bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutations and thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia: prognostic interaction with age and thrombosis history
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Wassie Emnet A. , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy , Ketterling Rhett P. , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Wolanskyj Alexandra P. , Maffioli Margherita , Casalone Rosario , Passamonti Francesco , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundVascular events in essential thrombocythemia (ET) are associated with advanced age and thrombosis history. Recent information suggests additional effect from the presence of specific mutations.ObjectivesTo examine the influence of age and thrombosis history on the reported association between mutational status and thrombosis‐free survival in ET.Patients and MethodsAnalysis was performed using a Mayo Clinic cohort of 300 ET patients, and key findings were reanalyzed by including additional 102 Italian patients.ResultsAmong 300 Mayo patients with ET (median age 55 yr, 60% females), mutational frequencies were 53% JAK2, 32% CALR, 3% MPL, and 12% JAK2, CALR and MPL wild type. One hundred and six (35%) patients experienced arterial (n = 75) or venous (n = 43) events, before (n = 55) or after (n = 71) diagnosis. In univariate analysis, compared to JAK2‐mutated cases, JAK2, CALR and MPL wild type (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.86), and CALR‐mutated (0.53, 95% CI 0.30–0.92) patients displayed better thrombosis‐free survival. JAK2, CALR, and MPL wild type remained significant (P = 0.03; HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.9) during multivariable analysis that included age (P = 0.01) and thrombosis history (P = 0.0006); a favorable impact from CALR mutations was of borderline significance (P = 0.1; HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35–1.1), but became significant (P = 0.02) when multivariable analysis including thrombosis history (P = 0.02) was performed on patients younger than 60 yr of age.ConclusionsThe favorable impact of mutational status on thrombosis‐free survival in ET might be most evident for JAK2, CALR, and MPL wild type patients, whereas the favorable effect from CALR mutations might be confined to young patients.
Edge strand engineering prevents native‐like aggregation in Sulfolobus solfataricus acylphosphatase
Authors: de Rosa Matteo , Bemporad Francesco , Pellegrino Sara , Chiti Fabrizio , Bolognesi Martino , Ricagno Stefano 
Published: June 2014

β‐proteins are constantly threatened by the risk of aggregation because β‐sheets are inherently structured for edge‐to‐edge interactions. To avoid native‐like aggregation, evolution has resulted in a set of strategies that prevent intermolecular β‐interactions. Acylphosphatase from Sulfolobus solfataricus (Sso AcP) represents a suitable model for the study of such a process. Under conditions promoting aggregation, Sso AcP acquires a native‐like conformational state whereby an unstructured N‐terminal segment interacts with the edge β‐strand B4 of an adjacent Sso AcP molecule. Because B4 is poorly protected against aggregation, this interaction triggers the aggregation cascade without the need for unfolding. Recently, three single Sso AcP mutants (V84D, Y86E and V84P) were designed to engineer additional protection against aggregation in B4 and were observed to successfully impair native‐like aggregation in all three variants at the expense of a lower stability. To understand the structural basis of the reduced aggregation propensity and lower stability, the crystal structures of the Sso AcP variants were determined in the present study. Structural analysis reveals that the V84D and Y86E mutations exert protection by the insertion of an edge negative charge. A conformationally less regular B4 underlies protection against aggregation in the V84P mutant. The thermodynamic basis of instability is discussed. Moreover, kinetic experiments indicate that aggregation of the three mutants is not native‐like and is independent of the interaction between B4 and the unstructured N‐terminal segment. The reported data rationalize previous evidence regarding Sso AcP native‐like aggregation and provide a basis for the design of aggregation‐free proteins.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and related experimental data for the Sso AcP mutants V84P, V84D, ΔN11 Y86E have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4OJ3, 4OJG and 4OJH, respectively.Structured digital abstract• Sso AcP and Sso AcP bind by fluorescence technology (View interaction).
