bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absence of biallelic TCRγ deletion predicts induction failure and poorer outcomes in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yang Yung‐Li , Hsiao Chih‐Cheng , Chen Hsuan‐Yu , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Jou Shiann‐Tarng , Chen Jiann‐Shiuh , Chang Te‐Kau , Sheen Jiunn‐Ming , Yu Sung‐Liang , Lu Meng‐Yao , Cheng Chao‐Neng , Wu Kang‐Hsi , Wang Shih‐Chung , Wang Jiaan‐Der , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Lin Shu‐Rung , Lin Shu‐Wha , Lin Dong‐Tsamn 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe absence of biallelic TCRγ deletion (ABD) is a characteristic of early thymocyte precursors before V(D)J recombination. The ABD was reported to predict early treatment failure in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study aimed to investigate its prognostic value in Taiwanese patients with T‐cell ALL.ProcedureForty‐five children with T‐cell ALL were enrolled from six medical centers in Taiwan. Quantitative DNA polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) was performed to check the status of TCRγ deletion. The threshold for homozygous deletions by Q‐PCR was defined as a fold‐change <0.35.ResultsABD was found in 20 patients [20:45] who had higher incidences of induction failure than those without ABD (P = 0.03; hazard ratio [HR] = 8.13; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.23–53.77) after multivariate regression analysis. Patents with ABD also had inferior EFS and OS (P = 0.071 and 0.0196, respectively). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that the association between ABD and overall survival was independent of age and leukocyte count on presentation (P = 0.036; HR = 4.25; 95% CI = 1.10–16.42).ConclusionsThe absence of TCRγ deletion is a predictor of a poor response to induction chemotherapy for pediatric patients with T‐cell ALL in Taiwan. Providing patients with T‐cell ALL and ABD with alternative regimens may be worthwhile to test in future clinical trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 846–851. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parameters Affecting the Efficient Delivery of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Materials and Gold Nanorods into Plant Tissues by the Biolistic Method
Authors: Martin‐Ortigosa Susana , Valenstein Justin S. , Sun Wei , Moeller Lorena , Fang Ning , Trewyn Brian G. , Lin Victor S.‐Y. , Wang Kan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractApplying nanotechnology to plant science requires efficient systems for the delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) to plant cells and tissues. The presence of a cell wall in plant cells makes it challenging to extend the NP delivery methods available for animal research. In this work, research is presented which establishes an efficient NP delivery system for plant tissues using the biolistic method. It is shown that the biolistic delivery of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) materials can be improved by increasing the density of MSNs through gold plating. Additionally, a DNA‐coating protocol is used based on calcium chloride and spermidine for MSN and gold nanorods to enhance the NP‐mediated DNA delivery. Furthermore, the drastic improvement of NP delivery is demonstrated when the particles are combined with 0.6 μm gold particles during bombardment. The methodology described provides a system for the efficient delivery of NPs into plant cells using the biolistic method.
Promoting entrepreneurship to alleviate poverty in India: An overview of government schemes, private‐sector programs, and initiatives in the citizens' sector
Authors: Goel Geetika , Rishi Meenakshi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn recent years, entrepreneurship has achieved significance as a driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation. This article focuses on various initiatives and entities that promote capacity building and entrepreneurship development among the poor in India and pays special attention to examining the ways in which these entities can better coordinate their efforts. The article first reviews the general literature on entrepreneurship and poverty eradication followed by a conceptual framework that models the efforts of the Indian government, the private sector, and the citizens' sector in promoting entrepreneurship and capacity building. This conceptual framework is utilized to discuss efforts of social entrepreneurs and self‐help groups (SHGs) in India as well as to present a general sectoral assessment of the poverty‐alleviation schemes in the subcontinent. The article's conclusions emphasize that neither markets alone nor governments alone are enough to eradicate poverty, especially in the Indian context. Instead, a trisectoral approach that recognizes the complementarities between the government, the private sector, and the citizens' sector and encourages these sectors to collaborate may be vital to the common goal of capacity building among India's poor. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
