bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystallization improvement of poly(L‐lactide) induced by functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Yanli , Wang Yong , Liu Li , Han Liang , Xiang Fangming , Zhou Zuowan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn the present work, the crystalline structures and the melting behaviors of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) obtained after being annealed at different conditions have been investigated through differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, respectively. To improve the crystallization of PLLA, functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) are introduced into PLLA. Our results show that by prolonging the annealing duration or enhancing the annealing temperature, the degree of crystallinity of PLLA gradually increases. Very important, the addition of f‐MWCNTs promotes the cold‐crystallization of PLLA dramatically even at relatively lower annealing temperature or in shorter annealing duration. Further results show that, whether in neat PLLA or in PLLA/f‐MWCNTs nanocomposite, only α form crystal forms during the annealing process. The glass transition temperature shifts to high temperatures because of the increase of crystallinity. F‐MWCNTs exhibit great heterogeneous nucleation effect for PLLA crystallization through enhancing the nucleation density, leading to homogeneous and tiny spherulites formation in a very short time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 326–339, 2009
Modern valence bond description of the electronic mechanism of a [1,3] sigmatropic rearrangement linking bicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐ene and bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene (norbornene)
Authors: Karadakov Peter B. , Cooper David L. , Uhe Andreas 
Published: December 2008

AbstractModern valence bond theory, in its spin‐coupled (SC) form, is used to examine the bond‐breaking and bond‐making processes that take place along the lowest‐energy path for a gas‐phase [1,3] sigmatropic rearrangement linking bicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐ene and bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene (norbornene). The changes within the SC wave functions depicting the direct “suprafacial with inversion” pathway reveal in a very clear cut way the singlet diradical character of structures along the plateau in the energy profile. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Relationship between first polar body morphology before intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and embryo quality
Authors: Navarro Paula Andrea , de Araújo Maria Medeiros , de Araújo Carlos Medeiros , Rocha Marcelo , dos Reis Rosana , Martins Wellington 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of the morphology of the first polar body (PB) on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.MethodsThe morphology of the first PB was assessed in 3177 metaphase II oocytes and classified as: intact and normal size, fragmented, or enlarged size. The rates of fertilization, cleavage, and embryo quality were evaluated on day 2.ResultsThe rates of fertilization, cleavage, and formation of good quality embryos resulting from the insemination of oocytes with an enlarged first PB (20.7%, 18.7%, and 5.0%, respectively) were significantly lower than those for oocytes with an intact first PB of normal size (70.8%, 62.5%, and 19%, respectively) or a fragmented first PB (69.7%, 60.5%, and 17.1%, respectively). Rates did not differ significantly between oocytes with an intact first PB of normal size and oocytes with a fragmented first PB (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe presence of an enlarged PB is related to poorer rates of fertilization, cleavage, and top quality embryos. However, identification of first PB fragmentation does not seem to interfere with ICSI outcomes.
Effect of β-carotene-rich tomato lycopene β-cyclase (tlcy-b) on cell growth inhibition in HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Palozza Paola , Bellovino Diana , Simone Rossella , Boninsegna Alma , Cellini Francesco , Monastra Giovanni , Gaetani Sancia 
Published: December 2008

Lycopene β-cyclase (tlcy-b) tomatoes, obtained by modulating carotenogenesis via genetic engineering, contain a large amount of β-carotene, as clearly visible by their intense orange colour. In the present study we have subjectedtlcy-btomatoes to anin vitrosimulated digestion and analysed the effects of digestate on cell proliferation. To this aim we used HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells, grown in monolayers, as a model. Digested tomatoes were diluted (20 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml/l) in culture medium and added to the cells for different incubation times (24 h, 48 h and 72 h). Inhibition of cell growth by tomato digestate was dose-dependent and resulted from an arrest of cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 and G2/M phase and by apoptosis induction. A down-regulation of cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression was observed. We also found that heat treatment of samples before digestion enhanced β-carotene release and therefore cell growth inhibition. To induce with purified β-carotene solubilised in tetrahydrofuran the same cell growth inhibition obtained with the tomato digestate, a higher amount of the carotenoid was necessary, suggesting that β-carotene micellarised during digestion is utilised more efficiently by the cells, but also that other tomato molecules, reasonably made available during digestion, may be present and cooperate with β-carotene in promoting cell growth arrest.
