bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions via intrinsically disordered regions: What kind of motifs?
Authors: Pancsa Rita , Fuxreiter Monika 
Published: April 2012

AbstractProteins containing intrinsically disordered (ID) regions are widespread in eukaryotic organisms and are mostly utilized in regulatory processes. ID regions can mediate binary interactions of proteins or promote organization of large assemblies. Post‐translational modifications of ID regions often serve as decision points in signaling pathways. Why Nature distinguished ID proteins in molecular recognition functions? In a simple view, binding of ID regions is accompanied by a large entropic penalty as compared to folded proteins. Even in complexes however, ID regions can preserve their conformational freedom, thereby recruit further partners and perform various functions. What sort of benefits ID regions offer for molecular interactions and which properties are exploited in the corresponding complexes? Here, we review models explaining the recognition mechanisms of ID proteins. Motif‐based interactions are central to all proposed scenarios, including prestructured elements, anchoring sites and linear motifs. We aim to extract consensus features of the models, which could be used to predict ID‐binding sites for a variety of partners. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Increment of hematopoietic progenitor cell count as an indicator of efficient autologs stem cell harvest in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Jo Jae‐Cheol , Yoon Dok Hyun , Kim Shin , Jang Seongsoo , Park Chan Jeoung , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Park Chan‐Sik , Huh Jooryung , Lee Sang‐Wook , Suh Cheolwon 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe previously showed that hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) count is a useful surrogate for the timing of autologs stem cell collection (ASCC). We investigated the role of HPC count increment in predicting the time for optimal ASCC in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Between May 2002 and January 2011, 138 patients with MM who underwent ASCC after mobilization with cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2) and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor at Asan Medical Center. HPC monitoring was started on the 10th day of cyclophosphamide administration and ASCC was performed when HPC count reached at least 10/mm3. Velocity of HPC increment (/mm3/day) was calculated as HPC count on the first day of ASCC/number of days from cyclophosphamide infusion to the first day of ASCC. A total of 422 leukapheresis were performed in 136 patients (median per patient: 3; range: 2–8). Of these patients, 131 (94.9%) successfully achieved optimal ASCC (≥5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg). The median velocity of HPC increment was 2.17/mm3/day (range: 0.07–144.2/mm3/day). The mean ± standard error numbers of apheresis procedures in patients with velocity of HPC increment ≤2.0/mm3/day and >2.0/mm3/day were 3.43 ± 0.17 and 2.70 ± 0.11, respectively, and their median times to optimal ASCC were 15 and 13 days, respectively, with a hazard ratio of 0.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.68; P < 0.001) on multivariate analysis. Therefore, a slower increase of HPC of ≤2.0/mm3/day is associated with larger number of apheresis procedures for optimal ASCC. J. Clin. Apheresis 27:229–234, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of reactive atypia/inflammation on the laser‐induced fluorescence diagnosis of non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Panjehpour Masoud , Overholt Bergein F. , Vo‐Dinh Tuan , Coppola Domenico 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDifferential Normalized Fluorescence (DNF) technique has been used to distinguish high‐grade dysplasia from non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. This technology may assist gastroenterologists in targeting biopsies, reducing the number of biopsies using the standard protocol. In the presence of reactive atypia/inflammation, it becomes difficult for the pathologist to differentiate non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus from Barrett's esophagus with low‐grade dysplasia. Before DNF technique may be used to guide target biopsies, it is critical to know whether reactive atypia/inflammation in non‐dysplastic Barrett's may result in false positives.This study was conducted to determine whether DNF technique is adversely affected by the presence of reactive atypia/inflammation in non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus resulting in false positives.Study Design/Materials and MethodsFour hundred ten‐nanometer laser light was used to induce autofluorescence of Barrett's mucosa in 49 patients. The clinical study included 37 males and 12 females. This was a blinded retrospective data analysis study. A total of 303 spectra were collected and matched to non‐dysplastic Barrett's biopsy results. One hundred seventy‐five spectra were collected from areas with a pathology of non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus with reactive atypia/inflammation. One hundred twenty‐eight spectra were collected from areas with non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus without reactive changes/inflammation. The spectra were analyzed using the DNF Index at 480 nm and classified as positive or negative using the threshold of −0.75 × 10−3.ResultsUsing DNF technique, 92.6% of non‐dysplastic samples with reactive atypia/inflammation were classified correctly (162/175). 92.2% of non‐dysplastic samples without reactive atypia/inflammation were classified correctly (118/128). Comparing the ratios of false positives among the two sample groups, there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionUsing DNF technique for classification of non‐dysplastic Barrett's mucosa does not result in false‐positive readings due to reactive atypia/inflammation. Target biopsies guided by DNF technique may drastically reduce the number of pinch biopsies using the standard biopsy protocol. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 390–396, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced interpretability of the PFDI‐20 with establishment of reference scores among women in the general population
Authors: Gafni‐Kane Adam , Goldberg Roger P. , Sand Peter K. , Botros Sylvia M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimsTo enhance the interpretability of the PFDI‐20 by establishing a score distribution for women in the general population and to determine whether scores correspond with urinary and anal incontinence (UI and AI).MethodsSubjects recruited during Twins Day Festivals from 2004 to 2009 completed a survey assessing for stress and urgency urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI) and AI of flatus and stool. Score distributions for the PFDI‐20 and each of its subscales were determined for all subjects and for women with isolated forms of incontinence. Scores were compared between continent and incontinent women and between incontinent subtypes by Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests.ResultsOne thousand three hundred seventy‐six women completed the survey with PFDI‐20 (Median = 8.9, IQR 31.3), POPDI‐6 (Median = 0, IQR = 8.3), CRADI‐8 (Median = 0, IQR = 10.7), and UDI‐6 (Median = 0, IQR = 16.7). PFDI‐20, POPDI‐6, CRADI‐8, and UDI‐6 scores were significantly greater among women reporting isolated SUI (P < 0.0001, P = 0.04, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively), UUI (P < 0.0001, P = 0.02, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively), mixed UI (P < 0.0001 each), AI flatus (P < 0.0001 each), and AI stool (P < 0.0001 each) compared to those denying incontinence. Women with mixed UI had significantly greater PFDI‐20 and UDI‐6 scores compare to those with SUI (P < 0.0001) or UUI (P < 0.0001). Subjects with AI stool had significantly greater PFDI‐20 and CRADI‐8 scores compared to those with AI flatus (P = 0.01).ConclusionsPFDI‐20 scores from a sample of the general population correspond with the presence or absence of UI and AI. These normative and symptom‐specific score distributions for the PFDI‐20 provide reference points to gauge the effect of disease and intervention on quality of life for women with incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:1252–1257, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Stable Branched DNA G‐Quadruplexes Using the Trebler Phosphoramidite
Authors: Ferreira Rubén , Alvira Margarita , Aviñó Anna , Gómez‐Pinto Irene , González Carlos , Gabelica Valérie , Eritja Ramon 
Published: April 2012

AbstractGuanine (G)‐rich sequences can form a noncanonical four‐stranded structure known as the G‐quadruplex. G‐quadruplex structures are interesting because of their potential biological properties and use in nanosciences. Here, we describe a method to prepare highly stable G‐quadruplexes by linking four G‐rich DNA strands to form a monomolecular G‐quadruplex. In this method, one strand is synthesized first, and then a trebler molecule is added to simultaneously assemble the remaining three strands. This approach allows the introduction of specific modifications in only one of the strands. As a proof of concept, we prepared a quadruplex where one of the chains includes a change in polarity. A hybrid quadruplex is observed in ammonium acetate solutions, whereas in the presence of sodium or potassium, a parallel G‐quadruplex structure is formed. In addition to the expected monomolecular quadruplexes, we observed the presence of dimeric G‐quadruplex structures. We also applied the method to prepare G‐quadruplexes containing a single 8‐aminoguanine substitution and found that this single base stabilizes the G‐quadruplex structure when located at an internal position.
