bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete TCR-α Gene Locus Control Region Activity in T Cells Derived In Vitro from Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Lahiji Armin , Kučerová-Levisohn Martina , Lovett Jordana , Holmes Roxanne , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos , Ortiz Benjamin D. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Locus control regions (LCRs) are cis-acting gene regulatory elements with the unique, integration site–independent ability to transfer the characteristics of their locus-of-origin’s gene expression pattern to a linked transgene in mice. LCR activities have been discovered in numerous T cell lineage-expressed gene loci. These elements can be adapted to the design of stem cell gene therapy vectors that direct robust therapeutic gene expression to the T cell progeny of engineered stem cells. Currently, transgenic mice provide the only experimental approach that wholly supports all the critical aspects of LCR activity. In this study, we report the manifestation of all key features of mouse TCR-α gene LCR function in T cells derived in vitro from mouse embryonic stem cells. High-level, copy number–related TCR-α LCR-linked reporter gene expression levels are cell type restricted in this system, and upregulated during the expected stage transition of T cell development. We also report that de novo introduction of TCR-α LCR-linked transgenes into existing T cell lines yields incomplete LCR activity. These data indicate that establishing full TCR-α LCR activity requires critical molecular events occurring prior to final T lineage determination. This study also validates a novel, tractable, and more rapid approach for the study of LCR activity in T cells, and its translation to therapeutic genetic engineering.
Asymptotical Behaviour of Roots of Infinite Coxeter Groups
Authors: Hohlweg Christophe , Labbé Jean-Philippe , Ripoll Vivien 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLet W be an infinite Coxeter group. We initiate the study of the set E of limit points of “normalized” roots (representing the directions of the roots) of W. We show that E is contained in the isotropic cone Q of the bilinear form B associated with a geometric representation, and we illustrate this property with numerous examples and pictures in rank 3 and 4. We also define a natural geometric action of W on E, and then we exhibit a countable subset of E, formed by limit points for the dihedral reflection subgroups of W. We explain how this subset is built fromthe intersection with Q of the lines passing through two positive roots, and finally we establish that it is dense in E.
Poetry as Panacea: Mill on the Moral Rewards of Aesthetic Experience
Authors: Parkhurst Bryan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In chapter 5 of his Autobiography, John Stuart Mill recounts a crisis in his mental history. The details of Mill’s depression and eventual rehabilitation due to the salutary powers of lyric poetry are well known. But most scholars who have investigated the status of poetry in Mill’s philosophy have overlooked the fact that the story the Autobiography tells about poetry’s contribution to Mill’s spiritual convalescence and moral education raises several interesting interpretive issues and leaves many notable questions unanswered. I begin with an overview of Mill’s psychological case history as presented in the Autobiography. After that I turn my attention to some exegetical difficulties surrounding Mill’s adulation for poetry and the aesthetic experience. While it is clear that Mill thinks poetry has important moral consequences for the individual, and is crucial in the formation of character and conscience, his views about why poetry is of outstanding significance in this respect are less than transparent and have to be reconstructed on the basis of his more developed literary, ethical, and psychological theories. I take issue with two such reconstructions that appear in the secondary literature and present an alternative to them.
Pediatric Pathology Services in Africa
Authors: Kerr Darcy A. , Kaschula Ronald Otto Christian 
Published: May 2013

Context.—Like other pathology services in developing settings, pediatric pathology in Africa is faced with major challenges such as limited access to resources and few opportunities for professional advancement. Additionally, the discrepancy between the large burden of pediatric diseases, many of which individually are rare enough to prove challenging to the general pathologist, and the amount of specialized training available compounds the underlying problems and makes the provision of a high-quality service difficult. Pediatric neoplasms in particular are a chief cause for concern among general pathologists practicing in Africa.Objectives.—To provide relevant pediatric pathology information with an emphasis on pediatric malignancies to pathologists practicing in Africa, where children represent a very high proportion of the population and training in pediatric pathology is incomplete.Data Sources.—Authors' experience and relevant literature.Conclusions.—The limitations inherent in working within a low-resource setting may be reduced by thoughtful and purposeful triaging of specimens, prudent use of cytology in facilitating rapid and inexpensive diagnoses, and collaboration within and outside of the continent. Increased investment in and advocacy for child health, including the creation of additional hospitals dedicated to the care of children, are likely necessary to significantly advance children's health in the region.
The Pediatric Autopsy in Africa
Authors: Kaschula Ronald Otto Christian 
Published: May 2013

Context.—Within the continent of Africa few countries have been able to practice pathology at the levels present in Europe and the Americas, and pediatric pathology does not exist as a stand-alone specialty. The author was invited by a colleague from Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, to join a group of North American pathologists in presenting a course on the Contribution of Anatomic Pathology for advancing the health of women and children in Africa. The course was held in Ethiopia in June 2011, to review the current state of pediatric pathology in Africa and to provide resources/teaching for improving pediatric pathology services in low-resource settings.Objective.—To provide a succinct description of applicable autopsy techniques and the interpretation of gross, microscopic, and ancillary findings with respect to Africa's need to enhance the health of women and children. The author makes suggestions for obviating possible problems in anticipation of increased demands by national authorities and of public expectations of pathologists who usually have had only general training.Data Sources.—This article is based upon the author's personal experience of practicing pathology in Africa for the past 51 years, which has included visiting pathology laboratories in 9 African countries and interacting with colleagues in 18 additional African countries. The contents of this article are derived from personal observations, recent publications, and information gleaned from Internet sources.Conclusions.—Even without specific training in pediatric pathology, it is possible for pediatric autopsies to be undertaken in Africa and other resource-poor settings, in a manner that facilitates sound decision making for improving the health of women and children.
Validation of an Improved Pediatric Weight Estimation Strategy
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Susan M. , Ahlers Nichole , Holmes Anne , Wright Krista , Harris Ann , Weigel Jaylene , Hill Talita , Baird Kim , Michaels Marla , Kearns Gregory L. 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVESTo validate the recently described Mercy method for weight estimation in an independent cohort of children living in the United States.METHODSAnthropometric data including weight, height, humeral length, and mid upper arm circumference were collected from 976 otherwise healthy children (2 months to 14 years old). The data were used to examine the predictive performances of the Mercy method and four other weight estimation strategies (the Advanced Pediatric Life Support [APLS] method, the Broselow tape, and the Luscombe and Owens and the Nelson methods).RESULTSThe Mercy method demonstrated accuracy comparable to that observed in the original study (mean error: −0.3 kg; mean percentage error: −0.3%; root mean square error: 2.62 kg; 95% limits of agreement: 0.83–1.19). This method estimated weight within 20% of actual for 95% of children compared with 58.7% for APLS, 78% for Broselow, 54.4% for Luscombe and Owens, and 70.4% for Nelson. Furthermore, the Mercy method was the only weight estimation strategy which enabled prediction of weight in all of the children enrolled.CONCLUSIONSThe Mercy method proved to be highly accurate and more robust than existing weight estimation strategies across a wider range of age and body mass index values, thereby making it superior to other existing approaches.
Isozyme patterns in erythrocytes from human fetuses
Authors: Chen Shi‐Han , Anderson Jeanne E. , Giblett Eloise R. , Stamatoyannopoulos George 
Published: May 2013

AbstractStarch gel electrophoretic patterns of 26 enzymes (corresponding to 36 gene loci) were examined in hemolysates of erythrocytes from 11 first‐trimester and midtrimester human fetuses (65‐138 gestation days). The zymograms of 16 enzymes were identical in fetal and control adult red cells. Six enzymes (enolase, guanylate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, nucleoside Phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, hexokinase) showed differences in the staining intensity of certain isozyme zones as compared with the controls. Also, the fetal red cell zymograms, in contrast to those of adults, contained the mitochondrial forms of isocitric dehydrogenase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase as well as more definite zones of phosphoglucomutase‐3. Finally, some of the isozymes of uridine diphosphate kinase in the fetal cells had slightly retarded mobility. These observed differences between fetal and adult red cells could reflect the expression of a different program of protein synthesis in red cells of the fetuses or the epigenetic modifications of isozymes in immature red cells.
Dyskeratosis congenita: Hematologic evaluation of a sibship and review of the literature
Authors: Trowbridge Arthur A. , Sirinavin Chintana , Linman James W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDyskeratosis conagenita is a rare genodermatosis whose hematologic complications include pancytopenia of variable time of onset, a propensity for opportunistic infections, and neoplasia. A family in which the disorder segregated in 3 generations and involved 9 members is reported, and the hematologic data of the 46 previously reported cases are reviewed.
Observations on the anemia and neutropenia of human copper deficiency
Authors: Zidar Bernard L. , Shadduck Richard K. , Zeigler Zella , Winkelstein Alan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFollowing extensive bowel resection, a young woman experienced severe malnutrition; subsequent administration of parenteral nutrition precipitated the copper deficiency syndrome. This consisted of hypocupremia, subnormal ceruloplasmin levels, anemia, and severe neutropenia. The bone marrow was megaloblastic, vacuolated, and sideroblastic; granulocytic maturation was not observed beyond the myelocyte stage. Copper sulfate therapy was followed by a marked reticulocytosis, increase in hematocrit, and recovery of neutrophils.Additional studies indicated that both serum and urinary erythropoietin values were low; serum activity increased after copper supplementation. Abnormal granulopoiesis was demonstrated using the in vitro granulocyte colony assay. The patient's granulocytic stem cells were normal on two occasions; however, mixing studies showed that culture of the patient's copper‐deficient marrow with her copper‐deficient serum yielded significantly reduced numbers of granulocyte colonies. Thus, copper appears to be a necessary element for normal hematopoiesis; lack of this trace element may result in ineffective erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis.
