bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of a spinning disc confocal unit with frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Authors: van Munster E. B. , Goedhart J. , Kremers G. J. , Manders E. M. M. , Gadella T. W. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:Wide‐field frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is an established technique to determine fluorescence lifetimes. Disadvantage of wide‐field imaging is that measurements are compromised by out‐of‐focus blur. Conventional scanning confocal typically means long acquisition times and more photo bleaching. An alternative is spinning‐disc confocal whereby samples are scanned simultaneously by thousands of pinholes, resulting in a virtually instantaneous image with more than tenfold reduced photo bleaching.Methods:A spinning disc unit was integrated into an existing FLIM system. Measurements were made of fluorescent beads with a lifetime of 2.2 ns against a 5.3 ns fluorescent background outside the focal plane. In addition, living HeLa cells were imaged with different lifetimes in the cytosol and the plasma membrane.Results:In spinning‐disc mode, a lifetime of the beads of 2.8 ns was measured, whereas in wide field a lifetime of 4.1 ns was measured. Lifetime contrast within living HeLa cells could be resolved with the spinning‐disc unit, where this was impossible in wide field.Conclusions:Integration of a spinning‐disc unit into a frequency‐domain FLIM instrument considerably reduces artifacts, while maintaining the advantages of wide field. For FLIM on objects with 3D lifetime structure, spinning‐disc is by far preferable over wide‐field measurements. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology.
Identification and quantification of high fluorescence‐stained lymphocytes as antibody synthesizing/secreting cells using the automated routine hematology analyzer XE‐2100
Authors: Linssen J. , Jennissen V. , Hildmann J. , Reisinger E. , Schindler J. , Malchau G. , Nierhaus A. , Wielckens K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives:The aim of this study was to classify and quantify the high fluorescence lymphocytes area (HFL‐count) from the SYSMEX XE‐2100 leucocyte differential channel as antibody‐synthesizing or ‐secreting cells (ASC, plasma cells or lymphoplasmacytoid cells) in reactive diseases. To unequivocally identify the HFL cells, all possibly eligible cell populations have been investigated: activated B‐lymphocytes, activated T‐lymphocytes, large granular lymphocytes (LGL), activated monocytes, and immature granulocytes.Methods:In total, 85 patients were analyzed on the XE‐2100 and compared with the automated image analysis system Cellavision Diffmaster 96 based on artificial neural network and immunophenotyping method with the BD FACSCalibur™.Results:Reproducibility tests for HFL demonstrated a mean coefficient of variation of 13.9% for very low results and 1.5% for high results. The linearity data showed a good correlation (R2 = 0.99) between expected and measured HFL. The comparison with possibly eligible cell populations showed no significant correlation between activated monocytes and immature granulocytes, with most immature granulocytes (promyelocyte I or II), natural killer cells or LGLs, activated T‐lymphocytes, and sub‐T‐lymphocytes populations. However, for activated B‐lymphocytes an excellent significant correlation with the peripheral blood smear, and the immunophenotyping method has been found with R2 = 0.900, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.897, P < 0.001, respectively. The slope of 1.1 and intercept of minus 5 cells/μL of the regression equation between HFL‐count and ASC (smear) do indicate an excellent quantification of the HFL‐count, as well.Conclusion:The fully automated SYSMEX XE‐2100 HFL‐count identifies and quantifies the ASC cells (activated B‐lymphocytes) with high precision and reliability in patients without hematology system diseases, thus providing a potential screening and monitoring tool for any patient with suspected infection. Additional studies are required to comprehend in more detail the full clinical utility of an HFL (ASC) count as a potential diagnostic indicator of inflammation, infection, or sepsis. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Reticulated platelet counts correlate with treatment response in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and help identify the complex causes of thrombocytopenia in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Thomas‐Kaskel Anna‐Katharina , Mattern Dominik , Köhler Gabriele , Finke Jürgen , Behringer Dirk 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:In thrombocytopenic conditions of unknown origin, quantification of reticulated platelets (RP) in the peripheral blood by flow cytometry has been shown to differentiate increased platelet (Plt) turnover from insufficient Plt production.Methods:We used a whole blood flow cytometry method combining thiazole orange and anti‐CD41a‐staining to assess RP in 71 healthy subjects, six with thrombocytopenic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), nine with liver cirrhosis, 14 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and 12 patients who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).Results:Patients with MDS had normal, patients with liver cirrhosis had slightly elevated RP counts compared to healthy subjects. ITP patients had elevated RP counts, and RP >15% were associated with treatment response (P = 0.015). In 7/10 patients after HSCT, an increase of RP preceded Plt recovery, whereas in patients with secondary thrombocytopenia after normal regeneration, the assessment of RP allowed the differentiation between conditions with high Plt turnover, such as GvHD and microangiopathy, indicated by high RP counts, and graft failure, indicated by low RP counts.Conclusions:Our data provide the rationale for prospective studies on the diagnostic and prognostic value of RP counts in larger patient populations with ITP and after HSCT. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society
Accurate assessment of cell count and viability with a flow cytometer
Authors: Shenkin Mark , Babu Ramesh , Maiese Russell 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:In this study we developed a method to measure cell concentration and viability in specimens received in flow cytometry and cytogenetics laboratories.Methods:Specimens are stained with a vital fluorescent dye, SYTO13, the cell impermeant viability dye, 7‐AAD, and a leukocyte marker, CD45. After the addition of an internal calibrator microsphere, FLOW‐COUNT™, the flow cytometer is capable of measuring the viability of nucleated cells, giving a general assessment of leukocyte populations and measuring their concentration.Results:An accurate assessment of specimen quality is an important parameter when performing flow cytometric and cytogenetic leukemia/lymphoma assessment. High quality specimen is desired to avoid the pitfalls of non‐specific staining and limited cellularity/viability.Conclusions:Use of a cell count and viability measurement prior to leukemia and lymphoma assessment by flow cytometry and cytogenetics helps to increase the rate of successful immunophenotypic and cytogenetic analysis. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society
Time‐dependent postsynaptic AMPA GluR1 receptor recruitment in the cingulate synaptic potentiation
Authors: Toyoda Hiroki , Wu Long‐Jun , Zhao Ming‐Gao , Xu Hui , Zhuo Min 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is critical for brain functions including learning, memory, fear and pain. Long‐term synaptic potentiation (LTP), a cellular model for learning and memory, has been reported in the ACC neurons. Unlike LTP in the hippocampus and amygdala, two key structures for memory and fear, little is known about the synaptic mechanism for the expression of LTP in the ACC. Here we use whole‐cell patch clamp recordings to demonstrate that cingulate LTP requires the functional recruitment of GluR1 AMPA receptors; and such events are rapid and completed within 5–10 min after LTP induction. Our results demonstrate that the GluR1 subunit is essential for synaptic plasticity in the ACC and may play critical roles under physiological and pathological conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
The notion of ‘phonology’ in dyslexia research: cognitivism—and beyond
Authors: Uppstad Per Henning , Tønnessen Finn Egil 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPhonology has been a central concept in the scientific study of dyslexia over the past decades. Despite its central position, however, it is a concept with no precise definition or status. The present article investigates the notion of ‘phonology’ in the tradition of cognitive psychology. An attempt is made to characterize the basic assumptions of the phonological approach to dyslexia and to evaluate these assumptions on the basis of commonly accepted standards of empirical science. First, the core assumptions of phonological awareness are outlined and discussed. Second, the position of Paula Tallal is presented and discussed in order to shed light on an attempt to stretch the cognitive‐psychological notion of ‘phonology’ towards auditory and perceptual aspects. Both the core assumptions and Tallal's position are rejected as unfortunate, albeit for different reasons. Third, the outcome of this discussion is a search for what is referred to as a ‘vulnerable theory’ within this field. The present article claims that phonological descriptions must be based on observable linguistic behaviour, so that hypotheses can be falsified by data. Consequently, definitions of ‘dyslexia’ must be based on symptoms; causal aspects should not be included. In fact, we claim that causal aspects, such as ‘phonological deficit’, both exclude other causal hypotheses and lead to circular reasoning. If we are to use terms such as ‘phonology’ and ‘phoneme’ in dyslexia research, we must have more precise operationalizations of them. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secondary immunisation with high‐dose heterologous peptide leads to CD8 T cell populations with reduced functional avidity
