bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting therapy to the neuromuscular junction: Proof of concept
Authors: Kusner Linda L. , Satija Namita , Cheng Georgiana , Kaminski Henry J. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The site of pathology in myasthenia gravis (MG) is the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Our goal was to determine the ability to direct complement inhibition to the NMJ. Methods: A single‐chain antibody directed against the alpha subunit of the acetylcholine receptor was synthesized (scFv‐35) and coupled to decay‐accelerating factor (DAF, scFv‐35‐DAF). scFv‐35‐DAF was tested in a passive model of experimentally acquired MG. Results: Administration of scFv‐35‐DAF to mice deficient in intrinsic complement inhibitors produced no weakness despite confirmation of its localization to the NMJ and no evidence of tissue destruction related to complement activation. Rats with experimentally acquired MG treated with scFV‐35‐DAF showed less weakness and a reduction of complement deposition. Conclusions: We demonstrate a method to effectively target a therapeutic agent to the NMJ. Muscle Nerve 49: 749–756, 2014
Inclusion‐body myositis presenting with facial diplegia
Authors: Ghosh Partha S. , Laughlin Ruple S. , Engel Andrew G. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The hallmark clinical presentation of inclusion‐body myositis (IBM) is slowly progressive weakness that characteristically affects the quadriceps and finger and wrist finger flexor muscles. Facial weakness can also occur, but it is typically mild and not a prominent finding. Methods: We describe the clinical features, laboratory investigations, and muscle biopsy findings in a 58‐year old man who presented with a 6‐year history of marked progressive symmetrical facial weakness. Examination also showed shoulder abduction and hip extensor weakness. Results: The patient's serum creatine kinase level was 655 U/L, and electromyography showed fibrillation potentials and myopathic motor unit potentials. A biopsy specimen of the left biceps muscle was pathognomonic for IBM. Conclusions: This patient did not have a typical presentation for IBM but rather fulfilled the pathological criteria for IBM. To our knowledge, facial diplegia has not been reported previously as a presenting manifestation of IBM. Muscle Nerve 49: 287–289, 2014
Sources of Volunteer Motivation: Transformational Leadership and Personal Motives Influence Volunteer Outcomes
Authors: Dwyer Patrick C. , Bono Joyce E. , Snyder Mark , Nov Oded , Berson Yair 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe examined the separate influences of volunteers' personal motives and their team leaders' behaviors on volunteer satisfaction and contributions, along with mediating processes suggested by self‐determination theory. Participants were 302 volunteers who worked in teams at various sites through a central agency. As predicted, both personal motives for volunteering and transformational leadership influenced volunteer satisfaction through enhanced work meaningfulness and higher‐quality team relationships. However, motives that predicted volunteer contribution were different from those that predicted satisfaction. Whereas satisfaction was positively associated with motives concerning esteem enhancement and value expression, contribution was positively associated with motives to gain understanding and negatively related to motives pertaining to esteem enhancement and social concerns. Transformational leadership was positively associated with volunteer satisfaction, but not with volunteer contributions. The theoretical ramifications of these findings are discussed, along with practical implications for the recruitment and retention of volunteers.
Thin Films: Past, Present, Future
Authors: Zweibel Ken 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThin‐film photovoltaics was developed as a means of substantially reducing the cost of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The rationale for this was that thin‐film modules would be cheaper to manufacture owing to their reduced material costs, energy costs, handling costs and capital costs. However, thin films had to he developed using new materials, including amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide, cadmium telluride and film crystalline silicon. In all cases, these technologies faced major technical and financial hurdles. The most crucial technical barriers are described within the text. Today, much progress has been made and the performance of the best thin‐film laboratory cells approaches the best performance of polycrystalline silicon cells. Outdoor stability has been a problem, especially with amorphous silicon, but this material and newer thin films now display good to excellent stability. It appears that the goal of thin films—truly low‐cost PV electricity that can be sold into energy‐significant markets—can be achieved. However, its achievement will require both the continuing resolution of technical problems and the ongoing investment of significant public and/or private resources.
