bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and processability of iodinated poly(vinyl alcohol) (III)‐structure of films iodinated in solution before casting
Authors: Joo Shin Eun , Hun Lee Yang , Chul Choi Suk 
Published: June 2006

AbstractFilms iodinated at solution before casting (IBC films) were prepared by casting aqueous solutions of 10 wt % poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) containing selected quantities of I2/KI. The quantity of I2/KI was controlled to obtain 15.2, 39.8, 83.2, 117.0, and 140.1%. The Thermogravimetry (TG) curves of the IBC film exhibited three distinct zones corresponding to the evaporation of H2O and I2 molecules (zone I), evaporation of I2 and partial decomposition of side groups (OH) (zone II), degradation of the remaining side groups and partial degradation of the main chain (zone III‐1), and degradation of the remaining main chain and the char zone corresponding to KI. The crystalline structure of the film with a weight gain of 15.2% was almost the same as that of the pure PVA, and the film with the weight gain of 140% was almost amorphous. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms of the IBC films with a weight gain of 15.2% and 39.8% indicated endothermic single or double peaks at around 180°C, corresponding to the crystal melting and degradation of side groups; those with weight gains of 83.2% and above indicated exothermic peaks at around 170°C, corresponding to crystallization, and broad endothermic peak at around 180–200°C, corresponding to the crystal melting and degradation of side groups. The dynamic mechanical αa transition of the IBC film with the weight gain of 140.1% appeared at around 20°C. X‐ray diffraction and DSC analysis of deiodinated films show that the crystal structure, on deiodination of all the IBC films, regardless of crystallinity, returned to that of the pure PVA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3497–3502, 2006
Mechanical and morphological properties of carbon fiber reinforced–modified epoxy composites
Authors: Guduri B. R. , Luyt A. S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractEpoxy, prepared through aminomethyl 3,5,5‐trimethylcyclohexylamine hardening of diglycidylether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) prepolymer, toughened with polycarbonate (PC) in different proportions, and reinforced with carbon fiber, was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, tensile and interlaminar shear strength testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A single glass transition temperature was found in all compositions of the epoxy/PC blend system. The tensile properties of the blend were found to be better than that of the pure epoxy matrix. They increased with PC content up to 10%, beyond which they decreased. The influence of carbon fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of the composites was studied, where the fiber content was kept constant at 68 wt %. Composites with 45° fiber orientation were found to have very weak mechanical properties, and the mechanical properties of the blend matrix composites were found to be better than those of the pure epoxy matrix composites. The fracture and surface morphologies of the composite samples were characterized by SEM. Good bonding was observed between the fiber and matrix for the blend matrix composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3529–3536, 2006
A comparison of chemical systems for luminometric determination of antioxidant capacity towards individual reactive oxygen species
Authors: Komrskova Daniela , Lojek Antonin , Hrbac Jan , Ciz Milan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the hypoxanthine–xanthinoxidase (HX–XO), hydrogen peroxide–ferrous sulphate (H2O2–FeSO4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) systems by using various concentrations of ROS scavengers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), dimethylthiourea (DMTU) or catalase (CAT). Luminol (0.8 mmol/L) was dissolved in a borate buffer, pH 9.0, and was used as a luminophor in the chemiluminescence (CL) measurements. In the HX–XO system SOD, CAT and DMTU deepened the CL signal, whereas in the H2O2–FeSO4 system, only CAT and DMTU deepened the CL signal, and in the H2O2 system SOD and CAT increased and DMTU deepened the CL signal. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements were performed only in the H2O2–FeSO4 system. 5,5‐dimethyl‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO) was used as a spin trap. According to typical ESR spectra, .OH was produced in this chemical system. It can be concluded that the chemical systems do not produce single reactive oxygen species but a mixture of them. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fiber type composition and maximum shortening velocity of muscles crossing the human shoulder
