bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of estrogen-mediated attenuation of hepatic injury following trauma-hemorrhage: Akt-dependent HO-1 up-regulation
Authors: Hsu Jun-te , Kan Wen-Hong , Hsieh Chi-Hsun , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Schwacha Martin G , Bland Kirby I , Chaudry Irshad H 
Published: July 2007

AbstractProtein kinase B (Akt) is known to be involved in proinflammatory and chemotactic events in response to injury. Akt activation also leads to the induction of heme oxygenase (HO)-1. Up-regulation of HO-1 mediates potent, anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates organ injury. Although studies have shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) prevents organ damage following trauma-hemorrhage, it remains unknown whether Akt/HO-1 plays any role in E2-mediated attenuation of hepatic injury following trauma-hemorrhage. To study this, male rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure, ∼40 mmHg for 90 min), followed by fluid resuscitation. At the onset of resuscitation, rats were treated with vehicle, E2 (1 mg/kg body weight), E2 plus the PI-3K inhibitor (Wortmannin), or the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (ICI 182,780). At 2 h after sham operation or trauma-hemorrhage, plasma α-GST and hepatic tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, and MIP-2 levels were measured. Hepatic Akt and HO-1 protein levels were also determined. Trauma-hemorrhage increased hepatic injury markers (α-GST and MPO activity), cytokines, ICAM-1, and chemokine levels. These parameters were markedly improved in the E2-treated rats following trauma-hemorrhage. E2 treatment also increased hepatic Akt activation and HO-1 expression compared with vehicle-treated, trauma-hemorrhage rats, which were abolished by coadministration of Wortmannin or ICI 182,780. These results suggest that the salutary effects of E2 on hepatic injury following trauma-hemorrhage are in part mediated via an ER-related, Akt-dependent up-regulation of HO-1.
Verification of time-reversibility requirementfor systems satisfying the Evans-Searles fluctuation theorem
Authors: Mittag Emil , Evans Denis J. , Williams Stephen R. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The Evans-Searles fluctuation theorem (ESFT) has been shown to be applicable in the near- and far-from-equilibrium regimes for systems with both constant and time-dependent external fields. The derivations of the ESFT have assumed that the external field has a definite parity under a time-reversal mapping. In the present paper, we confirm that the time-reversibility of the system dynamics is a necessary condition for the ESFT to hold. The manner in which the ESFT fails for systems that are not time-reversible is presented, and results are shown which demonstrate that systems which fail to satisfy the ESFT may still satisfy the Crooks relation (CR).
Structure, magnetism, and thermodynamics of the novel rare earth-based R5T4 intermetallics
Authors: Pecharsky V. K. , Gschneidner K. A. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
After approximately 30 years of dormancy, the binary, ternary, and multicomponent intermetallic compounds of rare earth metals (R) with the group 14 elements (T) at the R
5
T
4 stoichiometry have become a goldmine for materials science, condensed matter physics, and solid-state chemistry. In addition to providing numerous opportunities to clarify elusive structure-property relationships, the R
5
T
4 compounds may soon be developed into practical materials by exploiting their unique sensitivity toward a variety of chemical and physical triggers. The distinctiveness of this series is in the remarkable flexibility of the chemical bonding between well-defined, self-assembled, subnanometer-thick slabs and the resultant magnetic, transport, and thermodynamic properties of the R
5
T
4 compounds that can be controlled by varying either or both R and T, including mixed rare earth elements on the R-sites and different group 14 (and 13 or 15) elements occupying the T-sites. In addition to chemical means, the interslab interactions are tunable by temperature, pressure, and magnetic field. Presently, a substantial, yet far from complete, body of knowledge exists about the Gd compounds with T = Si and Ge. In contrast, only a little is known about the physics and chemistry of R
5
T
4 alloys with other lanthanides, while compounds with T = Sn and Pb remain virtually unexplored.
