bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 serum and tissue expression in breast cancer
Authors: Wu Zheng‐Sheng , Wu Qiang , Yang Jiu‐Hua , Wang Hong‐Qun , Ding Xiang‐Dong , Yang Feng , Xu Xiao‐Chun 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTumor progression and metastasis contribute to the great majority of breast cancer deaths. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are thought to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Thus, we determined whether the expression of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 is associated with prognosis in breast cancer patients. We measured serum MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 60 breast cancer patients, 18 benign breast disease patients and 15 healthy controls. We also evaluated the expression of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 protein and mRNA in paraffin‐embedded tumor tissues from the 60 breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We then correlated serum and tissue levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 in breast cancer samples and their expression with patients' clinicopathologic characteristics. We found that serum levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in benign breast disease and in healthy controls. High serum levels of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were associated with lymph node metastasis, higher tumor stage and lower relapse‐free and overall survival (OS) rates. Compared to low expression, high tissue expression of MMP‐9 protein was associated with lymph node metastasis and higher tumor stage; and high tissue expression of TIMP‐1 was associated with a lower OS rate. Our findings suggest that MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 may further be evaluated as biomarkers for predicting progression and prognosis of breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atomic force microscopy imaging of Xenopus laevis oocyte plasma membrane purified by ultracentrifugation
Authors: Santacroce Massimo , Orsini Francesco , Mari Stefania Anna , Marinone Massimo , Lenardi Cristina , Bettè Sara , Sacchi Vellea Franca , Poletti Giulio 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAtomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the native plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis (X. laevis) oocyte purified by means of ultracentrifugation on sucrose gradient and subsequently adsorbed on mica leaves through a physisorption process. Reproducible AFM topography images were collected, analyzed, and compared. AFM images showed the presence of large single or double bilayer membrane sheets covered with protein complexes. The lateral dimension and height of protein complexes imaged in air showed a normal distribution centred on 15.4 ± 0.4 nm (mean ± SE; n = 59) and 3.9 ± 0.2 nm (mean ± SE; n = 57), respectively. A density of about 270 protein complexes per square micron was calculated. Less frequently, ordered nanometer domains with densely packed protein complexes arranged in hexagonal patterns were also visualized in AFM images, confirming previously published data. Their lateral dimension and height showed a normal distribution centred on 23.0 ± 0.4 nm (mean ± SE; n = 42) and 1.5 ± 0.6 nm (mean ± SE; n = 90), respectively. A density of about 870 protein complexes per square micrometer was calculated. Advantages and drawbacks of this new sample preparation for AFM imaging are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender, social capital and information exchange in rural Uganda
Authors: Katungi Enid , Edmeades Svetlana , Smale Melinda 
Published: January 2008

AbstractChanging agricultural research and extension systems mean that informal mechanisms of information diffusion are often the primary source of information about improved seed and practices for farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa. This paper investigates the interactions between gender, social capital and information exchange in rural Uganda. Within the framework of farmer‐to‐farmer models, we conceptualise the informal information diffusion process to comprise social capital accumulation and information exchange. We assume that each agent participates in information exchange with a fixed (predetermined) level of social capital and examine how endowments of social capital influence information exchange, paying close attention to gender differences. A multinomial logit model is used to analyse multiple participation choices of information exchange facing the farmer. Findings demonstrate that social capital is an important factor in information exchange, with men generally having better access to social capital than women. We also find strong evidence in support of group‐based technology dissemination systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local organisation and gender in water management: a case study from the Kenya Highlands
Authors: Were Elizabeth , Roy Jessica , Swallow Brent 
Published: January 2008

