bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Chiral Materials via Self‐Assembly and Biomineralization of Peptides
Authors: Huang Zhehao , Che Shunai 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWith different scales of chirality, chiral materials have various particular properties and potential applications in many fields. Peptides are the fundamental building units of biological systems, and a variety of ordered functional nanostructures are produced through self‐assembly and biomineralization of peptides in nature. This Personal Account describes chiral silica materials fabricated by using amphiphilic peptides as building blocks. Three particular biomineralization approaches are described based on different kinds of geometry of amphiphilic peptides: the influence of the specific amino acid proline in the peptide sequence, the hydrophilicity of amphiphilic peptides, and different kinds of hydrophobic tails in amphiphilic peptides. These strategies are useful for designing peptides toward the bottom‐up synthesis of nanomaterials as well as improving the understanding of the mechanism of peptide self‐assembly.
Efficiency of rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Hui‐Ming , Liu Chih‐Kuang , Chen Hui‐Wen , Shia Ben‐Chang , Chen Mingchih , Chung Chi‐Hsiang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the recurrence rate and medical expenses of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. A total of 834 patients with AMI were divided into Group 1 (with inpatient cardiac rehabilitation) and Group 2 (without inpatient cardiac rehabilitation). The results showed that Group 1 had a lower AMI recurrence rate (a 0.640‐fold lower hazards ratio) than Group 2 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.197–1.863; p = 0.004]. Compared with the medical costs of Group 2, Group 1 also had lower medical costs (a 0.947‐fold lower hazards ratio) than Group 2 (95% CI = 0.934–0.981; p = 0.042). These findings have implications for the decision making of clinicians and health policymakers attempting to provide adequate services for patients with AMI.
Effect of sample size re‐estimation in adaptive clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Guoqiao , Kennedy Richard E. , Cutter Gary R. , Schneider Lon S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe sample size re‐estimation (SSR) adaptive design allows interim analyses and resultant modifications of the ongoing trial to preserve or increase power. We investigated the applicability of SSR in Alzheimer's disease (AD) trials using a meta‐database of clinical studies.MethodsBased on six studies, we simulated clinical trials using Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) as primary outcome. A single SSR based on effect sizes or based on variances was conducted at 6 months and 12 months. Resultant power improvement and sample size adjustments were evaluated.ResultsSSR resulted in highly variable outcomes for both sample size increases and power improvement. The gain in power after SSR varies by initial sample sizes, trial durations, and effect sizes.ConclusionsSSR adaptive designs can be effective for trials in AD and mild cognitive impairment with small or medium initial sample sizes. However, SSR in larger trials (>200 subjects per arm) generates no major advantages over the typical randomized trials.
Neural and behavioral substrates of disorientation in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sousa Amber , Gomar Jesus J. , Goldberg Terry E. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe neural and cognitive substrates of measures of orientation as used in clinical trials and examinations have not been comprehensively examined.MethodsWe studied 473 subjects diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) at baseline in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Regression analyses at baseline were conducted to find significant predictors of orientation score among cognitive, brain morphometry, and glucose metabolism measures. Mixed model longitudinal analysis was performed to examine consequences of orientation on functional decline, and Cox hazard models examined the risk of conversion to AD in the MCI group.ResultsIn MCI and AD subjects, orientation was predicted by poorer neurocognitive performance on immediate and delayed episodic memory and attention and processing speed. Among magnetic resonance imaging measures, orientation was predicted by entorhinal cortex thickness, hippocampal volume, and inferior temporal cortex thickness. Glucose metabolism in both middle‐inferior temporal cortex and hippocampus were also predictive of orientation score. Functioning was significantly lower in disoriented subjects after 4 years of follow‐up, and MCI patients who also were disoriented showed a higher rate of conversion to AD with a hazard ratio of 1.5.ConclusionsOrientation is associated with medial temporal lobe structure, temporal lobe glucose metabolism, and episodic memory function. In MCI individuals orientation was a risk factor for progression to AD, also associated with rapid functional decline and worse prognosis. Thus, orientation may serve as a surrogate for episodic memory in clinical examination. These results have direct implications for the use of orientation in MCI and AD clinical trials including ceiling effects in healthy controls and issues of redundancy with measures of memory, when both are used in composite scores.
