bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium‐stimulated mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation elicits Bcl‐xL downregulation and Bak upregulation in notexin‐treated human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells
Authors: Chen Ku‐Chung , Liu Wen‐Hsin , Kao Pei‐Hsiu , Chang Long‐Sen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNotechis scutatus scutatus notexin induced apoptotic death of SK‐N‐SH cells accompanied with downregulation of Bcl‐xL, upregulation of Bak, mitochondrial depolarization, and ROS generation. Upon exposure to notexin, Ca2+‐mediated JNK and p38 MAPK activation were observed in SK‐N‐SH cells. Production of ROS was a downstream event followed by Ca2+‐mediated mitochondrial alteration. Notexin‐induced cell death, mitochondrial depolarization, and ROS generation were suppressed by SB202190 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor). Moreover, phospho‐p38 MAPK and phospho‐JNK were proved to be involved in Bcl‐xL degradation, and overexpression of Bcl‐xL attenuated the cytotoxic effect of notexin. Bak upregulation was elicited by p38 MAPK‐mediated ATF‐2 activation and JNK‐mediated c‐Jun activation. Suppression of Bak upregulation by ATF‐2 siRNA or c‐Jun siRNA attenuated notexin‐evoked mitochondrial depolarization and rescued viability of notexin‐treated cells. Taken together, our data indicate that notexin‐induced apoptotic death of SK‐N‐SH cells is mediated through mitochondrial alteration triggering by Ca2+‐evoked p38 MAPK/ATF‐2 and JNK/c‐Jun signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:177–186, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of neural crest progenitors from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Chimge Nyam‐Osor , Bayarsaihan Dashzeveg 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe neural crest (NC) is a transient population of multipotent progenitors arising at the lateral edge of the neural plate in vertebrate embryos, which then migrate throughout the body to generate diverse array of tissues such as the peripheral nervous system, skin melanocytes, and craniofacial cartilage, bone and teeth. The transient nature of neural crest stem cells make extremely challenging to study the biology of these important cells. In humans induction and differentiation of embryonic NC occurs very early, within a few weeks of fertilization giving rise to technical and ethical issues surrounding isolation of early embryonic tissues and therefore severely limiting the study of human NC cells. For that reason our current knowledge of the biology of NC mostly derives from the studies of lower organisms. Recent progress in human embryonic stem cell research provides a unique opportunity for generation of a useful source of cells for basic developmental studies. The development of cost‐effective, time and labor efficient improved differentiation protocols for the production of human NC cells is a critical step toward a better understanding of NC biology. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:95–103, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvements in carotid plaque imaging using a new eight‐element phased array coil at 3T
Authors: Balu Niranjan , Yarnykh Vasily L. , Scholnick Joshua , Chu Baocheng , Yuan Chun , Hayes Cecil 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPurposeTo design and compare an eight‐channel phased array (PA) coil for carotid imaging to an established four‐channel PA design at 3T.Materials and MethodsAn eight‐channel PA (8PA) coil was designed specifically for imaging the carotid bifurcation and compared with the existing four‐channel (4PA) design using a phantom and by in vivo black‐blood magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 8PA and 4PA were compared in terms of coverage, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR).ResultsThe 8PA showed up to 1.7‐fold improvement in SNR at a depth of 3.5 cm and greater longitudinal coverage at a given SNR on a phantom. The 8PA showed improved vessel wall SNR for high spatial resolution (0.63 mm2) PD, T1, and T2 (1.7, 1.7, 1.6 times, respectively; P ≤ 0.002) and improved CNR (1.7, 1.6, 1.5 times, respectively; P ≤ 0.002). Ultrahigh‐resolution (0.27 mm2) T1‐weighted images showed better SNR and CNR (1.4 times, P ≤ 0.0001) on 8PA compared to 4PA.ConclusionCarotid imaging studies may benefit from the improved SNR and larger coverage provided by use of the 8PA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of lipids in skeletal muscle by LCModel and AMARES
Authors: Weis Jan , Johansson Lars , Ortiz‐Nieto Francisco , Ahlström Håkan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPurposeTo process single voxel spectra of the human skeletal muscle by using an advanced method for accurate, robust, and efficient spectral fitting (AMARES) and by linear combination of model spectra (LCModel). To determine absolute concentrations of extra‐ (EMCL) and intramyocellular lipids (IMCL).Materials and MethodsSingle‐voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PRESS) was used to obtain the spectra of the calf muscles. Unsuppressed water line was used as a concentration reference. A new prior knowledge for AMARES was proposed to estimate the concentrations of EMCL and IMCL. The prior knowledge was derived from the spectrum of vegetable oil. The results were compared with the values estimated by LCModel. Absolute concentrations of total lipid content in millimoles per kilogram wet weight were used for the comparisons.ResultsAbsolute concentrations of total lipid content in skeletal muscle were estimated by AMARES and LCModel. Very good correlation of the total fat (EMCL + IMCL) and IMCL concentrations was achieved between both data processing approaches.ConclusionAssessment the absolute concentrations of muscular lipids by AMARES and LCModel can be performed with comparable accuracy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative assessment of myocardial T2 relaxation times in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Sparrow Patrick , Amirabadi Afsaneh , Sussman Marshall S. , Paul Narinder , Merchant Naeem 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate cardiac MRI (CMR) in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis by comparing the T2 relaxation times of left ventricular myocardium in a pilot patient group to a normal range established in healthy controls.Materials and MethodsForty‐nine patients with suspected amyloidosis‐related cardiomyopathy underwent comprehensive CMR examination, which included assessment of myocardial T2 relaxation times, ventricular function, resting myocardial perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. T2‐weighted basal, mid, and apical left ventricular slices were acquired in each patient using a multislice T2 magnetization preparation spiral sequence. Slice averaged T2 relaxation times were subsequently calculated offline and compared to the previously established normal range.ResultsTwelve of the 49 patients were confirmed to have cardiac amyloidosis by biopsy. There was no difference in mean T2 relaxation times between the amyloid cases and normal controls (51.3 ± 8.1 vs. 52.1 ± 3.1 msec, P = 0.63). Eleven of the 12 amyloid patients had abnormal findings by CMR, eight having LGE involving either ventricles or atria and four demonstrating resting subendocardial perfusion defects.ConclusionCMR is a potentially valuable tool in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. However, calculation of myocardial T2 relaxation times does not appear useful in distinguishing areas of amyloid deposition from normal myocardium. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical characterisation of Nephrops norvegicus from Portuguese coast
Authors: Lourenço Helena M , Anacleto Patrícia , Afonso Cláudia , Martins Maria F , Carvalho Maria L , Lino Ana R , Nunes Maria L 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Among seafood products, crustaceans are an important group owing to their nutritional benefits and high market value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate composition as well as essential and non‐essential elements in the edible muscle of Nephrops norvegicus (Norway lobster).RESULTS: The studied crustacean showed a high protein level of about 210 g kg−1 and a mineral level of about 24 g kg−1. The pattern for the elements studied was Cl > Na > K > P > S > Ca > Mg > Br > Fe > Sr ≈ Zn > Cu > Mn > Rb > Se > Ni > Cr. Regarding non‐essential elements, the average total Hg content was 0.40 mg kg−1, but two samples exceeded the legal limit set by the European Union (EU) for Hg in crustaceans (0.50 mg kg−1). The levels of Pb and Cd found in all samples were below the EU limits (0.50 mg kg−1 for both metals).CONCLUSION: Nephrops norvegicus is a good source of protein and contains most minerals at levels sufficient to satisfy the dietary reference intake. The amounts of Pb and Cd are not a concern. Hg levels indicate some contamination; however, taking into account the type of consumption of this species, it can be concluded that this does not represent a risk in terms of the human diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Association of a functional polymorphism of PTPN22 encoding a lymphoid protein phosphatase in bilateral Meniere's disease
Authors: Lopez‐Escamez Jose A. , Saenz‐Lopez Pablo , Acosta Lourdes , Moreno Antonia , Gazquez Irene , Perez‐Garrigues Herminio , Lopez‐Nevot Alicia , Lopez‐Nevot Miguel A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Bilateral Meniere's disease (BMD) is a severe disease that usually results in bilateral severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss and chronic disequilibrium with loss of vestibular function. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTPN22 and CTLA4 genes in Caucasian patients with BMD to assess the possible association between these polymorphism and the predisposition and clinical expression of this disease.Study Design:A case control study.Methods:The functional protein tyrosine phosphatase type 22 (PTPN22) SNP (rs2476601, 1858C/T) and CTLA4 SNP (rs231775, 49A/G) were analyzed in 52 patients with BMD and 348 healthy controls by a TaqMan 5′ allelic discrimination assay. Data were analyzed by a χ2 test with Fisher exact test.Results:No association was found between the +49A/G CTLA4 genotype and BMD patients. However, the heterozygote PTPN22 1858C/T genotype was present at a significantly higher frequency in BMD patients than in controls (odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–4.62; P = .04).Conclusions:These results suggest that the PTPN22 1858C/T genotype may confer differential susceptibility to BMD in the Spanish population and support an autoimmune etiology for BMD. Laryngoscope, 2010
Long‐term outcomes from the English national comparative audit of surgery for nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hopkins Claire , Slack Robert , Lund Valerie , Brown Peter , Copley Lynn , Browne John 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:We present a large, prospective cohort study following patients who underwent surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with or without nasal polyps, in hospitals in England and Wales. Five‐year outcomes will be reported, and we will revisit a previous analysis of the effectiveness of extensive surgery in the treatment of nasal polyposis.Methods:Baseline clinical data was collected for 3,128 patients undergoing surgery for CRS (with or without nasal polyps). Outcomes are described in terms of the proportion of patients undergoing revision surgery and mean Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores.Results:A total of 1,459 (52.2%) patients responded to 5‐year follow‐up. Revision surgery rates increased at each time point. Of the patients responding, 279 patients (19.1%) had undergone further surgery during the 5 years since their original operation. Of the patients with polyps, 20.6% had undergone revision compared to 15.5% of patients with CRS alone. The mean SNOT‐22 score for all patients was 28.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 22.4) at 5 years after surgery. This is remarkably similar to the results observed at 3 months (25.5), 12 months (27.7), and 36 months (27.7), and represents a 14‐point improvement over the baseline score. Polyp patients report better SNOT‐22 scores at 5 years (mean = 26.2; SD = 21.6) than patients with CRS alone (mean = 33.3; SD = 23.7). Of the patients who had originally received simple polypectomy, 21.2% had undergone revision surgery compared to 20.0% of patients who had also received additional sinus surgery. The difference in unadjusted revision surgery rates is not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.22; P = .64). However, the difference becomes statistically significant when a multivariate logistic regression is used to adjust for baseline characteristics, with patients undergoing additional sinus surgery being less likely to undergo further surgery within the study period (adjusted odds ratio = 0.66; P = .04).Conclusions:We have shown sinonasal surgery to be safe and effective in reducing the symptoms associated with CRS over a 5‐year period. The reduction in symptoms is large, with no significant decline in symptomatic improvement from 12 to 60 months postsurgery. However, revision surgery rates approach 20% over this time, and patients should be counseled accordingly prior to surgery. Laryngoscope, 2009
Reciprocative sliding friction and wear properties of electrical discharge machined ZrO2‐based composites
Authors: Bonny Koenraad , De Baets Patrick , Samyn Pieter , Lobbestael Filip , Vleugels Jozef , Lauwers Bert , Liu Weidong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHot‐pressed, laboratory‐made, ZrO2‐based composites with 40 vol. % WC, TiCN or TiN were surface finished by electrical discharge machining in order to compare their reciprocating sliding friction and wear response against WC–6wt%Co cemented carbide in unlubricated conditions. Sliding experiments were performed using a Plint TE77 pin‐on‐flat wear test rig, revealing a strong impact of the secondary phase on the tribological behaviour of the ZrO2‐based composites. The worn surfaces and wear debris were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and surface topography scanning, pointing out abrasion, polishing and adhesion as main wear mechanisms. The most favourable friction and wear characteristics were encountered with ZrO2–WC composites compared to the other grades with equal amount of volumetric secondary phase. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of lubrication conditions using an ultrasonic technique
Authors: Takeuchi A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractEvaluation of lubrication conditions for a real frictional surface, such as a steel bearing, becomes an important issue for safe operation of a machine. In this paper, an application of ultrasonic technique is attempted for a purpose of evaluating the lubrication conditions. Ultrasonic waves emitted towards a hydrodynamic lubrication interface are reflected multiple times in oil film, and an echo height of reflected waves from the boundary is dependent on film thickness. The results of this study indicated that the ultrasonic technique is able to measure film thickness of approximately 50 nm in the case of a standstill surface having extremely small surface roughness. Furthermore, a potential for estimating the oil film thickness between a piston ring and cylinder is also indicated. In addition, in the case of a ball bearing, quantitative measurement of a size of dent, which forms the origin of flaking, is important for an evaluation of lubrication conditions. This becomes possible with an observation of a change in the echo height reflected from a boundary surface between a housing and an outer ring of the ball bearing. In this study, quantitative measurement of an indentation having 0.32 mm width on a raceway surface of an inner ring was achieved. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Brush Fabricated by Surface‐Initiated Photopolymerization and its Response to Temperature
Authors: Jia Xinyan , Jiang Xuesong , Liu Rui , Yin Jie 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA well‐defined, high‐density poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brush was fabricated through a novel and reliable strategy by the combination of the self‐assembly of a monolayer of dendritic photoinitiator and surface‐initiated photopolymerization. The whole fabrication process of the PNIPAM brush was followed by water contact angles, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Characterization of the PNIPAM brush, such as molecular weight and thickness determination, were measured by gel permeation chromatography, and ellipsometry, and the graft density was estimated. The temperature response of the PNIPAM brush was further investigated and the result verified the coil‐to‐globule transition of the PNIPAM chains in water from low to high temperature.magnified image
A Novel Type of Vesicles Based on Ionic and π–π Interactions
Authors: Gröhn Franziska , Klein Katja , Koynov Kaloian 
Published: September 2009

AbstractElectrostatic self‐assembly can be used to form supramolecular vesicles in aqueous solution. Vesicles consist of cationic G8 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers and the trivalent sulfonate dye Ar27. No classical amphiphiles are present but the interplay of electrostatics, π–π interaction and geometric factors influences the structure formation. Labeled guest molecules, both small molecules and peptides, can be included inside these vesicles and vesicles imaged by fluorescence techniques. The structure was studied by dynamic and static light scattering, small‐angle neutron scattering, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The study indicates the prospect of constructing functional nanoobjects by the self‐assembly of charged molecules in aqueous solution.magnified image
Single‐Step Electrospinning of Bimodal Fiber Meshes for Ease of Cellular Infiltration
Authors: Gentsch Rafael , Boysen Bjoern , Lankenau Andreas , Börner Hans G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBimodal fiber meshes with fiber diameters differing by one order of magnitude, are electrospun in a simple one‐step process, using a standard single syringe electrospin setup. The nano‐ and microfiber meshes combine the benefits of nanofibers (cell adhesion, proliferation) with those of microfibers (open structure, large pore size) and are therefore interesting as scaffolds for cellular infiltration.magnified image
Effect of Solvent Molecular Size on the Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer in Selective Solvent
Authors: Li Wei , Jiang Wei 
Published: September 2009

AbstractReal‐space self‐consistent field theory (SCFT) is employed to study the effect of solvent molecular size on the self‐assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymer in selective solvent. The phase diagrams in wide ranges of interaction parameters and solvent molecular size were obtained in present study. The results indicate that the solvent molecular size is a key factor that determines the self‐assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymer. The self‐assembled morphology changes from circle‐like micelle to line‐like micelle, then to loop‐like micelle by decreasing the solvent molecular size in a wide range of solvent selectivity. We analyze and discuss this change in terms of the solvent solubility and the entropy contribution.magnified image
Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance detection of carboxypeptidase G2 activity
Authors: Jamin Yann , Gabellieri Cristina , Smyth Lynette , Reynolds Steven , Robinson Simon P. , Springer Caroline J. , Leach Martin O. , Payne Geoffrey S. , Eykyn Thomas R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCarboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) is a bacterial enzyme that is currently employed in a range of targeted cancer chemotherapy strategies such as gene‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). Employing dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and natural abundance 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we observed the CPG2‐mediated conversion of a novel hyperpolarized reporter probe 3,5‐difluorobenzoyl‐L‐glutamic acid (3,5‐DFBGlu) to 3,5‐difluorobenzoic acid (3,5‐DFBA) and L‐glutamic acid (L‐Glu) in vitro. Isotopic labeling of the relevant nuclei with 13C in 3,5‐DFBGlu or related substrates will yield a further factor of 100 increase in the signal‐to‐noise. We discuss the feasibility of translating these experiments to generate metabolic images of CPG2 activity in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration with magnetic resonance single‐voxel spectroscopy
Authors: Zuo Jin , Saadat Ehsan , Romero Adan , Loo Kimberly , Li Xiaojuan , Link Thomas M. , Kurhanewicz John , Majumdar Sharmila 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study examined the feasibility of using short‐echo water‐suppressed point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) on a clinical 3T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner for evaluating biochemical changes in degenerated bovine and cadaveric human intervertebral discs. In bovine discs (N = 17), degeneration was induced with papain injections. Degeneration of human cadaveric discs (N = 27) was assessed using the Pfirrmann grading on T2‐weighted images. Chemicals in the carbohydrate region (Carb), the choline head group (Cho), the N‐acetyl region (N‐acetyl), and the lipid and lactate region (Lac+Lip) were quantified using 1H PRESS, and were compared between specimens with different degrees of degeneration. The correlation between the spectroscopic findings and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) quantification using biochemical assays was determined. Significant differences were found between the ratios (N‐acetyl/Cho, N‐acetyl/Lac+Lip) acquired before and after papain injection in bovine discs. For human cadaveric discs, significant differences in the ratios (N‐acetyl/Carb, N‐acetyl/Lac+Lip) were found between discs having high and low Pfirrmann scores. Significant correlations were found between N‐acetyl/Lac+Lip and GAG content in bovine discs (R = 0.77, P = 0.0007) and cadaveric discs (R = 0.83, P < 0.0001). Significant correlation between N‐acetyl/Cho and GAG content was also found in cadaver discs (R = 0.64, P = 0.0039). This study demonstrates for the first time that short‐echo PRESS on a clinical 3T MR scanner can be used to noninvasively and can reproducibly quantify metabolic changes associated with degeneration of intervertebral discs. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of glycine in human prefrontal brain by point‐resolved spectroscopy at 7.0 tesla in vivo
Authors: Choi Changho , Douglas Deborah , Hawesa Halima , Jindal Ashish , Storey Charles , Dimitrov Ivan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMeasurement of glycine in human frontal brain by an optimized point‐resolved spectroscopy sequence at 7 T is reported. Echo time dependencies of the overlapping coupled resonances of myo‐inositol, free choline, and threonine were investigated with density matrix simulations, incorporating the slice‐selective radiofrequency and gradient pulses. The numerical simulations indicated that the selectivity of the 3.55‐ppm glycine singlet is maximized at (TE1, TE2) = (101, 51) ms. Phantom experiments indicated that the myo‐inositol peak amplitude between 3.5 and 3.6 ppm is reduced by a factor of 30 following the optimized point‐resolved spectroscopy, as predicted by the simulation. From LCModel analyses, the glycine concentration in the medial prefrontal cortex in healthy adults was estimated, with a mean Cramér‐Rao lower bound of 7 ± 1% (mean ± standard deviation; n = 7), to be 0.8 ± 0.1 mM, with reference to total creatine at 8 mM. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.