bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Structures and Electrochemical Properties of Magnesium Electrolytes
Authors: Nakayama Yuri , Kudo Yoshihiro , Oki Hideki , Yamamoto Kenta , Kitajima Yoshinori , Noda Kazuhiro
Published: October 2008

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements were performed on an electrolyte solution of magnesium organo-halo-aluminates in tetrahydrofuran (0.25mol/l Mg(AlCl2EtBu)2/THF, Et:C2H5, Bu:C4H9) that is able to deposit and dissolve magnesium electrochemically and reversibly at room temperature. The extended XAFS (EXAFS) spectrum at Mg K-edge revealed that Mg complexes form dimmers, while the one at the Al K-edge showed Al complexes were monomers. Analyzing 27Al-NMR spectrum, it has been found that Al complexes have four monomer structures. Here we show the complex structures of this electrolyte, which explain its various electrochemical characteristics, such as high reversibility, conductivity, and large electrochemical window.
Activity and Durability of PtRuP Catalysts and Their Atomic Structures
Authors: Daimon Hideo , Onodera Taigo , Honda Yusuke , Nitani Hiroaki , Seino Satoshi , Nakagawa Takashi , Yamamoto Takao A.
Published: October 2008

Carbon supported PtRuP catalyst 2 nm in size was synthesized by electroless plating method by using HPH2O2 as a reducing agent as well as a source of P. Chelate ligand of citric acid was added in synthetic solution to decease difference of reduction potentials between Pt and Ru ions. Electrochemical measurements showed that the addition of chelate ligand decreased the difference from 0.42 V to 0.31 V and that CO tolerance, methanol oxidation activity and durability were improved in PtRuP catalyst synthesized with the chelate ligand. XRD and EXAFS analyses revealed that mixing state of Pt and Ru atoms was promoted in the PtRuP catalyst. The improved CO tolerance, methanol oxidation activity and durability arise from the well-mixed Pt and Ru atoms in the PtRuP catalyst, which supported bi-functional mechanism.
Electrochemical Activation of Raney Nickel Air Electrodes
Authors: Villa Marco , Verardi Erwin , Salvi Paolo , Nelli Paolo , Zangari G.
Published: October 2008

We study slow and nearly reversible processes of reduction, hy-dride formation and oxidation in Raney-Ni air electrodes in con-centrated KOH solutions. A labile β-NiH phase is formed upon prolonged cathodic polarization under H2 atmosphere. Repeated cathodic/anodic cycles enhance hydrogen intake and induce sur-face modifications of the Raney-Ni grains.
Simulation of a Parallel Plate Electrochemical Reactor Used to Remove Cr(VI)via Electrocoagulation Method
Authors: Cai Long , White Ralph
Published: October 2008

A model was developed and solved to simulate a parallel plate electrochemical reactor used to reduce the Cr(VI) by ferrous ion generated at the iron anode via the electrocoagulation method. In this system both electrochemical reactions and homogeneous reactions were considered. The effects of the reactor geometry, the material feed velocity, the concentration of the supporting electrolyte and the cell potential on the conversion of Cr(VI) are discussed. According to the simulation results, an optimal operating condition is recommended.
Chemistry of the Fe6+/B2- Super-iron Boride Battery: An Overview of Primary Alkaline Fe6+ Cathodic Charge Storage Including the New B2- Anode
Authors: Licht Stuart
Published: October 2008

An overview of progress on primary alkaline Super-Iron batteries, first introduced in 1999, is presented. The batteries are based on an unusual Fe(VI) redox couple and multiple electron cathodic charge storage. Such Fe(VI) cathodes can be "green", cost effective and store considerably higher charge than conventional cathode materials. For example, the Fe(VI) salt K2FeO4 holds 406 mA/g, is readily prepared, and the ferric oxide discharge product is environmentally benign. Fe(VI) salts that have been synthesized and demonstrated as Super-Iron cathodes include compounds with a 3-electron cathodic charge capacity, such as Li2FeO4, Na2FeO4, K2FeO4, Rb2FeO4, Cs2FeO4 (alkali Fe(VI) salts), as well as alkali earth Fe(VI) salts BaFeO4, SrFeO4, and also a transition metal Ag2FeO4 salt. Configuration optimization, enhancement and mediation of Fe(VI) alkaline cathode charge transfer are summarized. Composite Fe(VI)/Mn(IV or VII), Fe(VI)/Ag(II), and zirconia coating stabilized, and boride anode batteries effects are also illustrated.
Optimal Capacitive Load Matching of Micro Electret Power Generators
Authors: Li Wei , Lo Hsi-wen , Tai Yu-Chong
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a model of micro-electret power generators. This model uses two capacitors with fixed charge density and variable area to model the actual micro electret power generator. Simulations of power output with capacitive loads and resistive loads are presented. The power output decreases as the load capacitance increases while it increases as the resistive load increases. To verify the model and simulation results, power output generation experiments are performed and the results confirm the simulation. To collect useful energy from the power generator, a small capacitive load, rather than a resistive load, is required.
Cyclic AMP-Responsive Element Binding Protein– and Nuclear Factor-κB–Regulated CXC Chemokine Gene Expression in Lung Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sun Hongxia , Chung Wen-Cheng , Ryu Seung-Hee , Ju Zhenlin , Tran Hai T. , Kim Edward , Kurie Jonathan M. , Koo Ja Seok
Published: October 2008

