bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of porcine growth differentiation factor‐9 and its expression in oocyte maturation
Authors: Lee Gab Sang , Kim Hye Soo , Hwang Woo Suk , Hyun Sang Hwan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDuring follicular development, the importance of the interaction between oocytes and somatic cells is well‐known for maturation oocyte. Growth differentiation factor‐9 (gdf‐9) is thought to play an important role in such process. In this study, we characterized porcine gdf‐9 gene and investigate its expression during development. Also we determined its expression by different hormones during in vitro oocyte maturation. Overall length of pig gdf‐9 cDNA was cloned and its presumptive protein sequence of isolated cDNA has high homology to human or mouse GDF‐9 sequences. The gdf‐9 transcript was expressed in all stage of preimplantation embryos and fetuses, and was also expressed in the heart, brain, cumulus cells, spleen, ovary, and testis. Porcine GDF‐9 protein was specifically localized in in vitro matured oocyte and oocytes from adult ovary. In order to investigate the potential regulator of gdf‐9 gene expression, expression level of gdf‐9 gene was determined using serum‐free in vitro maturation (IVM) system. Supplementing with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), or epidermal growth factor (EGF) did not affect level of gdf‐9 gene expression during ooycte maturation. In conclusion, porcine gdf‐9 gene is expressed in the porcine reproductive organ, especially in oocytes and embryos, and its expression is decreased during IVM. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 707–714, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of novel hybrid inorganic–organic hollow microspheres via a self‐template approach
Authors: Zhu Yan , Fu Jianwei , Zhu Lu , Tang Xiaozhen , Huang Xiaobin 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Hollow microspheres, especially biodegradable polymeric microspheres, have attracted considerable attention due to their particular characteristics. Up to now, microspheres have been prepared via various strategies, for instance the template synthesis method and the self‐assembly process. However, economic, novel and simple methods to prepare hollow microspheres are still being sought.RESULTS: Phosphazene‐containing microspheres, which contain self‐assembled core‐shell structures, were prepared at high colloid contents using an ultrasonic bath via a self‐template approach. Along with the controlled self‐degradation of the internal core, the corresponding hybrid inorganic–organic hollow microspheres appeared. The mechanism was evidenced by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, cross‐polarization with magic angle spinning NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.CONCLUSION: It was clarified that the phosphazene‐containing microspheres could be formed and stably dispersed without aggregation even at high colloid contents using the ultrasonic bath method and the microspheres contain self‐assembled core–shell structures. Along with the controlled self‐degradation of the internal core, the corresponding hollow microspheres appeared. The mechanism of this preparation is of great significance because it is completely different from the conventional template synthesis method and the self‐assembly process. The absence of any stabilizing agent and special templates might inspire creative imagination in the design of new morphologies of micro‐ and nanostructures. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Seismic fragility relationships of reinforced concrete high‐rise buildings
Authors: Ji Jun , Elnashai Amr S. , Kuchma Daniel A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA complete methodology is presented for the seismic fragility assessment of reinforced concrete high‐rise buildings. The key steps of the methodology are illustrated through an example of the fragility assessment of an existing 54‐story building with a dual core wall system. The set of rigorously derived probabilistic fragilities are the first published for high‐rise reinforced concrete buildings. The inelastic nonlinear dynamic analyses for the fragility assessments are made using a simplified lumped‐parameter model that was derived from highly detailed FE models using genetic algorithms. New definitions for performance limit states were based on the results of detailed pushover analyses of a distributed inelastic nonlinear finite element model that includes shear–flexure–axial interaction effects. To develop the fragility relationships, 1800 dynamic response history analyses were conducted. This study considered uncertainty in structural material values as well as in seismic demand. Thirty strong motion records were selected for use in the analyses that would produce an appropriate range in structural response characteristics due to variation in magnitude, distance and site condition. The overall approach is generic and can be applied to developing computationally efficient and probabilistically‐based seismic fragility relationships for reinforced concrete high‐rise buildings of different configurations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured Surfaces of Metals and Polymers by Imprinting with Nanoporous Alumina
Authors: Schmid Günter , Levering Matthias , Sawitowski Thomas 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAnodic oxidation of aluminium surfaces yields nanoporous films which can be applied as masks to structure various materials. Pore widths and lengths can be adjusted by the oxidation conditions. Polymers such as poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), silicone polyester coated surfaces as well as the metals aluminium, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum, copper, silver, zinc, and brass have successfully been nanostructured.Commercially available press devices have been applied using pressures between ca. 100 and 1000 MPa, depending on the hardness of the corresponding material. The structure of the masks is 1:1 transferred onto polymer or metal surfaces. The quality of the imprinted surfaces depends mainly on the quality of the material's surface to be imprinted, since any kind of roughness or pre‐structuring is transferred to the new surface. Optical properties of several of the nanostructured surfaces have been investigated as well as the change of the wetting behaviour of PTFE. Pillars on silver surfaces, generated by imprinting, behave like nanoparticles of appropriate size, i. e. they exhibit plasmon resonances in the UV‐vis spectra. The wavelengths depend characteristically on the size of the structure units. Imprinted glassy polymers show a different light transmission, compared with non‐imprinted surfaces. This effect can be used to improve their reflection behaviour.