Authors: Srinivasan R.C. , Lungren M.P. , Langenderfer J.E. , Hughes R.E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA study of the fiber type composition of fourteen muscles spanning the human glenohumeral joint was carried out with the purpose of determining the contribution of fiber types to overall muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) and to estimate the maximum shortening velocity (Vmax) of those muscles. Muscle biopsies were procured from 4 male cadavers (mean age 50) within 24 hr of death, snap frozen, mounted, and transversely sectioned (10 μm). Slides were stained for myofibrillar ATPase after alkaline preincubation. Photoimages were taken of defined areas (100 fibers) using the Bioquant system, and fiber type and CSA were measured from these images. Staining for mATPase produced three different fiber types: slow‐oxidative (SO), fast‐oxidative‐glycolytic (FOG), and fast‐glycolytic (FG). On average, the muscle fiber type composition ranged from 22 to 40% of FG, from 17 to 51% of FOG, and from 23 to 56% of SO. Twelve out of the 14 muscles had average SO proportions ranging from 35 to 50%. Vmax was calculated from the fiber type contribution relative to CSA and shortening velocity values taken from the literature. The maximum velocities of shortening presented here provide a physiological basis for the development of human shoulder musculoskeletal models suitable for predicting muscle forces for functionally relevant tasks encompassing conditions of muscle shortening and lengthening. Clin. Anat. 20:144–149, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional CT angiography: A new technique for imaging microvascular anatomy
Authors: Tregaskiss Ashley P. , Goodwin Adam N. , Bright Linda D. , Ziegler Craig H. , Acland Robert D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTo date there has been no satisfactory research method for imaging microvascular anatomy in three dimensions (3D). In this article we present a new technique that allows both qualitative and quantitative examination of the microvasculature in 3D. In 10 fresh cadavers (7 females, 3 males, mean age 68 years), selected arteries supplying the abdominal wall and back were injected with a lead oxide/gelatin contrast mixture. From these regions, 30 specimens were dissected free and imaged with a 16‐slice spiral computed tomographic (CT) scanner. Using three‐dimensional CT (3D‐CT) angiography, reconstructions of the microvasculature of each specimen were produced and examined for their qualitative content. Two calibration tools were constructed to determine (1) the accuracy of linear measurements made with CT software tools, and (2) the smallest caliber blood vessel that is reliably represented on 3D‐CT reconstructions. Three‐dimensional CT angiography produced versatile, high quality angiograms of the microvasculature. Correlation between measurements made with electronic calipers and CT software tools was very high (Lin's concordance coefficient, 0.99 (95% CI 0.99–0.99)). The finest caliber of vessel reliably represented on the 3D‐CT reconstructions was 0.4 mm internal diameter. In summary, 3D‐CT angiography is a simple, accurate, and reproducible method that imparts a much improved perception of anatomy when compared with existing research methods. Measurement tools provide accurate quantitative data to aid vessel mapping and preoperative planning. Further work will be needed to explore the full utility of 3D‐CT angiography in a clinical setting. Clin. Anat. 20:116–123, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case of a cilioretinal artery supplying the entire retina
Authors: Hegde V. , Deokule S. , Matthews T. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe cilioretinal artery commonly supplies a small area of the retina, usually the macula. It can serve a valuable purpose in preserving the central vision in central retinal artery occlusion. We describe a case, where the total retinal circulation is from the cilioretinal artery in one eye and an abnormal central retinal artery branching in the other eye. The clinical relevance of cilioretinal artery in the eye is discussed. Clin. Anat. 19:645–647, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promoter methylation of the secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 gene SFRP1 is frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shih Yu‐Lueng , Shyu Rong‐Yuan , Hsieh Chung‐Bao , Lai Hung‐Cheng , Liu Kuo‐Yu , Chu Tang‐Yuan , Lin Ya‐Wen 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 gene (SFRP1) encodes a Wnt/β‐catenin signaling antagonist and frequently is inactivated by promoter methylation in many tumors. However, the role of SFRP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. Therefore, the authors investigated whether methylation of the SFRP1 promoter is common in HCC and whether it may influence SFRP1 expression.METHODS.Four HCC cell lines, 54 HCCs, 42 cirrhotic livers, 21 livers with chronic hepatitis, and 15 normal control tissues were analyzed for 1) SFRP1 promoter methylation by using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis and bisulfite sequencing, 2) SFRP1 messenger RNA expression by using quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, and 3) loss of heterozygosity (LOH) by using microsatellite markers flanking the SFRP1 locus. HCC cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine to determine whether it could restore SFRP1 expression.RESULTS.SFRP1 promoter methylation was observed in 75%, 48.2%, 21.4%, 14.3% and 0% in HCC cell lines, primary HCCs, cirrhotic livers, livers with chronic hepatitis, and normal control tissues, respectively. Methylation of the SFRP1 promoter region in HCCs increased significantly compared with control tissues. All samples with SFRP1 methylation showed down‐regulation of SFRP1 expression. Demethylation treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine in HCC cells restored SFRP1 expression. Moreover, LOH of markers D8S505 and D8S1722 was found in 25% and 27.6% of the informative samples, respectively.CONCLUSIONS.The current results suggested that promoter hypermethylation of SFRP1 is a common event in HCC and plays an important role in the regulation of SFRP1 expression. In addition to methylation‐mediated down‐regulation of SFRP1, LOH also may play a role. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
