bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of clinical course-specific mRNA expression profiles in the serum of perioperative patients with esophageal cancer in the ICU: a case control study
Authors: Takahashi Shunsaku , Miura Norimasa , Harada Tomomi , Wang ZhongZhi , Wang Xinhui , Tsubokura Hideyuki , Oshima Yoshiaki , Hasegawa Junichi , Inagaki Yoshimi , Shiota Goshi 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
We previously reported that measuring circulating serum mRNAs using quantitative one-step real-time RT-PCR was clinically useful for detecting malignancies and determining prognosis. The aim of our study was to find crucial serum mRNA biomarkers in esophageal cancer that would provide prognostic information for post-esophagectomy patients in the critical care setting.

Methods
We measured serum mRNA levels of 11 inflammatory-related genes in 27 post-esophagectomy patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We tracked these levels chronologically, perioperatively and postoperatively, until the two-week mark, investigating their clinical and prognostic significance as compared with clinical parameters. Furthermore, we investigated whether gene expression can accurately predict clinical outcome and prognosis.

Results
Circulating mRNAs in postoperative esophagectomy patients had gene-specific expression profiles that varied with the clinical phase of their treatment. Multivariate regression analysis showed that upregulation of IL-6, VWF and TGF-β1 mRNA in the intraoperative phase (p = 0.016, 0.0021 and 0.009) and NAMPT and MUC1 mRNA on postoperative day 3 (p < 0.01) were independent factors of mortality in the first year of follow-up. Duration of ventilator dependence (DVD) and ICU stay were independent factors of poor prognosis (p < 0.05). Therapeutic use of Sivelestat (Elaspol®, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) significantly correlated with MUC1 and NAMPT mRNA expression (p = 0.048 and 0.045). IL-6 mRNA correlated with hypercytokinemia and recovery from hypercytokinemia (sensitivity 80.9%) and was a significant biomarker in predicting the onset of severe inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion
Chronological tracking of postoperative mRNA levels of inflammatory-related genes in esophageal cancer patients may facilitate early institution of pharamacologic therapy, prediction of treatment response, and prognostication during ICU management in the perioperative period.
Absence of IFNγ expression induces neuronal degeneration in the spinal cord of adult mice
Authors: Victório Sheila CS , Havton Leif A , Oliveira Alexandre LR 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which may be up-regulated after trauma to the peripheral or central nervous system. Such changes include reactive gliosis and synaptic plasticity that are considered important responses to the proper regenerative response after injury. Also, IFNγ is involved in the upregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I), which has recently been shown to play an important role in the synaptic plasticity process following axotomy. There is also evidence that IFNγ may interfere in the differentiation and survival of neuronal cells. However, little is known about the effects of IFNγ absence on spinal cord neurons after injury.

Methods
We performed a unilateral sciatic nerve transection injury in C57BL/6J (wild type) and IFNγ-KO (mutant) mice and studied motoneuron morphology using light and electron microscopy. One week after the lesion, mice from both strains were sacrificed and had their lumbar spinal cords processed for histochemistry (n = 5 each group) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM, n = 5 each group). Spinal cord sections from non-lesioned animals were also used to investigate neuronal survival and the presence of apoptosis with TUNEL and immunohistochemistry.

Results
We find that presumed motoneurons in the lower lumbar ventral horn exhibited a smaller soma size in the IFNγ-KO series, regardless of nerve lesion. In plastic embedded sections stained with toluidine blue, the IFNγ-KO mice demonstrated a greater proportion of degenerating neurons in the ventral horn when compared to the control series (p < 0.05). Apoptotic death is suggested based on TUNEL and caspase 3 immunostaining. A sciatic nerve axotomy did not further aggravate the neuronal loss. The cellular changes were supported by electron microscopy, which demonstrated ventral horn neurons exhibiting intracellular vacuoles as well as degenerating nuclei and cytoplasm in the IFNγ-KO mice. Adjacent glial cells showed features suggestive of phagocytosis. Additional ultrastructural studies showed a decreased number of pre-synaptic terminals apposing to motoneurons in mutant mice. Nevertheless, no statistical difference regarding the input covering could be detected among the studied strains.