At the crossroads: Social and faith‐based entrepreneurship
Authors: Alderson Keanon J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe term social entrepreneurship is relatively recent, coming into favor over the last 30 years (Dray‐ton, 2002). When discussing social entrepreneurship, it may be helpful to explore the role faith‐based organizations play within social entrepreneurship, a topic that has not received adequate attention in the scholarly literature. This article features a case study of a 118‐year‐old faith‐based organization and explores its ability to create positive change, both locally and internationally. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skewed Sex Ratios at Birth and Future Marriage Squeeze in China and India, 2005–2100
Authors: Guilmoto Christophe Z. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
I examine the potential impact of the anticipated future marriage squeeze on nuptiality patterns in China and India during the twenty-first century. I use population projections from 2005 to 2100 based on three different scenarios for the sex ratio at birth (SRB). To counteract the limitations of cross-sectional methods commonly used to assess the severity of marriage squeezes, I use a two-sex cohort-based procedure to simulate marriage patterns over the twenty-first century based on the female dominance model. I also examine two more-flexible marriage functions to illustrate the potential impact of changes in marriage schedules as a response to the marriage squeeze. Longitudinal indicators of marriage squeeze indicate that the number of prospective grooms in both countries will exceed that of prospective brides by more 50% for three decades in the most favorable scenario. Rates of male bachelorhood will not peak before 2050, and the squeeze conditions will be felt several decades thereafter, even among cohorts unaffected by adverse SRB. If the SRB is allowed to return to normalcy by 2020, the proportion of men unmarried at age 50 is expected to rise to 15% in China by 2055 and to 10% in India by 2065. India suffers from the additional impact of a delayed fertility transition on its age structures.
Development of the child abuse and neglect reporting self‐efficacy questionnaire for nurses
Authors: Lee Pei‐Yu , Dunne Michael P. , Chou Fan‐Hao , Fraser Jennifer A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTaiwan nurses are mandated to report known or suspected child abuse and neglect (CAN), and self‐efficacy is known to have an important influence on professional behaviors. The aim of this study was to develop and test the CAN reporting self‐efficacy (CANRSE) scale as a measure of nurses’ self‐efficacy to report CAN. A sample of 496 nurses from Southern Taiwanese hospitals used the CANRSE scale. The psychometric evaluation of the scale included content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, convergent validity, as well as Cronbach's α and test−retest reliability. Satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.92) and test−retest reliability were demonstrated. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed models as having acceptable model fit. Exploratory factor analysis and regression analyses showed that the CANRSE scale had good construct validity and criterion‐related validity, respectively. Convergent validity was tested using the general self‐efficacy scale and was found to be satisfactory (r = 0.53). The results indicate the CANRSE is reliable and valid, and further testing of its predictive validity is recommended. It can be used to examine the influence of professional self‐efficacy in recognizing and reporting CAN cases and to evaluate the impact of training programs aimed at improving CAN reporting.
Risperidone normalizes increased inflammatory parameters and restores anti-inflammatory pathways in a model of neuroinflammation
Authors: MacDowell Karina S. , García-Bueno Borja , Madrigal José L. M. , Parellada Mara , Arango Celso , Micó Juan A. , Leza Juan C. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Inflammation, caused by both external and endogenous factors, has been implicated as a main pathophysiological feature of chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines has been described both in experimental models and in schizophrenia patients. However, not much is known about the effects that antipsychotic drugs have on intra- and intercellular mechanisms controlling inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory effect of a standard schizophrenia treatment not only at the level of soluble mediators, but also at intra- and intercellular inflammatory pathways. The present study was conducted in a model of mild neuroinflammation using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge that was not an endotoxaemic dose (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) in young adult rats. Main results: single doses of risperidone (0.3–3.0 mg/kg i.p.) prevented increased inflammatory parameters induced by LPS in brain cortex [expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, activity of the inducible inflammatory enzymes nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inflammatory nuclear transcription factor κB] and restored anti-inflammatory pathways decreased by LPS challenge (deoxyprostaglandins and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ). This is the first study demonstrating that risperidone elicits a preventive effect on the anti-inflammatory arm of the homeostatic mechanism controlling inflammation in a model of mild encephalitis in rats. Our findings suggest a possible protective effect of risperidone on brain cells.
Development of reduced tillage systems in organic farming in Europe
Authors: Mäder Paul , Berner Alfred 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNo-tillage and reduced tillage are considered sustainable options of conservation tillage. While US organic farming researchers have focused on no-tillage, European organic farming researchers have concentrated on reduced tillage through the reduction of tillage depth or the application of noninversion tillage practices. Combinations of these two approaches have been implemented by the use of the two-layer plow or the layer cultivator. These innovations often came from farmers, aiming at reducing off-farm inputs such as fuel, and saving costs and labor, while at the same time building up soil fertility. Systematic, documented research on reduced tillage systems in Europe started only 1–2 decades ago, with experiments in Germany, Switzerland and France. While most experiments mimic stockless farms, other experiments include fodder crops such as grass–clover ley and applications of manure and slurry as is typical for mixed farms with animals and crops. Soil organic carbon, microbial activity and soil structure are often improved in the upper soil layer under reduced tillage compared with plowed soils. However, these positive findings were confounded by lower yields in some cases and enhanced weed pressure, except for the two-layer plow. Often it was not possible to determine whether and to what extent yield reduction was due to weed competition or to nitrogen shortage, because of retarded nitrogen mineralization in spring in reduced tillage systems. In systems with manure use, also higher soil fertility measures concomitant with increased yields were reported under reduced tillage. Indeed, it is difficult to gain an overview on research activities dealing with reduced tillage in organic farming in Europe due to dispersed experimental infrastructures and the scarcity of peer-reviewed published literature. To close this knowledge gap a European Network is being established aiming at further developing reduced tillage systems in organic farming, addressing the issue of carbon sequestration and N2O emissions, as well as weed and nutrient management.
Transport of Asian ozone pollution into surface air over the western United States in spring
Authors: Lin Meiyun , Fiore Arlene M. , Horowitz Larry W. , Cooper Owen R. , Naik Vaishali , Holloway John , Johnson Bryan J. , Middlebrook Ann M. , Oltmans Samuel J. , Pollack Ilana B. , Ryerson Tomas B. , Warner Juying X. , Wiedinmyer Christine , Wilson John , Wyman Bruce 
Published: December 2011