T‐cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia
Authors: Osuji Nnenna , Matutes Estella , Tjonnfjord Geir , Grech Henri , Del Giudice Ilaria , Wotherspoon Andrew , Swansbury John G. , Catovsky Daniel 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.To the authors' knowledge, there is no standard treatment for patients with T‐cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia. Available data are limited by patient numbers and coexisting pathologies.METHODS.The authors report on the use of immunosuppressants (cyclosporin A [CSA] and low‐dose oral methotrexate [MTX] given continuously) and cytotoxic agents in the treatment of 29 patients with T‐cell LGL leukemia age over the past 20 years.RESULTS.The overall response rate (ORR) to MTX (n = 8 patients) was 85.7% (complete hematologic response [CHR] rate, 14.3%; partial response [PR] rate, 71.4%) with dose‐dependent responses observed and safe usage of doses >10 mg/m2 per week in 2 patients. The ORR to CSA (n = 23 patients) was 78.2% (CHR rate, 30.4%; PR rate, 47.8%). The median time to response for both agents was 1 month. Toxicity, although it was minor in most patients and was more common in the CSA group, included second malignancies in 5 patients. An ORR of 67% (all CHR) was attained with pentostatin (n = 4 patients); recurrences developed after a median of 4.6 years. Successful retreatment with pentostatin was possible but with increasing drug resistance. Cyclophosphamide induced CHR that lasted >7 years with bone marrow clearance in 1 of 4 patients. Alemtuzumab induced a PR in 1 patient who had refractory disease.CONCLUSIONS.Both MTX and CSA were efficacious in the treatment of T‐cell LGL leukemia but generally required long‐term maintenance therapy. The authors highlight the risks of second malignancies and persistence of bone marrow disease. Although MTX and CSA were effective as first‐line therapy, alemtuzumab and pentostatin merit further investigation, particularly for refractory disease. Cancer 2006 © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Emerging implications of nanotechnology on cancer diagnostics and therapeutics
Authors: Cuenca Alex G. , Jiang Huabei , Hochwald Steven N. , Delano Matthew , Cance William G. , Grobmyer Stephen R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNanotechnology is multidisciplinary field that involves the design and engineering of objects <500 nanometers (nm) in size. The National Cancer Institute has recognized that nanotechnology offers an extraordinary, paradigm‐changing opportunity to make significant advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment. In the last several decades, nanotechnology has been studied and developed primarily for use in novel drug‐delivery systems (e.g. liposomes, gelatin nanoparticles, micelles). A recent explosion in engineering and technology has led to 1) the development of many new nanoscale platforms, including quantum dots, nanoshells, gold nanoparticles, paramagnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes, and 2) improvements in traditional, lipid‐based nanoscale platforms. The emerging implications of these platforms for advances in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics form the basis of this review. A widespread understanding of these new technologies is important, because they currently are being integrated into the clinical practice of oncology. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Pilot trial of bone‐targeted therapy with zoledronate, thalidomide, and interferon‐γ for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tannir Nizar , Jonasch Eric , Pagliaro Lance C. , Mathew Paul , Siefker‐Radtke Arlene , Rhines Laurence , Lin Patrick , Tibbs Rita , Do Kim‐Anh , Lin Sue‐Hwa , Tu Shi‐Ming 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a bone‐targeted regimen consisting of zoledronate, thalidomide, and interferon‐γ in patients with renal cell carcinoma and bone metastases.METHODS.Eligible patients had radiographic evidence of bone metastasis. Impending pathologic fractures or spinal cord compressions must have been controlled by surgery or radiation therapy before enrollment. Zoledronate (4 mg) was given intravenously every 4 weeks, thalidomide (300 mg) was given orally once a day, and interferon‐γ (100 μg) was given subcutaneously once a week. Patients were evaluated for time to skeletal‐related events, the appearance of calcification in osteolytic metastases, and levels of the bone formation/resorption markers.RESULTS.Fifteen patients were treated between November 2002 and November 2003; 12 had previously undergone surgery, radiation, or embolization for their bone metastases; 11 had more than 3 sites of bone involvement; and 9 also had nonosseous metastases in the lung, liver, lymph node, pancreas, or adrenal gland. The median time to progression was 8.3 weeks (range, 2.1–48 weeks). The median time to a skeletal‐related event was 12.0 weeks (range, 3.9–46.4 weeks). Two patients discontinued treatment because of adverse drug reactions (1 deep venous thrombosis and 1 myocardial infarction). Two patients experienced pain improvement and developed calcification in osseous metastases; these patients also showed favorable changes in bone marker levels.CONCLUSIONS.In this pilot study a bone‐targeted regimen combining zoledronate, thalidomide, and interferon‐γ was well tolerated and might provide clinical benefit for a small subset of patients with renal cell carcinoma and bone metastases. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Study of Pax6 mutant rat revealed the association between upper incisor formation and midface formation
Authors: Kriangkrai Rungarun , Chareonvit Suconta , Yahagi Koichi , Fujiwara Michio , Eto Kazuhiro , Iseki Sachiko 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the process of supernumerary upper incisor formation in the Pax6 mutant rat, rSey2/rSey2, which exhibits a facial cleft between the medial nasal and maxillary processes. Histological investigation and epithelial labeling studies of wild type rat embryos indicated that the upper incisor develops by fusion of two primary dental placodes (PDPs) in the medial nasal process with a contribution from the epithelium of the maxillary process. In the rSey2/rSey2 embryo, both PDPs are formed but they stay apart, then subsequently these PDPs independently develop into upper incisor tooth buds. In order to examine if the failure of the two placodes to fuse is due to the cleft between the maxillary and medial nasal processes, maxillary and medial nasal process fusion was inhibited with a barrier in wild type embryos. This resulted in the maintenance of the two distinct PDPs. These results demonstrate that fusion of the facial processes reduces the number of odontogenic placodes and is required to assemble all components at one site for rat upper incisor formation. The results also provide further insight into the mechanism of supernumerary incisor formation in human cleft lip conditions. Developmental Dynamics 235:2134–2143, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mouse carrying the green fluorescent protein gene targeted to the Pdx1 locus facilitates the study of pancreas development and function
Authors: Holland Andrew M. , Micallef Suzanne J. , Li Xueling , Elefanty Andrew G. , Stanley Edouard G. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1 (Pdx1) has multiple roles in the specification and development of foregut endoderm‐derived tissues. We report the characterization of a mouse line in which the gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been targeted to the Pdx1 locus, allowing the visualization of Pdx1 expressing cells. Analysis of GFP expression during development showed that the reporter faithfully reproduced the known expression pattern of Pdx1. We demonstrate the utility of this mouse line for the isolation of Pdx1+ cells by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and for the real‐time observation of Pdx1+ cells in an ex vivo embryonic pancreas culture system. This mouse model should prove useful for the study of pancreas development and regeneration. genesis 44:304–307, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunosuppressive role of semaphorin‐3A on T cell proliferation is mediated by inhibition of actin cytoskeleton reorganization
Authors: Lepelletier Yves , Moura Ivan Cruz , Hadj‐Slimane Réda , Renand Amédée , Fiorentino Susana , Baude Cédric , Shirvan Anat , Barzilai Ari , Hermine Olivier 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTimely negative regulation of the immune system is critical to allow it to perform its duty while maintaining it under tight control to avoid overactivation. We previously reported that the neuronal receptor neuropilin‐1 (NP‐1) is expressed in human lymph nodes. However, the role of NP‐1 interaction with its physiological ligand semaphorin‐3A (Sema‐3A) on immune cells remains elusive. Here we show that Sema‐3A is expressed by activated DC and T cells, and that its secretion in DC/T cell cocultures is delayed. Sema‐3A/NP‐1 interaction down‐modulated T cell activation since addition of Sema‐3A in DC/T cell cocultures dramatically inhibited allogeneic T cell proliferation. More importantly, neutralization by blocking antibodies or by antagonist peptide of endogenous Sema‐3A produced by DC/T cell cocultures resulted in a 130% increase in T cell proliferation. Sema‐3A acted directly on T cells, since it could block anti‐CD3/CD28‐stimulated proliferation of T cells. Finally, immunomodulatory functions of Sema‐3A relied on the blockage of actin cytoskeleton reorganization, affecting TCR polarization and interfering with early TCR signal transduction events such as ZAP‐70 or focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Therefore, we propose that Sema‐3A secretion and the resulting NP‐1/Sema‐3A interaction are involved in a late negative feedback loop controlling DC‐induced T cell proliferation.
Higher‐order CpG‐DNA stimulation reveals distinct activation requirements for marginal zone and follicular B cells in lupus mice
Authors: Brummel Rachel , Roberts Tara L. , Stacey Katryn J. , Lenert Petar 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMouse follicular B cells express TLR9 and respond vigorously to stimulation with single‐stranded CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN). Surprisingly, follicular B cells do not respond to direct stimulation with other TLR9 ligands, such as bacterial DNA or class A(D) CpG‐ODN capable of forming higher‐order structures, unless other cell types are present. Here, we show that priming with interferons or with B cell‐activating factor, or simultaneous co‐engagement of the B cell receptor for antigen (BCR), can overcome this unresponsiveness. The effect of interferons occurs at the transcriptional level and is mediated through an autocrine/paracrine loop, which is dependent on IRF‐1, IL‐6 and IL‐12 p40. We hypothesize that the lack of bystander activation of follicular B cells with more complex CpG ligands may be an important safety mechanism for avoiding autoimmunity. This will prevent resting B cells from responding to foreign or self‐derived hypomethylated double‐stranded CpG ligands unless these ligands are either delivered through the B cell receptor or under conditions where B cells are simultaneously co‐engaged by activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells or TH1 cells. A corollary is that the heightened responsiveness of lupus B cells to TLR9‐induced stimulation cannot be ascribed to unprimed follicular B cells, but is rather mediated by hypersensitive marginal zone B cells.
TCR ligand avidity determines the modeof B‐Raf/Raf‐1/ERK activation leading to the activationof human CD4+ T cell clone
Authors: Tsukamoto Hirotake , Irie Atsushi , Chen Yu‐Zhen , Takeshita Kumiko , Kim Jeong‐Ran , Nishimura Yasuharu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe interactions between peptide/MHC complexes and their cognate TCR are essential for various T cell responses. However, the relationship between the avidity of TCR ligand and the subsequent intracellular signaling through the TCR is still unclear. To investigate the effects of TCR ligand avidity on TCR‐mediated signaling, we established L cells expressing HLA‐DR4 molecules covalently linked with agonistic peptide (high‐affinity ligand) or altered peptide ligand (APL; low‐affinity ligand) at various densities as APC for a cognate human CD4+ T cell clone. Using this system, we demonstrated that the T cell clone stimulated with APL/HLA‐DR4 complexes presented at an excessive density provoked the up‐regulation of CD69, IL‐2 production and proliferation, but no detectable phosphorylation of ZAP‐70/LAT/SLP‐76. Furthermore, in contrast to the high‐affinity stimulation, the low‐affinity stimulation evoked delayed and sustained activation of the B‐Raf/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway without Raf‐1 activation. The strength and duration of B‐Raf/ERK activations closely correlated with the density of the TCR ligand. A knockdown approach confirmed that B‐Raf activation was indispensable for the APL‐induced T cell responses. These observations suggest that the differences in TCR‐peptide/MHC interactions reflect the strength and duration of B‐Raf/Raf‐1/ERK activation in the human CD4+ T cells.