bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fnr (EtrA) acts as a fine-tuning regulator of anaerobic metabolism in Shewanella oneidensisMR-1
Authors: Cruz-García Claribel , Murray Alison E , Rodrigues Jorge LM , Gralnick Jeffrey A , McCue Lee Ann , Romine Margaret F , Löffler Frank E , Tiedje James M 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
EtrA in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a model organism for study of adaptation to varied redox niches, shares 73.6% and 50.8% amino acid sequence identity with the oxygen-sensing regulators Fnr in E. coli and Anr in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively; however, its regulatory role of anaerobic metabolism in Shewanella spp. is complex and not well understood.

Results
The expression of the nap genes, nrfA, cymA and hcp was significantly reduced in etrA deletion mutant EtrA7-1; however, limited anaerobic growth and nitrate reduction occurred, suggesting that multiple regulators control nitrate reduction in this strain. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and fumarate reductase gene expression was down-regulated at least 2-fold in the mutant, which, showed lower or no reduction of these electron acceptors when compared to the wild type, suggesting both respiratory pathways are under EtrA control. Transcript analysis further suggested a role of EtrA in prophage activation and down-regulation of genes implicated in aerobic metabolism.

Conclusion
In contrast to previous studies that attributed a minor regulatory role to EtrA in Shewanella spp., this study demonstrates that EtrA acts as a global transcriptional regulator and, in conjunction with other regulators, fine-tunes the expression of genes involved in anaerobic metabolism in S. oneidensis strain MR-1. Transcriptomic and sequence analyses of the genes differentially expressed showed that those mostly affected by the mutation belonged to the "Energy metabolism" category, while stress-related genes were indirectly regulated in the mutant possibly as a result of a secondary perturbation (e.g. oxidative stress, starvation). We also conclude based on sequence, physiological and expression analyses that this regulator is more appropriately termed Fnr and recommend this descriptor be used in future publications.
Prevalence of active HCV infection among the blood donors of Khyber Pakhtunkwa and FATA region of Pakistan and evaluation of the screening tests for anti-HCV
Authors: Khan Najib U , Ali Ijaz , Ahmad Naeem U , Iqbal Aqib , Rehman Latif U , Munir Iqbal , Rehman Muti U , Khan Sanaullah , Ali Sajid , Siddique Lubna , Swati Zahoor A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Hepatitis C is a fatal liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. In this study, blood donors, from various districts of the KPK province and the federally administered tribal area (FATA) of Pakistan were tested for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA by ICT (Immuno-chromatographic test), ELISA and RT-PCR. Out of the 7148 blood donors, 224 (3.13%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies by ICT, 135 (1.89%) by ELISA while 118 (1.65%) blood donors had active HCV infection as detected by RT-PCR. We suggest that ELISA should be used for anti-HCV screening in public sector hospitals and health care units.
Bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice: The role of organizations in addressing clinician barriers
Authors: Beckett Megan , Quiter Elaine , Ryan Gery , Berrebi Claude , Taylor Stephanie , Cho Michelle , Pincus Harold , Kahn Katherine 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
New National Institutes of Health policies call for expansion of practice-based research to improve the clinical research enterprise and facilitate dissemination of evidence-based medicine.

Objective
This paper describes organizational strategies that influence clinicians' decisions to participate in clinical research.

Design
We reviewed the literature and interviewed over 200 clinicians and stakeholders.

Results
The most common barriers to community clinician participation in clinical research relate to beliefs that clinical research is too burdensome and has little benefit for the participating clinician or patient. We identified a number of approaches healthcare organizations can use to encourage clinicians to participate in research, including an outreach campaign to promote the benefits of clinical research; selection of study topics of interest to clinicians; establishment and enforcement of a set of research principles valuing the clinician and patient; development of a transparent schedule of reimbursement for research tasks; provision of technological and technical assistance to practices as needed; and promotion of a sense of community among clinicians involved in practice-based research.

