bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of oxidized LDL on the expression of connexins in cultured human umbilical‐vein endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Shunrong , Hong Mingming , Gao Yue 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe role of connexins in atherogenesis has attracted increasing attention in recent years; however, whether oxidized LDL (low density lipoprotein) is one of the pro‐atherosclerotic factors that can influence the expression of endothelial connexins remains unclear. To investigate the effect of oxidized LDL on the gene expression of the gap junction proteins connexin37, connexin40 and connexin43 in cultured HUVEC (human umbilical‐vein endothelial cells) in vitro, HUVEC were cultured and divided into groups before being stimulated with various concentrations of oxidized LDL for different times. mRNA expression of connexin37, connexin40 and connexin43 in each group were determined semi‐quantitatively by RT—PCR (reverse transcription—PCR), while protein expression of the three connexins was investigated by immunocytochemical staining. Various concentrations of oxidized LDL down‐regulated mRNA and protein expression of connexin37, and up‐regulated the expression of connexin40 and connexin43. Time‐dependent dynamic alterations of the mRNA expression levels of connexin37, connexin40 and connexin43 were also found in HUVEC stimulated by oxidized LDL. We conclude that oxidized LDL can change the expression of connexin genes in cultured HUVEC within a short period, and thus may be involved in the pro‐atherosclerotic effect of oxidized LDL.
Human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‐MSC) inhibit the proliferation of K562 (human erythromyeloblastoid leukaemic cell line)
Authors: Fonseka Malini , Ramasamy Rajesh , Tan Boon Chong , Seow Heng Fong 
Published: February 2012

AbstracthUCB‐MSC (human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells) offer an attractive alternative to bone marrow‐derived MSC for cell‐based therapy by being less invasive a source of biological material. We have evaluated the effect of hUCB‐MSC on the proliferation of K562 (an erythromyeloblastoid cell line) and the cytokine secretion pattern of hUCB‐MSC. Co‐culturing of hUCB‐MSC and K562 resulted in inhibition of proliferation of K562 in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the anti‐proliferative effect was reduced in transwells, suggesting the importance of direct cell‐to‐cell contact. hUCB‐MSC inhibited proliferation of K562, arresting them in the G0/G1 phase. NO (nitric oxide) was not involved in the hUCB‐MSC‐mediated tumour suppression. The presence of IL‐6 (interleukin 6) and IL‐8 were obvious in the hUCB‐MSC conditioned media, but no significant increase was found in 29 other cytokines. Th1 cytokines, IFNα (interferon α), Th2 cytokine IL‐4 and Th17 cytokine, IL‐17 were not secreted by hUCB‐MSC. There was an increase in the number of hUCB‐MSC expressing the latent membrane‐bound form of TGFβ1 co‐cultured with K562. The anti‐proliferative effect of hUCB‐MSC was due to arrest of the growth of K562 in the G0/G1 phase. The mechanisms underlying increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 secretion and LAP (latency‐associated peptide; TGFβ1) by hUCB‐MSC remains unknown.
Long-term perspective on wildfires in the western USA
Authors: Marlon Jennifer R. , Bartlein Patrick J. , Gavin Daniel G. , Long Colin J. , Anderson R. Scott , Briles Christy E. , Brown Kendrick J. , Colombaroli Daniele , Hallett Douglas J. , Power Mitchell J. , Scharf Elizabeth A. , Walsh Megan K. 
Published: February 2012

Understanding the causes and consequences of wildfires in forests of the western United States requires integrated information about fire, climate changes, and human activity on multiple temporal scales. We use sedimentary charcoal accumulation rates to construct long-term variations in fire during the past 3,000 y in the American West and compare this record to independent fire-history data from historical records and fire scars. There has been a slight decline in burning over the past 3,000 y, with the lowest levels attained during the 20th century and during the Little Ice Age (LIA, ca. 1400–1700 CE [Common Era]). Prominent peaks in forest fires occurred during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (ca. 950–1250 CE) and during the 1800s. Analysis of climate reconstructions beginning from 500 CE and population data show that temperature and drought predict changes in biomass burning up to the late 1800s CE. Since the late 1800s , human activities and the ecological effects of recent high fire activity caused a large, abrupt decline in burning similar to the LIA fire decline. Consequently, there is now a forest “fire deficit” in the western United States attributable to the combined effects of human activities, ecological, and climate changes. Large fires in the late 20th and 21st century fires have begun to address the fire deficit, but it is continuing to grow.
Improving the Learning Process for Both Instructor and Student Using Assessments
Authors: Lauer Thomas E 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to describe the theory and types of commonly used assessments and how they relate to course objectives and the learning process in higher education. Using a fisheries course example, I argue that quality assessment techniques occur continuously, are aimed at both instructor and student, are not always used to assign grades, and improve the quality of instruction in the classroom. Properly used, assessments can transform institutions of higher education from a place where instruction is given to one where learning takes place.
Broadband and subwavelength terahertz modulators using tunable plasmonic crystals with semiconductor rods
Authors: Vasić Borislav , Gajić Radoš 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
We theoretically investigate terahertz modulators based on tunable two-dimensional plasmonic crystals with semiconductor rods. When the electric field is normal to the rods, the localized surface plasmon resonances appear at terahertz frequencies. The tuning of the resonances is achieved by a modulation of free charge carrier concentration in the rods. This leads to the spectral shifts of the resonances and modulated transmissions. The resonances are below the Bragg photonic band gap leading to the subwavelength thickness of the modulators. Due to the plasmonic nature of the resonances, their spectral shifts are much larger than the shifts of the Bragg photonic band gaps. This enables the design of broadband terahertz modulators with faster modulation and lower power consumption than in the modulation of the Bragg photonic band gaps. In order to achieve modulation of photonic band gaps for both polarizations at the same time, it is possible to overlap the photonic band gap due to localized surface plasmon resonances when the electric field is normal to the rods and the photonic band gap due to negative effective permittivity when the electric field is parallel to the rods.
CytoSaddleSum: a functional enrichment analysis plugin for Cytoscape based on sum-of-weights scores
Authors: Stojmirović Aleksandar , Bliskovsky Alexander , Yu Yi-Kuo 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Summary: CytoSaddleSum provides Cytoscape users with access to the functionality of SaddleSum, a functional enrichment tool based on sum-of-weight scores. It operates by querying SaddleSum locally (using the standalone version) or remotely (through an HTTP request to a web server). The functional enrichment results are shown as a term relationship network, where nodes represent terms and edges show term relationships. Furthermore, query results are written as Cytoscape attributes allowing easy saving, retrieval and integration into network-based data analysis workflows.
Availability: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CBBresearch/Yu/downloads.html The source code is placed in Public Domain.
Contact: yyu@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Supplementary information: Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hybrid Repair of Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms (Mega Aortic Syndrome) with Lupiae Technique
Authors: Esposito Giampiero , Cappabianca Giangiuseppe , Contegiacomo Gaetano , Labriola Giuseppe , Gallo Nunzio , Labriola Cataldo 
Published: February 2012

Objective Several techniques have been described for the treatment of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms in patients with mega aortic syndrome (MAS), but the incidence of stroke, spinal cord injury, and endoleaks remains high. We present the midterm results of a new hybrid, multistep technique to treat patients with MAS. Methods From November 2005 to January 2011, 80 patients with MAS underwent hybrid repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms with the Lupiae technique. Forty-six patients presented with chronic aortic aneurysms, and 34 patients who had undergone aortic arch debranching with the Lupiae graft for acute aortic dissection presented with an expanding false lumen into the residual aorta. Sixty patients underwent ascending aorta and arch replacement with a Gelweave Lupiae prosthesis plus epiaortic vessel debranching (thoracic Lupiae procedure). Fourteen patients underwent a thoracic Lupiae procedure plus partial visceral debranching (celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery) through a mini-laparotomy. Six patients underwent a thoracic Lupiae procedure plus a complete visceral debranching (celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries) with the implant of a second Lupiae prosthesis to replace the abdominal aorta. After the surgical steps, all the surviving patients underwent an endovascular procedure to implant multiple stent grafts to exclude the residual segment of diseased aorta. Results In-hospital mortality was 8.4%, and the incidence of temporary renal failure was 5.2%. None of the patients had a stroke or a spinal cord injury, and none of the patients presented endoleaks immediately following the procedure or during the follow-up computed tomography scans. No deaths occurred during the 6-year follow-up after the hybrid procedure. Conclusions These preliminary results showed that the Lupiae technique is a safe and effective option for the treatment of patients with MAS. Indeed, the Lupiae technique achieves complete exclusion of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms with a low risk of paraplegia and endoleaks.
