bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Italian version of the clinical outcomes in routine evaluation outcome measure (CORE‐OM)
Authors: Palmieri Gaspare , Evans Chris , Hansen Vidje , Brancaleoni Greta , Ferrari Silvia , Porcelli Piero , Reitano Francesco , Rigatelli Marco 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation—Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) was translated into Italian and tested in non‐clinical (n = 263) and clinical (n = 647) samples. The translation showed good acceptability, internal consistency and convergent validity in both samples. There were large and statistically significant differences between clinical and non‐clinical datasets on all scores. The reliable change criteria were similar to those for the UK referential data. Some of the clinically significant change criteria, particularly for the men, were moderately different from the UK cutting points. The Italian version of the CORE‐OM showed respectable psychometric parameters. However, it seemed plausible that non‐clinical and clinical distributions of self‐report scores on psychopathology and functioning measures may differ by language and culture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message:• A good quality Italian translation of the CORE‐OM, and hence the GP‐CORE, CORE‐10 and CORE‐5 measures also, is now available for use by practitioners and anyone surveying or exploring general psychological state. The measures can be obtained from CORE‐IMS or yourself and practitioners are encouraged to share anonymised data so that goodclinical and non‐clinical referential databases can be established for Italy.
Atmospheric Pressure Process for Coating Particles Using Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Beetstra Renske , Lafont Ugo , Nijenhuis John , Kelder Erik M. , van Ommen J. Ruud 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAtomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising technique for coating micrometer‐ and nanometer‐sized particles. Due to the self‐terminating nature of the ALD half‐reactions, the coating thickness can be controlled to the atomic level by choosing the number of cycles in which the half‐reactions are repeated. This technique is performed in a fluidized bed reactor, under atmospheric pressure. LiMn2O4 particles (primary particles 200 − 500 nm in diameter) are coated with Al2O3 to various thicknesses, ranging from 5 ALD cycles to 28 ALD cycles. The resulting coatings are homogeneous, and the individual particles are coated, rather than the agglomerates as a whole; however there are indications of some build‐up of water ‐mainly in pores‐ that may be related to the use of atmospheric pressure. Quantitative characterization of the coating is difficult due to the powdered substrate.
Complete reconstruction of the retinal laminar structure from a cultured retinal pigment epithelium is triggered by altered tissue interaction and promoted by overlaid extracellular matrices
Authors: Kuriyama Fusako , Ueda Yoko , Araki Masasuke 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe retina regenerates from retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by transdifferentiation in the adult newt and Xenopus laevis when it is surgically removed. This was studied under a novel culture condition, and we succeeded, for the first time, in developing a complete retinal laminar structure from a single epithelial sheet of RPE. We cultured a Xenopus RPE monolayer sheet isolated from the choroid on a filter cup with gels overlaid and found that the retinal tissue structure differentiated with all retinal layers present. In the culture, RPE cells isolated themselves from the culture substratum (filter membrane), migrated, and reattached to the overlaid gel, on which they initiated transdifferentiation. This was exactly the same as observed during in vivo retina regeneration of X. laevis. In contrast, when RPE monolayers were cultured similarly without isolation from the choroid, RPE cells proliferated, but remained pigmented instead of transdifferentiating, indicating that alteration in tissue interaction triggers transdifferentiation. We then examined under the conventional tissue culture condition whether altered RPE‐choroid interaction induces Pax6 expression. Pax6 was upregulated in RPE cells soon after they were removed from the choroid, and this expression was not dependent of FGF2. FGF2 administration was needed for RPE cells to maintain Pax6 expression. From the present results, in addition to our previous ones, we propose a two‐step mechanism of transdifferentiation: the first step is a reversible process and is initiated by the alteration of the cell‐extracellular matrix and/or cell–cell interaction followed by Pax6 upregulation. FGF2 plays a key role in driving RPE cells into the second step, during which they differentiate into retinal stem cells. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Organ‐specific lymphangiectasia, arrested lymphatic sprouting, and maturation defects resulting from gene‐targeting of the PI3K regulatory isoforms p85α, p55α, and p50α
Authors: Mouta‐Bellum Carla , Kirov Aleksander , Miceli‐Libby Laura , Mancini Maria L. , Petrova Tatiana V. , Liaw Lucy , Prudovsky Igor , Thorpe Philip E. , Miura Naoyuki , Cantley Lewis C. , Alitalo Kari , Fruman David A. , Vary Calvin P.H. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) family has multiple vascular functions, but the specific regulatory isoform supporting lymphangiogenesis remains unidentified. Here, we report that deletion of the Pik3r1 gene, encoding the regulatory subunits p85α, p55α, and p50α impairs lymphatic sprouting and maturation, and causes abnormal lymphatic morphology, without major impact on blood vessels. Pik3r1 deletion had the most severe consequences among gut and diaphragm lymphatics, which share the retroperitoneal anlage, initially suggesting that the Pik3r1 role in this vasculature is anlage‐dependent. However, whereas lymphatic sprouting toward the diaphragm was arrested, lymphatics invaded the gut, where remodeling and valve formation were impaired. Thus, cell‐origin fails to explain the phenotype. Only the gut showed lymphangiectasia, lymphatic up‐regulation of the transforming growth factor‐β co‐receptor endoglin, and reduced levels of mature vascular endothelial growth factor‐C protein. Our data suggest that Pik3r1 isoforms are required for distinct steps of embryonic lymphangiogenesis in different organ microenvironments, whereas they are largely dispensable for hemangiogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 238:2670–2679, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a novel interaction between transcription factor TFII‐I and the inducible tyrosine kinase in T cells
Authors: Sacristán Catarina , Schattgen Stefan A. , Berg Leslie J. , Bunnell Stephen C. , Roy Ananda L. , Rosenstein Yvonne 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTCR signaling leads to the activation of kinases such as inducible tyrosine kinase (Itk), a key regulatory protein in T‐lymphocyte activation and function. The homolog of Itk in B cells is Bruton's tyrosine kinase, previously shown to bind and phosphorylate the transcription factor TFII‐I. TFII‐I plays major roles in transcription and signaling. Our purpose herein was twofold: first, to identify some of the molecular determinants involved in TFII‐I activation downstream of receptor crosslinking in T cells and second, to uncover the existence of Itk–TFII‐I signaling in T lymphocytes. We report for the first time that TFII‐I is tyrosine phosphorylated upon TCR, TCR/CD43, and TCR/CD28 co‐receptor engagement in human and/or murine T cells. We show that Itk physically interacts with TFII‐I and potentiates TFII‐I‐driven c‐fos transcription. We demonstrate that TFII‐I is phosphorylated upon co‐expression of WT, but not kinase‐dead, or kinase‐dead/R29C mutant Itk, suggesting these residues are important for TFII‐I phosphorylation, presumably via an Itk‐dependent mechanism. Structural analysis of TFII‐I–Itk interactions revealed that the first 90 residues of TFII‐I are dispensable for Itk binding. Mutations within Itk's kinase, pleckstrin‐homology, and proline‐rich regions did not abolish TFII‐I–Itk binding. Our results provide an initial step in understanding the biological role of Itk–TFII‐I signaling in T‐cell function.
A triterpenoid methyl antcinate K isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea promotes dendritic cell activation and Th2 differentiation
Authors: Yu Yen‐Ling , Chen I‐Hua , Shen Kuan‐Yin , Huang Ren‐Yeong , Wang Wu‐Rong , Chou Cheng‐Jen , Chang Tun‐Tschu , Chu Ching‐Liang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) play a central role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. Increasing evidence has indicated that manipulation of DC can serve as a therapeutic mechanism for immunomodulation. In this study we tested some unique compounds isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea, a medicinal fungus in Taiwan, on mouse bone marrow‐derived DC activation. A triterpenoid methyl antcinate K (me‐AntK) promoted DC maturation by enhancing the expression of MHC class II, CD86, and reducing the endocytosis. TNF‐α, MCP‐1, and MIP‐1β were secreted by DC after me‐AntK treatment, indicating augmentation of innate immunity by me‐AntK. Interestingly, the me‐AntK‐activated DC induced Ag‐specific T‐cell proliferation and facilitated Th2 differentiation. Examining signaling responses, we found that me‐AntK treatment uniquely activated JNK and ERK in DC. Our results demonstrate that me‐AntK is the first natural triterpenoid to promote the ability of DC to prime Th2 responses. This suggests that me‐AntK can potentially be applied to enhance immune responses and modulate DC function in immunotherapy.
Education of hyporesponsive NK cells by cytokines
Authors: Juelke Kerstin , Killig Monica , Thiel Andreas , Dong Jun , Romagnani Chiara 
Published: August 2009

AbstractNK‐cell tolerance to self is mediated via engagement of inhibitory receptors by cognate MHC molecules. This event is critical for NK‐cell education to achieve functional competence. Thus, NK cells expressing self‐MHC‐specific inhibitory receptors are responsive to activating stimuli while those lacking such receptors are hyporesponsive. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying NK‐cell education are still poorly understood. Here, we show that after stimulation with cytokines, hyporesponsive NK cells acquire stable expression of killer Ig‐like receptors (KIR) as reflected by DNA hypomethylation of their KIR locus. Remarkably, only hyporesponsive NK cells that acquire KIR in the presence of their cognate MHC molecule gain functional competence and this process can occur in the absence of any accessory cells. Acquisition of competence does not result in autoreactivity, since acquired KIR are functional and therefore able to inhibit NK‐cell cytotoxicity. Our data demonstrate that competent NK cells can be generated by cytokine stimulation, suggesting that NK‐cell education might not only be an early event which takes place during NK‐cell development but might also occur in the periphery during an immune response.
Functional significance of tapasin membrane association and disulfide linkage to ERp57 in MHC class I presentation
Authors: Vigneron Nathalie , Peaper David R. , Leonhardt Ralf M. , Cresswell Peter 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTapasin is disulfide linked to ERp57 within the peptide loading complex. In cell‐free assays, a soluble variant of the tapasin/ERp57 dimer recruits MHC class I molecules and promotes peptide binding to them, whereas soluble tapasin alone does not. Here we show that within cells, tapasin conjugation with ERp57 is as critical as its integration into the membrane for efficient MHC class I assembly, surface expression, and Ag presentation to CD8+ T cells. Elimination of both of these properties severely compromises tapasin function, in keeping with predictions from in vitro studies.
Induction of peripheral CD4+ T‐cell tolerance and CD8+ T‐cell cross‐tolerance by dendritic cells
Authors: Lutz Manfred B. , Kurts Christian 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDC can present and cross‐present self‐antigens to autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively, and incapacitate them by inducing anergy, deletion or converting them into Treg. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in immune tolerance research, which has been achieved by employing antigen‐ and TCR‐transgenic mice. We cover the numerous discoveries that have furthered our knowledge of the DC subsets and maturation pathways involved in tolerance; the signals, such as CD70, TGF‐β, B7‐H1/PD‐L1, which dictate the decision between immunity and tolerance; and the in vivo role of DC in the maintenance of CD4+ T‐cell tolerance and CD8+ T‐cell cross‐tolerance.
Decanuclear Manganese Isobutyrate Clusters Featuring a Novel MnII8MnIII2 Core
Authors: Malaestean Iurii L. , Speldrich Manfred , Ellern Arkady , Baca Svetlana G. , Ward Michael , Kögerler Paul 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRecrystallization of freshly prepared MnII isobutyrate from PrOH or from EtOH/MeCN mixtures containing pyrazole (pyr) yields neutral mixed‐valence decanuclear manganese(II/III) complexes, [Mn10O2(O2CCHMe2)18(HO2CCHMe2)2(PrOH)2] (1) and [Mn10O2(O2CCHMe2)18(pyr)4] (2). The Mn10 metal core of both 1 and 2 consists of eight MnII and two MnIII centers and represents a new motif in the structural organization of polynuclear mixed‐valence manganese clusters. Both, 1 and 2 exhibit a net antiferromagnetic exchange coupling resulting in singlet ground states. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Insight into Unusual Downfield NMR Shifts in the Inclusion Complex of Acridine Orange with Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Liu Jinshui , Jiang Nan , Ma Jing , Du Xuezhong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper describes the structure and properties of the complex of acridine orange (AO) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) in aqueous solutions, studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy with the aid of competitive binding methods. It was found that AO was included in the CB[7] cavity through strong ion–dipole interactions and hydrogen bonds. Theoretical studies based on calculations performed from first principles further confirmed this binding mode. Unusual downfield NMR shifts of the AO proton resonances in the presence of CB[7] were observed, in sharp contrast with cases of inclusion of other organic molecules in the CB[7] cavities, which resulted in upfield shifts of their proton resonances. The downfield shifts of the proton resonances of the AO·CB[7] complex were found to be the net result of small upfield shifts arising from the inclusion of AO in the CB[7] cavity and large downfield shifts resulting from the deaggregation of the AO aggregates, which were readily formed even at low concentrations in aqueous solutions. Further theoretical calculations explained the unusual downfield NMR shifts well. These research results are of importance for understanding of the structures and properties of complexes of related organic molecules with macrocyclic hosts. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Microfluidic droplet trapping array as nanoliter reactors for gas–liquid chemical reaction
Authors: Zhang Qingquan , Zeng Shaojiang , Qin Jianhua , Lin Bingcheng 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article presents a simple method for trapping arrays of droplets relying on the designed microstructures of the microfluidic device, and this has been successfully used for parallel gas–liquid chemical reaction. In this approach, the trapping structure is composed of main channel, lateral channel and trapping region. Under a negative pressure, array droplets can be generated and trapped in the microstructure simultaneously, without the use of surfactant and the precise control of the flow velocity. By using a multi‐layer microdevice containing the microstructures, single (pH gradient) and multiple gas–liquid reactions (metal ion–NH3 complex reaction) can be performed in array droplets through the transmembrane diffusion of the gas. The droplets with quantitative concentration gradient can be formed by only replacing the specific membrane. The established method is simple, robust and easy to operate, demonstrating the potential of this device for droplet‐based high‐throughput screening.
Evaporation of biomass fast pyrolysis oil: Evaluation of char formation
Authors: Ramachandran Ragavendra P. Balegedde , van Rossum Guus , van Swaaij Wim P.M. , Kersten Sascha R.A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEvaporation experiments of biomass fast pyrolysis oil and its aqueous fractions at low (TGA–10°C/min, Glass tube–100°C/min) and high (atomization ∼106°C/min) heating rates are performed. Slow heating of pyrolysis oil produced ∼28% char (on carbon basis), whereas atomization of oil droplets (∼117 μm) produced ∼9% char in the temperature range of 500–850°C. Aqueous fractions and glucose solutions also produced less amount of char by evaporating at higher heating rates (∼3% char) when compared with slower heating (∼24% char). The results obtained show that not a single lumped components class in pyrolysis oil can be identified that is primarily responsible for the char formation. At low heating rate, higher concentrations of organics in the bioliquids result in higher char yields, which reveals that a certain fraction in the oil produce char with a reaction order higher than one (polymerization reactions). The measured trends in char yield can be described by a model in which certain fraction of oil is converted by two parallel reactions to char and gas/vapor. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Thermal modeling and simulation of an integrated solid oxide fuel cell and charcoal gasification system
