bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting hedgehog in hematologic malignancy
Authors: Irvine David A. , Copland Mhairi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Hedgehog pathway is a critical mediator of embryonic patterning and organ development, including hematopoiesis. It influences stem cell fate, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in responsive tissues. In adult organisms, hedgehog pathway activity is required for aspects of tissue maintenance and regeneration; however, there is increasing awareness that abnormal hedgehog signaling is associated with malignancy. Hedgehog signaling is critical for early hematopoietic development, but there is controversy over its role in normal hematopoiesis in adult organisms where it may be dispensable. Conversely, hedgehog signaling appears to be an important survival and proliferation signal for a spectrum of hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, hedgehog signaling may be critical for the maintenance and expansion of leukemic stem cells and therefore provides a possible mechanism to selectively target these primitive cell subpopulations, which are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Indeed, phase 1 clinical trials of hedgehog pathway inhibitors are currently underway to test this hypothesis in myeloid leukemias. This review covers: (1) the hedgehog pathway and its role in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, (2) the recent development of clinical grade small molecule inhibitors of the pathway, and (3) the potential utility of hedgehog pathway inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in hemato-oncology.
Effects of paliperidone extended release on the symptoms and functioning of schizophrenia
Authors: Huang Min-Wei , Yang Tsung-Tsair , Ten Po-Ren , Su Po-Wen , Wu Bo-Jian , Chan Chin-Hong , Lan Tsuo-Hung , Liu I-Chao , Chiu Wei-Cheh , Li Chun-Ying , Cheng Kuo-Sheng , Yeh Yu-Chi 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
We aimed to explore relations between symptomatic remission and functionality evaluation in schizophrenia patients treated with paliperidone extended-release (ER), as seen in a normal day-to-day practice, using flexible dosing regimens of paliperidone ER. We explored symptomatic remission rate in patients treated with flexibly dosed paliperidone ER by 8 items of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and change of Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale.

Method
This was a 12-week multicenter, open-label, prospective clinical study conducted in in-patient and out-patient populations. Flexible dosing in the range 3-12 mg/day was used throughout the study. All subjects attended clinic visits on weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 as usual clinical practice for the 12-week observation period. Data were summarized with respect to demographic and baseline characteristics, efficacy measurement with PANSS scale, PSP, and social functioning score, and safety observations. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify the retention rate at each visit as well as the symptomatic remission rate. Summary statistics of average doses the subjects received were based on all subjects participating in the study.

Results
A total of 480 patients were enrolled. Among them, 426 patients (88.8%) had evaluation at week 4 and 350 (72.9%) completed the 12-week evaluation. Patients with at least moderate severity of schizophrenia were evaluated as "mild" or better on PANSS scale by all 8 items after 12 weeks of treatment with paliperidone ER. There was significant improvement in patients' functionality as measured by PSP improvement and score changes. Concerning the other efficacy parameters, PANSS total scale, PSP total scale, and social functioning total scale at the end of study all indicated statistically significant improvement by comparison with baseline. The safety profile also demonstrated that paliperidone ER was well-tolerated without clinically significant changes after treatment administration.

Conclusions
Although the short-term nature of this study may limit the potential for assessing improvements in function, it is noteworthy that in the present short-term study significant improvements in patient personal and social functioning with paliperidone ER treatment were observed, as assessed by PSP scale.

Trial Registration
Clinical Trials. PAL-TWN-MA3
Synthesis and characteristics of NH2-functionalized polymer films to align and immobilize DNA molecules
Authors: Kim Hyung Jin , Bae In-Seob , Cho Sang-Jin , Boo Jin-Hyo , Lee Byung-Cheo , Heo Jinhee , Chung Ilsub , Hong Byungyou 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We developed a method to use NH2-functionalized polymer films to align and immobilize DNA molecules on a Si substrate. The plasma-polymerized cyclohexane film was deposited on the Si substrate according to the radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method using a single molecular precursor, and it was then treated by the dielectric barrier discharge method in a nitrogen environment under atmospheric pressure. Changes in the chemistry of the surface functional groups were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The wettability of the surfaces was examined using dynamic contact angle measurements, and the surface morphology was evaluated using atomic force microscopy.
