bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative maps of genetic interactions in yeast - Comparative evaluation and integrative analysis
Authors: Lindén Rolf O , Eronen Ville-Pekka , Aittokallio Tero 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
High-throughput genetic screening approaches have enabled systematic means to study how interactions among gene mutations contribute to quantitative fitness phenotypes, with the aim of providing insights into the functional wiring diagrams of genetic interaction networks on a global scale. However, it is poorly known how well these quantitative interaction measurements agree across the screening approaches, which hinders their integrated use toward improving the coverage and quality of the genetic interaction maps in yeast and other organisms.

Results
Using large-scale data matrices from epistatic miniarray profiling (E-MAP), genetic interaction mapping (GIM), and synthetic genetic array (SGA) approaches, we carried out here a systematic comparative evaluation among these quantitative maps of genetic interactions in yeast. The relatively low association between the original interaction measurements or their customized scores could be improved using a matrix-based modelling framework, which enables the use of single- and double-mutant fitness estimates and measurements, respectively, when scoring genetic interactions. Toward an integrative analysis, we show how the detections from the different screening approaches can be combined to suggest novel positive and negative interactions which are complementary to those obtained using any single screening approach alone. The matrix approximation procedure has been made available to support the design and analysis of the future screening studies.

Conclusions
We have shown here that even if the correlation between the currently available quantitative genetic interaction maps in yeast is relatively low, their comparability can be improved by means of our computational matrix approximation procedure, which will enable integrative analysis and detection of a wider spectrum of genetic interactions using data from the complementary screening approaches.
Soluble interleukin-18 receptor complex is a novel biomarker in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Takei Satoko , Hoshino Tomoaki , Matsunaga Kazuko , Sakazaki Yuki , Sawada Masanori , Oda Hanako , Takenaka Shin-ichi , Imaoka Haruki , Kinoshita Takashi , Honda Seiyo , Ida Hiroaki , Fukuda Taka-aki , Aizawa Hisamichi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroductionThere has been no report in the literature of a soluble form of interleukin (IL)-18 receptor α (IL-18Rα). In this study, we evaluated the levels and characteristics of soluble IL-18Rα (sIL-18Rα) in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compared these results to control populations.MethodsThe sIL-18Rα complex was isolated from pooled human blood serum using an anti-IL-18Rα monoclonal antibody affinity column. The purified sIL-18Rα was then examined using Western blot analysis and used in experiments to evaluate the effects on an IL-18-responsive natural killer (NK) human cell line, NK0. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed, and sera from 145 patients with RA, 6 patients with adult-onset Still's disease, 31 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), 39 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 67 controls were tested, along with levels of immunoglobulin M, rheumatoid factor, anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, IL-18, IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the sIL-18Rα complex.ResultsThe isolated sIL-18Rα complex can be associated with IL-18 and the soluble form of the IL-18Rβ chain. The sIL-18Rα complex bound to the surface to the NK0 cell line, antagonized the stimulatory effects of IL-18 and IL-2 on the NK0 cell line and inhibited IFN-γ production by the cells. The serum levels of sIL-18Rα complex in RA (186.0 ± 33.5 ng/mL,n= 145) and adult-onset Still's disease (98.2 ± 8.9 ng/mL,n= 6) were significantly (P< 0.001) higher than those in the healthy controls (52.3 ± 8.5 ng/mL,n= 67), OA (38.6 ± 5.4 ng/mL,n= 31), SLE (44.6 ± 3.2 ng/mL,n= 39). The serum level of sIL-18Rα complex was not significantly different between RA and adult-onset Still's disease patients. The serum levels of IL-18, IL-13 and IFN-γ in the RA patients were significantly (P< 0.01) higher than in OA and SLE patients as well as healthy controls. ROC-AUC analysis of the serum concentration of sIL-18Rα indicated that it was significantly diagnostic of RA. Moreover, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, etanercept, significantly (P< 0.0001) decreased levels of sIL-18Rα in the sera of 29 RA patients 6 months after treatment.ConclusionsThe sIL-18Rα complex could be a potentially useful biomarker for the diagnosis of RA.
Balanced massive transfusion ratios in multiple injury patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Peiniger Sigune , Nienaber Ulrike , Lefering Rolf , Braun Maximilian , Wafaisade Arasch , Wutzler Sebastian , Borgmann Matthew , Spinella Philip C , Maegele Marc ,   the Trauma Registry of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (TR-DGU)
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Retrospective studies have demonstrated a potential survival benefit from transfusion strategies using an early and more balanced ratio between fresh frozen plasma (FFP) concentration and packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions in patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy requiring massive transfusions. These results have mostly been derived from non-head-injured patients. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether a regime using a high FFP:pRBC transfusion ratio (FFP:pRBC ratio >1:2) would be associated with a similar survival benefit in severely injured patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score, head ≥3) as demonstrated for patients without TBI requiring massive transfusion (≥10 U of pRBCs).

Methods
A retrospective analysis of severely injured patients from the Trauma Registry of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (TR-DGU) was conducted. Inclusion criteria were primary admission, age ≥16 years, severe injury (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16) and massive transfusion (≥10 U of pRBCs) from emergency room to intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were subdivided into patients with TBI (AIS score, head ≥3) and patients without TBI (AIS score, head <3), as well as according to the transfusion ratio they had received: high FFP:pRBC ratio (FFP:pRBC ratio >1:2) and low FFP:pRBC ratio (FFP:pRBC ratio ≤1:2). In addition, morbidity and mortality between the two groups were compared.

Results
A total of 1,250 data sets of severely injured patients from the TR-DGU between 2002 and 2008 were analyzed. The mean patient age was 42 years, the majority of patients were male (72.3%), the mean ISS was 41.7 points (±15.4 SD) and the principal mechanism of injury was blunt force trauma (90%). Mortality was statistically lower in the high FFP:pRBC ratio groups versus the low FFP:pRBC ratio groups, regardless of the presence or absence of TBI and across all time points studied (P < 0.001). The frequency of sepsis and multiple organ failure did not differ among groups, except for sepsis in patients with TBI who received a high FFP:pRBC ratio transfusion. Other secondary end points such as ventilator-free days, length of stay in the ICU and overall in-hospital length of stay differed significantly between the two study groups, but not when only data for survivors were analyzed.

Conclusions
These results add more detailed knowledge to the concept of a high FFP:pRBC ratio during early aggressive resuscitation, including massive transfusion, to decrease mortality in severely injured patients both with and without accompanying TBI. Future research should be conducted with a larger number of patients to prove these results in a prospective study.
Cathepsin X cleavage of the β2 integrin regulates talin-binding and LFA-1 affinity in T cells
Authors: Jevnikar Zala , Obermajer Nataša , Doljak Bojan , Turk Samo , Gobec Stanislav , Švajger Urban , Hailfinger Stephan , Thome Margot , Kos Janko 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTT cell migration, essential for immune surveillance and response, is mediated by the integrin LFA-1. CatX, a cysteine carboxypeptidase, is involved in the regulation of T cell migration by interaction with LFA-1. We show that sequential cleavage of C-terminal amino acids from the β2 cytoplasmic tail of LFA-1, by CatX, enhances binding of the adaptor protein talin to LFA-1 and triggers formation of the latter's high-affinity form. As shown by SPR analysis of peptides constituting the truncated β2 tail, the cleavage of three C-terminal amino acids by CatX resulted in a 1.6-fold increase of talin binding. Removal of one more amino acid resulted in a 2.5-fold increase over the intact tail. CatX cleavage increased talin-binding affinity to the MD but not the MP talin-binding site on the β2 tail. This was shown by molecular modeling of the β2 tail/talin F3 complex to be a result of conformational changes affecting primarily the distal-binding site. Analysis of LFA-1 by conformation-specific mAb showed that CatX modulates LFA-1 affinity, promoting formation of high-affinity from intermediate-affinity LFA-1 but not the initial activation of LFA-1 from a bent to extended form. CatX post-translational modifications may thus represent a mechanism of LFA-1 fine-tuning that enables the trafficking of T cells.
A study of longer-time stability of plasma free metanephrines
Authors: Ross H Alec , Lenders Jacques W M , Sweep Fred C G J 
Published: April 2011

