bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the Personal Characteristics of Teachers and their Extent of Utilization of Different ICT Tools
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Khan I. M. , Sisodia S. S. , Sharma R. N. , Mishra Geetesh
Published: February 2024

ICT has the ability to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world scenario. They may use ICT as a tool to identify, analyze, exchange and present information as per their need. The study was conducted in three purposively selected agricultural universities in Rajasthan. Three constituent colleges from each agriculture university were selected purposely on the basis of having maximum number of teachers and 60 per cent of teachers were selected from every college by using simple random sampling technique. The teachers of SKNAU, Jobner and their personal characteristics there were negative and significant relationship with age and annual income, negative and non-significant relationship with education, teaching experience and training, positive and significant relationship with time devoted to ICT in a day and achievement motivation and positive and non-significant relationship with accessibility to ICT tools, innovativeness and job commitment. In SKRAU Bikaner there were negative and significant relationship with age, annual income and teaching experience, negative and non-significant relationship with achievement motivation, positive and significant relationship with time devoted to ICT in a day and accessibility to ICT tools and positive and non-significant relationship with education, training, innovativeness and job commitment. Whereas, in MPUAT, Udaipur  there were negative and significant relationship with age, teaching experience and annual income, negative and non-significant relationship with  education, innovativeness and achievement motivation, positive and significant relationship with training, time devoted to ICT in a day and accessibility to ICT tools and positive and non-significant relationship with job commitment.
Comparative Study of the Agronomic Performance of Two Sesame Varieties (Sesamum indicum L.): The Case of Local Variety of Central African Origin and Pakréssaya Variety of Burkinabe Origin
Authors: Mbalissa Héraclite Bachelard Koyanga , Aba- Toumnou Lucie , Kamba-Mebourou Emmanuel , Changement Etienne , Mbenda Steve Dieudonné , Silla Semball A.
Published: February 2024

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) is a crop with high economic potential in Central African agriculture. This speculation is the subject of a booming international trade for its seeds, oil and meal. The objective of this study is to characterize the agro morphological variability of the two sesame accessions. The trial was conducted at the Bakéré Agricultural Research Station in Bossembele. The plant material used was composed of two sesame accessions from various sources (Central African Republic and Burkina Faso). The choice of land is marked by the delimitation of the plot, the staking and the surveying. The preparation of the soil was carried out in several stages. It is a plot of land of 0.75 hectares divided into three blocks of 0.25 hectares. Sowing took place on August 20, 2022.  Before sowing, the sesame is mixed with the sand to respect the rate per hectare because the seeds are too fine. The different parameters measured are: stem length, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant. The different parameters were assessed using the two-criteria analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the R software version 3.1.3. The results obtained showed that the Pakressaya variety is the earliest and gave the first flower at 31-32 days after sowing and reached 50% flowering at 33-34 days after sowing, thus reflecting the earliness in this variety. The variety (of Central African origin) is the latest and gave the first flower at 52-53 days after sowing and reached 50% flowering at 56-57 days after sowing with many more fruiting branches.  The pakressaya variety proved to be productive and was selected for the rest of our project. In perspective, it is envisaged to determine the genetic diversity of the Pakréssaya accession using microsatellite markers.
Effect of Mulching and Nutrition on Essential Oil Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
Authors: Nayana H  , Maruthi Prasad B. N  , Halesh G. K  , Shivanna M  , Harish B. S
Published: February 2024

A field experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Bengaluru to investigate the influence of different mulches and nutrition on essential oil yield, quality and nutrient uptake in sweet basil. The treatment combinations consisted of four different mulches viz., no mulch, black plastic, silver plastic and organic mulch (spent lemon grass) each with four different nutrient levels viz., 100 percent Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), combination of 75 percent RDF with humic acid, 75 percent RDF with microbial consortia and 75 percent RDF, humic acid and microbial consortia. Use of black plastic mulch recorded maximum essential oil content (1.13 %), yield (97.21 kg/ha), nitrogen (54.56 kg/ha), phosphorous (37.71 kg/ha) and potassium (57.85 kg/ha) uptake. Application of 75 percent RDF with humic acid resulted in maximum essential oil content (1.21 %) whereas, 75 percent RDF with humic acid and microbial consortia recorded maximum essential oil yield (79.03 kg/ha), phosphorous (24.82 kg/ha) and potassium (48.88 kg/ha) uptake. Maximum nitrogen uptake was found in plants applied with 100 percent RDF. Among interaction, maximum essential oil content (1.44 %) and yield (109.92 kg/ha) was noticed in combination of black plastic mulch with 75 percent RDF and humic acid. The highest methyl chavicol content (73.85%) was observed in plants grown on black plastic mulch along with application of 75 percent RDF and microbial consortia.
Biochemical Analysis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Endophytic Fungus Plectosphaerella oligotrophica S8A26 Associated with Anaphalis contorta
Authors: Nongthombam Kistu Singh , Mutum Shyamkesho Singh , Pandey Radha Raman
Published: February 2024

Endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants produce compounds that have vast biological activities. Anaphalis contorta is a highly therapeutic plant that has been used in traditional medicine by various communities. In the present study, the endophytic fungus Plectosphaerella oligotrophica S8A26 was isolated from the stem part of A. contorta and assessed for its plant growth promotion abilities, and showed positive results for phosphate solubilization and ammonia production. The secondary metabolites were analyzed for the presence of seven biochemicals, which indicate the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and steroids. The total flavonoid content and total phenolic content were recorded to be 25.67 µg of QE/mg of EE and 5.06 µg of GAE/mg of EE, respectively. The isolate was allowed to synthesize silver nanoparticles and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Energy Dispersive X-ray, Particle size distribution, and Zeta potential. XRD analysis has shown the AgNPs are crystalline with an average size of 24.81 nm. EDX study reveals silver as the main component with 48.63%. Particle size distribution indicates that the majority of the particles occur in the size range of 65–70 nm. Zeta potential value of −31.8 mV shows that the AgNPs are stable. Studies like the biological activities of the endophyte as well as AgNPs, secondary metabolite profiling, and the isolation of bioactive compounds would constitute important future research.
Influence of Microbial Inoculants and their Consortia on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Maize Grown on Vertisol
Authors: Meena Gajveer , Ismail Syed , Umate Sunil , Chavan Ranjeet
Published: February 2024

The present field experiment was undertaken at Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during Kharif season of 2022. Ten different treatment combinations were used in the experiment which included different microbial inoculants and their consortia ie Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium (Consortia -I), Azospirillum + Frateuria aurantia (Consortia-II), Azospirillum + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia-III), Azospirillum + Pseudomonas strita (Consortia- ⅠⅤ ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Frateuria aurantia (Consortia-Ⅴ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia- ⅤI ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Pseudomonas strita (Consortia- ⅤII ), and control replicated thrice in RBD (Randomized Block Design). Seed treatment of maize was done with microbial inoculants consortia @ 10 ml kg -1 seed before sowing with recommended dose of fertilizers. Among all the treatments, Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia- ⅤII) noted significantly higher grain and stover yield of maize (8156.00 and 9836.66 kg ha -1 respectively). Furthermore, total uptake of NPK was found significantly higher (395, 99.99 and 170.65 kg ha -1) with consortia VII. Study concludes that recommended dose of fertilizers with microbial consortia helped in improving yield and nutrient content in plants and grain of maize grown in Vertisol.
Coronavirus in Pregnancy: The Role of Melatonin
Authors: Laste Gabriela , Mateus Jorge de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

The effects of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals are unclear due to a series of physiological changes and immune system adaptations that may affect the development of the fetus. There is evidence supporting the role of melatonin in human pregnancy, and it appears that melatonin is essential for a successful pregnancy. However, in pathological conditions, such as during SARS-CoV-2 infection, melatonin levels can be significantly inhibited. In addition, melatonin, a powerful endogen antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and anti-inflammatory molecule, has been reported to exert beneficial effects on viral diseases such as COVID-19. This review focuses on the current evidence regarding the physiopathology of COVID-19 in pregnancy conditions, the role of melatonin during pregnancy, and the use of melatonin as a promising treatment. Addressing these points should help us understand the knowledge currently available about COVID-19 during pregnancy and explore the possible beneficial effects of melatonin. Physiological and immunological adaptations during pregnancy may result in systemic effects that greatly contribute to the development of acute viral infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Melatonin as an adjuvant in COVID-19 treatment has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and immune response regulatory functions. The strategy that melatonin offers is to slow the cytokine storm observed and reduce oxidative damage to enhance the resistance of individuals and provide additional survival time. Although the direct evidence of melatonin application in COVID-19 is unclear, both its use in experimental animal models and studies on humans has consistently documented its efficacy and safety, and its use by COVID-19 patients would be highly beneficial.
Clinical Features and Functional State of the Adrenal Cortex and Thyroid Gland in Children with Covid-19 during the Recovery Period
Authors: Akramovich Bobomuratov Turdikul , Masrurovna Abdullaeva Mukhlisa
Published: February 2024

The available literature provides limited data on the demographic and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. This information is especially important because pneumonia is the single leading cause of death in children worldwide. Research in this direction is particularly important to clarify and better understand the global impact of COVID-19 on the pediatric population. Unlike adults, most infected children have a milder course and have better results overall. This article also provides an analysis of the violation of the functional state of the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland in children, features of laboratory and biochemical changes based on a study of the history of the disease in children receiving treatment for coronavirus infection. At the same time, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, total T3, total T4 and cortisol in children who had a coronavirus infection was assessed. The last stage demonstrates the prevention and rehabilitation of children after coronavirus infection.
Morphology of epoxy resin modified with silyl‐crosslinked urethane elastomer
Authors: Liu Pinggui , He Lihua , Ding Heyan , Liu Junneng , Yi Xiaosu
Published: April 2005

