bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical Validation of Protein-Based Multiplex Assays: A Workshop Report by the NCI-FDA Interagency Oncology Task Force on Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Rodriguez Henry , Težak Živana , Mesri Mehdi , Carr Steven A , Liebler Daniel C , Fisher Susan J , Tempst Paul , Hiltke Tara , Kessler Larry G , Kinsinger Christopher R , Philip Reena , Ransohoff David F , Skates Steven J , Regnier Fred E , Anderson N Leigh , Mansfield Elizabeth ,   on behalf of the Workshop Participants
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Clinical proteomics has the potential to enable the early detection of cancer through the development of multiplex assays that can inform clinical decisions. However, there has been some uncertainty among translational researchers and developers as to the specific analytical measurement criteria needed to validate protein-based multiplex assays. To begin to address the causes of this uncertainty, a day-long workshop titled “Interagency Oncology Task Force Molecular Diagnostics Workshop” was held in which members of the proteomics and regulatory communities discussed many of the analytical evaluation issues that the field should address in development of protein-based multiplex assays for clinical use. This meeting report explores the issues raised at the workshop and details the recommendations that came out of the day’s discussions, such as a workshop summary discussing the analytical evaluation issues that specific proteomic technologies should address when seeking US Food and Drug Administration approval.
Effect of inflammation induced by prolonged exercise on circulating erythroid progenitors and markers of erythropoiesis
Authors: Spiropoulos Antonia , Goussetis Evgenios , Margeli Alexandra , Premetis Evangelos , Skenderi Katerina , Graphakos Stelios , Baltopoulos Panayiotis , Tsironi Maria , Papassotiriou Ioannis 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Exercise in humans augments the mobilization of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+) from the bone marrow. We investigated the effect of inflammation on erythroid marrow activity by mobilization of erythroid progenitor cells (EPs) along with soluble markers of erythropoiesis.

Methods: Ten healthy athletes who participated in an ultradistance foot race participated in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, before (phase I), at the end (phase II), and at 48 h post-race (phase III). EPs were detected as burst colony forming units (BFU-e) and colonies were scored at day 14. Markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid-A, interleukin-6, ferritin and S100B) and bone marrow activity (erythropoietin, soluble transferrin receptor and lipocalin-2) were assessed.

Results: An approximately three-fold decrease in BFU-e number was observed at phase II. sTfR concentrations were also decreased at phase II and remained decreased at phase III. However, EPO and lipocalin-2 concentrations reached a maximum value at phase II, with a tendency to decrease at phase III.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that exercise-induced inflammation modulates bone marrow homeostasis leading to an increase in leukocyte turnover and a decrease in erythroid compartment. It appears that lipocalin-2 is the main factor that regulates the production and mobilization of EPs.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:199–203.
A novel sensitive immunoassay by nucleic acid barcode dot and its application in the detection of prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Kong Xiao-Li , Qi Hui , Zhou Han-Xin , Ren Li-Li , Deng Chong-Yan , Li Fu-Rong 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: The sensitivity and selectivity of traditional methods limits ultramicro detection of proteins. Bio-barcode amplification detection methods based on nanotechnology enables ultramicro detection of protein. However, bio-barcode amplification detection depends on the oligonucleotides being fixed on a glass chip. It also requires specialized equipment, which limits its application. We introduce a nano-nucleic acid barcode dot detection technology to determine ultramicro concentrations of protein. The method is simple, quick and accurate.

Methods: Magnetic probe (IgG-M) and dual-labeled gold nanoparticle bio-probe (IgG-Au-DNA) were prepared. Protein was captured using a sandwich assay technique and magnetic separation was used. The DNA barcode was released with dithiothreitol (DTT) and detected directly without the requirement for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from 135 patients was detected with this method and compared with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Results: Each IgG-Au-DNA could be covered with 138±47 oligonucleotides and 11±3 antibodies. The IgG-M could bind 118 μg of antibody per mg. The sensitivity of nano-nucleic acid barcode dot detection technology might allow detection of 1 fg/mL. There were no significant differences in serum PSA from 135 patients when comparing the three methods (compared with ELISA, r=0.950; and with RIA, r=0.967).

Conclusions: The nucleic acid barcode dot method does not require special equipment or complex procedures, but its detection limit is 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than ELISA.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:279–83.
Artificial intelligence for diagnostic purposes: principles, procedures and limitations
Authors: Cleophas Ton J. , Cleophas Toine F. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Back propagation (BP) artificial neural networks are a distribution-free method for data analysis based on layers of artificial neurons that transduce imputed information. It has been recognized as having a number of advantages compared to traditional methods including the possibility to process imperfect data, and complex non-linear data. The objective of this study was to review the principles, procedures, and limitations of BP artificial neural networks for a non-mathematical readership.

Methods: A real data sample of weight, height and measured body surface area from 90 individuals was used as an example. SPSS 17.0 with neural network add-on was used for the analysis. The predicted body surface from a two hidden layer BP neural network was compared to the body surface calculated by the Haycock equation.

Results: Both the predicted values from the neural network and from the Haycock equation were close to the measured values. A linear regression analysis with neural network as predictor produced an r2-value of 0.983, while the Haycock equation produced an r2-value of 0.995 (r2>0.95 is a criterion for accurate diagnostic testing).

Conclusions: BP neural networks may, sometimes, predict clinical diagnoses with accuracies similar to those of other methods. However, traditional statistical procedures, such as regression analyses need to be added for testing their accuracies against alternative methods. Nonetheless, BP neural networks have great potential through their ability to learn by example instead of learning by theory.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:159–65.
Some Features of Prosodic Elements and Vowel Phonemes of the Northern Aukštaitian Dialect of Panevėžys of Lithuania
Authors: Kačiuškienė Genovaitė 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article attempts to give some features of prosodic elements and vowel phonemes of the Northern Aukštaitian (East-Aukštaitian) dialect of Panevėžys of Lithuania. It is based on widely published material of the Northern Aukštaitian dialect of Panevėžys studies. The purpose of this article is to show, on the one hand, that phonetic phenomena exist in this dialect, and, on the other hand, how these phenomena can be interpreted from a phonological point of view.
Les langues minoritaires en Méditerranée occidentale : entre régression, affirmation et mondialisation
Authors: Manzano Francis 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The western Mediterranean constitutes a traditional zone of meeting of several types of languages and of dialectal profusion. The system can be easily interpreted by means of a diglossic organization between dominated poles (minority languages) and dominant poles (vehicular languages, States languages), clearly recognizable. In an historic phase where the centralist economic pressures are very strong (globalization), it is interesting to question the whole system of these languages and linguistic landscapes, notably the romance landscapes. We can then begin to understand that are appearing particular modalities of management of these different sorts of languages corresponding to three models (France, Spain and Italy). Each of these models gives us an outline of what could become the western Mediterranean in a near future.
Decreased serum TSH levels are not associated with mortality in the adult northeast German population
Authors: Ittermann Till , Haring Robin , Sauer Sybille , Wallaschofski Henri , Dörr Marcus , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry 
Published: December 2009

