bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial progenitors in pulmonary hypertension: new pathophysiology and therapeutic implications: Fig. 1—
Authors: Fadini G. P. , Avogaro A. , Ferraccioli G. , Agostini C. 
Published: February 2010

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive and disabling disease with as yet unclear pathogenesis, limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This is why the discovery of new pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies are needed. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived cells involved in endothelial homeostasis, as well as physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Experimental and clinical studies have been conducted to understand the possible contribution of EPCs to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Conflicting results have been obtained regarding the protectiveversusharmful effects of EPCs on the pulmonary vasculature. However, preliminary clinical trials using EPC-based therapies in patients with pulmonary hypertension show benefit of this approach, thus revealing EPCs as potential therapeutic targets.This review critically summarises the complex and conflicting data on EPCs and pulmonary hypertension, in both humans and animals, putting them into the context of lung (patho)physiology.The resulting scenario identifies EPCs as a novel and fascinating tool to study pathophysiology and therapy in the setting of pulmonary hypertension.
Evaluating the non-tuberculous mycobacteria effect in the tuberculosis infection diagnosis
Authors: Latorre I. , De Souza-Galvão M. , Ruiz-Manzano J. , Lacoma A. , Prat C. , Altet N. , Ausina V. , Domínguez J. 
Published: February 2010

