bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiferroic nanoparticulate thin film composites by Co implantation of ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 single crystal targets
Authors: Torres María , Ricote Jesús , Amorín Harvey , Jaafar Miriam , Holgado Susana , Piqueras Juan , Asenjo Agustina , García-Hernández Mar , Algueró Miguel 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Two-phase magnetostrictive–piezoelectric thin film composites are key materials to the development of a range of potentially disruptive magnetoelectric technologies, such as electrical-writing magnetic-reading random access memories. However, multiferroic thin film composites prepared so far show neither magnetoelectric switching nor magnetoelectric responses comparable to those of related bulk ceramic materials and cermets. Here we show that ion implantation of magnetic species into ferroelectric single crystal targets can be an effective alternative means of obtaining nanoparticulate thin film composites of this type. Concept is proved by the implantation of Co into a Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 single crystal with ultrahigh piezoelectricity. Formation of an ensemble of ferromagnetic nanoparticles embedded in an amorphized layer within the ferroelectric crystal is clearly shown.
Development and application investigation of an ICSHG 532 nm diode-pumped solid-state laser system
Authors: Khoa Phan Thanh Nhat , Tu Trung Chan , Nguyen Tran Thuat , Nguyen Thanh Chien , Dang Mau Chien 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
A diode-pump solid-state laser system emitting a 532 nm beam has been developed. The pump source is an 808 nm diode laser, which has gained wide acceptance in research as well as in commercial production due to its effectiveness and reasonable price. The active medium was chosen to be Nd:YVO
4 (neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate), a material with many advantages over traditional Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) such as a low lasing threshold and linearly polarized beam. However, the thermal conductivity of Nd:YVO
4 is not as good as Nd:YAG, thus the thermal lens effect inside Nd:YVO
4 under high pumping intensity becomes severe and detrimental to the laser performance. Our work showed that careful adjustments of Nd:YVO
4 temperature as well as of the cavity's parameters played an important role in the performance of the laser. Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP), a nonlinear optics crystal, was used to convert the fundamental 1064 nm laser radiation from Nd:YVO
4 into 532 nm. The 532 nm laser beam has been successfully proven to cut wood, plastic and aluminum.
Photoluminescence enhancement of dye-doped nanoparticles by surface plasmon resonance effects of gold colloidal nanoparticles
Authors: Chu Viet Ha , Fort Emmanuel , Nghiem Thi Ha Lien , Tran Hong Nhung 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Due to the energy transfer from surface plasmons, the fluorescence of fluorophores near metallic nanostructures can be enhanced. This effect has been intensively studied recently for biosensor applications. This work reports on the luminescence enhancement of 100 nm Cy3 dye-doped polystyrene nanoparticles by energy transfer from surface plasmons of gold colloidal nanoparticles with sizes of 20 and 100 nm. Optimal luminescence enhancement of the fluorophores has been observed in the mixture with 20 nm gold nanoparticles. This can be attributed to the resonance energy transfer from gold nanoparticles to the fluorophore beads. The interaction between the fluorophores and gold particles is attributed to far-field interaction.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase fromEscherichia coliin complex with the acceptor-TΨC domain of tRNA
Authors: Ito Kosuke , Qi Hao , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Murakami Ryo , Miura Kin-ichiro , Ueda Takuya , Uchiumi Toshio 
Published: November 2011

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) cleaves the ester bond between the peptide and the tRNA of peptidyl-tRNA molecules, which are the product of aborted translation. In the present work, Pth fromEscherichia coliwas crystallized with the acceptor-TΨC domain of tRNA using 1,4-butanediol as a precipitant. The crystals belonged to the hexagonal space groupP61, with unit-cell parametersa = b= 55.1,c= 413.1 Å, and diffracted X-rays beyond 2.4 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit is expected to contain two complexes of Pth and the acceptor-TΨC domain of tRNA (VM= 2.8 Å3 Da−1), with a solvent content of 60.8%. The structure is being solved by molecular replacement.
Crystallization and X-ray data collection of HP0902 from Helicobacter pylori 26695
Authors: Sim Dae-Won , Song Jung Hyun , Lee Woo Cheol , Lee Yoo-Sup , Kim Hye-Yeon , Won Hyung-Sik 
Published: November 2011

HP0902 from Helicobacter pylori 26695 belongs to the cupin superfamily of proteins, which encompasses proteins with a great diversity in function. In this work, two types of recombinant HP0902 protein were crystallized: one with an N-terminal His6 tag (H6HP0902) and the other with a C-terminal His6 tag (HP0902H6). The H6HP0902 crystal diffracted to 1.40 Å resolution and belonged to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 33.5, b = 78.6, c = 41.4 Å. The HP0902H6 crystal belonged to space group P43212 or P41212 and diffracted to 2.5 Å resolution, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 50.4, c = 142.0 Å.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of crustacean hyperglycaemic hormone from the kuruma prawnMarsupenaeus japonicusin its weakly active precursor form
Authors: Inoue Hirotaka , Tsutsui Naoaki , Nagai Chiaki , Nagata Koji , Tanokura Masaru , Nagasawa Hiromichi 
Published: November 2011

Crustacean hyperglycaemic hormone (CHH) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose metabolism in crustaceans. Pej-SGP-I, one of the six known CHHs in the kuruma prawnMarsupenaeus japonicus, was heterologously expressed inEscherichia colias an N-terminally His-tagged and Nus-tagged protein in its weakly active precursor form, Pej-SGP-I-Gly, which has an extra glycine residue at the C-terminus. The recombinant peptide was subjected to affinity purification, tag removal, further purification and crystallization by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using NaCl as the main precipitant. The crystals diffracted to 1.95 Å resolution and the space group was assigned as primitive orthorhombicP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 40.19,b= 53.65,c = 53.63 Å. The Matthews coefficient (VM= 1.73 Å3 Da−1) indicated that the crystal contained two Pej-SGP-I-Gly molecules per asymmetric unit, with a solvent content of 29.0%.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of a C2 protein from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Diaz Maira , Rodriguez Lesia , Gonzalez-Guzman Miguel , Martínez-Ripoll Martín , Albert Armando 
Published: November 2011

An uncharacterized protein from Arabidopsis thaliana consisting of a single C2 domain (At3g17980) was cloned into the pETM11 vector and expressed in Escherichia coli, allowing purification to homogeneity in a single chromatographic step. Good-quality diffracting crystals were obtained using vapour-diffusion techniques. The crystals diffracted to 2.2 Å resolution and belonged to space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 35.3, b = 88.9, c = 110.6 Å. A promising molecular-replacement solution has been found using the structure of the C2 domain of Munc13-C2b (PDB entry 3kwt) as the search model.
Visceral adiposity index is associated with significant fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Petta S. , Amato M. C. , Di Marco V. , Cammà C. , Pizzolanti G. , Barcellona M. R. , Cabibi D. , Galluzzo A. , Sinagra D. , Giordano C. , Craxì A. 
Published: November 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 238–247SummaryBackground  Metabolic factors have been associated with liver damage in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Aims  To test a new marker of adipose dysfunction, the visceral adiposity index (VAI), in NAFLD patients to assess whether or not it is associated with host factors, and to investigate a potential correlation with histological findings.Methods  One hundred and forty‐two consecutive NAFLD patients were evaluated by liver biopsy, and clinical and metabolic measurements, including insulin resistance with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and VAI by using waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides and HDL. Serum levels of TNFα, IL‐6, adiponectin and leptin were also assessed. All biopsies were scored for NAFLD activity score (NAS) and its components, and for staging (Kleiner).Results  By multiple linear regression analysis, VAI was independently associated with higher HOMA (P = 0.04), and fibrosis (P = 0.04). In addition, an independent association was found between higher VAI and lower adiponectin levels (P = 0.002). Higher HOMA (OR 1.149, 95% CI 1.003–1.316, P = 0.04), higher VAI (OR 1.446, 95% CI 1.023–2.043, P = 0.03), lobular inflammation (OR 3.777, 95% CI 1.771–8.051, P = 0.001), and ballooning (OR 2.884, 95% CI 1.231–6.757, P = 0.01) were correlated with significant fibrosis (F2–F4) on multiple logistic regression analysis. In particular, the prevalence of significant fibrosis progressively increased from patients with a VAI ≤ 2.1 and HOMA ≤ 3.4 (26%) to those with a VAI > 2.1 and HOMA > 3.4 (83%).Conclusions  In NAFLD patients, visceral adiposity index is an expression of both qualitative and quantitative adipose tissue dysfunction and, together with insulin resistance, is independently correlated with significant fibrosis.
