bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe Preeclampsia-Related Changes in Gene Expression at the Maternal-Fetal Interface Include Sialic Acid-Binding Immunoglobulin-Like Lectin-6 and Pappalysin-2
Authors: Winn Virginia D. , Gormley Matthew , Paquet Agnes C. , Kjaer-Sorensen Kasper , Kramer Anita , Rumer Kristen K. , Haimov-Kochman Ronit , Yeh Ru-Fang , Overgaard Michael T. , Varki Ajit , Oxvig Claus , Fisher Susan J. 
Published: September 2008

Preeclampsia (PE), which affects 4–8% of human pregnancies, causes significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Within the basal plate, placental cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) of fetal origin invade the uterus and extensively remodel the maternal vasculature. In PE, CTB invasion is often shallow, and vascular remodeling is rudimentary. To better understand possible causes, we conducted a global analysis of gene expression at the maternal-fetal interface in placental samples from women with PE (n = 12; 24–36 wk) vs. samples from women who delivered due to preterm labor with no evidence of infection (n = 11; 24–36 wk), a condition that our previous work showed is associated with normal CTB invasion. Using the HG-U133A&B Affymetrix GeneChip platform, and statistical significance set at log odds-ratio of B &gt;0, 55 genes were differentially expressed in PE. They encoded proteins previously associated with PE [e.g. Flt-1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1), leptin, CRH, and inhibin] and novel molecules [e.g. sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin 6 (Siglec-6), a potential leptin receptor, and pappalysin-2 (PAPP-A2), a protease that cleaves IGF-binding proteins]. We used quantitative PCR to validate the expression patterns of a subset of the genes. At the protein level, we confirmed PE-related changes in the expression of Siglec-6 and PAPP-A2, which localized to invasive CTBs and syncytiotrophoblasts. Notably, Siglec-6 placental expression is uniquely human, as is spontaneous PE. The functional significance of these novel observations may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of PE, and assaying the circulating levels of these proteins could have clinical utility for predicting and/or diagnosing PE.Gene expression analysis of placental basal plates from severe preeclamptic pregnancies and controls revealed differential expression of 55 genes, including Siglec-6 and pappalysin-2.
Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Accelerates Termination of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Induced Extracellularly Regulated Kinase 1/2 and Akt Activation by Regulating the Expression and Degradation of Specific Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatases in Bovine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Sen Aritro , Lv Lihua , Bello Nora , Ireland James J. , Smith George W. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPleiotropic actions of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) are well described in the central nervous system and periphery, but the intracellular mechanisms mediating biological actions of CART are poorly understood. Although CART is not expressed in mouse ovaries, we have previously established CART as a novel intracellular regulator of estradiol production in bovine granulosa cells. We demonstrated that inhibitory actions of CART on estradiol production are mediated through inhibition of FSH-induced cAMP accumulation, Ca2+ influx, and aromatase mRNA expression via a Go/i-dependent pathway. We also reported that FSH-induced estradiol production is dependent on Erk1/2 and Akt signaling, and CART may regulate other signaling proteins downstream of cAMP essential for estradiol production. Here, we demonstrate that CART is a potent inhibitor of FSH-stimulated Erk1/2 and Akt signaling and the mechanisms involved. Transient CART stimulation of bovine granulosa cells shortens the duration of FSH-induced Erk1/2 and Akt signaling whereas a prolonged (24 h) CART treatment blocks Erk1/2 and Akt activation in response to FSH. This CART-induced accelerated termination of Erk1/2 and Akt signaling is mediated both by induced expression and impaired ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation of dual specific phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) and protein phosphatase 2A. Results also support existence of a negative feedback loop in which CART via a Go/i-MAPK kinase dependent pathway activates Erk1/2, and the latter induces DUSP5 expression. Moreover, small interfering RNA mediated ablation of DUSP5 and/or protein phosphatase 2A prevents the CART-induced early termination of Erk1/2 and Akt signaling. Results provide novel insight into the intracellular mechanism of action of CART in regulation of FSH-induced MAPK signaling.
Factors Influencing the Career Aspirations and Preferred Modes of Working in Recent Dental Graduates in Wales
Authors: Davies Luke , Thomas David R , Sandham Sandra J , Treasure Elizabeth T , Chestnutt Ivor G 
Published: September 2008

