bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Menstrual cycle specific expression of epidermal growth factor receptors in human fallopian tube epithelium
Authors: Adachi K , Kurachi H , Adachi H , Imai T , Sakata M , Homma H , Higashiguchi O , Yamamoto T , Miyake A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We studied the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) in human fallopian tubes at three stages of the menstrual cycle: early follicular (n=3), late follicular (n=3) and luteal (n=3). Immunohistochemical studies in the ampullary portion of the tubes showed that specific staining was localized to the epithelium and the vascular endothelium. Staining of the epithelium was intense at the late follicular and luteal stages, while it was weak at the early follicular stage. 125I-EGF binding study in the tubal plasma membranes revealed a class of high-affinity EGF receptors. Although dissociation constants were similar between the stages, numbers of binding sites at the late follicular and luteal stages were significantly (P<0·01) greater than those at the early follicular stage. Western blotting showed that tubal plasma membranes contain Mr 170 000 EGF receptor protein. The amounts were significantly (P<0·01, n=3) greater at the late follicular and luteal stages than those at the early follicular stage. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that EGF receptor mRNA was expressed in all the 9 RNA samples (n=3 for each stage) from the tubal ampullary portion. The amounts were significantly (P<0·01, n=3) greater at the late follicular and luteal stages than those at the early follicular stage (by a competitive PCR). Increase in the amounts of EGF receptor protein and mRNA occurred in association with an increase in serum oestradiol but not progesterone levels. Next we examined whether EGF receptor and its ligands (EGF and transforming growth factor a) are directly induced by oestrogen. We found that specific staining for EGF receptor and its ligands in the tubal epithelium was detected (by immunohistochemistry) in postmenopausal women with oestrogen replacement (n = 3), but not in subjects without oestrogen replacement (n=3). These results suggested that EGF receptors in the human tubal epithelium are expressed in relation to specific stages of the menstrual cycle and that the expression may be induced by oestrogen.
Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 553–563
AGOUTI PROTEIN CAN ACT INDEPENDENTLY OF MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE TO INHIBIT MELANOGENESIS
Authors: HUNT G , THODY A J 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
In animals, the coat-darkening effects of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are opposed by agouti protein. Although agouti protein has been shown to be a competitive antagonist of the melanocyte-associated MC-1 melanocortin receptor, the possibility that agouti protein can affect melanogenesis independently of its ability to antagonise melanocortin activity cannot be excluded. This study demonstrates that murine agouti protein causes both a time- and concentration-dependent suppression of melanogenesis in B16 F1 murine melanoma cells. In addition, human agouti protein decreases melanogenesis in cultured human epidermal melanocytes. However, agouti protein has little effect on the ability of α-MSH to stimulate melanogenesis. These observations raise fundamental questions about the mode of action of agouti protein in regulating melanogenesis.
IL-6sR: RELEASE FROM MCF-7 BREAST CANCER CELLS AND ROLE IN REGULATING PERIPHERAL OESTROGEN SYNTHESIS
Authors: Singh A. , Purohit A. , Wang D.Y. , Duncan L.J. , Ghilchik M.W. , Reed M.J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The interleukin-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR) may regulate the ability of IL-6 to stimulate oestrogen synthesis in breast cancer cells and breast tumours. Significant aromatase activity was detectable in IL-6 stimulated fibroblasts derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue, but the combination of IL-6sR plus IL-6 resulted in a marked 21-fold stimulation of aromatase activity. To examine the control of IL-6sR release, the effects of oestradiol, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), dexamethasone, TPA, TNFα or IL-6 on this process was examined using MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Oestradiol, TNFα and dexamethasone all markedly increased IL-6sR release. While 4-OHT had a small stimulatory effect on IL-6sR release, it blocked the ability of oestradiol to increase IL-6sR release. Significant concentrations of IL-6sR were also detected in conditioned medium collected from lymphocytes and macrophages and in cytosols prepared from normal and malignant breast tissues. These results indicate that IL-6sR may have an important role in potentiating the effect of IL-6 on oestrogen synthesis in breast cancer cells. The abilities of oestradiol or tamoxifen to potentiate or inhibit the IL-6 stimulation of oestrogen synthesis in breast cancer cells may result from their effects on IL-6sR release.
Near-Surface External-Casing Corrosion in Alaska: Cause and Mitigation
Authors: Dethlefs Jerald , Blount Curtis , Bollinger John 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Recently, a number of external-casing failures on a group of relatively new wells in the Kuparuk field of Alaska prompted an investigation into the cause. The investigation determined that external surface-casing-corrosion failures had occurred near the top of the casing cement within the conductor.
