bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of complexing agents on the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C prepared by sol-gel method
Authors: Yang Rong , Kang Erwei , Jiang Bailing , Ahn Jou-Hyeon 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
LiFePO4/C is synthesized via sol-gel method using Fe3+ as iron sources and different complexing agents, followed by sintering at high temperature for crystallization. The amount of carbon in these composites is less than 6.8 wt.%, and the X-ray diffraction experiment confirms that all samples are pure single phase indexed with the orthorhombic Pnma space group. The particle size of the LiFePO4/C synthesized by acetic acid as a complexing agent is very fine with a size of 200 nm. The electrochemical performance of this material, including reversible capacity, cycle number, and charge-discharge characteristics, is better than those of LiFePO4/C synthesized by other complexing agents. The cell of this sample can deliver a discharge capacity of 161.1 mAh g-1 at the first cycle. After 30 cycles, the capacity decreases to 157.5 mAh g-1, and the capacity fading rate is 2.2%. The mechanism is studied to explain the effect of a complexing agent on the synthesis of LiFePO4/C by sol-gel method. The results show that the complexing agent with a low stability constant may be proper for the synthetic process of LiFePO4/C via sol-gel method.
Performance characteristics of polymer photovoltaic solar cells with an additive-incorporated active layer
Authors: Kim Hyomin , Ok Sunseong , Chae Hyunhee , Choe Youngson 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We have investigated the performance characteristics of bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester by adding 1,8-octanedithiol as a processing agent in an active layer. The effects of the additive, 1,8-octanedithiol, on the device performance parameter characteristics have been discussed. The current density-voltage measurements, UV-Vis absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction spectra, and scanning probe microscope images have been used to discuss the performance characteristics of polymer solar cells.
Wet-chemistry processing of powdery raw material for high-tech ceramics
Authors: Trusova Elena A , Vokhmintcev Kirill V , Zagainov Igor V 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop wet-chemistry approaches for the synthesis of ultradispersed and mesoporous metal oxide powders and powdery composites intended for usage in the production of ceramic materials with desired properties. The focus is on the development of template synthesis of mesoporous metal silicates as well as obtaining nano- and subnanopowders by a modified sol-gel technique and template methods. Families of mesoporous (2 to 300 nm) metal silicates and nano-oxides and subnanopowders (4 to 300 nm) were synthesized by the template method and modified sol-gel technique, respectively. Texture and morphology of the obtained objects have been studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and N2 adsorption-desorption. It was found that morphological parameters of the metal oxide obtained by the modified sol-gel technique depend nonlinearly on the initial molar ratio value of the sol stabilizer and metal in the reaction medium as well as the nature of the stabilizer. It has been shown that the nature of structure-directing components determines the morphology of the silicate obtained by the template method: dispersion and shape of its particles. The developed laboratory technology corresponds to the conception of soft chemistry and may be adapted to the manufacture of ultradispersed materials for catalysis, solar cells, fuel cells, semiconductors, sensors, low-sized electronic devices of new generation, etc.
LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film electrode by aerosol deposition
Authors: Kim Icpyo , Nam Tae-Hyun , Kim Ki-Won , Ahn Jou-Hyeon , Park Dong-Soo , Ahn Cheolwoo , Chun Byong Sun , Wang Guoxiu , Ahn Hyo-Jun 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film electrodes are fabricated from LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 raw powder at room temperature without pretreatments using aerosol deposition that is much faster and easier than conventional methods such as vaporization, pulsed laser deposition, and sputtering. The LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film is composed of fine grains maintaining the crystal structure of the LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 raw powder. In the cyclic voltammogram, the LiNi0.4Co0.3Mn0.3O2 thin film electrode shows a 3.9-V anodic peak and a 3.6-V cathodic peak. The initial discharge capacity is 44.6 μAh/cm2, and reversible behavior is observed in charge-discharge profiles. Based on the results, the aerosol deposition method is believed to be a potential candidate for the fabrication of thin film electrodes.
A novel SNP in COMT is associated with alcohol dependence but not opiate or nicotine dependence: a case control study
Authors: Voisey Joanne , Swagell Christopher D , Hughes Ian P , Lawford Bruce R , Young Ross MD , Morris C Phillip 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
It is well established that COMT is a strong candidate gene for substance use disorder and schizophrenia. Recently we identified two SNPs in COMT (rs4680 and rs165774) that are associated with schizophrenia in an Australian cohort. Individuals with schizophrenia were more than twice as likely to carry the GG genotype compared to the AA genotype for both the rs165774 and rs4680 SNPs. Association of both rs4680 and rs165774 with substance dependence, a common comorbidity of schizophrenia has not been investigated.