Synthesis and Properties of Nickel(II) Complexes Containing Trimethylphosphine and Thiophenolato‐Ligands
Authors: Cao Ruixia , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Hongjian 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe reaction of thiophenols with [NiMe2(PMe3)3] yields thiophenolato nickel(II) complexes trans‐[Ni(SAr)2(PMe3)2] (Ar = phenyl (1), 2‐methylphenyl (2) and 4‐methoxyphenyl (3)) with tetracoordinated nickel atoms. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The three complexes show trans square planar arrangement of the donor atoms. The mechanism of formation is proposed and discussed. In addition the intermediate methyl thiophenolato nickel(II) complex, [Ni(SAr)(PMe3)2Me] (Ar = phenyl) (4) was isolated in the case of thiophenol.
Me3Si–SeS–SiMe3: A Reagent for the Synthesis of the Mixed Sulfo‐Selenide Cluster [Cu84Se42–xSx(PEt2Ph)24]
Authors: Turner Elizabeth A. , Huang Yining , Corrigan John F. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the first silylated mixed‐chalcogen reagent, Me3Si–SeS–SiMe3, is presented. This reagent is shown to be an effective and efficient delivery source of both sulfur and selenium as demonstrated in the synthesis of a [Cu84Se42–xSx(PEt2Ph)24] (x ≈ 15) cluster. The reaction proceeds with chalcogen‐chalcogen bond cleavage and the resulting X‐ray crystal structure of [Cu84Se42–xSx(PEt2Ph)24] illustrates the intimate mixing of sulfur and selenium within the cluster core.
Trovacene Chemistry. 16, 1,1a‐Di([5]trovacenyl)‐1,1,1a,1a‐tetraphenyl‐disiloxane: Electro‐ and Magneto‐Communication Across a Si‐O‐Si Spacer
Authors: Elschenbroich Christoph , Lu Feng , Burghaus Olaf , Harms Klaus , Nowotny Mathias 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBy means of lithiation and subsequent derivatization [5]trovacenyl‐diphenylsilanol (2·), di([5]trovacenyl)tetraphenyl‐disiloxane (3··), di([5]trovacenyl)tetramethyl‐disiloxane (4··) and di([5]trovacenyldimethylsilyl)methane (6··) have been prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (2·, 3··, 6··). Although the bond angles of the disiloxane bridges differ considerably, magnetic exchange interaction in these organometallic diradicals is practically unaffected as shown by fluid solution EPR spectroscopy. By way of contrast, electrocommunication clearly responds to change in the structure of the SiOSi spacer in that the redox splittings derived from cyclic voltammetry display the gradation δE1/2 (0/–/2–) 4·· < 6·· < 3··. It is proposed that in this order electronic polarizability in the intervening spacer increases thereby facilitating the transmission of electrostatic effects.
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations Renegotiating a Post‐Prophylactic Mastectomy Identity: Self‐Image and Self‐Disclosure.
Authors: Kenen Regina H. , Shapiro Pamela J. , Hantsoo Liisa , Friedman Susan , Coyne James C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) website is devoted to women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. One of the most frequently discussed topics on the archived messaged board has been prophylactic mastectomy (PM) for women with a BRCA1/2 mutation. We reviewed the messages, over a 4 year period, of 21 high risk women and their “conversational” partners who originally posted on a thread about genetic testing, genetic counseling and family history. We used a qualitative research inductive process involving close reading, coding and identification of recurrent patterns, relationships and processes in the data. The women sought emotional support, specific experiential knowledge and information from each other. They frequently found revealing their post PM status problematic because of possible negative reactions and adopted self‐protective strategies of evasion and concealment outside of their web‐based community. The FORCE message board was considered to be a safe place in which the women could be truthful about their choices and feelings. Results are discussed in terms of Goffman's concepts “stigma” and “disclosure” and Charmaz's concepts “interruptions,” “intrusions” and a “dreaded future.”
Supplementary feeding at milking and minimum milking interval effects on cow traffic and milking performance in a pasture-based automatic milking system
Authors: Jago Jenny G , Davis Kendra L , Copeman Peter J , Ohnstad Ian , Woolford Murray M 
Published: October 2007

In extensive pastoral dairy farming systems herds graze 12 months of the year with the majority fed a near-100% pasture or conserved pasture diet. The viability of automatic milking in these systems will depend partly upon the amount of supplementary feed necessary to encourage cows to walk from the pasture to the milking unit but also on the efficient use of the automatic milking system (AMS). This paper describes a study to determine the importance of offering concentrate in the milking unit and the effect of minimum milking interval on cow movement and milking performance in a pasture-based AMS. The effects of feeding rate (FR0=0 kg or FR1=1 kg crushed barley/d) and minimum milking interval (MM6=6 h or MM12=12 h) on cow movement and behaviour during milking were studied in a multi-factorial cross-over (feeding level only, 4 weeks per treatment) experiment involving 27 mixed-breed cows milked through a single AMS. Feeding 1 kg barley in the milking unit resulted in a higher visiting frequency to the pre-selection unit (FR0=4·6 visits/d, FR1=5·4 visits/d,sed=0·35,P<0·05) and a higher yield (FR0=22·5 kg/d, FR1=23·6 kg/d,sed=0·385,P<0·01) but had no effect on milking frequency (FR0=1·6 milkings/d, FR1=1·7 milkings/d,sed=0·04, NS). Minimum milking interval was the major factor influencing milking frequency (MM6=1·9, MM12=1·4 milkings/d,sed=0·15,P<0·01). The absence of feeding in the milking unit had no negative effect on behaviour during milking or the number of cows that had to be manually driven from the paddock. The results show that automatic milking can be combined with a near-100% pasture diet and that milking interval is an important determinant for maximizing milk harvested per AMS.
Modeled contributions of three types of diazotrophs to nitrogen fixation at Station ALOHA
Authors: Goebel Nicole L , Edwards Christopher A , Church Matthew J , Zehr Jonathan P 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
A diagnostic model based on biomass and growth was used to assess the relative contributions of filamentous nonheterocystous Trichodesmium and unicellular cyanobacteria, termed Groups A and B, to nitrogen fixation at the North Pacific Station ALOHA over a 2-year period. Average (and 95% confidence interval, CI) annual rates of modeled monthly values for Trichodesmium, Group B and Group A were 92 (52), 14 (4) and 12 (8) mmol N per m2 per year, respectively. The fractional contribution to modeled instantaneous nitrogen fixation by each diazotroph fluctuated on interannual, seasonal and shorter time scales. Trichodesmium fixed substantially more nitrogen in year 1 (162) than year 2 (12). Group B fixed almost two times more nitrogen in year 1 (17) than year 2 (9). In contrast, Group A fixed two times more nitrogen in year 2 (16) than year 1 (8). When including uncertainties in our estimates using the bootstrap approach, the range of unicellular nitrogen fixation extended from 10% to 68% of the total annual rate of nitrogen fixation for all three diazotrophs. Furthermore, on a seasonal basis, the model demonstrated that unicellular diazotrophs fixed the majority (51%–97%) of nitrogen during winter and spring, whereas Trichodesmium dominated nitrogen fixation during summer and autumn (60%–96%). Sensitivity of the modeled rates to some parameters suggests that this unique attempt to quantify relative rates of nitrogen fixation by different diazotrophs may need to be reevaluated as additional information on cell size, variability in biomass and C:N, and growth characteristics of the different cyanobacterial diazotrophs become available.
The Immune Response in Patients with SARS: differential gene expression profiling.
Authors: Pushparaj Peter Natesan , Manikandan Jayapal , Melendez Alirio Jose 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged in 2003, as a new epidemic form of life-threatening infection. As of 26th September 2003, there were 8422 cases of SARS from 29 countries with 908 deaths (WHO). However, the pathogenesis of SARS is poorly understood. To understand the host response to this pathogen, we profiled the gene expression patterns of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SARS patients compared to healthy controls using one of the latest techniques, high density oligonucleotide expression probe array (HG-Focus array, Gene Chip, Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). High-density oligonucleotide microarray is a promising approach for high throughput analysis. It has been extensivelyused in many areas of biomedical research for different purposes. Thus we could compare the expression levels of thousands of genes which are differentially expressed in SARS patients over healthy controls. Among the most prominent findings, we observed 2 to 200-fold increased expression of transcripts of various genes. This enabled us to classify and cluster genes by functional families as well as to understand known genes in signalingpathways.
Differential Gene Expression of Human Mast cell Activation Reveals Gene profiles of Innate and Adaptive Immunity.
Authors: Manikandan Jayapal , Renji Reghunathan , Pushparaj Peter Natesan , Melendez Alirio Jose 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHigh-density oligonucleotide microarray is a promising approach for high throughput analysis. It has been extensively used in many areas of biomedical research. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated allergic response (type-1 hypersensitivity) is one of the most powerful reactions of the immune system. Tissue Mast Cells (MCs) and circulating basophils are the major effector cells in these reactions. By dissecting the regulatory circuitry of mast cells by analyzing the genome wide effects of antigen stimulation triggered by FcεRI, offers a potential for finding novel genes as ‘targets’ for therapeutic intervention. In this work, we tried to study the gene expression pattern in IgE sensitized and FcεRI cross linked cord blood derived MCs using one of the latest techniques, high density oligonucleotide expression probe array (HG-Focus array, Gene Chip, Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Microarray hybridization of RNA from cord blood derived MCs revealed coordinated changes in gene expression in response to IgE stimulation and receptor cross linking at different time points. Among the most prominent findings, we observed 2 to 32-fold increased expression of different transcripts. Real-time PCR confirmed reliability of microarray data. This enabled us to classify and cluster genes by functional families as well as to understand known genes in signaling pathways. These results defined a list of primary candidates for finding novel genes as ‘targets’ for therapeutic intervention.
Genome activity profiling of monomeric-IgE and Fc-epsilon-RI-aggregation on human mast cells reveals a complex network of genes involved in inflammatory responses.
Authors: Manikandan Jayapal , Melendez Alirio Jose , Pushparaj Peter Natesan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMast cell activation, mediates type-1 allergic responses, one of the most powerful reactions of the immune system. However, mast cells activation is becoming increasingly linked to inflammatory, autoimmunity, and to adaptive immunity by regulating T-cell activation.Here we analyzed the gene expression pattern in IgE-sensitized and FcεRI aggregation on human mast cells. Our data revealed coordinated changes in gene expression. We observed increased expression of gene-transcripts involved in allergic, innate and adaptiveimmune responses. Among the most prominent findings is the increased expression of transcripts encoding for MIP3a, SPARCL1, AREG, IL18, CCL1, TNFRSF9, IL1b, CX3CR1, PTGER3, MIF, MMP12, ADORA3, IL8RB, and other genes involved in innate and cellmediatedimmunity. These results represent a substantial advance in our understanding of the genome-wide effects triggered by “passive sensitization” or active stimulation of human mast cells, and how this relate to mast cells involvement not only in allergicresponses but also in innate and adaptive immunity.
Tumor necrosis factor and caspase in response to soluble or microparticle-incorporated drugs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Yadav Awadh Bihari , Misra Amit 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe compared the effects of microparticles (MP) containig anti-tubercular drugs and those of the drugs themselves on the host macrophage (MΦ) response to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (Mtb). Mice infected intravenously with M. tb. were either administered rifampicin and isoniazid by oral gavage or through inhalation of biodegradable MP containing the two anti-tubercular drugs. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was perfomed to recover lung MΦ, which were cultured and the supernatant analysed for TNFα by ELISA. The murine MΦ cell line J774 or the human monocyte line THP-1 differentiated with phorbol myristate were infected in vitro and treated with MP or soluble drugs. The kinetics of secretion of TNFα were determined. Caspase-3 activity after infection and treatment was assesed using a substrate cleavage detection kit.MP, but not soluble drugs, strongly induced TNFα in infected cells. Uninfected cells also responded to MP, although less strongly. Caspase-3 was observed to be upregulatedWe conclude that MP treatment induces infected MΦ to upregulate the Th1 cytokine TNFα and Caspase-3, creating conditions for induction of apoptosis in these cells as a strategy to overcome infection.
The Bovine Cervix During the Oestrous Cycle: Regional Differences in Morphology and Density of Steroid Hormone Receptors
Authors: Breeveld‐Dwarkasing VNA , Van Der Weijden GC , Taverne MAM , Van Dissel‐Emiliani FMF 
Published: October 2007

ContentsDuring oestrus collagen breakdown in the bovine cervix is significantly higher in the superficial stromal layer than in the deep stromal layer. Steroid hormones are known to play a role in the regulation of cervical softening. Therefore an immunohistochemical study on the expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors was performed to investigate a possible relationship between steroid hormone receptor density and collagen breakdown in different regions of the cervix in cyclic cows with no functional corpus luteum. The density of oestrogen and progesterone receptors along the cross‐sectional axis shows an increasing gradient from the epithelium towards the deep stromal layer of the cervix. It is not yet clear how this is related to softening of the bovine cervix during the oestrous phase.