We utilized a tilting method to align λ-DNA molecules that were immobilized by the electrostatic interaction between the amine groups in NH2-functionalized polymer films and the phosphate groups in the DNA. The DNA was treated with positively charged gold nanoparticles to make a conductive nanowire that uses the DNA as a template. We observed that the NH2-functionalized polymer film was useful for aligning and immobilizing the DNA, and thus the DNA-templated nanowires.
Visible emission from Ce-doped ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal method without a post thermal annealing process
Authors: Jung Yong-Il , Noh Bum-Young , Lee Young-Seok , Baek Seong-Ho , Kim Jae Hyun , Park Il-Kyu 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Visible light-emitting Ce-doped ZnO nanorods [NRs] without a post thermal annealing process were grown by hydrothermal method on a Si (100) substrate at a low temperature of 90°C. The structural investigations of Ce-doped ZnO NRs showed that the Ce3+ ions were successfully incorporated into the ZnO lattice sites without forming unwanted Ce-related compounds or precipitates. The optical investigation by photoluminescence spectra shows that the doped Ce3+ ions in the ZnO NRs act as an efficient luminescence center at 540 nm which corresponds to the optical transition of 5d → 4f orbitals in the Ce3+ ions. The photoluminescence intensity of the Ce-doped ZnO NRs increased with the increasing content of the Ce-doping agent because the energy transfer of the excited electrons in ZnO to the Ce3+ ions would be enhanced by increased Ce3+ ions.
Preparation of TiO2 nanotube/nanoparticle composite particles and their applications in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Lee Chang Hyo , Rhee Seung Woo , Choi Hyung Wook 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells [DSSCs] was enhanced by combining the use of TiO2 nanotubes [TNTs] and nanoparticles. TNTs were fabricated by a sol-gel method, and TiO2 powders were produced through an alkali hydrothermal transformation. DSSCs were constructed using TNTs and TiO2 nanoparticles at various weight percentages. TNTs and TiO2 nanoparticles were coated onto FTO glass by the screen printing method. The DSSCs were fabricated using ruthenium(II) (N-719) and electrolyte (I3/I3
-) dyes. The crystalline structure and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction and using a scanning electron microscope. The absorption spectra were measured using an UV-Vis spectrometer. The incident photocurrent conversion efficiency was measured using a solar simulator (100 mW/cm2). The DSSCs based on TNT/TiO2 nanoparticle hybrids showed better photovoltaic performance than cells made purely of TiO2 nanoparticles.
Stability of SiNX/SiNX double stack antireflection coating for single crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Gong Daeyeong , Balaji Nagarajan , Lee Youn-Jung , Yi Junsin 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Double stack antireflection coatings have significant advantages over single-layer antireflection coatings due to their broad-range coverage of the solar spectrum. A solar cell with 60-nm/20-nm SiNX:H double stack coatings has 17.8% efficiency, while that with a 80-nm SiNX:H single coating has 17.2% efficiency. The improvement of the efficiency is due to the effect of better passivation and better antireflection of the double stack antireflection coating. It is important that SiNX:H films have strong resistance against stress factors since they are used as antireflective coating for solar cells. However, the tolerance of SiNX:H films to external stresses has never been studied. In this paper, the stability of SiNX:H films prepared by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system is studied. The stability tests are conducted using various forms of stress, such as prolonged thermal cycle, humidity, and UV exposure. The heat and damp test was conducted for 100 h, maintaining humidity at 85% and applying thermal cycles of rapidly changing temperatures from -20°C to 85°C over 5 h. UV exposure was conducted for 50 h using a 180-W UV lamp. This confirmed that the double stack antireflection coating is stable against external stress.
Indoor formaldehyde removal over CMK-3
Authors: An Hyung Bum , Yu Mi Jin , Kim Ji Man , Jin Mingshi , Jeon Jong-Ki , Park Sung Hoon , Kim Seung-Soo , Park Young-Kwon 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The removal of formaldehyde at low concentrations is important in indoor air pollution research. In this study, mesoporous carbon with a large specific surface area was used for the adsorption of low-concentration indoor formaldehyde. A mesoporous carbon material, CMK-3, was synthesized using the nano-replication method. SBA-15 was used as a mesoporous template. The surface of CMK-3 was activated using a 2N H2SO4 solution and NH3 gas to prepare CMK-3-H2SO4 and CMK-3-NH3, respectively. The activated samples were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The formaldehyde adsorption performance of the mesoporous carbons was in the order of CMK-3-NH3 > CMK-3-H2SO4 > CMK-3. The difference in the adsorption performance was explained by oxygen and nitrogen functional groups formed during the activation process and by the specific surface area and pore structure of mesoporous carbon.
Neurogenesis in the central olfactory pathway of adult decapod crustaceans: development of the neurogenic niche in the brains of procambarid crayfish
Authors: Sintoni Silvia , Benton Jeanne L , Beltz Barbara S , Hansson Bill S , Harzsch Steffen 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
In the decapod crustacean brain, neurogenesis persists throughout the animal's life. After embryogenesis, the central olfactory pathway integrates newborn olfactory local and projection interneurons that replace old neurons or expand the existing population. In crayfish, these neurons are the descendants of precursor cells residing in a neurogenic niche. In this paper, the development of the niche was documented by monitoring proliferating cells with S-phase-specific markers combined with immunohistochemical, dye-injection and pulse-chase experiments.

Results
Between the end of embryogenesis and throughout the first post-embryonic stage (POI), a defined transverse band of mitotically active cells (which we will term 'the deutocerebral proliferative system' (DPS) appears. Just prior to hatching and in parallel with the formation of the DPS, the anlagen of the niche appears, closely associated with the vasculature. When the hatchling molts to the second post-embryonic stage (POII), the DPS differentiates into the lateral (LPZ) and medial (MPZ) proliferative zones. The LPZ and MPZ are characterized by a high number of mitotically active cells from the beginning of post-embryonic life; in contrast, the developing niche contains only very few dividing cells, a characteristic that persists in the adult organism.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that the LPZ and MPZ are largely responsible for the production of new neurons in the early post-embryonic stages, and that the neurogenic niche in the beginning plays a subordinate role. However, as the neuroblasts in the proliferation zones disappear during early post-embryonic life, the neuronal precursors in the niche gradually become the dominant and only mechanism for the generation of new neurons in the adult brain.
Modeling of leishmaniasis infection dynamics: novel application to the design of effective therapies
Authors: Länger Bettina M , Pou-Barreto Cristina , González-Alcón Carlos , Valladares Basilio , Wimmer Bettina , Torres Néstor V 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe WHO considers leishmaniasis as one of the six most important tropical diseases worldwide. It is caused by parasites of the genusLeishmaniathat are passed on to humans and animals by the phlebotomine sandfly. Despite all of the research, there is still a lack of understanding on the metabolism of the parasite and the progression of the disease. In this study, a mathematical model of disease progression was developed based on experimental data of clinical symptoms, immunological responses, and parasite load forLeishmania amazonensisinBALB/cmice.ResultsFour biologically significant variables were chosen to develop a differential equation model based on the GMA power-law formalism. Parameters were determined to minimize error in the model dynamics and time series experimental data. Subsequently, the model robustness was tested and the model predictions were verified by comparing them with experimental observations made in different experimental conditions. The model obtained helps to quantify relationships between the selected variables, leads to a better understanding of disease progression, and aids in the identification of crucial points for introducing therapeutic methods.ConclusionsOur model can be used to identify the biological factors that must be changed to minimize parasite load in the host body, and contributes to the design of effective therapies.
