bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor protects cementoblasts from serum starvation‐induced cell death
Authors: Kajiya Mikihito , Shiba Hideki , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Takeda Katsuhiro , Uchida Yuushi , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Kitagawa Masae , Takata Takashi , Kurihara Hidemi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOur previous studies have shown that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances bone/cementum‐related protein gene expression through the TrkB‐c‐Raf‐ERK1/2‐Elk‐1 signaling pathway in cementoblasts, which play a critical role in the establishment of a functional periodontal ligament. To clarify how BDNF regulates survival in cementoblasts, we examined its effects on cell death induced by serum starvation in immortalized human cementoblast‐like (HCEM) cells. BDNF inhibited the death of HCEM cells. Small‐interfering RNA (siRNA) for TRKB, a high affinity receptor for BDNF, and for Bcl‐2, countered the BDNF‐induced decrease in dead cell number. In addition, LY294002, a PI3‐kinase inhibitor; SH‐6, an Akt inhibitor; and PDTC, a nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inhibitor, but not PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, abolished the protective effect of BDNF against cell death. BDNF enhanced phosphorylated Akt levels, NF‐κB activity in the nucleus, Bcl‐2 mRNA levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The blocking of BDNF's actions by treatment with siRNA in all cases for TRKB and Bcl‐2, LY294002, SH‐6, and PDTC suppressed the enhancement. These findings provide the first evidence that a TrkB‐PI3‐kinase‐Akt‐NF‐κB‐Bcl‐2 signaling pathway triggered by BDNF and the subsequent protective effect of BDNF on mitochondrial membrane potential are required to rescue HCEM cells from serum starvation‐induced cell death. Furthermore, the survival and increased expression of bone/cementum‐related proteins induced by BDNF in HCEM cells occur through different signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 696–706, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An asymptotic version of a conjecture by Enomoto and Ota
Authors: Magnant Colton , Martin Daniel M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn 2000, Enomoto and Ota [J Graph Theory 34 (2000), 163–169] stated the following conjecture. Let G be a graph of order n, and let n1, n2, …, nk be positive integers with . If σ2(G)≥n+ k−1, then for any k distinct vertices x1, x2, …, xk in G, there exist vertex disjoint paths P1, P2, …, Pk such that |Pi|=ni and xi is an endpoint of Pi for every i, 1≤i≤k. We prove an asymptotic version of this conjecture in the following sense. For every k positive real numbers γ1, …, γk with , and for every ε>0, there exists n0 such that for every graph G of order n≥n0 with σ2(G)≥n+ k−1, and for every choice of k vertices x1, …, xk∈V(G), there exist vertex disjoint paths P1, …, Pk in G such that , the vertex xi is an endpoint of the path Pi, and (γi−ε)n<|Pi|<(γi + ε)n for every i, 1≤i≤k. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 64: 37–51, 2010
Automatic segmentation of intra‐abdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue in 3D whole mouse MRI
Authors: Ranefall Petter , Bidar Abdel Wahad , Hockings Paul D. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeTo fully automate intra‐abdominal (IAT) and total adipose tissue (TAT) segmentation in mice to replace tedious and subjective manual segmentation.Materials and MethodsA novel transform codes each voxel with the radius of the narrowest passage on the widest possible three‐dimensional (3D) path to any voxel in the target object to select appropriate IAT seed points. Then competitive region growing is performed on a distance transform of the fat mask such that competing classes meet at narrow passages effectively segmenting the IAT and subcutaneous adipose compartments. Fully automatic segmentations were conducted on 32 3D mouse images independent to those used for algorithm development.ResultsAutomatic processing worked on all 32 images and took 28 s on a 3.6 GHz Pentium computer with 2.0 GB RAM. Manual segmentation by an experienced operator typically took 1 h per 3D image. The correlation coefficients between manual and automated segmentation of TAT and IAT were 0.97 and 0.94, respectively.ConclusionThe fully automatic method correlates well with manual segmentation and dramatically speeds up segmentation allowing MRI to be used in the anti‐obesity drug discovery pipeline. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:554–560. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved in vivo measurement of myocardial transverse relaxation with 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Cobb Jared Guthrie , Paschal Cynthia B. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeTo develop practical methods at 3 Tesla (T) for measuring myocardial transverse relaxation in normal human myocardium.Materials and MethodsTen healthy volunteers were investigated with four multi‐echo, turbo spin‐echo (TSE) methods. Each method traded acquired phase encoding lines per image for echo‐image sample points obtained along the T2 decay curve. Four multi‐echo turbo field‐echo (TFE) methods were also tested. The TFE methods highlighted differences between achievable receiver bandwidth and echo time constraints versus the number of sample points obtained along the T decay curve.ResultsMeasured transverse relaxation values were consistent in reported means across all scan methods. T2 for the ventricular septum was measured as 58.8 ± 7.7 ms (N = 10). T for the ventricular septum was 31.6 ± 5.8 ms (N = 10). The variation of mean T2 or T within an region of interest improved significantly with increases in acquired echoes. Therefore, four or more echoes may provide for clear distinctions between regions of altered tissue composition within a subject.ConclusionThese results suggest that the 4‐echo methods are best suited for measuring variations in transverse relaxation values in the mid‐ventricular septum. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:684–689. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualization of external carotid artery and its branches: Non–contrast‐enhanced MR angiography using balanced steady‐state free‐precession sequence and a time‐spatial labeling inversion pulse
Authors: Satogami Naoe , Okada Tomohisa , Koyama Takashi , Gotoh Kimio , Kamae Toshikazu , Togashi Kaori 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate visibility of the external carotid artery (ECA) and its branches using three‐dimensional (3D) balanced steady‐state free‐precession (SSFP) MR angiography with a time‐spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time‐SLIP), and to provide an optimal value of the inversion time (TI).Materials and MethodsPeripheral‐pulse‐wave‐gated 3D balanced SSFP images were obtained in 20 healthy volunteers. Images with a Time‐SLIP using four different TIs (600, 900, 1200, and 1500 ms) and without a Time‐SLIP, referred to as sequence A to E, were acquired for each subject and compared for visibility scores of ECA system and relative signal intensity (SI) of ECA.ResultsAverage Friedman rank for overall visibility was 1.63, 3.01, 3.59, 3.58, and 3.20 for sequence A to E, respectively. Sequence C and D yielded significantly higher visibility than sequence A, B, and E. The mean relative SI value was 0.97, 0.87, 0.81, 0.76, and 0.67 for sequence A to E, respectively.ConclusionBalanced SSFP MR angiography with a Time‐SLIP is superior to that without a Time‐SLIP, showing excellent visualization of ECA system in approximately 3 min in average with sufficient background suppression including veins and salivary ducts. A TI of 1200 ms was considered to be optimal for this purpose. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:678–683. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation and reproducibility of aortic pulse wave velocity as assessed with velocity‐encoded MRI
Authors: Grotenhuis Heynric B. , Westenberg Jos J.M. , Steendijk Paul , van der Geest Rob J. , Ottenkamp Jaap , Bax Jeroen J. , Jukema J. Wouter , de Roos Albert 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeTo validate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVMRI) with PWV determined from invasive intra‐aortic pressure measurements (PWVINV) and to test the reproducibility of the measurement by MRI.Materials and MethodsPWVMRI was compared with PWVINV in 18 nonconsecutive patients scheduled for catheterization for suspected coronary artery disease. Reproducibility of PWVMRI was tested in 10 healthy volunteers who underwent repeated measurement of PWVMRI at a single