bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiopoietin‐1 but not angiopoietin‐2 induces IL‐8 synthesis and release by human neutrophils
Authors: Neagoe Paul‐Eduard , Dumas Elizabeth , Hajjar Fadi , Sirois Martin G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe previously reported Tie2 receptor expression on human neutrophils, which promote chemotactic activities upon activation by both angiopoietins (Ang1 and Ang2). Moreover, we observed that neutrophil pretreatment with Ang1 or Ang2 enhances interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) chemotactic effect. Therefore, we assessed the capacity of Ang1 and/or Ang2 to modulate neutrophil IL‐8 synthesis and release. Neutrophils isolated from healthy donors were stimulated in a time‐ (1–6 h) and concentration‐(10−10–10−8 M) dependent manner with both angiopoietins. IL‐8 mRNA production was measured by RT‐qPCR, whereas its protein synthesis and release from neutrophils was assessed by ELISA. Ang1 (10−8 M) induced a significant and maximal increase of IL‐8 mRNA (4.7‐fold) within 1 h, and promoted maximal IL‐8 protein synthesis (3.6‐fold) and release (5.5‐fold) within 2 h as compared to control PBS‐treated neutrophils. Treatment with Ang2 alone did not modulate IL‐8 synthesis or release, and its combination to Ang1 did not affect Ang1 activity. Neutrophil pretreatment with a protein synthesis inhibitor (CHX) increased IL‐8 mRNA synthesis by 18‐fold, and reduced Ang1‐mediated IL‐8 protein synthesis and release by 96% and 92%, respectively. Pretreatment with a transcription inhibitor (ActD) reduced IL‐8 mRNA synthesis by 54% and IL‐8 protein synthesis and release by 52% and 79%, respectively. Using specific kinase inhibitors, we observed that Ang1‐driven IL‐8 mRNA and protein synthesis is p42/44 MAPK‐dependent and ‐independent from p38 MAPK and PI3K activity. Our study is the first to report the capacity of Ang1 (as opposed to Ang2) to promote neutrophil IL‐8 synthesis and release through the activation of p42/44 MAPK pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3099–3110, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CASK interacts with PMCA4b and JAM‐A on the mouse sperm flagellum to regulate Ca2+ homeostasis and motility
Authors: Aravindan Rolands G. , Fomin Victor P. , Naik Ulhas P. , Modelski Mark J. , Naik Meghna U. , Galileo Deni S. , Duncan Randall L. , Martin‐DeLeon Patricia A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractDeletion of the highly conserved gene for the major Ca2+ efflux pump, Plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin‐dependent ATPase 4b (Pmca4b), in the mouse leads to loss of progressive and hyperactivated sperm motility and infertility. Here we first demonstrate that compared to wild‐type (WT), Junctional adhesion molecule‐A (Jam‐A) null sperm, previously shown to have motility defects and an abnormal mitochondrial phenotype reminiscent of that seen in Pmca4b nulls, exhibit reduced (P < 0.001) ATP levels, significantly (P < 0.001) greater cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) and ∼10‐fold higher mitochondrial sequestration, indicating Ca2+ overload. Investigating the mechanism involved, we used co‐immunoprecipitation studies to show that CASK (Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent serine kinase), identified for the first time on the sperm flagellum where it co‐localizes with both PMCA4b and JAM‐A on the proximal principal piece, acts as a common interacting partner of both. Importantly, CASK binds alternatively and non‐synergistically with each of these molecules via its single PDZ (PDS‐95/Dlg/ZO‐1) domain to either inhibit or promote efflux. In the absence of CASK–JAM‐A interaction in Jam‐A null sperm, CASK–PMCA4b interaction is increased, resulting in inhibition of PMCA4b's enzymatic activity, consequent Ca2+ accumulation, and a ∼6‐fold over‐expression of constitutively ATP‐utilizing CASK, compared to WT. Thus, CASK negatively regulates PMCA4b by directly binding to it and JAM‐A positively regulates it indirectly through CASK. The decreased motility is likely due to the collateral net deficit in ATP observed in nulls. Our data indicate that Ca2+ homeostasis in sperm is maintained by the relative ratios of CASK–PMCA4b and CASK–JAM‐A interactions. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3138–3150, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Derivation and characterization of ovine embryonic stem‐like cell lines in semi‐defined medium without feeder cells
Authors: Zhao Yuncheng , Lin Jiapeng , Wang Liqin , Chen Bo , Zhou Chuan , Chen Tong , Guo Meiying , He Sangang , Zhang Ning , Liu Chenxi , Liu Mingjun , Huang Juncheng 
Published: October 2011

