bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms and Concentration in Chronic Diseases and Drug Responses
Authors: Siest Gérard , Bertrand Philippe , Herbeth Bernard , Vincent-Viry Monique , Schiele Françoise , Sass Catherine , Visvikis Sophie 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Apolipoprotein (apo) E is an important circulating and
tissue protein involved in cholesterol homeostasis and
many other functions. The common polymorphism in
the coding region of the gene, four polymorphisms in
the promoter region, other additional single nucleotide
polymorphisms, as well as several apo E variants
have been identified. The common coding polymorphism
strongly influences the lipid metabolism
and the circulating concentration of apo E itself. This
polymorphism is at the origin of the implication of apo
E in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases,
but also of the relation of apo E with longevity. Probably
due to its many metabolic and functional consequences,
apo E polymorphism has been shown to influence
the responses of patients to several drugs
(fibrates, statins, hormone replacement therapy, anti-Alzheimer drugs) or environmental interventions
(black tea, alcohol, diet). Apo E genotyping may be
clinically helpful in defining the risk of patients and
their responses to therapeutics. Finally, circulating apo
E concentration appears to be altered in diseases and
can be modulated by some of the drugs cited above.
This parameter can thus also give interesting clinical
information and could be a therapeutic target, providing
it is validated. At the present time, we cannot exclude
that apo E concentration may be the most
prominent apo E parameter to be considered in health
and disease, while apo E polymorphisms would represent
only secondary parameters influencing apo E concentration.
Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and Drug Response
Authors: Baudin Bruno 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin
I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been
described in chromosome 17q23 of the human
genome. Subjects with the genotype DD have
markedly higher plasma ACE levels than those with
genotype II; although ACE concentration in plasma is
not rate-limiting for the production of angiotensin II, it
has been suggested that the renin-angiotensin system
may have an enhanced role in cardiovascular homeostasis
in subjects with DD genotype or D allele. Metaanalysis
confirmed the association of the D allele with
an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke,
but these relations are still uncertain with longevity
and renal deterioration. Otherwise, I allele seems to be
related with an improved response to physical training.
The I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene is not a
marker for any form of hypertension, though some
conflicting results have been described. Nevertheless
this polymorphism may have an influence on the antihypertensive
response, particularly when using ACE
inhibitors (ACEI). For example, blood pressure normalization
with captopril in patients suffering from cardiac
failure would be more effective in II genotype;
conversely, both regression in left ventricular hypertrophy
and improvement in diastolic filling would be
greater after long-term treatment with enalapril in patients
with essential hypertension and DD genotype.
Conflicting results were also described using ACEI as a
renoprotective therapy. This review therefore supports
the justification for further evaluation in appropriately
powered studies.
Database Analysis and Gene Discovery in Pharmacogenetics
Authors: Board Philip , Tetlow Natasha , Blackburn Anneke , Chelvanayagam Gareth 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe global genome research effort has resulted in the creation of extensive DNA and protein sequence databases that are a valuable resource for the identification of new genes and polymorphic variants of enzymes of pharmacogenetic interest. Previously undescribed members of gene families with novel functions and substrate specificities can be identified by database searching and sequence alignment strategies. Since the expressed sequence tag (EST) database contains sequences from many individuals, it can be searched for evidence of polymorphisms that can significantly influence enzyme function. The different approaches to these forms of analysis are reviewed and illustrated with examples from the glutathione transferase gene family.
Polymorphisms in UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Genes: Functional Consequences and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Mackenzie Peter I. , Miners John O. , McKinnon Ross A. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
As glucuronidation is a major process for the metabolism
and removal of lipophilic chemicals, polymorphic
variations in genes encoding the enzymes involved in
this process, the UDP glucuronosyltransferases (UGT),
may have a significant impact on our capacity to
detoxify and eliminate drugs and toxins. Although 24
human UGT genes have been identified to date, only
polymorphisms in five UGTs, viz. UGT1A1, UGT1A6,
UGT2B4, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15 have been described.