occasion. Velocity‐encoded MRI was performed on all participants to assess PWVMRI in the total aorta (Aototal), the proximal aorta (Aoprox), and the distal aorta (Aodist).ResultsThe results are expressed as mean ± SD, Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), and intraclass correlation (ICC). Good agreement between PWVMRI and PWVINV was found for Aototal (6.5 ± 1.1 m/s vs. 6.1 ± 0.8 m/s; PCC = 0.53), Aoprox (6.5 ± 1.3 m/s vs. 6.2 ± 1.1 m/s; PCC = 0.69), and for Aodist (6.9 ± 1.1 m/s vs. 6.1 ± 1.0 m/s; PCC = 0.71). Reproducibility of PWVMRI was high for Aototal (4.3 ± 0.5 m/s vs. 4.6 ± 0.7 m/s; ICC = 0.90, P < 0.01), Aoprox (4.3 ± 0.9 m/s vs. 4.7 ± 1.0 m/s; ICC = 0.87, P < 0.01), and Aodist (4.3 ± 0.6 m/s vs. 4.4 ± 0.8 m/s; ICC = 0.92, P < 0.01).ConclusionMRI assessment of aortic pulse wave velocity shows good agreement with invasive pressure measurements and can be determined with high reproducibility. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:521–526. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative evaluation of pancreatic cancer: Comparison of gadolinium‐enhanced dynamic MRI with MR cholangiopancreatography versus MDCT
Authors: Park Hee Sun , Lee Jeong Min , Choi Hei Kyung , Hong Sung Hyun , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeTo determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including dynamic imaging using three‐dimensional gradient‐echo (3D‐GRE) sequences and MR cholangiopancreatograpy (MRCP) compared with that of multidetector row CT (MDCT) with regard to resectability in pancreas cancer.Materials and MethodsFrom February 2004 to July 2008, 54 patients (32 men, 22 women: age range, 28–83 years; mean age, 63.1 years old) with surgically proven pancreatic carcinoma, who had undergone preoperative gadolinium‐enhanced 3D‐GRE MRI with MRCP and triple‐phase MDCT, were included in this retrospective study. Two, clinically experienced attending radiologists independently reviewed the two image sets. These readers evaluated the tumor conspicuity, presence of vascular invasion, choledochal and duodenal invasion, lymph node metastases, distant metastasis, and tumor resectability. The results were compared with the surgical and histopathologic findings using receiver operating characteristic analysis (Az) and kappa statistics.ResultsCurative resections were performed on 42 patients. Regarding the tumor conspicuity, MRI had a significantly higher Az value compared with MDCT according to both reviewers (P < 0.05). The accuracy of resectability was Az = 0.753 and 0.768 on MRI and Az = 0.829 and 0.762 on MDCT for each reviewer, and the difference in the accuracy of resectability was not significant between MRI and MDCT for either reviewer (P > 0.05). Two imaging sets showed a similar diagnostic performance in the evaluation of vascular involvement, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis.ConclusionDynamic 3D‐GRE MRI with MRCP shows superior tumor conspicuity and similar diagnostic performance compared with MDCT in evaluating the resectability of pancreatic cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:586–595. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐dimensional HPLC analysis of oligostyrenes: Comprehensive and online heart‐cutting techniques
Authors: Shalliker Ross Andrew 
Published: August 2009

Abstract2‐D HPLC incorporating two reversed phase (RP) environments was employed for the isolation of oligomers and their diastereomers of low molecular weight oligostyrenes. The operation of a comprehensive method of analysis was compared to a heart‐cutting approach. The comprehensive approach employed a high resolution diastereomer separation in the first dimension and a low peak capacity C18, high speed separation according to molecular weight. Because of solvent incompatibility between the dimensions in the comprehensive method, successful separation of the diastereomers of the oligomers was not possible. The heart‐cutting approach used a C18 monolith in the first dimension, which was selective only for molecular weight. Entire molecular weight fractions were then transported to the second dimension in an online heart‐cutting process for the separation of diastereomers. The heart‐cutting process was more successful in that 228 components of the 511 within the sample were recognized. This series of separations was undertaken in less than 6 h.
Suicide risk factors and mediators between childhood sexual abuse and suicide ideation among male and female suicide attempters
Authors: Spokas Megan , Wenzel Amy , Stirman Shannon Wiltsey , Brown Gregory K. , Beck Aaron T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe current study examined the manner in which childhood sexual abuse (CSA) history relates to risk factors for suicidal behavior among recent suicide attempters (n = 166). Men who recently attempted suicide and endorsed a CSA history had higher scores on measures of hopelessness and suicide ideation than men without a CSA history. Men with a CSA history were also more likely to have made multiple suicide attempts and meet diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. In contrast, there were fewer group differences as a function of CSA history among the female suicide attempters. Hopelessness was a significant mediator between CSA history and suicide ideation in both men and women.
Making the most of patent literature
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn theory, the patent literature has always been a valuable source of technical information but in practice, it was difficult to get hold of the actual documents and to grasp their meaning. Nowadays, several websites make it much easier and cheaper to access the patent literature and for USA patents, a powerful search facility is also available free of charge. To take full advantage of this easier access to technical information, a better understanding of why and how patents are structured is required. The present article aims at providing this background information and thereby facilitate the use of information provided by the patent literature.
Facile Synthesis of Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes as Carriers for Conducting Polymers to be Used in Plastic Electronics
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Sun Ling , Mpoukouvalas Konstantinos , Fassbender Birgit , Bonaccurso Elmar , Brunklaus Gunther , Muehlebach Andreas , Rime François , Butt Hans‐Juergen , Wegner Gerhard 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA two‐step method for the preparation of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) has been developed. Copolymerization of styrene and divinyl benzene at the particle surface resulted in a large number of accessible vinyl groups. These vinyl groups reacted with sodium styrene sulfonate to give SPBs. The SPBs were used as carriers for conducting polymers resulting in redispersible conducting inks with good film forming properties. Direct current (DC) conductivity of the polypyrrole (PPy) loaded samples showed a percolating behavior as probed by impedance spectroscopy. Finally, device performance of organic light‐emitting diodes based on the conducting thin films assembled from the PPy loaded particles was tested.magnified image
The Influence of Inter‐Fibre Fracture in Layered Laminates on Stiffness Degradation: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Lambrecht L. , Michaeli W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA detailed finite‐element analysis of possible influences on the stiffness reduction of layered laminates due to tolerable IFF has been carried out and the IFF accumulation has been calculated. It is shown that both the transverse Young modulus and the in‐plane shear modulus are degraded independently with increasing IFF density. The calculations show that the thickness of the layer affected by IFF has only a minor influence on the resulting degradation. In addition, it has been shown that the IFF accumulation can be calculated by applying the Puck criterion on the numerically calculated stresses.magnified image
Polymeric Micelles Induced by Interpolymer Complexation
Authors: Lefèvre Nathalie , Fustin Charles‐André , Gohy Jean‐François 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe self‐assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymers in block selective solvents is well documented in the scientific literature. It gives rise to micelles in which the insoluble blocks form a core, which is surrounded by a corona that contains the soluble blocks. Another method to trigger micellization consists in introducing additional non‐covalent interactions such as electrostatic interactions or hydrogen bonding in an initially soluble block copolymer. The non‐covalent complexes that result from these interactions should be insoluble in order to induce micellization. Such insoluble complexes can be generated by mixing, in a non‐selective solvent for all the individual blocks, two block copolymers or a block copolymer and a homopolymer, that contain mutually interacting blocks. This mixing process may, therefore, lead to insoluble non‐covalent complexes, which further aggregate into micellar cores stabilized by the uncomplexed blocks. Such a strategy has been successfully implemented in both aqueous and non‐aqueous solvents to create interesting stimuli‐responsive systems, mainly using ionic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This feature article will summarize these approaches.magnified image
A Facile Strategy for Preparation of α‐Heterobifunctional Polystyrenes with Well‐Defined Molecular Weight
Authors: Wang Yun , Lu Lu , Wang Hu , Lu Dairen , Tao Kang , Bai Ruke 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA facile strategy for synthesis of α‐heterobifunctional polystyrenes is reported. The novel functional polystyrenes have been successfully synthesized via a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and chemical modification of end‐functional groups. First, ε‐caprolactone end‐capped polystyrenes with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersity were prepared by ATRP of styrene using α‐bromo‐ε‐caprolactone (αBrCL) as an initiator. Then, removal of the terminal bromine atom was performed with iso‐propylbenzene in the presence of CuBr/PMDETA. Finally, ring‐opening modifications of the caprolactone group were carried out with amines, n‐butanol and H2O to produce novel polystyrenes containing two different functional groups at one end.magnified image
A Critical Overview of Sensors for Monitoring Polymerizations
Authors: Fonseca Gabriela E. , Dubé Marc A. , Penlidis Alexander 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe available on‐line and in‐line sensor technologies developed for polymerization reactors from 1990 until today are discussed and critically reviewed. About 600 references are included, which evidence the growth in sensor technology in the last two decades. Sensors for operational parameters in polymer reactors (i.e. temperature, pressure, level and flow) as well as sensors for polymer property monitoring (i.e. calorimetry, chromatography and spectroscopy, among others) are included. Complementary topics such as state estimation, multivariate statistical methods, fault diagnosis techniques and optimal sensor selection and location are briefly covered.magnified image
A focal lesion in the falx cerebri: Harbinger of classic stage 4 neuroblastoma in an infant cured despite residual disease after minimal therapy
Authors: Kushner Brian H. , Kramer Kim , Modak Shakeel , Akhurst Timothy J. , Cheung Nai‐Kong V. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAn asymptomatic 11 weeks old received no treatment after he was classified as having a suspected atypical form of MYCN‐nonamplified hyperdiploid stage 4S neuroblastoma (NB), with masses in an adrenal gland, subcutaneous tissues, and the falx cerebri. Within 2 months, however, disease progressed in dura and bone marrow. Two cycles of low‐dose chemotherapy achieved a partial response; treatment was discontinued. Complete remission was documented 24 weeks post‐cycle 2, and has continued >6 years. The falx cerebri probably does not represent an atypical site for stage 4S NB, but stage 4 NB with favorable biology is sometimes curable with minimal therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1340–1342. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolonged acquired neutropenia in children
Authors: Sheen Jiunn‐Ming , Kuo Ho‐Chang , Yu Hong‐Ren , Huang Eng‐Yen , Wu Chih‐Chiang , Yang Kuender D. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundAcquired neutropenia is not uncommon in childhood. This study investigated the risk factors associated with developing prolonged acquired neutropenia.ProcedureWe reviewed 66,062 hospital admission medical records from the 5‐year period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2006 to identify neutropenic patients, with and without follow‐up of their neutropenic course until December 31, 2007. After excluding patients with malignancy, collagen disease, bone marrow failure, prematurity, hereditary disease, congenital neutropenia, immunodeficiency, or status post‐liver transplantation, 735 admissions with acquired neutropenia were included in our study.ResultsA total of 474 patients with 735 admissions had moderate or severe neutropenia during the 5‐year period. Among the 252 acquired neutropenia patients who had follow‐up for at least 1 month, 226 patients recovered within 3 months, while 26 patients remained neutropenic after 3 months. Of these 26 patients, 14 recovered after 1 year. An absolute neutrophil count of <500/mm3 (odds ratio [OR]: 13.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.90–64.41), thrombocytosis (OR: 5.76, 95% CI: 1.78–18.58), and age <1 year (OR: 4.93, 95% CI: 1.03–23.54) were associated with prolonged acquired neutropenia, as shown by multivariate logistic regression. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that neutropenia associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) was more prolonged than neutropenia associated with influenza or Epstein–Barr virus infection.ConclusionsProlonged acquired neutropenia was associated with younger age, thrombocytosis, and CMV infection. Neutropenic infants with CMV infection may require antiviral therapy to prevent prolonged acquired neutropenia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1284–1288. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.