bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin Inhibits T-Type Calcium Current of Human Decidual Stromal Cells
Authors: Liu Bo , Hill Stephen J. , Khan Raheela N. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Context: Little is known about the crosstalk between the decidua and myometrium in relation to human labor. The hormone oxytocin (OT) is considered to be a key mediator of uterine contractility during parturition, exerting some of its effects through calcium channels.
Objective: The objective was to characterize the effect of OT on the T-type calcium channel in human decidual stromal cells before and after the onset of labor.
Design: The nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique was used to record inward T-type calcium current (ICa(T)) from acutely dispersed decidual stromal cells obtained from women at either elective cesarean section [CS (nonlabor)] or after normal spontaneous vaginal delivery [SVD (labor)].
Setting: These studies took place at the University of Nottingham Medical School.
Results: I Ca(T) of both SVD and CS cells were blocked by nickel (IC50 of 5.6 μm) and cobalt chloride (1 mm) but unaffected by nifedipine (10 μm). OT (1 nm to 3.5 μm) inhibited ICa(T) of SVD cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximal inhibition of 79.0% compared with 26.2% in decidual cells of the CS group. OT-evoked reduction of ICa(T) was prevented by preincubation with the OT antagonist L371,257 in the SVD but not CS group. OT, in a concentration-dependent manner, displaced the steady-state inactivation curve for ICa(T) to the left in the SVD group with no significant effect on curves of the CS group.
Conclusion: Inhibition of ICa(T) by OT in decidual cells obtained during labor may signify important functional remodeling of uterine signaling during this period.
Immediate and Sustained Changes in Tongue Movement with an Experimental Palatal “Fistula”: A Case Study
Authors: Marino Viviane C. C. , Williams William N. , Wharton Paul W. , Paulk Martha F. , Dutka-Souza Jeniffer C. R. , Schulz Geralyn M. 
Published: July 2005

Objective To determine the immediate and longer-term effect(s) on tongue movement following the placement of an experimental opening through a palatal obturator (replicate of subject's prosthesis) worn by an adult male with an unrepaired cleft of the hard and soft palate. Methods Tongue movements associated with an anterior experimental opening of 20 mm2 were examined under three conditions: a control condition in which the subject wore the experimental obturator completely occluded, a condition immediately after drilling the experimental openings through the obturator, and a condition after 5 days in which the subject wore the experimental obturator with the experimental opening. An Electromagnetic Articulograph was used for obtaining tongue movements during speech. Results The findings partly revealed that the immediate introduction of a perturbation to the speech system (experimental fistula) had a temporary effect on tongue movement. After sustained perturbation (for 5 days), the system normalized (going back toward control condition's behavior). Perceptual data were consistent with kinematic tongue movement direction in most of the cases. Conclusions Although the immediate response can be interpreted as indicative of the subject's attempts to move the tongue toward the opening to compensate for air loss, the findings following a sustained perturbation indicate that with time, other physiological adjustments (such as respiratory adjustments, for example) may help reestablish the requirements of a pressure-regulating system.
Evaluation of Esthetic, Functional, and Quality-of-Life Outcome in Adult Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Sinko Klaus , Jagsch Reinhold , Prechtl Verena , Watzinger Franz , Hollmann Karl , Baumann Arnulf 
Published: July 2005

