bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERP differences between processing of physical characteristics and personality attributes
Authors: Kong Fanchang , Zhang Yan , Chen Hong 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Limited data from behavioral and brain-imaging studies indicate that personality traits and physical characteristics are processed differently by the brain. Additionally, electrophysiological results of studies comparing the processing of positive and negative words have produced mixed results. It is therefore not clear how physical and personality attributes with emotional valence (i.e., positive and negative valence) are processed. Thus, this study aimed to examine the neural activity associated with words describing personality traits and physical characteristics with positive or negative emotional valence using Event Related Potentials (ERPs).

Methods
A sample of 15 healthy adults (7 men, 8 women) participated in a computerized word categorization task. Participants were asked to categorize visual word stimuli as physical characteristics or personality traits, while ERPs were recorded synchronously.

Results
Behavioral reaction times to negative physical stimuli were shorter compared to negative personality words, however reaction times did not significantly differ for positive stimuli. Electrophysiological results showed that personality stimuli elicited larger P2 and LPC (Late Positive Component) amplitudes compared to physical stimuli, regardless of negative or positive valence. Moreover, negative as compared with positive stimuli elicited larger P2 and LPC amplitudes.

Conclusion
Personality and physical stimuli were processed differently regardless of positive or negative valence. These findings suggest that personality traits and physical characteristics are differentially classified and are associated with different motivational significance.
Combination of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with fractionated external beam radiotherapy for treatment of advanced symptomatic meningioma
Authors: Kreissl Michael C , Hänscheid Heribert , Löhr Mario , Verburg Frederik A , Schiller Markus , Lassmann Michael , Reiners Christoph , Samnick Samuel S , Buck Andreas K , Flentje Michael , Sweeney Reinhart A 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the treatment of choice for irresectable meningioma. Due to the strong expression of somatostatin receptors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been used in advanced cases. We assessed the feasibility and tolerability of a combination of both treatment modalities in advanced symptomatic meningioma.

Methods
10 patients with irresectable meningioma were treated with PRRT (177Lu-DOTA0,Tyr3 octreotate or - DOTA0,Tyr3 octreotide) followed by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). EBRT performed after PRRT was continued over 5–6 weeks in IMRT technique (median dose: 53.0 Gy). All patients were assessed morphologically and by positron emission tomography (PET) before therapy and were restaged after 3–6 months. Side effects were evaluated according to CTCAE 4.0.

Results
Median tumor dose achieved by PRRT was 7.2 Gy. During PRRT and EBRT, no side effects > CTCAE grade 2 were noted. All patients reported stabilization or improvement of tumor-associated symptoms, no morphologic tumor progression was observed in MR-imaging (median follow-up: 13.4 months). The median pre-therapeutic SUVmax in the meningiomas was 14.2 (range: 4.3–68.7). All patients with a second PET after combined PRRT + EBRT showed an increase in SUVmax (median: 37%; range: 15%–46%) to a median value of 23.7 (range: 8.0–119.0; 7 patients) while PET-estimated volume generally decreased to 81 ± 21% of the initial volume.

Conclusions
The combination of PRRT and EBRT is feasible and well tolerated. This approach represents an attractive strategy for the treatment of recurring or progressive symptomatic meningioma, which should be further evaluated.
Cardiac inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: does it recur after complete surgical resection in an adult?
Authors: Yang Xuedong , Xiao Cangsong , Liu Mei , Wang Yu 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is currently considered to be a low-grade neoplasm, and it rarely involves the heart. We reported a rare case of a 59-year-old female who received cardiac surgery for complete resection of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the left atrium. Five months after surgery, the patient presented with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema and subsequent sudden death due to a left atrial tumor which protruded into the left ventricle through mitral annulus during diastole. The recurrence of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the left atrium was strongly suggested clinically.
Risky alcohol use among reproductive-age men, not women, in Mae La refugee camp, Thailand, 2009
Authors: Ezard Nadine , Thiptharakun Supan , Nosten François , Rhodes Tim , McGready Rose 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Globally, alcohol use contributes to close to 4% of all deaths and is a leading cause of ill health and premature death among men of reproductive age. Problem alcohol use is an unaddressed public health issue among populations displaced by conflict. Assessing the magnitude of the problem and identifying affected groups and risk behaviours is difficult in mobile and unstable populations.

Methods
From 15–28 December 2009 we conducted a simple rapid screening test of risky alcohol use using the single item modified Short Assessment Screening Questionnaire (mSASQ) by all women currently enrolled in the antenatal care clinic in Mae La refugee camp, a long standing displaced setting on the Thai Burma border. Women self- reported and gave a secondary report of their male partners. Gender differences in alcohol use were further explored in semi-structured interviews with camp residents on attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs regarding alcohol and analysed thematically.

