bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of outcome after diagnosis of metachronous contralateral breast cancer
Authors: Alkner Sara , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Fernö Mårten , Manjer Jonas , Rydén Lisa 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Although 2-20% of breast cancer patients develop a contralateral breast cancer (CBC), prognosis after CBC is still debated. Using a unique patient cohort, we have investigated whether time interval to second breast cancer (BC2) and mode of detection are associated to prognosis.

Methods
Information on patient-, tumour-, treatment-characteristics, and outcome was abstracted from patients' individual charts for all patients diagnosed with metachronous CBC in the Southern Healthcare Region of Sweden from 1977-2007. Distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and risk of distant metastases were primary endpoints.

Results
The cohort included 723 patients with metachronous contralateral breast cancer as primary breast cancer event. Patients with less than three years to BC2 had a significantly impaired DDFS (p = 0.01), and in sub-group analysis, this effect was seen primarily in patients aged <50. By logistic regression analysis, patients diagnosed with BC2 within routine follow-up examinations had a significantly lower risk of developing metastases compared to those who were symptomatic at diagnosis (p < 0.0001). Chemotherapy given after breast BC1 was a negative prognostic factor for DDFS, whereas endocrine treatment and radiotherapy given after BC2 improved DDFS.

Conclusions
In a large cohort of patients with CBC, we found the time interval to BC2 to be a strong prognostic factor for DDFS in young women and mode of detection to be related to risk of distant metastases. Future studies of tumour biology of BC2 in relation to prognostic factors found in the present study can hopefully provide biological explanations to these findings.
A Kallikrein 15 (KLK15) single nucleotide polymorphism located close to a novel exon shows evidence of association with poor ovarian cancer survival
Authors: Batra Jyotsna , Nagle Christina M , O'Mara Tracy , Higgins Melanie , Dong Ying , Tan Olivia L , Lose Felicity , Skeie Lene Marie , Srinivasan Srilakshmi , Bolton Kelly L , Song Honglin , Ramus Susan J , Gayther Simon A , Pharoah Paul DP , Kedda Mary-Anne , Spurdle Amanda B , Clements Judith A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background

KLK15 over-expression is reported to be a significant predictor of reduced progression-free survival and overall survival in ovarian cancer. Our aim was to analyse the KLK15 gene for putative functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and assess the association of these and KLK15 HapMap tag SNPs with ovarian cancer survival.

Results

In silico analysis was performed to identify KLK15 regulatory elements and to classify potentially functional SNPs in these regions. After SNP validation and identification by DNA sequencing of ovarian cancer cell lines and aggressive ovarian cancer patients, 9 SNPs were shortlisted and genotyped using the Sequenom iPLEX Mass Array platform in a cohort of Australian ovarian cancer patients (N = 319). In the Australian dataset we observed significantly worse survival for the KLK15 rs266851 SNP in a dominant model (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.96). This association was observed in the same direction in two independent datasets, with a combined HR for the three studies of 1.16 (1.00-1.34). This SNP lies 15bp downstream of a novel exon and is predicted to be involved in mRNA splicing. The mutant allele is also predicted to abrogate an HSF-2 binding site.

Conclusions
We provide evidence of association for the SNP rs266851 with ovarian cancer survival. Our results provide the impetus for downstream functional assays and additional independent validation studies to assess the role of KLK15 regulatory SNPs and KLK15 isoforms with alternative intracellular functional roles in ovarian cancer survival.
The influence of psychiatric screening in healthy populations selection: a new study and meta-analysis of functional 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 polymorphisms and anxiety-related personality traits
Authors: Minelli Alessandra , Bonvicini Cristian , Scassellati Catia , Sartori Riccardo , Gennarelli Massimo 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
A genetic liability for anxiety-related personality traits in healthy subjects has been associated with the functional serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR), although the data are somewhat conflicting. Moreover, only one study has investigated the functional significance of the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 haplotypes in relation to anxiety traits in healthy subjects. We tested whether the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 haplotypes are linked to Harm Avoidance (HA) using an association study (STUDY I) and a meta-analytic approach (STUDY II).