The design and progress of a multidomain lifestyle intervention to improve brain health in middle‐aged persons to reduce later Alzheimer's disease risk: The Gray Matters randomized trial
Authors: Norton Maria C. , Clark Christine J. , Tschanz JoAnn T. , Hartin Phillip , Fauth Elizabeth B. , Gast Julie A. , Dorsch Travis E. , Wengreen Heidi , Nugent Chris , Robinson W. David , Lefevre Michael , McClean Sally , Cleland Ian , Schaefer Sydney Y. , Aguilar Sheryl 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionMost Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention studies focus on older adults or persons with existing cognitive impairment. This study describes the design and progress of a novel pilot intervention, the Gray Matters study.MethodsThis proof‐of‐concept randomized controlled trial tests an evidence‐based multidomain lifestyle intervention in 146 persons aged 40 to 64 years, in northern Utah. Data collectors were blinded to participants' randomization to treatment (n = 104) or control (n = 42). Intervention targeted physical activity, food choices, social engagement, cognitive simulation, sleep quality, and stress management, and uses a custom smartphone application, activity monitor, and educational materials. Secondary outcomes include biomarkers, body mass index, cognitive testing, and psychological surveys.ResultsMidway through the study, achievements include a 98.7% retention rate, a 96% rate of compliance with app data entry, and positive trends in behavioral change.DiscussionParticipants were empowered, learning that lifestyle might impact AD risk, exhibiting positive behavioral changes thus far.
Eating out of home and dietary adequacy in preschool children
Authors: Moreira Teresa , Severo Milton , Oliveira Andreia , Ramos Elisabete , Rodrigues Sara , Lopes Carla 
Published: June 2015

The present study aims to describe dietary intake and dietary adequacy according to eating location in preschool children. A sub-sample of 2414 children from the Generation XXI birth cohort (Porto, Portugal), evaluated during the follow-up between 2009 and 2011, was included. Dietary intake was assessed by 3 d food diaries and four groups of children were defined according to the eating location: ‘Home’ ( ≥ 80 % of meals at home), ‘Other homes’, ‘Preschool’ and ‘Restaurants’. A dietary adequacy index was developed based on general recommendations for children; a higher score represents a better dietary adequacy. The comparison of nutrients and foods daily intake according to the eating location groups was performed by ANOVA and ANCOVA to adjust for potential confounders. Children classified in ‘Preschool’ group ate significantly more vegetables, fruit, bread and fish, and less meat, compared to children classified into the ‘Home’ group. Children classified in the ‘Restaurants’ group ate more cakes, salty snacks and fruit juices than children in ‘Home’ group; and less vegetables, dairy products and pasta/rice/potatoes. In ‘Restaurants’ children obtained the lowest mean score of the dietary adequacy index (15·5, 95 % CI 14·8, 16·3) and in ‘Preschool’ children had the highest mean score (18·3, 95 % CI 18·1, 18·4), corresponding to a better dietary adequacy. Preschools seem to have a relevant role in promoting the intake of healthy foods in preschool children. The consumption in restaurants/coffee shops seems to contribute to energy-dense food intake and reduced consumption of nutrient-dense foods.
In, Out or at the Gate? The Predicament on Eritrea's Membership and Participation Status in IGAD
Authors: Andemariam Senai W 
Published: June 2015

AbstractOn 27 April 2007 Eritrea notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) of its decision to “temporarily suspend its membership” and “freeze its activities” in IGAD followed on 25 July 2011 by its decision to “reactivate its membership.” On 24 August 2011 Eritrea's representative to the IGAD Council of Ministers meeting in Addis Ababa was informed that he could not sit in the meeting and was escorted out. Eritrea's representatives have not attended IGAD meetings since. The incident raises the important question of what should be done in the absence of an IGAD rule regulating unilateral temporary suspension and reactivation of membership. The answer should be based on a clear understanding of the laws and practices of withdrawal, suspension, expulsion, membership reactivation and rejoining international / regional organizations. This article discusses how the stalemate regarding Eritrea's status in IGAD should be handled by reference to such laws and practices, and the rules in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties governing the interpretation of treaties.
Young Adult Social Networks and Labour Market Attachment: Interpersonal Dynamics that Shape Perspectives on Job Attainment
Authors: GRAHAM JOHN R. , SHIER MICHEAL L. , EISENSTAT MARILYN 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFollowing a qualitative study design with young adults (aged seventeen to twenty-nine) of a racialised minority status (n= 36) in a low-income community in Toronto, Canada, we found that social relationships and dynamics greatly influenced perspectives towards labour market success. Respondents identified that interpersonal relationships with employers, family members and neighbourhood/community members influenced their perseverance and motivation for upward social mobility through securing and maintaining employment. The findings highlight the fundamental relationship between perceptions of upward social mobility and individual social capital. In particular, the wide array of social networks that can influence the perspectives of racial minority young adults – both positively and negatively. The findings extend contemporary discussions about the relationship between social capital and career aspirations among racial minority young adults, to include a spectrum of interrelated social networks that collectively aid in improving personal development. While contemporary discussions focus on the utility of informal knowledge sharing about career development and post-secondary attainment, the findings here demonstrate the importance of policy and programme solutions that support the mobilisation of a wider array of embedded social resources, within the social networks of racial minority young adults, that help support positive perceptions towards upward social mobility.
Stimulated Raman scattering of ultra intense hollow Gaussian beam in relativistic plasma
Authors: Sharma Prerana 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEffect of relativistic nonlinearity on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of laser beam propagating carrying null intensity in center [hollow Gaussian beam (HGB)] is studied in collisionless plasma. The construction of the equations is done employing the fluid theory which is developed with partial differential equation and Maxwell's equations. The phenomenon of SRS is shown along with the excitation of seed plasma wave considering relativistic nonlinearity. The power of plasma wave is observed for higher order of HGB. The Raman back reflectivity is studied numerically for various orders of hollow Gaussian laser beam (HGLB) and the numerical analysis shows that these parameters play vital role on reflectivity characteristics. It is observed that the Raman back reflectivity is less for the higher order of HGLB.
Management of a child with pulmonary arterial hypertension presenting with systemic hypertension
Authors: Flores Saul , Daily Joshua , Pratap Jayant “Nick” , Cash Michelle C. , Hirsch Russel 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe describe the course and management of a 12-year-old girl with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension who initially presented with severe systemic hypertension. Successful therapy included pulmonary vasodilators and an atrial septostomy, while ensuring adequate maintenance of her systemic vascular resistance to maintain cardiac output. Clear understanding of the physiology and judicious medical management in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension using extreme compensatory mechanisms is vitally important.
A transgenic resource for conditional competitive inhibition of conserved Drosophila microRNAs
Authors: Fulga Tudor A. , McNeill Elizabeth M. , Binari Richard , Yelick Julia , Blanche Alexandra , Booker Matthew , Steinkraus Bruno R. , Schnall-Levin Michael , Zhao Yong , DeLuca Todd , Bejarano Fernando , Han Zhe , Lai Eric C. , Wall Dennis P. , Perrimon Norbert , Van Vactor David 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAlthough the impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) in development and disease is well established, understanding the function of individual miRNAs remains challenging. Development of competitive inhibitor molecules such as miRNA sponges has allowed the community to address individual miRNA function in vivo. However, the application of these loss-of-function strategies has been limited. Here we offer a comprehensive library of 141 conditional miRNA sponges targeting well-conserved miRNAs in Drosophila. Ubiquitous miRNA sponge delivery and consequent systemic miRNA inhibition uncovers a relatively small number of miRNA families underlying viability and gross morphogenesis, with false discovery rates in the 4–8% range. In contrast, tissue-specific silencing of muscle-enriched miRNAs reveals a surprisingly large number of novel miRNA contributions to the maintenance of adult indirect flight muscle structure and function. A strong correlation between miRNA abundance and physiological relevance is not observed, underscoring the importance of unbiased screens when assessing the contributions of miRNAs to complex biological processes.
HIV-infected sex workers with beneficial HLA-variants are potential hubs for selection of HIV-1 recombinants that may affect disease progression
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Kist Nicolaas C. , Chester Tammy L. Stuart , Sreenu Vattipally B. , Herman Melissa , Luo Ma , Lunn Daniel , Bell John , Plummer Francis A. , Ball T. Blake , Katzourakis Aris , Iversen Astrid K. N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against the HIV Gag protein are associated with lowering viremia; however, immune control is undermined by viral escape mutations. The rapid viral mutation rate is a key factor, but recombination may also contribute. We hypothesized that CTL responses drive the outgrowth of unique intra-patient HIV-recombinants (URFs) and examined gag sequences from a Kenyan sex worker cohort. We determined whether patients with HLA variants associated with effective CTL responses (beneficial HLA variants) were more likely to carry URFs and, if so, examined whether they progressed more rapidly than patients with beneficial HLA-variants who did not carry URFs. Women with beneficial HLA-variants (12/52) were more likely to carry URFs than those without beneficial HLA variants (3/61) (p < 0.0055; odds ratio = 5.7). Beneficial HLA variants were primarily found in slow/standard progressors in the URF group, whereas they predominated in long-term non-progressors/survivors in the remaining cohort (p = 0.0377). The URFs may sometimes spread and become circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) of HIV and local CRF fragments were over-represented in the URF sequences (p < 0.0001). Collectively, our results suggest that CTL-responses associated with beneficial HLA variants likely drive the outgrowth of URFs that might reduce the positive effect of these CTL responses on disease progression.
Microwave-enhanced photocatalysis on CdS quantum dots - Evidence of acceleration of photoinduced electron transfer
Authors: Kishimoto Fuminao , Imai Takashi , Fujii Satoshi , Mochizuki Dai , Maitani Masato M. , Suzuki Eiichi , Wada Yuji 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe rate of electron transfer is critical in determining the efficiency of photoenergy conversion systems and is controlled by changing the relative energy gap of components, their geometries, or surroundings. However, the rate of electron transfer has not been controlled by the remote input of an external field without changing the geometries or materials of the systems. We demonstrate here that an applied microwave field can enhance the photocatalytic reduction of bipyridinium ion using CdS quantum dots (QDs) by accelerating electron transfer. Analysis of the time-resolved emission decay profiles of CdS quantum dots immersed in aqueous solutions of bipyridinium exhibited the shortening of their emission lifetimes, because of the accelerated electron transfer from QDs to bipyridinium under microwave irradiation. This discovery leads us to a new methodology using microwaves as an external field to enhance photocatalytic reactions.
Continental drift and climate change drive instability in insect assemblages
Authors: Li Fengqing , Tierno de Figueroa José Manuel , Lek Sovan , Park Young-Seuk 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGlobal change has already had observable effects on ecosystems worldwide and the accelerated rate of global change is predicted in the future. However, the impacts of global change on the stability of biodiversity have not been systematically studied in terms of both large spatial (continental drift) and temporal (from the last inter-glacial period to the next century) scales. Therefore, we analyzed the current geographical distribution pattern of Plecoptera, a thermally sensitive insect group and evaluated its stability when coping with global change across both space and time throughout the Mediterranean region—one of the first 25 global biodiversity hotspots. Regional biodiversity of Plecoptera reflected the geography in both the historical movements of continents and the current environmental conditions in the western Mediterranean region. The similarity of Plecoptera assemblages between areas in this region indicated that the uplift of new land and continental drift were the primary determinants of the stability of regional biodiversity. Our results revealed that climate change caused the biodiversity of Plecoptera to slowly diminish in the past and will cause remarkably accelerated biodiversity loss in the future. These findings support the theory that climate change has had its greatest impact on biodiversity over a long temporal scale.
