bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics-Based Predictions of Peptide Binding to Disease-Associated HLA Proteins Suggest Explanation for Shared Autoimmunity
Authors: Glutting JP , Reche Pedro A. , Fridkis-Hareli Masha 
Published: March 2011

Aim This study was designed to examine the immunogenetic basis for shared autoimmunity, resulting in autoantigen presentation that leads to the production of two or more disease-specific autoantibodies. Methods A bioinformatics approach based on peptide binding predictions to disease-associated HLA determinants has been developed and tested here using 11 disease associations between autoimmune systemic and mucocutaneous blistering disorders. Various HLAs associated with antigens within a given “disease model” (set of HLA class II and protein sequences known to be associated with a specific autoimmune disease) were tested and ranked against the antigenic proteins, first with proteins they are known to associate with and then with proteins known to be implicated in a second disease model. In every case binding predictions were compared for different proteins binding to the same HLA. Subsequently, disease-related autoantigens have been tested for their binding affinity against each disease-specific HLA class II protein. Results For a single HLA haplotype, several binders have been generated from a related autoantigen with the variable binding score. In most cases, the binding score corresponding to the interactions between the autoantigen-derived epitope and the HLA associated with one disease was similar or lower than the interactions between the epitope from proteins associated with the second disease and the same HLA. Notably, there was no compelling promiscuity in peptide binding to each of the HLA molecules, in spite of the promiscuous nature of HLA class II binding. Conclusions The data suggest that, in susceptible individuals, shared autoimmunity might be initiated by two types of HLA/peptide interaction; first between an autoantigen-derived epitope and its disease-associated HLA molecules, and second, between a different peptide of the same autoantigen and HLA proteins specific for the second disease.
Extension of Some Theorems of W. Schwarz
Authors: Coons Michael 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we prove that a non–zero power series F(z) ∈ ℂ[[z]] satisfyingwhere d ≥ 2, A(z), B(z) ∈ C[z] with A(z) ≠ 0 and deg A(z), deg B(z) < d is transcendental over ℂ(z). Using this result and a theorem of Mahler’s, we extend results of Golomb and Schwarz on transcendental values of certain power series. In particular, we prove that for all k ≥ 2 the series is transcendental for all algebraic numbers z with |z| < 1. We give a similar result for . These results were known to Mahler, though our proofs of the function transcendence are new and elementary; no linear algebra or differential calculus is used.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy as a Presenting Symptom of Endogenous Cushing Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: lannetti Ludovico , Spinucci Giovanni , Pesci Francesca Romana , Vicinanza Roberto , Stigliano Antonio , Pivetti-Pezzi Paola 
Published: March 2011

Purpose To report a case of Cushing syndrome due to adrenocortical adenoma revealed by central serous chorioretinopathy. Methods A 45-year-old man presented with blurred vision and metamorphopsia in the left eye. He reported few episodes of high blood pressure in the last 3 months. Results Visual acuity was 20/40 in the left eye. Fundus oculi examination revealed central serous chorioretinopathy in the left eye. Grade 1 hypertension was found. Increased serum and urinary levels of Cortisol and reduced serum levels of ACTH were observed. Diagnosis of Cushing syndrome was made. Computed tomography scan revealed a right adrenal mass that was surgically removed; histologic examination showed an adrenocortical adenoma. Three months after surgical treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/20 and central serous chorioretinopathy completely resolved. Conclusions Central serous chorioretinopathy may be the presenting symptom of Cushing syndrome in a patient with adrenocortical adenoma.
Monitoring Viral‐Mediated Membrane Fusion Using Fluorescent Reporter Methods
Authors: Kondo Naoyuki , Miyauchi Kosuke , Matsuda Zene 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA simple and real‐time cell‐based assay of membrane fusion employing a pair of engineered novel reporter proteins is described. The reporter proteins are chimeras of split Renilla luciferase (RL) and split green fluorescent protein (GFP). This reporter allows us to perform both quantitative (RL mode) and visible (GFP mode) membrane fusion assays in live cells. The kinetic assay enabled by this method helps understand the mechanism of membrane fusion mediated by a viral envelope protein. This assay system is also suitable for the screening of potential inhibitors. The timing of inhibition by a particular inhibitor can be analyzed by time‐dependent addition of the inhibitor. Although this unit demonstrates the application of the method for the analysis of HIV‐1 envelope protein, the reporter can be applied to analyses of various other viral envelope proteins. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 50:26.9.1‐26.9.9. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Innovation in doctoral degrees designed for adult learners: A hybrid model in personal financial planning
Authors: Grable John E. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractInnovation in doctoral degree program development and delivery provides an effective counterpoint to the expert–apprentice model established in the Middle Ages. The author outlines the importance of innovation in reaching adult learners and describes an innovative hybrid PhD program designed to allow aspiring doctoral adult‐age students to pursue a degree by providing access to education at a distance.
Non‐conventional Processing and Post‐processing Methods for the Nanostructuring of Conjugated Materials for Organic Electronics
Authors: De Luca Giovanna , Pisula Wojciech , Credgington Dan , Treossi Emanuele , Fenwick Oliver , Lazzerini Giovanni Mattia , Dabirian Reza , Orgiu Emanuele , Liscio Andrea , Palermo Vincenzo , Müllen Klaus , Cacialli Franco , Samorì Paolo 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn the search for new ways to combine the appealing simplicity of solution processing methods and the need for a high performance of the active layer of organic (opto)electronic devices, the possibilities given by the joint use of well‐established casting techniques and post‐treatment procedures are explored, as well as new and unconventional deposition protocols to tailor self‐assembled architectures with a high degree of order at different length scales, from the subnanometer up to the macroscopic scale. In fact, even the same organic molecule can give rise to different molecular architectures which, in turn, may offer the possibility to exploit a large variety of new functionalities of the deposited materials, paving the way towards the fabrication multifunctional organic‐based devices.
Synthesis of Isoquinolines via Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Dehydrative CC and CN Coupling between Oximines and Alkynes
Authors: Zhang Xingping , Chen Dan , Zhao Miao , Zhao Jing , Jia Aiqun , Li Xingwei 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIsoquinolines have been synthesized from the redox‐neutral dehydrative CN and CC cross‐coupling between oximines and alkynes using a catalytic amount of (pentamethylcyclopentadiene)rhodium dichloride dimer {[RhCp*Cl2]2} and cesium acetate (CsOAc), a process that involves ortho CH activation of oximines and subsequent functionalization with alkynes. This redox‐neutral catalytic isoquinoline synthesis operates under mild conditions, and is insensitive to moisture or air. A broad scope of coupling partners has been established, and a likely mechanism has been suggested.
