bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal in synthetic media biofilters
Authors: Shareefdeen Zarook , Herner Brian , Webb Derek , Wilson Steve 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper reviews recent developments in biofiltration as a process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from contaminated air using synthetic media. The paper includes results of extensive research, as well as data collected from a commercial biofilter installation at a municipal wastewater pumping station in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that, for H2S concentrations of up to 40 ppm inlet, only 30‐second empty bed residence time (EBRT) is required. But, for lower concentrations (< 12 ppm), 20‐second EBRT is sufficient for complete elimination of H2S from airstreams using a synthetic media biofilter. The collected data shows that varying concentrations and flow, resulting in shock‐loading conditions, can be easily handled by a biofilter containing synthetic media. Furthermore, results show that biofilters can be operated underlow (∼2.0) and neutral pH conditions without introducing buffering chemicals into the media. Based on this research data, biofilters are designed and sold for a wide range of applications requiring removal of nuisance H2S compound from industrial and municipal air streams.
Journey towards sustainable development: A role for chemical engineers
Authors: Sikdar Subhas K. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSince the publication of the report entitled, Our Common Future, under the auspices of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), also known as the Brundtland Commission, it has been generally acknowledged that the increasing use of non‐renewable resources to support an increasing population has created an unsustainable situation. Should this rate of use be maintained, two dire consequences will follow: first, the future generations will be unable to maintain a high standard of living, and second, developing countries will have less of an opportunity to bring their living standards to a level comparable to that of the affluent West. The practice of chemical engineering, perhaps more than any other technical discipline, involves the use of natural material and energy resources for the production of value‐added articles and services of commerce, It is critically important that chemists and chemical engineers incorporate the ideas of sustainability into process and product design, manufacturing, and value chain management for the purpose of minimizing resource utilization and adverse environmental impact. This paper deals with the ideas of sustainability, and what chemists and chemical engineers can do to prevent the consequences of unsustainable resource utilization.
Differential rAAV2 transduction efficiencies and insulin secretion profiles in pure and co‐culture models of human enteroendocrine L‐cells and enterocytes
Authors: Tang Shiue‐Cheng , Sambanis Athanassios 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBackgroundCell‐based therapies for treating insulin‐dependent diabetes (IDD) can provide a more physiologic regulation of blood glucose levels in a less invasive fashion than insulin injections. Previously, we developed an engineered human enteroendocrine L‐cell model for regulated insulin release via recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 2, or rAAV2, transduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and selectivity of rAAV2‐mediated insulin gene delivery to enteroendocrine L‐cells in co‐culture with a prevailing number of enterocytes, which are the predominant cell type in intestinal epithelium.MethodsWe tested rAAV2 transduction in pure and co‐culture models of human cell lines of enterocytes (Caco‐2 and T84 cell lines) and enteroendocrine L‐cells (NCI‐H716 cell line). Non‐viral, chemical‐mediated transfection was used as a control. Transduced and transfected co‐cultures were subjected to insulin secretion studies.ResultsIn pure cultures, rAAV2 exhibited a low transduction efficiency towards both Caco‐2 and T84 enterocytes, as opposed to a strong reporter expression in permissive NCI‐H716 L‐cells. In co‐cultures of NCI‐H716 L‐cells and Caco‐2 or T84 enterocytes, rAAV2 exhibited differential transduction efficiency with a strong preference towards NCI‐H716 L‐cells. The rAAV2‐transduced co‐culture achieved regulated insulin release against stimulation, whereas the chemically transfected co‐culture failed to respond.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that rAAV2‐mediated insulin gene transfer can differentiate human intestinal cell types in vitro, in particular enterocyte and enteroendocrine L‐cell lines. We consider the AAV2 vector a useful tool in developing enteroendocrine L‐cell‐specific insulin gene delivery for IDD treatment, in terms of AAV2 avoiding enterocytes and targeting selectively L‐cells. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep‐wake states and cortical synchronization control by pregnenolone sulfate into the pedunculopontine nucleus
