bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid induces cholinergic differentiation of NTera 2 human embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Zeller Markus , Strauss William L. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractRetinoic acid (RA), a natural metabolite of vitamin A, influences the survival and neurotransmitter phenotype of several classes of vertebrate neurons during development. We now report that RA induces a subpopulation of NTera 2/clone D1 (NT2) human embryonal carcinoma cells to differentiate into postmitotic cells with cholinergic properties (NT2‐N cells). After growth for 6 days in the presence of RA (10 μM) low levels of the acetylcholine‐synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were detected in NT2 cell cultures. ChAT activity in the NT2 cell cultures continued to increase for at least an addition 22 days to a final activity of 50 pmol ACh synthesized/min/mg protein. Immunohistochemical staining of RA‐treated cultures demonstrated that only those cells with a neuronal morphology (NT2‐N cells) expressed the human ChAT protein. Since such cells comprised a small proportion (∼20%) of the population, the ChAT activity per neuronal cell was estimated to approach 250–300 pmol ACh/min/mg protein. Cultures composed of >95% NT2‐N cells had significantly lower ChAT specific activities and this could be increased by either ciliary neurotrophic factor or leukemia inhibitory factor, but not by nerve growth factor. We conclude that NT2 cells provide a system in which to study the molecular events that underlie neurotransmitter choice during the differentiation of human cholinergic neurons.
Comorbidity in obsessive-compulsive disorder: focus on depression
Authors: Milanfranchi A , Marazziti D , Pfanner C , Presta S , Lensi P , Ravagli S , Cassano GB 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe authors investigated the comorbidity between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other psychiatric disorders in a group of 154 outpatients. The influence of an associate major depressive disorder (MDD) on the outcome of treatment with clomipramine was examined in a subgroup of 52 patients. The results showed that MDD was the most frequent disorder associated with OCD (almost 20% of the patients), followed by generalized anxiety and panic disorder. The co-presence of depression delayed the effect of clomipramine.
Bacterial vaginosis and contraceptive methods
Authors: Calzolari E , Masciangelo R , Milite V , Verteramo R 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate if bacterial vaginosis is associated with the use of specific contraceptives. Methods: The study population consisted of 1314 women attending for periodical preventive examinations at our gynecology unit at the II Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University ‘La Sapienza’ in Rome. The patient's history and any current genital symptom were recorded on a structured protocol. Current users of contraceptives were compared with non‐users. The χ2 test and the t‐test were used in the statistical analysis; a stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the simultaneous effect of more than one variable and to identify for possible confounding factors. Results: Both oral contraceptive and condom use showed a significant protective effect against bacterial vaginosis. Our results also showed a significant increase of BV among IUD users, either before or after adjustments. Conclusions: This study showed a significant negative association between BV and OC and condom use, respectively, and a significant positive association between BV and IUD use. Therefore, we suggest that it is advisable to carry out a systematic microscopic evaluation in order to identify BV for IUD users.
Working conditions and prevalence of pre‐eclampsia, Norway 1989
Authors: Wergeland E. , Strand K. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To study the associations between working conditions and pre‐eclampsia. Methods: A cross‐sectional study based on questionnaires to all parturients was conducted in Norway from 16 October 1989 to 26 November 1989, with an 87.2% response rate. Of the 5388 responders with singleton pregnancies, 3321 continued in paid work beyond the 3rd month of pregnancy. Pre‐eclampsia was recorded if the woman reported hospitalization for hypertension, or if proteinuria and hypertension were diagnosed more than once in the pregnancy. Results: The prevalence of pre‐eclampsia was increased in work involving the lifting of heavy loads of 10–20 kg (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.5), hectic work pace (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–2.0, P < 0.05), work with hands above shoulder level (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–2.2; P = 0.07) and for parous women, shift work (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.6). It was reduced when the woman had an influence on work pace (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–1.0; P = 0.07). Prevalence was also increased with daily consumption of more than four cups of coffee (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3). Conclusion: Prenatal care should include assessment of working conditions, as early improvements may reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia.
Strategically managed buyer–supplier relationships and performance outcomes
Authors: Carr Amelia S , Pearson John N 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAn empirical analysis of purchasing's strategic role in the firm is presented. This study uses data collected from high level purchasing executives at the Director/VP level representing a large cross industry sample of 739 firms. The data analysis is rigorous. Using data from 571 of the 739 firms, correlation analysis and exploratory factor analysis is performed. Data from the remaining 168 firms is used to conduct structural equation modeling. This is the first attempt to examine a structural model of strategic purchasing and its influence on supplier evaluation systems, buyer–supplier relationships, and firm's financial performance. Scales are developed to measure each construct and are shown to be reliable. Five hypothesized relationships are presented and supported by the literature. The first, second, and third hypotheses link strategic purchasing to supplier evaluation systems, buyer–supplier relationships and firm's financial performance, respectively. The fourth hypothesis links supplier evaluation systems to buyer–supplier relationships. And, the fifth hypothesis links buyer–supplier relationships to firm's financial performance. The results of the data analysis provide support for each of the five hypotheses above. The implications of this research are that a strategic purchasing function is important to the success of the firm. Firms that have a strategic purchasing function are more likely to implement a supplier evaluation system. This provides purchasing with a better understanding of which suppliers are performing well and which suppliers are not performing well. Increased emphasis on strategic purchasing and supplier evaluation systems are critical for firms seeking to establish long‐term relationships with their suppliers. Based on the findings of this study, strategically managed long‐term relationships with key suppliers can have a positive impact on the firm's financial performance.
Behavioral symptoms in adult rats after postnatal l‐nitro‐arginine
Authors: Wörtwein Gitta , Gustafson Bettina , Hansen Karina Liv , Mogensen Jesper 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWe addressed experimentally the suggestion by Gally et al. [Gaily J. A., Read Montague P., Reeke G. N. Jr and Edelman G. M. (1990) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U.S.A.87, 3547–3551] that nitric oxide may play a role in the use‐dependent modification of synaptic efficacy in the developing nervous system. In a preliminary control experiment, we treated rat pups from postnatal day 8 to postnatal day 22 with a nitric oxide synthase blocker (l‐nitro‐arginine) and compared their growth curves and brain weights to those of saline injected control pubs. No significant differences were found after the 14 days of nitric oxide synthase inhibition. In the subsequent experiment, we inhibited nitric oxide synthesis in rat pups from postnatal day 8 to day 29 and assessed their place learning ability and open field behavior as adults. We found an increased speed of habituation of locomotion in an open field in 5‐month‐old rats that had been treated postnatally with a nitric oxide synthase blocker. There was no difference between treated and nontreated rats with respect to place learning in a water maze. We conclude that perturbation of nitric oxide production during early postnatal development does not preclude normal learning and memory function in the adult.
Bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia: epidemiologic, clinical and prognostic differences
Authors: Benabarre A. , Vieta E. , Colom F. , Martínez-Arán A. , Reinares M. , Gastó C. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe validity and nosologic status of schizoaffective disorder is still a controversial issue. This study was conducted to analyze the demographic, clinical and prognostic variables that determine the validity of the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. We analyzed and compared 138 outpatients: 67 with type I bipolar disorder, 34 with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type and 37 with schizophrenia. They were all diagnosed following research diagnostic criteria and assessed according to the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. Schizoaffective unipolar patients were excluded. The results reaffirmed that, from the standpoints of demographics, clinical features and prognosis, schizoaffective disorders bipolar type can be classified as a phenotypic form at an intermediate point between bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. These results emphasize the importance of longitudinal follow-up in the diagnosis and assessment of psychotic syndromes. Although cross-sectional symptoms were closer to the schizophrenia spectrum, the course of the illness resembled more that of bipolar patients, resulting in an intermediate outcome.
Ethnic differences in the presentation of bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Kirov G. , Murray R.M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThere have been repeated reports that Afro-Caribbean people living in the UK are more prone than white people to be diagnosed as having schizophrenia and mania, along with some evidence that they are less likely to receive a diagnosis of depression. We attempted to replicate these findings in a population of patients on lithium prophylaxis. We therefore assessed the clinical characteristics of people under the age of 55 from three ethnic groups attending a lithium clinic in south London, those of (1) white British (n = 88); (2) Afro-Caribbean (n = 31); and, (3) African (n = 15) origin.Nineteen of the white patients met DSM-IV criteria for unipolar depression (UP) and eight met the criteria for bipolar II disorder (BP II); in contrast, only two black patients met the criteria for unipolar depression and none met the criteria for BP II. Among patients diagnosed as BP I, Africans were significantly more likely than whites to show exclusively or mainly manic presentations while Afro-Caribbeans were more likely to have had mood-incongruent delusions. On the other hand, white patients were significantly more likely than Afro-Caribbeans to have had suicidal ideas or actions, and showed a similar but not significant excess when compared with Africans.Our findings could reflect either genuine ethnic differences in the presentation of severe affective disorder or be produced by the failure of British doctors to detect depression and deliver appropriate treatment to their black patients. The frequency with which Afro-Caribbean patients with mania present mood-incongruent delusions probably contributes to the high rates of diagnosed schizophrenia in this population.
Biopolymer Immune Implants’ Sequential Activation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity for Colorectal Cancer Postoperative Immunotherapy
Authors: Ji Guofeng , Zhang Yu , Si Xinghui , Yao Haochen , Ma Sheng , Xu Yudi , Zhao Jiayu , Ma Chong , He Chaoliang , Tang Zhaohui , Fang Xuedong , Song Wantong , Chen Xuesi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSurgical resection is the first‐line therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, for advanced CRC, the curative effect of surgical resection is limited due to either local recurrence or distal metastasis. Postoperative in situ immunotherapy, presents a promising option for preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis, owing to the fact that surgeons have unique opportunities and direct access to the surgical site. Herein, a designed biopolymer immune implant for CRC post‐surgical therapy, characterized with tissue adhesion, sustained drug release, and sequential elicitation of innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and immune memory effects, is reported. With gradual release of the loaded resiquimod (R848) and anti‐OX40 antibody (aOX40), the immune implant can eradicate residual tumors post‐surgery (with no tumor recurrence in 150 days), inhibit the growth of distal tumors and elicit immune memory effects to resist tumor re‐challenge. Immunological analysis reveal that the biopolymer immune plant treatment leads to a two‐stage action, with enhanced natural killer cells (NK cells) infiltration and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) in the first several days, then a greatly increased population of infiltrating T cells, and finally immune memory effects are established. The reported biopolymer immune implants provide a valuable and clinically‐relevant option for post‐surgical CRC management.
Highly Stretchable, Conductive Polymer Electrodes with a Mixed AgPdCu and PTFE Network Interlayer for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Yoon Sunyoung , Sim Hyeong‐Min , Cho Seungse , Ko Hyunhyub , Park Yeehyun , Kim Yunseok , Kim Han‐Ki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA highly stretchable, conductive polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) electrode consisting of a mixed AgPdCu (APC) and PTFE network interlayer on a polyurethane substrate is fabricated at room temperature. The PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE multilayer deposited through continuous sputtering of carbon nanotubes of the mixed PTFE and APC targets, and the resulting material exhibit a sheet resistance of 33.6 ± 6.17 Ohm per square and a stretchability of 40%. The metallic APC‐PTFE network interlayer provides a conducting path for the PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE multilayer, and it maintains a reversible conductivity until the electrode has been stretched up to 40%. In addition, the sputtered PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE multilayer shows semi‐transparency about 47% in the visible wavelength region. The multilayered material shows a minimal change in resistance after 10 000 cycles of repeated stretching under a constant 20% strain. In addition, the stretchable PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE electrode is confirmed to be resilient outer/inner bending, folding, rolling, and twisting tests. Through successful operation of stretchable interconnectors, stretchable film heaters, and stretchable electroluminescent devices, it is confirmed that sputtered PTFE/APC‐PTFE/PTFE films can be promising stretchable electrodes for next‐generation stretchable electronics.
Narrow Stimulated Resonance Raman Scattering and WGM Lasing in Small Conjugated Polymer Particles for Live Cell Tagging and Tracking
Authors: Haehnle Bastian , Lamla Markus , Sparrer Konstantin M. J. , Gather Malte C. , Kuehne Alexander J. C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConjugated polymer particles are brightly fluorescing and stable materials for live cell imaging. Combination of conjugated polymers with a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator allows laser emission from microscale particles. Once internalized by cells, the mode pattern of the laser emission can be used for tagging and tracking, as each laser spectrum represents a bar code to identify individual cells. However, currently these particle systems are limited by their large size, which might interfere with cellular functions. Here, stimulated resonance Raman scattering (SRRS) in small conjugated polymer microparticles is presented as a new method for generating narrow emission as an alternative to WGM‐based laser emission. This opens up spectral range for multiplexing optical readout and multicolor imaging of live cells. The synthesis of monodisperse micrometer‐sized poly(fluorene‐co‐divinylbenzene) particles is discussed and their WGM and SRRS emission are characterized. Finally, how these particles and their emission can be employed in live cell imaging and tagging is showcased.
Cross‐linked polymers increase nutrient sorption in degraded soils
Authors: Lentz Rodrick D. , Ippolito James A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCross‐linked polymer hydrogels, polyacrylamide co‐polymer (XPAM) or polyacrylate (XPAA) offer potential solutions for soil degradation, declines in soil resilience, and poor productivity in marginal soils. However, little is known about their long‐term effect on soil nutrient availability. This 9‐yr, irrigated, outdoor, cropped pot study evaluated a single, one‐time addition of XPAM or XPAA at 0.25 or 0.5% dry wt. (5.6 or 11.2 Mg ha–1) in a degraded (artificially eroded) soil. Controls included an unamended degraded soil and an unamended, non‐degraded soil (i.e., topsoil). We measured nutrients in soil and leachate water each year, and in the first 5 yr, crop yields and nutrient uptake. Both hydrogels increased average soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), soil extractable K, Na, and total organic carbon (TOC), and decreased soil extractable Mg relative to the control. Unlike XPAM, XPAA produced a greater increase in soil extractable K, increased extractable Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, increased Olsen P, and decreased total inorganic carbon (TIC). Neither hydrogel affected crop yields but XPAA increased K and Zn and decreased Mg and Na uptake in crops compared to controls. Relative to the control, both hydrogels decreased cumulative Ca, Mg, and S leaching mass losses and increased mean EC of leachate. Unlike XPAM, XPAA increased cumulative leaching mass losses of K, P, NO3–N, and NH4–N relative to the control. The hydrogels’ soil effects persisted for ≥7 yr, differing as a function of the quantity of included counterions and the stability of the gel structure after soil placement.
Context Matters: Home‐level But Not Individual‐Level Recovery Social Capital Predicts Residents’ Relapse
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Guerrero Mayra , Salomon‐Amend Meghan , Stevens Ed , Light John M. , Stoolmiller Mike 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature on the prediction of substance use relapse, using sophisticated systems’ approaches to individuals and their contexts. In the current study of 42 recovery homes, we investigated the construct of social capital from the perspective of both recovery home residents and the house level. A confirmatory factor analysis found a latent recovery factor (including elements of recovery capital, comprising resources such as wages, self‐efficacy, stress, self‐esteem, quality of life, hope, sense of community, and social support) at both the individual and the recovery house level. Next, using longitudinal data from homes, an individual’s probability of relapse was found to be related to house rather than individual‐level latent recovery scores. In other words, an individual’s probability of relapse was primarily related to the average of the “recoveries” of his or her recovery home peers, and not of his or her own personal “recovery” status. The finding that resident relapse is based primarily upon the total recovery capital available in the homes highlights the importance of the social environment for recovery.
Influence of Remote Picolinyl and Picoloyl Stereodirecting Groups for the Stereoselective Glycosylation
Authors: Khanam Ariza , Kumar Mandal Pintu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSugar compounds generally consist of several hydroxyl groups, responsible for the generation of complex oligosaccharides and are discriminated against or manipulated by using protecting groups. The protecting groups in carbohydrate chemistry adopt a central position in controlling stereoselectivity of glycosylation reaction. In all, picoloyl (Pico) and picolinyl (Pic) group are scrutinize as admirable protecting groups for the evaluation of efficient and convenient glycosyl donors which in turn, synthesize both 1,2‐cis‐ and 1,2‐trans‐linked complex and challenging oligosaccharides stereoselectively either through hydrogen bond mediated aglycone delivery (HAD) or by neighbouring group participation. This review explores the recent advances in the use of picoloyl (Pico) and picolinyl (Pic) as stereo‐directing groups for high facial α‐ or β‐stereoselectivity and its applications in the synthesis of biologically important oligosaccharides.
A Short Method for the Synthesis of Hydroxyoleic Acids
Authors: Imperio Daniela , Morelli Laura , Panza Luigi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEnzymatic or microbiological oxidation of oleic acid can afford azelaic acid as a building block for bioplastics. However, during the oxidation, the formation of hydroxylated byproducts is observed. To better follow the oxidation reaction, the availability of reference compounds is of great importance. To this aim, the synthesis of a series of oleic acids hydroxylated at ω ‐ 1, ω ‐ 2, ω ‐ 3 positions is described without the use of protecting groups. The final products are obtained by partial lactone reduction to hydroxyaldehyde followed by Grignard addition, selective oxidation of the primary hydroxyl group, and Wittig reaction.
Mass transfer study in eductor liquid–liquid extractor: Dimensional analysis and response surface methodology modeling
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mostafa , Shirvani Mansour , Ghaemi Ahad , Esmaeeli Bahare 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this work, the mass transfer performance of a new eductor liquid–liquid extractor is investigated experimentally and modeled by dimensional analysis and response surface methodology (RSM) with the utilization of water/acetic acid/toluene system. A correlation is derived for the overall mass transfer coefficient versus the Reynolds number, throat to nozzle area ratio, projection ratio, and the two phases of flow rates ratio. Based on the obtained results, the Reynolds number is known as the most effective parameter. Also, different hydrodynamic and geometrical parameters, giving the same Sauter mean diameter, have different mass transfer coefficients due to differences in droplet size distribution. In addition, the RSM studies show that the effects of the parameters are in the order of the two phases of flow rates ratio, the venturi throat to nozzle tip distance, nozzle diameter, and venturi throat diameter. The maximum overall mass transfer coefficient obtained equals to 0.000278 m/s for the studied system.
PVA/PMMA polymer blended composite electrospun nanofibers mat and their potential use as an anti‐biofilm product
Authors: Singh Manvi , Chauhan Deepika , Das Ayan K. , Iqbal Zeenat , Solanki Pratima R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBacterial infections have increased dramatically due to microbial biofilm formation resulting in chronic pathological conditions in human subjects. Microbial biofilm causes poor drug penetration and antibiotic resistance, which has made site‐specific sustained drug delivery the most appropriate option. Our work entails fabrication of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CPX) loaded nanofibers using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(meth) methacrylate (PMMA) employing electrospinning method to form PVA:PMMA:CPX nanofibers mat. These nanofibers mat were optimized, characterized, and further subjected to anti‐biofilm activity. Microscopic images revealed average nanofibers diameter of 243 ± 80 nm with smooth surface morphology. Analytical graphs and thermal analysis confirmed drug encapsulation and drug‐polymer compatibility. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained release of CPX for 22 days displaying Hixon Crowell and two‐stage desorption kinetics. Anti‐biofilm activity showed zones of inhibition 3.0 ± 0.5 cm, 2.8 ± 0.1 cm, 2.9 ± 0.2 cm for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, respectively which was well above the minimum inhibitory concentration levels of the bacteria forming biofilm. Conclusively, these nanofibers mat have potential to be used as an anti‐biofilm product.