bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological characteristics of human herpesvirus‐8 infection in a large population of antenatal women in Zambia
Authors: Klaskala W. , Brayfield B.P. , Kankasa C. , Bhat G. , West J.T. , Mitchell C.D. , Wood Charles 
Published: November 2004

AbstractComprehensive data describing epidemiological characteristics of the human herpesvirus‐8 or Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (HHV‐8 or KSHV) infection among pregnant women in a central sub‐Saharan Africa are not available. This study determined virus prevalence estimates and the risk factors associated with HHV‐8 infection. Cross‐sectional, enrollment visit data were analyzed from a prospective cohort study of perinatal transmission of HHV‐8 in Lusaka, Zambia. Exposure data were obtained via structured interview, physical examination, medical chart review, and laboratory testing. Among 3,160 antenatal women serologically screened for HHV‐8 between September 1998 and October 2000, 40.2% were seropositive. The HHV‐8 positive women were more likely to be co‐infected with HIV‐1 than those who were HHV‐8 negative (34% vs. 26%; P < 0.0001). Of 154 variables evaluated by logistic regression analyses, only three risk factors, have emerged as independent predictors of HHV‐8 positive serology: diagnosis of genital warts, HIV‐1 co‐infection and primary education. The association of HHV‐8 infection with genital warts and HIV‐1 co‐infection suggests heterosexual transmission of HHV‐8. HIV‐1 infection may also act as a marker for particular behaviors, which could be sexual in nature, that are associated with both HIV‐1 and HHV‐8 transmission. Since HHV‐8 facilitates development of AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the results of this study could be utilized to identify specific population groups of pregnant women who are at increased risk for this disease. J. Med. Virol. 75:93–100, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans interact exclusively with conformationally intact HPV L1 assemblies: Basis for a virus‐like particle ELISA
Authors: Rommel Oliver , Dillner Joakim , Fligge Claudia , Bergsdorf Christian , Wang Xiaohong , Selinka Hans‐Christoph , Sapp Martin 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn this article, we demonstrate that interaction of human papillomavirus‐like particles (HPV‐VLPs) with the putative glucosaminoglycan binding receptor is strictly dependent on conformational integrity. Such conformations are present on VLPs and capsomeres but not on monomers of the major capsid protein, L1, confirming reports that capsomeres can induce virus‐neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, we show the suitability of this specific interaction for development of VLP‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), using heparin for indirect coupling of VLPs to microtiter plates, which may add an intrinsic quality control. This avoids presentation of linear, often highly cross‐reactive epitopes of L1. In addition, heparin specifically interacts with a wide variety of HPV types, making it a prime candidate for a universal capture molecule. J. Med. Virol. 75:114–121, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protection against influenza virus infection by intranasal administration of hemagglutinin vaccine with chitin microparticles as an adjuvant
Authors: Hasegawa Hideki , Ichinohe Takeshi , Strong Peter , Watanabe Izumi , Ito Satoshi , Tamura Shin‐ichi , Takahashi Hidehiro , Sawa Hirofumi , Chiba Joe , Kurata Takeshi , Sata Tetsutaro 
Published: November 2004

AbstractChitin in the form of microparticles (chitin microparticles, CMP) has been demonstrated to be a potent stimulator of macrophages, promoting T‐helper‐1 (Th1) activation and cytokine response. In order to examine the mucosal adjuvant effect of CMP co‐administered with influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine against influenza infection, CMP were intranasally co‐administered with influenza HA vaccine prepared from PR8 (H1N1) virus. Inoculation of the vaccine with CMP induced primary and secondary anti‐HA IgA responses in the nasal wash and anti‐HA IgG responses in the serum, which were significantly higher than those of nasal vaccination without CMP, and provided a complete protection against a homologous influenza virus challenge in the nasal infection influenza model. In addition, CMP‐based immunization using A/Yamagata (H1N1) and A/Guizhou (H3N2) induced PR8 HA‐reactive IgA in the nasal washes and specific‐IgG in the serum. The immunization with A/Yamagata and CMP resulted in complete protection against a PR8 (H1N1) challenge in A/Yamagata (H1N1)‐vaccinated mice, while that with A/Guizhou (H3N2) and CMP exhibited a 100‐fold reduction of nasal virus titer, demonstrating the cross‐protective effect of CMP and influenza vaccine. It is suggested that CMP provide a safe and effective adjuvant for nasal vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine. J. Med. Virol. 75:130–136, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrent high level parvovirus B19/genotype 2 viremia in a renal transplant recipient analyzed by real‐time PCR for simultaneous detection of genotypes 1 to 3
