bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia disease
Authors: Atichartakarn Vichai , Chuncharunee Suporn , Archararit Napaporn , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn , Lee Ratchanee , Tunhasiriwet Anusith , Aryurachai Katcharin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo find the prevalence and risk factors of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in adult patients with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia disease (E/β‐Thal).MethodsOne hundred and ten clinically stable E/β‐Thal outpatients, sixty‐one of whom had undergone splenectomy, were prospectively studied using their clinical profiles, selected blood tests, chest roentgenogram, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Based on the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) values estimated by the echocardiogram of ≥36 mmHg, they were dichotomized into those with (PHT+) and without (PHT−) PHT.ResultsPHT was found in 41 (37.3%) patients without gender preponderance. It was not due to the left heart and was not severe (PASP = 46.3 ± 10.4 mmHg). PASP was higher in splenectomized patients (48.0 ± 11 vs. 40.3 ± 4.7 mmHg (P = 0.004)). PHT was found in 32 of 61 (52.5%) splenectomized patients, mostly (53%) in the second decade, and rarely (6.3%) during the first 5 yr after splenectomy. PHT+ patients had more hemolysis (P = 0.001–0.04 depending on the parameters), more asplenic cases (P < 0.001), and higher serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels (P = 0.004 and 0.008, respectively). Strong risk factors by univariate analysis were serum sVCAM‐1 levels ≥1600 ng/mL, serum cell‐free Hb ≥ 3 mg/dL, asplenia, and amount of NRBCs/100 WBCs >40.ConclusionsPrevalence of PHT in E/β‐Thal patients was 37.3% without gender preponderance. Those with severe hemolysis and asplenia invariably had severer PHT. Strong risk factors were asplenia and associated markedly elevated values of sVCAM‐1, cell‐free Hb, and NRBCs in blood.
Host genome variations and risk of infections during induction treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Lund Bendik , Wesolowska‐Andersen Agata , Lausen Birgitte , Borst Louise , Rasmussen Kirsten Kørup , Müller Klaus , Klungland Helge , Gupta Ramneek , Schmiegelow Kjeld 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate association of host genomic variation and risk of infections during treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).MethodsWe explored association of 34 000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related primarily to pharmacogenomics and immune function to risk of infections among 69 ALL patients on induction therapy.ResultsForty‐eight (70%) patients experienced infectious events including 23 with positive blood cultures. Infectious events and positive blood cultures were associated significantly with 24 and 21 SNPs, respectively (P < 0.01). Classification and regression tree analysis demonstrated rs11033797 (OR51F1), rs2835265 (CBR1), rs28627172 (POLDIP3) and rs1129844 (CCL11) to be predictive of outcome. Among 61 patients for whom read‐outs were available for all four SNPs, 40 of 41 patients with the worst SNP profile experienced at least one infectious event compared with five of the remaining 20 patients (Hazard ratio 9.0, 95% CI 3.4–23.5, which was unchanged after adjustments for neutrophil counts). Pathway analysis identified variations in ‘G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) downstream signalling’, ‘Bile acid and bile salt metabolism’ and ‘Class I MHC‐mediated antigen processing and presentation’ to be highly predictive of infections.ConclusionsOur data indicate that host genomic profiling may predict the risk of infections during induction therapy. This may facilitate development of individualised supportive care.
Fludarabine‐based reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Hamidieh Amir Ali , Pourpak Zahra , Hashemi Susan , Yari Kolsoum , Fazlollahi Mohammad Reza , Movahedi Masoud , Behfar Maryam , Moin Mostafa , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivePrimary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life‐threatening condition that clinically characterized by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and cytopenia. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment option for patients diagnosed with primary HLH.MethodsIn this prospective study, we analyzed the outcome of 10 pediatric patients with primary HLH who had received HSCT, using reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen from 2007 to 2012. The median age at transplantation was 22.6 months (range: 6–60). All of the patients received the same RIC regimen based on the use of fludarabine in combination with melphalan and horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Cyclosporine and methylprednisolone were used as graft‐vs.‐host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis.ResultsHematopoietic engraftment occurred in all patients. At the present time, 8 patients with a median follow‐up of 39 months are still alive and all of them are disease free. Acute and chronic GvHD developed in 6 and 2 patients, retrospectively. Two patients died of sepsis and chronic GvHD during the study.ConclusionBecause of pretransplant infections caused by underlying immunodeficiency in patients with primary HLH, the use of less toxic regimen with RIC seems to be highly effective in this regard. Recipients of RIC transplant, with either full or mixed chimerism, had a long‐term survival rate with no manifestation of primary HLH symptoms.
