bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sentinel Node Biopsy for Head and Neck Desmoplastic Melanoma
Authors: Eppsteiner Robert W. , Swick Brian L. , Milhem Mohammed M. , Hoffman Henry T. , Pagedar Nitin A. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesDetermine the frequency of, the characteristics predictive of, and potential associated survival benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy in a population of patients with desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck.Study DesignAnalysis of a national database.SettingThe 17‐registry Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.Subjects and MethodsUsing the SEER database, the authors identified patients diagnosed with cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck between 2003 and 2007. Nodal metastasis and impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on survival were determined.ResultsThe authors identified 467 cases of desmoplastic melanoma. Although most were locally advanced (median Breslow depth 3.5 mm), few had regional lymph node metastases (3.4%) or distant spread (3.2%) at the time of initial management. Of 165 patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsy, 5% had positive regional lymph nodes. Breslow depth, ulceration, age, and sex were not predictive of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. Patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsy did not have different cause‐specific survival from those who did not undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy.ConclusionPositive sentinel lymph node biopsies are rare in patients with desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck. The low (5%) incidence of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy, coupled with the absence of identifiable survival benefit from its use, supports a more selective application of sentinel lymph node biopsy to this group of patients.
User Fee Impact on Equitable Access to Care: A Review
Authors: Sharma Anupama 
Published: March 2012

Access to care and equity are the two most pertinent issues for policy-makers of the current era. In developing countries, health care is continuously facing budget constraints as central governments’ expenditures do not reach peripheral level of health care. Lack of resources and emphasis on systems’ sustainability has supported the concept of user charges. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently urged developing countries to not rely on user fee as a source of fund, based on the economic theory that high prices induce negative demand, especially for vulnerable populations, which invariably raises the issue of user fee widening inequity. This article reviews the evidences from low and middle-income countries to analyze various political agendas supporting user fee policies and their impact on health facilities in terms of utilization and availability of resources in view of barriers to access. The evidences highlighted that access to care is largely affected by unavailability of resources in most African countries whereas India grapples continuously with governance issues for improving efficiency of health care facilities. The success of the concept of user fee lies in careful examination of health care system-capacity issues, providing a support mechanism for the vulnerable and restructuring user fee policy around efficiency rather than cost-recovery mechanism.
Morphostasis in a novel eukaryote illuminates the evolutionary transition from phagotrophy to phototrophy: description of Rapaza viridis n. gen. et sp. (Euglenozoa, Euglenida)
Authors: Yamaguchi Aika , Yubuki Naoji , Leander Brian S 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Morphostasis of traits in different species is necessary for reconstructing the evolutionary history of complex characters. Studies that place these species into a molecular phylogenetic context test hypotheses about the transitional stages that link divergent character states. For instance, the transition from a phagotrophic mode of nutrition to a phototrophic lifestyle has occurred several times independently across the tree of eukaryotes; one of these events took place within the Euglenida, a large group of flagellates with diverse modes of nutrition. Phototrophic euglenids form a clade that is nested within lineages of phagotrophic euglenids and that originated through a secondary endosymbiosis with green algae. Although it is clear that phototrophic euglenids evolved from phagotrophic ancestors, the morphological disparity between species representing these different nutritional modes remains substantial.

Results
We cultivated a novel marine euglenid, Rapaza viridis n. gen. et sp. ("green grasper"), and a green alga, Tetraselmis sp., from the same environment. Cells of R. viridis were comprehensively characterized with light microscopy, SEM, TEM, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of small subunit rDNA sequences. Ultrastructural and behavioral observations demonstrated that this isolate habitually consumes a specific strain of Tetraselmis prey cells and possesses a functional chloroplast that is homologous with other phototrophic euglenids. A novel feeding apparatus consisting of a reduced rod of microtubules facilitated this first and only example of mixotrophy among euglenids. R. viridis also possessed a robust photoreception apparatus, two flagella of unequal length, euglenoid movement, and a pellicle consisting of 16 strips and one (square-shaped) whorl of posterior strip reduction. The molecular phylogenetic data demonstrated that R. viridis branches as the nearest sister lineage to phototrophic euglenids.