Authors: Narayan Sharmal , Choyce Allison , Fernando Germain J. P. , Leggatt Graham R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractExpansion of high‐ or low‐avidity CD8 T cells in vitro inversely correlates with the concentration of peptide ligand present during culture. In contrast, the selective enrichment of high‐ or low‐avidity T cell populations in vivo using peptide immunisation is not well documented. In our study, a single immunisation with different doses of wild‐type peptide or a variant peptide able to stimulate CTL responses cross‐reactive with wild‐type peptide failed to shift the average avidity of the responding CD8 T cell population specific to either peptide. However, in contrast to homologous prime‐boost immunisation, heterologous prime‐boost immunisation incorporating high doses of the second immunogen resulted in peptide‐specific CD8 T cell populations polarized toward a low average functional avidity. These data suggest that sequential exposure to structurally related viral peptides could impair rather than promote anti‐viral immunity by lowering the avidity of the responding CD8 T cell population. This study has implications for improving vaccine strategies against viruses and tumours and enhances our understanding of heterologous immunity during sequential viral infection.
CD38 cross‐linking enhances TLR‐induced B cell proliferation but decreases IgM plasma cell differentiation
Authors: Manjarrez‐Orduño Nataly , Moreno‐García Miguel E. , Fink Katja , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIt is becoming increasingly clear that the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of B cells to plasma cells involves the integration of a variety of intracellular signals provided by receptors of both the adaptive and innate immune system. The cross‐linking of the surface molecule CD38 induces calcium mobilization, protein phosphorylation and NF‐κB translocation into the nucleus, ultimately leading to proliferation and isotype switching toward IgG1. Here we describe (a) the effect on B cell activation of stimulating through both CD38 and Toll‐like receptors 4, 7 and 9; and (b) that CD38 cross‐linking increases the number of proliferating cells and the rate of proliferation in LPS‐stimulated B cells by a Bruton's tyrosine kinase‐ and protein kinase C‐dependent mechanism. In contrast, CD38 cross‐linking reduces the number of cells committed to IgM plasma cell differentiation as measured by the number of CD138+ cells, antibody secretion, and the expression of PAX5, Bcl6 and Blimp‐1. Since a putative ligand for CD38 is expressed by germinal center follicular dendritic cells, and CD38 expression is down‐regulated in germinal center B cells, we speculate that CD38 might participate in the outcome of post‐germinal center antibody responses.
A Bis(di‐n‐butyltin)–Quinone Derivative as a Simultaneous Chemo‐ and Bioactive Corrosion Inhibitor
Authors: Barba Victor , Vega Edgar , Höpfl Herbert , Zamudio‐Rivera Luis S. , Domínguez‐Aguilar Marco A. , George‐Tellez Rocío , Godínez‐Salomon Fernando , Hallen‐Lopez José M. , Beltran Hiram I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe bis(di‐n‐butyltin) derivative of 2,5‐bis(2‐hydroxyethylamino)‐1,4‐benzoquinone was synthesized and characterized by common spectroscopic techniques. In solution, discrete molecules with pentacoordinate tin atoms were observed, whereas the X‐ray diffraction analysis of the solid‐state structure revealed polymeric chains that were due to intermolecular Sn···O bonds. In vitro tests demonstrated that the tin compound displays bactericidal activity against a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Acute toxicity tests indicated that the di‐n‐butyltin compound has a relatively low toxicity level. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the ligand and the tin compound were evaluated by polarization scans of mild steel samples that had been exposed to a sour brine environment. The tin–quinone compound showed good inhibition efficiency (about 75 %) at relatively low concentrations (25–50 ppm) and at different testing times (0.25–20 h).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
γ‐Aminoadamantanecarboxylic Acids Through Direct C–H Bond Amidations
