bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of dolichol and dolichyl phosphate phosphatase from soya beans (Glycine max)
Authors: Ravi K , Rip J W , Carroll K K 
Published: August 2015

A series of polyprenols, ranging in length from 15 to 22 isoprene units, has been isolated from soya beans (Glycine max) and purified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. N.m.r., i.r. and mass spectra of the compounds indicated that they are alpha-saturated polyprenols of the dolichol type. The amount present in dry seeds was about 9 mg/100 g, whereas dolichyl phosphate (Dol-P) was present only in trace amounts. Dol-P phosphatase activity was detected in the microsomal fraction of 5-day-old germinating soya-bean cotyledons. The Dol-P phosphatase activity was linear with respect to time and protein concentration and exhibited a broad pH optimum (pH 7-9). Triton X-100 was necessary for significant enzyme activity. Enzyme activity was slightly enhanced by EDTA, whereas dithiothreitol was without effect. An apparent Km of 5 microM was determined for Dol-P. Bivalent metal ions were not required for enzyme activity. A number of phosphorylated compounds tested as enzyme substrates (including a number of nucleoside phosphates, glucose 6-phosphate, sodium β 1 leads to 4Glc. Because of the ease of purification of the enzyme and high yield in the absence of contaminating glycosidases and proteinases, Bacteroides fragilis is a valuable source of endo-beta-galactosidase for the structural analysis of carbohydrate chains.
-glycerophosphate and Na4P2O7) did not compete with [1-3H]Dol-P as substrate. A number of phospholipids were also tested for their ability to act as Dol-P phosphatase substrates. At 1 mM concentration, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid each inhibited enzymic activity. However, at 0.1 mM concentration, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were slightly stimulatory, whereas phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid were still inhibitory. Phosphatidic acid showed competitive inhibition.
Entwicklung und Periodizität humaner Expositionen in suizidaler Absicht im Einzugsbereich des Giftnotrufs Erfurt von 2004–2013
Authors: Hentschel H. , Prasa D. , Frimlova G. , Just S. , Liebetrau G. , Plenert B. , Stürzebecher A. , Deters M. 
Published: August 2015

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie: Expositionen in suizidaler Absicht stellen besondere Anforderungen an Krankenhäuser und Giftinformationszentren. Deswegen wurden die zeitlichen Charakteristika ihrer Häufigkeit studiert.
Methodik: Retrospektive Analyse aller humanen Expositionen von Anfang 2004 bis Ende 2013 im Einzugsbereich des Giftnotrufs Erfurt nach Häufigkeit nach Jahren, Jahreszeiten, Monaten, Wochentagen, Tageszeiten sowie nach Expositionsumständen, Altersgruppen und Geschlecht.
Ergebnisse: 59,7% aller Expositionen (n=137 104) waren akzidentell, 23,4% in suizidaler und 3,3% in missbräuchlicher Absicht. 0,3% der Suizidversuche verliefen tödlich. Während die absolute Häufigkeit der Suizidversuche von 2 422 im Jahre 2004 auf 3 458 im Jahr 2013 anstieg, blieb die relative Häufigkeit konstant bei 23,4%. Die absolute Häufigkeit der Suizidversuche war am höchsten im Frühjahr und Sommer. Suizidversuche wurden am häufigsten im Juli und August und am seltensten im Februar und September beobachtet. Die meisten Suizidversuche wurden sonntags bis dienstags und die wenigsten freitags registriert. Die Tagesspitze der Suizidversuche wurde um 22 Uhr erreicht und der Tiefpunkt um 6 Uhr. Der Altersmedian war 39 Jahre (1. Quartil 24 Jahre, 3. Quartil 50 Jahre). Der Frauenanteil war fast doppelt so hoch wie der Männeranteil.
Schlussfolgerung: Kliniken im Einzugsbereich des Giftnotrufs Erfurt sollten im Frühjahr und Sommer, insbesondere im Juli und August, am Wochenanfang und kurz vor Mitternacht besonders auf Vergiftungsfälle in suizidaler Absicht vorbereitet sein.
Small-molecule–directed, efficient generation of retinal pigment epithelium from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Maruotti Julien , Sripathi Srinivas R. , Bharti Kapil , Fuller John , Wahlin Karl J. , Ranganathan Vinod , Sluch Valentin M. , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Davis Janine , Kim Catherine , Zhao Lijun , Wan Jun , Qian Jiang , Corneo Barbara , Temple Sally , Dubey Ramin , Olenyuk Bogdan Z. , Bhutto Imran , Lutty Gerard A. , Zack Donald J. 
Published: August 2015

Significance
Cell-based approaches utilizing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are being developed for the treatment of retinal degeneration. In most research published to date, the choice of the factors used to induce RPE differentiation is based on data from developmental studies. Here, we developed an unbiased approach directed at identifying novel RPE differentiation-promoting factors using a high-throughput quantitative PCR screen complemented by a novel orthogonal human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based RPE reporter assay. We identified chetomin, a dimeric epidithiodiketopiperazine, as a strong inducer of RPE; combination with nicotinamide resulted in efficient RPE differentiation. Single passage of the whole culture yielded a highly pure hPSC-RPE cell population that displayed many of the morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics of native RPE.
Computational design and experimental verification of a symmetric protein homodimer
Authors: Mou Yun , Huang Po-Ssu , Hsu Fang-Ciao , Huang Shing-Jong , Mayo Stephen L. 
Published: August 2015

Significance
Computational protein design tools use a bottom-up approach that allows for the testing of hypotheses on the relationships between amino acid sequence, protein structure and stability, and biological function. Here, we exploited two computational methods, protein docking and protein sequence optimization, to create a favorable protein–protein interaction between two identical proteins, resulting in a novel homodimer. A stepwise approach proved useful: scaffold stabilization followed by interface design to achieve homodimerization. Our results suggest that for some proteins, stabilization may be required for the successful design of functionality.
Blood Pressure Levels at the Time of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization and Risk of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Tocci Giuliano , Barbato Emanuele , Coluccia Roberta , Modestino Anna , Pagliaro Beniamino , Mastromarino Vittoria , Giovannelli Francesca , Berni Andrea , Volpe Massimo 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
High blood pressure (BP) levels expose patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to very high risk of 10-year cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of BP levels at the time of PCI on the risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR).

METHODS
We retrospectively included 796 patients previously treated with PCI, who underwent repeated angiography for recurrent angina or reversible myocardial ischemia. Patients were stratified into either case ( n = 354) and control ( n = 442) groups in the presence or absence of ISR (defined as in-stent diameter stenosis ≥50%). BP levels were measured at the time of first and second procedures. Normal BP levels were defined for &lt;140/90mm Hg.

RESULTS
Patients with normal BP showed significantly higher ISR-free survival (Log-rank: 5.937; P = 0.015). Both systolic (HR (95% CI): 0.731 (0.590–0.906)) and systolic/diastolic BP (HR (95% CI): 0.757 (0.611–0.939)) were significantly and independently associated with lower risk of ISR at Cox-regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounding factors, including stent type and concomitant medications. Patients with ISR showed lower rates of normal systolic/diastolic BP values (166 (47%) vs. 254 (57%); P = 0.003) compared to controls. They also received higher stent number (1.40±0.74 vs. 1.24±0.51; P &lt; 0.001) with higher stent length (24.3±15.6 vs. 21.7±13.9mm; P = 0.012), and lower rate of drug-eluting stents (DESs) (210 (48%) vs. 139 (40%); P = 0.025) compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS
Normal BP at the time of PCI is associated with nearly 24% risk reduction of ISR as evaluated in a new angiography in patients with coronary artery disease.
Assessing the readability of ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Wu Danny TY , Hanauer David A , Mei Qiaozhu , Clark Patricia M , An Lawrence C , Proulx Joshua , Zeng Qing T , Vydiswaran VG Vinod , Collins-Thompson Kevyn , Zheng Kai 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjective ClinicalTrials.gov serves critical functions of disseminating trial information to the public and helping the trials recruit participants. This study assessed the readability of trial descriptions at ClinicalTrials.gov using multiple quantitative measures.Materials and Methods The analysis included all 165 988 trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as of April 30, 2014. To obtain benchmarks, the authors also analyzed 2 other medical corpora: (1) all 955 Health Topics articles from MedlinePlus and (2) a random sample of 100 000 clinician notes retrieved from an electronic health records system intended for conveying internal communication among medical professionals. The authors characterized each of the corpora using 4 surface metrics, and then applied 5 different scoring algorithms to assess their readability. The authors hypothesized that clinician notes would be most difficult to read, followed by trial descriptions and MedlinePlus Health Topics articles.Results Trial descriptions have the longest average sentence length (26.1 words) across all corpora; 65% of their words used are not covered by a basic medical English dictionary. In comparison, average sentence length of MedlinePlus Health Topics articles is 61% shorter, vocabulary size is 95% smaller, and dictionary coverage is 46% higher. All 5 scoring algorithms consistently rated CliniclTrials.gov trial descriptions the most difficult corpus to read, even harder than clinician notes. On average, it requires 18 years of education to properly understand these trial descriptions according to the results generated by the readability assessment algorithms.Discussion and Conclusion Trial descriptions at CliniclTrials.gov are extremely difficult to read. Significant work is warranted to improve their readability in order to achieve CliniclTrials.gov’s goal of facilitating information dissemination and subject recruitment.
Fractionated Radiation Therapy for Benign Nonacoustic Schwannomas
Authors: Kharod Shivam M. , Herman Michael P. , Amdur Robert J. , Mendenhall William M. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives:
We analyzed the outcomes of patients with benign nonacoustic schwannomas treated with fractionated radiation therapy (RT).

Methods:
Between October 1987 and March 2013, 11 patients with benign nonacoustic schwannomas diagnosed radiographically (n=3) or pathologically (n=8) were treated with fractionated RT with curative intent at the University of Florida. We reviewed patients’ medical records to assess outcomes and toxicities from treatment.

Results:
The median follow-up for all patients was 8.2 years (range, 2.2 to 22.7 y) and 8 years for all living patients (range, 2.2 to 22.7 y). Of the 11 patients included in the analysis, 8 (73%) were treated solely with RT, 1 (9%) was treated with postoperative RT after subtotal resection, and 2 (18%) were treated with postoperative RT after recurrence following initial surgical resection. The 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control rates were 100%. There were no grade 2 to 5 treatment toxicities.

Conclusions:
RT for benign nonacoustic schwannoma may be effective when used alone or in addition to surgery. Irradiation should be considered in patients for whom resection is likely to result in one or more neurological deficits. Fractionated RT to a total dose of 50 Gy provides excellent local control and minimal morbidity.
Ligand-Mediated cis-Inhibition of Receptor Signaling in the Self-Incompatibility Response of the Brassicaceae
Authors: Tantikanjana Titima , Nasrallah June B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe inhibition of self-pollination in self-incompatible Brassicaceae is based on allele-specific trans-activation of the highly polymorphic S-locus receptor kinase (SRK), which is displayed at the surface of stigma epidermal cells, by its even more polymorphic pollen coat-localized ligand, the S-locus cysteine-rich (SCR) protein. In an attempt to achieve constitutive activation of SRK and thus facilitate analysis of self-incompatibility (SI) signaling, we coexpressed an Arabidopsis lyrata SCR variant with its cognate SRK receptor in the stigma epidermal cells of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants belonging to the C24 accession, in which expression of SRK and SCR had been shown to exhibit a robust SI response. Contrary to expectation, however, coexpression of SRK and SCR was found to inhibit SRK-mediated signaling and to disrupt the SI response. This phenomenon, called cis-inhibition, is well documented in metazoans but has not as yet been reported for plant receptor kinases. We demonstrate that cis-inhibition of SRK, like its trans-activation, is based on allele-specific interaction between receptor and ligand. We also show that stigma-expressed SCR causes entrapment of its SRK receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum, thus disrupting the proper targeting of SRK to the plasma membrane, where the receptor would be available for productive interaction with its pollen coat-derived SCR ligand. Although based on an artificial cis-inhibition system, the results suggest novel strategies of pollination control for the generation of hybrid cultivars and large-scale seed production from hybrid plants in Brassicaceae seed crops and, more generally, for inhibiting cell surface receptor function and manipulating signaling pathways in plants.
Efficacy and safety of weekly leflunomide for the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, multi‐center study
Authors: Ren Li‐Min , Li Ru , Chen Li‐Na , Zhu Ping , Gu Fei , Sun Ling‐Yun , Zhao Jin‐Xia , Liu Xiang‐Yuan , Guo Jia‐Long , Bi Li‐Qi , Hao Yan‐Jie , Zhang Zhuo‐Li , Mei Yi‐Fang , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Liu Hua‐Xiang , Li Xing‐Fu , Luo Yan , Fang Yong‐Fei , Li Zhan‐Guo , Su Yin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a weekly dose of leflunomide (50 mg/week) in early rheumatoid arthritis patients with mild or moderate disease activity.MethodsThe patients of early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) with mild or moderate disease activity were randomly selected for inclusion in this study and were assigned to either the treatment group (leflunomide 50 mg/week, LEF50) or the control group (leflunomide 10 mg/day, LEF10). All patients were treated for 24 weeks. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) ‐ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response. A Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact‐test and paired t‐tests were used to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 244 patients who met the inclusion criteria and received at least one medicine dose were analyzed. At the baseline, the DAS28 (ESR) of the ERA patients were 4.41 ± 0.69 in LEF 50 group and 4.52 ± 0.64 in LEF 10 group, respectively. At week 24, the DAS28 (ESR) in two groups ( 2.94 ± 1.10 and 3.02 ± 1.14 ) were significant decreased compare with the baseline, respectively (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in DAS28 (ESR) between the LEF50 and LEF10 groups at week 24. (P > 0.05). At weeks 8, 12 and 24, the EULAR response (good responses + moderate responses) were 47.6%, 58.7% and 59.5%, in the LEF50 group and 43.2%, 49.1% and 53.4% in the LEF10 group, respectively. There was no significant different of EULAR response rates in the two groups at week 8, 12, and 24, respectively (P>0.05). There was no serious adverse events during the study.ConclusionA weekly dose of 50 mg leflunomide showed similar benefits to a daily dose of 10 mg leflunomide for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate early rheumatoid arthritis.
Testing sea‐level rise impacts in tidal wetlands: a novel in situ approach
Authors: Cherry Julia A. , Ramseur George S. , Sparks Eric L. , Cebrian Just 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Predictions of coastal wetland loss depend on reliable estimations of sea‐level rise (SLR) and biological feedbacks to geomorphology, yet it is difficult to manipulate SLR to generate empirical data of impacts on wetland processes. Typically, data have been generated through small‐scale mesocosm experiments, an approach that may not fully capture biological responses to SLR.

