bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of O2, Ar/H2 and CF4 plasma treatments on the structural and dielectric properties of parylene-C thin films
Authors: Kahouli A , Sylvestre A , Laithier J-F , Pairis S , Garden J-L , André E , Jomni F , Yangui B 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Plasma treatment of parylene-C surfaces not only causes structural modification of the surface during the plasma exposure, but also leaves active sites on the surfaces, which decreases the dielectric properties. In this work, the effects of oxygen, argon/hydrogen and fluorine plasma treatment on the surface and dielectric properties of parylene-C thin films were investigated using Fourier transform-IR spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis and dielectric spectroscopy measurement. The results showed that the plasma treatment successfully introduced fluorine functional groups and decreased the oxygen content on the parylene-C surfaces. It appears that the replacement of oxygen and hydrogen by fluorine atoms led to a decrease in the local orientational polarizability of parylene-C. Consequently, it was found that the atmospheric fluorine plasma-treated parylene-C possessed lower dielectric characteristics, 16% lower than the untreated parylene-C at industrial frequencies (10–104 Hz). The Ar/H2 plasma treatment is also an experimental means to reduce the dielectric properties and to decrease the oxygen content in parylene-C. In contrast, the oxygen plasma increases the dielectric constant and can cause deterioration of the leakage current associated with carbon depletion showing C–O and C=O formation. CF4 and Ar/H2 plasma treatment does not significantly affect the long molecular motion (α-relaxation). Additional extrinsic oxygen content due to O2 plasma treatment in the parylene-C structure reproduces the increase in the time constant of both the short (β-relaxation) and long molecular motion.
Rationale and design of ARTS: a randomized, double‐blind study of BAY 94‐8862 in patients with chronic heart failure and mild or moderate chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pitt Bertram , Filippatos Gerasimos , Gheorghiade Mihai , Kober Lars , Krum Henry , Ponikowski Piotr , Nowack Christina , Kolkhof Peter , Kim So‐Young , Zannad Faiez 
Published: May 2012

AimsBAY 94‐8862 is a novel, non‐steroidal, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist with greater selectivity than spironolactone and stronger mineralocorticoid receptor binding affinity than eplerenone. The aims of the MinerAlocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Tolerability Study (ARTS; NCT01345656) are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BAY 94‐8862 in patients with heart failure associated with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to examine the effects on biomarkers of cardiac and renal function.MethodsARTS is a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study divided into two parts. In part A, oral BAY 94‐8862 [2.5, 5, or 10 mg once daily (o.d.)] is compared with placebo in ~60 patients with HFREF and mild CKD. Outcome measures include serum potassium concentration, biomarkers of renal injury, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albuminuria. Part B compares BAY 94‐8862 (2.5, 5, or 10 mg o.d., or 5 mg twice daily), placebo, and open‐label spironolactone (25–50 mg o.d.) in ~360 patients with HFREF and moderate CKD. Outcome measures include the change in serum potassium concentration with BAY 94‐8862 vs. placebo (primary endpoint) and vs. spironolactone, safety and tolerability, biomarkers of cardiac and renal function or injury, eGFR, and albuminuria. BAY 94‐8862 pharmacokinetics are also assessed.PerspectivesARTS is the first phase II clinical trial of BAY 94‐8862 and is expected to provide a wealth of information on BAY 94‐8862 in patients with HFREF and CKD, including the optimal dose range for further studies.
Genetic characterization of the endangered and endemic anchialine squat lobster Munidopsis polymorpha from Lanzarote (Canary Islands): management implications
Authors: Cabezas Patricia , Alda Fernando , Macpherson Enrique , Machordom Annie 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCabezas, P., Alda, F., Macpherson, E., and Machordom, A. 2012. Genetic characterization of the endangered and endemic anchialine squat lobster Munidopsis polymorpha from Lanzarote (Canary Islands): management implications. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1030–1037. Anchialine species show restricted geographic ranges, high habitat specificity, and small population sizes. These factors make them particularly vulnerable to human activities, yet little is known about their ecology and evolutionary history. Munidopsis polymorpha is a decapod endemic to an anchialine cave system of the Corona lava tube in Lanzarote (Canary Islands). The present study, the first genetic survey conducted on this largely unknown species, was designed to characterize its genetic diversity, population structure and recent demographic history, using sequence data for the cytochrome oxidase I gene and eight microsatellites. A single haplotype was identified in the mitochondrial dataset. Nuclear genetic diversity was also low (average = 4.375 ± 1.685). No significant genetic structure was detected between sampling sites and years, either by analysis of molecular variance (FST = 0.006, p = 0.110) or Bayesian clustering analysis (K = 1), indicating this species should be treated as a single management unit. Neither did we find evidence for a recent bottleneck event, and estimates of effective population size were extremely low (∼50). The lack of population structure, low genetic diversity and extremely low effective population size reinforce the high degree of isolation and endemicity of this species, and, consequently, the need to implement appropriate management actions.
Interactive Effects of Fungicide, Application Timing, and Spray Volume on Peanut Diseases and Yield
Authors: Augusto Joao , Brenneman Timothy B. 
Published: May 2012

Fungicide penetration of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) canopy to target soilborne pathogens is difficult due to the dense foliage present when mid- to late-season applications are made. To assess the effect of application timing and volume on leaf spot and stem rot control as well as peanut yield, pyraclostrobin (0.21 kg a.i./ha) or chlorothalonil (1.26 kg a.i./ha), a systemic and a contact fungicide, respectively, were applied four times on cv. Georgia Green during the day (on unfolded leaves) or at night (on folded leaves) at 187, 243, or 355 liters/ha. Night application of pyraclostrobin, across spray volumes, gave the best stem rot control and pod yield increase. Pyraclostrobin applied during the day at higher spray volumes also slightly increased control of stem rot, apparently by improving canopy penetration. Neither application timing nor spray volume affected leaf spot control with pyraclostrobin. Higher spray volumes for the chlorothalonil applications tended to improve control of early and late leaf spot, possibly by increasing coverage of foliage and stems. Accepted for publication 10 January 2012. Published 20 April 2012.
Evaluation of Anterior Vertebral Interbody Fusion Using Osteogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplanted in Collagen Sponge
Authors: Yang Wencheng , Dong Youhai , Hong Yang , Guang Qian , Chen Xujun 
Published: May 2012

Study Design:
The study used a rabbit model to achieve anterior vertebral interbody fusion using osteogenic mesenchymal stem cells (OMSCs) transplanted in collagen sponge.

Objective:
We investigated the effectiveness of graft material for anterior vertebral interbody fusion using a rabbit model by examining the OMSCs transplanted in collagen sponge.

Summary of Background Data:
Anterior vertebral interbody fusion is commonly performed. Although autogenous bone graft remains the gold-standard fusion material, it requires a separate surgical procedure and is associated with significant short-term and long-term morbidity. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow have been studied in various fields, including posterolateral spinal fusion. Thus, we hypothesized that cultured OMSCs transplanted in porous collagen sponge could be used successfully even in anterior vertebral interbody fusion.

Methods:
Forty mature male White Zealand rabbits (weight, 3.5–4.5 kg) were randomly allocated to receive one of the following graft materials: porous collagen sponge plus cultured OMSCs (group I); porous collagen sponge alone (group II); autogenous bone graft (group III); and nothing (group IV). All animals underwent anterior vertebral interbody fusion at the L4/L5 level. The lumbar spine was harvested en bloc, and the new bone formation and spinal fusion was evaluated using radiographic analysis, microcomputed tomography, manual palpation test, and histologic examination at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results:
New bone formation and bony fusion was evident as early as 8 weeks in groups I and III. And there was no statistically significant difference between 8 and 12 weeks. At both time points, by microcomputed tomography and histologic analysis, new bone formation was observed in both groups I and III, fibrous tissue was observed and there was no new bone in both groups II and IV; by manual palpation test, bony fusion was observed in 40% (4/10) of rabbits in group I, 70% (7/10) of rabbits in group III, and 0% (0/10) of rabbits in both groups II and IV.

Conclusions:
These findings suggest that mesenchymal stem cells that have been cultured with osteogenic differentiation medium and loaded with collagen sponge could induce bone formation and anterior vertebral interbody fusion. And the rabbit model we developed will be useful in evaluating the effects of graft materials for anterior vertebral interbody fusion. Further study is needed to determine the most appropriate carrier for OMSCs and the feasibility in the clinical setting.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Implantation of the Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion Device Initial Experience in a Canine Model
Authors: Hill Arthur C. , Guy T. Sloane 
Published: May 2012

Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of thromboembolism and stroke. Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is associated with a decreased risk of stroke in patients with AF. Percutaneous implantation of the percutaneous LAA transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) device has shown reduction in stroke risk and decreased need for anticoagulation. A surgical method of PLAATO implantation is proposed for its utility and efficacy in cardiac surgical procedures, where LAA occlusion is indicated as a primary procedure or as an adjunct. We describe a surgical method for PLAATO deployment in an experimental model that simulates various operative scenarios including right minithoracotomy, right video-assisted thoracoscopic, or median sternotomy. Methods The PLAATO LAA occlusion device was deployed into the LAA in six dogs using a right minithoracotomy incision and catheter deployment via direct left atrial access. Intracardiac echocardiography and left atrial angiography were used to size, position, and verify proper deployment of the device. Results Successful PLAATO deployment was achieved in six of the six dogs. One dog required replacement of an undersized device. One dog required replacement of an oversized device. Four dogs required minor repositioning for optimal positioning. Complete flush occlusion of the LAA was achieved in three dogs; the other three dogs had trace leak by LAA angiography. Conclusions Experimental surgical implantation of the PLAATO device produces stable and complete occlusion of the LAA. Potential surgical indications for PLAATO implantation include patients with AF where a percutaneous approach to LAA occlusion is contraindicated or in patients with AF who require concurrent cardiac surgery.
Case Series of Bail-Out Procedures with a Balloon-Expandable Sheath after Unsuccessful Introduction of the NovaFlex Device
Authors: Fusari Melissa , Bona Veronica , Biglioli Paolo 
Published: May 2012

Objective Vascular complications remain the main problem of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, despite downsizing of delivery catheter diameter and judicious patient selection. In case of diffusely calcified and/or very tortuous access vessels, the SoloPath Balloon Expandable TransFemoral Introducer (Onset Medical Corporation, Irvine, CA USA), providing the smallest insertion profile of any sheath in its class, may enable exceptional trackability and offer the largest working diameter, thus helping to prevent feared vascular complications. We report the successful use of SoloPath sheath to face six cases of NovaFlex (Edwards Lifesciences Inc, Irvine, CA USA) sheath failed insertion due to vessel tortuosity and calcifications. Methods In six patients enrolled for transfemoral transcatheter Edwards SAPIEN XT replacement, resistance to NovaFlex sheath pushing was encountered, subsequent to the bending of the distal portion of the sheath due to vessel tortuosity and calcifications. Damaged Edwards sheaths were exchanged for a SoloPath sheath with a 21-French inner diameter. SoloPath Controlled Deployment Technology design provides the introducer, once expanded, with great radial and pillar resistance. Results The unexpanded SoloPath sheath-dilator combination tracked without resistance or kinking over a stiff guide wire through the iliofemoral axis and then was expanded. All transcatheter prostheses were successfully deployed within the native annulus, showing good hemodynamic function. Conclusions We report six successful bail-out procedures with the SoloPath Balloon Expandable TransFemoral sheath after unsuccessful introduction of the NovaFlex device. If similar results are confirmed, use of the SoloPath during transcatheter aortic valve replacement may help prevent vascular complications and eliminate the need for other preoperative steps (eg, vascular stenting), therefore reducing procedural mortality, surgical expense, and patient recovery time.
Massively parallel sequencing of the mouse exome to accurately identify rare, induced mutations: an immediate source for thousands of new mouse models
Authors: Andrews T. D. , Whittle B. , Field M. A. , Balakishnan B. , Zhang Y. , Shao Y. , Cho V. , Kirk M. , Singh M. , Xia Y. , Hager J. , Winslade S. , Sjollema G. , Beutler B. , Enders A. , Goodnow C. C. 
Published: May 2012

Summary

Accurate identification of sparse heterozygous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) is a critical challenge for identifying the causative mutations in mouse genetic screens, human genetic diseases and cancer. When seeking to identify causal DNA variants that occur at such low rates, they are overwhelmed by false-positive calls that arise from a range of technical and biological sources. We describe a strategy using whole-exome capture, massively parallel DNA sequencing and computational analysis, which identifies with a low false-positive rate the majority of heterozygous and homozygous SNVs arising de novo with a frequency of one nucleotide substitution per megabase in progeny of
N
-ethyl-
N
-nitrosourea (ENU)-mutated C57BL/6j mice. We found that by applying a strategy of filtering raw SNV calls against known and platform-specific variants we could call true SNVs with a false-positive rate of 19.4 per cent and an estimated false-negative rate of 21.3 per cent. These error rates are small enough to enable calling a causative mutation from both homozygous and heterozygous candidate mutation lists with little or no further experimental validation. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated by identifying the causative mutation in the
Ptprc
gene in a lymphocyte-deficient strain and in 11 other strains with immune disorders or obesity, without the need for meiotic mapping. Exome sequencing of first-generation mutant mice revealed hundreds of unphenotyped protein-changing mutations, 52 per cent of which are predicted to be deleterious, which now become available for breeding and experimental analysis. We show that exome sequencing data alone are sufficient to identify induced mutations. This approach transforms genetic screens in mice, establishes a general strategy for analysing rare DNA variants and opens up a large new source for experimental models of human disease.
The evolution of pebble size and shape in space and time
Authors: Domokos G. , Gibbons G. W. 
Published: May 2012

We propose a mathematical model which suggests that the two main geological observations about shingle beaches, i.e. the emergence of predominant pebble size ratios and strong segregation by size, are interrelated. Our model is based on a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) called the
box equations
that describe the evolution of pebble ratios. We derive these ODEs as a heuristic approximation of Bloore's partial differential equation (PDE) describing collisional abrasion and verify them by simple experiments and by direct simulation of the PDE. Although representing a radical simplification of the latter, our system admits the inclusion of additional terms related to frictional abrasion. We show that non-trivial attractors (corresponding to predominant pebble size ratios) only exist in the presence of friction. By interpreting our equations as a Markov process, we illustrate by direct simulation that these attractors may only be stabilized by the ongoing segregation process.
The β-Subunit of the SnRK1 Complex Is Phosphorylated by the Plant Cell Death Suppressor Adi3
Authors: Avila Julian , Gregory Oliver G. , Su Dongyin , Deeter Taunya A. , Chen Sixue , Silva-Sanchez Cecilia , Xu Shouling , Martin Gregory B. , Devarenne Timothy P. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The protein kinase AvrPto-dependent Pto-interacting protein3 (Adi3) is a known suppressor of cell death, and loss of its function has been correlated with cell death induction during the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) resistance response to its pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato. However, Adi3 downstream interactors that may play a role in cell death regulation have not been identified. We used a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify the plant SnRK1 (for Sucrose non-Fermenting-1-Related Protein Kinase1) protein as an Adi3-interacting protein. SnRK1 functions as a regulator of carbon metabolism and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. SnRK1 exists in a heterotrimeric complex with a catalytic α-subunit (SnRK1), a substrate-interacting β-subunit, and a regulatory γ-subunit. Here, we show that Adi3 interacts with, but does not phosphorylate, the SnRK1 α-subunit. The ability of Adi3 to phosphorylate the four identified tomato β-subunits was also examined, and it was found that only the Galactose Metabolism83 (Gal83) β-subunit was phosphorylated by Adi3. This phosphorylation site on Gal83 was identified as serine-26 using a mutational approach and mass spectrometry. In vivo expression of Gal83 indicates that it contains multiple phosphorylation sites, one of which is serine-26. An active SnRK1 complex containing Gal83 as the β-subunit and sucrose nonfermenting4 as the γ-subunit was constructed to examine functional aspects of the Adi3 interaction with SnRK1 and Gal83. These assays revealed that Adi3 is capable of suppressing the kinase activity of the SnRK1 complex through Gal83 phosphorylation plus the interaction with SnRK1 and suggested that this function may be related to the cell death suppression activity of Adi3.
Lymph node‐induced immune tolerance in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a role for caveolin‐1
Authors: Gilling Christine E. , Mittal Amit K. , Chaturvedi Nagendra K. , Iqbal Javeed , Aoun Patricia , Bierman Philip J. , Bociek Robert G. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Joshi Shantaram S. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryEmerging evidence indicates that the tumour microenvironment (TME) regulates the behaviour of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, the precise mechanism and molecules involved in this process remain unknown. Gene expression profiles of CLL cells from lymph node (LN), bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) indicate overexpression of a tolerogenic signature in CLL cells in lymph nodes (LN‐CLL). Based on their role in B cell biology, the progression of CLL, or immune regulation, a few genes of this 83‐gene signature were selected for further analyses. We observed a significant correlation between the clinical outcomes and the expression of CAV1 (P = 0·041), FGFR1 isoform 8 (P = 0·032), PTPN6 (P = 0·031) and ZWINT (P < 0·001). CAV1, a molecule involved in the regulation of tumour progression in other cancers, was seven‐fold higher in LN‐CLL cells compared to BM‐ and PB‐CLL cells. Knockdown of CAV1 expression in CLL cells resulted in significantly decreased migration (P = 0·016) and proliferation (P = 0·04). When CAV1 was knocked down in B and T cell lines, we observed an inability to form immune synapses. Furthermore, CAV1 knockdown in CLL cells impaired their ability to form immune synapses with autologous T lymphocytes and allogeneic, healthy T cells. Subsequent analyses of microarray data showed differential expression of cytoskeletal genes, specifically those involved in actin polymerization. Therefore, we report a novel role for CAV1 in tumour‐induced immunosuppression during the progression of CLL.
Study of the D‐‐ phenotype reveals erythrocyte membrane alterations in the absence of RHCE
Authors: Flatt Joanna F. , Musa Rozi H. , Ayob Yasmin , Hassan Afifah , Asidin Norhanim , Yahya Nurul M. , Mathlouthi Rosalind , Thornton Nicole , Anstee David J. , Bruce Lesley J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryRed cells with the D‐‐ phenotype do not express the RHCE protein because of mutations in both alleles of the RHCE gene. At present, little is known of the effect this has on the normal function of erythrocytes. In this study a group of five families belonging to a nomadic tribe in Malaysia were identified as carriers of the D‐‐ haplotype. Analysis of homozygous individuals' genomic DNA showed two separate novel mutations. In four of the families, RHCE exons 1, 9 and 10 were present, while the 5th family possessed RHCE exons 1–3 and 10. Analysis of cDNA revealed hybrid transcripts, suggesting a gene conversion event with RHD, consistent with previously reported D‐‐ mutations. Immunoblotting analysis of D‐‐ erythrocyte membrane proteins found that Rh‐associated glycoprotein (RHAG) migrates with altered electrophoretic mobility on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, consistent with increased glycosylation. Total amounts of Rh polypeptide in D‐‐ membranes were comparable with controls, indicating that the exalted D antigen displayed by D‐‐ red cells may be associated with altered surface epitope presentation. The adhesion molecules CD44 and CD47 are significantly reduced in D‐‐. Together these results suggest that absence of RHCE polypeptide alters the structure and packing of the band 3/Rh macrocomplex.