Methods
To determine whether COMT is important in substance dependence, rs165774 and rs4680 were genotyped and haplotyped in patients with nicotine, alcohol and opiate dependence.

Results
The rs165774 SNP was associated with alcohol dependence. However, it was not associated with nicotine or opiate dependence. Individuals with alcohol dependence were more than twice as likely to carry the GG or AG genotypes compared to the AA genotype, indicating a dominant mode of inheritance. The rs4680 SNP showed a weak association with alcohol dependence at the allele level that did not reach significance at the genotype level but it was not associated with nicotine or opiate dependence. Analysis of rs165774/rs4680 haplotypes also revealed association with alcohol dependence with the G/G haplotype being almost 1.5 times more common in alcohol-dependent cases.

Conclusions
Our study provides further support for the importance of the COMT in alcohol dependence in addition to schizophrenia. It is possible that the rs165774 SNP, in combination with rs4680, results in a common molecular variant of COMT that contributes to schizophrenia and alcohol dependence susceptibility. This is potentially important for future studies of comorbidity. As our participant numbers are limited our observations should be viewed with caution until they are independently replicated.
Systems analysis of the transcriptional response of human ileocecal epithelial cells to Clostridium difficile toxins and effects on cell cycle control
Authors: D'Auria Kevin M , Donato Gina M , Gray Mary C , Kolling Glynis L , Warren Cirle A , Cave Lauren M , Solga Michael D , Lannigan Joanne A , Papin Jason A , Hewlett Erik L 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Toxins A and B (TcdA and TcdB) are Clostridium difficile's principal virulence factors, yet the pathways by which they lead to inflammation and severe diarrhea remain unclear. Also, the relative role of either toxin during infection and the differences in their effects across cell lines is still poorly understood. To better understand their effects in a susceptible cell line, we analyzed the transciptome-wide gene expression response of human ileocecal epithelial cells (HCT-8) after 2, 6, and 24 hr of toxin exposure.

Results
We show that toxins elicit very similar changes in the gene expression of HCT-8 cells, with the TcdB response occurring sooner. The high similarity suggests differences between toxins are due to events beyond transcription of a single cell-type and that their relative potencies during infection may depend on differential effects across cell types within the intestine. We next performed an enrichment analysis to determine biological functions associated with changes in transcription. Differentially expressed genes were associated with response to external stimuli and apoptotic mechanisms and, at 24 hr, were predominately associated with cell-cycle control and DNA replication. To validate our systems approach, we subsequently verified a novel G1/S and known G2/M cell-cycle block and increased apoptosis as predicted from our enrichment analysis.

Conclusions
This study shows a successful example of a workflow deriving novel biological insight from transcriptome-wide gene expression. Importantly, we do not find any significant difference between TcdA and TcdB besides potency or kinetics. The role of each toxin in the inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, an important function of cells in the intestinal epithelium, is characterized.
Schools as potential vaccination venue for vaccines outside regular EPI schedule: results from a school census in Pakistan
Authors: Soofi Sajid Bashir , Haq Inam-ul , Khan M Imran , Siddiqui Muhammad Bilal , Mirani Mushtaq , Tahir Rehman , Hussain Imtiaz , Puri Mahesh K , Suhag Zamir Hussain , Khowaja Asif R , Lasi Abdul Razzaq , Clemens John D , Favorov Michael , Ochiai R Leon , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Vaccines are the most effective public health intervention. Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides routine vaccination in developing countries. However, vaccines that cannot be given in EPI schedule such as typhoid fever vaccine need alternative venues. In areas where school enrolment is high, schools provide a cost effective opportunity for vaccination. Prior to start of a school-based typhoid vaccination program, interviews were conducted with staff of educational institutions in two townships of Karachi, Pakistan to collect baseline information about the school system and to plan a typhoid vaccination program. Data collection teams administered a structured questionnaire to all schools in the two townships. The administrative staff was requested information on school fee, class enrolment, past history of involvement and willingness of parents to participate in a vaccination campaign.

Results
A total of 304,836 students were enrolled in 1,096 public, private, and religious schools (Madrasahs) of the two towns. Five percent of schools refused to participate in the school census. Twenty-five percent of schools had a total enrolment of less than 100 students whereas 3% had more than 1,000 students. Health education programs were available in less than 8% of public schools, 17% of private schools, and 14% of Madrasahs. One-quarter of public schools, 41% of private schools, and 43% of Madrasahs had previously participated in a school-based vaccination campaign. The most common vaccination campaign in which schools participated was Polio eradication program. Cost of the vaccine, side effects, and parents' lack of information were highlighted as important limiting factors by school administration for school-based immunization programs. Permission from parents, appropriateness of vaccine-related information, and involvement of teachers were considered as important factors to improve participation.