REVIEWS
Authors: Herring Eric , Ismael, Professor Tareq , Bowring Bill , Herring Eric , Alhussain Eman , Tidy Joanna 
Published: January 2012

CULTURAL CLEANSING IN IRAQ: WHY MUSEUMS WERE LOOTED, LIBRARIES BURNED AND ACADEMICS MURDERED, RAYMOND W. BAKER, SHEREEN T. ISMAEL AND TAREQ Y. ISMAEL (EDS) (2010) London: Pluto Press, 298 + xii pp., ISBN-10: 9780745328126, p/bk, £18.99
IZDIHÂR AL-'IRAQ TAHT AL-HUKM AL-MALAKÎ
(1921-1958): DIRÂSAH TÂRÎKHIYYAH, SIYÂSIYYAH, IJTIMÂ'IYYAH MOQÂRANAH, MA'MÛN AMÎN ZAKI (2011) London: Dar AlHikma Publishing and Distribution, 504 pp., ISBN 1-904923-78-X, £15 (pbk)
THE LAW AND PRACTICE OF INTERNATIONAL TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION:
VERSAILLES TO IRAQ AND BEYOND, CARSTEN STAHN, (2010) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 828 + Lxix pp., £42.75, ISBN-10 0521173957 and ISBN-13 978-0521173957 (pbk). Hardback edition, 2008
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY AND POSTWAR RECONSTRUCTION: COMPARING JAPAN AND IRAQ, JEFF BRIDOUX,
(2011) London: Routledge, Xii and 240 pp., £71.25, ISBN 13: 978-0-415-56397-0 (hbk), ISBN 13: 978-0-203-84341-3 (ebk)
THE POLITICAL ROAD TO WAR WITH IRAQ: BUSH, 9/11 AND THE DRIVE TO OVERTHROW SADDAM, NICK RITCHIE AND PAUL ROGERS, (2007) London: Routledge, 240 pp., £71.25, ISBN:
0415459508 (hbk)
RE-IMAGINING THE WAR ON TERROR: SEEING, WAITING, TRAVELLING, ANDREW HILL, (2009) London: Palgrave, US$80.00/UK£47.50, ISBN-10: 0230200087, ISBN-13: 978-0230200081 (hbk)
Adhesion of Thermally Sprayed Metallic Coating
Authors: Varavallo Rogério , Manfrinato Marcos Dorigão , Rossino Luciana Sgarbi , Maluf Omar , Camargo Flavio 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
An adhesion testing device was built, based on the ASTM C 633-79 standard, to study the deposition of metallic coatings produced by the HVOF (high velocity oxygen fuel) thermal spray process with the materials 1342 VM, 1350 VM, and 8812, and by the arc spray (AS) process with the materials STELLIT 6 PM SD 38 EF, 97 MXC, and 140 MXC. This type of test is widely used as a tool to determine the influence of the conditions of the thermal spray technique, substrate surface and abrasive blasting on the strength, and adhesion of the sprayed layer on the substrate. The sprayed coatings were characterized based on their hardness, metallographic characteristics, and roughness measurements. They also underwent adhesion tests, and the fracture surfaces of each material were analyzed, revealing mixed results, i.e., different types of fractures involving cohesive fracture, adhesive failure, and adhesive fracture, according to the type of coating produced.
Mechanical and Microstrutural Characterization of Weldments of Ferritic Stainless Steel AISI 444 Using Austenitic Stainless Steels Filler Metals
Authors: Antunes Pedro Duarte , Corrêa Edmilson Otoni , Barbedo Nancy Delducca , Souza Paola de Oliveira , Gonçalves José Luiz , Diacenco Adriana Amaro 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the filler metal on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ferritic stainless steel AISI 444 welded using two types of filler metal of austenitic stainless steel. Microstructure examinations showed that in both welded joints grain growth occurred in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The results also showed that the fusion zone of the weld joints using E309L filler metal presented a discontinuous network of delta ferrite unlike the fusion zone of the weld joint using E316L. Tensile tests showed that the failures of specimens always occurred in the HAZ and that the weldments using E316L filler metal presented tensile strength lower than that of the weldment using E309L filler metal. In the fusion zone of the weldments using E316L filler metal, values for hardness were found to be higher than those found in the fusion zone of the E309L filler metal.