Using direct payments to fund short breaks for families with a disabled child
Authors: Welch V. , Hatton C. , Emerson E. , Collins M. , Robertson J. , Langer S. , Wells E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  A clear policy trend exists towards promoting the use of direct payments (DPs), including those for families with disabled children who use short breaks. However, uptake has been slow and use of DPs has been socially patterned. Recent programmes in England have dramatically increased investment in short break provision including breaks funded through DPs. This research examines the characteristics, circumstances and experiences of families who use DPs to fund short breaks with those who use short breaks funded in other ways.Method  The paper draws on surveys totalling 348 parents and carers in families with disabled children using short breaks. We investigate associations between the use of DPs and a range of demographic, socio‐economic, well‐being, service use and satisfaction indicators. Logistic regression identifies which variables are most strongly associated with use of DPs. We also draw on open‐ended survey responses which highlight important aspects of families' experience of using DPs.Results  Characteristics significantly associated with increased use of DPs include the presence of main carers who are female, more highly educated and from White British backgrounds, younger children, lower levels of area deprivation, greater access to service and social networks and use of more hours of short breaks. Characteristics not found to be significantly associated with use of DPs include various health and well‐being indicators, impairment characteristics of children and service satisfaction. A range of benefits of DPs are described along with problems accessing and using them.Conclusions  Direct payments can have a number of benefits for families using short breaks, but access to them is currently problematic and socially patterned. If the uptake of DPs is to be increased and made more equitable, more attention must be paid to promoting and supporting their use in ways which meet the needs of individual families.
The epidemiology of general paediatric outpatients referrals: 1988 and 2006
Authors: Thompson E. , Todd P. , Ni Bhrolchain C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Wirral University Teaching Hospital is a large district general hospital situated on the Wirral peninsula, UK. Because of the district's geographical and demographic characteristics, Wirral is an ideal location for population‐based studies.Information on paediatric referrals, case mix and outcomes are scarce. We took advantage of our situation to conduct an epidemiological study of referrals to general paediatrics in Wirral in 1988 and again in 2006. A companion paper examines referrals to community paediatricians in the Department during the same period.Methods  A prospective observational study of general paediatric outpatient referrals between 1 Feb and 31 May 2006 compared with the same period in 1988, using the same methodology. We included all children under the age of 15 offered a new patient appointment during the study period.Results  The referral rate had increased significantly from 15.5 to 25.7 per thousand children under 15 per annum (P < 0.01; Chi Squared). The most common conditions referred in 2006 were constipation (10.5%) and enuresis (7%) compared with asthma (15%) and heart murmurs (13.8%) in 1988.There were significantly fewer wasted appointments (5% vs. 12%), shorter waiting times (5% vs. 12% waited more than 12 weeks), faster treatment times (25% vs. 14% started treatment after the first appointment) and more discharges (41.2% vs. 30.5%) (all P < 0.01; Chi Squared).Conclusions  More children were referred to paediatricians in 2006 compares with 1988. Services worked more efficiently, with better attendance, access and time to treatment. We provide information on changes in case mix that is not available elsewhere. This population‐based study thus gives a unique insight into changes in referrals to UK general paediatricians.
Fast‐food consumption and educational test scores in the USA
Authors: Tobin K. J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Children in the USA are experiencing obesity and overweight at epidemic rates. Schools have started to make policy decisions based on a popularly presumed connection between nutrition and academic achievement. This study aimed to determine whether such a relationship exists, and if so, its nature.Methods  Data from the Food Consumption Questionnaire administered to approximately 12 000 fifth graders as part of the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Kindergarten Cohort was analysed using regression analysis. The analysis used propensity score matching to examine the relationship between students' reported fast‐food consumption and their test scores in reading and mathematics. Propensity score matching attempts to control for a host of background characteristics that might be correlated with both fast‐food consumption and test scores.Results  Standard ordinary least squares regression showed that test scores decreased as reported fast‐food consumption increased. In the propensity‐score‐matched analysis, which controlled for 25 student background characteristics, higher‐than‐average fast‐food consumption (‘four to six times in the last 7 days’ or more) was associated with significantly lower test scores in both reading (−11.15 points or 0.48 SD) and math (−11.13 points or 0.52 SD), even when teacher experience, school poverty level and school urbanicity were also included in the model.Conclusions  Although this study is preliminary, its results indicate that the relationship between poor nutrition and test scores may in fact be quite negative, strengthening the impetus for schools to consider policies that support students' healthy eating. In order to strengthen these findings and investigate possible mechanisms through which poor nutrition might affect test scores, there is a need for further research.
Effects of recombinant human growth hormone therapy in adults with Prader–Willi syndrome: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Sanchez‐Ortiga Ruth , Klibanski Anne , Tritos Nicholas A. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryObjective  Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with GH deficiency, deleterious changes in body composition and function. As the effects of recombinant human GH (rhGH) in PWS adults have not been well established, we sought to conduct a meta‐analysis of pertinent studies.Design  Meta‐analysis of studies examining the effects of rhGH therapy in PWS adults.Patients  One hundred and thirty four PWS adults (75 men, 59 women).Measurements  Literature searches, including publications (PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Register), and abstracts presented at meetings through July 2011 describing studies of rhGH therapy in PWS adults; 8/1194 articles, describing unique cohorts, were included. Two authors independently extracted data and examined study quality.Results  rhGH therapy for 12 months led to [weighted mean difference (95% CI)] decreased body fat [−2·91% (−3·90, −1·91)], visceral [−32·97 cm2 (−55·67, −10·26)] and subcutaneous adiposity [−55·24 cm2 (−89·05, −21·44)], and increased lean body mass (LBM) [2·41 Kg (1·32, 3·49)]. Similar changes in body fat [−2·89% (−4·69, −1·07)] and LBM [2·82 Kg (1·31, 4·33)] were found in longer studies. There were no changes in body mass index (BMI) or lipids. There was a small increase in fasting glucose [0·27 mmol/l (0·05, 0·49)] and trends towards higher fasting insulin [20·24 pmol/l (−0·55, 41·02)] and insulin resistance [HOMA: 0·60 (−0·04, 1·24)] after rhGH therapy for 12 months.Conclusions  In PWS adults, rhGH therapy led to decreased body adiposity and increased LBM without changes in BMI or lipids. There was a small increase in fasting glucose and trends towards higher insulin and insulin resistance.
Growth hormone insensitivity syndrome caused by a heterozygous GHR mutation: phenotypic variability owing to moderation by nonsense‐mediated decay
Authors: del Blanco Darya Gorbenko , de Graaff Laura C. G. , Visser Theo J. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryObjectives  Growth hormone insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) is characterized by extreme short stature and resistance to the actions of growth hormone (GH). The heterogeneity ranges from the most severe form, known as Laron syndrome, to less severe phenotypes like idiopathic short stature and partial GH insensitivity. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize the molecular cause of severe short stature in a patient with resistance to GH treatment.Patient  We describe a male patient born small for gestational age [38 weeks gestation, length 38·5 cm; −7·8 standard deviation score (SDS), weight 1350 g; −4·84 SDS]. At the age of 7 years (109·7 cm; −2·89 SD), he received GH treatment (1 mg/m2/day) for 1 year without any increase in height SDS, IGF‐I or IGFBP‐3 levels. Double‐GH‐dose treatment for another year did not result in any improvement in growth factor level either. The patient does not have the typical Laron craniofacial and somatic features.Results  Analysis of GHR showed a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.703C>T; p.Arg217X). Extensive mutation screening as well as copy number variation analysis of other candidate genes in the GH‐IGF‐I axis excluded any additional genetic defects. Analysis of the patient’s fibroblasts showed that growth hormone receptor (GHR) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressed from the mutant allele was degraded by a mechanism called nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD).Conclusions  GHIS in this patient is because of a heterozygous nonsense mutation in GHR. Our study is the first to demonstrate that NMD is involved in the phenotypic variability of GHIS caused by GHR mutations.
Safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab in the treatment of late acute renal allograft rejection
Authors: Upadhyay Kiran , Midgley Laurie , Moudgil Asha 
Published: November 2011

Upadhyay K, Midgley L, Moudgil A. Safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab in the treatment of late acute renal allograft rejection.Abstract:  Safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab in the treatment of AR in children after renal transplantation is unknown. Five episodes of refractory late AR in three children (three episodes in patient 1 and a single episode in patients 2 and 3 occurring after 7–23 months of transplantation) were treated with one dose of alemtuzumab as a rescue therapy. Four episodes (Banff IA‐IB) in patients 1 and 2 reversed fully or partially with alemtuzumab, whereas patient 3 with Banff IB‐IIA AR failed to respond. Patient 1 had recurrent AR 5, 13, and 15 months later; first two episodes responded to retreatment with alemtuzumab, and the last episode was not treated causing allograft failure. Patient 2 had steroid‐responsive AR after two months and had a functioning allograft 25 months later. A transient reduction in all lymphocyte subsets except natural killer cells occurred in all patients. Patient 3 (treated with steroids, ThymoglobulinR, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab prior to alemtuzumab) suffered many bacterial infections during one‐yr period after therapy. However, symptomatic viral infections were not observed in any of the children. Treatment with alemtuzumab may prolong allograft survival in multidrug‐resistant AR but may not prevent recurrent AR in non‐adherent children.
Heart transplantation following myocardial infarction due to Takayasu’s arteritis
Authors: McBrien Angela , Griselli Massimo , Friswell Mark , Hasan Asif , Kirk Richard 
Published: November 2011

McBrien A, Griselli M, Friswell M, Hasan A, Kirk R. Heart transplantation following myocardial infarction due to Takayasu’s arteritis. Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  We report a 14‐yr‐old girl who presented with cardiogenic shock because of compression of the left main coronary artery secondary to Takayasu’s arteritis. The patient required cardiac transplantation with hemi‐arch replacement at the time of transplant because of ascending aortitis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of cardiac transplantation in Takayasu’s arteritis to be reported in the literature.
Photomorphogenesis and pigment induction in lentil seedling roots exposed to low light conditions
Authors: Vollsnes A. V. , Melø T. B. , Futsaether C. M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAlthough roots are normally hidden in soil, they may inadvertently be exposed to low light levels in experiments or in natural conditions through cracks or light transmittance through the soil. Light has been implicated in root morphogenesis. Thus, effects of low light conditions on lentil (Lens culinaris L. cv. Verte du Puy) root morphology and root pigmentation were studied. Lentil seedlings were grown in peat or transparent, nutrient‐fortified agar at a 12‐h light (PAR 240 μmol·m−2·s−1), 12‐h dark cycle. Roots were exposed to low levels (∼1–10 μmol·m−2·s−1) of broadband white light, either directly or indirectly by aboveground light penetrating the growth medium. Control roots were grown in darkness. In situ spectroscopy was used to measure transmittance and reflectance spectra of intact root tissue by mounting the upper part of the primary root directly in a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere attachment. The transmittance and reflectance spectra were used to calculate the in situ root absorbance spectrum. Absorbance bands were found in the regions 480–500 nm and 650–680 nm, possibly due to low levels of root‐localised carotenoids and chlorophylls, respectively. Low light levels (∼1–10 μmol·m−2·s−1) transmitted through the growth medium significantly increased root pigment concentration and root biomass, and altered root morphology by enhancing lateral root formation and inhibiting root elongation relative to roots grown in complete darkness. The light‐induced changes in root morphogenesis and pigmentation appear to be primarily due to upper root light perception.
Genome sizes for all genera of Cycadales
Authors: Zonneveld B. J. M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNuclear DNA content (2C) is reported for all genera of the Cycadales, using flow cytometry with propidium iodide. Nuclear DNA content ranges from 24 to 64 pg in cycads. This implies that the largest genome contains roughly 40 × 109 more base pairs than the smallest genome. The narrow range in nuclear DNA content within a genus is remarkable for such an old group. Furthermore, 42 of the 58 plants measured, covering five genera, have 18 chromosomes. They vary from 36.1 to 64.7 pg, covering the whole range of genome sizes (excluding the genome of Cycas). Hence, their does not seem to be a correlation between genome size and the number of chromosomes.