bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia inhibits Moloney murine leukemia virus expression in activated macrophages
Authors: Puppo Maura , Bosco Maria Carla , Federico Maurizio , Pastorino Sandra , Varesio Luigi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHypoxia, a local decrease in oxygen tension, occurring in many pathological processes, modifies macrophage (Mφ) gene expression and function. Here, we provide the first evidence that hypoxia inhibits transgene expression driven by the Moloney murine leukemia virus-long terminal repeats (MoMLV-LTR) in IFN-γ-activated Mφ. Hypoxia silenced the expression of several MoMLV-LTR-driven genes, including v-myc, enhanced green fluorescence protein, and env, and was effective in different mouse Mφ cell lines and on distinct MoMLV backbone-based viruses. Down-regulation of MoMLV mRNA occurred at the transcriptional level and was associated with decreased retrovirus production, as determined by titration experiments, suggesting that hypoxia may control MoMLV retroviral spread through the suppression of LTR activity. In contrast, genes driven by the CMV or the SV40 promoter were up-regulated or unchanged by hypoxia, indicating a selective inhibitory activity on the MoMLV promoter. It is interesting that hypoxia was ineffective in suppressing MoMLV-LTR-controlled gene expression in T or fibroblast cell lines, suggesting a Mφ lineage-selective action. Finally, we found that MoMLV-mediated gene expression in Mφ was also inhibited by picolinic acid, a tryptophan catabolite with hypoxia-like activity and Mφ-activating properties, suggesting a pathophysiological role of this molecule in viral resistance and its possible use as an antiviral agent.
Increasing numbers of hepatic dendritic cells promote HMGB1-mediated ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Tsung Allan , Zheng Ning , Jeyabalan Geetha , Izuishi Kunihiko , Klune John R , Geller David A , Lotze Michael T , Lu Lina , Billiar Timothy R 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEndogenous ligands released from damaged cells, so-called damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), activate innate signaling pathways including the TLRs. We have shown that hepatic, warm ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, generating local, noninfectious DAMPs, promotes inflammation, which is largely TLR4-dependent. Here, we demonstrate that increasing dendritic cell (DC) numbers enhance inflammation and organ injury after hepatic I/R. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a NF released by necrotic cells or secreted by stimulated cells, is one of a number of ligands promoting TLR4 reactivity. Augmentation of DC numbers in the liver with GM-CSF hydrodynamic transfection significantly increased liver damage after I/R when compared with controls. TLR4 engagement on hepatic DC was required for the I/R-induced injury, as augmentation of DC numbers in TLR4 mutant (C3H/HeJ) mice did not worsen hepatic damage. It is interesting that TLR4 expression was increased in hepatic DC following HMGB1 stimulation in vitro, suggesting a mechanism for the increased liver injury following I/R. It thus appears that functional TLR4 on DC is required for I/R-induced injury. Furthermore, HMGB1 may direct the inflammatory responses mediated by DC, at least in part, by enhancing TLR4 expression and reactivity to it and other DAMPs.
Association of α2-Heremans-Schmid Glycoprotein Polymorphisms with Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lehtinen Allison B. , Burdon Kathryn P. , Lewis Joshua P. , Langefeld Carl D. , Ziegler Julie T. , Rich Stephen S. , Register Thomas C. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Freedman Barry I. , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Context: Cardiovascular disease is significantly increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque. Fetuin A is an important mineralization inhibitor, and polymorphisms in the corresponding α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein (AHSG) gene have been shown to be associated with serum fetuin A levels and free phosphate levels, as well as cardiovascular disease death.
Objective: This study investigated whether polymorphisms in AHSG contribute to the development of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary and carotid arteries and to carotid artery intima-media thickness.
Design: Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AHSG were genotyped and evaluated for association with quantitative measures of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Participants: Subjects were 829 T2DM-affected European Americans from 368 families in the Diabetes Heart Study.
Main Outcome Measures: Participants were phenotyped for cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis traits. The extent of coronary artery calcified plaque (CorCP) and carotid artery calcified plaque (CarCP) was measured using quantitative computed tomography, and carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured using high-resolution B mode ultrasonography.
