bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamic Effects of Seliciclib, an Orally Administered Cell Cycle Modulator, in Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Hsieh Wen-Son , Soo Ross , Peh Bee-Keow , Loh Thomas , Dong Difeng , Soh Donny , Wong Lim-Soon , Green Simon , Chiao Judy , Cui Chun-Ying , Lai Yoke-Fong , Lee Soo-Chin , Mow Benjamin , Soong Richie , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Goh Boon-Cher 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Purpose: Cell cycle dysregulation resulting in expression of antiapoptotic genes and uncontrolled proliferation is a feature of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The pharmacodynamic effects of seliciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, were studied in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Experimental Design: Patients with treatment-naïve locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma received seliciclib at 800 mg or 400 mg twice daily on days 1 to 3 and 8 to 12. Paired tumor samples obtained at baseline and on day 13 were assessed by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptional profiling using real-time PCR low-density array consisting of a panel of 380 genes related to cell cycle inhibition, apoptosis, signal transduction, and cell proliferation.
Results: At 800 mg bd, one patient experienced grade 3 liver toxicity and another had grade 2 vomiting; no significant toxicities were experienced in 13 patients treated at 400 mg bd. Seven of fourteen evaluable patients had clinical evidence of tumor reduction. Some of these responses were associated with increased tumor apoptosis, necrosis, and decreases in plasma EBV DNA posttreatment. Reduced protein expression of Mcl-1, cyclin D1, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein pRB (T821), and significant transcriptional down-regulation of genes related to cellular proliferation and survival were shown in some patients posttreatment, indicative of cell cycle modulation by seliciclib, more specifically inhibition of cdk2/cyclin E, cdk7/cyclin H, and cdk9/cyclin T.
Conclusions: Brief treatment with this regimen of seliciclib in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma is tolerable at 400 mg bd and associated with tumor pharmacodynamic changes consistent with cdk inhibition, and warrants further efficacy studies in this tumor.
Fascin Regulates Prostate Cancer Cell Invasion and Is Associated with Metastasis and Biochemical Failure in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Darnel Andrew D. , Behmoaram Emy , Vollmer Robin T. , Corcos Jacques , Bijian Krikor , Sircar Kanishka , Su Jie , Jiao Jinsong , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay A. , Bismar Tarek A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurpose: Prostate cancer metastasis to secondary organs is considered an initial event in the development of hormone refractory disease and remains the major cause of death among prostate cancer patients. In this study, we investigated the role of fascin, a cytoskeleton actin–bundling protein involved in the formation of filopodia and cell migration, in prostate cancer progression.Experimental Design: Fascin protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 196 patients with localized prostate cancer and across several stages of disease progression, including hormone refractory disease. Cellular changes were also assessed in vitro and in vivo in DU145 prostate cancer cell line using fascin gene silencing.Results: Fascin epithelial expression was significantly up-regulated in localized and hormone refractory prostate cancer compared with benign prostate tissue (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, high fascin expression was associated with an increased rate of prostate-specific antigen recurrence following radical prostatectomy (P = 0.075), signifying more aggressive clinical course, thus supporting a function for fascin in prostate cancer progression. In cellular models, fascin gene silencing using small interfering RNA in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line DU145 decreased cell motility and invasiveness while increasing cell adhesive properties. In addition, fascin small interfering RNA–expressing DU145 cells implanted orthotopically in mouse prostate showed significantly decreased growth (P &lt; 0.005) and drastically prevented the formation of lymph node metastases (P &lt; 0.001) compared with their matched controls.Conclusions: Our data show a function of fascin in the regulation of prostate cancer progression and emphasize the importance of fascin as a prognostic marker for aggressive disease and as a potential therapeutic target for advanced androgen independent disease.
