bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platinum‐Coated Porous Gold Nanorods in Methanol Electrooxidation: Dependence of Catalytic Activity on Ligament Size
Authors: Yoo Sang‐Hoon , Liu Lichun , Cho Sang Hyun , Park Sungho 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHere we demonstrate that, in the dealloying process of Au–Ag nanorods, temperature is the key parameter for producing porous Au nanorods with tunable ligament sizes. The vertically aligned Au–Ag alloy nanorods were first synthesized by the electrochemical co‐deposition of Au and Ag onto anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane templates. Porous Au nanorods were then obtained by selectively etching Ag away from the precursor Au–Ag alloy nanorods. Control of the ligament size was achieved by controlling the dealloying temperature. Pt deposited on the porous Au nanorods with smaller ligaments exhibited a higher catalytic activity during methanol electrooxidation than those deposited on nanorods with larger ligaments produced by dealloying at higher temperatures. The strong dependence of the catalytic activity on the ligament size of porous Au is principally due to different amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) generated during methanol electrooxidation. Less CO was generated as the ligament size decreased. This finding is of importance for developing highly efficient cathode materials for carrying out methanol electrooxidation in practical applications in which porous Au with a large surface area is used as a supporting substrate.
A consideration of the evidence that genetic defects in planar cell polarity contribute to the etiology of human neural tube defects
Authors: Juriloff Diana M. , Harris Muriel J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA variety of human birth defects originate in failure of closure of the embryonic neural tube. The genetic cause of the most common nonsyndromic defects, spina bifida (SB) or anencephaly, is considered to be combinations of variants at multiple genes. The genes contributing to the etiology of neural tube closure defects (NTDs) are unknown. Mutations in planar cell polarity (PCP) genes in mice cause a variety of defects including the NTD, craniorachischisis, and sometimes SB or exencephaly (EX); they also demonstrate the role of digenic combinations of PCP mutants in NTDs. Recent studies have sought rare predicted‐to‐be‐deleterious alterations (putative mutations) in coding sequence of PCP genes in human cases with various anomalies of the neural tube. This review summarizes the cumulative results of these studies according to a framework based on the embryopathogenesis of NTDs, and considers some of the insights from the approaches used and the limitations. Rare putative mutations in the PCP genesVANGL2,SCRIB,DACT1, andCELSR1cumulatively contributed to over 20% of cases with craniorachischisis, a rare defect; no contributing variants were found forPRICKLE1orPTK7. PCP rare putative mutations had a weaker role in myelomeningocele (SB), being found in approximately 6% of cases and cumulated acrossCELSR1,FUZ,FZD6,PRICKLE1,VANGL1, andVANGL2. These results demonstrate that PCP gene alterations contribute to the etiology of human NTDs. We recommend that future research should explore other types of PCP gene variant such as regulatory mutations and low frequency (1 to 5%) deleterious polymorphisms. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptional analyses of two mouse models of spina bifida
Authors: Cabrera Robert M. , Finnell Richard H. , Zhu Huiping , Shaw Gary M. , Wlodarczyk Bogdan J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpina bifida is one of the most common of all human structural birth defects. Despite considerable effort over several decades, the causes and mechanisms underlying this malformation remain poorly characterized.METHODSTo better understand the pathogenesis of this abnormality, we conducted a microarray study using Mouse Whole Genome Bioarrays which have ∼36,000 gene targets, to compare gene expression profiles between two mouse models; CXL‐Splotch and FKBP8Gt(neo) which express a similar spina bifida phenotype. We anticipated that there would be a collection of overlapping genes or shared genetic pathways at the molecular level indicative of a common mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of spina bifida during embryonic development.RESULTSA total of 54 genes were determined to be differentially expressed (25 downregulated, 29 upregulated) in the FKBP8Gt(neo) mouse embryos; whereas 73 genes were differentially expressed (56 downregulated, 17 upregulated) in the CXL‐Splotch mouse relative to their wild‐type controls. Remarkably, the only two genes that showed decreased expression in both mutants were v‐ski sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ski), and Zic1, a transcription factor member of the zinc finger family. Confirmation analysis using quantitative real‐time (qRT)‐PCR indicated that only Zic1 was significantly decreased in both mutants. Gene ontology analysis revealed striking enrichment of genes associated with mesoderm and central nervous system development in the CXL‐Splotch mutant embryos, whereas in the FKBP8Gt(neo) mutants, the genes involved in dorsal/ventral pattern formation, cell fate specification, and positive regulation of cell differentiation were most likely to be enriched. These results indicate that there are multiple pathways and gene networks perturbed in mouse embryos with shared phenotypes. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of outcomes of liver resection for early hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Lim K-C , Chow P K-H , Allen J C , Siddiqui F J , Chan E S-Y , Tan S-B 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Long-term overall survival after liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria has been reported to improve in recent years. This study systematically reviewed the outcomes of surgical resection for HCC in patients with good liver function and meeting the Milan criteria for early HCC, published in the past 10 years.

Methods
A literature search was conducted in PubMed for papers on outcomes of surgical resection for HCC published between January 2000 and December 2010. Cochrane systematic review methodology was used for this review. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included operative mortality and disease-free survival. Studies that focused on geriatric populations, paediatric populations, a subset of the Milan criteria (such solitary tumours) or included patients with incidental tumours were excluded, as were case reports, conference abstracts, and studies with a large proportion of Child–Pugh grade C liver cirrhosis or unknown Child–Pugh status.

Results
Of 152 studies reviewed, two randomized clinical trials and 27 retrospective case series were eligible for inclusion. The 5-year overall survival rate after resection of HCC ranged from 27 to 81 (median 67) per cent, and the median disease-free survival rate from 21 to 57 (median 37) per cent. There was a trend towards improved overall survival in recent years. The operative mortality rate ranged from 0 to 5 (median 0·7) per cent.

Conclusion
Surgical resection offers good overall survival for patients with HCC within the Milan criteria and with good liver function, although recurrence rates remain high. Outcomes have tended to improve in more recent years.
Predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with poorly differentiated early gastric cancer
Authors: Lee J H , Choi M-G , Min B-H , Noh J H , Sohn T S , Bae J M , Kim S 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Endoscopic submucosal dissection is gaining popularity in the treatment of early gastric cancer. This study aimed to identify clinicopathological factors predictive of lymph node metastasis in patients with the poorly differentiated early gastric cancer to assess the feasibility of using endoscopic submucosal dissection for these cancers.

Methods
The records of patients with poorly differentiated early gastric cancer who had undergone gastric cancer surgery between January 2002 and December 2009 were reviewed. Associations between clinicopathological factors and the presence of lymph node metastasis were analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results
Some 1005 patients were included in the analysis. Univariable analysis indicated that lymph node metastasis was associated with sex, ulceration, tumour size, depth of invasion, macroscopic type, lymphatic invasion and venous invasion. Logistic regression revealed that lymph node metastasis was significantly associated with sex, tumour size, depth of tumour invasion and lymphatic involvement. In the group with none of these risk factors (men with mucosal tumour no larger than 2 cm in size, with no lymphatic involvement), lymph node metastasis was present in four (3·2 per cent) of 124 patients.

Conclusion
In the present study 3·2 per cent of patients who were negative for all identified risk factors had lymph node metastasis. The use of endoscopic submucosal dissection should be considered carefully in the treatment of poorly differentiated early gastric cancer.
Quantitative determination of paclitaxel and its metabolites, 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel and p‐3′‐hydroxypaclitaxel, in human plasma using column‐switching liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Fujikawa Asuka , Ito Hajime , Tanaka Nobuaki , Furugen Ayako , Miyamori Kazuaki , Takahashi Natsuko , Ogura Jiro , Kobayashi Masaki , Yamada Takehiro , Mano Nariyasu , Iseki Ken 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTA column‐switching liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to determine paclitaxel and its metabolites, 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel and p‐3′‐hydroxypaclitaxel, in human plasma was developed. The analytical system had a Shim‐Pack MAYI‐ODS (10 × 4.6 mm i.d.) trapping column with deproteinization ability that concentrates analytes and removes water‐soluble components. This method covered a linearity range of 5–5000 ng/mL of concentrations in plasma for paclitaxel, a range of 0.87–870 ng/mL for 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel and a range of 0.87–435 ng/mL for p‐3′‐hydroxypaclitaxel. The intra‐day precision and inter‐day precision of analysis were less than 11.1%, and the accuracy was within ±14.4% at concentrations of 5, 50, 500 and 5000 ng/mL for paclitaxel, 0.87, 8.7, 87 and 870 ng/mL for 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel, and 0.87, 8.7, 87 and 435 ng/mL for p‐3′‐hydroxypaclitaxel. The total run time was 30 min. Our method was successfully applied to clinical pharmacokinetic investigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of cnidilin and its two metabolites in rat bile and stool after oral administration by HPLC/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Hong , Ren Yanping , Sun Yingguang , Chang Lu , Cao Liang , Xu Huijin , Zhang Lantong 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTA simple, fast and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of cnidilin and its two metabolites (M1 and M2) in rat bile and stool using HPLC coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS) has been developed. The sample pretreatment was simple, because methanol was the only additive used for dilution of bile and ultrasound of stool. Pimpinellin was used as internal standard (IS). The separation was performed on a reverse phase C18 column with gradient elution consisting of 0.5‰ aqueous formic acid and methanol (containing 0.5‰ formic acid). The detection was in the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode within 7 min. All the analytes were in accordance with the requirement of the validation of the method in vivo (linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantification). After oral administrating 24 mg/kg of the prototype drug cnidilin, M1 and M2 were determined in bile within 36 h, and in stool within 60 h. Cnidilin in bile was completely excreted in 24 h, and the main excretive amount of cnidilin was 80% in the first 6 h, but the drug recovery in bile within 24 h was <1.95%. In stool, the main excretive amount of cnidilin was 95.8% in the first 24 h, and the drug recovery within 48 h was lower than 1.48%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolutionary Imprint of Catalytic Domains in Fungal PKS–NRPS Hybrids
Authors: Boettger Daniela , Bergmann Holger , Kuehn Barbara , Shelest Ekaterina , Hertweck Christian 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFungal hybrid enzymes consisting of a polyketide synthase (PKS) and a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) module are involved in the biosynthesis of a vast array of ecologically and medicinally relevant natural products. Whereas a dozen gene clusters could be assigned to the requisite PKS–NRPS pathways, the programming of the multifunctional enzymes is still enigmatic. Through engineering and heterologously expressing a chimera of PKS (lovastatin synthase, LovB) and NRPS (cytochalasin synthase, CheA) in Aspergillus terreus, we noted the potential incompatibility of a fungal highly reducing PKS (hrPKS) with the NRPS component of fungal PKS–NRPS hybrids. To rationalize the unexpected outcome of the gene fusion experiments, we conducted extensive bioinformatic analyses of fungal PKS–NRPS hybrids and LovB‐type PKS. From motif studies and the function of the engineered chimeras, a noncanonical function of C‐terminal condensation (C) domains in truncated PKS–NRPS homologues was inferred. More importantly, sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees revealed an evolutionary imprint of the PKS–NRPS domains, which reflect the evolutionary history of the entire megasynthase. Furthermore, a detailed investigation of C and adenylation (A) domains provides support for a scenario in which not only the A domain but also the C domain participates in amino acid selection. These findings shed new light on the complex code of this emerging class of multifunctional enzymes and will greatly facilitate future combinatorial biosynthesis and pathway engineering approaches towards natural product analogues.
Unusual CC Bond Isomerization of an α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Butyrolactone Catalysed by Flavoproteins from the Old Yellow Enzyme Family
Authors: Durchschein Katharina , Wallner Silvia , Macheroux Peter , Zangger Klaus , Fabian Walter M. F. , Faber Kurt 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAn unexpected, redox‐neutral CC bond isomerization of a γ‐butyrolactone bearing an exo‐methylene unit to the thermodynamically more favoured endo isomer (kcat=0.076 s−1) catalysed by flavoproteins from the Old Yellow Enzyme family was discovered. Theoretical calculations and kinetic data support a mechanism through which the isomerization proceeds through FMN‐mediated hydride addition onto exo‐Cβ, followed by hydride abstraction from endo‐Cβ′, which is in line with the well‐established CC bond bioreduction of OYEs. This new isomerase activity enriches the catalytic versatility of ene‐reductases.
Transcatheter “thrombin‐blood patch” injection: A novel and effective approach to treat catheterization‐related arterial perforation
Authors: Maluenda Gabriel , Mitulescu Lavinia , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Sardi Gabriel , Romaguera Rafael , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron , Bernardo Nelson L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the safety and feasibility of transcatheter “thrombin‐blood patch” (TBP) injection to treat catheterization‐related arterial vascular access perforation.BackgroundVascular access complications are infrequent but potentially life threatening conditions related to percutaneous procedures. Surgical vascular repair are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality due to advanced cardiovascular disease.MethodsFrom October 2007 to July 2010 we studied 23 patients who presented active access arterial bleeding after percutaneous procedures and underwent transcatheter angiographic guided TBP injection across the entry site of the arterial perforation as a primary approach.ResultsThe mean age of the population was 67 years, predominantly female (78.3%) with high rate of comorbidities including diabetes (30.4%), prior coronary revascularization (50.0%), chronic renal failure (43.5%), and heart failure (56.5%). Thirteen patients (56.5%) developed severe hypotension after the index procedure. The repair procedure had a mean duration of 82 ± 57 minutes. TBP was injected in all patients. One case additionally required covered‐stent to obtain hemostasis. Angiographic success was achieved in the 23 patients; however, one case required a second intervention due to recurrent bleeding, which was effectively treated using covered‐stent. All patients were discharged alive and no major cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction/stroke, were observed.ConclusionsTranscatheter “thrombin‐blood patch” injection is a safe, novel technique that allows prompt percutaneous approach to treat catheterization‐related arterial perforation. This strategy appears particularly attractive to treat patients who cannot tolerate “open” vascular reconstruction and repair. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smoking status and survival in the national comprehensive cancer network non–small cell lung cancer cohort
Authors: Ferketich Amy K. , Niland Joyce C. , Mamet Rizvan , Zornosa Carrie , D'Amico Thomas A. , Ettinger David S. , Kalemkerian Gregory P. , Pisters Katherine M. , Reid Mary E. , Otterson Gregory A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:The objectives of this study were to evaluate survival among current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers who are diagnosed with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).METHODS:The study included patients who participated in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's NSCLC Database Project. Current, former, and never smokers were compared with respect to overall survival by fitting Cox regression models.RESULTS:Data from 4200 patients were examined, including 618 never smokers, 1483 current smokers, 380 former smokers who quit 1 to 12 months before diagnosis, and 1719 former smokers who quit >12 months before diagnosis. Among patients with stage I, II, and III disease, only never smokers had better survival than current smokers (hazard ratio, 0.47 [95% confidence interval, 0.26‐0.85] vs 0.51 [95% confidence interval, 0.38‐0.68], respectively). Among patients with stage IV disease, the impact of smoking depended on age: Among younger patients (aged ≤55 years), being a never smoker and a former smoker for ≥12 months increased survival. After age 85 years, smoking status did not have a significant impact on overall survival.CONCLUSIONS:Patients who were smoking at the time of diagnosis had worse survival compared with never smokers. Among younger patients with stage IV disease, current smokers also had worse survival compared with former smokers who quit >12 months before diagnosis. It is likely that tumor biology plays a major role in the differences observed; however, to improve survival, it is prudent to encourage all smokers to quit smoking if they are diagnosed with NSCLC. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Diffusion‐Barrier‐Free Porous Carbon Monoliths as a New Form of Activated Carbon
Authors: Kubo Takashi , Sakamoto Hirotoshi , Fujimori Toshihiko , Itoh Tsutomu , Ohba Tomonori , Kanoh Hirofumi , Martínez‐Escandell Manuel , Ramos‐Fernández José M. , Casco Mirian , Rodríguez‐Reinoso Francisco , Urita Koki , Moriguchi Isamu , Endo Morinobu , Kaneko Katsumi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFor the practical use of activated carbon (AC) as an adsorbent of CH4, tightly packed monoliths with high microporosity are supposed to be one of the best morphologies in terms of storage capacity per apparent volume of the adsorbent material. However, monolith‐type ACs may cause diffusion obstacles in adsorption processes owing to their necked pore structures among the densely packed particles, which result in a lower adsorption performance than that of the corresponding powder ACs. To clarify the relationship between the pore structure and CH4 adsorptivity, microscopic observations, structural studies on the nanoscale, and conductivity measurements (thermal and electrical) were performed on recently developed binder‐free, self‐sinterable ACs in both powder and monolithic forms. The monolith samples exhibited higher surface areas and electrical conductivities than the corresponding powder samples. Supercritical CH4 adsorption isotherms were measured for each powder and monolith sample at up to 7 MPa at 263, 273, and 303 K to elucidate their isosteric heats of adsorption and adsorption rate constants, which revealed that the morphologies of the monolith samples did not cause serious drawbacks for the adsorption and desorption processes. This will further facilitate the availability of diffusion‐barrier‐free microporous carbon monoliths as practical CH4 storage adsorbents.
A heat‐inducible CRE/LOXP gene induction system in medaka
Authors: Kobayashi Kayo , Kamei Yasuhiro , Kinoshita Masato , Czerny Thomas , Tanaka Minoru 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe established three lines of transgenic medaka, a heat‐shock element (HSE) monitor line (hse‐GFP line), heat‐inducible driver lines (hse‐cre lines), and effector lines (gapdh‐loxP[DsRed]‐GFP lines). We employed these to comprehensively analyze gene induction at different time points in various tissues. These analyses demonstrate a good response of synthetic HSEs by heat treatment during embryogenesis and the mosaic gene induction by cre/loxP‐mediated recombination, thus providing practical information regarding the feasibility of a heat‐inducible cre/loxP‐mediated system in medaka. We also activated recombination by local heat‐treatment using a metal probe and an infrared laser. Our results collectively indicate that these lines allow us to perform lineage tracing and mosaic analysis and provide the platform to investigate gene functions at later developmental stage and adult. genesis 51:59–67, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of latitudinal gradient and impact of logging on genetic diversity of Cedrela lilloi along the Argentine Yungas Rainforest
Authors: Inza Maria V. , Zelener Noga , Fornes Luis , Gallo Leonardo A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCedrela lilloi C. DC. (cedro coya, Meliaceae), an important south American timber species, has been historically overexploited through selective logging in Argentine Yungas Rainforest. Management and conservation programs of the species require knowledge of its genetic variation patterns; however, no information is available. Molecular genetic variability of the species was characterized to identify high‐priority populations for conservation and domestication purposes. Fourteen native populations (160 individuals) along a latitudinal gradient and with different logging's intensities were assessed by 293 polymorphic AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers. Genetic diversity was low (Ht = 0.135), according to marginal location of the species in Argentina. Most of the diversity was distributed within populations (87%). Northern populations showed significant higher genetic diversity (R2= 0.69) that agreed with latitudinal pattern of distribution of taxonomic diversity in the Yungas. Three clusters were identified by Bayesian analysis in correspondence with northern, central, and southern Yungas. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant genetic differences among latitudinal clusters even when logging (ΦRT = 0.07) and unlogging populations (ΦPT = 0.10) were separately analyzed. Loss of genetic diversity with increasing logging intensity was observed between neighboring populations with different disturbance (ΦPT = 0.03–0.10). Bottlenecks in disturbed populations are suggested as the main cause. Our results emphasize both: the necessity of maintaining the genetic diversity in protected areas that appear as possible long‐term refuges of the species; and to rescue for the national system of protected areas some high genetic diversity populations that are on private fields.