bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guanidino compounds generate reactive oxygen species
Authors: Mori Akitane , Kohno Masahiro , Masumizu Toshiki , Noda Yasuko , Packer Lester
Published: July 2007

Methylguanidine, guanidinoacetic acid and guanidinosuccinic acid are endogenous substances in body tissues. Extremely high levels of these substances are known to be related to the pathogenesis of epilepsy and renal failure such as uremia. In this study it was demonstrated that methylguanidine, guanidinoacetic acid and guanidinosuccinic acid, and arginine generate hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solution. These findings suggest that a high level of guanidino compounds accumulating near or within cells such as neurons (in an epileptogenic focus) or nephrons (in uremic patients) may cause free radical damage leading to these clinical disorders. Arginine may have a similar role in the pathogenesis of hyperarginemia.
Specificity of two types of phospholipase A2 inhibitors from the plasma of venomous snakes
Authors: Inoue Seiji , Shimada Akiko , Ohkura Naoki , Ikeda Kiyoshi , Samejima Yuji , Omori‐Satoh Tamotsu , Hayashi Kyozo
Published: July 2007

Specificity of two different types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitory proteins from the blood plasma of venomous snakes was investigated. Two Crotalidae inhibitors, having a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) in their sequences, inhibited specifically the group‐II acidic PLA2s of their own snake venom. On the other hand, Elapidae inhibitor, having two tandem patterns of cysteine residues found in proteins of the Ly‐6 superfamily, inhibited not only the group‐I PLA2 from its own snake venom but also the group‐I, ‐II, and ‐III PLA2s from other snake venom. Amino acid sequences of PLA2s that were specifically inhibited by the inhibitors were compared with those of the other PLA2s. A unique aromatic patch structure appeared on the group‐II acidic PLA2s was suggested to be involved in the binding to the Crotalidae inhibitors; and residues located in or close to the Ca2+ binding loop of PLA2, in the binding to the Elapidae inhibitor.
Effect of vitamin D deficiency on lipid composition and calcium transport in basolateral membrane vesicles from chick intestine
Authors: Alisio Arturo , Cañas Fernando , de Bronia Delia H. , Pereira Rodolfo , de Talamoni Nori Tolosa
Published: July 2007

Vitamin D deficiency affects the lipid composition and Ca2+ uptake of intestinal basolateral membranes from chick intestine. The increased cholesterol content causes an increase in the molar ratio cholesterol/phospholipid. Phospholipid classes remain unchanged, but the percentages of arachidonic acid from the major phospholipid fractions are increased. After 24 hours of oral administration of 2,000 IU of cholecalciferol to vitamin D‐deficient chicks, the cholesterol values do not change, but the amount of arachidonic acid returns to normal values. Ca2+ uptake driven by ATP is diminished in vesicles from intestinal basolateral membranes of vitamin D‐deficient chicks. Cholecalciferol treatment returns these values to the controls which might be due mainly to the increased number of Ca2+ pump units. In conclusion, changes in lipid composition and in Ca2+ pump caused by vitamin D deficiency seems to play a role in the decrease of vesicular Ca2+ transport. A single dose of cholecalciferol restores only partially the lipid‐protein changes produced by vitamin D deficiency.
No influence of a single bout of exercise on urinary excretion of 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine in humans
Authors: Sumida Satoshi , Okamura Koji , Doi Tatsuya , Sakurai Masao , Yoshioka Yasuyuki , Sugawa‐Katayama Yohko
Published: July 2007

We investigated the effect of a single bout of intensive exercise on the excretion of 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine in the 24 h urine from healthy non‐smokers. We studied three exercise tests in Experiment 1; which consisted of incremental exercise to exhaustion on a treadmill in eleven male long distance runners. Experiment 2; which comprised incremental exercise until reaching exhaustion on abicycle ergometer in six male untrained subjects. Experiment 3; which consisted of a 20 km run by eleven male long distance runners. No differences in the urinary 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine excretion were obselwed from days 1 or 3 after each respective exercise regimen. However, significant increases in the plasma creatine kinase activity were observed at 24 h or 48 h after exercise, except for Experiment 2. Our results thus suggest that the oxidative stress during a single bout of intensive exercise does not result in an accumulation of oxidative DNA damage.
Proteolytic activities of mouse sarcoma 180 cells that are inhibited by Bowman‐Birk and Kunitz protease inhibitors
Authors: Chu Shu‐Chen , Chou Fen‐Pi , Liu Jer‐Yuh , Lin Li‐Jen , Hsieh Yih‐Shou
Published: July 2007

In this study, using zymogram analysis two proteolytic activities were identified in the mouse sarcoma 180 (S‐180) cells that were activated by trypsin treatment and inhibited by both BBI and ACTI. These enzymes, with molecular weights of 46 kDa (dominant band) and 62 kDa (minor band), were mainly localized in the cytosol, and had optimal activity at pH 7 and 8 respectively. Their inhibition by DFP, BBI and ACTI but not EDTA and TPCK indicated they were trypsin‐like serine proteases and may be the intracellular target‐enzymes of protease inhibitors. The level of the precursor of the 62 kDa protease was significantly increased in the S‐180 solid and soft tumors, whereas the level of the 46 kDa precursor was almost undetectable, implying that a physiological role may be played by these serine proteases during tumor invasion.
Activation of macrophages by lactoferrin: secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐8 and NO
Authors: Sorimachi Kenji , Akimoto Kazumi , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Ieiri Tamio , Niwa Akira
Published: July 2007

