bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocompatibility Studies of Functionalized Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Layers for Sensing Applications
Authors: Scarpa Giuseppe , Idzko Anna‐Lena , Götz Stefan , Thalhammer Stefan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThere is a significant medical and biological need for cheap disposable analytical sensing devices, which can be used in clinical settings or medical research. Organic electronics based on polymeric materials, being suitable for large‐area, low‐cost, flexible, and maybe even disposable electronics, could satisfy this need in a very elegant way. Unfortunately, the ensurance of biocompatibility and biofunctionalization of conducting and semiconducting polymers is still often lacking. In the present study, we concentrate on one of the most promising polymeric materials, regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), being both a reasonably conducting and optically active polymer. To overcome biocompatibility problems, protein‐based coatings and oxygen‐plasma treatments are performed to enable growth of adherent living cells on those modified surfaces. For our studies, the polymer material is spun or casted onto glass substrates under an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The toxic solvents are removed by thermal treatment with subsequent application of the coating or functionalizing materials. Cell‐growth studies and adhesion experiments on the modified P3HT thin‐film layers are carried out with mouse fibroblasts. This work demonstrates the biocompatibility and biofunctionalization of an active semiconducting organic polymer, hence opening new possibilities in the realization of biomedical test systems based on organic biosensors in life sciences.magnified image
Antagonism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor decreases cyclophosphamide cystitis in mice
Authors: Vera Pedro L. , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Howard Daniel J. , Jiang Lixian , Meyer‐Siegler Katherine L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAimsMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine found pre‐formed in the urothelium. During inflammation, MIF is released into the bladder lumen and bladder MIF mRNA is upregulated. Since MIF also has tautomerase activity and blocking tautomerase activity also blocks MIF's biological activity, we hypothesized that blocking MIF's tautomerase activity would prevent bladder inflammation. Therefore, we examined the effects of a MIF tautomerase inhibitor (ISO‐1; also blocks biological activity) on cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis in mice.MethodsMice receiving CYP (300 mg/kg; i.p.) to induce cystitis or saline (control) were treated either with ISO‐1 (20 mg/kg; i.p.; daily) or vehicle (20% DMSO; i.p.; daily) for 2 days. After 2 days, micturition volume and frequency in awake mice were recorded and also mechanical sensitivity to abdominal stimulation using von Frey monofilaments. Bladders were collected under anesthesia and examined histologically, nerve growth factor levels were assayed in bladder homogenates, and production of inflammatory cytokines in the bladder was determined using a targeted array.ResultsCYP treatment resulted in decreased micturition volume, increased frequency, decreased threshold, increased histological signs of cystitis, increased bladder NGF levels and production of inflammatory cytokines when compared to the control group. Treatment with ISO‐1 prevented or greatly decreased all these changes.ConclusionAntagonizing MIF's activity with a systemic MIF tautomerase inhibitor was able to prevent or greatly reduced chemical cystitis in mice, thus indicating the MIF mediates bladder inflammation in this model. MIF represents a novel and important modulator of cystitis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1451–1457, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiological appearance of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour
Authors: Rasalkar Darshana D. , Chu Winnie C.W. , To Ka‐fai , Cheng Frankie W.T. , Li C.K. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractInflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMFT) is a distinct entity with variable clinical presentation and therapeutic options. We present three paediatric cases of IMFT, originated from the lung, bladder and ovary respectively. All lesions were heterogeneous, with mixed solid/cystic components and infiltrative pattern, and were interpreted as aggressive malignant neoplasms initially due to their bizarre imaging appearance. The definitive diagnosis was derived from characteristic histopathological features. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1029–1031 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An updated follow‐up of chronic hepatitis C after three decades of observation in pediatric patients cured of malignancy
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Bortolotti Flavia , Petris Maria Grazia , Brugiolo Alessandra , Guido Maria , Carli Modesto 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the long‐term outcome of chronic hepatitis C in a cohort of Caucasian children cured of pediatric malignancy.ProcedureThe study population included 83 consecutive patients, referred to our Center with a diagnosis of leukemia/lymphoma (50) or solid tumors (33) between 1977 and 1989 and infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) during chemotherapy.ResultsAt enrollment 77 subjects were HCV‐RNA positive. After a median follow‐up of 21 years (range 13–36), a sustained virological response (SVR) was obtained in 3 of 29 patients (10%) treated with interferon (IFN), in 1 of 3 patients (33%) treated with IFN and ribavirin, and in 5 of 11 patients (42%) treated with pegylated‐IFN and ribavirin (P = 0.03). Forty‐two patients remained untreated and only one (2.5%) cleared viremia. Four of 77 patients (5%) developed cirrhosis while other 4 patients died of causes not related to liver. At last follow‐up, 72% of HCV‐RNA positive patients had abnormal ALT.ConclusionsIn patients cured of pediatric malignancy chronic hepatitis C tends to run an indolent course during childhood and adolescence but more than 70% of treated and more than 80% of untreated cases children maintained HCV viremia. Moreover, after 2–3 decades of observation, 60% of HCV‐RNA positive patients had abnormal ALT and 5% had developed cirrhosis. Among treated patients, IFN or pegylated‐IFN and ribavirin obtained the higher rate of HCV‐RNA clearance. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:108–112. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pleuropulmonary blastoma with intrabronchial extension
Authors: Goel Prabudh , Panda Shashank , Srinivas M. , Kumar Dinesh , Seith Aashu , Ahuja Arvind , Sarkar Chitra , Chowdhury Shiv , Agarwala Sandeep 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA 3‐year‐old male presented with an episode of respiratory distress that was superimposed on a 2½ years history of recurrent chest infections. The chest radiograph and a contrast enhanced CT scan revealed a cystic cavity in the left upper lobe with an endobronchial soft tissue mass in left bronchus. Left bronchotomy and removal of the endobronchial soft tissue mass and left upper lobectomy were performed. The histology of the specimen revealed a pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) type II. The presentation, diagnosis, and management of this uncommon case of PPB with intrabronchial extension are described. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1026–1028 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using a cross‐model loadings plot to identify protein spots causing 2‐DE gels to become outliers in PCA
Authors: Kristiansen Luise Cederkvist , Jacobsen Susanne , Jessen Flemming , Jørgensen Bo M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe multivariate method PCA is an exploratory tool often used to get an overview of multivariate data, such as the quantified spot volumes of digitized 2‐DE gels. PCA can reveal hidden structures present in the data, and thus enables identification of potential outliers and clustering. Based on PCA, we here present an approach for identification of protein spots causing 2‐DE gels to become outliers. The approach can potentially obviate analytical exclusion of entire 2‐DE gels.
Effects of thawing, refreezing and storage conditions of tissue samples and protein extracts on 2‐DE spot intensity
Authors: Weist Stephanie , Brunkau Cindy , Wittke Janosch , Eravci Murat , Broedel Oliver , Krause Eberhard , Stephanowitz Heike , Eravci Selda , Baumgartner Andreas 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe report that reliable quantitative proteome analyses can be performed with tissue samples stored at −80°C for up to 10 years. However, storing protein extracts at 4°C for 24 h and freezing protein extracts at −80°C and thawing them significantly altered 41.6 and 17.5% of all spot intensities on 2‐DE gels, respectively. Fortunately, these storing effects did not impair the reliability of quantifying 2‐DE experiments. Nonetheless, the results show that freezing and storage conditions should be carefully controlled in proteomic experiments.
Stimulated single‐cell force spectroscopy to quantify cell adhesion receptor crosstalk
Authors: Friedrichs Jens , Helenius Jonne , Müller Daniel J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractTo control their attachment to substrates and other cells, cells regulate their adhesion receptors. One regulatory process is receptor crosstalk, where the binding of one type of cell adhesion molecule influences the activity of another type. To identify such crosstalk and gain insight into their mechanisms, we developed the stimulated single‐cell force spectroscopy assay. In this assay, the influence of a cells adhesion to one substrate on the strength of its adhesion to a second substrate is examined. The assay quantifies the adhesion of the cell and the contributions of specific adhesion receptors. This allows mechanisms by which the adhesion is regulated to be determined. Using the assay we identified crosstalk between collagen‐binding integrin α1β1 and fibronectin‐binding integrin α5β1 in HeLa cells. This crosstalk was unidirectional, from integrin α1β1 to integrin α5β1, and functioned by regulating the endocytosis of integrin α5β1. The single‐cell assay should be expandable for the screening and quantification of crosstalk between various cell adhesion molecules and other cell surface receptors.
