bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential long‐term neurotoxicity of HIV‐1 proteins in the rat hippocampal formation: A design‐based stereological study
Authors: Fitting Sylvia , Booze Rosemarie M. , Hasselrot Ulla , Mactutus Charles F. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) proteins, gp120 and Tat, are believed to play a role in mediating central nervous system (CNS) pathology in HIV‐1 infected patients. Using design‐based stereology, we examined the role of neonatal intrahippocampal injections of gp120 and Tat on the adult hippocampus (∼7½ month). Postnatal day (P)1‐treated Sprague‐Dawley rats were bilaterally injected with vehicle (VEH, 0.5 μl sterile buffer), gp120 (100 ng), Tat (25 μg) or combined gp120 + Tat (100 ng + 25 μg). Using Nissl‐stained tissue sections, we quantified total neurons in five subregions of the rat hippocampus [granual layer (GL), hilus of the dentate gyrus (DGH), cornu ammonis fields (CA)2/3, CA1, and subiculum (SUB)], and total glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) in two subregions (DGH and SUB). Estimates of cell area and cell volume were taken in the DGH. There was a significant reduction of neuron number in the CA2/3 subfield by Tat and gp120, and a significant reduction in the DGH by Tat only. For glial cells, numbers of astrocytes in the DGH and SUB were increased by the Tat protein, whereas no effects were noted for gp120. Finally, for oligodendrocytes Tat increased cell number in the DGH but not in any other region; gp120 had no detectable effect in any brain region. Estimates of cell area and cell volume of the three different cell types revealed no significant differences between treatments. Collectively, these results suggest differential effects of gp120 and Tat on the estimated total number of neurons, as well as on the number of glial cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunogenicity of bioactive magnetic nanoparticles: Natural and acquired antibodies
Authors: Ziv Ofra , Avtalion Ramy R. , Margel Shlomo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractUniform magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were prepared by nucleation followed by controlled growth of maghemite thin films onto porcine gelatin nuclei. The formed gelatin containing MNP (Gel‐MNP) were then coated with dextran (Gel‐MNP‐Dex) followed by human serum albumin (Gel‐MNP‐Dex‐HSA). Since these MNP are designated for clinical applications, studies concerning the immunogenicity of their antigenic components (porcine gelatin, dextran, and HSA) have been performed in BALB‐C mice. These studies demonstrated that plasma of nonimmunized mice already contains basal levels of natural antibodies against all of these antigenic components. This work also demonstrated that the conjugated gelatin is a weak immunogen: Intraperitoneal injection of the various MNP (Gel‐MNP, Gel‐MNP‐Dex dispersed in PBS emulsified with Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA) mineral oil and Gel‐MNP‐Dex‐HSA dispersed in PBS) did not increase significantly the acquired anti‐gelatin antibody titers. Exceptional behavior was observed following immunization with Gel‐MNP‐Dex‐HSA dispersed in PBS emulsified with IFA, which exhibited an adjuvant effect and turned gelatin into a stronger immunogen. In contrast to gelatin, the conjugated HSA and dextran were found to be strong immunogens. The possibility that the various MNP will not induce an autoimmune response as a result of their clinical use is discussed in the contest of the protective role of the natural antibodies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
A novel multiphase anodic spark deposition coating for the improvement of orthopedic implant osseointegration: An experimental study in cortical bone of sheep
Authors: Giavaresi Gianluca , Fini Milena , Chiesa Roberto , Giordano Carmen , Sandrini Enrico , Bianchi Andrea E. , Ceribelli Paolo , Giardino Roberto 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effect of a new three‐step anodic spark deposition process, labeled TiSpark, including two consecutive treatments performed first in a P solution and second in Ca solution, followed by an additional alkali etching step, was investigated for the improvement of osseointegration of commercial grade 2 titanium, machined (Ti) or Al2O3 sandblasted (Ti‐SA), cylindrical implants (12 mm in length and 4 mm in diameter) in cortical bone of 12 adult sheep. Histomorphometric and microhardness measurements were carried out at each experimental time (4, 8, and 12 weeks) to quantify the bone‐to‐implant contact around the implants as well as the newly bone hardness and bone maturation index. TiSpark treated surfaces were covered by a thick layer of crystalline anatase TiO2 and by a further Ca/P layer. Bone tissue extends and grows on the surface of the TiSpark treated implants without any fibrous tissue, enhancing the short‐term osseointegration properties of implant. Bone mineralization rate was also influenced by the chemical composition of implants and sandblasted materials presented the lowest bone maturation rate at the interface. Data suggests that the TiSpark treatment produces a modification of the Ti surface, which presents good bioactivity and may be suitable for achieving a stable implant osseointegration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Volumes of normal ovaries, ovaries with benign lesions, and ovaries with cancer in menopausal women: Is there an optimal cut‐off value to predict malignancy?
Authors: Aviram Rami , Gassner Gilad , Markovitch Ofer , Cohen Ilan , Fishman Ami , Tepper Ronnie 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate different ovarian volume cut‐off values to distinguish between normal ovaries, benign lesions, and malignant lesions in menopausal women.Methods:Transvaginal sonographic ovarian volume measurements were performed in 362 menopausal patients prior to gynecologic surgery. Based on the histopathologic results, a total of 466 ovaries were divided into 3 groups: normal ovary, benign lesion, and malignant tumor. Different ovarian volume cut‐off values were analyzed via receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the optimal cut‐off value.Results:The mean ovarian volumes in the normal ovary, benign lesion, and malignant tumor groups were 3.4 ± 2.2 cm3 (range, 0.6–9.6 cm3), 102 ± 308 cm3 (range, 0.3–3543 cm3), and 368 ± 1176 cm3 (range, 8.1–9908) cm3, respectively. Cut‐off values of 8 cm3 and 10 cm3 to distinguish between malignant and nonmalignant lesions had a sensitivity of 100% and 97% and a specificity of 39% and 45%, respectively.Conclusion:In menopausal patients, any ovary with a volume >8 cm3 can potentially harbor a cancer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
The contingent effect of constructive confrontation on the relationship between shared mental models and decision quality
Authors: Kellermanns Franz W. , Floyd Steven W. , Pearson Allison W. , Spencer Barbara 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWork teams are being utilized more frequently to give organizations access to the broader knowledge and skill base of employees, as well as to provide for adaptive, efficient decision‐making. In teams, we argue that constructive confrontation norms are an important contingency variable in the relationship between mental model similarity and decision quality. Mental model similarity helps team members understand one another's perspectives and reduces the likelihood of conflict. Accordingly, mental model similarity improves decision quality. When strong norms of constructive confrontation are in place, however, teams are in a better position to reap the benefits of conflict (greater diversity of inputs) without experiencing its negative consequences. Thus, when constructive confrontation norms are strong, less mental model similarity (i.e., more diversity of perspectives) is likely to improve decision quality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soils and land use in the Tigray highlands (Northern Ethiopia)
Authors: Nyssen J. , Naudts J. , De Geyndt K. , Haile Mitiku , Poesen J. , Moeyersons J. , Deckers J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLand use in a 208 ha representative catchment in the Tigray Highlands, Dogu'a Tembien district in Northern Ethiopia was studied in relation to soil geography. Typical soils are Vertisols, Vertic Cambisols, Cumulic Regosols, Calcaric Regosols and Phaeozems. Patterns of land use vary greatly within the catchment and results from χ2‐tests showed strong associations (p < 0·001) between soil type and land use and crop production system. There is a strong association between cropland and colluvium high in basaltic content because the most fertile soils, such as Vertisols and Vertic Cambisols, have developed on this material. Preference is for autochthonous soils on in situ parent material, irrespective of the rock type, to be put under rangeland. Land use by smallholders in Dogu'a Tembien appears to be the result primarily of the interaction between environmental and social factors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the chemical composition of 20MoCrS4 and low‐alloyed TRIP steel on the intensity of high temperature corrosion
Authors: Mašek B. , Staňková H. , Meyer L.W. , Krüger L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMaterial behaviour in a corroding medium varies depending on its properties. These properties are affected by the treatment, alloy elements and last but not least its surface condition. The sensitivity of a material to iron scale formation and decarburisation limits some technological processes, especially those where materials are exposed to a corroding medium at high temperatures for a very long time. A typical example is the heating of semi‐products to forming temperature. Considering that similar materials can react differently under the same heating conditions, it is important to know the characteristic behaviour of a material in certain production processes. A comparison of two kinds of steels during model treatment was carried out in order to be able to determine the influence of different heating parameters. The model treatment consisted of three different heating temperatures at three different time durations. The intensity of the oxidation process was analysed by means of mass increments and the thickness of the oxide layer was detected via metallography. The depth and intensity of the surface layer decarburisation was evaluated from the profile of the microhardness change curve.
The interaction of message frames and reference points in prosocial persuasive appeals
Authors: Loroz Peggy Sue 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis research seeks to reconcile inconsistent results obtained in prior framing research in prosocial persuasion contexts by proposing that the reference point (self or self‐other) invoked in a persuasive appeal moderates the impact of a particular message frame (positive or negative) on attitudes and behavioral intentions. Two experiments were conducted in which frame and reference point were manipulated in persuasive messages promoting either recycling or prevention of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease. The results indicate that in persuasive social contexts, negative frames may be most persuasive with self‐referencing appeals while positive frames work best when benefits to self as well as others are emphasized. This suggests that developers of prosocial communications should be cognizant of both the message frame and the reference point invoked in these messages in order to have maximum persuasion impact. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Polyelectrolytes Bearing Phosphorylcholine Moieties
Authors: Reisch Andreas , Voegel Jean‐Claude , Decher Gero , Schaaf Pierre , Mésini Philippe J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe report on the modification of the polyelectrolytes poly(L‐glutamic acid) (PGA), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and poly(L‐lysine) (PLL) with side groups bearing phosphorylcholine (PC) groups. Two different side chains were synthesized from monoamino tri‐ or tetraethylene glycol, both with PC group linked to the OH end: the tert‐butyloxycarbonyl protected compounds BOCNH(EO)nPC (n = 2, 3) and the succinylated compound SucNH(EO)3PC. BOCNH(EO)nPC was deprotected and the resulting amine was condensed with PGA or PAA and SucNH(EO)3PC was directly coupled to PLL. Degrees of substitution as high as 80% were obtained with the method described. These polyelectrolytes are potential candidates to fabricate multilayers with protein repellent properties.magnified image
Interactive effects of low temperature and roscovitine (ROS) on meiotic resumption and developmental potential of goat oocytes
Authors: Han Dong , Zhao Ben‐Tian , Liu Yong , Li Jing‐Jing , Wu Yan‐Guang , Lan Guo‐Cheng , Tan Jing‐He 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe objective of this article was to study the effects of low temperature and roscovitine (ROS) on meiotic resumption and developmental potential of goat oocytes. Goat oocytes were cultured at different temperatures in medium containing different concentrations of ROS, and at the end of culture, oocytes were either matured or processed for light/confocal microscopy. The matured oocytes were activated chemically or fertilized in vitro for embryo development. Meiotic arrest was successfully maintained for 24 hr with 0, 50, and 200 µM ROS at 5, 20, and 38.5°C, respectively. Following chemical activation, morulae/blastocysts (M/B) rates similar to untreated oocytes were obtained in oocytes that had been inhibited for 24 hr at 5°C without ROS (Protocol 5C) or at 20°C with 50 µM ROS (Protocol 20C) or for 8 hr at 38.5°C with 200 µM ROS (Protocol 8 hr), but no blastulation was observed after oocytes were inhibited at 38.5°C with 200 µM ROS for 24 hr. Following fertilization, however, while M/B rates similar to controls were achieved in oocytes treated with protocols 5C and 20C, few oocytes inhibited with Protocol 8 hr developed into morulae, due to a high incidence of polyspermy. Changes in GV chromatin configuration were not observed after inhibition with Protocol 5C, but were apparent after inhibition with protocols 20C and 8 hr, leading to a precocious germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) during subsequent maturation. Cortical granule (CG) migration and the formation of microtubule organizing centers occurred during inhibition and were more obvious in the absence of ROS. Significantly more oocytes inhibited by protocols 5C and 20C than by Protocol 8 hr completed CG migration after maturation. In conclusion, goat oocytes were tolerant to chilling and culture at lower temperatures with less ROS was better than culture at higher temperatures with more ROS for oocyte GVBD inhibition. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 838–846, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in global histone acetylation pattern in somatic cell nuclei after their transfer into oocytes at different stages of maturation
Authors: Fulka Helena 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn our study, we have examined the pattern of global histone modification changes in somatic cell nuclei after their transfer into mouse oocytes at different stages of maturation or after their parthenogenetic activation. While germinal vesicle (GV) staged immature oocytes are strongly labeled with anti‐acetylated histone H3 and H4 antibodies, the signal is absent in both metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes (MI, MII). In contrast, the oocytes of all maturation stages show a presence of trimethylated H3/K4 in their chromatin. When somatic cells were fused to intact or enucleated GV oocytes, both the GV and the somatic cell nucleus showed a very strong signal for all the antibodies used. On the other hand, when somatic cells nuclei that are AcH3 and AcH4 positive before fusion are introduced into either intact or enucleated MI or MII oocytes, their acetylation signal decreased rapidly and was totally absent after a prolonged culture. This was not the case when anti‐trimethyl H3/K4 antibody was used. The somatic cell chromatin showed only a slight decrease in the intensity of labeling after its transfer into MI or MII oocytes. This decrease was, however, evident only after a prolonged culture. These results suggest not only a relatively higher stability of the methylation modification but also some difference between the oocyte and somatic chromatin. The ability to deacetylate the chromatin of transferred somatic nuclei disappears rapidly after the oocyte activation. Our results indicate that at least some reprogramming activity appears in the oocyte cytoplasm almost immediately after GV breakdown (GVBD), and that this activity rapidly disappears after the oocyte activation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 556–564, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible role for nitric oxide dysregulation in critical illness myopathy
Authors: Capasso Margherita , Muzio Antonio Di , Pandolfi Assunta , Pace Marta , Tomo Pamela Di , Ragno Michele , Uncini Antonino 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMuscle fiber inexcitability and myosin loss underlie weakness in critical illness myopathy (CIM). Nitric oxide (NO) takes part in the maintenance of muscle fiber resting potential and, in pathological conditions accompanied by oxidative stress, may damage proteins through peroxynitrite generation. Sepsis and other conditions associated with CIM may differentially affect expression of NO synthases (NOSs), so that both downregulation and upregulation with excessive peroxynitrite production can be hypothesized. In six patients with CIM we studied NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3 protein expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. To investigate peroxynitrite production, we performed immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and measured nitrotyrosine levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In three patients, sarcolemmal staining for NOS1 was selectively absent. In the others, it was absent in atrophic fibers and absent or reduced in non‐atrophic fibers. Total NOS1 protein content was reduced by 41% in patients compared to controls, whereas no significant changes were found in levels and localization of NOS2, NOS3, and nitrotyrosine. Further studies are warranted to determine whether NOS1 loss plays a role in the pathophysiology of CIM, possibly reducing the release of NO at the sarcolemma and affecting muscle fiber excitability. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Reaction products of parabanic acid and alkylene carbonates as components of polyurethane foams
Authors: Zarzyka‐Niemiec Iwona 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEsteramidoimidotetraols are obtained by reacting 8‐ and 12‐molar excess of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate with parabanic acid. The parabanic acid ring undergoes opening, and linear polymeric products are formed. The products can conveniently be used as polyols for polyurethane foams. The results of a study on thermal stability and on compressive strength of foams prepared from these tetraols, measured before and after thermal treatment, are reported. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Coconut water as a potential resource for cellulose acetate membrane preparation
Authors: Radiman Cynthia , Yuliani Galuh 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Cellulose acetate membranes are frequently used for pressure‐driven membrane processes. The aim of this work was to prepare cellulose acetate membranes from nata‐de‐coco using coconut water as starting material. The use of this lignin‐free material will certainly minimize the use of chemicals usually needed in the traditional pulps and substitute for the use of wood, which helps prevent global warming and preserves nature as well.RESULTS: Coconut water was fermented by Acetobacter xylinum for 6 days to produce nata‐de‐coco, which was then acetylated to produce cellulose diacetate with an acetyl content of 39.6%. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed characteristic peaks for the acetyl group at 1748 and 1236 cm−1. The resulting membranes made from the hydrolysis product showed a water flux of 210.5 L m−2 h−1 under an applied pressure of 2 kg cm−2 while the rejection coefficients of dextran T‐500 and T‐2000 solutions were 78 and 93.7%, respectively.CONCLUSION: Coconut water has a potential to be used in the fabrication of membranes by converting it to nata‐de‐coco and then to cellulose diacetate which gives an added value to its original nature. It is also highly competitive compared to the traditional pulps, by which acetylation decreases the degree of crystallinity of nata‐de‐coco resulting in higher membrane permeability. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and properties of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene block copolymer/clay nanocomposites: I. Effect of clay content and compatibilizer types
Authors: Chen Wen‐Chih , Lai Sun‐Mou , Chen Chun‐Ming 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Polymer/clay (silicate) systems exhibit great promise for industrial applications due to their ability to display synergistically advanced properties with relatively small amounts of clay loads. The effects of various compatibilizers on styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene block copolymer (SEBS)/clay nanocomposites with various amounts of clay using a melt mixing process are investigated.RESULTS: SEBS/clay nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixing. Two types of maleated compatibilizers, styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene block copolymer grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) and polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA), were incorporated to improve the dispersion of various amounts of commercial organoclay (denoted as 20A). Experimental samples were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Thermal stability was enhanced through the addition of clay with or without compatibilizers. The dynamic mechanical properties and rheological properties indicated enhanced interaction for the compatibilized nanocomposites. In particular, the PP‐g‐MA compatibilized system conferred higher tensile strength or Young's modulus than the SEBS‐g‐MA compatibilized system, although SEBS‐g‐MA seemed to further expand the interlayer spacing of the clay compared with PP‐g‐MA.CONCLUSION: These unusual results suggest that the matrix properties and compatibilizer types are crucial factors in attaining the best mechanical property performance at a specific clay content. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Optically active polyethers from chiral terminal epoxides with bulky group
Authors: Cao Jing , Yang Nian‐Fa , Wang Pang‐Deng , Yang Li‐Wen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Although the backbone of polyethers from epoxides is flexible and less rigid in solution, we try to determine whether chiral terminal epoxides could form single‐handed helical coiling in solution with the introduction of a bulky group at the 3‐carbon that may fix the helix sense through the large interaction between pendants.RESULTS: Several chiral terminal epoxides with bulky groups at the 3‐carbon such as (S)‐4,4,4‐triphenyl‐1‐butene oxide ((S)‐TPBO), (S)‐4,4‐diphenyl‐1‐butene oxide, (S)‐4‐benzyl‐4,4‐diphenyl‐1‐butene oxide and (S)‐4,4‐diphenyl‐1‐nonene oxide were synthesized and polymerized. Except for poly[(S)‐TPBO], the polyepoxides could not retain a stable helical conformation in solution.CONCLUSION: The conformation and length of polymers were directly related to the bulky substituent on the 3‐carbon of chiral epoxides, and if the bulkiness and rigidity of the substituent were appropriate, the helical conformation of the polyethers formed could be retained in solution. Optically active polyethers would be potential substitutes for optically active poly(triphenylmethyl methacrylate) due to their much greater hydrolytic resistance. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry