bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell adhesion to agrin presented as a nanopatterned substrate is consistent with an interaction with the extracellular matrix and not transmembrane adhesion molecules
Authors: Wolfram Tobias , Spatz Joachim P , Burgess Robert W 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Molecular spacing is important for cell adhesion in a number of ways, ranging from the ordered arrangement of matrix polymers extracellularly, to steric hindrance of adhesion/signaling complexes intracellularly. This has been demonstrated using nanopatterned RGD peptides, a canonical extracellular matrix ligand for integrin interactions. Cell adhesion was greatly reduced when the RGD-coated nanoparticles were separated by more than 60 nm, indicating a sharp spacing-dependent threshold for this form of cell adhesion.

Results
Here we show a similar dependence of cell adhesion on the spacing of agrin, a protein that exists as both a secreted, matrix-bound form and a type-2 transmembrane form in vivo. Agrin was presented as a substrate for cell adhesion assays by anchoring recombinant protein to gold nanoparticles that were arrayed at tunable distances onto glass coverslips. Cells adhered well to nanopatterned agrin, and when presented as uniformly coated substrates, adhesion to agrin was comparable to other well-studied adhesion molecules, including N-Cadherin. Adhesion of both mouse primary cortical neurons and rat B35 neuroblastoma cells showed a spacing-dependent threshold, with a sharp drop in adhesion when the space between agrin-coated nanoparticles increased from 60 to 90 nm. In contrast, adhesion to N-Cadherin decreased gradually over the entire range of distances tested (uniform, 30, 60, 90, and 160 nm). The spacing of the agrin nanopattern also influenced cell motility, and peptide competition suggested adhesion was partially integrin dependent. Finally, differences in cell adhesion to C-terminal agrin fragments of different lengths were detected using nanopatterned substrates, and these differences were not evident using uniformly coated substrates.

Conclusion
These results suggest nanopatterned substrates may provide a physiological presentation of adhesive substrates, and are consistent with cells adhering to agrin through a mechanism that more closely resembles an interaction with the extracellular matrix than a transmembrane adhesion molecule.
SNUGB: a versatile genome browser supporting comparative and functional fungal genomics
Authors: Jung Kyongyong , Park Jongsun , Choi Jaeyoung , Park Bongsoo , Kim Seungill , Ahn Kyohun , Choi Jaehyuk , Choi Doil , Kang Seogchan , Lee Yong-Hwan 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Since the full genome sequences of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were released in 1996, genome sequences of over 90 fungal species have become publicly available. The heterogeneous formats of genome sequences archived in different sequencing centers hampered the integration of the data for efficient and comprehensive comparative analyses. The Comparative Fungal Genomics Platform (CFGP) was developed to archive these data via a single standardized format that can support multifaceted and integrated analyses of the data. To facilitate efficient data visualization and utilization within and across species based on the architecture of CFGP and associated databases, a new genome browser was needed.

Results
The Seoul National University Genome Browser (SNUGB) integrates various types of genomic information derived from 98 fungal/oomycete (137 datasets) and 34 plant and animal (38 datasets) species, graphically presents germane features and properties of each genome, and supports comparison between genomes. The SNUGB provides three different forms of the data presentation interface, including diagram, table, and text, and six different display options to support visualization and utilization of the stored information. Information for individual species can be quickly accessed via a new tool named the taxonomy browser. In addition, SNUGB offers four useful data annotation/analysis functions, including 'BLAST annotation.' The modular design of SNUGB makes its adoption to support other comparative genomic platforms easy and facilitates continuous expansion.

Conclusion
The SNUGB serves as a powerful platform supporting comparative and functional genomics within the fungal kingdom and also across other kingdoms. All data and functions are available at the web site http://genomebrowser.snu.ac.kr/.
A qualitative exploration of quality of life among individuals diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma
Authors: Brooker Joanne , Burney Sue , Fletcher Jane , Dally Michael 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. To explore quality of life outcomes and the factors that influenced adjustment among individuals diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.Design. This qualitative study involved a focus group design.Methods. Twenty‐one participants who had been diagnosed with and/or treated for an acoustic neuroma since 2000 attended one of four focus groups. Transcripts of the focus group discussions underwent thematic analysis to explore and describe the quality of life of participants and factors that impacted on their adjustment to the condition.Results. Important themes that emerged were ‘physical symptoms’, ‘psychological wellbeing’, ‘social wellbeing’, ‘functional status’, and ‘psychosocial factors that influenced adjustment’. Factors that influenced adjustment included severity of physical symptoms, co‐morbid conditions, optimism, control, social comparison, and social support.Conclusions. Participants conveyed a diverse range of experiences in relation to quality of life. In addition to severity of physical symptoms, psychosocial factors also emerged as important influences on quality of life.
The Problems with Publishing: Obstacles Faced by History Consultants in Publishing Their Work
Authors: Godfrey Matthew C. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper discusses some of the issues that consultants face when trying to publish products that they have produced as part of their business. It examines four main topics: the purpose behind the creation of the work product and its scope, the collaborative nature of public history writing, bureaucratic red-tape related to publishing, and the relative lack of emphasis on publishing in the consulting world. In addition, the paper discusses proper forums for the publication of public history.
Association of Smoking in Adolescence With Abdominal Obesity in Adulthood: A Follow-Up Study of 5 Birth Cohorts of Finnish Twins
Authors: Saarni Suoma E. , Pietiläinen Kirsi , Kantonen Suvi , Rissanen Aila , Kaprio Jaakko 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We studied the association of adolescent smoking with overweight and abdominal obesity in adulthood. Methods. We used the FinnTwin16, a prospective, population-based questionnaire study of 5 consecutive and complete birth cohorts of Finnish twins born between 1975 and 1979 (N = 4296) and studied at four points between the ages of 16 and 27 years to analyze the effect of adolescent smoking on abdominal obesity and overweight in early adulthood. Results. Smoking at least 10 cigarettes daily when aged 16 to 18 years increased the risk of adult abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR]=1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.39, 2.26). After we adjusted for confounders, the OR was 1.44 (95% CI = 1.11, 1.88), and after further adjustment for current body mass index (BMI), the OR was 1.34 (95% CI = 0.95, 1.88). Adolescent smoking significantly increased the risk of becoming overweight among women even after adjustment for possible confounders, including baseline BMI (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.88). Conclusions. Smoking is a risk factor for abdominal obesity among both genders and for overweight in women. The prevention of smoking during adolescence may play an important role in promoting healthy weight and in decreasing the morbidity related to abdominal obesity.
Improving 24-Month Abstinence and Employment Outcomes for Substance-Dependent Women Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families With Intensive Case Management
Authors: Morgenstern Jon , Neighbors Charles J. , Kuerbis Alexis , Riordan Annette , Blanchard Kimberly A. , McVeigh Katharine H. , Morgan Thomas J. , McCrady Barbara 
Published: December 2008

Objective. We examined abstinence rates among substance-dependent women receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in intensive case management (ICM) over 24 months and whether ICM yielded significantly better employment outcomes compared with a screen-and-refer program (i.e., usual care). Methods. Substance-dependent (n = 302) and non–substance dependent (n = 150) TANF applicants in Essex County, New Jersey, were recruited. We randomly assigned substance-dependent women to ICM or usual care. We interviewed all women at 3, 9, 15, and 24 months. Results. Abstinence rates were higher for the ICM group than for the usual care group through 24 months of follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36, 3.29). A statistically significant interaction between time and group on number of days employed indicated that the rate of improvement over time in employment was greater for the ICM group than for the usual care group (incidence rate ratio = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.04). Additionally, there were greater odds of being employed full time for those in the ICM group (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.12, 2.51). Conclusions. ICM is a promising intervention for managing substance dependence among women receiving TANF and for improving employment rates among this vulnerable population.
Types and processes of slope movements along East-West Highway, Surai Khola area, Mid-Western Nepal Sub-Himalaya
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Yokota Shuichiro 
Published: December 2008

Many landslides and debris flows have occurred and destroyed the East-West Highway that extends along the valley slopes of the Siwalik Hills. Wedge slide, rock fall, slump, rock topple-rock slide, debris flow, slope failures and gully erosion were recorded in the Surai Khola area. The most of the slope movements distributed therein are active, reactivated and retrogressive. Differential weathering and gully erosion related to bedding planes of rocks are common phenomena, which contribute instability. The areas between Surai Naka and the Chor Khola suffer remarkable uplift, tilting and river incision, and thus indicate tectonically active zone. Tectonic activity, lithological assemblage, rock strength and weathering of the Siwalik Group have remarkable input on distribution, causes and activity of slope movements. doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1427 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 1-4
Petrographic records of two metamorphic events in the Lesser Himalayan metabasites, Modi Khola section, central Nepal
Authors: Paudel Lalu 
Published: December 2008

Metabasites of the Lesser Himalaya along the Modi Khola valley in central Nepal are the supracrustal dikes and sills of basic igneous rocks emplaced in the clastic sediments and later metamorphosed together with the host rocks. They contain almost a constant metamorphic mineral assemblage of Ca-amphiboles+plagioclase+biotite+quartz±epidote±chlorite+(Fe-Ti oxides). Amphiboles occur in the form of porphyroblast and recrystallized matrix. The porphyroblasts are zoned with actinolitic cores and hornblende rims. The recrystallized matrix ranges in composition from actinolite in chlorite zone to hornblende in biotite and garnet zones. The cores of porphyroblasts are pre-kinematic and were probably formed prior to the Tertiary Himalayan orogeny. The rims of porphyroblasts and matrix amphiboles are syn-kynematic and were formed during the Upper Main Central Thrust activity in the Tertiary. The systematic changes in amphibole compositions as well as textural characteristics of metabasites are in good agreement with the classical concept of increasing metamorphic grade and intensity of deformation structurally upwards towards the Upper Main Central Thrust in the Lesser Himalaya. doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1428 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 5-12
Groundwater condition of Banepa area, Central Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Suresh , Shrestha Suresh Das 
Published: December 2008

Only surface water has been distributed in the Banepa Municipality area, Central Nepal by Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC) and is not sufficient as per the demand of public. A hydrogeological study was made to know the groundwater potential of the area. Banepa lies entirely in the Lesser Himalaya and constitutes consolidated phyllite and metasandstone basement rocks, and Quaternary sediment of gravel, sand and carbonaceous clay deposited in the valley. The thickness of sediment ranges from 20 to 40 m, of which gravel, sand and clay individually approach upto 20, 5 and 15 m, respectively. Transmissivity of the aquifer varies from 0.8 to 3.15 m2/day. Hydraulic conductivity varies from 0.022 to 0.14 m/day and specific capacity varies from 1.2 to 72 m3/day/m in the study area. The thickness of the aquifer is low and the hydraulic properties are also not favorable to extract sufficient quantity of groundwater in Banepa area. Therefore, an alternative source of water supply should be explored to fulfill present and future water demand. doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1540 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 31-40
Process of cement production in Nepal
Authors: Pandey Paresh Raj , Banskota Narayan 
Published: December 2008

This paper describes general process of cement production from exploration of limestone deposit to production of clinker and finally cement. Exploration of limestone comprises area selection, target definition, reserve calculation, resource evaluation and reserve definition. After exploration, mining is taken up. Quarried limestone is stockpiled and then is blended with other raw material like clay/shale, silica, iron ore in required proportion. The blended material is then heated at high temperature upto 1400-1450°C in a kiln to produce clinker. The clinker is grinned along with 3-5% gypsum to produce cement. doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1545 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 71-78
Closure of large skull base defects after endoscopic transnasal craniotomy
Authors: Harvey Richard J. , Nogueira João F. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Patel Sunil J. , Vellutini Eduardo , Stamm Aldo C. 
Published: December 2008

Object
The authors describe the utility of and outcomes after endoscopic transnasal craniotomy and skull reconstruction in the management of skull base pathologies.

Methods
The authors conducted a observational study of patients undergoing totally endoscopic, transnasal, transdural surgery. The patients included in the study underwent treatment over a 12-month period at 2 tertiary medical centers. The pathological entity, region of the ventral skull base resected, and size of the dural defect were recorded. Approach-related complications were documented, as well as CSF leaks, infections, bleeding-related complications, and any minor complications.

Results
Thirty consecutive patients were assessed during the study period. The patients had a mean age of 45.5 ± 20.2 years and a mean follow-up period of 182.4 ± 97.5 days. The dural defects reconstructed were as large as 5.5 cm (mean 2.49 ± 1.36 cm). One patient (3.3%) had a CSF leak that was managed endoscopically. Two patients had epistaxis that required further care, but there were no complications related to intracranial infections or bleeding. Some minor sinonasal complications occurred.

Conclusions
Skull base endoscopic reconstructive techniques have significantly advanced in the past decade. The use of pedicled mucosal flaps in the reconstruction of large dural defects resulting from an endoscopic transnasal craniotomy permits a robust repair. The CSF leak rate in this study is comparable to that achieved in open approaches. The ability to manage the skull base defects successfully with this approach greatly increases the utility of transnasal endoscopic surgery.
Association of Fcγ Receptor Polymorphisms with Adult Onset Still’s Disease in Korea
Authors: WOO JIN-HYUN , SUNG YOON-KYOUNG , LEE JIN-SOOK , CHUNG WON TAE , CHOE JUNG-YOON , SONG GWAN GYU , YOO DAE-HYUN 
Published: December 2008

Objective.Fcγreceptors (FcγR) have important functions in the regulation of immune response and clearance of immune complex. High levels of immunoglobulins have been observed in patients with the active stage of adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD), and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment has decreased the disease activity of AOSD. We investigated polymorphisms of FcγR as genetic factors influencing susceptibility or disease course of AOSD in Korea.Methods.We genotyped the FcγRIIA H/R131, IIIA F/V176, and IIIB NA1/NA2 loci in 98 patients with AOSD and 151 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using sequence-specific PCR. Patients with AOSD were subdivided into groups according to disease course: monocyclic systemic, polycyclic systemic, or chronic articular type. Allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic associations were analyzed by chi-square test.Results.No significant skewing in any of the 3 FcγR polymorphisms was found between Korean AOSD patients and controls. FcγRIIA R/R131 and R/H131 genotype in patients with chronic articular-type disease was more frequent than in controls (p = 0.006 and pcorr = 0.018). No differences of genotypic and allelic frequencies were found between other disease course types and controls. Haplotype IIA R131-IIIA F176-IIIB NA2 was more frequent in AOSD patients than in controls (p = 0.021).Conclusion.Although FcγR polymorphisms are not associated with development of AOSD in Koreans, the haplotype IIA R131-IIIA F176-IIIB NA2 may be associated with AOSD. Also, the FcγRIIA polymorphism may be associated with chronic articular-type AOSD. We need to identify whether these polymorphisms are associated with a response to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in patients with AOSD.
Association of Interleukin 23 Receptor Variants with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: RAHMAN PROTON , INMAN ROBERT D. , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P. , REEVE JEFF P. , PEDDLE LYNETTE , GLADMAN DAFNA D. 
Published: December 2008