Conclusion
Altogether, these results suggest that IFNγ may be neuroprotective and its absence results in neuronal death, which is not further increased by peripheral axotomy.
Construction of Metabolically Biotinylated Adenovirus with Deleted Fiber Knob as Targeting Vector
Authors: Liu Yanzheng , Valadon Philippe , Schnitzer Jan E 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Gene delivery vectors based on adenovirus, particularly human adenovirus serotype 5 (hAd5) have great potential for the treatment of variety of diseases. However, the tropism of hAd5 needs to be modified to achieve tissue- or cell- specific therapies for the successful application of this vector system to clinic. Here, we modified hAd5 tropism by replacing the fiber knob which contains the coxsackievirus B and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-binding sites with a biotin acceptor peptide, a truncated form of Propionibacterium shermanii 1.3 S transcarboxylase domain (PSTCD), to enable metabolically biotinylation of the virus. We demonstrate here that the new adenovirus no longer shows CAR-dependent cell uptake and transduction. When metabolically biotinylated and avidin-coated, it forms a nano-complex that can be retargeted to distinct cells using biotinylated antibodies. This vector may prove useful in the path towards achieving targeted gene delivery.
The spectral quality of light is a key driver of photosynthesis and photoadaptation in Stylophora pistillata colonies from different depths in the Red Sea
Authors: Mass T. , Kline D. I. , Roopin M. , Veal C. J. , Cohen S. , Iluz D. , Levy O. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY
Depth zonation on coral reefs is largely driven by the amount of downwelling, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that is absorbed by the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) of corals. The minimum light requirements of zooxanthellae are related to both the total intensity of downwelling PAR and the spectral quality of the light. Here we used Stylophora pistillata colonies collected from shallow (3 m) and deep (40 m) water; colonies were placed in a respirometer under both ambient PAR irradiance and a filter that only transmits blue light. We found that the colonies exhibited a clear difference in their photosynthetic rates when illuminated under PAR and filtered blue light, with higher photosynthetic performance when deep colonies were exposed to blue light compared with full-spectrum PAR for the same light intensity and duration. By contrast, colonies from shallow water showed the opposite trend, with higher photosynthetic performances under full-spectrum PAR than under filtered blue light. These findings are supported by the absorption spectra of corals, with deeper colonies absorbing higher energy wavelengths than the shallow colonies, with different spectral signatures. Our results indicate that S. pistillata colonies are chromatically adapted to their surrounding light environment, with photoacclimation probably occurring via an increase in photosynthetic pigments rather than algal density. The spectral properties of the downwelling light are clearly a crucial component of photoacclimation that should be considered in future transplantation and photoacclimation studies.
Chemo-accumulation without changes in membrane potential in the microstome form of the ciliate Tetrahymena vorax
Authors: Grønlien Heidi K. , Rønnevig Anna Kari , Hagen Bjarne , Sand Olav 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY
The swimming behaviour of ciliates is mainly determined by membrane potential and transmembrane fluxes. In a chemical gradient, swimming ciliates may approach or move away from the source. Based on experiments on Paramecium, it is generally assumed that chemical attractants and repellents affect the swimming behaviour of ciliates by specific changes in the membrane potential. We have examined whether there is a causal relationship between membrane potential and chemo-accumulation in the microstome form of the polymorphic ciliate Tetrahymena vorax. Effects of chemo-attractants on the membrane potential of Tetrahymena have not been previously reported. Microstome T. vorax cells aggregated close to a point source of l-cysteine and the complex meat hydrolysate proteose peptone. Chemo-accumulated cells displayed a significantly higher turning frequency than control cells at a similar cell density. A concentration of 20 mmol l–1l-cysteine did not evoke any detectable change in the membrane potential whereas 1% proteose peptone depolarised the cells by ∼12 mV. This is contrary to the current model, which predicts agents that induce a moderate depolarisation to be repellents. A solution of 1% proteose peptone contains 21 mmol–1 Na+. A solution of 21 mmol–1 NaCl without organic compounds also caused ∼12 mV depolarisation but had no aggregating effect on the cells. Collectively, the electrophysiological and behavioural data indicate that chemo-accumulation in the microstome form of T. vorax is not governed obligatorily by the membrane potential. We thus suggest that the simple membrane potential model for chemokinesis in Paramecium may not be valid for T. vorax.
Characterization of mechanisms for Ca2+ and HCO3–/CO32– acquisition for shell formation in embryos of the freshwater common pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Ebanks Sue C. , O'Donnell Michael J. , Grosell Martin 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY
The freshwater common pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis produces embryos that complete direct development, hatching as shell-bearing individuals within 10 days despite relatively low ambient calcium and carbonate availability. This development is impaired by removal of ambient total calcium but not by removal of bicarbonate and/or carbonate. In this study we utilized pharmacological agents to target possible acquisition pathways for both Ca2+ and accumulation of carbonate in post-metamorphic, shell-laying embryos. Using whole egg mass flux measurements and ion-specific microelectrode analytical techniques, we have demonstrated that carbonic anhydrase-catalyzed hydration of CO2 is central in the acquisition of both shell-forming ions because it provides the hydrogen ions for an electrogenic vacuolar-type H+-ATPase that fuels the uptake of Ca2+via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and possibly an electrogenic Ca2+/1H+ exchanger. Additionally, CO2 hydration provides an endogenous source of HCO –3. Thus, hydration of endogenous CO2 forms HCO –3 for calcification while hydrogen ions are excreted, contributing to continued Ca2+ uptake, as well as creating favorable alkaline internal conditions for calcification. The connections between Ca2+ and HCO –3 acquisition mechanisms that we describe here provide new insight into this efficient, embryonic calcification in freshwater.
Diel foraging behavior of gravid leatherback sea turtles in deep waters of the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Casey James , Garner Jeanne , Garner Steve , Williard Amanda Southwood 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY
It is generally assumed that leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), like other species of sea turtle, do not feed while offshore from nesting beaches, and rely instead on fat reserves to fuel reproductive activities. Recent studies, however, provide evidence that leatherbacks may forage during the internesting interval while offshore in the Western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Bio-logging technology was used to investigate the foraging behavior of female leatherback turtles at St Croix, US Virgin Islands. Leatherback gastrointestinal tract temperatures (TGT) were analyzed for sudden fluctuations indicative of ingestions, and laboratory ingestion simulations were used to characterize temperature fluctuations associated with ingestion of prey versus seawater. Dive patterns associated with prey ingestion were characterized and the proportion of prey ingestion during the day (05:00–18:59 h) and night (19:00–04:59 h) were compared. A combined total of 111 prey ingestions for seven leatherback turtles were documented during the internesting interval. The number of prey ingestions ranged from six to 48 for individual turtles, and the majority (87.4%) of these events occurred during the daytime. Prey ingestions were most frequently associated with V-shaped dives, and the mean (±1 s.d.) maximum dive depth with prey ingestion ranged from 154±51 to 232±101 m for individual turtles. Although leatherbacks were found to opportunistically feed during the internesting interval, the low prey ingestion rates indicate that energy reserves acquired prior to the breeding season are critical for successful reproduction by leatherbacks from the St Croix, USVI nesting population.
Eyes with basic dorsal and specific ventral regions in the glacial Apollo, Parnassius glacialis (Papilionidae)
Authors: Awata Hiroko , Matsushita Atsuko , Wakakuwa Motohiro , Arikawa Kentaro 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY
Recent studies on butterflies have indicated that their colour vision system is almost species specific. To address the question of how this remarkable diversity evolved, we investigated the eyes of the glacial Apollo, Parnassius glacialis, a living fossil species belonging to the family Papilionidae. We identified four opsins in the Parnassius eyes – an ultraviolet- (PgUV), a blue- (PgB), and two long wavelength (PgL2, PgL3)-absorbing types – and localized their mRNAs within the retina. We thus found ommatidial heterogeneity and a clear dorso-ventral regionalization of the eye. The dorsal region consists of three basic types of ommatidia that are similar to those found in other insects, indicating that this dorsal region retains the ancestral state. In the ventral region, we identified two novel phenomena: co-expression of the opsins of the UV- and B-absorbing type in a subset of photoreceptors, and subfunctionalization of long-wavelength receptors in the distal tier as a result of differential expression of the PgL2 and PgL3 mRNAs. Interestingly, butterflies from the closely related genus Papilio (Papilionidae) have at least three long-wavelength opsins, L1–L3. The present study indicates that the duplication of L2 and L3 occurred before the Papilio lineage diverged from the rest, whereas L1 was produced from L3 in the Papilio lineage.
Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluations of Polyurethane Elastomers Based on Polyether Glycol, Toluene Diisocyanate, and Extender Chain Reagents
Authors: Han H. Q. , Wei F. X. , Brown J. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
In this study, we focus on the preparation, microstructures, and properties of polyurethane (PU) elastomers by using polyether glycol, toluene diisocyanate, and extender chain reagent. We find that the elastomers prepared by using extender chain reagent exhibit the most excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, by an optimum synthetic route, hard segments can be formed uniformly in the soft segments, leading to the perfect micro-phase separation. We also find that the relative molecular weight of polyether glycol can affect the mechanical properties of the synthesized PU elastomers, i.e., the more relative molecular weight, the more soft segments, and the smaller tensile strength, rupture strength, and rigidity.
Made in Scotland (from girders?) BDS conference site visit to Loch Sloy dam and hydroelectric power station
Authors: Goff Craig 
Published: November 2010

This article provides a description of the site visit to Sloy dam at Loch Sloy, and the Sloy hydroelectric power (HEP) station at Loch Lomond carried out as part of the 16th biennial conference of the British Dams Society in Glasgow 2010. The visit took place on 28 June 2010 and included tours of the turbine hall, the control room, the high-pressure pipelines and the concrete buttress dam. The visit included a presentation on Scottish and Southern Energy's dams and reservoir assets as well as the construction of the dam and power station and future site improvement plans.
BDS conference visit to Katrine waterworks
Authors: Claydon Jim 
Published: November 2010

On 25 June 2010 a technical visit by about 60 delegates took place to the Katrine waterworks scheme as part of the BDS 2010 conference. They saw the Mugdock and Craigmaddie reservoirs, which had been substantially unchanged since they were built in 1859 and 1892, until the drawoff arrangements were changed for construction of the Milngavie water treatment works in 2008. Both dams are earthfill with puddle clay cores and cutoff trenches. Craigmaddie dam has a cutoff trench over 200 ft deep in places. The reservoir was completely emptied in order to layer submerged pipes across the floor. The 240 Ml/day water treatment works had been neatly landscaped into a peninsula between the reservoirs. Delegates were shown features of both reservoirs and the water treatment works.
Accuracy of Oral Mucosal Thickness Measurements Using Spiral Computed Tomography
Authors: Ueno Daisuke , Sato Junichi , Igarashi Chinami , Ikeda Shohei , Morita Masayuki , Shimoda Shinji , Udagawa Takaaki , Shiozaki Kazunari , Kobayashi Mariko , Kobayashi Kaoru 
Published: November 2010

