bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic and Biohumoral Characteristics in Patients With AL and TTR Amyloidosis at Diagnosis
Authors: Cappelli Francesco , Baldasseroni Samuele , Bergesio Franco , Perlini Stefano , Salinaro Francesco , Padeletti Luigi , Attanà Paola , Paoletti Perini Alessandro , Moggi Pignone Alberto , Grifoni Elisa , Fabbri Alessia , Marchionni Niccolò , Gensini Gian Franco , Perfetto Federico 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic differences between light‐chain (AL) and transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis.HypothesisThe aim of the present research was to compare, in a real‐world setting, the clinical and echocardiographic profiles of these kinds of amyloidosis, at the time of diagnosis, using new‐generation echocardiography.MethodsSeventy‐nine patients with AL and 48 patients with TTR amyloidosis were studied.ResultsAccording to the criterion of mean left ventricular (LV) thickness >12 mm, 45 AL (C‐AL) and all TTR patients had cardiac amyloidotic involvement, whereas 34 AL patients did not. TTR patients had increased right ventricular (RV) and LV chambers with increased RV and LV wall thickness and reduced LV ejection fraction and fractional shortening. Furthermore, TTR patients showed lower N‐terminal pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide concentrations and New York Heart Association functional class when compared with C‐AL.ConclusionsOur data show that at time of first diagnosis, TTR patients have a more advanced amyloidotic involvement of the heart, despite less severe symptoms and biohumoral signs of heart failure. We can hypothesize that we observed different diseases at different stages. In fact, AL amyloidosis is a multiorgan disease with quick progression rate, that becomes rapidly symptomatic, whereas TTR amyloidosis might have a slow progression rate and might remain poorly symptomatic for a greater amount of time.
Influence of Size and Shape on the Photocatalytic Properties of SnO2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Kar Arik , Sain Sumanta , Kundu Simanta , Bhattacharyya Arka , Kumar Pradhan Swapan , Patra Amitava 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTuning the functional properties of nanocrystals is an important issue in nanoscience. Here, we are able to tune the photocatalytic properties of SnO2 nanocrystals by controlling their size and shape. A structural analysis was carried out by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD)/Rietveld and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results reveal that the number of oxygen‐related defects varies upon changing the size and shape of the nanocrystals, which eventually influences their photocatalytic properties. Time‐resolved spectroscopic studies of the carrier relaxation dynamics of the SnO2 nanocrystals further confirm that the electron–hole recombination process is controlled by oxygen/defect states, which can be tuned by changing the shape and size of the materials. The degradation of dyes (90 %) in the presence of SnO2 nanoparticles under UV light is comparable to that (88 %) in the presence of standard TiO2 Degussa P‐25 (P25) powders. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles is significantly higher than those of nanorods and nanospheres because the effective charge separation in the SnO2 nanoparticles is controlled by defect states leading to enhanced photocatalytic properties. The size‐ and shape‐dependent photocatalytic properties of SnO2 nanocrystals make these materials interesting candidates for photocatalytic applications.
Reactivity of Dinitrogen Bound to Mid‐ and Late‐Transition‐Metal Centers
Authors: Khoenkhoen Nitesh , de Bruin Bas , Reek Joost N. H. , Dzik Wojciech I. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is Wojciech Dzik from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The cover image shows the reaction of dinitrogen with hydrogen atoms to form ammonia. The fact that dinitrogen can be activated under mild ambient conditions when it is coordinated to metals is emphasized by the liquid nitrogen in the background, which represents the very mild “cool” conditions under which the systems described in this Microreview operate, in contrast to the harsh conditions that are used in industrial processes for nitrogen fixation.
Sensitivity and Response Time of Polyethyleneimine Modified Impedimetric Transducer for Bacteria Detection
Authors: Brosel‐Oliu Sergi , Abramova Natalia , Bratov Andrey , Vigués Núria , Mas Jordi , Muñoz Francesc‐Xavier 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAn impedimetric transducer based on an interdigitated electrode array (IDEA) modified with polyethyleneimine was used to study interactions with bacteria present in a sample solution. Bacteria immobilization on the sensor surface affects the surface charge and produces changes in the superficial impedance. The sensor surface was chemically modified by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) method with oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers by alternating polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS). Escherichia coli gram‐negative bacteria were employed as a model for sensitivity and response time evaluation. Bacteria were immobilized on IDEA with PEI‐PSS‐PEI multilayer taking into account the ability of PEI to react chemically with outer membrane compounds of gram‐negative bacteria and thus improve purely electrostatic interactions. Detection limit of the sensor was found to be as low as 101 cfu/mL in E. coli cultures with response time around 20 minutes. In order to introduce a biorecognition element by bacterial detection, the lectin Concanavalin A (ConA) was deposited on IDEA surface through PEI‐ConA interaction, achieving a detection limit of 104 cfu/mL. The strategies developed show the possibility to achieve highly sensitive and rapid detection of bacteria using IDEA transducers.
