bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platinum Nanoparticles Decorated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes – Ionic Liquid Composite Film Coated Glassy Carbon Electrodes for Sensitive Determination of Theophylline
Authors: Liu Liqin , Xiao Fei , Li Jiangwen , Wu Weibing , Zhao Faqiong , Zeng Baizhao 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPlatinum nanoparticles (Ptnano) decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([omim][PF6]) composite material (MWCNTs‐Ptnano‐[omim][PF6]) was fabricated and characterized for the first time. In the presence of [omim][PF6], more Ptnano could deposit on MWCNTs. The average diameter of the deposited Ptnano was about 5 nm. The composite material film coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited sensitive voltammetric response to theophylline (TP). Under the optimized conditions (i.e., preconcentration for 2 minutes on open circuit in 0.10 M pH 3.0 phosphate buffer), the anodic peak current of TP at about 1.1 V (vs. SCE) was linear to TP concentration over the range of 1.0×10−8–1.0×10−5 M. The detection limit was estimated to be 8.0×10−9 M. The modified electrode was successfully applied to the determination of TP in medicine tablet and green tea. In addition, the voltammetric responses of hypoxanthine (HX), xanthine (Xan) and uric acid (UA) on the MWCNTs‐Ptnano‐[omim][PF6]/GCE were also discussed.
Specific targeting of hepatitis C virus core protein by an intracellular single-chain antibody of human origin
Authors: Karthe Juliane , Tessmann Kathi , Li Jisu , Machida Raiki , Daleman Maaike , Häussinger Dieter , Heintges Tobias 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is essential for viral genome encapsidation and plays an important role in steatosis, immune evasion, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It may thus represent a promising therapeutic target to interfere with the HCV life-cycle and related pathogenesis. In this study, we used phage display to generate single-chain variable domain antibody fragments (scFv) to the core protein from bone marrow plasma cells of patients with chronic hepatitis C. An antibody with high-affinity binding (scFv42C) was thus identified, and the binding site was mapped to the PLXG motif (residues 84-87) of the core protein conserved among different genotypes. Whereas scFv42C displayed diffuse cytoplasmic fluorescence when expressed alone in the Huh7 human hepatoma cell line, cotransfection with the core gene shifted its subcellular distribution into that of core protein. The intracellular association of scFv42C with its target core protein was independently demonstrated by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique. Interestingly, expression of the single-chain antibody reduced core protein levels intracellularly, particularly in the context of full HCV replication. Moreover, cell proliferation as induced by the core protein could be reversed by scFv4C coexpression. Therefore, scFv42C may represent a novel anti-HCV agent, which acts by sequestering core protein and attenuating core protein–mediated pathogenesis. (Hepatology 2008.)
Cancer and mortality among users and nonusers of snus
Authors: Roosaar Ann , Johansson Anna L.V. , Sandborgh‐Englund Gunilla , Axéll Tony , Nyrén Olof 
Published: April 2008

AbstractScandinavian moist snuff (snus) is claimed to be a safer alternative to smoking. We aimed to quantify cancer incidence among male snus users and to shed light on the net health outcome by studying their overall mortality. A cohort, comprised of 9,976 men who participated in a population‐based survey, was compiled in 1973–74. Follow‐up until January 31, 2002, was accomplished through record‐linkages with nation‐wide and essentially complete registers of demographics, cancer and causes of deaths. Adjusted relative risks among exposed relative to unexposed men were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. The cohort members contributed more than 220,000 person‐years at risk for cancer. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of the combined category of oral and pharyngeal cancer among daily users of snus (incidence rate ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.6) was found. Overall mortality was also slightly increased (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.21). Although the combined previous literature on snus and oral cancer weigh toward no association, this population‐based prospective study provided suggestive evidence of snus‐related risks that cannot be lightly ignored. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Instability of self‐assembled monolayers as a model material system for macrophage/FBGC cellular behavior
