bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Poly(L‐lactide)‐block‐Poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐Poly(L‐lactide) Triblock Copolymer Thin Films with Nanochannels: An AFM Study
Authors: Choi Sung‐Wook , Kim Yongwoo , Cheong In Woo , Kim Jung‐Hyun 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper aims to report the fabrication of biodegradable thin films with micro‐domains of cylindrical nanochannels through the solvent‐induced microphase separation of poly(L‐lactide)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(L‐lactide) (PLA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLA) triblock copolymers with different block ratios. In our experimental scope, an increase in each of the block lengths of the PLA and PEG blocks led to both a variation in the average number density (146 to 32 per 100 µm2) and the size of the micro‐domains (140 to 427 nm). Analyses by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy indicated that the hydrophilic PEG nanochannels were dispersed in the PLA matrix of the PLA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLA films. We demonstrated that the micro‐domain morphology could be controlled not only by the block length of PEG, but also by the solvent evaporation conditions.magnified image
FGF‐1‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in breast cancer cells is mediated by increased activities of NF‐κB and activating protein‐1
Authors: Lungu Gina , Covaleda Lina , Mendes Odete , Martini‐Stoica Heidi , Stoica George 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) plays a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1) on the expression of MMP‐9 in ENU1564, an ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐induced rat mammary adenocarcinoma cell line. We observed that FGF‐1 induces a dose‐dependent increase in MMP‐9 mRNA, protein, and activity in ENU1564 cells. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of MMP‐9 regulation by FGF‐1, we investigated the role of components of PI3K‐Akt and MEK1/2‐ERK signaling pathways in our system since NF‐κB and AP‐1 transcription factor binding sites have been characterized in the upstream region of the MMP‐9 gene. We demonstrated that FGF‐1 increases Akt phosphorylation, triggers nuclear translocation of NF‐κBp65, and enhances degradation of cytoplasmic IκBα. Pretreatment of cells with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, significantly inhibited MMP‐9 protein expression in FGF‐1‐treated cells. Conversely, our data show that FGF‐1 increases ERK phosphorylation in ENU1564 cells, increases c‐jun and c‐fos mRNA expression in a time‐dependent manner, and triggers nuclear translocation of c‐jun. Pretreatment of cells with PD98059, a MEK1/2 inhibitor significantly inhibited MMP‐9 protein expression in FGF‐1 treated cells. Finally, we observed increased DNA binding of NF‐κB and AP‐1 in FGF‐1‐treated cells and that mutation of either NF‐κB or AP‐1 response elements prevented MMP‐9 promoter activation by FGF‐1. Taken together, these results demonstrated that FGF‐1‐induced MMP‐9 expression in ENU1564 cells is associated with increasing DNA binding activities of NF‐κB and AP‐1 and involve activation of a dual signaling pathway, PI3K‐Akt and MEK1/2‐ERK. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Woody debris stocks in different secondary and primary forests in the subtropical Ailao Mountains, southwest China
Authors: Lipan Yang , Wenyao Liu , Wenzhang Ma 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWoody debris (WD), including coarse woody debris (CWD) and fine woody debris (FWD), is an essential structural and functional component of many ecosystems, particularly in montane forests. CWD is considered to be the major part in forest WD and it is primarily composed of logs, snags, stumps and large branches, while FWD mainly consists of small twigs. Attributes of dead woody material may change in accordance with trends in stand dynamics. The primary forest (primary montane moist evergreen broad‐leaved forest) in Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve (NNR) preserves the largest tract of natural vegetation in China. The Alnus nepalensis (D. Don) association, Populus bonatii (Levl.) association and secondary Lithocarpus association represent the secondary and chronological types following human disturbance by fires and logging under different intensity. The mass and composition of coarse woody debris (CWD, ≥10 cm in diameter) and fine woody debris (FWD, 2.5–10 cm in diameter) were inventoried in a primary forest and its three secondary counterparts. Estimates of total mass of woody debris across secondary types to primary forest ranged from 2.4 to 74.9 Mg ha−1. The lowest value was found in the A. nepalensis association and the highest values were in the primary forest of which logs are the considerable differences. The ratios of CWD to FWD were low in the secondary types (about 1–4) but high in the primary forest (above 15). Our results suggested that for the recovery of woody debris in the secondary forest, it might last longer than the age of the oldest successional stage studied.
Histological and immunological features of non‐eosinophilic nasal polyps
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Whun , Hong Sung‐Lyong , Kim Yoon‐Keun , Lee Chul Hee , Min Yang‐Gi , Rhee Chae‐Seo 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the his‐toimmunological features of non‐eosinophilic nasal polyps (NPs).METHODSThirty patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and NPs were included in this study. NPs were grouped into eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic types according to the amount of eosinophils in the NPs. The amount of serum total IgE and peripheral blood eosinophils were measured. Basement membrane (BM) thickness was measured, along with the expression of chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) in NP lymphocytes.RESULTSNon‐eosinophilic NPs comprised 66.7% of the total NPs included in this study. The amount of eosinophils in NPs was related to eosinophilia of the peripheral blood, but not to elevated serum IgE. BM was significantly thinner in non‐eosinophilic than in eosinophilic NPs. Lymphocytes expressing CCR5 or CCR3 were less frequently found in non‐eosinophilic than in eosinophilic NPs.CONCLUSIONHistoimmunological characteristics of non‐eo‐sinophilic NPs differ from those of eosinophilic NPs; non‐eosino‐philic NPs may be featured by thinner BM and fewer CCR5‐ and CCR3‐positive lymphocytes.
Quantitative and qualitative dermal change with microfat grafting of facial scars
Authors: Sardesai Maya G. , Moore Corey C. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in dermal characteristics with subdermal fat grafting of cutaneous scars.DESIGNProspective cohort.METHODSFourteen patients with various scar types were treated with subdermal fat grafting over 30 months. Dermal elasticity, vascularity, pigmentation, patient perception and satisfaction, and observer assessment of scar characteristics were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year after treatment with validated objective and subjective measures.RESULTSSignificant improvements were observed in dermal elasticity, patient and observer perception of scar thickness, patient perception of stiffness, and observer perception of relief and pliability (P < 0.05). A trend toward significance was seen in observer assessment of height as evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale (P < 0.1). No significant differences were seen in quantitatively and qualitatively measured vascularity and pigmentation (P > 0.1). No significant difference in pain, pruritis, and irregularity were reported (P > 0.1).CONCLUSIONAlthough fat grafting represents a subdermal process, it appears to improve certain quantitative and qualitative dermal characteristics. Fat grafting does not appear to affect skin color, vascularity, or patient symptoms.
Assessment of nutritional profiles: a novel system based on a comprehensive approach
Authors: Visioli Francesco , Poli Andrea , Peracino Andrea , Luzi Livio , Cannella Carlo , Paoletti Rodolfo 
Published: November 2007

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (for example, cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes and cancer) is rampant in Western societies, accounting for approximately 60 % of all causes of death. A large proportion of non-communicable diseases can be prevented through appropriate diets and lifestyles. Accordingly, several health authorities and regulatory bodies are assessing the nutritional profiles of food items and whole diets, to implement guidelines aimed at improving the diet of the general population. While a global approach is desirable, the need of individuals to maintain their distinct dietary habits must also be taken into account. The portion sizes of food as well as pattern of food consumption, for example during or between the main meals, are very important in determining the nutritional profile of a diet. A novel method to assess the nutritional profile of foods is being proposed and made available on-line. Its main innovative aspects are (1) the comprehensive manner with which the system analyses and computes a great range of features of individual food items and (2) the distinction among eating occasions, namely during or in-between the main meals. Moreover, this approach allows for rapid modification and great flexibility to suit individual needs and gastronomic habits.
Kinetic treatment of gravitational-Coulomb coupling in the Jeans model
Authors: ERSHKOVICH A. I. , ISRAELEVICH P. L. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe conventional Jeans model is modified by the addition of electric charging. The standard procedure of kinetic treatment results in a dispersion relation which describes both the Jeans instability and Langmuir oscillations, with the analog of Landau damping. Coulomb interactions tend to stabilize the Jeans instability diminishing the growth rate whereas the gravitational field tends to destabilize Langmuir oscillations. Collisions between particles are taken into account.
Dating late Cenozoic erosional surfaces in Victoria Land, Antarctica, with cosmogenic neon in pyroxenes
Authors: Oberholzer P. , Baroni C. , Salvatore M.C. , Baur H. , Wieler R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe present21Ne exposure ages of erosional glaciogenic rock surfaces on nunataks in northern Victoria Land, Antarctica: i) in the Prince Albert Mountains and ii) near Mesa Range. These nunataks are located directly at the margin of the polar plateau and therefore provide an immediate record of ice volume changes of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, not biased by ice shelf grounding or narrow valley sections downstream the outlet glaciers. The sampling locations overlook the present ice surface by less than 200 m, but were last covered by ice 3.5 Mabp(minimum age, not corrected for erosion). This strongly indicates that the ice sheet has not been substantially thicker than today since at least the early Pliocene, which supports the hypothesis of a stable East Antarctic Ice Sheet. First absolute ages are reported for the alpine topography above the erosive trimline that typically marks the upper limit of glacial activity in northern Victoria Land. Unexpectedly low nuclide concentrations suggest that erosion rates on the alpine topography are considerably higher due to the steep slopes than those affecting flat erosional surfaces carrying Antarctic tors.
Net radiation and turbulent energy exchanges over a non-glaciated coastal area on King George Island during four summer seasons
Authors: Choi Taejin , Lee Bang Yong , Kim Seong-Joong , Yoon Young Jun , Lee Hee-Choon 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRecently, the Antarctic Peninsula has received more attention due to the pronounced warming in that region. Non-glaciated coastal areas on the Peninsula can be significant energy sources for the atmosphere when they are exposed during summer despite the high degree of cloud associated with the frequent passage of low pressure systems. An eddy covariance system was established in December 2002 to evaluate the turbulent energy exchanges between the atmosphere and a non-glaciated coastal area on King George Island. Monthly average downward shortwave radiation was less than 210 Wm-2in summer. Due to the low albedo of 0.12, monthly average net radiation reached > 130 Wm-2, a magnitude that was significantly larger than the reported magnitudes of < ~70 Wm-2at glaciated areas with a high albedo on the Peninsula. The sum of monthly average sensible heat (< 64 Wm-2) and latent heat (< 20 Wm-2) fluxes amounted up to ~80 Wm-2, which was an order of magnitude larger than those at glaciated areas on the Antarctic Peninsula. Given that non-glaciated areas should be enlarged if the warming continues, more attention may need to be paid to the role of non-glaciated areas in the local climate to predict climate change on the Antarctic Peninsula.
ANTIBODY‐PRODUCING CELLS IN ANTIGENICALLY STIMULATED MAMMARY GLANDS AND IN THE GASTRO‐INTESTINAL TRACT OF SHEEP
Authors: Lee CS , Lasgelles AK 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe histological changes in normal mammary glands of ewes during the period one month before and after lambing have been compared with the changes occurring in glands infused with antigen one month before lambing. Attention was focused on the changes in concentration and on the location of cells of the lymphocyte‐plasma cell and macrophage‐monocyte series.The most significant feature following antigen infusion was the striking appearance of pyroninophilic cells usually situated in areas adjacent to the glandular epithelium. Lymphocytes were also more numerous in infused than non‐infused glands until early lactation.Attempts were made to detect specific immunoglobulin‐producing cells in mainmary glands, certain other glandular tissues and in lymph nodes. When sections of infused mammary glands were stained with specific antisera conjugated with fluoresce in isothiocyanate numerous fluorescing cells were observed and their location correlated closely with that of the pyroninophilic cells seen in paraffin sections. The majority of the fluorescing cells were of IgA‐specificity with IgG1‐ and IgM‐specific cells present in lower concentrations. In the gastro‐intestinal tract fluorescing cells located in the lamina propria were abundant and the majority were IgA‐specific. Numerous IgG1‐ and IgG2‐specific cells were present in the lymph nodes. Very few pyroninophilic or flourescing cells were seen in sections of the parotid salivary gland, uterus and vagina.The observations indicate that the majority of pyroninophilic cells in antigen stimulated mammary glands and in the gastro‐intestinal tract are IgA‐specific cells which are responsible for the local production of antibody.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF NORADRENALINE IN THE SHEEP OVIDUCT
Authors: Holst PJ , Cox RI , Braden AWH 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe noradrenaline content of portions of the sheep oviduct was determined by chemical analysis. The content was significantly higher in the isthmus than the ampulla (e.g. 1·05 v 0·20 μg./g. wet tissue). It is thought the isthmus may act as a sphincter and be important in the hesitant movement of the ovum through the oviduct.
HOMOGRAFT REJECTION AND HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS IN LAMBS THYMECTOMIZED IN UTERO
Authors: Cole GJ , Morris Bede 
Published: November 2007

SummaryLambs thymectomized in utero prior to the 80th day of gestation have ben shown to be capable of rejecting grafts of allogeneic skin as vigorously us normal lambs, even when grafted as long as 21 months after thymectomy. Histologically, the cellular reactions involved were the same in thymectomized lambs as in control lambs. Since these lambs were thymectoimized at an age at which it has been shown by other workers that lambs are unable to reject allogeneic skin grafts, it was concluded that the thymus plays no essential part in the final development or maintenance of this particular immune reaction in sheep.Thymectomized lambs were also found to be fully capable of mounting an immediate type hypersensitivity response to ferritin, although the delayed type hypersensitivity response to tuberculin was severely reduced. Since it has been shown that foetal lambs are incapable of responding to BCG at any time before birth, it is possible that the thymus is a source, although not the sole source, of cells which take part in delayed type hypersensitivity responses.
PRELIMINARY CHARACTERIZATION OF THE BOVINE POLYMERIC Hb BINDING PROTEIN AND COMPARISON OF SOME PROPERTIES WITH HUMAN HAPTOGLOBINS
Authors: Goodger BV 
Published: November 2007

SummaryA polymeric haptoglobin (Hp)‐like protein in bovine serum has been further characterized and compared with human polymeric haptoglobins, in particular Hp2–2. The protein differs markedly from its human counterparts in its ultracentrifugal pattern and electrophoretic separation. Treating the bovine Hp.Hb complex with sodium dodecyl sulphate appears to dissociate most of the Hb from the complex without altering the antigenicity of the parent protein.
STUDIES ON LIPID AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN THE RAT
Authors: Hoffmann Choo C , Carroll KF , Goldrick RB 
Published: November 2007

SummaryMale Wistar rats were maintained from the age of 4 weeks on one of four feeding programmes—ad libitum feeding with chow with or without the addition of glucose to the drinking water, or meal feeding with restricted or unrestricted quantities of chow—to evaluate the effects of diet on body composition and metabolism. In rats fed ad libitum on chow, the percentage of water in the carcass decreased, the percentages of ash and protein rose, but there was no change in the percentage of lipid during growth. The addition of glucose to the drinking water caused a moderate elevation of the percentage of lipid and a corresponding decrease in the percentage of water in the carcass during the first 2 weeks. Unrestricted meal feeding for only 2 hours per day caused the percentage of lipid in the carcass to increase during growth. This effect of meal feeding was abolished by caloric restriction. Both the body weight and the weight of the epididymal fat pad proved to be unreliable indices of the percentage of lipid in the carcass.The weight of the pancreas was directly proportional to body weight. The concentration of preformed insulin in the pancreas was elevated by unrestricted meal feeding and by supplementing the diet with glucose. The rate of insulin secretion in vitro by the pancreas m the presence of physiological (1 mg/ml) or high (5 mg/ml) concentrations of glucose was directly proportional to the concentration of preformed insulin in the tissue. The rate of insulin secretion in vitro of tissues from rats in the post‐absorptive phase was also directly proportional to the total weight of the rat. In meal‐fed rats, which were in the late post‐absorptive phase when sacrificed, the concentration of plasma insulin was directly proportional to body weight, the total insulin content of the pancreas and the rate of insulin secretion in vitro. These findings suggest that both dietary factors and total body mass determine the supply of insulin and the basal plasma insulin concentration.The insulin responses in vivo to intravenous glucose and the hypoglycaemic effect of intravenous insulin were found to be affected by the age of the rats and the method of feeding, but in a highly variable manner.
THE THYMUS GLANDS OF A MARSUPIAL, SETONIX BRACHYURUS (QUOKKA), AND THEIR ROLE IN IMMUNE RESPONSES
Authors: Yadav M , Stanley NF , Waring H 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe quokka (Setonix brachyurus) has two pairs of thymus glands showing different rates of postnatal growth. The superficial thymus grows rapidly in the quokka pouch young and attains a maximal size of about 1% of body weight at 160 days; the thoracic thymus gland represents less than 0·1% of the body weight of the quokka at 160 days. The superficial thymus is approximately 1,000% heavier than the thoracic thymus when both glands reach their peak weight at 200 days of age. Apart from these differences, the superficial and thoracic thymus glands of quokka pouch young of various ages are similar in histology and their rate of organogensis, and in both glands small lymphocytes make their first appearance 3–4 days after birth. Initially, in both pairs of thymuses more lymphocytes are present in the centre of the lobule than the periphery, but in young older than 10 days the cortex is densely packed with small lymphocytes, whereas the medulla has few lymphocytes. The thymus glands take on typical thymus features with the appearance of Hassall's corpuscles after the 20th day. In adults the thymus glands are atrophic.
THE THYMUS GLANDS OF A MARSUPIAL, SETONIX BRACHYURUS (QUOKKA), AND THEIR ROLE IN IMMUNE RESPONSES
Authors: Yadav M , Stanley NF , Waring H 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe effects of neonatal thymectomy of the pouch young of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on somatic growth and peripheral lymphocyte numbers are described.Removal of the superficial thymus alone before day 10, or both the superficial and thoracic thymus glands before day 20 (a) was without effect on subsequent body weights, spleen weights, or numbers of blood erythrocytes, and (b) depressed the number of circulating small lymphocytes to about the same extent with both operations. The slow spontaneous recovery to normal values was very much slower after complete thymectomy.Early removal of the superficial thymus alone had no effect on the pcriarteriolar lymphocyte population in the spleen and the paracortical lymphocytes in the mesenteric lymph node; both were reduced after early total thymectomy.
REDISTRIBUTION OF CARDIAC OUTPUT DURING LIQUID BREATHING IN THE NEWBORN RABBIT
Authors: Walker A , Petrovic M , Ponitch J , Ritchie BC 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe distribution of cardiac output was studied in unanaesthetized newborn rabbits during spontaneous liquid breathing. By comparison with unimmersed animals and immersed animals breathing air through a tracheal cannula, a redistribution of cardiac output at the expense of the kidneys and gut was identified in liquid breathing animals.As the liquid breathing animals directed a smaller proportion of the cardiac output to the gut than airbreathing animals, but not immersed airbreathing animals, some factor associated with immersion probably led to this diversion. The diversion of flow from the kidneys probably arose from the hypoxaemia or hypercapnia, or both, which developed during liquid breathing, as the kidney blood flow fraction of the cardiac output was strongly correlated with arterial Po2 and Pco2.We conclude that oxygenated fluorocarbon liquid can support short periods of spontaneous respiration in the newborn rabbit at the expense of impaired arterial oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. Circulatory adjustments involving redistribution of the cardiac output probably aid the survival of the animal.
IMMUNE RESPONSES IN INTESTINAL TISSUES TO PARTICULATE ANTIGENS
Authors: Robertson PW , Cooper GN 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe kinetics of appearance of plaque‐forming and rosette‐forming cells in the spleen, blood and intestinal lymphoid tissues following single intravenous or intrajejunal injections of rats with sheep red cells have been compared. When antigen enters the body via the intestinal epithelium, local and general immune responses occur and both may contribute to antibody which appears in serum. The greatest response occurs in the mesenteric lymph nodes, and in these tissues it follows the pattern normally observed in lymphoid tissues following parenteral inoculation of antigen. Large numbers of rosette‐ forming cells appear rapidly amongst the cells of the intestinal lamina propria and submucosa; the plaque‐forming cell response is delayed by at least four days and is relatively small. It is suggested that the bulk of the latter cells are formed in other tissues and migrate to the lamina propria via the blood. The poor antibody‐forming capacity of the Peyer's patches has been demonstrated in these experiments, suggesting that these tissues may lie concerned with other immunological functions of the rat.