bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fundamental flaw in obesity research
Authors: Winkler J. T.
Published: July 2005

The basic problem with comparative diet trials is our inability to measure what people eat. All conventional instruments depend on subjects’ reports. Most trials lack independent biochemical, physiological or genetic measures of intake. So, we do not know if subjects actually follow the diets being tested and compared. We can assess weight gain/loss, but we fail in a fundamental scientific requirement, accurately measuring the independent variable in a causal experiment. Worse, we know most subjects under‐report their energy intake and its components, the obese especially. The problem is compounded by attempts to show diets’ effects on other risk factors, like triglycerides. Researchers seek to correlate two variables, without having accurately measured one of them, producing misleading associations. The consequence is we do not know if the results of any current diet trials are valid or reliable. Developing rigorous measures of food intake is the highest priority in obesity research. That involves improvements in technology as well as science. We need: (1) biomarkers of intake for energy, macro‐ and micro‐nutrients and other food components relevant to weight gain/loss; (2) field measuring instruments that are cheap, rapid, painless, non‐intrusive and self‐administerable; and (3) electronic data transmission systems that preclude subjects’ ability to misreport.
Safety of low‐carbohydrate diets
Authors: Crowe T. C.
Published: July 2005

Low‐carbohydrate diets have re‐emerged into the public spotlight and are enjoying a high degree of popularity as people search for a solution to the population's ever‐expanding waistline. The current evidence though indicates that low‐carbohydrate diets present no significant advantage over more traditional energy‐restricted diets on long‐term weight loss and maintenance. Furthermore, a higher rate of adverse side‐effects can be attributed to low‐carbohydrate dieting approaches. Short‐term efficacy of low‐carbohydrate diets has been demonstrated for some lipid parameters of cardiovascular risk and measures of glucose control and insulin sensitivity, but no studies have ascertained if these effects represent a change in primary outcome measures. Low‐carbohydrate diets are likely effective and not harmful in the short term and may have therapeutic benefits for weight‐related chronic diseases although weight loss on such a program should be undertaken under medical supervision. While new commercial incarnations of the low‐carbohydrate diet are now addressing overall dietary adequacy by encouraging plenty of high‐fibre vegetables, fruit, low‐glycaemic‐index carbohydrates and healthier fat sources, this is not the message that reaches the entire public nor is it the type of diet adopted by many people outside of the world of a well‐designed clinical trial. Health effects of long‐term ad hoc restriction of inherently beneficial food groups without a concomitant reduction in body weight remains unanswered.
Conjugated linoleic acid evokes de‐lipidation through the regulation of genes controlling lipid metabolism in adipose and liver tissue
Authors: House R. L. , Cassady J. P. , Eisen E. J. , McIntosh M. K. , Odle J.
Published: July 2005

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a unique lipid that elicits dramatic reductions in adiposity in several animal models when included at ≤ 1% of the diet. Despite a flurry of investigations, the precise mechanisms by which conjugated linoleic acid elicits its dramatic effects in adipose tissue and liver are still largely unknown. In vivo and in vitro analyses of physiological modifications imparted by conjugated linoleic acid on protein and gene expression suggest that conjugated linoleic acid exerts its de‐lipidating effects by modulating energy expenditure, apoptosis, fatty acid oxidation, lipolysis, stromal vascular cell differentiation and lipogenesis. The purpose of this review shall be to examine the recent advances and insights into conjugated linoleic acid's effects on obesity and lipid metabolism, specifically focused on changes in gene expression and physiology of liver and adipose tissue.
Fractal and Fourier analysis of the hepatic sinusoidal network in normal and cirrhotic rat liver
Authors: Gaudio Eugenio , Chaberek Slawomir , Montella Andrea , Pannarale Luigi , Morini Sergio , Novelli Gilnardo , Borghese Federica , Conte Davide , Ostrowski Kazimierz
Published: July 2005

The organization of the hepatic microvascular network has been widely studied in recent years, especially with regard to cirrhosis. This research has enabled us to recognize the distinctive vascular patterns in the cirrhotic liver, compared with the normal liver, which may explain the cause of liver dysfunction and failure. The aim of this study was to compare normal and cirrhotic rat livers by means of a quantitative mathematical approach based on fractal and Fourier analyses performed on photomicrographs and therefore on discriminant analysis. Vascular corrosion casts of livers belonging to the following three experimental groups were studied by scanning electron microscopy: normal rats, CCl4‐induced cirrhotic rats and cirrhotic rats after ligation of the bile duct. Photomicrographs were taken at a standard magnification; these images were used for the mathematical analysis. Our experimental design found that use of these different analyses reaches an efficiency of over 94%. Our analyses demonstrated a higher complexity of the normal hepatic sinusoidal network in comparison with the cirrhotic network. In particular, the morphological changes were more marked in the animals with bile duct‐ligation cirrhosis compared with animals with CCl4‐induced cirrhosis. The present findings based on fractal and Fourier analysis could increase our understanding of the pathophysiological alterations of the liver, and may have a diagnostic value in future clinical research.
Tissue‐plastinated vs. celloidin‐embedded large serial sections in video, analog and digital photographic on‐screen reproduction: a preliminary step to exact virtual 3D modelling, exemplified in the normal midface and cleft‐lip and palate
Authors: Landes Constantin A. , Weichert Frank , Geis Philipp , Wernstedt Katrin , Wilde Anja , Fritsch Helga , Wagner Mathias
Published: July 2005

