bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 Genetic Polymorphisms Are Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Japanese Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Wang Yue , Kato Naoya , Hoshida Yujin , Otsuka Motoyuki , Taniguchi Hiroyoshi , Moriyama Masaru , Shiina Shuichiro , Kawabe Takao , Ito Yoichi M. , Omata Masao 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Purpose: Genetic polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 (UGT1A7), which detoxifies endogenous and environmental carcinogens, have been reported to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in German populations. On the other hand, we reported that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms were associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC. In this study, we evaluated the association of both genes with the risk of HCC in Japanese HCV-infected patients.
Experimental Design: Genetic polymorphisms of UGT1A7 and IL-1β were investigated in 280 Japanese patients (122 with HCC and 158 without HCC) with chronic HCV infections, by use of standard PCR-based genotyping techniques.
Results: We designated the UGT1A7*1 allele (a haplotype conferring higher activity) as H and the *2, *3, and *4 alleles (haplotypes conferring lower activity) as L. The proportions of UGT1A7 L/L and H/L alleles (genotypes) in patients with HCC (25% and 45%, respectively) were higher than those in patients without HCC (15% and 39%, respectively) with odds ratios of 2.73 (95% confidence interval, 1.40–5.35) and 1.80 (95% confidence interval, 1.05–3.09), respectively, compared with the UGT1A7 H/H alleles. Multivariate analyses revealed that UGT1A7 L/L and IL-1β/−31T/T−511C/C genotypes, the presence of cirrhosis, age &gt;60 years, male sex, and α-fetoprotein &gt;20 μg/ml were associated with the presence of HCC (odds ratios, 2.33, 2.67, 4.20, 3.12, 3.09, and 2.90, respectively).
Conclusion: The UGT1A7 polymorphisms together with IL-1β were associated with the presence of HCC in Japanese HCV-infected patients.
Safety and Biological Activity of Repeated Doses of Recombinant Human Flt3 Ligand in Patients with Bone Scan-Negative Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Higano Celestia S. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Feng Anyang , Caron Dania , Small Eric J 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, biological activity, and feasibility of repeated doses of the dendritic cell (DC)-stimulating agent Flt3 ligand (FL) in patients with bone scan-negative hormone-refractory prostate cancer.Experimental Design: Thirty-one patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer who had elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and negative bone scans were enrolled. Six cycles (28 days each) were planned. In the first cycle, patients were randomized to FL or placebo. All patients received open-label FL during the next five courses. DC, anti-FL antibody, and PSA levels were measured every 15 days to assess biological activity.Results: DCs increased markedly in FL-treated patients from precycle to day 15, and the increase was consistent in each cycle. Mean percentages of DCs in peripheral blood ranged from 1.4% to 1.9% precycle and from 10.1% to 13.9% on day 15, and after the first cycle, absolute counts on day 15 were approximately 29-fold higher than precycle levels. Natural killer cell counts (CD56+) were found to be elevated after cycle 1 (154% increase versus 2.8% decrease in placebo group at day 22). Twenty-two of 27 patients tested developed nonneutralizing anti-FL antibody. The most frequently experienced toxicity was injection site reaction, followed by asthenia, rash, and diarrhea. Although median PSA levels did not vary during any cycle, a significant slowing in velocity of PSA was observed while patients were on-study (relative velocity = 0.002) compared with prestudy PSA velocity (relative velocity = 0.007).Conclusions: FL was well tolerated. FL consistently produced an increase in DC count without any evidence of decreasing response with continued exposure. The expansion of DCs and the slowing of PSA velocity after administration of FL suggest potential clinical applications in the immunotherapy of prostate cancer.
Debulking Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cancer
Authors: Flanigan Robert C. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Up to one third of patients with renal cell carcinoma will present with metastatic disease, and 20 to 40% of those with clinically localized disease will eventually be found to have metastatic involvement. Prognosis continues to be guarded for this population, with a 2-year survival of only 10 to 30%. Although advances are being made in the medical management of renal cell carcinoma, the role of surgery in the treatment algorithm is also being additionally refined. Palliative surgery either via nephrectomy or metastasectomy has a role in certain well-selected patients. There are also data to support total metastasectomy at the time of either nephrectomy or recurrence in a small subset of patients with minimal, resectable metastases. More controversial is the idea of cytoreductive nephrectomy as an adjunct to immunotherapy. Recent phase III trials indicate that nephrectomy may play an important role in management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in conjunction with cytokine-based immunotherapy. Nephrectomy is also an essential component of tumor-based vaccine and adoptive immunotherapy protocols and may play a role in other novel therapies.
Tissue Array-Based Predictions of Pathobiology, Prognosis, and Response to Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapy
Authors: Lam John S. , Belldegrun Arie S. , Figlin Robert A. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma is the most lethal of the common urologic malignancies, with ∼40% of patients eventually dying of cancer progression. Approximately one third of patients present with metastatic disease, and up to 40% treated for localized disease have a recurrence. Historically, clinical factors have been used as prognostic markers for patients with renal cell carcinoma. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, behavior, and molecular biology of renal cell carcinoma have paved the way for developments that may enhance early diagnosis, better predict tumor prognosis, and improve survival for renal cell carcinoma patients. Furthermore, reliable predictive factors are essential for the stratification of patients into clinically meaningful categories, which can be used to provide patients with counseling regarding prognosis, select treatment modalities, and determine eligibility for clinical trials. This has led to the creation of integrated staging systems that predict outcome by combining pathological and clinical variables. Although staging has been improved with the development of integrated systems, molecular tumor markers are expected to revolutionize the staging of renal cell carcinoma in the future. The development of methods based on gene and tissue arrays has created a powerful tool for evaluating hundreds to thousands of tumors simultaneously with histologic, immunohistochemical, and chromosomal analyses. Gene array analysis permits rapid molecular profiling, and tissue arrays enable the analysis of protein expression profiles on specimens to determine their potential clinical significance and role in renal cell carcinoma biology. This article reviews the tissue array-based predictors of pathobiology, prognosis, response to treatment, and potential molecular targets for therapy of renal cell carcinoma.
Cultural Perceptions of Africans in Diaspora and in Africa on Atlantic Slave Trade and Reparations
Authors: Dibie Robert , Njoku Johnston 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
This study examines the cultural perceptions of Africans in Diaspora on the Atlantic slave trade and reparations. It uses a cultural centered model to analyze the perception of Africans in Diaspora about the issue of slavery and reparations. The paper also uses a survey method to explore the perceptions of African-Americans in the United States, Africans living in Europe, and Africans living in the African continent about reparations. It argues that the environmental, religious, occupational, social and political conditions that Africans in Diaspora currently live in will determine their perception of slavery and reparations. Despite this argument, the paper stresses that it is a violation of the established precedence in law that is based on the principle of unjust enrichment to not pay some reparations to the present generation of Africans. This principle stipulates that if a person, a corporation or a country profit from the criminal treatment of a group of people, such a person, corporation or country is subject to the payment of reparations on the basis of unjust enrichment. The study further attempts to explain why it has been difficult for the western industrial world to agree to pay reparations to the children of over 25,000,000 Africans who were wrenched out of Africa as slaves. The concluding section of the paper suggests different reparation methods that would help create a permanent solution that might be acceptable to all.
A Critical Examination of the State versus Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Policy Sphere in the Global South: Will the State Die as the NGOs Thrive in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia?
Authors: Obiyan A. Sat 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThis paper examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in service provision with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. First, it reviews the conceptual and taxonomic issues in NGOs. It then proceeds to examine the performance of NGOs in some countries. The paper notes the increased relevance of NGOs in many countries. It, however, argues that any expectation that the NGOs will supplant the state in service provision is likely to be utopian. It contends that just as we have government failure and market failure, we can also have third sector failure. The paper argues for an appropriate balance between the state and NGOs in meeting the needs of the poor. It concludes that while it may be necessary to continue to strengthen the private sector and the third sector, it would be useful to continue to inquire into how the state can be effective.
Venting of Heat and Carbon Dioxide from Urban Canyons at Night
Authors: Salmond J. A. , Oke T. R. , Grimmond C. S. B. , Roberts S. , Offerle B. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Turbulent fluxes of carbon dioxide and sensible heat were observed in the surface layer of the weakly convective nocturnal boundary layer over the center of the city of Marseille, France, during the Expérience sur Sites pour Contraindre les Modèles de Pollution Atmosphérique et de Transport d’Emission (ESCOMPTE) field experiment in the summer of 2001. The data reveal intermittent events or bursts in the time series of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and air temperature that are superimposed upon the background values. These features relate to intermittent structures in the fluxes of CO2 and sensible heat. In Marseille, CO2 is primarily emitted into the atmosphere at street level from vehicle exhausts. In a similar way, nocturnal sensible heat fluxes are most likely to originate in the deep street canyons that are warmer than adjacent roof surfaces. Wavelet analysis is used to examine the hypothesis that CO2 concentrations can be used as a tracer to identify characteristics of the venting of pollutants and heat from street canyons into the above-roof nocturnal urban boundary layer. Wavelet analysis is shown to be effective in the identification and analysis of significant events and coherent structures within the turbulent time series. Late in the evening, there is a strong correlation between the burst structures observed in the air temperature and CO2 time series. Evidence suggests that the localized increases of temperature and CO2 observed above roof level in the urban boundary layer (UBL) are related to intermittent venting of sensible heat from the warmer urban canopy layer (UCL). However, later in the night, local advection of CO2 in the UBL, combined with reduced traffic emissions in the UCL, limit the value of CO2 as a tracer of convective plumes in the UBL.
Optical Properties of Aerosol Particles over the Northeast Pacific
Authors: Marshall Julia , Lohmann Ulrike , Leaitch W. Richard , Shantz Nicole , Phinney Lisa , Toom-Sauntry Desiree , Sharma Sangeeta 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
In July 2002, atmospheric aerosol measurements were conducted over the northeast Pacific Ocean as part of the Subarctic Ecosystem Response to Iron Enhancement Study (SERIES). The following aerosol quantities were measured: particle number size distribution, particle scattering and backscattering coefficients at three wavelengths, particle absorption coefficient at one wavelength, and size-segregated particle chemical composition. Using Mie theory to calculate the aerosol particle scattering and absorption coefficients from the size distribution and chemical measurements, closure with the measured optical coefficients is not attained. Discrepancies between the calculated and measured scattering and backscattering coefficients are largely a result of the fact that the nephelometer measures scattering only between 7° and 170°. Over 90% of the total scattering and 50% of the backscattering in this study was not measured by the nephelometer because of the missing forward-scattering (0°–7°) and backscattering (170°–180°) segments of the phase function. During this study the majority of the total scattering and backscattering in the marine boundary layer of this region was a result of coarse particles consisting almost entirely of sea salt.
Cloud-Base-Height Estimation from Paired Ground-Based Hemispherical Observations
Authors: Kassianov Evgueni , Long Charles N. , Christy Jason 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Total-sky imager (TSI) and hemispheric-sky imager (HSI) each have a hemispherical field of view, and many TSIs are now deployed. These instruments have been used routinely to provide a time series of the fractional sky cover only. In this study, the possible retrieval of cloud-base height (CBH) from TSI surface observations is examined. This paper presents a validation analysis of a new retrieval using both a model-output inverse problem and independent, ground-based micropulse lidar data. The obtained results suggest that, at least for single-layer cloud fields, moderately accurate (within ∼0.35 km) CBH retrieval is possible.
The structural basis of Janus kinase 2 inhibition by a potent and specific pan-Janus kinase inhibitor
Authors: Lucet Isabelle S. , Fantino Emmanuelle , Styles Michelle , Bamert Rebecca , Patel Onisha , Broughton Sophie E. , Walter Mark , Burns Christopher J. , Treutlein Herbert , Wilks Andrew F. , Rossjohn Jamie 
Published: September 2005

AbstractJAK2, a member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), is an important intracellular mediator of cytokine signaling. Mutations of the JAK2 gene are associated with hematologic cancers, and aberrant JAK activity is also associated with a number of immune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Accordingly, the development of JAK2-specific inhibitors has tremendous clinical relevance. Critical to the function of JAK2 is its PTK domain. We report the 2.0 Å crystal structure of the active conformation of the JAK2 PTK domain in complex with a high-affinity, pan-JAK inhibitor that appears to bind via an induced fit mechanism. This inhibitor, the tetracyclic pyridone 2-tert-butyl-9-fluoro-3,6-dihydro-7H-benz[h]-imidaz[4,5-f]isoquinoline-7-1, was buried deep within a constricted ATP-binding site, in which extensive interactions, including residues that are unique to JAK2 and the JAK family, are made with the inhibitor. We present a structural basis of high-affinity JAK-specific inhibition that will undoubtedly provide an invaluable tool for the further design of novel, potent, and specific therapeutics against the JAK family.
Cell cycle and centromere FISH studies in premature centromere division
Authors: Corona-Rivera Alfredo , Salamanca-Gomez Fabio , Bobadilla-Morales Lucina , Corona-Rivera Jorge R , Palomino-Cueva Cesar , Garcia-Cobian Teresa A , Corona-Rivera Enrique 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Mitotic configurations consistent in split centromeres and splayed chromatids in all or most of the chromosomes or premature centromere division (PCD) have been described in three categories. (1) Low frequency of PCD observed in colchicines-treated lymphocyte cultures from normal individuals. (2) High frequency of PCD with mosaic variegated aneuploidy. (3) High frequency of PCD as a sole chromosome abnormality observed in individuals with no recognizable clinical pattern. We report four members of a family with the third category of PCD.

Methods
Cell cycle duration assessed by average generation time using differential sister chromatid stain analysis and FISH studies of DNA centromere sequences in PCD individuals, are included and compared with previously reported PCD individuals from 9 families.

Results
We observed PCD in colchicine-treated cultures from the propositus, his father, and two paternal aunts but not in his mother and four other paternal and maternal family members, as well as in untreated cultures from the propositus and his father. We observed cytological evidence of active centromeres by Cd stain. Significative cell cycle time reduction in anaphases of PCD individuals (average generation time of 21.8 h;SD 0.4) with respect to individuals without PCD (average generation time of 31.8 h;SD 3.9) was observed (P < 0.005, Student t-test for independent samples). Increased cell proliferation kinetics was observed in anaphasic cells of individuals with PCD, by differential sister chromatid stain analysis. FISH studies revealed the presence of alpha satellite DNA from chromosomes 1, 13, 21/18, X, all centromeres, and CENP-B box sequences in metaphasic and anaphasic cells from PCD individuals.

Conclusion
This report examines evidences of a functional relationship between PCD and cell cycle impairment. It seems that essential centromere integrity is present in these cases.
A rare cause of specific cough in a child: the importance of following-up children with chronic cough
Authors: Barr Richard Lloyd , McCrystal David John , Perry Christopher Francis , Chang Anne B 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
For many years, the term 'specific cough' has been used as a clinical cough descriptor in children to signify the likelihood of an underlying disease causing the cough. In this case study, we describe a child with specific cough caused by a rare carcinoma, a mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the bronchus. The cough only totally resolved after the primary cause was successfully treated. This report highlights the importance of following up children with cough, especially those with specific cough.
A Simple Field Method to Qualify the State of Saturation in Capillary Barriers
Authors: Burnotte F , Cabral AR , Lefebvre G 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
A simple and straightforward field method to rapidly qualify the state of saturation of moisture retaining layers (MRL) is proposed and the details of its calibration and operation, described. The technique is based on the simple fact that if gas samples cannot be taken from a stainless tube that is inserted to the desired depth within the MRL, the air filled voids at that depth are not interconnected and the material can be qualified, for all practical purposes, as saturated. In this case, the threshold degree of saturation beyond which gas flux substantially decreases (approximately 85%), has been attained. In several sites covered with deinking by-products (DBP), an industrial residue that can be used as alternative construction material for landfills and acid-producing mine sites covers, it has been often impossible to collect gas samples below approximately 20 cm from the surface of the DBP layer. The question was thus to know if this is a reliable indicator that the threshold degree of saturation has or not been attained and that the layer is performing its role of gas barrier. In order to answer this question, a calibration was performed in the laboratory and in the field. The calibration consisted mainly on attempting to extract gas from samples compacted at different degrees of saturation. The results show that the threshold degree of saturation for DBP is attained at approximately 83%.
A True Triaxial Apparatus for Soil Testing with Mixed Boundary Conditions
Authors: Alshibli KA , Williams HS 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
The mechanical description of a new true triaxial apparatus for soil testing is presented. The design took into consideration flexibility in accommodating different specimen sizes, easy assembly procedure, and well-controlled boundary conditions. The apparatus can perform stress-controlled and strain controlled experiments. It is well instrumented with load, displacement, and pressure sensors and has the capabilities to capture strain localization and shear band development. Verification experiments were conducted on F-75 Ottawa sand to study the influence of b-value (b = (σ2 − σ3)/(σ1 − σ3)) on stress-strain and volumetric behavior of sand. The results show that the specimen stiffness increases, and the amount of post-peak softening increases as b-value increases. The peak and critical state friction angles and the rate of dilation increase as b-value increases from 0 to 0.25, followed by a smaller increase in the friction angles and no change in the rate of dilation as b-value increases. Specimens failure is characterized by nonuniform deformations that initiate during the hardening regime before the peak stress; however, shear bands become visible on the specimen surface during the post peak softening at which specimens' volumetric strain changes from dilative behavior to the constant volume condition.
Thermal Creep of Irradiated Zircaloy Cladding
Authors: Tsai H , Billone MC 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
As part of an effort to investigate spent-fuel behavior during dry-cask storage, thermal creep tests are being performed with defueled Zircaloy-4 cladding segments from two pressurized water reactors — Surry at ≈36 GWd/MTU burnup and H. B. Robinson at ≈67 GWd/MTU burnup, with corresponding fast (E &gt; 1 MeV) fluence levels of 7×1025 and 14×1025 n/m2. The Surry rods are particularly relevant because they were stored in an inert-atmosphere (He) cask for 15 years. The Robinson rods were received after reactor discharge and pool storage. Commensurate with their high burnup, the Robinson cladding has significant waterside corrosion and hydrogen uptake. Test results to-date indicate good creep ductility for both claddings in the 360–400°C and 160–250 MPa (hoop-stress) regime. Partial recovery of radiation hardening may have occurred during the long tests at 400°C, which led to improved creep ductility. Creep-rate sensitivity is significant for stress and even more so for temperature. The higher hydrogen content in the Robinson material appears to have no detrimental effect on creep behavior at the test temperature. One Robinson sample, which ruptured in the weld region at 205°C during cooling from 400°C under stress (190 MPa), precipitated all visible hydrides in the radial direction.