bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ICI 182,780 has agonistic effects and synergizes with estradiol-17 beta in fish liver, but not in testis
Authors: Pinto Patrícia IS , Singh Pratap B , Condeça João B , Teodósio Helena R , Power Deborah M , Canário Adelino VM 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
ICI 182,780 (ICI) belongs to a new class of antiestrogens developed to be pure estrogen antagonists and, in addition to its therapeutic use, it has been used to knock-out estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) actions in several mammalian species. In the present study, the effects and mechanism of action of ICI were investigated in the teleost fish, sea bream (Sparus auratus).

Methods
Three independent in vivo experiments were performed in which mature male tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) or sea bream received intra-peritoneal implants containing estradiol-17 beta (E2), ICI or a combination of both compounds. The effects of E2 and ICI on plasma calcium levels were measured and hepatic and testicular gene expression of the three ER subtypes, ER alpha, ER beta a and ER beta b, and the estrogen-responsive genes, vitellogenin II and choriogenin L, were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in sea bream.

Results
E2 treatment caused an increase in calcium levels in tilapia, while ICI alone had no noticeable effect, as expected. However, pretreatment with ICI synergistically potentiated the effect of E2 on plasma calcium in both species. ICI mimicked some E2 actions in gene expression in sea bream liver upregulating ER alpha, vitellogenin II and choriogenin L, although, unlike E2, it did not downregulate ER beta a and ER beta b. In contrast, no effects of E2 or ICI alone were detected in the expression of ERs in testis, while vitellogenin II and choriogenin L were upregulated by E2 but not ICI. Finally, pretreatment with ICI had a synergistic effect on the hepatic E2 down-regulation of ER beta b, but apparently blocked the ER alpha up-regulation by E2.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that ICI has agonistic effects on several typical estrogenic responses in fish, but its actions are tissue-specific. The mechanisms for the ICI agonistic activity are still unknown; although the ICI induced up-regulation of ER alpha mRNA could be one of the factors contributing to the cellular response.
Benign intracranial hypertension associated to blood coagulation derangements
Authors: De Lucia Domenico , Napolitano Marisanta , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Niglio Alferio , Fontanella Andrea , Di lorio Giuseppe 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Benign Intracranial Hypertension (BIH) may be caused, at least in part, by intracranial sinus thrombosis. Thrombosis is normally due to derangements in blood coagulation cascade which may predispose to abnormal clotting activation or deficiency in natural inhibitors' control. The aim of the study is to examine the strength of the association between risk factors for thrombosis and BIH.

Patients and methods
The incidence of prothrombotic abnormalities among a randomly investigated cohort of 17 patients with BIH, was compared with 51 healthy subjects matched for sex, age, body mass index, height and social background.

Results
The number of subjects with protein C deficiency was significantly higher in patients than in controls (3 vs 1, p < .001; Fisher Exact Test). Moderate to high titers of anticardiolipin antibodies (β2-Glycoprotein type I) were found in 8 out of 17 patients.
Increased plasma levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2, fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and PAI-1 were demonstrated in patients group (5.7 ± 1.15 nM vs 0.45 ± 0.35 nM; 8.7 ± 2.5 ng/mL vs 2.2 ± 1.25 ng/mL; 45.7 ± 12.5 ng/mL vs 8.5 ± 6.7 ng/mL, respectively; p < .001; Fisher Exact Test). Gene polymorphisms for factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin mutation 20210 A/G, MTHFR 677 C/T, PAI-1 4G/5G, ACE I/D were detected in 13 patients.

Discussion
In agreement with other authors our data suggest a state of hypercoagulability in BIH associated with gene polymorphisms. Our findings also showed that mutations in cardiovascular genes significantly discriminate subjects with a BIH history. The association between coagulation and gene derangements, usually regarded to as cryptogenic, may suggest a possible pathogenetic mechanism in BIH. So, a prothrombotic tendency may exist that would, at least in part, explain some cases of BIH.
Although based on a small population, these findings raise the exciting possibility of using these haemostatic factors as markers for selecting high-risk subjects in BIH disease.
Consequences of infertility in developing countries: results of a questionnaire and interview survey in the South of Vietnam
Authors: Wiersema Nicole J , Drukker Anouck J , Dung Mai Ba Tien , Nhu Giang Huynh , Nhu Nguyen Thanh , Lambalk Cornelis B 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
This study explores the psychological, socio-cultural and economic consequences of infertility on couples' life. The purpose of this research is to improve knowledge about the potentially serious implications of infertility in the South of Vietnam.

Methods
This study included 118 infertile couples who filled in questionnaires and 28 men and women who were interviewed.

Results
Data of the questionnaire show men and women do not differ in their responses and attitudes towards infertility. Almost one-third of the participants require psychological support. Interviewees experience secrecy, social pressure and economic hardship.

Conclusion
Offspring are very important to Vietnamese couples. Their future depends on children. Family plays an important role in the experiences of the infertile couple. Economic consequences are a particular distressing factor. There is a need for psychological counselling in the treatment of infertile couples in the South of Vietnam. It should be realised that in developing countries, despite overpopulation, unwanted childlessness is an important social and economical burden that needs attention.
Up-regulation of HLA class-I antigen expression and antigen-specific CTL response in cervical cancer cells by the demethylating agent hydralazine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid
Authors: Mora-García María de Lourdes , Duenas-González Alfonso , Hernández-Montes Jorge , De la Cruz-Hernández Erick , Pérez-Cárdenas Enrique , Weiss-Steider Benny , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro , Ortíz-Navarrete Vianney Francisco , Rosales Víctor Hugo , Cantú David , Lizano-Soberón Marcela , Rojo-Aguilar Martha Patricia , Monroy-García Alberto 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundDNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylation are epigenetic events that contribute to the absence or downregulated expression of different components of the tumor recognition complex. These events affect the processing and presentation of antigenic peptides to CTLs by HLA class-I molecules. In this work evaluated the effect of the DNA hypomethylating agent hydralazine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid, on the expression of HLA class-I molecules and on the antigen-specific immune recognition of cervical cancer cells.MethodsCell lines C33A (HPV-), CaSki (HPV-16+) and MS751 (HPV-18+) were treated with hydralazine and valproic acid to assess the expression of HLA class-I molecules by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Promoter methylation of HLA class-I -A, -B and C, was also evaluated by Methylation-Specific PCR. Primary cervical tumors of four HLA-A*0201 allele patients were typed for HPV and their CTL's stimulated in vitro with the T2 cell line previously loaded with 50 μM of the HPV peptides. Cytotoxicity of stimulated CTL's was assayed against Caski and MS751 cells pre-treated with hydralazine and valproic acid.ResultsValproic acid and hydralazine/valproic acid up-regulated the constitutive HLA class-I expression as evaluated by flow cytometry and RT-PCR despite constitutive promoter demethylation at these loci. Hydralazine and valproic acid in combination but no IFN-gamma hyperacetylated histone H4 as evaluated by ChiP assay. The antigenic immune recognition of CaSki and MS751 cells by CTLs specific to HPV-16/18 E6 and E7-derived epitopes, was increased by VA and H/VA and the combination of H/VA/IFN-gamma.ConclusionThese results support the potential use of hydralazine and valproic acid as an adjuvant for immune intervention in cervical cancer patients whenever clinical protocols based on tumor antigen recognition is desirable, like in those cases where the application of E6 and E7 based therapeutic vaccines is used.
The performance and oxidation stability of sustainable metalworking fluid derived from vegetable extracts
Authors: Abdalla H S , Patel S 
Published: December 2006

Throughout the world, the production, application, and disposal of metalworking fluid (MWF) must adhere to the requirements of nature and the environment. Plant-derived oils have been researched as the alternative to mineral-based cutting fluids as they are deemed to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. This paper investigates different vegetable- and plant-derived oils in their pure state, as blends or as commercially available products within the industry, and measures their relative oxidation stability levels and their ability to perform as a lubricant. A set of standard techniques, such as pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC), which measures the oxidation onset temperature and the oxidation induction time, four-ball tester, sliding resistance value (SRV), and micro tap methods, were utilized to analyse the tribological properties of the fluid. The results determined that the oxidation stability varies and is dependent on the chemical structure of the oil and its origins, and physiochemical processing during extraction and storage. In relation to oxidation stability being the sole limiting factor, the tribological performance of the oils was affected by their physical and chemical properties. It was apparent from the findings that the physical properties of the oil are also responsible for the low performance of the oil as a metal cutting fluid.
Comparison of the wear exerted on engine valves and seat inserts under various speeds and mileages
Authors: Chun Keyoung Jin , Hong Jae Soo 
Published: December 2006

Under actual engine driving conditions, there is a possibility of engine valve and seat insert wear occurring as a result of various speed changes and accumulation of mileage. It is therefore necessary to examine the wear-related problems of engine valves and seat inserts and to determine by comparison whether speed or mileage inflicts the greater wear. This work focuses on the various degrees of wear produced at three different singular test speeds (10 Hz, 25 Hz, and multi-Hz) and two different cycle numbers (2.1 — 106 and 6.0 — 106). Throughout all tests performed in this study, the temperature of the outer surface of the seat insert was controlled at 350°C and the test load was 1960 N. Wear depths were measured using a confocal laser microscope, and wear mechanisms were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The extent of wear produced at higher speeds (25 Hz) was found to be greater than that produced at lower speeds (10 Hz) under identical test conditions (temperature, valve displacement, cycle number, and test load). Although test cycle numbers were increased by a factor of 3, for example from 2.1 — 106 to 6.0 — 106, the wear depths were not proportionally increased. Wear occurred rapidly during the initial stages of the test and wear depths increased less significantly with each cycle number. Wear depth of the 2.1 — 106 cycle number test at 25 Hz was much larger than that of the 6.0 — 106 cycle number test at 10 Hz in both the valve and the seat insert. Therefore, this result indicates that speed (Hz) might have a greater effect than mileage (cycle number) on the valve and seat insert while the engine is running. As the cycle number was increased, the wear depth at multi-Hz showed a tendency to near the wear depth at 25 Hz (high speed) rather than that at 10 Hz (low speed). Adhesive wear and shear strain were observed in the wear mechanisms of the valves. Furthermore, adhesive wear and surface fatigue wear were observed in the wear mechanisms of the seat inserts.
A model for the prediction of the forces at the glenohumeral joint
Authors: Charlton I W , Johnson G R 
Published: December 2006

The design, validation, and application of a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the upper limb is presented here, for the study of joint, muscle, and ligament forces during selected tasks of daily living. Much of the model was constructed using data gathered from real cadavers, including the extensive ‘visible human’ data set, together with information gathered from published post mortem studies on cadavers. Validation was carried out through comparison of model outcomes with available data in the literature. The model was then used to examine the glenohumeral joint loading during ten previously selected activities of daily living. The predicted glenohumeral joint contact forces during everyday activities were found to range from 23 to 75 per cent body weight. A linear regression method for estimating the joint load from externally measured kinetics was developed, giving a 95 per cent confidence interval in predicted joint forces of 8 per cent body weight. The model presented here, namely the Newcastle shoulder model, provides a basis for future studies into biomechanical problems relating to the understanding of musculoskeletal pathology and implant design and performance.
The use of the Zebris motion analysis system for measuring cervical spine movements in vivo
Authors: Quinlan J F , Mullett H , Stapleton R , FitzPatrick D , McCormack D 
Published: December 2006

The cervical spine exhibits the greatest range of motion among the spinal segments due to the complex interaction of its triplanar components of movement. As a result, measurement of movements of the cervical spine and of the various orthoses used in cervical spine injuries has proved difficult with no one method proving satisfactory. This paper uses the Zebris ultrasonic three-dimensional motion analysis system to measure flexion, extension, range of lateral bending, and range of axial rotation in five similar male and five similar female subjects with no history of neck injuries. The subjects were tested unrestrained and in soft and hard collars, as well as in Philadelphia, Miami J, and Minerva orthoses. Results show that the Minerva is the most stable construct for restriction of movement in all planes in both groups. Looking at these results allows ranking of the measured orthoses in order of their three-dimensional stability. Furthermore, by presenting reproducible data incorporating the composite triplanar movements of the cervical spine, thus allowing comparative analysis of the studied orthoses, they propose the Zebris as a reliable, repeatable, and safe method of measurement of cervical spine motion with low intersubject variability.
Autonomous pet-type robot with emotion behaviour-learning system based on neuromodulators
Authors: Akiguchi S , Maeda Y 
Published: December 2006

In recent years, research on embedding human emotions in autonomous mobile robots has been carried out. Research based not only on psychological but also on physiological knowledge of emotions has also been performed, and research in neuroscience is gradually making clear the role of neuromodulators. Meanwhile, other researchers have examined the influence between neuromodulators and meta-parameters of the reinforcement system for learning. In this research, attempts are made to develop an emotion generation system for a pet-type robot based on the relationship between the human learning system's meta-parameters, emotions, and neuromodulators, such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. The proposed architecture for the emotion generation system uses a Q-learning method with meta-parameters controlled by neuromodulators. Experimental results confirming the efficiency of the method are reported.
Numerical investigations of piston cooling using oil jet in heavy duty diesel engines
Authors: Agarwal A K , Varghese M B 
Published: December 2006

Thermal loading of diesel engine pistons has increased dramatically in recent years owing to applications of various technologies to meet low emission and high power density requirements. Control of piston temperatures by cooling of these pistons has become one of the determining factors in a successful engine design. The pistons are cooled by oil jets fired at the underside from the crankcase. Any excessive piston temperature rise may lead to engine seizure because of piston warping. However, if the temperature at the underside of the piston, where the oil jet strikes the piston, is above the boiling range of the oil being used, it may contribute to the generation of mist. This mist significantly contributes to the non-tailpipe emissions in the form of unburnt hydrocarbons (UBHCs). The problem of non-tailpipe emissions has unfortunately not been looked into so seriously, as the current stress of all automobile manufacturers is to meet the tailpipe emission legislative limits. A numerical model has been developed using finite element methods for studying the oil jet cooling of pistons and has been validated experimentally on a flat plate cooled by oil jet. Using numerical modelling, the heat transfer coefficient (h) at the underside of the piston is predicted. This predicted value of heat transfer coefficient significantly helps in selecting the correct oil type, oil jet velocity, oil jet diameter, and distance of oil nozzle from the underside of the piston. It also helps to predict whether the selected grade of oil will contribute to mist generation. Isotherms of the predicted temperature profiles in a production grade piston have been plotted.
Catalytic Direct Arylation of Heteroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Satoh Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The direct intermolecular arylation reactions of heteroaromatic compounds such as pyrroles, furans, thiophenes, azoles, and pyridines with aryl halides using palladium or rhodium catalysts have significantly been developed as effective, straightforward methods for making aryl–heteroaryl linkages, which are often found in biologically active compounds and π-conjugated functional materials. In this article is summarized the recent progress in this field.
A Correlation between pH and Fluorescence Lifetime of 2′,7′-Bis(2-Carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Nakabayashi Takakazu , Wang Hui-Ping , Tsujimoto Kazuo , Miyauchi Seiji , Kamo Naoki , Ohta Nobuhiro 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The pH dependence of the fluorescence lifetime of BCECF both in solution and in intact cells of Halobacterium salinarum has been measured with time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. A correlation between pH and fluorescence lifetime in vivo is different from that in vitro. The difference is ascribed to the local field produced by some protein membrane in a biological system.
Effect of Steric Barrier on the Shuttling of Rotaxane Having Crown Ether Wheel
Authors: Kihara Nobuhiro , Koike Yoshifumi , Takata Toshikazu 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Rotaxanes comprising dibenzo-24-crown-8 and a symmetrical ammonium salt were desymmetrized by N-acylation. The shuttling behavior was investigated in detail. For the N,N-di-n-alkyl-type axle, the propionyl group was necessary to stop shuttling, whereas the acetyl group was bulky enough for the N,N-dibenzyl-type axle. According to the ΔS‡ term of the shuttling, the N-formyl and N-acetyl rotaxanes with an N,N-di-n-alkyl-type axle showed similar shuttling frequencies at room temperature.
Electrochemiluminescence-based DNA Detection Using Guanine Oxidation at Electrostatic Self-assembly of Ru(bpy)32+-doped Silica Nanoparticles on Indium Tin Oxide Electrode
Authors: Wei Hui , Wang Erkang 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
A Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticle- [Ru@Silica] modified indium tin oxide electrode was prepared by simple electrostatic self-assembly technique, and one-electron catalytic oxidation of guanine bases in double-strand and denatured DNA was realized using the electrochemiluminescence detection means.
Synthetic Application of PVP-stabilized Au Nanocluster Catalyst to Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols in Aqueous Solution under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Tsunoyama Hironori , Tsukuda Tatsuya , Sakurai Hidehiro 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (φ = 1.3 nm) stabilized by poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Au:PVP) were found to show a high catalytic activity toward the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. Various kinds of primary and secondary alcohols were converted to the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones, respectively, in basic aqueous media at 300–360 K under air.
Chemical Intertransformations of Diverse Bisdesmosidic Furostanol Saponins
Authors: Zhao Dong-Mei , Liu Yang , Liu Yong-Xiang , Zheng Li-Gang , Yan Mao-Cai , Cheng Mao-Sheng 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
An effective synthetic route towards four types of bisdesmosidic furostanol saponin was developed and 36 derivatives were designed and synthesized for antitumor investigation. The chemical intertransformations of these furostanol structures were discussed with respect to the E ring.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Hydrogen Bond Donor Ability of Sulfonylurea Molecules by Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Kawasaki Kazunori , Sakakibara Kazuhisa 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Hydrogen bond donor ability, which is an essential factor for strong black color developing and its durability on the thermal paper, of the sulfonylurea (color developer) can be evaluated well in terms of the reduction potential for the leuco dye and the sulfonylurea system in DMF by cyclic voltammetry.
High Current Density Bioelectrolysis of d-Fructose at Fructose Dehydrogenase-adsorbed and Ketjen Black-modified Electrodes without a Mediator
Authors: Kamitaka Yuji , Tsujimura Seiya , Kano Kenji 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
d-Fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) has been irreversibly adsorbed without loss of the enzymatic activity on Ketjen black (KB)-modified glassy carbon electrodes, although the adsorption rate is very slow probably owing to the microstructure of KB. The FDH-adsorbed electrode produced the enzyme-kinetic-controlled catalytic oxidation wave of d-fructose at current densities of as high as 10 mA cm−2 without a mediator, in which the electron in FDH seems to be directly transferred to the electrode via the heme c site. No hindrance was observed in the mass transfer of d-fructose to KB-modified electrodes.
Enantioselective Permeability through Membranes from a Poly(substituted phenylacetylene) Having a Chiral Helical Backbone and Achiral Bidentate Ligands as Pendant Groups
Authors: Hadano Shingo , Teraguchi Masahiro , Kaneko Takashi , Aoki Toshiki 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
A chiral helical poly(phenylacetylene) bearing N-(2-hydoroxyethyl)aminomethyl groups as ligand sites was synthesized by helix-sense-selective polymerization. In the obtained polymeric membrane, the ligands could complex with Cu2+. In permeation of aqueous solution of racemic phenylalanine, enantioselectivity in permeation through the Cu2+ complexing membrane was about 3 times higher than that of the original membrane.
Synthesis of N-(3-Arylmethyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)benzamides
Authors: Tu Shujiang , Zhang Junyong , Jia Runhong , Jiang Bo , Zhang Yan , Yao Changsheng , Jiang Hong 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
A new series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-one derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 4-arylidene-2-phenyl-5(4H)-oxazolones and pyridin-2-amine under microwave irradiation in ethylene glycol. The starting materials were easily obtained and the operation was very convenient.