AKT/mTOR Pathway Activation and BCL-2 Family Proteins Modulate the Sensitivity of Human Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells to RAD001
Authors: Marinov Marin , Ziogas Algirdas , Pardo Olivier E. , Tan Liwen Terence , Dhillon Tony , Mauri Francesco A. , Lane Heidi A. , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Zangemeister-Wittke Uwe , Seckl Michael J. , Arcaro Alexandre 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Purpose: The Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is frequently activated in human cancers and plays an important role in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biology. We investigated the potential of targeting mTOR signaling as a novel antitumor approach in SCLC.
Experimental Design: The expression of mTOR in patient specimens and in a panel of SCLC cell lines was analyzed. The effects on SCLC cell survival and downstream signaling were determined following mTOR inhibition by the rapamycin derivative RAD001 (Everolimus) or down-regulation by small interfering RNA.
Results: We found elevated expression of mTOR in patient specimens and SCLC cell lines, compared with normal lung tissue and normal lung epithelial cells. RAD001 treatment impaired basal and growth factor–stimulated cell growth in a panel of SCLC cell lines. Cells with increased Akt pathway activation were more sensitive to RAD001. Accordingly, a constitutive activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway was sufficient to sensitize resistant SCLC cells to the cytotoxic effect of RAD001. In the sensitive cells, RAD001 showed a strong additive effect to the proapoptotic action of the chemotherapeutic agent etoposide. Intriguingly, we observed low Bcl-2 family proteins levels in the SCLC cells with a constitutive Akt pathway activation, whereas an increased expression was detected in the RAD001-resistant SCLC cells. An antisense construct targeting Bcl-2 or a Bcl-2–specific inhibitor was able to sensitize resistant SCLC cells to RAD001. Moreover, SCLC tumor growth in vivo was significantly inhibited by RAD001.
Conclusion: Together, our data show that inhibiting mTOR signaling with RAD001 potently disrupts growth and survival signaling in human SCLC cells.
Genetic and Epigenetic SLC18A2 Silencing in Prostate Cancer Is an Independent Adverse Predictor of Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Sørensen Karina Dalsgaard , Wild Peter Johannes , Mortezavi Ashkan , Adolf Katja , Tørring Niels , Heebøll Sara , Ulhøi Benedicte Parm , Ottosen Peter , Sulser Tullio , Hermanns Thomas , Moch Holger , Borre Michael , Ørntoft Torben Falck , Dyrskjøt Lars 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates SLC18A2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2) expression in prostate adenocarcinoma and examines its potential as a predictive marker for prostate cancer patient outcome after radical prostatectomy.
Experimental Design: Expression and single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analyses identified SLC18A2 as both down-regulated and subject to common loss-of-heterozygosity in prostate cancer. Down-regulated SLC18A2 expression was validated on tissue microarrays containing benign and malignant prostate specimens from an independent patient group (n = 738). Furthermore, SLC18A2 immunoreactivity in radical prostatectomy tumor specimens (n = 506) was correlated to clinicopathologic characteristics and recurrence-free survival. The possibility of SLC18A2 silencing by aberrant DNA methylation in prostate cancer cells was investigated by bisulfite sequencing.
Results: Tissue microarray analysis revealed markedly lower cytoplasmic SLC18A2 staining in cancer compared with nonmalignant prostate tissue samples, confirming RNA expression profiling results. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified cytoplasmic SLC18A2 immunoreactivity as a novel predictor of biochemical recurrence following prostatectomy (hazard ratio, 0.485; 95% confidence interval, 0.333-0.709; P &lt; 0.001) independent of prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, tumor stage, and surgical margin status. SLC18A2 showed loss-of-heterozygosity in 23% of the tumors and was densely hypermethylated in 15 of 17 (88%) prostate cancer samples plus 6 of 6 prostate cancer cell lines. In contrast, SLC18A2 was unmethylated in 4 of 4 adjacent nonmalignant prostate and 3 of 5 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue samples, whereas 2 of 5 benign prostatic hyperplasia samples had monoallelic hypermethylation. Methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitory agents rescued SLC18A2 expression in three prostate cancer cell lines.