Results
Of 636 women screened in the antenatal clinic, almost none (0.2%, 95CI 0.0-0.9%) reported risky alcohol use prior to pregnancy, whereas around a quarter (24.4%, 95CI 21.2-27.9%) reported risky alcohol use by their male partners. Interviews with 97 camp residents described strong social controls against women’s alcohol use and men’s drinking to intoxication, despite a dominant perception that the social context of life in displacement promoted alcohol use and that controls are loosening.

Conclusions
As a stigmatised behaviour, alcohol use is difficult to assess, particularly in the context of highly mobile adult male populations: the simple assessment methods here show that it is feasible to obtain adequate data for the purposes of intervention design. The data suggest that risky drinking is common and normalised among men, but that the population may have been partially protected from rapid rises in problem alcohol use observed in nation-wide data from Thailand. The changing social context contains vulnerabilities that might promote problem alcohol use: further investigation, ongoing monitoring, and development of targeted interventions are warranted.
Proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in the intestine of Salmo trutta trutta naturally infected with an acanthocephalan
Authors: Dezfuli Bahram Sayyaf , Giari Luisa , Lui Alice , Squerzanti Samantha , Castaldelli Giuseppe , Shinn Andrew Paul , Manera Maurizio , Lorenzoni Massimo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundChanges in the production of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a 36 kd protein involved in protein synthesis, within intestinal epithelia can provide an early indication of deviations to normal functioning. Inhibition or stimulation of cell proliferation and PCNA can be determined through immunohistochemical staining of intestinal tissue. Changes in the expression of PCNA act as an early warning system of changes to the gut and this application has not been applied to the fields of aquatic parasitology and fish health. The current study set out to determine whether a population of wild brown trout,Salmo trutta trutta(L.) harbouring an infection of the acanthocephalanDentitruncus truttaeSinzar, 1955 collected from Lake Piediluco in Central Italy also effected changes in the expression of PCNA.MethodsA total of 29 brown trout were investigated, 19 of which (i.e.65.5%) were found to harbour acanthocephalans (5–320 worms fish-1). Histological sections of both uninfected and infected intestinal material were immunostained for PCNA.ResultsThe expression of PCNA was observed in the epithelial cells in the intestinal crypts and within the mast cells and fibroblasts in the submucosa layer which is consistent with its role in cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. The number of PCNA-positive cells in both the intestinal epithelium and the submucosa layer in regions close to the point of parasite attachment were significantly higher than the number observed in uninfected individuals and in infected individuals in zones at least 0.7 cm from the point of parasite attachment (ANOVA,p < 0.05).ConclusionsAn infection of the acanthocephalanD. truttaewithin the intestinal tract ofS. t. truttaeffected a significant increase in the number of PCNA positive cells (mast cells and fibroblasts) at the site of parasite attachment when compared to the number of positive cells found in uninfected conspecifics and in tissue zones away from the point of parasite attachment.
Increased expression of CD133 and reduced dystroglycan expression are strong predictors of poor outcome in colon cancer patients
Authors: Coco Claudio , Zannoni Gian Franco , Caredda Emanuele , Sioletic Stefano , Boninsegna Alma , Migaldi Mario , Rizzo Gianluca , Bonetti Luca Reggiani , Genovese Giannicola , Stigliano Egidio , Cittadini Achille , Sgambato Alessandro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundExpression levels of CD133, a cancer stem cell marker, and of the α-subunit of the dystroglycan (α-DG) complex, have been previously reported to be altered in colorectal cancers.MethodsExpression levels of CD133 and α-DG were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a series of colon cancers and their prognostic significance was evaluated.ResultsScattered cells positive for CD133 were rarely detected at the bases of the crypts in normal colonic mucosa while in cancer cells the median percentage of positive cells was 5% (range 0–80). A significant correlation was observed with pT parameter and tumor stage but not with tumor grade and N status. Recurrence and death from disease were significantly more frequent in CD133-high expressing tumors and Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant separation between high vs low expressor groups for both disease-free (p = 0.002) and overall (p = 0.008) survival.Expression of α-DG was reduced in a significant fraction of tumors but low α-DG staining did not correlate with any of the classical clinical-pathological parameters. Recurrence and death from the disease were significantly more frequent in α-DG-low expressing tumors and Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant separation between high vs low expressor tumors for both disease-free (p = 0.02) and overall (p = 0.02) survival. Increased expression of CD133, but not loss of α-DG, confirmed to be an independent prognostic parameters at a multivariate analysis associated with an increased risk of recurrence (RR = 2.4; p = 0.002) and death (RR = 2.3; p = 0.003).ConclusionsLoss of α-DG and increased CD133 expression are frequent events in human colon cancer and evaluation of CD133 expression could help to identify high-risk colon cancer patients.
A constraints-based resource discovery model for multi-provider cloud environments
Authors: Wright Peter , Sun Yih Leong , Harmer Terence , Keenan Anthony , Stewart Alan , Perrott Ronald 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Abstract
Increasingly infrastructure providers are supplying the cloud marketplace with storage and on-demand compute resources to host cloud applications. From an application user’s point of view, it is desirable to identify the most appropriate set of available resources on which to execute an application. Resource choice can be complex and may involve comparing available hardware specifications, operating systems, value-added services (such as network configuration or data replication) and operating costs (such as hosting cost and data throughput). Providers’ cost models often change and new commodity cost models (such as spot pricing) can offer significant savings. In this paper, a software abstraction layer is used to discover the most appropriate infrastructure resources for a given application, by applying a two-phase constraints-based approach to a multi-provider cloud environment. In the first phase, a set of possible infrastructure resources is identified for the application. In the second phase, a suitable heuristic is used to select the most appropriate resources from the initial set. For some applications a cost-based heuristic may be most appropriate; for others a performance-based heuristic may be of greater relevance. A financial services application and a high performance computing application are used to illustrate the execution of the proposed resource discovery mechanism. The experimental results show that the proposed model can dynamically select appropriate resouces for an application’s requirements.
High TWIST1 mRNA expression is associated with poor prognosis in lymph node-negative and estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer and is co-expressed with stromal as well as ECM related genes
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Sieuwerts Anieta M , Look Maxime P , Timmermans Mieke A , Smid Marcel , Foekens John A , Martens John WM 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The TWIST homolog 1 (TWIST1) is a transcription factor that induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key process in metastasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TWIST1 expression predicts disease progression in a large breast cancer cohort with long-term clinical follow-up, and to reveal the biology related to TWIST1 mediated disease progression.

