bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probable polybasic residues inserted into the cleavage site of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 hemagglutinin: Speculation of the next outbreak in humans
Authors: Kaiyawet Nopporn , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Hannongbua Supot 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe dissociation capability of the hemagglutinin precursor (HA0) to HA1 and HA2 is related to the degree of pathogenicity of influenza virus. The H5 strains that contain polybasic residues inserted at the cleavage site by the RXR/KR motif are recognized by the subtilisin‐like proteases and are associated with a high pathogenicity in humans. The available predicted amino acid sequences of the H5 subtype isolated from avian and human hosts were collected and aligned. As a result, most of the insertion types in viruses isolated from humans were also found in avian H5 isolates, but not in vice versa. With avian‐to‐human transmission, the unique avian H5 insertion types with the RXR/KR recognition motif were predicted as potential new candidates for the next highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in humans. Additionally, at most the two basic residues extended from the recognition motif were found to be optimum fit with the furin‐like enzyme. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of a membrane filtration device to form dried plasma spots for the quantitative determination of guanfacine in whole blood
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Henion Jack , Abbott Richard , Wang Phillip 
Published: April 2012

RATIONALEA two‐layered polymeric membrane is employed for the formation of separated dried plasma spots from whole blood as an alternative to the direct analysis of whole dried blood spots (DBS). This dried plasma spot (DPS) analysis procedure precludes potential issues of hematocrit differences in whole blood samples while providing pharmokinetic data from plasma rather than whole blood. The described procedure is also semi‐automated thus providing a simpler work flow for LC/MS/MS bioanalysis procedures.METHODSMolecular filtration of red blood cells (RBC) from applied microsamples of whole blood fortified with guanfacine and its stable isotope internal standard was accomplished with a two‐layer polymeric membrane substrate. The lower membrane surface containing the separated plasma spot was physically separated from the upper membrane followed by semi‐automated direct elution of the sample to an online solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridge followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).RESULTSA two‐layer membrane sample preparation substrate produced plasma from whole blood without centrifugation which could be directly eluted for semi‐automated LC/MS/MS bioanalysis. Standard curves were constructed by plotting peak area ratios between the analyte and the stable isotope labeled internal standard (SIL‐IS) versus the nominal concentration in whole blood. A weighted 1/x2 linear regression was applied to the data from DPS samples. Standard curves were linear over the range 0.25–250 ng/mL human whole blood. The representative regression equation was y = 0.0142x + 0.00248 (R2 = 0.995) for the described DPS assay.CONCLUSIONSThe described work demonstrates proof‐of‐principle using membrane sample preparation techniques to form DPS samples from whole blood for subsequent bioanalysis by LC/MS/MS. This approach has the potential to eliminate the hematocrit issues from the current controversy surrounding validation of DBS assays. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Searching for a subset of counterfeit coins: Randomization vs determinism and adaptiveness vs non‐adaptiveness
Authors: De Marco Gianluca , Kowalski Dariusz R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe are given n coins of which k are heavy (defective), while the remaining n ‐ k are light (good). We know both the weight of the good coins and the weight of the defective ones. Therefore, if we weigh a subset Q ⊆ S with a spring scale, then the outcome will tell us exactly the number of defectives contained in Q. The problem, known as Counterfeit Coins problem, is to identify the set of defective coins by minimizing the number of weighings, also called queries. It is well known that Θ(klog k +1(n/k)) queries are enough, even for non‐adaptive algorithms, in case k ≤ cn for some constant 0 < c < 1.A natural interesting generalization arises when we are required to identify any subset of m ≤ k defectives. We show that while for randomized algorithms
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queries are sufficient, the deterministic non‐adaptive counterpart still requires Θ(klog k +1(n/k)) queries, in case k ≤ n/28; therefore, finding any subset of defectives is not easier than finding all of them by a non‐adaptive deterministic algorithm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
Spillovers across organizational architectures: The role of prior resource allocation and communication in post‐acquisition coordination outcomes
Authors: Agarwal Rajshree , Anand Jaideep , Bercovitz Janet , Croson Rachel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe integrate insights from organization design, economic game theory, and social psychology to examine the role of prior resource allocation and communication in alleviating behavioral uncertainty arising in interunit coordination settings. We use the context of post‐acquisition coordination, focusing on the extent to which routines created under one organizational architecture (i.e., interorganizational alliances) may transfer to another organizational architecture (i.e., internal divisional structures via acquisition of alliance partners). Using a randomized experimental design, we find that prior resource allocation decisions in the absence of prior communication lowers post‐acquisition performance due to the development and transference of pre‐acquisition stage routines that may be inappropriate post‐acquisition. Post‐acquisition performance is aided, however, by the formation of noncompetitive routines in the pre‐acquisition stage in the presence of communication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural knowledge: how executive experience with structural composition affects intrafirm mobility and unit reconfiguration
Authors: Karim Samina , Williams Charles 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article explores how knowledge embodied in executives is tied to the organizational context in which it develops. Drawing on the knowledge‐based view of the firm and human capital theory, we predict that executives will move between units with similar ‘structural composition’—a characteristic representing unit origin (as acquired or internally developed) and how the unit was reconfigured. We further argue that executives will be conduits of organizational change. We predict that units receiving more transferred executives, executives with recombination experience, and executives from core internal units will have a greater likelihood of being recombined, while units receiving executives from previously acquired units will tend to remain unchanged. The study examines a 20‐year panel of 48 multidivisional firms from the U.S. medical sector. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Miniaturized Sensor Consisting of Concentric Metallic Nanorings on the End Facet of an Optical Fiber
Authors: Feng Shengfei , Darmawi Sabrina , Henning Torsten , Klar Peter J. , Zhang Xinping 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA polarization‐independent optical sensor is created by fabricating a concentric gold ring grating with a period of 900 nm on the end facet of an optical fiber. The sensing function of this miniaturized device is realized by sending white light as a probe to the gold rings and collecting the response signal in the back‐reflection through the optical fiber. A pronounced peak due to the Rayleigh anomaly of the gold ring grating is observed in the reflection spectrum, the center wavelength of which is sensitive to the change in the environmental refractive index of the fiber end facet. Theoretical analysis not only shows excellent agreement with the experimental results, but also gives insights into the mechanisms of this kind of sensor. Using the center position of the Rayleigh peak as the response signal, a high sensitivity dλ/dn of 900 nm per unity refractive index is realized for this sensor and a resolution of Δn/n ≈ 1% is demonstrated in preliminary experiments. The sensitivity is solely determined by the period of the grating.
Well‐Defined Nanoclusters as Fluorescent Nanosensors: A Case Study on Au25(SG)18
Authors: Wu Zhikun , Wang Man , Yang Jiao , Zheng Xiaohong , Cai Weiping , Meng Guowen , Qian Huifeng , Wang Huimin , Jin Rongchao 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe fluorescence of nanoparticles has attracted much attention in recent research, but in many cases the underlying mechanisms are difficult to evaluate due to the polydispersity of nanoparticles and their unknown structures, in particular the surface structures. Recent breakthroughs in the syntheses and structure determinations of well‐defined gold nanoclusters provide opportunities to conduct in‐depth investigations. Devising well‐defined nanocluster sensors based on fluorescence change is of particular interest not only for scientific studies but also for practical applications. Herein, the potential of the glutathionate (SG)‐capped Au25 nanocluster as a silver ion sensor is evaluated. The Ag+ detection limit of approximately 200 nM, based on the fluorescence enhancement and good linear fluorescence response in the silver ion concentration range from 20 nM to 11 μM, in combination with the good selectivity among 20 types of metal cations, makes Au25(SG)18 a good candidate for fluorescent sensors for silver ions. Further experiments reveal three important factors responsible for the unique fluorescence enhancement caused by silver ions: 1) the oxidation state change of Au25(SG)18; 2) the interaction of neutral silver species (Ag0, reduced by Au25(SG)18−) with Au25(SG)18; and 3) the interaction of Ag+ with Au25(SG)18. Experiments demonstrate the very different chemistry of hydrophobic Au25(SC2H4Ph)18 and hydrophilic Au25(SG)18 in the reaction with silver ions. This work indicates another potential application of gold nanoclusters, offers new strategies for nanocluster‐based chemical sensing, and reveals a new way to influence nanocluster chemistry for potential applications.
