bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal NT‐pro‐BNP levels in asymptomatic long‐term survivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines
Authors: Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M.C. , Groot‐Loonen Jacqueline , Bellersen Louise , Pourier Milanthy S. , Feuth Ton , Bökkerink Jos P.M. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Kapusta Livia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundAnthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity can cause serious health problems for an increasing number of survivors of childhood malignancies. The aims of this study were to document plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and NT‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro‐BNP) in a large group of asymptomatic long‐term survivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines, and to study the relation of the abnormal biomarker levels with different risk factors for anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity and conventional echocardiographic parameters.ProceduresOne hundred twenty‐two asymptomatic survivors of childhood cancer underwent a detailed echocardiography. Blood samples were taken to determine the levels of NT‐pro‐BNP and cTnT.ResultsNone of the survivors had abnormal cTnT levels. Thirteen percent of the survivors (n = 16) had abnormal NT‐pro‐BNP levels. Abnormal NT‐pro‐BNP levels were significantly related to cumulative anthracycline dosage (P < 0.003). Eleven of 31 survivors (35%) treated with cumulative anthracycline dose of 300 mg/m2 or more, had abnormal NT‐pro‐BNP levels which were significantly related to end‐diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd) indexed for body surface area (BSA) (P < 0.01).ConclusionCardiac TnT does not contribute to the early detection of late onset anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity. Abnormal levels of NT‐pro‐BNP were detected in 13% of 122 asymptomatic, long‐term survivors of childhood cancer. Follow‐up of these survivors is essential to answer the question whether NT‐pro‐BNP is an early marker for late onset anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:631–636. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparations of microencapsulated PCMs‐coated nylon fabrics by wet and dry coating process and comparison of their properties
Authors: Koo K. , Park Y.M. , Choe J.D. , Kim E.A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTo analyze the thermal insulation effect in textiles, waterproof, and breathable nylon fabrics PCMs microcapsules (PCMMcs) were prepared by wet and dry coating processes. The morphology, water vapor permeability (WVP), water penetration resistance (WPR), and peel strength of the PCMMcs‐coated fabrics were characterized. At the same time, DSC was used to measure the thermal insulation properties of the PCMMcs‐treated fabrics as a means of testing the thermal storage/release capacity according to their phase change temperature. The result showed that the heat storage capacity of the PCMMcs‐treated fabrics prepared by wet coating was noticeably better than that of the PCMMcs‐untreated samples, whereas the PCMMcs treatment had an insignificant effect on the heat capacity of the fabrics prepared by the dry coating process. From the SEM analysis, it was found that the PCMMcs were physically unstable during the dry coating process, so, they could not be observed. Also, the WVP, WPR, and peel strength were found to decrease with increasing PCMMcs contents. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Single‐walled carbon nanotube–polystyrene nanocomposites: dispersing nanotubes in organic media
Authors: Shin Jiyong , Kim Chorong , Geckeler Kurt E 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The insufficient dispersability of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in most common solvents (as a result of substantial van der Waals tube–tube attractions) makes it difficult to explore and understand their chemistry, and, therefore, implies many limitations for their practical applications. In this study, in order to overcome the intrinsic problems of SWNTs, a facile mechanochemical approach was developed to prepare polystyrene‐SWNT nanocomposites, which could be well‐dispersed in organic media.RESULTS: Here we report a simple method to prepare polystyrene‐wrapped single‐walled carbon nanotubes, which can be well dispersed in a series of organic solvents. The nanocomposites were prepared in the solid state using the high‐speed vibration milling technique and were characterized by UV‐VIS and FT‐IR spectroscopy. In addition, their morphology was determined by TEM as well as SEM studies.CONCLUSION: This facile and simple solid‐state reaction technique to prepare SWNT‐PS nanocomposites eases not only the preparation of dispersions of SWNTs for further applications like device fabrications, but also in general the production of carbon nanotube‐polymer nanocomposites. Furthermore, this facile preparation method to synthesize nanohybrids by a mechanochemical reaction has a superior potential for electronic applications of single‐walled carbon nanotubes. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Grade retention: Current decision‐making practices and involvement of school psychologists working in public schools
