bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative PCR-based genome size estimation of the astigmatid mites Sarcoptes scabiei, Psoroptes ovis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Mounsey Kate E , Willis Charlene , Burgess Stewart TG , Holt Deborah C , McCarthy James , Fischer Katja 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
The lack of genomic data available for mites limits our understanding of their biology. Evolving high-throughput sequencing technologies promise to deliver rapid advances in this area, however, estimates of genome size are initially required to ensure sufficient coverage.

Methods
Quantitative real-time PCR was used to estimate the genome sizes of the burrowing ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, the non-burrowing ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, and the free-living house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Additionally, the chromosome number of S. scabiei was determined by chromosomal spreads of embryonic cells derived from single eggs.

Results

S. scabiei cells were shown to contain 17 or 18 small (< 2 μM) chromosomes, suggesting an XO sex-determination mechanism. The average estimated genome sizes of S. scabiei and P. ovis were 96 (± 7) Mb and 86 (± 2) Mb respectively, among the smallest arthropod genomes reported to date. The D. pteronyssinus genome was estimated to be larger than its parasitic counterparts, at 151 Mb in female mites and 218 Mb in male mites.

Conclusions
This data provides a starting point for understanding the genetic organisation and evolution of these astigmatid mites, informing future sequencing projects. A comparitive genomic approach including these three closely related mites is likely to reveal key insights on mite biology, parasitic adaptations and immune evasion.
Real-time PCR of the mammalian hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) gene for analysis of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) feeding patterns on dogs
Authors: Wang Chengming , Mount Jane , Butler Jamie , Gao Dongya , Jung Euisun , Blagburn Byron L , Kaltenboeck Bernhard 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Precise data on quantitative kinetics of blood feeding of fleas, particularly immediately after contact with the host, are essential for understanding dynamics of flea-borne disease transmission and for evaluating flea control strategies. Standard methods used are inadequate for studies that simulate early events after real-life flea access to the host.

Methods
Here, we developed a novel quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting mammalian DNA within fleas to quantify blood consumption with high sensitivity and specificity. We used primers and fluorescent probes that amplify the hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) gene, an evolutionary divergent gene that is unlikely to be detected in insects by mammalian-specific primers and probes. To validate this assay, fleas were placed on dogs, allowed to distribute in the hair, and removed at specific time points with single-use combs. Fleas were then immediately homogenized by vigorous shaking with ceramic beads in guanidinium-based DNA preservation buffer for DNA extraction.

Results
The specificity of this assay was ascertained by amplification of canine, feline and equine blood with differential product melting temperatures (T
m), and lack of amplification of bovine and porcine blood and of adult fleas reared from larvae fed with bovine blood. Sensitivity of the assay was established by limiting dilution and detection of single copies of HMBS DNA equivalent to 0.043 nL blood. Application of the assay indicated that after 15 minutes on a dog, male and female fleas had ingested low, but similar amounts of approximately 1.1. nL blood. Saturation uptake of 118 and 100 nL blood per flea was found at 30 and 60 min on the dog, respectively.

Conclusions
The HMBS PCR method developed here offers the advantages of both exquisite sensitivity and specificity that make it superior to other approaches for quantification of blood ingested by fleas. The capability to detect minute quantities of blood in single fleas, particularly immediately after colonization of the host, will provide a superior tool for studying flea-host interactions, flea-borne disease transmission, and flea control strategies.
Pretreatment Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) T790M Mutation Predicts Shorter EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Response Duration in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Su Kang-Yi , Chen Hsuan-Yu , Li Ker-Chau , Kuo Min-Liang , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Chan Wing-Kai , Ho Bing-Ching , Chang Gee-Chen , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yu Sung-Liang , Yang Pan-Chyr 
Published: January 2012

Purpose Patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–activating mutations have excellent response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), but T790M mutation accounts for most TKI drug resistance. This study used highly sensitive methods to detect T790M before and after TKI therapy and investigated the association of T790M and its mutation frequencies with clinical outcome. Patients and Methods Direct sequencing, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to assess T790M in the following two cohorts of patients with NSCLC: TKI-naive patients (n = 107) and TKI-treated patients (n = 85). Results were correlated with TKI treatment response and survival. Results MALDI-TOF MS was highly sensitive in detecting and quantifying the frequency of EGFR-activating mutations and T790M (detection limits, 0.4% to 2.2%). MALDI-TOF MS identified more T790M than direct sequencing in TKI-naive patients with NSCLC (27 of 107 patients, 25.2% v three of 107 patients, 2.8%, respectively; P < .001) and in TKI-treated patients (before TKI: 23 of 73 patients, 31.5% v two of 73 patients, 2.7%, respectively; P < .001; and after TKI: 10 of 12 patients, 83.3% v four of 12 patients, 33.3%, respectively; P = .0143). The EGFR mutations and their frequencies were confirmed by NGS. T790M was an independent predictor of decreased progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with NSCLC who received TKI treatment (P < .05, multivariate Cox regression). Conclusion T790M may not be a rare event before or after TKI therapy in patients with NSCLC with EGFR-activating mutations. The pretreatment T790M mutation was associated with shorter PFS with EGFR TKI therapy in patients with NSCLC.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among 5-Year Survivors of Esophageal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Derogar Maryam , Lagergren Pernilla 
Published: January 2012

Purpose To clarify whether health-related quality of life (HRQL) can be restored in 5-year survivors of esophageal cancer surgery. Patients and Methods The nationwide Swedish prospective and population-based cohort for this study consisted of patients with esophageal cancer who were treated surgically between 2001 and 2005 and were alive 5 years after surgery. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC QLQ-OES18 (the disease site–specific module for esophageal cancer) were used to assess HRQL 6 months, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively. Paired t tests were used to evaluate changes in HRQL over time. Patients' HRQL was classified as improved, stable, or deteriorated. Multivariable linear regression was used to calculate mean score difference in HRQL with 95% CIs between patients and a background population according to HRQL category. Results Among 153 eligible patients alive after 5 years, 117 (76%) answered all HRQL assessments. Among a random sample of 6,969 Swedish adults representing the corresponding background population, 4,910 (70.5%) participated. For most patients, HRQL remained stable or improved over time, and their HRQL was comparable to that of the background population. Patients who deteriorated over time reported large and clinically significant mean score differences for all measures. For example, 5 years after surgery, physical function was stable or improved in 86% of patients and their mean score (87) was similar to that of the background population (88), but the 14% who deteriorated had a substantially lower mean score of 56. Conclusion HRQL recovers to a level comparable to that in the background population in most patients who survive 5 years after esophagectomy for cancer, although a subgroup of patients has substantially worse HRQL.
A Facile Fabrication of VO2(A) Micro-nanostructures with Controlled Shape and Its Electrochemical Behavior in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wanqun , Shi Lei , Tang Kaibin , Yu Yang 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
VO2(A) micro-nanostructures have been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method by hydrolysis of oxidovandium(2+) ethylene glycolate in malonic acid solution. The novel morphologies of VO2(A) could be readily tuned by altering the concentrations of malonic acid and reaction temperature. It is revealed that malonic acid played an important role as a structure directing agent helping the alternative formation of VO2(A). Furthermore, their electrochemical properties were investigated, which reveal that the as-prepared VO2(A) nanorods exhibit a relatively higher first discharge capacity than other VO2(A) morphologies.
A mer-Triaqua Rh Complex with a Terpyridine Ligand
Authors: Inoki Daisuke , Matsumoto Takahiro , Nakai Hidetaka , Ogo Seiji 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We report the synthesis of a mer-triaqua RhIII complex using terpyridine as a meridional tridentate ligand. This is the first example of a structurally characterized six-coordinated mer-triaqua complex for any second- or third-row element from the main transition-metal groups (groups 5–11). This is also the first example of a structurally characterized mer-triaqua complex with terpyridine for any transition metal. Acid dissociation constants, pKa1 and pKa2, of the triaqua complex are determined to be 3.0 and 6.9, respectively.
Excitation Energy Transfer from Quantum Dots to Porphyrin J-aggregates in Hybrid Langmuir–Blodgett Multilayers
Authors: Wang Haibin , Nakazaki Jotaro , Kubo Takaya , Segawa Hiroshi 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The distance dependence of the energy-transfer efficiency from a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) layer to a porphyrin J-aggregate layer was investigated using a series of hybridized Langmuir–Blodgett multilayers, where long-range resonance energy transfer with the energy-transfer characteristic length of 13.8 ± 0.6 nm was observed.
Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Properties in Ion-exchanged Zeolites Rho
Authors: Araki Sadao , Kiyohara Yasato , Tanaka Shunsuke , Miyake Yoshikazu 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The carbon dioxide adsorption properties of zeolite Rho materials, containing various exchangeable cations have been investigated. All carbon dioxide adsorption properties were measured at a temperature of 25 °C over a pressure range of 0–100 kPa. The results show that the carbon adsorption properties are dependent on the cations present. The highest amount of CO2 absorbed, measured at 4.0 mmol g−1, was obtained for a proton-exchanged zeolite Rho (HRho), which was prepared by the calcination of NH4+-exchanged zeolite Rho at 350 °C.
A Microwave-assisted Deconjugative Esterification of α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids through α,β-Unsaturated Ketene Intermediates
Authors: Sano Shigeki , Ichikawa Takashi , Nakao Michiyasu , Nagao Yoshimitsu 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A facile synthetic approach to β,γ-unsaturated esters by deconjugative esterification of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with alcohols in the presence of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), Me3N·HCl, and Me2NEt is described. The one-pot synthesis was effectively improved under microwave irradiation.
Dynamic [2]Catenation of Pd(II) Self-assembled Macrocycles in Water
Authors: Lim Choon Woo , Kim Tae Woo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A catenated structure is formed through dynamic self-assembly of 1,3-bis(4-pyridyloxy)propane and cis-protected Pd(II) metal with ethylenediamine in water. 1H NMR spectra have revealed that the formation of [2]catenane is dependent on the concentration of macrocyclic ring. We have performed the structural analysis of macrocyclic ring and [2]catenane using H–H COSY and ESI MS. The dynamic process of the catenation has been elucidated by van’t Hoff plot and the formation of [2]catenane is enthalpically favored in D2O, strongly suggesting the hydrophobic interactions for the formation of [2]catenane. Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) distinguishes between dinuclear self-assembled macrocyclic ring and [2]catenane, indicating that [2]catenanes diffuse slower than macrocyclic rings in D2O.
A Novel and Efficient Method for the Preparation of Unstable Tetramethylzirconium and Its Application Using a Microflow System
Authors: Uehata Koji , Nishida Mayumi , Nishida Atsushi 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We have developed a novel and efficient method for the preparation of unstable tetramethylzirconium and its application to the synthesis of tetrakis(N-methylethylamido)zirconium and dimethylbis(indenyl)zirconium using a microflow system.
Graphene Oxide-terminated Partially Fluorinated Poly(arylene ether sulfone)
Authors: Lee Jung-Soo , Yoon Jong-Chul , Thiyagarajan Pradheep , Jang Ji-Hyun 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Graphene oxide-terminated partially fluorinated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (GO-PAES) was synthesized via step growth polymerization with graphene oxide. A small amount of graphene oxide was incorporated into the polymer matrix to enhance the properties of the polymer/GO composites. The chemical structures of the synthesized copolymers containing graphene oxide were confirmed by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectra. The thermal properties of GO-PAES analyzed by TGA and DSC were significantly improved due to the thermal stability of graphene oxide.
A Novel Preparative Method of Silica Nanotubes by Utilizing Self-assembly and Disassembly of Peptide Amphiphiles
Authors: Shimada Tomoko , Tamura Yasuhiro , Tirrell Matthew , Kuroda Kazuyuki 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) induces both the transition from β-sheet to α-helix structure of peptides and disassembly of wormlike micelles of peptide amphiphiles. The hierarchical structural changes were utilized for the preparation of silica nanotubes from silica-micelle complexes with avoiding structural deterioration that is normally caused by thermal treatment. This method is advantageous for the preparation of silica nanotubes because of reusability of peptide templates, possible replication of the surface of β-sheet structure, and very mild conditions.
Interactions of the Rare Earth Elements–Desferrioxamine B Complexes with Pseudomonas fluorescens and γ-Al2O3
Authors: Ohnuki Toshihiko , Yoshida Takahiro 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We have studied the interactions of REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er)–desferrioxamine B (DFO) complexes with Pseudomonas fluorescens cells and with γ-Al2O3, at pH 4–9. Higher adsorption of REEs was obtained at lower pHs on P. fluorescens cells and at higher pHs on γ-Al2O3. The degree of negative anomaly of Ce compared to its neighboring REEs, La(III) and Pr(III) increased with increasing pH. XAFS analysis showed that Ce exists as the Ce(IV)–DFO complex in pH higher than 6. Thus, the pH dependence of Ce anomaly is predominantly dependent on the stability of Ce(IV)–DFO complex.
Nickel(II) Ion Adsorption onto Activated Carbon. Relationship between Physicochemical Properties and Adsorption Capacity
Authors: Rodríguez-Estupiñán Paola , Giraldo Liliana , Moreno-Piraján Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2012

The adsorption of nickel(II) ions from aqueous solution onto various forms of granular activated carbon, GAC, has been studied. Thus, GAC was heat-treated at 900 °C (GAC 900), oxidized with HNO3 (GACox), and this material subsequently heat-treated in an inert atmosphere at 450 °C and 750 °C (GACox 450 and GACox 750), all with the objective of changing the total acidity of the samples and demonstrating its influence on the adsorption capacity. The solids were characterized by N2 and CO2 adsorption isotherms from which the micropore volumes and surface areas were calculated — the latter being between 816 and 935 m2/g. In addition, some chemical characteristics such as the pH of the point of zero charge, the total acidity and basicity were examined, while immersion calorimetric studies in water were undertaken. The experimental results showed that the quantity of nickel(II) ions adsorbed onto the various GAC samples followed the order: GACox < GAC < GACox 450 < GACox 750 > GAC 900, indicating that the adsorption capacity depended largely on the surface acidity of the solid samples.
The contribution of each anterior cruciate ligament bundle to the Lachman test
Authors: Christel P. S. , Akgun U. , Yasar T. , Karahan M. , Demirel B. 
Published: January 2012

The clinical diagnosis of a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is still subject to debate. Little is known about the contribution of each ACL bundle during the Lachman test. We investigated this using six fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs. Screws were placed in the femora and tibiae as fixed landmarks for digitisation of the bone positions. The femur was secured horizontally in a clamp. A metal hook was screwed to the tibial tubercle and used to apply a load of 150 N directed anteroposteriorly to the tibia to simulate the Lachman test. The knees then received constant axial compression and 3D knee kinematic data were collected by digitising the screw head positions in 30° flexion under each test condition. Measurements of tibial translation and rotation were made, first with the ACL intact, then after sequential cutting of the ACL bundles, and finally after complete division of the ACL. Two-way analysis of variance analysis was performed. During the Lachman test, in all knees and in all test conditions, lateral tibial translation exceeded that on the medial side. With an intact ACL, both anterior and lateral tibial landmarks translated significantly more than those on the medial side (p < 0.001). With sequential division of the ACL bundles, selective cutting of the posterolateral bundle (PLB) did not increase translation of any landmark compared with when the ACL remained intact. Cutting the anteromedial bundle (AMB) resulted in an increased anterior translation of all landmarks. Compared to the intact ACL, when the ACL was fully transected a significant increase in anterior translation of all landmarks occurred (p < 0.001). However, anterior tibial translation was almost identical after AMB or complete ACL division. We found that the AMB confers its most significant contribution to tibial translation during the Lachman test, whereas the PLB has a negligible effect on anterior translation. Section of the PLB had a greater effect on increasing the internal rotation of the tibia than the AMB. However, its contribution of a mean of 2.8° amplitude remains low. The clinical relevance of our investigation suggests that, based on anterior tibial translation only, one cannot distinguish between a full ACL and an isolated AMB tear. Isolated PLB tears cannot be detected solely by the Lachman test, as this bundle probably contributes more resistance to the pivot shift.
Early antibiotics and debridement independently reduce infection in an open fracture model
Authors: Penn-Barwell J. G. , Murray C. K. , Wenke J. C. 
Published: January 2012

Most animal studies indicate that early irrigation and debridement reduce infection after an open fracture. Unfortunately, these studies often do not involve antibiotics. Clinical studies indicate that the timing of initial debridement does not affect the rate of infection but these studies are observational and fraught with confounding variables. The purpose of this study was to control these variables using an animal model incorporating systemic antibiotics and surgical treatment.We used a rat femur model with a defect which was contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and treated with a three-day course of systemic cefazolin (5 mg/kg 12-hourly) and debridement and irrigation, both of which were initiated independently at two, six and 24 hour time points. After 14 days the bone and hardware were harvested for separate microbiological analysis.No animal that received antibiotics and surgery two hours after injury had detectable bacteria. When antibiotics were started at two hours, a delay in surgical treatment from two to six hours significantly increased the development of infection (p = 0.047). However, delaying surgery to 24 hours increase the rate of infection, but not significantly (p = 0.054). The timing of antibiotics had a more significant effect on the proportion of positive samples than earlier surgery. Delaying antibiotics to six or 24 hours had a profoundly detrimental effect on the infection rate regardless of the timing of surgery. These findings are consistent with the concept that bacteria progress from a vulnerable planktonic form to a treatment-resistant biofilm.
Decision-making in lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Schizas C. , Kulik G. 
Published: January 2012

Surgical decision-making in lumbar spinal stenosis involves assessment of clinical parameters and the severity of the radiological stenosis. We suspected that surgeons based surgical decisions more on dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) than on the morphology of the dural sac. We carried out a survey among members of three European spine societies. The axial T2-weighted MR images from ten patients with varying degrees of DSCA and morphological grades according to the recently described morphological classification of lumbar spinal stenosis, with DSCA values disclosed in half the assessed images, were used for evaluation. We provided a clinical scenario to accompany the images, which were shown to 142 responding physicians, mainly orthopaedic surgeons but also some neurosurgeons and others directly involved in treating patients with spinal disorders. As the primary outcome we used the number of respondents who would proceed to surgery for a given DSCA or morphological grade. Substantial agreement among the respondents was observed, with severe or extreme stenosis as defined by the morphological grade leading to surgery. This decision was not dependent on the number of years in practice, medical density or specialty. Disclosing the DSCA did not alter operative decision-making. In all, 40 respondents (29%) had prior knowledge of the morphological grading system, but their responses showed no difference from those who had not. This study suggests that the participants were less influenced by DSCA than by the morphological appearance of the dural sac. Classifying lumbar spinal stenosis according to morphology rather than surface measurements appears to be consistent with current clinical practice.