The state of collaborative work with nurses in Israel: a mixed method study
Authors: Warshawski Sigalit 
Published: February 2015

SummaryEffective collaboration among health professionals is associated with patient safety, quality of care and professionals' satisfaction. Nurse–physician collaboration has been a topic of substantial research worldwide. In Israel, few studies have examined this subject, but none has explored health professionals' collaborative practice with nurses, although nursing in Israel is experiencing significant professional changes.The aim of this study was to explore health professionals' attitudes toward collaboration with nurses and how these attitudes relate to their perceptions of role overlap, role clarity and feeling of threat.Research data were collected employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. A structured questionnaire was fulfilled by 262 participants, following which 12 personal interviews and 12 observations were conducted in hospital wards.Participants' attitudes toward collaboration with nurses were found statistically related to their perception of role overlap, role clarity and feeling of professional threat. Interviews and observations indicated immediate mutual assistance among professionals instead of collaborative practice. Interactions were brief and purposeful. The results highlight the absence of an organized procedure for collaborative practice with nurses. Therefore, it is necessary to act at the organization and departments, to assimilate nurses' role and the importance of collaborative practice. Nurse leaders and nurse educators must consider pragmatic and effective means to promote and articulate nurses' role in inter‐professional clinical settings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐event intermittency of rainfall: an analysis of the metrics of rain and no‐rain periods
Authors: Dunkerley David 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe metric or ‘observable’ properties of intra‐event rainfall intermittency (IERI) are quantified using a 10‐year record from arid Fowlers Gap, Australia. Rainfall events were delineated using the minimum inter‐event time (MIT) criterion, using eight values in the range of 1 h – 24 h. Within events, no‐rain periods were defined as corresponding to rainfall rates R < 0.1 mm/h or R < 0.2 mm/h (both less than typical wet‐canopy evaporation rates during rainfall). In this way, rainfall events were subdivided into rain and no‐rain periods. Intermittency was characterised using two measures: the fraction of rainless time within an event, and the duration of the longest rainless period. Events identified using a minimum inter‐event time (MIT) of 24 h included on average 9.4 h of contiguous no‐rain time (47.5% of the mean event duration), and only 6.8 h of contiguous rain. Total IERI averaged 51.1% for these events. Events defined with MIT = 6 h (a value commonly adopted in the literature) exhibited a mean of 1.53 h of no‐rain and 9.04 h of contiguous rain. Total IERI averaged 13.9% for these events for R < 0.1 mm/h, but reached 39.2% if no‐rain periods were taken as those of <0.2 mm/h. The maximum contiguous no‐rain period for events defined using MIT = 6 h was 10.9 h from an event of 12.6 h duration, and this represents 86.5% of the event duration. Results demonstrate that smaller, shorter, and less intense rainfall events tend to exhibit higher IERI than larger, longer, and more intense events. IERI is relevant to the understanding of land surface processes. Information on the metric properties of IERI in different rainfall types (convective and stratiform) and rainfall climates (arid, maritime, and wet tropical) may prove to have significance for diverse studies in land surface hydrology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathology diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Kasajima Atsuko , Yazdani Samaneh , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHistopathology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) typically displays characteristic features. However, pathologists may encounter histological variants that may resemble other pancreatic tumors. Immunohistochemistry is a powerful tool in confirming neuroendocrine differentiation and differentiating PNETs with other pancreatic neoplasms. Histopathological features could be associated with inherited syndromes. Once the pathology diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor was made, an accurate grading based on World Health Organization (WHO) classification is required. This review will focus on histology variants, immunohistochemistry and WHO classification of PNET.
Beyond the alpha angle: Alternative measurements for quantifying cam‐type deformities in femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Ehrmann Christine , Rosskopf Andrea B. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A. , Sutter Reto 
Published: February 2015

PurposeTo assess alternative measurements to the alpha angle as a tool for distinguishing between symptomatic and asymptomatic cam‐type deformities of the femoral head.Materials and MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of 106 individuals (age 20–50 years) from a previous study on the alpha angle were analyzed, including 53 femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients with cam‐type deformities and 53 age‐/sex‐matched asymptomatic volunteers. On radially reformatted MR images two independent radiologists assessed femoral offset and femoral distance (FD) around the femoral head circumference. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were obtained.ResultsThe mean offset was smallest in the anterosuperior position for both readers: reader 1 measured 6.2 ± 2.9 mm (standard deviation) in patients and 7.3 ± 1.8 mm in volunteers (P = 0.002, patients vs. volunteers); reader 2 measured 6.1 ± 3.3 mm in patients and 7.1 ± 2.9 mm in volunteers (P = 0.111). The mean FD was highest in the anterosuperior position for reader 1 (patients 3.3 ± 1.4 mm; volunteers 1.7 ± 2.2 mm; P < 0.001) and in the anterior position for reader 2 (patients 3.1 ± 1.7 mm; volunteers 2.0 ± 1.5 mm; P = 0.001). Overall interobserver agreement (ICC) was good (offset 0.657/FD 0.632). ROC analysis for offset measurements showed the largest area under the curve in anterosuperior position for reader 1 (0.666) and in posterosuperior position for reader 2 (0.612). For FD measurements, the area under the curve was largest in anterosuperior position for both readers (0.793/0.798).ConclusionWhile FD measurements were superior to offset measurements and showed similar results to the alpha angle, neither FD nor offset measurements are a reliable tool for discrimination between FAI patients with cam‐type deformities and asymptomatic volunteers. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1024–1031.
