bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catabolic flexibility of mammalian-associated lactobacilli
Authors: O’Donnell Michelle M , O’Toole Paul W , Ross Reynolds Paul 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMetabolic flexibility may be generally defined as “the capacity for the organism to adapt fuel oxidation to fuel availability”. The metabolic diversification strategies used by individual bacteria vary greatly from the use of novel or acquired enzymes to the use of plasmid-localised genes and transporters. In this review, we describe the ability of lactobacilli to utilise a variety of carbon sources from their current or new environments in order to grow and survive. The genusLactobacillusnow includes more than 150 species, many with adaptive capabilities, broad metabolic capacity and species/strain variance. They are therefore, an informative example of a cell factory capable of adapting to new niches with differing nutritional landscapes. Indeed, lactobacilli naturally colonise and grow in a wide variety of environmental niches which include the roots and foliage of plants, silage, various fermented foods and beverages, the human vagina and the mammalian gastrointestinal tract (GIT; including the mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine). Here we primarily describe the metabolic flexibility of some lactobacilli isolated from the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, and we also describe some of the food-associated species with a proven ability to adapt to the GIT. As examples this review concentrates on the following species -Lb. plantarum,Lb. acidophilus,Lb. ruminis,Lb. salivarius,Lb. reuteriandLb. sakei, to highlight the diversity and inter-relationships between the catabolic nature of species within the genus.
Performance assessment in brain-computer interface-based augmentative and alternative communication
Authors: Thompson David E , Blain-Moraes Stefanie , Huggins Jane E 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A large number of incommensurable metrics are currently used to report the performance of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) used for augmentative and alterative communication (AAC). The lack of standard metrics precludes the comparison of different BCI-based AAC systems, hindering rapid growth and development of this technology. This paper presents a review of the metrics that have been used to report performance of BCIs used for AAC from January 2005 to January 2012. We distinguish between Level 1 metrics used to report performance at the output of the BCI Control Module, which translates brain signals into logical control output, and Level 2 metrics at the Selection Enhancement Module, which translates logical control to semantic control. We recommend that: (1) the commensurate metrics Mutual Information or Information Transfer Rate (ITR) be used to report Level 1 BCI performance, as these metrics represent information throughput, which is of interest in BCIs for AAC; 2) the BCI-Utility metric be used to report Level 2 BCI performance, as it is capable of handling all current methods of improving BCI performance; (3) these metrics should be supplemented by information specific to each unique BCI configuration; and (4) studies involving Selection Enhancement Modules should report performance at both Level 1 and Level 2 in the BCI system. Following these recommendations will enable efficient comparison between both BCI Control and Selection Enhancement Modules, accelerating research and development of BCI-based AAC systems.
A variable step-size gradient adaptive lattice algorithm for multiple sinusoidal interference cancelation
Authors: Kim Seong-woo , Park Young-cheol , Youn Dae Hee 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In passive sonar, adaptive algorithms can be used to cancel strong sinusoidal self-interferences. In order to correctly recover low-power target signals during the early stages of processing, these adaptive algorithms must provide fast convergence and, at the same time, narrow notches at the frequencies of the sinusoids. In this respect, the gradient adaptive lattice (GAL) algorithm is a very attractive choice. However, the GAL algorithm with a constant step-size parameter has to compromise between the convergence rate and notch bandwidths. Therefore, in this article, we propose a variable step-size scheme for the GAL algorithm that can achieve both a fast convergence rate and narrow notches. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm compared to both the conventional GAL algorithm and transversal adaptive filter combined with the variable step-size scheme.
