bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuclear expression of epidermal growth factor receptor is a novel prognostic value in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Xia Weiya , Wei Yongkun , Du Yi , Liu Jinsong , Chang Bin , Yu Yung‐Luen , Huo Long‐Fei , Miller Stephanie , Hung Mien‐Chie 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has previously been detected in the nucleus of cancer cells and primary tumors. We have reported that EGFR translocates from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Accumulation of nuclear EGFR is linked to increased DNA synthesis and proliferation; however, the pathological significance of nuclear EGFR is not completely understood. Here, we sought to determine the predictive value of EGFR for the survival of ovarian cancer patients, through the examination of 221 cases of ovarian cancer tissues by immunohistochemical analysis to determine nuclear EGFR expression. In addition, we also examined cyclin D1 and Ki‐67 through immunohistochemisty. Furthermore, we examined nuclear EGFR levels in ovarian cancer cell lines treated with EGF, and primary ovarian tumor tissue using immunofluorescence analysis. Nuclear fractions extracted from serum‐starved cells treated with or without EGF were subjected to SDS–PAGE and Western blot analyses. We found that 28.3% of the cohort had high levels of nuclear EGFR, while 22.5% had low levels of nuclear EGFR, and 49.2% were negative for nuclear EGFR. Importantly, there was an inverse correlation between high nuclear EGFR, cyclin D1, and Ki‐67 with overall survival (P < 0.01, P < 0.09, P < 0.041). Additionally, nuclear EGFR correlated positively with increased levels of cyclin D1 and Ki‐67, both indicators for cell proliferation. Our findings indicate a pathological significance of nuclear EGFR that might be important for predicting clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A reactive polythiophene for protein immobilization
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Chul , Lee Soo‐Keun , Lee Seung Woo , Jeong Sang Won 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe reaction between a polythiophene with pendant N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester moieties and amine‐containing molecules in solution and on a surface is described. 3‐(N‐succinimidoacetate)thiophene was polymerized with FeCl3 in chloroform and the resulting polythiophene was characterized by NMR, FT‐IR, and GPC. Both n‐butylamine and 2‐amino(2‐ethoxy)ethanol were reacted with the polythiophene in a chloroform solution as confirmed by UV‐vis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The polythiophene prepared as a film on a gold substrate was treated with the amine‐containing molecules and the surface modification was investigated by contact angle measurement. Anti‐CRP (C‐reactive protein) was immobilized by using the reactive polythiophene on a gold‐coated quartz cell and the binding behavior of CRP was monitored by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Vartzelis George , Lancaster Donna , Fallon Penny 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains one of the most common malignancies of childhood. Between April 1999 and August 2004, 9 of 207 patients treated at a Tertiary Oncology Service for ALL presented with Intracranial Hypertension (IH). Seven of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). Four of the patients were treated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage alone and four required Acetazolamide. Two of the four patients who were treated with Acetazolamide required subsequently a lumbar‐peritoneal (LP) shunt. One patient succumbed to his disease before receiving any specific treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:418–420. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful inspection of two large ammonia storage tanks
Authors: Abdulla Yusuf , Narasimha Yoga 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGulf Petrochemical Industries Co. complex has two atmospheric pressure ammonia storage tanks, each of 20,000 MT capacity. The tanks have been in operation since 1985. European Fertilizer Manufacturer's Association (EFMA) guidelines for “Ammonia Tanks Inspection” were adopted to set the frequency for inspection of the tanks. One ammonia tank was decommissioned in 2004 for internal inspection and replacement of insulation blocks. The decommissioning, inspection, and recommissioning project duration was 5 months. Based on this experience, the second tank was successfully decommissioned and inspected in the year 2006 in just 4 months. This article describes the methodology followed for the inspection project of the tanks along with details of decommissioning and recommissioning. © 2008 American Instituteof Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
Tumor–stroma interactions influence cytokine expression and matrix metalloproteinase activities in paired primary and metastatic head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Koontongkaew Sittichai , Amornphimoltham Panomwat , Yapong Bunjird 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study evaluates the effects of gingival fibroblasts, type I collagen and autocrine/paracrine elements on cytokine expression in paired primary and metastatic human squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. Additionally, the effects of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β and HGF on MMPs and cell invasion were investigated. RT‐PCR results indicated the presence of mRNAs for IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β in primary and metastatic HNSCC cell lines but high expression of cytokines was not a prerequisite for metastatic cancer cells. HGF mRNA was not detected in the cancer cell lines. Co‐culturing of HNSCC cells with fibroblasts caused increases in cytokine expression. Type I collagen and conditioned media derived from HNSCC cells or fibroblasts enhanced cytokine expression in the cancer cells. Cytokines also enhanced MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 enzymatic activities as well as HNSCC cell invasion. Our findings suggest that the interactions between cancer cells, the extracellular matrix and fibroblasts, as mediated by cytokines, play important roles in the progression of HNSCC.
Cuba's new relationship with foreign capital: economic policy-making since 1990
Authors: MORRIS EMILY 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article attempts to analyse the nature of Cuban policymaking during the period of economic ‘adjustment’ since the collapse of the Soviet bloc by focusing on one aspect: the opening to foreign capital. It outlines the widely-accepted characterisation of policy as a cyclical process and identifies the assumptions about the policy-making process that underlie it. Citing data on the changes in economic conditions and the sequencing of policy towards foreign capital in the post-1990 period, it suggests that policy-making can be better understood as an evolutionary process. This conclusion has implications for the way in which we understand the renewed wave of reforms launched in March 2008.
Oxaloacetate-to-malate conversion by mineral photoelectrochemistry: implications for the viability of the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle in prebiotic chemistry
Authors: Guzman Marcelo I. , Martin Scot T. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe carboxylic acids produced by the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle are possibly a biosynthetic core of initial life, although several steps such as the reductive kinetics of oxaloacetate (OAA) to malate (MA) are problematic by conventional chemical routes. In this context, we studied the kinetics of this reaction as promoted by ZnS mineral photoelectrochemistry. The quantum efficiency φMAof MA production from the photoelectrochemical reduction of OAA followed φMA=0.13 [OAA] (2.1×10−3+[OAA])−1and was independent of temperature (5 to 50°C). To evaluate the importance of this forward rate under a prebiotic scenario, we also studied the temperature-dependent rate of the backward thermal decarboxylation of OAA to pyruvate (PA), which followed an Arrhenius behavior as log (k−2)=11.74–4956/T, wherek−2is in units of s−1. These measured rates were employed in conjunction with the indirectly estimated carboxylation rate of PA to OAA to assess the possible importance of mineral photoelectrochemistry in the conversion of OAA to MA under several scenarios of prebiotic conditions on early Earth. As an example, our analysis shows that there is 90% efficiency with a forward velocity of 3 yr/cycle for the OAA→MA step of the rTCA cycle at 280 K. Efficiency and velocity both decrease for increasing temperature. These results suggest high viability for mineral photoelectrochemistry as an enzyme-free engine to drive the rTCA cycle through the early aeons of early Earth, at least for the investigated OAA→MA step.
Treatment of pain-related fear in chronic (persistent) pain: the role of safety-seeking behaviour and imagery
Authors: Jamani Nicole , Clyde Zoe 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIt is widely recognized that psychological factors play a central role in the adjustment process and subsequent management of chronic pain. The role of anxiety, and specifically pain-related fear, has received particular attention. Paralleling developments in the anxiety disorders literature, psychological models of pain-related fear now highlight the importance of cognitive processes in its maintenance and treatment. However, theoretical and treatment advances in the anxiety disorders literature have not been widely applied to the pain field. In particular, certain cognitive processes, specifically safety-seeking behaviours and imagery, which appear to be involved in the maintenance of pain-related fear. This paper explores how these concepts may apply to pain-related fear and demonstrates how they may aid conceptualization and be used to guide a more cognitively orientated and efficacious treatment.
Under-identification of personality disorder among in-patient mental health service users: implications for CBT therapists
Authors: Kennedy Fiona C. , Thomas Sara 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe identification of personality disorder among mental health service users is problematic but important because it is associated with high levels of comorbidity and possibly ineffective service delivery. This study assessed the prevalence of personality disorder using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory – 3rd edition (MCMI-III) compared with prevalence using frequency of assignment of diagnosis in people referred to an in-patient CBT clinical psychology service. Prevalence rates differed from 85% (MCMI-III) to 16% (diagnosis) using these different measures. Reasons for this difference and implications for CBT therapists' practice are discussed.
AF10‐dependent transcription is enhanced by its interaction with FLRG
Authors: Forissier Stéphanie , Razanajaona Diane , Ay Anne‐Sophie , Martel Sylvie , Bartholin Laurent , Rimokh Ruth 
Published: December 2008

Background information. FLRG (follistatin‐related gene) is a secreted glycoprotein which is very similar to follistatin. As observed for follistatin, FLRG is involved in the regulation of various biological processes through its binding to members of the TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) superfamily, activin, BMPs (bone morphogenetic proteins) and myostatin. Unlike follistatin, FLRG has been found to be both secreted and localized within the nucleus of many FLRG‐producing cells, suggesting the existence of specific intracellular functions of the protein.Results. In order to analyse the function of the nuclear form of FLRG, we performed a yeast two‐hybrid screen, in which we identified AF10 [ALL1 (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) fused gene from chromosome 10], a translocation partner of the MLL (mixed‐lineage leukaemia) oncogene in human leukaemia, as a FLRG‐interacting protein. This interaction was confirmed by far‐Western‐blot analysis and co‐immunoprecipitation with transfected COS‐7 cells. The N‐terminal region of AF10, including the PHD (plant homeodomain), is sufficient to mediate this interaction, and has been shown to be involved in AF10 homo‐oligomerization. By immunoprecipitation experiments, we showed that FLRG enhances the homo‐oligomerization of AF10. Functional studies demonstrated that FLRG enhances the transactivation properties of the AF10 protein fused to Gal4 DNA‐binding domains in transient transfection assays.Conclusions. Our present study provides novel insights into the function of the nuclear form of the FLRG protein, which is revealed as a novel regulator of transcription. The nuclear isoform of FLRG lacks an intrinsic transactivation domain, but enhances AF10‐mediated transcription, probably through promoting the homo‐oligomerization of AF10, thus facilitating the recruitment of co‐activators.
Long-Term Usage of Modern Signal Processing by Listeners With Severe or Profound Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Survey
Authors: Keidser Gitte , Hartley David , Carter Lyndal 
Published: December 2008

PurposeTo investigate the long-term benefit of multichannel wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) alone and in combination with directional microphones and noise reduction/speech enhancement for listeners with severe or profound hearing loss.MethodAt the conclusion of a research project, 39 participants with severe or profound hearing loss were fitted with WDRC in one program and WDRC with directional microphones and speech enhancement enabled in a 2nd program. More than 2 years after the 1st participants exited the project, a retrospective survey was conducted to determine the participants' use of, and satisfaction with, the 2 programs.ResultsFrom the 30 returned questionnaires, it seems that WDRC is used with a high degree of satisfaction in general everyday listening situations. The reported benefit from the addition of a directional microphone and speech enhancement for listening in noisy environments was lower and varied among the users. This variable was significantly correlated with how much the program was used.ConclusionsThe less frequent and more varied use of the program with directional microphones and speech enhancement activated in combination suggests that these features may be best offered in a 2nd listening program for listeners with severe or profound hearing loss.
Effects of gradient encoding and number of signal averages on fractional anisotropy and fiber density index in vivo at 1.5 tesla
Authors: Widjaja E. , Mahmoodabadi S. Z. , Rea D. , Moineddin R. , Vidarsson L. , Nilsson D. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Tensor estimation can be improved by increasing the number of gradient directions (NGD) or increasing the number of signal averages (NSA), but at a cost of increased scan time. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of NGD and NSA on fractional anisotropy (FA) and fiber density index (FDI) in vivo. Material and Methods: Ten healthy adults were scanned on a 1.5T system using nine different diffusion tensor sequences. Combinations of 7 NGD, 15 NGD, and 25 NGD with 1 NSA, 2 NSA, and 3 NSA were used, with scan times varying from 2 to 18 min. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the internal capsules, middle cerebellar peduncles, and splenium of the corpus callosum, and FA and FDI were calculated. Analysis of variance was used to assess whether there was a difference in FA and FDI of different combinations of NGD and NSA. Results: There was no significant difference in FA of different combinations of NGD and NSA of the ROIs ( P>0.005). There was a significant difference in FDI between 7 NGD/1 NSA and 25 NGD/3 NSA in all three ROIs ( P<0.005). There were no significant differences in FDI between 15 NGD/3 NSA, 25 NGD/1 NSA, and 25 NGD/2 NSA and 25 NGD/3 NSA in all ROIs ( P>0.005). Conclusion: We have not found any significant difference in FA with varying NGD and NSA in vivo in areas with relatively high anisotropy. However, lower NGD resulted in reduced FDI in vivo. With larger NGD, NSA has less influence on FDI. The optimal sequence among the nine sequences tested with the shortest scan time was 25 NGD/1 NSA.
Functional mechanism of lung mosaic CT attenuation: Assessment with deep-inspiration breath-hold perfusion SPECT-CT fusion imaging and non-breath-hold technegas SPECT
Authors: Suga K. , Yasuhiko K. , Iwanaga H. , Tokuda O. , Matsunaga N. 
Published: December 2008

Background: The functional mechanism of lung mosaic computed tomography attenuation (MCA) in pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and obstructive airway disease (OAD) has not yet been fully clarified. Purpose: To clarify the mechanism of MCA in these diseases by assessing the relationship between regional lung function and CT attenuation change at MCA sites with the use of automated deep-inspiratory breath-hold (DIBrH) perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-CT fusion images and non-breath-hold Technegas SPECT. Material and Methods: Subjects were 42 PVD patients (31 pulmonary thromboembolism, four primary/two secondary pulmonary hypertension, and five Takayasu arteritis), 12 OAD patients (five acute asthma, four obliterative bronchiolitis, and three bronchiectasis), and 12 normal controls, all of whom had MCA on DIBrH CT. The relationship between regional lung function and CT attenuation change at the lung slices with MCA was assessed using DIBrH perfusion SPECT-CT fusion images and non-breath-hold Technegas SPECT. The severity of perfusion defects with or without MCA was quantified by regions-of-interest analysis. Results: On DIBrH CT and perfusion SPECT, in contrast to no noticeable CT attenuation abnormality and fairly uniform perfusion in controls, 60 MCA and 274 perfusion defects in PVD patients, and 18 MCA and 61 defects in OAD patients were identified, with a total of 77 ventilation defects on Technegas SPECT in all patients. SPECT-CT correlation showed that, throughout the 78 MCA sites of all patients, lung perfusion was persistently decreased at low CT attenuation and preserved at intervening high CT attenuation, while lung ventilation was poorly correlated with CT attenuation change. The radioactivity ratios of reduced perfusion and the intervening preserved perfusion at the 78 perfusion defects with MCA were significantly lower than those at the remaining 257 defects without MCA ( P<0.0001). Conclusion: Although further validation is required, our results indicate that heterogeneous pulmonary arterial perfusion may be a dominant mechanism of MCA in PVD and OAD.
A predictive model for identifying mini-regulatory modules in the mouse genome
Authors: Yaragatti Mahesh , Sandler Ted , Ungar Lyle 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Rapidly advancing genome technology has allowed access to a large number of diverse genomes and annotation data. We have defined a systems model that integrates assembly data, comparative genomics, gene predictions, mRNA and EST alignments and physiological tissue expression. Using these as predictive parameters, we engineered a machine learning approach to decipher putative active regions in the genome.
Results: Analysis of genomic sequences showed nucleosome-free region (NFR) modules containing a higher percentage of conserved regions, RNA-encoding sequences, CpG islands, splice sites and GC-rich areas. In contrast, random in silico fragments revealed higher percentages of DNA repeats and a lower conservation. The larger conserved sequences from the Vista enhancer browser (VEB) showed a greater percentage of short DNA sequence matches and RNA coding regions in multiple species.
Our model can predict small regulatory regions in the genome with &gt;95% prediction accuracy using NFR modules and &gt;85% prediction accuracy with VEB elements. Ultimately, this systems model can be applied to any organism to identify candidate transcriptional modules on a genome scale.
Contact: myar@seas.upenn.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Insect Herbivory of Ovules and Seeds in Native and Restored Prairies
Authors: Molano‐Flores Brenda 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Insect herbivory of ovules and seeds is known to have a negative impact on individual plant reproductive success by reducing overall seed set. Although this seed set reduction has been well documented in plant populations found in native habitats, little work has been done on populations found in restored habitats. In a 4‐year study (2001–2004), I investigated the herbivory of the Gelechiid moth (Coleotechnites eryngiella) of Eryngium yuccifolium populations in native and restored prairies. Data were collected from 20 E. yuccifolium populations (10 native prairies/10 restored prairies) in Illinois. Percent herbivory and percent seed set were determined for each population. From 2001 to 2004, percent herbivory in prairie restorations ranged from 0 to 93 and percent seed set ranged from 2 to 82. In native prairies, percent herbivory ranged from 0 to 98 and percent seed set ranged from 0 to 71. No differences were found between native and restored prairies for percent herbivory or percent seed set. However, significant differences were found among years for percent seed set. This study shows that the antagonistic effects of insect herbivory can reach similar levels in restored and native prairies.
Experimental epileptology before 1900
Authors: Eadie Mervyn J. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe available English and other major Western European language literature was reviewed to assess the stage of development of experimental epileptology prior to the end of the 19th Century. The relevant investigations had been carried out in animals of various species employing a number of methods of evoking convulsive seizures, mainly mechanical, electrical or chemical stimulation or surgical removal of parts of the cerebral cortex. The studies had produced some conflicting data but (i) allowed the development of a number of reasonably satisfactory experimental models of convulsive epileptic seizures (ii) confirmed that such epileptic seizures arose from the cerebral cortex, and (iii) suggested that for local onset epileptic seizures to become generalised tonic‐clonic ones, the opposite motor cortex and probably a brain stem, possibly pontine, centre needed to be involved. No generally acceptable animal model of chronic epilepsy had been developed, and the non‐motor manifestations of epileptic seizures were still largely unexplored experimentally. Nevertheless, the pre‐1900 investigations not only laid the foundations for the 20th Century expansion of experimental studies on epileptogenesis but also advanced the understanding of epileptic seizure production.
Outpatient care and medical treatment of children and adults with atopic eczema
Authors: Schmitt Jochen , Schmitt Natalie M. , Kirch Wilhelm , Meurer Michael 
Published: December 2008

Summary Background: Despite the high prevalence, morbidity and economic burden of atopic eczema (AE), data on outpatient care of affected patients are missing. Methods: Utilizing a population‐based administrative health care database from Saxony, Germany, this study describes outpatient care and medical treatment of AE by different medical disciplines in 2003 and 2004 by means of a representative sample of 11,555 patients with AE. Results: About 60% of all patients with AE seeking outpatient care were adults. Of the adults 66% and among children 51% consulted a dermatologist at least once within the study period. More than 50% of patients in all age groups received potent topical steroids. Of all patients 8% and 3% received topical pimecrolimus and topical tacrolimus, respectively. More than 10% of patients received systemic steroids, while less than 0.1% was given cyclosporine. The mean annual amount of topical anti‐inflammatory treatment per patient was about 40 grams. Conclusions: Unexpectedly high proportions of patients with AE received potent topical and systemic steroids. The average total amount of prescribed medications was low. This study suggests insufficient care and medical treatment of patients with AE in routine practice.