bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Oggi in Italia’: The Voice of Truth and Peace in Cold War Italy
Authors: Cooke Philip
Published: July 2007

Based on archival materials in Italy and the Czech Republic, the article examines the history of the Italian Communist Party (PCI) radio programme ‘Oggi in Italia’, which was broadcast from Prague to Italy throughout the 1950s and 1960s. The programme was produced clandestinely by former partisans who had fled to Czechoslovakia in order to escape prosecution during the ‘trial of the Resistance’(processo alla Resistenza). ‘Oggi in Italia’ was a central element in the PCI's media strategy, particularly during the Cold War, when access to the official airwaves was circumscribed. The programme was thus a key element of the long-term legacy of the Resistance movement, but also played a highly significant role in the wider process of negotiation between the Communist parties of Italy, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union.
Neurons in the cerebral cortex are most susceptible to DNA‐damage in aging rat brain
Authors: Mandavilli Bhaskar S. , Rao Kalluri Subba
Published: July 2007

Using nick translation type of incubation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase catalyzed 3‐end labeling, single and double strand breaks in genomic DNA of permeabilised neurons from different regions of young, adult and the aged rat brain were assessed. A steady increase in both types of breaks is noted with advancement of age in all of the brain regions studied. However, the number of SSB encountered in the cerebral cortex was the maximum and was also markedly higher than that in other brain regions. When the neuronal cells were exposed to MNNG or Glutamate the damage was aggravated in all the regions and at all ages but the most severe SSB damage is present in the cerebral cortex of older animals. Both cerebral cortex and the hippocampus showed equally higher DSB in comparison with the other regions. It is concluded that with advancement of age, DNA‐damage accumulates in neurons and the cerebral cortex is the most vulnerable region.
Isolation of mammalian pol ß type DNA polymerase in shoot tips of germinated seedlings of IR‐8 rice (lOryaza sativa L.)
Authors: Sanathkumar Mokkapati , Ghosh Bharati , SenGupta Dibyendu N.
Published: July 2007

A single polypeptide of approx. 67 kDa mol.wt. with DNA polymerase activity has been chromatographically purified from shoot tips of 72 hr. grown germinated seedlings of rice (lOryza sativa.L.cv IR‐8). An approx. 4800 fold enrichment of specific activity was measured by the incorporation of 3H‐dTMP into trichloroacetic acid insoluble fraction, using activated calf thymus DNA as template‐primer. The enzyme uses different types of DNA but not RNA as a template. The enzyme requires Mg++, high KCl, and is highly sensitive to dideoxyribonucleoside triphosphate but is unaffected by aphidicolin, suggesting a plant counterpart of mammalian DNA polymerase β. Replication of M13mp18 single stranded DNA by extension of 5′132P‐labeled 17‐mer primer(‐40) showed distributive type of DNA synthesis by the rice DNA polymerase β, which is a characteristic feature of mammalian DNA polymerase ß.
Phenylhydrazine causes sulfhydryl oxidation and protein aggregation in hemoglobin‐free human erythrocyte membranes
Authors: Hashmi Afshan N. , Saleemuddin M.
Published: July 2007

Phenylhydrazine induces a remarkable decrease in total free sulfhydryls as well as spectrin and most other polypeptides in hemoglobin‐free human erythrocyte ghosts. A parallel increase in coomassie blue stainable material that was retained on the gel tops was also observed. EDTA but not DM protected the membrane from phenylhydrazine‐induced alterations, while antioxidants, catalase and SOD were ineffective. The aggregated material isolated from phenylhydrazine‐treated membranes could be partially dissociated in presence of β‐mercaptoethanol to yield most of the membrane polypeptides.
Partial characterization of the lysine rich 280KD globulin from common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench): Its antigenic homology with seed proteins of some other crops
Authors: Rout M. K. , Chrungoo N. K.
Published: July 2007

A high molecular weight (HMW) globulin, the main storage protein in grains of the common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) has been partially characterized. The protein exists as an oligomeric complex with molecular mass of 280 kD and is composed of three groups (α, β and γ of polypeptides with molecular weights ranging between 55‐60, 32‐44 and 16‐29 kD respectively. The protein showed serological cross reactivity with globulins of soya bean, mung bean and pea. Antibodies raised against the purified protein did not recognize the storage proteins from broad bean, rice, wheat and grain amaranth. The 280 kD globulin of buckwheat grains belongs to the legumin family of proteins.
Primary structures and sequence analysis of human ribosomal proteins L39 and S27
Authors: Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing , Lee Simon Ming Yuen , Fung Kwok Pui , Waye Mary Miu Yee , Lee Cheuk Yu
Published: July 2007

We report here the primary structures and sequence analysis of the human ribosomal protein L39 (hRPL39) and S27 (hRPS27). The hRPL39 cDNA is 352 bp in size encoding a predicted protein of 51 amino acids. The region KRRHWRRTKL near the carboxyl end is conserved between human, rat, maize, C. elegans and yeast. The hRPS27 cDNA is 321 bp in size encoding a deduced protein of 84 amino acids. When the deduced amino acid sequence of hRPS27 was compared with that of rat ribosomal protein S27 and human metalloproteinstimulin‐1 (MPS‐1), identity levels of 96.4% and 100% were obtained respectively. A potential polyadenylation signal AACAAA is found in the MPS‐1 cDNA but the more frequently used AATAAA sequence is present in the hRPS27 cDNA. The carboxyl‐terminal cysteine arrangement in hRPS27 is similar to the family of C4 zinc finger DNA‐binding proteins.
The relationships between biophysical activity and the secondary structure of synthetic peptides from the pulmonary surfactant protein SP‐B
Authors: Kang Joo Hyun , Lee Myung Kyu , Kim Kil Lyong , Hahm Kyung‐Soo
Published: July 2007

