bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring the microscopic surface energy of protein–protein interfaces from mutation data
Authors: Moal Iain H. , Dapkūnas Justas , Fernández‐Recio Juan 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTMutations at protein–protein recognition sites alter binding strength by altering the chemical nature of the interacting surfaces. We present a simple surface energy model, parameterized with empirical
values, yielding mean energies of −48 cal mol−1 Å−2 for interactions between hydrophobic surfaces, −51 to −80 cal mol−1 Å−2 for surfaces of complementary charge, and 66–83 cal mol−1 Å−2 for electrostatically repelling surfaces, relative to the aqueous phase. This places the mean energy of hydrophobic surface burial at −24 cal mol−1 Å−2. Despite neglecting configurational entropy and intramolecular changes, the model correlates with empirical binding free energies of a functionally diverse set of rigid‐body interactions (r = 0.66). When used to rerank docking poses, it can place near‐native solutions in the top 10 for 37% of the complexes evaluated, and 82% in the top 100. The method shows that hydrophobic burial is the driving force for protein association, accounting for 50–95% of the cohesive energy. The model is available open‐source from http://life.bsc.es/pid/web/surface_energy/ and via the CCharpPPI web server http://life.bsc.es/pid/ccharppi/. Proteins 2015; 83:640–650. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flip‐chip bonding and fabrication of well‐ordered nanocolumn arrays on sputter‐deposited AlN/Si (111) substrate
Authors: Hayashi Hiroaki , Fukushima Daishi , Tomimatsu Daisuke , Noma Tomohiro , Konno Yuta , Kishino Katsumi 
Published: January 2015

Employing a thin AlN film sputter‐deposited on Si substrates, well‐ordered GaN nanocolumn arrays were demonstrated by RF‐plasma‐assisted molecular‐beam‐epitaxy selective‐area growth. Dislocation‐free crystals were grown even on this cost‐effective framework, which included high‐density threading dislocations (>3 × 1011 cm−2), by applying nanocolumn growth techniques. Single‐peak PL spectra from integrated InGaN/GaN MQW were obtained in red region and the peak wavelength changed from 640 to 690 nm with increasing nanocolumn diameter. This framework also contributes to a fabrication of vertical injection type flip‐chip structure, even if a nanocolumn device. Damage‐free wet‐etching removal of Si substrates resulted in exposure of flip‐chip well‐ordered nanocolumns array.(a) TEM image of nanocolumns array on sputter‐deposited thin AlN film/Si (111) substrate. (b) SEM image of flip‐chip well‐ordered nanocolumns array.
δ‐KNO3: Synthesis and Structure of a New Modification of Potassium Nitrate
Authors: Wolf Silke , Alam Nure , Feldmann Claus 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA novel modification of potassium nitrate is obtained subsequent to solvothermal reaction and crystallization at reduced temperature from diethylformamid (DEF) as solvent. δ‐KNO3 crystallizes with the monoclinic space group P21/c. Most intriguing is the coordination number of potassium and oxygen as expressed by the Niggli notation δ‐K8/8[NO4/4O4/2] that differs from the known modifications of potassium nitrate (α‐K9/9[NO9/3], β‐K9/9[NO9/3], γ‐K9/9[NO9/3]). Moreover, the stacking of the NO3– anions differentiates from the known KNO3 modifications. As only few crystals were obtained, the new modification is characterized by single‐crystal structure analysis as well as by Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy. The latter reliably points to the presence of nitrate and shows a ν(N–O) vibration centered at 1384 cm–1, but with significantly different shape and band width as compared to α‐K9/9[NO9/3] as a reference.
Characterization of a novel thermophilic phospholipase B from Thermotoga lettingae TMO: applicability in enzymatic degumming of vegetable oils
Authors: Wei Tao , Xu Chunping , Yu Xuan , Jia Weiwei , Yang Kunpeng , Jia Chunxiao , Mao Duobin 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
A novel phospholipase B (TLPLB) from Thermotoga lettingae TMO has been cloned, functionally overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Gas chromatography indicated that the enzyme could efficiently hydrolyze both the sn-1 and sn-2 ester bonds of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine as phospholipase B. TLPLB was optimally active at 70 °C and pH 5.5, respectively. Its thermostability is relatively high with a half-life of 240 min at 90 °C. TLPLB also displayed remarkable organic solvent tolerance and maintained approximately 91–161 % of its initial activity in 20 and 50 % (v/v) hydrophobic organic solvents after incubation for 168 h. Furthermore, TLPLB exhibited high degumming activity towards rapeseed, soybean, peanut and sunflower seed oils, where the phosphorus contents were decreased from 225.2, 189.3, 85.6 and 70.4 mg/kg to 4.9, 4.7, 3.2 and 2.2 mg/kg within 5 h, respectively. TLPLB could therefore be used for the degumming of vegetable oils.
Triclosan-Coated Sutures Reduce the Risk of Surgical Site Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Singh Nalini , Bandong Aila Nica , Madriaga Gilbert 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVETo analyze available evidence on the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures (TCSs) in reducing the risk of surgical site infection (SSI).DESIGNSystematic review and meta-analysis.METHODSA systematic search of both randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized (non-RCT) studies was performed on PubMed Medline, OVID, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, without restrictions in language and publication type. Random-effects models were utilized and pooled estimates were reported as the relative risk (RR) ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Tests for heterogeneity as well as meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were performed.RESULTSA total of 29 studies (22 RCTs, 7 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall RR of acquiring an SSI was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55–0.77; I2=42.4%, P=.01) in favor of TCS use. The pooled RR was particularly lower for the abdominal surgery group (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41–0.77) and was robust to sensitivity analysis. Meta-regression analysis revealed that study design, in part, may explain heterogeneity (P=.03). The pooled RR subgroup meta-analyses for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61–0.89) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.42–0.66), respectively, both of which favored the use of TCSs.CONCLUSIONThe random-effects meta-analysis based on RCTs suggests that TCSs reduced the risk of SSI by 26% among patients undergoing surgery. This effect was particularly evident among those who underwent abdominal surgery.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(2): 1–11
Deliberate self-harming application of superglue in the nose: case report and literature review
Authors: Tikka T , Al Abduwani J , Costello D 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground:Accidental and non-accidental applications of superglue in the ear, nose and oral cavity have been reported previously. Surgical removal of glue from the nose is the current practice.Case report:This paper reports the case of an 18-year-old female, who presented with complete bilateral nasal occlusion due to deliberate self-application of superglue in both nostrils to avoid nasogastric tube insertion.Results:Removal of glue was accomplished with a combination of local anaesthetic cream and acetone-soaked cotton buds, which caused only minimal discomfort to the patient. All traces of glue disappeared within 10 days, without causing damage to the nasal mucosa, nasal blockage or pain.Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of deliberate self-application of superglue in the nose. A successful non-surgical management option for the removal of glue from the nose is introduced.
What are the factors leading to the success of small planktonic copepods in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia?
Authors: Ben Ltaief Thouraya , Drira Zaher , Hannachi Imen , Bel Hassen Malika , Hamza Asma , Pagano Marc , Ayadi Habib 
Published: January 2015

An oceanographic cruise conducted during June 2008 in the Gulf of Gabes revealed the existence of different water masses; the Modified Atlantic Waters (MAW) circulated in the upper 100 m in the offshore area, the Mixed Mediterranean Water (MMW) was confined to the inshore region and the Ionian Water (IW) was in deep offshore water. The thermal stratification was indicated by the vertical profiles of temperature generated from a coast-offshore section. Phosphorus limitation was induced by the thermal stratification as shown by the high N/P ratio. Heterotrophic and mixotrophic dinoflagellates were the major contributors to total phytoplankton biomass. Ciliates were less abundant and dominated by tintinnids. Small planktonic copepods (≤1.45 mm) contributed to 93.64% of total copepod abundance in the inshore area as a result of the high density of Oithona similis, Oithona nana, Clausocalanus furcatus and Euterpina acutifrons in this area characterized by warm and salty MMW. In fact, small copepods were significantly correlated to both temperature and salinity. Small copepod fraction prevailed also in the MAW contributing to 71.05% of total copepod abundance as a result of the dominance of O. nana and C. furcatus. Nonetheless, the large copepod Nannocalanus minor was more adapted to the deep IW where it contributed to 44.05% of total copepod abundance. Invasive species were encountered in the offshore region intruded by the Atlantic waters. The Atlantic copepods were scarce and less abundant reflecting the weakening of the Atlantic flow in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean.
Cardiac and oxidative stress biomarkers inTrypanosoma evansiinfected camels: diagnostic and prognostic prominence
Authors: EL-DEEB W. M. , ELMOSLEMANY A. M. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYThis study was conducted to investigate the level of cardiac and oxidative stress markers in camels infected withTrypanosoma evansiand to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) in response to infection. Seventy four dromedary camels with clinical and laboratory evidence of trypanosomosis and 20 healthy controls were included in this study. Serum cTnI, CK-MB, CK, malondialdehyde (MDA) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The values of cTnI, CK-MB, CK and MDA were significantly higher, whereas SOD level was lower inT. evansiinfected camel. Successfully treated camels (n= 43) had lower levels of cTnI, CK-MB, CK and MDA, but higher level of SOD compared to camels with treatment failure. Both cTnI and CK-MB showed high degree of accuracy in predicting treatment outcome (successvsfailure). The area under the curve for cTnI and CK-MB was 0·98 and 0·93, respectively. However, cTnI showed better sensitivity and specificity than CK-MB (Se = 96·8%vs83·9% and Sp = 100%vs88·5%, respectively). These results suggest that cTnI and CK-MB could be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in camels infected withT. evansi.
Childhood living conditions, education and health among the oldest old in Sweden
Authors: BERNDT HANNA , FORS STEFAN 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe objectives were to investigate the associations between social and financial living conditions in childhood, education and morbidity in old age. The study population (N = 591; 76+ years old) was assembled from two nationally representative Swedish surveys, in 1968 and 2011, that together made longitudinal analysis possible. Morbidity in old age comprised self-reported measures of musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, self-rated health and impaired mobility. There were no independent associations between adverse childhood living conditions and morbidity. However, adverse childhood living conditions were associated with an increased likelihood of low education. Moreover, low education was associated with a higher probability of health problems in old age. The results did not show any associations between adverse childhood conditions and late-life morbidity. However, adverse childhood conditions were associated with lower levels of education which, in turn, was associated with health problems and attrition from the study. These results suggest that adverse childhood conditions may indeed be associated with health and survival in old age, but mainly through mechanisms acting earlier in the lifecourse.
On the kinematics of a new parallel mechanism with Schoenflies motion
Authors: Lee Po-Chih , Lee Jyh-Jone 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the kinematics of one new isoconstrained parallel manipulator with Schoenflies motion. This new manipulator has four degrees of freedom and two identical limbs, each having the topology of Cylindrical–Revolute–Prismatic–Helical (C–R–P–H). The kinematic equations are derived in closed-form using matrix algebra. The Jacobian matrix is then established and the singularities of the robot are investigated. The reachable workspaces and condition number of the manipulator are further studied. From the kinematic analysis, it can be shown that the manipulator is simple not only for its construction but also for its control. It is hoped that the results of the evaluation of the two-limb parallel mechanism can be useful for possible applications in industry where a pick-and-place motion is required.
Does intensity-modulated radiotherapy reduce the risk of pelvic insufficiency fractures in gynaecological cancers?
Authors: Nama Vivek , Hughes John , Stapleton Alison , Al-Booz Hoda 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundIncreasingly we are using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for treatment of gynaecological malignancies. Most studies in literature are concentrated on the concept of survival. There is minimal data examining the impact of these treatments on quality of life. Survival being a surrogate marker is an arbitrary end point and is of arguable significance if quality of life is not maintained. Long-term side effects of radiotherapy are debilitating and severely affect quality of life. Pelvic insufficiency fractures (PIF) are a known long-term side effect of radiotherapy. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is being routinely used in the treatment of prostate and head and neck cancer. We postulated that use of IMRT in gynaecological cancers reduces the incidence of PIF.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of PIF treated on standard treatment. We recalculated dose volume histograms based on IMRT protocols for patients with PIF.ResultsWe found that none of the patients received any radiation at the fracture site and the total radiation received to the sacrum was lower compared with the standard treatment protocols.ConclusionsWe conclude that the feasibility of IMRT in gynaecological cancers should be further evaluated and might be an useful tool in reducing the number of PIF.
Do public pensions crowd out private transfers to the elderly?: evidence from South Korea
Authors: JUNG HAEIL , PIROG MAUREEN , LEE SANG KYOO 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe investigate the impact of receiving a public pension on total expenditures, food expenditures, and private transfers of the elderly in South Korea. Using a natural experiment that occurred in 1999, we are able to explore the impacts of a large public pension program expansion which newly incorporated people who had been self-employed, unemployed, and out of the labor force. We find that receipt of a public pension did not allow the elderly to increase total expenditures or food expenditures because the expansion of public pensions largely crowded out financial transfers from adult children and/or own siblings.
The “do-not-resuscitate” order in palliative surgery: Ethical issues and a review on policy in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Wing Lok 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, or “advance directive,” is commonly seen in the cases of palliative patients who express a wish to withhold specific resuscitative therapies in the event of a cardiac arrest. With recent technological advances, there are increasing numbers of palliative patients who undergo surgical interventions to treat their symptoms and discomfort. The decision to suspend DNR orders for palliative surgery is always a matter for debate. The present article describes a case and the ethical issues involved and gives some practical suggestions for those facing similar problems. We also review the latest DNR policy in Hong Kong.
