bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of estrogen receptor α and β mRNA expression in the pregnant rat uterus
Authors: Minorics Renáta , Ducza Eszter , Márki Árpád , PÁldy Eszter , Falkay George 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAlthough the expressions of the estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes have been demonstrated in a large number of estrogen target tissues, to date no evidence has been reported as to how the expressions of the alpha (α) and beta (β) ER subtype mRNA alter in the rat uterus during pregnancy. The aims of the present study were to obtain information concerning the changes in the ER and the progesterone receptor (PR) in early pregnancy and to determine the alterations in the ER subtype mRNA in the pregnant rat uterus. To demonstrate the ER and PR densities, radioligand saturation assay was used. The reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was applied to characterize the alterations in the ER subtype mRNA. ER expression was highest on day 5 of pregnancy (Bmax = 637.40 ± 76.10 fmol/mg). The PR expression did not change significantly until day 8, but the protein density was increased on day 8 of pregnancy. The ERα mRNA expression was active during pregnancy, maximum expression was attained on day 5; a gradual decrease was then observed until the second half of pregnancy when its expression continuously increased up to the day of labor (day 22). Since the attachment of the blastocyst, an event that is dependent on estradiol in the progesterone‐primed uterus of the rat, occurs on day 5 of pregnancy and the levels of the ER protein and the ERα mRNA on day 5 of pregnancy was the highest, it could be supposed that this subtype of ER might regulate implantation. The ERβ mRNA was detected only from day 7 to day 15, with a maximum level on day 8. The expression of this ER subtype might be related to the development of decidual tissue. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 463–468, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that P36, a human sperm acrosomal antigen involved in the fertilization process is triosephosphate isomerase
Authors: Auer Jana , Camoin Luc , Courtot Anne‐Marie , Hotellier Françoise , De Almeida Marta 
Published: June 2004

AbstractP36 is one of the immunodominant sperm antigens identified by antibodies eluted from the spermatozoa of infertile men. In a previous study, we isolated and characterized this auto‐antigen as a glycoprotein with several isoforms. Specific rabbit antibodies were produced to investigate sperm topography and the role of P36 in the fertilization process and we showed that P36 is present on the equatorial segment of acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa and is involved in sperm‐binding and the penetration of zona‐free hamster oocytes. In the present study, we demonstrated, by means of immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, that P36 is present all over the acrosomal membranes of non‐reacted spermatozoa. We also investigated the role of P36 in the acrosome reaction and sperm binding to the zona pellucida (ZP). The exposure of capacitated spermatozoa to rabbit anti‐P36 antibodies had no effect on primary fixation to the ZP, but inhibited secondary binding to the ZP and the Ca2+ ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction. These results suggest that P36, an acrosomal antigen, is involved in several steps of the fertilization process. On two‐dimensional Western blots, human anti‐sperm antibodies (ASA) and rabbit anti‐P36 antibodies recognized five to six isoforms of P36, all 36/37 kDa in size, with a pI between 5.1 and 5.7. Two major spots were identified as human triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Anti‐TPI antibodies were shown to react with the isoforms recognized by human and rabbit anti‐P36 antibodies. We also demonstrated the presence of TPI in human sperm heads. Further studies are underway to establish whether there is a sperm‐specific isoform of TPI and its role in sperm function. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 515–523, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of prepubertal and adult goat oocyte cortical granules during meiotic maturation and fertilisation: Ultrastructural and cytochemical study