AbstractDomestic animal embryonic stem (ES) cells would provide an invaluable research tool for genetic breeding and the production of transgenic animals. Unfortunately, authentic domestic animals ES cells have not been established despite progress made over more than two decades. Here, we show that ovine ES‐like cells can be efficiently derived and propagated in a semi‐defined medium that contains N2, B27, GSK3 inhibitor (CHIR99021), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). These ovine ES‐like cells had a characteristic three‐dimensional appearance, showed a bFGF dose‐dependence, expressed specific markers such as alkaline phosphatase (AP), Oct‐4, Sox2, Nanog and can be maintained for 30 passages. Moreover, these cells differentiated in vitro into neuronal cells, and formed teratomas containing a variety of different tissues including cartilage and neural tissue when injected into kidney capsules of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. But the cell lines fail to contribute to embryonic development upon blastocyst transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first experiment to use semi‐defined medium without feeder‐cells to derive ES‐like cells from ovine blastocysts, and opens the door to deriving authentic ES cells from domesticated ungulates. J. Exp. Zool. 315:639–648, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embryo and larva development in Dentex dentex, a marine pelagophil teleost: an endeavor to find a series of new fatty acid interrelations
Authors: Samaee Seyed‐Mohammadreza , Estévez Alicia 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAlthough the fatty acid (FA) requirements of marine teleosts not only are a function of the amount of each FA individually, but also of the relative proportions of the FAs; mostly, the interactions have been ignored and merely limited to a few interrelations of 20:4[n‐6], 20:5[n‐3], and 22:6[n‐3]. To address this shortcoming, viable eggs of Dentex dentex were obtained from broodfish in captivity. Nine viability parameters (VP) (i.e., floating rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), and survival rate (SR) from day 0 to 5 posthatch (dph)) that are currently used in mariculture systems were determined. Egg FAs were characterized and quantified. One hundred and twenty ratios were made based on the FA contents estimated. Sixty‐four ratios were significantly and strongly correlated to embryo/larva success through 201 simple regression models (r2 = 0.640–0.948; P = 0.006–P<0.001). Of the 201 significant relationships found, ∼12, ∼5, ∼2, ∼3, ∼22, ∼23, ∼21, and ∼13% show the relations of the egg FA ratios with FR, HR, and SR at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 dph, respectively. All the FAs characterized in this study were significantly correlated to VPs through either their individual relative proportions or relative proportion of their combinations. This study, for the first time, presents a series of new FA interrelations and uncovers their biological meanings under both basic and applied aspects through correlating them to embryo/larva success. J. Exp. Zool. 317:55–72, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modelling the UCC3800 controller in SPICE with the electrothermal phenomena taken into account
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Zarębski Janusz 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYA new electrothermal compact model of the current mode pulse width modulation controller—UCC3800—dedicated for SPICE is proposed in this paper. The form of this model is presented and described in detail. The results of the experimental verification of the model are also presented for the device operating in the test circuit. It is shown that self‐heating influences essentially the characteristics of the considered device and the proposed model is of good accuracy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amid the nation's health‐care crisis, Cancer Treatment Centers of America® finds its own cure
Authors: DeBarba Herb , Lewis Smith Jennifer , Myers Michael 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA®), where the spirit of “the patient comes first” has never been a cliché, was founded on the principle that only a standard of care suitable for one's own mother would suffice. To build on this mission, the organization added Lean Six Sigma—a manufacturing industry‐driven combination of waste reduction and defect‐free process improvement. This approach created a patient‐driven cultural imperative that has changed both the behavioral experience and financial landscape throughout its hospital network for patients and their families, providers, payers, and administrators alike. Today, continuous improvement permeates every corner of the organization and serves as an omnipresent roadmap for never being satisfied with the status quo. The result has been unprecedented patient satisfaction, a top‐down and bottom‐up collaborative spirit among all stakeholders, and a trend of cost savings and revenue generation that has competitors taking note. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beyond the Shingo: Employee development plus increased efficiency fosters growth at AccuRounds