Mapping pro‐ and antiangiogenic factors on the surface of prostasomes of normal and malignant cell origin
Authors: Babiker Adil A. , Magnusson Peetra U. , Ronquist Gunnar , Nilsson Bo , Ekdahl Kristina Nilsson 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDAngiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels by capillary sprouting from pre‐existing vessels. Tumor growth is angiogenesis‐dependent and the formation of new blood vessels is associated with the increased expression of angiogenic factors. Prostasomes are secretory granules produced, stored and released by the glandular epithelial cells of the prostate. We investigated the expression of selected angiogenic and anti‐angiogenic factors on the surface of prostasomes of different origins as well as the direct effect of prostasomes on angiogenesis.METHODSVEGF, endothelin‐1, endostatin, and thrombospondin‐1 were determined on prostasomes from seminal fluid and human prostate cancer cell lines (DU145,PC‐3,LNCaP) using different immunochemical techniques. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells were incubated with seminal and DU145 cell‐prostasomes and with radioactive thymidine. The effect of prostasomes on angiogenesis was judged by measuring the uptake of labeled thymidine. The presence of any deleterious effects of prostasomes on the endothelial cells was investigated using thymidine assay and confocal laser microscopy.RESULTSVEGF and endothelin‐1 were determined on malignant cell‐prostasomes (no difference between cell lines) but not determined on seminal prostasomes. The same applies for the expression of endostatin but with much higher expression on malignant cell‐prostasomes with obvious differences between them. Seminal and DU145 cell‐prostasomes were found to have anti‐angiogenic effect which was more expressed by DU145 cell‐prostasomes. No deleterious effect of prostasomes on endothelial function was detected using either thymidine assay or microscopy.CONCLUSIONSProstasomes contain pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors that function to counteract each other unless the impact from one side exceeds the other to bring about dysequilibrium. Prostate 70: 834–847, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of two haplotypes of cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), in southern Mississippi
Authors: Zhu Yu Cheng , Sun Jian‐Zhong , Luo Lily Li , Liu Xiaofen Fanny , Lee Karmen Christeen , Mallette Eldon J , Abel Craig A 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was accidentally introduced into the United States from Asia. The introduction of the pest has brought significant economic consequences. During the past decade, Mississippi has become a significantly infested state, partly due to the proximity to coastal port cities such as New Orleans. This study was initiated to investigate the origin and infestation route of C. formosanus in southern Mississippi.RESULTS: Twenty‐eight colonies (21 colonies from Mississippi, six from Louisiana, one from China) were collected. Sequencing and analysis of 112 sequences revealed 15 haplotypes of cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene in the world. Two haplotypes of COII were identified in Mississippi. In addition, specific primers were designed and tested differentially to amplify characteristic fragments for verifying and surveying different genotypes of C. formosanus in the future.CONCLUSION: Of the two haplotypes identified in Mississippi, the GA group was identical to those reported previously in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and other infested states. The second haplotype, the AT group, was identified for the first time in southeastern United States. Sequence identity of the AT‐group C. formosanus with those reported mainly in southeastern Asian countries provided evidence of at least two introductions of C. formosanus into the United States. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Ge‐based skutterudites MPt4Ge12: A comparative 195Pt NMR study
Authors: Baenitz Michael , Sarkar Rajib , Gumeniuk Roman , Leithe‐Jasper Andreas , Schnelle Walter , Rosner Helge , Burkhardt Ulrich , Schmidt Markus , Schwarz Ulrich , Kaczorowski Darius , Grin Yuri , Steglich Frank 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe new Ge‐based skutterudites MPt4Ge12 are investigated by 195Pt NMR. They form with M = Ba, Sr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Th and U and in contrast to some pnictide skutterudites they remain metallic independent of the filler ion. Here we show that, consistent with the Korringa theory, the residual shift 195K(T → 0) scales with the density of states N(EF) and with the electronic specific heat coefficient γ. For the heavy filler ions La and Th an unusual 195K(T) dependence was found which might be associated to the effect of dynamic disorder (rattling). For paramagnetic CePt4Ge12 a Curie–Weiss‐like behaviour in both the shift 195K(T) and the bulk susceptibility χ(T) confirms the Ce3+‐4f1‐state at high temperatures. At low temperatures 195K(T) passes through a maximum at around 60 K and saturates below 10 K. This is interpreted being due to an unstable Ce valence, like, e.g. in CeSn3. Further evidence comes from the spin‐lattice relaxation where 195(1/T1) starts to deviate from its low‐temperature linear Korringa‐type of behaviour at around 60 K. We discuss our findings in the context of a dense Kondo system with valence fluctuations. For the van‐Vleck paramagnet SmPt4Ge12 at low‐temperatures, surprisingly, the shift is of the same order as for CePt4Ge12. It also passes through a maximum but at much lower temperatures (∼6 K).
Quantum percolation transition in Eu1−xCaxB6
Authors: Glushkov V. V. , Anisimov M. A. , Bogach A. V. , Demishev S. V. , Filipov V. B. , Flachbart K. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Levchenko A. V. , Shitsevalova N. Yu. , Sluchanko N. E. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe study of transport and magnetic properties performed on Eu1−xCaxB6 single crystals with nominal Ca content 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 at temperatures 1.8–300 K in magnetic fields up to 80 kOe provides the direct experimental evidence of metal‐to‐insulator transition (MIT) earlier proposed for the system by V. M. Pereira et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett., 93, 147202 (2004)]. A giant enhancement of magnetoresistance up to the values of (ρ(0) − ρ(H))/ρ(H) ∼ 7 × 107% was detected for x = 0.4 in the wide vicinity of the ferromagnetic insulating state. The field induced crossover from hole‐like to electron‐like regime of charge transport observed for the first time in the paramagnetic phase of Eu0.6Ca0.4B6 is discussed in terms of quantum percolation transition predicted for this low carrier density system within double exchange model.