Using passive and active weirs, we manipulated inundation depths and times in situ and at larger spatial scales than possible in mesocosms. In June 2013, we simulated three flooding scenarios (low, intermediate and high) using passive weirs designed to increase mean low water (MLW) by approximately 8–9, 12–13 and 16–18 cm, respectively, relative to controls. In March 2014, we also conducted a proof‐of‐concept exercise to demonstrate that active weirs equipped with a pump can increase both MLW and mean high water (MHW), thereby achieving changes in both inundation depth and inundation time.

When compared to controls for the three flooding scenarios, passive weirs increased MLW in the low marsh by 9.1 ± 0.8, 11.8 ± 1.1 and 15.65 ± 0.8 cm, respectively, and in the high marsh by 6.3 ± 3.0, 17.0 ± 4.6 and 8.3 ± 2.5 cm, respectively. Passive weirs increased inundation time in low marsh by 0.4 ± 0.0 hd−1 and 2.9 ± 0.0 hd−1 to 24 hd−1 in both weirs for low and intermediate flooding, respectively, but not for high flooding where the control and weirs were both inundated 24 hd−1. At greater elevations, however, passive weirs increased inundation time in high marsh by 0.9 ± 2.2, 5.1 ± 4.1 and 4.0 ± 0 hd−1, respectively. Weirs slowed drainage rates by 5.6 ± 1.4, 3.8 ± 1.4 and 6.1 ± 0.1 cmh−1, respectively. The active weir increased MLW by 25.4 cm, MHW by 10.5 cm and inundation time by 10.7 hd−1 and slowed the drainage rate by 9.6 cmh−1.

