain extent in both England and Wales. Indeed, the welfare states in both countries share a great deal, particularly in relation to policy objectives and the expectations of citizens. Devolution has chiefly meant that the instruments used to deliver policy have separated, although it remains unclear whether this amounts to formal divergence. What is also unclear is to what extent have the experiences of those living within the policy environment in both countries separated or diverged? This article addresses this question using qualitative data composed of interviews with policy actors in six rural areas of England and Wales. By focusing on the discourses of people involved in modernizing and providing services for older people in rural areas, we bring out the impact of modernization for older people. What we show is that modernization engages both service users and the wider population who may one day become service users. But the emphasis on these groups unfolds in different ways in England and Wales. In England, where there has been a commitment to a customer citizen, policy at the local level has emphasized re‐enablement, community development and individual responsibility. In Wales, where modernization has focused on collaboration and citizenship, local policies have focused on service users, and on engagement with the voluntary sector. In effect, the policy environment provides a different context for the experience of ageing in both countries.
But is it ‘Fair'? The UK Coalition Government, ‘Fairness’ and the ‘Reform’ of Public Sector Pensions
Authors: Cutler Tony , Waine Barbara 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe article analyses arguments for reform of public sector pension schemes by the UK Coalition government on the grounds that existing provision is ‘unfair’. Three dimensions of ‘fairness’ are discussed. That between public and private sector provision; between the costs to public sector employees and other taxpayers; and between members of public sector schemes. The article argues that there are serious weaknesses in the Coalition position on each of these dimensions of ‘fairness’. It suggests that these weaknesses are rooted in the discussion of public sector pensions in isolation from the overall pattern of occupational pension provision in the UK and that a more satisfactory analysis requires reference to principles of distributive justice.
Digital Elevation Model from the Best Results of Different Filtering of a LiDAR Point Cloud
Authors: Podobnikar Tomaž , Vrečko Anja 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe LiDAR point clouds captured with airborne laser scanning provide considerably more information about the terrain surface than most data sources in the past. This rich information is not simply accessed and convertible to a high quality digital elevation model (DEM) surface. The aim of the study is to generate a homogeneous and high quality DEM with the relevant resolution, as a 2.5D surface. The study is focused on extraction of terrain (bare earth) points from a point cloud, using a number of different filtering techniques accessible by selected freeware. The proposed methodology consists of: (1) assessing advantages/disadvantages of different filters across the study area, (2) regionalization of the area according to the most suitable filtering results, (3) data fusion considering differently filtered point clouds and regions, and (4) interpolation with a standard algorithm. The resulting DEM is interpolated from a point cloud fused from partial point clouds which were filtered with multiscale curvature classification (MCC), hierarchical robust interpolation (HRI), and the LAStools filtering. An important advantage of the proposed methodology is that the selected landscape and datasets properties have been more holistically studied, with applied expert knowledge and automated techniques. The resulting highly applicable DEM fulfils geometrical (numerical), geomorphological (shape), and semantic quality properties.
NEW EVIDENCE FOR IRON AGE BURIAL AND PROPITIATION PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN BRITAIN
Authors: TRACEY JUSTINE 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIt has been 30 years since the first scheme that categorized fragmentary Iron Age human remains in southern Britain (Wilson 1981), and nearly 20 years since Cunliffe's paper ‘Pits, Preconceptions and Propitiation’ was published (Cunliffe 1992). This study integrates the osteological, forensic and field evidence to identify archaeological signatures from three interrelated areas. The results show different depositional trends for five sites in Hampshire, and that the hillforts studied – Danebury (Hampshire) and Maiden Castle (Dorset) – demonstrate yet another pattern. Three main depositional practices were observed; intentional exposure, propitiatory deposits, and intentional practices, in which the body was kept whole in death, ran in parallel with each another.
Tax Incentives and Charitable Contributions: the Evidence from Censored Quantile Regression
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Yi , Lo Kuang‐Ta 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between tax price and charitable contributions using the censored quantile regression (QR) technique, which can provide a complete description of the whole distribution of giving, and data from US Internal Revenue Service individual tax returns. The findings of the present study are as follows. First, the price elasticities of charitable contributions are all negative and consistently decrease in absolute value along the quantiles. Second, donors at lower giving quantiles are price elastic but donors at higher quantiles are price inelastic. Third, the income elasticities are positive and increase along the quantiles. Lastly, the effects of wealth, age, marital status, and the number of dependents vary across quantiles. All the empirical results show that the censored QR offers better explanations on the relationship between tax incentives and charitable contributions.