AbstractProvision of safe water supplies is a priority for the global community and for villages in Kenya. An extended case study from the highlands of Western Kenya shows that local communities can be successful in self‐organisation for improved water supply, but only by mobilising considerable amounts of investment resources and local collective action. Gender relations are crucial to success, with women having primary responsibility for water management, but more or less hidden roles in community groups. There are legitimate concerns that Kenya's new water laws and institutions may make it more difficult for local community groups to self‐organise, with additional biases against women. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) for protein labeling
Authors: Tang G. , Zeng Wenbin , Yu Meixiang , Kabalka G. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAn efficient preparation of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) based on a convenient three‐step, one‐pot procedure is described. [18F]Fluorination of the precursor ethyl 4‐(trimethylammonium triflate)benzoate gave ethyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate. Saponification of the ethyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate with aqueous tetrapropylammonium hydroxide yielded the corresponding 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate salt ([18F]FBA), which was then treated with N,N,N,N′‐tetramethyl‐O‐(N‐succinimidyl)uronium hexafluorophosphate. The purified [18F]SFB was used for the labeling of Avastin™ (Bevacizumab) through [18F]fluorobenzoylation of the Avastin's α‐amino groups. The decay‐corrected radiochemical yields of [18F]SFB were as high as 44% (based on [18F]fluoride (n=10) with a synthesis time of less than 60 min. [18F]Avastin was produced in decay‐corrected radiochemical yields of up to 42% (n=5) within 30 min (based on [18F]SFB). The radiochemical purities of [18F]SFB and [18F]Avastin were greater than 95%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Node density control for maximizing wireless sensor network lifetime
Authors: Esseghir Moez , Bouabdallah Nizar 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOne of the major concerns in wireless sensor networks is improving the network lifetime. In this paper, we investigate the node density impact on network lifetime. We show that the average amount of energy required to report an event to the sink decreases when wireless sensor node density increases. Moreover, we show that network lifetime increases faster than network density. Based on this result, we derive the minimal number of wireless sensor nodes required to supervise a given area during a given period. Finally, we show that these nodes must be deployed at the same time and not over different deployment phases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parametric models for spatially correlated survival data for individuals with multiple cancers
Authors: Diva Ulysses , Dey Dipak K. , Banerjee Sudipto 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIncorporating spatial variation could potentially enhance information coming from survival data. In addition, simultaneous (joint) modeling of time‐to‐event data from different diseases, such as cancers, from the same patient could provide useful insights as to how these diseases behave together. This paper proposes Bayesian hierarchical survival models for capturing spatial correlations within the proportional hazards (PH) and proportional odds (PO) frameworks. Parametric (Weibull for the PH and log‐logistic for the PO) models were used for the baseline distribution while spatial correlation is introduced in the form of county–cancer‐level frailties. We illustrate with data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of the National Cancer Institute on patients in Iowa diagnosed with multiple gastrointestinal cancers. Model checking and comparison among competing models were performed and some implementation issues were presented. We recommend the use of the spatial PH model for this data set. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duration of Survival after Peptic Ulcer Perforation
Authors: Imhof Michael , Epstein Stefan , Ohmann Christian , Röher Hans‐Dietrich 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe long‐term course after peptic ulcer perforation is unclear, but because the ulcer population is generally older and has concomitant disease, the long‐term prognosis may be expected to be poor.MethodsIn a study based on prospective data collection, all patients with peptic ulcer perforation treated at the Department of Surgery at the Heinrich‐Heine‐University in Dusseldorf, Germany, were documented between 1986 and 1995. In a follow‐up study, the following parameters were investigated and survival rates were estimated: hospital mortality, 1‐month mortality, 1‐year mortality, and 5‐year mortality. Significant prognostic parameters for death were worked out in univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsNinety‐nine out of 108 patients with peptic ulcer perforation could be followed‐up. One‐month mortality was similar to hospital mortality, at 9.1%; 1‐year mortality was about 20.2%; and 5‐year mortality was 32.3%. Statistically significant prognostic factors for death in univariate analysis were age beyond 70 years, concomitant diseases, risk‐related drugs, postinterventional complications and admission status. In multivariate analysis concomitant diseases, postoperative complications, and advanced age were significant parameters for death.ConclusionsLong‐term prognosis of peptic ulcer perforation is poor. Risk factors for late mortality after peptic ulcer perforation are age, severe concomitant diseases, and postinterventional complications.
