bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cheyne–Stokes respiration is not related to quality of life or sleepiness in heart failure
Authors: Midgren Bengt , Mared Lena , Franklin Karl Anders , Berg Søren , Erhardt Leif , Cline Charles 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground and aims:  The effects of central sleep apnea in Cheyne‐Stokes respiration on sleep‐related symptoms and quality of life are not very well established. We aimed to investigate whether Cheyne‐Stokes respiration is related to health‐related quality of life. We also studied the impact on daytime sleepiness and nocturnal dyspnea.Methods:  Included were 203 consecutive patients, stabilized following in‐hospital treatment for decompensated congestive heart failure. They underwent overnight cardiorespiratory sleep apnea recordings in hospital and answered a set of questions on symptoms and health‐related quality of life questionnaires in the form of the Nottingham Health Profile and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. After excluding seven patients with predominantly obstructive apneas and 14 with insufficient recordings, 182 patients were included in the final analysis.Results:  One third of the patients had an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of >30. Falling asleep in front of the television was the only symptom related to (AHI). Nocturnal dyspnea, daytime sleepiness, generic quality of life or disease‐specific quality of life were not related to AHI.Conclusions:  Cheyne–Stokes respiration was not associated with health‐related quality of life, daytime sleepiness or nocturnal dyspnea among patients stabilized following treatment for congestive heart failure.Please cite this paper as: Midgren B, Mared L, Franklin KA, Berg S, Erhardt L and Cline C. Cheyne–Stokes respiration is not related to quality of life or sleepiness in heart failure. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; DOI:10.1111/j.1752‐699X.2009.00139.x.
Dose-Dependent Increases in Circulating TGF-α and Other EGFR Ligands Act As Pharmacodynamic Markers for Optimal Biological Dosing of Cetuximab and Are Tumor Independent
Authors: Mutsaers Anthony J. , Francia Giulio , Man Shan , Lee Christina R. , Ebos John M.L. , Wu Yan , Witte Larry , Berry Scott , Moore Malcolm , Kerbel Robert S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to characterize treatment-induced circulating ligand changes during therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and evaluate their potential as surrogate indicators of the optimal biological dose.
Experimental Design: Conditioned medium from human tumor cell lines, ascites fluid from tumor xenografts, and plasma samples from normal mice, as well as colorectal cancer patients, were assessed for ligand elevations using ELISA, following treatment with cetuximab (Erbitux), an anti–mouse EGFR neutralizing antibody, or a small-molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Results: A rapid elevation in human transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) was observed in all cell lines after treatment with cetuximab, but not with small-molecule inhibitors. The elevation showed a dose-response effect and plateau that corresponded to the maximal decrease in A431 proliferation in vitro and HT29 tumor growth in vivo. The TGF-α increase was exacerbated by ongoing ligand production and cleavage from the plasma membrane but did not involve transcriptional up-regulation of TGF-α or the matrix metalloproteinase tumor necrosis factor-α–converting enzyme/ADAM17. Elevations in plasma TGF-α, amphiregulin, and epiregulin were also detected in normal mice treated with an anti–mouse EGFR monoclonal antibody, illustrating a host tissue–dependent component of this effect in vivo. Finally, circulating TGF-α increased in the plasma of six patients with EGFR-negative colorectal tumors during cetuximab treatment.
Conclusions: Treatment-induced increases in circulating ligands, particularly TGF-α, should be serially assessed in clinical trials of anti-EGFR therapeutic antibodies as potential biomarkers to aid in determination of the optimal biological dose.
