bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computational study on the characteristics of airflow in bilateral abductor vocal fold immobility
Authors: Gökcan M. Kürşat , Kurtuluş D. Funda , Üstüner Evren , Özyürek Elif , Kesici G. Gökçen , Erdem S. Ceyhan , Dursun Gürsel , Yağci Cemil 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To evaluate airway sufficiency and airflow dynamics in a group of patients who underwent a posterior transverse laser cordotomy (PTLC) procedure.Study Design:Mixed methods research, university hospital setting.Methods:Sixteen patients who underwent a PTLC procedure volunteered to be involved in this study. Dyspnea levels, voice, and glottic opening in indirect laryngoscopy were evaluated subjectively. The airway was evaluated objectively by pulmonary function tests, and glottic areas were measured from axial computed tomography (CT) images. The control group consisted of 63 subjects from the tomography archive. For computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses, two subjects from the study group were chosen on the basis of obstruction level, and a normal female subject was selected from the control group. Cartesian coordinates for airway boundaries were determined from axial CT images, and a three‐dimensional computational model of the larynx was constructed. Flow simulations were performed with two different flow conditions during inspiration. Comparison of velocity, static pressure, turbulence intensity, and wall shear stress distribution values were made between selected cases and control.Results:Pulmonary data varied widely and did not correlate with the size of the glottic area or dyspnea level. CFD analyses revealed that in addition to obstruction at the glottic level, aerodynamic properties of the larynx are altered due to loss in muscular tonus. Also, the contour of the glottic opening was found to be very important in determining the character of airflow as laminar or turbulent.Conclusions:Patients have considerable differences in their flow patterns and force distributions during respiration. Patient‐specific models may help in evaluation and treatment planning. Laryngoscope, 2010
Leading with competence: Problem‐solving by leaders and followers
Authors: Bateman Thomas S. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractCharisma without substance and competence is meaningless, even dangerous, according to Thomas S. Bateman. The leadership field focuses so heavily on personality and interpersonal skills that the need for genuine competence is easily overlooked, he argues. Bateman explains three critical imperatives for leaders that some would say are obvious but that leaders and followers ignore all the time. “If leaders are willing to take the challenge,” he says, “this process offers a clear, actionable, competence‐based path to higher performance.”
To boost performance, connect with the core
Authors: Stallard Michael Lee , Pankau Jason 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe authors' research reveals that leaders whose organizations achieve high levels of performance are intentional about making core employees feel connected to them and to the organization. They have learned to build bridges that extend the feeling of connection to the core of the organization. These bridges come in three distinct forms that together create a Connection Culture. The authors detail how these three bridges work, using examples from two vastly different organizations.
A Solvent‐Free Dispersion Method for the Preparation of PET/MWCNT Composites
Authors: Santoro Gonzalo , Gómez Marian A. , Marco Carlos , Ellis Gary 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA simple, easily accessible solvent‐free method for the dispersion of MWCNTs into PET is proposed, based on the preparation of a microparticulate polymer/nanotube masterbatch via cryogenic impact‐milling and its subsequent melt blending with the bulk polymer. Thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared using this method were evaluated as a function of nanotube concentration. Thermal stability was improved, and superior crystallization behavior of PET in the nanocomposites was observed. Significant improvements of around 25% in tensile strength and tensile modulus of the nanocomposites was achieved using this strategy, with only 0.25 wt.‐% MWCNT, compared to previous literature data where 1 wt.‐% MWCNT was employed.magnified image
