bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer-Derived Lysophosphatidic Acid Stimulates Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Myofibroblast-Like Cells
Authors: Jeon Eun Su , Moon Hyun Jung , Lee Mi Jeong , Song Hae Young , Kim Young Mi , Cho Mong , Suh Dong-Soo , Yoon Man-Soo , Chang Chulhun L. , Jung Jin Sup , Kim Jae Ho 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is enriched in ascites of ovarian cancer patients and is involved in growth and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Accumulating evidence suggests cancer-associated myofibroblasts play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis through secreting stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). In the present study, we demonstrate that LPA induces expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker for myofibroblasts, in human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs). The LPA-induced expression of α-SMA was completely abrogated by pretreatment of the cells with Ki16425, an antagonist of LPA receptors, or by silencing LPA1 or LPA2 isoform expression with small interference RNA (siRNA). LPA elicited phosphorylation of Smad2/3, and siRNA-mediated depletion of endogenous Smad2/3 or adenoviral expression of Smad7, an inhibitory Smad, abrogated the LPA induced expression of α-SMA and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. LPA-induced secretion of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in hADSCs, and pretreatment of the cells with SB431542, a TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor, or anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody inhibited the LPA-induced expression of α-SMA and phosphorylation of Smad2. Furthermore, ascites from ovarian cancer patients or conditioned medium from ovarian cancer cells induced expression of α-SMA and phosphorylation of Smad2, and pretreatment of the cells with Ki16425 or SB431542 abrogated the expression of α-SMA and phosphorylation of Smad2. In addition, LPA increased the expression of SDF-1 in hADSCs, and pretreatment of the cells with Ki16425 or SB431562 attenuated the LPA-stimulated expression of SDF-1. These results suggest that cancer-derived LPA stimulates differentiation of hADSCs to myofibroblast-like cells and increases SDF-1 expression through activating autocrine TGF-β1-Smad signaling pathway.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Resistin Impairs Insulin-Evoked Vasodilation
Authors: Gentile Maria Teresa , Vecchione Carmine , Marino Gennaro , Aretini Alessandra , Di Pardo Alba , Antenucci Giovanna , Maffei Angelo , Cifelli Giuseppe , Iorio Luca , Landolfi Alessandro , Frati Giacomo , Lembo Giuseppe 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Since vascular dysfunction is a main trait of obese subjects, in the present study we evaluated the vascular impact of resistin, a recently discovered hormone markedly increased in obesity.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We performed our analysis on aortic and mesenteric segments from young and old C57BL/6 mice and on cultured endothelial cells. Resistin-induced vascular effect was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Molecular analyses were performed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting.
RESULTS—Recombinant murine resistin did not induce changes in either basal vascular tone or phenylephrine-induced vascular contraction. In contrast, both in vivo and in vitro administration of resistin significantly impaired dose-dependent insulin-evoked vasodilation by reducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzymatic activity. This effect of resistin was selective for insulin vascular action, since vasodilatation induced by increasing doses of acetylcholine or nitroglycerin was not influenced by the hormone. Molecular analysis of endothelial cells further detailed resistin-induced vascular resistance by showing impairment of insulin-evoked AKT and eNOS phosphorylations after exposure to resistin. Even this latter abnormality is selective of insulin signaling since AKT/eNOS phosphorylations are normally activated during acetylcholine stimulation. More important, the resistin-induced endothelial dysfunction depends on resistin's ability to alter insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 tyrosine/serine phosphorylation and its consequent interaction with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.
CONCLUSIONS—Our results demonstrate that resistin is able to induce a selective vascular insulin resistance-impairing endothelial IRS-1 signaling pathway that leads to eNOS activation and vasodilation.
Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Identifies Major Type 1A Diabetes Locus Telomeric of the Major Histocompatibility Complex
Authors: Aly Theresa A. , Baschal Erin E. , Jahromi Mohamed M. , Fernando Maria S. , Babu Sunanda R. , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Kretowski Adam , Erlich Henry A. , Fain Pamela R. , Rewers Marian J. , Eisenbarth George S. 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE— HLA-DRB1*03-DQB1*0201/DRB1*04-DQB1*0302 (DR3/4-DQ8) siblings who share both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes identical-by-descent with their proband siblings have a higher risk for type 1A diabetes than DR3/4-DQ8 siblings who do not share both MHC haplotypes identical-by-descent. Our goal was to search for non-DR/DQ MHC genetic determinants that cause the additional risk in the DR3/4-DQ8 siblings who share both MHC haplotypes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We completed an extensive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the extended MHC in 237 families with type 1A diabetes from the U.S. and 1,240 families from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium.
RESULTS—We found evidence for an association with type 1A diabetes (rs1233478, P = 1.6 × 10−23, allelic odds ratio 2.0) in the UBD/MAS1L region, telomeric of the classic MHC. We also observed over 99% conservation for up to 9 million nucleotides between chromosomes containing a common haplotype with the HLA-DRB1*03, HLA-B*08, and HLA-A*01 alleles, termed the “8.1 haplotype.” The diabetes association in the UBD/MAS1L region remained significant both after chromosomes with the 8.1 haplotype were removed (rs1233478, P = 1.4 × 10−12) and after adjustment for known HLA risk factors HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-B, and HLA-A (P = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS—Polymorphisms in the region of the UBD/MAS1L genes are associated with type 1A diabetes independent of HLA class II and I alleles.
Therapeutic Potential of Peroxisome Proliferators–Activated Receptor-α/γ Dual Agonist With Alleviation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress for the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Han Kyu Lee , Choi Joo Sun , Lee Jae Young , Song Jihyun , Joe Myung Kuk , Jung Myeong Ho , Hwang Jae-Kwan 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ dual agonists have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the function of macelignan, a natural compound isolated from Myristica fragrans, as a dual agonist for PPARα/γ and investigated its antidiabetes effects in animal models.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—GAL4/PPAR chimera transactivation was performed and the expression of PPARα/γ target genes was monitored to examine the ability of macelignan to activate PPARα/γ. Additionally, macelignan was administrated to obese diabetic (db/db) mice to investigate antidiabetes effects and elucidate its molecular mechanisms.
RESULTS—Macelignan reduced serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid levels, and triglycerides levels in the skeletal muscle and liver of db/db mice. Furthermore, macelignan significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance in these mice, and without altering food intake, their body weights were slightly reduced while weights of troglitazone-treated mice increased. Macelignan increased adiponectin expression in adipose tissue and serum, whereas the expression and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 decreased. Macelignan downregulated inflammatory gene expression in the liver and increased AMP-activated protein kinase activation in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice. Strikingly, macelignan reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation in the liver and adipose tissue of db/db mice and subsequently increased insulin signaling.
CONCLUSIONS—Macelignan enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved lipid metabolic disorders by activating PPARα/γ and attenuating ER stress, suggesting that it has potential as an antidiabetes agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Separation of Ga(III) from Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) in aqueous solution using synthetic polymeric resins
Authors: Massaoud A. , Hanafi H. , Siyam T. , Saleh Z. , Ali F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Poly (acrylamide-acrylic acid-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate), p(AM-AA-DMAEM) and Poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid)-ethylenediaminetetracetic acid disodium, p(AM-AA)-EDTANa2 were prepared by gamma radiation-induced template polymerization technique and used for the separation of Ga (III) from Cu (II), Ni (II), and Zn (II) in aqueous media. The effect of pH and contact time on the separation process was studied. The optimum pH value for the separation process is 3–3.5. The result shows that Ga (III) is first extracted while Cu (II), Ni (II) and Zn(II) are slightly extracted at this pH value. The recovery of metals using HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4 has been studied. The resins may be regenerated using 2M HCl solutions.
Degradation of naphthalene by thermophilic bacteria via a pathway, through protocatechuic acid
Authors: Bubinas Audrius , Giedraitytė Gražina , Kalėdienė Lilija , Nivinskiene Ona , Butkiene Rita 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A number of thermophilic bacteria capable of utilizing naphthalene as a sole source of carbon were isolated from a high-temperature oilfield in Lithuania. These isolates were able to utilize several other aromatic compounds, such as anthracene, benzene, phenol, benzene-1, 3-diol, protocatechuic acid as well. Thermophilic isolate G27 ascribed to Geobacillus genus was found to have a high aromatic compound degrading capacity. Spectrophotometric determination of enzyme activities in cell-free extracts revealed that the last aromatic ring fission enzyme in naphthalene biotransformation by Geobacillus sp. G27 was inducible via protocatechuate 3, 4-dioxygenase; no protocatechuate 4, 5-dioxygenase, protocatechuate 2, 3-dioxygenase activities were detected. Intermediates such as o-phthalic and protocatechuic acids detected in culture supernatant confirmed that the metabolism of naphthalene by Geobacillus sp. G27 can proceed through protocatechuic acid via ortho-cleavage pathway and thus differs from the pathways known for mesophilic bacteria.
Strategies to invent cardiovascular drugs targeting cardiac gap junctions
Authors: Han-You Xu 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In order to prevent and treat cardiac diseases, the author proposed strategies to invent cardiovascular drugs targeting cardiac gap junctions through summarizing the functions, physiology and pathophysiology of cardiac gap junctions. The 5 principle strategies to invent cardiovascular drugs that are suggested have great potentialities to be used as novel proposals to treat and prevent cardiac diseases.
Empowerment in medicine: An analysis of publication trends 1980–2005
Authors: Loukanova Svetla , Bridges John 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper draws attention to the rapid increase in the number of published articles in medicine devoted to issues of empowerment. While our main aim is to identify populations to which empowerment has been applied, we have also offered a brief overview of the literature. A Medline search was used to identify all articles relating to empowerment published between 1980 and 2005. A total of 4496 articles were identified, but after the deletion of articles with non-human applications (n=409) and those published in languages other than English (n=145), a total of 3942 were reviewed. Based on this review, we present a taxonomy of the literature, based on the primary foci, including patients (n=1742, 44%), providers (n=1162, 29%), and society (n=1038, 27%). Over the study period, we document a rapid increase in the numbers of articles devoted to all three categories, but a significant increase in the proportion of papers devoted to patient empowerment (P < 0.0001). We conclude by juxtaposing some recent European health care policy reforms that have had mixed consequences for the empowerment of patients and argue for a more scientific approach to the study of empowerment.
Hydrolysis of titanium sulphate compounds
Authors: Grzmil Barbara , Grela Daniel , Kic Bogumił 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe influence of TiOSO4 and free sulphuric acid concentrations in the starting solution on the degree of titanyl sulphate conversion to hydrated titanium dioxide and post-hydrolytic sulphuric acid was studied. Titanyl sulphate solution, an intermediate product in the commercial preparation of titanium dioxide pigments by sulphate route, was used. It was found that the degree of hydrolysis markedly depends on the studied parameters. The lower was the content of TiOSO4 in the starting solution, the higher conversion was achieved. The degree of hydrolysis at the final stage varied between 81 % (420 g TiOSO4 dm−3, 216 g H2SO4 dm−3) and 92 % (300 g TiOSO4 dm−3, 216 g H2SO4 dm−3). The same relation was obtained when changing the concentration of free H2SO4 in the starting solution. The degree of hydrolysis at the final stage varied between 49 % (261 g H2SO4 dm−3, 340 g TiOSO4 dm−3) and 96 % (136 g H2SO4 dm−3, 340 g TiOSO4 dm−3). The particle size of the obtained hydrated titanium dioxide (HTD) also depends on the initial solution composition.
Mathematical modelling of selected characterisation procedures for oil fractions
Authors: Eckert Egon , Vaněk Tomáš 
Published: December 2007

AbstractModels of two important characterisation procedures for oil and oil fractions, ASTM D86 (ASTM = American Society for Testing of Materials) and EFV (Equilibrium Flash Vaporization), were presented. The purpose was to provide a basis for the construction of substitute mixtures of real components used in modelling and simulation of chemical engineering processes instead of original complex mixtures. It was shown how to deal with a possible problem of higher index of differential-algebraic model of the ASTM D86. A number of examples proved the adequacy of the presented models.
High gravity batch and continuous processes for beer production: Evaluation of fermentation performance and beer quality
Authors: Silva Daniel , Brányik Tomáš , Dragone Giuliano , Vicente António , Teixeira José , Almeida e Silva João 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis study deals with two innovative brewing processes, high gravity batch and complete continuous beer fermentation systems. The results show a significant influence of the variables such as concentration and temperature on the yield factor of the substrate into ethanol and consequently on the productivity of the high gravity batch process. The technological feasibility of continuous production of beer based on yeast immobilization on cheap alternative carriers was also demonstrated. The influence of process parameters on fermentation performance and quality of the obtained beers was studied by sensorial analysis. No significant difference in the degree of acceptance between the obtained products and some traditional market brands was found.
Liquid-liquid equilibria of butyric acid for solvents containing a phosphonium ionic liquid
Authors: Marták Ján , Schlosser Štefan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractL/L equilibrium data of butyric acid (BA) in aqueous solutions contacted with the solvents containing ionic liquid (IL), trihexyl-(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis 2,4,4-trimethylpentylphosphinate (Cyphos IL-104), and a related model are presented. IL-104 and its solutions in dodecane were found to be effective solvents of BA. The values of the distribution coefficients of BA were higher than those for solvents with the widely used extractant trioctylamine, especially at low acid concentrations and were also several-fold higher than those of lactic acid (LA). IL extracted BA only in its undissociated form (BAH) at pH well below pK a of the acid. The loading of IL was independent of IL concentration and it achieved a value higher than four at saturation. Complexes with 1–5 molecules of BA per one IL molecule were supposed in the mass action model in which the reactive formation of complexes (BAH)p(IL)(H2O)2 was supposed. Up to 10 % of the total extracted BA was extracted physically by dodecane as a monomer and dimer, in the solvent. The water content in the organic phase steeply decreased with the BA concentration, which was caused by splitting water-IL reverse micelles due to the formation of the BAH/IL complexes.
Pore structure of pyrolyzed scrap tires
Authors: Koreňová Zuzana , Haydary Juma , Annus Július , Markoš Jozef , Jelemenský L’udovít 
Published: December 2007

AbstractInternal structure of carbon black produced by pyrolysis (CBp) of rubber samples from the top and bottom parts of sidewall and tread of a passenger car tire was investigated in nitrogen flow at different temperatures. The pore structure (specific surface area, pore size distribution, and porosity) of CBp and commercial CB, was compared. The development of pore structure and the increase of the specific surface area were most intensive during the thermal decomposition at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 500°C. This is caused by the intensive release of volatiles during the pyrolysis. After the pyrolysis was finished, at temperatures above 500°C, further decomposition of solid matter was associated with a slight increase of the specific surface area.
Chemical pretreatment of feed water for membrane distillation
Authors: Gryta Marek 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMembrane distillation was used to produce demineralized water from ground water. The influence of feed water pretreatment carried out in a contact clarifier (softening with Ca(OH)2 and coagulation with FeSO4 · 7H2O) followed by filtration, on the process effectiveness was evaluated. It was found that the chemical pretreatment decreased the membrane fouling; however, the degree of water purification was insufficient because precipitation of small amounts of deposit on the membrane surface during the process operation was still observed. The permeate flux was gradually decreasing as a result of scaling. The morphology and composition of the fouling layer were studied using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectrometry. The presence of significant amounts of silica, apart from calcium and magnesium, was determined in the formed deposit. The removal of foulants by heterogeneous crystallization performed inside the filter (70 mesh), assembled directly at the module inlet, was found to be a solution preventing the membrane scaling.
Selective methane oxidation to formaldehyde using polymorphic T-, M-, and H-forms of niobium(V) oxide as catalysts
Authors: Michalkiewicz Beata , Sreńscek-Nazzal Joanna , Tabero Piotr , Grzmil Barbara , Narkiewicz Urszula 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe investigations of selective methane oxidation to formaldehyde over T-Nb2O5, the mixture of M-Nb2O5 and H-Nb2O5 as well as H-Nb2O5 were carried out. The tests were conducted under atmospheric pressure, in the temperature range 420–750°C, using oxygen as the oxidizing agent. T-Nb2O5 samples were examined at the contact time 0.7–1.8 s (GHSV 2000–5143 h−1). Other polymorphic forms of niobium(V) oxide were examined at the contact time 0.9 s. Various polymorphic forms of Nb2O5 displayed various formaldehyde and carbon dioxide yield. Using H-Nb2O5 and M-Nb2O5 phases with a block type structure, made it possible to obtain higher formaldehyde selectivity (78 % at 0.9 s) as compared to T-Nb2O5 (47 % at 0.9 s), a polymorphic form which does not have a block type structure. However, the highest space time yield of formaldehyde (46 g per kg of catalyst per h) was obtained over T-Nb2O5 supported on SiO2.
Production of potassium sulfate from potassium hydrosulfate solutions using alcohols
Authors: Mientka Agnieszka , Grzmil Barbara , Tomaszewska Maria 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPotassium sulfate is used to produce multicomponent fertilizers, free of chlorides. The desalting out of potassium sulfate from an aqueous solution of potassium hydrosulfate was conducted using 40 mass %, 45 mass %, or 50 mass % aqueous solutions of either methanol or propan-2-ol. Composition of the resultant precipitate was analyzed using chemical methods and XRD analysis. The results of the XRD analysis revealed that the main precipitate phase is K2SO4. Small amounts of K5H3(SO4)4 were detected when the desalting out was carried out from 2.5 M KHSO4 solution using 40 mass % and 50 mass % methanol solution. When the amount of potassium bisulfate in the solution increased to 3.5 M and 3.8 M, the main phase consisted of K3H(SO4)2. Generally, the desalting out process using propan-2-ol caused the formation of K3H(SO4)2. Potassium sulfate was obtained only by desalting out the 2.5 M KHSO4 solution using 50 mass % aqueous propan-2-ol.
The variability of language test scores in 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children of normal non‐verbal intelligence: A brief research report
Authors: Howlin Patricia , Cross Pippa 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTSLanguage testing plays an important role in the identification and monitoring of children with communication difficulties. However, the standardisation of many tests in common use remains far from satisfactory, especially at the lower age ranges. Comparisons between age‐equivalent scores and chronological age also raise particular problems. The present paper focuses on the disparity between scores on different tests, in spite of the homogeneity of the group of children studied, and stresses the need for caution in the interpretation of test scores.Les tests linguistiques jouent un r&#x006f;&#x030c;le important dans l'identification et le suivi des enfants atteints de difficultés de communication. Cependant, la standardisation de bien des tests d'usage courant est loin d'ětre satisfaisante, surtout pour les enfants les plus jeunes. Les comparaisons entre les chiffrages des équivalences d'a&#x030c;ges et les a&#x030c;ges chronologiques peuvent aussi poser des problemes particuliers. Cet article s'intéresse aux disparités entre les résultats de différents tests malgré le fait que les groupes d'enfants étudiés sont homogènes, et il met l'accent sur le besoin de prudence lorsqu On interprète les résultats de tests notés.Sprachtests spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Identifikation und Kontrolle von Kindern mit Kommunikationsproblemen. Die Standardisierung von vielen häufig verwendeten Tests bleibt jedoch unbefriedigend, vor allem für Kinder in den unteren Altersstufen. Vergleiche zwischen Äquivalenzaltersstufen und chronologischem Alter sind ebenfalls problematisch. Dieser Aufsatz befaßt sich speziell mit Unterschieden der Leistungsmaße in verschiedenen Tests, trotz Homogenität der untersuchten Kindergruppe, und unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit, Vorsicht bei der Interpretation von Testergebnissen walten zu lassen.