Authors: Liefeldt Lutz , Plentz Annelie , Klempa Boris , Kershaw Olivia , Endres Anne‐Sophie , Raab Ulla , Neumayer Hans‐H. , Meisel Helga , Modrow Susanne 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOrgan transplant recipients infected with parvovirus B19 frequently develop persistent viremia associated with chronic anemia and pure red cell aplasia. In this study, a male renal transplant recipient who had been infected with parvovirus B19/genotype 2 after renal transplantation at the age of 34 years is described. The patient was repeatedly treated with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) that resulted in the resolvement of symptoms but not in virus eradication. During an observation period of 33 months after transplantation three phases associated with high parvovirus B19 viremia were observed. Both the first and the second viremic phases were combined with severe anemia. Parvovirus B19 specific IgM‐antibodies were initially detected at the beginning of the second phase in continually rising concentrations. Initially eradication of the virus by immunoglobulin therapy was reported after the first viremic phase [Liefeldt et al. (2002): Nephrol Dial Transplant 17:1840–1842]. Retrospectively this statement has to be corrected. It was based on the use of a qualitative PCR assay specific for parvovirus B19 genotype 1 associated with reduced sensitivity for detection of genotype 2. After sequence analysis of the viral DNA and adjustment of a real‐time PCR assay (TaqMan) for quantitative detection of all three B19 virus genotypes analysis of consecutive serum samples allowed the demonstration of long lasting phases with reduced viral loads following IVIG‐treatment. These results demonstrate that IVIG treatment of parvovirus B19‐triggered anemia in transplant recipients offers an opportunity to resolve symptoms, but does not guarantee eradication of the virus. Since reactivation of parvovirus B19 infection can result in high virus load associated with the recurrence of symptoms repeated screening for viral DNA is recommended using the TaqMan system established for quantitative detection of all three genotypes of parvovirus B19. J. Med. Virol. 75:161–169, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changing epidemiology of rotavirus G‐types circulating in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Chi Lo Janice Yee , Szeto Kai Cheung , Chong Tsang Dominic Ngai , Leung Kwok Hung , Ling Lim Wilina Wei 
Published: November 2004

AbstractGroup A rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in young children worldwide. The development of a vaccine is advocated by the World Health Organization. Obtaining local baseline information regarding rotavirus strain variation is important to ensure matching of circulating and vaccine strains. The current study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology of rotavirus G‐types in Hong Kong in anticipation of a vaccination program. From 2001 to 2002 over a period of one year, diarrhoeal stool specimens known to be positive for rotavirus were subjected to G‐typing by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction using nested type‐specific primers. Rotavirus G‐type distribution was correlated with patient demographics. Among 747 rotavirus positive stool specimens, 723 strains could be G‐typed as G1 (302, 40.4%), G2 (128, 17.1%), G3 (231, 30.9%), G4 (24, 3.2%), and G9 (38, 5.1%). G1 strains were found predominantly in those 5 years old or younger (P < 0.0001), while G2 strains were more prevalent among those over 5 years of age (P < 0.001). When compared with similar studies in 1983 to 1984 and 1999 to 2000, there were significant changes in the prevalence of various G‐types, with consistent detection of G9 strains in the current study. It is concluded that rotavirus G‐type distribution in Hong Kong has varied with time. Continuous monitoring of the epidemiology of rotavirus is important, especially in anticipation of the introduction of a vaccine, in order to document its impact and to ensure its continued effectiveness. J. Med. Virol. 75:170–173, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coexpression of Brn‐3a POU protein with p53 in a population of neuronal progenitor cells is associated with differentiation and protection against apoptosis
Authors: Hudson Chantelle D. , Podesta Jennifer , Henderson Deborah , Latchman D.S. , Budhram‐Mahadeo V. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe Brn‐3a transcription factor is critical for survival and differentiation of sensory neurons derived from neural crest cells (NCC). Interaction of Brn‐3a with p53 results in differential effects on target gene expression, which profoundly affects fate of neuronal cells. Here we demonstrate colocalization of p53 in a subset of Brn‐3a‐positive NCC‐derived cells fated for the sensory neuronal lineage. The distinct morphology of Brn‐3a/p53‐coexpressing cells suggested a differentiated neuronal cell type, and this was confirmed by colocalization of p53 with differentiation marker NF‐160. Functional effects of Brn‐3a/p53 coexpression were analyzed in NCC cultured from Brn‐3a −/− embryos, which showed significantly increased apoptosis upon induction of p53 compared with wild‐type NCC, suggesting that Brn‐3a modulates the p53‐mediated fate of NCC that coexpress both factors. Thus, p53 is expressed in neuronal cells undergoing differentiation as well as apoptosis. Interaction with Brn‐3a in sensory neurons may be critical for modulating p53‐mediated gene expression and hence cell fate. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurospheres: Insights into neural stem cell biology