Three frontiers in the thermodynamics of protein solutions
Authors: Prausnitz John , Foose Loddie 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Three examples illustrate the versatility and usefulness of biothermodynamics. The first example concerns calculation of a phase diagram for aqueous lysozyme with a new potential of mean force that takes the Hofmeister effect into account; such calculations may be useful for design of a separation process where addition of a salt to an aqueous protein mixture precipitates a target protein. The second example concerns thermodynamic studies to elucidate the effect of an organic cosolvent on the mechanism of crystallizing aqueous insulin. The final example concerns a thermodynamic contribution to mitigating the AIDS epidemic; it indicates how isothermal-titration-calorimetry studies are helpful for choosing an optimum inhibitor that is effective not only for the wild-type HIV protease but also for at least some of its mutants.
Protein:Creatinine Ratio in Random Urine Samples Is a Reliable Marker of Increased 24-Hour Protein Excretion in Hospitalized Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Leaños-Miranda Alfredo , Márquez-Acosta Janeth , Romero-Arauz Fernando , Cárdenas-Mondragón Guadalupe M , Rivera-Leaños Roxana , Isordia-Salas Irma , Ulloa-Aguirre Alfredo 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Background: The protein:creatinine ratio in random, untimed urine samples correlates with 24-h protein excretion in pregnant women with and without hypertension. Nevertheless, whether this ratio is appropriate as a screening test for proteinuria is still unclear, in part because of the paucity of large studies.
Methods: We measured protein:creatinine ratios in random urine samples and protein contents of 24-h urine samples in a cross-sectional study of 927 hospitalized pregnant women at ≥20-weeks of gestational age and in a 2nd cohort of 161 pregnant women. In the 2nd group, urine specimens were obtained before and after completion of the 24-h collections, avoiding 1st-morning void specimens.
Results: Protein excretion was ≥300 mg/24 h in 282 patients (30.4%). The urine protein:creatinine ratio and the 24-h protein excretion were significantly correlated (r = 0.98, P &lt;0.001). The protein:creatinine ratio as an indicator of protein excretion ≥300 mg/24 h was ≥0.3. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.2% and 98.8%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 97.2% and 99.2%, respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 79.2 and 0.02, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the urinary protein:creatinine ratio was corroborated in the 2nd cohort of patients, which also showed no statistically significant difference in protein:creatinine ratio between samples obtained &gt;24 h apart.
Conclusions: Random urinary protein:creatinine ratio is a reliable indicator of significant proteinuria (&gt;300 mg/day) in nonambulatory pregnant women, irrespective of sampling time during the daytime. The protein:creatinine ratio may be reasonably used as an alternative to the 24-h urine collection method.
Identification and analysis of the promoter region of the type II transmembrane serine protease polyserase-1 and its transcript variants
Authors: Hayama Masaki , Okumura Yuushi , Takahashi Etsuhisa , Shimabukuro Aki , Tamura Manabu , Takeda Noriaki , Kubo Takeshi , Kido Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Polyserase-1/TMPRSS9 and its alternative transcripts, serase-1B and serase-2B, are novel type II transmembrane serine proteases that may regulate physiological and pathological phenomena on the cell surface. To understand the mechanisms of gene expression and regulation of these transcripts, we cloned and characterized the 5′ promoter region of the mouse polyserase-1 (mpolyserase-1) gene. Using 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we located the transcription initiation site 272 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation site. Luciferase reporter gene analysis revealed that the region from +186 to +272 bp in the 5′-untranslated region (UTR), containing the GATA motif (AGATAA), glucocorticoid responsible element (TGTTCT), and E-box sequence (CAGGTG), is required for maximal promoter activity. Mutations introduced into the E-box sequence but not elsewhere in the promoter region caused a selective decrease in transcriptional activity. Furthermore, a DNA probe (+229 to +255 bp) containing the E-box sequence formed a single nuclear protein complex in a sequence-specific manner. These data suggest that the expression of mpolyserase-1 and its transcript variants is positively regulated by the E-box in its 5′-UTR, which might be responsible for the binding of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors involved in the development of various organelles.
The central domain of transcription factor FOXM1c directly interacts with itself in vivo and switches from an essential to an inhibitory domain depending on the FOXM1c binding site
Authors: Wierstra Inken , Alves Jürgen 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
We have previously shown that FOXM1c can transactivate its target genes by two different mechanisms, depending on the FOXM1c binding site. In the present study, by introducing a small 46-aa deletion, we confirm that the central domain of FOXM1c is essential for transactivation of the minimal c-myc P1 and P2 promoters via their TATA boxes, but functions as an inhibitory domain on conventional FOXM1c binding sites. Thus, distinct FOXM1c binding sites determine opposite functions of the central domain, suggesting allosteric control of its conformation by the DNA binding site. This is strongly supported by the identification of a direct in vivo interaction of the central domain with itself in the present study. In contrast, the DNA binding domain binds neither to itself nor to any other domain of FOXM1c. Transrepression by the central domain is unlikely to be achieved by recruitment of co-repressors, but instead seems to be mediated by direct interference with the basal transcription complex. Direct binding of the central domain to itself should be involved in transrepression. Finally, FOXM1c transactivates the chicken mim-1 promoter, whose TATA box represents a conventional FOXM1c binding site, so that transactivation follows neither of the above two mechanisms, but shows intermediate behavior.
Chemical chaperone-mediated protein folding: stabilization of P22 tailspike folding intermediates by glycerol
Authors: Mishra Rajesh , Bhat Rajiv , Seckler Robert 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Polyol co-solvents such as glycerol increase the thermal stability of proteins. This has been explained by preferential hydration favoring the more compact native over the denatured state. Although polyols are also expected to favor aggregation by the same mechanism, they have been found to increase the folding yields of some large, aggregation-prone proteins. We have used the homotrimeric phage P22 tailspike protein to investigate the origin of this effect. The folding of this protein is temperature-sensitive and limited by the stability of monomeric folding intermediates. At non-permissive temperature (≥35°C), tailspike refolding yields were increased significantly in the presence of 1–4 m glycerol. At low temperature, tailspike refolding is prevented when folding intermediates are destabilized by the addition of urea. Glycerol could offset the urea effect, suggesting that the polyol acts by stabilizing crucial folding intermediates and not by increasing solvent viscosity. The stabilization effect of glycerol on tailspike folding intermediates was confirmed in experiments using a temperature-sensitive folding mutant protein, by fluorescence measurements of subunit folding kinetics, and by temperature up-shift experiments. Our results suggest that the chemical chaperone effect of polyols observed in the folding of large proteins is due to preferential hydration favoring structure formation in folding intermediates.
Alkaline Bohr effect of bird hemoglobins: the case of the flamingo
Authors: Sanna Maria Teresa , Manconi Barbara , Podda Gabriella , Olianas Alessandra , Pellegrini Mariagiuseppina , Castagnola Massimo , Messana Irene , Giardina Bruno 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The hemoglobin (Hb) substitution His→Gln at position α89, very common in avian Hbs, is considered to be responsible for the weak Bohr effect of avian Hbs. Phoenicopterus ruber ruber is one of the few avian Hbs that possesses His at α89, but it has not been functionally characterized yet. In the present study the Hb system of the greater flamingo (P. ruber roseus), a bird that lives in Mediterranean areas, has been investigated to obtain further insight into the role played by the α89 residue in determining the strong reduction of the Bohr effect. Functional analysis of the two purified Hb components (HbA and HbD) of P. ruber roseus showed that both are characterized by high oxygen affinity in the absence of organic phosphates, a strong modulating effect of inositol hexaphosphate, and a reduced Bohr effect. Indeed, in spite of the close phylogenetic relationship between the two flamingo species, structural analysis based on tandem mass spectrometry of the αA chain of P. ruber roseus Hb showed that a Gln residue is present at position α89.
Alkyl-Capped Block Copolymer Surfactants for Remediation of Soil Water Repellency and Heterogeneous Rootzone Moisture
Authors: Kostka Stanley J. , Schuermann Gregor , Franklin Mica 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Soil water repellency (SWR) leads to nonwettable soils, heterogeneous rootzone moisture, reduced irrigation efficiency, leaching due to preferential flow, localized dry spots, and deterioration of turfgrass quality. Nonionic hydroxyl-terminated methyl oxirane-oxirane (EO/PO triblock copolymers) copolymers are commonly employed to remediate SWR. To determine if molecular modification influenced remediation performance, C1–C4 alkyl ethers of methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymers were produced through etherification of hydroxyl-terminated methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymers. ACA 1820, an alkyl ether of methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymer (MW approximately 2500) (applied monthly at 1.9 kg ha−1) reduced SWR and maintained quality at higher levels (p=0.05) for longer periods than the hydroxyl-terminated methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymer or the control. Turf density in plots treated with the alkyl ether of methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymer was three-fold greater than the control and two-fold greater than in plots treated with the hydroxyl-terminated methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymer. Rootzone moisture was more homogeneous in plots treated with ACA1820 than other treatments. Differences in visual turf quality were observed for up to nine months after the last application of the alkyl ether of methyl oxirane-oxirane copolymer. The observed effects are proposed to be due to interfacial interactions of the alkyl caps both in solution and at hydrophobic soil surfaces.
Controlled Release Pellet Formulation
Authors: Houghton Richard 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
This paper is a general overview of a new controlled release formulation of imidacloprid in the form of an extruded pellet. This material delivers 50 g imidacloprid per kg of product. The formulation consists of a polymer/starch matrix which is partially biodegradable. The product consists of 2-mm-diam. spherical pellets and is available under the suSCon® trade name. This technology allows long term protection from canegrub damage with imidacloprid by controlling its release into the soil. After release from the pellets, imidacloprid acts on canegrubs in a number of ways, including: soil ingestion, soil contact and root ingestion. The pellet does not exhibit anti-feeding or repellency properties. Soil moisture appears to be the major factor controlling the release of the imidacloprid active ingredient. Under normal field conditions the pellet will release imidacloprid for 1.5–2 plus years. The pellet consistently increases cane and sugar yield in the plant and has shown to be beneficial against infestations in the first three crop cycles.
Absence of Food Effect on the Extent of Alprazolam Absorption from an Orally Disintegrating Tablet
Authors: Erdman Keith , Stypinski Daria , Combs Michelle , Witt Patricia , Stiles Mark , Pollock Steve 
Published: July 2007

Study Objective. To evaluate the effect of a standardized meal on the bioavailability of alprazolam formulated as an immediate‐release orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) in healthy volunteers.Design. Single‐dose, randomized, open‐label, two‐period crossover study.Setting. Contract research organization clinic.Subjects. Sixteen healthy volunteers (seven men, nine women), aged 20–50 years.Intervention. Subjects were administered a single dose of alprazolam ODT 1.0 mg during two treatment periods—under fasting conditions and after a standard high‐fat breakfast—separated by a 7‐day washout period.Measurements and Main Results. Blood samples for determination of alprazolam pharmacokinetics were collected by venipuncture up to 72 hours after dosing. A validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection method was used to quantify the alprazolam plasma concentration. The overall extent of alprazolam absorption from the ODT formulation, as measured by area under the concentration‐time curve, was unaffected during fed conditions. However, the rate of alprazolam absorption was slower after administration during fed relative to fasted conditions. The mean maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased approximately 25%, and time to Cmax (Tmax) was delayed approximately 1.5 hours when food was administered before dosing.Conclusion. Coadministration of food was shown to have no effect on extent of absorption of immediate‐release alprazolam ODT 1.0 mg when compared with drug administration in the fasted condition; however, the rate of drug absorption was decreased. The clinical significance of the difference in rate of alprazolam absorption is unknown but thought to be minimal.
Specification of a Dopaminergic Phenotype from Adult Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Trzaska Katarzyna A. , Kuzhikandathil Eldo V. , Rameshwar Pranela 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Dopamine (DA) neurons derived from stem cells are a valuable source for cell replacement therapy in Parkinson disease, to study the molecular mechanisms of DA neuron development, and for screening pharmaceutical compounds that target DA disorders. Compared with other stem cells, MSCs derived from the adult human bone marrow (BM) have significant advantages and greater potential for immediate clinical application. We report the identification of in vitro conditions for inducing adult human MSCs into DA cells. Using a cocktail that includes sonic hedgehog and fibroblast growth factors, human BM-derived MSCs were induced in vitro to become DA cells in 12 days. Based on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, the efficiency of induction was determined to be ∼67%. The cells develop a neuronal morphology expressing the neuronal markers NeuN and β III tubulin, but not glial markers, glial fibrillary acidic protein and Olig2. As the cells acquire a postmitotic neuronal fate, they downregulate cell cycle activator proteins cyclin B, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Molecular characterization revealed the expression of DA-specific genes such as TH, Pitx3, Nurr1, DA transporter, and vesicular monoamine transporter 2. The induced MSCs also synthesize and secrete DA in a depolarization-independent manner. The latter observation is consistent with the low expression of voltage gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels in the induced MSCs and suggests that the cells are at an immature stage of development likely representing DA neuronal progenitors. Taken together, the results demonstrate the ability of adult human BM-derived MSCs to form DA cells in vitro.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Concise Review: The Potential of Stem Cells for Auditory Neuron Generation and Replacement
Authors: Coleman Bryony , de Silva Michelle G. , Shepherd Robert K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSensory hair cells in the mammalian cochlea are sensitive to many insults including loud noise, ototoxic drugs, and ageing. Damage to these hair cells results in deafness and sets in place a number of irreversible changes that eventually result in the progressive degeneration of auditory neurons, the target cells of the cochlear implant. Techniques designed to preserve the density and integrity of auditory neurons in the deafened cochlea are envisaged to provide improved outcomes for cochlear implant recipients. This review examines the potential of embryonic stem cells to generate new neurons for the deafened mammalian cochlea, including the directed differentiation of stem cells toward a sensory neural lineage and the engraftment of exogenous stem cells into the deafened auditory system. Although still in its infancy the aim of this therapy is to restore a critical number of auditory neurons, thereby improving the benefits derived from a cochlear implant.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Deletion of STAT-1 Pancreatic Islets Protects Against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes and Early Graft Failure but Not Against Late Rejection
Authors: Callewaert Hanne I. , Gysemans Conny A. , Ladrière Laurence , D'Hertog Wannes , Hagenbrock Julianna , Overbergh Lutgart , Eizirik Decio L. , Mathieu Chantal 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE—Exposure of β-cells to inflammatory cytokines leads to apoptotic cell death through the activation of gene networks under the control of specific transcription factors, such as interferon-γ–induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1. We previously demonstrated that β-cells lacking STAT-1 are resistant to cytokine-induced cell death in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of STAT-1 elimination on immune-mediated β-cell destruction in vivo.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) was given to C57BL/6 mice after syngeneic STAT-1−/− or wild-type islet transplantation. STAT-1−/− and wild-type islets were also transplanted in alloxan-diabetic BALB/c and spontaneously diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Additionally, mice were treated with interleukin (IL)-1 blockade (IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1ra]) and low-dose T-cell suppression (cyclosporine A [CsA]).
RESULTS—When exposed to multiple low-dose STZ in an immune-competent host, STAT-1−/− islets were more resistant to destruction than wild-type islets (28 vs. 100% diabetes incidence, P ≤ 0.05). STAT-1 deletion also protected allogeneic islet grafts against primary nonfunction in autoimmune NOD mice (0 vs. 17% using wild-type islets). However, no difference in survival time was observed. Additionally, treating recipients with IL-1ra and CsA prolonged graft survival in chemically diabetic BALB/c mice, whereas no difference was seen between STAT-1−/− and C57BL/6 grafts.
CONCLUSIONS—These data indicate that STAT-1 is a key player in immune-mediated early β-cell dysfunction and death. When considering the many effector mechanisms contributing to β-cell death following islet transplantation, multiple combined interventions will be needed for prolongation of β-cell survival in the autoimmune context of type 1 diabetes.