bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastric cancer risk predisposition and prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms—A case–control study in an Omani population
Authors: Al‐Moundhri Mansour S. , Al‐Nabhani Maryam , Burney Ikram A. , Al‐Farsi Abdul‐Aziz , Al‐Bahrani Bassim 
Published: August 2009

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. We investigated the associations between VEGF gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) risk predisposition and prognostic characteristics in an Omani population, an ethnic group which has not been studied previously. We analyzed three VEGF polymorphisms (+405 G/C, −460 T/C, and +936 C/T) by the extraction of genomic DNA from peripheral blood of 130 GC patients and 130 control subjects followed by VEGF genotyping using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. There were no significant associations between the VEGF polymorphisms and GC risk. There were significant correlations between the +405 C/C genotype and both poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.007) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03) and between the −460 T/T genotype and poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.03) with a statistical trend toward lymph node involvement (P = 0.05). VEGF gene polymorphisms had no significant effects on survival, but the VEGF +405 G/G genotype had a statistical trend toward lower survival rate with a hazard ratio of 1.6 [95% CI, 0.9–2.9] compared with the VEGF +405 CC/GC combined genotype (P = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that disease stage at diagnosis and the +405 G/G genotype were independent variables of adverse prognostic significance. There were no associations between the six common haplotypes identified and both GC risk predisposition and survival. The current study suggests that VEGF polymorphisms have no role in GC risk predisposition, but may have prognostic significance in GC patients. Mol. Carcinog. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triple shape memory effect in multiple crystalline polyurethanes
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Hu Jinlian , Yuen Chun‐Wah , Chan Laikuen , Zhuo Haitao 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRemembering more than one permanent shape is an attractive research topic for shape memory materials (SMMs). In this paper, multiple crystalline shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) are prepared with PCL10000 and PTMG2900 by a three‐step polymerization method. DSC and WAXD results show that the obtained polyurethane contains, simultaneously and independently, two kinds of crystals. In addition, it is confirmed through DMA analysis that reversible soft phase and hard domains are formed in the PCL‐PTMG based SMPU system; and two‐step modulus decreases at low temperature range can be obtained in the SMPU with suitable mass proportion of PCL to PTMG, e.g., 1:7. Thus, shape memory effect (SME) can be achieved in this system. Moreover, it is found that the PTMG soft segment dominates the shape memory effect when the PCL mass is lower than that of PTMG; while the PCL soft segment dominates the SME when PCL mass is higher than that of PTMG; and a two‐step programing shape recovery can be achieved when the mass proportion of PCL/PTMG reaches a balance value, e.g., 3:5. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescence and electrical properties of epitaxial Al‐doped ZnO transparent conducting thin films
Authors: Noh Jun Hong , Cho In‐Sun , Lee Sangwook , Cho Chin Moo , Han Hyun Soo , An Jae‐Sul , Kwak Chae Hyun , Kim Jin Yong , Jung Hyun Suk , Lee Jung‐Kun , Hong Kug Sun 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEpitaxial ZnO and Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were grown on (0001)‐sapphire substrates using pulsed laser deposition. The photoluminescence spectrum of the highly conductive (1.3 × 103 S cm−1), as‐grown AZO shows a poor near band edge (NBE) emission (3.30 eV) and no deep level emission at room temperature. In addition, the peak (3.386 eV) for the free excitons of AZO showed thermal quenching behavior with two activation energies (38.2 and 10.0 meV). The poor NBE emission is attributed to the nonradiative recombination center created by Al doping. Highly conductive (6.0 × 102 S cm−1) and intense NBE emitting AZO films could be achieved by the reduction of the nonradiative recombination centers through hydrogen annealing.
Candida Isolation in Patients Hospitalized on a Surgical Ward: Significance and Mortality‐Related Factors
Authors: Marchena‐Gomez J. , Saez‐Guzman T. , Hemmersbach‐Miller M. , Conde‐Martel A. , Morales‐Leon V. , Bordes‐Benitez A. , Acosta‐Merida M. A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundInfections caused by Candida are an emerging pathology on surgical wards. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and predictive factors of mortality in patients colonized and/or infected by Candida spp. in this setting.MethodsA consecutive series of 105 patients hospitalized on a general surgery ward between 2000 and 2004 were included, and 118 positive cultures for Candida were identified. The variables age, sex, previous medical history, current disease, anemia, ICU stay, type and localization of the microorganism, need for parenteral nutrition, and transfusions were recorded. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. A univariate analysis was performed to determine which of these variables were associated with mortality. With a logistic regression model, independent prognostic factors of mortality were determined.ResultsThe prevalence of patients colonized and/or infected by Candida on our surgical ward was 0.98% (CI 95%: 0.79–1.17), and the incidence was 49 cases per 1,000 patient‐years. Of the 105 patients in this series, 56 were men (53%) and 49 women (47%); the mean age was 63.8 years (SD ± 15.7). Twelve patients (11.4%) had candidemia. Crude mortality was 23% (24 patients), whereas the mortality attributable to candidemia was 25% (3/12 cases). Anemia (p = 0.001); transfusions (p = 0.003), and an ICU stay (p = 0.002) were associated with mortality. Candidemia was associated with neoplasms (p = 0.02) and the infection caused by Candida parapsilosis (p = 0.04). The only independent factor related to mortality was the anemia (p = 0.028; Odds Ratio: 6.43; 95% CI: 1.23–33.73).ConclusionsColonization and/or infection by Candida spp. in non‐ICU hospitalized surgical patients implies a relative high mortality. Anemia is an independent factor for mortality.
