bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Human Embryonic Prealbumin and its Association with Malignancies
Authors: TATARINOV YU. S. , KALASHNIKOV V. V. , KRAEVSKY N. A. , KURIKA A. V. , PAVLENKO A. F. , OVODOV YU. S. , VOLOSHUK S. G. 
Published: February 2009

Human embryonic prealbumin (EPA) was purified from pooled fetal sera by a combination of the salt precipitation methods, ion‐exchange chromatography and electro‐isofocusing. Purified EPA preparations had about 80% peptide and 20% carbohydrate including mannose, fucose, glucose, galactose, glucosamine and galactosamine. Amino acid composition of EPA may be characterized by high concentration of aspragin. glutamine acids and proline but very low concentration of methionine.By immunodiffusion in agar, EPA was found in all fetal sera and in some malignant tissue homogenates including carcinomas of ovary, breast, stomach, lung, kidney, and intestinal tract.
Serum Levels of Polyamines in Cancer Patients
Authors: ENDO Y. , SAMEJIMA K. , FUJINO M. , ODA T. 
Published: February 2009

Serum polyamines were determined by Samejima's method.Total putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine in healthy adults were 0.29±0.08, 0.11 ± 0.08. and 0.43 ± 0.15 nmoles/ml. respectively. Spermidine was not detected in the serum by this method. About half of total polyamines existed in free form in the serum. No significant elevation of serum polyamines was observed in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Increased serum putrescine was observed in some cases of malignancies, such as hepatomas (0.76 nmoles/ml. 0.62 nmoles/ml), pharyngeal carcinoma (0.66 nmoles/ml), peritonitis carcinoma (0.60 nmoles/ml) and colon carcinoma (0.45 nmoles/ml). Determination of serum polyamines. especially of putrescine, may provide a potential indicator in some cases of malignancy.
A novel FIP1L1‐PDGFRA mutant destabilizing the inactive conformation of the kinase domain in chronic eosinophilic leukemia/hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Salemi S. , Yousefi S. , Simon D. , Schmid I. , Moretti L. , Scapozza L. , Simon H.‐U. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  The Fip1‐like‐1–platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (FIP1L1‐PDGFRA) gene fusion is a common cause of chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)/hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), and patients suffering from this particular subgroup of CEL/HES respond to low‐dose imatinib therapy. However, some patients may develop imatinib resistance because of an acquired T674I mutation, which is believed to prevent drug binding through steric hindrance.Methods:  In an imatinib resistant FIP1L1‐PDGFRA positive patient, we analyzed the molecular structure of the fusion gene and analyzed the effect of several kinase inhibitors on FIP1L1‐PDGFRA‐mediated proliferative responses in vitro.Results:  Sequencing of the FIP1L1‐PDGFRA fusion gene revealed the occurrence of a S601P mutation, which is located within the nucleotide binding loop. In agreement with the clinical observations, imatinib did not inhibit the proliferation of S601P mutant FIP1L1‐PDGFRA‐transduced Ba/F3 cells. Moreover, sorafenib, which has been described to inhibit T674I mutant FIP1L1‐PDGFRA, failed to block S601P mutant FIP1L1‐PDGFRA. Structural modeling revealed that the newly identified S601P mutated form of PDGFRA destabilizes the inactive conformation of the kinase domain that is necessary to bind imatinib as well as sorafenib.Conclusions:  We identified a novel mutation in FIP1L1‐PDGFRA resulting in both imatinib and sorafenib resistance. The identification of novel drug‐resistant FIP1L1‐PDGFRA variants may help to develop the next generation of target‐directed compounds for CEL/HES and other leukemias.
