bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Studies on the Characterization of Anaplasma marginale Isolated from North American Bison
Authors: KOCAN KATHERINE M. , DE LA FUENTE JOSÉ , GOLSTEYN THOMAS ELIZABETH J. , VAN DEN BUSSCHE RONALD A. , HAMILTON ROBERT G. , TANAKA ELAINE E. , DRUHAN SUSAN E.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Anaplasma marginale (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), a tick‐borne pathogen of cattle, is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Many geographic isolates of A. marginale occur worldwide that have been identified by major surface protein (MSP) 1a, which varies in sequence and molecular weight owing to different numbers of tandem 28‐29 amino acid repeats. Although serologic tests have identified American bison, Bison bison, as being infected with A. marginale, the present studies were undertaken to confirm A. marginale infection in bison, to characterize bison isolates, and to compare the phylogenetic relationship of the bison isolates with other A. marginale isolates from North America. Nine A. marginale isolates derived from Canadian bison possessed identical msp4 sequences with one characteristic silent nucleotide change. The sequence of MSP1a was determined for one Canadian and two U.S. bison isolates of A. marginale, and these isolates contained 4 and 5 tandem repeats, respectively. One U.S. bison isolate tested for infectivity proved to be infective for cattle and transmitted by Dermacentor variabilis ticks. the results of this study demonstrated that these A. marginale isolates obtained from bison were similar to ones derived from naturally infected cattle.
Identification of Antigenic Proteins of a Theileria Species Pathogenic for Small Ruminants in China Recognized by Antisera of Infected Animals
Authors: MIRANDA JOANA , STUMME BARBARA , BEYER DOREEN , CRUZ HELDER , OLIVA ABEL GONZÁLEZ , BAKHEIT MOHAMMED , WICKLEIN DANIEL , YIN HONG , LOU JIANXUN , AHMED JABBAR S. , SEITZER ULRIKE
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The antigenic proteins of the piroplasm stage of Theileria species (China), the causative agent of theilerosis of small ruminants in China, were analyzed by Western blot, revealing several specific immunoreactive proteins of different predicted molecular weights. Furthermore, sera from Theileria species (China)‐infected animals were probed for reactivity with the TaSP protein of T. annulata, for which a homologue has been described in Theileria species (China). Affinity chromatography demonstrated the presence of TaSP‐ reactive antibodies, and the majority of the sera showed reactivity with this protein both in Western blots and in ELISA. The identified parasite antigens and TaSP will be assessed for their suitability for developing diagnostic methods as well as evaluated for their capacity to stimulated host immune competent cells.
Use of a Monoclonal Antibody against Babesia bovis Merozoite Surface Antigen‐2c for the Development of a Competitive ELISA Test
Authors: DOMINGUEZ MARIANA , ZABAL OSVALDO , WILKOWSKY SILVINA , ECHAIDE IGNACIO , TORIONI DE ECHAIDE SUSANA , ASENZO GUSTAVO , RODRÍGUEZ ANABEL , ZAMORANO PATRICIA , FARBER MARISA , SUAREZ CARLOS , FLORIN‐CHRISTENSEN MONICA
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis is a disease that hampers the production of beef and dairy cattle in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. New diagnostic methods based on recombinant antigens constitute valuable biotechnological tools for the strategic control of this disease. We have developed a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay that includes a recombinant form of the merozoite surface antigen‐2c and a novel monoclonal antibody against it. Preliminary results showed that this test is able to identify specific antibodies against B. bovis from experimentally and naturally infected cattle.
Characterization of Excretory/Secretory Antigen from Toxocara vitulorum Larvae
Authors: STARKE‐BUZETTI WILMA A. , FERREIRA FABIANO P.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Toxocara vitulorum is a nematode parasite of the small intestine of cattle and water buffalo, particularly buffalo calves between one and three months of age, causing high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this research was to characterize the excretory/secretory (ES) antigens of T. vitulorum larvae by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and Western blot (WB), using immune sera and colostrum of buffalo naturally infected by T. vitulorum. The parasitological status of the buffalo calves was also evaluated using sequential fecal examinations. The results showed that the ES antigen revealed eight (190, 150, 110, 90, 64, 56, 48, and 19 kDa) protein bands by SDS‐PAGE. The majority of these bands were recognized in the sera and colostrum of infected buffalo with T. vitulorum when analyzed by WB. However, particularly fractions of high molecular weight (190, 150, 110, and 90 kDa) were represented in more prominent bands and persisted in the groups of buffalo calves at the peak of egg output, as well as during the period of rejection of T. vitulorum by the feces of the calves. During the period of post‐rejection of the worms (between the day 118 and 210 of age) the serum antibodies did not react with any protein bands. On the other hand, sera from buffalo calves at one day of age (after suckling the colostrum and at the beginning of infection) reacted with the same bands detected in the serum and colostrum of the buffalo cows.