This study analyses tissue‐plastinated vs. celloidin‐embedded large serial sections, their inherent artefacts and aptitude with common video, analog or digital photographic on‐screen reproduction. Subsequent virtual 3D microanatomical reconstruction will increase our knowledge of normal and pathological microanatomy for cleft‐lip‐palate (clp) reconstructive surgery. Of 18 fetal (six clp, 12 control) specimens, six randomized specimens (two clp) were BiodurE12‐plastinated, sawn, burnished 90 µm thick transversely (five) or frontally (one), stained with azureII/methylene blue, and counterstained with basic‐fuchsin (TP‐AMF). Twelve remaining specimens (four clp) were celloidin‐embedded, microtome‐sectioned 75 µm thick transversely (ten) or frontally (two), and stained with haematoxylin–eosin (CE‐HE). Computed‐planimetry gauged artefacts, structure differentiation was compared with light microscopy on video, analog and digital photography. Total artefact was 0.9% (TP‐AMF) and 2.1% (CE‐HE); TP‐AMF showed higher colour contrast, gamut and luminance, and CE‐HE more red contrast, saturation and hue (P < 0.4). All (100%) structures of interest were light microscopically discerned, 83% on video, 76% on analog photography and 98% in digital photography. Computed image analysis assessed the greatest colour contrast, gamut, luminance and saturation on video; the most detailed, colour‐balanced and sharpest images were obatined with digital photography (P < 0.02). TP‐AMF retained spatial oversight, covered the entire area of interest and should be combined in different specimens with CE‐HE which enables more refined muscle fibre reproduction. Digital photography is preferred for on‐screen analysis.
Development of the stapes and associated structures in human embryos
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vázquez J. F.
Published: July 2005

The objective of this study was to clarify the development of the stapes in humans and its relationship with the cartilage of the second branchial arch. The study was carried out in 25 human embryos between 6 and 28 mm crown–rump length. The stapes develops at the cranial end of the second branchial arch through an independent anlage of the cartilage of this arch. Between the stapedial anlage and the cranial end of the Reichert's cartilage there is a formation called the interhyale, the internal segment of which gives rise to the tendon of the stapedial muscle. The stapedial anlage is a unique formation with two distinct parts: the superior part that will comprise the base and the inferior part that will be crossed by the stapedial artery during embryonic development and will constitute the limbs and the head of the stapes. According to the results, the otic capsule is not involved in formation of the base of the stapes.
Embedded Strain Gauges: Effect of the Stress Normal to the Grid
Authors: Ajovalasit A.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  In general, a strain gauge embedded in a model is subjected to a stress normal to the grid, whereas a gauge on the external surface is free from such a stress. This paper concerns the effect of the stress normal to the grid on the output of the strain gauge; usually, the influence of such a stress has a negligible effect, however, in some cases a notable influence has been noted. Therefore, the output of the strain gauge is determined in function of the strains in the plane of the gauge, ɛl and ɛt, and of the stress, σn, normal to the grid. The analysis shows that the output of the strain gauge is influenced by the coupled effect of transverse sensitivity and pressure sensitivity of the strain gauge. In particular, the analysis shows that, for Constantan gauges compensated for steel, the influence of the transverse sensitivity is in general prevailing on that one due to the pressure sensitivity. The results reported in this paper explain the experimental data obtained by various researchers.
Structural Health Monitoring of an Annular Component using a Statistical Approach
Authors: Mustapha F. , Manson G. , Pierce S. G. , Worden K.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  For aerospace components there is undoubtedly a critical need to detect incipient damage in the structure, as any microscopic crack or defect can potentially lead to catastrophic failure and loss of human life. This paper investigates the scattering of an ultrasonic‐guided wave into a hollow cylinder‐like structure, under both damaged and undamaged conditions. Hollow cylinder structures are widely used not only in aerospace components but also in other engineering applications. The wave was sequentially transmitted and captured by means of a ‘real‐time data‐acquisition system’ combined with integrated disc‐shaped piezoceramic transducers. The integration of the tested structure and the transducers formed a structural health monitoring system. Wave responses were recorded from both of the structural conditions for the purpose of damage identification using a novelty detection method called ‘outlier analysis’. The principal component analysis method of reducing the dimensionality of the feature space is also presented in this paper, with its main aim being to visualise how the data sets behave as a function of the structural conditions.
Enron, Herding, and the Deterrent Effect of Disclosure of Improprieties
Authors: Renas Stephen M. , Cebula Richard J.
Published: July 2005

