bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and reproductive function in wild female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Thompson Melissa Emery , Wrangham Richard W.
Published: November 2007

Human female reproductive function is highly sensitive to current energetic condition, indicating adaptation to modulate reproductive effort in accordance with changing ecological conditions that might favor or disfavor the production of offspring. Here, we test the hypothesis that reproductive capacity in female chimpanzees is likewise limited by current energetic condition. We used 12 years of data on wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Kanyawara community of Kibale National Park, Uganda, to examine the relationship of dietary quality, as assessed by fruit components of the diet, to the occurrence of sexually receptive females, concentrations of ovarian steroid hormones, and timing of conception. We found that the frequency of females having sexual swellings was positively related to the consumption of drupe fruits. Estrogen levels of both cycling and noncycling females increased during seasonal peaks in the consumption of drupe fruits. When average fruit consumption remained high across months, females conceived more quickly. These results support the hypothesis that cycling and conception in chimpanzees are contingent upon high energy balance, and they indicate that the availability of fruit is a key variable limiting reproductive performance in chimpanzees. Chimpanzees appear to share with humans a reproductive system that is primed to respond to proximate levels of energy acquisition. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rare mtDNA haplogroups and genetic differences in rich and poor Danish Iron‐Age villages
Authors: Melchior L. , Gilbert M.T.P. , Kivisild T. , Lynnerup N. , Dissing J.
Published: November 2007

The Roman Iron‐Age (0–400 AD) in Southern Scandinavia was a formative period, where the society changed from archaic chiefdoms to a true state formation, and the population composition has likely changed in this period due to immigrants from Middle Scandinavia. We have analyzed mtDNA from 22 individuals from two different types of settlements, Bøgebjerggård and Skovgaarde, in Southern Denmark. Bøgebjerggård (ca. 0 AD) represents the lowest level of free, but poor farmers, whereas Skovgaarde 8 km to the east (ca. 200–270 AD) represents the highest level of the society. Reproducible results were obtained for 18 subjects harboring 17 different haplotypes all compatible (in their character states) with the phylogenetic tree drawn from present day populations of Europe. This indicates that the South Scandinavian Roman Iron‐Age population was as diverse as Europeans are today. Several of the haplogroups (R0a, U2, I) observed in Bøgebjerggård are rare in present day Scandinavians. Most significantly, R0a, harbored by a male, is a haplogroup frequent in East Africa and Arabia but virtually absent among modern Northern Europeans. We suggest that this subject was a soldier or a slave, or a descendant of a female slave, from Roman Legions stationed a few hundred kilometers to the south. In contrast, the haplotype distribution in the rich Skovgaarde shows similarity to that observed for modern Scandinavians, and the Bøgebjerggård and Skovgaarde population samples differ significantly (P≈ 0.01). Skovgaarde may represent a new upper‐class formed by migrants from Middle Scandinavia bringing with them Scandinavian haplogroups. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of male morphology on male mating status and behavior during interunit encounters in western lowland gorillas
Authors: Caillaud Damien , Levréro Florence , Gatti Sylvain , Ménard Nelly , Raymond Michel
Published: November 2007

The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is one of the most sexually dimorphic primate species. Mature males are twice the size of females and have grey fur on their backs and a fibrous, adipose crest on their heads. Such traits are likely to have evolved by sexual selection, either because they confer advantages during male–male fights or because females prefer males with more dimorphic traits. We developed photogrammetric methods for distance collection of morphological data from silverback males frequenting the Lokoué forest clearing in Odzala‐Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo. Body length, head‐crest size, musculature development, and extent of the grey color on the back were assessed in 87 nonbreeding and breeding mature males. Behavioral data were also collected during 312 male–male encounters involving 67 mature males in order to estimate their level of aggressiveness. The number of females belonging to a mature male positively correlated with the male crest size, body length, and musculature. Whereas morphological variables did not significantly affect the intensity of male–male encounters, the number of females attending male–male encounters strongly affected the number of agonistic displays by the two males. We discuss the mechanisms through which males with more exaggerated traits could obtain a mating advantage, namely male–male fights or female mate choice. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A national survey of state legislation defining mental retardation: implications for policy and practice afterAtkins
Authors: DeMatteo David , Marczyk Geoffrey , Pich Michele
Published: November 2007

InAtkins v. Virginia2002, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Eighth Amendment prohibits executing offenders who are mentally retarded. Rather than adopting a uniform definition of mental retardation, the court charged each state with defining mental retardation in a manner that enforces the constitutional restriction. An unanswered question is how states define mental retardation afterAtkins, which has implications for capital defendants and forensic evaluators who conduct capital mitigation evaluations. This project identified the statutory definitions of mental retardation in each state, and grouped the definitions based on consistency with accepted clinical criteria for mental retardation. Results show that definitions of mental retardation vary considerably by state. The large majority of states, both overall and specifically among death penalty states, use criteria for mental retardation that are not entirely consistent with accepted clinical standards. As such, it is not clear whether the majority of states are effectuating the intent ofAtkins. The implications of these findings for both policy and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a psychopathology of self‐control theory: the importance of narcissistic traits
Authors: Vaughn Michael G. , DeLisi Matt , Beaver Kevin M. , Wright John Paul , Howard Matthew O.
Published: November 2007

