bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Half metallic properties of LaSrVMoO6
Authors: Song Weiyu , Wang Jing , Meng Jian , Wu Zhijian 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe recent synthesized LaSrVMoO6 was speculated to be compensated half metal, i.e., half metal with zero magnetic moment. Based on the experimental structure, our first principles study indicates that it is ferrimagnetic and half metallic with the magnetic moment 2.0 μB when the electron correlation of Mo 4d electrons is larger than 2.72 eV. This indicates the strong electron correlation effect of Mo 4d electrons. Nonetheless, the obtained large magnetic moment (2.0 μB) contradicts with the experimental observed nearly zero magnetic moment. Although the large antisite defects of the experimental sample might be the reason to reduce the saturated magnetic moment, further physical insights need to be investigated. The spin‐orbit coupling effect has minor effect on the studied properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
High‐throughput single‐base mismatch detection for genotyping of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) with probe capture assay coupled with modified allele‐specific primer extension reaction (MASPER)
Authors: Kisaki Osamu , Kato Seiji , Shinohara Kohei , Hiura Hisahide , Samori Tomohiro , Sato Hiroshi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe have developed a new method based on specific primer extension reactions coupled with plate hybridization for high‐throughput genotyping of single‐base mutations. To improve the switching characteristics of the primer extension reaction, we introduced an artificial mismatch two bases upstream of the 3′‐terminal base in the detection primers. A set of primers that correspond to wild‐type and mutant DNA segments can be used to accurately analyze single‐base mutations. The termini of these primers are at the mutation positions. The primer extension products produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were captured by an oligonucleotide probe immobilized on the surface of microtiter wells and were detected by a colorimetric assay using the streptavidin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase. We used the new method to genotype 96 individuals for 211G>A (G71R) and 119 for 1456T>G (Y486D) in the UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase1A1 gene; the results were completely concordant with those found by direct sequencing. The proposed method includes ordinary PCR and a microplate assay format, and may be used in routine laboratory tests. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:85–91, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical inactivity and cardiovascular risk: baseline observations from men and premenopausal women
Authors: Garelnabi Mahdi , Veledar Emir , Abramson Jerome , White‐Welkley Jill , Santanam Nalini , Weintraub William , Parthasarathy Sampath 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Physical activity or exercise is a proven deterrent of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Purpose: In this study, we examined the relationships between baseline values of parameters related to physical activity and known markers of CV disease, including markers of oxidative stress. Methods: A total of 455 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 were recruited to participate in the study. Levels of lipids/lipoproteins and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured along with the VO2 and duration time spent on treadmill. Results: Women, in general, had a significantly (P<0.0001) higher plasma high density lipoprotein (1.51±0.30 mmol/l), decreased (P<0.0001) low density lipoprotein (LDL) (2.75±0.66 mmol/l), and decreased (P<0.0001) triglycerides levels (2.09±0.85 mmol/l), compared with males (1.21±0.23 mmol/l, 2.92±0.81 mmol/l, and 3.02±1.34 mmol/l, respectively). There was a direct correlation between the levels of plasma LDL and the levels oxidized LDL levels (P<0.0001) in both men and women. Despite a better antiatherogenic lipid profile, the levels of C‐reactive protein in women were significantly (P<0.0001) elevated (3.78±3.66 ng/ml) as compared with those in men (1.82±2.37 ng/ml). Conclusion: These results suggest intrinsic sex differences between men and women in relation to atherogenic risk. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:100–105, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A glycine site‐specific NMDA receptor antagonist protects retina ganglion cells from ischemic injury by modulating apoptotic cascades
Authors: Qiu Weiqiang , Wei Ruoxin , Zhang Chi , Zhang Chun , Leng Wen , Wang Wei 
Published: March 2010