Newton, Locke and the Trinity: Sir Isaac's comments on Locke's:A Paraphrase and Notes on the Epistle of St Paul to the Romans
Authors: Parker Kim Ian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractUntil the recent discovery of a page of Isaac Newton's observations on John Locke'sParaphrase and Notes on St Paul's Epistle to the Romans, it was not known whether Newton had received or remarked upon Locke's work or, in turn, whether Locke had ever received Newton's comments. Since its discovery, however, it is possible to trace Locke's corrections and speculate on the extent and direction to which Newton may have influenced Locke. This article first establishes the theological relationship between Newton and Locke and, second, argues that Locke's revisions in light of Newton's suggestions reveal an anti-trinitarian spirit to his discussion. A previously unpublished transcription of Newton's manuscript fragment is also included.
Iodine status in a Sherpa community in a village of the Khumbu region of Nepal
Authors: Heydon Emma E , Thomson Christine D , Mann Jim , Williams Sheila M , Skeaff Sheila A , Sherpa Kami T , Heydon John L 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the iodine status of Sherpa residents living in Kunde village, Khumbu region, Nepal.DesignPrevalence of goitre was determined by palpation. Urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) were determined in casual morning samples, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in finger-prick blood samples on filter paper. Dietary and demographic data were obtained via questionnaire, and selected foods analysed for iodine.SettingKhumbu region is an area of low soil iodine in Nepal, where the prevalence of goitre was greater than 90 % in the 1960s prior to iodine intervention.SubjectsTwo hundred and fifteen of 219 permanent residents of Kunde were studied.ResultsOverall prevalence of goitre was 31 % (Grade 1 goitre, 27·0 %; Grade 2, 4·2 %). When adjusted to a world population, goitre prevalence was 27 % (95 % CI 23, 32 %); Grade 2 goitre prevalence was 2·8 % (95 % CI 1·0, 4·6 %). Median UIC was 97 μg/l, but only 75 μg/l in women of childbearing age. Thirty per cent had UIC < 50 μg/l and 52 % had UIC < 100 μg/l, while 31 % of children aged <14 years had UIC > 300 μg/l. Ten per cent of participants had TSH concentrations >5 μU/ml.ConclusionsThe prevalence of severe iodine deficiency has decreased since the 1960s, but mild iodine deficiency persists, particularly in women of childbearing age. The consumption of high-iodine uncooked instant noodles and flavour sachets by school-aged children contributed to their low prevalence of goitre and excessive UIC values. This finding may obscure a more severe iodine deficiency in the population, while increasing the risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism in children. Ongoing monitoring is essential.
Socio-environmental, personal and behavioural predictors of fast-food intake among adolescents
Authors: Bauer Katherine W , Larson Nicole I , Nelson Melissa C , Story Mary , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the socio-environmental, personal and behavioural factors that are longitudinally predictive of changes in adolescents’ fast-food intake.DesignPopulation-based longitudinal cohort study.SettingParticipants from Minnesota schools completed in-class assessments in 1999 (Time 1) while in middle school and mailed surveys in 2004 (Time 2) while in high school.SubjectsA racially, ethnically and socio-economically diverse sample of adolescents (n 806).ResultsAvailability of unhealthy food at home, being born in the USA and preferring the taste of unhealthy foods were predictive of higher fast-food intake after 5 years among both males and females. Among females, personal and behavioural factors, including concern about weight and use of healthy weight-control techniques, were protective against increased fast-food intake. Among males, socio-environmental factors, including maternal and friends’ concern for eating healthy food and maternal encouragement to eat healthy food, were predictive of lower fast-food intake. Sports team participation was a strong risk factor for increased fast-food intake among males.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that addressing socio-environmental factors such as acculturation and home food availability may help reduce fast-food intake among adolescents. Additionally, gender-specific intervention strategies, including working with boys’ sports teams, family members and the peer group, and for girls, emphasizing the importance of healthy weight-maintenance strategies and the addition of flavourful and healthy food options to their diet, may help reduce fast-food intake.
Maternal perceptions of their child’s weight status: the GENESIS study
Authors: Manios Yannis , Kondaki Katerina , Kourlaba Georgia , Vasilopoulou Emilia , Grammatikaki Evangelia 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present work was to quantify mothers’ misclassification of pre-school children’s weight status and to determine factors associated with the maternal misperception.DesignA representative sample of 2287 children aged 2–5 years was examined (GENESIS study). Mothers’ perceptions of their child’s weight status and the children’s and mothers’ anthropometric and other characteristics (sociodemographic and lifestyle) were recorded.ResultsAlmost 38 % of mothers underestimated their child’s weight status. The frequency of underestimation was much higher among ‘at risk of being overweight’ and ‘overweight’ children (88·3 % and 54·5 %, respectively) compared with ‘underweight/normal-weight’ children (18·0 %,P< 0·001). Multiple logistic regression modelling revealed that the likelihood of mothers’ underestimation of their child’s weight status was significantly higher in boys, in children engaging in physical activity for less than 3 h/week and in children whose mothers had low education status, compared with their counterparts. Moreover, the higher the BMI-for-ageZ-score, the greater the odds that the mother would underestimate her child’s weight status.ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that more than one-third of mothers misclassify their children’s weight status as being lower than the actual. Given that mother’s weight perception might be an important determinant of child’s body weight development, clinicians and health professionals should help mothers correctly classify their children’s weight status, which could potentially help in the early prevention of overweight and obesity.
Jupiter – friend or foe? II: the Centaurs
Authors: Horner J. , Jones B.W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIt has long been assumed that the planet Jupiter acts as a giant shield, significantly lowering the impact rate of minor bodies upon the Earth, and thus enabling the development and evolution of life in a collisional environment which is not overly hostile. In other words, it is thought that, thanks to Jupiter, mass extinctions have been sufficiently infrequent that the biosphere has been able to diversify and prosper. However, in the past, little work has been carried out to examine the validity of this idea. In the second of a series of papers, we examine the degree to which the impact risk resulting from objects on Centaur-like orbits is affected by the presence of a giant planet, in an attempt to fully understand the impact regime under which life on Earth has developed. The Centaurs are a population of ice-rich bodies which move on dynamically unstable orbits in the outer Solar system. The largest Centaurs known are several hundred kilometres in diameter, and it is certain that a great number of kilometre or sub-kilometre sized Centaurs still await discovery. These objects move on orbits which bring them closer to the Sun than Neptune, although they remain beyond the orbit of Jupiter at all times, and have their origins in the vast reservoir of debris known as the Edgeworth–Kuiper belt that extends beyond Neptune. Over time, the giant planets perturb the Centaurs, sending a significant fraction into the inner Solar System where they become visible as short-period comets. In this work, we obtain results which show that the presence of a giant planet can act to significantly change the impact rate of short-period comets on the Earth, and that such planets often actually increase the impact flux greatly over that which would be expected were a giant planet not present.
Lotus japonicusCASTOR and POLLUX Are Ion Channels Essential for Perinuclear Calcium Spiking in Legume Root Endosymbiosis
Authors: Charpentier Myriam , Bredemeier Rolf , Wanner Gerhard , Takeda Naoya , Schleiff Enrico , Parniske Martin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe mechanism underlying perinuclear calcium spiking induced during legume root endosymbioses is largely unknown. Lotus japonicus symbiosis-defective castor and pollux mutants are impaired in perinuclear calcium spiking. Homology modeling suggested that the related proteins CASTOR and POLLUX might be ion channels. Here, we show that CASTOR and POLLUX form two independent homocomplexes in planta. CASTOR reconstituted in planar lipid bilayers exhibited ion channel activity, and the channel characteristics were altered in a symbiosis-defective mutant carrying an amino acid replacement close to the selectivity filter. Permeability ratio determination and competition experiments reveled a weak preference of CASTOR for cations such as potassium over anions. POLLUX has an identical selectivity filter region and complemented a potassium transport–deficient yeast mutant, suggesting that POLLUX is also a potassium-permeable channel. Immunogold labeling localized the endogenous CASTOR protein to the nuclear envelope of Lotus root cells. Our data are consistent with a role of CASTOR and POLLUX in modulating the nuclear envelope membrane potential. They could either trigger the opening of calcium release channels or compensate the charge release during the calcium efflux as counter ion channels.