Effectiveness of Systemic Amoxicillin/Metronidazole as Adjunctive Therapy to Scaling and Root Planing in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sgolastra Fabrizio , Gatto Roberto , Petrucci Ambra , Monaco Annalisa 
Published: January 2012

Background: The combination of Amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX/MET) as an adjunctive treatment to scaling root planing (SRP) has been proposed for the treatment of chronic periodontitis; however, its effectiveness and clinical safety remain to be defined. The purpose of the present meta‐analysis is to assess the effectiveness of SRP + AMX/MET compared to SRP alone.Methods: An electronic search of eight databases from their earliest records through October 8, 2011 and a hand search of international dental journals for the last 15 years were conducted. Gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), reduction in probing depth (PD), secondary outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed. A random‐effect model was used to pool the extracted data. The weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for continuous outcomes; heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane χ2 and I2 tests. The level of significance was set at P <0.05.Results: After the selection process, four randomized clinical trials were included. Results of the meta‐analysis showed significant CAL gain (WMD = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.4; P <0.05) and PD reduction (WMD = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.63; P <0.05) in favor of SRP + AMX/MET. No significant differences were found for bleeding on probing (WMD = 10.77; 95% CI = −3.43 to 24.97; P >0.05) or suppuration (WMD = 1.77; 95% CI = −1.7 to 5.24; P >0.05).Conclusion: The findings of this meta‐analysis seem to support the effectiveness of SRP + AMX/MET; however, future studies are needed to confirm these results.
Optimized Anchor-Handling Operations in Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Authors: Tjøm Kyrre J. , Steinhovden Knut Ove , Ekrem Steinar , Saasen Arild 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Pre-laying of anchors is an efficient method for anchor handling in regions with narrow weather windows like in the North Sea area. Still, time is needed to connect the pre-laid anchors to the rigs. Normally, in advance of rig arrival the anchor chain on the sea bed is grappled for connection of the chain to a buoy. This grappling operation will normally disturb the sea bed surface and can harm potential coral colonies. Furthermore, when a surface buoy is connected it is normally required to use a guard boat to hinder collision between buoys and other marine traffic.
In order to improve the time efficiency of the anchor handling, to prevent the buoy from being run over by general marine traffic and to minimise any environmental impacts a new type of buoy is introduced. This buoy is remotely operated and will until activated stay close to the sea bed on conventional applications, or close to an artificial sea bed on ultra deep water applications. On activation the buoy will uncoil a soft line slowly until the buoy reaches the sea surface for pick up. By the use of this buoy there is no need for grappling.
Farming at the Forest Frontier: Land Use and Landscape Change in Western Madagascar, 1896-2005
Authors: Scales Ivan R. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Over the last twenty years Madagascar has become a poster child for global biodiversity conservation. The environmental discourse is dominated by the issue of deforestation and the blame for forest loss is usually placed on poor rural households, who are portrayed as being caught in a Malthusian spiral of increased population and decreased land productivity. Whilst there has been a wealth of research on deforestation in Madagascar, it has tended to assume a priori the importance of population growth and poverty as drivers of forest clearance, without exploring the role of other factors in shaping land use. It has also suffered from temporal and regional biases. In this paper I use a multidisciplinary approach to better understand the drivers of land use and landscape change in the Central Menabe region of western Madagascar between 1896 and 2005. I draw on a diverse range of methods including material from the French colonial archives, aerial photographs, imagery from Landsat satellites, a review of project reports and interviews with key informants. I show the importance of cash crops in landscape change, in particular booms in the cultivation of maize. I also show that economic and political factors operating at a range of spatial levels have been critical in stimulating the expansion of these crops.
The Role of Cenotes in the Social History of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Munro Paul George , de Lourdes Melo Maria 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has had a complex and dynamic history, which has seen processes such as the rise of the Maya civilisation, colonial conquests, indigenous rebellions and a range of commercial activities. The Peninsula also represents a unique ecological place in the world: no rivers or major lakes exist on its surface - rather fresh water can only be found in its extensive underground flooded cave system, which is only accessible through cenotes (water sinkholes) that sporadically pierce the landscape's surface across the region. This paper seeks to reconcile the above observations, analysing how the Peninsula's dynamic history and its unique ecological landscape have interacted, producing certain environmental, social, political and economic outcomes. Thus, presented in this paper is an alternative perspective on the Peninsula's history, cast through an environmental historical lens that elicits nature's role as a historical actor.