Results: Four SNPs in AHSG were nominally associated with CorCP in European Americans with T2DM (P &lt; 0.05). Two 3-SNP haplotypes in the exon 6–7 region were associated with CorCP in European Americans with T2DM (P &lt; 0.06).
Conclusions: Sequence variants in the AHSG gene affect the extent of CorCP in T2DM-affected European Americans, consistent with the known biological role of AHSG in vascular calcification. These data implicate AHSG in the development of vascular calcified plaque in diabetic subjects.
Synthesis of Nanocrystalline ZnWO4 via Molten Salt Route and Its Photoluminescence
Authors: Ran Songlin , Gao Lian 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
ZnWO4 nanocrystalline powder has been synthesized by the molten salt route using KNO3/NaNO3 mixture as reaction media. Pure ZnWO4 phase was obtained at 250 °C for 2 h without any intermediate phase. Particle size and morphology of the powder were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The luminescent properties of the final powder as functions of the reaction temperature and time have been studied.
An Efficient and Facile Synthesis of 2-Amino-4,6-diarylbenzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile and 1,2-Dihydro-2-oxo-4,6-diarylpyridine-3-carbonitrile under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Rong Liangce , Li Xiaoyue , Wang Haiying , Shi Daqing , Tu Shujiang 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
A one-pot three-component condensation of aromatic aldehyde, aromatic ketone, and malononitrile leading to an efficient synthesis of 2-amino-4,6-diarylbenzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile and 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-4,6-diarylpyridine-3-carbonitrile has been carried out in a mortar just by grinding or heating under solvent-free conditions. Compared with the classical reaction conditions, these new synthetic methods have the advantages of excellent yields, shorter reaction time, and mild reaction conditions.
Hearing results following atticotomy
Authors: Donald Paul J. , Baker Shan R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTransmeatal atticotomy, a common otosurgical procedure near the turn of the century, has since enjoyed only sporadic periods of popularity. An earlier report illustrated the efficacy of the atticotomy operation in ablating cholesteatoma in 83% of cases. However, the ossicular chain usually suffers discontinuity either through erosion by cholesteatoma or surgical disarticulation. In ears with an intact chain, the incudostapedial joint is usually separated to avoid injury that may be transmitted to the inner ear if the rotating burr contacts the ossicles.The purpose of this paper is to portray the types of hearing restoration attempted and the results achieved in 55 patients who had an atticotomy procedure and had been followed for six months to eight years. The number of patients who attained serviceable hearing are compared to those that did not, with regard to such factors as the hearing level and state of the ossicles preoperatively as well as the extent of the surgery required for removal of the disease.The hearing results in these patients who underwent atticotomy compare favorably to those cited in the literature for tympanoplasties done with the modified radical mastoidectomy or the intact canal wall tympanomastoidectomy.
Removable Borehole Extensometers for Measuring Axial Displacements During Well Tests
Authors: Schweisinger T , Murdoch L , Huey C 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Fractures in rock hold important stores of water and petroleum, and slight changes in fracture aperture accompanying drawdown from pumping wells play a key role in recovering these resources. Two removable borehole extensometers were designed to measure small displacements in order to improve the characterization of fractured rock aquifers using hydraulic well tests. The extensometers consist of four major components: (1) a pair of anchors, (2) a temperature-compensated reference rod, (3) a registration system, and (4) a displacement transducer. One extensometer uses an axial reference rod with multiple, low-profile anchors, whereas another uses an offset reference rod with a single pair of anchors. Both designs can be readily mobilized and are capable of resolving submicron displacements in boreholes.
Ectopic ACTH syndrome: our experience with 25 cases
Authors: Salgado Luiz Roberto , Fragoso Maria Candida B Villares , Knoepfelmacher Mirta , Machado Marcio Carlos , Domenice Sorahia , Pereira Maria Adelaide Albergaria , de Mendonça Berenice Bilharinho 
Published: October 2006

Objective: Ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) occurs in about 5–10% of all patients with ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism with most of them caused by intrathoracic neoplasms. It may be associated with overt malignancies or with occult and indolent tumors. We assessed the accuracy of dynamic tests, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) using desmopressin, and imaging in the work-up diagnosis of EAS.
Design and subjects: Tumor markers, imaging, and outcome data from 25 patients (13F/12M) aged 18–72 years. High dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST), desmopressin test, GHRP-6 test, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, IPSS, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy were revised.
Results: In 5 out of 20 patients HDDST was positive. In 13 patients who underwent desmopressin test, ACTH- and cortisol-positive responses were seen in six and five patients respectively. GHRP-6 test was positive in two out of three cases. Two patients underwent CRH test with negative response. In the seven patients submitted to IPSS using desmopressin in six of them, none had ACTH gradients. CT was positive in 15 out of 21 patients and MRI in 8 out of 17 cases. 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy was positive in three out of five patients. Fourteen patients had intrathoracic tumors, five had pheochromocytomas, three had pancreatic tumors, one had a glomic tumor, and had three occult tumors. Six out of 11 patients with metastasis died and 3 others without metastasis died.
Conclusions: IPSS with desmopressin was helpful for differential diagnosis. Patients initially harboring occult carcinoids may also exhibit severe hypercortisolism and those harboring tymic carcinoids had poor prognoses when compared with bronchial carcinoids and pheocromocytomas.
Dopamine agonist therapy of clinically non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas. Is there a role for 123I-epidepride dopamine D2 receptor imaging?
Authors: de Herder Wouter W , Reijs Ambroos E M , Feelders Richard A , van Aken Maarten O , Krenning Eric P , Tanghe Hervé L J , van der Lely Aart-Jan , Kwekkeboom Dik J 
Published: October 2006

Objective: Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) can express functional dopamine D2 receptors. Therapy with dopamine (DA) agonists may result in a NFPA size reduction. However, DA agonist-sensitive and -resistant NFPAs are clinically indistinguishable. We have studied the correlation between in vivo imaging of D2 receptors using 123I-epidepride and the radiological response of NFPA to DA in 18 patients.
Methods: Patients were treated with either cabergoline (1–2 mg/week) or quinagolide (150–300 μg/day) for a mean period of 89.7 months (range, 34–187 months).
Results: Pituitary uptake of 123I-epidepride varied from slight uptake classified as grade 0 to very high classified as grade 3. Grade 0 uptake was found in four patients; grade 1 in three; grade 2 in ten, and grade 3 in one. NFPA stabilization or shrinkage with DA agonist therapy showed no significant difference between grade 0, 1, and 2 tumors (mean tumor stabilization or shrinkage: 31, 30, and 36% respectively). However, when we considered a decrease in tumor size ranging from 0 to 20% as tumor stabilization and >20% decrease in tumor size as true shrinkage, one out of four NFPAs with grade 1 uptake, two out of three with grade 1 uptake, and eight out of ten with grade 2 uptake showed tumor shrinkage.
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is limited clinical usefulness of dopamine D2 receptor imaging for predicting the clinical efficacy of DA agonist in selected patients with NFPAs. DA agonist therapy in NFPAs can result in tumor stabilization and shrinkage.
Extraction of Re(VII) by neutral and basic extractants
Authors: Schrötterová D. , Nekovář P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe mechanism of Re(VII) extraction from sulphate-containing solutions using primary amine Primene JMT, trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), tributyl phosphate (TBP), and their mixtures was investigated. It was found that the ratio of Re(VII) with Primene JMT and its sulphate in the organic phase was 1:1. The composition of Re(VII) complexes with TOPO depended on the acidity of solution ranging from about 1:1 to 2:1. When the extraction was carried out by TBP the mole ratio of TBP to Re was approximately 4. Primene JMT proved to be the most suitable agent for Re(VII) extraction with the exception of strongly acidic solutions, in which TOPO provided better results. The mixed solvents Primene JMT and TOPO as well as Primene JMT and TBP presented a slight synergism in weakly acidic solutions.
Modelling of enzymatic reaction in an internal loop airlift reactor
Authors: Sikula I. , Juraščík M. , Markoš J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGas-liquid reaction carried out in an internal loop airlift reactor was modelled and subjected to the scale-up procedure. Homogeneous oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid catalyzed by Gluzyme 10000 BG, a commercial product containing the enzymes glucose oxidase and catalase as active components, was chosen as the model system. The kinetic parameters were obtained using a 12-L airlift reactor considered as a CSTR. The behaviour of a large-scale internal loop airlift reactor was modelled dividing the reactor sections into a series of tank reactors. The reliability of the model was verified by comparing experimental measurements with the simulation results obtained employing 40-L and 200-L airlift reactors. The designed model could be suitable to predict the behaviour of large-scale internal loop airlift reactors.
A resistance gene in disguise for schizophrenia?
Authors: Doi Nagafumi , Itokawa Masanari , Hoshi Yoko , Arai Makoto , Furukawa Aizou , Ujike Hiroshi , Sora Ichiro , Yoshikawa Takeo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe examined the hypothesis that −485 T, a novel polymorphism in the promoter region of the neuropeptide Y gene which was shown to be associated with schizophrenia in our previous paper, confers susceptibility to the disease. For a case‐control association study, 331 unrelated Japanese schizophrenics (S1: milder cases in the previous study, n = 212; and S2: additional severer cases, n = 119) and 199 unrelated normal controls were recruited. Contribution of −485 T to the risk and the severity of the illness was examined by (1) comparing the risk in each genotype in the general population, (2) testing correlations between the gene‐dose of −485 T, and the severity of chronic outcome in S2 assessed with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, and (3) comparing the distribution of age at onset in S1 + S2 among the three genotypes. −485 T was significantly associated with schizophrenia in S1 + S2. Significant negative correlations were observed between the gene‐dose and the symptom assessment scores in all items. The homozygote of −485 T showed a second peak frequency in the late‐onset group both in males and females, while the homozygote of the alternative allele showed a single peak in the early‐onset group. The higher risk of schizophrenia in the heterozygote than in the homozygote of −485 T in the general population did not support the possibility of linkage disequilibrium with a susceptibility gene. −485 T most likely confers resistance but not susceptibility to schizophrenia. An interaction between a nuclear resistance gene and a presumptive pathogenic gene in the mitochondrial DNA was suggested. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic association of mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) genes with schizophrenia
Authors: Yasuno Katsuhito , Ando Satoshi , Misumi Shinnosuke , Makino Satoshi , Kulski Jerzy K , Muratake Tatsuyuki , Kaneko Naoshi , Amagane Hideki , Someya Toshiyuki , Inoko Hidetoshi , Suga Hidemichi , Kanemoto Kousuke , Tamiya Gen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMany studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We performed a case‐control study using tag SNPs in the mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes, UCP2, UCP4, and BMCP1/UCP5, to investigate their association with schizophrenia. These neuronal UCPs are expressed in various brain tissues and may exert a neuroprotective effect against increased oxidative stress. We found modest associations between schizophrenia and the four tag SNPs, rs660339 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.330; P = 0.0043) and rs649446 (OR = 0.739; P = 0.0069) in UCP2, and rs10807344 (OR = 0.622; P = 0.0029) and rs2270450 (OR = 0.704; P = 0.0043) in UCP4, all of which were statistically significant even after correcting for multiple comparisons. Moreover, we found a statistically significant synergistic interaction between UCP2 and UCP4 by using the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. The synergistic interaction was also confirmed by the logistic regression analysis, where the maximal OR was obtained when the risk alleles at rs660339 and rs10807344 were simultaneously homozygous. Individuals possessing homozygous risk alleles at these two loci have a 7.6‐fold risk of developing schizophrenia compared with those of minimal OR. Our findings suggest that UCP2 and UCP4 have a modest but important involvement in the genetic etiology of schizophrenia. This is the first report of the association between schizophrenia and neuronal UCPs. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
National rates of birth defects among hospitalized newborns
Authors: Bird T.M. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Cleves Mario A. , Tilford John M. , Robbins James M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) family of hospital discharge databases offer an unprecedented opportunity to generate national estimates of newborn infants with birth defects. This report estimates national hospital admissions for newborn infants diagnosed with birth defects computed from HCUP and compares them to pooled prevalence figures computed from state birth defect surveillance systems. METHODS: HCUP‐derived rates of 36 birth defects from 1997 through 2001 were compared to rates derived from pooled data reported by 26 state‐based surveillance systems stratified by inclusion of elective terminations in case definitions. Rate ratios (RRs) were calculated for each birth defect by dividing the rate derived from HCUP by the rate derived from the relevant surveillance systems. RESULTS: HCUP newborn hospitalization rates for birth defects closely approximate pooled birth defect rates for surveillance systems that do not include elective terminations. HCUP rates were not significantly different for 35 of 36 defects. Overall, 20 HCUP rates were within 10% of state rates, 11 more were within 20% of state rates, and only 1 differed by more than 50%. HCUP rates compared most closely to state rates for cardiovascular (VSD RR = 0.98, ASD = 0.96, pulmonary valve atresia and stenosis = 0.92), orofacial (cleft palate RR = 1.10, cleft lip = 1.06), and genitourinary defects (obstructive genitourinary RR = 1.01, bladder exstrophy = 0.97). HCUP rates compared less favorably to rates derived from surveillance systems that included elective terminations. CONCLUSIONS: HCUP data approximate state‐based surveillance system data for defects that are easily recognized in the newborn period and infrequently a cause for elective termination. HCUP data can be used to examine the impact of public health efforts on the number of infants born with birth defects as well as the cost and consequences of variations in the hospital management of birth defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Microstructural and tensile properties of elastin‐based polypeptides crosslinked with Genipin and pyrroloquinoline quinone
Authors: Vieth S. , Bellingham C. M. , Keeley F. W. , Hodge S. M. , Rousseau D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractElastin is an elastomeric, self‐assembling extracellular matrix protein with potential for use in biomaterials applications. Here, we compare the microstructural and tensile properties of the elastin‐based recombinant polypeptide (EP) EP20‐244 crosslinked with either genipin (GP) or pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). Recombinant EP‐based sheets were produced via coacervation and subsequent crosslinking. The micron‐scale topography of the GP‐crosslinked sheets examined with atomic force microscopy revealed the presence of extensive mottling compared with that of the PQQ‐crosslinked sheets, which were comparatively smoother. Confocal microscopy showed that the subsurface porosity in the GP‐crosslinked sheets was much more open. GP‐crosslinked EP‐based sheets exhibited significantly greater tensile strength (P ≤ 0.05). Mechanistically, GP appears to yield a higher crosslink density than PQQ, likely due to its capacity to form short‐range and long‐range crosslinks. In conclusion, GP is able to strongly modulate the microstructural and mechanical properties of elastin‐based polypeptide biomaterials forming membranes with mechanical properties similar to native insoluble elastin. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 199–206, 2007.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
A metric for corporate environmental indicators … for small and medium enterprises in the Philippines
Authors: Rao Purba , Singh Alok Kumar , la O'Castillo Olivia , Intal Ponciano S. , Sajid Ather 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper is an outcome of the empirical research, funded by UNDP Philippines and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), done to establish and implement a metric of corporate environmental indicators for SMEs in the Philippines. SMEs have always played a vital role in the creation of goods and services in the country. It is therefore imperative that SMEs adhere to safe environment practices so that the greening of industries in this region is consummate. In this research we have considered SMEs operating in the food and beverage, furniture, fashion accessories, hotel and restaurant, automotive parts and electroplating sectors. The metric adopted in this research follows the framework given by the Federal Environmental Ministry in Bonn and the Federal Environmental Agency in Berlin.  The empirical approach develops an exploratory analysis and a structural equation model to bring out statistically significant linkages between five latent constructs: environment management indicators, environment performance indicators, environmental performance, business performance and competitiveness. The research hopes to urge SMEs to implement this metric with confidence given that this would not only enhance their environmental performance but also lead to superior business performance and enhanced competitiveness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.