bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A deficiency injures liver parenchyma and alters the expression of hepatic extracellular matrix
Authors: Aguilar Rossana Pérez , Genta Susana , Oliveros Liliana , Anzulovich Ana , Giménez María Sofía , S. Sánchez Sara 
Published: November 2008

AbstractVitamin A is an essential lipid‐soluble nutrient that is crucial for morphogenesis and adult tissue maintenance. The retinoid homeostasis in the liver depends on a regular supply of vitamin A from an adequate dietary intake to preserve the normal organ structure and functions. This study focuses on the effect of vitamin A deficiency on the morphology and extracellular proteins expression of the liver in adult Wistar rats. Animals were fed with a normal (control group) or deficient vitamin A diet for 3 months. At the end of the experimental period, histological examination of the livers under light and electron microscopy revealed that vitamin A deficiency produced a loss of hepatocyte cord disposition with an irregular parenchymal organization. Abundant fat droplets were present in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes. Elongated myofibroblastic‐like cells with an irregular cytoplasmic process and without lipid droplets could be seen at the perisinusoidal space, where an elevated intensity of alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was observed. These results suggest that an activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) occurred. Moreover, immunochemical methods revealed that vitamin A deficiency led to an increased expression of hepatic fibronectin, laminin and collagen type IV. We propose that vitamin A deprivation caused liver injury and that HSCs underwent a process of activation in which they produced α‐SMA and synthesized extracellular components. These changes may be a factor predisposing to liver fibrosis. In consequence, vitamin A deprivation could affect human and animal health. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved partition equilibrium model for predicting analyte response in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Lihong , White Robert L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA previously proposed partition equilibrium model for quantitative prediction of analyte response in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is modified to yield an improved linear relationship. Analyte mass spectrometer response is modeled by a competition mechanism between analyte and background electrolytes that is based on partition equilibrium considerations. The correlation between analyte response and solution composition is described by the linear model over a wide concentration range and the improved model is shown to be valid for a wide range of experimental conditions. The behavior of an analyte in a salt solution, which could not be explained by the original model, is correctly predicted. The ion suppression effects of 16 : 0 lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on analyte signals are attributed to a combination of competition for excess charge and reduction of total charge due to surface tension effects. In contrast to the complicated mathematical forms that comprise the original model, the simplified model described here can more easily be employed to predict analyte mass spectrometer responses for solutions containing multiple components. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of linear systems for 3D parallel simulation of semiconductor devices: Application to statistical studies
Authors: Seoane Natalia , García‐Loureiro Antonio , Aldegunde Manuel 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe 3D simulators are nowadays essential in semiconductor device modelling in order to study fluctuation effects when devices are scaled to gate lengths approaching nanometre dimensions. To take into account these effects it is necessary to perform statistical studies, which have a high computational cost. The resolution of the linear systems generated by the discretization of partial differential equations is the most time‐consuming part of the simulation process. In this paper we propose an optimization of the linear system solution procedure based on domain decomposition methods implemented in a 3D parallel drift–diffusion device simulator. We have also carried out an analysis of the parallel performance of the device simulator. Numerical results show superlinear efficiency values up to 62 processors in the solution of the Poisson equation. The results were obtained on a Cluster HP Integrity Superdome. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion of type 316L stainless steel in molten LiCl–KCl salt
Authors: Shankar A. Ravi , Mudali U. Kamachi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPyrochemical reprocessing in molten chloride salt medium has been considered as one of the best options for the reprocessing of spent metallic fuels. The AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) is envisaged as a candidate material for the fabrication of components for various unit operations like salt preparation vessel, electro‐refiner and cathode processor, on which ceramic coatings with metallic bond coat will be applied by the thermal plasma spraying. The unit operation like electro‐refining is carried out in the molten lithium chloride–potassium chloride (LiCl–KCl) eutectic salt at 773 K in argon atmosphere. The corrosion behaviour of the container vessel in molten chloride salts is therefore important, hence corrosion tests were carried out in a molten salt test assembly under argon gas atmosphere. The present paper discusses the corrosion behaviour of 316L SS in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic salt at 873 K. The 316L SS samples were immersed in the molten LiCl–KCl eutectic for 25, 100 and 250 h, while 316L SS with yttria stabilized zirconia coating was exposed for 1000 h. The exposed samples were examined by optical and scanning electron microscope for corrosion attack. The X‐ray mappings of the cross‐section of the degraded layer onto the 316L SS indicated that the mechanism of corrosion corresponds to the selective diffusion of Cr to the surface with the formation of voids below, and the formation of chromium compounds at the surface. The results of the present study indicated that the yttria stabilized zirconia coating onto the 316L SS exhibits a better corrosion resistance in molten chloride salt than with uncoated 316L SS.
