bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polo-Like Kinase 1 Inhibition Kills Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Tumor Cells in Part Through Loss of SOX2 and Delays Tumor Progression in Mice
Authors: Lee Cathy , Fotovati Abbas , Triscott Joanna , Chen James , Venugopal Chitra , Singhal Ash , Dunham Christopher , Kerr John M. , Verreault Maite , Yip Stephen , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Jones Chris , Jayanthan Aarthi , Narendran Aru , Singh Sheila K. , Dunn Sandra E. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) ranks among the deadliest types of cancer and given these new therapies are urgently needed. To identify molecular targets, we queried a microarray profiling 467 human GBMs and discovered that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) was highly expressed in these tumors and that it clustered with the proliferative subtype. Patients with PLK1-high tumors were more likely to die from their disease suggesting that current therapies are inactive against such tumors. This prompted us to examine its expression in brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) given their association with treatment failure. BTICs isolated from patients expressed 110-470 times more PLK1 than normal human astrocytes. Moreover, BTICs rely on PLK1 for survival because the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 inhibited their growth in tumorsphere cultures. PLK1 inhibition suppressed growth, caused G2/M arrest, induced apoptosis, and reduced the expression of SOX2, a marker of neural stem cells, in SF188 cells. Consistent with SOX2 inhibition, the loss of PLK1 activity caused the cells to differentiate based on elevated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and changes in cellular morphology. We then knocked glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) down SOX2 with siRNA and showed that it too inhibited cell growth and induced cell death. Likewise, in U251 cells, PLK1 inhibition suppressed cell growth, downregulated SOX2, and induced cell death. Furthermore, BI2536 delayed tumor growth of U251 cells in an orthotopic brain tumor model, demonstrating that the drug is active against GBM. In conclusion, PLK1 level is elevated in GBM and its inhibition restricts the growth of brain cancer cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Scenario‐based testing using symbolic animation of B models
Authors: Dadeau Frédéric , Castillos Kalou Cabrera , Tissot Régis 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThis article presents a model‐based test generation technique, from user‐defined scenarios, for behavioral models expressed as B machines. Scenarios are expressed using a customized formalism, based on regular expressions, that makes it possible to describe sequences of operation calls possibly reaching specific states of the system. A symbolic animation engine, simulating the execution of a model using constraint logic programming, is then exploited to play the unfolded scenarios on the model and to instantiate the test cases, providing the expected results used to establish the conformance verdict. This approach is tool supported by a research prototype and has been successfully applied in an industrial context of a smart card applet. This tool is extended by a scenario generator, which automatically generates testing strategies for exercising user‐defined properties, written using specific patterns. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining Early Postoperative Parathyroid Hormone and Serum Calcium Levels Allows for an Efficacious Selective Post‐thyroidectomy Supplementation Treatment
Authors: Raffaelli Marco , De Crea Carmela , Carrozza Cinzia , D’Amato Gerardo , Zuppi Cecilia , Bellantone Rocco , Lombardi Celestino P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundOptimal treatment protocol to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy is still matter of debate. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of a selective supplementation protocol based on both early postoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum calcium levels.MethodsTwo hundred thirty consecutive patients were divided in three different groups of treatment according to iPTH levels 4 h after total thyroidectomy (4 h‐iPTH) and serum calcium levels in the first postoperative day (1PO‐Ca): group A (4 h‐iPTH > 10 pg/ml, 1PO‐Ca ≥ 8.5 mg/dl), no treatment; group B (4 h‐iPTH > 10 pg/ml, 1PO‐Ca < 8.5 mg/dl), oral calcium (OC) 3 g per day; and group C (4 h‐iPTH ≤ 10 pg/ml), OC 3 g + calcitriol (VD) 1 μg per day. Development of biochemical and/or symptomatic hypocalcemia was evaluated.ResultsFifty‐nine patients (25.6%) had subnormal 4 h‐iPTH levels (≤10 pg/ml) (group C). Among patients with normal 4 h‐iPTH levels, 25 (10.9%) had subnormal 1PO‐Ca (<8.5 mg/dl) (group B). The remaining 146 patients (63.5%) had normal 4 h‐iPTH and 1PO‐Ca levels (group A). One patient in group A, 2 in group B, and 18 in group C developed biochemical hypocalcemia. Only one patient in group C experienced major symptoms. Treatment was discontinued within 1 month in all the patients in group B. At a mean follow‐up of 303 days, five patients in group C were still under supplementation treatment.ConclusionThe proposed supplementation protocol seems efficacious in preventing symptomatic hypocalcemia. It could allow a safe and early discharge of most patients, thus avoiding the constraints and the costs of routine supplementation.
A questionnaire on the educational system for pancreatoduodenectomy performed in 1,134 patients in 71 institutions as members of the Japanese Society of Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Kawahara Ryuichi , Akasu Gen , Ishikawa Hiroto , Yasunaga Masafumi , Kinoshita Hisafumi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground/purposeMastering the technique of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a major theme in hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic surgery, and education for PD has not been established even in each institution. With the progression of disease, the difficulty of PD increases due to cases requiring resection of multiple organs and borderline resectable cases, and complications affecting survival also often occur. To help to improve the education of young surgeons, we clarified the institutions' principles and the status of operations performed by young surgeons.MethodsWe sent questionnaires to institutions as members of the Japanese Society of Pancreatic Surgery about the institutions' educational principles in 2010 and surgeons who performed PD and patients treated by PD between January and December 2007. The PD operators were classified into two groups: postgraduate year ≥10 or ≥11, and each institution's principles, and pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative factors were evaluated.ResultsPD was performed by surgeons at postgraduate year ≥10 in 29 (40.6%) institutions. Education programs were using 29 (41.4%) institutions. High‐volume centers, where the surgeons performing PD tend to be at postgraduate year ≥10, can provide more training. Preoperative risks were not included in the criteria