bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solid‐State Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
Authors: Harada Takunori , Moriyama Hiroshi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Chirality is a fundamental concept in nature because the biological world is homochiral, with proteins being made up of
l
‐amino acids and nucleic acids of
d
‐deoxyribose. Hence, chirality is important for the understanding of the origin of life as well as for manufacturing bioactive compounds in the food, agricultural, medicinal, and chemical industries. Chirality in the solid and condensed phases provides particularly valuable information because molecular interactions are much stronger in the solid state as compared with the solution phase, achieving chirality transfer, amplification, and discrimination. However, solid‐state chiroptical measurements cannot be generally achieved with conventional circular dichroism (CD) or circular birefringence (CB) spectrophotometers because of strong macroscopic anisotropies, that is, linear birefringence and linear dichroism. These artifact signals are often much stronger than the CD or CB signals. Only a CD spectrophotometer integrated into the Stokes–Mueller matrix analysis for a solid sample devised in 2001 is applicable for accurate chirality measurements for samples with macroscopic anisotropies. This novel CD spectrophotometer was named the universal chiroptical spectrophotometer (UCS) system because of its ability to measure all polarization phenomena, which is indispensable for obtaining the true CD and true CB signal in the solid state. Therefore, the presented UCS system opens a new door for solid‐state chiral investigations of optically anisotropic samples, for example, single crystal, microcrystalline powdered sample, gel, and film. This article presents a short and elementary discussion of solid‐state CD spectroscopy in polymer science and its use in the interpretation and design of experiments in polarization spectroscopy.
Xanthan
Authors: Baird John K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPolysaccharides such as dextran, gellan gum, xanthan gum, and welan gum are widely used in food, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. From these polysaccharides, xanthan is of particular interest due to its stability, compatibility, and versatile rheological properties. This article overviews the structure, properties, production, and main applications of xanthan.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Infancy in Aneurysms–Osteoarthritis Syndrome Due to a Novel SMAD3 Mutation: Further Delineation of the Phenotype
Authors: Wischmeijer Anita , Van Laer Lut , Tortora Giada , Bolar Nikhita Ajit , Van Camp Guy , Fransen Erik , Peeters Nils , di Bartolomeo Roberto , Pacini Davide , Gargiulo Gaetano , Turci Simone , Bonvicini Marco , Mariucci Elisabetta , Lovato Luigi , Brusori Stefano , Ritelli Marco , Colombi Marina , Garavelli Livia , Seri Marco , Loeys Bart L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRecently, mutations in the SMAD3 gene were found to cause a new autosomal dominant aneurysm condition similar to Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS), mostly with osteoarthritis, called aneurysms–osteoarthritis syndrome (AOS). Our 3‐year‐old propositus underwent correction of an inguinal hernia at 3 months and substitution of the ascending aorta for pathologic dilation at 12 months of age. Family history reveals aortic dilation in his mother at 30 years, death due to aortic dissection of an 18‐year‐old maternal aunt, surgical replacement of the ascending aorta because of aneurysm in a maternal uncle at 19 years, postpartum death of the maternal grandmother at 24 years and surgical intervention because of thoracic aortic aneurysm in a brother of the propositus' grandmother at 54 years. The affected individuals present with several other signs of connective tissue disease, but the two adult patients evaluated revealed no radiologic evidence of osteoarthritis. Molecular testing of the TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 genes, involved in LDS, resulted negative, but analysis of SMAD3 disclosed the novel heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutation c.1170_1179del (p.Ser391AlafsX7) in exon 9 in all affected family members, confirming the diagnosis of AOS. SMAD3 mutations should be considered in patients of all ages with LDS‐like phenotypes and negative TGFBR1/2 molecular tests, especially in the presence of aortic root or ascending aortic aneurysms, even though signs of early onset osteoarthritis are absent. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Social Networking Sites in Medical Genetics Research
