bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an Ultra Mini-Oxygenator for use in Low-Volume, Buffer-Perfused Preparations
Authors: Berner Marion , Clément David , Stadelmann Mathieu , Kistler Michael , Boone Yves , Carrel Thierry P. , Tevaearai Hendrik T. , Longnus Sarah L. 
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Small animal models are widely used in basic research. However, experimental systems requiring extracorporeal circuits are frequently confronted with limitations related to equipment size. This is particularly true for oxygenators in systems with limited volumes. Thus we aimed to develop and validate an ultra mini-oxygenator for low-volume, buffer-perfused systems. Methods: We have manufactured a series of ultra mini-oxygenators with approximately 175 aligned, microporous, polypropylene hollow fibers contained inside a shell, which is sealed at each of the two extremities to isolate perfusate and gas compartments. With this construction, gas passes through hollow fibers, while perfusate circulates around fibers. Performance of ultra mini-oxygenators (oxygen partial pressure (PO2), gas and perfusate flow, perfusate pressure and temperature drop) were assessed with modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer in an in vitro perfusion circuit and an ex vivo rat heart preparation. Results: Mean priming volume of ultra mini-oxygenators was 1.2±0.5 mL and, on average, 86±6% of fibers were open (n=17). In vitro, effective oxygenation (PO2=400–500 mmHg) was achieved for all flow rates up to 50 mL/min and remained stable for at least 2 hours (n=5). Oxygenation was also effective and stable (PO2=456±40 mmHg) in the isolated heart preparation for at least 60 minutes (“venous” PO2=151±11 mmHg; n=5). Conclusions: We have established a reproducible procedure for fabrication of ultra mini-oxygenators, which provide reliable and stable oxygenation for at least 60–120 min. These oxygenators are especially attractive for pre-clinical protocols using small, rather than large, animals.
Electrophysiological Properties and Synaptic Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Neurogenic Differentiation – a Mini-Review
Authors: Liu Jing , Song Lin , Jiang Changbin , Liu Yang , George Julian , Ye Hua , Cui Zhanfeng 
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained considerable interest due to their potential use in cell therapies and tissue engineering. They have been reported to differentiate into various anchorage-dependent cell types, including bone, cartilage, and tendon. Our focus is on the differentiation of MSCs into neuron-like cells through the use of soluble chemical stimuli or specific growth factor supplements. The resulting cells appear to adopt neural phenotypes and express some typical neuronal markers, however, their electrophysiological properties and synaptic function remains unclear. Results: This mini-review illustrates how particular characteristics, electrophysiological properties, and synaptic functions of MSCs change during their neuronal differentiation. In particular we focus on changes in ion currents, ion channels, synaptic communication, and neurotransmitter release. We also highlight conflicting results, caused by inconsistencies in the experimental conditions used and in the methodologies adopted. Conclusions: We conclude that there is insufficient data and that further, carefully controlled investigations are required in order to ascertain whether MSC-derived neuron-like cells can exhibit the necessary neuronal functions to become clinically relevant for use in neural repairs.
Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the control of malignant pleural effusion and survival in patients with primary lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qian Qian , Sun Wen-Kui , Zhan Ping , Zhang Yu , Song Yong , Yu Li-Ke 
Published: April 2012

This study aimed at assessing the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the control of pleural effusion (PE) and survival in patients with primary lung adenocarcinoma. The concentrations of the 3 cytokines were measured in PE from 79 lung adenocarcinoma patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and 23 patients with tuberculosis. Data were correlated with the efficacy of MPE control and patient survival. The level of MCP-1 in PE was significantly higher in patients with lung adenocarcinoma than those with tuberculosis. By contrast, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly lower in patients with lung adenocarcinoma than those with tuberculosis. An MCP-1 level greater than 3,187 pg/mL (which was used as a cutoff point) indicated failure to control MPE (odds ratio [OR]=2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.02–7.82, p=0.04). In multivariate analysis, MCP-1 was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]=2.02, 95% CI=1.24–3.30, p=0.01). The level of MCP-1 in PE appears to be a reliable surrogate marker for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy in the control of MPE and predicting survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients with MPE.