Methods
TWIST1 mRNA expression level was analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 1,427 primary breast cancers. In uni- and multivariate analysis using Cox regression, TWIST1 mRNA expression level was associated with metastasis-free survival (MFS), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Separate analyses in lymph node-negative patients (LNN, n = 778) who did not receive adjuvant systemic therapy, before and after stratification into estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (n = 552) and ER-negative (n = 226) disease, were also performed. The association of TWIST1 mRNA with survival endpoints was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Using gene expression arrays, genes showing a significant Spearman rank correlation with TWIST1 were used to identify overrepresented Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-annotated biological pathways.

Results
Increased mRNA expression level of TWIST1 analyzed as a continuous variable in both uni- and multivariate analysis was associated with shorter MFS in all patients (hazard ratio (HR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval, (95% CI):1.09 to 1.26; and HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.26; respectively), in LNN patients (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.36; and HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.36; respectively) and in the ER-positive subgroup of LNN patients (HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.53; and HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.53; respectively). Similarly, high TWIST1 expression was associated with shorter DFS and OS in all patients and in the LNN/ER-positive subgroup. In contrast, no association of TWIST1 mRNA expression with MFS, DFS or OS was observed in ER-negative patients. Genes highly correlated with TWIST1 were significantly enriched for cell adhesion and ECM-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, TWIST1 mRNA was highly expressed in tumor stroma and positively related to tumor stromal content (P <0.001).

Conclusions
TWIST1 mRNA expression is an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis in LNN/ER-positive breast cancer. The biological associations suggest an involvement of the tumor microenvironment in TWIST1's adverse role in breast cancer.
Treatment with Sunitinib for Patients with Progressive Metastatic Pheochromocytomas and Sympathetic Paragangliomas
Authors: Ayala-Ramirez Montserrat , Chougnet Cecile N. , Habra Mouhammed Amir , Palmer J. Lynn , Leboulleux Sophie , Cabanillas Maria E. , Caramella Caroline , Anderson Pete , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Waguespack Steven G. , Deandreis Desirée , Baudin Eric , Jimenez Camilo 
Published: September 2012

Context:
Patients with progressive metastatic pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) or sympathetic paragangliomas (SPGLs) face a dismal prognosis. Current systemic therapies are limited.

Objectives:
The primary end point was progression-free survival determined by RECIST 1.1 criteria or positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose/computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT), in the absence of measurable soft tissue targets. Secondary endpoints were tumor response according to RECIST criteria version 1.1 or FDG uptake, blood pressure control, and safety.

