bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimum clinically important difference in pain, disability, and quality of life after neural decompression and fusion for same-level recurrent lumbar stenosis: understanding clinical versus statistical significance
Authors: Parker Scott L. , Mendenhall Stephen K. , Shau David N. , Adogwa Owoicho , Anderson William N. , Devin Clinton J. , McGirt Matthew J. 
Published: February 2012

Object
Spine surgery outcome studies rely on patient-reported outcome (PRO) measurements to assess treatment effect, but the extent of improvement in the numerical scores of these questionnaires lacks a direct clinical meaning. Because of this, the concept of a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) has been used to measure the critical threshold needed to achieve clinically relevant treatment effectiveness. As utilization of spinal fusion has increased over the past decade, so has the incidence of same-level recurrent stenosis following index lumbar fusion, which commonly requires revision decompression and fusion. The MCID remains uninvestigated for any PROs in the setting of revision lumbar surgery for this pathology.

Methods
In 53 consecutive patients undergoing revision surgery for same-level recurrent lumbar stenosis–associated back and leg pain, PRO measures of back and leg pain were assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively, using the visual analog scale for back pain (VAS-BP) and leg pain (VAS-LP), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Physical and Mental Component Summary categories of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12 PCS and MCS) for quality of life, Zung Depression Scale (ZDS), and EuroQol-5D health survey (EQ-5D). Four established anchor-based MCID calculation methods were used to calculate MCID (average change; minimum detectable change; change difference; and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) for 2 separate anchors (health transition index of the SF-36 and the satisfaction index).

Results
All patients were available for 2-year PRO assessment. Two years after surgery, a significant improvement was observed for all PROs assessed. The 4 MCID calculation methods generated a range of MCID values for each of the PROs (VAS-BP 2.2–6.0, VAS-LP 3.9–7.5, ODI 8.2–19.9, SF-12 PCS 2.5–12.1, SF-12 MCS 7.0–15.9, ZDS 3.0–18.6, and EQ-5D 0.29–0.52). Each patient answered synchronously for the 2 anchors, suggesting both of these anchors are equally appropriate and valid for this patient population.

Conclusions
The same-level recurrent stenosis surgery-specific MCID is highly variable based on calculation technique. The “minimum detectable change” approach is the most appropriate method for calculation of MCIDs in this population because it was the only method to reliably provide a threshold above the 95% confidence interval of the unimproved cohort (greater than the measurement error). Based on this method, the MCID thresholds following neural decompression and fusion for symptomatic same-level recurrent stenosis are 2.2 points for VAS-BP, 5.0 points for VAS-LP, 8.2 points for ODI, 2.5 points for SF-12 PCS, 10.1 points for SF-12 MCS, 4.9 points for ZDS, and 0.39 QALYs for EQ-5D.
Futurismo arcaizante: descolonización y anarcofeminismo en De cuando en cuando Saturnina
Authors: Burdette Hannah A. 
Published: February 2012

Drawing on the description of De cuando en cuando Saturnina by Alison Spedding as “native anarco–feminist science fiction” announced on the back cover of its first edition (2004), this article proposes an interconnected reading of these four axes (futurism, Aymara logic, anarchism, and feminism). I argue that the structure of this “oral history of the future” conveys a critical resolve to avoid positing the reinstatement of Qullasuyu as the utopic horizon of an idyllic society, while the text as a whole remains committed to a radical decolonization of Bolivia anchored in an autonomous cultural grammar. In this sense, the novel offers a critical vision not only of the coloniality that Aymara culture has endured but also of certain challenges internal to Aymara society itself, particularly in regards to gender hierarchy.