Objective.A recent genome-wide pooling study noted a significant association of interleukin 23 receptor (IL-23R) and psoriasis. Overxpression of IL-23 has been detected in lesional psoriatic skin, and induces epidermal proliferation. Given the interplay between psoriasis and PsA, we examined the association of IL-23R variants in 2 independent Canadian Caucasian cohorts of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods.We examined 496 PsA probands and 476 controls. Cases and controls were genotyped for a panel of 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in IL-23R. Allele and haplotype associations were calculated using WHAP software. P values for haplotype associations were calculated using a permutation test.Results.The 381Gln allele of the coding SNP Arg381Gln (rs11209026) was found to be protective in the Canadian population (p = 0.004; corrected p = 0.044).A 2-marker haplotype from SNP rs7530511 and rs11209026 was associated with PsA (p = 0.011). All 3-marker sliding windows containing SNP rs11209026 were associated with PsA (p = 0.02 for all 3 windows). The magnitude of effect of IL-23R association in PsA appears to be similar to that reported in uncomplicated psoriasis.Conclusion.Significant associations between Arg381Gln SNP and haplotypes encoding this variant were noted in PsA. It remains to be determined what contribution of this association, if any, is specifically due to the inflammatory arthritis (PsA) rather than psoriasis.
A composite reaction engineering approach to drying of aqueous droplets containing sucrose, maltodextrin (DE6) and their mixtures
Authors: Patel Kamlesh C. , Chen Xiao Dong , Lin Sean X. Q. , Adhikari Benu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRecently, several studies have been published on the spray drying of sucrose and other low‐molecular‐weight sugars which are typically sticky materials. Sticky materials can not be processed under normal drying conditions and may require addition of high‐molecular‐weight carbohydrates such as maltodextrin. Predicting appropriate drying conditions are however difficult due to the unavailability of drying kinetics. In this article, we have formulated the drying kinetics model using the reaction engineering approach (REA) for the drying of aqueous sucrose and aqueous maltodextrin (DE6) droplets. The relative activation energy was empirically obtained based on experimental measurements. To model the drying of droplets containing both solutes (sucrose and maltodextrin), a new “composite” REA has been established and presented here for the first time. Results demonstrated that the composite REA forms a reliable framework to model the drying of aqueous solutions of pure carbohydrates and their mixtures. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Nonisothermal crystallization behaviors of silk‐fibroin‐fiber‐reinforced poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) biocomposites
Authors: Qiao Xiuying , Li Wei , Sun Kang , Xu Shi , Chen Xiaodong 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWith differential scanning calorimetry measurements, the nonisothermal crystallization of biocomposites of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) reinforced with silk fibroin fiber (SF) was investigated. With the gradual addition of SF, the strengthening of the heterogeneous nucleation reagent effect of SF led to the acceleration of PCL crystallization, and secondary crystallization occurred and became more remarkable with increases in the cooling rate and SF content. Moreover, with the introduction of SF and an increase in the cooling rate, the nucleation and growth mode of the PCL crystalline phase was slightly changed. Because of the confinement of the fiber network structure, the crystallite size of PCL was reduced, the crystallization exothermicity of PCL decreased, and the crystallization activation energy of PCL increased. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) hybrid nanocomposites: Preparation, thermal properties, and Tg improvement mechanism
Authors: Yang Benhong , Li Jirong , Wang Jiafeng , Xu Hongyao , Guang Shangyi , Li Cun 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA series of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes) (PVP‐POSS) organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposites containing different percentages of POSS were prepared via free radical polymerization and characterized by FTIR, high‐resolution 1H‐NMR, solid‐state 29Si‐NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. POSS contents in these nanocomposites can be effectively controlled by varying the POSS feed ratios which can be accurately quantified by FTIR curve calibration. On the basis of 29Si‐NMR spectra, average numbers of reacted vinyl groups of each octavinyl‐POSS macromer are calculated to be 5–7, which depends on POSS feed ratios. Both GPC and DSC results indicate that these nanocomposites display network structure and the degree of crosslinking increases with the increase of the POSS content. The incorporation of POSS into PVP significantly improves their thermal properties (Tg and Tdec) primarily due to crosslinking structure and dipole–dipole interaction between POSS cores and PVP carbonyl groups. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009