bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuchal translucency in dichorionic twins conceived after assisted reproduction
Authors: Hui P. W. , Tang M. H. Y. , Ng E. H. Y. , Yeung W. S. B. , Ho P. C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractObjectivesAs opposed to biochemical markers of Down syndrome, nuchal translucency (NT) was once thought to be a more reliable screening marker for high order multiple pregnancies and pregnancies conceived after assisted conception. Recent data suggested that NT in singleton fetuses from assisted reproduction technology (ART) was thicker than those from singleton pregnancies. The present study compared the thickness of NT in dichorionic twins from natural conception and assisted reproduction.MethodsA retrospective analysis for comparison of NT thickness on 3319 spontaneous singletons, 19 pairs of spontaneous twins and 27 pairs of assisted reproduction twins was performed.ResultsThe median NT multiple of median (MoM) of spontaneous singletons was 1.00. For twins, the median NT MoM for pregnancies after assisted reproduction and natural conception were 1.02 and 1.07 respectively. There was no statistical difference in the NT thickness among the three pregnancy groups.ConclusionContrary to the observed increase in NT in singleton pregnancies from assisted reproduction, the NT in dichorionic twins was comparable to the spontaneous ones. The mode of conception appears to impose differential influence on singletons and twins. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology and mechanical properties of melt drawn chopped UHMWPE fiber/HDPE blends
Authors: Larin Boris , Feldman Alexander Y. , Harel Hannah , Marom Gad 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBlends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) chopped fibers with high density polyethylene (HDPE) were prepared by melt mixing extrusion, followed by melt drawing. The combined effect of composition and flow on the morphology was investigated by microbeam synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Apparently in the drawn blends, the presence of fibers resulted in a higher degree of orientated morphology and—as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry—higher degrees of crystallinity and melting points. Significant improvement of mechanical properties was observed with increase of the fiber volume fraction. These results indicate that the oriented arrays of immiscible UHMWPE domains aligned in the flow direction, joined by fiber‐induced crystallization of the surrounding HDPE matrix, and provide strong reinforcing effect. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:807–811, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomic analysis of recurrent spontaneous abortion: Identification of an inadequately expressed set of proteins in human follicular fluid
Authors: Kim Yong‐Soo , Kim Myung‐Sun , Lee Sook‐Hwan , Choi Bum‐Chae , Lim Jeong‐Mook , Cha Kwang Yul , Baek Kwang‐Hyun 
Published: April 2006

AbstractRecurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), defined as the loss of three or more consecutive pregnancies prior to the 20th week of gestation, affects up to 5% of the child‐bearing population. To investigate the proteins associated with RSA, the protein expression in human follicular fluid was analyzed using 2‐DE. Follicular fluid contains a variety of biologically important proteins for oocyte fertilization and follicle maturation in the mammalian reproductive process. Therefore, it can be used as a provisional source for identifying proteins involved in RSA. In this study, we identified five aberrantly expressed proteins (complement component C3c chain E, fibrinogen γ, antithrombin, angiotensinogen, and hemopexin precursor) in follicular fluid from RSA patients with MALDI‐TOF‐MS and nano‐LC MS/MS. Western blot analysis confirmed that the protein expression level of fibrinogen γ and antithrombin was less in follicular fluid from RSA patients than those from normal controls. Semiquantitative RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR analyses revealed that mRNA level of these coagulation factors was also decreased significantly in chorionic villi of RSA patients compared with normal samples. Taken all together, it is likely that coagulation factors (fibrinogen γ and antithrombin) play an important role in maintaining the normal pregnancy.