Authors: Schnurr Britton L. , Kundert Deborah K. , Nickerson Amanda B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractResearch examining student outcomes (e.g., achievement, adjustment) after grade retention reveals that it does not result in long‐term improvements for students; however, grade retention continues to be used as an intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine retention decision‐making practices, as well as school psychologists' knowledge, beliefs, and opinions regarding retention. Actual and ideal roles of school psychologists in grade retention decisions were also examined. Participants included 250 school psychologists randomly selected from the membership of the National Association of School Psychologists. Results revealed that the decision to retain is a subjective one, typically made by a team. Responding school psychologists did not support retention and found the research moderately applicable to practice. However, most school psychologists indicated that they were not centrally involved in decision making. Findings also revealed a desire among school psychologists for increased involvement in developing and/or implementing programs aimed at improving performance and consulting on the effects of retention. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Auxiliary Ca2+ binding sites can influence the structure of CIB1
Authors: Yamniuk Aaron P. , Anderson Kathryn L. , Fraser Marie E. , Vogel Hans J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRecent X‐ray crystal structures and solution NMR spectroscopy data for calcium‐ and integrin‐binding protein 1 (CIB1) have all revealed a common EF‐hand domain structure for the protein. However, the orientation of the two protein domains, the oligomerization state, and the conformations of the N‐ and C‐terminal extensions differ among the structures. In this study, we examine whether the binding of glutathione or auxiliary Ca2+ ions as observed in the crystal structures, occur in solution, and whether these interactions can influence the structure or dimerization of CIB1. In addition, we test the potential phosphatase activity of CIB1, which was hypothesized based on the glutathione binding site geometry observed in one of the crystal structures of the protein. Biophysical and biochemical experiments failed to detect glutathione binding, protein dimerization, or phosphatase activity for CIB1 under several solution conditions. However, our data identify low affinity (Kd, 10−2M) Ca2+ binding events that influence the structures of the N‐ and C‐terminal extensions of CIB1 under high (300 mM) Ca2+ crystallization conditions. In addition to providing a rationale for differences amongst the various solution and crystal structures of CIB1, our results show that the impact of low affinity Ca2+ binding events should be considered when analyzing and interpreting protein crystallographic structures determined in the presence of very high Ca2+ concentrations.
Trichloroacetic acid‐induced protein precipitation involves the reversible association of a stable partially structured intermediate
Authors: Rajalingam Dakshinamurthy , Loftis Charles , Xu Jiashou J. , Kumar Thallapuranam Krishnaswamy S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSample preparation for proteomic analysis involves precipitation of protein using 2,2,2‐trichloroacetic acid (TCA). In this study, we examine the mechanism of the TCA‐induced protein precipitation reaction. TCA‐induced protein precipitation curves are U‐shaped and the shape of the curve is observed to be independent of the physicochemical properties of proteins. TCA is significantly less effective in precipitating unfolded states of proteins. Results of the 1‐anilino‐8‐napthalene sulfonate (ANS) and size‐exclusion chromatography, obtained using acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), show that a stable “molten globule‐like” partially structured intermediate accumulates maximally in 5% (w/v) of trichloroacetate. Urea‐induced unfolding and limited proteolytic digestion data reveal that the partially structured intermediate is significantly less stable than the native conformation. 1H‐15N chemical shift perturbation data obtained using NMR spectroscopy indicate that interactions stabilizing the β‐strands at the N‐ and C‐ terminal ends (of aFGF) are disrupted in the trichloroacetate‐induced “MG‐like” state. The results of the study clearly demonstrate that TCA‐induced protein precipitation occurs due to the reversible association of the “MG‐like” partially structured intermediate state(s). In our opinion, the findings of this study provide useful clues toward development of efficient protocols for the isolation and analysis of the entire proteome.
