bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymph node B lymphocyte trafficking is constrained by anatomy and highly dependent upon chemoattractant desensitization
Authors: Park Chung , Hwang Il-Young , Sinha Rajesh K. , Kamenyeva Olena , Davis Michael D. , Kehrl John H. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
B lymphocyte recirculation through lymph nodes (LNs) requires crossing endothelial barriers and chemoattractant-triggered cell migration. Here we show how LN anatomy and chemoattractant receptor signaling organize B lymphocyte LN trafficking. Blood-borne B cells predominately used CCR7 signaling to adhere to high endothelial venules (HEVs). New B cell emigrants slowly transited the HEV perivenule space, and thereafter localized nearby, avoiding the follicle. Eventually, the newly arrived B cells entered the basal portion of the follicle gradually populating it. In contrast, newly arriving activated B cells rapidly crossed HEVs and migrated toward the lymph node follicle. During their LN residency, recirculating B cells reacquired their sphingosine-1 phospate receptor 1 (S1P1) receptors and markedly attenuated their sensitivity to chemokines. Eventually, the B cells exited the LN follicle by entering the cortical lymphatics or returning to the paracortical cords. Upon entering the lymph, the B cells lost their polarity, down-regulated their S1P1 receptors, and subsequently strongly up-regulated their sensitivity to chemokines. These results are summarized in a model of homeostatic trafficking of B cells through LNs.
Mutations of the SF3B1 splicing factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: association with progression and fludarabine-refractoriness
Authors: Rossi Davide , Bruscaggin Alessio , Spina Valeria , Rasi Silvia , Khiabanian Hossein , Messina Monica , Fangazio Marco , Vaisitti Tiziana , Monti Sara , Chiaretti Sabina , Guarini Anna , Del Giudice Ilaria , Cerri Michaela , Cresta Stefania , Deambrogi Clara , Gargiulo Ernesto , Gattei Valter , Forconi Francesco , Bertoni Francesco , Deaglio Silvia , Rabadan Raul , Pasqualucci Laura , Foà Robin , Dalla-Favera Riccardo , Gaidano Gianluca 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe genetic lesions identified in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) do not entirely recapitulate the disease pathogenesis and the development of serious complications, such as chemorefractoriness. While investigating the coding genome of fludarabine-refractory CLL, we observed that mutations of SF3B1, encoding a splicing factor and representing a critical component of the cell spliceosome, were recurrent in 10 of 59 (17%) fludarabine-refractory cases, with a frequency significantly greater than that observed in a consecutive CLL cohort sampled at diagnosis (17/301, 5%; P = .002). Mutations were somatically acquired, were generally represented by missense nucleotide changes, clustered in selected HEAT repeats of the SF3B1 protein, recurrently targeted 3 hotspots (codons 662, 666, and 700), and were predictive of a poor prognosis. In fludarabine-refractory CLL, SF3B1 mutations and TP53 disruption distributed in a mutually exclusive fashion (P = .046). The identification of SF3B1 mutations points to splicing regulation as a novel pathogenetic mechanism of potential clinical relevance in CLL.