Weirs can be used to increase inundation depths and times to study SLR impacts on tidal wetlands, and are advantageous because they minimize disturbance; allow for larger‐scale studies within tidal wetlands; and can be maintained at little cost and effort, thereby providing more robust estimates of SLR impacts on tidal wetland processes.
The Role of Child‐Care Subsidies in the Lives of Low‐Income Children
Authors: Johnson Anna D. , Ryan Rebecca M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn the United States, federally funded child‐care subsidies offer a unique opportunity to influence low‐income children's early education and, in so doing, affect their development. To understand the role of child‐care subsidies in children's lives, we must answer the following questions about their impact: How does receiving subsidies affect (a) the type of care children receive, (b) the quality of care children receive, and (c) their developmental outcomes? Theoretically, the answers to these questions should cohere, yet they do not; though subsidies increase exposure to the type and quality of care known to predict more optimal outcomes for children, the direct effect of subsidies on outcomes has been null or negative. In this article, we review research on child‐care subsidies to describe its inconsistencies and offer explanations, a timely endeavor in light of the 2014 reauthorization of legislation on child‐care subsidies.
Spontaneous breathing trial in T‐tube negatively impact on autonomic modulation of heart rate compared with pressure support in critically ill patients
Authors: Güntzel Chiappa Adriana M. , Chiappa Gaspar R. , Cipriano Gerson , Moraes Ruy S. , Ferlin Elton L , Borghi‐Silva Audrey , Vieira Silvia R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionSpontaneous breathing with a conventional T‐piece (TT) connected to the tracheal tube orotraqueal has been frequently used in clinical setting to weaning of mechanical ventilation (MV), when compared with pressure support ventilation (PSV). However, the acute effects of spontaneous breathing with TT versus PSV on autonomic function assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) have not been fully elucidated.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of spontaneous breathing in TT vs PSV in critically ill patients.MethodTwenty‐one patients who had received MV for ≥ 48 h and who met the study inclusion criteria for weaning were assessed. Eligible patients were randomized to TT and PSV. Cardiorespiratory responses (respiratory rate –ƒ, tidal volume‐VT, mean blood pressure (MBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), end tidal dioxide carbone (PETCO2), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and HRV indices in frequency domain (low‐LF, high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio were evaluated.ResultsTT increased ƒ (20 ± 5 vs 25 ± 4 breaths/min, P<0.05), MBP (90 ± 14 vs 94 ± 18 mmHg, P<0.05), HR (90 ± 17 vs 96 ± 12 beats/min, P<0.05), PETCO2 (33 ± 8 vs 48 ± 10 mmHg, P<0.05) and reduced SpO2 (98 ± 1.6 vs 96 ± 1.6%, P<0.05). In addition, LF increased (47 ± 18 vs 38 ± 12 nu, P<0.05) and HF reduced (29 ± 13 vs 32 ± 16 nu, P<0.05), resulting in higher LF/HF ratio (1.62 ± 2 vs 1.18 ± 1, P<0.05) during TT. Conversely, VT increased with PSV (0.58 ± 0.16 vs 0.50 ± 0.15 L, P<0.05) compared with TT.ConclusionAcute effects of TT mode may be closely linked to cardiorespiratory mismatches and cardiac autonomic imbalance in critically ill patients.
Arithmetic difficulties in children with mild traumatic brain injury at the subacute stage of recovery
Authors: Van Beek Leen , Ghesquière Pol , De Smedt Bert , Lagae Lieven 
Published: August 2015

AimArithmetic difficulties have been reported in children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but the electrophysiological abnormalities underlying these impairments remain unknown. We therefore used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to investigate brain functioning during arithmetic in children in the subacute phase after mTBI.MethodThe participants comprised 16 children with mTBI at the subacute phase of recovery (10 males, mean age 10y 8mo; six females, mean age 10y 8mo) and 16 well‐matched comparison children (11 males, mean age 10y 11mo; five females, mean age 10y 6mo). All children were asked to solve single‐digit addition problems of small (sum ≤10) and large problem size (sum >10) and ERPs were simultaneously recorded.ResultsChildren with mTBI performed significantly less accurately (mean 81%) than comparison children (mean 91%) on the large (p=0.026) but not on the small problems (p=0.171). We observed no group differences in the early ERP components P1, N1, P2, and N2 (all p values ≥0.241), yet significant group differences (p=0.019) emerged for the late positivity component (LPC), which showed smaller mean amplitudes (mean 8.35μV) in mTBI patients than comparison children (mean 12.95μV).InterpretationImmediately after the injury, arithmetic difficulties in children with mTBI are particularly pronounced on more complex arithmetical problems that are less automated. This is reflected in the ERP pattern, with decreased LPC but normal N2 and early ERP components.