bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD34 expression is associated with poor survival in pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: van Grotel Martine , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , van Wering Elisabeth R. , van Noesel Max M. , Kamps Willem A. , Veerman Anjo J.P. , Pieters Rob , Meijerink Jules P.P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundChildren with T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) have an inferior outcome with combination chemotherapy compared to B‐lineage ALL, and still about 30% of the patients relapse within the first 2 years following diagnosis. As CD34 has been related with poor outcome in ALL in general, we investigated the prognostic significance of the stem cell marker CD34, as well as the association of CD34 positivity with the expression of several multidrug resistance (MDR) genes.ProcedureIn this retrospective study, we investigated the prognostic significance of the expression of the early T‐cell differentiation marker CD34 and the expression of MDR genes in relation to outcome in a cohort of 72 newly diagnosed pediatric T‐ALL patients.ResultsCD34 expression was related to a poor 5‐year disease‐free‐survival and a poor 5‐year overall survival. Using the Cox proportional hazard model, CD34 expression predicted for increased risk for relapse and death. Expression of CD34 was associated with elevated MDR1 and MRP1 mRNA expression levels. For the entire T‐ALL cohort, these expression levels of MDR1 or MRP1 did not independently predict for poor outcome.ConclusionsWe conclude that CD34‐positive T‐ALL has a relatively poor survival that is not explained by the mRNA expression levels of MDR1, LRP, or MRP1. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:737–740. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring the solubility of benzoic acid in room temperature ionic liquids using chronoamperometric techniques
Authors: He Weisi , Silvester Debbie S. , Streeter Ian , Aldous Leigh , Hardacre Christopher , Compton Richard G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe electrochemical reduction of benzoic acid (BZA) has been studied at platinum micro‐electrodes (10 and 2 µm diameters) in acetonitrile (MeCN) and six room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs): [C2mim][NTf2], [C4mim][NTf2], [C4mpyrr][NTf2], [C4mim][BF4], [C4mim][NO3] and [C4mim][PF6] (where [Cnmim]+ = 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, [NTf2]− = bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide, [C4mpyrr]+ = N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium, [BF4]− = tetrafluoroborate, [NO3]− = nitrate and [PF6]− = hexafluorophosphate). Based on the theoretical fitting to experimental chronoamperometric transients in [C4mpyrr][NTf2] and MeCN at several concentrations and on different size electrodes, it is suggested that a fast chemical step preceeds the electron transfer step in a CE mechanism (given below) in both RTILs and MeCN, leading to the appearance of a simple one‐electron transfer mechanism.

The six RTIL solvents and MeCN were saturated with BZA, and potential‐step chronoamperometry revealed diffusion coefficients of 170, 4.6, 3.2, 2.7, 1.8, 0.26 and 0.96 × 10−11 m2 s−1 and solubilities of 850, 75, 78, 74, 220, 2850 and 48 mM in MeCN and the six ionic liquids, respectively, at 298 K. The high solubility of BZA in [C4mim][NO3] may suggest a strong interaction of the dissolved proton with the nitrate anion. Although there are relatively few literature reports of solubilities of organic solutes in RTILs at present, these results suggest the need for further studies on the solubilities of organic species (particularly acids) in RTILs, because of the contrasting interaction of dissolved species with the RTIL ions. Chronoamperometry is suggested as a convenient methodology for this purpose. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (c) 5/10
Authors: Nickel Norbert H. , Mohammed‐Brahim Tayeb , Bonnaud Olivier 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe following proceedings contain most of the invited and contributed papers presented at the international workshop on “Laser Processing for Semiconductor Devices – Science and Technology” that took place at the Palais du Grande Large in Saint Malo, France, on 1 and 2 October 2007. This workshop brought together more than 20 scientists from 8 countries in the inspiring atmosphere of the historic city of Saint Malo in the heart of the Emerald Coast.The workshop covered many aspects of laser processing for materials ranging from silicon and its alloys to ferroelectric oxides, high‐k dielectrics films, zinc oxide, modeling of the processes, and device fabrication. These and other topics were discussed from a point of view of basic physics as well as current and future applications such as thin‐film solar cells, flexible displays, field emission displays, microwave devices, and sensors.The organizers of the workshop would like to take the opportunity to thank all speakers and participants for their interesting contributions and state‐of‐the‐art research. Combined with vivid discussions it helped making this workshop a successful interdisciplinary event. We also would like to acknowledge the sponsors whose financial support took a considerable share in the successful course of the workshop. Finally, we would like to extend our special thanks to Miss Fabienne Jegousse who provided us with indispensable yet very efficient secretarial support.Berlin and Rennes, May 2008
Investigation of the morphology, viability and mechanical properties of yeast cells in environmental SEM
Authors: Ren Yilong , Donald Athene M. , Zhang Zhibing 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe mechanical properties of biological cells at nanoscale may be characterized using an environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) combined with a force measurement device. However, the electron beam radiation in an ESEM may damage a specimen. So far, little is known about the radiation damage to biological cells. In this work, single yeast cells were imaged using an ESEM under both high and low vacuum modes. The changes in their morphology and viability were monitored as a function of radiation time for a given beam current of 538 pA corresponding to 10 kV accelerating voltage and spot size 4. Under the two modes, the radiation damage to the morphology of yeast cells became evident after an exposure time of 3 min, but under the low vacuum mode, the damage to their morphology was more severe. However, all cells lost their viability after 5 min under the high vacuum mode with the electron beam off from an initial viability of 95±1%. In contrast, the viability of cells under the low vacuum mode was found to be approximately 20% after 20 min. In addition, a newly developed ESEM‐based nanomanipulation technique was applied to measure the force imposed on single yeast cells and their deformation, including contact diameter and central lateral diameter for the compression of single yeast cells to a given displacement within a time frame of 1 min, and the data obtained may be used to validate mathematical modeling of the stress–strain relationship for the compression of cells in order to determine their intrinsic mechanical property parameters. SCANNING 30: 435–442, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Humic acid induces G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Hseu You‐Cheng , Lin Elong , Chen Jing‐Yi , Liua Yi‐Ru , Huang Chun‐Yin , Lu Fung‐Jou , Liao Jiunn‐Wang , Chen Ssu‐Ching , Yang Hsin‐Ling 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHumic acid (HA) in well water used by the inhabitants for drinking is one of the possible etiological factors for Blackfoot disease (BFD). In this study, the ability of HA to inhibit cell cycle progression and induce apoptosis in cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs; A7r5) was investigated. Treatment of the SMCs at various HA concentrations (25–200 μg/mL) resulted in sequences of events marked by apoptosis, as shown by loss of cell viability, morphology change, and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. HA‐induced apoptotic cell death that is associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cytochrome c translocation, caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 activation, poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) degradation, dysregulation of Bcl‐2 and Bax, and upregulation of p53 and phospholyrated p53 (p‐p53) in SMCs. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that HA blocked cell cycle progress in the G1 phase in SMCs. This blockade of cell cycle was associated with reduced amounts of cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, CDK2, and hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRb) in a time‐dependent manner. Apparent DNA strand breaks (DNA damage) were also detected in a dose‐dependent manner using Single‐cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay). Furthermore, HA induced dose‐dependent elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in SMCs, and antioxidant vitamin C and Trolox effectively suppressed HA‐induced DNA damage and dysregulation of Bcl‐2/Bax. Our findings suggest that HA‐induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in SMCs may be an underlying mechanisms for the atherosclerosis and thrombosis observed in the BFD endemic region. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Determining nitrogen requirements of Aceros and Buceros hornbills
Authors: Foeken Sijmen G. , de Vries Max , Hudson Elisabeth , Sheppard Christine D. , Dierenfeld Ellen S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOver 2 months, seven feeding trials were conducted at St. Catherines Island, GA, to quantify protein intake and utilization in captive mature nonreproducing Aceros (n=3 spp.) and Buceros (n=2 spp.) Hornbills were fed homogeneous isocaloric diets. A mixture of Bird of Paradise pellets, grapes, and raisins was offered to the birds as grape‐sized balls, supplemented with diced cantaloupe melon to maintain hydration. To vary the protein level (range 10.8–22.6%) within the diets, different amounts of a powdered soy protein supplement were added to the mixture. Test diets were fed for 3 consecutive days. Birds were weighed to test for differences among diets. All excreta and diet samples were collected for nitrogen (N) analysis. Feeding trials were separated by a 4‐day period, in which the bird's regular diet was fed. Data were analyzed for N balance, N equilibrium (regression of N intake vs. N excretion) and body mass. Regression analysis of N balances of the nine birds showed that the N equilibriums ranged from 0.081 to 0.595 g N/kg0.75/d with an average of 0.387±0.298. No differences in N balances were found between Aceros and Buceros hornbills. The methodology of this study suggested a dietary crude protein (CP) requirement of 7.3±3.0% dry matter (DM) in a diet containing 4.0 kcal. However, this value was determined by extrapolation and has not been experimentally determined to be adequate. In this study, the hornbills maintained body mass on a diet containing 10.8% CP (with energy at 4.0 kcal/g DM). Zoo Biol 27:282–293, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stearidonic Acid‐Enriched Soybean Oil Increased the Omega‐3 Index, an Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Marker
Authors: Harris William S. , Lemke Shawna L. , Hansen Susan N. , Goldstein Daniel A. , DiRienzo Maureen A. , Su Hong , Nemeth Margaret A. , Taylor Mary L. , Ahmed Gulam , George Cherian 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA plant source of omega‐3 fatty acid (FA) that can raise tissue eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is needed. A soybean oil (SBO) containing approximately 20% stearidonic acid [SDA; the delta‐6 desaturase product of alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA)] derived from genetically modified soybeans is under development. This study compared the effects of EPA to SDA‐SBO on erythrocyte EPA + DHA levels (the omega‐3 index). Overweight healthy volunteers (n = 45) were randomized to SDA‐SBO (24 ml/day providing ~3.7 g SDA) or to regular SBO (control group) without or with EPA ethyl esters (~1 g/day) for 16 weeks. Serum lipids, blood pressure, heart rate, platelet function and safety laboratory tests were measured along with the omega‐3 index. A per‐protocol analysis was conducted on 33 subjects (11 per group). Compared to baseline, average omega‐3 index levels increased 19.5% in the SDA group and 25.4% in the EPA group (p < 0.05 for both, vs. control). DHA did not change in any group. Relative to EPA, SDA increased RBC EPA with about 17% efficiency. No other clinical endpoints were affected by SDA or EPA treatment (vs. control). In conclusion, SDA‐enriched SBO significantly raised the omega‐3 index. Since EPA supplementation has been shown to raise the omega‐3 index and to lower risk for cardiac events, SDA‐SBO may be a viable plant‐based alternative for providing meaningful intakes of cardioprotective omega‐3 FAs.
Non‐interactive effects of habitat complexity and adult crayfish on survival and growth of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
Authors: OLSSON KARIN , NYSTRÖM PER 
Published: August 2008

Summary1. In a 1‐month outdoor stream channel experiment, we investigated the relative importance of habitat complexity (i.e. cobbled area) and the presence of adult signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) males on the survival and growth of juveniles.2. In treatments with high habitat complexity, more juveniles survived, more were newly moulted and they had a higher specific growth rate (SGR) at the end of the experiment than juveniles in treatments with low habitat complexity. The presence of adult males did not affect survival, moulting stage or growth of the juveniles.3. The presence of adult males decreased juvenile activity during night. Juveniles in treatments with low habitat complexity were more active than juveniles in high habitat complexity during both day and night.4. There was no difference in total invertebrate biomass between treatments. However, some invertebrate taxa, such as Chironomidae larvae, were affected by habitat complexity or the presence of adult crayfish. Juvenile crayfish in all channels had consumed detritus, algae and Chironomidae larvae and there were no differences in gut contents or stable isotope signals (carbon and nitrogen) between treatments, indicating a similar diet among the juveniles across treatments. However, the biomass of chironomids was significantly higher in channels with adult crayfish present, indicating a decreased consumption of chironomids by juveniles in the presence of adults.5. Our results suggest that the recruitment of juvenile crayfish is mostly affected by habitat complexity. The competition for food and shelter and aggressive interactions between the juveniles were most pronounced in low habitat complexity, indicating that habitats with a good access to shelter will enhance recruitment of juvenile crayfish in streams.
Distinctiveness in the face of gene flow: hybridization between specialist and generalist gartersnakes
Authors: FITZPATRICK BENJAMIN M. , PLACYK, JR JOHN S. , NIEMILLER MATTHEW L. , CASPER GARY S. , BURGHARDT GORDON M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPatterns of divergence and polymorphism across hybrid zones can provide important clues as to their origin and maintenance. Unimodal hybrid zones or hybrid swarms are composed predominantly of recombinant individuals whose genomes are patchworks of alleles derived from each parental lineage. In contrast, bimodal hybrid zones contain few identifiable hybrids; most individuals fall within distinct genetic clusters. Distinguishing between hybrid swarms and bimodal hybrid zones can be important for taxonomic and conservation decisions regarding the status and value of hybrid populations. In addition, the causes of bimodality are important in understanding the generation and maintenance of biological diversity. For example, are distinct clusters mostly reproductively isolated and co‐adapted gene complexes, or can distinctiveness be maintained by a few ‘genomic islands’ despite rampant gene flow across much of the genome? Here we focus on three patterns of distinctiveness in the face of gene flow between gartersnake taxa in the Great Lakes region of North America. Bimodality, the persistence of distinct clusters of genotypes, requires strong barriers to gene flow and supports recognition of distinct specialist (Thamnophis butleri) and generalist (Thamnophis radix) taxa. Concordance of DNA‐based clusters with morphometrics supports the hypothesis that trophic morphology is a key component of divergence. Finally, disparity in the level of differentiation across molecular markers (amplified fragment length polymorphisms) indicates that distinctiveness is maintained by strong selection on a few traits despite high gene flow currently or in the recent past.
Globally panmictic population structure in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus sydowii
Authors: RYPIEN KRYSTAL L , ANDRAS JASON P , HARVELL C. DREW 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecent outbreaks of new diseases in many ecosystems are caused by novel pathogens, impaired host immunity, or changing environmental conditions. Identifying the source of emergent pathogens is critical for mitigating the impacts of diseases, and understanding the cause of their recent appearances. One ecosystem suffering outbreaks of disease in the past decades is coral reefs, where pathogens such as the fungus Aspergillus sydowii have caused catastrophic population declines in their hosts. Aspergillosis is one of the best‐characterized coral diseases, yet the origin of this typically terrestrial fungus in marine systems remains unknown. We examined the genetic structure of a global sample of A. sydowii, including isolates from diseased corals, diseased humans, and environmental sources. Twelve microsatellite markers reveal a pattern of global panmixia among the fungal isolates. A single origin of the pathogen into marine systems seems unlikely given the lack of isolation by distance and lack of evidence for a recent bottleneck. A neighbour‐joining phylogeny shows that sea fan isolates are interspersed with environmental isolates, suggesting there have been multiple introductions from land into the ocean. Overall, our results underscore that A. sydowii is a true opportunist, with a diversity of nonrelated isolates able to cause disease in corals. This study highlights the challenge in distinguishing between the role of environment in allowing opportunistic pathogens to increase and actual introductions of new pathogenic microorganisms for coral diseases.
Mechano‐perception in Chara cells: the influence of salinity and calcium on touch‐activated receptor potentials, action potentials and ion transport
Authors: SHEPHERD VIRGINIA A. , BEILBY MARY J. , AL KHAZAALY SABAH A.S. , SHIMMEN TERUO 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the impact of increased salinity on touch‐induced receptor and action potentials of Chara internodal cells. We resolved underlying changes in ion transport by current/voltage analysis. In a saline medium with a low Ca2+ ion concentration [(Ca2+)ext], the cell background conductance significantly increased and proton pump currents declined to negligible levels, depolarizing the membrane potential difference (PD) to the excitation threshold [action potential (AP)threshold]. The onset of spontaneous repetitive action potentials further depolarized the PD, activating K+ outward rectifying (KOR) channels. K+ efflux was then sustained and irrevocable, and cells were desensitized to touch. However, when [Ca2+]ext was high, the background conductance increased to a lesser extent and proton pump currents were stimulated, establishing a PD narrowly negative to APthreshold. Cells did not spontaneously fire, but became hypersensitive to touch. Even slight touch stimulus induced an action potential and further repetitive firing. The duration of each excitation was extended when [Ca2+]ext was low. Cell viability was prolonged in the absence of touch stimulus. Chara cells eventually depolarize and die in the saline media, but touch‐stimulated and spontaneous excitation accelerates the process in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. Our results have broad implications for understanding the interactions between mechano‐perception and salinity stress in plants.
Oxygen isotope composition of CAM and C3Clusia species: non‐steady‐state dynamics control leaf water 18O enrichment in succulent leaves
Authors: CERNUSAK LUCAS A. , MEJIA‐CHANG MONICA , WINTER KLAUS , GRIFFITHS HOWARD 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTLeaf gas exchange and leaf water 18O enrichment (Δ18OL) were measured in three Clusia species under field conditions during dry and wet seasons and in Miconia argentea during the dry season in the Republic of Panama. During the dry season, all three Clusia species used crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM); during the wet season Clusia pratensis operated in the C3 mode, while Clusia uvitana and Clusia rosea used CAM. Large departures from isotopic steady state were observed in daytime Δ18OL of the Clusia species, especially during the dry season. In contrast, daytime Δ18OL was near isotopic steady state in the C3 tree M. argentea. Across the full data set, non‐steady‐state predictions explained 49% of variation in observed Δ18OL, whereas steady‐state predictions explained only 14%. During the wet season, when Δ18OL could be compared with Clusia individuals operating in both C3 and CAM modes, steady‐state and non‐steady‐state models gave contrasting predictions with respect to interspecific variation in daytime Δ18OL. The observed Δ18OL pattern matched that predicted for the non‐steady state. The results provided a clear example of how non‐steady‐state control of leaf water 18O dynamics can shift the slope of the relationship between transpiration rate and daytime Δ18OL from negative to positive.
Fine‐root respiration in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forest exposed to elevated CO2 and N fertilization
Authors: DRAKE JOHN E. , STOY PAUL C. , JACKSON ROBERT B. , DeLUCIA EVAN H. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTForest ecosystems release large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere from fine‐root respiration (Rr), but the control of this flux and its temperature sensitivity (Q10) are poorly understood. We attempted to: (1) identify the factors limiting this flux using additions of glucose and an electron transport uncoupler (carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenylhydrazone); and (2) improve yearly estimates of Rr by directly measuring its Q10in situ using temperature‐controlled cuvettes buried around intact, attached roots. The proximal limits of Rr of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees exposed to free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and N fertilization were seasonally variable; enzyme capacity limited Rr in the winter, and a combination of substrate supply and adenylate availability limited Rr in summer months. The limiting factors of Rr were not affected by elevated CO2 or N fertilization. Elevated CO2 increased annual stand‐level Rr by 34% whereas the combination of elevated CO2 and N fertilization reduced Rr by 40%. Measurements of in situ Rr with high temporal resolution detected diel patterns that were correlated with canopy photosynthesis with a lag of 1 d or less as measured by eddy covariance, indicating a dynamic link between canopy photosynthesis and root respiration. These results suggest that Rr is coupled to daily canopy photosynthesis and increases with carbon allocation below ground.