AbstractGlutamate neurotoxicity is one of the causative factors leading to neural degeneration including retina. Inhibition of NMDA receptors has been shown neuroprotective effects. However, specifically inhibition of glycine subunit in NMDA receptors and its effects on retina neural protection has not been tested. In this study, using a glycine site‐specific NMDA receptor antagonist, we investigated its neuroprotective effects on rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from a transient ischemic injury and its possible underlying mechanisms. Following an ischemia/reperfusion injury the structural damages of rat retinas were assessed by an immunofluorescence method and the apoptosis of retinal neural cells was evaluated by using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) method. The survived RGCs were labeled by retrograde manner and counted on whole‐mounted retinas. In the presence of glycine site‐specific NMDA receptor antagonist, the thickness of retina was sustained, especially in the inner nuclear layers compared with mock controls. While a significantly higher numbers of TUNEL‐positive apoptotic cells and fewer of RGCs were observed in the retina without the glycine antagonist, indicating its strong protective roles. Some apoptotic factors such as Bax, Bcl‐2, CAMK II, COX1, COX4, Caspase‐3, and GRIN1 gene have been tested from retinal samples with or without the glycine antagonist. A significantly lower of expressions of Bax, CAMK II, COX1, COX4, Caspase‐3, and GRIN1 have been shown in the retinas with the antagonist. Bcl‐2/Bax ratio was significantly higher with the antagonist, suggested that the glycine site‐specific NMDA receptor antagonist protecting RGC death might through inhibition of apoptotic signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:819–826, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) affects gene expression pathways beyond cholesterol metabolism in liver cells
Authors: Lan Hong , Pang Ling , Smith Marsha M. , Levitan Diane , Ding Wei , Liu Li , Shan Lixin , Shah Vidhi V. , Laverty Maureen , Arreaza Gladys , Zhang Qing , Murgolo Nicholas J. , Hernandez Marco , Greene Jonathan R. , Gustafson Eric L. , Bayne Marvin L. , Davis Harry R. , Hedrick Joseph A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) induces degradation of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the liver. It is being pursued as a therapeutic target for LDL‐cholesterol reduction. Earlier genome‐wide gene expression studies showed that PCSK9 over‐expression in HepG2 cells resulted in up‐regulation of genes in cholesterol biosynthesis and down‐regulation of genes in stress response pathways; however, it was not known whether these changes were directly regulated by PCSK9 or were secondary to PCSK9‐induced changes to the intracellular environment. In order to further understand the biological function of PCSK9 we treated HepG2 cells with purified recombinant wild type (WT) and D374Y gain‐of‐function PCSK9 proteins for 8, 24, and 48 h, and used microarray analysis to identify genome‐wide expression changes and pathways. These results were compared to the changes induced by culturing HepG2 cells in cholesterol‐free medium, mimicking the intracellular environment of cholesterol starvation. We determined that PCSK9‐induced up‐regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis genes resulted from intracellular cholesterol starvation. In addition, we identified novel pathways that are presumably regulated by PCSK9 and are independent of its effects on cholesterol uptake. These pathways included “protein ubiquitination,” “xenobiotic metabolism,” “cell cycle,” and “inflammation and stress response.” Our results indicate that PCSK9 affects metabolic pathways beyond cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:273–281, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EV71 induces COX‐2 expression via c‐Src/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/p42/p44 MAPK/AP‐1 and NF‐κB in rat brain astrocytes
Authors: Tung Wei‐Hsuan , Lee I‐Ta , Hsieh Hsi‐Lung , Yang Chuen‐Mao 
Published: March 2010

AbstractEnterovirus 71 (EV71) induces the expression of cyclooxgenase (COX)‐2 served as a major neurotoxic factor in CNS injury. However, the mechanisms underlying EV71‐initiated intracellular signaling pathways leading to COX‐2 expression remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying EV71‐induced COX‐2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in rat brain astrocytes (RBA)‐1, determined by Western blotting, RT‐PCR, and promoter assay. Here, we reported that EV71‐indued COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production were attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitors of c‐Src (PP1), PDGFR (AG1296), PI3K (Wortmannin), MEK1/2 (PD98059), NF‐κB (helenalin), and AP‐1 (Tanshinone) and transfection with shRNA or siRNA of c‐Src, PDGFR, p85, c‐Jun, c‐Fos, ERK1, or ERK2. We further observed that EV71‐induced activation of Akt and p42/p44 MAPK were mediated via c‐Src and PDGFR. Pretreatment with PP1 attenuated EV71‐stimulated phosphorylation of Src, PDGFR, Akt, and p42/p44 MAPK. Inhibition of PI3K by Wortmannin attenuated EV71‐induced Akt and p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation, but had no effect on PDGFR phosphorylation, suggesting that PDGFR is an upstream and p42/p44 MAPK is a downstream component of PI3K/Akt in these responses. EV71‐stimulated NF‐κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, IκBα degradation and NF‐κB promoter activity were attenuated by pretreatment with helenalin, but not AG1296, Wortmannin, and PD98059. EV71‐induced c‐Jun mRNA expression was attenuated by pretreatment with PD98059, AG1296, or Wortmannin. These results demonstrate that in RBA‐1 cells, EV71‐induced COX‐2 expression associated with PGE2 production is mediated through activation of c‐Src/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/p42/p44 MAPK to initiate the expression of AP‐1. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 376–386, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of sweet sorghum juice for lactic acid fermentation: preliminary steps in a process optimization
Authors: Hetényi Kata , Gál Kinga , Németh Áron , Sevella Béla 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Lactic acid has many applications in the chemical industries and it can be produced economically by microorganisms using biomass raw materials of different origins. Sweet sorghum juice is a high sugar content raw material with potential for lactic acid production because after hydrolysis of its sucrose content the remaining glucose and fructose can supply the carbon demand of most lactic acid bacteria. However, satisfying the nitrogen and B‐vitamin needs of the bacteria by supplementation with yeast extract and/or other alternative nitrogen‐containing supplements can make the process too expensive.RESULTS: Using a statistical optimization process much of the yeast extract can be replaced by a cheaper alternative nitrogen source, namely wheat gluten. This resulted in a fermentation with 99% lactic acid yield and 3.04 g L−1 h−1 volumetric productivity.CONCLUSION: Using response surface methodology (RSM) media optimization was performed for lactic acid fermentation with an industrially acceptable result, reducing the costs of raw materials by half, replacing yeast extract by an alternative nitrogen source and applying yeast extract only as a source of micro‐elements (vitamins, salts, etc.) Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of the optimisation of puffing characteristics of potato cubes by spouted bed drying enhanced with microwave
Authors: Yan Wei‐qiang , Zhang Min , Huang Lue‐lue , Tang Juming , Mujumdar Arun S , Sun Jin‐cai 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: In commercial deep‐fat frying of potato chips, the oil content of the final products ranges from 35 to 45 g 100 g−1 (wet basis). High‐temperature frying may cause the formation of acrylamide, making the products unhealthy to the consumer. The aim of this research was to explore a new method, spouted bed microwave drying, to produce healthier puffed snack potato cubes as possible alternatives to oil‐fried potato chips. The influence of drying conditions of the spouted bed microwave drying on puffing characteristics of potato cubes were studied and compared with the direct microwave and hot air drying method.RESULTS: Tandem combination drying of microwave‐enhanced spouted bed drying (MWSB) could achieve a good expansion ratio, breaking force and rehydration ratio. The puffing characteristics of potato cubes were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by moisture content before starting microwave power in spouted bed microwave drying, by microwave (MW) power, and by the original size of potato cubes.CONCLUSION: The optimum processing parameters were the moisture content at the start of microwave power (60%), the size of potato cubes (10–12 mm), and microwave power (2–2.5 W g−1) Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro investigation of wavelength‐dependent tissue ablation: Laser prostatectomy between 532 nm and 2.01 µm
Authors: Kang Hyun Wook , Kim Jihoon , Peng Yihlih Steven 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveOver a decade, laser prostatectomy has been performed to effectively treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with low post‐operative complications. In this study, two laser wavelengths conventionally used for BPH treatment were compared to characterize the outcomes of in vitro tissue ablation.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTwo lasers with wavelengths including 532 nm (Q‐switched) and 2.01 µm (continuous wave) were employed to ablate porcine kidney tissue in vitro. Ablation performance was evaluated by varying applied power, treatment speed, and fiber working distance. Optical transmission was measured as a function of working distance and compared with the corresponding ablation volume. Coagulation depth was quantified from gross tissue examination, and histology analysis confirmed coagulation features for both wavelengths.ResultsFive hundred thirty‐two nanometers yielded up to 30% (P<0.005) higher ablation efficiency than 2.01 µm. Regardless of wavelength, ablation rate increased with power and was maximized at treatment speed of 4 mm/seconds. A comparable ablation depth was found between the two wavelengths, but 532 nm generated relatively wider (up to 30%; P<0.005) craters. Both optical transmission and ablation volume revealed that energy loss by strong water absorption compromised ablation efficiency generated by 2.01 µm. Gross tissue and histology examination demonstrated that 532 nm created a thin coagulation zone whereas 2.01 µm induced ∼20% (P<0.005) more thermal injury in association with carbonized tissue surface.ConclusionsDue to more light scattering and effective thermal confinement, 532 nm induced more efficient tissue ablation with a smaller coagulative necrotic zone. Comparable ablation depth may enable a potential tissue incision technique with 532 nm, possibly allowing both tissue removal and biopsy intraoperatively. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:237–244, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular and molecular effects of pulsed dye laser and local narrow‐band UVB therapy in psoriasis
Authors: Rácz Emőke , de Leeuw Jaap , Baerveldt Ewout M. , Kant Marius , Neumann H.A. Martino , van der Fits Leslie , Prens Errol P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy is effective in clearing psoriasis plaques, but the mechanism of action is only partially understood. Local narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB), which has a better‐defined mode of action, is an effective standard treatment for psoriasis. Our aim was to evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of PDL and to compare them with those of local NB‐UVB in order to gain further insight into their mechanisms of action in psoriasis.Study Design/Patients and MethodsNineteen patients with stable plaque‐type psoriasis were treated either with PDL or NB‐UVB. Lesional punch biopsies were obtained from all patients before treatment. Additional biopsies were obtained at 3 and 24 hours after PDL treatment in five of these patients. In 14 patients additional biopsies were taken after 7 and 13 weeks of treatment. Samples were histopathologically examined for the level of dermal T cell infiltrate, and the expression of epidermal β‐defensin 2, immune cell‐derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, endothelial E‐selectin, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2 and 3, and the expression of interleukin (IL)‐23 before and after treatment.ResultsThe expression of VEGFR2, VEGFR3, and E‐selectin was decreased in clinically high responders within 24 hours after PDL treatment. The expression of IL‐23, TNF‐α mRNA, and E‐selectin protein were significantly reduced after two PDL treatments, whereas the expression of all epidermal markers and dermal T cell infiltrates had normalized after four treatments. The expression of epidermal activation markers and E‐selectin were significantly reduced after 13 weeks of NB‐UVB treatment.ConclusionsThe expression of epidermal activation markers and the dermal T cell infiltrates were decreased after both treatments. The decreased expression of VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 followed by the down‐regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐23p19 may be contributory factors in the efficacy of PDL in stable plaque‐type psoriasis. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:201–210, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triggering of dendritic cell apoptosis by xanthohumol
Authors: Xuan Nguyen Thi , Shumilina Ekaterina , Gulbins Erich , Gu Shuchen , Götz Friedrich , Lang Florian 
Published: March 2010

AbstractXanthohumol, a flavonoid from beer with anticancer activity is known to trigger apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells. Xanthohumol further has anti‐inflammatory activity. However, little is known about the effect of xanthohumol on survival and function of immune cells. The present study thus addressed the effect of xanthohumol on dendritic cells (DCs), key players in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. To this end, mouse bone marrow‐derived DCs were treated with xanthohumol with subsequent assessment of enzymatic activity of acid sphingomyelinase (Asm), ceramide formation determined with anti‐ceramide antibodies in FACS and immunohistochemical analysis, caspase activity utilizing FITC conjugated anti‐active caspase 8 or caspase 3 antibodies in FACS and by Western blotting, DNA fragmentation by determining the percentage of cells in the sub‐G1 phase and cell membrane scrambling by annexin V binding in FACS analysis. As a result, xanthohumol stimulated Asm, enhanced ceramide formation, activated caspases 8 and 3, triggered DNA fragmentation and led to cell membrane scrambling, all effects virtually absent in DCs from gene targeted mice lacking functional Asm or in wild‐type cells treated with sphingomyelinase inhibitor amitriptyline. In conclusion, xanthohumol stimulated Asm leading to caspase activation and apoptosis of bone marrow‐derived DCs.
Broadband electrically small antenna using two electromagnetically coupled radiators
Authors: Cho Chihyun , Park Ikmo , Choo Hosung 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe propose an electrically small antenna that achieves broad bandwidth with small antenna size. This antenna is composed of a hemispherical disk‐loaded monopole and a hemispherically wound helix to maximize the disk loading effect and the electromagnetic coupling between the two radiating elements in a given space. The fabricated antenna is 10.7 cm in size (kr = 0.449) and exhibits a measured −3 dB bandwidth of about 30% for a center frequency of 200 MHz. The antenna also achieves a radiation efficiency of over 85% and a transmission loss similar to that of a conventional λ/4 monopole, despite the fact that size of the antenna is about 30% that of the λ/4 monopole. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1369–1372, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25164
Design of dual‐band annular slot antenna with strip‐loaded approach
Authors: Chiang Meng‐Ju , Tseng Ching‐Hung , Sze Jia‐Yi , Bor Sheau‐Shong 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis article investigation develops and experimentally explores the dual‐band design for a compact coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐fed annular slot antenna loaded with conducting strips.In the proposed strip‐loaded design, the arc‐like metal strips excite the first resonant mode at the operating frequency, which is lower than that of the annular slot antenna, to achieve miniaturization. The prototype is implemented on a 0.8 mm FR‐4 substrate with εr = 4.4; the outer and inner radii of the compact annular slot are 9.0 mm and 6.5 mm, respectively. The return loss of the proposed design reveals two operating bands with a VSWR of 2.5: 1 over bandwidths of 3.5% and 9.8%, respectively. Two resonant bands exhibit the broadside radiation patterns with the peak antenna gains of 1.3 dBi and 4.9 dBi, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1398–1402, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25165
Efficient generation of RF using a biased soliton generating nonlinear transmission line with a bipolar input
Authors: Marksteiner Quinn R. , Carlsten Bruce , Russell Steve 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA method of generating more efficient RF from a soliton generating nonlinear lumped element, transmission line (NLETL) is presented.A bipolar input is coupled into an NLETL, which is DC, biased to the amplitude of the input pulse. The input evolves into a soliton containing pulse that would take twice as much power to produce from a unipolar input. Simulations demonstrate that, this method increases the maximum RF generating efficiency of an NLETL from 1/3 for a unipolar input pulse to 2/3 for a bipolar input pulse to a biased line, in agreement with simple analytical arguments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1411–1413, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25170
Miniaturized band‐pass filter for broadband applications
Authors: Karim M. F. , Liu A.Q. , Ong L. C. , Guo Yong‐Xin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis article reports a new compact design of band‐pass filter for broadband applications. It has a compact design with two bended short stubs of quarter‐wavelength and a connecting stub of half‐wavelength, which result in the design of a broadband filter. The filter is fabricated on silicon substrate using surface micromachining process. The fractional bandwidth of band‐pass filter reported is around 0.9–4 GHz. The rejection at upper and lower pass band edge is greater than 35 dB, and the insertion loss is 2.4 dB. The area of the novel filter is (λg/4)2 at the centre frequency of the bandpass, whereas the area of the filter realized using the nonbending stubs and connecting lines is 2(λg/4)2 for the same band pass characteristics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1372–1375, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25177