Conclusions
The unusual combination of features in R. viridis combined with its molecular phylogenetic position completely conforms to the expected transitional stage that occurred during the early evolution of phototrophic euglenids from phagotrophic ancestors. The marine mixotrophic mode of nutrition, the preference for green algal prey cells, the structure of the feeding apparatus, and the organization of the pellicle are outstanding examples of morphostasis that clarify pivotal stages in the evolutionary history of this diverse group of microbial eukaryotes.
AtPAN: an integrated system for reconstructing transcriptional regulatory networks in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chen Yi-An , Wen Ying-Chi , Chang Wen-Chi 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Construction of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) is of priority concern in systems biology. Numerous high-throughput approaches, including microarray and next-generation sequencing, are extensively adopted to examine transcriptional expression patterns on the whole-genome scale; those data are helpful in reconstructing TRNs. Identifying transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in a gene promoter is the initial step in elucidating the transcriptional regulation mechanism. Since transcription factors usually co-regulate a common group of genes by forming regulatory modules with similar TFBSs. Therefore, the combinatorial interactions of transcription factors must be modeled to reconstruct the gene regulatory networks.
Description For systems biology applications, this work develops a novel database called Arabidopsis thaliana Promoter Analysis Net (AtPAN), capable of detecting TFBSs and their corresponding transcription factors (TFs) in a promoter or a set of promoters in Arabidopsis. For further analysis, according to the microarray expression data and literature, the co-expressed TFs and their target genes can be retrieved from AtPAN. Additionally, proteins interacting with the co-expressed TFs are also incorporated to reconstruct co-expressed TRNs. Moreover, combinatorial TFs can be detected by the frequency of TFBSs co-occurrence in a group of gene promoters. In addition, TFBSs in the conserved regions between the two input sequences or homologous genes in Arabidopsis and rice are also provided in AtPAN. The output results also suggest conducting wet experiments in the future.

Conclusions
The AtPAN, which has a user-friendly input/output interface and provide graphical view of the TRNs. This novel and creative resource is freely available online at http://AtPAN.itps.ncku.edu.tw/.
Osseointegration and biocompatibility of different metal implants - a comparative experimental investigation in sheep
Authors: Plecko Michael , Sievert Christine , Andermatt Daniel , Frigg Robert , Kronen Peter , Klein Karina , Stübinger Stefan , Nuss Katja , Bürki Alexander , Ferguson Stephen , Stoeckle Ulrich , von Rechenberg Brigitte 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn the present study, 4 different metallic implant materials, either partly coated or polished, were tested for their osseointegration and biocompatibility in a pelvic implantation model in sheep.MethodsMaterials to be evaluated were: Cobalt-Chrome (CC), Cobalt-Chrome/Titanium coating (CCTC), Cobalt-Chrome/Zirconium/Titanium coating (CCZTC), Pure Titanium Standard (PTST), Steel, TAN Standard (TANST) and TAN new finish (TANNEW). Surgery was performed on 7 sheep, with 18 implants per sheep, for a total of 63 implants. After 8 weeks, the specimens were harvested and evaluated macroscopically, radiologically, biomechanically (removal torque), histomorphometrically and histologically.ResultsCobalt-Chrome screws showed significantly (p = 0.031) lower removal torque values than pure titanium screws and also a tendency towards lower values compared to the other materials, except for steel. Steel screws showed no significant differences, in comparison to cobalt-chrome and TANST, however also a trend towards lower torque values than the remaining materials. The results of the fluorescence sections agreed with those of the biomechanical test. Histomorphometrically, there were no significant differences of bone area between the groups. The BIC (bone-to-implant-contact), used for the assessment of the osseointegration, was significantly lower for cobalt-chrome, compared to steel (p = 0.001). Steel again showed a lower ratio (p = 0.0001) compared to the other materials.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that cobalt-chrome and steel show less osseointegration than the other metals and metal-alloys. However, osseointegration of cobalt-chrome was improved by zirconium and/or titanium based coatings (CCTC, TANST, TAN, TANNEW) being similar as pure titanium in their osseointegrative behavior.
MicroRNAs in B cell development and malignancy
Authors: Fernando Thilini R , Rodriguez-Malave Norma I , Rao Dinesh S 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play critical roles in B cell development and malignancy. miRNA expression is important globally, as B cell specific knockouts of Dicer show profound defects in B cell development; and is also critical at the level of specific miRNAs. In this review, we discuss miRNAs that are involved in normal B cell development in the bone marrow and during B cell activation and terminal differentiation in the periphery. Next, we turn to miRNAs that are dysregulated during diseases of B cells, including malignant diseases and autoimmunity. Further study of miRNAs and their targets will lead to a better understanding of B cell development, and should also lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against B cell diseases.
Auto-titrating versus fixed continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Ip Stanley , D'Ambrosio Carolyn , Patel Kamal , Obadan Ndidiamaka , Kitsios Georgios D , Chung Mei , Balk Ethan M 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundObstructive sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder that can lead to lost productivity and cardiovascular disease. The form of positive airway treatment that should be offered is unclear.MethodsMEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Trials registry were searched for English language randomized controlled trials comparing auto-titrating positive airway pressure (APAP) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (inception through 9/2010). Six researchers extracted information on study design, potential bias, patient characteristics, interventions and outcomes. Data for each study were extracted by one reviewer and confirmed by another. Random effects model meta-analyses were performed for selected outcomes.ResultsTwenty-four randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. In individual studies, APAP and fixed CPAP resulted in similar changes from baseline in the apnea-hypopnea index, most other sleep study measures and quality of life. By meta-analysis, APAP improved compliance by 11 minutes per night (95% CI, 3 to 19 minutes) and reduced sleepiness as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale by 0.5 points (95% CI, 0.8 to 0.2 point reduction) compared with fixed CPAP. Fixed CPAP improved minimum oxygen saturation by 1.3% more than APAP (95% CI, 0.4 to 2.2%). Studies had relatively short follow-up and generally excluded patients with significant comorbidities. No study reported on objective clinical outcomes.ConclusionsStatistically significant differences were found but clinical importance is unclear. Because the treatment effects are similar between APAP and CPAP, the therapy of choice may depend on other factors such as patient preference, specific reasons for non-compliance and cost.
"Was nützt ein Sieg, wenn keiner davon erfährt?". Die Medienarbeit des französischen Militärs in Indochina und Algerien 1945 bis 1962
Authors: Heinemann Julia 
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung
Legitimationsbemühungen, Stärkung der Moral der eigenen Truppen, Beeinflussung der Öffentlichkeit, Reaktion auf den Feind: Während der Dekolonisierungskonflikte in Indochina (1945-1954) und Algerien (1954-1962) baute das französische Militär seine Medienarbeit zunehmend aus und ließ sie zum Teil der "psychologischen Waffe" werden, die zum erfolgreichen Verlauf der Kriege beitragen sollte. Die politische Instabilität der Vierten Republik und die ständigen militärischen Führungswechsel ließen vor allem individuelle Persönlichkeiten zu Triebkräften der militärischen Medienstrategien werden. Der von Charles de Gaulle ab 1958 vorgenommene politische Kurswechsel entzog einem Teil der an die Wirkungsmacht der Medien glaubenden Militärs allerdings die Arbeitsgrundlage. Sie brachen mit der offiziellen Politik und trugen so zur Erosion der Einheit des Militärs bei.