Impact of additional cytogenetic aberrations at diagnosis on prognosis of CML: long-term observation of 1151 patients from the randomized CML Study IV
Authors: Fabarius Alice , Leitner Armin , Hochhaus Andreas , Müller Martin C. , Hanfstein Benjamin , Haferlach Claudia , Göhring Gudrun , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Jotterand Martine , Reiter Andreas , Jung-Munkwitz Susanne , Proetel Ulrike , Schwaab Juliana , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Schubert Jörg , Einsele Hermann , Ho Anthony D. , Falge Christiane , Kanz Lothar , Neubauer Andreas , Kneba Michael , Stegelmann Frank , Pfreundschuh Michael , Waller Cornelius F. , Spiekermann Karsten , Baerlocher Gabriela M. , Lauseker Michael , Pfirrmann Markus , Hasford Joerg , Saussele Susanne , Hehlmann Rüdiger ,   for the Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Klinische Krebsforschung (SAKK) and the German CML Study Group
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe prognostic relevance of additional cytogenetic findings at diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is unclear. The impact of additional cytogenetic findings at diagnosis on time to complete cytogenetic (CCR) and major molecular remission (MMR) and progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using data from 1151 Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) CML patients randomized to the German CML Study IV. At diagnosis, 1003 of 1151 patients (87%) had standard t(9;22)(q34;q11) only, 69 patients (6.0%) had variant t(v;22), and 79 (6.9%) additional cytogenetic aberrations (ACAs). Of these, 38 patients (3.3%) lacked the Y chromosome (−Y) and 41 patients (3.6%) had ACAs except −Y; 16 of these (1.4%) were major route (second Philadelphia [Ph] chromosome, trisomy 8, isochromosome 17q, or trisomy 19) and 25 minor route (all other) ACAs. After a median observation time of 5.3 years for patients with t(9;22), t(v;22), −Y, minor- and major-route ACAs, the 5-year PFS was 90%, 81%, 88%, 96%, and 50%, and the 5-year OS was 92%, 87%, 91%, 96%, and 53%, respectively. In patients with major-route ACAs, the times to CCR and MMR were longer and PFS and OS were shorter (P < .001) than in patients with standard t(9;22). We conclude that major-route ACAs at diagnosis are associated with a negative impact on survival and signify progression to the accelerated phase and blast crisis.
The KCNE genes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a candidate gene study
Authors: Hedley Paula L , Haundrup Ole , Andersen Paal S , Aidt Frederik H , Jensen Morten , Moolman-Smook Johanna C , Bundgaard Henning , Christiansen Michael 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
The gene family KCNE1-5, which encode modulating β-subunits of several repolarising K+-ion channels, has been associated with genetic cardiac diseases such as long QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation and Brugada syndrome. The minK peptide, encoded by KCNE1, is attached to the Z-disc of the sarcomere as well as the T-tubules of the sarcolemma. It has been suggested that minK forms part of an "electro-mechanical feed-back" which links cardiomyocyte stretching to changes in ion channel function. We examined whether mutations in KCNE genes were associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disease associated with an improper hypertrophic response.

Results
The coding regions of KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNE3, KCNE4, and KCNE5 were examined, by direct DNA sequencing, in a cohort of 93 unrelated HCM probands and 188 blood donor controls.
Fifteen genetic variants, four previously unknown, were identified in the HCM probands. Eight variants were non-synonymous and one was located in the 3'UTR-region of KCNE4. No disease-causing mutations were found and no significant difference in the frequency of genetic variants was found between HCM probands and controls. Two variants of likely functional significance were found in controls only.

Conclusions
Mutations in KCNE genes are not a common cause of HCM and polymorphisms in these genes do not seem to be associated with a propensity to develop arrhythmia
Nonlinear approximation of an ACQ-functional equation in nan-spaces
Authors: Azadi Kenary Hassan , Lee Jung Rye , Park Choonkil 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this paper, using the fixed point and direct methods, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of an additive-cubic-quartic functional equation in NAN-spaces.Mathematics Subject Classification (2010)39B52·47H10·26E30·46S10·47S10
Ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery of the siRNAs targeting MDR1 reduces drug resistance of yolk sac carcinoma L2 cells
Authors: He Yun , Bi Yang , Hua Yi , Liu Dongyao , Wen Sheng , Wang Qiang , Li Mingyong , Zhu Jing , Lin Tao , He Dawei , Li Xuliang , Wang Zhigang , Wei Guanghui 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
MDR1 gene encoding P-glycoprotein is an ATP-dependent drug efflux transporter and related to drug resistance of yolk sac carcinoma. Ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery has been used as a novel and effective gene delivery method. We hypothesize that small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting MDR1 gene (siMDR1) delivery with microbubble and ultrasound can down-regulate MDR1 expression and improve responsiveness to chemotherapeutic drugs for yolk sac carcinoma in vitro.

Methods
Retroviral knockdown vector pSEB-siMDR1s containing specific siRNA sites targeting rat MDR1 coding region were constructed and sequence verified. The resultant pSEB-siMDR1 plasmids DNA were encapsulated with lipid microbubble and the DNA release were triggered by ultrasound when added to culture cells. GFP positive cells were counted by flow cytometry to determine transfection efficiency. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression of MDR1. P-glycoprotein function and drug sensitivity were analyzed by Daunorubicin accumulation and MTT assays.

Results
Transfection efficiency of pSEB-siMDR1 DNA was significantly increased by ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery in rat yolk sac carcinoma L2 (L2-RYC) cells. Ultrasound microbubble-mediated siMDR1s delivery effectively inhibited MDR1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels and decreased P-glycoprotein function. Silencing MDR1 led to decreased cell viability and IC50 of Vincristine and Dactinomycin.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that ultrasound microbubble-mediated delivery of MDR1 siRNA was safe and effective in L2-RYC cells. MDR1 silencing led to decreased P-glycoprotein activity and drug resistance of L2-RYC cells, which may be explored as a novel approach of combined gene and chemotherapy for yolk sac carcinoma.
μ-Oxo-Bridged Subphthalocyanine Dimers: Preparation and Characterization by X-ray Structure Analysis
Authors: Yamasaki Yasuhiro , Mori Tomohiro 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
In connection with our previous research on μ-oxo-bridged metal phthalocyanine dimers, we have synthesized μ-oxo-bridged subphthalocyanine dimers (μ-oxo subpc dimers) with various peripheral substituents and studied their properties. Compared to the corresponding subpc monomer, the Q-band absorption of subpc dimers broadens, the wavelength undergoes a blue shift by approximately 30–35 nm, and the molar absorptivity is enhanced almost 1.5–2.0 times. Additionally, its solubility in various organic solvents is much improved. We carried out an X-ray crystal structure analysis of [{B(subpc)}2O] and provided a direct observation of its asymmetric structure for the first time.
Solid-State NMR Study of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Surface-Modified by Alkylphosphonic Acids
Authors: Souma Hiroyuki , Chiba Ryo , Hayashi Shigenobu 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We have modified the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles by propylphosphonic acid (PPA) and decylphosphonic acid (DPA), and have characterized the surface layer of titania (=titanium dioxide) nanoparticles by means of high-resolution solid-state NMR of 31P, 1H, and 13C, X-ray powder diffraction, and themogravimetric analysis. The 31P NMR spectra showed four types of bonding states corresponding to the monodentate and bidentate bonding states. The 1H NMR spectra demonstrated decrease in P–OH groups due to the dehydration condensation reaction. Layered titanium alkylphosphonate was formed by prolonged heating of the mixed solution of the reactants. The layered structure was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction, and the interlayer distance suggested bilayer arrangement of the n-alkyl chains in the interlayer space. The 31P NMR spectra showed that a tridentate bonding state was formed in the layered structure. The 13C NMR results suggested all-trans conformation of n-alkyl chains, and the methyl group was confined in a small space. The molecular axis of the n-alkyl chains was tilted from the perpendicular of the layer plane. The surface coverage of the organic modifier in the modified TiO2 nanoparticles was estimated from the mass loss of thermogravimetric analysis. The surface coverages are about 50%, except for the samples containing considerable amounts of the layered structure.
Is endovenous laser ablation possible while taking warfarin?
Authors: Delaney C L , Russell D A , Iannos J , Spark J I 
Published: October 2011

Purpose The subgroup of patients with venous ulcers requiring anticoagulation for co-morbid conditions has traditionally created a therapeutic dilemma. Perioperative management of anticoagulation can be costly and increase the risk of surgical complications. This group of patients is often elderly and shows poor compliance with compression hosiery. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients remaining on therapeutic anticoagulation. Materials and methods Fifteen consecutive patients (CEAP [clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements] classification 5 or 6) were treated with standard GSV EVLA using tumescent anaesthesia and a diode 1470-nm radial laser fibre while maintaining international normalized ratio at therapeutic levels. Clinical and duplex follow-up at six weeks and three, six and 12 months were performed. Results The GSV was successfully occluded in 14/15 (93%) of patients. The remaining patient had a second successful treatment three months later. No significant complications requiring intervention were encountered. Conclusion EVLA using the diode 1470-nm radial fibre is efficacious with minimal complications in patients therapeutically anticoagulated. This treatment should be added to the armamentarium in this problematic patient group.
Is Leasing Greener Than Selling?
Authors: Agrawal Vishal V. , Ferguson Mark , Toktay L. Beril , Thomas Valerie M. 
