bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotype-specific interactions of insulin resistance, steatosis, and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Cua Ian Homer Y. , Hui Jason M. , Kench James G. , George Jacob 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

The interaction between insulin resistance (IR), steatosis and genotype to fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not been comprehensively assessed. We hypothesized that IR is a key mediator for the development of both steatosis and fibrosis in 346 untreated, nondiabetic patients solely infected with either genotype 1 or 3. We examined for genotype-specific interactions between IR, steatosis and fibrosis by performing subgroup analyses. Because cirrhosis is known to cause IR, we repeated the analysis in a cohort of 313 noncirrhotic HCV-infected patients. We confirmed the impact of IR on fibrosis by analysis of 153 lean subjects in whom any effect of steatosis would be minimized. In HCV genotype 3 patients, increased steatosis was linked to high viral load (

P

= 0.001), and was not associated with fibrosis (

P

= 0.1). In contrast, body mass index (

P

= 0.04) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (

P

= 0.01) contributed directly to steatosis in HCV genotype 1. HOMA-IR rather than steatosis was independently associated with fibrosis for both HCV genotype 1 (OR, 3.22;

P

= 0.02) and genotype 3 (OR, 3.17;

P

= 0.04). Exclusion of cirrhotic subjects did not alter the findings with respect to the greater contribution of IR compared to hepatic steatosis, as a predictor of fibrosis (

P

= 0.02). Genotype-specific subgroup analyses did not alter this finding. The extent of HOMA-IR remained significantly associated with fibrosis in lean patients, independent of the confounding effect of body mass index on IR (OR, 8.02;

P

= 0.003).

Conclusion:

IR is a major independent determinant of fibrosis in chronic HCV infection, regardless of the genotype and the severity of liver damage. (Hepatology 2008.)
Pathogenic role of natural killer T and natural killer cells in acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice is dependent on the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Masson Mary Jane , Carpenter Leah D. , Graf Mary L. , Pohl Lance R. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is commonly used in biological studies to dissolve drugs and enzyme inhibitors with low solubility. Although DMSO is generally thought of as being relatively inert, it can induce biological effects that are often overlooked. An example that highlights this potential problem is found in a recent report demonstrating a pathogenic role for natural killer T (NKT) and natural killer (NK) cells in acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI) in C57Bl/6 mice in which DMSO was used to facilitate acetaminophen (APAP) dissolution. We report that NKT and NK cells do not play a pathologic role in AILI in C57Bl/6 mice in the absence of DMSO. Although AILI was significantly attenuated in mice depleted of NKT and NK cells prior to APAP treatment in the presence of DMSO, no such effect was observed when APAP was dissolved in saline. Because of this unexpected finding, the effects of DMSO on hepatic NKT and NK cells were subsequently investigated. When given alone, DMSO activated hepatic NKT and NK cells

in vivo

as evidenced by increased NKT cell numbers and higher intracellular levels of the cytotoxic effector molecules interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and granzyme B in both cell types. Similarly, when used as a solvent for APAP, DMSO again increased NKT cell numbers and induced IFN-γ and granzyme B expression in both cell types.

Conclusion:

These data demonstrate a previously unappreciated effect of DMSO on hepatic NKT and NK cells, suggesting that DMSO should be used cautiously in experiments involving these cells. (Hepatology 2008.)
Decompositions of highly connected graphs into paths of length 3
Authors: Thomassen Carsten 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe prove that a 171‐edge‐connected graph has an edge‐decomposition into paths of length 3 if and only its size is divisible by 3. It is a long‐standing problem whether 2‐edge‐connectedness is sufficient for planar triangle‐free graphs, and whether 3‐edge‐connectedness suffices for graphs in general. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58: 286–292, 2008
Dynamic mechanical and dielectric relaxation characteristics of microcellular rubber composites
Authors: Mahapatra S. P. , Sridhar V. , Tripathy D. K. , Kim J. K. , Kwak H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn in‐depth study of the surface characteristics of novel conductive carbon black Ensaco 350G has been carried out using XPS and high‐resolution vacuum FTIR. Both methods showed the existence of oxygen containing surface groups like carboxyls, carbonyls, etc. Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric relaxation spectra of conductive carbon black (Ensaco 350G) reinforced microcellular EPDM composites were used to study the relaxation behavior as a function of temperature (−90 to +100°C) and frequency (100–106 Hz). The effect of filler and blowing agent loadings on dynamic mechanical and dielectric relaxation characteristics has been investigated. The effect of filler and blowing agent loadings on glass transition temperature was marginal for all the composites (Tg value was in the range of −37 to −32°C), which has been explained on the basis of relaxation dynamics of polymer chains in the vicinity of fillers. The variation in the real and imaginary parts of the complex impedance with frequency has been studied as a function of filler and blowing agent loading. Additionally, an in‐depth study of the surface characteristics of the filler using XPS, high‐resolution vacuum FTIR and Raman spectra is also reported. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave step‐growth polymerization of 5‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phthalimidylpentanoylamino)isophthalic acid with different diisocyanates
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Dinari Mohammad 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe utilization of microwave energy in polymer synthesis is a fast growing field of research leading to a more rapid and cleaner polymerization process. In order to synthesize novel optically active monomer 5‐(4‐methyl‐2‐phthalimidylpentanoylamino)isophthalic acid (6), the reaction of phthalic anhydride with l‐leucine was carried out in an acetic acid solution and 4‐methyl‐2‐phthalimidylpentanoic acid as an imide acid was obtained in good yield. Then, it was converted to 4‐methyl‐2‐phthalimidylpentanoyl chloride by treatment with thionyl chloride. This acid chloride was reacted with 5‐aminoisophthalic acid and the novel bulky aromatic amide‐imide chiral monomer 6 was obtained in high yield and was characterized with spectroscopy techniques as well as specific rotation and elemental analysis. Polycondensation of monomer 6 with different diisocyanates such as 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate was performed by two different methods: microwave irradiation and classical heating polymerization techniques in the presence of various catalysts and without a catalyst. The microwave polymerization technique provides a new way for the production of polymers at high rates. The resulting novel optically active polyamides have inherent viscosities in the range of 0.25–0.63 dl/g. They show good thermal stability and are soluble in amide‐type solvents. The obtained polyamides were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, specific rotation, and thermal analyses methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic response to iron deficiency in tomato root
Authors: Li Jie , Wu Xu‐Dong , Hao Shan‐Ting , Wang Xiu‐Jie , Ling Hong‐Qing 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo know the root adjustment in response to iron deficiency, differentially displayed proteins in tomato roots of wild type and its iron uptake inefficient mutant T3238fer were analyzed by 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF MS‐based proteomic method under iron sufficiency and deficiency. Ninety‐seven proteins were identified, 63 of them were classified in various metabolic pathways. About 40 proteins involved in starch degradation, TCA and ascorbate cycles were upregulated under iron deficiency and grouped in a network together with glycolysis, whereas proteins for fructose metabolism were decreased. Proteins involved in methionine synthesis, cell wall synthesis, mitochondria ATP synthesis, vacuole ATPase, HSP70/90, etc. also revealed enhanced expression under iron deficiency, while proteins about redox homeostasis, transcription factors, kinases, etc. showed diversified changes. The responses are closely associated with energy metabolism, organic acid formation, root morphological change, redox and sulfur homeostasis, and signal transduction, which enhance iron uptake, reutilization and other adaptive changes. Most of the proteins affected by iron deficiency and fer mutation showed similar effect on individual proteins or pathways, but the independent function of FER to iron deficiency were statistically indicated.
Biocompost from sugar distillery effluent: effect on metribuzin degradation, sorption and mobility
Authors: Singh Neera 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Metribuzin (4‐amino‐6‐tert‐butyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐methylthio‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5‐one) is weakly sorbed in soils and therefore leaches easily to lower soil profiles and results in loss of activity. Soil amendments play an important role in the management of runoff and leaching losses of pesticides from agricultural fields. Therefore, the effect of biocompost from sugarcane distillery effluent on metribuzin degradation and mobility was studied in a sandy loam soil.RESULTS: Metribuzin was more persistent in biocompost‐unamended (T‐0) flooded soil (t1/2 − 41.2 days) than in non‐flooded (t1/2 − 33.4 days) soil. Biocompost application at the rate of 2.5 and 5.0% (T‐1 and T‐2) in non‐flooded soils increased metribuzin persistence, but no significant effect was observed on persistence in flooded soils. Freundlich adsorption constants (Kf) for treatments T‐0, T‐1 and T‐2 were 0.43, 0.64 and 1.13 respectively, suggesting that biocompost application caused increased metribuzin sorption. Leaching studies in packed soil columns indicated that biocompost application affected both metribuzin breakthrough time and maximum concentration in the leachate. Leaching losses of metribuzin were drastically reduced from 93% in control soil (T‐0) to 65% (T‐1) and 31% (T‐2) in biocompost‐amended soils.CONCLUSION: Biocompost from sugarcane distillery effluent can be used effectively to reduce downward mobility of metribuzin in low‐organic‐matter sandy loam soil. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between grain‐boundary capacitance and bulk shallow donors in SnO2 polycrystalline semiconductor
Authors: Bueno P. R. , Santos M. A. , Ramírez M. A. , Tararam R. , Longo E. , Varela J. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe relationship between grain‐boundary capacitance and extrinsic shallow donors caused by Nb addition to SnO2·CoO binary polycrystalline system has been investigated by means of combined techniques such as I –V characteristic response, complex impedance and capacitance analysis and electrostatic force microscopy. The estimated role of the Nb doping is to increase the concentration of shallow donors that are capable of enhancing the electronic donation to grain‐boundary acceptors. This effect leads to the formation of potential barriers at grain boundaries with a simultaneous increase of grain‐boundary capacitance and non‐Ohmic features of the polycrystalline device doped with Nb atoms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Visible cathodoluminescence from carbon nanotubes: the role of impurities
Authors: Barberio M. , Barone P. , Bonanno A. , Camarca M. , Oliva A. , Pingitore V. , Xu F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLuminescence spectra obtained by electron bombardment (cathodoluminescence, CL) on bundles of pristine single walled (SWCNT) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) show several common peaks at 1.76, 1.94, 2.06, and 2.22 eV which disappear after heating the samples up to 1300 K. We show that these transitions are extrinsic to nanotubes and originate from nickel oxide impurities, residual catalyst material used in the growth processes. Our conclusions are confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersed X‐ray analysis measurements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐sustained current oscillations in a multi‐quantum‐well spin polarized structure with normal contacts
Authors: Escobedo R. , Carretero M. , Bonilla L. L. , Platero G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSelf‐sustained current oscillations (SSCO) are found in a nonlinear electron spin dynamics model of a n‐doped dc voltage biased semiconductor II–VI multi‐quantum well structure (MQWS) having one or more of its wells doped with Mn. Provided one well is doped with magnetic impurities, spin polarized current can be obtained even if normal contacts have been attached to this nanostructure. Under certain conditions, the system exhibits static electric field domains and stationary current or moving domains and time‐dependent oscillatory current. We have found SSCO for nanostructures with four or more QWs. The presence of SSCO depends on the spin‐splitting induced by both, the exchange interaction and the external magnetic field. We also calculate the minimal doping density needed to have SSCO, and a bound above which SSCO disappear. This range is crucial to design a device behaving as a spin polarized current oscillator. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and characterization of a nanostructured dental composite