Authors: Jones Jacqueline A. , Qin L. Abby , Meyerson Howard , Kwon Il Keun , Matsuda Takehisa , Anderson James M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNovel self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) designed to present homogenous surface chemistries were utilized to further investigate the material surface chemistry dependent macrophage and foreign‐body giant cell (FBGC) behaviors, including macrophage adhesion, fusion, and apoptosis. Contact angle analysis revealed instabilities in the CH3 and COOH terminated SAM surfaces upon incubation in serum‐free media (SFM) at 37°C or under dry, room temperature conditions. Further analysis indicated that the CH3 terminated SAM surface degraded rapidly within 2 h and loss of sufficient SAM units to be comparable to the gold (Au) control surface, within 24 h of incubation in SFM at 37°C. After 5 days of incubation in SFM at 37°C, the contact angles for the COOH terminated SAM surfaces increased markedly. AFM analysis confirmed the desorption of CH3 terminated SAM molecules from the surface with increased roughness and marked appearance of peaks and valleys within 2 h. A decrease in the thickness of the COOH terminated SAM surface also suggests molecular desorption over time. No significant changes in contact angle or AFM analyses were observed on the OH terminated SAM surfaces. Cellular adhesion decreased more rapidly on the Au control and CH3 terminated SAM surfaces in comparison to the other surfaces. However by day 10, cellular adhesion, fusion, and apoptosis were comparable on all SAM surfaces and the Au control. These studies suggest that SAM surfaces may not be suitable for long‐term studies where material dependent properties are investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Fibroblast growth factor‐2 regulates expression of osteopontin in periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Terashima Yoshimitsu , Shimabukuro Yoshio , Terashima Hiroaki , Ozasa Masao , Terakura Mami , Ikezawa Kazuhiko , Hashikawa Tomoko , Takedachi Masahide , Oohara Hiroyuki , Yamada Satoru , Murakami Shinya 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOsteopontin is a protein found in the bone‐related matrix and plays multiple regulatory roles in mineralizing and non‐mineralizing tissue. In osteogenic cell‐lines, the expression of osteopontin increases with the progression of differentiation, but both the expression and function of osteopontin vary with the cell type and its activation state. In this study, we examined the expression of osteopontin by clones established from mouse periodontal ligament, in response to inorganic phosphate and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2, which can induce periodontal tissue regeneration. The involvement of inorganic phosphate in the expression of osteopontin during the course of cell differentiation of a clone MPDL22 was confirmed by addition of foscarnet, an inorganic phosphate transport inhibitor. Although FGF‐2 decreased the mRNA expression of almost every bone‐related protein in MPDL22, FGF‐2 upregulated the expression of osteopontin in MPDL22 at both mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, FGF‐2 enhanced the concentration of osteopontin in the culture supernatant of MPDL22, whereas inorganic phosphate did not. The FGF‐2‐induced osteopontin in the culture supernatant seems to be involved in cell survival activity. An immunohistochemical study showed that the FGF‐2‐induced osteopontin was mainly present in perinuclear matrices while the inorganic phosphate‐induced osteopontin was associated with extracellular matrices in addition to perinuclear matrices. The present results indicated that FGF‐2 induces unique expression of osteopontin, which may play a role different from the other bone‐related proteins during the process of periodontal tissue regeneration by FGF‐2. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 640–650, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of p38 MAPK and JNK in Arsenic trioxide‐induced mitochondrial cell death in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Kang Young‐Hee , Lee Su‐Jae 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that the release of AIF from mitochondria is required for As2O3‐induced cell death in human cervical cancer cells, and that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is necessary for AIF release from mitochondria. In this study, we further investigated the role of MAPKs in ROS‐mediated mitochondrial apoptotic cell death triggered by As2O3. As2O3‐induced apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells was associated with activation and mitochondrial translocation of Bax, a marked phosphorylation of Bcl‐2, reduction of Bcl‐2 and Bax interaction, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential. Using small interfering RNA, reduced Bax expression effectively attenuated As2O3‐induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss and apoptotic cell death. Moreover, the phosphorylation of Bcl‐2 induced by As2O3 diminished its ability to bind to Bax. Treatment of cells with As2O3 activated both the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways. Mitochondrial translocation of Bax was completely suppressed in the presence of p38 MAPK inhibitor PD169316 or si‐p38 MAPK. The As2O3‐induced Bcl‐2 phosphorylation was attenuated largely by JNK inhibition using SP600125 or si‐JNK and to some extent by p38 MAPK inhibition with PD169316 or si‐p38 MAPK. In addition, N‐acetyl‐L‐cystein (NAC), a thiol‐containing anti‐oxidant, completely blocked As2O3‐induced p38 MAPK and JNK activations, mitochondria translocation of Bax, and phosphorylation of Bcl‐2. These results support a notion that ROS‐mediated activations of p38 MAPK and JNK in response to As2O3 treatment signals activation of Bax and phosphorylation of Bcl‐2, resulting in mitochondrial apoptotic cell death in human cervical cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 23–33, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonographic findings of uterine rupture with expulsion of the fetus into broad ligament
Authors: Attarde Vinod Yadav , Patil Parag , Chaudhari Ritu , Zope Narendra , Apte Abhang 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe report the sonographic findings of a rare case of uterine rupture with extrusion of the fetus into the broad ligament during a second‐trimester abortion. Sonography revealed the empty uterus with an indistinct defect on the side wall and the dead fetus lying outside, surrounded by a thin membrane. At surgery, the uterine rupture was confirmed with the fetus lying in the broad ligament. This study shows the importance of timely sonography in second‐trimester abortion, enabling immediate management and preventing further complications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Evaluation of reanalysis rainfall estimates over Ethiopia
Authors: Diro G. T. , Grimes D. I. F. , Black E. , O'Neill A. , Pardo‐Iguzquiza E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThere is a pressing need for good rainfall data for the African continent both for humanitarian and climatological purposes. Given the sparseness of ground‐based observations, one source of rainfall information is Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model outputs. The aim of this article is to investigate the quality of two NWP products using Ethiopia as a test case. The two products evaluated are the ERA‐40 and NCEP reanalysis rainfall products. Spatial, seasonal and interannual variability of rainfall have been evaluated for Kiremt (JJAS) and Belg (FMAM) seasons at a spatial scale that reflects the local variability of the rainfall climate using a method which makes optimum use of sparse gauge validation data.We found that the spatial pattern of the rainfall climatology is captured well by both models especially for the main rainy season Kiremt. However, both models tend to overestimate the mean rainfall in the northwest, west and central regions but underestimate in the south and east. The overestimation is greater for NCEP in Belg season and greater for ERA‐40 in Kiremt Season. ERA‐40 captures the annual cycle over most of the country better than NCEP, but strongly exaggerates the Kiremt peak in the northwest and west. The overestimation in Kiremt appears to have been reduced since the assimilation of satellite data increased around 1990. For both models the interannual variability is less well captured than the spatial and seasonal variability. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Indian summer monsoon simulation studies with different orographic representations in a spectral GCM
Authors: Mohandas Saji , Dash S. K. , Mohanty P. K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe current study focuses on two aspects of the representation of orography in a spectral general circulation model (GCM). The most important issue is the reduction of the ripple effect, especially the oceanic surface deformations, which can create tendency for unrealistic oceanic rainfall patches in the model climate. In this study, seven types of digital filters were tried at horizontal resolution equivalent to spectral truncation at T80 to identify the most effective filter. Digital filtering results in much greater reduction in orographic barrier, and hence, the blocking effect compared to mean orography. The second point is retention of the barrier effect. In the past, several attempts have been made to address this. Techniques have been developed in the past to construct an optimal orography, to enable more region‐specific enhancement of mountains with less impact over oceans and plains. These techniques include site‐specific kernels and the cost‐function‐minimization. An attempt has been made in the current study to develop a digitally filtered, locally enhanced, optimal orography called the Filtered‐Modified Orography (FMO), for its application to Indian summer monsoon simulation. A number of sensitivity experiments have been conducted to determine the possible impacts of FMO on the seasonal simulation and the medium‐range prediction of Indian summer monsoon. Results of this study show that two‐dimensional (2‐D) Lanczos filter is the most effective in reducing the ripples and the associated errors in the orographic representation. FMO is able to enhance the peaks of the Himalayan range and Western Ghats, and in consequence, it produces a better simulation of Indian summer monsoon circulation features and the associated rainfall in the seasonal and medium time scale. This procedure for local enhancement is found to be more beneficial than global enhancement of orography in a spectral GCM so far as the regional weather prediction is concerned. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Photodynamic treatment as a novel approach in the therapy of arthritic joints