When macrophages were cultured with lactoferrin, cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and nitric oxide (NO) were secreted. Secretion of TNF‐α peaked at 6 h of incubation in the presence of lactoferrin and then declined. About 80% of the maximum secretion of IL‐8 was observed at 6 h of incubation. The concentration of IL‐8 in the culture medium remained almost constant between 24‐72 h. In contrast, no siginificant effect on NO secretion was observed at 6 h, but a significant effect was observed at 24 h and secretion gradually increased between 24‐72 h. The effects of lactoferrin on the secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐8 and NO were dose‐dependent and lactoferrin had a significant effect on secretion at concentrations greater than 10 mg/ml. The use of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) showed that the results obtained were consistant with the cytokine secretion results. It is concluded that lactoferrin activates macrophages which result in the secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐8 and NO.
Hydroxyl radical‐induced decline in motility and increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA modification in human sperm
Authors: Chen Chung‐Shung , Wei Yau‐Huei , Chao Hsiang‐Tai , Pan Rong‐Long
Published: July 2007

We employed the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system to produce H2O2 or simply used commercially available H2O2 solution to investigate the effects of exogenous hydroxyl radicals on the motility characteristics and on lipid peroxidation and DNA modification of human sperm. The functional parameters of sperm motility declined concomitantly upon incubation of sperm with hydroxyl radicals. After incubation of freshly ejaculated human sperm with 0.23 mM H2O2 in the presence of 1.8 mM ADP and 2.7 mM FeSO4 for 1 hr at 37°C, 90% reduction of motility was observed. Effect of hydroxyl radicals on sperm motility was dependent on the concentrations of FeSO4 and H2O2, respectively. The remaining motility of sperm after 1 hr incubation showed negative linear correlation with FeSO4 concentration. The response of sperm motility to FeSO4 was also dependent on the concentration of H2O2. Except for the amplitude of lateral head displacement, functional parameters of sperm declined with the increase of H2O2 concentration. Moreover, we found that lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) and accumulation of modified DNA indicated by 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐dG) in human sperm were significantly accelerated by exogenous hydroxyl radicals. The contents of lipid peroxides and 8‐OH‐dG in the spermatozoa were increased from 24.6±2.4 nmol MDA/1×107 sperm and 0.17±0.02% in the untreated group to 30.6±1.2 nmol MDA/1×107 sperm and 1.9±0.47%, respectively, in the sperm treated at 37°C for 1 hr with 2.03 mM H2O2, 1.8 mM ADP and 4.5 mM FeSO4. Taken together, these results suggest that the detrimental effects of hydroxyl radicals on human sperm functions may be mediated, at least partly, through lipid peroxidation and DNA modification.
Penetration of erythrocyte membrane by peroxynitrite: participation of the anion exchange protein
Authors: Soszynski Mirosław , Bartosz Grzegorz
Published: July 2007

Participation of the anion exchange protein (Band 3 protein) of the erythrocyte membrane in the transport of peroxynitrite into erythrocytes was shown by partial inhibition of hemoglobin oxidation by extracellular peroynitrite in cells treated with Band 3 inhibitors. These results demonstrate that permeation in the anionic form may be a minor pathway in the membrane transport of the peroxynitrite anion/peroxynitrous acid couple, especially in membranes reach in anion exchangers or channels.
Establishment of a mouse clonal early proximal tubule cell line and outer medullary collecting duct cells expressing P2 purinoceptors
Authors: Takeda Michio , Kobayashi Mami , Endou Hitoshi
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to establish tubule cells expressing P2 purinoceptors. Use of the polymerase chain reaction coupled with reverse transcription showed that mouse clonal early proximal tubule (S1) cell line (NF‐5) and outer medullary collecting tubule (OMCT) cells expressed mRNA for P2X4, P2Y1 and P2Y2 purinoceptors. ATP and its analogues induced a dose‐dependent increase in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+i] in both NF‐5 and OMCT cells. ATP enhanced [3H]‐thymidine uptake by both NF‐5 and OMCT cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, NF‐5 and OMCT cells can be used in the further analysis of the function and regulation of activity and expression of P2 purinoceptors in the renal tubule.
The effects of lifelong ubiquinone Q10 supplementation on the Q9 and Q10 tissue concentrations and life span of male rats and mice
Authors: Lönnrot Kimmo , Alho Hannu , Holm Päivi , Lagerstedt Anssi , Huhtala Heini
Published: July 2007

The effect of lifelong oral supplementation with ubiquinone Q10 (10 mg/kg/day) was examined in Sprague‐Dawley rats and C57/B17 mice. There were no significant differences in survival or life‐span found in either rats or mice. Histopathologic examination of different rat tissues showed no differences between the groups. In Q10 supplemented rats, plasma and liver Q10 levels were 2.6 to 8.4 times higher at all age points than in control rats. Interestingly, in supplemented rats the Q9 levels also were significantly higher (p<0.05) in plasma and liver at ages 18 and 24 months. Neither Q9 nor Q10 levels were affected by supplementation in kidney, heart, or brain tissues. In spite of the significant changes in plasma and liver ubiquinone concentrations, lifelong Q10 supplementation did not prolong or shorten the lifespan of either rats or mice.
Spirulina maxima prevents induction of fatty liver by carbon tetrachloride in the rat
Authors: Torres‐Durán P. V. , Miranda‐Zamora R. , Paredes‐Carbajal M. C. , Mascher D. , Díaz‐Zagoya J. C. , Juárez‐Oropeza M. A.
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present work was to assess the capacity of Spirulina maxima to prevent fatty liver development induced in rats by an intraperitoneal single dose (1ml/kg) of carbon tetrachloride. Liver and serum lipids were quantified two or four days after treatment with this agent. Liver lipid concentration did not differ in rats fed on a purified diet with or without Spirulina. However, after carbon tetrachloride treatment, liver triacylglycerols were significantly lower in rats fed on a diet with Spirulina 5% than in rats without Spirulina in their diet (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the increased liver cholesterol values, induced by carbon tetrachloride treatment, were not observed in rats that received Spirulina. These results support the potential hepatoprotective role of Spirulina.
Cecropin a ‐ magainin 2 hybrid peptides having potent antimicrobial activity with low hemolytic effect
Authors: Shin Song Yub , Kang Joo Hyun , Lee Myung Kyu , Kim Sun Young , Kim Yangmee , Hahm Kyung‐Soo
Published: July 2007

In order to obtain peptides having improved antimicrobial activity with low hemolytic effect, a hybrid peptide (CA‐MA) composed from cecropin A (1‐8) and magainin 2(1‐12), and its analogues with amino acid substitutions were designed and synthesized. The antimicrobial activities against bacterial cells and hemolytic activities against human red blood cells were analyzed for each peptide. Secondary structures of the peptides in aqueous solution, 50% trifluoroethanol, and sodium dodecylsulfate micelles were estimated using circular dichroism spectroscopy. The increase in hydrophobicity or α‐helicity of the peptides correlated with an increase in hemolytic activity rather than antimicrobial activity. The substitution of Leu for Ser at position 16 in CA‐MA resulted in a remarkable increase in antimicrobial activity without a significant change in hemolytic activity. Furthermore, the increase in antimicrobial activity of the peptides was not always accompanied by the increase in hemolytic activity.
Inhibition of mitochondrial gene expression by antisense RNA of mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA)
Authors: Inagaki Hidetoshi , Kitano Shigetomo , Lin Kong Hua , Maeda Sumio , Saito Takao
Published: July 2007

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) plays an important role in regulating the expression of mitochondrial genes. To gain a better understanding of the relationships between mitochondrial gene expression and mtTFA, the mtTFA gene was inserted into a mammalian expression vector, both in the sense orientation and in the antisense orientation. After construction, these plasmids were transfected into COS‐7 cells. In antisense‐transformed cells, the expression of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and subunit III genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA was inhibited and there was an accompanying reduction of the level of mtTFA protein. These results provide direct evidence that the expression of mitochondrial genes is under the control of mtTFA.
Removal of polyphenolic compounds from aqueous plant extracts using polyamide minicolumns
Authors: Collins R. A. , Ng T. B. , Fong W. P. , Wan C. C. , Yeung H. W.
Published: July 2007

An improved method for the removal of polyphenolic compounds from aqueous extracts of plants is presented. The method removes 〉99% polyphenolic compounds from 5mg of extract. The method is simple, robust and reproducible. We examined the removal of polyphenolics from 5 different aqueous extracts of Chinese medicinal herbs.
An NMR study of the structural basis of the wide range of pharmacological functions of acetylsalicylic acid
Authors: Li Jingzhi , Huang He , Zhou Ming , Ning Shunbin , Jiang Xinnong , Peng Yinxiang , Zhao Kaihong
Published: July 2007

The interaction between acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and membrane was studied by NMR spectra. (1) NMR spectra showed acetylsalicylic acid did not insert into membrane; (2) 1H NMR spectrum recorded by spin‐echo pulse sequence showed protons of the aromatic ring interacted with membrane; (3) the change of spin‐lattice relaxation (T1) of 31P was ascribed to the association of acetylsalicylic acid to the polar head of lecithin; (4) the self‐diffusion coefficient measured by pulsed field gradients NMR showed the mobility of acetylsalicylic acid was restricted by membrane and that acetylsalicylic acid changed membrane viscosity. Based on the results, the relationship between the interaction and the mechanism of the wide pharmacological functions of acetylsalicylic acid is discussed.
The Schio killings: a case study of partisan violence in post-war Italy
Authors: Morgan Sarah
Published: July 2007

The incidence of partisans killing Fascists after the Liberation of Italy is a difficult and contested subject in the historiography of that period. This article addresses one particular case—the Schio killings which took place on the night of 6 July 1945—and examines different narratives of the event in the light of the ways in which the struggle for power played out between the Communists, the Allies and the centre-right has dictated the significance and commemoration of this incident and, by extension, of the Resistance itself. This discussion of narratives and the rhetorical struggle that has taken place to assert different forms of legality underlines the need to problematize categories such as ‘Fascist’, ‘Communist’, ‘victim’, ‘criminal’ and ‘justice’ in understanding the incident.
Involvement of Histone Phosphorylation in Thymocyte Apoptosis by Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors
Authors: Lee Eibai , Nakatsuma Akira , Hiraoka Rikako , Ishikawa Eriko , Enomoto Riyo , Yamauchi Aiko
Published: July 2007

Incubation of rat thymocytes with the inhibitors of protein phosphatase such as calyculin A and okadaic acid resulted in an increase in DNA fragmentation. These effects were dependent on the concentration of the inhibitors and the incubation time. Analyses of the fragmented DNA revealed the production of 50 kbp of DNA and a 180 bp DNA ladder. In addition, a laser scanning microscopic analysis showed that these compounds caused nuclear condensation. Thus, these results demonstrated that protein phosphatase inhibitors induced thymocyte apoptosis. The inhibitors of protein phosphatase increased the phosphorylation of proteins of 15 kDa. The phosphorylation of proteins preceded the DNA fragmentation induced by these inhibitors. Judging from acetic acid urea Triton X‐100 gel electrophoresis, the phosphorylated proteins were histone H1 and H2A/H3. Therefore, these results suggest that phosphorylation of histones triggers the DNA fragmentation of thymocytes undergoing apoptosis.
Production of Superoxide and Nitric Oxide by Granulocytes in Non‐Insulin‐Dependent Diabetic Patients With and Without Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kedziora‐Kornatowska K. Z.
Published: July 2007

Production of the superoxide radical anion O2‐. and the nitric oxide radical NO‐. by granulocytes was studied in 14 patients with type 2 diabetes without nephropathy, 21 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, and 19 healthy subjects, both without and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan. O2‐. production by both resting and stimulated granulocytes was increased in type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy but decreased in type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy, compared with healthy subjects. NO. generation was highly augmented in type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy by both resting and stimulated cells; values for type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy were intermediate between the type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy and the healthy subjects. These data point to granulocytes as one of possible sources of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.
Hypothetical Double‐Helical Poly(A) Formation in a Cell and Its Possible Biological Significance
Authors: Zarudnaya Margarita I. , Hovorun Dmytro M.
Published: July 2007

Arguments are presented in favor of capability of poly(A)‐tracts of cellular RNA to form double helices in vivo. It is suggested that formation of the double helix in the mRNA poly(A) tail provides the basis for such processes as polyadenylation termination, PAB I synthesis autoregulation, and stabilization of ARE‐containing mRNA by ELAV‐like proteins.
The Two Faces of Mutation: Extinction and Adaptation in RNA Viruses
Authors: Elena Santiago F. , Miralles Rosario , Cuevas Jose M. , Turner Paul E. , Moya Andres
Published: July 2007

From a population standpoint, two main features characterize the replication of RNA viruses and viruses that use RNA as a replicative intermediate: high genetic variability, and enormous fluctuations in population size. Their genetic variability mainly reflects a lack of the proof‐reading and post‐replicative error correction mechanisms that operate during cellular DNA replication, but recombination and segment exchange can also play an important role. Viral population size can change tremendously as a consequence of transmission between hosts or between different tissues within an infected host. A new infection can be initiated with very few particles that subsequently expand many trillion‐fold. Repeated bottleneck events can lead to drastic fitness losses or even to viral extinction, whereas continuously large population sizes result in fitness gains and adaptation. Here we review experimental evidence for the effects of mutation, selection, and genetic drift on the adaptation and extinction of RNA viruses.
Specific Sequence Motifs of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins
Authors: Jezek Petr , Urbankova Eva
Published: July 2007

We have searched for the exclusivity of common sequence motifs of the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP1, UCP2, UCP3, UCP4, BMCP1, and plant UCP [PUMP]) within the gene family of mitochondrial anion carrier proteins. The UCP‐specific sequences, “UCP signatures”, were found in the first, second, and fourth alpha helices. First: Ala/Ser‐Cys/Thr/n‐n/Phe‐Ala/Gly‐n/Phe‐n/Cys‐ Thr‐Phe/n; second: Gly/Ala‐Ile/Leu‐Gln/X‐NH‐n/Cys‐Ser/n‐ phi/X‐n/Ser‐OH/Gly‐n‐Ile/Met‐Gly/Val‐n/Thr; fourth: Pro‐Asn/ n‐n/Thr/Pro‐OH/Val (n, nonpolar; phi, aromatic; (charged residue). The second and part of the third signature are also present in the yeast dicarboxylate transporter. The UCP signature excluding BMCP1 was also found in the second matrix segment: ‐(Pro/ del‐Leu/del)‐phi‐X‐Gly/Ser‐Thr/n‐X‐NH/‐Ala‐phi. These UCP signatures are thought to be involved in fatty acid anion binding and translocation.
The NADPH Oxidase of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Babior Bernard M.
Published: July 2007

The best known NADPH oxidase is that of phagocytes‐ neutrophils and monocytes. In these cells, the enzyme manufactures large quantities of O2 ‐ and other reactive oxidants that are used for the purpose of killing invading microorganisms. Recent studies, however, have suggested that a number of other tissues contain NADPH oxidases. In contrast to the very vigorous production of oxidants by phagocytes, rates of oxidant production by these other cell types are quite low. Oxidant production by these cells is generally thought to serve a signaling function.
LPS‐Induced Protein Oxidation and Proteolysis in BV‐2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Mehlhase Jana , Gieche Jeanette , Ullrich Oliver , Sitte Nicolle , Grune Tilman
Published: July 2007