Physicochemical, morphological, structural, and thermal characteristics of starches separated from Bulbus fritillaria of different cultivars
Authors: Li Xia , Gao Wenyuan , Jiang Qianqian , Hao Juan , Guo Xinhua , Huang Luqi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe starches studied from the nine Fritillaria species had differently shaped and sized granules but all of them showed the presence of smooth, round, or elliptic‐shaped, indicating that the isolation process did not destroyed the starch granules. The nine Fritillaria starches presented different AM content, moisture content, ash content, particle size, swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacity and light transmittance. The starches isolated from Chuan‐Beimu species exhibited a higher amount of crude protein content and lower amount of AM than other the groups, which had lower swelling power, higher solubility and light transmittance. All the nine Fritillaria starches had an XRD pattern of the B‐type. In addition, F. hupehensis, F. walujewii and F. ussuriensis starches with fairly large‐sized or irregular granules had higher Tp and ΔHgel values than that isolated from the four Chuan‐Beimu species. The results obtained yielded information about the possible behavior of these starches when being used in certain applications. Cluster analysis results showed that this classification method based on macromolecule chemical compounds (starch) is original and credible in the quality control of various Beimu. In addition, it provided more information to the authentication systematics taxonomy methods including morphological, histological and molecular biological techniques of Fritillaria species.
Dendritic spine density in multisensory versus primary sensory cortex
Authors: Clemo H. Ruth , Meredith M. Alex 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn sensory areas, neuronal dendritic spines receive sensory‐specific inputs whose net activity drives neuronal spiking responses to effective external stimuli. Previous studies indicate that neurons in primary sensory cortical areas, which largely receive inputs from a single sensory modality, exhibit an average of 0.5–1.4 dendritic spines/μm, depending on species. In higher‐order, associational cortices, inputs converge from multiple sensory sources onto individual, multisensory neurons. This raises the question: when inputs from two different modalities converge onto individual neurons, how are the dendritic spines apportioned to subserve the generation of robust spiking responses to each modality? As inputs arrive from two different sensory sources, it might be expected that neurons in multisensory areas exhibit approximately double the spine density of neurons in areas that receive just one sensory input. The present study examined this possibility in Golgi‐stained neurons from ferret primary auditory (A1) and somatosensory (S1) cortices, as well as from regions in which inputs from two different sensory modalities converge: the lateral rostral suprasylvian sulcus (LRSS) and the rostral posterior parietal (PPr) areas. Dendritic spine density (spines/μm) was measured for pyramidal neurons in layers 2–3 and layers 5–6 for each cortical area from three animals using light microscopy. Primary sensory regions A1 and S1 showed remarkably similar average spine densities (A1 = 1.27 spines/μm ± 0.3 s.d.; S1 = 1.14 spines/μm ± 0.3), but average spine densities from the multisensory areas were lower (LRSS = 0.98 ± 0.3; PPr = 1.04 ± 0.3). Thus, for a given cortical area, dendritic spine density appears to be determined by factors other than the levels of sensory modality convergence. Synapse, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using Digital Texts to Promote Fluent Reading
Authors: Thoermer Andrea , Williams Lunetta 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFluency is a critical skill of adept readers. As listening to read alouds and performing Readers Theatre scripts are two prevalent strategies that can increase students' fluency skills, this article provides suggestions in using these strategies with digital texts through free, online resources. Digital texts can be accessed using a desktop, laptop, or handheld computer such as the iPad and can serve as a unique medium to motivate students to want to read and practice fluency skills and strategies. A table is included for teachers to explore other Web sites that can enhance students' fluency through digital texts.
