bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On‐line extraction and determination of two herbicides: Comparison between two modes of three‐phase hollow fiber microextraction
Authors: Tajik Mohammad , Yamini Yadollah , Esrafili Ali , Ebrahimpour Behnam 
Published: December 2014

Two different modes of three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction were studied for the extraction of two herbicides, bensulfuron‐methyl and linuron. In these two modes, the acceptor phases in the lumen of the hollow fiber were aqueous and organic solvents. The extraction and determination were performed using an automated hollow fiber microextraction instrument followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. For both three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction modes, the effect of the main parameters on the extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized by central composite design. Under optimal conditions, both modes showed good linearity and repeatability, but the three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents has a better extraction efficiency and figures of merit. The calibration curves for three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction with an organic acceptor phase were linear in the range of 0.3–200 and 0.1–150 μg/L and the limits of detection were 0.1 and 0.06 μg/L for bensulfuron‐methyl and linuron, respectively. For the conventional three‐phase hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction, the calibration curves were linear in the range of 3.0–250 and 15–400 μg/L and LODs were 1.0 and 5.0 μg/L for bensulfuron‐methyl and linuron, respectively. The real sample analysis was carried out by three‐phase hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents because of its more favorable characteristics.
Flow and Sediment Connectivity in Semi‐arid Landscapes in SE Spain: Patterns and Controls
Authors: Marchamalo Miguel , Hooke Janet M. , Sandercock Peter J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMuch of the water and sediment fluxes in semi‐arid catchments are found to be highly concentrated in localized pathways. Identifying the location of these pathways in the landscape is important for management and restoration. Measures can then be targeted so as to minimize the potential for erosion and sediment flux along these pathways. A method of repeat field mapping of flow and sediment pathways suitable for Mediterranean catchments is presented. Several small catchments in Cárcavo basin, SE Spain, differing in topographic and land use characteristics, were monitored under several events. Morphometric properties of pathways were analysed and compared with rainfall characteristics. Number and length of pathways varied with rainfall characteristics and also antecedent conditions. In low rainfall events, runoff sources and main pathways were disconnected, but in a larger event, the network of pathways became fully connected. The pathway patterns showed that man‐made lines such as terrace embankments and tracks have a major influence on sediment connectivity. Micro‐topographic factors, soil moisture and the presence of vegetation are highly influential on pathways and the frequency of water and sediment fluxes. Runoff and erosion hotpots for the development of pathways were identified, which should be targeted for mitigation and restoration measures using vegetation. The relevance of local scale factors emphasizes the importance of repeat field observations to understand connectivity and pathways development in the landscape. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Terpyridine End‐Capped Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐Poly(2‐(Dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate) Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Brassinne Jérémy , Poggi Elio , Fustin Charles‐André , Gohy Jean‐François 
Published: December 2014

At the basis of smart self‐assembled materials are lying small building blocks that can hierarchically assemble in response to stimuli, e.g., temperature or chemical species. In this context, the synthesis of terpyridine end‐capped poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) diblock copolymers via controlled radical copolymerization is reported here. The self‐assembly of those copolymers is investigated in dilute aqueous solutions while varying temperature or adding transition metal ions, respectively, leading to the formation of micellar nanostructures or metallosupramolecular triblock copolymers.
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Approaching Two‐Dimensional Copolymers: Photoirradiation of Anthracene‐ and Diaza‐Anthracene‐Bearing Monomers in Langmuir Monolayers
Authors: Payamyar Payam , Servalli Marco , Hungerland Tim , Schütz Andri P. , Zheng Zhikun , Borgschulte Andreas , Schlüter A. Dieter 
Published: December 2014

By using structurally similar amphiphilic monomers, it is shown that compressed monolayers of varying amounts of such monomers at the air/water interface can be converted by photo­irradiation into the corresponding covalently connected monolayer sheets. Since one of the monomers carries three anthracene units and the other three 1,8‐diaza‐anthracene units, the growth reaction is proposed to take place through photochemically achieved [4+4]‐cycloaddition between pairs of these units that are co‐facially (face‐to‐face) arranged, to furnish the corresponding covalent dimers. While evidence for both homodimers is amply available, the existence of the heterodimer needs to be established with the help of a model reaction to support the conceptual aspect of this work, copolymerization in two dimensions. The sheet copolymers exhibit substantial robustness in that they can be spanned over 20 × 20 μm2‐sized holes without rupturing under their own weight. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies reveal that the monomers are incorporated into the sheet copolymers according to feed. These results establish existence of the first covalent sheet copolymer, which is considered a step ahead towards novel 2D materials.
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Dysport and Botox at a ratio of 2.5:1 units in cervical dystonia: A double‐blind, randomized study
Authors: Yun Ji Young , Kim Jae Woo , Kim Hee‐Tae , Chung Sun Ju , Kim Jong‐Min , Cho Jin Whan , Lee Jee‐Young , Lee Ha Neul , You Sooyeoun , Oh Eungseok , Jeong Heejeong , Kim Young Eun , Kim Han‐Joon , Lee Won Yong , Jeon Beom S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe aimed to compare Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, Ipsen Biopharm, Slough, UK) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) at a 2.5:1 ratio in the treatment of cervical dystonia (CD). A Dysport/Botox ratio of lower than 3:1 was suggested as a more appropriate conversion ratio, considering its higher efficacy and more frequent incidence of adverse effects not only in the treatment of CD but also in other focal movement disorders. A randomized, double‐blind, multicenter, non‐inferiority, two‐period crossover study was done in CD, with a duration of at least 18 months. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment for the first period with Dysport or Botox, and they were followed up for 16 weeks after the injection. After a 4‐week washout period, they were switched to the other formulation and then followed up for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was the changes in the Tsui scale between the baseline value and that at 1 month after each injection. A total of 103 patients were enrolled, and 94 completed the study. Mean changes in the Tsui scale between baseline and 4 weeks after each injection tended to favor Botox; however, this was not statistically significant (4.0 ± 3.9 points for the Dysport treatment vs. 4.8 ± 4.1 points for Botox; 95% confidence interval, −0.1‐1.7; P = 0.091). The mean change of the Toronto western spasmodic torticollis rating scale score, the proportion of improvement in clinical global impression and patient global impression, and the incidences of adverse events were not significantly different between the two treatments. With regard to safety and efficacy, Dysport was not inferior to Botox in patients with CD at a conversion factor of 2.5:1. [clinicaltrial.gov: NCT00950664] © The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Induction intravenous cyclophosphamide followed by maintenance oral immunosuppression in refractory myasthenia gravis
Authors: Buzzard Katherine A. , Meyer Nicholas J. , Hardy Todd A. , Riminton D. Sean , Reddel Stephen W. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) can be refractory to conventional immunotherapy. We report on the efficacy and durability of intravenous (IV) remission‐induction cyclophosphamide (CYC) followed by oral immunosuppression in refractory MG. Methods: We identified 8 patients from our medical records with moderate or severe refractory MG who were treated with 6 cycles of IV CYC (0.75 g/m2) every 4 weeks followed by oral immunosuppression. Results: Six patients improved within 3 months of treatment. Four patients remained in clinical remission (mean follow‐up 31 months). Two patients responded partially, and 1 patient relapsed after 11 months. Two patients were non‐responders. CYC was well tolerated. Acetylcholine receptor antibody levels remained below pretreatment levels in patients in clinical remission. The leukocyte nadir was lower in CYC responders. Conclusions: Remission‐induction IV CYC followed by oral immunosuppression is a rapid, effective, and durable treatment for refractory MG. Adding a post‐CYC immunosuppressant may account for low relapse rates compared with other published series. Muscle Nerve 52: 204–210, 2015
Metabolic syndrome in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Vujnic Milorad , Peric Stojan , Popovic Srdjan , Raseta Nela , Ralic Vesna , Dobricic Valerija , Novakovic Ivana , Rakocevic‐Stojanovic Vidosava 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and features of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods: We studied 66 DM1 patients (50% men, aged 41.9 ± 10.5 years, disease duration of 19.3 ± 8.6 years). New worldwide consensus criteria for MetS from 2009 were used. Results: Components of MetS were present at the following frequencies: hypertriglyceridemia 67%; low HDL cholesterol 35%; hypertension 18%; central obesity 14%; and hyperglycemia 9%. MetS was present in 11 (17%) patients. The presence of MetS was not associated with patients' gender, age, disease severity, disease duration, or CTG repeat length (P > 0.05). Patients with MetS had significantly lower total SF‐36 scores as a measure of quality of life in comparison to patients without MetS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although certain components of MetS were very frequent in patients with DM1, only 17% met the criteria for MetS. Muscle Nerve 52: 273–277, 2015
Growth hormone improves short stature in children with Diamond‐Blackfan anemia
Authors: Howell Jonathan C. , Joshi Sarita A. , Hornung Lindsey , Khoury Jane , Harris Richard E. , Rose Susan R. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundDiamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA), an inherited marrow failure syndrome, has severe hypoplastic anemia in infancy and association with aplastic anemia, MDS/leukemia, and other malignancies. Short stature is present in most patients. Isolated cases have demonstrated improved growth on growth hormone (GH) therapy.ProceduresGH treatment data were obtained from 19 children with DBA (6 at our site and 13 from Genentech). Control data from 44 non‐GH treated children were provided by Diamond Blackfan Anemia Registry. Annual growth velocity (GV) and height‐for‐age Z‐scores (HAZ) were compared between groups and for up to 4y of GH treatment.ResultsConstructed DBA‐specific male and female height‐for‐age charts for non‐GH treated patients revealed short stature compared to CDC norms. GH‐treated patients had significantly lower HAZ prior to treatment initiation compared to non‐GH‐treated controls. Among GH‐treated patients, GV significantly improved in the first two years relative to pre‐treatment. HAZ significantly improved in each of 4y of GH therapy compared to baseline. After 2y of therapy, HAZ for GH‐treated patients were not significantly different from controls, demonstrating successful catch‐up growth.ConclusionsGH treatment in children with DBA improves both GV and HAZ during treatment sustained for up to 4y. Very short children with DBA can be treated successfully with GH to restore stature to levels comparable to less affected patients. DBA height charts are useful tools for assessing age‐specific growth in this typically short population. Careful consideration of individualized benefit of GH therapy versus risk is important in view of long‐term underlying ∼5% malignancy risk in DBA. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:402–408. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A summary of the osteosarcoma banking efforts: A report from the Children's Oncology Group and the QuadW Foundation
Authors: Glover Jason , Krailo Mark , Tello Tanya , Marina Neyssa , Janeway Katherine , Barkauskas Don , Fan Timothy M. , Gorlick Richard , Khanna Chand ,   the COG Osteosarcoma Biology Group
Published: December 2014

BackgroundSurvival rates of patients with osteosarcoma have remained stagnant over the last thirty years. Better understanding of biology, new therapeutics, and improved biomarkers are needed. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) addressed this need by developing one of the largest osteosarcoma biorepositories ever, containing over 15,000 tumor and tissue samples from over 1,500 patients.ProcedureThe biology study P9851 and the banking study AOST06B1 has enrolled 1,787 patients (as of September, 2013). Clinical information was lacking on 510 patients on P9851, who were not enrolled on a concurrent therapeutic trial. The value of these specimens was diminished. The lack of statistical support available for biology projects slowed the analysis of several critical studies. The QuadW Foundation, CureSearch, and the COG formed the Childhood Sarcoma Biostatistics and Annotation Office (CSBAO) to provide the infrastructure and address these needs by linking clinically annotated patient data to archived tissue samples and to develop biostatistical support for childhood sarcoma research.ResultsOriginally 5.3% of samples from the 510 patients on P9851 not enrolled on a therapeutic study had full clinical annotation. The efforts of the CSBAO have linked clinical annotation to 90.8% of those specimens and provided statistical analyses to several studies that had used COG samples. As a result, 24 biology studies in osteosarcoma have been completed and published in peer‐reviewed journals.ConclusionsThese samples and in‐silico data are available to the research community for basic and translational science projects to improve the biological understanding and treatment of patients affected by osteosarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:450–455. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of prenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria for twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence
Authors: Veujoz Marine , Sananès Nicolas , Severac François , Meyer Nicolas , Weingertner Anne‐Sophie , Kohler Monique , Guerra Fernando , Gaudineau Adrien , Nisand Israël , Favre Romain 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to analyze the relevance of the prenatal and postnatal diagnostic parameters of twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence (TAPS).MethodsDiagnostic data of all cases of TAPS followed in our institution between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Bayesian methods.ResultsTwenty cases of TAPS were included. We found a relationship between the hemoglobin level and the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (coefficient −0.25 [−0.34, −0.15], Pr(coef < 0) = 99.99%). Sensitivity and specificity of the prenatal diagnosis were 71% and 50%, respectively, regarding the correspondence with postnatal diagnosis. There was no correlation between the number [odds ratio (OR) = 0.89 [0.72, 1.10], Pr(OR > 1) = 14.8%)], the mean diameter (OR = 0.98 [0.32, 3.06], Pr(OR > 1) = 48.9%), or the total diameter (OR = 0.79 [0.36, 1.53], Pr(OR > 1) = 26.3%) of arteriovenous anastomoses and the severity of TAPS.ConclusionMiddle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity is a reliable tool for estimating the hemoglobin level in cases of TAPS. The correspondence between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis is imperfect. Further studies are required to evaluate opportunity of widening postnatal diagnostic criteria. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of quality of life of cancer patients, their children, and partners
Authors: Götze Heide , Ernst Jochen , Brähler Elmar , Romer Georg , von Klitzing Kai 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients and their family members over 1‐year period post therapy.MethodsWe evaluated QOL in cancer patients (N = 161) (Short Form‐8 Health Survey (SF‐8), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30‐ Item Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30)), their partners (N = 110) (SF‐8), and their children (N = 115) (KIDSCREEN‐27) using a longitudinal design (t1: post therapy, t2: 6 months after t1, t3: 12 months after t1). Multiple regression models were employed to examine factors related to QOL.ResultsAfter cancer therapy, impairments in the patients' QOL were found primarily in emotional and social areas and also in role functions. We found the highest symptom burden in fatigue (M = 45.21), sleep disturbances (M = 41.04), and financial difficulties (M = 39.2). Partners had lower mental QOL compared with the general population at each assessment point (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in physical QOL between partners and the general population (p > 0.05). Social support, full‐time employment, tumor stage 0–2, time since diagnosis <1 year, and lower levels of anxiety and depression were associated with better QOL in patients. Full‐time employment, social support, and lower levels of anxiety and depression had a significant impact on the partners' QOL. Higher levels of anxiety and depression in patients (p = 0.006) adversely influenced children's QOL.ConclusionsFamily members' QOL is overall stable over time indicating the need for professional psychosocial support for those family members with low QOL. For the children, new measures are needed to better examine the experience with parental cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Plasma Chemistry of Ethyl Lactate Plasma Polymerization Discharges
Authors: Ligot Sylvie , Guillaume Maxime , Raynaud Patrice , Thiry Damien , Lemaur Vincent , Silva Tiago , Britun Nikolay , Cornil Jérôme , Dubois Philippe , Snyders Rony 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this work, a new plasma diagnostic method has been used to quantify the plasma‐generated species that play a part in the ethyl lactate plasma polymer film deposition. This method has been possible by using the RGA mass spectrometry combined with the in situ FTIR spectroscopy supported by DFT calculations. Ethyl lactate plasma phase can then be qualitatively and quantitatively probed by varying the experimental parameters. More specifically, it has been shown that by increasing the power from 30 to 280 W, the density of ester‐bearing species in the plasma strongly decreases and supports the drop of ester content in plasma polymers. Additionally, the temperature of the plasma has been determined by the in situ IR spectroscopy and has revealed a too weak increase (60 K) to affect the fundamental vibrational levels. Our IR spectroscopy approach goes into that direction too.
Molecular modeling and computational analyses suggests that the Sinorhizobium meliloti periplasmic regulator protein ExoR adopts a superhelical fold and is controlled by a unique mechanism of proteolysis
Authors: Wiech Eliza M. , Cheng Hai‐Ping , Singh Shaneen M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Sinorhizobium meliloti periplasmic ExoR protein and the ExoS/ChvI two‐component system form a regulatory mechanism that directly controls the transformation of free‐living to host‐invading cells. In the absence of crystal structures, understanding the molecular mechanism of interaction between ExoR and the ExoS sensor, which is believed to drive the key regulatory step in the invasion process, remains a major challenge. In this study, we present a theoretical structural model of the active form of ExoR protein, ExoRm, generated using computational methods. Our model suggests that ExoR possesses a super‐helical fold comprising 12 α‐helices forming six Sel1‐like repeats, including two that were unidentified in previous studies. This fold is highly conducive to mediating protein–protein interactions and this is corroborated by the identification of putative protein binding sites on the surface of the ExoRm protein. Our studies reveal two novel insights: (a) an extended conformation of the third Sel1‐like repeat that might be important for ExoR regulatory function and (b) a buried proteolytic site that implies a unique proteolytic mechanism. This study provides new and interesting insights into the structure of S. meliloti ExoR, lays the groundwork for elaborating the molecular mechanism of ExoRm cleavage, ExoRm–ExoS interactions, and studies of ExoR homologs in other bacterial host interactions.
Structural templates for comparative protein docking
Authors: Anishchenko Ivan , Kundrotas Petras J. , Tuzikov Alexander V. , Vakser Ilya A. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTStructural characterization of protein‐protein interactions is important for understanding life processes. Because of the inherent limitations of experimental techniques, such characterization requires computational approaches. Along with the traditional protein‐protein docking (free search for a match between two proteins), comparative (template‐based) modeling of protein‐protein complexes has been gaining popularity. Its development puts an emphasis on full and partial structural similarity between the target protein monomers and the protein‐protein complexes previously determined by experimental techniques (templates). The template‐based docking relies on the quality and diversity of the template set. We present a carefully curated, nonredundant library of templates containing 4950 full structures of binary complexes and 5936 protein‐protein interfaces extracted from the full structures at 12 Å distance cut‐off. Redundancy in the libraries was removed by clustering the PDB structures based on structural similarity. The value of the clustering threshold was determined from the analysis of the clusters and the docking performance on a benchmark set. High structural quality of the interfaces in the template and validation sets was achieved by automated procedures and manual curation. The library is included in the Dockground resource for molecular recognition studies at http://dockground.bioinformatics.ku.edu. Proteins 2015; 83:1563–1570. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.