Objective Evaluation of esthetic, functional, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes in adult patients with a repaired cleft lip and palate. The treatment for all patients was based on the so-called Vienna concept. Patients/Design Seventy adult patients with a repaired complete cleft lip and palate, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years, were included in the study. Esthetic and functional outcomes were assessed by the patients themselves and by five experts using a visual analog scale. Patients also completed the MOS Short-Form 36 questionnaire to evaluate health-related quality of life. Results Patients rated their esthetic outcome significantly worse than the experts did. No significant differences were observed in the ratings for function. Female patients, especially, were dissatisfied with their esthetic outcomes. In a personal interview, nearly 63% of them asked for further treatment, particularly for upper-lip and nose corrections. The health-related quality-of-life questionnaire revealed low scores for only two subscales, namely social functioning and emotional role. In most subscales of health-related quality of life, patients who desired further treatment had significantly lower scores than did patients who desired no further treatment. Conclusion Surgery of the lip and nose appears to be of prime importance for patients with a cleft lip and palate. Cleft patients who do not request secondary treatment are not always satisfied with the treatment. Patients with realistic expectations in regard to further treatment should be treated by specialists, whereas those with unrealistic expectations should be referred to a clinical psychologist.
A Quantitative Three-Dimensional Assessment of Abnormal Variations in the Facial Soft Tissues of Individuals with down Syndrome
Authors: Sforza Chiarella , Dellavia Claudia , Dolci Claudia , Donetti Elena , Ferrario Virgilio F. 
Published: July 2005

Objective To supply quantitative information about the facial soft tissues of subjects with Down syndrome by using summary anthropometric measurements. Design, Setting, and Patients The three-dimensional coordinates of soft tissue facial landmarks were obtained using a computerized digitizer in 28 subjects with Down syndrome (11 girls and women and 17 boys and men aged 12 to 45 years) and 429 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and ethnicity. From the landmarks, 18 facial dimensions were calculated. Data were compared with those collected in healthy individuals by computing z-scores. Two summary anthropometric measurements for quantifying craniofacial variations were assessed in both the subjects with Down syndrome and the reference subjects: the mean z-score (an index of overall facial size) and its standard deviation, craniofacial variability index (an index of facial harmony). Results In subjects with Down syndrome, facial size was smaller than in normal individuals, and in 17 subjects the mean z-score fell outside the normal interval (mean ± 2 SD). Twenty subjects had a craniofacial variability index larger than the normal interval. Conclusions The facial soft tissue structures of subjects with Down syndrome differed from those of normal controls of the same age, sex, and ethnic group: a reduced facial size was coupled with a global anomalous relationship between individual measurements. The two indices allowed discriminating more than 89% of subjects with Down syndrome when compared with normal subjects.
The new biology of aldosterone
Authors: Connell John M C , Davies Eleanor 
Published: July 2005

Classically, aldosterone is synthesised in the adrenal zona glomerulosa and binds to specific mineralocorticoid receptors located in the cytosol of target epithelial cells. Translocation of the resulting steroid receptor complex to the cell nucleus modulates gene expression and translation of specific ‘aldosterone-induced’ proteins that regulate electrolyte and fluid balance. However, non-epithelial and rapid non-genomic actions of aldosterone have also been described that account for a variety of actions of aldosterone that contribute to blood pressure homeostasis. These include key actions on endothelial cells and on cardiac tissue.
There is also evidence that aldosterone can be synthesised in other tissues; the most convincing evidence relates to the central nervous system. However, suggestions that aldosterone is produced in the heart remain controversial, and adrenal derived aldosterone is the principal source of circulating and locally available hormone.
Recent studies have shown major therapeutic benefits of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism in cardiac failure, which emphasise the importance of aldosterone in causing adverse cardiovascular pathophysiological effects. Additional evidence demonstrates that aldosterone levels predict development of high blood pressure in normotensive subjects, while it is now clear that increased aldosterone action contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular damage in approximately 10% of patients with established hypertension.
These new findings highlight the role of aldosterone as a key cardiovascular hormone and extend our understanding of its role in determining adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Inertial and interfacial effects on pressure drop of Taylor flow in capillaries
Authors: Kreutzer Michiel T. , Kapteijn Freek , Moulijn Jacob A. , Kleijn Chris R. , Heiszwolf Johan J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIn a capillary, the two‐phase pressure drop in Taylor slug flow was measured. A carefully designed inlet section for the capillary allowed the independent variation of gas bubble and liquid slug length. Gas and liquid superficial velocities were varied from 0.04 m/s to 0.3 m/s. If the slug length was smaller than 10 times the capillary diameter, the length‐averaged friction factor for the liquid slug increased drastically from the single phase value (f = 16/Re) due to differences in curvature at the front and the back of the bubble. The use of different liquids allowed the independent variation of Re and Ca. The flow of elongated bubbles in capillaries was simulated using the CFD code FIDAP. It was found both numerically and experimentally that for Re ≫ 1, the extra pressure terms may be taken account using (Ca/Re) as a parameter. The numerical results agreed with the experimental data, provided that Marangoni effects of impurities are taken into account. The results allow the determination of slug length from pressure drop measurements in closed equipment where the slug length cannot otherwise be measured easily, such as monoliths and microreactors. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Static decouplers for control of multivariable processes
Authors: Lee Jietae , Hyun Kim Dong , Edgar Thomas F. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractDecouplers can be used to improve performances of multiloop control systems by compensating for process interactions, but they are sensitive to process changes and require fairly detailed process models, which are hard to obtain. These disadvantages of decouplers hinder their successful applications in industry. On the other hand, static decouplers can be designed from process steady‐state gains, which are easier to obtain and can be tuned in the field. However, static decouplers can introduce undesirable effects on loop interactions at high frequencies for some processes. Here it is shown that static decouplers are better applied to the integral control modes for such processes. Because the integral mode is dominant at low frequencies and its magnitude decreases as frequency increases, the static decoupler implemented only on the integral mode will not disturb the frequency response of a control system at high frequencies. A simple antireset windup scheme, guaranteeing given control performances under process input saturations or failures, is provided. For online tuning of the proposed control system, a closed‐loop identification method to find process steady‐state gains is also presented. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
A Bayesian Hierarchical Non‐Linear Regression Model in Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis of Clustered Continuous Diagnostic Data
Authors: Zou Kelly H. , O'Malley A. James 
Published: July 2005

AbstractReceiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis is a useful evaluative method of diagnostic accuracy. A Bayesian hierarchical nonlinear regression model for ROC analysis was developed. A validation analysis of diagnostic accuracy was conducted using prospective multi‐center clinical trial prostate cancer biopsy data collected from three participating centers. The gold standard was based on radical prostatectomy to determine local and advanced disease. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of PSA level at fixed levels of Gleason score, a normality transformation was applied to the outcome data. A hierarchical regression analysis incorporating the effects of cluster (clinical center) and cancer risk (low, intermediate, and high) was performed, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was estimated. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EST sequencing for gene discovery in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Wlaschin Katie Fraass , Nissom Peter Morin , Gatti Marcela de Leon , Ong Peh Fern , Arleen Sanny , Tan Kher Shing , Rink Anette , Cham Breana , Wong Kathy , Yap Miranda , Hu Wei‐Shou 
Published: July 2005

AbstractChinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are one of the most important cell lines in biological research, and are the most widely used host for industrial production of recombinant therapeutic proteins. Despite their extensive applications, little sequence information is available for molecular based research. To facilitate gene discovery and genetic engineering, two cDNA libraries were constructed from three CHO cell lines grown under various conditions. The average insert size for both libraries is approximately 800–850 bp, and each library has comparable redundancy levels of 36%–38% for the sequences isolated. Random sequencing of 4,608 ESTs yielded 2,602 unique assemblies, 76% of which were annotated as orthologs of sequences in the GenBank database. A high abundance of mitochondrial genome transcripts facilitated the assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome by PCR walking. Comparative analysis of sequences from both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes with orthologous genes from other species shows that CHO sequences are generally most similar to mouse; however, examples with highest similarity to rat or human are common. A cDNA microarray, including all 4,608 ESTs, was constructed. The microarray results reveal a high level of consistency between transcript abundance in the libraries and fluorescence intensities. Inclusion of redundant clones in the microarray, additionally, allows small changes in abundant mRNAs to be discerned with a high degree of confidence. The information and tools generated provide access to genomic technology for this important cell line. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coexpression of the type I signal peptidase gene sipM increases recombinant protein production and export in Bacillus megaterium MS941
Authors: Malten Marco , Nahrstedt Hannes , Meinhardt Friedhelm , Jahn Dieter 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe removal of the signal peptide from a precursor protein is a crucial step of protein secretion. In order to improve Bacillus megaterium as protein production and secretion host, the influence of homologous type I signal peptidase SipM overproduction on recombinant Leuconostoc mesenteroides dextransucrase DsrS synthesis and export was investigated. The dsrS gene was integrated as a single copy into the chromosomal bgaM locus encoding β‐galactosidase. Desired clones were identified by blue‐white selection. In this strain, the expression of sipM from a multicopy plasmid using its own promoter increased the amount of secreted DsrS 3.7‐fold. This increase in protein secretion by SipM overproduction was next transferred to a high level DsrS production strain using a multicopy plasmid encoding sipM with its natural promoter and dsrS under control of a strong xylose‐inducible promoter. No further increase in DsrS export were observed when this vector was carrying two sipM copies. Similarly, bicistronic sipM and dsrS high level expression did not enhance DsrS secretion, indicating the natural limitation of the approach. Interestingly, SipM‐enhanced DsrS secretion also resulted in an overall increase of DsrS production. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospective nationwide analysis of laparoscopic versus Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia
Authors: Wara P , Bay-Nielsen M , Juul P , Bendix J , Kehlet H 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
According to a Cochrane review, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair compares favourably with open mesh repair, but few data exist from surgical practice outside departments with a special interest in hernia surgery. This study compared nationwide reoperation rates after laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair, adjusting for factors predisposing to recurrence.

Methods
Some 3606 consecutive laparoscopic repairs were compared with 39 537 Lichtenstein repairs that were prospectively recorded in a nationwide registry between 1998 and 2003. Patients were subgrouped according to type of hernia: primary or recurrent and unilateral or bilateral. Overall reoperation rates and 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated. Long-term reoperation rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results
The overall reoperation rates after laparoscopic and Lichtenstein repair of unilateral primary indirect hernia (0 versus 1·0 per cent), primary direct hernia (1·1 versus 3·1 per cent), unilateral recurrent hernia (4·6 versus 4·8 per cent) and bilateral recurrent hernia (2·6 versus 7·6 per cent) did not differ. However, laparoscopic repair of a bilateral primary hernia was associated with a higher reoperation rate than Lichtenstein repair (4·8 versus 3·0 per cent) (P = 0·017).