In Vitro activities of plant extracts from Saudi Arabia against malaria, leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness and Chagas disease
Authors: Abdel‐Sattar Essam , Maes Louis , Salama Maha Mahmoud 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe in vitro activity of the methanol extracts of 51 plants randomly collected from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and some of their fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous) were evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. cruzi and Leishmania infantum, as well as toxicity against MRC‐5 fibroblast cells. Ten crude methanolic extracts that demonstrated potent and adequately selective antiprotozoal activity were subjected to solvent fractionation using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform. Only three samples showed promising antiprotozoal activity. Argemone ochroleuca (CHCl3 fraction) showed pronounced activity against P. falciparumGHA (IC50 0.32 μg/mL) and T. cruzi (IC50 0.30 μg/mL) with low cytotoxicity against MRC‐5 cells (CC50 11.6 μg/mL). Capparis spinosa (EtOAc fraction) showed pronounced activity against P. falciparumGHA with an IC50 0.50 μg/mL in the absence of toxicity against MRC‐5 cell line (CC50 > 30 μg/mL). Heliotropium curassavicum (CHCl3 fraction) showed similar activity against P. falciparum (IC50 0.65 μg/mL; MRC‐5 CC50 > 30 μg /mL). These three extracts will be subjected for further extensive studies to isolate and identify their active constituents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of sustainable packaging in the norwegian shopping basket 2001–2007
Authors: Møller Hanne , Rubach Synnøve , Hanssen Ole Jørgen 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe main purpose of the Norwegian Shopping Basket Survey (referred to here as the Survey) is to document development in packaging optimization and generation of packaging waste in the Norwegian packaging sector over time. As the environmental and resource efficiency of packaging systems depends to a large extent on the prevention of product loss, material intensity of the packaging and closing of the material loops, these factors are important elements in the characterization of sustainability of packaging systems. In this project we calculate indicators for material intensity and material recycling, based on the European Union (EU) directive on packaging and packaging waste (EC 64/92) and the corresponding European Committee for Standardization (CEN)‐standards EN 13427‐13432. The survey consists of 22 product categories that have a significant economic contribution to the retail sector. In each product category the three products with the highest turnover (market leaders) and the three products with the most rapid increase in turnover each year (market winners) are chosen. The survey result shows that the weighted packaging material intensity for the market leaders has been reduced but that the net material intensity has been rather constant. Data for the market winners indicate a much larger variation throughout the period, which is expected because many of the products change from year to year. The numbers of packaging changes are counted. Market changes are found to be the most important factor affecting the differences in material intensity. Changes in the packaging system of the individual products are less important. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radar/rain‐gauge comparisons on squall lines in Niamey, Niger for the AMMA
Authors: Russell B. , Williams E.R. , Gosset M. , Cazenave F. , Descroix L. , Guy N. , Lebel T. , Ali A. , Metayer F. , Quantin G. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMassachusetts Institute of Technology C‐band radar observations are integrated with rainfall measurements from an extensive network of gauges in Niamey, Niger, West Africa, for the African Monsoon and Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA). The large number of gauges available enabled Ze–R power‐law relationships for the convective and stratiform regions of individual squall lines. The Ze–R relationships based solely on radar measurements directly over the gauges were developed for the estimate of rainfall and attendant latent heat release (by other AMMA investigators) where gauges were unavailable. The low prefactor values of the Ze–R power laws relative to like values for Z–R disdrometer power laws have contributions of order 1–2 dB from the use of the lowest beam tilt (0.57° ) and ∼1–2 dB by the radar reading low. (The sphere calibration and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission TRMM—radar calibration are inconsistent at the 1–2 dB level for unknown reasons.) Radar/gauge comparisons are also shown for individual storms. Accurate, unbiased results for the convective regime require adjustment of the radar‐to‐gauge radials for attenuation. Beam filling problems and aliasing issues can often be identified in the case of outlier points. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Laboratory experiments on mountain‐induced rotors
Authors: Knigge C. , Etling D. , Paci A. , Eiff O. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this article we present some laboratory experiments on stratified flows over isolated obstacles which were aimed at the simulation of atmospheric rotors as induced by the interaction of mountain waves and the boundary layer. For this purpose we modified the classical tank experiments on mountain waves performed with constant density gradients by introducing an elevated density inversion above the obstacle height. This kind of inversion seems to favour very much the development of mountain‐induced rotors as was shown in recent numerical simulations. In fact our experimental set‐up was guided by the simulations of Vosper, which provided systematically the upstream conditions under which mountain rotors are expected. We were able to confirm the results from these numerical simulations over a wide range of parameters. Detailed analyses of flow structures for some selected cases, as obtained by particle image velocimeter analysis, are presented. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society