Authors: Hansch Andreas , Frey Oliver , Gajda Mieczyslaw , Susanna Graefe , Boettcher Joachim , Bräuer Rolf , Kaiser Werner A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveMinimal invasive local treatment of joints is a desirable option in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photodynamic treatment (PDT) with different doses of the photosensitizer meta‐tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (m‐THPC; or temoporfin) in a murine model of RA (antigen‐induced arthritis, AIA).Methods In vivo distributionThe distribution of native and liposomal m‐THPC (including a formulation with polyethylene glycol [PEG] coating) was assessed by fluorescence spectrometry in arthritic joints, normal joints, and skin.TreatmentAIA mice received different concentrations of pegylated liposomal m‐THPC (0.1, 0.05, 0.01, or 0.005 mg/kg body weight; n = 5 per group) and subjected to PDT with a laser system 12 hours post‐injection of the photosensitizer. Treatment effects were evaluated histologically in comparison to untreated AIA (n = 5).ResultsPegylated liposomal m‐THPC showed the most favorable accumulation in arthritic joints compared to native m‐THPC and to non‐peg‐liposomal m‐THPC, therefore it was selected as photosensitizer for PDT treatment. In comparison to untreated AIA, PDT reduced the arthritic score with all doses of pegylated liposomal m‐THPC; statistical significant effects were obtained with doses of 0.05 and 0.01 mg/kg.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that local PDT of arthritic joints is feasible. Application of pegylated liposomal m‐THPC for PDT resulted in significant reduction of arthritis scores. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:265–272, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rosacea treatment using the new‐generation, high‐energy, 595 nm, long pulse‐duration pulsed‐dye laser
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Kligman Albert 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRosacea results from sun‐induced hyper‐vascularity of exposed facial skin, often accompanied by acneiform papules and pustules. The pulsed‐dye laser has an unparalleled safety record and emits an ideal wavelength for treating the abnormal vessels that occur in rosacea patients. In this study we investigate the ability of the long pulse‐duration pulsed‐dye laser to improve rosacea.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTwenty subjects with rosacea were treated with the high‐energy, long pulse‐duration pulsed‐dye laser. An elliptical spot and long pulse‐duration was used to spot‐treat linear telangiectasias, while a circular spot and short pulse‐duration was used to treat the entire face. Improvement was determined by blinded evaluation of photographs and by the treating physician's subjective evaluation, before and 8 weeks following the final treatment.ResultsThe average rosacea score as estimated by the treating physician decreased from 2.7±1.1 to 1.4+ 0.7 (mean+SD) on a 0–6 scale with 0 representing no rosacea and 6 representing the most severe rosacea (P<0.001 level). The average rosacea score as rated by blinded physician observers scoring digital photos was 2.3±1.3 before treatment and 1.4±0.9 8 weeks following treatment, using a 0 (mild) to 6 (severe) scale.ConclusionsThe high‐energy, long pulse‐duration pulsed‐dye laser improves rosacea with a very favorable safety profile, and less purpura than resulted from earlier generation pulsed‐dye lasers. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:233–239, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scattered UV irradiation during VISX excimer laser keratorefractive surgery