Sequence requirement and subtype specificity in the high‐affinity interaction between human frizzled and dishevelled proteins
Authors: Punchihewa Chandanamali , Ferreira Antonio M. , Cassell Robert , Rodrigues Patrick , Fujii Naoaki 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMembers of the Wnt family of lipoglycoproteins initiate signaling by binding to Frizzled (Fz) receptors, and the signal is then relayed by Disheveled (Dvl). The Dvl PDZ domain is known to interact directly with a peptide derived from the KTXXXW motif of Fz7, which is conserved in all known Fz subtypes. We found that an extended region spanning the KTXXXW motif on both its N‐terminal and C‐terminal sides dramatically influences the affinity of peptides derived from Fz7 for Dvl PDZ. An alanine scanning study identified the specific residues external to the KTXXXW motif that are important for high‐affinity binding. In a circular dichroism analysis, mutation of some of these critical residues resulted in peptide conformational changes, suggesting that the secondary structure of the peptides contributes to Fz‐Dvl PDZ binding. Of the 10 known Fz subtypes, peptides derived from only Fz1, Fz2, Fz3, Fz4, and Fz7 directly bound to Dvl PDZ domain in our study. Other Fz subtypes, including some known to be involved in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling (Fz5, Fz9), did not bind to Dvl, suggesting that direct interaction with Dvl PDZ does not determine the subtype‐specific functionality of Fz. Molecular modeling and circular dichroism studies indicated that the Fz peptides that bind to Dvl PDZ domain form specific conformations that are different from those of nonbinding peptides.
Recombinant chymosin used for exact and complete removal of a prochymosin derived fusion tag releasing intact native target protein
Authors: Justesen Sune F. L. , Lamberth Kasper , Nielsen Lise‐Lotte B. , Schafer‐Nielsen Claus , Buus Søren 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFusion tags add desirable properties to recombinant proteins, but they are not necessarily acceptable in the final products. Ideally, fusion tags should be removed releasing the intact native protein with no trace of the tag. Unique endoproteinases with the ability to cleave outside their own recognition sequence can potentially cleave at the boundary of any native protein. Chymosin was recently shown to cleave a pro‐chymosin derived fusion tag releasing native target proteins. In our hands, however, not all proteins are chymosin‐resistant under the acidic cleavage conditions (pH 4.5) used in this system. Here, we have modified the pro‐chymosin fusion tag and demonstrated that chymosin can remove this tag at more neutral pH (pH 6.2); conditions, that are less prone to compromise the integrity of target proteins. Chymosin was successfully used to produce intact native target protein both at the level of small and large‐scale preparations. Using short peptide substrates, we further examined the influence of P1′ amino acid (the N‐terminus of the native target protein) and found that chymosin accepts many different, although not all, amino acids. We conclude that chymosin has several appealing characteristics for the exact removal of fusion tags. It is readily available in highly purified recombinant versions approved by the FDA for preparation of food for human consumption. We suggest that one should consider extending the use of chymosin to the preparation of pharmaceutical proteins.
Australian children at risk of social exclusion: a spatial index for gauging relative disadvantage
Authors: Tanton Robert , Harding Ann , Daly Anne , McNamara Justine , Yap Mandy 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMultidimensional measures of disadvantage, such as social exclusion, are increasingly becoming an important focus of research into poverty and disadvantage. This paper describes the development of an Australian regional index of child social exclusion. Using data from the 2001 Census of Population and Housing, we use principal components analysis to produce an aggregate measure of social exclusion risk for children aged 0–15, and for subgroups of children aged 0–4 and 5–15. Initial analysis of the indexes provides some tentative evidence of spatial patterns in the geographical distribution of child social exclusion, including a greater risk of child social exclusion in rural areas of Australia. This article outlines one of the first examples internationally of the construction of a small‐area index of social exclusion specifically tailored towards children. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of barrier thickness on AlInN/AlN/GaN heterostructures and device properties
Authors: Behmenburg H. , Khoshroo L. Rahimzadeh , Eickelkamp M. , Mauder C. , Fieger M. , Ketteniss N. , Woitok J. , Wamwangi D. , Wuttig M. , Hernandez S. Estevez , Schäpers T. , Heuken M. , Vescan A. , Kalisch H. , Jansen R. H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe report on structural and device properties of AlInN/AlN/GaN transistor heterostructures grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on 2″ sapphire substrates with AlInN barriers of thicknesses between 4 nm and 10 nm. The In content and thickness of the thin AlInN barrier is shown to be well determinable by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD). Room temperature Hall measurements yielded similar mobility between 1400 cm2V–1s–1 and 1520 cm2V–1s–1 on all samples and increasing sheet carrier concentration ns with rising barrier thickness resulting in a minimum sheet resistance value of 200 Ohm/□. The effect of surface passivation with Si3N4 on the electrical properties is investigated and found to strongly increase sheet carrier concentration ns of the two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) to values above 2×1013cm–2. Characterization of transistors with gate length Lg of 1.5 μm produced from the grown samples reveals high transconductance (gm) and a maximum drain current (ID) of 300 mS/mm and ∼1 A/mm, respectively. For the sample with 4.6 nm barrier thickness, a reduced gate leakage current (IGL) and a absolute value of the threshold voltage (Vth) of ‐1.2 V is detected. Radio frequency (RF) measurements of passivated samples lead to maximum current gain cut‐off frequencies ft of 11 GHz and maximum oscillating frequencies fmax of 25 GHz. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Functionalisation of silicon surfaces using tetrazine functionalities
Authors: Hayden H. , Balakrishnan S. , Perova T. S. , Astrova E. V. , Gun'ko Y. K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe functionalisation of semiconductor (particularly silicon) surfaces have been an active area of research in the past two decades. The surface modification of silicon has opened up new potential applications of this material. In the present work the macroporous silicon surfaces have been effectively functionalised using tetrazine derivatives. The work involved: i) preparation of cyclopentadienyl‐modified silicon surfaces; (ii) modification of the surface by cycloaddition of tetrazines with dimethyl pyrazolyl functionality; (iii) characteristion of functionalised silicon samples by electron microscopy, FT‐IR, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The obtained composite materials might have potential application as sensors and components for molecular electronics. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
XPS calibration study of thin‐film nickel silicides
Authors: Cao Yu , Nyborg Lars , Jelvestam Urban 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a systematic X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)study of the Ni silicides Ni3Si, Ni31Si12, Ni2Si, NiSi and NiSi2 produced by annealing of sputtered thin films. The in situ XPS study focuses on both the core level peaks and Auger peaks. The peak positions, shapes, satellites as well as Auger parameters are compared for different silicides. The factors that influence the Ni core level peak shifts are discussed. The Ni 2p3/2 peak shape and satellites are correlated with the valence band structure. The effect of argon ion etching on surface composition and chemical states is also investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Metallic Line Patterns from Functional Block Copolymers
Authors: Park Soojin , Kim Bokyung , Cirpan Ali , Russell Thomas P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA simple route for the preparation of nanoscopic metallic line patterns from functional block copolymers (BCPs) containing poly(2‐vinylpyridine) or poly(methyl methacrylate) blocks is demonstrated. The time evolution of the surface morphologies of BCP thin films exposed to solvent vapors is studied to optimize the conditions for generating BCP microdomains oriented parallel or normal to the substrate. BCP templates are prepared by film reconstruction or by removal of one of the copolymer microdomains, depending on the properties of the functional BCPs. Finally, metallic line patterns are prepared by either electrochemical etching or direct metal deposition and lift‐off processes using the BCP templates.
