bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and the secondary granule protein lactoferrin are synthesized in myelocytes, colocalize in subcellular fractions of neutrophils, and are coreleased by activated neutrophils
Authors: Jacobsen Lars C , Sørensen Ole E , Cowland Jack B , Borregaard Niels , Theilgaard-Mönch Kim 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) re-establishes homeostasis at sites of infection by virtue of its ability to exert antimicrobial activity, to suppress LPS-induced cellular immune responses, and to reduce tissue damage through inhibition of serine proteases released by polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs). Microarray analysis of bone marrow (BM) populations highly enriched in promyelocytes, myelocytes/metamyelocytes (MYs), and BM neutrophils demonstrates a transient, high mRNA expression of SLPI and genuine secondary granule proteins (GPs) in MYs. Consistent with this finding, immunostaining of BM cells showed SLPI and the secondary GP lactoferrin (LF) to be present in cells from the myelocyte stage and throughout neutrophil differentiation. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrated the colocalization of SLPI and LF in subcellular fractions highly enriched in secondary granules. Finally, exocytosis studies demonstrated a corelease of SLPI and LF within minutes of activation. Collectively, these findings strongly indicate that SLPI is localized in secondary granules of PMNs. However, the amount of SLPI detected in PMNs is low compared with primary keratinocytes stimulated by growth factors involved in wound healing. This implicates that neutrophil-derived SLPI might not contribute essentially to re-establishment of homeostasis at sites of infection but rather, exert physiologically relevant intracellular activities. These might include the protection of secondary GPs against proteolytic activation and/or degradation by proteases, which might be dislocated to secondary granules at minute amounts as a consequence of spillover.
Nitric oxide protects mast cells from activation-induced cell death: the role of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway
Authors: Inoue Toshio , Suzuki Yoshihiro , Yoshimaru Tetsuro , Ra Chisei 
Published: February 2008

AbstractNO is known to suppress mast cell activation, but the role of NO in mast cell survival is unclear. Ligation of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) resulted in NO production in mast cells within minutes. This NO production was largely dependent on NO synthase (NOS) activity and extracellular Ca2+. The NO production required an aggregation of FcεRI and was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) at Ser1177 and Akt at Ser473. The phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt and the production of NO were abolished by the PI-3K inhibitor wortmannin. Although thapsigargin (TG) induced NO production as well, this response occurred with a considerable lag time (&gt;10 min) and was independent of FcεRI aggregation and PI-3K and NOS activity. Mast cells underwent apoptosis in response to TG but not upon FcεRI ligation. However, when the NOS-dependent NO production was blocked, FcεRI ligation caused sizable apoptosis, substantial mitochondrial cytochrome c release, caspase-3/7 activation, and collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, all of which were inhibited by the caspase-3 inhibitor z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone. The data suggest that the NO produced by the PI-3K-Akt-eNOS pathway is involved in protecting mast cells from cell death.
Analysis of Phase II Studies on Targeted Agents and Subsequent Phase III Trials: What Are the Predictors for Success?
Authors: Chan John K. , Ueda Stefanie M. , Sugiyama Valerie E. , Stave Christopher D. , Shin Jacob Y. , Monk Bradley J. , Sikic Branimir I. , Osann Kathryn , Kapp Daniel S. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose To identify the characteristics of phase II studies that predict for subsequent “positive” phase III trials (those that reached the proposed primary end points of study or those wherein the study drug was superior to the standard regimen investigating targeted agents in advanced tumors. Methods We identified all phase III clinical trials of targeted therapies against advanced cancers published from 1985 to 2005. Characteristics of the preceding phase II studies were reviewed to identify predictive factors for success of the subsequent phase III trial. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test and logistic regression models. Results Of 351 phase II studies, 167 (47.6%) subsequent phase III trials were positive and 184 (52.4%) negative. Phase II studies from multiple rather than single institutions were more likely to precede a successful trial (60.4% v 39.4%; P < .001). Positive phase II results were more likely to lead to a successful phase III trial (50.8% v 22.5%; P = .003). The percentage of successful trials from pharmaceutical companies was significantly higher compared with academic, cooperative groups, and research institutes (89.5% v 44.2%, 45.2%, and 46.3%, respectively; P = .002). On multivariate analysis, these factors and shorter time interval between publication of phase II results and III study publication were independent predictive factors for a positive phase III trial. Conclusion In phase II studies of targeted agents, multiple- versus single-institution participation, positive phase II trial, pharmaceutical company-based trials, and shorter time period between publication of phase II to phase III trial were independent predictive factors of success in a phase III trial. Investigators should be cognizant of these factors in phase II studies before designing phase III trials.
Paternal Skeletal Size Predicts Intrauterine Bone Mineral Accrual
Authors: Harvey N. C. , Javaid M. K. , Poole J. R. , Taylor P. , Robinson S. M. , Inskip H. M. , Godfrey K. M. , Cooper C. , Dennison E. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground: We have previously demonstrated that maternal body build and lifestyle factors predict neonatal bone mineral accrual. However, the paternal determinants of neonatal bone mass are not known. In this study we explored the relationship between a father’s bone mass and that of his offspring.Methods: A total of 278 pregnancies (142 male and 136 female neonates) were recruited from the Southampton Women’s Survey, a unique, well-established cohort of women, aged 20–34 yr, who had been assessed before and during pregnancy. The neonates and their fathers underwent whole body dual-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) within 2 wk of birth using a Lunar DPX (General Electric Corp., Madison, WI) and Hologic Discovery instrument (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA), respectively; correlation and regression methods were used to explore the parental determinants of neonatal bone mass.Results: After adjusting the paternal DXA indices for father’s age and the neonatal for baby’s gestational age and age at DXA scan, there were highly significant positive associations between baby’s whole body bone area, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density and the corresponding indices in the father (P = 0.003, 0.0002, 0.046, respectively) among female infants. These relationships were independent of maternal height and fat stores. The associations for male infants with paternal DXA indices did not achieve statistical significance.Conclusions: The father’s skeletal size predicts skeletal size more strongly in female than male offspring, independently of the mother’s body build. These data point toward the importance of considering paternal genotype in studies exploring the developmental origins of osteoporotic fracture and raise intriguing mechanistic questions about the gender specificity of influences on intrauterine bone mineral accrual.
SOX2 Plays a Critical Role in the Pituitary, Forebrain, and Eye during Human Embryonic Development
Authors: Kelberman Daniel , de Castro Sandra C. P. , Huang Shuwen , Crolla John A. , Palmer Rodger , Gregory John W. , Taylor David , Cavallo Luciano , Faienza Maria F. , Fischetto Rita , Achermann John C. , Martinez-Barbera Juan Pedro , Rizzoti Karine , Lovell-Badge Robin , Robinson Iain C. A. F. , Gerrelli Dianne , Dattani Mehul T. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractContext: Heterozygous, de novo mutations in the transcription factor SOX2 are associated with bilateral anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia and hypopituitarism. Variable additional abnormalities include defects of the corpus callosum and hippocampus.Objective: We have ascertained a further three patients with severe eye defects and pituitary abnormalities who were screened for mutations in SOX2. To provide further evidence of a direct role for SOX2 in hypothalamo-pituitary development, we have studied the expression of the gene in human embryonic tissues.Results: All three patients harbored heterozygous SOX2 mutations: a deletion encompassing the entire gene, an intragenic deletion (c.70_89del), and a novel nonsense mutation (p.Q61X) within the DNA binding domain that results in impaired transactivation. We also show that human SOX2 can inhibit β-catenin-driven reporter gene expression in vitro, whereas mutant SOX2 proteins are unable to repress efficiently this activity. Furthermore, we show that SOX2 is expressed throughout the human brain, including the developing hypothalamus, as well as Rathke’s pouch, the developing anterior pituitary, and the eye.Conclusions: Patients with SOX2 mutations often manifest the unusual phenotype of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with sparing of other pituitary hormones despite anterior pituitary hypoplasia. SOX2 expression patterns in human embryonic development support a direct involvement of the protein during development of tissues affected in these individuals. Given the critical role of Wnt-signaling in the development of most of these tissues, our data suggest that a failure to repress the Wnt-β-catenin pathway could be one of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms associated with loss-of-function mutations in SOX2.
Cardiometabolic Differences in Children Born After in Vitro Fertilization: Follow-Up Study
Authors: Ceelen Manon , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Vermeiden Jan P. W. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractContext: Increasing evidence suggests that adverse conditions during early prenatal life are associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction in postnatal life. In vitro fertilization (IVF) conception may be an early prenatal life event with long-term health consequences.Objective: Our objective was to investigate several cardiometabolic measures in 8- to 18-yr-old IVF singletons and spontaneously conceived controls born from subfertile parents.Design and Setting: This follow-up study was conducted at the VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.Participants: Blood pressure was examined in 225 IVF-conceived children and 225 age- and gender-matched spontaneously conceived control children. Several indicators of insulin resistance were studied in a pubertal subpopulation (131 IVF children and 131 controls).Main Outcome Measures: Blood pressure, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin were determined.Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were higher in IVF children than controls (109 ± 11 vs. 105 ± 10 mm Hg, P &lt; 0.001; and 61 ± 7 vs. 59 ± 7 mm Hg, P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Children born after IVF were also more likely to be in the highest systolic and diastolic blood pressure quartiles (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.4, 3.3; odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 3.0, respectively). Furthermore, higher fasting glucose levels were observed in pubertal IVF children (5.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.8 ± 0.4 mmol/liter in controls; P = 0.005). Blood pressure and fasting glucose differences could not be explained by current body size, birth weight, and other early life factors or by parental characteristics, including subfertility cause.Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of continued cardiometabolic monitoring of IVF-conceived children and might contribute to current knowledge about periconceptional influences and their consequences in later life.
Effect of the interpass temperature on the predicted residual stress distributions in a multipass welded piping branch junction
Authors: Jiang W , Yahiaoui K 
Published: February 2008

A sequentially coupled three‐dimensional thermomechanical finite element model has been developed to predict residual stress distributions in a multipass welded piping branch junction. The residual stresses at the branch and run pipe cross‐sections, as well as along the circumferential weldlines on the outer surfaces of both the run and the branch pipes and on the inner surface of the branch pipe, are predicted. Three levels of interpass temperature have been selected to investigate their effect on the peak residual stresses. It is revealed that the interpass temperature has a significant effect on the residual stresses. As the interpass temperature is increased, both the peak hoop and the axial residual stresses at the run and branch cross‐sections decrease. The peak normal stresses along the circumferential weldline on the outer surface of the run pipes are also reduced. However, increasing the interpass temperature had a negligible effect on the peak tangential residual stresses along the circumferential weld line on the inner surface of the branch pipe. The results presented and the modelling technique described in the current study can be used towards formulating a recommendation to optimize residual stress profiles in multipass welded complex geometries through better interpass temperature control.
X-ray Microanalysis of Biological Samples by High-resolution Energy Dispersive Microcalorimeter Spectrometer Using a Low-voltage Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Nakai Izumi , Baba Yukari , Tanaka Keiichi , Nakayama Satoshi , Hanashima Minako , Hokura Akiko , Homma Yoshikazu 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
A transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter detector with an energy resolution of 17.3 eV@1.74 keV mounted on an SEM has been newly developed and applied for the first time to reveal the cellular distribution of Cd in a cadmium hyper-accumulating plant. The elemental maps of the light element P as well as the heavy elements Cd and Zn were also successfully obtained. Similarly, the simultaneous analysis of As Lα and Mg Kα in an arsenic-accumulating fern was possible with this system. It is expected that the microcalorimeter EDS system has the potential to open a new area of the X-ray microanalysis of biological samples.
Benzene-thermal Route to InP and InAs Nanocrystals Using Triphenylphosphine and Triphenylarsine as Pnicogen Sources
Authors: Wang Junli , Yang Qing 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Nanocrystalline InP and InAs were solvothermally synthesized by the reaction of newly reduced indium with triphenylphosphine (PPh3) and triphenylarsine (AsPh3) in benzene. The products were characterized by XRD, TEM, and EDX. PPh3 and AsPh3 with high safety as excellent P and As sources will provide a novelly alternative synthetic route to III–V semiconductor compouds.
Four New Eremophilane Derivatives from Ligularia sagitta
Authors: Li Ping-Lin , Zhang Zhan-Xin , Jia Zhong-Jian 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Four new compounds (1a and 2–4), a series of uncommon eremophilane derivatives with C19-carbon skeleton, were isolated from the roots of Ligularia sagitta Maxim. Their structures were respectively determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, MS, NMR, and X-ray).
A Lithium Battery Electrolyte Based on a Room-temperature Phosphonium Ionic Liquid
Authors: Tsunashima Katsuhiko , Yonekawa Fumihiro , Sugiya Masashi 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The electrolytic properties of a lithium battery electrolyte based on triethyl(2-methoxyethyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide are described. Testing charge–discharge performance of the cell containing the lithium-binary phosphonium ionic liquid electrolyte showed excellent capacity and rechargeability, compared to the cell containing a comparative ammonium ionic liquid electrolyte.
NO Decomposition on Ruddlesden–Popper-Type Oxide, Sr3Fe2O7, Doped with Ba and Zr
Authors: Ishihara Tatsumi , Shinmyo Yusuke , Goto Kazuya , Nishiyama Noriko , Iwakuni Hideharu , Matsumoto Hiroshige 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Study of the NO decomposition activity of the Ruddlesden–Popper-type oxide Sr3Fe2O7 doped with Ba and Zr revealed that Sr3Fe2O7 exhibits a high NO decomposition activity. Doping Ba and Zr for the Sr and Fe sites, respectively, is highly effective for improving NO decomposition activity. A high N2 yield of 72% is achieved at 1123 K and a N2 yield of 32% is sustained under a 2.5% oxygen cofeeding condition.
Entanglement Effect on Film Retention of Poly(methyl methacrylate) in Methanol
Authors: Fujii Yoshihisa , Atarashi Hironori , Nagamura Toshihiko , Tanaka Keiji 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Morphology for films of poly(methyl methacrylate) with various molecular weights was observed before and after methanol immersion by using atomic force microscopy so that the effect of chain entanglement on film retention of a polymer in a liquid can be discussed.
Dynamics of Polymer Chains in Porous Thin Films Prepared by Layer-by-layer Assembly of Isotactic Poly(methyl methacrylate) and Syndiotactic Poly(methacrylic acid)
Authors: Kamei Daisuke , Ajiro Hiroharu , Hongo Chizuru , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the porous structure of isotactic (it-) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films fabricated with layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of it-PMMA and syndiotactic (st-) poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was observed for the first time. The XRD patterns of crystalline it-PMMA on a substrate changed when the surrounding st-PMAA eluted out and was incorporated. These results indicate that the polymer chains of it-PMMA moved at the solid–liquid interface.
Synthesis and Photolysis of Biphenylenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride in Low-temperature Neon Matrixes
Authors: Sato Tadatake , Narazaki Aiko , Kawaguchi Yoshizo , Niino Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Biphenylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride was synthesized by dimerization of benzynedicarboxylic anhydride generated quantitatively by laser photolysis in low-temperature matrixes. Synthesized dianhydride was used as a precursor of matrix photolysis. It was isolated in a neon matrix and photolyzed to form biphenylynedicarboxylic anhydride, a novel aryne species.
Successive Fusion of Vesicles Aggregated by DNA Duplex Formation in the Presence of Triton X-100
Authors: Maru Naoto , Shohda Koh-ichiroh , Sugawara Tadashi 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Two kinds of large vesicles (average diameter: ca. 0.2 μm) bearing complementary DNA strands aggregated to form densely packed clusters. Addition of Triton X-100 (1.2 mM) as a fusogenic reagent to an aqueous suspension of the vesicle-clusters induced successive fusion of vesicles, leading to a giant multilamellar vesicle-like sphere with a diameter of ca. 3 μm.
Caesarean section as preferred mode of delivery in term breech presentations is not a realistic option in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Van Eygen Luk , Rutgers Sandra 
Published: February 2008

We undertook this retrospective cross-sectional study in order to establish the outcome of 510 singleton breech presentations at term in seven district hospitals in rural Matabeleland-North Province, Zimbabwe. We also studied the mortality for 1093 caesarean sections (CS), in order to decide if CS should be the preferred option for breech births. The perinatal mortality rate in singleton breech presentation (BrPNMR) was very high:166/1000. Between the hospitals the BrPNMR ranged from 66 to 225/1000 ( P = 0.04). Although the outcome was better for CS than for vaginal delivery (odds ratio = 5.4, P = 0.0005), there was no correlation between the BrPNMR and the CS rate. Results indicate that closer monitoring of these high-risk pregnancies by the most senior staff would be more effective than increasing the number of CS performed. An external cephalic version at term could also reduce breech-related mortality. Symphysiotomy is a life-saving emergency intervention when the head is trapped. Increasing the number of CS should be strongly discouraged since the case fatality rate in this rural setting was found to be very high: 18/1093 women died after CS (for any indication) within 42 days after the operation (1, 6%); 15 within 24 h. Haemorrhage was the major cause of death.
Oral Metoclopramide as an Adjunct to Analgesics for the Outpatient Treatment of Acute Migraine
Authors: Azzopardi Terri D , Brooks Natalie A 
Published: February 2008

Objective: To compare the combination of oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic with oral triptan monotherapy in the treatment of migraine attacks in outpatients. Data Sources: A search of PubMed (1966–October 2007), EMBASE (1974–October 2007), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–October 2007) was conducted using the search terms metoclopramide, migraine, and oral. References of articles identified initially were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral metoclopramide compared with oral triptans for migraine treatment were included. Studies of non-oral forms of metoclopramide or studies that compared oral metoclopramide with placebo, analgesics, ergotamine, or other migraine therapies were excluded. Studies in which oral metoclopramide was combined with a triptan were also excluded. Data Synthesis: In the studies identified, oral metoclopramide was combined with aspirin or a similar analgesic. All of the studies assessed headache severity using a 4-point scale (0 = no pain, 1 = mild pain, 2 = moderate pain, 3 = severe pain). Headache relief was defined as a decrease in headache pain from grade 3 or 2 to grade 1 or 0 and was commonly assessed at 2 hours. For all primary and secondary efficacy outcomes—including migraine-associated nausea and vomiting—oral triptans were similar or superior to oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic. The combination was better tolerated, with no reports of serious metoclopramide adverse events such as extrapyramidal symptoms or tardive dyskinesia. Conclusions: Combinations containing oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic may be an option for patients in whom triptans are contraindicated or who experience intolerable adverse effects, or when cost is an issue. However, patients and physicians should be aware that the combination will likely be less effective than oral triptans in treatment of migraine and its associated symptoms. To determine the role of combination therapy that includes oral metoclopramide in mild-to-moderate migraines, further studies are warranted.