bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IRF-4 expression in the human myeloid lineage: up-regulation during dendritic cell differentiation and inhibition by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Gauzzi Maria Cristina , Purificato Cristina , Conti Lucia , Adorini Luciano , Belardelli Filippo , Gessani Sandra 
Published: April 2005

AbstractInterferon (IFN) regulatory factor (IRF)-4 is a lymphoid- and myeloid-restricted transcription factor of the IRF family. We analyzed its expression during differentiation of human monocytes along the macrophage or the dendritic cell (DC) pathway and in blood myeloid and plasmacytoid DC (M-DC and P-DC, respectively) subsets. Monocyte differentiation into DC, driven by granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)/interleukin-4 or GM-CSF/IFN-β, resulted in a strong up-regulation of IRF-4 mRNA and protein, which was further increased by lipopolysaccharide. It is interesting that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], a potent inhibitor of DC differentiation, completely abolished IRF-4 up-regulation. IRF-4 was also detected in blood P-DC and M-DC. However, up-regulation upon in vitro culture and down-regulation by 1,25(OH)2D3 was observed in M-DC but not in P-DC. These results point to IRF-4 as a potential player in human myeloid DC differentiation and as a novel target for the immunomodulatory activity of 1,25(OH)2D3.
Experimental and numerical investigation of large-bore engines port discharge coefficients
Authors: Keshavarz A , Chapman K , Li Y 
Published: April 2005

This paper describes experimental and numerical investigations of the discharge coefficients from the ports in large-bore two-stroke cycle engines. The literature includes some information on the discharge coefficients from very small ports. The literature was found not to include data collected from very large ports, such as in Cooper, Clark, and Worthington two-stroke cycle engines. The methodology used was to conduct experimental tests and numerical simulations. In the experiments, a flow bench was designed to determine experimentally the discharge coefficients of three primary large-bore engine ports. The obtained data show that there is a considerable difference between the discharge coefficients of the three primary engines used in the natural gas industry. Furthermore, the data substantially differ from the thin-walled discharge coefficient data of the small-port engines reported in the literature. The numerical model was employed to study the effects of the pressure ratio across the Worthington engine intake ports and port open fraction on the discharge coefficients. As a result, a mathematical model was developed for the discharge coefficients as a function of port geometry, port open fraction, and pressure ratio. Hence the data and model provided in this paper can be used by designers to match turbochargers and aftercoolers better to large-bore engines.
Conjugate Addition of Electron-rich Aromatics to Acrolein in the Confined Space of Zeolite Y
Authors: Imachi Shouhei , Onaka Makoto 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Acrolein gas was spontaneously entrapped in supercages of NaY zeolite and the sorption was confirmed by solid 13C MAS NMR spectra. In the confined cavities, acrolein smoothly underwent conjugate addition with electron-rich aromatics such as indoles and anisole.
Doxorubicin induces EGF receptor-dependent downregulation of gap junctional intercellular communication in rat liver epithelial cells
Authors: Abdelmohsen Kotb , von Montfort Claudia , Stuhlmann Dominik , Gerber P. Arne , Decking Ulrich K.M. , Sies Helmut , Klotz Lars-Oliver 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Exposure of rat liver epithelial cells to doxorubicin, an anthraquinone derivative widely employed in cancer chemotherapy, led to a dose-dependent decrease in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJC). Gap junctions are clusters of inter-cellular channels consisting of connexins, the major connexin in the cells used being connexin-43 (Cx43). Doxorubicin-induced loss of GJC was mediated by activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1 and ERK-2, as demonstrated using inhibitors of ERK activation. Furthermore, activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor by doxorubicin was responsible for ERK activation and the subsequent attenuation of GJC. Inhibition of GJC, however, was not by direct phosphorylation of Cx43 by ERK-1/2, whereas menadione, a 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative that was previously demonstrated to activate the same EGF receptor-dependent pathway as doxorubicin, resulting in downregulation of GJC, caused strong phos-phorylation of Cx43 at serines 279 and 282. Thus, ERK-dependent downregulation of GJC upon exposure to quinones may occur both by direct phosphorylation of Cx43 and in a phosphorylation-independent manner.
