bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrombin‐activated microglia contribute to death of dopaminergic neurons in rat mesencephalic cultures: Dual roles of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways
Authors: Lee Da Yong , Oh Young J. , Jin Byung Kwan 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis study evaluated the role of thrombin‐activated microglia in the neurodegeneration of mesencephalic cultures. Immunocytochemical and biochemical evidence indicated that in co‐cultures consisting of rat cortical microglia and mesencephalic neurons, thrombin led to nonselective loss of mesencephalic neurons. Accompanying neurodegeneration, microglial activation was obvious, evidenced by expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and by increasing production of TNF‐α and nitric oxide (NO). In mesencephalic neurons treated with conditioned media (CM) taken from thrombin‐activated microglia, the number of dopaminergic neurons was significantly attenuated. The neurotoxicity of the CM was diminished when it was derived from microglia co‐treated with thrombin and either an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway inhibitor (PD98059) or a p38‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38‐MAPK) inhibitor (SB203580). Moreover, jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38‐MAPK were activated in mesencephalic neurons treated with CM of thrombin‐activated microglia. Inhibition of JNK and p38‐MAPK rescued the dopaminergic neurons. Collectively, these results indicate that thrombin‐activated microglia induce neurodegeneration in cultured mesencephalic neurons and that the MAPKs actively participate in both microglial activation and neurodegeneration. The present data carefully suggest that microglial activation triggered by thrombin may be involved in the neuropathological processes of dopaminergic neuronal cell death that occur in Parkinson's disease. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AIDS education, condom demand, and the sexual activity of American youth
Authors: Tremblay Carol Horton , Ling Davina C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of AIDS education at school and at home on the sexual behavior of American youth. Multinomial logit equations of the probabilities of abstinence, sexual intercourse with a condom, and intercourse without a condom are estimated using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Supplement of the 1992 National Health Interview Survey. We find no significant effects of AIDS education on the probability of abstinence, but we do find that AIDS education significantly raises the likelihood of condom‐protected relative to unprotected intercourse. These results indicate that risk‐altering and risk‐revealing AIDS education dominate any utility‐altering effects favoring intercourse over abstinence. We also find that young women are influenced by AIDS education to a greater extent than young men. Overall, our results suggest that educating young people about AIDS does not promote sex and encourages safer sex, reducing the likelihood of HIV transmission and lowering the subsequent social costs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas/liquid mass transfer processes in a carbon dioxide/alkane system
Authors: Gómez‐Díaz D , Navaza JM 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA gas/liquid mass transfer process has been studied using carbon dioxide/alkane systems in a stirred vessel. Four linear alkanes (n‐heptane, n‐octane, n‐decane and n‐dodecane) have been used as the liquid phase in the present paper, and they have been employed to study the influence of the carbon length upon the mass transfer velocity. The mass transfer along the liquid phase has been studied using the mass transfer coefficient of the liquid phase, kL. Pure carbon dioxide has been employed as the phase in all cases for this reason. The effects of the power supplied to the liquid phase and the gas flow rate upon the absorption process have also been analysed. Finally, the equations that allow calculation of the mass transfer coefficients have been applied for these systems, with acceptable results. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Immune responses following salivary gland administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 vectors
Authors: Kok Marc R. , Voutetakis Antonis , Yamano Seiichi , Wang Jianghua , Cotrim Ana , Katano Hisako , Bossis Ioannis , Chiorini John A. , Tran Simon D. , Tak Paul P. , Baum Bruce J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundGene transfer to salivary glands (SGs) can be accomplished in a minimally invasive manner, resulting in stable, long‐term secretion of the transgene product. Therefore, SGs provide a novel target site for several potentially useful clinical gene therapeutics applications. Previous studies have indicated that intravenous, intramuscular and intranasal administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 (rAAV2) vectors induce host immune responses. There are no reported studies on immune responsiveness of rAAV2 vector administration to SGs.Material and methodsVectors were administered by retrograde infusion to the SGs of Balb/c mice in various combinations. Thereafter, transgene expression was determined, and evaluations of host innate and adaptive immune responsiveness performed over a 56‐day period.ResultsHistological examination of SGs from vector‐treated mice showed no significant changes in appearance from controls, including the frequency of activated macrophage detection. There were also no differences in salivary flow rates among experimental groups. In vitro stimulation of splenocytes from mice administered rAAV2 showed elevated interferon‐γ levels in culture media. Significant titers of neutralizing antibodies to rAAV2 were detected in serum of mice following rAAV2 vector administration. While SGs could be transduced with low doses of vector it was not possible to repeat the administration and detect transduction with the same serotype at low doses. However, repeat administration was possible with an alternative serotype (rAAV4).ConclusionsFollowing a single administration of rAAV2 vectors to SGs there is no significant innate immune response. However, rAAV2 vector administration to SGs results in both cellular and humoral immune responses. The latter may interfere with the efficacy of repeated rAAV2 vector administration. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contractile properties of the developing fetal sheep bladder
Authors: Nyirády Peter , Thiruchelvam Nikesh , Godley Margaret L. , David Anna , Cuckow Peter M. , Fry Christopher H. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAimTo characterise the developmental changes to the normal bladder by examining the in vitro contractile properties of the fetal sheep detrusor smooth muscle bladder at different gestational ages.MethodsThree groups of normally developing fetal sheep bladders were investigated: (1) 65–70 days gestation (2nd trimester); (2) 105–110days (3rd trimester); (3) 135–140 days (term). Isometric contractions in isolated detrusor strips were measured during either electrical field stimulation (EFS) or exposure to agonists: carbachol, α‐β methylene‐ATP (ABMA) and KCl.ResultsThere was a significant increase of absolute force elicited by EFS with fetal age. Contractures elicited by carbachol, ABMA and KCl increased between Groups 1 and 2, but not thereafter. The proportional increase of contractions elicited by carbachol and ABMA was also greater between Groups 1 and 2, than for EFS and KCl.ConclusionsFetal development between 65 and 140 days in the sheep is associated with increased contractile activation. The data are consistent with an increase of muscle development in the earlier stages (65–110 days). In the later stage (110–140 days) muscle development is complete but functional innervation of the tissue continues. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On advanced solution strategies to overcome locking effects in strong discontinuity approaches
Authors: Mosler J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the analysis of locking effects resulting from different orientations of micro‐defects and those of the corresponding macro‐defects. Based on a mixed‐mode material model embedded within the framework of the strong discontinuity approach (SDA), the described locking effect is illustrated by means of a crack analysis of a notched concrete beam. To overcome the deficiency of the proposed finite element model, the original SDA is modified and extended. For that purpose, two different advanced numerical formulations are developed: a rotating crack approach and a multiple crack approach. Restricting the governing equations to the material point level, a standard return‐mapping procedure is applied to the algorithmic formulations of both models. The applicability and the performance of the proposed numerical implementations are investigated by means of a re‐analysis of the two‐dimensional notched concrete beam. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 4p: a new locus for holoprosencephaly?