for selecting cases for operations by young surgeons, and young surgeons tended to perform PD in patients with less advanced stages. The incidence of pancreatic fistula classified as International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery Grade B or C was significantly higher (P = 0.010) in the operator group at postgraduate year ≥10 (24.6%, 32 patients) than that at postgraduate year ≥11 (17.6%, 177 patients). Cumulative survival rate of pancreatic cancer or extrahepatic bile duct cancer did not significantly differ between the two operator groups.ConclusionThe present questionnaire showed increased opportunities of performing operations by young surgeons. Although the incidence of Grade B/C fistula is higher for postgraduate year ≥10, postoperative outcome is acceptable. It is acceptable for the pancreaticoduodenectomy performed by young surgeons, when young surgeons receive high‐level education under the guidance of supervisory doctor. Prognosis did not differ between two operator groups at postgraduate year ≥10 and ≥11 in this study. Based on these findings, operations by surgeons at postgraduate year ≥10 present can be recommended.
Successful delivery following intracytoplasmic sperm injection with calcium ionophore A23187 oocyte activation in a partially globozoospermic patient
Authors: Kamiyama Hiroshi , Shimizu Taketoshi , Oki Tomomi , Asada Terumi , Araki Yasuyuki , Araki Yasuhisa 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPurposeTo describe a successful pregnancy outcome following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with assisted oocyte activation (AOA) in a case of partial globozoospermia.MethodsAOA was accomplished with calcium ionophore A23187. Sperm morphology was observed via light, fluorescent and electron microscopy following a Diff‐Quik stain and fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled peanut agglutinin (FITC‐PNA) staining. An activation ability test was employed using a mouse oocyte exposed to strontium chloride.ResultsVia light microscopy, it was found that a large number of sperm possessed deficient acrosomes and a sharply rounded head; however, we observed both normal and the aforementioned abnormal sperm via FITC‐PNA staining of a semen specimen. Mouse oocyte activation was 87.5 % via natural activation without AOA. With AOA after ICSI, 100 % oocyte activation was observed. Five oocytes were retrieved, and AOA with A23187 after ICSI resulted in a high fertilization rate (4 of 5, 80 %). Two embryos developed and the patient subsequently delivered a healthy female infant without any congenital abnormalities.ConclusionsWe report a successful pregnancy outcome using an early stage embryo, which developed following ICSI using sperm from a partially globozoospermic patient who possessed temporary potential oocyte activation.
WATERMELON INTERCROPPED WITH CEREALS UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS: AN ON-FARM STUDY
Authors: MUNISSE P. , JENSEN B. D. , QUILAMBO O. A. , ANDERSEN S. B. , CHRISTIANSEN J. L. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYIntercropping is a common practice in Africa, but the advantage compared to sole cropping depends on the crop plants and local agro-ecological conditions. The potential of intercropping maize (Zea mays) or sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) with watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) was tested in two on-farm trials in southern Mozambique under semi-arid conditions in an area with low and unpredictable rainfall. In the first experiment, plant density, yield and monetary value of sole and intercropping plots of maize with watermelon were determined in 17 farmers' fields in an area where all crops developed to maturity and harvest. There was a significant reduction in yield of both maize (28.8%) and watermelon (57.8%) in the intercrop compared with the sole crop yields. However, the mean land equivalent ratio of 1.13 for yield showed that intercropping had advantages as, on average, an area planted with sole crops would require 13% more land than an intercrop production to generate the same outcome. In the second experiment, carried out in another area with 16 farmers' fields, drought was more pronounced and only watermelon developed to maturity. Intercroppings with maize and sorghum resulted in 70% and 69% yield reduction, respectively. In conclusion, watermelon is a good companion crop for intercropping with cereals to mitigate the risk of total crop failure due to drought.
The influence of herbage mass and supplementary feeding on nutrient flows and animal performance in grazing, lactating ewes
Authors: DOVE H. , MILNE J. A. , LAMB C. S. , SIBBALD A. M. , McCORMACK H. A. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThe present paper examines the effect of the type of supplement given to grazing ewes in early lactation on the performance of ewes and lambs on temperate sown pastures. Lactating ewes grazed perennial ryegrass pastures at either low- or high-herbage masses, between days 8 and 96 of lactation. On the low-herbage mass treatments, ewes were either unsupplemented or received either an energy supplement (sugarbeet pulp) or a protein supplement (1:1 sugarbeet pulp:formaldehyde-treated soyabean meal) between days 8 and 50 of lactation. The provision of supplements or the higher herbage mass led to increases in live weight (LW) and body condition score of ewes during days 8–50 of lactation, while unsupplemented ewes on the low-herbage mass treatment lost LW and had lower body condition scores. After supplementation finished, previously supplemented ewes or those grazing the higher herbage mass lost LW and condition, while unsupplemented ewes grazing the low-herbage mass gained both LW and condition. Non-treatment factors such as ewe dentition score significantly affected ewe and lamb LW gains. Regression analyses indicated that lamb LW gains between days 8 and 50 of lactation were 40–60 g/d greater in lambs from supplemented ewes or ewes grazing the higher herbage mass cf. unsupplemented ewes. Overall, there was no difference in the response of ewes or lambs to the type of supplement. Milk yields were estimated in a subset of ewes (replicate 4). Ewes on the high-herbage mass treatment or those supplemented with protein had higher milk yields than those on the low-herbage mass treatment or those given the energy supplement. Supplemented ewes in this replicate had higher metabolizable energy intakes (MEIs). Measurements of digesta flow in a further subset of ewes indicated that both supplements resulted in greater ruminal and post-ruminal supplies of energy and protein than in the unsupplemented ewes at the lower herbage mass, but differences in ruminal and post-ruminal nutrient provision between the supplements were less than had been intended. It is suggested that this is the reason for there being no statistical difference in the performance of ewes and lambs in response to the type of supplement.
Potential dietary influence on the stable isotopes and fatty acid compositions of jellyfishes in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Ying Cui , Ying Wu , Jing Zhang , Na Wang 
Published: March 2012