Polymorphisms in UGT1A1, the major bilirubin-glucuronidating
form, often result in a decreased capacity
to glucuronidate bilirubin, such as observed in Gilbert
Syndrome and some forms of perinatal jaundice. The
frequencies of individual UGT1A1 polymorphisms
show extensive variability across ethnic groups. Two
variants of UGT1A6 and UGT2B4 and one variant of
UGT2B7 and UGT2B15 have been identified. However,
the clinical significance of these variants is unclear.
More UGT polymorphisms will undoubtedly be discovered
when the human genome is sequenced. However,
unless the UGT in question is responsible for the
exclusive metabolism of a particular drug or chemical
(e.g. UGT1A1 and bilirubin) or is the predominant or
only UGT present in the cell, it is unlikely that these
polymorphisms will be of major clinical significance.
The Human Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein (MRP) Gene Family: From Biological Function to Drug Molecular Design
Authors: Ishikawa Toshihisa , Kuo M. Tien , Furuta Kyoji , Suzuki Masaaki 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The ATP-binding cassette transmembrane proteins
play an important role in transport of drugs as well as
of biologically active endogenous substances. The human
multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)
subfamily consists of at least six members, exhibiting
a wide spectrum of biological functions. MRP1 operates
as an ATP-dependent primary active transporter
for substrates conjugated with glucuronide, sulfate or
glutathione. Leukotriene C4 is an important endogenous
substrate for MRP1. Glutathione serves as a cofactor
in MRP1-mediated drug transport as well.
Genes encoding both MRP1 and the catalytic subunit
of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) are coordinately
regulated in cultured cancer cell lines as well as
colorectal cancer tissues from colon cancer patients.
The induction of MRP1 and γ-GCS expression by oxidative
stress varies among different cell lines, and p53
mutations are associated with elevated levels of induction.
To modulate the transport function of MRP1,
we have synthesized novel glutathione derivatives as
photoreactive biochemical probes targeting the transporter
protein. GIF-0019 restored the cellular sensitivity
of MRP1-overexpressing drug-resistant cancer cells
to anticancer prostaglandins in vitro, which was characterized
by enhanced mRNA levels of the cyclin-dependent
kinase inhibitor p21, suppressed c-myc expression
and G1 arrest.
Ethnic Differences in Drug Metabolism
Authors: Zhou Hong-Hao , Liu Zhao-Qian 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Ethnic differences in drug metabolism are well documented
for a number of drugs. The molecular mechanisms
responsible for ethnic differences in drug metabolism
have been partly clarified because of the
advances in molecular biology in recent years. Gene
dosage determines the drug metabolism as demonstrated
for S-mephenytoin and diazepam metabolism.
Genotype analysis indicates a different frequency for
the mutant alleles in different ethnic populations,
which results in variations in the frequency of subjects
who are homozygous for the mutant allele among the
extensive metabolizers in different ethnic populations.
Ethnic differences in drug metabolism may result from
differences in distribution of a polymorphic trait and
mutations which code for enzymes with abnormal activity
which occur with altered frequency in different
ethnic groups.
A Functional Genomic Study of the Effects of Antipsychotic Agent Chlorpromazine in PC12 Cells
Authors: Kontkanen Outi , Lakso Merja , Wong Garry , Castrén Eero 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Expression profiling using methods of functional genomics
can be used to investigate changes in gene
transcription induced by drug treatment, which may
lead to discovery of new potential drug targets. Antipsychotic
agents alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia
but the mechanism behind their clinical efficacy is
unclear. We have used the PC12 cell line as a model to
characterize effects of the antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine
on gene expression using high-density complementary
DNA array filters prepared from a rat brain
entorhinal cortex complementary DNA library. Chlorpromazine
treatment positively regulated the expression
of several clones, five of which were selected for
further characterization. Northern blotting experiments
confirmed the increased expression of these
genes after chlorpromazine treatment. Sequencing revealed
that two clones were cytochrome c oxidase and
three were novel genes. Characterization of the function
of these genes could increase our understanding
of the mechanisms of action of antipsychotic drugs,
and might be beneficial for the development of more
effective agents.
Potential Catalysts for the Acetylation of Wood
Authors: Hill C.A.S. , Cetin N.S. , Ozmen N. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The potential of several tertiary amine catalysts (pyridine, 4-dimethyl-amino pyridine, N-methyl pyrrolidine
and N-methyl pyrrolidinone) for the acetylation of Corsican pine sapwood, using acetic anhydride,
has been investigated. Rates of reaction were compared with non-catalysed acetylation using acetic
anhydride. The hypernucleophile 4-dimethylamino pyridine was found to be the most effective catalyst
of those studied. At a concentration of only 1% of the catalyst in acetic anhydride, a weight percent gain
of 20% was realised, compared with 7% for the uncatalysed reaction, after 30 minutes system at 100°C.
The influence of substrate swelling upon the rate of reaction with wood is discussed.
Quantification of Muconic Acid-Type Structures in High Molecular Weight Material from Bleach Plant Effluents
Authors: Vilen E. J. , McKague A. B. , Reeve D. W. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Effluents from the chlorine dioxide bleaching of chemical pulps were characterized with respect to high
and low molecular weight material, COD, TOC, elemental composition, and carboxylic acid and methyl
ester content. A technique was developed for the quantitative estimation of muconic acid-type structures
as moities of the high molecular weight material. The method is based on the use of quantitative
13C NMR and the pH-dependent cyclization of muconic acids in aqueous solution. 20–40 % of the carboxylic
acids in the high molecular weight material isolated from bleach plant effluents from three softwood
kraft mills were found to exhibit muconic acid-type behaviour.
Acoustic Emission Generated upon Mechano-Sorptive Creep of Wood Bent Across to the Grain under Asymmetrical Moistening
Authors: Molinski Waldemar , Raczkowski Jan , Muszynski Lech 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Acoustic emission (AE) generated in pine wood samples upon bending across the grain under simultaneous
moistening of the tension zone, was measured. The aim of the study was to determine the effect
of external tension load on AE generated during asymmetrical moistening of dry wood samples in water.
The cumulative counts of AE signals recorded during simultaneous moistening of the tension zone of
sample were proportional to the intensity of the mechano-sorptive strain. AE starts when the mechano-sorptive
strain in the tension zone (εT) reaches a value close to 0.8%.
Experimental Data Correction of the Dynamic Elastic Moduli, Velocity and Density of Solid Wood as a Function of Moisture Content above the Fiber Saturation Point
Authors: Wang Song-Yung , Chuang Shih-Tzu 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Experimentally it was observed that the dynamic modulus of elasticity calculated from the velocity of
stress wave or ultrasonic wave and the density of wood in green condition increased with increasing
moisture content. This statement disagrees with the physical meaning of data observed with static tests,
namely the decreasing of all mechanical properties of wood with increasing moisture content. To elucidate
this discrepancy a simulation procedure was developed to study the effect of free water, present in
wood above the fiber saturation point on wave velocity. For this purpose the coefficient k, related to the
mobility of free water was defined, as a ratio of free water vibrating simultaneously with water present
in cellular wall (k = 0.6 for stress wave velocity and k = 0.7 for ultrasonic velocity). The simulation procedure
using corrected values of velocity and density showed that the elastic moduli are relatively constant
above the FSP, as all the mechanical parameters determined with static tests.
Contractive Force and Transformation of Microfibril with Aqueous Sodium Hydroxide Solution for Wood
Authors: Nakano Takato , Sugiyama Junji , Norimoto Misato 
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe mechanism of longitudinal contraction of Yezo spruce (Picea jezoensisCarr.) during treatment with aqueous NaOH solution is discussed. The contraction of wood samples increased with an increase in the concentration of NaOH solution and in heating temperature. Measurements of the stress relaxation and the twist angle during the alkali treatment showed that the alkali treatment caused the contractive and twist forces of a tracheid cell wall in longitudinal and tangential directions, depending on the components of contractive force. The temperature dependence of the contraction and the thermodynamics led to the conclusion that the longitudinal contraction of samples is due to that of microfibrilsviaan entropy-elastic force.
Dielectric Relaxation Based on Adsorbed Water in Wood Cell Wall under Non-Equilibrium State. 1
Authors: Jinzhen Cao , Guangjie Zhao 
Published: October 2004

Summary
In order to make clear the molecular mechanism of the dielectric relaxation based on adsorbed water in
wood cell wall during moisture changing process, the temperature and frequency spectrums of dielectric
processes of Sikkim spruce (Picea spinulosa Griff.) were measured in three different adsorption processes.
Three levels of relative humidity used were 40, 80 and 100 %, respectively, and the temperature was
kept at 20°C. In oven-dry state, relaxation process I based on the reorientation of CH2OH groups in
amorphous region of wood cell wall was observed. While in moist state, relaxation process II based on
ionic conductivity and relaxation process III based on the additive reorientation of CH2OH groups and
adsorbed water molecules occurred. Within higher humidity region, relaxation process IV concerned
with adsorbed water in lignin was observed in the initial adsorption period, but it vanished with further
adsorption.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopic (EPR) Study of Copper Amine Treated Southern Pine in Wood Preservation
Authors: Zhang J. , Kamdem D. P. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The structure of copper complexes in copper amine treated wood samples were elucidated by the application
of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). EPR axial spectra were observed for all
Cu-amine treated samples irrespective of the formulations. The values of A∥ and g∥ of the axial spectra
indicate that the stereo-structure of copper complexes in copper amine treated wood was either tetragonal-based octahedral or square-based pyramidal. Comparison of electronic parameters of A∥ and g∥ in
Cu-amine treated wood with those of the Cu-amine treating solution and the values in literature suggests
that the interaction of wood with copper amine is through complexation in which wood functional groups
are complexed with copper amine perpendicularly. The copper complexes in both treating solution and
treated wood are in the form of CuN2O2, where copper is ligated with 2 nitrogen and 2 oxygen.
Homolytic Scission of Interunitary Bonds in Lignin Induced by Ultrasonic Irradiation of MWL Dissolved in Dimethylsulfoxide
Authors: Yoshioka Aki , Seino Teruyuki , Tabata Masayoshi , Takai Mitsuo 
Published: October 2004

SummaryAn electron spin resonance (ESR) method combined with a spin trapping technique was applied to trap and characterize unstable radicals which were generated by ultrasonic irradiation of the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution of a softwood, Yezo Spruce (Picea jezoensiscarr.) lignin. It was found that an unstable secondary carbon radical, ~CH • in the solution was trapped as the stable nitroxide spin adduct when the DMSO solution was subjected to ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of a spin trapping reagent: 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylnitrosobenzene (BNB) at 50°C for 30 min. This means that the alkyl phenyl ether bonds, ~CH-O-phenyl, known as interunitary bonds in lignins were homolytically cleaved by the ultrasonic irradiation, although the phenoxy radical Ph-O •, called guaiacoxy radical, i.e. the counter radical of the secondary carbon radical, was not trapped by the BNB spin trap. This suggests that the trapping of the guaiacoxy radical, having a methoxy group in anortho-position, by the BNB molecule, carrying two bulky butyl groups in theortho-positions, is sterically hindered.
An Analysis of Rolling Shear of Spruce Wood by the Iosipescu Method
Authors: Dumail Jean-François , Olofsson Kenneth , Salmén Lennart 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Shearing is an essential deformation in the treatment of mechanical pulp fibers into a papermaking pulp.
Knowledge of the contribution of shear to the fiber treatment during processing can be obtained by measurements
on fibers in the form of wood. In this work, an attempt was made to use the Iosipescu method
for testing wood in rolling shear. Despite the small size of the shear region of interest between notches
made in the wood, the results and their dispersion in both the elastic and inelastic ranges were in accordance
with previous results found using other testing methods. The stress-strain relationship was
analysed in relation to the specimen's density profiles in the region of interest. Differences in density
explained up to 50% of the inter-specimen variability in the shear modulus and in the inelastic behavior.
Failure occurred outside the shearing zone in a large number of specimens. Thus the configuration
chosen was not adapted to provide for the strength of wood in rolling shear. This behavior limited the
amplitude of the strain that could be reached between the notches.
An Investigation of the Crack Tendency on Wood Surfaces After Different Machining Operations
Authors: Stehr Micael , Östlund Sören 
Published: October 2004

SummaryA hypothesis describing tip-crack generation during different machining operations on sapwood of pine surfaces and the differences between the pith side and bark side were investigated. The goal was to determine whether initial tip-cracks are generated already during the machining operation, before weathering. The evaluation of the results showed that about 10 % of the annual rings on the pith side and about 1% of the annual rings on the bark side have cracks after the machining operation.A theoretical analysis of an idealised model using the finite element method (FEM) has also been carried out to investigate the tendency for growth of short initial tip-cracks during a simulation of the compression of a wood piece in a conventional planing operation. The analysis seems to confirm that there is a greater risk for cracks on the pith side than on the bark side.
Microfibril Angle Determination of Rattan Fibers and its Influence on the Properties of the Cane
Authors: Abasolo Willie P. , Yoshida Masato , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Okuyama Takashi 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The microfibril angle of rattan fibers was determined using the iodine staining method and the X-ray diffraction
technique. The two were compared to assess the applicability of the X-ray technique in estimating
the actual microfibril angle (MFA) of the fiber walls. Likewise, longitudinal Young's modulus
and longitudinal shrinkage were evaluated to determine the influence of MFA on the properties of the
cane. The X-ray technique gave an accurate and objective estimate of the actual MFA of the fiber walls.
A nonlinear relationship existed between MFA and longitudinal Young's modulus while a curvilinear
relationship was observed between MFA and longitudinal shrinkage. This pattern is similar to the behavior
of wood. Thus, it was deduced that the influence of microfibril angle on the properties of rattan cane
is similar to its influence on the properties of wood.
Effects of Element Size and Orientation in the Production of High Strength Resin Impregnated Wood Based Materials
Authors: Yano H. , Mori K. , Collins P.J. , Yazaki Y. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The effects of low molecular weight phenolic resin impregnation and high pressure hot pressing (150°C,
30–100 MPa) on the physical and mechanical properties of wood were first investigated by using sawn
wood prepared from a block of Japanese birch (Betula meximowicziana). Subsequently, the effects of
element size and orientation were examined by using sliced veneers, particles and powder prepared from
the remaining portion of the block. Due to the combination of resin impregnation and hot pressing under
high pressure, the specific bending strength at 20°C and 65% RH of sawn wood increased 50% accompanied
by enormous decreases in moisture content, and bending strength reached around 400 MPa. The
mechanical properties of veneer laminated product did not differ significantly from those of sawn wood
product. Among isotropic products, the highest bending strength at 20°C and 65% RH of plywood, particleboard
and powderboard was 242 MPa, 166 MPa and 175 MPa, respectively. The difference of bending
strength between plywood and other isotropic products could be explained by the difference in element
orientation, cross lamination and random distribution. Furthermore, the results for the particleboard
and powderboard showed that when the resin impregnated elements were hot pressed under high pressure,
a decrease in element size did not result in a decrease in bending strength.
Improvement of Antitermitic Activities of Catechin by Combination with Heavy Metals
Authors: Ohmura Wakako , Ohara Seiji 
Published: October 2004

SummaryAntitermitic activities of catechin-metal complexes were investigated for further utilization of catechin as a termite control agent. Catechin (CA), heavy metal salts (NiCl2, CuCl2, ZnCl2) and CA/metal mixtures with Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) were subjected to bioassays using a subterranean termite,Coptotermes formosanusShiraki. The astringent properties of each system were assessed by measuring the weight of precipitate with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Changes in UV spectra of the CA/metal mixtures were also measured. CA caused less than 30% mortality after the 21-day test period, and had no BSA-precipitating capacity. The effects of heavy metals on CA activities varied with metal. CA/Ni(II) showed the highest termiticidal activity among tested materials, but exhibited no BSA-precipitating capacity and little change in UV spectrum. On the other hand, both CA/Cu(II) and CA/Zn(II) increased the BSA-precipitating capacity and UV absorption with time after preparing the CA/metal solutions, but their termiticidal activity was almost equal to CA. Termiticidal activity of CA was improved by the addition of Ni(II) but hardly changed by Cu(II) or Zn(II), while astringent properties of CA were hardly changed by addition of Ni(II) but improved by Cu(II) or Zn(II). Termiticidal activity was negatively correlated with astringent property.