Authors: Darbra Sonia , George Olivier , Bouyer Jean‐Jacques , Piazza Pier‐Vincenzo , Le Moal Michel , Mayo Willy 
Published: April 2004

AbstractCholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine tegmentum nucleus (PPT) are crucial for initiation and maintenance of electroencephalographic (EEG) desynchronization states like paradoxical sleep and wakefulness. These neurons are regulated by classical neurotransmitter systems from the pontomesencephalic reticular formation and basal ganglia. In addition to this regulation, PPT neuron activity could be modulated by endogenous neurosteroids and particularly by pregnenolone sulfate (PREG‐S) because synthesis enzymes of this neurosteroid are present in this area and peripheral administrations of PREG‐S affect sleep‐wakefulness states. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of different doses of PREG‐S infusion into the PPT on sleep‐wakefulness states in rats. Our results show dose‐dependent effects of PREG‐S on sleep‐wakefulness states. Low concentration of PREG‐S (5 ng) increased the amount of paradoxical sleep without any modification of slow wave sleep and wakefulness. High level of PREG‐S (10 and 20 ng) increased paradoxical sleep and slow wave sleep together with an increase of delta power and a decrease of theta power during wakefulness. Dependent on the doses used, PREG‐S thus can promote paradoxical sleep alone or the global propensity to fall asleep, impairing the quality of wakefulness. These results unveil a new regulation pathway for PPT neurons and strengthen the role of PREG‐S in sleep‐wakefulness regulation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polyol‐Metall‐Komplexe. 491)μ‐Dulcitolato‐O2, 3;4, 5‐Komplexe mit Amin‐Kupfer(II)‐ und ‐Nickel(II)‐Metallfragmenten
Authors: Herdin Sven , Klüfers Peter , Kunte Thomas , Piotrowski Holger 
Published: April 2004

AbstractDer zweikernige Ethylendiamin‐kupfer(II)‐Komplex des Tetraanions des achiralen Alditols Dulcit (Galactit) ist als erster kristallin erhaltener Kohlenhydrat‐Metall‐Komplex bemerkenswert (W. Traube, G. Glaubitt, V. Schenck, Ber. Dtsch. Chem. Ges. 1930, 63, 2083—2093). Obwohl seit Jahrzehnten bekannt, blieb seine Struktur aufgrund eines Kristallaufbaus, der die Bildung von Zwillingsdomänen fördert, unbekannt. Kristallisation bei niedriger Temperatur ergab nun kristalline Proben von [(en)2Cu2(Dulc2, 3, 4, 5H—4)] · 7 H2O (1), die sowohl die Strukturanalyse als auch die Untersuchung der Zwillingsbildung erlaubten. Verwandte Komplexstrukturen liegen in [(tren)2Ni2(Dulc2, 3, 4, 5H—4)] · 20 H2O (2) und [(Me3tren)2Ni2(Dulc2, 3, 4, 5H—4)] · 16 H2O (3) vor. 3 enthält mit einem O···O‐Abstand von 2.422Å die kürzeste Wasserstoffbrückenbindung, die bislang bei einem Polyolat‐Akzeptor gefunden wurde.
Treating irritable bowel syndrome: overview, perspective and future therapies
Authors: Camilleri Michael 
Published: April 2004

This article summarizes the ongoing challenges in irritable bowel syndrome and the exciting opportunities for development of novel therapies for this common, enigmatic condition. The challenges include insufficient understanding of mechanisms, lack of specificity of symptoms, differentiation from other conditions, and lack of availability of noninvasive tests to identify dysfunctions. However, significant opportunities are reflected by the advances in clinical trial design and, particularly, clinically relevant end points for such trials, and the increasing understanding of basic neuroenteric science. The latter has delivered two new medications to the practice (alosetron and tegaserod), and other candidate therapies (other serotonergic, tachykininergic, opioid, cannabinoid modulators) are being carefully appraised as potential drugs for the future.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1237–1248. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705741
Modulation of visceral pain and inflammation by protease‐activated receptors
Authors: Vergnolle Nathalie 
Published: April 2004

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is exposed to a large array of proteases, under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The discovery of G protein‐coupled receptors activated by proteases, the protease‐activated receptors (PARs), has highlighted new signaling functions for proteases in the GI tract, particularly in the domains of inflammation and pain mechanisms. Activation of PARs by selective peptidic agonists in the intestine or the pancreas leads to inflammatory events and changes in visceral nociception, suggesting that PARs could be involved in the modulation of visceral pain and inflammation. PARs are present in most of the cells that are potentially actors in the generation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Activation of PARs interferes with several pathophysiological factors that are involved in the generation of IBS symptoms, such as altered motility patterns, inflammatory mediator release, altered epithelial functions (immune, permeability and secretory) and altered visceral nociceptive functions. Although definitive studies using genetically modified animals, and, when available, pharmacological tools, in different IBS and inflammatory models have not yet confirmed a role for PARs in those pathologies, PARs appear as promising targets for therapeutic intervention in visceral pain and inflammation processes.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1264–1274. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705750
The NMR structure of a stable and compact all‐β‐sheet variant of intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein
Authors: Ogbay Benhur , Dekoster Gregory T. , Cistola David P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIntestinal fatty acid‐binding protein (I‐FABP) has a clam‐shaped structure that may serve as a scaffold for the design of artificial enzymes and drug carriers. In an attempt to optimize the scaffold for increased access to the interior‐binding cavity, several helix‐less variants of I‐FABP have been engineered. The solution‐state NMR structure of the first generation helix‐less variant, known as Δ17‐SG, revealed a larger‐than‐expected and structurally ill‐defined loop flanking the deletion site. We hypothesized that the presence of this loop, on balance, was energetically unfavorable for the stability of the protein. The structure exhibited no favorable pairwise or nonpolar interactions in the loop that could offset the loss of configurational entropy associated with the folding of this region of the protein. As an attempt to generate a more stable protein, we engineered a second‐generation helix‐less variant of I‐FABP (Δ27‐GG) by deleting 27 contiguous residues of the wild‐type protein and replacing them with a G‐G linker. The deletion site of this variant (D9 through N35) includes the 10 residues spanning the unstructured loop of Δ17‐SG. Chemical denaturation experiments using steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the second‐generation helix‐less variant is energetically more stable than Δ17‐SG. The three‐dimensional structure of apo‐Δ27‐GG was solved using triple‐resonance NMR spectroscopy along with the structure calculation and refinement protocols contained in the program package ARIA/CNS. In spite of the deletion of 27 residues, the structure assumes a compact all‐β‐sheet fold with no unstructured loops and open access to the interior cavity.
Ability, Education, and Income Inequality
Authors: Cardak Buly A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA model of education where the distribution of abilities is the source of heterogeneity is investigated. Ability is a key determinant of human capital accumulated when young, which in turn determines income and its distribution. The assumption of heterogeneous abilities leads to steady‐state income distributions that exhibit income inequality. Of particular interest is the result that symmetric distributions of ability generate positively skewed income distributions. Models of private and public education are analyzed and compared. It is found that private education results in higher incomes and less income inequality than observed in the public education model.
Mother‐Infant Interaction and Maternal Substance Use/Abuse: An Integrative Review of Research Literature in the 1990s
Authors: Johnson Merrilyn O. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurpose(1) Mother‐infant interaction is crucial for optimal infant development and parenting. In the environment of prenatal substance use/abuse there is potential for both mother and child to present negative interactive behaviors. Recent increased incidence of substance use/abuse by pregnant women in the United States has provoked concern for the infant's outcome in these circumstances. Recent literature does not indicate uniformly dismal outlook for infants born exposed to drugs. In this paper, published research from the 1990s that specifically addressed the relationship between prenatal substance use/abuse and the mother‐infant interaction was examined utilizing the Barnard model of parent‐infant interaction as a guide. Twenty‐three articles matched search criteria and were included in the review.Conclusions(2) The majority of studies (14/23) showed that maternal substance abuse was associated with a recognizably detrimental impact on mother‐child interaction. Six studies did not confirm an adverse effect. Negative impact on the interaction was related to the degree of maternal substance abuse in three studies and to its continuation postnatally in two. Postnatal environment correlated strongly with the quality of mother‐child interaction in the substance‐exposed dyads.Implications(3) Clinical and research implications are described.
Short Reviews
Authors: Bongaarts John , Casterline John B. , Greenhalgh Susan , McNicoll Geoffrey , Todaro Michael P. 
Published: April 2004

Books reviewed in this article: Leonore Loeb Abler and Uwe P. Gielen(EDS.), Migration: Immigration and Emigration in International Perspective Samuel Agyei‐Mensah and John B. Casterline(EDS.), Reproduction and Social Context in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Collection of Micro‐Demographic Studies Francesco C. Billari And Alexia Prskawetz(EDS.), Agent‐Based Computational Demography: Using Simulation to Improve Our Understanding of Demographic Behaviour Siew‐Ean Khoo And Peter McDonald(EDS.), The Transformation of Australia's Population: 1970‐2030 James P. Lynch and Rita J. Simon, Immigration the World Over: Statutes, Policies, and Practices C. Ford Runge, Benjamin Senauer, Philip G. Pardey, And Mark W. Rosegrant, Ending Hunger in Our Lifetime: Food Security and Globalization Sheldon J. Segal, Under the Banyan Tree: A Population Scientist's Odyssey Lynn M. Thomas, Politics of the Womb: Women, Reproduction, and the State in Kenya United Nations Economic Commission For Europe, Dynamics of Fertility and Partnership in Europe: Insights and Lessons from Comparative Research
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibits Insulin-Like Growth Factor I-Induced Hematopoietic Cell Survival and Proliferation
Authors: Shen Wen Hong , Zhou Jian-Hua , Broussard Suzanne R. , Johnson Rodney W. , Dantzer Robert , Kelley Keith W. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractProinflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα and IL-1β, are both cytostatic and cytotoxic. In contrast, IGF-I promotes proliferation and survival of hematopoietic progenitor cells. In this report, we establish that both the cytostatic and cytotoxic activity of TNFα on murine myeloid progenitor cells is only evident in the presence of IGF-I. We first confirmed that IGF-I (100 ng/ml) increases DNA synthesis and reduces apoptosis in murine myeloid progenitor cells induced to die by growth factor withdrawal. TNFα inhibits, in a dose-dependent fashion from 0.1 to 10 ng/ml, both activities of IGF-I. TNFα activity was not detected in the absence of IGF-I. Another proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, did not inhibit IGF-I-induced activity in murine factor-dependent cell progenitor-1/Mac-1 cells. However, the ability of TNFα to impair IGF-I-induced DNA synthesis in human promyeloid cells extends to IL-1β. Statistically significant inhibition of all these events occurs at very low concentrations of 1 ng/ml or less. These results support the general concept that proinflammatory cytokines impair the actions of hormones on hematopoietic cells, leading to IGF-I receptor resistance.
Compatibility of Budesonide Inhalation Suspension with Four Nebulizing Solutions
Authors: McKenzie Jane E , Cruz-Rivera Mario 
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Nebulizable medications often are mixed to simplify asthma medication regimens. OBJECTIVE: To establish the in vitro chemical compatibility and stability of budesonide inhalation suspension 0.25 mg/2 mL and 0.5 mg/2 mL mixed in Pari LC Plus jet nebulizer cups with 3 mL of levalbuterol hydrochloride 0.63 mg/3 mL and 1.25 mg/3 mL; 0.5 mL of albuterol sulfate 5 mg/mL; 2 mL of cromolyn sodium 20 mg/2 mL; or 2.5 mL of ipratropium bromide 0.2 mg/mL. METHODS: We developed and validated isocratic HPLC methods to permit separation of the admixture components from aliquots taken 0, 5, 15, and 30 minutes after mixing. Admixtures were prepared and analyzed at room temperature. Each assay was conducted 3 times using separate nebulizer cups. All components were quantified by external standards using HPLC-derived peak area. Appearance and pH of the admixtures were recorded. RESULTS: No additional peaks occurred in any HPLC chromatogram for any medication from any admixture. With the exception of ipratropium bromide at 93%, each admixture retained >97% of the initial concentration of each medication in the nebulizer cup. There was no significant change in pH or visual identification of a precipitate in any admixture of active drugs. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the chemical compatibility of budesonide inhalation suspension for up to 30 minutes with other commonly used nebulized medications for controlling pediatric asthma symptoms.
Enhanced Hypoprothrombinemia with Warfarin Due to Azithromycin
Authors: Rao Krishnamoorthy B , Pallaki Muralidhar , Tolbert Sandra R , Hornick Thomas R 
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of probable azithromycin—warfarin drug interaction with enhanced hypoprothrombinemic effect of warfarin. CASE SUMMARY: An 83-year-old African American man stabilized on warfarin therapy (10 mg on Wednesdays, 7.5 mg on other days) developed a prolonged prothrombin time one day after starting azithromycin 500 mg. The elevated prothrombin time normalized 3 days after azithromycin was discontinued. After the initial increase in the international normalized ratio, the absence of any significant confounding factors affecting the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in our patient and the numerous reports of such interactions indicate that an interaction between azithromycin and warfarin may have been responsible for the elevated prothrombin time seen in this patient. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse event was probably related to the combination of these drugs. DISCUSSION: Azithromycin, unlike erythromycin and clarithromycin, is not known to inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and is presumed to be the macrolide of choice in patients already on warfarin. However, previously reported cases of azithromycin—warfarin interactions support the possibility that azithromycin does interact with warfarin, although the exact mechanism is not understood. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin may interact with warfarin and enhance its hypoprothrombinemic effects. This effect may be delayed for 4–8 days after a course of azithromycin has been completed. Periodic monitoring of the prothrombin time is recommended when using azithromycin in patients taking warfarin.
46,XX sex reversal with partial duplication of chromosome arm 22q
Authors: Seeherunvong Tossaporn , Perera Erasmo M. , Bao Yong , Benke Paul J. , Benigno Adelaida , Donahue Roger P. , Berkovitz Gary D. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe present a case of 46,XX sex reversal in the absence of SRY but with partial duplication of chromosome 22q. The subject had multiple congenital anomalies but nearly complete masculinization of the external genitalia. Our case along with a previous case supports the existence of a gene on chromosome 22q that can trigger testis determination in the absence of SRY. We proposed that overexpression of the SOX10 gene at 22q13 might be the cause of sex reversal. We investigated 13 additional subjects with SRY‐negative 46,XX sex reversal for microduplication of chromosome arm 22q in the region of SOX10 gene, but could not find evidence for it. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A chromosome 21‐derived minute marker in a mosaic trisomy 21 background: Implications for risk assessments in marker chromosome cases
Authors: Stefanou Eunice‐Georgia G. , Crocker Mark 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe report a prenatal case of a chromosome 21‐derived minute supernumerary marker, found as a mosaic along with a trisomy 21 cell line at amniocentesis. Follow‐up analysis of other fetal tissues confirmed the mosaicism and also disclosed a normal cell line. It is likely that the marker reflects a mutation event that resulted in trisomy rescue early in embryonic development. Had the trisomy 21 cell line not been found at amniocentesis, a low risk of an abnormal phenotype (approximately 5%) would have been assigned. We suggest that the risk associated with minute non‐euchromatic marker chromosomes should be revised to account for the possibility of mosaicism with potentially aneuploid populations and/or uniparental disomy (UPD). The finding of any marker chromosome should prompt a thorough investigation for aneuploid cell lines. In the case of small markers with no euchromatin, the given risk of adverse phenotypic effects is not likely to be associated with the marker per se but with the possible presence of a cryptic aneuploid cell line from which the marker may have arisen. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin‐related genes in patients with panic disorder
Authors: Olsson Marie , Annerbrink Kristina , Westberg Lars , Melke Jonas , Baghaei Fariba , Rosmond Roland , Holm Göran , Andersch Sven , Allgulander Christer , Eriksson Elias 
Published: April 2004

AbstractEnhanced respiratory variability and decreased heart rate variability have repeatedly been observed in patients with panic disorder. Prompted by the notion that angiotensin may be involved in the control of respiration, heart rate variability, and anxiety‐like behavior, we investigated the putative association between polymorphisms in three angiotensin‐related genes and panic disorder—angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor type 1 (ATr1) in 72 patients with panic disorder and 504 controls. Allele and genotype distribution of the ATr1 A1166C allele and the AGT M235T did not differ between patients and controls. With respect to the ACE I/D polymorphism, the I allele was found to be more frequent in male (χ2 = 8.042, df = 1, P = 0.005), but not female, panic disorder patients than in controls. The results of this investigation provide preliminary evidence for the suggestion that angiotensin‐related genes may be associated with panic disorder in men. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.