Background: Assessment of oral mucosal thickness is important in implant surgery; however, examining the soft tissue three dimensionally is difficult. A reamer method is invasive, and a non‐invasive ultrasonic method produces only low‐resolution images depending on anatomic variations. The emerging technology of spiral computed tomography (CT) is an alternative to the conventional methods. Spiral CT has been a useful diagnostic tool in implant surgery. Although it delivers high radiation doses, spiral CT provides three‐dimensional imaging of low‐contrast structures. The purpose of the present study is to assess the accuracy of oral mucosal measurements using spiral CT.Methods: Thickness of maxillary oral mucosa was measured in five cadavers. The measurement sites were set up in buccal, palatal, and middle of the crest in the missing tooth area in the incisor, canine, premolar, and molar regions. Each cadaver was exposed to spiral CT after installing the measurement guide. After that, each site was physically measured by reamer. Linear regression and correlation analysis were performed to describe the association between radiographic and physical measurements.Results: A total of 114 measurements were performed with statistical analyses. Mean values and standard deviations of physical and radiographic measurements were 3.12 ± 1.43 and 2.83 ± 1.70 mm, respectively. The radiographic and physical measurements demonstrate strong correlation (r = 0.90; P <0.01). Measurement error was 0.52 ± 0.36 mm. According to the regions, the measurements in buccal, palatal, and missing tooth region depicted a significant correlation (r = 0.92, r = 0.85, and r = 0.91, respectively). The boundary of the bone and mucosa was indistinguishable at 23 buccal sites. Twenty‐three measurements that could not be distinguished with CT had a mean of 0.69 and standard deviation ± 0.13 mm.Conclusions: The correlation between spiral CT and physical measurement was high except in sites of very thin mucosa. Spiral CT can be considered an alternative method for the measurement of oral mucosal thickness. Because of the higher radiation exposure, caution should be exercised and radiation dosage versus clinical benefit assessment is required.
Measurement and Analysis of Thermal Parameters and Efficiency of Laser Heterostructures and Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Bumai Yurii , Vaskou Aleh , Kononenko Valerii 
Published: November 2010

Measurement and Analysis of Thermal Parameters and Efficiency of Laser Heterostructures and Light-Emitting DiodesA thermal resistance characterization of semiconductor quantum-well heterolasers in the AlGaInAs-AlGaAs system (λst≈ 0.8 μm), GaSb-based laser diodes (λst≈ 2 μm), and power GaN light-emitting diodes (visible spectral region) was performed. The characterization consists in investigations of transient electrical processes in the diode sources under heating by direct current. The time dependence of the heating temperature of the active region of a source ΔT(t), calculated from direct bias change, is analyzed using a thermalRTCTequivalent circuit (the Foster and Cauer models), whereRTis the thermal resistance andCTis the heat capacity of the source elements and external heat sink. By the developed method, thermal resistances of internal elements of the heterolasers and light-emitting diodes are determined. The dominant contribution of a die attach layer to the internal thermal resistance of both heterolaser sources and light-emitting diodes is observed. Based on the performed thermal characterization, the dependence of the optical power efficiency on current for the laser diodes is determined.
The Choice Between Analog or Digital AC Power Measurement in a Vodafone Base Station Data Logger
Authors: Alegria Francisco , Travassos Francisco 
Published: November 2010

The Choice Between Analog or Digital AC Power Measurement in a Vodafone Base Station Data Logger
A data logger has been built to record, for a month, the power consumption of various equipment and the temperature at different points inside and outside of a radio communication base station operated by Vodafone Portugal. Here we show how the concerns with measurement uncertainty led us to choose an analog system over a digital one for AC power measurement.
Structural and Electrical Characterization of ZnO Films Grown by Spray Pyrolysis and Their Application in Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Adamopoulos George , Bashir Aneeqa , Gillin William P. , Georgakopoulos Stamatis , Shkunov Maxim , Baklar Mohamed A. , Stingelin Natalie , Bradley Donal D. C. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe role of the substrate temperature on the structural, optical, and electronic properties of ZnO thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis using a zinc acetate precursor solution is reported. Analysis of the precursor compound using thermogravimentry and differential scanning calorimetry indicates complete decomposition of the precursor at around 350 °C. Film characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) optical transmission spectroscopy suggests the onset of ZnO growth at temperatures as low as 100 °C as well as the transformation to a polycrystalline phase at deposition temperatures >200 °C. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reveal that as‐deposited films exhibit low surface roughness (rms ≈ 2.9 nm at 500 °C) and a crystal size that is monotonously increasing from 8 to 32 nm for deposition temperatures in the range of 200–500 °C. The latter appears to have a direct impact on the field‐effect electron mobility, which is found to increase with increasing ZnO crystal size. The maximum mobility and current on/off ratio is obtained from thin‐film transistors fabricated using ZnO films deposited at >400 °C yielding values on the order of 25 cm2 V−1s−1 and 106, respectively.