Authors: Reaves Allison Cook , Bianchi Diana W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSocial networking sites (SNS) have potential value in the field of medical genetics as a means of research subject recruitment and source of data. This article examines the current role of SNS in medical genetics research and potential applications for these sites in future studies. Facebook is the primary SNS considered, given the prevalence of its use in the United States and role in a small but growing number of studies. To date, utilization of SNS in medical genetics research has been primarily limited to three studies that recruited subjects from populations of Facebook users [McGuire et al. (2009); Am J Bioeth 9: 3–10; Janvier et al. (2012); Pediatrics 130: 293–298; Leighton et al. (2012); Public Health Genomics 15: 11–21]. These studies and a number of other medical and public health studies that have used Facebook as a context for recruiting research subjects are discussed. Approaches for Facebook‐based subject recruitment are identified, including paid Facebook advertising, snowball sampling, targeted searching and posting. The use of these methods in medical genetics research has the potential to facilitate cost‐effective research on both large, heterogeneous populations and small, hard‐to‐access sub‐populations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population differences in the relationship between height, weight, and adiposity: An application of burton's model
Authors: Hruschka Daniel J. , Rush Elaine C. , Brewis Alexandra A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe study of human variation in adiposity and lean mass is important for understanding core processes in human evolution, and is increasingly a public health concern as the “obesity epidemic” expands globally. The dominant measure of population differences in adiposity is Body Mass Index (BMI), which suffers from systematic biases across populations due to variation in the relationship between true body fat, height and weight. Here we develop simplified corrections for such anthropometric‐based measures of adiposity that can take into account this population variation. These corrections derive from a recent model proposed by Burton that assumes humans accrue mass in two ways—growth in height that adds bone and muscle, and growth in body fat and the ancillary fat‐free mass (FFM) needed to support this additional body fat. We analyze two ethnically diverse datasets with dual X‐ray absorptiometry‐measured (DXA) fat mass, assessing the fit of Burton's model and deriving novel corrections based on estimated musculoskeletal slenderness. The resulting model provides excellent fit to fat mass within populations (average R2 = 0.92 for women and R2 = 0.83 for men). World populations differ dramatically in musculoskeletal slenderness (up to a difference of 4.4 kg/m2), as do men and women (differences of 3.3–4.5 kg/m2), leading to clear population corrections. These findings point to a conceptually straightforward tool for estimating true differences in adiposity across populations, and suggest an alternative to BMI that provides a more accurate and theoretically based estimate of body fat than that traditionally derived from height and weight measures. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:68–76, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TIM3 expression by leukemic and non‐leukemic myeloblasts
Authors: Roth Christine G. , Garner Kelly , Eyck Stephen Ten , Boyiadzis Michael , Kane Lawrence P. , Craig Fiona E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground:T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (TIM3) has recently been described as an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cell antigen expressed on leukemic myeloblasts, but not on normal hematopoietic stem cells. TIM3 is also expressed by monocytes, natural killer cells, and several T cell subsets; however, normal myeloblasts have not been well‐characterized or compared to AML. A specific flow cytometric marker capable of separating leukemic myeloblasts from non‐neoplastic myeloblasts would be diagnostically useful, especially in the post‐chemotherapy setting.Methods:TIM3 myeloblast expression was assessed in 69 bone marrow and/or peripheral blood specimens, including 27 AML and 42 non‐neoplastic cases (20 with a recent history of chemotherapy). TIM3 median fluorescence intensity (MFI) was evaluated within myeloblast, monocyte, T cell, and natural killer cell populations.Results:The median percentage of myeloblasts positive for TIM3 was lower in non‐neoplastic specimens without a history of recent chemotherapy (50.3%) as compared to AML (71.4%), but not significantly different as compared to non‐leukemic myeloblasts in the post‐chemotherapy setting (72.4%). Mean myeloblast TIM3 MFI was higher in AML myeloblasts and non‐leukemic myeloblasts in the post‐chemotherapy setting as compared to non‐neoplastic myeloblasts in cases lacking a history of chemotherapy. Mean monocyte, natural killer cell, and T‐cell TIM3 MFI remained relatively constant in varied clinical settings.Conclusions:We confirm that leukemic myeloblasts overexpress TIM3 as compared to non‐neoplastic controls; however, high levels of expression may also be seen among non‐leukemic myeloblasts in the post‐chemotherapy setting. This overlap limits the diagnostic utility of TIM3 as a specific marker of neoplasia. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Diagnostic application and clinical significance of FCM progress scoring system based on immunophenotyping in CD34+ blasts in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Xu Feng , Guo Juan , Wu Ling‐Yun , He Qi , Zhang Zheng , Chang Chun‐Kang , Li Xiao 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundAbnormal proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which reflect the malignant nature of clonal cells in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), can be detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and potentially applied to assist diagnosis and evaluate prognosis in MDS.MethodsIn this study, a series of immunophenotypes such as CD34, CD19, CD38, CD117, and CD7, which are related to proliferation and differentiation of HSCs, were determined by FCM in the patients with nonclonal cytopenias diseases and MDS. Based on the expression pattern of these immunophenotypes, a FCM progress scoring (FPS) system was constructed and evaluated.ResultsThe FPS system showed good sensitivity and specificity (63.6% and 100.0%) in distinguishing MDS from nonclonal cytopenias diseases. Validation analysis of FPS system indicated comparable sensitivity and specificity (73.7% and 97.1%) and high agreement rate (82.6%) of FCM diagnosis with morphological diagnosis. The high‐grade MDS had higher FPS score compared to low‐grade MDS (P < 0.001). Noticeably, hypocellular MDS had lower FPS score (P < 0.001), most of which could not be diagnosed by FPS system. Besides, FPS score showed obvious positive correlation with WHO classification, IPSS score, percentage of marrow blasts, and cytogenetic prognosis scoring. Elevated FPS score predicted higher disease progression and shorter survival in MDS.ConclusionThe FPS system based on immunophenotyping in CD34+ blasts is a useful and simple tool for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation in MDS. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Genesis of Cenozoic low‐Ca alkaline basalts in the Nanjing basaltic field, eastern China: The case for mantle xenolith‐magma interaction
Authors: Zeng Gang , Chen Li‐Hui , Hu Sen‐Lin , Xu Xi‐Sheng , Yang Liang‐Feng 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAlthough peridotite xenoliths are common in alkaline basalts, it is still unclear whether the chemical compositions of their host rocks have been affected by these mantle fragments and, if so, what processes are involved in this alteration of the host basalts. Here, we document a kind of xenolith‐rich alkaline basalts from the Nanjing basaltic field, eastern China. These basalts contain lower concentrations of CaO (4.1–7.8 wt %) and Sc (3.3–17.8 ppm) and have lower Ca/Al (0.3–0.6) and higher Na/Ti ratios (2.8–11.2) than other Cenozoic basalts in this area. These xenolith‐rich basalts show good correlations between elemental ratios (e.g., Lu/Hf and Ca/Al) and εHf values, which are indicative of mixing of two distinct components during the genesis of the magmas that formed these basalts: a high‐εHf end‐member (with low Lu/Hf and Ca/Al ratios) and the primitive melt‐related low‐εHf end‐member. In addition, peridotite xenoliths hosted in these basalts have distinct core‐mantle textures, with the margins having higher modal olivine abundances (70%) than the xenolith cores (52%). Within the xenolith margins, some orthopyroxenes are enclosed in the olivines, and all clinopyroxenes are sponge textured. These sponge‐textured clinopyroxenes have higher CaO and Sc concentrations, higher Ca/Al ratios, and lower Na/Ti ratios than clinopyroxenes within the cores of the xenoliths, suggesting that the xenoliths underwent low‐pressure melting within the host magma. This indicates that xenolith‐rich magmas within the study area were contaminated during ascent by melts derived from mantle xenoliths within the magmas, transforming the magmas into the low‐Ca alkaline basalts.
