bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Binding and Photocleavage Studies of Cobalt(III) Ethylenediamine Pyridine Complexes: [Co(en)2(py)2]3+ and [Co(en)2(mepy)2]3+
Authors: Nagababu Penumaka , Kumar D. Aravind , Reddy Kotha Laxma , Kumar K. Ashwini , Mustafa Md. B. , Shilpa Mynam , Satyanarayana S.
Published: October 2007

Two novel cobalt(III) pyridine complexes (1)[Co(en)2(py)2]3+ and (2)[Co(en)2(mepy)2]3+ (en=ethylenediamine, py=pyridine, and mepy=methylpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated by absorption, emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, DNA melting, and DNA photocleavage. Results suggest that the two complexes bind to DNA via groove mode and complex 2 binds more strongly to CT DNA than complex 1. Moreover, these Co(III) complexes have been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid DNA pBR322 under irradiation at 365 nm, cytotoxicity results of complexes are also showing anticancer activity.
Observation and Modeling of Optical Emission Patterns and Their Transitions in a Penning Discharge
Authors: Klepper C. C. , Hazelton R. C. , Barakat F. , Keitz M. D. , Verboncoeur J. P.
Published: October 2007

A Penning discharge tube has been used as the excitation source for optical
detection of gaseous species concentrations in a neutral gas. This type of diagnostic
has been primarily used in magnetic fusion energy experiments for the detection of minority
species in the effluent gas (e.g., for helium detection in a deuterium background).
Recent innovations (US Patent
no. 6351131, granted February 26, 2002) have allowed for extension of the operation range from <1 Pa to as high as 100 Pa and possibly beyond. This is done by dynamically varying the gauge magnetic
field and voltage to keep the optical signals nearly constant (or at least away from a nonlinear
dependence on the pressure). However, there are limitations to this approach, because the
Penning discharge can manifest itself in a number of modes, each exhibiting a different spatial
emission pattern. As a result, varying the discharge parameters can cause the gauge to
undergo transitions between these modes, disrupting any intended monotonic dependence
of the overall emission on the varied parameter and hence any predicable impact on the emission.
This paper discusses some of the modes observed experimentally using video imaging of
the discharge. It also presents a first successful application, a particle-in-cell (PIC) code, to
simulate these modes and a mode transition. The hope is that a good understanding of the
physics involved in the mode transitions may allow for methods of either avoiding or
suppressing such transitions. This would aid in broadening the use of this plasma-based sensor technology.
Synthesis and Biological Analysis of Thiotetra(ethylene glycol) monomethyl Ether-Functionalized Porphyrazines: Cellular Uptake and Toxicity Studies
Authors: Lee Sangwan , Vesper Benjamin J. , Zong Hong , Hammer Neal D. , Elseth Kim M. , Barrett Anthony G. M. , Hoffman Brian M. , Radosevich James A.
Published: October 2007

The porphyrazines (pzs), a class of porphyrin analogues, are being investigated for their potential use as tumor imaging/therapeutic agents. We here examine six peripherally-functionalized M[pz(AnB4-n)] pzs with n=4, 3, or 2 (in a trans conformation) and M = H2 or Zn, where A is an [S((CH2)2O)4Me]2 unit and B is a fused β,β′-diisopropyloxybenzo group. Cell viability/proliferation assays and fluorescence microscopy were carried out in both tumor and normal cells. Dark toxicity studies disclosed that four of the compounds exhibited toxicity in both normal and tumor cells; one was nontoxic in both normal and tumor cells, and one was selectively toxic to normal cells. Additionally, three of the pzs showed enhanced photo-induced toxicity with these effects in some cases being observed at treatment concentrations of up to ten-fold lower than that needed for a response in Photofrin. All six compounds were preferentially absorbed by tumor cells, suggesting that they have potential as
in vitro diagnostic agents and as aids in the isolation and purification of aberrant cells from pathological specimens. In particular, two promising diagnostic candidates have been identified as part of this work.
Inactivation of NF-κB by 3,3′-diindolylmethane contributes to increased apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agent in breast cancer cells
Authors: Rahman KM Wahidur , Ali Shadan , Aboukameel Amro , Sarkar Sanila H. , Wang Zhiwei , Philip Philip A. , Sakr Wael A. , Raz Avraham
Published: October 2007

Constitutive activation of Akt or nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) has been reported to play a role in de novo resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, which is a major cause of treatment failure in cancer chemotherapy. Previous studies have shown that 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), a major in vivo acid-catalyzed condensation product of indole-3-carbinol, is a potent inducer of apoptosis, inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis, and inactivator of Akt/NF-κB signaling in breast cancer cells. However, little is known regarding the inactivation of Akt/NF-κB that leads to chemosensitization of breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, such as Taxotere. Therefore, we examined whether the inactivation Akt/NF-κB signaling caused by B-DIM could sensitize breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents both in vitro and in vivo. MDA-MB-231 cells were simultaneously treated with 15 to 45 μmol/L B-DIM and 0.5 to 1.0 nmol/L Taxotere for 24 to 72 h. Cell growth inhibition assay, apoptosis assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and Western blotting were done. The combination treatment of 30 μmol/L B-DIM with 1.0 nmol/L Taxotere elicited significantly greater inhibition of cell growth compared with either agent alone. The combination treatment induced greater apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells compared with single agents. Moreover, we found that NF-κB activity was significantly decreased in cells treated with B-DIM and Taxotere. We also have tested our hypothesis using transfection studies, followed by combination treatment with B-DIM/Taxotere, and found that combination treatment significantly inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells mediated by the inactivation of NF-κB, a specific target in vitro and in vivo. These results were also supported by animal experiments, which clearly showed that B-DIM sensitized the breast tumors to Taxotere, which resulted in greater antitumor activity mediated by the inhibition of Akt and NF-κB. Collectively, our results clearly suggest that inhibition of Akt/NF-κB signaling by B-DIM leads to chemosensitization of breast cancer cells to Taxotere, which may contribute to increased growth inhibition and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The data obtained from our studies could be a novel breakthrough in cancer therapeutics by using nontoxic agents, such as B-DIM, in combination with other conventional therapeutic agents, such as Taxotere. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(10):2757–65]
Dermal Peptide Delivery Using Colloidal Carrier Systems
Authors: Goebel Alexandra , Neubert Reinhard H.H.
Published: October 2007

