bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Furfural induces reactive oxygen species accumulation and cellular damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Allen Sandra A , Clark William , McCaffery J Michael , Cai Zhen , Lanctot Alison , Slininger Patricia J , Liu Z Lewis , Gorsich Steven W 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Biofuels offer a viable alternative to petroleum-based fuel. However, current methods are not sufficient and the technology required in order to use lignocellulosic biomass as a fermentation substrate faces several challenges. One challenge is the need for a robust fermentative microorganism that can tolerate the inhibitors present during lignocellulosic fermentation. These inhibitors include the furan aldehyde, furfural, which is released as a byproduct of pentose dehydration during the weak acid pretreatment of lignocellulose. In order to survive in the presence of furfural, yeast cells need not only to reduce furfural to the less toxic furan methanol, but also to protect themselves and repair any damage caused by the furfural. Since furfural tolerance in yeast requires a functional pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and the PPP is associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) tolerance, we decided to investigate whether or not furfural induces ROS and its related cellular damage in yeast.

Results
We demonstrated that furfural induces the accumulation of ROS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition, furfural was shown to cause cellular damage that is consistent with ROS accumulation in cells which includes damage to mitochondria and vacuole membranes, the actin cytoskeleton and nuclear chromatin. The furfural-induced damage is less severe when yeast are grown in a furfural concentration (25 mM) that allows for eventual growth after an extended lag compared to a concentration of furfural (50 mM) that prevents growth.

Conclusion
These data suggest that when yeast cells encounter the inhibitor furfural, they not only need to reduce furfural into furan methanol but also to protect themselves from the cellular effects of furfural and repair any damage caused. The reduced cellular damage seen at 25 mM furfural compared to 50 mM furfural may be linked to the observation that at 25 mM furfural yeast were able to exit the furfural-induced lag phase and resume growth. Understanding the cellular effects of furfural will help direct future strain development to engineer strains capable of tolerating or remediating ROS and the effects of ROS.
Could pre-diabetes be considered a clinical condition? opinions from an endocrinologist and a cardiologist
Authors: Magalhães Maria Eliane C , Cavalcanti Breno A , Cavalcanti Saulo 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The prevalence of pre-diabetes is increasing worldwide and may start 7 to 10 years before the clinical diagnosis of diabetes. In this stage the presence and accumulation of risk factors is common and already implies an increase in cardiovascular risk. Likewise, the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mainly coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease can also take place, all of which account for high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Considering pre-diabetes as a clinical entity, non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments are indicated with drugs which have shown clinical benefits related to reduction in morbidity and mortality. However, there is still need for new long-term studies to assess the real benefits of several new therapeutical approaches, as well as its cost-effectiveness.
Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood cells for early detection of breast cancer
Authors: Aarøe Jørgen , Lindahl Torbjørn , Dumeaux Vanessa , Sæbø Solve , Tobin Derek , Hagen Nina , Skaane Per , Lönneborg Anders , Sharma Praveen , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Early detection of breast cancer is key to successful treatment and patient survival. We have previously reported the potential use of gene expression profiling of peripheral blood cells for early detection of breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to refine these findings using a larger sample size and a commercially available microarray platform.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from 121 females referred for diagnostic mammography following an initial suspicious screening mammogram. Diagnostic work-up revealed that 67 of these women had breast cancer while 54 had no malignant disease. Additionally, nine samples from six healthy female controls were included. Gene expression analyses were conducted using high density oligonucleotide microarrays. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) was used for model building while a leave-one-out (LOO) double cross validation approach was used to identify predictors and estimate their prediction efficiency.

Results
A set of 738 probes that discriminated breast cancer and non-breast cancer samples was identified. By cross validation we achieved an estimated prediction accuracy of 79.5% with a sensitivity of 80.6% and a specificity of 78.3%. The genes deregulated in blood of breast cancer patients are related to functional processes such as defense response, translation, and various metabolic processes, such as lipid- and steroid metabolism.

Conclusions
We have identified a gene signature in whole blood that classifies breast cancer patients and healthy women with good accuracy supporting our previous findings.
Structures and Proton Conductivity of One-Dimensional M(dhbq)·nH2O (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, and Zn, H2(dhbq) = 2,5-Dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) Promoted by Connected Hydrogen-Bond Networks with Absorbed Water
Authors: Yamada Teppei , Morikawa Shota , Kitagawa Hiroshi 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
One-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers, M(dhbq)·nH2O (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, and Zn, H2(dhbq) = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, n = 2, 2.5, or 3), were synthesized and their structures were investigated using the Rietveld refinement method. They have 1D structure and were isostructural. From water uptake measurements, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis, new 2.5 hydrate states were discovered. The proton conductivity of M(dhbq) was found to depend on the metal species and the quantity of absorbed water.
Synthesis and Properties of Secondary Thiocarbamoylsilanes
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Hori Rumi 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Secondary thioformamides were reacted with excess LDA and Me3SiCl at −78 °C. The silyl group was selectively introduced to the thiocarbonyl carbon atom to give secondary thiocarbamoylsilanes. The use of Me2PhSiCl and t-BuMe2SiCl gave similar products in reduced yields. While a variety of N-arylmethylthioformamides participated in the silylation reaction, the yields of the products were influenced by the substituents on the aromatic ring: electron-withdrawing groups decreased the yield. No reaction occurred with thioformamides having secondary alkyl groups on the nitrogen atom, whereas the reaction of those with primary alkyl groups proceeded smoothly to form the corresponding thiocarbamoylsilanes. Initially, deprotonation takes place at the nitrogen atom to generate lithium thioimidates, which are then silylated with chlorosilanes to form silyl thioimidates. Excess LDA deprotonates silyl thioimidates at the imidate carbon atom to generate lithium silyl thioimidates, which undergo reverse Brook rearrangement to form lithium thioimidates bearing a silyl group at the imide carbon atom. Hydrolysis of the intermediates may lead to the formation of secondary thiocarbamoylsilanes. In UV–visible spectra of thiocarbamoylsilanes, the absorptions ascribed to n–π* transitions were shifted to longer wavelengths by ca. 40–50 nm compared to those of thioformates. Finally, the structures of thioformamide and silylated product and their oxygen counterparts were elucidated by DFT calculations. Elongation of the C=O and C=S bonds in carbamoyl- and thiocarbamoylsilanes is discussed in relation to secondary orbital interactions.
Towards improved understanding of PEG-impregnated waterlogged archaeological wood: A model study on recent oak
Authors: Bjurhager Ingela , Ljungdahl Jonas , Wallström Lennart , Gamstedt E. Kristofer , Berglund Lars A. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
To prevent deformation and cracking of waterlogged archaeological wood, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a bulk impregnation agent is commonly applied. PEG maintains the wood in a swollen state during drying. However, swelling of wood can reduce its mechanical properties. In this study, the cellular structure of oak and cell wall swelling was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of transverse cross-sections, and the microfibril angle of oak fibers was determined by wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Samples of recent European oak (Quercus robur L) impregnated with PEG (molecular weight of 600) were tested in axial tension and radial compression. Mechanical tests showed that axial tensile modulus and strength were only slightly affected by PEG, whereas radial compressive modulus and yield strength were reduced by up to 50%. This behavior can be explained by the microstructure and deformation mechanisms of the material. Microfibril angles in tensile test samples were close to zero. This implies tensile loading of cellulose microfibrils within the fiber cell walls without almost any shear in the adjacent amorphous matrix. These results are important because they can help separate the impact of PEG on mechanical properties from that of chemical degradation in archaeological artifacts, which display only small to moderate biological degradation.
Quantitative Relationship between Degree of Center Segregation and Large Carbide Size in Continuously Cast Bloom of High Carbon Chromium Bearing Steel
Authors: Kim Kwanho , Oh Kyungshik , Lee Joodong , Lee Duklak 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
One of the disadvantages of the continuous casting process, compared to ingot casting, is the center segregation, which causes the formation of large carbides in blooms of high carbon chromium bearing steel. Many activities have been performed to minimize the center segregation by steel manufacturers, and until now, the soft reduction is chosen as the best way to control it. Large carbides formed during casting, detrimental to the rolling contact fatigue life of bearing components, can just be eliminated by holding blooms at high temperatures for a long time before hot rolling, which is called the soaking process. Therefore it is necessary to examine the relationship between the degree of center segregation and large carbide size in continuously cast blooms for a more efficient soaking process. The aim of this research is to describe the relationship quantitatively. Continuously cast blooms of high carbon chromium bearing steel, AISI 52100, were investigated, and the degree of center segregation was not defined as the ratio of carbon concentration in the segregated region to that of nominal composition (C/C0), as it is defined conventionally, but evaluated with a discrete index by comparing the macrograph of a bloom with the standard one settled arbitrarily for the study. The higher was the degree of center segregation, the bigger was the large carbide, and the quantitative relationship between the degree of center segregation and the maximum size of the large carbide was well fitted linearly with a reliability of 95.9 %. In order to apply soft reduction adequately during casting for the study, an in situ equipment to measure the real thickness of a solidifying bloom was installed in front of the soft reduction zone, and both the degree of center segregation and the large carbide size were improved.
Dynamics of a Newly Developed Hydraulic Step Wave Generator
Authors: Wang S. H. , Tsung T. T. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis study presents a hydraulic step wave generator using a spool valve that is used to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of hydraulic components at low frequencies. The hydraulic step wave generator generated a hydraulic step wave with short rise time by suddenly opening a wide passage between the high- and low-pressure chambers. The pressure transient of the fluid of the low-pressure chamber in the generator was effectively restricted by its extremely small volume. Additionally, the reference pressure transducer was installed next to an input port of a test hydraulic component so that the reference transducer and the test component simultaneously received the same signals. Generator performance was evaluated at different pressures and volumes of the high-pressure chamber in the time domain. The experimental results show that the minimum rise time of the pressure transient is about 0.1 ms, which is shorter than that of current hydraulic wave generators. Hence, the generator could function as excitation for testing the dynamic characteristics of hydraulic components.
Understanding the Mental Capacity Act 2005: a guide for clinicians
Authors: Nicholas Nick , Nicholas Sotiris 
Published: January 2010