Behavioral changes associated with economic development in the South Pacific: Health transition in Vanuatu
Authors: Dancause Kelsey Needham , Dehuff Christa , Soloway Laura E. , Vilar Miguel , Chan Chim , Wilson Michelle , Tarivonda Len , Regenvanu Ralph , Kaneko Akira , Garruto Ralph M. , Lum J. Koji 
Published: March 2011

AbstractHealth patterns are changing in developing countries; as diet and activity patterns change with economic development, chronic disease prevalence increases, which is a characteristic of health transition. The islands of Vanuatu (South Pacific) have varying rates of economic development and provide a natural experimental model of health transition.Objectives: To characterize behavioral changes associated with modernization.Methods: We surveyed 425 children and 559 adults on three islands varying in degree of economic development. We assessed diet (24‐h dietary recall), physical activity (mode of transport, work activities, and recreation), substance use, and other behavioral patterns.Results: Spending patterns and access to Western foods followed modernization gradients in our sample, whereas occupational patterns and ownership of technological goods were poor markers of modernization. With increasing economic development, participants consumed more animal proteins and simple carbohydrates. Physical activity levels were high; most participants were active in gardening, and sports were popular, especially in urban areas. However, urban participants spent more time in sedentary recreation. Men's use of alcohol and tobacco increased with economic development, but we observed marked differences in substance use patterns between two rural islands—one with and one without tourism.Conclusions: Economic development in Vanuatu is accompanied by nutrition transition and increased sedentary recreation, although physical activity levels remain high. Differences in substance use patterns between rural islands with and without tourism indicate a need for more research in rural areas. These findings might inform research in other communities in the early stages of health transition. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Harris lines revisited: Prevalence, comorbidities, and possible etiologies
Authors: Papageorgopoulou Christina , Suter Susanne K. , Rühli Frank J. , Siegmund Frank 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives: The occurrence of transverse radiopaque lines in long bones—Harris lines (HLs)—is correlated with episodes of temporary arrest of longitudinal growth and has been used as an indicator of health and nutritional status of modern and historical populations. However, the interpretation of HLs as a stress indicator remains debatable. The aim of this article is to evaluate the perspectives and the limitations of HLs analyses and to examine their reliability as a stress indicator.Methods: The study was conducted on 241 tibiae from a medieval Swiss skeletal material and was carried out using a standardized, semiautomated HL detection and analysis tool developed by the authors. We compared four different age‐at‐formation estimation methods and analyzed the correlation of HL occurrence to life expectancy, mean‐age‐at‐death, stature, tibia length, and metabolic disorders as expressed by linear enamel hypoplasia and hypothyroidism.Results: The evaluation of the age‐at‐formation estimation methods showed statistical significant differences. Therefore, a mathematical framework for the conversion between the methods has been developed. Remodeling had eliminated about half of the HLs formed during adolescence, and a further half of the remaining ones during early adulthood, whereas no association between the aforementioned conditions and HL prevalence could be determined. The peaks of high HL frequency among various populations were found to parallel normal growth spurts and growth hormone secretion.Conclusions: We suggest a reconsideration of HLs as more of a result of normal growth and growth spurts, rather than a pure outcome of nutritional or pathologic stress. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping the Landscape of Potentially Primordial Informational Oligomers: (3′→2′)‐D‐Phosphoglyceric Acid Linked Acyclic Oligonucleotides Tagged with 2,4‐Disubstituted 5‐Aminopyrimidines as Recognition Elements
Authors: Hernández‐Rodríguez Marcos , Xie Jian , Osornio Yazmin M. , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe (3′→2′)‐phosphodiester glyceric acid backbone containing an acyclic oligomer tagged with 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidines as alternative recognition elements have been synthesized. Strong cross‐pairing of a 2,4‐dioxo‐5‐aminopyrimidine hexamer, rivaling locked nucleic acid (LNA) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA), with complementary adenine‐containing DNA and RNA sequences was observed. The corresponding 2,4‐diamino‐ and 2‐amino‐4‐oxo‐5‐aminopyrimidine‐tagged oligomers were synthesized, but difficulties in deprotection, purification, and isolation thwarted further investigations. The acyclic phosphate backbone structure of the protected oligomer seems to be prone to an eliminative degradation owing to the acidic hydrogen at the 2′‐position—an arrangement that renders the oligomer vulnerable to the conditions used for the removal of the protecting groups on the heterocyclic recognition element. However, the free oligomers seem to be stable under the conditions investigated.
Determination of Explosives Using Electrochemically Reduced Graphene
Authors: Chen Ti‐Wei , Sheng Zhen‐Huan , Wang Kang , Wang Feng‐Bin , Xia Xing‐Hua 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA graphene‐based electrochemical sensing platform for sensitive determination of explosive nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) was constructed by means of electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemically reduced graphene (ER‐GO) adhered strongly onto the GCE surface with a wrinkled morphology that showed a large active surface area. 2,4‐Dinitrotoluene (2,4‐DNT), as a model analyte, was detected by using stripping voltammetry, which gave a low detection limit of 42 nmol L−1 (signal‐to‐noise ratio=3) and a wide linear range from 5.49×10−7 to 1.1×10−5 M. Further characterizations by electrochemistry, IR, and Raman spectra confirmed that the greatly improved electrochemical reduction signal of DNT on the ER‐GO‐modified GC electrode could be ascribed to the excellent electrocatalytic activity and high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio of graphene, and the strong π–π stacking interactions between 2,4‐DNT and the graphene surface. Other explosive nitroaromatic compounds including 1,3‐dinitrobenzene (1,3‐DNB), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), and 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene (TNB) could also be detected on the ER‐GO‐modified GC electrode at the nM level. Experimental results showed that electrochemical reduction of GO on the GC electrode was a fast, simple, and controllable method for the construction of a graphene‐modified electrode for sensing NACs and other sensing applications.
Portfolio selection with imperfect information: A hidden Markov model
Authors: Çanakoğlu Ethem , Özekici Süleyman 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe consider a utility‐based portfolio selection problem, where the parameters change according to a Markovian market that cannot be observed perfectly. The market consists of a riskless and many risky assets whose returns depend on the state of the unobserved market process. The states of the market describe the prevailing economic, financial, social, political or other conditions that affect the deterministic and probabilistic parameters of the model. However, investment decisions are based on the information obtained by the investors. This constitutes our observation process. Therefore, there is a Markovian market process whose states are unobserved, and a separate observation process whose states are observed by the investors who use this information to determine their portfolios. There is, of course, a probabilistic relation between the two processes. The market process is a hidden Markov chain and we use sufficient statistics to represent the state of our financial system. The problem is solved using the dynamic programming approach to obtain an explicit characterization of the optimal policy and the value function. In particular, the return‐risk frontiers of the terminal wealth are shown to have linear forms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attacks on German public figures, 1968–2004: Warning behaviors, potentially lethal and non‐lethal acts, psychiatric status, and motivations
Authors: Hoffmann Jens , Meloy J. Reid , Guldimann Angela , Ermer Anneliese 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFourteen non‐terrorist attackers of public figures in Germany between 1968 and 2004 were intensively studied, with a particular focus on warning behaviors, attack behaviors, and the relationship between psychiatric diagnosis, symptoms, and motivations for the assault. A large proportion of the attackers were severely mentally ill, and most likely to be in the potentially lethal rather than the non‐lethal group. A new typology of seven warning behaviors was applied to the data, and all were present, most frequently fixation and pathway warning behavior, and least frequently a direct threat. Psychiatric diagnosis could be closely linked to motivation when analyzed at the level of symptom and content of thought, often delusional. Most of the attacks were directed at political figures, and the majority occurred after 1995. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐hospital outcomes of very elderly patients (85 years and older) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Appleby Clare E. , Ivanov Joan , Mackie Karen , Džavík Vladimír , Overgaard Christopher B. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective: To compare in‐hospital outcomes of a large cohort of very elderly patients (age ≥85 years) with younger patients (age <85 years) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for all indications at our institution. Background: Interventionist cardiologists are often reluctant to undertake PCI in very elderly patients due to the perception of poor outcome in this high‐risk cohort. However, the prognostic significance of advanced age itself is not clear. Methods: Baseline clinical, angiographic and procedural variables, and in‐hospital outcome data were entered into a prospective registry of 17,572 consecutive patients undergoing PCI at the University Health Network between April 2000 and December 2008. Patients were stratified according to age (<85 years, n = 17,168, or ≥85 years, n = 404) and in‐hospital mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and