bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the NEI-VFQ and OSDI questionnaires in patients with Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye
Authors: Vitale Susan , Goodman Linda A , Reed George F , Smith Janine A 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
To examine the associations between vision-targeted health-related quality of life (VT-HRQ) and ocular surface parameters in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by dry eye and dry mouth.

Methods
Forty-two patients fulfilling European / American diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome underwent Schirmer testing without anesthesia, ocular surface vital dye staining; and measurement of tear film breakup time (TBUT). Subjects were administered the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the 25-item National Eye Institute Vision Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). Main outcome measures included ocular surface parameters, OSDI subscales describing ocular discomfort (OSDI-symptoms), vision-related function (OSDI-function), and environmental triggers, and NEI-VFQ subscales.

Results
Participants (aged 31–81 y; 95% female) all had moderate to severe dry eye. Associations of OSDI subscales with the ocular parameters were modest (Spearman r (ρ) < 0.22) and not statistically significant. Associations of NEI-VFQ subscales with the ocular parameters reached borderline significance for the near vision subscale with TBUT (ρ = 0.32, p = .05) and for the distance vision subscale with van Bijsterveld score (ρ = 0.33, p = .04). The strongest associations of the two questionnaires were for: ocular pain and mental function with OSDI-symptoms (ρ = 0.60 and 0.45, respectively); and general vision, ocular pain, mental function, role function, and driving with OSDI-function (ρ = 0.60, 0.50, 0.61, 0.64, 0.57, and 0.67, respectively).

Conclusions
Associations between conventional objective measures of dry eye and VT-HRQ were modest. The generic NEI-VFQ was similar to the disease-specific OSDI in its ability to measure the impact of Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye on VT-HRQ.
Predictors of vigorous exercise adoption and maintenance over four years in a community sample
Authors: Boutelle Kerri N , Jeffery Robert W , French Simone A 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Very little is known about the correlates of adoption and maintenance of vigorous exercise. The purpose of this study was to understand the sociodemographic correlates of exercise adoption and maintenance in a community sample.

Methods
917 women and 229 men completed annual surveys as part of a community-based weight gain prevention trial over four years. Multivariate regressions evaluated predictive factors for maintenance of vigorous exercise over time in regular exercisers, and predictors of adoption of exercise in adults who were sedentary at baseline.

Results
Exercise maintenance at Years 2 and 3 was associated with ethnicity and exercise level at baseline, while exercise maintenance at Year 4 was associated with television watching, BMI and exercise at baseline. Exercise level at baseline was associated with exercise initiation at Year 2 and Year 3. Income level, marital status, and smoking status predicted exercise initiation at Year 4.

Conclusions
Predictors of vigorous exercise maintenance were more consistent than predictors of vigorous exercise initiation. Results suggest that those who adopt vigorous exercise are a heterogeneous group and intervention messages could be more broadly focused. These data also suggest that exercise maintenance interventions should continue to target low-income populations with messages regarding smoking, weight and television. Clearly further research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to exercise initiation and maintenance, and to develop effective interventions to improve levels of physical activity levels.
Coexpression of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone and Urotensin I Precursor Genes in the Caudal Neurosecretory System of the Euryhaline Flounder (Platichthys flesus): A Possible Shared Role in Peripheral Regulation
Authors: Lu Weiqun , Dow Louise , Gumusgoz Sarah , Brierley Matthew J. , Warne Justin M. , McCrohan Catherine R. , Balment Richard J. , Riccardi Daniela 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
CRH and urotensin I (UI) are neuroendocrine peptides that belong to the superfamily of corticotropin-releasing factors. In mammals, these peptides regulate the stress response and other central nervous system functions, whereas in fish an involvement for UI in osmoregulation has also been suggested. We have identified, characterized, and localized the genes encoding these peptides in a unique fish neuroendocrine organ, the caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS). The CRH and UI precursors, isolated from a European flounder CNSS library, consist of 168 and 147 amino acid residues, respectively, with an overall homology of approximately 50%. Both precursors contain a signal peptide, a divergent cryptic region and a 41-amino acid mature peptide with cleavage and amidation sites. Genomic organization showed that whole CRH and UI coding sequences are contained in a single exon. Northern blot analysis and quantitative PCR of a range of tissues confirmed the CNSS as a major site of expression of both CRH and UI and thus serves as a likely source of circulating peptides. In situ hybridization demonstrated that CRH and UI colocalize to the same cells of the CNSS. Our findings suggest that, in euryhaline fish, the CNSS is a major site of production of CRH and probably contributes to the high circulating levels observed in response to specific environmental challenges. Furthermore, the localization of CRH and UI within the same cell population suggests an early, possibly shared role for these peptides in controlling stress-mediated adaptive plasticity.