Thioredoxin reduces C‐C chemokine‐induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils
Authors: Kobayashi N. , Yamada Y. , Ito W. , Ueki S. , Kayaba H. , Nakamura H. , Yodoi J. , Chihara J. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Human thioredoxin (TRX) is one of redox‐active proteins that regulate reactive oxidative metabolisms. In recent study, we found that serum levels of TRX were elevated in asthmatic patients with exacerbation; however, few details are known about the physiological role of TRX in allergic inflammation, involving eosinophil infiltration.Objective:  In the present study, we examined whether TRX modulated C‐C chemokine‐induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils.Methods:  Eosinophils were isolated from subjects with mild eosinophilia by modified CD16 negative selection. After incubation with or without recombinant TRX, chemotaxis of human eosinophils was measured using Boyden chamber.Results:  Preincubation with TRX suppressed eotaxin‐ and regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)‐induced chemotaxis of eosinophils. Although, TRX had no effect on the expression of C‐C chemokine receptor 3, which is a receptor of eotaxin and RANTES, we demonstrated that the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, which play an important role in eosinophil migration, was attenuated by the treatment with TRX.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the elicited TRX is beneficial to reduce allergic inflammation through negative regulation of eosinophil functions and has potential in the treatment of allergic diseases, such as asthma.
Liver transplantation for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Wang B. , Lu Y. , Yu L. , Liu C. , Liu X. , Wu Z. , Zhu H.‐T. , Pan C.‐E. 
Published: February 2009

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) infection in a liver transplantation candidate is not rare in China. There is little experience on how to manage the pre‐existing TB infection in liver transplantation recipients.Aim. Patients with pre‐existing pulmonary TB who received liver transplantation are described and the perioperative treatment is discussed.Methods. The treatment of 3 patients with pre‐existing pulmonary TB infection who received liver transplantation was reviewed.Results. The patients were given nonstandard antituberculous therapy according to their reaction to the drugs. No evidence of TB infection relapse was discovered.Conclusion. Pre‐existing TB infection should not be an absolute contraindication to orthotopic liver transplantation. The use of second‐line antituberculous therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of TB infection in liver transplantation recipients.
Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae in the Alleviation of Ionic, Osmotic and Oxidative Stresses Induced by Salinity in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeonpea)
Authors: Garg N. , Manchanda G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSalinity stress causes ion toxicity and osmotic imbalances, leading to oxidative stress in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are considered bio‐ameliorators of saline soils and could develop salinity tolerance in crop plants. Pigeonpea exhibits strong mycorrhizal development and has a high mycorrhizal dependency. The role of AM in enhancing salt tolerance of pigeonpea in terms of shoot and root dry weights, phosphorus and nitrogen contents, K+ : Na+, Ca2+ : Na+ ratios, lipid peroxidation, compatible solutes (proline and glycine betaine) and antioxidant enzyme activities was examined. Plants were grown and maintained at three levels of salt (4, 6 and 8 dSm−1). Stress impeded the growth of plants, led to weight gain reductions in shoots as well as roots and hindered phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. However, salt‐stressed mycorrhizal plants produced greater root and shoot biomass, had higher phosphorus and nitrogen content than the corresponding uninoculated stressed plants. Salt stress resulted in higher lipid peroxidation and membrane stability was reduced in non‐AM plants. The presence of fungal endophyte significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and membrane damage caused by salt stress. AM plants maintained higher K+ : Na+ and Ca2+ : Na+ ratios than non‐AM plants under stressed and unstressed conditions. Salinity induced the accumulation of both proline and glycine betaine in AM and non‐AM plants. The quantum of increase in synthesis and accumulation of osmolytes was higher in mycorrhizal plants. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased significantly with salinity in both mycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal plants. In conclusion, pigeonpea plants responded to an increased ion influx in their cells by increasing the osmolyte synthesis and accumulation under salt stress, which further increased with AM inoculation and helped in maintaining the osmotic balance. Increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities in AM plants under salt stress could be involved in the beneficial effects of mycorrhizal colonization.