Structure of a glutathione conjugate bound to the active site of aldose reductase
Authors: Singh Ranvir , White Mark A. , Ramana Kota V. , Petrash J. Mark , Watowich Stanley J. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Srivastava Satish K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAldose reductase (AR) is a monomeric NADPH‐dependent oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, and aldo‐sugars. AR has been linked to the development of hyperglycemic injury and is a clinical target for the treatment of secondary diabetic complications. In addition to reducing glucose, AR is key regulator of cell signaling through it's reduction of aldehydes derived from lipoproteins and membrane phospholipids. AR catalyzes the reduction of glutathione conjugates of unsaturated aldehydes with higher catalytic efficiency than free aldehydes. The X‐ray structure of human AR holoenzyme in complex with the glutathione analogue S‐(1,2‐dicarboxyethyl) glutathione (DCEG) was determined at a resolution of 1.94 Å. The distal carboxylate group of DCEG's dicarboxyethyl moiety interacted with the conserved AR anion binding site residues Tyr48, His110, and Trp111. The bound DCEG's glutathione backbone adopted the low‐energy Y‐shape form. The C‐terminal carboxylate of DCEG glutathione's glycine formed hydrogen bonds to Leu301 and Ser302, while the remaining interactions between DCEG and AR were hydrophobic, permitting significant flexibility of the AR and glutathione (GS) analogue interaction. The observed conformation and interactions of DCEG with AR were consistent with our previously published molecular dynamics model of glutathionyl–propanal binding to AR. The current structure identifies major interactions of glutathione conjugates with the AR active‐site residues. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐based assay for screening 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Xu Rongda , Sang Bi‐Ching , Navre Marc , Kassel Daniel B. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractCortisol is an important glucocorticoid that regulates many physiological pathways by activating various intracellular receptors. The type 1 isozyme of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD1) functions in vivo predominantly as a reductase by converting cortisone into cortisol. A high‐throughput liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method has been developed to screen for inhibitors of 11β‐HSD1 by monitoring cortisol and cortisone simultaneously. The injection cycle time can be as fast as 1 min/sample, making it amenable to the analysis of large numbers of the cell‐assay samples in the screening of 11β‐HSD inhibitors. The reductase and dehydrogenase activities of 11β‐HSD1 are assessed separately. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the fragmentation pattern induced by collisions, laser excitation and electron capture. Influence of the initial excitation
Authors: Antoine R. , Broyer M. , Chamot‐Rooke J. , Dedonder C. , Desfrançois C. , Dugourd P. , Grégoire G. , Jouvet C. , Onidas D. , Poulain P. , Tabarin T. , van der Rest G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractCollision‐induced dissociation, laser‐induced dissociation and electron‐capture dissociation are compared on a singly and doubly protonated pentapeptide. The dissociation spectrum depends on the excitation mechanism and on the charge state of the peptide. The comparison of these results with the conformations obtained from Monte Carlo simulations suggests that the de‐excitation mechanism following a laser or an electron‐capture excitation is related to the initial geometry of the peptide. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of chronic lymphatic filariasis on quantity and quality of productive work among weavers in an endemic village from India
Authors: Babu B. V. , Swain B. K. , Rath K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryObjective  To assess the impact of hydrocele and lymphoedema on the quantity and quality of productive work of weavers.Method  Case–control study in an endemic village in Andhra Pradesh, India. We collected qualitative data on work activities from cases and age‐ and sex‐matched controls through informal discussions and observation.Results  The mean (±standard deviation) daily work time of cases was 7.38 h (±2.47), significantly less than that of controls (8.17 ± 2.41 h). Lost work time was equivalent to around 29 days of work in a year. Gender had significant influence on the mean number of working hours in this occupational group. Most cases could not weave, which is physically demanding, and preferred less strenuous tasks such as spinning, starching, dyeing or sizing. Hard physical labour constitutes 71.5% of total work time among patients and 83.7% in controls. As income also depends on the type of work, cases earn less.Conclusions  Filariasis has an adverse impact on the productivity of weavers, and morbidity management strategies and control programmes need to take this into account.
Toll‐like receptors and innate antiviral immunity
Authors: Galiana‐Arnoux D. , Imler J.‐L. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractViral infections are first detected by a set of innate immunity receptors that detect primary infections by pathogens, and trigger a transcriptional response. Among the induced target genes, type I interferons (IFNs) are central to the antiviral response of the host. The receptors and signaling pathways that mediate the strong induction of the synthesis of these cytokines have long remained elusive. In the past few years, Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) emerged as important sensors of infections. Several TLRs participate in the recognition of virus infection, interacting in particular with viral nucleic acids. Upon activation, TLRs interact with different cytosolic adapter molecules and activate transcription factors of the nuclear factor‐κB and IFN regulatory factor families that concur to mediate induction of IFN‐α/β and other inflammatory cytokines. In addition to the transmembrane TLRs, cytosolic helicases also detect viral nucleic acids, and trigger type I IFN synthesis.
Characterization and application of two novel monoclonal antibodies against human OX40: costimulation of T cells and expression on tumor as well as normal gland tissues
Authors: Xie F. , Wang Q. , Chen Y. , Gu Y. , Shi Q. , Ge Y. , Yu G. , Wu H. , Mao Y. , Wang X. , Zhou Y. , Zhang X. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractOX40, a membrane‐bound molecule of the tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐receptor superfamily, is a critical costimulatory receptor during the immune response. Here, we newly generated two specific mouse antihuman OX40 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (2G2 and 1F7), whose specificities are quite different from the available OX40 mAb (ACT35) by competition assay. It was also found that both mAbs could enhance the proliferation, activation and differentiation of T lymphocytes primed by anti‐CD3 mAb. These results evidenced that both were functional antihuman OX40 mAbs. Furthermore, stained by 2G2 and 1F7, FCM and immunohistochemistry detected the constitutive expression of OX40 on tumor cell lines from epithelium, breast cancer and glioma tissues. Meanwhile, the non‐tumor tissues (thyroid gland, stomach gland) were also found OX40 expression. These results suggested that OX40 is not only expressed in activated T cells, but also in some tumors as well as normal gland tissues. Such expression pattern indicated that OX40 may be a valuable surface antigen in unveiling its expression and function outside the immune system. Briefly, these novel antibodies may contribute to the evaluation of the mechanism of tumor metastasis and eventually shed light on further study of tumor immunotherapy and autoimmune diseases.
Volatile anaesthetics depolarize neural mitochondria by inhibiton of the electron transport chain
Authors: Bains R. , Moe M. C. , Larsen G. A. , Berg‐Johnsen J. , Vinje M. L. 
Published: April 2006

Background:  The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) controls the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species, and sequesteration of intracellular Ca2+[Ca2+]i. Clinical concentrations of sevoflurane affect the ΔΨm in neural mitochondria, but the mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on ΔΨm in rat pre‐synaptic terminals (synaptosomes), and to investigate whether these agents affect ΔΨm by inhibiting the respiratory chain.Methods:  Synaptosomes were loaded with the fluorescent probes JC‐1 (ΔΨm) and Fura‐2 ([Ca2+]i) and exposed to isoflurane or sevoflurane. The effect of the anaesthetics on the electron transport chain was investigated by blocking complex I and complex V.Results:  Isoflurane 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) decreased the normalized JC‐1 ratio from 0.92 ± 0.03 in control to 0.86 ± 0.02 and 0.81 ± 0.01, respectively, reflecting a depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane (n = 9). Isoflurane 2 MAC increased [Ca2+]i. In Ca2+‐depleted medium, isoflurane still decreased ΔΨm while [Ca2+]i remained unaltered. The effect of isoflurane was more pronounced than for sevoflurane. Blocking complex V of the respiratory chain enhanced the isoflurane‐ and sevoflurane‐induced mitochondrial depolarization, whereas blocking complex I and V decreased ΔΨm to the same extent in control, isoflurane and sevoflurane experiments.Conclusions:  Isoflurane and sevoflurane may act as metabolic inhibitors by depolarizing pre‐synaptic mitochondria through inhibition of the electron transport chain, although isoflurane seems to inhibit mitochondrial function more significantly than sevoflurane. Both agents inhibit the respiratory chain sufficiently to cause ATP synthase reversal.