Prevalence and clinical features of Costello syndrome and cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome in Japan: Findings from a nationwide epidemiological survey
Authors: Abe Yu , Aoki Yoko , Kuriyama Shinichi , Kawame Hiroshi , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Kurosawa Kenji , Ohashi Hirofumi , Mizuno Seiji , Ogata Tsutomu , Kure Shigeo , Niihori Tetsuya , Matsubara Yoichi ,   Costello and CFC syndrome study group in Japan
Published: April 2012

AbstractCostello syndrome and cardio‐facio‐cutaneous (CFC) syndrome are congenital anomaly syndromes characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, heart defects, and intellectual disability. Germline mutations in HRAS cause Costello syndrome, and mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and MAP2K1/2 (MEK1/2) cause CFC syndrome. Since the discovery of the causative genes, approximately 150 new patients with each syndrome have been reported. However, the clinico‐epidemiological features of these disorders remain to be identified. In order to assess the prevalence, natural history, prognosis, and tumor incidence associated with these diseases, we conducted a nationwide prevalence study of patients with Costello and CFC syndromes in Japan. Based on the result of our survey, we estimated a total number of patients with either Costello syndrome or CFC syndrome in Japan of 99 (95% confidence interval, 77–120) and 157 (95% confidence interval, 86–229), respectively. The prevalences of Costello and CFC syndromes are estimated to be 1 in 1,290,000 and 1 in 810,000 individuals, respectively. An evaluation of 15 adult patients 18–32 years of age revealed that 12 had moderate to severe intellectual disability and most live at home without constant medical care. These results suggested that the number of adult patients is likely underestimated and our results represent a minimum prevalence. This is the first epidemiological study of Costello syndrome and CFC syndrome. Identifying patients older than 32 years of age and following up on the patients reported here is important to estimate the precise prevalence and the natural history of these disorders. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rheology and enhancement of extrusion of linear and branched polyethylenes using low amount of organoclay
Authors: Adesina Ayuba A. , Al‐Juhani Abdulhadi A. , Tabet Nouar , Ul‐Hamid Anwar , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInteraction between 0.05 wt % organoclay and polyethylenes of different short chain branching (SCB) was studied. Linear rheology (van Gurp‐Palmen plot) was used to study the effect of organoclay on the rheology of polyethylenes. Organoclay had effect only on the van Gurp‐Palmen plot of linear polyethylene. Fourier transform (FT) rheology, extrusion at high‐shear rates in a slit rheometer, transient stress growth analysis, and extensional rheology were conducted to examine the potential of organoclay as a processing aid. Organoclay reduced the transient stress overshoot, normal stress difference, ηo, onset of shear thinning, and extrusion pressure of polyethylene. The reduction was more pronounced in linear polyethylene without branching. Such effects gradually decreased as the branch content increased. The trend was independent of the type of flow (shear or extensional). It was interesting to note that FT rheology was not effective in explaining the impact of organoclay on polyethylene. The work concluded with the proposition that organoclay (as low as 0.05 wt %) was a good processing aid for linear polyethylene and polyethylenes with low content of SCB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High‐throughput analysis of the plasmid bioproduction process in Escherichia coli by FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Scholz Teresa , Lopes Vitor V. , Calado Cecília R.C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMonitoring plasmid production systems is a lab intensive task. This article proposes a methodology based on FTIR spectroscopy and the use of chemometrics for the high‐throughput analysis of the plasmid bioproduction process in E. coli. For this study, five batch cultures with different initial medium compositions are designed to represent different biomass and plasmid production behavior, with the maximum plasmid and biomass concentrations varying from 11 to 95 mg L−1 and 6.8 to 12.8 g L−1, respectively, and the plasmid production per biomass varying from 0.4 to 5.1 mg g−1. After a short sample processing consisting of centrifugation and dehydration, the FTIR spectra are recorded from the collected cellular biomass using microtiter plates with 96 wells. After