Silyl‐crosslinked urethane elastomer modifying epoxy resin has drawn much interest. Here the triethoxysilyl‐terminated polycaprolactone elastomer (PCL‐TESi) modifying diglycidylether of bisphenol A epoxy resins (DGEBA) system was chosen, and then the effect of the type of curing agent on the phase structure of the studied epoxy resin system was investigated. The modified systems were obtained with different phase structures by varying the formulations of the curing agent. It was experimentally shown that with the addition of aminosilane (KBE‐9103), the crosslinked density was greatly increased. The cured system also showed from SEM and TEM analysis that addition of KBE‐9103 increased the compatibility between the PCL‐TESi and DGEBA, which made the ductility of the system decrease, but also indicated from TEM that addition of much KBE‐9103 made the reacted silicone particles coagulate each other. The state of phase separation from TEM in the cured system was theoretically explained. These would serve the deeper studies of the mechanism of silyl‐crosslinked urethane elastomer modifying epoxy resin in the future. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 611–619, 2005
Molar mass distributions of polymers from size exclusion chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: Methods for comparison
Authors: Mourey Thomas H. , Hoteling Andrew J. , Balke Stephen T. , Owens Kevin G.
Published: April 2005

Equations are presented for calculating molar mass averages and molar mass distributions from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) data and from size exclusion chromatography (SEC) data. The utility of polydispersity is examined as an indicator of the expectation of MALDI‐TOF MS mass discrimination effects. Cumulative distributions are found to be rich in information for comparing the two techniques and are easily obtained from both SEC and MALDI‐TOF MS data. Analyses of a series of narrow molar mass distribution poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) standards and one polydisperse sample have been performed with both methods. MALDI‐TOF MS did not detect dimer and trimer in the PMMA samples, and it often indicated lower amounts of high‐molar‐mass polymers than did SEC. The results showed that the distribution breadth, as evidenced by the standard deviation of the distribution (calculated from the polydispersity and number‐average molar mass), correlated well with the molar mass range observed in the MALDI‐TOF MS spectra, whereas the polydispersity alone did not. Ratioing the extremes in the molar mass concentrations measured with the SEC differential refractometer, which were necessary to adequately define molar mass distributions, showed that detector dynamic range values as high as approximately 370,000 were required for the polydisperse samples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 627–639, 2005
Enzyme‐catalyzed copolymerization of oxiranes with dicarboxylic acid anhydrides
Authors: Rajkhowa Ritimoni , Varma I. K. , Albertsson Ann‐Christine , Edlund Ulrica
Published: April 2005

Ring‐opening copolymerizations of the oxiranes glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride [methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride, nadic anhydride, maleic anhydride (MA), or itaconic anhydride (IA)] were carried out with the lipases Candida cylindracea (CCL), Lipozyme TL‐IM (LIM), and Novozyme 435 (N435) as catalysts. The CCL‐catalyzed reaction of DGEBA with MA or IA (at a 1:2 molar ratio) at 80°C resulted in only partial curing. We monitored the reactions by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and by following the changes in the intensities of carbonyl stretching frequencies of the anhydride and ester groups. The reactivity of the oxirane group in GPE was higher than that in DGEBA; this may have been due to the higher viscosity of DGEBA. The reactivities of the enzymes for the copolymerization of the oxiranes and dicarboxylic acid anhydride were in the order LIM > CCL > N435. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 697–704, 2005
Chiroptical properties of cation complexes of chiral phenazino‐18‐crown‐6 ether‐type hosts
Authors: Szarvas Szilvia , Szalay Luca , Vass Elemér , Hollósi Miklós , Samu Erika , Huszthy Péter
Published: April 2005

Herein we report CD spectroscopic studies on complexes of (R,R)‐dimethyl‐, (R,R)‐diisobutyl‐, and (S,S)‐di‐sec‐butyl‐phenazino‐18‐crown‐6 ligands (Scheme 1) with selected alkali (Na+, K+), alkaline earth (Mg2+, Ca2+), and transition‐metal (Ag+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Pb2+) cations. The complexation was monitored in the 300‐ to 240‐nm region of the CD spectra comprising mainly the 1Bb band of the heteroaromatic subunit. The CD spectra of the complexes showed an unexpected diversity. In the most characteristic 1Bb spectral region, the number, position, and intensity of band(s) depend not only on the heteroaromatic subunit and the size of the substituents but also on the diameter, ion strength, and coordination geometry of the cation. The appearance of two weak 1Bb CD bands (type‐I spectra) with the sign pattern of the host is an indication of two complexes of comparable stability. The “type‐II” spectra differ from that of the host in the number, sign pattern, and intensity of the bands. Complexes of transition‐metal cations generally show CD spectra with more intense bands. The CD spectra of complexes of (S,S)‐di‐sec‐butyl‐phenazino‐18‐crown‐6 ligand with Na+, K+, and Pb2+ (type III) strongly suggest exciton coupling caused by the closeness of the heteroaromatic rings of two 1:1 complex molecules. Chirality 17:345–351, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychological distress in spouses of men treated for early‐stage prostate carcinoma
Authors: Eton David T. , Lepore Stephen J. , Helgeson Vicki S.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

The authors examined levels and predictors of psychological distress in the wives of men treated for early‐stage prostate carcinoma (PCa).

