bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toll-Like Receptor 9 Expression in Murine and Human Adrenal Glands and Possible Implications during Inflammation
Authors: Tran Nguyen , Koch Alexander , Berkels Reinhard , Boehm Olaf , Zacharowski Paula A. , Baumgarten Georg , Knuefermann Pascal , Schott Matthias , Kanczkowski Waldemar , Bornstein Stefan R. , Lightman Stafford L. , Zacharowski Kai 
Published: May 2007

AbstractContext: Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the Western world and can be associated with failure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. A coordinated response of the adrenal and immune system is of vital importance for survival during sepsis. Within the immune response, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role by recognizing pathogen-associated molecules such as bacterial DNA. TLR-9 can detect motifs of unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides (CpG-DNA) being present in bacterial DNA.Objective: We investigated whether TLR-9 is expressed in human and murine adrenal glands and whether its activation is associated with an adrenal response.Design: Human fetal and adult adrenal glands; wild-type, C57BL/6 and TLR-9 deficient (TLR-9−/−) mice; and in vitro cell line models were used in the study.Setting: The study took place at a university hospital.Results: TLR-9 is expressed in human and murine adrenal glands, as well as in in vitro cell lines (Y-1 and NCI-H295R cells). CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide challenge caused a 3-fold increase in plasma levels of corticosterone in wild-type mice. This effect was not observed in TLR-9−/− mice. Furthermore, CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide challenge resulted in a strong release of several inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, and IL-1β, -6, -10, and -12 in vivo as well as in vitro. Again, this effect was not present in TLR-9−/− mice.Conclusions: TLR-9 is present in both murine and human adrenal glands. TLR-9 stimulation led to a corticosterone and inflammatory cytokine response. TLR-9 may play a role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during conditions in which bacterial DNA is present.
Defining the LGR8 Residues Involved in Binding Insulin-Like Peptide 3
Authors: Scott Daniel J. , Wilkinson Tracey N. , Zhang Suode , Ferraro Tania , Wade John D. , Tregear Geoffrey W. , Bathgate Ross A. D. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The peptide hormone insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is essential for testicular descent and has been implicated in the control of adult fertility in both sexes. The human INSL3 receptor leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 8 (LGR8) binds INSL3 and relaxin with high affinity, whereas the relaxin receptor LGR7 only binds relaxin. LGR7 and LGR8 bind their ligands within the 10 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) that comprise the majority of their ectodomains. To define the primary INSL3 binding site in LGR8, its LRRs were first modeled on the crystal structure of the Nogo receptor (NgR) and the most likely binding surface identified. Multiple sequence alignment of this surface revealed the presence of seven of the nine residues implicated in relaxin binding to LGR7. Replacement of these residues with alanine caused reduced [125I]INSL3 binding, and a specific peptide/receptor interaction point was revealed using competition binding assays with mutant INSL3 peptides. This point was used to crudely dock the solution structure of INSL3 onto the LRR model of LGR8, allowing the prediction of the INSL3 Trp-B27 binding site. This prediction was then validated using mutant INSL3 peptide competition binding assays on LGR8 mutants. Our results indicated that LGR8 Asp-227 was crucial for binding INSL3 Arg-B16, whereas LGR8 Phe-131 and Gln-133 were involved in INSL3 Trp-B27 binding. From these two defined interactions, we predicted the complete INSL3/LGR8 primary binding site, including interactions between INSL3 His-B12 and LGR8 Trp-177, INSL3 Val-B19 and LGR8 Ile-179, and INSL3 Arg-B20 with LGR8 Asp-181 and Glu-229.
The role of achievement goal orientations in students' perceptions of and preferences for classroom environment
Authors: Tapola Anna. , Niemivirta Markku. 
Published: May 2007

Background. Recent research on achievement motivation has begun to examine the effects of environmental factors affecting students' motivational beliefs and goal tendencies. However, when interpreting and applying the results, individual factors underlying students' different perceptions of their learning environment are often ignored. An implicit assumption seems to be that regardless of their dispositional differences (e.g. motivational basis), students will experience and benefit from instructional practices in the same way.Aims. This paper highlights the importance of students' dispositional motivational factors when examining differences in their perceptions of and preferences for the learning environment. The study builds on a conception of student motivation that emphasizes the interaction of individual and contextual factors.Sample and method. Questionnaires served as self‐report tools and assessed students' achievement goal orientations, self‐esteem, causality beliefs, academic withdrawal and perceptions of and preferences for the learning environment. The sample consisted of 208 sixth grade elementary school students.Results. Based on latent class cluster analysis and one‐way analyses of variance, it was found that students' perceptions of and preferences for the learning environment vary depending on differences in students' motivational tendencies.Conclusions. Students' dispositional motivational characteristics should be taken into account both in theoretical considerations and in instructional interventions.
Which thoughts can kill a boxer? Naive theories about cognitive and emotional antecedents of suicide
Authors: Spörrle Matthias , Försterling Friedrich 
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We investigated naive theories regarding the association among beliefs, emotions and behaviours to test Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy's (REBT) assumption that rational cognitions and adaptive emotions lead to functional behaviours whereas irrational cognitions and maladaptive emotions trigger dysfunctional reactions.Design. We applied an experimental between‐subjects design.Methods. Participants read newspaper articles about the defeat of a boxer. In one condition, the authentic article informed participants that he committed suicide and in the other, a fictitious article about the same defeat described the athlete as successfully continuing his career. Different question formats were employed to assess participants' assumptions about the stimulus person's defeat‐related cognitions and emotions: rating scales, sentence completion and free responses.Results. Participants assumed significantly more irrational beliefs (e.g. ‘I absolutely have to win’) on the side of the boxer in the suicide scenario than in the non‐suicide version. This finding was obtained by directive and non‐directive assessment methods. Additionally, participants expected the suicidal stimulus person to be experiencing maladaptive emotions (e.g. depression, guilt) whereas a successful resumption of his career lead to expectations of adaptive affects (e.g. sadness, concern). Ratings of the functionality revealed that sadness, fear, annoyance and concern were expected to be more functional than depression, anxiety, rage and guilt.Conclusions. The results show that naive psychological theories about the antecedents of dysfunctional behaviour are in accordance with theoretical assumptions of REBT: Irrational beliefs are viewed to be connected with maladaptive emotions and to result in dysfunctional behaviour, and adaptive emotions are thought to be of higher functional value than their maladaptive counterparts. The use of different question formats and a between‐subject design excluded that results are due to methodological artifacts or contrast effects.
Contact angles of protein black foam films under dynamic and equilibrium conditions
Authors: Nedyalkov Michail , Sultanem Caroline , Benattar Jean-Jacque 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The contact angles of protein Newton black foam films from ALG (alpha-lactalbumin), BLG (beta-lactoglobulin) and BSA (bovine serum albumin) are measured here within. The measurements are carried out under dynamic and equilibrium conditions. For all proteins, a strong hystheresis effect of the contact angle is observed under dynamic conditions. An attempt is made to explain these results by the slow adsorption and desorption kinetics of the protein bilayers and by the dynamic structure and the rheology of the protein network forming the bubble walls. In addition, we propose a modification of the experimental device reported previously for contact angle measurements of large flat films in equilibrium. The advantages of this method are discussed in detail. Some shortcomings (precision, reproducibility) of this preliminary variant of the device in this initial stage of its application, do not allow one to draw reliable conclusions about the interactions of these films. Some improvements of the measurement quality are proposed.
Determination of diclofenac in pharmaceuticals and urine samples using a membrane sensor based on the ion associate of diclofenac with Rhodamine B
Authors: Kormosh Zholt , Hunka Iryna , Bazel Yaroslav , Laganovsky Andriy , Mazurenko Iryna , Kormosh Nataliya 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The potentiometric response characteristics of a diclofenac selective electrode, based on ion association in different plasticizers, were compared. The sensitivity, working range, detection limit and selectivity of membrane sensors demonstrated significant dependence on the type of plasticizers. The potentiometric unit presented a linear response toward diclofenac concentrations between 1 × 10−5 − 5 × 10−2 mol L−1, with slopes of approximately 60 mV dec−1, and exhibited a response time of 3 s. The potentiometric analysis of sodium diclofenac in pharmaceutical formulations was perfomed by the membrane electrode proposed and compared with the results of potentiometric titration given by the Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.
On formation of thin SiO2/a-Si:H interface when biased oxidized semiconductor surface interacts with plasma or liquid solution
Authors: Pinčík Emil , Kobayashi Hikaru , Takahashi Masao , Brunner Róbert , Jurečka Stanislav , Rusnák Jaroslav 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this paper we present the results of research into a relation(s) between the bias voltage of an oxide/a-Si:H/c-Si sample during formation of very-thin and thin oxides and the resulting distribution of oxide/semiconductor interface states in the a-Si:H band gap. Two oxygen plasma sources were used for the first time in our laboratories for formation of oxide layers on a-Si:H: i) inductively coupled plasma in connection with its application at plasma anodic oxidation; ii) rf plasma as the source of positive oxygen ions for the plasma immersion ion implantation process. The oxide growth on a-Si:H during plasma anodization is also simply described theoretically. Properties of plasmatic structures are compared to ones treated by chemical oxidation that uses 68 wt% nitric acid aqueous solutions. We have confirmed that three parameters of the oxide growth process — kinetic energy of interacting particles, UV-VIS-NIR light emitted by plasma sources, and bias of the samples — determine the distribution of defect states at both the oxide/a-Si:H interface and the volume of the a-Si:H layer, respectively. Additionally, a bias of the sample applied during the oxide growth process has a similar impact on the distribution of defect states as it can be observed during the bias-annealing of similar MOS structure outside of the plasma reactor.
Role of the mercury pressure during reaction synthesis of Hg(Re)-based superconducting films
Authors: Valeriánová M. , Chromik Š. , Odier P. , Štrbík V. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThin films of mercury based superconductors were prepared on the R-plane sapphire with a CeO2 buffer layer using a two step process involving the deposition of the Hg-free precursor and ex situ mercuration in the sealed quartz tube. For the thin film preparation, a method with no contact between the mercury source and the precursor film was used for mercuration. We studied the influence of the basic parameters of the mercuration (annealing time, temperature and partial pressure of the mercury) regarding the composition and superconducting properties of prepared Hg-based films to determine appropriate conditions for this mercuration method. We found out that an increased partial pressure of mercury inhibited the creation of the parasitic Re-based phase and supported the crystallization of the superconducting phase. The advantage of this mercuration method is higher reproducibility as well as its capability to prepare high quality thin large areas films.
Helminths of the vagrant shrew, Sorex vagrans, from western Montana, USA
Authors: Kinsella John 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA total of 19 helminth species (1 trematode, 11 cestodes, 7 nematodes) were collected from 45 vagrant shrews, Sorex vagrans (Mammalia, Soricidae), in western Montana, USA. One trematode (Brachylaima sp.), 2 cestodes (Paruterina candelabraria, Staphylocystoides longi), and 6 nematodes (Baruscapillaria rauschi, Eucoleus oesophagicola, Longistriata meylani, Paracrenosoma sp., Parastrongyloides winchesi, Pseudophysaloptera formosana) are reported for the first time from this host. Baruscapillaria rauschi n. comb. is proposed for Capillaria rauschi Read, 1949. This is the first record of merocercoids of P. candelabraria from a shrew, and the first report of the genus Paracrenosoma in North America.
Larval Hysterothylacium sp. (Nematoda, Anisakidae) and trematode metacercariae from the amphipod Paracorophium excavatum (Corphiidae) in New Zealand
Authors: Luque José , Bannock Liza , Lagrue Clément , Poulin Robert 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPreviously undescribed fourth-stage larvae of anisakid nematodes were found in the haemocoel of the amphipod Paracorophium excavatum (Thomson, 1884) (Corophiidae) in New Zealand. Morphological examination by light microscopy showed that the worms belonged to a species of Hysterothylacium Ward et Magath, 1917, based on several characters including the presence of interlabia, the location of the excretory pore posterior to the nerve ring, and the characteristics of the intestinal caecum and ventricular appendix. Interestingly, several male specimens showed precocious sexual development. This is the first record of fourth larval stage and precocious adult male specimens of Hysterothylacium in an invertebrate host, as well as the first record of anisakid larvae in New Zealand crustaceans. In addition, metacercariae of two trematode species, Coitocaecum parvum and Microphallus sp., are recorded for the first time from the amphipod P. excavatum.
Evaluation of the Ability of Physical Therapists to Palpate Intrapelvic Motion With the Stork Test on the Support Side
Authors: Hungerford Barbara A , Gilleard Wendy , Moran Michael , Emmerson Cathryn 
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose
Clinical indicators of pelvic girdle dysfunction are limited. However, research has shown that the pattern of intrapelvic motion is altered during single-leg support in subjects with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Functionally, no relative motion should occur within the pelvis during load transfer, whereas anterior rotation of the innominate bone relative to the sacrum occurs during weight bearing in the presence of PGP. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pattern of intrapelvic motion could be detected reliably during a new clinical assessment test for functional load transfer: the Stork Test on the support side.

Subjects and Methods
Three physical therapists were randomly assigned to palpate the motion of the innominate bones and sacrum in 33 subjects during the Stork Test on the support side. The direction of bone motion was indicated on 2-point and 3-point scales.

Results
When a 2-point scale was used, intertherapist agreement on the pattern of intrapelvic motion occurring during load transfer showed good reliability (left κ=.67, right κ=.77), and the percentage of agreement was high (left=91.9%, right=89.9%). A 3-point scale resulted in moderate reliability for both the left and the right sides (left κ=.59, right κ=.59), and the percentage of agreement decreased to 82.8% (left) and 79.8% (right).

Discussion and Conclusion
The ability of the physical therapists to reliably palpate and recognize an altered pattern of intrapelvic motion during the Stork Test on the support side was substantiated. The ability to distinguish between no relative movement and anterior rotation of the innominate bone during a load-bearing task was good. Further research is needed to determine the validity of this test for detecting pelvic girdle dysfunction.
Management of Dyspareunia and Associated Levator Ani Muscle Overactivity
Authors: Fisher Kimberly A 
Published: May 2007

Background and PurposeMusculoskeletal dysfunction is a known cause of dyspareunia and a reason for referral for physical therapist management. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapist management of a patient with dyspareunia and overactivity of the pelvic-floor muscles with a limited number of visits and a focus on self-management strategies.Case DescriptionThis case involved a 30-year-old married woman with levator ani muscle overactivity and dyspareunia that was 1 year in duration.InterventionThe therapist explained the anatomy and function of the pelvic-floor muscles during intercourse, instructed the patient on how to control the levator ani muscles, and instructed her on vaginal self-dilation techniques.OutcomesThe patient attended 3 physical therapy sessions over a period of 9 weeks. She performed vaginal self-dilation at home. She rated pain during intercourse as 0/10 on a verbal rating scale and had no remaining tenderness in the levator ani muscles at discharge.DiscussionSome women with dyspareunia may improve with an intervention that emphasizes education and vaginal self-dilation techniques. Future research should compare home-based and clinic-based treatments.
Effect of Seat Surface Inclination on Postural Control During Reaching in Preterm Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Hadders-Algra Mijna , van der Heide Jolanda C , Fock Johanna M , Stremmelaar Elisabeth , van Eykern Leo A , Otten Bert 
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose
Because it is debatable whether seat surface inclination improves motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP), the effect of seat surface tilting on postural control and quality of reaching was studied.

Subjects
The subjects were 58 children with CP aged 2 to 11 years (34 with unilateral spastic CP, 24 with bilateral spastic CP).

Methods
During the task of reaching movements, surface electromyographic and kinematic data were recorded for posture and reaching with the dominant arm in 3 sitting conditions: horizontal seat surface, seat surface tilted forward 15 degrees, and seat surface tilted backward 15 degrees.

Results
In the children with unilateral spastic CP, forward tilting improved postural efficiency and quality of reaching. In the children with bilateral spastic CP, both forward and backward tilting of the seat surface was associated with more postural instability and did not affect the quality of reaching.

Discussion and Conclusion
The results suggest that, in terms of postural control and quality of reaching, children with unilateral spastic CP benefit from a forward-tilted position and children with bilateral spastic CP benefit from a horizontal sitting position.
Flexible and Fully Printed Passive RF Resonators for Contact‐Less Solution Sensing
Authors: Bonacchini Giorgio E. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, several efforts have been dedicated to the development of portable and versatile microwave technologies for contact‐less liquid sensing and characterization. With respect to existing electrochemical and optical approaches, microwave liquid sensors enable high‐sensitivity and label‐free sensing with increased operation stability and robustness, and in relatively simple and inexpensive device formats. Nonetheless, current microwave solution sensing systems are still limited by either their reliance on wired connections to external electronics or by their widespread implementation on conventional rigid substrates. These limitations hinder the seamless integration of such sensors within conventional (micro)fluidic systems for real‐time solution monitoring, particularly when near‐field coupling between the sensors and the liquid under test needs to be established for operation. By leveraging the versatile material deposition capabilities granted by solution‐phase processing, a fully printed and mechanically flexible microwave resonator design is introduced that allows untethered solution sensing whether immersed in or in proximity to the liquid under test. The mechanical properties of this device facilitate the noninvasive/nondestructive integration of the device on commercial tubing. These characteristics, along with its cost‐effectiveness and its ease of fabrication, favor the seamless integration of this device into fluidic and microfluidic systems, for real‐life applications.
A Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Pendulum‐Rotation Transmission Mechanism for Harvesting Continuous Low‐Frequency Mechanical Energy
Authors: Qu Zhigang , Wang Xiaopeng , Gao Yanzhe , An Yang , Fu Yunkun , Yin Wuliang , Liu Ying , Li Xingfei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHarvesting the omnipresent mechanical energy emerges as an essential solution in combating environmental pollution and alleviating energy deficits. However, the ultra‐low frequencies and variable amplitudes of most ambient mechanical energy pose significant challenges to effective energy harvesting. To address this issue, this paper reports an innovative triboelectric nanogenerator based on pendulum‐rotation transmission mechanism (PR‐TENG) designed for efficacious harvesting of continuous low‐frequency mechanical energy. It comprises two synergistic units: a transmission unit and a power‐generating unit. The transmission unit is capable of converting external low‐frequency mechanical excitations into unidirectional rotation. Through an internal speed‐increasing mechanism, the rotational speed of the rotor can be further elevated, thereby enabling the power‐generating unit to produce a frequency‐multiplied output and markedly improving the energy transduction efficiency. The mechanism of triboelectrification employed by the power‐generating unit further reduces the total weight of the device, thus advancing its portability. In addition, the coherent coaxial configuration of the device's components significantly enhances compactness and optimizes spatial efficiency. As a practical power source, the PR‐TENG is shown to be capable of directly powering LEDs. Owing to its distinctive operational mechanism and structural innovation, the PR‐TENG is a promising method to efficiently harvest low‐frequency mechanical energy from the ambient environment.