Published: October 2011

Based on the proposition that leasing is environmentally superior to selling, some firms have adopted a leasing strategy and others promote their existing leasing programs as environmentally superior to “green” their image. The argument is that because a leasing firm retains ownership of the off-lease units, it has an incentive to remarket them or invest in designing a more durable product, resulting in a lower volume of new production and disposal. However, leasing might be environmentally inferior because of the direct control the firm has over the off-lease products, which may prompt the firm to remove them from the market to avoid cannibalizing the demand for new products. Motivated by these issues, we adopt a life-cycle environmental impact perspective and analytically investigate if leasing can be both more profitable and have a lower total environmental impact. We find that leasing can be environmentally worse despite remarketing all off-lease products and greener than selling despite the mid-life removal of off-lease products. Our analysis also provides insights for environmental groups and entities that use different approaches to improve the environmental performance of business practices. We show that imposing disposal fees or encouraging remanufacturing, under some conditions, can actually lead to higher environmental impact. We also identify when educating consumers to be more environmentally conscious can improve the relative environmental performance of leasing. This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
A Case-Based Model of Probability and Pricing Judgments: Biases in Buying and Selling Uncertainty
Authors: Brenner Lyle A. , Griffin Dale W. , Koehler Derek J. 
Published: October 2011

We integrate a case-based model of probability judgment with prospect theory to explore asset pricing under uncertainty. Research within the “heuristics and biases” tradition suggests that probability judgments respond primarily to case-specific evidence and disregard aggregate characteristics of the class to which the case belongs, resulting in predictable biases. The dual-system framework presented here distinguishes heuristic assessments of value and evidence strength from deliberative assessments that incorporate prior odds and likelihood ratios following Bayes' rule. Hypotheses are derived regarding the relative sensitivity of judged probabilities, buying prices, and selling prices to case- versus class-based evidence. We test these hypotheses using a simulated stock market in which participants can learn from experience and have incentives for accuracy. Valuation of uncertain assets is found to be largely case based even in this economic setting; however, consistent with the framework's predictions, distinct patterns of miscalibration are found for buying prices, selling prices, and probability judgments. This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Cutting in Line: Social Norms in Queues
Authors: Allon Gad , Hanany Eran 
Published: October 2011

Although the norm in many retail banks is to serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis, some customers try to cut the line, usually by providing an excuse for their urgency. In other queues, however, this behavior is considered unacceptable and is aggressively banned. In all of these cases, customer exhibit strategies that have not yet been explored in the operations literature: they choose whether or not to cut the line and must also decide whether to accept or reject such intrusions by others. This paper derives conditions for the emergence of such behavior in equilibrium among the customers themselves, i.e., when the queue manager is not involved in granting priorities and the customers have to use community enforcement to sustain such equilibria. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Occurrence of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea (Hydrocharitaceae) in the southern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Sghaier Yassine Ramzi , Zakhama-Sraieb Rym , Benamer Ibrahem , Charfi-Cheikhrouha Faouzia 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Halophila stipulacea is a dioecious seagrass that colonised the Mediterranean basin probably following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. We investigated its occurrence in the southern Mediterranean. This was done by conducting targeted surveys in two countries (Tunisia and Libya) and compiling existing information from former research. Four new meadows of H. stipulacea were found in the study area: Al-wahesh Lagoon and Tobrouk Bay in Libya, and Kerkennah Island-Allama and Cap Monastir in Tunisia. The new record in Cap Monastir (Tunisia) documents a displacement of approximately 150 km north of the previous limit of H. stipulacea in the southern Mediterranean, which probably represents the westernmost extension of H. stipulacea’s distribution 3000 km west along the coast from the site of first colonisation at the mouth of the Suez Canal in Port Said. In the Cap Monastir meadow, the shoot density (±SD) was 9900±3509 m-2and the leaf area index was 3.15±0.5 m2m-2. In Libya, a small meadow of H. stipulacea was documented for the first time in Tobrouk Bay, with an estimated shoot density of 476±83 m-2.
