bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sodium-Iodide Symporter NIS and Pendrin in Iodide Homeostasis of the Thyroid
Authors: Bizhanova Aigerim , Kopp Peter 
Published: February 2009

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal development and metabolism. Thyroid hormone biosynthesis requires iodide uptake into the thyrocytes and efflux into the follicular lumen, where it is organified on selected tyrosyls of thyroglobulin. Uptake of iodide into the thyrocytes is mediated by an intrinsic membrane glycoprotein, the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), which actively cotransports two sodium cations per each iodide anion. NIS-mediated transport of iodide is driven by the electrochemical sodium gradient generated by the Na+/K+-ATPase. NIS is expressed in the thyroid, the salivary glands, gastric mucosa, and the lactating mammary gland. TSH and iodide regulate iodide accumulation by modulating NIS activity via transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Biallelic mutations in the NIS gene lead to a congenital iodide transport defect, an autosomal recessive condition characterized by hypothyroidism, goiter, low thyroid iodide uptake, and a low saliva/plasma iodide ratio. Pendrin is an anion transporter that is predominantly expressed in the inner ear, the thyroid, and the kidney. Biallelic mutations in the SLC26A4 gene lead to Pendred syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, goiter, and impaired iodide organification. In thyroid follicular cells, pendrin is expressed at the apical membrane. Functional in vitro data and the impaired iodide organification observed in patients with Pendred syndrome support a role of pendrin as an apical iodide transporter.This review shows how the sodium-iodide symporter mediates the active transport of iodide at the basolateral membrane of thyrocytes and discusses biallelic mutations in NIS and the effects of pendrin.
Deletion of the Mitochondrial Flavoprotein Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) Induces β-Cell Apoptosis and Impairs β-Cell Mass
Authors: Schulthess Fabienne T. , Katz Sophie , Ardestani Amin , Kawahira Hiroshi , Georgia Senta , Bosco Domenico , Bhushan Anil , Maedler Kathrin 
Published: February 2009

Background
Apoptosis is a hallmark of β-cell death in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding how apoptosis contributes to β-cell turnover may lead to strategies to prevent progression of diabetes. A key mediator of apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and cell survival is apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). In the present study, we investigated the role of AIF on β-cell mass and survival using the Harlequin (Hq) mutant mice, which are hypomorphic for AIF.

Methodology/Principal Findings
Immunohistochemical evaluation of pancreata from Hq mutant mice displayed much smaller islets compared to wild-type mice (WT). Analysis of β-cell mass in these mice revealed a greater than 4-fold reduction in β-cell mass together with an 8-fold increase in β-cell apoptosis. Analysis of cell cycle dynamics, using BrdU pulse as a marker for cells in S-phase, did not detect significant differences in the frequency of β-cells in S-phase. In contrast, double staining for phosphorylated Histone H3 and insulin showed a 3-fold increase in β-cells in the G2 phase in Hq mutant mice, but no differences in M-phase compared to WT mice. This suggests that the β-cells from Hq mutant mice are arrested in the G2 phase and are unlikely to complete the cell cycle. β-cells from Hq mutant mice display increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis, which was confirmed in human islets in which AIF was depleted by siRNA. AIF deficiency had no effect on glucose stimulated insulin secretion, but the impaired effect of hydrogen peroxide on β-cell function was potentiated.