The recognition of the importance of angiogenesis in tumor progression has led to the development of antiangiogenesis as a new strategy for cancer treatment and prevention. By modulating tumor microenvironment and inducing angiogenesis, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukine (IL)-1β has been reported to promote tumor development. However, the factors mediating IL-1β–induced angiogenesis in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the regulation of these angiogenic factors by IL-1β are less clear. Here, we report that IL-1β up-regulated an array of proangiogenic CXC chemokine genes in the NSCLC cell line A549 and in normal human tracheobronchial epithelium cells, as determined by microarray analysis. Further analysis revealed that IL-1β induced much higher protein levels of CXC chemokines in NSCLC cells than in normal human tracheobronchial epithelium cells. Conditioned medium from IL-1β–treated A549 cells markedly increased endothelial cell migration, which was suppressed by neutralizing antibodies against CXCL5 and CXCR2. We also found that IL-1β–induced CXC chemokine gene overexpression in NSCLC cells was abrogated with the knockdown of cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) or nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Moreover, the expression of the CXC chemokine genes as well as CREB and NF-κB activities was greatly increased in the tumorigenic NSCLC cell line compared with normal, premalignant immortalized or nontumorigenic cell lines. A disruptor of the interaction between CREB-binding protein and transcription factors such as CREB and NF-κB, 2-naphthol-AS-E-phosphate (KG-501), inhibited IL-1β–induced CXC chemokine gene expression and angiogenic activity in NSCLC. We propose that targeting CREB or NF-κB using small-molecule inhibitors, such as KG-501, holds promise as a preventive and/or therapeutic approach for NSCLC.
A Pilot Surrogate Endpoint Biomarker Study of Celecoxib in Oral Premalignant Lesions
Authors: Wirth Lori J. , Krane Jeffrey F. , Li Yi , Othus Megan , Moran Amy E. , Dorfman David M. , Norris Charles M. , Goguen Laura , Posner Marshall R. , Haddad Robert I. , Bertagnolli Monica M.
Published: October 2008

This study evaluated changes in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels and related biomarkers in oral premalignant lesions (OPL) in response to celecoxib treatment. Twenty-two subjects were enrolled and treated with celecoxib. Pretreatment and 12-week biopsies were done. Subjects whose biopsy showed ≥30% decrease in PGE2 remained on celecoxib for a total of 12 months when repeat biopsy was done. Biopsies were examined to assess degree of dysplasia, DNA ploidy, and immunohistochemical expression of BCL2, pAKT-Ser473, Ki-67, and CD31 (microvessel density). In 18 paired biopsies available at baseline and 12 weeks, mean normalized PGE2 levels decreased by 38% (P = 0.002). After 12 months, PGE2 decreased by 31% (P = 0.340). Twelve biopsies (67%; P = 0.0129) showed improvement in degree of dysplasia after 12 weeks, and 8 of 11 biopsies (73%; P = 0.0703) continued to show an improvement in the degree of dysplasia after 12 months. Trends suggested down-modulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and Ki-67 in some tissues, increased pAKT-Ser473 expression, and an inverse relationship between PGE2 and BCL2 expression. This study documents the feasibility of measuring potential surrogate endpoint biomarkers of chemopreventive agent response in OPLs. Treatment with celecoxib in subjects with OPLs favorably modulates the primary mediator of cyclooxygenase-2 activity, PGE2, after 12 weeks.
Promoter Methylation in Cytology Specimens as an Early Detection Marker for Esophageal Squamous Dysplasia and Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Adams Lisa , Roth Mark J. , Abnet Christian C. , Dawsey Sonja P. , Qiao You-Lin , Wang Guo-Qing , Wei Wen-Qiang , Lu Ning , Dawsey Sanford M. , Woodson Karen
Published: October 2008

The incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is very high in northern China. This cancer has a very poor prognosis, mostly because it is usually diagnosed at a late stage. Detection at an earlier stage can dramatically improve prognosis. Microscopic evaluation of esophageal balloon cytology (EBC) specimens has been the most common method for early detection of ESCC, but this technique is limited by low sensitivity and specificity. The use of molecular markers may improve these screening characteristics. This study evaluates whether measurement of gene methylation in EBC specimens may have utility for the detection of esophageal squamous dysplasia and early ESCC. We evaluated the presence of methylation in eight genes shown to be methylated in ESCC in previous studies in EBC specimens from 147 patients with endoscopic biopsy diagnoses ranging from normal mucosa to severe squamous dysplasia. Methylation status was determined using quantitative methylation-specific PCR techniques. The sensitivity and specificity of methylation of each individual gene and of combinations of these genes to detect biopsy-proven high-grade (moderate or severe) squamous dysplasia were determined. For individual genes, the sensitivities ranged from 9% to 34% and the specificities ranged from 77% to 99%. Using a panel of four genes (AHRR, p16INK4a, MT1G, and CLDN3) resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 68%, respectively. This study suggests that evaluation of gene methylation in EBC samples may have utility for early detection of esophageal squamous dysplasia and early ESCC; however, identification of more sensitive methylation markers will be required for development of a clinically useful screening test.
The Effects of Adiponectin and Metformin on Prostate and Colon Neoplasia Involve Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Zakikhani Mahvash , Dowling Ryan J.O. , Sonenberg Nahum , Pollak Michael N.
Published: October 2008