Differential Signal Transduction of Progesterone and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Simoncini Tommaso , Mannella Paolo , Fornari Letizia , Caruso Antonella , Willis Monica Y. , Garibaldi Silvia , Baldacci Chiara , Genazzani Andrea R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe conjugated equine estrogens-only arm of the Women’s Health Initiative trial, showing a trend toward protection from heart disease as opposed to women receiving also medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), strengthens the debate on the cardiovascular effects of progestins. We compared the effects of progesterone (P) or MPA on the synthesis of nitric oxide and on the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules, characterizing the signaling events recruited by these compounds. Although P significantly increases nitric oxide synthesis via transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms, MPA is devoid of such effects. Moreover, when used together with physiological estradiol (E2) concentrations, P potentiates E2 effects, whereas MPA impairs E2 signaling. These findings are observed both in isolated human endothelial cells as well as in vivo, in ovariectomized rat aortas. A marked difference in the recruitment of MAPK and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase explains the divergent effects of the two gestagens. In addition, both P and MPA decrease the adhesiveness of endothelial cells for leukocytes when given alone or with estrogen. MPA is more potent than P in inhibiting the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. However, when administered together with physiological amounts of glucocorticoids, MPA (which also binds glucocorticoid receptor) markedly interferes with the hydrocortisone-dependent stabilization of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB and with the expression of adhesion molecules, acting as a partial glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. Our findings show significant differences in the signal transduction pathways recruited by P and MPA in endothelial cells, which may have relevant clinical implications.
Activation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor or Liver X Receptors Interferes with Growth Hormone-Induced akr1b7 Gene Expression in Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Kotokorpi Pia , Gardmo Cissi , Nyström C. Staffan , Mode Agneta 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe akr1b7 gene encodes an aldo-keto reductase involved in detoxification of isocaproaldehyde, the product from side chain cleavage of cholesterol, and of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) formed by lipid peroxidation and cleavage. Here we show that the expression of akr1b7 mRNA in rat liver is sexually differentiated, expressed in females but not in males, and regulated by the sexually dimorphic secretion pattern of GH. A GH dose-dependent induction of akr1b7 was demonstrated in cultured primary rat hepatocytes, which was sensitive to cycloheximide. Activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) or liver X receptors (LXR) by dexamethasone (Dex) and T1317, respectively, attenuated the GH-induced expression of akr1b7 and CYP2C12, the prototypical rat hepatic gene dependent on the female-characteristic secretion pattern of GH. In contrast, neither Dex nor T1317 had any repressive effect on the GH induction of IGF-I mRNA. A common mechanism for LXR- and GR-mediated repressive actions on gene transcription is inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB; however, EMSAs and pharmacological interference with NF-κB signaling provided no evidence for the involvement of NF-κB in the repressive action of Dex and T1317 on GH-induced akr1b7 expression.
Regulation of 5α-Reductase Isoforms by Oxytocin in the Rat Ventral Prostate
Authors: Assinder S. J. , Johnson C. , King K. , Nicholson H. D. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractOxytocin (OT) is present in the male reproductive tract, where it is known to modulate contractility, cell growth, and steroidogenesis. Little is known about how OT regulates these processes. This study describes the localization of OT receptor in the rat ventral prostate and investigates if OT regulates gene expression and/or activity of 5α-reductase isoforms I and II. The ventral prostates of adult male Wistar rats were collected following daily sc administration of saline (control), OT, a specific OT antagonist or both OT plus antagonist for 3 d. Expression of the OT receptor was identified in the ventral prostate by RT-PCR and Western blot, and confirmed to be a single active binding site by radioreceptor assay. Immunohistochemistry localized the receptor to the epithelium of prostatic acini and to the stromal tissue. Real-time RT-PCR determined that OT treatment significantly reduced expression of 5α-reductase I but significantly increased 5α-reductase II expression in the ventral prostate. Activity of both isoforms of 5α-reductase was significantly increased by OT, resulting in increased concentration of prostatic dihydrotestosterone. In conclusion, OT is involved in regulating conversion of testosterone to the biologically active dihydrotestosterone in the rat ventral prostate. It does so by differential regulation of 5α-reductase isoforms I and II.
