bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GPR30 Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Growth Plate Declines as Puberty Progresses
Authors: Chagin Andrei S. , Sävendahl Lars 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective: Our objective was to study whether GPR30 is expressed in the epiphyseal growth plate and its potential role as a modulator of pubertal growth.Background: Estrogens play a crucial role in the regulation of skeletal maturation and longitudinal bone growth. We have previously shown that both estrogen receptors (ERs) α and β are expressed in the human epiphyseal growth plate. Recently, a membrane-bound ER referred to as GPR30 was discovered, but the role played by this receptor in the regulation of longitudinal bone growth is not yet known.Patients/Methods: Biopsies were collected from the tibial growth plates of 14 boys and seven girls that underwent epiphyseal surgery to arrest longitudinal bone growth. The patients were in different stages of puberty and suffered from inequality in leg length or extreme tall stature. Paraffin-embedded sections of the growth plates were used to detect expression of the GPR30 protein.Results: The highest level of GPR30 expression was observed in hypertrophic chondrocytes, although cells with positive immunostaining were also detected in the resting zone. In contrast, no immunoreactivity was found in the proliferative zone. During pubertal progression there was a clear decline in the level of GPR30 expression in both boys and girls.Conclusions: The novel ER GPR30 is expressed in the human growth plate, and the level of expression declines during pubertal progression. Although a relationship between GPR30 expression and age may underlie the observed pubertal decline in the GPR30 level, our observations suggest that this receptor could be involved in the modulation of longitudinal bone growth during puberty.
Elevated Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Levels Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese People
Authors: Qi Qibin , Yu Zhijie , Ye Xingwang , Zhao Feng , Huang Ping , Hu Frank B. , Franco Oscar H. , Wang Jing , Li Huaixing , Liu Yong , Lin Xu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractContext: High retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is thought to be associated with insulin resistance in humans. However, evidence from large-scale populations about the relationship between RBP4 and metabolic diseases is scarce.Objective: We evaluated plasma RBP4 distribution and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among middle-aged and older Chinese.Research Design and Methods: We evaluated plasma RBP4 in a cross-sectional sample of 3289 Chinese aged from 50 to 70 yr in Beijing and Shanghai by using an in-house developed and validated sandwich ELISA. MetS was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian-Americans.Results: RBP4 levels were higher in male and Beijing residents, compared with female and Shanghai participants (both P &lt; 0.001). RBP4 levels were associated positively with body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin (all P &lt; 0.001). In the highest RBP4 quartile, the MetS risk was significantly higher (odds ratio 2.58; 95% confidence interval 2.08–3.20) than in the lowest quartile after adjustment for potential confounders. This association remained strong (odds ratio 2.25; 95% confidence interval 1.72–2.94) after further controlling for C-reactive protein, adiponectin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and body mass index.Conclusions: This first large-scale population study shows that elevated RBP4 levels are strongly and independently associated with MetS. Prospective studies are needed to establish the role of RBP4 in the development of MetS and related diseases.
Novel Effects of Twin-tailed Cationic Surfactants on the Formation of Gold Nanorods
Authors: Kuwahara Yutaka , Yoshimori Keishiro , Tomita Keisuke , Sakai Masako , Sawada Tsuyoshi , Niidome Yasuro , Yamada Sunao , Shosenji Hideto 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The effects of using twin-tailed ammonium surfactants with different spacer-chain lengths between their alkyl tails on the formation of gold nanorods (NRs) were studied. The NRs were obtained using considerably lower concentrations of these surfactants than that of the commonly used surfactant R16Q.
Photoswitching of Solvatochromism Using Diarylethenes with 2,5-Disubstituted 3-Thienyl Unit
Authors: Tanifuji Naoki , Irie Masahiro , Matsuda Kenji 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Novel photochromic bis(3-thienyl)ethene with a 2,5-disubstituted thienyl unit, which shows photoswitching of solvatochromic property, was synthesized. The open-ring isomer showed solvatochromic behavior, while the closed-ring isomer did not. It was suggested that the alteration of the π-conjugated bond structure is the main cause of the switching of the solvatochromic property.
A Novel Layered Silicate Having the Intercalated Potassium Cation: Synthesis, Characterizations, and Modification by Acid Treatment
Authors: Komura Kenichi , Ikeda Takuji , Kawai Akiko , Mizukami Fujio , Sugi Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Synthesis and structure determination of the potassium cation intercalated crystalline materials having the lower dimensional siliceous frameworks and the modification by the acid treatment were successfully investigated. The materials were characterized by using a powder XRD, TG-DTA, solid 29Si MAS NMR, and FE-SEM.
Fabrication of Nanocomposites Composed of Carbon Nanotubes and Silica-coated Pt-based Alloy Nanoparticles
Authors: Takenaka Sakae , Orita Yoshiki , Arike Takafumi , Matsune Hideki , Tanabe Eishi , Kishida Masahiro 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Silica-coated Pt-based alloys (Pt–Co and Pt–Pd alloys) were prepared using a water-in-oil-type microemulsion. The silica-coated Pt-based alloys decomposed ethylene to form composites composed of the catalysts and carbon nanotubes.
Thrombospondin-1 Is an Endogenous Activator of TGF-β in Experimental Diabetic Nephropathy In Vivo
Authors: Daniel Christoph , Schaub Kathrin , Amann Kerstin , Lawler Jack , Hugo Christian 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), the central cytokine responsible for the development of diabetic nephropathy, is usually secreted as a latent procytokine complex that has to be activated before it can bind to its receptors. Recent studies by our group demonstrated that thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is the major activator of latent TGF-β in experimental glomerulonephritis in the rat, but its role in diabetic nephropathy in vivo is unknown.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Type 1 diabetes was induced in wild-type (n = 27) and TSP-1–deficient mice (n = 36) via streptozotocin injection, and diabetic nephropathy was investigated after 7, 9.5, and 20 weeks. Renal histology, TGF-β activation, matrix accumulation, and inflammation were assessed by immunohistology. Expression of fibronectin and TGF-β was evaluated using real-time PCR. Furthermore, functional parameters were examined.
RESULTS—In TSP-1–deficient compared with wild-type mice, the amount of active TGF-β within glomeruli was significantly lower, as indicated by staining with specific antibodies against active TGF-β or the TGF-β signaling molecule phospho-smad2/3 or the typical TGF-β target gene product plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. In contrast, the amount of glomerular total TGF-β remained unchanged. The development of diabetic nephropathy was attenuated in TSP-1–deficient mice as demonstrated by a significant reduction of glomerulosclerosis, glomerular matrix accumulation, podocyte injury, renal infiltration with inflammatory cells, and renal functional parameters.
CONCLUSIONS—We conclude that TSP-1 is an important activator of TGF-β in diabetic nephropathy in vivo. TSP-1–blocking therapies may be considered a promising future treatment option for diabetic nephropathy.
Physical mechanisms and methods employed in drug delivery to tumors
Authors: Bešić Erim 
Published: September 2007

Physical mechanisms and methods employed in drug delivery to tumorsIn addition to several well-known drug delivery strategies developed to facilitate effective chemotherapy with anticancer agents, some new approaches have been recently established, based on specific effects arising from the applications of ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields on drug delivery systems. This paper gives an overview of newly developed methods of drug delivery to tumors and of the related anticancer therapies based on the combined use of different physical methods and specific drug carriers. The conventional strategies and new approaches have been put into perspective to revisit the existing and to propose new directions to overcome the threatening problem of cancer diseases.
Development of spray-dried co-precipitate of amorphous celecoxib containing storage and compression stabilizers
Authors: Dhumal Ravindra , Shimpi Shamkant , Paradkar Anant 
Published: September 2007

Development of spray-dried co-precipitate of amorphous celecoxib containing storage and compression stabilizersThe purpose of this study was to obtain an amorphous system with minimum unit operations that will prevent recrystallization of amorphous drugs since preparation, during processing (compression) and further storage. Amorphous celecoxib, solid dispersion (SD) of celecoxib with polyvinyl pyrrollidone (PVP) and co-precipitate with PVP and carrageenan (CAR) in different ratios were prepared by the spray drying technique and compressed into tablets. Saturation solubility and dissolution studies were performed to differentiate performance after processing. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder difraction revealed the amorphous form of celecoxib, whereas infrared spectroscopy revealed hydrogen bonding between celecoxib and PVP. The dissolution profile of the solid dispersion and co-precipitate improved compared to celecoxib and amorphous celecoxib. Amorphous celecoxib was not stable on storage whereas the solid dispersion and co-precipitate powders were stable for 3 months. Tablets of the solid dispersion of celecoxib with PVP and physical mixture with PVP and carrageenan showed better resistance to recrystallization than amorphous celecoxib during compression but recrystallized on storage. However, tablets of co-precipitate with PVP and carageenan showed no evidence of crystallinity during stability studies with comparable dissolution profiles. This extraordinary stability of spray-dried co-precipitate tablets may be attributed to the cushioning action provided by the viscoelastic polymer CAR and hydrogen bonding interaction between celecoxib and PVP. The present study demonstrates the synergistic effect of combining two types of stabilizers, PVP and CAR, on the stability of amorphous drug during compression and storage as compared to their effect when used alone.
Synthesis and brain antihypoxic activity of some aliphatic and arylaliphatic amides of caffeine-8-thioglycolic acid
Authors: Mitkov Javor , Danchev Nikolai , Nikolova Irina , Zlatkov Alexander 
Published: September 2007

Synthesis and brain antihypoxic activity of some aliphatic and arylaliphatic amides of caffeine-8-thioglycolic acidThe synthesis of some aliphatic and arylaliphatic amides of caffeine-8-thioglycolic acid was studied. The structures of synthesized compounds were proved by micro-analyses, IR- and1H NMR data. Values of acutep.o.andi.p.toxicity in mice show lower toxicity compared to caffeine. Declines in spontaneous locomotor activity support the idea of depressive CNS activity of the compounds. Two compounds exhibited brain antihypoxic activity (5aand5bagainst haemic and circulatory hypoxia, respectively).
Scaling of Dynamics in the Earliest Stages of Walking
Authors: Holt Kenneth G , Saltzman Elliot , Ho Chia-Ling , Ulrich Beverly D 
Published: September 2007

Background and PurposeAlthough the description of mature walking is fairly well established, less is known about what is being learned in the process. Such knowledge is critical to the physical therapist who wants to teach children with developmental delays. The purpose of this experiment was to test the notion that learning to walk efficiently involves fine-tuning the body’s controllable stiffness (by co-contraction and isometric muscle contractions against gravity) to match (at a 1:1 scaling) the gravitational (pendular) stiffness of the swing leg.SubjectsThe study participants were 7 children with typical development and the newly emerged ability to walk 6 steps without falling (ages 11 months to 1 year 5 months at the onset of walking).MethodsPendular stiffness and spring stiffness were estimated from the equations of motion for a hybrid model with kinematic data as children walked over ground. Testing occurred once per month for the first 7 months of walking.ResultsAfter the first month of walking, children walked with greater spring stiffness than would be predicted by the model. The ratio began to approach the predicted value (1:1) as the months progressed.Discussion and ConclusionThe results of this and a previous study of the pendular dynamics of gait suggest that learning to walk is a 2-stage process. The first stage involves the child’s discovery of how to conserve energy by inputting a particular muscular force at the correct moment in the cycle. The second stage involves the fine-tuning of the soft-tissue stiffness that takes advantage of the resonance characteristics of tissues. In order to address developmental delays, investigators must discover the dynamic resources used for the activity and attempt to foster their development. A number of interventions that probe this approach are discussed.
Successful detection of verbal and visual concealed knowledge using an RT‐based paradigm
Authors: Seymour Travis L. , Kerlin Jess R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn increasing number of researchers are exploring variations of the Concealed Knowledge Test (CKT) as alternatives to traditional ‘lie‐detector’ tests. For example, the response times (RT)‐based CKT has been previously shown to accurately detect participants who possess privileged knowledge. Although several studies have reported successful RT‐based tests, they have focused on verbal stimuli despite the prevalence of photographic evidence in forensic investigations. Related studies comparing pictures and phrases have yielded inconsistent results. The present work compared an RT‐CKT using verbal phrases as stimuli to one using pictures of faces. This led to equally accurate and efficient tests using either stimulus type. Results also suggest that previous inconsistent findings may be attributable to study procedures that led to better memory for verbal than visual items. When memory for verbal phrases and pictures were equated, we found nearly identical detection accuracies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated process and product analysis: A multiscale approach to paint spray
Authors: Li Jia , Xiao Jie , Huang Yinlun , Lou Helen H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIt is known that even if process information at macroscale is fully accessible and properly utilized in manufacturing, product and process performance may be still not sufficiently assured. This may be due to the influence of phenomena at finer scales, which are normally not measurable and thus unknown in operation. Besides, even if such information is available, how to integrate it across scales is yet to be discovered. In this work, an integrated process and product analysis methodology is developed via a multiscale approach. This methodology can provide deep understanding of various interrelationships across multiple scales of length and time, which could be essential for substantial improvement of product and process performance. The methodology is successfully applied to the analysis of the paint spray operation in automotive surface coating, with the extension of the analysis from the macroscale of 10−2–101 m and 100–102 s to the meso‐macroscale of 10−6–101 m and 10−5–102 s. Model‐based simulation reveals various new opportunities for simultaneous improvement of coating quality, energy and material efficiencies, and environmental cleanness. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Transendothelial migration of leukocytes is promoted by plasma from a subgroup of immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients with small‐vessel ischemic brain disease
Authors: Jimenez Joaquin J. , Jy Wenche , Mauro Lucia M. , Horstman Lawrence L. , Fontana Vincenzo , Ahn Yeon S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe previously described a subgroup of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients presenting with recurring transient ischemic attack‐like symptoms and progressive cognitive impairment due to small vessel disease (SVD) seen in the brain. They presented minimal bleeding despite thrombocytopenia, and platelet activation was elevated compared to classic ITP. On the hypothesis that the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is compromised in this subgroup, we investigated the effect of plasma from SVD‐ITP patients on the transendothelial migration of leukocytes (TEML). Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) were grown to confluence on 6.5‐μm pore filters and plasma from 10 healthy controls, 20 classic ITP, and 5 SVD‐ITP were added and incubated 24 hr. Then 1 × 105 monocytes (U937) were added and the number migrated through the EC monolayer after 6 hr was measured by flow cytometry. The effect on TEML of danazol was also assessed. We found that plasma from SVD‐ITP but not classic ITP induced 10‐fold rise in EC activation marker CD62E and a sevenfold increase in TEML, to 38.5% ± 12.5% of cells migrated, compared to normal controls (5.6% ± 1.2%) or classic ITP (6.1% ± 0.2%), P < 0.001. Preincubation of U937 with endothelial microparticles (EMP) increased TEML by 20.0% ± 6.4% with SVD‐ITP plasma, significantly more than with classic ITP or control plasmas, P = 0.003. Pretreatment of cultures with danazol (100 μg/mL) inhibited TEML by 25% in all wells tested, whether or not EMP were added. In summary, SVD‐ITP plasma activates EC and augments TEML, suggesting plasma‐mediated BBB dysfunction in this syndrome. Danazol modestly but significantly inhibited TEML. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Forest fragmentation, the decline of an endangered primate, and changes in host–parasite interactions relative to an unfragmented forest
Authors: Gillespie Thomas R. , Chapman Colin A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractForest fragmentation may alter host–parasite interactions in ways that contribute to host population declines. We tested this prediction by examining parasite infections and the abundance of infective helminths in 20 forest fragments and in unfragmented forest in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Over 4 years, the endangered red colobus (Procolobus rufomitratus) declined by 20% in fragments, whereas the black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus guereza) in fragments and populations of both colobines in unfragmented forest remained relatively stable. Seven nematodes (Strongyloides fulleborni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Oesophagostomum sp., an unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., and Colobenterobius sp.), one cestode (Bertiella sp.), and three protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and Giardia sp.) were detected. Infection prevalence and the magnitude of multiple infections were greater for red colobus in fragmented than in unfragmented forest, but these parameters did not differ between forests for black‐and‐white colobus. Infective‐stage colobus parasites occurred at higher densities in fragmented compared with unfragmented forest, demonstrating greater infection risk for fragmented populations. There was little evidence that the nature of the infection was related to the size of the fragment, the density of the host, or the nature of the infection in the other colobine, despite the fact that many of the parasites are considered generalists. This study suggests that forest fragmentation can alter host–parasite dynamics and demonstrates that such changes can correspond with changes in host population size in forest fragments. Am. J. Primatol. 70:222–230, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downregulation of macrophage inhibitory molecules in multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Koning Nathalie , Bö Lars , Hoek Robert M. , Huitinga Inge 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveInflammatory and demyelinating activity of activated resident macrophages (microglia) and recruited blood‐borne macrophages are considered crucial in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion development. The membrane glycoproteins CD200 and CD47, highly expressed on neurons, are mediators of macrophage inhibition via their receptors CD200R and signal‐regulatory protein α, respectively, on myeloid cells. We determined the expression pattern of immune inhibitory molecules in relation to genes involved in macrophage activation and MS lesion pathology.MethodsLaser dissection microscopy was combined with real‐time polymerase chain reaction to quantitatively study these gene expression patterns in specific subareas (rim, center, and normal‐appearing white matter) of chronic active and inactive MS lesions.ResultsHallmarks of MS pathology were confirmed by messenger RNA expression patterns of glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament (NF), myelin basic protein, growth factors, chemokines and receptors, and macrophage activation markers, although expression of osteopontin and αB‐crystallin was decreased. CD200 and CD47 were downregulated in the center of chronic active and inactive MS lesions. CD47 expression was also decreased in the rim of chronic active lesions, where complement expression was increased. This expression profile was also found in normal‐appearing white matter surrounding these lesions, but not surrounding inactive lesions. Expression of CD200R and signal‐regulatory protein α was not altered.InterpretationThese data suggest that diminished immune inhibition via decreased CD200 and CD47 expression contributes to a disturbed equilibrium in macrophage and microglia activation in MS lesions. Furthermore, this may result in a proinflammatory predisposition in the area surrounding chronic active lesions, thereby contributing to axonal injury, demyelination, and possible lesion expansion. Ann Neurol 2007
The effect of Gamma and EB irradiation on the mechanical properties of thermosetting polymers and their composites
Authors: Ikeo Yasuhiro , Chihara Yasutaka , Aoki Kazuhiko , Hirayama Akira , Matsuda Satoshi , Kishi Hajime , Murakami Atsushi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe degradation mechanism in molecular order by electron beam (EB) irradiation for three types of thermosetting polymers (bisphenol type vinylester, Novolak‐type vinylester and tetra functional epoxy resin) is confirmed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and the swelling test in this study. The level of degradation in molecular order is quite high. The same result was observed in Novolak‐type vinylester but not in tetrafunctional epoxy resin. The results of the swelling test showed that the cross‐linking networks were destroyed by γ‐ or electron beam irradiation remarkably for both the vinylester resins. For the tetrafunctional epoxy resin, γ‐ or electron irradiation does not give any effect even in molecular order in high radiation intensity such as 20 MGy. However, the mechanical properties such as bending strength, modulus and fracture toughness of all composites (both vinylester resin and tetrafunctional epoxy resin composites) reinforced by a chopped‐strand glass mat or flake‐like mica change a little after 20 MGy EB irradiation. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.