Population studies provide evidence that obesity and insulin resistance are associated not only with elevated serum insulin levels and reduced serum adiponectin levels but also with increased risk of aggressive prostate and colon cancer. We show here that adiponectin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in colon (HT-29) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells. These results are consistent with prior observations in myocytes, but we show that in epithelial cancer cells AMPK activation is associated with reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin activation as estimated by Ser2448 phosphorylation, with reduction in p70S6 kinase activation as estimated by Thr389 phosphorylation, with ribosomal protein S6 activation as estimated by Ser235/236 phosphorylation, with reduction in protein translation as estimated by [35S]methionine incorporation, and with growth inhibition. Adiponectin-induced growth inhibition is significantly attenuated when AMPK level is reduced using small interfering RNA, indicating that AMPK is involved in mediating the antiproliferative action of this adipokine. Thus, adiponectin has the characteristics of a AMPK-dependent growth inhibitor that is deficient in obesity, and this may contribute to the adverse effects of obesity on neoplastic disease. Furthermore, metformin was observed to activate AMPK and to have growth inhibitory actions on prostate and colon cancer cells, suggesting that this compound may be of particular value in attenuating the adverse effects of obesity on neoplasia.
Curcumin Inhibition of Integrin (α6β4)-Dependent Breast Cancer Cell Motility and Invasion
Authors: Kim Hong Im , Huang Huang , Cheepala Satish , Huang Shile , Chung Jun
Published: October 2008

Curcumin, a polyphenol natural product isolated from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa, has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic agent. However, the mechanism by which curcumin inhibits cancer cell functions such as cell growth, survival, and cell motility is largely unknown. We explored whether curcumin affects the function of integrin α6β4, a laminin adhesion receptor with an established role in invasion and migration of cancer cells. Here we show that curcumin significantly reduced α6β4-dependent breast cancer cell motility and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting apoptosis in MDA-MB-435/β4 (β4-integrin transfectants) and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Further, curcumin selectively reduced the basal phosphorylation of β4 integrin (Y1494), which has been reported to be essential in mediating α6β4-dependent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation and cell motility. Consistent with this finding, curcumin also blocked α6β4-dependent Akt activation and expression of the cell motility–promoting factor ENPP2 in MDA-MB-435/β4 cell line. A multimodality approach using curcumin in combination with other pharmacologic inhibitors of α6β4 signaling pathways showed an additive effect to block breast cancer cell motility and invasion. Taken together, these findings show that curcumin inhibits breast cancer cell motility and invasion by directly inhibiting the function of α6β4 integrin, and suggest that curcumin can serve as an effective therapeutic agent in tumors that overexpress α6β4.
Helicobacter pylori and Esophageal Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Islami Farhad , Kamangar Farin
Published: October 2008

We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the association between Helicobacter pylori and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We searched the PubMed database, the ISI database, and the references of the selected articles. Case-control or nested case-control studies were selected if they used serology or endoscopic methods to detect H. pylori in the stomach and if control subjects were not restricted to upper gastrointestinal tract cancer or peptic ulcer disease patients. A total of 19 studies were used for this analysis. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird method. Q statistics and I2 statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted by CagA status. For EAC, the summary OR (95% CI) was 0.56 (0.46-0.68). There was little heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 15%). Further analysis showed that colonization with CagA-positive strains was inversely associated with EAC risk (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28-0.62) but colonization with CagA-negative strains was not (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.76-1.53). For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the summary OR (95% CI) was 1.10 (0.78-1.55). However, there was substantial heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 73%), with statistically significant associations in both directions. Our results suggest an inverse association between CagA-positive H. pylori colonization and risk of EAC. The prominent decline of H. pylori colonization in the past few decades may be partly responsible for the recent increase in EAC incidence in Western countries.
Gene Duplication, Co-Option and Recruitment during the Origin of the Vertebrate Brain from the Invertebrate Chordate Brain
Authors: Holland Linda Z. , Short Stephen
Published: October 2008

The brain of the basal chordate amphioxus has been compared to the vertebrate diencephalic forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord on the basis of the cell architecture from serial electron micrographs and patterns of developmental gene expression. In addition, genes specifying the neural plate and neural plate border as well as Gbx and Otx, that position the midbrain/hindbrain boundary (MHB), are expressed in comparable patterns in amphioxus and vertebrates. However, migratory neural crest is lacking in amphioxus, and although it has homologs of the genes that specify neural crest, they are not expressed at the edges of the amphioxus neural plate. Similarly, amphioxus has the genes that specify organizer properties of the MHB, but they are not expressed at the Gbx/Otx boundary as in vertebrates. Thus, the genetic machinery that created migratory neural crest and an MHB organizer was present in the ancestral chordate, but only co-opted for these new roles in vertebrates. Analyses with the amphioxus genome project strongly support the idea of two rounds of whole genome duplication with subsequent gene losses in the vertebrate lineage. Duplicates of developmental genes were preferentially retained. Although some genes apparently acquired roles in neural crest prior to these genome duplications, other key genes (e.g., FoxD3 in neural crest and Wnt1 at the MHB) were recruited into the respective gene networks after one or both genome duplications, suggesting that such an expansion of the genetic toolkit was critical for the evolution of these structures. The toolkit has also increased by alternative splicing. Contrary to the general rule, for at least one gene family with key roles in neural crest and the MHB, namely Pax genes, alternative splicing has not decreased subsequent to gene duplication. Thus, vertebrates have a much larger number of proteins available for mediating new functions in these tissues. The creation of new splice forms typically changes protein structure more than evolution of the protein after gene duplication. The functions of particular isoforms of key proteins expressed at the MHB and in neural crest have only just begun to be studied. Their roles in modulating gene networks may turn out to rival gene duplication for facilitating the evolution of structures such as neural crest and the MHB.
Brains, Lifestyles and Cognition: Are There General Trends?
Authors: Lefebvre Louis , Sol Daniel
Published: October 2008

Comparative and experimental approaches to cognition in different animal taxa suggest some degree of convergent evolution. Similar cognitive trends associated with similar lifestyles (sociality, generalism, new habitats) are seen in taxa that are phylogenetically distant and possess remarkably different brains. Many cognitive measures show positive intercorrelations at the inter-individual and inter-taxon level, suggesting some degree of general intelligence. Ecological principles like the unpredictability of resources in space and time may drive different types of cognition (e.g., social and non-social) in the same direction. Taxa that rank high on comparative counts of cognition in the field are usually the ones that succeed well in experimental tests, with the exception of avian imitation. From apes to birds, fish and beetles, a few common principles appear to have influenced the evolution of brains and cognition in widely divergent taxa.
Exploring the Origins of the Human Brain through Molecular Evolution
Authors: Vallender Eric J.
Published: October 2008

The emergence of the human brain is one of evolution’s most compelling mysteries. With its singular importance and astounding complexity, understanding the forces that gave rise to the human brain is a major undertaking. Recently, the identification and publication of the complete genomic sequence of humans, mice, chimpanzees, and macaques has allowed for large-scale studies looking for the genic substrates of this natural selection. These investigations into positive selection, however, have generally produced incongruous results. Here we consider some of these studies and their differences in methodologies with an eye towards how they affect the results. We also clarify the strengths and weaknesses of each of these approaches and discuss how these can be synthesized to develop a more complete understanding of the genetic correlates behind the human brain and the selective events that have acted upon them.
Hepatitis B Antigen (HB-Ag, Australia Antigen) in Mixed Saliva of Patients with HB Antigenemia
Authors: Kistler G.S. , Sonnabend W. , Krech U.
Published: October 2008

Hepatitis B antigen was detected by both immunodiffusion and electron microscopy in mixed saliva concentrates from 5 out of 12 HB antigenemic patients who suffered from acute or chronic hepatitis, or liver cirrhosis. The antigen was also present in the saliva of two HB antigenemic kidney-transplant recipients.
Fungistatic Activity, Uptake and Incorporation of 5-FIuorocytosine in Candida albicans, as influenced by Pyrimidines and Purines
Authors: Polak Annemarie , Scholer H.J.
Published: October 2008

Uptake of the radiolabelled antimycotic 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) by Candida albicans and distribution of radioactivity in the cell fractions, expandable pool, internal pool, and RNA, as influenced by the three strong antagonists against the fungistatic activity of the drug, adenine, uridine and cytosine were studied. In the stationary growth phase of the yeast, a reciprocal correlation was found between the concentrations of the antagonists and the presence of radioactive compound(s) in the cells, particularly in RNA. The correlation was similar with radio-labelled cytosine which was studied comparatively, but, considering the proportions, the normal pyrimidine was preferred to its fluorinated analogue. In the logarithmic phase of yeast growth, two phases of transport were distinguished: a first phase of 5-FC uptake, when there was a transient accumulation of radioactivity in the internal pool, and a second one of incorporation into RNA. The addition of cytosine resulted in a marked impairment of 5-FC uptake in the expandable pool, preventing any significant passage to the internal pool and RNA, whereas with uridine only the incorporation into RNA was inhibited. With adenine, the picture was similar to that observed with cytosine, suggesting a hitherto unknown interference of purines with pyrimidine uptake in yeasts. Confirming the findings of Giégé and Weil [4] in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it was proved that in C. albicans, cultured in the presence of 5-FC, 5-fluorouracil becomes incorporated in place of uracil in both rRNA and tRNA, without any 5-FC being detectable.
Über das Vorkommcn enteropathogener Serotypen von Escherichia coli bei Harnwegsinfektionen
Authors: Schmid E. , Sonnabend W.
Published: October 2008

During the past 2 years, Escherichia coli was isolated in 32.5% from 18,031 samples of urine. Enteropathogenic serotypes of the·groups 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 44, 55, 78, 86, 111, 112, 114, 119, 124–128 were isolated in 11.4% of the isolations of E.coli or in 3.7% of the samples of urine. The most frequently isolated·groups were 78 (16 %), 18 (13 %) and 119 (12%). With 0.6%·111 group was the least frequent. There was no difference in the frequency of isolated enteropathogenic serotypes in women (11.4 %) and men (11.5 %) although the sex ratio of isolations of E. coli was 3.7:1 in favor of women. A correlation of clinical diagnoses and isolated·groups was inconclusive. Antibiotic sensitivity testing of enteropathogenic serotypes revealed results nearly as identical as other·groups of E. coli. Ampicillin was the only drug with significantly better activity, which, however, did not improve its therapeutic value. Women of parturition age and both sexes in the age of grandparents constitute peaks of isolations of enteropathogenic serotypes of E. coli. In case of poor personal hygiene and cleanliness, such persons may infect infants and toddlers.
Zur vergieichenden Pathoiogie des Lungenkarzinoms beim Haustier
Authors: Stünzi H.
Published: October 2008

Primary lung carcinomas have been observed in 1 % of the dogs and 0.8 % of the cats necropsied. The primary lung carcinomas histologically resemble those of man. Age distribution is more or less the same in man and animals. The prevalence of the tumour types is however completely different. In domesticated animals the adenocarcinomas are dominating, while epidermoid carcinomas are rare. The anaplastic carcinomas include small cell and large cell types. These undifferentiated tumours are very rare in dogs. We have not seen any cases in the other domesticated species. Compared with the other types of bronchial carcinomas, the small cell as well as the large cell anaplastic carcinomas seem to occur at an earlier age, i.e. at 7 years. On the other hand, the bronchial adenocarcinomas have been observed in a higher age group (11¼ years in the dog and 13 years in the cat). A predilection towards lung tumours does not exist in the male sex. In spite of the low incidence, oncological investigations of spontaneous tumours in domestic animals may be important for research in the epidemiology and etiology of carcinoma in man.
Electron Microscopy of Ultrathin Sections of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Strain TT) Organisms Grown on Glass Surface
Authors: Bruch J. , Sethi K.K.
Published: October 2008

An electron microscopic analysis of thin sectioned Mycoplasma gallisepticum (strain TT) organisms grown on glass surface and then subjected to minimal centrifugation has been presented. Although many pleomorphic forms or organisms were encountered, as a rule, the majority of the organisms were either pear-shaped with surface protrusions known as ‘blebs’ or were of spherical form. Ultrastructural details included floccular material adherent to the outside of the ‘unit membrane’, a network of strands presumed to be DNA, ribosomal particles either distributed singly or in the form of cylindrical polysomes. The surface protrusions known as ‘bleb’ differed from the filamentous protrusions observed in some of the organisms.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Experimental Production in Guinea Pigs with Antigens of Micropolyspora faeni
Authors: Wilkie B. , Pauli B. , Gygax M.
Published: October 2008

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis was produced in guinea pigs by aerosol challenge with antigens of Micropolyspora faeni following systemic immunization with soluble antigens of the organism emulsified in Freund’s complete adjuvant. The condition was transferred to normal guinea pigs with plasma or washed lymphocytes from immunized animals. The lungs of affected animals had bronchopneumonia with an accompanying interstitial reaction including vasculitis of septal capillaries, proliferation of alveolar epithelial cells, parenchymal eosinophilia and neutrophilia. The pneumonitis was considered the result of both type III (Arthus) and type IV (delayed hypersensitivity) reactions.
Isolierung eines neuen Salmonella- (S. II 41:b:l,5) sowie Arizona-Serotypes (Arizona 21:24:25) aus einer Kettenviper (Vipera russellii)
Authors: Rohde R. , Pagon S.
Published: October 2008

A new Salmonella serotype (S. II 41:b:1,5) and a new Arizona serotype (Arizona 21:24:25) were isolated and identified from the intestine of a snake Vipera russellii.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Repair Replication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa after Sublethal Doses of Silver Sulfadiazine
Authors: Wysor M.S. , Zollinhofer R.E.
Published: October 2008

A comparison of repair synthesis after exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) or the antimicrobial silver sulfadiazine (sublethal dose) was made in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, strain 2 (ATCC 15693), by use of a D,15N,13C density labeling system. During the initial 15 min of incubation after treatment with both agents, both a ‘repair’ synthesis and a reduced semi-conservative deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis occurred. In the sublethal dose range used, the latter was greater than the former. Normal cells showed only a semi-conservative type of replication and, therefore, within the limits of the resolution of the system used (the incorporation of 1,000-5,000 nucleotides per replicating chromosome could be measured), DNA in normal cells did not appear to undergo a repair synthesis involving thymine exchange. The silver sulfadiazine treated cells appear to use a repair mechanism similar to UV irradiated cells. The bacteriostatic-bacteriocidal activity may be related to the rate of drug interaction with Pseudomonas DNA compared to the rate of ‘excision-repair’.
Effect of Phenobarbital on MHV-3 Viral Hepatitis of the Mouse
Authors: Budillon G. , Carrella M. , De-Marco F. , Mazzacca G.
Published: October 2008

The effects of oral phenobarbital (PB) administration on MHV-3 viral hepatitis in the mouse were studied. PB was effective in increasing liver cytochrome P-450 level in infected animals at 72 h after virus inoculation, but did not affect the disease process of the liver viral infection as judged by changes in mortality rate, serum GOT, GPT and MDH levels and liver virus content.
Hepatocarcinogenesis by Thioacetamide: Correlations of Histological and Biochemical Changes, and Possible Role of Cell Injury
Authors: Anghileri L.J. , Heidbreder M. , Weiler G. , Dermietzel R.
Published: October 2008

Hepatocarcinogenesis in rats produced by prolonged feeding of thioacetamide appears as a progressive phenomenon in which morphological changes are associated with important biochemical modifications. It seems most likely that changes in the permeability of cell membrane induced by the carcinogen are responsible for increased intracellular accumulation of Ca2+, and for the ensuring of cell injury produced by Ca2+ overloading of the mitochondria. This calcification of the mitochondria may play a role in the neoplastic transformation of the cell, especially as far as it concerns metabolic behavior and the genetic specification of the permeability characteristics of the transformed cell membrane. The increased synthesis of acid glycosaminoglycans suggests their involvement in calcium-mediated control of tumor development and growth.
A Simplified Method for the Isolation of Sperm Heads from the Caput Epididymidis of Rodents and from Ejaculated Rabbit Seminal Plasma
Authors: Lee I.P. , Schmid B. , Zbinden G.
Published: October 2008

The present report describes a simple and rapid procedure to isolate highly purified sperm heads from mouse, rat and rabbit. The isolation procedure involves mincing of the caput epididymidis (CPE) of mice and rats to obtain a crude CPE suspension. This suspension is filtered to remove tubular fragments. The filtrate containing sperms and cellular contaminants is trypsinized, followed by sonication. To obtain rabbit sperm head suspension, ejaculated spermatozoa are briefly exposed to the cationic detergent CTAB-D, followed by trypsinization. Trypsin treatment of the suspension yields sperm heads and tails. The suspension containing sperm heads and tails is separated by discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Highly purified and enriched sperm heads are recovered from the bottom of 2.5 M sucrose of the gradient. Enriched sperm heads contain less than 1% sperm tails.
Studies on the Product of Antigenic Recognition II.
Authors: Ramseier H. , Lindenmann J.
Published: October 2008

Cell-bound or shed T-lymphocyte receptors for alloantigens and the IgG-associated, alloantigen-recognizing principle in T alloantiserum reacted with antisera raised against those structures to form a product of antigenic recognition (PAR) in which the receptor or its equivalent took the role of ‘antigen’. Formation of PAR was tested for numerous combinations of reactants and in all the process was completed within 1–2 h at 37 or 4 °C. Cell-bound receptors were found to be solubilized by all three forms of antisera, with the exception of an antiserum lacking anti-T receptor activity. The data indicated that PAR might be a complex of antigen and antibody with granulotactic activity whose formation was specific.
The Spontaneous Release of 51Cr from Labeled EL-4 Ascitic Lymphoma Cells as Dependent Upon the Composition of the Cell Population
Authors: DeBernardo Erica , Claus George , Krisko Istvan
Published: October 2008

Investigations on the spontaneous release of stCr from the EL-4 ascitic lymphoma showed that daily rhythmic changes can be correlated with the dominance of certain cell types in the population. A generation time of 9.8 h, an average doubling time of 32 h, and an ‘appearance cycle’ of 96 h were established for the population. Earlier observed variations in the values for spontaneous 51Cr release can be explained in terms of the cellular composition of the population.
The Effect of Propranolol upon Chick Embyro Cardiogenesis
Authors: Gilani Shamshad H. , Silvestri Anthony
Published: October 2008

The teratogenic effects of propranolol HC1 on cardiac development were studied in chick embryos of days 3 and 4 of incubation. Propranolol was injected into the yolk sac at doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.6 mg per egg. All the treated and control embryos were examined on day 7. The LD50 for the embryos treated on the 3rd and 4th day was 0.15 and 0.35 mg per embryo, respectively. Cardiac anomalies such as aortic stenosis ventricular septal defects and common truncus arteriosus were observed. Other malformations included atrial septal defects, thin atrial wall and defects of the pulmonic, aortic and atrioventricular valves. The incidence of cardiac anomalies in the controls was very low. Propranolol was observed to slow the heart rate in the experimental embryos, it is suggested that slowing of heart rate at the early stages of heart development caused aberrant bloodstream flow patterns which probably resulted in the genesis of cardiac anomalies. The results of this study indicate that propranolol has teratogenic effects on chick embryo cardiogenesis.
Differential Cytology of Breast Cancer
Authors: Geier Gert R. , Körner Brigitte H. , Schuhmann Roland
Published: October 2008

The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of predicting the histologic type of different breast cancers by semi-quantitative screening of cytologic criteria. Cytologic material was obtained by the aspiration technique. The frequency of ten cytologic criteria was correlated to five histologic types of breast cancer. Hitherto, it has not been possible to define histologic types of breast carcinomas on the basis of cytologic criteria alone. While the occurrence of cellularity, intercellular cohesion, foam cells and necroses often varies from slide to slide within one particular carcinoma, other features such as nuclear diameter, polymorphism, anisonucleosis, apocrine carcinoma cells, and enlarged nucleoli are more or less uniformly distributed. The application of these cytologic criteria thus uniformly represented in a tumour may prove to be a more reliable method for classifying breast carcinomas than the use of histologic growth patterns which are often inhomogenous within each individual neoplasm.
Further Studies on the Susceptibility of Serratia marcescens to the Bactericidal Activity of Human Serum
Authors: Traub Walter H.
Published: October 2008

13 isolates of Serratia marcescens of various human serum-susceptibility categories and Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25922 were not inhibited by 80 or 50 vol% of conventionally heat-inactivated (56 °C, 30 min) human serum. Conversely, the growth of control strain E. coli C was retarded by 56 °C 30 min heat-inactivated serum. This strain was subject to Fe deprivation by unsaturated human serum transferrin (TF). Addition of either 100 or 50 mm of ferrous or 50 and 25 µM of ferric iron (Fe) ions to 80vol% of heat-inactivated human serum, or heat inactivation of 50 vol% of human serum at 65 °C for 30 min prevented the bacteriostatic effect against E. coli C. Addition of 10 and 5 mg of human TF/ml of 50 vol% of 65 °C 30 min heat-inactivated human serum resulted in a bacteriostatic effect. None of the S. marcescens and E. coli strains examined degraded TF either in conventionally heat-inactivated human serum or in a TF-supplemented, protein-free defined medium, as determined immunoelectrophoretically. All 13 isolates of S. marcescens were resistant against 0.01 m of disodium ethylenediamine tetra-acetate (EDTA). However, E. coli strains C and ATCC 25922 were inhibited by 0.01 m of EDTA in fresh and heat-inactivated human serum and in tryptic soy broth. This effect was due to chelation of divalent cations by EDTA. All strains of S. marcescens and both E. coli strains produced Fe chelators in an Fe-free defined broth medium. These were assayed in an Fe-free solid defined medium (SCA) that contained from 10 to 20 Mg/ml of the Fe chelator ethylenediamine diorthohydroxy-phenyl acetic acid (EDDA). E. coli strain C was regularly inhibited by 10 µg EDDA/ ml of SCA, an effect that was overcome by 0.2 µg of actually delivered ferrous Fe, whereas all S. marcescens isolates and E. coli strain ATCC 25922 required > 50 µg EDDA/ml of SCA for complete inhibition of growth. Similarly, E. coli strain C was inhibited by 10 and 5 mg of TF/ml of defined medium, whereas selected S. marcescens isolates and E. coli strain ATCC 25922 were not affected by 10 mg/ml of TF. Therefore, control strain E. coli C was more susceptible to serum transferring-ediated Fe deprivation and chelation of Fe ions by EDDA than the other bacterial strains.
The Marfan’s Syndrome
Authors: Krieg Thomas , Müller Peter K.
Published: October 2008

Tissue specimen of the aorta was obtained from a patient with Marfan’s syndrome after heart surgery. Media and adventitia were carefully separated and subsequently used for biochemical characterization. Aortas from an embryonic calf and from a human adult were used as internal controls. The data clearly indicated that an insufficient synthesis of type I collagen rather than a defect in the formation of cross-links may be the prime cause in this inherited connective tissue disorder. Such a disturbance in the regulation of the genes coding for the different collagen chains may explain the weakness and enhanced extensibility of the blood vessels finally resulting in an aneurysm.
Determination of Thymidine in Serum Used for Cell Culture Media
Authors: Schaer Jean-Claude , Maurer Ursula , Schindler Richard
Published: October 2008

Thymidine concentrations in serum used for cell culture media were determined with an assay based on isotope dilution. In this assay, incorporation of (3H)-thymidine into DNA of cultured cells was measured in the presence of 5 and 20% serum as a function of the concentration of unlabeled thymidine added to the medium. In three batches of horse serum, thymidine concentrations were 0-0.17 µM, while in fetal calf serum values of 0.75-2.1 µMwere obtained. Dialysis of serum resulted in a reduction of thymidine levels by factors of at least 10.
Cell-Mediated Immunity to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infections in Mice
Authors: Zinkernagel Rolf M. , Adler Brian , Holland John J.
Published: October 2008

The T cell-mediated immune responses of mice against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) were assessed by measuring direct primary foot pad swelling after local VSV infection and cytotoxic activity in spleens. The cytolytic activity was mediated by T cells since it was anti-Θ + complement sensitive, was restricted by the K and D region but not the I region of H-2 and rapidly increased after 4 days but decreased 8 days after systemic or local infection. Cytolytic activity was virus-specific as reciprocally tested with VSV and vaccina virus immune T cells. Measurable activity on day 7 depended on infectious virus dose, virus virulence, and non-H-2 genetic background of the host. More than half of the cytolytic activity was blocked specifically by either immune anti-H-2 or rabbit anti-VSV antisera. Analysis of the kinetics of appearance of antigenic changes using metabolic inhibitors, revealed that the changes that rendered target cells susceptible to lysis after infection, occurred within the first hour after infection.
The Estimation and Characterisation of Concanavalin A Receptors on the Surface of Normal and SV-40 Transformed 3T3 Fibroblasts Using the Isoelectric Equilibrium Method
Authors: Sherbet G.V. , Lakshmi M.S.
Published: October 2008

A new method is described for estimating the numbers of concanavalin A receptor sites on cell surfaces. This is based on the assessment of the effects of the lectin on the isoelectric points of cells. It is estimated that untransformed 3T3 and Simian virus 40-transformed 3T3 cells possess 13 and 45 × 103/µm2 receptors respectively. These estimates agree well with the corresponding values calculated from the molecular weight of concanavalin A and the concentration of the lectin required to saturate the receptors. The pattern of concanavalin A binding by untransformed cells alters completely on treatment with trypsin, and assumes features characteristic of transformed cells. Trypsin treatment also appears to produce a 3-fold increase in the density of receptors. The kinetics of binding of the lectin has been viewed as a Langmuir absorption isotherm. On this basis, it is postulated that two, possibly three, classes of receptor may be involved in the interaction of the lectin with the cell surface. It also appears from this analysis that untransformed 3T3 cells have only one class (K1) of receptor expressed on the surface. These are not detected on trypsin-treated untransformed cells and virus-transformed cells, but a new class (K2) of receptor appears on their surface. This may indicate a conformational reorganisation of the surface components in virally transformed cells and in trypsin-treated untransformed cells.
Molecular Basis of Familial and Acquired Phagocytosis Deficiency Involving the Tetrapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, Tuftsin
Authors: Najjar Victor A.
Published: October 2008

The biological activity and metabolism of the phagocytosis stimulating tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) tuftsin, are discussed. Its effect is shown to be highly specific. It stimulates the phagocytic activity of the blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte. A unique familial deficiency of the tetrapeptide is described. In such patients, moderate to severe infections occur at high frequency. These are most pronounced in children. Biochemical and symptomatic evidence can readily be obtained in one or more children. At least one parent of either sex shows clinical signs or laboratory evidence of defective phagocytosis. Another type of deficiency results from removal of the spleen or from loss of splenic function due to leukemic infiltration or embolism.
Carcinomas, Sarcomas and Other Lesions in Osborne-Mendel Rats Ingesting Endrin
Authors: Reuber Melvin Dwaine
Published: October 2008