Effects of Post‐Anthesis Drought and Waterlogging on Accumulation of High‐Molecular‐Weight Glutenin Subunits and Glutenin Macropolymers Content in Wheat Grain
Authors: Jiang D. , Yue H. , Wollenweber B. , Tan W. , Mu H. , Bo Y. , Dai T. , Jing Q. , Cao W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDrought and flooding during grain filling have become major constraints to wheat quality and yield. The impacts of water deficits and waterlogging during the grain filling on contents of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) and of glutenin macropolymers (GMP) in grains of the winter wheat cultivar Yumai 34 with high grain protein content (GPC) and Yangmai 9 with low GPC were studied. At maturity, GPC was higher under drought and lower under waterlogging compared to the control, while contents of GMP and HMW‐GS were reduced by the two water‐stress treatments. The contents of both HMW‐GS and GMP were higher in Yumai 34 than in Yangmai 9. A drought event after anthesis increased the accumulation of HMW‐GS during the early grain filling stage. By contrast, waterlogging reduced the accumulation of HMW‐GS during the whole grain filling phase. At maturity, the HMW‐GS and GMP to protein ratios were also depressed under the two water‐stress events, while the HMW‐GS to GMP ratio was very close between the three treatments in Yumai 34 and much higher under the control than the drought and waterlogging treaments in Yangmai 9. It is concluded that the variation in GMP content with various water‐stress treatments is attributed to the changing in accumulation of HMW‐GS in the grain.
Forecasting migration of cereal aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in autumn and spring
Authors: Klueken A. M. , Hau B. , Ulber B. , Poehling H.‐M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe migration of cereal aphids and the time of their arrival on winter cereal crops in autumn and spring are of particular importance for plant disease (e.g. barley yellow dwarf virus infection) and related yield losses. In order to identify days with migration potentials in autumn and spring, suction trap data from 29 and 45 case studies (locations and years), respectively, were set‐off against meteorological parameters, focusing on the early immigration periods in autumn (22 September to 1 November) and spring (1 May to 9 June). The number of cereal aphids caught in a suction trap increased with increasing temperature, global radiation and duration of sunshine and decreased with increasing precipitation, relative humidity and wind speed. According to linear regression analyses, the temperature, global radiation and wind speed were most frequently and significantly associated with migration, suggesting that they have a major impact on flight activity. For subsequent model development, suction trap catches from different case studies were pooled and binarily classified as days with or without migration as defined by a certain number of migrating cereal aphids. Linear discriminant analyses of several predictor variables (assessed during light hours of a given day) were then performed based on the binary response variables. Three models were used to predict days with suction trap catches ≥1, ≥4 or ≥10 migrating cereal aphids in autumn. Due to the predominance of Rhopalosiphum padi individuals (99.3% of total cereal aphid catch), no distinction between species (R. padi and Sitobion avenae) was made in autumn. As the suction trap catches were lower and species dominance changed in spring, three further models were developed for analysis of all cereal aphid species, R. padi only, and Metopolophium dirhodum and S. avenae combined in spring. The empirical, cross‐classification and receiver operating characteristic analyses performed for model validation showed different levels of prediction accuracy. Additional datasets selected at random before model construction and parameterization showed that predictions by the six migration models were 33–81% correct. The models are useful for determining when to start field evaluations. Furthermore, they provide information on the size of the migrating aphid population and, thus, on the importance of immigration for early aphid population development in cereal crops in a given season.
Modified technique to extract malpositioned or migrated self‐expanding stents from the esophagus and stomach
Authors: Munoz Juan Carlos , Khoury Joe E , Alizadeh Mary , Pudhota Sunitha , Smith‐McCutchen Aja , Corregidor Ana M , Lambiase Louis R , Vega Kenneth J 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Various methods have been used to remove self expandable stents (SES) because of either malposition or migration. The main difficulties encountered in such situations are the anatomic obstacle of the lower and upper esophageal sphincters as well as risk of mucosal injury during removal.Methods:  We describe a modified approach using an esophagogastroduodenoscope (EGD) in combination with a foreign body hood protector, rat tooth forceps and snare allowing for successful SES removal from the upper gastrointestinal tract in four cases.Results:  In all cases, the SES were successfully removed from upper gastrointestinal tract using this technique. No complications were noted after extraction.Conclusion:  The foreign body hood protector combined with rat tooth forceps/snare technique is a safe and effective alternative to previously described methods for extraction of SES from the upper gastrointestinal tract. This method may be applicable for the removal of other such objects within the endoscope's reach.