Profiling molecular and behavioral circadian rhythms in the non-symbiotic sea anemone Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Oren Matan , Tarrant Ann M. , Alon Shahar , Simon-Blecher Noa , Elbaz Idan , Appelbaum Lior , Levy Oren 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEndogenous circadian clocks are poorly understood within early-diverging animal lineages. We have characterized circadian behavioral patterns and identified potential components of the circadian clock in the starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis: a model cnidarian which lacks algal symbionts. Using automatic video tracking we showed that Nematostella exhibits rhythmic circadian locomotor activity, which is persistent in constant dark, shifted or disrupted by external dark/light cues and maintained the same rate at two different temperatures. This activity was inhibited by a casein kinase 1δ/ε inhibitor, suggesting a role for CK1 homologue(s) in Nematostella clock. Using high-throughput sequencing we profiled Nematostella transcriptomes over 48 hours under a light-dark cycle. We identified 180 Nematostella diurnally-oscillated transcripts and compared them with previously established databases of adult and larvae of the symbiotic coral Acropora millepora, revealing both shared homologues and unique rhythmic genes. Taken together, this study further establishes Nematostella as a non-symbiotic model organism to study circadian rhythms and increases our understanding about the fundamental elements of circadian regulation and their evolution within the Metazoa
Visualizing the activity of Escherichia coli divergent promoters and probing their dependence on superhelical density using dual-colour fluorescent reporter vector
Authors: Masulis Irina S. , Babaeva Zaira Sh. , Chernyshov Sergey V. , Ozoline Olga N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMosaic pattern of transcription in alternating directions is a common feature of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes which rationality and origin remain enigmatic. In Escherichia coli approximately 25% of genes comprise pairs of topologically linked divergently transcribed units. Given that transcriptional complex formation at each promoter in the pair induces topological changes and is itself sensitive to DNA structural perturbations, study of the functional anatomy in such areas requires special approaches. Here we suggested the dual-colour promoter probe vector which may become an ideal tool for divergent transcription profiling. The vector was used to characterize the specific genomic region nearby appY with multiple bidirectional promoters predicted in silico. Only three promoters of this region were shown to be engaged in the transcription initiation resulting in the expression of reporter genes. RNA product transcribed in antisense direction is suggested as a novel RNA. Nalidixin-induced topological modulation differentially affected transcription in sense and antisense directions thus exemplifying anticooperative mode in the response to topological alterations.
Cancer risk among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a population-based prospective study in China
Authors: Wang Meng , Hu Ru-Ying , Wu Hai-Bin , Pan Jin , Gong Wei-Wei , Guo Li-Hua , Zhong Jie-Ming , Fei Fang-Rong , Yu Min 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEvidence indicates an increased cancer risk among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, yet studies in mainland China are scarce. Based on Diabetes Surveillance System linking to Cancer Surveillance System of Zhejiang Province in China, we explored the cancer risk among T2DM patients. Totally, 327,268 T2DM patients were identified and followed from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2013. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Overall cancer risk was found significantly increased with an SIR of 1.15 (95% CI 1.12–1.19) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.21–1.30) in males and females, respectively. Regarding specific cancer sites, risks of liver, colon, rectum, pancreas and kidney were significantly increased with SIRs of 1.26 (95% CI 1.16–1.36), 1.47 (95% CI 1.29–1.67), 1.25 (95% CI 1.09–1.43), 2.81 (95% CI 2.50–3.16) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.28–2.03) in males, 1.53 (95% CI 1.35–1.73), 1.33 (95% CI 1.15–1.54), 1.29 (95% CI 1.10–1.51), 3.62 (95% CI 3.20–4.09) and 1.71 (95% CI 1.28–2.29) in females, respectively. A significant increased SIR was noted for prostate (1.80, 95% CI 1.58–2.06). Significant increased SIRs for lung (1.32, 95% CI 1.20–1.44) and stomach (1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.30) were observed in females. We suggested an increased cancer risk among T2DM patients.