Background Previous stability studies of plasma free metanephrines do not extend beyond one month. For retrospective evaluation and documentation purposes, knowledge of stability for more prolonged storage periods is required. Methods A panel of seven plasma samples was aliquoted and stored at −20 and −80°C. Aliquots were thawed and assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection at regular intervals during three years. A final set was assayed after five years at −80°C. Results were evaluated by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results After a stable period of over one year, an upward trend for plasma free metanephrine and a downward trend for normetanephrine was observed. For both analytes, measurement results were parallel between samples during the study. Concentrations in samples stored at −20°C did not differ from those stored at −80°C. Conclusions Storage at either −20 or −80°C must be considered as safe for at least one year. The residual variation with respect to time of the concentrations of metanephrines was identical in all of the samples assayed and almost did not exceed previously determined within-run variation. This suggests that between-assay variability is the cause of the overall trends and not sample deterioration. Moreover, between-assay variability manifesting itself as drift or trend remained within the range of earlier observed between-assay variation. Despite this, the assay for plasma metanephrines remains capable of detecting catecholamine overproduction in plasma samples that have been stored for prolonged periods of time.
Low plasma triiodothyronine levels in heart failure are associated with a reduced anabolic state and membrane damage
Authors: Brenta Gabriela , Thierer Jorge , Sutton Marcela , Acosta Adriana , Vainstein Nora , Brites Fernando , Boero Laura , Gómez Rosso Leonardo , Anker Stefan 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundLow plasma triiodothyronine (T3) levels are considered a prognostic predictor of death in heart failure (HF) patients.AimTo study an association between plasma T3 levels and several cardiac, neurohormonal, and metabolic markers of HF.MethodsA total of 133 ambulatory HF patients (114 males; mean age 63.2 years) with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% were enrolled. TSH, total tetraiodothyronine (T4) and T3, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and other cardiac and metabolic parameters were measured. The lowest tertile of T3 (group 1) was compared against the two upper ones (group 2).ResultsIn simple logistic regression, the lowest T3 tertile was associated with more advanced HF disease status: older (age: odds ratio (OR)=1.05; confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.01–1.09, P=0.004), lower functional capacity (walking test: OR=0.996; CI 95% 0.993–0.999, P=0.008), higher NT-proBNP (OR=1.64; CI 95% 1.19–2.27, P=0.003) and adiponectin levels (OR=1.07; CI 95% 1.02–1.11, P=0.004), lower DHEAS log-transformed (OR=0.50; CI 95% 0.31–0.80, P=0.004), and the presence of lower phase angle values as measured by body bioelectrical impedance analysis (OR=3.18; CI 95% 1.50–6.71, P=0.04) and worse renal function (OR=0.96; CI 95% 0.94–0.98, P=0.003). T3 levels in the lowest tertile were independently associated with low phase angle values (OR=2.95, CI 95% 1.16–7.50, P=0.02) and the log transformation of DHEAS (OR=0.56; CI 95% 0.32–0.97, P=0.04).ConclusionWe have demonstrated an association between plasma T3 levels in the lower range and other deranged hormonal and metabolic parameters in HF patients.
Formation of Si/SiC heterostructures for silicon-based quantum devices using single CH3SiH3-gas source free jet
Authors: Ohtani Ryota , Ikoma Yoshifumi , Motooka Teruaki 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe have investigated the formation and current-voltage characteristics of Si-dots/SiC multilayer heterostructures on p+Si(100) substrates by means of supersonic free-jet chemical vapor deposition using a single gas source CH3SiH3. Si-dots were successfully deposited on epitaxial SiC thin films on Si(100) with assistance of a tungsten hot filament. Negative deferential resistance was observed in the current-voltage curve of SiC/Si-dot/SiC measured by an atomic force microscope using a gold-coated conductive cantilever. The observed current-voltage characteristics can be attributed to the hole resonant tunneling through the SiC double barriers.
Comparison of the cardiovascular effects of equipotent anesthetic doses of sevoflurane alone and sevoflurane plus an intravenous infusion of lidocaine in horses
Authors: Wagner Ann E. , Mama Khursheed R. , Steffey Eugene P. , Ferreira Tatiana H. , Rezende Marlis L. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Objective—To compare cardiovascular effects of sevoflurane alone and sevoflurane plus an IV infusion of lidocaine in horses.
Animals—8 adult horses.
Procedures—Each horse was anesthetized twice via IV administration of xylazine, diazepam, and ketamine. During 1 anesthetic episode, anesthesia was maintained by administration of sevoflurane in oxygen at 1.0 and 1.5 times the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). During the other episode, anesthesia was maintained at the same MAC multiples via a reduced concentration of sevoflurane plus an IV infusion of lidocaine. Heart rate, arterial blood pressures, blood gas analyses, and cardiac output were measured during mechanical (controlled) ventilation at both 1.0 and 1.5 MAC for each anesthetic protocol and during spontaneous ventilation at 1 of the 2 MAC multiples.
Results—Cardiorespiratory variables did not differ significantly between anesthetic protocols. Blood pressures were highest at 1.0 MAC during spontaneous ventilation and lowest at 1.5 MAC during controlled ventilation for either anesthetic protocol. Cardiac output was significantly higher during 1.0 MAC than during 1.5 MAC for sevoflurane plus lidocaine but was not affected by anesthetic protocol or mode of ventilation. Clinically important hypotension was detected at 1.5 MAC for both anesthetic protocols.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Lidocaine infusion did not alter cardiorespiratory variables during anesthesia in horses, provided anesthetic depth was maintained constant. The IV administration of lidocaine to anesthetized nonstimulated horses should be used for reasons other than to improve cardiovascular performance. Severe hypotension can be expected in nonstimulated horses at 1.5 MAC sevoflurane, regardless of whether lidocaine is administered.
A New Device for Assessing Ankle Dorsiflexion Motion: Reliability and Validity
Authors: Wilken Jason , Rao Smita , Estin Miriam , Saltzman Charles , Yack H. John 
Published: April 2011