Antifungal effects of aminosulphoxide and disulphide derivatives
Authors: Wittebolle Veerle , Lemriss Sanaâ , Morella Gracia La , Errante Jaccomo , Boiron Patrick , Barret Roland , Sarciron Marie Elisabeth 
Published: April 2006

Summary2‐Benzenesulphinyl‐(1,4)‐naphtoquinone and 14 derivatives were synthesised and were used to evaluate their cytotoxicity against a human myelomonocyte cell line and their antifungal activity against two yeast, i.e. Candida albicans and C. tropicalis and against two filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum and against one dermatophyte, namely Trichophyton tonsurans. The cytotoxicity and antifungal activities were investigated in comparison with amphotericin B as reference drug. No compound was significantly more toxic than amphotericin B at 0.2 μg ml−1. The best results of antifungal activity were obtained with GFL 10, GFL 13 and GFL 30 on C. tropicalis, F. oxysporum and T. tonsurans. For C. albicans and A. niger, there was no difference between amphotericin B and the other molecules. The sterol quantitation, the time‐kill curves were carried out for these three compounds in order to confirm their action in ergosterol synthesis. Time‐kill curves showed a fungistatic activity. For C. tropicalis GFL 10, GFL 13 and GFL 30 increased the growth delay better than amphotericin B, in contrast to F. oxysporum. As for T. tonsurans, GFL10 and GFL13 gave a delay, but the effect of GFL 30 was a bit less marked.
A case of bullous tinea pedis with dermatophytid reaction caused by Trichophyton violaceum
Authors: Romano C. , Rubegni P. , Ghilardi A. , Fimiani M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe authors report a case of bullous tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton violaceum with dermatophytid reaction in a 26‐year‐old woman who had been in Africa. Diagnosis was based on mycological examination (direct microscope observation and culture). Recovery was achieved after systemic antimycotic therapy with itraconazole and topical imidazole for a month.
Diagnosis of aspergilloma in a pleural cavity (persistent pneumothorax) using classic imaging methods
Authors: Kreymborg Karsten Grosse , Seyfarth Hans‐Jürgen , Gessner Christian , Schütz Alexander , Hammerschmidt Stefan , Eichfeld Ulrich , Borte Gudrun , Wirtz Hubert 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis is based on serum‐analysis, as well as histological and microbiological analysis of bronchial lavage and transbronchial biopsies. When Aspergillus develops within a preformed cavity, however, these tests are likely to be negative. In this situation, classic imaging techniques such as chest X‐ray and high resolution‐computed tomography (HR‐CT) can be of great diagnostic use. We here describe the case of a 62‐year‐old woman with a history of breast cancer and subsequent ablation of the left breast and radiotherapy. The case demonstrates an example of a pleuropulmonary aspergilloma, in which sero‐ and micro‐biological detection failed. Thorax HR‐CT exhibited the cavity, a small persistent pneumothorax, partially filled by an oval density. This density clearly dislocated according to gravity following a positional change of the patient from supine to prone. The density thus revealed mobility which was typical of aspergilloma. Following excision, this diagnosis was confirmed. A density within a cavity may be differentiated by its mobility from differential diagnoses such as lung cancer which would not be expected to exhibit mobility.
Die ökonomische Tradition und die Verfassung der Wissenschaft
Authors: Albert Hans 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe usual view on the division of labour between the philosophy of science and economics is mistaken. The concentration on formal problems in both sciences has concealed the convergence of their problems. This convergence has been revealed by the institutional change in both sciences. The common problems of these sciences are related to the explanation of phenomena in the realm of knowledge. For this assumptions are needed about problem-solving behavior of competing individuals. The institutional theory of the progress of knowledge by Karl Popper refers to this competition. One of the rewards desired in this competiton is the acknowledgment of the value of the solutions offered by the competitors. These solutions are goods which are evaluated by rules of method. The competition in science can be seen as a competition for status in the framework of incentive-compatible rules in which bilateral exchange plays no role. The question to what extent the institutional arrangements in the realm of science in the western world are adequate for the progress of knowledge may have different answers for different countries.
Mesoscale Predictability of an Extreme Warm-Season Precipitation Event
Authors: Zhang Fuqing , Odins Andrew M. , Nielsen-Gammon John W. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
A mesoscale model is used to investigate the mesoscale predictability of an extreme precipitation event over central Texas on 29 June 2002 that lasted through 7 July 2002. Both the intrinsic and practical aspects of warm-season predictability, especially quantitative precipitation forecasts up to 36 h, were explored through experiments with various grid resolutions, initial and boundary conditions, physics parameterization schemes, and the addition of small-scale, small-amplitude random initial errors. It is found that the high-resolution convective-resolving simulations (with grid spacing down to 3.3 km) do not produce the best simulation or forecast. It was also found that both the realistic initial condition uncertainty and model errors can result in large forecast errors for this warm-season flooding event. Thus, practically, there is room to gain higher forecast accuracy through improving the initial analysis with better data assimilation techniques or enhanced observations, and through improving the forecast model with better-resolved or -parameterized physical processes. However, even if a perfect forecast model is used, small-scale, small-amplitude initial errors, such as those in the form of undetectable random noise, can grow rapidly and subsequently contaminate the short-term deterministic mesoscale forecast within 36 h. This rapid error growth is caused by moist convection. The limited deterministic predictability of such a heavy precipitation event, both practically and intrinsically, illustrates the need for probabilistic forecasts at the mesoscales.
The Covenant Transformed: The Jeremiad Tradition and the War of 1812
Authors: Gribbin William 
Published: April 2006

In his essay, “From the Covenant to the Revival”, Perry Miller suggested that after the Revolution America's traditional concept of the Covenant between Jehovah and His people gradually changed. No longer did a calamity bring abject self-debasement and pleas for mercy in the face of well-deserved punishment. No more would Americans look upon a crisis in their national affairs as an occasion for jeremiads, for confessing their sins and begging relief from the retribution they merited. Miller wrote,A theology which for almost two centuries had assumed that men would persistently sin, and so would have to be recurrently summoned to communal repentance, had for the first time identified its basic conception with a specific political action. Then, for the first time in the lite of the conception, the cause was totally gained. Did not a startling inference follow: these people must have reformed themselves completely, must now dwell on a pinnacle of virtuousness?
Evacuation of a Yule process with immigration
Authors: Brown Mark , Ross Sheldon , Shorrock Richard 
Published: April 2006

Individuals arrive at a geographical area that is initially empty, in accordance with a pure birth process with birth parameters λj = jλ + θ, j ≧ 0. Due to contamination, this geographical area is unsafe for its population and at some fixed time T in the future everyone in the area will be evacuated and no further immigration will be allowed.Suppose now than an intermediate evacuation time τ, 0 ≦ τ ≦ T, at which time everyone present in the area would be evacuated, is to be chosen. The area would then again fill up with individuals between times τ and T, and, at T, the final evacuation would be made and the area would be permanently sealed off. The problem is to choose τ so as to minimise the total expected cost incurred by time T, where a cost g(x) is incurred for each individual that spends a time x in the area.
Stochastic comparisons of random processes, with applications in reliability
Authors: Pledger Gordon , Proschan Frank 
Published: April 2006

The usual definition of stochastic comparison of random vectors is extended to stochastic comparison of random processes. Conditions are stated under which {X (t), t ≧ 0} stochastically larger than {Y (t), t ≧ 0} implies that for increasing functionals f.Applications are made to reliability problems, yielding stochastic comparisons for systems of independently operating machines assuming exponential failure and exponential repair. From these stochastic comparisons we may then deduce similar stochastic comparisons for functionals of practical importance in reliability applications, such as the total machine up-time, the first time that the number of functioning machines drops below a specified number, the total time during which at least a specified number of machines are functioning, etc.
On the random coverage of the circle
Authors: Holst L. , Hüsler J. 
Published: April 2006

Place n arcs of equal length a uniformly at random on the circumference of a circle. We discuss the joint limit distributions of the number of gaps, the uncovered proportion of the circle and the lengths of the largest gap and of the smallest gap, depending on how a → 0 as n →∞.We show that the results may be proved in a unified and simple way by using a result of Le Cam.