bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing criteria and data to determine best options for expanding the core CODIS loci
Authors: Ge Jianye , Eisenberg Arthur , Budowle Bruce 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundRecently, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Core Loci Working Group established by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reviewed and recommended changes to the CODIS core loci. The Working Group identified 20 short tandem repeat (STR) loci (composed of the original CODIS core set loci (minus TPOX), four European recommended loci, PentaE, and DYS391) plus the Amelogenin marker as the new core set. Before selecting and finalizing the core loci, some evaluations are needed to provide guidance for the best options of core selection.MethodThe performance of current and newly proposed CODIS core loci sets were evaluated with simplified analyses for adventitious hit rates in reasonably large datasets under single-source profile comparisons, mixture comparisons and kinship searches, and for international data sharing. Informativeness (for example, match probability, average kinship index (AKI)) and mutation rates of each locus were some of the criteria to consider for loci selection. However, the primary factor was performance with challenged forensic samples.ResultsThe current battery of loci provided in already validated commercial kits meet the needs for single-source profile comparisons and international data sharing, even with relatively large databases. However, the 13 CODIS core loci are not sufficiently powerful for kinship analyses and searching potential contributors of mixtures in larger databases; 19 or more autosomal STR loci perform better. Y-chromosome STR (Y-STR) loci are very useful to trace paternal lineage, deconvolve female and male mixtures, and resolve inconsistencies with Amelogenin typing. The DYS391 locus is of little theoretical or practical use. Combining five or six Y-chromosome STR loci with existing autosomal STR loci can produce better performance than the same number of autosomal loci for kinship analysis and still yield a sufficiently low match probability for single-source profile comparisons.ConclusionA more comprehensive study should be performed to provide the necessary information to decision makers and stakeholders about the construction of a new set of core loci for CODIS. Finally, selection of loci should be driven by the concept that the needs of casework should be supported by the processes of CODIS (or for that matter any forensic DNA database).
A phenomenological model of seizure initiation suggests network structure may explain seizure frequency in idiopathic generalised epilepsy
Authors: Benjamin Oscar , Fitzgerald Thomas HB , Ashwin Peter , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira , Chowdhury Fahmida , Richardson Mark P , Terry John R 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe describe a phenomenological model of seizure initiation, consisting of a bistable switch between stable fixed point and stable limit-cycle attractors. We determine a quasi-analytic formula for the exit time problem for our model in the presence of noise. This formula--which we equate to seizure frequency--is then validated numerically, before we extend our study to explore the combined effects of noise and network structure on escape times. Here, we observe that weakly connected networks of 2, 3 and 4 nodes with equivalent first transitive components all have the same asymptotic escape times. We finally extend this work to larger networks, inferred from electroencephalographic recordings from 35 patients with idiopathic generalised epilepsies and 40 controls. Here, we find that network structure in patients correlates with smaller escape times relative to network structures from controls. These initial findings are suggestive that network structure may play an important role in seizure initiation and seizure frequency.
Alterations in tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways are associated with cytotoxicity and resistance to taxanes: a study in isogenic resistant tumor cells
Authors: Sprowl Jason A , Reed Kerry , Armstrong Stephen R , Lanner Carita , Guo Baoqing , Kalatskaya Irina , Stein Lincoln , Hembruff Stacey L , Tam Adam , Parissenti Amadeo M 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The taxanes paclitaxel and docetaxel are widely used in the treatment of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Although their cytotoxicity has been attributed to cell-cycle arrest through stabilization of microtubules, the mechanisms by which tumor cells die remains unclear. Paclitaxel has been shown to induce soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha (sTNF-α) production in macrophages, but the involvement of TNF production in taxane cytotoxicity or resistance in tumor cells has not been established. Our study aimed to correlate alterations in the TNF pathway with taxane cytotoxicity and the acquisition of taxane resistance.

Methods
MCF-7 cells or isogenic drug-resistant variants (developed by selection for surviving cells in increasing concentrations of paclitaxel or docetaxel) were assessed for sTNF-α production in the absence or presence of taxanes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for sensitivity to docetaxel or sTNF-α by using a clonogenic assay (in the absence or presence of TNFR1 or TNFR2 neutralizing antibodies). Nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity was also measured with ELISA, whereas gene-expression changes associated with docetaxel resistance in MCF-7 and A2780 cells were determined with microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR).

Results
MCF-7 and A2780 cells increased production of sTNF-α in the presence of taxanes, whereas docetaxel-resistant variants of MCF-7 produced high levels of sTNF-α, although only within a particular drug-concentration threshold (between 3 and 45 nM). Increased production of sTNF-α was NF-κB dependent and correlated with decreased sensitivity to sTNF-α, decreased levels of TNFR1, and increased survival through TNFR2 and NF-κB activation. The NF-κB inhibitor SN-50 reestablished sensitivity to docetaxel in docetaxel-resistant MCF-7 cells. Gene-expression analysis of wild-type and docetaxel-resistant MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and A2780 cells identified changes in the expression of TNF-α-related genes consistent with reduced TNF-induced cytotoxicity and activation of NF-κB survival pathways.

Conclusions
We report for the first time that taxanes can promote dose-dependent sTNF-α production in tumor cells at clinically relevant concentrations, which can contribute to their cytotoxicity. Defects in the TNF cytotoxicity pathway or activation of TNF-dependent NF-κB survival genes may, in contrast, contribute to taxane resistance in tumor cells. These findings may be of strong clinical significance.
Molecular Recognition of Chiral Diporphyrin Receptor with a Macrocyclic Cavity for Intercalation of Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Ema Tadashi , Ura Norichika , Eguchi Katsuya , Sakai Takashi 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Chiral diporphyrin receptor 1, which has a macrocyclic cavity for the intercalation of aromatic guest molecules, was designed and synthesized from pyrrole in five steps. The binding constants (Ka) revealed the greater affinity of 1 for more electron-deficient aromatic guests. The complexation between 1 and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (G8) (Ka = 1850 M−1) was much stronger than that between porphyrin monomer 3 and G8 (Ka = 50 M−1). This result strongly suggests that G8 was intercalated into the cavity of 1 via cooperative double π–π stacking. Interestingly, 1 enabled the naked-eye detection of an aromatic explosive G8; a dark-red solution of 1 in CHCl3 turned into a colloidal suspension upon addition of G8, and the light was scattered. Fluorescence spectroscopy was also useful for the selective detection of G8; fluorescence of 1 was quenched by complexation with G8, which was visible with the naked eye. Despite modest binding constants for dinitrobenzene derivatives, 1 showed a good ability to discriminate the enantiomers of twelve chiral compounds bearing a dinitrophenyl group by NMR spectroscopy. The MM calculations with the MM3 force field reproduced inclusion complexes between 1 and nitroaromatic compounds. The mechanism of chiral discrimination is proposed.
Synthesis of Non-Steroidal Estrogen Receptor Antagonists R1128 A, B, C, and D via an Oxazoline-Promoted Iterative ortho-Lithiation Strategy
Authors: Fukuda Tsutomu , Fukushima Koichiro , Sanai Susumu , Iwao Masatomo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A concise total synthesis of non-steroidal estrogen receptor antagonists R1128 A–D (1a–1d) has been achieved using iterative ortho-lithiation of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,4-dimethyloxazoline (3) as the key reaction.
Pathways and Kinetics of Anisole Pyrolysis Studied by NMR and Selective 13C Labeling. Heterolytic Carbon Monoxide Generation
Authors: Tsujino Yasuo , Yasaka Yoshiro , Matubayasi Nobuyuki , Nakahara Masaru 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
By applying 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy the pyrolysis of site-selectively 13C-enriched (H313CO12C6H5) and normal anisole compounds was studied in the dark at 0.001–1.0 M (M, mol dm−3) and at 400–600 °C (supercritical conditions). Conversion of the 13C-labeled methyl group was confined to the methoxy-originated fragments, 13CO and 13CH4, and the reactive intermediate, H13CHO*. The normal phenyl group, 12C6H5– was converted to benzene, 12C6H6 and phenol, 12C6H5OH without ring disintegration. The pyrolysis consists of two elementary steps: (1) the rate-determining unimolecular ether-bond fission (k1) to generate the fragmented product C6H6 and energized intermediate H13CHO* through the intramolecular proton transfer from the methoxy group to the phenyl, and (2) the fast bimolecular disproportionation (k2) through the intermolecular proton/hydride transfer from H13CHO* to H313COC6H5 to produce 13CO, 13CH4, and C6H5OH. CO is generation by the heterolytic (ionic) mechanism in contrast to the homolytic (radical) one via the phenoxy radical intermediate (C6H5O•) in the literature despite the agreement of the rate constant (k1) and the activation energy.
Efficacy and Safety of Paricalcitol Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Cheng Jun , Zhang Wen , Zhang Xiaohui , Li Xiayu , Chen Jianghua 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Observational data indicate that newer vitamin D compounds such as paricalcitol can suppress serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and reduce proteinuria in patients with CKD. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of paricalcitol for CKD, we conducted a meta-analysis of the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and article reference lists were searched for RCTs that compared paricalcitol with placebo in the treatment of patients with stage 2–5 CKD. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Jadad method. The results are summarized as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes or mean differences for continuous outcomes.

Results
Nine studies (832 patients) were included. Compared with placebo, paricalcitol suppressed serum iPTH (RR, 6.37; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4.64–8.74; P<0.001) and reduced proteinuria (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25–2.25; P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the RR for hypercalcemia associated with paricalcitol use was 2.25 (95% CI, 0.81–6.26; P=0.12). Patients receiving paricalcitol therapy did not have an increased risk of endocrine system and cardiovascular system adverse effects (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.84–1.36; P=0.58).

Conclusions
We conﬁrm that paricalcitol suppresses iPTH and lowers proteinuria in patients with stage 2–5 CKD without an increased risk of adverse events. A trend toward increased hypercalcemia did not reach statistical signiﬁcance, but may be clinically relevant. A randomized trial is needed to determine if paricalcitol affects the development of ESRD or mortality.
Solar-Assisted Hemodialysis
Authors: Agar John W. M. , Perkins Anthony , Tjipto Alwie 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Hemodialysis resource use—especially water and power, smarter processing and reuse of postdialysis waste, and improved ecosensitive building design, insulation, and space use—all need much closer attention. Regarding power, as supply diminishes and costs rise, alternative power augmentation for dialysis services becomes attractive. The first 12 months of a solar-assisted dialysis program in southeastern Australia is reported.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A 24-m2, 3-kWh rated solar array and inverter—total cost of A$16,219—has solar-assisted the dialysis-related power needs of a four-chair home hemodialysis training service. All array-created, grid-donated power and all grid-drawn power to the four hemodialysis machines and minireverse osmosis plant pairings are separately metered. After the grid-drawn and array-generated kilowatt hours have been billed and reimbursed at their respective commercial rates, financial viability, including capital repayment, can be assessed.

Results
From July of 2010 to July of 2011, the four combined equipment pairings used 4166.5 kWh, 9% more than the array-generated 3811.0 kWh. Power consumption at 26.7 c/kWh cost A$1145.79. Array-generated power reimbursements at 23.5 c/kWh were A$895.59. Power costs were, thus, reduced by 76.5%. As new reimbursement rates (60 c/kWh) take effect, system reimbursements will more than double, allowing both free power and potential capital pay down over 7.7 years. With expected array life of ∼30 years, free power and an income stream should accrue in the second and third operative decades.

Conclusions
Solar-assisted power is feasible and cost-effective. Dialysis services should assess their local solar conditions and determine whether this ecosensitive power option might suit their circumstance.
On ideal convergence in probabilistic normed spaces
Authors: Mursaleen M. , Mohiuddine S. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
An interesting generalization of statistical convergence is I-convergence which was introduced by P.Kostyrko et al [KOSTYRKO,P.—ŠALÁT,T.—WILCZYŃSKI,W.: I-Convergence, Real Anal. Exchange 26 (2000–2001), 669–686]. In this paper, we define and study the concept of I-convergence, I*-convergence, I-limit points and I-cluster points in probabilistic normed space. We discuss the relationship between I-convergence and I*-convergence, i.e. we show that I*-convergence implies the I-convergence in probabilistic normed space. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated through an example that, in general, I-convergence does not imply I*-convergence in probabilistic normed space.
A class of linear positive operators in weighted spaces
Authors: Erençin Ayşegül , Gül İnce H. , Olgun Ali 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a class of linear positive operators based on q-integers. For these operators we give some convergence properties in weighted spaces of continuous functions and present an application to differential equation related to q-derivatives. Furthermore, we give a Stancu-type remainder.
Cosine of angle and center of mass of an operator
Authors: Paul Kallol , Das Gopal 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We consider the notion of real center of mass and total center of mass of a bounded linear operator relative to another bounded linear operator and explore their relation with cosine and total cosine of a bounded linear operator acting on a complex Hilbert space. We give another proof of the Min-max equality and then generalize it using the notion of orthogonality of bounded linear operators. We also illustrate with examples an alternative method of calculating the antieigenvalues and total antieigenvalues for finite dimensional operators.
A note on representation of pseudovariant maps
Authors: Das Ruchi , Das Tarun 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We define and study the notions of pseudovariant maps and pseudogeny maps on G-spaces. We prove that the set of all pseudogenies of a locally comapct G-space is a group. We further obtain representation of pseudovariant maps in terms of pseudogenies. Finally, we obtain Tietze type extension result for pseudovariant homotopies defined on locally compact second countable G-spaces.
A computed tomography–based feasibility study of translaminar screw placement in the pediatric thoracic spine
Authors: Molina Camilo , Sciubba Daniel M. , Chaput Christopher , Tortolani P. Justin , Jallo George I. , Kretzer Ryan M. 
Published: December 2011

Object
Translaminar screws (TLSs) were originally described as a safer alternative to pedicle and transarticular screw placement at C-2 in adult patients. More recently, TLSs have been used in both the cervical and thoracic spine of pediatric patients as a primary fixation technique and as a bailout procedure when dysplastic pedicle morphology prohibits safe pedicle screw placement. Although authors have reported the anatomical characteristics of the cervical and thoracic lamina in adults as well as those of the cervical lamina in pediatric patients, no such data exist to guide safe TLS placement in the thoracic spine of the pediatric population. The goal of this study was to report the anatomical feasibility of TLS placement in the thoracic spine of pediatric patients.

Methods
Fifty-two patients (26 males and 26 females), with an average age of 9.5 ± 4.8 years, were selected by retrospective review of a trauma registry database after institutional review board approval. Study inclusion criteria were an age from 2 to 16 years, standardized axial bone-window CT images of the thoracic spine, and the absence of spinal trauma. For each thoracic lamina the following anatomical features were measured using eFilm Lite software: laminar width (outer cortical and cancellous), laminar height (LH), maximal screw length, and optimal screw trajectory. Patients were stratified by age (an age < 8 versus ≥ 8 years) and sex.

Results
Collected data demonstrate the following general trends as one descends the thoracic spine from T-1 to T-12: 1) increasing laminar width to T-4 followed by a steady decrease to T-12, 2) increasing LH, 3) decreasing maximal screw length, and 4) increasing ideal screw trajectory angle. When stratified by age and sex, male patients older than 8 years of age had significantly larger laminae in terms of both width and height and allowed significantly longer screw placement at all thoracic levels compared with their female counterparts. Importantly, it was found that 78% of individual thoracic laminae, regardless of age or sex, could accept a 4.0-mm screw with 1.0 mm of clearance. As expected, when stratifying by age and sex, it was found that older male patients had the highest acceptance rates.

Conclusions
Data in the present study provide information regarding optimal TLS length, diameter, and trajectory for each thoracic spinal level in pediatric patients. Importantly, the data collected demonstrate no anatomical limitations within the pediatric thoracic spine to TLS instrumentation, although acceptance rates are lower for younger (< 8 years old) and/or female patients. Lastly, given the anatomical variation found in this study, CT scanning can be useful in the preoperative setting when planning TLS use in the thoracic spine of pediatric patients.
Arteriovenous malformation–associated aneurysms in the pediatric population
Authors: Anderson Richard C. E. , McDowell Michael M. , Kellner Christopher P. , Appelboom Geoffrey , Bruce Samuel S. , Kotchetkov Ivan S. , Haque Raqeeb , Feldstein Neil A. , Connolly E. Sander , Solomon Robert A. , Meyers Philip M. , Lavine Sean D. 
Published: December 2011

Object
Conventional cerebral angiography and treatment for ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children are often performed in a delayed fashion. In adults, current literature suggests that AVM-associated aneurysms may be more likely to hemorrhage than isolated AVMs, which often leads to earlier angiography and endovascular treatment of associated aneurysms. The nature of AVM-associated aneurysms in the pediatric population is virtually unknown. In this report, the authors investigate the relationship of associated aneurysms in a large group of children with AVMs.

Methods
Seventy-seven pediatric patients (≤ 21 years old) with AVMs were treated at the Columbia University Medical Center between 1991 and 2010. Medical records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed, and associated aneurysms were classified as arterial, intranidal, or venous in location. Clinical presentation and outcome variables were compared between children with and without AVM-associated aneurysms.

Results
A total of 30 AVM-associated aneurysms were found in 22 children (29% incidence). Eleven were arterial, 9 intranidal, and 10 were venous in location. There was no significant difference in the rate of hemorrhage (p = 0.91) between children with isolated AVMs (35 of 55 [64%]) and children with AVM-associated aneurysms (13 of 22 [59%]). However, of the 11 children with AVM-associated aneurysms in an arterial location, 10 presented with hemorrhage (91%). An association with hemorrhage was significant in univariate analysis (p = 0.045) but not in multivariate analysis (p = 0.37).

Conclusions
Associated aneurysms are present in nearly a third of children with AVMs, and when arterially located, are more likely to present with hemorrhage. These data suggest that early angiography with endovascular treatment of arterial-based aneurysms in children with AVMs may be indicated.
Giant intradiploic pseudomeningocele of occipital bone
Authors: Kumar Rajinder , Chandra Sarat P. , Sharma Bhawani Shanker 
Published: December 2011

The management of intradiploic CSF collection is controversial. Although it is a benign lesion, even then delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to significant morbidity. The authors report a very rare case of giant posttraumatic intradiploic pseudomeningocele involving the occipital bone, occipital condyles, and clivus. The pathogenesis and management of intradiploic CSF collection are discussed.
This 16-year-old boy presented with a history of enlarging swelling in the suboccipital region associated with headache, lower cranial nerve palsy, and features of high cervical compressive myelopathy. Investigations revealed a giant intradiploic lesion involving the occipital bone, condyles, and clivus associated with secondary basilar invagination, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia. Intrathecal contrast administration did not reveal communication of intradiploic space with the subarachnoid space. A large occipital craniotomy was performed. A linear fracture and dural defect in the midline was identified, which was closed with fascial graft after removing the inner table of the skull. Cranioplasty was performed using the expanded calvarial bone. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was performed for hydrocephalus, and the patient improved remarkably.
Posttraumatic intradiploic CSF collection, although a benign condition, may present with severe complications if treatment is delayed. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The authors suggest that this condition should be treated early, as for growing skull fractures.
Krüppel-like Factors in Lymphocyte Biology
Authors: Hart Geoffrey T. , Hogquist Kristin A. , Jameson Stephen C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Krüppel-like factor family of transcription factors plays an important role in differentiation, function, and homeostasis of many cell types. While their role in lymphocytes is still being determined, it is clear that these factors influence processes as varied as lymphocyte quiescence, trafficking, differentiation, and function. This review will present an overview of how these factors operate and coordinate with each other in lymphocyte regulation.