spectral pre‐processing, the predictive FTIR spectra models are derived by using partial least squares (PLS) regression with the wavenumber selection performed by a Monte‐Carlo strategy. Results show that it is possible to improve the PLS models by selecting specific spectral ranges. For the plasmid model, the spectral regions between 590–1,130, 1,670–2,025, and 2,565–3,280 cm−1 are found to be highly relevant. Whereas for the biomass, the best wavenumber selections are between 900–1,200, 1,500–1,800, and 2,850–3,200 cm−1. The optimized PLS models show a high coefficient of determination of 0.91 and 0.89 for the plasmid and biomass concentration, respectively. Additional PLS models for the prediction of the carbon sources glucose and glycerol and the by‐product acetic acid, based on metabolism‐induced correlations between the nutrients and the cellular biomass are also established. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2279–2285. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adherence to treatment guidelines and survival in patients with early-stage breast cancer by age at diagnosis
Authors: van de Water W , Bastiaannet E , Dekkers O M , de Craen A J M , Westendorp R G J , Voogd A C , van de Velde C J H , Liefers G J 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Elderly patients with breast cancer are under-represented in clinical studies. It is not known whether treatment guidelines, based on clinical trials, can be extrapolated to this population. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to treatment guidelines by age at diagnosis, and to examine age-specific survival in relation to adherence to guidelines.

Methods
Patients with early-stage breast cancer aged either less than 65 years, or 75 years or more, diagnosed between 2005 and 2008, were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Adherence to treatment guidelines for breast and axillary surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy was determined. Non-adherence to the guidelines was defined as overtreatment or undertreatment. The primary endpoint was overall survival, assessed by means of an instrumental variable, the comprehensive cancer centre region.

Results
Some 24 959 patients younger than 65 years and 6561 patients aged 75 years or more were included in the analysis. Median follow-up was 2·8 years. Compared with patients younger than 65 years, those aged at least 75 years were less frequently treated in concordance with guidelines: 62·0 per cent (15 487 patients) versus 55·6 per cent (3647 patients) (P &lt; 0·001). In both age groups, most patients received at least three of five treatment modalities in concordance with guidelines: 98·8 per cent (24 652 patients) and 93·8 per cent (6152 patients) respectively. Analysis of survival using the instrumental variable showed that adherence to guidelines was not associated with overall survival in patients younger than 65 years (P = 0·601) or those aged at least 75 years (P = 0·190).

Conclusion
Adherence to treatment guidelines was affected by age at diagnosis. However, adherence to the guidelines was not associated with overall survival in either age group.
Structural Characteristics and Biological Activity of Fucoidans from the Brown Algae Alaria sp. and Saccharina japonica of Different Reproductive Status
Authors: Vishchuk Olesya S. , Tarbeeva Dariya V. , Ermakova Svetlana P. , Zvyagintseva Tatyana N. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractStructural characteristics and the antitumor activity of fucoidans isolated from vegetative and reproductive tissue of the brown algae Alaria sp. and Saccharina japonica were studied. The reproductive status of the brown algae affected the yield of fucoidans and their structural characteristics. The fucoidan yield was 5.7% (w/w on the basis of the dried algae weight) for fertile and 3.8% for sterile Alaria sp. and 1.42 and 0.71% for fertile and sterile S. japonica, respectively. The fucoidans from fertile Alaria sp. and S. japonica had a slightly higher degree of sulfation and a somewhat more homogeneous monosaccharide composition, with predominate amounts of fucose and galactose, than those isolated from sterile algae tissue. The fucoidans from both the sterile and fertile brown algae tissue tested possessed selective cytotoxicity towards human breast cancer (T‐47D) and melanoma (RPMI‐7951) cell lines, but not to normal mouse epidermal cells (JB6 Cl41), and effectively inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of the breast cancer and melanoma cell lines. The fucoidans from reproductive tissue of brown algae possessed higher antitumor activity than those from vegetative plants.
Insertion of Heme b into the Structure of the Cys34‐Carbamidomethylated Human Lipocalin α1‐Microglobulin: Formation of a [(Heme)2(α1‐Microglobulin)]3 Complex
Authors: Siebel Judith F. , Kosinsky Robyn L. , Åkerström Bo , Knipp Markus 
Published: April 2012

Abstractα1‐Microglobulin (α1m) is a 26 kDa plasma and tissue protein belonging to the lipocalin protein family. Previous investigations indicate that the protein interacts with heme and suggest that it has a function in heme metabolism. However, detailed characterizations of the α1m–heme interactions are lacking. Here, we report for the first time the preparation and analysis of a stable α1m–heme complex upon carbamidomethylation of the reactive Cys34 by using recombinantly expressed human α1m. Analytical size‐exclusion chromatography coupled with a diode‐array absorbance spectrophotometry demonstrates that at first an α1m–heme monomer is formed. Subsequently, a second heme triggers oligomerization that leads to trimerization. The resulting (α1m[heme]2)3 complex was characterized by resonance Raman and EPR spectroscopy, which support the presence of two ferrihemes, thus indicating an unusual spin‐state admixed ground state with S=3/2, 5/2.
Feasibilities and Demands of IT Support in Plant Engineering Construction – Based on Experiences in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Paul Rolf , Paul Georg , Pethe Roman 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDie Entwicklung von Software für die Automobilindustrie wird seit 20 Jahren intensiv erforscht und realisiert. Motiviert durch eine intensive öffentliche Debatte über die Situation der Support‐Software in der Prozessindustrie soll erläutert werden, wie Erkenntnisse aus der Softwareentwicklung in der Automobilindustrie auf die Prozessindustrie übertragen werden können. Dabei werden Ergebnisse von Forschungsprojekten vorgestellt, und eigene Erfahrungen auf dem Gebiet des Produktdatenmanagements in der Automobilindustrie geschildert. Als Ergebnis lassen sich Rückschlüsse für die Entwicklung von Support‐Software für die Prozessindustrie geziehen.
A Comparative Review of Petroleum‐Based and Bio‐Based Acrolein Production
Authors: Liu Lu , Ye X. Philip , Bozell Joseph J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAcrolein is an important chemical intermediate for many common industrial chemicals, leading to an array of useful end products. This paper reviews all the synthetic methods, including the former (aldol condensation) and contemporary (partial oxidation of propylene) manufacturing methods, the partial oxidation of propane, and most importantly, the bio‐based glycerol‐dehydration route. Emphasis is placed on the petroleum‐based route from propylene and the bio‐based route from glycerol, an abundantly available and relatively inexpensive raw material available from biodiesel production. This review provides technical details and incentives for industrial proyduction that justify a transition toward bio‐based acrolein production.
Performance of a multi‐marker Diabetes Risk Score in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), a multi‐ethnic US cohort
Authors: Rowe Michael W. , Bergman Richard N. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Kolberg Janice A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study compares a previously developed Diabetes Risk Score to commonly used clinical tools for type 2 diabetes risk evaluation in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) cohort, a multi‐ethnic US cohort. Available as a clinical test, the PreDx® Diabetes Risk Score uses fasting concentrations of adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin‐2 receptor alpha, HbA1c, glucose and insulin, plus age and gender to predict 5‐year risk of diabetes. It was developed in a Northern European population.MethodsThe Diabetes Risk Score was measured using archived fasting plasma specimens from 722 non‐diabetic IRAS participants, 17.6% of whom developed diabetes during 5.2 years median follow‐up (inter‐quartile range: 5.1–5.4 years). The study included non‐Hispanic whites (41.8%), Hispanics (34.5%) and African Americans (23.7%). Performance of the algorithm was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) and risk reclassification against other tools.ResultsThe Diabetes Risk Score discriminates participants who developed diabetes from those who did not significantly better than fasting glucose (AROC = 0.763 versus 0.710, p = 0.003). The Diabetes Risk Score performed equally well in subpopulations defined by race/ethnicity or gender. The Diabetes Risk Score provided a significant net reclassification improvement of 0.24 (p = 0.01) when comparing predefined low/moderate/high Diabetes Risk Score categories to metabolic syndrome risk factor counting. The Diabetes Risk Score complemented the use of the oral glucose tolerance test by identifying high risk patients with impaired fasting glucose but normal glucose tolerance, 33% of whom converted.ConclusionsMeasuring the Diabetes Risk Score of elevated‐risk US patients could help physicians decide which patients warrant more intensive intervention. The Diabetes Risk Score performed equally well across the ethnic subpopulations present in this cohort. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The antioxidative effect of lipophilized rutin and dihydrocaffeic acid in fish oil enriched milk