Butyrylcholinesterase activity and metabolic syndrome in obese patients
Authors: Alcântara Vânia M. , Oliveira Lisangela C. , Réa Rosângela R. , Suplicy Henrique L. , Chautard-Freire-Maia Eleidi A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTotal butyrylcholinesterase activity (EC 3.1.1.8) was previously suggested as a marker for metabolic syndrome. The present study examined total butyrylcholinesterase activity and the relative and absolute activities of two butyrylcholinesterase electrophoretic bands (C
Elevated plasma cysteinylglycine levels caused by cilastatin-associated antibiotic treatment
Authors: Badiou Stéphanie , Bellet Hélène , Lehmann Sylvain , Cristol Jean-Paul , Jaber Samir 
Published: April 2005

AbstractImipenem (thienamycin formamidine), a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic, is always used in combination with cilastatin in order to avoid the premature breakdown of imipenem by renal tubular dipeptidase. As this dipeptidase also hydrolyzes the glutathione metabolite cysteinylglycine, the therapeutic asso-ciation of imipenem and cilastatin might cause an accumulation of the aminothiol cysteinylglycine. We demonstrate here that when patients are treated with imipenem-cilastatin, their plasma levels of cysteinylglycine are significantly and specifically increased, while cysteine levels are decreased and homocysteine levels are unaffected. We conclude that antibiotic treatment using imipenem-cilastatin induces important metabolic changes that should not remain unrecognized.
Low‐velocity impact of nanocomposite and polymer plates
Authors: Gustin Jeremy , Freeman Brian , Stone James , Mahinfalah Mohammad , Salehi‐Khojin Amin 
Published: April 2005

AbstractNanocomposites are more widely studied today because of higher stiffness, decreased permeability, thermal stability, and many other properties superior to those of regular polymers. However, manufacturers are concerned about implementing nanocomposites because of their lower impact properties with respect to the base polymer. This study focused on low‐velocity impact tests of a thermoplastic olefin by itself and with 5 wt % nanoclay. The impact tests were conducted at −40, 23.9, and 65.6°C until the polymer and nanocomposite plates experienced complete striker penetration. The force–time and force–deflection responses obtained from the impact testing provided a means of comparing the impact performances of the two materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2309–2315, 2005
Blends of polypropylene and modified polystyrene for dyeable fibers
Authors: Huang Xin , Yu Hao , Zhu Mei‐Fang , Chen Yan‐Mo 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBlends of polypropylene (PP) and modified atactic polystyrene (PS) with good processability were studied for dyeable fine and superfine fibers. Acrylic acid and butyl acrylate monomers were added to PS by radical suspension copolymerization. The dispersion of the additives in the PP crystal was investigated. The rheology curves of the blends were similar to that of PP under the testing conditions. Fine and superfine PP filaments were processed from these blends, and they had practical mechanical properties. The dyeability of the fabrics from the fibers was studied. The increased amorphous content and the interface between PP and modified PS allowed the dyes to penetrate the fibers. These two effects helped to improve the color intensity. The color fastness was also improved by the presence of polar groups introduced by the modified PS components. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2360–2366, 2005
Ultrasonic degradation of solutions of poly(vinyl acetate) in tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Taghizadeh Mohammad Taghi , Mehrdad Abbas 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe ultrasonic degradation of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) solutions was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 20, 25, 30, and 35°C to investigate the effects of the temperature and solution concentration on the rate of degradation. The degradation kinetics were studied with viscometry. The calculated rate constants indicated that the degradation rate of the PVAc solutions decreased as the temperature and solution concentration increased. The calculated rate constants were correlated in terms of the concentration, temperature, vapor pressure of THF, and relative viscosity of the PVAc solutions. This degradation behavior was interpreted in terms of the vapor pressure of THF and the viscosity and concentration of the polymer solutions. With increasing temperature, the vapor pressure of the solvent increased, and so the vapor entered the cavitation bubbles during their growth. This caused a reduction in the collapsing shock because of a cushioning effect; therefore, the rate of degradation decreased. As the solution concentration increased, the viscosity increased and caused a reduction in the cavitation efficiency, and so the rate of degradation decreased. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2373–2376, 2005
