bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of death receptor 4 variant (683A>C) with ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers
Authors: Dick Michelle G. , Versmold Beatrix , Engel Christoph , Meindl Alfons , Arnold Norbert , Varon‐Mateeva Raymonda , Sutter Christian , Niederacher Dieter , Deissler Helmut , Preisler‐Adams Sabine , Kast Karin , Schäfer Dieter , Gadzicki Dorothea , Heinritz Wolfram , Wappenschmidt Barbara , Schmutzler Rita K. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDysregulation of apoptosis plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, apoptosis‐associated genes like the death receptor 4 (DR4, TRAIL‐R1) are interesting candidates for modifying the penetrance of breast and ovarian cancer in carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The DR‐4 haplotype 626C–683C [626C>G, Thr209Arg (rs4871857) and 683A>C, Glu228Ala (rs17088993)] has recently been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. To evaluate whether DR4 626C>G or DR4 683A>C modifies the risk of breast or ovarian cancer in carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, we undertook a national multicenter study including data of 840 carriers of breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutations. DNA samples were collected from 12 German research centers between 1996 and 2005 and were genotyped by the Taqman allelic discrimination assay. The association between genotypes and incidence of breast or ovarian cancer data was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. We found evidence for a significant association of DR4 683A>C with a higher risk for ovarian cancer in carriers of BRCA1 mutations [n = 557, hazard ratio 1.78 (1.24–2.55), p = 0.009]. Our results thus indicate that the DR4 683A>C variant modifies the risk of ovarian cancer in carriers of BRCA1 mutations.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF SUPPLEMENTAL IRRIGATION AND ITS SALINITY ON YIELD AND WATER USE OF WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM)
Authors: Kiani A. R. , Mirlatifi S. M. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTAn experiment was conducted to evaluate evapotranspiration (ETc), water use efficiency (WUE) and yield of wheat as affected by quantity and salinity of irrigation water. Treatments consisted of 16 combinations of irrigation water levels, viz. 0.5, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 times the water requirement, and irrigation water salinity levels (ECi), viz. 1.5, 8.5, 11.5 and 14.2 dS m‐1. Mean overall relative yield when referred to yield with ECi of 1.5 dS m‐1, obtained with irrigation water with salinity levels of 8.5, 11.2 and 14.2 dS m‐1, were 97, 93 and 90%, respectively. Similarly, the decline in yield when irrigation water was applied to only replenish 50 and 75% of the crop water requirement was 19 and 9%, respectively, as compared with yield obtained from full irrigation. Soil salinity increased as the depth of irrigation water and thereby salt input were increased. However, a major portion of salts in the soil profile was leached down with autumn rains and therefore had little adverse effect on establishment of the following crops. The highest WUE (12 kg ha‐1 mm‐1) of applied water was obtained at 310 mm (62% of full irrigation). With increasing irrigation water salinity the highest WUE is decreased by about 10% as compared to low saline water. Therefore, using saved fresh water for new land could increase total production. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations on the enzyme 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase
Authors: De Beer Stephanie B. A. , GlÄttli Alice , Hutzler Johannes , Vermeulen Nico P. E. , Oostenbrink Chris 
Published: April 2011

Abstract4‐Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is a relevant target in both pharmaceutical and agricultural research. We report on molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations on this enzyme, in complex with 12 inhibitors for which experimental affinities were determined. We applied the thermodynamic integration approach and the more efficient one‐step perturbation. Even though simulations seem well converged and both methods show excellent agreement between them, the correlation with the experimental values remains poor. We investigate the effect of slight modifications on the charge distribution of these highly conjugated systems and find that accurate models can be obtained when using improved force field parameters. This study gives insight into the applicability of free energy methods and current limitations in force field parameterization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2011
Treatment of laundry waste‐water by electrocoagulation
