bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural killer T cell dysfunction in CD39-null mice protects against concanavalin A–induced hepatitis
Authors: Beldi Guido , Wu Yan , Banz Yara , Nowak Michael , Miller Lindsay , Enjyoji Keiichi , Haschemi Arvand , Yegutkin Gennady G. , Candinas Daniel , Exley Mark , Robson Simon C. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Concanavalin A (Con A)–induced injury is an established natural killer T (NKT) cell–mediated model of inflammation that has been used in studies of immune liver disease. Extracellular nucleotides, such as adenosine triphosphate, are released by Con A–stimulated cells and bind to specific purinergic type 2 receptors to modulate immune activation responses. Levels of extracellular nucleotides are in turn closely regulated by ectonucleotidases, such as CD39/NTPDase1. Effects of extracellular nucleotides and CD39 on NKT cell activation and upon hepatic inflammation have been largely unexplored to date. Here, we show that NKT cells express both CD39 and CD73/ecto-5′-nucleotidase and can therefore generate adenosine from extracellular nucleotides, whereas natural killer cells do not express CD73. In vivo, mice null for CD39 are protected from Con A–induced liver injury and show substantively lower serum levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-γ when compared with matched wild-type mice. Numbers of hepatic NKT cells are significantly decreased in CD39 null mice after Con A administration. Hepatic NKT cells express most P2X and P2Y receptors; exceptions include P2X3 and P2Y11. Heightened levels of apoptosis of CD39 null NKT cells in vivo and in vitro appear to be driven by unimpeded activation of the P2X7 receptor.

Conclusion:

CD39 and CD73 are novel phenotypic markers of NKT cells. Deletion of CD39 modulates nucleotide-mediated cytokine production by, and limits apoptosis of, hepatic NKT cells providing protection against Con A–induced hepatitis. This study illustrates a further role for purinergic signaling in NKT-mediated mechanisms that result in liver immune injury. (Hepatology 2008.)
Prenatal ultrasonographic features of Joubert syndrome
Authors: Aslan Halil , Gungorduk Kemal , Yildirim Gokhan , Olgac Yusuf , Ceylan Yavuz 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe describe the prenatal imaging of 2 fetuses at risk for Joubert syndrome (JS). In the first case, the mother, who had previously given birth to a child with JS, was referred to our hospital at 17 weeks' gestation. The prenatal diagnosis of JS complicated with an encephalocele was made. In the second case, the mother had previously given birth to 2 children with JS. A diagnosis of JS complicated with postaxial polydactyly of the right foot was made. In both cases, the pregnancy was terminated following genetic counseling. Postmortem examinations confirmed the diagnosis of JS. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Sonographic findings of necrotizing fasciitis in the breast
Authors: Hanif Muhammad A. , Bradley Michael J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNecrotizsing fasciitis is a rapidly developing, fatal bacterial infection of deep subcutaneous tissues. It may occur at any site in the body. We describe a case of necrotizing fasciitis in the breast that was diagnosed on the basis of sonographic findings. Sonographic examination revealed fluid collection in deep tissues with bright echoes likely to represent gas microbubbles. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was subsequently confirmed on surgical exploration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Thickness measurements with electron energy loss spectroscopy
Authors: Iakoubovskii K. , Mitsuishi K. , Nakayama Y. , Furuya K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMeasurements of thickness using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) are revised. Absolute thickness values can be quickly and accurately determined with the Kramers‐Kronig sum method. The EELS data analysis is even much easier with the log‐ratio method, however, absolute calibration of this method requires knowledge of the mean free path of inelastic electron scattering λ. The latter has been measured here in a wide range of solids and a scaling law λ ∼ ρ−0.3 versus mass density ρ has been revealed. EELS measurements critically depend on the excitation and collection angles. This dependence has been studied experimentally and theoretically and an efficient model has been formulated. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
X‐ray imaging of various biological samples using a phase‐contrast hard X‐ray microscope
