bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatally diagnosed giant omphaloceles: short‐ and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Biard Jean‐Marc , Wilson R. Douglas , Johnson Mark P. , Hedrick Holly L. , Schwarz Uwe , Flake Alan W. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Adzick N. Scott 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo review prenatal findings, short‐ and long‐term outcomes of giant omphaloceles (GO) managed at a single institution (1996–2001).MethodsPrenatal findings and early postnatal outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical short‐ and long‐term outcomes were analyzed in eight and five children respectively. Parents and physicians of the children were surveyed by written questionnaires about the children's subsequent health issues. (IRB 2002‐2‐2683).ResultsSeventeen pregnancies with GO were identified: Eight fetuses were live born, four ended in (terminations), two died in utero and three were lost to follow‐up. Live‐born fetuses had prenatal ascites, extreme levocardia and were delivered by cesarean section at a mean of 37 weeks' gestation with a mean birth weight of 2903 g. All neonates required intubation. Two infants (2/8) died within one year. Four of the six survivors had respiratory insufficiency with a mean ventilation time of 76 days. Respiratory and feeding problems complicated the early neonatal course. Long‐term follow‐up was available for five patients (mean age of 33.2 months). Asthma, recurrent pulmonary infections, feeding problems, gastroesophageal reflux and failure to thrive were the major problems.ConclusionsRespiratory and feeding problems were the most common neonatal and long‐term medical management issues. Parents need to be counseled prenatally about the probability of multiple surgeries and long hospitalization following birth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photocrosslinking system using multifunctional epoxy crosslinkers having thermally degradable properties
Authors: Okamura Haruyuki , Shin Kazuo , Tsunooka Masahiro , Shirai Masamitsu 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA novel thermally degradable photocrosslinking system was investigated. Difunctional and trifunctional epoxides with tertiary ester linkages were synthesized. When blended films of epoxides and poly(vinyl phenol) or epoxides and poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐ethyl methacrylate) with a photoacid generator were irradiated and then baked at relatively low temperatures (<100 °C), the films became insoluble in solvents. The heating conditions strongly affected the insoluble fractions of the blends. The insoluble fractions of the blended films containing the trifunctional epoxide were higher than the fractions of the films containing the difunctional epoxide. The crosslinked films became soluble after baking at relatively high temperatures (>120 °C). The reaction pathway of the blended system was studied with in situ Fourier transform infrared measurements. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3685–3696, 2004
Preparation and properties of alkoxy(methyl)silsesquioxanes as coating agents
Authors: Gunji Takahiro , Iizuka Yasuhito , Arimitsu Koji , Abe Yoshimoto 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPolysilsesquioxanes were prepared through the acid‐catalyzed hydrolytic polycondensation of triethoxy(methyl)silane, triisopropoxy(methyl)silane, or triisobutoxy(methyl)silane and subjected to dip coating to form coating films. The film formation depended on the polarity and crystallinity of the substrate, and a correlation was found between the substrate and polysilsesquioxane solubility parameters. When the coating film was heated, thermal condensation occurred at about 500 °C between hydroxy groups or between hydroxy and alkoxy groups. The methyl group attached to silicon decomposed, and siloxane bonding formed at about 800 °C. The adhesion and hardness of the coating films were evaluated with the Japanese Industrial Standard K5400 protocol, and they increased with increases in the heating time and heat‐treatment temperature. The refractive index of the coating films decreased when the heat‐treatment temperature was increased to 500 °C because of the combustion of organic groups. In contrast, the surface electric resistance increased with the heat‐treatment temperature up to 500 °C. The dielectric constant was 2.6–2.8 and decreased with an increases in the molecular weight and the degree of crosslinking of the polysilsesquioxanes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3676–3684, 2004
Dielectric analysis of a crosslinking epoxy resin at a high microwave frequency
Authors: Zong Liming , Zhou Shuangjie , Sun Rensheng , Kempel Leo C. , Hawley Martin C. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe dielectric properties of a curing epoxy/amine system have been studied from 25 to 120 °C at 2.45 GHz. The epoxy resins at different extents of curing exhibit a γ relaxation, which can be described by the Arrhenius rate law. The relaxation is attributed to the motions of the dipolar groups associated with the crosslinking system. A simple model is proposed to represent the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties. A complete description of the evolution of the parameters during the polymerization has been obtained. The nature of the information yielded by dielectrometry on the dynamics of the system is discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2871–2877, 2004
An Overview on the Synthetic Routes and Properties of Ammonium Dinitramide (ADN) and other Dinitramide Salts
Authors: Venkatachalam Subbiah , Santhosh Gopalakrishnan , Ninan Ninan Kovoor 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a considerable interest in the development of novel type of high performance propellants for use in solid rocket motors. Ammonium salt of dinitramidic acid NH4N(NO2)2 (ADN) has attracted wide interest as a potentially useful energetic oxidizer for rocket propellants because of its clean and environment‐friendly exhaust products during burning. ADN contains one N(NO2)2 group and its synthesis requires new type of N‐nitration. The present paper reviews the general synthetic methods used for the synthesis of inorganic, organic and metal dinitramide salts and their properties, with a special emphasis on ammonium dinitramide. The salient features with reference to the extent of conversion and ease of separation of the products of the various synthetic methodologies are also addressed.