Light Scattering and Viscosity Investigation of Dilute Aqueous Solutions of Carboxymethyl Starch
Authors: Stojanović Željko P. , Jeremić Katarina , Jovanović Slobodan , Nierling Wolfgang , Lechner M. Dieter 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThree samples of corn starch and three samples of potato starch were transformed to carboxymethyl starch (CMS) using a two‐step etherification with sodium monochloroacetate in ethanol as the reaction medium. The degree of substitution (DS) of the synthesized samples was between 0.40 and 1.10. The structure parameters – solution properties relationships of the CMS samples were investigated by static light scattering and dilute solution viscometry in water and sodium‐chloride aqueous solutions of different concentrations at 25°C. The values of the mass average molar mass, MW, radius of gyration, Rg, and second virial coefficient, A2, were determined for all samples together with the limiting viscosity number. The results indicated that the Mw ‐ Rg correlation was independent of the origin of the starch, as well as the exponent aη and constant Kw from the Kuhn–Mark–Houwink equation. Values of the exponent ν for CMS in all sodium‐chloride aqueous solutions were between 0.450 and 0.472, while for the CMS samples in aqueous solution the value of ν was 0.580. The values of the exponent aη were around 0.3, which is typical for branched macromolecules.
Sonographic study of the decidua basalis in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Wong H. S. , Cheung Y. K. , Tait J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the sonographic appearance of the decidua basalis and its changes in the first trimester of pregnancy.MethodsWe reviewed images from 159 first‐trimester ultrasound examinations in 105 women with uncomplicated pregnancies who later delivered at term. The appearance of the decidua basalis layer and the sonographic changes that it underwent, including in echogenicity and thickness, were analyzed with respect to gestational age.ResultsA distinct decidual layer could be identified consistently at 5–6 weeks' gestation and its thickness peaked at 6–7 weeks. It was seen inconsistently at 8–9 weeks and was not identifiable by 10 weeks. Its appearance changed over time, from a uniformly echogenic layer at 5–6 weeks to a heterogeneous echogenic layer at 7 weeks, corresponding to the histological evidence of trophoblast penetration. The layer then became less echogenic with time until it became unidentifiable.ConclusionsThere is a window of opportunity in the first trimester for sonographic examination of the decidua. This may allow screening, at an early stage, for conditions that affect the decidua during pregnancy. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishing the Evidence Base for Trauma Quality Improvement: A Collaborative WHO‐IATSIC Review
Authors: Juillard Catherine J. , Mock Charles , Goosen Jacques , Joshipura Manjul , Civil Ian 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundQuality improvement (QI) programs are an integral part of well‐developed trauma systems. However, they have not been extensively implemented globally. To promote greater use of effective QI programs, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) have been collaboratively developing the upcoming Guidelines for Trauma Quality Improvement Programmes. As part of the development of this publication and to satisfy global demands for WHO guidelines to be evidence based, we conducted a thorough literature search on the effectiveness of trauma QI programs.MethodsThe review was based on a PubMed search of all articles reporting an outcome from a trauma QI program.ResultsThirty‐six articles were identified that reported results of evaluations of a trauma QI program or in which the trauma QI program was integrally related to identification and correction of specific problems. Thirteen of these articles reported on mortality as their main outcome; 12 reported on changes in morbidity (infection rates, complications), patient satisfaction, costs, or other outcomes of tangible patient benefit; and 11 reported on changes in process of care. Thirty articles addressed hospital‐based care; four system‐wide care; and two prehospital care. Thirty‐four articles reported an improvement in the outcome assessed; two reported no change; and none reported worsening of the outcome. Five articles also reported cost savings.ConclusionsTrauma QI programs are consistently shown to improve the process of care, decrease mortality, and decrease costs. Further efforts to promote trauma QI globally are warranted. These findings support the further development and promulgation of the WHO‐IATSIC Guidelines for Trauma QI Programmes.