Effects of activated charcoal and tannin added to compost and to soil on carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and ammonia volatilization
Authors: Jordan Greta , Predotova Martina , Ingold Mariko , Goenster Sven , Dietz Herbert , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Buerkert Andreas 
Published: February 2015

AbstractGiven high mineralization rates of soil organic matter addition of organic fertilizers such as compost and manure is a particularly important component of soil fertility management under irrigated subtropical conditions as in Oman. However, such applications are often accompanied by high leaching and volatilization losses of N. Two experiments were therefore conducted to quantify the effects of additions of activated charcoal and tannin either to compost in the field or directly to the soil. In the compost experiment, activated charcoal and tannins were added to compost made from goat manure and plant material at a rate of either 0.5 t activated charcoal ha−1, 0.8 t tannin extract ha−1, or 0.6 t activated charcoal and tannin ha−1 in a mixed application. Subsequently, emissions of CO2, N2O, and NH3 volatilization were determined for 69 d of composting. The results were verified in a 20‐d soil incubation experiment in which C and N emissions from a soil amended with goat manure (equivalent to 135 kg N ha−1) and additional amendments of either 3 t activated charcoal ha−1, or 2 t tannin extract ha−1, or the sum of both additives were determined. While activated charcoal failed to affect the measured parameters, both experiments showed that peaks of gaseous CO2 and N emission were reduced and/or occurred at different times when tannin was applied to compost and soil. Application of tannins to compost reduced cumulative gaseous C emissions by 40% and of N by 36% compared with the non‐amended compost. Tannins applied directly to the soil reduced emission of N2O by 17% and volatilization of NH3 by 51% compared to the control. However, emissions of all gases increased in compost amended with activated charcoal, and the organic C concentration of the activated charcoal amended soil increased significantly compared to the control. Based on these results, tannins appear to be a promising amendment to reduce gaseous emissions from composts, particularly under subtropical conditions.
Exogenous nitric oxide‐induced postharvest disease resistance in citrus fruit to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Zhou Yahan , Li Shunmin , Zeng Kaifang 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDNitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in numerous plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. To investigate the effects of NO on the control of postharvest anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in citrus fruit and its possible mechanisms, citrus fruit were treated with an NO donor.RESULTSThe results showed that exogenous NO released from 50 µmol L−1 sodium nitroprusside aqueous solution could effectively reduce the disease incidence and lesion diameter of citrus fruit inoculated with C. gloeosporioides during storage at 20 °C. Exogenous NO could regulate hydrogen peroxide levels, stimulate the synthesis of phenolic compounds, and induce phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase activities, and the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. Furthermore, exogenous NO could inhibit weight loss, improve the ascorbic acid and titratable acidity content, and delay the increase in total soluble solids content in citrus fruit during storage at 20 °C.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that the use of exogenous NO is a potential method for inducing the disease resistance of fruit to fungal pathogens and for extending the postharvest life of citrus fruit. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) reirradiation for pelvic recurrence from colorectal cancer
Authors: Dagoglu Nergiz , Mahadevan Anand , Nedea Elena , Poylin Vitaly , Nagle Deborah 
Published: February 2015

Background and ObjectivesWhen surgery is not adequate or feasible, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) reirradiation has been used for recurrent cancers. We report the outcomes of a series of patients with pelvic recurrences from colorectal cancer reirradiated with SBRT.MethodsThe CyberknifeTM Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery system with fiducial based real time tracking was used. Patients were followed with imaging of the pelvis.ResultsFour women and 14 men with 22 lesions were included. The mean dose was 25 Gy in median of five fractions. The mean prescription isodose was 77%, with a median maximum dose of 32.87 Gy. There were two local failures, with a crude local control rate of 89%. The median overall survival was 43 months. One patient had small bowel perforation and required surgery (Grade IV), two patients had symptomatic neuropathy (1 Grade III) and one patient developed hydronephrosis from ureteric fibrosis requiring a stent (Grade III).ConclusionsLocal recurrence in the pelvis after modern combined modality treatment for colorectal cancer is rare. However it presents a therapeutic dilemma when it occurs; often symptomatic and eventually life threatening. SBRT can be a useful non‐surgical modality to control pelvic recurrences after prior radiation for colorectal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:478–482. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐accuracy bulk metallic glass mold insert for hot embossing of complex polymer optical devices
Authors: Liu Xue , Shao Yang , Lu Si‐Yuan , Yao Ke‐Fu 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTMetallic glasses (MGs) have been reported to be excellent mold insert materials for hot embossing of polymers, but limited by the simple shape of the embossed polymer devices and the high cost resulted by the application of Pt‐ and Pd‐based MGs. The development of inexpensive MG mold inserts with complex shape as well as high accuracy is of great importance. In present work, polymethylmethacrylate optic devices with complex micro structures and excellent grating performance have been hot embossed precisely by using newly developed centimeter‐sized Ni62Pd19Si2P17 MG molds. The Ni62Pd19Si2P17 MG exhibits high fracture strength of 1840 MPa, distinctive plastic strain of 4% and high thermal‐stability. The die imprinted MG microstructures exhibit very low linear shrinkage (0.002 μm) and relative linear shrinkage rate (0.033%). It indicates that the Ni62Pd19Si2P17 MG could serve as inexpensive and durable mold inserts for precise embossing of polymer micro devices in large scale. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 463–467
Structural basis for the inhibition of M1 family aminopeptidases by the natural product actinonin: Crystal structure in complex with E. coli aminopeptidase N
Authors: Ganji Roopa Jones , Reddi Ravikumar , Gumpena Rajesh , Marapaka Anil Kumar , Arya Tarun , Sankoju Priyanka , Bhukya Supriya , Addlagatta Anthony 
Published: February 2015

AbstractActinonin is a pseudotripeptide that displays a high affinity towards metalloproteases including peptide deformylases (PDFs) and M1 family aminopeptidases. PDF and M1 family aminopeptidases belong to thermolysin‐metzincin superfamily. One of the major differences in terms of substrate binding pockets between these families is presence (in M1 aminopeptidases) or absence (in PDFs) of an S1 substrate pocket. The binding mode of actinonin to PDFs has been established previously; however, it is not clear how the actinonin, without a P1 residue, would bind to the M1 aminopeptidases. Here we describe the crystal structure of Escherichia coli aminopeptidase N (ePepN), a model protein of the M1 family aminopeptidases in complex with actinonin. For comparison we have also determined the structure of ePepN in complex with a well‐known tetrapeptide inhibitor, amastatin. From the comparison of the actinonin and amastatin ePepN complexes, it is clear that the P1 residue is not critical as long as strong metal chelating head groups, like hydroxamic acid or α‐hydroxy ketone, are present. Results from this study will be useful for the design of selective and efficient hydroxamate inhibitors against M1 family aminopeptidases.
Systems biology of polycystic kidney disease: a critical review
Authors: Menezes Luis Fernando , Germino Gregory G. 
Published: February 2015

The proliferation and diminishing costs of ‘omics’ approaches have finally opened the doors for small and medium laboratories to enter the ‘systems biology era’. This is a welcome evolution that requires a new framework to design, interpret, and validate studies. Here, we highlight some of the challenges, contributions, and prospects of the ‘cyst‐ems biology’ of polycystic kidney disease. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:39–52. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1289This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Do Attachment Style and Emotion Regulation Strategies Indicate Distress in Predictive Testing?
Authors: van der Meer Lucienne B. , van Duijn Erik , Giltay Erik J. , Tibben Aad 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPredictive genetic testing for a neurogenetic disorder evokes strong emotions, and may lead to distress. The aim of this study is to investigate whether attachment style and emotion regulation strategies are associated with distress in persons who present for predictive testing for a neurogenetic disorder, and whether these psychological traits predict distress after receiving test results. Self‐report scales were used to assess attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (self‐blame, rumination, catastrophizing) in adults at 50 % risk for Huntington's Disease (HD), Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and Hereditary Cerebral Hemorrhage With Amyloidosis ‐ Dutch type (HCHWA‐D), when they presented for predictive testing. Distress was measured before testing and twice (within 2 months and between 6 and 8 months) after receiving test results. Pearson correlations and linear regression were used to analyze whether attachment style and emotion regulation strategies indicated distress. In 98 persons at risk for HD, CADASIL, or HCHWA‐D, attachment anxiety and catastrophizing were associated with distress before predictive testing. Attachment anxiety predicted distress up to 2 months after testing. Clinicians may consider looking for signs of attachment anxiety and catastrophizing in persons who present for predictive testing, to see who may be vulnerable for distress during and after testing.