Introduction In England and Wales, National Health Service (NHS) primary dental care services are now commissioned on a local basis. In planning for the future, it is important that commissioning authorities have a clear understanding of the perspectives of recent dental graduates: vocational dental practitioners (VDPs). Objectives This study investigated the career aspirations and preferred modes of working of VDPs in Wales. Methodology Data were collected via a postal questionnaire, comprising 37 closed and open questions, mailed to all 59 VDPs in Wales. Results A total of 53 (90%) VDPs participated, of whom 47 saw their future in general dental practice: 5, 35, and 7 indicating a preference to work in the NHS, mixed (NHS and private), and private sector, respectively. None selected the Community Dental Service as their preferred vocation. More than half of all respondents intended to undertake a postgraduate qualification within the next five years and 22 wished to specialise. Of the 53 VDPs, 44 were concerned that lack of NHS contracts would limit where they could practise, and agreed that family and other social commitments were a significant influence on choice of practice location. Access to high-quality premises and continuing professional development were agreed as important by 41 VDPs. A majority (37) agreed that private dentistry was an attractive alternative to NHS dentistry. Of the respondents, 38 (22 females, 16 males) expected to work part-time at some point in the future and 14 said they would consider a career outside dentistry. Only nine VDPs agreed that they would be happy working in a single-handed practice and even fewer (six) indicated they would be happy working for a corporate body. Conclusions Numerous factors impact on the career aspirations of VDPs. These factors have been quantified in this study, and healthcare-commissioning bodies need to be aware of them when planning future dental care provision in Wales.
An Audit of Dentine Hypersensitivity Treatments in Six General Dental Practices in Scotland
Authors: Chadwick R Graham , Mason Andrew G 
Published: September 2008

Aims This investigation sought to: (a) determine the agents used by nine dentists to treat dentine hypersensitivity and measure their effectiveness; (b) evaluate the adoptive ease and apparent success of the most effective treatment when used by all nine dentists; and (c) validate a novel categorical ranking score for dentine hypersensitivity. Methods A clinical audit methodology was used in the setting of general dental practice. In the initial data-collection round, patients presenting with dentine hypersensitivity were treated using the dentist's favoured regimen. Evaluation of agent effectiveness was made by patient completion of a pre- and post-treatment visual analogue scale (VAS) for the frequency (f) and severity (s) of hypersensitivity. A four-point categorical ranking scale (CRS) was also used to assess the impact of hypersensitivity upon lifestyle (L) (1= No sensitivity/effect on what I eat/drink; 2 = Sometimes sensitive, rarely interfering with what I eat/drink; 3 = Sometimes sensitive, occasionally interfering with what I eat/drink; 4 = Always sensitive, always interfering with what I eat/drink). The most successful treatment was determined and used by all participating dentists. Its effectiveness was then assessed using the same criteria. Results Four agents were routinely used to treat hypersensitivity: (Duraphat (D) (Colgate), Duraphat & Sensodyne (DS) (GlaxoSmithKline), Sensodyne (S) (GlaxoSmithKline), Seal & Protect (SP) (De Trey, Dentsply). All produced statistically significant ( P<0.001) reductions in VAS (Tukey) and CRS (Kruskal-Wallis) scores, except for DS and S. Of these, the greatest percentage reduction was seen for SP (f=72.01%, s=71.19%, L=45.98%). When SP was applied by all dentists, similar percentage reductions were seen (f=68.74%, s=75.85%, L=38.33%). The CRS, in both data-collection rounds, correlated well with the corresponding VAS scores (Spearman R for f=0.77 ( P<0.001) and for s=0.80 ( P<0.001). Conclusion For the dentists in this audit, the use of SP was found to be reliable and predictable. The CRS provided a simple and reliable measure of dentine hypersensitivity. Subject to validation in a larger study, this could be used in a future audit as an alternative to multiple VAS scores.
A Study on the Fluorescence Quenching of Eosin by certain Organic Dyes
Authors: Kathiravan A. , Anbazhagan V. , Asha Jhonsi M. , Renganathan R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The fluorescence quenching of Eosin by certain dyes has been investigated using steady state technique. The dyes used are Uniblue-A, Acid blue 129, Alizarin, Alizarin red S, Erichrome Black T, Tartrazine, Methyl orange, Methyl red, Acid orange 63, Congo red. The quenching was found to obey the Stern-Volmer equation and the corresponding Stern-Volmer plots were linear in the range of quencher concentration used [0−5×10−
5] M. The quenching rate constant (k

