bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertical inhibition of the MAPK pathway enhances therapeutic responses in NRAS‐mutant melanoma
Authors: Rebecca Vito W. , Alicea Gretchen M. , Paraiso Kim H. T. , Lawrence Harshani , Gibney Geoffrey T. , Smalley Keiran S. M. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe MEK inhibitor MEK162 is the first targeted therapy agent with clinical activity in patients whose melanomas harbor NRAS mutations; however, median PFS is 3.7 months, suggesting the rapid onset of resistance in the majority of patients. Here, we show that treatment of NRAS‐mutant melanoma cell lines with the MEK inhibitors AZD6244 or trametinib resulted in a rebound activation of phospho‐ERK (pERK). Functionally, the recovery of signaling was associated with the maintenance of cyclin‐D1 expression and therapeutic escape. The combination of a MEK inhibitor with an ERK inhibitor suppressed the recovery of cyclin‐D1 expression and was associated with a significant enhancement of apoptosis and the abrogation of clonal outgrowth. The MEK/ERK combination strategy induced greater levels of apoptosis compared with dual MEK/CDK4 or MEK/PI3K inhibition across a panel of cell lines. These data provide the rationale for further investigation of vertically co‐targeting the MAPK pathway as a potential treatment option for NRAS‐mutant melanoma patients.
The Effects of UV‐B Radiation Intensity on Biochemical Parameters and Active Ingredients in Flowers of Qi Chrysanthemum and Huai Chrysanthemum
Authors: Yao Xiao‐Qin , Chu Jian‐Zhou , He Xue‐Li , Si Chao 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe article studied UV‐B effects on biochemical parameters and active ingredients in flowers of Qi chrysanthemum and Huai chrysanthemum during the bud stage. The experiment included four UV‐B radiation levels (CK, ambient UV‐B; T1, T2 and T3 indicated a 5%, 10% and 15% increase in ambient UV‐BBE, respectively) to determine the optimal UV‐B radiation intensity in regulating active ingredients level in flowers of two chrysanthemum varieties. Flower dry weight of two cultivars was not affected by UV‐B radiation under experimental conditions reported here. UV‐B treatments significantly increased the rate of superoxide radical production, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (except for T1) and malondialdehyde concentration in flowers of Huai chrysanthemum and H2O2 concentration in flowers of Qi chrysanthemum. T2 and T3 treatments induced a significant increase in phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme (PAL) activity, anthocyanins, proline, ascorbic acid, chlorogenic acid and flavone content in flowers of two chrysanthemum varieties, and there were no significant differences in PAL activity, ascorbic acid, flavone and chlorogenic acid content between the two treatments. These results indicated that appropriate UV‐B radiation intensity did not result in the decrease in flower yield, and could regulate PAL activity and increase active ingredients content in flowers of two chrysanthemum varieties.
Validation of a Field Based Chromatin Dispersion Assay to Assess Sperm DNA Fragmentation in the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Sánchez‐Calabuig M‐J , López‐Fernández C , Martínez‐Nevado E , Pérez‐Gutiérrez JF , de la Fuente J , Johnston SD , Blyde D , Harrison K , Gosálvez J 
Published: August 2014

ContentsOver the last two decades, there have been significant advances in the use of assisted reproductive technology for genetic and reproductive management of captive dolphin populations, including evaluation of sperm DNA quality. This study validated a customized sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) for the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) as a means of assessing sperm DNA damage both in the field and in the laboratory. After performing the SCDt, two different sperm morphotypes were identified: (i) sperm with fragmented DNA showed large haloes of dispersed DNA fragments emerging from a compact sperm nucleoid core and (ii) sperm containing non‐fragmented DNA displayed small compact haloes surrounded by a dense core of non‐dispersed DNA and protein complex. Estimates of sperm DNA fragmentation by means of SCDt were directly comparable to results obtained following a two‐tailed comet assay and showed a significant degree of correlation (r = 0.961; p < 0.001). This investigation also revealed that the SCDt, with minor modifications to the standard protocol, can be successfully conducted in the field using a LED florescence microscopy obtaining a high correlation (r = 0.993; p = 0.01) between the data obtained in the laboratory and in the field.
Efficacy of Low‐Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Therapy in Dogs with Spermatogenic Dysfunction: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kobayashi M , Hori T , Kawakami E 
Published: August 2014

ContentsHuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein used in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction. However, previous studies performed in dogs show that repeated administration of large doses of hCG produces antibodies against hCG. In this study, we examined the efficacy of low‐dose injections of hCG in four male dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction and low plasma testosterone (T) levels. We administered 100 IU hCG per animal, five times at 3‐day intervals, and evaluated the changes in semen quality and plasma T levels. The total number of sperm in ejaculate, the percentage of progressively motile sperm and the plasma T levels had increased by 3–5 weeks after the first injection of hCG in three of the four dogs, but were unchanged in the fourth dog. These findings indicate that temporary improvement of the semen quality of dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction and low plasma T levels is possible after five low‐dose injections of hCG.
Influence of Temperament Score and Handling Facility on Stress, Reproductive Hormone Concentrations, and Fixed Time AI Pregnancy Rates in Beef Heifers
Authors: Kasimanickam R , Schroeder S , Assay M , Kasimanickam V , Moore DA , Gay JM , Whittier WD 
Published: August 2014

ContentsThe objectives were (i) to evaluate the effect of temperament, determined by modified 2‐point chute exit and gait score, on artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rates in beef heifers following fixed time AI and (ii) to determine the effect of temperament on cortisol, substance‐P, prolactin and progesterone at initiation of synchronization and at the time of AI. Angus beef heifers (n = 967) at eight locations were included in this study. At the initiation of synchronization (Day 0 = initiation of synchronization), all heifers received a body condition score (BCS), and temperament score (0 = calm; slow exit and walk or 1 = excitable; fast exit or jump or trot or run). Blood samples were collected from a sub‐population of heifers (n = 86) at both synchronization initiation and the time of AI to determine the differences in serum progesterone, cortisol, prolactin and substance‐P concentrations between temperament groups. Heifers were synchronized with 5‐day CO‐Synch+ controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol and were inseminated at 56 h after CIDR removal. Heifers were examined for pregnancy by ultrasound 70 days after AI to determine AI pregnancy. Controlling for synchronization treatment (p = 0.03), facility design (p = 0.05), and cattle handling facility design by temperament score interaction (p = 0.02), the AI pregnancy differed between heifers with excitable and calm temperament (51.9% vs 60.3%; p = 0.01). The alley‐way with acute bends and turns, and long straight alley‐way had lower AI pregnancy rate than did the semicircular alley‐way (53.5%, 56.3% and 67.0% respectively; p = 0.05). The serum hormone concentrations differed significantly between different types of cattle handling facility (p < 0.05). The cattle handling facility design by temperament group interactions significantly influenced progesterone (p = 0.01), cortisol (p = 0.01), prolactin (p = 0.02) and substance‐P (p = 0.04) both at the initiation of synchronization and at the time of AI. Inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement for temperament scoring were moderate and good (Kappa = 0.596 ± 0.07 and 0.797 ± 0.11) respectively. The predictive value for calm and pregnant to AI was 0.87, and excited and non‐pregnant to AI was 0.76. In conclusion, the modified 2‐point temperament scoring method can be used to identify heifers with excitable temperament. Heifers with excitable temperament had lower AI pregnancy. Further, cattle handling facility design influenced the temperament and AI pregnancy.
A quantitative evaluation method using processed optical images and analysis of age‐dependent changes on nasolabial lines
Authors: Jang Sue Im , Kim Eun Joo , Park Hyeokgon , Kim Hyun Jung , Suk Jang Mi , Kim Beom Joon , Lee John Hwan , Lee Hae Kwang 
Published: August 2014