Notch‐1 mediates endothelial cell activation and invasion in psoriasis
Authors: Rooney Peadar , Connolly Mary , Gao Wei , McCormick Jennifer , Biniecka Monika , Sullivan Owen , Kirby Brian , Sweeney Cheryl , Molloy Eamonn , Markham Trevor , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNotch receptor–ligand interactions are critical for cell proliferation, differentiation and survival; however, the role of Notch signalling in psoriasis remains to be elucidated. Serum amyloid A (A‐SAA) is an acute‐phase protein with cytokine‐like properties, regulates cell survival pathways and is implicated in many inflammatory conditions. To examine the role of Notch‐1 signalling in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, Notch‐1, DLL‐4, Jagged‐1, Hrt‐1/Hrt‐2, A‐SAA, Factor VIII and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and/or protein expression in psoriasis skin biopsies, serum and dHMVEC were assessed by immunohistology, dual‐immunofluorescence, real‐time PCR, ELISA and Western blotting. A‐SAA‐induced angiogenesis and invasion in the presence of Notch‐1 siRNA was assessed by matrigel tube formation assays and Transwell invasion assay. Increased Notch‐1, its ligand DLL‐4 and Hrt‐1 expression were demonstrated in lesional skin compared with non‐lesional skin, with greatest expression observed in the dermal vasculature (P < 0.05). Dual‐immunofluorescent staining demonstrated co‐localization of Notch‐1 to endothelial cell marker Factor VIII. A significant increase in A‐SAA levels was demonstrated in psoriasis serum compared with healthy control serum (P < 0.05), and A‐SAA expression was higher in lesional skin compared with non‐lesional. In dHMVEC, A‐SAA significantly induced Jagged‐1, Hrt‐1 and VEGF mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and activated Notch‐1 IC indicative of transcriptional regulation. In contrast, A‐SAA significantly inhibited DLL‐4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Finally A‐SAA‐induced angiogenesis and invasion were inhibited by Notch‐1 siRNA (P < 0.05). Notch receptor–ligand interactions mediate vascular dysfunction in psoriasis and may represent a potential therapeutic target.
Bioethanol from maize cell walls: genes, molecular tools, and breeding prospects
Authors: Torres Andres F. , Visser Richard G. F. , Trindade Luisa M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the last decade, cellulosic ethanol has caught the growing interest of governments and private investors worldwide as it brings the promise of responsible renewable‐energy and an opportunity to depart from an oil‐reliant economy. Alongside advances in bioprocessing technologies, the development of specialized bioenergy crops is seen as a pressing industrial necessity, and while C4 perennials (e.g., Miscanthus, switchgrass, and sugarcane) have been coined the most promising candidates for the production of lignocellulosic biomass, maize should not be overlooked. In this review, we have addressed the benefits of advancing maize as a second‐generation bioenergy feedstock. We have also analyzed current knowledge on the maize cell wall and promising genetic strategies for its modification, given that lignocellulose recalcitrance represents the most crucial breeding target in bioenergy crop research programs. In addition to lignin, a focus on the underlying genetic basis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and ferulate cross‐linking patterns, as well as their regulation, has been warranted. A comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐art of genomic and phenotyping strategies available for bioenergy crop research is also provided. Overall, maize represents an outstanding model organism for understanding complex cell wall characteristics and defining the path for breeders looking to improve this and other promising bioenergy grasses. With an extensive array of dedicated agronomic and genomic resources at hand, we believe that breeding maize with improved processing amenability is a likely prospect but would like to remind readers that advances in high‐biomass yielding properties, improved agronomic hardiness, and enhanced processing efficiency will also be necessary.