Synthetic pulmonary surfactants consisting of a mixture of phospholipids with synthetic peptides based on human and bovine surfactant‐associated protein SP‐B were prepared. These surfactants were analyzed for their biophysical activities by Wilhemly balance experiments and for their secondary structures by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Four synthetic peptides (SP‐1, SP‐2, SP‐3, and SP‐4) combined with the phospholipid mixture displayed significant surfactant properties. The CD spectra showed that the α‐helical propensities of the peptides in SDS micelles were related to their surfactant activities. These results suggested that the several truncated peptides originated from SP‐B protein, when appropriately recombined with phospholipids, could be used as an effective synthetic surfactant for clinical use.
The interaction of 8‐anilinonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonate with His‐47 of Taiwan cobra phospholipase A2 perturbing by the binding of calcium ion
Authors: Chang Long‐sen , Chou Lidge , Lin Shinne‐ren , Chang Chun‐chang
Published: July 2007

The 8‐anilinonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence intensity of ANS‐Naja naja atra (Taiwan cobra) phospholipase A2 (PLA2) complex increased with the addition of Ca2+, but the observed fluorescence enhancement markedly decreased after methylation of His‐47 in PLA2 molecule. However, the binding affinities of methylated PLA2 for ANS and Ca2+ were similar to or even greater than those observed with native PLA2. These results, together with the finding that ANS electrostatically interacted with His‐47 of PLA2, suggest that the increase in the intensity of ANS fluorescence upon the addition of Ca2+, in part, arises from the ionic interaction of His‐47 with ANS being perturbed by the binding of Ca2+.
What regulates respiration in mitochondria?
Authors: Korzeniewski Bernard
Published: July 2007

A (nearly) linear dependence of the respiration rate on a given parameter value was proposed as the criterion for considering this parameter to be an efficient regulator of respiration in mitochondria. A number of possible candidates was tested using the dynamic model of oxidative phosphorylation developed previously, among others ADP, the ATP/ADP ratio, external phosphorylation potential and Atkinson's adenylate energy charge. Only the external phosphorylation potential log(ATP/ADP*Pi) was found to fulfil the above‐mentioned criterion and thus it was proposed to be the parameter which “actually” regulates oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria.
Kinetic study on the irreversible thermal denaturation of lentil lectin
Authors: Shnyrov Valery L. , Marcos María J. , Villar Enrique
Published: July 2007

The irreversible thermal denaturation of lentil lectin was investigated at pH 7.4 using different techniques including high‐sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry, differential detergent solubility thermal gel analysis, intrinsic fluorescence and hemagglutinating activity assays. The shape of the transition, as well as its scan‐rate dependence, can be explained by assuming that thermal denaturation takes place according to the kinetic scheme N k→ D, where k is a first‐order kinetic constant that changes with temperature, as given by the Arrhenius equation, N the native state, and D the denatured one. On the basis of this model, the value of the rate constant as a function of temperature and the activation energy were calculated. The analytical data obtained with the other methods used in this work support the proposed two‐state kinetic model.
The role of chelators in the catalysis of glutathione‐γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐dependent lipid peroxidation by transition metals
Authors: Zalit Ilan , Glass George A. , Stark Avishay‐Abraham
Published: July 2007

A γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐glutathione (GGT‐GSH) system induces transition metal‐dependent lipid peroxidation (LPO). The role of the transition metals iron and copper in this system was studied by determination of LPO rates, the rates of Fe3+ reduction, and the steady state concentration of Fe2+ as function of concentration of o‐phenanthroline or citrate. Optimum curves were obtained, compatible with the idea that Fe2+ chelated by an entity other than o‐phenanthroline or citrate is important in thiol‐driven LPO. Cu enhanced LPO at low concentrations, inhibited LPO at high ones, and catalytically elevated the steady state concentration of Fe2+. Relating the steady states of Fe2+ at various chelator concentrations with those of LPO rates, indicate that a Fe2+‐O‐O‐Fe3+ complex may not be the principal oxidizing entity. The above, and the resistance of LPO to catalase, superoxide dismutase and mannitol are compatible with the notion that the Fe which participates in redox cycles is chelated to an entity that may be refractory to the action of these antioxidants.
Free radical mediated membrane perturbation and inhibition of type‐I iodothyronine 5′‐monodeiodinase activity by lead and cadmium in rat liver homogenate
Authors: Chaurasia Shyam Sunder , Gupta Pratima , Kar Anand , Maiti Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2007

The possible involvement of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) induced thyroid dysfunction with special reference to type‐I iodothyronine 5′‐monodeiodinase (5′‐D) activity was studied in rat liver homogenate. Peroxidative reactions involving membrane components were found to be markedly stimulated by chronic administration of Pb and Cd in rats. Metal induced inhibition in 5′‐D activity was also observed. Since LPO is primarily an outcome of free radical generation, we suggest metal induced free radical mediated inhibition of 5′‐D activity in rat liver homogenate. In addition, serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were also decreased by metals.
Proline is a protein solubilizing solute
Authors: Samuel D. , Kumar T. K. S. , Jayaraman G. , Yang P. W. , Yu C.
Published: July 2007

