bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular abnormalities in Folr1 knockout mice and folate rescue
Authors: Zhu Huiping , Wlodarczyk Bogdan J. , Scott Melissa , Yu Wei , Merriweather Michelle , Gelineau‐van Waes Janee , Schwartz Robert J. , Finnell Richard H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:Periconceptional folic acid supplementation is widely believed to aid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), orofacial clefts, and congenital heart defects. Folate‐binding proteins or receptors serve to bind folic acid and 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate, representing one of the two major mechanisms of cellular folate uptake.METHODS:We herein describe abnormal cardiovascular development in mouse fetuses lacking a functional folate‐binding protein gene (Folr1). We also performed a dose‐response study with folinic acid and determined the impact of maternal folate supplementation on Folr1 nullizygous cardiac development.RESULTS:Partially rescued preterm Folr1−/− (formerly referred to as Folbp1) fetuses were found to have outflow tract defects, aortic arch artery abnormalities, and isolated dextracardia. Maternal supplementation with folinic acid rescued the embryonic lethality and the observed cardiovascular phenotypes in a dose‐dependant manner. Maternal genotype exhibited significant impact on the rescue efficiency, suggesting an important role of in utero folate status in embryonic development. Abnormal heart looping was observed during early development of Folr1−/− embryos partially rescued by maternal folinic acid supplementation. Migration pattern of cardiac neural crest cells, genetic signals in pharyngeal arches, and the secondary heart field were also found to be affected in the mutant embryos.CONCLUSIONS:Our observations suggest that the beneficial effect of folic acid for congenital heart defects might be mediated via its impact on neural crest cells and by gene regulation of signaling pathways involved in the development of the pharyngeal arches and the secondary heart field. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized comparative trial of a thin‐strut bare metal cobalt‐chromium stent versus a sirolimus‐eluting stent for coronary revascularization
Authors: Ortolani Paolo , Marzocchi Antonio , Marrozzini Cinzia , Palmerini Tullio , Saia Francesco , Taglieri Nevio , Aquilina Matteo , Baldazzi Federica , Silenzi Simona , Cooke Robin M.T. , Reggiani Maria‐Letizia Bacchi , Branzi Angelo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To see whether use of a sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) is superior to a third‐generation thin‐strut, cobalt‐chromium stent (CCS) in terms of in‐segment late loss at 9 months in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: Stent‐strut thickness has been shown to be strictly related with risk of in‐stent restenosis, but available demonstrations of the angiographic efficacy of SES have been based on comparisons with thick‐strut bare metal control stents. METHODS: The primary outcome measure of this single‐center, single‐blind randomized comparative trial was 9‐month in‐segment late loss. Eligibility criteria were symptomatic coronary artery disease and target vessel diameter appropriate for implantation a 3‐mm stent. Based on a power calculation, 104 patients were randomly assigned to receive a SES (Cypher™) or a CCS (Vision™). RESULTS: In‐segment late loss was significantly lower in the SES group (0.18 ± 0.40 mm vs 0.58 ± 0.51 mm, P < 0.001). Regarding subsidiary outcome measures, in‐segment restenosis (at 9 months) was recorded in 10% (5/50) patients treated with SES and 23% (11/48) receiving CCS (P = 0.14). No clinical difference between the two groups was apparent at 12 months. Freedom from target vessel failure at 12 months was 72% for SES patients and 68% for CCS patients (P = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with de‐novo coronary lesions at medium risk of restenosis the anti‐proliferative effect of SES is greater than that of a thin‐strut CCS. Nevertheless, the angiographic results of the CCS were rather good. It remains to be seen whether the angiographic superiority of SES can translate into clinical superiority. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on outcome of patients undergoing carotid artery stenting: Insights from a single center registry
Authors: Gurm Hitinder S. , Rajagopal Vivek , Sachar Ravish , Abou‐Chebl Alex , Kapadia Samir R. , Bajzer Chris , Yadav Jay S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the impact of diabetic status on outcome of patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). Background: Diabetes has been demonstrated to be a strong predictor of adverse outcome in patients undergoing coronary revascularization. Its significance in predicting outcome of patients undergoing carotid interventions has not been ascertained. Methods: We evaluated the short‐term outcomes of 833 patients who underwent CAS at our institution. The primary outcome of this analysis was 30 day incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. Results: Diabetes was present in 311 patients. Baseline characteristics were comparable between diabetics and nondiabetics except for the diabetics having a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, lower hemoglobin, and a higher body mass index at baseline. Further, they were more likely to have congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. There was no difference in the incidence of stroke (1.9% versus 2.7%,), myocardial infarction (MI) (2.6% versus 1.9%), death (3.9% versus 2.5%), or the composite of death stroke or MI (6.8% versus 5.9%) at 30 days between diabetics and nondiabetics. Similar results were seen when the analysis was restricted to patients treated with an emboli protection device. Diabetes was not a risk factor for adverse outcome after CAS after multivariate adjustment. Conclusion: Diabetics undergoing CAS are more likely to have associated co‐morbidities. However despite this handicap, their short term outcome after CAS is similar to that of nondiabetics. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of Chrysotile Fibres in the Degradation of Cationic and Nonionic Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Fachini Adriano , Joekes Inés 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIt was previously observed that sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is degraded in the presence of chrysotile fibres. A higher catalytic efficiency was obtained than the reported values for TiO2 under the same conditions. Chrysotile, a clay mineral fibre of low cost and relatively abundant, probably acts as a catalyst through an Advanced Oxidative Process (AOP) involving free radical formation. In this work, experiments with non‐ionic – Triton X‐45 (octil‐phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol) – and cationic – Herquat 3500 (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride) – surfactants were carried out. Diluted aqueous solutions (50 ppm) of these surfactants were kept in contact with chrysotile (4.0 g) in the dark at room temperature. The aromatic ring disappearance was followed through the absorbance peaks at 224 nm (Triton X‐45) and 208 nm (Herquat 3500) in the UV spectra. After 4 h, reductions in the surfactant solution concentration of 65.0% and 35.0% were observed for the Triton X‐45 and the Herquat 3500 surfactants, respectively. In both cases, reactions carried out without aeration showed a lower reduction of the aromatic ring concentration (30.0% less) when compared to the values obtained for the systems with airflow. The system containing the non‐ionic surfactant seems to achieve equilibrium after 2 h, what is not observed for the cationic surfactant system.
Treatment of a Trifluraline Effluent by Means of Oxidation‐Coagulation with Fe(VI) and Combined Fenton Processes
Authors: Martins Ayrton F. , da S. Frank Carla , Wilde Marcelo L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe amination water (AW) effluent stream from the industrial production of the trifluraline herbicide was submitted to an oxidation‐coagulation treatment with potassium ferrate, combined with advanced oxidation processes. The experimental results obtained by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the oxidation‐coagulation‐Fenton process, evaluating the variables pH (A), Fe(VI) concentration (B), and H2O2 concentration (C), demonstrated that the regression equation resulting from the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) experimental design, for the quadratic model, was ηAbs (%) = 36.9– 21.58A + 8.37A2 + 1.36B + 0.92B2 + 1.08C + 1.52C2 + 1.27AB – 1.34AC + 1.33BC. The maximum absorptiometric color reduction occurred at pH 3, with corresponding maximum amounts of iron and hydrogen peroxide. The absorptiometric color and COD reduction were 96% and 57%, respectively. For the oxidation‐coagulation‐photo‐Fenton process, the analyzed variables were pH (A), Fe(VI) concentration (B), H2O2 concentration (C), and temperature (D). The regression equation resulting from the quadratic model was ηAbs (%) = 38.3 – 20.2A + 8.12A2 – 0.27B + 3.73B2 + 0.3C + 3.6C2 + 1.67D + 3.1D2 + 1.72AB + 0.51AC – 1.82AD + 0.74BC – 1.11BD + 0.03CD. The ANOVA response showed that the highest absorptiometric color reduction occurred at pH 3, with respective maximum amounts of iron and hydrogen peroxide at 60°C. The maximum efficiencies achieved by the proposed treatment process for the trifluraline effluent stream were 95% and 85%, for absorptiometric color and COD reduction, respectively.
Influence of the soil profile randomness on the seismic response of multilayered soils with a rigid inclusion
Authors: Badaoui M. , Berrah M. K. , Mebarki A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe paper deals with the seismic response of a multilayered soil. It focuses on the influence of the uncertainty that may affect the soil height (SH). The soil under study is considered as a superposition of layers that extend horizontally to infinity. A tunnel, located inside this soil, is supposed to behave as a rigid inclusion; it represents a part of the Algiers subway. Its dynamical response is investigated under Boumerdes earthquake effect, 21 May 2003 (MW =6.5). The soil accelerations are collected at Keddara station (12 from the epicentre) as it corresponds to bedrock. As the study is devoted herein to SH wave propagation, the accelerations under study correspond to the EW horizontal direction.The SH below the tunnel is assumed to be a random variable. For this purpose, a log‐normal distribution is adopted. The probabilistic seismic response of the soil is thus investigated. The mean and standard deviation of the tunnel displacement as well as of both the extreme ground acceleration and the transfer function are analysed. The present analysis is based on the boundary element method, which is adequate for the case of systems with infinite boundaries, while Green's functions are calculated using the thin layer method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigid element model for in‐plane dynamics of masonry walls considering hysteretic behaviour and damage
Authors: Casolo Siro , Peña Fernando 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA specific rigid element approach is proposed for the in‐plane dynamical analysis of masonry walls, whose seismic performance is strongly related to mechanical deterioration and hysteretic energy dissipation. Since the execution of effective time‐history analysis necessitates the use of discrete models with reduced number of degrees of freedom, the tricky issue lies in achieving a balance between accuracy in the geometrical description and the need for a realistic damage material model. For this reason, a mechanistic ‘rigid body spring model’ (RBSM) was adopted, which consists of a collection of plane quadrilateral rigid elements connected to each other by two normal springs and one shear spring at each side. The material model was based on a phenomenological description of the cyclic response of masonry, and specific separate hysteretic laws were assigned for the axial and shear deformation between the elements. This separation led to a large reduction in computational effort, though a Coulomb‐like law was adopted in order to relate the strength of the shear springs to the vertical axial loading. The effective performance of the present approach is demonstrated by the numerical validation and by comparisons with some well‐known experimental and numerical tests presented in the literature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of algebra algorithms for automated generation of grain‐size distribution maps
Authors: Sarretta Alessandro , Masiol Mauro , Molinaroli Emanuela 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe grain‐size distribution of sediments is a fundamental characteristic in understanding the earth's surface environments and an essential tool in classifying sedimentary environments. Grain‐size data provide important information on the energy and dynamics of depositional environments and aid our understanding of sediment transport. Ternary diagrams (TDs) are useful and conventional tools to classify sediments on the basis of relative grain size (i.e. gravel, sand, mud or sand, silt, clay). The development of spatial modelling in a geographical information system (GIS) can assist in treating, computing and displaying sedimentological data, such as grain‐sizes. In this work, four map algebra (MA) algorithms are written in a GIS environment to automatically produce maps depicting the spatial distribution of sediment texture classes based on the most frequently used grain‐size TDs: the Shepard classification and Flemming classification for sand–silt–clay components, and the Folk et al. classification and Blair and McPherson classification for sand‐gravel‐mud components. The proposed method allows rapid assessments by producing map distributions of the parameters most widely used in sedimentology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covariations among fMRI, skin conductance, and behavioral data during processing of concealed information
Authors: Gamer Matthias , Bauermann Thomas , Stoeter Peter , Vossel Gerhard 
Published: February 2007

AbstractImaging techniques have been used to elucidate the neural correlates that underlie deception. The scientifically best understood paradigm for the detection of deception, however, the guilty knowledge test (GKT), was rarely used in imaging studies. By transferring a GKT‐paradigm to a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, while additionally quantifying reaction times and skin conductance responses (SCRs), this study aimed at identifying the neural correlates of the behavioral and electrodermal response pattern typically found in GKT examinations. Prior to MR scanning, subjects viewed two specific items (probes) and were instructed to hide their knowledge of these. Two other specific items were designated as targets and required a different behavioral response during the experiment and eight items served as irrelevant stimuli. Reaction times and SCR amplitudes differed significantly between all three item types. The neuroimaging data revealed that right inferior frontal and mid‐cingulate regions were more active for probe and target trials compared to irrelevants. Moreover, the differential activation in the right inferior frontal region was modulated by stimulus conflicts. These results were interpreted as an increased top‐down influence on the stimulus‐response‐mapping for concealed and task‐relevant items. Additionally, the influence of working memory and retrieval processes on this activation pattern is discussed. Using parametric analyses, reaction times and SCR amplitudes were found to be linearly related to activity in the cerebellum, the right inferior frontal cortex, and the supplementary motor area. This result provides a first link between behavioral measures, sympathetic arousal, and neural activation patterns during a GKT examination. Hum Brain Mapp 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of 2dTCA for the detection of irregular, transient bold activity
Authors: Morgan Victoria L. , Li Yong , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Gore John C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe temporal clustering algorithm (TCA) has been developed in order to detect irregular, transient functional MRI (fMRI) activation signals when the timings of the stimuli are unknown. Unfortunately, such methods are also sensitive to signal changes caused by motion and physiological noise. We have developed a modified TCA technique, 2dTCA, which can detect multiple different timing patterns within a dataset so that signals of interest can be separated from artifacts and those of no interest. The objective of this work was to further develop the 2dTCA methods and evaluate their performance in simulated functional MRI datasets. Comparisons were made with TCA and a freely‐distributed independent component analysis algorithm (ICA). We created two different sets of six computer‐generated phantoms with one and two different simulated activation time courses present in 10 regions of interest. The phantoms also contained real subject rigid and nonrigid body motion and noise. Sensitivity of detection, defined as the true‐positive activation rate at false‐positive activation rates varying between 0.0001 and 0.01, was compared between methods. Additionally, specificity of detection of the irregular, transient signal of interest was assessed by comparing the number of signal time courses detected by each algorithm. The results suggest that the increased sensitivity of 2dTCA over TCA in detecting this particular signal of interest is comparable to the detection with ICA, but with fewer other signals detected. A few examples of the successful application of 2dTCA to the localization of interictal activity in preliminary studies of temporal lobe epilepsy are also described. Hum Brain Mapp 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MAGE‐A9 mRNA and protein expression in bladder cancer
Authors: Picard Valérie , Bergeron Alain , LaRue Hélène , Fradet Yves 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn a previous analysis, we showed that MAGE‐As were the most frequently expressed cancer‐testis antigens in human bladder tumours. Here, we further characterized by RT‐PCR the expression of this family of genes by analyzing specifically MAGE‐A3, ‐A4, ‐A8 and ‐A9 mRNAs in 46 bladder tumours and 10 normal urothelia. We found that they were expressed in 30, 33, 56 and 54% of tumours, respectively. Although MAGE‐A8 was the most frequent, its expression was low and was also found in most normal urothelia. The other MAGE‐A mRNAs were all tumour‐specific but MAGE‐A9 mRNA was expressed at a higher level and was two times more frequent in superficial than in invasive tumours. To study the expression of the protein, we produced 2 MAGE‐A9‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) presenting no cross‐reactivity with other MAGE‐A proteins. MAb 14A11, was used to analyse the expression of the antigen in testis and tumour samples by immunohistochemistry. In testis, MAGE‐A9 expression was restricted to primary spermatocytes. Most bladder tumours that expressed the MAGE‐A9 transcript were positive with mAb 14A11. Staining was heterogeneous but half of the tumours showed over 75% positive cells. Finally, we showed that treatment of bladder cancer cells with the methylation inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, alone or in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitors MS‐275 and 4‐phenylbutyrate could strongly induce the expression of MAGE‐A9. These results show that MAGE‐A9 is frequently expressed in superficial bladder cancer and could be a relevant target for immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy because its expression can be induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stromal cells associated with early invasive foci in human mammary ductal carcinoma in situ coexpress urokinase and urokinase receptor
Authors: Nielsen Boye S. , Rank Fritz , Illemann Martin , Lund Leif R. , Danø Keld 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast to invasive ductal carcinoma is facilitated by proteolytic degradation of basement membrane. The transition can be identified as microinvasive foci in a small proportion of DCIS lesions. We have previously found that MMP‐13 is frequently expressed in such foci. To establish whether plasmin‐directed proteolysis is likely to be involved in early invasion, we have here studied the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) in human DCIS lesions with and without microinvasion. uPA mRNA was detected in periductal stromal cells in all of 9 DCIS lesions with microinvasion and in 2 of 9 DCIS lesions without microinvasion by in situ hybridization. The uPA mRNA signal was seen in numerous stromal cells in microinvasive areas together with MMP‐13 mRNA expressing cells. Double immunofluorescence analyses, using emission fingerprinting, showed that the uPA expressing stromal cells included both myofibroblasts and macrophages. The early invasive carcinoma cells were negative for uPA. uPAR immunoreactivity was focally upregulated in periductal stromal cells in all of the 9 DCIS lesions with microinvasion and in only 2 of the 9 DCIS lesions without microinvasion. uPAR was seen in both macrophages and myofibroblasts in microinvasive areas, and it was evident that uPA and uPAR colocalized in both fibroblast‐like cells and macrophage‐like cells. We conclude that periductal macrophages and myofibroblasts are strongly involved in the initial steps of breast cancer invasion by focally upregulating the expression of the plasminogen activation system and MMP‐13. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms of glutathione‐S‐transferase M1 and manganese superoxide dismutase are associated with the risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Landi Stefano , Gemignani Federica , Neri Monica , Barale Roberto , Bonassi Stefano , Bottari Fabio , Canessa Pier Aldo , Canzian Federico , Ceppi Marcello , Filiberti Rosangela , Ivaldi Gian Paolo , Mencoboni Manlio , Scaruffi Paola , Tonini Gian Paolo , Mutti Luciano , Puntoni Riccardo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIndividual response to oxidative stress, due to exposure to asbestos fibres plays a significant role in the malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) etiology. The differential impact on MPM risk of polymorphic alleles of glutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD/SOD2) genes involved in the defence against oxidative damage has been investigated. Ninety cases of MPM and 395 controls were genotyped using the arrayed‐primer extension technique. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the predictive role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially involved in MPM carcinogenesis after adjustment for potential confounders. An increased risk of MPM was found in subjects bearing a GSTM1 null allele (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.04–2.74; p = 0.034), and in those with the Ala/Ala genotypes at codon 16 within MnSOD (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.55–6.05; p = 0.001). A stronger effect of MnSOD was observed among patients without a clear exposure to asbestos fibres. No effect was found for GSTA2, GSTA4, GSTM3, GSTP1 and GSTT1 genes. These findings, if replicated, contribute substantial evidence to the hypothesis that oxidative stress and cellular antireactive oxygen species systems are involved in the pathogenesis and in the natural history of MPM. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.