bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biophysical characterization of polyomavirus minor capsid proteins
Authors: Burkert Oliver , Kreßner Susanne , Sinn Ludwig , Giese Sven , Simon Claudia , Lilie Hauke 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The murine polyomavirus encodes three structural proteins, VP1, VP2 and VP3, which together form the viral capsid. The outer shell of this capsid is composed of the major capsid protein VP1, the inner shell consists of VP2 and its N-terminally truncated form VP3. These two minor capsid proteins interact with their identical C-terminal part in the central cavity of VP1 pentamers, building the capsid assembly unit. While the VP1 structure and functions are well studied, VP2 and VP3 are poorly understood. In order to get a detailed insight into the structure and function of the minor capsid proteins, they were produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies and refolded in vitro. The success of refolding was strictly dependent on the presence of detergent in the refolding buffer. VP2 and VP3 are monomeric and their structures exhibit a high α-helical content. The function of both proteins could be monitored by complex formation with VP1. Furthermore, we could demonstrate a hemolytic activity of VP2/VP3 in vitro, which fits well into a postulated membrane interaction of VP2 during viral infection.
The Effects of T5 and T6 Heat Treatments on Wear Behaviour of AA6063 Alloy
Authors: Özyürek Dursun , Tunçay Tansel , Kaya Hasan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn this study, T5 heat treatment was applied to AA6063 alloy aged at 455 K for 2 hours after extrusion at 686 K. T6 heat treatment was also carried out by ageing at 455 K for 2 hours after solution heat treatment at 794 K for 1 hour. Heat treated T5 and T6 specimens were tested by pin-on-disc type wear equipment. Wear test was carried out by using 10, 20, 30 N loads and 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 m wear distance. T5 and T6 heat treated specimens were characterized with scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and hardness measurements. Worn surfaces of the specimens was also characterised with SEM. The results indicated that small and homogenously dispersed Mg2Si precipitates formed in AA6063 aluminium alloy with T6 heat treatment were compared to the T5 heat treatment. As a result of increment precipitate size, wear resistance decreased. T6 heat treated specimens showed higher hardness compared to the T5 heat treated specimens. In addition wear resistance and friction coefficient of both T5 and T6 heat treated specimens decreased with increasing applied load.
Echocardiography Screening of Siblings of Children With Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Hales Alice R. , Mahle William T. 
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Left heart defects, such as bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), are heritable. Consensus guidelines have recommended echocardiographic screening of first-degree relatives. The utility of this approach in siblings of children with BAV is not known. The objective of this study is to evaluate the yield of routine screening of siblings of children with BAV and undertake an economic analysis of this practice.

METHODS:
Siblings of children with BAV who underwent echocardiographic screening in a single pediatric cardiology practice were identified. The anatomic features and hemodynamics of siblings newly diagnosed with BAV were recorded. A Markov model was constructed to determine cost-effectiveness ratios, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS:
There were 207 screened siblings of 181 children with BAV. The median age at screening was 7 years. BAV was identified in 21 (10.1%) of siblings screened. The median peak Doppler gradient was 18 mm Hg. Aortic insufficiency was mild or less in all. The mean cost to diagnose BAV in a sibling was $2109 per new case found. The estimated mean cost to avert a single aortic dissection in the third or fourth decade of life was $363 911. The estimated cost per life-year saved was $74 884 and ranged from $17 461 to $1 136 536 in sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:
Echo screening among siblings of those with BAV is effective and inexpensive and may lower the risk of the complications of such as dissection, although it comes at a moderate cost relative to benefits gained. Screening of siblings should be incorporated into clinical care.
Empiric Combination Therapy for Gram-Negative Bacteremia
Authors: Sick Anna C. , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Turnbull Alison E. , Weissman Scott J. , Tamma Pranita D. 
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND:Empirical combination antibiotic regimens consisting of a β-lactam and an aminoglycoside are frequently employed in the pediatric population. Data to demonstrate the comparative benefit of empirical β-lactam combination therapy relative to monotherapy for culture-proven Gram-negative bacteremia are lacking in the pediatric population.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children treated for Gram-negative bacteremia at The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2004 through 2012. We compared the estimated odds of 10-day mortality and the relative duration of bacteremia for children receiving empirical combination therapy versus empirical monotherapy using 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity-score matching without replacement, before performing regression analysis.RESULTS:We identified 226 matched pairs of patients well balanced on baseline covariates. Ten-day mortality was similar between the groups (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28 to 1.71). Use of empirical combination therapy was not associated with a decrease in the duration of bacteremia (−0.51 days; 95% CI, −2.22 to 1.48 days). There was no survival benefit when evaluating 10-day mortality for the severely ill (pediatric risk of mortality III score ≥15) or profoundly neutropenic patients (absolute neutrophil count ≤100 cells/mL) receiving combination therapy. However, a survival benefit was observed when empirical combination therapy was prescribed for children growing multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms from the bloodstream (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.84).CONCLUSIONS:Although there appears to be no advantage to the routine addition of an aminoglycoside to a β-lactam as empirical therapy for children who have Gram-negative bacteremia, children who have risk factors for MDRGN organisms appear to benefit from this practice.
Lifetime Direct Medical Costs of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Finkelstein Eric Andrew , Graham Wan Chen Kang , Malhotra Rahul 
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
An estimate of the lifetime medical costs of an obese child provides a benchmark of the potential per capita savings that could accrue from successful childhood obesity prevention efforts. We reviewed the literature to identify the best current estimate of the incremental lifetime per capita medical cost of an obese child in the United States today relative to a normal weight child.

METHODS:
We searched PubMed and Web of Science for US-based studies published within the 15 years preceding May 2013 from which lifetime medical cost estimates can be extracted or imputed. Two reviewers independently screened search results and extracted data from eligible articles. All estimates were inflated to 2012 dollars and discounted to reflect costs from the perspective of a 10-year-old child today.

RESULTS:
We identified 6 studies. The incremental lifetime direct medical cost from the perspective of a 10-year-old obese child relative to a 10-year-old normal weight child ranges from $12 660 to $19 630 when weight gain through adulthood among normal weight children is accounted for and from $16 310 to $39 080 when this adjustment is not made.

CONCLUSIONS:
We recommend use of an estimate of $19 000 as the incremental lifetime medical cost of an obese child relative to a normal weight child who maintains normal weight throughout adulthood. The alternative estimate, which considers the reality of eventual weight gain among normal weight youth, is $12 660. Additional research is needed to include estimates of indirect costs of childhood obesity.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Is an Easy Predictor of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients Undergoing Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Ferroni Patrizia , Guadagni Fiorella , Laudisi Anastasia , Vergati Matteo , Riondino Silvia , Russo Antonio , Davì Giovanni , Roselli Mario 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background.
Reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been associated with increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the general population. VTE incidence significantly increases in cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Despite the evidence that a substantial number of cancer patients have unrecognized renal impairment, as indicated by reduced eGFR in the presence of serum creatinine levels within the reference value, chemotherapy dosage is routinely adjusted for serum creatinine values. Among chemotherapies, platinum-based regimens are associated with the highest rates of VTE. A cohort study was designed to assess the value of pretreatment eGFR in the risk prediction of a first VTE episode in cancer outpatients without previous history of VTE who were scheduled for platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods.
Serum creatinine and eGFR were evaluated before the start of standard platinum-based chemotherapy in a cohort of 322 consecutive patients with primary or relapsing/recurrent solid cancers, representative of a general practice population.

Results.
Patients who experienced a first VTE episode in the course of chemotherapy had lower mean eGFR values compared with patients who remained VTE free. Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that eGFR had an independent value for risk prediction of a first VTE episode during treatment, with a 3.15 hazard ratio. Indeed, 14% of patients with reduced eGFR had VTE over 1-year follow-up compared with 6% of patients with normal eGFR values.

Conclusion.
The results suggest that reductions in eGFR, even in the presence of normal serum creatinine, are associated with an increased VTE risk in cancer outpatients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. Determining eGFR before chemotherapy could represent a simple predictor of VTE, at no additional cost to health care systems.
New genetic insights to consider coffee waste as feedstock for fuel, feed, and chemicals
Authors: Summers Ryan , Gopishetty Sridhar , Mohanty Sujit , Subramanian Mani 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Caffeine is a natural plant product found in many drinks, including coffee, tea, soft and energy drinks. Due to caffeine’s presence in the environment, microorganisms have evolved two different mechanisms to live on caffeine. The genetic maps of the caffeine N-demethylation pathway and C-8 oxidation pathway have been discovered in Pseudomonas putida CBB5 and Pseudomonas sp. CBB1, respectively. These genes are the only characterized bacterial caffeine-degrading genes, and may be of great value in producing fine chemicals, biofuels, and animal feed from coffee and tea waste. Here, we present preliminary results for production of theobromine and 7-methylxanthine from caffeine and theobromine, respectively, by two strains of metabolically engineered E. coli. We also demonstrate complete decaffeination of tea extract by an immobilized mixed culture of Klebsiella and Rhodococcus cells. These processes provide a first level demonstration of biotechnological utilization of coffee and tea waste.
Morpho-structural and luminescence investigations on yttrium silicate based phosphors prepared with different precipitating agents
Authors: Muresan Laura , Cadis Adrian , Perhaita Ioana , Indrea Emil 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Yttrium silicate doped with cerium (Y2SiO5:Ce) was obtained from Y-Ce-Si based precursors prepared by the simultaneous addition of reagents (SimAdd) technique. The synthesis of the precursors was done in well controlled conditions using ammonium oxalate, ammonium carbonate or urea as precipitating agents. Results regarding the influence of precipitating agents on the morpho structural and photoluminescent characteristics of Y2SiO5:Ce are reported. The TG analysis in correlation with EGA, FT-IR and XRD investigations reveals the formation of oxalate, hydroxy-carbonate or hydroxy-nitrate based compounds, the same as the conversion of the precursors to well crystallized yttrium silicate. XRD patterns show that the precursors are amorphous except for the sample prepared with ammonium oxalate. Depending on the precipitation conditions, the phosphors phase composition varies from single phase (X2-Y2SiO5) to a mixture of phases (X2-Y2SiO5, X1-Y2SiO5, Y2O3). Under UV excitation, phosphors exhibit the specific blue emission of cerium with an intensity that varies from 175.8% (urea) to 96.0% (ammonium carbonate) and to 78.5% (ammonium oxalate). The emission intensity depends on the phase purity and order degree of the phosphors. PACS Classification codes:78.55 Hx, 81.20Fw
Mobile phone voting for participation and engagement in a large compulsory law course
Authors: Habel Chad , Stubbs Matthew 
Published: April 2014

This article reports on an action-research project designed to investigate the effect of a technological intervention on the complex interactions between student engagement, participation, attendance and preparation in a large lecture delivered as part of a compulsory first-year law course, a discipline which has not been the focus of any previous study. The technology used was VotApedia, a form of mobile phone voting, and it was implemented in tandem with constructivist pedagogies such as explicit pre-reading and a prior context of interactive lecturing. Data were collected through observation, via mobile phone voting in class and by an online survey designed to specifically explore the relationship between attendance at VotApedia lectures and factors such as self-reported engagement, attendance and preparation. The findings indicated that student response systems (SRSs) are just as applicable to more Humanities-style disciplines which require divergent questioning, and supported complex interactions between engagement, attendance and preparation. Preliminary findings indicated that, although more work needs to be done, especially on the types of students who prefer to use these systems, there is a clear potential to increase student engagement in large law lectures through the use of SRSs.Keywords: student response systems; pedagogy; VotApedia; constructivism; action research(Published: 08 April 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 19537 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.19537
Baseline Serum Interleukin-6 Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Cho Yeoungjee , Johnson David W. , Vesey David A. , Hawley Carmel M. , Pascoe Elaine M. , Clarke Margaret , Topley Nicholas 
Published: April 2014

Background The utility of local and systemic interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a prognostic marker in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remains to be fully defined. The present study aimed to explore the capacity of systemic IL-6 concentrations to predict cardiovascular events (CVEs) and mortality in PD patients, and to evaluate the influence of neutral-pH PD solutions low in glucose degradation products (GDPs) on systemic IL-6. Methods The study included 175 incident participants from the balANZ trial with at least one stored serum sample. A composite CVE score was used as the primary clinical outcome measure. Multilevel linear regression and Poisson regression models were fitted to describe, respectively, the trend of serum IL-6 over time and its ability to predict composite CVE. Results A significant increase in serum IL-6 from baseline to 24 months was observed in the study population (mean difference: 1.68 pg/mL; p = 0.006). The type of PD solution received by patients exerted no significant effect on serum IL-6 ( p = 0.12). Composite CVE was significantly and independently associated with baseline serum IL-6 (incidence rate ratio per picogram per milliliter: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.10; p = 0.003). Conclusions Baseline serum IL-6 was a significant independent predictor of composite CVE. Serum IL-6 concentrations increased with increasing PD duration and were not significantly modified with the use of biocompatible fluid over the study period. The present study is the first to link systemic IL-6 concentrations with CVE outcomes in incident PD patients.
Gr-1dimCD11b+ Immature Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells but Not Neutrophils Are Markers of Lethal Tuberculosis Infection in Mice
Authors: Tsiganov Evgeny N. , Verbina Elena M. , Radaeva Tatiana V. , Sosunov Vasily V. , Kosmiadi George A. , Nikitina Irina Yu. , Lyadova Irina V. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) disease may progress at different rates and have different outcomes. Neutrophils have been implicated in TB progression; however, data on their role during TB are controversial. In this study, we show that in mice, TB progression is associated with the accumulation of cells that express neutrophilic markers Gr-1 and Ly-6G but do not belong to conventional neutrophils. The cells exhibit unsegmented nuclei, have Gr-1dimLy-6GdimCD11b+ phenotype, and express F4/80, CD49d, Ly-6C, CD117, and CD135 markers characteristic not of neutrophils but of immature myeloid cells. The cells accumulate in the lungs, bone marrow, spleen, and blood at the advanced (prelethal) stage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and represent a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells at different stages of their differentiation. The accumulation of Gr-1dimCD11b+ cells is accompanied by the disappearance of conventional neutrophils (Gr-1hiLy-6Ghi–expressing cells). The Gr-1dimCD11b+ cells suppress T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in vitro via NO-dependent mechanisms, that is, they exhibit characteristics of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These results document the generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells during TB, suggesting their role in TB pathogenesis, and arguing that neutrophils do not contribute to TB pathology at the advanced disease stage.
Functional Effects of TGF-β1 on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mobilization in Cockroach Allergen–Induced Asthma
Authors: Gao Peisong , Zhou Yufeng , Xian Lingling , Li Changjun , Xu Ting , Plunkett Beverly , Huang Shau-Ku , Wan Mei , Cao Xu 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested to participate in immune regulation and airway repair/remodeling. TGF-β1 is critical in the recruitment of stem/progenitor cells for tissue repair, remodeling, and cell differentiation. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of TGF-β1 in MSC migration in allergic asthma. We examined nestin expression (a marker for MSCs) and TGF-β1 signaling activation in airways in cockroach allergen extract (CRE)–induced mouse models. Compared with control mice, there were increased nestin+ cells in airways and higher levels of active TGF-β1 in serum and p-Smad2/3 expression in lungs of CRE-treated mice. Increased activation of TGF-β1 signaling was also found in CRE-treated MSCs. We then assessed MSC migration induced by conditioned medium from CRE-challenged human epithelium in air/liquid interface culture in Transwell assays. MSC migration was stimulated by epithelial-conditioned medium, but was significantly inhibited by either TGF-β1–neutralizing Ab or TβR1 inhibitor. Intriguingly, increased migration of MSCs from blood and bone marrow to the airway was also observed after systemic injection of GFP+ MSCs and from bone marrow of Nes-GFP mice following CRE challenge. Furthermore, TGF-β1–neutralizing Ab inhibited the CRE-induced MSC recruitment, but promoted airway inflammation. Finally, we investigated the role of MSCs in modulating CRE-induced T cell response and found that MSCs significantly inhibited CRE-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, and IFN-γ) by CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that TGF-β1 may be a key promigratory factor in recruiting MSCs to the airways in mouse models of asthma.
Evaluating the Potentiating Effect of Amethocaine on Tropicamide-Induced Mydriasis in Darkly Pigmented Irides, Using Infrared Pupillometry
Authors: Ogun Olufunmilola A. , Oliver Jeffrey W. , Ashaye Adeyinka O. , Ajayi Benedictus G. K. 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To determine whether prior instillation of amethocaine would increase the rate and magnitude of tropicamide-induced pupillary dilatation in darkly pigmented irides. Method A total of 50 healthy Africans aged 18–40 years, with darkly pigmented irides, received a drop of amethocaine in one eye and a drop of placebo in the contralateral eye, followed by two drops of tropicamide in both eyes. Serial pupil diameters were measured using a monocular infrared video pupillometer. Rate of pupillary dilatation was compared in both eyes. Survival statistics were calculated for the time taken to reach a clinically effective dilatation, clinically effective diameter (CED) of 6.0 mm. Results Mean difference in pupil diameters between amethocaine- and placebo-treated eyes was 0.30 ± 0.09 mm ( P < 0.002). In all, 62% of amethocaine-treated eyes and only 46% of placebo-treated eyes reached the CED. Conclusion We observed a small but statistically significant potentiating effect of a drop of amethocaine on tropicamide-induced dilatation within 20 minutes.
Individual predispositions and positive adaptation of children of alcoholics
Authors: Grzegorzewska Iwona 
Published: April 2014

<b>Background</b><br />
Children of alcoholics have been the focus of both clinicians and scientists for years. Recent research undertaken from the perspective of developmental psychopathology has shown considerable variation of the investigated population, with clear emphasis on positive adaptation as the target developmental result. The aim of this study was to determine whether children of alcoholics showing positive adaptation are characterized by a specific system of individual predispositions.<br />
<br />
<b>Participants and procedure</b><br />
The study involved 540 individuals in three age groups and two comparison groups: children of alcoholics and children from the control group. The research model assumed risk assessment, assessment of positive adaptation and estimating individual predispositions that are important from the point of view of the problem.<br />
<br />
<b>Results</b><br />
The results confirmed the hypothesis that children of alcoholics cope well with the developmental requirements, and – despite the number of adverse life circumstances – are featured by a more favourable combination of individual predispositions.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusions</b><br />
The population of children of alcoholics is varied. Accordance with the multifinality, in addition to clear susceptibility to psychopathology, characterized by a positive adaptation, dependent on personality factors.