bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment and characterization of a differentiated epithelial cell culture model derived from the porcine cervix uteri
Authors: Miessen Katrin , Einspanier Ralf , Schoen Jennifer 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Cervical uterine epithelial cells maintain a physiological and pathogen-free milieu in the female mammalian reproductive tract and are involved in sperm-epithelium interaction. Easily accessible, differentiated model systems of the cervical epithelium are not yet available to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms within these highly specialized cells. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish a cell culture of the porcine cervical epithelium representing in vivo-like properties of the tissue.

Results
We tested different isolation methods and culture conditions and validated purity of the cultured cells by immunohistochemistry against keratins. We could reproducibly culture pure epithelial cells from cervical tissue explants. Based on a morphology score and the WST-1 Proliferation Assay, we optimized the growth medium composition. Primary porcine cervical cells performed best in conditioned Ham's F-12, containing 10% FCS, EGF and insulin. After cultivation in an air-liquid interface for three weeks, the cells showed a discontinuously multilayered phenotype. Finally, differentiation was validated via immunohistochemistry against beta catenin. Mucopolysaccharide production could be shown via alcian blue staining.

Conclusions
We provide the first suitable protocol to establish a differentiated porcine epithelial model of the cervix uteri, based on easily accessible cells using slaughterhouse material.
The pattern of relapse and survival of elective irradiation of the upper neck for stage N0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: He Xiayun , Pan Ziqiang , Guo Xiaomao , Ye Ming , Zhang Zhen , He Shaoqin , Liu Taifu 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
To investigate patterns of failure and survival rates of elective irradiation of upper neck in N0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Methods
From February 1996 to November 2002, 97 patients without cervical lymph node involvement were admitted for radiotherapy alone. Before treatment, each patient underwent enhanced CT of nasopharynx and neck. All patients received radiotherapy to the nasopharynx, skull base, and upper neck drainage areas (including levels II, III, and VA). The upper neck was irradiated to a total dose of 50-56 Gy/25-28 fractions/5-5.6 weeks. For the primary tumor, 22 patients used conventional fractionation for a total dose of 70 Gy/35 fractions/7 weeks, and 75 patients used an accelerated hyperfractionationated schedule for a total dose of 78 Gy/60 fractions/6 weeks.

Results
The median follow-up of these 97 patients was 7.75 years. 10 patients had recurrences in the nasopharynx, 8 had distant metastasis, and 5 had recurrences in the cervical lymph nodes. Among the cervical lymph node failures, the areas of recurrence were in the II drainage areas in 4 patients who had neck dissections afterwards, and in IA drainage areas in 1 patient who also had recurrence in the nasopharynx. The causes of death were recurrence in the nasopharynx for 8 patients, 1 of these also had recurrence in the neck, distant metastases in 8 patients, and non-neoplastic diseases in 3 patients.

Conclusions
The causes of failure of N0 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy alone to the nasopharynx and upper neck were nasopharyngeal recurrence, distant metastasis, and cervical recurrence in order of frequency. Elective irradiation of upper neck (II, III, VA) is advised for stage N0 patients diagnosed by enhanced CT of neck. Cervical recurrence alone is rare, which did not greatly affect the long-term survival after salvage neck dissection.
Pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Suri Harpreet S , Yi Eunhee S , Nowakowski Gregorz S , Vassallo Robert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH) is a relatively uncommon lung disease that generally, but not invariably, occurs in cigarette smokers. The pathologic hallmark of PLCH is the accumulation of Langerhans and other inflammatory cells in small airways, resulting in the formation of nodular inflammatory lesions. While the overwhelming majority of patients are smokers, mechanisms by which smoking induces this disease are not known, but likely involve a combination of events resulting in enhanced recruitment and activation of Langerhans cells in small airways. Bronchiolar inflammation may be accompanied by variable lung interstitial and vascular involvement. While cellular inflammation is prominent in early disease, more advanced stages are characterized by cystic lung destruction, cicatricial scarring of airways, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Pulmonary function is frequently abnormal at presentation. Imaging of the chest with high resolution chest CT scanning may show characteristic nodular and cystic abnormalities. Lung biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis, although may not be required in instances were imaging findings are highly characteristic. There is no general consensus regarding the role of immunosuppressive therapy in smokers with PLCH. All smokers must be counseled on the importance of smoking cessation, which may result in regression of disease and obviate the need for systemic immunosuppressive therapy. The prognosis for most patients is relatively good, particularly if longitudinal lung function testing shows stability. Complications like pneumothoraces and secondary pulmonary hypertension may shorten life expectancy. Patients with progressive disease may require lung transplantation.
Comparative quantitative proteomics of prochlorococcus ecotypes to a decrease in environmental phosphate concentrations
Authors: Fuszard Matthew A , Wright Phillip C , Biggs Catherine A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The well-lit surface waters of oligotrophic gyres significantly contribute to global primary production. Marine cyanobacteria of the genus Prochlorococcus are a major fraction of photosynthetic organisms within these areas. Labile phosphate is considered a limiting nutrient in some oligotrophic regions such as the Caribbean Sea, and as such it is crucial to understand the physiological response of primary producers such as Prochlorococcus to fluctuations in the availability of this critical nutrient.

