bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic hepatitis C infection in the elderly
Authors: Huang Chung‐Feng , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) tends to be higher in the elderly in many countries. Aging is regarded as an unfavorable factor for liver disease progression and treatment outcome in HCV infection. The efficacy and safety of treating elderly patients remain a source of significant debate. Discrepancies in results may be attributed to dissimilarities in study design and treatment regimens. The long‐term benefits of administering interferon‐based therapy to elderly patients with HCV infection is a critical issue when taking the patient's remaining life expectancy into consideration. Rapid virological response is the most notable on‐treatment response factor that is predictive of treatment success in elderly patients. A shortened treatment course may reduce drug‐related side effects and promote treatment adherence, especially in the elderly. A regimen tailored towards super‐responders might provide insights for treatment strategies in elderly patients.
KMUP‐1 inhibits L‐type Ca2+ channels involved the protein kinase C in rat basilar artery myocytes
Authors: Chen Jun‐Yih , Jiang Min‐Chi , Chu Li‐Wen , Hsieh Su‐Ling , Chen Ing‐Jun , Wu Bin‐Nan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study investigated whether KMUP‐1, a xanthine‐based derivative, inhibits L‐type Ca2+ currents (ICa,L) in rat basilar artery smooth muscle cells (RBASMCs). We used whole cell patch‐clamp recording to monitor Ba2+ currents (IBa) through L‐type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs). Under voltage–clamp conditions, holding at –40 mV, KMUP‐1 (1, 3, 10 μM) inhibited IBa in a concentration‐dependent manner and its IC50 value was 2.27 ± 0.45 μM. A high concentration of KMUP‐1 (10 μM) showed without modifying the IBa current–voltage relationship. On the other hand, the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA, 1 μM) increase IBa was inhibited by KMUP‐1. Pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (5 μM) intensified KMUP‐1‐inhibited IBa. However, the Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 (30 μM) failed to affect the IBa inhibition by KMUP‐1. In light of these results, we suggest that KMUP‐1 inhibition of LTCCs in concentration‐ and voltage‐dependent manners in RBASMCs may be due, at least in part, to its modulation of the PKC pathway.
Imbalance of arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine is associated with markers of circulatory failure, organ failure and mortality in shock patients
Authors: Visser Marlieke , Vermeulen Mechteld A. R. , Richir Milan C. , Teerlink Tom , Houdijk Alexander P. J. , Kostense Piet J. , Wisselink Willem , de Mol Bas A. J. M. , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M. 
Published: December 2011

In shock, organ perfusion is of vital importance because organ oxygenation is at risk. NO, the main endothelial-derived vasodilator, is crucial for organ perfusion and coronary patency. The availability of NO might depend on the balance between a substrate (arginine) and an inhibitor (asymmetric dimethylarginine; ADMA) of NO synthase. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of arginine, ADMA and their ratio with circulatory markers, disease severity, organ failure and mortality in shock patients. In forty-four patients with shock (cardiogenic n 17, septic n 27), we prospectively measured plasma arginine and ADMA at intensive care unit admission, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II-(predicted mortality) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and circulatory markers to investigate their relationship. Arginine concentration was decreased (34·6 (sd 17·9) μmol/l) while ADMA concentration was within the normal range (0·46 (sd 0·18) μmol/l), resulting in a decrease in the arginine:ADMA ratio. The ratio correlated with several circulatory markers (cardiac index, disseminated intravascular coagulation, bicarbonate, lactate and pH), APACHE II and SOFA score, creatine kinase and glucose. The arginine:ADMA ratio showed an association (OR 0·976, 95 % CI 0·963, 0·997, P = 0·025) and a diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve 0·721, 95 % CI 0·560, 0·882, P = 0·016) for hospital mortality, whereas the arginine or ADMA concentration alone or APACHE II-predicted mortality failed to do so. In conclusion, in shock patients, the imbalance of arginine and ADMA is related to circulatory failure, organ failure and disease severity, and predicts mortality. We propose a pathophysiological mechanism in shock: the imbalance of arginine and ADMA contributes to endothelial and cardiac dysfunction resulting in poor organ perfusion and organ failure, thereby increasing the risk of death.
Armed groups' organizational structure and their strategic options
Authors: Sinno Abdulkader H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe organizational structures of armed groups, whether they develop by accident or by design, affect their strategic choices during the conflict and their ability to enter peace agreements. This article explains how frequently encountered structures such as centralized, decentralized, networked, and patronage-based ones affect strategic choices for the organization and its opponents. Only centralized organizations can make use of sophisticated strategies such as ‘divide and conquer’, ‘co-option’, and ‘hearts and minds’, and can engage in successful peace agreements. Centralized armed organizations that do not have a safe haven within the contested territory tend to be very vulnerable, however, which makes peace less attractive to their opponents and explains in part why long-lasting peace agreements between such groups and their opponents are rare.