complication rates were calculated. Logistic regression‐analysis identified independent predictors of unadjusted mortality and MACE. Very elderly patients were propensity matched with younger patients (1:2 ratio), and the analysis repeated. Results: Very elderly patients had a mean age of 87.5 ± 2.9 (range, 85–97 years) vs. 62.8 ± 11.1 years for the younger cohort and had a greater number of comorbid conditions. This cohort were more likely to present as an urgent or primary PCI, underwent more complex interventions, and achieved less angiographic success. Unadjusted mortality and post procedure myocardial infarction were significantly higher in very elderly patients (6.93% vs. 1.20%, P < 0.0001 and 4.46% vs. 2.74%, P = 0.04). Renal, neurological, and access‐site complications were all greater in the very elderly cohort. Although age ≥85 years was a significant independent predictor of both mortality (OR, 2.62; CI, 1.44–4.78, P = 0.0016) and MACE (OR, 1.94; CI, 1.25–3.01, P = 0.003), other variables such as cardiogenic shock were more potent predictors of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Very elderly patients represent a high‐risk cohort, with significantly increased in‐hospital mortality and complication rates after PCI. Death occurred predominantly in very elderly patients undergoing nonelective PCI. Decisions to proceed with PCI in very elderly patients should be based on other prognostic variables in combination with advanced age, and these patients should not be excluded from revascularization based on age alone. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Honeycomb Self‐Assembled Peptide Scaffolds by the Breath Figure Method
Authors: Du Mingchun , Zhu Pengli , Yan Xuehai , Su Ying , Song Weixing , Li Junbai 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe self‐assembly of molecules into desired architectures is currently a challenging subject for the development of supramolecular chemistry. Here we present a facile “breath figure” assembly process through the use of the self‐assembled peptide building block diphenylalanine (L‐Phe‐L‐Phe, FF). Macroporous honeycomb scaffolds were fabricated, and average pore size could be regulated, from (1.00±0.18) μm to (2.12±0.47) μm, through the use of different air speeds. It is indicated that the honeycomb formation is humidity‐, solvent‐, concentration‐, and substrate‐dependent. Moreover, water molecules introduced from “breath figure” intervene in the formation of hydrogen bonds during FF molecular self‐assembly, which results in a hydrogen bond configuration transition from antiparallel β sheet to parallel β sheet. Meanwhile, as a result of the higher polarity of water molecules, the FF molecular array is transformed from laminar stacking into a hexagonal structure. These findings not only elucidate the FF molecule self‐assembly process, but also strongly support the mechanism of breath figure array formation. Finally, human embryo skin fibroblast (ESF) culture experiments suggest that FF honeycomb scaffolds are an attractive biomaterial for growth of adherent cells with great potential applications in tissue engineering.
Age‐related disparities in the use of radiotherapy for treatment of localized soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Horton Janet K. , Gleason John F. , Klepin Heidi D. , Isom Scott , Fried Daniel B. , Geiger Ann M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Many elderly patients with cancer experience increased cancer‐related morbidity and mortality compared with younger patients. In soft tissue sarcoma, adjuvant radiotherapy is an integral part of definitive therapy for limb preservation. The authors of this report hypothesized that age‐related disparities exist in the use of radiation.METHODS:Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study among patients aged ≥25 years who were diagnosed from 1998 to 2004 with nonmetastatic, biopsy‐proven, high‐grade soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and underwent a limb‐sparing procedure. Patients were stratified according to age (ages <50 years, 50‐70 years, and >70 years). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between age and the receipt of radiotherapy adjusting for histology, tumor location, tumor size, surgery, sex, race, and marital status. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare disease‐specific and all‐cause mortality.RESULTS:Among 1354 eligible patients; 37.1% were aged >70 years, 44.3% were women, and 84.4% were Caucasian. Although 73.8% of the cohort received radiotherapy, receipt decreased from 78.2% among patients aged <50 years to 69.6% among patients aged >70 years (test for trend; P = .006). After adjusting for demographic and tumor factors, older patients remained less likely to receive radiotherapy (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.47‐0.92) and more likely to experience disease‐specific death (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4‐4.1) compared with the youngest group.CONCLUSIONS:Older adults appeared to be less likely to receive definitive therapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. In the absence of clinical trials and treatment guidelines tailored to this population, under treatment may disadvantage elderly patients, who have increased cancer‐related morbidity and mortality. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.