On Ballet at the Opéra, 1909–14, andLa fête chez Thérèse
Authors: Caddy Davinia 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article is broadly centred on the ballets staged at the Paris Opéra during the era in which Diaghilev's Ballets Russes were resident in the French capital. I seek initially to define the ways in which both troupes, the Opéra Ballet and the Russian, were received in the period press: in short, how the French company was implored to take its lead from Russian choreographic and scenic developments. My principal aim, though, is to offer a ‘thick’ description of one particular ballet – a commission from the Opéra enddedLa fête chez Thérèse, set to music by French salon composer Reynaldo Hahn and premièred on 16 February 1910. A close reading ofThérèse‘s narrative, structure and musical design reveals something of the ballet's cultural resonance: a resonance that extends from the ballet-pantomimes of the July Monarchy, through the extra-curricular endeavours of the composer Gustave Charpentier, to contemporary ideals of womanhood, social parity and dancers’ skirts. A new historical perspective emerges, one that prompts a revision of the taxonomies according to which narratives of the pre-war balletic scene are usually plotted, along with a reassessment of the dominant historiographical strategy itself.
YADA: a tool for taking the most out of high-resolution spectra
Authors: Carvalho Paulo C. , Xu Tao , Han Xuemei , Cociorva Daniel , Barbosa Valmir C. , Yates John R. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Summary: YADA can deisotope and decharge high-resolution mass spectra from large peptide molecules, link the precursor monoisotopic peak information to the corresponding tandem mass spectrum, and account for different co-fragmenting ion species (multiplexed spectra). We describe how YADA enables a pipeline consisting of ProLuCID and DTASelect for analyzing large-scale middle-down proteomics data.
Availability: http://fields.scripps.edu/yada
Contact: paulo@pcarvalho.com
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Dynamic Rearrangements Determine Genome Organization and Useful Traits in Soybean
Authors: Kim Kyung Do , Shin Jin Hee , Van Kyujung , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Suk-Ha 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max) is a paleopolyploid whose genome has gone through at least two rounds of polyploidy and subsequent diploidization events. Several studies have investigated the changes in genome structure produced by the relatively recent polyploidy event, but little is known about the ancient polyploidy due to the high frequency of gene loss after duplication. Our previous study, regarding a region responsible for bacterial leaf pustule, reported two homeologous Rxp regions produced by the recent whole-genome duplication event. In this study, we identified the full set of four homeologous Rxp regions (ranging from 1.96 to 4.60 Mb) derived from both the recent and ancient polyploidy events, and this supports the quadruplicated structure of the soybean genome. Among the predicted genes on chromosome 17 (linkage group D2), 71% of them were conserved in a recently duplicated region, while 21% and 24% of duplicated genes were retained in two homeologous regions formed by the ancient polyploidy. Furthermore, comparative analysis showed a 2:1 relationship between soybean and Medicago truncatula, since M. truncatula did not undergo the recent polyploidy event that soybean did. Unlike soybean, M. truncatula homeologous regions were highly fractionated and their synteny did not exist, revealing different rates of diploidization process between the two species. Our data show that extensive synteny remained in the four homeologous regions in soybean, even though the soybean genome experienced dynamic genome rearrangements following paleopolyploidy events. Moreover, multiple Rxp quantitative trait loci on different soybean chromosomes actually comprise homeologous regions produced by two rounds of polyploidy events.
A Serine Carboxypeptidase-Like Acyltransferase Is Required for Synthesis of Antimicrobial Compounds and Disease Resistance in Oats
Authors: Mugford Sam T. , Qi Xiaoquan , Bakht Saleha , Hill Lionel , Wegel Eva , Hughes Richard K. , Papadopoulou Kalliopi , Melton Rachel , Philo Mark , Sainsbury Frank , Lomonossoff George P. , Roy Abhijeet Deb , Goss Rebecca J.M. , Osbourn Anne 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSerine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) proteins have recently emerged as a new group of plant acyltransferases. These enzymes share homology with peptidases but lack protease activity and instead are able to acylate natural products. Several SCPL acyltransferases have been characterized to date from dicots, including an enzyme required for the synthesis of glucose polyesters that may contribute to insect resistance in wild tomato (Solanum pennellii) and enzymes required for the synthesis of sinapate esters associated with UV protection in Arabidopsis thaliana. In our earlier genetic analysis, we identified the Saponin-deficient 7 (Sad7) locus as being required for the synthesis of antimicrobial triterpene glycosides (avenacins) and for broad-spectrum disease resistance in diploid oat (Avena strigosa). Here, we report on the cloning of Sad7 and show that this gene encodes a functional SCPL acyltransferase, SCPL1, that is able to catalyze the synthesis of both N-methyl anthraniloyl- and benzoyl-derivatized forms of avenacin. Sad7 forms part of an operon-like gene cluster for avenacin synthesis. Oat SCPL1 (SAD7) is the founder member of a subfamily of monocot-specific SCPL proteins that includes predicted proteins from rice (Oryza sativa) and other grasses with potential roles in secondary metabolism and plant defense.
Chemokines and common variable immunodeficiency; possible contribution of CCL19, CCL21 and CCR7 to immune dysregulation
Authors: Fevang B , Yndestad A , Damås J K , Halvorsen B , Holm A M , Beiske K , Aukrust P , Frøland S S 
Published: August 2009

Summary
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by defective immunoglobulin production and high frequency of bacterial infections, autoimmunity and manifestations of chronic inflammation. The homeostatic chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and their receptor CCR7 are associated with modulation of inflammatory responses. CVID patients have decreased proportions of CCR7+ T cells in peripheral blood and we hypothesized a further dysregulation of CCL19/CCL21/CCR7 in CVID. Serum levels of CCL19 and CCL21 were compared in CVID patients and controls. T cell expression of CCR7 was related to clinical characteristics in CVID patients. Spleens extirpated from CVID patients were analysed for expression of CCL19, CCL21 and CCR7. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from CVID patients and controls were analysed for cytokine response on stimulation with CCL19 and CCL21. The main findings were: (i) CVID patients have raised serum levels of CCL19 and CCL21 independently of features of chronic inflammation; (ii) CCL19 and CCR7 have similar expression in spleens from CVID patients and controls, while CCL21 is variably down-regulated in spleens from patients; (iii) T cell expression of CCR7 is particularly low in patients characterized by chronic inflammation in vivo; and (iv) PBMC from CVID patients had attenuated cytokine response to stimulation with CCL19 and CCL21. CVID patients have raised circulatory levels of CCL19 and CCL21, and an attenuated cytokine response to stimulation with these chemokines. Because CCR7, CCL19 and CCL21 are key mediators balancing immunity and tolerance in the immune system, the abnormalities of these mediators might contribute to the profound immune dysregulation seen in CVID.
Anti‐corticosteroid antibodies in AIDS patients
Authors: Salim Yussuf S. , Faber Viggo , Wiik Allan , Andersen Paul L. , HØIer‐Madsen Mimi , Mouritsen SøRen 
Published: August 2009

Patients suffering from AIDS tend to have symptoms that resemble those encountered in adrenocortical insufficiency. Serum sodium concentrations and blood pressure values were monitored and found to besubnormal despite the fact that renin activity and aldosterone levels were either normal or elevated. We report the presence of autoantibodies directed against hydrocortisone among such AIDS patients. Indirect immunofluorescence technique using patients' sera and adrenal glands from AIDS patients as antigen showed antibodies to adrenocortical cells in sera from 9 of the 12 AIDS patients and in none from patients with autoimmune diseases and viral diseases or healthy blood donors. No similar reaction was seen in normal human or monkey adrenal glands. An ELISA technique was developed using hydrocortisone as antigen and using this technique 45% of the AIDS patients were found to have antibodies to hydrocortisone. It is possible that anti‐corticosteroid antibodies (ACSA) may play a role in the pathophysiology of the Addison's like syndrome seen in terminal phases of AIDS.
Enhanced binding of immune complexes processed by erythrocyte CR1 (CD 35) receptors to purified CR2 (CD 21) receptors from tonsillar mononuclear cells
Authors: RASK R. , RASMUSSEN J. M. , JEPSEN H. H. , SVEHAG S. E. 
Published: August 2009

The binding of immune complexes (IC) opsonized by serum complement (C) and IC processed by CR1 (CD 35) receptors on human erythrocytes (E) to purified CR2 (CD 21) receptors was compared. Soluble CR2 was prepared from tonsillar mononuclear cells and purified by antibody affinity chromatography. Solid phase CR2 as well as CR2 subjected to PAGE and blotted onto nitro‐cellulose membranes bound 125I‐labelled BSA anti‐BSA IC which had been opsonized by C and processed by CR1 up to ten times more efficiently than IC reacted with serum only. Radiolabelled monomeric C3d also bound to solid phase CR2. The binding of IC to purified and solid phase bound CR2 could be inhibited by anti‐CR2 antibodies or by preincubation of the IC with polyclonal antibodies reacting with C3d or C3b/iC3b. Thus, both C3dg and iC3b appeared to mediate binding of IC to CR2. Preincubation of solid phase CR2 with purified monomeric C3d did not inhibit the subsequent binding of E‐CR1 processed IC.The data indicate that E‐CR1 have an important role in generating IC which bind effectively to CR2 receptors on B lymphocytes.
Desmin antibodies in acute infectious myopericarditis
Authors: KURKI PEKKA , KARJALAINEN JOUKO , HAUTANEN AARNO , VIRTANEN ISMO 
Published: August 2009

The role of autoantibodies against cardiac tissue in the pathogenesis of acute myopericarditis is poorly understood – partly because the specificity of the antibodies is unknown. We assayed antibodies against desmin, a cytoskeletal muscle protein, in 18 patients with acute infectious myopericarditis (AIM), in 24 patients with acute uncomplicated infections, in ten patients with acute myocardial infarction, and in 68 blood donors by an immunoenzymatic assay using purified desmin from Purkinje fibers of cow heart. In addition, anti‐heart antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence.Anti‐heart antibodies were detected in all groups by indirect immunofluorescence. On the other hand, anti‐desmin antibody levels exceeding the mean + 2 SD of the blood donors could be demonstrated in seven (39%) AIM patients but in only one patient in the other groups. The analysis of serial samples indicated that the antibody level was highest in the acute phase of AIM and declined during the recovery.
Omental dendritic cells: la expression and relation to macrophages
Authors: Holub MIROSLAV , VĚTviČKa VÁCLAV , ŘIha IVAN , SvobodovÁ JANA , MohelskÁ HANA 
Published: August 2009

Rat omental dendritic cells (ODC) occur in two forms, mainly spindle‐shaped, la“, on the surface, and stellar, Ia+ within the omentum. Like macrophages, most ODC label with W3/25 mAb and have a demonstrable activity of non‐specific esterase, acid phosphatase and ATPase. Up to 30% of ODC are actively phagocytic. The proportion of Ia+ ODC rises 7 days after ip antigenic stimulation and there seems to be a reciprocal development of la positivity and phagocytic capacity between ODC and macrophages 3 and 5 days after ip immunization. ODC contribute to the overall fluctuation of la expression in the entire omentum after immunization.Ia+ ODC display a linear arrangement along prelymphatic spaces and may be related to the formation of new lymph vessels. They also constitute the stroma of pseudofollicles containing clusters of what are presumably T‐helper lymphocytes closely attached to ODC, scattered suppressor T lymphocytes and B cells accumulating in later stages at the immune response.
Isolation of a Salmonella‐specific DNA hybridization probe
Authors: OLSEN J. E. , AABO S. , NIELSEN E. O. , NIELSEN B. B. 
Published: August 2009

A Salmonella‐specific DNA fragment of the Salmonella typhimurium LT2 chromosome has been isolated. The fragment (2.3 kilobases (kb)) was used as a probe in a colony hybridization assay, where 185 strains of 93 different Salmonella serovars were correctly identified as belonging to Salmonella. The specificity of the probe was evaluated in colony hybridization assays on pure cultures of non‐Salmonella bacteria and on specimens with an indigenous flora. Sixty‐three strains of 34 non‐Salmonella Gram‐negative species did not hybridize to the fragment. By DNA hybridization to faecal samples from calves, pigs and chickens, and samples of animal feed, three samples out of 10 positive by traditional culture methods gave negative results by hybridization, 45 samples were negative in both methods, while one sample was positive only in the hybridization assay. From this sample, Salmonella livingstone was isolated by a replica plate hybridization technique. The probe therefore proved 100% specific for the genus Salmonella.The 2.3 kb fragment may form the basis of hybridization assays for specific detection of Salmonella in food, environmental and clinical specimens.
Autopsy‐verified venous thromboembolism within a defined urban population – the city of Malmö, Sweden
Authors: NORDSTRÖM MONICA , LINDBLAD BENGT 
Published: August 2009

Objective. To analyse the frequency of autopsy‐proven venous thromboembolism within a defined region and evaluate if certain risk groups not earlier recognized could be found. The incidence of objectively diagnosed venous thromboembolism was also calculated. Setting. The city of Malmö, Sweden, with 230,000 inhabitants. Main outcome measure. Analysis of 2,356 autopsies for the year 1987 of deceased inhabitants from the city of Malmö (2,981 deceased, autopsy frequency 79.0%) regarding venous thromboembolism. Results. 25% of autopsies revealed venous thromboembolism. At the acute‐care hospital 31%, at the chronic hospital 37%, but in forensic autopsies of non‐hospital deaths only 5% (p<0.001) revealed venous thromboembolism. Major pulmonary embolism was seen in 13% and was more frequent in in‐hospital deaths (p<0.001). Two in‐hospital and two non‐hospital deaths due to pulmonary embolism and fractures were found: two patients with knee fractures, one hip fracture and one ankle fracture patient. The incidence of objectively diagnosed venous thromboembolism (autopsy, phlebography, perfusion scintigraphy) was calculated and an incidence of 42.5/10,000 inhabitants/year was found, (strongly age‐dependent). Conclusion. Venous thromboembolism is a common finding in autopsies of hospitalized patients. Patients with fractures other than hip fractures are less well studied as regards venous thromboembolic complications. Further studies on these fracture patients are warranted.
In situ localization of S‐phase‐specific histone (H3) mRNA in Bowen's disease
Authors: Murakami Masamoto , Mizoguchi Yoshikazu , Horibe Yoshimune , Komori Katsuhiko , Hori Haruna , Kasahara Masao 
Published: August 2009

PCNA and Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry has been used to assess cell proliferation in place of tritiated thymidine or BrdU labeling of S‐phase cells. Recently, it has been possible to reliably demonstrate histone H3 mRNA by in situ hybridization in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue sections. We have compared this new proliferation marker with Ki‐67 and PCNA with regard to distribution of positive cells and labeling indices (LI%) for 22 cases of Bowen's disease.In normal skin, Ki‐67‐IHC positive cells and histone mRNA positive cells were observed in the basal and suprabasal layers of the epidermis. In Bowen's disease, positive cells with each marker were more frequent in upper neoplastic epidermis than in suprabasal layers, and the average LI%s were markedly elevated with all markers, the scores decreasing in the following order: PCNA‐IHC, Ki‐67‐IHC and H3mRNA‐ISH. However, the results of double staining demonstrated that S‐phase cells do not necessarily show exactly the same distributions as with PCNA and Ki‐67‐IHC labeling. H3mRNA‐ISH showed three different degrees of reaction with significantly different LI%s, whereas PCNA and Ki‐67 LI% did not vary essentially in the same areas. These results strongly suggest that Bowen's disease, which is well known as a low‐grade neoplastic state with malignant potential, also demonstrates clear intratumoral heterogeneity of S‐phase cells using the H3mRNA‐ISH method.