bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic studies of displacer–protein binding in chemically selective displacement systems using NMR and MD simulations
Authors: Morrison Christopher J. , Godawat Rahul , McCallum Scott A. , Garde Shekhar , Cramer Steven M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA parallel batch screening technique was employed to identify chemically selective displacers which exhibited exclusive separation behavior for the protein pair α‐chymotrypsin/ribonuclease A on a strong cation exchange resin. Two selective displacers, 1‐(4‐chlorobenzyl)piperidin‐3‐aminesulfate and N′1′‐(4‐methyl‐quinolin‐2‐yl)‐ethane‐1,2‐diamine dinitrate, and one non‐selective displacer, spermidine, were selected as model systems to investigate the mechanism of chemically selective displacement chromatography. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR was used to directly evaluate displacer–protein binding. The results indicated that while binding occurred between the two chemically selective displacers and the more hydrophobic protein, α‐chymotrypsin, no binding was observed with ribonuclease A. Further, the non‐selective displacer, spermidine, was not observed to bind to either protein. Importantly, the binding event was observed to occur primarily on the aromatic portion of the selective displacers. Extensive molecular dynamic simulations of protein–displacer–water solution were also carried out. The MD results corroborated the NMR findings demonstrating that the binding of selective displacers occurred primarily on hydrophobic surface patches of α‐chymotrypsin, while no significant long term binding to ribonuclease A was observed. The non‐selective displacer did not show significant binding to either of the proteins. MD simulations also indicated that the charged amine group of the selective displacers in the bound state was primarily oriented towards the solvent, potentially facilitating their interaction with a resin surface. These results directly confirm that selective binding between a protein and displacer is the mechanism by which chemically selective displacement occurs. This opens up many possibilities for future molecular design of selective displacers for a range of applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1428–1437. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein instability during HIC: Evidence of unfolding reversibility, and apparent adsorption strength of disulfide bond‐reduced α‐lactalbumin variants
Authors: Deitcher R.W. , Xiao Y. , O'Connell J.P. , Fernandez E.J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA two‐conformation, four‐state model has been proposed to describe protein adsorption and unfolding behavior on hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) resins. In this work, we build upon previous study and application of a four‐state model to the effect of salt concentration on the adsorption and unfolding of the model protein α‐lactalbumin in HIC. Contributions to the apparent adsorption strength of the wild‐type protein from native and unfolded conformations, obtained using a deuterium labeling technique, reveal the free energy change and kinetics of unfolding on the resin, and demonstrate that surface unfolding is reversible. Additionally, variants of α‐lactalbumin in which one of the disulfide bonds is reduced were synthesized to examine the effects of conformational stability on apparent retention. Below the melting temperatures of the wild‐type protein and variants, reduction of a single disulfide bond significantly increases the apparent adsorption strength (∼6–8 kJ/mol) due to increased instability of the protein. Finally, the four‐state model is used to accurately predict the apparent adsorption strength of a disulfide bond‐reduced variant. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1416–1427. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attachment of Different Donor Groups to a Cryptand for Modulation of Two‐Photon Absorption Cross‐Section
Authors: Jana Atanu , Jang So Young , Shin Jae‐Yoon , Kumar De Arijit , Goswami Debabrata , Kim Dongho , Bharadwaj Parimal K. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTwo‐photon absorption (TPA) properties of a laterally nonsymmetric aza cryptand with attached side arms have been investigated. This series of Schiff base derivatives supports the mechanistic approach for enhancing the TPA process, which is usually dictated by molecular geometry, π‐bridging, delocalization length, and corresponding charge‐transfer possibilities. The results described here suggest that on increasing the branching units, the TPA cross‐section, σ(2), can be tuned to a larger value. The TPA activity is “switched on” when a metal atom enters the cavity and serves as a conduit of electronic delocalization. The σ(2) value increases as the donor strength increases. The maximum value is obtained on moving from the single‐branched system to the nearly threefold symmetry. This serves as a useful synthetic strategy for designing novel octupolar molecules with high σ(2) values. Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP functional with the 6–31G* basis set under DFT formalism provide supporting evidence that the communication between the side arms through the metal d orbital and more ordered geometry of chromophores leads to a smaller HOMO–LUMO gap, which has a great influence upon the electronic properties of the molecules.
Highly selective single nucleotide polymorphism recogniton by a chiral (5S) PNA beacon
Authors: Totsingan Filbert , Tedeschi Tullia , Sforza Stefano , Corradini Roberto , Marchelli Rosangela 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA chiral peptide nucleic acid (PNA) beacon containing a C‐5 modified monomer based on L‐lysine was synthesized. The terminal amino group of the lysine side chain was linked to a spacer for future applications on surfaces. The PNA beacon bears a carboxyfluorescein fluorophore and a dabcyl quencher at opposite ends. The DNA binding properties were compared with those of a homologous PNA beacon containing only achiral monomers. Both beacons underwent a fluorescence increase in the presence of complementary DNA, with higher efficiency and higher selectivity (evaluated using single mismatched DNA sequences) observed for the chiral monomer containing PNA. Ion exchange (IE) HPLC with fluorimetric detection was used in combination with the beacon for the selective detection of complementary DNA. A fluorescent peak corresponding to the PNA beacon:DNA duplex was observed at a very low detection limit (1 nM). The discriminating capacity of the chiral PNA beacon for a single mismatch was found to be superior to those observed with the unmodified one, thus confirming the potency of chirality for increasing the affinity and specificity of DNA recognition. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atorvastatin Therapy Is Associated with Reduced Levels of N‐terminal Prohormone Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Improved Cardiac Function in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Stypmann Jörg , Schubert Aurelien , Welp Henryk , Schulte Helmut , Assmann Gerd , Breithardt Günter , Nofer Jerzy‐Roch 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundStatins have been suggested to improve cardiac function, but the evidence underlying beneficial effects of statins in heart failure (HF) is insufficient. We analyzed plasma N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels and cardiac function in patients with HF of various etiologies, and who were treated with or without statins.HypothesisStatin treatment is associated with improved cardiac function in HF.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 139 consecutive male patients receiving atorvastatin (n = 44), simvastatin (n = 29), pravastatin (n = 19), or no statin (n = 47). The NT‐proBNP levels were measured using electroluminescence immunoassay. Left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), fractional shortening (FS), and ejection fraction (EF) were determined by echocardiography.ResultsPatients receiving atorvastatin presented with reduced NT‐proBNP levels (1,552 ± 3,416 versus 3,771 ± 6,763 pg/mL; p < 0.01), and improved values of LVEDD (65.2 ± 8.9 versus 70.7 ± 10.9 mm; p < 0.05) and EF (33.2 ± 12.6 versus 28.2 ± 9.6%; p < 0.05). By contrast, plasma NT‐proBNP and cardiac parameters in patients treated with statins other than atorvastatin did not significantly differ from control. Atorvastatin treatment was equally effective in patients with ischemic and nonischemic HF.ConclusionsAtorvastatin treatment is associated with improved cardiac function in HF, and may represent an additional option for patients with this disease. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship Between Alcohol Habits and Hemorheology by a Micro Channel Method in a General Population
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Adachi Seiji , Osaki Yoneatsu , Kurozawa Youichi , Araga Shigeru 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundHemorheology plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. The Micro Channel array Flow Analyzer (MC‐FAN) (Hitachi Haramachi Electronics Co., Ltd., Bentencho, Japan) is currently considered a useful new device to analyze hemorheology. However, the relationships between various lifestyle habits and hemorheology, especially using MC‐FAN, have still not been thoroughly investigated.HypothesisThe study was undertaken to determine whether there could be some correlations of lifestyle factors to hemorheology by MC‐FAN.MethodsA total of 250 asymptomatic Japanese subjects (male:female = 100:150; mean age = 49.7 y) without any medication were enrolled in the present study. Hemorheology was assessed by the whole blood passage time (WBPT) and was corrected by the saline passage time using MC‐FAN. Subjects' lifestyle factors, such as smoking habits, alcohol habits, and physical activity, were self‐reported.ResultsPartial correlation analysis for WBPT, after controlling for age, gender, hematocrit, white blood cell count, body mass index, blood pressure, blood biochemical measures, and all lifestyle habits, revealed a significant and inverse correlation between alcohol habits of 1–3 go (amount of alcohol intake) and WBPT (r = − 0.191, p = 0.003), in addition to a significant positive correlation between serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and WBPT.ConclusionsThese data suggest that alcohol habits may beneficially affect hemorheology by MC‐FAN, expanding the protective effect of light‐to‐moderate alcohol consumption against cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should We Revascularize Before Implanting a Pacemaker?
Authors: Yesil Murat , Bayata Serdar , Arikan Erdinc , Yilmaz Rustem , Postaci Nursen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of coronary revascularization on disappearance of the severe conduction disturbances is still unclear.HypothesisWe sought to determine whether revascularization may induce recovery of sinus rhythm in patients with significant coronary artery disease and complete atrioventricular block (AVB).MethodsFifty‐three patients who had third‐degree AVB and significant coronary artery disease were enrolled. Patients with acute coronary syndromes were excluded. Thirty‐three (62%) patients were men and the mean age was 65 ± 10 y. All patients received a permanent dual‐mode, dual‐pacing, dual‐sensing (DDD) pacemaker. Coronary disease was treated medically in 16 (30%) patients due to patient preference or ineligibility. Thirty‐seven (70%) patients underwent a revascularization procedure (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]: 16, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]: 21 pts). Mean follow‐up was 36 ± 6 mo and patients were evaluated every 3 mo according to their resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) at each visit.ResultsIn the medically treated group, 13 (81%) patients still had third‐degree AVBs at the end of the follow‐up period, while 3 (19%) patients returned to normal sinus rhythm. On the other hand, 27 out of 37 patients (73%) who were revascularized were still in complete AVB, and 10 patients from this group (27%) had returned to normal sinus rhythm. There was no statistically significant difference between the revascularized and medically treated groups in terms of need for a pacemaker.ConclusionsPatients who have concomitant severe conduction disturbances and significant coronary disease may well receive a pacemaker before a revascularization procedure. Our data shows that coronary revascularization has little, if any, impact on returning to normal AV conduction. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of Very Late Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Ablation
Authors: Ma Changsheng , Liu Xingpeng , Dong Jianzeng , Long Deyong , Tang Ribo , Zheng Bin , Kang Junping , Yu Ronghui , Tian Ying , Ma Changsheng 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundEarly recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) after catheter ablation is common and has been thoroughly studied. However, very late recurrence of atrial fibrillation (VLRAF) is rarely researched, and its characteristics have not been determined.HypothesisThe aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of VLRAF after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA), and to identify the risk factors for VLRAF.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 259 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were referred for CPVA. Clinical variables were investigated and predictors of VLRAF were identified.ResultsA total of 249 patients were enrolled in this study. After a mean follow‐up of 18.2 ± 4.4 mo, 14 patients (5.6%) had VLRAF. Patients with VLRAF were more likely than those without recurrence to have ERAF (78.6% versus 17.8%, p = 0.000) and persistent AF (50.0% versus 13.0%, p = 0.000), but were less likely to achieve pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (78.6% versus 97.6%, p = 0.000). Bivariate analysis demonstrated that ERAF (odds ratio [OR] 8.148, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.197–30.222; p = 0.002), persistent AF (OR 8.853, 95% CI 1.773–16.155; p = 0.003), and lack of PV isolation (OR 7.530, 95% CI 1.792–33.122; p = 0.006) were related to VLRAF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis only identified ERAF as a predictor of VLRAF after CPVA (OR 7.461, 95% CI 1.696–24.836; p = 0.006).ConclusionsVery late recurrence of AF is uncommon after CPVA. That occurs more commonly in patients with ERAF. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiac Transplantation and Survival
Authors: Richard Conti C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractI don't make any claims to be an expert in managing patients after cardiac transplantation, but I do recall 2 patients which I believe make the point that times have changed since the beginning of cardiac transplantation. In 1968, a patient of mine underwent cardiac transplantation. This was the first transplantation done at Johns Hopkins, and I believe it was 99th in the world. This patient survived the surgery very well, left the hospital, and in 4 wk he was dead. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symmetry‐aware placement algorithm using transitive closure graph representation for analog integrated circuits
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Zhang Yuping , Jiang Yingtao , Shi C.‐J.Richard 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRecently several topological representations have been explored as alternatives to the conventional absolute‐coordinate representation for integrated circuit layout automation. Those topological representations, however, lack one or more aspects in capturing the solution space subject to symmetry constraints, which are abundant in analog layouts.In this paper, we explore the use of transitive closure graphs (TCGs) to represent analog placements, i.e. placements with symmetry constraints. We define a set of conditions so that a TCG satisfying these conditions, referred to as asymmetric‐feasible TCG, will correspond to a valid symmetric placement and vice versa. We then present anO(n2) algorithm, wherenis the number of cells to be placed, to build a symmetric placement from a symmetric‐feasible TCG, a problem known as packing.We further describe a set of random perturbation operations on existing symmetric‐feasible TCGs to generate new symmetric‐feasible TCGs with time complexity ofO(n) . This allows our TCG‐based symmetry‐aware analog placer to search only the symmetric‐feasible TCG solution space, leading to a substantial reduction of the search space and solution time. Experimental results on several analog circuits have confirmed the superiority of the TCG representation to the conventional absolute‐coordinate representation as well as several other topological representations in analog layout design. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcription expression and clinical significance of TTF‐1 mRNA in pleural effusion of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Bing , Wu Guang‐Ping , Zhao Yu‐Jie , Wang Shao‐Cheng 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic utility of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) mRNA in pleural effusions (PEs) of patients with lung cancer, especially primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PPA). Transcription levels of TTF‐1 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in PEs of patients with lung cancer (56 cases) and with lung benign diseases (44 cases). The expression rate of TTF‐1 mRNA was significantly higher in PEs of patients with lung cancer (73.2%) than with benign lung diseases (0%). In subclasses, the expression rate of TTF‐1 mRNA was obviously higher in PEs of patients with PPA (93.0%) than with metastatic pulmonary adenocarcnoma (0%) and with primary pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (12.5%). When compared with immunocytochemistry and cytology, TTF‐1 mRNA gave the best diagnostic performance in diagnosing PPA: sensitivity of 93.0%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 96.6%, respectively. As a molecular marker of detecting pleural micrometastasis, TTF‐1 mRNA may be helpful to diagnose the cancer cells in PEs of patients with lung caner, especially with PPA. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of Castleman disease: Case report with review of the literature
Authors: Deschênes Majorie , Michel René P. , Tabah Roger , Auger Manon 
Published: October 2008

AbstractOrgans involved by Castleman disease (CD) may be investigated by fine‐needle aspiration cytology. No specific cytomorphological criteria are currently described for a definitive diagnosis. The cytological features of three fine‐needle aspirations from three different lymph nodes of a patient with histologically confirmed CD of the hyaline‐vascular type are herein reported, with a review of the literature. The fine‐needle aspirations showed branching capillaries associated with fragments of germinal center. Review of the literature yielded 12 other case reports with over half describing similar findings. Because branching hyalinized small blood vessels penetrating follicular germinal center are characteristic of CD of the hyaline‐vascular type on histology, this finding in fine‐needle aspirates should raise that diagnostic possibility. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary soft tissue hydatidosis: Aspiration cytological diagnosis in two cases
Authors: Gupta Ruchika , Mathur Sandeep R. , Agarwala Sandeep , Kaushal Seema , Srivastav Anurag 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe most common sites of cysts caused by hydatid disease are liver and lung. In the absence of visceral involvement, the disease rarely affects musculoskeletal and soft tissues. In such locations, hydatid cyst mimics commoner soft tissue tumors.A 12‐year‐old girl presented with a gradually increasing painless right shoulder swelling. With a clinical diagnosis of lipoma, fine needle aspiration cytology was performed, which showed cytomorphological features of a hydatid cyst. Another patient, a 20‐year‐old man, presented with a right paravertebral soft tissue swelling. Radiological investigations did not reveal any bony abnormality or features of intervertebral disc prolapse and thus, a clinical diagnosis of a paravertebral soft tissue tumor was considered. Fine needle aspiration from the soft tissue swelling showed laminated membrane, compatible with hydatid cyst. No visceral involvement was detected in either of the cases.Parasitic cysts, although rare, should be kept in the list of cytological differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions. Occurrence of hydatid cyst in a soft tissue location is extremely rare. Aspiration cytology can be used efficiently in the diagnosis without the risk of spillage of contents. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of comparing fine‐needle aspiration and frozen section for evaluating thyroid nodules
Authors: Peng Yan , Wang Helen H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe literature on comparing fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and frozen section for evaluating thyroid nodules was reviewed. Publications on this subject were divided into three groups (follicular lesions, non‐follicular lesions and thyroid lesions, not otherwise specified). A meta‐analysis was done to compare sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values between FNA and frozen section diagnoses. For follicular lesions, FNA was much more sensitive but less specific, with lower positive predictive value than frozen section. FNA and frozen section are virtually identical in all parameters of accuracy in evaluating thyroid nodules that are not follicular lesions. The third group of publications that did not separate/specify follicular lesions from non‐follicular lesions was non‐contributory. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BAL in the diagnosis of smoking‐related interstitial lung diseases: Review of literature and analysis of our experience
Authors: Domagała‐Kulawik Joanna 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe group of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) is formed by respiratory tract disorders, whose aetiology is unknown in the majority of cases, the clinical course differs and the prognosis is generally serious. Some of the ILDs have a potential relation to tobacco smoking and are known as smoking‐related ILDs (sr‐ILD). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination is one of the initial procedures in the diagnosis of ILD. Despite the fact that histological confirmation is the gold standard in ILD diagnosis in many studies, the number of reported biopsies was low. In this review we present the results of BALF examinations of patients with sr‐ILD and discuss their value in the differential diagnosis with other types of ILD.An extremely high total cell count (about 50 × 106 cells) with significant predominance of pigmented alveolar macrophages is a characteristic pattern of BALF in sr‐ILD. The greatest challenge in BALF cytology interpretation is to distinguish sr‐ILD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is characterised by an elevated proportion and absolute count of lymphocytes and neutrophils; in addition, BALF lymphocytosis is higher in non‐specific interstitial pneumonia than in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). The population of alveolar macrophage of patients with sr‐ILD differs markedly from the foamy and vacuolated cells that predominate in IPF/UIP. Thus, the absence of pigmented cells rather excludes sr‐ILD and indicates other types of ILD. To summarise, the place of BALF in the diagnosis of sr‐ILD seems to be established. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.