bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of localizing pulmonary veins in atrial septal defect closure!
Authors: Amirghofran Ahmad Ali , Karimi Ashkan , Ajami Gholam Hossein , Rasekhi Alireza 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
An 8-year-old girl was admitted for a simple closure of echocardiographically diagnosed Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). During the operation the right pulmonary veins orifices were not detected in the left atrium and attempt to localize them led to the discovery of three additional anomalies, namely Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava (IIVC), Scimitar syndrome, and systemic arterial supply of the lung. Postoperatively these finding were confirmed by CT angiography. This case report emphasizes the need for adequate preoperative diagnosis and presents a very rare constellation of four congenital anomalies that to the best of our knowledge is not reported before.
Immune response CC chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 are associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Palchevskiy Vyacheslav , Hashemi Nastran , Weigt Stephen S , Xue Ying Ying , Derhovanessian Ariss , Keane Michael P , Strieter Robert M , Fishbein Michael C , Deng Jane C , Lynch Joseph P , Elashoff Robert , Belperio John A 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary sarcoidosis involves an intense leukocyte infiltration of the lung with the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas. CC chemokines (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)-CCL5) are chemoattractants of mononuclear cells and act through seven transmembrane G-coupled receptors. Previous studies have demonstrated conflicting results with regard to the associations of these chemokines with sarcoidosis. In an effort to clarify previous discrepancies, we performed the largest observational study to date of CC chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.ResultsBALF chemokine levels from 72 patients affected by pulmonary sarcoidosis were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared to 8 healthy volunteers. BALF CCL3 and CCL4 levels from pulmonary sarcoidosis patients were not increased compared to controls. However, CCL2 and CCL5 levels were elevated, and subgroup analysis showed higher levels of both chemokines in all stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis. CCL2, CCL5, CC chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1), CCR2 and CCR3 were expressed from mononuclear cells forming the lung granulomas, while CCR5 was only found on mast cells.ConclusionsThese data suggest that CCL2 and CCL5 are important mediators in recruiting CCR1, CCR2, and CCR3 expressing mononuclear cells as well as CCR5-expressing mast cells during all stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Activation of factor VII-activating protease in human inflammation: a sensor for cell death
Authors: Stephan Femke , Hazelzet Jan A , Bulder Ingrid , Boermeester Marja A , van Till JW Olivier , van der Poll Tom , Wuillemin Walter A , Aarden Lucien A , Zeerleder Sacha 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Cell death is a central event in the pathogenesis of sepsis and is reflected by circulating nucleosomes. Circulating nucleosomes were suggested to play an important role in inflammation and were demonstrated to correlate with severity and outcome in sepsis patients. We recently showed that plasma can release nucleosomes from late apoptotic cells. Factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) was identified to be the plasma serine protease responsible for nucleosome release. The aim of this study was to investigate FSAP activation in patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases of increasing severity.

Methods
We developed ELISAs to measure FSAP-C1-inhibitor and FSAP-α2-antiplasmin complexes in plasma. FSAP-inhibitor complexes were measured in the plasma of 20 adult patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy, 32 adult patients suffering from severe sepsis and 8 from septic shock and 38 children suffering from meningococcal sepsis.

Results
We demonstrate plasma FSAP to be activated upon contact with apoptotic and necrotic cells by an assay detecting complexes between FSAP and its target serpins α2-antiplasmin and C1-inhibitor, respectively. By means of that assay we demonstrate FSAP activation in post-surgery patients, patients suffering from severe sepsis, septic shock and meningococcal sepsis. Levels of FSAP-inhibitor complexes correlate with nucleosome levels and correlate with severity and mortality in these patients.

Conclusions
These results suggest FSAP activation to be a sensor for cell death in the circulation and that FSAP activation in sepsis might be involved in nucleosome release, thereby contributing to lethality.