Authors: Velilla E. , Izquierdo D. , Rodríguez‐González E. , López‐Béjar M. , Vidal F. , Paramio M.T. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was evaluate cortical granule (CG) distribution during in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilisation of prepubertal goat oocytes compared to CG distribution of ovulated and in vitro fertilised oocytes from adult goats. Oocytes from prepubertal goats were recovered from a slaughterhouse and were matured in M199 with hormones and serum for 27 hr. Ovulated oocytes were collected from gonadotrophin treated Murciana goats. Frozen‐thawed spermatozoa were selected by centrifugation in percoll gradient and were capacitated in DMH with 20% steer serum for 1 hr. Ovulated and IVM‐oocytes were inseminated in DMH medium with steer serum and calcium lactate for 20 hr. Oocytes and presumptive zygotes were stained with FITC‐LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate) and observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Ultrastructure morphology of oocytes and presumptive zygotes were analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Prepubertal goat oocytes at germinal vesicle stage show a homogeneous CG distribution in the cytoplasm. IVM‐oocytes at Metaphase II (MII) and ovulated oocytes presented CGs located in the cortex with the formation of a monolayer beneath to the plasma membrane. At 20 hr postinsemination (hpi), zygotes from IVM‐oocytes showed a complete CG exocytosis whereas zygotes from ovulated oocytes presented aggregates of CGs located at the cortical region. Images by TEM detected that CGs were more electrodense and compacts in oocytes from prepubertal than from adult goats. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 507–514, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of desipramine and MK‐801 on components of muricidal behaviour in olfactory bulbectomized rats: An application of incisor‐cutting animal model
Authors: Ho Ying‐Jui , Hsuchou Hung , Chen Kuang‐Ho , Shui Hao‐Ai , Tai Mei‐Yun , Tsai Yuan‐Feen 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBoth desipramine and MK‐801 are reported to suppress the muricidal behaviour and more behavioural components of muricide can be measured for analyses in rats after incisor cutting (IC). In the present work, this IC model was used to assess the differential effects of desipramine and MK‐801 on muricidal performance in rats. After IC surgery the olfactory bulbectomized rats were divided into five groups that were then treated with saline (1 ml/kg, i.p.), desipramine (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.), or MK‐801 (0.10 or 0.15 mg/kg, i.p.). Following drug administration, muricidal behaviour was found to be unchanged in the low‐dose desipramine or MK‐801 groups compared with the saline controls. Treatment with 20 mg/kg of desipramine increased the attack latency, but reduced the total and mean attack duration as well as attack frequency, while treatment with 0.15 mg/kg of MK‐801 resulted in no significant change in the attack latency or total attack duration, but decreased the mean attack duration and increased the attack frequency. These results indicate that the higher dose of both drugs affected the components of the muricidal behaviour in different manners.
Resolution of the region of secondary somatosensory cortex that responds to stimulation of the horizontal semicircular canal in rats
Authors: Park Byung Rim , Soh Byung Soo , Kim Min Sun , Lee Moon Young , Kim Jae Hyo , Chun Sang Woo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTo elucidate the region within the somatosensory cortex that receives inputs from the horizontal semicircular canal (HSC) in rats, we used a multichannel recording system to measure evoked potentials in the parietal cortex in response to electrical stimulation of the HSC nerve. The recordings suggested that the HSC nerves projected bilaterally into the somatosensory cortex, with a contralateral predominance. The territory within the somatosensory cortex that responded to the stimulation of the HSC nerve was as follows: mediolateral 6.0 mm and anteroposterior –1.3 ∼ –2.3 mm from the bregma, and depth 1.4 ∼ 1.6 mm from the cortex surface horizontally by stereotaxic atlas. The evoked potential in the parietal cortex that was induced by electrical stimulation was abolished after the administration of tetrodotoxin into the oval window of the vestibular system. These results suggest that the horizontal semicircular nerve projects bilaterally into the deep layers of the secondary somatosensory cortex.
Die swell ratio of polystyrene melt from an electro‐magnetized capillary die in an extrusion rheometer: effects of barrel diameter, shear rate and die temperature
Authors: Sombatsompop N. , Sergsiri S. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA constant shear‐rate extrusion rheometer with an electro‐magnetized capillary die was utilized to investigate die swell behavior and flow properties of a polystyrene melt as the application of an electro‐magnetic field to the capillary die was relatively novel in polymer processing. The test conditions such as magnetic flux density, barrel diameter, extrusion rate and die temperature were studied. The results suggest that the maximum swelling of the polystyrene melt with application of the electro‐magnetic field could be enhanced up to 2.6 times (260%) whereas that without the electro‐magnetic field was 1.9 times (190%). The barrel diameter of 30 mm was found to be a critical value in the case of the die swell ratio and flow properties of the polystyrene melt were significantly affected by the magnetic flux density. This involved the number and angle of magnetic flux lines around the barrel part. Under the electro‐magnetic field, there were two mechanical forces influencing the die swell ratio and the flow properties; magnetic torque and shearing force. The die swell at wall shear rates less than 11.2 sec−1 was caused by the magnetic torque, whereas at higher wall shear rates it was dependent on the shearing force. For a given magnetic flux density, the maximum increase in the die swell ratio as a result of the magnetic torque was calculated to be approximately 20%. Increasing the die temperature from 180 to 200°C reduced the overall die swell ratio and suppressed the effect of the magnetic flux density. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties and structural characteristics of PP/PP‐g‐SBR nanocomposites prepared by dynamical photografting
Authors: Wang Weizhi , Fu Mouzheng , Qu Baojun 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPoly(propylene) (PP)/PP grafted styrene‐butadiene rubber (PP‐g‐SBR) nanocomposite was prepared by blending PP with PP‐g‐SBR using dynamical photografting. The crystal morphological structure, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties of PP/PP‐g‐SBR nanocomposites have been studied by photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (PAS‐FT‐IR), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical measurements. The data obtained from the mechanical measurements show that the PP‐g‐SBR as a modifier can considerably improve the mechanical properties of PP/PP‐g‐SBR nanocomposites, especially for the notched Izod impact strength (NIIS). The NIIS of the nanocomposite containing 2 wt% PP‐g‐SBR measured at 20°C is about 2.6 times that of the control sample. The results obtained from PAS‐FTIR, WAXD, SEM, and DSC measurements revealed the enhanced mechanism of impact strength of PP/PP‐g‐SBR nanocomposites as follows: (i) the β‐type crystal of PP formed and its content increased with increasing the photografting degree of PP‐g‐SBR; (ii) the size of PP‐g‐SBR phase in the PP/PP‐g‐SBR nanocomposites obviously reduced and thus the corresponding number of PP‐g‐SBR phase increased with increasing the photografting degree of PP‐g‐SBR. All the earlier changes on the crystal morphological structures are favorable for increasing the compatibility and enhancing the toughness of PP at low temperature. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The study of the miscibility and morphology of poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylphenol)/poly(propylene carbonate) blends
Authors: Qiu Furong , Chen Shiming , Tan Li , Ping Zhenghua 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBlends of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with copolymer poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinyl phenol) (STVPh) have been studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spin probe method and Raman spectroscopy. The ESR results indicated that the nitroxide radical existed in a PPC‐rich and an STVPh‐rich micro domain in the blends, corresponding to the fast‐motion and slow‐motion component in the ESR spectra, respectively. And in the temperature dependence composite spectra, the fast‐motion fraction increased with increasing the hydroxyl group content in copolymer STVPh. Moreover, the ESR parameter T5mT, rotational correlation times (τc) and activation energies (Ea) showed similar dependence on the hydroxyl group content as the fast‐motion fraction. It resulted from the enhancement of the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the hydroxyl groups in STVPh and the carboxyl groups and ether oxygen in PPC. However, the distinct band shift and intensity change among the Raman spectra of pure polymer components and those of the blends were observed. In the carboxyl‐stretching region, the band shifted to lower frequency with increasing the hydroxyl groups. Furthermore, the phase morphologies of the blends were obtained by optical microscopy. All could be concluded that the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the two components was progressively favorable to the mixing process and was the driving force for the miscibility enhancement in the blends. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: prenatal diagnosis permits immediate intensive care with high survival rate in isolated cases. A population‐based study
Authors: Bétrémieux Pierre , Gaillot Théophile , de la Pintière Armelle , Beuchée Alain , Pasquier Laurent , Habonimana Edouard , Le Bouar Gwénaelle , Branger Bernard , Milon Joëlle , Frémond Benjamin , Wodey Eric , Odent Sylvie , Poulain Patrice , Pladys Patrick 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the prognosis of prenatally diagnosed isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (PDICDH) treated with ‘immediate planned care’ (IPC) between 1999 and 2003 in Eastern Brittany.MethodsThe prognosis of PDICDH was compared with the prognosis of the other live‐born CDH, either prenatally undiagnosed or not having had IPC. IPC consisted in prenatal lung maturation with corticosteroids, elective caesarean section at 37 weeks, immediate intubation, surfactant, high‐ frequency ventilation or oscillation, nitric oxide, intravenous prostacyclin, anaesthesia and haemodynamic support. Surgical repair was performed in the NICU 34 h after birth.ResultsThe incidence of CDH was 0.8‰ with a prenatal diagnosis rate of 27/30 (90%), leading to a termination of pregnancy in nine cases. Ten CDH were associated with other malformations. IPC in PDICDH was performed in 12 cases. The survival rate of PDICDH with IPC was 11/12 versus 1/9 in CDH with no IPC or no prenatal diagnosis (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that IPC was determinant for survival (p < 0.01).ConclusionPrenatal diagnosis of isolated CDH treated with immediate planned care is associated with a high survival rate. This suggests that prenatal diagnosis associated with specifically adapted postnatal procedure may improve the prognosis of isolated CDH. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnicity and prevalence of diabetic complications in elderly patients
Authors: Hewitt J , Gallen I 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess whether ethnicity plays a role in the prevalence of diabetic complications in elderly patients.Data were collected by prospective computerised audit on 834 diabetic patients in a district general hospital in South Buckinghamshire, UK. The patients were aged over 60 and of different ethnic backgrounds: 692 Caucasians (C), 60 Afro‐Caribbeans/Africans (A) and 82 South Asians (SA). Mean HbA1c, microalbuminuria, retinopathy and treated hypertension were analysed and compared.The results showed that mean (SD) HbA1c was 8.8% (1.9%) for the C group and 8.6% (2.1%) for the SA group, but was higher in the A group (9.3% [2.1%]) (p=0.034 vs C; p=0.044 vs SA). Microalbuminuria (>15mg albumin/12 hours) was not statistically different in the C and A groups (102 [14.7%] vs 11 [18.3%]), but was higher in the SA group (19 [23.2%]) (p=0.050 vs C). Retinopathy (identified by an ophthalmologist at the retinal screening clinic) was found in 254 (36.7%) of the C group, in 24 (40.0%) of the A group and less frequently in the SA group (21 [25.6%], p=0.063 vs A; p=0.054 vs C). Hypertension (patients currently taking antihypertensive medication) was found in 282 (40.8%) of the C group, more frequently in the A group (34 [56.7%], p=0.022) and less frequently in the SA group (24 [29.3%], p<0.001 vs A; p=0.049 vs C).In conclusion, glycaemic control was worst in the A group. Retinopathy and hypertension were most frequent in the A group. The SA group had a lower prevalence of retinopathy and treated hypertension; however, they had a higher prevalence of microalbuminuria. The frequency of diabetic complications was different between ethnic groups, particularly group A. These differences may be the result of antecedent glycaemic control, hypertension or ethnicity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural barriers to diabetes care in South Asians: arranged marriage – arranged complications?
Authors: Goenka N , Dobson L , Patel V , O'Hare P 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSocial and cultural differences that are present in South Asian diabetic patients may affect their diabetes care. We present a case concerning a young South Asian girl with type 2 diabetes mellitus who, despite persistent attempts at education and encouragement by health care professionals, was unwilling to accept treatment of her diabetes. It was felt by both herself and her family that acceptance of the diagnosis of diabetes would adversely affect her marriage prospects. As a result she developed severe microvascular complications before she finally agreed to treatment. Understanding potential cultural barriers to diabetes care may be vital in managing South Asian diabetic patients and it is important to establish education programmes specifically aimed at removing the perceived stigma of diabetes in this population. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding painful symptomatic diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Boulton AJM 
Published: June 2004

AbstractNeuropathic pain is a common and disabling condition affecting a significant number of diabetic patients with distal polyneuropathy. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels have been shown to exacerbate neuropathic pain and initial treatment should therefore focus on achieving tight glycaemic control. The role of patient education is achieving greater importance and a patient's understanding of diabetic complications and their causes can significantly improve outcomes. Nevertheless, the majority of patients require some form of treatment in order to effectively manage their pain. There are a number of therapeutic agents available, such as the tricyclic drugs which have been used with good effect for years, but also more recent additions, such as gabapentin, which is now licensed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of bismaleimide resin by soluble poly(ester imide) containing trimellitimide moieties
Authors: Iijima Takao , Hayashi Nobuaki , Oyama Toshiyuki , Tomoi Masao 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPoly(ester imide)s containing trimellitimide moieties have been used to reduce the brittleness of the bismaleimide resin composed of 4,4′‐bismaleimidediphenyl methane and o,o′‐diallyl bisphenol A. The poly(ester imide)s include poly[ethylene phthalate‐co‐ethylene N‐(1,4‐phenylene)trimellitimide dicarboxylate]s containing 20–40 mol% trimellitimide (TI) unit, and poly[trimethylene phthalate‐co‐trimethylene N‐(1,4‐phenylene)trimellitimide dicarboxylate]s (PESIP) containing 20 mol% TI unit. The poly(ester imide)s are effective modifiers for reducing the brittleness of the bismaleimide resin. For example, when using 30 wt% of PESIP (20 mol% TI unit, Mw 13 500 g mol−1), the fracture toughness (KIC) for the modified resin is increased by 80% with retention in flexural properties and a slight loss of the glass transition temperature, compared with the values of the unmodified cured bismaleimide resin. Microstructures of the modified resins have been examined by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic viscoelastic analysis. The toughening mechanism is discussed in terms of the morphological and dynamic viscoelastic behaviour of the modified bismaleimide resin system.© 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Blue‐shifted dihydrogen bonds
Authors: Feng Yong , Zhao Su‐Wen , Liu Lei , Wang Jin‐Ti , Li Xiao‐Song , Guo Qing‐Xiang 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBlue‐shifted dihydrogen bonds were predicted to be present in a number of non‐covalent complexes including F3C—H…H—Be—X, F3C—H…H—Mg—X, F3C—H…H4Si, F3Si—H…H—Li, F3Si—H…H—Be—X, F3Si—H…H—Mg—X, and F3Si—H…H4Si (X = H, F, Cl and CH3). Pauli and nuclei–nuclei repulsions between the protonic hydrogen and hydridic hydrogen are proposed as the cause of the blue shift. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intriguing double‐inversion stereochemistry in the denitrogenation of 2,3‐diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptene‐type azoalkanes: a model mechanistic study in physical organic chemistry
Authors: Adam Waldemar , Diedering Manfred , Trofimov Alexey (Alexei) V. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn this review is given a detailed account of the mechanistic elucidation of the unique stereochemical double inversion observed in the nitrogen extrusion of bicyclic azoalkanes. It is shown that the judicious choice of experimental tools and theoretical approaches provides insight into and understanding of this perplexing stereoselectivity. This long‐standing mechanistic query serves as an example par excellence of harnessing the structural variation of the DBH‐type substrate (internal effects) and the change of medium properties (external effects) to diagnose a complex reaction mechanism. The particular case reviewed here is specific, but the focus in resolving its mechanistic complexities is general and, thus, may be applied to the elucidation of other intricate reaction mechanisms, primarily stereoselective and product‐selective organic transformations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and phase behavior of side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers containing malachite green lactone groups
Authors: Hu Jian‐She , Zhang Bao‐Yan , Wang Ying , Meng Fan‐Bao 
Published: June 2004

AbstractNew side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers containing both cholesteric and thermochromic side groups were synthesized. Their chemical structures were confirmed with elemental analyses and Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The mesogenic properties and phase behavior were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, polarizing optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction measurements. The effect of the concentration of dye side groups on the phase behavior of the polymers was examined. The polymers showed smectic or cholesteric phases. Those polymers containing less than 20 mol % dye groups had good solubility, reversible phase transitions, wider mesophase temperature ranges, and higher thermal stability. The experimental results demonstrated that the isotropization temperature and mesophase temperature ranges decreased with an increasing concentration of dye groups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3870–3878, 2004