The utility of surgical lung biopsy in cancer patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Kao Kuo-Chin , Hu Han-Chung , Hung Chen-Yiu , Li Li-Fu , Wu Ching-Yang , Wang Chih-Wei , Fu Jui-Ying , Huang Chung-Chi , Chen Ning-Hung , Yang Cheng-Ta , Tsai Ying-Huang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
This retrospective study evaluated the utility and safety of surgical lung biopsy (SLB) in cancer patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods
All cases of critically ill patients with cancer and diagnosed with ARDS who underwent SLB in a tertiary care hospital from January 2002 to July 2009 were reviewed. Clinical data including patient baseline characteristics, surgical complications, pathological findings, treatment alterations, and survival outcomes were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results
A total of 16 critically ill patients with cancer diagnosed with ARDS who underwent SLB were enrolled. The meantime from ARDS onset to SLB was 3.0 ± 1.5 days. All SLB specimens offered a pathological diagnosis, and specific diagnoses were made in 9 of 16 patients. Biopsy findings resulted in a change in therapy in 11 of 16 patients. Overall, the SLB surgical complication rate was 19% (3/16). SLB did not directly cause the observed operative mortality. The ICU mortality rate was 38% (6/16). Patients who switched therapies after SLB had a trend toward decreased mortality than patients without a change in therapy (27% versus 60%; P = 0.299).

Conclusions
In selected critically ill cancer patients with ARDS, SLB had a high diagnostic yield rate and an acceptable surgical complication rate.
Dandy-Walker malformation and Wisconsin syndrome: novel cases add further insight into the genotype-phenotype correlations of 3q23q25 deletions
Authors: Ferraris Alessandro , Bernardini Laura , Sabolic Avramovska Vesna , Zanni Ginevra , Loddo Sara , Sukarova-Angelovska Elena , Parisi Valentina , Capalbo Anna , Tumini Stefano , Travaglini Lorena , Mancini Francesca , Duma Filip , Barresi Sabina , Novelli Antonio , Mercuri Eugenio , Tarani Luigi ,   Italian CBCD Study Group, Bertini Enrico , Dallapiccola Bruno , Valente Enza Maria 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is one of the commonest congenital cerebellar defects, and can be associated with multiple congenital anomalies and chromosomal syndromes. The occurrence of overlapping 3q deletions including theZIC1andZIC4genes in few patients, along with data from mouse models, have implicated both genes in the pathogenesis of DWM.Methods and resultsUsing a SNP-array approach, we recently identified three novel patients carrying heterozygous 3q deletions encompassingZIC1andZIC4. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that only two had a typical DWM, while the third did not present any defect of the DWM spectrum. SNP-array analysis in further eleven children diagnosed with DWM failed to identify deletions ofZIC1-ZIC4. The clinical phenotype of the three 3q deleted patients included multiple congenital anomalies and peculiar facial appearance, related to the localization and extension of each deletion. In particular, phenotypes resulted from the variable combination of three recognizable patterns: DWM (with incomplete penetrance); blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome; and Wisconsin syndrome (WS), recently mapped to 3q.ConclusionsOur data indicate that the 3q deletion is a rare defect associated with DWM, and suggest that the hemizygosity ofZIC1-ZIC4genes is neither necessary nor sufficientper seto cause this condition. Furthermore, based on a detailed comparison of clinical features and molecular data from 3q deleted patients, we propose clinical diagnostic criteria and refine the critical region for WS.
The internet user profile of Italian families of patients with rare diseases: a web survey
Authors: Tozzi Alberto E , Mingarelli Rita , Agricola Eleonora , Gonfiantini Michaela , Pandolfi Elisabetta , Carloni Emanuela , Gesualdo Francesco , Dallapiccola Bruno 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The use of the Internet for searching and sharing health information and for health care interactions may have a great potential for families of children affected with rare diseases. We conducted an online survey among Italian families of patients with rare diseases with the objective to describe their Internet user profile, and to explore how Internet use affects their health decisions.

Methods
All members of UNIAMIO FIMR, a federation of associations of patients with rare diseases, were invited via mail to participate in an online questionnaire including questions on socio-demographic and clinical information, Internet use with a specific focus on health, and impact of web information on health behaviors. Logistic regression models were used to explore the effect of socio-demographic variables and Internet user profile on dependent variables representing the impact of web information on health behaviors. Multiple imputation by chained equations was applied.

Results
A total of 516 parents of patients with rare diseases completed the online questionnaire. Mean age was 43 years. 87% of respondents accessed the Internet daily, 40% through their smartphones. 99% had an email account, 71% had a Facebook account. 66% participate in an online forum on health. 99% searched for information on disease characteristics, 93% on therapy, 89% on diagnosis, 63% on alternative therapies, 62% on nutrition and 54% on future pregnancies. 82% stated that web information increased comprehension of the disease, 65% that it improved management of the disease. For 52% web information increased his or her anxiety. 62% recognized diagnosis, 69% discussed online information with their physician. People participating in forums more frequently stated that Internet information was useful for recognizing their child’s disease (OR 1.68; 95%CI 1.08-2.63) and for improving its management (OR 1.77; 95%CI 1.11-2.81).

Conclusion
Italian parents of patients with rare diseases are active Internet users, engaged in information search and in online communities.
Physicians, health care facilities and health agencies have a great opportunity to engage in online interactions for empowering families of patients of children affected with rare diseases.
TSH receptor antibodies have predictive value for breast cancer – retrospective analysis
Authors: Szychta Paweł , Szychta Wojciech , Gesing Adam , Lewiński Andrzej , Karbownik-Lewińska Małgorzata 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Associations between breast cancer and thyroid disorders are reported in numerous studies. Relationships between thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and breast cancer have been previously demonstrated. However, no analysis has been performed concerning an association between thyrotropin (TSH) receptor antibodies (TSHRAb) and breast cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of breast cancer or benign breast tumors in patients with Graves’ disease and to analyze a possible relationship between Graves’ disease and these two groups of breast diseases with emphasis to epidemiology and laboratory findings.

Patients and methods
Clinical and laboratory details of 2003 women hospitalized for endocrine disorders were retrospectively analyzed, using an unpaired Student’s t-test, logistic regression analysis, χ
2 test of independence or the two-sided ratio comparison test.

Results
The coexistence of Graves’ disease and breast cancer was statistically significant. We observed TSHRAb and TgAb more frequently in patients with breast cancer. We found that TSHRAb is the only variable possessing predictive value for breast cancer.

Conclusions
The strong relationship between Graves’ disease and breast cancer is proposed. We suggest that TSHRAb could be described as a positive determinant of breast cancer. The present data call attention to the usefulness of screening for breast cancer in long-term follow-up of patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders, especially of those with Graves’ disease. Similarly, screening for autoimmune thyroid disorders should be performed in patients with nodular breast disease. Additionally, the article draws ideas for further research in order to develop targeted treatment for more successful outcome in patients with breast cancer.
Implication of Insulin Receptor A Isoform and IRA/IGF-IR Hybrid Receptors in the Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation: Role of TNF-α and IGF-II
Authors: Gómez-Hernández Almudena , Escribano Óscar , Perdomo Liliana , Otero Yolanda F. , García-Gómez Gema , Fernández Silvia , Beneit Nuria , Benito Manuel 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTo assess the role of insulin receptor (IR) isoforms (IRA and IRB) in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) involved in the atherosclerotic process, we generated new VSMC lines bearing IR (wild-type VSMCs; IRLoxP+/+ VSMCs), lacking IR (IR−/− VSMCs) or expressing IRA (IRA VSMCs) or IRB (IRB VSMCs). Insulin and different proatherogenic stimuli induced a significant increase of IRA expression in IRLoxP+/+ VSMCs. Moreover, insulin, through ERK signaling, and the proatherogenic stimuli, through ERK and p38 signaling, induced a higher proliferation in IRA than IRB VSMCs. The latter effect might be due to IRA cells showing a higher expression of angiotensin II, endothelin 1, and thromboxane 2 receptors and basal association between IRA and these receptors. Furthermore, TNF-α induced in a ligand-dependent manner a higher association between IRA and TNF-α receptor 1 (TNF-R1). On the other hand, IRA overexpression might favor the atherogenic actions of IGF-II. Thereby, IGF-II or TNF-α induced IRA and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) overexpression as well as an increase of IRA/IGF-IR hybrid receptors in VSMCs. More importantly, we observed a significant increase of IRA, TNF-R1, and IGF-IR expression as well as higher association of IRA with TNF-R1 or IGF-IR in the aorta from ApoE−/− and BATIRKO mice, 2 models showing vascular damage. In addition, anti–TNF-α treatment prevented those effects in BATIRKO mice. Finally, our data suggest that the IRA isoform and its association with TNF-R1 or IGF-IR confers proliferative advantage to VSMCs, mainly in response to TNF-α or IGF-II, which might be of significance in the early atherosclerotic process.
