bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study on the nonadditivity of methyl group in lithium bonding and hydrogen bonding
Authors: Li Qingzhong , Cheng Jianbo , Li Wenzuo , Gong Baoan , Sun Jiazhong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractQuantum chemical calculations at the second‐order Moeller–Plesset (MP2) level with 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set have been performed on the lithium‐bonded and hydrogen‐bonded systems. The interaction energy, binding distance, bond length, and stretch frequency in these systems have been analyzed to study the nonadditivity of methyl group in the lithium bonding and hydrogen bonding. In the complexes involving with NH3, the introduction of one methyl group into NH3molecule results in an increase of the strength of lithium bonding and hydrogen bonding. The insertion of two methyl groups into NH3molecule also leads to an increase of the hydrogen bonding strength but a decrease of the lithium bonding strength relative to that of the first methyl group. The addition of three methyl groups into NH3molecule causes the strongest hydrogen bonding and the weakest lithium bonding. Although the presence of methyl group has a different influence on the lithium bonding and hydrogen bonding, a negative nonadditivity of methyl group is found in both interactions. The effect of methyl group on the lithium bonding and hydrogen bonding has also been investigated with the natural bond orbital and atoms in molecule analyses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Determination of polybrominated biphenyls in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture negative ion tandem mass spectrometry or electron ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Vetter Walter , Recke Roland von der , Symons Robert , Pyecroft Stephen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTwo gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods for the determination of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) by isotope dilution analysis (IDA) using 13C12‐PBB 153 in the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were compared. Recovery of 13C12‐PBB 153 which was added to the extracted lipids before sample purification was commenced ranged from 88–117% (mean value 98.2 ± 8.9%). Nevertheless, IDA analysis of PBBs using 13C12‐labelled congeners is limited by the potential co‐elution of PBBs with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The pair PBB 153 and BDE 154 was inspected since M+ and [M–2Br]+ ions of 13C12‐PBB 153 and BDE 154 were only separated by 4 u. Gas chromatography/electron ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring (GC/EI‐HRMS‐SIM) was suitable when m/z 475.7449 and m/z 477.7429 were used for 13C12‐PBB 153 because they are below the monoisotopic peak of the [M–2Br]+ fragment ion of hexaBDEs at m/z 479.7. Gas chromatography/electron capture negative ion tandem mass spectrometry selected reaction monitoring (GC/ECNI‐MS/MS‐SRM) measurements could be applied because 13C12‐PBB 153 and BDE 154 were separated by GC on a 25‐m Factor Four CP‐Sil 8MS column.Comparative measurements with GC/EI‐HRMS‐SIM and GC/ECNI‐MSMS‐SRM were carried out with samples of Tasmanian devils from Tasmania (Australia), an endangered species due to a virus epidemy which has already proved fatal for half of the population. Both techniques verified concentrations of PBB 153 in the range 0.3–11 ng/g lipids with excellent agreement of the levels in all but two samples. The PBB residue pattern demonstrated that PBB pollution originated from the previous discharge with technical hexabromobiphenyl which is dominated by PBB 153. Other congeners such as PBB 132 and PBB 138 were detected in the Tasmanian devils but the proportions relative to PBB 153 were lower than in the technical product. Samples of healthy and affected Tasmanian devils showed no significant difference in the PBB pollution level. The PBB concentrations in the Tasmanian devils were significantly below those causing toxic effects. On the other hand, PBB concentrations were one level or even higher than PBDEs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress of needle specimen on the three‐dimensional atom probe (3DAP)
Authors: Mayama N. , Yamashita C. , Kaito T. , Nojima M. , Owari M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe three‐dimensional atom probe (3DAP) is one of the ways to image materials three‐dimensionally on atomic scale. However, some technical issues in 3DAP are still unresolved. One of them is the rupture of a specimen that sometimes occurs when the atoms are field‐evaporated at the apex of a needle specimen. This is caused by the high electric stress around the tip of the needle specimen. One way to reduce the stress is to enlarge the taper angle of the needle specimen. In this study, adapting this idea to 3DAP, we estimated the appropriate values of not only the taper angle of the needle specimen but also its diameter, length, radius of curvature, and distance between the tip and local electrode by simulation. Furthermore, we calculated the average value of field‐induced stress on each plane for z‐direction in the specimen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of a magneto‐rheological fluid damper subjected to periodic forcing in a high frequency limit
Authors: Litak G. , Borowiec M. , Kasperek R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe have explored vibrations of a single‐degree of freedom oscillator with a magneto‐rheological damper subjected to kinematic excitations in a high frequency limit. Using fast and slow scales decoupling procedure we derived an effective damping coefficient in the limit of high frequency excitation. Damping characteristics, as functions of velocity, change considerably especially by terminating the singular non‐smoothness points. This effect was more transparent for a larger control parameter which was defined as the product of the excitation amplitude and its frequency.
