bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative Contributions of Polarizability and Free Volume in Reduction of Refractive Index and Dielectric Constant with Fluorine Substitution in Polyimides by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Hougham Gareth G. , Jean Y. C. 
Published: November 2013

Fluorine atom incorporation into polymers typically yields a low refractive index and dielectric constant. Two effects contribute to this: the decreased electronic polarizability of the C–F bond relative to C–H, and the introduction of additional fractional free volume due to less dense polymer chain packing. Here, it is reported that the change in fractional free volume contributes an average of 49% of the observed decrease in refractive index and 64% of the 1 kHz dielectric constant for symmetric structures. This surprisingly large magnitude is found comparing exact fluorine/hydrogen analogous pairs of polyimides using positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy and the application of a Lorenz–Lorentz normalization.
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Ammonium Carbamate Functionalization of Microgels for pH‐Sensitive Loading and Release of Anionic and Cationic Molecules
Authors: Behra Muriel , Hartmann Laura 
Published: November 2013

The functionalization of porous microgels with polyamines is presented along with their partial conversion into carbamates with CO2 for an efficient loading and release via electrostatic interactions. The resulting ammonium carbamate particles switch their charge from negative at pH 10 to positive at pH 5 and present a zwitterionic state at pH 7. Thus, they can easily be loaded with both cationic and anionic molecules. Furthermore, the ammonium carbamate functionalization allows for an efficient release at pH values between 5.0 and 7.4, whereas classical functionalization with carboxy‐ or amine‐groups requires pH values below pH 4 or above pH 9. This versatile and easy‐to‐install functionalization has a great potential for various applications, such as the loading and release of drugs or nanoparticles from hydrogels.
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Minimal training is required to reliably perform quantitative ultrasound of muscle
Authors: Zaidman Craig m. , WU JIM S. , Wilder Sarah , Darras Basil T. , Rutkove Seward B. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Quantitative ultrasound can measure skeletal muscle pathology. We investigated whether inexperienced evaluators could accurately obtain and analyze ultrasound images. Methods: Two examiners underwent a 20‐minute training session before obtaining ultrasound images of several limb muscles in 21 healthy boys and 19 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Gray scale levels (GSLs) of muscle and subcutaneous fat were then measured by 2 analysts: a trained research assistant and a radiologist. We compared results between examiners and analysts. Results: Interrater reliability of muscle GSLs was high between examiners (ICC ≥ 0.85) and analysts (ICC ≥ 0.84). As anticipated, GSLs were higher in dystrophic than in healthy muscles (P < 0.001). Fat GSLs were less reliable (ICC = 0.5–0.89) than muscle and increased with age and body size. Conclusions: GSLs from ultrasound images of healthy and dystrophic skeletal muscle, but not from subcutaneous fat, can be obtained reliably and can be analyzed by inexperienced evaluators with minimal training. Muscle Nerve 50: 124–128, 2014
Human interleukin‐23 receptor antagonists derived from an albumin‐binding domain scaffold inhibit IL‐23‐dependent ex vivo expansion of IL‐17‐producing T‐cells
Authors: Kuchař Milan , Vaňková Lucie , Petroková Hana , Černý Jiří , Osička Radim , Pelák Ondřej , Šípová Hana , Schneider Bohdan , Homola Jiří , Šebo Peter , Kalina Tomáš , Malý Petr 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTEngineered combinatorial libraries derived from small protein scaffolds represent a powerful tool for generating novel binders with high affinity, required specificity and designed inhibitory function. This work was aimed to generate a collection of recombinant binders of human interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R), which is a key element of proinflammatory IL‐23‐mediated signaling. A library of variants derived from the three‐helix bundle scaffold of the albumin‐binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G and ribosome display were used to select for high‐affinity binders of recombinant extracellular IL‐23R. A collection of 34 IL‐23R‐binding proteins (called REX binders), corresponding to 18 different sequence variants, was used to identify a group of ligands that inhibited binding of the recombinant p19 subunit of IL‐23, or the biologically active human IL‐23 cytokine, to the recombinant IL‐23R or soluble IL‐23R‐IgG chimera. The strongest competitors for IL‐23R binding in ELISA were confirmed to recognize human IL‐23R‐IgG in surface plasmon resonance experiments, estimating the binding affinity in the sub‐ to nanomolar range. We further demonstrated that several REX variants bind to human leukemic cell lines K‐562, THP‐1 and Jurkat, and this binding correlated with IL‐23R cell‐surface expression. The REX125, REX009 and REX128 variants competed with the p19 protein for binding to THP‐1 cells. Moreover, the presence of REX125, REX009 and REX115 variants significantly inhibited the IL‐23‐driven expansion of IL‐17‐producing primary human CD4+ T‐cells. Thus, we conclude that unique IL‐23R antagonists derived from the ABD scaffold were generated that might be useful in designing novel anti‐inflammatory biologicals. Proteins 2014; 82:975–989. © 2013 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution structure and interface‐driven self‐assembly of NC2, a new member of the Class II hydrophobin proteins
Authors: Ren Qin , Kwan Ann H. , Sunde Margaret 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTHydrophobins are fungal proteins that self‐assemble spontaneously to form amphipathic monolayers at hydrophobic:hydrophilic interfaces. Hydrophobin assemblies facilitate fungal transitions between wet and dry environments and interactions with plant and animal hosts. NC2 is a previously uncharacterized hydrophobin from Neurospora crassa. It is a highly surface active protein and is able to form protein layers on a water:air interface that stabilize air bubbles. On a hydrophobic substrate, NC2 forms layers consisting of an ordered network of protein molecules, which dramatically decrease the water contact angle. The solution structure and dynamics of NC2 have been determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The structure of this protein displays the same core fold as observed in other hydrophobin structures determined to date, including the Class II hydrophobins HFBI and HFBII from Trichoderma reesei, but certain features illuminate the structural differences between Classes I and II hydrophobins and also highlight the variations between structures of Class II hydrophobin family members. The unique properties of hydrophobins have attracted much attention for biotechnology applications. The insights obtained through determining the structure, biophysical properties and assembly characteristics of NC2 will facilitate the development of hydrophobin‐based applications. Proteins 2014; 82:990–1003. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population shift of binding pocket size and dynamic correlation analysis shed new light on the anticooperative mechanism of PII protein
Authors: Ma Cheng‐Wei , Lüddecke Jan , Forchhammer Karl , Zeng An‐Ping 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPII protein is one of the largest families of signal transduction proteins in archaea, bacteria, and plants, controlling key processes of nitrogen assimilation. An intriguing characteristic for many PII proteins is that the three ligand binding sites exhibit anticooperative allosteric regulation. In this work, PII protein from Synechococcus elongatus, a model for cyanobacteria and plant PII proteins, is utilized to reveal the anticooperative mechanism upon binding of 2‐oxoglutarate (2‐OG). To this end, a method is proposed to define the binding pocket size by identifying residues that contribute greatly to the binding of 2‐OG. It is found that the anticooperativity is realized through population shift of the binding pocket size in an asymmetric manner. Furthermore, a new algorithm based on the dynamic correlation analysis is developed and utilized to discover residues that mediate the anticooperative process with high probability. It is surprising to find that the T‐loop, which is believed to be responsible for mediating the binding of PII with its target proteins, also takes part in the intersubunit signal transduction process. Experimental results of PII variants further confirmed the influence of T‐loop on the anticooperative regulation, especially on binding of the third 2‐OG. These discoveries extend our understanding of the PII T‐loop from being essential in versatile binding of target protein to signal‐mediating in the anticooperative allosteric regulation. Proteins 2014; 82:1048–1059. © 2013 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Packing interface energetics in different crystal forms of the λ Cro dimer
Authors: Ahlstrom Logan S. , Miyashita Osamu 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTVariation among crystal structures of the λ Cro dimer highlights conformational flexibility. The structures range from a wild type closed to a mutant fully open conformation, but it is unclear if each represents a stable solution state or if one may be the result of crystal packing. Here we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the energetics of crystal packing interfaces and the influence of site‐directed mutagenesis on them in order to examine the effect of crystal packing on wild type and mutant Cro dimer conformation. Replica exchange MD of mutant Cro in solution shows that the observed conformational differences between the wild type and mutant protein are not the direct consequence of mutation. Instead, simulation of Cro in different crystal environments reveals that mutation affects the stability of crystal forms. Molecular Mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area binding energy calculations reveal the detailed energetics of packing interfaces. Packing interfaces can have diverse properties in strength, energetic components, and some are stronger than the biological dimer interface. Further analysis shows that mutation can strengthen packing interfaces by as much as ∼5 kcal/mol in either crystal environment. Thus, in the case of Cro, mutation provides an additional energetic contribution during crystal formation that may stabilize a fully open higher energy state. Moreover, the effect of mutation in the lattice can extend to packing interfaces not involving mutation sites. Our results provide insight into possible models for the effect of crystallization on Cro conformational dynamics and emphasize careful consideration of protein crystal structures. Proteins 2014; 82:1128–1141. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CIT: A credit‐based incentive tariff scheme with fraud‐traceability for smart grid
Authors: Wen Mi , Zhang Kuan , Lei Jingsheng , Liang Xiaohui , Deng Ruilong , Shen Xuemin (Sherman) 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe growing peak‐hour power demand has invoked an urgency to increase the peak‐hour supply. Although smart grid has been envisioned as the next generation power system due to its two‐way communication of information and power, the peak‐hour power shortage problem still exists. In this paper, we propose a credit‐based incentive tariff (CIT) scheme with fraud‐traceability for smart grid. Specifically, the CIT encourages retail customers to sell the power generated by their renewable resources back to the grid during peak hours via giving additional incentive rate to them based on their credits. If a fraud is detected during the power transaction, the malicious customer's identity can be traced out and his or her credit can be correspondingly reduced. The security analysis shows that the CIT resists various security threats and makes the incentive tariff fair and more secure. The performance evaluation demonstrates that the CIT can dramatically increase the peak‐hour supply and reduce the peak‐to‐average power demand ratio by up to 7%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolically Active Human Brown Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Silva Francisco J , Holt Dolly J , Vargas Vanessa , Yockman James , Boudina Sihem , Atkinson Donald , Grainger David W. , Revelo Monica P. , Sherman Warren , Bull David A. , Patel Amit N. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a key role in the evolutionarily conserved mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis in mammals. It is characterized by fat vacuoles 5–10 μm in diameter and expression of uncoupling protein one, central to the regulation of thermogenesis. In the human newborn, BAT depots are typically grouped around the vasculature and solid organs. These depots maintain body temperature during cold exposure by warming the blood before its distribution to the periphery. They also ensure an optimal temperature for biochemical reactions within solid organs. BAT had been thought to involute throughout childhood and adolescence. Recent studies, however, have confirmed the presence of active BAT in adult humans with depots residing in cervical, supraclavicular, mediastinal, paravertebral, and suprarenal regions. While human pluripotent stem cells have been differentiated into functional brown adipocytes in vitro and brown adipocyte progenitor cells have been identified in murine skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, multipotent metabolically active BAT-derived stem cells from a single depot have not been identified in adult humans to date. Here, we demonstrate a clonogenic population of metabolically active BAT stem cells residing in adult humans that can: (a) be expanded in vitro; (b) exhibit multilineage differentiation potential; and (c) functionally differentiate into metabolically active brown adipocytes. Our study defines a new target stem cell population that can be activated to restore energy homeostasis in vivo for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Stem Cells 2014;32:572–581
LC–ESI–MS Characterization of Phenolic Profiles Turkish Olive Oils as Influenced by Geographic Origin and Harvest Year
Authors: Kesen Songul , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the differences in the phenolic fractions and antioxidant properties of virgin olive oils from the Nizip yaglik and Kilis yaglik olive varieties cultivated in native and different olive growing areas of Turkey. The phenolic composition of olive oils was carried out by HPLC‐DAD and identifications were made by LC–MS. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified and among these compounds elenolic acid, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol were the most dominant. Based on the results, there was no difference in distribution of phenolic compounds, but the total phenolic content in oil from native regions was higher than in oil from Bornova regions. The antioxidant capacity of olive oil extracts was determined by two different methods, including DPPH and ABTS. In both methods, antioxidant capacity values were higher in oil from native regions.
Comparative analysis of adverse events between infliximab and adalimumab in Crohn's disease management: a Brazilian single-centre experience
Authors: Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Akiyoshi Fernando Kenji , Luvizotto Mateus , Olandoski Márcia , Kotze Lorete Maria da Silva , Coy Cláudio Saddy Rodrigues 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction Data is scarce regarding adverse events (AE) of biological therapy used in the management of Crohn's Disease (CD) among Brazilian patients.
Objectives To analyse AE prevalence and profile in patients with CD treated with Infliximab (IFX) or Adalimumab (ADA) and to verify whether there are differences between the two drugs.
Method Retrospective observational single-centre study of CD patients on biological therapy. Variables analysed: Demographic data, Montreal classification, biological agent adminis- tered, treatment duration, presence and type of AE and the need for treatment interruption.
Results Forty-nine patients were analysed, 25 treated with ADA and 24 with IFX. The groups were homogeneous in relation to the variables studied. The average follow-up period for the group treated with ADA was 19.3 months and 21.8 months for the IFX group (p = 0.585). Overall, 40% (n = 10) of patients taking ADA had AE compared with 50% (n = 12) of IFX users (p = 0.571). There was a tendency towards higher incidence of cutaneous and infusion reac- tions in the IFX group and higher incidence of infections in the ADA treated group, although without significant difference.
Conclusions No difference was found in the AE prevalence and profile between ADA and IFX CD patients in the population studied.
Quality of life assessment in the late postoperative period of patients with rectal cancer submitted to total mesorectal excision
Authors: Neto Paulo Rocha França , Queiroz Fábio Lopes de , Staino Isabella Rocha França Longo , Filho Antônio Lacerda 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAfter the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) and radiochemotherapy, excellent results have been achieved in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer. With better oncologic control of the disease, the functional results of this type of therapeutic approach and their impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients started to be increasingly valued. The aims of this study were to evaluate the QOL of patients with rectal cancer submitted to TME in the late postoperative period and the possible factors that directly influence their quality of life. A total of 72 patients submitted to TME due to extraperitoneal rectal tumor were assessed, after at least one postoperative year, by applying QOL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38), in addition to a specific clinical questionnaire and rectal examination. Patients were evaluated regarding gender, age, indication of radiotherapy and chemotherapy preoperatively, length of postoperative period, distance from the anastomosis to the anal verge and general health status. The mean overall health status of patients was satisfactory (82.06). There was no difference in overall health status between patients with respect to gender, but the male patients had less insomnia (p = 0.002), better future prospects (p = 0.011), fewer effects of chemotherapy (p = 0.020) and better sexual function (p < 0.0001). Patients younger than 50 years had fewer urinary problems (p = 0.035), whereas those older than 65 years reported poorer sexual function (p = 0.012). Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had more diarrhea (p = 0.012). Quality of life did not change significantly with time after surgery and the distance from the anastomosis to the anal verge. We conclude that patients undergoing TME have a good quality of life one year after the surgery and that the factors capable of affecting QOL should be identified and improved.
Relationship between nutritional status and immediate complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: de Souza Vanina Cordeiro , Dourado Keila Fernandes , Lima Airta Larissa Cerqueira , Bernardo Evane , Caraciollo Patrícia 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction several complications may occur during colorectal surgical procedures and factors, such as nutritional status, substantially contribute to this problem.
Objective evaluate the relationship between nutritional status (determined by different tools) and the emergence of early postoperative complications, as well as analyze social parameters, lifestyle, food intake, and time to diet reintroduction.
Methods case series study conducted in the surgical proctologic ward of the Hospital Barão de Lucena, Recife, Pernambuco, with individuals of both sexes diagnosed with colorectal cancer who underwent a surgical procedure involving at least one anastomosis. Social, demographic and clinical data, life style, dietary intake, nutritional status, and the immediate postsurgical complications were evaluated.
Results among the 31 patients studied, there was a higher prevalence of females (74.2%), mean age of 61.9 ± 12.4 years old, and the rectum was the primary site of cancer in 54.8%. Most patients came from the countryside, were retirees, had lower education, consumed too much red meat, processed meats, and fats, with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and were sedentary. Regarding nutritional status, nutritional risk was found in 58.1%, mean BMI of 25.7 ± 6.8 kg/m2, and 54.8% had significant weight loss. Additionally, 38.7% had some of the immediate complications, particularly paralytic ileus and abdominal distension. There was a delay in the onset of renourishment, and there was no association between nutritional status and immediate complications.
Conclusion colorectal cancer is closely related to eating habits and lifestyle. Patients with this malignancy have a marked weight loss; however, in this study, we found no association between nutritional status and the incidence of postoperative complications.
The epidemiological and clinical features of familial adenomatous polyposis in Ribeirão Preto
Authors: Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Oliveira Tais Helena Garcia Fernandes de , Kondo Bruno Ravenna Pinheiro , Lira Haline Gomes de , Abissamra André Antonio , Parra Rogério Serafim , Féres Omar , Rocha Jose Joaquim Ribeiro da 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Purpose to study 75 familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients treated in a single institution in Ribeirão Preto/SP, from January 1981 to December 2011.
Methods this is a retrospective study and the following data were collected: gender, age, main symptoms, familial history, coexisting malignancies, surgical treatment, surgical morbidity and mortality, factors related to life quality.
Results median age was 29 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. Bleeding was the most common symptom (62.6%). Colorectal cancer incidence was 25.5% (n = 19). Extracolonic neoplasia incidence was 8%. Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 72% of the patients. Eighteen patients (24%) were submitted to proctocolectomy with “J-pouch” ileoanal anastomosis. In three patients (4%) proctocolectomy with terminal ileostomy was performed. Early and late complication rate were similar (22.7% × 24%). Ileal pouch surgery exhibited tendency to a higher morbidity and mortality but no significance could be found. Overall mortality rate was 7.46%. Malignant neoplasia was the main cause of mortality, accounting for 60% of deaths.
Conclusion FAP is a rare pathology in our country. Genetic counseling and proper screening programs are essential tools to early diagnosis and follow-up. Surgery is the most effective treatment and the best option to prevent malignant neoplasia.