Design:
We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients with metastatic PHEO/SPGL treated with sunitinib from December 2007 through December 2011. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

Patients and Setting:
Seventeen patients with progressive metastatic PHEO/SPGLs treated at the Institut Gustave-Roussy and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Interventions:
Patients treated with sunitinib.

Results:
According to RECIST 1.1, eight patients experienced clinical benefit; three experienced partial response, and five had stable disease, including four with predominant skeletal metastases that showed a 30% or greater reduction in glucose uptake on [18F]FDG-PET/CT. Of 14 patients who had hypertension, six became normotensive and two discontinued antihypertensives. One patient treated with sunitinib and rapamycin experienced a durable benefit beyond 36 months. The median overall survival from the time sunitinib was initiated was 26.7 months with a progression-free survival of 4.1 months (95% confidence interval = 1.4–11.0). Most patients who experienced a clinical benefit were carriers of SDHB mutations.

Conclusion:
Sunitinib is associated with tumor size reduction, decreased [18F]FDG-PET/CT uptake, disease stabilization, and hypertension improvement in some patients with progressive metastatic PHEO/PGL. Prospective multi-institutional clinical trials are needed to determine the true benefits of sunitinib.
Modeling of Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration under the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule
Authors: Huang Di , Keith Jason M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Particulate Matter (PM) emissions from either on-road or off-road diesel engines are subject to federal and/or state standards. Recently, Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) have been shown to be the most efficient way to reduce the PM emissions. However, DPFs need to be regenerated periodically. In order to predict when to regenerate the DPF under real-time driving conditions, a regeneration model for the DPF is needed. In this study, a transient one-dimensional model is used to track gas and solid temperatures and the particulate deposit thickness, and is studied under the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) which has variable exhaust flow rate, exhaust temperature, and PM concentration. In order to determine the best conditions, the thermal regeneration is initiated at different time points during the UDDS cycle. Moreover, we also calculate the transient temperature profile and the deposit thickness for each case. We found that the regeneration efficiency is the highest when the regeneration is initiated at 180 seconds into the UDDS cycle which corresponds to a period of extended city driving without stopping.
Integrated Dairy Plant Effluent Treatment and Production of Biomass and Lipids using Micro Algae - "Chlorella vulgaris"
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Bharathiraja , Jayaraman Jayamuthunagai 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Algal biomass is a potentially inexpensive source of energy which has high lipid content. As India is the Asia’s largest milk producing country (104.8 million tons in the year 2008), the milk production terminates with an effluent production of 5.24% of the total milk produced i.e., 20 million tons of dairy waste is produced. This effluent can be broken down in many ways, but a more economical way is broken down by the growth of the algal species Chlorella vulgaris which results in the tremendous reduction in various toxic salts concentration and other complex chemicals. As the dairy effluent is hostile to the natural environment, the algae is used not only to break down the toxic substances but also to produce Biomass, which is produced at a rate of 17g/l, which contains a lipid content of 30% ( from 1:1 ratio of effluent and water). Also the treated effluent has low chemical oxygen demand [COD], hence this can be used for irrigation of farms mainly those which are heavily fed with chemical fertilizers. The biosynthesis of organics salts, alkanoates [PHAs] and other phenolic compounds, involves algal species the process is secured by using i) large inoculums ii) tolerant strain (pure strain or GM, if available). This research work uses the pure strain of Chlorella vulgaris which involves the treatment of effluent with three different dilutions and analyzing them.
A modified polyurethane elastomer using polyfunctional HTPB synthesized by in-situ nitroxide mediated polymerization of 1,3-butadiene
Authors: Haghighat Hassan Rezaei , Barikani Mehdi , Morshedian Jalil 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In-situ nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) of 1,3-butadiene was carried out in the presence of tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as a tri-functional nitroxide precursor, which furnished a high degree of hydroxy functionality. The multi-modal molar mass distribution of the product was elucidated by reductive hydrolyzation of the oligomeric product. The new polyfunctional hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (PFHTPB) was characterized and used in preparation of an HTPB-based polyurethane (PU). The effects of this new HTPB on mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties of its corresponding polyurethane elastomer were studied. The mechanical and dynamic-mechanical characterization of the elastomer was evaluated by tensile and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) tests. A significant enhancement in mechanical properties of the elastomeric product with a small increase in the glass transition temperature was achieved using PFHTPB. In addition, there was a significant decrease in loss of the tangent value over the use of PFHTPB, compared to industrial HTPB, due to an efficient increase in crosslink density of the PFHTPB-based PU elastomer. The thermal stability of PFHTPB-based PU was comparable with its corresponding HTPB-based PU elastomer.