bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal connectivity of the sensorimotor network in patients with MS: A multicenter fMRI study
Authors: Rocca Maria A. , Absinta Martina , Valsasina Paola , Ciccarelli Olga , Marino Silvia , Rovira Alex , Gass Achim , Wegner Christiane , Enzinger Christian , Korteweg Tjimen , Sormani Maria Pia , Mancini Laura , Thompson Alan J. , De Stefano Nicola , Montalban Xavier , Hirsch Jochen , Kappos Ludwig , Ropele Stephan , Palace Jacqueline , Barkhof Frederik , Matthews Paul M. , Filippi Massimo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn this multicenter study, we used dynamic causal modeling to characterize the abnormalities of effective connectivity of the sensorimotor network in 61 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with 74 age‐matched healthy subjects. We also investigated the correlation of such abnormalities with findings derived from structural MRI. In a subgroup of subjects, diffusion tensor (DT) MRI metrics of the corpus callosum and the left corticospinal tract (CST) were also assessed. MS patients showed increased effective connectivity relative to controls between: (a) the left primary SMC and the left dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), (b) the left PMd and the supplementary motor areas (SMA), (c) the left secondary sensorimotor cortex (SII) and the SMA, (d) the right SII and the SMA, (e) the left SII and the right SII, and (f) the right SMC and the SMA. MS patients had relatively reduced effective connectivity between the left SMC and the right cerebellum. No interaction was found between disease group and center. Coefficients of altered connectivity were weakly correlated with brain T2 LV, but moderately correlated with DT MRI‐measured damage of the left CST. In conclusion, large multicenter fMRI studies of effective connectivity changes in diseased people are feasible and can facilitate studies with sample size large enough for robust outcomes. Increased effective connectivity in the patients for the simple motor task suggests local network modulation contributing to enhanced long‐distance effective connectivity in MS patients. This extends and generalizes previous evidence that enhancement of effective connectivity may provide an important compensatory mechanism in MS. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cathepsins B and D drive hepatic stellate cell proliferation and promote their fibrogenic potential #
Authors: Moles Anna , Tarrats Núria , Fernández-Checa José C. , Marí Montserrat 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Cathepsins have been best characterized in tumorigenesis and cell death and implicated in liver fibrosis; however, whether cathepsins directly regulate hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and proliferation, hence modulating their fibrogenic potential, is largely unknown. Here, we show that expression of cathepsin B (CtsB) and cathepsin D (CtsD) is negligible in quiescent HSCs but parallels the increase of α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β during in vitro mouse HSC activation. Both cathepsins are necessary for HSC transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, because their silencing or inhibition decreased HSC proliferation and the expression of phenotypic markers of HSC activation, with similar results observed with the human HSC cell line LX2. CtsB inhibition blunted AKT phosphorylation in activated HSCs in response to platelet-derived growth factor. Moreover, during in vivo liver fibrogenesis caused by CCl4 administration, CtsB expression increased in HSCs but not in hepatocytes, and its inactivation mitigated CCl4-induced inflammation, HSC activation, and collagen deposition. Conclusion: These findings support a critical role for cathepsins in HSC activation, suggesting that the antagonism of cathepsins in HSCs may be of relevance for the treatment of liver fibrosis. (Hepatology 2009.)
Viral dynamics of hepatitis B virus DNA in human immunodeficiency virus-1–hepatitis B virus coinfected individuals: Similar effectiveness of lamivudine, tenofovir, or combination therapy #
Authors: Lewin Sharon R. , Ribeiro Ruy M. , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Bowden Scott , Matthews Gail , Marks Pip , Locarnini Stephen A. , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Perelson Alan S. , Dore Gregory J. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Following treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), there is a biphasic clearance of HBV, similar to that seen following treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis C virus. Little is known about the impact of combination NRTIs and HIV-1 coinfection on HBV viral kinetic parameters following the initiation of HBV-active highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV-1–HBV coinfected patients (n = 21) were enrolled in a viral kinetics substudy of the Tenofovir in HIV-1–HBV Coinfection study (TICO). TICO was a randomized (1:1:1) trial of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, 300 mg) versus lamivudine (LMV, 300 mg) versus TDF/LMV within an efavirenz based HAART regimen initiated in HIV-1-HBV coinfected antiretroviral naïve individuals in Thailand. HBV DNA was measured frequently over the first 56 days. To fit the viral load data, we used a model of HBV kinetics that allows the estimation of treatment effectiveness, viral clearance and infected cell loss. We observed a biphasic decline in HBV DNA in almost all patients. We did not observe any significant differences in HBV viral dynamic parameters between the three treatments groups. Overall, median (interquartile range) HBV treatment effectiveness was 98% (95%-99%), median HBV virion half-life was 1.2 days (0.5-1.4 days), and median infected cell half-life was 7.9 days (6.3-11.0 days). When we compared hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative individuals, we found a significantly longer infected cell half-life in HBeAg-positive individuals (6.2 versus 9.0 days, P = 0.02). Conclusion: HBV viral dynamic parameters are similar following anti-HBV NRTI monotherapy and dual combination therapy in the setting of HIV-1–HBV coinfection. HIV-1 coinfection has minimal effect on HBV viral dynamics, even in the setting of advanced HIV-1–related immunosuppression. (Hepatology 2009.)
Phochinenins A – F, Dimeric 9,10‐Dihydrophenanthrene Derivatives, from Pholidota chinensis
Authors: Yao Sheng , Tang Chun‐Ping , Li Xi‐Qiang , Ye Yang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSix new compounds, phochinenins A–F (1–6), dimerized from 9,10‐dihydrophenanthrene and dihydrostilbene through direct coupling or an oxygen bridge, along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the whole plants of Pholidota chinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic investigations (1D‐, 2D‐NMR, and HR‐EI‐MS).
Butyrate and vitamin D3 induce transcriptional attenuation at the cyclin D1 locus in colonic carcinoma cells
Authors: Maier Sandra , Daroqui M. Cecilia , Scherer Stefan , Roepcke Stefan , Velcich Anna , Shenoy Shailesh M. , Singer Robert H. , Augenlicht Leonard H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn stimulating maturation of colonic carcinoma cells, the short chain fatty acid butyrate, and 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, were shown to attenuate transcription of the cyclin D1 gene, giving rise to truncated transcripts of this locus. Moreover, a sequence which is highly conserved in the human, mouse, rat, and dog genome was found in the 4 kb long intron 3 of the human cyclin D1 gene, and is capable of forming a hairpin structure similar to that of microRNA precursors. The expression of this sequence is also decreased by the attenuation. Thus, the transcriptional attenuation at the cyclin D1 locus not only down‐regulates the expression of this key gene in mucosal cell maturation and tumorigenesis, but may also abrogate the generation of a molecule that encompasses this conserved sequence in cyclin D1 intron 3. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 638–642, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Firm value, managerial confidence, and investments: The case of China
Authors: Ye Bei , Yuan Jianguo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to test empirically the impact of Chinese managerial confidence on firm value through investment decisions. We use a simultaneous equation model, which treats firm value, investments, and managerial confidence as endogenous to the firm. With a sample of 329 Chinese listed firms and a confidence measure based on management shareholding, the 3SLS regression results show significant interactions among the three variables. Firm value has a positive impact on managerial confidence while the latter's impact on the former turns from positive to negative at a certain point. The results suggest a non‐monotonic relationship between managerial self‐confidence and firm value and imply an optimal level of managerial confidence. Therefore, while the leader selection process encourages confident talents to become decision‐makers, proper measures are required to prevent the confidence transformed into overconfidence.