Conclusions: SLC18A2 silencing by DNA hypermethylation and/or allelic loss is a frequent event in prostate cancer and a novel independent predictor of biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy.
Revelations of a Missing Paragraph: Zhu Changwen (1039-1098) and the Compilation of Local Gazetteers in Northern Song China
Authors: Sue Takashi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Supplement to the Illustrated Record of Wu Commandery (Wujun tujing xuji), compiled in 1084 by Zhu Changwen (1039-1098), is one of only two extant Northern Song local gazetteers. An examination of biographical materials reveals that Zhu Changwen wrote his gazetteer in opposition to the New Policies of Wang Anshi (1021-1086); it was intended as a contribution toward a new empire-wide gazetteer that would be required after the abolition of Wang's administrative reorganizations. The detail of Zhu's Supplement anticipates the more comprehensive gazetteers of the late Northern and the Southern Song. Les Notes supplémentaires à la géographie de la commanderie Wu (Wujun tujing xuji), compilées par Zhu Changwen (1039-1098) en 1084, sont l'une des deux seules monographies locales qui nous soient parvenues des Song du Nord. Un examen des matériaux biographiques montre que Zhu Changwen l'avait écrite en adversaire des réformes de Wang Anshi (1021-1086) pour contribuer à une nouvelle monographie nationale devenue nécessaire du fait de l'abolition attendue des réorganisations administratives de Wang Anshi. Par leur contenu, les Notes supplémentaires anticipent les monographies locales plus complètes des derniers Song du Nord et des Song du Sud.
Quantitative description of collagen structure in the articular cartilage of the young and adult equine distal metacarpus
Authors: van Turnhout Mark , Haazelager Monique , Gijsen Merel , Schipper Henk , Kranenbarg Sander , van Leeuwen Johan 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The orientation and organisation of collagen fibrils play an important role in the mechanical functioning of the articular cartilage (AC) that covers the surfaces in the diarthrodial joints. In the adult animal, typically an arcade like 'Benninghoff structure' is found. Because the remodelling capacity of the collagen network in the adult animal is limited, this Benninghoff structure needs to develop before the animal reaches maturity, and it needs to develop correctly. The aim of this study is to use quantitative polarised light microscopy (qPLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques to investigate if this Benninghoff structure is already present in the young animal, and to quantitatively investigate possible differences in collagen structure in the equine distal metacarpus of the young and adult animal. In total, 21 forelimbs of 13 horses are used. In animals of age 10 months and older, we find an arcade like Benninghoff structure for the collagen fibril network in both the qPLM and SEM study. The qPLM study shows that the collagen's predominant orientation is parallel to the articular surface throughout the entire cartilage depth in two animals directly after birth. These findings are supported by SEM results on a foal. We conclude that structural remodelling of the collagen network in AC occurs in the first months after birth. Because animals start with collagen parallel to the articular surface and need to remodel this structure to a Benninghoff architecture, and because collagen structure is an important parameter for AC mechanics and mechanobiology, these results suggest implications for AC epigenetics.
Looking for the ants: selection of oviposition sites by two myrmecophilous butterfly species
Authors: Wynhoff Irma , Grutters Mark , van Langevelde Frank 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObligate myrmecophilous butterfly species, such as Maculinea teleius and M. nausithous that hibernate as caterpillar in nests of the ant species Myrmica scabrinodis and M. rubra respectively, have narrowly defined habitat requirements. One would expect that these butterflies are able to select for sites that meet all their requirements. Both butterfly species occur in habitats where their initial larval resource, the host plant Sanguisorba officinalis, is abundant, while the ant nests are relatively less abundant. With ants in the proximity of a host plant, caterpillars have a chance of being found by their host ant species, while the host plant could become a sink as caterpillars will die when there are no ants close to the host plant. We tested whether females oviposit on host plants in the close proximity of host ants (ant-mediated oviposition) or whether there is random oviposition, using 587 1-m2 plots in and around a nature reserve in The Netherlands where both species were reintroduced. We found that females of both species indeed more often deposit eggs on host plants nearby ants than on host plants without ants. Visits of adult butterflies to plots with the host plant but without the host ants only occurred in years with high butterfly densities. We argue that understanding site selection for oviposition is important for these highly endangered butterfly species with a specialised life cycle, especially after disturbances or reintroductions.
