bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoactivated Riboflavin Treatment of Infectious Keratitis Using Collagen Cross-linking Technology
Authors: Price Marianne O. , Tenkman Lawrence R. , Schrier Amilia , Fairchild Kelly M. , Trokel Stephen L. , Price Francis W. 
Published: October 2012

PURPOSE:
To evaluate riboflavin/ultraviolet-A (UVA) as an adjunct treatment for infectious keratitis.

METHODS:

This prospective, dual-center, interventional case series included cases of infectious keratitis that were treated by instilling riboflavin 0.1% solution for 30 minutes to saturate the cornea, followed by exposure to 365-nm UVA light (3 mW/cm
2
) for 15 to 45 minutes, with continued instillation of riboflavin. Eyes continued on standard antibiotic treatment. The primary outcome measures were the times to resolution of the infiltrate and the epithelial defect.

RESULTS:
Forty patients aged 14 to 86 years were enrolled. Seven (18%) eyes had a previous keratoplasty. Bacterial species were identified in 24 eyes, fungal in 7, protozoan in 2, viral in 1, and no organism in 6. The maximum infiltrate diameter ranged from 1 to 12 mm and the epithelial defect diameter was 0 to 8 mm before treatment. In 6 cases (2 bacterial, 3 fungal, and 1 without growth), the keratitis did not resolve successfully and the eye received a penetrating keratoplasty (PK). In 1 eye with prior PK, the infection resolved following treatment, but a regraft was required to address perforation of the PK incision.

CONCLUSIONS:
Riboflavin/UVA should be avoided in eyes with prior herpes simplex but otherwise posed no obvious safety risk in this series and appeared to be most effective when the infection depth was limited. The success rate was higher for bacterial infections than fungal infections. Randomized studies against antibiotics alone are needed to further evaluate efficacy.
Regional Biomechanical Properties of Human Sclera After Cross-linking by Riboflavin/Ultraviolet A
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Zhang Fengju , Qian Xiuqing , Zhao Xu 
Published: October 2012

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the biomechanical difference of human scleral collagen cross-linking (CXL) by comparing different riboflavin-instilling methods and different cross-linked regions (equatorial and posterior sclera).

METHODS:
Fifteen donor human eyes were randomly divided into five groups. One group, in which CXL was not applied, was designated as the control group. In the remaining four groups, 0.1% riboflavin solution was instilled on the scleral surface for 5, 10, 20, or 30 minutes, respectively, followed by 30 minutes of ultraviolet A irradiation. The equatorial and posterior scleral strips in each eye were dissected. Stress–strain measurements of all scleral strips were performed by a biomaterial tester. Young modulus was calculated at 8% strain. Data of the stress and Young modulus in different regions and groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS:

Under a 1 mm/minute stretching, the sclera exhibited an exponential stress–strain behavior. The stress and modulus of equatorial and posterior sclera after CXL gradually increased with riboflavin instillation before surgery. No statistical difference was noted in the modulus between 20 and 30 minutes riboflavin infiltration after CXL (
P
>.05). At the same strain levels, equatorial sclera with and without CXL exhibited higher stress and Young modulus than that of posterior sclera.

CONCLUSIONS:
Equatorial and posterior human sclera may be enhanced by CXL with riboflavin/ultraviolet A irradiation. Equatorial scleral CXL may be a good choice for the treatment of progressive myopia. Because of its safety and efficacy, 20 minutes of riboflavin infiltration before CXL is recommended.
Partial Differential Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Vitagliano Luca 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe define partial differential (PD in the following), i.e., field theoretic analogues ofHamiltonian systems on abstract symplectic manifolds and study their main properties, namely, PD Hamilton equations, PD Noether theorem, PD Poisson bracket, etc. Unlike the standard multisymplectic approach to Hamiltonian field theory, in our formalism, the geometric structure (kinematics) and the dynamical information on the “phase space” appear as just different components of one single geometric object.
Selling Students on the Character of Liberal Arts: A Benefit of Worldview Awareness in Education?
Authors: Newell Ted 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDurkheim, the sociologist and education professor, said that the personality developed by a form of literary study was contrary to genuinely Christian character. Provoked by this insight, I explore whether a Christian university's reliance on classical liberal arts education might be working against its desires for the character of graduates.
Cell Encapsulating Biomaterial Regulates Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Differentiation and Macrophage Immunophenotype
Authors: Cantu David Antonio , Hematti Peiman , Kao Weiyuan John 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBone marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) encapsulation within a biomatrix could improve cellular delivery and extend survival and residence time over conventional intravenous administration. Although MSCs modulate monocyte/macrophage (Mø) immunophenotypic properties, little is known about how such interactions are influenced when MSCs are entrapped within a biomaterial. Furthermore, the impact of the cell-encapsulating matrix on MSC multipotency and on Møs, which infiltrate biomaterials, remains poorly understood. Here we elucidate this three-way interaction. The Mø immunophenotype and MSC differentiation were examined with regard to established and experimental collagen-based biomaterials for MSC entrapment. Tumor necrosis factor-α secretion was acutely inhibited at 4 days. MSCs cocultured with Møs demonstrated attenuated chondrocyte differentiation, whereas osteoblast differentiation was enhanced. Adipocyte differentiation was considerably enhanced for MSCs entrapped within the gelatin/polyethylene glycol-based matrix. A better understanding of the effect of cell encapsulation on differentiation potency and immunomodulation of MSCs is essential for MSC-based, biomaterial-enabled therapies.
Concise Review: The Potential of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 and Its Receptors to Promote Stem Cell Functions in Spinal Cord Repair
Authors: Jaerve Anne , Schira Jessica , Müller Hans Werner 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTransplanted stem cells provide beneficial effects on regeneration/recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) by the release of growth-promoting factors, increased tissue preservation, and provision of a permissive environment for axon regeneration. A rise in chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) expression levels in central nervous system (CNS) injury sites has been shown to play a central role in recruiting transplanted stem cells. Although technically more challenging, it has been shown that after SCI few endogenous stem cells are recruited via SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling. Evidence is accumulating that increasing SDF-1 levels at the injury site (e.g., by exogenous application or transfection methods) further enhances stem cell recruitment. Moreover, SDF-1 might, in addition to migration, also influence survival, proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine secretion of stem cells. Here, we discuss the experimental data available on the role of SDF-1 in stem and progenitor cell biology following CNS injury and suggest strategies for how manipulation of the SDF-1 system could facilitate stem cell-based therapeutic approaches in SCI. In addition, we discuss challenges such as how to circumvent off-target effects in order to facilitate the transfer of SDF-1 to the clinic.
Development and Characterization of a Clinically Compliant Xeno-Free Culture Medium in Good Manufacturing Practice for Human Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Chase Lucas G. , Yang Sufang , Zachar Vladimir , Yang Zheng , Lakshmipathy Uma , Bradford Jolene , Boucher Shayne E. , Vemuri Mohan C. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Human multipotent mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies are currently being tested in clinical trials for Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, graft-versus-host disease, type 1 diabetes, bone fractures, cartilage damage, and cardiac diseases. Despite remarkable progress in clinical trials, most applications still use traditional culture media containing fetal bovine serum or serum-free media that contain serum albumin, insulin, and transferrin. The ill-defined and variable nature of traditional culture media remains a challenge and has created a need for better defined xeno-free culture media to meet the regulatory and long-term safety requirements for cell-based therapies. We developed and tested a serum-free and xeno-free culture medium (SFM-XF) using human bone marrow- and adipose-derived MSCs by investigating primary cell isolation, multiple passage expansion, mesoderm differentiation, cellular phenotype, and gene expression analysis, which are critical for complying with translation to cell therapy. Human MSCs expanded in SFM-XF showed continual propagation, with an expected phenotype and differentiation potential to adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages similar to that of MSCs expanded in traditional serum-containing culture medium (SCM). To monitor global gene expression, the transcriptomes of bone marrow-derived MSCs expanded in SFM-XF and SCM were compared, revealing relatively similar expression profiles. In addition, the SFM-XF supported the isolation and propagation of human MSCs from primary human marrow aspirates, ensuring that these methods and reagents are compatible for translation to therapy. The SFM-XF culture system allows better expansion and multipotentiality of MSCs and serves as a preferred alternative to serum-containing media for the production of large scale, functionally competent MSCs for future clinical applications.
Danse et musique, deux arts en dialogue chez Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker
Authors: Guisgand Philippe 
Published: October 2012

À la suite de mon travail de thèse, j’ai noué avec le musicien Jean-Luc Plouvier un dialogue à propos de l’oeuvre d’Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. Une des spécificités de cette chorégraphe est de travailler majoritairement sur la musique occidentale écrite. Cette collaboration entre un musicien et un danseur permet de questionner des termes tels que « dialoguer vraiment », « rapport entre musique et danse », « demande et adresse des arts entre eux » ou encore « faille entre écriture et réception ». Il s’agira dans cet article de dresser un état des lieux de cette collaboration et de montrer – du point de vue de la danse – ce que les démarches analytiques et esthétiques issues de la musique apportent au champ des études chorégraphiques.
Time trends and correlates of late presentation for HIV care in Northern Greece during the decade 2000 to 2010
Authors: Metallidis Simeon , Pilalas Dimitrios , Skoura Lemonia , Haidich Anna‐Bettina , Tsachouridou Olga , Papaioannou Maria , Chrysanthidis Theofilos , Bakaimi Isidora , Antoniadou Zoe A , Margariti Apostolia , Malisiovas Nicolaos , Nikolaidis Pavlos 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to assess the extent of late presentation for HIV care in Northern Greece during the period 2000 to 2010 and to explore correlations aiming to provide guidance for future interventions.MethodsHIV‐positive patients with no prior history of HIV care at presentation and with a CD4 T cell count within three months from the first confirmatory Western blot result were eligible for this study. Late presentation and advanced HIV disease were defined in concordance with the recommendations of the European Late Presenter Consensus working group. Time trends in presentation status and risk factors linked to late presentation and advanced HIV disease were identified in multivariable logistic regression models. Additional analyses after multiple imputation of missing values were performed to assess the robustness of our findings.ResultsThe status at presentation was evaluated for 631 eligible HIV‐positive individuals. Overall, 52.5% (95% CI: 48.6% to 56.4%) of patients presented late for HIV care and 31.2% (95% CI: 27.6% to 34.8%) presented with advanced HIV disease. Time trends were consistent with an improvement in the presentation status of our study population (p<0.001). Risk factors associated with late presentation in multivariable logistic regression were intravenous drug use, heterosexual HIV transmission, immigrant status and age at diagnosis.ConclusionsDespite the trend for improvement, a significant proportion of newly diagnosed HIV‐positive patients present late for care. Targeted interventions with focus on social groups such as the elderly, persons who inject drugs, immigrants and individuals at risk for heterosexual HIV transmission are mandated.
Time Series Analysis of the Geospatial Distribution of Distance Education Learners: Implications for Student Support
Authors: Bagarinao Ricardo T. 
Published: October 2012

Distance Education (DE) is a new field in education that is entirely separated from the standard, classroom-based, classical instructional model. It is believed to attract geographically diverse learners. A time series enrolment data (2005-2010) of UPOU was categorized by province, and fed into a GIS-data analysis environment Visual analysis was conducted to analyze the temporal and spatial behavior of the data; identify major spatial units of students ‘concentration; and extract the implications of this behavior on the development of student support system. Data were visualized as maps, tables, and graphs. Results indicate that enrolment in UPOU is increasing within the period of analysis, and enrolment data were widespread in 2005 but tend to aggregate in urban centers in the succeeding years. The increasing trend in enrolment data may be due to the convenience factor of online learning. On the other hand, the geospatial distribution patterns over time highlight the equity and accessibility issue, and the importance of mobile communication facilities as supplemental learning platforms. It is recommended that a mobile-learning environment that is equivalent to the online learning management system may be developed. Keywords - distance education, student support, UP Open University, geospatial, GIS, student support, time series analysis
Dehydrogenative Silylation of Terminal Alkynes with Hydrosilanes under Zinc–Pyridine Catalysis
Authors: Tsuchimoto Teruhisa , Fujii Masakazu , Iketani Yoshihiko , Sekine Masaru 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA combination of zinc triflate and pyridine in a nitrile medium was found to act as an effective catalytic system for dehydrogenative silylation with flexible pieces of terminal alkynes and hydrosilanes, thereby producing diverse alkynylsilanes in high to excellent yields.
Correlation of interferon‐inducible chemokine plasma levels with disease severity in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Mayes Maureen D. , Tan Filemon K. , Wu Minghua , Reveille John D. , Harper Brock E. , Draeger Hilda T. , Gonzalez Emilio B. , Assassi Shervin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo measure interferon (IFN)–inducible chemokines in the plasma of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and investigate whether the chemokine levels are correlated with disease severity.MethodsPlasma levels of the IFN‐inducible chemokines IFNγ‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10/CXCL10), IFN‐inducible T cell α chemoattractant (I‐TAC/CXCL11), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (CCL2) were measured in SSc patients and examined for correlation with the IFN gene expression signature. A composite IFN‐inducible chemokine score was generated for chemokines showing a correlation with the IFN gene signature (IP‐10 and I‐TAC), and this score was compared between 266 patients with SSc enrolled in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS) cohort and 97 matched control subjects. Subsequently, the correlation between the IFN‐inducible chemokine score at baseline and markers of disease severity was assessed. In addition, the course of the IFN‐inducible chemokine score over time was examined.ResultsThe plasma IFN‐inducible chemokine score correlated with the IFN gene expression signature, and this score was higher in SSc patients compared to controls. The IFN‐inducible chemokine score was also associated with the absence of anti–RNA polymerase III antibodies and presence of anti–U1 RNP antibodies, but not with disease duration, disease type, or other autoantibodies. The chemokine score correlated with concomitantly obtained scores on the Medsger Severity Index for muscle, skin, and lung involvement in SSc, as well as the forced vital capacity, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and creatine kinase levels. The association of the chemokine score with disease severity was independent of the presence of anti–U1 RNP or other potential confounders (age, sex, ethnicity, disease duration, and treatment with immunosuppressive agents). Finally, there was not a significant change in the IFN‐inducible chemokine score over time.ConclusionThe IFN‐inducible chemokine score is a stable serologic marker of a more severe form of SSc and may be useful for risk stratification of patients, regardless of disease type (limited or diffuse) or duration of disease.
IgG anti–NR2 glutamate receptor autoantibodies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus activate endothelial cells
Authors: Yoshio Taku , Okamoto Hiroshi , Hirohata Shunsei , Minota Seiji 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the possibility that IgG anti–NR2 glutamate receptor antibodies (anti‐NR2) derived from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cause an immunologic interaction with endothelial cells (ECs) in the blood–brain barrier, resulting in inflammation of the blood–brain barrier, allowing the entrance of these autoantibodies into the cerebrospinal fluid.MethodsPurified IgG anti‐NR2 antibodies from 14 patients with SLE were tested for their ability to bind to double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) and ECs, to modulate endothelial adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production by ECs, and to activate the NF‐κB pathways in the ECs. Purified IgG from 5 normal subjects was used as a negative control.ResultsPurified IgG anti‐NR2 antibodies bound to dsDNA in an IgG‐dose–dependent manner. This interaction up‐regulated the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on the EC surface and increased the production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8, but not tumor necrosis factor α or IL‐1β, by ECs. Purified IgG anti‐NR2 also activated the degradation of cytoplasmic IκB, indicating the activation of NF‐κB in the ECs.ConclusionEC activation through the NF‐κB signaling pathway induced by IgG anti‐NR2 antibodies in the central nervous system of SLE patients may lead to inflammation of the blood–brain barrier, initiating the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE.
Alternative Copolymerization of a Conjugated Segment and a Flexible Segment and Fabrication of a Fluorescent Sensing Film for HCl in the Vapor Phase
Authors: Wang Hongyue , Cui Hong , Liu Xinglei , Li Lanlan , Cao Yuan , Liu Taihong , Fang Yu 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA novel fluorescently active co‐oligomer (P1) was designed and prepared by alternative co‐polymerization of oligo(p‐phenyleneethynylene) (OPE), possessing two cholesterol‐containing side chains, and ethanediamine. A control co‐oligomer (P2) possessing similar structure to P1 was also prepared, but in this case the OPE bears no side chains. P1 and P2 have been used for the fabrication of two fluorescent films, film 1 and film 2, respectively. Fluorescence studies demonstrated that the emission of film 1 is sensitive and selective to the presence of trace amounts of HCl in air. In contrast, film 2 shows no such response. The quenching has been attributed to the protonation of the imino groups within the oligomer chains, and the difference in the sensing behaviors of the two films was rationalized by supposing the existence of molecular channels in film 1. The proposed mechanism is supported by the results from additional experiments and theoretical calculations. Furthermore, the film as fabricated is robust, and thereby it is believed that film 1 has the potential to be developed into a new generation of sensitive and selective HCl sensor.
Differential expression of centrosome‐associated proteins in human brain tumors: A possible role of hNinein isoform 6 in cell differentiation
Authors: Loh Joon‐Khim , Lieu Ann‐Shung , Chou Chia‐Hua , Lin Ching‐Chih , Yang Ming‐Chang , Lin Fang‐Yi , Hong Yi‐Ren , Howng Shen‐Long 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDysregulated centrosomal expression has been observed in high grade gliomas. Thus, this study aimed to examine the expression of Aurora family kinase and various centrosomal proteins, including centrin, γ‐tubulin, and hNinein isoforms, in human brain tumors, including 29 meningiomas, 34 astrocytomas, 6 pituitary adenomas, and 6 metastatic tumors. mRNA expression was evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The role of hNinein isoform 6 expression in cell differentiation was assessed in BrdU‐treated IMR‐32 cells. Differential expression of centrosomal proteins of brain tumors and cell lines was observed. Specifically, centrin 2 and centrin 3 expression levels were classified as moderate or abundant in >97% of samples in the meningioma group, 63% of astrocytomas, >83% of metastatic and pituitary tumors. Alternatively, hNinein isoform 6 expression was only detected in normal brain and astrocytoma tumors (17/34); however, it was not expressed in meningioma (0/29), metastatic tumors (0/6) (P < 0.001). Of the six neuroblastoma cell lines analyzed only IMR‐32 cells expressed hNinein isoform 6. Furthermore, downregulated expression of hNinein isoform 6 and upregulation of γ‐tubulin was correlated to astrocytoma tumor grade (P < 0.001). Increased hNinein isoform 6 mRNA expression was observed in response to BrdU treatment, and its expression was greater in teratomas as compared to embryonic stem cells. Further studies are necessary to determine if hNinein isoform 6 functions as a tumor‐suppressor gene in brain tumors. Differential centrosomal protein expression may result in altered centrosome function that is observed the in progression of various brain tumors. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
A bioreactor system for interfacial culture and physiological perfusion of vascularized tissue equivalents
Authors: Groeber Florian , Kahlig Alexander , Loff Steffan , Walles Heike , Hansmann Jan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA pivotal requirement for the generation of vascularized tissue equivalents is the development of culture systems that provide a physiological perfusion of the vasculature and tissue‐specific culture conditions. Here, we present a bioreactor system that is suitable to culture vascularized tissue equivalents covered with culture media and at the air–medium interface, which is a vital stimulus for skin tissue. For the perfusion of the vascular system a new method was integrated into the bioreactor system that creates a physiological pulsatile medium flow between 80 and 120 mmHg to the arterial inflow of the equivalent's vascular system. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (hDMECs) were injected into the vascular system of a biological vascularized scaffold based on a decellularized porcine jejunal segment and cultured in the bioreactor system for 14 days. Histological analysis and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining revealed that the hDMECs were able to recolonize the perfused vascular structures and expressed endothelial cell specific markers such as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and von Willebrand factor. These results indicate that our bioreactor system can serve as a platform technology to generate advanced bioartificial tissues with a functional vasculature for future clinical applications.