ObjectiveResults of cohort studies on the association between decreased serum TSH levels and mortality are conflicting. Some studies demonstrated an increased mortality risk in subjects with decreased serum TSH levels, others did not. Even meta-analyses revealed contradictory results. We undertook the present study to investigate the association between decreased serum TSH levels and mortality in the large population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).Design and methodsData from 3651 individuals from SHIP without known thyroid disorders or thyroid treatment were analyzed. Serum TSH, free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine levels were determined by immunochemiluminescent procedures. Decreased TSH was defined as serum TSH levels below 0.25 mIU/l. Cox regression was used to associate decreased TSH levels with mortality.ResultsThe median duration of follow-up was 8.5 years (30 126 person years). During follow-up, 299 individuals (6.9%) died corresponding to a death rate of 9.92 deaths per 1000 person years. Survival time was shorter in subjects with decreased serum TSH levels compared to euthyroid individuals. After adjustment for age and sex, however, there was no association between decreased serum TSH levels and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.67; 1.36). Likewise, decreased serum TSH levels were neither associated with cardiovascular nor with cancer mortality.ConclusionsThere is no independent association of decreased serum TSH levels with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in the adult northeast German population. Although our study has some strengths, we cannot finally conclude on therapeutical implications in individuals with subclinical thyroid diseases.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Upriver Migration by Sockeye Salmon Populations in the Wood River System, Bristol Bay, Alaska
Authors: Doctor K. K. , Hilborn R. , Rowse M. , Quinn T. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractKnowledge of temporal segregation in migration timing among populations is critical for management of fisheries that exploit a complex of populations with an overlap in timing. We examined the potential for fishery selection on populations of sockeye salmonOncorhynchus nerkain the Wood River system, Bristol Bay, Alaska, by determining the relationship between migration timing (hence, vulnerability to fishing) and the population of origin and breeding date. We assessed migration patterns among populations with a multiyear mark–recapture study testing the hypotheses that the timing of upriver migration varies systematically with respect to spawning habitat, lake of origin, and spawning population. The results revealed organization in migration timing through the Wood River among populations spawning in the streams, beaches, and rivers of the system. The primary source of variation in migration timing among populations was spawning habitat and, to a lesser extent, the lake of origin. Stream‐spawning populations migrated before river‐spawning populations, consistent with the earlier spawning in streams than in rivers. However, beach‐spawning populations were among the earliest to migrate, yet they spawned as late as river spawners. A likelihood model revealed that spawn timing was not tightly coupled with migration timing by populations through the Wood River, and there was broad overlap in migration timing among spawning populations. Results also revealed a link between migration timing and arrival on spawning grounds within a population that was intensively sampled, indicating that early upriver migrants also tended to enter the spawning grounds before later‐migrating individuals. Fisheries that are selective with respect to timing can have strong effects on the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of the populations under such pressure, and the phenomenon of temporally biased fisheries merits further investigation.
An Evaluation of the Influence of Seasonal Base Flow and Geomorphic Stream Characteristics on Coastal Plain Stream Fish Assemblages
Authors: McCargo Jeremy W. , Peterson James T. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWater regulation and use have been identified as important limiting factors influencing stream‐dwelling fishes. To develop effective water management strategies, fisheries biologists need tools for assessing the effect of reduced streamflows on fish communities. We studied fish assemblages in the lower Flint River basin, Georgia, during two drought years with very low streamflow (2001–2002) and two postdrought years (2003–2004) with average to above‐average streamflow. Fishes were sampled and stream discharge was measured during the spring, summer, and winter of each year. Analysis of fish assemblage metrics indicated that fish species richness and total fish density were strongly and positively related to seasonal 10‐d low discharge. However, the effect of discharge varied with stream size and geomorphic channel characteristics, which suggested that a single low‐flow standard was unlikely to have the same effect across all streams in the basin. The effect of seasonal base flows also was greater in the spring and summer than in winter. Hierarchical occupancy models indicated that the fish species most sensitive to low base flows were those that were large bodied as adults, were intolerant to anthropogenic alterations, and occupied deep and fast current velocity habitats. When conducting environmental flow assessments at regional scales, managers should consider the effects of local stream reach characteristics on the response of fishes to streamflow alteration.
CLERC and centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins
Authors: Muto Yoshinori , Okano Yukio 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe centrosome functions as the microtubule-organizing center and plays a vital role in organizing spindle poles during mitosis. Recently, we identified a centrosomal protein called CLERC (Centrosomal leucine-rich repeat and coiled-coil containing protein) which is a human ortholog of Chlamydomonas Vfl1 protein. The bibliography as well as database searches provided evidence that the human proteome contains at least seven centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins including CLERC. CLERC and four other centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins contain the SDS22-like leucine-rich repeat motifs, whereas the remaining two proteins contain the RI-like and the cysteine-containing leucine-rich repeat motifs. Individual leucine-rich repeat motifs are highly conserved and present in evolutionarily diverse organisms. Here, we provide an overview of CLERC and other centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins, their structures, their evolutionary relationships, and their functional properties.
Zooplankton communities of two lake outlets in relation to abiotic factors
Authors: Czerniawski Robert , Domagała Józef 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
We examined the quantitative and qualitative zooplankton community structure in two small rivers flowing out from lakes differing in trophic conditions. Within each river, three sites were chosen for the collection of drifted zooplankton: one at the outflow, and two at distances of 0.2 km and 1 km from the outflow. The most significant difference in zooplankton community between the outflow and the lower course of the river occurred in the first section directly after the outflow. These differences in the zooplankton community were driven largely by crustaceans, which declined faster in the river flowing out from the mesotrophic lake. Physical parameters mainly impacted the zooplankton community found in the river flowing from the mesotrophic lake; however, chemical parameters also had an impact in the river discharging from the strongly eutrophic lake.
The effects of intravitreally injected bevacizumab on the retina and retina pigment epithelium: experimental in-vivo electron microscopic study in intact versus vitrectomized eyes
Authors: Kocak Nilufer , Ozogul Candan , Kaynak Suleyman , Sonmez Ulker , Zengin Mehmet , Karti Omer , Ozturk Taylan , Ergin Mehmet 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
To analyze the retinal toxicity of bevacizumab at various doses both in vitrectomized and non-vitrectomized rabbit models. Twenty- eight rabbits were included in the study. Twenty- four rabbits were assigned to six groups, with 4 of the rabbits in the control group. The animals in Groups 1, 2 and 3 received bevacizumab at a dose of 0.3 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.5 mg /eye, respectively. The rabbits in Groups 4, 5 and 6 received intravitreal bevacizumab of 0.3 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.5mg/eye, respectively, after gas compression vitrectomy. Two weeks after the procedure, the rabbits were euthanized. Retina tissue samples were then obtained and examined with both light and electron microscopes. In Groups 1, 2 and 3 after bevacizumab injection, toxic degeneration in the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium cells was observed via electron microscopic examination. The findings in Groups 4 and 5 were normal as compared to the control group. In Group 6, toxicity in the bipolar neurons and photoreceptor cells was noticed. Increased toxicity and retinal penetration were noticed in all administered doses of bevacizumab in the presence of vitreous. In addition, ocular toxicity occurred through the injection of the highest dose of bevacizumab after vitrectomy. It is possible that the bevacizumab dose and the, vitreous are as important as the drug half-life in the vitreous.
Insight into precursor kinetics using an infrared gas analyser
Authors: Kłos K. , Piotrowski A. , Gawron W. , Piotrowski J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPrecursor kinetics and its influence on MOCVD growth was investigated using an infrared absorption gas analyser. After several refinements, the analyser was able to be used to measure time dependent concentrations of precursors in the growth zone. Changes were induced by periodic switching of corresponding bubbler valves. It was proved that precursor transport could be accurately described by the combined plug flow and perfectly mixed tank model. The studies of the precursor trans-port are strategically important for the growth of multilayer structures, when growth time of particular layers becomes comparable to delays and time constants. One example is quantum wells or interdiffused multilayer process (IMP) used in the growth of Hg1-xCdxTe heterostructures, where knowledge of precursor transport characteristics is vital for understanding and properly designing that growth. The model parameters, sc. the delays and time constants for DIPTe and DMCd, were evaluated for various growth conditions and then successfully used to optimise the growth of complex Hg1−xCdxTe heterostructures.
On Adjectival Connotations
Authors: Kjellmer Göran 
Published: December 2009

On Adjectival Connotations
Connotations are elusive semantic elements. Although they are often specific to individual speakers, many of them are sufficiently general to serve as general communicative elements. The paper suggests a device by means of which adjectival connotations, whether of the individual or the general type, can be pinpointed. The device is simply the sequence "ADJ1 but not ADJ2", where ADJ2 is seen to enrich the connotational semantics of ADJ1. Thus for example the use of a phrase like desirable but not essential may indicate that desirable normally contains an element of essential, though perhaps not in the situation where it is used. It is pointed out that ADJ2 often represents an intensification of the semantic content of ADJ1.
"The Dread of Something After Death" - The Relationship Between Shakespeare's Hamlet and Some Medieval Dream Visions and Ghost Stories
Authors: Wicher Andrzej 
Published: December 2009

"The Dread of Something After Death" - The Relationship Between Shakespeare's Hamlet and Some Medieval Dream Visions and Ghost Stories
The present article tries to answer the question whether it is possible to think of William Shakespeare's Hamlet as a dream vision in which the Ghost plays the role analogous to the Dreamer's supernatural guide, which is the situation we meet with in medieval dream visions, such as Chaucer's The book of the Duchess, or The Pearl. It seems that such an interpretation is possible, even though it should be approached cautiously because medieval ghosts and dead souls, and other supernatural phenomena, not only in dream visions, usually function as a means to solve, or at least alleviate, a crisis, whereas in Hamlet the Ghost comes rather to exacerbate it, and make it more tragical. To prove this point, the author makes comparisons not only between Hamlet and dream visions, but also some medieval ghost stories, and the thirteenth century romance Havelok the Dane, which is based on a narrative pattern not very different from that of Hamlet. Another problem examined in this article is that of the extent to which we can talk of the motif of reduplication and monstrous double as a leitmotif in Hamlet, and also in some of its analogues. Some comments and ideas by Frank Kermode and Harold Bloom are made use of in this context.
Subjective Effects of Cannabis Before the First Psychotic Episode
Authors: Peters Bart D. , de Koning Pelle , Dingemans Peter , Becker Hiske , Linszen Don H. , de Haan Lieuwe 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to gain more insight into the positive and negative effects of cannabis in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia and in the ultra-high-risk (UHR) state for psychosis. Method: A theory-driven questionnaire was used to examine subjective effects in the prodromal phase in male subjects with a recent onset of schizophrenia or related disorder (n = 52) and in the UHR state in help-seeking male subjects screened for being at UHR for psychosis (n = 17); both groups were compared to cannabis-using controls from the general population (n=52). Results: Recent-onset patients and UHR subjects reported feeling more anxious, depressed and suspicious immediately after cannabis use. Some patients also reported feeling less depressed after cannabis use. Recent-onset patients reported increased visual and acoustic hallucinations, and confusion after cannabis use. Of the recent-onset patients 37% reported that their very first psychotic symptoms occurred during cannabis intoxication. Long-term effects of cannabis reported more often by both patient groups were depression, less control over thoughts and social problems. Conclusions: These results suggest that schizophrenia patients in the prodromal phase and subjects at UHR for psychosis are more sensitive to some negative effects of cannabis, in particular psychotic effects, compared to cannabis users from the general population. Although limited by the retrospective design in the recent-onset patients, the present study adds qualitative evidence to longitudinal studies that suggest that cannabis is a component cause in the onset of the first psychotic episode. Further studies are needed on the objective and subjective effects of cannabis in UHR subjects.