Methods
STUDY I: A total of 287 unrelated Italian volunteers were screened for DSM-IV Axis I disorders and genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 (A/G) polymorphisms. Different functional haplotype combinations were also analyzed. STUDY II: A total of 44 studies were chosen for a meta-analysis of the putative association between 5-HTTLPR and anxiety-related personality traits.

Results
STUDY I: In the whole sample of 287 volunteers, we found that the SS genotype and S'S' haplotypes were associated with higher scores on HA. However, because the screening assessed by Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) showed the presence of 55 volunteers affected by depression or anxiety disorders, we analyzed the two groups ("disordered" and "healthy") separately. The data obtained did indeed confirm that in the "healthy" group, the significant effects of the SS genotype and S'S' haplotypes were lost, but they remained in the "disordered" group. STUDY II: The results of the 5-HTTLPR meta-analysis with anxiety-related traits in the whole sample confirmed the association of the SS genotype with higher anxiety-related traits scores in Caucasoids; however, when we analyzed only those studies that used structured psychiatric screening, no association was found.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the relevance to perform analyses on personality traits only in DSM-IV axis I disorder-free subjects. Furthermore, we did not find an association between functional serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and anxiety traits in healthy subjects screened through a structured psychiatric interview.
The impact of sagittal balance on clinical results after posterior interbody fusion for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis: A Pilot study
Authors: Kim Mi Kyung , Lee Sun-Ho , Kim Eun-Sang , Eoh Whan , Chung Sung-Soo , Lee Chong-Suh 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Comparatively little is known about the relation between the sagittal vertical axis and clinical outcome in cases of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The objective of this study was to determine whether lumbar sagittal balance affects clinical outcomes after posterior interbody fusion. This series suggests that consideration of sagittal balance during posterior interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis can yield high levels of patient satisfaction and restore spinal balance

Methods
A retrospective study of clinical outcomes and a radiological review was performed on 18 patients with one or two level degenerative spondylolisthesis. Patients were divided into two groups: the patients without improvement in pelvic tilt, postoperatively (Group A; n = 10) and the patients with improvement in pelvic tilt postoperatively (Group B; n = 8). Pre- and postoperative clinical outcome surveys were administered to determine Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). In addition, we evaluated full spine radiographic films for pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacrofemoral distance (SFD), and sacro C7 plumb line distance (SC7D)

Results
All 18 patients underwent surgery principally for the relief of radicular leg pain and back pain. In groups A and B, mean preoperative VAS were 6.85 and 6.81, respectively, and these improved to 3.20 and 1.63 at last follow-up. Mean preoperative ODI were 43.2 and 50.4, respectively, and these improved to 23.6 and 18.9 at last follow-up. In spinopelvic parameters, no significant difference was found between preoperative and follow up variables except PT in Group A. However, significant difference was found between the preoperative and follows up values of PT, SS, TK, LL, and SFD/SC7D in Group B. Between parameters of group A and B, there is borderline significance on preoperative PT, preoperative LL and last follow up SS.
Correlation analysis revealed the VAS improvements in Group A were significantly related to postoperative lumbar lordosis (Pearson's coefficient = -0.829; p = 0.003). Similarly, ODI improvements were also associated with postoperative lumbar lordosis (Pearson's coefficient = -0.700; p = 0.024). However, in Group B, VAS and ODI improvements were not found to be related to postoperative lumbar lordosis and to spinopelvic parameters.

Conclusion
In the current series, patients improving PT after fusion were found to achieve good clinical outcomes in degenerative spondylolisthesis. Overall, our findings show that it is important to quantify sagittal spinopelvic parameters and promote sagittal balance when performing lumbar fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Genetic response to metabolic fluctuations: correlation between central carbon metabolism and DNA replication in Escherichia coli
Authors: Maciąg Monika , Nowicki Dariusz , Janniere Laurent , Szalewska-Pałasz Agnieszka , Węgrzyn Grzegorz 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Until now, the direct link between central carbon metabolism and DNA replication has been demonstrated only in Bacillus. subtilis. Therefore, we asked if this is a specific phenomenon, characteristic for this bacterium and perhaps for its close relatives, or a more general biological rule.

Results
We found that temperature-sensitivity of mutants in particular genes coding for replication proteins could be suppressed by deletions of certain genes coding for enzymes of the central carbon metabolism. Namely, the effects of dnaA46(ts) mutation could be suppressed by dysfunction of pta or ackA, effects of dnaB(ts) by dysfunction of pgi or pta, effects of dnaE486(ts) by dysfunction of tktB, effects of dnaG(ts) by dysfunction of gpmA, pta or ackA, and effects of dnaN159(ts) by dysfunction of pta or ackA. The observed suppression effects were not caused by a decrease in bacterial growth rate.

Conclusions
The genetic correlation exists between central carbon metabolism and DNA replication in the model Gram-negative bacterium, E. coli. This link exists at the steps of initiation and elongation of DNA replication, indicating the important global correlation between metabolic status of the cell and the events leading to cell reproduction.
Synthesis of freestanding HfO2 nanostructures
Authors: Kidd Timothy , O'Shea Aaron , Boyle Kayla , Wallace Jeff , Strauss Laura 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTwo new methods for synthesizing nanostructured HfO2 have been developed. The first method entails exposing HfTe2 powders to air. This simple process resulted in the formation of nanometer scale crystallites of HfO2. The second method involved a two-step heating process by which macroscopic, freestanding nanosheets of HfO2 were formed as a byproduct during the synthesis of HfTe2. These highly two-dimensional sheets had side lengths measuring up to several millimeters and were stable enough to be manipulated with tweezers and other instruments. The thickness of the sheets ranged from a few to a few hundred nanometers. The thinnest sheets appeared transparent when viewed in a scanning electron microscope. It was found that the presence of Mn enhanced the formation of HfO2 by exposure to ambient conditions and was necessary for the formation of the large scale nanosheets. These results present new routes to create freestanding nanostructured hafnium dioxide.PACS: 81.07.-b, 61.46.Hk, 68.37.Hk.
Enhancements of thermal conductivities with Cu, CuO, and carbon nanotube nanofluids and application of MWNT/water nanofluid on a water chiller system
Authors: Liu MinSheng , Lin Mark ChingCheng , Wang ChiChuan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this study, enhancements of thermal conductivities of ethylene glycol, water, and synthetic engine oil in the presence of copper (Cu), copper oxide (CuO), and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) are investigated using both physical mixing method (two-step method) and chemical reduction method (one-step method). The chemical reduction method is, however, used only for nanofluid containing Cu nanoparticle in water. The thermal conductivities of the nanofluids are measured by a modified transient hot wire method. Experimental results show that nanofluids with low concentration of Cu, CuO, or carbon nanotube (CNT) have considerably higher thermal conductivity than identical base liquids. For CuO-ethylene glycol suspensions at 5 vol.%, MWNT-ethylene glycol at 1 vol.%, MWNT-water at 1.5 vol.%, and MWNT-synthetic engine oil at 2 vol.%, thermal conductivity is enhanced by 22.4, 12.4, 17, and 30%, respectively. For Cu-water at 0.1 vol.%, thermal conductivity is increased by 23.8%. The thermal conductivity improvement for CuO and CNT nanofluids is approximately linear with the volume fraction. On the other hand, a strong dependence of thermal conductivity on the measured time is observed for Cu-water nanofluid. The system performance of a 10-RT water chiller (air conditioner) subject to MWNT/water nanofluid is experimentally investigated. The system is tested at the standard water chiller rating condition in the range of the flow rate from 60 to 140 L/min. In spite of the static measurement of thermal conductivity of nanofluid shows only 1.3% increase at room temperature relative to the base fluid at volume fraction of 0.001 (0.1 vol.%), it is observed that a 4.2% increase of cooling capacity and a small decrease of power consumption about 0.8% occur for the nanofluid system at a flow rate of 100 L/min. This result clearly indicates that the enhancement of cooling capacity is not just related to thermal conductivity alone. Dynamic effect, such as nanoparticle dispersion may effectively augment the system performance. It is also found that the dynamic dispersion is comparatively effective at lower flow rate regime, e.g., transition or laminar flow and becomes less effective at higher flow rate regime. Test results show that the coefficient of performance of the water chiller is increased by 5.15% relative to that without nanofluid.
Histone deacetylase 3, not histone deacetylase 2, interacts with the major immediate early locus of human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Huang Ying , Tang Qiyi , Nguyen Michael , Dulal Kalpana , Wang Weijia , Zhu Hua 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Evidence suggests that genome chromatinization and the posttranslational modification of histones are involved in the regulation of viral gene expression, including the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We performed a ChIP-on-Chip assay to determine whether histone deacetylases (HDACs) interact with HCMV genomic DNA on a global level. Surprisingly, we found that HDAC3, but not HDAC2, interacts not only with the major immediate early (MIE) promoter but also with the entire MIE locus, suggesting a heterogeneous interaction of HDAC3 with HCMV DNA. The interaction of HDAC3 with the MIE region is related to inhibition of viral replication because HDAC3 inhibitors enhanced HCMV replication.
Thrombospondin 1 is a key mediator of transforming growth factor β-mediated cell contractility in systemic sclerosis via a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent mechanism
Authors: Chen Yunliang , Leask Andrew , Abraham David J , Kennedy Laura , Shi-wen Xu , Denton Christopher P , Black Carol M , Verjee Liaquat S , Eastwood Mark 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism underlying the ability of fibroblasts to contract a collagen gel matrix is largely unknown. Fibroblasts from scarred (lesional) areas of patients with the fibrotic disease scleroderma show enhanced ability to contract collagen relative to healthy fibroblasts. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), an activator of latent transforming growth factor (TGF)β, is overexpressed by scleroderma fibroblasts. In this report we investigate whether activation of latent TGFβ by TSP1 plays a key role in matrix contraction by normal and scleroderma fibroblasts.MethodsWe use the fibroblast populated collagen lattices (FPCL) model of matrix contraction to show that interfering with TSP1/TGFβ binding and knockdown of TSP1 expression suppressed the contractile ability of normal and scleroderma fibroblasts basally and in response to TGFβ. Previously, we have shown that ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mediates matrix contraction basally and in response to TGFβ.ResultsDuring mechanical stimulation in the FPCL system, using a multistation tensioning-culture force monitor (mst-CFM), TSP1 expression and p-ERK activation in fibroblasts are enhanced. Inhibiting TSP1 activity reduced the elevated activation of MEK/ERK and expression of key fibrogenic proteins. TSP1 also blocked platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced contractile activity and MEK/ERK activation.ConclusionsTSP1 is a key mediator of matrix contraction of normal and systemic sclerosis fibroblasts, via MEK/ERK.
Chemical modification of lignin assisted by microwave irradiation
Authors: Ouyang Xinping , Lin Zaixiong , Yang Dongjie , Qiu Xueqing 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Soda lignin was converted into sulfonated lignin by oxidation, hydroxymethylation, and sulfonation assisted by microwave irradiation. Oxidation and hydroxymethylation under these circumstances led to lignins with much higher reactivity toward subsequent sulfonation, and the sulfonation degree could be elevated up to 2.75 mmol g-1. A suitable microwave irradiation time is beneficial to obtain oxidized lignin with small molecular size, but the irradiation time must be selected adequately. Under optimal conditions, the sulfonated lignin exhibits a good dispersive effect to TiO2 suspension. Compared to conventional water bath heating, microwave irradiation not only increases the sulfonation degree of lignin, but also sharply shortens the reaction time.
A Forward Genetic Screen Identifies Mutants Deficient for Mitochondrial Complex I Assembly in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Barbieri M Rosario , Larosa Véronique , Nouet Cécile , Subrahmanian Nitya , Remacle Claire , Hamel Patrice P 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Mitochondrial complex I is the largest multimeric enzyme of the respiratory chain. The lack of a model system with facile genetics has limited the molecular dissection of complex I assembly. Using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an experimental system to screen for complex I defects, we isolated, via forward genetics, amc1–7 nuclear mutants (for assembly of mitochondrial complex I) displaying reduced or no complex I activity. Blue native (BN)-PAGE and immunoblot analyses revealed that amc3 and amc4 accumulate reduced levels of the complex I holoenzyme (950 kDa) while all other amc mutants fail to accumulate a mature complex. In amc1, -2, -5–7, the detection of a 700 kDa subcomplex retaining NADH dehydrogenase activity indicates an arrest in the assembly process. Genetic analyses established that amc5 and amc7 are alleles of the same locus while amc1–4 and amc6 define distinct complementation groups. The locus defined by the amc5 and amc7 alleles corresponds to the NUOB10 gene, encoding PDSW, a subunit of the membrane arm of complex I. This is the first report of a forward genetic screen yielding the isolation of complex I mutants. This work illustrates the potential of using Chlamydomonas as a genetically tractable organism to decipher complex I manufacture.
A Hybrid Actuation System (HYBAS) and Aerospace Applications
Authors: Su Ji , Xu Tian-Bing , Zhang Shujun , Shrout Thomas R. , Zhang Qiming 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTAn electroactive polymer-ceramic hybrid actuation system (HYBAS) has been developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The system demonstrates significantly-enhanced electromechanical performance by cooperatively utilizing advantages of a combination of electromechanical responses of an electroative polymer (EAP), and an electroactive ceramic single crystal, PZN-PT single crystal. The electroactive elements are driven by a single power source. Recently, a modification of HYBAS has been made to increase the capability of air driving for synthetic jet devices (SJ) used in aerodynamic control technologies. The dependence of the air driving capability of the modified HYBAS on the configuration of the actuating device has been investigated. For this particular application, the modified HYBAS demonstrated a 50% increase in the volume change in the synthetic jet air chamber, as compared with that of the HYBAS without the modification. The theoretical modeling of the performances of the HYBAS is in good agreement with experimental observation. The consistence between the theoretical modeling and experimental test make the design concept an effective route for the development of high performance actuating devices for many applications. The theoretical modeling, fabrication of the HYBAS and the initial experimental results will be presented and discussed.
Decrease in Resistance of Ceria Oxygen Sensor Induced by 10 mol% Hf and Zr Doping
Authors: Izu Noriya , Shin Woosuck , Matsubara Ichiro , Murayama Norimitsu 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTResistive type sensors using 10 mol% Hf-doped ceria and 10 mol% Zr-doped ceria, which had a single cubic phase obtained by solid state reaction, were fabricated and their sensing properties were investigated. The resistance and resistivity of the 10 mol% Hf-doped ceria or 10 mol% Zr-doped ceria were smaller than those of non-doped ceria. In the case of the same temperature of solid state reaction, the resistance and resistivity of the 10 mol% Hf-doped ceria were much smaller than those of the 10 mol% Zr-doped ceria. Furthermore, in the case of the same dopant, the resistance and resistivity of the sensor prepared from the solid state reaction at 1773 K were much smaller than those at 1673 K. The sensor using the 10 mol% Hf-doped ceria could be used as an oxygen gas sensor in wide oxygen partial pressure range and could be applicable to a λ sensor and a universal A/F sensor.
Microstructure-Controlled Multilayer PZT Actuators: Effects of Cyclic Actuation on Crystallographic Structure
Authors: Müller Jens , Hooker Stephanie A. , Balzar Davor 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTIn this study, multilayered PbTixZr1-xO3(PZT) samples (produced at sintering temperatures in the range of 1175 °C to 1325 °C) were electrically fatigued by long-term exposure (∼106cycles) to electric fields, and the parameters of initial and remnant polarization were estimated. Changes in the crystallographic microstructure as a function of sintering temperature Ts were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to gain insight on fatigue mechanisms and their prevention. Results showed that domain wall movement was facilitated in samples processed atTSless than 1250 °C, and that such samples were more resistant to electrical fatigue.
Piezopolymer Diaphragm as high performance biosensor platform
Authors: Cheng Z.-Y. , Li Suiqiong , Xu Zhuo , Cheng Z.-Y. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPiezopolymer PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE) based diaphragms were fabricated. The diaphragm can be used as a high performance sensor platform for employing in liquid. The microelectronic process for fabricating microdiaphragm and its array is established. The performance of the PVDF based diaphragm in air and liquid was tested. It is found that the diaphragm works well in liquid.