bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular proteases are key mediators of Staphylococcus aureus virulence via the global modulation of virulence‐determinant stability
Authors: Kolar Stacey L. , Antonio Ibarra J. , Rivera Frances E. , Mootz Joe M. , Davenport Jessica E. , Stevens Stanley M. , Horswill Alexander R. , Shaw Lindsey N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a highly virulent and successful pathogen that causes a diverse array of diseases. Recently, an increase of severe infections in healthy subjects has been observed, caused by community‐associated methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (CA‐MRSA). The reason for enhanced CA‐MRSA virulence is unclear; however, work suggests that it results from hypersecretion of agr‐regulated toxins, including secreted proteases. In this study, we explore the contribution of exo‐proteases to CA‐MRSA pathogenesis using a mutant lacking all 10 enzymes. We show that they are required for growth in peptide‐rich environments, serum, in the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and in human blood. We also reveal that extracellular proteases are important for resisting phagocytosis by human leukocytes. Using murine infection models, we reveal contrasting roles for the proteases in morbidity and mortality. Upon exo‐protease deletion, we observed decreases in abscess formation, and impairment during organ invasion. In contrast, we observed hypervirulence of the protease‐null strain in the context of mortality. This dichotomy is explained by proteomic analyses, which demonstrates exo‐proteases to be key mediators of virulence‐determinant stability. Specifically, increased abundance of both secreted (e.g. α‐toxin, Psms, LukAB, LukE, PVL, Sbi, γ‐hemolysin) and surface‐associated (e.g. ClfA+B, FnbA+B, IsdA, Spa) proteins was observed upon protease deletion. Collectively, our findings provide a unique insight into the progression of CA‐MRSA infections, and the role of secreted proteolytic enzymes.
Identification and migration of primordial germ cells in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar: Characterization of Vasa, Dead End, and Lymphocyte antigen 75 genes
Authors: Nagasawa Kazue , Fernandes Jorge M.O. , Yoshizaki Goro , Miwa Misako , Babiak Igor 
Published: December 2012

AbstractNo information exists on the identification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the super‐order Protacanthopterygii, which includes the Salmonidae family and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.), one of the most commercially important aquatic animals worldwide. In order to identify salmon PGCs, we cloned the full‐length cDNA of vasa, dead end (dnd), and lymphocyte antigen 75 (ly75/CD205) genes as germ cell marker candidates, and analyzed their expression patterns in both adult and embryonic stages of Atlantic salmon. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR results showed that salmon vasa and dnd were specifically expressed in testis and ovary, and vasa, dnd, and ly75 mRNA were maternally deposited in the egg. vasa mRNA was consistently detected throughout embryogenesis while dnd and ly75 mRNA were gradually degraded during cleavages. In situ analysis revealed the localization of vasa and dnd mRNA and Ly75 protein in PGCs of hatched larvae. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization detected vasa mRNA during embryogenesis, showing a distribution pattern somewhat different to that of zebrafish; specifically, at mid‐blastula stage, vasa‐expressing cells were randomly distributed at the central part of blastodisc, and then they migrated to the presumptive region of embryonic shield. Therefore, the typical vasa localization pattern of four clusters during blastulation, as found in zebrafish, was not present in Atlantic salmon. In addition, salmon PGCs could be specifically labeled with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) using gfp‐rt‐vasa 3′‐UTR RNA microinjection for further applications. These findings may assist in understanding PGC development not only in Atlantic salmon but also in other salmonids. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AA Amyloidosis: Mount Sinai Experience, 1997–2012
Authors: Bunker Daniel , Gorevic Peter 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground: AA amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from the acute‐phase reactant serum amyloid A protein. It is typically a consequence of chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, although more patients are being identified who have more unusual causes or no known inflammatory stimulus.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with AA amyloidosis seen at Mount Sinai during the period of 1997–2012. Particular attention was paid to the patients' underlying diseases, extent of organ involvement, levels of inflammatory markers and proinflammatory cytokines, presence of pyrin gene mutations, and outcomes.Results: Forty‐three patients were seen at Mount Sinai with AA amyloidosis during this period. The most common underlying diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (21%) and Crohn's disease (16%), though 21% of patients were considered to have idiopathic AA amyloid after an extensive search found no underlying inflammatory disease. Almost all patients (95%) had renal involvement based on biopsy or clinical criteria, with 19 patients (44%) eventually requiring dialysis and 5 (12%) undergoing renal transplantation. Inflammatory markers were elevated in most patients; however, interleukin‐6 was the only consistently elevated cytokine. Three patients (of 9 tested) were found to be positive for the E148Q pyrin gene mutation.Conclusions: Our study confirms the increasing number of patients being seen with idiopathic AA amyloidosis. More research is needed to determine if these patients have an underlying genetic susceptibility encoded in pyrin or other genes. Our study also confirms the dominance of renal disease in this population. The elevated levels of interleukin‐6, in comparison with other cytokines, could represent a therapeutic target. Mt Sinai J Med 79:749–756, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Minority Undergraduate Programs Intended to Increase Participation in Biomedical Careers