Authors: Sørensen Ann‐Dorit Moltke , Petersen Lone Kirsten , de Diego Sara , Nielsen Nina Skall , Lue Bena‐Marie , Yang Zhiyong , Xu Xubing , Jacobsen Charlotte 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe antioxidative effect of phenolipids was evaluated in fish oil enriched milk emulsions as a model for a complex food system. Two different phenolipids modified from dihydrocaffeic acid (with C8 or C18:1) and rutin (with C12 or C16) were evaluated. Both dihydrocaffeate esters and rutin laurate showed significantly better antioxidant properties in milk emulsion compared with the original phenolics. However, rutin palmitate only performed slightly better as antioxidant than rutin. The results with rutin indicated that a cut‐off effect exists in relation to the alkyl chain length with respect to optimal antioxidant activity in milk emulsions. Thus, the optimal alkyl chain length is at least below 16 carbon atoms, and maybe even less for rutin esters. For dihydrocaffeate esters it was not possible to conclude on a cut‐off effect in relation to alkyl chain length and antioxidative effect due to the almost similar antioxidant effect of the two phenolipids. However, there was a tendency towards octyl dihydrocaffeate being slightly more efficient than oleyl dihydrocaffeate.Practical application: The finding that phenolipids are better antioxidants in milk emulsions than the original phenolic acid provides new knowledge that can be used to develop new antioxidant strategies to protect foods against lipid oxidation. However, the results indicate that both optimization of alkyl chain length for each type of phenolic, and optimization for each type of emulsion will be necessary in order to get the best oxidative stability of an emulsion with these phenolipids. Use of efficient antioxidants may lower the amount of antioxidant needed to protect against lipid oxidation and may in addition decrease the costs.
Synthesis and Immunological Screening of β‐Linked Mono‐ and Divalent Mannosides
Authors: Mukherjee Chinmoy , Ranta Kaarina , Savolainen Johannes , Leino Reko 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThree different β‐linked divalent mannosides, along with their corresponding monovalent counterparts, have been designed and chemically synthesized by coupling the corresponding propargyl (propargyl alcohol in the case of the monovalent compounds) and 2‐azidoethyl glycosides by using an efficient click chemistry protocol. Crich's β‐mannosylation methodology was applied to the construction of the β‐mannosidic linkages. All the glycosylation reactions gave moderate‐to‐good yields with high selectivities. A competitive inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the inhibition, by the synthesized mannosides, of specific human IgG binding to low‐molecular‐weight Candida albicans mannan; moderate inhibition capacity was observed for some of the compounds.
Did Unexpectedly Strong Economic Growth Cause the Oil Price Shock of 2003–2008?
Authors: Kilian Lutz , Hicks Bruce 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTRecently developed structural models of the global crude oil market imply that the surge in the real price of oil between mid 2003 and mid 2008 was driven by repeated positive shocks to the demand for all industrial commodities, reflecting unexpectedly high growth mainly in emerging Asia. We evaluate this proposition using an alternative data source and a different econometric methodology. Rather than inferring demand shocks from an econometric model, we utilize a direct measure of global demand shocks based on revisions of professional real gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts. We show that forecast surprises during 2003–2008 were associated primarily with unexpected growth in emerging economies (in conjunction with much smaller positive GDP‐weighted forecast surprises in the major industrialized economies), that markets were repeatedly surprised by the strength of this growth, that these surprises were associated with a hump‐shaped response of the real price of oil that reaches its peak after 12–16 months, and that news about global growth predict much of the surge in the real price of oil from mid 2003 until mid 2008 and much of its subsequent decline. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.