bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral infections associated with haemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Maakaroun Nadine Rouphael , Moanna Abeer , Jacob Jesse T , Albrecht Helmut 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHaemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) or haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease caused by a dysfunction of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. This T cell/NK cell dysregulation causes an aberrant cytokine release, resulting in proliferation/activation of histiocytes with subsequent haemophagocytosis. Histiocytic infiltration of the reticuloendothelial system results in hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia ultimately leading to multiple organ dysfunctions. Common clinical features include high fevers despite broad spectrum antimicrobials, maculopapular rash, neurological symptoms, coagulopathy and abnormal liver function tests. Haemophagocytic syndrome can be either primary, i.e. due to an underlying genetic defect or secondary, associated with malignancies, autoimmune diseases (also called macrophage activation syndrome) or infections. Infectious triggers are most commonly due to viral infections mainly of the herpes group, with EBV being the most common cause. HPS can be fatal if untreated. Early recognition of the clinical presentation and laboratory abnormalities associated with HPS and prompt initiation of treatment can be life saving. HPS triggered by viral infections generally does not respond to specific antiviral therapy but may be treated with immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory agents and, in refractory cases, with bone marrow transplantation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An autonomous attestation token to secure mobile agents in disaster response
Authors: Hein Daniel M. , Toegl Ronald , Kraxberger Stefan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractModern communication and computing devices have the potential to increase the efficiency of disaster response. Mobile agents and ad hoc networks are decentralized and flexible technologies to leverage this potential. While both ad hoc networks and mobile agent platforms suffer from a greater variety of security risks than the classic client‐server approach, Trusted Computing is capable of alleviating these problems. Unfortunately, Remote Attestation, a core concept of Trusted Computing, requires a powerful networked entity to perform trust decisions. The existence and availability of such a service in a disaster response scenario cannot be relied upon. In this paper we introduce the autonomous attestation token (AAT), a hardware token for mobile computing devices that is capable of guaranteeing the trusted state of a limited set of devices without relying on a networked service. We propose a Local Attestation protocol with user interaction that in conjunction with the AAT prevents unauthorized access to an emergency mobile agent platform. In addition, we sketch a possible solution which integrates trusted computing to leverage ad hoc networks and peer‐to‐peer systems to provide a robust communication platform. This helps ensuring the security of the next generation of disaster response tools. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic Study of the Formation of Polypyrrole Nanoparticles in Water‐Soluble Polymer/Metal Cation Systems: A Light‐Scattering Analysis
Authors: Hong Jin‐Yong , Yoon Hyeonseok , Jang Jyongsik 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA facile way to synthesize nanometer‐sized polymer (polypyrrole, PPy) particles is explored on the basis of the formation of complexes between water‐soluble polymers and metal cations in aqueous solution. The metal cation is used as an oxidizing agent to initiate the chemical oxidation polymerization of the corresponding monomer, and the water‐soluble polymer effectively provides a steric stability for the growth of polymer nanoparticles during the polymerization process. Light‐scattering analyses are performed to give insight into the behavior of the complexes in aqueous solution. In addition, major physical parameters affecting the formation of polymer nanoparticles are investigated, including hydrodynamic radius, radius of gyration, shape factor, and viscosity. By judicious control of these parameters, PPy nanoparticles with narrow size distribution can be readily fabricated in large quantities. It is also possible to control the diameter of the nanoparticles by changing critical synthetic variables. Importantly, PPy nanoparticles of ≈ 20–60 nm in diameter can be prepared without using any surfactants or specific templates; this novel strategy offers great possibility for mass production of polymer nanoparticles.
Effect of Milling on the Starch Properties of Winter Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Rakszegi Mariann , Bognár Zoltán , Li Zhongy , Békés Ferenc , Láng László , Bedő Zoltán 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFifteen winter wheat varieties (12 hard and 3 soft genotypes) produced in Martonvásár were selected to study the effect of milling on flour starch properties. Differences in protein and starch content, flour yield, water absorption, starch damage, particle size and pasting properties were studied. Significant difference was observed in the starch properties of the different wheat genotypes when milled with different laboratory mills (Chopin CD1, Brabender Junior, FQC‐109). Brabender Junior differed significantly from the other two mills for the properties of starch content, and final viscosity. That was Chopin CD1 which most differed from the other two mills, as it produces flour with the smallest particle size. It also produces flour with the lowest water absorption, and the highest breakdown‐ and lowest trough‐ viscosity parameters. The damage of starch was the smallest for Brabender Junior and the highest for FQC‐109 and they were statistically different. It was concluded that according to the purpose of the processing industry, starch properties can be varified by an appropriate wheat choice, grain preparation and mill‐choice, ‐setup and ‐adjustments.
