bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved protein identification efficiency by mass spectrometry using N‐terminal chemical derivatization of peptides from Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nematode with unknown genome
Authors: León Ileana R. , Neves‐Ferreira Ana G. C. , Valente Richard H. , Mota Ester M. , Lenzi Henrique L. , Perales Jonas 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMatrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF) and MALDI‐MS/MS ion search (using MASCOT) have become the preferred methods for high‐throughput identification of proteins. Unfortunately, PMF can be ambiguous, mainly when the genome of the organism under investigation is unknown and the quality of spectra generated is poor and does not allow confident identification. The post‐source decay (PSD) fragmentation of singly charged tryptic peptide ions generated by MALDI‐TOF/TOF typically results in low fragmentation efficiency and/or complex spectra, including backbone fragmentation ions (series b and y), internal fragmentation etc. Interpreting these data either manually and/or using de novo sequencing software can frequently be a challenge. To overcome this limitation when studying the proteome of adult Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nematode with unknown genome, we have used chemical N‐terminal derivatization of the tryptic peptides with 4‐sulfophenyl isothiocyanate (SPITC) prior to MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS. This methodology has recently been reported to enhance the quality of MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐PSD data, allowing the obtainment of complete sequence of most of the peptides and thus facilitating de novo peptide sequencing. Our approach, consisting of SPITC derivatization along with manual spectra interpretation and Blast analysis, was able to positively identify 76% of analyzed samples, whereas MASCOT analysis of derivatized samples, MASCOT analysis of nonderivatized samples and PMF of nonderivatized samples yielded only 35, 41 and 12% positive identifications, respectively. Moreover, de novo sequencing of SPITC modified peptides resulted in protein sequences not available in NCBInr database paving the way to the discovery of new protein molecules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel hybrid electrical/mechanical optimization technique using time‐domain modeling, finite element method and statistical tools for co‐design and optimization of RF‐integrated mechanical structures
Authors: You Chisang , Staiculescu Daniela , Martin Lara , Tentzeris Manos M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe successful use of a design of experiments (DOE) and response surface methods (RSM) approaches in a simultaneous electrical and mechanical optimization study is presented for RF‐integrated mechanical structures. The basic geometry is a mechanically used composite structure consisting of composites facesheets and honeycomb core, in which a microstrip antenna is embedded. The antenna is electromagnetically modeled in time domain and it is found that, for the chosen geometry, the integrated composite structure improves the gain of the antenna without affecting the bandwidth. The structure is then optimized using the same experiment that integrates both the electrical and mechanical parameters of the system. The simple factorial design is very simple to implement and gives a clear understanding of the system behavior, including the interaction between the mechanical changes and electrical performance thus allowing the engineer to integrate, for the first time, both the electrical and mechanical features of the integrated system in the same optimization technique. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature change signals in northern Canada: convergence of statistical downscaling results using two driving GCMs
Authors: Gachon Philippe , Dibike Yonas 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCoarse resolution global climate models (GCMs) have inherent difficulty simulating a reliable climate regime in coastal areas, as in northern Canada, where sea ice and snow cover are highly sensitive to fine‐scale climate forcings. As a result, strong biases are present in GCM temperature regimes in this region, and the direct use of raw‐GCM climate change signals at the local scale is problematic. However, fine resolution climate change information for use in impact studies can be obtained via statistical downscaling (SD) methods. This study investigates the regression‐based SDSM model with respect to its potential to simulate reliable and plausible changes in mean values as well as probabilities of extreme temperatures, in some specific locations in northern Canada. Four sets of independent climate predictors, from the outputs of two GCMs (i.e. CGCM2 and HadCM3) and using two SRES emission scenarios (i.e. A2 and B2), are used by the SDSM model to construct climate scenario information for this region over the period 2070–2099. The results demonstrate that the SD model is able to capture the major part of the temperature change signal, with a plausible climatic regime for higher warming in winter than in summer and in A2 than in B2 runs. The combination of relevant atmospheric predictors in the SD process is able to take into account most key factors of the temperature change signal, with strong convergence in the magnitude and the timing of the changes in all results. The downscaling signals are more consensual and physically‐plausible in comparison with the raw GCM anomalies, with relatively better skill using HadCM3 predictors than those from CGCM2. The study also confirms that scrupulous analysis of the climate change regime and its temporal and spatial distribution at the scale of interest is essential for it to be useful in impact studies. Copyright © 2007 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Comparison and evaluation of regional climate scenarios for hydrological impact analysis: General scheme and application example
Authors: Bronstert Axel , Kolokotronis Vassilios , Schwandt Daniel , Straub Helmut 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe present a scheme and application example for evaluating simulations of possible future conditions of regional climate (‘regional climate change scenarios’) concerning their suitability for hydrological impact studies. The procedure is based on expert knowledge about the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on varying hydrological processes and different hydrological catchment status. A method to evaluate regional climate change scenarios for hydrological impact analysis is presented first, which consists basically of a two‐step knowledge‐based decision and evaluation procedure. The first step (‘climatic evaluation’) evaluates the capability of the climate scenarios to represent regional climate and the plausibility of the future climate conditions. The first step establishes the basis for the second step (‘hydrological evaluation’), which evaluates hydrologically relevant information of the climate scenarios to qualify information about the hydrological processes possibly altered by climate change. From this evaluation of the hydrological processes, an evaluation of regional catchment conditions is derived, such as long‐term water availability, drought conditions or floods.In the second part of the paper, this method is applied systematically to three different regional climate change scenarios, which have been provided for south Germany. This evaluation results in different levels of adequacy, depending on the hydrological process under question. In general, processes which are governed by temperature conditions (e.g. evaporation, snowmelt) are evaluated as ‘more useful’ than the processes governed by precipitation characteristics (e.g. runoff generation, floods). All regional climate change scenario methods investigated are of rather limited value for extreme hydrological conditions. The proposed method can serve to systematically evaluate the usefulness of climate change scenarios for hydrological impact analysis. It becomes apparent that regional climate scenarios should only be applied for hydrological application if the spatial‐temporal scale of variations of the governing hydrological processes is represented by the scenarios. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Synoptic evolution of Midwestern US extreme dew point events
Authors: Bentley Mace L. , Stallins J. Anthony 
Published: September 2007

AbstractEight Midwestern extremely high dew point events were examined with respect to their synoptic characteristics and evolution. Individual and composite analyses of events suggest that there exists three predominant features associated with extreme dew point events. In nearly all cases, the evolution of the synoptic environment includes the development and propagation of low pressure from the high plains through the upper Great Lakes. The low pressure increases and backs the surface winds acting to advect low‐level moisture from eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri eastward into Illinois and Indiana. The progression of the low pressure and attendant frontal boundaries also acts to modulate the length of the extreme low‐level dew point event. Healthy crops and sufficient soil moisture content throughout this large agricultural region were also evident during the periods of extreme low‐level moisture. Finally, the vertical thermal profile of the atmosphere during extreme dew point events supports previous findings and highlights the importance of restricted low‐level mixing as instrumental in allowing near‐surface moisture to become trapped and increased. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Preponderance of sensory versus sympathetic nerve fibers and increased cellularity in the infrapatellar fat pad in anterior knee pain patients after primary arthroplasty
Authors: Lehner Birgit , Koeck Franz X. , Capellino Silvia , Schubert Thomas E. O. , Hofbauer Raphael , Straub Rainer H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSensory nerve fibers transmit pain perception and secrete pro‐inflammatory substance P (SP). Sympathetic nerve fibers secrete anti‐inflammatory norepinephrine and endogenous opioids, which inhibit pain perception in a bidirectional crosstalk with sensory fibers. In patients with anterior knee pain after primary arthroplasty of the knee (AKP), this study investigated in parallel the innervation of the infrapatellar fat pad by sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers. A total of 32 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee (n = 10), AKP after primary knee joint replacement (n = 7), and OA of the hip (n = 15) were included. Sensory nerve fibers were semiquantitatively detected by immunohistochemistry against SP, and sympathetic nerve fibers were stained with an antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase. Cellular density of the tissue was investigated by counting cell nuclei. The density of sympathetic nerve fibers in the fat tissue was similar in knee OA as compared to AKP. In the fat tissue, density of sensory substance P–positive nerve fibers was higher in AKP than in knee OA, which was not observed in the fibrosis capsule of the fat pad. The preponderance of sensory over sympathetic nerve fibers was accompanied by an increased cellular density in fat tissue in patients with AKP compared to knee OA. A positive correlation existed between cellularity and sensory nerve fiber density in fat tissue. This study revealed a preponderance of sensory over sympathetic innervation in the infrapatellar fat pad in AKP after primary arthroplasty of the knee, which possibly leads to aggravation and continuation of AKP and local inflammation. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:342–350, 2008
Absence of toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signaling in the Donor Organ Reduces Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in a Murine Liver Transplantation Model
Authors: Shen Xiu-Da , Ke Bibo , Zhai Yuan , Gao Feng , Tsuchihashi Sei-Ichiro , Lassman Charles R. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

This study analyzes how toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in the donor organ affects the ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) sequel following liver transplantation. Isogenic orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) with rearterialization were performed in groups of wild-type (WT) and TLR4 knockout (KO) mice after donor liver preservation in University of Wisconsin solution at 4°C for 24 hours. Unlike WT OLTs, TLR4-deficient OLTs transplanted to either WT or TLR4 KO recipients suffered significantly less hepatocellular damage, as evidenced by serum alanine aminotransferase levels, and histological Suzuki's grading of liver IRI. Disruption of TLR4 signaling in OLTs decreased local neutrophil sequestration, CD4+ T cell infiltration, interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein 10 (CXCL10) and an intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, and IFN-γ, yet increased IL-4 and IL-10 expression. The well-functioning OLTs from TLR4 KO donors revealed attenuated activity of capase-3, and enhanced heme oygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, along with decreased levels of apoptotic endothelial cells/hepatocytes, as compared with WT OLTs with intact TLR4 signaling. Thus, the functional sentinel TLR4 complex in the donor organ plays a key role in the mechanism of hepatic IRI after OLT. Disruption of TLR4 pathway downregulated the early proinflammatory responses and ameliorated hepatic IRI. These results provide the rationale to locally modify innate TLR4 signaling in the donor organ to more efficiently control the adaptive posttransplantation IRI-dependent responses. Liver Transpl 13:1435–1443, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Clinical Characteristics of Thrombotic Microangiopathy Following ABO Incompatible Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Miyata Ryohei , Shimazu Motohide , Tanabe Minoru , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Hoshino Ken , Wakabayashi Go , Kawai Yoko , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) may develop after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), but the mechanism is not fully understood. We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing LDLT at our center, including TMA patients, to elucidate the clinical characteristics and presentation and to determine which patients have a higher risk of occurrence of TMA. In all, 57 adult patients were reviewed after LDLT at our institution. TMA was diagnosed by sudden and severe thrombocytopenia, followed by hemolytic anemia with fractionated erythrocytes in the blood smear. Clinical features were compared between the TMA group and the non-TMA group. Of the 57 patients, 4 were diagnosed with posttransplantation TMA. ABO blood group (ABO)-incompatibility, cyclophosphamide (CPA), and recipient blood group (type O) were closely correlated with the occurrence of TMA. Thrombocytopenia appeared 1 to 5 days before hemolytic anemia. Coagulative function markers stayed at the same level after TMA, while marked elevation was shown in fibrinolytic function markers such as plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). TMA occurred at a higher prevalence in ABO-incompatible graft recipients. Additional factors associated with ABO-incompatible transplantation, such as an overdose of immunosuppressants, may affect the likelihood of TMA. Sudden and severe thrombocytopenia presented before hemolytic anemia and the serum levels of PAI-1 correlated well with the clinical course of TMA. In conclusion, early recognition of thrombocytopenia and elevation of PAI-1 is crucial to diagnose TMA especially in ABO-incompatible LDLT. Liver Transpl 13:1455–1462, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
An Assessment of Interactions Between Hepatitis C Virus and Herpesvirus Reactivation in Liver Transplant Recipients Using Molecular Surveillance
Authors: Humar Atul , Washburn Kenneth , Freeman Richard , Paya Carlos V. , Mouas Houria , Alecock Emma , Razonable Raymund R. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been proposed to have immunomodulatory effects in transplant recipients and may promote herpesvirus reactivation. To assess this, we compared the incidence of herpesvirus reactivation in HCV-positive and HCV-negative liver transplant recipients. Quantitative viral load testing was performed at regular intervals posttransplantation for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesviruses (HHV) 6, 7, and 8, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) in 177 liver transplant patients who were HCV-positive (n = 60) or HCV-negative (n = 117). The incidence of CMV disease, CMV viremia, and the peak CMV viral load was not significantly different in HCV-positive vs. HCV-negative patients. Similarly, no differences in HHV-6 or EBV reactivation were observed. HHV-8 or VZV viremia was not detected in any patient in the study. A lower incidence of HHV-7 infection occurred in HCV-positive patients vs. HCV-negative patients (47.6% vs. 72.7%; P = 0.006). In conclusion, these results suggest that HCV infection does not appear to promote herpesvirus reactivation after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 13:1422–1427, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Incidence of Severe Ventricular Arrhythmias During Pulmonary Artery Catheterization in Liver Allograft Recipients
Authors: Gwak Mi Sook , Kim Jie Ae , Kim Gaab Soo , Choi Soo Joo , Ahn Hyun , Lee Jeong Jin , Lee Sang , Kim Myung 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Liver allograft recipients may develop a hyperdynamic circulation and cardiac electrophysiologic abnormalities. The incidence of severe ventricular arrhythmias in liver allograft recipients during pulmonary artery (PA) catheterization was determined. One hundred five liver allograft recipients were studied prospectively; 5 of the patients with preexisting valvular heart disease, ischemic heart disease, or arrhythmias were excluded. Severe ventricular arrhythmia, defined as 3 or more consecutive ventricular premature beats occurring at a rate of >100 per minute, was observed in 37.0% of the patients during insertion of the catheter and in 25.0% of the patients during removal of the catheter. Two patients developed ventricular tachycardia, and 2 developed ventricular fibrillation; the arrhythmias in these 4 patients did not respond to appropriate pharmacological treatment but resolved promptly after removal of the PA catheter. The catheter transit time from the right ventricle to the pulmonary capillary wedge position was longer in patients with severe ventricular arrhythmia than in those without this arrhythmia (91.6 ± 103.6 s versus 53.3 ± 18.4 s, P < 0.05). In conclusion, patients undergoing liver transplantation have a high risk of developing a ventricular arrhythmia during PA catheterization. Liver Transpl 13:1451–1454. 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
A facile method of shielding from UV damage by polymer photonic crystals
Authors: Wang Jingxia , Liang Jie , Wu Huimeng , Yuan Wenfang , Wen Yongqiang , Song Yanlin , Jiang Lei 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: UV radiation is a potent and ubiquitous carcinogen, which is responsible for most of the skin cancer in the human population. General UV protection materials may produce dangerous degradation products under UV irradiation; therefore, safe, nontoxic and simple UV protection approaches are urgent requirements.RESULTS: A series of photonic crystals with stopband covering the range 200–400 nm have been fabricated which can shield radiation from the whole UV range. Both UV‐visible and 1H NMR results confirm the effective protection from UV light of 254 nm.CONCLUSIONS: A facile method for UV protection has been demonstrated by utilizing the unusual optical properties of photonic crystals that can inhibit light propagation at a given frequency without specific requirement of chemical composition. This approach opens a new way to protect from UV damage using safe materials, which is of great significance for extending the practical applications of photonic crystals. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
No differences in physical activity in (un)diagnosed asthma and healthy controls
Authors: van Gent René , van der Ent Cornelis K. , van Essen‐Zandvliet Liesbeth E.M. , Rovers Maroeska M. , Kimpen Jan L.L. , de Meer Gea , Klijn Peter H.C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTo establish whether asthma affects physical activity levels in children (aged 7–10 years) we evaluated physical activity levels in children with undiagnosed asthma (UDA), diagnosed asthma (DA), and healthy controls (HCs). A cross‐sectional community‐based study was performed which included a parental questionnaire on their child's respiratory health, and testing of airway reversibility and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). DA was defined as the parents' confirmation of a physician's diagnosis of asthma in the past 12 months. UDA was defined by asthma symptoms combined with airway reversibility or BHR in children without a physician's diagnosis of asthma. Physical activity was measured during 5 days with an accelerometer and a diary, and with the habitual activity estimation scale which reviews the physical activity during the past 2 weeks. The final study population comprised 1614 children of whom 81 (5%) had DA, 130 (8%) UDA, and 202 HCs. Baseline FEV1 % was lowest in children with UDA (UDA FEV1 94% predicted, DA FEV1 98% predicted, HCs FEV1 100% predicted). Using the three methods, no differences were found in the physical activity between children with UDA, DA, and HCs. Childhood asthma does not appear to be associated with a decreased level of daily physical activity in our study population. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:1018–1023. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolution of CFTR protein distribution in lung tissue from normal and CF human fetuses
Authors: Marcorelles Pascale , Montier Tristan , Gillet Danièle , Lagarde Nicole , Ferec Claude 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn order to determine whether or not CFTR protein distribution differs between the airways of fetuses with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) from the airways of normal fetuses we studied the distribution pattern of the CFTR protein in lung. Cases of normal and CF human fetuses as well as cases of normal neonates were examinated. Our aim was to establish whether CFTR expression during pregnancy could be correlated with the maturation of the airways, and to compare normal and CF samples. We hypothesized that any difference between normal and CF fetal lung in CFTR protein expression could be related to a functional change appearing in early development even if no morphological differences could be detected at the light microscopic level. The distribution of CFTR protein progressively increased from 10 weeks of gestation (WG) to mid‐gestation, but thereafter decreased until term. The CFTR protein was first detected in the cytoplasm of undifferentiated epithelial cells. Before mid‐gestation, the immunostaining was strongly positive in bronchi, in sub‐mucosal glands, and in lung parenchyma. Then, it became localized to the apical zone of the epithelial cells. This pattern correlated with differentiation during the second half of gestation. The main difference observed between normal and CF fetuses was a 3‐week delay in detectability of the CFTR protein expression in the latter until 15 weeks of gestation. These results support the hypothesis of an early functional change. Abnormal fetal lung CFTR protein regulation could give rise to a predisposition to the post‐natal inflammatory changes of the airways that characterize CF disease. 2007;42:1032–1040. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.