Comparative metagenomic, phylogenetic and physiological analyses of soil microbial communities across nitrogen gradients
Authors: Fierer Noah , Lauber Christian L , Ramirez Kelly S , Zaneveld Jesse , Bradford Mark A , Knight Rob 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Terrestrial ecosystems are receiving elevated inputs of nitrogen (N) from anthropogenic sources and understanding how these increases in N availability affect soil microbial communities is critical for predicting the associated effects on belowground ecosystems. We used a suite of approaches to analyze the structure and functional characteristics of soil microbial communities from replicated plots in two long-term N fertilization experiments located in contrasting systems. Pyrosequencing-based analyses of 16S rRNA genes revealed no significant effects of N fertilization on bacterial diversity, but significant effects on community composition at both sites; copiotrophic taxa (including members of the Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla) typically increased in relative abundance in the high N plots, with oligotrophic taxa (mainly Acidobacteria) exhibiting the opposite pattern. Consistent with the phylogenetic shifts under N fertilization, shotgun metagenomic sequencing revealed increases in the relative abundances of genes associated with DNA/RNA replication, electron transport and protein metabolism, increases that could be resolved even with the shallow shotgun metagenomic sequencing conducted here (average of 75 000 reads per sample). We also observed shifts in the catabolic capabilities of the communities across the N gradients that were significantly correlated with the phylogenetic and metagenomic responses, indicating possible linkages between the structure and functioning of soil microbial communities. Overall, our results suggest that N fertilization may, directly or indirectly, induce a shift in the predominant microbial life-history strategies, favoring a more active, copiotrophic microbial community, a pattern that parallels the often observed replacement of K-selected with r-selected plant species with elevated N.
Microbial diversity of biofilm communities in microniches associated with the didemnid ascidian Lissoclinum patella
Authors: Behrendt Lars , Larkum Anthony W D , Trampe Erik , Norman Anders , Sørensen Søren J , Kühl Michael 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We assessed the microbial diversity and microenvironmental niche characteristics in the didemnid ascidian Lissoclinum patella using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, microsensor and imaging techniques. L. patella harbors three distinct microbial communities spatially separated by few millimeters of tunic tissue: (i) a biofilm on its upper surface exposed to high irradiance and O2 levels, (ii) a cloacal cavity dominated by the prochlorophyte Prochloron spp. characterized by strong depletion of visible light and a dynamic chemical microenvironment ranging from hyperoxia in light to anoxia in darkness and (iii) a biofilm covering the underside of the animal, where light is depleted of visible wavelengths and enriched in near-infrared radiation (NIR). Variable chlorophyll fluorescence imaging demonstrated photosynthetic activity, and hyperspectral imaging revealed a diversity of photopigments in all microhabitats. Amplicon sequencing revealed the dominance of cyanobacteria in all three layers. Sequences representing the chlorophyll d containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina and anoxygenic phototrophs were abundant on the underside of the ascidian in shallow waters but declined in deeper waters. This depth dependency was supported by a negative correlation between A. marina abundance and collection depth, explained by the increased attenuation of NIR as a function of water depth. The combination of microenvironmental analysis and fine-scale sampling techniques used in this investigation gives valuable first insights into the distribution, abundance and diversity of bacterial communities associated with tropical ascidians. In particular, we show that microenvironments and microbial diversity can vary significantly over scales of a few millimeters in such habitats; which is information easily lost by bulk sampling.
More than one dynamic crossover in protein hydration water
Authors: Mazza Marco G. , Stokely Kevin , Pagnotta Sara E. , Bruni Fabio , Stanley H. Eugene , Franzese Giancarlo 
Published: December 2011

Studies of liquid water in its supercooled region have helped us better understand the structure and behavior of water. Bulk water freezes at its homogeneous nucleation temperature (approximately 235 K), but protein hydration water avoids this crystallization because each water molecule binds to a protein. Here, we study the dynamics of the hydrogen bond (HB) network of a percolating layer of water molecules and compare the measurements of a hydrated globular protein with the results of a coarse-grained model that successfully reproduces the properties of hydration water. Using dielectric spectroscopy, we measure the temperature dependence of the relaxation time of proton charge fluctuations. These fluctuations are associated with the dynamics of the HB network of water molecules adsorbed on the protein surface. Using Monte Carlo simulations and mean-field calculations, we study the dynamics and thermodynamics of the model. Both experimental and model analyses are consistent with the interesting possibility of two dynamic crossovers, (
i
) at approximately 252 K and (
ii
) at approximately 181 K. Because the experiments agree with the model, we can relate the two crossovers to the presence at ambient pressure of two specific heat maxima. The first is caused by fluctuations in the HB formation, and the second, at a lower temperature, is due to the cooperative reordering of the HB network.
DMAN: a Java tool for analysis of multi-well differential scanning fluorimetry experiments
Authors: Wang Conan K. , Weeratunga Saroja K. , Pacheco Chris M. , Hofmann Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Summary: Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a rapid technique that can be used in structural biology to study protein–ligand interactions. We have developed DMAN, a novel tool to analyse multi-well plate data obtained in DSF experiments. DMAN is easy to install and provides a user-friendly interface. Multi-well plate layouts can be designed by the user and experimental data can be annotated and analysed by DMAN according to the specified plate layout. Statistical tests for significance are performed automatically, and graphical tools are also provided to assist in data analysis. The modular concept of this software will allow easy development of other multi-well plate analysis applications in the future.
Availability and implementation: DMAN is implemented in Java to provide a cross-platform compatibility. It is freely available to academic users at http://www.structuralchemistry.org/pcsb/. To download DMAN, users will be asked for their name, institution and email address. A manual can also be downloaded from this site.
Contact: conan.wang@griffith.edu.au; a.hofmann@griffith.edu.au
Evaluation of Pulse Cooximetry in Patients Undergoing Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery
Authors: Applegate Richard L. , Barr Steven J. , Collier Carl E. , Rook James L. , Mangus Dustin B. , Allard Martin W. 
Published: December 2011

Background
Intraoperative transfusion decisions generally are guided by blood loss estimation and periodic invasive hemoglobin measurement. Continuous hemoglobin measurement by pulse cooximetry (pulse hemoglobin; Rainbow® SET Pulse CO-Oximeter, Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA) has good agreement with laboratory hemoglobin in healthy volunteers and could aid transfusion decision-making. Because intraoperative physiology may alter performance of this device, this study investigated pulse hemoglobin during surgery.

Methods
Ninety-one adult patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery in which large blood loss was likely were studied. Time-matched pulse hemoglobin measurements were recorded for each intraoperative arterial hemoglobin measurement obtained. Agreement between measurements was assessed by average difference (mean ± SD, g/dl), linear regression, and multiple measures Bland-Altman analysis.

Results
The average difference between 360 time-matched measurements (bias) was 0.50 ± 1.44 g/dl, with wider limits of agreement (-2.3 to 3.3 g/dl) than reported in healthy volunteers. The average difference between 269 paired sequential pulse and arterial hemoglobin changes was 0.10 ± 1.11 g/dl, with half between -0.6 and 0.7 g/dl of each other. The bias was larger in patients with blood loss of more than 1,000 ml; hemoglobin less than 9.0 g/dl; any intraoperative transfusion; or intraoperative decrease in arterial hemoglobin at the time of sampling ≥2 g/dl (all P < 0.001). The range of bias was narrower at deeper anesthesia (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Evaluation of the sensor and software version tested suggests that although pulse cooximetry may perform well in ambulatory subjects, in patients undergoing surgery in which large blood loss is likely, an invasive measurement should be used in transfusion decision-making.
The safety and efficacy of oral docosahexaenoic acid supplementation for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis – a pilot study
Authors: Martin C. R. , Blanco P. G. , Keach J. C. , Petz J. L. , Zaman M. M. , Bhaskar K. R. , Cluette‐Brown J. E. , Gautam S. , Sheth S. , Afdhal N. H. , Lindor K. D. , Freedman S. D. 
Published: December 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 255–265SummaryBackground  Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterised by progressive inflammatory and fibrotic destruction of the biliary ducts. There are no effective medical therapies and presently high dose ursodeoxycholic acid is no longer recommended due to significant adverse events in a recent clinical trial. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction is associated with PSC in both children and adults. Since CFTR dysfunction leads to altered fatty acid metabolism, specifically reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), we hypothesised that DHA supplementation might be an effective therapy for patients with PSC.Aim  To determine the safety and efficacy of oral DHA supplementation for the treatment of PSC.Methods  We conducted a 12 month open‐label pilot study to evaluate safety of oral DHA and its effects on serum alkaline phosphatase as a primary outcome measure in 23 patients with PSC. DHA was administered orally at 800 mg twice per day. Secondary outcomes included changes in other liver function tests and fibrosis biomarkers.Results  A 1.7‐fold increase in serum DHA levels was observed with supplementation. The mean alkaline phosphatase level (±S.E.) at baseline was 357.8 ± 37.1 IU compared to 297.1 ± 23.7 IU (P < 0.05) after 12 months of treatment. There were no changes in other liver function tests and fibrosis biomarkers. No adverse events were reported.Conclusions  Oral DHA supplementation is associated with an increase in serum DHA levels and a significant decline in alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with PSC. These data support the need for a rigorous trial of DHA therapy in PSC.
Biogeography of pelagic bacterioplankton across an antagonistic temperature–salinity gradient in the Red Sea
Authors: NGUGI DAVID KAMANDA , ANTUNES ANDRÉ , BRUNE ANDREAS , STINGL ULRICH 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe Red Sea is a unique marine ecosystem with contrasting gradients of temperature and salinity along its north‐to‐south axis. It is an extremely oligotrophic environment that is characterized by perpetual year‐round water column stratification, high annual solar irradiation, and negligible riverine and precipitation inputs. In this study, we investigated whether the contemporary environmental conditions shape community assemblages by pyrosequencing 16S rRNA genes of bacteria in surface water samples collected from the northeastern half of this water body. A combined total of 1855 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were recovered from the ‘small‐cell’ and ‘large‐cell’ fractions. Here, a few major OTUs affiliated with Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria accounted for ∼93% of all sequences, whereas a tail of ‘rare’ OTUs represented most of the diversity. OTUs allied to Surface 1a/b SAR11 clades and Prochlorococcus related to the high‐light‐adapted (HL2) ecotype were the most widespread and predominant sequence types. Interestingly, the frequency of taxa that are typically found in the upper mesopelagic zone was significantly elevated in the northern transects compared with those in the central, presumably as a direct effect of deep convective mixing in the Gulf of Aqaba and water exchange with the northern Red Sea. Although temperature was the best predictor of species richness across all major lineages, both spatial and environmental distances correlated strongly with phylogenetic distances. Our results suggest that the bacterial diversity of the Red Sea is as high as in other tropical seas and provide evidence for fundamental differences in the biogeography of pelagic communities between the northern and central regions.
Shear‐wave velocity structure of South America from Rayleigh‐wave analysis
Authors: Corchete Victor 
Published: December 2011

Terra Nova, 24, 87–104, 2012AbstractThe elastic structure beneath South America is shown by means of S‐velocity maps for depths ranging from zero to 400 km, determined by the regionalization and inversion of Rayleigh‐wave dispersion. The traces of 128 earthquakes, occurring from 1990 to 2009, have been used to obtain Rayleigh‐wave dispersion data. These earthquakes were registered by 71 seismic station located in South America. The dispersion curves were obtained for periods between 5 and 250 s, by digital filtering with a combination of Multiple Filter Technique and Time Variable Filtering techniques. Later, all seismic events (and some stations) were grouped to obtain a dispersion curve for each source‐station path. These dispersion curves were regionalized and inverted according to the generalized inversion theory, to obtain shear‐wave velocity models for rectangular blocks 4° × 4° in size. The shear‐velocity structure obtained through this procedure is shown in the S‐velocity maps plotted for several depths. These results agree well with the geology and other geophysical results previously obtained. The obtained S‐velocity models suggest the existence of lateral and vertical heterogeneity. The zones with consolidated and old structures (such as shields, cratons and massifs) present greater S‐velocity values than the other zones, although this difference can be very little or negligible in some case. Nevertheless, in the depth range of 15–65 km, the different Moho depths present in the study area generate the principal variation of S‐velocity. Finally, a very interesting feature found in this study is the existence of a low S‐velocity channel beneath South America, from 180 to 280 km of depth, in which the S‐velocity decreases with depth.
Response of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers to amoxicillin trihydrate–clavulanate potassium therapy: a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled prospective study
Authors: Wildermuth Brett E. , Griffin Craig E. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this study, we evaluated the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers with amoxicillin trihydrate–potassium clavulanate (Clavamox®; Pfizer Animal Health). Nineteen cats with clinical and cytological findings consistent with eosinophilic plaques and/or lip ulcers were enrolled. Lesions were photographed and their areas measured in square centimetres before and after 21 days of therapy with either flavoured amoxicillin‐clavulanate suspension or flavoured placebo suspension. Sixteen cats completed the study, with nine plaque lesions (four treatment and five placebo) and eight lip ulcer lesions (four treatment and four placebo) included in the analysis. All lesions were shown to have infection, with bacterial phagocytosis present on cytological examination. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci were the most commonly isolated bacteria. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated eosinophilic plaque group had a statistically significant 96.2% reduction in mean lesion size (−7.60 cm2, P = 0.0078) and an 80% reduction in mean percentage of microscopic fields demonstrating evidence of bacterial infection (P < 0.0001), whereas the placebo group did not. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated lip ulcer group had a 42.6% decrease in mean lesion size (−0.25 cm2, P = 0.4125) and the placebo group a 36.6% increase (+0.49 cm2, P = 0.1575), although neither change was statistically significant. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated lip ulcer group had a statistically significant 65.0% reduction in mean percentage of microscopic fields demonstrating evidence of bacterial infection (P < 0.0001), while no significant reduction was observed in the placebo group. A suspension of amoxicillin trihydrate–potassium clavulanate is an effective monotherapy for the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques.