bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foetal craniopharyngioma diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography and confirmed by histopathological examination
Authors: Joó József Gábor , Rigó János , Sápi Zoltán , Timár Botond 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundCraniopharyngioma is an intracranial tumour, which usually develops in children and young adults and rarely occurs in intrauterine life.MethodsIn foetal life, ultrasonography and later computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are regarded to be the most effective tools of diagnosis.ResultsIn the seven cases published earlier, tumour size was below our finding of 96 × 80 × 65 mm3. In relation to the current case report, we aimed at surveying the available information on prenatal craniopharyngioma.ConclusionAlthough the tumour is benign, the neurological and ophthalmologic complications, arising due to its expansive growth, are suggestive of a poor prognosis. Despite the high mortality and morbidity rates, neurosurgical treatment appears to be the sole option. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of outpatient prescriptions for frail Taiwanese elders with long‐term care needs
Authors: Chan Ding‐Cheng (Derrick) , Hao Yi‐Ting , Wu Shwu‐Chong 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo describe medication prescription patterns and associated factors among frail Taiwanese elders with long‐term care needs defined as having physical or cognitive functioning impairments.DesignLongitudinal observational study from July 2001 to June 2002.SettingCommunity and Institutions.ParticipantsNationally representative samples of 11 338 elders from the ‘Assessment of National Long‐Term Care Need in Taiwan’ (ANLTCNT).MeasurmentsNational identification number for each subject was linked to the National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data for outpatient clinic visits, diagnoses and medication prescriptions. For point prevalence calculation, the day of maximum number of medications prescribed during the study year was used.ResultsThe mean age was 78.2 ± 7.4 years old, of whom 61% were women. The mean number of chronic condition categories was 2.9 ± 1.8. On average, subjects visited 4.1 ± 2.5 different healthcare organizations, 7.7 ± 5.3 different physicians, and received 32.9 ± 26.4 outpatient cares. The mean maximum number of prescriptions of the study year was 8.6 ± 4.3; Eighty‐four per cent of our experienced polypharmacy (prescribed with ≥5 drugs) and 31% had persistent polypharmacy (polypharmacy for ≥181 days). Increased contact with healthcare professionals and greater number of chronic condition categories were associated with the development of polypharmacy and persistent polypharmacy.ConclusionThe excessive number of medication prescriptions and high prevalence of polypharmacy among frail Taiwanese elders raised major drug‐safety concern. Multiple healthcare providers and clinic visits were strong correlates of polypharmacy. Policies should be directed to encourage the elderly to establish primary care relationships and to promote geriatric prescription principles to improve clinical managements and outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel Stat6 regulated proteins in IL‐4‐treated mouse lymphocytes
Authors: Tuomela Soile , Rautajoki Kirsi J. , Moulder Robert , Nyman Tuula A. , Lahesmaa Riitta 
Published: January 2009

AbstractInterleukin 4 (IL‐4) has an indispensable role in the differentiation of naive T helper (Th) cells toward the Th2 phenotype and induction of B cells to produce the IgE class of Igs. By regulating these two cell types, IL‐4 has a pre‐eminent role in regulation of allergic inflammation. IL‐4‐mediated regulation of T and B cell functions is largely transmitted through signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6). In this study, we have used metabolic labeling and 2‐D electrophoresis to detect differences in the proteomes of IL‐4 stimulated spleen mononuclear cells of Stat6−/− and wild type mice and MS/MS for protein identification. With this methodology, we identified 49 unique proteins from 21 protein spots to be differentially expressed. Interestingly, in Stat6−/− CD4+ cells the expression of isoform 2 of core binding factor b (CBFb2) was enhanced. CBFb is a non‐DNA binding cofactor for the Runx family of transcription factors, which have been implicated in regulation of Th cell differentiation. We also found cellular nucleic acid protein (CNBP) to be downregulated in Stat6−/− cells. None of the proteins identified in this study have previously been reported to be regulated via Stat6. The results highlight the importance of exploiting proteomics tools to complement the studies on Stat6 target genes identified through transcriptional profiling.
Multiplex expression cloning of blood–brain barrier membrane proteins
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Shusta Eric V. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a vascular endothelial interface that separates the brain interior from the bloodstream. Membrane proteins resident at the BBB play important functional and regulatory roles. The current study describes the development and successful implementation of a multiplex expression cloning (MEC) method to allow facile identification of BBB membrane proteins. The overriding goal of the MEC approach was to mine a BBB cDNA library and selectively isolate membrane protein‐encoding cDNAs. This selection process was achieved via fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) of cDNA‐expressing mammalian host cells for those cells that were immunolabeled with a BBB membrane protein‐specific polyclonal antiserum (BMSPA). After optimization of the host cell expression system, four selection rounds allowed the isolation of a panel of 15 unique cDNAs that encoded BBB membrane proteins. The identified proteins display significant diversity in structure, function and in vivo expression levels. The MEC approach thus proved effective for conducting moderate throughput membrane proteome analyses of the BBB while limiting any biases caused by membrane protein insolubility or low in vivo expression levels that can complicate other proteomic approaches.
Alteration in the glycan pattern of pilin in a nonmotile mutant of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Kim Young Hye , Kim Jin Young , Kim Se‐Young , Lee Jeong Hwa , Lee Jin Suk , Chung Young‐Ho , Yoo Jong Shin , Park Young Mok 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPilus‐mediated motility is essential for the optimization of photosynthesis and environmental adaptation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Syn6803). To identify the genes required for pilus‐mediated motility in Syn6803, we applied a forward genetic approach using a Tn5 mutant library and reverse genetics using interposon mutagenesis. One of the identified genes, sll0899, bears sequence similarity to acyltransferases and nucleotidyltransferases [1]. The sll0899 gene product is not involved in the transcription or translation of pilA1, which encodes pilin, the major component of pili. Instead, the sll0899::Cmr mutant produced pilins with increased molecular mass, suggesting the existence of different PTMs. Using MS, we found that the wild‐type (WT) and mutant pilins were glycosylated between amino acids 67 and 75. Analyses by quantitative MS and high‐pH anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) revealed that the glycan in WT pilin is composed of xylose and fucose, whereas an additional sugar, rhamnose, was found in the glycan of sll0899::Cmr. Our findings suggest that an alteration in the O‐linked glycan of pilin is responsible for the loss of pilus‐mediated motility in sll0899::Cmr.
Overflow of a hyper‐produced secretory protein from the Bacillus Sec pathway into the Tat pathway for protein secretion as revealed by proteogenomics
Authors: Kouwen Thijs R. H. M. , van der Ploeg René , Antelmann Haike , Hecker Michael , Homuth Georg , Mäder Ulrike , van Dijl Jan Maarten 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBacteria secrete numerous proteins into their environment for growth and survival under complex and ever‐changing conditions. The highly different characteristics of secreted proteins pose major challenges to the cellular protein export machinery and, accordingly, different pathways have evolved. While the main secretion (Sec) pathway transports proteins in an unfolded state, the twin‐arginine translocation (Tat) pathway transports folded proteins. To date, these pathways were believed to act in strictly independent ways. Here, we have employed proteogenomics to investigate the secretion mechanism of the esterase LipA of Bacillus subtilis, using a serendipitously obtained hyper‐producing strain. While LipA is secreted Sec‐dependently under standard conditions, hyper‐produced LipA is secreted predominantly Tat‐dependently via an unprecedented overflow mechanism. Two previously identified B. subtilis Tat substrates, PhoD and YwbN, require each a distinct Tat translocase for secretion. In contrast, hyper‐produced LipA is transported by both Tat translocases of B. subtilis, showing that they have distinct but overlapping specificities. The identified overflow secretion mechanism for LipA focuses interest on the possibility that secretion pathway choice can be determined by environmental and intracellular conditions. This may provide an explanation for the previous observation that many Sec‐dependently transported proteins have potential twin‐arginine signal peptides for export via the Tat pathway.
A brief self‐administered psychological intervention to improve well‐being in patients with cancer: results from a feasibility study
Authors: Ramachandra Pranathi , Booth Sara , Pieters Thirza , Vrotsou Kalliopi , Huppert Felicia A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground: Patients with cancer have relatively high rates of anxiety and distress, adversely affecting their well‐being and quality of life. Recent studies indicate that addressing these symptoms could result in better response to cancer treatment. Researchers have found that interventions that focus on increasing mental awareness and the frequency of positive experiences may have a greater impact on reducing psychological morbidity and increasing quality of life than interventions that target relief of psychological symptoms.Aim: To develop and test a brief, easy to use intervention that could improve well‐being and quality of life in cancer patients.Methods: We developed a simple well‐being intervention that made few demands on patient time and required little training resource. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a deferred entry group. Measures of anxiety, depression, well‐being and quality of life were administered at baseline and at follow‐ups.Results: Twenty‐two women with metastatic breast cancer and 24 men with metastatic prostate cancer were recruited from oncology clinics. Thirteen women and 14 men completed the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data showed that the intervention was acceptable to users. There was statistically significant improvement in quality of life scores on WHOQOL‐BREF post‐intervention (p=0.046). Compliance with the intervention was good.Conclusions: This brief well‐being intervention appears to be a promising technique for improving quality of life of cancer patients, without making undue demands on staff resources or patient time. If further studies confirm its effectiveness, it could prove to be a cost‐effective intervention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prostatic soy isoflavone concentrations exceed serum levels after dietary supplementation
Authors: Gardner Christopher D. , Oelrich Beibei , Liu Jenny P. , Feldman David , Franke Adrian A. , Brooks James D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effects of soy isoflavones on prostate cancer may be concentration‐dependent. The impact of soy supplementation on isoflavone concentrations in prostate tissues and serum remain unclear.OBJECTIVETo assess and compare concentrations of soy isoflavones in prostate tissue and serum among 19 men with prostate cancer who had elected to undergo radical prostatectomy.METHODSParticipants were randomized to receive either daily soy supplements (82 mg/day aglycone equivalents) or placebos for 2 weeks (14 days) prior to surgery. Serum samples were obtained at the time of the surgery. Isoflavone concentrations were measured by HPLC/ESI‐MS–MS.RESULTSThe median (25th, 75th percentile) total isoflavone concentration in the isoflavone‐supplemented group was 2.3 µmol/L (1.2, 6.9) in the prostate tissue and 0.7 µmol/L (0.2, 1.2) in the serum. Total isoflavone concentrations in this group were an average of ∼6‐fold higher in prostate tissue compared to serum; the tissue versus serum ratio was significantly lower for genistein than daidzein, 4‐fold versus 10‐fold, P = 0.003. Tissue and serum levels of isoflavones among the placebo group were negligible with a few exceptions.CONCLUSIONSThe findings from the present study suggest that prostate tissue may have the ability to concentrate dietary soy isoflavones to potentially anti‐carcinogenic levels. Prostate 69: 719–726, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
British and Indian scientists in Boston considering returning to their home countries
Authors: Harvey William S. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis paper argues that despite a sizeable literature on return migration, it is still not well understood whether highly skilled migrants are remaining in their host countries or returning to their home countries. I argue that most British and Indian scientists working in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector around Boston are likely to remain in the US. This provides a different perspective to many recent studies which have highlighted the temporary nature of highly skilled migration. I argue that permanent types of migration need to be placed in the context of other temporary forms of migration. Similarly to microeconomic theories of migration, I argue that professional opportunities are the principal reason why highly skilled migrants would return to their home countries. However, culture and lifestyle, family considerations, and to a lesser extent governments, are also significant in shaping migration decisions. This paper shows that there are important differences in the intentions of highly skilled migrants from developed and developing countries to return to their home countries. I argue that migrants often face conflicting loyalties in different countries, and their individual social networks with actors in their host and home countries will help them make migration decisions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hot embossing of pyramidal micro‐structures in PMMA for cell culture
Authors: Schneider Petra , Steitz Claudia , Schäfer Karl H. , Ziegler Christiane 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFor the investigation of the effect of 3‐dimensional structures upon cell attachment and growth, polymeric micropyramids with dimensions comparable to the size of cells were fabricated. Moulds for the hot embossing of the polymers were manufactured in silicon by photolithography and wet chemical etching. For an accurate casting the moulds need very smooth surfaces, which were achieved by using KOH/IPA for crystallographic etching. A PTFE‐like layer was deposited by a RIE process from C4F8 plasma to form an anti‐sticking layer on the mould surfaces to result in an easy release of the embossed substrates. Preparation methods and embossing parameters were established and optimised to emboss pyramidal structures with different base lengths and distances from 1 μm to 40 μm into PMMA. The imprinted polymeric microstructures were characterised with profilometry and SEM. First cell culture experiments were performed using neuronal and epithelial cell types on the micropyramidal surfaces to investigate their influence upon the cell‐surface interactions. While both cell types attached nicely on either plane or microstructured PMMA surfaces, especially the neurite outgrowth was influenced by the pyramidal structures. The effect of the pyramidal design upon cell development might be of potential interest for the use in cell culture and tissue engineering. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Advances of amorphous wire magnetics over 27 years
Authors: Mohri Kaneo , Humphrey Floyd B. , Panina Larissa V. , Honkura Yoshinobu , Yamasaki Jiro , Uchiyama Tsuyoshi , Hirami Matsuo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAn overview of advances of the amorphous wire magnetics over the past 27 years with discoveries of extremely sensitive magnetic effects such as the large Barkhausen effect, the Matteucci effect and the magnetoimpedance effect and their successive applications to security sensor tags, pen‐inputting computer tablets and electronic compasses for mobile phones in commercial productions is presented. An important new topic of biocell magnetic field sensing in vitro and human physiological magnetic field sensing in vivo using a 10 pT amorphous wire magnetoimpedance sensor is also shown that would be improved using thinner glass‐covered amorphous wires. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Excitation relaxation in copper selenide nanowires
Authors: Juška Gediminas , Jagminas Arūnas , Gulbinas Vidmantas 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUltrafast nonequilibrium charge carrier relaxation in highly ordered Cu2–x Se nanowires of 8 nm, 13 nm and 25 nm diameter was investigated by means of femtosecond pump–probe absorption spectroscopy. Transient absorption bleaching was observed in the region of the near infrared absorption band, whereas an induced absorption dominated at higher energies. The transient absorption kinetics is almost independent of the excitation and probe wavelength and shows a biexpoenetial charge carrier recombination with the excitation intensity dependent decay rates. The initial ultrafast relaxation, which gets slower at higher excitation intensities, is followed by the slower decay component emerging at high intensities. These relaxation peculiarities are discussed in terms of recombination enhancement by intragap states, and relaxation kinetics is described by a theoretical model of two concurrent relaxation channels involving deep and shallow impurity levels. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling spatial learning in rats based on Morris water maze experiments
Authors: Faes Christel , Aerts Marc , Geys Helena , De Schaepdrijver Luc 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe Morris water maze, developed by Morris (J Neurosci Methods 1984: 11: 47–60), is a behavioral experiment designed to test the spatial memory. When repeating the experiment several times, the changes in time (latency) and distance (path) taken to reach the platform are indicators for the learning and memory abilities of the rat. In juvenile toxicity studies, it is of interest to test whether dosing juvenile rats with some compound of interest has an effect on its learning ability. The traditional analysis uses non‐parametric tests to check for a possible dose‐effect. However, due to the many tests performed, this approach lacks power. Here, an alternative method is proposed, accounting for the longitudinal design of the study, the right‐censoring of observations when animals did not find the platform and the correlation between the time and distance taken to reach the platform. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Back to basics: explaining sample size in outcome trials, are statisticians doing a thorough job?
Authors: Carroll Kevin J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTime to event outcome trials in clinical research are typically large, expensive and high‐profile affairs. Such trials are commonplace in oncology and cardiovascular therapeutic areas but are also seen in other areas such as respiratory in indications like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Their progress is closely monitored and results are often eagerly awaited. Once available, the top line result is often big news, at least within the therapeutic area in which it was conducted, and the data are subsequently fully scrutinized in a series of high‐profile publications. In such circumstances, the statistician has a vital role to play in the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of the trial. In particular, in drug development it is incumbent on the statistician to ensure at the outset that the sizing of the trial is fully appreciated by their medical, and other non‐statistical, drug development team colleagues and that the risk of delivering a statistically significant but clinically unpersuasive result is minimized. The statistician also has a key role in advising the team when, early in the life of an outcomes trial, a lower than anticipated event rate appears to be emerging. This paper highlights some of the important features relating to outcome trial sample sizing and makes a number of simple recommendations aimed at ensuring a better, common understanding of the interplay between sample size and power and the final result required to provide a statistically positive and clinically persuasive outcome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compensation transparency and managerial opportunism: a study of supplemental retirement plans
Authors: Kalyta Paul 
Published: January 2009

AbstractExisting research on managerial compensation is based primarily on optimal contracting and managerial hegemony theories. Under the optimal contracting theory, observed compensation contracts are optimally determined, aligning the interests of managers and shareholders. Under the managerial hegemony theory, observed compensation contracts deviate from the optimum because top managers with power over boards are able to influence their own pay. I argue that the impact of managerial power over boards on managerial pay, and hence the deviation of compensation contracts from the optimum, is contingent on the transparency of managerial compensation. Within this framework, I investigate the impact of supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs)— historically the least transparent compensation component— on opportunistic decision making. An empirical analysis based on a time series sample of CEOs of S&P/TSX60 firms provides support of the compensation transparency theory. I find that SERP benefits are primarily driven by variables proxying for CEO power over the board, whereas more transparent compensation components are primarily driven by economic factors. The results also suggest that CEOs whose SERPs are contingent on firm performance appear to reduce firm R&D expenditures as they approach retirement. Both findings provide important contributions to existing research on the impact of managerial compensation on opportunistic decisions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.