bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reactions of Small Reactive Species withDNA
Authors: Geacintov Nicholas E. , Shafirovich Vladimir 
Published: March 2012

AbstractChronic inflammation caused by diverse chemical, physical, and infectious factors increases the risk of malignant cell transformations and the progression of human cancers. The enhanced production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) generated during the inflammatory response gives rise to the formation of genotoxic DNA lesions. The accumulation of oxidatively generated DNA lesions enhances the mutagenic burden of the cells, which can lead to cancer. A primary target of ROS and RNS is guanine, the most easily oxidizable natural nucleic acid base. The primary one‐electron oxidation step or reaction with hydroxyl radicals generates guanine radicals that undergo a cascade of chemical reactions with diverse nucleophiles and free radicals to yield the final oxidation products.
Lipid Isomerization
Authors: Ferreri Carla , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe transformation of the natural phospholipid cis double bonds into the most thermodynamically stable, but unnatural, trans isomers by a free radical‐catalyzed isomerization process is the subject of this article. The chemical work done with biomimetic models pointed out the relevance of cis–trans isomerization as an effective reaction occurring under free radical stress in a biological context. This knowledge has contributed to change the state‐of‐the‐art on the double bond configuration and reactivity of mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acid residues in cell membranes. In fact, the cis double bond geometry is an important structural requisite, which is crucial not only for the constitutive role played in the regulation of cell membranes but also for the various signaling functions and biological interactions. The article furnishes an overview of the lipid isomerization process and isomerizing agents, its regioselectivity in biomimetic models of membranes, the relationship with protein damage and the lipid peroxidation process, and the inhibitors found so far. From the synthetic point of view, the flexibility of the radical approach was expeditious for the trans lipid library with biochemical, pharmacological, and medical applications. From the biological point of view, the endogenous formation of trans lipids was proven during cell metabolism,in vitroandin vivo, and also as an effective adaptation strategy in prokaryotes.
Radical Polymerization in Industry
Authors: Nesvadba Peter 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe position of radical polymerization (RP) in the context of polymer industry is highlighted. The mechanistic steps of RP are discussed from an industrial point of view. An overview of industrial initiators including photoinitiators, chain transfer agents, and monomer stabilizers is given. The most important polymerization processes with focus on emulsion polymerization (EP) and dispersion polymers as well as types of polymerization reactors are presented. The progress of controlled RP toward commercialization is reviewed.
Proposed outcome measures for prospective clinical trials in juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis: A consensus effort from the multinational interdisciplinary working group for uveitis in childhood
Authors: Heiligenhaus Arnd , Foeldvari Ivan , Edelsten Clive , Smith Justine R. , Saurenmann Rotraud K. , Bodaghi Bahram , de Boer Joke , Graham Elizabeth , Anton Jordi , Kotaniemi Kaisu , Mackensen Friederike , Minden Kirsten , Nielsen Susan , Rabinovich Egla C. , Ramanan Athimalaipet V. , Strand Vibeke 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a set of core outcome measures for use in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal observational studies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)–associated uveitis.MethodsThe literature relating to outcome measures used in studies of uveitis in childhood and adolescence was reviewed. A set of core outcomes and domains was established using the Delphi process. This was reviewed by a representative multinational interdisciplinary working group. Nominal group technique consensus was reached on face and content validity of the range and content of the domains. The outcomes and the appropriate instruments for uveitis trials were adapted to the age ranges of patients with JIA‐associated uveitis.ResultsConsensus was reached that data should be reported at defined time points in longitudinal studies with patients stratified by prognostic markers. Visual acuity testing should be age appropriate. The severity of uveitis (measured as anterior chamber cell grade) and duration of active inflammation should be documented. Visually significant structural complications should be recorded and quantified with standard measures. The responses to treatment and corticosteroid‐sparing effects of treatment should be documented. Patient‐reported disease activity and age‐specific uveitis‐related quality of life should be reported using appropriate questionnaires.ConclusionThe proposed outcome measures in JIA‐associated uveitis should aid in the standardization and comparison of future RCTs of the treatment regimens for this disease. The proposed outcome measures will be verified in a prospective validation study.
Biosynthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of 2‐TM Fragments Encompassing the Sequence of a Human GPCR, the Y4 Receptor
Authors: Kocherla Harsha , Marino Jacopo , Shao Xuan , Graf Jon , Zou Chao , Zerbe Oliver 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis paper presents a divide‐and‐conquer approach towards obtaining solution structures of G protein‐coupled receptors. The human Y4 receptor was dissected into two to three transmembrane helix fragments, which were individually studied by solution NMR. We systematically compared various biosynthetic routes for the expression of the fragments in Escherichia coli and discuss purification strategies. In particular, we have compared the production of transmembrane (TM) fragments as inclusion bodies by using the ΔTrp leader sequence, with membrane‐directed expression by using Mistic as the fusion partner, and developed methods for enzymatic cleavage. In addition, direct expression of two‐TM fragments into inclusion bodies is a successful route in some cases. With the exception of TM13, we could produce all fragments in isotope‐labeled form in quantities sufficient for NMR studies. Almost complete backbone resonance assignment was obtained for the first two helices, as well as for helices 5 and 7, and a high degree was obtained for TM6, while conformational exchange processes resulted in the disappearance of many signals from TM4. In addition, complete assignments were obtained for all residues of the N‐terminal domain, as well as the extracellular and cytosolic loops (with the exception of an undecapeptide segment in the second extracellular loop, EC2) and for the complete cytosolic C‐terminal tail. In total, backbone resonances of 78 % of all residues were assigned for the Y4 receptor. Predictions of secondary structure based on backbone chemical shifts indicate that most residues from the TM regions adopt helical conformations, with exception of those around polar residues or prolines. However, the domain boundaries differ slightly from those predicted for homology models. We suggest that the obtained chemical shifts might be useful in assigning the full‐length receptor.
Adaptive ‘soft’ sliding block decoding of convolutional code using the artificial neural network
Authors: Rajbhandari Sujan , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Angelova Maia 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTA Viterbi algorithm (VA) is the optimal decoding strategy for the convolutional code. The Viterbi algorithm is complex and requires a large memory and delay. In this paper, an alternative sub‐optimal decoder based on the artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed and studied using a sliding block decoding algorithm. The ANN is trained in a supervised manner and the system parameters are optimised using computer simulations for the optimum performance. Comparative study with the Viterbi decoder is carried out. The performance of the ANN decoder is found to be comparable to the Viterbi ‘soft’ decoding with much reduced decoding length. The key advantages of the proposed ANN decoder compared with other ANN decoders are the reduced decoding and training length, adaptive decoding, no iteration required and possibility of parallel decoding. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiogenesis of buffalo choroid plexuses: Structural and immunocytochemical study
Authors: Scala Gaetano , Maruccio Lucianna 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMammalian choroid plexuses (CPs) are vascularized structures involved in numerous exchange processes that supply nutrients and hormones to the brain, and that remove deleterious compounds and metabolites from the brain. Studies in the adult Mediterranean buffalo have investigated the morphology of CPs using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. To date, however, there have been no studies conducted on ruminants regarding this removal process which serves to repair functional vascular damage in the CPs. Each of these vascular repair processes is a very complex and none of these has not yet been completely understood. Then, the aim of the present study is to investigate the morphological processes during angiogenesis in the CPs of healthy adult buffaloes, utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunogold‐labeling SEM analysis (biomarkers: angiopoietin‐2 [Ang‐2], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3 [VEGFR‐3], and CD133). At TEM, the inner surface of the blood capillaries sometimes showed pillar‐like cells, which in contact with endothelial cells formed prominences, which in turn formed neo‐blood capillaries. With immunogold‐labeling SEM analysis, the CP blood capillaries showed Ang‐2 and VEGF‐3, respectively, in positive particles and spheroid formations. In addition, the external surface of the blood capillaries showed spheroid formations that originated from the neo‐vascular capillaries whose terminals formed a capillary network, positive to CD133. On the basis of these results, the following hypothesis can be made, namely, that these CPs are vascular structures which play a fundamental role in maintaining brain homeostasis and self‐repairing of functional vascular damage, independently of the presence of rete mirabile in this species. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1104–1112, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calderón preconditioning approaches for PMCHWT formulations for Maxwell's equations
Authors: Niino K. , Nishimura N. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYPreconditioning methods based on Calderón's formulae for the Poggio–Miller–Chang–Harrington–Wu–Tsai formulations for Maxwell's equations in 3D are discussed. Five different types of formulations are proposed. The first three use different basis functions for surface electric and magnetic currents. The first type is a preconditioning just by appropriately ordering the coefficient matrix using the Gramian matrix as the preconditioner. Other two types utilise preconditioners constructed using matrices needed in the main fast multipole method algorithms. The fourth and fifth types are similar to the second and third types, but they use the same basis functions for both surface electric and magnetic currents. We make several numerical experiments with proposed preconditioners to confirm the efficiency of these proposed methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of anterolateral thigh‐free flaps and conversion from external to internal fixation with bone grafting in gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Chung Duke Whan , Han Chung Soo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze the utility and the clinical outcomes of anterolateral thigh (ALT)‐free flaps and conversion from external to internal fixation with plating and bone grafting in Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures. A total of 21 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow‐up period was 18 months and the mean age was 46.7 years. There were 18 men and three women. The mean time from injury to flap coverage was 11.6 days. The mean size of flaps used was 15.3 × 8.2 cm. The mean size of bone defects was 2.26 cm. Segmental bone defects were observed in 5 five cases, for which bone transport or vascularized fibular graft were performed. When flaps were successful and the fracture sites did not have any evidence of infection, internal fixation with plates and bone grafting were performed. Flaps survived in 20 cases. In the 20 cases with successful flaps, two cases developed osteomyelitis, but the 20 cases achieved solid bone union at a mean of 8.6 months after the injury, salvaging the lower extremity in 100% of the cases. At the last follow‐up, 9 nine cases were measured excellent or good; 6, fair; and 6, poor in the functional assessment based on the method developed by Puno et al. ALT‐ free flaps to cover soft tissue defects in Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures are considered as useful option for the treatment of composite defects. In addition, conversion to internal fixation and bone grafting can be an alternative method in order to reduce the risk of complications and inconvenience of external fixators. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Activation energy for diffusion and welding of PLA films
Authors: Vogel Julius , Kessler Michael R. , Sundararajan Sriram , Grewell David 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe bonding of polylactic acid (PLA) films was investigated for a broad range of temperatures and contact times above the glass transition temperature in a lap shear joint geometry using an impulse welding system. It was observed that interfacial strength was linearly dependent to the fourth root of welding time until it approached the bulk material strength. Using models based on reptation theories, the interfacial strength of lap shear welds was estimated based on thermal histories. In more detail, the activation energy for interfacial healing and self‐diffusion coefficient was calculated based on shear strength measurements of samples welded with well‐defined thermal histories. The parameters were then used to predict interfacial strength with varying temperature histories. This is the first work to measure the activation of energy for the interfacial welding PLA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of free volume distribution and mechanical properties of rectorite/nylon 6 nanocomposites