Abstract  One objective of regulatory investigations of possible improprieties by publicly traded corporations and the imposition of sanctions if malfeasance is found is to deter other corporations from engaging in such behavior. Although the magnitude of the deterrent effect is an empirical issue, this paper provides an a priori analysis as to why the deterrent effect will be blunted in many cases, why its strength will not be uniform over time, and why, based in part on prospect theory, the deterrent effect will be weaker for ongoing questionable practices than for practices in their formative stages.
Finding Deficiency
Authors: Smith Mark M.
Published: July 2005

Abstract.  In these comments, Professor Smith discusses the preceding group of symposium papers and reminds us that eugenic ideas are still part of the society in which we live.
Did Mises Err? Was He a Utilitarian?
Authors: Gunning J. Patrick
Published: July 2005

Abstract.  Walter Block's critique of my paper fails to address the main argument: that Ludwig von Mises's support for laissez faire comes from a comparison of the systems recommended by the ideologies of socialism, interventionism, and liberalism. Mises compares these systems according to the criterion of their capacity to achieve the goal of satisfying material wants. This goal is either explicit or implicit in the arguments made by those who subscribe to the above ideologies. He uses value‐free economic reasoning to determine whether the systems recommended by the three ideologies will achieve the goal. In this reply, I reaffirm the argument in the face of Block's critique. In addition, I address two other arguments. The first is the implicit argument in Murray Rothbard and in Block that Mises erred because he failed to take account of all the goals that policy advocates might have in recommending a policy. I argue that he did not err. The second is that Mises is a utilitarian, an argument also advanced by Leland Yeager. I argue not only that Mises was not but also that he repudiated the idea that his support for laissez faire was based on utilitarian welfare principles. The reply also answers some of Block's more specific criticisms of my paper.
Bayesian Areal Wombling for Geographical Boundary Analysis
Authors: Lu Haolan , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: July 2005

In the analysis of spatially referenced data, interest often focuses not on prediction of the spatially indexed variable itself, but onboundary analysis, that is, the determination of boundaries on the map that separate areas of higher and lower values. Existing boundary analysis methods are sometimes generically referred to aswombling, after a foundational article by Womble (1951). When data are available at point level (e.g., exact latitude and longitude of disease cases), such boundaries are most naturally obtained by locating the points of steepest ascent or descent on the fitted spatial surface (Banerjee, Gelfand, and Sirmans 2003). In this article, we propose related methods forarealdata (i.e., data which consist only of sums or averages over geopolitical regions). Such methods are valuable in determining boundaries for data sets that, perhaps due to confidentiality concerns, are available only in ecological (aggregated) format, or are only collected this way (e.g., delivery of health‐care or cost information). After a brief review of existing algorithmic techniques (including that implemented in the commercial software BoundarySeer), we propose a fully model‐based framework for areal wombling, using Bayesian hierarchical models with posterior summaries computed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We explore the suitability of various existing hierarchical and spatial software packages (notably S‐plus and WinBUGS) to the task, and show the approach's superiority over existing nonstochastic alternatives, both in terms of utility and average mean square error behavior. We also illustrate our methods (as well as the solution of advanced modeling issues such as simultaneous inference) using colorectal cancer late detection data collected at the county level in the state of Minnesota.
The Preemptive Power of State Supreme Courts: Adoption of Abortion and Death Penalty Legislation
Authors: Langer Laura , Brace Paul
Published: July 2005

We offer a theory about public policy adoption that depicts a game between state supreme courts and state policymakers. We hypothesize that court ideological hostility or friendliness operates to discourage or encourage policy enactment, with the likelihood of subsequent court intervention magnifying the relationship. To test the argument we examine the influence of court ideology on the enactment of state abortion and death penalty laws since the 1970s. Empirical analyses provide strong support for our theory, indicating that court ideological hostility or friendliness significantly influenced state abortion and death penalty policy enactments. In addition, the likelihood of court intervention conditioned this relationship, with the most pronounced effect occurring where subsequent court review was mandatory. The findings reveal courts exert important preemptive influence on law without hearing a case. This facet of judicial influence expands the traditional view of actors involved in the policymaking process.
We Finished the Plan, So Now What? Impacts of Collaborative Stakeholder Participation on Land Use Policy
Authors: Koontz Tomas M.
Published: July 2005

There is a growing movement toward collaborative stakeholder participation in environmental policy. Rather than calling for a reliance on government officials to solve environmental problems, this approach calls for empowering a community of stakeholders to contribute meaningfully. Scholars examining citizen participation have investigated the performance of such efforts. This study examines one important aspect of performance, the impact of stakeholder participation on policymaking at the local level. A multiple‐case analysis of county‐level, community‐based task forces working on farmland preservation planning in Ohio, U.S., reveals patterns of policymaking processes and the near‐term impacts of collaborative planning. These patterns are linked to scholarship using prior empirical studies as well as the Institutional Analysis and Development framework, which integrates physical, social, and institutional variables to examine collective decision‐making related to natural resources. Results indicate that the degree of policy change is associated closely with local contextual factors, rather than internal group factors often emphasized in studies of citizen advisory committees and collaborative groups.
Occurrence of conjugated linoleic acid in ruminant products and its physiological functions
Authors: TANAKA Keiichi
Published: July 2005

