bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative near infrared spectroscopic analysis of Q‐Switched Nd:YAG treatment of generalized argyria
Authors: Saager Rolf B. , Hassan Khaled M. , Kondru Clement , Durkin Anthony J. , Kelly Kristen M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveGeneralized argyria is a blue‐gray hyperpigmentation of the skin resulting from ingestion or application of silver compounds, such as silver colloid. Case reports have noted improvement after Q‐Switched Neodymium–Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser (1,064 nm QS Nd:YAG) laser treatment to small surface areas. No reports have objectively monitored laser treatment of generalized argyria over large areas of skin, nor have long‐term outcomes been evaluated.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAn incremental treatment plan was developed for a subject suffering from argyria. A quantitative near infrared spectroscopic measurement technique was employed to non‐invasively analyze tissue‐pigment characteristics pre‐ and post‐laser treatment. Post‐treatment measurements were collected at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and again at 1 year.ResultsImmediate apparent removal of pigment was observed with 1 Q‐switched 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment (3–6 mm spot; 0.8–2 J/cm2) per area. Entire face, neck, upper chest, and arms were treated over multiple sessions. Treatments were very painful and general anesthesia was utilized in order to treat large areas. Near‐infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize and quantify the concentration of silver particles in the dermis based on the absorption features of the silver particles as well as the optical scattering effects they impart. We were able to estimate that there was, on average, 0.042 mg/ml concentration of silver prior to treatment and that these levels went below the minimum detectable limit of the instrument post‐treatment. There was no recurrence of discoloration over the 1‐year study period.ConclusionQS 1,064 nm laser treatment of argyria is a viable method to restore normal skin pigmentation with no evidence of recurrence over study period. Quantitative spectroscopic measurements: (1) confirmed dyspigmentation was due to silver, (2) validated our clinical assessment of no recurrence up to 1‐year post‐treatment, and (3) indicated no collateral tissue damage with treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 15–21, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Read‐Across Prediction of the Acute Toxicity of Organic Compounds toward the Water Flea Daphnia magna
Authors: Kühne Ralph , Ebert Ralf‐Uwe , von der Ohe Peter C. , Ulrich Nadin , Brack Werner , Schüürmann Gerrit 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAccording to the European REACH Directive, the acute daphnid toxicity needs to be assessed for industrial chemicals with market volumes ≥1 t/a. Employing a data set of 1365 organic compounds with experimental 48‐h LC50 data for Daphnia magna, a read‐across approach has been developed that makes use of the atom‐centered fragment (ACF) method as quantitative measure for structural similarity. Both quantitative log LC50 predictions and a discrimination between narcosis‐level and excess toxicity can be obtained, augmented by similarity‐triggered information that characterizes a compound as inside or outside the quantitative or qualitative model domain. Reading across proceeds as interpolation of the toxicity enhancement (Te) over predicted narcosis‐level toxicity, taking experimental log Te values from similarity‐selected reference compounds as input. The resultant decision tree model yields r2=0.85 and rms=0.66 for the subset of 757 compounds (56 %) identified as inside the quantitative model domain, and can handle further 318 compounds (23 %) with the categorical submodel, with 290 compounds (21 %) being outside its domain. The new in silico approach appears useful as ITS (Integrated Testing Strategy) tool for the daphnid toxicity assessment. The discussion includes a comparison of Kow‐ and LSER‐predicted narcosis‐level toxicity in the read‐across context.
Growth failure in children with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving imatinib is due to disruption of GH/IGF‐1 axis
Authors: Narayanan Karthik R. , Bansal Deepak , Walia Rama , Sachdeva Naresh , Bhansali Anil , Varma Neelam , Marwaha R.K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe frontline treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. There is increasing evidence that imatinib results in growth failure in children; etiology is unclear.ProcedureThe cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 2011 to June 2012 in a pediatric oncology unit. Patients with chronic‐phase CML, receiving imatinib for more than 6 months were enrolled. Growth hormone (GH): Insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) axis was evaluated by GH stimulation test by insulin tolerance and clonidine stimulation test, among other hormonal assays.ResultsEighteen patients with a median age of 12.9 years (range 6.5–17) completed the study. The mean duration of imatinib therapy was 43.7 ± 32.8 months. The height‐for‐age z‐scores at the start of imatinib and at enrollment were −1.07 ± 0.88 and −1.8 ± 0.98, respectively (P < 0.001). Seven (39%) patients were GH deficient and lacked a sufficient response to either of the two stimulation tests. Majority, 16 (89%) patients had IGF‐1 z‐scores less than the mean. IGFBP‐3 levels were below the mean in all patients. Every patient had deficiency of either GH, or IGF‐1, or both. Bone age was delayed in 7 (39%).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that imatinib results in growth failure in children with CML by disturbing the GH:IGF‐1 axis. GH stimulation test and serum IGF‐1 levels should be performed in children on treatment with imatinib who have growth retardation. Future studies should evaluate the role of recombinant GH therapy for ameliorating the adverse effect on growth. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1148–1153. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐tube Extraction and GC–MS Analysis of Volatile Components from Wild and Cultivated sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. ssp. Carpatica) Berry Varieties and Juice
Authors: Socaci Sonia A. , Socaciu Carmen , Tofană Maria , Raţi Ioan V. , Pintea Adela 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe health benefits of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) are well documented due to its rich content in bioactive phytochemicals (pigments, phenolics and vitamins) as well as volatiles responsible for specific flavours and bacteriostatic action. The volatile compounds are good biomarkers of berry freshness, quality and authenticity.ObjectiveTo develop a fast and efficient GC–MS method including a minimal sample preparation technique (in‐tube extraction, ITEX) for the discrimination of sea buckthorn varieties based on their chromatographic volatile fingerprint.Material and methodsTwelve sea buckthorn varieties (wild and cultivated) were collected from forestry departments and experimental fields, respectively. The extraction of volatile compounds was performed using the ITEX technique whereas separation and identification was performed using a GC–MS QP‐2010. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to discriminate the differences among sample composition.ResultsUsing GC–MS analysis, from the headspace of sea buckthorn samples, 46 volatile compounds were separated with 43 being identified. The most abundant derivatives were ethyl esters of 2‐methylbutanoic acid, 3‐methylbutanoic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid and butanoic acid, as well as 3‐methylbutyl 3‐methylbutanoate, 3‐methylbutyl 2‐methylbutanoate and benzoic acid ethyl ester (over 80% of all volatile compounds). Principal component analysis showed that the first two components explain 79% of data variance, demonstrating a good discrimination between samples.ConclusionA reliable, fast and eco‐friendly ITEX/GC–MS method was applied to fingerprint the volatile profile and to discriminate between wild and cultivated sea buckthorn berries originating from the Carpathians, with relevance to food science and technology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aberrant right subclavian artery in Down syndrome fetuses
Authors: Fehmi Yazıcıoğlu H. , Sevket Osman , Akın Hale , Aygün Mehmet , Özyurt Osman Nuri , Karahasanoğlu Ayse 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe aim of this study is to determine the frequency of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) in trisomic and normal fetuses during the routine detailed ultrasonography in the second trimester and to evaluate the potential value of ARSA as an ultrasonographic marker for trisomy 21.MethodsThe presence of normal brachicephalic trunk/or ARSA was confirmed in all pregnant women undergoing second trimester detailed fetal anomaly screening beyond 16th week of pregnancy. Amniocentesis following genetic councelling was recommended to all women having either any positive ultrasonographic marker including ARSA or a positive biochemical screening test (triple test) result.ResultsDuring the 17‐month period, 2081 patients were screened, and 23 patients with ARSA (1,1%) and 20 patients with trisomy 21 were detected. Of those 20 patients with trisomy 21, ARSA was detected in seven (%35). On the other hand, 30.4% of the fetuses with ARSA had also trisomy 21. The positive and negative likelihood ratios of ARSA for trisomy 21 were 45.08 and 0.65, respectively.ConclusionsIn our study, the ARSA in combination with other ultrasound signs increased the risk for trisomy 21 by factor of 45, but the independent ability of ARSA as an isolated marker to predict fetal Trisomy 21 is unclear. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma Polymer Membranes for Immobilising Metalloporphyrins
Authors: Boscher Nicolas D. , Duday David , Heier Philip , Heinze Katja , Hilt Florian , Choquet Patrick 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAtmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge formation of organosilicon thin films loaded with zinc 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (Zn(TPP)) was investigated for different deposition conditions. UV–visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the effects of the metalloporpyhrins injection parameters and the plasma polymerisation conditions can affect the dispersion of the metalloporphyrins and the morphology of the coatings. The stability of the embedded Zn(TPP) molecules was investigated by orbitrap mass spectrometry. magnified image
Solution structure of the recombinant target recognition domain of zoocin A
Authors: Chen Yinghua , Simmonds Robin S. , Young John K. , Timkovich Russell 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe protein rTRD is the recombinant form of the target recognition domain of zoocin A, a lytic exoenzyme produced by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus 4881. It has no known sequence homologs. However, the catalytic domain of zoocin A is homologous to lysostaphin which is another exoenzyme active against a different spectrum of bacteria, including the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. An ensemble of models for the solution structure of rTRD has been generated by NMR techniques. The minimum energy model from the ensemble was subjected to three‐dimensional homology search engines, but no homologs were found, suggesting rTRD may represent a new protein folding family. There is some similarity in the folding of rTRD to the immunoglobin fold of the antigen binding region of mammalian antibodies which could suggest an ancient evolutionary relation. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution structures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis thioredoxin C and models of intact thioredoxin system suggest new approaches to inhibitor and drug design
Authors: Olson Andrew L. , Neumann Terrence S. , Cai Sheng , Sem Daniel S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHere, we report the NMR solution structures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) thioredoxin C in both oxidized and reduced states, with discussion of structural changes that occur in going between redox states. The NMR solution structure of the oxidized TrxC corresponds closely to that of the crystal structure, except in the C‐terminal region. It appears that crystal packing effects have caused an artifactual shift in the α4 helix in the previously reported crystal structure, compared with the solution structure. On the basis of these TrxC structures, chemical shift mapping, a previously reported crystal structure of the M. tuberculosis thioredoxin reductase (not bound to a Trx) and structures for intermediates in the E. coli thioredoxin catalytic cycle, we have modeled the complete M. tuberculosis thioredoxin system for the various steps in the catalytic cycle. These structures and models reveal pockets at the TrxR/TrxC interface in various steps in the catalytic cycle, which can be targeted in the design of uncompetitive inhibitors as potential anti‐mycobacterial agents, or as chemical genetic probes of function. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence of π‐stacking interactions in the self‐assembly of hIAPP22‐29
Authors: Profit Adam A. , Felsen Valentina , Chinwong Justina , Mojica Elmer‐Rico E. , Desamero Ruel Z. B. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe role aromatic amino acids play in the formation of amyloid is a subject of controversy. In an effort to clarify the contribution of aromaticity to the self‐assembly of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP)22‐29, peptide analogs containing electron donating groups (EDGs) or electron withdrawing groups (EWGs) as substituents on the aromatic ring of Phe‐23 at the para position have been synthesized and characterized using turbidity measurements in conjunction with Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicate the incorporation of EDGs on the aromatic ring of Phe‐23 virtually abolish the ability of hIAPP22‐29 to form amyloid. Peptides containing EWGs were still capable of forming aggregates. These aggregates were found to be rich in β‐sheet secondary structure. Transmission electron microscopy images of the aggregates confirm the presence of amyloid fibrils. The observed difference in amyloidogenic propensity between peptides containing EDGs and those with EWGs appears not to be based on differences in peptide hydrophobicity. Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic investigations reveal that the environment surrounding the aromatic ring becomes more hydrophobic and ordered upon aggregation. Furthermore, Raman measurements of peptide analogs containing EWGs, conclusively demonstrate a distinct downshift in the CC ring mode (ca. 1600 cm−1) upon aggregation that has previously been shown to be indicative of π‐stacking. While previous work has demonstrated that π‐stacking is not an absolute requirement for fibrillization, our findings indicate that Phe‐23 also contributes to fibril formation through π‐stacking interactions and that it is not only the hydrophobic nature of this residue that is relevant in the self‐assembly of hIAPP22‐29. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting permanent and transient protein–protein interfaces
Authors: La David , Kong Misun , Hoffman William , Choi Youn Im , Kihara Daisuke 
Published: January 2013

AbstractProtein–protein interactions (PPIs) are involved in diverse functions in a cell. To optimize functional roles of interactions, proteins interact with a spectrum of binding affinities. Interactions are conventionally classified into permanent and transient, where the former denotes tight binding between proteins that result in strong complexes, whereas the latter compose of relatively weak interactions that can dissociate after binding to regulate functional activity at specific time point. Knowing the type of interactions has significant implications for understanding the nature and function of PPIs. In this study, we constructed amino acid substitution models that capture mutation patterns at permanent and transient type of protein interfaces, which were found to be different with statistical significance. Using the substitution models, we developed a novel computational method that predicts permanent and transient protein binding interfaces (PBIs) in protein surfaces. Without knowledge of the interacting partner, the method uses a single query protein structure and a multiple sequence alignment of the sequence family. Using a large dataset of permanent and transient proteins, we show that our method, BindML+, performs very well in protein interface classification. A very high area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.957 was observed when predicted protein binding sites were classified. Remarkably, near prefect accuracy was achieved with an AUC of 0.991 when actual binding sites were classified. The developed method will be also useful for protein design of permanent and transient PBIs. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermally assisted recovery of low energy electron beam irradiation induced optical degradation of GaN
Authors: Nykänen Henri , Suihkonen Sami , Sopanen Markku , Tuomisto Filip 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we present our studies on thermally assisted recovery of low energy electron beam induced optical degradation of gallium nitride. A clear reduction in MOVPE grown GaN band‐to‐band photoluminescence intensity induced by low energy electron beam irradiation has been found before. Partial recovery of the band‐to‐band emission was observed after annealing in both H2 and N2 ambient, at 500 °C for 35 sec‐52 h. The photoluminescence intensity was reduced to approximately 15% by the low energy electron beam irradiation and recovered to maximum of 40% of the non‐irradiated level. The recovery saturated after approximately 1 minute of annealing. Since hydrogen passivated Ga‐vacancies have been shown to be activated by the electron beam treatment, a plausible recovery mechanism is suggested to involve re‐passivation of these vacancies due to internal hydrogen diffusion in the sample (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time‐resolved luminescence studies on AlN and high AlN mole fraction AlGaN alloys
Authors: Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Onuma Takeyoshi , Hazu Kouji , Uedono Akira 
Published: January 2013

AbstractImpacts of point defects and impurities on the recombination dynamics for the near‐band‐edge (NBE) emission in AlN and high AlN mole fraction AlxGa1‐xN epilayers are revealed by means of deep ultraviolet (DUV) time‐resolved luminescence and positron annihilation measurements. Extremely radiative nature of AlN is identified, as the radiative lifetime (τR) for a free excitonic polariton emission is as short as 10 ps at 7 K and 180 ps at 300 K, which are the shortest ever reported for spontaneous emission of bulk semiconductors. However, τR increases with the increase in impurity and Al‐vacancy (VAl) concentrations up to 530 ps at 7 K, irrespective of the threading dislocation (TD) density. Continuous decrease in τR with temperature rise up to 200 K for heavily‐doped samples may reflect the carrier release from band‐tail states. Similar to these AlN, low‐temperature τR for low‐temperature‐grown high‐x AlxGa1‐xN are longer than that for low‐x AlxGa1‐xN, AlN, or GaN due to the contribution of bound and localized tail‐states. However, τR shows little change with temperature rise, and is still a few ns at 300 K. The results essentially indicate an excellent radiative performance, although the luminescence efficiency of AlN and AlxGa1‐xN DUV light‐emitting‐diodes (LEDs) reported so far is limited by short nonradiative lifetimes (τNR). To increase τNR, high temperature growth with appropriate defect management is preferable (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐organization of iridium nanoislands for GaN applications
Authors: Grinys Tomas , Silinskas Mindaugas , Mekys Algirdas , Kalpakovaite Agne , Tomasiunas Roland 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis work concerns research on iridium nanoislands morphology primarily attributed to internal quantum efficiency enhancement in GaN emitters such as quantum wells or nanowires. The self‐organized nanoislands were formed by an annealing process after the deposition of Ir thin film on silicon substrate. The nanoislands have been found to be have the shape of compressed half‐spheres as high as 30 nm and less than 100 nm in diameter. The optical spectroscopy, scanning electron as well as atomic force microscopy were employed to study the evolution of the prepared nanostructures (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
M‐estimation for general ARMA Processes with Infinite Variance
Authors: WU RONGNING 
Published: January 2013

Abstract.  General autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models extend the traditional ARMA models by removing the assumptions of causality and invertibility. The assumptions are not required under a non‐Gaussian setting for the identifiability of the model parameters in contrast to the Gaussian setting. We study M‐estimation for general ARMA processes with infinite variance, where the distribution of innovations is in the domain of attraction of a non‐Gaussian stable law. Following the approach taken by Davis et al. (1992) and Davis (1996), we derive a functional limit theorem for random processes based on the objective function, and establish asymptotic properties of the M‐estimator. We also consider bootstrapping the M‐estimator and extend the results of Davis & Wu (1997) to the present setting so that statistical inferences are readily implemented. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance of the M‐estimation and bootstrap procedures. An empirical example of financial time series is also provided.
Situational and emotional influences on the acceptability of wolf management actions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Vaske Jerry J. , Roemer Jennifer M. , Taylor Jonathan G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractEmotions play a key role in our experiences with and our responses to wildlife. We examined the effectiveness of situational and emotional variables in predicting acceptability of management actions for wolves (Canis lupus) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA. We advanced 3 hypotheses: 1) both situational and emotional variables will influence acceptability ratings; 2) emotions will explain the largest proportion of variance for the lethal management action; and 3) this pattern of findings will be the same for residents and visitors of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We obtained our data from a survey of residents living near Jackson, Wyoming (n = 604, response rate = 51%) and a survey of visitors to Grand Teton National Park (n = 596, response rate = 81%). We included 2 situational variables (i.e., location of encounter, wolf status) and 3 emotional variables (i.e., sympathy for ranchers, sympathy for wolves, anger about wolves) as independent variables. The dependent variables were acceptability ratings of non‐lethal and lethal management actions. Regression analyses supported all 3 hypotheses. For both groups, situational variables accounted for between 1% and 8% of the variance in acceptability of non‐lethal management actions, while emotions explained between 3% and 20%. For the lethal management action, situational variables predicted between 3% and 5% of the variance in acceptability ratings, while emotions accounted for between 41% and 49%. Although debates regarding the status of wolves are likely to continue, these findings highlight the role emotion plays in evaluating the acceptability of management actions. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.