Study Design Clinical measurement. Objective To determine the validity and reli- ability of measures obtained using a custom-made device for assessing ankle dorsiflexion motion and stiffness. Background Limited dorsiflexion has been implicated in the evolution of foot pain in a number of clinical populations. Assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) is, therefore, commonly performed as part of a foot and ankle examination. Conventional goniometric assessment methods have demonstrated limited intertester reliability, while alternative methods of measurements are generally more difficult to use. The Iowa ankle range of motion (IAR0M) device was designed in an attempt to develop a simple, clinically relevant, and time- and cost-effective tool to measure ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and stiffness. Methods Validity and intertester reliability of dorsiflexion range-of-motion measures using the IAR0M device were assessed at 10,15,20, and 25 Nm of passively applied dorsiflexion torque, with both the knee extended and flexed approxi- mately 20°. Stiffness (change in torque/change in dorsiflexion angle) values were determined using the angular change obtained between the 15- and 25-Nm torque levels. Convergent validity (n = 12) was assessed through comparison of ankle dorsiflexion angles measured simultaneously with the IAR0M device and an optoelectronic motion analysis system. Intertester reliability (n = 17) was assessed by 2 testers who took measurements within the same day. Results Validity testing demonstrated excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] values ranging from 0.95 to 0.98). Reliability testing demonstrated good to excellent intertester agreement (ICC values ranging from 0.90 to 0.95). The ICCs for ankle joint dorsiflexion stiffness were .71 and .85 for the knee in an extended and flexed position, respectively. Conclusion The IAROM device provides valid and reliable measurement of ankle dorsiflexion ROM. The IAR0M device also allows calculation of stiffness by measuring ROM at multiple torque levels, although the reliability of the measurement is not optimal. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(4):274–280. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3397
Phase equilibria studies in alumina-containing high zinc fayalite slags with CaO/SiO2 = 0.55 Part 2
Authors: Zhao Baojun , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The phase equilibria and liquidus temperatures in the ZnO„FeO“Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 system have been determined experimentally in equilibrium with metallic iron. Specifically, the effect of Al2O3 concentrations in high zinc fayalite slags is identified and the results are presented in a form of pseudo- ternary sections ZnO„FeO“(Al2O3 + CaO + SiO2) with CaO/SiO2 = 0.55 and (CaO + SiO2)/Al2O3 = 5.0 and 3.5. It was found that in the presence of Al2O3 the spinel phase is formed, and the spinel primary phase field expands and the wustite and melilite primary phase fields are reduced in size with increasing Al2O3 concentration. The implications of the findings to industrial practice are discussed.
Use of a side-cutting aspiration device for resection of tumors during endoscopic endonasal approaches
Authors: Garcia-Navarro Victor , Lancman Guido , Guerrero-Maldonado Amancio , Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H. 
Published: April 2011