The economics of producing sustainable aviation fuel: a regional case study in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Hayward Jennifer A. , O'Connell Deborah A. , Raison R. John , Warden Andrew C. , O'Connor Michael H. , Murphy Helen T. , Booth Trevor H. , Braid Andrew L. , Crawford Debbie F. , Herr Alexander , Jovanovic Tom , Poole Michael L. , Prestwidge Di , Raisbeck‐Brown Nat , Rye Lucas 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe airline industry has a strong interest in developing sustainable aviation fuels, in order to reduce their exposure to increasing oil prices and cost liability for greenhouse gas emissions. The feasibility and cost of producing sustainable biomass‐based jet fuels at a sufficient scale to materially address these issues is an enormous challenge. This paper builds directly on the biophysical study by H.T. Murphy, D.A. O'Connell, R.J. Raison, A.C. Warden, T.H. Booth, A. Herr, A.L. Braid, D.F. Crawford, J.A. Hayward, T. Javonovic, J.G. McIvor, M.H. O'Connor, M.L. Poole, D. Prestwidge, N. Raisbeck‐Brown & L. Rye, In review, which examined a 25 year scale‐up strategy to produce 5% of projected jet fuel demand in Australia in 2020 (470 mL) in the Fitzroy region of Queensland, Australia. The strategy was based on the use of a mixed ligno‐cellulosic biomass feedstock and assumed, for the sake of exploring and quantifying the scenario, a simplified two‐step conversion process – conversion of biomass to crude bio‐oil within the region, and upgrade to jet fuel at a central Brisbane facility. This paper provides details on the costs of production in this scenario, focusing on two different strategies for biomass utilization, and two types of novel small–medium scale conversion technologies. The cost analyses have taken into account technology learning curves, different economies of scale and key cost sensitivities. The cost of biomass‐based jet fuels is estimated to be between 0.70 and 1.90 $ L−1 when the efficiency of conversion of biomass to biocrude and subsequently to aviation fuel is varied by ±10% of published values, with an average value of 1.10 $ L−1. This is within the range of the projected 2035 conventional jet fuel price of 1.50 $ L−1. Therefore, biomass‐based jet fuel has the potential to contribute to supply of Australia's jet fuel needs in the future.
Overaccumulation, Public Debt and the Importance of Land
Authors: Homburg Stefan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn recent contributions, von Weizsäcker (2014) and Summers (2014) maintain that mature economies accumulate too much capital. They suggest large and lasting public deficits as a remedy. This study argues that overaccumulation cannot occur in an economy with land. It presents novel data of aggregate land values, analyzes the issue within a stochastic framework and conducts an empirical test of overaccumulation.
Impact of visceral fat ratio on sleep‐related erection: A retrospective study of elderly patients
Authors: Takeuchi Motoi , Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Hashimoto Kohei , Tsukamoto Taiji , Masumori Naoya 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of visceral fat accumulation on the preoperative erectile function of elderly patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.MethodsA total of 83 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from August 2005 through August 2013 were included in the present study. Findings at preoperative computed tomography scanning and sleep‐related erection were used to determine the objective erectile function. Sleep‐related erection was measured with an erectometer during at least three nights, and we assessed the maximum penile circumferential change. The visceral fat ratio was calculated as the ratio of the visceral fat area to the total subcutaneous fat area on computed tomography images, and the influence of these parameters on preoperative erectile function was assessed.ResultsIn simple linear regression analysis there was a strong correlation between the waist circumference and visceral fat ratio (P < 0.01). A visceral fat ratio of 55% was equivalent to a waist circumference of 85 cm, which is the standard value for central obesity in Japan. Furthermore, the factor that most negatively affected maximum penile circumferential change was the visceral fat ratio. In addition, only a visceral fat ratio of 55% or greater was a significant independent risk factor for declining maximum penile circumferential change in both univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively).ConclusionsThe present study is the first to show the utility of the visceral fat ratio as an index of central obesity and the relationship with sleep‐related erection in elderly men.
Baseline characteristics and management of patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter in the emergency department: results of a prospective, multicentre registry in China
Authors: Zhang H. , Yang Y. , Zhu J. , Shao X. , Liu Y. , Zhao L. , Yu P. , Zhang H. , He Q. , Gu X. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground/AimThere have been several studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) over the past decades; however, data from Chinese patients are scarce. The aim of the study was therefore to describe the patient characteristics, risk profile and management strategies for Chinese AF patients presenting to emergency department (ED).MethodsWe conducted a prospective, multicentre registry of patients with AF or atrial flutter (AFL) in China. Participants were enrolled at 20 EDs, then data regarding baseline characteristics and treatment in EDs were collected.ResultsOf the 2016 Chinese patients, 1104 (54.8%) were female. Six hundred eighteen (30.7%) had paroxysmal AF, 452 (22.4%) had persistent AF and 945 (46.9%) had permanent AF. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (55.5%), followed by coronary artery disease (41.8%) and heart failure (HF, 37.4%). The prevalence of concomitant cardiovascular risk factors, such as HF and valvular heart disease, increased as AF progressed. Among the patients with non‐valvular AF, 110 (12.7%) of those with CHADS2 (congestive HF, hypertension, age of 75 years and greater, diabetes mellitus and history of stroke) ≥2 were prescribed oral anticoagulants (OAC), while 119 (15.6%) of those with CHADS2 <2 received such agents. Among the 324 patients with valvular AF, 134 (41.4%) actually were treated with OAC. The international normalised ratio value was within the target range (2.0–3.0) in 96 patients only (26.4%). Moreover, a total of 16.2% of the patients received ≥1 anti‐arrhythmic agents, whereas rate control agents were used more frequently (68.4%).ConclusionsAccording to the present study, the risk profile and management of Chinese patients with AF/AFL differed from that observed in previous studies. The use of OAC inadequately deviate from current guidelines.
Venous thromboembolism and underutilisation of anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in hospitalised patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dwyer J. P. , Javed A. , Hair C. S. , Moore G. T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well‐recognised extra‐intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite the widespread support for anticoagulant prophylaxis in hospitalised IBD patients, the utilisation and efficacy in clinical practice are unknown.AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of VTE among hospitalised IBD patients and ascertain whether appropriate thromboprophylaxis had been administered.MethodsAll patients with a discharge diagnosis of Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis and VTE were retrospectively identified using International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision codes from medical records at our institution from July 1998 to December 2009. Medical records were then reviewed for clinical history and utilisation of thromboprophylaxis. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann–Whitney test and either χ2 tests or Fisher's exact tests.ResultsTwenty‐nine of 3758 (0.8%) IBD admissions suffered VTE, 13 preadmission and 16 during admission. Of these 29 admissions (in 25 patients), 24% required intensive care unit and 10% died. Of the 16 venous thrombotic events that occurred during an admission, eight (50%) did not receive anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis and eight (50%) occurred despite thromboprophylaxis. Most thromboembolism despite prophylaxis occurred post‐intestinal resection (n = 5, 63%).ConclusionThromboprophylaxis is underutilised in half of IBD patients suffering VTE. Prescription of thromboprophylaxis for all hospitalised IBD patients, including dual pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis in postoperative patients, may lead to a reduction in this preventable complication of IBD.
Fabrication of Fine‐Scale 1–3 Piezoelectric Arrays by Aqueous Gelcasting
Authors: Xie Rui , Zhao Yang , Zhou Kechao , Zhang Dou , Wang Yu , Chan Helen L. W. 
Published: June 2014

Soft mold technique combined with a modified gelcasting process was developed to fabricate microscale piezoelectric pillar arrays. This technique involves the fabrication of high‐aspect‐ratio silicon master, generation of negative polydimethylsiloxane mold, and replica molding piezoelectric pillar array by gelcasting. A gelling system based on the polymerization of Hydantion epoxy resin and 3,3′‐Diaminodipropylamine (DPTA) was employed. Weibull analysis revealed that 20.0 wt% Hydantion epoxy resin was the optimized concentration while the highest Weibull modulus and characteristic flexural strength of 14.8 and 90.9 MPa were obtained for lead zirconate titanate sintered bodies, respectively. Excellent piezoelectric pillar arrays with lateral dimensions around 8 μm and aspect ratio higher than five were successfully fabricated.