Results

Prochlorococcus strains representing both high light (HL) (MIT9312) and low light (LL) (NATL2A and SS120) ecotypes were grown identically in phosphate depleted media (10 μM Pi). The three strains displayed marked differences in cellular protein expression, as determined by high throughput large scale quantitative proteomic analysis. The only strain to demonstrate a significantly different growth rate under reduced phosphate conditions was MIT9312. Additionally, there was a significant increase in phosphate-related proteins such as PhoE (> 15 fold increase) and a depression of the Rubisco protein RbcL abundance in this strain, whereas there appeared to be no significant change within the LL strain SS120.

Conclusions
This differential response between ecotypes highlights the relative importance of phosphate availability to each strain and from these results we draw the conclusion that the expression of phosphate acquisition mechanisms are activated at strain specific phosphate concentrations.
Inhibition of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C results in loss of mesenchymal traits in metastatic breast cancer cells
Authors: Abalsamo Laura , Spadaro Francesca , Bozzuto Giuseppina , Paris Luisa , Cecchetti Serena , Lugini Luana , Iorio Egidio , Molinari Agnese , Ramoni Carlo , Podo Franca 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics confers to breast cancer (BC) cells the capability of invading tissues different from primary tumor site, allowing cell migration and metastasis. Regulators of the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) may represent targets for anticancer agents. Accruing evidence supports functional implications of choline phospholipid metabolism in oncogene-activated cell signaling and differentiation. We investigated the effects of D609, a xanthate inhibiting phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and sphingomyelin synthase (SMS), as a candidate regulator of cell differentiation and MET in the highly metastatic BC cell line MDA-MB-231.

Methods
PC-PLC expression and activity were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), immunoblotting and enzymatic assay on human MDA-MB-231 compared with MCF-7 and SKBr3 BC cells and a nontumoral immortalized counterpart (MCF-10A). The effects of D609 on PC-PLC and SMS activity, loss of mesenchymal markers and changes in migration and invasion potential were monitored in MDA-MB-231 cells by enzymatic assays, CLSM, immunoblotting and transwell chamber invasion combined with scanning electron microscopy examinations. Cell proliferation, formation and composition of lipid bodies and cell morphology were investigated in D609-treated BC cells by cell count, CLSM, flow-cytometry of BODIPY-stained cells, nuclear magnetic resonance and thin-layer chromatography.

Results
PC-PLC (but not phospholipase D) showed 2- to 6-fold activation in BC compared with nontumoral cells, the highest activity (up to 0.4 pmol/μg protein/min) being detected in the poorly-differentiated MDA-MB-231 cells. Exposure of the latter cells to D609 (50 μg/mL, 24-72 h) resulted into 60-80% PC-PLC inhibition, while SMS was transiently inhibited by a maximum of 21%. These features were associated with progressive decreases of mesenchymal traits such as vimentin and N-cadherin expression, reduced galectin-3 and milk fat globule EGF-factor 8 levels, β-casein formation and decreased in vitro cell migration and invasion. Moreover, proliferation arrest, changes in cell morphology and formation of cytosolic lipid bodies typical of cell differentiation were induced by D609 in all investigated BC cells.

Conclusions
These results support a critical involvement of PC-PLC in controlling molecular pathways responsible for maintaining a mesenchymal-like phenotype in metastatic BC cells and suggests PC-PLC deactivation as a means to promote BC cell differentiation and possibly enhance the effectiveness of antitumor treatments.
Gene expression in extratumoral microenvironment predicts clinical outcome in breast cancer patients
Authors: Román-Pérez Erick , Casbas-Hernández Patricia , Pirone Jason R , Rein Jessica , Carey Lisa A , Lubet Ronald A , Mani Sendurai A , Amos Keith D , Troester Melissa A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Introduction
A gene expression signature indicative of activated wound responses is common to more than 90% of non-neoplastic tissues adjacent to breast cancer, but these tissues also exhibit substantial heterogeneity. We hypothesized that gene expression subtypes of breast cancer microenvironment can be defined and that these microenvironment subtypes have clinical relevance.

Methods
Gene expression was evaluated in 72 patient-derived breast tissue samples adjacent to invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ. Unsupervised clustering identified two distinct gene expression subgroups that differed in expression of genes involved in activation of fibrosis, cellular movement, cell adhesion and cell-cell contact. We evaluated the prognostic relevance of extratumoral subtype (comparing the Active group, defined by high expression of fibrosis and cellular movement genes, to the Inactive group, defined by high expression of claudins and other cellular adhesion and cell-cell contact genes) using clinical data. To establish the biological characteristics of these subtypes, gene expression profiles were compared against published and novel tumor and tumor stroma-derived signatures (Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) overexpression, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced fibroblast activation, breast fibrosis, claudin-low tumor subtype and estrogen response). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of tissues representing each microenvironment subtype were performed to evaluate protein expression and compositional differences between microenvironment subtypes.

Results
Extratumoral Active versus Inactive subtypes were not significantly associated with overall survival among all patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.4, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.8, P = 0.337), but there was a strong association with overall survival among estrogen receptor (ER) positive patients (HR = 2.5, 95% CI 0.9 to 6.7, P = 0.062) and hormone-treated patients (HR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.0, P = 0.045). The Active subtype of breast microenvironment is correlated with TWIST-overexpression signatures and shares features of claudin-low breast cancers. The Active subtype was also associated with expression of TGF-β induced fibroblast activation signatures, but there was no significant association between Active/Inactive microenvironment and desmoid type fibrosis or estrogen response gene expression signatures. Consistent with the RNA expression profiles, Active cancer-adjacent tissues exhibited higher density of TWIST nuclear staining, predominantly in epithelium, and no evidence of increased fibrosis.

Conclusions
These results document the presence of two distinct subtypes of microenvironment, with Active versus Inactive cancer-adjacent extratumoral microenvironment influencing the aggressiveness and outcome of ER-positive human breast cancers.
Differentiating Between Burkitt Lymphoma and CD10+ Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: McGowan Paul , Nelles Nicole , Wimmer Jana , Williams Dawn , Wen Jianguo , Li Marilyn , Ewton April , Curry Choladda , Zu Youli , Sheehan Andrea , Chang Chung-Che (Jeff) 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The goal of this study was to evaluate routine flow cytometric (FC) immunophenotypic markers in differentiating between Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and CD10+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We performed retrospective analysis of FC data from 55 patients. We evaluated 9 FC parameters: forward and side scatter (FSC and SSC); mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) for CD20, CD10, CD38, CD79b, CD43, and CD71; and the percentage of neoplastic cells positive for CD71 (%CD71). The FSC; MFIs of CD10, CD43, CD79b, and CD71; and %CD71 cells were significantly different between BL and CD10+ DLBCL (P &lt; .05; Student t test). A 5-point scoring system (FSC, %CD71, and MFIs of CD43, CD79b, and CD71) was devised, and 6 (60%) of 10 BLs scored 3 or greater and 1 (10%) of 10 CD10+ DLBCLs scored 3 (P = .04; χ2). Our findings indicate that routine FC parameters can aid in differentiating BL from CD10+ DLBCL.
Rapid Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase Genes in Enterobacteriaceae Directly From Blood Culture Bottles by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Francis Richard O. , Wu Fann , Della-Latta Phyllis , Shi Jun , Whittier Susan 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are endemic in New York City hospitals and have been associated with serious infections globally. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed to detect carbapenem resistance attributable to KPC from blood culture bottles positive for gram-negative bacilli. Culture confirmation of carbapenemase production included automated imipenem and meropenem susceptibility testing and ertapenem susceptibility testing by disk-diffusion. A total of 323 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were tested, of which 8.7% (n = 28) demonstrated carbapenem-resistance by automated and manual susceptibility testing methods or by RT-PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the RT-PCR assay when compared with the automated method were 92.9%, 99.3%, 92.9%, and 99.3%, respectively, and 96.4%, 99.7%, 96.4%, and 99.7%, respectively, when compared with the ertapenem disk-diffusion method. RT-PCR is a rapid and reliable means of detecting carbapenem resistance due to KPC-plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae directly from blood culture bottles.
Interfacial Layer Growth Condition Dependent Electrical Conduction in HfO2/SiO2 Heterostructured thin films
Authors: Sahoo Santosh K. , Misra D. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe electrical conduction mechanism contributing to the leakage current at different field regions has been studied in this work. The current-voltage (I-V) measurement of TiN/HfO2/SiO2/P-Si nMOS capacitor has been taken for two different interfacial layer (SiO2) growth conditions such as in situ steam grown (ISSG) and chemical processes. It is observed that Poole-Frenkel mechanism is the dominant conduction mechanism in high field region whereas Ohmic conduction is dominant in the low field region. Also it is seen that the gate leakage current is reduced for the devices having chemically grown interfacial layer compared to that of ISSG devices. Both trap energy level (ϕt) and activation energy (Ea) increase in the chemically grown interfacial layer devices for the Poole-Frenkel and Ohmic conduction mechanisms respectively in comparison to ISSG devices. Trap energy level (ϕt) of ~ 0.2 eV, obtained from Poole-Frenkel mechanism indicates that the doubly ionized oxygen vacancies (V2-) are the active defects and are contributing to the leakage current in these devices.
Development and Application of Chen-Mobius Lattice Inversion Potential for Pd-Au Alloy
Authors: Duan Xianbao , Chen Zhengzheng , Kapur Neeti , Hao Xianghong , Cho Kyeongjae , Shan Bin 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTBimetallic Pd-Au nanoparticles have received much attention due to their potential applications in catalysis. We have developed a Pd-Au alloy potential based on Chen-Mobius lattice inversion method and applied it to the investigation of the melting of Pd-Au binary nanoparticles via molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulation results show the particle size dependence of the melting point and an enrichment of Au atoms to the surface near melting temperature.
Observing and Influencing Alertness in Individuals With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities in Multisensory Environments
Authors: Munde Vera , Vlaskamp C. , Post W. J. , Ruijssenaars A. J. J. M. , Maes B. , Nakken H. 
Published: March 2012