Authors: MacLachlan Anne J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article reviews a selection of undergraduate programs intended to increase successful minority participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors, potentially leading to biomedical careers. The object is to examine their structure, consider how well they address the issues of the target population, and assess the extent to which they have met/meet their goals. As a means of conducting this review, the first step is to examine the concepts used as the building blocks for program design. These concepts are found in a shared, yet often undefined, vocabulary used in most undergraduate programs for minority students. The hypothesis is that a shared vocabulary obscures a broad range of meaning and interpretation that has serious ramifications affecting student success. How these building blocks are understood and implemented strongly reflects the institution where the program is housed. The discussion further considers the nature of a number of programs created by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health specifically for underrepresented minority students and examines one program in detail, the University of California Berkeley's National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Molecular, Cell, and Evolutionary Biology. The characteristics of federally organized programs and the Research Experience for Undergraduates are contrasted with 2 very successful student‐centered local programs based on a different conceptual model. Mt Sinai J Med 79:769–781, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Maximizing Therapeutic Envelope for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Role of Polypill
Authors: Sanz Ginés , Fuster Valentin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCardiovascular‐disease prevention is often inadequate due to several factors. Lack of professional adherence to guidelines, unaffordable medication, and lack of patients' adherence to treatment are the most important. It has been suggested that an affordable, fixed‐dose combination drug containing evidence‐based active compounds could improve cardiovascular prevention by improving patients' adherence to treatment. The available evidence suggests that the polypill strategy can achieve this objective and it will gain a place in the therapeutic armamentarium for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients at high risk. Mt Sinai J Med 79:683–688, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Elimination disorders in persons with Prader–Willi and Fragile‐X syndromes
Authors: Equit Monika , Piro‐Hussong Aline , Niemczyk Justine , Curfs Leopold , von Gontard Alexander 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsElimination disorders are common in typically developing children. Only few studies have addressed elimination disorders in persons with intellectual disability (ID)—and even fewer studies in those with specific syndromes. The aim of the study was to investigate the rates of elimination disorders and behavioral symptoms in persons with Prader–Willi (PWS) and Fragile‐X syndromes (FXS) in a large sample.MethodsThree hundred fifty‐seven persons with PWS or FXS were recruited through parent self‐help groups. A questionnaire regarding elimination symptoms, as well as the child behavior checklist (CBCL)/young adult behavior checklist (YABCL) were filled out by parents or caregivers.ResultsThe sample included 191 persons with PWS (54.5% male) with a mean age of 20.0 years and 166 persons with FXS (92.2% male) with a mean age of 15.4 years. Persons with FXS were significantly more often affected by elimination disorders. 29.3% of persons with PWS and 48.8% of persons with FXS had at least one elimination disorder. Persons with FXS also had more often DUI (29.5% vs. 12.0%) and FI (28.9% vs. 12.6%). Rates of NE were similar in both groups (22.0% in PWS vs. 28.9% in FXS). Young adults with PWS had more behavioral symptoms in the clinical range (70.8% vs. 48.3%). Incontinence and behavioral symptoms were significantly associated in persons with FXS.ConclusionsNE, DUI, and FI are very common in persons with FXS and PWS and are associated with other behavioral symptoms in persons with FXS. They persist into adulthood. Early assessment and treatment are recommended. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 986–992, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of shape and surface modification of nanoparticle on the rheological and dynamic‐mechanical properties of polyamide 6 nanocomposites
Authors: Marini Juliano , Bretas Rosario Elida Suman 
Published: December 2012

AbstractNanocomposites of polyamide 6 (PA6) with different concentrations of silane‐treated, organic‐treated, and nontreated nanoparticles of halloysite (HNT) and montmorillonite (MMT) had their microstructure and melt and solid state rheological behavior analyzed. The microstructure analysis was done using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD); the effectiveness of the silanization was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared. It was found that exfoliation occurred in the organic‐treated MMT, but not in the silane‐treated MMT and that silanization was small in the HNT nanoparticles (due to its low amount of surface hydroxyls groups). Steady state shear, small amplitude oscillatory, and transient tests also indicated that: (i) only the nanocomposites with organic‐treated MMT, at concentrations above the theoretical percolation threshold developed a percolated network; (ii) the silane treatment increased the shear elastic modulus (G) of the PA6/HNT nanocomposites in the solid state, but not of the PA6/MMT; (iii) the organic‐treated MMT formed composites with the highest G, as expected. Thus, it was concluded that the HNT nanoparticles had a high potential as nanofiller for PA6, but further research on more efficient compatibilizers for HNT is still needed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Microstructure, thermal, physico–mechanical and tribological characteristics of molybdenum disulphide‐filled polyamide 66/carbon black composites
Authors: Basavaraj E. , Ramaraj B. , Lee Joong‐Hee , Siddaramaiah  
Published: December 2012

AbstractWith an objective to investigate the influence of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) on physico–mechanical and tribological properties of polyamide 66 (PA 66), was compounded with MoS2 in the presence of carbon black (CB). The compounded material was injection molded to make test specimens to evaluate physico–mechanical, thermal, and tribological (wear, friction, and laser etching) characteristics. It was found that tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, and tensile modulus of PA 66/CB/MoS2 composite increased linearly with increase in MoS2 content. The impact strength of the PA 66 matrix increased from 37.2 to 43.2 J/m with an increase in MoS2 content. The wear behavior of PA 66/CB/MoS2 composites have been investigated under dry sliding conditions at different normal loads, sliding distances, and sliding velocities at room temperature. It was found that the introduction of MoS2 in the presence of CB has certainly reduced the friction, wear behavior of PA 66 with improvement in laser etching resistance. MoS2 could increase the adhesion between the transfer film and the counterface surface. The ability of the synergistic fillers in helping the formation of thin, uniform, and continuous transfer film would contribute to enhance the wear resistance of PA 66 composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
A new smart coating of polyaniline–SiO2 composite for protection of mild steel against corrosion in strong acidic medium
Authors: Kumar S Anoop , Bhandari Hema , Sharma Chandrica , Khatoon Fehmeeda , Dhawan Sundeep K 
Published: December 2012

AbstractOrganic coating approaches for corrosion protection with inherently conducting polymers have become important because of restriction on the use of heavy metals and chromates in coatings due to their environmental problems. The present work is directed towards the synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline–SiO2 composites (PSCs) by chemical oxidation polymerization in the presence of phosphoric acid and evaluation of synthesized PANI and PSCs for protection of mild steel from corrosion in a strong aggressive medium (i.e. 1.0 mol L–1 HCl). A suitable coating with PSC was formed on mild steel using epoxy resin by the powder coating technique. A comparative study of the corrosion protection efficiency of mild steel coated with PANI and PSC in 1.0 mol L–1 HCl solution was evaluated using the Tafel extrapolation, chrono‐amperometry and weight loss methods. The PSC coating showed that a significant reduction in the corrosion current density reflects the better protection of mild steel in an acidic environment. Higher protection efficiency up to 99% was achieved by using PSC‐coated mild steel at 6.0 wt% loading of PSC in epoxy resin. The coating performance and corrosion rate of mild steel were investigated by using immersion of polymer‐coated mild steel in 1.0 mol L–1 HCl for 60 days and indicated that PSC‐coated mild steel showed better performance from corrosion than PANI in an acidic medium.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Predicting positive and negative impacts of cancer among long‐term endometrial cancer survivors
Authors: Rowlands Ingrid J. , Lee Christina , Janda Monika , Nagle Christina M. , Obermair Andreas , Webb Penelope M. ,   Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study Group
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the survival outcomes among women diagnosed with endometrial cancer are very favorable, little is known about the long‐term impact of their cancer experience. This study identifies the extent of positive and negative impacts of cancer and factors associated with this, amongst long‐term survivors of endometrial cancer.MethodsAustralian women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (N = 632) were sent questionnaires at the time of diagnosis and 3–5 years later. Hierarchical multiple regression models were used to examine whether a range of variables at diagnosis/treatment predicted subsequent scores on the Impact of Cancer Scale, which examines positive (e.g. health awareness) and negative (e.g. appearance concerns) impacts amongst cancer survivors.ResultsOverall, women had a higher mean score for the positive than negative impact scales (M = 3.5 versus M = 2.5, respectively). An intermediate grade of endometrial cancer, a prior diagnosis of cancer and lower levels of education were significant, but weak, predictors of higher scores on the positive impact scale. Higher scores on the negative impact scale were predicted by a higher grade of cancer, poor physical and mental health, a younger age, being single or having lower levels of education.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that factors that predict positive impact in cancer survivors differ to those that predict negative impact, suggesting that interventions to optimize cancer survivors' quality of life will need to be multi‐dimensional, and this supports the need for tailored intervention. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renal anaemia services: current provision and future developments
Authors: Macdougall Iain , Ashley Caroline , Dring Belinda 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this Expert Panel Discussion, three healthcare professionals discuss renal anaemia services, providing examples of their own experiences. Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are considering moving some of these services from secondary to primary care, and the panel reflects on how this might affect services and patients in the future, particularly at the community level.