Graded Compression and Power Doppler Ultrasonography Versus Endoscopy to Assess Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Pre‐ and Posttreatment
Authors: Thomson Mike , Rao Prithviraj , Berger Les , Rawat David 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to assess whether power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) can serve as a reliable replacement for endoscopy in follow‐up assessment of disease activity in children with Crohn disease.Methods:Nineteen children (13 boys), median age 14.8 (5.4–15.8) years, with macroscopically diagnosed Crohn disease were included in the study. Clinical parameters, histological evaluation, and graded PDU assessments were undertaken in all patients at diagnosis and following their initial treatment. Discriminant analysis was used to build predictive models from the PDU data for the histological evaluation.Results:The median Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) was 31.5 (15.5–42.0) at diagnosis. All clinical and ultrasonographic parameters and the histological evaluation showed an improvement between pre‐ versus posttreatment results; 1‐way analysis of variance showed a significant difference because of treatment (P < 0.005) for all variables apart from the superior mesenteric artery flow (SMA); paired sample t tests indicated that these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001), with the exception of SMA (P = 0.178). There was a statistically significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the platelet count and the bowel wall stratification (STRAT). Significant correlation was also observed between the histology findings and the mean mucosal, transmural, and segmental flow (MFL) and STRAT and between platelets and both MFL and small bowel thickening (SBT) (P < 0.01 in all cases). There was a statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) between C‐reactive protein and MFL and between histology and SBT, MFL, and STRAT. Discriminant analysis using discriminating factors SBT, STRAT, and MFL could assign 84.6% of cases to the correct classification of “no/mild inflammation” or “medium/severe inflammation.”Conclusions:Results obtained using power Doppler ultrasonography and endoscopy showed statistically significant correlations. Power Doppler sonography, in the hands of an experienced examiner, can be used for follow‐up assessment of disease activity in children with Crohn disease.
Chinese Children With Chronic Intrahepatic Cholestasis and High γ‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase
Authors: Fang Ling‐Juan , Wang Xiao‐Hong , Knisely A.S. , Yu Hui , Lu Yi , Liu Li‐Yan , Wang Jian‐She 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTObjective:The aims of the present study was to study the significance of ABCB4 mutations in mainland Chinese children with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and to correlate genetic findings with clinical features and response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy.Methods:Thirteen patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and elevated serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity of unknown cause were enrolled in a single pediatric center. All of the encoding exons and flanking areas of ABCB4 were sequenced. Available liver biopsy specimens were immunostained for multidrug resistance protein 3. The clinical features, biochemical parameters, and responses to therapy were compared with patients with or without ABCB4 mutation(s).Results:Six different ABCB4 mutations were identified in 3 patients; each patient was a compound heterozygote. Apart from c.139C>T (p.R47X), all were novel, including c.344+2_+3insT, c.1376A>G (p.D459G), c.1745G>A (p.R582Q), c.2077_2078delC (p.P693HfsX698), and c.3825_3826delA (p.M1276WfsX1308). Absent or reduced multidrug resistance protein 3 canalicular immunostaining was demonstrated in patients with ABCB4 mutations. Serum total bile acid levels were higher in patients with ABCB4 mutations than in patients without ABCB4 mutations (352.5 ± 97.0 vs 55.9 ± 50.4 μmol/L, P = 7.32E‐05). There was no difference in other biochemical parameters between patients with and without ABCB4 mutations. After oral UDCA administration in 3 patients with ABCB4 mutations, pruritus disappeared, growth improved, spleen size decreased, and platelet counts increased. In the 10 patients without ABCB4 mutations, an inconsistent response to UDCA therapy was observed.Conclusions:In mainland Chinese children, some cases of chronic intrahepatic cholestasis with high γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase could be attributed to ABCB4 mutations. UDCA administration partially improved clinical symptoms and liver function.
Abiotic stress responses promote Potato virus A infection in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: SUNTIO TAINA , MÄKINEN KRISTIINA 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYThe effect of abiotic stress responses on Potato virus A (PVA; genus Potyvirus) infection was studied. Salt, osmotic and wounding stress all increased PVA gene expression in infected Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. According to the literature, an early response to these stresses is an elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. The infiltration of 0.1 m CaCl2 into the infected leaf area enhanced the translation of PVA RNA, and this Ca2+‐induced effect was more profound than that induced solely by osmotic stress. The inhibition of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels within the plasma membrane abolished the Ca2+ effect, suggesting that Ca2+ had to be transported into the cytosol to affect viral gene expression. This was also supported by a reduced wounding effect in the presence of the Ca2+‐chelating agent ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA). In the absence of viral replication, the intense synthesis of viral proteins in response to Ca2+ was transient. However, a Ca2+ pulse administered at the onset of wild‐type PVA infection enhanced the progress of infection within the locally infected leaf, and the virus appeared earlier in the systemic leaves than in the control plants. This suggests that the cellular environment was thoroughly modified by the Ca2+ pulse to support viral infection. One message of this study is that the sensing of abiotic stress, which leads to cellular responses, probably via Ca2+ signalling, associated with enhanced virus infection, may lead to higher field crop losses. Therefore, the effect of abiotic stress on plant viral infection warrants further analysis.
Imaging the Kristineberg mining area with two perpendicular magnetotelluric profiles in the Skellefte Ore District, northern Sweden
Authors: de los Ángeles García Juanatey María , Hübert Juliane , Tryggvason Ari , Pedersen Laust B. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTNew magnetotelluric (MT) data from two perpendicular profiles in the Kristineberg area, northern Sweden, were analysed and modelled. In the Skellefte Ore District, the Kristineberg volcanic hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposit mine is one of the largest and deepest (1250 m). Seventeen broadband magnetotelluric stations were installed along two existing seismic reflection lines. The profiles were 6 and 12 km long with 500 m and 1 km site spacing, respectively. The obtained MT transfer functions in the period range of 0.0015–200 s are of fairly good quality. Detailed strike and dimensionality analysis reveal consistent but period dependent, strike directions, indicating a change in the geoelectrical strike with depth. From the two‐dimensional inversion of the determinant of the impedance tensor, two stable conductivity models with good data fit were obtained. The addition of seismic reflection information from the co‐located survey, improved the data fit of one of them. Extensive sensitivity analyses helped to delineate the well resolved regions of the models and to determine the position of pronounced boundaries. The results are in good agreement with previous studies, especially regarding the presence of a deep conductor interpreted as a structural basement to the district. They also reveal with more detail the configuration of the main geological units of the Skellefte Ore District, especially of the ore bearing volcanic rocks and the embedded alteration zones.