ERα-Targeted Therapy in Ovarian Cancer Cells by a Novel Estradiol-Platinum(II) Hybrid
Authors: Brasseur K. , Leblanc V. , Fabi F. , Parent S. , Descôteaux C. , Bérubé G. , Asselin E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAs we previously showed, we have synthesized a new family of 17β-estradiol-platinum(II) hybrids. Earlier studies revealed the VP-128 hybrid to show high efficiency compared with cisplatin toward hormone-dependent breast cancer cells. In the present research, we have studied the antitumor activity of VP-128 in vitro and in vivo against ovarian cancer. In nude mice with ovarian xenografts, VP-128 displayed selective activity toward hormone-dependent tumors and showed higher efficiency than cisplatin to inhibit tumor growth. Similarly, in vitro, transient transfection of estrogen receptor (ER)-α in ERα-negative A2780 cells increased their sensitivity to VP-128-induced apoptosis, confirming the selectivity of VP-128 toward hormone-dependent tumor cells. In agreement, Western blot analysis revealed that VP-128 induced higher caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage compared with cisplatin. The activation of caspase-independent apoptosis was also observed in ERα-negative A2780 cells, in which VP-128 rapidly induced the translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor to the nucleus. Conversely, subcellular localization of apoptosis-inducing factor was not modified in ERα-positive Ovcar-3 cells. We also discovered that VP-128 induces autophagy in ovarian cancer cells because of the formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) and increase of Light Chain 3B-II protein responsible for the formation of autophagosomes; pathways related to autophagy (AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin) were also down-regulated, supporting this mechanism. Finally, the inhibition of autophagy using chloroquine increased VP-128 efficiency, indicating a possible combination therapy. Altogether these results highlight the beneficial value of VP-128 for the treatment of hormone-dependent ovarian cancers and provide preliminary proof of concept for the efficient targeting of ERα- by 17β-estradiol-Pt(II)-linked chemotherapeutic hybrids in these tumors.
Oligosaccharide Analysis in Urine by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for the Diagnosis of Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Authors: Xia Baoyun , Asif Ghazia , Arthur Leonard , Pervaiz Muhammad A , Li Xueli , Liu Renpeng , Cummings Richard D , He Miao 
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUNDThere are 45 known genetic diseases that impair the lysosomal degradation of macromolecules. The loss of a single lysosomal hydrolase leads to the accumulation of its undegraded substrates in tissues and increases of related glycoconjugates in urine, some of which can be detected by screening of free oligosaccharides (FOS) in urine. Traditional 1-dimensional TLC for urine oligosaccharide analysis has limited analytical specificity and sensitivity. We developed fast and robust urinary FOS and glycoaminoacid analyses by MALDI–time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of oligosaccharidoses and other lysosomal storage diseases.METHODSThe FOS in urine equivalent to 0.09 mg creatinine were purified through sequential passage over a Sep-Pak C18 column and a carbograph column and were then permethylated. MALDI-TOF/TOF was used to analyze the permethylated FOS. We studied urine samples from individuals in 7 different age groups ranging from 0–1 months to ≥17 years as well as urine from known patients with different lysosomal storage diseases.RESULTSWe identified diagnostic urinary FOS patterns for α-mannosidosis, galactosialidosis, mucolipidosis type II/III, sialidosis, α-fucosidosis, aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU), Pompe disease, Gaucher disease, and GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis. Interestingly, the increase in urinary FOS characteristic of lysosomal storage diseases relative to normal FOS appeared to correlate with the disease severity.CONCLUSIONSThe analysis of urinary FOS by MALDI-TOF/TOF is a powerful tool for first-tier screening of oligosaccharidoses and lysosomal storage diseases.
Eu3+, Bi3+ codoped Lu2O3 nanopowders: Synthesis and luminescent properties
Authors: Morales Ramírez Angel , García Hernández Margarita , Yepez Ávila Jonathan , García Murillo Antonieta , Carrillo Romo Felipe , de la Rosa Elder , Garibay Febles Vicente , Reyes Miranda Joan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Core Structures of Dislocations within CdTe Grains
Authors: Li Chen , Pennycook Timothy J. , Leonard Donovan N. , Jones Kim , Wang Zhiwei , Al-Jassim Mowafak , Paudel Naba , Yan Yanfa , Pennycook Stephen J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTCdTe is well known as an excellent photovoltaic material for high efficiency solar cell applications because it has a direct band-gap, low fabrication cost and high optical absorption coefficient. However, the nonradiative recombination and low average minority carrier lifetime caused by the defects in CdTe solar cells limit its efficiency. So far, grain boundaries (GB) have been considered to be the major origin of the nonradiative recombination. However, we show that CdTe grains contain many dislocations that could limit device efficiency. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to determine the atomic structure of intrinsic and extrinsic stacking faults and their terminating partial dislocation cores. Z-contrast images are sensitive to atomic number and are able to distinguish Cd and Te atomic columns. Unpaired Cd and Te atomic columns were found to form the partial dislocation cores, suggesting the presence of dangling bonds. These defects are likely to be electrically active, and may be the origin of the low minority carrier lifetime.
Improvement of Minority Carrier Lifetime in Thick 4H-SiC Epi-layers by Multiple Thermal Oxidations and Anneals
Authors: Cheng Lin , O’Loughlin Michael J. , Suvorov Alexander V. , Van Brunt Edward R. , Burk Albert A. , Agarwal Anant K. , Palmour John W. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper details the development of a technique to improve the minority carrier lifetime of 4H-SiC thick (≥ 100 μm) n-type epitaxial layers through multiple thermal oxidations. A steady improvement in lifetime is seen with each oxidation step, improving from a starting ambipolar carrier lifetime of 1.09 µs to 11.2 µs after 4 oxidation steps and a high-temperature anneal. This multiple-oxidation lifetime enhancement technique is compared to a single high-temperature oxidation step, and a carbon implantation followed by a high-temperature anneal, which are traditional ways to achieve high ambipolar lifetime in 4H-SiC n-type epilayers. The multiple oxidation treatment resulted in a high minimum carrier lifetime of 6 µs, compared to < 2 µs for other treatments. The implications of lifetime enhancement to high-voltage/high-current 4H-SiC power devices are also discussed.
Strain States in YSZ / RE2O3 (RE = Er, Y) Multilayers as a Function of Layer Thickness and Their Effect on Interface Conductivity and Diffusion
Authors: Keppner J. , Korte C. , Schubert J. , Zander W. , Ziegner M. , Stolten D. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study the strain states in alternating multilayers of an extrinsic O2− ion conductor yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and an insulator RE2O3 (RE = Er, Y) are investigated as a function of the layer thickness. Multilayers with narrow columnar crystallites and coherent phase boundaries were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). A detailed strain analysis is performed by X-Ray Diffraction XRD, measuring distinct reflections in and perpendicular to the interface planes. Because of small columnar crystallites in the layers, the interfacial strain decays by shear with increasing distance from the interface. The extent of the strained interface regions in the YSZ layers is estimated from XRD data. By using a quantitative analytical model based on the pressure dependence of the free migration enthalpy for vacancies the results are compared to former published experimental data on O2− ion conductivity and diffusion.
Advantages of Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxidant for Atomic Layer Deposition and Related Novel Delivery System
Authors: Spiegelman Jeff , Alvarez Dan , Holmes Russell J. , Heinlein Ed , Shamsi Zohreh 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTProposed is the use of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) as the ideal oxidant for atomic layer deposition of metal oxide films. H2O2 has similar oxidation properties to Ozone while simultaneously having slightly stronger proton transfer properties than water. Vital to the success of any vapor phase chemistry is delivery of stable compositions, temperature and pressure. This study demonstrates the viability of a new membrane technology for the precise delivery of H2O2/ H2O mixtures starting from a liquid range of 30-70%. An in-situ gas phase cleaning process to remove carbon contamination from Ge(100) surfaces using gas phase H2O2 has been characterized.