bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of γ‐B28 ELNES with comparison to α‐B12
Authors: Rulis Paul , Wang Liaoyuan , Ching W. Y. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractUsing ab initio techniques we have calculated the electron energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) of a new high pressure phase of boron (γ‐B28) and the structurally similar allotrope, α‐B12. The total ELNES spectra are presented as weighted sums of the site specific spectra of the constituent non‐equivalent B atoms. The five different non‐equivalent B sites in γ‐B28 all show rich ELNES spectra and their similarities and differences to the simpler α‐B12 case are detailed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Coculture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Human Articular Chondrocytes Results in Significantly Altered Phenotype and Improved Chondrogenic Differentiation
Authors: Bigdeli Narmin , Karlsson Camilla , Strehl Raimund , Concaro Sebastian , Hyllner Johan , Lindahl Anders 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Human embryonic stem (hES) cells have been suggested as a cell source for the repair of cartilage lesions. Here we studied how coculture with human articular chondrocytes affects the expansion potential, morphology, expression of surface markers, and differentiation abilities of hES cells, with special regard to chondrogenic differentiation. Undifferentiated hES cells were cocultured with irradiated neonatal or adult articular chondrocytes in high-density pellet mass cultures for 14 days. Cocultured hES cells were then expanded on plastic and their differentiation potential toward the adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages was compared with that of undifferentiated hES cells. The expression of different surface markers was investigated using flow cytometry and teratoma formation was studied using injection of the cells under the kidney capsule. Our results demonstrate that although hES cells have to be grown on Matrigel, the cocultured hES cells could be massively expanded on plastic with a morphology and expression of surface markers similar to mesenchymal stem cells. Coculture further resulted in a more homogenous pellet and significantly increased cartilage matrix production, both in high-density pellet mass cultures and hyaluronan-based scaffolds. Moreover, cocultured cells formed colonies in agarose suspension culture, also demonstrating differentiation toward chondroprogenitor cells, whereas no colonies were detected in the hES cell cultures. Coculture further resulted in a significantly decreased osteogenic potential. No teratoma formation was detected. Our results confirm the potential of the culture microenvironment to influence hES cell morphology, expansion potential, and differentiation abilities over several population doublings.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Species Variation in the Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Immunosuppression
Authors: Ren Guangwen , Su Juanjuan , Zhang Liying , Zhao Xin , Ling Weifang , L'huillie Andrew , Zhang Jimin , Lu Yongqing , Roberts Arthur I. , Ji Weizhi , Zhang Huatang , Rabson Arnold B. , Shi Yufang 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise for treating immune disorders because of their immunoregulatory capacity, but the mechanism remains controversial. As we show here, the mechanism of MSC-mediated immunosuppression varies among different species. Immunosuppression by human- or monkey-derived MSCs is mediated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), whereas mouse MSCs utilize nitric oxide, under the same culture conditions. When the expression of IDO and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were examined in human and mouse MSCs after stimulation with their respective inflammatory cytokines, we found that human MSCs expressed extremely high levels of IDO, and very low levels of iNOS, whereas mouse MSCs expressed abundant iNOS and very little IDO. Immunosuppression by human MSCs was not intrinsic, but was induced by inflammatory cytokines and was chemokine-dependent, as it is in mouse. These findings provide critical information about the immunosuppression of MSCs and for better application of MSCs in treating immune disorders.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Sponge spicules as blueprints for the biofabrication of inorganic–organic composites and biomaterials
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Wang Xiaohong , Cui Fu-Zhai , Jochum Klaus Peter , Tremel Wolfgang , Bill Joachim , Schröder Heinz C. , Natalio Filipe , Schloßmacher Ute , Wiens Matthias 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
While most forms of multicellular life have developed a calcium-based skeleton, a few specialized organisms complement their body plan with silica. However, of all recent animals, only sponges (phylum Porifera) are able to polymerize silica enzymatically mediated in order to generate massive siliceous skeletal elements (spicules) during a unique reaction, at ambient temperature and pressure. During this biomineralization process (i.e., biosilicification) hydrated, amorphous silica is deposited within highly specialized sponge cells, ultimately resulting in structures that range in size from micrometers to meters. Spicules lend structural stability to the sponge body, deter predators, and transmit light similar to optic fibers. This peculiar phenomenon has been comprehensively studied in recent years and in several approaches, the molecular background was explored to create tools that might be employed for novel bioinspired biotechnological and biomedical applications. Thus, it was discovered that spiculogenesis is mediated by the enzyme silicatein and starts intracellularly. The resulting silica nanoparticles fuse and subsequently form concentric lamellar layers around a central protein filament, consisting of silicatein and the scaffold protein silintaphin-1. Once the growing spicule is extruded into the extracellular space, it obtains final size and shape. Again, this process is mediated by silicatein and silintaphin-1, in combination with other molecules such as galectin and collagen. The molecular toolbox generated so far allows the fabrication of novel micro- and nanostructured composites, contributing to the economical and sustainable synthesis of biomaterials with unique characteristics. In this context, first bioinspired approaches implement recombinant silicatein and silintaphin-1 for applications in the field of biomedicine (biosilica-mediated regeneration of tooth and bone defects) or micro-optics (in vitro synthesis of light waveguides) with promising results.
Is an estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress able to predict operative morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy?
Authors: Hashimoto Daisuke , Takamori Hiroshi , Sakamoto Yasuo , Ikuta Yoshiaki , Nakahara Osamu , Furuhashi Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Watanabe Masayuki , Beppu Toru , Hirota Masahiko , Baba Hideo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundMortality rates after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are below 4% in high volume centers, although morbidity rates still remain high. Therefore, it is important to clarify a predictor associated with operative morbidity after PD. The estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress (E‐PASS) score has been developed for comparative audit in general surgical patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether E‐PASS scoring system could predict the occurrence of complications after PD.MethodsWe performed retrospective analysis of 69 patients (42.0% pancreatic cancer, 31.9% bile duct cancer, and others) who underwent PD using the E‐PASS as a predictor of morbidity. Correlations between the incidence rates of postoperative complications and the preoperative risk score (PRS), surgical stress score (SSS) and comprehensive risk score (CRS) of the E‐PASS scoring system were evaluated.ResultsOf the 69 patients 30 (43.5%) experienced a total of 54 postoperative complications. All E‐PASS scores, especially PRS and CRS were significantly higher in the patients with postoperative complications than in the patients without complication. The complication rate gradually increased as the PRS, SSS and CRS score increased. Under receiver operating characteristic analysis, if a cut‐off point of CRS was 0.75, sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of operative morbidity after PD was 80.0 and 79.5%, respectively. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) did not influenced on operative morbidity after PD.ConclusionE‐PASS scoring system is useful to evaluate for morbidity after PD. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and IORT could be adapted without significant extra risk for surgical complication.
Surface Localization of Buried III–V Semiconductor Nanostructures
Authors: Alonso-González P , González L , Fuster D , Martín-Sánchez J , González Yolanda 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
In this work, we study the top surface localization of InAs quantum dots once capped by a GaAs layer grown by molecular beam epitaxy. At the used growth conditions, the underneath nanostructures are revealed at the top surface as mounding features that match their density with independence of the cap layer thickness explored (from 25 to 100 nm). The correspondence between these mounds and the buried nanostructures is confirmed by posterior selective strain-driven formation of new nanostructures on top of them, when the distance between the buried and the superficial nanostructures is short enough (d = 25 nm).
Detection of Autoantibodies to Annexin A11 in Different Types of Human Cancer
Authors: Song Jin , Sun Xiaer , Sokoll Lori J. , Maki Masatoshi , Tian Yuan , Chan Daniel W. , Zhang Zhen 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Annexin A11 was previously identified as an autoantigen in 4.1–10.1% of patients with various systemic autoimmune diseases. In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to investigate the occurrence and features of anti-annexin A11 autoantibodies in sera from patients with different types of cancer.

Methods
The recombinant protein of GST fused to the N-terminal domain (1–175 residues) of human annexin A11 was expressed and used as antigen in ELISA. A total of 246 serum specimens were analyzed, which includes sera from healthy women (77), patients with ovarian cancer (72), breast cancer (18), colon cancer (19), pancreatic cancer (20), prostate cancer (20), and diabetes (20).

Results
The overall titer of anti-annexin A11 autoantibodies in ovarian cancer patients (or primary tumors only) was found much higher than that in healthy controls (P < 0.05). At the cut-off value designating positive reaction, anti-annexin A11 autoantibodies were detected in 12.5% (5/40) of primary ovarian cancer patients with a significant difference from 2.6% (2/77) of the healthy controls (P < 0.05), but only in 6.25% (2/32) of recurrent tumors. ROC curve demonstrated the potential diagnostic value of anti-annexin A11 autoantibodies in primary ovarian cancer patients with an AUC of 0.62 (0.52–0.73). Anti-annexin A11 autoantibodies were also detected in 5.26% (1/19) of colon cancer and 10% (2/20) of diabetes patients but without significant difference from the healthy controls.

Conclusion
A convenient assay to detect anti-annexin A11 autoantibodies in patients was developed, and the experimental data are promising but need to be expanded to address their biological/clinical relevance.
Gender and grade‐level comparisons in the structure of problem behaviors among adolescents
Authors: Chun Heejung , Mobley Michael 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTBased on Jessor's theory (1987) the comparability of a second‐order problem behavior model (SPBM) was investigated across gender and grade‐level among adolescents. In addition, gender and grade‐level differences in problem behavior engagement were addressed examining latent mean differences. Using a sample of 6504 adolescents drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a series of invariance tests evidenced partial invariance. The non‐invariance of SPBM resulted from aggression across gender and grade‐level. Latent mean difference test results showed greater differences in academic failure, aggression, substance use, and risky sexual activity among males compared to females. Results also showed greater engagement in academic failure, substance use, and risky sexual activity among upper vs. lower grade students. Overall, analyses revealed that both gender and grade‐level differences could be explained by the common cause problem behavior syndrome (PBS), offering further support for Jessor's theory.
Brief report: Predictors of heavy Internet use and associations with health‐promoting and health risk behaviors among Hong Kong university students
Authors: Kim Jean H. , Lau C.H. , Cheuk Ka‐Kin , Kan Pauline , Hui Heidi L.C. , Griffiths Sian M. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTTo examine the correlates of heavy Internet use and determine the associations of heavy Internet use with various health risk behaviors and health‐promoting behaviors among Chinese adolescents, an anonymous, self‐administered health behavior questionnaire was completed by 2427 matriculants into a Hong Kong university (mean age = 18.9 y) and returned at compulsory health examination. Of students, 14.8% reported heavy Internet use (>4 h/day) and such use was associated with lower likelihood of engaging in health‐promoting activities such as exercising and seeking medical care. At the same time, heavy Internet use was correlated with multiple risk behaviors such as skipping meals and sleeping late as well as poorer health outcomes such as higher likelihood of being overweight or having hypersomnia. Given the double burden of poorer health outcomes and fewer health‐promoting behaviors, heavy Internet users represent a particularly challenging group for adolescent health promotion.
Quantitative determination and comparison of the glycosaminoglycan Δ‐disaccharide composition in 22 different human cell lines
Authors: Ambrosius Michael , Kleesiek Knut , Götting Christian 
Published: May 2009

AbstractChanges in proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and distribution may play an important role in the development of many diseases, atherosclerosis, cancer and diabetes. Human cell lines act as models for the underlying pathomechanisms. Despite the importance of proteoglycans for cell functioning, information on the GAG composition of most human cell lines is limited. Comparative analysis of the GAG Δdisaccharide amount in 22 human cell lines yielded a mean value of 94 ± 58 pmol/106 cells (mean ± SEM). Total GAG amount and heparan sulfate/heparin Δdisaccharide composition, but not chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate Δdisaccharide composition, differed significantly between the investigated adherent and suspension cell lines. We provide a novel overview of GAG Δdisaccharide composition in 22 different human cell lines.
Proteomics and transcriptome approaches to investigate the mechanism of human sex determination
Authors: Sato Youichi , Shinka Toshikatsu , Chen Gang , Yan Hong‐Tao , Sakamoto Kozue , Ewis Ashraf A. , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Nakahori Yutaka 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTheSRYgene (sex‐determining region on the Y chromosome) was isolated in 1990 and is known as the testis‐determining factor on the Y chromosome. The SRY has been considered as a transcription factor since it contains an HMG box, which functions as a DNA‐binding domain. However, a direct target for SRY remains to be identified. We have investigated the function of SRY through proteomics and transcriptome approaches, and by using two stable SRY‐overexpressing cell lines (SRY1 and SRY2) in NT2/D1 cells derived from human testicular embryonal cell carcinoma. The results of 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis show that SRY overexpression causes a considerable downregulation of many chaperone proteins. SRY also upregulates laminin, which is important for Sertoli cell differentiation. Additionally, transcriptome analysis shows that SRY overexpression upregulates many zinc finger proteins and downregulates cellular growth factors with S or G2/M arrest of the cell cycle and inhibition of cellular proliferation.
BMP‐2 treatment of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells blocks MMP‐9 activity during chondrocyte commitment
Authors: Choi Young‐Ae , Kang Shin‐Sung , Jin Eun‐Jung 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMembers of both the Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) families of signaling molecules have been implicated in the regulation of cartilage development. We explored the underlying mechanism of BMP‐2‐induced chondrocyte commitment of C3H10T1/2 cells. Treating cells with exogenous BMP‐2 was tied to chondrocyte commitment by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity (MMP‐9: 92 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase B). Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β inhibition by its specific inhibitor blocked BMP‐2‐induced chondrocyte commitment by stimulating MMP‐9 activity. These findings indicate that the downregulation of MMP‐9 by BMP‐2 is associated with chondrocyte commitment, and that the GSK‐3β signaling pathway is involved in this process.
Effects of variation in the human α2A‐ and α2C‐adrenoceptor genes on cognitive tasks and pain perception
Authors: Kohli Utkarsh , Muszkat Mordechai , Sofowora Gbenga G. , Harris Paul A. , Friedman Eitan A. , Dupont William D. , Scheinin Mika , Wood Alastair J.J. , Stein C. Michael , Kurnik Daniel 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground: The mechanisms underlying interindividual variability in pain perception and cognitive responses are undefined but highly heritable. α2C‐ and α2A‐adrenergic receptors regulate noradrenergic activity and are important mediators of pain perception and analgesia. We hypothesized that common genetic variants in these genes, particularly the ADRA2C 322–325 deletion variant, affect pain perception or cognitive responses.Methods: We studied 73 healthy subjects (37 Caucasians and 36 African–Americans) aged 25.4 ± 4.6 years. Pain response to a cold pressor test was measured using a 10 cm visual analog scale and again on the next day, after three infusions of the selective α2‐agonist dexmedetomidine. Standardized cognitive tests were administered at baseline and after each infusion. The contribution of ADRA2C deletion genotype, dexmedetomidine concentration, and other covariates to pain perception and cognitive responses was determined using multiple linear regression models. Secondary analysis examined the effects of ADRA2A and other ADRA2C variants on pain perception.Results: ADRA2C Del homozygotes had higher pain scores in response to cold at baseline (6.3 ± 1.8 cm) and after dexmedetomidine (5.6 ± 2.2 cm) than insertion allele carriers (4.6 ± 2.1 cm [baseline] and 3.8 ± 1.9 cm [after dexmedetomidine]; adjusted P‐values = 0.019 and 0.004, respectively). Cognitive responses were unrelated to ADRA2C Ins/Del genotype. None of the other ADRA2A and ADRA2C variants was significantly related to cold pain sensitivity before dexmedetomidine; after dexmedetomidine, ADRA2A rs1800038 was marginally associated (P = 0.03).Conclusion: The common ADRA2C del322–325 variant affected pain perception before and after dexmedetomidine but did not affect other cognitive responses, suggesting that it contributes to interindividual variability in pain perception.
Prevalence rates for dementia and Alzheimer's disease in African Americans: 1992 versus 2001
Authors: Hall Kathleen S. , Gao Sujuan , Baiyewu Olusegun , Lane Kathleen A. , Gureje Oye , Shen Jianzhao , Ogunniyi Adesola , Murrell Jill R. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Dickens Jeanne , Smith-Gamble Valerie , Hendrie Hugh C. 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundThis study compares age‐specific and overall prevalence rates for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in two nonoverlapping, population‐based cohorts of elderly African Americans in Indianapolis in 2001 and 1992.MethodsWe used a two‐stage design. The first stage involves the Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSI‐D). The CSI‐D scores are grouped into good, intermediate, and poor performance before selection for clinical assessment. Diagnoses were performed using standard criteria in a consensus diagnosis conference; clinicians were blind to performance groups. In 1992, interviewers visited randomly sampled addresses to enroll self‐identified African Americans aged ≥65 years. Of 2582 eligible, 2212 enrolled (9.6% refused, and 4.7% were too sick). In 2001, Medicare rolls were used for African Americans aged >70 years. Of 4260 eligible, 1892 (44%) enrolled, 1999 (47%) refused, and the remainder did not participate for other reasons.ResultsThe overall age‐adjusted prevalence rate for dementia at age ≥70 years in 2001 was 7.45% (95 confidence interval [CI], 4.27–10.64), and in the 1992 cohort, this prevalence rate was 6.75% (95% CI, 5.77–7.74). The overall age‐adjusted prevalence rate at age ≥70 years for AD in the 2001 cohort was 6.77% (95% CI, 3.65–9.90), and for the 1992 cohort, it was 5.47% (95% CI, 4.51–6.42). Rates for dementia and AD were not significantly different in the two cohorts (dementia, P = .3534; AD, P = .2649).ConclusionsWe found no differences in the prevalence rates of dementia and AD between 1992 and 2001, despite significant differences in medical history and medical treatment within these population‐based cohorts of African American elderly.
Helminth parasites of Leptodactylus podicipinus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from south-eastern Pantanal, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Campião K.M. , da Silva R.J. , Ferreira V.L. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractForty-three specimens of Leptodactylus podicipinus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) were collected in the south-eastern Pantanal, municipality of Corumbá, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil in February and July 2007, and examined for endoparasites. Forty (93%) specimens were infected with at least one helminth species. The predominant parasites were nematodes (Aplectana sp., Cosmocerca podicipinus, Oswaldocruzia lopesi, Physalopteroides venancioi, Rhabdias sp.), but the trematode Catadiscus propinquus also showed high prevalence. The trematodes Infidum infidum and Travtrema stenocotyle were also found, but in only one specimen. Adult frogs showed higher parasite diversity than subadults. Leptodactylus podicipinus was preferentially infected by direct life-cycle parasites and was reported as a new host record for seven helminth species.
Comparative effects of mites and lice on the reproductive success of rock doves (Columba livia)
Authors: Clayton D. H. , Tompkins D. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYWe report experimental data comparing the effects of Mesostigmatid mites and Ischnoceran lice on the reproductive performance of a single group of captive rock doves (Columba livia). Several components of host reproductive success were compared for the two groups, including number of eggs laid, hatching success, nestling growth rates, fledging success, post-fledging body mass and survival. Adult body mass and survival were also compared. There was a dramatic difference in the effects of the mites and lice. The former drove host reproductive success to zero, mainly by agitating adults and causing them to incubate eggs less faithfully. Nestling growth rates and post-fledging survival were also significantly reduced by mites. Lice showed no effect on reproductive success whatsoever, even though the feather damage they cause is known to have energetic consequences (Booth, Clayton & Block, 1993). Neither parasite had a significant effect on adult birds. Although Ischnocera are found on most species of birds, our results for lice constitute the first experimental test of the impact of Ischnocera on avian reproductive success (preliminary report by Clayton & Tompkins, 1994). We discuss reasons for the different effects of mites and lice, including the relationship of horizontal (mites) and vertical (lice) transmission to the evolution of virulence.