bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin (IL)-1β synergistically promote ERK1/2-mediated invasive breast ductal cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Ma Liqiang , Lan Fenghua , Zheng Zhiyong , Xie Feilai , Wang Lie , Liu Wei , Han Junyong , Zheng Feng , Xie Yanchuan , Huang Qiaojia 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Patients with invasive breast ductal carcinoma (IBDC) with metastasis have a very poor prognosis. Little is known about the synergistic action of growth and inflammatory factors in IBDC metastases.

Methods
The expression of activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (phosphorylated or p-ERK1/2) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in IBDC tissue samples from 80 cases. BT474 IBDC cell migration and invasion were quantified using the Transwell assay. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression and activity were analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blotting and zymography. Activator protein (AP)-1 activity was measured with a luciferase reporter gene assay. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-square test, the partition of Chi-square test, independent t-test, and Spearman’s method were used for the statistical analysis.

Results
Phosphorylated ERK1/2 was detected in 58/80 (72.5%) IBDC tissues, and was associated with higher TNM stage and lymph node metastasis, but not patient age or tumor size. Individually, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and interleukin (IL)-1β activated ERK1/2, increased cell migration and invasion, MMP-9 expression and activity, AP-1 activation in vitro and the expression of p-ERK1/2 was positively correlated with EGF expression levels, as well as IL-1β, MMP-9 and c-fos in IBDC tissue samples. Co-stimulation with EGF and IL-1β synergistically increased ERK1/2 and AP-1 activation, cell migration and invasion, and MMP-9 expression and activity. Inhibition of ERK1/2 using U0126 or siRNA abolished EGF and/or IL-1β-induced cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion
Activated ERK1/2 was associated with higher TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in IBDC. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that ERK-1/2 activation may increase the metastatic ability of IBDC cells. Growth and inflammatory factors synergistically induced IBDC cell migration and invasion via ERK1/2 signaling, AP-1 activation and MMP-9 upregulation.
Nanoparticle biofabrication using English ivy (Hedera helix)
Authors: Burris Jason N , Lenaghan Scott C , Zhang Mingjun , Stewart C Neal 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
English ivy (Hedera helix) is well known for its adhesive properties and climbing ability. Essential to its ability to adhere to vertical surfaces is the secretion of a nanocomposite adhesive containing spherical nanoparticles, 60–85 nm in diameter, produced exclusively by root hairs present on adventitious roots. These organic nanoparticles have shown promise in biomedical and cosmetic applications, and represent a safer alternative to metal oxide nanoparticles currently available.

Results
It was discovered that the maximum adventitious root production was achieved by a 4 h application of 1 mg/ml indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) to juvenile English ivy shoot segments cultured in custom vessels. After incubation of the shoots under continuous light at 83 μmol/m2 s at 20°C for 2 weeks, the adventitious roots were harvested from the culture system and it was possible to isolate 90 mg of dry weight nanoparticles per 12 g of roots. The nanoparticle morphology was characterized by atomic force microscopy, and found to be similar to previous studies.

Conclusions
An enhanced system for the production of English ivy adventitious roots and their nanoparticles by modifying GA7 Magenta boxes and identifying the optimal concentration of IBA for adventitious root growth was developed. This system is the first such platform for growing and harvesting organic nanoparticles from plants, and represents an important step in the development of plant-based nanomanufacturing. It is a significant improvement on the exploitation of plant systems for the formation of metallic nanoparticles, and represents a pathway for the generation of bulk ivy nanoparticles for translation into biomedical applications.
3D coverage analysis of LTE urban heterogeneous networks with dense femtocell deployments
Authors: Letourneux Florian , Corre Yoann , Suteau Erwan , Lostanlen Yves 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Femtocell technology recently gained attention due to its potential benefits for mobile operators (significant capacity offload and extension of the coverage at low cost) but there are still hard technical challenges to be addressed (e.g., the optimization of the interference management). Furthermore, the deployment strategies are still in question, such as the femtocell access-mode (open or closed) and the spectrum usage to adopt. Consequently, reliable simulations are necessary in the perspective of massive femtocell deployments, in particular for characterization of the impact on the coverage quality. An original solution is introduced and exploited in this article. It offers two complementary approaches for two different applications: a synthetic model for realization of small-scale or illustrative case studies and a real model for realistic and large-scale heterogeneous network performance evaluation. It relies on a suite of simulation tools including the generation of random 3D femtocell deployments in synthetic or real environments; realistic pathloss predictions; and a 3D downlink coverage performance analysis (i.e., considering all floors) of long-term evolution heterogeneous networks. A first study shows not only a large improvement of coverage quality for femtocell users, but also a very significant degradation for non-subscribers in the vicinity of closed-access femtocells. The femtocells have a strong impact locally (gain or degradation depending on the access-mode and user type) and not only at their own floor. Therefore, a 3D evaluation is relevant. Then, a second study offers realistic and large-scale analyses of the coverage evolution after corporate femtocells have massively been deployed in urban macrocells. The results show a moderate impact on the average spectral efficiencies but a strong impact locally. In this study, closed-access femtocells cause dead zones for non-subscribers in 15% of indoor areas leading to non-uniform service coverage, whereas they increase the spectral efficiency of femtocell subscribers (by 1.5 bps/Hz in 20% of indoor areas). These are critical information for a mobile operator since the experience of its customers is much affected by the femtocell deployment and by the selected access mode.
Molecular characterization of hepatitis c virus in multi-transfused Colombian patients
Authors: di Filippo Diana , Cortes-Mancera Fabian , Beltran Mauricio , Arbelaez Maria Patricia , Jaramillo Sergio , Restrepo Juan Carlos , Correa Gonzalo , Navas Maria-Cristina 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 170 million persons worldwide and is a public health problem. Considering that HCV is principally transmitted by exposure to infected blood, multi-transfused patients constitute one of the most important risk groups in developing countries. To explore the dynamics of this infection in Colombia, we performed a study to determine the genotypes of HCV in a cohort of multi-transfused patients.

Results
The serum samples from patients positive for anti-HCV were evaluated for HCV RNA by nested-PCR of the 5’untranslated region (5’UTR). Viral genotype was determined by RFLP and/or automated sequencing. HCV subtype 1b was found in eight cases (66.7%) and subtype 1a in two cases (16.7%); seven isolates of subtype 1b were obtained from patients who had received the first transfusion before 1986. Either genotypes 2b (8.3%) or 3a (8.3%) were found in the remaining positive specimens.

Conclusions
This is the first HCV genotyping study developed in multi-transfused patients in Colombia where HCV subtype 1b was the most prevalent. The mutation G235A in the 5’UTR of three isolates generated an additional restriction site and an RFLP pattern different from those previously described for genotype 1.
Yield of Screening for Long-Term Complications Using the Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines
Authors: Landier Wendy , Armenian Saro H. , Lee Jin , Thomas Ola , Wong F. Lennie , Francisco Liton , Herrera Claudia , Kasper Clare , Wilson Karla D. , Zomorodi Meghan , Bhatia Smita 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up (COG-LTFU) Guidelines use consensus-based recommendations for exposure-driven, risk-based screening for early detection of long-term complications in childhood cancer survivors. However, the yield from these recommendations is not known.MethodsSurvivors underwent COG-LTFU Guideline–directed screening. Yield was classified as negligible/negative (< 1%), intermediate (≥ 1% to < 10%), or high (≥ 10%). For long-term complications with high yield, logistic regression was used to identify subgroups more likely to screen positive.ResultsOver the course of 1,188 clinic visits, 370 childhood cancer survivors (53% male; 47% Hispanic; 69% leukemia/lymphoma survivors; median age at diagnosis, 11.1 years [range, 0.3 to 21.9 years]; time from diagnosis, 10.5 years [range, 5 to 55.8 years]) underwent 4,992 screening tests. High-yield tests included thyroid function (hypothyroidism, 10.1%), audiometry (hearing loss, 22.6%), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (low bone mineral density [BMD], 23.2%), serum ferritin (iron overload, 24.0%), and pulmonary function testing/chest x-ray (pulmonary dysfunction, 84.1%). Regression analysis failed to identify subgroups more likely to result in high screening yield, with the exception of low BMD (2.5-fold increased risk for males [P = .04]; 3.3-fold increased risk for nonobese survivors [P = .01]). Screening tests with negligible/negative (< 1%) yield included complete blood counts (therapy-related leukemia), dipstick urinalysis for proteinuria and serum blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (glomerular defects), microscopic urinalysis for hematuria (hemorrhagic cystitis, bladder cancer), ECG (anthracycline-related conduction disorder), and hepatitis B and HIV serology.ConclusionScreening tests with a high yield are appropriate for risk groups targeted for screening by the COG-LTFU Guidelines. Elimination of screening tests with negligible/negative yield should be given consideration.
Patterns of Use and Short-Term Complications of Breast Brachytherapy in the National Medicare Population From 2008–2009
Authors: Presley Carolyn J. , Soulos Pamela R. , Herrin Jeph , Roberts Kenneth B. , Yu James B. , Killelea Brigid , Lesnikoski Beth-Ann , Long Jessica B. , Gross Cary P. 
Published: October 2012

Purpose Brachytherapy has disseminated into clinical practice as an alternative to whole-breast irradiation (WBI) for early-stage breast cancer; however, current national treatment patterns and associated complications remain unknown. Patients and Methods We constructed a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries ages 66 to 94 years who underwent breast-conserving surgery from 2008 to 2009 and were treated with brachytherapy or WBI. We used hospital referral regions (HRRs) to assess national treatment variation and an instrumental variable analysis to compare complication rates between treatment groups, adjusting for patient and clinical characteristics. We compared overall, wound and skin, and deep-tissue and bone complications between brachytherapy and WBI at 1 year of follow-up. Results Of 29,648 women in our sample, 4,671 (15.8%) received brachytherapy. The percent of patients receiving brachytherapy varied substantially across HRRs, ranging from 0% to over 70% (interquartile range, 7.5% to 23.3%). Of women treated with brachytherapy, 34.3% had a complication compared with 27.3% of women undergoing WBI (P < .001). After adjusting for patient and clinical characteristics, 35.2% of women treated with brachytherapy (95% CI, 28.6 to 41.9) had a complication compared with 18.4% treated with WBI (95% CI, 15.5 to 21.3; P value for difference, <.001). Brachytherapy was associated with a 16.9% higher rate of wound and skin complications compared with WBI (95% CI, 10.0 to 23.9; P < .001), but there was no difference in deep-tissue and bone complications. Conclusion Brachytherapy is commonly used among Medicare beneficiaries and varies substantially across regions. After 1 year, wound and skin complications were significantly higher among women receiving brachytherapy compared with those receiving WBI.
Complex regulation controls Neurogenin3 proteolysis
Authors: Roark Ryan , Itzhaki Laura , Philpott Anna 
Published: October 2012

Summary
The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is known to be responsible for the rapid turnover of many transcription factors, where half-life is held to be critical for regulation of transcriptional activity. However, the stability of key transcriptional regulators of development is often very poorly characterised. Neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) is a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor that plays a central role in specification and differentiation of endocrine cells of the pancreas and gut, as well as spermatogonia and regions of the brain. Here we demonstrate that Ngn3 protein stability is regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome system and that Ngn3 can be ubiquitylated on lysines, the N-terminus and, highly unusually, on non-canonical residues including cysteines and serines/threonines. Rapid turnover of Ngn3 is regulated both by binding to its heterodimeric partner E protein and by the presence of cdk inhibitors. We show that protein half-life does appear to regulate the activity of Ngn3 in vivo, but, unlike the related transcription factor c-myc, ubiquitylation on canonical sites is not a requirement for transcriptional activity of Ngn3. Hence, we characterise an important new level of Ngn3 post-translational control, which may regulate its transcriptional activity.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Glycerol Steam Reforming using Calcium Oxide and Iron Oxide for High-Purity Hydrogen Production
Authors: Wei Ligang , Li Kunlan , Ma Yingchong 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
A thermodynamic analysis of glycerol steam reforming in the presence of a CO2 adsorbent (CaO) and solid oxygen transfer material (Fe2O3) for high-purity hydrogen production was performed using the Gibbs free energy minimization method. CO in reformate gas was reduced via CO oxidation by Fe2O3 into CO2 coupled with in situ CO2 capture by CaO. The high-purity hydrogen produced without using a downstream reactor has potential application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The influence of temperature (300–1000 °C), pressure (0.1–1.0 MPa), and mole ratios of H2O/glycerol (1–10), CaO/glycerol (0–6), and Fe2O3/glycerol (0–6) on equilibrium gas compositions and carbon formation was evaluated. The produced gas (99.8 mol% H2 and 12.8 ppm CO) was obtained without carbon formation under the optimal conditions (450 °C, 0.1 MPa, CaO/glycerol mole ratio of 3, Fe2O3/glycerol mole ratio of 3 and H2O/glycerol mole ratio of 10), and can be directly used in PEMFCs. However, further optimizations are needed.
Simulation-Based Evaluation of Port Emergency Evacuation Plans for Predictable Natural Disasters
Authors: Qu Xiuli , Jackson Maurice A. , Davis Lauren B. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Effective port emergency evacuation could reduce the potential damages and losses caused by a predictive natural disaster. Thus, most U.S. ports have evacuation plans or guidelines established for predictive natural disasters, especially hurricanes. However, hurricane Katrina still revealed that these existing emergency evacuation plans may not be as effective as originally expected. The objective of this study is to provide a quantitative approach to evaluating the effectiveness of port emergency evacuation plans for hurricanes. A discrete-event simulation model is developed in this study to capture the dynamic evacuation process in a complex port environment when a hurricane approaches a port. Using this simulation model, an experimental study is conducted to compare the effectiveness of 80 port hurricane evacuation plans in the two public container terminals within the Port of Houston (POH). These 80 plans include the current POH hurricane evacuation plan and 79 variants of this plan. The simulation results indicate that an effective port hurricane evacuation plan should require prohibiting inbound and outbound traffic when the hurricane is forecast to be 12 hours away from landfall, and consistently securing port facilities, equipment and containers during the entire evacuation process.
Government-Voluntary Sector Compacts Reconsidered
Authors: Smith Steven Rathgeb 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAs the articles in this special issue demonstrate, the emergence of government-voluntary sector compacts around the world is intimately linked to comprehensive transformations the welfare state is undergoing in many countries. The fact that the first compact was developed in England is significant; since the early 20th century, the development of the welfare state in many societies has been significantly influenced by the ideas coming from policymakers, scholars and advocates in the United Kingdom.
Effects of water in water/phenol mixtures on liquefaction of Japanese beech as treated under subcritical conditions
Authors: Mishra Gaurav , Saka Shiro 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) has been liquefied by water-added subcritical phenol without a catalyst in a batch-type reaction vessel. The effect of water/phenol ratio was studied under conditions of various treatment times. The fractions soluble in phenol/water as well as the insoluble residues were characterized. Liquefaction kinetics was investigated assuming the validity of the first-order reaction rate law. The degree of phenolation was increased with increasing treatment times and water content in phenol/water solvent. Treatment at 270°C under 3.1 MPa pressure for 10 min with a water/phenol ratio of 25:75 gave the best liquefaction result. Various oligosaccharides derived from cellulose and hemicelluloses were found to be hydrolyzed and solubilized in the water-soluble portion.
Nachrichten aus der Forschung
Authors: Lux Marie Christin , Schulte Philipp , Petersen Sven , Droste Stefan , Reichenberger Florian , Dierking Antje , Doerry Janine , Eichmann Flavio , Brenner Stefan M. 
Published: October 2012

Zusammenfassung
Marie-Christin Lux und Philipp Schulte
»De l’État-Nation à l’Europe. Histoire du ministère de la Défense et des armées en France et en Allemagne aux XIXe et XXe siècles«. Tagung des Deutschen Historischen Instituts Paris (DHIP), des Militärgeschichtlichen Forschungsamtes (MGFA) und des Institut de Recherche Stratégique de l’École Militaire (IRSEM), 20. Juni 2011 in Paris
Sven Petersen und Stefan Droste
»Militärische Wissenskulturen in der Frühen Neuzeit«. 9. Jahrestagung des Arbeitskreises Militär und Gesellschaft in der Frühen Neuzeit vom 1. bis 3. Dezember 2011 in Göttingen
Florian Reichenberger
»Guerres futures, guerres imaginées: vers une histoire culturelle de l’avant-1914. Colloque international co-organisé par le Centre International de Recherche de l’Historial de la Grande Guerre et l’Institut historique allemand«, 9. November 2011, Péronne und 10. November 2011, Paris
Antje Dierking
»Für Frieden und Freiheit oder Shareholder Value und Auslastungsquote? Rüstung in Europa und Nordamerika nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg«. Workshop des Militärgeschichtlichen Forschungsamtes, 8. bis 9. November 2011 in Potsdam
Janine Doerry
»Captivité de guerre au XXième siècle. Des archives, des histoires, des mémoires«. Internationale Tagung des Institut historique du temps présent (IHTP), des Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), des Institut de Recherche Stratégique de l’École Militaire (IRSEM) und der London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 17. bis 18. November 2011 in Paris
Flavio Eichmann
»Freibeuter der Moderne - Politisch-militärische Akteure an den Rändern von Souveränität und Legitimität«. Kolloquium zum 60. Geburtstag von Prof. Dr. Stig Förster, 20. bis 21. Oktober 2011 in Bern
Stefan M. Brenner
Die Achillesferse der NATO: Die Nordatlantische Allianz und der griechisch-türkische Binnenkonflikt 1952–1989. Ein Überblick zum Stand der Forschung
Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Boys: Data From the Pediatric Research in Office Settings Network
Authors: Herman-Giddens Marcia E. , Steffes Jennifer , Harris Donna , Slora Eric , Hussey Michael , Dowshen Steven A. , Wasserman Richard , Serwint Janet R. , Smitherman Lynn , Reiter Edward O. 
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND:Data from racially and ethnically diverse US boys are needed to determine ages of onset of secondary sexual characteristics and examine secular trends. Current international studies suggest earlier puberty in boys than previous studies, following recent trend in girls.METHODS:Two hundred and twelve practitioners collected Tanner stage and testicular volume data on 4131 boys seen for well-child care in 144 pediatric offices across the United States. Data were analyzed for prevalence and mean ages of onset of sexual maturity markers.RESULTS:Mean ages for onset of Tanner 2 genital development for non-Hispanic white, African American, and Hispanic boys were 10.14, 9.14, and 10.04 years and for stage 2 pubic hair, 11.47, 10.25, and 11.43 years respectively. Mean years for achieving testicular volumes of ≥3 mL were 9.95 for white, 9.71 for African American, and 9.63 for Hispanic boys; and for ≥4 mL were 11.46, 11.75, and 11.29 respectively. African American boys showed earlier (P &lt; .0001) mean ages for stage 2 to 4 genital development and stage 2 to 4 pubic hair than white and Hispanic boys. No statistical differences were observed between white and Hispanic boys.CONCLUSIONS:Observed mean ages of beginning genital and pubic hair growth and early testicular volumes were 6 months to 2 years earlier than in past studies, depending on the characteristic and race/ethnicity. The causes and public health implications of this apparent shift in US boys to a lower age of onset for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in US boys needs further exploration.
Randomized Trial of Prongs or Mask for Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Preterm Infants
Authors: Kieran Emily A. , Twomey Anne R. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Murphy John F.A. , O’Donnell Colm P.F. 
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) given with nasal prongs compared with nasal mask reduces the rate of intubation and mechanical ventilation in preterm infants within 72 hours of starting therapy.METHODS:Infants &lt;31 weeks’ gestation treated with NCPAP were randomly assigned to receive it via either prongs or mask. Randomization was stratified by gestational age (&lt;28 weeks, 28–30 weeks) and according to whether NCPAP was started as a primary treatment for respiratory distress or postextubation. Infants were intubated and ventilated if they fulfilled 2 or more of 5 failure criteria (worsening signs of respiratory distress; recurrent apnea treated with mask positive pressure ventilation; fraction of inspired oxygen &gt;0.4 to keep oxygen saturation &gt;88% sustained for 30 minutes; pH &lt;7.2 on 2 blood gases ≥30 minutes apart; Pco2 &gt;9 kPa [68 mm Hg] on 2 blood gases ≥30 minutes apart) within 72 hours of starting therapy. The groups were treated the same in all other respects. We recorded relevant secondary outcomes and analyzed data by using the intention-to-treat principle.RESULTS:We enrolled 120 infants. Thirty-two of 62 (52%) infants randomly assigned to prongs were intubated within 72 hours, compared with 16/58 (28%) of those randomly assigned to mask (P = .007). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in any secondary outcomes.CONCLUSIONS:In premature infants, NCPAP was more effective at preventing intubation and ventilation within 72 hours of starting therapy when given via nasal masks compared with nasal prongs.