bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular‐level characterization of reactive and refractory dissolved natural organic nitrogen compounds by atmospheric pressure photoionization coupled to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Osborne Daniel M. , Podgorski David C. , Bronk Deborah A. , Roberts Quinn , Sipler Rachel E. , Austin David , Bays James S. , Cooper William T. 
Published: March 2013

RATIONALEDissolved organic nitrogen (DON) represents a significant fraction of the total dissolved nitrogen pool in most surface waters and serves as an important nitrogen source for phytoplankton and bacteria. As with other natural organic matter mixtures, ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS) is the only technique currently able to provide molecular composition information on DON. Although electrospray ionization (ESI) is the most commonly used ionization method, it is not very efficient at ionizing most DON components.METHODSPositive‐ and negative‐mode atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) coupled with ultrahigh resolution FTICRMS at 9.4 T were compared for determining the composition of DON before and after bioassays. Toluene was added as the APPI dopant to the solid‐phase DON extracts, producing a final sample that was 90% methanol and 10% toluene by volume.RESULTSPositive‐mode (+) APPI proved significantly more efficient at ionizing DON; 62% of the formulas that could be assigned in the positive‐ion spectrum contained at least one nitrogen atom vs. 31% in the negative‐ion spectrum. FTICR mass spectral data indicated that most of the refractory DON compounds (i.e. nonreactive during the 5 days of the incubation) had molecular compositions representative of lignin‐like molecules, while lipid‐like and protein‐like molecules comprised most of the small reactive component of the DON pool.CONCLUSIONSFrom these data we conclude that (+) APPI FTICRMS is a promising technique for describing the molecular composition of DON mixtures. The technique is particularly valuable in assessing the bioavailability of individual components of DON when combined with bioassays. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonfragile observer‐based H ∞  sliding mode control for Itô stochastic systems with Markovian switching
Authors: Kao Yonggui , Li Wei , Wang Changhong 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYThe paper is devoted to investigating sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear uncertain stochastic systems with input nonlinearity and Markovian switching. A nonfragile observer subjected to the transition rates of the modes is designed. By some specified matrices, the connections among the designed sliding surfaces corresponding to every mode are established. The state estimation‐based sliding mode control law is derived to guarantee the reachability of the sliding surface in finite time interval. The sufficient conditions on asymptotically stochastic stability of the error system and sliding mode dynamics with a given disturbance attenuation level are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When does the top homology of a random simplicial complex vanish?
Authors: Aronshtam Lior , Linial Nathan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSeveral years ago Linial and Meshulam (Combinatorica 26 (2006) 457–487) introduced a model called of random n‐vertex d‐dimensional simplicial complexes. The following question suggests itself very naturally: What is the threshold probability at which the d‐dimensional homology of such a random d‐complex is, almost surely, nonzero? Here we derive an upper bound on this threshold. Computer experiments that we have conducted suggest that this bound may coincide with the actual threshold, but this remains an open question. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46, 26–35, 2015
Oct4 Interaction with Hmgb2 Regulates Akt Signaling and Pluripotency
Authors: Campbell Pearl A. , Rudnicki Michael A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn pluripotent stem cells, bivalent domains mark the promoters of developmentally regulated loci. Histones in these chromatin regions contain coincident epigenetic modifications of gene activation and repression. How these marks are transmitted to maintain the pluripotent state in daughter progeny remains poorly understood. Our study demonstrates that Oct4 post-translational modifications (PTMs) form a positive feedback loop, which promotes Akt activation and interaction with Hmgb2 and the SET complex. This preserves H3K27me3 modifications in daughter progeny and maintains the pluripotent gene expression signature in murine embryonic stem cells. However, if Oct4 is not phosphorylated, a negative feedback loop is formed that inactivates Akt and initiates the DNA damage response. Oct4 sumoylation then is required for G1/S progression and transmission of the repressive H3K27me3 mark. Therefore, PTMs regulate the ability of Oct4 to direct the spatio-temporal formation of activating and repressing complexes to orchestrate chromatin plasticity and pluripotency. Our work highlights a previously unappreciated role for Oct4 PTM-dependent interactions in maintaining restrained Akt signaling and promoting a primitive epigenetic state.
Developing Rods Transplanted into the Degenerating Retina of Crx-Knockout Mice Exhibit Neural Activity Similar to Native Photoreceptors
Authors: Homma Kohei , Okamoto Satoshi , Mandai Michiko , Gotoh Norimoto , Rajasimha Harsha K. , Chang Yi-Sheng , Chen Shan , Li Wei , Cogliati Tiziana , Swaroop Anand , Takahashi Masayo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Replacement of dysfunctional or dying photoreceptors offers a promising approach for retinal neurodegenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Several studies have demonstrated the integration and differentiation of developing rod photoreceptors when transplanted in wild-type or degenerating retina; however, the physiology and function of the donor cells are not adequately defined. Here, we describe the physiological properties of developing rod photoreceptors that are tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by the promoter of rod differentiation factor, Nrl. GFP-tagged developing rods show Ca2 + responses and rectifier outward currents that are smaller than those observed in fully developed photoreceptors, suggesting their immature developmental state. These immature rods also exhibit hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) induced by the activation of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. When transplanted into the subretinal space of wild-type or retinal degeneration mice, GFP-tagged developing rods can integrate into the photoreceptor outer nuclear layer in wild-type mouse retina and exhibit Ca2 + responses and membrane current comparable to native rod photoreceptors. A proportion of grafted rods develop rhodopsin-positive outer segment-like structures within 2 weeks after transplantation into the retina of Crx-knockout mice and produce rectifier outward current and Ih upon membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization. GFP-positive rods derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells also display similar membrane current Ih as native developing rod photoreceptors, express rod-specific phototransduction genes, and HCN-1 channels. We conclude that Nrl-promoter-driven GFP-tagged donor photoreceptors exhibit physiological characteristics of rods and that iPS cell-derived rods in vitro may provide a renewable source for cell-replacement therapy.
Factors affecting reflex pelvic floor muscle contraction patterns in women with pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Yang J.‐M. , Yang S.‐H. , Huang W.‐C. , Tzeng C.‐R. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore factors affecting the presence of two reflex pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) patterns in women with pelvic floor disorders.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of pelvic floor ultrasonography and urodynamic data for 667 consecutive symptomatic women with pelvic floor disorders. We identified on ultrasonography the presence or absence of two reflex PFMC patterns, anorectal lift (ARL) and inward clitoral motion (ICM), preceding or occurring during coughing, and evaluated their associations with possible factors affecting reflex PFMC reactivity, including patient demographics, pelvic organ prolapse stages, ultrasonography findings and urodynamic data.ResultsOf the 667 women, 560 (84.0%) clearly demonstrated reflex ARL and 536 (80.4%) demonstrated ICM. There were significant differences in age (P < 0.001), parity (P = 0.033) and menopausal status (P = 0.005) between women with and those without reflex ICM before or during coughing. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that age was the only independent factor associated with presence of reflex ICM (odds ratio, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.99), P = 0.017). In contrast, no significant differences were noted between women with and without reflex ARL.ConclusionsIncreasing age is negatively associated with the presence of reflex ICM during coughing in symptomatic women with pelvic floor disorders. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Upscaling solute transport in porous media from the pore scale to dual‐ and multicontinuum formulations
Authors: Porta G. , Chaynikov S. , Riva M. , Guadagnini A. 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
Relationship between dual continuum and pore‐scale transport formulations
Dependence of mass transfer coefficients of MRMT models on pore‐scale processes
Analytical expressions for the coefficients of the upscaled two‐equation model
Assessing chronic and climate‐induced water risk through spatially distributed cumulative deficit measures: A new picture of water sustainability in India
Authors: Devineni Naresh , Perveen Shama , Lall Upmanu 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
Spatially distributed measure of water stress integrates supply and demand
Metric assesses risk posed by within year and over-year variations in supply
Much of the water concerns could be alleviated without significant modifications
Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Preoperative Liver Optimization with Multidisciplinary Approach. Toward a Better Outcome
Authors: Ratti Francesca , Cipriani Federica , Ferla Fabio , Catena Marco , Paganelli Michele , Aldrighetti Luca A. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis and treatment of hilar tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach based on the synergy of radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and gastroenterologists. Klatskin tumor is a relatively rare disease with a poor prognosis. Currently, the only possible treatment is represented by the removal of the tumor associated with radical surgery, even though its results are still jeopardized by significant morbidity and mortality. A proper preoperative optimization of the patient, including staging laparoscopy, biliary drainage, and portal vein embolization, may improve short‐term outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term impact of preoperative optimization in patients affected by hilar cholangiocarcinoma.MethodsFrom January 2004 to May 2012, 94 patients with preoperative diagnosis of Klastkin tumors were candidates for surgery at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit of the Hospital San Raffaele in Milan. The data of all patients were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. The outcome was evaluated in terms of perioperative morbidity and mortality and overall and disease‐free survival. Short‐term outcome of patients undergoing preoperative optimization was compared with outcome of patients who did not undergo it in terms of intraoperative data, morbidity and mortality.ResultsOf 94 patients undergoing surgery, 80 underwent hepatic and biliary confluence resection. Fourteen patients were considered unresectable due to the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis or advanced disease seen during staging laparoscopy or at laparotomy and therefore were excluded from the analysis. Seventy‐five (93.7 %) patients underwent major liver resections: in 14 of these, surgery was performed at a distance of 30–40 days from PVE. In 55 patients, biliary drainage was preoperatively placed for palliation of obstructive jaundice. The postoperative morbidity rate was 51.2 % and mortality 6.2 %. The most frequent cause of death was postoperative liver failure. Five‐year survival rate was 29 %. Patients undergoing preoperative optimization experienced a significant reduction of postoperative morbidity, especially in terms of infectious related events.ConclusionsKlatskin tumor remains a disease associated with poor prognosis, but a correct preoperative diagnostic and therapeutic management provides tools to perform this type of surgery with acceptable morbidity and mortality, thus improving long‐term results.
Incidence and Treatment of Local Site Recurrences Following RFA of Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Nielsen Karin , van Tilborg Aukje A. J. M. , Meijerink Martijn R. , Macintosh Matessa O. , Zonderhuis Babs M. , de Lange Elly S. M. , Comans Emile F. I. , Meijer Sybren , van den Tol M. Petrousjka 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) who are ineligible for curative surgery are potential candidates for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Although RFA has emerged as a well accepted and documented treatment modality, there are still some reservations because of initially high rates of local site recurrences (LSR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate LSR levels following RFA treatment, with a specific focus on re‐treatment and survival.Patients and methodsAll patients ineligible for curative resection of CRLM and undergoing RFA alone or in combination with resection were prospectively included from July 2000 to December 2010 and retrospectively analyzed. Patients with untreatable extrahepatic disease were excluded. FDG PET–CT was conducted at 3–6 month intervals after RFA. Patients with LSR were evaluated for re‐treatment.ResultsA total of 132 patients were treated with RFA, which was combined with resection in 64 patients. A total of 290 lesions were ablated, with a mean number of 2.19 per patient and a mean size of 2.2 cm. Median survival was 41 months, with a 3‐ and 5‐year survival of, respectively, 60 and 30.8 %. Following initial RFA, 39 patients developed an LSR in 40 ablated lesions, and local recurrence was strongly related to lesion size. Re‐treatment could be performed in 26/39 patients, of whom eight remained disease‐free.ConclusionsRadiofrequency ablation can be applied to CRLM of less than 3 cm with curative intent. In the absence of extensive intrahepatic or extrahepatic disease, renewed treatment of local recurrences should be considered and is often successful.
Purification, characterization and cloning of a thermotolerant isoamylase produced from Bacillus sp. CICIM 304
Authors: Li Youran , Niu Dandan , Zhang Liang , Wang Zhengxiang , Shi Guiyang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A novel thermostable isoamylase, IAM, was purified to homogeneity from the newly isolated thermophilic bacterium Bacillus sp. CICIM 304. The purified monomeric protein with an estimated molecular mass of 100 kDa displayed its optimal temperature and pH at 70 °C and 6.0, respectively, with excellent thermostability between 30 and 70 °C and pH values from 5.5 to 9.0. Under the conditions of temperature 50 °C and pH 6.0, the K m and V max on glycogen were 0.403 ± 0.018 mg/mg and 0.018 ± 0.001 mg/(min mg), respectively. Gene encoding IAM, BsIam was identified from genomic DNA sequence with inverse PCRs. The open reading frame of the BsIam gene was 2,655 base pairs long and encoded a polypeptide of 885 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 101,155 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of IAM shared less than 40 % homology with that of microbial isoamylase ever reported, which indicated it was a novel isoamylase. This enzyme showed its obvious superiority in the industrial starch conversion process.
Pro‐ and Antioxidative Effect of α‐Tocopherol on Edible Oils, Triglycerides and Fatty Acids
Authors: Jerzykiewicz Maria , Ćwieląg‐Piasecka Irmina , Jezierski Adam 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUsing advanced electron paramagnetic resonance techniques (EPR), oxidation of crude vegetable oils and their components (fatty acids and triglycerides) by radicals generated from hydrogen peroxide was investigated. The correlation rotational times were determined allowing us to characterize radicals formed during edible oils oxidation. Additionally 1H‐ and 14N‐hyperfine coupling constants differentiate the fatty acids dependently on their unsaturation. The acids with a higher number of unsaturated bonds exhibit higher AN values of PBN/·lipid adduct. The waste oil with high free fatty acids content underwent the oxidation reaction more efficiently, however due to saturation and the high content of the fatty acids the carbon‐centered radicals formed (upon hydrogen peroxide radicals) and their PBN (N‐tert‐butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone) adducts were less stable. The antioxidant effect was dependent on the amount of α‐tocopherol added. In small amounts of up to 0.35 mg/1 g of fatty acid or triglyceride, it inhibited the creation of PBN/·lipid adducts while with higher amounts it intensified adduct formation. The α‐tocopherol (AT) addition influence was also studied as spin scavenging dependence and indicated that any addition of the antioxidant in the investigated samples led to free radical scavenging and the effect increased with the increase in AT content.
The Bmi‐1/NF‐κB/VEGF story: another hint for proteasome involvement in glioma angiogenesis?
Authors: Vlachostergios Panagiotis J. , Papandreou Christos N. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAngiogenesis is an essential process for sustaining tumor growth, particularly in cancer cell types with rapid proliferation, including malignant glioma. Bmi‐1 is a transcriptional regulator of the polycomb group involved in repression of gene expression by altering the state of chromatin at specific promoters. Bmi‐1 overexpression was previously implicated in glioma tumorigenesis, proliferation, self‐renewal, apoptotic resistance and invasiveness. In a recent study, Jiang et al. (PLoS One 8:e55527, 2013) have revealed the involvement of Bmi‐1/NF‐κB/VEGF pathway in promoting glioma cell‐mediated tubule formation and migration of endothelial cells and neovascularization both in vitro and in vivo. NF‐κB inhibition reversed these effects, supporting a role for Bmi‐1 in glioma angiogenesis. Given the intimate association of Bmi‐1 and NF‐κB with the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, a better understanding of protein turnover in angiogenic signaling, discussed here, provides novel implications for anti‐angiogenic treatment strategies in gliomas.