Thin‐film Photovoltaic Cells: Health and Environmental Issues in their Manufacture Use and Disposal
Authors: Fthenakis V. M. , Moskowitz P. D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe large‐scale manufacture of thin‐film photovoltaic cells may present health and safety hazards if adequate precautions are not taken. In this paper, we examine the hazards associated with producing and using Si, CdTe and CIS thin‐film photovoltaic modules. We focus especially on the potential of workers in manufacturing facilities to be exposed to chronic, low levels of Cd. Pertinent regulations are reviewed and control options are presented that can minimize the risks to workers. Also, we investigate occupational safety hazards and the associated engineering and administrative options related to using pyrophoric silane in making amorphous silicon cells. Finully, recycling and disposal options for spent photovoltaic modules are discussed.
Polycrystalline Silicon‐Film™ Thin‐film Solar Cells: Advanced Products
Authors: Cotter J. E. , Barnett A. M. , Ford D. H. , Hall R. B. , Ingram A. E. , Rand J. A. , Ruffins T. R. , Shreve K. P. , Thomas C. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThin‐film polycrystalline silicon has the potential to achieve the cost reduction and performance improvement necessary for large‐scale electricity markets. Reduced cost is achieved by capitalizing on the benefits of thin films grown on low‐cost, large‐area substrates. Improved efficiency is realized, in spite of reduced material quality, by incorporating enhanced optical absorption and back‐surface passivation. The cornerstone of AstroPower's thin‐film solar cell technology is the Silicon‐Film™ process: a method for the manufacture of solar cell‐quality, polycrystalline films of silicon on a variety of low‐cost, supporting substrates. Three thin‐film solar cell designs, based on this technology, are currently under development. This paper presents the key design features of these three products and briefly reviews the current status of the development of the key technologies that comprise the advanced thin‐film solar cell products.
Unmasking the information encoded as structural motifs of viral RNA genomes: a potential antiviral target
Authors: Romero‐López Cristina , Berzal‐Herranz Alfredo 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYRNA viruses show enormous capacity to evolve and adapt to new cellular and molecular contexts, a consequence of mutations arising from errors made by viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase during replication. Sequence variation must occur, however, without compromising functions essential for the completion of the viral cycle. RNA viruses are safeguarded in this respect by their genome carrying conserved information that does not code only for proteins but also for the formation of structurally conserved RNA domains that directly perform these critical functions. Functional RNA domains can interact with other regions of the viral genome and/or proteins to direct viral translation, replication and encapsidation. They are therefore potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarises our knowledge of the functional RNA domains of human RNA viruses and examines the achievements made in the design of antiviral compounds that interfere with their folding and therefore their function. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound‒Mediated Synthesis of High‒Molecular Weight Polystyrene‒Grafted Silver Nanoparticles by Facile Ligand Exchange Reactions in Suspension
Authors: Pletsch Holger , Peng Ling , Mitschang Fabian , Schaper Andreas , Hellwig Michael , Nette David , Seubert Andreas , Greiner Andreas , Agarwal Seema 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUltrasound mediated facile ligand exchange method in suspension for the formation of polystyrene‒grafted silver nanoparticles is reported. Amazingly, this method allows even grafting of very high molecular weight polystyrenes (up to 217 200 g mol−1) having a single terminal thiol group at the chain end. Detailed studies are carried out to gain insights in the role of molecular weight of the ligands and the mechanism of the ligand exchange reactions. Key factors are determined to be the droplet formation by ultrasonification and low silver content, which enhances the availability of the terminal thiol end group significantly. The extraordinary compatibility of the ligand exchange method in particular regarding high molecular weights is attributed to hydrophilic orientation of the terminal thiol groups at the liquid‒liquid interphase. This is proved conclusively by using an in situ method as a reference approach in which agglomeration occurs at considerably lower molecular weights due to the absence of preferred end group orientation within the polymer coil. In homogeneous phase only the chain length is found to be the crucial factor in stabilization of silver nanoparticles.
Improved nonparametric inference for multiple correlated periodic sequences
Authors: Sun Ying , Hart Jeffrey D. , Genton Marc G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis paper proposes a cross‐validation method for estimating the period as well as the values of multiple correlated periodic sequences when data are observed at evenly spaced time points. The period of interest is estimated conditional on the other correlated sequences. An alternative method for period estimation based on Akaike's information criterion is also discussed. The improvement of the period estimation performance is investigated both theoretically and by simulation. We apply the multivariate cross‐validation method to the temperature data obtained from multiple ice cores, investigating the periodicity of the El Niño effect. Our methodology is also illustrated by estimating patients’ cardiac cycle from different physiological signals, including arterial blood pressure, electrocardiography, and fingertip plethysmograph. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Concise Review: Hurdles in a Successful Example of Limbal Stem Cell-based Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Pellegrini Graziella , Rama Paolo , Rocco Antonio , Panaras Athanasios , Luca Michele 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in regenerative medicine have generated enthusiasm and many efforts to explore new therapeutic potentials of both somatic and pluripotent stem cells. About 30 years passed since a discovery of a method of producing a great number of human epidermal keratinocytes by cultivation from a small skin biopsy, many possibilities are now envisaged for therapeutic application of different cultured cell types. The importance of stem cell content was proven for many tissues or organs in different pathologies. Ocular burns cause depletion of limbal stem cells, which lead to corneal opacification and visual loss. Most of available treatments are palliative and focused on the relief of the devastating clinical picture. This review is focused on recent developments in cell-based therapy of limbal stem cell deficiency. All findings can provide support for improvement and standardization of the cure for this disabling disease. Stem Cells 2014;32:26–34
Modelling shear–flexure interaction in equivalent frame models of slender reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Mergos P. E. , Beyer K. 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYQuasi‐static cyclic tests on reinforced concrete (RC) walls have shown that shear deformations can constitute a significant ratio of the total deformations when the wall is loaded beyond the elastic regime. For slender RC walls that form a stable flexural mechanism, the ratio of shear to flexural deformations remains approximately constant over the entire range of imposed displacement ductilities. This paper proposes a method for incorporating shear‐flexure interaction effects in equivalent frame models of slender RC walls by coupling the shear force‐shear strain relationship to the curvature and axial strain in the member. The suggested methodology is incorporated in a finite element consisting of two interacting spread inelasticity sub‐elements representing flexural and shear response, respectively. The element is implemented in the general finite element code IDARC and validated against experimental results of RC cantilever walls. In a second step, it is applied in inelastic static and dynamic analyses of tall wall and wall‐frame systems. It is shown that ignoring shear‐flexure interaction may lead to erroneous predictions in particular of local ductility and storey drift demands. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into the binding of intrinsically disordered proteins from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Baker Christopher M. , Best Robert B. 
Published: August 2013

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are a class of protein that, in the native state, possess no well‐defined secondary or tertiary structure, existing instead as dynamic ensembles of conformations. They are biologically important, with approximately 20% of all eukaryotic proteins disordered, and found at the heart of many biochemical networks. To fulfil their biological roles, many IDPs need to bind to proteins and/or nucleic acids. And although unstructured in solution, IDPs typically fold into a well‐defined three‐dimensional structure upon interaction with a binding partner. The flexibility and structural diversity inherent to IDPs makes this coupled folding and binding difficult to study at atomic resolution by experiment alone, and computer simulation currently offers perhaps the best opportunity to understand this process. But simulation of coupled folding and binding is itself extremely challenging; these molecules are large and highly flexible, and their binding partners, such as DNA or cyclins, are also often large. Therefore, their study requires either simplified representations, advanced enhanced sampling schemes, or both. It is not always clear that existing simulation techniques, optimized for studying folded proteins, are well suited to IDPs. In this article, we examine the progress that has been made in the study of coupled folding and binding using molecular dynamics simulation. We summarize what has been learnt, and examine the state of the art in terms of both methodologies and models. We also consider the lessons to be learnt from advances in other areas of simulation and highlight the issues that remain of be addressed.This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Syntheses and Structural Studies of Several Group 8 Metal Complexes Derived from 1, 3‐Butadiyne
Authors: Bruce Michael I. , Cole Marcus L. , Costuas Karine , Ellis Benjamin G. , Kramarczuk Kathy A. , Lapinte Claude , Nicholson Brian K. , Perkins Gary J. , Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H. , Zaitseva Natasha N. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAs part of an extensive investigation into the chemistry of complexes containing metal‐ligand centers linked by chains of C(sp) atoms, the preparation, characterization, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction molecular structure determinations of four complexes {MLn}‐C≡CC≡C‐{M′L′m} [MLn = Ru(dppe)Cp*, M′L′m = Fe(dppp)Cp* (1), Ru(dppe)Cp* (2), MLn = M′L′m = Os(PPh3)2Cp (3)], and {Cp*(dppe)Ru}C≡CC≡C{trans‐RuCl(dppe)2} (4), in which the alternating C(sp)–C(sp) bonds have values between 1.375 and 1.40 Å (single) and between 1.20 and 1.259 Å (triple), respectively, are described. In addition, a structure determination of Ru3(μ‐H){μ3‐C2C≡C[Ru(PPh3)2Cp]}(CO)9 (5) shows that the C2 fragment attached to the HRu3 cluster shows the expected lengthening [to 1.311(7) Å] and bending at the two carbon atoms [to 152.6(6) and 157.6(5)°] (resulting from back‐bonding from the Ru3 cluster into the C≡C π* orbitals) compared with the essentially linear Ru–CC– moiety [C≡C 1.222(6) Å, angles at C of 178.0(5), 172.3(6)°],
K4Ni3O6 and KNa2Ni2O4, New Quasi One‐Dimensional ­Oxonickelates(II, III)
Authors: Đuriš Katarina , Nuss Jürgen , Jansen Martin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractTwo new quasi one‐dimensional alkali metal oxonickelates, K4Ni3O6 and KNa2Ni2O4, were obtained by the azide/nitrate route starting from respective stoichiometric mixtures of KN3, KNO3, NaN3, NaNO3, and NiO. According to the X‐ray analyses of the crystal structures [K4Ni3O6: C2/m, Z = 2, a = 899, 53(3), b = 610, 24(2), c = 778.75(2) pm, β = 91.665(2)°, R1 = 0.030, wR2 = 0.088; KNa2Ni2O4: P21/n, Z = 4, a = 573.70(2), b = 1072.89(3), c = 844.93(2) pm, β = 102.916(2)°, R1 = 0.038, wR2 = 0.108], the main feature common to both crystal structures are undulating 1∞NiO2 chains consisting of planar, edge‐sharing NiO4 squares. The magnetic susceptibilities for both compounds indicate onset of antiferromagnetic ordering at about 5 K. Evaluations of the Curie‐Weiss fits result in calculated magnetic moments higher than expected for the respective spin only values, implying some orbital contribution. Below the Néel temperature spin flop or meta‐magnetism is observed for both compounds.
Prognostic Impact of Positive Surgical Margins After Resection of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Reappraisal in the Era of Modern Chemotherapy
Authors: Tranchart Hadrien , Chirica Mircea , Faron Matthieu , Balladur Pierre , Lefevre Leila Bengrine , Svrcek Magali , de Gramont Aimery , Tiret Emmanuel , Paye François 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to assess the prognostic impact of positive surgical margins (R1) after liver resection (LR) of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in the era of modern chemotherapy regimens. R1 resection is a negative prognostic factor after LR of CRLM. The significance of R1 margins in the era of effective chemotherapy is unknown.MethodsFrom January 2000 to December 2009, 215 patients (177 men: 62 %; median age 60 years; range 30–84 years) underwent LR of CRLM. The LR was considered R1 (margin <1 mm) in 49 patients (23 %) and R0 in 166 patients (77 %). Overall, 108 (50 %) patients received preoperative chemotherapy and 156 (72 %) patients received postoperative chemotherapy.ResultsWith a median follow‐up of 36 months (range 1–141 months), the 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate (47 vs 40 %; p = 0.05) and the disease‐free survival (DFS) rate (36 vs 23 %; p = 0.006) were significantly lower in the R1 group. Recurrence developed in 152 patients (71 %) and the rate of recurrence was significantly higher (84 vs 67 %; p = 0.02) in the R1 group. On multivariate analysis, N+ status of the colorectal primary tumor (p = 0.008), presence of radiologically occult disease (p = 0.04), and R1 resection (p = 0.03) were independent adverse predictors of OS. The N+ status of the primary tumor (p = 0.003) and R1 resection (p = 0.02) were independent adverse predictors of DFS. On multivariate analysis use of postoperative chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of improved DFS (p = 0.02) in the R1 group.ConclusionsA positive resection margin remains a significant poor prognostic factor after LR of CRLM in the era of modern chemotherapy. Postoperative chemotherapy reduces recurrence rates after R1 resection of CRLM.
Outcomes of Asymptomatic Anastomotic Leaks Found on Routine Postoperative Water‐soluble Enema following Anterior Resection for Cancer
Authors: Killeen S. , Souroullas P. , Ho Tin H. , Hunter I. A. , O’Grady H. , Gunn J. , Hartley J. E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence and consequence of an anastomotic leak associated with low anterior resection for cancer mandates covering stoma in most cases. A water‐soluble enema is often performed to assess anastomotic integrity prior to stoma reversal. The functional outcome following reversal in patients with occult radiologically detected leaks is poorly defined. The goal of the present study was to determine the functional outcome in patients with a radiologically detected anastomotic leak who subsequently underwent stoma reversal.MethodsThis case control study used patients with and without radiologically detected occult anastomotic leak having undergone reversal of covering stomata. The study group was matched with controls for age, gender, procedure, tumor stage, and adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy. Validated fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL), Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS), and the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Bowel Function Index (BFI) were used. Patient satisfaction, medication use, and ancillary procedures prior to closure were also recorded.ResultsThirteen patients with radiologically detected occult anastomotic leaks and 13 matched controls were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The FIQL, CCFIS, and MSKCC BFI scores were significantly reduced in those with occult leaks. The mean number of radiological and surgical interventions was significantly greater in the patients with occult leaks. Antidiarrheal and bulking agent use, as well as patient satisfaction, were the same for both groups. Only one patient in the occult leak group would not undergo stoma reversal again.ConclusionsReversal of a defunctioning ileostomy in the presence of an occult radiological leak can be associated with poorer functional outcomes, but patient satisfaction is undiminished.
How Useful Are Perioperative Biochemical Parameters in Predicting the Duration of Calcium and/or Vitamin D Supplementation After Total Thyroidectomy?
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Wong Kai Pun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundOral calcium and calcitriol are often prescribed after total thyroidectomy to avoid biochemical and/or symptomatic hypocalcemia. We aimed to identify independent perioperative factors that correlated with the duration of calcium and/or calcitriol supplementation after total thyroidectomy.MethodsOf 271 eligible patients, 48 (17.7 %) required calcium and/or calcitriol supplements on discharge. Patients were gradually weaned from the supplementation by one surgeon according to a biweekly algorithm based on serum calcium (Ca). Duration of supplementation was calculated from the date of operation to the date of ceasing all supplementation without biochemical hypocalcemia (i.e., serum adjusted Ca ≥8.44 mg/dL). The Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent perioperative factors for duration of supplementation. The best cut‐off value for these independent factors was determined by the receiver characteristic curve.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, parathyroid hormone (PTH) at skin closure (PTH‐SC) (RR 1.742, 95 % CI 1.080–2.810) and on postoperative day 1 adjusted Ca (Ca‐D1) (RR 77.526, 95 % CI 3.600–1669.57) were the only two independent determinants for shorter duration before ceasing all supplementation. The best cut‐off values in predicting supplementation ≥6 months for PTH‐SC and Ca‐D1 were 7.08 pg/mL (sensitivity = 100 %, specificity = 60.5 %, PPV = 40.0 % and NPV = 100 %) and 7.88 mg/dL (sensitivity = 90.0 %, specificity = 55.3 %, PPV = 34.6 % and NPV = 95.5 %), respectively.ConclusionsBoth PTH‐SC and Ca‐D1 were independently associated with the duration of supplementation after total thyroidectomy. Almost all patients with PTH‐SC ≥7.08 pg/mL or Ca‐D1 ≥7.88 mg/dL did not require supplementation ≥6 months whereas about one third of patients with PTH‐SC <7.08 pg/mL or Ca‐D1 <7.88 mg/dL required supplementation ≥6 months.