Responsive Macroscopic Materials From Self‐Assembled Cross‐Linked SiO2‐PNIPAAm Core/Shell Structures
Authors: Pester Christian W. , Konradi Artjom , Varnholt Birte , van Rijn Patrick , Böker Alexander 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA way to obtain macroscopic responsive materials from silicon‐oxide polymer core/shell microstructures is presented. The microparticles are composed of a 60 nm SiO2‐core with a random copolymer corona of the temperature responsive poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm) and the UV‐cross‐linkable 2‐(dimethyl maleinimido)‐N‐ethyl‐acrylamide. The particles shrink upon heating and form a stable gel in both water and tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 3–5 wt% particle content. Cross‐linking the aqueous gel results in shrinkage when the temperature is increased above the lower critical solution temperature and it regains its original size upon cooling. By freeze drying with subsequent UV irradiation, thin stable layers are prepared. Stable fibers are produced by extruding a THF gel into water and subsequent UV irradiation, harnessing the cononsolvency effect of PNIPAAm in water/THF mixtures. The temperature responsiveness translates to the macroscopic materials as both films and fibers show the same collapsing behavior as the microcore/shell particle. The collapse and re‐swelling of the materials is related to the expelling and re‐uptake of water, which is used to incorporate gold nanoparticles into the materials by a simple heating/cooling cycle. This allows for future applications, as various functional particles (antibacterial, fluorescence, catalysis, etc.) can easily be incorporated in these systems.
β‐Globin polymorphisms in amerindian populations from the brazilian amazon
Authors: Guerreiro João Farias , Meyer Diogo , Diniz Isabela Guerreiro , Santos Ândrea Ribeiro Dos , Santos Eduardo José Melo Dos , Clegg John B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectives: This investigation was performed to examine genetic variation at the β‐globin locus in a sample of 30 healthy individuals from native populations in South America. The patterns of haplotypic variation were compared with those of previous studies including samples for various worldwide populations in an attempt to make inferences about the occupation of the Americas from a deeper temporal perspective than is typically available with haploid markers.Methods: A 2.67‐kb segment containing the β‐globin gene and its flanking regions was examined for genetic variation in a sample of 60 chromosomes from native populations in South America. The fragment was PCR‐amplified and directly sequenced. To determine linkage relationships in compound heterozygotes, we used the amplification refractory mutation system. In addition, we assessed genetic variability and differentiation among populations, and we performed tests of selective neutrality. These analyses were performed for Brazilian Amerindian group and other worldwide populations previously studied.Results: Eleven polymorphic sites were found in the studied fragment, which distinguished eight different haplotypes, three recombinants haplotypes (present as single copies) and five previously described haplotypes, including some of those most highly differentiated. Genetic variation found in the pooled sample is substantial.Conclusions: Although only five known haplotypes are observed in Amazonia, some of these are highly divergent, resulting in patterns of molecular polymorphism equal to or higher than those from other world regions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator under dabigatran anticoagulation in experimental stroke
Authors: Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Bohmann Ferdinand , Baumgarten Peter , Mittelbronn Michel , Pfeilschifter Josef , Lindhoff‐Last Edelgard , Steinmetz Helmuth , Foerch Christian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:Anticoagulation with dabigatran etexilate (DE) has a favorable risk‐to‐benefit profile for the prevention of ischemic events in patients with atrial fibrillation compared to warfarin. Whereas warfarin constitutes a strong contraindication for thrombolysis, it is unclear whether patients anticoagulated with DE can be thrombolysed. We compared the risk of thrombolysis‐associated hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after pretreatment with DE or warfarin in a mouse model of ischemic stroke.Methods:Thirty‐nine C57BL/6 mice were pretreated orally with 75mg/kg DE, 112.5mg/kg DE, 2mg/kg warfarin, or saline. We performed right middle cerebral artery occlusion for 3 hours, administered recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) directly before reperfusion, and assessed neurological deficit and HT blood volume after 24 hours.Results:Warfarin anticoagulation increased HT secondary to rt‐PA treatment as compared to nonanticoagulated controls (6.9 ± 5.5μl vs 0.8 ± 0.6μl, p < 0.05). In contrast, the rate of HT after pretreatment with 75mg/kg DE, which led to plasma levels comparable to the highest plasma levels observed in participants of the RE‐LY trial, did not differ significantly from controls (1.6 ± 0.8; p > 0.05 vs control). However, a high‐dose group receiving 112.5mg/kg DE showed a considerable extent of HT (9.2 ± 5.6μl, p < 0.01).Interpretation:Our experimental data suggest that the risk of thrombolysis‐associated HT may not be increased under DE pretreatment with standard doses leading to plasma levels of up to 400ng/ml, a concentration that was not exceeded in the majority of DE trial patients. At higher DE plasma levels, however, the risk of severe HT rises considerably, emphasizing the need for a readily available assay of DE anticoagulant activity. ANN NEUROL 2012
Amphiphilic dextran derivatives nanoparticles for the delivery of mitoxantrone
Authors: Wang Huan , Han Siyuan , Sun Jihong , Fan Tengfei , Tian Cixia , Wu Yan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this work, biodegradable amphiphilic copolymer nanoparticles based on dextran, polylactide (PLA), and 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DPPE) were prepared. To estimate their feasibility as drug carriers, an antitumor model drug, mitoxantrone (MTO), was successfully incorporated into the polymeric nanoparticles by double‐emulsion (DE) and nanoprecipitation (NP) methods. The MTO‐loaded nanoparticles were confirmed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The MTO‐loaded nanoparticle size, size distribution, and encapsulation efficiency were influenced by the feed weight ratio of the copolymer to MTO. In addition, in vitro release experiments showed that the release behavior was affected by the fabrication method and the pH of the release media. The MTO‐loaded nanoparticles showed faster release by the NP method and at pH 5.4 than by the DE method and in pH 7.4 buffer. The dextran–PLA–DPPE polymeric nanoparticles could be useful as drug carriers for antitumor drug delivery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Gateway‐compatible transposon vector to genetically modify human embryonic kidney and adipose‐derived stromal cells.
Authors: Petrakis Spyros , Raskó Tamas , Mátés Lajos , Ivics Zoltan , Izsvák Zsuzsanna , Kouzi‐Koliakou Kokkona , Koliakos George 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Gateway technology cloning system and transposon technology represent state‐of‐the‐art laboratory techniques. Combination of these molecular tools allows rapid cloning of target genes into expression vectors. Here, we describe a novel Gateway technology‐compatible transposon plasmid that combines the advantages of Gateway recombination cloning with the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon‐mediated transgene integrations. In our system the transposition is catalyzed by the novel hyperactive SB100x transposase, and provides highly efficient and precise transgene integrations into the host genome. A Gateway‐compatible transposon plasmid was generated in which the potential target gene can be fused with a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) tag at the N‐terminal. The vector utilizes the CAGGS promoter to control fusion protein expression. The transposon expression vector encoding the YFP‐interferon‐β protein (IFNB1) fusion protein together with the hyperactive SB100x transposase was used to generate stable cell lines in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and rat adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASC). ASCs and HEK293 cells stably expressed and secreted the human IFNB1 for up to 4 weeks after transfection. The generated Gateway‐compatible transposon plasmid can be utilized for numerous experimental approaches, such as gene therapy or high‐throughput screening methods in primary cells, representing a valuable molecular tool for laboratory applications.
Auge in Auge mit dem Wasserfloh
Authors: Meier Monique , Wulff Claudia 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDie Experimentier‐Werkstatt Biologie FLOX der Universität Kassel ist ein kompetenzorientiertes Schülerlabor, in dem das eigenständige Experimentieren der Schüler im Zentrum steht. Das dabei bevorzugte Versuchsobjekt ist der Große Wasserfloh (Daphnia magna). Studierende lernen, die Schüler im Zuge des Erkenntnisprozesses beim Experimentieren zu begleiten, wobei der Widerspruch zwischen festgelegten Experimentieranleitungen und unstrukturierten Versuchen durch Arbeitsanweisungen in Form des V‐Diagramms aufgelöst wird. Die Rückmeldungen von Schülern und Lehrern zeigen, dass hier ein Konzept vorliegt, das es wert ist, weiterverfolgt und ‐entwickelt zu werden.
Pollen
Authors: Hesse Michael , Ulrich Silvia 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBestimmte variable Merkmale der Pollen‐ und Sporenmorphologie sind diagnostisch (als Bestimmungsmerkmale) verwertbar und damit für die Taxonomie von großer Bedeutung, zumal sie vielfach evolutionäre und phylogenetische Zusammenhänge aufzeigen. Solche Merkmale sind Lage und Form der Aperturen (Keimöffnungen), die Ornamentierung (die Oberflächenskulptur), Variationen im Aufbau des Sporoderms und auch die Dimensionen der Sporen und Pollenkörner.Die Palynologie (das Studium von Sporen und Pollenkörnern) ist sowohl eine selbstständige Grundlagenwissenschaft als auch eine für viele benachbarte wissenschaftliche Disziplinen wichtige Hilfswissenschaft.
Evolutionärer Stammbaum der Tracheophyten – neue Zusammenhänge
Authors: Hilger Hartmut H. , Cole Theodor C.H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNachdem das Poster zur Angiospermensystematik positiv aufgenommen wurde, sollen nun auch die übrigen Hauptgruppen der rezenten Landpflanzen in einer entsprechenden Form und kostenloser Download‐Möglichkeit präsentiert werden. Es folgen zunächst “Tracheophyten/Gefäßpflanzen” (ohne Blütenpflanzen) und im nächsten Schritt die “Bryophyten/Moosverwandten”. Die DNA‐Systematik hat auch in den beiden großen übergeordneten Gruppen der Farnverwandten (“Pteridophyta”) und Nacktsamer (Gymnospermen) zu neuen Verwandtschaftserkenntnissen geführt.
Tarnung eines Ameisenparasiten
Authors: von Beeren Christoph , Witte Volker 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAmeisennester bieten einen Lebensraum für eine Vielzahl von Organismen aus unterschiedlichen Tiergruppen wie beispielsweise Silberfischen, Spinnen, Schnecken, Käfern oder Asseln. Da Ameisen generell jegliche Eindringlinge attackieren, entwickelten ihre ungebetenen Gäste ausgefeilte Strategien, die es ihnen erlauben, die Vorteile des Lebens in Ameisennestern zu nutzen. So konnte gezeigt werden, wie sich der Silberfisch Malayatelura ponerophila mit dem Duft seiner Wirtsameise Leptogenys distinguenda parfümiert, um unerkannt zu bleiben. Durch intensives Reiben an Arbeiterinnen erhält der Silberfisch die chemischen Erkennungsstoffe seiner Wirte.
Zukünftige Struktur der Normen im Mauerwerkbau
Authors: Feine Immo , Koster Matthias , Brameshuber Wolfgang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDie bisherige nationale Normengeneration DIN 1053 wird voraussichtlich im Verlauf dieses Jahres im Rahmen der europäischen Harmonisierung durch die DIN EN 1996‐Reihe samt nationalen Anhängen ersetzt. Der Beitrag erläutert die Hintergründe zu den europäischen und nationalen Normen und gibt einen Überblick über die zukünftige Normenlandschaft im Mauerwerkbau.Future structure for standards for masonry. The currently valid generation of national standards for masonry DIN 1053 will presumably be replaced this year by the European Standard DIN EN 1996 in conjunction with the national annexes. In this article the backgrounds of the European and national standards are illustrated and a survey of the future standards for masonry and masonry products is given.
Synthesis of Uniformly Sized Manganese Oxide Nanocrystals with Various Sizes and Shapes and Characterization of Their T1 Magnetic Resonance Relaxivity
Authors: An Kwangjin , Park Mihyun , Yu Jung Ho , Na Hyon Bin , Lee Nohyun , Park Jongnam , Choi Seung Hong , Song In Chan , Moon Woo Kyung , Hyeon Taeghwan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe synthesized manganese oxide (MnO and Mn3O4) nanocrystals with various sizes and shapes by the thermal reaction of a MnII–oleate complex through a “heat‐up process”. When a MnII–oleate complex was thermally decomposed in non‐coordinating hydrocarbon solvents, uniformly sized MnO nanocrystals with cubic and octahedral shapes were produced. We were able to synthesize anisotropic, multibranched MnO nanocrystals by the oriented attachment of MnO truncated‐nanocube building blocks. When the MnII–oleate complex was heated in 1‐hexadecene in the presence of strongly coordinating carboxylic acid surfactants, spherical nanocrystals were generated, and their diameter was controlled in the range 3–13 nm by varying the chain length of the carboxylic acid. When oleyl alcohol was added to the Mn–oleate complex in phenyl ether, tetrahedral MnO nanocrystals were synthesized. The as‐synthesized MnO nanocrystals were oxidized in air to Mn3O4 or MnO/Mn3O4 core–shell structures, which exhibited exchange coupling with shifted magnetic hysteresis loops. The effect of the size and shape of the phospholipid‐capped manganese oxide nanocrystals on their applicability as T1 contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were examined. As the size of the nanocrystals decreased, their relaxivities increased, thereby generating brighter MR images. In particular, spherical 3 nm‐sized Mn3O4 nanocrystals had a high specific relaxivity (r1) of 2.38 mM–1 s–1, clearly demonstrating their potential for use as an efficient T1 MRI contrast agent.
Combination of a higher-tier flow-through system and population modeling to assess the effects of time-variable exposure of isoproturon on the green algae Desmodesmus subspicatus and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata
Authors: Weber Denis , Schaefer Dieter , Dorgerloh Michael , Bruns Eric , Goerlitz Gerhard , Hammel Klaus , Preuss Thomas G. , Ratte Hans Toni 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A flow-through system was developed to investigate the effects of time-variable exposure of pesticides on algae. A recently developed algae population model was used for simulations supported and verified by laboratory experiments. Flow-through studies with Desmodesmus subspicatus and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata under time-variable exposure to isoproturon were performed, in which the exposure patterns were based on the results of FOrum for Co-ordination of pesticide fate models and their USe (FOCUS) model calculations for typical exposure situations via runoff or drain flow. Different types of pulsed exposure events were realized, including a whole range of repeated pulsed and steep peaks as well as periods of constant exposure. Both species recovered quickly in terms of growth from short-term exposure and according to substance dissipation from the system. Even at a peak 10 times the maximum predicted environmental concentration of isoproturon, only transient effects occurred on algae populations. No modified sensitivity or reduced growth was observed after repeated exposure. Model predictions of algal growth in the flow-through tests agreed well with the experimental data. The experimental boundary conditions and the physiological properties of the algae were used as the only model input. No calibration or parameter fitting was necessary. The combination of the flow-through experiments with the algae population model was revealed to be a powerful tool for the assessment of pulsed exposure on algae. It allowed investigating the growth reduction and recovery potential of algae after complex exposure, which is not possible with standard laboratory experiments alone. The results of the combined approach confirm the beneficial use of population models as supporting tools in higher-tier risk assessments of pesticides. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:899–908. © 2012 SETAC
The role of substituents of chlorostannoxanes on the reactivity of the catalysts during the synthesis of cyclic carbonates using epoxides and carbon dioxide
Authors: Pulla Sharon , Ramidi Punnamchandar , Jarvis Benjamin L. , Munshi Pradip , Griffin William O. , Darsey Jerry A. , Dallas Jerry L. , Pokala Vedavalli , Ghosh Anindya 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe report a study on the effect of substituents on the activity of chlorostannoxane catalysts in coupling epoxides and carbon dioxide for cyclic carbonate synthesis. All butyl‐substituted (1a) chlorostannoxane was found to yield cyclic carbonates in high turnover number (TON 2340) at 300 psi CO2, 130 °C in 2 h. All the reactions were performed under solvent‐free conditions in the presence of a Lewis base which acts as a co‐catalyst. The activity was found to change with change in the substituents on the catalysts. The effect of change in substituents was studied with respect to variation in essential parameters, such as time, temperature, pressure, and difference in catalyst to co‐catalyst ratio. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Zinc homeostasis and signaling in glia
Authors: Sekler Israel , Silverman William F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe role of zinc in neurobiology has been the subject of intense interest particularly because of zinc's presence in and release from glutamatergic synapses, and its association with major neurological disorders. Initially considered inert to Zn2+ signaling and resistant to Zn2+ toxicity, glia, like neurons, is now known to be vulnerable to Zn2+, albeit to a lesser degree and in ways that are type‐specific. The discovery of Zn2+ transporters and the development of highly sensitive zinc sensors has led to a new understanding regarding the role of this metal ion in glial physiology. Dynamic changes in Zn2+ content are now linked to executive functions, signaling and fate in glia. In this review, we focus on these issues and discuss the broader implication of glial Zn2+ signaling in neuron glial‐interactions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.