Exposure of proteins to oxidants leads to increased oxidation followed by preferential degradation by the proteasomal system. The role of the biological oxidant production in microglial BV‐2 cells in the oxidation and turnover of endogenous proteins was measured. It could be demonstrated, that BV‐2 cells are relatively resistant to fluxes of oxidants, but nevertheless protein oxidation occurs due to activation by LPS. This protein oxidation is followed by an enhanced degradation of endogenous proteins. Using PBN, a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, we could demonstrate the involvement of free radicals in the increased proteolysis in BV‐2 cells after LPS‐treatment. A slight but significant up‐regulation of the proteasomal system after LPS activation takes place, indicating the importance of his proteolytic system in the maintenance of the protein pool of microglial cells.
TheTORMOZGene Encodes a Nucleolar Protein Required for Regulated Division Planes and Embryo Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Griffith Megan E. , Mayer Ulrike , Capron Arnaud , Ngo Quy A. , Surendrarao Anandkumar , McClinton Regina , Jürgens Gerd , Sundaresan Venkatesan
Published: July 2007

Embryogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana is marked by a predictable sequence of oriented cell divisions, which precede cell fate determination. We show that mutation of the TORMOZ (TOZ) gene yields embryos with aberrant cell division planes and arrested embryos that appear not to have established normal patterning. The defects in toz mutants differ from previously described mutations that affect embryonic cell division patterns. Longitudinal division planes of the proembryo are frequently replaced by transverse divisions and less frequently by oblique divisions, while divisions of the suspensor cells, which divide only transversely, appear generally unaffected. Expression patterns of selected embryo patterning genes are altered in the mutant embryos, implying that the positional cues required for their proper expression are perturbed by the misoriented divisions. The TOZ gene encodes a nucleolar protein containing WD repeats. Putative TOZ orthologs exist in other eukaryotes including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the protein is predicted to function in 18S rRNA biogenesis. We find that disruption of the Sp TOZ gene results in cell division defects in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Previous studies in yeast and animal cells have identified nucleolar proteins that regulate the exit from M phase and cytokinesis, including factors involved in pre-rRNA processing. Our study suggests that in plant cells, nucleolar functions might interact with the processes of regulated cell divisions and influence the selection of longitudinal division planes during embryogenesis.
A Functional Link between Rhythmic Changes in Chromatin Structure and theArabidopsisBiological Clock
Authors: Perales Mariano , Más Paloma
Published: July 2007

Circadian clocks rhythmically coordinate biological processes in resonance with the environmental cycle. The clock function relies on negative feedback loops that generate 24-h rhythms in multiple outputs. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the clock component TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (TOC1) integrates the environmental information to coordinate circadian responses. Here, we use chromatin immunoprecipitation as well as physiological and luminescence assays to demonstrate that proper photoperiodic phase of TOC1 expression is important for clock synchronization of plant development with the environment. Our studies show that TOC1 circadian induction is accompanied by clock-controlled cycles of histone acetylation that favor transcriptionally permissive chromatin structures at the TOC1 locus. At dawn, TOC1 repression relies on the in vivo circadian binding of the clock component CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), while histone deacetylase activities facilitate the switch to repressive chromatin structures and contribute to the declining phase of TOC1 waveform around dusk. The use of cca1 late elongated hypocotyl double mutant and CCA1-overexpressing plants suggests a highly repressing function of CCA1, antagonizing H3 acetylation to regulate TOC1 mRNA abundance. The chromatin remodeling activities relevant at the TOC1 locus are distinctively modulated by photoperiod, suggesting a mechanism by which the clock sets the phase of physiological and developmental outputs.
Multiple roles for branding in international marketing
Authors: Yin Wong Ho , Merrilees Bill
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the inter‐related relationships among various branding issues such as brand orientation, brand re‐positioning, brand performance and international marketing issues in terms of international marketing strategy, financial performance, control of international marketing activities, international commitment and macro‐marketing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey with 315 useful samples drawn from the Austrade database was conducted. The steps suggested by Churchill, Cheng and Andersen and Gerbing were rigorously followed to purify the constructs and measurement models. Finally, structural equation modelling using partial disaggregation method was performed to test the whole structured model.

Findings

The results from structural equation modelling method confirm significant relationships between the constructs in the model. All major fit indices from structural equation modelling analysis show satisfactory results for both the measurement models and the structural model.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide insight to international marketers with regard to deploying resources, establishing strategy and adapting the strategy to the culture within overseas markets. Judicious investments in finance and personnel are required for overseas expansion. International branding strategy can be used to enhance a firm's brand and financial performances abroad.

Originality/value

The major values of this study are the establishment of the role of branding in international business. Both brand orientation and brand repositioning have significant impacts on international marketing strategy, which in turn positively affects a firm's performance. Developments of new constructs such as brand orientation, brand repositioning, brand performance and cultural aspects are statistically validated.
Managers as lazy, stupid careerists?
Authors: Jemielniak Dariusz
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a qualitative study of software engineers' perception of dress code, career, organizations, and of managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The software engineers interviewed work in three European and two US companies. The research is based on ethnographic data, gathered in two longitudinal studies during the period 2001‐2006. The methods used in the study include open‐ended unstructured interviews, participant observation, collection of stories, and shadowing.

Findings

It was found that the majority of software engineers denounce formal dress‐codes. The notion of career was defined by them mostly in terms of occupational development. They perceived their own managers as very incompetent. Their view on corporations was also univocally negative. The findings confirm that software engineers form a very distinctive occupation, defining itself in opposition to the organization. However, their distinctiveness may be perceived not only as a manifestation of independence but also contrarily, as simply fulfilling the organizational role they are assigned by management.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the organizational literature by responding to the call for more research on high‐tech workplace practices, and on non‐managerial occupational roles.
When is alcohol just another drug? Some thoughts on research and policy
Authors: Cook Philip J. , Reuter Peter
Published: July 2007

Aim To reflect on the divergence and overlap between alcohol and illicit drugs with respect to both current policies and policy research.

Results For demand reduction, there is considerable overlap in programs and services for prevention and even more clearly for treatment. For supply controls there is mostly divergence, reflecting the difference in legal status. Research generally follows the same pattern. However, a cross‐cutting research agenda on the supply side has merit.

Conclusion Even in a prohibition regime, law‐enforcement agencies have considerable discretion. A systematic, pragmatic, ‘evidence‐based’ use of that discretion to reduce harm is possible. It can be accomplished only by a continuing program of policy research that measures the harms of drug use and drug enforcement, assesses the effects of current policies on both these sources of social cost and explores alternative strategies. There is a similarly important project for alcohol and tobacco control policy. The goal for research on alcohol and tobacco is to document the extent to which supply controls can be effective in reducing harm; the additional goal for illicit drugs is to document just how much the current ideologically driven approach is costing the public.
The novel inflammatory cytokine high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is expressed by human term placenta
Authors: Holmlund Ulrika , Wähämaa Heidi , Bachmayer Nora , Bremme Katarina , Sverremark‐Ekström Eva , Palmblad Karin
Published: July 2007

High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) was previously considered a strict nuclear protein, but lately data are accumulating on its extranuclear functions. In addition to its potent proinflammatory capacities, HMGB1 has a prominent role in a number of processes of specific interest for the placenta. Our overall aim was to investigate the expression of HMGB1 in human term placenta and elucidate a potential difference in HMGB1 expression comparing vaginal deliveries with elective Caesarean sections. In addition, placentas from normal pregnancies were compared with placentas from pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia. Twenty‐five placentas, 12 from normal term pregnancies and 13 from pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia were analysed with immunohistochemistry for HMGB1 and its putative receptors; receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE), Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4. We present the novel finding that in addition to a strong nuclear HMGB1 expression in almost all cells in investigated placentas, an individual variation of cytoplasmic HMGB1 expression was detected in the syncytiotrophoblast covering the peripheral chorionic villi, by cells in the decidua and in amnion. Production of HMGB1 was confirmed byin situhybridization. Although labour can be described as a controlled inflammatory‐like process no differences in HMGB1 expression could be observed comparing active labour and elective Caesarean sections. However, a tendency towards a higher expression of cytoplasmic HMGB1 in the decidua from women with pre‐eclampsia was demonstrated. The abundant expression of the receptors RAGE, TLR2 and TLR4 implicates a local capability to respond to HMGB1, although the precise role in the placenta remains to be elucidated.
Evaluation of changes during storage of probiotic dahi at 7°C
Authors: YADAV HARIOM , JAIN SHALINI , SINHA P R
Published: July 2007

Low‐fat probiotic dahi (an Indian traditional fermented milk product like yogurt) prepared with lactococci starter and two adjunct probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei was stored at 7°C. The survival of bacterial species was affected during storage of dahi, in which viable counts increased up to 2 days and gradually decreased from 2 days, up to 8 days. The quality of refrigerated dahi was assessed by a panel of trained judges. On storage, pH significantly decreased over storage time, indicating that the dahi samples did not develop much acidity under the storage conditions of the study. However, after 8 days of storage, the samples were disliked by the panel, which reported slight bitterness, which may have been due to proteolysis. Proteolysis increased during storage. More αs1‐casein was degraded than β‐casein. On the basis of the results of this study we can conclude that dahi stored up to 8 days may be acceptable to consumers.
Prevalence of Campylobacter and four endoparasites in dog populations associated with Hearing Dogs
Authors: Guest C. M. , Stephen J. M. , Price C. J.
Published: July 2007

Objectives: This study established the prevalence of four gastrointestinal parasites (Isopora species, Giardia species, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis) and one bacterial infection (Campylobacter jejuni/coli) in dogs associated with the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Methods: Dogs’ faeces were routinely sampled from dogs according to whether they were in Socialising, Kennelling or Visiting the Hearing Dogs site. A further group consisted of dogs with diarrhoea.

Results: Prevalence rates for dogs in Socialising (n=326), Kennelling (n=117), Visiting (n=106) and Diarrhoea (n=59) groups, respectively, were as follows: Campylobacter– 26, 21, 15 and 31 per cent; Coccidia – 3, 0, 0 and 2 per cent; Giardia– 13, 3, 2 and 10 per cent; hookworm – 1, 1, 4 and 5 per cent; and Toxocara– 4, 2, 3 and 2 per cent. There were significant differences in the levels of Giardia and hookworm found between the four different groups of dogs. No significant gender differences were found, and dogs that were positive for Campylobacter in the Visiting group were significantly younger.

Clinical Significance: This study provides current information on the infection rates in specific dog populations in the UK. This is relevant to the veterinary health of dogs and the possible risk of zoonotic infection to humans.
Genetic Code Ambiguity Confers a Selective Advantage on
Acinetobacter baylyi
Authors: Bacher Jamie M. , Waas William F. , Metzgar David , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie , Schimmel Paul
Published: July 2007

A primitive genetic code, composed of a smaller set of amino acids, may have expanded via recursive periods of genetic code ambiguity that were followed by specificity. Here we model a step in this process by showing how genetic code ambiguity could result in an enhanced growth rate in
Acinetobacter baylyi
.
Lateral epicondylitis in tennis: update on aetiology, biomechanics and treatment
Authors: De Smedt Thomas , de Jong Andy , Van Leemput Wim , Lieven Dossche , Van Glabbeek Francis
Published: July 2007

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is the most frequent type of myotendinosis and can be responsible for substantial pain and loss of function of the affected limb. Tennis biomechanics, player characteristics and equipment are important in preventing the condition. This article presents an overview of the current knowledge on lateral epicondylitis, and focuses on treatment strategies. Conservative and surgical treatment options are discussed, and recent techniques are outlined.
Evidence that the vasodilator angiotensin-(1–7)-Mas axis plays an important role in erectile function
Authors: da Costa Gonçalves Andrey C. , Leite Romulo , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Pinheiro Sergio V. , Reis Augusto B. , Reis Fernando M. , Touyz Rhian M. , Webb R. Clinton , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , Santos Robson A. S.
Published: July 2007

The vasodilator/antiproliferative peptide angiotensin-(1–7) [ANG-(1–7)] is released into the corpus cavernosum sinuses, but its role in erectile function has yet to be defined. In this study, we sought to determine whether ANG-(1–7) and its receptor Mas play a role in erectile function. The ANG-(1–7) receptor Mas was immunolocalized in rat corpus cavernosum by confocal microscopy. Infusion of ANG-(1–7) into corpus cavernosum at a rate of 15.5 pmol·kg−1·min−1potentiated the elevation of the corpus cavernosum pressure induced by electrical stimulation of the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) in rats. The facilitatory effect of ANG-(1–7) was completely blunted by the specific ANG-(1–7) receptor blocker A-779 and Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. Nitric oxide (NO) release in the corpus cavernosum was evaluated with the fluorescent dye 4-amino-5 methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate. Electrical stimulated-release of NO in rat corpus cavernosum was potentiated by ANG-(1–7). Furthermore, incubation of rat and mouse corpus cavernosum strips with ANG-(1–7) at 10 nmol/l resulted in an increase of NO release. This effect was completely abolished in mas-deficient mice. More importantly, genetic deletion of Mas resulted in compromised erectile function as demonstrated by penile fibrosis and severely depressed response to electrical stimulation of the MPG. Furthermore, the attenuated erectile function of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats was fully restored by ANG-(1–7) administration. Together these data provide strong evidence for a key role of the ANG-(1–7)-Mas axis in erectile function.
Long-term AT1receptor blockade improves metabolic function and provides renoprotection in Fischer-344 rats
Authors: Gilliam-Davis Shea , Payne Valerie S. , Kasper Sherry O. , Tommasi Ellen N. , Robbins Michael E. , Diz Debra I.
Published: July 2007

Fischer-344 (F344) rats exhibit proteinuria and insulin resistance in the absence of hypertension as they age. We determined the effects of long-term (1 yr) treatment with the angiotensin (ANG) II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker L-158,809 on plasma and urinary ANG peptide levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and indexes of glucose metabolism in 15-mo-old male F344 rats. Young rats at 3 mo of age ( n = 8) were compared with two separate groups of older rats: one control group ( n = 7) and one group treated with L-158,809 ( n = 6) orally (20 mg/l) for 1 yr. SBP was not different between control and treated rats but was higher in young rats. Serum leptin, insulin, and glucose levels were comparable between treated and young rats, whereas controls had higher glucose and leptin with a similar trend for insulin. Plasma ANG I and ANG II were higher in treated than untreated young or older rats, as evidence of effective AT1receptor blockade. Urinary ANG II and ANG-(1-7) were higher in controls compared with young animals, and treated rats failed to show age-related increases. Protein excretion was markedly lower in treated and young rats compared with control rats (young: 8 ± 2 mg/day vs. control: 129 ± 51 mg/day vs. treated: 9 ± 3 mg/day, P < 0.05). Long-term AT1receptor blockade improves metabolic parameters and provides renoprotection. Differential regulation of systemic and intrarenal (urinary) ANG systems occurs during blockade, and suppression of the intrarenal system may contribute to reduced proteinuria. Thus, insulin resistance, renal injury, and activation of the intrarenal ANG system during early aging in normotensive animals can be averted by renin-ANG system blockade.
The CREB leucine zipper regulates CREB phosphorylation, cardiomyopathy, and lethality in a transgenic model of heart failure
Authors: Huggins Gordon S. , Lepore John J. , Greytak Sarah , Patten Richard , McNamee Rachel , Aronovitz Mark , Wang Paul J. , Reed Guy L.
Published: July 2007

Signaling through cAMP plays an important role in heart failure. Phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) at serine-133 regulates gene expression in the heart. We examined the functional significance of CREB-S133 phosphorylation by comparing transgenic models in which a phosphorylation resistant CREB-S133A mutant containing either an intact or a mutated leucine zipper domain (CREB-S133A-LZ) was expressed in the heart. In vitro, CREB-S133A retained the ability to interact with wild-type CREB, whereas CREB-S133A-LZ did not. In vivo, CREB-S133A and CREB-S133A-LZ were expressed at comparable levels in the heart; however, CREB-S133A markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of endogenous CREB, whereas CREB-S133A-LZ had no effect. The one-year survival of mice from two CREB-S133A-LZ transgenic lines was equivalent to nontransgenic littermate control mice (NTG), whereas transgenic CREB-S133A mice died with heart failure at a median 30 wk of age ( P < 0.0001). CREB-S133A mice had an altered gene expression characteristic of the failing heart, whereas CREB-S133A-LZ mice did not. Left ventricular contractile function was substantially reduced in CREB-S133A mice versus NTG mice and only modestly reduced in CREB-S133A-LZ mice ( P < 0.02). When considered in light of other studies, these findings indicate that overexpression of the CREB leucine zipper is required for both inhibition of endogenous CREB phosphorylation and cardiomyopathy in this murine model of heart failure.
Bootstrap Estimates of Standard Errors in Generalizability Theory
Authors: Ye Tong  , Brennan Robert L.
Published: July 2007

Estimating standard errors of estimated variance components has long been a challenging task in generalizability theory. Researchers have speculated about the potential applicability of the bootstrap for obtaining such estimates, but they have identified problems (especially bias) in using the bootstrap. Using Brennan's bias-correcting procedures (which extend the work of Wiley), as well as a proposed set of rules for picking a bootstrap procedure, the authors examined the potential utility of the bootstrap technique with multifacet designs in generalizability theory. Using six simulation conditions (normal, dichotomous, and polytomous data with the p × i × h and p × [i:h] designs), the rules proposed in this article were empirically demonstrated to perform well for estimating standard errors of estimated variance components and relative error variance with random models. No single bootstrap procedure performed well for estimating standard errors for absolute error variance, but a combination of bootstrap procedures was identified and empirically demonstrated to have performed well.
The Effects of Q-Matrix Misspecification on Parameter Estimates and Classification Accuracy in the DINA Model
Authors: Rupp André A. , Templin Jonathan
Published: July 2007

This article reports a study that investigated the effects of Q-matrix misspecifications on parameter estimates and misclassification rates for the deterministic-input, noisy ``and'' gate (DINA) model, which is a restricted latent class model for multiple classifications of respondents that can be useful for cognitively motivated diagnostic assessment. In this study, a Q-matrix for an assessment mapping all 15 possible attribute patterns based on four independent attributes was misspecified by changing one ``0'' or ``1'' for each item. This was done in a way that ensured that certain attribute combinations were completely deleted from the Q-matrix, and certain incorrect dependency relationships between attributes were represented. Results showed clear effects that included an itemspecific overestimation of slipping parameters when attributes were deleted from the Q-matrix, an item-specific overestimation of guessing parameters when attributes were added to the Q-matrix, and high misclassification rates for attribute classes that contained attribute combinations that were deleted from the Q-matrix.
An Illustration of the Consequences of Meta-Analysis Model Choice
Authors: Kisamore Jennifer L. , Brannick Michael T.
Published: July 2007

Fixed- and random-effects models represent two different approaches to analyzing and understanding data with meta-analysis. The current article describes the results of a two-part study to illustrate the effect of choice of meta-analytic model on study conclusions. Part 1 illustrates the effect of model choice by analyzing data simulated to conform to either fixed- or random-effects scenarios with both fixed- and random-effects methods of data analysis. Part 2 uses two published meta-analyses to show that methodological choices, in this case mainly the choice of fixed- or random-effects models, affect estimates both of mean effect size and of the random-effects variance component (REVC). Overall, results suggest that random-effects procedures represent the best initial choice when conducting a meta-analysis.
Testing Agreement for Multi-Item Scales With the IndicesrWG(J) and AD M(J)
Authors: Cohen Ayala , Doveh Etti , Nahum-Shani Inbal
Published: July 2007

The most popular index of agreement has been rWG(J); more recently, the ADM(J) index also has been used. This study addresses two problems: first, how to test the statistical significance of rWG(J) and ADM(J) and, second, how to infer from the indices that were evaluated for each group about the agreement of the ensemble of groups. The authors extend the inference based on either rWG(J) or ADM(J) by focusing on multiple-item scales and on the whole ensemble of groups. Their method is based on simulations, as was done by Dunlap, Burke, and Smith-Crowe (2003) and by Cohen, Doveh, and Eick (2001). The tests are illustrated on the data of Bliese, Halverson, and Schriesheim (2002) pertaining to a sample of 2,042 U.S Army soldiers in 49 U.S. Army companies. Software for our procedures is available both as a SAS code and in the Multilevel Modeling in R package (Bliese, 2006).