Perceptions of New Zealand nutrition labels by Māori, Pacific and low-income shoppers
Authors: Signal Louise , Lanumata Tolotea , Robinson Jo-Ani , Tavila Aliitasi , Wilton Jenny , Mhurchu Cliona Ni 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn New Zealand the burden of nutrition-related disease is greatest among Māori, Pacific and low-income peoples. Nutrition labels have the potential to promote healthy food choices and eating behaviours. To date, there has been a noticeable lack of research among indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities and low-income populations regarding their perceptions, use and understanding of nutrition labels. Our aim was to evaluate perceptions of New Zealand nutrition labels by Māori, Pacific and low-income peoples and to explore improvements or alternatives to current labelling systems.MethodsMāori, Samoan and Tongan researchers recruited participants who were regular food shoppers. Six focus groups were conducted which involved 158 people in total: one Māori group, one Samoan, one Tongan, and three low-income groups.ResultsMāori, Pacific and low-income New Zealanders rarely use nutrition labels to assist them with their food purchases for a number of reasons, including lack of time to read labels, lack of understanding, shopping habits and relative absence of simple nutrition labels on the low-cost foods they purchase.ConclusionsCurrent New Zealand nutrition labels are not meeting the needs of those who need them most. Possible improvements include targeted social marketing and education campaigns, increasing the number of low-cost foods with voluntary nutrition labels, a reduction in the price of ‘healthy’ food, and consideration of an alternative mandatory nutrition labelling system that uses simple imagery like traffic lights.
Whole-Genome Amplification by Adaptor-Ligation PCR of Randomly Sheared Genomic DNA (PRSG)
Authors: Arneson Nona , Hughes Simon , Houlston Richard , Done Susan 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONPCR-based whole-genome amplification (WGA) has the goal of generating microgram quantities of genome-representative DNA from picogram or nanogram amounts of starting material. This amplification should introduce little, or ideally no, representational bias. In contrast to other techniques for WGA, PCR-based methods are generally less affected by DNA quality and are more applicable to DNA extracted from various sources (fixed and fresh tissues). Ligation-mediated PCR techniques involve ligating an adaptor sequence onto a “representation” of DNA molecules, generated following enzymatic digestion, random shearing, or chemical cleavage. Adaptor-ligation PCR of randomly sheared genomic DNA (PRSG), described here, is based on ligation-mediated PCR and was designed to improve genome coverage. Rather than using enzymatically generated fragments, this method uses randomly fragmented DNA as the template. The process involves three steps: (1) the hydrodynamic shearing of genomic DNA to a 0.5-2-kb size range, (2) end filling and adaptor ligation, and (3) high-stringency PCR for faithful replication of the resulting fragments.
A revised numerical chaetotaxy for neotropical Phlebotomine sandfly larvae (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: WARD RICHARD D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPhlebotomine larval taxonomy is briefly reviewed with particular reference to New World species, of which under one fifth have been adequately described as immature stages. A new numerical chaetotaxy is proposed following studies on the larvae of six species from Brazil. Setal numeration is used in a manner which demonstrates apparent segmental homologies and the use of letter designations for some setae has been reduced. With two exceptions the mesothoracic, metathoracic and abdominal setae are homologized with those of the posterior prothorax, and the anterior prothoracic setae are regarded as atypical.
Modifications of the metapostnotum and origin of the ‘propodeal triangle’ in Hymenoptera Aculeata
Authors: BROTHERS DENIS J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe metapostnotum of aculeate Hymenoptera shows three trends of modification: simple reduction in Bethyloidea, invagination and reduction in Vespoidea and enlargement (forming the ‘propodeal triangle’) in Sphecoidea (including bees). The second phragma is also variously modified in thete three groups to allow maximal development of the dorsal longitudinal indirect flight muscles of the mesothorax.