Authors: Janpoor Fatemeh , Torabian Ali , Khatibikamal Vahid 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The present study describes an electrocoagulation process for treating laundry waste‐water using aluminum plates. The effect of various parameters such pH, voltage, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and number of aluminum plates between the anode and cathode on efficiency of treatment are investigated.RESULTS: Experimental results showed that by increasing HRT, treatment efficiency increases but beyond 45 min changes are negligible. Among the results for chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphorus, detergent, colour and turbidity, the lowest decrease was found for phosphorus. The larger the HRT, the greater the electrical current needed to achieve constant voltage and temperature in the system. The pH of the influent is a very significant variable which affects the treatment of laundry waste‐water considerably, the optimal range being 6.0–8.0. In addition, it was found that the pH increases from 8.3 to more than 10 over the first hour of treatment after which the pH remains relatively constant. Finally, kinetic analysis indicates that the adsorption system obeys a second‐order kinetic model.CONCLUSION: The aluminum hydroxide generated in the cell decreases the concentration of pollutants in laundry waste‐water to a permissible level. It is concluded that, compared with other treatment processes, electrocoagulation is more effective in treating laundry waste‐water under appropriate conditions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Photodegradation of cellulose under UV light catalysed by TiO2
Authors: Fan Hongxian , Li Gang , Yang Fang , Yang Lei , Zhang Songmei 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Since natural cellulose is an insoluble, crystalline microfibril, which is difficult to react with other compounds, most reactions related with cellulose are heterogeneous. The methods of cellulose degradation include acid hydrolysis, thermal degradation, alkaline degradation and catalytic degradation. Photocatalysis is a very powerful process.RESULTS: With 10 g cellulose dissolved in 100 mL ZnCl2 solution (66%), the 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural yield in the corrugated plate photocatalytic reactor reached 3.87 g L−1 under the following experimental conditions: 2 h irradiation under ultraviolet (UV) lamp (power—21 W), nine TiO2 coating cycles, and 42° corrugated plate angle.CONCLUSION: Owing to the enhancement of catalyst surface area illuminated by UV light and the large number of photons captured on the catalyst surface, the energy efficiency per mass (EE/M) of the corrugated plate photocatalytic reactor for photocatalytic degradation of cellulose was 10.9 kWh kg−1. This is therefore an effective technology for 5‐HMF preparation from cellulose. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Postoperative ileo‐ileal intussusception following surgical resection of patent omphalomesenteric duct
Authors: Yeo Dong‐Myung , Lim Gye‐Yeon 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA female neonate with patent omphalomesenteric duct was treated by ductal excision. Six days following surgery, she developed vomiting and abdominal distension. On plain radiographs, distended bowel loops with multiple, air‐fluid levels consistent with an intestinal obstruction were evident. Sonography demonstrated an ileo‐ileal intussusception. At surgery, a 3‐cm, ileo‐ileal intussusception was noted proximal to the previous Lembert suture site and was manually reduced. Awareness of the possibility of small‐bowel intussusception following surgery was critical to ensuring prompt and successful treatment of this infant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Structural arrangement of the cardiac collagen fibers of healthy and diabetic dogs
Authors: Benedicto Hildebrando G. , Bombonato Pedro P. , Macchiarelli Guido , Stifano Giuseppe , Prado Isaura M.M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe heart is composed by a specialized muscle, whose form and function are essentials for an adequate work and shows an amount of connective tissue which support and provide insertion for this muscle, whose collagen fibers are responsible for determination of tissue feature. Our objective was to identify the structural arrangement of the heart collagen fibers in dogs. The hearts of the dogs were submitted to the process of the controlled digestion with NaOH solution and observed by scanning electron microscope. Our results showed that the collagen fibers of the endomysial wall have structural arrangement composed by an irregular network with one layer in normal dogs but in diabetic dogs the network acquires a greater amount of the fibers and layers, looking like a “rug” of fibers modifying the relationships of the stress/strain of the tissue. Ahead of the observed results we are able to conclude that exist increase in the amount and thickness of cardiac collagen fibers, beyond the increase of layers and architectural disarrangement in the endomysial wall in the diabetic dogs. Microsc. Res. Tech. , 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A large‐sample atomic force microscope observing in both air and liquid
Authors: Fu Xia , Zhang Dongxian , Zhang Haijun , Xie Zhigang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA large‐sample atomic force microscope (AFM) that allows high resolution observation in both air and liquid has been developed. With a unique beam tracking method, laser beam is capable of reflecting off the same spot on the AFM cantilever throughout raster scan over the entire scan area, either operating in air or in liquid environment. Incorporating the stand‐alone AFM probe unit with an automated large sample stage, wide‐scan‐range imaging can be realized with high resolution and slight distortion. In addition, an image stitching method is utilized to build a broad merged image with range up to millimeters while keeping nanometer order resolution. By using a large‐volume liquid bath, large and massive sample can be observed in liquid with this AFM system. Several typical experiments have been carried out to demonstrate the imaging ability and stability of this AFM. Topographic structures of gold pattern on a glass substrate are scanned at two different places on the same specimen surface. The porosity of a sheet of filter paper is then characterized in both air and water. Finally, larger‐area AFM image of anodic aluminum oxide template in oxalic acid is on spot obtained by merging several individually scanned images together. Experiments show that this AFM system can offer high resolution and wide range AFM images even for large samples with remarkable capabilities in various environments. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ZrCl4/[bmim]BF4‐catalyzed condensation of salicylaldehydes and malononitrile: Single‐step synthesis of 3‐cyanocoumarin derivatives
Authors: Valizadeh Hassan , Mahmoodian Manzar , Gholipour Hamid 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA versatile and efficient single‐step route to 3‐cyanocoumarins via Knoevenagel condensation of salicylaldehydes and malononitrile using ZrCl4 as the catalyst (15 mol %) in ionic liquid 1‐(n‐butyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as reaction medium and catalyst is described. The novel procedure features single step, short reaction time, good yields, and simple workup. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Green chemistry approach to the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐4‐ferrocenyl‐quinoline derivatives under microwave irradiation
Authors: Ma Ning , Lu Han , Wu Feiyue , Zhang Ge , Jiang Bo , Shi Feng , Gao Yuan , Tu Shujiang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA clean and expeditious route for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐4‐ferrocenyl‐quinoline derivatives through microwave‐assisted multicomponent reaction of ferrocenecarboxaldehyde with ketone and dimedone in the presence of ammonium acetate using water as reaction media at 100°C is described. This procedure lends itself well to combinatorial methods, providing the target heteropolymetallic compounds in excellent yield. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Pitfalls of administering justice in an inconsistent world: Some reflections on the consistency rule
Authors: Patient David L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe unique legal context investigated by Stein, Steinley, and Cropanzano (this issue) highlights important challenges facing decision makers charged with administering justice in turbulent environments. First, rules may need to be adapted to new information and changed circumstances. Second, consistency over time can compete with altruistic motives, moral convictions, and other important principles. Third, decisionmakers may face demands from multiple audiences to re‐interpret a rule in ways that are harsher, more lenient, or otherwise different than previously warranted. Since managers in other organizational settings can also face strong pressures to change over time how they interpret and apply rules, the legal context highlights important aspects of fairness that can compete with consistency over time, and that merit further investigation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum in lumbar spine stenosis associated with the increased expression of connective tissue growth factor
Authors: Zhong Zhao‐Ming , Zha Ding‐Sheng , Xiao Wen‐De , Wu Song‐Hui , Wu Qian , Zhang Yu , Liu Fu‐Qiang , Chen Jian‐Ting 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) contributes to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and results mainly from fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a profibrotic factor involved in the fibrotic process. This study aimed to evaluate CTGF expression in hypertrophied lumbar LF and the involvement of CTGF in LF hypertrophy. Ten patients with LSS were enrolled in this study. The control group included 10 patients with lumbar disc herniation. LF thickness was measured on the preoperative axial T1‐weighted MRI. LF samples were collected during surgery. LF fibrosis was scored by Masson's trichrome staining. CTGF expression was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry. Correlation between LF thickness and CTGF expression was analyzed. Human LF cells were cultured and treated with recombinant human (rh) CTGF. Expression of types I and III collagen was determined by real‐time PCR and ELISA. The thickness and fibrosis scores of LF in the LSS group were higher than that in the control group (all P < 0.001). CTGF was expressed in the extracellular matrix of all ligament samples, and was significantly higher in the LSS group than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The increase of CTGF expression was positive correlation with the LF thickness (r = 0.969, P = 0.000). rhCTGF treatment increased the mRNA expression and protein synthesis of types I and III collagen of the LF cells (all P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the increased expression of CTGF is associated with hypertrophy of the LF in patients with LSS. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1592–1597, 2011
Relapsing polychondritis: A rare etiology of dysphonia and novel approach to treatment
Authors: Woodbury Kristin , Smith Libby J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRelapsing polychondritis affects the airway in half of all diagnosed patients. The traditional approach to the treatment of relapsing polychondritis in all sites is oral steroids and other immune‐modulating drugs. We present a case of laryngeal relapsing polychondritis treated with local injections of steroid in the face of oral therapy failure. The novel approach is discussed and the disease process is reviewed.
Use of portfolios in otolaryngology graduate medical education
Authors: Gurgel Richard K. , Miller Robert A. , Smith Richard J. H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Learning portfolios, as defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), are professional development tools for resident education. Moreover, the scope of portfolio use is expanding to become a component of the accreditation system, with likely mandatory implementation by 2016. The objective of this study is to describe the extent of portfolio use in otolaryngology training programs and resident attitudes toward portfolios.Study Design:Cross‐sectional survey.Methods:All residents in ACGME‐accredited otolaryngology programs were contacted via email linked to an online survey. One follow‐up email was sent after initial notification.Results:Three hundred eighteen (22%) of the 1,431 invited residents responded to the survey, representing 65 of 103 ACGME‐accredited otolaryngology training programs. Fifty‐eight percent of the programs represented had residents who maintained a portfolio. When asked to what extent portfolios enhanced education, 39% of residents who kept a portfolio found them helpful, 27% were neutral, and 35% did not find them helpful, although 60% plan to use their portfolio after residency. For those residents who did not maintain a portfolio, 70% cited they did not maintain a portfolio because it is not a requirement in their program. Twenty‐one percent of all respondents felt that portfolios should be mandatory, whereas 61% felt that portfolios should be encouraged, but not required.Conclusions:Although portfolios are encouraged by the ACGME, and will ultimately become mandatory, they are not yet fully integrated in otolaryngology training programs. Only a minority of residents in this study thought portfolios enhanced education.
The Influence of Patterned Nanofiber Meshes on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenesis
Authors: Martins Albino , Alves da Silva Marta L. , Faria Susana , Marques Alexandra P. , Reis Rui L. , Neves Nuno M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA specially designed electroconductive collector enables the electrospinning of P‐NFM composed of areas of parallel/uniaxially aligned fibers and areas of random/orthogonal nanofiber distribution. The biological relevance of P‐NFM is demonstrated using hBMSCs as an autologous cell source. The structures induce cell orientation along the uniaxially aligned fibers, mainly during earlier culturing periods under basal and osteogenic differentiation conditions. The microtopography of the P‐NFM also controls the deposition of mineralized extracellular matrix along the pre‐defined fiber direction. Genotypic characterization confirms the successful differentiation into the osteogenic lineage.
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Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Starch and its Blends with Poly(lactic acid) and Polyethylene: Influence of Morphology
Authors: Li Gang , Sarazin Pierre , Orts William J. , Imam Syed H. , Favis Basil D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe room temperature mineralization of thermoplastic starch (TPS) with a high glycerol content and its blends with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) are examined under controlled degradation conditions. These results are correlated with the morphologies and continuity behavior of the various blend systems. It is found that thermoplastic starch degrades more rapidly than native starch. Lowering the glycerol content in the TPS has virtually no effect on its biodegradation behavior. The only contribution to biodegradation of the TPS blend is from the TPS component. Blending TPS with LDPE and PLA in a co‐continuous morphology at a 50/50 composition provides a significant increase in TPS surface area, which increases the biodegradation rate for the blends as compared to pure TPS. The results indicate a close relationship between morphology, phase continuity, and biodegradation behavior.
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AFQ056 treatment of levodopa‐induced dyskinesias: Results of 2 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Berg Daniela , Godau Jana , Trenkwalder Claudia , Eggert Karla , Csoti IIona , Storch Alexander , Huber Heiko , Morelli‐Canelo Monica , Stamelou Maria , Ries Vincent , Wolz Martin , Schneider Christine , Di Paolo Thérèse , Gasparini Fabrizio , Hariry Sam , Vandemeulebroecke Marc , Abi‐Saab Walid , Cooke Katy , Johns Donald , Gomez‐Mancilla Baltazar 
Published: April 2011

AbstractStudy objectives were to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AFQ056 in Parkinson's disease patients with levodopa‐induced dyskinesia. Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, in‐patient studies for Parkinson's disease patients with moderate to severe levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (study 1) and severe levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (study 2) on stable dopaminergic therapy were performed. Patients received 25–150 mg AFQ056 or placebo twice daily for 16 days (both studies). Study 2 included a 4‐day down‐titration. Primary outcomes were the Lang‐Fahn Activities of Daily Living Dyskinesia Scale (study 1), the modified Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (study 2), and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–part III (both studies). Secondary outcomes included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–part IV items 32–33. The primary analysis was change from baseline to day 16 on all outcomes. Treatment differences were assessed. Fifteen patients were randomized to AFQ056 and 16 to placebo in study 1; 14 patients were randomized to each group in study 2. AFQ056‐treated patients showed significant improvements in dyskinesias on day 16 versus placebo (eg, Lang‐Fahn Activities of Daily Living Dyskinesia Scale, P = .021 [study 1]; modified Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, P = .032 [study 2]). No significant changes were seen from baseline on day 16 on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale‐part III in either study. Adverse events were reported in both studies, including dizziness. Serious adverse events (most commonly worsening of dyskinesias, apparently associated with stopping treatment) were reported by 4 AFQ056‐treated patients in study 1, and 3 patients (2 AFQ056‐treated patient and 1 in the placebo group) in study 2. AFQ056 showed a clinically relevant and significant antidyskinetic effect without changing the antiparkinsonian effects of dopaminergic therapy. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Movement disorders in adult surviving patients with maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Carecchio Miryam , Schneider Susanne A. , Chan Heidi , Lachmann Robin , Lee Philip J. , Murphy Elaine , Bhatia Kailash P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMaple syrup urine disease is a rare metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the branched‐chain α‐keto acid dehydrogenase complex gene. Patients generally present early in life with a toxic encephalopathy because of the accumulation of the branched‐chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine and the corresponding ketoacids. Movement disorders in maple syrup urine disease have typically been described during decompensation episodes or at presentation in the context of a toxic encephalopathy, with complete resolution after appropriate dietary treatment. Movement disorders in patients surviving childhood are not well documented. We assessed 17 adult patients with maple syrup urine disease (mean age, 27.5 years) with a special focus on movement disorders. Twelve (70.6%) had a movement disorder on clinical examination, mainly tremor and dystonia or a combination of both. Parkinsonism and simple motor tics were also observed. Pyramidal signs were present in 11 patients (64.7%), and a spastic‐dystonic gait was observed in 6 patients (35.2%). In summary, movement disorders are common in treated adult patients with maple syrup urine disease, and careful neurological examination is advisable to identify those who may benefit from specific therapy. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society