A conception on the terahertz communication system for plasma sheath penetration
Authors: Li Jin , Pi Yiming , Yang Xiaobo 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe signal of a hypersonic spacecraft entering the Earth's atmosphere may be lost at a certain altitude transitorily. This phenomenon is called “blackout,” an important performance feature of aircraft design. Recently, with the development of the nearcraft, communication techniques under the plasma environment have increasingly become more important, with the realization that we can record, monitor, track, and capture the nearcraft. In this paper, an idea based on the capability of radiation from the terahertz communication system to penetrate the plasma sheath is proposed to provide the theoretical basis for real‐time communication with the nearcraft. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term efficacy of miglustat in paediatric patients with Niemann‐Pick disease type C
Authors: Chien Y. H. , Peng S. F. , Yang C. C. , Lee N. C. , Tsai L. K. , Huang A. C. , Su S. C. , Tseng C. C. , Hwu W. L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNiemann‐Pick disease type C (NP‐C) is a rare inherited neurovisceral disease characterized by progressive neurological manifestations. Oral miglustat was first approved for the treatment of children and adults with NP‐C in Europe in 2009. There are still relatively few published data on the long‐term efficacy and safety of miglustat in patients with NP‐C in clinical practice. We report the effects of up to 6 years of treatment with miglustat 100 mg t.i.d. in five children. Overall, 3/5 patients displayed progressive dysphagia before starting miglustat, and 4/5 showed marked cognitive and/or motor impairment. The mean age at treatment start was 11.6 years, and the median (range) duration of therapy so far is 4 (4.1 to 6.1) years. No treatment dose alterations were required, but therapy was interrupted for 1–3 months at least once in all patients due to supply issues. Swallowing function was stabilised during miglustat therapy, with no significant increase in Han dysphagia scale or aspiration‐penetration index scores among four evaluable patients (p > 0.05). Scores on the mini‐mental state examination indicated an improvement in cognitive function during the first 3–6 months of miglustat therapy, followed by stabilisation up to 5 years. Ambulatory function remained stable for at least the first 2 years of treatment in most patients, but there was a trend towards deterioration thereafter, possibly related to treatment interruptions. The safety/tolerability profile of miglustat was similar to previous clinical studies, although reports of gastrointestinal disturbances were rare. Overall, miglustat appeared to stabilise key parameters of neurological disease progression.
Tattooing among high school students in southern Taiwan: The prevalence, correlates and associations with risk‐taking behaviors and depression
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Hsiao Ray C. , Yen Ju‐Yu , Yeh Yi‐Chun , Wang Peng‐Wei , Lin Huang‐Chi , Ko Chih‐Hung 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis study aims to examine the prevalence and sociodemographics, family and peer correlates of tattooing among high school students in southern Taiwan, and to examine the associations between tattooing and a variety of adolescent risk‐taking behaviors and depression. A total of 9755 high school students (grades 7 to 12) in southern Taiwan were recruited into this study and completed the questionnaires. The prevalence of tattooing among the adolescents was calculated. The responses were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis models. It was found that 1% of high school students in southern Taiwan had 1 or more tattoos on their bodies. The older students who were perceived to have low family monitoring and who had friends who drink regularly, used illicit drugs, had a criminal record or were in a gang were more likely to have a tattoo. Tattooing was also found to be associated with violence, weekly alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, dropping out of school, unprotected sex, suicidal ideation/attempt, and depression. The results indicate that several demographics, family and peer factors are associated with adolescent tattooing. Tattooing may be an indicator of risk‐taking behaviors in high school students.
Acute aortic dissection: An update
Authors: De León Ayala Iván Alejandro , Chen Ying‐Fu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe aorta, which has a complex intrinsic biology and sophisticated mechanical properties for conducting the blood ejected from the left ventricle to the rest of the systemic arterial bed, is the largest and strongest artery in the body. It carries roughly 200 million liters of blood in an average lifetime. Any process that undermines the architecture threatens the structure, stability, and functionality of the aorta. In this regard, acute aortic dissection (AAD) requires special attention because it is the most catastrophic acute illness of the aorta; it has high morbidity and mortality because of potentially fatal complications. AAD has, therefore, become an important topic of recent research, and knowledge about this disease has improved during the past few years. Up‐to‐date knowledge about the natural history, epidemiology, presentation, physiopathology, evolution, management, follow‐up, and long‐term outcomes of AAD are summarized in this review.
The physician compliance of red blood cell transfusion by computerized transfusion decision support system
Authors: Chang Chao‐Sung , Lin Yu‐Chih , Lin Chiu‐Chu , Yeh Chi‐Jung , Wu Yung‐Chao , Lin Yi‐Ching 
Published: April 2012

Abstract“When should we trigger a transfusion?” is always a critical question between the patient's benefits and risks in red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. A computerized transfusion decision support system (CTDSS) has been used since September 2004 in an academic medical center with 1400 beds. In this study, the factors affecting RBC transfusion were investigated. In total 20,551 RBC‐transfusion episodes between January and December 2008 were reviewed. The nearest hemoglobin concentration before transfusion is defined as the transfusion trigger. The physician compliance, the factors associated with the transfusion triggers and posttransfusion hemoglobin increment were investigated. The physician compliance is 83.1%. The transfusion trigger is 8.32 ± 1.84 (mean ± standard deviation) g/dL. The transfusion triggers are statistically significant in terms of both different order sources and disease types (p < 0.05). The posttransfusion hemoglobin level increased in two‐thirds of the episodes. The percentages of hemoglobin increments after transfusion are dependent on the transfusion triggers. Appropriate transfusion practice may reduce the overuse of blood components and improve transfusion quality. CTDSS should be more powerful to intervene in the appropriateness of transfusion practice.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A
Authors: Huang Chiung‐Tang , Yang Wen‐Chi , Lin Sheng‐Fung 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMultiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is an autosomal dominant inherited cancer syndrome that expresses nonendocrine and endocrine tumors. Here, we describe a 42‐year‐old man with an initial presentation of low back pain and hypertension. Clinical assessments revealed pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma with bone metastasis, and parathyroid hyperplasia. MEN 2A was diagnosed, and a family history of pheochromocytoma was traced. Surgical resection of the pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland resulted in a cure of the patient's hypertension. He received systemic chemotherapy with the “MAID” regimen (mesna, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine) over three cycles of 3 weeks each, and showed a partial response.
Fracture of VerSys fully bead‐coated long femoral stems: Report on four fractures in 41 hips
Authors: Lu Hsueh‐Che , Lin Cheng‐Li , Chang Chih‐Wei , Lai Kuo‐An 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe fracture of uncemented, fully porous, coated femoral stems is a rare complication that develops after primary total hip arthroplasty, and it is even rarer after revision surgery. To the best of our knowledge, cases of only 10 broken fully coated stems have been reported. This is the first report on fracture of the VerSys fully bead‐coated femoral stem, which is designed for diaphyseal fixation and for application in revision surgery or when a proximal fixation is not feasible. Between 2000 and 2008, we implanted 41 VerSys fully coated stems in 40 patients. We present four cases of femoral stem fractures at 23, 31, 40, and 86 months after surgery. The common risk factors for these four patients were inadequate support for the implant in the proximal femur due to nonunion in this area, a stem diameter ≤12 mm, and a relatively young age.