A review of the genusArgyripa(Coleoptera: Scarbaeidae)
Authors: RATCLIFFE BRETT C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Neotropical genusArgyripais reviewed. Keys, descriptions, illustrations, distributions, and locality record dot maps are presented for the four species in the genus,anomala(Bates),gloriosan.sp.,lansbergei(Sallé),subfasciataRitsema.
The family classification of the Anoplura
Authors: KIM KE CHUNG , LUDWIG HERBERT W. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFifteen families of Anoplura are recognized and defined, one with two sub‐families, and a key is provided for their identification. The included genera are listed for each family, together with the relevant type‐species as well as the mammalian hosts. Phylogenetic relationships between the families are discussed, and an extensive historical review and analysis of the available taxonomic characters is presented.
Semiaquatic bugs: phylogeny and classification of the Hebridae (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) with revisions of Timasius, Neotimasius and Hyrcanus
Authors: ANDERSEN N. MØLLER 
Published: January 2008

AbstractVarious characters of semiaquatic bugs belonging to the family Hebridae are analysed with respect to their taxonomic and phylogenetic importance. The cladistic relationships of the genera are discussed and a cladogram included. A classification is presented which divides the family into two sub‐families and resurrects Lipogomphus Berg as a valid taxon (to include L. lacuniferus Berg (type‐species), L.accola (Drake & Chapman) comb.n. for Merragata accola, L.brevis (Champion) comb.n. for Merragata brevis, and L.leucosticta (Champion) comb.n. for Merragata leucosticta). The following new taxa of hygropetric hebrids are described: Timasius livenssp.n. (Thailand), T.minorsp.n. (Pakistan, N. India), T.miyamotoisp.n. (Thailand), T.majorsp.n. (N.India), T.ventralissp.n. (N. India), T. miyamotoisp.n. (S. India), T.rupestrissp.n. (N. India), T.falcifersp.n. (N. India), T.championisp.n. (N. India), T.himalayensissp.n. (N. India), Neotimasius orientalisgen.n., sp.n. (S. India), Hyrcaninae subfam.n., Hyrcanus disparsp.n. (N. India), H.saxatilissp.n. (Thailand) and H.varicolorsp.n. (Java, Sumatra). Other species of the genera Timasius and Hyrcanus are redescribed and the generic position of one species changed: Hebrus (s.str.) atratus (Distant) comb.n. for Timasius atratus.
The systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of the psocopteran family Philotarsidae
Authors: THORNTON I. W. B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe 150 or so species of the Philotarsidae are reviewed. Using up to twenty‐six characters from 107 species, principal coordinates analyses are undertaken and groupings recognized. Inadequately known species are placed, on known characters, into the groups revealed by the analysis. Where appropriate, generic transfers are made. A revised classification is proposed and two subfamilies recognized: Philotarsinae (containing the tribes Philotarsini and Aaroniellini) and Zelandopsocinae. A new genus,Latrobiella, is erected andBroadheadiais reduced to a synonym ofAaroniella. A key to genera is given. Four new species are described and additional descriptions given for several others. A possible phylogeny of the family is suggested and the geographical distribution of groups is discussed in relation to the possible historical roles of fragmentation and dispersal.
A description of the first instar larva of Promecognathus Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: BOUSQUET Y. , SMETANA A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe first instar larva ofPromecognathus laevissimus(Dejean) is described, representing the first species of Promecognathus known in the larval stage. The larva is autapomorphic in having: (1) additional setae, often in great number, on many sclerites of the body, (2) a transverse, not bulbous, sensory area located ventrally and laterally at the apex of antennomere III, and (3) the marginal area of the mesonotum, metanotum and abdominal tergites I‐VI more expanded than usual in carabid larvae. No evidence was found from the larval morphology ofP.laevissimusto indicate the sister group of the Promecognathini.