Light regulation of retinal dopamine that is independent of melanopsin phototransduction
Authors: Cameron M. A. , Pozdeyev N. , Vugler A. A. , Cooper H. , Iuvone P. M. , Lucas R. J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractLight‐dependent release of dopamine (DA) in the retina is an important component of light‐adaptation mechanisms. Melanopsin‐containing inner retinal photoreceptors have been shown to make physical contacts with DA amacrine cells, and have been implicated in the regulation of the local retinal environment in both physiological and anatomical studies. Here we determined whether they contribute to photic regulation of DA in the retina as assayed by the ratio of DA with its primary metabolite, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and by c‐fos induction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐labelled DA amacrine cells. Light treatment (∼0.7 log W/m2 for 90 min) resulted in a substantial increase in DA release (as revealed by an increase in the DOPAC : DA ratio), as well as widespread induction of nuclear c‐fos in DA amacrine cells in wild‐type mice and in mice lacking melanopsin (Opn4−/−). Light‐induced DA release was also retained in mice lacking rod phototransduction (Gnat1−/−), although the magnitude of this response was substantially reduced compared with wild‐types, as was the incidence of light‐dependent nuclear c‐fos in DAergic amacrines. By contrast, the DAergic system of mice lacking both rods and cones (rd/rd cl) showed no detectable light response. Our data suggest that light regulation of DA, a pivotal retinal neuromodulator, originates primarily with rods and cones, and that melanopsin is neither necessary nor sufficient for this photoresponse.
A systematic review of postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Levy B. F. , Tilney H. S. , Dowson H. M. P. , Rockall T. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective  The use of epidural analgesia is considered fundamental in Enhanced Recovery Protocols. However its value in the perioperative management of laparoscopic colorectal surgical patients is unclear and analgesic regimens vary. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of various analgesic regimes on outcomes following laparoscopic colectomy.Method  A systematic review of studies assessing analgesic regimes following laparoscopic colorectal resection was performed. The primary outcome of interest was length of hospital stay whilst the secondary outcomes included pain, time to tolerate a normal diet, return of bowel function and postoperative complications.Results  Eight studies were identified, five of which compared epidural vs patient controlled analgesia/intra‐venous morphine. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of outcomes, except pain control which was superior in the epidural group. Spinal anaesthesia using intrathecal morphine in addition to local anaesthetic, and the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents have also been shown to reduce postoperative pain.Conclusion  There is a paucity of data assessing the benefits of postoperative analgesic regimes following laparoscopic colorectal surgery and none of the protocols were shown to be clearly superior. Further studies, including the assessment of spinal analgesia are required to determine the most appropriate analgesic regime following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Risk factors for recurrence and incontinence after anal fistula surgery
Authors: Jordán J. , Roig J. V. , García‐Armengol J. , García‐Granero E. , Solana A. , Lledó S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective  Fistula‐in‐ano continues to raise problems that require important therapeutic decisions. Our aim was to evaluate its recurrence and incontinence risk factors.Method  We analysed a series of 279 patients who had undergone anal fistula surgery with long‐term follow‐up.Results  42.7% of the fistulae were considered complex and 46% had been referred from other institutions. There was delayed healing or recurrence in 7.2% patients, which appeared at a median of 4 months. The factors associated with recurrence were the type of fistula (extrasphincteric/suprasphincteric), nonidentification of internal opening (IO), recurrent or complex fistulae (CF), and associated chronic abscess. Only CF and nonidentification of IO were statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Preoperative incontinence was a risk factor for postoperative incontinence, as were suprasphincteric, recurrent and CF. The age and gender of the patient did not influence postoperative continence, nor did the surgeon or surgical technique appear as a risk factor, although after excluding preoperative incontinent patients, fistulotomy was the technique that showed a higher risk of incontinence. Multivariate analysis only confirmed previous incontinence as a RF.Conclusion  The overall recurrence rate is acceptable, but high fistulae continue to be difficult to treat. IO identification is also essential for obtaining good results. It is important to identify the patients with preoperative incontinence as they are at a greater risk of deterioration after surgery.
Relational memory during infancy: evidence from eye tracking
Authors: Richmond Jenny , Nelson Charles A. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Here we report evidence from a new eye‐tracking measure of relational memory that suggests that 9‐month‐old infants can encode memories in terms of the relations among items, a function putatively subserved by the hippocampus. Infants learned about the association between faces that were superimposed on unique scenic backgrounds. During test trials, infants were shown three faces presented on a familiar scene. All three faces were equally familiar; however, one had been presented with the test background earlier. Visual behavior was recorded continuously using a TOBII eye tracker. Infants looked preferentially at the face that matched the test background very early in the trial; however, the time course of this preferential looking effect varied as a function of delay. These results suggest that by 9 months of age infants can form memories that represent the relations among items and maintain them over short delays.
The efficacy of final examinations: A comparative study of closed‐book, invigilated exams and open‐book, open‐web exams
Authors: Williams Jeremy B. , Wong Amy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEducators have long debated the usefulness (or otherwise) of final examinations; a debate that has typically revolved around the relative merits of closed‐book exams, open‐book exams, take‐home exams or their substitution by some other assessment format (eg, project work). This paper adds a new dimension to the debate by considering how the final examination assessment instrument might be enhanced through harnessing the power of technology, more specifically, how the learner experience of the final examination might be made more authentic and, in the process, more constructively aligned with stated learning outcomes. The authors report on the latest findings of an ongoing research project evaluating the effectiveness of ‘open‐book, open‐web’ (OBOW) examinations delivered by an online university, vis‐à‐vis a closed‐book, invigilated alternative. Earlier research had indicated that the OBOW model receives the strong endorsement of students in a number of respects, most particularly the quality of the learning outcomes.
Ethnic Diversity, Civil War and Redistribution*
Authors: Tangerås Thomas P. , Lagerlöf Nils‐Petter 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn a game‐theoretic framework, we analyse the circumstances under which self‐enforcing redistribution and power‐sharing coalitions can be used to peacefully resolve ethnic conflict. The existence of a pacific equilibrium depends crucially on ethnic diversity (the number of ethnic groups). The risk of civil war is comparatively high at intermediate levels of ethnic diversity. The risk is low if a society is either very homogeneous or very diverse. Predictions of the model are consistent with evidence on the incidence of civil war.
Speculative Attacks with Multiple Sources of Public Information*
Authors: Cornand Camille , Heinemann Frank 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe propose a speculative attack model in which agents receive multiple public signals. Diverse pieces of public information can be taken into account differently by different players and are likely to lead to different appreciations ex post. This process defines players' expected private values of a successful attack. The main result shows that equilibrium uniqueness depends on two conditions: (i) signals are sufficiently dispersed and (ii) private beliefs about signals' relative precision differ sufficiently. We derive some implications for information dissemination policy. Transparency in this context is multidimensional: it concerns the publicity of announcements, the number of signals disclosed and their precision.
Social Competence in Children At Risk Due to Prenatal Cocaine Exposure: Continuity Over Time and Associations with Cognitive and Language Abilities
Authors: Acra C. Françoise , Bono Katherine E. , Mundy Peter C. , Scott Keith G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe continuity of social competence between 36 months and first grade was examined in a sample of children at risk due to prenatal exposure to cocaine (N = 92). Parent report data on social competence were collected at 36 months of age and both parent and teacher report data were collected when children were in first grade. Regression analyses indicated that 36‐month social competence significantly predicted first‐grade parent ratings of social competence, even after controlling for cognitive ability. Thirty‐six month social competence also predicted first‐grade teacher ratings of competence, but these relations were mediated by child gender and cognitive ability. Early social competence was also a significant predictor of first‐grade language ability, after controlling for 36‐month language. These findings emphasize the importance of early social competence for later development.