Thermal and mechanical properties of silane‐grafted water crosslinked polyethylene
Authors: Kuan Hsu‐Chiang , Kuan Jenn‐Fong , Ma Chen‐Chi M. , Huang Jaine‐Ming 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe effects of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) grafting with vinyltrimethoxysilane by different types and contents of peroxide were studied. When grafting silane onto LLDPE, with 0.10 phr of Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) or 0.05 phr content of 2,5‐Dimethyl‐2,5‐di (tert‐butyl‐peroxy)‐hexane (DHBP), it was found that the grafting effect was improved; however, as Di(2‐tert‐butylperoxypropyl ‐(2))‐benzene (DIPP) or excess DHBP was used, LLDPE was supposed to cause self‐crosslinking, which reduced the grafting effect of silane and was invalid in the processing of extrusion. In this study, vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMS) was grafted onto various polyethylenes (HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE) using DCP as an initiator in a twin screw extruder. The grafted polyethylenes were able to crosslink utilizing water as the crosslinking agent. The effects of varied crosslinking time on the mechanical properties of the crosslinked polyethylenes were studied. It was found that the HDPE and LLDPE were apt to crosslink during the grafting process and thus decreased the grafting ratio. Multiple melting behavior was observed for crosslinked LDPE and LLDPE. Mechanical and thermal properties of the crosslinked PE are much better than that of uncrosslinked PE. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2383–2391, 2005
Organosoluble and light‐colored fluorinated polyimides based on 1,1‐bis[4‐(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]‐1‐phenylethane and various aromatic dianhydrides
Authors: Yang Chin‐Ping , Chen Yung‐Chung 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTo investigate the CF3 group affecting the coloration and solubility of polyimides (PI), a novel fluorinated diamine 1,1‐bis[4‐(4‐amino‐2‐ trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]‐1‐phenylethane (2) was prepared from 1,1‐ bis(4‐hydrophenyl)‐1‐phenylethan and 2‐chloro‐5‐nitrobenzotrifluoride. A series of light‐colored and soluble PI 5 were synthesized from 2 and various aromatic dianhydrides 3a–f using a standard two‐stage process with thermal 5a– f(H) and chemical 5a–f(C) imidization of poly(amic acid). The 5 series had inherent viscosities ranging from 0.55 to 0.98 dL/g. Most of 5a–f(H) were soluble in amide‐type solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N‐ dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), and even soluble in less polar solvents, such as m‐Cresol, Py, Dioxane, THF, and CH2Cl2, and the 5(C) series was soluble in all solvents. The GPC data of the 5a–f(C) indicated that the Mn and Mw values were in the range of 5.5–8.7 × 104 and 8.5–10.6 × 104, respectively, and the polydispersity index (PDI) Mw/Mn values were 1.2–1.5. The PI 5 series had excellent mechanical properties. The glass transition temperatures of the 5 series were in the range of 232–276°C, and the 10% weight loss temperatures were at 505–548 °C in nitrogen and 508–532 °C in air, respectively. They left more than 56% char yield at 800°C in nitrogen. These films had cutoff wavelengths between 356.5–411.5 nm, the b* values ranged from 5.0–71.1, the dielectric constants, were 3.11–3.43 (1MHz) and the moisture absorptions were in the range of 011–0.40%. Comparing 5 containing the analogous PI 6 series based on 1,1‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]‐1‐ phenylethane (BAPPE), the 5 series with the CF3 group showed lower color intensity, dielectric constants, and better solubility. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2399–2412, 2005
Synthesis and characterization of star‐branched PA12 grafted onto PEi core molecule
Authors: Baumann F. E. , Haeger H. , Novikova O. , Oenbrink G. , Richter R. , Finke M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSynthesis of PEi‐g‐PA12 with concentration of PEi 2–40 wt % was fulfilled in two different ways, as ring‐opening polymerization of LL and transamidation of linear PA12 in the presence of core PEi molecules. Both methods provide almost uniform materials. Obtained samples were characterized using different techniques: solution and melt viscosity, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of star polymers and PA12 “arms” with different content of cores, as well as melt and glass transition measurements, were fulfilled. For clarification of PEi‐g‐PA12 structure and mechanism of grafting, bis‐ (hexamethylen)triamin and tris(2‐aminoethyl)amin were used as a model core molecules. Participation of not only the primary but also the secondary and tertiary amino groups in the formation of PEi‐g‐PA12 polymers (until 2–8 wt % of PEi content) have been established. At higher content of PEi (8–15 wt %), only primary amino groups of core molecules take part in grafting. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2413–2422, 2005
MHC‐I recognition by receptors on myelomonocytic cells: New tricks for old dogs?
Authors: Raine Tim , Allen Rachel 
Published: April 2005

AbstractReceptors on cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells play well‐established roles in the immunological response and share a common ligand in the form of MHC‐I. We discuss how a variety of MHC‐I receptors are also expressed on myelomonocytic cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Since myelomonocytic MHC‐I receptors recognise a broad range of alleles and MHC‐I structures, we propose that their task is to discern expression levels and folding forms of MHC. We describe a model in which these recognition events would regulate bidirectional cross talk between cells of innate and adaptive immune systems to organise an ongoing combined immune response. We discuss how such a model is supported by recent literature and might function in a variety of contexts, including immunoregulation during pregnancy. Our model also offers an alternative explanation of immune dysregulation rather than autoimmunity during HLA‐B27‐associated spondyloarthropathies and addresses a number of conundrums in this field. BioEssays 27: 542–550, 2005. © 2005 Wiley periodicals, Inc.
Evolutionary innovation in the vertebrate jaw: A derived morphology in anuran tadpoles and its possible developmental origin
Authors: Svensson Mats E. , Haas Alexander 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe mouthparts of anuran tadpoles are highly derived compared to those of caecilians or salamanders. The suprarostral cartilages support the tadpole's upper beak; the infrarostral cartilages support the lower beak. Both supra‐ and infrarostral cartilages are absent in other vertebrates. These differences reflect the evolutionary origin of a derived feeding mode in anuran tadpoles. We suggest that these unique cartilages stem from the evolution of new articulations within preexisting cartilages, rather than novel cartilage condensations. We propose testing this hypothesis through a search for similarities in the development of the suprarostral and infrarostral cartilage articulations and of the primary jaw joint. In Xenopus, the gene zax is expressed in a region corresponding to the infrarostral cartilage. This gene is related to the bapx1‐gene, which regulates jaw joint development. Further investigation of these genes, as well as other genes with joint‐related functions, in anuran craniofacial development may provide a connection between the morphological diversity seen in the vertebrate head and the corresponding diversity in genetic regulatory processes. We believe that the evolution of larval jaws in anurans may shed light on the general evolutionary mechanisms of how new articulations, not only in the jaw region, could have arisen in the vertebrate skull. BioEssays 27: 526–532, 2005. © 2005 Wiley periodicals, Inc.
Concepts in nuclear architecture
Authors: Misteli Tom 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGenomes are defined by their primary sequence. The functional properties of genomes, however, are determined by far more complex mechanisms and depend on multiple layers of regulatory control processes. A key emerging contributor to genome function is the architectural organization of the cell nucleus. The spatial and temporal behavior of genomes and their regulatory proteins are now being recognized as important, yet still poorly understood, control mechanisms in genome function. Combined cell biological, molecular and computational analysis of architectural aspects of genome function has added a further dimension to the investigation of some of the most fundamental cellular processes including transcription and maintenance of genome integrity. The complete elucidation of the contribution that nuclear architecture makes to gene expression will be required to fully understand physiological processes such as differentiation, development and disease at the cellular level. Here I give an overview of some of the emerging concepts in the study of in vivo genome organization and function. BioEssays 27:477–487, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How and when did Arabidopsis thaliana become highly self‐fertilising
Authors: Charlesworth Deborah , Vekemans Xavier 
Published: April 2005

AbstractChanges in breeding system are a regular evolutionary change in plants, as self‐fertilisation is often advantageous, particularly for weedy and colonising species. The adoption of Arabidopsis thaliana as a plant model species has led to interest in how self‐incompatibility was lost so that this species became highly inbreeding. Molecular evolutionary approaches have recently focused on investigating two loci involved in the incompatibility recognition process in related Arabidopsis species; non‐functional copies of these genes still exist in A. thaliana. New work studying polymorphism at these loci found strikingly low diversity at one of them, suggesting that spread of a mutation in this gene might have caused self‐compatibility in an ancestor of A. thaliana.1 However, it is difficult to be sure of the time when the selfing habit evolved in the lineage that led to A. thaliana BioEssays 27:472–476, 2005. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contributions of the Distance‐Dependent Reorganization Energy and Proton‐Transfer to the Hole‐Transfer Process in DNA
Authors: Takada Tadao , Kawai Kiyohiko , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro 
Published: April 2005

AbstractA kinetic study of the single‐step hole transfer in DNA was performed by measuring time‐resolved transient absorption. DNA molecules with various sequences were designed and conjugated with naphthalimide (NI) and phenothiazine (PTZ) to investigate the sequence and distance dependence of the single‐step hole transfer between guanines (Gs). Hole injection into DNA was accomplished by excitation of the NI site with a 355 nm laser pulse, and the kinetics of the hole‐transfer process were investigated by monitoring the transient absorption of the PTZ radical cation (PTZ.+). Kinetic analysis of the time profile of PTZ.+ based on the kinetic model showed that the distance dependence of the hole‐transfer process was significantly influenced by the DNA sequence. Results of temperature‐ and isotope‐effect experiments demonstrated that the activation energy increased as the number of bridge bases separating the Gs increased. This is because of the distance‐dependent reorganization energy and contribution of the proton‐transfer process to the hole transfer in DNA.
Synthesis, Solution Structure and Biological Activity of Val‐Val‐Pro‐Gln,a Bioactive Elastin Peptide
Authors: Spezzacatena Caterina , Pepe Antonietta , Green Lora M. , Sandberg Lawrence B. , Bochicchio Brigida , Tamburro Antonio M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractVal‐Val‐Pro‐Gln (valyl‐valyl‐prolyl‐glutamine) is a small but highly conserved sequence present in all elastins. We describe its synthesis by mixed anhydride solution chemistry as an alternative to solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The molecular structure of the tetrapeptide in solution was investigated by classical spectroscopy, such as circular dichroism (CD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The biological activity of Val‐Val‐Pro‐Gln was evaluated by a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay with normal human dermal fibroblasts. This small peptide may play a critical role in control of matrix metabolism through its release from the elastin polypeptide chain during periods of tissue breakdown and remodelling. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Aliphatic Thiocarbonyl Ylides and Thiobenzophenone: Experimental Study of Regiochemistry and Methylene Transfer in Cycloadditions
Authors: Huisgen Rolf , Mloston Grzegorz , Giera Henry , Langhals Elke , Polborn Kurt , Sustmann Reiner 
Published: April 2005

Abstract1,3‐Dipolar cycloadditions of aliphatic or alicyclic thiocarbonyl ylides 3A‐D – sterically hindered at least at one terminus – with thiobenzophenone produce both regioisomeric 1,3‐dithiolanes 4 and 5. According to quantum‐chemical calculations (preceding paper), a concerted cycloaddition furnishing 2,4‐substituted dithiolanes 4 competes with the formation of an intermediate C,C‐biradical 9 which cyclizes to the more crowded 4,5‐substituted dithiolanes 5. When steric hindrance of 3 increases, the cycloaddition is superseded by ‘methylene transfer’, i.e., the transfer of the less hindered terminus of 3E‐J to the S‐atom of thiobenzophenone. The thiobenzophenone S‐alkylide 11, thus formed, rapidly reacts with a second molecule ofthiobenzophenone to generate the 4,4,5,5‐tetraphenyl‐1,3‐dithiolane 12 via the highly stabilized C,C‐biradical 10. Methylene transfer occurs when the cyclization of the mixed C,C‐biradical 9 requires a higher activation barrier than its dissociation to aliphatic thioketone + 11; the threshold is surprisingly well reproduced by calculations. The structural assignment of sixteen 1,3‐dithiolanes is based on their formation from corresponding reactant pairs as well as on 1H and 13C chemical shifts. X‐ray diffraction analyses of three spiro‐1,3‐dithiolanes reveal the van der Waals strain in non‐bonded interactions, folding angles, shearing forces, and bond lengths. Comparison of the mass spectra of many 1,3‐dithiolanes allows the reconstruction of major fragmentation pathways. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)