Conclusion
Laparoscopic repair compared favourably with Lichtenstein repair for primary indirect and direct hernias, and unilateral and bilateral recurrent hernias, but was inferior for primary bilateral hernias.
Local Velocity and Concentration of the Single Components in Water/Oil Mixtures Monitored by Means of MRI Flow Experiments in Steady Tube Flow
Authors: Götz J. , Zick K. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIn this paper the spatially resolved determination of velocities in two‐phase systems consisting of water and oil by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging (MRI) techniques is described and applied to steady tube flows with regard to the total flow rate. As MRI offers the possibility to study the flow of multiphase materials spatially resolved with various forms of contrast, even optically opaque water/oil mixtures can be studied in the interior of the material. Besides snapshot images of the actual flow pattern also local velocity and concentration fields of both phases can be obtained separately. The insight into the inner micro flow processes and microstructure allows to characterize fluid mixtures or emulsions. Flow rate and preparation/mixing method were varied in order to realize changes of the flow pattern and the structure of the mixture during flow. Physical models of the flow behavior and physical stability of these complex systems can be based upon this information.
Catalytic Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde in a Continuous Fluidized‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Sohrabi M. , Aghdasinia H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPartial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde by using a mixture of ferric and molybdenum oxides as the reaction catalyst at 280–330 °C has been studied in a continuous fluidized bed reactor. The reactor was a cylindrical tube of 20 mm in i.d. and 36 mm in o.d. placed vertically and connected to a truncated coneshaped cyclone separator. The catalyst was prepared by the precipitation method using aqueous solutions of ammonium heptamolybdate and ferric nitrate. The effect of certain parameters, such as temperature, superficial gas velocity and feed flow rates, on the extent of oxidation reaction has been investigated. The maximum size of the catalyst particles was 990 μm, therefore, neither external nor internal diffusion was expected to be effective in the process. The experimental data were correlated with three classes of hydrodynamic models presented for fluidized systems. The best correlation was obtained with compartment type models.
Effect of Ethylene Glycol on the CO2/Water Gas‐Liquid Mass Transfer Process
Authors: Gómez‐Díaz D. , Navaz J. M. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe effect caused by the presence of ethylene glycol on the gas‐liquid mass transfer velocity of CO2 in a aqueous phase has been studied. In this study two different gas‐liquid contactors have been used, a bubbling stirred reactor and a flat surface stirred vessel. The first contactor, gas phase, was introduced using a porous bubbling plate. The influence of operational variables, stirring rate, gas flow rate and ethylene glycol concentration were studied. The experiments were carried out at 298.15 K using a semicontinuous regime. The final aim was to obtain empirical equations that allow the calculation of the mass transfer velocity for this system a priori.
Preparation of [5,6]‐ and [6,6]‐Oxahomofullerene Derivatives and Their Interconversion by Lewis Acid Assisted Reactions of Fullerene Mixed Peroxides
Authors: Huang Shaohua , Xiao Zuo , Wang Fudong , Zhou Jiang , Yuan Gu , Zhang Shiwei , Chen Zhongfang , Thiel Walter , Schleyer Paul von Ragué , Zhang Xiang , Hu Xiangqing , Chen Bichu , Gan Liangbing 
Published: July 2005

Abstract[60]Fullerene mixed peroxides C60(O)(OOtBu)4 exhibit chemo‐ and regioselective reactions under mild conditions. The epoxy moiety is opened by ferric chloride to form vicinal hydroxy chloride C60Cl(OH)(OOtBu)4. BF3 is also effective in opening the epoxy moiety. The OO bond of the fullerene mixed peroxide is cleaved by aluminum chloride to form both [5,6]‐ and [6,6]‐fullerene hemiketals (oxohomo[60]fullerenes). A Hock‐type rearrangement is proposed for the formation of the hemiketals, in which a fullerene CC bond is cleaved. Lewis acids and/or visible light can initiate isomerization of the hemiketal isomers. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and theoretical calculations confirmed the results.
Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Mendenhall William M. , Zlotecki Robert A. , Hochwald Steven N. , Hemming Alan W. , Grobmyer Stephen R. , Cance William G. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe objective of the current study was to define the optimal treatment for patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RPS). The authors conducted a review of the pertinent literature and found that the majority of patients had locally advanced RPS at the time of diagnosis. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment, and macroscopic total excision was feasible in approximately 50–67% of patients. The 5‐year probability of local control was approximately 50%, and the likelihood of developing distant metastasis was approximately 20–30%. The 5‐year survival rate was approximately 50%, and deaths due to recurrent RPS continued to occur after 5 years. Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) decreased the likelihood of local recurrence, although it demonstrated no impact on survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy had no proven efficacy. The factor that was found to have the greatest impact on the prognosis for patients with RPS was the ability to achieve a macroscopic total resection. The authors concluded that RPS usually is advanced at the time of diagnosis. The optimal treatment was complete resection. Most patients experienced recurrent disease after surgery, and the most common site of failure was local. Adjuvant RT reduced the risk of local recurrence, but its impact on survival was questionable. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.