Gene Expression Profiling Identifies a Unique Androgen-Mediated Inflammatory/Immune Signature and a PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome 10)-Mediated Apoptotic Response Specific to the Rat Ventral Prostate
Authors: Desai Kartiki V. , Michalowska Aleksandra M. , Kondaiah Paturu , Ward Jerrold M. , Shih Joanna H. , Green Jeffrey E. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractUnderstanding androgen regulation of gene expression is critical for deciphering mechanisms responsible for the transition from androgen-responsive (AR) to androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer (PCa). To identify genes differentially regulated by androgens in each prostate lobe, the rat castration model was used. Microarray analysis was performed to compare dorsolateral (DLP) and ventral prostate (VP) samples from sham-castrated, castrated, and testosterone-replenished castrated rats. Our data demonstrate that, after castration, the VP and the DLP differed in the number of genes with altered expression (1496 in VP vs. 256 in DLP) and the nature of pathways modulated. Gene signatures related to apoptosis and immune response specific to the ventral prostate were identified. Microarray and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated the androgen repression of IGF binding protein-3 and -5, CCAAT-enhancer binding protein-δ, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) genes, previously implicated in apoptosis. We show that PTEN protein was increased only in the luminal epithelial cells of the VP, suggesting that it may be a key mediator of VP apoptosis in the absence of androgens. The castration-induced immune/inflammatory gene cluster observed specifically in the VP included IL-15 and IL-18. Immunostaining of the VP, but not the DLP, showed an influx of T cells, macrophages, and mast cells, suggesting that these cells may be the source of the immune signature genes. Interestingly, IL-18 was localized mainly to the basal epithelial cells and the infiltrating macrophages in the regressing VP, whereas IL-15 was induced in the luminal epithelium. The VP castration model exhibits immune cell infiltration and loss of PTEN that is often observed in progressive PCa, thereby making this model useful for further delineation of androgen-regulated gene expression with relevance to PCa.
Technology for Forming of Barrier Ribs on a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) by Applying a Photosensitive Glass Paste
Authors: Iguchi Yuichiro , Masaki Takaki , Nobumasa Hitoshi , Okuyama Kentaro , Kitamura Yoshiyuki , Deguchi Yukichi 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Technologies for processing inorganic compounds into high-definition products are used in many areas including thin-film transistors and liquid crystal displays. These technologies are based on the technology of depositing thin films of 1 μm or less in thickness using vacuum processes such as sputtering and vapor deposition. The present review compiles the results of research made on photosensitive paste technology for processing inorganic materials into high-definition thick films of several micrometers to less than 200 micrometers in thickness. The technology for processing inorganic materials into films of several micrometers to less than 200 micrometers in thickness is used for producing the electrodes and barrier ribs of plasma display panel (PDP), and is expected to widely spread into such areas as IC packages in the future.
Characterization of Ag+-Exchanged Zeolite A with H2 and CO Adsorption by FTIR
Authors: Wang Ping , Yang Shuwu , Kondo Junko N , Domen Kazunari , Baba Toshihide 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The reversible reduction–oxidation processes of Ag+ ions in Ag+-exchanged zeolites A (AgA) with H2 and O2 adsorption were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. CO adsorption was carried out at low temperature to probe the functional groups present on AgA (before and after H2 adsorption) and their locations in the channels of zeolite. The hydroxy groups were formed upon H2 (D2) adsorption on AgA with different IR frequencies depending on the degree of Ag+-exchange. It was found that these generated hydroxy groups mainly locate inside the β-cages in AgA at 30%-exchange degree, as evidenced by the inaccessibility of CO due to the small six-oxygen ring windows. On the contrary, the hydroxy groups, which had already been formed before H2 adsorption due to the dissociation of H2O on Ag+ ions, could interact with CO, showing an IR band at 2156 cm−1. This indicates that of hydroxy groups of this type are situated inside the larger α-cages containing 8-membered rings or on the external surface. The CO stretching band of CO–Na+ adducts appeared at 2165 cm−1 and could be easily removed by evacuation, while the CO–Ag+ species was detected at 2182 cm−1 and was highly resistant toward evacuation even at ambient temperature.
Stability of the Cu(II) Complexes of Tripeptides, Cu(H−2L), in Dynamic Aspects; L = Tripeptides Composed of Various Combinations of α-, β-, and γ-Amino-Acid Residues. Stopped-Flow Kinetic Studies on the Reaction of Cu(H−2L) with Cysteine
Authors: Hanaki Akira , Ueda Jun-ichi , Ikota Nobuo 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The stability of the fused chelate-ring structures of Cu(H−2L) concerning dynamic aspects was evaluated based on the rate constant (k1+) for the formation of ternary complexes, Cu(H−1L)(Cys−), from Cu(H−2L) and cysteine (Cys), where L denotes tripeptides composed of various combinations of α-, β-, and γ-amino-acid residues. The ligand-exchange reaction was examined by the stopped-flow spectrophotometric method. The Cu(H−2L) species, having 5–6–5- and 6–5–5-membered fused-chelate rings, were kinetically fairly stable; k1+ = 2–3 × 104 M−1 s−1. Other Cu(H−2L) species, having 5–5–5-, 5–5–6-, 5–5–7-, 5–6–6-, and 6–5–6-membered rings, reacted rapidly with Cys to form the Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) species; k1+ ≥ 1 × 105 M−1 s−1. The Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) species, upon forming, successively reacted with Cys to afford a binary complex, Cu(Cys−)2. The Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) species, with the β-Ala residue at the N-terminus, were kinetically labile to be rapidly transformed to Cu(Cys−)2.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of a Planar Binuclear Copper(II) Phthalocyanine Complex
Authors: Handa Makoto , Kataoka Norihito , Ito Yoshifumi , Tonomura Takahiro , Hiromitsu Ichiro , Sugimori Tamotsu , Sogabe Kunihisa , Kasuga Kuninobu 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
A binuclear copper(II) phthalocyanine complex, in which two Cu(II) phthalocyanine units are linked by their common benzene ring to give a planar structure, was prepared and investigated concerning its magnetic properties. No significant magnetic interaction was found between the copper(II) ions through the benzene ring.
A Short-Step Synthesis of (2S,3R)-3-Hydroxy-3-methylproline, a Component of Polyoxypeptins, Using a Tandem Michael–Aldol Reaction and Optical Resolution
Authors: Makino Kazuishi , Suzuki Tatsuya , Hamada Yasumasa 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
A short-step synthesis of (2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-3-methylproline, a component of polyoxypeptins, using a tandem Michael–aldol reaction followed by its optical resolution using (−)-cinchonidine has been achieved.
Nitrogen Fixation: Synthesis of Heterocycles Using Molecular Nitrogen as a Nitrogen Source
Authors: Mori Miwako , Akashi Masaya , Hori Masanori , Hori Katsutoshi , Nishida Mayumi , Sato Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Nitrogen fixation using transition metals is a fascinating process. We have already reported on the incorporation of molecular nitrogen into organic compounds using a titanium–nitrogen complex reported by Yamamoto. We developed a novel titanium-catalyzed nitrogenation procedure using TiCl4 in the presence of an excess amount of Li and TMSCl. In this reaction, a 1 atm pressure of nitrogen gas can be used and the reaction proceeds at room temperature. The procedure is very simple. A THF solution of TiCl4 or Ti(OiPr)4 (1 equiv.), Li (10 equiv.), and TMSCl (10 equiv.) was stirred under an atmosphere of nitrogen at room temperature overnight to give titanium–nitrogen complexes. Although the structures of the titanium–nitrogen complexes have not yet been determined, they would consist of N(TMS)3, X2TiN(TMS)2, and XTi=NTMS. Using this procedure, various heterocycles, such as indole, quinoline, pyrrole, pyrrolizine, and indolizine derivatives, could be synthesized from molecular nitrogen in good-to-moderate yields as a stoichiometric reaction based on a titanium complex by a one-pot reaction. Furthermore, monomorine I and pumiliotoxin C were synthesized from molecular nitrogen as a nitrogen source. This procedure was further extended for the syntheses of heterocycles using a catalytic amount of titanium complex; also, indole and pyrrole derivatives were obtained in high yields.
The Interaction of Ribonucleotides with Metal Hexacyanochromates(III) and the Relevance to Chemical Evolution
Authors: Ali Shah Raj , Kamaluddin  
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The interaction of ribonucleotides, namely 5′-AMP, 5′-GMP, 5′-CMP, and 5′-UMP, with cobalt(II) and cadmium(II) hexacyanochromates(III) has been studied. Maximum adsorption was observed at a neutral pH. Adsorption isotherms were found to be Langmuirian in nature. Values for Xm and KL were calculated. Purine nucleotides showed more adsorption than pyrimidine nucleotides on both the metal hexacyanochromates(III), whereas cobalt(II) hexacyanochromate(III) was found to be a better adsorbent for all of the ribonucleotides studied. Infrared spectral studies of the adsorption adducts suggested that adsorption occurs due to interactions between the phosphate moiety and base residue of the ribonucleotide molecule with outer divalent metal ions present in the lattice of metal hexacyanochromates(III). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that metal cyanogen complexes might play an important role in concentrating and stabilizing the biomonomers on their surfaces through adsorption processes during the course of chemical evolution.
[2,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Unstable Sulfur Ylides from Allyl Sulfonium Salts. Comparative Study of Electrochemical Reduction with the Base Method and Mechanism Elucidation by the MO Method
Authors: Okazaki Yuichi , Ando Fumio , Koketsu Jugo 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The cathodic reduction of sulfonium salts in acetonirile under the presence and absence of benzaldehyde were carried out and compared with the results of the base method. Under the presence of benzaldehyde, the electrochemical reduction gave epoxides as a result of a Corey–Chaykovsky reaction confirming ylide formation. The electrochemical reduction of sulfonium salt without benzaldehyde yields the same [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement product as those obtained by the base method, in high yield. The reaction mechanism was studied by semi-emprical MO methods.
Total Syntheses of Natural Pseurotins A, F2, and Azaspirene
Authors: Aoki Shin-ya , Oi Takahiro , Shimizu Kazuya , Shiraki Ryota , Takao Ken-ichi , Tadano Kin-ichi 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
We describe the total syntheses of natural pseurotins A and F2, inhibitors of chitin synthase, both of which possess an unusual 1-oxa-7-azaspiro[4.4]non-2-ene-4,6-dione ring system. The total syntheses of these spiro-hetereocyclic natural products feature: 1) a stereoselective preparation of two segments, i.e., a 2,3-dihydroxylated heptenal derivative and a highly functionalized γ-lactone, each from d-glucose, 2) the connection of the two segments via an aldol-type carbon–carbon bond formation, 3) spirocyclic ring formation from the aldol adduct through convenient 3(2H)-furanone formation, 4) the transformation of a spirocyclic γ-lactone into a γ-lactam hemiaminal derivative, and 5) conversion of the benzyl substituent in the γ-lactam ring into a benzoyl group via a cyclic enamide followed by m-CPBA oxidation in the final stage of the total synthesis. In the initial stage, the quaternary spiro-carbon center in the target molecules was efficiently constructed by a stereochemically exclusive vinyl Grignard addition to the d-glucose-derived 3-ulose. Furthermore, the preparation of the γ-lactone included a stereo- and regioselective Cu(I)-mediated benzyl Grignard addition to aldehyde. We have also completed the total synthesis of a structurally related novel angiogenesis inhibitor, azaspirene, using the analogous reaction sequence.
Facile One-Pot Syntheses of Amidines and Enamines from Oximes via Beckmann Rearrangement Using Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride
Authors: Takuwa Tomofumi , Minowa Tomofumi , Onishi Jim Yoshitaka , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Iminocarbocation intermediates were in situ-generated by treating various oximes with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (Tf2O) in the presence of triethylamine in toluene and nucleophilic trapping with amines or sodium enolates under mild conditions afforded the corresponding amidines and enamines. Some of the thus-obtained enamines were converted to 2-substituted 4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid derivatives by subsequent intramolecular Friedel–Crafts acylation.