Conclusions
Health education programs are not part of the regular school curriculum in developing countries including Pakistan. Many schools in the targeted townships participated in immunization activities but they were not carried out regularly. In the wake of low immunization coverage in Pakistan, schools can be used as a potential venue not only for non-EPI vaccines, but for a catch up vaccination of routine vaccines.
The impact of surgeon-based ultrasonography for parathyroid disease on a British endocrine surgical practice
Authors: Aspinall SR , Nicholson S , Bliss RD , Lennard TWJ 
Published: December 2011

INTRODUCTION Surgeon-based ultrasonography (SUS) for parathyroid disease has not been widely adopted by British endocrine surgeons despite reports worldwide of accuracy in parathyroid localisation equivalent or superior to radiology-based ultrasonography (RUS). The aim of this study was to determine whether SUS might benefit parathyroid surgical practice in a British endocrine unit. METHODS Following an audit to establish the accuracy of RUS and technetium sestamibi (MIBI) in 54 patients, the accuracy of parathyroid localisation by SUS and RUS was compared prospectively with operative findings in 65 patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). RESULTS The sensitivity of RUS (40%) was below and MIBI (57%) was within the range of published results in the audit phase. The sensitivity (64%), negative predictive value (86%) and accuracy (86%) of SUS were significantly greater than RUS (37%, 77% and 78% respectively). SUS significantly increased the concordance of parathyroid localisation with MIBI (58% versus 32% with RUS). CONCLUSIONS SUS improves parathyroid localisation in a British endocrine surgical practice. It is a useful adjunct to parathyroid practice, particularly in centres without a dedicated parathyroid radiologist, and enables more patients with pHPT to benefit from minimally invasive surgery.
Accuracy of prognostic scores in decision making and predicting outcomes in metastatic spine disease
Authors: Majeed H , Kumar S , Bommireddy R , Klezl Z , Calthorpe D 
Published: December 2011

INTRODUCTION Management of metastatic spinal disease has changed significantly over the last few years. Different prognostic scores are used in clinical practice for predicting survival. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of prognostic scores and the role of delayed presentation in predicting the outcome in patients with metastatic spine disease. METHODS Retrospectively, four years of data were collected (2007–2010). Medical records review included type of tumour, duration of symptoms, expected survival and functional status. The Karnofsky performance score was used for functional assessment. Modified Tokuhashi and Tomita scores were used for survival prediction. RESULTS A total of 55 patients who underwent surgical stabilisation were reviewed. The mean age was 63 years (range: 32–87 years). The main primary sources of tumours included myeloma, breast cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer, renal cell cancer and prostate cancer. Of the cases studied, 29 patients had posterior instrumented stabilisation alone, 10 patients had an anterior procedure alone and 16 patients (with an expected survival of more than one year) had both anterior and posterior procedures performed. Twenty-three patients presented with spinal cord compression. The mean follow-up duration was 9 months (range: 1–39 months). Patients who were treated within one week of referral survived longer than anticipated. Patients were divided into three groups based on their expected survival. Actual survival was better in all three groups after surgery. Discrepancies in scores were prominent in patients with myeloma, breast and prostate cancers. Functional outcome was better in patients under 65 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The prognostic scoring systems are not uniformly effective in all types of primary tumours. However, they are useful in decision making for surgical intervention, taking other factors into account, in particular the age of the patient, the type and stage of the primary tumour and general health.
Pacemaker placement and shoulder surgery: is there a risk?
Authors: Ahrens PM , Siddiqui NA , Rakhit RD 
Published: December 2011

INTRODUCTION Surgery to the anterior aspect of the shoulder is performed by many surgical specialties but the techniques used by our cardiology colleagues for insertion of cardiac pacemaker wires are often not appreciated by the surgical community. The deltopectoral approach has been used for open pacemaker wire insertion for many years by cardiologists. METHODS We surveyed a group of subspecialty shoulder surgeons as well as orthopaedic trainees to see if this approach for pacemakers is well recognised. We tried to assess what level of knowledge exists regarding pacemaker placement in general as well as specific risks. RESULTS There appears to be a paucity of knowledge regarding pacemaker placement and related patient safety issues in both surveyed groups. There was no difference between the two groups, suggesting that the level of knowledge does not increase with experience and specialisation. CONCLUSIONS There is the potential to cause harm to patients if the insertion site and type of device is not identified before commencing surgery in this region and steps must be taken to minimise any intra-operative risk. There is a risk from direct injury to the pacemaker and/or leads as well as the hazards of using diathermy in close proximity to a pacemaker. There must be more widespread dissemination of this information in order to minimise risks to patients with pacemakers in situ.
Health-related quality of life, surgical and aesthetic outcomes following microvascular free flap reconstructions: an 8-year institutional review
Authors: Dolan RT , Butler JS , Murphy SM , Cronin KJ 
Published: December 2011

INTRODUCTION Microvascular free flap reconstruction has revolutionised the reconstruction of complex defects of traumatic, oncological, congenital and infectious aetiologies. Complications of microvascular free flap procedures impact negatively on patient post-operative course and outcome. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 102 consecutive patients undergoing 108 free flap procedures at a tertiary referral centre over an 8-year period. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors pRedictive of free flap complications. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Short Form 36 questionnaire and a satisfaction visual analogue scale respectively. RESULTS In total, 108 free tissue transfers were performed; 23% were fasciocutaneous free flaps, 69% musculocutaneous and 8% osteoseptocutaneous. The overall flap success rate was 92.6%. Over a third of patients (34.3%) had flap-related complications ranging from minor wound dehiscence to total flap loss. ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade ≥2 (OR: 16.9, 95% CI: 15.3–18.1, p<0.009), history of smoking (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 5.5–7.2, p<0.049), body mass index ≥25kg/ m2 (OR: 21.3, 95% CI: 20.8–22.1, p<0.003), low albumin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–3.9, p<0.003) and peripheral vascular disease (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 5.9–7.5, p<0.036) were identified as factors independently predictive of free flap complications. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing uncomplicated free flap surgery and those reporting superior post-operative flap aesthesis have higher HRQoL scores. Microvascular free tissue transfer has revolutionised our approach to the reconstruction of complex defects, providing a safe, reliable procedure to restore functionality and quality of life for patients.
Outcomes in the repair of pilonidal sinus disease excision wounds using a parasacral perforator flap
Authors: Venus MR , Titley OG 
Published: December 2011

INTRODUCTION The ideal treatment for pilonidal sinus disease has yet to be defined. There are many approaches described in the literature. METHODS Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent wide excision of pilonidal sinus disease had the wound repaired using a parasacral perforator flap. Outcomes were assessed by case notes analysis and follow-up telephone and postal questionnaires. RESULTS There were ten minor complications including six minor wound edge dehiscences. There were two ischaemic complications, with one flap loss. There were 3 recurrences of pilonidal disease at a mean follow-up of 33 months, giving a 5-year recurrence free rate of 86%. Of the patients questioned, all would recommend the procedure to someone else despite 69% being dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS This series indicates that the parasacral perforator flap technique is able to repair pilonidal sinus excision wounds successfully with minimal morbidity and a low recurrence rate at a mean of follow-up of 33 months. The study suggests that it may be a technique best reserved for recurrent cases of pilonidal sinus disease. Patients feel the procedure is successful despite reservations regarding the cosmetic outcome.
Among B-Type Cyclins Only CLB5 and CLB6 Promote Premeiotic S Phase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: DeCesare James M , Stuart David T 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae cyclin Clb5 is required for premeiotic S phase, meiotic recombination, and successful progression through meiosis. Clb5 is not essential for mitotic proliferation because Clb1–Clb4 can support DNA replication in clb5clb6 mutants. Clb1, Clb3, and Clb4 accumulate in clb5clb6 cells during meiotic differentiation yet fail to promote premeiotic DNA replication. When expressed under the regulation of the CLB5 promoter, Clb1 and Clb3 accumulate and are active in the early stages of meiotic differentiation but cannot induce premeiotic DNA replication, suggesting that they do not target Cdk1 to the necessary substrates. The Clb5 hydrophobic patch (HP) residues are important for Clb5 function but this motif alone does not provide the specificity required for Clb5 to induce premeiotic S phase. Domain exchange experiments demonstrated that the amino terminus of Clb5 when fused to Clb3 confers upon Clb3 the ability to induce premeiotic S phase. Chimeric cyclins containing smaller regions of the Clb5 amino terminus displayed reduced ability to activate premeiotic DNA replication despite being more abundant and having greater associated histone H1 kinase activity than endogenous Clb5. These observations suggest that Clb5 has a unique ability to trigger premeiotic S phase and that the amino-terminal region of Clb5 contributes to its specificity and regulates the functions performed by the cyclin–Cdk complex.
A Novel Approach for Directing Transgene Expression in Drosophila: T2A-Gal4 In-Frame Fusion
Authors: Diao Fengqiu , White Benjamin H 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
In Drosophila, the Gal4-UAS system permits a transgene to be expressed in the same pattern as a gene of interest by placing the Gal4 transcription factor under control of the gene’s DNA regulatory elements. If these regulatory elements are not known, however, expression of Gal4 in the desired pattern may be difficult or impossible. To solve this problem, we have developed a method for co-expressing Gal4 with the endogenous gene by exploiting the “ribosomal skipping” mechanism of the viral T2A peptide. This method requires explicit knowledge only of the endogenous gene’s open reading frame and not its regulatory elements.