Research on self‐control and related constructs is central to individual‐level explanations of antisocial behavior. However, less research attention has been paid to the psychopathological underpinnings of self‐control. The current study explores relationships between self‐control and psychiatric symptoms, head injury, trauma history, substance use, guiltlessness and narcissistic traits in a statewide population of juvenile offenders. Results support the importance of these variables, in particular narcissistic traits, in better explicating theories of self‐control. Implications for research on the psychopathological underpinnings of self‐control are highlighted. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glyceryl‐S‐Acyl Carrier Protein as an Intermediate in the Biosynthesis of Tetronate Antibiotics
Authors: Sun Yuhui , Hong Hui , Gillies Fraser , Spencer Jonathan B. , Leadlay Peter F.
Published: November 2007

The biosynthetic pathway to the unusual tetronate ring of certain polyketide natural products, including the antibiotics abyssomicin and tetronomycin (TMN) and the antitumour compound chlorothricin (CHL), is presently unknown. The gene clusters governing chlorothricin and tetronomycin biosynthesis both contain a gene encoding an atypical member of the FkbH family of enzymes, which has previously been shown to synthesise glyceryl‐S‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) as the first step in production of unusual extender units for modular polyketide biosynthesis. We show here that purified recombinant FkbH‐like protein, Tmn16, from the TMN gene cluster catalyses the efficient transfer of a glyceryl moiety from D‐1,3‐bisphosphoglycerate (1,3‐BPG) to either of the dedicated ACPs, Tmn7a and ChlD2, to form glyceryl‐S‐ACP, which directly implicates this compound as an intermediate in tetronate biosynthesis as well. Neither Tmn16 nor Tmn7a produced glyceryl‐S‐ACP when incubated, respectively, with analogous ACP and FkbH‐like proteins from a known extender‐unit pathway; this indicates a highly selective channelling of glycolytic metabolites into tetronate biosynthesis.
{7‐[Bis(carboxymethyl)amino]coumarin‐4‐yl}methoxycarbonyl Derivatives for Photorelease of Carboxylic Acids, Alcohols/Phenols, Thioalcohols/Thiophenols, and Amines
Authors: Hagen Volker , Dekowski Brigitte , Kotzur Nico , Lechler Ralf , Wiesner Burkhard , Briand Benoît , Beyermann Michael
Published: November 2007

Light‐induced release of biomolecules from inactive precursor molecules represents a powerful method to study cellular processes with high temporal and spatial resolution. Here we report the synthesis and photochemistry of a series of {7‐[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]coumarin‐4‐yl}methyl carboxylates, carbonates, carbamates, and thiocarbonates as potential phototriggers for compounds with COOH, OH, NH2, and SH functions. The compounds are soluble in aqueous buffer, show low fluorescence, and are efficiently photolysed by irradiation with UV/Vis or IR light to release carboxylates, alcohols, phenols, amines, thioalcohols, or thiophenols.
A case study of shell at Sakhalin: having a whale of a time?
Authors: Ray Subhasis
Published: November 2007

This is a case study on the world's largest oil and gas project, at the Sakhalin Islands, Russia. Shell is the key promoter of this project. The case highlights the sustainability challenges that Shell faced when working on the mega‐project. By their very nature, all such projects involve disruptions in the environmental and social fabric of the project site. NGOs often take up these issues and create international headlines, bringing pressure on the management team. The Russian government also changed its stand over a period of time. While many of these issues are valid in their own way, they often create managerial dilemmas. Traditional management approaches to community development and environmental conservation fell short of stakeholder expectations at Sakhalin. The issue of saving around 100 endangered whales put a cloud of doubt over this $20 billion project. The case highlights strategic issues involved in crafting sustainability strategies at mega‐projects, possible pitfalls and the challenge of balancing project execution and stakeholder commitments against an unstable political backdrop. As Shell plans to start many exploration projects in bio‐diversity rich parts of the world, the Sakhalin project acts as a pilot to and reminder of social responsibility challenges to big multi‐nationals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
DNA ploidy and cell cycle analyses in the bone marrow cells of patients with megaloblastic anemia using laser scanning cytometry
Authors: Tsujioka Takayuki , Tochigi Aki , Kishimoto Mitsuyo , Kondo Toshinori , Tasaka Taizo , Wada Hideho , Sugihara Takashi , Yoshida Yataro , Tohyama Kaoru
Published: November 2007

Background:

Megaloblastic anemias are characterized by several hematopoietic cells with dysplastic nuclear morphology. The analyses of DNA ploidy and cell cycle of these cells are important to understand the property of such diseases.

Methods:

As laser scanning cytometry (LSC) is a useful tool to evaluate the morphology of the cells fixed on the slide glass together with the quantitative analysis of the fluorescence information of each cell by rapid scanning of the specimens, the authors examined the DNA ploidy and cell cycle of six cases with megaloblastic anemia using LSC.

Results:

Giant neutrophilic series such as giant metamyelocytes and giant band cells were found to have extraordinarily higher DNA ploidy, while hypersegmented neutrophils represented the normal diploid pattern like normal neutrophils. As to megaloblasts, cell cycle analysis showed that the proportion of the cells in S phase was increased as compared with the case of normal erythroblasts.

