bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Evidence That DNA Methyltransferase DRM2 Has a Direct Catalytic Role in RNA-Directed DNA Methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Naumann Ulf , Daxinger Lucia , Kanno Tatsuo , Eun Changho , Long Quan , Lorkovic Zdravko J , Matzke Marjori , Matzke Antonius J M 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is a small RNA-mediated epigenetic modification in plants. We report here the identification of DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (DRM2) in a forward screen for mutants defective in RdDM in Arabidopsis thaliana. The finding of a mutation in the presumptive active site argues in favor of direct catalytic activity for DRM2.
Fault-tolerant embryonic network development for high reliability mechatronic applications
Authors: Szász Cs. , Chindriş V. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
As it is known, the immune system found in higher evolutional level biological organisms is a distributed and multilayered system that is robust and able to identify infectious pathogens, injury, diseases, or other harmful effects. Therefore, their properties and abilities — like self-healing or surviving — would be more advantageous in many mechatronic applications, where often are imposed robustness and also high reliability operation requirements. Founded by these observations, the paper is focused on modeling and simulation artificial embryonic structures, with the purpose to develop VLSI hardware architectures able to imitate cells or organism operation mode, with similar robustness like their biological equivalents from nature. Self-healing algorithms and artificial immune properties implementation is investigated and experimented on the developed models. The presented theoretical and simulation approaches were tested on a FPGA-based embryonic network architecture (embryonic machine), built with the purpose to implement on silicon fault-tolerant and surviving properties of living organisms.
Physico-chemical characterization of geothermal water from wells 1704 Săcuieni and 752 Săcuieni in north-western Romania with ternary diagrams
Authors: Setel A. , Sebesan M. , Gabriela B. , Craciun Cornel A. , Sebesan R. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
In this paper presents ternary diagrams for geothermal waters from two wells in Săcuieni: ternary diagram Na-K-Mg, ternary diagram Cl-SO4-HCO3 and calculation model, which allows location of geothermal fluids in these diagrams. Classification of geothermal water with the two diagrams, involving knowledge of their chemical composition. Thus, it was the chemical composition of geothermal water coming from drillings: 1704 Săcuieni and 752 Săcuieni, situated in Bihor county. Location of geothermal water on the two diagrams we will establish the type of water, depending to the presence in their content of major anions and cations, what is of great importance for use in various purposes of the geothermal fluids.
Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Velopharyngeal Activities with Simultaneous Speech Recordings
Authors: Bae Youkyung , Kuehn David P. , Conway Charles A. , Sutton Bradley P. 
Published: January 2011

Objective To examine the relationships between acoustic and physiologic aspects of the velopharyngeal mechanism during acoustically nasalized segments of speech in normal individuals by combining fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with simultaneous speech recordings and subsequent acoustic analyses. Design Ten normal Caucasian adult individuals participated in the study. M id sagittal dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and simultaneous speech recordings were performed while participants were producing repetitions of two rate-controlled nonsense syllables including /zanaza/ and /zunuzu/. Acoustic features of nasalization represented as the peak amplitude and the bandwidth of the first resonant frequency (F1) were derived from speech at the rate of 30 sets per second. Physiologic information was based on velar and tongue positional changes measured from the dynamic MRI data, which were acquired at a rate of 21.4 images per second and resampled with a corresponding rate of 30 images per second. Each acoustic feature of nasalization was regressed on gender, vowel context, and velar and tongue positional variables. Results Acoustic features of nasalization represented by F1 peak amplitude and bandwidth changes were significantly influenced by the vowel context surrounding the nasal consonant, velar elevated position, and tongue height at the tip. Conclusions Fast MRI combined with acoustic analysis was successfully applied to the investigation of acoustic-physiologic relationships of the velopharyngeal mechanism with the type of speech samples employed in the present study. Future applications are feasible to examine how anatomic and physiologic deviations of the velopharyngeal mechanism would be acoustically manifested in individuals with velopharyngeal incompetence.
Psychosocial Functioning in Children with and without Orofacial Clefts and Their Parents
Authors: Collett Brent R. , Cloonan Yona Keich , Speltz Matthew L. , Anderka Marlene , Werler Martha M. 
Published: January 2011

