bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐fusion treatment with MG132 increases transcription factor expression in somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in pigs
Authors: You Jinyoung , Lee Joohyeong , Kim Jinyoung , Park Junhong , Lee Eunsong 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of post‐fusion treatment of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) oocytes with the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 on maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity, nuclear remodeling, embryonic development, and gene expression of cloned pig embryos. Immediately after electrofusion, SCNT oocytes were treated with MG132 and/or caffeine for 2 hr, vanadate for 0.5 hr, or vanadate for 0.5 hr followed by MG132 for 1.5 hr. Of the MG132 concentrations tested (0–5 µM), the 1 µM concentration showed a higher rate of blastocyst formation (25.9%) than 0 (14.2%), 0.5 (16.9%), and 5 µM (16.9%). Post‐fusion treatment with MG132, caffeine, and both MG132 and caffeine improved blastocyst formation (22.1%, 21.4%, and 24.4%, respectively), whereas vanadate treatment inhibited blastocyst formation (6.5%) compared to the control (11.1%). When examined 2 hr after fusion and 1 hr after activation, MPF activity remained at a higher (P < 0.05) level in SCNT oocytes that were treated post‐fusion with caffeine and/or MG132, but it was decreased by vanadate. The rate of oocytes showing premature chromosome condensation was not altered by MG132 but was decreased by vanadate treatment. In addition, formation of single pronuclei was increased by MG132 compared to control and vanadate treatment. MG132‐treated embryos showed increased expression of POU5F1, DPPA2, DPPA3, DPPA5, and NDP52l1 genes compared to control embryos. Our results demonstrate that post‐fusion treatment of SCNT oocytes with MG132 prevents MPF degradation and increases expression of transcription factors in SCNT embryos, which are necessary for normal development of SCNT embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 149–157, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skeletal muscle cell MHC I expression: Implications for statin‐induced myopathy
Authors: Singh Pratibha , Kohr Danielle , Kaps Manfred , Blaes Franz 
Published: October 2009

AbstractStatins can induce necrotizing or inflammatory myopathies in some patients. Increased major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression has been shown in muscle biopsies of statin‐induced myopathy. Therefore, we investigated the effect of statins on the expression of MHC I in muscle cells. Using flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line TE671 and primary cultured skeletal muscle cells (SKMC) were investigated for MHC I expression after incubation with different statins and/or interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). TE671 and SKMC express MHC I in the untreated condition. Statins alone reduced the expression of MHC I in SKMC and had no effect on MHC I in TE671 cells. Statins potentiated the MHC I–inducing effect of IFN‐γ in TE671, but not in SKMC, neither at the protein level nor at the mRNA level. The increased muscle MHC I expression in statin‐induced myopathy might not be induced directly by statins themselves. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Primary AL amyloid polyneuropathy successfully treated with high‐dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Katoh Nagaaki , Matsuda Masayuki , Yoshida Takuhiro , Yazaki Masahide , Morita Hiroshi , Sakashita Kazuo , Ikeda Shu‐Ichi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe report 2 patients with polyneuropathy associated with amyloid derived from light chains (AL) who were treated successfully with high‐dose melphalan followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT). Neuropathic symptoms improved in conjunction with normalization of serum‐free light chains. In addition to amyloid deposits in tissues, an amyloidogenic light chain itself produced by abnormal plasma cells might be harmful to peripheral nerve function, and thus HDM/SCT seems to be a promising therapy for primary AL amyloid polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy associated with statins
Authors: Grable‐Esposito Phyllis , Katzberg Hans D. , Greenberg Steven A. , Srinivasan Jayashri , Katz Jonathan , Amato Anthony A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe report patients from two neuromuscular centers who were evaluated between the years 2000 and 2008 and met the following criteria: (1) proximal muscle weakness occurring during or after treatment with statins; (2) elevated serum creatine kinase (CK); (3) persistence of weakness and elevated CK despite discontinuation of the statin; (4) improvement with immunosuppressive agents; and (5) muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myopathy without significant inflammation. Twenty‐five patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Twenty‐four patients required multiple immunosuppressive agents. Fifteen patients relapsed after being tapered off immunosuppressive therapy. Exposure to statins prior to onset was significantly higher in patients with necrotizing myopathy (82%) as compared to those with dermatomyositis (18%), polymyositis (24%), and inclusion‐body myositis (38%) seen in the same time period. The lack of improvement following discontinuation of statins, the need for immunosuppressive therapy, and frequent relapse when treatment was tapered suggest an immune‐mediated etiology for this rare, statin‐associated necrotizing myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Muscle strength and fatigue in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Symonette Caitlin J. , Watson Bradley V. , Koopman Wilma J. , Nicolle Michael W. , Doherty Timothy J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by fatigue and fluctuating muscle weakness resulting from impaired neuromuscular transmission (NMT). The objective of this study was to quantify, by direct measurement of muscle force, the strength and fatigue of patients with MG. A maximal voluntary isometric contraction protocol of shoulder abductors was used in conjunction with conventional fatigue and disease‐severity instruments. Results from patients with (D‐MG) and without (ND‐MG) decrement on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the spinal accessory and axillary nerves were compared with healthy controls. Patients with MG reported greater fatigue than controls. Muscle strength was lowest in the D‐MG group, followed by the ND‐MG group and controls. Normalized shoulder abduction fatigue and recovery values did not differ between the D‐MG and ND‐MG groups or controls. The RNS decrement appears to relate best to disease severity and muscle weakness but not to objective measures of fatigue in this population. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Non‐lethal neonatal neuromuscular variant of glycogenosis type IV with novel GBE1 mutations
Authors: Fernandez Carla , Halbert Cécile , De Paula André Maues , Lacroze Valerié , Froissart Roseline , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Chabrol Brigitte , Pellissier Jean‐François 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe report a recent case of the severe congenital variant of glycogen storage disease type IV with prolonged survival. The patient was found to be a compound heterozygote for two novel mutations, a missense mutation in exon 5 (p.H188P, c.563A>C) and a severe mutation in intron 5 (c.691+2T>C). We propose that the genotype and the quality of medical care may account for the severe but non‐lethal phenotype. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Added sampling improves reproducibility of multipoint motor unit estimates
Authors: Goyal Namita , Salameh Johnny S. , Baldassari Laura E. , David William S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMotor unit number estimation (MUNE) has been used to track motor unit attrition. Studies have used the modified multiple‐point stimulation (MPS) technique, collecting three surface motor unit action potentials (sMUAPs) from 3 sites to calculate MUNE. Factoring additional sMUAPs should theoretically improve reproducibility, but the optimal number has not been defined. We evaluated the effect of increased sMUAP sampling on test–retest reproducibility of the modified MPS MUNE technique and found that MUNE reproducibility increased with additional sampling. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Syrian hamster infected with Leishmania infantum: A new experimental model for inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Paciello Orlando , Wojcik Slawomir , Gradoni Luigi , Oliva Gaetano , Trapani Francesca , Iovane Valentina , Politano Luisa , Papparella Serenella 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIdiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are inflammatory disorders of unknown origin. On the basis of clinical, histopathological, and immunological features, they can be differentiated into three major and distinct subsets: dermatomyositis; polymyositis; and inclusion‐body myositis. Although a few animal models for IIM are currently available, they lack several characteristic aspects of IIMs. The aim of our study was to examine skeletal muscle involvement in an experimental animal model of visceral leishmaniasis, a disseminated infection caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, and to compare features of associated inflammation with those of human IIM. Syrian hamsters infected intraperitoneally with amastigotes of L. infantum were killed at 3 or 4 months post‐infection, and the skeletal muscles were studied. Focal inflammation was predominantly observed in the endomysium and, to a lesser extent, in perivascular areas. Degenerating muscle fibers were also found, as well as myonecrosis. Immunofluorescence with confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to characterize the phenotype of inflammatory infiltrates and the distribution of MHC class I and II in muscle biopsies. The infiltrating inflammatory cells consisted mainly of T cells, and CD8+ T cells were found in non‐necrotic muscle fibers that expressed MHC class I on the sarcolemma. In addition to T cells, several macrophages were present. The model we are proposing closely resembles polymyositis and may be useful in studying certain aspects of this disease such as the role of T cells in muscle inflammation and myocytotoxicity, while also providing novel therapeutic targets. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Effects of exercise and muscle type on BDNF, NT‐4/5, and TrKB expression in skeletal muscle