Object
Accessing intra- and extradural tumors via an endonasal approach requires working safely in a relatively narrow area with unobstructed visibility. The authors describe their experience to highlight the utility of a side-cutting aspiration device for endoscopic endonasal resection of skull base tumors.

Methods
The authors used this device in 13 nonconsecutive endoscopic endonasal procedures for different skull base tumors (8 pituitary macroadenomas, 2 craniopharyngiomas, 1 chordoma, 1 recurrent ependymoma, and 1 lymphoma). Illustrative cases and video are presented to demonstrate its use.

Results
The instrument was easy to use and effective in the removal of the lesions presented in this series. In 10 patients (77%), gross-total resection was possible; in the other 3 patients (23%), more than 80% of the tumor was resected. No collateral tissue damage or any other complication resulted from device-related debulking or aspiration.

Conclusions
The side-cutting tissue resector is a safe, easy to use, and effective tool for internal debulking and extracapsular dissection of nonvascularized tumors that are too firm for bimanual suction or blunt ring curette dissection. It is particularly useful when working through a deep and narrow corridor such as is encountered in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.
Anxiety responses and neurochemical changes in a kaolin-induced rat model of hydrocephalus
Authors: Hwang Yong Sup , Shim Insop , Chang Jin Woo 
Published: April 2011

Object
Hydrocephalus is a pathological enlargement of the ventricles of the brain, which can result from various diseases of the central nervous system. Patients with hydrocephalus frequently show motor abnormalities, such as abnormal gait and posture, as well as intellectual and emotional impairment. The present study was designed to investigate anxiety responses in rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus.

Methods
A total of 26 Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. Hydrocephalus was induced in 14 Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting 0.1 ml of 20% kaolin solution into the cisterna magna; 12 rats were administered the same volume of saline in the same fashion and served as controls. Seven of the rats that were injected with kaolin and 6 of the rats injected with saline were killed 3 days after injection (Group 1); the remaining rats were killed 4 weeks after injection (Group 2) to evaluate effects related to acute and chronic hydrocephalus. The rats were tested in an elevated plus maze after induction of hydrocephalus by kaolin injection. After the animals were killed, brain sections were immunostained for cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y. In addition, tyrosine hydroxlyase immunoreactivity in the ventral tegmental area was evaluated by immunohistological staining.

Results
The rats with acute hydrocephalus showed decreased entry into and spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze as compared with the control rats. The hydrocephalic rats had significantly more cholecystokinin-immunoreactive neurons and fewer neuropeptide Y–immunoreactive neurons in their brains. In addition, hydrocephalus progress in this model was positively correlated with the anxiety response. The numbers of tyrosine hydroxlyase–immunoreactive neurons were decreased significantly in the hydrocephalic rats as compared with the control rats.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the rat model of hydrocephalus is characterized by increased anxiety response and is associated with the functional impairment of the central dopamine system.