Osborne-Mendel male and female rats ingesting 0.1, 1.0, 5, 10, or 25 ppm endrin in the diet developed high incidences of maligant tumors in a variety of organs, as well as neoplastic lesions of the liver. The incidence of carcinomas and sarcomas was highest in male rats ingesting 0.1 ppm and in female rats ingesting 0.1 or 1.0 ppm endrin. The tumors were highly malignant and there were some extremely rare or unusual tumors such as Kupffer cell sarcomas of the liver and leiomyosarcomas of the mammary gland and stomach. Carcinomas or sarcomas were also present in the adrenal cortex, mammary gland, thyroid, uterus, lymph nodes, as well as other organs. Male rats also developed an increased incidence of chronic renal disease. It is concluded that endrin is a carcinogen when given to Osborne-Mendel male and female rats in the diet.
Occurrence of Fc-Reacting Factor in Acid Extracts of Streptococcus pyogenes and Its Relationship to M Protein
Authors: Havlíček J.
Published: October 2008

The Fc-reacting factor (FcRF) of streptococci was studied by means of its hot-acid extraction from streptococcus cells and hemagglutination of sensitized erythrocytes. This hemagglutination could be inhibited by rabbit IgG and the Fc fragment of IgG. There was no correlation between the occurrence of FcRF and M protein. The FcRF was found more frequently in freshly isolated than in old strains. The FcRF could be separated from M protein by gel filtration. The molecular weight of FcRF was estimated roughly at 100,000 daltons.
Inhibition of Mouse Molar Morphogenesis in vitro by Hadacidin
Authors: Dye F.J. , Kollar E.J.
Published: October 2008

The in vitro morphogenesis of mouse molar tooth germs is inhibited by the anti-tumor antibiotic, hadacidin (N-formyl hydroxyaminoacetic acid). Organ cultures prepared from 15- and 16-day-old C57BL/6J embryos were maintained on agar-solidified medium. Treatment with hadacidin resulted in smaller than normal, morphologically aberrant tooth germs. Additionally, mitotic activity of tooth germs was inhibited in treated explants. Similarly, oral epithelium did not undergo its normal in vitro histogenesis when treated by this drug. Extended periods of treatment or treatment with high concentrations of hadacidin damaged the mesenchymal component of the tooth germs to a greater extent than it damaged the epithelium. Reversal of the developmental and mitotic inhibitions initiated by hadacidin was achieved by allowing the explants to recover on control medium. Hadacidin has been shown to be a competitive inhibitor of adenylo-succinate synthetase, which participates in the de novo synthesis of adenosine monophosphate (AMP). AMP can be synthesized by an alternative salvage pathway. Prevention of mitotic inhibition in hadacidin-treated explants was achieved by the simultaneous application of adenine and adenosine. These observations suggest that salvage purine biosynthetic pathways can function in developing tooth germs.
Inhibition of Mouse Molar Tooth Germ Morphogenesis in Organ Culture by Alanosine
Authors: Dye F.J. , Kollar E.J.
Published: October 2008

Alanosine (2-amino-3-[hydroxynitrosoamino] propionic acid) an extracellular antitumor product of Streptomyces inhibits the in vitro morphogenesis of mouse molar tooth germs. Organ cultures prepared from 15- and 16-day-old C5 7BL/6J embryos were maintained on agar-solidified BME, supplemented with glutamine, gentamicin and fetal calf serum, in an incubation atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air. At a concentration of 16 µg/ml, alanosine severly inhibited growth of the explants and development of the tooth germs. Tooth germ inhibition was expressed as abnormal, or a lack of, folding of the dentino-enamel junction, disorientation of preameloblasts, negligible numbers of tooth germ cells in mitosis and failure of 2nd molar tooth germs to develop. These explants, after 4 days in culture, contrasted with larger explants, produced during the same culture period on control medium, exhibiting normally developing 1st and 2nd molar tooth germs with large numbers of cells in mitosis. The effects of the drug on the tooth germs were partially reversed by allowing the explants to recover on control media. Alanosine inhibits the conversion of inosine monophosphate to adenosine monophosphate, at the first step of a two-step conversion, in the de novo pathway of adenine nucleotide biosynthesis. The cytological and morphogenetic inhibition of tooth germ morphogenesis by alanosine can be partially prevented by the simultaneous application of adenine. These observations suggest that: (1) tooth germ development depends on adenine nucleotide synthesis, and (2) salvage as well as de novo adenine nucleotide biosynthetic enzymes function in normal tooth development.
Effect of Pulsed Low-Power Ultrasound on Growing Tissues
Authors: Pizzarello Donald J. , Vivino Alfred , Madden Barbara , Wolsky Alexander , Keegan Albert F. , Becker Melvin
Published: October 2008

Pulsed ultrasound at 2.25 MHz was delivered by a transducer having an average power output of 1.5 mW to developing rat embryos in utero for 5 min and to larval and pupal stages of Drosophila melanogaster for 2.5 min. These exposures in some instances were lethal, in others growth inhibiting, and in still others, produced no detectable effect. Effects were dependent on stage of development at insonation.