A vertebrate case study of the quality of assemblies derived from next-generation sequences
Authors: Ye Liang , Hillier LaDeana W , Minx Patrick , Thane Nay , Locke Devin P , Martin John C , Chen Lei , Mitreva Makedonka , Miller Jason R , Haub Kevin V , Dooling David J , Mardis Elaine R , Wilson Richard K , Weinstock George M , Warren Wesley C 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe unparalleled efficiency of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has prompted widespread adoption, but significant problems remain in the use of NGS data for whole genome assembly. We explore the advantages and disadvantages of chicken genome assemblies generated using a variety of sequencing and assembly methodologies. NGS assemblies are equivalent in some ways to a Sanger-based assembly yet deficient in others. Nonetheless, these assemblies are sufficient for the identification of the majority of genes and can reveal novel sequences when compared to existing assembly references.
Lasofoxifene: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator for the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Peterson Gregory M , Naunton Mark , Tichelaar Lisette K , Gennari Luigi 
Published: April 2011

Objective: To review literature evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of lasofoxifene (CP-336156), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is not approved for use in the US. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1985-June 2010) using the terms lasofoxifene and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Reference lists from retrieved articles were also manually reviewed. The Food and Drug Administration and Pfizer provided additional information. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All clinical trials evaluating lasofoxifene were included in (his review. In addition, all articles evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of lasofoxifene in humans were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Lasofoxifene is a third-generation SERM with markedly higher in vitro and in vivo potency and oral bioavailability than other SERMs. The drug has produced significant improvements in bone density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in preclinical studies and in Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. In these trials, lasofoxifene has shown a favorable safety profile, with adverse events including hot (lushes, leg cramps, and increased vaginal moisture. One 2-year major comparative study in postmenopausal women determined that lasofoxifene and raloxifene were equally effective at increasing total hip bone mineral density (BMD), while lasofoxifene had a significantly greater effect on lumbar spine BMD. Conclusions: Osteoporosis is a significant health problem. While the results of further clinical trials are needed to define the risks and benefits of treatment, particularly relating to fractures, lasofoxifene may prove to be an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the prevention of bone toss in postmenopausal women.
The severity of pseudohyperkalaemia is not dependent upon the stage of chronic kidney disease: a prospective study
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Davison Andrew S. , Howse Matthew , Williams Peter , Kemp Graham J. , Roberts Norman B. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background: Pseudohyperkalaemia may result from delay in centrifugation and storage at 4°C. We investigated whether the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), its aetiology or medications influence this.

Methods: Seventy-seven patients with CKD were recruited. Lithium heparin plasma samples were analysed for sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium and inorganic phosphate at 0 h and after storage of whole blood at 4°C for 6 h and 20 h. K-EDTA and fluoride-EDTA samples were analysed for full blood count and glucose at 0 h. CKD stage was determined by standard criteria.

Results: K+ increased on average by 1.0 and 3.6 mmol/L after 6 and 20 h storage of whole blood at 4°C, independent of cause or stage of CKD. K+ increase at 6 h was correlated with haemoglobin but not with white blood cell count, platelet count or glucose. Patients taking ACE inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) had slightly higher K+ at 0 h and increased K+ after storage for 6 h. Na+ decreased on average by 3.8 mmol/L at 20 h and was independent of CKD stage, and correlated with K+ increase.

Conclusions: K+ increased significantly with time in samples stored at 4°C in all stages of CKD. This was greater in some patients on ACE inhibitors and ARBs, and increased with haemoglobin, but was not related to the stage of CKD, white blood cell count or platelet count for the samples used in this study.
Mode I critical stress intensity factor of wood and medium-density fiberboard measured by compact tension test
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Usuki Ami 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The critical stress intensity factor of mode I (K
Ic) obtained by compact tension (CT) tests of wood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) was experimentally and numerically analyzed. A double cantilever beam (DCB) test was also conducted and the results were compared with those of the CT tests. Similar to the results of single-edge-notched bending (SENB) and single-edge-notched tension (SENT) tests previously conducted, the value of K
Ic was obtained properly from the CT test when an additional crack length was taken into account.
The Hog1 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Mediates a Hypoxic Response inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hickman Mark J , Spatt Dan , Winston Fred 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe have studied hypoxic induction of transcription by studying the seripauperin (PAU) genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Previous studies showed that PAU induction requires the depletion of heme and is dependent upon the transcription factor Upc2. We have now identified additional factors required for PAU induction during hypoxia, including Hog1, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) whose signaling pathway originates at the membrane. Our results have led to a model in which heme and ergosterol depletion alters membrane fluidity, thereby activating Hog1 for hypoxic induction. Hypoxic activation of Hog1 is distinct from its previously characterized response to osmotic stress, as the two conditions cause different transcriptional consequences. Furthermore, Hog1-dependent hypoxic activation is independent of the S. cerevisiae general stress response. In addition to Hog1, specific components of the SAGA coactivator complex, including Spt20 and Sgf73, are also required for PAU induction. Interestingly, the mammalian ortholog of Spt20, p38IP, has been previously shown to interact with the mammalian ortholog of Hog1, p38. Taken together, our results have uncovered a previously unknown hypoxic-response pathway that may be conserved throughout eukaryotes.
Wheat Hybridization and Polyploidization Results in Deregulation of Small RNAs
Authors: Kenan-Eichler Michal , Leshkowitz Dena , Tal Lior , Noor Elad , Melamed-Bessudo Cathy , Feldman Moshe , Levy Avraham A 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSpeciation via interspecific or intergeneric hybridization and polyploidization triggers genomic responses involving genetic and epigenetic alterations. Such modifications may be induced by small RNAs, which affect key cellular processes, including gene expression, chromatin structure, cytosine methylation and transposable element (TE) activity. To date, the role of small RNAs in the context of wide hybridization and polyploidization has received little attention. In this work, we performed high-throughput sequencing of small RNAs of parental, intergeneric hybrid, and allopolyploid plants that mimic the genomic changes occurring during bread wheat speciation. We found that the percentage of small RNAs corresponding to miRNAs increased with ploidy level, while the percentage of siRNAs corresponding to TEs decreased. The abundance of most miRNA species was similar to midparent values in the hybrid, with some deviations, as seen in overrepresentation of miR168, in the allopolyploid. In contrast, the number of siRNAs corresponding to TEs strongly decreased upon allopolyploidization, but not upon hybridization. The reduction in corresponding siRNAs, together with decreased CpG methylation, as shown here for the Veju element, represent hallmarks of TE activation. TE-siRNA downregulation in the allopolyploid may contribute to genome destabilization at the initial stages of speciation. This phenomenon is reminiscent of hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila.
Determination of Elastic Modulus of Piezoelectric Aluminum Nitride Coating
Authors: Perooly Soma S , Garg Varun , Rahman Md. H. , Rosenberger L. W. , Shreve Gina S. , Gibson Ronald F. , Auner G. W. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAluminum Nitride (AlN) is a technologically important wide band gap semiconductor and a potential piezo-electric material for Biosensor application [1]. It is a clear candidate for the integration of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices on chips with silicon-based electronics [2]. AlN may also prove to be useful for the integration of mechanical devices and also in the field of packaging of Bio-MEMS devices because of its superior thermal conductivity 130-140 (W/mK, room temp-100 deg C) and nontoxicity. In the current work an attempt has been made to determine the elastic modulus of AlN coated on Si-microcantilevers, employing the concept of symmetrically laminated beam theory for the first time at the micro level thus avoiding the coupling effects. So far the earlier studies have been done only using simple beam theory. Modal vibration frequencies for microcantilevers without and with the AlN coating were used, along with analytical models and knowledge of the Si modulus, to “back out” the modulus of AlN [3].
Magnetostrictive Vibration Sensor based on Iron-Gallium Alloy
Authors: Datta Supratik , Flatau Alison B. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis work characterizes magnetostrictive single crystal Fe84Ga16 (Galfenol) as static and dynamic sensor in bending mode. Galfenol patch bonded to a cantilevered aluminum beam was characterized for static and dynamic loading of the beam. A figure of merit has been defined and sensor parameters have been obtained for different stress conditions and Galfenol patch thickness. Issues related to application in static and dynamic sensing have been discussed.
Energy-based constitutive Model for Magnetostrictive Materials and its Application to Iron-Gallium Alloys
Authors: Atulasimha Jayasimha , Flatau Alison B. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTAn energy-based constitutive model that can simulate the performance of magnetostrictive actuators and sensors along any of the crystallographic orientations was developed. This model was validated by comparing its predictions with experimental actuator characteristics (λ-H and B-H curves) along the <100> and <110> directions as well as sensor characteristics (B-σ curves) along the <100> direction of single crystal FeGa samples with ∼18-19 at. % Ga. These experimental characteristics were obtained using 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) diameter and 25.4 mm (1 inch) long, oriented single crystal rods grown using the Bridgman method by the DOE Ames Lab.
Nonlinear Optical Dynamics During Phase Transition in Vanadium Dioxide
Authors: Lysenko Sergiy , Zhang Guangjun , Vikhnin Valentin , Rua Armando , Fernandez Felix , Liu Huimin 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTInsulator-to-metal phase transition (PT) and relaxation dynamics in VO2 were studied with ultrafast transient reflection spectroscopy and degenerate four wave mixing technique. Optical pumping of free carriers in VO2 initiates PT on a femtosecond time scale. The relaxation dynamics is strongly dependent on pump energy. Spectral reflectivity behaviour at PT due to thermal heating and upon laser excitation of VO2 demonstrates close proximity in the relative change. PT induced by light was interpreted by exciton-controlled mechanism. Excited state dynamics of metallic VO2 is assigned to formations of electronic and hole polaronic states.
Bending of Iron-Gallium (Galfenol) Alloys for Sensor Applications
Authors: Downey Patrick R. , Flatau Alison B. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis project investigates the magnetomechanical sensing behavior of iron-gallium alloys in response to applied bending loads to identify the relevant design criteria for novel magnetostrictive sensor applications. A series of experiments are conducted on the magnetic induction response of cantilevered beams to dynamic bending loads. Analytic models of the system are formulated from both the constitutive magnetostriction equations and a free energy derivation. Both the experimental and analytical results show a change of as much as 0.3 T of induction can be measured in the samples in response to relatively small applied forces, with the output magnetic signal appearing at twice the frequency of beam vibration.
The Load Capability of Piezoelectric Single Crystal Actuators
Authors: Xu Tian-Bing , Su Ji , Jiang Xiaoning , Rehrig Paul W. , Hackenberger Wesley S. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPiezoelectric lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystal is one of the most promising materials for electromechanical device applications due to its high electrical field induced strain and high electromechanical coupling factor. PMN-PT single crystal-based multilayer stack actuators and multilayer stack-based flextensional actuators have exhibited high stroke and high displacement-voltage ratios. The actuation capabilities of these two actuators were evaluated using a newly developed method based upon a laser vibrometer system under various loading conditions. The measured displacements as a function of mechanical loads at different driving voltages indicate that the displacement response of the actuators is approximately constant under broad ranges of mechanical load. The load capabilities of these PMN-PT single crystal-based actuators and the advantages of the capability for applications will be discussed.
An Investigation of Energy Harvesting Using Electrostrictive Polymers
Authors: Ren Kailiang , Liu Yiming , Hofmann Heath F , Zhang Qiming 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTOwing to their low acoustic impedance, high elastic energy density, and relatively high electromechanical conversion efficiency, the electroactive polymers have begun to show the potential for energy harvesting or mechanical to electrical energy conversion. In addition, due to the electromechanical coupling in these materials the electric and mechanical properties of these polymers will depend on the imposed electrical and mechanical conditions. This paper discusses how to utilizing this unique property to maximum the energy conversion efficiency and the harvested electrical energy density in the electrostrictive polymers. As an example, we demonstrate that when a properly phased and externally applied electric AC field is superimposed on the mechanical cycle, an output electrical energy density of 39mJ/cm3 and mechanical-to-electrical conversion efficiency of about 10% can be obtained from the electrostrictive P(VDF-TrFE) based polymers.