Gene Discovery in Boophilus microplus, the Cattle Tick: The Transcriptomes of Ovaries, Salivary Glands, and Hemocytes
Authors: DE MIRANDA SANTOS ISABEL K. F. , VALENZUELA JESUS G. , RIBEIRO JOSÉ MARCOS C. , DE CASTRO MARILIA , COSTA JULIANA NARDELLI , COSTA ANA MARIA , DA SILVA EDSON RAMIRO , NETO OLAVO BILAC REGO , ROCHA CLARISSE , DAFFRE SIRLEI , FERREIRA BEATRIZ R. , DA SILVA JOÃO SANTANA , SZABÓ MATIAS PABLO , BECHARA GERVASIO HENRIQUE
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The quest for new control strategies for ticks can profit from high throughput genomics. In order to identify genes that are involved in oogenesis and development, in defense, and in hematophagy, the transcriptomes of ovaries, hemocytes, and salivary glands from rapidly ingurgitating females, and of salivary glands from males of Boophilus microplus were PCR amplified, and the expressed sequence tags (EST) of random clones were mass sequenced. So far, more than 1,344 EST have been generated for these tissues, with approximately 30% novelty, depending on the the tissue studied. To date approximately 760 nucleotide sequences from B. microplus are deposited in the NCBI database. Mass sequencing of partial cDNAs of parasite genes can build up this scant database and rapidly generate a large quantity of useful information about potential targets for immunobiological or chemical control.
Field Challenge of Cattle Vaccinated with a Combined Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina Frozen Immunogen
Authors: ALVAREZ J ANTONIO , RAMOS JUAN A. , ROJAS EDMUNDO E. , MOSQUEDA JUAN J. , VEGA CARLOS A. , OLVERA ANDREA M. , FIGUEROA JULIO V. , CANTÓ GERMINAL J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: To determine the optimal dose of a combined, frozen immunogen containing in vitro culture‐derived strains of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina, twenty‐four 14‐month‐old Bos taurus steers from a Boophilus microplus‐free area in Northern Mexico were used in this experiment. Cattle were randomly allocated into six groups with four animals each, and were intramuscularly inoculated as follows: group 1 (control animals) were administered with normal bovine erythrocytes; group 2 received 1 × 107B. bovis‐ and B. bigemina‐infected erythrocytes as a combined fresh immunogen. Groups 3‐6 were inoculated with a combined frozen immunogen containing (previous to cryopreservation at −196°C) 1 × 107, 5 × 107, 1 × 108, and 5 × 108 infected erythrocytes of each parasite species, respectively. Four months after immunization, principal and control animals were translocated to a bovine babesiosis endemic zone for field challenge. This was carried out by introducing the experimental cattle to tick‐infested pastures for 30 days without ixodicide treatment. Cattle were monitored from day 8 postintroduction to the field (PIF) by recording the manifestation of clinical disease, rectal temperature values (RT), packed cell volume index (PCV), and percent of parasitized erythrocytes (PPE). At challenge, all experimental cattle became infected with both Babesia bovis and B. bigemina. However, except for two animals from group 6, none of the vaccinated animals showed signs of acute clinical babesiosis; therefore, no treatment was instituted. Out of six animals showing acute clinical babesiosis (four group 1 controls and two group 6 vaccinates), two animals (one from each group) died, despite babesiacide treatment, as they manifested classical cerebral babesiosis caused by B. bovis. Regardless of the dose or type of immunogen used (combined fresh or frozen), 90% of vaccinated cattle were determined to be protected against the virulent Babesia sp. field isolates. Nevertheless, by evaluating clinical parameters, such as average of maximum drop in PVC index (28.5%), average duration of parasitemia (3 days for B. bovis; 8.5 days for B. bigemina), and average duration of RT values ≥ 39.5 °C (2 days), animals receiving 1 × 108 infected erythrocytes, as combined frozen immunogen, were more efficaciously protected against challenge with virulent B. bovis and B. bigemina field isolates.
Localisation of human Y-family DNA polymerase κ: relationship to PCNA foci
Authors: Ogi Tomoo , Kannouche Patricia , Lehmann Alan R.
Published: December 2004

DNA polymerases of the Y-family are involved in translesion DNA synthesis past different types of DNA damage. Previous work has shown that DNA polymerases η and ι are localised in replication factories during S phase, where they colocalise one-to-one with PCNA. Cells with factories containing these polymerases accumulate after treatment with DNA damaging agents because replication forks are stalled at sites of damage. We now show that DNA polymerase κ (polκ) has a different localisation pattern. Although, like the other Y-family polymerases, it is exclusively localised in the nucleus, polκ is found in replication foci in only a small proportion of S-phase cells. It does not colocalise in those foci with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the majority of cells. This reduced number of cells with polκ foci, when compared with those containing polη foci, is observed both in untreated cells and in cells treated with hydroxyurea, UV irradiation or benzo[a]pyrene. The C-terminal 97 amino acids of polκ are sufficient for this limited localisation into nuclear foci, and include a C2HC zinc finger, bipartite nuclear localisation signal and putative PCNA binding site.
A preliminary Review of some major options aimed to reduce substantially the fuel consumed by automobiles
Authors: Moss N
Published: December 2004

There is a need to save automotive fuel, not only for the benefit of personal budgets but also from a national budget and atmospheric pollution viewpoint. Nine different proposals are reviewed and their evaluation includes seven important properties besides fuel reduction. Each property is given a points maximum and an award is made according to what is considered to be achieved in every proposal. Totals are given for each case for the purpose of comparison. The table is found to award the highest merit points to some of the simplest proposals. Highest rating of all is earned by a simple regenerative compressor. A recent new design and tests reveal a far greater potential for this compressor than previously thought possible and the prototype after development for only 3 months already works suffi ciently well to offer what appears to be the best solution. A non-dimensional graph comparing various traditional regenerative pumps with the latest designs reveal an advance that dwarfs the performance of previous traditional machines. These traditional regenerative compressors had been too bulky for serious consideration in supercharging vehicle engines. In 1968, however, Herbert Sixsmith introduced radical changes to the usual design that made very significant improvements. The new design has created a much more compact compressor which also features variable specific flow that covers the complete range of operation, rendering the usual throttle valve superfluous. It now seems that the regenerative compressor having spent a century or more in a quite backwater, because of this new development, is now ready to play a major role in tomorrow's automotive and other technology.
Welfare state effects on social capital and informal solidarity in the European Union: evidence from the 1999/2000 European Values Study
Authors: Oorschot Wim van , Arts Wil , Halman Loek
Published: December 2004

English

This article tests whether state-organised solidarity substitutes social capital and informal solidarity, based on recent data from the European Values Study. At country level, we find that welfare spending has a reinforcing effect on social capital and a negative substitution effect on informal solidarity. At the individual level, there is also evidence for a substitution effect, since informal solidarity is lower among people who live in countries that spend more on social protection. In addition, there is evidence of a ‘national burden’ effect, since informal solidarity is lower among people who live in countries with an older population, with higher unemployment, and with a higher percentage of immigrants.
Frequency of Infective Endocarditis Among Infants and Children With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Valente Anne Marie , Jain Rajiv , Scheurer Mark , Fowler Vance G. , Corey G. Ralph , Bengur A. Resai , Sanders Stephen , Li Jennifer S.
Published: December 2004

Purpose. The prevalence of infective endocarditis (IE) among children with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine prospectively the prevalence of IE among pediatric patients with SAB in a large tertiary care center.

Methods. Between July 1998 and June 2001, all children who developed SAB whose parent/guardian signed informed consent underwent echocardiography. Clinical and follow-up results were collected prospectively. Endocarditis was classified according to the modified Duke criteria.

Results. Fifty-one children developed SAB during the study interval. Definite (6 patients [11.8%]) or possible (4 patients [7.8%]) IE was present in 10 of 51 (20%) children with SAB. Most children (73%) developed bacteremia as a consequence of an infected intravascular device. Children with underlying congenital heart disease had a significantly higher prevalence of definite or possible IE, compared with those with structurally normal hearts (53% vs 3%). All patients with definite IE had multiple positive blood cultures. Mortality was high among patients with and without IE (40% vs 12%).

Conclusions. In this study, the prevalence of definite IE among children with SAB was ∼12% and was frequently associated with congenital heart disease and multiple positive blood cultures. The mortality for children with SAB and definite or possible S aureus IE is high.
Using Web‐based Bookmarks in K–8 Settings: Linking the Internet to Instruction
Authors: Forbes Leighann S.
Published: December 2004

This article (a) explains why teachers should use the Internet as a component of instruction, (b) identifies difficulties that at‐risk learners have using Internet resources, and (c) recommends use of Web‐based bookmarks as a strategy for linking Internet content to instruction. Through concrete examples, it describes how Web‐based bookmarks can be used to support reading instruction in kindergarten through eighth grade, and how they can provide structure and content for students with special needs. The article illustrates the value of Web‐based bookmarking as a tool for integrating technology with the classroom, increasing teacher collaboration, adopting a new pedagogy for information delivery, and promoting information literacy among all learners.
Shifts in the Conversation: Teacher‐led, Peer‐led, and Computer‐mediated Discussions
Authors: Gambrell Linda B.
Published: December 2004

Rsearch and classroom implementation of computer‐mediated discussion of text are providing new insights about discussion and learning and are raising issues of great importance about how discussion can lead students toward a better understanding of text.
What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Comprehension
Authors: Pardo Laura S.
Published: December 2004

This article presents a model of comprehension to support classroom teachers as they engage their students in making meaning from text. Four areas contribute to the comprehension process: the reader, the context, the text, and the transaction, which is described as the intersection of the reader and text situated within a specific context. This model is used to describe research‐based, practical applications for teachers as they provide support for comprehension in grades K–6. Teachers support the reader by teaching decoding skills, helping children build fluency, building and activating students' background knowledge, teaching vocabulary skills, motivating students, and engaging students in personal response to text. Teachers support the text by teaching text structures, modeling appropriate text selection, and providing regular independent reading time. Teachers create and support a sociocultural context that values reading and writing, contains a wide variety of texts, allows students to take risks, and provides time for reading aloud independently. Teachers support transaction by providing explicit instruction of comprehension strategies, teaching children to monitor and repair, using multiple strategy approaches, scaffolding support, and making reading and writing connections visible to students.
A Whole‐Class Support Model for Early Literacy: The Anna Plan
Authors: Miles Pamela A. , Stegle Kathy W. , Hubbs Karen G. , Henk William A. , Mallette Marla H.
Published: December 2004

The Anna Plan is a unique delivery model for enhancing schoolwide literacy instruction in the primary grades. Based on the principles of Reading Recovery and Four Blocks literacy instruction, it provides supplementary reading instruction through the distinctive use of teaching staff. Over six years, it has resulted in sweeping changes in the way literacy instruction occurs as well as noteworthy increases in children's reading abilities. This article gives a brief history of the authors' work within the Anna Plan, explains each of the model's seven tenets, and describes the research base that drives it. The focal point of the article is the detailed description of the organization and components of the five‐day framework used to augment classroom reading and writing instruction. Finally, the authors recount how the Anna Plan has been embraced by two elementary schools and offer some conclusions about what contributes to the success of whole‐class support models for early literacy.
Helping Students Become Accurate, Expressive Readers: Fluency Instruction for Small Groups
Authors: Kuhn Melanie
Published: December 2004

Effective approaches to fluency instruction should facilitate automatic and accurate word recognition as well as the ability to read with expression. The study reported in this article focused on instructional approaches that can be used with small groups of learners within a broader literacy curriculum, one that is suitable for flexible grouping. It also explored the relationship between fluent reading and comprehension. Twenty‐four struggling second‐grade readers were selected to take part in the interventions. The research evaluated two approaches for assisting learners who were making the transition to fluent reading: a modified repeated reading approach, and a scaffolded wide‐reading approach in which learners read equivalent amounts of text without the use of repetition. A listening‐only group, designed to serve as a Hawthorne control, and a control group were also included. Results indicate that the students in the wide‐reading and repeated reading groups demonstrated growth in terms of word recognition in isolation, prosody, and correct words per minute, and that the wide‐reading group also demonstrated growth in terms of comprehension. Suggestions for integrating these approaches with the literacy curriculum are discussed.
Searching for Lessons of Mass Instruction? Try Reading Strategy Continuums
Authors: Cooter Robert B. , Mathews Barbara , Thompson Susan , Cooter Kathleen S.
Published: December 2004

In an effort to bring consistency to reading instruction and supplement core reading programs, many urban‐school leaders search for what the authors describe as “lessons of mass instruction.” These are clear and concise structures that help teachers across a school or school district develop a common understanding of evidence‐based teaching practices. Such lessons may take the form of rubrics or reading strategy continuums that have agreed upon benchmark teaching behaviors and materials.
The Suzuki Coupling of Aryl Chlorides under Microwave Heating
Authors: Bedford Robin B. , Butts Craig P. , Hurst Timothy E. , Lidström Pelle
Published: December 2004

Simple, inexpensive catalysts formed in situ from tricyclohexylphosphine and palladium acetate or a phosphite‐based palladacycle show unprecedented activity in the Suzuki coupling of deactivated, non‐activated and activated aryl chloride substrates under microwave heating.
An N‐C‐N Pincer Palladium Complex as an Efficient Catalyst Precursor for the Heck Reaction
Authors: Takenaka Kazuhiro , Uozumi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2004

The Heck reaction of iodobenzene and methyl acrylate took place smoothly in NMP at 140 °C in the presence of 1 mol ppb of the pincer palladium complex [4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐bis{(3R,7aS)‐2‐phenylhexahydro‐1H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐c]imidazole‐1‐on‐3‐yl}phenyl]chloropalladium to give methyl cinnamate which corresponds to 520×106 TON and 6500/sec TOF.
N‐Arylation of Benzimidazole with Arylboronate, Boroxine and Boronic Acids. Acceleration with an Optimal Amount of Water
Authors: Nishiura Katsutoshi , Urawa Yoshio , Soda Shigeru
Published: December 2004

The coupling of benzimidazole 1 with arylboronate, boroxine, and boronic acids is accelerated efficiently by the addition of an optimal amount of water. This coupling reaction proceeds in nearly quantitative yield at 30 °C under an atmosphere of air within 24 hours. Under these conditions, the reaction tolerates both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents at the ortho‐, meta, or para‐positions of the phenylboronic acid.
Application of solid‐phase concentration‐dependent HSDM to the acid dye adsorption system
Authors: Lee Vinci K. C. , Porter John F. , McKay Gordon , Mathews Alexander P.
Published: December 2004

The fixed‐bed adsorption of acid dyes onto granular activated carbon (Chemviron Filtrasorb 400) has been studied using a homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM). The model incorporates the external boundary layer mass transport and homogeneous diffusion inside the particle. A new orthogonal collocation method has been developed and used to solve the diffusion equations. This orthogonal collocation gives a faster solution method compared with the numerical Crank–Nicolson method. The surface diffusivity has been determined by an optimization procedure with minimization of sum of the error squared. The equilibrium relationship between the liquid‐phase concentration and the solid‐phase concentration has been described by the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. A solid‐phase concentration‐dependent surface diffusivity was introduced. The Darken model with the Redlich–Peterson isotherm was found to be a suitable correlation model for the adsorption of the acid dyes on carbon. The magnitude of the averaged Ds0 of each dye is in the order of AR114 > AB80 > AY117, which implies that, under the same solid‐phase concentration gradient, the rate of mass transport diffusion is higher in AR114 than that in AB80 and AY117. This phenomenon may be explained by the different mobilities of the dye molecules present in the solution by the different arrangements of two sulfonic acid groups in the dye structures. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 323‐332, 2005
Ocular phenotypes of three genetic variants of Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Héon Elise , Westall Carol , Carmi Rivka , Elbedour Khalil , Panton Carole , MacKeen Leslie , Stone Edwin M. , Sheffield Val C.
Published: December 2004

Bardet–Biedl syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous multisystem disorder that causes severe visual impairment. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), hypogonadism, digit and renal anomalies, obesity, and a variable degree of mental retardation characterize the disorder. Eight different loci have been identified on 2q31(BBS5), 3p13 (BBS3), 4q27 (BBS7), 11q13 (BBS1), 14q32 (BBS8), 15q22.3 (BBS4), 16q21 (BBS2), and 20p12 (BBS6). The ocular manifestations of Bardet–Biedl syndrome include an early and severe rod‐cone dystrophy causing legal blindness in the second decade. Features of systemic phenotypic variability were proposed to distinguish patients mapped to either the BBS2, BBS3, or BBS4 loci but no phenotype–genotype correlation has been established for the ocular phenotype. We studied the three original families used for the identification of BBS2, BBS3, and BBS4 loci to define the ocular phenotypes of patients (n = 34) and obligate carriers (n = 32) using clinical examination and electroretinography (ERG). RP was severe and early in all cases. Myopia was associated with BBS3 and BBS4, but not BBS2. One patient with Bardet–Biedl syndrome also had iris and chorioretinal colobomata, features suggestive of Biemond syndrome. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stilbene‐Based Inhibitors of Estrone Sulfatase with a Dual Mode of Action in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Walter Georg , Liebl Renate , von Angerer Erwin
Published: December 2004

Estrone sulfate (E1S) is an endogenous prodrug that delivers estrone and, subsequently, estradiol to target cells, after hydrolysis by the enzyme estrone sulfatase, which is active in various tissues including hormone‐dependent breast cancer. Blockade of this enzyme should reduce the estrogen level in breast cancer cells and prevent hormonal growth stimulation. In this study, a number of sulfamoyloxy‐substituted stilbenes with side chains that guarantee antiestrogenic activity were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of estrone sulfatase. They inhibited this enzyme in human MDA‐MB 231 breast cancer cells, with IC50 values in the submicromolar range. The effects of both the free hydroxy derivatives and the sulfamates on gene activation were determined in transfected MCF‐7/2a breast cancer cells stimulated either with estradiol or with estrone sulfate. The analysis of data revealed a dual mode of action of the majority of compounds. They blocked gene expression by inhibition of estrone sulfatase and by antiestrogenic action. This pharmacological profile was also observed in assays on antiproliferative activity. The most potent derivative 8g inhibited the growth of wild‐type human MCF‐7 cells with an IC50 value of 13 nM.
Recovery of periodontopathogenic bacteria from embalmed human cadavers
Authors: Wood Nelson , Johnson Roger B.
Published: December 2004

There is recent interest in recovery of periodontopathogenic bacteria from arterial and bronchial tissues to identify a link between periodontal and cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. This interest could provide a useful clinical correlation exercise for gross anatomy. Our objective was to perform a feasibility study to determine whether these bacteria could be recovered from two sites within eight (4 dentate, 4 edentulous) human embalmed cadavers from an anatomical dissection laboratory. Bacterial samples were collected from the right coronary artery and the right superior secondary bronchus and assayed for the presence and concentrations of the DNA of A. actinomycetemcomitans, E. corrodens, C. rectus, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum. Frequencies were compared using a Kruskal‐Wallis H‐test. Correlations between the presence of teeth, bacterial species, and site were determined by a Spearman's rho correlation test. A. actinomycetemcomitans and B. forsythus frequencies were different between the sites in edentulous subjects (P < 0.05); the frequency of B. forsythus was different in dentate and edentulous subjects at the bronchus site (P < 0.05). Numerous significant correlations were identified between strains of bacteria, site, and presence of teeth. Thus, it is possible for the DNA of periodontopathogenic bacteria to be recovered from human embalmed cadavers. Collection and identification of these bacteria from these cadavers could be a useful clinical correlation exercise for dental students in a gross anatomy class. Clin. Anat. 18:64–67, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Twelve maxims for creating and sustaining a successful e‐learning enterprise
Authors: Olliver James
Published: December 2004

E‐learning programs bring new challenges and opportunities to community colleges. This chapter identifies twelve maxims for developing and sustaining a successful program, and illustrates the ways in which one community college has applied them.
Institutional issues when distance learning joins the mainstream
Authors: Sachs Steven G.
Published: December 2004

Distance learning began as an institutional innovation, but as the field matures it faces challenges in finding its place in the community college mainstream. This chapter describes the best practices that helped the Extended Learning Institute at Northern Virginia Community College evolve into a mature distance learning program that is successfully integrated into the institution.
Instructional and work life issues for distance learning faculty
Authors: Hardy Kimberly P. , Bower Beverly L.
Published: December 2004

As community college faculty become more involved with online courses, questions are emerging about pedagogy, workload, intellectual property, and a number of other issues. This chapter examines how the online environment has affected faculty work life.
Meeting the next phase of challenges
Authors: Foster Lenoar
Published: December 2004

Community colleges face a variety of challenges as they seek to expand innovative and effective uses of technology. This chapter discusses questions that must be answered as colleges move into the next phase of distance education.
Recent advances in polymeric monolithic stationary phases for electrochromatography in capillaries and chips
Authors: Bedair Mohamed , El Rassi Ziad
Published: December 2004

This review article summarizes the advances made over the last two years in polymeric monoliths for capillary electrochromatography (CEC). It covers the scientific literature in the period extending form the second half of 2002 until the end of first half of 2004. Currently, there is an increasing interest in monolithic stationary phases in CEC as an alternative to particulate packed capillary columns due in major part to the simplicity of the in situ preparation of monolithic stationary phases and the availability of a wide chemistry for surface ligands, which allow for tailoring the chromatographic sorbent needed for solving a given separation problem(s). The various approaches, formats, and chemistries used for the preparation of monolithic stationary phases are described.
Connective tissue growth factor causes persistent proα2(I) collagen gene expression induced by transforming growth factor‐β in a mouse fibrosis model
Authors: Chujo Sonoko , Shirasaki Fumiaki , Kawara Shigeru , Inagaki Yutaka , Kinbara Takuro , Inaoki Makoto , Takigawa Masaharu , Takehara Kazuhiko
Published: December 2004

Skin fibrotic disorders such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) are characterized by an excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and understood to develop under the influence of certain growth factors. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cysteine‐rich mitogenic peptide that is implicated in various fibrotic disorders and induced in fibroblasts after activation with transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). To better understand the mechanisms of persistent fibrosis seen in SSc, we previously established an animal model of skin fibrosis induced by exogenous application of growth factors. In this model, TGF‐β transiently induced subcutaneous fibrosis and serial injections of CTGF after TGF‐β caused persistent fibrosis. To further define the mechanisms of skin fibrosis induced by TGF‐β and CTGF in vivo, we investigated in this study, the effects of growth factors on the promoter activity of the proα2 (I) collagen (COL1A2) gene in skin fibrosis. For this purpose, we utilized transgenic reporter mice harboring the −17 kb promoter sequence of the mouse COL1A2 linked to either a firefly luciferase gene or a bacterial β‐galactosidase gene. Serial injections of CTGF after TGF‐β resulted in a sustained elevation of COL1A2 mRNA expression and promoter activity compared with consecutive injection of TGF‐β alone on day 8. We also demonstrated that the number of fibroblasts with activated COL1A2 transcription was increased by serial injections of CTGF after TGF‐β in comparison with the injection of TGF‐β alone. Furthermore, the serial injections recruited mast cells and macrophages. The number of mast cells reached a maximum on day 4 and remained relatively high up to day 8. In contrast to the kinetics of mast cells, the number of macrophages was increased on day 4 and continued to rise during the subsequent consecutive CTGF injections until day 8. These results suggested that CTGF maintains TGF‐β‐induced skin fibrosis by sustaining COL1A2 promoter activation and increasing the number of activated fibroblasts. The infiltrated mast cells and macrophages may also contribute to the maintenance of fibrosis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
cAMP perturbs inter‐sertoli tight junction permeability barrier in vitro via its effect on proteasome‐sensitive ubiquitination of occludin
Authors: Lui Wing Yee , Lee Will M.
Published: December 2004

Throughout spermatogenesis, inter‐Sertoli tight junctions (TJs) that constitute the blood‐testis barrier must be disassembled and reassembled to permit the timely movement of preleptotene and leptotene spermatocytes from the basal to the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. However, the mechanism and the participating molecules that regulate the bioavailability of TJ proteins are entirely unknown. Using Sertoli cell culture, it was shown that there was an increase in occludin level, concomitant with a reduction of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, Itch, at the time when inter‐Sertoli TJs were assembled. By co‐immunoprecipitation, occludin was shown to associate with Itch at the TJs. A novel interaction between Itch and UBC4 (an ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme) was identified. When TJs were disrupted by dibutyryl‐cAMP (db‐cAMP), an increase in protein levels of Itch and UBC4 along with a significant reduction in endogenous occludin was detected. These results seemingly suggest that the interaction of Itch and UBC4 on occludin is potentially involved in regulating Sertoli TJ dynamics. Addition of a proteasome inhibitor, MG‐132, into Sertoli cells cultured with db‐cAMP blocked the db‐cAMP‐induced occludin loss in vitro. Accumulations of ubiquitin‐conjugated and Itch‐conjugated occludin were detected in Sertoli cells cultured in the presence of both MG‐132 and db‐cAMP. These results suggest that MG‐132 prevented db‐cAMP‐induced TJ disruption by altering the rate of occludin degradation. Taken collectively, the results reported herein support the notion that db‐cAMP‐induced TJ disruption was mediated by an induction of Itch protein expression, which in turn triggered the ubiquitination of occludin resulting in TJ disruption. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel function of benzyl isothiocyanate in vascular smooth muscle cells: The role of ERK1/2, cell cycle regulation, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9
Authors: Lee Jin‐Young , Moon Sung‐Kwon , Hwang Cher‐Won , Nam Kyung‐Soo , Kim Yeon‐Kye , Yoon Ho‐Dong , Kim Min‐Gon , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: December 2004

Dietary isothiocyanates (ITCs) have shown protective effects against certain chemically induced cancers in animal models. These inhibitory effects are associated with reduced levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activity and the arrest of the G1 cell cycle. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) treatment down‐regulates cyclins and CDKs and up‐regulates the expression of the CDK inhibitor p21, but up‐regulation of p27 or p53 was not detected. Since antiatherogenic effects are not needed for antiproliferation, we determined whether BITC exerted inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity in TNF‐α‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). BITC inhibited TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 secretion in VSMC in a dose dependent manner. This inhibition was characterized by the down‐regulation of MMP‐9, which is transcriptionally regulated at the NF‐κB site, and the activation protein‐1 (AP‐1) site in the MMP‐9 promoter. These findings indicate that BITC is an effective agent for inhibiting cell proliferation, the G1 to S phase cell cycle progress, and MMP‐9 expression through the transcription factors NF‐κB and AP‐1 in TNF‐α‐induced VSMC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural study on human placenta from intrauterine growth retardation cases
Authors: Battistelli Michela , Burattini Sabrina , Pomini Francesco , Scavo Maria , Caruso Alessandro , Falcieri Elisabetta
Published: December 2004

A morphological study was performed on 27 human placentas from normal gestations (Group 1) and compared with those from eight cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (Group 2). Semithin section light microscopy, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out on trophoblastic terminal villi, carefully identified under the stereomicroscope. In growth retardation cases, villi appear longer, thinner, and less vascularized, compared to the normal condition. Fibrinoid, an extracellular material of hematic origin, frequently fills villar stroma. The density of apical microvilli appears considerably reduced and occasional microvilli‐free areas are observed in growth retardation cases. Moreover, the underlying basal membrane appears significantly thicker than that of normal syncytiotrophoblast. Recently, particular attention has been paid to apoptosis as a possible cell deletion mechanism in growth restriction. In our study, a majority of typical apoptotic features appear indifferently in both IUGR and normal pregnancy. Our data hints that growth retardation might be correlated with a complex of structural changes, suggestive of maternofetal traffic downregulation, but further studies are required to understand the underlying functional mechanisms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:150–158, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in the Vif protein of HIV‐1 associated with the development of resistance to inhibitors of viral protease
Authors: Adekale Melanie A. , Cane Patricia A. , McCrae Malcolm A.
Published: December 2004

The protease (PR) and virus infectivity factor (vif) gene sequences of a cohort of HIV‐1 infected patients showing evidence of developing protease inhibitor (PI) resistance whilst undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been determined. The PR sequences showed the presence of the classical mutations associated with resistance to PIs. The sequence of the Vif protein showed less variation in samples from PI treated patients than in specimens prepared from treatment‐naïve patients. In addition a number of amino acid positions within Vif showed highly significant preferences for a particular amino acid in the PI‐treated cohort compared to the untreated control cohort. J. Med. Virol. 75:195–201, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HCV and HIV co‐infection in pregnant women attending St. Camille Medical Centre in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Simpore J. , Ilboudo D. , Samandoulougou A. , Guardo P. , Castronovo P. , Musumeci Salvatore
Published: December 2004

Five hundred and forty‐seven pregnant women with less than 32 weeks of amenorrhoea, attending an antenatal clinic of St. Camille Medical Centre (SCMC) of Ouagadougou were enrolled for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co‐infection study. Fifty‐eight (10.6%) were HIV positive and 18 (3.3%) were anti‐HCV positive. Only seven pregnant women (i.e., 1.3%) had a documented HIV and HCV co‐infection. HCV‐RNA was found in 5 out of 18 (27.8%) patients, who had anti‐HCV antibodies. The genotype analysis of these five patients showed that two were of 1b whereas three were of 2a genotype. Mother‐to‐infant transmission of the same HCV genotype (2a) was documented in only one case. High 1b prevalence has been reported in other parts of Africa, while 2a is the prevalent genotype (60%) in Burkina Faso. This genotype has a higher response rate to treatment. Serum transaminases were normal, also in presence of HCV‐RNA. The higher than expected rate of co‐infection in Burkina Faso seems to demonstrate a correlation between these two infections, which could influence the evolution of HIV and HCV diseases. J. Med. Virol. 75:209–212, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotype characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis B virus isolates from Iranian patients
Authors: Amini‐Bavil‐Olyaee Samad , Sarrami‐Forooshani Ramin , Mahboudi Fereidoun , Sabahi Farzaneh , Adeli Ahmad , Noorinayer Babak , Azizi Mohammad , Reza Zali Mohammad
Published: December 2004

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causative agents of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide and is believed to be responsible for a million deaths annually. Eight genotypes of HBV, A to H, have been described on the basis of similarity of the complete genomes sequence. Although, it is reported that the predominant HBV genotype in the Mediterranean area and the middle east is genotype D, there are no reports on HBV genotypes prevalent in Iran. In this study, the C and S regions of HBV from 26 chronic hepatitis B Iranian patients were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Iranian HBV isolates sequences were classified into genotype D with bootstrap values of 100%, 73%, and 100% (1,000 replicates each) for S, C, and preS2 regions, respectively. The mean percent intra‐distance of S and C regions were 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively. The mean percent inter‐distance of S and C regions between Iranians and genotype D isolates were 1.7% and 3.0%, respectively, and the range of mean percent nucleotide distance of S and C regions between Iranians and the other reference isolates were 7.9%–17.5% and 4.8%–14.7%, respectively. Thirteen out of 23 HBV C region sequences showed nucleotide “A” at position 1896 (precore mutant) in C region. Nucleotide 1858 showed presence of “T” in all isolates. No insertion or deletion was found in both regions. SimPlot and BootScanning analyses did not show any recombination between Iranian isolates and other genotypes in both regions. J. Med. Virol. 75:227–234, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
All CVB serotypes and clinical isolates induce irreversible cytopathic effects in primary cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ahn Jeonghyun , Joo Chul Hyun , Seo Ilsun , Kim DongHou , Kim Yoo Kyum , Lee Heuiran
Published: December 2004

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) has been identified as a major causative agent of acute and chronic myocarditis, but the involvement of other CVB serotypes in myocarditis has not been investigated. To dissect the pathological properties of different CVB serotypes toward primary cardiomyocytes, we tested their effects on primary cardiomyocyte cultures from neonatal rats. Morphological abnormalities were examined by both light and fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33342 staining, and loss of cell viability was estimated by MTT assay. All six CVB serotypes showed a similar degree of severe toxicity toward primary cardiomyocytes. CVB clinical isolates had cytopathic effects (CPEs) similar to those of their respective CVB reference strains. Within 1–2 days of infection with multiplicities of infection MOI 50, the cells began to experience morphological changes including cell shrinkage, rounding‐up, and slight nuclear condensation. The irreversible loss of cell viability was readily observed within 3–5 days following virus infection. These results suggest that all six CVB serotypes induce direct, irreversible toxicity towards cardiomyocytes, which eventually leads to the death of infected cells. These findings indicate that the variations in CVB serotype are not the limiting factor determining the susceptibility of cardiomyocytes to CVB infection. J. Med. Virol. 75:290–294, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neudesin, a novel secreted protein with a unique primary structure and neurotrophic activity
Authors: Kimura Ikuo , Yoshioka Masazumi , Konishi Morichika , Miyake Ayumi , Itoh Nobuyuki
Published: December 2004

We identified a novel secreted protein and named it neudesin. Mouse neudesin of 171 amino acids is unique with no primary structural similarity to any known proteins. The neudesin protein produced in cultured cells was secreted efficiently into the culture medium. Mouse neudesin mRNA was expressed abundantly in the developing brain and spinal cord in embryos, but was expressed widely in postnatal tissues including brain, heart, lung, and kidney. Mouse neudesin mRNA was expressed in neurons but not glial cells of the brain. The protein exhibited significant neurotrophic activity in primary cultured mouse neurons but not mitogenic activity in primary cultured mouse astrocytes. Neudesin activated the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) and phosphatidylinositol‐3 (PI‐3) kinase pathways. The activity of neudesin was inhibited by the inhibitor pertussis toxin for Gi/Go‐protein but not by inhibitors for receptor tyrosine kinases. These results indicated that the activity was mediated via the activation of the MAP and PI‐3 kinase pathways, potentially by the activation of a Gi/Go‐protein‐coupled receptor. Human neudesin of 172 amino acids with high similarity (∼91% identity) to mouse neudesin was also identified. The human neudesin gene was mapped to chromosome 1p33. The identification of neudesin, a novel secreted protein with a unique primary structure and neurotrophic activity, will provide new insights into the development and maintenance of neurons. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymmetric salt effects on anion/cation reactions: A comparative study of the [Fe(CN)6]4− + [Co(NH3)5pz]3+ and [Ru(NH3)5pz]2+ + [Co(C2O4)3]3− reactions
Authors: Muriel F. , de la Vega R. , Sánchez F. , Jiménez R. , Prado‐Gotor R. , Pérez F. , Pérez‐Tejeda P.
Published: December 2004

The kinetics of electron transfer reactions between [Fe(CN)6]4− and [Co(NH3)5pz]3+ and between [Ru(NH3)5pz]2+ and [Co(C2O4)3]3− was studied in concentrated salt solutions (Na2SO4, LiNO3, and Ca(NO3)2). An analysis of the experimental kinetic data, kobs, permits us to obtain the true (unimolecular) electron transfer rate constants corresponding to the true electron transfer process (precursor complex → successor complex), ket. The variations of both, kobs and ket, with salt concentrations are opposite for these reactions. These opposite tendencies can be rationalized by using the Marcus–Hush treatment for electron transfer reactions. The conclusion is that the negative salt effect found for the first reaction ([Fe(CN)6]4− + [Co(NH3)5pz]3+) is due to the increase of the reaction and reorganization free energies when the concentration of salt increases. In the case of the second reaction ([Ru(NH3)5pz]2+ + [Co(C2O4)3]3−), the positive salt effect observed is caused by the fact that the driving force becomes more favorable when the concentration of salt increases. Thus, it is shown that for anion/cation electron transfer reactions the kinetic salt effect depends on the charge sign of the oxidant (and the reductant). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 81–89, 2005