bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impairment of MCP-1 Expression in Mesothelial Cells Exposed to Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid by Osmotic Stress and Acidic Stress
Authors: Ogata Ryouji , Hiramatsu Nobuhiko , Hayakawa Kunihiro , Nakajima Shotaro , Yao Jian , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Kitamura Masanori 
Published: May 2010

Background Bacterial peritonitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients on peritoneal dialysis. In the present study, we investigated effects of peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) on mesothelial cell recruitment of macrophages, focusing especially on unphysiological properties of PDF. Methods Human and murine mesothelial cells were exposed to PDF or individual properties of PDF (low pH, high glucose concentration, hyperosmolality, high lactate concentration) in vitro and in vivo, treated with inflammatory stimuli, and subjected to analyses of monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, and MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). Results We found that intraperitoneal administration of PDF suppressed expression of MCP-1 and infiltration of mononuclear cells in the peritoneum of mice following injection with lipopolysaccharide. Among the unphysiological properties of PDF, low pH and hyperosmolality caused blunted induction of MCP-1 in cytokine-stimulated mesothelial cells. The attenuated response was ascribed to suppression of NF-κB by low pH and inhibition of p38 MAP kinase by hyperosmolality. Furthermore, the attenuated phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase by osmotic stress was associated with induction of MKP-1. Conclusion These results suggest a possibility that mesothelial cells exposed to PDF exhibit attenuated MCP-1 expression and consequent impairment of macrophage recruitment through dual mechanisms, that is, inhibition of NF-κB by acidic stress and blunted activation of p38 MAP kinase by osmotic stress. In patients on peritoneal dialysis, blunted expression of chemokines may lead to perturbation of bacterial clearance by macrophages in the peritoneal cavity.
Persistent Symptomatic Intra-Abdominal Collection after Catheter Removal for Pd-Related Peritonitis
Authors: Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chow Kai-Ming , Pang Wing-Fai , Kwong Vickie Wai-Ki , Leung Chi-Bon , Li Philip Kam-Tao 
Published: May 2010

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with severe peritonitis require catheter removal. It is often assumed that this approach, together with antibiotics, would eradicate the infection; however, some patients continue to have problems despite catheter removal. Method We reviewed 30 consecutive PD patients in our center from 1997 to 2008 with recurrent loculated peritoneal collection after catheter removal for severe peritonitis. Results Of the 1928 episodes of peritonitis that occurred in 702 patients during the study period, 11.1% required catheter removal and 1.6% developed recurrent peritoneal collection that required percutaneous drainage. Median time to diagnosis of intra-abdominal collection was 12 days after catheter removal (interquartile range 7 – 61 days). In 25 patients (83.3%), aspirate of the abdominal collection was culture negative. In 17 patients (56.7%), the abdominal collection was recurrent and required repeated percutaneous aspiration. Only 3 patients had successful reinsertion of the peritoneal catheter but all had reduced small solute clearance after returning to PD. Conclusion A small but not negligible proportion of patients with PD-related peritonitis develop recurrent intra-abdominal collection that requires percutaneous drainage after catheter removal. The chance of a successful return to PD is very low in this group of patients. Direct conversion to long-term hemodialysis may avoid unnecessary attempts at peritoneal catheter reinsertion.
Design and Implementation of a Virtual Laboratory for Machine Dynamics
Authors: Aziz EL-Sayed S. , Esche Sven K. , Chassapis Constantin 
Published: May 2010

Laboratory experiments are considered to be a crucial component of engineering and science curricula by all stakeholders in the education process. In traditional laboratories, students develop practical skills and become effective professionals. However, the major drawbacks of traditional laboratories are their high demand on resources, significant maintenance costs and the inability to delivery the laboratory content in distance education. Virtual laboratory experiments represent a valuable option for educational laboratories, due to their advantages over traditional hands-on as well as remote experiments, including the ease of reconfiguring the experimental system, the high flexibility in the input specifications, the possibility of conducting experiments using devices otherwise infeasible and the option of re-running experiments multiple times.
In response to the need for developing laboratory resources that provide a practical experience to online engineering students, this paper describes a simulation-based virtual laboratory, which is used at Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT) in a junior-level course on mechanisms and machine dynamics as a compliment to experimental work in the traditional hands-on laboratory. This virtual laboratory system alleviates the space, time and cost constraints associated with traditional laboratories and serves as an efficient teaching aid. It conveys to the students practical issues associated with actual experiments and provides learning outcomes that are comparable to those of traditional physical laboratories. The students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of experimental configurations and parameters. In addition, the system includes a realistic rendering of the experimental setup and its components, thus providing the students with a strong feeling of immersion, as if they were performing an experiment in a traditional laboratory.
Synergy between IL-15 and Id2 Promotes the Expansion of Human NK Progenitor Cells, Which Can Be Counteracted by the E Protein HEB Required To Drive T Cell Development
Authors: Schotte Remko , Dontje Wendy , Nagasawa Maho , Yasuda Yuko , Bakker Arjen Q. , Spits Hergen , Blom Bianca 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The cytokine IL-15 and the inhibitor of DNA binding (Id)2, which negatively regulates the activity of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, have been shown to play key roles in NK cell development. Consistent with this, exogenous IL-15 added to human thymic progenitor cells stimulated their development into NK cells at the expense of T cells both in fetal thymic organ culture and in coculture with stromal cells expressing the Notch ligand Delta-like 1. Overexpression of Id2 in thymic progenitor cells stimulated NK cell development and blocked T cell development. This, in part, is attributed to inhibition of the transcriptional activity of the E protein HEB, which we show in this study is the only E protein that enhanced T cell development. Notably, Id2 increased a pool of lineage CD1a–CD5+ progenitor cells that in synergy with IL-15 furthered expansion and differentiation into NK cells. Taken together, our findings point to a dualistic function of Id2 in controlling T/NK cell lineage decisions; T cell development is impaired by Id2, most likely by sequestering HEB, whereas NK cell development is promoted by increasing a pool of CD1a–CD5+ NK cell progenitors, which together with IL-15 differentiate into mature NK cells.
Differences in Wound Healing in Mice with Deficiency of IL-6 versus IL-6 Receptor
Authors: McFarland-Mancini Molly M. , Funk Holly M. , Paluch Andrew M. , Zhou Mingfu , Giridhar Premkumar Vummidi , Mercer Carol A. , Kozma Sara C. , Drew Angela F. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
IL-6 modulates immune responses and is essential for timely wound healing. As the functions mediated by IL-6 require binding to its specific receptor, IL-6Rα, it was expected that mice lacking IL-6Rα would have the same phenotype as IL-6–deficient mice. However, although IL-6Rα–deficient mice share many of the inflammatory deficits seen in IL-6–deficient mice, they do not display the delay in wound healing. Surprisingly, mice with a combined deficit of IL-6 and IL-6Rα, or IL-6–deficient mice treated with an IL-6Rα–blocking Ab, showed improved wound healing relative to mice with IL-6 deficiency, indicating that the absence of the receptor contributed to the restoration of timely wound healing, rather than promiscuity of IL-6 with an alternate receptor. Wounds in mice lacking IL-6 showed delays in macrophage infiltration, fibrin clearance, and wound contraction that were not seen in mice lacking IL-6Rα alone and were greatly reduced in mice with a combined deficit of IL-6 and IL-6Rα. MAPK activation-loop phosphorylation was elevated in wounds of IL-6Rα–deficient mice, and treatment of wounds in these mice with the MEK inhibitor U0126 resulted in a delay in wound healing suggesting that aberrant ERK activation may contribute to improved healing. These findings underscore a deeper complexity for IL-6Rα function in inflammation than has been recognized previously.
On Nearly Equilateral Simplices and Nearly l∞ Spaces
Authors: Averkov Gennadiy 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBy d(X, Y) we denote the (multiplicative) Banach–Mazur distance between two normed spaces X and Y. Let X be an n-dimensional normed space with d(X, ) ≤ 2, where stands for ℝn endowed with the norm ║(x1, … , xn)║∞ := max﹛|x1|, … , |xn|﹜. Then every metric space (S, ρ) of cardinality n + 1 with norm ρ satisfying the condition maxD/minD ≤ 2/ d(X, ) for D := ﹛ρ(a, b) : a, b ∈ S, a ≠ b﹜ can be isometrically embedded into X.
Micropatterned Polymer Surfaces and Cellular Response of Dictyostelium
Authors: Eder Magdalena , Concors Natalie , Arzt Eduard , Weiss Ingrid M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractGecko inspired adhesives are surfaces with many microscale pillars that form Van der Waals forces with other surfaces. They differ from conventional tape in that adhesion is reversible and has the potential for switchability. These properties make gecko adhesives interesting for various biomedical applications. The two objectives of this project were to investigate the formation of biofilms on such surfaces and how the surfaces affect cell development. The developmental stages of the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum were observed by time lapse photography using light and environmental scanning electron microscopy. This study shows that micropatterned surfaces can be used as a biophysical tool to interfere with multicellular tissue formation in multiple ways.
Enhanced Charge Transportation in Semiconducting Polymer/Insulating Polymer Composites: The Role of an Interpenetrating Bulk Interface
Authors: Lu Guanghao , Tang Haowei , Huan Yan , Li Sijun , Li Ligui , Wang Yuzhen , Yang Xiaoniu 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe charge transportation in poly(3‐butylthiophene) (P3BT)/insulating polymer composites is studied both microscopically and macroscopically. The increased mobility of free charge carriers, in particular hole mobility, contributes to the enhanced electrical conductivity of this semiconductor/insulator composite. The conductivity origin of the composite, as revealed by conductive‐atomic force microscopy (C‐AFM), comes mainly from the P3BT network, whose carrier mobility has been improved as a result of reduced activation energy for charge transportation upon forming an interface with the insulating matrix. Both the huge interfacial area and interconnected conductive component are morphologically required for the enhanced electrical property of the composite. An increased size of the P3BT domains, which correspondingly reduces the interfacial area between the two components, ruins the enhancement. This study clarifies the mechanism of the higher electrical properties achieved in a semiconducting polymer upon blending with an insulating polymer, which will further promote the development of these low‐cost, easily processable, and environmentally stable composites.
A Quantum‐Chemical Study on Understanding the Dehydrogenation Mechanisms of Metal (Na, K, or Mg) Cation Substitution in Lithium Amide Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Lanlan , Peng Bo , Tao Zhanliang , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe hydrogen‐releasing activity of (LiNH2)6–LiH nanoclusters and metal (Na, K, or Mg)‐cation substituted nanoclusters (denoted as (NaNH2)(LiNH2)5, (KNH2)(LiNH2)5, and (MgNH)(LiNH2)5) are studied using ab initio molecular orbital theory. Kinetics results show that the rate‐determining step for the dehydrogenation of the (LiNH2)6–LiH nanocluster is the ammonia liberation from the amide with a high activation energy of 167.0 kJ mol−1 (at B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) level). However, metal (Na, K, Mg)‐cation substitution in amide–hydride nanosystems reduces the activation energies for the rate‐determining step to 156.8, 149.6, and 144.1 kJ mol−1 (at B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) level) for (NaNH2)(LiNH2)5, (KNH2)(LiNH2)5, and (MgNH)(LiNH2)5, respectively. Furthermore, only the −NH2 group bound to the Na/K cation is destabilized after Na/K cation substitution, indicating that the improving effect from Na/K‐cation substitution is due to a short‐range interaction. On the other hand, Mg‐cation substitution affects all –NH2 groups in the nanocluster, resulting in weakened N–H covalent bonding together with stronger ionic interactions between Li and the –NH2 group. The present results shed light on the dehydrogenation mechanisms of metal‐cation substitution in lithium amide–hydride nanoclusters and the application of (MgNH)(LiNH2)5 nanoclusters as promising hydrogen‐storage media.
High‐Surface‐Area Nanoporous Boron Carbon Nitrides for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Portehault David , Giordano Cristina , Gervais Christel , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Sanchez Clément , Antonietti Markus 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNano‐ and mesoporous boron carbon nitrides with very high surface areas up to 1560 m2 g−1 are obtained by pyrolysis of a graphitic carbon nitride mpg‐C3N4 infiltrated with a borane complex. This reactive hard‐templating approach provides easy composition and texture tuning by temperature adjustment between 800 and 1400 °C. The process yields BxCyNzOvHw materials as direct copies of the initial template with controlled compositions of 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.36, 0.10 ≤ y ≤ 0.12, 0.14 ≤ z ≤  0.32, and 0.11 ≤ v ≤ 0.28. The nano and mesoporosities can also be tuned in order to provide hierarchical materials with specific surface areas ranging from 610 to 1560 m2 g−1. Such high values, coupled with resistance against air oxidation up to 700 °C, suggest potential materials for gas storage and as catalyst supports. Indeed, it is demonstrated that these compounds exhibit high and tunable H2 uptakes from 0.55 to 1.07 wt.% at 77 K and 1 bar, thus guiding further search of materials for hydrogen storage.
In situ Mechanical Testing Reveals Periodic Buckle Nucleation and Propagation in Carbon Nanotube Bundles
Authors: Hutchens Shelby B. , Hall Lee J. , Greer Julia R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractUniaxial compression studies are performed on 50‐µm‐diameter bundles of nominally vertical, intertwined carbon nanotubes grown via chemical vapor deposition from a photolithographically defined catalyst. The inhomogeneous microstructure is examined, demonstrating density and tube orientation gradients, believed to play a role in the unique periodic buckling deformation mechanism. Through in situ uniaxial compression experiments it is discovered that the characteristic bottom‐to‐top sequential buckling proceeds by first nucleating on the bundle surface and subsequently propagating laterally through the bundle, gradually collapsing the entire structure. The effects of strain rate are explored, and storage and loss stiffnesses are analyzed in the context of energy dissipation.
Catalytic Use of a Soluble Organoindium(III) Species for Allylation and Crotylation of Ketones with Boronates
Authors: Yamaguchi Miyuki , Morita Naohide , Schneider Uwe , Kobayashi Shū 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe unprecedented use of a soluble organoindium species, indium(III) hexamethyldisilazide [In(III)(hmds)3], for catalytic carboncarbon bond formations between ketones and boronates, is reported. Various functionalized tertiary homoallyl alcohols were generated easily in high yields. Remarkably, free hydroxy and primary amine functionalities proved to be tolerated. A rate acceleration and markedly improved diastereoselectivities were observed in the presence of methanol. Based on preliminary NMR experiments and the α‐selectivity with an α‐substituted boronate, we assume the in situ generation of reactive allylindium(III) species through catalytic boron‐to‐indium transmetalation.
Meta‐analysis of digit ratio 2D:4D shows greater sex difference in the right hand
Authors: Hönekopp Johannes , Watson Steven 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives:Our aims are, first, to describe the sex difference in the length ratio of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D), which likely reflects prenatal testosterone levels in humans. Second, to infer the loss of reliability observed in 2D:4D based on self‐measured finger lengths.Methods:We used random‐effects meta‐analysis of 2D:4D based on expert‐measured finger lengths (116 samples with 13,260 females and 11,789 males).Results:We find a moderate sex difference (with lower 2D:4D for males), which shows substantial heterogeneity (which is unrelated to age). The sex difference is moderated by the type of finger length measurement and by hand. Measurement involving the distortion of soft tissue leads to a significantly larger sex difference than finger length measurement avoiding this. The sex difference in 2D:4D is larger in the right hand than in the left. The reliability of self‐measured 2D:4D in the BBC internet study, by far the largest study on 2D:4D, is estimated to be 46% of that of expert‐measured 2D:4D.Conclusions:Right‐hand 2D:4D might be a better indicator of prenatal androgenisation than left‐hand 2D:4D. The view that 2D:4D has allometric properties (Kratochvil L, Flegr J. 2009. Differences in 2nd to 4th digit length ratio in humans reflect shifts along the common allometric line. Biol Lett 5:643–646.) is not supported. Bone lengths contribute to the sex difference in 2D:4D. In addition, there might be a sex difference in fingers' soft tissue, which should be investigated. Because of measurement unreliability, correlations between 2D:4D and variables of interest are about one‐third smaller in the BBC internet study than in studies in which 2D:4D is based on expert‐measured finger lengths. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:619–630, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of fat mass index in determining obesity