Authors: Campos Lia Scotti 
Published: November 2004

AbstractNeural stem cells (NSC) are a tissue‐specific subtype of self‐renewing and multipotent cells that can give rise to all neural populations. In this review, the importance of maintaining cell–cell contacts in the study of NSC is highlighted, and data obtained from some crucial single‐cell studies is compared to results obtained from neurospheres, where aggregates of NSC are grown in suspension. In particular, results that indicate how this culture system may be well suited to analyze NSC plasticity, cell–cell, and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are pointed out, and the hypothesis that cell–cell and cell–ECM contacts may be essential for NSC maintenance, survival, and proliferation is highlighted. Finally, it is suggested that neurospheres might play a role in the study of context‐dependent behavior of NSC in niches by providing a system where NSC can be challenged chemically or biologically and analyzed in vitro, in a time‐ and context‐dependent manner. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MHC Class I, β2 microglobulin, and the INF‐γ receptor are upregulated in aged motoneurons
Authors: Edström Erik , Kullberg Susanna , Ming Yu , Zheng Huaiyu , Ulfhake Brun 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDuring aging, spinal cord motoneurons show characteristic changes including the loss of afferent boutons, a selective process that associates with gliosis and behavioral motor impairment. Evidence suggests that the major histocompatibility complex Class I (MHC I) system may be involved in synaptic plasticity of neurons during development and regeneration. In search of a mechanism governing senescent changes in synaptic connectivity, we report evidence for increased expression of MHC I and β2 microglobulin (β2M) in motoneurons and glial‐like profiles of 30‐month‐old rats. The regulatory signal(s) for MHC I expression in normal neurons remains unresolved but among tentative molecules are cytokines such as interferon‐γ (INF‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). Interestingly, aged motoneurons, overlapping with those showing increased levels of MHC I, contained increased levels of INF‐γ receptor message. INF‐γ mRNA was detected at low levels in most (8/9) of the aged spinal cords but only infrequently (2/9) in young adult spinal cords; however, the cellular localization of INF‐γ mRNA could not be determined. Our data also indicates that TNF‐α is upregulated in the senescent spinal cord but that TNF‐α immunoreactive protein does not associate with motoneurons. We report evidence for an increased expression of MHC I and β2M in senescent spinal motoneurons and discuss the possibility that this regulation associates with INF‐γ or changes in neurotrophin signaling and neuron activity in senescence. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of Pax6 and Ngn2 between pair‐generated cortical neurons
Authors: Kawaguchi Ayano , Ogawa Masaharu , Saito Kanako , Matsuzaki Fumio , Okano Hideyuki , Miyata Takaki 
Published: November 2004

AbstractProgenitor cells that generate neuron pairs (“pair progenitor cells”) are implicated in mammalian cortical development, and their division has been thought to be “symmetric.” However, asymmetric growth of two sister neurons generated by the division of a pair progenitor cell would lead to more efficient generation of neuronal diversity in the cortex. To explore mechanisms by which pair progenitor cells provide neuronal diversity, we examined molecular differences between a pair of neurons generated in clonal‐density culture. Time‐course analysis for the acquisition of neuronal markers and the disappearance of Pax6 and Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) demonstrated that 1) these transcription factors are expressed transiently in some but not all young neurons and 2) some neuron pairs showed uneven/asymmetric expression of Pax6 (19.5%) or Ngn2 (23.8%), whereas other pairs were either symmetrically positive or negative. Asymmetric Pax6 distribution in neuron pairs was not associated with asymmetric distribution of Numb, which raises an intriguing possibility, that Pax6 asymmetry in neuron pairs is produced by an alternative mode of the cell autonomous mechanisms. Stage‐dependent changes were noted in the pattern of Ngn2 retention in daughter neurons, reflecting qualitative changes in the pair progenitor population. We suggest that pair progenitor cells contribute to the generation of neuronal diversity through cell‐intrinsic heterogeneity and asymmetric division. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the relationships between circulation types and changes in rainfall variability in Greece