Authors: Karmous‐Benailly Houda , Tabet Anne‐Claude , Thaly Adeline , Dupuy Olivier , Huten Yolène , Luton Dominique , Baumann Clarisse , Delezoide Anne‐Lise 
Published: March 2005

AbstractTrisomy of the short arm of chromosome 4 is a well‐known syndrome, and several observations have been made in the last 30 years. Herein, we report a new observation of trisomy 4p in a fetus with a semi‐lobar holoprosencephaly (HPE), dysmorphic features and multiple malformations.The diagnosis of HPE was made, at 33 weeks' gestation, on the fetus of a healthy G1P0 woman. Amniocentesis was performed for chromosome analysis and additional material was found on a chromosome 22. The couple elected to terminate the pregnancy and fetal examination was realized. Conventional and molecular cytogenetic studies were performed on the fetus and the parents, which showed that the additional material found on one chromosome 22 corresponded to the short arm of chromosome 4 and therefore led us to establish a diagnosis of trisomy 4p inherited from the malsegregation of a paternal translocation t(4;22)(q12;q11.1).The etiology of HPE is very heterogeneous; it includes non‐genetic factors such as maternal diabetes and genetic causes. HPE cases have been described in association with many chromosomal anomalies, trisomy 13 being the most frequent. However, to our knowledge, HPE has never been previously reported in association with a trisomy involving solely the short arm of chromosome 4. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cysteinylation of maternal plasma albumin and its association with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Bar‐Or David , Heyborne Kent D. , Bar‐Or Raphael , Rael Leonard T. , Winkler James V. , Navot Daniel 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectivesWe investigated cysteinylation of maternal plasma albumin in an observational study of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). High‐risk pregnancies and uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) have been associated with elevated levels of homocysteine, and, in oxidizing environments, homocysteine is converted to cysteine, resulting in cysteinylation of proteins.MethodsThe study population included pregnancies with IUGR (n = 12) and uncomplicated pregnancies as controls (n = 8). In all cases, cysteinylation of maternal plasma albumin was measured in a blinded fashion using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.ResultsMarkedly elevated maternal plasma levels of cysteinylated albumin were detected in pregnancies with IUGR (44.7 ± 14.8% of total albumin) compared to those in normal pregnancies (20.9 ± 6.1%). As a result, native albumin decreased from 52.5 ± 6.5% of total albumin in normal pregnancies to 30.1 ± 13.3% in IUGR pregnancies.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that sustained oxidative stress present in UPI is reflected by high levels of maternal cysteinylated albumin and may be a factor in the etiology of IUGR. Results of this preliminary study suggest that measurement of maternal plasma cysteinylated albumin may be useful for monitoring pregnancies associated with UPI and for detection of IUGR. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance image findings of placental lake: report of two cases
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Kataoka Soromon , Kato Emi H. , Yamada Takashi , Yamada Hideto , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: March 2005

AbstractTwo cases with a large cystic mass within the placenta are reported. By ultrasonography, it was found that both women had a subchorionic hypoechoic lesion (11.0 × 4.8 × 4.0 cm and 6.6 × 3.7 × 2.2 cm, respectively) at 24 and 35 weeks of gestation, respectively. In both cases, turbulent blood flow generated by a pulsatile jet flow (pulse rate; 40 to 60 beats per minute) into the cystic lesion seen on real‐time imaging and lesions being low intensity on T1‐weighted and isointensity on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance image suggested that they contained fresh maternal blood. In both cases, the sonolucency of the lesions did not change until cesarean deliveries of females, both of whom were small‐for‐gestational‐age infants (1940 g at 37 weeks and 2195 g at 37 weeks, respectively). Biochemical analysis of the fluid in the cystic lesion sampled during the cesarean section in the latter case confirmed that the fluid had originated from the maternal blood. These lesions histologically corresponded to large avillous areas surrounded by normal villi. Thus, a huge placental lake was diagnosed in both cases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation of Ozone Reflection Coefficient at a Metal Surface with its Gradual Oxidation
Authors: Itoh Haruo , Rusinov Ilko M. , Suzuki Susumu , Suzuki Tooru 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Investigation of ozone loss rate in a metallic chamber has been performed paying attention to the wall materials effect. Stainless steel, copper, and aluminum are used in the experiments. Ozone is produced by corona discharge electrode, which was mounted on the secondary electrode of a piezoelectric transformer. The decaying ozone density, which was observed after the corona discharge interruption, was measured using the HgI 254 nm photo absorption method. The temporal decrease of ozone density shows a single‐exponential and the loss rates of ozone, that is, the inverse of ozone lifetimes are determined. During the experiment with repetition using the same surface material, we found a gradual increase of the ozone reflection coefficient in the low‐pressure region. We adopted surface inspection of specimens using electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), Auger electron spectroscopy (Auger), and X‐ray photo‐electron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that some amount of oxygen atoms is detected in the surface layer of the specimen. We consider that the increase of ozone reflection coefficient with the repeated measurement corresponds to gradual oxidation of the surface wall material.Variation of effective lifetime over repeated measurements using same material.magnified imageVariation of effective lifetime over repeated measurements using same material.