Authors: Peltz Gerson , Aguirre Maria Teresa , Sanderson Maureen , Fadden Mary K. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives:The objective of this study is to compare body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), and fat mass index (FMI) and to investigate the accuracy of FMI as a convenient tool for assessing obesity.Design:Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed on 538 Mexican Americans (373 women and 165 men). Correlations between BMI and PBF and between FMI and PBF were investigated. The percentage of persons misclassified as obese using different classifications was calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to generate predictive models of FMI for males and females separately.Results:BMI and PBF were correlated in men (ρ = 0.877; P < 0.0001) and women (ρ = 0.966; P < 0.0001); however, 20 and 67.2% of the men and 9.2 and 84.2% of women, classified as normal weight and overweight by BMI, respectively, were diagnosed as obese by PBF. FMI and PBF were also correlated in men (ρ = 0.975; P < 0.0001) and women (ρ = 0.992; P < 0.0001). Four percent of the men classified as normal weight and 65.5% classified as overweight by BMI were obese by FMI, while 71.3% of women classified as overweight by BMI were obese by FMI. Misclassification of obesity between FMI and PBF categories was observed in 5.4% of men and 7.8% of women.Conclusions:The discrepancy observed between BMI and PBF reflects a limitation of BMI. Conversely, FMI accurately assessed obesity in our study of Mexican Americans, but further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:639–947, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenotype–genotype correlation of a patient with a “balanced” translocation 9;15 and cryptic 9q34 duplication and 15q21q25 deletion
Authors: Papadopoulou Eleftheria , Sismani Carolina , Christodoulou Christodoulos , Ioannides Marios , Kalmanti Maria , Patsalis Philippos 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe report on a 2‐year‐old boy with intellectual disabilities, distinctive facies, hypotonia, cardiac, and renal malformations. During his infancy he had recurrent episodes of apnea, cyanosis, and bradycardia. Chromosomal analysis showed a de novo apparently balanced translocation 46,XY,t(9;15)(q31;q26)dn. The use of array‐comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) however, revealed the presence of additional cryptic complex chromosomal rearrangements involving a ∼5–5.8 Mb distal duplication on chromosome 9 (9q34.1 → 9q34.3), and deletions on three separate regions of chromosome 15 adding to ∼8.1–12.2 Mb (15q21.2 → 15q21.3, 15q22.31 → 15q23, 15q25.1 → 15q25.2). During confirmation with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) an inversion was unexpectedly revealed on chromosome 15 (15q21.1 → 15q21.2). To our knowledge this is the first patient reported whose phenotype is due to partial trisomy 9q, and complex interstitial deletions of 15q, not involving the Prader–Willi/Angelman region and encompassing the critical region 15q21q25. We provide correlation between the clinical findings of our patient and the phenotype of the 9q34 duplication syndrome, the 15q21, and the 15q25 deletion syndromes. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paraganglioma, neuroblastoma, and a SDHB mutation: Resolution of a 30‐year‐old mystery
Authors: Schimke R. Neil , Collins Debra L. , Stolle Catherine A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractFamilial paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma (PGL/PCC) is genetically heterogenous with mutations in three of the four subunits of the heterotetrameric mitochondrial complex II enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) being causally responsible for the majority of cases. In addition to PGL/PCC an array of non‐paraganglial tumors have been described in affected individuals. We present a 30‐year follow‐up on the family of a deceased patient who synchronously developed malignant neuroblastoma (NBL), PCC, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Other family members with late onset disease have come to our attention, and molecular study revealed a mutation in the SDHB gene. Despite the embryologic relationship, NBL has been seen in only two previous patients with familial PGL/PCC, both with deletions of the SDHB gene. Review of the literature suggests the lack of a reported association between NBL and familial PGL/PCC may be an ascertainment bias. We further suggest that study of the SDH genes in NBL survivors who develop secondary solid tumors, particularly RCC, may correct this bias, and provide for more effective and comprehensive tumor screening in this patient population. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.