bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ontogeny of the expression and regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1 mRNAs by human trophoblast cells during differentiation in vitro
Authors: Stephanou A , Myatt L , Eis A L W , Sarlis N , Jikihara H , Handwerger S 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
During human placental differentiation, mononuclear cytotrophoblast cells fuse and differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast cells. Although syncytiotrophoblast cells have been shown to express interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β and IL-6, the pattern of expression of these cytokines during placental differentiation is unknown. We have examined the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA during differentiation of cytotrophoblast cells in culture. IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis using glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase as an internal control. All three cytokine mRNA levels decreased markedly during trophoblast differentiation. After 6 days in culture, when almost all the cytotrophoblast cells had fused and differentiated into syncytiotrophoblast cells, the amounts of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA were decreased by 87·1, 72·1 and 60·9% respectively. Exogenous IL-6 had differential effects on cytokine mRNA expression. When added to placental cultures during the first 6 days of culture, IL-6 markedly inhibited IL-6, IL-1α and IL-1β mRNA expression. However, when added to the cells during days 6–9 of culture, when most of the cells were syncytiotrophoblast cells, IL-6 stimulated IL-lα and IL-1β mRNA expression. The results of these studies indicate that IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression decreases markedly during cytotrophoblast differentiation in vitro and that the regulation of trophoblast cytokine mRNA levels changes during differentiation.
Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 487–496
Developmental expression of the prolactin receptor gene in rat gonads
Authors: Zhang F-P , Rannikko A , Toppari J , Bartke A , Huhtaniemi I 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The prolactin receptor (PRLR) is a member of the cytokine/prolactin/GH receptor family, and it is widely expressed in various mammalian tissues. Expression of the two different forms of PRLR, differing in the length of their cytoplasmic domains, was studied in rat gonads during fetal and postnatal development. The two forms of PRLR mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primer pairs specific for the different forms. The specificity of the cDNA species generated by RT-PCR was verified by Southern hybridization using nested 32P-labeled oligonucleotides. The results indicated that both forms of PRLR mRNA are expressed in the rat testis and ovary, which is in agreement with previous reports. The onset of expression of the two PRLR forms occurs on day 14·5 of fetal life in rat testis. In the ovary, the long form of PRLR mRNA appears 1 day before the short form, i.e. these forms begin to be expressed on fetal days 14·5 and 15·5 respectively. In situ hybridization with antisense cRNA probes specific to each form of the PRLR mRNAs demonstrated specific hybridization of both forms, localized in Leydig cells from day 18·5 of fetal life and at the postnatal ages studied. Compared with our previous findings concerning the ontogeny of LH receptor gene expression, PRLR gene expression starts earlier in development and exhibits no sexual dimorphism. The presence of two forms of PRLR mRNA in the fetal gonads suggest that they might play differential roles in gonadal development and function.
Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 497–505
Effects of Intensive Therapy and Antecedent Hypoglycemia on Counterregulatory Responses to Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Davis Stephen N. , Mann Stephanie , Briscoe Vanessa J. , Ertl Andrew C. , Tate Donna B. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—The physiology of counterregulatory responses during hypoglycemia in intensively treated type 2 diabetic subjects is largely unknown. Therefore, the specific aims of the study tested the hypothesis that 1) 6 months of intensive therapy to lower A1C &lt;7.0% would blunt autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to hypoglycemia, and 2) antecedent hypoglycemia will result in counterregulatory failure during subsequent hypoglycemia in patients with suboptimal and good glycemic control.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Fifteen type 2 diabetic patients (8 men/7 women) underwent 6-month combination therapy of metformin, glipizide XL, and acarbose to lower A1C to 6.7% and 2-day repeated hypoglycemic clamp studies before and after intensive therapy. A control group of eight nondiabetic subjects participated in a single 2-day repeated hypoglycemic clamp study.
RESULTS—Six-month therapy reduced A1C from 10.2 ± 0.5 to 6.7 ± 0.3%. Rates of hypoglycemia increased to 3.2 episodes per patient/month by study end. Hypoglycemia (3.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l) and insulinemia (1,722 ± 198 pmol/l) were similar during all clamp studies. Intensive therapy reduced (P &lt; 0.05) ANS and metabolic counterregulatory responses during hypoglycemia. Antecedent hypoglycemia produced widespread blunting (P &lt; 0.05) of neuroendocrine, ANS, and metabolic counterregulatory responses during subsequent hypoglycemia before and after intensive therapy in type 2 diabetic patients and in nondiabetic control subjects.
CONCLUSIONS—Intensive oral combination therapy and antecedent hypoglycemia both blunt physiological defenses against subsequent hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Prior hypoglycemia of only 3.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l can result in counterregulatory failure in type 2 diabetic patients with suboptimal control and can further impair physiological defenses against hypoglycemia in intensively treated type 2 diabetes.
Atmospheric pressure deposition of F‐doped SnO2 thin films from organotin fluoroalkoxide precursors
Authors: Molloy Kieran C , Stanley Joanne E 
Published: December 2008

AbstractFive tributyltin fluoroalkoxides Bu3SnORf [Rf = CH(CF3)2 (1), CH2CF3 (2), CH2C2F5 (3), CH2(CF2)3CF2H (4), CH2CH2F (5)] were synthesized and assessed as precursors for the APCVD of F‐doped SnO2. O2 is required as co‐reagent to produce hard, well‐adhered coatings. Of the precursors assessed, 5 gave the best film incorporating 1.52 atom% fluorine, showing some (200) preferred orientation, resistivity of 1.30 × 10−3 Ω cm and 0.42% haze. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of phosphate anions from aqueous solutions using polypyrrole‐coated sawdust as a novel sorbent
Authors: Bajpai S. K. , Rohit V. K. , Namdeo Mini 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis work was focused on the removal of phosphate ions using polypyrrole‐coated sawdust as a novel cost‐effective sorbent. The phosphate uptake followed the Langmuir sorption isotherm, and the sorption capacity at 20, 35, and 50°C was found to be 17.33, 23.41, and 30.39 mg/g, respectively; this indicated favorable sorption at higher temperatures. The kinetic uptake data were modeled with the Lagergren equation, first‐order and second‐order kinetic models, and the simple Elovich model. The results indicated that the Lagergren model best described the uptake data. The intraparticle diffusion coefficient, as determined for 250–211‐ and 630–600‐μm sorbent particles at 20°C, was found to be 287.3 × 10−2 and 228.3 × 10−2 mg g−1 min−1, respectively. The intraparticle diffusion was also confirmed with the Bangham equation. The sorption mean free energy, calculated with the Dubinin–Radushkevich equation, was found to be 10.98 kJ/mol, thus confirming an ion‐exchange regulated sorption process. The positive value of the enthalpy change (i.e., 4.23 kJ/mol) confirmed the endothermic nature of the sorption process. The negative values of the change in the standard free energy were indicative of the spontaneous nature of the sorption process. Finally, the activation energy of the sorption process for 250–212‐μm particles, determined with the Arrhenius equation, was found to be 41.68 J/mol. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of microporous particles of isotactic polypropylene via a thermally induced phaseseparation method
Authors: Lu Yingzhou , Tan Kuilong , Sun Aijun , Li Chunxi , Wang Zihao 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA new method for the preparation of microporous particles of isotactic polypropylene (IPP) using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) was developed in this study, in which chloroform was used as a diluent and Span80 was used as a pore‐forming agent. The morphology and properties of the microporous IPP particles thus produced were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry, and they were compared with IPP particles produced by a cryogenic pulverization method. The results showed that IPP particles with a fully developed microporous structure, an average particle size between 50 and 120 μm, and a specific area of about 5.19 m2/g can be obtained via the TIPS method under definite conditions. The influence of some factors on the size and porosity of IPP particles is discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
New ultraviolet‐curable formulations for bonding poly(vinyl chloride)‐coated fiberglass wire mesh for reinforcement applications
Authors: Nikles David E. , Farahat Medhat S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe advantages of the ultraviolet (UV)‐curing process are numerous, including a rapid cure, conservation of energy, environmental and user friendliness, and superior finish properties such as a high gloss and chemical and scuff resistance. In addition, the UV‐curing process offers flexibility suitable for sensitive substrates and complete screen stability because UV ink dries on exposure only to a UV‐energy source and not to ambient UV‐light sources such as sunlight or fluorescent shop lights. Industrial methods apply traditional heat setting to form mesh reinforcement structures from poly(vinyl chloride)‐coated fiberglass wires. The main defects of this method are the inefficiency and inconsistency of the process plus the huge consumption of power needed to generate the necessary thermal energy to bond the wire mesh. The heating process also causes quicker degradation of the wire and shortens the lifetime of the product. The purpose of this current innovative work is to replace this defective heat‐setting method with the more efficient and very advantageous method of applying UV‐curable coatings for this task. The obtained results are prospective for this endeavor, covering the issues of energy conservation, the economy of the process, and the improved mechanical properties of the finished product. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Fluorescent chemosensor based on the conjugated polymer incorporating 2,2′‐bipyridyl moiety for transition metal ions
Authors: Miao Qian , Huang Xiaobo , Cheng Yaqian , Liu Yan , Zong LiLi , Cheng Yixiang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA fluorescent conjugated polymer was synthesized by the polymerization of 1,4‐dibromo‐2,3‐bisbutoxynaphthalene (M‐2) with 5,5′‐divinyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (M‐3) via Heck reaction. The conjugated polymer shows strong blue–green fluorescence because of the extended π‐electronic structure between the repeating unit 2,3‐bisbutoxynaphthyl group and the conjugated linker 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) moiety via vinylene bridge. The responsive properties of the conjugated polymer on transition metal ions were investigated by fluorescent and UV–vis spectra. The results show that Cu2+and Ni2+can form nonradiative metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer complexes with the polymer, whereas, Zn2+and Cd2+do not produce the pronounced differences from the polymer fluorescence and UV–vis spectra. The fluorescent quenching can probably be attributed to the intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer (PET) or photoinduced charge transfer (PCT). The results can also suggest that 2,2′‐bipyridyl moiety in the main chain backbone of the conjugated polymer can act as the recognition site of a special fluorescent chemosensor for sensitive detection of transition metal ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Sulfate reduction at pH 4 during the thermophilic (55°C) acidification of sucrose in UASB reactors
Authors: Lopes S. I. C. , Capela M. I. , Dar S. A. , Muyzer G. , Lens P. N. L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractContinuous sulfate reduction at pH 4.0 was demonstrated in a pH controlled thermophilic (55°C) upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactor fed with sucrose at a COD/SO42− ratio of 0.9 and an organic loading rate of 0.8 and 1.9 gCOD (lreactor d)−1 for a period of 78 days. A nearly complete sulfate reduction efficiency was achieved throughout the reactor run, corresponding to sulfate removal rates of 0.91 and 1.92 g (lreactor d)−1 at sulfate loading rates of 0.94 and 2 g (lreactor d)−1, respectively, by keeping the sulfide concentration below 20 mg l−1 due to stripping with nitrogen gas. Acidification was always complete and acetate was the only degradation intermediate left in the effluent, which did not exceed 180 mgCOD l−1 in pseudo‐stationary states. The sludge was well retained in the reactor and kept its granular form. Zn, Cu, Se, and Mo accumulated in the sludge, whereas Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn leached from the sludge, despite their continuous supply to the reactor via the influent. The bacterial diversity in the reactor sludge at the end of the reactor run was low and the culture was dominated by one acidifying species, resembling Thermoanaerobacterium sp., and one sulfate reducing species, resembling Desulfotomaculum sp.
On quasi‐steady laminar flow separation in the upper airways
Authors: Van Hirtum A. , Cisonni J. , Pelorson X. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAccurate prediction of the position of flow separation along a constriction is important to model fluid–structure interaction phenomena in the upper airways such as phonation and obstructive sleep apnea. Flow assumptions underlying common flow descriptions along the upper airways are formulated. Flow separation positions obtained from theories with different degrees of complexity are qualitatively and quantitatively discussed. In particular, geometrical and flow features determining the influence of viscosity are varied. Increasing the constriction degree and the constriction length is shown to affect the position of flow separation. Boundary layer solutions and simulations with the two‐dimensional Navier Stokes equations result in an accurate quantitative prediction of flow separation. Furthermore, Jeffery–Hamel flow solutions qualitatively predict the effect of both constriction height and length on the position of flow separation. The ad hoc assumption applied in quasi‐one‐dimensional flow descriptions does not accurately predict flow separation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skeletal analysis of the Fgfr3P244R mouse, a genetic model for the Muenke craniosynostosis syndrome
Authors: Twigg Stephen R. F. , Healy Chris , Babbs Christian , Sharpe Jacqueline A. , Wood William G. , Sharpe Paul T. , Morriss‐Kay Gillian M. , Wilkie Andrew O. M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMuenke syndrome, defined by heterozygosity for a Pro250Arg substitution in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), is the most common genetic cause of craniosynostosis in humans. We have used gene targeting to introduce the Muenke syndrome mutation (equivalent to P244R) into the murine Fgfr3 gene. A rounded skull and shortened snout (often skewed) with dental malocclusion was observed in a minority of heterozygotes and many homozygotes. Development of this incompletely penetrant skull phenotype was dependent on genetic background and sex, with males more often affected. However, these cranial abnormalities were rarely attributable to craniosynostosis, which was only present in 2/364 mutants; more commonly, we found fusion of the premaxillary and/or zygomatic sutures. We also found decreased cortical thickness and bone mineral densities in long bones. We conclude that although both cranial and long bone development is variably affected by the murine Fgfr3P244R mutation, coronal craniosynostosis is not reliably reproduced. Developmental Dynamics 238:331–342, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of oxy‐combustion flue gas desulfurization by seawater absorption
Authors: Pipitone Gabriele , Bolland Olav 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCombustion of sulfur and sulfur compounds present in fuels such as coal or natural gas (NG) results in the formation of SO2. The main objective of this study was to find a suitable flue gas desulfurization process for two oxy‐combustion power plants fired with either NG (467 MW) or pulverized fuel (PF) (596 MW) with emitted flue gas containing 163 and 896 ppm of SO2, respectively. Flue gas after further treatment can be compressed, liquefied, and employed for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or stored in an aquifer.Seawater flue gas desulfurization (SFGD) has been adopted as the removal process in this study, and the emissions levels, energy requirement, and seawater usage were calculated and reported. SO2 concentration target in the desulfurized flue gas, containing mainly CO2, has been set to 30 ppm. Gas is compressed up to 20 atm prior to desulfurization; the result was a significant reduction in the size of the desulfurization plant.Simulations for the NG‐fired flue gas suggest that the desulfurization process requires 0.6 kg of seawater and 257 kJ per kg of compressed and desulfurized CO2.Simulations for the PF‐fired flue gas suggest that the desulfurization process requires 13.2 kg of seawater and 318 kJ per kg of compressed and desulfurized CO2.Power plant output after compression to 20 atm and desulfurization is 453.8 MW (2.8% reduction in plant power output) for the NG‐fired case and 553.8 MW (7.1% reduction) for the PF‐fired case.Lime addition effect on the reduction of the total amount of seawater utilized for SO2 removal has been investigated for the latter case. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Novel way of transformation of tannery waste to environmentally friendly formaldehyde scavenger
Authors: Xuechuan Wang , Longfang Ren , Taotao Qiang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCollagen is a typical amphiphilic natural macromolecule with amino‐ and carboxylic‐end groups and many acidic or alkaline branches. The hydrolysis of collagen will release many hydrophilic functional groups including carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, etc. These functional groups, especially amino group, can react with formaldehyde so that collagen‐derived polypeptide can be used as natural formaldehyde scavenger. In this study, the collagen‐derived polypeptide was extracted from organic phosphonium‐tanned leather shavings by using magnesium oxide and alkaline protease with extraction rate as high as 90.4%. To increase the functional groups that reacted with formaldehyde, the extracted collagen‐derived polypeptide was modified by diethylene triamine; characterization by FTIR, GPC, and 1H NMR suggested that the content of amino group increased. Moreover, the amount of formaldehyde removed by the modified collagen‐derived polypeptide, i.e., the aminated collagen‐derived polypeptide, was significantly increased to 94.7% comparing with that by using collagen‐derived polypeptide with the dosage of 70 mL/m3, respectively. Therefore, modifying the hydrolysate obtained from the leather shavings and using as the formaldehyde scavenger has a good potential in achieving the benign treatment and reuse of the solid leather wastes. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Working‐memory fMRI reveals cingulate hyperactivation in euthymic major depression
Authors: Schöning Sonja , Zwitserlood Pienie , Engelien Almut , Behnken Andreas , Kugel Harald , Schiffbauer Hagen , Lipina Katharina , Pachur Christine , Kersting Anette , Dannlowski Udo , Baune Bernhard T. , Zwanzger Peter , Reker Thomas , Heindel Walter , Arolt Volker , Konrad Carsten 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWhile cognitive impairments are well documented for the acute episode of major depressive disorder (MDD), less is known about cognitive functioning in the euthymic state. For working memory, dysfunctional activation of lateral prefrontal and cingulate cortex has been reported in the acute episode. This study investigates working‐memory function and its neurobiological correlate in euthymic MDD patients, particularly whether dysfunctional activation persists when depressive symptoms improve. We investigated 56 subjects with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 3 Tesla. To challenge working‐memory function, a classical verbal n‐back task (0‐, 1‐, and 2‐back) was used in 28 well‐characterized, euthymic, unipolar MDD patients and 28 healthy control subjects matched according to age, sex, and educational level. Data were analyzed using SPM5. In the absence of significant behavioral differences, we observed comparable overall patterns of brain activation in both groups. As expected, both groups showed stronger activation of the typical working‐memory network with increasing memory load. However, significant hyperactivation of the cingulate cortex was observed in euthymic patients, while lateral prefrontal activation was comparable between patients and controls. Working‐memory challenge in the euthymic state of MDD revealed a dissociation of lateral prefrontal and cingulate brain function. Cingulate function, which is important for both emotional and cognitive processing and their integration, is still abnormal when mood is restored. This could reflect a different speed of normalization in prefrontal and limbic cortices, persistent systematic changes in neuronal networks after an episode of MDD, or a compensatory mechanism to maintain working‐memory performance. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐treatment CIN: Randomised clinical trial using hrHPV testing for prediction of residual/recurrent disease
Authors: Bais Aagje G. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Rebolj Mateja , Snijders Peter J.F. , Verheijen René H.M. , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Helmerhorst Theo J.M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe investigated in a randomised clinical trial whether addition of hrHPV testing (high‐risk human papillomavirus) to cytological follow‐up after treatment for high‐grade CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3) can lead to a better selection of women at risk for residual/recurrent CIN. We included 210 women with high‐grade CIN undergoing treatment in outpatient clinics in The Netherlands. Follow‐up was based on cytology alone and cytology combined with hrHPV detection. Our primary outcome measurement was improving specificity for residual/recurrent CIN after treatment. Secondary, we compared health‐care costs and impact of individual hrHPV type on the risk of residual/recurrent CIN. Follow‐up by abnormal cytology alone (6, 12 and 24 months after treatment according to the Dutch protocol) showed a lower specificity for detection of residual/recurrent CIN than follow‐up by abnormal cytology and presence of hrHPV (80 vs. 91%, relative risk 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.99)). Both methods showed no significant difference in sensitivity ((86 vs. 100%) RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.63–1.16)). Comparing different post hoc modifications in the strategy of combined testing showed similar test characteristics when low‐risk women (normal cytology and hrHPV negative at 6 months) omitted the 12 months visit (specificity 91%, p = 1.00 z = 0.00). Prediction of residual/recurrent CIN by typing of hrHPV could not be confirmed. Total health‐care costs using cytology and hrHPV testing during follow‐up decreased when low‐risk women omit the 12 months visit. Follow‐up after treatment for high‐grade CIN can be improved by combining cytology with hrHPV testing. We advise combined cytology and hrHPV testing at 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment. Low‐risk women may omit the 12 months visit, resulting in cost reduction. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.