Screening for Pancreatic Cancer in High-Risk Individuals: A Call for Endoscopic Ultrasound
Authors: Larghi Alberto , Verna Elizabeth C. , Lecca Piera Giuseppina , Costamagna Guido 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis, and early detection through screening is likely to be our best hope to improve survival. The relatively low incidence of pancreatic cancer and the insensitive screening techniques available currently render this approach prohibitively expensive and inefficient in the general population. Screening has begun, however, in the subset of patients at the highest risk of disease, such as those with inherited risk due to familial multiorgan cancer syndromes or in familial groupings of pancreatic cancer with yet unidentified genetic abnormalities, termed familial pancreatic cancer. Screening is currently done at several large centers in the world, each with a unique multidisciplinary approach and series of screening tests. Endoscopic ultrasound has emerged as the most promising imaging test given its high sensitivity and potential for tissue sampling. However, this potential to detect and cure early lesions should be carefully balanced with the risk of overtreatment, especially in view of the morbidity and mortality of pancreatic surgery. Additional experience to help determine the best screening strategy is greatly needed. Screening should therefore be done at experienced centers with multidisciplinary teams of specialists and in the context of research protocols.
Clinical and Biological Efficacy of Recombinant Human Interleukin-21 in Patients with Stage IV Malignant Melanoma without Prior Treatment: A Phase IIa Trial
Authors: Davis Ian D. , Brady Ben , Kefford Richard F. , Millward Michael , Cebon Jonathan , Skrumsager Birte K. , Mouritzen Ulrik , Hansen Lasse Tengbjerg , Skak Kresten , Lundsgaard Dorthe , Frederiksen Klaus Stensgaard , Kristjansen Paul E.G. , McArthur Grant 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose: Human interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a class I cytokine that mediates activation of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and other cell types. We report final clinical and biological results of a phase II study of recombinant human IL-21 (rIL-21) in patients with metastatic melanoma.Experimental Design: Open-label, single-arm, two-stage trial. Eligibility criteria: unresectable metastatic melanoma, measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, no prior systemic therapy (adjuvant IFN permitted), adequate major organ function, good performance status, no significant autoimmune disease, and life expectancy at least 4 months. Primary objective: antitumor efficacy (response rate). Secondary objectives: safety, blood biomarkers, and generation of anti-rIL-21 antibodies. rIL-21 (30 μg/kg/dose) was administered by intravenous bolus injection in 8-week cycles (5 dosing days followed by 9 days of rest for 6 weeks and then 2 weeks off treatment).Results: Stage I of the study comprised 14 patients. One confirmed complete response (CR) was observed, and as per protocol, 10 more patients were accrued to stage II (total n = 24: 10 female and 14 male). Best tumor response included one confirmed CR and one confirmed partial response, both with lung metastases. Treatment was overall well tolerated. Biomarker analyses showed increases in serum soluble CD25, frequencies of CD25+ NK and CD8+ T cells, and mRNA for IFN-γ, perforin, and granzyme B in CD8+ T and NK cells.Conclusions: rIL-21 administered at 30 μg/kg/d in 5-day cycles every second week is biologically active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic melanoma. Confirmed responses, including one CR, were observed.
Efficacy of interleukin-13 receptor–targeted liposomal doxorubicin in the intracranial brain tumor model
Authors: Madhankumar Achuthamangalam B. , Slagle-Webb Becky , Wang Xinsheng , Yang Qing X. , Antonetti David A. , Miller Patti A. , Sheehan Jonas M. , Connor James R. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Human glioblastoma tumors selectively express receptors for interleukin 13 (IL-13). In a previous study, we showed that liposomes, when conjugated with IL-13, will deliver chemotherapeutics to a subcutaneous glioma tumor model in mice much more effectively than conventional unconjugated liposomes. Based on this observation, we developed an intracranial brain tumor model in nude mice using human U87 glioma cells. Mice receiving weekly i.p. injections of 15 mg/kg of doxorubicin encapsulated in IL-13–conjugated liposomes had a 5-fold reduction in the intracranial tumor volume over 6 weeks and four of seven animals survived &gt;200 days after tumor implantation. In contrast, the animals receiving unconjugated liposomes with the same doxorubicin concentration did not survive beyond 35 days and there was no evidence of tumor size reduction. The presence of liposomes with doxorubicin in the tumor was shown by taking advantage of the selective expression of IL-13 receptors on the tumor cells and the endogenous fluorescence of doxorubicin. There was no increase in the indices of toxicity in animals receiving the doxorubicin-containing liposomes. Finally, a model of the blood-brain barrier was used to show that the nanovesicles do not harm the endothelial cells yet maintain their toxicity to astrocytoma cells. This approach is necessary to show the efficacy of this targeting platform for tumors in which the blood-brain barrier is not compromised and as a potential use of the nanovesicle system as a surveillance mechanism to prevent recurrence. These data show that IL-13 targeted nanovesicles are a viable option for the treatment of brain tumors. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(3):648–54]
In vivo molecular mediators of cancer growth suppression and apoptosis by selenium in mammary and prostate models: lack of involvement of gadd genes
Authors: Jiang Weiqin , Jiang Cheng , Pei Hongying , Wang Lei , Zhang Jinhui , Hu Hongbo , Lü Junxuan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We used acute selenium (Se) treatments (i.e., daily single oral gavage of 2 mg Se per kilogram of body weight for 3 days) of female Sprague-Dawley rats bearing 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea–induced mammary carcinomas to increase the probability of detecting in vivo apoptosis and the associated gene/protein changes in the cancerous epithelial cells. The results show that whereas control carcinomas doubled in volume in 3 days, Se-methylselenocysteine and selenite treatments regressed approximately half of the carcinomas, accompanied by a 3- to 4-fold increase of morphologically observable apoptosis and ∼40% inhibition of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine index of the cancerous epithelial cells. The mRNA levels of growth arrest-DNA damage inducible 34 (gadd34), gadd45, and gadd153 genes were, contrary to expectation, not higher in the Se-treated carcinomas than in the gavage or diet restriction control groups. The gadd34 and gadd153 proteins were localized in the nonepithelial cells and not induced in the cancer epithelial cells of the Se-treated carcinomas. On the other hand, both Se forms decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and increased levels of P27Kip1 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation in a majority of the mammary carcinomas. Furthermore, the lack of induction of gadd genes in vivo by methylseleninic acid was confirmed in a human prostate xenograft model in athymic nude mice. In summary, these experiments showed the induction of cancer epithelial cell apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation by Se in vivo through the potential involvement of cyclin D1, P27Kip1, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathways. They cast doubt on the three gadd genes as mediators of Se action in vivo. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(3):682–91]
Extracellular Matrix-Induced Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Garamszegi Nandor , Garamszegi Susanna P. , Shehadeh Lina A. , Scully Sean P. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules modify gene expression through attachment-dependent (focal adhesion-related) integrin receptor signaling. It was previously unknown whether the same molecules acting as soluble peptides could generate signal cascades without the associated mechanical anchoring, a condition that may be encountered during matrix remodeling and degradation and relevant to invasion and metastatic processes. In the current study, the role of ECM ligand-regulated gene expression through this attachment-independent process was examined. It was observed that fibronectin, laminin, and collagen type I and II induce Smad2 activation in MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells. This activation is not caused by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β ligand contamination or autocrine TGF involvement and is 3- to 5-fold less robust than the TGF-β1 ligand. The resulting nuclear translocation of Smad4 in response to ECM ligand indicates downstream transcriptional responses occurring. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments determined that collagen type II and laminin act through interaction with integrin α2β1 receptor complex. The ECM ligand-induced Smad activation (termed signaling crosstalk) resulted in cell type and ligand-specific transcriptional changes, which are distinct from the TGF-β ligand-induced responses. These findings show that cell-matrix communication is more complex than previously thought. Soluble ECM peptides drive transcriptional regulation through corresponding adhesion and non-attachment-related processes. The resultant gene expressional patterns correlate with pathway activity and not by the extent of Smad activation. These results extend the complexity and the existing paradigms of ECM-cell communication to ECM ligand regulation without the necessity of mechanical coupling. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(3):319–29)
Novel Metrics for Evaluation of Ensemble Forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Structure
Authors: Veren Daniel , Evans Jenni L. , Jones Sarah , Chiaromonte Francesca 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Predicting extratropical transition (ET) of a tropical cyclone poses a significant challenge to numerical forecast models because the storm evolution depends on both the timing of the phasing between the tropical cyclone and midlatitude weather systems and the structures of each system. Ensemble prediction systems offer the potential for assessing confidence in numerical guidance during ET cases. Thus, forecasts of storm structure changes during ET from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble prediction system (EPS) are explored using two novel validation approaches. The evolution of the (initially tropical) storm structure is characterized in the framework of the cyclone phase space (CPS) and the validation metrics are based on separation between the EPS forecasts and verifying analyses in the CPS. The first validation approach utilizes two metrics and most closely resembles traditional forecast validation techniques. The second approach involves clustering the ensemble member initializations and operational analyses during the life cycles of each tropical cyclone to provide a reference structure evolution against which to evaluate the EPS forecasts. Application of these metrics is demonstrated for two case studies of ET in the western North Pacific: Typhoons Tokage (2004) and Maemi (2003). Both validation approaches identify a decline in EPS structure forecast accuracy for all valid times coinciding with ET onset and beyond, as well as during a weakening tropical stage prior to ET for Tokage. While track forecast errors contribute to structure errors in the EPS forecasts, they are not an overwhelming factor. The two validation approaches highlight the inability of ensemble member forecasts to appropriately weaken the warm core prior to and during ET, and the effects this has on forecasts of ET timing. The analyses adopted in this study provide a basis for future assessments of ensemble forecast skill of cyclone structure during ET.
Intercomparison of Targeted Observation Guidance for Tropical Cyclones in the Northwestern Pacific
Authors: Wu Chun-Chieh , Chen Jan-Huey , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Peng Melinda S. , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Aberson Sim D. , Buizza Roberto , Yamaguchi Munehiko , Chen Shin-Gan , Nakazawa Tetsuo , Chou Kun-Hsuan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This study compares six different guidance products for targeted observations over the northwest Pacific Ocean for 84 cases of 2-day forecasts in 2006 and highlights the unique dynamical features affecting the tropical cyclone (TC) tracks in this basin. The six products include three types of guidance based on total-energy singular vectors (TESVs) from different global models, the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) based on a multimodel ensemble, the deep-layer mean (DLM) wind variance, and the adjoint-derived sensitivity steering vector (ADSSV). The similarities among the six products are evaluated using two objective statistical techniques to show the diversity of the sensitivity regions in large, synoptic-scale domains and in smaller domains local to the TC. It is shown that the three TESVs are relatively similar to one another in both the large and the small domains while the comparisons of the DLM wind variance with other methods show rather low similarities. The ETKF and the ADSSV usually show high similarity because their optimal sensitivity usually lies close to the TC. The ADSSV, relative to the ETKF, reveals more similar sensitivity patterns to those associated with TESVs. Three special cases are also selected to highlight the similarities and differences among the six guidance products and to interpret the dynamical systems affecting the TC motion in the northwestern Pacific. Among the three storms studied, Typhoon Chanchu was associated with the subtropical high, Typhoon Shanshan was associated with the midlatitude trough, and Typhoon Durian was associated with the subtropical jet. The adjoint methods are found to be more capable of capturing the signal of the dynamic system that may affect the TC movement or evolution than are the ensemble methods.
The male genital tract of Chaoboridae (Diptera: Culicomorpha)
Authors: Borkent Art , Borkent Christopher J. , Sinclair Bradley J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe male genital tract of Chaoboridae, represented by Eucorethra underwoodi Underwood, Mochlonyx velutinus (Ruthe), and Chaoborus trivittatus (Loew), is described for the first time. All genera have paired accessory glands that are attached anteriorly to the vasa deferentia or the base of the testes, a feature that is proposed as a synapomorphy of Chaoboridae + Culicidae. Mochlonyx Loew and Chaoborus Lichenstein have distinctive pigment cells covering their testes and a portion of the vasa deferentia. The simplified male genital tract of Corethrellidae + Chaoboridae + Culicidae is correlated with the virtually unique abrupt and permanent 180° rotation of the male genitalia between segments 7 and 8. In taxa with an accessory-gland complex, the male genitalia are rotated in a more gradual manner, often during copulation.
Shallow Water Flow Prediction From Seismic Analysis of Multicomponent Seismic Data
Authors: Huffman Alan R. , Castagna John P. 
Published: March 2009

Introduction
Shallow Water Flows (SWF) are recognized as one of the primary hazards todeepwater drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. These hazards have costthe oil industry an estimated $200MM in the last few years. Future occurrenceshave the potential to result in well failures and significant discharges ofsubsurface fluids into the ocean. At present, most operators choose to drillthrough these hazards with a modest investment in identification beforedrilling, and mitigate the hazard at significant expense if one is encountered. The occurrence of SWF has been identified as one of the top five challengesbeing faced in deepwater exploration and production. According to a report from Fugro Geoservices, Inc. approximately 70% of all deepwater wells haveexperienced SWF.
A method for pre-drill delineation of sands that are close to failure, andthus likely to exhibit shallow water flows, would be most advantageous inselecting optimal drilling locations and in developing cost-effective wellplans. The current method of identifying SWF involves pre-drill hazard studiesutilizing conventional and high-resolution seismic data to identify the zonesthat might produce SWF. The high incidence of SWF mitigation events indeepwater wells shows that the existing techniques do not provide the neededresolution or accuracy to prevent SWF.
At present, no robust seismic method for accurately identifying andcharacterizing these hazards exists. Operators do not have the option to avoidthe hazard instead of mitigating the problem after it has started. A newseismic analysis method is required that will permit operators to avoid thehazard and decrease the risk of well failures before the well is drilled.
An accurate understanding of the physical properties and deformationalbehavior of shallow water flow (SWF) sands is essential to thecharacterization, prediction and interpretation of these stratigraphic unitsusing seismic data. To date, there have been very few core and log formationevaluation measurements taken in these shallow intervals because they are notof economic interest. The purpose of this paper is to address what is currentlyknown about the physical properties and rock mechanics of these veryunconsolidated formations, and to demonstrate how these properties can be usedto identify and characterize SWF intervals pre-drill.
Rice
Authors: Emani Chandrakanth , Jiang Yiming , Hall Timothy C. , Miro Berta , Kohli Ajay 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRice serves as the principal source of nourishment for over half of the global population. The year 2004 was declared as the international year of rice by the Food and Agricultural Organization, to heighten awareness of this crop in combating global poverty and malnutrition. The present review is a comprehensive account of this model monocot crop tracing its history, botanical descriptions, and the research work in breeding and biotechnology. An exhaustive illustrative account of all the important milestones in plant breeding, particle bombardment,Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation, and genomics has been provided, with a focus on other important aspects such as transgene silencing, biosafety regulations of transgenic plants, and the global consequences of rice biotechnology research.
Sugarcane
Authors: Brumbley Stevens M. , Snyman Sandy J. , Gnanasambandam Annathurai , Joyce Priya , Hermann Scott R. , da Silva Jorge A.G. , McQualter Richard B. , Wang Ming‐Li , Egan Brian T. , Paterson Andrew H. , Albert Henrick H. , Moore Paul H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAs more than 70% of the sugar harvested for human consumption is derived from sugarcane, improving sucrose content, biomass yield, and resistance to pests and diseases remains an important focus of traditional breeding programmes. In addition, genetic engineering research has supported the introduction of specific traits and facilitated further understanding of complex physiological pathways in the plant. Transgenesis has allowed diversification of output traits so that a range of sugars, biopolymers, neutraceuticals, industrial enzymes, and pharmaceuticals can be produced by the plant. Sugarcane is considered as a critical component of our bioenergy future and is currently a major feedstock for ethanol production. Significant advances in associating putative biological functions to sugarcane genes have been achieved by the Brazilian SUCEST project. Future genetic improvement of sugarcane will rely on a better understanding of metabolic control and flux, cellular compartmentation and availability of metabolites, and the ability to identify potential and crucial targets for genetic engineering.