Authors: Kim Guk Bae , Yoon Yae Jin , Shin Tae Joo , Youn Hwa Shik , Gho Yong Song , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this study, we visualized the internal structures of various bio‐samples and found the optimum conditions of test samples for the 7 keV hard X‐ray microscope of the Pohang light source. From the captured X‐ray images, we could observe the intercellular and intracellular structures of dehydrated human cells and mouse tumor tissues without using any staining materials in a spatial resolution better than 100 nm. The metastasized lung tissue, which was several tens of micrometers in thickness, was found to be very well suited to this hard X‐ray microscope system, because it is nearly impossible to observe such a nontransparent and thick sample with a high spatial resolution better than 100 nm using any microscopes such as a soft X‐ray microscope, an optical microscope, or an electron microscope. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of autoimmune ovarian disease by co‐administration with mouse zona pellucida protein 3 and DNA vaccine through induction of adaptive regulatory T cells
Authors: Li Jinyao , Jin Huali , Zhang Fuchun , Du Xiaogang , Zhao Gan , Yu Yang , Wang Bin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune ovarian disease (AOD) caused by auto‐reactive T cells is considered a major reason for human premature ovarian failure, which affects 5% of women worldwide.Methods and ResultsTo develop an effective treatment for AOD, we showed that the co‐administration of mouse zona pellucida protein 3 (mZP3) protein and DNA vaccine encoding the mZP3 was able to meliorate AOD in an AOD murine model induced by the mZP3. We observed that established AOD in mice reverted to a normal ovarian morphology without notable T‐cell infiltration in the co‐administrated group; whereas mice in the control groups developed severe AOD. The amelioration appears to be antigen specific because other co‐administration combinations failed to reverse AOD and correlates with significant reductions of pathogenic T‐cell responses and productions of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ. Furthermore, the melioration is apparently associated with the induction of mZP3 specific regulatory T cells that exhibit a phenotypic CD4+CD25−FoxP3+IL‐10+ in the co‐administrated group, which can be transferred to reverse AOD in vivo.ConclusionsThus, co‐administration of mZP3 DNA and protein vaccines can be used to treat established AOD, and may provide a novel immunotherapy strategy to treat other autoimmune diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene delivery of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase prolongs cardiac allograft survival by shaping the types of T‐cell responses
Authors: Yu Guang , Dai Hong , Chen Jie , Duan Lihua , Gong Min , Liu Li , Xiong Ping , Wang Cong‐Yi , Fang Min , Gong Feili 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the hypothesis that overexpression of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) by a cardiac allograft may result in a survival advantage of the allograft by creating a tolerogenic microenvironment.MethodsAn adenoviral vector encoding for murine IDO cDNA (AdIDO) was transfected into murine allogeneic cardiac allografts, and transplantation was performed for evaluation of the effects of local AdIDO transfection on allograft survival. Intragraft IDO expression and lymphocytes infiltration were measured by immunohistochemical and histological analysis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, mixed lymphocyte reaction and flow cytometric analysis were employed to determine the expression of mRNA for Foxp3, IDO, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, allogeneic T‐cell proliferation and the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) from graft‐infiltrating lymphocytes and splenocytes of recipients, respectively.ResultsCardiac allografts transfected with AdIDO showed a significant prolonged survival compared to the control groups. Hearts treated with AdIDO exhibited considerable up‐regulation of IDO expression, whereas contained significantly reduced transcript levels for interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon‐γ and IL‐17. These T cells isolated from allografts pre‐treated with AdIDO displayed a dramatic reduction of proliferation capacity to alloantigen stimuli and had a significant higher proportion of Tregs compared to the control, as demonstrated by an increase of Foxp3 expression in allografts pre‐treated with AdIDO compared to control groups.ConclusionsOverexpression of IDO significantly delays cardiac allograft acute rejection by shaping the types of T‐cell responses elicited by alloantigen stimuli. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of gene therapy using CTLA4Ig/silica‐nanoparticles on canine experimental autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Choi Eun Wha , Shin Il Seob , Lee Chang Woo , Youn Hwa Young 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to determine the effect of canine CTLA4Ig on canine autoimmune thyroiditis. In a previous study, we established a canine model of autoimmune thyroiditis by immunizing normal dogs with bovine thyroglobulin. An in vitro study using recombinant CTLA4Ig revealed that this protein can inhibit the expression of Th1‐type cytokines and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tested.MethodsAs a result of the in vitro study, we constructed therapeutic CTLA4Ig/silica‐nanoparticles and applied them to the treatment of experimentally induced canine autoimmune thyroiditis.ResultsGene therapy resulted in significant reductions in anti‐canine‐thyroglobulin autoantibody titer, anti‐T4 antibody titer and T‐cell proliferation against thyroglobulin and in the mRNA expressions of interleukin‐18 in fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from all dogs. There was also a significant reduction compared to day 0 in tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ levels in the supernatant from cultured PBMC.ConclusionsThe CTLA4Ig‐induced suppression of Th1 cytokines is relatively more significant than it appears because autoimmune thyroiditis is a Th1‐polarized disease. Thus, CTLA4Ig can improve Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in autoimmune thyroiditis by downregulating Th1 cytokines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of iron‐gall inks with near‐infrared Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Lee Alana S. , Otieno‐Alego Vincent , Creagh Dudley C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe identification of iron‐gall inks on a number of 18th, 19th, and 20th century documents and a 12th century manuscript has been conducted using near‐infrared Raman microspectroscopy. These historic iron‐gall inks were found to display characteristic Raman bands generally occurring around 1475 cm−1, between 1310 and 1350 cm−1 (variable), 490–640 cm−1 (combined broad band), and 400 cm−1. These bands have promise as analytical spectroscopic markers for in situ non‐destructive Raman identification of iron‐gall ink on historic collections and were in good agreement with Raman data collected for laboratory‐prepared iron‐gall ink complexes and inks prepared following traditional iron‐gall ink recipes. All historic ink spectra contained a fluorescent background, the degree of which varied between samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of the schmiederite Pb2Cu2[(OH)4|SeO3|SeO4]
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Keeffe Eloise C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRaman spectroscopy lends itself to the studies of selenites, selenates, tellurites and tellurates as well as related minerals. The mineral schmiederite Pb2Cu2[(OH)4|SeO3|SeO4], is interesting, in that, both selenite and selenate anions occur in the structure. Raman bands of schmiederite at 1095 and 934 cm−1 are assigned to the symmetric and antisymmetric mode of the (SeO4)2− anions. For selenites, the symmetric stretching mode occurs at a higher position than the antisymmetric stretching mode, as is evidenced in the Raman spectrum of schmiederite. The band at 834 cm−1 is assigned to the symmetric (SeO3)2− units. The two bands at 764 and 739 cm−1 are attributed to the antisymmetric (SeO3)2− units. An intense, sharp band at 398 cm−1 is assigned to the ν2 bending mode. The two bands at 1576 and 1604 cm−1 are assigned to the deformation modes of the OH units. The observation of multiple OH bands supports the concept of a much distorted structure. This is based upon the four OH units coordinating the copper in a square planar structure. A single symmetric Raman band is observed at 3428 cm−1 and is assigned to the symmetric stretching mode of the OH units. The observation of multiple infrared OH stretching bands supports the concept of non‐equivalent OH units in the schmiederite structure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative studies of solid‐state synthesized poly(o‐methoxyaniline) and poly (o‐toluidine)
Authors: Jamal Ruxangul , Abdiryim Tursun , Nurulla Ismayil 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPoly(o‐methoxyaniline) (POMA) and poly(o‐toluidine) (POT) salts doped with different acids (methanesulphonic acid (MeSA), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and hydrochloric acid (HCl)) were synthesized by using solid‐state polymerization method. The polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and conductivity measurements. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was done to study the morphologies of POMA and POT salts. The FTIR and UV‐Vis absorption spectra revealed that the reduced phase was predominant in POMA salts, and the pernigraniline phase was predominant in POT salts. It was found that POMA salts displayed higher doping level and conductivity. In contrast, POT salts were lower at doping levels and conductivity. In accordance with these results, the electrochemical activity was also found to be lower in POT salts. The XRD patterns showed that the POMA salts displayed higher crystallinity than POT salts. The results from TEM revealed that the morphologies of POMA salts were different from those of POT salts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flame retardancy mechanisms of metal phosphinates and metal phosphinates in combination with melamine cyanurate in glass‐fiber reinforced poly(1,4‐butylene terephthalate): the influence of metal cation
Authors: Braun Ulrike , Bahr Horst , Sturm Heinz , Schartel Bernhard 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe pyrolysis and fire behavior of glass‐fiber reinforced poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT/GF) with two different metal phosphinates as flame retardants in combination with and without melamine cyanurate (MC) were analyzed by means of thermogravimetry, thermogravimetry coupled with infrared spectroscopy, flammability, and cone calorimeter tests as well as scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. In PBT/GF, dosages of 13–20% of the halogen‐free flame retardant aluminum phosphinate or aluminum phosphinate in combination with MC fulfill the requirements for electrical engineering and electronics applications (UL 94 = V‐0; LOI > 42%), whereas the use of the same amount of zinc phosphinate or zinc phosphinate in combination with MC does not improve the fire behavior satisfactorily (UL 94 = HB; LOI = 27–28%). The performance under forced flaming conditions (cone calorimeter) is quite similar for both of the metal phosphinates. The use of aluminum and zinc salts results in similar flame inhibition predominantly due to the release of the phosphinate compounds in the gas phase. Both metal phosphinates and MC interact with the polymer changing the decomposition characteristics. However, part of the zinc phosphinate vaporizes as a complete molecule. Because of the different decomposition behavior of the metal salts, only the aluminum phosphinate results in a small amount of thermally stable carbonaceous char. In particular, the aluminum phosphinate‐terephthalate formed is more stable than the zinc phosphinate‐terephthalate. The small amount of char has a crucial effect on the thermal properties and mechanical stability of the residue and thus the flammability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormalities in glucose tolerance are common in children with fanconi anemia and associated with impaired insulin secretion
Authors: Elder Deborah A. , D'Alessio David A. , Eyal Ori , Mueller Robin , Smith Franklin O. , Kansra Alvina R. , Rose Susan R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundTo determine prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism in Fanconi Anemia (FA).ProcedureThirty‐nine children with FA underwent 2‐hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Reference lean adolescents (REF) were older than FA patients (mean ± SD: FA 8.6 ± 3.9 years, REF 19.8 ± 0.3 years, P < 0.001), but comparable in BMI Z‐scores (FA 1.25 ± 0.58, REF −0.02 ± 0.24; P = 0.24). Patients had normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) by American Diabetes Association Criteria. Insulinogenic index estimated β‐cell function. Insulin resistance estimation used homeostatic model assessment (HOMA‐IR). Insulin secretion estimation relative to insulin sensitivity used disposition index (DI).ResultsAmong FA patients, 46% had AGM. Compared to REF, there were significant differences in glycemic responses (area under curve: FA‐NGT 344 ± 42, FA‐AGM 596 ± 35, REF 208 ± 25 mM, P < 0.0001) and insulinogenic index (FA‐NGT 105 ± 29, FA‐AGM 44 ± 8, and REF 173 ± 41 pM/mM, P < 0.05). Insulin sensitivity did not differ among NGT, AGM, and REF (HOMA‐IR: FA‐NGT 1.9 ± 0.4, FA‐AGM 2.2 ± 0.5, REF 1.3 ± 0.2, P = NS). However, DI was significantly lower in both FA groups than REF [NGT 63.6 ± 16.5 vs. AGM 26.4 ± 3.5 (P < 0.048); REF 132.6 ± 24.5 (NGT and AGM vs. REF, both P < 0.0002)].ConclusionAbnormalities in glucose metabolism are frequent in young FA patients without prior diagnosis of diabetes, and are associated with marked defects in insulin secretion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:256–260. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The comparison of outcome and cost of three protocols for childhood non‐high risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in China
Authors: Luo Xue‐Qun , Ke Zhi‐Yong , Guan Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Ying‐Chuang , Huang Li‐Bin , Zhu Jia 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the outcome and treatment cost of three protocols for childhood non‐high risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and evaluate the feasibility of less intensive treatment protocol for low income families.MethodsTwo hundred forty‐three children were newly diagnosed ALL in a university hospital from May 1999 to August 2006. Three protocols were offered to the patients: China‐98 protocol, or modified ALLIC BFM2002 protocol, or an in‐house Reduced Intensity Protocol (or also known as Economic Protocol).ResultsAmong 243 patients, 19 abandoned treatment, 3 transferred to other hospitals, 48 were high‐risk and were treated with the high risk protocol, and 4 had mature B‐ALL. A total of 169 cases were enrolled on non‐high risk protocols: 46 treated on China‐98 protocol, 73 on modified ALLIC BFM2002 and 50 from low income families on Economic Protocol. The event‐free survival (EFS) at 4 years was 80.4% (95%CI, 68.8–92.2%), 83.5% (95%CI, 73.5–93.5%), and 72.8% (95%CI, 59.3–86.3%) for China‐98 protocol, modified ALLIC BFM2002, and Economic Protocol respectively. The hospitalization costs (range and median) were significantly different between protocols: US$ 8,700–25,500 (12,500), US$ 6,900–16,400 (9,900), US$ 3,100–6,800 (4,300) for China‐98 protocol, modified ALLIC BFM2002, and Economic Protocol respectively.ConclusionThis report from China has systematically reviewed the outcome and costs of protocols for ALL having different dose intensity. The reduced intensity protocol appears to achieve reasonable EFS (72.8% at 4 years) for non‐high risk ALL at a much lower cost. This is especially important for low income families in developing countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:204–209. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristic photocurrents in InGaN epitaxial layers coherently grown on GaN: a photovoltaic detector for 400 nm band
Authors: Ohsawa Jun , Kozawa Takahiro , Ishiguro Osamu , Kachi Tetsu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDetailed bias dependences of the dark and photo currents are described for InGaN layers on n‐GaN/sapphire structures. InGaN layers of 20 nm thick and 30 nm thick are compared. Psuedomorphic growth was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Piezoelectric field in these thin layers is quite effective in controlling the characteristics of GaN Schottky diodes. This effect combined with a back‐incidence configuration was successfully used to realize a photovoltaic detector, which has a practical responsivity and a sufficiently low dark current with a large detecting area. Using a circular Schottky electrode of 1 mm diameter, the 30 nm thick device gave a responsivity of 0.1 A/W at zero bias condition with sharp cutoffs at the wavelengths of 365 nm and 425 nm. Optical transmittance measurements revealed that the strained layer has a large absorption coefficient on the order of 105 cm–1. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Variable range hopping in oxygen‐exposed single‐wall carbon nanotube networks
Authors: Morgan C. , Alemipour Z. , Baxendale M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt is shown that the dominant conduction mechanism in single‐wall carbon nanotube networks at room temperature is variable range hopping. Thin networks follow a variable range hopping law throughout the temperature range 4 K < T < 300 K, thick networks display variable range hopping characteristics in the range 50 K < T < 300 K, with deviation to Bloch–Grüneisen behaviour at lower temperatures. The adsorption state of these materials is shown to determine the sign of change in conductance upon subsequent exposure to oxygen. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Role of the magnetic anisotropy in the magnetocaloric effect for a superparamagnetic nanoparticle system: a Monte Carlo study
Authors: Baldomir D. , Serantes D. , Pereiro M. , Rivas J. , Vázquez‐Vázquez C. , Buján‐Núñez M. C. , Arias J. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe magnetocaloric properties of a fine magnetic particle system are studied by means of a Monte Carlo technique, focusing on the role played by the magnetic anisotropy. By varying the anisotropy of the particles, keeping fixed their size and magnetization, we have found that for a fixed concentration the entropy grows for smaller values of the anisotropy. It is also observed that, when comparing different concentrations, the entropy change for low anisotropy is larger at low concentrations, while for high anisotropy it follows the opposite trend. It is also observed that the blocking temperature increases with increasing values of the anisotropy, as it is expected with the enhancement of the anisotropy energy barriers of the particles. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)