Impedance Spectroscopy of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 Based High‐Temperature Dielectrics
Authors: Zang Jiadong , Li Ming , Sinclair Derek C. , Frömling Till , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen 
Published: June 2014

The dielectric properties of CaZrO3 (CZ) modified 0.94Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3 (BNT)–0.06BaTiO3 (BT) and 0.82(0.94BNT–0.06BT)–0.18(K1/2Na1/2)NbO3 have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy over a wide temperature range. The presence of a highly polarizable phase in addition to a bulk response is revealed by electric modulus (M″) spectra in both systems. The relaxation frequency of the polar phase follows the Vogel–Fulcher law below the Burns temperature which decreases with increasing CZ content. The dc conductivity of the ceramics is dominated by the bulk response which follows the Arrhenius law with an activation energy ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 eV and has an oxygen partial pressure dependence consistent with n‐type semiconductivity. This information is pertinent to on‐going compositional development of relaxor‐based high‐temperature dielectrics.
Phenotypical and ultrastructural features of Oct4‐positive cells in the adult mouse lung
Authors: Galiger Celimene , Kostin Sawa , Golec Anita , Ahlbrecht Katrin , Becker Sven , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Popescu Laurentiu M. , Morty Rory E. , Seeger Werner , Voswinckel Robert 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOctamer binding trascription factor 4 (Oct4) is a transcription factor of POU family specifically expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). A role for maintaining pluripotency and self‐renewal of ESCs is assigned to Oct4 as a pluripotency marker. Oct4 can also be detected in adult stem cells such as bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Several studies suggest a role for Oct4 in sustaining self‐renewal capacity of adult stem cells. However, Oct4 gene ablation in adult stem cells revealed no abnormalities in tissue turnover or regenerative capacity. In the present study we have conspicuously found pulmonary Oct4‐positive cells closely resembling the morphology of telocytes (TCs). These cells were found in the perivascular and peribronchial areas and their presence and location were confirmed by electron microscopy. Moreover, we have used Oct4‐GFP transgenic mice which revealed a similar localization of the Oct4‐GFP signal. We also found that Oct4 co‐localized with several described TC markers such as vimentin, Sca‐1, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐beta C‐kit and VEGF. By flow cytometry analyses carried out with Oct4‐GFP reporter mice, we described a population of EpCAMneg/CD45neg/Oct4‐GFPpos that in culture displayed TC features. These results were supported by qRT‐PCR with mRNA isolated from lungs by using laser capture microdissection. In addition, Oct4‐positive cells were found to express Nanog and Klf4 mRNA. It is concluded for the first time that TCs in adult lung mouse tissue comprise Oct4‐positive cells, which express pluripotency‐related genes and represent therefore a population of adult stem cells which might contribute to lung regeneration.
Between‐sex genetic covariance constrains the evolution of sexual dimorphism in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ingleby F. C. , Innocenti P. , Rundle H. D. , Morrow E. H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMales and females share much of their genome, and as a result, intralocus sexual conflict is generated when selection on a shared trait differs between the sexes. This conflict can be partially or entirely resolved via the evolution of sex‐specific genetic variation that allows each sex to approach, or possibly achieve, its optimum phenotype, thereby generating sexual dimorphism. However, shared genetic variation between the sexes can impose constraints on the independent expression of a shared trait in males and females, hindering the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Here, we examine genetic constraints on the evolution of sexual dimorphism in Drosophila melanogaster cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) expression. We use the extended G matrix, which includes the between‐sex genetic covariances that constitute the B matrix, to compare genetic constraints on two sets of CHC traits that differ in the extent of their sexual dimorphism. We find significant genetic constraints on the evolution of further dimorphism in the least dimorphic traits, but no such constraints for the most dimorphic traits. We also show that the genetic constraints on the least dimorphic CHCs are asymmetrical between the sexes. Our results suggest that there is evidence both for resolved and ongoing sexual conflict in D. melanogaster CHC profiles.