Boceprevir and telaprevir: new treatments for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Dusheiko Geoffrey 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBoceprevir and telaprevir are new antiviral drugs indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to their efficacy and adverse effects and Professor Geoffrey Dusheiko discusses their place in treatment.
Cu2MnAl thin films grown onto sapphire and MgO substrates: Exchange stiffness and magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Belmeguenai M. , Tuzcuoglu H. , Chérif S. M. , Westerholt K. , Chauveau T. , Mazaleyrat F. , Moch P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCu2MnAl films of different thicknesses (50, 70, and 100 nm) were grown by UHV RF‐sputtering on a‐plane sapphire or on MgO (100) substrates. Their structural and static magnetic properties have been studied by X‐rays diffraction (XRD) and by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), respectively. The Cu2MnAl films exhibit a (100) and (110)‐texture when grown on MgO and sapphire substrates, respectively. The best growth quality and the higher magnetization at saturation were obtained for the films grown on MgO. Dynamic magnetic properties were investigated using micro‐strip line ferromagnetic resonance (MS‐FMR). From the resonance measurements varying the direction and the amplitude of the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane applied magnetic fields we derive the effective magnetization, the Landé g‐factor (g = 2.11), the exchange constant (Aex = 0.34 µerg cm−1) and the magnetic anisotropy terms. The in‐plane anisotropy can be described as a superposition of two terms showing a small twofold and a dominant fourfold symmetry.
Interactions between components of SrTi0.98Nb0.02O3−δ–YSZ and SrTi0.98Nb0.02O3−δ–CeO2 composites
Authors: Bochentyn Beata , Karczewski Jakub , Gazda Maria , Jasiński Piotr , Kusz Bogusław 
Published: December 2012

AbstractComposites consisting of SrTiO3‐based perovskite and either yttria‐stabilized zirconia or ceria were investigated. The mechanical compatibility and possible inter‐diffusion between phases were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. A gradual disappearance of Ce‐containing phases with an increase in the temperature of reduction in hydrogen was noticed. Moreover, a diffusion of Sr, Ti, and Ce was observed between the composites and the yttria‐stabilized zirconia electrolyte support in the conditions of high temperature (1300–1400 °C) reduction in H2.
Effects of interface geometry on the thermoelectric properties of laterally microstructured ZnO‐based thin films
Authors: Homm G. , Gather F. , Kronenberger A. , Petznick S. , Henning T. , Eickhoff M. , Meyer B. K. , Heiliger C. , Klar P. J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA series of samples consisting of alternating stripes of ZnO grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy (MBE) and radio‐frequency (rf) sputtered Ga‐doped ZnO stripes was laterally microstructured with a self‐aligned pattern transfer method. We measured as a function of temperature the Seebeck coefficient S and the electrical resistivity ρ in‐plane of the samples with the transport direction perpendicular to the stripe direction. Throughout the series the bar width and hence the number of interfaces was kept constant, but the interface profile was varied yielding different interface lengths and geometries. The dependence of S, ρ and the power factor S2/ρ on the interface length at room temperature were simulated using an empirical network model and it was demonstrated that the macroscopic transport coefficients are very sensitive to the interface region and that even this rather simple modelling yields useful information about the interface region.
Strain profiles and radii of semiconductor rolled‐up tubes made by a single material
Authors: Laniel Dominique , Shtinkov Nikolay 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSingle‐material rolled‐up microtubes provide an opportunity to study the processes of strain relaxation and defect formation near the interface of strained‐layer semiconductor heterostructures. We study theoretically tubes formed by a single strained Si layer grown beyond the critical thickness on a Ge substrate. The residual strain accumulated in the Si layer causes the layer to roll after it is released from the substrate by etching. Computer simulations are carried out using Keating's valence force field method, with uniform and non‐uniform residual (initial) strain profiles and different strained layer widths. We show that the radius of the tubes is affected by a combination of these two factors and thus by the total elastic deformation present before rolling, a larger total deformation resulting in a smaller tube radius. However, uniform and non‐uniform residual strain profiles can be easily distinguished by analyzing the final profiles of the azimuthal and the radial strain components.
Evidence for giant spin entropy contribution in thermoelectric Ca3Co4O9+δ
Authors: Tang Guodong , Xu Feng , He Yun , Wang Liaoyu , Qiu Li , Wang Zhihe 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe report magnetic field dependence of both in‐plane and out‐of plane thermopower in Ca3Co4O9+δ single crystal. Strong field dependence of both in‐plane and out‐of plane thermopower evinces giant spin entropy contribution to the thermopower in the thermoelectric material. These discovered effects indicate that spin entropy dominates the enhancement of thermopower in misfit‐layered cobalt oxides materials. An obvious suppression of thermopower is stronger by an out‐of‐plane magnetic field than by an in‐plane field.