The effect of proline on the prevention of trichloroacetic acid (TCA)‐induced protein precipitation is studied. It is found that proline at high concentrations (>4.0 M) completely prevents TCA‐induced precipitation of hen egg white lysozyme. Other osmolytes such as ethylene glycol, glycerol and sucrose fail to prevent the TCA‐induced precipitation of lysozyme. Viscosity and 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalene sulphonic acid binding experiments suggest that proline at high concentration forms an ordered supramolecular assembly. Proline is shown to increase the solubility of protein due to formation of such higher order assemblies. A model of the supra‐molecular assembly of proline is proposed and a possible in vivo role of the increased levels of proline under water stress is discussed.
Inhibition of DNA primase by sphingosine and its analogues parallels with their growth suppression of cultured human leukemic cells
Authors: Tamiya‐Koizumi Keiko , Murate Takashi , Suzuki Motoshi , Simbulan Cynthia Marie G. , Nakagawa Masako , Takemura Masaharu , Furuta Keigo , Izuta Shunji , Yoshida Shonen
Published: July 2007

Sphingosine is a potent inhibitor of a mammalian DNA primase in vitro (Simbulan et al., Biochemistry 33, 9007‐9012, 1994). Here we measured the inhibition of DNA primase in vitro by 9 sphingosine‐analogues with respect to RNA primer synthesis and DNA primase‐dependent DNA synthesis, and their potencies of inhibition in vitro were compared with their in vivo effects on human leukemic cells. Sphingosine, phytosphingosine and N, N‐dimethylsphingosine strongly inhibited the activity of purified calf thymus DNA primase, and also inhibited the growth of human leukemic cell line HL‐60, exerting strong cytotoxicity. Dihydrosphingosine and cis‐sphingosine, which showed more subtle inhibition of DNA primase in vitro, moderately inhibited the cell growth in vivo and caused cell death. In contrast, N‐acyl‐, N‐octyl‐, and N‐acetylsphingosine (ceramides) showing little inhibition of DNA primase suppressed cell growth only slightly. HL 60 cell was arrested at Go/G1 phase by exogenously added sphingosine. From these results, it is suggested that DNA primase is one of targets of sphingosine, an effector molecule in apoptosis.
Effect of cyclic polylactates on tumor cells and tumor bearing mice
Authors: Takada Shigeo , Nagato Yasukazu , Yamamura Masaichi
Published: July 2007

We studied the effect of cyclic polylactates ranging in size from a degree of polymerization number of 3 to 13 on pyruvate kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, anaerobic glycolysis, growth of tumor cells and survival of tumor bearing mice. Pyruvate kinase and lactic dehydrogenase activities were both inhibited by cyclic polylactates, and the inhibition mechanism of cyclic polylactates on lactic dehydrogenase was noncompetitive. About half the anaerobic glycolytic activity of FM3A ascites tumor cells was inhibited and tumor cell growth was also effectively inhibited by cyclic polylactates. Mice, which were treated with cyclic polylactates after inoculation of FM3A ascites tumor cells lived significantly longer than mice, which were treated with vehicle or non mice.
Evidence for a direct interaction of superoxide anion radical with carnosine
Authors: Klebanov G. I. , Teselkin Yu.O. , Babenkova I. V. , Popov I. N. , Levin G. , Tyulina O. V. , Boldyrev A. A. , Vladimirov Yu.A.
Published: July 2007

Using photochemiluminescence, the interaction between carnosine and superoxide anion was measured directly. Carnosine at physiological concentrations decreased the amplitude of luminol chemiluminescence like superoxide dismutase (SOD) did, and prolonged the lag‐period of the chemiluminescence similar to the effect of ascorbic acid. From the interaction of nitro blue tetrazolium with superoxide anion generated by the xanthine oxidase system, the constant for interaction of carnosine with O2* was calculated to be 105 M‐1. sec‐1. The possible biological significance of the quenching of superoxide anion by carnosine is discussed.
Design of novel analogue peptides with potent fungicidal but low hemolytic activity based on the cecropin a‐melittin hybrid structure
Authors: Lee Dong Gun , Park Jung‐Hyun , Shin Song Yub , Lee Sung Gu , Lee Myung Kyu , Kim Kil Lyong , Hahm Kyung‐Soo
Published: July 2007

In order to design synthetic peptides with potent antifungal activity but low cytotoxic activity under physiological conditions, several analogues of the previously reported cecropin A (CA)‐melittin (ME) hybrid peptide, CA(1‐8)‐ME(1‐12), were synthesized. These analogues were designed by analysis of the α‐helical wheel diagram of CA(1‐8)‐ME(1‐12). Antifungal activities were measured by growth inhibition of the yeast Trichosporon beigelii and by hemolytic assay with human red blood cells, respectively. Substitution of Thr for Lys at position 18 and 19 of CA(1‐8)‐ME(1‐12) caused a dramatic reduction in hemolytic activity. Two analogue peptides (analogue I and III) showed more potent antifungal and lower hemolytic activity than the original peptide. To study the antifungal mechanism of these peptides, fluorescence activated flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed with the most powerful antifungal analogue I peptide designed in the present study. As determined by propidium iodide staining, fungal cells treated with analogue I or melittin showed higher fluorescence intensity than those treated with the weak antifungal peptide, cecropin A. By confocal microscopy the analogue I was detected in the intracellular region as well as the in cell membrane. These facts suggested that the antifungal function of this novel peptide analogue acts by pore formation in the cell membrane.
Effects of ultraviolet‐B radiation on phycobilisomes of Synechococcus PCC 7942: Alterations in conformation and energy transfer characteristics
Authors: Sah Jerome F. , Krishna Kolli Bala , Srivastava Madhulika , Mohanty Prasanna
Published: July 2007

Phycobilisomes (PBS), the major light harvesting antenna of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus contain phycocyanin (PC) and allophycocyanin (APC) as major pigment‐protein complexes. PBS also absorb ultraviolet‐B (280‐320 nm) radiation. Exposure of Synechococcus PBS to low dose of UV‐B (∼0.28 mw.cm‐2) for 90 min induced change in absorption, emission and excitation characteristics of PBS and these changes got enhanced after 3 h of exposure. Room temperature excitation and emission spectra clearly indicated uncoupling of energy transfer from PC to APC on exposure to UV‐B. Also, the 77K emission spectra suggested that F682 emission originating from APC decreased by 42% after 3 h of exposure. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of UV‐B exposed PBS indicated changes (14% decrease) in the α‐helical content after 90 min treatment. SDS‐PAGE analysis indicated degradation of a 75 kDa polypeptide (which appear to be a linker polypeptide) on UV‐B treatment. The degradation of this polypeptide seems to induce changes in pigment‐protein interaction and decoupling of energy transfer within the PBS. Our results for the first time clearly indicate that the PBS of Synechococcus are targets for UV‐B damage.
The role of cationic amino acid residues in the lethal activity of stonustoxin from stonefish (Synanceja horridat) venom
Authors: Khoo Hoon‐Eng , Chen Desong , Yuen Raymond
Published: July 2007

Stonustoxin (SNTX) is a two subunit pore‐forming cytolytic protein purified from the venom of the stonefish (Synanceja horrida). SNTX also possesses lethal activity. Since cationic residues contribute significantly to the cytolytic activity of several pore‐forming toxins, we examined the role of lysine and arginine residues in the lethal activity of SNTX. SNTX lost its lethal activity when the positively‐charged side chains of lysine residues were converted to negatively‐charged side chains upon succinylation. When the arginine residues were modified using 2,3‐butanedione, SNTX also lost its lethal activity. However, the domains for cytolytic and lethal activity may not necessarily be the same.
Isolation and characterization of a new lectin from the venom of the snake Bothrops jararacussu
Authors: Carvalho D. D. , Marangoni S. , Oliveira B. , Novello J. C.
Published: July 2007

Bothrops jararacussu venom contains a new potent hemagglutinin (BJcuL), isolated by affinity chromatography on immobilized D‐galactose. Hemagglutination activity of BJcuL against pig erythrocytes was inhibited by galactosides, EDTA or EGTA. The purified lectin is a di sulfide dimer composed of 15 kDa subunits. Association of these subunits is essential for lectin activity, since DTT‐reduced BJcuL showed no hemagglutination activity against pig erythrocytes. Reduced and S‐pyridylethylated BJcuL (RP‐BJcuL) was separated as a single peak by reverse‐phase HPLC on a C‐18/μBondapak column. Results of the application of Edman degradation methodology showed that RP‐BJcuL has a single N‐terminal amino acid sequence, indicating that BJcuL is a homodimer. The N‐terminal 8‐residue (NNCPQDWL) shows homology with other lectins from snake venoms.
A novel tumor necrosis factor‐α mutant with significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and receptor binding affinity
Authors: Shin Nam‐Kyu , Lee Inkyoung , Chang Seung‐Gu , Shin Hang‐Cheol
Published: July 2007

A novel tumor necrosis factor‐α mutant (mutant M3), in which Ser and Tyr at positions 52 and 56 were substituted by Ile and Phe, respectively, along with deletion of 7 N‐terminal amino acids, was prepared and its biological activities were investigated. The mutant exhibited a 14‐ to 24‐fold increase in the cytotoxicity relative to the wild‐type TNF on various cancer cell lines. The binding affinity of the mutant to TNF‐R55 and TNF‐R75 receptors was over 10‐fold higher than that of the wild‐type. TNF‐α and the mutant show similar CD spectra in the far‐UV region, indicating that the overall structure was not influenced by the mutations. The production of highly potent TNF‐α mutant utilizing increase of hydrophobicity in the region 52‐56 may provide a structural basis for a design of optimized TNF‐α as a therapeutic purpose.
Inhibitory effect of the leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba L. on oxidative stress‐induced platelet aggregation
Authors: Akiba Satoshi , Kawauchi Takashi , Oka Takashi , Hashizume Tsutomu , Sato Takashi
Published: July 2007

The effect of the leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba L. on platelet aggregation induced by oxidative stress was studied. The extract caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation stimulated with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP) and Fe2+. Similar inhibitory activity was observed when platelets were exposed to H2O2 and Fe2+. Synergistic aggregation induced by a combination of t‐BHP and Fe2+ or H2O2 and Fe2+ in association with suboptimal concentration of collagen or U46619, was prevented by the extract. However, the extract failed to inhibit aggregation in response to collagen, thrombin or U46619. Ginkgolides A, B and C inhibited platelet‐activating factor‐induced aggregation, but not oxidant‐induced aggregation. These data suggest that the suppressive effect of the extract is specific on platelet aggregation stimulated by oxidative stress, and that this effect is involved in the mechanism related to its protective effect upon cerebral or myocardial injuries.
Cloning and functional expression of rAQP9L a new member of aquaporin family from rat liver
Authors: Ko Shigeru B. H. , Uchida Shinichi , Naruse Satoru , Kuwahara Michio , Ishibashi Kenichi , Marumo Fumiaki , Hayakawa Tetsuo , Sasaki Sei
Published: July 2007

A new aquaporin was isolated from rat liver based on homology to known aquaporins. A 1408 bp cDNA was sequenced (designated rAQP9L) with a 885 bp open reading frame encoding a 295 amino acid hydrophobic protein, rAQP9L has the greatest amino‐acid sequence identity with human AQP9 (75 %) and a less homology with AQP3 (49 %) and AQP (47 %). Northern blot analysis indicated a 1.4‐kb transcript expressed strongly in liver>testis>brain=lung. Expression of rAQP9L cRNA in Xenopus oocytes increased osmotic water permeability by 6‐folds which was inhibited by 0.3 mM mercury chloride by 42 %. rAQP9L also facilitated glycerol and urea transport by 2‐ and 5‐folds, respectively. The large discrepancy of tissue distribution between hAQP9 and rAQP9L suggest that rAQP9L is a new aquaporin, which is involved in transport of urea as well as water in liver.
Protein folding as a nonlinear nonequilibrium thermodynamic process
Authors: Popov E. M.
Published: July 2007

Biofurcational theory of protein folding is developed describing the process of formation of protein native structure as a sequence of non‐equilibrium irreversible fluctuations, specific for a particular protein. The model gives explaination to all characteristic features of the folding process: stochastic mechanism, short time and precision of proteins self‐assembling. A constructiwe role of entropy in the formation of a highly ordered structure out of disorder is discussed. A numerical method of a priori calculations of polypeptide structures basing on principles of bifractional folding model is presented.
Superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of vegetable extracts measured using electron spin resonance
Authors: Kaneyuki Takao , Noda Yasuko , Traber Maret G. , Mori Akitane , Packer Lester
Published: July 2007

Radical scavenging by reconstituted lyophilized powders of water extracts from 16 common vegetables was measured using electron spin resonance (ESR) with 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO), hydroxyl radicals, (·OH) or superoxide anion radicals (02·‐), as DMPO‐OH or DMPO‐OOH spin adducts. On a dry weight basis, eggplant, and red, yellow and green bell pepper extracts showed potent superoxide anion radical scavenging activities (SOD‐like activities). Ascorbate oxidase‐ or heat‐treatments, decreased SOD‐like activities in bell pepper extracts suggesting that ascorbate accounts for much of their free radical scavenging activity. Eggplant epidermis extract exhibited the most potent hydroxyl radical scavenging and SOD‐like activities. Eggplant SOD‐like activity did not decrease after ascorbate oxidase treatment, but decreased following ultrafiltration demonstrating that SOD‐like activity is partially due to high molecular weight substances. Nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant epidermis, showed markedly potent superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, while it inhibited hydroxyl radical generation probably by chelating ferrous ion.
The Resistance Continues: a social movement in the 1970s
Authors: Cooke Philip
Published: July 2007

In the 1970s a group of ex-partisans founded the Resistenza Continua social movement. This article traces the origins and history of the movement and explores its contacts with other similar neo-Resistance groups. Though Resistenza Continua was clearly not a movement of great consequence, an analysis of it sheds a useful light on the strengths and weaknesses of the Resistance tradition.
The Formation of Azerbaijani Collective Identity in Iran
Authors: Shaffer Brenda
Published: July 2007

Iran is a multi-ethnic society in which approximately 50% of its citizens are of non-Persian origin, yet researchers commonly use the terms Persians and Iranians interchangeably, neglecting the supra-ethnic meaning of the term Iranian for many of the non-Persians in Iran. The largest minority ethnic group in Iran is the Azerbaijanis (comprising approximately a third of the population) and other major groups include the Kurds, Arabs, Baluchis and Turkmen. Iran's ethnic groups are particularly susceptible to external manipulation and considerably subject to influence from events taking place outside its borders, since most of the non-Persians are concentrated in the frontier areas and have ties to co-ethnics in adjoining states, such as Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Iraq.
Plexins, Semaphorins, and Scatter Factor Receptors: A Common Root for Cell Guidance Signals?
Authors: Artigiani Stefania , Comoglio Paolo M. , Tamagnone Luca
Published: July 2007