The aim of the present study was to determine the role of previous non-tuberculous mycobacteria sensitisation in children as a factor of discordant results between tuberculin skin test (TST) and anin vitroT-cell based assay (T-SPOT.TB; Oxford Immunotec, Oxford, UK).We enrolled 21 non-bacille Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated paediatric patients for suspicious of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). These patients yielded a positive TST and a negative T-SPOT.TB. Cells were stimulated withMycobacterium aviumsensitin (having cross-reaction withMycobacterium intracellulareandMycobacterium scrofulaceum) and the presence of reactive T-cells was determined by anex vivoELISPOT.From the 21 patients, in 10 cases (47.6%), we obtained a positive ELISPOT result after stimulation withM. aviumsensitin, in six (28.6%) cases, the result was negative and in the remaining five (23.8%) cases, the result was indeterminate.In conclusion, previous non-tuberculous mycobacteria sensitisation induces false-positive results in the TST for diagnosing LTBI and the use of γ-interferon tests could avoid unnecessary chemoprophylaxis treatment among a child population.
Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Designed Based on Energy Transfer between Size-different Quantum Dots
Authors: Shiraki Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Youichi , Shinkai Seiji 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Aggregation of two different sizes of semiconductor quantum dots is successfully applied to a novel ratiometric fluorescent sensor, in which Förster type energy transfer between quantum dots is induced by the interaction with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a binder of quantum dots. The detection limit for TNT achieved is 5 pM, and the system shows relatively high sensitivity against TNT in comparison to 2,4-dinitrotoluene and 2-nitrotoluene at 5 pM–500 nM range.
Quinone–Hydroquinone π-Conjugated Redox Reaction Involving Proton-coupled Electron Transfer Plays an Important Role in Scavenging Superoxide by Polyphenolic Antioxidants
Authors: Nakayama Tatsushi , Uno Bunji 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) from p-, o-, and m-dihydroxybenzenes (PQH2, OQH2, and MQH2, respectively) to the hydroperoxy radical (HO2●) derived from superoxide (O2●−) is investigated. It is demonstrated that quinone–hydroquinone π-conjugated redox systems characterized by electron transfer in PQH2 and OQH2 moieties play an important role in scavenging O2●− by polyphenolic antioxidants.
Halochromic Chiroptical Response of Novel Bis(9-acridinyl)-type Fluorophores with a Helical π Framework
Authors: Nehira Tatsuo , Yoshimoto Yasuyo , Wada Kazuhisa , Kawai Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Acridine-based novel fluorophores 1/2 with a helical dihydrodibenzoxepin/azepine skeleton exhibit halochromic response upon addition of Brønsted acid in CH2Cl2, thus giving UV–vis and fluorescence spectral changes. By using the optically resolved species [(M)-1/2], circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence detected-CD (FDCD) signals were also changed drastically, thus demonstrating four-way-output response thanks to configurational stability of helicity and efficient exciton coupling.
Chiral T-shaped Semiflexible Compound Exhibiting a Wide Temperature Range Blue Phase III
Authors: Iwamochi Hirotoshi , Hirose Tetsu , Kogawa Yutaro , Yoshizawa Atsushi 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
We have designed a chiral T-shaped compound possessing a flexible spacer, which was found to exhibit a blue phase III with a temperature range of about 30 K including room temperature on cooling. Furthermore, the BPIII changed to a glass phase. Electrooptical switching was observed at all temperatures of the BPIII.
A Cembranoid, Trocheliophorol, from the Cultured Soft Coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum
Authors: Su Jui-Hsin , Lu Yi , Lin Wan-Yu , Wang Wei-Hsien , Sung Ping-Jyun , Sheu Jyh-Horng 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A new cembranoid, trocheliophorol (1), and a known cembranoid sarcophine have been isolated from the cultured soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum. The structure of 1 was determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 is the first α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactone cembrane that was found to possess a tetrahydrofuran moiety with an 8,11-ether linkage in a 14-membered ring.
Effects of Redox Potential of Metallophthalocyanine Dye on Photocatalytic Activity of KTa(Zr)O3 for Water Splitting
Authors: Hagiwara Hidehisa , Ono Naoko , Ishihara Tatsumi 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Photocatalytic activity of dye-modified KTaO3 correlated with the first redox potential of phthalocyanines. It was found that the most effective dye for improving water-spritting activity was Cr–phthalocyanine (Cr–Pc) with a redox potential of −0.8 V vs. SCE.
A Straightforward and Efficient Catalyst-free One-pot Synthesis of N-Acyl-1,3-diaryl-2-azaphenalene Derivatives via Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Foroughifar Naser , Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Moghanian Hassan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A novel, one-pot multicomponent reaction of two molecules of aldehydes with 2,7-naphthalenediol and ammonium carboxylates is described as an efficient and direct procedure for the preparation of N-acyl-1,3-diaryl-2-azaphenalene derivatives in EtOH under reflux conditions. N-Acyl-1,3-diaryl-2-azaphenalene derivatives were obtained in good to high yields without any catalyst or activation.
Novel Tube-like Y2Sn2O7:Tb3+ Crystals: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Yang Jinyu , Su Yuchang , Li Lijian 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Novel tube-like Y2Sn2O7:Tb3+ crystals with pyrochlore structure have been successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The experimental results show that ammonia plays a key role in the fabrication of Y2Sn2O7:Tb3+ with tube-like morphology. The photoluminescence spectra indicate that the tube-like Y2Sn2O7:Tb3+ crystals emit strong green light at 543 nm under UV excitation. The growth mechanism of tube-like Y2Sn2O7:Tb3+ crystals is proposed.
Fabrication of Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O Nanoribbons and Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O/PANI Nanocomposites Used in Supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Zhongjie , Ni Wenbin , Pang Huan , Lu Qingyi , Wang Dengchao , Zhao Jianwei 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O (CVO) nanoribbons are fabricated through a facile hydrothermal approach, showing a layered structure and multiwater framework proven by TEM, XRD, and FT-IR measurements. The CVO nanoribbon electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 121 F g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1 in 1.0 M KNO3. While PANI materials are both coated on and intercalated into the CVO, the specific capacitance is greatly improved to 197 F g−1.
Lewis Acid-mediated Highly Regioselective Ring-expansion of Methyl 2-Phenyl-1-(arylhydroxymethyl)cyclopropanecarboxylates
Authors: Yoshida Eri , Nishida Kazufumi , Toriyabe Kei , Taguchi Ryouta , Motoyoshiya Jiro , Nishii Yoshinori 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A novel ring-expansion of methyl (arylhydroxymethyl)cyclopropanecarboxylates 1 using Sc(OTf)3 or BF3·OEt2 afforded 1,2-dihydronaphthalene-3-carboxylic acid ester 2 in high to excellent yields. In the reaction, highly regioselective ring opening of cyclopropane and sequential cyclization occurred.
Transesterification of Triolein to Biodiesel Fuel over Mordenite-supported CaO Catalysts
Authors: Yamaguchi Syuhei , Asamoto Makiko , Inoue Syun , Kawahito Satomi , Mieno Yasuhiro , Ikushima Kenji , Yahiro Hidenori 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
CaO catalysts supported on several metal oxides and zeolites were investigated for transesterification of triolein with methanol. Zeolite-supported CaO catalysts showed high catalytic activity for transesterification compared to the metal oxide-supported CaO catalysts; among the zeolites tested in this work, mordenite exhibited the best support. The catalytic activity of mordenite-supported CaO catalyst depended on both the amount of CaO loading and the calcination temperature for catalyst precursor.
Facile Fabrication of Inorganic/Polymer Janus Microspheres by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Jianan , Wu Mingyuan , Wu Qingyun , Yang Jianjun , Liu Nannan , Jin Zhilai 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Inorganic/polymer Janus microspheres were fabricated successfully in a one-step process by miniemulsion polymerization. Our method involved the in situ miniemulsion polymerization of styrene and the in situ hydrolysis–condensation of tetraethoxysilane under basic conditions. By taking full advantage of phase separation between the growing polystyrene particles and tetraethoxysilane, Janus microspheres were obtained with silica constituting one hemisphere by the hydrolysis–condensation and polystyrene the other hemisphere after the polymerization of monomers. The Janus microspheres showed amphiphilicity due to the different chemical composition of each hemisphere.
Laser Ablation of Micro-sized Organic Dye Particles in Solvents with Limited Solubility for the Dye: Formation of a Supersaturated Solution
Authors: Itaya Akira , Murakami Takumi , Yokoi Nao , Masuo Sadahiro , Machida Shinjiro 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Solvents with limited solubility for N,N′-di(octyl)perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C8) were used for laser ablation in liquid. Laser irradiation of the suspension induced an absorption spectral change of the solution. The absorbance of free PTCDI-C8 molecules in the solution obtained by laser irradiation was unusually larger than that of the suspension before laser irradiation, suggesting that a supersaturated solution was formed by laser irradiation of PTCDI-C8 nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation.
Standardization in clinical enzymology: a challenge for the theory of metrological traceability
Authors: Infusino Ilenia , Schumann Gerhard , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The goal of standardization for measurement of the catalytic concentration of enzymes is to achieve comparable results in human samples, independent of the reagent kits, instruments, and laboratory where the assay is performed. To pursue this objective, the IFCC has established reference systems for the most important clinical enzymes. These systems are based on the following requirements: a) reference methods, well described and evaluated extensively; b) suitable reference materials; and c) reference laboratories operating in a highly controlled manner. When these reference systems are used appropriately, the diagnostic industry can assign traceable values to commercial calibrators. Clinical laboratories that use procedures with validated calibrators to measure human specimens can now obtain values that are traceable to higher-order reference procedures. These reference systems constitute the structure of the traceability chain to which the routine methods can be linked via an appropriate calibration process, provided that they have a comparable specificity (i.e., they are measuring the same catalytic quantity).
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:301–7.
Development and validation of a high performance liquid chromatography method to determine linezolid concentrations in pig pulmonary tissue
Authors: Guerrero Laura , Martínez-Olondris Pilar , Rigol Montserrat , Esperatti Mariano , Esquinas Cristina , Luque Néstor , Piñer Raquel , Torres Antoni , Soy Dolors 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: Linezolid is the first synthetic compound of a new group of antimicrobials, the oxazolidinones, which inhibit protein synthesis. It shows a broad spectrum of activity against Gram positive organisms. With respect to its pharmacokinetics, linezolid shows a relatively high volume of distribution and good penetration into inflammatory fluids, bone, fat and muscle.

Methods: A reversed-phase isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method for linezolid analysis in piglet pulmonary tissue is described. Tissue samples and controls were prepared in 1×TBE (1 M Tris, 0.9 M boric acid, 0.01 M EDTA). The mobile phase consisted of 20% ultrafiltered water and 80% of (A) 15 mM potassium monohydrogen phosphate buffer (pH=5) with (B) acetonitrile (80%/20%; v/v). Samples were homogenized and precipitated with HClO4 3% (1/1, v/v). The injection volume was 100 μL. Ofloxacin was used as an internal standard.

Results: The assay was linear over a linezolid concentration range: 1.6–100 μg/mL. The method provided good validation data (n=15): inaccuracy (3.6%), intra and inter-day variability (4.2% and 5.2%, respectively), recovery (91.8%), limit of detection (0.8 μg/mL) and quantitation (1.6 μg/mL) and acceptable stability within 24 h in the auto-sampler.

Conclusions: The method offers a fast and simple approach to determine linezolid in pulmonary tissue which could be of use in pharmacokinetic studies.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:391–8.
Composition of kidney stone fragments obtained after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Ribeiro da Silva Silvia Fernandes , Leite da Silva Sônia , De Francesco Daher Elizabeth , de Holanda Campos Henry , Bruno da Silva Carlos Antônio 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the composition of kidney stone fragments obtained after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Methods: Kidney stone fragments from 25 patients with urolithiasis treated with ESWL were submitted for morphological analysis. The composition was determined for all the recovered fragments.

Results: Thirteen patients (52%) had pure stones. The most common type of pure stone was calcium oxalate (61.6%), of which half was the monohydrate type (COM) and half was the dihydrate type (COD). The other pure stones consisted of either uric acid (30.8%) or struvite (7.6%). For mixed stones, the most frequently observed component was COM or COD (50%), followed by a mixture of COD and carbapatite (25.1%).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the composition of kidney stone fragments recovered after ESWL can be determined. Knowledge of stone composition is fundamental to understand the etiology of lithogenesis.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:403–4.
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) polymorphism is a risk factor for endometrial cancer susceptibility
Authors: Yi Yu-Chiao , Chou Pai-Ta , Chen Ling-Yun , Kuo Wu-Hsien , Shih-Chu Ho Esther , Han Chih-Ping , Yang Shun-Fa 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: The goal of our study was to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-3 and MMP-7 on susceptibility to endometrial cancer.

Methods: In the present study, we enrolled a total of 118 patients with endometrial cancer confirmed by histopathology, and 229 unrelated healthy individuals. Polymorphism for the MMP-2 (rs2285053), MMP-3 (rs3025058) and MMP-7 (rs11568818) genes was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme length polymorphism.

Results: The frequencies of MMP-7 −181 G/G and A/G genotypes were found to be significantly higher in cancer patients compared with healthy controls (p=0.017). Stratification showed that individuals with MMP-7 −181 G allele were at increased risk for endometrial cancer when >50 years of age [odds ratios (OR)=2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–3.39], endometrioid (OR=1.80; 95% CI 1.11–2.92), low (stage I–II) (OR=1.73; 95% CI 1.05–2.83) or high stage (stage III–IV) (OR=2.69; 95% CI 1.16–6.24). Compared with the A/A genotype, the A/G+G/G genotype modified the risk of developing endometrial carcinoma and significance was detected in patients over 50 years old, and those with endometrioid type and high stage endometrial cancer. However, no significant difference in MMP-2 (-735 C/T) and MMP-3 (6A/5A) genotypes was observed between endometrial carcinoma cases and controls.

Conclusions: This is the first report on the association of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-7 gene polymorphisms in endometrial cancer. Our results suggest that individuals with the MMP-7 −181 G/G and A/G genotype may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:337–44.
How virtuous is humor? Evidence from everyday behavior
Authors: Beermann Ursula , Ruch Willibald 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHistorical as well as contemporary writers across many disciplines have referred to humor as a virtue. However, in psychological research it is not clear in which ways humor can serve (as) a virtue, and for which virtues this holds. The current study addresses this issue from the perspective of lay people's everyday lives. The aims of the study are to investigate (1) how often people achieved each of six core virtues identified by Dahlsgaard et al. (Review of General Psychology 9: 203–213, 2005) by means of humor, also in relation to how important the respective virtue was for the participants, (2) to collect reports of situations where participants actually used humor to achieve any of the six virtues, and (3) to study the use of eight comic styles (Schmidt-Hidding, Europäische Schlüsselwörter. Band I: Humor und Witz, Huber, 1963) within the reported situations. Whereas justice and humanity were the virtues considered most important, the virtues most compatible with humor seemed to be humanity and wisdom. However, it was possible to report situations for each of the virtues. More benevolent comic styles were used more frequently to achieve virtue than more malevolent styles. But whenever malevolent styles, like sarcasm or cynicism, were used, this was disproportionally often the case in order to exert justice.
Gifted children's humor preferences, sense of humor, and Comprehension of riddles
Authors: Bergen Doris 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis study explored gifted children's humor media preferences, explanations of humor funniness, evaluation of their sense of humor, and ability to produce, understand, and figure out riddle “punch lines.” Seventy-four gifted-identified children (40 male; 34 female) ages 7–12 were interviewed. Most media humor exhibited conceptual incongruity or word play with multiple meanings. Children rated themselves high on sense of humor (% = 3.9 of 5). Younger and older children and boys and girls differed only on girls' rating themselves more likely to notice and laugh at funny situations (the spectator role!), F(1, 72) = 6.319, p < .01, and younger children's rating themselves as more often in a bad mood, F(1, 72) = 5.541, p < .05. Most children produced a correctly told joke or riddle and gave accurate explanations of funniness. Boys' funny media examples had more hostile qualities (TV, (χ
Mammals of the Macaronesian islands (the Azores, Madeira, the Canary and Cape Verde islands): redefinition of the ecological equilibrium
Authors: Masseti Marco 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe fossil and subfossil mammal scenario of the oceanic islands of Macaronesia – the Azores, Madeira, and the Savage Islands (Portugal), the Canary Islands (Spain) and Cape Verde – is disconcertingly scant, consisting almost exclusively of the same taxonomic groups characterised by a homogeneous composition of species. The very few endemites can be referred essentially to three species of chiroptera in addition to three murids, which became extinct on the Canaries in historical times, and one representative of the taxonomic group of the Soricomorpha, the Canarian shrew,Crocidura canariensisHutterer, Lopez-Hurado and Vogle 1987. It is the sole non-volant mammal still dispersed on the Canary Islands, where its occurrence is reported from Fuerteventura, La Graciosa, Lanzarote, and possibly from the two islets of Lobos and Montaña Clara. Owing to its vicinity to continental Africa, the Canary archipelago is the only one in the Eastern Atlantic islands to have been characterised by a non-volant mammalian fauna, whereas such elements do not appear to have been diffused in either the Azores or Cape Verde throughout the entire recent Quaternary. The current mammalian composition of these islands is characterised by the presence of species of almost entirely continental and anthropochorous origin. Evidence shows that the extant occurrence of non-volant mammals appears to be almost exclusively a result of human introduction during the late Holocene. The timing of such processes and the biological success of certain introductions (i.e., naturalisation) raise questions about the proper use of terms such as “natural” or “artificial” when dealing with expansions of anthropochorous range.
Syntheses, structures, and IR spectroscopic characterization of new uranyl sulfate/selenate 1D-chain, 2D-sheet and 3D-framework
Authors: Ling Jie , Sigmon Ginger E. , Ward Matthew , Roback Nancy , Carman Burns Peter 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Three uranyl sulfates, (C6H20N4)[(UO2)2(SO4)4 · (H2O)2](H2O)6 (TETAUS), (C15H14N3)[(UO2)(SO4)2](NO3) · (H2O)2 (TPUS), and K2[(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)] · H2O (KUS), and two uranyl selenates, K(H3O)[(UO2)2(SeO4)3 · (H2O)](H2O)6 (KUSe) and (H3O)2[(UO2)2(SeO4)3 · (H2O)] (USe), were synthesized by slow evaporation of aqueous solutions at room temperature. TETAUS crystallizes in space group P-1, a = 6.7186(5) Å, b = 9.2625(7) Å, c = 13.1078(9) Å, α = 72.337(2)°, β = 89.198(2)°, γ = 70.037(1)°, V = 726.89(9) Å3, Z = 1. TPUS is triclinic, P-1, a = 6.9732(7) Å, b = 13.569(1) Å, c = 13.641(1) Å, α = 111.809(2)°, β = 102.386(2)°, γ = 93.833(2)°, V = 1150.0(2) Å3, Z = 2. KUS is orthorhombic, Cmca, a = 12.171(2) Å, b = 16.689(3) Å, c = 10.997(2) Å, V = 2233.8(6) Å3, Z = 8. These uranyl sulfates are built from infinite one-dimensional uranyl sulfate chains with different topologies. KUSe is monoclinic, P21/n, a = 14.715(1) Å, b = 10.1557(7) Å, c = 15.833(1) Å, β = 114.415(1)°, V = 2154.5(3) Å3, Z = 4. Its structure is based on a two-dimensional uranyl selenate sheet. USe crystallizes in space group P21/c, a = 10.6124(2) Å, b = 14.7717(3) Å, c = 13.7139(3) Å, β = 96.989(1)°, V = 2133.86(8) Å3, Z = 4, with a complex three-dimensional uranyl selenate framework containing channels extending in three directions.