Formation Behavior and High Electrical Conductivity of Metastable Lithium Iron Silicate Crystals in Rapid Quenching of Li2O–Fe2O3–SiO2 Melts
Authors: Togashi Takuya , Honma Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Takayuki 
Published: December 2013

The formation behavior of spinel‐type LiFeSiO4 crystals in the quenching of melts in the Li2O–Fe2O3–SiO2 system was examined. It was found that high quenching rates of 103 ~ 106 K/min are favorable for the formation of LiFeSiO4 crystals. The rapid quenched samples showed high electrical conductivities of the order of 10−2–10−4 S/cm at room temperature and low activation energy for conduction of 0.1–0.2 eV. Both valences of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were present in the melt‐quenched samples, and rapid‐quenched samples showed ferrimagnetism. It is proposed that the chemical composition of LiFeSiO4 formed in the rapid quenching of melts would be spinel‐type Li1 + xFe3+1 − xFe2+xSiO4. Because the Li1 + xFe3+1 − xFe2+xSiO4 crystalline phases are metastable, the rapid quenching technique is necessary for their synthesis. The effects of quenching rate and composition on the formation of spinel‐type LiFeSiO4 and on the electrical conductivity of quenched samples were discussed.
Synthesis, Structure, and Thermally Stable Luminescence of Dy3+‐Doped Na3YSi2O7 Host Compound
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Cui Dianpeng 
Published: December 2013

Dy3+‐activated Na3YSi2O7 phosphors have been prepared via a solid‐state reaction technique and may be used as a component of white light‐emitting diodes. X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the single‐phase formation and the substitution of activator ions for Na3YSi2O7:Dy3+ materials. The emission of Dy3+ in different Y3+ lattice sites exhibits blue (4F9/2→6H15/2) and yellow (4F9/2→6H13/2) lights, which function together to generate white light. The optimum doping concentration is 3 mol% and energy transfer between Dy3+ ions has been validated to be a resonant type via an electric dipole–dipole mechanism. The temperature‐dependent luminescent properties from 25°C to 400°C are studied, and the blue emission increases as a function of the temperature. This interesting phenomenon is proposed to be the result of the model in the configurational coordination diagram. The present investigation reveals the potential application for Na3YSi2O7:Dy3+ system in solid‐state lighting.
High‐Speed Preparation of <111>‐ and <110>‐Oriented β‐SiC Films by Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhang Song , Xu Qingfang , Tu Rong , Goto Takashi , Zhang Lianmeng 
Published: December 2013

Highly oriented <111> and <110> β‐SiC films were prepared on Si(100) single crystal substrates by laser chemical vapor deposition using a diode laser (wavelength = 808 nm) and HMDS (Si(CH3)3–Si(CH3)3) as a precursor. The effects of laser power (PL), total pressure (Ptot), and deposition temperature (Tdep) on the orientation, microstructure, and deposition rate (Rdep) were investigated. The orientation of the β‐SiC films changed from <111> to random to <110> with increasing PL and Ptot. The <111>‐, randomly, and <110>‐oriented β‐SiC films exhibited dense, cauliflower‐like, and cone‐like microstructures, respectively. Stacking faults were observed in the <111>‐ and <110>‐oriented films, and aligned parallel to the (111) plane in the <111>‐oriented film, whereas they were perpendicular to the (110) plane in the <110>‐oriented film. The highest Rdep of the <111>‐oriented β‐SiC film was 200 μm/h at Ptot = 200 Pa and Tdep = 1420 K, whereas that of the <110>‐oriented film was 3600 μm/h at Ptot = 600 Pa and Tdep = 1605 K.