Optimization of Propellant Binders – Part I: Statistical Methodology
Authors: Niehaus Michael , Greeb Olaf 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe development of new propellant binder systems requires the thermodynamic calculation of physico‐chemical data as well as the adaption of the mechanical properties in order to achieve a reliable innerballistic profile of the resulting propellant. However, in most cases the mechanical data may not be easily predicted due to the complex interactions between the components of the binder like the resin, the curing agent or possibly plasticizers and curing catalysts. Therefore, this study focusses on the capability of the multivariate analysis on the prediction of the E‐modulus of a system comprising nitrocellulose as well as GAP, Desmodur N100 and an energetic plasticiser. Using this method, an equation has been derived which, within the regression intervall, may be used for the prediction of the E‐modulus as a function of the components mentioned above.
Patterns of retinal light absorption related to retinitis pigmentosa mutants from in silico model structures of rhodopsin
Authors: Padrón‐García J. Alexander , Crespo‐Otero Rachel , Hernández‐Rodríguez Erix William , Garriga Pere , Montero Luis A. , García‐Piñeiro José Carlos 
Published: June 2004

AbstractChanges induced by mutations in rhodopsin that are associated with the degenerative visual disease retinitis pigmentosa result in an altered pattern of light absorption according to quantum mechanical simulations and reference experimental works. Eleven single‐point mutations associated with retinitis pigmentosa at and in the proximity to the retinal binding pocket of rhodopsin have been modeled in silico and their spectra calculated with the NDOL (Neglect of Differential Overlap accounting L azimuthal quantum number) a priori method. The altered pattern of absorption found would lead to cumulative consequences in energy dissipation with aging. Different energy balances in the case of mutants at the very molecular level, compared to native nonmutated rhodopsin, can cause permanent cellular stress and would play a role in the progression of the retine degenerative process. It could explain the worsening of the pathological condition mostly in adults and suggests the probable beneficial effects of using quenching drugs and protection devices against excess of light in the early stages of life for avoiding or reducing potential damage. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversal of the inhibition of photosynthesis by herbicides affecting hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase by plastoquinone and tocopheryl derivatives inChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Trebst Achim , Depka Brigitte , Jäger Johannes , Oettmeier Walter 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIsoxaflutole or pyrazolate inhibition of tocopherol and plastoquinone biosynthesis in the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtiiDang leads to the inactivation of photosystem II and the degradation of its reaction centre D1 protein when exposed to strong light. Cell‐permeable short‐chain derivatives of plastoquinone and tocopherol were tested in the reversal. Addition of decyl‐plastoquinone reverses herbicide‐induced inhibition of photosynthesis and inactivation of photosystem II in short‐time (1 h) exposure of the algae to high light. In high light longer than 1 h, decyl‐plastoquinone alone loses effectiveness, but a synthetic permeable tocopheryl derivative retards the inhibitory effects on photosystem II and on the degradation of the D1 protein. This indicates that tocopherol deficiency induced by the herbicides makes a major contribution to their secondary mode of action in high light stress. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in susceptibility to conventional insecticides of a Cry1Ac‐selected population of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Wu Kongming , Guo Yuyuan 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe changes in the susceptibility of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) to three insecticides (lambda‐cyhalothrin, phoxim and endosulfan) commonly used for control of this pest in China were monitored by bioassays at various generations. The insects were originally collected from Bt cotton fields and selected with Cry1Ac over 44 generations. In comparison with a susceptible strain, the larval resistance of the Bt‐selected populations to Cry1Ac toxin increased 106‐fold. Simultaneously, the resistance levels to lambda‐cyhalothrin, phoxim and endosulfan declined dramatically. The results indicated no positive cross‐resistance between Cry1Ac toxin and the insecticides. Evidence of the lack of cross‐resistance to three commonly used synthetic insecticides in our laboratory‐derived Cry1Ac‐resistant population may suggest that growers can confidently use these insecticides if and when resistance to Cry1Ac cotton does occur. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Design Strategies for the Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart
Authors: Testik Murat Caner , Borror Connie M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) control chart has received significant attention from researchers and practitioners because of its desirable properties. There are several different approaches to the design of MEWMA control charts: statistical design; economic–statistical design; and robust design. In this paper a review and comparison of these design strategies is provided.Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical Inference about the Shape Parameter of the New Two‐parameter Bathtub‐shaped Lifetime Distribution
Authors: Wu Jong‐Wuu , Lu Hai‐Lin , Chen Chong‐Hong , Wu Chun‐Hsien 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper proposes a simple and exact method for conducting a statistical test about the shape parameter of the new two‐parameter lifetime distribution with a bathtub‐shaped or increasing failure rate function, as well as an exact confidence interval for the same parameter. The necessary critical values of the test are given. The method provided in this paper can be used for type II right censored data. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulation and an example are used to compare this new method to the existing approach of Chen (Statistics and Probability Letters 2000; 49:155–161). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender and ethnicity differences in the prevalence of traumatic events: evidence from a New Zealand community sample
Authors: Flett Ross A. , Kazantzis Nikolaos , Long Nigel R. , MacDonald Carol , Millar Michelle 
Published: June 2004

AbstractOne thousand five hundred community residing New Zealand adults were assessed regarding their experience of traumatic events. Sixty‐one per cent of those surveyed reported exposure to a traumatic event during their lifetime. Unexpected death of a close friend or relative was the most prevalent traumatic experience for the present sample, whereas combat and natural disasters were the least prevalent traumatic events. Consistent with prior research demonstrating gender differences in exposure to traumatic events, child and adult sexual assault was more common among women, and motor vehicle accidents and combat were more common among men. The present study also found that Maori individuals (indigenous people) had experienced a number of traumatic events to a greater extent than their European counterparts. These results are discussed within the New Zealand social context. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of guanidinoacetate on brain Na+, K+‐ATPase activity
Authors: Zugno Alexandra I. , Franzon Renata , Chiarani Fábria , Bavaresco Caren S. , Wannmacher Clovis M.D. , Wajner Moacir , Wyse Angela T.S. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractGuanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency (GAMT‐deficiency) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder clinically characterized by epilepsy and mental retardation and biochemically by accumulation of guanidinoacetate (GAA) and depletion of creatine. Although the neurological symptoms are predominant, the pathogenesis of the brain dysfunction in this disorder is not yet established. In the present study we investigated the in vitro effect of GAA on Na+, K+‐ATPase and Mg2+‐ATPase activities in synaptic plasma membrane from hippocampus of young rats. Results showed that GAA significantly inhibited Na+, K+‐ATPase activity without affecting Mg2+‐ATPase activity. We also evaluated the effect of glutathione (GSH), trolox, Nϖ‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) and taurine (Tau) on the inhibition elicited by GAA on Na+, K+‐ATPase activity. GSH, trolox, L‐NAME and Tau per se did not alter Na+, K+‐ATPase activity. However, L‐NAME and taurine prevented the inhibitory effect of GAA on this enzyme activity. Our findings suggest that the inhibition of Na+, K+‐ATPase activity caused by GAA is possibly mediated by nitric oxide (NO) formation and/or synaptic membrane alteration. The present data may contribute to the understanding of the neurological dysfunction characteristic of GAMT‐deficient patients.