Conclusions:

The present study clearly demonstrates the abnormal aspects of the hematopoietic cells with megaloblastic anemia from the viewpoint of the DNA ploidy and cell cycle analyzed by the use of LSC. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society.
Recent developments in CE and CEC of peptides
Authors: Kašička Václav
Published: November 2007

The article brings a comprehensive survey of recent developments and applications of high‐performance capillary electromigration methods, zone electrophoresis, ITP, IEF, affinity electrophoresis, EKC, and electrochromatography, to analysis, preparation, and physicochemical characterization of peptides. New approaches to the theoretical description and experimental verification of electromigration behavior of peptides and to methodology of their separations, such as sample preparation, adsorption suppression, and detection, are presented. Novel developments in individual CE and CEC modes are shown and several types of their applications to peptide analysis are presented: conventional qualitative and quantitative analysis, purity control, determination in biomatrices, monitoring of chemical and enzymatical reactions and physical changes, amino acid and sequence analysis, and peptide mapping of proteins. Some examples of micropreparative peptide separations are given and capabilities of CE and CEC techniques to provide important physicochemical characteristics of peptides are demonstrated.
Modulation of innate immunity by copolymer‐1 leads to neuroprotection in murine HIV‐1 encephalitis
Authors: Gorantla Santhi , Liu Jianuo , Wang Tong , Holguin Adelina , Sneller Hannah M. , Dou Huanyu , Kipnis Jonathan , Poluektova Larisa , Gendelman Howard E.
Published: November 2007

Virus‐infected and immune‐competent mononuclear phagocytes (MP; perivascular macrophages and microglia) drive the neuropathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection. Modulation of the MP phenotype from neurodestructive to neuroprotective underlies adjunctive therapeutic strategies for human disease. We reasoned that, as Copolymer‐1 (Cop‐1) can induce neuroprotective activities in a number of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, it could directly modulate HIV‐1‐infected MP neurotoxic activities. We now demonstrate that, in laboratory assays, Cop‐1‐stimulated virus‐infected human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) protect against neuronal injury. Severe combined immune‐deficient (SCID) mice were stereotactically injected with HIV‐1‐infected human MDM, into the basal ganglia, to induce HIV‐1 encephalitis (HIVE). Cop‐1 was administered subcutaneously for 7 days. In HIVE mice, Cop‐1 treatment led to anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective responses. Reduced micro‐ and astrogliosis, and conserved NeuN/MAP‐2 levels were observed in virus‐affected brain regions in Cop‐1‐treated mice. These were linked to interleukin‐10 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor expression and downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase. The data, taken together, demonstrate that Cop‐1 can modulate innate immunity and, as such, improve disease outcomes in an animal model of HIVE. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grb2-associated binder-1 plays a central role in the hepatocyte growth factor enhancement of hepatoma growth inhibition by K vitamin analog compound 5
Authors: Wang Ziqiu , Ge Lisheng , Wang Meifang , Carr Brian I.
Published: November 2007

Compound 5 (Cpd 5), a K vitamin analog, has been shown to inhibit Hep3B human hepatoma cell growth in cultures and rat hepatoma growth in vivo through prolonged epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–extracellular response kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) synergizes with Cpd 5 to enhance the inhibition of Hep3B cell and rat hepatoma growth. To explore the mechanisms mediating the HGF/Cpd 5 synergy, we examined the possible involvement of the Grb2-associated binder-1 (Gab1) docking protein because it interacts with both EGFR and HGF receptor c-Met pathways. We found that HGF enhanced Cpd 5–induced c-Met phosphorylation at Tyr-1349, a binding site for Gab1, resulting in increased c-Met binding to Gab1, and induced strong and prolonged Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Prolonged Gab1 phosphorylation by HGF/Cpd 5 in turn enhanced the ability of Gab1 to bind to protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 and enhanced the activation of its downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In contrast, this same HGF/Cpd 5 treatment inhibited Gab1 binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), leading to the inactivation of the PI3K-Akt pathway. The inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by HGF/Cpd 5 further activated the Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade via an Akt-Raf1 interaction, leading to strong and prolonged ERK phosphorylation. The transfection of Hep3B cells with mutated Gab1 (Gab1 Y627F), which had lost its ability to bind SHP2, antagonized HGF/Cpd 5–induced ERK phosphorylation, whereas the transfection of Hep3B cells with mutated Gab1 3YF, which lost its ability to bind PI3K, further enhanced HGF/Cpd 5–induced ERK phosphorylation and cell growth inhibition.