Ferroelectric–Dielectric Composites Model of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3/Mg2AO4(A = Ti, Si) for Tunable Application
Authors: Tang Linjiang , Bian Yanlong , Zhai Jiwei , Zhang Haijun 
Published: December 2013

The correspondence between the theoretical model and the experimental results of the dielectric response in two‐phase composites of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 and Mg2AO4 (A = Ti, Si)was studied. The Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST50)/Mg2AO4 composites in 2‐2 model structure consisting of BST50 layers and Mg2AO4 layers were fabricated by tape casting and multilayer technique. The 3‐0 model of the two‐phase composites is fabricated by conventional ball mill mixing and solid‐state reaction process. The ceramics samples with dense structure were obtained because the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Mg2SiO4 (12.84 ppm/°C) and Mg2TiO4 (12.11 ppm/°C) ceramic specimens are close to the pure BST50(13.15 ppm/°C) ceramic. The microstructure, dielectric, and tunable properties of 2‐2 and 3‐0 model composites were investigated. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical prediction in 2‐2 model. An important feature of 2‐2 model composites is that the DC field is efficiently applied to the high‐permittivity ferroelectric phase. With the increase in Mg2AO4 volume fraction q, the tunability of the composite remains almost unchanged whereas the permittivity greatly reduced in the 2‐2‐//model. These results show that the 2‐2‐//model sample is good candidates for the tunable devices.
Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 Textured Ceramics with High Piezoelectric Response by a Novel Templated Grain Growth Approach
Authors: Amorín Harvey , Uršič Hana , Ramos Pablo , Holc Janez , Moreno Rodrigo , Chateigner Daniel , Ricote Jesús , Algueró Miguel 
Published: December 2013

Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 is used as a model system of perovskite solid solutions with very high piezoelectric response at tailored morphotropic phase boundaries to demonstrate the processing of textured ceramics by ceramic‐only technology. A novel homogeneous templated grain growth approach that uses conventional ceramic procedures and a single‐source nanocrystalline powder for the matrix and also for obtaining the templates is described. Two batches of (100) faceted cube‐shaped microcrystals with average sizes of 27 and 10 μm were successfully used as templates, and aligned by tape casting for the processing of <001>‐textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics. Materials with effective piezoelectric coefficients up to 1000 pC/N and ferroelectric properties approaching those of single crystals are obtained.
Geopolymer with Hierarchically Meso‐/Macroporous Structures from Reactive Emulsion Templating
Authors: Medpelli Dinesh , Seo Jung‐Min , Seo Dong‐Kyun 
Published: December 2013

We present a simple synthetic route to hierarchically porous geopolymers using triglyceride oil for a reactive emulsion template. In the new synthetic method, highly alkaline geopolymer resin was first mixed with canola oil to form a homogeneous viscous emulsion which was then cured at 60°C to give a hard monolithic material. During the process, the oil in the alkaline emulsion undergoes a saponification reaction to be decomposed to water‐soluble soap and glycerol molecules which were then extracted with hot water to finally yield porous geopolymers. Nitrogen adsorption studies indicated the presence of mesopores, whereas the SEM studies revealed that the mesoporous geopolymer matrix are dotted with spherical macropores (10–50 μm) which are due to oil droplet template in the emulsion. Various synthetic parameters including the precursor compositions were examined to control the porosity. BET surface area and BJH pore volume of the materials were up to 124 m2/g and 0.7 cm3/g, respectively, and the total pore volumes up to 2.1 cm3/g from pycnometry.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Density Functional Theory–Molecular Dynamics Study of Si Dynamics inTi3SiC2
Authors: Kearley Gordon J. , Gray Veronica , Riley Daniel P. , Kirstein Oliver , Kutteh Ramzi , Kisi Erich H. 
Published: December 2013

Observed differences between measured and calculated elastic constants forTi3SiC2are investigated using Density Functional Theory and Inelastic Neutron Scattering. The agreement between the calculated lattice dynamics and the dynamics measured by inelastic neutron scattering is considered good except at energies below ~20 meV where discrepancies suggest anharmonic potentials. This suggestion is confirmed by Density Functional Theory—Molecular Dynamics simulation which shows multiple site occupancy of the Si atoms within the basal plane at finite temperature and produces a calculated inelastic spectrum in better agreement with the measured spectrum in the low‐energy region. The highly anharmonic potential energy surface of theSiatoms offers an explanation for the failure of elastic constants, calculated based on the harmonic approximation, to agree with initial experimental measurements.