In0.53Ga0.47As MOS‐HEMTs on GaAs and Si substrates grown by MOCVD
Authors: Zhou Xiuju , Tang Chak Wah , Li Qiang , Lau Kei May 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHigh‐performance In0.53Ga0.47As metal‐oxide‐semiconductor high‐electron‐mobility‐transistors (MOS‐HEMTs) on GaAs substrates grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are demonstrated. A low‐temperature process has been developed to achieve low contact resistances while maintaining the quality of the dielectric/III–V interface. Atomic‐layer‐deposited Al2O3 was used as the gate dielectric on top of a δ‐doped In0.51Al0.49As/In0.53Ga0.47As metamorphic heterostructure. A 1‐µm gate‐length device exhibits a maximum drain current of 646 mA/mm and an extrinsic peak transconductance of 575 mS/mm, respectable values for III–V metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) on GaAs substrates. In addition, preliminary results of In0.53Ga0.47As MOS‐HEMTs on Si substrates, also grown by MOCVD, are presented for comparison.
Enhanced piezoelectric properties of 〈001〉 textured lead‐free (KxNa1 − x)0.946Li0.054NbO3 ceramics with large strain
Authors: Hao Jigong , Ye Chenggen , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDense 〈001〉‐oriented (KxNa1 − x)0.946Li0.054NbO3 (KxNLN) ceramics with high texture quality (Lotgering factor F001 > 80%) and excellent piezoelectric properties were produced by templated grain growth using plate‐like NaNbO3 particles as templates. Compared with randomly oriented KxNLN ceramics, textured samples show greatly enhanced properties. The room‐temperature strain hysteresis S, the piezoelectric coefficient $d_{{\rm 33}}^{{\rm *}} $ and d33 reach up to 0.15–0.21%, 333–471 pm/V, and 231–254 pC/N, respectively, which are all about 1.6–1.8 times larger than those of nontextured ceramics with the same composition. The temperature‐dependent strain characteristic is shown in both textured and nontextured ceramics around the polymorphic phase transition (PPT) temperature, confirming that this behavior is determined by the PPT temperature, which is unaffected by texturing. Moreover, good resistance to thermal depoling was obtained in KxNLN ceramics, indicating this system is a very promising piezoelectric material for high‐temperature applications.
Surface acoustic waves and elastic constants of InN epilayers determined by Brillouin scattering
Authors: Jiménez‐Riobóo R. J. , Cuscó R. , Domènech‐Amador N. , Prieto C. , Yamaguchi T. , Nanishi Y. , Artús L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe surface acoustic wave velocity in InN has been experimentally determined by means of Brillouin scattering experiments on c ‐ and m ‐face epilayers. From simulations based on the Green's function formalism we determine the shear elastic constants c66 and c44 and propose a complete set of elastic constants for wurtzite InN. The analysis of the sagittal and azimuthal dependence of the surface acoustic wave velocity indicates a slightly different elastic behavior of the m ‐face sample that basically affects the c44 elastic constant. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strain‐Rate‐Dependent Flow Stress and Failure of an Mg‐PSZ Reinforced TRIP Matrix Composite Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Decker Sabine , Krüger Lutz , Richter Sarah , Martin Stefan , Martin Ulrich 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA composite consisting of 5 vol% MgO‐partially stabilized ZrO2 particles (Mg‐PSZ) and a TRIP‐steel‐matrix (CrNiMn steel; transformation induced plasticity) was produced through Spark Plasma Sintering. The processed material was tested under compression at various nominal strain rates (4 × 10−4 s−1; 10−3 s−1; 1 s−1, 102 s−1). Both, the pure steel and the composite showed a considerable plasticity and high strength due to the very fine grained steel matrix. The addition of 5 vol% ceramic particles led to a rise in the offset yield strength of 60 MPa till 90 MPa according to the applied strain rate. Up to a strain rate of 1 s−1, no change in offset yield strength was measured. A strain‐rate of 100 s−1 leads to a rise in the offset yield strength of approx. 100 MPa. Both, the ceramic and an increase in the strain rate implicate to an early generation of microdeterioration. Limited by the interfacial strength of steel and Mg‐PSZ, failure occurs early at the interfaces, which is shown in a decrease in the work hardening. During the compression, especially at higher strain‐rates, adiabatic heating occurred and counteracted to the martensitic transformation.
Evidence‐Based Surgery: Barriers, Solutions, and the Role of Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Garas George , Ibrahim Amel , Ashrafian Hutan , Ahmed Kamran , Patel Vanash , Okabayashi Koji , Skapinakis Petros , Darzi Ara , Athanasiou Thanos 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundSurgery is a rapidly evolving field, making the rigorous testing of emerging innovations vital. However, most surgical research fails to employ randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and has particularly been based on low‐quality study designs. Subsequently, the analysis of data through meta‐analysis and evidence synthesis is particularly difficult.MethodsThrough a systematic review of the literature, this article explores the barriers to achieving a strong evidence base in surgery and offers potential solutions to overcome the barriers.ResultsMany barriers exist to evidence‐based surgical research. They include enabling factors, such as funding, time, infrastructure, patient preference, ethical issues, and additionally barriers associated with specific attributes related to researchers, methodologies, or interventions. Novel evidence synthesis techniques in surgery are discussed, including graphics synthesis, treatment networks, and network meta‐analyses that help overcome many of the limitations associated with existing techniques. They offer the opportunity to assess gaps and quantitatively present inconsistencies within the existing evidence of RCTs.ConclusionsPoorly or inadequately performed RCTs and meta‐analyses can give rise to incorrect results and thus fail to inform clinical practice or revise policy. The above barriers can be overcome by providing academic leadership and good organizational support to ensure that adequate personnel, resources, and funding are allocated to the researcher. Training in research methodology and data interpretation can ensure that trials are conducted correctly and evidence is adequately synthesized and disseminated. The ultimate goal of overcoming the barriers to evidence‐based surgery includes the improved quality of patient care in addition to enhanced patient outcomes.
Metal biosorption in lignocellulosic biofuel biorefinery effluent: an initial step towards sustainability of water resources
Authors: Palumbo Amanda J , Taylor Sean C , Addison Sarah L , Slade Alison H , Glover Chris N 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBiosorption of metals by microorganisms is a promising technology to remove accumulated non-process elements in highly recycled biorefinery process water. Removal of these elements would enable greater water reuse and reduce the environmental impact of effluent discharge. A model lignocellulosic ethanol biorefinery wastewater was created based on pulp mill effluent. This generated a wastewater with an environmentally realistic high loading of dissolved natural organic matter (900 mg/l), a potentially important factor influencing metal biosorption. Analysis of feedstock and pulp mill effluent indicated that Mn and Zn are likely to be problematic in highly recycled lignocellulosic ethanol biorefinery process water. Therefore, the growth of several bacteria and fungi from existing collections, and some isolated from pulp mill effluent were tested in the model wastewater spiked with Mn and Zn (0.2 mM). Wastewater isolates grew the best in the wastewater. Metal uptake varied by species and was much greater for Zn than Mn. A bacterium, Novosphingobium nitrogenifigens Y88T, removed the most metal per unit biomass, 35 and 17 mg Mn/g. No other organism tested decreased the Mn concentration. A yeast, Candida tropicalis, produced the most biomass and removed the most total metal (38 % of Zn), while uptake per unit biomass was 24 mg Zn/g. These results indicate that microorganisms can remove significant amounts of metals in wastewater with high concentrations of dissolved natural organic matter. Metal sorption by autochthonous microorganisms in an anaerobic bioreactor may be able to extend water reuse and therefore lower the water consumption of future biorefineries.