Patients who have legal capacity have an unconditional right to accept or refuse life‐threatening treatment.
The Act allows for advance decisions to be made by someone about future treatment.
The Act recognises a Lasting Power of Attorney, which allows a person to make decisions about another person's welfare when the donor lacks capacity.

Learning objectives:

To understand the test for mental capacity.
To be able to determine ‘best interests’.
To be aware of advance decisions and how they are created.
To understand the legal role of the family for patients who lack capacity.
To be aware of Lasting Powers of Attorney and their limitations.

Ethical issues:

A patient's autonomy could lead them to make an unwise decision.
There may be disagreements between doctors and someone who has Lasting Power of Attorney.
Advance decisions could lead to the potential illegality of passive euthanasia and refusal of life‐sustaining treatment.

Please cite this article as: Nicholas N, Nicholas S. Understanding the Mental Capacity Act 2005: a guide for clinicians. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:29–34.
DNA methylation: a form of epigenetic control of gene expression
Authors: Lim Derek H K , Maher Eamonn R 
Published: January 2010

Epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation play an important role in regulating gene expression.
Aberrant DNA methylation is a feature of a number of important human diseases.
Epigenetic changes are common in human cancer cells.

Learning objectives:

To appreciate the role of DNA methylation as a regulator of gene expression.
To understand the role of DNA methylation in normal gene function.
To illustrate how DNA methylation is implicated in the regulation of genomic imprinting.
To draw attention to how altered DNA methylation can result in human diseases such as imprinting disorders and cancer.

Ethical issues:

What are the implications for assisted reproductive technologies?
There are possible difficulties in interpreting the clinical significance of alterations in DNA methylation.

Please cite this article as: Lim DHK, Maher ER. DNA methylation: a form of epigenetic control of gene expression. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:37–42.
Fighting cervical cancer in under‐resourced countries
Authors: McGregor David , Olaitan Adeola 
Published: January 2010

Cervical cancer is a major health issue in under‐resourced countries.
Simple screening methods can greatly reduce mortality.
Human papillomavirus vaccines can supplement screening programmes.
Cost and low awareness among women are major stumbling blocks.

Learning objectives:

Understanding the impact of cervical cancer in under‐resourced countries.
Outlining the strengths and weaknesses of new prevention tools.
Understanding the central role of education and financing mechanisms in preventing cervical cancer.

Ethical issues:

How can a preventable form of cancer still continue to claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of women every year?

Please cite this article as: McGregor D, Olaitan A. Fighting cervical cancer in under‐resourced countries. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:49–52.
Figuring Out the Human Dimensions of Fisheries: Illuminating Models
Authors: Hall-Arber Madeleine , Pomeroy Caroline , Conway Flaxen 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Both natural scientists and economists commonly use quantitative data to create models of the systems that interest them and then use these models to inform fisheries management. Other social scientists rely on lengthier, descriptive texts based primarily on qualitative data to assess the human dimensions. To their dismay, fisheries social scientists find that much of their rich narrative with keen insights ends up filling pages that are neither read nor meaningfully integrated into decision-making in fisheries management. Nevertheless, what all scientists, practitioners, and managers want and need is information that will lead to a better understanding of the ecosystem (comprised of interdependent ecological and human systems) and therefore to fisheries management that benefits the whole system. Based on the belief that only a combination of high-quality quantitative and qualitative data will provide both the numbers and the context needed for success in ecosystem-based management, we discuss efforts to present social and cultural information in forms that are more familiar to those who rely on models for a representation of reality in the fisheries context. We point out how the designers of these models (or how we) think the models might be applied to fisheries management, noting how each model attempts to incorporate qualitative data to depict context essential for grounding the more commonly used biological and economic models. We also assess the benefits and limitations of these models, including the constraints on their development and use.
Caries Experience in Individuals with Cleft Lip and/or Palate in China
Authors: Zhu Wan Chun , Xiao Jin , Liu Yuan , Wu Jun , Li JiYao 
Published: January 2010

Objective To determine the levels of dental caries in subjects with cleft lip and/or palate in China in comparison with controls. Design A total of 380 subjects with cleft lip and/or palate and 339 noncleft control subjects were examined for dental caries using the decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT/dmft) and decayed-missing-filled-surfaces (DMFS/dmfs) index. A questionnaire was used to acquire subjects' living habits and family socioeconomic status. Setting West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University. Subjects Individuals between 3 and 25 years of age. Results Caries prevalence and scores for dmft/DMFT and dmfs/DMFS were significantly higher in subjects with cleft palates when compared with the noncleft control group ( p < .05), except 3- to 5-year-old children ( p > .05). However, in the 3- to 5-year-old group, children with cleft lip and/or palate had significantly more caries than children of the same age with only a cleft lip with or without alveolus ( p < .05). Children whose clefts had been surgically repaired had a lower dmft and dmfs than those whose clefts had not been surgically repaired ( p < .05). Conclusion Individuals with oral cleft are at an increased risk for dental caries. The types of cleft and the surgical repair are two important factors for dental caries.
Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis in 51 Cases of Holoprosencephaly: Craniofacial Anatomy, Associated Malformations, and Genetics
Authors: Wenghoefer M. , Anke M. Ettema , Sina F. , Geipel A. , Kuijpers-Jagtman A.M. , Hansmann H. , Borstlap W.A. , Bergé S. 
Published: January 2010

