bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered expression and signal transduction of endothelin‐1 receptors in heritable and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yu Jun , Taylor Linda , Wilson Jamie , Comhair Suzy , Erzurum Serpil , Polgar Peter 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHuman pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) were isolated from elastic pulmonary arteries dissected from lungs of individuals with and without pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Reflecting increased smooth muscle constriction in cells from PAH subject, Ca2+ influx in response to endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) increased in all the PAH PASMC populations relative to the normal donor control cells. The ETA receptor mRNA levels remained unchanged, whereas the ETB receptor mRNA levels decreased in both heritable and idiopathic PAH‐derived PASMC. All the PASMC populations expressed considerably higher ETA compared to ETB receptor number. Both ETA and ETB receptor numbers were reduced in bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2) mutation PAH. ETB receptors showed a particular reduction in number. Phospho‐antibody array analysis of normal and BMPR2 deletion PASMC illustrated ERK and Akt activation to be the most prominent and to be taking place principally through ETB receptors in normal PASMC, but primarily through ETA receptors in PASMC from BMPR2 PAH subjects. Additionally in the PAH cells the total relative ET‐1 signal response was markedly reduced. Western analysis from the BMPR2 PASMC duplicated the array results, whereas PASMC from iPAH subjects showed variability with most samples continuing to signal through ETB. In sum, these results indicate that generally both receptors are reduced in PAH particularly ETB, and that ETB signaling through protein kinases becomes markedly reduced in BMPR2 PASMC, while it continues in IPAH. Importantly, the data suggest that caution must be taken when applying ET‐1 receptor antagonist therapy to PAH patients. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 322–329, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treewidth of Cartesian Products of Highly Connected Graphs
Authors: Wood David R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe following theorem is proved: for all k‐connected graphs G and H each with at least n vertices, the treewidth of the cartesian product of G and H is at least . For , this lower bound is asymptotically tight for particular graphs G and H. This theorem generalizes a well‐known result about the treewidth of planar grid graphs.
Rapid PROPELLER‐MRI: A combination of iterative reconstruction and under‐sampling
Authors: Tamhane Ashish A. , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Anastasio Mark , Guo Xiaodong , Vannier Michael , Gao Jia‐Hong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose:To develop a technique that is able to reduce acquisition time and remove uneven blurring in reconstructed image for PROPELLER MRI. By using under‐sampling and iterative reconstruction, this proposed technique will be less sensitive to subject motion.Materials and Methods:Numerical simulations, as well as experiments on a phantom and healthy human subjects were performed to demonstrate advantages of a combination of under‐sampled acquisition and iterative reconstruction. Method of motion correction was modified to increase accuracy of motion correction for the under‐sampled PROPELLER acquisition.Results:It was demonstrated that the proposed approach achieved substantial acceleration of PROPELLER acquisition while maintaining its motion correction advantage.Conclusion:An effective method for reducing imaging time in PROPELLER was introduced in this study, which minimizes typical under‐sampling artifacts without uneven spatial resolution and maintains the ability of motion correction. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:1241–1247. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo precision of bootstrap algorithms applied to diffusion tensor imaging data
Authors: Vorburger Robert S. , Reischauer Carolin , Dikaiou Katerina , Boesiger Peter 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose:To determine the precision for in vivo applications of model and non–model‐based bootstrap algorithms for estimating the measurement uncertainty of diffusion parameters derived from diffusion tensor imaging data.Materials and Methods:Four different bootstrap methods were applied to diffusion datasets acquired during 10 repeated imaging sessions. Measurement uncertainty was derived in eight manually selected regions of interest and in the entire brain white matter and gray matter. The precision of the bootstrap methods was analyzed using coefficients of variation and intra‐class correlation coefficients. Comprehensive simulations were performed to validate the results.Results:All bootstrap algorithms showed similar precision which slightly varied in dependence of the selected region of interest. The averaged coefficient of variation in the selected regions of interest was 13.81%, 12.35%, and 17.93% with respect to the apparent diffusion coefficient, the fractional anisotropy value, and the cone of uncertainty, respectively. The repeated measurements showed a very high similarity with intraclass‐correlation coefficients larger than 0.96. The simulations confirmed most of the in vivo findings.Conclusion:All investigated bootstrap methods perform with a similar, high precision in deriving the measurement uncertainty of diffusion parameters. Thus, the time‐efficient model‐based bootstrap approaches should be the method of choice in clinical practice. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:979–986. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiation of aminomethyl corrole isomers by mass spectrometry
Authors: Ramos Catarina I. V. , Graça Santana‐Marques M. , Ferrer‐Correia A. J. , Barata Joana F. B. , Tomé Augusto C. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Cavaleiro J. A. S. , Abreu Paulo E. , Pereira Mariette M. , Pais Alberto A. C. C. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTTwo new isomeric aminomethyl corrole derivatives of [5,10,15‐tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrolato]gallium(III) were synthesized with pyridine (py) molecules as axial ligands. When investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, in the positive and the negative ion modes, these compounds showed an unusual gas‐phase behavior that could be used for their differentiation.In the positive ion mode, the differentiation was achieved through the formation of diagnostic fragment ions formed from [M‐py + H]+ precursors, by (CH3)2NH and HF losses. An unusual addition of water to the main fragment ions provides an alternative route for isomer identification. Semi‐empirical calculations were performed to elucidate the structures and stabilities of the main ionic species formed in the positive ion mode.In the negative ion mode isomer discrimination is accomplished via the fragmentation of the methoxide adduct ions [M‐py + CH3O]‐ through (CH3)2 N. and HF losses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The accuracy of subjective clinical assessments of the patellar reflex
Authors: Dafkin Chloe , Green Andrew , Kerr Samantha , Veliotes Demetri , Mckinon Warrick 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Measurement precision and accuracy of spinal reflexes plays an essential role in the clinical neurological examination. Reflexes are conventionally assessed either electromyographically or with rating scales. In this study we compared objective kinematic T‐reflex and subjective assessments of patellar reflexes in 15 normal healthy subjects. Methods: Randomized recordings of objectively quantified reflexes were rated by 24 medical students, 16 general practitioners, and 12 neurologists, using a visual analog scale and the NINDS and Mayo clinical reflex scales. Results: For all groups of raters, Spearman rank correlations showed that subjective ratings significantly correlated with change of knee angle (R2 = 0.72–0.79, P < 0.001) and maximum T‐reflex amplitude (R2 = 0.84–0.94, P < 0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that all subjective rater groups relied most on the change of knee angle to assess the reflex. Conclusions: These findings show that subjective assessments of reflexes using reflex rating scales correlate strongly with biomechanical and electromyographic measures. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Hyperinflammation of chronic granulomatous disease is abolished by NOX2 reconstitution in macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Deffert Christine , Carnesecchi Stephanie , Yuan Huiping , Rougemont Anne‐Laure , Kelkka Tiina , Holmdahl Rikard , Krause Karl‐Heinz , Schäppi Michela G 
Published: June 2012

AbstractChronic granulomatous disease (CGD), caused by a lack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2, leads to massively increased inflammatory responses. In order to identify the type of phagocyte which requires NOX2 activity to limit inflammation, we investigated mice with a loss of function mutation in the Ncf1 gene coding for the p subunit of NOX2 and mice with transgenic rescue of Ncf1 under control of the CD68 promoter. To induce CGD hyperinflammation, different mouse genotypes were injected intradermally with β‐glucan. Ncf1 mutant mice showed massive and prolonged hyperinflammation. Hyperinflammatory lesions were characterized by persistent neutrophilic infiltration, along with ulceration and necrosis. In contrast, in CD68 promoter rescue mice inflammation resolved within days, as seen in wild‐type animals. Measurements of ROS in rescue mice demonstrated functional NOX2 in mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages and dendritic cells) but not in neutrophils. This absence of NOX2 function was also confirmed in inflammatory tissue neutrophils. Lack of functional NOX2 in mononuclear phagocytes increased the secretion of IL‐1β at early time points and of IL‐6 and TNFα at later time points. Thus, CGD hyperinflammation is a redox dysregulation in mononuclear phagocytes, demonstrating a cell type‐specific anti‐inflammatory function of NOX2. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of alkoxy tail length on the self‐organization of hairy‐rod polymers based on mesogen‐jacketed liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Chen Sheng , Jie Changkai , Xie Helou , Zhang Hailiang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA series of hairy‐rod polymers, poly{2,5‐bis[(4‐alkoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl]styrenes} (P‐OCm, m = 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18) were designed and successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization. The chemical structure of the monomers was confirmed by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The molecular characterizations of the polymers were performed with 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The phase structures and transitions of the polymers were investigated by the combination of techniques including differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, and rheological measurement. The experimental results revealed that the self‐assembly behaviors of P‐OCm changed with the increase in m. First, the P‐OCm (m = 1, 2) showed only a stable liquid crystalline phase above Tg. Second, with the increasing length of alkoxy tails, the P‐OCm (m = 4, 6, 8) presented a re‐entrant isotropic phase above Tg and a liquid crystalline phase at higher temperature. Third, the P‐OCm (m = 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) exhibited an unusual re‐entrant isotropic phase which was separating SmA (in low temperature) and columnar phases (in high temperature). It was the first time that mesogen‐jacketed liquid crystalline polymers formed smectic phase, re‐entrant isotropic phase, and columnar phases in one polymer due to the microphase separation and the driving force of the entropy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Non‐visualization of the cavum septi pellucidi is not synonymous with agenesis of the corpus callosum
Authors: Malinger G. , Lev D. , Oren M. , Lerman‐Sagie T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo describe a cohort of fetuses with non‐visualization of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) without callosal agenesis and to assess the significance of this finding with respect to postnatal development.MethodsWe reviewed the files of all patients referred because of suspected fetal supratentorial midline anomalies, and identified those fetuses with a diagnosis of non‐visualization or obliteration of the CSP.ResultsFrom an initial cohort of 114 patients we identified 23 cases. Mean ( ± SD) gestational age at referral was 24.5 ± 1.3 weeks; referral diagnoses (with more than one in some cases) included: non‐visualization or an echogenic CSP (n = 18), suspected callosal anomaly (n = 5), other findings (n = 5). The fetuses were examined for the first time at the Fetal Neurology Clinic at a mean gestational age of 26.6 ± 3.1 weeks (range, 22–34 weeks; median, 27 weeks). In all of the fetuses the zone where fluid should have been observed was echogenic. In 17 fetuses this was an apparently isolated finding and in six it was associated with other findings, but only one fetus had associated malformations. Follow‐up was available for 16 children at a mean age of 17.4 months (range, 4–36 months; median, 19.5 months). Normal development was reported in 14 children. One child had infantile hypotonia but normal developmental milestones and another had mild motor delay and language delay. These two children did not have associated anomalies at the prenatal scan.ConclusionNon‐visualization of the CSP is not always associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum. When isolated it may be considered a variation of normal development. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent approaches to the prioritization of candidate disease genes
Authors: Doncheva Nadezhda T. , Kacprowski Tim , Albrecht Mario 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMany efforts are still devoted to the discovery of genes involved with specific phenotypes, in particular, diseases. High‐throughput techniques are thus applied frequently to detect dozens or even hundreds of candidate genes. However, the experimental validation of many candidates is often an expensive and time‐consuming task. Therefore, a great variety of computational approaches has been developed to support the identification of the most promising candidates for follow‐up studies. The biomedical knowledge already available about the disease of interest and related genes is commonly exploited to find new gene–disease associations and to prioritize candidates. In this review, we highlight recent methodological advances in this research field of candidate gene prioritization. We focus on approaches that use network information and integrate heterogeneous data sources. Furthermore, we discuss current benchmarking procedures for evaluating and comparing different prioritization methods. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1177This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Barium Peroxide: a Simple Test Case for First‐Principles Investigations on the Temperature Dependence of Solid‐State Vibrational Frequencies
Authors: Stoffel Ralf Peter , Dronskowski Richard 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe vibrational properties of barium peroxide, BaO2, were investigated by phonon calculations based on density‐functional theory and the ab initio force‐constant method. In order to reproduce the correct wavenumber of the peroxide vibration at finite temperatures, its volume dependence together with the calculated volume expansion was taken into account. Using this approximation we found a quantitative agreement of the calculated value with experimental data observed by Raman spectroscopy.
The [Au(CH3SO3)4]– Anion in the Crystal Structures of M[Au(CH3SO3)4] (M = Li, Na, Rb)
Authors: Logemann Christian , Wickleder Mathias S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe reactions of Au(OH)3, M2CO3 (M = Li, Na, Rb), and methanesulfonic acid at elevated temperatures in sealed glass ampoules lead to single crystals of M[Au(CH3SO3)4] (M = Li, Na, Rb). In the crystal structures of Li[Au(CH3SO3)4] (tetragonal, I$\bar{4}$, Z = 2,a = 938.64(2) pm, c = 917.01(3) pm, V = 807.93(4) Å3) and Rb[Au(CH3SO3)4] (tetragonal, P$\bar{4}$21c, Z = 2, a = 946.7(1) pm,c = 889.9(1) pm, V = 797.6(2) Å3) the complex aurate anions are linked by the M+ ions in three dimensions. Contrastingly, in the structure of Na[Au(CH3SO3)4] (triclinic, P$\bar{4}$, Z = 1, a = 540.04(2) pm,b = 863.75(2) pm, c = 973.29(3) pm, α = 72.694(2)°, β = 75.605(2)°, γ = 77.687(2)°, V = 415.05(2) Å3) the complex anions are connected into layers that are further connected by weak hydrogen bonds. The thermal decomposition of Li[Au(CH3SO3)4] was monitored up to 500 °C and leads in a multi‐step process to elemental gold and Li2SO4.
Camel‐Related Injuries: Prospective Study of 212 Patients
Authors: Abu‐Zidan Fikri M. , Hefny Ashraf F. , Eid Hani O. , Bashir Masoud O. , Branicki Frank J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundCamel‐related injuries have been less well studied than other animal‐related injuries. We aimed to study prospectively the incidence, mechanism, distribution of injury, and outcome of patients admitted to hospital with camel‐related injuries in Al‐Ain, United Arab Emirates.MethodsAll patients who were admitted to Al‐Ain Hospital with a camel‐related injury were prospectively studied during the period of October 2001 to January 2010. Patient’s demography, time of injury, mechanism of injury, and distribution and severity of injury were studied.ResultsA total of 212 patients, all male, with a median age of 28 years (5–89 years) were studied. The estimated incidence of hospitalized camel‐related injured patients in Al‐Ain City was 6.88 per 100,000 population per year. Camel kicks were most common (36.8 %) followed by a fall from a camel (26.4 %) and camel bites (25.0 %). Camel kicks and falling from a camel were more common during the hot month of August, and camel bites were more common during the rutting season (November to February). Patients with a kick‐related injury had a significantly higher rate of maxillofacial fractures compared with other mechanisms. Spinal injuries occurred significantly more often in vehicle occupants who collided with camels compared with other mechanisms (3/7 compared with 7/205, p = 0.0022, Fisher’s exact test). Twelve patients (5.7 %) were admitted to the intensive care unit. The mean hospital stay was 8.6 days (1–103 days). Two patients died (overall mortality 1 %).ConclusionsUnderstanding the biomechanisms and patterns of injury and correlating them with the behavior of the camel is important for identification and prevention of camel‐related injuries.
Resident Training in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: Role of the Porcine Model
Authors: La Torre Marco , Caruso Carlo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS) is an effective option for the treatment of various colorectal conditions. However, its implementation in surgical practice is still limited, and there are no clear guidelines for residency training requirements or evaluation of the level of expertise. The aim of this study was to assess the level of practical expertise of senior residents regarding LCRS in an animal porcine model.MethodsAt the Department of Biosciences of Rome, Tecnopolo of Castel Romano, 50 senior residents underwent training sessions on a porcine model under the direction of attending laparoscopic surgeons. A total of 20 residents underwent box trainer preparation before starting the surgical procedure on the animal model; and a group of 6 repeated the course 3 months after the first session.ResultsOverall, 90 % of the residents needed help during the surgical procedures, and only 9 residents (18 %) showed a high level of confidence when performing the surgery. Video‐trainer preparation helped residents increase their laparoscopic ability (p = 0.04). Residents who attended two training courses showed significant improvement regarding the duration of the procedures, rate of complications, and the need of a tutor.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the experience of senior surgical residents in regard to performing LCRS is less than ideal. A national training program should carefully consider the present quality of training in Italy and attempt to develop and integrate alternative methods for teaching laparoscopic surgery, perhaps by having an animal model laboratory.
The Dividend Initiation Decision of Newly Public Firms: Some Evidence on Signaling with Dividends
Authors: Kale Jayant R. , Kini Omesh , Payne Janet D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe track the dividend initiation (DI) decisions from a sample of 6,588 firms that went public during the period 1979–2005 and find that 873 of them initiated dividends. Our primary objective is to determine whether information signaling can explain the DI decision. We find that variables suggested by the dividend-signaling models of John and Williams (1985) and Allen, Bernardo, and Welch (2000) are significant determinants of the DI decision and the associated announcement-period stock price effect. We also find support for the residual, agency, tax, clientele, transaction costs, catering, and life-cycle explanations of dividend policy.
Repurchases, Reputation, and Returns
Authors: Bonaimé Alice Adams 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper examines whether a firm’s reputation is a determinant of repurchase completion rates (the ratio of actual to announced repurchases) and whether the stock market discounts announcements made by less reputable firms. Prior completion rates are positively correlated with current completion rates and announcement returns, suggesting consistency in repurchases and implying a reputational effect. Further, a nascent literature regarding accelerated share repurchases (ASRs) finds them to be more credible than open market repurchases. I show that the probability of announcing an ASR is greater for firms likely to be concerned about reputation because of low past completion rates.
Volatility Trading: What Is the Role of the Long-Run Volatility Component?
Authors: Zhou Guofu , Zhu Yingzi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe study an investor’s asset allocation problem with a recursive utility and with tradable volatility that follows a 2-factor stochastic volatility model. Consistent with previous findings under the additive utility, we show that the investor can benefit substantially from volatility trading due to hedging demand. Unlike existing studies, we find that the impact of elasticity of intertemporal substitution (EIS) on investment decisions is of 1st-order importance. Moreover, the investor can incur significant economic losses due to model and/or parameter misspecifications where the EIS better captures the investor’s attitude toward risk than the risk aversion parameter.
IV.—An Experiment in Marine Fish Cultivation: IV. The Bottom Fauna and the Food of Flatfishes in a Fertilized Sea-loch (Loch Craiglin)
Authors: Raymont J. E. G. 
Published: June 2012

The density of the animal population in any area of the sea bottom must be closely related to the food supply available. An increase in food may be expected to lead to more rapid growth and to more prolific breeding, and a consequent increase in the number of animals sustained on a given area of the bottom.The amount of food available to the “basic” bottom fauna, consisting of plankton, detritus and bottom microflora (cf. Hunt, 1925), depends upon the amounts of plant nutrients in the water, which limit photosynthetic activity in the presence of sufficient light. The addition of fertilizers to an enclosed area like Loch Craiglin (Orr, 1947) might be expected to lead to a greater food supply, and thus to a greater density of the bottom fauna.