Die Militär-Medien-Beziehungen der 1950er Jahre in vergleichender Perspektive. Frankreich und Großbritannien in der Suezkrise 1956
Authors: Herbst Bastian 
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung
Der Aufsatz untersucht die militärischen Medienbeziehungen der britischen und französischen Armeen im Umfeld der Suezkrise von 1956. Dabei wird zunächst gezeigt, wie in der Nachkriegszeit in beiden Armeen die Aufmerksamkeit für die Medienarbeit wuchs und zugleich der Glauben an die Wirksamkeit psychologischer Elemente in der Kriegsführung anstieg. Dies führte zu Modernisierungsversuchen in beiden Armeen, mit allerdings unterschiedlichen Voraussetzungen und Resultaten. Die Suezkrise selber zeigte die Beschränktheit militärischer Medienarbeit vor dem Hintergrund begrenzter Ressourcen, traditioneller Vorbehalte von Teilen des Militärs gegenüber der Medienarbeit und der Konkurrenz des medial selbstbewusst agierenden Nasser-Regimes.
Geheimhaltung und politische Einflussnahme als Ziele der Medienbeziehungen der israelischen Militärführung von 1956 bis 1977
Authors: Kaufmann Johannes A. 
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die Beziehungen der Militärführung zu den Medien waren in der kleinen israelischen Gesellschaft schon immer eng. Doch während die Medienstrategien des Militärs in der Frühphase des Staats reagierend und größtenteils restriktiv waren, sind seit der Mitte der 1960er Jahre eine zunehmende Öffnung des Militärs gegenüber den Medien und aktivere Medienstrategien erkennbar. Eine Erklärung dafür bietet die Pluralisierung der politischen Landschaft Israels, in der die Militärführung sich über die Medien sicherheitspolitisch zu positionieren suchte.
Childhood Maltreatment Histories, Alcohol and Other Drug Use Symptoms, and Sexual Risk Behavior in a Treatment Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Oshri Assaf , Tubman Jonathan G. , Burnette Mandi L. 
Published: March 2012

Objectives. We tested a structural model of relations among self-reported childhood maltreatment, alcohol and other drug abuse and dependence symptoms, and sexual risk behavior in a sample of adolescents receiving outpatient treatment of substance use problems. Methods. Structured interviews were administered to an ethnically diverse sample of 394 adolescents (114 girls, 280 boys; mean = 16.30 years; SD = 1.15 years; 44.9% Hispanic, 20.6% African American, 25.4% White non-Hispanic, and 9.1% other) in 2 outpatient treatment settings. Results. Path analyses yielded findings consistent with a mediation model. Alcohol abuse and dependence symptoms mediated (1) relations between emotional neglect scores and sex with co-occurring alcohol use and (2) relations between sexual abuse scores and sex with co-occurring alcohol use. Drug abuse and dependence symptoms mediated relations between (1) neglect scores and (2) sexual intercourse with co-occurring alcohol or drug use, as well as unprotected sexual intercourse. Conclusions. Efforts to treat alcohol or drug use problems among adolescents or to prevent transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections among youths with substance use problems may require tailoring treatment or prevention protocols to address client histories of maltreatment.
BMI–Mortality Paradox and Fitness in African American and Caucasian Men With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kokkinos Peter , Myers Jonathan , Faselis Charles , Doumas Michael , Kheirbek Raya , Nylen Eric 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between BMI, fitness, and mortality in African American and Caucasian men with type 2 diabetes and to explore racial differences in this association.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We used prospective observational data from Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Washington, DC, and Palo Alto, California. Our cohort (N = 4,156; mean age 60 ± 10.3 years) consisted of 2,013 African Americans (mean age, 59.5 ± 9.9 years), 2,000 Caucasians (mean age, 60.8 ± 10.5 years), and 143 of unknown race/ethnicity. BMI, cardiac risk factors, medications, and peak exercise capacity in metabolic equivalents (METs) were assessed during 1986 and 2010. All-cause mortality was assessed across BMI and fitness categories.