Semaphorins, the plexin family of semaphorin receptors, and scatter factor receptors share evolutionarily conserved protein modules, such as the semaphorin domain and Met Related Sequences (MRS). All these proteins also have in common a role in mediating cell guidance cues. During development, scatter factor receptors control cell migration, epithelial tubulogenesis, and neurite extension. Semaphorins and their receptors are known signals for axon guidance; they are also suspected to regulate developmental processes involving cell migration and morphogenesis, and have been implicated in immune function and tumor progression. Scatter factors and secreted semaphorins are diffusible ligands, whereas membrane‐bound semaphorins signal by cell‐cell interaction. Cell guidance control by semaphorins requires plexins, alone or in a receptor complex with neuropilins. Semaphorins, besides their role in axon guidance, are expected to have multiple functions in morphogenesis and tissue remodeling by mediating cell‐repelling cues through plexin receptors.
Internet‐based scanning of the competitive environment
Authors: Rajaniemi Katja
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Adjusting a company to its competitive environment is often done without proper knowledge of the competitive environment. This paper seeks to describe methods and tools that could be used to improve internet‐based scanning of the competitive environment. In addition, the paper aims to describe an example where such methods and tools are used.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing literature on environmental scanning, competitive intelligence, and benchmarking is reviewed to brief the theoretical background, and to find new ideas to improve scanning of the competitive environment. Using theory‐building approach, the research is based on constructive methodology. The construction is done in ABB Corporate Research, in the Business Technology Portals Project.

Findings

Experts scan the environment using the advanced tools, interviews and knowledge sharing, and managers mainly scan by discussing with other people. Modern search engines can be used to build advanced tools that enhance competitive environment scanning and benchmarking on screening level. Search engines acquire and analyze information from the internet, e.g. from news, company, internet pages, patents, and databases. The methods reduce the time needed for acquiring information, enabling people to concentrate on analyzing the information.

Research limitations/implications

For researchers, the paper provides a literature review of the topic with an innovative construction.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the paper provides an example of framework, methods and tools that can be used to scan the competitive environment.

Originality/value

The theoretical background has been innovatively applied to construct and to deploy very pragmatic tools that enhance scanning the competitive environment.
Smoking is associated with first‐ever incidence of mental disorders: a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Smit Filip , Ten Have Margreet , De Graaf Ron
Published: July 2007

Aims  It is well established that tobacco use is associated with mental disorders. However, the association between tobacco use and mental disorders has not yet been examined sufficiently in prospective, population‐based studies. The current study is aimed at examining whether smoking is associated with first‐ever incidence of mental disorders.

Design, setting and participants  We conducted a prospective, population‐based epidemiological study (the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study: NEMESIS) in which a representative sample of adults aged 18–64 years (n = 7076) were interviewed to establish the presence of a broad range of mental disorders. We re‐interviewed them at 1 year (n = 5618; response 79.4%) and 3 years (n = 4796; 67.8%) after baseline.

Measurements  The presence of mental disorders was assessed according to DSM‐III‐R criteria with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), which was administered by trained lay interviewers. Tobacco use was assessed by asking respondents whether they had smoked in the past year, and how many cigarettes they smoked.

Findings  Subjects who smoked but never had a mental disorder in their life, had an increased risk of developing a mental disorder (P < 0.01), and this remained significant after correcting for major risk indicators of mental disorders.

Conclusions  Smoking is associated not only with the prevalence, but also with first‐ever incidence of mental disorders. More research is needed to study the causal pathways.
The role of glitazones in management of type 2 diabetes. A DREAM or a nightmare?
Authors: Lindberg M. , Astrup A.
Published: June 2007

Glitazones have been introduced as second‐step medication for type 2 diabetics, and today rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are blockbuster drugs. However, glitazones may have important adverse effects that outweight their beneficial effect on insulin resistance and glycemia. The larger trials have shown that glitazones produce a weight gain of 4–5 kg over 3–4 years of treatment, and the weight gain cannot be explained by fluid retention. Moreover, the risk of myocardial infarction is increased by 43% by rosiglitazone, and there are clear indications of increased risk of heart failure. Furthermore, there are studies to suggest that glitazones also increase the risk of fractures, whereas an increased cancer risk is not supported. In conclusion, given the increased cardiovascular risk, and that a weight gain of few kg can increase risks of cancer of the breast, colon, prostate and endometrium, the use of glitazones should be questioned. There is a need for more safe and weight neutral drugs to treat type 2 diabetes.
WHOSE RIGHTS, AND WHAT's THE DIFFERENCE? A CRITIQUE OF BETH SINGER'S “HUMAN RIGHTS: SOME CURRENT ISSUES”
Authors: GAYMAN CYNTHIA
Published: June 2007

Abstract: In this article I argue against the rights‐based framework defining the abortion debate, and do so by considering the views of Beth Singer, a philosopher whose work conveys a broadly pragmatist formulation of traditional rights‐based language. Although Singer's schema presents a fruitful vantage point from which to consider the abortion question through the discourse of rights, even Singer's use of the language of rights ultimately fails adequately to address the subject. I challenge Singer's view by taking up John Dewey's concept of reflective morality, elucidated in his 1932 Ethics.
MORAL REFORM, MORAL DISAGREEMENT, AND ABORTION
Authors: WALLACE KATHLEEN
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Bernard Gert argues that legitimate moral disagreement calls for tolerance and moral humility; when there is more than one morally acceptable course of action, then intolerance and what Gert calls “moral arrogance” would be objectionable. This article identifies some possible difficulties in distinguishing moral arrogance from moral reform and then examines Gert's treatment of abortion as a contemporary example of moral disagreement that he characterizes as irresolvable.
Unilateral Headache and Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Mateen FJ , Boes CJ , Kumar N
Published: June 2007

Ipsilateral headache associated with hypoglossal nerve palsy is uncommon and is usually reported to be secondary to internal carotid artery dissection. Herein, we report three idiopathic cases of berign ipsilateral headache with hypoglossal nerve palsy.
Comparative study of patch test using traditional method vs. prior skin abrading
Authors: Fernandes MFM , De Mello JF , Pires MC , Vizeu MCM
Published: June 2007

Background  The patch test is an essential procedure for the investigation of aetiologic diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, although it is not yet able to fully reproduce the events of the initial site of contact with the allergen.

Objectives  The aims of the present study are (i) to assess whether removal of the superficial corneous layer results in test positivity differences vs. the traditional technique, (ii) to assess the probable and/or possible and past and/or present sensitivity and relevance for each method, and (iii) to compare specific relevance of nickel sulphate for each method.

Results  Concordance of positive reactions was 75.9% (66 of 87), with 21.8% (19 of 87) positivity results on the abraded side only and 2.3% (2 of 87) on the unabraded side (P < 0.05). Concordance of the substances with probable and/or possible and past and/or present relevance was 77.3% (58 of 75) for the abraded side and 21.3% (16 of 75) and 1.3% (1 of 75) for the unabraded side (P < 0.05). Analysis of isolated relevance for nickel sulphate showed 95.6% (22 of 23) concordance.

Conclusions  (i) We found a greater number of positive substances on the abraded side, and when only the 2 + and 3 + reactions were considered, greater relative discordance was also observed; (ii) relevance analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two methods; (iii) differences in nickel sulphate test positivity and relevance for the two methods did not reach statistical significance.
Oligonucleotide treatment increases eumelanogenesis, hair pigmentation and melanocortin‐1 receptor expression in the hair follicle
Authors: Atoyan Ruzanna Y. , Sharov Andrey A. , Eller Mark S. , Sargsyan Aram , Botchkarev Vladimir A. , Gilchrest Barbara A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  It was previously reported that telomere homologue oligonucleotides (T‐oligos) can induce a variety of cellular responses in skin including increased melanogenesis. To assess the effects of T‐oligos on hair pigmentation, we administered thymidine dinucleotide (pTT), one‐third of the TTAGGG telomere repeat sequence, intradermally at distinct time points of the depilation‐induced hair cycle in C3H/HeJ mice. Penetration of T‐oligos into the hair follicle (HF) was monitored by using FITC‐labelled pTT and confocal microscopy. pTT treatment on days 1–5 after depilation, during early anagen, did not significantly alter the number and proliferation of melanocytes (Trp‐2‐positive cells), compared with vehicle‐treated controls. However, pTT treatment on days 5–12 after depilation, during mid‐ to late anagen, resulted in the formation of darker hairs, that showed a significantly increased eumelanin/total melanin ratio in their sub‐apical agouti band region, compared with vehicle‐treated controls (P < 0.05). By RT‐PCR and western blot, full thickness skin of pTT‐treated mice showed increases in Trp‐1, Trp‐2 and tyrosinase mRNA and protein levels, compared with control mice. Western blot analyses of two receptors that positively regulate eumelanogenesis, melanocortin type 1 receptor (MC‐1R) and kit, showed increased expression of MC‐1R protein in pTT‐treated versus control skin, while the levels of c‐kit receptor remained unchanged. These data demonstrate that pTT treatment increases eumelanogenesis in HFs, associated with increased tyrosinase, TRP‐1 and MC‐1R expression. These data also raise the possibility of using T‐oligos to modulate hair pigmentation.
Inhibition of T‐cell activation in vitro in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by pimecrolimus and glucocorticosteroids and combinations thereof
Authors: Winiski Anthony , Wang Shirley , Schwendinger Brigitte , Stuetz Anton
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Pimecrolimus is an ascomycin macrolactam derivative that has been recently approved for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis. In this study we report for the first time on a direct comparison of the inhibitory activity of pimecrolimus and the glucocorticosteroids betamethasone 17‐valerate, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone at the level of T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production. Stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) systems were used that are either sensitive or resistant to calcineurin inhibitors or glucocorticosteroids. Pimecrolimus and the glucocorticosteroids inhibited dose‐dependently T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production in a sensitive system (anti‐CD3 mAb‐stimulated PBMC) with the following rank order of potency: pimecrolimus ∼ betamethasone 17‐valerate ∼ dexamethasone > hydrocortisone. In resistant systems (anti‐CD3 plus anti‐CD28‐ or Staphylococcal enterotoxin B‐stimulated PBMC), pimecrolimus or the glucocorticosteroids alone exerted either no effect, or only a partial inhibitory effect. However, combinations of pimecrolimus with a glucocorticosteroid synergistically and strongly inhibited T‐cell proliferation. Taken together, the data indicate that medium potency glucocorticosteroids, such as betamethasone 17‐valerate and dexamethasone, are as potent T‐cell inhibitors as pimecrolimus. Furthermore, the experimental evidence suggests that combinations of glucocorticosteroids and pimecrolimus could be used clinically to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy, when monotherapy with the individual agents is unsatisfactory.
Evaluating the Effects of Chlortetracycline on the Proliferation of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in a Simulated River Water Ecosystem
Authors: Muñoz-Aguayo Jeannette , Lang Kevin S. , LaPara Timothy M. , González Gerardo , Singer Randall S.
Published: July 2007

Antibiotics and antibiotic metabolites have been found in the environment, but the biological activities of these compounds are uncertain, especially given the low levels that are typically detected in the environment. The objective of this study was to estimate the selection potential of chlortetracycline (CTC) on the antibiotic resistance of aerobic bacterial populations in a simulated river water ecosystem. Six replicates of a 10-day experiment using river water in continuous flow chemostat systems were conducted. Each replicate used three chemostats, one serving as a control to which no antibiotic was added and the other two receiving low and high doses of CTC (8 μg/liter and 800 μg/liter, respectively). The addition of CTC to the chemostats did not impact the overall level of cultivable aerobic bacteria (
P
= 0.51). The high-CTC chemostat had significantly higher tetracycline-resistant bacterial colony counts than both the low-CTC and the control chemostats (
P
< 0.035). The differences in resistance between the low-CTC and control chemostats were highly nonsignificant (
P
= 0.779). In general a greater diversity of
tet
resistance genes was detected in the high-CTC chemostat and with a greater frequency than in the low-CTC and control chemostats. Low levels of CTC in this in vitro experiment did not select for increased levels of tetracycline resistance among cultivable aerobic bacteria. This finding should not be equated with the absence of environmental risk, however. Low concentrations of antibiotics in the environment may select for resistant bacterial populations once they are concentrated in sediments or other locations.
ThemutTDefect Does Not Elevate Chromosomal Fragmentation inEscherichia coliBecause of the Surprisingly Low Levels of MutM/MutY-Recognized DNA Modifications
Authors: Rotman Ella , Kuzminov Andrei
Published: July 2007

Nucleotide pool sanitizing enzymes Dut (dUTPase), RdgB (dITPase), and MutT (8-oxo-dGTPase) ofEscherichia colihydrolyze noncanonical DNA precursors to prevent incorporation of base analogs into DNA. Previous studies reported dramatic AT→CG mutagenesis inmutTmutants, suggesting a considerable density of 8-oxo-G in DNA that should cause frequent excision and chromosomal fragmentation, irreparable in the absence of RecBCD-catalyzed repair and similar to the lethality ofdut recBCandrdgB recBCdouble mutants. In contrast, we foundmutT recBCdouble mutants viable with no signs of chromosomal fragmentation. Overproduction of the MutM and MutY DNA glycosylases, both acting on DNA containing 8-oxo-G, still yields no lethality inmutT recBCdouble mutants. Plasmid DNA, extracted frommutT mutMdouble mutant cells and treated with MutM in vitro, shows no increased relaxation, indicating no additional 8-oxo-G modifications. Our ΔmutTallele elevates the AT→CG transversion rate 27,000-fold, consistent with published reports. However, the rate of AT→CG transversions in ourmutT+progenitor strain is some two orders of magnitude lower than in previous studies, which lowers the absolute rate of mutagenesis in ΔmutTderivatives, translating into less than four 8-oxo-G modifications per genome equivalent, which is too low to cause the expected effects. Introduction of various additional mutations in the ΔmutTstrain or treatment with oxidative agents failed to increase the mutagenesis even twofold. We conclude that, in contrast to the previous studies, there is not enough 8-oxo-G in the DNA ofmutTmutants to cause elevated excision repair that would trigger chromosomal fragmentation.
RegA Control of Bacteriochlorophyll and Carotenoid Synthesis in
Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Willett Jonathan , Smart James L. , Bauer Carl E.
Published: July 2007

We provide in vivo genetic and in vitro biochemical evidence that RegA directly regulates bacteriochlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis in
Rhodobacter capsulatus
. β-Galactosidase expression assays with a RegA-disrupted strain containing reporter plasmids for Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester oxidative cyclase (
bchE
), Mg-protoporphyrin IX chelatase (
bchD
), and phytoene dehydrogenase (
crtI
) demonstrate RegA is responsible for fourfold anaerobic induction of
bchE
, threefold induction of
bchD
, and twofold induction of
crtI
. Promoter mapping studies, coupled with DNase I protection assays, map the region of RegA binding to three sites in the
bchE
promoter region. Similar studies at the
crtA
and
crtI
promoters indicate that RegA binds to a single region equidistant from these divergent promoters. These results demonstrate that RegA is directly responsible for anaerobic induction of bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis genes
bchE
,
bchD
,
bchJ
,
bchI
,
bchG
, and
bchP
and carotenoid biosynthesis genes
crtI
,
crtB
, and
crtA
.
DEFINING AN SU(3)-CASSON/U(2)-SEIBERG–WITTEN INTEGER INVARIANT FOR INTEGRAL HOMOLOGY 3-SPHERES
Authors: LIM YUHAN
Published: June 2007

An open question is the possibility of defining an integer valued SU(3)-Casson invariant for integral homology 3-spheres which involves counting the irreducible portion of the non-degenerate (perturbed) moduli space of flat SU(3)-connections plus counter-terms associated to only the non-degenerate (perturbed) reducible portion of the moduli space. The obstruction to this is the non-trivial spectral flow of a family of twisted signature operators in 3-dimensions. The parallel U(2)-Seiberg–Witten theory also has a similiar obstruction but arising from the non-trivial spectral flow of a family of twisted Dirac operators. By taking the SU(3)-flat and U(2)-Seiberg–Witten equations simultaneously the obstructions can be made to cancel and an integer invariant is obtained.