Plasticity in flood-avoiding behaviour in two congeneric riparian wolf spiders
Authors: Lambeets Kevin , Maelfait Jean-Pierre , Bonte Dries 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The ecological effects of disrupted flooding are known to be pernicious for the occurring riparian fauna. As flooding disturbance is argued to structure species assemblages, behavioural aspects may be affected just as well. Generally, eurytopic inhabitants possess a well-developed dispersal ability allowing frequent recolonization, whereas specialized stenotopic species are expected to be adapted to these stress regimes. This study aims at determining whether flooding induces different behavioural responses in two congeneric wolf spider species. Variation in flood-avoiding behaviour was evaluated by means of individual tests performed under different ambient conditions. We considered sheltering behaviour preceding flooding, a direct flight reflex induced by the flood event, an escape reaction away from the rising water and submersion tolerance. Our findings indicated clear flood-avoiding behaviour for both species, yet a higher degree of plasticity in individual behaviour for a riparian wolf spider (Pardosa agricola) in contrast to a generalist species (P. amentata). Nonetheless the former species systematically reacted under different ambient conditions, a generalist shifts responses, displaying a higher degree of between-individual variation. Submersion tolerance was equivalent, emphasizing similar morphological characteristics. We argue habitat specialization and/or experience with local conditions to influence behavioural responses in order to optimize long-term persistence under flood stress. Future studies of behavioural variation should consider temporal variation in species condition, thus employing distinct populations thriving under different local stress regimes.
Armenia in Chinese Sources
Authors: Yingsheng Liu , Kauz Ralph 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper discusses several toponyms in Chinese sources, which may possibly be identified with Armenia. First, Aman country, which can be found in the "History of the Later Han" (compiled 3rd–5th centuries) and in the "Account of the Wei Dynasty" (compiled between 239 and 265), is discussed, and it is suggested that there are reasons for an identification, though doubts remain. Armenia was well known by the Mongols and the "Korean Worldmap", which originates in Chinese geographical scholarship during the Mongol period and depicts possibly even Greater and Lesser Armenia. Another source of that period that mentions Armenia is "Muslim Prescriptions" (Huihui yaofang), which names Armenian materia medica known in China. Finally, two other Chinese geographical texts of the 16th and early 18th century that deal with Armenia and the Caucasus region are discussed. This paper shows that Armenia was described in Chinese texts since at least the Mongol period, and that China had a profound knowledge of the geographical situation in Western Asia.
The Lost Sanjaq
Authors: Nicolaus Peter 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe seven sanjaqs, or sacred images of Malak Tawus, are the most concrete expression of Yezidism and considered the holiest of the holy ritual objects of that religion. Only a handful of non-Yezidis have ever seen one, and very little is known about them. The latter holds, in particular, true with regard to the so-called Moskovi-sanjaq. Before World War I it was sent to the Russian Empire (East Anatolia and the Transcaucasus) every year, but was reported lost in 1914.Based on numerous interviews with Yezidis in Armenia, as well as on official correspondence between British, Iraqi, and Soviet authorities, the first part of the article reconstructs the odyssey of the Moskovi-sanjaq and the seven priests (qewwals) carrying it. It confirms that after 16 years of wandering through the Transcaucasus, five of the seven qewwals were eventually able to return via Odessa and London to the Yezidi heartland in Northern Iraq, but concludes that the Moskovi-sanjaq was ultimately lost in Georgia—confiscated by the Soviet authorities.The second part of the paper describes the history of a second sanjaq, which the author discovered in a village near Yerevan, secretly kept and protected from the prying eyes of non-Yezidis by a sheikhly family. Although all tales and myths, explaining how this second sanjaq arrived in Armenia, are examined and analysed, the origin of that sacred image remains mysterious. The article further paints a detailed picture of the cult, which evolved around the sacred image in Armenia as well as of the—sometimes savage—fights over its possession and the struggle of the keepers of the sanjaq with the Soviet authorities. In addition to interviews with eyewitnesses, the author bases his findings on court decisions and minutes of the councils of Yezidi elders, as well as information found at Yezidi graveyards.
Rituals of Birth among the Adyghes
Authors: Djandar Mariet 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRituals of childbirth make up an important part of life in traditional Adyghe society. The author provides a detailed description of these rituals, paying special attention not only to the birth itself, but also to the rituals and ceremonies practiced during the entire period of pregnancy, the behaviour of the mother-to-be, and her social status before and after the birth in the house of her husband. In a number of cases original ritual songs with translation are also included. The research is predominantly based on field-records of the author and archive materials.Of all the rituals associated with childhood in this survey, only some of them are practiced now, though sporadically. Others have been consigned to oblivion.
Some Laki Demons
Authors: Yusefvand Reza 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Laks are a West Iranian ethnic group linguistically closely related to the Lurs and the Kurds. They mainly inhabit the provinces of Luristan, Kirmanshah, Ilam, and Hamadan in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as Kirkuk and Khanaqin in Iraq. The paper presents some imaginary figures from the folk beliefs of the Laks, recorded by the author within the framework of a larger project on the ethnography and folklore of the Laks.
Parthisch uzbar(i) und georgisch zvari
Authors: Bielmeier Roland 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper shows that Georgian zvari, Old Georgian zwari "large vineyard, wine-growing estate" is a direct loan, without Armenian transmission, from Sasanian Parthian *(i)zßar going back to Arsacid Parthian uzbar(i) with the meaning "subject to taxation, profitable" and denoting a certain category of vineyard of an estate in the Parthian Economic Documents from Nisa of the 1st century B.C. Its Old Persian correspondence was also current as a loan in Late Babylonian with the meaning "crown land". The Georgian form is documented twice in the Old Testament: 1 Samuel 22,7 showing that a zwari consisted of several venaq'i "vineyard"; and in 1 Samuel 8,12 mezware "guard or keeper of a zwari", misread in the Mc'xet'a Bible but correct in the Oški Bible. A further mistake in the Mc'xet'a Bible shows that its Georgian translator misinterpreted the Armenian model. Again, the differring text in the Oški Bible is correct. The word is mentioned by Sulxan-Saba Orbeliani in the 17th century and was explained by Niko Č'ubinašvili and his nephew Davit' Č'ubinašvili by a folk etymology connecting it with mzvare "sunny place", an erroneous explanation, which has also crept into modern publications.
Culture, Policy, and Scholarship in the Subcaucasian Region: (Some Critical Remarks and a Methodological Survey)
Authors: Zekiyan Boghos Levon 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe mutual interaction of culture and policy, and its influence on scholarship is attested in history. Even today this influence is often remarkable in the various fields of humanities, especially in extra-European contexts.The topics, which most frequently became the object of analogous polemics in Caucasian and Subcaucasian studies, can be summed up as follows: a) the question of identities, that is how to define the ethnic, cultural, political, and religious belonging of persons, regions, and objects; b) the question of cultural influences and interactions, that is the question, who and which side influenced the other in those cases in which similar historical phenomena or artistic expressions are discernible in different ethnic or religious groups, or state structures.Obviously, in all these questions strong predicaments of various natures, which can be combined under the common denominator of extra-scholarly factors, play a big role: namely they do not allow or make very difficult a passionless approach and a balanced discussion of the subject.Since the field of discussion is extremely large, the present inquiry takes into consideration only some specific cases in which the role of extra-scholarly factors seems to have major relevance. Moreover, these cases put in a clearer light the gaps of the conceptual frame and of the methodological procedures used in approaching the subject.