Authors: Ogborn Daniel I. , Gardiner Phillip F. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMuscle‐derived neurotrophins are thought to contribute to the adaptation of skeletal muscle to exercise, but the effects of brief exercise interventions on BDNF, NT‐4/5, and trkB are not understood. RNA was extracted for RT‐PCR from soleus and medial gastrocnemius of Sprague‐Dawley rats exercised on a treadmill at speeds up to 20 m/min at 5% incline for 5 or 10 days. BDNF expression was elevated in soleus following 5 days (184%, P < 0.001) but not 10 days of exercise. NT‐4/5 and trkB were not affected at either time‐point. BDNF mRNA was significantly higher in soleus at rest when compared with medial gastrocnemius (193%, P < 0.05). No significant effects of muscle type were detected for NT‐4/5 and trkB. Our results indicate differential control of BDNF expression between soleus and medial gastrocnemius following 5 days of exercise. BDNF may be a protein with an uncharacterized contribution to the acute adaptation of skeletal muscle to exercise, whereas NT‐4/5 shows no response. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Use of evans blue dye to compare limb muscles in exercised young and old mdx mice
Authors: Wooddell Christine I. , Zhang Guofeng , Griffin Jacob B. , Hegge Julia O. , Huss Thierry , Wolff Jon A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractEvans blue dye (EBD) is used to mark damaged and permeable muscle fibers in mouse models of muscular dystrophy and as an endpoint in therapeutic trials. We counted EBD‐positive muscle fibers and extracted EBD from muscles sampled throughout the hindlimbs in young adult and old mdx mice to determine if the natural variability in morphology would allow measurement of a functional improvement in one limb compared to the contralateral limb. Following one bout of rotarod or treadmill exercise that greatly increased serum creatine kinase levels, the number of EBD+ muscle fibers in 12–19‐month‐old mdx mice increased 3‐fold, EBD in the muscles increased, and, importantly, contralateral pairs of muscles contained similar amounts of EBD. In contrast, the intra‐ and interlimb amounts of EBD in 2–7‐month‐old mdx mice were much too variable. A therapeutic effect can more readily be measured in old mdx mice. These results will be useful in the design of therapy protocols using the mdx mouse. Muscle Nerve, 2010
A minmax principle for nonlinear eigenproblems depending continuously on the eigenparameter
Authors: Voss Heinrich 
Published: October 2009

AbstractVariational characterizations of real eigenvalues of selfadjoint operators on a Hilbert space depending nonlinearly on an eigenparameter usually assume differentiable dependence of the operator on the eigenparameter. In this paper we generalize these results to nonlinear problems that depend only continuously on the parameter. This result is applied to a class of variational eigenvalue problems that in particular contains the vibrations of plates with attached masses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Globally and superlinearly convergent inexact Newton–Krylov algorithms for solving nonsmooth equations
Authors: Chen Jinhai , Qi Liqun 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper presents some variants of the inexact Newton method for solving systems of nonlinear equations defined by locally Lipschitzian functions. These methods use variants of Newton's iteration in association with Krylov subspace methods for solving the Jacobian linear systems. Global convergence of the proposed algorithms is established under a nonmonotonic backtracking strategy. The local convergence based on the assumptions of semismoothness and BD‐regularity at the solution is characterized, and the way to choose an inexact forcing sequence that preserves the rapid convergence of the proposed methods is also indicated. Numerical examples are given to show the practical viability of these approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standardization or localization? Executing corporate philanthropy in international firms
Authors: Merz Michael A. , Peloza John , Chen Qimei 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a key component of a firm's reputation. The reputational vulnerabilities and pressure for CSR are perhaps greatest among international firms with business activities across many countries and cultures. Although the strategies of firms entering new markets have been well researched, the CSR component of the market entry decision has been largely ignored, despite its significant relationship with the financial performance of the firm. Further, previous research has largely considered CSR from an environmental performance point of view, and thus has focused on a minimum level of investment in CSR as opposed to the optimal form of the investment. Our paper seeks to address this gap by examining market entry decisions as they relate to corporate philanthropy.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Quid Pro Quo of pediatric versus adult services for older adolescent cancer patients
Authors: Bleyer Archie 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPurposeData from the State of Georgia suggest that pediatric cancers have better survival outcomes when treated at pediatric cancer centers that are members of the nation's Children's Oncology Group (COG).Patients and MethodsTo determine if the more adult types of cancer that occur in adolescents are better treated at centers with adult oncology expertise, the reported data were re‐analyzed according to a scale that assessed whether the type of cancer was more likely to have been treated by oncologists with pediatric versus adult cancer experience.ResultsThe results showed that survival hazard index was linearly correlated in 15‐ to 19‐year‐olds with the pediatric versus adult cancer type index (P < 0.0001). All of the five most pediatric type of cancers had a better survival at COG institutions and all of the three tumors with a better survival at non‐COG institutions had the highest adult type scores.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that adolescent patients with pediatric types of cancer fare better when their care is conducted or supervised by oncologists who specialize in the care of their type of cancer. The Georgia data are among the first to indicate that the more adult type of cancers are better treated on an adult treatment regimen and/or under the supervision or in conjunction with adult‐treating oncologists. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:238–241. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcranial doppler ultrasonography (TCD) in infants with sickle cell anemia: Baseline data from the BABY HUG trial
Authors: Pavlakis Steven G. , Rees Renée C. , Huang Xiangke , Brown R. Clark , Casella James F. , Iyer Rathi V. , Kalpatthi Ram , Luden Judy , Miller Scott T. , Rogers Zora R. , Thornburg Courtney D. , Wang Winfred C. , Adams Robert J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundTranscranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) is used to predict stroke risk in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but has not been adequately studied in children under age 2 years.ProcedureTCD was performed on infants with SCA enrolled in the BABY HUG trial. Subjects were 7–17 months of age (mean 12.6 months). TCD examinations were successfully performed in 94% of subjects (n = 192).ResultsNo patient had an abnormal TCD as defined in the older child (time averaged maximum mean TAMM velocity ≥200 cm/sec) and only four subjects (2%) had velocities in the conditional range (170–199 cm/sec). TCD velocities were inversely related to hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and directly related to increasing age.ConclusionDetermination of whether the TCD values in this very young cohort of infants with SCA can be used to predict stroke risk later in childhood will require analysis of exit TCD's and long‐term follow‐up, which is ongoing (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00006400). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:256–259. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of early precursors of t(12;21) positive pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia during follow‐up
Authors: László Renáta , Alpár Donát , Kajtár Béla , Lacza Ágnes , Ottóffy Gábor , Kiss Csongor , Bartyik Katalin , Nagy Kálmán , Pajor László 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDNA‐, RNA‐, and cell‐based methods provide different biologic information for determining the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD). We monitored the responses of patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pALL) using DNA markers, TEL/AML1 expression, and scanning fluorescence microscopy (SFM). Using SFM, 36% of patients exhibited 1.5–3.1 log and 2.9–4.2 log higher MRD levels compared with those based on DNA and RNA markers, respectively. CD10+ ancestor cells with germline antigen receptors, but silent TEL/AML1 expression, may reside in the lymphoid stem cell compartment of treated t(12;21)‐positive patients and might act as a potential source of cells for late relapses. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:158–160. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of birth weight corrected for gestational age and birth weight alone in prediction of development of childhood leukemia and central nervous system tumors
Authors: Sprehe Michael R. , Barahmani Nadia , Cao Yumei , Wang Tao , Forman Michele R. , Bondy Melissa , Okcu M. Fatih 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIntroductionHigh birth weight (HBW) is an established risk factor for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if birth weight (BW) corrected‐for‐gestational age is a better predictor than BW alone for occurrence of ALL and other malignancies in children.Materials and MethodsBirth certificate data of 2,254 children with cancer who were younger than 5 years old at diagnosis and registered at Texas Cancer Registry during 1995–2003 were compared to 11,734 age‐matched controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare models with BW corrected‐for‐gestational age and BW alone.ResultsCompared to children who were appropriate for gestational age (AGA), children who were large for gestational age (LGA) at birth had a 1.66 times (95% CI 1.32–2.10) higher odds of ALL. Similarly, children with a BW ≥4,000 g had a 1.5 times (95% CI 1.18–1.89) higher odds for ALL, compared to children who weighed >2,500 and <4,000 g at birth. Using model diagnostics, the model containing BW corrected‐for‐gestational age was a better predictor than the model with BW alone [Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) 4,646 vs. 4,658, respectively]. Odds ratios (OR) were similar for LGA children who were <4,000 g and LGA children who were ≥4,000 g (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.97–2.5 and OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.29–2.16, respectively). BW was not an independent risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia or brain tumors.ConclusionBW corrected‐for‐gestational age is a better predictor than BW alone of risk for ALL. Future studies using BW variable should incorporate gestational age in their analyses. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:242–249. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New composites with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric constant for microelectronic packaging
Authors: Ling Wei , Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng , Yuan Li 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThree composites based on cyanate (CE) resin, aluminum nitride (AlN), surface‐treated aluminum nitride [AlN(KH560)], and silicon dioxide (SiO2) for microelectronic packaging, coded as AlN/CE, AlN(KH560)‐SiO2(KH560)/CE, and AlN‐SiO2/CE composite, respectively, were developed for the first time. The thermal conductivity and dielectric constant of all composites were investigated in detail. Results show that properties of fillers in composites have great influence on the thermal conductivity and dielectric constant of composites. Surface treatment of fillers is beneficial to increase the thermal conductivity or reduce dielectric constant of the composites. Comparing with binary composite, when the filler content is high, ternary composites possess lower thermal conductivity and dielectric constant. The reasons leading to these outcomes are discussed intensively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fatigue damage in composite cylinders
Authors: Erkal Serkan , Sayman Onur , Benli Semih , Dogan Tolga , Cinar Yeni Emine 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this study, optimal angle‐ply orientation of symmetric composite cylinders under fatigue loading is investigated. The fiber‐reinforced plastic cylinders were manufactured from E‐glass/epoxy. The layers were manufactured symmetrically in [±75°]2, [±60°]2, [±55°]2, and [±45°]2 orientations. Burst pressure of filament‐wound composite cylinders under alternating pure internal pressure was measured experimentally. Internal fatigue pressure testing method was applied to the composite cylinders in close‐ended condition. For this study, a PLC controlled hydraulic pressure testing machine has been employed. The static burst pressure values of specimens were measured; subsequently, fatigue test pressure was applied in 70, 60, and 50% stress levels of burst pressure for each orientation. Damage propagations of the composite cylinders on these stress levels were observed as whitening, leakage, and final failure for [±60°]2, [±55°]2, and orientations. When the damage propagation of [±75°]2 angle‐ply cylinder was observed, whitening and leakage did not occur and final failure occurred suddenly. Stress‐cycle curves obtained from the tests are given in graphics. Experimental results reveal that variation in stress levels and the winding angles have considerable effects on final failure cycles, which is also presented graphically. The optimum winding angle for the composite pressure cylinders or vessels under internal fatigue pressure load was obtained as [±45°]2 orientation. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers