bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific MicroRNAs Modulate Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Neurogenesis
Authors: Krichevsky Anna M. , Sonntag Kai-C. , Isacson Ole , Kosik Kenneth S. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered small non-coding transcripts with a broad spectrum of functions described mostly in invertebrates. As post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, miRNAs trigger target mRNA degradation or translational repression. Although hundreds of miRNAs have been cloned from a variety of mammalian tissues and cells and multiple mRNA targets have been predicted, little is known about their functions. So far, a role of miRNA has only been described in hematopoietic, adipocytic, and muscle differentiation; regulation of insulin secretion; and potentially regulation of cancer growth. Here, we describe miRNA expression profiling in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell– derived neurogenesis in vitro and show that a number of miRNAs are simultaneously co-induced during differentiation of neural progenitor cells to neurons and astrocytes. There was a clear correlation between miRNA expression profiles in ES cell– derived neurogenesis in vitro and in embryonal neurogenesis in vivo. Using both gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches, we demonstrate that brain-specific miR-124a and miR-9 molecules affect neural lineage differentiation in the ES cell– derived cultures. In addition, we provide evidence that signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, a member of the STAT family pathway, is involved in the function of these miRNAs. We conclude that distinct miRNAs play a functional role in the determination of neural fates in ES cell differentiation.
Variations in diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome among Ontario specialists
Authors: Graham Brent , Dvali Linda , Regehr Glenn , Wright James G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundVariations in diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may result in differing reports of disease prevalence, errors in diagnosis, and variable results of treatment. The objective of this study was to determine how consistent specialists are in their ratings of the importance of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of CTS.MethodsThree hundred specialist physicians and surgeons received a questionnaire containing 57 clinical criteria for the diagnosis of CTS. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate the importance of each criterion in the diagnosis of CTS.ResultsThe overall consistency both across and within specialties was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient across specialties (ICC) = 0.28; ICC range within specialties 0.27–0.37).ConclusionsSpecialists are relatively inconsistent in the importance they assign to clinical criteria for the diagnosis of CTS. This inconsistency may be an important source of variation in the reported prevalence and treatment of CTS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:8–13, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The BeLPT: Algorithms and implications
Authors: Middleton D.C. , Lewin M.D. , Kowalski P.J. , Cox S.S. , Kleinbaum D. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is used to identify persons with beryllium sensitization. The variability of laboratory results and lack of a “gold standard” have led to questions about the test's performance. Fortunately, a recently published study has credibly estimated standard epidemiologic parameters for the BeLPT.MethodsInformation from this recent study was used to assess the performance of two common algorithms for BeLPT testing. Standard epidemiologic parameters were determined for two common algorithms and then compared.ResultsOne of the two algorithms was more sensitive than the other (86% vs. 66%). The specificity of both algorithms (99.8% or greater) was high. At an estimated 2% prevalence, the positive predictive value of both algorithms for beryllium sensitization remained high (90% or higher).ConclusionsA priori characterization of the testing algorithm under consideration can enhance public health decision‐making. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:36–44, 2006. © Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of PVP/PAM copolymer
Authors: Huang K. S. , Hsiao C. N. , Nien Y. H. , Lin J. M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to synthesize copolymers from N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NVP) and acrylamide (AM) at different molar ratios and investigate the influence of the different ratios on copolymers' properties. How copolymers affect the washing and stain‐repelling effects of carbon black, PET, Nylon, or cotton fabrics was also evaluated. Results show that as the AM content increased, the copolymers decomposed more slowly by heat, indicating better heat stability. In addition, copolymers were characterized as lowering surface tension and having excellent dispersing ability, low foaming properties, and excellent acid and alkaline resistance. The addition of copolymer can produce stain‐repelling effects against carbon black, PET, or Nylon‐colored fabrics. It was also determined that fabrics' stain‐repelling effects have no significant relationship to the NVP/AM molar ratio in copolymer synthesis. However, carbon black has better stain repellence as the AM monomer content increased. Two types of stain repellence gave better results when a higher concentration of copolymer was added. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2006
The use of wood pulp and radiation‐modified starch in wastewater treatment
Authors: Abdel‐Aal S. E. , Gad Y. H. , Dessouki A. M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractRadiation‐induced graft copolymerization of maize starch/acrylic acid has been performed. Also, natural byproduct wood pulp was used after chemical treatment for the removal of metal ions from the investigated wastewater. The surface and structure morphology of the wood pulp and starch/acrylic acid were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The physical parameters, such as swelling, gel percentage, and grafting efficiency (%) of starch/acrylic acid copolymer, were studied. The factors affecting the abilities of the prepared materials for removing heavy metal ions and dyes from aqueous solutions were studied. It was found that the maximum metal uptake is in the following sequence: Fe3+ > Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+. The adsorption capacity of such investigated metal ions increases with the increase of pH values. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effect of thermal annealing in atmosphere on photoluminescence of BTEO–PPV films
Authors: Kong F. , Ou C. G. , Zheng Y. , Zhang S. Y. , Yang C. Z. , Wu X. L. , Yuan R. K. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe photoluminescence (PL) spectra of poly[2,5‐bis‐(tri‐ethoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (BTEO–PPV) films are blue‐shifted with increasing thermal annealing temperature. It is known from the UV–vis absorption spectra that thermal annealing decreases the conjugation length of the polymer. For BTEO–PPV films, unlike with MEH–PPV films, the symmetric triethoxy side groups further block aggregation of the polymer chains. The absorption Fourier transfer infrared spectra showed that thermal annealing in atmosphere destroyed the chain structure of BTEO–PPV film by thermal oxidation to form aldehyde groups, which resulted in low PL efficiency of the annealed films. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Ca2+‐dependent in vitro contractility of a precipitate isolated from an extract of the heliozoon Actinophrys sol
Authors: Arikawa Mikihiko , Saito Akira , Omura Gen , Khan S. M. Mostafa Kamal , Suetomo Yasutaka , Kakuta Soichiro , Suzaki Toshinobu 
Published: December 2005

AbstractContraction of axopodia in actinophrid heliozoons (protozoa) is induced by a unique contractile structure, the “contractile tubules structure (CTS)”. We have previously shown that a cell homogenate of the heliozoon Actinophrys sol yields a precipitate on addition of Ca2+ that is mainly composed of filamentous structures morphologically identical to the CTS. In this study, to further characterize the nature of the CTS in vitro, biochemical and physiological properties of the precipitate were examined. SDS‐PAGE analysis showed that the Ca2+‐induced precipitate was composed of many proteins, and that no proteins in the precipitate showed any detectable changes in electrophoretic mobility on addition of Ca2+. Addition of extraneous proteins such as bovine serum albumin to the cell homogenate resulted in cosedimentation of the proteins with the Ca2+‐induced precipitate, suggesting that the CTS has a high affinity for other proteins that are not related to precipitate formation. Appearance and disappearance of the precipitate were repeatedly induced by alternating addition of Ca2+ and EGTA, and its protein composition remained unchanged even after repeated cycles. When adhered to a glass surface, the precipitate showed Ca2+‐dependent contractility with a threshold of 10–100 nM, and this contractility was not inhibited by colchicine or cytochalasin B. The precipitate repeatedly contracted and relaxed with successive addition and removal of Ca2+, indicating that the contraction was controlled by Ca2+ alone with no need for any other energy supply. From our characterization of the precipitate, we concluded that its Ca2+‐dependent formation and contraction are associated with the unique contractile organelle, the “contractile tubules structure”. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of microtubule dynamics in 3T3 fibroblasts by Rho family GTPases
Authors: Grigoriev Ilya , Borisy Gary , Vorobjev Ivan 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTo get insight into the action of Rho GTPases on the microtubule system we investigated the effects of Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA on the dynamics of microtubules in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. In control cells microtubule ends were dynamic: plus ends frequently switched between growth, shortening and pauses; the growth phase predominated over shortening. Free minus ends of microtubules depolymerized rapidly and never grew. Free microtubules were short‐lived, and the microtubule network was organized into a radial array. In serum‐starved cells microtubule ends became more stable: although plus ends still transited between growth and shortening, polymerization and depolymerization excursions became shorter and balanced each other. Microtubule minus ends were also stabilized. Consequently lifespan of free microtubules increased and microtubule array changed its radial pattern into a random one. Activation of Cdc42 and Rac1 in serum‐starved cells promoted dynamic behavior of microtubule plus and minus ends, while inhibition of these GTPases in serum‐grown cells suppressed microtubule dynamics and mimicked all effects of serum starvation. Activation of RhoA in serum‐grown cells had effects similar to Cdc42 /Rac1 inactivation: it suppressed the dynamics of plus and minus ends, reduced the length of growth and shrinking episodes, and disrupted the radial organization of microtubules. However, in contrast to Cdc42 and Rac1 inactivation, active RhoA had no effect on the balance between microtubule growth and shortening. We conclude that Cdc42 and Rac1 have similar stimulating effects on microtubule dynamics while RhoA acts in an opposite way. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal analysis, powder diffraction and spectroscopic investigation of the solid phases of 1‐chloro‐2,2‐dimethylpropane
Authors: Buhrmester C. , Miehe G. , Ehrenberg H. , Fuess H. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBy the substitution of one methyl group in Neopentane C(CH3)4with a methylchlorid group the globular sphere is expanded in 1‐chloro‐2,2‐dimethylpropane (CH3)3C(CH2Cl). With the aid of DSC measurements, X‐ray powder diffraction,1H NMR and35Cl NQR measurements two orientationally disordered (plastic) phases were established. The low temperature structure was solved and a structural model of phase II is proposed. A mechanism to describe the reorientation in the different phases is given as well as a connectivity scheme between the phases is discussed. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IL‐23 leads to diabetes induction after subdiabetogenic treatment with multiple low doses of streptozotocin
Authors: Mensah‐Brown Eric P. K. , Shahin Allen , Al‐Shamisi Mariam , Wei Xiaoging , Lukic Miodrag L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIL‐23, a proximal regulator of IL‐17, may be a major driving force in the induction of autoimmune inflammation. We have used a model of subdiabetogenic treatment with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD‐STZ; 4 × 40 mg/kg body weight) in male C57BL/6 mice to study the effect of IL‐23 on immune‐mediated β cell damage and the development of diabetes, as evaluated by blood glucose, quantitative histology, immunohistochemistry and expression of relevant cytokines in the islets. Ten daily injections of 400 ng IL‐23, starting on the first day of MLD‐STZ administration led to significant and sustained hyperglycemia along with weight loss compared with controls (no IL‐23), and a significant increase in the number of infiltrating cells, a lower insulin content, enhanced apoptosis, expression of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 (not seen in the controls) and a significant increase in the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐18 in the pancreatic islets. IL‐23 treatment started 5 days prior to MLD‐STZ administration had no effect on diabetogenesis or cytokines expression in the pancreatic islets. We provide the first evidence in an animal model that IL‐23 is involved in the development of type‐1 diabetes, by inducing IL‐17 and possibly IFN‐γ production in the target tissue.
Regulatory T cells induce a privileged tolerant microenvironment at the fetal‐maternal interface
Authors: Zenclussen Ana C. , Gerlof Katrin , Zenclussen Maria L. , Ritschel Stefanie , Zambon Bertoja Annarosa , Fest Stefan , Hontsu Shigeto , Ueha Satoshi , Matsushima Kouji , Leber Joachim , Volk Hans‐Dieter 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying immune tolerance during pregnancy are poorly understood. In this regard, Treg seem to play an important role in mediating maternal tolerance to the fetus. We proposed a crucial role of T regulatory cells (Treg) in avoiding immunological rejection of the fetus after observing diminished number and function of Treg in abortion‐prone mice. We further confirmed the protective role of Treg during pregnancy by transferring pregnancy‐induced Treg into abortion‐prone mice, which prevented rejection. Here, we analyzed the mechanisms involved in Treg‐mediated protection. As expected, Treg therapy prevented abortion, while expanding the peripheral and thymic Treg population. Surprisingly, the decidual levels of the Th1 cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α were not diminished after therapy. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of leukemia inhibitory factor, TGF‐β and heme oxygenase‐1 at the fetal‐maternal interface were dramatically up‐regulated after Treg transfer, while the levels of indolamine 2,3‐dioxygenase remained unchanged. Our data suggest that Treg treatment can not prevent T cell infiltration or high Th1 levels but is able to create a privileged tolerant microenvironment at the fetal‐maternal interface, further shedding light onto the molecular mechanisms involved in pregnancy tolerance.
PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 have distinct roles in regulating host immunity to cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Liang Spencer C. , Greenwald Rebecca J. , Latchman Yvette E. , Rosas Lucia , Satoskar Abhay , Freeman Gordon J. , Sharpe Arlene H. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTo compare the roles of programmed death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and PD‐L2 in regulating immunity to infection, we investigated responses of mice lacking PD‐L1 or PD‐L2 to infection with Leishmania mexicana. PD‐L1–/– and PD‐L2–/– mice exhibited distinct disease outcomes following infection with L. mexicana. In comparison to susceptible WT mice, PD‐L1–/– mice showed resistance to L. mexicana, as demonstrated by reduced growth of cutaneous lesions and parasite burden. In contrast, PD‐L2–/– mice developed exacerbated disease with increased parasite burden. Host resistance to L. mexicana is partly associated with the development of a Th1 response and down‐regulation of the Th2 response. Both PD‐L1–/– and PD‐L2–/– mice produced levels of IFN‐γ similar to WT mice. However, the development of IL‐4‐producing cells was reduced in PD‐L1–/– mice, demonstrating a role for PD‐L1 in regulating Th cell differentiation. This inadequate Th2 response may explain the increased resistance of PD‐L1–/– mice. Although no alterations in Th1/Th2 skewing were observed in PD‐L2–/– mice, PD‐L2–/– mice exhibited a marked increase in L. mexicana‐specific antibody production. Increased Leishmania‐specific IgG production may suppress the healing response through FcγR ligation on macrophages. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 have distinct roles in regulating the immune response to L. mexicana.
Inclusion of Metal Complexes into Cavities of 2D Coordination Networks Built from p‐Sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene Tetranuclear Clusters
Authors: Wu Mingyan , Yuan Daqiang , Han Lei , Wu Benlai , Xu Yanqing , Hong Maochun 
Published: December 2005

AbstractReactions of the p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene salt (Na4H4TCAS) and MSO4 (M = Co, Cu) in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyrazine (2,2′‐bpz) generated 2D coordination networks formed by tetranuclear cluster subunits, namely{[Co(2,2′‐bpz)(H2O)4]2+[Co4(TCAS)(μ4‐SO4)(H2O)4]2–·10.75H2O}n (1) and {[Cu(2,2′‐bpz)(H2O)3]2+[Cu4(TCAS)(μ4‐SO4)(H2O)4]2–·16H2O}n (2). X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that both these complexes include metal–2,2′‐bipyrazine complexes into the hydrophobic cavities of p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arenes as guests through supramolecular interactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Optical fiber light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detection for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhao Shulin , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA highly sensitive optical fiber light‐emitting diode (LED)‐induced fluorescence detector for CE has been constructed and evaluated. In this detector, a violet or blue LED was used as the excitation source and an optical fiber with 40 μm OD was used to transmit the excitation light. The upper end of the fiber was inserted into the separation capillary and was situated right at the detection window. Fluorescence emission was collected by a 40× microscope objective, focused on a spatial filter, and passed through a cutoff filter before reaching the photomultiplier tube. Output signals were recorded and processed with a computer using in‐house written software. The present CE/fluorescence detector deploys a simple and inexpensive optical system that requires only an LED as the light source. Its utility was successfully demonstrated by the separation and determination of amino acids (AAs) labeled with naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and FITC. Low detection limits were obtained ranging from 17 to 23 nM for NDA‐tagged AAs and 8 to 12 nM for FITC‐labeled AAs (S/N = 3). By virtue of such valuable features as low cost, convenience, and miniaturization, the presented detection scheme was proven to be attractive for sensitive fluorescence detection in CE.
Dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana soluble proteome in response to different nutrient culture conditions
Authors: Sarry Jean‐Emmanuel , Kuhn Lauriane , Le Lay Pascaline , Garin Jérôme , Bourguignon Jacques 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn an effort to determine the best extraction procedure compatible with the high‐reproducible 2‐DE, different methods of soluble protein extraction from Arabidopsis cell culture suspensions grown in Gamborg B5 medium were tested. A reference 2‐DE map was established for this soluble extract revealing 1184 spots. The most abundant protein spots were excised, trypsin‐digested, and mass spectra obtained via MALDI‐TOF and/or LC coupled to ESI‐MS. Three hundred and thirty one proteins were identified and their functions were defined based on sequence comparisons and classified in different protein families. In order to analyze the impact of culture medium on the Arabidopsis proteome, we performed the 2‐DE map from Arabidopsis cell suspensions cultured in another growth medium Murashige and Skoog (M‐S) and 327 major spots were identified. Using PDQuest imaging analysis, significant increases in the amount of several housekeeping enzymes, stress/defense proteins, and heat shock proteins were found in M‐S medium. Modified expression of certain proteins and detection of new isoforms involved in nitrate assimilation, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism were also observed in the M‐S medium. This study provides the first 2‐DE maps of the soluble proteome of Arabidopsis cell suspensions. The comparative analysis of the Arabidopsis proteome in respect to different nutrient supplies shows that the culture medium may significantly influence the expression pattern of major soluble proteins in Arabidopsis cells. This work also constitutes an important step for further proteomic analysis concerning cell responses to abiotic or biotic stresses.
Gene regulation by IL‐1β independent of IL‐1R1 in the mouse brain
Authors: Andre Ralph , Moggs Jonathan G. , Kimber Ian , Rothwell Nancy J. , Pinteaux Emmanuel 
Published: December 2005

AbstractInterleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine that has diverse actions in the brain as a regulator of host defense responses and a mediator of inflammation. Two major agonists, IL‐1α and IL‐1β, bind to a single known functional type‐1 IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1RI) that associates with the accessory protein (IL‐1RAcP), resulting in signal transduction. However, recent evidence suggests that some actions of IL‐1 in the brain may be independent of IL‐1R1 and the classical IL‐1 signaling pathways, pointing to an as‐yet unidentified functional receptor for IL‐1. In this study, we have used cDNA microarray‐based gene expression profiling to identify the possible genes induced by IL‐1β independently of IL‐1R1. IL‐1β induced potential changes (greater than 2‐fold vs. vehicle‐treated) in the expression of up to 1285 candidate genes in wild‐type primary mixed glia, and 404 candidate genes in IL‐1R1−/− cells of the same type. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on selected genes revealed that pentraxin‐3, was upregulated by IL‐1β in wild‐type, but not in IL‐1R1−/− mixed glia. Amongst the other genes for which expression was modified by IL‐1β in IL‐1R1−/− cells, we selected α‐syntrophin and demonstrated by real‐time quantitative PCR that expression of this gene is significantly downregulated by IL‐1β in primary mixed glia prepared from wild‐type, IL‐1R1−/−, IL‐1RAcP−/− or MyD88−/− mice. In contrast, IL‐1α fails to downregulate α‐syntrophin expression in wild‐type or IL‐1R1−/− mixed glia. These results show that IL‐1β exclusively downregulates α‐syntrophin expression independently of IL‐1R1, and suggest the expression of additional functional IL‐1 receptors in the CNS. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.