bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ growth rate control of carbon nanotubes by optical imaging method
Authors: Gunjishima Itaru , Inoue Takashi , Okamoto Atsuto
Published: November 2007

Feedback control of the growth rate of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed. By measuring the CNTs thickness using an optical microscope and an image processor, and instantaneous calculation of growth rate, continuous data of CNT thickness/growth rate versus growth time curves were obtained. The growth rate for the constant growth condition degraded as time progressed. In contrast, growth rate degradation was suppressed by optimizing the growth conditions by changing the growth parameters such as growth temperature, pressure, and gas flow rate. As a result, a larger thickness was obtained under the varied growth condition in the measurement time range.
Olfactory Hedonic Context Affects Both Self-Report and Behavioural Indices of Palatability
Authors: Stevenson Richard J , Tomiczek Caroline , Oaten Megan
Published: October 2007

Prior exposure to either a pleasant or unpleasant context may affect later hedonic judgments of a common target stimulus. We explored whether this effect translates into behaviour in the chemical senses. In experiment 1 participants experienced either a pleasant or unpleasant set of odours or pictures, followed by an unfamiliar odour. After self-report hedonic evaluations of the odour, participants were allowed to drink it in solution, followed by a further evaluation of its flavour. Participants reported liking the odour less after smelling pleasant odours and drank less of it too, relative to the unpleasant context. There was no differential context effect for emotive pictures. Experiment 2 replicated these effects, but also included a no-context control. This revealed that the consumption effect was localised to the pleasant olfactory context, whilst contextual effects for liking ratings were primarily localised to the unpleasant olfactory context. In conclusion, hedonic context affects both self-report and behaviour, but not in the same way.
Mapping the distribution, biomass and tissue nutrient levels of a marine benthic cyanobacteria bloom (Lyngbya majuscula)
Authors: Ahern Kathleen S. , Ahern Colin R. , Savige Greg M. , Udy James W.
Published: October 2007

Benthic cyanobacteria blooms, including those of the nitrogen-fixing species Lyngbya majuscula, appear to be becoming more numerous and widespread in marine habitats worldwide, and have negative impacts on the environment and human health. The progression of a L. majuscula bloom in south-east Queensland, Australia was mapped along with intensive biomass and tissue nutrient sampling every 10–14 days over the bloom’s 3.5-month duration in summer 2005–2006. Data-integrated GIS maps illustrated the changes in biomass and tissue nutrient pool of the L. majuscula through different growth phases (incipient, rapid expansion, plateau or peak and decline) of the bloom. At the peak, L. majuscula covered 509 ha and had a mean density of 115 gdw m–2, with the maximum density recorded 503 gdw m–2. The highest mean total carbon (29.4% C), nitrogen (3.5% N) and phosphorus (0.143% P) contents in L. majuscula tissue corresponded with the peak in biomass. Three-dimensional modelling calculated that at the peak, the bloom contained 5057 tww (510 tdw) of L. majuscula; 150 000 kg C; 18 000 kg N; 720 kg P; and 5200 kg Fe. This information gives an insight into L. majuscula bloom dynamics and ecophysiology and provides quantitative data for models.
Selling Avant-garde: How Antwerp Became a Fashion Capital (1990—2002)
Authors: Martínez Javier Gimeno
Published: October 2007

During the 1990s, the Belgian city of Antwerp underwent a branding process as a fashion city. This example does not follow the pattern of contemporary fashion cities, which are chiefly based on major trade activity around fashion. Unlike other celebrated fashion capitals (London, Milan, New York or Paris), Antwerp never hosted any Fashion Week. Conversely, Antwerp's status as a fashion capital was created within the logic of organised tourism and mega-cultural events. The intertwining of both public and private networks of influence resulted in fashion's becoming absorbed by the local institutions as Antwerp's most characteristic creative industry.
Governance and Competitiveness in the Birmingham Jewellery District
Authors: De Propris Lisa , Ping Wei
Published: October 2007

Drawing on the existing debate on the link between the governance of local production systems (i.e. clusters or industrial districts) and the development of localities, this paper analyses the structure of interfirm networking and co-operation, as well as the structure of governance, in the jewellery district in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter (BJQ). The BJQ was an historical urban Marshallian industrial district at the turn of the 20th century; even today, in a small web of streets, there are still a large number of jewellery firms and allied jewellery trades. In fact, the BJQ is still a remarkable example of a localised industry with a pool of highly skilled labour, an extensive external division of labour across specialised firms and a fabric of social relationships. Since World War II, technological shocks and the emergence of tougher competition have damaged the organisation of production of the district, as well as impacting on its ability to be innovative and competitive in domestic and foreign markets. The sustainability of the jewellery district in the BJQ is one of the main targets of local policy-makers and agencies. However, as it is in the process of reinventing itself from a stagnant manufacturing industrial district into an urban creative district, its very existence is threatened by the transformation of parts of the area into a popular place in which to live, eat and drink. In this context, the participation of jewellery firms in the processes of decision-making is of paramount importance to ensure that the interests and needs of all stakeholders are voiced and taken on board.
A Re-count of Poverty in US Central Cities: Just Who and Where Are the Urban Poor?
Authors: Johnson Christopher
Published: October 2007

