bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of hepatic stellate cells after phagocytosis of lymphocytes: A novel pathway of fibrogenesis
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Doron Sarit , Wald Ori , Horani Amjad , Eid Ahmed , Pappo Orit , Friedman Scott L. , Safadi Rifaat 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Increased CD8-T lymphocytes and reduced natural killer (NK) cells contribute to hepatic fibrosis. We have characterized pathways regulating the interactions of human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with specific lymphocyte subsets

in vivo

and

in vitro

. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to characterize human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHLs) obtained from healthy controls and from patients with either hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) with advanced fibrosis. Liver sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. To investigate

in vitro

interactions, PBLs from healthy controls or patients with HCV cirrhosis were co-cultured with an immortalized human HSC line (LX2 cells) or with primary HSCs. Significant alterations in lymphocyte distribution were identified in IHLs but not PBLs. The hepatic CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cells were significantly reduced in HBV/HCV patients. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and infiltration of CD4, CD8, and NK cells were readily apparent in liver sections from patients with cirrhosis but not in healthy controls. Lymphocytes from each subset were in proximity to HSCs primarily within the periportal regions, and some were directly attached or engulfed. In culture, HSC activation was stimulated by HCV-derived CD8-subsets but attenuated by NK cells. Confocal microscopy identified lymphocyte phagocytosis within HSCs that was completely prevented by blocking intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and integrin molecules, or by irradiation of HSCs. LX2 knockdown of either Cdc42 or Rac1 [members of the Rho-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) family] prevented both phagocytosis and the activation of HSC by HCV-derived lymphocytes.

Conclusion:

The CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cells are significantly decreased in livers with advanced human fibrosis. Moreover, disease-associated but not healthy lymphocytes are engulfed by cultured HSCs, which is mediated by the Rac1 and Cdc42 pathways. Ingestion of lymphocytes by HSCs in hepatic fibrosis is a novel and potentially important pathway regulating the impact of lymphocytes on the course of hepatic fibrosis. (Hepatology 2008.)
Hepatocellular adenomas: Magnetic resonance imaging features as a function of molecular pathological classification
Authors: Laumonier Hervé , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Laurent Christophe , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Balabaud Charles , Trillaud Hervé 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are a group of benign tumors forming three molecular pathological subgroups: (1) hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α)–inactivated, (2) β-catenin–activated, and (3) inflammatory. Some HCAs present both β-catenin activation and inflammation. We analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for correlations between features on imaging and pathological classification of HCAs. We included 50 cases for which pathology specimens were classified into three groups based on immunohistochemical staining. Two characteristic MRI profiles were identified corresponding to HNF-1α–inactivated and inflammatory HCAs. Fifteen HCAs were HNF-1α–inactivated. The corresponding lesions showed (1) diffuse signal dropout on T1-weighted chemical shift sequence due to steatosis, (2) isosignal or slight hypersignal on T2-weighted (T2W) images, and (3) moderate enhancement in the arterial phase, with no persistent enhancement in the portal venous and delayed phases. For the diagnosis of HNF-1α–inactivated HCA, the positive predictive value of homogeneous signal dropout on chemical shift images was 100%, the negative predictive value was 94.7%, the sensitivity was 86.7%, and the specificity was 100%. Twenty-three HCAs were inflammatory and showed (1) an absence or only focal signal dropout on chemical shift sequence; (2) marked hypersignal on T2W sequences, with a stronger signal in the outer part of the lesions, correlating with sinusoidal dilatation areas; and (3) strong arterial enhancement, with persistent enhancement in the portal venous and delayed phases. Marked hypersignal on T2W sequences associated with delayed persistent enhancement had a positive predictive value of 88.5%, a negative predictive value of 84%, a sensitivity of 85.2%, and a specificity of 87.5% for the diagnosis of inflammatory HCA.

Conclusion:

HNF-1α–mutated HCAs and inflammatory HCAs were associated with specific MRI patterns related to diffuse fat repartition and sinusoidal dilatation, respectively. (Hepatology 2008.)
QSAR study of malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase inhibitors using GA‐MLR and a new strategy of consensus modeling
Authors: Li Jiazhong , Lei Beilei , Liu Huanxiang , Li Shuyan , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Mancang , Gramatica Paola 
Published: May 2008

AbstractQuantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) of a series of structural diverse malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (MCD) inhibitors have been investigated by using the predictive single model as well as the consensus analysis based on a new strategy proposed by us. Self‐organizing map (SOM) neural network was employed to divide the whole data set into representative training set and test set. Then a multiple linear regressions (MLR) model population was built based on the theoretical molecular descriptors selected by Genetic Algorithm using the training set. In order to analyze the diversity of these models, multidimensional scaling (MDS) was employed to explore the model space based on the Hamming distance matrix calculated from each two models. In this space, Q2 (cross‐validated R2) guided model selection (QGMS) strategy was performed to select submodels. Then consensus modeling was built by two strategies, average consensus model (ACM) and weighted consensus model (WCM), where each submodel had a different weight according to the contribution of model expressed by MLR regression coefficients. The obtained results prove that QGMS is a reliable and practical method to guide the submodel selection in consensus modeling building and our weighted consensus model (WCM) strategy is superior to the simple ACM. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Relationship between smoking and dyslipidemia in western Chinese elderly males
Authors: Tan X.J. , Jiao G.P. , Ren Y.J. , Gao X.R. , Ding Y. , Wang X.R. , Xu H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe relationship between smoking and dyslipidemia was studied in 2,160 elderly Chinese males. Levels of triglycerides (TGs) in current smokers were shown to be significantly higher and levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) lower than for those who had never smoked or had stopped smoking. Interestingly, the level of apoprotein B (apoB) was more frequently abnormal in very heavy smokers compared with light smokers, while low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were more frequently normal in very heavy smokers. When comparing other factors that influence blood lipids, such as alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), and age, smoking had the greatest influence and was shown to be an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:159–163, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SNP analysis using catacleave probes
Authors: Harvey John J. , Brant Steven R. , Knutson Jay R. , Han Myun K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCataCleave” probes are catalytically cleavable fluorescence probes having a chimeric deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐ribonucleic acid (RNA)‐DNA structure that can be used for real‐time detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, and deletions. Fluorescent donor emission is normally quenched by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Upon binding to the target, if the RNA/DNA hybrid is correctly base‐paired, ribonuclease (RNase) H will cleave the RNA moiety and the probe fragments will dissociate. FRET is lost and the donor fluorescence signal is recovered. A single‐base mismatch within the hybrid region causes probe cleavage to be significantly reduced. We designed CataCleave probes to detect SNPs located in the insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF‐2) gene and at position 702 within the NOD2/CARD15 gene. Probes were also designed to detect a six‐basepair deletion in the amelogenin gene and a partially methylated target DNA. Discrimination between wild‐type and SNP is demonstrated for both genes in homogeneous reactions under isothermal and temperature cycling conditions. These probes were also able to identify a multibase deletion and methylated DNA. Cleavage rates were proportional to target concentration. Probe length and position of fluorescent labels may also be modified for use in multiplexing high‐throughput SNP assays. This represents a novel method for the detection of SNPs. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:192–203, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cultivating mindfulness: effects on well‐being
Authors: Shapiro Shauna L. , Oman Doug , Thoresen Carl E. , Plante Thomas G. , Flinders Tim 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThere has been great interest in determining if mindfulness can be cultivated and if this cultivation leads to well‐being. The current study offers preliminary evidence that at least one aspect of mindfulness, measured by the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS; K. W. Brown & R. M. Ryan, 2003), can be cultivated and does mediate positive outcomes. Further, adherence to the practices taught during the meditation‐based interventions predicted positive outcomes. College undergraduates were randomly allocated between training in two distinct meditation‐based interventions, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR; J. Kabat‐Zinn, 1990; n=15) and E. Easwaran's (1978/1991) Eight Point Program (EPP; n=14), or a waitlist control (n=15). Pretest, posttest, and 8‐week follow‐up data were gathered on self‐report outcome measures. Compared to controls, participants in both treatment groups (n=29) demonstrated increases in mindfulness at 8‐week follow‐up. Further, increases in mindfulness mediated reductions in perceived stress and rumination. These results suggest that distinct meditation‐based practices can increase mindfulness as measured by the MAAS, which may partly mediate benefits. Implications and future directions are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 1–23, 2008.
Focusing the therapist's attention on the patient's strengths: a preliminary study to foster a mechanism of change in outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Flückiger Christoph , Grosse Holtforth Martin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPrevious research has supported the immediate activation of patient's strengths (resource activation) as an important mechanism of change in psychotherapy. We designed a brief (10 min) priming procedure in which therapists' attention was focused on the patients' individual strengths before each therapy session (resource priming). In a preliminary study, the priming procedure was carried out before each of the first five sessions (N=20). Preliminary results indicated that this brief preparatory intervention boosted resource activation as perceived by independent observers, fostered attachment and mastery experiences by the patient, and improved therapy outcome at Session 20. Improvement was assessed in comparison to a pairwise matched, nonrandomized control group of patients treated previously with the same treatment protocol at the same clinic. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–14, 2008.
Tyrosinase and peroxidase production by Rhizopus oryzae strain ENHE obtained from pentachlorophenol‐contaminated soil
Authors: León‐Santiesteban Hugo , Bernal Rosa , Fernández Francisco J , Tomasini Araceli 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a zygomycete isolated from pentachlorophenol (PCP)‐contaminated soil to produce peroxidase and phenoloxidase enzymes, and to determine the effect of tyrosine and PCP on the enzyme activities. The ability of the isolate to tolerate and remove PCP was also studied.RESULTS: A zygomycete capable of tolerating and removing PCP was isolated from contaminated soil and identified by molecular techniques as Rhizopus oryzae strain ENHE. This fungus produced extra‐ and intracellular tyrosinase and extracellular lignin peroxidase. Tyrosinase activity increased with 0.1 g tyrosine L−1 added to the culture medium. PCP had no effect on tyrosinase activity but increased lignin peroxidase activity. It was shown that R. oryzae ENHE grew until 100 mg PCP L−1 and removed 90% of the initial PCP concentration of 12.5 mg L−1 in 24 h and that the enzymes tyrosinase and lignin peroxidase were probably involved in the PCP removal process.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that R. oryzae ENHE has the potential to be used to produce tyrosinase and lignin peroxidase enzymes. In the few studies that report the production of peroxidase and extracellular tyrosinase by fungi, these enzymes are produced mainly by basidiomycetes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Thriving in a self‐made niche: how to create a successful academic career in organizational behavior
Authors: Eden Dov 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGranting that organizational behavior may be a field with a weak paradigm, this can be viewed as an advantage rather than as a nemesis that makes success in an academic career nearly impossible for neophytes to the field. The weak paradigm allows many niches to emerge. A niche is an identifiable, circumscribed area of scholarly inquiry that can provide a good match with the individual's qualifications, interests, and career aspirations. Within these niches individual scholars can thrive. There a newcomer can find colleagues with similar interests, form partnerships, exchange information, and, in general, derive support for a career. Characteristics of niches are described and examples are provided. How niches evolve and the notion of creating one's own niche are discussed. The implications of the niche composition of organizational behavior for developing a successful academic career, and advice how to go about doing it, are provided. Tyros will fare much better if they adopt a niche strategy rather than seeing themselves as sitting ducks in a shooting gallery due to the role of chance factors in career advancement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making a life in the physical sciences
Authors: Space Brian 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAs a practicing physical chemist, I argue that the challenges faced by the physical sciences have more parallels with organization science than it might first appear. While the physical sciences do represent a strong paradigm endeavor, many of the same issues that were raised in the article “Making a life in the field of organizational science” arise in physical sciences. An essential difference between the physical sciences and organization science is the essentially capital intensive nature of our research. Ironically, the constant pursuit of the requisite research dollars leads to substantial similarity between the fields. The state of academic physical sciences is analyzed in this context informed by the current state of research funding in the United States. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical phonons in millerite (NiS) from single‐crystal polarized Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Guillaume François , Huang Shanshan , Harris Kenneth D. M. , Couzi Michel , Talaga David 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAlthough several fundamental physico‐chemical aspects of nickel sulfides have been studied in detail, particularly for millerite (nickel(II) monosulfide), the most common nickel sulfide mineral, no satisfactory investigation of optical vibrational modes has been reported previously. In this paper, we provide a definitive assignment of the optical phonons in millerite, investigated by polarized Raman spectroscopy on an oriented single crystal. The impact of the power of the incident laser beam on the spectra has also been investigated, revealing evidence for degradation in the quality of the spectra at sufficiently high laser power. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term precision in capillary isoelectric focusing for protein analysis
Authors: Suratman Adhitasari , Wätzig Hermann 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn order to improve precision in protein analysis, a new rinsing procedure with 3M hydrochloric acid was investigated for linear polyacrylamide‐coated capillaries used in isoelectric focusing. After each run the capillaries were rinsed with hydrochloric acid for 5 min, followed by water for 20 min (Δp = 1030 mbar each). Myoglobin, β‐lactoglobulin, and ovalbumin were used as model proteins; the pH gradient was provided by Pharmalyte (pH 3–10). The resulting method was already successful in avoiding capillary blockages, even for long‐series protein measurements. Further improvements in precision have been obtained by avoiding a complete standstill of liquid within the capillary when the separation system was idle. Pressure (Δp = 300 mbar or more) and high voltage (30 kV) were therefore also applied during storage within a measurement series. The reproducibility of migration time and peak area are further improved with RSD% less than 10% in a long‐term measurement (n = 86).
A Novel Micellar PEGylated Hyperbranched Polyester as a Prospective Drug Delivery System for Paclitaxel
Authors: Kontoyianni Christina , Sideratou Zili , Theodossiou Theodossis , Tziveleka Leto‐Aikaterini , Tsiourvas Dimitris , Paleos Constantinos M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA hyperbranched aliphatic polyester has been functionalized with PEG chains to afford a novel water‐soluble BH40‐PEG polymer which exhibits unimolecular micellar properties, and is therefore appropriate for application as a drug‐delivery system. The solubility of the anticancer drug paclitaxel was enhanced by a factor of 35, 110, 230, and 355 in aqueous solutions of BH40‐PEG of 10, 30, 60, and 90 mg · mL−1, respectively. More than 50% of the drug is released at a steady rate and release is almost complete within 10 h. The toxicity of BH40‐PEG was assessed in vitro with A549 human lung carcinoma cells and found to be nontoxic for 3 h incubation up to a 1.75 mg · mL−1 concentration while LD50 was 3.5 mg · mL−1. Finally, it was efficiently internalized in cells, primarily in the absence of foetal bovine serum, while confocal microscopy revealed the preferential localization of the compound in cell nuclei.magnified image
Bioconjugation of Alkaline Phosphatase to Mechanically Processed, Aqueous Suspendible Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers for Use in Chemiluminescent Detection Assays
Authors: Mark Sonny S. , Stolper Samuel I. , Baratti Carla , Park Jason Y. , Taku Maria A. , Santiago‐Avilés Jorge J. , Kricka Larry J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAqueous suspendible polymer nanostructures were prepared by simple microtome processing of electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers and were used to immobilize calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by either covalent or noncovalent bioconjugation chemistries. It was found that noncovalent immobilization of ALP to the mechanically cut nanofibers (mean length ≈ 4 µm; mean diameter ≈ 80 nm) using a multi‐stacked, layer‐by‐layer (LBL) approach with the cationic polymer Sapphire II™ resulted in the highest enzyme loading (48.1 ± 0.4 µg · mg−1 nanofiber) when compared to other covalent immobilization methods based on glutaraldehyde crosslinking. The biofunctionalized nanofibers were also characterized for their chemiluminescent activity with the dioxetane substrate, CSPD™. The results indicate that the kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, for the catalytic activity of the nanostructure‐bound ALP enzyme were influenced by the particular types of immobilization methods employed. In terms of the overall catalytic performance of the various immobilized ALP systems, a single‐stacked LBL assembly approach resulted in the highest level of enzymatic activity per unit mass of nanofiber support. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report examining the preparation of mechanically shortened, aqueous dispersed electrospun polymer nanofibers for potential application as enzyme scaffolds in chemiluminescent‐based assay systems.magnified image
Synthesis of polyacrylamide with pendant poly(n‐octyl acrylate) chains using macromer technique and studies on their properties
Authors: Liao Guiying , Jiang Shengbin , Xie Guang‐Yong 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn amphiphilic graft copolymer of polyacrylamide (PAM) with uniform poly(n‐octyl acrylate) (POA) grafts was synthesized by copolymerization of AM with POA macromer in solution using azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator. The macromer was synthesized by free radical polymerization of octyl acrylate in the presence of different amounts of thioglycolic acid as the chain transfer agent, followed by termination with glycidyl methacrylate. The reactivity ratio and effects of copolymerization conditions on the conversion of macromer or grafting efficiency were studied. The crude products were purified by extraction with toluene and water successively. The purified graft copolymer was characterized by IR, DSC, and TEM. PAM‐g‐POA can bring about microphase separation and exhibits good emulsifying properties and water absorbency. PAM‐g‐POA exhibits a very good compatibilizing effect on the acrylic rubber/poly(vinyl chloride) blends. About 2–3% of the graft copolymer is enough for enhancing the tensile strength of the blends. The tensile strength of the blends is more than twice that without the compatibilizer. DSC and SEM demonstrated the enhancement of compatibility in the presence of the graft copolymer. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
The primary kinetic hydrogen isotope effect in the deprotonation of a nitroalkane by an intramolecular carboxylate group
Authors: Backstrom Nicholas , Burton Neil A. , Turega Simon , Watt C. Ian F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe rates of racemization of optically active nitropentanoic acid, and 4‐deuteronitropentanoic have been compared. The rate ratio (kie) is kH/kD = 5.68(±0.17) at 31°C, in good agreement with that determined by Lewis et al. for base‐catalysed deprotonations using iodine‐trapping methods. In a more detailed study, optically active 4‐nitro‐4‐phenylbutanoic acid (NPBA) has also been prepared and rates of racemization measured in dimethoxyethane:water. With less than a full equivalent of triethylamine, rates are proportional to [Et3N:]/[NPBA]. For 1 < [Et3N:]/[NPBA] < 2, rates are independent of the ratio, consistent with racemization being dominated by deprotonation of the nitroalkane by the intramolecular carboxylate group. The solvent isotope effect is  = 0.73(±0.04) and rates of exchange with D2O are equal to rates of racemization. Comparison with rates of racemization by acetate of the methyl ester yielded an effective molarity (EM = 13.7) for the intramolecular carboxylate. The kie for racemizations of NPBA and 4‐deutero‐NPBA is kH/kD = 5.78 at 25°C, and for 20 < T < 50°C, E − E = 5.5(±0.1) and AH/AD = 0.63(±1.03). For the acetate catalysed racemizations of the methyl ester, 25°C, kH/kD = 7.43 with E − E = 5.2 kJ mol−1 and AH/AD = 1.08. In neither case is there any indication of a major tunnelling contribution on the isotopic rate ratio. A hitherto unrecognised mode of decomposition of nitronic acids, involving direct reaction with dissolved oxygen, has been identified. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.