The ROS‐induced cytotoxicity of ascorbate is attenuated by hypoxia and HIF‐1alpha in the NCI60 cancer cell lines
Authors: Sinnberg Tobias , Noor Seema , Venturelli Sascha , Berger Alexander , Schuler Paul , Garbe Claus , Busch Christian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntravenous application of high‐dose ascorbate is used in complementary palliative medicine to treat cancer patients. Pharmacological doses of ascorbate in the mM range induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), namely hydrogen peroxide and ascorbyl radicals. However, little is known about intrinsic or extrinsic factors modulating this ascorbate‐mediated cytotoxicity. Under normoxia and hypoxia, ascorbate IC50 values were determined on the NCI60 cancer cells. The cell cycle, the influence of cobalt chloride‐induced hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT‐1) expression (a pro‐survival HIF‐1α‐downstream‐target) were analysed after ascorbate exposure under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The amount of ascorbyl radicals increased with rising serum concentrations. Hypoxia (0.1% O2) globally increased the IC50 of ascorbate in the 60 cancer cell lines from 4.5 ± 3.6 mM to 10.1 ± 5.9 mM (2.2‐fold increase, P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney t‐test), thus inducing cellular resistance towards ascorbate. This ascorbate resistance depended on HIF‐1α‐signalling, but did not correlate with cell line‐specific expression of the ascorbate transporter GLUT‐1. However, under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, ascorbate treatment at the individual IC50 reduced the expression of GLUT‐1 in the cancer cells. Our data show a ROS‐induced, HIF‐1α‐ and O2‐dependent cytotoxicity of ascorbate on 60 different cancer cells. This suggests that for clinical application, cancer patients should additionally be oxygenized to increase the cytotoxic efficacy of ascorbate.
Long‐term retrospective evaluation of short implants in the posterior areas: clinical results after 10–12 years
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Piñas Laura , Begoña Leire , Orive Gorka 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the long‐term clinical results of short implants in the posterior areas and analyse the possible influence of different variables on implant success rate and marginal bone loss (MBL).MethodsA retrospective study design was used. Patients were included if they had received one or more short implants (≤8.5 mm long) in the posterior jaws at least 10 years earlier. All implants were embedded in plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). The cumulative success rate was the primary outcome. MBL and the influence of different variables as secondary outcomes were assessed.ResultsA total of 111 short implants (7.0, 7.5 and 8.5 mm in length) placed in 75 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of which, 94 were splinted to longer ones. The mean follow‐up was 123.3 months (SD = 10.4 months). The mean crown‐implant ratio was 1.4 (SD = 0.3). The mean MBL was 1.0 mm at mesial (SD = 0.7) and 0.9 mm (SD = 0.6) at distal aspect. One short implant failed. Success rate was 98.9% and 98.2% for the implant and patient‐based analysis respectively. No relationship was observed between the studied variables and the MBL.ConclusionsThese clinical results support the use of short implants as an effective and safe long‐term treatment option.
Flood risk mitigation in developing countries: deriving accurate topographic data for remote areas under severe time and economic constraints
Authors: Domeneghetti A. , Gandolfi S. , Castellarin A. , Brandimarte L. , Di Baldassarre G. , Barbarella M. , Brath A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIsla Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has repeatedly witnessed catastrophic disasters that caused dramatic economic losses and killed thousands of people over the last decades. One striking example is the disastrous flood event that hit the transnational basin of River Soliette on 24 May 2004. The event resulted from a severe tropical storm and killed over 1000 Haitian and 400 Dominican people. In the context of an International Cooperation Initiative, the University of Bologna led several activities in the fields of flood risk assessment, management and mitigation, and sustainable development planning for the Soliette river basin. This paper presents new techniques for a timely assessment of flood risk in data‐scarce and remote areas in developing countries showing in particular: (1) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)‐based topographic survey of the Soliette riverbed, carried out under urgent temporal, logistical and technical constraints, and (2) some possible utilisations of the collected topographic data for the identification of structural and non‐structural flood risk mitigation measures. The analysis enabled us to set and test a GNSS‐based technique for fast, reliable and detailed topographic surveys in remote regions, which represents a valid option for similar areas with limited accessibility in emerging and developing countries.