bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of interleukin-1β on spinal cord nociceptive transmission of normal and monoarthritic rats after disruption of glial function
Authors: Constandil Luis , Hernández Alejandro , Pelissier Teresa , Arriagada Osvaldo , Espinoza Karla , Burgos Hector , Laurido Claudio 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroductionCytokines produced by spinal cord glia after peripheral injuries have a relevant role in the maintenance of pain states. Thus, while IL-1β is overexpressed in the spinal cords of animals submitted to experimental arthritis and other chronic pain models, intrathecal administration of IL-1β to healthy animals induces hyperalgesia and allodynia and enhances wind-up activity in dorsal horn neurons.MethodsTo investigate the functional contribution of glial cells in the spinal cord nociceptive transmission, the effect of intrathecally administered IL-1β was studied in both normal and adjuvant-induced arthritic rats with or without glial inhibition. Four weeks after induction of monoarthritis, rats were treated with the glial cell inhibitor propentofylline (10 μg i.t. daily during 10 days) and submitted to a C-fiber-mediated reflex paradigm evoked by single and repetitive (wind-up) electric stimulation.ResultsBoth the propentofylline treatment and the monoarthritic condition modified the stimulating current required for threshold activation of C reflex responses. Intrathecal IL-1β increased spinal cord wind-up activity in normal and monoarthritic rats without propentofylline pre-treatment, but resulted in decreased wind-up activity in normal and monoarthritic propentofylline-treated animals. Intrathecal saline did not produce any effect. Thus, glial inactivation reverted into inhibition the excitatory effect of IL-1β on spinal cord wind-up, irrespective of the normal or monoarthritic condition of rats.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the excitatory effect of nanomolar doses of IL-1β on spinal wind-up in healthy rats is produced by an unidentified glial mediator, while the inhibitory effects of IL-1β on wind-up activity in animals with inactivated glia resulted from a direct effect of the cytokine on dorsal horn neurons. The present study failed to demonstrate a differential sensitivity of normal and monoarthritic rats to IL-1β administration into the spinal cord and to disruption of β glial function, as both normal and monoarthritic animals changes wind-up activity in the same direction after propentofylline treatment, suggesting that after glial inhibition normal and monoarthritic animals behave similarly relative to the capability of dorsal horn neurons to generate wind-up activity when repeatedly stimulated by C-fibers.
Motif composition, conservation and condition-specificity of single and alternative transcription start sites in the Drosophila genome
Authors: Rach Elizabeth A , Yuan Hsiang-Yu , Majoros William H , Tomancak Pavel , Ohler Uwe 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Background
Transcription initiation is a key component in the regulation of gene expression. mRNA 5' full-length sequencing techniques have enhanced our understanding of mammalian transcription start sites (TSSs), revealing different initiation patterns on a genomic scale.

Results
To identify TSSs in Drosophila melanogaster, we applied a hierarchical clustering strategy on available 5' expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and identified a high quality set of 5,665 TSSs for approximately 4,000 genes. We distinguished two initiation patterns: 'peaked' TSSs, and 'broad' TSS cluster groups. Peaked promoters were found to contain location-specific sequence elements; conversely, broad promoters were associated with non-location-specific elements. In alignments across other Drosophila genomes, conservation levels of sequence elements exceeded 90% within the melanogaster subgroup, but dropped considerably for distal species. Elements in broad promoters had lower levels of conservation than those in peaked promoters. When characterizing the distributions of ESTs, 64% of TSSs showed distinct associations to one out of eight different spatiotemporal conditions. Available whole-genome tiling array time series data revealed different temporal patterns of embryonic activity across the majority of genes with distinct alternative promoters. Many genes with maternally inherited transcripts were found to have alternative promoters utilized later in development. Core promoters of maternally inherited transcripts showed differences in motif composition compared to zygotically active promoters.

Conclusions
Our study provides a comprehensive map of Drosophila TSSs and the conditions under which they are utilized. Distinct differences in motif associations with initiation pattern and spatiotemporal utilization illustrate the complex regulatory code of transcription initiation.
Copy-Number Variation Genotyping of GSTT1 and GSTM1 Gene Deletions by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Rose-Zerilli Matthew J , Barton Sheila J , Henderson A John , Shaheen Seif O , Holloway John W 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Background: Structural variation in the human genome is increasingly recognized as being highly prevalent and having relevance to common human diseases. Array-based comparative genome-hybridization technology can be used to determine copy-number variation (CNV) across entire genomes, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be used to validate de novo variation or assays of common CNV in disease-association studies. Analysis of large qPCR data sets can be complicated and time-consuming, however.
Methods: We describe qPCR assays for GSTM1 (glutathione S-transferase mu 1) and GSTT1 (glutathione S-transferase theta 1) gene deletions that can genotype up to 192 samples in duplicate 5-μL reaction volumes in &lt;2 h on the ABI Prism 7900HT Sequence Detection System. To streamline data handling and analysis of these CNVs by qPCR, we developed a novel interactive, macro-driven Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet. As proof of principle, we used our software to analyze CNV data for 1478 DNA samples from a family-based cohort.
Results: With only 8 ng of DNA template, we assigned CNV genotypes (i.e., 2, 1, or 0 copies) to either 96% (GSTM1) or 91% (GSTT1) of all DNA samples in a single round of PCR amplification. Genotyping accuracy, as ascertained by familial inheritance, was &gt;99.5%, and independent genotype assignments with replicate real-time PCR runs were 100% concordant.
Conclusions: The genotyping assay for GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion is suitable for large genetic epidemiologic studies and is a highly effective analysis system that is readily adaptable to analysis of other CNVs. .
A Study on Rutting Prediction of the Asphalt Pavement for Orthotropic Steel Bridge Decks
Authors: Cong Ling , Yang Jun , Zhu Haoran , Cui Juan 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
This paper establishes a finite element method (FEM) model to predict rutting development of a double-layered pavement system with stone mastic asphalt as its upper layer and mastic asphalt as its bottom layer, which is widely used in orthotropic steel bridge paving. In addition, it presents the influence of pavement thickness and overloading on rutting occurring in the pavement of an orthotropic steel bridge. The results show that the MA layer contributes to an overwhelming majority of permanent deformation; furthermore, within a certain range, rutting depth increases rapidly with the rise of pavement thickness. Finally, a circular road tracking test was conducted to verify the FEM prediction. The comparison between test results and FEM results shows that the model is accurate. The results of this study can be used as reference for the design of pavement on steel decks.
A note on coincidence isometries of modules in Euclidean space
Authors: Huck Christian 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
It is shown that the coincidence isometries of certain modules in Euclidean n-space can be decomposed into a product of at most n coincidence reflections defined by non-zero module elements. This generalizes previous results obtained for lattices to situations that are relevant in quasicrystallography.
Structural systematics in antimony tris(xanthates): Sb(S2COR)3
Authors: Brown Joseph K. , Arman Hadi D. , Poplaukhin Pavel V. , Tiekink Edward R. T. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Crystallography shows the hexagonal form of Sb(S2COEt)3 to have three-fold symmetry in which the antimony atom is chelated by asymmetrically coordinating xanthate ligands, Sb—S = 2.5204(8) and 3.0603(11) Å. The lone pair of electrons projects out of the triangular face defined by the three weakly coordinating sulfur atoms. The crystal structure comprises layers that stack in an ... ABAB ... fashion in contrast to the previously determined trigonal form. A similar coordination geometry is found in the structure of Sb(S2CO—nPr)3. Molecules aggregate into a supramolecular helical chain via secondary Sb ... S interactions. Crystal data for C9H15O3S6Sb, hexagonal, P63, a = 14.642(4), c = 4.6674(10) Å, V = 866.6(4) Å3, Z = 2, R = 0.021; C12H21O3S6Sb, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 14.671(5), b = 8.898(3), c = 17.185(6) Åb = 111.288(4)°, V = 2090.3(12) Å3, Z = 4, R = 0.042. An analysis of all available Sb(S2COR)3 structures shows the adoption of molecules with C
3 or C

s
symmetry. In the case of the latter, well defined intermolecular Sb ... S contacts lead to supramolecular double chains. For the structures with C
3 symmetry, supramolecular aggregation patterns are more varied and less dependent on Sb ... S contacts.