Authors: Maheras Panagiotis , Tolika Konstantia , Anagnostopoulou Christina , Vafiadis Margaritis , Patrikas Ioannis , Flocas Helena 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn attempt is made to examine rainfall variability over the Greek area in relation to 500 hPa atmospheric circulation. Daily precipitation series from 22 evenly distributed Greek stations have been used for the period 1958–2000, along with the classification scheme of daily circulation types at 500 hPa for the same period. The seasonal frequency and the trends of circulation types have been calculated. It was found that there is a general positive trend of anticyclonic circulation types and a negative one for cyclonic types. The seasonal trends of rainy days and the precipitation totals have also been calculated and analysed. A general decreasing tendency of winter rainfall is observed; the decreasing trend during autumn and spring is less significant. Concerning the frequency and intensity of rainfall per circulation type, a decreasing tendency becomes evident for the majority of the stations during winter, whereas there is an increasing tendency during autumn. A multiple regression–cross‐validation model was developed using the seasonal frequency of circulation types as predictors and the seasonal rainfall totals as predictants. Only the winter modelled precipitation shows a good agreement with the observed precipitation, whereas for the other seasons the agreement is relatively poor. This could be caused by the influence of different factors that are not captured by the classification scheme used. The proposed model could serve as a circulation‐based downscaling method that could be further applied to geopotential data available from general circulation models in order to study regional climatological consequences of future climate scenarios. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Oxidation limited life times of chromia forming ferritic steels
Authors: Huczkowski P. , Shemet V. , Piron‐Abellan J. , Singheiser L. , Quadakkers W. J. , Christiansen N. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractLong term, cyclic oxidation studies of three high – Cr, ferritic steels were carried out at 800°C and 900°C in air. It was found that with decreasing sample thickness the life time of the mentioned alloys decreases due to breakaway phenomena. This effect is caused by faster exhaustion of the chromium reservoir from the bulk alloy in case of thinner components. The observed life time limits can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by a theoretical model, using oxide growth rate parameters, initial alloy Cr content and critical Cr content required for protective chromia scale formation. In the calculation it has, however, to be taken into account that the oxidation rates of the steels increase with decreasing specimen thickness.
Selective Guest Uptake from Solvent Mixtures in the Clathrate Phase of Syndiotactic Polystyrene
Authors: Uda Yukihiro , Kaneko Fumitoshi , Kawaguchi Tatsuya 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: Selective absorption uptake during the guest‐exchange processes in the δ form of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. When films of the δ form were immersed in hexane/decane or chloroform/decane mixtures, decane molecules were incorporated preferentially in the δ form. Sorbate uptake by the δ form was greatly accelerated when the sorbate was mixed with a solvent penetrable to the amorphous region of sPS.Concentration changes in a δ‐form film during sorption processes: sorption of a chloroform(D)/decane(H) mixture (1:1 molar ratio).magnified imageConcentration changes in a δ‐form film during sorption processes: sorption of a chloroform(D)/decane(H) mixture (1:1 molar ratio).
Synthesis of Amphiphilic ABC Triblock Copolymers with PEO as the Middle Block
Authors: Mahajan Surbhi , Cho Byoung‐Ki , Allgaier Jürgen , Fetters Lewis J. , Coates Geoffrey W. , Wiesner Ulrich 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: Stepwise anionic polymerization, catalytic hydrogenation, and atom transfer radical polymerization were performed to synthesize an amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene‐alt‐propylene)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(hexyl methacrylate) (PEP‐b‐PEO‐b‐PHMA), with hydrophilic PEO as the middle block. The resulting block copolymers have well‐defined molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions as revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography.GPC chromatograms of an ABC triblock copolymer, PEP‐b‐PEO‐b‐PHMA, and its intermediate precursors exhibiting narrow polydispersities.magnified imageGPC chromatograms of an ABC triblock copolymer, PEP‐b‐PEO‐b‐PHMA, and its intermediate precursors exhibiting narrow polydispersities.
A Cyclodextrin Microgel for Controlled Release Driven by Inclusion Effects
Authors: Liu Yu‐Yang , Fan Xiao‐Dong , Kang Tao , Sun Le 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: A novel intelligent delivery system based on the environmental dependence of the inclusion effect of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) with guest molecules, using a β‐CD polymer (CDP) microgel as carrier, is proposed. Compared with smart hydrogels, which are driven by the phase‐volume transition, controlled release from the CDP microgel is driven by “host‐guest” inclusion effects. With the pH‐dependent inclusion complexation of methyl orange (MO) with β‐CD as a model system, the behavior of the controlled release of a CDP microgel was tested by changing the pH, showing that the mechanism is reasonable.Schematic illustration of the pH‐dependent inclusion complexation of MO with β‐CD in the CDP microgel.magnified imageSchematic illustration of the pH‐dependent inclusion complexation of MO with β‐CD in the CDP microgel.
Cationic Polymerization: New Developments and Applications
Authors: Crivello J.V. , Kong S. , Jang M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe chemistry and technology of photoinitiated cationic polymerization is a rapidly advancing field of investigation. This article reports on recent developments made in our laboratory in the development of new photoinitiators and photosensitizers. S,S‐Dialkyl‐S‐phenacylsulfonium salts have been prepared using a new, highly efficient and cost‐effective synthetic method and their use in the polymerization of various monomer systems studied. Also described is the development of alkoxyanthracene photosensitizers that may be employed to broaden the spectral sensitivity of various onium salt photoinitiators including the new S,S‐dialkyl‐S‐phenacylsulfonium salts. A marked acceleration of the rate of the ring‐opening polymerization of epoxide monomers was achieved using these photosensitizers. This article concludes with a brief discussion of the use of photoinitiated cationic polymerizations in such typical applications as can coatings, silicone release coatings and in stereolithography.
Nanotechnology for Smart Polymer Optical Devices
Authors: Rauter H. , Matyushin V. , Alguel Y. , Pittner F. , Schalkhammer T. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWithin the last decade the use of nano‐structured polymers for biochips, biosensors and novel nano‐optical devices gained world‐wide attention due to a number of key‐developments. The most fascinating example is microelectronics, where smaller means more cost efficiency, more circuits per chip, faster, and less heat to dissipate. Many intriguing new phenomena occur at nanometer dimensions including quantum size effects, Coulomb blockade, plasmon wave guides and electron tunnelling.Defined multilayer nano‐assemblies enable to construct three‐dimensional devices based on Plasmon and nano‐optic resonance. Decisive for these types of devices and sensors is the ultra‐precise nanometric assembly. Manufacturing of opto‐nano‐devices thus requires the development of a completely new set of ultra‐precise techniques to deposit, arrange, and couple nano‐polymer layers. These nano‐layers are the most essential key elements of novel nano‐optical‐devices. Smart‐responsive nano‐polymer gels as transducer and building blocks for nano‐devices open novel routes to photonic nano‐optical sensors and chips. Optical effects based on ‘resonance enhanced absorption (REA)’ in combination with nano‐layers of smart‐stimulus‐response polymers allow the construction of a new type of sensor device.The article will focus on up‐to‐date lithographic techniques of nanolayers, continue to smart‐nanolayer polymers, describe the REA effect and lead to a functional REA‐polymer‐sensor.
Modification of Crosslinked Poly(styrene) Based Polymers for Boron‐Specific Extraction
Authors: Gazi Mustafa , Senkal Bahire Filiz , Bicak Niyazi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA new polymeric resin with glucose sulfonamide functions has been prepared for the extraction of boric acid. This poly (styryl sulfonamide) based resin has been demonstrated to be an efficient sorbent for the removal of boron. The resin had a boron loading capacity of 2.365 mmol.g−1 and showed reasonably rapid sorption ability. Splitting of sorbed boron can be achieved by simple acid leaching (2M H2SO4).