bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanomedicine: Engineering Nanocomposite Materials for Cancer Therapy (Small 21/2010)
Authors: Minelli Caterina , Lowe Stuart B. , Stevens Molly M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractCancer accounted for 13% of all deaths worldwide in 2005. Although early detection is critical for the successful treatment of many cancers, there are sensitivity limitations associated with current detection methodologies. Furthermore, many traditional anticancer drug treatments exhibit limited efficacy and cause high morbidity. The unique physical properties of nanoscale materials can be utilized to produce novel and effective sensors for cancer diagnosis, agents for tumor imaging, and therapeutics for cancer treatment. Functionalizing inorganic nanoparticles with biocompatible polymers and natural or rationally designed biomolecules offers a route towards engineering responsive and multifunctional composite systems. Although only a few such innovations have reached human clinical trial to date, nanocomposite materials based on functionalized metal and semiconductor nanoparticles promise to transform the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. This review summarizes the current state‐of‐the‐art in the development of inorganic nanocomposites for cancer‐related applications.
A research framework for identifying potential linkages between isolated wetlands and disease ecology
Authors: Kirkman L. K. , Whitehead E. A. , Golladay S. W. , Smith L. L. , Opsahl S. P. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIsolated wetlands are ideal model systems to examine linkages between environmental change, complex food webs, and the ecology of mosquito‐borne diseases. Through long‐term studies, we have evaluated the diversity among plant, invertebrate, and amphibian species of relatively undisturbed isolated wetlands. Based on preliminary evidence from impaired wetlands, we have developed a conceptual model to examine how human land use and climate change may affect wetland ecosystem functions that ultimately link to the proliferation of mosquito‐borne diseases through the alteration of food webs and mosquito habitat. Our research framework initially requires the development of a wetland condition ranking system for a large group of isolated wetlands based on potential habitat for mosquitoes that vector disease. Secondly, it identifies potential changes in ecosystem function that specifically address the role of aquatic fauna in mediating mosquito‐borne infectious diseases. Ultimately, understanding ecological functions and services will help focus the need for better management practices and potential regulation of impacts to isolated wetland habitats in the USA.
Hand and Foot Abnormalities Associated with Genetic Diseases
Authors: Mankin Henry J. , Jupiter Jesse , Trahan Carol Ann 
Published: October 2010

Introduction The small bones and soft tissues of the hands and feet can be affected by systemic disorders, and frequently, the findings are quite unique and virtually diagnostic for some genetic or metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods Photographs and imaging studies for the hands and feet are available in a digitized system, which has been approved by our hospital institutional review board. Examination of these and their description can establish a relationship with some degree of certainty to a series of highly variable and uncommon clinical disorders. Results Description of the clinical, physiologic and genetic characteristics, and illustrations of hand and foot abnormalities are provided for an array of diseases, including Ellis–van Creveld syndrome, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, achondroplasia, Kniest dysplasia, pseudo- and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism, acromegaly, nail–patella syndrome, Marfan's disease, cartilage–hair hypoplasia, and several forms of mucopolysaccharidosis. Conclusions The findings support the concept that many genetic disorders can often be diagnosed by clinical and imaging examination of the patient's hands and feet.
Effect of bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes‐conditioned medium on in‐vitro maturation of canine oocytes
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Mohammed A. , Abe Yasuyuki , Asano Tomoyoshi , Hamano Seizo , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the ability of medium conditioned with bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) to support nuclear maturation of canine oocytes recovered from domestic dog ovaries.MethodsCumulus–oocyte complexes were obtained from ovaries of domestic bitches (8 months old to 7 years old), and in‐vitro maturation was evaluated in TCM‐199 supplemented with different concentrations (0, 20, 30 or 50%) of bovine COCs‐conditioned medium (BCM). The canine COCs were cultured for 72 or 96 h at 38.5°C in 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2. The bovine COCs‐conditioned medium was obtained from culture of bovine COCs with TCM‐199 supplemented with 5% FCS for 22 h at 38.5°C in 2% CO2, 98% air.ResultsThe proportion of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) after 72 h was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in medium supplemented with 30% BCM (20.7%) compared with the control group (13.4%). The rates of GVBD‐MII stage were significantly higher (P < 0.05) when oocytes were matured with BCM at concentration of 30% (41.5%) compared with control (26.6%) after 72 h in‐vitro culture. After 96 h in‐vitro culture, the oocytes matured in medium supplemented with 30% BCM (5.5%) showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the proportion of MII compared with control (0.7%). However, increasing the cultivation time from 72 to 96 h resulted in an increase in oocyte degeneration rate.ConclusionsThe results suggested that bovine COCs‐conditioned medium supplementation significantly increased nuclear maturation of canine oocytes.
Estimation of salt intake by 24 h urinary sodium excretion in a representative sample of Spanish adults
Authors: Ortega Rosa M. , López-Sobaler Ana M. , Ballesteros Juan M. , Pérez-Farinós Napoleón , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Elena , Aparicio Aránzazu , Perea José M. , Andrés Pedro 
Published: October 2010

The present study reports the Na intake of a representative sample of Spanish young and middle-aged adults aged 18–60 years (n418, 53·1 % women, selected from the capitals of fifteen provinces and the surrounding semi-urban/rural area), measured with a 24 h urinary Na excretion method. To validate the paper collection of 24 h urine, the correlation between fat-free mass determined by electrical bioimpedance (50·8 (sd11·3) kg) and that determined via urinary creatinine excretion (51·5 (sd18·8) kg) was calculated (r0·633,P < 0·001). Urinary Na excretion correlated with systolic and dyastolic blood pressure data (r0·243 and 0·153, respectively). Assuming that all urinary Na (168·0 (sd78·6) mmol/d) comes from the diet, Na excretion would correspond with a dietary salt intake of 9·8 (sd4·6) g/d, and it would mean that 88·2 % of the subjects had salt intakes above the recommended 5 g/d. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex, age and BMI, showed male sex (OR 3·678, 95 % CI 2·336, 5·791) and increasing BMI (OR 1·069, 95 % CI 1·009, 1·132) (P < 0·001) to be associated with excreting >200 mmol/d urinary Na – a consequence of the higher salt intake in men and in participants with higher BMI. The present results help us to know the baseline salt intake in the Spanish young and middle-aged adult population, and can be used as the baseline to design policies to reduce salt consumption.
A Simple Algorithm to Eliminate Ambiguities in EBSD Orientation Map Visualization and Analyses: Application to Fatigue Crack-Tips/Wakes in Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Gupta Vipul K. , Agnew Sean R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA simple algorithm is developed and implemented to eliminate ambiguities, in both statistical analyses of orientation data (e.g., orientation averaging) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) orientation map visualization, caused by symmetrically equivalent orientations and thewrap-aroundorumklappeffect. Usingcrystal symmetryoperators and the lowestEuclidian-distancecriterion, the orientation of each pixel within a grain is redefined. An advantage of this approach is demonstrated for direct determination of the representative orientation of a grain within an EBSD map bymean,median, orquaternion-basedaveraging methods that can be further used within analyses or visualization of misorientation or geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density. If one also considers the lattice curvature tensor, five components of the dislocation density tensor—corresponding to a part of the GND content—may be inferred. The methodology developed is illustrated using EBSD orientation data obtained from the fatigue crack-tips/wakes in aerospace aluminum alloys 2024-T351 and 7050-T7451.
Biofilm formation in bacterial pathogens of veterinary importance
Authors: Jacques Mario , Aragon Virginia , Tremblay Yannick D. N. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBacterial biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymer matrix that is attached to a surface. Biofilms protect and allow bacteria to survive and thrive in hostile environments. Bacteria within biofilms can withstand host immune responses, and are much less susceptible to antibiotics and disinfectants when compared with their planktonic counterparts. The ability to form biofilms is now considered a universal attribute of micro-organisms. Diseases associated with biofilms require novel methods for their prevention, diagnosis and treatment; this is largely due to the properties of biofilms. Surprisingly, biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens of veterinary importance has received relatively little attention. Here, we review the current knowledge of bacterial biofilms as well as studies performed on animal pathogens.
The telescope in the making, the Galileo first telescopic observations
Authors: Righini Alberto 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn the first part of this paper we briefly discuss some historical constraints useful for understanding when Galileo for the first time aimed his telescope to the Moon which most probably was the first astronomical object observed by the Scientist. In the second part we discuss the dates of the observations on which the etchings, published in the Sidereus Nuncius, are based. It results that the five etchings refer to observations performed in December 1609 and January 1610. The measurement of the position, of some peculiar structures of the lunar surface clearly represented by Galileo in the etchings, shows that he was very careful in trying to produce a faithful graphical rendering of what he was observing.
Medicean Moons Sailing Through Plasma Seas: Challenges in Establishing Magnetic Properties
Authors: Kivelson Margaret G. , Jia Xianzhe , Khurana Krishan K. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractJupiter's moons, embedded in the magnetized, flowing plasma of Jupiter's magnetosphere, the plasma seas of the title, are fluids whose highly non-linear interactions imply complex behavior. In a plasma, magnetic fields couple widely separated regions; consequently plasma interactions are exceptionally sensitive to boundary conditions (often ill-specified). Perturbation fields arising from plasma currents greatly limit our ability to establish more than the dominant internal magnetic field of a moon. With a focus on Ganymede and a nod to Io, this paper discusses the complexity of plasma-moon interactions, explains how computer simulations have helped characterize the system and presents improved fits to Ganymede's internal field.
Comparison of computationally- and manually-assigned Gene Ontology annotations to improve functional characterization of gene products.
Authors: Costanzo Maria , Balakrishnan Rama , Christie Karen , Hog Eurie , Park Julie , Cherry J. Michael 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe Gene Ontology (GO) describes molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular components of gene products using controlled-vocabulary terms that are related to each other in a structure that facilitates computing on GO annotations within and across species. Experimentally-based GO annotations that are manually curated from the literature are often used to predict the functions of related uncharacterized proteins. The accuracy of such annotations is thus critically important, particularly for a well-studied model organism such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae which is frequently used as the source of the experimental data.Comparison of experimentally-based annotations with those predicted by computational methods for the same gene products may reveal inaccuracies in curation of the experimental data, and could additionally be used to evaluate and improve the computational methods. We will present the results of an analysis at SGD that identified four major reasons for discrepancies between the two kinds of annotation. Some discrepancies revealed cases in which human error led to errors or omissions in the manual curation, prompting prioritization for review and correction. In another category, the computational annotations were not supported or were refuted by the literature, thereby suggesting ways in which the accuracy of the prediction methods could be improved. Yet another type of discrepancy resulted from issues with the GO structure, such as missing parentage for certain terms, leading to reexamination and improvement of the ontology. Finally, some discrepancies arose because the computational predictions were entirely novel, and no relevant experimental evidence was available. These cases highlight potential interesting new avenues for experimentation.
Wormbase Curation Interfaces and Tools
Authors: Wang Xiaodong 
Published: October 2010

AbstractCurating biological information from the published literature can be time- and labor-intensive especially without automated tools. WormBase1 has adopted several curation interfaces and tools, most of which were built in-house, to help curators recognize and extract data more efficiently from the literature. These tools range from simple computer interfaces for data entry to employing scripts that take advantage of complex text extraction algorithms, which automatically identify specific objects in a paper and presents them to the curator for curation. By using these in-house tools, we are also able to tailor the tool to the individual needs and preferences of the curator. For example, Gene Ontology Cellular Component and gene-gene interaction curators employ the text mining software Textpresso2 to indentify, retrieve, and extract relevant sentences from the full text of an article. The curators then use a web-based curation form to enter the data into our local database. For transgene and antibody curation, curators use the publicly available Phenote ontology annotation curation interface (developed by the Berkeley Bioinformatics Open-Source Projects (BBOP)), which we have adapted with datatype specific configurations. This tool has been used as a basis for developing our own Ontology Annotator tool, which is being used by our phenotype and gene ontology curators. For RNAi curation, we created web-based submission forms that allow the curator to efficiently capture all relevant information. In all cases, the data undergoes a final scripted data dump step to make sure all the information conforms into a readable file by our object oriented database.
Enterprise system investments for competitive advantage: An empirical study of Swiss SMEs
Authors: Walsh Gianfranco , Schubert Petra , Jones Colin 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPrevious research identifies various reasons companies invest in information technology (IT), often as a means to generate value. To add to the discussion of IT value generation, this study investigates investments in enterprise software systems that support business processes. Managers of more than 500 Swiss small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) responded to a survey regarding the levels of their IT investment in enterprise software systems and the perceived utility of those investments. The authors use logistic and ordinary least squares regression to examine whether IT investments in two business processes affect SMEs' performance and competitive advantage. Using cluster analysis, they also develop a firm typology with four distinct groups that differ in their investments in enterprise software systems. These findings offer key implications for both research and managerial practice.
Performance appraisal systems in the Middle East: Moving beyond Western logics
Authors: Giangreco Antonio , Carugati Andrea , Pilati Massimo , Sebastiano Antonio 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis paper critically examines the logics behind performance appraisal systems in Western contexts in an effort to better understand their applicability in the Middle East (ME). We present a literature review that investigates the major justifications and uses of Performance appraisal systems (PASs) articulated around five main logics: control, continuity, formality, information and motivation. On the basis of this literature review and exemplified through a case study, we show that research on PAS in the ME cannot be conducted assuming the same logics. The evaluation of success and failure of PAS in the ME should therefore be preceded by a study of the logics existing in the specific context. Our findings allow us to pose key questions for future PAS research in the ME as well as general non‐Western contexts characterized by prolonged critical external conditions.
Use of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination during an Outbreak of Multidrug-ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiInfection at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Ray Amy , Perez Federico , Beltramini Amanda M. , Jakubowycz Marta , Dimick Patricia , Jacobs Michael R. , Roman Kathy , Bonomo Robert A. , Salata Robert A. 
Published: October 2010

Objectives.To describe vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) as an adjuvant in the control of multidrug-resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiinfection in a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) and to describe the risk factors for acquisition of MDRA. baumanniiinfection in the LTACH population.Design.Outbreak investigation, case-control study, and before-after intervention trial.Setting.A 54-bed LTACH affiliated with a tertiary care center in northeastern Ohio.Methods.Investigation of outbreak with clinical and environmental cultures, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, polymerase chain reaction assay of repetitive chromosomal elements to type strains, and case-control study; and intervention consisting of comprehensive infection control measures and VHP environmental decontamination.Results.Thirteen patients infected or colonized with MDRA. baumanniiwere identified from January 2008 through June 2008. By susceptibility testing, 10 (77%) of the 13 isolates were carbapenem-resistant. MDRA. baumanniiwas found in wound samples, blood, sputum, and urine. Wounds were identified as a risk factor for MDRA. baumanniicolonization. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the most common clinical syndrome caused by the pathogen, and the associated mortality was 14% (2 of the 13 case patients died). MDRA. baumanniiwas found in 8 of 93 environmental samples, including patient rooms and a wound care cart; environmental and clinical cultures were genetically related. Environmental cultures were negative immediately after VHP decontamination and both 24 hours and 1 week after VHP decontamination. Nosocomial acquisition of the pathogen in the LTACH ceased after VHP Intervention. When patients colonized with MDRA. baumanniireoccupied rooms, environmental contamination recurred.Conclusion.Environmental decontamination using VHP combined with comprehensive infection control measures interrupted nosocomial transmission of MDRA. baumanniiin an LTACH. The application of this novel approach to halt the transmission of MDRA. baumanniiwarrants further investigation.
A novel deletion in the RCA gene cluster causes atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Maga Tara K. , Meyer Nicole C. , Belsha Craig , Nishimura Carla J. , Zhang Yuzhou , Smith Richard J. H. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a complex complement-mediated disease that progresses to end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in 50% of cases. Dysregulation of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement cascade manifests as microangiopathic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Multiple genes in the AP have been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Here, we report the clinical presentation of an affected patient that was inconsistent with genotype–phenotype data for carriers of CD46 mutations. Tests of AP function in this patient suggested additional genetic factors, and in-depth studies revealed a de novo heterozygous deletion that creates a novel CFH/CFHR1 fusion protein.
Studies on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mirtazapine in healthy young cats
Authors: QUIMBY J. M. , GUSTAFSON D. L. , SAMBER B. J. , LUNN K. F. 
Published: October 2010

Quimby, J. M., Gustafson, D. L., Samber, B. J., Lunn, K. F. Studies on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mirtazapine in healthy young cats. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34, 388–396.Mirtazapine pharmacokinetics was studied in 10 healthy cats. Blood was collected before, and at intervals up to 72 h after, oral dose of 3.75 mg (high dose: HD) or 1.88 mg (low dose: LD) of mirtazapine. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure mirtazapine, 8‐hydroxymirtazapine and glucuronide metabolite concentrations. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic modeling was performed. Median half‐life was 15.9 h (HD) and 9.2 h (LD). Using Mann–Whitney analysis, a statistically significant difference between the elimination half‐life, clearance, area under the curve (AUC) per dose, and AUC∞/dose of the groups was found. Mirtazapine does not appear to display linear pharmacokinetics in cats. There was no significant difference in glucuronidated metabolite concentration between groups. Pharmacodynamics was studied in 14 healthy cats administered placebo, LD and HD mirtazapine orally once in a crossover, blinded trial. In comparison with placebo, cats ingested significantly more food when mirtazapine was administered. No difference in food ingestion was seen between HD and LD, but significantly more behavior changes were seen with the HD. Limited serum sampling during the pharmacodynamic study revealed drug exposure comparable with the pharmacokinetic study, but no correlation between exposure and food consumed. Mirtazapine (LD) was administered daily for 6 days with no drug accumulation detected.
Basic principles and current applications of lung ultrasonography in the intensive care unit
Authors: STEFANIDIS Konstantinos , DIMOPOULOS Stavros , NANAS Serafim 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTUntil recently, the sonographic visualization of pulmonary and pleural diseases was considered a poorly accessible method, due to the inability of sound to penetrate air‐filled lung. Despite its limitations, lung ultrasonography is becoming an important diagnostic tool in a growing number of pathological situations such as pneumonia, atelectasis, interstitial‐alveolar syndrome, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax and pleural effusion. The low sensitivity of CXR and the difficulties of performing CT make this technique invaluable for bedside use in the intensive care unit. Lung ultrasonography is an easily repeatable and radiation‐free technique, and therefore, an attractive imaging tool for use on a daily basis, especially in the management of critically ill patients.