bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐activation treatment with demecolcine improves development of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in pigs by modifying the remodeling of donor nuclei
Authors: Song Kilyoung , Hyun Sang‐Hwan , Shin Taeyoung , Lee Eunsong 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of cytochalasin B (CB) and/or demecolcine (Dc) on the remodeling of donor nuclei, nuclear ploidy, and development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and parthenogenetic (PA) pig embryos. SCNT and PA oocytes were either untreated (control), or treated with CB, Dc, or both CB and Dc after electric activation, and then cultured or transferred to surrogates. In SCNT, blastocyst formation was higher after treatment with CB and/or Dc (26–28%) than in the controls (16%). The number of oocytes that formed a single pronucleus (PN) was higher after treatment with Dc (86%) and CB + Dc (86%) than under control conditions (44%) or after treatment with CB (63%). In PA, blastocyst formation was higher after CB treatment (47%) than under control conditions (28%), while the formation of a single PN was higher after treatment with Dc (88%) and CB + Dc (84%) compared to controls (34%). The rate of formation of diploid embryos was higher after treatment with Dc and CB + Dc than under control conditions. Dc treatment resulted in a farrowing rate of 50% with 1.1% production efficiency, while controls showed a farrowing rate of 37.5% and a production efficiency of 0.7%. The results of our study demonstrate that post‐activation treatment with Dc improves preimplantation development and supports normal in vivo development of SCNT pig embryos, probably because Dc induces formation of a single PN and this leads to normal nuclear ploidy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 611–619, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of relationships between transverse relaxation rate, diffusion coefficient, and labeled cell concentration in ischemic rat brain using MRI
Authors: Athiraman Hemanthkumar , Jiang Quan , Liang Ding Guang , Zhang Li , Gang Zhang Zheng , Wang Lei , Arbab Ali S. , Li Qingjiang , Panda Swayam , Ledbetter Karen , Rad Ali M. , Chopp Michael 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMRI has been used to evaluate labeled cell migration and distribution. However, quantitative determination of labeled cell concentration using MRI has not been systematically investigated. In the current study, we investigated the relationships between labeled cell concentration and MRI parameters of transverse relaxation rate, R2, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), in vitro in phantoms and in vivo in rats after stroke. Significant correlations were detected between iron concentration or labeled cell concentration and MRI measurements of R2, ADC, and ADC×R2 in vitro. In contrast, in vivo labeled cell concentration did not significantly correlate with R2, ADC, and ADC×R2. A major factor for the absence of a significant correlation between labeled cell concentration and MRI measurements in vivo may be attributed to background effects of ischemic tissue. By correcting the background effects caused by ischemic damage, ΔR2 (difference in R2 values in the ischemic tissue with and without labeled cells) exhibited a significant correlation to labeled cell concentration. Our study suggests that MRI parameters have the potential to quantitatively determine labeled cell concentration in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nosologic imaging of the brain: segmentation and classification using MRI and MRSI
Authors: Luts Jan , Laudadio Teresa , Idema Albert J. , Simonetti Arjan W. , Heerschap Arend , Vandermeulen Dirk , Suykens Johan A. K. , Van Huffel Sabine 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA new technique is presented to create nosologic images of the brain based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). A nosologic image summarizes the presence of different tissues and lesions in a single image by color coding each voxel or pixel according to the histopathological class it is assigned to. The proposed technique applies advanced methods from image processing as well as pattern recognition to segment and classify brain tumors. First, a registered brain atlas and a subject‐specific abnormal tissue prior, obtained from MRSI data, are used for the segmentation. Next, the detected abnormal tissue is classified based on supervised pattern recognition methods. Class probabilities are also calculated for the segmented abnormal region. Compared to previous approaches, the new framework is more flexible and able to better exploit spatial information leading to improved nosologic images. The combined scheme offers a new way to produce high‐resolution nosologic images, representing tumor heterogeneity and class probabilities, which may help clinicians in decision making. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute metabolite concentrations calibrated using the total water signal in brain 1H MRS
Authors: Brief E. E. , Moll R. , Li D. K. B. , MacKay A. L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been coupled with a multi‐echo imaging sequence to determine the relaxation corrected signal areas of the metabolites and the tissue water. Stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) spectra (TE/TM/TR 30/13.7/5000 ms) acquired from gray and white matter voxels in 43 healthy volunteers were fit using LCModel. Corresponding water signals, measured using a multi‐echo T2 imaging sequence, were fit with a Non‐Negative Least Squares algorithm. Using this approach the water area could be T1 and T2 corrected for all three water compartments: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), intra‐ and extra‐cellular water, and myelin water. The image‐based water measurement is an improvement over spectroscopy methods because it can be more sensitive to water changes in diseased tissue. Metabolite areas were also corrected for relaxation losses. In occipital gray matter, the concentrations of Cho, Cr, and N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) were 1.27 (0.06), 8.9 (0.3), and 9.3 (0.3) mmol/L tissue, respectively and in parietal white matter they were 1.90 (0.05), 7.9 (0.2), and 9.8 (0.2) mmol/L tissue. The Cho and Cr concentrations were different in occipital gray compared to parietal white matter (p < 0.0001 and <0.005, respectively). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive multi‐scale approach to the modelling of masonry structures
Authors: Ainsworth Mark , Mihai L. Angela 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe present an adaptive multi‐scale approach for predicting the mechanical behaviour of masonry structures modelled as dynamic frictional multi‐body contact problems. In this approach, the iterative splitting of the contact problem into normal contact and frictional contact is combined with a semismooth Newton/primal‐dual active‐set procedure to calculate deformations and openings in the model structures. This algorithm is then coupled with a novel adaptive multi‐scale technique involving a macroscopic scale, which is the size of the masonry structure, and a mesoscopic scale, which is the size of the constituents (bricks, stone‐blocks), to predict appearance of dislocations and stress distribution in large‐scale masonry structures. Comparisons of the numerical results with data from experimental tests and from practical observations illustrate the predictive capability of the multi‐scale algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite deformation brick element with inhomogeneous mode enhancement
Authors: Mueller‐Hoeppe D. S. , Loehnert S. , Wriggers P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper we describe a new enhanced assumed strain finite element for finite deformations. The element is based on the split of the deformation of an element into a homogeneous and inhomogeneous part. The enhancement is applied to the inhomogeneous part only. For the homogeneous part a compressible Neo‐Hooke material is used, while for the inhomogeneous part linear elasticity is assumed. In several examples it is shown that the element is locking and hourglassing free as well as insensitive to initial element distortion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of singular enrichment functions in the generalized/extended finite element method for three‐dimensional problems
Authors: Park Kyoungsoo , Pereira Jeronymo P. , Duarte C. Armando , Paulino Glaucio H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA mapping method is developed to integrate weak singularities, which result from enrichment functions in the generalized/extended finite element method. The integration scheme is applicable to 2D and 3D problems including arbitrarily shaped triangles and tetrahedra. Implementation of the proposed scheme in existing codes is straightforward. Numerical examples for 2D and 3D problems demonstrate the accuracy and convergence properties of the technique. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate reanalysis in topology optimization
Authors: Amir Oded , Bendsøe Martin P. , Sigmund Ole 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn the nested approach to structural optimization, most of the computational effort is invested in the solution of finite element analysis equations. In this study, the integration of an approximate reanalysis procedure into the framework of topology optimization of continuum structures is investigated. The nested optimization problem is reformulated to accommodate the use of an approximate displacement vector and the design sensitivities are derived accordingly. It is shown that relatively rough approximations are acceptable since the errors are taken into account in the sensitivity analysis. The implementation is tested on several small and medium scale problems, including 2‐D and 3‐D minimum compliance problems and 2‐D compliant force inverter problems. Accurate results are obtained and the savings in computation time are promising. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occlusal microwear texture analysis and the diets of historical/prehistoric hunter‐gatherers
Authors: El‐Zaatari S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWith the exception of few studies, occlusal microwear of pre‐agricultural modern humans has not been documented. In this study, microwear fabrics of samples from seven historic/prehistoric hunter‐gatherer populations with known and diverse dietary habits, representing mostly meat‐eaters from different environments, arctic/tundra (Tigara from Point Hope), cold‐steppe (Fuegians) and Mediterranean (Chumash), and mixed‐diet hunter‐gatherers from tropical climates (Andamanese and Khoe‐San from Matjes River, Riet River, and Oakhurst Shelter), were analysed to better understand how dietary differences affect microwear in these groups and to establish a reasonable comparative database for interpreting fossil hominins microwear.Significant microwear differences, related to diet and food preparation techniques, between the meat‐eaters and mixed‐diet hunter‐gatherers were detected. Finer scale differences within each of these dietary categories were also observed. Ethnographic accounts indicate that the Tigara and Andamanese ingested hard particles attached to their food as a result of their food preparation techniques; their microwear fabrics also reflect highly abrasive diets. On the other hand, as expected, the microwear signatures of the Chumash and Fuegians indicate a diet low in abrasives, reflecting their almost exclusive reliance on marine meat for subsistence and the low amounts of extraneous particles attached to this meat. The mixed‐diet Khoe‐San occupy an intermediate position between the Tigara and Andamanese on the one hand, and the Chumash and Fuegians on the other, with regard to the level of abrasives ingested. The Khoe‐San ate large amounts of hard plants, most likely responsible for abrading their enamel surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gal‐3 is stimulated by gain‐of‐function p53 mutations and modulates chemoresistance in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Lavra Luca , Ulivieri Alessandra , Rinaldo Cinzia , Dominici Roberto , Volante Marco , Luciani Emidio , Bartolazzi Armando , Frasca Francesco , Soddu Silvia , Sciacchitano Salvatore 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGalectin‐3 (Gal‐3) is an anti‐apoptotic molecule of the β‐galactoside‐binding lectin family. Gal‐3 is down‐regulated by wt‐p53 and this repression is required for p53‐induced apoptosis. Since poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDTCs) and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) frequently harbour p53 mutations, we asked whether Gal‐3 expression and activity could be influenced by such mutations in these tumours. We found a positive correlation between Gal‐3 expression and p53 mutation in human thyroids and in thyroid carcinoma cell lines (TCCLs) harbouring different p53 mutations. Gal‐3 was over‐expressed in most ATCs and TCCLs, especially those with the most frequently detected p53 mutation (p53R273H). Over‐expression of p53R273H in two p53‐null cells (SAOS‐2 and SW‐1736) as well as in two wt‐p53‐carrying TCCLs (TPC‐1 and K1), stimulated Gal‐3 expression, while interference with p53R273H endogenous expression in ARO cells down‐regulated Gal‐3 expression. Conversely, over‐expression of wt‐p53 in ARO cells restored the inhibitory effect on Gal‐3 expression. ARO cells are highly resistant to apoptosis and express both p53 and Gal‐3, which are increased upon cisplatin treatment. Interference with Gal‐3 expression in these cells stimulated their chemosensitivity. In conclusion, gain‐of‐function p53 mutant acquires the de novo ability to stimulate Gal‐3 expression and to increase chemoresistance in ATCs. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UCH‐L1 expression of podocytes in diseased glomeruli and in vitro
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wu Jiajing , Wu Huijuan , Wang Tianzhan , Gan Hualei , Zhang Xin , Liu Ye , Li Ruixi , Zhao Zhonghua , Chen Qi , Guo Muyi , Zhang Zhigang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractUbiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase‐L1 (UCH‐L1), an important member of de‐ubiquitination enzyme families involved in the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, is expressed mainly in neural and reproductive systems as well as in some tumours. Recently, expression of UCH‐L1 has been discovered in parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsules and some tubular epithelia in the kidney. However, whether UCH‐L1 is expressed in the capillary tufts of the glomeruli has not yet become clear. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence labelling, immunoelectron microscopy in kidney biopsy tissues and western blot in cultured rat podocytes to investigate the expression of UCH‐L1 and the regulation of this expression in podocytes. The results demonstrated that UCH‐L1 was expressed in podocytes and its expression was significantly higher in acute proliferative glomerulonephritis (APGN), lupus nephritis (LN), membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) and IgA nephropathy than that in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), minimal change disease (MCD), minor abnormality and normal kidney tissues (p < 0.05). In in vitro experiments, western blot showed that UCH‐L1 expression significantly increased in the two groups of podocytes co‐cultured with mesangial cells exposed to ATS 50 µl/ml and ATS 50 µl/ml with normal human serum 30 µl/ml, respectively (p < 0.05), while the other groups treated with TGFβ1 1 ng/ml, TNFα 10 ng/ml or IL‐1 10 ng/ml had little rise of UCH‐L1 expression, with no statistical significance compared with normal control (p > 0.05). Further tests indicated that the percentage of PCNA‐positive podocytes in LN, APGN and IgA nephropathy was significantly higher than that in MCD, FSGS and normal control (p < 0.05). These data show for the first time that podocytes do express UCH‐L1 and that its expression can be increased in these immunocomplex‐mediated nephrites. The immune injury is a main cause for stimulating podocytes to express UCH‐L1. The expression of UCH‐L1 may be associated with the regeneration of podocytes as a repair response to immunocomplex‐mediated injury. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of Pani and Pani‐Ag nanocomposites via interfacial polymerization
Authors: Bedre Mahesh D. , Basavaraja S. , Salwe Balaji D. , Shivakumar V. , Arunkumar Lagashetty , Venkataraman A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolyaniline (Pani) and Polyaniline‐silver nanocomposites (Pani‐Ag) were prepared by employing interfacial polymerization using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. During the polymerization, the Ag+ is reduced to Ag0, and the formations of regular nanocomposite materials were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images were conducted to characterize the morphology. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis were carried out to study the thermal stability of the resulting composites. Formation of conducting emeraldine salt form was concluded by electrical conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure and properties of poly(ethylene oxide)‐organo clay nanocomposite prepared via melt mixing
Authors: Abraham T.N. , Ratna D. , Siengchin S. , Karger‐Kocsis J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/organo clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt‐mixing using a laboratory kneader followed by compression molding. The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Their crystallization behavior in hot stage was investigated by polarized optical microscopy (POM). A decrease in size and regularity were observed as a result of incorporation of clay into the PEO matrix. The dynamic viscoelastic behavior of PEO/organo clay nanocomposites was assessed using a strain‐controlled parallel plate rheometer. The effects of clay concentration and the processing temperature on the rheological properties of the nanocomposites were extensively studied. A significant increase in the viscosity and storage modulus of the nanocomposites was found with the increasing clay content. The flow activation energy decreased with the incorporation of clay. The reinforcing effect of the organoclay was determined in dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Atmospheric‐Air Plasma Surface Modification of Polyethylene Powder
Authors: Píchal Jan , Hladík Jan , Špatenka Petr 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe surface modification of polyethylene powder using a plasma reactor based on a dielectric barrier discharge in air at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature is investigated. The process is inexpensive, and the necessity of any vacuum equipment and technical gases is alleviated. The efficiency of the modification process was successfully demonstrated by ESCA measurements that proved formation of new functional groups at the modified powder surface. The modification effect was also evaluated by means of dynamic capillarity rising measurements. Powder capillarity tests proved significant powder capillarity changes. The reduction of the modification effect was also limited (max. reduction of about 20% during 1 100 d after the modification date).magnified image
Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for biomarker discovery
Authors: Penque Deborah 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe proteome project, initiated in 1995, was made possible by 2‐DE combined with MS. The project main objective was and remains the identification of all proteins expressed by a cell, tissue or organism in a given time and condition. Following this objective, the global profiling of proteins in health versus pathological state by the 2‐DE/MS‐based proteomic approach has contributed to the elucidation of the basic mechanisms of disease by discovering candidate disease biomarkers and disease targets for new drug development. This review will briefly summarize the historical evolution of 2‐DE up to today, and review 2‐DE/MS technology and its specific methods of study of immunoresponse (immunoproteomics), PTM of proteins, complex protein–protein interactions (interactome), the proteome of cell membrane and intracellular proteome turnover in disease biomarker discovery.
Clinical screening of autonomic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hale Leigh A. , Nukada Hitoshi , Du Plessis Lodewicus J. , Peebles Karen C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the autonomic nervous system. Although exercise may be beneficial for people with MS, those with autonomic dysfunction may have altered heart rate responses to exercise. We investigated the hypothesis that the pattern of increase in heart rate on commencement of a simple cycle test would be different in those participants with MS who had been shown to have autonomic dysfunction on laboratory testing compared with both control participants and MS participants not exhibiting autonomic involvement. Method. A controlled cohort study with a volunteer sample of 31 adults with MS (26 women, 5 men) with a mean age of 46 ± 8.00 years (32–60 years), a median Expanded Disability Severity Scale of 3 (1–6) and a mean duration since diagnosis of 10.3 years (0.1–39 years). Thirty‐one age‐matched, non‐disabled, sedentary but healthy adults (26 women, 5 men) with a mean age of 45 ± 9.5 years (24–57) comprised the control group. Autonomic function was evaluated using continuous heart rate and blood pressure responses to rhythmical deep breathing, the Valsalva manoeuvre, passive postural change and a simple cycle test. Results. There were no significant differences in age, height or weight (p < 0.05) between the two groups or on any of the autonomic test results (p < 0.05). Five participants with MS (16%) had abnormal autonomic function on laboratory testing, two of whom demonstrated an abnormal heart rate response to the cycle test. Conclusions. It is suggested that physiotherapists monitor the heart rate response to a dynamic exercise test in people with MS prior to prescribing an exercise programme to ensure patients' safety. Should the response appear delayed or attenuated, referral for more formal autonomic laboratory testing is recommended. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Home or away? Community rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: a case report
Authors: Mccormack Elaine , Liddiard Heather 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Purpose. A case report of AJ, a 25 year old man who had a severe traumatic brain injury and required ongoing rehabilitation. This study illustrates that community based rehabilitation can be the medium of choice to meet a client's rehabilitation needs. Method. 3 separated episodes of rehabilitation were given over a two year period. Meaningful goals were negotiated with client and main carer throughout; the supportive and effective care system provided by his family allowed abilities to be maintained and progress between sessions and episodes of care. Results. Goals were achieved in each rehabilitation episode, maintained and progressed in each treatment break, with incremental reduction in levels of dependency for AJ, and improvement in quality of life for him and his family. Conclusion. With a specialist professional team and good support network, the community is the environment of choice for rehabilitation of severely brain injured clients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.