Understanding ‘cyberchondria’: an interpretive phenomenological analysis of the purpose, methods and impact of seeking health information online for those with health anxiety
Authors: McManus Freda , Leung Christie , Muse Kate , Williams J. Mark G. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract‘Cyberchondria’ describes the phenomenon of searching for health information online exacerbating health anxiety. This study explores health anxious individuals’ experiences of searching for health information online to further understand ‘cyberchondria’. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore participants’ (N = 8) experiences of searching for health information online. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes emerged: ‘information is power’, ‘novelty of Internet searching’, ‘need for strategies to navigate the search: Google, authority and cross-checking’, and ‘cyberchondria: short-term gain but long-term pain’. Participants’ accounts suggested they sought health information online as a form of problem solving: to understand their problem and decide on a strategy for solving it, to feel better about having the problem by having ‘done something’ about it, or to share others’ similar experiences. Seeking online health information was prompted by negative expectations of healthcare professionals, yet was not seen as a replacement for medical consultations. Participants noted the accessibility of the Internet and were aware that information is sometimes inaccurate or irrelevant. Thus participants used strategies to filter and validate information. The findings are considered in relation to what they tell us about the purpose, methods and impact of seeking health information online among individuals with health anxiety.
The effects of disruptions in ribosomal active sites and in intersubunit contacts on ribosomal degradation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Paier Anton , Leppik Margus , Soosaar Aksel , Tenson Tanel , Maiväli Ülo 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAlthough ribosomes are very stable under most conditions, ribosomal degradation does occur in diverse groups of organisms in response to specific stresses or environmental conditions. While non-functional ribosome decay (NRD) in yeast is well characterized, very little is known of the mechanisms that initiate ribosomal degradation in bacteria. Here we test ribosome degradation in growing Escherichia coli expressing mutant ribosomes. We found that mutations in the 16S rRNA decoding centre (G530U and A1492C) and 23S rRNA active site (A2451G) do not lead to ribosomal degradation. In contrast, 23S rRNA mutation U2585A causes degradation of both the large and small ribosomal subunits in E. coli. We further tested mutations in 23S rRNA, which disrupt ribosomal intersubunit bridges B2a and B3. Deletion of helix 69 of 23S rRNA and the point mutation A1912G in the same helix did not destabilize ribosomes, while expression of mutations A1919G in H69 and A1960G in H71 led to degradation of both mutant and wild-type ribosomes. Our results suggest an actively induced mechanism requiring de novo protein synthesis for ribosomal degradation in E. coli, which degrades both structurally inactive and active ribosomes.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Survival Outcomes of First-line Treatment Options in High-risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lei Jun H. , Liu Liang R. , Wei Qiang , Yan Shi B. , Song Tu R. , Lin Fu S. , Yang Lu , Cao De H. , Yuan Hai C. , Xue Wen B. , Lv Xiao , Cai Ying C. , Zeng Hao , Han Ping 
Published: January 2015

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-dermatologic cancer in the western countries in western countries. High-risk PCa accounts for 15% of the diagnosed cases. In this study, we compare the long-term survival outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP), radiation therapy (RT), brachytherapy (BT), androgen- deprivation therapy (ADT) and watchful waiting (WW) in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Overall, RP/(RT plus ADT) gave the best survival outcome in patients with high-risk PCa, whereas ADT/WW had the worst outcome. The overall priority for treatment strategy could be ranked as follows: RP/(RT plus ADT), RT and ADT/WW. RP had significant better overall survival (OS) than RT or BT and RP had significant lower cancer-specific mortality (CSM) than RT (0.51 [95% CI 0.30–0.73], P<0.001). ADT improved the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of RP based on a case-controlled study; added ADT to RT failed to challenge the position of RP but could improve the outcome of RT. In conclusions,RP/(RT plus adjuvant ADT) could both be used for the first-line therapy of high-risk PCa. When encountering an individual patient, urologists should consider various factors like tumors themselves, preferences of individuals and so on.
Structural Complexity Influences Littoral Coarse Woody Habitat Selection by Juvenile Muskellunge
Authors: Wagner Curtis P. , Weber Michael J. , Wahl David H. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Coarse woody habitat (CWH) is an important feature of aquatic systems, offering foraging opportunities, refuge from predation, and spawning habitat. Fish abundance and diversity have been positively correlated with the density of CWH in aquatic systems through manipulative or laboratory experiments; however, less is known about how structural complexity of individual CWH units influences fish use. To explore how fish relate to a gradient of available CWH complexities in a field environment, we evaluated selection of CWH complexities by stocked, juvenile Muskellunge Esox masquinongy in Forbes Lake, Illinois, using radiotelemetry. Most (86%) CWH in Forbes Lake was simplistic, consisting of a single trunk with no or few primary branches, whereas only 9% of the CWH was structurally complex, possessing most or all primary and secondary branches. Muskellunge used all available CWH complexities but selected for intermediate complexity, even though that represented only 5% of the available habitat; all other CWH complexity classes either were used in proportion to abundance or were avoided. Selection by Muskellunge of intermediate CWH complexity may represent trade-offs among prey availability, predator foraging efficiency, and refuge from predation. As impounded reservoirs across the Muskellunge range continue to age and lose habitat complexity, managers engaged in habitat restoration should consider the potential effects of CWH complexity on fish use.
Received July 5, 2013; accepted August 27, 2014