RESULTS
There were 1,074 deaths during a median follow-up period of 7.5 years. A paradoxic BMI–mortality association was observed, with significantly higher risk among those with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.70 [95% CI 1.36–2.1]) compared with the obese category (BMI ≥35 kg/m2). This association was accentuated in African Americans (HR 1.95 [95% CI 1.44–2.63]) versus Caucasians (HR 1.53 [1.0–2.1]). The fitness–mortality risk association for the entire cohort and within BMI categories was inverse, independent, and graded. Mortality risks were 12% lower for each 1-MET increase in exercise capacity, and ∼35–55% lower for those with an exercise capacity &gt;5 METs compared with the least fit (≤5 METs).

CONCLUSIONS
A paradoxic BMI–mortality risk association was observed in African American and Caucasian patients with diabetes. The exercise capacity–mortality risk association was inverse, independent, and graded in all BMI categories but was more potent in those with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2.
Chiral enantiopure bis(thio)ureas derived from TADDOL and their carboxylate complexation capacity
Authors: Gherase Dragos , Roussel Christian 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
New chiral enantiopure ureas and thioureas with (R,R)-TADDOL backbone were synthesized. Bis-(thio)ureas with C2 symmetry were obtained from TADDOL iso(thio)cyanates and bifunctional amino-(thio)ureas from TADDAMINE, respectively. These were tested for carboxylate recognition capacity and the association constant was determined for the most stable complex.
Molecular dynamics simulation study of the diamond D5 substructures
Authors: Kyani Anahita , Diudea Mircea 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Diamond D5 is the name proposed by Diudea for hyper-diamonds having their rings mostly pentagonal. Within D5, in crystallographic terms: the mtn structure, known in clathrates of type II, several substructures can be defined. In the present work, the structural stability of such intermediates/fragments appearing in the construction/destruction of D5 net was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. Calculations were performed using an empirical many-body potential energy function for hydrocarbons. It has been found that, at normal temperature, the hexagonal hyper-rings are more stable while at higher temperature, the pentagonal ones are relatively more resistant against heat treatment.
Carbon nanotubes in capillary electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography and microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Pauwels Jochen , Schepdael Ann 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Carbon nanotubes are among the plethora of novel nanostructures developed since the 1980s. Nanotubes have attracted considerable interest by the scientific community thanks to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Research areas have flourished in recent years and now include the nano-electronic, (bio)sensor and analytical field along with many others. This review covers applications of carbon nanotubes in capillary electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography and microchip electrophoresis. First, carbon nanotubes and a range of electrophoretic techniques are briefly introduced and key references are mentioned. Next, a comprehensive survey of achievements in the field is presented and critically assessed. The merits and downsides of carbon nanotube addition to the various capillary electrophoretic modes are addressed. The different schemes for fabricating electrochromatographic stationary phases based on carbon nanotubes are discussed. Finally, some future perspectives are offered.
New iron-cobalt clusters with silicon-containing dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Cazacu Maria , Vlad Angelica , Turta Constantin , Lisa Gabriela 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
For the first time, silicon-containing dicarboxylic acids were used to prepare two new heterotrinuclear carboxylates of the composition [Fe2IIICoIIO(Bcpdps)3(H2O)3], I, where H2Bcpdps ≡ HOOC-C6H4-Si(C6H5)2-C6H4COOH, and [Fe2IIICoIIO(Ipds)3(H2O)3], II, where H2Ipds ≡ [HOOC-C6H3(CO)2N-(CH2)3-(CH3)2Si]2O. The precursor for these two complexes was trinuclear µ3-oxo-hexaacetate triaqua diiron(III)cobalt(II) cluster, {Fe 2 CoO}, in which the acetate anions were subsequently substituted by silicon-containing dianions. The resulting products were characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), and Mossbauer spectroscopies (MS). The investigation by MS revealed the presence of the iron(3+) ions in high spin state and having the close environment. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated an improving in the thermal stability by replacing acetate anions with silicon-containing carboxyl ligands. This widens the temperature range in which such compounds can be used in practical applications.