Digital holographic microscopy and focusing methods based on image sharpness
Authors: İLHAN HAZAR A. , DOĞAR MERT , ÖZCAN MERİÇ 
Published: June 2014

SummaryDigital holographic microscope allows imaging of opaque and transparent specimens without staining. A digitally recorded hologram must be reconstructed numerically at the actual depth of the object to obtain a focused image. We have developed a high‐resolution digital holographic microscope for imaging amplitude and phase objects with autofocusing capability. If the actual depth of an object is not known a priori, it is estimated by comparing the sharpness of several reconstructions at different distances, which is very demanding in means of computational power when the recorded hologram is large. In this paper, we present 11 different sharpness metrics for estimating the actual focus depths of objects. The speed performance of focusing is discussed, and a scaling technique is introduced where the speed of autofocusing increases on the order of square of the scale ratio. We measured the performance of scaling on computer‐generated holograms and on recorded holograms of a biological sample. We show that simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results.
The free and cued selective reminding test: Validation for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lemos Raquel , Simões Mário R. , Santiago Beatriz , Santana Isabel 
Published: June 2014

The International Working Group on Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggested the free and cued selective reminding test (FCSRT) to assess memory, as it showed high sensitivity and specificity in the differentiation of AD from healthy controls and other dementias. The FCSRT involves the use of selective reminding with semantic cueing in memory assessment. This study aims to validate the FCSRT for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD through the analysis of the diagnostic accuracy and the suggestion of cut‐off scores. Patients were classified into two groups according to standard criteria: MCI (n = 100) and AD (n = 70). A matched control group (n = 101) of cognitively healthy subjects was included. The reliability and the validity of the FCSRT were analysed on the immediate (IR) and delayed (DR) recalls. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.915 for the IR and 0.879 for the DR. The total recall measures revealed good areas under the curve for MCI (IR: .818; DR: .828) and excellent for AD (IR: .987; DR: .991). Furthermore, the MCI group was subdivided with respect to a non‐similar/similar AD pattern of impairment, with almost half of the subjects showing an AD‐like decline. This analysis represents a novel contribution regarding the properties of the FCSRT in illustrating the heterogeneity of MCI at baseline. The FCSRT has proved to be a very useful tool in the characterization of the memory impairment of the AD spectrum.
Perceived need for information of patients with haematological malignancies: a literature review
Authors: Rood Janneke AJ , Eeltink Corien M , van Zuuren Florence J , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma M , Huijgens Peter C 
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectivesTo provide insight into the perceived need for information of patients with haematological malignancies.BackgroundProviding timely and accurate information to patients diagnosed with a haematological malignancy is a challenge in clinical practice; treatment often has to start promptly, with little time to inform patients.DesignLiterature review.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted from all available literature to May 2013 in the databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and PubMed (Medline). Relevant studies were reviewed regarding the perceived need for information on various topics, sources of information and satisfaction with information provided.ResultsThe initial search revealed 215 articles, fourteen of which were relevant. Patients need basic information on the disease (diagnosis and diagnostics), treatment (various treatment options, side effects and duration), prognosis (curability and prolonging life) and all other topics (recovery, self‐care and psychosocial functioning). Need for detailed information varied between studies. Patients expressed a higher need for medical than for psychosocial information. Patients preferred to receive information from their doctors the most, followed by nurses. Most studies described patients' satisfaction with the information provided.ConclusionBased on the limited number of data available, medical information is for patients of higher priority compared to psychosocial information. Patients need basic information on diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and all other topics. Need for detailed information varied between studies. Patients were satisfied with the provided information, preferably offered by doctors and nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceThe perceived need for information and satisfaction with the information provided differs strongly between patients. In clinical practice, more attention is needed for information tailored to the patient, taking into account important moderating factors such as age, type of cancer, time since diagnosis, treatment modality and coping style.