Authors: Nicola Oana , Andronescu Ecaterina , Ghitulica Cristina , Birsan Mihaela , Dinu Elena 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOne of the major objectives of dental medicine that should be mentioned is the use of increasingly powerful materials of coronary restoration, as regards to their biomechanical, biofunctional and bio‐prophylactic characteristics. Nanotechnologies often provide the techniques used in the field of filler particles. Solutions to obtain a first generation of composite material with nanoparticles with dimensions between 5–75 nm have been successfully tested. It has been important to also obtain conglomerates with dimensions between 0.2–0.6 mm, that should be present. The present paper describes the preparation through sol–gel methods and aims to characterize ceramic nanoparticles used as filling inorganic materials for dental composites for esthetical restorations. We have obtained nanometric powders of silica and zirconia/silica. Thermal treatments were conducted at temperatures between 700 °C and 1200 °C for 2 hours. The powders had been analyzed as regards to their mineralogical composition, granulometric distribution and microstructure. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic field‐dependence study of the magnetocaloric properties of a superparamagnetic nanoparticle system: a Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Serantes D. , Baldomir D. , Pereiro M. , Rivas J. , Vázquez‐Vázquez C. , Buján‐Núñez M. C. , Arias J. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe influence of the applied magnetic field on the magnetocaloric properties of a fine magnetic particle system has been studied using a Monte Carlo technique. By simulating zero field cooling (ZFC) curves under different strengths of the applied magnetic field, we have analyzed the variation of the entropy for temperatures above the maximum of the ZFC curves, where the process is reversible. The entropy curves have been observed to behave in a different fashion at low values of the magnetic field, where the peak only slightly shifts to higher temperatures with increasing fields. For larger fields, the peak rapidly shifts to higher temperatures, while the overall shape of the curve broadens over a wide temperature range. It is also observed that the blocking temperature as a function of the magnetic field shows the feature of a change from a bell‐like shape to a monotonically decreasing function, resembling what is found experimentally for intermediate values of the sample concentration. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gas chromatographic equivalent chain lengths of fatty acid methyl esters on a silar 10C glass capillary column
Authors: Scholfield C. R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGas chromatographic equivalent chain lengths have been determined for a number of fatty acid methyl ester isomers on a Silar 10C glass capillary column at 170 C. The results are comparable with others published for polycyanopropylsiloxane columns.
Separation of methyl malvalate from methyl sterculate
Authors: Pawlowski N. E. , Loveland P. M. , Sinnhuber R. O. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMethyl malvalate and sterculate, labile and differing by a single methylene, are difficult to separate completely. They have been separated in our laboratory by high vacuum spinning band distillation. Each of these fatty esters has been prepared completely free of the other.
Improved procedure for titrating cyclopropene esters with hydrogen bromide
Authors: Feuge R. O. , Codifer L. P. , Zeringue H. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe titration of cyclopropenes in cottonseed and other oils with hydrogen bromide was improved by changes in the preparation of the sample and the titration. Methanolysis of the oil under selected conditions with a large excess of alkaline catalyst (sodium methoxide or tetramethylammonium hydroxide) yielded methyl esters free of oxidation products and partial glycerides and eliminated the need for treatment with a large amount of activated alumina, which disproportionates methyl esters. The color indicator, 4‐phenylazodi‐phenylamine, exhibited great sensitivity in toluene at 25 C. The best procedure consisted of titrating methyl esters with hydrogen bromide at 60–65 C to just past the end‐point, cooling to about 25 C, and back‐titrating with aniline in toluene. With 10‐ to 2‐g samples containing less than 1% cyclopropenes, reproducibility usually was within ±0.003% of the average value.
Making homogeneous and fine droplet O/W emulsions using nonionic surfactants
Authors: Sagitani Hiromichi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn many emulsion systems, creaming occurs during the first stage of emulsion breakdown. To reduce the rate of creaming, emulsions having small and uniform droplets are desirable. In this work, types and HLB of nonionic surfactants, emulsification methods, and combinations of oils and nonionic surfactants were investigated in order to make stable and homogeneous emulsions. Emulsification was attained by dissolving the surfactants in the oil phases. The addition speed and volume of water to the oil phases were important factors affecting the emulsion droplet size. The change of the solute state in the process of emulsification was observed stage by stage, and the mechanism of emulsification was elucidated. Homogeneous emulsions were formed in the HLB region, showing liquid crystalline and gel phases in the emulsifying process. The addition speed of water to the oil phase was very important in forming the liquid crystalline and gel phases. Polyoxyethylene(n)sorbitan monostearate could emulsify three kinds of oils (hydrocarbon, fatty acid ester and triglyceride). Polyoxyethylene(n)alkyl ether could emulsify hydrocarbon and fatty acid ester. Polyoxyethylene(n)‐monostearate could emulsify only hydrocarbon. Surfactants with proper HLB which were soluble in the oil phase and in the presence of a very small amount of water formed a stable emulsion. The solubility state of oil and surfactant was the key to making a fine emulsion.
Impact of the Degree of Liver Resection on Survival for Patients with Multiple Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tanaka Kuniya , Shimada Hiroshi , Matsumoto Chizuru , Matsuo Kenichi , Takeda Kazuhisa , Nagano Yasuhiko , Togo Shinji 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the degree of hepatic resection has been found to be a key aspect of tumor stimulation, the differences in clinical outcome between a massive liver resection and a less extensive resection for multiple colorectal metastases have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of the extent of liver resection on survival outcome.MethodsClinicopathologic data were available for 85 patients who were surgically treated for four or more liver metastases. Forty‐nine patients who underwent a major hepatic resection were compared with patients who underwent minor hepatic resections (n = 36).ResultsAs the patients undergoing major resection were more likely to have multiple (p = 0.014) and large tumors (p = 0.021) compared to the minor‐resection patients, their overall survival was worse (p = 0.046) and the disease‐free rate tended to be poorer. By multivariate analysis of the cohorts, the only independent factor affecting survival was the number of liver tumors (≤5 or ≥6; relative risk [RR] = 0.427; p = 0.014). When patients with six or more metastases were selected and analyzed, the overall survival of patients who had a major resection was significantly poorer than those who had minor resections (p = 0.028), although the clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionAlthough the extent of hepatectomy was not an independent prognosticator, minor resections for multiple colorectal metastases may offer a long‐term survival advantage compared to a major resection.
CSF monoamine metabolites and neuropeptides in depressed patients before and after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Nikisch Georg , Mathé Aleksander A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAntidepressant drugs affect monoamines and neuropeptides in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in rodent brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate if also electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) affects these compounds in a similar manner in the CSF of depressed patients. Homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-like immunoreactivity (-LI) and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-LI were determined in CSF in six drug resistant patients with major depression. Lumbar puncture was performed at baseline and after completion of eight ECTs. ECT was associated with an increase in NPY-LI (p = 0.009) and a decrease in CRH-LI (p ≤ 0.001). HVA (p = 0.003) and 5-HIAA (p = 0.002) were significantly increased after the ECT. Findings of NPY increase and CRH decrease were similar to those following chronic treatment with citalopram, indicating that these changes might constitute one of the common underpinnings of antidepressant treatment modalities.
Association between age at onset and clinical features of schizophrenia: The Northern Finland 1966 birth cohort study
Authors: Luoma Suvi , Hakko Helinä , Ollinen Taru , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Lindeman Sari 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeTo study the association between age at onset and the clinical picture of schizophrenia in an unselected young birth cohort.Subjects and methodsThe study sample consists of 98 (64 males and 34 females) individuals with DSM-III-R schizophrenia collected from the Northern Finland 1966 birth cohort. Firstly, subjects were divided into very early- and young-onset subgroups by using the median age at onset (22 years in males and 20 in females), as a cut-off point. Secondly, we used age at onset as a continuous variable. Clinical features of schizophrenia were assessed using the Operational Criteria Checklist for Psychotic Illnesses (OCCPI).ResultsInappropriate affect, positive thought disorder and deterioration from premorbid level of function associate with very early-onset schizophrenia, while slowed activity and dysphoria relate to young-onset. These symptoms correlate significantly with the age at onset.DiscussionDifferences in the clinical picture associating to the age at onset of schizophrenia are seen early.ConclusionThese findings indicate that certain symptoms of schizophrenia are dependent on the age at onset, and schizophrenia occurring initially in early life has some typical features. Using the age at onset as a continuous variable is independent of arbitrary cut-off points and produces more explicable results.