Auranofin induces apoptosis and when combined with retinoic acid enhances differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia cells in vitro
Authors: Kim I S , Jin J Y , Lee I H , Park S J 
Published: June 2004

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is characterized by a block in differentiation at the promyelocyte stage. Here, we describe the effects of auranofin (AF), a coordinated gold compound, on apoptosis and differentiation of APL cells.
Nucleosomal DNA fragmentation assay and Hoechst 33342 staining indicated that AF induced apoptosis in APL‐derived NB4 cells at low concentrations (0.5–1.0 μM). The AF‐induced apoptosis involved caspase‐3 activation and specific cleavage of poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase.
The AF‐treated NB4 cells also produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cotreatment with N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine protected the NB4 cells from AF‐induced apoptosis.
Expression of the CD11b cell surface marker and C/EBPɛ was increased when the cells were treated for 4 days with 0.3 μM AF and a physiological concentration of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA, 5 nM). Treatment with AF in combination with ATRA markedly increased the number of cells with differentiated features, such as lobed or multiple nuclei and numerous granules and vacuoles. At these low concentrations, neither AF nor ATRA alone induced significant cell differentiation.
These findings suggest not only that AF induces caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis via a mechanism involving ROS, but also that the combined treatment with AF and ATRA induces differentiation of NB4 cells. Our results demonstrate a novel characteristic of AF from which an effective drug treatment of APL might be developed.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 749–755. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705708
Alpha‐1D adrenoceptors are involved in reserpine‐induced supersensitivity of rat tail artery
Authors: Taki Naoyuki , Tanaka Takashi , Zhang Li , Suzuki Fumiko , Israilova Malika , Taniguchi Takanobu , Hiraizumi‐Hiraoka Yasuko , Shinozuka Kazumasa , Kunitomo Masaru , Muramatsu Ikunobu 
Published: June 2004

We examined reserpine‐induced chemical denervation supersensitivity with special reference to alpha‐1 adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes.
Chronic treatment with reserpine for 2 weeks depleted noradrenaline in the tail artery and spleen of rats. Noradrenaline in the thoracic aorta was negligible before and after reserpine treatment.
The treatment with reserpine produced supersensitivity in the contractile responses of the rat tail artery to phenylephrine, 5‐HT and KCl, resulting in leftward shift of concentration–response curves (11.6‐, 2.5‐ and 1.1‐fold at EC50 value, respectively). These results suggest a predominant sensitization of the alpha‐1 AR‐mediated response by reserpine treatment.
BMY 7378 at a concentration (30 nM) specific for blocking the alpha‐1D AR subtype, but not KMD‐3213 at a concentration (10 nM) selective for blocking the alpha‐1A AR subtype, inhibited the supersensitivity of the phenylephrine‐induced response in the reserpine‐treated artery. On the other hand, the response to phenylephrine in reserpine‐untreated artery was selectively inhibited by the same concentration of KMD‐3213, but not by BMY 7378. Prazosin, a subtype‐nonselective antagonist, blocked the responses to phenylephrine with the same potency, regardless of reserpine treatment.
In the thoracic aorta and spleen, no supersensitivity was produced in the responses to phenylephrine by reserpine treatment.
In a tissue segment‐binding study using [3H]‐prazosin, the total density and affinity of alpha‐1 ARs in the rat tail artery were not changed by treatment with reserpine. However, alpha‐1D AR with high affinity for BMY 7378 was significantly detected in reserpine‐treated tail artery, in contrast to untreated artery. Decreases in alpha‐1A AR with high affinity for KMD‐3213 and alpha‐1B AR with low affinities for KMD‐3213 and BMY 7378 were also estimated in reserpine‐treated tail artery.
Alpha‐1D AR mRNA in rat tail artery increased to three‐folds by reserpine treatment, whereas the levels of alpha‐1A and 1B mRNAs were not significantly changed.
The present results suggest that chronic treatment with reserpine affects the expression of alpha‐1 AR subtypes of rat tail artery and that the induction of alpha‐1D ARs with high affinity for catecholamines is in part associated with reserpine‐induced supersensitivity.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 647–656. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705817
Comparative anti‐inflammatory activities of antagonists to C3a and C5a receptors in a rat model of intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Proctor Lavinia M , Arumugam Thiruma V , Shiels Ian , Reid Robert C , Fairlie David P , Taylor Stephen M 
Published: June 2004

Complement activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of intestinal ischaemia–reperfusion injury (I/R), although the relative importance of individual complement components is unclear. A C3a receptor antagonist N(2)‐[(2,2‐diphenylethoxy)acetyl]‐L‐arginine (C3aRA) has been compared with a C5a receptor antagonist (C5aRA), AcF‐[OPdChaWR], in a rat model of intestinal I/R.
C3aRA (IC50=0.15 μM) and C5aRA (IC50=0.32 μM) bound selectively to human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) C3a and C5a receptors, respectively. Effects on circulating neutrophils and blood pressure in the rat were also assessed.
Anaesthetised rats, subjected to intestinal ischaemia (30 min) and reperfusion (120 min), were administered intravenously with either (A) the C3aRA (0.1–1.0 mg kg−1); the C5aRA (1.0 mg kg−1); the C3aRA+C5aRA (each 1.0 mg kg−1); or vehicle, 45 min prior, or (B) the C3aRA (1.0 mg kg−1) or vehicle, 120 min prior to reperfusion.
The C3aRA and C5aRA, administered 45 min prior to reperfusion, displayed similar efficacies at ameliorating several disease markers (increased oedema, elevated ALT levels and mucosal damage) of rat intestinal I/R. The combination drug treatment did not result in greater injury reduction than either antagonist alone. However, doses of the C3aRA (0.01–10 mg kg−1) caused transient neutropaenia, and the highest dose (10 mg kg−1) also caused a rapid and transient hypertension.
The C3aRA (1.0 mg kg−1), delivered 120 min prior to reperfusion to remove the global effect of C3aRA‐induced neutrophil sequestration, did not attenuate the markers of intestinal I/R, despite persistent C3aR antagonism at this time.
C3aR antagonism does not appear to be responsible for the anti‐inflammatory actions of this C3aRA in intestinal I/R in the rat. Instead, C3aRA‐mediated global neutrophil tissue sequestration during ischaemia and early reperfusion may account for the protective effects observed.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 756–764. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705819
Mechanisms involved in carbachol‐induced Ca2+ sensitization of contractile elements in rat proximal and distal colon
Authors: Takeuchi Tadayoshi , Kushida Masahiko , Hirayama Nobue , Kitayama Muneyoshi , Fujita Akikazu , Hata Fumiaki 
Published: June 2004

Mechanisms involved in Ca2+ sensitization of contractile elements induced by the activation of muscarinic receptors in membrane‐permeabilized preparations of the rat proximal and distal colon were studied.
In α‐toxin‐permeabilized preparations from the rat proximal and distal colon, Ca2+ induced a rapid phasic and subsequent tonic component. After Ca2+‐induced contraction reached a plateau, guanosine 5′‐triphosphate (GTP) and carbachol (CCh) in the presence of GTP further contracted preparations of both the proximal and distal colon (Ca2+ sensitization).
Y‐27632, a rho‐kinase inhibitor, inhibited GTP plus CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization more significantly in the proximal colon than in the distal colon. Y‐27632 at 10 μM had no effect on Ca2+‐induced contraction or slightly inhibited phorbol‐12,13‐dibutyrate‐induced Ca2+ sensitization in either proximal or distal colon. Chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, inhibited GTP plus CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization in the distal colon, but not in the proximal colon. The component of Ca2+ sensitization that persisted after the chelerythrine treatment was completely inhibited by Y‐27632.
In β‐escin‐permeabilized preparations of the proximal colon, C3 exoenzyme completely inhibited GTP plus CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization, but PKC(19–31) did not. In the distal colon, C3 exoenzyme abolished GTP‐induced Ca2+ sensitization. It inhibited CCh‐induced sensitization by 50 % and the remaining component was inhibited by PKC(19–31).
These results suggest that both protein kinase C and rho pathways in parallel mediate the Ca2+ sensitization coupled to activation of muscarinic receptors in the rat distal colon, whereas the rho pathway alone mediates this action in the proximal colon.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 657–666. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705820