Many prior studies clearly document episodic Asian pollution in the western U.S. free troposphere. Here, we examine the mechanisms involved in the transport of Asian pollution plumes into western U.S. surface air through an integrated analysis of in situ and satellite measurements in May–June 2010 with a new global high‐resolution (∼50 × 50 km2) chemistry‐climate model (GFDL AM3). We find that AM3 with full stratosphere‐troposphere chemistry nudged to reanalysis winds successfully reproduces observed sharp ozone gradients above California, including the interleaving and mixing of Asian pollution and stratospheric air associated with complex interactions of midlatitude cyclone air streams. Asian pollution descends isentropically behind cold fronts; at ∼800 hPa a maximum enhancement to ozone occurs over the southwestern U.S., including the densely populated Los Angeles Basin. During strong episodes, Asian emissions can contribute 8–15 ppbv ozone in the model on days when observed daily maximum 8‐h average ozone (MDA8 O3) exceeds 60 ppbv. We find that in the absence of Asian anthropogenic emissions, 20% of MDA8 O3exceedances of 60 ppbv in the model would not have occurred in the southwestern USA. For a 75 ppbv threshold, that statistic increases to 53%. Our analysis indicates the potential for Asian emissions to contribute to high‐O3episodes over the high‐elevation western USA, with implications for attaining more stringent ozone standards in this region. We further demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept approach using satellite CO column measurements as a qualitative early warning indicator to forecast Asian ozone pollution events in the western U.S. with lead times of 1–3 days.
Preferential Ductus Venosus Streaming Toward the Right Heart Is Associated with Left Heart Underdevelopment and Aortic Arch Hypoplasia in Human Fetuses
Authors: Stressig R. , Axt-Fliedner R. , Gembruch U. , Kohl T. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Preferential left heart underdevelopment in human fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia is almost uniformly associated with preferential streaming of the ductus venosus toward the right side of the heart. The purpose of our study was to examine whether this flow anomaly might also be present in other fetuses with hypoplasia of left-sided cardiovascular structures.
Materials and Methods: We studied 32 fetuses with left heart hypoplasia as defined by gestational age-related Z-scores by echocardiography. Apart from defining cardiovascular morphology as detailed as possible, particular focus was put on the presence or absence of preferential streaming of the ductus venosus and inferior caval vein toward the right side of the heart.
Results: 8 of 32 fetuses with hypoplasia of one or more left-sided cardiovascular structures exhibited preferential streaming of the ductus venosus toward the right side of the heart. In all eight fetuses, this finding was associated with additional cardiovascular anomalies like aortic valve stenosis, ventricular septal defect, left superior caval vein-to-coronary sinus, pulmonary vein stenosis and/or aortic arch hypoplasia.
Conclusion: As in human fetuses with left diaphragmatic hernia, preferential ductus venosus streaming toward the right side of the heart can be found in a subgroup of fetuses with hypoplasia of left-sided cardiovascular structures.
Energetics of short hydrogen bonds in photoactive yellow protein
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Ishikita Hiroshi 
Published: December 2011

