bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A survey of statistical user simulation techniques for reinforcement-learning of dialogue management strategies
Authors: SCHATZMANN JOST , WEILHAMMER KARL , STUTTLE MATT , YOUNG STEVE 
Published: August 2006

Within the broad field of spoken dialogue systems, the application of machine-learning approaches to dialogue management strategy design is a rapidly growing research area. The main motivation is the hope of building systems that learn through trial-and-error interaction what constitutes a good dialogue strategy. Training of such systems could in theory be done using human users or using corpora of human–computer dialogue, but in practice the typically vast space of possible dialogue states and strategies cannot be explored without the use of automatic user simulation tools.This requirement for training statistical dialogue models has created an interesting new application area for predictive statistical user modelling and a variety of different techniques for simulating user behaviour have been presented in the literature ranging from simple Markov models to Bayesian networks. The development of reliable user simulation tools is critical to further progress on automatic dialogue management design but it holds many challenges, some of which have been encountered in other areas of current research on statistical user modelling, such as the problem of ‘concept drift’, the problem of combining content-based and collaboration-based modelling techniques, and user model evaluation. The latter topic is of particular interest, because simulation-based learning is currently one of the few applications of statistical user modelling that employs both direct ‘accuracy-based’ and indirect ‘utility-based’ evaluation techniques.In this paper, we briefly summarize the role of the dialogue manager in a spoken dialogue system, give a short introduction to reinforcement-learning of dialogue management strategies and review the literature on user modelling for simulation-based strategy learning. We further describe recent work on user model evaluation and discuss some of the current research issues in simulation-based learning from a user modelling perspective.
Hormonal change and cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the development of canine autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Choi E-W , Shin I-S , Bhang D-H , Lee D-H , Bae B-K , Kang M-S , Kim D-Y , Hwang C-Y , Lee C-W , Youn H-Y 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTo elucidate the hormonal change and alteration in cytokine expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during the early stage of autoimmune thyroiditis, we have developed a canine model of this disease, in which normal dogs were immunized with bovine thyroglobulin (Tg) and/or canine thyroid extract. Serum samples were collected weekly, anti-canine Tg antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and total T4 levels by radioimmunoassay. We also assayed T lymphocyte proliferation in response to Tg, as well as measuring cytokine mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). All six dogs immunized with bovine Tg had both canine Tg autoantibody and anti-T4 antibody. When the sample from the highest TgAA titre time-point was compared with baseline the expression of mRNA encoding the Th1-type cytokine such as interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-15 was increased during the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Expression of the Th2-type cytokine, IL-6 showed minimal change and IL-4 expression was not detected in any of the samples. Expression of the T suppressive cytokine, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was increased in the presence of antigen stimulation. These findings suggest that, although autoimmune thyroiditis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, systemic cytokine mRNA expression is also changed.
Histopathological characteristics of metastasizing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and lips
Authors: Quaedvlieg P J F , Creytens D H K V , Epping G G , Peutz‐Kootstra C J , Nieman F H M , Thissen M R T M , Krekels G A 
Published: August 2006

Aims:  The reported incidence of metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin and lip varies between 0.5% and 16%. Clinical and histopathological criteria have been proposed to identify tumours that may have an increased risk of metastasis. The aim of this study was to define such high‐risk tumours, especially since the incidence of SCC of the skin is increasing.Methods and results:  Histopathological features of metastasized skin and lip tumours and a matched group of non‐metastasizing tumours were reassessed. Characteristics studied were: tumour width, excision margins, histological subtype, Clark level, Breslow depth, tumour differentiation, inflammation, perineural and angio‐invasive growth, ulceration and desmoplasia. Data were statistically analysed separately for skin and labial lesions. Desmoplasia, Clark level, Breslow depth, maximum diameter, angio‐invasion, grading, perineural invasion, plasma cells and eosinophilic inflammatory response proved to be statistically significantly related to metastasis of skin tumours. Breslow depth, plasma cells and grading appeared to be statistically significantly related to metastasis of SCC of the lips.Conclusions:  A typical metastatic SCC showed: a tumour width of at least 15 mm, a vertical tumour thickness (= Breslow) of at least 2 mm, less differentiation, presence of desmoplasia and an inflammatory response with eosinophils and plasma cells.