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes and fatty acid compositions of Aurelia aurita, Stomolophus meleagris and Cyanea nozakii collected from the Yellow Sea in August 2009, were analysed. δ13C and δ15N values of the jellyfishes were in the range of −22.0‰ to −17.4‰ and 4.8‰ to 10.6‰, respectively, which indicated that jellyfishes in this study area were mainly dependent on marine-based carbon. The trophic levels of jellyfishes were estimated as between zooplanktons and high level carnivorous fishes. Low C18:1n-7/n-9 ratios and high C20:1 (n-11 and n-9) and C22:1 (n-11 and n-9) concentrations suggested jellyfishes in the Yellow Sea were carnivorous and zooplanktons were an important diet for them. Fatty acid compositions of jellyfishes were characterized by high C20:4n-6 concentration (>10%), with ratios of C20:5n-3/C22:6n-3 >1. Specific fatty acids (C20:1 + C22:1 and C20:4n-6) indicated that both pelagic-derived material and benthic detritus-derived food were diet of jellyfishes. Variations of certain biomarkers (C15:0 + C17:0, C20:1 + C22:1 (n-11 and n-9) and C20:4n-6) in jellyfishes of different body sizes suggested that ontogenetic diet shifts may take place during the growth of jellyfishes. Larger individuals with higher C20:1 + C22:1 (n-11 and n-9) concentration, tended to consume more zooplanktons; while the detritus-derived material made a more significant contribution to the small individuals, as suggested by higher C15:0 + C17:0 and C20:4n-6 concentrations. According to our study, besides the diet, species seemed to influence variations in stable isotopes and fatty acid compositions in jellyfishes.
Disease Management Programmes for Major Depression: Making the Financial Case
Authors: Buckle J. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTDepression is a significant burden for the United Kingdom economy and despite conclusive evidence on the clinical efficacy of treatments and acknowledgements of the impact on quality of life, a high proportion still goes undiagnosed and untreated. The purpose of this paper is to present the economic case for a more structured approach to depression management, using techniques from the disciplines of health economics and actuarial science to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and return on investment. The results are presented first as an economic cost-effectiveness analysis, comparing the benefits of additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) with the costs, and secondly as a financial projection model of costs and savings, familiar to actuaries.The results of the model show that from a societal perspective, disease management programmes for depression are likely to both reduce costs and increase quality of life for patients in the overall adult population. This is also true from the perspective of an employer who has the cost burden of direct medical costs and sickness absence. For a healthcare payer who is not bearing the cost of sickness absence, such as a primary care trust (PCT) or private insurer, disease management programmes are likely to improve quality of life, but increase direct healthcare costs. However, the additional cost per QALY is well below the commonly used threshold in the U.K. of £30,000; therefore, most health economists would deem disease management programmes for severe and moderate depression to be a good use of public healthcare funds. The actuarial calculations, which show an internal rate of return for 45% to 50%, validate this conclusion.
NIXON'S GRIN AND OTHER KEYS TO THE FUTURE OF CULTURAL AND INTELLECTUAL HISTORY
Authors: RUBIN JOAN SHELLEY 
Published: March 2012

In January 1969, just before his inauguration as president, Richard M. Nixon attended a concert in his honor at Constitution Hall. The program consisted entirely of works by American composers, including Howard Hanson, then the director of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Hanson's choral work “Song of Democracy,” a setting of two excerpts from poems by Walt Whitman, was the last number of the evening. Here isNew York Timesmusic critic Harold Schonberg's commentary on the event, which featured the National Symphony Orchestra and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:“Song of Democracy” is not a very original or strong piece, but it makes a big brave sound in its concluding measures, and the well-trained Mormon Tabernacle Choir had a lusty time with it . . . Mr. Nixon listened intently, but grinned his way between numbers. At the end of the Hanson work, he was determined to be the first to applaud. He brought his fist down in a great downbeat, anticipating the conductor's by a good half measure.Afterwards, Schonberg reported, Nixon left the presidential box to congratulate Hanson personally.
Masked Priming Effects in Aphasia: Evidence of Altered Automatic Spreading Activation
Authors: Silkes JoAnn P. , Rogers Margaret A. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose
Previous research has suggested that impairments of automatic spreading activation may underlie some aphasic language deficits. The current study further investigated the status of automatic spreading activation in individuals with aphasia as compared with typical adults.

Method
Participants were 21 individuals with aphasia (12 fluent, 9 nonfluent) and 31 typical adults. Reaction time data were collected on a lexical decision task with masked repetition primes, assessed at 11 different interstimulus intervals (ISIs). Masked primes were used to assess automatic spreading activation without the confound of conscious processing. The various ISIs were used to assess the time to onset and duration of priming effects.

Results
The control group showed maximal priming in the 200-ms ISI condition, with significant priming at a range of ISIs surrounding that peak. Participants with both fluent and nonfluent aphasia showed maximal priming effects in the 250-ms ISI condition and primed across a smaller range of ISIs than did the control group.

Conclusions
Results suggest that individuals with aphasia have slowed automatic spreading activation and impaired maintenance of activation over time, regardless of fluency classification. These findings have implications for understanding aphasic language impairment and for development of aphasia treatments designed to directly address automatic language processes.
Word Learning by Preschoolers With SLI: Effect of Phonotactic Probability and Object Familiarity
Authors: Gray Shelley , Brinkley Shara , Svetina Dubravka 
Published: March 2012

Purpose
In this study, the authors investigated whether previous findings of a low phonotactic probability/unfamiliar object word-learning advantage in preschoolers could be replicated, whether this advantage would be apparent at different “stages” of word learning, and whether findings would differ for preschoolers with specific language impairment (SLI) and typical development (TD).

Method
Participants included 114 children: 40 with SLI, 39 with TD matched for age and gender, and 35 with TD matched for expressive vocabulary and gender. Comprehension and production were assessed during word learning and at post-test for words that varied in phonotactic probability and object familiarity.

Results
Across groups, comprehension performance increased significantly from Day 1 to Day 2 and from Day 2 to Day 3, but there was no significant word/object type effect. Production performance increased significantly from Day 1 to Day 2, from Day 2 to Day 3, and from Day 3 to Day 4 for all groups, and there was a clear low phonotactic probability/unfamiliar object advantage during word learning but not at post-test.

Conclusion
Results help to establish that preschoolers with TD and SLI show a low phonotactic probability/unfamiliar object production advantage during word learning that is not restricted to the first few exposures to words, but continues over time. This study illustrates how the interaction of phonological characteristics in nascent and extant words can affect word learning.
The Effect of Technology and Testing Environment on Speech Perception Using Telehealth With Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Goehring Jenny L. , Hughes Michelle L. , Baudhuin Jacquelyn L. , Valente Daniel L. , McCreery Ryan W. , Diaz Gina R. , Sanford Todd , Harpster Roger 
Published: March 2012

Purpose
In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of remote system and acoustic environment on speech perception via telehealth with cochlear implant recipients.

Method
Speech perception was measured in quiet and in noise. Systems evaluated were Polycom visual concert (PVC) and a hybrid presentation system (HPS). Each system was evaluated in a sound-treated booth and in a quiet office.

Results
For speech in quiet, there was a significant effect of environment, with better performance in the sound-treated booth than in the office; there was no effect of system (PVC or HPS). Speech in noise revealed a significant interaction between environment and system. Subjects' performance was poorer for PVC in the office, whereas performance in the sound-treated booth was not significantly different for the two systems. Results from the current study were compared to results for the same group of subjects from an earlier study; these results suggested that poorer performance at remote sites in the previous study was primarily due to environment, not system.

Conclusions
Speech perception was best when evaluated in a sound-treated booth. HPS was superior for speech in noise in a reverberant environment. Future research should focus on modifications to non-sound-treated environments for telehealth service delivery in rural areas.
Pepper insects and their control.
Authors: Ghidiu G. M. , Kuhar T. P. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This chapter describes the biological development, life cycle, feeding behaviour and control (mainly chemical, cultural and integrated control methods) of the following arthropod pests of pepper (Capsicum spp.): lepidopterous (Lepidoptera) pests, aphids (Aphidoidea), pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii), broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus), Cyclamen mite (Steneotarsonemus pallidus [Phytonemus pallidus]), two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), pepper maggot (Zonosemata electa), thrips (Thripidae), vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae), and true bugs (Hemiptera). Recent advances in research on pesticide chemistry that may lead to the development of safer, effective alternatives to multiple applications of broad-spectrum insecticides are discussed.