Poverty remains a persistent problem in central cities across the US and the government's approach to measuring it is not without shortcomings. This paper applies recently developed innovations in poverty measurement and presents improved estimates of central-city poverty across time. A broader and more comprehensive income concept is employed to measure family resources and important distributional aspects of poverty are incorporated by using the Sen index. In general, Sen indexes for the central city are significantly reduced when comprehensive income is used to evaluate poverty. Motivating these changes are the substantial reductions that occur in the depth of poverty and the relative income inequality among poor central-city residents. Regionally, the results suggest that the elements of comprehensive income have their greatest impact on estimates of poverty in Southern central cities, while the central cities of the West are least affected.
A Critical Assessment of the Evaluation of EU Interventions for Innovation in the SME Sector in Wales
Authors: Edwards Tim , Delbridge Rick , Munday Max
Published: October 2007

In this paper, the EU Structural Fund intervention framework is critically assessed in an effort to reflect on the problems faced by policy-makers when trying to make sense of the complexity associated with innovation. An assessment is made of the `evidence-based' approach for reporting on EU Structural Fund interventions in the Welsh economy. It is argued that the measurement of quantifiable inputs and outputs fails to engage sufficiently with the process qualities of innovation. Building on this critique, the paper reports on a study of innovation practice and performance in a sample of Welsh manufacturing SMEs to demonstrate empirically the problems of assuming universal best practices and linear models of innovation. The evidence leads to recommendations for policy improvements in two areas: the need to improve the identification and support of innovative practice in SMEs; and the need to improve the monitoring and evaluation of innovation effects from policy interventions.
Main group metal – organic frameworks of Bi(V) and Pb(II) derived from 2-[4,6-diamino-3-[3-amino-6-(1-methyamino-ethyl) tetrahydropyran-2-yl] oxy-2-hydroxy-cyclohexoxy]-5-methyl-4-methylaminotetrahydropyran-3,5-diol and their molecular modeling
Authors: Kumar Rajiv , Mishra Parashuram
Published: October 2007

Main group metal complexes of Bi(V) and Pb(II) were synthesized with an organic framework (OF) of 2-[4,6-diamino-3-[3-amino-6-(1-methyamino-ethyl) tetrahydropyran-2-yl] oxy-2-hydroxy-cyclohexoxy]-5-methyl-4-methylamino-tetrahydropyran-3,5-diol (L). Conformational changes and the binding abilities of the organic framework toward Bi(V) and Pb(II) were identified by various physiochemical and spectroscopic measurements including IR, 1H NMR, UV – vis, molecular modeling, and X-ray powder diffractometry. The lattice parameters of the metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were calculated and were as follows: cell dimension for [Bi(V)L] complex, a = 9.8355 (Å), b = 9.8355 (Å), c = 21.78695 (Å), α = 90.00°, β = 90.00°, γ = 90.00°; cell dimension for Pb(II) complex, a = 11.59609 (Å), b = 15.0373 (Å), c = 6.6854 (Å), α = 90.00°, β = 99.000°, γ = 90.00° at 1.54056A°. Particle size (nm) of the complexes was found to be 10.75 and 8.817 nm, respectively. Molecular models represent a better understanding of the arrangement of the atoms in the molecules in three dimensions.
Dephosphorylation of survival motor neurons (SMN) by PPM1G/PP2Cγ governs Cajal body localization and stability of the SMN complex
Authors: Petri Sebastian , Grimmler Matthias , Over Sabine , Fischer Utz , Gruss Oliver J.
Published: November 2007

The survival motor neuron (SMN) complex functions in maturation of uridine-rich small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. SMN mediates the cytoplasmic assembly of Sm proteins onto uridine-rich small RNAs, and then participates in targeting RNPs to nuclear Cajal bodies (CBs). Recent studies have suggested that phosphorylation might control localization and function of the SMN complex. Here, we show that the nuclear phosphatase PPM1G/PP2Cγ interacts with and dephosphorylates the SMN complex. Small interfering RNA knockdown of PPM1G leads to an altered phosphorylation pattern of SMN and Gemin3, loss of SMN from CBs, and reduced stability of SMN. Accumulation in CBs is restored upon overexpression of catalytically active, but not that of inactive, PPM1G. This demonstrates that PPM1G's phosphatase activity is necessary to maintain SMN subcellular distribution. Concomitant knockdown of unr interacting protein (unrip), a component implicated in cytoplasmic retention of the SMN complex, also rescues the localization defects. Our data suggest that an interplay between PPM1G and unrip determine compartment-specific phosphorylation patterns, localization, and function of the SMN complex.
Positive feedback between Cdc42 activity and H+ efflux by the Na-H exchanger NHE1 for polarity of migrating cells
Authors: Frantz Christian , Karydis Anastasios , Nalbant Perihan , Hahn Klaus M. , Barber Diane L.
Published: November 2007

A fundamental feature of cell polarity in response to spatial cues is asymmetric amplification of molecules generated by positive feedback signaling. We report a positive feedback loop between the guanosine triphosphatase Cdc42, a central determinant in eukaryotic cell polarity, and H+ efflux by Na-H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1), which is necessary at the front of migrating cells for polarity and directional motility. In response to migratory cues, Cdc42 is not activated in fibroblasts expressing a mutant NHE1 that lacks H+ efflux, and wild-type NHE1 is not activated in fibroblasts expressing mutationally inactive Cdc42-N17. H+ efflux by NHE1 is not necessary for release of Cdc42–guanosine diphosphate (GDP) from Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor or for the membrane recruitment of Cdc42 but is required for GTP binding by Cdc42 catalyzed by a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). Data indicate that GEF binding to phosphotidylinositol 4,5–bisphosphate is pH dependent, suggesting a mechanism for how H+ efflux by NHE1 promotes Cdc42 activity to generate a positive feedback signal necessary for polarity in migrating cells.
A phylogenetic evaluation of Leandra (Miconieae, Melastomataceae): a polyphyletic genus where the seeds tell the story, not the petals
Authors: Martin Claire V. , Little Damon P. , Goldenberg Renato , Michelangeli Fabián A.
Published: October 2007

Melastomataceae is a tropical family of 4500–5000 species divided into nine tribes. The largest tribe, Miconieae, is composed of approximately 2200 species in 30 genera and is found exclusively in the Neotropics. Previous phylogenetic analyses of the Miconieae have suggested that many of the genera are derived from a paraphyletic Miconia. However, these analyses only included six species of the large genus Leandra, so its phylogenetic affinities remained unclear. As currently defined Leandra is characterized by acute petals and terminal inflorescences, but some species of Miconia, Clidemia and Ossaea also have these characters. In this study, we present an analysis of nrITS sequence data for a sample of 63 species of Leandra. The genus is clearly resolved as polyphyletic, but some distinct and well‐supported clades exist. Some of these partially correspond to sections recognized in the nineteenth century by Cogniaux, or to geographic distribution. The distribution of seed structure characters is better correlated with the phylogeny than traditional characters, such as petal morphology. Seed appendages in Leandra have evolved independently at least four times.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Assessing the proposed association between tooth agenesis and taurodontism in 975 paediatric subjects
Authors: CALVANO KÜCHLER ERIKA , DE ANDRADE RISSO PATRÍCIA , DE CASTRO COSTA MARCELO , MODESTO ADRIANA , REZENDE VIEIRA ALEXANDRE
Published: October 2007

Background.  An association between tooth agenesis and taurodontism has been suggested. The identification of subpopulations with specific associated dental anomalies (subphenotype) would allow testing of the specific hypothesis that certain genetic factors contribute to the specific subphenotype.

Aim.  This work aims to assess a large cohort to verify if the association between tooth agenesis and taurodontism is present.

Design.  Panoramic radiographs of 1002 patients were examined and 975 were used in this study. The presence of tooth agenesis and taurodontism was assessed in the study population.

Results.  The frequency of tooth agenesis was 4.6% and the frequency of taurodontism was 1.6%. There were, however, no observations of concomitant tooth agenesis and taurodontism.

Conclusions.  Our data do not support the hypothesis that isolated tooth agenesis is associated with isolated taurodontism.
Patterns of male reproductive success in a highly promiscuous whale species: the endangered North Atlantic right whale
Authors: FRASIER T. R. , HAMILTON P. K. , BROWN M. W. , CONGER L. A. , KNOWLTON A. R. , MARX M. K. , SLAY C. K. , KRAUS S. D. , WHITE B. N.
Published: October 2007

Parentage analyses of baleen whales are rare, and although mating systems have been hypothesized for some species, little data on realized male reproductive success are available and the patterns of male reproductive success have remained elusive for most species. Here we combine over 20 years of photo‐identification data with high‐resolution genetic data for the majority of individual North Atlantic right whales to assess paternity in this endangered species. There was significant skew in male reproductive success compared to what would be expected if mating was random (P < 0.001). The difference was due to an excess of males assigned zero paternities, a deficiency of males assigned one paternity, and an excess of males assigned as fathers for multiple calves. The variance in male reproductive success was high relative to other aquatically mating marine mammals, but was low relative to mammals where the mating system is based on resource‐ and/or mate‐defence polygyny. These results are consistent with previous data suggesting that the right whale mating system represents one of the most intense examples of sperm competition in mammals, but that sperm competition on its own does not allow for the same degree of polygyny as systems where males can control access to resources and/or mates. The age distribution of assigned fathers was significantly biased towards older males (P < 0.05), with males not obtaining their first paternity until ~15 years of age, which is almost twice the average age of first fertilization in females (8 years), suggesting that mate competition is preventing younger males from reproducing. The uneven distribution of paternities results in a lower effective population size in this species that already has one of the lowest reported levels of genetic diversity, which may further inhibit reproductive success through mate incompatibility of genetically similar individuals.
Recent advances in enteric neurobiology: mechanosensitive interneurons
Authors: Smith T. K. , Spencer N. J. , Hennig G. W. , Dickson E. J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  Until recently, it was generally assumed that the only intrinsic sensory neuron, or primary afferent neuron, in the gut was the after‐hyperpolarizing AH/Type II neuron. AH neurons excited by local chemical and mechanical stimulation of the mucosa appear to be necessary for activating the peristaltic reflex (oral excitation and anal inhibition of the muscle layers) and anally propagating ring like contractions (peristaltic waves) that depend upon smooth muscle tone. However, our recent findings in the guinea‐pig distal colon suggest that different neurochemical classes of interneuron in the colon are also mechanosensitive in that they respond directly to changes in muscle length, rather than muscle tone or tension. These interneurons have electrophysiological properties consistent with myenteric S‐neurons. Ascending and descending interneurons respond directly to circumferential stretch by generating an ongoing polarized peristaltic reflex activity (oral excitatory and anal inhibitory junction potentials) in the muscle for as long as the stimulus is maintained. Some descending (nitric oxide synthase +ve) interneurons, on the other hand, appear to respond directly to longitudinal stretch and are involved in accommodation and slow transit of faecal pellets down the colon. This review will present recent evidence that suggests some myenteric S interneurons, in addition to AH neurons, behave as intrinsic sensory neurons.
Convergence in a thermally softened thick crust: Variscan intracontinental tectonics in Iberian plate rocks
Authors: Llana‐Fúnez Sergio , Marcos Alberto
Published: October 2007

The subduction phase in the development of the Variscan Orogen in SW Europe was followed by an extended period of ‘intracontinental’ tectonics. The progressive temperature rise in the hinterland during plate convergence was accompanied by widespread partial melting in the lower crust and the nucleation of kilometric buckle folds and crustal‐scale shear zones in the stronger upper crust. Thermal mechanical weakening in the core of the orogen was contemporaneous with shortening and thickening in the foreland fold‐and‐thrust belt. We evaluate lithospheric strength profiles in the hinterland and foreland based on the metamorphic and structural record for three tectonic stages. We find that lower crustal strength varied in space as well as in time during orogenesis. Strength contrasts between the foreland and the hot hinterland during convergence may have led to the additional indentation of the foreland into the hinterland of the Ibero‐Armorican Arc.
The Hospitalet gneiss dome (Pyrenees) revisited: lateral flow during Variscan transpression in the middle crust
Authors: Denèle Yoann , Olivier Philippe , Gleizes Gérard , Barbey Pierre
Published: October 2007

A new structural and kinematic study of the Hospitalet dome (Pyrenees) is presented. This dome corresponds to the eastern half of an EW‐trending antiformal structure made of an orthogneissic core intruded by granitoids, partly covered by Upper Proterozoic to Lower Ordovician metapelites. Its Variscan evolution can be split into four stages: (i) development of a strong high temperature pervasive deformation associated with subhorizontal foliations and lineations, and with non‐coaxial top‐to‐the‐east kinematics; (ii) formation of a south‐verging overturned megafold; (iii) emplacement of calc‐alkaline granitoids; and (iv) formation of mylonitic bands on the southern border of the dome, with reverse dextral kinematics. The flat lying pervasive high‐T deformation is interpreted as a large lateral flow developed in a dextral transpressive regime inducing an important uncoupling between the middle and upper crusts. The next stages happened in a progressive deformation in the same transpressive regime.
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting of endogenous promoters induces DNA methylation, but not necessarily gene silencing, in rice
Authors: Okano Yosuke , Miki Daisuke , Shimamoto Ko
Published: October 2007

Recent evidence indicates that small interfering RNA (siRNA) induces chromatin modifications and inactivation at homologous genomic sequences. A large number of endogenous siRNAs have been discovered that correspond to widely dispersed regions of the genome. We used an experimental system in which transgene‐derived siRNAs target promoter regions in rice to determine whether or not siRNAs induce chromatin modifications that result in inactivation. Our results indicate that siRNAs targeted to one transgene and seven endogenous genes induce DNA methylation at all of the target promoters, but do not induce transcriptional suppression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays indicate that reduced euchromatic histone modifications were concomitant with the silencing of one endogenous gene, but not of six other endogenous genes that were not silenced. Furthermore, heterchromatic H3K9me2 was higher only in the promoter of the transgene that was completely silenced. These findings lead us to assume that siRNA rarely induces chromatin inactivation or changes in pattern of histone modification, especially H3K9 methylation, within most regions of the genome.
STAT1 gene variations, IgE regulation and atopy
Authors: Pinto L. A. , Steudemann L. , Depner M. , Klopp N. , Illig T. , Weiland S. K. , Von Mutius E. , Kabesch M.
Published: October 2007

Background:  Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), an intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription centrally involved in many inflammatory pathways, was recently suggested to play an important role in allergy related immune responses.

Aim:  Thus, we investigated the effect of polymorphisms in the STAT1 gene on the development of atopic sensitization and allergic diseases.

Methods:  Haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously described in the STAT1 gene were genotyped by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry technology in a cross‐sectional study population of 3099 German children recruited and phenotyped by the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood, phase II (ISAAC II). Effects of single SNPs and haplotypes were studied using SAS/Genetics and Haploview.

Results:  The polymorphism C39134A (rs3771300), located in a potentially cis acting regulatory element in STAT1 intron 24, was inversely related to atopy measured by skin prick test, total and specific serum IgE levels while no effect on atopic disease risk was observed.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that STAT1 SNP C39134A may protect from atopic sensitization. Because of its location in a highly conserved noncoding sequence near a putative GATA3 binding site, this polymorphism represents an interesting target for further studies.
Usefulness of intradermal test and patch test in the diagnosis of nonimmediate reactions to metamizol
Authors: Macías E. , Ruiz A. , Moreno E. , Laffond E. , Dávila I. , Lorente F.
Published: October 2007

Background: Metamizole is a pyrazolone derivative, and its most common reactions are IgE‐mediated reaction and idiosyncratic reactions. Non‐immediate reactions are poorly described and there are very few reports on non‐immediate reactions to pyrazolones.

Materials and methods: We evaluated 12 patients (nine men) who consulted for a non‐immediate reaction after metamizol administration. We performed cutaneous tests (skin prick tests and immediate and delayed intradermal tests) and epicutaneous tests, and, if necessary, an oral challenge test.

Results: All skin prick and intradermal tests, if necessary, were negative in immediate reading. Delayed intradermal tests were positive in six of 10 patients (60%) and epicutaneous tests were positive in four of 11 patients (36%). Three cases (25%), were diagnosed by a positive oral challenge test.

Discussion: Delayed‐reading intradermal tests and patch tests are useful tools in the diagnosis of nonimmediate reactions to pyrazolones and should be considered the first step when evaluating these type of reactions. Intradermal test appears to be more sensitive than patch test. The positivity of skin tests suggests an immunological reaction, probably mediated by T lymphocytes, but further studies are required.
Regulation of allergen‐induced bone marrow eosinophilopoiesis: role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Rådinger M. , Bossios A. , Alm A.‐S. , Jeurink P. , Lu Y. , Malmhäll C. , Sjöstrand M. , Lötvall J.
Published: October 2007

Background:  The mechanisms of the distant stimulation of the bone marrow (BM) after airway allergen exposure remain largely obscure. T cells have been implicated in allergic airway inflammation but their role in allergen‐induced BM eosinophilopoiesis is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in allergen‐induced BM eosinophilopoiesis.

Methods:  Ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized wild type (WT), CD4 knockout (CD4−/−) and CD8 knockout (CD8−/−) mice were exposed intranasally to OVA or saline. Bromo‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to label newly produced cells. Bone marrow, blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were sampled 24 h after the final exposure. Immunostaining for newly produced eosinophils (i.e. BrdU+/MBP+) and BM eosinophil progenitor [CD34+/CD45+/interleukin‐5 (IL‐5)Ralpha+] cells was performed.

Results:  The number of newly produced BM eosinophils (BrdU+/MBP+ cells) was significantly reduced in allergen exposed CD4−/− or CD8−/− mice compared with allergen exposed WT mice, which was followed by a subsequent decrease in newly produced blood and airway eosinophils. Furthermore, BM eosinophil progenitors were significantly reduced in allergen exposed CD4−/− and CD8−/− mice compared with WT mice. Finally, serum IL‐5 and Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eotaxin‐2 levels were abolished in allergen exposed CD4−/− mice to levels seen in saline exposed WT mice.

Conclusions:  These data suggests that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells have a regulatory role in allergen‐induced BM eosinophilopoiesis, whereas CD4+ T cells are obligatory for allergen‐induced airway eosinophilia. The subsequent traffic of eosinophils to the airways is likely to be at least partly regulated by a CD4+ T‐cell‐dependent local airway eotaxin‐2 production.
A loose‐fit coculture of activated keratinocytes and dendritic cell‐related cells for prediction of sensitizing potential
Authors: Schreiner M. , Peiser M. , Briechle D. , Stahlmann R. , Zuberbier T. , Wanner R.
Published: October 2007

Protection against contact allergy begins with the collection of reliable data about the sensitizing potential of chemicals. Today, the local lymph node assay (LLNA) in mice is widely used to identify sensitizing substances. For several reasons, an in vitro assay could be preferable to animal experiments. We propose an in vitro test for the detection of a sensitizing potential of a chemical composed of a single layer of human nondifferentiating keratinocytes and of allogenic floating monocytes which are cocultured in serum‐free medium in the presence of a cytokine cocktail. Within days, the coculture develops to an allergen‐ sensitive system consisting of activated keratinocytes and of mobile dendritic cell‐related cells (DC‐related cell). The sensitizing potential can be determined by analyzing the expression of the dendritic cell maturation marker CD86. For the model contact allergens tested so far [trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS), phenylendiamine, and 4‐aminoacetanilide], the strength of the reaction was in concordance with results from the LLNA. Sensitivity of the assay allowed testing at concentrations without general cytotoxicity. Thus, a differentiation between allergens and irritants was possible. Regarding cytokine secretion, the assay distinguished between the allergen TNBS and the Toll‐like receptor ligand lipopolysaccharide. The coculture can be set up from cryopreserved cells. The assay is easy to perform and reproducible. Donor‐variance is negligible. This in vitro assay based on a loose‐fit coculture is a reasonable approach to screen for the sensitizing potential of xenobiotics and might partially replace the LLNA and other animal tests.
Seasonal trends in house dust mite allergen in children’s beds over a 7‐year period
Authors: Crisafulli D. , Almqvist C. , Marks G. , Tovey E.
Published: October 2007

Background:  House dust mite (HDM) allergy is closely linked to the expression of asthma and other allergic diseases. Understanding factors influencing variation in allergen may help in controlling allergic disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of seasonal changes in climate, type of bed used in very early childhood and anti‐mite interventions on HDM allergen concentration.

Methods:  Participants were enrolled in a randomized‐controlled trial of HDM avoidance. Der p 1 was measured in dust samples from children’s beds on 13 occasions, from birth to age 5 years, between 1997 and 2004. Bed types were categorized as bassinette, cot or bed. The effects of study month, type of bed and intervention group on HDM allergen concentration were estimated by multiple linear regression. The relation between climatic variables and HDM allergen concentration was investigated using a polynomial distributed lag model.

Results:  House dust mite allergen concentrations were initially low in cots and bassinettes in 1997/1998, peaked in bassinettes and beds between 1999 and 2001 and then slowly declined during the period 2002/2004. Seasonal fluctuations occurred with minima in summer and two‐ to threefold higher maxima during late autumn. Allergen peaks were correlated with relative humidity peaks 2 months previously. Seasonal changes in allergen were not affected by the HDM avoidance intervention.

Conclusions:  House dust mite allergen concentrations in Sydney beds fluctuate approximately two‐ to threefold on an annual cycle, partly determined by relative humidity, with peaks in late autumn and minima in summer. Fluctuations of this magnitude might be sufficient to influence asthma symptoms.
Periodic fever syndromes: a diagnostic challenge for the allergist
Authors: Lierl M.
Published: October 2007

The objective was to present a case of periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA), summarize the medical literature on PFAPA, review the differential diagnosis and suggest a diagnostic approach to periodic fevers in children. A PubMed search was conducted for all case reports and series of patients with PFAPA. The references of these papers yielded further case reports. Review articles or large case series were used for sources of information regarding the other periodic fever and autoinflammatory syndromes. All cases reported as PFAPA were included in the review, even though a few of the cases may not have been accurately diagnosed. The periodic fever and autoinflammatory syndromes of childhood are a group of diseases that cause repeated febrile illnesses with various associated symptoms. Except for PFAPA, each of these diseases is caused by a known genetic mutation. Effective treatment options and long‐term prognosis varies among these syndromes. Children with periodic fever or autoinflammatory syndromes sometimes present to an Allergy/Immunology clinic for immunologic evaluation. It is important for the Allergy/Immunology specialist to be familiar with the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment of these conditions.
Kidney transplantation from pediatric donors: Size‐match‐based allocation
Authors: Bar‐Dayan Avner , Bar‐Nathan Nathan , Shaharabani Ezra , Davidovits Miriam , Krause Irit , Kleper Roxana , Mor Eytan
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Use of kidneys from pediatric donors has been associated with worse outcome. We review our 20‐yr experience using pediatric kidneys as single grafts in children and adult recipients. Charts review of 29 recipients, transplanted between 1986 and 2005, who received a graft from a donor ≤6 yr was performed. One recipient received “en bloc” graft and the remaining patients received a single kidney. Nine recipients were adults and 21 were children. Creatinine at discharge and at follow‐up was recorded and actuarial graft and patient survivals were calculated using life table analysis. All 29 recipients are alive at mean follow‐up of 92 months. Five grafts were lost for: primary non‐function (1), recurrent FSGS at 14 month (1) and chronic rejection (3). All five recipients who lost their graft received a graft from donors ≤3 yr. Mean calculated GFR (Schwartz formula) at one and five yr were 84.2 mL/m2/1.73 and 98.3 mL/m2/1.73, respectively. Actuarial graft survival was 93.2%, 89.6%, and 81.9% at one, five and at 10 yr after transplant. The use of a single kidney graft from pediatric donors yields good long‐term results. Kidneys from small pediatric donors should be allocated first to matched‐weight recipients but otherwise can be transplanted in older children or in adults.
Distribution of Spermatozoa and Embryos in the Female Reproductive Tract after Unilateral Deep Intra Uterine Insemination in the Pig
Authors: Tummaruk P , Sumransap P , Techakumphu M , Kunavongkrit A
Published: October 2007

Contents

The present study was performed to investigate the number of either the spermatozoa or the embryos in the reproductive tracts of sows after unilateral, deep, intra uterine insemination (DIUI). Two experiments were conducted, 10 sows were used in experiment I and eight sows were used in experiment II. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to examine the time when ovulation took place in relation to oestrus behaviour. The sows were inseminated with a single dose of diluted fresh semen 6–8 h prior to expected ovulation, during the second oestrus after weaning. In experimental I, five sows were inseminated by a conventional artificial insemination (AI) technique using 100 ml of diluted fresh semen, containing 3000 × 106 motile spermatozoa and five sows were inseminated by the DIUI technique with 5 ml of diluted fresh semen, containing 150 × 106 motile spermatozoa. The sows were anesthetized and ovario‐hysterectomized approximately 24 h after insemination. The oviducts and the uterine horns on each side of the reproductive tracts were divided into seven segments, namely ampulla, cranial isthmus, caudal isthmus, utero‐tubal junction (UTJ), cranial uterine horn, middle uterine horn and caudal uterine horn. Each segment of the reproductive tracts was flushed with Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) through the lumen. The total number of spermatozoa in the flushing from each segment were determined. In experimental II, eight sows were inseminated by the DIUI technique using 5.0 ml diluted fresh semen containing 150 × 106 motile spermatozoa. The sows were anesthetized 61.1 ± 12 h after insemination (48–72 h) and the embryos were flushed from the oviduct through the proximal part of the uterine horn. It was revealed that, in experimental I, the spermatozoa were recovered from both sides of the reproductive tract in the AI‐group, and from unilateral side of the reproductive tract in the DIUI‐group (three sows from the left and two sows from the right sides). The number of spermatozoa recovered from the reproductive tracts was higher in the AI‐ than the DIUI‐group (p < 0.001). In experiment II, fertilization occurred in five of eight sows (62.5%) after DIUI. The number of ova that ovulated were 16.4 ± 2.6 per sow and the embryos numbering 11.4 ± 2.3 per sow were recovered from both sides of the reproductive tract. In conclusion, the spermatozoa given by DIUI could be recovered from only one side of the reproductive tract of sows at approximately 24 h after DIUI via the flushing technique. However, embryos were found in both sides of the oviducts and the proximal part of the uterine horns 48–72 h after insemination, indicating that the fertilization occurred in both sides of the oviducts.
Early Detection of Pregnancy and Embryonic Loss in Dairy Cattle by ELISA Tests
Authors: Gábor G , Tóth F , Ózsvári L , Abonyi‐Tóth Zs , Sasser RG
Published: October 2007

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Over a 25‐month period 8118 blood samples were assayed for the presence of the serum pregnancy specific‐protein B (PSPB) and progesteron (P4) concentrations on three Hungarian large‐scale dairy farms. Pregnancy (n = 4085) was checked by BioPRYN assay at 30–36 days post‐insemination (PI). Samples from all cows that tested not pregnant and from cows with an optical density (OD) reading in the BioPRYN test that was between 0% and 30% above the cutoff OD value were tested for serum P4 concentration. According to serum P4 concentration, cows were assigned to three categories: high (>4 ng/ml), medium (2–4 ng/ml) and low (<2 ng/ml) serum progesterone. The authors predicted a presumed (low) or possible (medium) late embryonic loss (LEL) or maintenance of the pregnancy (high). A total of 710 LELs were detected (17.4%) and 31.8% of them were predicted because of a low OD value at 30–36 days after insemination. Lower PSPB serum level significantly refers for LEL (p < 0.0001). The prediction rate for the true embryonic loss was 31.8% when OD cutoff from 0% to + 30% of cutoff was examined while it was 62.5% when the threshold was OD cutoff of 0% to 10% of cutoff. The authors conclude that BioPRYN was useful for prediction of a part of LEL in dairy cows and serum P4 concentration in these cows related to the rate of LEL.
Bovine Endothelial Cells Interact with Fully‐luteinized, but Not Luteinizing, Granulosa Cells in the mRNA Expression of Endothelin‐1 System in Response to Prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Shirasuna K , Watanabe S , Yamamoto D , Hayashi M , Nagai K , Miyamoto A
Published: October 2007

Contents

The corpus luteum (CL) undergoes regression by prostaglandin (PG)F2α from uterus and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) plays an important role during luteolysis as a local mediator of PGF2α in the cow. Endothelial cells (EC) and luteal cells are main cell types making up the CL and their interactions are vital for CL function. We aimed to examine the relevance of interactions between EC and luteal cells on stimulation of genes which involved ET‐1 synthesis by PGF2α. We further focused the impact of maturity of luteal cells on the stimulation of the genes. To make a microenvironment which resembles the CL, we used bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) and luteinizing or fully‐luteinized granulosa cells (GC) and evaluated the effect of PGF2α on the expression for mRNA of ET‐1 system by using real‐time RT‐PCR. PGF2α stimulated the expression of preproET‐1 and endothelin converting enzyme‐1 mRNA only in the co‐cultures of BAEC with fully‐luteinized GC, but not with luteinizing GC. The data suggest that interactions between BAEC and fully‐luteinized GC enhance the capability of BAEC to produce ET‐1 in response to PGF2α. This mechanism may contribute to the local induction of luteolytic action of PGF2α which is dependent on the age/maturation of the CL.
Luteal Characteristics and Progesterone Production on Day 5 of the Bovine Oestrous Cycle
Authors: Green MP , Mann GE , Hunter MG
Published: October 2007

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In this study we have examined luteal function in non‐lactating and late lactation dairy cows on day 5 of the cycle, during the period of the post‐ovulatory progesterone rise. Comparison of luteal progesterone content and in vitro synthetic capacity with circulating plasma progesterone demonstrated that circulating progesterone concentration is a function of total luteal activity rather than the activity of individual units of tissue. Incubation of luteal tissue in vitro demonstrated stimulatory activity of LH and IGF‐I, and to a greater degree IGF‐II, on luteal progesterone synthesis. Finally the study showed no effect of double ovulation on luteal function. Occurrence of double ovulation in 35% of animals was not associated with any difference in luteal function or plasma progesterone concentrations.
Successful Low Dose Insemination of Flow Cytometrically Sorted Ram Spermatozoa in Sheep
Authors: De Graaf SP , Evans G , Maxwell WMC , Downing JA , O'Brien JK
Published: October 2007

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The fertility of ram spermatozoa that had undergone flow cytometric sorting (MoFlo® SX) and cryopreservation was assessed after low‐dose insemination of synchronized Merino ewes. Oestrus was synchronized with progestagen‐impregnated pessaries, PMSG and GnRH treatment. Ewes (n = 360) were inseminated with 1 × 106, 5 × 106 or 15 × 106 motile sorted frozen‐thawed (S1, S5, or S15 respectively) or non‐sorted frozen‐thawed (C1, C5 or C15 respectively) spermatozoa from three rams. An additional group of ewes were inseminated with 50 × 106 motile non‐sorted frozen‐thawed spermatozoa (C50) to provide a commercial dose control. The percentage of ewes lambing after insemination was similar for C50 (24/38, 63.2%), C15 (37/54, 68.5%), S15 (38/57, 66.7%), S5 (37/56, 66.1%) and S1 (32/52, 61.5%) groups (p > 0.05), but lower for C5 (19/48, 39.6%) and C1 (19/55, 34.5%) treatments (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates sorted ram spermatozoa are equally fertile to non‐sorted spermatozoa even when inseminated at 2% of the dose. Furthermore, at very low artificial insemination doses (1 or 5 million motile) the fertility of sorted ram spermatozoa is superior to non‐sorted spermatozoa inseminated in equal numbers. These results have significance for the future commercialization of sex‐preselection technology in sheep as a reduction in the minimum effective sperm number will allow a corresponding decrease in the associated cost per dose.
Neuronal Loss in the Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus Ipsilateral to a Massive Cerebral Infarct
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki
Published: October 2007

This report describes the striking ipsilateral loss of large and medium‐sized neurons in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus‐pars compactus (PPTN‐pc) in an 82‐year‐old man with a massive, long‐standing infarct in the left cerebral hemisphere (area of the middle cerebral artery). No pathologic alterations were evident in the remaining neurons. The neurons in the contralateral PPTN‐pc were well preserved. Since the PPTN‐pc receives inputs from the basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex and sends widespread efferent fibers to the ipsilateral sides of these structures, it could be assumed that the observed loss of neurons is a result of anterograde transneuronal degeneration or of retrograde degeneration.
Our Expectations of and Participation in Neuropathology: From the Field of Clinical Neurology
Authors: Tanabe Hitosi
Published: October 2007

In this special lecture at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology, the author expressed his respect for and expectation of neuropathology from the field of clinical neurology. For the bases of the conclusion in this study, following details were presented in five parts.

1)The author's initial neurological autopsy case of Wallenberg syndrome was described, and the results of further studies on some basic problems arisen from this case were also shown.

2)Statistical studies on the autopsy ratio revealed gradual decrease in every field. and reasons for this undeniable fact and plans of the amelioration were discussed.

3)The clinical diagnosis and therapeutic effects were reevaluated on 399 autopsy cases in our Hospital, and the clinicopathological discrepancies in diagnosis were classified into three types. The results of further investigations were presented here mainly in disease groups with pathological diagnosis of Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinocerebellar degenerations, multiple system atrophy, Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease and Alzheimer disease.

4)On the bases of 2,130 cases of muscle biopsy and 415 cases of sural nerve biopsy, the guide manuals was proposed for improved methods, for the study of specimens, and for diagnostic contribution.

5)The research project teams for neuropathology have successively been organized in our hospital. The results on various degenerative disease groups were presented.

With this presentation, the author emphasized the importance of sustained participation in clinicopathological work and of reciprocal communication between the two disciplines.
Temporal Lobe Lesions in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with or without Dementia: A Neuropathological Study
Authors: Nakano Imaharu
Published: October 2007

A neuropathological study of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia [ALS‐D (+)] revealed, in addition to changes of the motor neuron system, temporal lobe (TL) lesions that had a characteristic distribution. The alterations include neuronal loss emphasized in the medial cortex of the temporal tip and focal depletion of pyramidal neurons in the pes hippocampi. These observations indicate that these regions may be the first non‐motor cerebral cortex structures to be involved in this condition, and that the neuronal loss in these TL areas may play a role in the mental symptoms observed in ALS‐D(+). Moreover, the TL of approxiamtely 10% of ALS cases without dementia [ALS‐D (‐)] had similar alterations. This poses the question of whether these cases may represent an intermediate subgroup between ALS‐D (‐) and ALS‐D (+), or whether the ALS‐D (‐) patients with TL lesions were indeed demented, but in whom the proper the proper diagnoses were overlooked. Answers to these points can only be provided by detailed clinicopathological studies on appropriately matched ALS patients
A Multivariate Approach to the Relationship between Aging, RNA Depletion and the Incidence of Plaques and Tangles
Authors: Dani Sergio U. , Bergmann Britta , Walter Gerhard F. , Pittella José Eymard H. , Hori Akira
Published: October 2007

In order to study the relationship between changes in total cytoplasmic RNA and the incidence of neuritic plaques (NP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the aging human brain, a series of parahippocampal gyri (PHG) was obtained, post mortem, from 50 aging, mostly non‐Alzheimer disease human brains, grouped in five decades of life. Absolute and relative NP and NFT counts in silver stained preparations were performed with the aid of a semi‐automated image analysis system, and total cytoplasmic RNA was estimated in azure b (ab) preparations. Progressive ab‐RNA depletion corresponded to the decades of life in which the incidences of NP and NFT increased significantly. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated not only isolated effects of increasing age and decreasing mean ab‐RNA, upon the incidence of NP, but also interactive effects of the two former parameters. In addition, highly significant isolated and interactive effects of age and mean ab‐RNA decrease were also observed upon the incidence of NFT. It is put forward that the rate at which total neuronal cytoplasmic RNA (mainly rRNA species) is reduced may play an important part in the pathophysiology of the neuronal degeneration as marked histologically by the onset of NP and NFT.