Apoptosis and extracellular matrix remodelling in human silicosis
Authors: Delgado L , Parra E R , Capelozzi V L 
Published: August 2006

Aims:  Silicosis is a chronic occupational disease caused by the inhalation of free crystalline silica particles which produce inflammation and tissue destruction followed by remodelling of the extracellular matrix. Apoptosis has been implicated in the development of the initial inflammation that triggers the remodelling process. Our aim was to elucidate the importance of Fas‐ligand (Fas‐L) in this disorder and to study the relationship between Fas‐L and several other inflammatory and fibrotic remodelling markers.Methods and results:  We analysed 23 lung biopsies from silicotic patients and five controls, quantifying Fas‐L and Bcl‐2 expression by inflammatory cells as well as mast cells and collagen and elastic fibres. We used immunohistochemistry and morphometry to evaluate the amount of Fas‐L and Bcl‐2. Our analysis revealed that the silicotic lung stage was significantly related to Fas‐L, mast cell and extracellular matrix remodelling. Fas‐L expression was inversely associated with mast cells, collagen/elastic deposition and the silicotic lung.Conclusion:  Fas‐L, mast cell staining and collagen/elastic fibre quantities in silicotic lungs are strongly related to silicosis progression.
Diagnostic value of markers M2A, OCT3/4, AP‐2γ, PLAP and c‐KIT in the detection of extragonadal seminomas
Authors: Biermann K , Klingmüller D , Koch A , Pietsch T , Schorle H , Büttner R , Zhou H 
Published: August 2006

Aims:  To compare the suitability of new seminoma markers including transcription factors AP‐2γ, OCT3/4 and M2A for detection of metastatic and extragonadal seminomas with the two well‐known markers c‐KIT and PLAP.Materials and methods:  The immunohistochemical distribution of PLAP, c‐KIT, M2A, AP‐2γ and OCT3/4 was examined in two pineal germinomas, 28 metastatic seminomas and 10 of their testicular primaries. Evaluation of specificity was achieved by additional tissue array studies on 75 malignancies other than germ cell tumours (GCT). Clinical data including serum PLAP were available in 18 patients.Results:  Compared with other markers, significantly better staining results were observed with antibodies to M2A and AP‐2γ in all seminomatous GCT. In contrast, the staining pattern with antibodies to c‐KIT, PLAP and OCT3/4 was variable or absent. The lowest specificity was obtained with c‐KIT, which was expressed in a variety of non‐GCT. The only M2A+ mesothelioma expressed no other seminoma markers. No correlation between serum PLAP level and tissue PLAP expression was found.Conclusions:  M2A and AP‐2γ are the most sensitive markers for seminoma metastases or primary extragonadal seminomas. Combination of these markers provides highly specific and clear results for detection of a seminomatous GCT.
Nuclear maspin detection in renal cell tumours: possible diagnostic role and correlation with p53 status
Authors: Blandamura S , Giacomelli L , Leo G , Segato P , Ninfo V 
Published: August 2006

Aim:  To investigate the presence of maspin in renal tumours in an attempt to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism of renal carcinogenesis and for diagnostic purposes.Methods and results:  We examined 122 renal neoplasms of varying histological types and immunohistochemically investigated maspin and p53 expression. All clear cell carcinomas (CC) were negative for maspin, whereas oncocytomas (OC), papillary renal cell carcinomas (PC), chromophobe carcinomas (CPC) and, at least focally, collecting duct carcinomas (CDC) stained positively. We found that p53 positivity had a statistically significant correlation with metastasis (P = 0.009) in CC and maspin showed a significant inverse correlation with the presence of metastasis in PC and CDC (P = 0.02).Conclusions:  The detection of maspin may be useful for differential diagnostic purposes and suggests a different underlying mechanism in the development of the various histological types of renal carcinomas.
IGFII and MIB1 immunohistochemistry is helpful for the differentiation of benign from malignant adrenocortical tumours
Authors: Schmitt A , Saremaslani P , Schmid S , Rousson V , Montani M , Schmid D M , Heitz Ph U , Komminoth P , Perren A 
Published: August 2006

Aims:  The differentiation of adrenocortical carcinomas from adenomas may be difficult based on morphology alone. Differential expression of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) II and cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 4 has recently been described in these tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic usefulness of these markers immunohistochemically.Methods and results:  We examined 22 benign and 17 malignant adrenocortical tumours and compared IGFII and CDK4 expression with known immunohistochemical as well as morphological criteria of malignancy. Thirteen of 17 carcinomas showed immunohistochemical reactivity for IGFII, whereas all adenomas but one were negative. Intense CDK4 expression was detected in 11 of 17 carcinomas but was present in only three of 22 adenomas. The MIB1 index was > 5% in 14 of 16 carcinomas and was < 5% in all adenomas but one. The combination of IGFII immunohistochemistry with MIB1 index led to high sensitivity and specificity in detecting adrenocortical carcinomas.Conclusions:  IGFII and MIB1 are helpful immunohistochemical markers to predict malignancy in adrenocortical neoplasms. These markers can be used in addition to clinical, gross and morphological features to establish a diagnosis in difficult cases.
Mechanisms of major histocompatibility complex class II‐restricted processing and presentation of the V antigen of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Shim Ho‐Ki , Musson Julie A. , Harper Helen M. , McNeill Hesta V. , Walker Nicola , Flick‐Smith Helen , Von Delwig Alexei , Williamson E. Diane , Robinson John H. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryWe mapped mouse CD4 T‐cell epitopes located in three structurally distinct regions of the V antigen of Yersinia pestis. T‐cell hybridomas specific for epitopes from each region were generated to study the mechanisms of processing and presentation of V antigen by bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages. All three epitopes required uptake and/or processing from V antigen as well as presentation to T cells by newly synthesized major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules over a time period of 3–4 hr. Sensitivity to inhibitors showed a dependence on low pH and cysteine, serine and metalloproteinase, but not aspartic proteinase, activity. The data indicate that immunodominant epitopes from all three structural regions of V antigen were presented preferentially by the classical MHC class II‐restricted presentation pathway. The requirement for processing by the co‐ordinated activity of several enzyme families is consistent with the buried location of the epitopes in each region of V antigen. Understanding the structure–function relationship of multiple immunodominant epitopes of candidate subunit vaccines is necessary to inform choice of adjuvants for vaccine delivery. In the case of V antigen, adjuvants designed to target it to lysosomes are likely to induce optimal responses to multiple protective T‐cell epitopes.
Historical biogeographical patterns of the species of Bursera (Burseraceae) and their taxonomic implications
Authors: Espinosa David , Llorente Jorge , Morrone Juan J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAim  The plant genus Bursera, with 104 species of trees and shrubs, has been used as a model for biogeographical analyses because of its high species richness and large number of endemic species. The biogeographical patterns of Bursera and their implications for its phylogenetic classification are reviewed in order that some hypotheses on the historical biogeography of tropical Mexico can be proposed.Location  Bursera is found in the south‐western USA, most of Mexico, mainly below 1700 m elevation in tropical forests, with some species in xeric shrublands, diversifying along the Pacific slope, Central America, and north‐western South America. A few species occur on the Galapagos and Revillagigedo archipelagos, some of which are endemics, whereas in the Antilles species are distributed extensively, with several endemics in the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.Methods  Data from specimens in herbaria and the literature were used to construct a matrix of 104 species in 160 areas. Distributional patterns of the species of Bursera were inferred applying track analysis, parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE), and Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA).Results  Track analysis revealed four individual tracks: (1) a circum‐Caribbean track, comprising species of the Bursera simaruba species group; (2) an Antillean track, including species that have been transferred to Commiphora based on their pollen traits; (3) a Mexican Pacific track, including species of the B. fragilis, B. microphylla, and B. fagaroides species groups, called ‘cuajiotes’; and (4) a Neotropical Pacific track, including the two species groups assigned to section Bullockia, in which the individual track of the Bursera copallifera species group is nested within the track of the B. glabrifolia species group. The four tracks overlap in a node in the Mexican Pacific slope, where they are highly diversified. PAE allowed us to identify 22 areas of endemism: 12 in Mexico (11 along the Mexican Pacific slope), six in the Antilles, two in Central America, one in South America, and one in the Galapagos. The general area cladogram obtained by BPA has two main clades: one includes the greater Antilles; and the other, 12 Mexican areas of endemism.Main conclusions  Bursera fragilis, B. microphylla, and B. fagaroides species groups can be treated together as a new section within Bursera, sect. Quaxiotea, because they are segregated from the other groups of sect. Bursera based on morphological, anatomical, molecular and geographical evidence.
Effects of hydroxyurea on malaria, parasite growth and adhesion in experimental models
Authors: PINO P. , TAOUFIQ Z. , BRUN M. , TEFIT M. , FRANETICH J. F. , CICERON L. , KRISHNAMOORTHY R. , MAZIER D. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY We recently raised concern over using hydroxyurea (HU) in the treatment of sickle cell disease in areas endemic for malaria, becauseit up‐regulates the endothelial surface expression of ICAM‐1, a major receptor for Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocytes in the brain. Using human in vitro models of cerebral malaria, we evaluated the interaction of HU with parasites and demonstrated that HU pretreatment increased the number of infected red blood cells adhering to the endothelium, but did not increase endothelial apoptosis. Moreover, using an experimental cerebral malaria model, HU pretreatment was found to prevent significantly mice from developing neurological syndrome by inhibiting parasite growth, opening potential therapeutic avenues.
Remnant liver regeneration and spleen volume changes after living liver donation: influence of the middle hepatic vein
Authors: Chen Tai‐Yi , Chen Chao‐Long , Huang Tung‐Liang , Tsang Leo Leung‐Chit , Wang Chih‐Chi , Wang Shih‐Ho , Yang Chin‐Hsiang , Concejero Allan M , Cheng Yu‐Fan 
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Background and objectives: Graft harvest with or without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) affects venous return and function of the remaining liver. The aims of this study are to compare the remnant liver volume and spleen changes in the donors of different types of graft harvest and to evaluate the influence of resection with or without the MHV on the remnant liver volume regeneration, spleen volume change and serum total bilirubin.Patients and methods:A total of 165 donors were grouped according to the type of graft harvest: 88 donors underwent left lateral segmentectomy (LLS), 10 donors underwent extend LLS or left lobectomy (LL), and 67 donors underwent right lobectomy (RL). Groups LLS and LL were later combined as group LH (left hepatectomy, n = 98). There were 68 men and 97 women. The mean age was 32.9 ± 8.1 yr. The total liver volume (LV) and spleen volume (S1) before graft harvest, graft weight (GW), regenerated liver volume (LV6m) and spleen volume (S2) six months post‐donation were calculated.Results: There were no significant differences in the regenerated liver volume six months postoperation (LV6m) and recovery ratio (LV6m/LV × 100%) among the different groups, albeit significant smaller LV6min both groups compared with the initial liver volume was noted. Postoperative spleen volume (S2), average spleen ratio (S2/S1) and spleen change ratio were significantly larger and higher in group RL than in group LH. A significant increase in spleen volume was noted in both groups six months after graft harvest. A significantly higher TB in group RL (4.1 ± 1.7 mg/dL, range: 1.4–8.5 mg/dL) was noted compared with that of group LH (1.6 ± 1.0 mg/dL, range: 0.7–6.2 mg/dL).Conclusion:There was a significant increase in the regenerated remnant liver and splenic volumes six months postoperation in all types of hepatectomy following living donor hepatectomy, and there was no difference in the mean TB levels among donors whether the MHV was included or not in the graft.
A systematic review of barriers in access to renal transplantation among African Americans in the United States
Authors: Navaneethan Sankar D. , Singh Sonal 
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Background:  African‐American patients with end‐stage renal disease are less likely than white patients to undergo renal transplantation. The development of strategies to address this disparity requires an evidence‐based understanding of the barriers that impede access to renal transplantation among African Americans in the United States.Methods:  In September 2005, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for articles that identified the barriers that impeded African Americans’ access to renal transplantation. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data from the included studies. Barriers were broadly divided under two categories: (i) patient‐related barriers; and (ii) healthcare‐related barriers.Results:  We obtained 76 potentially relevant articles of which 11 studies were included in the final review. Several patient‐related barriers – personal and cultural beliefs about transplantation, lower socioeconomic status and levels of education, and healthcare‐related barriers – physician perception about survival of African Americans post‐transplantation, inadequate transplant work‐up despite being referred, and HLA‐mismatching were identified at different stages of the transplantation process. Personal and cultural beliefs of African‐American patients were consistently identified as patient‐related barriers among several studies. Physicians’ perception about post‐transplantation survival of African Americans was the most commonly identified healthcare‐related barrier.Conclusions:  A wide spectrum of patient‐related barriers including their personal and cultural beliefs about transplantation and several healthcare‐related barriers at different stages of the transplant process impedes access to renal transplantation among African Americans in the United States. A multisectoral approach focusing on these barriers needs to be evaluated to reduce disparities in renal transplantation in the United States.
School re‐entry of the pediatric heart transplant recipient
Authors: Weil Constance M. , Rodgers S. , Rubovits S. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Pediatric cardiac transplant has become increasingly frequent in the last decade and survival rates have improved remarkably. Outcome research on this population suggests that the majority of children have the capacity for healthy adaptation although 25–40% have been shown to have some type of psychiatric difficulties. As school plays a major role in these children's lives, early intervention and close liaison with schools is indicated to reduce psychological morbidity, enhance adaptation within the school environment and enhance overall adjustment. This paper proposes a model for a school re‐entry program for this population. The school re‐entry program is aimed at children who are undergoing cardiac transplant and will be entering or re‐entering the school system. They may range in academic age from preschool to college level and have been attending private or public schools with placements in regular education programs, regular education programs with resource support, special education programs, and alternative school programs. Others may not have been attending school because of the severity of their medical condition and have been receiving in‐home tutoring.Each child is offered school re‐entry assistance by a multi‐disciplinary team composed of members from the Cardiology Transplant Service. The re‐entry program includes cognitive and psychosocial assessment, liaison with the child's school pre‐ and post‐transplant, academic planning and provision of academic, emotional, and behavioral support before, during, and immediately after transplant, a school re‐entry visit, and an ongoing school consultation. The goal is to address issues necessary for a successful school re‐entry including appropriate academic placement and support, psychosocial adjustment, education of school personnel and ongoing health needs of the student. The next step is to formally evaluate the efficacy of this program in successful school re‐entry.
A field test of the Cougar Home Safety Assessment (version 2.0) in the homes of older persons living alone
Authors: Fisher Grace S. , Baker Alison , Koval Dana , Lishok Christine , Maisto Emily 
Published: August 2006

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to develop and field test the Cougar Home Safety Assessment version 2.0 (Cougar 2.0). Method:  First, the Cougar 2.0 was adapted and developed from the Cougar 1.0 — a tool made for a prior study. The Cougar 2.0 was then field tested in the residences of 44 older adults who lived alone. Additionally, the residents and a panel of occupational therapy home care specialists completed questionnaires about the assessment. Results:  A number of concerning safety hazards were identified. An overall mean safety score of 89% was obtained. Fire risk criteria were the most unsafe. Favourable face validity feedback was obtained. Conclusion:  There is a need for occupational therapy home safety assessment for older people who live alone. The Cougar 2.0 appears to be a valid tool in this regard. The Cougar Home Safety Assessment series is available at: http://www.misericordia.edu/misericordia_pg_sub.cfm?sub_page_id=935&subcat_id=108&page_id=338