Background/PurposeNasolabial lines (NL) and wrinkles of the face are major features of aging. Wrinkles have been studied widely by morphological methods using 3‐dimensional (3D) photographic analysis instrument, but NL were evaluated by visual scoring usually. To evaluate NL quantitatively, another method is needed. This study is purposed to find out quantitative method for evaluation of NL.MethodOne hundred Korean female subjects aged 20 to 60 were recruited in this study. Facial image was taken using light source adjusted VISIA‐CR® and 3‐dimensional wrinkle depth on the NL area was evaluated by Phase shift rapid in vivo measuring of human skin (PRIMOS®). The pixel number of NL area and the angle were obtained using processed images. The severity of NL was assessed by visual score. Skin elasticity was measured by Cutometer®MPA580. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05.ResultThe optical images obtained by light source adjusted VISIA‐CR® were easy to distinguish NL and significantly increased age‐dependently. And three parameters of elasticity (R2, R5, and R7) on NL area were gradually decreased with age. The Pearson correlation coefficient was −0.756 (P < 0.01) between R7 parameter and ages. Also the pixel number of NL area, angle, wrinkle depth on the NL area (Ra), and visual score were decreased elasticity‐dependently. The pixel number of NL area was highly related to Ra (r = 0.567, P < 0.01) and visual score (r = 0.647, P < 0.01).ConclusionThis study has shown that NL severity is related to decrease of dermal elasticity and age using quantitative new method by processing optical images.
Short‐term therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid reduces infection: a prospective, single‐center cohort study in Chinese living‐related kidney transplantation
Authors: Fu L. , Huang Z. , Song T. , He S. , Zeng D. , Rao Z. , Xie L. , Song Y. , Wang L. , Lin T. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of mycophenolic acid (MPA) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is not clear. We performed a prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficiency of MPA TDM in the Chinese population.MethodsA total of 183 living‐related KTRs were studied; 101 KTRs received controlled‐dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (the CD group), and 82 patients received fixed‐dose MMF (the FD group). MPA exposure was measured at days 3, 7, 14, and 30 in the CD group, and at day 30 in the FD group. The primary endpoint was treatment failure (a composite of acute rejection, graft loss, death, or MMF discontinuation) at 12 months post transplantation.ResultsIn the CD group, with a starting MMF dose of 2 g/day, approximately 35% of patients had high MPA levels, which were >60 mg × h/L, and mean MPA levels were 59.17 mg × h/L and 61.38 mg × h/L for the CD and FD groups, respectively (P = 0.588). After adjusting MMF dose, MPA exposures in the CD group at day 30 were lower than those in the FD group at day 30 (54.06 vs. 61.38, P = 0.004). At month 12, the CD group had fewer infections (16.8% vs. 31.7%, P = 0.018) with no difference in treatment failure, acute rejection, diarrhea, or anemia.ConclusionsKTRs can benefit from short‐term TDM of MPA in reducing infection, without increasing acute rejection.
Republished research: Impact of autologous blood injections in treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: double blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bell Kevin J , Fulcher Mark L , Rowlands David S , Kerse Ngaire 
Published: August 2014

Study questionDo peritendinous autologous blood injections improve pain and function in people with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy?Summary answerThe administration of two unguided peritendinous autologous blood injections one month apart, in addition to a standardised eccentric training programme, provides no additional benefit in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.What is known and what this paper addsSeveral studies have suggested that injection of autologous blood can help in the treatment of various tendinopathies. There is a lack of high quality evidence showing relevant benefit for autologous blood injections, particularly in the management of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. We found no additional reduction in pain or improvement in function when these injections were combined with an eccentric calf training programme.
Existence of Positive Solutions for Some Superlinear Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Bachar Imed , Mâagli Habib 
Published: August 2014

We are concerned with the following superlinear fourth-order equationu4t+utφt,−ut=0,   t∈0, 1;−u0=u1=0,  −u′0=a,  −u′1=-b, wherea,−bare nonnegative constants such thata+b>0andφt,−sis a nonnegative continuous function that is required to satisfy some appropriate conditions related to a classKsatisfying suitable integrability condition. Our purpose is to prove the existence, uniqueness, and global behavior of a classical positive solution to the above problem by using a method based on estimates on the Green function and perturbation arguments.
Ventricular Arrhythmias Near the Distal Great Cardiac Vein
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Choi Eue-Keun , Lin Kaity Y. , Kumar Saurabh , Tedrow Usha B. , Koplan Bruce A. , Michaud Gregory F. , John Roy M. , Epstein Laurence M. , Tokuda Michifumi , Inada Keiichi , Couper Gregory S. , Stevenson William G. 
Published: August 2014

Background—
Catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) near the distal great cardiac vein (GCV) is often challenging, and data are limited.