DC Glow Discharge in Atmospheric Air as a Source for Volatile Organic Compounds Abatement
Authors: Machala Zdenko , Marode Emmanuel , Morvová Marcela , Lukáč Peter 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: In this article, a direct current (DC) discharge in atmospheric pressure air as a source for pollution control is presented. The investigated continuous discharge occurring between two metal electrodes was of the glow type. The discharge generated a highly ionized, non‐equilibrium air plasma with gas temperatures of 1 500–2 500 K. Single and multiple discharges of this type were successfully tested in glass and copper tube reactors for the abatement of selected VOCs (cyclohexanone and toluene). Depending on the reactor type, discharge parameters and the energy density, abatement efficiencies of 30–95% were obtained, with energy costs of 200–1 000 eV/molecule. The thermal VOC decomposition in the discharge was coupled with radical‐induced volume reactions. It was found that extending the radical‐dominated decomposition phase yielded a better performance. The VOCs tested were converted to some gaseous and some condensed products. Copper electrode surfaces influenced the character of the condensed products and seemed to have a certain catalytic effect on the process.Removal efficiency, η, as a function of the energy density w. Both polarities of HPGD in dry and humid air, 5‐point glass tube reactor, cyclohexanone 2 000 ppm. Toluene 2 000 ppm in negative HPGD has been added for comparison.magnified imageRemoval efficiency, η, as a function of the energy density w. Both polarities of HPGD in dry and humid air, 5‐point glass tube reactor, cyclohexanone 2 000 ppm. Toluene 2 000 ppm in negative HPGD has been added for comparison.
Dissection of the GTPase mechanism of Ras protein by MD analysis of Ras mutants
Authors: Friedman Zeev Y. , Devary Yoram 
Published: March 2005

AbstractControlling the hydrolysis rate of GTP bound to the p21ras protein is crucial for the delicate timing of many biological processes. A few mechanisms were suggested for the hydrolysis of GTP. To gain more insight into the individual elementary events of GTP hydrolysis, we carried out molecular dynamic analysis of wild‐type p21ras and some of its mutants. It was recently shown that Ras‐related proteins and mutants generally follow a linear free energy relationship (LFER) relating the rate of reaction to the pKa of the γ‐phosphate group of the bound GTP, indicating that proton transfer from the attacking water to the GTP is the first elementary event in the GTPase mechanism. However, some exceptions were observed. Thus, the Gly12 → Aspartic p21ras (G12D) mutant had a very low GTPase activity although its pKa was very close to that of the wild‐type ras. Here we compared the molecular dynamics (MD) of wild‐type Ras and G12D, showing that in the mutant the catalytic water molecule is displaced to a position where proton transfer to GTP is unfavorable. These results suggest that the mechanism of GTPase is indeed composed of an initial proton abstraction from water by the GTP, followed by a nucleophilic attack of the hydroxide ion on the γ‐phosphorus of GTP. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural analysis of interactions for complex formation between Ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase and its protein partners
Authors: Mayoral Tomás , Martínez‐Júlvez Marta , Pérez‐Dorado Inmaculada , Sanz‐Aparicio Julia , Gómez‐Moreno Carlos , Medina Milagros , Hermoso Juan A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe three‐dimensional structures of K72E, K75R, K75S, K75Q, and K75E Anabaena Ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase (FNR) mutants have been solved, and particular structural details of these mutants have been used to assess the role played by residues 72 and 75 in optimal complex formation and electron transfer (ET) between FNR and its protein redox partners Ferredoxin (Fd) and Flavodoxin (Fld). Additionally, because there is no structural information available on the interaction between FNR and Fld, a model for the FNR:Fld complex has also been produced based on the previously reported crystal structures and on that of the rat Cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), onto which FNR and Fld have been structurally aligned, and those reported for the Anabaena and maize FNR:Fd complexes. The model suggests putative electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between residues on the FNR and Fld surfaces at the complex interface and provides an adequate orientation and distance between the FAD and FMN redox centers for efficient ET without the presence of any other molecule as electron carrier. Thus, the models now available for the FNR:Fd and FNR:Fld interactions and the structures presented here for the mutants at K72 and K75 in Anabaena FNR have been evaluated in light of previous biochemical data. These structures confirm the key participation of residue K75 and K72 in complex formation with both Fd and Fld. The drastic effect in FNR activity produced by replacement of K75 by Glu in the K75E FNR variant is explained not only by the observed changes in the charge distribution on the surface of the K75E FNR mutant, but also by the formation of a salt bridge interaction between E75 and K72 that simultaneously “neutralizes” two essential positive charged side chains for Fld/Fd recognition. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unique Bridging Function of the Triazole Core in Copper(II) Chloride Complexes with 1‐Allylbenzotriazole
Authors: Goreshnik E. A. , Schollmeyer D. , Mys'kiv M. G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDuring alternating‐current electrochemical synthesis of copper(I) π‐complex of [CuCl{C6H4N3(C3H5)}] composition, starting from ethanol solution, containing CuCl2·2H2O and 1‐allylbenzotriazole, green crystals of intermediate [CuII3Cl6{C6H4N3(C3H5)}4] (I) compound has been obtained upon 24 h. After some days these crystals transform into red ones of [CuII2Cl4{C6H4N3(C3H5)}3] (II). Both compounds were X‐Ray structurally investigated. Crystals of I are triclinic, sp.gr. ${\rm P}{\bar 1}$ a = 9.1329(9), b = 10.0352(4), c = 12.239(3) Å, α = 76.443(13), β = 84.470(14), γ = 76.808(7)°, V = 1060.5(3) Å3, R = 0.0414 for 3311 reflections. II: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 13.828(1), b = 15.044(2), c = 10.702(1) Å, β = 91.36(1)°, V = 2225.7(4) Å3, R = 0.050 for 1495 reflections. In both compounds each benzotriazole core coordinates two copper atoms using two nitrogen atoms in 2 and 3 positions. Isolated Cu3Cl6 fragments in I are condensed along [001] direction into infinite chains [CuCl2]n in II. Finally, red crystals of II transform into colorless ones of the earlier studied copper(I) π‐complex of CuCl·C6H4N3(C3H5) composition.
CCK-Containing paraneurons in human adenomatous prostate
Authors: Cecio A. , Cocca T. , Masotti M. T. , La Mura E. , Vittoria A. 
Published: March 2005

The presence of CCK-containing neuroendocrine cells in human adenomatous prostates, and the colocalization of CCK together with serotonin in the same cell, have been demonstrated by means of an immunohistochemical technique and by a double labeling immunofluorescent staining. CCK-containing neuroendocrine cells had a focal distribution in the prostates and sometimes showed dendrite-like cytoplasmic processes. The major part of CCK (96.55%) colocalized with serotonin.
CCK probably stimulates muscle contraction and endocrine/exocrine secretions in the urogenital tract.
Consideration of Genetic Counseling as a Career: Implications for Diversifying the Genetic Counseling Field
Authors: Oh Tracey , Lewis Linwood J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractUnder‐representation of racial/ethnic minority counselors has been an ongoing issue in the genetic counseling field. A better understanding of genetic counseling awareness and career consideration may help to increase the number of applicants to genetic counseling training programs from racial/ethnic minorities. This study sampled high school and college students (n = 233) to examine their awareness and perceptions of genetic counseling. Ethnicity, gender, parental level of education, and interest in biology were significant predictors of a subject's genetic counseling awareness; previous awareness of genetic counseling, interest in psychology, and level of education were significant predictors of whether a subject would consider genetic counseling as a career. The findings suggest that knowledge of genetic counseling is lower among racial/ethnic minorities, but that racial/ethnic minorities are just as likely to consider genetic counseling as a career. Awareness of genetic counseling prior to university education may increase racial/ethnic minority representation among potential applicants to genetic counseling training programs.