Objective To analyze the prenatal ultrasound findings of the craniofacial and extracephalic anatomy, the postnatal pathological findings, and the genetic anomalies in 51 cases of holoprosencephaly (HPE). Materials and Methods Between 1990 and 2005, a collective of 51 fetuses with tentative ultrasound diagnosis of HPE was recruited at two tertiary referral centers for prenatal ultrasound diagnostics via the Pia Fetal Database (GE Medical Systems, Webling, Germany). Cephalic as well as extracephalic anomalies were investigated, and all cases were subdivided into the subgroups lobar, alobar, and semilobar HPE. In addition to the ultrasound investigation, 45 fetuses were analyzed for genetic anomalies and 21 fetuses underwent an autopsy. Results The average age at diagnosis was 21.9 weeks of gestation. There was a greater number of female fetuses, with an overall ratio of 2.67:1. In 61% of all cases, there was a reduction of growth in comparison with healthy fetuses of the same age. Within the second trimenon, the cephalic anomalies became evident when investigating the diameter of the fetal head (second trimenon: 71% below the fifth percentile; third trimenon: 92% below the fifth percentile). In 82% of the cases, extracephalic anomalies were diagnosed additionally. In 63%, the diagnosis of holoprosencephaly led to a termination of pregnancy. Ten percent of the fetuses were born alive. In 81% of the cases, the diagnosis of HPE was confirmed postnatally. The remaining 19% showed other severe cephalic and extracephalic anomalies. Chromosomal anomalies were detected in 79% of the fetuses, most frequently trisomy 13 (59%). Discussion Because of recent advances in the development and improvement of high-resolution ultrasound, early diagnosis of congenital anomalies such as HPE is now possible. In this study, which represents the largest collection of prenatally diagnosed HPE reported in the literature to date, the average age at diagnosis was earlier than in other studies. The ultrasound devices of today provide excellent images of the fetus that allow an exact diagnosis of craniomaxillofacial anomalies as well as extracephalic anomalies. Apart from a very few cases, the diagnosis of HPE is incompatible with life.
The Parental Dentocraniofacial Phenotype—An Orofacial Clefting Microform
Authors: Mossey Peter A. , Batra Puneet , McIntyre Grant T. 
Published: January 2010

Objective Using the systematic review method, (1) to identify the investigations of the parental dentocraniofacial phenotype in orofacial clefting, (2) synthesize the data to derive a model of the phenotypic features that will assist in the identification of cleft morphogenes, and (3) make recommendations for the future global strategy for researching the parental craniofacial phenotype in orofacial clefting. Search Strategy The Cochrane, Medline (via PubMed and OVID platforms [1966 to December 2006]), Embase, CINAHL, and ASKSAM Orthodontic Reference Database (1950–1997) databases were searched using a combination of the following keywords: microform, parent, craniofacial, dental, and cleft. All published articles were reviewed. There were no exclusions of non-English reports. Of the 36 studies identified using this strategy, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Data Abstraction/Synthesis The statistically significant data were abstracted using a pro forma, and the methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using a checklist. There was considerable heterogeneity among the studies, and therefore it was not possible to synthesize the data. We were, however, able to collate the data. Results/Conclusions (1) The craniofacial phenotype possessed by parents of children with orofacial clefting is distinctive when compared with that of the noncleft population. (2) There is insufficient evidence to produce a model of the phenotypic features to assist in the search for orofacial clefting morphogenes. (3) The pattern of expression of the phenotypic features identified to date supports the contention that there are differences in the inheritance of cleft lip with or without cleft palate and isolated cleft palate. Progress in this field is affected by extreme heterogeneity in etiology of cleft lip with or without cleft palate, as well as heterogeneity in study design. (4) Subphenotyping using features such as microforms should be employed to reduce the heterogeneity and to improve the power of future genetic investigations and will also assist in clinical management and genetic counseling for families.