bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical assessment of changes in climate extremes over Greece (1955–2002)
Authors: Kioutsioukis Ioannis , Melas Dimitrios , Zerefos Christos 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis article focuses on extreme events of high and low temperatures and precipitation and their amplitude and frequency changes over the last 50 years in Greece. Sixteen climate indices have been calculated and their trends were analysed to identify possible changes over a network of measurement stations covering the region quite homogeneously. Furthermore, the changes in the probability distribution of the indices were examined. In addition, we analyzed the temporal evolution of the amplitude and frequency of extreme events through the parameters of extreme value distribution. The temporal stability of the fitted distributions is examined and the spatial distribution of their trend as well as the changes in the 5‐year return levels is investigated.Half of the examined climatic indices exhibit significant regional trend; most of them are sole functions of minimum temperature or precipitation. A shift was found in the tail distribution of the peak minimum temperatures, with the 5‐year return value in the last quartile of the twientieth century to be equal to the 7‐year return value in the previous quartile. Warming was also apparent for the maximum temperature, mainly in the summer months, but of smaller magnitude. Total precipitation shifted towards drier climate over the domain while extreme rainfall events exhibit increased variability without following any coherent regional pattern. The changes in the peak temperature extremes are most sensitive to the changes in the location of the distribution of annual extremes. Changes in the precipitation extremes are associated with changes in both the scale and location of the fitted distribution. The highest range of change was found for the scale parameter for both temperature and precipitation extremes, pointing out that the most influenced factor is the interannual variability of the extremes. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Muscle fiber properties and thermal stability of intramuscular connective tissue in porcineM. semimembranosus
Authors: Voutila Liisa , Perero Juan , Ruusunen Marita , Jouppila Kirsi , Puolanne Eero 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:Strips can be easily peeled from raw destructured pork (M. semimembranosus, SM muscle) by hand but in normal meat these strips break. In general, destructured meat is pale in color. Porcine SM muscles have thick muscle fibers which could predispose them to destructuration. This study investigated whether the onset and peak temperatures of thermal shrinkage (ToandTp) of intramuscular connective tissue from SM muscles were associated with muscle fiber thickness, capillary density or extracellular space. We also investigated whether these muscle fiber properties of destructured muscles differed from those of normal muscles.RESULTS:The destructured and normal muscles were similar in muscle fiber cross‐sectional area, capillary density, extracellular space and sarcomere length.Tocorrelated negatively with sarcomere length. The water content of differential scanning calorimetry samples consisting of intramuscular connective tissue was higher in destructured muscles than in normal muscles.CONCLUSION:Muscle fiber properties (muscle fiber cross‐sectional area and sarcomere length) and capillary density are similar in destructured and normal SM muscles.ToandTpof intramuscular connective tissue are similar in destructured and normal muscles. Muscle fiber properties show no association with the thermal shrinkage properties of intramuscular connective tissue. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of essential oil from Mentha arvensis L. to control storage moulds and insects in stored chickpea
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Shukla Ravindra , Singh Priyanka , Singh Amit K , Dubey Nawal K 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Fungal contamination and Callosobruchus infestation results in qualitative and quantitative losses of chickpea seeds during storage. Most of the synthetic chemicals used as preservatives have adverse effects. Therefore, the antifungal and insecticidal potential of Mentha arvensis essential oil was evaluated to determine whether this could be an eco‐friendly substitute of synthetic preservatives.RESULTS: The stored chickpea seeds were dominated by Aspergillus flavus (46.1%) and 30% isolates among them were found toxigenic. The MIC of Mentha oil against A. flavus was recorded at 400 µL L−1 and it exhibited broad fungitoxic activity against 14 storage fungi. The oil was found superior to some prevalent synthetic fungicides. Mentha oil showed potent insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus chinensis at different concentrations and exposure times. The oviposition by C. chinensis was completely checked at 10 µL L−1 while F1 emergence was completely inhibited at 200 µL L−1. During in situ experiments, 94.05% protection of the chickpea from C. chinensis by Mentha oil showed superiority over the organophosphate insecticide malathion, where 90.75% protection was recorded.CONCLUSION: The Mentha EO showing potent fungitoxic and insecticidal efficacy and may be recommended as a plant‐based preservative in the management of fungal and insect infestation of chickpea and other pulses during storage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Triple negative phenotype and N‐ratio are important for prognosis in patients with stage IIIB non‐inflammatory breast carcinoma
Authors: Mersin Hakan , Yildirim Emin , Berberoglu Ugur , Gulben Kaptan 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe aim is to evaluate novel prognostic factors such as triple negative (TN) phenotype and ratio between positive nodes and total dissected lymph nodes (N‐ratio) in stage IIIB breast carcinoma patients.MethodsIn this retrospective study, primary endpoints were local recurrence (LR), distant recurrence (DR), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate prognostic factor analyses were carried out using Cox and Kaplan–Meier methods in the data of 185 patients.ResultsThe median observation time was 36 (range 16–86) months. Pathological tumor size (continuous [cont.],P = 0.002; Hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.3) and N‐ratio (cont.,P < 0.0001; HR, 1.02; CI, 1.01–1.03) were strongly associated with LR. Tumor phenotype (triple vs. non‐triple,P = 0.002; HR, 2.6; CI, 1.4–4.7), N‐ratio (cont.,P = 0.01; HR, 1.02; CI, 1.01–1.03) and pathological tumor size (cont.,P = 0.003; HR, 1.2; CI, 1.1–1.3) for DR, and also tumor phenotype (triple vs. non‐triple,P < 0.0001; HR, 3.7; CI, 1.8–7.5), N‐ratio (cont.,P = 0.03; HR, 1.02; CI, 1.01–1.03) and pathological tumor size (cont.,P = 0.006; HR, 1.3; CI, 1.2–1.4) for OS were the most important prognostic factors.ConclusionsN‐Ratio and TN phenotype were the most important prognostic factors for stage IIIB breast carcinoma patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:681–687. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does diabetes mellitus influence pathologic complete response and tumor downstaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal and gastroesophageal cancer? A two‐institution report
Authors: Showalter Shayna L. , Rosato Ernest L. , Anne P. Rani , Scott Walter , Mitchell Edith , Berger Adam C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal carcinoma is an aggressive disease that is often treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with reduced efficacy of chemoradiation (CRT) in other gastrointestinal cancers. The goal of this study was to determine if DM affects response to neoadjuvant CRT in the management of gastroesophageal carcinoma.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the esophageal cancer patient databases and subsequently analyzed those patients who received neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgical resection at two institutions, Thomas Jefferson University (TJUH) and Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC). Comparative analyses of rates of pathologic complete response rate (pCR) and pathologic downstaging in DM patients versus non‐DM patients was performed.ResultsTwo hundred sixty patients were included in the study; 36 patients had DM and 224 were non‐diabetics. The average age of the patients was 61 years (range 24–84 years). The overall pCR was 26%. The pCR rate was 19% and 27% for patients with DM and without DM, respectively (P = 0.31). Pathologic downstaging occurred in 39% of study patients, including of 33% of DM patients and 40% of non‐DM patients (P = 0.42).ConclusionsAlthough the current analysis does not demonstrate a significant reduction in pCR rates or pathologic downstaging in patients with DM, the observed trend suggests that a potential difference may be observed with a larger patient population. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the influence of DM on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant CRT in esophageal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:43–46. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inverted papilloma of the sphenoid sinus: Clinical presentation, management, and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Guillemaud Jennifer P. , Witterick Ian J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectives:Inverted papilloma (IP) of the sphenoid sinus is a rare neoplasm with a nonspecific and insidious presentation that is further complicated by difficult access for assessment and follow‐up. In conjunction with a systematic review of the English literature, we review our experience with IP of the sphenoid sinus to better delineate the clinical presentation, prevalence, management, and recurrence of this challenging lesion.Methods:A systematic search strategy was developed to assess and summarize the best available evidence on sphenoid IP. A retrospective chart review of the 5‐year database of one tertiary care Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery practice was performed; all patients with histologically confirmed IP of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses were included.Results:Seventy‐one patients (49 males, 22 females; mean age, 57.2 years) treated between June 2003 and January 2009 were included. Nine patients were diagnosed with IP originating in the sphenoid sinus. Two of these patients were asymptomatic, and in the remaining seven patients the most common presentation was headache (42.9%), followed by visual disturbances, hearing loss, and nasal obstruction (28.6% each). Review of the literature confirms our finding that the most common presenting symptom is headache (45.0%), followed by nasal obstruction (30.0%) and epistaxis (22.5%).Conclusions:This is the largest reported series of sphenoid sinus IP in the English literature. We have demonstrated a predominance of neurological and visual symptoms in symptomatic patients with sphenoid IP, and suggest that these may be early manifestations of sphenoid IP, before the more common sinonasal symptoms develop secondary to extension into the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Laryngoscope, 2009
E2F2 suppresses Myc‐induced proliferation and tumorigenesis
Authors: Pusapati Raju V. , Weaks Regina L. , Rounbehler Robert J. , McArthur Mark J. , Johnson David G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDeregulation of E2F transcriptional activity as a result of alterations in the p16‐cyclin D‐Rb pathway is a hallmark of cancer. However, the roles of the different E2F family members in the process of tumorigenesis are still being elucidated. Studies in mice and humans suggest that E2F2 functions as a tumor suppressor. Here we demonstrate that E2f2 inactivation cooperates with transgenic expression of Myc to enhance tumor development in the skin and oral cavity. In fact, hemizygosity at the E2f2 locus was sufficient to increase tumor incidence in this model. Loss of E2F2 enhanced proliferation in Myc transgenic tissue but did not affect Myc‐induced apoptosis. E2F2 did not behave as a simple activator of transcription in epidermal keratinocytes but instead appeared to differentially regulate gene expression dependent on the individual target. E2f2 inactivation also altered the changes in gene expression in Myc transgenic cells by enhancing the increase of some genes, such as cyclin E, and reversing the repression of other genes. These findings demonstrate that E2F2 can function as a tumor suppressor in epithelial tissues, perhaps by limiting proliferation in response to Myc. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on the isothermal crystallization kinetics and crystal morphology of PTT/SGF composites
Authors: Run Mingtao , Hao Yanping , He Zhihui 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe kinetics of isothermal crystallization and crystal morphology of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/short glass fibers (PTT/SGF) composites were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). DSC data was analyzed by the Avrami equation and Hoffman‐Lauritzen theory. The results show that SGF plays a role as the nucleating agent, which largely accelerates the crystallization rate of PTT. SGF below 20% will increase the crystallinity of the composites but 30% SGF will decrease the crystallinity, which is also verified by the crystallinity results calculated from the wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD) experiments. The crystal morphology of the composites exhibits so much microcrystallites because of the fast crystallization rate and the strong interaction between SGF and polymers, which is consistent with the results analysized by the Avrami theory. The nuclei exponent Kg is increased sharply as the SGF added into polymer, and SGF makes PTT easier to crystallize during isothermal crystallization process. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Attovial‐based antibody nanoarrays
Authors: Ellmark Peter , Ghatnekar‐Nilsson Sara , Meister André , Heinzelmann Harry , Montelius Lars , Wingren Christer , Borrebaeck Carl A. K. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAntibody array‐based technology is a powerful emerging tool in proteomics, but to enable global proteome analysis, antibody array layouts with even higher density has to be developed. To this end, we have further developed the first generation of a nanoarray platform, based on attoliter‐sized vials, attovials, which we have characterized and used for the detection of complement factor C1q in human serum samples. Finally, we demonstrated proof‐of‐concept for individual functionalization of the attovials with a recombinant antibody.
Adaptation to β‐myrcene catabolism in Pseudomonas sp. M1: An expression proteomics analysis
Authors: Santos Pedro M. , Sá‐Correia Isabel 
Published: October 2009

Abstractβ‐Myrcene, a monoterpene widely used as a fragrance and flavoring additive, also possesses analgesic, anti‐mutagenic, and tyrosinase inhibitory properties. In order to get insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of Pseudomonas sp. M1 to catabolize β‐myrcene, an expression proteomics approach was used in this study. Results indicate that the catabolic enzyme machinery for β‐myrcene utilization (MyrB, MyrC, and MyrD and other uncharacterized proteins) is strongly induced when β‐myrcene is present in the growth medium. Since an M1 mutant, lacking a functional 2‐methylisocitrate dehydratase, is not able to grow in mineral medium with β‐myrcene or propionic acid as the sole C‐source, and also based on the expression proteomic analysis carried out in this study, it is suggested that the β‐myrcene catabolic intermediate propionyl‐CoA is channeled into the central metabolism via the 2‐methylcitrate cycle. Results also suggest that the major alteration occurring in the central carbon metabolism of cells growing in β‐myrcene‐containing media is related with the redistribution of the metabolic fluxes leading to increased oxaloacetate production. Other up‐regulated proteins are believed to prevent protein misfolding and aggregation or to play important structural roles, contributing to the adaptive alteration of cell wall and membrane organization and integrity, which are essential features to allow the bacterium to cope with the highly lipophilic β‐myrcene as C‐source.
Comparative proteomic analysis to discover potential therapeutic targets in human multiple myeloma
Authors: Xiao Chuan‐Le , Zhang Zhi‐Ping , Xiong Sheng , Lu Chun‐Hua , Wei Hong‐Ping , Zeng Hui‐Lan , Liu Zhi , Zhang Xian‐En , Ge Feng 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTo clarify the molecular mechanisms that participate in the formation of multiple myeloma (MM) and to detect any tumor‐related biomarkers, we performed proteomic analysis of cellular protein extracts from MM cells and normal plasma cells. Plasma cells from nine patients with newly diagnosed MM and nine healthy donors were purified by using anti‐CD138 based immunomagnetic bead‐positive selection. The protein profiles of purified MM and normal plasma cells were compared using 2‐DE. We identified a total of 43 differentially expressed proteins, and confirmed with Western blotting six proteins. The altered proteins were analyzed using the software program Pathway Studio and the biological network can be accessed via (http://life‐health.jnu.edu.cn/pathway/pathway.html). Further functional studies showed that annexin A1 knock down modestly induces lethality alone and potentiates the effects of dexamethasone on both dexamethasone‐sensitive and dexamethasone‐resistant MM cells. By correlating the proteomic data with these functional studies, the current results provide not only new insights into the pathogenesis of MM but also direct implications for the development of novel anti‐MM therapeutic strategies and could lead to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Future molecular and functional studies would provide novel insights into the roles of these dysregulated proteins in the molecular etiology of MM.
Proteomic profiling of differential display analysis for human oral squamous cell carcinoma: 14‐3‐3 σ Protein is upregulated in human oral squamous cell carcinoma and dependent on the differentiation level
Authors: Hayashi Eiko , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Fujimoto Masanori , Zhang Xiulian , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Uchida Kenichiro , Fukuda Teruyo , Furumoto Hiroko , Ueyama Yoshiya , Nakamura Kazuyuki 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has an absolute majority of all oral cancer. We used proteomic technology to analyze the protein expression profile in OSCC tissues and accompanying surrounding normal tissues in four oral locations (buccal mucosa, gingival mucosa, oral floor, and tongue). Ten protein spots were overexpressed more strongly in cancer tissues than normal ones, and were identified as proliferating cell nuclear antigen, 14‐3‐3 ε, 14‐3‐3 σ, proteasome subunit α type 5, translationally controlled tumor protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit, macrophage capping protein, and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit α. Macrophage capping protein and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit α had two spots. Especially, we focused on 14‐3‐3 σ protein, one of the eight identified proteins, and assessed its expression level in four oral locations of OSCC by using differential display methods. The expression level of 14‐3‐3 σ protein was upregulated in four locations of oral cavity. Eight proteins which we identified in this study may play an important role in OSCC carcinogenesis and progression and could be used as diagnostic biomarkers of OSCC.
Crystal structure of YnjE from Escherichia coli, a sulfurtransferase with three rhodanese domains
Authors: Hänzelmann Petra , Dahl Jan U. , Kuper Jochen , Urban Alexander , Müller‐Theissen Ursula , Leimkühler Silke , Schindelin Hermann 
Published: October 2009

AbstractRhodaneses/sulfurtransferases are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the transfer of sulfane sulfur from a donor molecule to a thiophilic acceptor via an active site cysteine that is modified to a persulfide during the reaction. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a triple‐domain rhodanese‐like protein, namely YnjE from Escherichia coli, in two states where its active site cysteine is either unmodified or present as a persulfide. Compared to well‐characterized tandem domain rhodaneses, which are composed of one inactive and one active domain, YnjE contains an extra N‐terminal inactive rhodanese‐like domain. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that YnjE triple‐domain homologs can be found in a variety of other γ‐proteobacteria, in addition, some single‐, tandem‐, four and even six‐domain variants exist. All YnjE rhodaneses are characterized by a highly conserved active site loop (CGTGWR) and evolved independently from other rhodaneses, thus forming their own subfamily. On the basis of structural comparisons with other rhodaneses and kinetic studies, YnjE, which is more similar to thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferases than to 3‐mercaptopyruvate:cyanide sulfurtransferases, has a different substrate specificity that depends not only on the composition of the active site loop with the catalytic cysteine at the first position but also on the surrounding residues. In vitro YnjE can be efficiently persulfurated by the cysteine desulfurase IscS. The catalytic site is located within an elongated cleft, formed by the central and C‐terminal domain and is lined by bulky hydrophobic residues with the catalytic active cysteine largely shielded from the solvent.
Positron lifetime in piezoelectric PbNb2O6 and BaTiO3 polycrystals
Authors: De Udayan , Chaudhuri S. K. , Sahu Kriti Ranjan , Das D. , DuttaGupta N. , Chakraborty Keka R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractQuenching induced orthorhombic distortion makes quenched (Q) lead meta‐niobate (PbNb2O6), to be called PNQ, piezoelectric with a high Curie temperature (Tc) of 570 °C, while its slow‐cooled rhombohedral phase, PNS, remains non‐piezoelectric. So, positron lifetime components ((i and Ii) have been measured for these pellets and also for tetragonal BaTiO3 or BT pellets (Tc = 127 °C), prepared by 6h and (6+4)h firings. In our 3‐component fit, (1 is different in PNQ (152.9 ± 9.8) ps and PNS (136.6 ± 9.2) ps. Fraction (related to I2) of trapped positrons (showing (2) is higher in PN‐samples (∼74 to 79%) than in BT‐samples (40 to 53%). This is tentatively attributed to a structural peculiarity of PN tungsten‐bronze structure. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron attachment to molecules
Authors: Young J. A. , Surko C. M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAt incident positron energies below the threshold for positronium atom formation annihilation rates for molecules are much larger than those expected on the basis of simple two‐body collisions. We now understand that this phenomenon is due to positron attachment to molecules mediated by vibrational Feshbach resonances. This attachment enhances greatly the overlap of the positron and the molecular electron wave functions and hence increases the probability of annihilation. Annihilation spectra as a function of incident positron energy yield measurements positron‐molecule binding energies. Using this technique, to date, positron‐molecule binding energies for thirty molecules have been measured. This paper presents a brief review of our current understanding of this process, the significance of these results, and outstanding questions for future research. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)