Relativistic Effects on the Equation-of-State of the Light Actinides
Authors: Landa Alexander , Söderlind Per 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe effect of the relativistic spin-orbit (SO)interaction on the bonding in the early actinides has been investigated by means of electronic-structure calculations. Specifically, the equation of state (EOS) for the face-centered cubic (fcc) model systems of these metals has been calculated from the first-principles density-functional (DFT) theory. Traditionally, the SO interaction in electronic-structure methods is implemented as a perturbation to the Hamiltonian that is solved for basis functions that explicitly do not depend on SO coupling. Here this approximation is shown to compare well with the fully relativistic Dirac treatment. It is further shown that SO coupling has a gradually increasing effect on the EOS as one proceeds through the actinides and the effect is diminished as density increases.
Crystal Structure of Uranyl Carboxylates
Authors: Giesting Paul , Burns Peter , Porter Nathan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractUranyl-organic complexation in geologic fluids can have a profound impact upon uranium solubility and transport. Studies of uranyl organometallic crystal structures provide a basis for understanding complexation of the uranyl ion in solution.The crystal structures of several novel uranyl oxalates, synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions, have been determined. These structures demonstrate new features little seen or not previously known in this chemical system, in particular polymerization into infinite sheets and direct linkage of uranyl polyhedra. Further work on the chemistry of this and other systems of hexavalent uranium and low molecular weight carboxylic acids, especially formic acid, is likely to turn up new insights.Although a hierarchical scheme exists for classifying inorganic uranyl compounds [1], no similar work has been done for organic compounds. Such a hierarchy would have practical benefits, in particular making structural information more accessible and understandable to workers studying related problems such as the environmental transport of hexavalent uranium as dissolved organic complexes. We offer a simple scheme that classifies uranyl oxalate structures by analyzing the long-range structural features and the coordination environments of uranyl ions, which leads to a structural symbol that can be used to easily identify uranyl oxalates with common structural features. This system is equally applicable to other carboxylate complexes with the uranyl ion, and could be extended to apply to any organic complex of the uranyl ion.
Photoluminescence Properties of Mn-doped Zinc Silicates Synthesized by Combinatorial Sputtering Technique
Authors: Wang Lih-Ping , Chao Wen-Hsuan , Wang Shu-Huei , Huang Tien-Heng , Wu Ren-Jye 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe photoluminescence (PL) properties of Mn-doped zinc silicates were studied by combinatorial synthesis and characterization technique associated with various process parameters. The material libraries were prepared with composition spreading in Zn and Mn concentration. The PL emission was green or orange, and depended strongly on the stoichiometry of the zinc silicates and the annealing temperature. The orange emission was observed in Mn-doped zinc silicates annealed at 800°C, which attributed to the increase of crystal field in a highly non-stoichiometric α-Zn2SiO phase ((Zn+Mn)/Si <1).
Microstructure and Composition of Au-Sn Eutectic Solder Electroplated from a Single Solution
Authors: Jeong G. H. , Kim J. H. , Lee Duhyun , Suh S. J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this study, we produced Au-Sn alloy electroplated from a single solution and optimized the composition. The composition of electroplated Au-Sn alloy was Au-31.02 at.% Sn at the condition of 6 ms on - 4 ms off pulse current, 50 °C and 10 mA/cm2. Results in XRD analysis showed that Au-Sn alloy electroplated at DC 10 mA/cm2 had AuSn phase (δ) only and Au5Sn phase (d) appeared with decreasing the pulsed current on time. Also micro-patterned Au-Sn solder bump was produced by photolithography. Though it’s composition of Au-35.98 at.% Sn was not optimum, we tried to bond between Au-Sn solder bump and Si wafer that was coated with Ti (100 nm)/Au (300 nm).