While alertness is widely acknowledged as one of the most important preconditions for learning and development, individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) experience a wide range of difficulties in the contact with their environment. The aim of the present study was to identify aspects of stimulation situations that influence the alertness levels of individuals in the target population.Based on video recordings of 24 participants, alertness levels and environmental conditions were scored. Descriptive analyses and multilevel logistic regression analysis were used to identify the aspects of the stimulation situation that were related to occurrence of alertness.The results show that visual stimuli (optimally in combination with auditory stimuli) produced the highest alertness levels. Furthermore, the effects of stimuli outweighed the effect of time. The role of direct support persons is thus especially important in alertness stimulation of individuals with PIMD.
New semi-Hamiltonian hierarchy related to integrable magnetic flows on surfaces
Authors: Bialy Misha , Mironov Andrey 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
We consider magnetic geodesic flows on the two-torus. We prove that the question of existence of polynomial in momenta first integrals on one energy level leads to a semi-Hamiltonian system of quasi-linear equations, i.e. in the hyperbolic regions the system has Riemann invariants and can be written in conservation laws form.
21st-century humanities: Art, complexity, and interdisciplinarity
Authors: Youngman Paul 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This article contends that the evolution toward interdisciplinary collaboration that we are witnessing in the sciences must also occur in the humanities to ensure their very survival. That is, humanists must be open to working with scientists and social scientists interested in similar research questions and vice versa. Digital humanities is a positive first step. Complexity science should be the next step. Even though much of the ground-breaking work in complexity science has been done in the natural sciences and mathematics, it can, if critically adapted, provide the needed metaphor for a broad integration of disciplines, humanistic and otherwise. Given its almost a-disciplinary nature, a complexity approach to the research problems in the humanities necessarily breaks down silos. Moreover, it can restore and reframe the seamless intellectual fabric sought by researchers before the atomization of the various disciplines in the nineteenthcentury academy.
A Meinongian minefield? The dangerous implications of nonexistent objects
Authors: Swanson Carolyn 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Alexius Meinong advocated a bold new theory of nonexistent objects, where we could gain knowledge and assert true claims of things that did not exist. While the theory has merit in interpreting sentences and solving puzzles, it unfortunately paves the way for contradictions. As Bertrand Russell argued, impossible objects, such as the round square, would have conflicting properties. Meinong and his proponents had a solution to that charge, posing genuine and non-genuine versions of the Law of Non-Contradiction. No doubt, they had a clever response, but it may not adequately address Russell’s concern. Moreover, as I argue, genuine contradictions are inherent to the set of all nonexistent objects. And such contradictions lead to even further absurdities, for example, that nonexistent objects have and lack every property. Unfortunately, such implications of the theory make it too treacherous to adopt.
Conspicuous consumption in postwar Japan: The case of a rite of passage
Authors: Papp Melinda 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This paper focuses on a specific aspect of a Japanese rite of passage called Shichigosan. Although its origins go back to premodern Japan, its contemporary pattern truly reflects the modern living conditions of the Japanese. Today the ritual is one of the most popular family celebrations. Commercialization has significantly influenced the pattern of celebration in the postwar period and as a result, consumption practices have become inherent parts of the ritual. The paper examines this development from a historical perspective. Furthermore, it discusses the process through which consumption practices contribute to the event’s significance, not diminishing but rather enhancing its importance in the observers’ eyes. Conspicuous consumption thus becomes a creative two-directional process, one which is sustained by families’ aspirations and desires, and one which is informed by forces emanating from the commercial sector and from the media.