The pollen metamorphosis phenomenon in Panax ginseng, Aralia elata and Oplopanax elatus; an addition to discussion concerning the Panax affinity in Araliaceae
Authors: Reunov Arkadiy A. , Reunova Galina D. , Alexandrova Yana N. , Muzarok Tamara I. , Zhuravlev Yuriy N. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryTo find more morphological characteristics useful for discussion on aralian or non-aralian Panax affinity, pollen morphological diversity was comparatively analysed in P. ginseng, Aralia elata and Oplopanax elatus collected during their pollination periods. In the anthers of both the buds and open flowers, the pollen average diameter varied between some species-specific maximum and minimal measurement. However, the larger pollen grains were typically found in the buds whereas the smaller pollen prevailed in the open flowers, testifying to the pollen size diminution during anther maturation. Based on this finding, the subsequent examination of pollen according to size decrease was put into operation as a method of pollen modification for the study. The structural mechanisms of pollen metamorphosis were identified as not being species specific but rather universal. These mechanisms are suggested to be the shrinkage of the pollen vegetative cytoplasm, the intine enlargement, the deepening of three colporate apertures provided by exine sunken into enlarged intine areas, the aperture accretion as well as the transformation of the exine from thick/sculptured into thin/less sculptured. During ‘size-reducing metamorphosis’, the pollen grains changed dramatically, going through a species-specific set of intermediate morphs to the final species-specific morphotype. In P. ginseng this morphotype is round (diameter is about 16 μm), in A. elata it is round with a single projection (diameter is about 15 μm) and in O. elatus it is ovoid with a single projection (average diameter is about 18 μm). In addition, every species is peculiar in having the unique vegetative cytoplasm inclusions and individual construction of the largest pollen exine. From a phylogenetic perspective, these findings presumably add support to the option of equal remoteness of P. ginseng from A. elata and O. elatus. The characteristics found seem to be suitable for examination of Panax affinity, by the subsequent study of more Araliaceae representatives.
Enhancement of plasmid DNA yields during fed‐batch culture of a fruR‐knockout Escherichia coli strain
Authors: Ow Dave Siak‐Wei , Yap Miranda Gek‐Sim , Oh Steve Kah‐Weng 
Published: November 2008

Well‐characterized derivatives of Escherichia coli K12 such as DH5α are the host strains commonly used for plasmid DNA production. Owing to the prospective clinical demand for large quantities of plasmid DNA for gene therapy and DNA vaccination, existing plasmid production processes need to be optimized to attain higher plasmid yields. To date, nearly all production optimization efforts are focused on media or fermentation process design. Although there has been a simple empirical evaluation of the available host strains, there is a lack of systematic effort at engineering these host strains for improved plasmid DNA production. In view of this, we engineered DH5α WT (wild‐type) cells carrying a DNA vaccine plasmid by knocking out the fruR (fructose repressor) [also known as the Cra (catabolite repressor activator)] global regulator gene and evaluated the growth and plasmid yields of these P+ (plasmid‐bearing) fruR cells (fruR‐knockout cells) during fed‐batch cultures with exponential feeding. The P+ fruR cells showed a more rapid accumulation of plasmid DNA towards the end of the fed‐batch cultures compared with the P+ WT cells. As a result, the specific plasmid yield of the P+ fruR cells was 21% higher than that of the P+ WT cells [19.2 versus 15.9 mg/g DCW (dry cell weight)]. These results demonstrate that, from an initial high‐yielding fermentation process, the knockout of the fruR global regulator gene in E. coli DH5α further improves plasmid yields during fed‐batch culture.
Can the Left Subclavian Artery be Safely Covered during Endovascular Repair of the Descending Thoracic Aorta?
Authors: Preventza Ourania , Wheatley Grayson H. , Williams James , Chaugle Hannan , Hughes Kakra , Ramaiah Venkatesh , Rodriguez-Lopez Julio , Olsen Dawn , Diethrich Edward B. 
Published: November 2008

Objective Routine preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition is frequently recommended in patients undergoing endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta (DTA). We reviewed our comprehensive thoracic endografting experience with regards to coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) to assess whether mandatory preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition is necessary. Methods Between February 2000 and November 2005, 255 patients were successfully treated with an endoluminal graft (ELG) to the DTA. Indications for intervention included atherosclerotic aneurysms (109/255, 42.7%), acute and chronic dissections (75/255, 29.4%), miscellaneous (41/255, 16.1%), and penetrating aortic ulcers (30/255, 11.8%). There were 151 males (151/255, 59.2%) and 104 females (104/255, 40.8%) with a mean age of 71 years (range, 23–91 years). Results The LSA was completely covered with an ELG in 71 patients (71/255, 27.8%) and partially covered in 47 patients (47/255, 18.4%). In patients who had complete coverage of the LSA, 30 patients (30/71, 42.3%) had acute or chronic Type B dissections, 26 patients (26/71, 36.6%) had aneurysms, 11 patients (11/71, 15.5%) had miscellaneous aortic pathologies, and 4 patients (4/71, 5.6%) had pseudoaneurysms associated with prior coarctation repair. Fifteen patients (15/255, 5.9%) underwent preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass or transposition and subsequently underwent complete coverage of the LSA with an ELG. One patient (1/56, 1.8%) with complete coverage of the LSA required elective postoperative carotid-subclavian bypass secondary to left arm claudication. Conclusions Routine preoperative carotid-subclavian bypass is not necessary, except in select patients with a patent left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery bypass graft or contralateral vertebral artery disease.
Relationships between intestinal polyp formation and fatty acid levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and intestinal polyps in Min mice
Authors: Kuriki Kiyonori , Mutoh Michihiro , Tajima Kazuo , Wakabayashi Keiji , Tatematsu Masae 
Published: November 2008

We have reported that a hyperlipidemic state is characteristic of Apc‐deficient Min mice with multiple intestinal polyps. In our earlier case‐control study, colorectal cancer risk showed positive relationships with erythrocyte membrane compositions of palmitic and oleic acids, but negative links with linoleic and arachidonic acids. To examine the roles of fatty acids in intestinal polyp formation, levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and intestinal polyps in Min mice were compared with those in wild‐type mice. A diet free of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids with antineoplastic effects was fed to all mice from 6 to 15 weeks of age. Fatty acid levels were measured using accelerated solvent extraction and gas–liquid chromatography. Min mice with a hyperlipidemic state and multiple intestinal polyps had elevated values for palmitic and oleic acids in plasma and erythrocytes (at least P < 0.05), and higher plasma level of linoleic acid (P < 0.05). Arachidonic acid was 24.5% lower in erythrocytes (P < 0.0005), but did not differ in plasma. In Min mice, moreover, oleic and arachidonic acids were 1.78 and 1.43 times higher, respectively, in intestinal polyps than in paired normal mucosa (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), but linoleic acid was 31.9% lower (P < 0.001). The present study suggests that palmitic, oleic, and arachidonic acids play key roles in intestinal polyp formation, and demonstrates reduced erythrocyte arachidonic acid values of Min mice, in line with our previous findings for patients with sporadic colorectal cancers. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2410–2416)
Clinical significance of 8q24/c‐MYC translocation in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Niitsu Nozomi , Okamoto Masataka , Miura Ikuo , Hirano Masami 
Published: November 2008

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has heterogeneous clinical, histological, and molecular features. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognoses of patients with DLBCL carrying 8q24 translocations. A total of 1864 consecutive patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated in the Adult Lymphoma Treatment Study Group from 1998 to 2005. Of the 252 patients with DLBCL with abnormal karyotypes, 28 patients with DLBCL with the 8q24 translocation were identified. There were 14 men and 14 women, with a median age of 61 years. The 8q24 translocation was observed significantly more frequently among patients with poor performance status, among patients with high lactate dehydrogenase level, and among patients with bone marrow involvement. The 5‐year overall survival was 43.9% among the patients with 8q24 translocation, and 67% among the patients with other chromosomal abnormalities. The 8q24 translocation group showed significantly poorer prognosis than the group with other translocations. In addition, patients with t(14;18) and 8q24 translocation showed significantly poorer prognosis than those with 8q24 translocation alone. It will be necessary to study whether more aggressive chemotherapy or rituximab combination chemotherapy is effective in 8q24 translocation cases. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 233–237)
Review article: gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and psychological comorbidity
Authors: MIZYED I. , FASS S. S. , FASS R. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground  A growing number of studies have shown the impact of psychological comorbidities on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients’ symptom reports and healthcare‐seeking behaviour.Aim  To review the reported relationship between GERD and psychological comorbidity.Methods  Review of the literature on GERD and psychological comorbidity.Results  Psychological comorbidity is common among GERD patients and appears to afflict all GERD phenotypes. Sexual and physical abuse is also common in GERD patients. Stress enhances perception of oesophageal acid exposure. Treatment for GERD, especially in those who are not responsive to antireflux treatment, may require further evaluation for psychological comorbidity.Conclusions  Psychological comorbidity is very common in GERD patients and is likely to play an important role in response, or failure of response, to proton pump inhibitor treatment.
Significant psychological morbidity occurs in irritable bowel syndrome: a case‐control study using a pharmacy reimbursement database
Authors: CANAVAN J. B. , BENNETT K. , FEELY J. , O’MORÁIN C. A. , O’CONNOR H. J. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground  Psychological problems are associated with IBS but the strength of this association is unclear.Aim  To assess co‐prescribing of antispasmodic and CNS‐acting drugs through a nested case‐control study.Methods  A national dispensing database identified patients who were first dispensed antispasmodic medicines for a continuous 3‐month period or more during 2006, using 2005 as a run‐in period. Each patient was matched with four control patients and excluded if they received drugs indicated for IBD.Results  Four hundred and seven patients commenced antispasmodic drugs during 2006. These patients were matched with 1628 controls. In 2005, patients subsequently prescribed antispasmodics were 2–3 times more likely to receive CNS‐acting drugs than controls. In the year following commencement of IBS therapy, patients were 2–4 times more likely than controls to be prescribed CNS‐acting drugs including antidepressants (35.4% vs. 9.3%), anxiolytics (27.8% vs. 8.8%), antipsychotics (9.8% vs. 3.3%) and hypno‐sedatives (32.7% vs. 11.3%; P < 0.0001). The adjusted OR (95% CI) for antidepressant, anxiolytic, hypnosedative and antipsychotic prescribing in IBS patients were 3.81 (2.79–5.20), 2.84 (2.12–3.81), 2.62 (1.91–3.60) and 2.58 (1.80–3.66), respectively.Conclusions  Patients prescribed ongoing therapy for presumed IBS are 2–4 times more likely to be prescribed CNS‐acting drugs than controls, providing evidence of psychological comorbidity in IBS.
p53 labeling index in assessing the efficacy of a sunscreen in protection against UV‐induced damage
Authors: Lens Marko , Bielfeldt S. , Bataille Veronique , Wilhelm K. P. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  Sunscreen efficacy is currently evaluated by the estimation of the sun protection factor (SPF). Our objective was to determine the role of the p53 labeling index in assessing the effectiveness of a sunscreen in the prevention of UV‐induced DNA damage.Methods  A broad‐spectrum sunscreen (SPF15) was applied to two of four test areas on the backs of 20 volunteers. Two test areas (with and without prior sunscreen application) were then irradiated with two minimal erythemal doses (MEDs) of solar‐simulated UV radiation (290–400 nm). At 24 h, suction blisters were raised from all four test areas using a vacuum technique, and immunohistochemical staining for p53 was performed.Results  In normal epidermis, nonirradiated without sunscreen, p53 was almost undetectable [0.5% positive cells per field (PC/F)]. In UV‐exposed skin without sunscreen, p53 expression was 10.4% PC/F, whereas, in skin treated with sunscreen before UV irradiation, p53 expression was 0.3% PC/F. The mean positive labeling indices (×103/µm) for UV‐exposed skin with and without sunscreen were 0.002 and 0.059, respectively (P < 0.001).Conclusions  In vivo assessment of the p53 labeling index using the suction blister method can serve as a sensitive endpoint in the evaluation of the effectiveness of a sunscreen in the prevention of UV‐induced DNA damage.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence testing in a bullous pemphigoid and pemphigoid gestationis
Authors: Barnadas María A. , Rubiales Mª Victòria , González Mª José , Puig Luis , García Pilar , Baselga Eulàlia , Pujol Ramón , Alomar Agustín , Gelpí Carmen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an excellent tool for detection of circulating antibodies against the NC16A portion of BP180 antigen. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of a commercially available BP180‐NC16a domain ELISA with that of an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) testing in the evaluation of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigoid gestationis (PG), and analyzed the relationship between ELISA results and the presence of IgG deposition, in an epidermal or combined pattern, on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) testing of salt‐split skin. ELISA was performed on serum from 28 patients (24 BP, 4 PG) and 50 controls. IIF testing was performed on serum from 27 patients and 98 controls. For the group of 28 patients with BP or PG, ELISA had a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 96% (P < 0.001), while sensitivity was 74% and specificity 96% (P < 0.001) for IIF testing. In these patients, ELISA has a higher sensitivity than IIF testing, but similar specificity. Evaluation of controls who had IgG deposition on the dermal side of salt‐split skin on DIF testing showed specificity for the ELISA of 100% (all four cases negative) and 80% for IIF testing (one of five positive). Positive ELISA correlated with a diagnosis of BP or PG only in patients who had IgG at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) by DIF testing. Overall, ELISA appears to have greater sensitivity and specificity for BP or PG than does IIF testing.
Solitary mastocytoma: tooth eruption as triggering factor
Authors: De Giorgi Vincenzo , Fabroni Caterina , Alfaioli Barbara , Massi Daniela , Maio Vincenza , Sestini Serena , Papi Federica , Gori Alessia , Lotti Torello 
Published: November 2008

A 2‐month‐old white male infant presented with a slightly infiltrated, brownish‐erythematous plaque on the left arm a few days after birth (following normal physiologic pregnancy and parturition). His parents noted the development of a flaccid bulla on the site of the lesion after a fever and sought the aid of a specialist. The child presented no other general symptoms. At presentation, there was a blood serum‐filled flaccid bulla surrounded by seemingly healthy skin (Fig. 1). Rubbing of the skin surrounding the bulla produced a hive‐like reaction (Darier's sign). With the suspicion of a cutaneous mastocytoma, an incisional cutaneous punch biopsy was obtained (4 mm in diameter).A blood serum‐filled flaccid bulla surrounded by seemingly healthy skin on the left arm of a 2‐month‐old white male infantimageHistopathologic examination showed a monomorphous and dense proliferation of mast cells within the superficial and deep dermis. Neoplastic cells displayed moderately abundant, oval‐ or polygonal‐shaped cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei (Fig. 2). The nuclei were characterized by clumped chromatin and indistinct or inapparent nucleoli. The cytoplasm was filled with small, faintly visible, eosinophilic or amphiphilic granules which stained metachromatically with Giemsa stain (Fig. 3). Scattered eosinophils were observed throughout the lesion. A final diagnosis of nodular mastocytoma was made.Hematoxylin and eosin stain showing a dermal monomorphous proliferation of cells characterized by moderately abundant, oval‐ or polygonal‐shaped cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei (original magnification, ×20)imageGiemsa stain showing metachromatic small granules within the cell cytoplasm (original magnification, ×20)imageHaving followed the lesion's evolution for 3 years, we have observed that it has been affected periodically by blistering, together with sudden episodes of flushing lasting 15–20 min, in the presence of triggering factors such as fevers or vaccinations.The most recent episodes occurred between the age of 15 and 24 months, and were associated with the eruption of deciduous teeth. Over the past few months, with the patient now approximately 3 years of age, the lesion has grown progressively lighter and is beginning to disappear (Fig. 4).After the age of 2 years, the mastocytoma became progressively lighter and smallerimage