bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of inflammasome-derived IL-1 in driving IL-17 responses
Authors: Mills Kingston H G , Dungan Lara S , Jones Sarah A , Harris James 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Review of the activation of inflammasome processes IL-1β and IL-18, which synergize with IL-23 to promote IL-17 production, by IL-17-secreting γδ T and Th17 cells.
NLRs are members of the PRR family that sense microbial pathogens and mediate host innate immune responses to infection. Certain NLRs can assemble into a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome, which activates casapse-1 required for the cleavage of immature forms of IL-1β and IL-18 into active, mature cytokines. The inflammasome is activated by conserved, exogenous molecules from microbes and nonmicrobial molecules, such as asbestos, alum, or silica, as well as by endogenous danger signals, such as ATP, amyloid-β, and sodium urate crystals. Activation of the inflammasome is a critical event triggering IL-1-driven inflammation and is central to the pathology of autoinflammatory diseases, such as gout and MWS. Recent studies have also shown IL-1 or IL-18, in synergy with IL-23, can promote IL-17-prduction from Th17 cells and γδ T cells, and this process can be regulated by autophagy. IL-1-driven IL-17 production plays a critical role in host protective immunity to infection with fungi, bacteria, and certain viruses. However, Th17 cells and IL-17-seceting γδ T cells, activated by inflammasome-derived IL-1 or IL-18, have major pathogenic roles in many autoimmune diseases. Consequently, inflammasomes are now major drug targets for many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as autoinflammatory diseases.
Neutrophil apoptosis is associated with loss of signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) from the cell surface
Authors: Stenberg Åsa , Sehlin Janove , Oldenborg Per-Arne 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
SIRPα expression is downregulated on the cell surface of apoptotic neutrophils due to proteolytic shedding and membrane loss.
Cells of the innate immune system, including monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, play a major role in the development of inflammatory diseases. During inflammation, large numbers of neutrophils are recruited from the blood and subsequently undergo apoptosis, which involves changes in the cell surface expression of a number of receptors. Neutrophils express the Ig superfamily member, SIRPα, which is a receptor involved in regulating cell adhesion and migration. As apoptotic neutrophils down-regulate their capacity for adhesion and migration, we here investigated whether neutrophil expression of SIRPα was affected during apoptosis. We found that apoptotic neutrophils lost SIRPα from their cell surface with kinetics similar to the loss of CD16. The majority of neutrophils with reduced SIRPα also expressed PS on their surface, and the loss of the receptor was reduced proportional to the reduction of apoptosis by caspase inhibitors during Fas-induced apoptosis but less so during spontaneous apoptosis. Neutrophil loss of SIRPα or CD16 was inhibited by the protease inhibitor TAPI-2, as well as specific inhibitors of MMP3 or -8, suggesting that proteolytic mechanisms were involved. Finally, SIRPα was also found on smaller membrane vesicles released from the cells during apoptosis. Our data suggest that neutrophils reduce their SIRPα expression during apoptosis, which may be part of the functional down-regulation seen in apoptotic neutrophils.
Influence of Comorbidity on Racial Differences in Receipt of Surgery Among US Veterans With Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Williams Christina D. , Stechuchak Karen M. , Zullig Leah L. , Provenzale Dawn , Kelley Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

Purpose It is unclear why racial differences exist in the frequency of surgery for lung cancer treatment. Comorbidity is an important consideration in selection of patients for lung cancer treatment, including surgery. To assess whether comorbidity contributes to the observed racial differences, we evaluated racial differences in the prevalence of comorbidity and their impact on receipt of surgery. Patients and Methods A total of 1,314 patients (1,135 white, 179 black) in the Veterans Health Administration diagnosed with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer in 2007 were included. The effect of comorbidity on surgery was determined by using generalized linear models with a logit link accounting for patient clustering within Veterans Administration Medical Centers. Results Compared with whites, blacks had greater prevalence of hypertension, liver disease, renal disease, illicit drug abuse, and poor performance status, but lower prevalence of respiratory disease. The impact of most individual comorbidities on receipt of surgery was similar between blacks and whites, and comorbidity did not influence the race-surgery association in a multivariable analysis. The proportion of blacks not receiving surgery as well as refusing surgery was greater than that among whites. Conclusion Blacks had a greater prevalence of several comorbid conditions and poor performance status; however, the overall comorbidity score did not differ by race. In general, the effect of comorbidity on receipt of surgery was similar in blacks and whites. Racial differences in comorbidity do not fully explain why blacks undergo lung cancer surgery less often than whites.
Dynamic solute release from marine aggregates
Authors: Liu Bo , Kindler Kolja , Khalili Arzhang 
Published: December 2012