Authors: McCormick Michael 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAccuRounds, a profitable, family‐run precision manufacturing subcontractor, began investigating lean techniques in the mid‐1990s, when its owners realized the company had to find ways to engage and empower its workforce if it was to not only weather the economic and technological challenges it faced, but also continue to grow and prosper. Despite being a subtier supplier without a product of its own, the firm captured a Northeast Shingo Prize Silver Medal for its achievements, and then used feedback from the judges to institute additional physical and operational changes, including value stream mapping and an employee bonus program. The resulting improvements in delivery, quality, and cost prove that even a contract manufacturer can reap great rewards from the diligent application of lean strategies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in nutrient dynamics of midcontinent greater white‐fronted geese during spring migration
Authors: Pearse Aaron T. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Krapu Gary L. , Cox Robert R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWaterfowl and other migratory birds commonly store nutrients at traditional staging areas during spring for later use during migration and reproduction. We investigated nutrient‐storage dynamics in the midcontinent population of greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons; hereafter white‐fronted geese) at spring staging sites in the Rainwater Basin of Nebraska during February–April and in southern Saskatchewan during April–May, 1998 and 1999. In Nebraska, lipid content of white‐fronted geese did not increase, and protein content changed little over time for most age and sex categories. In Saskatchewan, lipids increased 11.4 g/day (SE = 1.7) and protein content increased 1.6 g/day (SE = 0.6) in the sample of adult geese collected over a 3‐week period. A study conducted during 1979–1980 in the Rainwater Basin reported that white‐fronted geese gained 8.8–17.7 g of lipids per day during spring, differing greatly from our results 2 decades later. In addition, lipid levels were less in the 1990s compared to spring 1980 for adult geese nearing departure from staging sites in Saskatchewan. This shift in where geese acquired nutrient stores from Nebraska to more northern staging sites coincided with a decrease in availability of waste corn in Nebraska, their primary food source while staging at that stopover site, and an increase in cultivation of high‐energy pulse crops in Saskatchewan. White‐fronted geese exhibited flexibility in nutrient dynamics during spring migration, likely in response to landscape‐level variation in food availability caused by changes in agricultural trends and practices. Maintaining a wide distribution of wetlands in the Great Plains may allow spring‐staging waterfowl to disperse across the region and facilitate access to high‐energy foods over a larger cropland base. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of crystallite size on the kinetics and mechanism of NiO reduction with H2
Authors: Syed‐Hassan Syed Shatir A. , Li Chun‐Zhu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA kinetic investigation on the reduction of nanometer‐sized nickel oxide particles (supported and unsupported) with hydrogen was carried out. The reduction behavior was found to be related to the average size of NiO crystallites. When the NiO crystallite size was less than about 20 nm, the dissociation of H2 was the key rate‐limiting factor and remained unchanged almost throughout the reduction process. However, when the NiO crystallite size was >20 nm, its reduction kinetics changed with conversion, showing two kinetic compensation effects at lower and higher NiO conversion levels. It is believed that the movement and rearrangement of H atoms inside such bulk Ni/NiO solid could be an important aspect of the reduction kinetics, especially at higher (50%–90%) NiO conversion levels. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 667–676, 2011
Preliminary investigation of human lymphatic malformations in vitro
Authors: Dai Yuemeng , Hou Fang , Saad Ali , Fan Chun‐Yang , Buckmiller Lisa M. , Suen James Y. , Richter Gresham T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPurpose:To develop an in vitro model of human lymphatic malformations (LM) that reflects histological characteristics of native LM.Methods:Fresh human LM (n = 6) were harvested, sectioned, explanted into a fibrinogen gel, and cultured. A total of 25 explants were developed and observed for primary and peripheral cellular growth. On days 9 to 10, the cultured tissues and gels were collected and fixed in 10% formalin. Primary LM and surrounding gel matrix were sectioned and stained for H&E analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Prox‐1 and D2‐40, known markers for lymphatic endothelium, and Ki‐67, a marker of cellular proliferation.Results:On culture day 3, cells were observed to grow into the gel surrounding the primary tissue explants. Persistent