bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Amot/Patj/Syx signaling complex spatially controls RhoA GTPase activity in migrating endothelial cells
Authors: Ernkvist Mira , Persson Nathalie Luna , Audebert Stéphane , Lecine Patrick , Sinha Indranil , Liu Miaoliang , Schlueter Marc , Horowitz Arie , Aase Karin , Weide Thomas , Borg Jean-Paul , Majumdar Arindam , Holmgren Lars 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Controlled regulation of Rho GTPase activity is an essential component mediating growth factor–stimulated migration. We have previously shown that angiomotin (Amot), a membrane-associated scaffold protein, plays a critical role during vascular patterning and endothelial migration during embryogenesis. However, the signaling pathways by which Amot controls directional migration are not known. Here we have used peptide pull-down and yeast 2-hybrid (Y2H) screening to identify proteins that interact with the C-terminal PDZ-binding motifs of Amot and its related proteins AmotL1 and 2. We report that Amot and its related proteins bind to the RhoA GTPase exchange factor (RhoGEF) protein Syx. We show that Amot forms a ternary complex together with Patj (or its paralogue Mupp1) and Syx. Using FRET analysis, we provide evidence that Amot controls targeting of RhoA activity to lamellipodia in vitro. We also report that, similar to Amot, morpholino knockdown of Syx in zebrafish results in inhibition of migration of intersegmental arteries. Taken together, our results indicate that the directional migration of capillaries in the embryo is governed by the Amot:Patj/Mupp1:Syx signaling that controls local GTPase activity.
Building blocks for automated elucidation of metabolites: Machine learning methods for NMR prediction
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Egert Björn , Neumann Steffen , Steinbeck Christoph 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Current efforts in Metabolomics, such as the Human Metabolome Project, collect structures of biological metabolites as well as data for their characterisation, such as spectra for identification of substances and measurements of their concentration. Still, only a fraction of existing metabolites and their spectral fingerprints are known. Computer-Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) of biological metabolites will be an important tool to leverage this lack of knowledge. Indispensable for CASE are modules to predict spectra for hypothetical structures. This paper evaluates different statistical and machine learning methods to perform predictions of proton NMR spectra based on data from our open database NMRShiftDB.

Results
A mean absolute error of 0.18 ppm was achieved for the prediction of proton NMR shifts ranging from 0 to 11 ppm. Random forest, J48 decision tree and support vector machines achieved similar overall errors. HOSE codes being a notably simple method achieved a comparatively good result of 0.17 ppm mean absolute error.

Conclusion
NMR prediction methods applied in the course of this work delivered precise predictions which can serve as a building block for Computer-Assisted Structure Elucidation for biological metabolites.
Direct contact of platelets and their released products exert different effects on human dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Cognasse Fabrice , Palle Sabine , Chavarin Patricia , Olivier Thomas , Delézay Olivier , Pozzetto Bruno , Garraud Olivier 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells capable of inducing innate and adaptive immune responses. According to the stimulus and their maturation state, DCs induce immunogenic or tolerogenic responses. Platelets (PLTs), which are involved in haemostasis and inflammation, can also interact with DCs. In this study, we examined the effect of PLTs on DC maturationin vitro. Human monocyte-derived DCs were co-cultured for 2 days with homologous PLTs either in the same well or in 0.4 μm-pore size filter-separated compartments.ResultsConfocal microscopy showed the attachment of PLTs to DC membranes. The DC receptor involved in this interactions was found to be CD162. In addition, we observed that DCs co-cultured with PLTs in filter-separated compartments acquired a mature phenotype (high CD80, CD86, and intermediate CD83 expression; IL-12(p70) production; efficient stimulation of autologous CD4+ T cell proliferation), while DCs co-cultured with PLTs in the same compartment did not undergo phenotypic maturation, did not secrete IL-12(p70) or IL-1β, but instead induced moderate Th2-polarized T cell proliferation.ConclusionThese data indicate that (i) PLTs secrete a soluble DC-activating factor that was demonstrated not to be soluble CD40-Ligand (CD154; as could have been expected fromin vivoand previousin vitrowork) but to be nucleotide, and (ii) that cell-to-cell contact did not induce DC maturation, possibly because nucleotide release by PLTs was prevented by direct contact with DCs. This work demonstrates that PLTs are active elements of the immune system that might play a role in balancing the ability of DCs to polarize T cell responses, therefore making them critical factors in transfusion processes.
Investigating the effects of climate variations on bacillary dysentery incidence in northeast China using ridge regression and hierarchical cluster analysis
Authors: Huang Desheng , Guan Peng , Guo Junqiao , Wang Ping , Zhou Baosen 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
The effects of climate variations on bacillary dysentery incidence have gained more recent concern. However, the multi-collinearity among meteorological factors affects the accuracy of correlation with bacillary dysentery incidence.

Methods
As a remedy, a modified method to combine ridge regression and hierarchical cluster analysis was proposed for investigating the effects of climate variations on bacillary dysentery incidence in northeast China.

Results
All weather indicators, temperatures, precipitation, evaporation and relative humidity have shown positive correlation with the monthly incidence of bacillary dysentery, while air pressure had a negative correlation with the incidence. Ridge regression and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that during 1987–1996, relative humidity, temperatures and air pressure affected the transmission of the bacillary dysentery. During this period, all meteorological factors were divided into three categories. Relative humidity and precipitation belonged to one class, temperature indexes and evaporation belonged to another class, and air pressure was the third class.

Conclusion
Meteorological factors have affected the transmission of bacillary dysentery in northeast China. Bacillary dysentery prevention and control would benefit from by giving more consideration to local climate variations.
Patients' perception and actual practice of informed consent, privacy and confidentiality in general medical outpatient departments of two tertiary care hospitals of Lahore
Authors: Humayun Ayesha , Fatima Noor , Naqqash Shahid , Hussain Salwa , Rasheed Almas , Imtiaz Huma , Imam Sardar Zakariya 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
The principles of informed consent, confidentiality and privacy are often neglected during patient care in developing countries. We assessed the degree to which doctors in Lahore adhere to these principles during outpatient consultations.

Material & Method
The study was conducted at medical out-patient departments (OPDs) of two tertiary care hospitals (one public and one private hospital) of Lahore, selected using multi-stage sampling. 93 patients were selected from each hospital. Doctors' adherence to the principles of informed consent, privacy and confidentiality was observed through client flow analysis performed by trained personnel. Overall patient perception was also assessed regarding these practices and was compared with the assessment made by our data collectors.

Results
Some degree of informed consent was obtained from only 9.7% patients in the public hospital and 47.8% in the private hospital. 81.4% of patients in the public hospital and 88.4% in the private hospital were accorded at least some degree of privacy. Complete informational confidentiality was maintained only in 10.8% and 35.5% of cases in public & private hospitals respectively. Informed consent and confidentiality were better practiced in the private compared to the public hospital (two-sample t-test > 2, p value < 0.05). There was marked disparity between the patients' perspective of these ethical practices and the assessment of our trained data collectors.

Conclusion
Observance of medical ethics is inadequate in hospitals of Lahore. Doctors should be imparted formal training in medical ethics and national legislation on medical ethics is needed. Patients should be made aware of their rights to medical ethics.
Low grade epithelial stromal tumour of the seminal vesicle
Authors: Monica Bruno , Larosa Michelangelo , Facchini Francesco , Pozzoli Gianluigi , Franceschetti Ilaria , Piscioli Irene 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
The mixed epithelial stromal tumour is morphologically characterised by a mixture of solid and cystic areas consisting of a biphasic proliferation of glands admixed with solid areas of spindle cells with variable cellularity and growth patterns. In previous reports the seminal vesicle cystoadenoma was either considered a synonym of or misdiagnosed as mixed epithelial stromal tumour. The recent World Health Organisation Classification of Tumours considered the two lesions as two distinct neoplasms. This work is aimed to present the low-grade epithelial stromal tumour case and the review of the literature to the extent of establishing the true frequency of the neoplasm.

Case presentation
We describe a low-grade epithelial stromal tumour of the seminal vesicle in a 50-year-old man. Computed tomography showed a 9 × 4.5 cm pelvic mass in the side of the seminal vesicle displacing the prostate and the urinary bladder. Magnetic resonance was able to define tissue planes between the lesion and the adjacent structures and provided useful information for an accurate conservative laparotomic surgical approach. The histology revealed biphasic proliferation of benign glands admixed with stromal cellularity, with focal atypia. After 26 months after the excision the patient is still alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusion
Cystoadenoma and mixed epithelial stromal tumour of seminal vesicle are two distinct pathological entities with different histological features and clinical outcome. Due to the unavailability of accurate prognostic parameters, the prediction of the potential biological evolution of mixed epithelial stromal tumour is still difficult. In our case magnetic resonance imaging was able to avoid an exploratory laparotomy and to establish an accurate conservative surgical treatment of the tumour.
Assessment of the primary rotational stability of uncemented hip stems using an analytical model: Comparison with finite element analyses
Authors: Zeman Maria E , Sauwen Nicolas , Labey Luc , Mulier Michiel , Van der Perre Georges , Jaecques Siegfried V N 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundSufficient primary stability is a prerequisite for the clinical success of cementless implants. Therefore, it is important to have an estimation of the primary stability that can be achieved with new stem designs in a pre-clinical trial. Fast assessment of the primary stability is also useful in the preoperative planning of total hip replacements, and to an even larger extent in intraoperatively custom-made prosthesis systems, which result in a wide variety of stem geometries.MethodsAn analytical model is proposed to numerically predict the relative primary stability of cementless hip stems. This analytical approach is based upon the principle of virtual work and a straightforward mechanical model. For five custom-made implant designs, the resistance against axial rotation was assessed through the analytical model as well as through finite element modelling (FEM).ResultsThe analytical approach can be considered as a first attempt to theoretically evaluate the primary stability of hip stems without using FEM, which makes it fast and inexpensive compared to other methods. A reasonable agreement was found in the stability ranking of the stems obtained with both methods. However, due to the simplifying assumptions underlying the analytical model it predicts very rigid stability behaviour: estimated stem rotation was two to three orders of magnitude smaller, compared with the FEM results.ConclusionBased on the results of this study, the analytical model might be useful as a comparative tool for the assessment of the primary stability of cementless hip stems.
Association of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Genetic Polymorphisms With Outcome in a Trial of Paclitaxel Compared With Paclitaxel Plus Bevacizumab in Advanced Breast Cancer: ECOG 2100
Authors: Schneider Bryan P. , Wang Molin , Radovich Milan , Sledge George W. , Badve Sunil , Thor Ann , Flockhart David A. , Hancock Bradley , Davidson Nancy , Gralow Julie , Dickler Maura , Perez Edith A. , Cobleigh Melody , Shenkier Tamara , Edgerton Susan , Miller Kathy D. 
Published: September 2008

Purpose No biomarkers have been identified to predict outcome with the use of an antiangiogenesis agent for cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genetic variability has been associated with altered risk of breast cancer and variable promoter activity. Therefore, we evaluated the association of VEGF genotype with efficacy and toxicity in E2100, a phase III study comparing paclitaxel versus paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as initial chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. Patients and Methods DNA was extracted from tumor blocks of patients from E2100. Three hundred sixty-three samples were available to evaluate associations between genotype and outcome. Genotyping was performed for selected polymorphisms in VEGF and VEGF receptor 2. Testing for associations between each polymorphism and efficacy and toxicity was performed. Results The VEGF-2578 AA genotype was associated with a superior median overall survival (OS) in the combination arm when compared with the alternate genotypes combined (hazard ratio = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.93; P = .023). The VEGF-1154 A allele also demonstrated a superior median OS with an additive effect of each active allele in the combination arm but not the control arm (hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.83; P = .001). Two additional genotypes, VEGF-634 CC and VEGF-1498 TT, were associated with significantly less grade 3 or 4 hypertension in the combination arm when compared with the alternate genotypes combined (P = .005 and P = .022, respectively). Conclusion Our data support an association between VEGF genotype and median OS as well as grade 3 or 4 hypertension when using bevacizumab in metastatic breast cancer.
Association Between Hepatitis B Virus and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hassan Manal M. , Li Donghui , El-Deeb Adel S. , Wolff Robert A. , Bondy Melissa L. , Davila Marta , Abbruzzese James L. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeHepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are considered to be hepatotropic and are a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, little is known about the role of HBV and HCV infection in other malignancies. This study aimed to determine whether HBV and HCV infections increase the risk for pancreatic cancer development.Patients and MethodsAt The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, we recruited 476 patients with pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and 879 age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs). The positive samples were retested by two confirmatory tests. An unconditional multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs).ResultsAnti-HCV was positive in seven cases (1.5%) and nine controls (1%). Anti-HBc was positive in 36 cases (7.6%) and 28 controls (3.2%). The estimated AORs and 95% CIs were as follows: anti-HCV–positive, 0.9 (95% CI, 0.3 to 2.8), anti-HBc–positive, 2.5 (95% CI, 1.5 to 4.2), anti-HBc–positive/anti-HBs–positive, 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.2), and anti-HBc–positive/anti-HBs–negative, 4 (95% CI, 1.4 to 11.1). Risk modification by past exposure to HBV was observed among diabetics (AOR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 28.7).ConclusionPast exposure to HBV may be associated with pancreatic cancer development. Should such findings be confirmed by other studies, it may offer important insights into the etiology of pancreatic cancer and may suggest the need to consider prevention of HBV reactivation among patients with HBV-related pancreatic cancer during chemotherapy.
Fabrication and Gas-sensing Properties of Hollow SnO2 Microspheres
Authors: Wang Ding , Xu Jiaqiang , Pan Qingyi 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Hollow SnO2 microspheres with diameters ranging from 300–500 nm have been prepared via a simple template-free hydrothermal method in ethanol–water mixed solution. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the hollow microspheres. The gas-sensing properties of the hollow SnO2 microspheres have been investigated. The satisfactory gas response indicated that the hollow SnO2 microspheres have excellent potential application for ethanol sensors.
Synthesis and Characterization of N-Acyl-substituted PyrroloTTF Derivatives and Improved Air-stability of PyrroloTTF-based OFETs
Authors: Doi Iori , Miyazaki Eigo , Takimiya Kazuo 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
As novel bis(pyrrolo[3,4-d])tetrathiafulvalene (PyTTF)-based organic semiconductors, N-acyl-substituted PyTTFs 4 were synthesized and evaluated. Their oxidation potentials determined by cyclic voltammetry were shifted cathodically by more than 0.35 V compared with the N-alkyl-PyTTFs 3. In accordance with elevated oxidation potentials, their vapor-processed field-effect transistors showed improved air-stability with mobilities up to 0.08 cm2 V−1 s−1 under ambient conditions.
Fabrication of ZnO Microtubes by Using Electrospun Polymer Fiber Templates
Authors: Qiu Yejun , Yu Jie , Tan Cuili , Yin Jing , Zhou Xiaosong 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
ZnO microtubes were prepared by an electrospun polymer fiber template method. The product was well-crystallized hexagonal ZnO with high purity and had a tubular structure with length above 15 μm, diameter of ≈1.0 μm and wall thickness of ≈120 nm. A weak UV emission at ≈394 nm and strong green emission at ≈545 nm were detected.
Second Sourcing vs. Sole Sourcing with Capacity Investment and Asymmetric Information
Authors: Li Cuihong , Debo Laurens G. 
Published: September 2008

We study the decision of a manufacturer (the buyer), expecting new sourcing opportunities in the future, in selecting between sole- and second-sourcing strategies for a noncommodity component. In a sole-sourcing strategy, the buyer commits to sourcing from a single supplier (the incumbent) over the entire horizon. In a second-sourcing strategy, the buyer keeps the option open to source from a new supplier (the entrant) in the future. Supplier costs are private information, and the incumbent's cost may change in the future because of what it has learned. The buyer is relatively sure about current demand but uncertain about future demand. A supplier has to invest in capacity to produce the inputs for the buyer. With future private cost information, the incumbent earns rent in the future, and this prospective rent influences the incumbent's decision early in the horizon. On one hand, a second-sourcing strategy allows the buyer to take advantage of alternative sourcing opportunities, lowering her future cost. This benefit to the buyer is referred to as the option value of second sourcing. On the other hand, the future supplier competition in second-sourcing hurts the incumbent's future profit. The expectation of a lower future profit in second sourcing induces the incumbent to ask for a higher price at the beginning of the horizon. This causes more initial sourcing cost for the buyer in second sourcing than in sole sourcing, and is referred to as the cost of future supplier competition of second sourcing.The overall benefit of second sourcing relative to sole sourcing is influenced by the demand distribution and capacity cost. If the demand increases over time with positive probability, the incumbent's initial capacity may not be able to cover all future demand. If the capacity is cheap, the entrant may serve as an exclusive supplier, ousting the incumbent. In this case, the option value of second sourcing is high. If the capacity is expensive, the entrant may serve as a supplementary supplier by receiving only the demand in excess of the incumbent's installed capacity. In this case, the cost of future supplier competition is low and the option value is still significant. Thus second sourcing is better than sole sourcing not only when the capacity cost is low, but also when it is high (under the condition that demand increases over time with positive probability and the entrant's cost is relatively low). For intermediate capacity cost, the cost of future supplier competition dominates the option value; hence, sole sourcing is preferred. We also find that second sourcing is more attractive when the buyer expects the future demand to be higher or more volatile. Finally, more initial incumbent capacity strengthens the incumbent's competitiveness against the entrant, reducing the cost of future supplier competition. As a result, we find that second sourcing may lead to overinvestment of the initial capacity.
Overnight Transition from Carbamazepine to Oxcarbazepine in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Vaisleib Inna I. , Neft Robyn A. 
Published: September 2008

Study Objective. To evaluate our clinical experience in pediatric patients who were rapidly switched from carbamazepine to oxcarbazepine at full therapeutic doses.Design. Retrospective medical record review.Setting. Children's hospital.Patients. Twenty six patients (mean age 9.8 yrs, range 5–21 yrs) with childhood epilepsy who were converted from carbamazepine to oxcarbazepine overnight between January 2003 and December 2005.Measurements and Main Results. Data collection included patient demographics, seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, seizure frequency, and adverse events. Dose conversion ratios for switching from carbamazepine to oxcarbazepine ranged from 1:1‐1.5. The transition was well tolerated, with only three patients experiencing an adverse event (rash). Among the other 23 patients, seizure frequency decreased in 12 (52%), increased in two (9%), and remained unchanged in nine (39%).Conclusion. Overnight switching from carbamazepine to oxcarbazepine may be a useful option for pediatric patients who cannot tolerate or whose condition is unresponsive to carbamazepine.