bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silver nanoparticles immobilized on thin film composite polyamide membrane: characterization, nanofiltration, antifouling properties
Authors: Lee Seung Yun , Kim Hee Jin , Patel Rajkumar , Im Se Joon , Kim Jong Hak , Min Byoung Ryul 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMicrobial biofouling is one of the major obstacles for reaching the ultimate goal of realizing a high permeability over a prolonged period of nanofiltration operation. In this study, the hybrid nanocomposite membranes consisting of silver (Ag) nanoparticles with antibiofouling capability on microorganism and polyamide (PA) were prepared by in situ interfacial polymerization and characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hybrid membranes were shown to possess the dramatic antibiofouling effect on Pseudomonas. In addition, Ag nanocomposite membranes had little influence on the performances of the membrane such as on water flux and salt rejection. SEM analysis results showed that all Pseudomonas were dead on the PA/Ag nanocomposite membrane, indicating the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles. This investigation offers a strong potential for possible use as a new type of antibiofouling membrane. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tubular kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) in human renal disease
Authors: van Timmeren MM , van den Heuvel MC , Bailly V , Bakker SJL , van Goor H , Stegeman CA 
Published: April 2007

AbstractKIM‐1, a transmembrane tubular protein with unknown function, is undetectable in normal kidneys, but is markedly induced in experimental renal injury. The KIM‐1 ectodomain is cleaved, detectable in urine, and reflects renal damage. KIM‐1 expression in human renal biopsies and its correlation with urinary KIM‐1 (uKIM‐1) is unknown. In biopsies from various renal diseases (n = 102) and controls (n = 7), the fraction of KIM‐1 positive tubules and different renal damage parameters were scored. Double labelling was performed for KIM‐1 with macrophages (MØ), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), proximal (aquaporin‐1) and distal (E‐cadherin) tubular markers and a dedifferentiation marker (vimentin). uKIM‐1 at the time of biopsy (n = 53) was measured by ELISA. Renal KIM‐1 was significantly increased in all diseases versus controls (p < 0.05), except minimal change. KIM‐1 was primarily expressed at the luminal side of dedifferentiated proximal tubules, in areas with fibrosis (α‐SMA) and inflammation (MØ). Independent of the disease, renal KIM‐1 correlated positively with renal damage, negatively with renal function, but not with proteinuria. uKIM‐1 was increased in renal patients versus controls (p < 0.001), including minimal change, and correlated positively with tissue KIM‐1 and MØ, negatively with renal function, but not with proteinuria. In conclusion, KIM‐1 is upregulated in renal disease and is associated with renal fibrosis and inflammation. uKIM‐1 is also associated with inflammation and renal function, and reflects tissue KIM‐1, indicating that it can be used as a non‐invasive biomarker in renal disease. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HDPE/expanded graphite nanocomposites prepared via masterbatch process
Authors: Li Yu‐Chao , Chen Guo‐Hua 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHigh Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was melt extruded with different amounts of expanded graphite (EG) based masterbatches. Conductive composites were obtained by diluting PE and PS masterbatches with 60 wt% content of expanded graphite. These masterbatches were readily dispersed into the molten HDPE matrix yielding well‐dispersed HDPE/EG nanocomposites which couldn't be done by direct melt extrusion process under the same conditions. Electrical conductivity measurements showed a reduced percolation threshold by this masterbatch filling technique while the resulting composites were 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than that of direct melt extrusion because EG sheets were effectively encapsulated by PE or PS carriers in these masterbatches which leads to a better EG dispersion in composites. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) proved an excellent dispersion of EG in polymer matrix with the worm‐like structure tended to break into pieces under intensive rolling. The improvements in mechanical and thermal properties have been studied for the nanocomposites as prepared by masterbatch process. The results depended greatly on the dispersion of EG and the compatibility between masterbatch and HDPE matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:882–888, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical experience of the use of a pharmacological treatment algorithm for major depressive disorder in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Okamura Masako , Akizuki Nobuya , Nakano Tomohito , Shimizu Ken , Ito Tatsuhiko , Akechi Tatsuo , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study was to describe the applicability and the dropout of the pharmacological treatment algorithm for major depressive disorder in patients with advanced cancer.Psychiatrists treated major depressive disorder in advanced cancer patients on the basis of the algorithm. For discussing the problems related to the algorithm, we reviewed the reasons for the non‐application of the algorithm and the reasons for dropout of patients within a week of initiation of treatment.The algorithm was applied in 54 of 59 cases (applicability rate, 92%). The reasons for the non‐application of the algorithm were as follows: the need to add a benzodiazepine to an antidepressant in 4 cases and the need to choose alprazolam despite the depression being moderate in severity, in order to obtain a rapid onset action and reduce anxiety in a patient with short prognosis. Nineteen of the 55 patients dropped out within a week of initiation of treatment based on the algorithm. Delirium was the most frequent reason for dropout.The applicability rate was high, but several problems were identified, including those related to the combination of antidepressants and benzodiazepines, pharmacological treatment of depression in patients with short prognosis, and delirium due to antidepressants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lung tissue mechanics predict lung hypoplasia in a rabbit model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Flemmer Andreas W. , Jani Jacques C. , Bergmann Florian , Muensterer Oliver J. , Gallot Denis , Hajek Kerstin , Sugawara Junichi , Till Holger , Deprest Jan A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSeveral animal models have been proposed to study the pathophysiology of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Surgical induction of CDH in fetal rabbits during the pseudoglandular phase has been shown to induce severe pulmonary hypoplasia, but functional studies in this model are scarce. We aimed to measure neonatal pulmonary impedance and related it to the severity of lung hypoplasia. CDH was surgically created in rabbits at 23 days of gestation. Following cesarean delivery at term (31 days) pups were subjected to measurement of total lung capacity (TLC), lung to body weight ratio (LBWR) and lung impedance by forced oscillation technique (FOT). Airway resistance (Raw), tissue elastance (HL), tissue damping (GL), and hysteresivity (η) (GL/HL) were calculated from impedance data. Twelve CDH fetuses and 15 controls were available for final analysis. LBWR and TLC were significantly lower in the CDH group compared to gestational and age matched controls (P < 0.001). Raw, HL, and GL were significantly increased in CCDH fetuses. η and HL best reflected lung hypoplasia (LBWR) (r2 = 0.42 and 0.43; P = 0.001), indicating a dominant contribution of lung tissue mechanics to CDH‐induced lung hypoplasia. We successfully introduced lung impedance measurement by FOT in neonatal rabbits. Following surgical induction of CDH in the pseudoglandular phase, they have, next to morphological evidence of pulmonary hypoplasia, changes in lung mechanics. Our results for lung tissue mechanics support the concept of delayed pulmonary tissue modeling. We propose to employ functional studies in future experiments when evaluating prenatal interventions aimed at reversing pulmonary hypoplasia. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:505–512. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of mortality in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Courtney J.M. , Bradley J. , Mccaughan J. , O'connor T.M. , Shortt C. , Bredin C.P. , Bradbury I. , Elborn J.S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAssessment of prognostic indicators in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is important. The study's aim was to assess the relative contribution of gender, genetics and microbiology on survival in adults with CF. Adult patients were studied from 1995 to 2005 and data collected included FEV1 (%predicted), body mass index (BMI), genetics, and microbiology. Data was available on 183 patients in 1995. Forty‐five patients died in the subsequent 10 years. Patients who died during the study had lower mean (SD) FEV1 %predicted in 1995 when compared to those remaining alive, 41.5 (15.2)% versus 69.8 (23.2)% predicted, respectively, P < 0.001 and they had lower mean (SD) BMI in 1995, 19.2 (3.3) kg/m2 in comparison to those remaining alive, 20.7 (3.4) kg/m2, P = 0.008. The proportion of patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex was higher in the group who died during the study compared to those remaining alive, odds ratio 20.9 P < 0.0001 and 7.1 P < 0.0001, respectively. The presence of the ΔF508 homozygous mutation did not alter survival, P = 0.3. Patients infected with either P.aeruginosa or B.cepacia complex had reduced survival compared to those without infection, P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively. FEV1% (P < 0.0001), infection with P.aeruginosa (P = 0.005) or B.cepacia complex (P = 0.03) were the only significant predictors of mortality. This study demonstrates adults who died were more likely to have worse lung function and be infected with either P.aeruginosa or B.cepacia complex. FEV1% and infection with P.aeruginosa or B.cepacia complex were the most significant predictors of survival in adults with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:525–532. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to atopic asthma in Korean children
Authors: Sohn Myung Hyun , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Song Tae‐Won , Kim Kyung‐Won , Kim Eun‐Soo , Park Hae‐Sim , Kim Kyu‐Earn 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a negative regulator of T lymphocyte activation. The gene encoding CTLA‐4 is a candidate gene for conferring susceptibility to allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of CTLA‐4 gene polymorphisms in Korean children on asthma. We genotyped 272 children with atopic asthma, 54 children with nonatopic asthma (NAA), and 254 control children for allelic determinants at two polymorphic sites in the region at positions promoter − 318 C > T and exon 1 + 49 G > A using restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. As a result, allele and genotype frequencies of the CTLA‐4 exon 1 + 49 G > A polymorphism were different to some extent between the atopic asthma children and the controls with P < 0.05, which did not reach statistical significance after the correction of multiple comparisons. In addition, CTLA‐4 + 49 G > A polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated serum IgE levels (P = 0.01). Of the four haplotype, haplotype 1 (C‐G) was only associated with atopic asthma susceptibility after the correction of multiple comparisons (P = 0.01, OR = 0.702, 95% CI = 0.541–0.911). Polymorphisms in the CTLA‐4 gene likely confer susceptibility to atopic asthma in Korean children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:542–547. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of intracellular and secreted surfactant during postnatal rat lung development
Authors: Schmiedl Andreas , Vieten Gertrud , Mühlfeld Christian , Bernhard Wolfgang 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPulmonary surfactant prevents alveolar collapse via reduction of surface tension. In contrast to human neonates, rats are born with saccular lungs. Therefore, rat lungs serve as a model for investigation of the surfactant system during postnatal alveolar formation. We hypothesized that this process is associated with characteristic structural and biochemical surfactant alterations. We aimed to discriminate changes related to alveolarization from those being either invariable or follow continuous patterns of postnatal changes. Secreted active (mainly tubular myelin (tm)) and inactive (unilamellar vesicles (ulv)) surfactant subtypes as well as intracellular surfactant (lamellar bodies (lb)) in type II pneumocytes (PNII) were quantified before (day (d) 1), during (d 7), at the end of alveolarization (d 14), and after completion of lung maturation (d 42) using electron microscopic methods supplemented by biochemical analyses (phospholipid quantification, immunoblotting for SP‐A). Immunoelectron microscopy determined the localization of surfactant protein A (SP‐A). (1) At d 1 secreted surfactant was increased relative to d 7–42 and then decreased significantly. (2) Air spaces of neonatal lungs comprised lower fractions of tm and increased ulv, which correlated with low SP‐A concentrations in lung lavage fluid (LLF) and increased respiratory rates, respectively. (3) Alveolarization (d 7–14) was associated with decreasing PNII size although volume and sizes of Lb continuously increased. (4) The volume fractions of Lb correlated well with the pool sizes of phospholipids in lavaged lungs. Our study emphasizes differential patterns of developmental changes of the surfactant system relative to postnatal alveolarization. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:548–562. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cholesterol level of lipid raft microdomains regulates apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells through EGFR‐mediated Akt and ERK signal transduction
Authors: Oh Hea Young , Lee Eun Jin , Yoon Sun , Chung Byung Ha , Cho Kang Su , Hong Sung Joon 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDLipid rafts are cholesterol‐enriched microdomains in cell membranes that have been shown to regulate signal transduction. We investigated whether membrane cholesterol could regulate apoptosis and attempted to elucidate the mechanism by which apoptosis is induced in prostate cancer cells.METHODSLNCaP cells were exposed to 2‐hydroxyprophyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPCD) to deplete membrane cholesterol. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by Celltiter Blue™ Cell Viability assay and ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining. Signal transduction was investigated by immunoblot analysis of cell lysates.RESULTSCell viability was dose dependent inhibited by HPCD and restored by replenishment of cholesterol. HPCD induced apoptotic cell death through down‐regulation of Bcl‐xL and up‐regulation of caspase‐3 and PARP cleavages. HPCD inhibited both EGFR/Akt and EGFR/ERK signal transduction.CONCLUSIONSLipid raft cholesterol regulates apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells through EGFR‐mediated Akt and ERK pathways. Prostate 67: 1061–1069, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure of S. aureus YlaN, an essential leucine rich protein involved in the control of cell shape
Authors: Xu Ling , Sedelnikova Svetlana E. , Baker Patrick J. , Hunt Alison , Errington Jeff , Rice David W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe crystal structure of a conserved leucine rich protein, YlaN, from Staphylococcus aureus has been determined by X‐ray crystallography to 2.3 Å resolution. Whilst the precise function of S. aureus YlaN is unknown its homologue in B. subtilis has been shown to be essential for cell survival and is thought to be involved in controlling cell shape. The structure of S. aureus YlaN provides the first view of its protein family, which reveals that it is a novel homodimer whose subunit architecture is comprised of an antiparallel 3 helix bundle reminiscent of the helical arrangements seen in leucine zipper proteins. Analysis of the pattern of sequence conservation on the structure has led to the identification of two connected solvent exposed patches of conserved residues in each subunit located at one end of but on opposite faces of the molecule. We suggest that YlaN has a binding role in the cell rather than a catalytic function and a search for its ligand is underway to accelerate its exploitation as a target for antibiotic discovery. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of the α1 glycine receptor reveals different states of the channel
Authors: Cheng Mary Hongying , Cascio Michael , Coalson Rob D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHomology modeling is used to build initial models of the transmembrane domain of the human α1 glycine receptor (GlyR) based on the most recently published refined structure of nAChR (PDB ID: 2BG9). Six preliminary GlyR models are constructed using two different approaches. In one approach, five different homopentamers are built by symmetric assembly of α1 GlyR subunits using only one of the five unique chains of nAChR as a template. In a second approach, each nAChR subunit serves as a template for an α1 GlyR subunit. All six initial GlyR constructs are then embedded into a hydrated POPC lipid bilayer and subjected to molecular dynamics simulation for at least six nanoseconds. Each model is stable throughout the simulation, and the final models fall into three distinct categories. Homopentameric GlyR bundles using a single α nAChR subunit as a template appear to be in an open conformation. Under an applied external potential, permeation of Cl− ions is observed within several ns in a channel built on an α chain. Model channels built on non‐α chains have a constriction either near the intracellular mouth or more centrally located in the pore domain, both of which may be narrow enough to close the channel and whose locations correspond to putative gates observed in nicotinicoid receptors. The differences between these three general models suggest that channel closure may be effected by either rotation or tangential tilting of TM2. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxygen affinity controlled by dynamical distal conformations: The soybean leghemoglobin and the Paramecium caudatum hemoglobin cases
Authors: Martí Marcelo A. , Capece Luciana , Bikiel Damián E. , Falcone Bruno , Estrin Darío A 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe binding of diatomic ligands, such as O2, NO, and CO, to heme proteins is a process intimately related with their function. In this work, we analyzed by means of a combination of classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Hybrid Quantum–Classical (QM/MM) techniques the existence of multiple conformations in the distal site of heme proteins and their influence on oxygen affinity regulation. We considered two representative examples: soybean leghemoglobin (Lba) and Paramecium caudatum truncated hemoglobin (PcHb). The results presented in this work provide a molecular interpretation for the kinetic, structural, and mutational data that cannot be obtained by assuming a single distal conformation. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The efficacy of a petroleum spray oil against Aphis gossypii Glover on cotton. Part 2: Indirect effects of oil deposits