Analysis of vertical stratification of Syrphidae (Diptera) in an oak‐hornbeam forest in northern Italy
Authors: Birtele Daniele , Hardersen Sönke 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThere is growing interest in the vertical stratification of forest biodiversity, but little is known about this aspect for Syrphidae living in forests. For this study, seven Malaise traps were suspended in the canopy and seven were placed on the ground, in a lowland forest in northern Italy. Altogether, 868 specimens of Syrphidae were collected; 229 from the canopy and 639 from the ground, comprising a total of 53 species. Three species [(Ceriana conopsoides (Linnaeus), Eupeodes corollae (Fabricius), Psilota atra Fallén)] were associated significantly with the canopy layer, and seven species [(Brachypalpoides lentus (Meigen), Chalcosyrphus nemorum (Fabricius), Chrysotoxum cautum (Harris), Eumerus flavitarsis Zetterstedt, Helophilus pendulus (Linnaeus), Myathropa florea (Linnaeus) and Xylota segnis (Linnaeus)] with the ground level. The sex‐ratio of the Syrphidae differed significantly between the two layers, as females were caught mainly at ground level, while males were caught preferentially in the canopy. Species with saprophagous and saproxylic larvae were caught more commonly at ground level. Species richness declined from April to November but vertical stratification was constant for most of the season. Multivariate analyses showed that two factors were correlated significantly with the community composition of Syrphidae: height of Malaise trap and estimated age of dominant trees.
Unilateral varus osteotomy of the proximal femur in children with cerebral palsy: A five-year follow-up of the development of both hips
Authors: Larsson Maria , Hägglund Gunnar , Wagner Philippe 
Published: April 2012

Background Varus osteotomy of the proximal femur (VOPF) is one treatment option to prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It is questioned whether the osteotomy should be performed in the displaced hip only, or if it should be performed bilaterally to prevent later displacement of the contralateral hip. CPUP is a register and healthcare programme for children with CP that was initiated in 1994 in southern Sweden. In the programme, range-of-motion and radiographic examination of the hips is performed regularly. These data have been analysed preoperatively and for 5 years postoperatively in children treated with unilateral VOPF. Methods Children with CP living in the counties of Skåne and Blekinge in the south of Sweden, who were treated with unilateral VOPF at least 5 years ago, were included in the study. The degree of hip displacement and the range of hip motion were analysed preoperatively and after 5 years. Repeat hip operations after the index operation were recorded. Results Twenty-four children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean age at index operation was 7.6 (2.8–13.2) years. No child died within 5 years postoperatively, and no child was lost from follow-up. At follow-up after 5 years, 2 of the 24 children had been operated on with VOPF in the contralateral hip. The range of motion in both hips decreased, but the difference between the index hip and the contralateral hip did not change significantly. Conclusion Children with CP and unilateral hip displacement have a low risk of later contralateral displacement after being operated on with unilateral VOPF. This supports healthcare programmes that advocate unilateral VOPF in children with unilateral hip displacement.
Recovery of Functional Status After Stroke in a Tri‐Ethnic Population
Authors: Berges Ivonne‐M. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Seale Gary S. , Ostir Glenn V. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo examine recovery of functional status for white, black, and Hispanic patients who have had a stroke from the time of admission to inpatient medical rehabilitation to 12 months after discharge.DesignA longitudinal study that used information from the Stroke Recovery in Underserved Population database, a prospective observational study of persons with stroke who received inpatient medical rehabilitation services during 2005‐2006.SettingEleven inpatient rehabilitation facilities located across diverse regions of the United States, including California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York (2), Texas (2), and Washington, DC.ParticipantsA total of 990 adults aged 55 years or older who had a stroke and were admitted to 1 of 11 inpatient medical rehabilitation facilities in the United States were interviewed at 4 time points, including admission to and discharge from an inpatient medical rehabilitation facility and 3 and 12 months after discharge.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasureFunctional status as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).ResultsFor the total sample, FIM ratings increased from admission to discharge and from discharge to 3‐month follow‐up, with little recovery occurring between 3 and 12 months. In random effects mixed models, at 3‐month follow‐up, both black and Hispanic patients had lower FIM ratings than did white patients. At 12‐month follow‐up, black and white patients were similar; however, Hispanic patients continued to have lower FIM ratings compare with white patients. Racial/ethnic group, age, length of stay, and medical comorbidities were significant predictors of total FIM ratings over the 4 time points.ConclusionsPersons 55 years and older who have had a stroke, regardless of race/ethnicity, appear to benefit from inpatient medical rehabilitation. Most functional status gains occur during inpatient medical rehabilitation and continue in the first few months after discharge, with little change afterward.