bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of DNA Repair Gene Polymorphisms With Response to Platinum-Based Doublet Chemotherapy in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Shiraishi Kouya , Kohno Takashi , Tanai Chiharu , Goto Yasushi , Kuchiba Aya , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Tsuta Koji , Nokihara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Noboru , Sekine Ikuo , Ohe Yuichiro , Tamura Tomohide , Yokota Jun , Kunitoh Hideo 
Published: October 2010

PurposeTo identify polymorphisms in DNA repair genes that affect responses to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Patients and MethodsIn total, 640 patients with NSCLC who received platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan from 2000 to 2008 and whose responses were evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) participated in a study of the association between response and genotypes for 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 27 DNA repair genes. Candidate SNPs were selected in a discovery set of 201 patients, and their associations were validated in an independent set of 439 patients by prespecified P value criteria.ResultsHomozygotes for the minor allele TP53-72Pro of the Arg72Pro SNP in the TP53 gene showed a better response rate (54.3%) than those for the major allele TP53-72Arg (29.1%; P = 4.4 × 10−5) irrespective of therapeutic regimens, and minor allele homozygotes had significantly longer progression-free and overall survivals than major allele homozygotes (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.98; P = .020; and HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.99; P = .039). Minor allele carriers for SNP Lys940Arg in the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) gene showed a better response rate to the paclitaxel regimen (45.8%) than to the gemcitabine regimen (10.5%; P for interaction = .019).ConclusionPolymorphisms in the TP53 and PARP1 genes are involved in inter-individual differences in the response to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC.
Increased extracellular adenosine in Drosophila that are deficient in adenosine deaminase activates a release of energy stores leading to wasting and death
Authors: Zuberova Monika , Fenckova Michaela , Simek Petr , Janeckova Lucie , Dolezal Tomas 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYExtracellular adenosine is an important signaling molecule in neuromodulation, immunomodulation and hypoxia. Adenosine dysregulation can cause various pathologies, exemplified by a deficiency in adenosine deaminase in severe combined immunodeficiency. We have established a Drosophila model to study the effects of increased adenosine in vivo by mutating the main Drosophila adenosine deaminase-related growth factor (ADGF-A). Using a genetic screen, we show here that the increased extracellular adenosine in the adgf-a mutant is associated with hyperglycemia and impairment in energy storage. The adenosine works in this regard through the adenosine receptor as an anti-insulin hormone in parallel to adipokinetic hormone, a glucagon counterpart in flies. If not regulated properly, this action can lead to a loss of energy reserves (wasting) and death of the organism. Because adenosine signaling is associated with the immune response and the response to stress in general, our results mark extracellular adenosine as a good candidate signal involved in the wasting syndrome that accompanies various human pathologies.
The Association Between Patient-Reported Drug Taking and Gaps and Overlaps in Antidepressant Drug Dispensing
Authors: Gardarsdottir Helga , Egberts Toine CG , Heerdink Eibert R 
Published: October 2010

Background: In daily practice, treatment adherence and persistence (duration) have mainly been investigated using large administrative databases. However, patients rarely collect a subsequent prescription on the day that the last dose has been consumed from the prior prescription. Therefore, the drug treatment patterns constructed from prescribing or dispensing moments in administrative databases can seem irregular, while patients in the real-world setting continue drug taking without gaps or overlaps in their drug use. Objective: To investigate whether patient-reported drug taking concurs with length of gaps and overlaps seen in an antidepressant dispensing database. Methods: Questionnaires on drug taking were sent from Dutch pharmacies to patients using second-generation antidepressants during September–December 2008. Gaps and overlaps between subsequently dispensed prescriptions were investigated. Patients with a gap/overlap were divided into 3 subgroups based on gap/overlap magnitude (<5% of total observed treatment time; gap/overlap ≥5% but <20% of total observed time; ≥20% of total observed treatment time) and compared for patient-reported drug taking. Results: The study population (N = 205) was predominantly female (62.9%), with a mean ± SD age of 48.0 ± 13.6 years. About 71% of the subjects had a gap, 27% had an overlap, and 2% had no gap/overlap between dispensing moments. Patients with a gap ≥20% reported nonadherent behavior more often (p < 0.01) than patients with shorter gaps. No significant differences in reported adherence were found between patients with different overlap magnitudes. Patients with a gap of ≥20% were the least likely to inform their physician or pharmacist about using their medication differently from label instructions. Conclusions: Patients with larger dispensing gaps more frequently report that they have skipped a dose, changed their dose, or used less medication than instructed. Dispensing gaps do not necessarily indicate that the medicine is not used on gap days. More research is needed to investigate the validity of dispensing patterns and their correlation with drug taking in the real-world setting.