Milk and meat products derived from ruminants contain a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of C18:2 with conjugated double bonds, and cis‐9, trans‐11C18:2 (conjugated linoleic acid, CLA) is the predominant isomer. The presence of CLA in ruminant products relates to the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids by rumen bacteria. Although, it has been suggested that cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA is an intermediate that escapes complete ruminal biohydrogenation of linoleic acid, is absorbed from the digestive tract, and transported to tissues via circulation. Its major source is endogenous biosynthesis involving Δ9‐desaturase with trans‐11C18:1 produced in the rumen as the substrate. CLA has recently been recognized in animal studies as a nutrient that exerts important physiological effects, including anticarcinogenic effects, prevention of cholesterol‐induced atherosclerosis, enhancement of the immune response, reduction in fat accumulation in body, ability to enhance growth promotion, antidiabetic effects and improvement in bone mineralization. The present review focused on the origin of CLA in ruminant products, and the health benefits, metabolism and physiological functions of CLA.
Effects of calcium intake and parity on plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition
Authors: KAMIYA Yuko , KAMIYA Mitsuru , TANAKA Masahito , SHIOYA Shigeru
Published: July 2005

Eight pregnant heifers (primiparous cows) and seven pregnant cows in their second, third and forth pregnancies (multiparous cows) were assigned to two groups and fed either a low calcium (Ca) diet (Ca, 0.46%) or a high Ca diet (Ca, 0.86%) ad libitum from 3 weeks before the expected calving date to 3 days after parturition. All cows were examined for a change in dry matter intake (DMI), plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition. The dietary Ca level did not affect the DMI in both primiparous and multiparous cows. The DMI of primiparous cows was significantly lower than that of multiparous cows (P < 0.05) in both the low and high dietary Ca groups. The dietary Ca level did not affect the concentrations of plasma Ca, phosphorus, magnesium and parathyroid hormone throughout the experimental period. Plasma phosphorus in primiparous cows was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of multiparous cows around parturition. Plasma Ca and magnesium tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in primiparous cows. The dietary Ca level did not affect the plasma osteocalcin (OC) level measured as bone formation or the urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion measured as bone resorption before parturition in both primiparous and multiparous cows. After parturition, the plasma OC level was lower than it was before parturition in multiparous cows fed a low Ca diet, and in primiparous cows. There were no significant differences in urinary DPD excretion between each group before and after parturition. Both the plasma OC level and urinary DPD excretion of primiparous cows were significantly higher than those of multiparous cows in both the low and high dietary Ca groups.
Effects of supplementary corn silage on the feed intake and milk production of time‐restricted grazing dairy cows
Authors: MITANI Tomohiro , TAKAHASHI Makoto , UEDA Koichiro , NAKATSUJI Hiroki , KONDO Seiji , OKUBO Masahiko
Published: July 2005

The effects of supplementary corn silage (CS) of either 2 or 4 kg of dry matter (DM; S + 2 and S + 4, respectively) above the energy requirement for milk production and maintenance for grazing dairy cows (S) were determined. Time‐restricted grazing was used to compare the feed intake, milk production, and nitrogen and energy use of lactating cows. The experiment was carried out on two different pastures using a 3 × 3 Latin square design for each pasture. Cows were grazed for 5 h on a rotational grazing system and were fed concentrate (1 kg per 5 kg of milk yield). Herbage intake was measured using a weighing technique. To calculate the energy and nitrogen use, whole feces and urine were collected. There was no statistical effect of the pastures. Herbage intake decreased by the addition of CS (P = 0.02). The reduction of herbage DM intake per unit consumption of supplementary CS towards the S group were 0.80 and 0.45 kg for the S + 2 and S + 4 groups, respectively. The total DM intake for the S + 4 group was higher than that for the S and S + 2 groups (P = 0.02). Milk yield did not differ among treatments, even though the total DM intake for the S + 4 group was higher than that of the S and S + 2 groups. Nitrogen and energy use did not differ with the addition of CS.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1 α (PGC‐1 α) expression and the formation of slow‐twitch muscle fibers in porcine and bovine skeletal muscles
Authors: CHIKUNI Koichi , NAKAJIMA Ikuyo , OE Mika , MUROYA Susumu
Published: July 2005

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 α (PGC‐1 α) induces mitochondria biogenesis in skeletal muscles. To determine the relationships between PGC‐1 α and the muscle fiber types, the expression levels of PGC‐1 α were analyzed in porcine and bovine skeletal muscles. As a first step, the nucleotide sequences of the porcine and bovine PGC‐1 α were determined. The porcine and bovine PGC‐1 α cDNA encoded 796 amino acid sequences and showed 95.1% identity between the two species. The expression levels of the PGC‐1 α mRNA were analyzed in the same 10 skeletal muscles from four pigs and three cattle. The contents of porcine and bovine PGC‐1 α were higher in the tongue, masseter and diaphragm, and lower in the Biceps femoris, semimembranosus, Longissimus thoracis and semitendinosus muscles. The contents of myosin heavy chain slow‐type protein (MyHC‐slow) were also determined in the same muscles by ELISA. The analysis of MyHC‐slow showed results similar to those for the PGC‐1 α contents in all of the muscles except for the tongue. The content of MyHC‐slow in the tongue was the lowest among the porcine muscles, and moderate among the bovine muscles. The results suggest that PGC‐1 α relates to the development of oxidative muscle fibers, but is not the principal factor in determining type I fiber content.
BCR kinase phosphorylates 14‐3‐3 Tau on residue 233
Authors: Clokie Samuel J. , Cheung Kin Y. , Mackie Shaun , Marquez Rodolfo , Peden Alex H. , Aitken Alastair
Published: July 2005

The breakpoint cluster region protein, BCR, has protein kinase activity that can auto‐ and trans‐phosphorylate serine, threonine and tyrosine residues. BCR has been implicated in chronic myelogenous leukaemia as well as important signalling pathways, and as such its interaction with 14‐3‐3 is of major interest. 14‐3‐3τ and ζ isoforms have been shown previously to be phosphorylated in vitro and in vivo by BCR kinase on serine and threonine residue(s) but site(s) were not determined. Phosphorylation of 14‐3‐3 isoforms at distinct sites is an important mode of regulation that negatively affects interaction with Raf kinase and Bax, and potentially influences the dimerization of 14‐3‐3. In this study we have further characterized the BCR−14‐3‐3 interaction and have identified the site phosphorylated by BCR. We show here that BCR interacts with at least five isoforms of 14‐3‐3 in vivo and phosphorylates 14‐3‐3τ on Ser233 and to a lesser extent 14‐3‐3ζ on Thr233. We have previously shown that these two isoforms are also phosphorylated at this site by casein kinase 1, which, in contrast to BCR, preferentially phosphorylates 14‐3‐3ζ.
Nuclear aggregates of polyamines are supramolecular structures that play a crucial role in genomic DNA protection and conformation
Authors: D'Agostino Luciano , di Pietro Massimiliano , Di Luccia Aldo
Published: July 2005

In a previous study we showed that natural polyamines interact in the nuclear environment with phosphate groups to form molecular aggregates [nuclear aggregates of polyamines (NAPs)] with estimated molecular mass values of 8000, 4800 and 1000 Da. NAPs were found to interact with genomic DNA, influence its conformation and interfere with the action of nucleases. In the present work, we demonstrated that NAPs protect naked genomic DNA from DNase I, whereas natural polyamines (spermine, spermidine and putrescine) fail to do so. In the context of DNA protection, NAPs induced noticeable changes in DNA conformation, which were revealed by temperature‐dependent modifications of DNA electrophoretic properties. In addition, we presented, for NAPs, a structural model of polyamine aggregation into macropolycyclic compounds. We believe that NAPs are the sole biological forms by which polyamines efficiently protect genomic DNA against DNase I, while maintaining its dynamic structure.
Mechanistic investigation of a highly active phosphite dehydrogenase mutant and its application for NADPH regeneration
Authors: Woodyer Ryan , Zhao Huimin , van der Donk Wilfred A
Published: July 2005

NAD(P)H regeneration is important for biocatalytic reactions that require these costly cofactors. A mutant phosphite dehydrogenase (PTDH‐E175A/A176R) that utilizes both NAD and NADP efficiently is a very promising system for NAD(P)H regeneration. In this work, both the kinetic mechanism and practical application of PTDH‐E175A/A176R were investigated for better understanding of the enzyme and to provide a basis for future optimization. Kinetic isotope effect studies with PTDH‐E175A/A176R showed that the hydride transfer step is (partially) rate determining with both NAD and NADP giving DV values of 2.2 and 1.7, respectively, and DV/Km,phosphite values of 1.9 and 1.7, respectively. To better comprehend the relaxed cofactor specificity, the cofactor dissociation constants were determined utilizing tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence quenching. The dissociation constants of NAD and NADP with PTDH‐E175A/A176R were 53 and 1.9 µm, respectively, while those of the products NADH and NADPH were 17.4 and 1.22 µm, respectively. Using sulfite as a substrate mimic, the binding order was established, with the cofactor binding first and sulfite binding second. The low dissociation constant for the cofactor product NADPH combined with the reduced values for DV and kcat implies that product release may become partially rate determining. However, product inhibition does not prevent efficient in situ NADPH regeneration by PTDH‐E175A/A176R in a model system in which xylose was converted into xylitol by NADP‐dependent xylose reductase. The in situ regeneration proceeded at a rate approximately fourfold faster with PTDH‐E175A/A176R than with either WT PTDH or a NADP‐specific Pseudomonas sp.101 formate dehydrogenase mutant with a total turnover number for NADPH of 2500.
Altered deoxyribonucleotide pools in T‐lymphoblastoid cells expressing the multisubstrate nucleoside kinase of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bertoli Ada , Franco Maribel , Balzarini Jan , Johansson Magnus , Karlsson Anna
Published: July 2005

The multisubstrate nucleoside kinase of Drosophila melanogaster (Dm‐dNK) can be expressed in human solid tumor cells and its unique enzymatic properties makes this enzyme a suicide gene candidate. In the present study, Dm‐dNK was stably expressed in the CCRF‐CEM and H9 T‐lymphoblastoid cell lines. The expressed enzyme was localized to the cell nucleus and the enzyme retained its activity. The Dm‐dNK overexpressing cells showed ≈ 200‐fold increased sensitivity to the cytostatic activity of several nucleoside analogs, such as the pyrimidine nucleoside analogs (E)‐5‐(2‐bromovinyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BVDU) and 1‐β‐d‐arabinofuranosylthymine (araT), but not to the antiherpetic purine nucleoside analogs ganciclovir, acyclovir and penciclovir, which may allow this technology to be applied in donor T cells and/or rescue graft vs. host disease to permit modulation of alloreactivity after transplantation. The most pronounced effect on the steady‐state dNTP levels was a two‐ to 10‐fold increased dTTP pool in Dm‐dNK expressing cells that were grown in the presence of 1 µm of each natural deoxyribonucleoside. Although the Dm‐dNK expressing cells demonstrated dNTP pool imbalances, no mitochondrial DNA deletions or altered mitochondrial DNA levels were detected in the H9 Dm‐dNK expressing cells.
Functional interaction between RNA helicase II/Guα and ribosomal protein L4
Authors: Yang Hushan , Henning Dale , Valdez Benigno C.
Published: July 2005

RNA helicase II/Guα is a multifunctional nucleolar protein involved in ribosomal RNA processing in Xenopus laevis oocytes and mammalian cells. Downregulation of Guα using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in HeLa cells resulted in 80% inhibition of both 18S and 28S rRNA production. The mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Here we show that in mammalian cells, Guα physically interacts with ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4), a component of 60S ribosome large subunit. The ATPase activity of Guα is important for this interaction and is also necessary for the function of Guα in the production of both 18S and 28S rRNAs. Knocking down RPL4 expression using siRNA in mouse LAP3 cells inhibits the production of 47/45S, 32S, 28S, and 18S rRNAs. This inhibition is reversed by exogenous expression of wild‐type human RPL4 protein but not the mutant form lacking Guα‐interacting motif. These observations have suggested that the function of Guα in rRNA processing is at least partially dependent on its ability to interact with RPL4.
Unravelling the functional interaction structure of a cellular network from temporal slope information of experimental data
Authors: Cho Kwang‐Hyun , Shin Sung‐Young , Choo Sang‐Mok
Published: July 2005

Due to the unavoidable nonbiological variations accompanying many experiments, it is imperative to consider a way of unravelling the functional interaction structure of a cellular network (e.g. signalling cascades or gene networks) by using the qualitative information of time‐series experimental data instead of computation through the measured absolute values. In this spirit, we propose a very simple but effective method of identifying the functional interaction structure of a cellular network based on temporal ascending or descending slope information from given time‐series measurements. From this method, we can gain insight into the acceptable measurement error ranges in order to estimate the correct functional interaction structure and we can also find guidance for a new experimental design to complement the insufficient information of a given experimental dataset. We developed experimental sign equations, making use of the temporal slope sign information from time‐series experimental data, without a specific assumption on parameter perturbations for each network node. Based on these equations, we further describe the available specific information from each part of experimental data in detail and show the functional interaction structure obtained by integrating such information. In this procedure, we use only simple algebra on sign changes without complicated computations on the measured absolute values of the experimental data. The result is, however, verified through rigorous mathematical definitions and proofs. The present method provides us with information about the acceptable measurement error ranges for correct estimation of the functional interaction structure and it further leads to a new experimental design to complement the given experimental data by informing us about additional specific sampling points to be chosen for further required information.
Insertion of the plant photosystem I subunit G into the thylakoid membrane
Authors: Rosgaard Lisa , Zygadlo Agnieszka , Scheller Henrik Vibe , Mant Alexandra , Jensen Poul Erik
Published: July 2005

Subunit G of photosystem I is a nuclear‐encoded protein, predicted to form two transmembrane α‐helices separated by a loop region. We use in vitro import assays to show that the positively charged loop domain faces the stroma, whilst the N‐ and C‐termini most likely face the lumen. PSI‐G constructs in which a His‐ or Strep‐tag is placed at the C‐terminus or in the loop region insert with the same topology as wild‐type photosystem I subunit G (PSI‐G). However, the presence of the tags in the loop make the membrane‐inserted protein significantly more sensitive to trypsin, apparently by disrupting the interaction between the loop and the PSI core. Knock‐out plants lacking PSI‐G were transformed with constructs encoding the C‐terminal and loop‐tagged PSI‐G proteins. Experiments on thylakoids from the transgenic lines show that the C‐terminally tagged versions of PSI‐G adopt the same topology as wild‐type PSI‐G, whereas the loop‐tagged versions affect the sensitivity of the loop region to trypsin, thus confirming the in vitro observations. Furthermore, purification of PSI complexes from transgenic plants revealed that all the tagged versions of PSI‐G are incorporated and retained in the PSI complex, although the C‐terminally tagged variants of PSI‐G were preferentially retained. This suggests that the loop region of PSI‐G is important for proper integration into the PSI core. Our experiments demonstrate that it is possible to produce His‐ and Strep‐tagged PSI in plants, and provide further evidence that the topology of membrane proteins is dictated by the distribution of positive charges, which resist translocation across membranes.
TURNING OFFENDERS INTO RESPONSIBLE PARENTS AND CHILD SUPPORT PAYERS*
Authors: Griswold Esther Ann , Pearson Jessica
Published: July 2005

This article describes four demonstration projects that strive to promote responsible behavior with respect to parenting, child support payment, and employment among incarcerated and paroled parents with child support obligations. These projects, conducted in Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Texas, with support from the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement and evaluated by the Center for Policy Research, led to a number of common outcomes and lessons. The projects revealed that inmates want help with child support, parenting, and employment and that prisons can be effective settings in which to conduct such interventions. Family reintegration programs were popular with inmates and may have helped to avoid the rupture of parent–child relationships commonly associated with incarceration. Although employment is the key to child support payment following release, rates of postrelease employment and earnings at all project sites were low and the employment programs were of limited utility in helping released offenders find jobs. Agencies dealing with child support, employment, and criminal justice need to adopt more effective policies with incarcerated parents including transitional job programs that guarantee immediate, subsidized employment upon release, child support guidelines that adjust for low earnings, and better training and education opportunities during incarceration.
A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD ISSUE:
Authors: Pearson Jessica , Davis Lanae , Thoennes Nancy
Published: July 2005

In 1997, the Office of Child Support Enforcement initiated the State Child Access and Visitation (AV) Grant Program, which involves annual awards of $10 million to states to promote the development of programs to alleviate access problems. Telephone interviews with 970 parents who used mediation, parent education, and supervised visitation programs funded by AV grants in nine states revealed that the programs are reaching diverse groups of parents including many low‐income, non‐White, and unmarried parents who receive no other type of access assistance. The programs also appear to be achieving the major objectives posited for them by the federal government. One‐third to one‐half of noncustodial parents in every program type reported that parent–child contact increased following program participation, with supervised visitation users who typically had the lowest levels of parent–child contact reporting a significant increase in the number of days of contact. A review of child support records for 173 program users in three states revealed that child support payments increased among participants following program participation, especially for never‐married parents who paid a significantly higher proportion of what they owed. These findings are similar to results reported in a five‐state study of mediation programs funded by AV grants that was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. However, both studies have some serious limitations, including low response rates and the absence of a nontreatment comparison group.
WHAT IF ALL THE MONEY CAME HOME?
Authors: Turetsky Vicki
Published: July 2005

Since its inception, the public child support program has functioned primarily as a welfare cost recovery mechanism: $2.1 billion of child support collected annually for current and former welfare families is kept by the government to repay welfare costs. However, Wisconsin research findings suggest that low‐income fathers pay more support and are less likely to work in the underground economy when support payments are passed through to their children. Regular support reduces poverty and welfare use, and increases child well‐being. A consensus has emerged to reform distribution rules so that more child support is paid to the families, not to the government.
INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS: INSTITUTING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS TO FACILITATE AWARENESS OF CULTURAL IDENTITY ISSUES
Authors: Ku Vicky
Published: July 2005

In 1995, China first claimed the designation as the number one location for parents from the United States seeking to adopt children. The children, for the most part girls, are between 6 and 20 months old, when they are adopted. Most of the girls that were adopted in 1995 are now entering into their preteen years, and if they have not already confronted the issue of who they are, they will soon be forced to. Adoption is a complicated and emotional process that affects the entire family. Traditionally, parents who adopt have been able to consciously choose when and how they will first tell their child that they are adopted. However, when the adopted child is a member of a transracial family, where the parents and adoptive child are obviously of a different race, this decision can sometimes be taken out of their hands by a stranger thoughtlessly asking, “Is she yours?” The parents who choose to adopt from a foreign country should be prepared to answer this question and numerous others before they bring their adopted child home. This note will explore the concept of incorporating educational programs into the intercountry adoption process as an effective method of educating prospective parents on the challenges that transracial families will confront.
Optimizing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Sheftell Fred D. , Cady Roger K. , Borchert Leona D. , Spalding William , Hart Carolyn C.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To describe and discuss short headache questionnaires, which can simplify and improve the diagnosis of migraine.

Data sources

Review of the worldwide scientific literature on short diagnostic questionnaires for migraine.

Conclusions

A new three‐question Headache Screen addressing disability due to recurring headaches, headache duration, and changes in headache characteristics and/or pattern over the previous 6 months displayed high sensitivity when used to survey >3000 migraineurs, correctly identifying 77% of migraineurs diagnosed by International Headache Society (IHS) criteria, clinical impression, or the presence of recurring, disabling headaches.

Implications for practice

The underdiagnosis and undertreatment of migraine are problems that may be attributed to many causes involving both patients and medical providers. These include stringent diagnostic criteria established by the IHS, which fail to easily classify many common migraine presentations, the lack of clear outcome measures of successful management of migraine, and failure to recognize the iatrogenic role of prescription and nonprescription medications as an etiologic factor in chronic daily headache. The recent development of reliable, clinically useful, short headache questionnaires that are focused on headache impact facilitates the understanding and diagnosis of migraine for both patients and healthcare professionals. As a diagnostic tool, the Headache Screen has the potential to expand appropriate medication use, leading to improved functional status and quality of life for migraineurs.
Calculating Insulin Resistance in the Primary Care Setting: Why Should We Worry about Insulin Levels in Euglycemic Patients?
Authors: Appel Susan J.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To describe measures that would determine which patients are insulin resistant and at risk for the metabolic syndrome and its sequelae cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and to analyze methods to determine the presence of insulin resistance and the advantages or disadvantages of each.

Data sources

Review of the multidisciplinary clinical and research literature.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance occurs early in the trajectory of the metabolic syndrome, making it a prime candidate for timely interventions to reduce risk for both type 2 diabetes and CVD. Therefore, prompt recognition of insulin resistance prior to the development of the full metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and/or CVD may assist in the prevention of morbidity and premature mortality. Likewise, because many insulin‐resistant patients belong to minority racial groups (i.e., African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islanders), early identification may have a positive impact on the reduction of cardiovascular health disparities.

Implications for practice

Documenting the presence of insulin resistance will assist the practitioner to determine if a low‐risk patient is in jeopardy for development of type 2 diabetes and/or CVD. Early cardiovascular risk identification is important to clinical practice as it allows more time for the practitioner to counsel patients for the essential planning needed to make lifestyle changes.
Experiences With the First Japanese-Made Solid-Oxide Fuel-Cell System
Authors: Mizutani Yasunobu , Hisada Koji , Ukai Kenji , Yokoyama Misuzu , Sumi Hirofumi
Published: July 2005

A solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) system based on planar type cells and a cylindrical stack design was examined for small-scale stationary applications. To reduce the operating temperature of electrolyte-supported type cells, scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) was employed as the electrolyte. A compact catalytic partial oxidation (CPOx) reformer was employed and thin ferritic stainless steel was used for the interconnect bipolar plates. As a result, a carefully designed internal manifold-type 68 cell stack produced an output of 1kW at 1073K with thermal self-sustaining conditions. Also, important issues in realizing high-efficiency, cost-effective SOFC systems are discussed.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Development by Using Novel Plasma Spray Techniques
Authors: Ma Xinqing , Dai Jinxiang , Zhang Heng , Roth Jeff , Xiao T. Danny , Reisner David E.
Published: July 2005

Two plasma spray techniques have been developed to produce membrane-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) units with the advantages of consecutive integrated cell fabrication, high efficiency, good cost effectiveness and microstructure tailoring capability. The atmospheric plasma spray (APS) and solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) processes have demonstrated their capabilities to produce dense electrolyte layers as well as porous electrode layers that are designed particularly for intermediate temperature SOFCs. With a universal plasma spray system, the integrated fabrication of a dense La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 electrolyte, a porous La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 cathode and a porous Ni+yttrium stabilized zirconia anode was produced using an optimal APS route. SPPS process has demonstrated more flexibility in materials, microstructures, porosities and overall thickness, and has been used successfully to produce a thin 40mol%La2O3-doped CeO2 (LDC40) interlayer (∼5μm) and a high-porosity Ni+LDC40 anode layer, respectively. In this work we will present the deposition of a variety of electrolyte and electrode layers applied by air plasma spraying or solution precursor plasma spraying. The merits of the two techniques, microstructures of the electrolyte and electrode layers, and performances of the single SOFC units have been evaluated and summarized.
Study of Efficiency Improvements in a Fuel-Cell-Powered Vehicle Using Water Electrolysis by Recovering Regeneration Energy and Avoiding Partial Load Operation
Authors: Obara S. , Kudo K.
Published: July 2005

Improvements in efficiency of a fuel-cell-powered vehicle have been studied using water electrolysis as the energy storage mechanism. Three methods are proposed for this purpose: 1. The reformer and fuel cell are divided into two or more units, and the maximum output of each unit is set to be small, which reduces the partial load operation, 2. all the fuel cell units are operated above the low efficiency partial load condition and excess electricity is supplied to another fuel cell unit to generate hydrogen and oxygen by water electrolysis, and these gases are compressed and stored, and arbitrary fuel cell units are supplied and they generate electricity, 3. deceleration periods perform water electrolysis of the fuel cell units using the electric power generated by the drive motor, and both gases are compressed and they store in each cylinder. The LA4 cycle (EPA urban dynamometer schedule) was introduced for the vehicle operation. The energy saving effects of the abovementioned methods were studied and were shown to increase the energy efficiency by 1.23 to 1.72 times compared to that for the conventional method.