Intimate partner violence and symptoms of reproductive tract infections among married Indian women
Authors: Winter Amy , Stephenson Rob 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association of 3 types of intimate partner violence (IPV)—verbal, physical, and sexual—with self‐reported symptoms of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among married Indian women.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of population‐based data from the 2005–2006 Indian National Family Health Survey‐3 was conducted. The sample comprised 65 610 married Indian women of reproductive age (15–49 years).ResultsOverall, 23.9% of women experienced at least 1 type of IPV, and 9.6% reported at least 1 RTI symptom in the year preceding the survey. Verbal, physical, and sexual IPV each demonstrated a significant independent effect on the reporting of genital sores and abnormal genital discharge. Additionally, the more types of IPV a woman experienced, the higher her odds of also reporting genital sores and abnormal genital discharge.ConclusionNo single type of IPV explains women's risk of RTIs; rather, there are multiple pathways by which women's experience of IPV can result in RTIs. Sexual and reproductive healthcare that incorporates IPV support services is needed to meet the special needs of abused women. Additionally, RTI screening should be considered by non‐governmental organizations providing care for women who have experienced IPV, especially those who report multiple types of violence.
Attitudes and knowledge of Georgian physicians regarding cervical cancer prevention, 2010
Authors: Bednarczyk Robert A. , Butsashvili Maia , Kamkamidze George , Kajaia Maia , McNutt Louise‐Anne 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo document Georgian physician's knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning HPV, Pap smear testing, and HPV vaccination, and to assess whether physician practice might change with additional education and training.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted using a self‐administered written survey of 288 physicians practicing in 7 healthcare institutions in Tbilisi, Rustavi, and Batumi, Georgia. Data were collected on demographics, conduct of and perceived barriers to Pap smear testing, knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, and willingness to receive education and training about HPV and cervical cancer. Univariate counts and proportions were calculated. Pap smear testing and barriers were compared across demographics using bivariate and Poisson regression with robust error variance methods.ResultsOverall, 54% of physicians never performed Pap smears; most reported testing was not their responsibility. Most (88%) obstetricians/gynecologists performed Pap smears. Younger physicians were more likely to perform Pap smears. Approximately 48% of physicians actively offered the HPV vaccine. Most physicians were receptive to increased education and training about HPV and cervical cancer.ConclusionAge‐related differences in the conduct of and attitudes toward Pap smear testing exist among Georgian physicians. There is an opportunity to increase Pap smear testing and provide evidence‐based HPV vaccine counseling in Georgia.
Medical education and family planning: Developing future leaders and improving global health
Authors: Landy Uta , Blodgett Madeline , Darney Philip 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWell‐trained medical professionals are key to improving global reproductive health and reducing rates of unsafe abortion, but medical training often fails to prepare practitioners to provide essential family planning services. The field of medical education is currently undergoing reformation to better meet the needs of a global population, and comprehensive, integrated family planning training will be an important part of those reforms. Family planning training is not only vital to address global reproductive healthcare demand, but integrates effectively with cornerstones of current medical education reform: competency‐based education, leadership development, collaboration with practitioners of all levels, and global health context. Examples of successful integration of family planning education are outlined, and recommendations for integrating family planning into medical education detailed at the 2012 FIGO World Congress are discussed.
On the composition and origin depth of basaltic magma in the upper mantle
Authors: Sharapov V.N. , Perepechko Yu.V. , Kuznetsov G.V. , Sorokin K.E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe depths of mantle melting zones can be constrained by forward (in terms of physicochemical thermodynamics) or inverse (in terms of equilibrium thermodynamics) modeling. However, there is discrepancy in this respect between fluid-dynamic models of decompression melting in convecting upper mantle and thermodynamic models of basaltic magma sources beneath mid-ocean ridges. We investigate the causes of the mismatch in melting depth predictions with reference to the magmatic systems of the Basin and Range Province in the western margin of North America. The inverse solutions turn out to represent melts from different substrates (depth facies) in the lithospheric mantle, while modeling decompression melting in convecting fertile upper mantle refers to the depths the faults in spreading zones never reach. The discrepancy between forward and inverse solutions may be due to the fact that the respective depth estimates correspond to different levels of the same mantle–crust magmatic systems.