Carboxylation of multiwalled carbon nanotube enhanced its biocompatibility with L02 cells through decreased activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Authors: Liu Zhenbao , Dong Xia , Song Liping , Zhang Hailing , Liu Lanxia , Zhu Dunwan , Song Cunxian , Leng Xigang 
Published: March 2013

AbstractModification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with carboxyl group is one of the widely used strategies to increase their water dispersibility. Various molecules can be further coupled to the surface of carboxylated CNTs for the desired applications. However, the effect of carboxylation of CNTs on their cytotoxicity is far from being completely understood. In this study, the impact of carboxylated multiwalled CNT (MWCNT‐COOH) on human normal liver cell line L02 was studied and compared with pristine multiwalled CNT (p‐MWCNT). The data accumulated in this study revealed that modification with carboxyl group reduced the toxicity of MWCNT on L02 cells, probably due to the decreased activation of mitochondria mediated apoptotic pathway. Both p‐MWCNT and MWCNT‐COOH, when reaching to certain concentration, induced significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytoplasm as well as activation of caspase‐9, and ‐3. However, the changes induced by MWCNT‐COOH were significantly milder than that by p‐MWCNT. Our observation suggests that carboxylated MWCNTs might be safer for in vivo application as compared with p‐MWCNT. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 665–673, 2014.
Haemostatic role of intermediate filaments in adhered platelets: Importance of the membranous system stability
Authors: Cerecedo Doris , Martínez‐Vieyra Ivette , Mondragón Ricardo , Mondragón Mónica , González Sirenia , Galván Iván J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe role of platelets in coagulation and the haemostatic process was initially suggested two centuries ago, and under appropriate physiological stimuli, these undergo abrupt morphological changes, attaching and spreading on damaged endothelium, preventing bleeding. During the adhesion process, platelet cytoskeleton reorganizes generating compartments in which actin filaments, microtubules, and associated proteins are arranged in characteristic patterns mediating crucial events, such as centralization of their organelles, secretion of granule contents, aggregation with one another to form a haemostatic plug, and retraction of these aggregates. However, the role of Intermediate filaments during the platelet adhesion process has not been explored. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2050–2060, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emerging mechanisms of glutathione‐dependent chemistry in biology and disease
Authors: Janssen‐Heininger Yvonne M. W. , Nolin James D. , Hoffman Sidra M. , van der Velden Jos L. , Tully Jane E. , Lahue Karolyn G. , Abdalla Sarah T. , Chapman David G. , Reynaert Niki L. , van der Vliet Albert , Anathy Vikas 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTGlutathione has traditionally been considered as an antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative stress. Hence, the loss of reduced glutathione and formation of glutathione disulfide is considered a classical parameter of oxidative stress that is increased in diseases. Recent studies have emerged that demonstrate that glutathione plays a more direct role in biological and pathophysiological processes through covalent modification to reactive cysteines within proteins, a process known as S‐glutathionylation. The formation of an S‐glutathionylated moiety within the protein can lead to structural and functional modifications. Activation, inactivation, loss of function, and gain of function have all been attributed to S‐glutathionylation. In pathophysiological settings, S‐glutathionylation is tightly regulated. This perspective offers a concise overview of the emerging field of protein thiol redox modifications. We will also cover newly developed methodology to detect S‐glutathionylation in situ, which will enable further discovery into the role of S‐glutathionylation in biology and disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1962–1968, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of tissue‐preferential expression patterns of rice miRNAs
Authors: Mittal Deepti , Mukherjee Sunil K. , Vasudevan Madavan , Mishra Neeti Sanan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt is imperative to understand the mechanisms of growth and development in higher plants for improving plant adaptation during different developmental stages. Plant microRNAs (miRs) play crucial regulatory roles in various developmental processes. As many as 15 miR families having multiple members are known to regulate plant development, yet the spatio‐temporal expression patterns of individual members are not fully characterized. It is likely that different members of miR families can make specific contributions to the spatio‐temporal control of targets. To understand the functional complexity of miRs and the amount of degeneracy existing in miR‐mediated regulation of differentiated but developing tissues, we have identified the Osa‐miR‐sequences that are expressed in specific tissues. We adopted the approach of comparative miR profiling using next‐generation sequencing technology followed by experimental validation. It was observed that 59 Osa‐miR‐sequences show tissue‐preferential expression in local basmati rice variety; while 126 miRs belonging to 81 families are differentially regulated in these tissues. The 21 nt miRs were predominant in all tissues, but the 24 nt miRs were the most abundantly expressed. This indicates that target cleavage and chromatin state regulation are involved in organ development. This study also identified the expression patterns of individual members of Osa‐miR families that were common and divergent between the indica and japonica rice varieties. The expression patterns of the predicted targets were also analyzed. The possible implications of the miR distribution patterns with respect to the regulation of their respective targets are discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2071–2081, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional improvement in hospitalized older adults is independent of dementia diagnosis: Experience of a specialized delirium management unit
Authors: Bee Gek Tay Laura , Chew Chan Mark Peng , Sian Chong Mei 
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUNDPatients with delirium, especially when superimposed on dementia, are at high risk of functional decline.OBJECTIVETo examine the influence of a multicomponent delirium management program, the geriatric monitoring unit (GMU), on functional progress of delirious older patients and the impact of underlying dementia on functional recovery.DESIGNProspective cohort study.SETTINGThe GMU is a specialized 5‐bed unit for the care of delirious older adults within an acute tertiary hospital.PATIENTSPatients aged 65 years and older with delirium.INTERVENTIONThe GMU is a multifactorial delirium treatment program with core interventions focusing on early mobilization and rehabilitation.MEASUREMENTSBaseline measures included delirium severity (Delirium Rating Scale‐98 and Confusion Assessment Method severity), Chinese Mini‐Mental State Examination, functional status (modified Barthel Index [MBI]), comorbidity (Charlson's), and illness severity (modified Severity of Illness Index). Patients with and without dementia were compared for recovery in cognitive scores and functional status.RESULTSOf 122 patients with delirium who were admitted to the GMU over a 1‐year period, 82 (67.2%) had underlying dementia. There were no significant differences in age, gender, delirium severity, illness severity, cognitive performance, and functional status at admission to the GMU between groups, although patients with dementia had significantly higher comorbidity (Charlson's 2.27 vs 1.75, P = 0.05). Significant cognitive and functional improvement was observed for the entire GMU cohort, with demented and nondemented groups capable of functional recovery (MBI gain of 20.43 vs 17.35, respectively, P = 0.35).CONCLUSIONElderly patients with dementia recovering from delirium have comparable potential for functional recovery as their cognitively intact counterparts in a delirium management unit focused on geriatric nursing care and rehabilitation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:321–327. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Utility of skin biopsy in management of small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Boruchow Scott A. , Gibbons Christopher H. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We examined the role of skin biopsy in the evaluation and management of patients with suspected small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed among all patients who underwent skin biopsy for evaluation of SFN at our institution between March 2008 and March 2011. Change in management was defined as a new diagnosis or change in treatment in response to both positive and negative skin biopsies. Results: Among 69 patients who underwent skin biopsy, 25 had pathological evidence of an SFN, and 9 had evidence of borderline SFN. Change in management or diagnosis occurred in 14 of 25 patients with definite SFN, 6 of 9 patients with borderline SFN, and 16 of 35 biopsy negative patients. Conclusions: Skin biopsy changed management or diagnosis in 52% of patients evaluated for a possible SFN and appears to play a valuable role in the workup of these patients. Muscle Nerve 48: 877–882, 2013