The surface-casing corrosion was found to be caused by repetitive events of surface water entering into the top of the annulus between the surface casing and the conductor above the primary cement top. Testing of water and cement samples taken from the field indicates that the addition of oxygenated water and chemical salts that leach from the cement creates a low-resistance electrolyte resulting in an extremely corrosive environment. The yearly replenishment of oxygenated water in this environment sets up an electrochemical cell that corrodes the surface casing. Elevated casing temperatures (≈125°F) accelerate the corrosion rates and increase the temperature gradient between the casing and the conductor, creating a thermogalvanic-corrosion cell.
Although damaged surface casing has been repaired mechanically on numerous wells by excavation and installation of welded sleeve patches, accessing the damaged surface casing can be difficult. Inhibiting the corrosion mechanism is considered a more tenable solution.
This paper will
Provide an outline of the extent of shallow external-casing corrosion seen in the field. Detail the mechanisms for the external corrosion. Detail the mechanical-repair procedures used to return the wells to service. Discuss possible mitigation methods to inhibit corrosion on existing wells. Discuss the treatment chosen to stop the corrosion. Provide details of treatments used to inhibit further shallowcasing corrosion.
Stressed-Shale Drilling Strategy—Water-Activity Design Improves Drilling Performance
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Rojas Juan Carlos , Clark David E. 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Nonaqueous drilling fluids are often chosen to drill troublesome shale formations in an effort to minimize wellbore-instability problems. However, experience in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) indicates that when drilling in highly faulted areas, oil- and synthetic-based fluids do not always prevent wellbore destabilization. This is evidenced by wellbore collapse, and the resulting difficulty with hole cleaning, tripping, logging, and casing running.
It is known that the chemical, physical, and mechanical effects resulting from the interaction between the drilling fluid and the formation may degrade the stability of the borehole in the already weakened and stressed fault interval. Commonly, the practice has been to increase the drilling fluid's salt content to enhance the borehole stability. The perception that low drilling-fluid water activity is beneficial to wellbore stability needs to be revised.
A detailed laboratory investigation using preserved-shale core and drilling information has confirmed that the water activity of drilling fluids is often much lower than necessary. This study has shown that when drilling faulted or fractured shale, the correct, not higher, salt content in drilling fluids will reduce wellbore-collapse problems and improve drilling performance.
A laboratory method, which allows the quantitative measurement of water and ion movement during shale/mud interactions, combined with geological information optimizes the salinity design of drilling fluid, which controls water and ion movement. Laboratory data and field cases from GOM drilling support the concept of optimum salinity to enhance borehole stability in naturally fractured formations as part of the stressed-shale-drilling strategy to improve drilling performance.
The Role of Knowledge, Tools, and Systems for Drilling Analysis
Authors: Lagreca Alejandro J. , Damski Carlos , Peden James M. , Nakagawa Edson Y. 
Published: December 2008

Summary
This paper proposes a methodical structure to embody current expertise for the analysis of drilling data. This structure is based on two aspects: (1) the review of published literature, representative of present-day efforts to perform such tasks, and (2) the use of the methodological-pyramid concept, to illustrate what elements typify a methodology.
The review of published works revealed that several key aspects of the analysis of drilling data are not clear; for example
Actual use of drilling data is still unclear and under debate. Most of the available engineering tools limit the range of applications to drilling-performance estimators. The proposed methods of analysis vary, depending upon the needs of individual organizations or processes using the concept of "method and methodology" indistinctly. Various sets of concepts and theories, from internal and external sources, of drilling-engineering knowledge have been used to develop existing methods and engineering tools.
Under this scenario, it seems that more effort is needed to unify current approaches to analyze drilling data (i.e., within the scope of an independent field with common goals, theories, methods, and tools that can support the decision-making process). For this purpose, the methodological pyramid was chosen as a convenient model to outline these efforts. By allocating some of the reviewed approaches within the elements of such a pyramid and contrasting their different ideas where necessary, a methodology for drilling analysis was formalized. It is believed that this methodology is a convenient framework for defining the goals and scope for an area of drilling expertise named "drilling analysis" and defining the evolving future role of the drilling analyst.
Heat Treatment Improves Glucose Tolerance and Prevents Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Gupte Anisha A. , Bomhoff Gregory L. , Swerdlow Russell H. , Geiger Paige C. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Heat treatment and overexpression of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) have been shown to protect against high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance, but little is known about the underlying mechanism or the target tissue of HSP action. The purpose of this study is to determine whether in vivo heat treatment can prevent skeletal muscle insulin resistance.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (60% calories from fat) for 12 weeks and received a lower-body heat treatment (41°C for 20 min) once per week.
RESULTS—Our results show that heat treatment shifts the metabolic characteristics of rats on a high-fat diet toward those on a standard diet. Heat treatment improved glucose tolerance, restored insulin-stimulated glucose transport, and increased insulin signaling in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from rats fed a high-fat diet. Heat treatment resulted in decreased activation of Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK-β), stress kinases implicated in insulin resistance, and upregulation of HSP72 and HSP25, proteins previously shown to inhibit JNK and IKK-β activation, respectively. Mitochondrial citrate synthase and cytochrome oxidase activity decreased slightly with the high-fat diet, but heat treatment restored these activities. Data from L6 cells suggest that one bout of heat treatment increases mitochondrial oxygen consumption and fatty acid oxidation.
CONCLUSIONS—Our results indicate that heat treatment protects skeletal muscle from high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance and provide strong evidence that HSP induction in skeletal muscle could be a potential therapeutic treatment for obesity-induced insulin resistance.
Interaction Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms in Glucokinase (GCK) and Glucokinase Regulatory Protein (GCKR) on Metabolic Traits in Healthy Chinese Adults and Adolescents
Authors: Tam Claudia H.T. , Ma Ronald C.W. , So Wing Yee , Wang Ying , Lam Vincent K.L. , Germer Soren , Martin Mitchell , Chan Juliana C.N. , Ng Maggie C.Y. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— Recent studies in European populations have reported a reciprocal association of glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) gene with triglyceride versus fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and type 2 diabetes risk. GCKR is a rate-limiting factor of glucokinase (GCK), which functions as a key glycolytic enzyme for maintaining glucose homeostasis. We examined the associations of two common genetic polymorphisms of GCKR and GCK with metabolic traits in healthy Chinese adults and adolescents.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs780094 at GCKR and rs1799884 at GCK, were genotyped in 600 healthy adults and 986 healthy adolescents. The associations of these SNPs with metabolic traits were assessed by linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and/or BMI. We also tested for the epistasis between these two SNPs and performed a meta-analysis among European and Asian populations.
RESULTS— The T-allele of GCKR rs780094 was associated with increased triglycerides (P = 5.4 × 10−7), while the A-allele of GCK rs1799884 was associated with higher FPG (P = 3.1 × 10−7). A novel interaction effect between the two SNPs on FPG was also observed (P = 0.0025). Meta-analyses strongly supported the additive effects of the two SNPs on FPG and triglycerides, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS— In support of the intimate relationship between glucose and lipid metabolisms, GCKR and GCK genetic polymorphisms interact to increase FPG in healthy adults and adolescents. These risk alleles may contribute to increased diabetes risk in subjects who harbor other genetic or environmental/lifestyle risk factors.
Innovative electronic auctions in supply and demand chains: Empirical research in the flower industry
Authors: van Heck Eric 
Published: December 2008

AbstractExploiting the Internet for commercial ends has become a key theme for most organizations. There are significant advantages for both buyers and sellers in using this medium. Savings are made as a result of reducing transaction costs, increasing the circle of potential customers, and improving the search-and-find capabilities for all parties concerned. At the moment there are several hundred Web-based auctions. And yet the place to see state-of-the-art auctions is not on the Web but rather in one of the dozen or so auction halls in Holland. This article analyses different electronic auction initiatives in the Dutch flower industry. These auctions use the “Dutch auction” as price discovery process. In a Dutch auction the auctioneer offers products at successively lower prices until his offer is accepted. Most auctions on the Web today use the English method. An English auction process involves a succession of increasing bids by potential buyers until the highest (and final) bid is accepted by the auctioneer. But the Dutch method offers advantages, as the flower auctions reveal. The Dutch method is much faster and tends to generate higher prices. This is illustrated by presenting the results of experimental economic research with different Web-based auctions. One of the analysed electronic auction initiatives, Tele Flower Auction, shows that electronic auctions have an impact on the chain configuration and its performance. Conclusions are formulated and further research is discussed.
Designating the driver: Establishing a cooperative distribution network in Japan
Authors: Hagen James M. , Hayashi Katsumasa 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This article is an exploratory case study, which describes the recent evolution of a distribution network for ice cream in Japan and explores the forces behind that evolution. The case incorporates the perspectives of actors at the manufacturing, wholesaling, and retail levels. In examining how a particular distribution structure evolved among these parties, we suggest that the resulting structure was a response to environmental changes. We identify power and efficiency as driving forces behind the network architecture, and we identify mechanisms used to facilitate trust between the parties.
First implementation of an innovative infra‐red camera system integrated into a mobile CBCT scanner for applicator tracking in brachytherapy—Initial performance characterization
Authors: Karius Andre , Leifeld Lisa Marie , Strnad Vratislav , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeTo enable a real‐time applicator guidance for brachytherapy, we used for the first time infra‐red tracking cameras (OptiTrack, USA) integrated into a mobile cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner (medPhoton, Austria). We provide the first description of this prototype and its performance evaluation.MethodsWe performed assessments of camera calibration and camera‐CBCT registration using a geometric calibration phantom. For this purpose, we first evaluated the effects of intrinsic parameters such as camera temperature or gantry rotations on the tracked marker positions. Afterward, calibrations with various settings (sample number, field of view coverage, calibration directions, calibration distances, and lighting conditions) were performed to identify the requirements for achieving maximum tracking accuracy based on an in‐house phantom. The corresponding effects on camera‐CBCT registration were determined as well by comparing tracked marker positions to the positions determined via CBCT. Long‐term stability was assessed by comparing tracking and a ground‐truth on a weekly basis for 6 weeks.ResultsRobust tracking with positional drifts of 0.02 ± 0.01 mm was feasible using the system after a warm‐up period of 90 min. However, gantry rotations affected the tracking and led to inaccuracies of up to 0.70 mm. We identified that 4000 samples and full coverage were required to ensure a robust determination of marker positions and camera‐CBCT registration with geometric deviations of 0.18 ± 0.03 mm and 0.42 ± 0.07 mm, respectively. Long‐term stability showed deviations of more than two standard deviations from the initial calibration after 3 weeks.ConclusionWe implemented for the first time a standalone combined camera‐CBCT system for tracking in brachytherapy. The system showed high potential for establishing corresponding workflows.
Peer‐Led Symptom Management Intervention to Enhance Resilience in People With Systemic Sclerosis: Mediation Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Chen Yen T. , Hassett Afton L. , Huang Suiyuan , Khanna Dinesh , Murphy Susan L. 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveFacilitated self‐management interventions have the potential to enhance resilience and well‐being. We examined whether resilience is a mediator of improving physical and psychological symptoms for people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who participated in a 12‐week online peer‐led symptom management intervention.MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis from a randomized control trial comparing a peer health‐coached intervention to a waitlist control. Participants completed the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue scale, and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of pain interference and depressive symptoms at the baseline and at weeks 6 and 12. Linear mixed effect regression models were used to assess the effect of intervention on changes in resilience. Causal mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether changes in resilience at week 12 mediated intervention effects on changes in fatigue, pain interference, and depressive symptoms at week 12.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐three eligible participants were enrolled. Participants in the intervention group reported improvements in resilience (P < 0.001). These changes in resilience mediated the intervention effects on fatigue with indirect effect of −1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] −2.41 to −0.41), pain interference of −0.86 (95% CI −1.65 to −0.08), and depressive symptoms of −1.99 (95% CI −3.16 to −0.81).ConclusionFor participants in the intervention who had positive improvements in their physical and psychological symptoms, increased resilience was a mechanism for these improvements. These findings support the importance of addressing resilience to improve symptoms in similar SSc interventions.
A Smart Nitric Oxide (NO) Generating Immuno‐Trimetallic Nanocatalyst Triggering Chemodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Liu Chuan , Chen Xuyang , Zhao Xuanping , Wu Jing , Chen Hong , Wan Mengna , Zhao Shangyi , Li Xiaolong , Li Na , Duan Shaofeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChemodynamic therapy (CDT) has great potential in cancer treatment, but its efficacy is limited due to non‐specificity, insufficient hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and excessive glutathione (GSH) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, an intelligent nanoplatform (Fe3O4@MnO2@NO@Au NPs, abbreviated as CD44FMNA) is reported for the treatment of breast cancer, which is constructed with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) as the core coated with manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoshells encapsulating NO donors and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) within the pores of MnO2, followed by the conjugation of targeting ligand anti‐CD44 mAb. The fabricated CD44FMNA initially remains inactive in normal cells, but after CD44 receptor ‐mediated MDA‐MB‐231 cell‐specific endocytosis, acidic TME can induce the decomposition of the MnO2 shell to release NO donors, thereby dually depleting the existing GSH in cells and enhancing the Fenton‐like reaction in a cascade manner. The generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and the dual depletion of GSH can significantly weaken the GSH‐related antioxidant defense system (ADS) within MDA‐MB‐231 cells, accelerating apoptosis and cell death via the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrate that CD44FMNA can effectively inhibit tumor growth with good biosafety. Therefore, this nanoplatform may provide an effective therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.