Conclusion:

Gab1 plays a central role in regulating HGF/Cpd 5 synergy in their actions on Hep3B cell growth inhibition. (Hepatology 2007;46:2003–2013.)
Treatment extension to 72 weeks of peginterferon and ribavirin in hepatitis c genotype 1–infected slow responders
Authors: Pearlman Brian L. , Ehleben Carole , Saifee Sophia
Published: November 2007

In hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection, the duration of interferon-based therapy is a critical determinant in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Slow or late responders to peginterferon and ribavirin may benefit from an extended treatment course. We sought to determine if therapy extension could improve response rates in a United States population of slow responders. Slow response was defined by achieving at least a 2-log decrement in HCV RNA from baseline, yet having detectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks and undetectable HCV RNA at 24 weeks (polymerase chain reaction, TaqMan, Roche; detection limit 10 IU/mL). Patients were treatment-naïve, chronically infected genotype 1–infected slow responders to 1.5 μg/kg/week of peginterferon-α2b and 800-1400 mg/day of ribavirin and were randomly assigned 1:1 to complete a total of 48 or 72 weeks of therapy. Dose reductions and treatment discontinuations for adverse events or laboratory abnormalities were similar between the 2 treatment arms. End-of-treatment response rates were similar in the 72-week group compared with those in the 48-week group (48% versus 45%;

P

value not significant). Overall, the rate of SVR was superior in patients treated for 72 weeks versus 48 weeks (38% versus 18%, respectively;

P

= 0.026).

Conclusion:

Extending the treatment duration from 48 weeks to 72 weeks in genotype 1–infected patients with slow virologic response to peginterferon-α2b and weight-based ribavirin significantly improves SVR rates. Treatment extension does not seem to increase the rate of dose reduction or therapy discontinuation. (Hepatology 2007;46:1688–1694.)
Hepatic Niemann-Pick C1–like 1: The canalicular side of the coin
Authors: Petruzzelli Michele , Moschetta Antonio , Kowdley Kris , McCaughan Geoffrey , Trautwein Christian
Published: November 2007

Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is required for cholesterol absorption. Intestinal NPC1L1 appears to be a target of ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor that effectively lowers plasma LDL-cholesterol in humans. However, human liver also expresses NPC1L1. Hepatic function of NPC1L1 was previously unknown, but we recently discovered that NPC1L1 localizes to the canalicular membrane of primate hepatocytes and that NPC1L1 facilitates cholesterol uptake in hepatoma cells. Based upon these findings, we hypothesized that hepatic NPC1L1 allows the retention of biliary cholesterol by hepatocytes and that ezetimibe disrupts hepatic function of NPC1L1. To test this hypothesis, transgenic mice expressing human NPC1L1 in hepatocytes (L1-Tg mice) were created. Hepatic overexpression of NPC1L1 resulted in a 10- to 20-fold decrease in biliary cholesterol concentration, but not phospholipid and bile acid concentrations. This decrease was associated with a 30%–60% increase in plasma cholesterol, mainly because of the accumulation of apoE-rich HDL. Biliary and plasma cholesterol concentrations in these animals were virtually returned to normal with ezetimibe treatment. These findings suggest that in humans, ezetimibe may reduce plasma cholesterol by inhibiting NPC1L1 function in both intestine and liver, and hepatic NPC1L1 may have evolved to protect the body from excessive biliary loss of cholesterol.
The use of a colon cancer associated nuclear antigen CCSA‐2 for the blood based detection of colon cancer
Authors: Walgenbach‐Brunagel Gisela , Burger Bettina , Leman Eddy S. , Walgenbach Klaus‐J. , Tolba Rene , Heukamp Lukas , Hirner Andreas , Getzenberg Robert H.
Published: November 2007

The early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is central for effective treatment, as prognosis is directly related to the stage of the disease. Development of tumor markers found in the blood from patients, which can detect CRC at an early stage, should have a major impact in morbidity and mortality of this disease. The nuclear matrix is the structural scaffolding of the nucleus and specific nuclear matrix proteins (NMPs) have been identified as an “fingerprint” for various cancer types. Previous studies from our laboratory have identified four colon cancer associated NMPs termed colon cancer‐specific antigen (CCSA)‐2 to (CCSA)‐5. The objective of the present study was to analyze the expression of one of these proteins, CCSA‐2 in serum from various patient populations and to determine whether CCSA‐2 antibodies could be used in a clinically applicable serum‐based immunoassay specifically to detect colon cancer. Using an indirect ELISA, which detects CCSA‐2, the protein was measured in the serum from 174 individuals, including healthy individuals, patients with colon cancer, patients with diverticulosis, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as other cancer types. With a predetermined cutoff absorbance of 0.6 OD we have successfully utilized this approach to develop an immunoassay that detected colon cancer. The immunoassay showed a sensitivity of 88.8% (24/27) and an overall specificity of 84.2% (106/127). This initial study showed the potential of CCSA‐2 to serve as a highly specific blood based marker for colon cancer. Although potentially promising, the results of this study must be confirmed in larger independent validation studies. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 286–294, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delayed-Onset Primary Cytomegalovirus Disease After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Arthurs Supha K. , Eid Albert J. , Pedersen Rachel A. , Dierkhising Ross A. , Kremers Walter K. , Patel Robin , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: November 2007

Clinical practice guidelines recommend antiviral prophylaxis to cytomegalovirus (CMV) donor-positive/recipient-negative (D+/R−) liver transplant recipients. We assessed the outcome of this strategy by determining the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors of CMV disease among CMV D+/R− liver transplant recipients who received antiviral prophylaxis. Sixty-seven CMV D+/R− liver transplant recipients (mean age ± standard deviation: 49.5 ± 11.4 years; 75% male) received oral ganciclovir [n = 9 (13%)] or valganciclovir [n = 58 (87%)] prophylaxis for a median duration of 92 days (interquartile range: 91–100). No breakthrough CMV disease was observed during antiviral prophylaxis. However, primary CMV disease was observed in 2%, 25%, 27%, 27%, and 29% of patients at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, after antiviral prophylaxis was stopped. The incidence of delayed-onset primary CMV disease was similar between those who received oral ganciclovir and valganciclovir. Nine (47%) patients had CMV syndrome, 8 (42%) had gastrointestinal CMV disease, and 2 (11%) had CMV hepatitis. Female patients (P = 0.01) and younger age at transplant (P = 0.03) were associated with an increased risk, whereas diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with a lower risk of delayed-onset primary CMV disease. Allograft loss or mortality occurred in 8 (12%) patients during the median follow-up period of 3.31 (range: 0.8–5.9) years. No significant association was observed between CMV disease and patient and allograft survival. In conclusion, CMV disease remains a common complication in CMV D+/R− liver transplant patients during the contemporary era of antiviral prophylaxis. Female patients and younger patients are at increased risk of delayed-onset primary CMV disease. Liver Transpl 13: 1703–1709, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Late Conversion From Calcineurin Inhibitor (CNI)-Based to Sirolimus-Based Immunosuppression in Liver Transplant Recipients with Impaired Renal Function
Authors: Watson Christopher J.E. , Gimson Alexander E.S. , Alexander Graeme J. , Allison Michael E.D. , Gibbs Paul , Smith Jane C. , Palmer Christopher R. , Bradley Andrew J.
Published: November 2007

Renal impairment is common in patients after liver transplantation and is attributable in large part to the use of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression. We sought to determine whether conversion to sirolimus-based immunosuppression was associated with improved renal function. In a single-center, randomized, controlled trial, 30 patients at least 6 months post liver transplantation were randomized to remain on CNI-based immunosuppression or to switch to sirolimus-based immunosuppression. The primary outcome measure was change in measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between baseline and 12 months. Of 30 patients randomized, 3 were withdrawn at randomization, leaving 14 patients on CNI and 13 on sirolimus. There was a significant improvement in delta GFR following conversion to sirolimus at 3 months (7.7 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, 3.5–11.9) and 1 yr (6.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, 0.9–11.4). The difference in absolute GFR between the 2 study groups was significant at 3 months (P = 0.02), but not at 12 months (P = 0.07). The principal adverse events following conversion were the development of skin rash (9 of 13 patients, 69%) and mouth ulcers (5 of 13 patients, 38%). Two patients developed acute rejection at 2 and 3 months following conversion, 1 in association with low sirolimus levels and 1 having stopped the drug inadvertently. In conclusion, overall, this study suggests that conversion to sirolimus immunosuppression is associated with a modest improvement in renal function. Side effects were common, but tolerable in most patients and controlled with dose reduction. Liver Transpl 13:1694–1702, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Effect of Prophylaxis on Fungal Infection and Costs for High-Risk Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Reed Alan , Herndon Jill Boylston , Ersoz Nail , Fujikawa Takahisa , Schain Denise , Lipori Paul , Hemming Alan , Li Qin , Shenkman Elizabeth , Vogel Bruce
Published: November 2007

We sought to determine whether the prophylactic use of amphotericin B products (conventional amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B) reduces the incidence of fungal infections in high-risk liver transplant recipients, and if so, whether this lowers the cost of care. The study sample comprised 232 adult orthotopic liver transplants performed from 1994 to 2005 at a single center for patients classified as being at high risk for fungal infections. High-risk patients who received transplants with a prophylaxis regimen of amphotericin B (n = 58 transplants) were compared with high-risk patients who received no prophylaxis (n = 174 transplants). Fungal infections occurred in 3 transplants (5.17%) of those who received amphotericin B and 28 transplants (16.09%) in those without prophylaxis (P = 0.0432). Regression models were used to analyze fungal infection and costs for the 232 high-risk transplants. Failure to offer prophylaxis conferred a 4-fold greater risk of fungal infection (P = 0.046) compared with those who received amphotericin B. A fungal infection in a high-risk recipient increased mean costs by 46.48%. The indirect effect of prophylaxis (operating through infection reduction) is estimated to reduce overall costs in high-risk patients by 8.73%. Liver Transpl 13: 1743–1750, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Anger in Parkinson's disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Macías Yolanda , Benito‐León Julián , Louis Elan D. , Cano‐Vindel Antonio
Published: November 2007

Cognitive‐psychiatric features of Parkinson's disease (PD) are common and they may be as disabling as the motor features of the disease. PD has been associated with stoic and inflexible personality traits. While many features of personality have been studied in PD, a systematic study of anger trait and anger expression in PD has not been performed. We used the Spanish adapted version of the state–trait anger Expression Inventory‐2 (STAXI‐2), comprised of six scales and an anger expression index, to measure anger trait and anger expression. There were 126 PD patients with depressive symptoms and 126 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. PD patients had lower levels of state anger (15.8 ± 3.1 vs. 17.9 ± 5.3, P < 0.001), trait anger (19.2 ± 5.3 vs. 20.7 ± 6.0, P < 0.05), anger expression‐out (9.0 ± 2.5 vs. 10.5 ± 3.0, P < 0.001), and anger expression index (26.1 ± 8.8 vs. 29.6 ± 9.4, P = 0.002); and higher levels in anger expression‐in (14.0 ± 3.4 vs. 12.2 ± 3.2, P < 0.001), anger control‐out (18.6 ± 5.0 vs. 16.1 ± 5.0, P < 0.001), and anger control‐in (14.3 ± 4.7 vs. 13.0 ± 4.5, P < 0.05) than controls. These differences persisted in analyses adjusting for age, gender, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: PD patients showed lower levels of external expression of anger and higher levels of control of anger. Our results demonstrate another dimension to the stoic personality trait seen in PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
The video images of sleep attacks in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hirayama Masaaki , Nakamura Tomohiko , Hori Norio , Koike Yasuo , Sobue Gen
Published: November 2007

We describe a sleep attack, which was induced by taking excessive levodopa and pergolide, in a 73‐year‐old woman with Parkinson's disease. At the onset of the sleep attack, her head suddenly sagged and sometimes hit the table, but she did not notice these symptoms. Her family noticed that this sleep attack occurred when she began to speak slowly. Her family recorded this attack with a video camera. This sleep attack resolved with control of her medication. This is the first report of video images of a sleep attack due to excessive levodopa and a dopamine agonist. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Novel GCH1 mutation in a Brazilian family with dopa‐responsive dystonia
Authors: Camargos Sarah Teixeira , Cardoso Francisco , Momeni Parastoo , Gurgel Gianetti Juliana , Lees Andrew , Hardy John , Singleton Andrew
Published: November 2007

Dopa responsive Dystonia (DRD) was first described in 1971 and typically begins at childhood with gait dysfunction caused by foot dystonia progressing to affect other extremities. There is marked diurnal fluctuation and sustained improvement of symptoms with low dose levodopa therapy. Heterozygous mutation of the gene GCH1 has been shown to cause DRD. We studied GCH1 in nine patients with DRD from six families of Federal University of Minas Gerais Movement Disorders Clinic. We identified three mutations; two affected siblings carried a novel T209P mutation and two siblings from another family were compound heterozygous carriers of Met211Val and Lys224Arg mutations. To our knowledge this is the first report of GCH1 mutations underlying DRD in patients from Brazil. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Design and characterization of a new irreversible responsive PARACEST MRI contrast agent that detects nitric oxide
Authors: Liu Guanshu , Li Yuguo , Pagel Mark D.
Published: November 2007

Irreversible responsive PARAmagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (PARACEST) MRI contrast agents constitute a new type of agent for molecular imaging. To investigate the utility of this approach, a novel PARACEST MRI contrast agent, Yb(III)‐(1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid)‐orthoaminoanilide (Yb‐DO3A‐oAA), was developed that detects nitric oxide (NO). The agent exhibited two CEST effects at −11 ppm and +8 ppm, which were assigned to chemical exchange from amide and amine functional groups, respectively. The effects of pH, temperature, and concentration were investigated to characterize the complex and to optimize PARACEST detection. This responsive PARACEST MRI contrast agent incurred an irreversible covalent change in the presence of NO and O2, which caused an irreversible disappearance of both PARACEST effects from MR images. The NO‐dependent response of a relaxivity‐based MRI contrast agent, Gd‐DO3A‐oAA, was investigated for comparison. This report highlights the advantages of irreversible MRI contrast agents, demonstrates that large changes in PARACEST can be used to create a highly responsive agent, and indicates challenges that must be overcome to apply this type of contrast agent to in vivo biomedical applications in molecular imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple and efficient post‐processing method for the computation of interfaces by local Reissner method
Authors: Manet V. , Han W.‐S. , Vautrin A.
Published: November 2007

Sandwich materials are currently much valued in industry, especially in transport (automotive, aeronautics, shipbuilding and railroads) and civil engineering. Because of this rise of interest, it becomes more and more important to develop analysis tools able to take their specificities into account.

Herein, we introduce a very simple and efficient post‐processing method especially developed for heterogeneous materials such as sandwich structures.

The method, based on Reissner principle, permits to fulfill the force equilibrium at interfaces between different layers, the skins and the core whose mechanical properties are very different, and yields accurate results for continuous stress components even with a coarse meshing through the thickness of the structure.

Only small matrices are involved in the computation, leading to an easy programming and implementation even in existing finite element packages. Moreover, the problem caused by nodal extrapolation of stress components from Gauss points is removed.

The present formulation, detailed in 2D for a simple illustration, is also valid in 3D.

Finally, the method is assessed in the classical case of a simply supported beam under uniform pressure as well as in the non‐standard case like a U‐beam. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and mechanical properties of particulate fillers filled epoxy composites for electronic packaging application
Authors: Teh P. L. , Jaafar M. , Akil H. M. , Seetharamu K. N. , Wagiman A. N. R. , Beh K. S.
Published: November 2007

Epoxy composites containing particulate fillers‐fused silica, glass powder, and mineral silica were investigated to be used as substrate materials in electronic packaging application. The content of fillers were varied between 0 and 40 vol%. The effects of the fillers on the thermal properties—thermal stability, thermal expansion and dynamic mechanical properties of the epoxy composites were studied, and it was found that fused silica, glass powder, and mineral silica increase the thermal stability and dynamic thermal mechanical properties and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The lowest CTE value was observed at a fused silica content of 40 vol% for the epoxy composites, which was traced to the effect of its nature of low intrinsic CTE value of the fillers. The mechanical properties of the epoxy composites were determined in both flexural and single‐edge notch (SEN‐T) fracture toughness properties. Highest flexural strength, stiffness, and toughness values were observed at fillers content of 40 vol% for all the filled epoxy composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph showed poor filler–matrix interaction in glass powder filled epoxy composites at 40 vol%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced analytical power of SDS‐PAGE using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Supek Fran , Peharec Petra , Krsnik‐Rasol Marijana , Šmuc Tomislav
Published: November 2007

We aim to demonstrate that a complex plant tissue protein mixture can be reliably “fingerprinted” by running conventional 1‐D SDS‐PAGE in bulk and analyzing gel banding patterns using machine learning methods. An unsupervised approach to filter noise and systemic biases (principal component analysis) was coupled to state‐of‐the‐art supervised methods for classification (support vector machines) and attribute ranking (ReliefF) to improve tissue discrimination, visualization, and recognition of important gel regions.
The chicken egg yolk plasma and granule proteomes
Authors: Mann Karlheinz , Mann Matthias
Published: November 2007

Using 1‐D SDS‐PAGE, LC‐MS/MS, and MS3, we identified 119 proteins from chicken egg yolk, 86 of which were not identified in yolk previously. Proteins were roughly quantitated by calculating their exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) to classify them as major or minor yolk components, and to estimate their distribution between yolk plasma and yolk granular fraction. The proteins with highest abundance were serum albumin, the vitellogenin cleavage products, apovitellenins, IgY, ovalbumin, and 12 kDa serum protein with cross‐reactivity to β2‐microglobulin. In addition yolk contained many other serum and egg white proteins, the proteases nothepsin and thrombin, numerous protease inhibitors, and antioxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Among the moderately abundant proteins were two α2‐macroglobulin‐like proteins different from egg white α2‐macroglobulin, and the major biotin‐binding protein of yolk. An unexpected identification was that of the eggshell matrix protein ovocleidin‐116, which was previously thought to be eggshell‐specific. The list of chicken egg yolk proteins provided in this report is by far the most comprehensive at present and may serve as a starting point for the characterization of less well‐known yolk proteins.
Influence of road pavement on behaviour of soil‐steel bridge structure
Authors: Mańko Zbigniew , Beben Damian
Published: November 2007

The paper presents the test procedures used for static load testing of a single‐span road bridge, made from Super Cor corrugated steel plates, over the Bystrzyca Dusznicka River in Szczytna Zdrój, Poland and an analysis of the obtained results. The conclusions drawn from this research can be useful for engineering practice, particularly for determining the interaction between the steel corrugated‐plate shell structure and the surrounding soil, and they can be extended to the whole class of such bridge designs.
In vitro binding of single‐stranded RNA by human Dicer
Authors: Kini Hemant K. , Walton S. Patrick
Published: November 2007

While Dicer alone has been shown to form stable complexes with double‐stranded RNAs and short interfering RNAs, its interactions with single‐stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) have not been characterized. Here, we show that recombinant human Dicer alone can bind 21‐nt ssRNAs in vitro, independent of their sequence and structure. We also demonstrate that Dicer binds ssRNAs having a 5′‐phosphate with greater affinity versus those with a 5′‐hydroxyl. In addition, 3′‐biotinylated ssRNAs are bound by Dicer with lower affinity than 3′‐hydroxyl ssRNAs. The stability of ssRNA–Dicer complexes was found to depend on divalent cations. Together, our results suggest a role for the PAZ domain of Dicer in binding ssRNAs and may indicate roles for Dicer in cellular function beyond those currently known.
Role of RIP140 in metabolic tissues: Connections to disease
Authors: White Roger , Morganstein Daniel , Christian Mark , Seth Asha , Herzog Birger , Parker Malcolm G.
Published: November 2007

The control of physiological processes requires the regulation and coordination of many different signals and is determined in part by the activation and repression of expression of specific target genes. RIP140 is a ligand dependent coregulator of many nuclear receptors that influence such diverse processes as muscle metabolism, adipocyte and hepatocyte function, and reproduction. Recent evidence has shown that the ability of RIP140 to regulate nuclear receptor function is determined by the relative level of RIP140 expression in comparison with other cofactors, by post‐translational modifications and by interactions with additional transcription factors. As a result it is becoming apparent that RIP140, via its interplay with other coregulators, plays a fundamental role in determining both the normal and pathogenic physiological state.
Role of AMP‐activated protein kinase in the metabolic syndrome and in heart disease
Authors: Hardie D. Grahame
Published: November 2007

Obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are disorders of energy balance, which the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates both at the cellular and whole body levels. AMPK switches cells from an anabolic state where nutrients are taken up and stored, to a catabolic state where they are oxidized. Drugs that activate AMPK indirectly (metformin and thiazolidinediones) are now the mainstay of treatment for type 2 diabetes, but more direct AMPK activators may have fewer side effects. However, activating mutations in AMPK can cause heart disease, and it will be important to look for adverse effects in the heart.
Weight-loss maintenance 1, 2 and 5 years after successful completion of a weight-loss programme
Authors: Lowe Michael R. , Kral Tanja V. E. , Miller-Kovach Karen
Published: November 2007

The objective was to assess weight-loss maintenance in individuals who successfully completed a commercial weight-loss programme at multiple sites in the United States. A total of 699 lifetime members of Weight Watchers represented the national sample and 217 additional lifetime members served as an oversample. Lifetime members were asked to self-report their current weight 1, 2, and 5 years after they had successfully completed the programme. Additional lifetime members served as an oversample whose weights were measured. The discrepancy between reported and measured weight in the oversample was used to adjust the self-reported weights of the national sample. Seventy-one percent of participants were middle-aged or older and 95·3 % were female; their mean starting BMI was 27·6 (sd 3·6) kg/m2. The percentage of Weight Watchers lifetime members who maintained at least 5 % of their weight loss 1, 2 and 5 years after successful completion of the programme was 79·8, 71·0, and 50·0, respectively. The percentage of participants who remained below their goal weight 1, 2 and 5 years after completion of the programme was 26·5, 20·5, and 16·2, respectively. Results obtained with this group of successful Weight Watchers members are not directly comparable to those obtained with clinical samples of obese dieters because the current sample comprises only the most successful Weight Watchers participants. However, these results provide further evidence that maintenance of weight loss in those who successfully lose weight in one commercial weight-loss programme is more feasible than data from clinical populations have suggested.
Addition of oat hulls to an extruded rice-based diet for weaner pigs ameliorates the incidence of diarrhoea and reduces indices of protein fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Kim Jae Cheol , Mullan Bruce P. , Hampson David J. , Pluske John R.
Published: November 2007

An experiment was conducted to determine whether adding oat hulls to weaner pig diets based on extruded rice or unprocessed wheat influenced post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and protein fermentation in the large intestine. Ninety-six male piglets (5·16 (sem 0·08) kg) were allocated to (i) extruded rice plus animal proteins (RAP); (ii) RAP with added oat hulls (20 g/kg); (iii) wheat plus animal proteins (WAP); (iv) WAP with added oat hulls (20 g/kg). Blood and faecal samples were collected on days 7 and 14 after weaning at about age 21 d. Pigs fed RAP had more PWD than pigs fed WAP (P < 0·05). Oat hull supplementation to diet RAP decreased the incidence of PWD (P < 0·05). The total-tract digestibility of DM, starch and energy was higher in rice-based diets than in wheat-based diets (P < 0·001); however, oat hulls decreased digestibility of DM and gross energy (P < 0·001). Pigs fed RAP had higher plasma creatinine concentrations (P < 0·01), which were positively correlated to cumulative β-haemolytic Escherichia coli scores after weaning (R2 0·928; P = 0·015). Addition of oat hulls decreased plasma urea concentrations only in pigs fed RAP (interaction; P < 0·05). Pigs fed RAP had lower faecal total biogenic amine concentrations than pigs fed WAP (P < 0·001). Oat hull supplementation tended to decrease total biogenic amine concentrations (P = 0·103). These data indirectly suggest that a mostly insoluble dietary fibre source such as oat hulls can decrease PWD in dietary situations where there may be a misbalance of carbohydrate to protein entering the hindgut.
The mucosal cellular response to infection withAncylostoma ceylanicum
Authors: Alkazmi L.M.M. , Dehlawi M.S. , Behnke J.M.
Published: November 2007

Although hookworms are known to stimulate inflammatory responses in the intestinal mucosa of their hosts, there is little quantitative data on this aspect of infection. Here we report the results of experiments conducted in hamsters infected withAncylostoma ceylanicum. Infection resulted in a marked increase in goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa, which was dependent on the number of adult worms present and was sustained as long as worms persisted (over 63 days) but returned to baseline levels within 7 days of the removal of worms by treatment with ivermectin. Increased mast cell responses were also recorded. Levels were again dependent on the intensity of worm burdens and lasted as long as 63 days after infection. When worms were eliminated, mast cell numbers took over 2 weeks to return to normal. Paneth cell numbers fell soon after infection, the degree of reduction being dependent on the worm burden. After clearance of worms, Paneth cell numbers returned to normal within a week, but then rebounded and numbers rose to higher levels than those in control naïve animals. The time course of the response was similar whether animals experienced a chronic low-intensity infection without loss of worms or a higher intensity infection during the course of which worm burdens were gradually reduced. Clearly,A. ceylanicumwas able to induce a marked inflammatory response in its host's intestine which was sustained for over 9 weeks after infection, and which hamsters appeared able to tolerate well. Our data draw attention to the resilience of hookworms which, unlike many other nematodes, are able to survive for many weeks in a highly inflamed intestinal tract.