Coagulopathy in amyloidosis: Combined deficiency of factors IX and X
Authors: McPherson Richard A. , Onstad John W. , Ugoretz Richard J. , Wolf Paul L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCombined severe deficiencies of blood clotting factors IX and X were observed in 2 patients who suffered from systemic amyloidosis. This unique deficiency state was marked by refractoriness to Vitamin K as well as to transfusion therapy. Increased antithrombin activity was present in both individuals and corresponded in time to the emergence of a monoclonal IgG kappa light chain paraprotein in 1. Both patients demonstrated profound bleeding disorders. It is hypothesized that the Vitamin K dependent factors have special affinity for amyloid deposits due to an unusual amino acid (γ‐carboxyglutamic acid) present in these factors.
Preparation and characterization of cardanol‐based epoxy resin for coating at room temperature curing
Authors: Kanehashi Shinji , Yokoyama Kota , Masuda Risa , Kidesaki Takashi , Nagai Kazukiyo , Miyakoshi Tetsuo 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTNovel organic solvent‐free bio‐based epoxy resin for coating was prepared from cashew nut shell liquid which is one of renewable resources. The epoxy coating was fabricated by the reaction between amine compounds and epoxy cardanol prepolymer (ECP). The drying, physical, and thermal properties of the epoxy were investigated and compared with those of the commercial cashew coating. The ECP was synthesized by thermal polymerization under the various conditions. Based on the FT‐IR analysis, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups were generated, and viscosity increased with increasing heating temperature and time. On the other hand, the NMR analysis showed decrease in the degree of unsaturation in the side group of cardanol. Based on these results, the polymerization of the ECP could be autoxidized in the unsaturated group in the side chains. The drying time until harden dry of the ECP coating took about 2.5 h at room temperature, which is faster than that of the commercial cashew coating. This is because that the curing of ECP coating was based on the prepolymer (i.e., high molecular weight) and crosslink reaction between epoxy and amine groups. The ECP coating was rubbery state due to the flexible side chains of cardanol. Furthermore, the ECP coating improved chemical stability compared with the commercial cashew. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2468–2478, 2013
Interpenetrating polymer networks derived from silylated soybean oil and polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Dewasthale Sudhanwa , Shi Xiangke , Hablot Elodie , Graiver Daniel , Narayan Ramani 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTA series of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) was prepared using various concentrations of silylated soybean oil and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that were cross linked with inorganic silicates. This series of IPNs was prepared from emulsions of silylated soybean oil and PDMS together with colloidal silica and dioctyltin dilaurate catalyst at pH 10. Under these conditions, water soluble silicates reacted with silanols in the oil phase and formed intraparticle siloxane cross links. Upon casting films and evaporation of the water, additional interparticle cross linking were obtained between the coagulating particles to produce entangled networks of soybean oil and PDMS that were further reinforced by fine silica particles. The morphology revealed intimate mixing of the two immiscible components. The mechanical properties depended on the ratio of the soft, flexible PDMS phase and the rigid, brittle cross linked silylated soybean oil phase. These IPNs can be used as high release liners, low friction materials, or as a general protective coating. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2479–2486, 2013
Mechanical properties of interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based on hybrid ionically and covalently crosslinked networks
Authors: Naficy Sina , Kawakami Shota , Sadegholvaad Sasha , Wakisaka Minato , Spinks Geoffrey M. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTHydrogels are polymer networks swollen in water. Because of their soft and wet nature, and their ability to show large volume changes, hydrogels can be useful in many biomedical and actuator applications. In these applications, it is crucial to tune the mechanical and physical properties of a hydrogel in a controllable manner. Here, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) made of a covalently crosslinked network and an ionically crosslinked network were produced to investigate the effective parameters that control the physical and mechanical properties of an IPN hydrogel. Covalently crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAAm) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) networks were produced in the presence of alginate (Alg) that was then ionically crosslinked to produce the IPN hydrogels. The effect of ionic crosslinking, degree of covalent crosslinking, AAm : Alg and AA : Alg ratio on the swelling ratio, tensile properties, indentation modulus, and fracture energy of IPN hydrogels was studied. A hollow cylindrical hydrogel with gradient mechanical properties along its length was developed based on the obtained results. The middle section of this hydrogel was designed as a pH triggered artificial muscle, while each end was formulated to be harder, tougher, and insensitive to pH so as to function as a tendon‐like material securing the gel muscle to its mechanical supports. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2504–2513, 2013
Mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of high fluidity polypropylene/metallocene poly(ethylene–butene–hexene) copolymer blends
Authors: Tang Yingying , Wang Jingyi , Jia Hongbing , Ding Lifeng , Jiang Qi 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article presents a study on blends of high fluid polypropylene (HF‐PP)/metallocene poly(ethylene–butane–hexene) copolymer (mEBHC) prepared by melt‐blending process using a twin‐screw extruder. Six different mass fractions of mEBHC in the blends: 0, 5, 10, 30%, and 100% were investigated in our study. The thermal behavior, fracture surface morphology, mechanical properties, and rheological properties of the blends were analyzed. Our results suggested that phase separation of HF‐PP/mEBHC blends occurred during the cooling process. The addition of 30 wt % mEBHC resulted in a rise of crystallinity of HF‐PP/mEBHC blends from 22.8% to 34.9%. The wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the incorporation of mEBHC did not have any influence on the intrinsic crystal structure of HF‐PP. The droplet‐matrix micrographs of the blends given by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that mEBHC particles were dispersed as “droplet” in HF‐PP continuous phase. When mEBHC content was increased up to 30%, the impact strength at 23°C and −20°C of HF‐PP/mEBHC blends were improved by 150 and 35%, respectively, while the tensile strength and flexural strength were decreased slightly, compared to pristine HF‐PP. The apparent shear viscosities of blends were similar to that of pristine HF‐PP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2557–2562, 2013
Melt spinning of conductive textile fibers with hybridized graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black filler
Authors: Nilsson Erik , Oxfall Henrik , Wandelt Wojciech , Rychwalski Rodney , Hagström Bengt 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, two different carbon fillers: carbon black (CB) and graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) are studied as conductive fillers for the preparation of conductive polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. In order to obtain a homogenous dispersion of GNP, GNP/PP composites were prepared by two different methods: solid state mixing (SSM) and traditional melt mixing (MM). The result shows that MM is more efficient in the dispersion of GNP particles compared to SSM method. PP nanocomposites containing only one conductive filler and two fillers were prepared at different filler concentrations. Based on the analysis of electrical and rheological properties of the prepared nanocomposites, it shows that a hybridized composite with equal amounts of GNP and CB has favorable processing properties. Conductive fibers with a core/sheath structure were produced on a bicomponent melt spinning line. The core materials of these fibers are the hybridized GNP/CB/PP nanocomposite and the sheath is pure polyamide. It was found that GNPs were separated during melt and cold drawing which results in the decrease of conductivity. However, the conductivity could partly be restored by the heat treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2579–2587, 2013
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) of the north‐western Arabian Gulf, Kuwait: the need for conservation
Authors: Al‐Mohanna Salim Y. , Al‐Zaidan Amani S. Y. , George Preeta 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

This study provides the first ever baseline data on reproductive ecology and genetic identification of the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the north‐western Arabian Gulf, Kuwait.
Two offshore islands were surveyed for nesting turtles in 2004 and 2005.
The findings reveal that nesting (nest numbers, nesting season, incubation period, clutch size, and hatching success) by green turtles off the Kuwait coast is comparable with that of C. mydas worldwide.
At Umm Al‐Maradim Island, no turtles nested during 2005 because of excavation and dredging activities associated with the construction of a coastguard dock.
Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 97 green turtles revealed six haplotypes, of which five have not previously been reported from rookeries in adjoining regional waters or adjacent oceans; this signifies the possibility of them being novel to the region.
Prudent management approaches, represented mainly by the rehabilitation and restoration of Umm Al‐Maradim Island and the designation of both foraging and nesting habitats as marine protected areas (MPAs), should be implemented by national as well as regional policy‐makers to maintain the region's native biological diversity.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structurally Diversified Heterocycles and Related Privileged Scaffolds as Potential Urease Inhibitors: A Brief Overview
Authors: Ibrar Aliya , Khan Imtiaz , Abbas Naeem 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUreases have emerged as significant virulence factors implicated in the pathogenesis of many clinical conditions such as pyelonephritis, hepatic coma, peptic ulceration, and the formation of injection‐induced urinary stones and stomach cancer. They have also been identified as important targets in research both for human and animal health, as well as in agriculture. Strategies based on urease inhibition are the main treatment of diseases caused by urease‐producing bacteria. So, in the present context, a diverse library of chemical structures is known to possess remarkable inhibitory activities against urease enzymes. The current review article summarizes and discusses endeavours towards the developments in the burgeoning field of urease inhibition in medicinal chemistry, with an emphasis on the insights that have been gleaned into the structural features that contribute to high and promising levels of anti‐urease activity.