Recent neutron diffraction studies of photoactive yellow protein (PYP) proposed that the H bond between protonated Glu46 and the chromophore [ionized
p
-coumaric acid (
p
CA)] was a low-barrier H bond (LBHB). Using the atomic coordinates of the high-resolution crystal structure, we analyzed the energetics of the short H bond by two independent methods: electrostatic
pK

a

calculations and a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approach. (
i
) In the QM/MM optimized geometry, we reproduced the two short H-bond distances of the crystal structure: Tyr42-
p
CA (2.50 Å) and Glu46-
p
CA (2.57 Å). However, the H atoms obviously belonged to the Tyr or Glu moieties, and were not near the midpoint of the donor and acceptor atoms. (
ii
) The potential-energy curves of the two H bonds resembled those of standard asymmetric double-well potentials, which differ from those of LBHB. (
iii
) The calculated
pK

a

values for Glu46 and
p
CA were 8.6 and 5.4, respectively. The
pK

a

difference was unlikely to satisfy the prerequisite for LBHB. (
iv
) The LBHB in PYP was originally proposed to stabilize the ionized
p
CA because deprotonated Arg52 cannot stabilize it. However, the calculated
pK

a

of Arg52 and QM/MM optimized geometry suggested that Arg52 was protonated on the protein surface. The short H bond between Glu46 and ionized
p
CA in the PYP ground state could be simply explained by electrostatic stabilization without invoking LBHB.
Fabrication and mechanical properties of column–particle nanocomposites by multiscale shape-assisted self-assembly
Authors: Hirakata Hiroyuki , Ajioka Yoshifumi , Yonezu Akio , Minoshima Kohji 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We propose a multiscale shape-assisted self-assembly that combines the growth of ordered nanocolumns by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) and the assembly of colloidal nanoparticles by utilizing capillary force. In this work, in the first self-assembly, a SiO2 nanocolumn array was grown by GLAD wherein the column size and interval were regularly controlled using pre-patterned nuclei on a substrate. In the second self-assembly, SiO2 spherical nanoparticles were assembled into the nanocolumn array using an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a water colloidal suspension, creating a column–particle nanocomposite. The location and quantity of the assembled nanoparticles could be controlled by choice of the suspension (IPA or water) and the particle concentration. Loading experiments with a diamond flat punch revealed that the initial stiffness and fracture strength of the nanocomposite are significantly increased compared with the nanocolumn array without nanoparticles. The assembled nanoparticles between the nanocolumns effectively constrained the deformation and fracture of the nanocolumns. The multiscale shape-assisted self-assembly thus enabled the synthesis of column–particle nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties as well as large surface areas.
The evolution of thyroid function with puberty
Authors: Marwaha Raman Kumar , Tandon Nikhil , Desai Ankush K. , Kanwar Ratnesh , Sastry Aparna , Narang Archna , Singh Satveer , Bhadra Kuntal , Mani Kalavani 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjective  This study was planned to describe thyroid functional status in different stages of puberty.Study design  We collected data from five schools across different geographical zones of Delhi. All children who consented were evaluated for anthropometry, pubertal stage, goitre status, serum free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), TSH, anti‐TPO (thyroid peroxidase) antibodies and thyroid ultrasound. From this sample, a disease‐ and risk‐free or ‘reference population’ was obtained by excluding those with history of thyroid disease or use of thyroid medications, family history of thyroid disease, goitre, hypoechogenicity or nodularity on ultrasound or positive antithyroid antibodies.Results  The ‘total population’ comprised 3722 children; the ‘reference population’ comprised 2134 subjects. The mean, median, 3rd and 97th percentiles of serum FT3, FT4 and TSH for each stage of puberty were obtained. In both boys and girls, FT3 increased with entry into puberty and either stayed constant or declined marginally after stage 3 of puberty. In contrast, in both genders, FT4 decreased with entry into puberty and stayed relatively constant after stage 3 of puberty. TSH levels declined through puberty in boys, but remained largely unchanged in girls. An increased conversion of T4 to T3 is the possible explanation for this finding.Conclusions  This large community‐based study in school‐age children using strict exclusion criteria provides data of thyroid function in the various stages of puberty. There is no evidence of ‘thyroidarche’ during or preceding puberty.
Validation of an instrument to measure the impact of coronary disease on patient’s daily life
Authors: dos Santos Rafaela AB , Rodrigues Roberta CM , Padilha Kátia M , Rodrigues Simey de LL , Spana Thais M , Gallani Maria CBJ 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To evaluate the psychometric Instrument to Measure the Impact of Coronary Disease on Patient’s Everyday Life (IDCV) when applied on patients with coronary disease being followed at an outpatient clinic.Methods.  One hundred and fifty‐three patients with coronary disease were registered. Patients were analysed in terms of acceptability, ceiling and floor effect, reliability (using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) and convergent construct validity (by means of Spearman correlation) between the domains of IDCV and of ‘Medical Outcomes Trust Short‐form Health Survey (SF‐36)’ and ‘MacNew Heart Disease Health‐related Quality of Life Questionnaire’.Results.  Evidence was found for high acceptability of IDCV. No evidence was found for ceiling and floor effects regarding the total score of IDCV; however, ceiling and floor effects were found from the adjustment to the disease domain. Evidence was found for reliability of the instrument as a whole and for its domains (Cronbach’s α ranged between 0·70–0·85). Similar domains on the IDCV, MacNew and SF‐36 were correlated: Physical impact – symptoms on the IDCV with the physical function domain on MacNew (r = −0·64) and with most domains on the SF‐36 related to the physical dimension; Social impact and emotional impact on the IDCV with emotional function (r = −0·53) and social function (r = −0·55) on the MacNew and mental health on SF‐36 (r = −0·55). However, smaller correlations of moderate/high magnitude were found between different constructs entre: Social and emotional impact on the IDCV with physical function on the MacNew (r = −0·56) and with the following domains: Functional capacity (r = −0·50), general health (r = −0·52) and vitality (r = −0·50) on SF‐36.Conclusion.  The IDCV is an instrument with evidence regarding reliability and convergent validity also for the population of patients with coronary disease. Further studies to validate its factor structure could offer contributions for understanding the psychometric performance of the IDCV among patients with coronary disease.