and significant growth into the gel matrix was observed for each specimen at subsequent measurement intervals (day 6 and day 10, P < .0001). H&E staining of all the LM explants demonstrated survival and intact organization and cellular structure reflective of the original LM specimens. Microchannels were observed in the surrounding gel suggesting the presence of newly formed lymphatic vessels. Positive‐immunohistochemical staining for D2‐40 and Prox‐1 revealed organized lymphatic endothelia within each specimen and associated microchannels distal to the explants in the gel matrix. Scattered cells in the gel matrix stained positive for Ki‐67.Conclusions:This experimental model suggests that human LM can be preserved and observed to grow in vitro with structural characteristics, and immunohistologic qualities similar to native LM. This model may provide a facile tool for basic and translational research on LM. Laryngoscope, 121:2435‐2442, 2011
In vivo oxygen consumption and hemoglobin levels in human thyroarytenoid muscle
Authors: Tellis Cari M. , Rosen Clark A. , Carroll Thomas L. , Fierro Michael , Sciote James J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Visible light spectroscopy (VLS) is the technology behind the Food and Drug Administration–approved TSTAT device that is used to monitor tissue oxygen (StO2) and relative total hemoglobin (rtHb) levels by measuring reflected visible light. The purpose of this novel, pilot study was to determine if VLS is a reliable and valid method of measuring StO2 and rtHb levels in the human thyroarytenoid/lateral cricoarytenoid (TA‐LCA) muscle complex, thus providing information about vocal fold muscle physiology.Study Design:Pre‐test/post‐test with mulitple baselines and two conditions.Methods:VLS measurements were taken at baseline, during exercise, and following recovery on six subjects using both noncontact channel‐port endoscope (endo‐probe) and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) needle‐guided techniques.Results:The average baseline StO2 was 69% (standard deviation [SD] = 3.6%) for the LEMG‐guided probe and was 71.5% (SD = 2.8%) for the endo‐probe. During phonation, the StO2 for the LEMG‐guided probe dropped to 59% (SD = 7%; P = .04). Mean rtHb measured by the LEMG probe rose from a baseline of 144 μM (SD = 165 μM) to 214 μM (SD = 166 μM, P = .34) during phonation and back to 149 μM (SD = 139 μM, P = .85) after recovery. Mean rtHb as measured using the endo‐probe at baseline and after recovery was 104 μM (SD = 30 μM, P = .76).Conclusions:VLS can be used to measure changes in StO2 and rtHb levels pre‐ and postexercise in the human TA‐LCA muscle complex. Laryngoscope, 121:2429‐2434, 2011
ADVANCE: A multisite trial of bioabsorbable steroid‐eluting sinus implants
Authors: Forwith Keith D. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Yun Paul T. , Miller Steven K. , Jampel Henry D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Disease recurrence and adverse wound healing in the form of inflammation, polyposis, adhesions, and middle turbinate lateralization may induce suboptimal outcomes following sinus surgery. The study objective was to assess the safety and effectiveness of a bioabsorbable, steroid‐eluting implant used following functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Study Design:Prospective, multicenter, single‐cohort trial enrolling 50 patients.Methods:The study allowed bilateral or unilateral steroid‐eluting implant placement. Oral and topical steroids were withheld for 60 days postoperatively. Endoscopic follow‐up was performed to 60 days. Patient‐reported outcomes (Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 Questionnaire, Rhinosinusitis Disability Index) were collected to 6 months. Efficacy was assessed by grading inflammation, polyp formation, adhesions, and middle turbinate position. Safety assessment included ocular exams at baseline and 30 days.Results:Implants were successfully placed in all 90 sinuses. Mean inflammation scores were minimal at all time points. At 1 month, the prevalence of polypoid edema was 10.0%, significant adhesions 1.1%, and middle turbinate lateralization 4.4%. Changes from baseline in patient‐reported outcomes were statistically significant (P < .0001). No clinically significant changes from baseline in intraocular pressure occurred.Conclusions:This consecutive case series provides clinical evidence of the safety, effectiveness, and clinical utility of a bioabsorbable steroid‐eluting implant for use in CRS patients. The implant was associated with favorable rates of sinus patency. At 1 month, minimal degrees of inflammation and adhesions were observed, suggesting a positive clinical impact of local steroid delivery without evidence of ocular risk. Laryngoscope, 121:2473‐2480, 2011
Total cricoidectomy in the treatment of laryngeal chondrosarcomas
Authors: de Vincentiis Marco , Greco Antonio , Fusconi Massimo , Pagliuca Giulio , Martellucci Salvatore , Gallo Andrea 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Our goal was to describe a total cricoidectomy, a laryngeal‐preserving procedure for the treatment of low‐grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx. These extremely rare cartilaginous tumors arise in the cricoid cartilage in most cases. Although these are slow‐growing and rarely metastasizing tumors, large chondrosarcomas of cricoid cartilage are generally treated with total laryngectomy. An oncologically radical but function‐preserving approach would therefore be preferable.Study Design:Case series.Methods:Three consecutive patients with low‐grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx underwent total cricoidectomy from 1996 to 2004. An end‐to‐end anastomosis between the remaining larynx and the trachea was performed to restore the continuity of airways. In all cases the laryngeal lumen was stented using a Montgomery T‐tube. Oncologic and functional results were observed during at least 6 years of follow‐up.Results:No evidence of tumor recurrence was detected during follow‐up. One month after surgery, all patients were able to tolerate a soft diet and to speak satisfactorily. One patient was ultimately decannulated, and two patients still have a tracheostomy. However, even nondecannulated patients were able to keep the tracheostoma closed for most of the time, maintaining good phonatory and swallowing functions.Conclusions:Total cricoidectomy with thyrotracheopexy may avoid the need for total laryngectomy in low‐grade chondrosarcomas of the cricoid cartilage. Laryngoscope, 121:2375–2380, 2011
Effect of particle size on the densification and dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics prepared by liquid phase sintering
Authors: Zou Yanan , Wu Yugong , Guo Xiaozan , Tong Shuai , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhang Lu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractUsing starting BaTiO3 powders of various particle sizes, we investigated the densification and dielectric characteristics of BaTiO3 ceramics sintered at low temperature with the addition of ZnO‐B2O3‐SiO2 (ZBS) glass as sintering aids. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and LCR meter were used to examine the structure and dielectric properties. The results indicated that the particle size of raw powders had a dramatic influence on the densification and dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics. The grain size of the final ceramics was almost proportional to the particle size of the starting BaTiO3 powder. Moreover, the tetragonality (c/a ratio) and Curie temperature is increased with the increase of grain size of the BaTiO3 ceramics. The relative density of 96% and the dielectric constant of 1440 were obtained for the BaTiO3 ceramics prepared with the raw powders of average particle size of 800 nm. In addition, the sintering temperature was reduced to 1100 °C due to the addition of 5 wt% ZBS glass.
Crack control design due to drying shrinkage in restrained reinforced concrete wall
Authors: Chung Lan , Lee Moon‐Sung , Seo Tae‐Seok 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYThis study considered the crack control design method of reinforced concrete wall subjected to uniaxial tension caused by drying shrinkage. From this study, a practical crack control design method of RC wall by controlling the restraint tensile strain caused by drying shrinkage was proposed. In addition, the validity of the proposed method was investigated by comparing with the experimental results (restraint ratio and restraint tensile strain) of small‐scale RC wall specimens under the uniaxial restrained condition. In conclusion, there was good agreement between the values predicted by the proposed method and the experimental values. It is expected that the method proposed in this study enables quantitative crack control design through rational combinations between the materials and structural design. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and structural effects of poly(vinyl chloride)/(wood flour) compound gelation in the Brabender mixer
Authors: Tomaszewska Jolanta , Sterzyński Tomasz , Zajchowski Stanisław 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe processing of two unplasticized compounds of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with and without wood flour (WF) was performed in a Brabender mixing chamber, at various chamber temperatures between 130 and 200°C and at a shear rate of 12.61 s−1. The test was carried out up to the time corresponding to the equilibrium state of the torque, and the variations of torque and real melt temperature as functions of time were analyzed. It was found that the addition of WF led to fusion at lower chamber temperature and that during gelation, stronger self‐heating effects occurred in the WF‐filled PVC compound. Various characteristics of the real temperature gelation curves of PVC with and without the WF filler were observed and are discussed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers