bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrin α1β1 is involved in the differentiation into myofibroblasts in adult reactive tissues in vivo
Authors: Rodriguez Alejandro , Karen Jakob , Gardner Humphrey , Gerdin Bengt , Rubin Kristofer , Sundberg Christian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractConnective tissue cell activation is of importance during reactive conditions such as solid tumour growth, wound healing and pannus formation in rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we have compared connective tissue cells of mesenchymal origin in human tissues from these conditions and their normal counterparts using a panel of cell‐type‐specific markers. In particular, we investigated variations of integrin expression among connective tissue cell phenotypes. Connective tissue cell populations were defined based on their association with the microvasculature and their expression of activation markers. The phenotype of these cells varied according to the type of pathological connective tissue examined. Our morphological data from human tissues suggested that the α1β1 integrin, a collagen/laminin receptor, is involved in the differentiation of precursor cells into myofibroblasts. To mechanistically investigate this hypothesis, we employed experimental models for carcinoma growth and wound healing utilizing α1 integrin‐deficient mice. The data confirmed that the α1β1 integrin is of importance not only for the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into myofibroblasts but also for the neovascularization and connective tissue organization and emphasize the importance of myofibroblasts in the pathophysiology of tissue repair, inflammation and tumour growth.
Circulating endothelial cells, microparticles and progenitors: key players towards the definition of vascular competence
Authors: Sabatier F. , Camoin‐Jau L. , Anfosso F. , Sampol J. , Dignat‐George F. 
Published: December 2008

Introduction
Dynamics between endothelial injury and repair: the response to injury theory ‘revisited’
Emerging biomarkers reflecting the dynamics between endothelial injury and repair: from pathophysiology to clinical testing.
Endothelial lesion versus regeneration: towards the definition of ‘vascular competence’
Conclusion

AbstractThe balance between lesion and regeneration of the endothelium is critical for the maintenance of vessel integrity. Exposure to cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) alters the regulatory functions of the endothelium that progresses from a quiescent state to activation, apoptosis and death. In the last 10 years, identification of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and endothelial‐derived microparticles (EMP) in the circulation has raised considerable interest as non‐invasive markers of vascular dysfunction. Indeed, these endothelial‐derived biomarkers were associated with most of the CRFs, were indicative of a poor clinical outcome in atherothrombotic disorders and correlated with established parameters of endothelial dysfunction. CEC and EMP also behave as potential pathogenic vectors able to accelerate endothelial dysfunction and promote disease progression. The endothelial response to injury has been enlarged by the discovery of a powerful physiological repair process based on the recruitment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from the bone marrow. Recent studies indicate that reduction of EPC number and function by CRF plays a critical role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. This EPC‐mediated repair to injury response can be integrated into a clinical endothelial phenotype defining the ‘vascular competence’ of each individual. In the future, provided that standardization of available methodologies could be achieved, multimarker strategies combining CEC, EMP and EPC levels as integrative markers of ‘vascular competence’ may offer new perspectives to assess vascular risk and to monitor treatment efficacy.
Membrane‐targeted strategies for modulating APP and Aβ‐mediated toxicity
Authors: Price Katherine A. , Crouch Peter J. , Donnelly Paul S. , Masters Colin L. , White Anthony R. , Curtain Cyril C. 
Published: December 2008

Introduction
Role of amyloid‐β (Aβ) and APP in AD
Cell membranes
Aβ and cell membranes
AD therapeutics targeting the membrane
Potential for metal complex delivered metal ions to alter membrane‐mediated activation pathways
Conclusions

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by numerous pathological features including the accumulation of neurotoxic amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide. There is currently no effective therapy for AD, but the development of therapeutic strategies that target the cell membrane is gaining increased interest. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) from which Aβ is formed is a membrane‐bound protein, and Aβ production and toxicity are both membrane mediated events. This review describes the critical role of cell membranes in AD with particular emphasis on how the composition and structure of the membrane and its specialized regions may influence toxic or benign Aβ/APP pathways in AD. The putative role of copper (Cu) in AD is also discussed, and we highlight how targeting the cell membrane with Cu complexes has therapeutic potential in AD.
Laminin isoforms in human embryonic stem cells: synthesis, receptor usage and growth support
Authors: Vuoristo Sanna , Virtanen Ismo , Takkunen Minna , Palgi Jaan , Kikkawa Yamato , Rousselle Patricia , Sekiguchi Kiyotoshi , Tuuri Timo , Otonkoski Timo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTo reveal the functional intrinsic niche of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) we examined the production of basement membrane (BM) proteins and the presence of their receptors in feeder‐free cell culture conditions. In addition, we investigated binding of hESCs to purified human BM proteins and identified the receptors mediating these contacts. Also, we tested whether purified human laminin (Lm) isoforms have a role in hESC self‐renewal and growth in short‐term cultures. The results show that hESCs synthesize Lm α1 and Lm α5 chains together with Lm β1 and γ1 chains suggesting the production of Lms‐111 and ‐511 into the culture medium and deposits on cells. hESCs contain functionally important integrin (Int) subunits, Int β1, α3, α6, α5, β5 and αV, as well as the Lm α5 receptor, Lutheran (Lu) glycoprotein and its truncated form, basal cell adhesion molecule (B‐CAM). In cell adhesion experiments, Int β1 was crucial for adhesion to most of the purified human BM proteins. Lu/B‐CAM mediated adhesion to Lm‐511 together with Int α3β1, and was essential for the adhesion of hESCs to embryonic feeder cells. Adhesion to Lm‐411 was mediated by Int α6β1. Lm‐511 supported hESC growth in defined medium equally well as Matrigel. These results provide consequential information of the biological role of BM in hESCs, warranting further investigation of BM biology of human pluripotent stem cells.
CHILD PROTECTION MEDIATION: A 25‐YEAR PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Edwards Leonard 
Published: December 2008

This article reviews the creation, development, and growth of child protection mediation (CPM) in the United States. Starting with a few pilot projects in the 1970s, CPM has grown throughout the country. The article traces child protection's development through the publication of the Resource Guidelines and Model Courts and then discusses what the necessary ingredients for a mediation program are. Mediation is then discussed from a judicial perspective. Barriers to mediation are listed, followed by a discussion of special issues that arise when developing and maintaining CPM programs. The article concludes with the observation that CPM is now recognized as a best practice by most judges and court improvement professionals and that it continues to grow.
Characters of Cysteine Endopeptidases in Wheat Endosperm during Seed Germination and Subsequent Seedling Growth
Authors: Shi Chao , Xu Lang‐Lai 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe endopeptidases (EPs) in wheat endosperm during seed germination and subsequent seedling growth were characterized by gradient‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with gelatin copolymerized into the gel. Four cysteine EPs (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) were detected in wheat endosperm during the 7 d growth after seed imbibition. The results also showed that the activities of all of these EPs increased continuously, and EP2 first appeared and had the highest proteolytic activity among the four EPs in this experimental process. The optimum pH and temperature of all four EPs were 4.0 and 40.0 °C. All EPs were completely inhibited by 25 μmol/L E‐64 and had no good thermal stabilities, especially EP1. In addition, these EPs had different substrate specificities to albumins, globulins, gliadins and glutenins; the main storage proteins of mature wheat endosperm. Among them, EP2 had the highest proteolytic activities on globulins, gliadins and glutenins, and might be the most important and specific EP with potential to be tightly correlated with seedling development.
Ectopic Overexpression of Wheat Adenosine Diphosphate‐ribosylation Factor, TaARF, Increases Growth Rate in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yao Yingyin , Ni Zhongfu , Du Jinkun , Han Zongfu , Chen Yan , Zhang Qingbo , Sun Qixin 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Differential gene expression between hybrids and their parents is considered to be associated with heterosis. However, the physiological functions and possible contribution to heterosis of these differentially expressed genes are unknown. We have isolated one hybrid upregulated gene encoding putative wheat ADP‐ribosylation factor, designated TaARF. In this study, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the TaARF transcript was preferentially expressed in root, node and crown, and the accumulation of TaARF mRNA in hybrid was more than 1.5‐fold higher than that in two parents. In order to understand possible roles of the putative wheat ARF gene, TaARF was overexpressed in Arabidopsis, and the transgenic plants were characterized. We show that ectopic overexpression of TaARF in Arabidopsis leads to increased leaf area, increased growth rate and earlier transition to flowering, suggesting that TaARF plays significant roles in growth and development. This study provides evidence demonstrating that TaARF plays important roles in growth and development and we speculate that the upregulated expression of this gene might contribute to the heterosis observed in wheat root and leaf growth.
Genetic Analysis and Fine Mapping of Two Genes for Grain Shape and Weight in Rice
Authors: Guo Longbiao , Ma Lilian , Jiang Hua , Zeng Dali , Hu Jiang , Wu Liwen , Gao Zhenyu , Zhang Guangheng , Qian Qian 
Published: December 2008

Abstract To identify genetic loci controlling grain weight, an elite indica rice variety, Baodali, with large grains was identified and used in this study. Its derived F2, F3 and BC2F2 with another japonica rice variety Zhonghua 11 were used as mapping populations. Linkage analyses demonstrated that two genes controlling grain weight, designated as GW3 and GW6, were mapped to chromosome 3 and chromosome 6, respectively. Fine mapping delimited GW3 to a 122 kb physical distance between two sequence tagged site markers (WGW16 and WGW19) containing 16 open reading frames annotated by The Institute for Genomic Research (http://www.tigr.org). GW6 was further mapped between two simple sequence repeat markers (RM7179 and RM3187). These results are useful for both marker assisted selection of grain weight, and for further cloning of GW genes, which will contribute to the dissection of the molecular mechanism underlying grain weight in rice.
Bacteriological Qualities of Dialysis Fluid in Japan as of 31 December 2006
Authors: Masakane Ikuto , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Akiba Takashi , Watanabe Yuzo , Iseki Kunitoshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractsThe Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) collected the data from 3488 dialysis facilities about the status of bacteriological qualities and quality controls for dialysis fluid as of 31 December 2006. The data included the endotoxin (ET) levels, bacterial counts and usage of ET retentive filters (ETRFs). It was found that ET level measurements were performed in 2873 facilities (82.4%). The JSDT standard for ET level in dialysis fluid (<0.050 EU/mL) was achieved in 89.0%, and an ET level less than 0.001 EU/mL was achieved in 29.8%; however, bacterial counts were examined in only 1049 facilities (34.1%). The JSDT standard for the bacterial cell count in dialysis fluid (<100 cfu/mL) was achieved in 96.9%, and a count of 0.1 cfu/mL, which guarantees ultra‐pure dialysis fluid, was achieved in 48.4%. ETRFs were installed in 78.5% of all facilities and in 53.4% of all dialysis machines. Although the JSDT standard is the most stringent in the world, the compliance rate was excellent. Bacteriological water qualities of dialysis fluid are extremely high in most Japanese dialysis facilities and this might have a close relationship to the high dialysis patient survival rate in Japan.
Difficulty in Improving Malnutrition and Low‐grade Inflammation in Diabetic Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Park Sung‐Won , Seo Jung‐Ju , Bae Ho‐Sang , Kim Jong‐Yeon , Kim Chan‐Duck , Park Sun‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Lim 
Published: December 2008

AbstractContinuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is commonly used for renal replacement therapy in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. We investigated the changes of peritoneal transport characteristics, nutritional status, and adequacy and inflammation parameters in diabetic CAPD patients (N = 17) compared to non‐diabetic patients (N = 23). Peritoneal equilibrium testing, nutritional, biochemical, and anthropometric parameters and adequacy were prospectively assessed at 1 (baseline), 6 and 12 months after initiating CAPD. The levels of several nutritional parameters were lower and did not change in DM patients over time (P < 0.05) and significantly improved in the non‐DM patients over time (P < 0.05). Total weekly creatinine clearance and residual renal function exhibited a rapid decline (P < 0.05) and inflammation parameter levels were higher in DM patients (P < 0.05). Our results showed the difficulty in improvement of nutritional status and inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients during at least the first year of CAPD compared to non‐DM patients.
A Case Report of Double‐Filtration Plasmapheresis for the Resolution of Refractory Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Jiang Xinxin , Lu Mingxi , Ying Yingjuan , Feng Jian , Ye Youxin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA 29‐year‐old Chinese female was diagnosed with chronic urticaria. Dexamethasone and gamma globulin initially resolved the illness; however, when dexamethasone was decreased and gamma globulin was withdrawn, urticaria emerged again and could not be controlled by any of the medications used. The diagnosis of refractory chronic urticaria was made and double‐filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) was performed. The symptoms were relieved during the first DFPP procedure and the disease resolved shortly thereafter. DFPP theoretically removes medium to large molecular substances such as IgG and IgE from circulation, and therefore may prove to be an effective treatment for refractory chronic urticaria.
Planet formation in the habitable zone of α Centauri B
Authors: Thébault P. , Marzari F. , Scholl H. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Recent studies have shown that α Centauri B might be, from an observational point of view, an ideal candidate for the detection of an Earth-like planet in or near its habitable zone (0.5–0.9 au). We study here if such habitable planets can form, by numerically investigating the planet-formation stage which is probably the most sensitive to binarity effects: the mutual accretion of km-sized planetesimals. Using a state-of-the-art algorithm for computing the impact velocities within a test planetesimal population, we find that planetesimal growth is only possible, although marginally, in the innermost part of the habitable zone (HZ) around 0.5 au. Beyond this point, the combination of secular perturbations by the binary companion and gas drag drives the mutual velocities beyond the erosion limit. Impact velocities might later decrease during the gas removal phase, but this probably happens too late for preventing most km-sized objects to be removed by inward drift, thus preventing accretion from starting anew. A more promising hypothesis is that the binary formed in a crowded cluster, where it might have been wider in its initial stages, when planetary formation was ongoing. We explore this scenario and find that a starting separation roughly 15 au wider, or an eccentricity 2.5 times lower than the present ones, is required to have an accretion-friendly environment in the whole HZ.
Uncertainties in theoretical He i emissivities: H ii regions, primordial abundance and cosmological recombination
Authors: Porter R. L. , Ferland G. J. , MacAdam K. B. , Storey P. J. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A number of recent works in astronomy and cosmology have relied upon theoretical He i emissivities, but we know of no effort to quantify the uncertainties in the atomic data. We analyse and assign uncertainties to all relevant atomic data, perform Monte Carlo analyses, and report standard deviations in the line emissivities. We consider two sets of errors, which we call ‘optimistic’ and ‘pessimistic’. We also consider three different conditions, corresponding to prototypical Galactic and extragalactic H ii regions and the epoch of cosmological recombination. In the extragalactic H ii case, the errors we obtain are comparable to or larger than the errors in some recent Yp calculations, including those derived from cosmic microwave background observations. We demonstrate a systematic effect on primordial abundance calculations; this effect cannot be reduced by observing a large number of objects. In the cosmological recombination case, the errors are comparable to many of the effects considered in recent calculations.
Highly ionized gas on galaxy scales: mapping the interacting Seyfert galaxy LEDA 135736
Authors: Gerssen J. , Wilman D. J. , Christensen L. , Bower R. G. , Wild V. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We have used the VIMOS Integral Field Unit to map the properties of the Seyfert 1.9 galaxy LEDA 135736. These maps reveal a number of interesting features including: an extended narrow-line region (ENLR) detectable out to ∼9 kpc, an area of intense star formation located at a projected distance of 12 kpc from the centre, an elliptical companion galaxy, and kinematic features, aligned along the long axis of the ENLR, that are consistent with radio jet driven mass outflow. We propose that the ENLR results from extraplanar gas ionized by the active galactic nucleus (AGN), and that the AGN in turn might be triggered by interaction with the companion galaxy, which can also explain the burst of star formation and morphological features. Only about 2 per cent of the ENLR's kinetic energy is in the mass outflow. We infer from this that the bulk of mechanical energy imparted by the jet is used to heat this gas.
CORRELATIONS AND PREDICTION EQUATIONS FOR FATTY ACIDS AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF LONGISSIMUS RIB STEAKS FROM FORAGE‐FED CATTLE AND RETAIL USDA CHOICE AND SELECT RIB STEAKS
Authors: BAUBLITS R.T. , POHLMAN F.W. , BROWN A.H. , JOHNSON Z.B. , RULE D.C. , ONKS D.O. , MURRIETA C.M. , RICHARDS C.J. , SANDELIN B.A. , LOVEDAY H.D. , PUGH R.B. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT Rib steaks (n = 52) from forage‐fed cattle and United States Department of Agriculture Choice and Select rib steaks obtained from area supermarkets were utilized to determine correlations between fatty acids and sensory characteristics, to develop prediction models for sensory characteristics, and to determine correlations among fatty acids. The beef/brothy and beef fat sensory characteristics were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with 16:0, 16:1cis‐9 and 18:1, and negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with 15:0, α‐18:3, 20:4, 20:5, 22:5 and 22:6. The grassy sensory characteristic was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with 15:0, 16:1trans‐9, 18:0, 18:2cis‐9,trans‐11 (conjugated linoleic acid [CLA]), α‐18:3, 20:5, 22:5 and 22:6. Regression utilizing stepwise selection to develop prediction equations for sensory characteristics indicated that the beef/brothy sensory characteristic was best predicted (P < 0.05) by the single fatty acid 20:5, with this fatty acid explaining 40% of the variation. CLA and α‐18:3 were utilized in the model that best predicted (P < 0.05) milky/oily flavor, with these two fatty acids explaining 31% of the variation. These results indicate that CLA and the 20‐ and 22‐carbon polyunsaturates have large roles in influencing flavor, causing increases in grassy and milky/oily flavor or decreasing beef/brothy flavor.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSWith the increase in concentrate feed costs, it has become more important to finish cattle on alternate feedstuffs, particularly forage. However, shifting cattle from concentrate to forage finishing diets may impart different sensory attributes of the beef produced. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to predict palatability characteristics such as beef flavor in order to correctly segregate beef into markets that seek and accept different sensory attributes. Results from this study would allow beef to be identified from its fatty acid profile as forage finished or grain finished in sensory characteristics and therefore targeted to the appropriate markets. Furthermore, with these results, it may be possible to produce and correctly classify beef from forage‐finished diets that may exhibit affinities to deposition of fatty acids more closely associated with grain‐finished beef, and therefore fit into those markets.
MICROBIAL, INSTRUMENTAL COLOR AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUND BEEF PROCESSED FROM BEEF TRIMMINGS TREATED WITH POTASSIUM LACTATE, SODIUM METASILICATE, PEROXYACETIC ACID OR ACIDIFIED SODIUM CHLORITE AS SINGLE ANTIMICROBIAL INTERVENTIONS
Authors: POHLMAN F.W. , DIAS‐MORSE P.N. , QUILO S.A. , BROWN A.H. , CRANDALL P.G. , BAUBLITS R.T. , STORY R.P. , BOKINA C. , RAJARATNAM G. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT Beef trimmings, inoculated with Escherichia coli (EC) and Salmonella typhimurium (ST), were treated with 3% potassium lactate (K‐L), 4% sodium metasilicate (NMS), 0.1% acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) or 0.02% peroxyacetic acid (PAA) prior to grinding. The ground beef packages were sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of simulated retail display. All treatments reduced (P < 0.05) EC, coliforms and aerobic plate counts up to and some in excess of 1 log and ST count ≥ 1.5 logs. Sensory panelists found ground beef from all treatments to generally be similar (P > 0.05) to the control in odor and similar (P > 0.05) in color for the K‐L and NMS treatments during initial display. Instrumental color results indicated that K‐L, NMS and PAA were similar (P > 0.05) in redness (a*) to the control. These findings indicated that use of tested antimicrobial agents can reduce microbial numbers with little impact on sensory odor and color characteristics.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSAlthough antimicrobial interventions have shown promising results in decontaminating meat products, there are only a limited number of antimicrobial products that can be used without causing adverse effects on quality characteristics of the final product. Consumers often discriminate against discolored meat products, and thus any deleterious effects on color and other quality attributes in decontaminated products will lead to a negative economic impact. The outcome of this research will provide information on selection of antimicrobial agents that will maximize ground beef safety without causing deleterious effects on quality attributes. Application of suitable antimicrobial interventions at the end of a production line will be advantageous to supply ground beef with increased shelf‐life and decreased or no risk for illnesses caused by pathogens.