bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A recombinant murine meizothrombin precursor, prothrombin R157A/R268A, inhibits thrombosis in a model of acute carotid artery injury
Authors: Shim Kyuhwan , Zhu Hongfa , Westfield Lisa A. , Sadler J. Evan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractMutations in human prothrombin that generate a stable form of meizothrombin or meizothrombin(desF1) cause dysprothrombinemia in both the homozygous and heterozygous state, suggesting that meizothrombin has dominant anticoagulant effects in vivo. The enzymatic characterization of recombinant mouse meizothrombin, meizothrombin(desF1), and thrombin indicates that all 3 enzymes have similar activity toward the chromogenic substrate S-2238, that meizothrombin and meizothrombin(desF1) have less than 10% of the fibrinogen-clotting activity of thrombin, and that meizothrombin is more active than thrombin or meizothrombin(desF1) for thrombomodulin-dependent protein C activation. Thus, activated mouse prothrombin R157A/R268A is similar to human meizothrombin in activity toward S-2238, fibrinogen, and protein C. The time to occlusion after FeCl3-induced carotid artery injury was delayed (11.8 ± 3.6 minutes, n = 5) in Cf2+/- mice infused with prothrombin R157A/R268A compared with control mice infused with wild-type prothrombin (5.3 ± 1.5 minutes, n = 3; P = .006). In this model, prothrombin R157A/R268A has anticoagulant activity that reflects its decreased fibrinogen-clotting activity and preserved protein C-activating activity and is consistent with dominant inhibition of fibrinogen clotting. (Blood. 2004;104:415-419)
Aging and innate immune cells
Authors: Plackett Timothy P , Boehmer Eric D , Faunce Douglas E , Kovacs Elizabeth J 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe innate immune system serves an important role in preventing microbial invasion. However, it experiences significant changes with advancing age. Among the age-associated changes are: Aged macrophages and neutrophils have impaired respiratory burst and reactive nitrogen intermediates as a result of altered intracellular signaling, rendering them less able to destroy bacteria. Aged neutrophils are also less able to respond to rescue from apoptosis. Aged dendritic cells (DC) are less able to stimulate T and B cells. The altered T cell stimulation is a result of changes in human leukocyte antigen expression and cytokine production, and lower B cell stimulation is a result of changes in DC immune complex binding. Natural killer (NK) cells from the elderly are less capable of destroying tumor cells. NK T cells increase in number and have greater interleukin-4 production with age. Levels of various complement components are also altered with advancing age.
Virus-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy: Intratumoral Administration of a Replication-Deficient Adenovirus Encoding Nitroreductase to Patients With Resectable Liver Cancer
Authors: Palmer Daniel H. , Mautner Vivien , Mirza Darius , Oliff Simon , Gerritsen Winald , van der Sijp Joost R.M. , Hubscher Stefan , Reynolds Gary , Bonney Sarah , Rajaratnam Ratna , Hull Diana , Horne Mark , Ellis John , Mountain Andrew , Hill Simon , Harris Peter A. , Searle Peter F. , Young Lawrence S. , James Nicholas D. , Kerr David J. 
Published: March 2004

Purpose Virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy depends on selective delivery of virus encoding a prodrug-activating enzyme to tumor, followed by systemic treatment with prodrug to achieve high levels of the activated cytotoxic at the intended site of action. The use of the bacterial enzyme nitroreductase to activate CB1954 (5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide) to a short lived, highly toxic DNA cross-linking agent has been demonstrated in tumor xenografts. In this study, we report the first clinical trial investigating the feasibility, safety, and transgene expression of a replication-defective adenovirus encoding nitroreductase (CTL102) in patients with liver tumors. Patients and Methods Patients with resectable primary or secondary (colorectal) liver cancer received a single dose of CTL102 delivered by direct intratumoral inoculation 3 to 8 days before surgical resection. Results Eighteen patients were treated with escalating doses of CTL102 (range, 108–5 × 1011 virus particles). The vector was well tolerated with minimal side effects, had a short half-life in the circulation, and stimulated a robust antibody response. Dose-related increases in tumoral nitroreductase expression measured by immunohistochemical analysis have been observed. Conclusion Direct intratumoral inoculation of CTL102 to patients with primary and secondary liver cancer is feasible and well tolerated. The high level of nitroreductase expression observed at 1 to 5 × 1011 virus particles mandates further studies in patients with inoperable tumors who will receive CTL102 and CB1954.