Highly‐Aligned Electrospun Luminescent Nanofibers Prepared from Polyfluorene/PMMA Blends: Fabrication, Morphology, Photophysical Properties and Sensory Applications
Authors: Kuo Chi‐Ching , Wang Cheng‐Ting , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHighly‐aligned luminescent electrospun nanofibers were successfully prepared from two binary blends of PFO/PMMA and PF+/PMMA. The PFO/PMMA aligned electrospun fibers showed a core/shell structure but the PF+/PMMA fibers exhibited periodic aggregate domains in the fibers. The aligned fibers had polarized steady‐state luminescence with a polarized ratio as high as 4, much higher than the non‐woven electrospun fibers or spin‐coated film. Besides, the PF+/PMMA aligned electrospun fibers showed an enhanced sensitivity to plasmid DNA. Such aligned electrospun fibers could have potential applications in optoelectronic or sensory devices.magnified image
γ‐Acyloxy‐ε‐Caprolactones: Synthesis, Ring‐Opening Polymerization vs. Rearrangement by Means of Chemical and Enzymatic Catalysis
Authors: Vaida Cristian , Takwa Mohamad , Martinelle Mats , Hult Karl , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: γ‐Acyloxy‐ε‐caprolactones (3a–d) were prepared in two steps starting from 4‐hydroxy‐cyclohexanone (1). In the first step acylation of the hydroxyl group occurs and in the second step ring enlargement by Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation. If this order of reaction is inverted rearrangement occurs in the Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation of 4‐hydroxy‐cyclohexanone leading to γ‐hydroxyethyl‐γ‐butyrolactone. Using the first procedure γ‐acetyloxy‐ (3a), γ‐benzoyloxy‐ (3b), γ‐acryloyloxy‐ (3c), and γ‐ methacryloyloxy‐ε‐caprolactone (3d) were prepared. These monomers and for comparison reasons ε‐caprolactone and γ‐methyl‐ε‐caprolactone were polymerized by means of chemical and enzymatic catalysis. The results were different depending on the monomer structure and catalyst used. In the presence of a chemical catalyst, all the monomers, except γ‐acetyloxy‐ε‐caprolactone, undergo controlled ring‐opening polymerization. γ‐Acetyloxy‐ε‐caprolactone (3a), however, rearranges to a large extent under polymerization conditions to give γ‐acetyloxyethyl‐γ‐butyrolactone (6a). In the presence of an enzyme (Novozyme 435, Lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) immobilized on a macroporous resin) all γ‐acyloxy‐ε‐caprolactones partly rearrange to result the corresponding γ‐acyloxy‐γ‐butyrolactones, while ε‐caprolactone and γ‐methyl‐ε‐caprolactone yield the corresponding polymers, the latter even in a stereoselective manner as reported earlier in the literature. A molecular dynamic study was performed with 3a and 3b as substrates to gain information on the substrate recognition displayed by CALB. A mechanism for the chemically and enzymatically catalyzed reactions of γ‐acyloxy‐ε‐caprolactones is proposed.
Micro‐Encapsulation and Antifouling Coatings: Development of Poly(lactic acid) Microspheres Containing Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Faÿ Fabienne , Linossier Isabelle , Legendre Gaëlle , Vallée‐Réhel Karine 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: Environmental legislation compels marine paints companies to develop non toxic antifouling coatings respecting ecosystems. In this work, biodegradable polymers are used to conceive delivery systems with a lifetime of many months. For this purpose, chlorhexidine was encapsulated in poly(L‐lactide) microspheres and incorporated in antifouling formulations. The characterization (encapsulation yield, surface morphology, particle size) and antibacterial activity (bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects) of microspheres were carried out by using scanning electronic (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopies (CLSM). The results indicate a good ability of loaded microspheres to be formulated even though an excellent activity against selected marine bacteria is conserved. This is a promising approach to develop biodegradable antifouling paints based on non toxic molecules and bioactive surfaces.
Crystallinity and Crystalline Confinement of the Amorphous Phase in Polylactides
Authors: Sarasua Jose‐Ramon , Zuza Ester , Imaz Nagore , Meaurio Emilio 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: Stereorregular polylactides such as poly (L‐lactide) (PLLA) or poly (D‐lactide) result from polymerization of optically pure lactides and are semicrystalline. Optically non‐active poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA) can be regarded as random or atactic copolymers, show a random moiety distribution, and are completely amorphous. In this work three phases, comprising mobile amorphous fraction (MAF, χMA), rigid amorphous fraction (RAF, χRA) and crystalline fraction (χc) were determined in PLLA. It will be shown that RAP fraction not only elevates Tg but also increases the dynamic fragility (m) of polylactide chains around the Tg. These results agree with reported cases in which topologycal constraints inhibit longer range dynamics and suggest a smaller length scale of cooperativity of chains in confined environments.
Keratin Coatings for Wool: Shrinkproofing and Nanoparticle Delivery
Authors: Cardamone Jeanette M. , Martin Justin J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSummary: Wool fabrics were treated with keratin hydrolysate in isolated systems, in systems incorporating a cross‐linking enzyme, and in systems with nanoparticle silver. The dimensions of wool fabric were controlled after keratin applications and the strength of bleached wool fabric was improved. Keratin applications imparted these improved properties when applied alone and when applied with the enzyme. The enzyme was effective for in‐situ, solid‐state cross‐linking of wool fabric, cross‐linking keratin‐to‐keratin, and cross‐linking keratin‐to‐fabric. To further improve the properties of wool, nanoparticle silver was produced in various shapes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of these particles showed discrete and isolated particles of size 8‐100 nm, dependent on the preparation. A combination of TEM and UV‐VIS spectroscopy was used to characterize these particles and scanning electron microscopy running in backscattered electron mode confirmed their placement on wool fibers. The application of nanoparticle silver to wool when co‐added with keratin may both improve dimensional stability and impart antimicrobial efficacy.
Octree‐based reasonable‐quality hexahedral mesh generation using a new set of refinement templates
Authors: Ito Yasushi , Shih Alan M. , Soni Bharat K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAn octree‐based mesh generation method is proposed to create reasonable‐quality, geometry‐adapted unstructured hexahedral meshes automatically from triangulated surface models without any sharp geometrical features. A new, easy‐to‐implement, easy‐to‐understand set of refinement templates is developed to perform local mesh refinement efficiently even for concave refinement domains without creating hanging nodes. A buffer layer is inserted on an octree core mesh to improve the mesh quality significantly. Laplacian‐like smoothing, angle‐based smoothing and local optimization‐based untangling methods are used with certain restrictions to further improve the mesh quality. Several examples are shown to demonstrate the capability of our hexahedral mesh generation method for complex geometries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of cathepsin X overexpression in H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells and macrophages
Authors: Krueger Sabine , Kuester Doerthe , Bernhardt Anja , Wex Thomas , Roessner Albert 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCathepsin X (CTSX) is strongly up‐regulated in Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa and intestinal‐type gastric cancer. The overexpression of CTSX is mediated predominantly by associated macrophages; depends on a functional type IV‐secretion system; and leads to increased migration of gastric epithelial cells. In the present study, we analysed the role of CagA in CTSX overexpression and identified H. pylori‐induced inflammatory factors and signalling pathways required for stimulating CTSX expression by H. pylori. Gastric epithelial cells were co‐cultured with macrophages in Transwell chambers of 0.4 µm pore size, enabling exchange of fluids but retracting H. pylori. N87 gastric epithelial cells were infected with H. pylori P1 wild‐type strain in the presence of inhibitors for p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, cytokines and growth factors were tested for their regulatory function using inhibitory antibodies, and their gene expression was studied by quantitative RT‐PCRs and western blots. CTSX is strongly up‐regulated at both the mRNA and the protein levels by TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8, depending on cell type. All these cytokines were found to be increased by five‐ to ten‐fold in macrophages by H. pylori infection of co‐cultured N87 gastric epithelial cells. In macrophages, H. pylori up‐regulated CTSX via ERK1/2 signalling pathways, and in N87 cells via JNK irrespective of p38 signalling. Our results suggest that H. pylori induced overexpression of CTSX in macrophages and epithelium through specific cytokines that are initiated by CagA‐dependent pathways in a cell type‐dependent manner. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NOLA1 gene mutations in acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Pigullo Simona , Pavesi Elisa , Dianzani Irma , Santamaria Giuseppe , Svahn Johanna , Risso Marco , Van Lint Maria Teresa , Pillon Marta , Iori A.P. , Longoni Daniela , Ramenghi Ugo , Lanciotti Marina , Dufour Carlo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundTelomerase complex genes mutations (DKC1, TERC, TERT, and NOP10) lead to premature telomere shortening and are responsible for different forms of dyskeratosis congenita. TERC and TERT mutations were also found in patients with aplastic anemia. The aim of this work is to analyze the possible involvement of the telomerase complex gene NOLA1, in a population of Italian AA patients.ProcedureDNA of 108 AA patients and 170 normal controls was amplified by PCR and analyzed by DHPLC. For each abnormal elution profile PCR products was directly sequenced using ABI prism 3100 Genetic Analyzer.ResultsWe identified, in two patients and two control, the new c.390A > T variation, which is not reported in GenBank, and leads to p.H28L amino acidic change. Telomere analysis shows that the subjects carrying the change have a telomere length comparable to that of healthy controls thus suggesting that this variation has no effect on telomerase complex activity.ConclusionsWe did not find any clear disruptive mutation in NOLA1 gene. The non‐conservative variation identified in our sample has no effect on telomeres length. This result suggests that heterozygous point mutations in NOLA1 gene are not responsible for AA in our patients at least acting via telomere. However, in our experience, molecular analysis of other telomerase complex gene (TERC, TERT) is important for AA patients and family members in order to set up an adequate therapeutic or surveillance program and identify carriers or exclude them as potential bone marrow donors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:376–378. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of selection bias in clinic‐based populations of childhood cancer survivors: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study
Authors: Ness Kirsten K. , Leisenring Wendy , Goodman Pam , Kawashima Toana , Mertens Ann C. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Robison Leslie L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundIt is not known to what extent prevalence estimates of late effects among childhood cancer survivors derived from clinic based samples represent the actual estimates that would be derived if the entire population of childhood cancer survivors was recruited and evaluated for a particular outcome.ProcedureIn a large retrospective cohort study of childhood cancer survivors, the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), the prevalence of chronic health conditions among participants who reported being seen in a cancer center or long‐term follow‐up clinic was compared to the prevalence of chronic conditions in the entire cohort.ResultsWhen compared to survivors who had no medical care in the previous 2 years, survivors accessing medical follow‐up were significantly more likely to have chronic health conditions. Relative risks of reporting a chronic health condition were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3–1.5) if seen in a cancer center or long‐term follow‐up clinic and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1–1.3) if seen in a general medical care setting. Estimates derived from only those childhood cancer survivors who were seen in a cancer center or long‐term follow‐up clinic overestimate the prevalence of any chronic disease by 9.3% (95% CI: 7.0–11.6).ConclusionsApplying chronic condition prevalence estimates from a clinical population to the general population of childhood cancer survivors must be undertaken with caution. Survivorship research must maintain a high level of scientific rigor to ensure that results reported in the literature are interpreted within the appropriate context. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:379–386. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) in small for gestational age pregnancy at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Poon Leona C. Y. , Zaragoza Edgar , Akolekar Ranjit , Anagnostopoulos Evangelos , Nicolaides Kypros H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the pathogenesis of pregnancies delivering small for gestational age (SGA) neonates by examining biochemical and Doppler indices of placental development during the first trimester of pregnancy.MethodThe concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF) at 11+0–13+6 weeks was measured in 296 cases, which delivered SGA neonates, and 609 controls. The newborn was considered to be SGA if the birth weight was less than the fifth percentile after correction for gestation at delivery and sex, maternal racial origin, weight, height and parity. The distributions of uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), PlGF and PAPP‐A, expressed in multiples of the median (MoM), in the control and SGA groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine if significant contribution is provided by maternal factors, PlGF, PAPP‐A and uterine artery PI in predicting SGA.ResultsThe median PlGF (0.900 MoM) and PAPP‐A (0.778 MoM) were lower and uterine artery PI was higher (1.087 MoM) in the SGA group than in the controls (PlGF: 0.991 MoM; PAPP‐A: 1.070 MoM; uterine artery PI: 1.030 MoM). In the SGA group there was a significant association between PlGF and PAPP‐A (r = 0.368, p < 0.0001) and uterine artery PI (r = 0.191, p = 0.001). Significant contributions for the prediction of SGA were provided by maternal factors, PlGF and PAPP‐A and with combined screening the detection rate was 27% at a false‐positive rate of 5%.ConclusionBirth weight is predetermined by placental development during the first trimester of pregnancy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal sonographic development of the central nervous system from the second trimester onwards using 2D, 3D and transvaginal sonography
Authors: Monteagudo Ana , Timor‐Tritsch Ilan E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe developmental changes of the fetal central nervous system (CNS) during the second and third trimesters, specifically the brain, relate mostly to changes in size. However, other changes do occur in the fetal brain during the second and third trimester such as: the union of the cerebellar hemispheres, development of the corpus callosum (CC), and increasing complexity of the cerebral cortex. These changes follow a well‐defined developmental timeline recognizable by sonography.The fetal neuroscan can be divided into a ‘basic scan’ which is performed transabdominally and a ‘targeted Exam or neurosonogram’ which uses a multiplanar approach, which preferably should be performed transvaginally. During the ‘basic scan’, several brain structures are imaged in addition to obtaining important biometric measurements. The ‘neurosonogram’ is a more extensive or detailed fetal study during which the emphasis is on the addition of coronal and sagittal planes. The easiest way to obtain these planes, if the fetus is in a cephalic presentation, is the transvaginal route. Three‐dimensional (3D) sonography should, if possible, be performed transvaginally using the multiplanar approach. An added benefit of 3D sonography is the ability to display and render the volume in a variety of ways which may enhance the detection of pathology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality traits and mental health treatment utilization
Authors: Hopwood Christopher J. , Quigley Brian D. , Grilo Carlos M. , Sanislow Charles A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Yen Shirley , Shea M. Tracie , Zanarini Mary C. , Gunderson John G. , Skodol Andrew E. , Markowitz John C. , Morey Leslie C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRecent theory and research suggest a relation between five‐factor model personality traits and mental health treatment utilization, even after controlling for psychiatric disorders and global functioning. The current report further tests this hypothesis in a large clinical sample, using a wider array of treatment modalities than has been previously studied. Overall, results were limited and inconsistent. Although neuroticism was related to utilization across treatment modalities, many of these relationships resulted from its association with psychiatric diagnoses. Other traits showed limited and inconsistent relations to the use of psychosocial and psychiatric treatments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.