Authors: Hope R.J. , Weber E.D. , Bower K.S. , Pasternak J.P. , Sliney D.H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the potential occupational health hazards associated with scattered ultraviolet (UV) radiation during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using the VISX Star S3 excimer laser.SettingThe Laser Vision Center, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.MethodsIntraoperative radiometric measurements were made with the Ophir Power/Energy Meter (LaserStar Model PD‐10 with silicon detector) during PRK treatments as well as during required calibration procedures at a distance of 20.3 cm from the left cornea. These measurements were evaluated using a worst‐case scenario for exposure, and then compared with the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygeinists (ACGIH) Threshold Value Limits (TVL) to perform a risk/hazard analysis.ResultsDuring the PRK procedures, the highest measured value was 248.4 nJ/pulse. During the calibration procedures, the highest measured UV scattered radiation level was 149.6 nJ/pulse. The maximum treatment time was 52 seconds. Using a worst‐case scenario in which all treatments used the maximum power and time, the total energy per eye treated was 0.132 mJ/cm2 and the total UV radiation at close range (80 cm from the treated eye) was 0.0085 mJ/cm2. With a workload of 20 patients, the total occupational exposure at 80 cm to actinic UV radiation in an 8‐hour period would be 0.425 mJ/cm2.ConclusionsThe scattered actinic UV laser radiation from the VISX Star S3 excimer laser did not exceed occupational exposure limits during a busy 8‐hour workday, provided that operating room personnel were at least 80 cm from the treated eye. While the use of protective eyewear is always prudent, this study demonstrates that the trace amounts of scattered laser emissions produced by this laser do not pose a serious health risk even without the use of protective eyewear. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:243–246, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metastable States of Glassy Dynamics, Possibly Mimicking Confinement‐Effects in Thin Polymer Films
Authors: Serghei Anatoli , Kremer Friedrich 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe impact of the preparation and thermal history on the dynamic glass transition in thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(vinyl acetate) is systematically investigated by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Metastable states of glassy dynamics are detected, exhibiting shifts in the mean‐relaxation time from the bulk values. These shifts ‐ possibly mimicking confinement‐effects in thin polymer films ‐ become weaker (or even disappear) after an extensive annealing.magnified image
rCBF changes associated with PPN stimulation in a patient with Parkinson's disease: A PET study
Authors: Strafella Antonio P. , Lozano Andres M. , Ballanger Benedicte , Poon Yu‐Yan , Lang Anthony E. , Moro Elena 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGait disturbances and akinesia are disabling symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is involved in locomotion, control of posture, and behavioral states [i.e. wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep]. Some reports have suggested that modulation of the activity of the PPN with deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be beneficial in the treatment of gait dysfunction and akinesia. To gain some insights on effects of PPN‐DBS in the human brain, we used [15O] H2O positron emission tomography (PET) to measure changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at rest during Off and On stimulation in an advanced PD patient with unilateral PPN‐DBS. PPN‐DBS increased rCBF in different subcortical areas most notably the thalamus, bilaterally. Double‐blinded clinical evaluation revealed an improvement in motor function by ∼20%. The PET changes provide for the first time evidence in the human brain that PPN‐DBS may be able to influence and modify rCBF of closely connected subcortical structures. Given the importance of the PPN in locomotion, control of posture, and behavioral states, DBS may have significant implication for more complicated forms of movement disorders where deterioration of gait, postural instability, and REM sleep behavior disorders are very disabling. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Approximation of Cahn–Hilliard diffuse interface models using parallel adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening with C1 elements
Authors: Stogner Roy H. , Carey Graham F. , Murray Bruce T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA variational formulation and C1 finite element scheme with adaptive mesh refinement and coarsening are developed for phase‐separation processes described by the Cahn–Hilliard diffuse interface model of transport in a mixture or alloy. The adaptive scheme is guided by a Laplacian jump indicator based on the corresponding term arising from the weak formulation of the fourth‐order non‐linear problem, and is implemented in a parallel solution framework. It is then applied to resolve complex evolving interfacial solution behavior for 2D and 3D simulations of the classic spinodal decomposition problem from a random initial mixture and to other phase‐transformation applications of interest. Simulation results and adaptive performance are discussed. The scheme permits efficient, robust multiscale resolution and interface characterization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.