Mechanisms Underlying Growth Hormone Effects in Augmenting Nitric Oxide Production and Protein Tyrosine Nitration during Endotoxin Challenge
Authors: Elsasser Ted H. , Kahl Stanislaw , MacLeod Carol , Nicholson Benjamin , Sartin James L. , Li Congjun 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe present study defined the effects of GH administration on components of the nitric oxide (NO)-generating cascade to account for observed increases in NO production and protein nitration after an immune challenge. Calves were assigned to groups with or without GH treatment (100 μg GH/kg body weight or placebo im, daily for 12 d) and with or without low-level endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 2.5 μg/kg, or placebo, iv]. Plasma was obtained for estimation of NO changes as [NO2− + NO3−] (NOx). Transcutaneous liver biopsies were collected for measurement of protein tyrosine nitration, cationic amino acid transporter (CAT)-2 mRNA transporter, and constitutive NO synthase (cNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and arginase activity. Liver protein nitration increased more than 10-fold 24 h after LPS and an additional 2-fold in animals treated with GH before LPS. GH increased plasma NOx after LPS to levels 27% greater than those measured in non-GH-treated calves. LPS increased CAT-2 mRNA after LPS; GH was associated with a 24% reduction in CAT-2 mRNA content at the peak time response. cNOS activity was 3-fold greater than iNOS after LPS. NOS activities were increased 140% (cNOS) at 3 h and 169% (iNOS) at 6 h, respectively, after LPS; GH treatment increased cNOS activity and the phosphorylation of endothelial NOS after LPS more than 2-fold over that measured in non-GH-treated calves. The data suggest that an increased production of nitrated protein develops in the liver during low-level, proinflammatory stress, and nitration is increased by GH administration through a direct effect on the competing activities of NOS and arginase, modulatable critical control points in the proinflammatory cascade.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Bi2Fe4O9 Nanoparticles
Authors: Xiong Ying , Wu Mingzai , Peng Zhenmeng , Jiang Nan , Chen Qianwang 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Sheet-like Bi2Fe4O9 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a rather facile hydrothermal process. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies show that the particles are sheet-like, about 30 nm in the direction of thickness. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the as-prepared particles were pure Bi2Fe4O9, but after storing at room temperature for half a year, γ-Fe2O3 appeared. The magnetic properties of the nanoparticles before and after storing were characterized by a vibration sample magnetometer (VSM).
Self-assembly of Poly(aniline-co-anthranilic acid) Copolymers and PVP into Fibers and Other Microstructures
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng , Yu Youhai , Chen Liang , Mao Huaping , Zhang Wanjin , Wei Yen 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
The morphology of the self-assembly of poly(aniline-co-anthranilic acid) copolymers (PAAA) and poly (N-vinypyrrolidone) (PVP) into particles in DMF/H2O solution and fibers in sodium hydroxide solution was studied. Not only the solvent but also the content of PVP affected the morphology significantly. When the content of PVP is zero, no fibers were formed. With the increasing of the content of PVP, more and more fiber junctions appeared.
Herbal Weight-Loss Supplement Misadventures Per a Regional Poison Center
Authors: Robinson Renee F , Griffith Jill R , Nahata Milap C , Mahan John D , Casavant Marcel J 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND Many herbal supplements used for weight loss contain stimulants. The poison control center has noted an increase in reports of adverse events with intentional and unintentional ingestion of herbal weight-loss supplements. OBJECTIVE To identify characteristics of the callers (eg, demographic properties, underlying type of ingestion) and, from this information, determine populations at increased risk for adverse events secondary to intentional and unintentional herbal weight-loss supplement ingestion. METHODS Demographic information such as patient weight, age, gender, and medical history was recorded from ingestions reported to the Central Ohio Poison Control Center (COPC) in 2000. Ingredients, concurrent medications, ingestion and treatment site, clinical presentation, and therapies received were documented. Type of ingestion, acuity, clinical presentation, and treatment site were used to identify patients at increased risk of adverse events secondary to herbal supplement ingestion. RESULTS Eighty calls were recorded in 2000 (49 females involved). Underlying reasons for ingestion differed between males and females (p = 0.025). Twenty-five percent of the intentional ingestions and 51% of the unintentional ingestions occurred in males. Reported symptoms differed with the underlying reason for ingestion (p ≤ 0.001) and were more common in intentional ingestions (80%). Symptoms were reported more often with unknown or higher-than-recommended doses (78%); however, 70% (n = 10) of subjects ingesting the recommended dose reported at least one symptom (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS Intentional and unintentional ingestions of herbal supplements for weight loss vary with age and gender. The significant presence of symptoms in nonabusers requires more study to assess overall safety and potential toxicity of agents such as Stacker 2. Patients who abuse or misuse herbal weight-loss supplements are generally women, who may seek medical treatment more often.
Rate Versus Rhythm Control in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Anthony Korin K , Mauro Vincent F 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE To determine whether rate control is a viable initial treatment approach in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) through the evaluation of recently completed trials comparing rate and rhythm control. DATA SOURCES Biomedical literature was obtained through MEDLINE (1966—December 2003) and the Iowa database. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Articles identified from the biomedical literature search were reviewed and included if deemed relevant. DATA SYNTHESIS Currently available data suggest that rate control is not inferior to rhythm control in patients with persistent AF with respect to mortality. Rate control also reduces hospitalizations and the occurrence of proarrhythmias. No significant difference was observed between treatments with respect to thromboembolism and strokes. CONCLUSIONS Due to the increased incidence of hospitalizations and antiarrhythmic adverse effects associated with rhythm control, rate control is a reasonable first-line strategy in the treatment of recurrent AF, especially in elderly patients who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Further studies are needed to clearly define the role of rate control in younger patients.
On the Problem of Sample Preservation by Freezing
Authors: Rinne Dieter , Schmitt Petra 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDuring routine analysis of running water samples differences of the analytical results of water‐soluble anions were observed between analysis carried out immediately after sampling and after storage of the cooled/frozen sample. This phenomenon was investigated for some years with the “model ion” chloride. A high number of samples (ca. 210) were analysed over three years with different analytical methods, and by alteration of the sample containers the discrete physical influence of the wall effect of the sample vessel could be worked out definitely. No significant differences occur with the mean value of the year but the single values have high differences in the positive or negative direction. Assuming a similar behaviour of other water constituents when preserved by freezing the analytical values had to be looked at very critically.
Effects of the Herbicide Metazachlor on Phytoplankton and Periphyton Communities in Outdoor Mesocosms
Authors: Noack Udo , Geffke Thomas , Balasubramanian Ramani , Papenbrock Jutta , Braune Mike , Scheerbaum Dirk 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe effects of the chloroacetanilide herbicide metazachlor have been investigated in outdoor artificial mesocosms. Decreasing phytoplankton densities were caused by the application, however, the communities recovered after 30 to 35 days. Periphyton growth was found to be affected not only by the herbicide application but by the presence of species with different ability to grow on artificial substrates. Zooplankton diversity was small due to low density of ingestible algae species. Oxygen saturation was found to be correlated with the dosage levels of the herbicide in the second half of the study.
A Perspective of One‐Pot Pyrrole–Aldehyde Condensations as Versatile Self‐Assembly Processes
Authors: Ghosh Abhik 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRegarded as the classic one‐pot synthetic route to symmetrical porphyrins for well over half a century, pyrrole–aldehyde cyclocondensations have yielded a cornucopia of nonporphyrin macrocycles, such as N‐confused porphyrins, corroles, sapphyrins, and expanded porphyrins, and have thus emerged as versatile self‐assembly processes. A highlight in this field is the remarkably general one‐pot corrole synthesis. The manifold of intermediates generated in the anaerobic phase of a Lindsey‐type synthesis have been viewed as a dynamic covalent self‐assembly system. This raises the possibility that the addition of a suitable host may alter the equilibrium concentrations of these intermediates by molecular recognition and related phenomena and thus determine the major product formed after oxidative quenching.
8‐Oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐6‐en‐3‐ones: Application to the Asymmetric Synthesis of Polyoxygenated Building Blocks
Authors: Hartung Ingo V. , Hoffmann H. Martin R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe development and design of reliable and efficient methods for the construction of chiral building blocks are crucial in modern natural product synthesis. 8‐Oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐6‐en‐3‐ones are readily accessible scaffolds with defined stereochemical features which have been exploited for non‐aldol approaches to the preparation of chiral building blocks. Strategies for their enantioselective synthesis, including asymmetric cycloaddition methods, desymmetrization protocols, and “racemic switch operations”, are presented and evaluated.
Exploring the utility of functional analysis methodology to assess and treat problematic verbal behavior in persons with acquired brain injury
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Guercio John , Falcomata Terry , Horner Molly J. , Root Shannon , Newell Catherine , Zlomke Kimberly 
Published: March 2004

AbstractFunctional analyses were conducted on four adults with acquired brain injuries who regularly displayed instances of inappropriate verbal behavior including depressive, aggressive, suicidal, profane, and sexually inappropriate utterances. After the functional analysis yielded a maintaining variable for each participant, a function‐based intervention consisting of differential reinforcement of alternative verbal behavior was implemented. Results of the behavioral interventions show that instances of vocal behavior can be assessed and subsequently treated using the functional analysis methodology often reserved for nonverbal forms of behavior. The utility of functional analysis for assessing complex human behavior is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genuine Heteroleptic Complexes of Early Rare‐Earth Metals: Synthesis, X‐ray Structure, and Their Use for Stereospecific Isoprene Polymerization Catalysis
Authors: Bonnet Fanny , Visseaux Marc , Barbier‐Baudry Denise , Vigier Estelle , Kubicki Marek M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractGenuine heteroleptic neodymium and samarium complexes of formula [Cp*′Ln{(p‐tol)NN}(BH4)] (Cp*′ = C5Me4(nPr), (p‐tol)NN = (p‐tol)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(p‐tol), Ln = Sm: 1 a, Ln = Nd: 1 b) have been synthesized for the first time. These unprecedented homologues of early lanthanocenes are prepared by a metathetic reaction between their monocyclopentadienylbisborohydrido precursors with the corresponding potassium diketiminate. Both complexes were obtained in good yields and were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Complex 1 a has an non‐solvated dimeric structure, as indicated by its crystallographic data. The chloroneodymium analogue [Cp*′Nd{(p‐tol)NN}(Cl)] (2 b) was only obtained as a part of a mixture. Analysis of crystals of 2 b by X‐ray diffraction revealed a molecular structure very similar to that of 1 a. Preliminary isoprene polymerization experiments were carried out with 1 b in the presence of an alkylmagnesium coactivator. The resulting bimetallic Nd/Mg system behaves as an efficient and highly stereospecific catalyst with the synthesis of trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene with more than 98 % regularity. The control of the polymer structure is related to the steric hindrance around the lanthanide atom.
Molecular Logic Gates Based on Pentacyanoferrate Complexes: From Simple Gates to Three‐Dimensional Logic Systems
Authors: Szaciłowski Konrad 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe article presents new aspects of reactivity of two pentacyanoferrates: [Fe(CN)5NO]2− and [Fe(CN)5N(O)SR]3−. The dependence of thermodynamic functions on cations was found for the reaction between nitroprusside and thiolate. The thermodynamic data are interpreted in terms of ion pairing and changes in the solvation shell of the cations. It was found that the reaction enthalpies and entropies depend strongly on the cation radius. The reaction volume in turn is strongly affected by the structure and properties of the hydration shell. Careful data analysis allowed the contribution of partial cation dehydration to the total reaction volume to be determined. The experimental results were also interpreted in terms of chemical logic gates. Complex logic systems were built from a number of cells containing a switching compound arranged in different geometric patterns. Increasing the dimensionality of these arrangements leads to really complex logic systems containing up to 20 AND and OR logic gates. The system is capable of processing up to 16 bits of input data.
Chiral Nonracemic Late‐Transition‐Metal Organometallics with a Metal‐Bonded Stereogenic Carbon Atom: Development of New Tools for Asymmetric Organic Synthesis
Authors: Malinakova Helena C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTransition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions and the Heck reaction have evolved into powerful tools for the construction of carbon–carbon bonds. In most cases, the reactive organometallic intermediates feature a carbon–transition‐metal σ bond between a sp2‐hybridized carbon atom and the transition metal (Csp2TM). New, and potentially more powerful approach to transition‐metal‐catalyzed asymmetric organic synthesis would arise if catalytic chiral nonracemic organometallic intermediates with a stereogenic sp3‐hybridized carbon atoms directly bonded to the transition metal (C*sp3TM bond) could be formed from racemic or achiral organic substrates, and subsequently participate in the formation of a new carbon–carbon bond (C*sp3–C) with retention of the stereochemical information. To date, only a few catalytic processes that are based on this concept, have been developed. In this account, both “classical” and recent studies on preparation and reactivity of stable chiral nonracemic organometallics with a metal‐bonded stereogenic carbon, which provide the foundation for the future design of new synthetic transformations exploiting the outlined concept, are discussed, along with examples of relevant catalytic processes.
Chemical Routes for Production of Transition‐Metal Phosphides on the Nanoscale: Implications for Advanced Magnetic and Catalytic Materials
Authors: Brock Stephanie L. , Perera Susanthri C. , Stamm Kimber L. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNanoparticulate transition‐metal phosphides remain an unexplored, though emerging area of interest on the materials landscape, due principally to their promising magnetic and catalytic properties. This review describes synthetic strategies for the formation of both supported and unsupported transition‐metal phosphide nanoparticles, provides a summary of their relevant magnetic and catalytic properties, and indicates new directions for exploration.
Glutamatergic neuronal projections from the marginal layer of the rostral ventral medulla to the respiratory centers in rats
Authors: Weston Matthew C. , Stornetta Ruth L. , Guyenet Patrice G. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe marginal layer (ML) that lines the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata (VMS) contains neurons thought to contribute to central chemoreception, the process by which systemic hypercapnia activates respiration. The transmitters and connectivity of ML neurons are poorly known. The present study focuses on a group of nonserotonergic ML neurons, often located in close proximity to the entry point of penetrating blood vessels. These neurons (∼300/brain) contain vesicular glutamate transporter2 (VGLUT2) mRNA and are thus probably glutamatergic. They cluster below the caudal half of the facial motor nucleus, lateral to the serotonergic cells of the ML. The projections of serotonergic and nonserotonergic ML neurons were investigated by retrograde labeling with Fluoro‐Gold. ML VGLUT2 mRNA‐expressing neurons lack spinal projections and innervate the dorsolateral pons and the ipsilateral ventral respiratory column (VRC), most particularly, the region of the pre‐Bötzinger complex and rVRG. The latter two regions receive a very small input from ML serotonergic neurons which, instead, heavily innervate the spinal cord. In conclusion, a small region of the VMS marginal layer contains glutamatergic neurons that innervate the main respiratory centers of the medulla oblongata and pons. These glutamatergic neurons are located in a chemosensitive region of the ML and their projections are consistent with a role in central chemoreception. The serotonergic neurons of the ML, though known to be activated by CO2, probably do not contribute to central chemoreception, given that they innervate sympathetic efferents and project at best very lightly to the VRC. J. Comp. Neurol. 473:73–85, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.