Quantitative performance of antibody array technology in a prenatal screening setting
Authors: Rodenburg Wendy , Reimerink Johan H. , Imholz Sandra , Godeke Gert-Jan , Pennings Jeroen L.A. , Schielen Peter C.J.I. , Koster Maria P.H. , de Vries Annemieke 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAntibody microarrays (Ab-array) represent a new, innovative proteomics platform for high-throughput protein expression profiling in body fluids. Because they allow for multiplexed measurements in small sample volumes, Ab-arrays are an interesting alternative to conventional indirect sandwich immunoassay (ELISA or DELFIA) tests in clinical or population screening if sets of markers are to be analyzed simultaneously. However, to allow implementation of Ab-arrays in clinical or population screening programs, it is of vital importance to establish that this method is both sensitive and quantitative.This study developed and optimized a duplex Ab-array for pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and human chorion gonadotropin (fβ-hCG), two serum biomarkers currently analyzed by conventional biochemical techniques in prenatal screening. Serum samples from pregnant women, representing the dynamic range of both markers, were analyzed on Ab-arrays, and validated to the, in prenatal screening routinely applied, AutoDelfia system.Two different array hybridization conditions were tested, i.e., direct and indirect labeling, of which the indirect method displayed a sensitive and quantitative performance and a low intra- and inter-assay variation.Taken together, these findings indicate that Ab-array technology is a promising alternative for ELISA or DELFIA in population screening programs, allowing future quantitative analysis of multiple biomarkers simultaneously in small volumes of serum.
Preferentially immunoglobulin (IgG) subclasses production in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Liu Yudong , Li Jinming 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPatients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) mostly have high levels of polyclonal immunoglobulin (IgG) and selective increase of IgG subclasses. As IgG subclasses profiles represent specific immunological processes and may be indicative of the underlying pathological pattern in pSS, it would be of great clinical importance to investigate the distribution of IgG subclasses in pSS patients.In archived sera from 155 patients with pSS, 50 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 50 normal controls were analyzed by immunonephelometric assay.The median levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 in pSS patients were 11300 mg/L, 6130 mg/L, 961 mg/L and 142 mg/L, respectively. When compared with the normal controls, significant increases of IgG1 (p<0.001), IgG2 (p<0.001) and IgG3 (p<0.001) was observed in pSS patients, while the IgG4 level was significantly decreased (p=0.002). The ratio of IgG1/IgG2 in pSS patients was 2.3±1.4, which was significantly higher than that in the normal controls (p<0.001). When the pSS patients were divided into different groups, a higher level of IgG3 was observed in pSS with systematic disorders (p=0.008). In addition, the level of IgG1 was statistically higher in the anti-Ro or anti-La positive group than that in the negative group (p<0.001), but the IgG4 concentration was lower than that in the negative group (p=0.046). A significant positive correlation between the concentration of IgG3 and the disease duration (p<0.001) was also identified.The data supported the pathogenic role of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses in the process of pSS. Further investigations to elucidate the reasons for the increase of IgG2 and whether IgG2 has any contribution to the pathogenesis of pSS are needed.
Strategies of reducing input sample volume for extracting circulating cell-free nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA in plasma
Authors: Chen Weijie , Cai Fengfeng , Zhang Bei , Zhong Xiao Yan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCirculating cell-free (ccf) DNA in blood has been suggested as a potential biomarker in many conditions regarding early diagnosis and prognosis. However, misdiagnosis can result due to the limited DNA resources in Biobank’s plasma samples or insufficient DNA targets from a predominant DNA background in genetic tests. This study explored several strategies for an efficient DNA extraction to increase DNA amount from limited plasma input.Ccf plasma DNA was extracted with three different methods, a phenol-chloroform-isoamylalcohol (PCI) method, a High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit method and a method used for single cell PCR in this group. Subsequently, the total DNA was measured by Nanodrop and the genome equivalents (GE) of theInstead of 400–800 μL (routine input in the laboratory), 50 μLof plasma input enabled the extraction of ccf DNA sufficient for quantitative analysis. Using the PCI method and the kit method, both nDNA and mtDNA could be successfully detected in plasma samples, but nDNA extracted using protocol for single cell PCR was not detectable in 25% of plasma samples. In comparison to the other two methods, the PCI method showed lower DNA purity, but higher concentrations and more GE of nDNA and mtDNA.The PCI method was more efficient than the other two methods in the extraction of ccf DNA in plasma. Limited plasma is available for ccf DNA analysis.