Objective To determine whether psychosocial functioning in children with orofacial clefts and their parents differs from that in unaffected controls. Design The study used a nonrandomized, case-control design. Participants Outcomes were evaluated in 93 cases with orofacial clefts and 124 controls, aged 5 to 9 years, who were part of the Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention registry. Main Outcome Measures Measures included the Child Behavior Checklist, the PedsQL 4.0, the Social Competence Scale, and the Parenting Stress Inventory. Results Group differences were negligible for all measures, and findings changed little with the application of inverse probability weighting to adjust for response bias. Stratified analyses revealed differences according to both sex and age, with worse outcomes observed in male cases and cases aged 7 to 9 years. Conclusions In contrast to previous studies, we found minimal differences in psychosocial functioning among children with orofacial clefts and their parents compared with unaffected controls. This may reflect ascertainment factors, and psychosocial differences may be less apparent in population-based versus clinic-based samples. Alternatively, social-emotional deficits may become apparent in older school-aged children, making the preschool and early elementary school years an optimal time for preventive interventions.
Facial Profile Evaluation of Isolated Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Ozawa Terumi Okada , Lorenzoni Diego Coelho , De Oliveira Ludmila Galindo Franca , Da Silva Filho Omar Gabriel 
Published: January 2011

Objective To evaluate numerically the facial profile of children with isolated Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) and to compare them with a control group that has no pathologies and exhibits regular and balanced facial growth, with no skeletal alterations. Patients Eighty-three children aged 5 to 10 years (PRS group, n = 60; control group, n = 23) were selected. Setting Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of Sao Paulo (HRAC-USP). Children from the control group were taken from the program of Interceptive Orthodontics at HRAC-USP. Design Angular and ratio analyses of the facial profiles in both groups were realized through digital photographs. The PRS group was subdivided into two groups—complete and incomplete—according to the sagittal extension of the cleft palate, to investigate the possible influence of cleft extension on the face. Results The facial convexity angle and the facial inferior third angle were considerably higher in the PRS groups than in the control group and were not significantly different between PRS groups. Nasolabial angle did not differ between groups. Conclusion The facial profile was more convex in individuals with PRS than in those with regular facial growth and with no pathology. The mandible was responsible for the convexity of the profile in PRS because of its lack off anterior projection. An important relationship between the extension of the cleft palate and alterations in facial profile in PRS was not observed.
Taking Charge of Communication: Adults' Descriptions of Growing up with a Cleft-Related Speech Impairment
Authors: Havstam Christina , Laakso Katja , Lohmander Anette , Ringsberg Karin C. 
Published: January 2011

Objective To obtain descriptions of the experience of growing up with a cleft-related speech impairment and how it was dealt with. Design Semistructured interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative approach inspired by grounded theory methodology. Setting Interviews took place at participants' homes or workplaces or at the university. Participants Thirteen young adults (25 to 34 years of age) born with cleft palate with or without cleft lip. Results The analysis resulted in the core category Taking charge of communication, which comprised three main categories: Forming an idea of one's speech, Learning about one's communication, and Taking responsibility for communication. The first main category was made up of three subcategories and the other two had two. The categories emerged as parallel processes in the understanding and active handling of communicative interaction. Conclusions The participants described the processes that had enabled them to take charge of their communication. Seeing things from the listener's perspective and being open about the cleft and the speech disorder emerged as important parts of taking active responsibility for communication, as well as accepting their present speech and communication. Communicative participation should be assessed more thoroughly to understand the individual needs of people born with a cleft who have a speech impairment into adolescence.
Is Cleft Severity Related to Maxillary Growth in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate?
Authors: Chiu Yu-Ting , Liao Yu-Fang 
Published: January 2011

Objective To study the relationship of cleft severity and maxillary growth in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Design A systematic literature review. Methods A literature survey from the PubMed database from January 1966 to December 2008 used the Medical Subject Headings terms facial growth, unilateral cleft lip palate, cephalometry, and cleft severity or cleft width. The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal from 1964 to November 2008 was hand searched. Studies published as full-length articles reporting quantitative data on the relationship of cleft severity and written in English were selected. Two reviewers selected and extracted the data independently and also assessed the quality of the studies. Results Four studies met the selection criteria and were included in the review. All were retrospective and longitudinal. Quality analysis revealed medium to low level of the included studies. Heterogeneity of the studies prevented major conclusions about the relationship of a severe cleft and unfavorable maxillary forward growth. Conclusions The review has highlighted the importance of further research. Further well-designed controlled studies and long-term studies are needed, and researchers have to consider combined assessment of cleft size and palate size. Further studies should also focus on the cleft severity at birth and at the time of palate repair.
Dental Arch Relationships on Three-Dimensional Digital Study Models and Conventional Plaster Study Models for Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Asquith J.A. , McIntyre G.T. 
Published: January 2011

Objective To determine if three-dimensional (3D) digital study models could replace plaster study models for the evaluation of dental arch relationships for patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Design Observational study involving plaster study models from a records archive Setting U.K. National Health Service. Patients, Participants Thirty sets of study models of 5-year-old patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were identified and scanned to produce 3D digital study models by ESM Digital Solutions Ltd. (Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland) using an R250 Orthodontic Study Model Scanner (3Shape A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark). Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The plaster and 3D digital study models were scored using the 5-year-olds' and modified Huddart Bodenham indices and analyzed using the Friedman test (p < .05) and two-way ANOVA, respectively. Intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility were calculated from the 5-year-olds' index data using the weighted kappa statistic for both the plaster and 3D digital models. Results Intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility were good (0.62 to 0.83 and 0.64 to 0.78, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the scores for the 3D digital study models when compared to the plaster study models for either the 5-year-olds' index ( p = .12) or for the modified Huddart Bodenham index (p = .506). Conclusions Three-dimensional digital models are a valid alternative to traditional plaster study models for the evaluation of dental arch relationships in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.
DNA Mismatch Repair Gene Polymorphisms Affect Survival in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dong Xiaoqun , Li Yanan , Hess Kenneth R. , Abbruzzese James L. , Li Donghui 
Published: January 2011

Abstract

Purpose.
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) maintains genomic stability and mediates cellular response to DNA damage. We aim to demonstrate whether MMR genetic variants affect overall survival (OS) in pancreatic cancer.

Materials and Methods.
Using the Sequenom method in genomic DNA, we retrospectively genotyped 102 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 13 MMR genes from 706 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma seen at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Association between genotype and OS was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results.
At a false discovery rate of 1% (p ≤ .0015), 15 SNPs of EXO1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS2, PMS2L3, TP73, and TREX1 in patients with localized disease (n = 333) and 6 SNPs of MSH3, MSH6, and TP73 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease (n = 373) were significantly associated with OS. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models, SNPs of EXO1, MSH2, MSH3, PMS2L3, and TP73 in patients with localized disease, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, and TP73 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease, and EXO1, MGMT, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS2L3, and TP73 in all patients remained significant predictors for OS (p ≤ .0015) after adjusting for all clinical predictors and all SNPs with p ≤ .0015 in single-locus analysis. Sixteen haplotypes of EXO1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, PMS2, PMS2L3, RECQL, TP73, and TREX1 significantly correlated with OS in all patients (p ≤ .001).

Conclusion.
MMR gene variants may have potential value as prognostic markers for OS in pancreatic cancer patients.
Quality of Life Implications of Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Miksad Rebecca Anne , Lai Kuan-Chi , Dodson Thomas Benton , Woo Sook-Bin , Treister Nathaniel Simon , Akinyemi Omosalewa , Bihrle Marian , Maytal Guy , August Meredith , Gazelle G. Scott , Swan J. Shannon 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPurpose.Potentially debilitating, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an emerging complication of bisphosphonates. However, its effect on quality of life (QoL) is unknown. We determined the ONJ-related QoL decline in a cancer patient cohort.Patients and Methods.Thirty-four cancer patients with bisphosphonate-associated ONJ completed a telephone survey (October 2007 through May 2008). The Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP) retrospectively assessed participant oral health–related QoL before and after ONJ. Standardized ONJ descriptions were developed in a multidisciplinary, iterative process and were evaluated with three frequently used preference-based QoL measurement methods on a 0 (death) to 1 (perfect health) scale: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Time Trade-Off (TTO), and EQ-5D.Results.ONJ significantly (p &lt; .001) increased OHIP scores (worse QoL) for additive (3.56–16.53) and weighted (7.0–17.5) methods. Seven individual OHIP items significantly increased (Bonferroni correction p &lt; .0035): pain, eating discomfort, self-consciousness, unsatisfactory diet, interrupted meals, irritability, and decreased life satisfaction. Mean preference-based QoL values significantly decreased (p &lt; .001) with worsening ONJ stage (VAS, TTO, and EQ-5D): no ONJ (0.76, 0.86, 0.82), ONJ stage 1 (0.69, 0.82, 0.78), ONJ stage 2 (0.51, 0.67, 0.55), and ONJ stage 3 (0.37, 0.61, 0.32). As ONJ worsened, EQ-5D domain scores significantly increased (p &lt; .001). Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression contributed most to declining QoL.Conclusions.ONJ significantly affects QoL, a detriment that increases with worsening ONJ. QoL impairments for ONJ stages 2 and 3 are similar to other treatment side effects that influence decision-making. Bisphosphonate-associated ONJ QoL is an important consideration for patients, clinicians, and policy makers.
Effect of Exercise Training on Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients with Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jones Lee W. , Liang Yuanyuan , Pituskin Edith N. , Battaglini Claudio L. , Scott Jessica M. , Hornsby Whitney E. , Haykowsky Mark 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground.We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of supervised exercise training on peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) in adults with cancer.Methods.A literature review using Ovid MEDLINE (1950–2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1991–2010), AMED (1985–2010), Embase (1988–2010), PubMed (1966–2010), Scopus (1950–2010), and Web of Science (1950–2010) was performed to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of supervised exercise training on measurement of VO2peak (via gas exchange analysis) in adults with cancer. Studies were selected using predetermined criteria, and two independent reviewers extracted data. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated using random effect models.Results.Six studies evaluated VO2peak involving a total of 571 adult cancer patients (exercise, n = 344; usual care control, n = 227). Pooled data indicated that exercise training was associated with a statistically significant increase in VO2peak (WMD, 2.90 ml·kg−1·min−1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–4.64); however, significant heterogeneity was evident in this estimate (I2, 87%). Usual care (control) was associated with a significant decline in VO2peak from baseline to postintervention (WMD, −1.02 ml·kg−1·min−1; 95% CI, −1.46 to −0.58; I2, 22%). Sensitivity analyses indicated superior improvements in VO2peak for studies conducted for a shorter duration (&lt;4 months) and following the completion of adjuvant therapy (p-values &lt; .001). Exercise training was not associated with a higher incidence of adverse events, although safety was not rigorously monitored or reported.Conclusions.Supervised exercise training is associated with significant improvements in VO2peak following a diagnosis of early-stage cancer, with minimal adverse events.
Epstein-Barr Virus–Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Elderly: What We Know So Far
Authors: Castillo Jorge J. , Beltran Brady E. , Miranda Roberto N. , Paydas Semra , Winer Eric S. , Butera James N. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus–positive (EBV-positive) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the elderly is a newly described lymphoproliferative disorder recently included as a “provisional” entity in the most current WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. The objective of this review is to provide a thorough and current summary of the existing knowledge of this subtype of DLBCL. We will review and discuss the incidence of EBV expression in DLBCL, the pathogenesis behind EBV-driven malignant transformation of B cells, the different EBV latency patterns associated with DLBCL, the distinct pathologic characteristics of EBV-positive DLBCL, the potential predictive and prognostic value of EBV tumoral status in patients with DLBCL, and potential strategies for the treatment of this rare entity, which is characterized by a suboptimal response to therapy and poor survival rate.
Increasing Incidence of Brain Metastasis in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Antiangiogenic Targeted Therapy
Authors: Shao Yu-Yun , Lu Li-Chun , Cheng Ann-Lii , Hsu Chih-Hung 
Published: January 2011

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify clinicopathologic parameters associated with development of brain metastasis to help stratify advanced HCC patients for appropriate care.Describe the potential benefits of aggressive surgical intervention in selected advanced HCC patients with brain metastases.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Aim.
Brain metastasis was regarded, until recently, as a rare and late-stage event in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the prolongation of survival in patients with advanced HCC by molecular targeted agents, this may have changed. We aimed to examine whether or not the incidence of brain metastasis in these patients has increased.

Methods.
Between June 2005 and May 2009, 158 advanced HCC patients in total with either metastatic or locally advanced disease untreatable by locoregional therapies were enrolled in clinical trials of first-line antiangiogenic therapies. The clinicopathologic features and survival times of those who developed brain metastasis were analyzed.

Results.
Eleven (7%) of 158 advanced HCC patients, with a median follow-up of 26.6 months, were diagnosed with brain metastasis as a result of compatible symptoms, confirmed by brain imaging. All 11 patients had extrahepatic metastasis upon enrollment, and 10 of them had lung metastasis. The median time to brain metastasis was 9.6 months (range, 0.6–19.6 months). The median overall survival (OS) time after diagnosis of brain metastasis was 4.6 months (range, 0.7–12.6 months). Four patients received brain tumor excision, and their survival duration after brain metastasis tended to be longer than that of those who did not (median OS time, 6.1 months versus 3.1 months).

Conclusions.
In the era of antiangiogenic targeted therapy, the importance of brain metastasis for advanced HCC patients may have increased.