Lay AbstractMarine aggregates reside from hours to days at pycnoclines, or density discontinuities, forming layers of dense aggregate populations. During their retention, aggregates have the opportunity to accumulate solute contents, such as dissolved organic carbon, nitrate, and ammonium. This excess solute will then be released after they leave the pycnoclines. The back‐migration of the solute into pycnoclines or its export to the deep ocean has a large impact on the ecology of the ocean. We investigated the time scale of dynamic solute leakage from marine aggregates and the maximum export depth. Numerical modeling revealed in a new relationship for the dynamic solute release as a function of aggregates' size and excess density. This may improve estimates of solute flux around pycnoclines from the distribution spectrum of aggregates' sizes and excess densities.
Tuning of the Dienophilic Reactivity of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine: A Comparison of DFT and Dispersion-Corrected DFT Calculations
Authors: Maheshwari Pooja , Gupta Raakhi , von Hopffgarten Moritz , Bansal Raj K 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
A comparative study of the DFT calculations with and without dispersion correction for the determination of the relative activation energy barriers and reaction energies of the normal electron demand Diels–Alder (NED DA) reactions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and its derivatives with 1,3-butadiene at the B3LYP/6-31+G** level reveals that on inclusion of the dispersion correction, the relative activation energy barriers are lowered by ca. 10–13 kcal mol−1 whereas relative reaction energies are increased by ca. 9–13 kcal mol−1 as compared to the DFT calculations without dispersion correction. Similar results are obtained for the reverse electron demand (RED) DA reactions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and its derivatives with tetrachloro-o-benzoquinone. The relative free energies of solvation of different species determined from SCRF calculations allow to detect solvent-induced geometry relaxation of the reactant molecules and the transition states which rationalises lowering of the relative activation energies in methylene chloride. The reactions are found to occur without the involvement of the reactants complexes.
High-Energy X-ray Diffraction Study on the Intramolecular Structure of 2-Aminoethanol in the Liquid State
Authors: Kameda Yasuo , Deguchi Hiroshi , Kubota Yoshiyuki , Furukawa Hirotoshi , Yagi Yasuyuki , Imai Yoshihiro , Tatsumi Masahiko , Yamazaki Noriko , Watari Noriko , Hirata Takuya , Matubayasi Nobuyuki 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
High-energy X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out for liquid 2-aminoethanol (NH2CH2CH2OH, MEA) in order to obtain direct information on the conformation of MEA in the liquid state, in which competition between intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds might occur. Least-squares fitting analysis was applied to the high-Q region of the observed total interference term with excellent statistical accuracies. Independent parameters, the C–C, C–O, and C–N interatomic distances, bond angles, ∠OCC and ∠CCN, and a dihedral angle ∠(NCC)–(CCO), were successfully obtained. It has been concluded that the MEA molecule takes the gauche conformation with the dihedral angle ∠(NCC)–(CCO) = 53(3)°, suggesting the formation of the intramolecular hydrogen bond is dominant in the liquid state.
Accurate and Fast Evaluation of Three-Center Nuclear Attraction Integrals of Coulomb–Yukawa Like Correlated Interaction Potentials and Slater Type Orbitals
Authors: Guseinov Israfil I , Görgün Nursen Seçkin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
With the use of one-range addition theorems of Slater type orbitals (STOs) introduced by one of the authors, three-center nuclear attraction integrals containing Coulomb–Yukawa like correlated interaction potentials (C-CIPs and Y-CIPs) appearing in the Hartree–Fock–Roothaan (HFR) equations for molecules are evaluated. These integrals are expressed through the overlap integrals which depend on the frictional quantum number α, where −∞ &lt; α ≤ 2. The convergence of the series is tested by calculating three-center nuclear attraction integrals of C-CIPs, Y-CIPs, and STOs for the arbitrary values of potential parameters and locations of orbitals. For rapid calculations of these integrals, we use the partial summations of some indices corresponding to progressively increasing upper limits appearing in the series expansion relations. Additionally, the binomial coefficients arising in the series are stored in the memory of the computer using their recurrence relation. The fast and accurate computation approach suggested in this work is demonstrated.
Chemiluminescence Quenching of Luminol-functionalized Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide through Noncovalent Interaction
Authors: Lee Mi Yeon , Kim So Yeon , Kim Hyun Gu , In Insik 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Luminol-functionalized chemically reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was successfully formulated through simple noncovalent interation between luminol and RGO. Stability of RGO/luminol assembly and FT-IR study support that luminol molecules are strongly anchoring on RGO surface through π–π interaciton. Raman, AFM, and SEM studies confirm that the chemical reduction to RGO is successful and the exfoliation into individual RGO sheets is effective through this noncovalent approach using luminol. Interestingly, the chemiluminescence (CL) of luminol was completely quenched in RGO/luminol assembly, confirming that RGO platform is acceptable for not only fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) but also chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) in this study.
Magnetoelastic Behavior of Bimodal Magnetic Hydrogels Using Nonmagnetic Particles
Authors: Ohori Suguru , Fujisawa Kouko , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Bimodal magnetic hydrogels consisting of magnetic and nonmagnetic particles were synthesized, and the magnetic response to the dynamic modulus of the gels was investigated. The change in the storage modulus for magnetic gels containing only magnetic particles exhibited 0.9 MPa by applying a magnetic field of 500 mT. The change in the storage modulus kept a high value although the magnetic particles were replaced with nonmagnetic particles by 34%. It can be considered that the magnetic interaction extends to the length of 4 to 6 microns via 2 or 3 nonmagnetic particles.
In Situ Morphology Observations of Electrodeposited Lithium in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids by Optical Microscopy
Authors: Sano Hikaru , Sakaebe Hikari , Matsumoto Hajime 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The morphology of electrodeposited lithium in room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) was observed by in situ optical microscopy. The dendrite suppression effect was partly confirmed for a PP13[FSA]-based electrolyte containing vinylene carbonate (VC). The factors for dendrite suppression are discussed; stability under cathodic conditions such as ELi/Li + and viscosity of the base electrolyte are considered to be the relevant factors.
Preparation and Characterization of Phosphorylated Collagen and Hydroxyapatite Composite as a Potential Bone Substitute
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Liu Qian , Zhao Zhihua , Wang Wanqiong , Zheng Lige , Li Zhongjun 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
On the basis of the hypothesis that phosphate groups introduced on collagen can induce the mineralization in natural hard tissue, first, type I collagen (extracted from bovine tendon) was phosphorylated with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The subsequent growth of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the phosphorylated collagen nanofibers was achieved through a precipitation reaction. The FTIR results indicated that the phosphate groups were incorporated onto the collagen surface through treatment with STMP. During the mineralization process, the rod-like crystals converged into layers of a flaky structure formed on the surface of the phosphorylated collagen, while plate-like minerals were obtained on the pure collagen, as indicated by the SEM and XRD findings. The bending strength of composites isopressed at 180 MPa also displayed a significant increase. The test results demonstrated that phosphate groups had indeed been introduced into the collagen molecules and gave rise to the superior mechanical behavior of the composite materials.
Cleavage of Supercoiled Plasmid DNA by Phenanthroline–Polyamine Conjugates as a Metal-free Artificial Nuclease
Authors: Masuda Tomokazu , Sasagase Takeshi , Ozaki Akiko N , Kuwahara Masayasu , Ozaki Hiroaki , Sawai Hiroaki 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In this study, phenanthroline–polyamine conjugates have been synthesized. The conjugates bind to DNA and hydrolyze it in the absence of any metal and reducing agent under physiological conditions.
Trends in consultant clinical activity and the effect of the 2003 contract change: retrospective analysis of secondary data
Authors: Bloor Karen , Freemantle Nick , Maynard Alan 
Published: December 2012

Objectives To explore trends in the clinical activity of hospital specialists in English National Health Service (NHS) hospitals, and test the effect of contract reform. Design Retrospective secondary analysis of hospital episode statistics, describing trends and testing for a contract effect using multilevel interrupted time series analysis. Setting Ten surgical and medical specialties in English NHS hospitals from 1999 to 2009. Participants Hospital consultants on full time or maximum part-time English NHS hospitals. Intervention A new contract offered to NHS consultants in October 2003, with higher pay alongside job planning and appraisal. Main outcome measures Inpatient finished consultant episodes (FCEs) per consultant per month, with and without accounting for case-mix differences. Results In most specialties there was a statistically significant downward trend in FCEs per consultant per month. On average in the surgical specialties, FCEs reduced by 0.14 per month (95% CI -0.16 to -0.11) and in medicine there was a smaller reduction of 0.08 FCEs per month (95% CI -0.1 to -0.06). NHS patients symptoms have increased in severity over time, and the downward trend is reduced after case-mix-adjustment, and reversed in general and geriatric medicine. The effect of the contract on clinical activity was minimal. In five specialties there was no statistically significant effect, but in five specialties there was a statistically significant negative effect. Conclusions Consultant clinical activity, as measured by FCEs per month, has shown a general downward trend from 1999 to 2009. The consultant contract was not associated with an increase in consultant clinical activity rates.
A pilot trial of a speech pathology telehealth service for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Burns Clare L , Ward Elizabeth C , Hill Anne J , Malcolme Karen , Bassett Lynell , Kenny Lizbeth M , Greenup Phillip 
Published: December 2012

