bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shear- vs. nanotopography-guided control of growth of endothelial cells on RGD-nanoparticle-nanowell arrays
Authors: McCracken Katherine E , Tran Phat L , You David J , Slepian Marvin J , Yoon Jeong-Yeol 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Endothelialization of therapeutic cardiovascular implants is essential for their intravascular hemocompatibility. We previously described a novel nanowell-RGD-nanoparticle ensemble, which when applied to surfaces led to enhanced endothelialization and retention under static conditions and low flow rates. In the present study we extend our work to determine the interrelated effects of flow rate and the orientation of ensemble-decorated surface arrays on the growth, adhesion and morphology of endothelial cells. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were grown on array surfaces with either 1 μm × 5 μm spacing (“parallel to flow”) and 5 μm × 1 μm spacing (“perpendicular to flow”) and were exposed to a range of shear stress of (0 to 4.7 ± 0.2 dyn·cm-2 ), utilizing a pulsatile flow chamber. Under physiological flow (4.7 ± 0.2 dyn·cm-2), RGD-nanoparticle-nanowell array patterning significantly enhanced cell adhesion and spreading compared with control surfaces and with static conditions. Furthermore, improved adhesion coincided with higher alignment to surface patterning, intimating the importance of interaction and response to the array surface as a means of resisting flow detachment. Under sub-physiological condition (1.7 ± 0.3 dyn·cm-2; corresponding to early angiogenesis), nanowell-nanoparticle patterning did not provide enhanced cell growth and adhesion compared with control surfaces. However, it revealed increased alignment along the direction of flow, rather than the direction of the pattern, thus potentially indicating a threshold for cell guidance and related retention. These results could provide a cue for controlling cell growth and alignment under varying physiological conditions.
Phylogeny and chronology of the major lineages of New World hystricognath rodents: insights on the biogeography of the Eocene/Oligocene arrival of mammals in South America
Authors: Voloch Carolina M , Vilela Julio F , Loss-Oliveira Leticia , Schrago Carlos G 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe hystricognath rodents of the New World, the Caviomorpha, are a diverse lineage with a long evolutionary history, and their representation in South American fossil record begins with their occurrence in Eocene deposits from Peru. Debates regarding the origin and diversification of this group represent longstanding issues in mammalian evolution because early hystricognaths, as well as Platyrrhini primates, appeared when South American was an isolated landmass, which raised the possibility of a synchronous arrival of these mammalian groups. Thus, an immediate biogeographic problem is posed by the study of caviomorph origins. This problem has motivated the analysis of hystricognath evolution with molecular dating techniques that relied essentially on nuclear data. However, questions remain about the phylogeny and chronology of the major caviomorph lineages. To enhance the understanding of the evolution of the Hystricognathi in the New World, we sequenced new mitochondrial genomes of caviomorphs and performed a combined analysis with nuclear genes.ResultsOur analysis supports the existence of two major caviomorph lineages: the (Chinchilloidea + Octodontoidea) and the (Cavioidea + Erethizontoidea), which diverged in the late Eocene. The Caviomorpha/phiomorph divergence also occurred at approximately 43 Ma. We inferred that all family-level divergences of New World hystricognaths occurred in the early Miocene.ConclusionThe molecular estimates presented in this study, inferred from the combined analysis of mitochondrial genomes and nuclear data, are in complete agreement with the recently proposed paleontological scenario of Caviomorpha evolution. A comparison with recent studies on New World primate diversification indicate that although the hypothesis that both lineages arrived synchronously in the Neotropics cannot be discarded, the times elapsed since the most recent common ancestor of the extant representatives of both groups are different.
Genetic differentiation between sandfly populations of Phlebotomus chinensis and Phlebotomus sichuanensis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in China inferred by microsatellites
Authors: Zhang Li , Ma Yajun , Xu Jiannong 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background

Phlebotomus chinensis is a primary vector of visceral leishmaniasis; it occurs in various biotopes with a large geographical distribution, ranging from Yangtze River to northeast China. Phlebotomus sichuanensis, a species closely related to P. chinensis in high altitude regions, has a long term disputation on its taxonomic status. Both species occur in the current epidemic regions and are responsible for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Population genetic analysis will help to understand the population structure and infer the relationship for morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species. In this study, microsatellite markers were used for studying the genetic differentiation between P. chinensis and P. sichuanensis.

Methods
Sandflies were collected in 6 representative localities in China in 2005-2009. Ten microsatellite loci were used to estimate population genetic diversity. The intra-population genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and effective population size were estimated.

Results
All 10 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic across populations, with high allelic richness and heterozygosity. Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium was found in 23 out of 60 (38.33%) comparisons associated with heterozygote deficits, which was likely caused by the presence of null allele and the Wahlund effect. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed three clusters. The cluster I included almost all specimens in the sample SCD collected at high altitude habitats in Sichuan. The other two clusters were shared by the remaining 5 populations, SCJ in Sichuan, GSZ in Gansu, SXL and SXX in Shaanxi and HNS in Henan. The diversity among these 5 populations was low (F
ST = -0.003-0.090) and no isolation by distance was detected. AMOVA analysis suggested that the variations were largely derived from individuals within populations and among individuals. Consistently, the analysis of ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) sequence uncovered three types of variants, which corresponded with the three gene pools revealed by microsatellites.

Conclusions
The data suggested that the SCD population carried a distinct gene pool, which was differentiated from the other populations. The high altitude ecological habitats, distinctive ITS2 and herein divergence inferred by microsatellite loci support the species status of P. sichuanensis. The P. chinensis populations did not have a significant divergence from each another.
Use of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis as a viable option in an Integrated Malaria Vector Control Programme in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Nartey Rita , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Kruppa Thomas , Baffour-Awuah Sandra , Annan Augustina , Oppong Samuel , Becker Norbert , Obiri-Danso Kwasi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Integrated Vector Control (IVC) remains the approach for managing the malaria-causing vector. The study investigated the contribution of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in the control of malaria by targeting the larvae and also mapped and documented major breeding sites in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.

Methods
Using a hand held GPS receiver unit, major breeding sites within the metropolis were mapped out during the larval survey. Mosquito larvae were then collected from the breeding sites and reared in an insectary to obtain an F1 generation for laboratory bioassays. The minimum effective dosage of Bti Water Dispersible Granular (WDG) formulation was determined by a series of bioassays. Based on the results obtained in the laboratory, the optimum effective dosage of Bti formulations against naturally occurring larvae of the indigenous mosquito species was determined through open field trials.

Results
A total of 33 breeding sites were identified and geo-referenced during the larval surveys with the majority of the breeding sites located in the Asokwa sub-metropolis, Kumasi, Ghana. A Bti (3,000 International Toxic Unit (ITU)/mg) concentration of 0.026 mg/l resulted in 50% mortality whilst a concentration of 0.136 mg/l resulted in 95% mortality. Results from the open field trials with Bti showed that a dosage of 0.2 kg/ha is as effective as 0.4 kg/ha in suppressing late instars and resulting pupae.

Conclusion
This study reveals that Bti at a very low dosage of 0.2 kg/ha is highly effective against Anopheles larvae and therefore offers viable options for the management of vector mosquitoes. Further research is needed to extend this to the field in order to determine its ability to reduce malaria incidence.
Vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive bacterial endophthalmitis: epidemiology, treatment options, and outcomes
Authors: Khera Manav , Pathengay Avinash , Jindal Animesh , Jalali Subhadra , Mathai Annie , Pappuru Rajeev Reddy , Relhan Nidhi , Das Taraprasad , Sharma Savitri , Flynn Harry W 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the microbiological profile and treatment outcomes of vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive bacterial endophthalmitis. Medical records of all patients with Gram-positive bacterial endophthalmitis resistant to vancomycin presenting between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010 were reviewed in this noncomparative, consecutive, retrospective case series. Favorable outcome was defined as a best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/200.

Results
Out of 682 culture-positive endophthalmitis isolates, 448/682 (65.6%) were associated with Gram-positive bacteria. In vitro resistance to vancomycin was noted in 7/448 (1.56%). Three cases were posttraumatic, three were postoperative, and one was endogenous in origin. Four Bacillus isolates, two Staphylococcus isolates, and an Enterococcus isolate were resistant. Isolates resistant to vancomycin were sensitive in vitro to ciprofloxacin in 6/7 (86%) patients. Presenting visual acuity was light perception in all seven cases. Favorable outcome was achieved in only 1/7 (14.3%) cases.

Conclusions
Vancomycin-resistant endophthalmitis is uncommon and usually associated with poor visual outcome. Bacillus sp. is the most frequent Gram-positive bacteria resistant to vancomycin. Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin may be considered as a useful alternative in vancomycin-resistant endophthalmitis.
Primary surgery versus chemoradiotherapy for advanced oropharyngeal cancers: A longitudinal population study
Authors: O'Connell Daniel , Seikaly Hadi , Murphy Russell , Fung Charles , Cooper Tim , Knox Aaron , Scrimger Rufus , Harris Jeffrey R 
Published: April 2013

Background Treatment for advanced stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) includes combined chemoradiation therapy or surgery followed by radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy. The goal of this study was to utilize available evidence to examine survival outcome differences in patients with advanced stage OPSCC treated with these different modalities. Methods Patients with advanced stage OPSCC were identified. Primary outcome measurements were disease specific and overall survival rates with differences examined via Kaplan-Meier and logistic regression analysis. Results 344 patients were enrolled. 94 patients underwent triple modality therapy inclusive of surgery followed by adjuvant combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy (S-CRT). 131 had surgery and radiation therapy (S-RT), while 56 had chemoradiation (CRT) therapy as their primary treatment. A total of 63 patients had single modality radiation therapy and were excluded from analysis due to the large number of palliative patients. Kaplan-Meier overall survival analysis showed that therapy with S-CRT had the highest disease specific survival at five years (71.1%). This is contrasted against S-RT and CRT, with five year survival rates at 53.9%, and 48.6%, respectively. Cox regression showed that the comparison of S-CRT vs. S-RT, and CRT is associated with statistically significant increased hazard ratios of 1.974, and 2.785, indicating that both S-RT and CRT are associated with a reduced likelihood of survival at 5 years when compared to S-CRT. Conclusions In this population based cohort study S-CRT is associated with a 17–22% 5 year disease specific survival benefit compared to CRT or S-RT.
Inhibition of Flavobacterium psychrophilum biofilm formation using a biofilm of the antagonist Pseudomonas fluorescen s FF48
Authors: De la Fuente Mery , Vidal José M , Miranda Claudio D , González Gerardo , Urrutia Homero 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The most important bacterial pathology currently occurring in Chilean freshwater salmon farming is the cold-water disease produced by the psychrotrophic bacteria Flavobacterium psychrophilum. The main aim of this study was to characterize the inhibitory activity of an antagonist strain on the formation of biofilms of a F. psychrophilum strain. The antagonistic strain Pseudomonas fluorescens FF48 was isolated from the sediment beneath the salmon cages of a freshwater Chilean salmon farm and was identified by using the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The production of siderophores, mainly during the stationary phase of growth of the antagonist strain was demonstrated using the Chrome Azurol S method and through F. psychrophilum inhibition under iron saturation conditions. Subsequently, the effect of the antagonist supernatant on the formation of F. psychrophilum biofilm was tested using the crystal violet staining method observing an inhibition of the growth of F. psychrophilum, but no effect was observed when iron saturation concentrations were used. Furthermore, when the antagonist strain was previously deposited on the support, it completely inhibited the formation of F. psychrophilum biofilms, but when both bacteria were inoculated simultaneously no inhibitory effect was detected. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that FF48 strain is able to inhibit the formation of F. psychrophilum biofilms in vitro probably mediated by the siderophore production, suggesting its potential use as a biocontrol biofilm in freshwater fish rearing systems to prevent the persistence of biofilms of the fish pathogenic species F. psychrophilum.
Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Cissus quadrangularis: influence of physicochemical factors
Authors: Vanaja Mahendran , Gnanajobitha Gnanadhas , Paulkumar Kanniah , Rajeshkumar Shanmugam , Malarkodi Chelladurai , Annadurai Gurusamy 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Phytosynthesis process of silver nanoparticles using plant extract is simple, cost-effective, and ecofriendly. In this present investigation, we report the green nanoparticles prepared by using stem extract of Cissus quadrangularis and assess the physical and chemical factors such as time duration, metal ion concentration, pH, and temperature that play vital role in the nanoparticles synthesis. The maximum synthesis of silver nanoparticles was attained within 1 h, at pH 8 and 1 mM AgNO3 concentration, and 70°C. The nanoparticles obtained are characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy. Silver nanoparticles that were synthesized under these conditions show crystalline nature confirmed by X-ray diffraction and show mostly spherical and some rod and triangle shapes with sizes ranging from 37 to 44 nm, which were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that the functional groups are carboxyl, amine, and phenolic compounds of stem extract which are involved in the reduction of silver ions. Thus, synthesized silver nanoparticles show more antibacterial activity against Klebsiella planticola and Bacillus subtilis, which was analyzed by disc diffusion method.
Relationship of serum estrogens and estrogen metabolites to postmenopausal breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study
Authors: Falk Roni T , Brinton Louise A , Dorgan Joanne F , Fuhrman Barbara J , Veenstra Timothy D , Xu Xia , Gierach Gretchen L 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Elevated levels of circulating estrogens are linked to breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women but little is known about the importance of estrogen metabolism. A recently developed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based method (LC-MS/MS) measuring a panel of 15 estrogen metabolites (EM) has been evaluated in one study, linking high levels of 2-pathway metabolites relative to the parent estrogens to reduced breast cancer risk. We analyzed this panel of EM in a nested case-control study of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Methods
Between 1977 and 1987, 6,915 women provided blood samples to the Columbia Missouri Serum Bank and were followed for incident breast cancer through December 2002. We studied 215 postmenopausal breast cancer cases and 215 matched controls who were postmenopausal and not using exogenous hormones at the time of blood draw. EM were examined individually, grouped by pathway (hydroxylation at the C-2, C-4 or C-16 positions of the steroid ring) and by ratios of the groupings. Logistic regression models controlling for matching and breast cancer risk factors were used to calculate quartile-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

Results
Significant elevated risks were not observed for individual EM, except for quartiles of 16-epiestriol (P trend = 0.07). The OR for total EM, the parent estrogens estrone and estradiol, and 2-pathway catechol EM (2-hydroxyestrone and 2-hydroxyestradiol) were elevated but the trends were not statistically significant. Among 2-pathway metabolites, risks for the highest levels of 2-hydroxyestrone-3-methyl ether and 2-methoxyestradiol were reduced; ORs for women in the highest versus lowest quartiles were 0.57 (95% CI = 0.33 to 0.99) and 0.53 (95% CI = 0.30 to 0.96), respectively. Overall, women with higher levels of 2-pathway EM had a reduced risk of breast cancer, which remained after accounting for levels of parent EM, 4-pathway EM and 16-pathway EM (all trends, P <0.11).

Conclusions
Women with more extensive hydroxylation along the 2-pathway may have a reduced risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Further studies are needed to clarify the risks for specific EM and complex patterns of estrogen metabolism. This will require aggregation of EM results from several studies.
Motivational potential development of industrial enterprices' employees
Authors: Мюллер  , Myullyer YElyena , Катаева  
Published: April 2013

The need of conscious application of various scientifi c approaches to development of motivational potential of industrial enterprises’ employees for their eff ective activity increasing is considered in this article. Authors reveal the motivational profi le content, show the social and economic importance of motivation in industrial enterprises activity in the whole and reveal motivating factors for employees of surveyed enterprises in Orenburg region.
Analyzing the concept of characteristics of J. Hekman and G. Oldham’ works, authors come to conclusion that by means of works’ motivational potential indicator introduced by Hekman and G. Oldham it becomes possible to predict the labor behavior of workers with a certain degree of accuracy.
Thus, development of motivational potential of enterprises’ employees gives the chance of additional result receiving from production ctivity as the eff ect source.
MULTIPURPOSE HUMAN MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Леонтьев  , Leontev Boris 
Published: April 2013

Open, massive, widespread and mandatory human measurements characterize the civilization level of relations in any modern society. In any state the most critical human missions should be implemented as a
result of personalities pre-selection. Any target selections and evaluations
of personalities don’t belong to the sphere of some particular science, for example, psychology, sociology, economics or law. The evaluation should be complex.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARD “EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT”
Authors: Шкляева  , Shklyaeva Nadezhda 
Published: April 2013

The bibliographical analysis of research, dedicated to definition of professional standard intension as well as overview of the sources related to this theme is given in this article. The author directs the group of regional professional standard development. The research results on
specifi cation of educational institution director job functions are presented in this article too. The author proposes to discuss the project of regional professional standard “Educational Organization Management”.
Mass spectrometric characterization and quantification of Pu(VI) hydrolysis products
Authors: Steppert Michael , Walther Clemens 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In the present work the first direct measurement of hydrolysis products of Pu(VI) was achieved by means of nano-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass-spectrometry. The results indicate that monomeric PuO2(OH)
+
and dimeric (PuO2)2(OH)
2
2+
species are present in solution. A trimeric species does not appear within the detection limit of the experiment, in contrast to U(VI) hydrolysis. The relative abundances of the Pu(VI) hydrolysis species in the ESI mass spectra are in good agreement with the published formation constants.
Short note on the hydrolysis and complexation of neptunium(IV) in HEPES solution
Authors: Dahou S. , Hennig Christoph , Moisy Philippe , Petit S. , Scheinost Andreas C. , Subra G. , Vidaud C. , Den Auwer Christophe 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The speciation of actinides in environmental or biological media is often difficult to assess because it involves complex media. We would like to report here on the properties of Np(IV) cation in the well known biological HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) buffer medium. HEPES has been targeted because the possibility to use this biological buffer in actinide toxicological studies presents several advantages although the possible effects of concentrated HEPES medium on the hydrolysis of the actinides (in particular at oxidation state +IV) has not been studied yet. A combination of spectrophotometric and EXAFS measurements at the Np L
III edge shows that stable hydrolyzed neptunium(IV) clusters are obtained between pH 2.5 and 4. In a second step, in order to better understand the reactivity of these hydrolysis species formed in HEPES, the effect of a strong chelating ligands such as the hydroxamic acid (HA) or desferrioxamine (DFO) siderophores has been also investigated using spectrophotometry and EXAFS. Upon addition of HA or DFO, the hydrolyzed clusters of Np(IV) are unstable and monomeric complexes are formed and yield Np environments that are very similar to that of crystallized Pu-DFOE complex [Al(H2O)6][Pu(DFE)(H2O)3]2(CF3SO3)5·10H2O reported in the literature.