bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medium-Resolution s-process Element Survey of 47 Tuc Giant Stars
Authors: Worley C. C. , Cottrell P. L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMedium-resolution (R ∼ 6500) spectra of 97 giant stars in the globu lar cluster 47 Tucanæ (47 Tuc) have been used to derive the C- and N-abundance sensitive index, δC, and to infer abundances of several key elements (Fe, Na, Si, Ca, Zr and Ba) for a sample of 13 of these stars with similar effective temperature ( Teff) and surface gravity (log g). These stars have stellar properties similar to the well-studied 47 Tuc giant star, Lee 2525, but with a range of CN excess (δC) values which are a measure of the CN abundance. The δC index is shown to be correlated with Na abundance for this sample, confirming previous studies. Fe, Ca, Si and the light and heavy s-process (slow neut ron capture) elements, Zr and Ba, respectively, have a narrow range of abundance values, indicative of a homogeneous abundance within this population of stars. The constancy of many element abundances (Fe, Si, Ca, Zr, Ba) and the δC and Na abundance correlation could imply that there has been a second era of star formation in this cluster that has revealed the products of CNO-cycle burning via hot bottom burning (depletion of C, enhancement of N and the production of Na for high δC population). But there is no overall metallicity change across the range of δC values at a given position in the HR diagram as has been seen in some other globular clusters.
Web-Based Electronic Health Records Improve Data Completeness and Reduce Medical Discrepancies in Employee Vaccination Programs
Authors: Salazar Monica , Stinson Kaylan E. , Sillau Stefan H. , Good Linda , Newman Lee S. 
Published: December 2011

A Web-based electronic health record (EHR) system was compared with traditional paper-based documentation and vaccination tracking during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. In a cohort of 8,411 healthcare network employees, EHRs improved completeness of self-reported contraindication data and reduced medical discrepancies. Vaccination program quality and accuracy are enhanced by EHRs.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(1):84-86
Transformations for the compression of FASTQ quality scores of next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Wan Raymond , Anh Vo Ngoc , Asai Kiyoshi 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Motivation: The growth of next-generation sequencing means that more effective and efficient archiving methods are needed to store the generated data for public dissemination and in anticipation of more mature analytical methods later. This article examines methods for compressing the quality score component of the data to partly address this problem.
Results: We compare several compression policies for quality scores, in terms of both compression effectiveness and overall efficiency. The policies employ lossy and lossless transformations with one of several coding schemes. Experiments show that both lossy and lossless transformations are useful, and that simple coding methods, which consume less computing resources, are highly competitive, especially when random access to reads is needed.
Availability and implementation: Our C++ implementation, released under the Lesser General Public License, is available for download at http://www.cb.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/asailab/members/rwan.
Contact: rwan@cuhk.edu.hk
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Improved mean estimation and its application to diagonal discriminant analysis
Authors: Tong Tiejun , Chen Liang , Zhao Hongyu 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Motivation: High-dimensional data such as microarrays have created new challenges to traditional statistical methods. One such example is on class prediction with high-dimension, low-sample size data. Due to the small sample size, the sample mean estimates are usually unreliable. As a consequence, the performance of the class prediction methods using the sample mean may also be unsatisfactory. To obtain more accurate estimation of parameters some statistical methods, such as regularizations through shrinkage, are often desired.
Results: In this article, we investigate the family of shrinkage estimators for the mean value under the quadratic loss function. The optimal shrinkage parameter is proposed under the scenario when the sample size is fixed and the dimension is large. We then construct a shrinkage-based diagonal discriminant rule by replacing the sample mean by the proposed shrinkage mean. Finally, we demonstrate via simulation studies and real data analysis that the proposed shrinkage-based rule outperforms its original competitor in a wide range of settings.
Contact: tongt@hkbu.edu.hk
Concomitant Gastroparesis Negatively Affects Children With Functional Gallbladder Disease
Authors: Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Malowitz Stanton M. , Moore Warren , Gopalakrishna G.S. , Shulman Robert J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the present study was to determine whether concomitant gastroparesis and biliary dyskinesia (BD) occur in children, and if so, to determine whether concomitant gastroparesis affects clinical outcome in children with BD.Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review of children with BD (ejection fraction <35% on cholescintigraphy, with no other metabolic or structural cause) who completed a solid‐phase gastric emptying scintigraphy scan within 12 months of abnormal cholescintigraphy. Children were classified into 1 of 4 clinical outcome groups (excellent, good, fair, poor).Results:Thirty‐five children with a mean follow‐up time of 23.1 ± 17.3 (standard deviation) months were included. Twenty (57%) children were identified as having concomitant gastroparesis (GP) with BD. Children with concomitant GP were more likely to have a poor clinical outcome compared with those with BD alone (P < 0.005). In children undergoing cholecystectomy, those with concomitant GP were more likely to have a fair or poor clinical outcome compared with those with BD alone (P < 0.01). Factors predicting a more favorable clinical outcome were having BD alone and not having limitations in activity (eg, school absences) at the time of presentation.Conclusions:Concomitant GP may occur in children with functional gallbladder disorders. Concomitant GP may negatively affect clinical outcome in children with BD.
Early Chloride Intake Does Not Parallel That of Sodium in Extremely‐Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants and May Impair Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Kermorvant‐Duchemin Elsa , Iacobelli Silvia , Eleni‐Dit‐Trolli Sergio , Bonsante Francesco , Kermorvant Christopher , Sarfati Gilles , Gouyon Jean‐Bernard , Lapillonne Alexandre 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and Objective:Accurate data on the optimal chloride (Cl) intake in premature infants are scarce. The aim of the present study was to describe Cl intakes in the first 10 days of life and to assess the relations between high Cl intakes and corrected serum Cl level or markers of severe acidosis in infants <28 weeks' gestation.Methods:Retrospective cohort study including all of the infants <28 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit during a 3‐year period and cared for from birth until day 10 or more.Results:Fifty‐six infants were included. Cumulative total Cl intakes reached 9.6 ± 3.7 mmol/kg at day 3 and 49.2 ± 13.5 mmol/kg at day 10. Inadvertent intakes (from intravenous fluids other than parenteral nutrition) represented on average 70% of total Cl intakes in the first 3 days. Difference between Cl and sodium intakes reached 7.8 ± 4.8 mmol/kg at day 10 and mainly originated from parenteral nutrition. By multivariate analysis, cumulative Cl intake >10 mmol/kg during the first 3 days was an independent risk factor of base excess <−10 mmol/L. Cumulative Cl intake >45 mmol/kg during the first 10 days was an independent risk factor of corrected chloremia >115 mmol/L and of base excess <−10 mmol/L.Conclusions:Cumulative Cl intake >10 mmol/kg during the first 3 days (ie, 3.3 mmol · kg−1 · day−1 on average) and >45 mmol/kg during the first 10 days (ie, 4.5 mmol · kg−1 · day−1 on average) may have unwanted metabolic consequences and should be avoided. Imbalance between electrolytes provided by the parenteral nutrition solution need to be detected and corrected.
Intracellular trafficking of RNASET2, a novel component of P‐bodies
Authors: Vidalino Laura , Monti Laura , Haase Albrecht , Moro Albertomaria , Acquati Francesco , Taramelli Roberto , Macchi Paolo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground informationThe ribonucleases (RNases) constitute a heterogeneous group of enzymes, which exert diverse and specific biological functions. Several RNases have been shown to control gene expression and cell differentiation. RNASET2, a novel member of the Rh/T2/S family of RNases, exerts micro‐environmental control of malignancy in different experimental models with a general onco‐suppressor activity, since it prevents cancer proliferation. Indeed, RNASET2 was found to be downregulated at the transcript level in several primary ovarian tumours or cell lines and in melanoma cell lines. Although recent works shed light on the biological role of RNASET2 in delaying tumour growth, its trafficking within the cell is still poorly understood. RNASET2 seems to play diverse biological roles including turnover of tRNA in yeast as well as rRNA degradation in zebrafish.ResultsHere, we have studied the intracellular trafficking of RNASET2 in mammalian cells. RNASET2 co‐localizes with markers for the trans‐Golgi network (TGN), which is the central sorting and processing station of the secretory pathway. Moreover, using the temperature‐sensitive vesicular stomatitis glycoprotein, we demonstrate that RNASET2 undergoes delivery to the plasma membrane. In contrast to other RNA‐interacting proteins, RNASET2 does not accumulate in stress granules upon metabolic stress in mammalian cells. Surprisingly, RNASET2 shows co‐localization with processing bodies (P‐bodies), which increases upon metabolic stress. Finally, cells lacking RNASET2 show a reduced numbers of P‐bodies.ConclusionsIn this study, we have identified two distinct cellular pools of RNASET2‐containing granules. One pool undergoes membrane delivery using the TGN, and it is released to the extracellular environment. The second pool is recruited into P‐bodies, suggesting a possible involvement of RNASET2 in P‐body formation in mammalian cells.
pH modulation differs during sunflower cotyledon colonization by the two closely related necrotrophic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: BILLON‐GRAND GENEVIÈVE , RASCLE CHRISTINE , DROUX MICHEL , ROLLINS JEFFREY A. , POUSSEREAU NATHALIE 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYDuring pathogenesis on sunflower cotyledons, Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum show a striking resemblance in symptom development. Based on pH change profiles, the colonization process of both fungi can be divided into two stages. The first stage is associated with a pH decrease, resulting from an accumulation of citric and succinic acids. The second stage is correlated with a pH increase, resulting from an accumulation of ammonia. In this article, we also report that oxalic acid is produced at the late stage of the colonization process and that ammonia accumulation is concomitant with a decrease in free amino acids in decaying tissues. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces eight‐fold more oxalic acid and two‐fold less ammonia than B. cinerea. Consequently, during sunflower cotyledon colonization by B. cinerea, pH dynamics differ significantly from those of S. sclerotiorum. In vitro assays support the in planta results and show that decreases in pH are linked to glucose consumption. At different stages of the colonization process, expression profiles of genes encoding secreted proteases were investigated. This analysis highlights that the expression levels of the B. cinerea protease genes are higher than those of S. sclerotiorum. This work suggests that the overt similarities of S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea symptom development have probably masked our recognition of the dynamic and potentially different metabolic pathways active during host colonization by these two necrotrophic fungi.
Defining the prognosis of early stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients
Authors: Pepper Chris , Majid Aneela , Lin Thet Thet , Hewamana Saman , Pratt Guy , Walewska Renata , Gesk Stefan , Siebert Reiner , Wagner Simon , Kennedy Ben , Miall Fiona , Davis Zadie A. , Tracy Ian , Gardiner Anne C. , Brennan Paul , Hills Robert K. , Dyer Martin J. S. , Oscier David , Fegan Chris 
Published: December 2011

SummaryApproximately 70% of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients present with early stage disease, therefore defining which patients will progress and require treatment is a major clinical challenge. Here, we present the largest study of prognostic markers ever carried out in Binet stage A patients (n = 1154) with a median follow‐up of 8 years. We assessed the prognostic impact of lymphocyte doubling time (LDT), immunoglobulin gene (IGHV) mutation status, CD38 expression, ZAP‐70 expression and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) cytogenetics with regards to time to first treatment (TTFT) and overall survival (OS). Univariate analysis revealed LDT as the most prognostic parameter for TTFT, with IGHV mutation status most prognostic for OS. CD38 expression, ZAP‐70 expression and FISH were also prognostic variables; combinations of these markers increased prognostic power in concordant cases. Multivariate analysis revealed that only LDT, IGHV mutation status, CD38 and age at diagnosis were independent prognostic variables for TTFT and OS. Therefore, IGHV mutation status and CD38 expression have independent prognostic value in early stage CLL and should be performed as part of the routine diagnostic workup. ZAP‐70 expression and FISH were not independent prognostic markers in early stage disease and can be omitted at diagnosis but FISH analysis should be undertaken at disease progression to direct treatment strategy.
Adipose tissue IL‐8 is increased in normal weight women after menopause and reduced after gastric bypass surgery in obese women
Authors: Alvehus Malin , Simonyte Kotryna , Andersson Therése , Söderström Ingegerd , Burén Jonas , Rask Eva , Mattsson Cecilia , Olsson Tommy 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjective  The menopausal transition is characterized by increased body fat accumulation, including redistribution from peripheral to central fat depots. This distribution is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease that are linked to low‐grade inflammation. We determined whether postmenopausal women have higher levels of inflammatory markers, compared with premenopausal women. We also wanted to determine whether these markers are reduced by stable weight loss in obese women.Design and methods  Anthropometric data, blood samples and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were collected from normal weight premenopausal and postmenopausal women and obese women before and 2 years after gastric bypass (GBP) surgery. Serum protein levels and adipose tissue gene expression of inflammatory markers were investigated.Results  IL‐8 expression in adipose tissue and circulating levels were higher in postmenopausal vs premenopausal women. IL‐8 expression was associated with waist circumference, independent of menopausal status. IL‐6 expression and serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 were higher in postmenopausal vs premenopausal women. Two years after GBP surgery, adipose expression of IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor‐α and MCP‐1 decreased significantly. Serum insulin levels were associated with inflammation‐related gene expression before GBP surgery, but these associations disappeared after surgery.Conclusion  Postmenopausal women have an increased inflammatory response in the subcutaneous fat and circulation. Inflammatory markers in adipose tissue decreased significantly after surgery‐induced weight loss. This effect may be beneficial for metabolic control and reduced cardiovascular risk after weight loss.
The experiences of Chinese patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Zhu Lixia , Ho Shuk Ching , Sit Janet Wing Hung 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To explore the experiences of patients with coronary heart disease in China.Background.  The morbidity and mortality rates of people with coronary heart disease have been growing rapidly in the past decades in China, yet little is known about the experiences of Chinese patients with the disease.Design.  A qualitative descriptive study.Methods.  Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were employed in this study. Using a purposive sample, 11 participants who had been diagnosed with coronary heart disease for at least one month were recruited. A content analysis was used to identify themes.Results.  Three themes were identified from the data: experiencing a life‐threatening illness, strategies for adapting to living with coronary heart disease and help‐seeking behaviour.Conclusion.  Chinese patients with coronary heart disease experienced the disease as a life‐threatening illness related to chest pain. Chinese culture, values and beliefs influenced their adaptation strategies and help‐seeking behaviour. Their misconceptions about coronary heart disease and the information needs for lifestyle changes were evident in this study. This study highlights the need for health education to support coronary heart disease patients in China.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings provide useful information for Chinese health professionals to develop interventions for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease.
A comparison of the effects of a special gynaecological garment and music in reducing the anxiety related to gynaecological examination
Authors: Kocabaş Pembegül , Khorshid Leyla 
Published: December 2011

Aim and objectives.  To investigate the effect of a special gynaecological garment and music plus the special gynaecological garment on reducing the state anxiety related to gynaecological examination.Background.  Gynaecological examination is one of the most common anxiety‐producing medical procedures and causes embarrassment and discomfort. Few studies have focused on the effect of a gynaecological garment on anxiety associated with gynaecological examinations.Design.  The patients were allocated to one of three groups, one control and two experimental. While the patients in the control group were subjected to the normal outpatient procedure, the patients in the first experimental group were dressed in a special gynaecological garment. In the control group, gynaecological examinations were performed with a traditional one‐piece drape. In addition to wearing the special gynaecological garment, the women in the garment + music group listened to music during the gynaecological examination. The State Anxiety Inventory Form was applied to the patients in all three groups before and after gynaecological examination.Results.  The state anxiety level after gynaecological examination in patients in the control group was found to be higher, but it was found to be lower in patients in both the first experimental group (garment) and the second experimental group (garment + music). The state anxiety level was found to be more reduced in the experimental groups than in the control group. The state anxiety level after gynaecological examination was found to be higher in single patients in the second experimental group.Conclusion.  The special gynaecological garments are effective in reducing the state anxiety associated with gynaecological examination.Relevance to clinical practice.  It should be taken into consideration that women perceived state anxiety during the gynaecological examinations. To allay anxiety associated with gynaecological examination in women, a special garment may be considered.
Protease inhibitor nafamostat mesilate attenuates complement activation and improves function of xenografts in a discordant lung perfusion model
Authors: Tagawa Tsutomu 
Published: December 2011

Tagawa T. Protease inhibitor nafamostat mesilate attenuates complement activation and improves function of xenografts in a discordant lung perfusion model. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 315–319. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Anti‐complement activity of nafamostat mesilate (FUT‐175) is strong including its variety of pharmacological effects. The effect of FUT‐175 for xenografts in an ex vivo guinea pig‐to‐rat lung perfusion model was evaluated.Methods:  Heparinized Lewis rat blood was used to perfuse the lungs in three groups (n = 6 each). Group I used Lewis rat left lung for donor, Group X used guinea pig left lung for donor, and Group XF used guinea pig left lung for donor, which was perfused with Lewis rat blood with 0.2 mg/ml of FUT‐175. Complement activity causing 50% hemolysis (CH50) in the perfusion blood and pulmonary function either before or during perfusion were serially measured. Pathological assessments of the lungs were also carried out after perfusion.Results:  The duration of satisfactory pulmonary function was significantly increased in Group XF. Complement activity causing 50% hemolysis in Group XF decreased more significantly compared to Group X. FUT‐175 suppressed both the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and airway resistance, and the decrease in dynamic lung compliance. In Group X, pathology showed intra‐alveolar hemorrhage, perivascular edema, and medial thickening with endothelial swelling of the pulmonary arteries. In Group XF, less changes were observed compared to Group X. Group X showed deposition of IgM, IgG, and C3 at the endothelium of arteries, which was fewer in Group XF, and even fewer in Group I.Conclusions:  This study suggests that FUT‐175 inhibited complement activation and improved lung xenograft function. FUT‐175 ameliorates hyperacute rejection in a guinea pig‐to‐rat ex vivo xenogeneic lung perfusion model.
Transplantation of human cells in the peritoneal cavity of immunodeficient mice for rapid assays of hepatitis B virus replication
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Bandi Sriram , Cheng Kang , Gupta Sanjeev 
Published: December 2011

Kumar M, Bandi S, Cheng K, Gupta S. Transplantation of human cells in the peritoneal cavity of immunodeficient mice for rapid assays of hepatitis B virus replication. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 380–389. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Studies of natural hepatitis B virus infection must be restricted to humans or primates due to viral species‐specificity. Alternative hepadnavirus animal models, e.g., woodchuck hepatitis virus in captive woodchucks, are not convenient, while in transgenic mice hepatitis B virus or viral proteins are expressed permanently through integrated genomes. Availability of small animal models that are easily produced and permit rapid assays will be quite helpful.Aims:  We examined whether transplantation of human cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice will generate an appropriate mass of cells with hepatitis B virus replication.Methods:  HepG2 2.2.15 cells were transplanted intraperitoneally into NOD/SCID mice. Replication of hepatitis B virus and viral gene expression was determined by analysis of blood and transplanted tissues with viral DNA and hepatitis B core antigen expression. Interruption of viral replication was examined.Results:  After intraperitoneal transplantation with microcarrier scaffolds, 2.2.15 cells engrafted and proliferated in the peritoneal cavity of NOD/SCID mice. Hepatitis B virus replicated in transplanted 2.2.15 cells as shown by hepatitis B core antigen expression. Moreover, viral particles were secreted into the blood. Hepatitis B virus replication was susceptible to conventional antiviral drug therapy, such as lamivudine, as well as experimental antiviral gene therapy with a synthetic mimic of an antiviral cellular microRNA.Conclusions:  Intraperitoneal transplantation of human cells rapidly provided reservoirs of hepatitis B virus in mice. This simple xenotransplantation approach will be effective and convenient for studies of hepatitis B and other human viruses in vivo.