Climate change and multitrophic interactions in soil: the primacy of plants and functional domains
Authors: Chakraborty Sukumar , Pangga Ireneo B. , Roper Margaret M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSoil multitrophic interactions transfer energy from plants as the predominant primary producer to communities of organisms that occupy different positions in the food chain and are linked by multiple ecological networks, which is the soil food web. Soil food web sequesters carbon, cycles nutrients, maintains soil health to suppress pathogens, helps plants tolerate abiotic and biotic stress, and maintains ecosystem resilience and sustainability. Understanding the influence of climate change on soil multitrophic interactions is necessary to maintain these essential ecosystem services. But summarising this influence is a daunting task due to a paucity of knowledge and a lack of clarity on the ecological networks that constitute these interactions. The scant literature is fragmented along disciplinary lines, often reporting inconsistent findings that are context and scale‐dependent. We argue for the differentiation of soil multitrophic interactions along functional and spatial domains to capture cross‐disciplinary knowledge and mechanistically link all ecological networks to reproduce full functionalities of the soil food web. Distinct from litter mediated interactions in detritosphere or elsewhere in the soil, the proposed ‘pathogen suppression’ and ‘stress tolerance’ interactions operate in the rhizosphere. A review of the literature suggests that climate change will influence the relative importance, frequency and composition of functional groups, their trophic interactions and processes controlling these interactions. Specific climate change factors generally have a beneficial influence on pathogen suppression and stress tolerance, but findings on the overall soil food web are inconsistent due to a high level of uncertainty. In addition to an overall improvement in the understanding of soil multitrophic interactions using empirical and modelling approaches, we recommend linking biodiversity to function, understanding influence of combinations of climatic factors on multitrophic interactions and the evolutionary ecology of multitrophic interactions in a changing climate as areas that deserve most attention.
Nutritional composition and antioxidant activity in hazelnut shells from US‐grown cultivars
Authors: Xu Yixiang , Sismour Edward N. , Parry John , Hanna Milford A. , Li Haiwen 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe hard shell of a hazelnut is a major waste of the hazelnut industry. The chemical composition, phenolic compounds (total phenolics, tannins and condensed tannins), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS free‐radical scavenging assays), and the relationships between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the hazelnut shells from twelve US grown cultivars were investigated to for potential commercial development. Crude fibre accounted for over 85% of total carbohydrate. The shells contained high concentrations of phenolic compounds. Concentrations of phenolic constituents and ABTS•+ ‐scavenging capacities were significantly higher (P > 0.05) in the Oregon cultivars than their Nebraska counterparts. There were significant positive correlations between ABTS•+ scavenging capacities and the phenolic compounds, whereas DPPH• ‐scavenging capacity demonstrated a weak negative correlation with ABTS•+ scavenging capacity and the phenolics. The results suggest that hazelnut hard shell may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants for food applications.
Understanding spasticity from patients’ perspectives over time
Authors: Bhimani Rozina H. , McAlpine Cynthia Peden , Henly Susan J. 
Published: February 2012

bhimani r.h., mc alpine c.p. & henly s.j. (2012) Understanding spasticity from patients’ perspectives over time. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2504–2514.AbstractAim.  The purpose of this paper was to report patients’ understanding and perceptions of personal spasticity experiences over time.Background.  Spasticity is an unpleasant and poorly understood experience associated with upper motor neuron disease.Design.  An original qualitative study was conducted in 2008–2009.Method.  Content analysis was used to extract meaning from the responses of 23 patients to semi‐structured interviews during 7 days of acute rehabilitation for neurological diseases associated with spasticity.Findings.  Patients used words reflecting muscle tone and spasms to describe spasticity.Themes reflecting the spasticity experience over time were Ambiguous Experiences, Navigating Symptom Experience, Wounded Self, and Unending Journey.Conclusion.  Spasticity as experienced is complex, involving a wide range of unusual sensations sensitive to stressors in everyday life. Clinical evaluation of spasticity should include patient reports. Knowledge about patient word choice used to describe spasticity can enhance communication with healthcare providers.