Authors: Wanka Lukas , Cabrele Chiara , Vanejews Maksims , Schreiner Peter R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUtilizing bromine‐free, direct C–H bond amidations we have synthesized a large variety of adamantane amides. Depending on the precursors used these amides directly yield pharmaceutically active aminoadamantanes or γ‐aminoadamantanecarboxylic acids after hydrolytic cleavage. Theserigid analogues of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) were protected at the C‐ and N‐termini and we synthesized a number of peptides incorporating γ‐aminoadamantanecarboxylicacids in solution as well as via solid phase peptide synthesis. These peptides are promising scaffolds for applications in medicinal chemistry as well as in organocatalysis.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
3D‐Ensembles of Gold Nanowires: Preparation, Characterization and Electroanalytical Peculiarities
Authors: De Leo Manuela , Kuhn Alexander , Ugo Paolo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNanoelectrode ensembles (NEEs) of gold nanodisks, prepared by electroless template deposition of gold within the pores of track‐etched polycarbonate membranes, are treated with oxygen plasma or with solvent mixtures in order to achieve controlled etching of part of the polycarbonate of the template. This causes the structure of the final ensemble to change from a 2‐D flat structure into a 3‐D one. The cyclic voltammetric (CV) behavior of redox probes at the 3D‐NEEs is examined and compared with the behavior observed at 2D‐NEEs. Finally, 3D‐NEEs are examined in order to test possible applications for the development of mediated sensors.
A Suggestion of Electrochemical Biosensor for Study of Platinum(II)‐DNA Interactions
Authors: Krizkova Sona , Adam Vojtech , Petrlova Jitka , Zitka Ondrej , Stejskal Karel , Zehnalek Josef , Sures Bernd , Trnkova Libuse , Beklova Miroslava , Kizek Rene 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAs a consequence of the employment of platinum based cytostatic drugs in tumor diseases treatment, it became necessary not only to detect them in biological samples but also to determine and study the Pt‐DNA adducts, which is highly important during investigation of resistance on antitumor treatment. Thus, the main objective of this work was to study the interactions between DNA and cisplatin. Primarily, we studied changes in electrochemical behavior of cisplatin in the presence of different concentrations of sodium chloride using differential pulse voltammetry. We found out that the highest signal of cisplatin was measured in 0.75 M NaCl with detection limit of 100 pM. The current accepted opinion about platinum based cytostatics mechanism of action is that the drugs induce their cytotoxic properties through binding to the nuclear DNA. That is why we followed by investigation of DNA interactions with cisplatin. For these purposes we have suggested a new biosensor, EDTA metallothionein modified hanging mercury drop electrode (EDTA MT biosensor) and used cyclic voltammetry as a comparative technique. The average concentration of the drug bound to DNA was estimated as 8.1 ng of cisplatin per 500 ng of DNA by EDTA MT biosensor. It follows from the results obtained that the suggested EDTA MT biosensor could be a new useful tool for investigation of interaction of DNA with cisplatin, because give a response only in the present of Pt(II)‐DNA adduct.
New Aspects of Microbial Nitrogen Transformations in the Context of Wastewater Treatment – A Review
Authors: Paredes D. , Kuschk P. , Mbwette T. S. A. , Stange F. , Müller R. A. , Köser H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOver the past few years, new technologies for nitrogen removal have been developed mainly because of the increasing financial costs of the traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Newly discovered pathways, like the anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (ANAMMOX), and uses for nitrogen removal technologies are under discussion. Processes and technologies such as: Partial nitrification; Single reactor systems for High Ammonium Removal Over Nitrite (SHARON); Anammox; Aerobic/anoxic deammonification; Oxygen Limited Autotrophic Nitrification‐Denitrification (OLAND); Completely Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal Over Nitrite (CANON); wetland based systems, all have a high potential for nitrogen removal. However, the pathways of nitrogen transformation processes are very complex. An understanding of how various environmental factors affect these processes and a sound knowledge of existing, worldwide experience pertaining to these novel technologies are the key if the nitrogen removal rates are to be improved and success is to be realized in full‐scale applications. This review describes the present knowledge of the new treatment technologies for wastewater with high nitrogen loads. Special emphasis is given to the influence of environmental factors and the reactor configuration on the nitrogen transformation process and microbial activity.
Preliminary Study towards the Use of In‐situ Microscopy for the Online Analysis of Microcarrier Cultivations
Authors: Anton F. , Burzlaff A. , Kasper C. , Brückerhoff T. , Scheper T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn order to apply newly developed non‐invasive in‐situ microscope systems for the monitoring of microcarrier‐based cultivations, appropriate image analysis systems must be available. Thus a simple, but effective greyscale distribution scan algorithm was tested for the evaluation of images generated by either a standard phase‐contrast microscope or an in‐situ microscope. The images were analyzed according to their greyscale pattern in order to examine whether the greyscale distribution is a possibility to gain information about the covering ratio.The mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH–3T3) was grown on different microcarrier spheres. At first, different microcarriers were tested with respect to their suitability for microscopic observation. In a second part, the phase‐contrast pictures and in‐situ microscope pictures of the microcarrier were separately analyzed using the histogram function of CorelPhotopaint, which analyzes the greyscale distribution within the chosen area. Due to the low optical density of the polydextrin matrix, the images of Cytodex 1 microcarriers proved to be an ideal model for the image analysis. Significant differences in the greyscale distribution of this microcarrier without cells and with increased cell density were observed. Therefore a relationship between the cell density on the microcarriers and the greyscale pattern can be assumed. After automating this image analysis and calibrating the cell number/greyscale pattern relationship, it should be possible to analyze the plating efficiency/covering ratio on the microcarrier online by in‐situ microscopy.
Use of electrochemical iron generation for removing heavy metals from contaminated groundwater
Authors: Brewster M. D. , Passmore R. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper utilizes data from two pilot studies conducted at Superfund Sites to discuss the electrochemical iron addition process developed by Andco Environmental Processes, Inc. Electrical current and steel electrodes were used to put ferrous and hydroxyl ions into solution. Once added, the chemistry was properly manipulated to provide coprecipitation and adsorption conditions capable of simultaneously removing a wide variety of heavy metals. The goals of the two projects were distinctly different. At the first site, conversion of ferrous ions to the ferric state resulted in thorough reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium. Observations and results from this study are used to discuss system design, sludge production, and operating costs. At the second location, high concentrations of many metals required removal. The presence of arsenic necessitated chemically induced oxidation. Hydrogen peroxide was introduced to convert Fe+2 to Fe+3 and arsenite to arsenate. By efficiently shifting the equilibrium state and adjusting pH to create conditions for maximum anion adsorption, an arsenic removal efficiency of over 99.8 percent was obtained. Proper process application resulted in simultaneous removal of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, thallium, and zinc. Also, when necessary treatment conditions were provided and maintained, metals removal by three major mechanisms resulted in iron matrices that passed regulatory levels listed in conjunction with the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedures (TCLP).
Weathering of sandstone by the combined action of frost and salt
Authors: Williams R. B. G. , Robinson D. A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPreliminary results from a continuing series of laboratory experiments designed to examine the combined effects of salt and frost weathering indicate that some salts greatly enhance the breakdown of rocks by frost. Samples of Ardingly Sandstone from southeast England were soaked in saturated solutions of sodium chloride or sodium sulphate and subjected to alternating cycles of freezing and thawing. Rapid disintegration of the sandstone occurred within twenty cycles, in each of the salt solutions. In contrast, samples subjected to freezing and thawing in deionized water suffered very little damage unless they were saturated under vacuum.When samples were subjected to twenty cycles of wetting and drying at temperatures above 0°C, those soaked in deionised water or sodium chloride suffered no appreciable damage but those soaked in sodium sulphate rapidly disintegrated.Tentative explanations of these results are offered. The enhancement of frost weathering by salt appears to have been overlooked by many writers yet it is likely to be an important geomorphological process in those areas of mid and high latitudes where rocks are saturated with sodium salts.