In Vitro High-Capacity Assay to Quantify the Clonal Heterogeneity in Trilineage Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reveals a Complex Hierarchy of Lineage Commitment
Authors: Russell Katie C. , Phinney Donald G. , Lacey Michelle R. , Barrilleaux Bonnie L. , Meyertholen Kristin E. , O'Connor Kim C. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
In regenerative medicine, bone marrow is a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for a broad range of cellular therapies. This research addresses a basic prerequisite to realize the therapeutic potential of MSCs by developing a novel high-capacity assay to quantify the clonal heterogeneity in potency that is inherent to MSC preparations. The assay utilizes a 96-well format to (1) classify MSCs according to colony-forming efficiency as a measure of proliferation capacity and trilineage potential to exhibit adipo-, chondro-, and osteogenesis as a measure of multipotency and (2) preserve a frozen template of MSC clones of known potency for future use. The heterogeneity in trilineage potential of normal bone marrow MSCs is more complex than previously reported: all eight possible categories of trilineage potential were detected. In this study, the average colony-forming efficiency of MSC preparations was 55–62%, and tripotent MSCs accounted for nearly 50% of the colony-forming cells. The multiple phenotypes detected in this study infer a more convoluted hierarchy of lineage commitment than described in the literature. Greater cell amplification, colony-forming efficiency, and colony diameter for tri- versus unipotent clones suggest that MSC proliferation may be a function of potency. CD146 may be a marker of multipotency, with ∼2-fold difference in mean fluorescence intensity between tri- and unipotent clones. The significance of these findings is discussed in the context of the efficacy of MSC therapies. The in vitro assay described herein will likely have numerous applications given the importance of heterogeneity to the therapeutic potential of MSCs.
A Novel Molecule Integrating Therapeutic and Diagnostic Activities Reveals Multiple Aspects of Stem Cell-based Therapy
Authors: Hingtgen Shawn D. , Kasmieh Randa , van de Water Jeroen , Weissleder Ralph , Shah Khalid 
Published: February 2010

AbstractStem cells are promising therapeutic delivery vehicles; however pre-clinical and clinical applications of stem cell-based therapy would benefit significantly from the ability to simultaneously determine therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of therapies delivered by engineered stem cells. In this study, we engineered and screened numerous fusion variants that contained therapeutic (TRAIL) and diagnostic (luciferase) domains designed to allow simultaneous investigation of multiple events in stem cell-based therapy in vivo. When various stem cell lines were engineered with the optimized molecule, SRLOL2TR, diagnostic imaging showed marked differences in the levels and duration of secretion between stem cell lines, while the therapeutic activity of the molecule showed the different secretion levels translated to significant variability in tumor cell killing. In vivo, simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring revealed that stem cell-based delivery significantly improved pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor effectiveness of the therapy compared to intravenous or intratumoral delivery. As treatment for highly malignant brain tumor xenografts, tracking SRLOL2TR showed stable stem cell-mediated delivery significantly regressed peripheral and intracranial tumors. Together, the integrated diagnostic and therapeutic properties of SRLOL2TR answer critical questions necessary for successful utilization of stem cells as novel therapeutic vehicles.
Uterine venous blood flow in normal and complicated pregnancies: a methodological study
Authors: Thuring A. , Laurini R. , Maršál K. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the possibility of recording Doppler flow signals from the maternal uterine veins (UtVs) during pregnancy and to assess the relationship between UtV signals and other Doppler parameters as well as pregnancy outcomes.MethodsTransabdominal Doppler ultrasound examination of the UtVs on both sides of the uterus was performed in 40 normal and 44 high‐risk singleton pregnancies at 23–39 weeks' gestation. The UtV was identified using color Doppler imaging and the flow velocity signals of the UtV and uterine artery (UtA) were recorded. Morphological examination of the placenta was carried out in 45 of the pregnancies (14 uncomplicated and 31 high‐risk pregnancies).ResultsFlow‐velocity signals of the UtVs were recorded from at least one side of the uterus in all patients (success rate of 81 and 89% for the right and left UtV, respectively). Three types of flow‐velocity pattern were identified: continuous non‐pulsatile flow (Type I, n = 70), pulsatile flow with a notch touching the zero line (Type II, n = 6) and pulsatile flow with absent flow signals for part of the heart cycle (Type III, n = 8). The UtA pulsatility index was significantly higher in women with UtV Types II and III than in those with UtV Type I (P = 0.039). Similarly, UtV Types II and III were more often found in pregnancies with bilateral UtA notching (P = 0.013) and with UtA score 3–4 (P = 0.024) than in those with normal UtA. No statistically significant association was found between the UtV flow pattern and abnormal histopathological findings in the placenta, or between the UtV and umbilical artery findings.ConclusionIt is possible to record Doppler signals from the UtVs in the late second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Pulsatile flow‐velocity patterns of the UtVs are associated with abnormal UtA Doppler findings. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐channel power‐controlled directional MAC for wireless mesh networks