Authors: Najar‐Rodríguez Adriana J , Walter Gimme H , Mensah Robert K 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe primary mode of action of petroleum spray oils (PSOs) on pest insects is through direct contact. Indirect effects are, however, also possible, and deposits of the oils may influence pest populations by killing insects and/or by influencing their behaviour. The indirect effects of deposits of a new nC24 oil against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were therefore determined. The effects of oil deposits on the acceptance of cotton as host plant by the aphids were assessed, as well as aphid mortality rates and their success in the establishment of colonies. The efficacy of deposits of a heavier oil (nC27) was also evaluated. Deposits of PSO were toxic to A. gossypii and remained effective until 8 days after spraying. Mortality decreased with time, so that, the older the deposit, the lower was the mortality. Significantly higher aphid mortalities were achieved on younger leaves than on mature ones. Thus, leaf age proved a significant factor in the efficacy of the deposits. Consecutive prophylactic applications (at 9 day intervals) did not have a cumulative effect, and their killing power proved to be independent of one another. Thus, applying the oil prior to aphid infestations would confer only minimal protection. The mortality inflicted by the deposits was not improved by increasing the molecular mass of the oil used (nC27 oil), but the toxic life of the oil deposit was increased. Oil deposits did not deter alates from landing on oil‐sprayed plants. Oil deposits did, however, affect subsequent alate and nymphal survival, and thus the establishment of aphid colonies. The impact that the oils could have on the longer‐term development of aphid populations in the field was thus demonstrated. First‐ and second‐instar nymphs were the most susceptible life stages, with > 50% mortality compared with < 10% for the other stages. These nymphs did not show the typical signs of oil‐induced mortality observed in aphids killed by direct oil applications, which suggests an alternative mode of action to that of the directly applied oil. Anoxia does not seem to be involved in either process, and alternative modes of action of the oil deposits are discussed. The implications of these findings for cotton aphid control are also considered, primarily in relation to the timing and frequency of oil application. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The efficacy of a petroleum spray oil against Aphis gossypii Glover on cotton. Part 1: Mortality rates and sources of variation
Authors: Najar‐Rodríguez Adriana J , Walter Gimme H , Mensah Robert K 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPetroleum spray oils (PSOs) kill insect pests on contact, and the composition of modern PSOs is substantially different from the ones introduced earlier. The effects of direct application of a new nC24 PSO on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were therefore determined. This covered not only aphid mortality rates but also the way in which the oils affected aphid behaviour at the time of contact with the oil. Direct application of the nC24 oil proved to be highly effective in controlling A. gossypii at a range of concentrations between 1 and 10% v/v. The oil killed cotton aphids quickly, with most of the mortality occurring within the first 10 min of spraying. The fast killing action of the oils prevented any behavioural responses by the aphids. Aphids killed by the oils became flaccid and their legs and antennae extended horizontally relative to the body axis. With time, their cuticle became very shiny and began to darken. The quick death of the aphids suggested a contact mode of action of the oils, an interpretation supported by the lack of any negative effect on aphids not initially reached by the oils. However, those aphids not hit by the oils, but that subsequently encountered oil‐treated areas when they moved elsewhere, also died, indicating that the oil deposits are also toxic to the aphids. The mode of action of the oil thus seems to be versatile, and the means by which it kills the aphids may be more complex than anoxia, which is the widely claimed mechanism attributed to PSOs. This oil now needs to be tested for any possible indirect effects on the cotton aphid (e.g. through its host‐plant acceptance behaviour). The implications of the present findings for cotton aphid control and assessment of PSO efficacy in the field are discussed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry