bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system models to short-term streamflow forecasting
Authors: Vafakhah Mehdi 
Published: April 2012

The present article aims to forecast streamflow by using artificial neural networks (ANNs), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and autoregressive moving average (ARMA). For this purpose, the daily streamflow time series of two hydrometry stations of Hajighoshan and Tamar on Gorgan River are used for two periods of 1983–2007 and 1974–2007, respectively. Root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) statistics are employed to evaluate the performance of the ANNs, ANFIS, and ARMA models for forecasting streamflow (1 day ahead). Comparison of the results reveals that the ANFIS model outperforms the ARMA model. Based on the results of validation stage, for the forecasting 1 day ahead streamflow, ANN with RMSE = 0.028 m3/s and R = 0.59 for the Hajighoshan station and RMSE = 0.013 m3/s and R = 0.44 for the Tamar station were found to be superior to the ANFIS with RMSE = 1.98 m3/s and R = 0.42 for the Hajighoshan station and RMSE = 2.18 m3/s and R = 0.22 for the Tamar station. In addition, for 2 day and 3 day ahead streamflow forecasts, the ANN models show superiority in the accuracy of forecasting streamflow compared with the ANFIS models.
Standardization and characterization of antigens for the diagnosis of aspergillosis
Authors: Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Arechavala Alicia , Carissimi Mariana , Sorrentino Julia Medeiros , Aquino Valério Rodrigues , Daboit Tatiane Caroline , Kammler Luana , Negroni Ricardo , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia 
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize antigens for the diagnosis of aspergillosis. Nine strains of Aspergillus species Aspergillus fumigatus , Aspergillus flavus , and Aspergillus niger were grown in Sabouraud and Smith broth to produce exoantigens. The antigens were tested by immunodiffusion against sera from patients with aspergillosis and other systemic mycoses. The protein fraction of the antigens was detected by SDS–PAGE; Western blot and representative bands were assessed by mass spectrometry coupled to a nano Acquity UltraPerformance LC and analyzed by the Mascot search engine. Concurrently, all sera were tested with Platelia Aspergillus EIA. The most reactive antigens to sera from patients infected by A. fumigatus were produced by A. fumigatus MG2 Sabouraud and pooled A. fumigatus Sabouraud samples, both with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 100% and 97%, respectively. Aspergillus niger and A. flavus antigens were reactive against A. niger and A. flavus sera, each one with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Two proteins, probably responsible for antigenic activity, β-glucosidase in A. fumigatus and α-amylase in A. niger were attained. The commercial kit had a specificity of 22%, sensitivity of 100%, positive predictive value of 48%, and negative predictive value of 100%. The antigens produced showed high sensitivity and specificity and can be exploited for diagnostics of aspergilloma.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Influence Chemotherapy Transport by Modulating Expression and Trafficking of a Common Polymorphic Variant of the ABCG2 Efflux Transporter
Authors: Basseville Agnes , Tamaki Akina , Ierano Caterina , Trostel Shana , Ward Yvona , Robey Robert W. , Hegde Ramanujan S. , Bates Susan E. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDI) have exhibited some efficacy in clinical trials, but it is clear that their most effective applications have yet to be fully determined. In this study, we show that HDIs influence the expression of a common polymorphic variant of the chemotherapy drug efflux transporter ABCG2, which contributes to normal tissue protection. As one of the most frequent variants in human ABCG2, the polymorphism Q141K impairs expression, localization, and function, thereby reducing drug clearance and increasing chemotherapy toxicity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the ABCG2 Q141K variant was fully processed but retained in the aggresome, a perinuclear structure, where misfolded proteins aggregate. In screening for compounds that could correct its expression, localization, and function, we found that the microtubule-disrupting agent colchicine could induce relocalization of the variant from the aggresome to the cell surface. More strikingly, we found that HDIs could produce a similar effect but also restore protein expression to wild-type levels, yielding a restoration of ABCG2-mediated specific drug efflux activity. Notably, HDIs did not modify aggresome structures but instead rescued newly synthesized protein and prevented aggresome targeting, suggesting that HDIs disturbed trafficking along microtubules by eliciting changes in motor protein expression. Together, these results showed how HDIs are able to restore wild-type functions of the common Q141K polymorphic isoform of ABCG2. More broadly, our findings expand the potential uses of HDIs in the clinic. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3642–51. ©2012 AACR.
Prevention of Mutagenesis: New Potential Mechanisms of Metformin Action in Neoplastic Cells
Authors: Bost Frédéric , Ben-Sahra Issam , Tanti Jean-François 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Several experimental and epidemiologic studies have shown that the antidiabetes drug metformin has antitumor properties. The report by Algire and colleagues in this issue of the journal (beginning on page 536) shows for the first time that metformin reduces mutagenesis induced by reactive oxygen species. This report offers new perspectives on metformin in cancer prevention and provides a new mechanism for the reduction of cancer risk in diabetic patients treated with this drug. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 503–6. ©2012 AACR.
Diagnosing Lynch Syndrome: More Light at the End of the Tunnel
Authors: Burt Randall W. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Since the recognition of Lynch syndrome, which confers a high risk of colorectal, uterine, and other cancers, approaches to its diagnosis have included a family history of associated cancers and web-based algorithms. Identification of causative genes now allows a precise diagnosis, thus focusing present efforts on who should have genetic testing. Testing for cancer tissue changes can determine who should have germline genetic testing. Indeed, such tumor testing is now generally recommended for all newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases. As reported in this issue of the journal by Yurgelun and colleagues (beginning on page 574), large colorectal adenomatous polyps (≥10 mm) from patients with Lynch syndrome exhibit findings similar to those in Lynch syndrome colorectal cancer tissues. This finding indicates that testing larger adenomas in persons at a significant risk for Lynch syndrome can now determine the need for germline genetic testing. Although further study is needed for general application, the present study justifies large polyp testing in high-risk families when cancer tissue is unavailable, albeit negative polyp tissue would not rule out Lynch syndrome, as would negative cancer tissue. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 507–10. ©2012 AACR.
Whole Genome Expression Differences in Human Left and Right Atria Ascertained by RNA Sequencing
Authors: Hsu Jeffrey , Hanna Peter , Van Wagoner David R. , Barnard John , Serre David , Chung Mina K. , Smith Jonathan D. 
Published: April 2012

Background—
The left and right atria have different susceptibilities toward developing arrhythmias, with left atrial arrhythmias more commonly observed. To understand the molecular basis for such differences, we catalogued micro (mi)RNA and mRNA expression differences by next generation sequencing.

Methods and Results—
Four human left-right atrial pairs were subjected to whole-genome expression analyses via next-generation sequencing of small RNAs, including miRNAs, and poly-A–enriched mRNAs. Using a paired sample design, significant differences in the expression of 32 miRNAs were found in between the left and right atria at a probability value of <0.01. Hsa-miR-143 was the most highly expressed miRNA in the atria, as quantified by RNA sequencing. There were 746 and 2292 differentially expressed mRNAs between the left and right atria at false discovery rates of <0.001 and <0.05, respectively. Transcription factor binding elements within 2 kb of RefSeq genes were determined and specific motifs were identified that were enriched in differentially expressed genes. Similarly, specific miRNA target sequences in 3′ UTRs were also enriched in differentially expressed genes. In addition, 11 novel noncoding RNAs of unknown function were found to be differentially expressed between the left and right atria.

Conclusions—
There are significant differences in miRNA and mRNA expression profiles between the left and right atria, which may yield insight into increased the arrhythmogenesis of the left atria.
High-Density Lipoprotein and Mortality Before Age 90 in Male Physicians
Authors: Rahilly-Tierney Catherine , Sesso Howard D. , Michael Gaziano J. , Djoussé Luc 
Published: April 2012

Background—
In cross-sectional and some cohort studies with shorter follow-up, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been associated with longer life. We sought to examine the relationship between HDL-C and death before age 90 in the Physicians' Health Study (PHS).

Methods and Results—
Of PHS enrollees who had blood collected at PHS II baseline (approximately 1997), we selected 1351 men old enough to reach age 90 by March 4, 2009, and with complete data on HDL-C and total cholesterol, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. We used Cox proportional hazards to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and non-CVD mortality before age 90, adjusting for potential confounders.
After a mean (SD) follow-up of 6.8 (3.2) years, 44.1% of men in the lowest baseline HDL-C quartile (<32.8 mg/dL) compared with 32.9% (11.2% absolute risk reduction) in the highest HDL-C quartile (≥54.1 mg/dL) died before age 90. In multivariable adjusted analyses, men in the highest HDL-C quartile had a 28% lower risk (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.94) of death before age 90 compared with men in the lowest HDL-C quartile. In age-adjusted analyses, increasing baseline HDL-C was significantly associated with a lower risk of CVD death. No association was found between HDL-C and non-CVD mortality.

Conclusion—
In male physicians, higher baseline HDL-C levels were associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality before age 90.
Triggers of Hospitalization for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Rogers Mary A.M. , Levine Deborah A. , Blumberg Neil , Flanders Scott A. , Chopra Vineet , Langa Kenneth M. 
Published: April 2012

Background—
The rate of hospitalization for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasing in the United States. Although predictors of hospital-acquired VTE are well-known, triggers of VTE before hospitalization are not as clearly defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate triggers of hospitalization for VTE.

Methods and Results—
A case-crossover study was conducted. Subjects were participants in the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of older Americans. Data were linked to Medicare files for hospital and nursing home stays, emergency department visits, outpatient visits including physician visits, and home health visits from years 1991 to 2007 (n=16 781). The outcome was hospitalization for venous thromboembolism (n=399). Exposures during the 90-day period before hospitalization for VTE were compared with exposures occurring in 4 comparison periods. Infection was the most common trigger of hospitalization for VTE, occurring in 52.4% of the risk periods before hospitalization. The adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs; 95% confidence interval) were 2.90 (2.13, 3.94) for all infection, 2.63 (1.90, 3.63) for infection without a previous hospital or skilled nursing facility stay, and 6.92 (4.46, 10.72) for infection with a previous hospital or skilled nursing facility stay. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and blood transfusion were also associated with VTE hospitalization (IRR=9.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 73.42; IRR=2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.17, 5.64; respectively). Other predictors included major surgeries, fractures (IRR=2.81), immobility (IRR=4.23), and chemotherapy (IRR=5.70). These predictors, combined, accounted for a large proportion (69.7%) of exposures before VTE hospitalization as opposed to 35.3% in the comparison periods.

Conclusions—
Risk prediction algorithms for VTE should be reevaluated to include infection, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and blood transfusion.
Vascular Occlusion Enables Selecting Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients for Treatment With Desmoteplase
Authors: Fiebach Jochen B. , Al-Rawi Yasir , Wintermark Max , Furlan Anthony J. , Rowley Howard A. , Lindstén Annika , Smyej Jamal , Eng Paul , Warach Steven , Pedraza Salvador 
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—
Desmoteplase is a novel and highly fibrin-specific thrombolytic agent. Evidence of safety and efficacy was obtained in 2 phase II trials (Desmoteplase In Acute Ischemic Stroke [DIAS] and Desmoteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke [DEDAS]). The DIAS-2 phase III trial did not replicate the positive phase II efficacy findings. Post hoc analyses were performed with the aim of predicting treatment responders based on CTA and MRA.

Methods—
Patients were grouped according to vessel status (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade) for logistic regression of clinical response, applying the data from DIAS-2 as well as the pooled data from DIAS, DEDAS, and DIAS-2.

Results—

In DIAS-2, a substantial number of mismatch-selected patients (126/179; 70%) presented with a normal flow/low-grade stenosis (TIMI 2–3) at screening, with the majority having a favorable outcome at day 90. In contrast, favorable outcome rates in patients with vessel occlusion/high-grade stenosis (TIMI 0–1) were 18% with placebo versus 36% and 27% with desmoteplase 90 and 125 μg/kg, respectively. The clinical effect based on the pooled data from DIAS, DEDAS, and DIAS-2 was favorable for desmoteplase-treated patients presenting with TIMI 0 to 1 at baseline (OR, 4.144; 95% CI, 1.40–12.23;
P
=0.010). There was no desmoteplase treatment benefit in patients presenting with TIMI 2 to 3 (OR, 1.109).

Conclusions—
In this sample of patients with a mismatch diagnosed, proximal vessel occlusion or severe stenosis was associated with clinically beneficial treatment effects of desmoteplase. Selecting patients using CTA or MRA in clinical trials of thrombolytic therapy is justifiable.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT00638781, NCT00638248, NCT00111852.
Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage Varies by Ventricular Region and Dose of Intraventricular Thrombolytic
Authors: Webb Alastair J.S. , Ullman Natalie L. , Mann Sarah , Muschelli John , Awad Issam A. , Hanley Daniel F. 
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—
The Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of IVH (CLEAR IVH) program is assessing the efficacy of intraventricular recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) for spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). This subanalysis assesses the effect of dose of rtPA by region on clearance of IVH.

Methods—
Sixty-four patients within 12 to 24 hours of spontaneous IVH were randomized to placebo or 0.3 mg, 1 mg, or 3 mg of rtPA twice daily through an extraventricular drain. Twelve subregions of the ventricles were scored from 0 to 4. Effect of dose on IVH clearance to 50% of baseline score was compared by survival analysis for all regions combined and by subregion. Models including ventricular region, dose, and baseline score were compared by Cox proportional hazards.

Results—

IVH score reduced faster across all regions with increasing rtPA dose (clearance to 50%: log-rank
P
<0.0001; placebo—11.43 days, 95% CI, 5.68–17.18; 0.3 mg—3.19 days, 1.00–5.38; 1 mg—3.54 days, 0.45–6.64; 3 mg—2.59 days, 1.72–3.46). In the combined models, dose and baseline score were independently associated with reduction in IVH score, which was quickest in the midline ventricles, then the anterior half of the lateral ventricles and slowest in the posterior half of the lateral ventricles (clearance to 50%:
P
<0.0001; rtPA dose: hazard ratio, 1.47, 1.30–1.67; midline versus anterolateral hazard ratio, 1.71, 1.08–2.71; midline versus posterolateral hazard ratio, 4.05, 2.46–6.65; baseline score hazard ratio, 0.96, 0.91–1.01) with a significant interaction between dose and ventricular region (
P
=0.005).

Conclusions—
rtPA accelerates resolution of IVH. This effect is dose-dependent, is greatest in the midline ventricles, and least in the posterolateral ventricles.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00650858.
God in the Fractals: Recursiveness as a Key to Religious Behavior
Authors: Czachesz István 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMany religious traditions embrace ideas that include boundless elements (i.e., beings that are omnipresent, omniscient, etc.). The origin of ideas with such boundless qualities has not yet been successfully accounted for in the cognitive science of religion. In this study I suggest that the domain-general use of recursion underlies the mental representation of boundless qualities. I also examine the contribution of recursive patterns to other aspects of religiosity: the conceptualization of divine agency and the emergence of magical rituals. I suggest that the human ability to use recursion in a domain-general way is minimally required for the human Faculty of Religion in a Narrow Sense.
Introduction to the Yale Roundtable on Belief
Authors: Lofton Kathryn 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWhat is belief? Is it a usable categorical for analysis in the study of religion? This was the subject of a one-day workshop hosted by the Department of Religious Studies at Yale University on April 15, 2011. The participating scholars were asked to present comments on the meaning of belief for their own research. This text introduces a sampling of these responses prompted in part by a set of advance readings that represented the bibliography of belief in contemporary religious studies.
Ubiquity Scorned: Belief’s Strange Survivals
Authors: Bivins Jason C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper attempts not to continue the methodological interrogation of “belief” as a category central to Religious Studies, but to problematize and analyze the ubiquity of such interrogations. Investigations of “belief,” I argue, are also occasions to explore the discipline’s less obvious investments in intellectual and institutional traditions still shackled to the very category under scrutiny. The stand-alone category “religion” that is so central to political culture and disciplinary formation depends on “belief” to facilitate recognition. Thus, while Religious Studies now habitually discredits “belief” as a ubiquitous analytical category, it also partly depends on “belief’s” presences for its disciplinary self-justification.
Initial Multi‐institutional Experience with Transoral Robotic Surgery
Authors: Vergez Sebastien , Lallemant Benjamin , Ceruse Philippe , Moriniere Sylvain , Aubry Karine , De Mones Erwan , Benlyazid Adil , Mallet Yann 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the initial experience for transoral robotic surgery (TORS), as observed in the French TORS group.Study DesignA multi‐institutional prospective cohort study.SettingSeven tertiary referral centers.Subjects and MethodsOne hundred thirty consecutive patients who were scheduled for a TORS between October 2008 and March 2011 were included. The operative times, conversion rates, morbidity, and alternatives were described. The serious adverse effects encountered were analyzed, and recommendations for avoiding them are specified.ResultsMost of the patients (65%) had a laryngeal (supraglottic) and/or hypopharyngeal resection. Thirty‐nine of the 130 patients receiving TORS would have had a transoral laser resection as their alternative surgery. The tumor exposure was suboptimal in 26% of the cases. Six of the 130 patients needed conversion to an open approach. There were 15 postoperative hemorrhages and 2 deaths due to posthemorrhage complications in patients with significant comorbidities at 9 and 18 days after the surgery. The median setup and procedure times were 52 ± 46 and 90 ± 92 minutes, respectively. The learning curve was characterized by better selection and management of potential patients.ConclusionThe visualization offered by the robotic assistance allowed transoral resections of tumors that were difficult to resect or unresectable by laser surgery. Self‐assessment of surgical exposure and a decrease in the need to convert to an open procedure over time suggested improvement in TORS‐related surgical skills. Nevertheless, strict patient selection is essential. Even with a minimally invasive approach, some patients will need a tracheostomy for safety reasons.
Crossveinless 2 regulates bone morphogenetic protein 9 in human and mouse vascular endothelium
Authors: Yao Yucheng , Jumabay Medet , Ly Albert , Radparvar Melina , Wang Anthony H. , Abdmaulen Raushan , Boström Kristina I. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe importance of morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their antagonists in vascular development is increasingly being recognized. BMP-4 is essential for angiogenesis and is antagonized by matrix Gla protein (MGP) and crossveinless 2 (CV2), both induced by the activin receptor like-kinase 1 (ALK1) when stimulated by BMP-9. In this study, however, we show that CV2 preferentially binds and inhibits BMP-9 thereby providing strong feedback inhibition for BMP-9/ALK1 signaling rather than for BMP-4/ALK2 signaling. CV2 disrupts complex formation involving ALK2, ALK1, BMP-4, and BMP-9 required for the induction of both BMP antagonists. It also limits VEGF expression, proliferation, and tube formation in ALK1-expressing endothelial cells. In vivo, CV2 deficiency translates into a dysregulation of vascular BMP signaling, resulting in an abnormal endothelium with increased endothelial cellularity and expression of lineage markers for mature endothelial cells. Thus, mutual regulation by BMP-9 and CV2 is essential in regulating the development of the vascular endothelium.