Summary We explored the feasibility of providing access to specialist speech pathology services via telehealth for patients with head and neck cancer. A weekly telehealth clinic was conducted between the speech pathology departments of a tertiary hospital and a regional hospital in Queensland. Over a 5-month period, 50 telehealth sessions were conducted for 18 patients. There were 38 patient consultations, nine case discussions between clinicians and three clinical training sessions relating to the skills needed for specific client management (e.g. voice prosthesis selection). Eight sessions had multidisciplinary involvement. All cases were successfully managed via telehealth. All patients agreed that they were comfortable using telehealth and would be happy to use it again in future. Both clinicians agreed that they could competently assess patients using the telehealth system. There appeared to be financial benefits for the patient, because by receiving specialist intervention at a local facility their travel expenses were lower. There was also the opportunity for workforce training and development through online case discussion and clinical consultation.
A mobile telemedicine-enabled ear screening service for Indigenous children in Queensland: activity and outcomes in the first three years
Authors: Smith Anthony C , Armfield Nigel R , Wu Wei-I , Brown Cecil A , Perry Chris 
Published: December 2012

Summary A mobile ear-screening service was established in an Aboriginal community in central Queensland. Telemedicine allowed ear nose and throat (ENT) specialists at the tertiary children's hospital in Brisbane to assess children at a distance using pre-recorded information comprising video-otoscopic images and the results of tympanometry and audiometry. During the first three years, 1053 children were registered with the service. A total of 2111 screening assessments were carried out at 21 schools in the region. The average screening rate achieved in the community was 85%. More than half of all assessments resulted in a referral to the ENT specialist (for online assessment) or local doctor (for treatment). Twenty specialist ENT online clinics were conducted during which 415 patients were reviewed. Over half of all online review cases (55%) resulted in appointments at the next ENT outreach clinic for further review and/or surgery. The community-based screening service led by local Indigenous health workers, and linked to a tertiary children's hospital by telemedicine, was an effective method for routine screening of children at risk of hearing impairment.
Nucleotide metabolic mismatches in mammalian hearts: implications for transplantation
Authors: Khalpey Z , Yacoub MH , Smolenski RT 
Published: December 2012

Introduction Human donor organ shortages have led surgeons and scientists to explore the use of animals as alternative organ sources. Acute thrombovascular rejection (AVR) is the main hurdle in xenotransplantation. Disparities in nucleotide metabolism in the vessels of different species may contribute significantly to the microvascular component of AVR. Methods We evaluated the extent of nucleotide metabolism mismatch in selected organs and endothelial cells of different mammals with particular focus on the changes in activity of ecto-5’-nucleotidase (E5’N) elicited by exposure of porcine hearts or endothelial cells to human blood (ex vivo) or human plasma (in vitro). Results E5’N activity in the rat heart was significantly higher than in other species. We noted a significant difference (p<0.001) in E5’N activity between human and pig endothelial cell lines. Initial pig aortic endothelial E5’N activity decreased in vitro after a three-hour exposure to human and porcine plasma while remaining constant in controls. Ex vivo perfusion with fresh human blood for four hours resulted in a significant decrease of E5’N activity in both wild type and transgenic pig hearts overexpressing human decay accelerating factor (p<0.001). Conclusions This study provides evidence that mismatches in basal mammalian metabolic pathways and humoral immunity interact in a xenogeneic environment. Understanding the role of nucleotide metabolism and signalling in xenotransplantation may identify new targets for genetic modifications and may lead to the development of new therapies extending graft survival.
The Differential Diagnosis and Bone Marrow Evaluation of New-Onset Pancytopenia
Authors: Weinzierl Elizabeth P. , Arber Daniel A. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
New-onset pancytopenia can be caused by a wide variety of etiologies, leading to a diagnostic dilemma. These etiologies range from congenital bone marrow failure to marrow space-occupying lesions, infection, and peripheral destruction, to name a few. Bone marrow examination, in addition to a detailed clinical history, is often required for an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of many of the causes of new-onset pancytopenia in adults and children, with emphasis on bone marrow findings and recommendations of additional testing and clinical evaluation when needed, with the overall aim of aiding the pathologist’s role as a consultant to the patient’s treating physician.
Prevention of tracheal cartilage injury with modified Griggs technique during percutaneous tracheostomy — Randomized controlled cadaver study
Authors: Élő Gábor , Zubek László , Hargitai Zoltán , Iványi Zsolt , Branovics Judit , Gál János 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Tracheal stenosis is the most common severe late complication of percutaneous tracheostomy causing significant decrease in quality of life. Applying modified Griggs technique reduced the number of late tracheal stenoses observed in our clinical study. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of this relationship.

Materials and methods
Forty-six cadavers were randomized into two groups according to the mode of intervention during 2006–2008. Traditional versus modified Griggs technique was applied in the two groups consequently. Wider incision, surgical preparation, and bidirectional forceps dilation of tracheal wall were applied in modified technique. Injured cartilages were inspected by sight and touch consequently. Age, gender, level of intervention, and number of injured tracheal cartilages were registered.

Results
Significantly less frequent tracheal cartilage injury was observed after modified (9%) than original (91%) Griggs technique (p<0.001). A moderate association between cartilage injury and increasing age was observed, whereas the level of intervention (p=0.445) and to gender (p=0.35) was not related to injury. Risk of cartilage injury decreased significantly (OR: 0.0264, 95%, CI: 0.005–0.153) with modified Griggs technique as determined in adjusted logistic regression model.

Discussion
Modified Griggs technique decreased the risk of tracheal cartilage injury significantly in our cadaver study. This observation may explain the decreased number of late tracheal stenosis after application of the modified Griggs method.