Cypris morphology in the barnacles Ibla and Paralepas (Crustacea: Cirripedia Thoracica) implications for cirripede evolution
Authors: Høeg Jens T. , Achituv Yair , Chan Benny K.K. , Chan Karen , Jensen Peter Gram , Pérez‐Losada Marcos 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to describe cypris morphology in species of the barnacles Ibla and Paralepas, both of which are pivotal in understanding cirripede evolution. In Ibla, we also studied late naupliar stages with video and SEM. Special emphasis was put on the lattice organs, the antennules and the thorax and telson. In Paralepas we had settled specimens only and could therefore only investigate the carapace with the lattice organs. Cyprids of Ibla quadrivalvis and Paralepas dannevigi have five sets of lattice organs, grouped as two anterior and three posterior pairs. The organs are of the pore‐field type and the terminal pore is situated anteriorly in the first pair, just as in the Rhizocephala and the Thoracica. In Ibla the armament of antennular sensilla resembles that found in the Thoracica but differs from the Rhizocephala. The absence of setules on the A and B setae sited terminally on the fourth antennular segment is a similarity with the Acrothoracica. The attachment disc is angled rather than facing distally and is encircled by a low cuticular velum. The thoracopods have two‐segmented endopods and exopods as in the Thoracica, but the number, shape, and position of thoracopodal setae differ somewhat from other species of that superorder. Both Ibla and Paralepas cyprids have a deeply cleaved telson, but no independent abdominal part. In cypris morphology, Ibla and Paralepas show several synapomorphies with the clade comprising Rhizocephala and Thoracica and there are no specific apomorphies with either the Acrothoracica, the Rhizocephala or any particular subgroup within the Thoracica. This is in agreement with recent molecular evidence that Ibla (Ibliformes) is the sister taxon to all other Thoracica and the ibliforms therefore become the outgroup of choice for studying character evolution within the superorder. Paralepas, and other pedunculated barnacles without shell plates, are apparently not primitive but are secondarily evolved and nested within the Thoracica. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cutaneous melanoma in Asian‐Americans
Authors: Shin Susanna , Palis Bryan E. , Phillips Jerri Linn , Stewart Andrew K. , Perry Roger R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundThere is little information available on melanoma in non‐white populations. Our objective was to characterize melanoma in Asian‐Americans (AsA) and compare patient demographics and tumor characteristics with the non‐Hispanic White (NHW) population.Methods483,050 cutaneous melanoma patients diagnosed between 1986 and 2005 were identified using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB); 1,237 were AsA, and 409,564 were NHW. Age, gender, site, histologic type, tumor thickness, AJCC stage, and survival were compared.ResultsAsA were more likely to be diagnosed with acral lentiginous tumors (6.7%) than NHW (0.8%, P < 0.001). A greater proportion of AsA were diagnosed with T4 tumors (15.6%) than NHW (8.5%, P < 0.001). AsA presented with fewer early stage I–II tumors and more late stage III–IV tumors than NHW (P < 0.001). Survival was similar for AsA and NHW.ConclusionsThis is the largest study to date on melanoma in AsA. Compared to NHW, AsA are more likely to have acral lentinginous tumors, thick tumors, and higher stage. Despite this, their survival is similar to the NHW population. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 114–118. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motor unit properties of biceps brachii in chronic stroke patients assessed with high‐density surface EMG
Authors: Kallenberg Laura A.C. , Hermens Hermie J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate motor unit (MU) characteristics of the biceps brachii in poststroke patients using high‐density surface electromyography (sEMG). Eighteen chronic hemiparetic stroke patients took part. The Fugl‐Meyer score for the upper extremity was assessed. Subjects performed an isometric step contraction consisting of force levels from 5%–50% maximal voluntary contraction while sEMG of the biceps brachii was recorded with a two‐dimensional 16‐channel electrode array. This was repeated for both sides. Motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) were extracted from the EMG signals, and their root‐mean‐square value (RMSMUAP, reflecting MU size) and mean frequency of the power spectrum (FMEANMUAP, reflecting recruitment threshold) were calculated. FMEANMUAP was smaller on the affected than on the unaffected side, indicating an increased contribution of low‐threshold MUs, possibly related to degeneration of high‐threshold MUs. The ratio of RMSMUAP on the affected side divided by that on the unaffected side correlated significantly with the Fugl‐Meyer score. This ratio may reflect the extent to which reinnervation has occurred on the affected side. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 2008
Estimation of stresses required for exfoliation of clay particles in polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Borse Nitin K. , Kamal Musa R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe dispersion of clay in a polymer matrix is influenced by two factors: the choice of organic treatment for the clay and the processing or mixing method. Maximum benefits are achieved when the platelets are well dispersed or exfoliated. Exfoliated nanocomposites are formed when the individual clay layers break off the agglomerated particles or tactoids and are either randomly dispersed in the polymer (a disordered nanocomposite) or left in an ordered array. It is suggested that size reduction of clay particles and platelet delamination occur by erosion or surface peeling. A model based on the classical theories of interparticle interactions was formulated for the exfoliation of the clay platelets in a polymer matrix. The model involves the estimation of the binding energy and the adhesive force between the platelets in a clay particle, which indicate the forces required for breaking apart or delamination of clay particles. Then, the shear force required for breakup or delamination of the tactoids is estimated and compared to the hydrodynamic shear forces available during processing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pressure solidification of amorphous thermoplastics
Authors: Rudolph N. , Kühnert I. , Schmachtenberg E. , Ehrenstein G.W. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIt is assumed that solidification of a polymer melt is possible by applying pressure. Therefore, the influence of pressure on various properties of amorphous polymers was studied as reported in this article. Pressure‐volume‐temperature (pvT)‐measurements were made on liquid and glassy polycarbonate as well as polymethylmethacrylate and cycloolefin‐copolymer to calculate the thermal expansion coefficient and the shift of glass transition temperature with pressure. The existing pvT‐apparatus was modified to measure the compression heating and the temperature of the polymer during the isothermal solidification process. All results are in good agreement with literature and show the feasibility of the process approach of pressure solidification for amorphous thermoplastics. In addition, the flow temperature of the materials was measured in a plate‐plate‐rheometer to identify the lowest process temperature possible. In addition, the results of the isothermal vitrification are discussed. It is shown that solidification occurs due to compression and that it can be proven by a change in compressibility and the volume course. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Spatially resolved characterization of silicon as‐cut wafers with photoluminescence imaging
Authors: Giesecke Johannes A. , The Manuel , Kasemann Martin , Warta Wilhelm 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe characterization of silicon as‐cut wafers is important for process control in solar cell production, since it can serve as starting material quality inspection and give information about a change of material properties caused by different process steps. In particular, spatially resolved characterization tools such as Photoluminescence Imaging (PLI) are useful as an information source. Due to the low signal in a luminescence image of an as‐cut wafer a major problem is superimposed laser reflection light if the detection occurs from the illuminated side of the wafer. We present a method which eliminates the spurious reflection contribution by a special image correction technique. The image correction is based on a separate measurement of a reflection topography of the as‐cut wafer surface. Additionally we show that for non calibrated luminescence images of as‐cut material the bulk lifetime in low quality areas can be estimated by relating PL‐intensity in these areas to a saturated PL‐intensity value that can be assigned to high quality areas via a simulated curve of relative PL‐intensity over minority carrier bulk lifetime. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The religiosity/spirituality of Latina breast cancer survivors and influence on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Wildes Kimberly A. , Miller Alexander R. , de Majors Sandra San Miguel , Ramirez Amelie G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: The study evaluated the association of religiosity/spirituality (R/S) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) in order to determine whether R/S would be positively correlated with HRQOL and whether R/S would significantly influence HRQOL.Methods: The cross‐sectional study utilized self‐report data from 117 Latina BCS survivors. R/S was measured with the Systems of Belief Inventory‐15 Revised (SBI‐15R) and HRQOL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (FACT‐G). Analyses included calculation of descriptive statistics, t‐tests, bivariate correlations, and multivariate analyses.Results: Latina BCS had very high levels of R/S and generally good HRQOL. The SBI‐15R total score was positively correlated with FACT‐G social well‐being (SWB) (r=0.266, p=0.005), relationship with doctor (RWD) (r=0.219, p=0.020), and functional well‐being (FWB) (r=0.216, p=0.022). Multivariate analyses revealed that SBI‐15R was a significant predictor of FACT‐G FWB (p=0.041) and satisfaction with the relationship with the doctor (p=0.050), where higher levels of R/S predicted higher levels of well‐being.Conclusions: Latina BCS had very high levels of R/S, which were significantly, positively correlated with dimensions of HRQOL (SWB, FWB, RWD). Furthermore, these high levels of R/S predicted better FWB and satisfaction with the patient–doctor relationship while controlling for potentially confounding variables. Implications are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of salsolinol enantiomers by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Cai Min , Liu Yi‐Ming 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSalsolinol, 1‐methyl‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (SAL), is a precursor of a Parkinsonian neurotoxin, N‐methysalsolinol (N‐methyl‐SAL). Previous studies have shown that individual enantiomers of N‐methyl‐SAL possess distinct neurotoxicological properties. In this work, a chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI‐MS/MS) detection was developed for the quantification of (R/S)‐SAL enantiomers. Enantioseparation was achieved on a β‐cyclodextrin‐bonded silica gel column, and the resolved enantiomers were detected by ESI‐MS/MS operated in positive ion mode. The ESI collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrum of SAL was studied together with that of its deuterium‐labeled analog (i.e. salsolinol‐α,α,α,1‐d4, SAL‐d4) so that the fragmentation pathways could be elucidated. Further, using SAL‐d4 as internal standard in HPLC/MS/MS analysis of SAL improved significantly assay accuracy and reliability. Determination of (R/S)‐SAL enantiomers present in food samples such as dried banana chips was demonstrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning behaviours in the workplace: The role of high‐quality interpersonal relationships and psychological safety
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Brueller Daphna , Dutton Jane E 
Published: November 2008

AbstractOrganizational learning is an important means for improving performance. Learning is a process, that is, often relational in the sense of relying on interactions between people to determine what needs improving and how to do it. This study addresses the question of how the quality of work relationships facilitates learning behaviours in organizations through the ways it contributes to psychological safety. Data collected from 212 part‐time students who hold full‐time jobs in organizations operating in a wide variety of industries show that capacities of high‐quality relationships (measured at time 1) are positively associated with psychological safety, which, in turn, are related to higher levels of learning behaviours (measured at time 2). The results also show that experiences of high‐quality relationships (measured at time 1) are both directly and indirectly (through psychological safety) associated with learning behaviours (measured at time 2). These findings shed light on the importance of quality relationships in the workplace for cultivating and developing perceptions of psychological safety and ultimately learning behaviours in organizations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wind tunnel simulation of terrain effects on wind farm siting
Authors: Røkenes Kjersti , Krogstad Per‐Åge 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe turbulent flow above a generic terrain model has been investigated in a wind tunnel. The rather large terrain model was split up into a set of smaller modules, which could be combined in various ways, and consisted of features inspired by the mountainous terrain along the Norwegian coastline. Several vertical velocity profiles were measured above each terrain module, using two‐component laser Doppler anemometry. The mean velocity, turbulence intensity and power spectrum in the simulated incoming atmospheric boundary layer were similar to wind in coastal areas. The flow above hills with sharp and rounded crests and various inclination angles, followed by a plateau, was compared. Results for a straight slope with a sharp crest was compared with a rounded hill with a similar slope, revealing large discrepancies. Flow above rounded hills was seen to be very advantageous for wind turbines, with increased mean velocities and reduced turbulence intensity, compared with the incoming flow. Separated flow occurred in the case with a sharp crest, resulting in highly increased levels of turbulence. Results from cases with two mountains of different heights are also reported. When the flow separated downstream of the first mountain, the flow above the second was affected to a varying extent, depending on the height of the upstream mountain compared to the one downstream. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.