A comparison of nanoparticle and fine particle uptake by Daphnia magna
Authors: Rosenkranz Philipp , Chaudhry Qasim , Stone Vicki , Fernandes Teresa F. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The use of nanoparticles in various applications is steadily on the rise, with use in a range of applications, including printer toner, sunscreen, medical imaging, and enhanced drug delivery. While research on human effects via, for example, inhalation is relatively well developed, the environmental assessment of nanoparticles is in its infancy. In the present study, we assessed the uptake and quantitative accumulation, as well as the depuration, of a model nanoparticle, a 20-nm fluorescent carboxylated polystyrene bead, in the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia magna and compared it to a larger, 1,000-nm particle. Using confocal microscopy, rapid accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract was observed within an hour of exposure to both particle sizes in both adults and neonates. Fluorescence could also be observed in the oil storage droplets, suggesting that both particle sizes have crossed the gut's epithelial barrier. Quantification of fluorescence of both sizes of particles showed that although uptake of the 20-nm particles was lower in terms of mass it was equal to or greater than 1,000-nm particle uptake when expressed as surface area or particle number. Depuration was relatively rapid for the 1,000-nm beads, decreasing by more than 90% over 4 h. In contrast, depuration of the 20-nm beads was less extensive, reaching 40% over 4 h. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed uptake of 1,000-nm beads, but uptake of 20-nm beads was inconclusive since similar-sized inclusions could be observed in control treatments.
Reproductive effects and bioaccumulation of chlordane in Daphnia magna
Authors: Manar Rachid , Bessi Hlima , Vasseur Paule 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Acute and chronic toxicity of high-grade chlordane (98%) and bioaccumulation were investigated in Daphnia magna at water soluble concentrations obtained without cosolvent. The measured effective concentrations immobilizing 50% of the microcrustacea (95% confidence interval) were 22.6 (19.7-26.1) μg/L at 24 h and 13.4 (11.3-15.8) μg/L at 48 h. This indicated an increase of chlordane toxicity with time of exposure as confirmed in chronic studies. After 21 d of exposure, significant effects on survival were recorded at a chlordane concentration greater than 2.9 μg/L, whereas reproduction (number of offspring per adult, brood size) and length of adults decreased at 0.7 μg/L or more in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The production of male offspring and developmental abnormalities, consisting of underdeveloped second antennae and shell spines in live neonates, were recorded. The chlordane concentration tested with no significant adverse effect (NOEC) on reproduction of daphnids after 21 d compared with controls was 0.18 μg/L. The bioaccumulation factor of chlordane by daphnids exposed at a level of concentration close to the 21-d NOEC reached 10,600, wet weight, and 244,000, dry weight, after 40 d. The trans-chlordane bioaccumulated to a greater extent than the cis isomer in daphnids, whereas the cis isomer was predominant in the test medium. The results suggest a crucial role of the invertebrates in transfer of chlordane in aquatic food webs and can be used to derive a freshwater guideline for environmental protection accounting for bioaccumulation.
Effect of Well Variables on the Performance of Chemical, Jet, and RCT Tubing Cutters
Authors: Jurgens M. S. 
Published: July 2009

Summary
An analysis of 72 workover tubing cuts made was completed to determine the effect of well variables on the cutting performance of chemical, jet, and radial cutting torch (RCT) tubing cutters.
Performance data indicated that cutting success was only 65, 50, and 77% for the chemical, jet, and RCT cutters, respectively. While it was found that some cutting failures could be attributed to specific causes, such as heavy paraffin in the well, improper detonation, low-pressure tool leaks, exceeding tool pressure limits, and improper tool gas ventilation, other failures did not have any apparent cause. Therefore, the data was analyzed against specific well variables to look for trends to determine other possible failure causes.
The most significant results indicated that chemical cutter success in CaBr2 completions fluids was significantly reduced. For comparison, cuts in bromide fluids accounted for 71% of the total number of failed cuts but only comprised 32% of the total attempted cuts. Based on this data, along with examining the chemical reaction between the acid in the chemical cutter, bromine trifluoride, and the other completion fluids, it is believed that the chemical cutter acid reacts more efficiently with bromide completion fluids, therefore, limiting the amount of acid available to sever the pipe.
Additionally, it was concluded that placing the pipe in tension significantly increased cutting performance. No other significant correlations were found to other well variables.
Coexpression of the Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Gene Variants KCNJ11 E23K and ABCC8 S1369A Alter the ATP and Sulfonylurea Sensitivities of the ATP-Sensitive K+ Channel
Authors: Hamming Kevin S.C. , Soliman Daniel , Matemisz Laura C. , Niazi Omid , Lang Yiqiao , Gloyn Anna L. , Light Peter E. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
In the pancreatic β-cell, ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels couple metabolism with excitability and consist of Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits encoded by KCNJ11 and ABCC8, respectively. Sulfonylureas, which inhibit the KATP channel, are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Rare activating mutations cause neonatal diabetes, whereas the common variants, E23K in KCNJ11 and S1369A in ABCC8, are in strong linkage disequilibrium, constituting a haplotype that predisposes to type 2 diabetes. To date it has not been possible to establish which of these represents the etiological variant, and functional studies are inconsistent. Furthermore, there have been no studies of the S1369A variant or the combined effect of the two on KATP channel function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The patch-clamp technique was used to study the nucleotide sensitivity and sulfonylurea inhibition of recombinant human KATP channels containing either the K23/A1369 or E23/S1369 variants.

RESULTS
ATP sensitivity of the KATP channel was decreased in the K23/A1369 variant (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 8.0 vs. 2.5 μmol/l for the E23/S1369 variant), although there was no difference in ADP sensitivity. The K23/A1369 variant also displayed increased inhibition by gliclazide, an A-site sulfonylurea drug (IC50 = 52.7 vs. 188.7 nmol/l for the E23/S1369 variant), but not by glibenclamide (AB site) or repaglinide (B site).

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that the common K23/A1369 variant KATP channel displays decreased ATP inhibition that may contribute to the observed increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the increased sensitivity of the K23/A1369 variant to the A-site sulfonylurea drug gliclazide may provide a pharmacogenomic therapeutic approach for patients with type 2 diabetes who are homozygous for both risk alleles.
Processing of Two Latent Membrane Protein 1 MHC Class I Epitopes Requires Tripeptidyl Peptidase II Involvement
Authors: Diekmann Jan , Adamopoulou Eleni , Beck Olaf , Rauser Georg , Lurati Sarah , Tenzer Stefan , Einsele Hermann , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Schild Hansjörg , Topp Max S. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The EBV Ag latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) has been described as a potential target for T cell immunotherapy in EBV-related malignancies. However, only a few CD8+ T cell epitopes are known, and the benefit of LMP1-specific T cell immunotherapy has not yet been proven. In this work, we studied the processing of the two LMP1 HLA-A02-restricted epitopes, YLLEMLRWL and YLQQNWWTL. We found that target cells endogenously expressing the native LMP1 are not recognized by CTLs specific for these epitopes because the N-terminal part of LMP1 limits the efficiency of epitope generation. We further observed that the proteasome is not required for the generation of both epitopes and that the YLLEMLRWL epitope seems to be destroyed by the proteasome, because blocking of proteasomal activities enhanced specific CTL activation. Activation of LMP1-specific CTLs could be significantly reduced after inhibition of the tripeptidyl peptidase II, suggesting a role for this peptidase in the processing of both epitopes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the MHC class I-restricted LMP1 epitopes studied in this work are two of very few epitopes known to date to be processed proteasome independently by tripeptidyl peptidase II.
The Lytic Potential of Human Liver NK Cells Is Restricted by Their Limited Expression of Inhibitory Killer Ig-Like Receptors
Authors: Burt Bryan M. , Plitas George , Zhao Zeguo , Bamboat Zubin M. , Nguyen Hoang M. , Dupont Bo , DeMatteo Ronald P. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The human liver is enriched in NK cells which are potent effectors of the innate immune system. We have determined that liver NK cells freshly isolated from surgical specimens from patients with hepatic malignancy have less cytolytic activity than autologous blood NK cells. This difference was due to a higher proportion of CD16− NK cells in the liver and reduced cytotoxicity by CD16+ liver NK cells compared with their blood counterparts. CD16+ liver NK cells had similar expression of activating NK receptors and had similar intracellular granzyme B and perforin content compared with CD16+ blood NK cells. CD16+ liver NK cells contained a reduced fraction of cells with inhibitory killer Ig-like receptors specific for self-MHC class I (self-killer Ig-related receptor (KIR)) and an increased fraction of self-KIRnegNKG2Apos and self-KIRnegNKG2Aneg cells. Using single-cell analysis of intracellular IFN-γ production and cytotoxicity assays, we determined that CD16+ liver NK cells expressing self-KIR were more responsive to target cells than those cells that did not express self-KIR molecules. CD16+ liver NK cells gained cytolytic function when stimulated with IL-2 or cultured with LPS or poly(I:C)-activated autologous liver Kupffer cells. Thus, the human liver contains NK cell subsets which have reduced effector function, but under appropriate inflammatory conditions become potent killers.
Skin and Peripheral Lymph Node Invariant NKT Cells Are Mainly Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor γt+ and Respond Preferentially under Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Doisne Jean-Marc , Becourt Chantal , Amniai Latiffa , Duarte Nadia , Le Luduec Jean-Benoît , Eberl Gérard , Benlagha Kamel 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Lymph nodes (LNs) have been long considered as comprising few invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, and these cells have not been studied extensively. In this study, we unravel the existence of stable rather than transitional LN-resident NK1.1− iNKT cell populations. We found the one resident in peripheral LNs (PLNs) to comprise a major IL-17-producing population and to express the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt). These cells respond to their ligand α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) in vivo by expanding dramatically in the presence of LPS, providing insight into how this rare population could have an impact in immune responses to infection. PLN-resident RORγt+ NK1.1− iNKT cells express concomitantly CCR6, the integrin α-chain αE (CD103), and IL-1R type I (CD121a), indicating that they might play a role in inflamed epithelia. Accordingly, skin epithelia comprise a major RORγt+ CCR6+CD103+CD121a+ NK1.1− cell population, reflecting iNKT cell composition in PLNs. Importantly, both skin and draining PLN RORγt+ iNKT cells respond preferentially to inflammatory signals and independently of IL-6, indicating that they could play a nonredundant role during inflammation. Overall, our study indicates that RORγt+ iNKT cells could play a major role in the skin during immune responses to infection and autoimmunity.
Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resin modified with γ‐thiopropyl triethoxy silane
Authors: Wang Zhenchang , Suo Jinping , Li Juan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOrganic/inorganic hybrids with 1 to 7% silica contents were synthesized from bisphenol‐A and epichlorohydrin by utilizing γ‐thiopropyl triethoxy silane (KH580). The reactive coupling agent KH580 was introduced to epoxy resin to obtain high adhesive strength material for engineering industry. It was hypothesized that the multiple reactive functional silanol group SiOH of KH580 after hydrolyzing reacted with epoxy resin to increase the shear strength and toughness of epoxy resin. IR spectra indicated that bonded stationary phase was formed. Shear strength of epoxy resin–based composite increased and then decreased after SiO2 content reached 5 wt %; the optimal value was 24.78 MPa. SEM analysis showed that toughness of SiO2/epoxy resin–based composite also increased and then decreased when the content of SiO2 is more than 5 wt %. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Structure and isothermal crystallization behavior of polypropylene prepared at high polymerization temperature
Authors: Zhong Chifeng , Mao Bingquan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe structure, morphology, and isothermal crystallization behaviors of polypropylene (PP) prepared with heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalyst at high temperature (100°C) were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐rising elution fractionation, gel permeation chromatography, and 13C NMR. The results reveal that the crystalline structure changes with variation of the composition of the PP. The isotactic PP (iPP)1 prepared with Et3Al and “TMA‐depleted” methylaluminoxane crystallizes from the melt in the mixtures of the α and β forms, whereas each fraction obtained from pure PP1 does not show β‐PP crystal at the same crystallization condition. In addition, the γ‐PP crystal is appeared for the fractions of low mmmm%‐[mmmm] (mmmm pentad content) values and molecular weight. Moreover, it was found that the iPP2 or iPP3 prepared with Hex3Al crystallizes from the melt in mixtures of the α and γ forms, even at atmospheric pressure and for high molecular weight. The microstructure showed in the PP samples obtained at high temperature could be well explained with the shift in the alkylaluminium‐donor equilibrium reactions at high polymerization temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009