Methods and Results—
Analysis was performed in 30 patients (19 men; age, 52.8±15.5 years) who underwent catheter ablation for focal VA (11 ventricular tachycardia and 19 premature contractions) with early activation in the GCV (36.7±8.0 ms pre-QRS). Angiography in 27 patients showed earliest GCV site within 5 mm of a coronary artery in 20 (74%). Ablation was performed in the GCV in 15 patients and abolished VA in 8. Ablation was attempted at adjacent non-GCV sites in 19 patients and abolished VA in 5 patients (4 from the left ventricular endocardium and 1 from the left coronary cusp); all success had VA with an initial r wave in lead I and activation ≤7 ms after the GCV (GCV–non-GCV interval). In 13 patients, percutaneous epicardial mapping was performed, but because of adjacent coronaries only 2 received radiofrequency application with VA elimination in 1. Surgical cryoablation was performed in 3 patients and abolished VA in 2. Overall acute success was achieved in 16 (53%) patients. After a median of 2.8 months, 13 patients remained free of VA. Major complications occurred in 4 patients, including coronary injury requiring stenting.

Conclusions—
Ablation for this arrhythmia is challenging and often limited by the adjacent coronary vessels. Success of anatomically guided endocardial ablation may be identified by a short GCV–non-GCV interval and r wave in lead I.
Plume moths of Malawi (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae)
Authors: KOVTUNOVICH V. , USTJUZHANIN P. , MURPHY R. 
Published: August 2014

A review of Pterophoridae of Malawi is presented; 96 species from 35 genera and five subfamilies are recorded. Fourteen species are described as new: Agdistis nyasa Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Platyptilia mugesse Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Stenoptilia juniper Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Sphenarches mulanje Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp.nov., Marasmarcha lamborni Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Arcoptilia malawica Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Apoxyptilus uzumarus Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Gypsochares murphy Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Crassuncus livingstoni Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Hellinsia namizimu Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Hellinsia сhewa Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia leza Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia raymondi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia tumbuka Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. New synonymies are established for 10 species: Deuterocopus deltoptilus Meyrick, 1930 = Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907 syn. nov.; Deuterocopus henrioti Bigot & Boireau, 2006 = Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907 syn. nov.; Platyptilia periacta Meyrick, 1910 = Platyptilia farfarella Zeller, 1867 syn. nov.; Platyptilia claripicta Fletcher, 1910 = Platyptilia farfarella Zeller, 1867 syn. nov.; Platyptilia pygmaeana Strand, 1913 = Sphenarches anisodactylus (Walker, 1864) syn. nov.; Exelastis bergeri Bigot, 1969 = Exelastis crudipennis (Meyrick, 1932) syn. nov.; Prichotilus tanzanicus Gielis, 2011 = Prichotilus tara Ustjuzhanin and Kovtunovich, 2011 syn. nov.; Crassuncus chappuisi Gibeaux, 1994 = Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) syn. nov.; Paulianilus lolibai Arenberger, 2011 = Hellinsia madecasseus (Bigot, 1964) syn. nov.; Pterophorus purus Meyrick, 1913 = Crassuncus pacifica (Meyrick, 1911) syn. nov. New combinations are established for six species: Marasmarcha bengtssoni (Gielis, 2009) comb. nov.; Marasmarcha locharcha (Meyrick, 1924) comb. nov.; Marasmarcha rubriacuta (Gielis, 2009) comb. nov.; Procapperia insomnis (Townsend, 1956) comb. nov.; Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) comb. nov.; Crassuncus colubratus (Meyrick, 1909) comb. nov. For Stenoptilia viettei Gibeaux, 1994, Sphenarches bifurcatus Gielis, 2009, Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) images of the male genitalia are presented for the first time, for Marasmarcha bengtssoni (Gielis, 2009), and Stenodacma cognata Gielis, 2009 female genitalia are illustrated for the first time. Species of wide pantropical or cosmopolitan distribution are not reported as new for the fauna of Malawi. However, 65 species of Pterophoridae are reported for the fauna of Malawi for the first time. One of them, Stenoptilia viettei Gibeaux, 1994, described from Madagascar, is reported for continental Africa for the first time.
Integrating Cloud Processes in the Community Atmosphere Model, Version 5
Authors: Park Sungsu , Bretherton Christopher S. , Rasch Philip J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper provides a description of the integrated representation for the cloud processes in the Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5). CAM5 cloud parameterizations add the following unique characteristics to previous versions: 1) a cloud macrophysical structure with horizontally nonoverlapped deep cumulus, shallow cumulus, and stratus in each grid layer, where each of which has its own cloud fraction, and mass and number concentrations for cloud liquid droplets and ice crystals; 2) stratus–radiation–turbulence interactions that allow CAM5 to simulate marine stratocumulus solely from grid-mean relative humidity without relying on a stability-based empirical formula; 3) prognostic treatment of the number concentrations of stratus liquid droplets and ice crystals, with activated aerosols and detrained in-cumulus condensates as the main sources and with evaporation, sedimentation, and precipitation of stratus condensate as the main sinks; and 4) radiatively active cumulus and snow. By imposing consistency between diagnosed stratus fraction and prognosed stratus condensate, unrealistically empty or highly dense stratus is avoided in CAM5. Because of the activation of the prognostic aerosols and the parameterizations of the radiation and stratiform precipitation production as a function of the cloud droplet size, CAM5 simulates various aerosol indirect effects as well as the direct effects: that is, aerosols affect both the radiation budget and the hydrological cycle.Detailed analysis of various simulations indicates that CAM5 improves upon CAM3/CAM4 in global performance as well as in physical formulation. However, several problems are also identified in CAM5, which can be attributed to deficient regional tuning, inconsistency between various physics parameterizations, and incomplete treatment of physics. Efforts are continuing to further improve CAM5.
Integrating team resource management program into staff training improves staff’s perception and patient safety in organ procurement and transplantation: the experience in a university-affiliated medical center in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ya-Chi , Jerng Jih-Shuin , Chang Ching-Wen , Chen Li-Chin , Hsieh Ming-Yuan , Huang Szu-Fen , Liu Yueh-Ping , Hung Kuan-Yu 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
The process involved in organ procurement and transplantation is very complex that requires multidisciplinary coordination and teamwork. To prevent error during the processes, teamwork education and training might play an important role. We wished to evaluate the efficacy of implementing a Team Resource Management (TRM) program on patient safety and the behaviors of the team members involving in the process.

Methods
We implemented a TRM training program for the organ procurement and transplantation team members of the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), a teaching medical center in Taiwan. This 15-month intervention included TRM education and training courses for the healthcare workers, focused group skill training for the procurement and transplantation team members, video demonstration and training, and case reviews with feedbacks. Teamwork culture was evaluated and all procurement and transplantation cases were reviewed to evaluate the application of TRM skills during the actual processes.

Results
During the intervention period, a total of 34 staff members participated the program, and 67 cases of transplantations were performed. Teamwork framework concept was the most prominent dimension that showed improvement from the participants for training. The team members showed a variety of teamwork behaviors during the process of procurement and transplantation during the intervention period. Of note, there were two potential donors with a positive HIV result, for which the procurement processed was timely and successfully terminated by the team. None of the recipients was transplanted with an infected organ. No error in communication or patient identification was noted during review of the case records.

Conclusion
Implementation of a Team Resource Management program improves the teamwork culture as well as patient safety in organ procurement and transplantation.
Self-parameterized active contours based on regional edge structure for medical image segmentation
Authors: Mylona Eleftheria A , Savelonas Michalis A , Maroulis Dimitris 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This work introduces a novel framework for unsupervised parameterization of region-based active contour regularization and data fidelity terms, which is applied for medical image segmentation. The work aims to relieve MDs from the laborious, time-consuming task of empirical parameterization and bolster the objectivity of the segmentation results. The proposed framework is inspired by an observed isomorphism between the eigenvalues of structure tensors and active contour parameters. Both may act as descriptors of the orientation coherence in regions containing edges. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework maintains a high segmentation quality without the need of trial-and-error parameter adjustment.