bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional association between viral and cellular transcription during influenza virus infection
Authors: Engelhardt Othmar G. , Fodor Ervin 
Published: August 2006

AbstractInfluenza viruses replicate and transcribe their segmented negative‐sense single‐stranded RNA genome in the nucleus of the infected host cell. All RNA synthesising activities associated with influenza virus are performed by the virally encoded RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that consists of three subunits, PA, PB1 and PB2. However, viral transcription is critically dependent on on‐going cellular transcription, in particular, on activities associated with the cellular DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Thus, the viral RdRp uses short 5′ capped RNA fragments, derived from cellular Pol II transcripts, as primers for viral mRNA synthesis. These capped RNA primers are generated by cleavage of host Pol II transcripts by an endonuclease activity associated with the viral RdRp. Moreover, some viral transcripts require splicing and since influenza virus does not encode splicing machinery, it is dependent on host splicing, an activity also related to Pol II transcription. Despite these functional links between viral and host Pol II transcription, there has been no evidence that a physical association existed between the two transcriptional machineries. However, recently it was reported that there is a physical interaction between the trimeric viral RdRp and cellular Pol II. The viral RdRp was found to interact with the C‐terminal domain (CTD) of initiating Pol II, at a stage in the transcription cycle when capping takes place. It was therefore proposed that this interaction may be required for the viral RNA (vRNA) polymerase to gain access to capped RNA substrates for endonucleolytic cleavage. The virus not only relies on cellular factors to support its own RNA synthesis, but also subverts cellular pathways in order to generate an environment optimised for viral multiplication. In this respect, the interaction of the viral NS1 protein with factors involved in cellular pre‐mRNA processing is of particular relevance. The virus also alters the distribution of Pol II on cellular genes, leading to a reduction in elongating Pol II thereby contributing to the phenomenon known as host shut‐off. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning the Chemical Selectivity of SWNT‐FETs for Detection of Heavy‐Metal Ions
Authors: Forzani Erica S. , Li Xiulan , Zhang Peiming , Tao Nongjian , Zhang Ruth , Amlani Islamshah , Tsui Raymond , Nagahara Larry A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA method to functionalize single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a field‐effect transistor (FET) device for the selective detection of heavy‐metal ions is presented. In this method, peptide‐modified polymers were electrochemically deposited onto SWNTs and the selective detection of metal ions was demonstrated by choosing appropriate peptide sequences. The signal transduction mechanism of the peptide‐modified SWNT‐FETs has also been studied.
Cardiac axis in fetuses with abdominal wall defects
Authors: Boulton S. L. , McKenna D. S. , Cly G. C. , Webb D. C. , Bantz J. , Sonek J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether fetal cardiac axis is affected by the presence of an abdominal wall defect (AWD) independent of congenital heart disease (CHD).MethodsVideo ultrasound records from fetuses with AWDs identified from 1991–2004 were reviewed. Still images of the fetal cardiac four‐chamber view were digitized and two independent examiners measured the cardiac axis. A cardiac axis of >65° or <25° was considered abnormal. Maternal charts were reviewed for fetal echocardiogram results and neonatal charts were reviewed for confirmation of CHD and type of AWD.ResultsOf 17 fetuses with omphalocele and 42 fetuses with gastroschisis, 16 (27%) fetuses had an abnormal cardiac axis, while only seven (12%) had CHD. Fifty‐nine percent of fetuses with omphalocele had an abnormal cardiac axis and 35% had CHD. Fourteen percent of fetuses with gastroschisis had an abnormal cardiac axis and 2% had CHD. Of 43 fetuses with a normal cardiac axis, only one had CHD.ConclusionsFetal cardiac axis is often affected by the presence of an AWD independent of CHD. A normal cardiac axis in fetuses with AWDs is an accurate predictor of the absence of CHD, the negative predictive value being 97.7%. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Factors for Conversion to Open Surgery in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Ibrahim Salleh , Hean Tay Khoon , Ho Lim Swee , Ravintharan T. , Chye Tan Ngian , Chee Chng Hong 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for most gallbladder diseases. Conversion to open cholecystectomy is necessary in some patients for any of a number of factors. Identifying these factors will help the patient, the surgeon, and the hospital.MethodsOne thousand laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed from May 1998 to May 2004 in Changi General Hospital, Singapore; 103 patients (10.3%) required conversion to open cholecystectomy. All data were kept prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThe patients who had conversion were mostly men (P < 0.0001), were heavier (P < 0.05), had acute cholecystitis (P < 0.0001), and had a history of upper abdominal surgery (P < 0.001). There were no differences in terms of race (P = 0.315) and presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.126). Diabetic patients who had conversion had a significantly higher glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c) (8.9% ± 0.6%; P < 0.038). Patients who had conversion had a higher total white count (P < 0.05), but liver function tests were similar between the two groups. There was a higher conversion rate among the junior surgeons than the more experience surgeons (P < 0.032).ConclusionsThe significant risk factors for conversion were male gender, advanced age (> 60 years), higher body weight > 65 kg, acute cholecystitis, previous upper abdominal surgery, junior surgeons, and diabetes associated with Hba1c > 6. Chronic liver disease was not found to be a risk factor (P = 0.345), and performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients is safe. Identifying risk factors will help the surgeon to plan and counsel the patient and introduce new policies to the unit. Some of the risk factors are similar to those reported from international centers, but others may be unique to our department.
Improved quality of life with cardiac rehabilitation for post-myocardial infarction patients in Korea
Authors: Choo Jina , Burke Lora E. , Hong Kyung Pyo 
Published: August 2006

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been used as a primary health outcome in cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP). Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week CRP on HRQOL and exercise capacity in myocardial infarction (MI) patients in Korea. Methods After matching on gender, age, and left ventricular ejection fraction, 60 subjects with a first acute MI were allocated to either a CRP group ( n =31) or a Control group ( n =29). The 8-week CRP included hospital-based, supervised exercise training (three times per week, average intensity of 65% VO2peak) and individual education sessions. The Control group was instructed on a home-based exercise regimen without contact during the 8 weeks. At baseline and 8 weeks, HRQOL was assessed by the Quality of Life Index (QLI)–cardiac version III; exercise capacity by a treadmill test. Results After adjusting for education level, the overall QLI, health/functioning and psycho/spiritual scores showed greater increases in the CRP group than the Control group ( p=.014, p=.016, and p=.036, respectively). We observed significant improvements in VO2peak ( p<.0001), anaerobic threshold ( p<.0001), and maximal exercise duration ( p<.0001) in the CRP group, compared to the Control group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the Korean CRP can lead to significant improvements in HRQOL outcomes and exercise capacity.
Prognostic factors and expression of p53 and mdm‐2 in uterine sarcomas
Authors: Kim S.H. , Kim J.W. , Kim Y.T. , Kim J.H. , Yoon B.S. , Ryu H.S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the clinicopathologic prognostic factors of uterine sarcoma, and determine whether overexpression of p53 and mdm‐2 proteins correlate with overall survival and prognostic factors. Methods: Thirty specimens from 43 patients with uterine sarcoma were available for slide review and evaluated by immunohistochemistry at Yonsei and Ajou University Medical Centers for the expression of p53 and mdm‐2. Results: Overall survival was found to correlate to histologic type of uterine sarcoma, surgical stage, tumor grade, and mitotic index. Whereas 63% of the sarcomas expressed p53, with a significant correlation to overall survival, 60% expressed mdm‐2, with a significant correlation to the mitotic index but not to overall survival. Conclusion: Histologic type, surgical stage, tumor grade, mitotic index, and p53 expression were prognostic factors of the overall survival of patients with uterine sarcoma.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Anthony Margaret L. , Hardee Elise M. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTSickle cell disease is a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by the production of hemoglobin S, anemia, and acute and chronic tissue damage secondary to blockages caused by abnormally shaped (ie, sickle‐shaped) red blood cells. In children, complications of sickle cell disease (eg, splenic sequestration and splenomegaly) increase the risks for postoperative complications due to the physical stress of the large incisions previously required for splenectomy. An intracorporeal splenic fragmentation technique is now being used to avoid these complications and will be discussed in this article. AORN J 69 (March 1999) 568–582.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Esophagus
Authors: Gavaghan Mary 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTModern diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disease is a result of progress in assessing the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus, as well as refinements in anesthetic and surgical techniques. Esophageal carcinoma spreads rapidly and metastasizes easily. The tendency for early spread and the absence of symptoms result in late diagnosis that reduces treatment options and cure rates. Lifestyle (ie, use of alcohol and tobacco), nutritional deficiencies, ingestion of nitrosamines, and mutagen‐inducing fungi are blamed for cancer of the esophagus. Other pathologic conditions (eg, achalasia, Barrett's epithelium, gastric reflux, hiatal hernia) are potential contributors to the development of carcinoma. Nurses are in key positions to identify the existence of factors contributing to premalignant or malignant lesions and to educate patients and make the appropriate referrals. AORN J 69 (Feb 1999) 372–386.
Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children
Authors: Hammond Wendy A. , Kay Robert M. , Skaggs David L. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTSupracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common fractures in children that require surgery. A significant advancement in the field of pediatric orthopedics has been closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of these fractures. This technique, using high quality fluoroscopic imaging, allows for a near anatomical reduction of fractures without the need for an open surgical procedure or prolonged traction. Supracondylar fractures in children are often associated with neurologic and vascular damage that must be recognized before fracture reduction. Nursing staff members' skill with pediatric patients can greatly aid the surgeon in the timely and safe treatment of these fractures. AORN J 68 (August 1998) 186–200.
The Effect of Traffic Patterns in the OR on Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Pryor Flavia , Messmer Patricia R. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTPerioperative nurses are situated uniquely to promote good traffic control practices in the OR. This study was conducted to explore the effect of traffic patterns, specifically the number of people in the OR, on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs). Researchers analyzed 2,864 clean surgical procedures performed in 1995 in an academic medical center. Duration of surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical assessment score were statistically significant risk factors for SSIs. A rising trend in SSIs was observed as the number of people in the OR Increased; however, it was not statistically significant. Risk factors for SSIs must be better understood to develop more effective prevention programs.
The Continuing Ethical Dilemma of the Do‐Not‐Resuscitate Order
Authors: Eckberg Evelyn 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe continued use of the do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) order remains very confusing to health care workers, especially when surgical intervention is undertaken either by choice or necessity. Although ethics committees can aid in clarification, and the use of advance directives can further define patient wishes, patient and family member education is necessary to ascertain what a surgical patient really desires. As technology advances, perioperative nurses will continue to be bombarded with ethical issues surrounding the DNR order. This article addresses how nurses can be proactive in obtaining answers to these difficult questions and learn how to deal with this dilemma. AORN J 67 (April 1998) 783–790.
Characterization of Binding Sites of Eukaryotic Transcription Factors
Authors: Qian Jiang , Lin Jimmy , Zack Donald J. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
To explore the nature of eukaryotic transcription factor (TF) binding sites and determine how they differ from surrounding DNA sequences, we examined four features associated with DNA binding sites: G+C content, pattern complexity, palindromic structure, and Markov sequence ordering. Our analysis of the regulatory motifs obtained from the TRANSFAC database, using yeast intergenic sequences as background, revealed that these four features show variable enrichment in motif sequences. For example, motif sequences were more likely to have palindromic structure than were background sequences. In addition, these features were tightly localized to the regulatory motifs, indicating that they are a property of the motif sequences themselves and are not shared by the general promoter “environment” in which the regulatory motifs reside. By breaking down the motif sequences according to the TF classes to which they bind, more specific associations were identified. Finally, we found that some correlations, such as G+C content enrichment, were species-specific, while others, such as complexity enrichment, were universal across the species examined. The quantitative analysis provided here should increase our understanding of protein-DNA interactions and also help facilitate the discovery of regulatory motifs through bioinformatics.
Improve Survival Prediction Using Principal Components of Gene Expression Data
Authors: Shen Yi-Jing , Huang Shu-Guang 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The purpose of many microarray studies is to find the association between gene expression and sample characteristics such as treatment type or sample phenotype. There has been a surge of efforts developing different methods for delineating the association. Aside from the high dimensionality of microarray data, one well recognized challenge is the fact that genes could be complicatedly inter-related, thus making many statistical methods inappropriate to use directly on the expression data. Multivariate methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering are often used as a part of the effort to capture the gene correlation, and the derived components or clusters are used to describe the association between gene expression and sample phenotype. We propose a method for patient population dichotomization using maximally selected test statistics in combination with the PCA method, which shows favorable results. The proposed method is compared with a currently well-recognized method.
Barriers to Participation, Voter Sophistication and Candidate Spending Choices in US Senate Elections
Authors: VAN HEERDE JENNIFER , JOHNSON MARTIN , BOWLER SHAUN 
Published: August 2006

Costs associated with voting affect an individual's willingness to turn out for an election as well as aggregate rates of voting across political jurisdictions. Barriers to participation also skew the social and economic composition of electorates. In this Research Note, we suggest that the costs of participation affect candidate behaviour as well – the strategic purposes of their appeals to voters and the media they choose to deliver messages. Why? By making the trip to the ballot box more or less difficult, electoral laws select voters with respectively less or more interest in and thus knowledge of politics. Given the systematic variations in how people with different levels of political knowledge learn during a campaign, we anticipate that election laws ultimately influence the communication tools that candidates use.We propose that the costs of voting have a compositional effect on electorates: as voting becomes increasingly difficult, the average level of political knowledge and interest among voters should decrease. This is not due to a micro-level effect in which registration laws somehow make individual voters smarter or better informed. Institutionally imposed costs simply affect who can and will vote. For a brief example, if one state charged its citizens £50 to vote while another paid its citizens £50 at their polling site, we would expect quite sizeable differences in turnout and composition of the electorate across the two states. The main contribution of this note, however, is our recognition that campaigns adapt to these differences in systematic ways. Real world differences in the cost of voting are not as great as these financial disparities, but the idea is the same: costs borne by individuals will have selection effects that produce different types of electorates and prompt different campaign styles by candidates.
Concentrations of booster biocides in sediment and clams from Vietnam
Authors: Harino Hiroya , Midorikawa Sayaka , Arai Takaomi , Ohji Madoka , Cu Nguyen Duc , Miyazaki Nobuyuki 
Published: August 2006

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of five booster biocides (Sea-Nine 211, Dichlofluanid, Duiron, Irgarol 1051 and Pyrithiones) and degradation product of Irgarol 1051 (M1) in sediment from Vietnam was developed by LC/MS-MS. The recovery rates and relative standard deviation of the booster biocides in the sediment were in the range of 71–108% and 1.5–12%, respectively, and the detection limits were in the range of 0.04–2 μg kg−1 dry. An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of three booster biocides (Sea-Nine 211, Duiron and Irgarol 1051) and M1 in clams was also developed by LC/MS-MS. The recovery rates and relative standard deviations of the booster biocides in the biological samples were in the range of 60–99% and 3.4–6.8%, respectively, and the detection limits were in the range of 0.24–1.1 μg kg−1.The booster biocides in sediment from the coastal area of northern and central Vietnam were measured using this analytical method. Sea-Nine 211, Dichlofluanid, Duiron, Irgarol 1051, M1 and Pyrithiones were detected in the range of 0.09–1.3 μg kg−1 dry, <0.10–13 μg kg−1 dry, 0.11–3.0 μg kg−1 dry, 0.05–4.0 μg kg−1 dry, <0.1–0.43 μg kg−1 dry and <2–420 μg kg−1 dry, respectively. The detection frequencies of Dichlofluanid, M1 and Pyrithiones were low. The species and levels of detected booster biocides varied between sampling stations.Irgarol 1051 and its degradation product M1 were not detected in clams.
Potent vasoconstrictor actions of cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin on femoral arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Nomura Yukiko , Asano Masahisa , Ito Katsuaki , Uyama Yoshiaki , Imaizumi Yuji , Watanabe Minoru 
Published: August 2006

The Ca2+ buffering function of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the resting state of arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was examined. Differences in the effects of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and thapsigargin, agents which inhibit the Ca2+‐ATPase of SR, on tension and cellular Ca2+ level were assessed in endothelium‐denuded strips of femoral arteries from 13‐week‐old SHR and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY).
In resting strips preloaded with fura‐PE3, the addition of CPA (10 μm) or thapsigargin (100 nm) caused an elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) and a contraction. These responses were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY.
The addition of verapamil (3 μm) to the resting strips caused a decrease in resting [Ca2+]i, which was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. In SHR, but not in WKY, this decrease was accompanied by a relaxation from the resting tone, suggesting the maintenance of myogenic tone in the SHR artery.
Verapamil (3 μm) abolished differences between SHR and WKY. The effects of verapamil were much greater on the contraction than on the [Ca2+]i.
The resting Ca2+ influx in arteries measured after a 5 min incubation of the artery with 45Ca was not increased by CPA or thapsigargin in either SHR or WKY. The net Ca2+ entry measured after a 30 min incubation of the artery with 45Ca was decreased by CPA or thapsigargin in both SHR and WKY. The resting Ca2+ influx was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY, and was decreased by nifedipine (100 nm) in the SHR artery, but was unchanged in the WKY artery.
The resting 45Ca efflux from the artery was increased during the addition of CPA (10 μm). This increase was less in SHR than in WKY. The resting 45Ca efflux was the same in SHR and WKY.
These results suggest that (1) the Ca2+ influx via L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) was increased in the resting state of the SHR femoral artery, (2) the greater part of the increased Ca2+ influx was buffered by Ca2+ uptake into the SR and some Ca2+ reached the myofilaments resulting in the maintenance of the myogenic tone, and (3) therefore the functional elimination of SR by CPA or thapsigargin caused a large elevation of [Ca2+]i and a potent contraction in this artery. During this process, the contraction was mainly due to the basal Ca2+ influx via L‐type VDCCs. The present study also showed the existence of a relatively large compartment of [Ca2+]i which does not contribute to the contraction during the addition of CPA or thapsigargin.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 65–73; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700857