Mineralogical, Chemical, and Physical Characterization of Synthetic Al-Substituted Maghemites (γ−Fe2−xAlxO3)
Authors: Batista Marcelo A. , da Costa Antonio C. S. , Bigham Jerry M. , de Santana Henrique , Zaia Dimas A. M. , de Souza junior Ivan G. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMaghemite (γ-Fe2O3) is a ferrimagnetic Fe oxide commonly found in tropical and subtropical soils, especially in the topsoil where it is usually a product of burning. Isomorphic substitution (IS) of the Fe in maghemite by different metals (mainly Al3+) can modify its mineralogical and chemical attributes, and these modifications may be important to understanding the formation and properties of this mineral in soils and sediments. The objective of this work was to evaluate the crystallochemical alterations of synthetic, Al-substituted maghemites prepared by the precipitation of magnetites from alkaline aqueous media containing FeSO4·7H2O with increasing amounts of Al2(SO4)3·7H2O to obtain hypothetical Al3+ for Fe3+ substitutions ranging from 0.0 to 40.0 mol %. The Al-substituted magnetites were washed and dried, and then heated to 250ºC for 4 h to form yellowish red maghemites that were characterized by total chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area (SSA), mass-specific magnetic susceptibility, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, and color. Increasing Al3+ substitution to an experimental maximum of 15.9 mol % decreased both the a0 dimension of the cubic unit cell (a0 = 0.8339 − 396.157 × 10−16 Al, r2 = 0.99) and the mean crystallite dimension (MCD = 76.4–3.15Al, r2 = 0.79) of the maghemites. With the decrease in MCD came a more yellowish color, an increase in SSA, and a decrease in crystallinity as measured through extraction of the samples with acid ammonium oxalate. The mass-specific magnetic susceptibility of the maghemites increased with Al3+ substitution up to 5.3 mol % and then decreased with further replacement of Fe by Al. Solid-phase aluminum in excess of 16 mol % substitution appeared to occur as a separate, poorly crystalline phase that was X-ray amorphous.
FTIR and XRD Investigations of Tetracycline Intercalation in Smectites
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Kolb Vera M. , Jiang Wei-Teh , Hong Hanlie 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDue to swelling, smectite minerals are capable of intercalating many organic molecules in their interlayer space. Tetracycline (TC) is a group of antibiotics used extensively in human and veterinary medicine. The great aqueous solubility and long environmental half life of TC mean that the study of interactions between swelling clay minerals and TC are of great importance in TC transport and retention in subsurface soils. In the present study, the intercalation of TC molecules at different levels into smectites was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shift of the FTIR bands of amide I and II in comparison to crystalline TC suggested a strong interaction between the amide groups and the clay surfaces. The band at 1455 cm−1 remained the same after TC intercalation into SAz-1, SWy-2, and SYn-1, suggesting that complexation was not a dominant mechanism of TC uptake by these minerals. With cation exchange as the major mechanism of TC intercalation into these minerals, simultaneous removal of H+ from solution protonated the TC molecules and provided a positive charge to interact with negatively charged mineral surfaces even in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. The increase in interlayer distance after intercalation by TC, as revealed by XRD, suggested a tilted orientation of the intercalated TC molecules in both twisted conformation in acidic condition and extended conformation in alkaline condition.
Glycerol-Intercalated Mg-Al Hydrotalcite as a Potential Solid Base Catalyst for Transesterification
Authors: Xi Yuanzhou , Davis Robert J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractGlycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel synthesis by transesterification of triglycerides with short-chain alcohols in the presence of solid base catalysts. Because hydrotalcite is a potentially useful basic catalyst for the transesterification reaction, the interaction of glycerol with hydrotalcite is the focus of this work. Glycerol was intercalated into Mg-Al hydrotalcite with a Mg/Al molar ratio of 4 under elevated temperatures of 4432/503 K in the absence and presence of NaOH. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2 adsorption. The amount of glycerol incorporated into hydrotalcite increased with increasing temperature of intercalation. However, the brucite-like sheets of hydrotalcite partially decomposed during the intercalation process at the highest temperature. The presence of NaOH stabilized the hydrotalcite layers against decomposition under high temperature (503 K). The intercalated materials exposed large surface areas ranging from 142 to 663 m2 g−1, depending on the preparation conditions. The glycerol-intercalated hydrotalcites were less catalytically active than hydrotalcite with OH− counterions for the transesterification of tributyrin with methanol. The lower reactivity of glycerol-intercalated hydrotalcite was probably the result of a strong interaction between the intercalated glycerolate (HOCH2-CHOH-CH2O−) and the partially decomposed brucite-like sheets.
Colloid Diffusion in Compacted Bentonite: Microstructural Constraints
Authors: Holmboe Michael , Wold Susanna , Jonsson Mats 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn Sweden and in many other countries, a bentonite barrier will be used in the repository for spent nuclear fuel. In the event of canister failure, colloidal diffusion is a potential, but scarcely studied mechanism of radionuclide migration through the bentonite barrier. Column and in situ experiments are vital in understanding colloid diffusion and in providing information about the micro structure of compacted bentonite and identifying cut-off limits for colloid filtration. This study examined diffusion of negatively charged 2-, 5-, and 15-nm gold colloids in 4-month diffusion experiments using MX-80 Wyoming bentonite compacted to dry densities of 0.6–2.0 g/cm3. Breakthrough of gold colloids was not observed in any of the three diffusion experiments. In a gold-concentration profile analysis, colloid diffusion was only observed for the smallest gold colloids at the lowest dry density used (estimated apparent diffusivity Da ≈ 5 × 10−13 m2/s). The results from a microstructure investigation using low-angle X-ray diffraction suggest that at the lowest dry density used, interlayer transport of the smallest colloids cannot be ruled out as a potential diffusion pathway, in addition to the expected interparticle transport. In all other cases, with either greater dry densities or larger gold colloids, compacted bentonite will effectively prevent diffusion of negatively charged colloids due to filtration.
Bioavailability of Fe(III) In Loess Sediments: An Important Source of Electron Acceptors
Authors: Bishop Michael E. , Jaisi Deb P. , Dong Hailiang , Kukkadapu Ravi K. , Ji Junfeng 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFe-reducing micro-organisms can change the oxidation state of structural Fe in clay minerals. The interactions with complex clays and clay minerals in natural materials remain poorly understood, however. The objective of this study was to determine if Fe(III) in loess was available as an electron acceptor and to study subsequent mineralogical changes. The loess samples were collected from St. Louis (Peoria), Missouri, USA, and Huanxia (HX) and Yanchang (YCH), in the Shanxi Province of China. The total Fe concentrations for the three samples was 1.69, 2.76, and 3.29 wt.%, respectively, and Fe(III) content was 0.48, 0.69, and 1.27 wt.%, respectively. All unreduced loess sediments contained Fe (oxyhydr)oxides and phyllosilicates. Bioreduction experiments were performed using Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 with lactate as the sole electron donor and Fe(III) in loess as the sole electron acceptor with and without anthraquinone-2, 6-disulfonate (AQDS) as an electron shuttle. Experiments were performed in non-growth (bicarbonate buffer) and growth (M1) media. The unreduced and bioreduced solids were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. Despite many similarities among the three loess samples, the extent and rate of Fe(III) reduction varied significantly. In the presence of AQDS the extent of reduction in the non-growth experiment was 25% of total Fe(III) in HX, 34% in Peoria, and 38% in YCH. The extent of reduction in the growth experiment was 72% in HX, 94% in Peoria, and 65% in YCH. The extent of bioreduction was less in the absence of AQDS. Overall, AQDS and the M1 growth medium significantly enhanced the rate and extent of bioreduction. Fe(III) in (oxyhydr)oxides and phyllosilicates was bioreduced. Siderite was absent in control samples, but was identified in bioreduced samples. The present research suggests that Fe(III) in loess sediments is an important potential source of electron acceptors that could support microbial activity under favorable conditions.
Origin and Depositional Environment of Palygorskite and Sepiolite from the Ypresian Phosphatic Series, Southwestern Tunisia
Authors: Tlili A. , Felhi M. , Montacer M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe Ypresian phosphatic series of the Gafsa-Metlaoui basin, southwestern Tunisia, is represented by an alternation of phosphatic levels and interbedded facies, which are composed of marly clay and silica-rich rocks. The present work aimed to clarify the genesis of palygorskite and sepiolite of the interbedded facies and to understand the depositional environment of the phosphatic series. The interbedded facies of the Stah and Jellabia mines were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) of individual constituents and their aggregates. The data obtained indicate that samples are made up of francolite, calcite, dolomite, quartz, feldspars, and clay minerals; the latter consist of palygorskite-sepiolite minerals associated with smectite. Observations by SEM revealed the occurrence of palygorskite and sepiolite as fine and filamentous fibers with thread-like facies and coating dolomite, calcite, and a marly matrix. Such features can be considered as textural evidence of authigenic palygorskite-sepiolite. At the bottom of the Stah section, SEM observations revealed that the fine fibers are more abundant within silica-rich rocks. Silica is commonly available due to bacterial activity saturating its environment with the silicic acid required for the formation of palygorskite-sepiolite. In the interbedded facies of the Jellabia section, the moderate fibrous clay content and the presence of well crystallized dolomite revealed that the shallow-marine water was characterized by high-Mg and low-Si activities.
A Tandem Mass Spectrometry Triplex Assay for the Detection of Fabry, Pompe, and Mucopolysaccharidosis-I (Hurler)
Authors: Duffey Trisha A , Bellamy Garland , Elliott Susan , Fox Angela C , Glass Michael , Turecek Frantisek , Gelb Michael H , Scott C Ronald 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND
We sought to develop a tandem mass spectrometry assay in which the enzymatic activities of 3 lysosomal enzymes (α-glucosidase, α-galactosidase A, and α-l-iduronidase) could be quantified in dried blood spots by using a single assay buffer.

METHODS
A 3-mm dried blood spot punch was incubated in a single assay buffer with 3 different substrates and internal standards. The sample was processed by a simple liquid-liquid extraction by using ethyl acetate. The extract was dried down and resuspended in solvent for injection into the tandem mass spectrometer. Products and internal standards were monitored by multiple reaction monitoring.

RESULTS
Assay for the 3 lysosomal enzymes was successfully achieved with acceptable statistics. The assay can be performed by using a minimal quantity of disposable supplies and equipment. The entire procedure fits into a 48-h cycle including data analysis. Data from 5990 anonymous newborn dried blood spots showed an approximate bell-shaped distribution of enzymatic activities (mean values of 19.0, 11.5, and 3.5 μmol · h−1 · (L blood)−1 for α-glucosidase, α-galactosidase A, and α-l-iduronidase, respectively. Blank values obtained in the absence of blood were 0.13, 0.24, and 0.45 μmol · h−1 · (L blood)−1, respectively). By assaying 3 enzymes at once, problematic samples are spotted for reanalysis if enzyme activity values are low for all enzymes (for example, if insufficient blood is present in the assay).

CONCLUSIONS
This method demonstrates that a triplex assay in a single buffer and with minimal supplies and labor can be adapted to a high-throughput newborn screening laboratory for the analysis of Pompe, Fabry, and mucopolysaccharidosis-I (Hurler) diseases.
Brief Psycho-Social Interventions in the Treatment of Specific Childhood Phobias: A Controlled Trial and a 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Flatt Natalie , King Neville 
Published: October 2010

AbstractForty-three youth aged 7–17 years old who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for assorted specific phobias, were randomised to a one-session exposure treatment, a psycho-education package or a waitlist control conditions. Participants were assessed using semi-structured interviews, self-report measures and an individualised behavioural avoidance test (BAT). Assessments were completed pre- and posttest. At the 1-year follow-up, self-report measures along with a generalised version of the individualised BAT were re-administered. Results exhibited that both active treatment conditions were superior to the waitlist control on the BAT, self-efficacy ratings; however, no significant differences were found on functioning levels and other self-report measures with the exception of the Fear Survey Schedule — Revised. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the two active conditions at posttest or the 1-year follow-up. Implications and future research strategies are discussed.
Effects of a Brief Behavioural Activation Treatment on Activities of Various Difficulty and Depression
Authors: Bailey Debra L. , Arco Lucius 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis study examined, first, effectiveness of a brief behavioural activation treatment for depression, in which participants engaged concurrently in activities of various difficulty instead of a standard least-to-most difficult sequence; and second, the relationship between behavioural self-observations of changes in activity levels and depressive symptomatology. Two adults with mild to moderate BDI-II depressive symptoms participated in a with-in participant multiple baseline study that contained 8 weekly conjoint sessions. Results showed that depression decreased to minimal levels at posttreatment and 1-month follow-up as a function of increases in activities of various difficulty. Results suggest early initiation of more difficult activities, and corroborate the relationship between increased activities and decreased depressive symptoms.
Latent Inputs Improve Estimates of Neural Encoding in Motor Cortex
Authors: Chase Steven M. , Schwartz Andrew B. , Kass Robert E. 
Published: October 2010

Typically, tuning curves in motor cortex are constructed by fitting the firing rate of a neuron as a function of some observed action, such as arm direction or movement speed. These tuning curves are then often interpreted causally as representing the firing rate as a function of the desired movement, or intent. This interpretation implicitly assumes that the motor command and the motor act are equivalent. However, any kind of perturbation, be it external, such as a visuomotor rotation, or internal, such as muscle fatigue, can create a difference between the motor intent and the action. How do we estimate the tuning curve under these conditions? Furthermore, it is well known that, during learning or adaptation, the relationship between neural firing and the observed movement can change. Does this change indicate a change in the inputs to the population, or a change in the way those inputs are processed?In this work, we present a method to infer the latent, unobserved inputs into the population of recorded neurons. Using data from nonhuman primates performing brain–computer interface experiments, we show that tuning curves based on these latent directions fit better than tuning curves based on actual movements. Finally, using data from a brain–computer interface learning experiment in which half of the units were decoded incorrectly, we demonstrate how this method might differentiate various aspects of motor adaptation.
Graphene Production With Stirred Media Mills
Authors: Knieke Catharina , Berger Angela , Peukert Wolfgang 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSince the discovery of stable graphene sheets by Novoselov und Geim in 2004 the one atom thick carbon material has been attracted great interest because of its outstanding physical, mechanical and chemical properties. Although there had been intensive research to find new ways in the preparation of single-layer graphene sheets in the last few years, especially the large-scale production of graphene still remains challenging. In this paper we present a new approach, which allows the high-yield production of graphene sheets in a simple stirred media milling process. Under mild milling conditions single- and multilayer graphene sheets have been successfully produced from commercial graphite powder in a liquid medium. During the delamination procedure, the graphite particles were stressed between the milling beads. Shear and compressive normal forces can lead under mild milling conditions, i.e. low stress energies, to a continuous mechanical peeling of graphene sheets from the graphite surface. By means of Atomic Force Microscopy a high yield of single- and multilayer graphene sheets was detected. A concentration of exfoliated sheets of 2 wt% starting from a 5 wt% suspension of coarse graphite particles could be determined after a milling time of only 3 h. This concentration is much higher than those, which were reached by most of the known chemical methods. Since stirred media milling can be realized as large-scale process, a high-yield and low-cost production of graphene flakes becomes possible at ambient temperature.