Conclusions
Many types of existing healthcare organizations could provide the technical and intellectual assistance community clinicians need to participate in clinical research. Multiple approaches are possible.
A giant adrenal lipoma presenting in a woman with chronic mild postprandial abdominal pain: a case report
Authors: Kapetanakis Stylianos , Drygiannakis Ioannis , Tzortzinis Anastasios , Papanas Nikolaos , Fiska Aliki 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Adrenal lipomas are rare, small, benign, non-functioning tumors, which must be histopathologically differentiated from other tumors such as myelolipomas or liposarcomas. They are usually identified incidentally during autopsy, imaging, or laparotomy. Occasionally, they may present acutely due to complications such as abdominal pain from retroperitoneal bleeding, or systemic symptoms of infection. We report a giant adrenal lipoma (to the best of our knowledge, the second largest in the literature) clinically presenting with chronic mild postprandial pain.

Case presentation
A 54-year-old Caucasian woman presented several times over a period of 10 years to various emergency departments complaining of long-term mild postprandial abdominal pain. Although clinical examinations were unrevealing, an abdominal computed tomography scan performed at her most recent presentation led to the identification of a large lipoma of the left adrenal gland, which occupied most of the retroperitoneal space. Myelolipoma was ruled out due to the absence of megakaryocytes, immature leukocytes, or erythrocytes. Liposarcoma was ruled out due to the absence of lipoblasts. The size of the lipoma (16 × 14 × 7 cm) is, to the best of our knowledge, the second largest reported to date. After surgical resection, our patient was relieved of her symptoms and remains healthy six years postoperatively.

Conclusion
Physicians should be aware that differential diagnosis of mild chronic abdominal pain in patients presenting in emergency rooms may include large adrenal lipomas. When initial diagnostic investigation is not revealing, out-patient specialist evaluation should be planned to enable appropriate further investigations.
Life expectancies and incidence rates of patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation: a population-based study during 1998 to 2007 in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Mei-Chuan , Lu Hsin-Ming , Chen Likwang , Hu Fu-Chang , Chan Soa-Yu , Yan Yuan-Horng , Fan Po-Sheng , Lin Ming-Shian , Chen Cheng-Ren , Kuo Lu-Cheng , Yu Chong-Jen , Wang Jung-Der 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The present study examined the median survival, life expectancies, and cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) stratified by different underlying diseases.

Methods
According to the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, there were 8,906,406 individuals who obtained respiratory care during the period from 1997 to 2007. A random sample of this population was performed, and subjects who had continuously undergone mechanical ventilation for longer than 21 days were enrolled in the current study. Annual incidence rates and the CIR were calculated. After stratifying the patients according to their specific diagnoses, latent class analysis was performed to categorise PMV patients with multiple co-morbidities into several groups. The life expectancies of different groups were estimated using a semiparametric method with a hazard function based on the vital statistics of Taiwan.

Results
The analysis of 50,481 PMV patients revealed that incidence rates increased as patients grew older and that the CIR (17 to 85 years old) increased from 0.103 in 1998 to 0.183 in 2004 before stabilising thereafter. The life expectancies of PMV patients suffering from degenerative neurological diseases, stroke, or injuries tended to be longer than those with chronic renal failure or cancer. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease survived longer than did those co-morbid with other underlying diseases, especially septicaemia/shock.