METHODS

Patients with PCa (N = 165) and spouses were interviewed to assess general and cancer‐specific distress. Social and intrapersonal factors of spouses as well as clinical characteristics and quality of life of patients were assessed as potential predictors of spouses' distress.

RESULTS

Spouses reported more cancer‐specific distress than did patients (P < 0.001), but did not differ from patients in general distress. Several spouse‐reported factors predicted higher spouses' distress, including less education (P < 0.005), worse marriage quality and less social support (Ps < 0.005), more negative social interaction with the patient (Ps < 0.001), lower self‐esteem (Ps < 0.001), less positive coping (Ps < 0.005), searching for meaning (P < 0.001), not finding meaning (P < 0.005), and greater illness uncertainty (Ps < 0.001). Patients' bowel function and mental health also predicted greater spouses' distress (Ps < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicated that overall distress in spouses of early‐stage patients with PCa was modest, and it was more likely to be predicted by psychosocial than medical factors. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Comparative proteomic analysis identifies protein disulfide isomerase and peroxiredoxin 1 as new players involved in embryonic interdigital cell death
Authors: Shan S.W. , Tang M.K. , Cai D.Q. , Chui Y.L. , Chow P.H. , Grotewold L. , Lee K.K.H.
Published: April 2005

In this study, we used comparative proteomics to identify proteins that were involved in the regulation of interdigital cell death. The protein profiles of embryonic day (E) 12.5 and 13.5 mouse hindlimb interdigital tissues were compared to identify proteins that were differentially expressed. The interdigital cells are irreversibly committed to programmed cell death (PCD) at E13.5, whereas they are developmentally plastic at E12.5. We established that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) expression was up‐regulated at E13.5, while peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1) expression was down‐regulated at this time point. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses confirmed the data obtained from the two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels. Furthermore, we were able to up‐regulate PDI expression by manipulating the E12.5 interdigital tissues to die during culture, although this up‐regulation was not possible when cell survival was promoted. In addition, we could inhibit interdigital cell death and expression of proapoptotic genes (Bmp‐4 and Bambi) by treating interdigital tissues with PDI antibodies and bacitracin (a PDI enzyme inhibitor). These findings suggested that PDI was involved in the activation and maintenance of interdigital cell death. Conversely, we determined that Prdx1 expression was maintained when interdigital cultures were manipulated to survive but down‐regulated when the cultures were permitted to die. The result suggested that Prdx1 was involved in maintaining interdigital cell survival. However, we were unable to induce interdigital cell death by means of RNA interference‐mediated silencing of Prdx1 expression, indicating that Prdx1 down‐regulation is not sufficient for PCD to occur. Proteomic analysis of the Prdx1 knock‐down cells revealed that the level of NF‐kappaB inhibitor epsilon (IκBε) was dramatically reduced. Furthermore, we found an increase in NFκB activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the cytoplasm as a result of Prdx1 knockdown. We also found that silencing Prdx1 made the interdigital cells more susceptible to ROS‐induced cell death. Taken together, our study identifies two new players in interdigital cell death and highlights that PCD is regulated by a delicate balance of proapoptotic and survival‐promoting activities. Developmental Dynamics 233:266–281, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionic Liquids with Fluorine‐Containing Cations
Authors: Xue Hong , Shreeve Jean’ne M.
Published: April 2005

Interest in ionic liquids with fluorine‐containing cations has grown markedly in recent years. The syntheses, characterization and properties of quaternary fluoroalkyl‐substituted ammonium, imidazolium, triazolium, pyridinium, pyrazinium, pyridazinium, pyrimidinium, piperazinium, pyrrolidinium, oxazolidinium, and morpholinium salts have been studied in detail. By modifying the anion or the fluorine‐containing substituent on the cation, a wide range of properties of fluorine‐containing ionic liquids can be tuned, including viscosity, melting point, density, conductivity, solubility, liquid range, thermal and hydrolytic stability. They are promising solvents for electrochemical, photovoltaic, surfactant and synthetic applications. In this Microreview, only the literature dealing with ionic liquids that involve fluorine‐containing cations is presented. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
fMRI‐constrained MEG source imaging and consideration of fMRI invisible sources
Authors: Im Chang‐Hwan , Jung Hyun‐Kyo , Fujimaki Norio
Published: April 2005

Recent studies on multimodal brain source imaging have shown that the use of functional MRI (fMRI) prior information could enhance spatial resolution of magnetoencephalography (MEG), while MEG could compensate poor temporal resolution of fMRI. This article deals with a multimodal imaging method, which combines fMRI and MEG for enhancing both spatial and temporal resolutions. Recent studies on the combination of fMRI and MEG have suggested that the fMRI prior information could be very easily implemented by just giving different weighting factors to the diagonal terms of source covariance matrix in linear inverse operator. We applied the fMRI constrained imaging method to several simulation data and experimental data (Japanese language lexical judgment experiment), and found that some MEG sources may be eliminated by the introduction of the fMRI weighting and the eliminated sources may affect source estimation in fMRI activation regions. In this article, in order to check whether the eliminated sources were fMRI invisible ones or just spurious ones, we placed small numbers of regional sources (rotating dipoles) around all possible activation regions and investigated their temporal changes. By investigating the results carefully, we could evaluate whether the missed sources were real or not. Hum Brain Mapp, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germline mutations and polymorphisms in the NFKBIA gene in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Osborne Julie , Lake Annette , Alexander Freda E. , Taylor G. Malcolm , Jarrett Ruth F.
Published: April 2005

Somatic inactivation of NFKBIA, the gene encoding IκBα, is a frequent occurrence in the malignant Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Impairment of IκBα function results in deregulated NF‐κB activity, a characteristic of HRS cells. The molecular basis for familial HL, which accounts for approximately 4% of all HL cases, is unclear. To date, familial HL cases have not been evaluated for germline NFKBIA mutations. We screened the entire NFKBIA gene in 8 individuals with familial HL but found no mutations in the coding region or promoter sequences. We identified the first germline NFKBIA missense mutation in a patient with presumed sporadic HL. The frequency of 4 polymorphisms within the NFKBIA gene and promoter region was investigated in a series of HL and control samples; no significant differences emerged but a novel polymorphism was identified in the promoter region. Overall, our results suggest that germline mutations of NFKBIA are not a significant cause of familial aggregation of HL but may contribute to inherited susceptibility to HL. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between botulinum toxin injection into the arm and changes in gait in adults after stroke
Authors: Hirsch Mark A. , Westhoff Bettina , Toole Tonya , Haupenthal Stephan , Krauspe Rüdiger , Hefter Harald
Published: April 2005

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is often used to improve arm function in persons with hemiparesis after stroke. Persons injected into the arm sometimes report changes in their gait. The purpose of this open‐labeled pilot study was to investigate the association between injecting BTX into the upper limb and ankle and knee range of motion (ROM) and paretic‐leg stride‐time, defined as the time in seconds required to move the hemiparetic leg from initial contact of the foot to initial contact of the same foot. Gait parameters were recorded before and 4 to 6 weeks after the hemiparetic arm was injected with BTX in 13 adults with hemiparesis secondary to stroke, using a three‐dimensional computerized motion analysis system. BTX injection into the paretic arm was associated with a decrease in stride‐time of the paretic leg in all participants. Slower striding participants improved knee and ankle ROM in the paretic leg. There was no change in ankle and knee ROM in faster striding participants. Injection of BTX into the upper extremity is associated with a change in hemiparetic leg stride‐time and ankle and knee ROM. There is a variability of response, with slow striders improving to a greater extent than fast striders. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Androgen and estrogen treatments alter steady state messengers RNA (mRNA) levels of testicular steroidogenic enzymes in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Baron D. , Fostier A. , Breton B. , Guiguen Y.
Published: April 2005

Recent investigations have shown that estrogens have profound inhibitory effects on steroidogenic enzyme gene expressions before and after testicular differentiation in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. This present study bring new data on juvenile rainbow trout treated with estrogens and androgens. Following a 8 days oral treatment of juvenile male with 17α‐ethynyl‐estradiol (EE2, 20 mg/kg diet) or 11β‐hydroxyandrostenedione (11βOHΔ4, 10 mg/kg diet), we observed a fast and marked decrease of steady‐state mRNA levels for 3βHSD, P450scc, P450c17, and P450c11 enzymes in the testis. After completion of these treatments, mRNA levels of these enzymes remained low in EE2 treated males whereas in 11βOHΔ4 treated males they recovered their initial levels in 8 days. This demonstrate that both androgen and estrogen treatments have profound effects on testicular steroidogenesis by decreasing steroid enzymes steady‐state mRNA. After in vitro incubation of testicular explants with 17β‐estradiol (E2, 600 ng/ml of medium), we also observed a decrease of mRNA levels for 3βHSD and P450c11. This suggest that estrogens effects could be triggered, at least to some extend, directly on the testis. We also investigated the hypothesis of a negative feedback of steroids on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, but FSH plasmatic levels in treated fish did not showed any significant decrease. This demonstrate that FSH is not implied in this steroids inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes gene expression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fully grown mouse oocyte contains transcription inhibiting activity which acts through histone deacetylation
Authors: Borsuk Ewa , Milik Elwira
Published: April 2005

Mouse ovarian oocytes remain transcriptionally active during the entire period of oocyte growth. In the fully grown antral oocytes, RNA synthesis is terminated before initiation of maturation. The mechanism involved in this process remains unknown. It was proposed that some signals provided by companion granulosa cells, and accumulating in the cytoplasm of the oocyte, play a role in the termination of RNA synthesis. It seems possible that under influence of these signals, the oocyte cytoplasm becomes transcriptionally nonpermissive. In the present study, transcriptionally active, single blastomeres of the 8‐cell mouse embryo were fused with nontranscribing fully grown oocytes, and RNA synthesis was analyzed in the resulting hybrids. We show that after 27 hr of culture of hybrid cells, transcription in the blastomere nuclei was finally silenced. This process occurs without nuclear envelope breakdown and is accompanied by progressive condensation of the chromatin in the blastomere nuclei. We show also the involvement of core histone deacetylation in the modification of chromatin configuration and termination of RNA synthesis in the blastomere nuclei. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cystic fibrosis and airway submucosal glands
Authors: Inglis S.K. , Wilson S.M.
Published: April 2005

The chronic pulmonary infections and inflammation associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) are responsible for almost all the morbidity and mortality of this disease. Our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the very early stages of CF lung disease, that result directly from mutations in the CF gene, is relatively poor. However, the demonstration that the predominant sites of expression of the CF gene in normal lungs are the submucosal glands, together with the histological observations showing that hyperplasia of these glands and mucin occlusion of the gland ducts are the earliest signs of disease in the CF lung, suggest that malfunction of the submucosal glands may be an important factor contributing to the early pathophysiology of CF lung disease. This review describes the function of submucosal glands in normal lungs, and the way in which their function may be disrupted in CF and may thus contribute to the early stages of CF lung disease. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of coadministration of parenteral multivitamins with lipid emulsion on lung remodeling in an animal model of total parenteral nutrition
Authors: Lavoie Jean‐Claude , Rouleau Thérèse , Chessex Philippe
Published: April 2005

Exposure of parenteral multivitamin solutions (MVP) to ambient light generates peroxides and vitamin loss, and induces initiation of fibrosis and a reduced alveolar count in an animal model of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Adding MVP to the lipid moiety of TPN prevents lipid peroxidation and vitamin loss. The aim of the study was to compare modes of delivery of MVP on lung procollagen mRNA and alveolar counts. Three‐day‐old guinea pig pups were infused continuously with one of three intravenous solutions: 1) control = dextrose; 2) AA + MVP = MVP given with the dextrose + amino‐acid moiety, in a “piggyback” setup with a lipid emulsion mixed close to the infusion site; and 3) LIP + MVP = same as AA + MVP, except that MVP is given with the lipid emulsion. After 4 days, lungs were prepared for alveolar count (intercept technique) and for quantification of the procollagen/beta‐actin mRNA ratio (initial step of fibrosis). Data were compared by ANOVA. The procollagen mRNA was lower (P < 0.05) in animals receiving LIP + MVP than those with AA + MVP. But the two modes of admixture of MVP had the same effect on the alveolar counts, which were lower (P < 0.01) than controls. The mode of delivery of TPN affects lung remodeling. Although LIP + MVP protects against the initiation of lung fibrosis, the absence of a beneficial effect on alveolar counts suggests that these features of lung remodeling are not caused by a unique component of TPN. Specific roles of peroxides, components of MVP, and light exposure on lung remodeling need to be explored before LIP + MVP can be recommended as an alternative mode of parenteral vitamin delivery. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symmetry and causality in pp‐wave string field theory
Authors: Chu C.‐S.
Published: April 2005

Causality and local commutativity of string fields in the pp‐wave lightcone string field theory is Contrary to the flat space case result, we found that the pp‐wave interaction does not affect the local commutativity condition. Our results show that the pp‐wave lightcone string field theory is discontinous at the flat space limit.
Bottom up meets heterotic strings
Authors: Förste S. , Wingerter A.
Published: April 2005

In this talk we argue that a certain class of heterotic orbifolds can be the underlying fundamental theory for recently studied field theory GUTs. In addition we demonstrate that symmetric heterotic ℤ2 × ℤ2 orbifolds can give rise to three generation models if quantised Wilson lines are switched on.
Konishi anomalies and N = 1 curves
Authors: Landsteiner K.
Published: April 2005

We present a brief summary of exact results on the non‐perturbative effective superpotential of N = 1 supersymmetric gauge theories based on generalized Konishi anomaly equations. In particular we consider theories with classical gauge groups and chiral matter in two‐index tensor representations. All these theories can be embedded into theories with unitary gauge group and adjoint matter. This embedding can be used to derive expressions for the exact non‐perturbative superpotential in terms of the 1/N expansion of the free energy of the related matrix models.
Topological B‐model and $\hat{c}=1$ fermionic strings
Authors: Oz Y.
Published: April 2005

We construct topological B‐model descriptions of $\hat{c}=1$ strings, and corresponding Dijkgraaf‐Vafa type matrix models and quiver gauge theories.
Calibrations for giant gravitons
Authors: Smith D.J.
Published: April 2005

I will describe how calibrations can be extended to the case of non‐static branes coupling to background fluxes, with the example of a giant graviton in type IIB supergravity which can saturate such a bound and preserve supersymmetry.
Semiclassical Bethe ansatz and AdS/CFT
Authors: Zarembo K.
Published: April 2005

The Bethe ansatz can be used to compute anomalous dimensions in 𝒩 = 4 SYM theory. The classical solutions of the sigma‐model on AdS5 × S5 can also be parameterized by an integral equation of Bethe type. The relationship between the two Bethe ansätze is reviewed.
The gauge/gravity correspondence for non‐supersymmetric theories
Authors: Di Vecchia P. , Liccardo A. , Marotta R. , Pezzella F.
Published: April 2005

We review the string construction of the “orientifold field theories” and we show that for these theories the gauge/gravity correspondence is only valid for a large number of colours.
The SU(2|3) spin chain sigma model
Authors: Hernández R. , López E.
Published: April 2005

The one‐loop planar dilatation operator of 𝒩 = 4 supersymmetric Yang‐Mills is isomorphic to the hamiltonian of an integrable PSU(2,2|4) spin chain. We construct the non‐linear sigma model describing the continuum limit of the SU(2|3) subsector of the 𝒩 = 4 chain. We explicitly identify the spin chain sigma model with the one for a superstring moving in AdS5 × S5 with large angular momentum along the five‐sphere.
Heterotic standard model vacua
Authors: Reinbacher R.
Published: April 2005

In this talk I will present a class of heterotic string theory compactifications which lead to four dimensional N = 1 supersymmetric vacua with standard model gauge group SU(3)C × SU(2)L × U(1)Y. I will compute their massless particle spectrum and show that it contains precisely three families of quarks and leptons and a certain number of SU(2) Higgs doublets.
The radion in 5D conformal SUGRA: superspace action
Authors: Paccetti Correia F. , Schmidt M.G. , Tavartkiladze Z.
Published: April 2005

We shortly review our new superfield formalism in the framework of Fujita, Kugo, Ohashi 5D conformal supergravity, in particular with an S1/Z2 orbifold. The radion of the fifth dimension is embedded in two related superfields, a chiral and a general multiplet and is linked to the radion superfield of rigid SUSY. The superspace action of the gauge sector is of the Chern‐Simons type. We also present the superspace action for hypermultiplets and discuss the role of compensators. The presented formalism should be very useful for applications. We demonstrate this for obtaining the RS solution.
A recent explosion protection system failure
Authors: Kaelin David E.
Published: April 2005

This paper discusses a recent dust explosion event within a powder storage hopper protected by an explosion‐suppression system. In this case the system, although activated, failed to prevent overpressurization of the hopper, which failed catastrophically. The suppressant diffuser had been improperly installed and the error was undetected, in spite of numerous system inspections. This case demonstrates some significant weaknesses that can be associated with complex protection systems. Lessons learned included explosion‐suppression systems are not infallible; explosion‐suppression systems must be correctly installed and inspected at installation; and explosion‐suppressant diffusers should be periodically removed and inspected as part of a routine inspection program. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2005
Acute administration of SB‐277011A, NGB 2904, or BP 897 inhibits cocaine cue‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking behavior in rats: Role of dopamine D3 receptors
Authors: Gilbert Jeremy G. , Newman Amy Hauck , Gardner Eliot L. , Ashby Charles R. , Heidbreder Christian A. , Pak Arlene C. , Peng Xiao‐Qing , Xi Zheng‐Xiong
Published: April 2005

Recent studies have shown that the novel dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonists SB‐277011A and NGB 2904 inhibit cocaine‐ and/or stress‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking behavior. The present study sought to determine if SB‐277011A, NGB 2904, or BP‐897 (a mixed D3 agonist/antagonist) similarly inhibit cocaine‐associated cue‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking behavior. Long‐Evans rats were allowed to self‐administer cocaine. Each cocaine infusion was paired with discrete conditioned cue‐light and tone. Subsequently, drug‐seeking (i.e., lever‐pressing) behavior was extinguished in the absence of cocaine and cocaine‐associated cues. Rats were then tested for cue‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking. We found that cocaine‐associated cues evoked robust reinstatement of lever‐pressing. Acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SB‐277011A (6, 12, or 24 mg/kg) produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of cue‐induced reinstatement of drug‐seeking behavior by 35, 65, and 85%, respectively, compared to vehicle‐treated animals. Acute i.p. administration of NGB 2904 (0.1, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg) produced a 45, 30, and 70% inhibition of cue‐induced reinstatement, respectively, compared to vehicle‐treated animals. Acute i.p. administration of either 0.1 or 1 mg/kg of BP 897 did not produce a significant effect on cue‐induced reinstatement, whereas a dose of 3 mg/kg produced a 70% inhibition of cue‐induced reinstatement. These findings, combined with previous data, suggest that DA D3 receptor antagonism may underlie the inhibitory effects of SB‐277011A and NGB 2904 on cocaine cue‐induced reinstatement, while the effects of BP 897 may involve D3 and non‐D3 receptor mechanisms. Synapse 57:17–28, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane potential of rat hepatoma cells in culture: Influence of factors affecting amino acid transport
Authors: Mouat M. F. , Cantrell A. C. , Manchester K. L.
Published: April 2005

The effect has been studied of various media, hormones and of amino acids on the membrane potential of rat hepatoma cells in culture measured by microelectrode impalement. Cells in Eagle's minimal essential medium plus 5% serum had a value which varied daily from about 5–8 mV, inside negative. The membrane potential of rat hepatocytes was measured to be 8.7 ± 0.2mV, inside negative. The membrane potential of the hepatoma cells was decreased by insulin and increased by glucagon. Membrane potential was unaffected by change of medium to Hanks' or Earle's balanced salt solutions or deprivation of serum. It was, however, reduced in cells in phosphate-buffered saline and by reduction of pH. The former effect was shown to be due to the higher [Na+] of phosphat-buffered saline as opposed to the other media. Addition of alanine, glycine, serine, proline and methylaminoisobutyrate all reduced membrane potential by 2–3 mV. Smaller decreases were seen with methionine, leucine and phenylalanine, but none with glutamine, threonine, BCH (2-aminonorborane-2-carboxylic acid) and D-alanine. The results are compared with the effects of similar conditions on aminoisobutyrate uptake. Whilst there was a correlation under some conditions there was not under others. It is concluded that for the hepatoma cells factors additional to the membrane potential must exert some influence on the capacity for amino acid transport.
Hexachlorocyclohexanes affect the arachidonic acid release from phosphatidylinositol but not from other phospholipid classes in tubular cell cultures
Authors: Puente-Fraga J. C. , López-Aparicio P. , Senar S. , Recio M. N. , Pérez-Albarsanz M. A.
Published: April 2005

Gamma- and delta-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane caused marked decreases in the levels of radioactive phospholipids, and increases in the levels of [3H]arachidonate incorporated into free fatty acids in rat renal tubular cells. The increased radioactivity of free fatty acids arises from the decrease of [3H]arachidonate incorporated into phosphatidylinositol, but not into phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylethanolamine. This fact suggests that phosphatidylinositol can be broken down to the fatty acid from the sn-2 position and lysophospholipid by a phospholipase activity increased by hexachlorocyclohexanes. The observed specific toxicant action could be achieved in two ways: (a) operating upon a specific phospholipase A2 that acts on phosphatidylinositol, but not on other phospholipids as substrates and/or (b) involving substrate-phospholipase A2 interactions. Interestingly, the observed effect of the γ-isomer was more pronounced than that of the γ-one.
IR and turbidity studies of vitamin E-cholesterol-phospholipid membrane interactions
Authors: Severcan Feride , Kazanci Nadide , Baykal Ülkü , Süzer Şefik
Published: April 2005

Binary and tertiary mixture of α-tocophenol, cholesterol and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine in the form of multilamellar liposomes were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared and visible spectroscopy. Results of the FTIR and turbidity experiments indicate that α T decreases or diminishes the effect of cholesterol on the frequency and the bandwidth of the C-H stretching, CH2 scissoring and C=O stretching bands in FTIR spectra and the turbidity measurements (recorded as absorbance values at 440 nm) in phospholipid model membranes.
Immunotherapy as an adjunct to surgery in the treatment of cancer
Authors: Eilber Frederick R. , Holmes E. Carmack , Morion Donald L.
Published: April 2005

A review of results obtained from numerous clinical trials of immunotherapy for various histological types of cancer serves to emphasize the many discrepancies in the various protocols. Even so, adjuvant immunotherapy in both man and animals has been shown to be relatively nontoxic and to have systemic activity. Definitive results must await long‐term follow‐up of patients, although in general some therapeutic benefit has been obtained by patients with melanoma and by selected patients with carcinoma of the lung. Adjuvant immunotherapy trials for other types of cancer are still in the preliminary phases. Because therapeutic benefit has not been definitely established, this treatment must be considered highly experimental. Clearly, adjuvant immunotherapy in its present form is not a panacea, but when criteria for methodology, immunologic agents, route, and schedule of administration have been thoroughly identified, it may prove to be a most beneficial adjunctive treatment for selected patients with cancer.
Microlymphaticovenous and resectional surgery in obstructive lymphedema
Authors: O'Brien Bernard Mc C. , Shafiroff Bruce B.
Published: April 2005

In many cases of moderate obstructive lymphedema, there are sufficient lymphatics still remaining at a proximal level in the limb to anastomose them under the operating microscope to small veins, thus bypassing a proximal axillary or inguinal obstruction. Most of the cases reported in this article followed surgical and irradiation treatment of the breast for malignancy, and the majority occurred in the upper limb. The microtechnique of microlymphaticovenous anastomoses is described and a series of 136 patients is analyzed. Preoperative conservative therapy with elevation, stockingette, and pumping are used, but now only for a few days. Lymphangiograms have been found harmful, and this investigation has been discontinued. The usual sites of anastomoses of lymphatics are the medial aspect of the thigh or upper arm. Increasingly, microsurgery is being combined with a segmentai reduction on the outer aspect of the upper arm or thigh. Microlymphaticovenous surgery was performed in 40 patients, and 35 of these were available for follow‐up studies. The patients were assessed post‐operatively on objective and subjective grounds. Two‐thirds of the patients showed a significant reduction of the excess limb volume, and a higher percentage of patients showed encouraging subjective signs of improvement. Twenty‐one patients were not suitable for microlymphaticovenous surgery, and a one‐stage surgical reduction was carried out with a very useful result, although not as natural as that following microlymphaticovenous surgery. Cellulitis was significantly reduced in both groups following this surgery. The ultimate reduction of excess volume was related to age, primary diagnosis, and primary mode of therapy. An adequate result was not obtained in patients in whom only 1 anastomosis was performed, and such procedures are no longer carried out. Regular follow‐up has been performed with volumetric and circumferential measurements, and there have been no major complications of microlymphaticovenous surgery.