Solution Electrospinning of Polyolefins: The Effect of Comonomers in Propylene/α‐Olefin Copolymers
Authors: van Reenen Albert J. , Keulder Liesl 
Published: June 2010

AbstractTwo propylene copolymers with similar comonomer content and molecular weight were electrospun from solution. The 1‐octene and 1‐decene copolymers yielded ribbon‐like fibers. Isotactic poly(propylene) prepared by both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalyst systems could not be electrospun from the same solvent system used for the copolymers. The presence of the higher 1‐alkene comonomers in small amounts (about 1 mol‐%) not only affects the crystallinity of the polymer compared to the homopolymer, but appears to influence the solubility as well. The combined effect of lowering crystallinity and increasing solubility indicates that the use of higher 1‐alkene comonomers in low amounts could be a route to prepare poly(propylene) based electrospun fibers.magnified image
Resveratrol confers resistance against taxol via induction of cell cycle arrest in human cancer cell lines
Authors: Mao Qi‐Qi , Bai Yu , Lin Yi‐Wei , Zheng Xiang‐Yi , Qin Jie , Yang Kai , Xie Li‐Ping 
Published: June 2010

AbstractResveratrol, which is highly concentrated in the skin of grapes and is abundant in red wine, has been demonstrated to account for several beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects. Taxol is a microtubule‐stabilizing drug that has been extensively used as effective chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we investigated whether the combination of the two compounds would yield increased antitumor efficacy in human cancer cells. Unexpectedly, resveratrol effectively prevented tumor cell death induced by taxol in 5637 bladder cancer cells. This pronounced antagonistic function of resveratrol against taxol was associated with changes in multiple signal transduction pathways, but not with tubulin polymerization. Importantly, cell cycle analysis showed that resveratrol prevented the cells from entering into mitosis, the phase in which taxol exerts its action. Furthermore, resveratrol blocked the cytotoxic effects of vinblastine but not cisplatin in 5637 cells. Interestingly, resveratrol pre‐treatment followed by taxol resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity. Finally, we extended our studies to various human cancer cell lines. Taken together, our results indicate that resveratrol may have the potential to negate the therapeutic efficacy of taxol and suggest that consumption of resveratrol‐related products may be contraindicated during cancer therapy with taxol.
Biomarkers of antioxidant status following ingestion of green teas at different polyphenol concentrations and antioxidant capacity in human volunteers
Authors: Pecorari Monia , Villaño Debora , Francesca Testa Maria , Schmid Marc , Serafini Mauro 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn a randomized cross‐over study, 15 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mL of green tea (GTFT) with different solid contents (1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 g/L) to induce a dose–response effect on plasma antioxidant capacity. Ingestion of GTFT 2.0 g/L significantly increased plasma reducing power (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) at 1 h (+2.9%; p<0.01), 2 h (+2.5%; p<0.05) and 4 h (+3.6%; p<0.01). GTFT 1.8 g/L showed statistical significance at 1 h (+4.3%; p<0.01) and 2 h (+4.4%; p<0.01), whereas GTFT 1.6 g/L was effective only at 1 h (+2.9%; p<0.01) and GTFT 1.4 g/L did not induce any changes. The maximum peak of increase in plasma FRAP for different GTFTs was clearly correlated with in vitro FRAP (R=0.778). GTFT 2.0 g/L significantly increased plasma antioxidant potential (total radical‐trapping antioxidant parameter) at 1 h (+8.4%; p<0.01), 2 h (+4.4%; p<0.05) and 4 h (+5.9%; p<0.01). The effect of GTFT 1.8 g/L was evident at 1 h (+5.2%; p<0.05) and 2 h (+4.6%; p<0.05) but not at 4 h. No changes in plasma total radical‐trapping antioxidant parameter were detected for GTFT at 1.6 and 1.4 g/L. An evidence for a linear correlation between GTFT antioxidant content and the extent of the antioxidant effect in vivo has been provided.
Intention‐to‐treat in randomized controlled trials: Recommendations for a total trial strategy
Authors: Polit Denise F. , Gillespie Brigid M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIntention‐to‐treat (ITT) in randomized controlled trials involves keeping participants in the treatment groups to which they were randomized regardless of whether they withdraw following randomization. Intention‐to‐treat is a strategy for maintaining the integrity of randomization and strengthening the trial's internal validity. Although ITT is advocated by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines, there is confusion about what ITT means and little specific advice on how to achieve it. The purpose of this article is to present definitions of ITT and to suggest strategies for implementing ITT as a total design strategy in nursing clinical trials. Recommendations are offered regarding study planning, study design, subject retention, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and reporting within the context of ITT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:355–368, 2010
Seven‐year experience of using Repiphysis® expandable prosthesis in children with bone tumors
Authors: Saghieh Said , Abboud Miguel R. , Muwakkit Samar A. , Saab Raya , Rao Bhaskar , Haidar Rachid 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundResults of the use of the non‐invasive expandable endoprosthetic device Repiphysis® in limb salvage surgery for skeletally immature children with bone cancer have been promising.ProcedureIn this report, we analyze the outcomes and complications associated with using 17 Repiphysis® prosthesis from January 2002 to March 2009 in 17 skeletally immature children with bone sarcoma around the knee.ResultsThe average follow‐up was 61.7 months. All patients who underwent active expansion experienced successful lengthening with a total of 38 lengthening sessions and an average of 8.6 mm gained per session. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores averaged 90% at the most recent follow‐up. The average survival time of the device from implementation to revision or last follow‐up was 2 years and 8 months. There were 12 complications in 12 patients, including 6 mechanical problems, 2 tibial fractures and 3 infections. For the 17 insertions, 7 revision operations were performed, 3 of which were done using a new Repiphysis® device.ConclusionsDespite the high rate of complications, the goal of achieving equal leg length at skeletal maturity with fewer surgeries per patient has been relatively achieved with the use of this device. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:457–463. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MiR‐34a attenuates paclitaxel‐resistance of hormone‐refractory prostate cancer PC3 cells through direct and indirect mechanisms
Authors: Kojima Keitaro , Fujita Yasunori , Nozawa Yoshinori , Deguchi Takashi , Ito Masafumi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDPatients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer are treated with taxane drugs, but eventually become drug resistant. We aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying paclitaxel resistance of hormone‐refractory prostate cancer with a special focus on the roles of miR‐34a and SIRT1.METHODSPaclitaxel‐resistant cells (PC3PR) were generated from hormone‐refractory PC3 cells. The expression levels of mRNA and miRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR and those of protein were by Western blot analysis. Transfection of miRNA precursor or siRNA was performed using the liposome‐mediated method.RESULTSMiR‐34a over‐expression and SIRT1 knockdown attenuated paclitaxel resistance of PC3PR cells. MiR‐34a expression was reduced in PC3PR cells compared with PC3 cells, while the expression levels of HuR and Bcl2 as well as SIRT1 were elevated in PC3PR cells. Luciferase reporter assays revealed that both SIRT1 3′‐UTR and promoter activities were higher in PC3PR cells than in PC3 cells. Introduction of miR‐34a precursor into PC3PR cells resulted in decreases in HuR, Bcl2, and SIRT1 expression and inhibition of the SIRT1 3′‐UTR activity. HuR knockdown reduced SIRT1 and Bcl2 expression. These results suggest that miR‐34a not only directly but also indirectly via regulating HuR expression acts on the 3′‐UTR of SIRT1 and Bcl2 mRNAs, thereby controlling their expression. Thus, in PC3PR cells, reduced expression of miR‐34a confers paclitaxel resistance via up‐regulating SIRT1 and Bcl2 expression.CONCLUSIONSMiR‐34a and its downstream targets SIRT1 and Bcl2 play important roles in the development of paclitaxel resistance, all of which can be useful biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for the drug resistance in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 1501–1512, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The measured and calculated affinity of methyl‐ and methoxy‐substituted benzoquinones for the QAsite of bacterial reaction centers
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Dutton P. Leslie , Gunner M. R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractQuinones play important roles in mitochondrial and photosynthetic energy conversion acting as intramembrane, mobile electron, and proton carriers between catalytic sites in various electron transfer proteins. They display different affinity, selectivity, functionality, and exchange dynamics in different binding sites. The computational analysis of quinone binding sheds light on the requirements for quinone affinity and specificity. The affinities of 10 oxidized, neutral benzoquinones were measured for the high affinity QAsite in the detergent‐solubilizedRhodobacter sphaeroidesbacterial photosynthetic reaction center. Multiconformation Continuum Electrostatics was then used to calculate their relative binding free energies by grand canonical Monte Carlo sampling with a rigid protein backbone, flexible ligand, and side chain positions and protonation states. Van der Waals and torsion energies, Poisson–Boltzmann continuum electrostatics, and accessible surface area‐dependent ligand–solvent interactions are considered. An initial, single cycle of GROMACS backbone optimization improves the match with experiment as do coupled‐ligand and side‐chain motions. The calculations match experiment with an root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 2.29 and a slope of 1.28. The affinities are dominated by favorable protein–ligand van der Waals rather than electrostatic interactions. Each quinone appears in a closely clustered set of positions. Methyl and methoxy groups move into the same positions as found for the native quinone. Difficulties putting methyls into methoxy sites are observed. Calculations using a solvent‐accessible surface area–dependent implicit van der Waals interaction smoothed out small clashes, providing a better match to experiment with a RMSD of 0.77 and a slope of 0.97. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consistent refinement of submitted models at CASP using a knowledge‐based potential
Authors: Chopra Gaurav , Kalisman Nir , Levitt Michael 
Published: June 2010

AbstractProtein structure refinement is an important but unsolved problem; it must be solved if we are to predict biological function that is very sensitive to structural details. Specifically, critical assessment of techniques for protein structure prediction (CASP) shows that the accuracy of predictions in the comparative modeling category is often worse than that of the template on which the homology model is based. Here we describe a refinement protocol that is able to consistently refine submitted predictions for all categories at CASP7. The protocol uses direct energy minimization of the knowledge‐based potential of mean force that is based on the interaction statistics of 167 atom types (Summa and Levitt, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2007; 104:3177–3182). Our protocol is thus computationally very efficient; it only takes a few minutes of CPU time to run typical protein models (300 residues). We observe an average structural improvement of 1% in GDT_TS, for predictions that have low and medium homology to known PDB structures (Global Distance Test score or GDT_TS between 50 and 80%). We also observe a marked improvement in the stereochemistry of the models. The level of improvement varies amongst the various participants at CASP, but we see large improvements (>10% increase in GDT_TS) even for models predicted by the best performing groups at CASP7. In addition, our protocol consistently improved the best predicted models in the refinement category at CASP7 and CASP8. These improvements in structure and stereochemistry prove the usefulness of our computationally inexpensive, powerful and automatic refinement protocol. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CRK: An evolutionary approach for distinguishing biologically relevant interfaces from crystal contacts
Authors: Schärer Martin A. , Grütter Markus G. , Capitani Guido 
Published: June 2010

AbstractProtein crystals contain two different types of interfaces: biologically relevant ones, observed in protein–protein complexes and oligomeric proteins, and nonspecific ones, corresponding to crystal lattice contacts. Because of the increasing complexity of the objects being tackled in structural biology, distinguishing biological contacts from crystal contacts is not always a trivial task and can lead to wrong interpretation of macromolecular structures. We devised an approach (CRK, core‐rim Ka/Ks ratio) for distinguishing biologically relevant interfaces from nonspecific ones. Given a protein–protein interface, CRK finds a set of homologs to the sequences of the proteins involved in the interface, retrieves and aligns the corresponding coding sequences, on which it carries out a residue‐by‐residue Ka/Ks ratio (ω) calculation. It divides interface residues into a “rim” and a “core” set and analyzes the selection pressure on the residues belonging to the two sets. We developed and tested CRK on different datasets and test cases, consisting of biologically relevant contacts, nonspecific ones or of both types. The method proves very effective in distinguishing the two categories of interfaces, with an overall accuracy rate of 84%. As it relies on different principles when compared with existing tools, CRK is optimally suited to be used in combination with them. In addition, CRK has potential applications in the validation of structures of oligomeric proteins and protein complexes. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards a unified formulation of dynamics and thermodynamics II. Dissipative processes and entropy production