Superantigen‐presentation by rat major histocompatibility complex class II molecules RT1.Bl and RT1.Dl
Authors: Dlaske Henry , Karaüzüm Hatice , Monzon‐Casanova Elisa , Rudolf Ronald , Starick Lisa , Müller Ingrid , Wildner Gerhild , Diedrichs‐Möhring Maria , Koch Norbert , Miyoshi‐Akiyama Tohru , Uchiyama Takehiko , Wonigeit Kurt , Fleischer Bernhard , Overbeck Silke , Rink Lothar , Herrmann Thomas 
Published: December 2008

SummaryRat major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules RT1.Bl (DQ‐like) and RT1.Dl (DR‐like) were cloned from the LEW strain using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and expressed in mouse L929 cells. The transduced lines bound MHC class II‐specific monoclonal antibodies in an MHC‐isotype‐specific manner and presented peptide antigens and superantigens to T‐cell hybridomas. The T‐cell‐hybridomas responded well to all superantigens presented by human MHC class II, whereas the response varied considerably with rat MHC class II‐transduced lines as presenters. The T‐cell hybridomas responded to the pyrogenic superantigens Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), SEC1, SEC2 and SEC3 only at high concentrations with RT1.Bl‐transduced and RT1.Dl‐transduced cells as presenters. The same was true for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SPEA), but this was presented only by RT1.Bl and not by RT1.Dl. SPEC was recognized only if presented by human MHC class II. Presentation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis superantigen (YPM) showed no MHC isotype preference, while Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen (MAS or MAM) was presented by RT1.Dl but not by RT1.Bl. Interestingly, and in contrast to RT1.Bl, the RT1.Dl completely failed to present SEA and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 even after transduction of invariant chain (CD74) or expression in other cell types such as the surface MHC class II‐negative mouse B‐cell lymphoma (M12.4.1.C3). We discuss the idea that a lack of SEA presentation may not be a general feature of RT1.D molecules but could be a consequence of RT1.Dlβ‐chain allele‐specific substitutions (arginine 80 to lysine, asparagine 82 to aspartic acid) in the extremely conserved region flanking the Zn2+‐binding histidine 81, which is crucial for high‐affinity SEA‐binding.
Enhancement of T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumour immunity via the ectopically expressed glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor‐related receptor ligand (GITRL) on tumours
Authors: Piao Jinhua , Kamimura Yosuke , Iwai Hideyuki , Cao Yujia , Kikuchi Keisuke , Hashiguchi Masaaki , Masunaga Taro , Jiang Hongsi , Tamura Kouichi , Sakaguchi Shimon , Azuma Miyuki 
Published: December 2008

SummaryGlucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor‐related receptor (GITR) costimulates functions of both effector and regulatory T cells. The administration of agonistic anti‐GITR monoclonal antibodies efficiently enhances various T‐cell‐mediated immune responses; however, it is unknown to what extent the ligand of GITR (GITRL) contributes to T‐cell responses. We investigated the involvement of endogenously expressed GITRL on dendritic cells and ectopically expressed GITRL on tumours in T‐cell‐mediated immunity. Expression of GITRL on dendritic cells in secondary lymphoid organs was limited, and treatment with anti‐GITRL monoclonal antibodies did not substantially affect T‐cell‐mediated immunity to alloantigens, a specific protein antigen (ovalbumin), or tumour antigens. The introduction of GITRL promoted anti‐tumour immunity in four tumour models. Tumour‐associated GITRL greatly augmented the effector function of CD8+ T cells and enhanced the contribution of CD8+ T cells. These events reduced the crucial contribution of CD25+ CD4+ regulatory T cells, which were found to inhibit immunity against tumours lacking GITRL. Peritumoral injection of GITRL tumour vaccine efficiently inhibited the growth of established tumours. Our results suggest that the ectopic expression of GITRL in tumour cells enhances anti‐tumour immunity at peripheral tumour sites. Consequently, the combined use of a GITRL tumour vaccine with methods aimed at enhancing the activation of host antigen‐presenting cells in secondary lymphoid tissues may be a promising strategy for tumour immunotherapy.
Effects of Human Fecal Flora on Intestinal Morphology and Mucosal Immunity in Human Flora‐associated Piglet
Authors: Che C. , Pang X. , Hua X. , Zhang B. , Shen J. , Zhu J. , Wei H. , Sun L. , Chen P. , Cui L. , Zhao L. , Yang Q. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHuman flora‐associated (HFA) piglet model was established to examine the effects of gut microbes from a different donor species on the intestinal morphology and mucosal immunity. Newborn germ‐free piglets, obtained by caesarean section, were orally inoculated with a human and a porcine faecal suspension, and artificially fed to establish a HFA group (n = 7) and pig flora‐associated (PFA) group (n = 7), respectively. All pigs were killed 6 weeks later. Tissue samples from duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were collected and studied by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry methods for intestinal morphological analyses and detection of immunocompetent cells. In summary, both groups of pigs performed well but HFA pigs had a somewhat better daily weight gain, and their jejunal villus height and crypt depth were significantly higher. In comparison with PFA pigs, the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes in jejunum was lower but the number of goblet cells containing neutral mucins was significantly increased in HFA pigs. No difference was observed in the number of mast cells. The areas of IgA producing cells and CD4+ T cells in the jejunum and IgG producing cells in the small intestine were significantly higher in HFA pigs. However, the areas of MHC class II expressing cells were significantly increased in the duodenum and colon. Additionally, the amount of Bifidobacteria spp. was significantly higher in HFA pigs. This study confirms that the composition of gut microbes differentially affects the host intestinal mucosal immunity and suggests that commensal bacteria have great effects on intestinal health and development.
Modified Human Beta 2‐Microglobulin (desLys58) Displays Decreased Affinity for the Heavy Chain of MHC Class I and Induces Nitric Oxide Production and Apoptosis
Authors: Wang M. , Harhaji L. , Lamberth K. , Harndahl M. , Buus S. , Heegaard N. H. H. , Claesson M. H. , Nissen M. H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBeta2‐microglobulin (β2m) is the light chain of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecules, and is a prerequisite for the binding of peptides to the heavy chain and their presentation to CD8+ T cells. β2m can be modified in vivo and in vitro by proteolytic cleavage by complement C1 and subsequent carboxypeptidase B‐like activity – processes that lead to the generation of desLys58β2m (dβ2m). This work aims to study the effect of dβ2m on peptide binding to MHC‐I, the influence of dβ2m on the binding of β2m to the MHC‐I heavy chain and the biological activity of dβ2m. Both β2m and dβ2m are able to support the generation of MHC‐I/peptide complexes at 18 °C, but complexes formed in the presence of dβ2m destabilize at 37 °C. Moreover, a 250 times higher concentration of dβ2m than of β2m is needed to displace MHC‐I associated β2m from the cell surface. In addition, only β2m is able to restore MHC‐I/peptide complex formation on acid‐treated cells whereas dβ2m appears to bind preferentially to denatured MHC‐I heavy chains. In cell cultures, exogenously added dβ2m, but not β2m, induces apoptotic cell death in monocytic leukaemic cell lines but spares other kinds of leukaemic cells. Additionally, the presence of dβ2m, and to a lesser extent β2m, enhances IFN‐γ‐induced NO production by monocytic leukaemic cells. In conclusion, these data show that dβ2m is not able to support the formation of a stable tri‐molecular MHC‐I complex at physiological temperature and that dβ2m exerts other biological functions compared to β2m when bound to cells.