Conclusions/Significance
Our results indicate that AIF is essential for maintaining β-cell mass and for oxidative stress response. A decrease in the oxidative phosphorylation capacity may counteract the development of diabetes, despite its deleterious effects on β-cell survival.
Flavivirus NS5 associates with host-cell proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis-2 (RIMS2) via an internal PDZ binding mechanism
Authors: Ellencrona Karin , Syed Asim , Johansson Magnus 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are flaviviruses, which can cause lethal hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis, respectively. Here, we demonstrate that the TBEV-NS5 and DENV-NS5 proteins use an internal binding mechanism to target human PDZ proteins. TBEV-NS5 has high affinity to regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis-2 (RIMS2) and Scribble, whereas DENV-NS5 binds primarily to the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Targeting of TBEV-NS5 to the plasma membrane is stabilised by ZO-1; however, DENV-NS5 co-localises with ZO-1 in the nucleus. These interactions have potential important roles in the ability of flaviviruses to manipulate cell proliferation, junction permeability and the interferon pathways.
Evaluation of biomarkers of exposure and potential harm in smokers, former smokers and never-smokers
Authors: Lowe Frazer J. , Gregg Evan O. , McEwan Michael 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The objective of this study was to obtain baseline data on biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) in smokers, former smokers and never-smokers.: This was a cross-sectional study of 80 healthy male and female volunteers over 21 years old, self-selected for smoking status. Subjects were pre-screened by medical staff at an independent clinical research unit, within 1 week prior to a single overnight residential visit and sample collection.: All BoE were able to differentiate between the two smoking groups and smokers from all non-smokers. There was a strong correlation between cigarettes smoked per day and total urinary nicotine equivalents (TNE; r=0.85). TNE correlated better with 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol levels than cigarettes smoked per day (r=0.75 and r=0.56, respectively). Of the BoPH included in this study, seven (11-dehydro-thromboxane B2, 2, 3-dinorthromboxane B2, 8-epi prostaglandin F: While BoE clearly differentiate between groups based on self-declared smoking status, most BoPH examined could not do so in a consistent manner. The dynamics of BoPH levels are not well understood. Future studies of BoPH should eliminate potential confounding factors and increase the number of subjects to allow the investigation of genetic polymorphism in metabolic pathways.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:311–20.
Sensitive and specific ELISA coated by TpN15-TpN17-TpN47 fusion protein for detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum
Authors: Sun Ai Hua , Mao Ya Fei , Hu Ye , Sun Qi , Yan Jie 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: We constructed an artificial fusion gene:: The relative positive rate of rTpN15-17-47-ELISA in 965 serum specimens of syphilis patients was 99.5%, which was higher than that of the: The rTpN15-17-47-ELISA is a sensitive and specific serological screening or a diagnostic method for syphilis in the clinical setting.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:321–6.
Pregnant women's perception of cesarean section on demand
Authors: Tschudin Sibil , Alder Judith , Hendriksen Stephanie , Bitzer Johannes , Popp Karoline Aebi , Zanetti Rosanna , Hösli Irene , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Geissbühler Verena 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Aims: To assess pregnant women's awareness of and attitudes towards cesarean section (CS) on demand, as well as to identify specific target groups by focusing on differences dependant on the participants' background, parity and intended mode of delivery.

Methods: The study was conducted at two centers during three months. German-speaking pregnant women were invited to answer an anonymous, structured questionnaire. We compared urban vs. rural, nulliparous vs. parous and women opting for a CS vs. denying this wish, with regard to awareness and attitudes towards CS on demand.

Results: Ninety-two percent of the 201 participants were aware of the possibility to deliver by CS on demand. Their sources of information were mostly print media reports, television, or friends. Pain avoidance and missing the birth experience were the main reasons for and against CS on demand, respectively. For women opting for CS on demand, traumatically-experienced previous birth and the child's well-being were other important reasons for a CS.

Conclusions: Because negative birth experience appears to be decisive for pregnant women's attitude towards CS on demand and their perception of CS seems to be partly based on misconceptions, antenatal counseling should focus on these aspects.
Values of amniotic fluid index in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Weissmann-Brenner Alina , O'Reilly-Green Christopher , Ferber Asaf , Divon Michael Y. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Aims: To measure the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods: A retrospective study of pregnancies complicated with PPROM was performed. Data collected included maternal age, parity, gestational age at PPROM and at birth, and AFI on admission. Gestational age matched AFIs were obtained from a low-risk control group in a 3:1 ratio.

Results: One hundred and two singleton pregnancies with PPROM formed the study population. The mean gestational age at PPROM was 29±5.3 weeks (range: 14–36.6 weeks). The mean AFI in the PPROM and the control groups was 5.8±3.6 cm (0–18.5 cm) and 13.7±3.2 cm (7.3–24.4 cm), respectively (P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve of AFI in the prediction of PPROM was 0.95 (P<0.001). An AFI of ≤10 cm had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 89.2%, 88.5%, 72.2% and 96%, respectively, in supporting the diagnosis of PPROM.

Conclusions: The presence of low AFI supports the diagnosis of PPROM. ROC curve analysis revealed that an AFI ≤10 cm is the optimal cut-off value in the suspicion of PPROM.
Comparison of Light Weight Deflectometer Measurements for Pavement Foundation Materials
Authors: Vennapusa Pavana K. R. , White David J. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Light weight deflectometers (LWDs) are increasingly being used in earthwork QC/QA testing to provide rapid determination of elastic modulus, which is an essential input for mechanistic pavement design. To successfully implement the use of these devices, it is important to understand how operating conditions affect the measurements and if differences exist between the various manufacturer devices. This paper provides a review of basic principles, different manufacturer LWD equipment, and correlations between LWD elastic modulus (ELWD) and moduli determined from other in-situ testing devices. Comparison test measurements for three different LWD devices with different plate diameters, plate contact stresses, buffer stiffnesses, and measurement techniques, and correlations with static plate load test measurements are reported in this paper.
Model Footing Load Tests on Soft Rocks
Authors: Castellanza R. , Parma M. , Pescatore V. , Silvestro G. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
This paper summarizes the results of model footing load tests on soft Calcarenite rock. To perform the experiments, a new testing device was specifically designed, and its conception and features are described in details. The centered loading tests exhibited the typical bilinear shape of the load-settlement curve since a marked change of stiffness occurs as a consequence of collapse of the lightly cemented sand structure. These tests reveal that the failure mechanism is punching shear, and it is bounded in a small region beneath the loaded area. Further tests investigated the influence of the displacement rate and footing size effect, together with tests that show a moisture-induced loss of strength. The eccentric loading tests point out the role played by the interacting external loads, and the coupling between vertical displacement and footing rotation. The overall tests allow the interaction diagram of the soil-foundation system to be derived.
Prediction of Barium Sulfate Scale Formation in Oilfield Environment
Authors: Ezuber Hosni M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
This paper represents a simple method for predicting potential scaling tendency of barium sulfate in NaCl-water solutions over a wide range of temperature and pressure solutions. The developed method has fitted the barium sulfate literature solubility data in a mathematical equation. This equation can easily predict the BaSO4 scaling tendency in environments common to oilfield brines. Results obtained using the present model are compared with numerous experimental, calculated literature data and oilfield well cases. The present method shows good agreement with the bulk of the literature and field observation. The method presented in this study is easy to use, reliable, and can be applied to any production well where BaSO4 scale occurs.
Rastersondenmetrologie: Vom metrologischen Rasterkraftmikroskop zum Mikro- und NanokoordinatenmessgerätScanning Probe Metrology: From the Metrological SFM to the Micro/Nano CMM
Authors: Dai Gaoliang , Bütefisch Sebastian , Pohlenz Frank , Danzebrink Hans-Ulrich , Koenders Ludger 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Um den vielfältigen Anforderungen auf dem Gebiet der dimensionellen Mikro- und Nanometrologie gerecht zu werden, ist ein Koordinatenmessgerät (KMG) auf der Basis der Nanopositionier- und Nanomessmaschine (NMM) aufgebaut worden. In den vergangenen Jahren sind zwei Typen von taktilen Mikro-/Nanotastern entwickelt und an dieses Gerät angekoppelt worden. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird über die Entwicklung des Mikro-/Nano-KMG berichtet. Es werden Details zum Design der wichtigsten Komponenten (Positioniersystem, Antastsystem, Software), zu Methoden der Taster-Charakterisierung sowie zu Messergebnissen an einem typischen Prüfkörper präsentiert.
Dimensionelle Metrologie an ebenen Substraten mit Mikro- und NanostrukturenDimensional Metrology on Plane Substrates with Micro- and Nanostructures
Authors: Bosse Harald , Flügge Jens , Köning Rainer , Frase Carl Georg , Häßler-Grohne Wolfgang , Just Andreas , Geckeler Ralf 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag stellt die messtechnischen Anforderungen vor zur präzisen Charakterisierung von mikro- und nanostrukturierten ebenen Substraten wie Strichmaßstäben, inkrementellen Encodern oder Masken hinsichtlich dimensioneller Messgrößen wie Positionen, Abstände, Koordinaten und Breiten von Strukturen sowie die hierzu in der PTB entwickelten Referenzverfahren und -messgeräte.
Neuer Ansatz zur Definition von geometrischen Oberflächeneigenschaften für tribologische SystemeNew Approach for the Definition of Geometrical Characteristics of Tribological Systems
Authors: Dietzsch Michael , Gröger Sophie , Gerlach Marco 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Die funktionalen Eigenschaften von tribologischen Systemen sind mit den heute genormten Kenngrößen für Form, Welligkeit und Rauheit auf Grund der Vorgehensweisen bei der Erfassung, Filterung und Zuordnung nur eingeschränkt zu bewerten. Ausgehend von einem einhüllenden Bewertungssystem werden neue Möglichkeiten der Beschreibung der Interaktion der geometrischen Oberflächeneigenschaften für tribologische Systeme vorgestellt.
Koordinatenmesstechnik als Schlüsseltechnologie der FertigungsmesstechnikCoordinate Metrology as a Key Technology in Production Measurement
Authors: Härtig Frank , Hirsch Jürgen , Jusko Otto , Kniel Karin , Neuschaefer-Rube Ulrich , Wendt Klaus 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Mithilfe der Koordinatenmesstechnik werden in der Fertigungsmesstechnik komplexe Werkstückgeometrien und -formen dreidimensional erfasst. Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit ausgewählten Arbeiten auf den Gebieten der hochgenauen Formmesstechnik, Verzahnungsmesstechnik, Multisensor-Messtechnik und Messunsicherheitsermittlung, die im Fachbereich Koordinatenmesstechnik der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (PTB) in den vergangenen Jahren durchgeführt wurden.
Mikrokoordinatenmesstechnik mit elektrischer WerkstückantastungMicro Coordinate Metrology with Electrical Probing
Authors: Hoffmann Jörg , Weckenmann Albert , Schuler Alexander 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Koordinatenmesstechnik gehört im klassischen Maschinenbau zu den Kernelementen der industriellen Qualitätssicherung. Ihre Anwendung kann auch in der Mikrotechnologie zur Bewältigung zahlreicher Herausforderungen im Bereich der geometrischen Werkstückprüfung beitragen, wenn die Gerätetechnik entsprechend miniaturisiert und die Genauigkeit verbessert werden kann. Während es mehrere kommerzielle Achssysteme für Mikrokoordinatenmessgeräte mit einer Auflösung im Nanometerbereich gibt, bestehen große praktische Beschränkungen bei der nanometeraufgelösten Werkstückantastung. Kein heute verfügbares taktiles oder optisches Mikrotastsystem kann eine vollständige Messung komplexer dreidimensionaler Bauteile leisten, weshalb oftmals aufwendige multisensorische Ansätze verfolgt werden. Elektrische Werkstückantastung bietet eine neue Möglichkeit zu holistischer, nanometeraufgelöster Koordinaten- und Oberflächenmesstechnik mit nur einem Sensor.
Efficacy of 6-, 12-, and 24-h Praziquantel Bath Treatments against Asian Tapeworms Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in Grass Carp
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Darwish Ahmed 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Praziquantel is an effective anthelmintic treatment that has been used in dogs Canis lupus familiaris and cats Felis catus. It has also been used successfully against tapeworms and trematodes in fish. This study tested the efficacy of praziquantel bath treatments (6, 12, or 24 h) at various concentrations (0.187, 0.375, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0, and 12.0 mg of praziquantel/L of water) for controlling natural infestations of Asian tapeworms Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (60–100% of the fish were infested). Treatments either were given as a single application or were applied twice (3 d apart) at fish densities of 60 or 120 g/L. The objective of the study was to find a treatment that would completely eliminate Asian tapeworms from all infested fish, as a number of states now require imported fish to be completely free of this parasite. Most of the praziquantel treatments reduced the percentage containing Asian tapeworms. Single, 24-h bath treatments at praziquantel concentrations of 0.75 mg/L or higher applied to fish held at a density of 60 g/L were the only treatments that completely eliminated Asian tapeworms. Raising the fish density from 60 to 120 g/L affected treatment success; the 24-h, 0.75-mg/L praziquantel treatment at the higher fish density did not completely eliminate Asian tapeworms (prevalence = 15%). A 12-h, 1.5-mg/L praziquantel treatment applied twice to fish held at a density of 60 g/L resulted in low Asian tapeworm prevalence (3.3%).
Effects of pulsed nitrate exposure on amphibian development
Authors: Earl Julia E. , Whiteman Howard H. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Most toxicity tests investigate constant concentrations of a chemical. Concentrations of many compounds in the environment are dynamic, however, and individuals may be more sensitive to pulses of a chemical initiated at specific points during development. Realistic toxicity tests are important to accurately assess the toxicity of a compound. Bufo americanus and Hyla chrysoscelis tadpoles were exposed to concentrations of nitrate, a pervasive stressor in the environment, up to 5 mg/L of NO3-N in constant concentrations and in pulses at three different points during development. At the termination of the experiments, individuals were measured for developmental stability (DS) and traditional fitness correlates (size, body condition, and time to metamorphosis). No significant differences were found in these measures between treatments and controls in B. americanus tadpoles. In H. chrysoscelis, however, more extreme directional asymmetry was found in the middle and late pulses, indicating that the sudden change in concentration of nitrate decreased the level of DS in tadpoles. These results indicate that nitrate has subtle but important effects at low doses, and they suggest that species may be better able to deal with pulses that occur early rather than late in development. A greater understanding about the effects of pulses will help conservation biologists to manage populations and prevent population declines.
Structural and Environmental Barriers to Condom Use Negotiation With Clients Among Female Sex Workers: Implications for HIV-Prevention Strategies and Policy
Authors: Shannon Kate , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Shoveller Jean , Rusch Melanie , Kerr Thomas , Tyndall Mark W. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between environmental–structural factors and condom-use negotiation with clients among female sex workers.Methods. We used baseline data from a 2006 Vancouver, British Columbia, community-based cohort of female sex workers, to map the clustering of “hot spots” for being pressured into unprotected sexual intercourse by a client and assess sexual HIV risk. We used multivariate logistic modeling to estimate the relationship between environmental–structural factors and being pressured by a client into unprotected sexual intercourse.Results. In multivariate analyses, being pressured into having unprotected sexual intercourse was independently associated with having an individual zoning restriction (odds ratio [OR] = 3.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 9.36), working away from main streets because of policing (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.39, 7.44), borrowing a used crack pipe (OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.49), client-perpetrated violence (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.06, 4.49), and servicing clients in cars or in public spaces (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.65, 5.73).Conclusions. Given growing global concern surrounding the failings of prohibitive sex-work legislation on sex workers' health and safety, there is urgent need for environmental–structural HIV-prevention efforts that facilitate sex workers' ability to negotiate condom use in safer sex-work environments and criminalize abuse by clients and third parties.
Monitoring Inequities in Self-Rated Health Over the Life Course in Population Surveillance Systems
Authors: Chittleborough Catherine R. , Taylor Anne W. , Baum Fran E. , Hiller Janet E. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. To investigate the effect of social mobility and to assess the use of socioeconomic indicators in monitoring health inequities over time, we examined the association of self-rated health with socioeconomic position over the life course. Methods. Data came from a cross-sectional telephone survey (n = 2999) that included life-course socioeconomic indicators and from a chronic disease and risk factor surveillance system (n = 26 400). Social mobility variables, each with 4 possible intergenerational trajectories, were constructed from family financial situation and housing tenure during childhood and adulthood. Results. Low socioeconomic position during both childhood and adulthood and improved financial situation in adulthood were associated with a reduced prevalence of excellent or very good health. Trends over time indicated that socioeconomic disadvantage in adulthood was associated with poorer self-rated health. Conclusions. Our results support policies aiming to improve family financial situation during childhood and housing tenure across the life course. Inclusion of life-course socioeconomic measures in surveillance systems would enable monitoring of health inequities trends among socially mobile groups.