bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRANSFER OF THE SALMONELLA COLICIN CHARACTER IN SALMONELLA CULTURES
Authors: Atkinson Nancy
Published: November 2007

Strains of Salmonella previously divided into four groups (1, 2, 3 and 4) on their production of colicin‐like antibiotics (called salmonella colicins or 'salcols’) were examined in the present work for ability to transfer their salmonella colicin character in mixed culture to non‐producer strains of Salmonella or Arizona as recipients. Producer strains of groups 1 and 4 readily transferred the salcol character, but no evidence of transfer was obtained with producer strains of groups 2 and 3. The group 1 salcol factors were related to the factor for colicin I and were shown to be of three kinds (labelled 1a, 1b and 1c) defined by the inhibition zone patterns of their salcols on two Salmonella indicator strains. The group 4 salcol producer was shown to have two salcol factors; one was transferable and gave rise to the production of a non‐diffusible salcol related to colicin B; the second factor was not transferable and gave rise to a diffusible salcol related to, but not identical with, colicin V. Differences in transferability and inhibition zone pattern distinguished the salcols from the related colicins.
ANTIBODIES AND SURFACE IMMUNOGLOBULINS OF IMMUNIZED CONGENITALLY ATHYMIC (NU/NU) MICE
Authors: Marchalonis John J
Published: November 2007

Congenitally athymic mice homozygous (nu/nu) for tile mutation “nude” and control littermates (nu/+) possessing normal thymus function were immunized with E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Nu/nu and nu/+ animals responded well to this thymus‐independent antigen, giving identical titres of serum antibodies. Unexpectedly, nu/nu mice as well as nu/+ animals produced both γM anti γG antibodies by 16 days following a single injection. Surface immunoglobulins of immunized nu/nu and nu/+ mice were isolated by lactoperoxidase‐catalyzed radioiodination, detergent extraction and immunoglobulin coprecipitation. The predominant surface immunoglobulin component on cells of both types of mouse was 7S γM immunoglobulin. The amount of γM surface immunoglobulin recovered from nu/nu mice was generally comparable to that extracted from nu/+ and normal CBA mice.
CROSS‐REACTIVITY OF THE AXIAL FILAMENT ANTIGEN AS A CRITERION FOR CLASSIFICATION OF LEPTOSPIRA
Authors: Chang Annabella , Faine S , Williams WT
Published: November 2007

The relationship aniong 36 strains of leptospires belonging to 15 serogroups was established, using the cross‐reactivity of the axial filament antigen in the immunodiffusion reaction as a criterion.

The pattern of cross‐reactions obtained was analysed by a hierarchical method, using agglomerative‐polythetic strategy.

Eight groups were formed, comprising two complexes. These new groups showed limited correlation with the current classification based on agglutinin‐absorption reactions, but showed some correlation with classifications based on other data, such as genetic homology, resistance to purine analogues and lipase activity.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF OVINE TOXOPLASMA INFECTION
Authors: Hartley WJ , Moyle GG
Published: November 2007

This paper records a seven year follow‐up epidemiological investigation in the surviving offspring of a flock of ewes which had experienced an outbreak of overt congenital toxoplasmosis. The following observations were made:

Fifty‐one percent of the offspring of dye test (D.T.) positive ewes developed antibodies to Toxoplasma.

The duration and level of this antibody response varied considerably: in some sheep it was persistent and in others it fluctuated between negativity and positivity, and in one year there was a general and pronounced rise in D.T. titres.

Fourteen percent of the offspring of dams with a D.T. titre of 1:64 became sero‐positive, whereas 90% of the offspring of ewes with D.T. titres of 1:1,024 or greater became sero‐positive.

No congenital transmission of Toxoplasma occurred when the D.T. positive offspring were mated.

All offspring born from D.T. negative ewes and running in contact with D.T. positive sheep remained sero‐negative over a 6 year period.

Latent congenital Toxoplasma infection persisted in 93% of D.T. positive offspring for up to 7 years.
IMMEDIATE HYPERSENSITIVITY RESPONSES IN THE MARSUPIAL SETONIX BRACHYURUS (THE QUOKKA). CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HOMOCYTOTROPIC ANTIBODY
Authors: Lynch NR , Turner KJ
Published: November 2007

The biological properties of the homocytotropic antibody (HCA) of the marsupial Setonix brachyurus (the quokka) were closely comparable to those of eutherian (placental species) IgE. However, the quokka HCA was indistinguishable from the IgG1 class. Agar gel electrophoresis, Sephadex G‐200 chromatography and sequential elution from DEAE‐cellulose and CM‐cellulose did not separate the passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) and IgG1 passive haemagglutination (HA) activities in quokka antisera. No antigenic differences between the IgG1 HA antibody and the HCA were detected. In addition to quokka IgG1, tissue‐fixing IgG has been demonstrated in eutherian and avian species and thus it is suggested that the extant IgG and IgE classes evolved from a primitive cytotropic γ chain.
A MICROTITRE SERUM NEUTRALIZATION TEST FOR BOVINE EPHEMERAL FEVER VIRUS
Authors: Burgess GW
Published: November 2007

A simple quantitative screening test for measuring serum neutralizing antibody to bovine ephemeral fever virus has been developed using Vero cells and plastic microtitre trays. The sensitivity of the test is comparable with conventional methods and represents a considerable saving in time, equipment and reagents. This procedure differs from other similar microtitre procedures in that serum/virus mixtures are not incubated prior to the addition of the cells.
PROTHROMBIN ISOLATION AND ASSAY
Authors: Madaras F , Parkin JD , Castaldi PA
Published: November 2007

A simple method for purification of prothrombin from small quantities of plasma using electrophoresis in urea‐acrylamide gel has been developed. The antiserum produced against this prothrombin has been used in a quantitative immunological assay for the measurement of prothrombin protein. The prothrombin concentration in 50 clinically healthy subjects has been measured and a normal range established. The assay is applicable to the study of normal and abnormal prothrombin, to in vivo studies of transfused prothrombin and to comparative animal studies.
THE EFFECT OF GLUCOCORTICOID ON IMMUNOGLOBULIN SECRETION INTO COLOSTRUM IN COWS
Authors: Brandon MR , Husband AJ , Lascelles AK
Published: November 2007

The effect of corticosteroid‐induced parturition on transfer of immunoglobulin into mammary secretion of cows has been studied. Seven nonlactating cows in late gestation were injected intramuscularly with a long‐acting synthetic glucocorticoid and the concentrations of IgG1, and IgG2, were followed in blood serum and mammary secretion which were collected before and after parturition.

Within 1 week of injection the udder became distended with secretion identical in appearance to mature milk. In contrast to the situation in normal cows approaching parturition, both the concentration of IgG1, in secretion and the selective index of IgG1, decreased after the glucocorticoid injection. A feature of the results was the absence in treated cows of the characteristic decrease in serum concentration of IgG1, just before parturition.

It is concluded that glucocorticoid treatment of cows in late pregnancy results in a decreased availability of colostral immunoglobulin to the newborn calf.
CYTOPHILIC ATTACHMENT OF OVINE IgG2 TO AUTOLOGOUS POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUCOCYTES
Authors: Watson DL
Published: November 2007

Preparations of ovine polymorphs were stained with fluorosceinconjugated, monospecific anti‐immunoglobulin sera. Approximately 26% of polymorphs specifically stained with anti‐γ2, 16% with anti‐light chain, 24% with anti‐Fab and 24% with anti‐ovine serum. There was no significant staining of polymorphs with anti‐γ1, anti‐μ or anti‐α. Cytophilic IgG2 could be removed from the cells by incubation at 37° and subsequently replaced by incubation in autologous serum at 4°.
FIBRINOGEN‐LIKE PROTEINS AND FIBRINOLYTIC PROTEINS IN A SALINE ELUATE FROM SUCROSE WASHED BOVINE ERYTHROCYTES
Authors: Goodger BV
Published: November 2007

Plasminogen and a spectrum of fibrinogen‐like proteins are found in a saline eluate of sucrose washed bovine erythrocytes. It seems probable that these proteins are membrane bound in vivo, and, as such, their physiological significance is discussed.
INHIBITION OF INTESTINAL UPTAKE OF AMINO ACIDS BY UNCONJUGATED BILE SALT
Authors: Burke Valerie , Gracey Michael , Thomas Jennifer , Malajczuk Anne
Published: November 2007

The unconjugated bile salt, sodium deoxycholate, at a concentration of 0·5 mM was shown to inhibit the intestinal uptake of the amino acids L‐glycine, L‐leucine, L‐proline, L‐lysine and L‐tyrosine in rats in vitro. This effect was acutely reversible except for tile basic amino arid L‐lysine and is therefore not simply due to tissue damage. These results, and the recent finding that sodium deoxycholate inhibits intestinal absorption of amino acids in vivo, suggest that impaired intestinal amino acid transport may contribute to hypo‐proteinaemia in patients with bacterial overgrowth in the upper small intestine in whom deoxycholate is present in the small intestinal lumen in excessive concentrations.
PREPARATION AND TESTING OF GOAT ANTI‐THYMOCYTE GLOBULIN
Authors: Mears DC , Sheil AGR , Kelly GE , Beerenfels PC
Published: November 2007

This study details methods of production, purification and testing of large volumes of uniformly potent, non‐toxic, anti‐human thymocyte globulin (ATG), Plasma from 70 goats immunised with human thymic lymphocytes was fractionated by ammonium sulphate precipitation to its IgG component. Contaminating antibodies were removed by absorption methods. After fractionation and absorption, ATG retained its ability to inhibit the formation of rosettes by human lymphocytes with sheep red blood cells. Antibodies to human glomerular basement membrane were not detected in any tested preparation. Tests performed on monkeys, mice and rabbits revealed low toxicity.
DETERMINATION OF THE RELATEDNESS OF THE SOLUBLE SURFACE PROTEINS OF TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI AND PARAMECIUM AURELIA
Authors: Reisner AH , Westwood NH
Published: November 2007

The soluble surface proteins isolated by Cross (1975) from Trypanosoma brucei are compared to those which occur on Paramecium aurelia. Calculations based on the amino acid residue data and the molecular weights of these surface antigens indicate that there is a considerable degree of similarity between the T. brucei and the P. aurelia proteins, and that in neither case can simple mutation be responsible for the differences of molecules within each family of antigens. The analyses are consistent with the suggestion that the P. aurelia system can serve as a model for the phenomenon of phase transformation (relapse syndrome) which occurs in trypanosomiasis.
CHEMOTACTIC ACTIVITY OF L‐FORMS AND MYCOPLASMA
Authors: Harwick Herbert J , Kalmanson George M , Guze Lucien B
Published: November 2007

L‐forms of Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis showed significantly less chemotactic activity for normal human leucocytes than did parent bacterial forms which were strongly chemotactic. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma hominis did not demonstrate chemotactic activity.
PARTIAL PURIFICATION OF SOMATOMEDIN FROM HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: Cornell HJ , Wilmot HC
Published: November 2007

Fractional precipitation of human plasma using ethanol, followed by chromatography, on S.P. Sephadex, yielded a somatomedin‐enriched fraction freed from substantial amounts of inhibitory substances. Heat coagulation of the proteins present in this fraction allowed the recovery of appreciable amounts of active components which were then chromatographed on Sephadex G‐75 and S.P. Sephadex. A major part of the activity was associated with components less than 4,000 daltons. suggesting that somatomedin, or an active fragment thereof, had been dissociated from a carrier protein by the heat treatment. The range of pH employed throughout was 5·3‐9·8. Recoveries of about 30% of biological activity with fold‐purification up to 38, as measured by radioactive sulphate uptake in the chick pelvic cartilage assay, were higher than those obtained using acid‐ethanol extraction.
EFFECT OF PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY ON RAT INTESTINAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
Authors: Subramoniam A
Published: November 2007

The effect of pyridoxine deficiency was studied on the intestinal alkaline phosphatase of rat. Different segments of the intestine differed in their response to pyridoxine deficiency. In the duodenum alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased, whereas it was markedly increased in the ileum and the jejunal enzyme was least affected. The electrophoretic pattern of isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase was altered in the ileum of B6 deficient rats.
HAEMOPOIETIC STEM CELLS IN THE FOETAL MOUSE THYMUS
Authors: Barg Michele , Mandel TE , Johnson GR
Published: November 2007

The presence of haemopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the foetal mouse thymus was assessed to determine whether all cells which enter the developing organ are precommitted to thymocyte differentiation, or if stem cell multi‐potentiality still exists. The Till and McCulloch spleen colony assay was used to delineate foetal‐thymus derived HSC in lethally irradiated recipients. Of the range examined, between 13 days of gestation to birth, a peak of stem cell activity occurs in 15‐day foetal thymus. The surface colonies produced by the thymus‐derived HSC are small compared to colonies produced by the liver‐derived HSC, although well within the range of the latter. Histologically, five types of colonies were identifiable which were produced by the thymus‐derived HSC, indicating that these cells retain the potential to form a wide range of differentiated colonies.
A METHOD FOR THE ASSAY OF ABLASTIN IN THE SERUM OF RATS INFECTED WITH TRYPANOSOMA LEWISI
Authors: Ferrante A , Drew PA , Jenkin CR
Published: November 2007

This paper describes a simple quantitative assay for ablastin, a factor present in the serum from rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi. which prevents the division of the parasite. The assay measures in vitro the inhibition of the incorporation of 3H‐TdR into the DNA of T. lewisi in the presence of serum from infected animals. Utilising this method, one can measure the titre of ablastin in a particular serum sample and the time and duration of its appearance in the circulation of infected rats.
PERSISTENCE, IN THE MOUSE GUT AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ORAL IMMUNOGENICITY OF STRAINS OF V. CHOLERAE
Authors: Bloom L , Rowley D
Published: November 2007

The immue responses of mice following oral vaccination with two strains of live V. cholera have been examined. A strain which persisted in the small intestine was a superior local immunogen by comparison with another non‐persisting strain. Local persistence and the ability to induce a local immune response appeared to be correlated, since the two vibrio strain elicited identical responses when given parenterally.
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY ACTIVATION OF COMPLEMENT BY A MURINE PARASITIC NEMATODE (NEMATOSPIROIDES DUBIUS)
Authors: Prowse SJ , Ey PL , Jenkin CR
Published: November 2007

The cuticular surface of the infectious third‐stage larvae of Nematospiroides dubius activates complement via the alternative pathway. Sensitisation of larvae with complement or with antibodies from the serum of immune mice (resistant to reinfection) promoted the adherence of mouse peritoneal exudate cells to the larval cuticle during incubation in vitro. The infectivity of larvae sensitised with antibody or complement was significantly reduced after incubation with cells from immune mice.
HISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF MUCOSUBSTANCES AND KERATINS OF THYMIC CORPUSCLES
Authors: Caso Louis V
Published: November 2007

Keratin and prekeratin have been visualized histochemically by testing the reactivity of disulfide groups in the thymic corpuscles of the sheep, Rhesus monkey, rabbit and dog, and the reactivity of sulfhydryl groups in the sheep, Rhesus monkey, rabbit and rat. Ten to 50% of the thymic corpuscles showed keratinization by this method. Acidic mucosubstances were visualized histochemically in the Rhesus monkey, sheep and rat but not in the rabbit. Staining for vic‐glycol groups was prominent in all species tested.

Neuraminidase treatment with subsequent Alcian blue‐periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining indicated the presence of sialomucins in the thymic corpuscles of the monkey and rat, but sialomucins were not demonstrated in the rabbit.
THE EFFECT OF PHENYLEPHRINE ON EXCRETION OF FLUID AND ELECTROLYTES BY THE PAROTID AND MANDIBULAR GLANDS OF THE RAT
Authors: Young JA , Cook DI , Jones G , McGirr J , Thompson C
Published: November 2007

The effect has been investigated of the α‐adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, on excretion of water and electrolytes (Na, K, and HCO3) by the parotid and mandibular glands of the rat. In the mandibular glands the agonist was as effective as acetylcholine (or parasympathetic nerve stimulation) in stimulating secretion, and the electrolyte excretory patterns seen in the two modes of stimulation were similar. In the parotid gland, phenylephrine was only one‐fifth as potent as acetylcholine (or parasympathetic nerve stimulation) in evoking a secretory response but, when due allowance for flow rate differences is made, the electrolyte excretion patterns were similar. In both glands the secretory response to phenylephrine was totally different, in magnitude and in electrolyte excretion pattern, to that evoked by the β‐adrenergic agonist, isoprenaline. It is concluded, as has already been established for secretion of exportable protein, that α‐adrenergic agonists have very similar effects to muscarinic agonists both on endpiece and on duct cells and that these actions are completely different from those evoked by activation of β‐adrenergic receptors.
INHIBITION OF THE GROWTH OF LEWIS LUNG CARCINOMA IN SYNGENEIC MICE BY SALMONELLA ANTIGENS
Authors: Ashman LK , Kotlarski I
Published: November 2007

Administration of a protein antigen preparation from Salmonella enteritidis 11RX at the site of challenge with Lewis lung carcinoma inhibited tumour development in mice previously immunised with live bacteria, but not control mice. The kinetics of tumour growth indicated that the inhibition of tumour development was due to a reduction of the initial tumour inoculum rather than the development of specific anti‐tumour immunity.
FUSED ROCKET IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN AND SHEEP THYROGLOBULINS PURIFIED BY GEL CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Paterson Andrew J , Hearn Milton TW
Published: November 2007

The application of fused rocket immunoelectrophoretic methods for the analysis of human and sheep thyroid extracts is reported. Different experimental procedures, evaluating thyroglobulin preparations obtained by gel chromatographic separations with a variety of gel supports and elution conditions, were examined. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that many of the antigenic contaminants in chromatographed thyroglobulin were due to serum proteins. The precipitin profiles obtained with the fused rocket immunoelectrophoretic experiments indicate that considerable tailing of 19S‐thyroglobulin occurs when chromatographed on either Sephadex G‐200 or Bio‐Gel A‐1.5m using low ionic strength buffers. The retention of thyroglobulin on these supports would account, in part, for the observed presence of thyroid proteins with antigenic determinants identical to 19S‐thyroglobulin in chromatographed subfractions of notionally lower molecular weight. Because of the case of execution, the described methods provide a useful alternative to existing methods for the assessment of homogeneity of chromatographed thyroglobulin samples.
INTESTINAL ANTIBODY TO VIBRIO CHOLERAE IN IMMUNISED MICE
Authors: Horsfall DJ , Rowley D
Published: November 2007

The immune response of the mouse to priming and booster doses of V. cholerae was studied to establish whether serum antibody could be used as a correlate of local immunity, Serum antibody titres following oral boosting immunity. This was not the ease when the same oral booster dose was given to parenterally‐primed animals. These results were discussed in relation to the human endemic situation. The highest titres of intestinal protective antibodies were found following combination of the oral and parenteral routes of immunization. Various killed or extracted preparations of V. cholerae were used as oral vaccines to test their ability to induce protective antibodies in the gut. Only Boivin antigen was capable of inducing as good an intestinal antibody response as would the living organism.
COLLECTION AND STERILIZATION OF LARGE VOLUMES OF BOVINE SERUM AND ITS USE IN VACCINES AGAINST BOVINE BABESIOSIS AND ANAPLASMOSIS
Authors: Rodwell BJ , Timms P , Parker RJ
Published: November 2007

A method is described for the collection and sterilization of 100 1 batches of bovine serum. Serum was prepared by defibrination of 20 1 volumes of whole blood using an impeller spinning at 400–500 rev./min. After freezing and thawing, the raw serum was clarified through milk filters, pre‐filtered through cartridge filters and sterilized by membrane filtration. The bacteriologically sterile serum was used in vaccines against bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis after testing indicated no toxicity for Babesia and Anaplasma.
THE CATABOLISM OF ALLOANTIBODY IgG2a IN NORMAL AND HOMOGRAFT TOLERANT RATS
Authors: Fukumoto T , Kimura H , Miyamoto M , Brandon MR
Published: November 2007

Alloantibody was raised in PVG/c rats against DA rats. The catabolism of alloantibody in normal PVG/c rats and PVG/c rats tolerant to DA rats was followed after intravenous injection. A haemagglutination assay was used to detect alloantibody activity. The half‐life time of alloantibody IgG2a in the normal PVG/c rats was 10 days. On the other hand, in the PVG/c rats tolerant to DA rats, the half‐life of alloantibody lgG2a varied. The rats could be divided into three groups. Group A: alloantibody IgG2a was eliminated from the circulation very rapidly. Group B: alloantibody IgG2a disappeared from the circulation relatively rapidly and was maintained at a low level in the plasma but then increased to a high titre. This peculiar pattern of Group B seems to be due to the endogenous production of alloantibody. In this case abrogation of tolerance took place. Group C: the pattern of elimination of this group was almost identical to that of normal rats.

The biological significance of the plasma decay of alloantibody IgG2a in the normal and homograft tolerant rats has been considered. It is concluded from the present results that alloantibody might be important in some cases for the maintenance of homograft tolerance.
PYRIDINE NUCLEOTIDE INVOLVEMENT IN RAT HEPATIC DRUG METABOLISM. THE INFLUENCE OF NADH ON THE NADPH KINETICS OF PHENOBARBITAL PRE‐TREATED RAT MICROSOMES
Authors: Penglis Stan , Gourlay Geoffrey K , Stock Beresford H
Published: November 2007

Apparent kinetic constants for NADPH have been calculated for NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase and demethylase activity in the presence of aminopyrine and ethylmorphine with hepatic microsomal preparations from phenobarbital pre‐treated rats. The presence of NADH changed Km values but not the V values for cytochrome P450 reductase. In addition, NADH reduced Km values for demethylase activity and had a biphasic effect on V values; elevating them at high and depressing them at low concentrations. The V values at different NADH concentrations appeared to correlate with the concentration of reduced cytochrome b5 that the added NADH could sustain during the incubation period. Tetrahydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH3), a structural analogue of NADH, reduced demethylase activity without affecting NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase activity or the concentration of reduced cytochrome b5. As this analogue cannot reduce biological systems, the depressed V values for demethylation suggest that in the presence of NADH3 and NADPH there exists an alternative mechanism for the supply of electrons from NADPH to the partially reduced oxygenated cytochrome P450‐substrate complex.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL SEROTYPES AMONG ISOLATES OBTAINED IN THREE AUSTRALIAN CITIES
Authors: Triscott Mark X , Davis GHG
Published: November 2007

One hundred and sixty three isolates of group B streptococci from human carrier and disease conditions in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide were serotyped by the Lancefield capillary precipitin test, coagglutination and microimmunodiffusion. Serotypes I and III were most common; serotype III appeared to occur uniformly but serotype Ia varied in distribution. No significant difference was found in serotype distribution among isolates from pregnant and non‐pregnant women, or rectal and vaginal swabs; however, type Ia was found to occur significantly more often as an infectious agent than as a commensal (P < 0.01).
OVARIAN HISTOLOGY OF TWO XO MURID RODENTS FROM AUSTRALIA
Authors: Baverstock PR , Breed WG , Gelder M , Jahnke A
Published: November 2007

Single XO individuals of Rattus tunneyi and Mesembriomys gouldii (Rodentia: Muridae) proved to be phenotypic females. Comparisons of the ovaries of these individuals with XX controls revealed that the R. tunneyi was histologically normal, whereas the M. gouldii was histologically unusual. The results are discussed in relation to the Lyon and Hawker hypothesis which relates fertility of XO mammals to shortness of life‐span.
ENRICHMENT AND EXPANSION OF SPECIFIC ANTIBODYFORMING CELLS BY ADOPTIVE TRANSFER AND CLUSTERING, AND THEIR USE IN HYBRIDOMA PRODUCTION
Authors: Kenny Peter A , McCaskill Alistair C , Boyle William
Published: November 2007

Adoptive transfer regimens have been examined as a method of enriching and expanding antibody‐forming cells (AFC). When spleens from mice which had reverted to memory or from those at the peak of an AFC response were transferred to sygeneic irradiated recipients, a comparable enrichment in AFC of about 10‐fold was found. However, recently re‐stimulated spleen cells gave much better expansion of total AFC in the recipient mice. The degree of expansion was examined using different routes and timing of antigen stimulus and AFC recovery. With the optimum protocol found the AFC pool obtained from adoptively‐transferred recipients was on average 80‐fold greater than from conventionally re‐immunised mice in a number of experiments. Further enrichment of the AFC was shown by an in vitro clustering technique which gave suspensions with AFC enriched to better than 1 cell in 10. Cluster‐enriched and adoptive‐transfer enriched populations were both shown to give a much higher incidence of successful specific hybridoma production than spleen cells from conventionally re‐immunised mice.
SPONTANEOUS CYTOTOXICITY
Authors: Ceredig Rhodri
Published: November 2007

When mouse spleen cell were cultured in vitro without the deliberate addition of any stimulating cells, T cell‐mediated cytotoxicity was generated which could be detected by lysis of 51Cr‐labelled syngeneic and allogeneic tumour target cells. The clonal basis of such spontaneous cytotoxicity was investigated by limit dilution analysis and a comparison made between it and so‐called “tumour‐specific”’ cytotoxicity generated in vitro.
Successful occlusion of spontaneous portosystemic shunts leading to encephalopathy in a non-cirrhotic patient by using the amplatzer vascular plug
Authors: Park S. W. , Kang H. -S. , Kim Y. J. , Lee M. W. , Roh H. G.
Published: November 2007

A 55-year-old woman presented with recurrent, recently aggravated encephalopathic episodes. However, the patient had no evidence of liver cirrhosis, and her serum ammonia level was high. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed two portal-systemic venous shunts and, accordingly, she was diagnosed as having non-cirrhotic portal-systemic encephalopathy due to portal-systemic shunts. The shunts were successfully occluded using Amplatzer vascular plugs, and this led to a normalization of her blood ammonia levels immediately after occlusion. Over a 3-month follow-up, the patient experienced no complications or symptoms, and no shunt recanalization was detected by CT. The described case demonstrates that the Amplatzer vascular plug offers a useful option for occluding portal-systemic shunts responsible for encephalopathy.
Radiological contrast media and pancreatic blood perfusion in anesthetized rats
Authors: Linder G. , Carlsson P.-O. , Källskog Ö. , Hansell P. , Jansson L. , Källskog V. Riesenfeld
Published: November 2007

Background: Radiological contrast media (CM) have been suggested to be able to impair pancreatic microcirculation.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an iso-osmolar (iodixanol, 290 mOsm/kg H2O) and a low-osmolar (iopromide, 660 mOsm/kg H2O) CM on total pancreatic and islet blood perfusion.

Material and Methods: Thiobutabarbital-anesthetized rats were injected with iodine-equivalent doses (600 mg I/kg body weight) of iodixanol or iopromide. Saline or low-osmolar mannitol (660 mOsm/kg H2O) solutions served as control substances. Blood perfusion measurements were then carried out with a microsphere technique.

Results: Iso-osmolar iodixanol had no effects on blood perfusion. Low-osmolar iopromide increased total pancreatic blood perfusion, whereas islet blood perfusion was unchanged. No differences were seen when mannitol solutions were given.

Conclusion: Neither an iso-osmolar nor a low-osmolar CM affected pancreatic islet blood perfusion, whereas the low-osmolar CM increased total pancreatic blood perfusion. The absence of hemodynamic effect of low-osmolar mannitol suggests that the hyperosmolality per se of iopromide versus iodixanol does not induce the hemodynamic effect. The consequences of the effect of iopromide for pancreatic function remain to be established.
Survival of the Lake Victoria Rastrineobola argentea in a rapidly changing environment:	Biotic and abiotic interactions
Authors: Manyala J. O. , Ojuok J. E.
Published: November 2007

In their adaptation to the rapidly shifting environment of the African Great Lakes, small pelagic fish appear to be the most successful fish species. This paper examines the fecundity, size at maturation and the growth and population parameters of Rastrineobola argentea in Lake Victoria.

R. argentea may have a low absolute fecundity of a few thousand eggs, but its relative fecundity by weight is enormous: 70 times higher than for L. niloticus and almost 4,000 times that of the tilapia species O. niloticus and O. esculentus. Its food consists mainly of zooplankton, which is superabundant in the environment and for which there is not much competition.

In response to increased predation and fishing, the species has reduced its size at maturity as well as its maximum size. Population parameters show a typical r-selected life strategy.

The reproductive potential and diet alone do not seem to have enabled R. argentea to thrive as larval densities of R. argentea can be significantly related to a combination of abiotic factors like water conductivity, temperature, Secchi depth and dissolved oxygen concentration.
Effects of aspirin on serum C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease: a randomized placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Hovens M. M. C. , Snoep J. D. , Groeneveld Y. , Frölich M. , Tamsma J. T. , Huisman M. V.
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Low‐grade inflammation plays a pivotal role in atherogenesis in type 2 diabetes. Next to its antithrombotic effects, several lines of evidence demonstrate anti‐inflammatory properties of aspirin. We determined the effects of aspirin on inflammation – represented by C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) – in type 2 diabetic subjects without cardiovascular disease and assessed differential effects of aspirin 300 mg compared with 100 mg.

Methods:  A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial was performed in 40 type 2 diabetic patients. In two periods of 6 weeks, patients used 100 or 300 mg aspirin and placebo. Plasma CRP and IL‐6 levels were measured before and after both periods.

Results:  Use of aspirin resulted in a CRP reduction of 1.23 ± 1.02 mg/l (mean ± s.e.m.), whereas use of placebo resulted in a mean increase of 0.04 ± 1.32 mg/l (P = 0.366). Aspirin reduced IL‐6 with 0.7 ± 0.5 pg/ml, whereas use of placebo resulted in a mean increase of 0.2 ± 0.8 pg/ml (P = 0.302). There were no significant differences in effects on CRP and IL‐6 between 100 and 300 mg aspirin.

Conclusions:  Our results indicate that a 6‐week course of aspirin does not improve low‐grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease, although a modest effect could not be excluded. No significant differential effects between aspirin 100 and 300 mg were found.
Initial viral response is the most powerful predictor of the emergence of YMDD mutant virus in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine
Authors: Kurashige Nao , Hiramatsu Naoki , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Oze Tsugiko , Inoue Yuko , Kurokawa Mika , Yakushijin Takayuki , Igura Takumi , Kiso Shinichi , Kanto Tatsuya , Takehara Tetsuo , Tamura Shinji , Kasahara Akinori , Oshita Masahide , Hijioka Taizo , Katayama Kazuhiro , Yoshihara Harumasa , Hayashi Eijirou , Imai Yasuharu , Kato Michio , Hayashi Norio
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Lamivudine (LAM) has been widely used to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, but the emergence of a LAM‐resistant virus greatly limits its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we tried to identify factors affecting the emergence of a LAM‐resistant virus in CHB patients treated with LAM.

Methods:  The subjects were 190 CHB patients in continuous LAM therapy (139 males, mean age 50 years, 87 HBeAg‐positive). The mean duration of follow‐up was 39 months (range 12–104). The initial viral response (IVR) was defined as HBV DNA < 4.0 logcopies/mL, and the initial biochemical response (IBR) as normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (<40 IU/L) at 6 months.

Results:  IVR was positive in 86% of the patients. The cumulative emergence rates of LAM‐resistant virus were 10% at 1 year, 30% at 2 years and 46% at 3 years. In univariate analysis, factors contributing to the emergence of LAM‐resistant virus were baseline HBV DNA > 6.5 logcopies/mL (P = 0.0044), HBeAg‐positivity (P = 0.0062), IBR (P = 0.01) and IVR (P < 0.0001). The cumulative emergence rates of LAM‐resistant virus in IVR‐positive and ‐negative patients were 4% and 41% at 1 year, and 41% and 79% at 3 years. In multivariate analysis, only IVR was an independent factor affecting the emergence of LAM‐resistant virus (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  IVR is a useful factor for predicting the emergence of LAM‐resistant virus in CHB patients treated with LAM. For IVR‐negative patients, therapeutic options other than LAM monotherapy should be used because of the high incidence of the emergence of LAM‐resistant virus.
Transcription Profiling of the Stringent Response in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Durfee Tim , Hansen Anne-Marie , Zhi Huijun , Blattner Frederick R. , Jin Ding Jun
Published: November 2007

The bacterial stringent response serves as a paradigm for understanding global regulatory processes. It can be triggered by nutrient downshifts or starvation and is characterized by a rapid RelA-dependent increase in the alarmone (p)ppGpp. One hallmark of the response is the switch from maximum-growth-promoting to biosynthesis-related gene expression. However, the global transcription patterns accompanying the stringent response in
Escherichia coli
have not been analyzed comprehensively. Here, we present a time series of gene expression profiles for two serine hydroxymate-treated cultures: (i) MG1655, a wild-type
E. coli
K-12 strain, and (ii) an isogenic
relA
Δ
251
derivative defective in the stringent response. The stringent response in MG1655 develops in a hierarchical manner, ultimately involving almost 500 differentially expressed genes, while the
relA
Δ
251
mutant response is both delayed and limited in scope. We show that in addition to the down-regulation of stable RNA-encoding genes, flagellar and chemotaxis gene expression is also under stringent control. Reduced transcription of these systems, as well as metabolic and transporter-encoding genes, constitutes much of the down-regulated expression pattern. Conversely, a significantly larger number of genes are up-regulated. Under the conditions used, induction of amino acid biosynthetic genes is limited to the leader sequences of attenuator-regulated operons. Instead, up-regulated genes with known functions, including both regulators (e.g.,
rpoE
,
rpoH
, and
rpoS
) and effectors, are largely involved in stress responses. However, one-half of the up-regulated genes have unknown functions. How these results are correlated with the various effects of (p)ppGpp (in particular, RNA polymerase redistribution) is discussed.
LATTICE FIELD THEORY
Authors: JANSEN KARL
Published: November 2007

Starting with the example of the quantum mechanical harmonic oscillator, we develop the concept of euclidean lattice field theory. After describing Wilson's formulation of quantum chromodynamics on the lattice, we will introduce modern lattice QCD actions which greatly reduce lattice artefacts or are even chiral invariant. The substantial algorithmic improvements of the last couple of years will be shown which led to a real breakthrough for dynamical Wilson fermion simulations. Finally, we will present some results of present simulations with dynamical quarks and demonstrate that nowadays even at small values of the quark mass high precision simulation results for physical quantities can be obtained.
CFL STRANGE QUARK MATTER AT FINITE TEMPERATURE
Authors: PAULUCCI L. , HORVATH J. E.
Published: November 2007

The strange quark matter (SQM) hypothesis states that it is possible that the ground state of cold baryonic matter is a plasma composed roughly of equal numbers of up, down and strange quarks. This stability scenario is even more favorable if quarks are in a color flavor locked (CFL) state, in which quarks form pairs resembling the superconductivity Cooper pairs. We present calculations on the basis of the MIT Bag Model for the stability windows for SQM in the CFL state and for the energy of strangelets at non-zero temperatures, comparing with the unpaired SQM. We also discuss some astrophysical implications of such results.
NUCLEON σ-TERM AND THE CHIRAL LIMIT
Authors: CAVALCANTE ISABELA P. , ROBILOTTA MANOEL R. , ZARNAUSKAS GABRIEL R. S. , SÁ BORGES J.
Published: November 2007

The scalar form factor of the nucleon in configuration space as well as its σ-term were evaluated some time ago in the framework of chiral symmetry. We investigate their dependence on the pion mass, aiming at the behavior of the σ-term at the chiral limit. Using the results for light pions, the nucleon mass as a function of the pion mass is evaluated. We also present the results for the scalar form factor for heavy pions.
DERIVATIVE DISPERSION RELATIONS FOR THE AMPLITUDE SLOPES IN pp AND ${\rm \bar{p}p}$ SCATTERING
Authors: FERREIRA ERASMO
Published: November 2007

We extend the use of derivative dispersion relations to the study of slopes of the real and imaginary amplitudes in pp and [Formula: see text] elastic scattering. The new relations are tested against the solutions for the amplitudes obtained in the analysis of the high energy data. Extensions beyond the forward direction are investigated.
PION SIGMA-TERM
Authors: ROBILOTTA M. R. , ZARNAUSKAS G. R. S.
Published: November 2007

We use a configuration space expression and a procedure to tame its divergent behavior at short distances to evaluate the pion sigma-term. We obtain the result σπ = 66.9 MeV , which is close to the espected value μ/2, where μ is the pion mass.
ENERGY-ENERGY CORRELATIONS AND HEAVY AND LIGHT QUARK ENERGY LOSSES AT LHC
Authors: DE ALMEIDA F. M. L. , DO VALE M. A. B.
Published: November 2007

We use a fast Monte Carlo generator to simulate the energy losses of jets initiated by light and heavy quarks traversing a dense medium. The study of the energy-energy correlation function shows that this variable is sensitive to the fact that jets initiated by heavy quarks suffer reduced quenching when compared to those initiated by light quarks.
HADRON PRODUCTION IN Au-Au COLLISIONS WITHIN A RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD MODEL
Authors: CHIAPPARINI M. , BRACCO M. E.
Published: November 2007

We present a study of particle production yields measured in central Au - Au collision at RHIC in the framework of a relativistic mean field model. Our results are consistent with statistical thermal models, implying a high degree of chemical equilibrium.
NEUTRON SKIN THICKNESS AND NEUTRON STARS WITHIN A DENSITY DEPENDENT HADRONIC MODEL
Authors: AVANCINI S. S. , MARINELLI J. R. , MENEZES D. P. , DE MORAES M. M. W. , PROVIDÊNCIA C.
Published: November 2007

A density dependent hadronic model and a common parametrization of the nonlinear Walecka model are used to obtain the lead neutron skin thickness through its proton and neutron density profiles. Our results are obtained within the Thomas–Fermi approximation. The neutron skin thickness is known to reflect the equation of state properties.
WAVE-FUNCTION OF AN ASYMPTOTICALLY DE SITTER UNIVERSE
Authors: FILHO L. G. FERREIRA , DE BARROS J. ACACIO , SILVA E. V. CORRÊA , MONERAT G. A. , OLIVEIRA-NETO G. , ROMILDO P.
Published: November 2007

In the present work, we quantize a closed Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) model in the presence of a positive cosmological constant and radiation. It gives rise to a Wheeler–DeWitt equation for the scale factor which has the form of a Schrödinger equation for a potential with a barrier. We solve it numerically and determine the evolution of an initial wave-function.
THEORETICAL STUDY ON THE POTENTIAL ENERGY SURFACE OF Si2NS
Authors: ZHOU ZHONG-JUN , LIU HUI-LING , HUANG XU-RI , SUN CHIA-CHUNG
Published: November 2007

New species with molecular formula Si 2 NS , not yet observed experimentally, are described theoretically for the first time. Various levels of calculations are applied to obtain the structures, energies, dipole moments, vibrational spectra, rotational constants, and isomerization of Si 2 NS species. A total of 15 minima which are connected by 21 interconversion transition states on the potential energy surface are located at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d) level of theory. And at the higher (single point) CCSD(T)/6-311+G(2d)//QCISD/6-311G(2d)+ZPVE level of theory, the global state of 1 (at 0.0 kcal/mol) corresponds to a nonlinear SiNSiS with a 2A′ electronic state. The next most stable isomer of 2 (only 3.7 kcal/mol higher 1) possesses a rhomboidal-type structure similar to the global state of Si 2 NO . This is followed by another local minimum of 6 (at 43.8 kcal/mol above 1) which is a nonlinear SiNSSi form with a 2A′ electronic state. Note that both 1 and 6 have the important Si ≡ N triple bonding. Too, the analog of (NCCS) NSiSiS is unstable due to the higher energy of its own. The bonding natures of the relevant species are also discussed. An analysis of the bonding properties and structural similarities and differences between C 2 NO , C 2 NS , SiCNO , and Si 2 NO is also carried out.
ON THE EVALUATION OF THE RIGOROUS ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL/ATOMIC ENERGY RELATIONSHIP
Authors: JALBOUT ABRAHAM F.
Published: November 2007

A series of atomic energy formulas that relate atomic energies to the electrostatic potentials V0 at nuclei are obtained by a series of polynomial and series fits of V0 versus nuclear charge (Z). Density functional and Hartree–Fock V0 are used for a series of fits that involve an isoelectronic series of anions, cations, and neutral ground state atoms to approximate atomic energies. Comparisons to the exact energies were performed in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the rigorous expressions.
THE APPLICATION OF BESSEL DISCRETE VARIABLE REPRESENTATION TO ATOMIC HYDROGEN IN INTENSE LASER FIELDS
Authors: YUAN KAI-JUN , SUN ZHIGANG , CONG SHU-LIN , LOU NANQUAN
Published: November 2007

The Bessel discrete variable representation (DVR) method is tested to describe the interaction of atomic hydrogen with intense laser fields by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Using the Bessel functions of the first kind, the singular terms, r-2 or r-1 at the origin, in the kinetic energy operators are analytically solved. As an illustration example, the high-order harmonic generation (HOHG) spectra in atomic hydrogen is calculated in length and acceleration forms. From the numerical results, it is concluded that this simple Bessel DVR may be a useful method for describing the interaction of atomic hydrogen with intense laser fields.
Neuroimaging Predictors of Cognitive Impairment in Confluent White Matter Lesion: Volumetric Analyses of 99 Brain Regions
Authors: Mok Vincent C.T. , Liu Tianming , Lam Wynnie W.M. , Wong Adrian , Hu Xintao , Guo Lei , Chen Xiang Yan , Tang Wai Kwong , Wong Ka Sing , Wong Stephen
Published: November 2007

Background: Although confluent white matter lesion (WML) is associated with cognitive impairment, the mechanism explaining this association is controversial. We aimed to investigate comprehensively the MRI predictors of cognitive impairment in confluent WML. Methods: Among 45 lacunar stroke patients who had confluent WML, we evaluated the association of executive function [Mattis Dementia Rating Scale – Initiation/Perseveration subscale (MDRS I/P)] and global cognition [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)] with the volume of WML, measures of lacunes and microbleeds, and the volumes of 99 other specific brain regions. Results: Regression analyses showed that WML volume predicted performance on the MDRS I/P (β = –0.34, p = 0.016) independent of age. Volumes of cortical gray matter (cGM; β = 0.41, p = 0.003), the lateral fronto-orbital gyrus (β = 0.38, p = 0.01), superior frontal gyrus (β = 0.29, p = 0.04), lateral ventricle (β = –0.30, p = 0.04), and posterior limb of the internal capsule (β = 0.43, p = 0.002) predicted MDRS I/P performance independent of WML volume. Volumes of cGM, and the lateral fronto-orbital gyrus predicted MMSE performance as well. Conclusion: Atrophy along the frontosubcortical pathways and cGM predict cognition in confluent WML independent of WML volume.