Authors: Martignon Fabio 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have emerged recently as a technology for providing high‐speed last mile connectivity in next‐generation wireless networks. Several MAC protocols that exploit multiple channels and directional antennas have been proposed in the literature to increase the performance of WMNs. However, while these techniques can improve the wireless medium utilization by reducing radio interference and the impact of the exposed nodes problem, they can also exacerbate the hidden nodes problem. Therefore, efficient MAC protocols need to be carefully designed to fully exploit the features offered by multiple channels and directional antennas.In this paper we propose a novel Multi‐Channel Power‐Controlled Directional MAC protocol (MPCD‐MAC) for nodes equipped with multiple network interfaces and directional antennas. MPCD‐MAC uses the standard RTS‐CTS‐DATA‐ACK exchange procedure. The novel difference is the transmission of the RTS and CTS packets in all directions on a separate control channel, while the DATA and ACK packets are transmitted only directionally on an available data channel at the minimum required power, taking into account the interference generated on already active connections.This solution spreads the information on wireless medium reservation (RTS/CTS) to the largest set of neighbors, while data transfers take place directionally on separate channels to increase spatial reuse. Furthermore, power control is used to limit the interference produced over active nodes.We measure the performance of MPCD‐MAC by simulation of several realistic network scenarios, and we compare it with other approaches proposed in the literature. The results show that our scheme increases considerably both the total traffic accepted by the network and the fairness among competing connections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural psychology
Authors: Heine Steven J. , Ruby Matthew B. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHumans are a cultural species, constantly navigating a complex web of culturally bound practices, norms, and worldviews. This article provides a brief overview of the relatively young field of cultural psychology, which investigates the many ways psychology and culture interweave with one another. Highlighting the cultural nature of the human species, it draws upon research on cultural evolution, enculturation, and developmental processes. This review further summarizes a number of cultural differences in how people perceive the self, and the behavioral consequences that follow from these differences, in the domains of internal and external attribution styles, motivations for self‐enhancement, approach/avoidance, primary and secondary control, as well as motivations for distinctiveness and conformity. Additionally, the review discusses research on the intersection of culture and emotion, as well as cultural differences in cognition, perception, and reasoning. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Comparative Psychology
Bioconversion of heptanal to heptanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Verma Shikha , Ray Aurobindo Kumar , De Bijay Krishna 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSaccharomyces cerevisiae is widely known for its catalytic activity on substrates such as aldehyde and ketone. Interestingly, the activity of S. cerevisiae on heptanal (C6H13CHO), in spite of its being a very common aldehyde, has not been explored. The main objective of this study was therefore to investigate the bioconversion of heptanal, using a strain of the yeast S. cerevisiae. Bioconversion parameters such as incubation period, pH, concentration of substrate, yeast and maltose were also optimized. The study revealed heptanol as the major product. The optimum conditions for biotransformation were found to be: 3 days incubation; pH 7.0; heptanal concentration 0.15 ml/100 ml medium; and S. cerevisiae concentration of 0.15 g/100 ml medium. Reduction in maltose content (to 0.3 g maltose/100 ml medium) showed increased conversion of heptanal. Heptanoic acid and 2‐hydroxyheptanoic acid were obtained as two minor co‐products. The overall study showed that S. cerevisiae converted heptanal to heptanol by a yield of 68.9 ± 1.1% w/w under optimum conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic Conductivity of Ce3NF6
Authors: Noetzel Gerd , Schweda Eberhard , Wiemhöfer Hans‐Dieter 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe electrical conductivity of pressed polycrystalline Ce3NF6 pellets was measured using two‐probe measurements with two types of blocking contacts, namely platinum and LaF3, in the temperature range 300–450 K. The cerium nitride fluoride Ce3NF6 was prepared by the direct reaction of CeN and CeF3 at 1170 K. The DC measurements with the two types of blocking contacts proved that the conductivity of Ce3NF6 is mainly ionic due to fluoride ion transport, although the fluoride ion conductivity is much lower than known for the binary CeF3 phase. The analysis of the AC impedance measurements with both types of blocking contacts support the assumption of predominating fluoride ion transport. There was no indication for mobile nitride ions. Two relaxation processes were identified in the impedance spectra giving two maxima of the phase angle. The first one occurred at high frequencies around 200 kHz and was attributed to the bulk conductivity and dielectric response of Ce3NF6. The second relaxation process showed the maximum of the phase angle at medium frequencies in the range 100 Hz to 10 kHz. It was attributed to the impedance of high resistivity contacts between the grains. The transference number of electrons was lower than 0.1. The fluoride ion conductivity at 450 K was 5 × 10–7 S·cm–1 in the bulk and 7 × 10–9 S·cm–1 in the grain boundaries. The corresponding activation energy from the temperature dependence of the conductivity was 0.6 eV with no discernible difference of bulk and grain boundary contribution.
Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Materials: Syntheses, X‐ray Diffraction Study, and Characterisations of Manganese, Cobalt, and Copper Complexes of Modified Bis(phosphonates)
Authors: Kunnas‐Hiltunen Susan , Laurila Elina , Haukka Matti , Vepsäläinen Jouko , Ahlgrén Markku 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFour new cobalt, manganese, and copper bis(phosphonates), [Co2{Cl2C(PO3)2}(H2O)7·4H2O] (1), [Co{Cl2C(PO2O(C(O)C6H5))2(H2O)5}·2H2O{Cl2C(PO2O(C(O)C6H5))2}{Co(H2O)6}] (2), [Mn{[Cl2C(PO2O(C(O)C6H5))2](H2O)3}] (3), and [Cu{(CH2C5H5N)C(OH)(PO3H)2}2·4H2O] (4), were prepared by gel, liquid, and evaporation crystallisation methods. Compounds 1–4 were characterised by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of metal and various substituted groups in bis(phosphonate) ligands on the structure formation of bis(phosphonates) were studied. In the structure of 1, the clodronic acid ligand (L1) is in bischelating bonding mode, and the dinuclear units of 1 are surrounded by two‐dimensional water cluster patterns. The hydrogen bond network of compound 1 is extended to a three‐dimensional framework when the phosphonate oxygen atoms serve as hydrogen‐bond acceptors. In complex 2, the CoO6 octahedron shares a corner of one PCO3 tetrahedron of the dibenzoyl derivative of clodronic acid ligand (L2), and forms a two‐dimensional hydrogen bonding network, which consists of [Co(H2O)6}]2+ cations, lattice water molecules and L2 ligand molecules. Compound 3, in turn, consists of dimeric building blocks built up of PCO3 tetrahedra of the ligand L2, which connect the corner‐sharing MnO6 octahedra and form an overall 2D structure through hydrogen bonds of coordinated and crystal water molecules and phosphonate oxygen atoms. Complex 4 is among the first metal complexes of risedronic acid (L3). In compound 4, two L3 ligand molecules chelate tridentately the CuII atom at the center of symmetry, and the monomeric units of 4 are connected to a 3D structure through hydrogen bonding of coordinated and lattice water molecules to both protonated and deprotonated phosphonate oxygen atoms and protonated nitrogen atoms in the pyridine ring.
A safer method for studying hormone metabolism in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus): accelerator mass spectrometry
Authors: Yon Lisa , Faulkner Brian , Kanchanapangka Sumolya , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Meepan Sompast , Lasley Bill 
Published: February 2010

AbstractNoninvasive hormone assays provide a way to determine an animal's health or reproductive status without the need for physical or chemical restraint, both of which create unnecessary stress for the animal, and can potentially alter the hormones being measured. Because hormone metabolism is highly species‐specific, each assay must be validated for use in the species of interest. Validation of noninvasive steroid hormone assays has traditionally required the administration of relatively high doses of radiolabelled compounds (100 µCi or more of 14C labeled hormone) to permit subsequent detection of the excreted metabolites in the urine and feces. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is sensitive to extremely low levels of rare isotopes such as 14C, and provides a way to validate hormone assays using much lower levels of radioactivity than those traditionally employed. A captive Asian bull elephant was given 1 µCi of 14C‐testosterone intravenously, and an opportunistic urine sample was collected 2 hr after the injection. The sample was separated by HPLC and the 14C in the fractions was detected by AMS to characterize the metabolites present in the urine. A previously established HPLC protocol was used, which permitted the identification of fractions into which testosterone sulfate, testosterone glucuronide, and the parent compound testosterone elute. Results from this study indicate that the majority of testosterone excreted in the urine of the Asian bull elephant is in the form of testosterone sulfate. A small amount of testosterone glucuronide is also excreted, but there is no parent compound present in the urine at all. These results underscore the need for enzymatic hydrolysis to prepare urine samples for hormone assay measurement. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of proper hormone assay validation in order to ensure accurate measurement of the desired hormone. Although this study demonstrated the utility of AMS for safer validation of noninvasive hormone assays in nondomestic species, this methodology could also be applied to studies of nutrient metabolism and drug pharmakokinetics, both areas in great need of further study in wildlife species. Zoo Biol 29:760–766, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.