Authors: Paidarová Ivana , Durand Philippe 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe mean values of the macroscopic observables determined in the first paper of the series are used to estimate the intensive parameters of extended Gibbs probability densities. Assuming that the standard deviations of the observables are constant leads to simple exact formulae for the entropy production, thus, extending far from equilibrium, the range of validity of the classical Onsager–Prigogine theory. The regression of a fluctuation and a model of chemical reaction allow to quantify the concept of time‐dependent accompanying entropy. The analysis is especially relevant for oscillating regimes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Theoretical studies on hydrogen bonding interactions: From small clusters to the liquid phase
Authors: Rivelino Roberto 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis article discusses some methodological aspects and applications of hydrogen bonding interactions in molecular aggregates, as well as in liquids, that have currently been considered in the literature. First, the concept of a hydrogen bond is revisited from the classic picture of a H‐bonded pair of molecules. Second, an analysis of the interaction energy into various physically meaningful terms is presented within the quantum mechanical scope and applied for different H‐bonded complexes. Third, cooperative effects are quantitatively considered in terms of electronic redistribution upon complexation. Fourth, some results are reviewed and new insights into the fundamental nature of the hydrogen bonding interaction are reported. Finally, the fundamental forces responsible for the formation of hydrogen bonds in condensed phase are examined by means of atomistic simulations based on classical force fields. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Chemical surface passivation of 3C‐SiC nanocrystals: A first‐principle study
Authors: Trejo A. , Calvino M. , Cruz‐Irisson M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe effect of the chemical surface passivation, with hydrogen atoms, on the energy band gap of porous cubic silicon carbide (PSiC) was investigated. The pores are modeled by means of the supercell technique, in which columns of Si and/or C atoms are removed along the [001] direction. Within this supercell model, morphology effects can be analyzed in detail. The electronic band structure is performed using the density functional theory based on the generalized gradient approximation. Two types of pores are studied: C‐rich and Si‐rich pores surface. The enlargement of energy band gap is greater in the C‐rich than Si‐rich pores surface. This supercell model emphasizes the interconnection between 3C‐SiC nanocrystals, delocalizing the electronic states. However, the results show a clear quantum confinement signature, which is contrasted with that of nanowire systems. The calculation shows a significant response to changes in surface passivation with hydrogen. The chemical tuning of the band gap opens the possibility plenty applications in nanotechnology. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110:2455–2461, 2010
Determination of triclosan metabolites by using in‐source fragmentation from high‐performance liquid chromatography/negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Jian‐lin , Liu Jie , Cai Zongwei 
Published: June 2010

AbstractTriclosan is a widely used broad‐spectrum antibacterial agent that acts by specifically inhibiting enoyl–acyl carrier protein reductase. Anin vitrometabolic study of triclosan was performed by using Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat liver S9 and microsome, while theinvivometabolism was investigated on SD rats. Twelve metabolites were identified by using in‐source fragmentation from high‐performance liquid chromatography/negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/APCI‐ITMS) analysis. Compared to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) that gave little fragmentation for triclosan and its metabolites, the in‐source fragmentation under APCI provided intensive fragmentations for the structural identifications. Theinvitrometabolic rate of triclosan was quantitatively determined by using HPLC/ESI‐ITMS with the monitoring of the selected triclosan molecular ion. The metabolism results indicated that glucuronidation and sulfonation were the major pathways of phase II metabolism and the hydroxylated products were the major phase I metabolites. Moreover, glucose, mercapturic acid and cysteine conjugates of triclosan were also observed in the urine samples of rats orally administrated with triclosan. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.