bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence of XMRV in prostate cancer cohorts in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Sakuma Toshie , Hué Stéphane , Squillace Karen A , Tonne Jason M , Blackburn Patrick R , Ohmine Seiga , Thatava Tayaramma , Towers Greg J , Ikeda Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus (XMRV) was initially identified in prostate cancer (PCa) tissue, particularly in the prostatic stromal fibroblasts, of patients homozygous for the RNASEL R462Q mutation. A subsequent study reported XMRV antigens in malignant prostatic epithelium and association of XMRV infection with PCa, especially higher-grade tumors, independently of the RNASEL polymorphism. Further studies showed high prevalence of XMRV or related MLV sequences in chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS), while others found no, or low, prevalence of XMRV in a variety of diseases including PCa or CFS. Thus, the etiological link between XMRV and human disease remains elusive. To address the association between XMRV infection and PCa, we have tested prostate tissues and human sera for the presence of viral DNA, viral antigens and anti-XMRV antibodies.

Results
Real-time PCR analysis of 110 PCa (Gleason scores >4) and 40 benign and normal prostate tissues identified six positive samples (5 PCa and 1 non-PCa). No statistical link was observed between the presence of proviral DNA and PCa, PCa grades, and the RNASEL R462Q mutation. The amplified viral sequences were distantly related to XMRV, but nearly identical to endogenous MLV sequences in mice. The PCR positive samples were also positive for mouse mitochondrial DNA by nested PCR, suggesting contamination of the samples with mouse DNA. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) with an anti-XMRV antibody, but not an anti-MLV antibody that recognizes XMRV, sporadically identified antigen-positive cells in prostatic epithelium, irrespectively of the status of viral DNA detection. No serum (159 PCa and 201 age-matched controls) showed strong neutralization of XMRV infection at 1:10 dilution.

Conclusion
The lack of XMRV sequences or strong anti-XMRV neutralizing antibodies indicates no or very low prevalence of XMRV in our cohorts. We conclude that real-time PCR- and IHC-positive samples were due to laboratory contamination and non-specific immune reactions, respectively.
Portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic cholecystectomy complicated by dengue viral infection: a case report
Authors: Dan Dilip , King Kevin , Seetahal Shiva , Naraynsingh Vijay , Hariharan Seetharaman 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Portal vein thrombosis is an uncommon post-operative complication following abdominal surgery. Although therapeutic anticoagulation is recommended, this treatment may be questionable when the patient has an associated bleeding diathesis.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 63-year-old woman of Asian Indian ethnicity who developed portal vein thrombosis following an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones. Her condition was further complicated by dengue viral infection in the post-operative period, with thrombocytopenia immediately preceding the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis. The etiological connections between dengue viral infection with thrombocytopenia, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, portal vein thrombosis as well as the treatment dilemmas posed in treating a patient with portal vein thrombosis with a bleeding diathesis are discussed.

Conclusion
When portal vein thrombosis occurs in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation, there is a role for initial conservative management without aggressive anticoagulation therapy and such patients must be approached on an individualized basis.
Regulation of chondrocyte gene expression by osteogenic protein-1
Authors: Chubinskaya Susan , Otten Lori , Soeder Stephan , Borgia Jeffrey A , Aigner Thomas , Rueger David C , Loeser Richard F 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to investigate which genes are regulated by osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) in human articular chondrocytes using Affimetrix gene array, in order to understand the role of OP-1 in cartilage homeostasis.

Methods
Chondrocytes enzymatically isolated from 12 normal ankle cartilage samples were cultured in high-density monolayers and either transfected with OP-1 antisense oligonucleotide in the presence of lipofectin or treated with recombinant OP-1 (100 ng/ml) for 48 hours followed by RNA isolation. Gene expression profiles were analyzed by HG-U133A gene chips from Affimetrix. A cut-off was chosen at 1.5-fold difference from controls. Selected gene array results were verified by real-time PCR and by in vitro measures of proteoglycan synthesis and signal transduction.

Results
OP-1 controls cartilage homeostasis on multiple levels including regulation of genes responsible for chondrocyte cytoskeleton (cyclin D, Talin1, and Cyclin M1), matrix production, and other anabolic pathways (transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/ bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), genes responsible for bone formation, and so on) as well as regulation of cytokines, neuromediators, and various catabolic pathways responsible for matrix degradation and cell death. In many of these cases, OP-1 modulated the expression of not only the ligands, but also their receptors, mediators of downstream signaling, kinases responsible for an activation of the pathways, binding proteins responsible for the inhibition of the pathways, and transcription factors that induce transcriptional responses.

Conclusions
Gene array data strongly suggest a critical role of OP-1 in human cartilage homeostasis. OP-1 regulates numerous metabolic pathways that are not only limited to its well-documented anabolic function, but also to its anti-catabolic activity. An understanding of OP-1 function in cartilage will provide strong justification for the application of OP-1 protein as a therapeutic treatment for cartilage regeneration and repair.
Functional status and quality of life 12 months after discharge from a medical ICU in healthy elderly patients: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sacanella Emilio , Pérez-Castejón Joan Manel , Nicolás Josep Maria , Masanés Ferran , Navarro Marga , Castro Pedro , López-Soto Alfonso 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Long-term outcomes of elderly patients after medical ICU care are little known. The aim of the study was to evaluate functional status and quality of life of elderly patients 12 months after discharge from a medical ICU.

Methods
We prospectively studied 112/230 healthy elderly patients (≥65 years surviving at least 12 months after ICU discharge) with full functional autonomy without cognitive impairment prior to ICU entry. The main diagnoses at admission using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III (APACHE III) classification diagnosis and length of ICU stay and ICU scores (APACHE II, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and OMEGA) at admission and discharge were collected. Comprehensive geriatric assessment included the presence of the main geriatric syndromes and the application of Lawton, Barthel, and Charlson Indexes and Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline to evaluate functionality, comorbidity and cognitive status, respectively. The EuroQol-5D assessed quality of life. Data were collected at baseline, during ICU and ward stay and 3, 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge. Paired or unpaired T-tests compared differences between groups (continuous variables), whereas the chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for comparing dichotomous variables. For variables significant (P ≤ 0.1) on univariate analysis, a forward multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results
Only 48.9% of patients (mean age: 73.4 ± 5.5 years) were alive 12 months after discharge showing a significant decrease in functional autonomy (Lawton and Barthel Indexes) and quality of life (EuroQol-5D) compared to baseline status (P < 0.001, all). Multivariate analysis showed a higher Barthel Index and EQ-5D vas at hospital discharge to be associated factors of full functional recovery (P < 0.01, both). Thus, in patients with a Barthel Index ≥ 60 or EQ-5D vas ≥40 at discharge the hazard ratio for full functional recovery was 4.04 (95% CI: 1.58 to 10.33; P = 0.005) and 6.1 (95% CI: 1.9 to 19.9; P < 0.01), respectively. Geriatric syndromes increased after ICU stay and remained significantly increased during follow-up (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The survival rate of elderly medical patients 12 months after discharge from the ICU is low (49%), although functional status and quality of life remained similar to baseline in most of the survivors. However, there was a two-fold increase in the prevalence of geriatric syndromes.
Long-Term Survival and Late Deaths After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wingard John R. , Majhail Navneet S. , Brazauskas Ruta , Wang Zhiwei , Sobocinski Kathleen A. , Jacobsohn David , Sorror Mohamed L. , Horowitz Mary M. , Bolwell Brian , Rizzo J. Douglas , Socié Gérard 
Published: April 2011

Purpose Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative but is associated with life-threatening complications. Most deaths occur within the first 2 years after transplantation. In this report, we examine long-term survival in 2-year survivors in the largest cohort ever studied. Patients and Methods Records of 10,632 patients worldwide reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research who were alive and disease free 2 years after receiving a myeloablative allogeneic HCT before 2004 for acute myelogenous or lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, lymphoma, or severe aplastic anemia were reviewed. Results Median follow-up was 9 years, and 3,788 patients had been observed for 10 or more years. The probability of being alive 10 years after HCT was 85%. The chief risk factors for late death included older age and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). For patients who underwent transplantation for malignancy, relapse was the most common cause of death. The greatest risk factor for late relapse was advanced disease at transplantation. Principal risk factors for nonrelapse deaths were older age and GVHD. When compared with age, sex, and nationality-matched general population, late deaths remained higher than expected for each disease, with the possible exception of lymphoma, although the relative risk generally receded over time. Conclusion The prospect for long-term survival is excellent for 2-year survivors of allogeneic HCT. However, life expectancy remains lower than expected. Performance of HCT earlier in the course of disease, control of GVHD, enhancement of immune reconstitution, less toxic regimens, and prevention and early treatment of late complications are needed.
Renaissance of Organic Synthesis Using Isocyanides
Authors: Tobisu Mamoru , Chatani Naoto 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
New reactions using old functionality, isocyanides, are described. By using isocyanides in place of carbon monoxide, transformations otherwise difficult to achieve, such as GaCl3-catalyzed [4 + 1] cycloaddition and TfOH-catalyzed insertion into a C–O bond of acetals, are realized. In addition, isocyanides are exploited as a key component in transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond activation and borylation reactions.
Highly-ordered Porous Coordination Polymer Nanofilms Grown by Layer-by-Layer Deposition Technique
Authors: Makiura Rie , Kitagawa Hiroshi 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe facile bottom-up fabrication of a perfect preferentially-oriented MOF nanofilm, NAFS-1 on a solid surface, which is endowed with highly crystalline order both in the out-of-plane and in-plane orientations to the substrate, as determined by synchrotron X-ray surface crystallography, was achieved by the unique combination of a layer-by-layer growth technique coupled with the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method.
Synthesis and Characterization of Indium Oxide Doped Hematite xIn2O3·(1-x)α-Fe2O3 Solid Solution
Authors: Sorescu Monica , Xu Tianhong , Diamandescu Lucian 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTIndium oxide-doped hematite xIn2O3·(1-x)α-Fe2O3 (x = 0.1-0.7) solid solution systems were synthesized using mechanochemical activation. The microstructures, magnetic and thermal properties of the system were dependent on In2O3 molar concentration x and ball milling time. XRD results showed that the completion of In3+ substitution of Fe3+ in hematite lattice occurs after 12 h ball milling for x = 0.1. For x = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7, the substitutions between In3+ and Fe3+ into hematite and In2O3 lattices occur simultaneously. The lattice parameters of hematite and In2O3 vary as a function of ball milling time. The change in these parameters was due to ions substitution between In3+and Fe3+ and the decrease in grain sizes. Mössbauer spectra of the system with x = 0.3 were fitted with three sextets and two quadrupole-split doublets after milling, representing In3+ substitution of Fe3+ in hematite lattice and Fe3+ substitution of In3+ in two different sites of In2O3 lattice. TGA results showed that the hematite decomposition is enhanced due to the smaller hematite grain size. The crystallization of hematite and In2O3 was suppressed with the drops of enthalpy values due to the stronger solid-solid interactions after ball milling. These caused gradual In3+-Fe3+ substitution in hematite/In2O3 lattices.
Thermal and viscoelastic behaviors of nanotube-reinforced polyethylene composite
Authors: Adhikari Ananta Raj , Chipara Mircea , Lozano Karen 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe effect of processing (shear) time on the mechanical behavior and thermal stability of multiwalled nanotube reinforced polyethylene was investigated. It was observed that the mechanical property (storage modulus, loss modulus) of the composites is process dependant whereas the thermal stability does not. The increase in mechanical behavior is attributed to a stronger interface between the nanotube and the polymer matrix.
Morphological Investigations of Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites Fabricated to Achieve Controlled Dispersion at High Loadings
Authors: Duncan Andrew J. , Schoch Andrew B. , Gold Christopher S. , Lenhart Joseph L. , Beyer Frederick L. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTRealization of property enhancements inherent to the presence of nanoparticles continues to be a challenge for the production of bulk nanocomposite materials with commercially available techniques. This study combines twin-screw compounding with surface modification of SiO2 nanoparticles to enable targeted dispersion in a SEBS block copolymer. Production of these composites with high levels of well-dispersed particulates aims to leverage aggregation for production of hierarchical structure. The aggregation state of the particles as well as the level of order in the block copolymer morphology was determined through USAXS and TEM. Particles coated with ligands miscible with the end-blocks of the BCP (minority component) increased dispersion at all loading levels observed up to 10 vol%. Ligands employed to increase miscibility of the nanoparticle with the mid-block (majority component) resulted in large aggregates for all loadings without disturbance of the BCP morphology.
Self-Assembling Functionalized Amino Acids into Unusual Shapes
Authors: Barone Justin R. , Budhavaram Naresh K. , Harvey Katherine J. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTMulti-component small molecule systems that are amphiphilic or that can hydrogen bond end-to-end or side-to-side have been shown to self-assemble into a variety of shapes including fibers, rods, sheets, plates, spheres, and tubes. Recently, we have identified a simple route to self-assemble the same shapes from one-component systems. The structures form by attaching ethyl vinyl sulfone (EVS) to amino acids in water at room temperature. Choice of amino acid, amount of EVS substitution, and solvent conditions determine the final shape. Functionalized amino acids spontaneously form structures like fibers, spheres, tubes, and donuts when dried from solution. Here we focus on fibers and tubes.
Synthesis of Thermo-Responsive Fluorinated Star-Shaped Polymers by Living Cationic Polymerization
Authors: Irita Tomomi , Imoto Katsuhiko , Nagai Takabumi , Aoshima Sadahito 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTWell-controlled fluorinated star-shaped polymers with oxyethylene units were designed and synthesized by living cationic polymerization. These fluorinated star-shaped polymers were prepared using successive fluorinated initiators to generate fluorinated, end-functionalized and hydrophilic segments with oxyethylene. Poly(vinyl ether)s with oxyethylene units are known to be thermo-responsive polymers that exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solutions. These novel fluorine-containing star-shaped polymers with oxyethylene were also thermo-responsive, as expected. In addition, the hetero-fluorinated star-shaped polymers with oxyethylene segments and different fluorine compositions were synthesized with various bifunctional initiators by living cationic polymerization having narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn=1.23−1.29) and contained very little, if any, presence of the linear homopolymer precursor, as evidenced by GPC. The LCST of this polymer depended on the end group fluorine composition and significant changes in cloud points were observed in water, as confirmed by static light scattering (SLS) measurements. As an example, aqueous solutions the star-shaped polymers without fluorine terminal groups showed no cloud point below up to 60 ºC in aqueous solution. After the fluoro-functionality was incorporated into the terminal groups, the cloud point of the aqueous solutions decreased to almost 20 ºC.
Concomitant Channel Cracking and Interfacial Delamination in Polymer/Oxide Nano Hybrid Permeation Barriers in Flexible Electronics
Authors: Jia Zheng , Tucker Matthew B. , Li Teng 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPolymer/oxide nano hybrid multilayer permeation barriers are emerging as a promising solution to the stringent barrier requirement of flexible electronics. Yet the mechanical failure of the multilayer permeation barriers could be fatal to their barrier performance. We study two co-evolving failure mechanisms of the multilayer permeation barriers under tension, namely, the cracking of the inorganic oxide layer and the delamination along the oxide-organic interface, using computational modeling. An effective driving force for the oxide layer cracking is determined, which decreases as the oxide-organic interfacial adhesion increases.
Structure and Strength of Silica-PDMS Nanocomposites
Authors: Camenzind Adrian , Schweizer Thomas , Sztucki Michael , Pratsinis Sotiris E. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTCommercially available SiO2 nanoparticles (Aerosil, Degussa) with varying primary particle diameter, specific surface area (SSA), degree of aggregation and structure (fractal dimension) were compounded into PDMS-based nanocomposites. Thin sections of cured nanocomposites were analyzed with TEM and small and ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (U/SAXS) with respect to nanocomposite structure such as: filler primary particle, aggregate (chemically or sinter-bonded particles) and agglomerate (physically-bonded particles). Tensile tests (Young’s modulus) were used to determine the nanocomposite strength which increased with increasing filler volume fraction (up to 12 vol%) consistent with “bound rubber” theory.
Novel Aster-like ZnO Nanowire Clusters for Nanocomposites
Authors: Ladanov Mikhail , Ram Manoj , Kumar Ashok , Matthews Garrett 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTZnO nanostructures have attracted a great deal of interest because of their biocompatibility and outstanding optical and piezoelectric properties. Their uses are widely varying, including incorporation in sensors, solar cells, and nanogenerators. Biological systems are yet another area of application of ZnO nanowires. Apart from their electrical and optical properties, ZnO nanostructures can be used for the mechanical reinforcement of existing biomimetic scaffolds such as collagen and/or other biodegradable polymers (poly(lactic acid), polyglycolide, poly(alkyene succinate)s or polyhydroxylalkanoates). In this work, we have demonstrated a cheap and comparatively facile hydrothermal growth method for the bulk production of ZnO nanostructures exhibiting an aster-like geometry. The novel nanostructures of ZnO can be used as reinforced material to biopolymers. The aster shape has presented an increased surface area, providing a means for enhancing the stabilization of the gels and\or polymers. With controllable growth of ZnO nanostructures this method allows the geometry which could be tuned for maximal coupling between the two phases of composite and increased mechanical strength.
Characterisation of Organic Semiconductor Growth using Real-time Electron Spectroscopy
Authors: Evans D. Andrew , Roberts Owain R. , Williams Gruffudd T. , Langstaff David. P. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTAn organic molecular beam deposition system coupled to a soft x-ray excitation source has been developed to monitor the growth of organic semiconductor thin films in-situ and in real-time. Rapid collection of photoelectron spectra has been enabled using a multichannel array detector coupled to a hemispherical analyzer. The organic semiconductor tin phthalocyanine (SnPc) exhibits a Stranski-Krastanov growth mode on a polycrystalline gold substrate where the transition thickness between layered and clustered growth has been determined to be comparable to the thickness of a single molecular layer within which the molecules are standing on edge relative to the substrate plane.
A Study on the Electronic Properties of Nitric Oxide Annealed MOS Structures Processed on 4H-SiC
Authors: Chew Kerlit , Tin Chin-Che , Ahyi Claude , Chong Kim Nie , Liang Meng Suan , Chong Sir Cong , Rusli  , Lew Kim Luong 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTInterface state density profiling of the thermal oxide / n-type 4H-SiC interface which underwent post-oxidation nitric-oxide (NO) annealing showed that an interface state density of approximately 1×1011 cm−2eV−1 could be achieved at around 0.2 eV below the conduction band. It decreased exponentially by two orders to 1×109 cm-2eV-1 at around 0.9 eV from the conduction band. The values are comparable or better than other published work. The low interface state density achieved near the conduction band is important towards improved channel carrier mobility in SiC MOSFETs. A positive flat-band voltage shift of the SiC based MOS capacitor was also observed. The shift reduced under UV illumination. It could be attributed to slow acceptor-like (negatively-charged) traps, which may have contributed to the instabilities observed in drain current and threshold voltage suffered by SiC MOSFETs.
The Development of Anodic Aluminum Oxide Based Micro-channel Plate for Large-area Photo-detector
Authors: Lee Seon Woo , Peng Qing , Mane Anil U. , Elam Jeffrey W. , Byrum Karen , Frisch Henry , Wang Hau 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTAnodized Aluminum Oxide (AAO) based micro-channel plates (MCP) are fabricated in order to develop economical large-area photodetectors. Commercially available glass capillary array has a limitation to reach channel diameter below ~10 microns. However, smaller channel diameter is desired for better spatial and fast timing resolution. AAO based MCP is a good candidate to produce channel diameter less than 10 um by taking advantage of the nano-scale intrinsic pores during etching process. In this study, various channel diameters are fabricated with use of lithographic patterning techniques and wet etching; and characterized with optical, atomic force, and scanning electron microscopies. The channel diameter, channel length and related aspect ratio, as well as the open area are varied in order to maximize the MCP photon amplification.