Authors: Gong Jing , Gong Wei , Gong Zhenli , Gao Shu , Wang Bo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe effects of organophilic rectorite (OREC) content and interfacial interaction on the nanoscale free volume, the crystallinity, and the heat distortion temperature (HDT) have been studied for nylon 6/layered nanocomposites by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) etc. Experimental results indicated that both HDT and crystallinity increase with filled OREC due to the nucleating or epitaxial effect of nanoparticles filled and interfacial interaction between the OREC and matrix. A continuous positron lifetime analysis program based on maximum entropy lifetime method (MELT) was used to obtain the free volume distribution, which revealed the existences of two long‐lived lifetime components (τ3 and τ4) corresponding to two kinds of different free volumes. We introduced a new parameter A defined as A = Aτ3/A (τ3 + τ4) and found a direct linearly relationship between the A and the crystallinity, which suggested that τ3 is mainly attributed to ortho‐positronium pick‐off annihilation in the interstitial free volume of the crystalline region. Experimental results also found that the interfacial interaction has different effect on the free volume properties in the different temperature range, which can be explained by a model that describes the evolution of the interfacial interaction area with temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Caspases cleave and inhibit the microRNA processing protein DiGeorge Critical Region 8
Authors: Gong Ming , Chen Yanqiu , Senturia Rachel , Ulgherait Matthew , Faller Michael , Guo Feng 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDGCR8 (DiGeorge Critical Region 8) is an essential microRNA (miRNA) processing protein that recognizes primary transcripts of miRNAs (pri‐miRNAs) and triggers their cleavage by the Drosha nuclease. We previously found that Fe(III) heme binds and activates DGCR8. Here we report that in HeLa cells, DGCR8 undergoes two proteolytic events that produce two C‐terminal fragments called DGCR8C1 and DGCR8C2, respectively. DGCR8C2 accumulates during apoptosis and is generated through cleavage by a caspase. The caspase cleavage site is located in the central loop of the heme‐binding domain. Cleavage of DGCR8 by caspase‐3 in vitro results in loss of the otherwise tightly bound Fe(III) heme cofactor, dissociation of the N‐ and C‐terminal proteolytic fragments, and inhibition of the pri‐miRNA processing activity. These results reveal an intrinsic mechanism in the DGCR8 protein that seems to have evolved for regulating miRNA processing via association with Fe(III) heme and proteolytic cleavage by caspases. Decreased expression of miRNAs has been observed in apoptotic cells, and this change was attributed to caspase‐mediated cleavage of a down‐stream miRNA processing nuclease Dicer. We suggest that both the Drosha and Dicer cleavage steps of the miRNA maturation pathway may be inhibited in apoptosis and other biological processes where caspases are activated.
Neonatal outcome following long‐distance air travel for fetoscopic laser coagulation treatment of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Oshovskyy Viktor , Steetskamp Joscha , Thäle Volker 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of undertaking long‐distance air travel to a specialized medical center while pregnant in order to undergo fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of women with TTTS who travelled by air (n = 16) or land (n = 61) to the Centre of Perinatal Diagnosis and Microinvasive Fetal Surgery, Mainz, Germany, between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. All women underwent FLC on arrival at the study center. Neonatal outcome, postoperative neonatal survival rates, and rates of adverse effects were recorded.ResultsThe postoperative survival rate for a single twin was 100.0% (n = 16) in the flight group and 98.3% in the land transportation group (n = 60). The postoperative survival rate for both twins was 81.3% in the flight group (n = 13) and 75.4% (n = 46) in the land transportation group. No differences in neonatal outcome or the rate of adverse effects were observed between the 2 groups. No flight‐related pregnancy complications were recorded.ConclusionLong‐distance air travel to a specialized tertiary care medical center is sufficiently safe to warrant recommendation to pregnant women with TTTS who require FLC.
Comprehension and error monitoring in simultaneous interpreters
Authors: YUDES CAROLINA , MACIZO PEDRO , MORALES LUIS , BAJO M. TERESA 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIn the current study we explored lexical, syntactic, and semantic processes during text comprehension in English monolinguals and Spanish/English (first language/second language) bilinguals with different experience in interpreting (nontrained bilinguals, interpreting students and professional interpreters). The participants performed an error-detection task in which they read English texts and tried to identify lexical, syntactic, and semantic errors embedded in texts. After reading, global comprehension of the texts was assessed by means of a sentence verification task and open/ended questionnaire. The results showed that the interpreters detected more syntactic and semantic errors than monolinguals, nontrained bilinguals and interpreting students. They also had better global comprehension. We discussed the consequences of bilingualism, working memory capacity, and training in interpreting on text comprehension.
Contrasting the responses of three different ground‐based instruments to energetic electron precipitation
Authors: Rodger Craig J. , Clilverd Mark A. , Kavanagh Andrew J. , Watt Clare E. J. , Verronen Pekka T. , Raita Tero 
Published: March 2012

In order to make best use of the opportunities provided by space missions such as the Radiation Belt Storm Probes, we determine the response of complementary subionospheric radiowave propagation measurements (VLF), riometer absorption measurements, cosmic noise absorption, and GPS‐produced total electron content (vTEC) to different energetic electron precipitation (EEP). We model the relative sensitivity and responses of these instruments to idealized monoenergetic beams of precipitating electrons, and more realistic EEP spectra chosen to represent radiation belts and substorm precipitation. In the monoenergetic beam case, we find riometers are more sensitive to the same EEP event occurring during the day than during the night, while subionospheric VLF shows the opposite relationship, and the change in vTEC is independent. In general, the subionospheric VLF measurements are much more sensitive than the other two techniques for EEP over 200 keV, responding to flux magnitudes two‐three orders of magnitude smaller than detectable by a riometer. Detectable TEC changes only occur for extreme monoenergetic fluxes. For the radiation belt EEP case, clearly detectable subionospheric VLF responses are produced by daytime fluxes that are ∼10 times lower than required for riometers, while nighttime fluxes can be 10,000 times lower. Riometers are likely to respond only to radiation belt fluxes during the largest EEP events and vTEC is unlikely to be significantly disturbed by radiation belt EEP. For the substorm EEP case both the riometer absorption and the subionospheric VLF technique respond significantly, as does the change in vTEC, which is likely to be detectable at ∼3–4 total electron content units.
The genetic influence on diverticular disease – a twin study
Authors: Granlund J. , Svensson T. , Olén O. , Hjern F. , Pedersen N. L. , Magnusson P. K. E. , Thelin Schmidt P. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe contribution of hereditary factors to the development of diverticular disease (DD) of the colon is unknown. Prevalence and location of diverticula differ in Western world compared to in Asia and several case reports describing families with DD have been published.AimTo assess the heritability of DD in a large population‐based sample of twins.MethodsThe Swedish Twin Registry was cross‐linked to the Swedish Inpatient Registry. All twins, born between 1886 and 1980 and not dead before 1969, with a discharge diagnosis of DD were identified. Twins with diagnoses of colon cancer, coeliac disease or non‐infectious colitis were excluded to decrease bias. Co‐twin odds ratio (OR), concordance rates and tetrachoric correlations were calculated for monozygotic (MZ) and same gender‐dizygotic (SS‐DZ) twins. Mx‐analyses were used to estimate the relative contributions of genetic effects and environmental factors to susceptibility for DD. Calculations were based on both primary and secondary discharge diagnoses to provide estimates reflecting impact of severity of the disease.ResultsA total of 104 452 twins met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 2296 had a diagnosis of DD. The OR of developing the disease given one's co‐twin was affected was 7.15 (95% CI: 4.82–10.61) for MZ and 3.20 (95% CI: 2.21–4.63) for SS‐DZ twins. Similarly, concordance rates and tetrachoric correlations were higher in MZ than those in SS‐DZ twins. The heritability was estimated to 40% and the non shared environmental effects to 60%.ConclusionGenetic susceptibility is an important component, along with individual specific environmental factors, for the development of diverticular disease of the colon.