bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergy testing on the IMMULITE 2000 Random-Access immunoanalyzer – a clinical evaluation study
Authors: Cobbaert Christa M. , Jonker Geert Jan 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPurpose: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the IMMULITE 2000 Allergy System from Diagnostic Products Corporation (DPC) for the detection of inhalant and food allergies, focusing on inhalant and food screens, mixes and single allergens.Methods: Serum samples were collected from new, unselected patients who were referred to the allergist for a suspected allergy. Patients were classified as study diagnosis-positive for inhalant (food) allergy if they had both a positive clinical examination/history and a positive skin test for inhalant (food) allergy; otherwise – failing one or both of these criteria – they were classified as study diagnosis-negative. Classification and testing of the serum samples was carried out in a blinded fashion. Values greater than 0.35 kU/L were considered positive.Results: Of the 118 patients included, 63 were considered study diagnosis-positive for inhalation and/or food allergy. DPC inhalation screening showed 82% total agreement (TA) and 91% sensitivity relative to the study diagnoses. The DPC food panel showed 96% TA and 98% specificity relative to the study diagnoses. Relative to specific intracutaneous testing (ICT), the DPC D1, E1 and E5 assays had sensitivity of 82–90%; tree and grass panels had sensitivity of 74% and 95%. The DPC weed panel and initial lots of DPC E5 had poor sensitivity (<40%); mold panel sensitivity was equally low for both DPC and the routinely used Pharmacia assay (36%). Relative to skin prick testing (SPT), specific food allergens had TA of 94–98% and specificity of 95–100%.Conclusion: In patients classified by the combination of clinical examination/history and skin test results, the DPC IMMULITE 2000 Allergy System generally demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, specificity and TA compared to the study diagnoses, both at the screening level and at the level of panels and single allergens.
Very Low O2 Concentration (0.1%) Favors G0 Return of Dividing CD34+ Cells
Authors: Hermitte Francis , Brunet de la Grange Philippe , Belloc Francis , Praloran Vincent , Ivanovic Zoran 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPhysiological bone marrow oxygen concentrations are everywhere lower than 4% and almost null in some areas. We compared the effects of 20%, 3%, and 0.1% O2 concentrations on cord blood CD34+ cell survival, cycle, and functionality in serum-free cultures for 72 hours with or without interleukin-3 (IL-3). As from 24 hours, IL-3 improved cell survival and proliferation in all conditions. After 72 hours, cells were 1.5 and 2.5 times more in quiescence (G0) at 3% and 0.1% O2, respectively, than at 20%; transforming growth factor-β signaling seemed not to be involved. To explore cell cycle further, fresh CD34+ cells were stained with PKH26 and cultured for 72 hours, and then undivided and divided cells were sorted. At 0.1% O2, 46.5% ± 19.1% of divided cells returned to G0 compared with 7.9% ± 0.3% at 20%. Colony formation and nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice engraftment efficiency were similar after 3 days at 20% and 0.1% O2 concentrations but lower than at T0. In conclusion, a low O2 concentration, close to those found in bone marrow stem cell niches, induces the G0 return of CD34+ cells without impairing their functional capacity.
Promoter Dependence of Transgene Expression by Lentivirus-Transduced Human Blood–Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Liu Jia Wei , Pernod Gilles , Dunoyer-Geindre Sylvie , Fish Richard J. , Yang Hong , Bounameaux Henri , Kruithof Egbert K. O. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Peripheral blood– derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have considerable potential for the autologous therapy of vascular lesions or ischemic tissues. By introducing stable genetic modifications into these cells, this potential might be further enhanced. We investigated to what extent transgene expression can be controlled by using different transgene promoters. This was investigated in early- or late-outgrowth human EPCs obtained by culturing blood mononuclear cells for 1 or 4 weeks on type 1 collagen in medium containing endothelial growth supplements. A large fraction of these cells were stably transduced using lentiviral vectors for expression of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Transgene expression in vitro or in vivo after injection into nude mice was highest when under the control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, intermediate with the EF1α promoter, and lowest with the phosphoglycerate kinase promoter. When blood mononuclear cells were cultured for 1 week in the absence of endothelial growth supplements, CMV promoter– driven expression of EGFP was two orders of magnitude lower than in similarly transduced EPCs. Our results show that lentiviral vectors are useful tools for the stable introduction of exogenous genes into EPCs and for their expression at desired levels using the appropriate gene promoter.
Role for Interferon-γ in the Immunomodulatory Activity of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Krampera Mauro , Cosmi Lorenzo , Angeli Roberta , Pasini Annalisa , Liotta Francesco , Andreini Angelo , Santarlasci Veronica , Mazzinghi Benedetta , Pizzolo Giovanni , Vinante Fabrizio , Romagnani Paola , Maggi Enrico , Romagnani Sergio , Annunziato Francesco 
Published: August 2005

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) inhibit the proliferation of HLA-unrelated T lymphocytes to allogeneic stimulation, but the mechanisms responsible for this activity are not fully understood. We show here that MSCs suppress the proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as of natural killer (NK) cells, whereas they do not have an effect on the proliferation of B lymphocytes. The antiproliferative effect of MSCs was not associated with any effect on the expression of cell-activation markers, induction of cell apoptosis, or mimicry/enhancement of T regulatory cell activity. The suppressive activity of MSCs was not contact-dependent and required the presence of interferon (IFN)-γ produced by activated T cells and NK cells. Accordingly, even activated B cells became susceptible to the suppressive activity of MSCs in the presence of exogenously added IFN-γ. The suppressive effect of IFN-γ was related to its ability to stimulate the production by MSCs of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity, which in turn inhibited the proliferation of activated T or NK cells. These findings suggest that the beneficial effect on graft-versus-host disease induced by in vivo coinfusion with the graft of MSCs may be due to the activation of the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs by T cell– derived IFN-γ.
Retinal Incorporation and Differentiation of Neural Precursors Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Banin Eyal , Obolensky Alexey , Idelson Maria , Hemo Itzhak , Reinhardtz Etti , Pikarsky Eli , Ben-Hur Tamir , Reubinoff Benjamin 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Retinal and macular degenerations are a major cause of blindness. Cell transplantation is a possible therapeutic approach for the replacement of degenerating retinal cells. Here, we studied the potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to survive, integrate, and differentiate into retinal cells after intraocular transplantation. Highly enriched cultures of neural precursors (NPs) expressing transcripts of key regulatory genes of retinal development were developed from the hESCs. After spontaneous differentiation in vitro, the NPs gave rise to progeny expressing markers of retinal progenitors and photoreceptor development, though this was uncommon and cells expressing markers of mature photoreceptors were not observed. After transplantation into rat eyes, the NPs survived for 16 weeks, migrated large distances, and integrated in the host retina. Teratoma tumors were not observed. Human cells expressing rhodopsin, blue cone opsin, and neural retina leucine zipper transcription factor were observed in subretinal grafts, but not within vitreal and inner retinal grafts. The results suggest that hESCs have the potential to differentiate into retinal cells and that the subretinal microenvironment supports their differentiation toward a photoreceptor fate. This may be the first step toward further developments that eventually may allow the use of hESCs for transplantation in retinal degenerations.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Is Required for Thrombopoietin-Induced Proliferation of Megakaryocyte Progenitors
Authors: Drayer A. Lyndsay , Olthof Sandra G. M. , Vellenga Edo 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a potent regulator of megakaryopoiesis and stimulates megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor expansion and MK differentiation. In this study, we show that TPO induces activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which plays a central role in translational regulation and is required for proliferation of MO7e cells and primary human MK progenitors. Treatment of MO7e cells, human CD34+, and primary MK cells with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin inhibits TPO-induced cell cycling by reducing cells in S phase and blocking cells in G0/G1. Rapamycin markedly inhibits the clonogenic growth of MK progenitors with high proliferative capacity but does not reduce the formation of small MK colonies. Addition of rapamycin to MK suspension cultures reduces the number of MK cells, but inhibition of mTOR does not significantly affect expression of glycoproteins IIb/IIIa (CD41) and glycoprotein Ib (CD42), nuclear polyploidization levels, cell size, or cell survival. The downstream effectors of mTOR, p70 S6 kinase (S6K) and 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), are phosphorylated by TPO in a rapamycin- and LY294002-sensitive manner. Part of the effect of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase pathway in regulating megakaryopoiesis may be mediated by the mTOR/S6K/4E-BP1 pathway. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the mTOR pathway is activated by TPO and plays a critical role in regulating proliferation of MK progenitors, without affecting differentiation or cell survival.
Stromal Cell–Derived Inducing Activity, Nurr1, and Signaling Molecules Synergistically Induce Dopaminergic Neurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Dong-Wook , Chung Sangmi , Hwang Mikyeong , Ferree Andrew , Tsai Hsing-Chen , Park Jae-Joon , Chung Seungsoo , Nam Taick Sang , Kang Un Jung , Isacson Ole , Kim Kwang-Soo 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
To induce differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into specialized cell types for therapeutic purposes, it may be desirable to combine genetic manipulation and appropriate differentiation signals. We studied the induction of dopaminergic (DA) neurons from mouse ESCs by overexpressing the transcription factor Nurr1 and coculturing with PA6 stromal cells. Nurr1-expressing ESCs (N2 and N5) differentiated into a higher number of neurons (∼twofold) than the naïve ESCs (D3). In addition, N2/N5-derived cells contained a significantly higher proportion (&gt;50%) of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ neurons than D3 (&lt;30%) and an even greater proportion of TH+ neurons (∼90%) when treated with the signaling molecules sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8, and ascorbic acid. N2/N5-derived cells express much higher levels of DA markers (e.g., TH, dopamine transporter, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and G protein–regulated inwardly rectifying K+ channel 2) and produce and release a higher level of dopamine, compared with D3-derived cells. Furthermore, the majority of generated neurons exhibited electrophysiological properties characteristic of midbrain DA neurons. Finally, transplantation experiments showed efficient in vivo integration/generation of TH+ neurons after implantation into mouse striatum. Taken together, our results show that the combination of genetic manipulation(s) and in vitro cell differentiation conditions offers a reliable and effective induction of DA neurons from ESCs and may pave the way for future cell transplantation therapy in Parkinson's disease.
Influence of Hydrogen Bonds on the Supramolecular Order of Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes
Authors: Wasserfallen D. , Fischbach I. , Chebotareva N. , Kastler M. , Pisula W. , Jäckel F. , Watson M. D. , Schnell I. , Rabe J. P. , Spiess H. W. , Müllen K. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThree different hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC) derivatives with carboxylic acid functions have been synthesized to study the effect of hydrogen bonding on the already pronounced columnar π‐stacking. This functionalization improves the degree of order in the bulk and influences the surface patterning at solid‐liquid interfaces as well as the thermal properties of these materials. The length of the tether between the aromatic core and the hydrogen‐bond‐forming carboxy group appears as a key factor influencing the supramolecular self‐assembly, since only the HBCs with shorter spacers showed a strong synergetic effect of the columnar π‐stacking with the hydrogen‐bonding motifs. Clear signatures for this are unusually high mesophase transition temperatures and non‐tilted columnar stacking in the pseudocrystalline phase.As model systems, HBC dyads have been synthesized with the two HBC disks linked through a covalent spacer fitting the intercolumnar distance of the short‐tethered, hydrogen‐bridged dimer. This comparison emphasized the impact of the hydrogen bonds on the supramolecular properties of the materials. A broad range of analytical methods have been used, including differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffractometry, solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy.
A New Understanding of Au‐Assisted Growth of III–V Semiconductor Nanowires
Authors: Dick K. A. , Deppert K. , Karlsson L. S. , Wallenberg L. R. , Samuelson L. , Seifert W. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSemiconductor nanowires of III–V materials have generated much interest in recent years. However, the growth mechanisms by which these structures form are not well understood. The so‐called vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism has often been proposed for III–V systems, with a chemically inert, liquid metal particle (typically Au) acting as a physical catalyst. We assert here that Au is, in fact, not inert with respect to the semiconductor material but rather interacts with it to form a variety of intermetallic compounds. Moreover, we suggest that III–V nanowire growth can best be understood if the metallic particle is not a liquid, but a solid‐phase solution or compound containing Au and the group III material. The four materials GaP, GaAs, InP, and InAs will be considered, and growth behavior related to their particular temperature‐dependent interaction with Au.
Hybrid Solar Cells Using a Zinc Oxide Precursor and a Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Beek W. J. E. , Slooff L. H. , Wienk M. M. , Kroon J. M. , Janssen R. A. J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe describe a new method towards bulk‐heterojunction hybrid polymer solar cells based on composite films of zinc oxide (ZnO) and a conjugated polymer poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(3′,7′‐dimethyloctyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MDMO‐PPV). Spin‐coating diethylzinc as a ZnO precursor and MDMO‐PPV from a common solvent at 40 % humidity and annealing at 110 °C provides films in which crystalline ZnO is found to be intimately mixed with MDMO‐PPV. Photoluminescence and photoinduced spectroscopy demonstrate that photoexcitation of these hybrid composite films results in a fast and long‐lived charge transfer from the polymer as a donor to ZnO as ato be obtained n acceptor. Using the ZnO‐precursor method, hybrid polymer solar cells have been made with an estimated air‐mass of 1.5 (AM 1.5) energy conversion efficiency of 1.1 %. This new method represents a fivefold improved performance compared to similar hybrid polymer solar cells based on amorphous TiO2.
Application of CAMD in separating hydrocarbons by extractive distillation
Authors: Chen Biaohua , Lei Zhigang , Li Qunsheng , Li Chengyue 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe solvent is the core of extractive distillation, and a suitable solvent plays an important role in the economical design of extractive distillation. Computer‐aided molecular design (CAMD) has been applied to rapidly screen the solvents for separating hydrocarbons by extractive distillation. The systems of propane/propylene, n‐butane/1‐butene, and n‐heptane/benzene, respectively, as the representatives of C3, C4, and C6 hydrocarbons were investigated, and the potential solvents were selected by means of CAMD. The designed results were further proven by experiments and process simulation. The mechanism for separating hydrocarbons by extractive distillation is based on the different fluidities of the electron cloud of CC (no double bond), CC (one double bond), and ACH (aromatic carbon ring) bonds and thus different interactions between solvent and hydrocarbon molecules. To improve the separation ability of the main solvent, one strategy is to add some additive that can form hydrogen bonding with the main solvent to make into a mixture. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Measurement of moisture diffusivity through layered‐silicate nanocomposites
Authors: Rana Hiteshkumar T. , Gupta Rakesh K. , GangaRao Hota V. S. , Sridhar L. N. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractLayered‐silicate nanoparticles, when distributed within the matrix of a fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP), can retard the diffusion of environmental moisture and other chemicals to the fiber–matrix interface where their presence can result in delamination and fiber weakening. Thus, the use of nanoparticles helps to preserve the integrity of FRPs and to prolong the service life of composites when these are used in outdoor applications such as bridges and utility poles. In the present work, diffusion coefficients of water, brine, and alkali were determined at several different temperatures by soaking clay/vinyl ester nanocomposites in the different liquids and measuring the increase in weight with increasing time of immersion. It was found that the measured diffusivities decreased with increasing clay content. However, the reduction in water diffusion coefficient was found to be less severe when steady permeation experiments were carried out. This result is theoretically explained based on the hydrophilic nature of the clay surface that tends to immobilize some of the moisture. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Atropselektive Synthese axial‐chiraler Biaryle
Authors: Bringmann Gerhard , Price Mortimer Anne J. , Keller Paul A. , Gresser Mary J. , Garner James , Breuning Matthias 
Published: August 2005

AbstractEine rotationsgehinderte und dadurch stereogene Biarylachse ist das strukturell und stereochemisch entscheidende Element einer ständig wachsenden Zahl von Naturstoffen, chiralen Auxiliaren und Katalysatoren. Daher ist es nicht überraschend, dass im letzten Jahrzehnt bedeutende Fortschritte in der asymmetrischen Synthese axial‐chiraler Biaryle erzielt worden sind. Neben dem klassischen Zugangsweg, der direkten Aryl‐Aryl‐Kupplung, sind innovative Konzepte entwickelt worden, in denen die asymmetrische Information in ein schon vorhandenes, aber nicht optisch aktives – symmetrisches oder konfigurativ labiles – Biaryl eingeführt oder eine Aryl‐C‐Einfachbindung stereoselektiv in eine Achse umgewandelt wird. In diesem Aufsatz werden die Strategien nach den zugrunde liegenden Konzepten klassifiziert, und ihre Anwendungsbreite und ihre Beschränkungen werden anhand ausgewählter Beispiele kritisch beurteilt. Ferner werden die Voraussetzungen für das Auftreten von Axialchiralität diskutiert.
Genes critical to vasculogenesis as defined by systematic analysis of vascular defects in knockout mice
Authors: Argraves W. Scott , Drake Christopher J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractTo identify genes important to the process of vasculogenesis, we evaluated embryonic vascular anomalies from 100 mouse knockout studies using a novel meta‐analysis approach. By applying this method, termed approach for ranking of embryonic vascular anomalies (AREVA), rank scores were calculated for each knockout based on the occurrence of vascular defects during periods of vasculogenesis in specific embryonic regions. As a result, 12 genes (fibronectin, VEGFR‐1/Flt‐1, VEGFR‐2/Flk‐1, alpha 5 integrin, Tek/Tie2, VE‐cadherin, VEGFA, connexin 45, ShcA, cytochrome P450 reductase, CD148/DEP‐1, and EphrinB2) were determined to play critical roles in vasculogenesis. Functional categorization of these genes revealed the fundamental importance of VEGF signaling since 10 of the 12 genes (fibronectin, VEGFR‐1/Flt‐1, VEGFR‐2/Flk‐1, alpha 5 integrin, VE‐cadherin, VEGFA, ShcA, cytochrome P450 reductase, CD148/DEP‐1, and EphrinB2) relate to this pathway. Furthermore, the findings highlight a potential network for regulating VEGF signaling involving integration of fibronectin, EphrinB2, Tie2, and connexin 45 signaling pathways via the ShcA/Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk cascade. In addition to retrospective application of AREVA as done herein, AREVA can be used prospectively to determine the relevancy to vasculogenesis of newly inactivated genes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Johnson‐McMillin syndrome: Report of a new case with novel features
Authors: Cushman Lisa J. , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo , Weaver David D. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDJohnson‐McMillin syndrome (JMS) is a rare neuroectodermal disorder characterized by alopecia, ear malformations, conductive hearing loss, anosmia/hyposmia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner; however, the causative gene has not yet been identified.CASEHerein we report a patient with this condition who exhibits many of the features previously described, including alopecia, malformed auricles, conductive hearing loss, facial asymmetry, and developmental delays. Interestingly, she also has features that have not yet been reported, such as preauricular pits and tags, broad depressions at the lateral aspects of the eyes, and an abnormal left lower eyelid.CONCLUSIONSIn addition to demonstrating a pattern of anomalies consistent with JMS, this patient has several unique features. This phenotype supports the involvement of the branchial arches in the embryologic basis of this condition. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sodium chloride enhanced oligomerization of L‐arginine
Authors: Xin Liang , Ma Yan‐Lin , Liu Yi‐Nan , Yan Qin , Wang Kong‐Jiang 
Published: August 2005

AbstractNaCl significantly enhanced the longer oligoarginine formation in the oligomerization of L‐arginine activated by N,N′‐carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) in homogeneous aqueous solution. The optimal concentration of NaCl for the highest yield of longer oligoarginine formation is around 1M. It is suggested that the weak interactions of Cl− with the positive‐charged guanidinium group of the oligoarginines formed in the oligomerization of L‐arginine are responsible for the enhancement by NaCl. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 1–7, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com