Conclusions
PMV provides a direct means to treat respiratory tract diseases and to sustain respiration in individuals suffering from degenerative neurological diseases, and individuals with either of these types of conditions respond better to PMV than do those with other co-morbidities. Future research is required to determine the cost-effectiveness of this treatment paradigm.
The CRIT framework for identifying cross patterns in systems biology and application to chemogenomics
Authors: Gianoulis Tara A , Agarwal Ashish , Snyder Michael , Gerstein Mark B 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBiological data is often tabular but finding statistically valid connections between entities in a sequence of tables can be problematic - for example, connecting particular entities in a drug property table to gene properties in a second table, using a third table associating genes with drugs. Here we present an approach (CRIT) to find connections such as these and show how it can be applied in a variety of genomic contexts including chemogenomics data.
Effect of SiC Shape on The Crack-Healing Mechanism of Alumina/SiC Composite
Authors: Nakao Wataru , Osada Toshio , Yamane Kazuya , Yokouchi Masahiro , Takahashi Koji , Ando Kotoji 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTCrack-healing of structural ceramics is a most valuable technique to overcome their weak point such as surface cracks. Crack-healing ability appeared by admixing SiC to ceramics, because this function is to use the oxidation of SiC. Endowment of crack-healing ability as well as improvement in fracture toughness was expected to be achieved by compositing SiC whiskers. For this purpose, alumina / 30 vol% SiC whiskers and alumina/ 20vol% SiC whiskers/ 10 vol% SiC particles multi-composites were developed. Crack-healing ability and fracture toughness of these composites were investigated. Alumina/ 20 vol% SiC whiskers/ 10 vol% SiC particles multi-composite and alumina/ 30vol% SiC whiskers composite were found to have 1.43 times and 1.65 times higher fracture toughness than monolithic alumina, respectively. From the results of the strength recovery by crack-healing, alumina/ 20 vol% SiC whiskers/ 10 vol% SiC particles multi-composite and alumina / 30vol% SiC whiskers composite were found to be able to heal the pre-crack below 0.250 μm and 0.200 μm in surface length, respectively. In spite of the same SiC content, SiC particles and SiC whiskers multi-compositing enlarged the limit crack size to be able to crack-heal. On the other hand, increasing SiC whiskers content enhanced strength recovery of the specimen with the large crack above limit crack-size.
Modification of Ge2Sb2Te5 by the Addition of SiOx for Improved Operation of Phase Change Random Access Memory
Authors: Noh Jin-Seo , Suh Dong-Seok , Lee Sang Mock , Kim Kijoon H. P. , Shin Woong-Chul , Lee Eunhye , Kang Youn-Seon , Park Ju-Cheol , Kim Ki-Hong , Khang Yoonho 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTConventional Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) was modified by adding up a small amount of SiOx, using co-sputtering technique from multiple targets. The SiOx content was gradually increased by increasing the power applied to SiOx target, up to 8 volume percent. The sheet resistance of SiOx-containing GST exponentially increased, when the room-temperature-deposited samples were annealed at 300 °C. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that no SiOx particulates were formed, which was confirmed by Gattan image filtering. It was indicated by x-ray diffraction patterns that the grain size of SiOx-containing GST is smaller than normal GST with lattice locally distorted at its crystalline state, suggesting that molecular SiOx is homogeneously distributed throughout the GST matrix. We observed that the crystallization temperature of SiOx-containing GST is gradually elevated by increasing the SiOx content, while the melting point decreased. These observations led to the reset current reduction, which is a critical requirement for the high density PRAM.
Material Properties of Rapid-solidified Ni-free Shape Memory TiNb Alloy
Authors: Kubo Yasuko , Yokoyama Masanori , Furuya Yasubumi 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTTi-Ni shape memory alloy is used for bio-medical and industrial fields even if Ni is a substance which has strong allergic nature and carcinogenicity to a human body, then, Ti-Ni alloy system is in a prohibition tendency in the medical field in Europe in recent years. Therefore, Ni-free shape memory alloy is desired in the near future medical field. In this research, we pay our attention to the Ti-Nb alloy which has shape memory as well as superelastic effects. The Ti-Nb fiber was fabricated by using the ark melting and nozzelless rapid solidification method. The fiber samples were used to investigate the following characteristics relating with shape memory effect, that is to say, (1) cross sectional microstructure observation, (2) DSC(phase transformation temperature changes), (3) temperature-shape recovery relationship. Moreover, heat-treated effect on shape recovery phenomena was observed in comparison with the starting bulk material. Finally, the fundamental discussion to correlate the rapid-solidification process condition with the characteristic of Ti-Nb shape memory alloy for bio-medical engineering application was conducted.
The Dielectric, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Properties of (1-x)PST-xPZT Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Lan Dejun , Chen Qiang , Chen Yi , Xu Zhuo , Jiang Yihang , Yue Xi , Xiao Dingquan , Zhu Jianguo 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPb(Sc1/2Ta1/2)O3 (PST) relaxor ferroelectric ceramics were investigated widely in the past decades for their excellent pyroelectric, ferroelectric and dielectric properties and comprehensive applications in uncooled focal plane arrays infrared detectors and other electronic devices. However, some other ferroelectrics could be added into the PST ceramics to form the complex perovskite ferroelectrics with better electric properties. In this paper, (1-x)PST-xPZT(PSTZT) relaxor ferroelectric ceramics were prepared by wolframite precursor process (named two-step -sintering method, TSSM). The experiment results showed that the PSTZT ceramics with pure perovskite structure could be prepared by using TSSM. The temperature dependence of permittivity and dielectric loss of PSTZT ceramics were investigated in detail, which indicated that PSTZT ceramics showed partly diffusive phase transition with little frequency dispersion. The dielectric and pyroelectric properties of PSTZT ceramics were also investigated and discussed.
Side Chain Liquid Crystalline Thermoplastic Elastomers for Actuator and Electromechanical Applications
Authors: Verploegen Eric , McAfee LaRuth C. , Tian Lu , Verploegen Darren , Hammond Paula T. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of a polystyrene-b-polyvinylmethylsiloxane-b-polystyrene diblock and triblock copolymer functionalized with liquid crystals exhibiting a smectic C* phase on the PVMS central block is described. The synthetic route is based on the anionic polymerization of styrene and trimethyltrivinylsiloxane monomers and the functionalization of resulting triblock copolymers. The resulting polymer can self assemble into a thermoplastic elastomer where the high Tg styrene blocks serve as physical crosslinks for a low Tg siloxane block. The presence of a smectic liquid crystalline phase and the block copolymer mesophase are observed across various temperature ranges depending on the length of the spacer connecting the liquid crystalline moiety to the polymer backbone. The influence of mechanical deformation upon the morphologies of the liquid crystalline and block copolymer mesophases was investigated. The interactions between the smectic LC and the block copolymer morphologies and their influence upon their respective orientations in response to shear fields are detailed. The parallel-transverse orientation of the hexagonally close packed (HCP) cylinders of the block copolymer morphology and the smectic liquid crystalline phase, respectively, was observed for melt fiber drawn samples. However, the transverse-perpendicular orientation was observed for liquid crystalline block copolymers that experienced oscillatory shear. The transverse orientation of HCP cylinders was observed while shearing took place above the smectic to isotropic transition temperature, indicating that the presence of an isotropic liquid crystalline phase alters the orientation of the block copolymer morphology. Additionally, it was found that the spacer length was a key factor in the clearing points for the smectic liquid crystalline phase, as well as significantly influencing the nanophase segregation of the block copolymer.
Electronic Structure Calculations of Electronic and Structural Properties of Plutonium 115 Compounds
Authors: Wills John , Lizarraga Raquel , Joyce John J. , Durakiewicz Tomasz , Sarrao John L. , Morales Luis , Eriksson Olle 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe 5f electronic states in elemental Pu and Pu compounds exhibit elements of both itinerant and localized behavior. Several first-principles calculations have been presented to describe this balance, differing in the manner in which electron correlation is included in the calculation. This paper describes a calculations performed with the Mixed Level Model (MLM), presenting calculated results for the two Pu compounds, PuRhGa5 and PuCoGa5. The MLM results are compared with other calculations and the differences discussed.
Theory of the Knight Shift and Spin-Lattice Relaxation Rate in Pu-115
Authors: Bang Yunkyu , Graf Matthias J. , Curro Nicholas J. , Balatsky Alexander J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe calculated the Knight shift and spin-lattice relaxation rates of Pu-115 compounds assuming d-wave superconductivity in the presence of strong impurity scattering. We discuss the implications for recent measurements of the spin-lattice relaxation rate in the Pu-115 compound PuRhGa5 by Sakai and coworkers [J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 74, 1710 (2005)] and present a prediction for the corresponding Knight shift. In addition, we noticed a significant round-off of the spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 just above the superconducting transition temperature that is not observed in the sister compound PuCoGa5. It appears that in PuRhGa5 superconductivity is mediated by spin fluctuations, too. This provides additional support to the scenario of superconducting pairing mediated by spin fluctuations in the Pu-115 compounds similar to the Ce-115 compounds and the high-temperature copper-oxide superconductors.
Multi-scale modeling of self-irradiation effects in plutonium alloys - Molecular dynamic simulations results
Authors: Berlu Lilian , Rosa Gaelle , Faure Philippe , Baclet Nathalie , Jomard Gérald 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe plutonium α decay leads to the formation of numerous point defects in the metal structure. The multi-scale modeling of self-irradiation effects in plutonium alloys needs a quantitative knowledge of defects population properties. In this work, we initiated a parametric study of molecular dynamics displacement cascade simulations to get properties of defects microstructure such as number of point defects, number and size of clusters, spatial repartition and spatial expansion of the cascade. These data constitute some of the input parameters for the mesoscopic scale simulations. First results obtained for two 2 keV energy cascades simulations are presented and discussed.
Ultrafast dynamics of the Itinerant Antiferromagnet UNiGa5
Authors: Chia Ee Min Elbert , Lee H. J. , Hur Namjung , Bauer E. D. , Durakiewicz T. , Averitt R. D. , Sarrao J. L. , Taylor A. J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTime-resolved photoinduced reflectivity data were measured for the itinerant antiferromagnet UNiGa5 (TN ≈ 85 K) from room temperature down to 10 K. The relaxation time τ increases sharply near TN, which we attribute to the opening of a spin gap. In addition, at the lowest temperatures τ increases with a T1 dependence, which is similar to that shown by the heavy fermion YbAgCu4, but with no blocking of electron-phonon scattering within the DOS peak. The transient amplitude increase at TN with a temperature dependence that is consistent with the appearance of a spin gap.
Affects of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Stability of Becquerelite
Authors: Kubatko Karrie-Ann , Unruh Daniel , Burns Peter C. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWhile the majority of studies of alteration of UO2 and commercial spent nuclear fuel under simulated geological repository conditions have emphasized the importance of uranyl oxide hydrates and uranyl silicates, the influence of peroxide on repository performance has been largely overlooked. There is considerable evidence that uranyl peroxides will be important alteration phases of nuclear waste, and that these phases may impact the long-term performance of a geologic repository such as Yucca Mountain. Here we report the thermodynamics and kinetics of becquerelite, Ca[(UO2)6O4(OH)6](H2O)8, in the presence of solutions containing hydrogen peroxide. Thermodynamic calculations reveal that in solutions containing 3.5 × 10-6 M hydrogen peroxide, studtite is thermodynamically favorable over becquerelite at 298 K. To access the kinetics of this reaction, batch experiments were conducted by the reaction of becquerelite and solutions containing hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of 0.1 M hydrogen peroxide, becquerelite altered to studtite within eight hours.
High-Throughput Screening of Barrier and Adhesive Behavior of Polymeric Coatings
Authors: Grunlan Jaime C. , Mehrabi Ali R. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA combinatorial factory for the preparation and screening of polymeric coatings was developed. Coating formulations were prepared and coated using novel combinatorial techniques to obtain libraries of varying composition and thickness. The thickness of each film in a combinatorial array is rapidly determined via visible-light absorbance of optical dyes in conjunction with the Beer-Lambert relationship. These combinatorial libraries were then tested and screened using a variety of custom-made high-throughput methods. Combinatorial screening of oxygen and moisture vapor transmission rate, along with adhesive properties, are shown here. OTR and MVTR are determined using spectroscopic techniques. For adhesion, a spherical probe adhesive tester is able to generate parameters linked to tack, peel, and shear in one measurement. In addition to describing the testing methodology, benefits and shortcomings of these techniques will be highlighted.
Combinatorial Catalysis for Hydrogen Production from Ethanol
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Akita Tomoki , Umegaki Tetsuo , Mathew Thomas , Ueda Atshushi , Shioyama Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tetsuhiko 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCombinatorial catalysis on EtOH steam reforming has been performed on referring catalysis database on elemental reactions of EtOH SR.