Authors: Colpan C. Ozgur , Yoo Yeong , Dincer Ibrahim , Hamdullahpur Feridun 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this study we propose a novel integrated charcoal gasification and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, which is intended to produce electricity and heat simultaneously. This system mainly consists of an updraft gasifier using air and steam as the gasification agents, a planar and direct internal reforming SOFC and a low temperature gas cleanup system. The performance of this system is assessed through numerical modeling using a pre‐developed and validated heat transfer model of the SOFC and thermodynamic models for the rest of the components. These models are used to simulate the performance of the cell and system for a case study. In addition, a parametric study is conducted to assess the effect of Reynolds number at the fuel channel inlet of the SOFC on the cell performance, e.g., fuel utilization and power density, and the system performance, e.g., electrical efficiency, exergetic efficiency, and power to heat ratio. The number of stacks is also calculated for different Reynolds numbers to discuss the economical feasibility of the integrated system. The results show that the electrical efficiency, exergetic efficiency and power to heat ratio of this system are 33.31%, 45.72%, and 1.004, respectively, for the base case. The parametric study points out that taking the Reynolds number low yields higher electrical and exergetic efficiencies for the system, but it also increases the cost of the system. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Mutagenic risks induced by homemade hair straightening creams with high formaldehyde content
Authors: Mazzei José L. , Figueiredo Érika V. , da Veiga Lia J. , Aiub Claudia A. F. , Guimarães Pedro I. C. , Felzenszwalb Israel 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRegardless of official recommendations, the inappropriate use of homemade hair creams has became a popular practice in Brazil and high formaldehyde content in the ‘progressive straightening’ creams has been reported. In the present work, three of these creams were analyzed by spectrophotometric, chromatographic and genotoxic assays in order to evaluate mutagenic risks associated with the uncontrolled addition of formaldehyde at contents higher than those allowed by regulation. The ultraviolet and Fourier‐transformed infrared absorption spectra showed characteristic signals that can be assigned to formaldehyde, although with different relative intensities, revealing distinct compositions. Using high‐performance liquid chromatography 1.6–10.5% w/v formaldehyde was quantified. Antibacterial activity was detected in all creams. At 0.10 μg per plate, one of them showed positive mutagenicity induction (P < 0.05) in the Salmonella/microsome assay using the TA100 strain. The measurement of β‐galactosidase induction in the SOS chromotest by this cream, at dosages of 10–100 μg per assay, was positive (P < 0.05) in Escherichia coli PQ37 and OG100 strains. Our data show a more intense genotoxic response than those reported before for formaldehyde, suggesting that this compound may be acting synergistically with any unknown components in the creams or perhaps these unspecified components by themselves might have significant genotoxic potential. We call attention to the popular use of homemade formulations of cosmetics, such as hair straightening creams, because they can contain mutagens that could increase the incidence of neoplasia in those people who use them. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Titanate particles as agents to deliver gold compounds to fibroblasts and monocytes
Authors: Davis Ryan R. , Hobbs David T. , Khashaba Rania , Sehkar Poojitha , Seta Francesca N. , Messer Regina L. W. , Lewis Jill B. , Wataha John C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTitanates are inorganic compounds with high affinity for specific metal ions or metal compounds, including gold. We have previously demonstrated that both monosodium titanate (MST) and amorphous peroxo‐titanate (APT) alone do not suppress cellular metabolism of several cell types, and we have shown that MST and APT adsorb and release gold compounds in biological salt solutions. In the current study, we extend this work and show that MST and APT loaded with two gold compounds deliver sufficient levels of these compounds to alter the metabolism of mammalian cells. Fibroblasts (L929) or monocytes (THP1) were exposed to MST and APT loaded with either Au(III) or Auranofin®, a Au(I)‐organic compound, for 24–72 h, after which succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity of the cells was measured using the MTT method. MST or APT alone did not suppress SDH activity of either cell type. AF and Au(III) alone suppressed SDH activity completely above 2 μM or 300 μM, respectively. APT and MST loaded with either gold compound suppressed L929 fibroblast SDH activity by 30–80% after 72 h, but Au(III)‐loaded APT was more potent than AF‐loaded APT. Monocyte SDH activity was not affected by any loaded titanate. Our results suggest that titanates could be used for solid phase delivery of metal compounds to affect mammalian cell function of some types of cells. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010