bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy and Blockade of IDO in SIV-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Boasso Adriano , Vaccari Monica , Fuchs Dietmar , Hardy Andrew W. , Tsai Wen-Po , Tryniszewska Elzbieta , Shearer Gene M. , Franchini Genoveffa 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Increased activity of IDO, which catalyzes the degradation of Trp into kynurenine (Kyn), is observed during HIV/SIV infection, and it may contribute to the persistence of HIV/SIV by suppressing antiviral T cell responses. We administered the IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-d-tryptophan (d-1mT) for 13 days to SIV-infected rhesus macaques receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). d-1mT treatment increased the plasma levels of Trp, without reducing the levels of Kyn, suggesting only a partial effect on IDO enzymatic activity. Surprisingly, d-1mT significantly reduced the virus levels in plasma and lymph nodes of ART-treated animals with incomplete responsiveness to ART. In SIV-infected animals that were not receiving ART, d-1mT was ineffective in reducing the plasma viral load and had only a marginal effect on the plasma Kyn/Trp ratio. Increased IDO and TGF-β mRNA expression in lymph nodes of ART-treated macaques after d-1mT treatment suggested that compensatory counterregulatory mechanisms were activated by d-1mT, which may account for the lack of effect on plasma Kyn. Finally, d-1mT did not interfere with the ART-induced T cell dynamics in lymph nodes (increased frequency of total CD4 T cells, increase of CD8 T cells expressing the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl2, and reduction of regulatory T cells). Thus, d-1mT appeared to synergize with ART in inhibiting viral replication and did not interfere with the beneficial immunologic effects of ART. Further studies are required to elucidate the immunologic or virologic mechanism by which d-1mT inhibited SIV replication in vivo.
Mechanism of the Salutary Effects of Estrogen on Kupffer Cell Phagocytic Capacity following Trauma-Hemorrhage: Pivotal Role of Akt Activation
Authors: Hsieh Chi-Hsun , Nickel Eike A. , Chen Jianguo , Schwacha Martin G. , Choudhry Mashkoor A. , Bland Kirby I. , Chaudry Irshad H. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Kupffer cells are macrophages in the liver whose major role is to clear circulating pathogens. Decreased phagocytic capacity of Kupffer cells may result in severe systemic infection. We tested the hypothesis that the depressed Kupffer cell phagocytic capacity following trauma-hemorrhage is enhanced by estrogen administration and this occurs due to maintenance of Fc receptor expression and cellular ATP content via the activation of Akt. Male C3H/HeN mice were subjected to sham operation or trauma-hemorrhage and sacrificed 2 h thereafter. Estrogen, with or without an estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI 182,780), a PI3K inhibitor (Wortmannin), or vehicle, was injected during resuscitation. Kupffer cell phagocytic capacity was tested in vivo. The expression of Fc receptors, of Akt phosphorylation, of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, of DNA binding activity of NF-κB and ATP content of Kupffer cells were also determined. Trauma-hemorrhage suppressed Kupffer cell phagocytosis by decreasing Fc receptor expression and Akt activation; however, it induced p38 MAPK activation and increased NF-κB activity. Cellular ATP levels were also decreased following trauma-hemorrhage. Administration of estrogen following trauma-hemorrhage increased phospho-Akt levels and normalized all the parameters described as well as plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Coadministration of ICI 182,780 or Wortmannin abolished the beneficial effects of estrogen in improving the phagocytic capacity of Kupffer cells following trauma-hemorrhage. Thus, activation of Akt plays a crucial role in mediating the salutary effect of estrogen in restoring trauma-hemorrhage-induced suppression of Kupffer cell phagocytosis.
Activation of Microglia by Amyloid β Requires P2X7 Receptor Expression
Authors: Sanz Juana M. , Chiozzi Paola , Ferrari Davide , Colaianna Marilena , Idzko Marco , Falzoni Simonetta , Fellin Renato , Trabace Luigia , Di Virgilio Francesco 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Extracellular ATP is a mediator of intercellular communication and a danger signal. Release of this and other nucleotides modulates microglia responses via P2Y and P2X receptors, among which the P2X7 subtype stands out for its proinflammatory activity and for up-regulation in a transgenic model of Alzheimer disease and in brains from Alzheimer disease patients. Here we show that amyloid β (Aβ) triggered increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), ATP release, IL-1β secretion, and plasma membrane permeabilization in microglia from wild-type but not from P2X7-deleted mice. Likewise, intra-hippocampal injection of Aβ caused a large accumulation of IL-1β in wild-type but not in P2X7−/− mice. These observations suggest that Aβ activates a purinergic autocrine/paracrine stimulatory loop of which the P2X7 receptor is an obligate component. Identification of the P2X7 receptor as a non-dispensable factor of Aβ-mediated microglia stimulation may open new avenues for the treatment of Alzheimer disease.
Microvascular lesions in the brain and retina: The age, gene/environment susceptibility–Reykjavik study
Authors: Qiu Chengxuan , Cotch Mary Frances , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Klein Ronald , Jonasson Fridbert , Klein Barbara E. K. , Garcia Melissa , Jonsson Palmi V. , Harris Tamara B. , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Kjartansson Olafur , van Buchem Mark A. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the severity and location of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and brain infarcts are correlated with the signs of retinal microvascular abnormalities in the elderly.MethodsThe study included 4,176 men and women (mean age, 76 years) who participated in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES)–Reykjavik Study. Digital retinal images of both dilated eyes were taken and evaluated for the presence of retinal focal arteriolar signs (focal arteriolar narrowing and arteriovenous nicking) and retinopathy lesions (retinal blot hemorrhages and microaneurysms). Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired and evaluated for the presence and distribution of cerebral infarcts and WMHs. Logistic and multinomial logistic models were constructed to estimate the association of retinal microvascular signs to brain lesions.ResultsControlling for demographic and major cardiovascular risk factors, we found that retinal focal arteriolar signs, but not retinopathy lesions, were significantly associated with an increasing load of subcortical and periventricular WMHs. The strongest association was found between retinal arteriolar signs and a heavier WMH load, specifically in the subcortical frontal lobe, and periventricular frontal and parietal caps. There was a tendency toward bilateral retinal focal arteriolar narrowing being more strongly associated with the heavier load of subcortical WMHs. Arteriovenous nicking was significantly associated with subcortical infarcts.InterpretationIn older adults, retinal focal arteriolar signs, but not retinopathy lesions, are correlated with the load of diffuse WMHs, particularly those located in the subcortical frontal lobe, and the periventricular frontal and parietal caps of the brain. Ann Neurol 2009;65:569–576
Heterogeneous dispersion of the compatibilizer in the injection molding of polyamide 6/polypropylene blends
Authors: Yang Wei , Tang Xue‐Gang , Xie Bang‐Hu , Zhu Yong‐Ping , Yang Ming‐Bo , Hou Meng 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFour kinds of ethylene–proplene–diene/maleic anhydride compatibilized polyamide 6/polypropylene samples were prepared with different mixing sequences and showed significant differences in the Izod impact strength. The morphological features of these samples were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, and a heterogeneous dispersion of the compatibilizer in the injection‐molded samples was observed; this was related to the shear field in the skin and subskin layers during injection. A parameter, the transfer energy, is put forward to interpret the dispersion of the compatibilizer in the injection‐molded blends, and the results show that the transfer energy is a key factor in determining the transfer of the compatibilizer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Dielectric analysis of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride stabilized with di‐n‐octyltin maleate
Authors: Mahrous Salah , Hanfy T. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDielectric relaxation of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride stabilized with di‐n‐octyltin maleate has been studied in the frequency range 1 kHz–1 MHz at various temperatures between 300 and 450 K. A clear dielectric relaxation band (α‐type) associated with dipolar polarization has been observed in the studied range. The stabilizer molecules increase the segmental mobility of the polymer, and specific interaction occurs between both the CCl and CO polar groups. The temperature dependence of the relaxation process was analyzed by combining the critical free volume expression by Cohen and Turnbull with the Williams‐Landel‐Ferry (WLF) model of the thermal expansion of free and occupied volumes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of novel methoxypolyethyleneglycol‐ grafted‐ poly(ester‐urethane)s for controlled release of repaglinide
Authors: Kumar S. Vijay , Shelke Namdev B. , Prasannakumar S. , Rokhade Ajit P. , Sherigara B. S. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNovel biodegradable aliphatic poly(ester‐urethane)s (PEUs) based on polycaprolactone diol (PCL) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol grafted onto trimethylol propane (mPEG‐g‐TMP) were synthesized by solution polymerization technique and characterized using a variety of techniques. Microspheres ranging in size from 7 to 25 μm were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique and loaded with repaglinide up to 71 to 96%. Increasing molar ratios of mPEG‐g‐TMP propane with respect to polycaprolactone diol gave increase in particle size along with increase in % encapsulation efficiency. Surface morphology and spherical nature of the microspheres were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The release of repaglinide varied, depending upon the molar ratios of mPEG‐g‐TMP moieties with respect to PCL. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Study on microstructure of PET/nanopowder composites
Authors: Yin Hua , Yu Dingsheng 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this article, the microstructures of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/nanopowder of butadiene‐styrene‐vinylpyridine (BSV) rubber, PET/nanocalcium carbonate, and PET/nanoorganoclay as well as the effects of mechanical properties and crystallization on PET were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that when the nanoparticles are added into PET, small spheroidicity‐shaped particles were seen in the SEM micrographs, and these particles were not nanopowders themselves. The crystallization of PET is improved with the incorporation of proper quantity of nanopowders of BSV and nanoorganoclay. Nanopowders of BSV and organoclay can enhance PET's mechanical properties but not the nanocalcium carbonate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Electrical resistivity of polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites under varying injection molding conditions
Authors: Park Dong Hyun , Yoon Kwan Han , Park Young‐Bin , Lee Young Sil , Lee Young Jun , Kim Sang Wan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐filled polycarbonate composites were prepared by a corotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruder. The surface resistivities of compression‐ and injection‐molded specimens were quite different, the difference ranging from 103 to 107 Ω/sq at varying MWCNT concentrations. The surface resistivity of the injection‐molded specimen at 2 wt % loading varied up to 105 Ω/sq in the specimen thickness direction and up 104 Ω/sq in the polymer flow direction with respect to the gate. The difference in surface resistivity with the positions of injection‐molded specimen was confirmed with the morphology, which showed the difference in MWCNT number density (numbers/surface area). There was no significant effect on surface resistivity with injection pressure, holding pressure, and molding temperature. The specimens prepared at the injection speed of 13 mm/s showed surface resistivities 103–104 Ω/sq depending on the positions, which was comparable with the compression‐molded specimens, which had a surface resistivity of 103 Ω/sq. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of novel polyurethane crosslinked by linear oligo[bis‐(phenoxy)1.8(4‐hydroxybutaneoxy)0.2 phosphazene]
Authors: Zhou Yubo , Huang Xiaobin , Huang Yawen , Tang Xiaozhen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLinear oligo [bis‐(phenoxy)1.8 (4‐hydroxybutaneoxy)0.2 phosphazene] (OPHBP) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and GPC. The obtained oligo [bis‐(phenoxy)1.8 (4‐hydroxybutaneoxy)0.2 phosphazene] was used as crosslinker to prepare a series of novel polyurethanes. Their structure and properties were measured through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and water contact‐angle measurement. Compared with conventional polyurethane, novel polyurethanes exhibited better thermal stability, low temperature resistance, and hydrophobicity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of creep strain on the optomechanical properties and some structural properties of terylene fibers
Authors: Seisa E. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article sheds light on the effect of creep strain [ϵ(t); %] on the optomechanical properties and some structure properties of terylene fibers at several constant applied loads. Automated multiple‐beam Fizeau fringes in transmission were used with a mechanical creep device attached to a wedge interferometer where the fiber was subjected to a constant load. This technique was used to determine the mean refractive indices and the mean birefringence values of terylene fibers under different conditions of ϵ(t). The obtained optical results were used to evaluate the optical orientation function, optical stress coefficient, density, crystallinity, and mean‐square density fluctuation with ϵ(t). The obtained results show that, under a constant load, the terylene fibers extended with time, the rate of which decreased with time. An empirical formula is suggested to represent the variation of ϵ(t) of terylene fibers with time, and the constants of this formula were determined. A mechanical model is proposed to represent ϵ(t) of terylene fibers, which consists of two Kelvin elements combined in series, which were used to provide an accurate fit to the experimental creep curve. The stress–strain curve via creep was studied to determine some mechanical parameters of the investigated fibers: Young's modulus, yield stress, and yield strain. Illustrations with microinterferograms, graphs, and tables are given. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Structural and material properties of a rapidly cured thermoplastic‐toughened epoxy system
Authors: Zhang Jin , Guo Qipeng , Fox Bronwyn 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThermoplastic‐toughened epoxy resins are widely used as matrices in modern composite prepreg systems. Rapid curing of thermoplastic‐toughened epoxy matrix composites results in different mechanical properties. To investigate the structure–property relationship, we investigated a poly(ether sulfone)‐modified triglycidylaminophenol/4,4′‐diamino diphenyl sulfone system that was cured at different heating rates. An intermediate dwell was also applied during the rapid heating of the thermoplastic‐modified epoxy system. We found that a higher heating rate led to a larger domain size of the phase‐separated macrostructure and also facilitated more complete phase separation. The intermediate dwell helped phase separation to proceed even further, leading to an even larger domain size of the macrostructure. A carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer matrix composite prepreg based on the poly(ether sulfone)‐modified multifunctional epoxy system was cured with the same schedule. The rapidly heated composite laminates exhibited higher mode I delamination fracture toughness than the slowly heated material. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Endomorphin 1‐ and Endomorphin 2‐Containing Neurons in Nucleus Tractus Solitarii Send Axons to the Parabrachial Nuclei in the Rat
Authors: Lü Bo‐Chang , Li Hui , Chen Tao , Huo Fu‐Quan , Zhang Ting , Li Yun‐Qing 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEndomorphin‐1 (EM1) and endomorphin‐2 (EM2) are the selective endogenous ligands for the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR). Since EMs‐expressing neuronal cell bodies or axonal components have been observed, respectively, in the nucleus tractus solitarii or the parabrachial nuclei, we examined if EMs‐expressing neurons in the NTS of the rat might send their axons to the PBN. Immunofluorescent stainings for EM1 or EM2 were combined with retrograde or anterograde tract‐tracing method. After injecting tetramethyl rhodamine dextran‐amine (TMR) into the parabrachial nuclei of rats, some EM1‐ or EM2‐immunoreactive neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii were labeled retrogradely with TMR. The majority of the EM1/TMR and EM2/TMR double‐labeled neurons were observed in the medial, commissural, and dorsolateral subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii. Following injection of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into the medial, commissural, or dorsolateral subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii, EM1‐ or EM2‐immunopositive axons and axon terminals were anterogradely labeled with BDA mainly in the lateral parabrachial nucleus. The present results have indicated that endomorphinergic neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii project to the parabrachial nuclei. This suggests that EMs released from NTS‐PBN projection fibers may bind to MOR on the PBN neurons to be implicated in processing of visceral information within the parabrachial nuclei. Anat Rec, 292:488–497, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rotation of Organizer Tissue Contributes to Left–Right Asymmetry
Authors: Cui Cheng , Little Charles D. , Rongish Brenda J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCurrent hypotheses regarding vertebrate left‐right asymmetry patterns are based on the presumption that genetic regulatory networks specify sidedness via extracellular morphogens and/or ciliary activity. We show empirical time‐lapse evidence for an asymmetric rotation of epiblastic nodal tissue in avian embryos. This rotation spans the interval when initial symmetric expression of Shh and Fgf8 becomes asymmetrical with respect to the midline. Anat Rec, 292:557–561, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age Classes and Sex Differences in the Skull of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779). A study Based on Bone Shape and Density
Authors: Mo Giulia , Zotti Alessandro , Agnesi Sabrina , Finoia Maria Grazia , Bernardini Daniele , Cozzi Bruno 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis study analyzes morphometrically 17 skulls of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus housed in different Italian Museums and collections. We considered several morphometric variables (31 linear, 1 volumetric and 1 surface area measurements). In addition, we identified, measured and compared two nonmorphometric variables, namely, the bone densities of selected areas obtained using a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) device. The high correlation coefficient of all variables indicated continuous growth with the onset of age. The ranking of the hierarchical cluster analysis identified the presence of three main groups containing individuals of similar sizes: lactating pups and yearlings; subadult individuals and adult females; and adult males. Smaller groups were identified within these clusters, and their respective allocations into two subgroups were argued on the basis of skull development and other factors. The discriminant analysis of the three main groups indicated a discriminant diagnostic key, based on condilobasilar length (CBlr‐L); maximum mandibular branch height (MB‐H); and surface area of the bulla tympanica. The proposed diagnostic key is useful to classify monk seal skulls of unidentified age and sex. The data reported here suggest that in this species certain adult skull growth features (enhanced tympanic bullae surface area extension, occipital bone density) are sexually dimorphic and possibly related to specific anatomical functions. These functions may include an enhanced auditory capacity; an increased development of the cranial musculature capable of supporting a large skull and guaranteeing the mandibular strength necessary for mastication; and male to male social interactions. Anat Rec, 292:544–556, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction of Efferent Ducts in Wild‐Type and Lgr4 Knock‐Out Mice
Authors: Lambot Marie‐Alexandra H. , Mendive Fernando , Laurent Patrick , Van Schoore Gregory , Noël Jean‐Christophe , Vanderhaeghen Pierre , Vassart Gilbert 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe have recently shown that Lgr4 knock‐out (LGR4KO) male mice are infertile due to a developmental defect of the reproductive tract. Spermatozoa do not reach the epididymis and accumulate at the rete testis and efferent ducts (ED). We have proposed that in LGR4KO, ED might fail to connect resulting in blind‐ended tubes that preclude the normal transit of sperm cells. To explore this possibility, we reconstructed the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of the organ from serial microphotographs. The resulting model allowed to individualize and follow each ED from the testis up to the epididymis, and to display the spatial distribution of their content. The transit of spermatozoa is indeed blocked in LGR4KO mice but, contrary to the expectation, the ducts connect normally to each other, forming a single tube that flows into the epididymis, as in the wild‐type animals. In the KO however, transit of the sperm is abruptly blocked at the same level syncytial‐like aggregates appear in the luminal space. The model also allowed calculating, for the first time, morphometric parameters of the mouse ED, such as total volume, surface, radius, and length. These data unambiguously showed that ED in the mutant mouse are dramatically shortened and less convoluted than in the wild‐type animal, providing an explanation to the phenotype observed in LGR4KO. Combined with in situ immunodetection or RNA in situ hybridization, 3D reconstruction of serial histological sections will provide an efficient mean to study expression profiles in organs which do not lend themselves to whole‐mount studies. Anat Rec, 292:595–603, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Folic acid, methylation and neural tube closure in humans
Authors: Blom Henk J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis review provides a brief description of folate use and folic acid metabolism in relation to neural tube defect (NTD) risk. First, a meta‐analysis of reduction in NTD recurrence and occurrence risk with periconceptional folic acid supplementation is presented. Second, an overview of the complex folate metabolism is given. Third, SNPs for genes involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism that have been studied in relation to NTD riskare discussed. Fourth, the questions whether folate receptor autoantibodies or hampered methylation are mechanisms underlying NTDs are briefly discussed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.