bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New organosoluble and thermally stable poly(amide‐imide)s with benzoxazole or benzothiazole pendent groups: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Toiserkani Hojjat , Sheibani Hassan , Saidi Kazem 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTwo new benzoxazole or benzothiazole‐containing diimide‐dicarboxylic acid monomers, such as 2‐[3,5‐bis(N‐trimellitimidoyl)phenyl]benzoxazole (2o) or 2‐[3,5‐bis(N‐trimellitimidoyl)phenyl]benzothiazole (2s) were synthesized from the condensation reaction between 3,5‐diaminobenzoic acid and 2‐aminophenol or 2‐aminothiophenol in polyphosphoric acid (PPA) with subsequent reaction of trimellitic anhydride in the presence of glacial acetic acid, respectively, and two new series of modified aromatic poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared. This preparation was done with pendent benzoxazole or benzothiazole units from the newly synthesized diimide‐dicarboxylic acid and various aromatic diamines by triphenyl phosphite‐activated polycondensation. In addition, the corresponding unsubstituted poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared under identical experimental conditions for comparative purposes. Characterization of polymers was accomplished by inherent viscosity measurements, FT‐IR, UV–visible, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities between 0.39 and 0.81 dl g−1. The solubilities of modified poly(amide‐imide)s in common organic solvents as well as their thermal stability were enhanced compared to those of the corresponding unmodified poly(amide‐imide)s. The glass transition temperature, 10% weight loss temperature, and char yields at 800°C were, respectively, 7–26°C, 17–46°C and 2–5% higher than those of the unmodified polymers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiologic mapping of Florida childhood cancer clusters
Authors: Amin Raid , Bohnert Alexander , Holmes Laurens , Rajasekaran Ayyappan , Assanasen Chatchawin 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundChildhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease‐related mortality for children. Whereas, improvement in care has dramatically increased survival, the risk factors remain to be fully understood. The increasing incidence of childhood cancer in Florida may be associated with possible cancer clusters. We aimed, in this study, to identify and confirm possible childhood cancer clusters and their subtypes in the state of Florida.MethodsWe conducted purely spatial and space–time analyzes to assess any evidence of childhood malignancy clusters in the state of Florida using SaTScan™. Data from the Florida Association of Pediatric Tumor Programs (FAPTP) for the period 2000–2007 were used in this analysis.ResultsIn the purely spatial analysis, the relative risks (RR) of overall childhood cancer persisted after controlling for confounding factors in south Florida (SF) (RR = 1.36, P = 0.001) and northeastern Florida (NEF) (RR = 1.30, P = 0.01). Likewise, in the space–time analysis, there was a statistically significant increase in cancer rates in SF (RR = 1.52, P = 0.001) between 2006 and 2007. The purely spatial analysis of the cancer subtypes indicated a statistically significant increase in the rate of leukemia and brain/CNS cancers in both SF and NEF, P < 0.05. The space–time analysis indicated a statistically significant sizable increase in brain/CNS tumors (RR = 2.25, P = 0.02) for 2006–2007.ConclusionsThere is evidence of spatial and space–time childhood cancer clustering in SF and NEF. This evidence is suggestive of the presence of possible predisposing factors in these cluster regions. Therefore, further study is needed to investigate these potential risk factors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:511–518. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and increased risk of feeding desaturation and growth delay in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Wang Li‐Ying , Luo Hong‐Ji , Hsieh Wu‐Shiun , Hsu Chyong‐Hsin , Hsu Hui‐Chin , Chen Pei‐Shan , Chiu Nan‐Chang , Lee Wang‐Tso , Jeng Suh‐Fang 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOral feeding has been reported to compromise breathing among preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) during hospitalization or shortly after discharge. However, limited information was available concerning whether preterm infants with BPD remain vulnerable to feeding and growth insufficiency after a longer term of follow‐up. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the effect of severity of BPD on pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) during feeding and growth in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants during infancy. Seventy‐two preterm infants with VLBW and 15 term infants were prospectively examined their growth and SpO2 during feeding at 2, 4, and 6 months of corrected age. The severity of BPD was graded in VLBW infants according to the American National Institutes of Health consensus definition. In comparison to VLBW infants with mild BPD and term infants, VLBW infants with severe BPD showed significantly lower mean levels of SpO2 during feeding at 2–6 months corrected age (P < 0.05). Those with severe BPD further exhibited higher rates of growth delay (weight < 10th percentile) throughout the study period. Among VLBW infants, severe BPD had an adverse relation with subsequent weight measures after adjustment for medical and demographic confounding variables (β = −904 g, P = 0.03). The consensus BPD definition is useful to identify those preterm infants who are at greater risk of feeding desaturation and growth delay during infancy and close monitoring of SpO2 during feeding should be advised. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:165–173. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Goetz Danielle M. , Burns Cartland , Segura Bradley J. , Weiner Daniel J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractLate presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is unusual, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). To our knowledge, cases of CDH in CF patients and the combined effects on lung function have not been previously described. Here we report two cases of late presenting CDH in CF patients and describe effects on lung function. Late presentation of CDH in CF patients can cause gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms and requires a high index of suspicion as well as proper interpretation of imaging. In patients with CF and CDH, lung function abnormalities could include obstructive, restrictive defects, or combined defects. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:403–405. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human tissue transglutaminase is inhibited by pharmacologic and chemical acetylation
Authors: Lai Thung S. , Davies Christopher , Greenberg Charles S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractHuman tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. TGM2 promotes formation of soluble and insoluble high molecular weight aggregates by catalyzing a covalent linkage between peptide‐bound Q residues in polyQ proteins and a peptide‐bound Lys residue. Therapeutic approaches to modulate the activity of TGM2 are needed to proceed with studies to test the efficacy of TGM2 inhibition in disease processes. We investigated whether acetylation of Lys‐residues by sulfosuccinimidyl acetate (SNA) or aspirin (ASA) would alter the crosslinking activity of TGM2. Acetylation by either SNA and/or ASA resulted in a loss of >90% of crosslinking activity. The Lys residues that were critical for inhibition were identified by mass spectrometry as Lys444, Lys468, and Lys663. Hence, acetylation of Lys‐residues may modulate the enzymatic function of TGM2in vivoand offer a novel approach to treatment of TGM2 mediated disorders.
The solution structure of the Mg2+ form of soybean calmodulin isoform 4 reveals unique features of plant calmodulins in resting cells
Authors: Huang Hao , Ishida Hiroaki , Vogel Hans J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractSoybean calmodulin isoform 4 (sCaM4) is a plant calcium‐binding protein, regulating cellular responses to the second messenger Ca2+. We have found that the metal ion free (apo‐) form of sCaM4 possesses a half unfolded structure, with the N‐terminal domain unfolded and the C‐terminal domain folded. This result was unexpected as the apo‐forms of both soybean calmodulin isoform 1 (sCaM1) and mammalian CaM (mCaM) are fully folded. Because of the fact that free Mg2+ ions are always present at high concentrations in cells (0.5–2 mM), we suggest that Mg2+ should be bound to sCaM4 in nonactivated cells. CD studies revealed that in the presence of Mg2+ the initially unfolded N‐terminal domain of sCaM4 folds into an α‐helix‐rich structure, similar to the Ca2+ form. We have used the NMR backbone residual dipolar coupling restraints 1DNH, 1DCαHα, and 1DC′Cα to determine the solution structure of the N‐terminal domain of Mg2+‐sCaM4 (Mg2+‐sCaM4‐NT). Compared with the known structure of Ca2+‐sCaM4, the structure of the Mg2+‐sCaM4‐NT does not fully open the hydrophobic pocket, which was further confirmed by the use of the fluorescent probe ANS. Tryptophan fluorescence experiments were used to study the interactions between Mg2+‐sCaM4 and CaM‐binding peptides derived from smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase and plant glutamate decarboxylase. These results suggest that Mg2+‐sCaM4 does not bind to Ca2+‐CaM target peptides and therefore is functionally similar to apo‐mCaM. The Mg2+‐ and apo‐structures of the sCaM4‐NT provide unique insights into the structure and function of some plant calmodulins in resting cells.
Prediction of structures of zinc‐binding proteins through explicit modeling of metal coordination geometry
Authors: Wang Chu , Vernon Robert , Lange Oliver , Tyka Michael , Baker David 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMetal ions play an essential role in stabilizing protein structures and contributing to protein function. Ions such as zinc have well‐defined coordination geometries, but it has not been easy to take advantage of this knowledge in protein structure prediction efforts. Here, we present a computational method to predict structures of zinc‐binding proteins given knowledge of the positions of zinc‐coordinating residues in the amino acid sequence. The method takes advantage of the “atom‐tree” representation of molecular systems and modular architecture of the Rosetta3 software suite to incorporate explicit metal ion coordination geometry into previously developed de novo prediction and loop modeling protocols. Zinc cofactors are tethered to their interacting residues based on coordination geometries observed in natural zinc‐binding proteins. The incorporation of explicit zinc atoms and their coordination geometry in both de novo structure prediction and loop modeling significantly improves sampling near the native conformation. The method can be readily extended to predict protein structures bound to other metal and/or small chemical cofactors with well‐defined coordination or ligation geometry.
Inhibition of p21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6) increases radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Min , Siedow Michael , Saia Gregory , Chakravarti Arnab 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDp21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the p21‐activated kinase (PAK) family. We investigated the role of PAK6 in radiation‐induced cell death in human prostate cancer cells.METHODSWe used a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) strategy to stably knock down PAK6 in PC3 and DU145 cells. Radiation sensitivities were compared in PAK6 stably knockdown cells versus the scrambled shRNA‐expressing control cells.RESULTSPAK6 mRNA and protein levels in PC3 and DU145 cells were upregulated upon exposure to 6 Gy of radiation. After irradiation, an increased percentage of apoptotic cells and cleaved caspase‐3 levels were demonstrated in combination with a decrease in cell viability and a reduction in clonogenic survival in PAK6‐knockdown cells. In addition, transfection with PAK6 shRNA blocked cells in a more radiosensitive G2‐M phase and increased levels of DNA double‐strand breaks. We further explored the potential mechanisms by which PAK6 mediates resistance to radiation‐induced apoptosis. Inhibition of PAK6 caused a decrease in Ser112 phosphorylation of BAD, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 family, which led to enhanced binding of BAD to Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL and release of cytochrome c culminating into caspase activation and cell apoptosis.CONCLUSIONSThe combination of PAK6 inhibition and irradiation resulted in significantly decreased survival of prostate cancer cells. The underlying mechanisms by which targeting PAK6 may improve radiation response seem to be multifaceted, and involve alterations in cell cycle distribution and impaired DNA double‐strand break repair as well as relieved BAD phosphorylation. Prostate 70: 807–816, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of the major metabolites of quinocetone in swine urine using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shen Jianzhong , Yang Chunyan , Wu Congming , Feng Peisheng , Wang Zhanhui , Li Yan , Li Yanshen , Zhang Suxia 
Published: January 2010

AbstractQuinocetone (QCT), 3‐methyl‐2‐cinnamoylquinoxaline‐1,4‐dioxide, is a quinoxaline‐N,N‐dioxide used in veterinary medicine as a feed additive. QCT is broadly used in China to promote animal growth, but few studies have been performed to reveal the metabolism of QCT in animals until now. In the present study, the metabolites of QCT in swine urine were investigated using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS). Multiple scans of metabolites in MS and MS/MS modes and accurate mass measurements were performed simultaneously through data‐dependent acquisition. Most measured mass errors were less than ±5 mDa for both protonated molecules and product ions using external mass calibration. The structures of metabolites and their product ions were easily and reliably characterized based on the accurate MS2 spectra and known structure of QCT. As expected, extensive metabolism was observed in swine urine. Thirty‐one metabolites were identified in swine urine, most of which were reported for the first time. The results reveal that the N‐O group reduction at position 1 and the hydroxylation reaction occurring at the methyl group, the side chain or on the benzene ring are the main metabolic pathways of quinocetone in swine urine. There was abundant production of 1‐desoxyquinocetone and hydroxylation metabolites of 1‐desoxyquinocetone. The proposed metabolic pathway of quinocetone in vivo can be expected to play a key role in food safety evaluations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference condition approach to restoration planning
Authors: Nestler John M. , Theiling Charles H. , Lubinski Kenneth S. , Smith David L. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractEcosystem restoration planning requires quantitative rigor to evaluate alternatives, define end states, report progress and perform environmental benefits analysis (EBA). Unfortunately, existing planning frameworks are, at best, semi‐quantitative. In this paper, we: (1) describe a quantitative restoration planning approach based on a comprehensive, but simple mathematical framework that can be used to effectively apply knowledge and evaluate alternatives, (2) use the approach to derive a simple but precisely defined lexicon based on the reference condition concept and allied terms and (3) illustrate the approach with an example from the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) using hydrologic indicators. The approach supports the development of a scaleable restoration strategy that, in theory, can be expanded to ecosystem characteristics such as hydraulics, geomorphology, habitat and biodiversity. We identify three reference condition types, best achievable condition (ABAC), measured magnitude (MMiwhich can be determined at one or many times and places) and desired future condition (ADFC) that, when used with the mathematical framework, provide a complete system of accounts useful for goal‐oriented system‐level management and restoration. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein Beta Regulates Stem Cell Activity and Specifies Luminal Cell Fate in the Mammary Gland
Authors: LaMarca Heather L. , Visbal Adriana P. , Creighton Chad J. , Liu Hao , Zhang Yiqun , Behbod Fariba , Rosen Jeffrey M. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The bZIP transcription factor C/EBPβ is important for mammary gland development and its expression is deregulated in human breast cancer. To determine whether C/EBPβ regulates mammary stem cells (MaSCs), we employed two different knockout strategies. Using both a germline and a conditional knockout strategy, we demonstrate that mammosphere formation was significantly decreased in C/EBPβ-deficient mammary epithelial cells (MECs). Functional limiting dilution transplantation assays indicated that the repopulating ability of C/EBPβ-deleted MECs was severely impaired. Serial transplantation experiments demonstrated that C/EBPβ deletion resulted in decreased outgrowth potential and premature MaSC senescence. In accord, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis demonstrated that C/EBPβ-null MECs contained fewer MaSCs, the loss of luminal progenitors and an increase in differentiated luminal cells as compared with wild-type. Gene profiling of C/EBPβ-null stem cells revealed an alteration in cell fate specification, exemplified by the expression of basal markers in the luminal compartment. Thus, C/EBPβ is a critical regulator of both MaSC repopulation activity and luminal cell lineage commitment. These findings have critical implications for understanding both stem cell biology and the etiology of different breast cancer subtypes.
Distinguishing Between Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Regulation: The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
Authors: Schnerch Angelique , Cerdan Chantal , Bhatia Mickie 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have been derived from the embryos of mice and humans, representing the two major sources of PSCs. These cells are universally defined by their developmental properties, specifically their self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential which are regulated in mice and humans by complex transcriptional networks orchestrated by conserved transcription factors. However, significant differences exist in the transcriptional networks and signaling pathways that control mouse and human PSC self-renewal and lineage development. To distinguish between universally applicable and species-specific features, we collated and compared the molecular and cellular descriptions of mouse and human PSCs. Here we compare and contrast the response to signals dictated by the transcriptome and epigenome of mouse and human PSCs that will hopefully act as a critical resource to the field. These analyses underscore the importance of accounting for species differences when designing strategies to capitalize on the clinical potential of human PSCs.
Chorioamnion plugging and the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes after laser surgery in twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Papanna R. , Molina S. , Moise K. Y. , Moise Jr K. J. , Johnson A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in pregnancies affected by twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with laser photocoagulation where an absorbable gelatin sponge was used as a chorioamnion sealant of the fetoscopic access port.MethodA retrospective review was undertaken of consecutive cases undergoing fetoscopic directed laser surgery for TTTS between October 2006 and November 2008 at Texas Children's Fetal Center, in which an absorbable gelatin sponge, used as a chorioamnion ‘plug’, was placed at the conclusion of the intervention as a possible prophylactic measure to prevent PPROM. We excluded cases that had a failure of plug placement and those in which it was not attempted. PPROM was defined as rupture of membranes before 34 weeks' gestation. A comparison was performed between the PPROM group and a no‐PPROM group to determine risk factors and outcomes.ResultsSuccessful plug placement occurred in 79 of 84 cases (94%) in which it was attempted after laser surgery, with a rate of PPROM of 34% in these patients. PPROM occurred at an average gestational age of 26.5 ± 3.6 weeks, with an average procedure‐to‐PPROM interval of 5.2 ± 3.5 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences between the PPROM group and the no‐PPROM group in maternal demographics or preoperative parameters including: amniotic fluid volumes in the recipient twin's gestational sac, volume of amnioreduction, and location of the placenta. The procedure‐to‐delivery interval for the total cohort (n = 79) was 9.2 ± 4.7 weeks, without a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.08). However, after exclusion of one PPROM outlier, the PPROM group had an average procedure‐to‐delivery time 2 weeks shorter than the group with no PPROM (P = 0.03). The live birth rates were similar in the PPROM and no‐PPROM groups, at 77 and 73%, respectively. However, the average recipient's weight in the PPROM group was significantly lower than in the no‐PPROM group (1321 ± 493 vs. 1705 ± 576 g; P = 0.02).ConclusionThe rate of PPROM and the mean gestational age at delivery in pregnancies in which an absorbable gelatin sponge was used as a sealant of the fetoscopic port following laser photocoagulation for TTTS were comparable to those that have been reported by other laser centers where membrane sealants were not used. A randomized controlled trial should be considered to evaluate the effect of chorioamnion plugging. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partial least squares regression and projection on latent structure regression (PLS Regression)
Authors: Abdi Hervé 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPartial least squares (PLS) regression (a.k.a. projection on latent structures) is a recent technique that combines features from and generalizes principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression. Its goal is to predict a set of dependent variables from a set of independent variables or predictors. This prediction is achieved by extracting from the predictors a set of orthogonal factors called latent variables which have the best predictive power. These latent variables can be used to create displays akin to PCA displays. The quality of the prediction obtained from a PLS regression model is evaluated with cross‐validation techniques such as the bootstrap and jackknife. There are two main variants of PLS regression: The most common one separates the roles of dependent and independent variables; the second one—used mostly to analyze brain imaging data—gives the same roles to dependent and independent variables. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models
Algorithms and Computational Methods > Least Squares
Beamlets
Authors: Huo Xiaoming 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBeamlets are a data structure for analyzing linear or curvilinear features in two‐dimensional spaces. Beamlets are a collection of dyadically organized line segments, taking a range of positions, orientations, and having various lengths. The key advantage of such a data structure is that it forms a multiscale framework for linear and curvilinear features. This data structure enables new methods in statistical modeling, statistic estimation, denoising, data reduction, coding, and compression. The new methods are both computationally efficient and theoretically optimal. The derived methods are particularly suitable for large‐sized datasets (e.g., images with high resolution). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Signal and Image Processing and Coding