The Gomphaeschninae (Odonata: Aeshnidae): new fossil genus, reconstructed phylogeny, and geographical history
Authors: WIGHTON DENNIS C. , WILSON MARK V. H. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Three new species of fossil Anisoptera (dragonflies) are reported from Tiffanian (Late Palaeocene) sediments of the Paskapoo Formation, near Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The three species are all assigned to the new genus Alloaeschna, which is classified in the subfamily Gomphaeschninae.Phylogenetic analysis of gomphaeschnine wing venation suggests that the subfamily is paraphyletic, with derived gomphaeschnines such as Boyeria and Linaeschna more closely related to the Brachytroninae and Aeshninae than are other gomphaeschnines. One of the most primitive gomphaeschnines, and the oldest fossil form, is the Jurassic Morbaeschna. Parallelism, convergence and reversal in the evolution of features of the wing venation is common.The new genus Alloaeschna is at about the same evolutionary grade as the old‐world genus Oligoaeschna and the new‐world genus Gomphaeschna, and is one of the more primitive known members of the Gomphaeschninae. The new species are the first recorded Palaeocene gomphaeschnines and the oldest known gomphaeschnines from the Americas.Several extant genera have fossil representatives on continents different from those on which they now survive, suggesting repeated crossing of land bridges and/or widespread ancestral species prior to the separation of the continents, and subsequent extinction leading to present relict distributions.
A comparative study of the structures of phylogenetic importance of female genitalia of the Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera)
Authors: FERGUSSON N. D. M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe structure of the female genitalia of the Cynipoidea is described, compared with that of other Hymenoptera and its method of operation discussed. The comparative morphology and the major evolutionary trends within the superfamily are discussed. Cynipoidea have two extraordinary modifications of the female genitalia; the ninth tergite is very long, narrow and centrally bisected so that it apparently forms an extra pair of ovipositor ‘sheaths’ and the ovipositor is so elongate in some families that, in order to accommodate it within the gaster, it forms a complete loop.
Dasineura ingerissp.n. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) onSalix viminalisin Sweden, including comparisons with some otherDasineuraspecies onSalix
Authors: SYLVÉN EDVARD , LÖVGREN LINNÉA 
Published: January 2008

AbstractInfestations of an undescribed gall midge species were discovered in Southern Sweden in biomass plantations and nurseries ofSalix viminalisL. Terminal leaf buds are damaged and side shoots subsequently develop. This midge,Dasineura ingerissp.n., closely resembles three other species occurring onSalix: D.terminalis(H. Loew) onS.albaL. andS.fragilisL.;D.iteobia(Kieffer) recorded fromS.capreaL. andS.cinereaL.; andD.schreiteri(Stelter) (= comb.n. forRabdophaga schreiteriStelter) originally found as an inquiline in the galls of another gall midge,Dasineura rosaria(H. Loew), onS.repensL. No qualitative differences in morphology were observed between these four gall midge species, but results of morphometric analyses show significant differences between all of them. In oviposition preference trials, which included host plants of all four midge species,D.ingerislaid eggs mainly onS. viminalis, D.schreiteripreferably onS.repens, andD.iteobiaexclusively onS.caprea.In larval performance trialsD.ingerisproduced many galls onS. viminalis, one gall also onS.caprea, but no galls on eitherS.albaorS.repens.
The phylogeny of the Forficulina, a suborder of the Dermaptera
Authors: HAAS FABIAN 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe phylogeny of the Forficulina (Dermaptera) has been reassessed, examining forty‐eight species and thirty characters, of which thirteen characters of the thorax and wings are described or used for phylogenetic purposes for the first time, whereas the remaining seventeen have been extracted from literature. Examination of the thirty characters demonstrates that only twenty‐three characters are useful for phylogenetic construction. The characters have been analysed with PAUP 3.1 yielding two equally parsimonious trees. The results suggest an exclusion of the ‘Diplatyidae’ (themselves paraphyletic) and the Karschiellidae from the Pygidicranidae and support the separation of the Apachyidae from the Labiduridae. A sister‐group relationship of Anisolabididae and Spongiphoridae is not supported. The monophyly of the (Spongiphoridae (Forficulidae, Chelisochidae)) is supported.