q
) is in the range of 0.85–26.65×1012 M−
1s−
1. The quenching mechanism is discussed on the basis of the quenching rate constants as well as the reduction potential of the dyes. Rehm-Weller equation is applied for the calculation of free energy change (ΔGet).
Structural Investigations on Nanocomposite Mixed Metal Oxide Powders Used in Surface Catalysis
Authors: Krishnan Venkata , Heislbetz Sandra , Bertagnolli Helmut 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Structural investigations were performed on catalytically active WO3/CeO2 and CeO2/yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) nanocomposite mixed metal oxide powders, by means of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and Raman spectroscopy. In the case of WO3/CeO2 nanocomposites, WO3 in varying compositions, were supported on CeO2 and in the CeO2/YSZ nanocomposites, CeO2 in different compositions, were supported on YSZ. Wet impregnation technique was used for the preparation of samples in both the cases. The EXAFS and Raman investigations on WO3/CeO2 nanocomposites show that the structure of the different WO3/CeO2 nanocomposites is similar to that of crystalline CeO2 and WO3 doping does not modify the local environment around the cerium atoms. The studies on CeO2/YSZ nanocomposites reveal that the YSZ retains its structural integrity even after doping with CeO2. Hence the studies on the ceria containing two different nanocomposite mixed metal oxide powders indicate that there is no diffusion of the doped oxides into the metal oxide support. Therefore, it is confirmed that the dopant is only on the surface of the support material.
Thermodynamic and Transport Behavior of Binary Liquid Mixtures of 1-Decanol with Hexadecane and Squalane at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K
Authors: Dubey Gyan P. , Sharma Monika 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
This paper presents densities, ρ, speeds of sound, u and viscosities, η of pure 1decanol, C10H21OH, hexadecane, C16H34, squalane (2,4,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetraco- sane), C30H62 and their binary liquid mixtures, with 1-decanol, C10H21OH as a common component, over the whole composition range at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K. The excess molar volume, V

m

E
, excess molar isentropic compressibility, K

E

S

,

m
, deviation of the speed of sound, u

D
, from their ideal values u

id
in an ideal mixture, and viscosity deviation, Δη were calculated from experimental data. The apparent molar volumes,	Φ

v

,

i
and apparent molar isentropic compressibilities,	Φ

k

,

i
were also calculated. The values of	Φ

v

,

i
and	Φ

k

,

i
were used to estimate the partial molar volumes and partial molar isentropic compressibilities at infinite dilution, ߙV¯	Φ,i

0 and ߙK¯	Φ,i

0, respectively. Apart from using density data for calculating V

m

E
, excess molar volumes have also been estimated by using Prigogine-Flory-Patterson (PFP) theory.
Experimental and Quantum Chemical Study of the Oxidation Mechanism of CF2CFBr by O2
Authors: Badenes M.P. , Czarnowski Joanna , Cobos Carlos J. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The oxidation mechanism of bromotrifluoroethylene, CF2CFBr, by molecular oxygen has been investigated in the gas phase at 416 and 460 K. Based on the CF2CFBr consumption, the yields of the principal product CF2BrC(O)F were 77% and 70% at 416 and 460 K, respectively. Smaller amounts of CF2O, CFBrO and only traces of CF3C(O)F and CO2 were also formed. In the absence of O2, no consumption of CF2CFBr was observed. The oxidation follows a chain mechanism propagated by Br atoms. The energetics of the relevant reaction pathways was studied using different density functional theory methods including more accurate high-level G3 ab initio calculations. The studies revealed that the oxidation is initiated by attack on the carbon atom of the CF2 group of CF2CFBr by the O2. The predicted activation energy for this process is 26.6 kcal mol–1. All other electronic energy barriers and reaction intermediates are below the reagents energy. The theoretical calculations support the proposed reaction mechanism based on previous experimental studies.
Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Infection of CD34+ Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Induces Cell Cycle Arrest by Modulation of p21cip1/waf1 and Survivin
Authors: Banerjee Prabal , Sieburg Michelle , Samuelson Elizabeth , Feuer Gerold 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is an oncogenic retrovirus and the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), an aggressive CD4+ malignancy. HTLV-2 is highly homologous to HTLV-1; however, infection with HTLV-2 has not been associated with lymphoproliferative diseases. Although HTLV-1 infection of CD4+ lymphocytes induces cellular replication and transformation, infection of CD34+ human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) strikingly results in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and suppression of in vitro clonogenic colony formation by induction of expression of the cdk inhibitor p21cip1/waf1 (p21) and concurrent repression of survivin. Immature CD34+/CD38− hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were more susceptible to alterations of p21 and survivin expression as a result of HTLV-1 infection, in contrast to more mature CD34+/CD38+ HPCs. Knockdown of p21 expression in HTLV-1-infected CD34+ HPCs partially abrogated cell cycle arrest. Notably, HTLV-2, an HTLV strain that is not associated with leukemogenesis, does not significantly modulate p21 and survivin expression and does not suppress hematopoiesis from CD34+ HPCs in vitro. We speculate that the remarkable differences in the activities displayed by CD34+ HPCs following infection with HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 suggest that HTLV-1 uniquely exploits cell cycle arrest mechanisms to establish a latent infection in hematopoietic progenitor/hematopoietic stem cells and initiates preleukemic events in these cells, which eventually results in the manifestation of ATL.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Endogenous Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-9 Promote the Differentiation and Migration of Adult Neural Progenitor Cells in Response to Chemokines
Authors: Barkho Basam Z. , Munoz Ari E. , Li Xuekun , Li Lu , Cunningham Lee Anna , Zhao Xinyu 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is regulated by both intrinsic programs and extrinsic stimuli. The enhanced proliferation of adult neural stem/progenitor cells (aNPCs) in the subventricular zone and the migration of neuroblasts toward the ischemic region in adult brains present a unique challenge as well as an opportunity to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the extrinsic cue-induced neurogenic responses. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteinases known to play a role in extracellular matrix remodeling and cell migration. However, their presence in aNPCs and their potential function in injury-induced aNPC migration remain largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate that in response to two injury-induced chemokines, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor, aNPCs differentiated into migratory cells that expressed increased levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9. Whereas differentiated neuroblasts and a subpopulation of astrocytes migrated toward the chemokines, undifferentiated progenitors did not migrate. Blocking the expression of MMP-3 or MMP-9 in aNPCs interfered with both the differentiation of aNPCs and chemokine-induced cell migration. Thus, endogenous MMPs expressed by aNPCs are important for mediating their neurogenic response to extrinsic signals.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Design and Production of Specifically High Affinity Reacting Peptides (SHARP®-s)
Authors: Biro Jan C. 
Published: September 2008

Background:
A partially random target selection method was developed to design and produce affinity reagents
(target) to any protein query. It is based on the recent concept of Proteomic Code (for review see Biro, 2007 [1]) which
suggests that significant number of amino acids in specifically interacting proteins are coded by partially complementary
codons. It means that the 1 and 3 residues of codons coding many co-locating amino acids are complementary but the
2 may but not necessarily be complementary: like 5’-AXG-3’/3’-CXT-5’ codon pair, where X is any nucleotide.

Results:
A mixture of 45 residue long, reverse, partially complementary oligonucleotide sequences (target pool) was synthesized
to selected epitopes of query mRNA sequences. The 2nd codon residues were randomized. The target oligonucleotide
pool was inserted into vectors, expressed and the protein products were screened for affinity to the query in Bacterial
Two-Hybrid System. The best clones were used for larger-scale protein syntheses and characterization. It was possible
to design and produce specific high affinity reacting (Kd: ~100 nM) oligopeptide reagents to GAL4 query oligopeptides.

Conclusions:
Second codon residue randomization is a promising method to design and produce affinity peptides to any
protein sequences. The method has the potential to be a rapid, inexpensive, high throughput, non-immunoglobulin based
alternative to recent in vivo antibody generating procedures.
Clinical Significance of Additional Wide Resection for Unplanned Resection of High Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Morii T , Yabe H , Morioka H , Anazawa U , Suzuki Y , Toyama Y 
Published: September 2008

Purpose:Unplanned resection of musculoskeletal sarcoma involves tumor excision without any suspicion of malignancy or regard for the necessity of defining adequate margins. For orthopaedic oncologists, many opportunities arise for management of unplanned resections initially performed by non-specialist surgeons. The puropose of this study is to assess the clinical outcomes and the problems of the patients with unplanned resection of high-grade soft tissue sarcoma.Methods:77 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. Oncological outcomes together with validity and problems of additional treatments were analyzed.Results:Five-year local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, event-free survival and total survival were 71.55%, 73.2%, 57.5% and 85.9%, respectively. Among adjuvant therapy including additional wide resection, radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, only additional wide resection significantly improved oncological outcomes.Conclusion:Additional wide resection appears to be effective in the treatment of high-grade soft tissue sarcomas following primary resection with compromised margins of resection.
Effects of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis on Driving Ability, Memory Functioning, Sustained Attention, and Quality of Life §
Authors: Mets Monique A.J. , Volkerts Edmund R. , Dunnebier Erwin A. , de Senerpont Domis Lieke M. , Olivier Berend , Verster Joris C. 
Published: September 2008

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare driving ability, memory, and psychomotor performance during
grass pollen season with winter season in untreated patients with SAR.

Methods:
Patients with SAR were trained and tested during the grass pollen season (summer) and winter. An on-the-road
driving test during normal traffic conditions was performed. Primary parameter is the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position
(SDLP), i.e. the weaving of the car. In addition, a word learning test and continuous performance test were performed
and quality of life was assessed. Patients were included if in winter the Total 5-Symptoms Score (T5SS) was < 3 and in
summer the T5SS was > 3.

Results:
70 patients were recruited of which 22 started the study. Fifteen patients completed the study of which 11 met the
inclusion criteria. These 11 patients had a mean T5SS of 6.8 in summer and 0.6 in winter. Patient reported a significantly
reduced overall quality of life during grass pollen season (p<0.0001). No significant effects were found on the driving test,
except a significant (but not relevant) decrease in mean speed during the grass pollen season (p<0.035). No significant effects
were found on the word learning test and continuous performance test.

Conclusion:
Our data suggest that moderate SAR symptoms do not impair driving ability, memory functioning and continuous
performance. However, given the small sample size future studies should confirm these findings.
Study of anchoring characteristics and splay-bend elastic constant based on experiments with non-twisted nematic liquid crystal cells
Authors: Kędzierski J. , Kojdecki M. , Raszewski Z. , Rutkowska J. , Piecek W. , Perkowski P. , Zieliński J. , Miszczyk E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPossible influence of a nematics splay-bend elastic constant and corresponding free energy functional term on adequacy of description of nematics states is studied by comparing results of theoretical considerations and computer simulations with experimental data. Planar deformation states enforced in flat nematics cells by symmetric aligning cover coatings and external electric or magnetic fields are studied in one-dimensional approximation. Nematics material parameters and nematics-substrate coupling characteristics are determined from experimental data by immediate measurement or by solving inverse problems. Two series of cells with thicknesses between twenty and forty-four micrometers (in fact two wedge cells) with two different orienting substrates are investigated by measuring a cell optical response in a birefringence experimental system. Good agreement between optical retardation measured and simulated is observed. Posterior comparison of free energy contributions from substrate interactions and a hypothetical surface-like term leads to a conclusion that the last one together with a splay-bend elastic constant should be very small and can be neglected.