The advancement in synthetic and molecular biology techniques over the past years has resulted in the application of peptides or peptide-like drugs becoming a growing field in therapeutics. Because of the unfavorable chemical properties of peptides, it poses a challenge to find an optimized way of drug administration. The transdermal route has attracted interest as a promising way to advance the delivery of these drugs. The objective of this review is to summarize the level of research of microemulsions as colloidal carrier for dermal peptide drug delivery. The presented studies resulted in enhanced drug delivery or superior penetration profiles of peptides incorporated in microemulsions in comparison to conventional vehicles. Due to their benefits like high solubilization capacity, enhanced drug delivery, noninvasive administration or easy preparation, microemulsions offer a suitable vehicle for dermal and transdermal drug delivery.
Spinal Bone Mineral Density, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Ali Omar , Shim Melanie , Fowler Eileen , Cohen Pinchas , Oppenheim William
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: Childhood cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with osteopenia and the GH-IGF axis plays an important role in bone metabolism. We studied the relationship between spinal bone mineral density (BMD) and serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in children with CP. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 30 children (9 F and 21 M, ages 4.5–15) with CP. Subjects underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (spinal BMD), blood tests (IGF-1, IGFBP-3, Ca, P, PTH, vitamin D, osteocalcin) and urine tests (N-telopeptide). Results: Spinal BMD was decreased in children with CP (average Z-score –2.14 ± 1.08) compared to age- and gender-matched norms. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were also decreased compared to age-matched norms (average IGF-1 Z-score –0.74 ± 1.2, average IGFBP-3 Z-score –0.68 ± 1.2). All other blood and urine tests, including measures of calcium and vitamin D status, were normal. In 25 CP children with osteopenia (Z-score >–1), there was a trend towards correlation between spinal BMD Z-score and serum IGF-1 SDS score (r = 0.328, p = 0.09). IGFBP-3 Z-scores were available in 24 of these patients and had a statistically significant correlation with spinal BMD Z-score (r = 0.386, p = 0.05). Conclusion: Osteopenia is common in children withCP and may be associated with lower IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels.
Association between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease and Periodontitis
Authors: Machado de Souza Cleber , Ribeiro Braosi Ana Paula , Luczyszyn Sônia Mara , Rodrigues Ávila Andréa , Barbosa de Brito Jr. Rui , Aparecido Ignácio Sérgio , Probst Christian Macagnan , Riella Miguel Carlos , Santos Sotomaior Vanessa , Távora Mira Marcelo , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Trevilatto Paula Cristina
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontitis (PD) are serious public-health concerns. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that interacts with its nuclear receptor (VDR) to regulate a variety of biological processes, such as bone metabolism, immune response modulation and transcription of several genes involved in CKD and PD disease mechanisms. The aim of this work was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the VDR gene and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and PD. Methods: 222 subjects with and without ESRD (in hemodialysis) were divided into groups with and without PD. Polymorphisms TaqI and BsmI in the VDR gene were analyzed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism. The significance of differences in allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies between groups was assessed by the χ2 test (p value <0.05) and odds ratio (OR). Results: Allele G was associated with protection against ESRD: groups without versus with ESRD (GG) × (GA+AA): OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.4–4.6, p = 0.00; (G × A): OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.3, p = 0.02; (TG + CG) × (TA + CA): OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.3, p = 0.02. No association was observed between the study polymorphisms and susceptibility to or protection against PD. Conclusion: Allele G of the VDR BsmI polymorphism was associated with protection against ESRD.
Is Functional Decline Necessary for a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Park Kyung Won , Pavlik Valory N. , Rountree Susan D. , Darby Eveleen J. , Doody Rachelle S.
Published: October 2007

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine baseline differences and annualized cognitive and functional change scores in mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients with and without impaired activities of daily living (ADL). Methods: We recruited 267 mild probable AD patients with at least 1 year of follow-up (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, MMSE ≧20). Based on initial ADL scores, they were divided into 2 groups: unimpaired (n = 40) and impaired (n = 227). We compared the differences in annualized change scores on MMSE, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), ADL and Clinical Dementia Rating sum of box score (CDR-SB) for patients with and without functional impairment at baseline. Results: The group with unimpaired ADL at baseline had a significantly shorter symptom duration (p = 0.01) and better neuropsychological test scores at baseline (p < 0.001) than those with impaired ADL. The annualized cognitive and functional change of each group from baseline to 1-year follow-up was not significantly different on the MMSE, ADAS-cog, CDR-SB, Physical Self-Maintenance Scale and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. After 1 year, 56% of the initially unimpaired group and 6% of the initially impaired group reported no ADL impairment. Conclusions: Our study suggests that functional decline should not be required for the diagnosis of mild AD.
Enzymatic Activity in Body and Fecal Extracts of the Storage Mite Chortoglyphus arcuatus
Authors: Carnés Jerónimo , Boquete Manuel , Carballada Francisco J. , Iraola Victor , Gallego Maria Teresa , Fernández-Caldas Enrique
Published: October 2007

Background:Chortoglyphus arcuatus has been described in many countries. Many allergens are potent enzymes, which may promote a Th2 immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic activity of body and fecal extracts of C. arcuatus. Material and Methods: Feces and bodies of full-grown C. arcuatus cultures were separated by sieving, extracted in PBS, dialyzed and lyophilized. The antigenic profile of both extracts was determined by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblot experiments were conducted using a pool of sera from allergic individuals residing in Galicia, a region of Spain, where this species is abundant. The enzymatic activity of the extracts was evaluated by the zymogram technique. Serine and cysteine protease activity was measured using in vitro methods. The API Zym® system was used to determine the enzymatic properties of the extracts. Results: The antigenic profile showed that the body extract contained more and better defined bands than the fecal extract. Allergens were detected in both extracts in a molecular weight range between 14 and 100 kDa. Gelatinolytic gels confirmed that fecal extracts contain more hydrolytic enzymatic activity than body extracts. Serine protease activity in fecal extracts was higher than in body extracts (5.98 vs. 2.701 IU of trypsin/mg of freeze-dried material). No cysteine protease activity was detected. Conclusion:C. arcuatus extracts contain several allergens and proteins with high enzymatic activity, especially in the feces. Some of these allergens may be enzymes. Fecal extracts have more enzymatic activity than body extracts.
Antiallergic Effects of Lactobacillus pentosus Strain S-PT84 Mediated by Modulation of Th1/Th2 Immunobalance and Induction of IL-10 Production
Authors: Nonaka Yuji , Izumo Takayuki , Izumi Fumi , Maekawa Toshihiro , Shibata Hiroshi , Nakano Aoi , Kishi Atsuko , Akatani Kaoru , Kiso Yoshinobu
Published: October 2007

Background: Many types of fermented food are consumed in Japan. Although some are produced by plant-origin lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation, the physiological functions of such bacteria remain unclear. We therefore isolated LAB of plant origin from Kyoto pickles and determined the immunological activity of heat-killed preparations of plant-origin LAB. Methods: The Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 was selected from among 16 LAB of plant origin as the strongest interleukin (IL)-12-inducing strain. IL-12- and IL-10-inducing activities were determined with macrophages from BALB/c mice. The in vivo immunomodulating effect of S-PT84was determined with BALB/c mice fed S-PT84. The antiallergic activity of S-PT84 was examined in ovalbumin (OVA)/alum-administered BALB/c mice. Results: The L. pentosus strain S-PT84 induced production of both IL-12 and IL-10 in vitro. S-PT84 enhanced splenic natural-killer activity and modulated the T helper (Th) type 1/type 2 balance toward a Th1-dominant state. In the OVA-induced allergy model, orally administered S-PT84 lowered serum IgE levels and suppressed active cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and splenic IL-4 production. IL-10 production from splenocytes of OVA-immunized mice was upregulated by feeding S-PT84. Conclusions: Despite heat-killing, S-PT84 exhibited antiallergic effects by modulating the Th1/Th2 balance and inducing regulatory T cells. The L. pentosus strain S-PT84, which is of plant origin and isolated from a traditional Japanese food, is expected to be useful for treatment of many immune diseases including allergies, tumors, infectious diseases and auto-immune diseases.
A Functional Disturbance in the Auditory Cortex Related to a Low Serotonergic Neurotransmission in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Manjarrez Gabriel , Vazquez Felipe , Delgado Margarita , Herrera Rocio , Hernandez Jorge
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: To determine if the slope of the amplitude/stimulus intensity function (ASF) of the N1/P2 component of the auditory evoked potential was increased in women with type 2 diabetes reflecting a low brain serotonergic activity in the auditory cortex. Methods: In a comparative study in women with type 2 diabetes and controls, we measured free, bound and total plasma L-tryptophan (L-Trp), neutral amino acids (NAA) and free fatty acids (FFA) and recorded the N1/P2 component of the auditory evoked potential. Results: The diabetic patients were overweight and FFA and NAA in plasma were significantly elevated. The free, bound to albumin and total L-Trp were decreased. The values of free/total L-Trp and free/NAA ratios were significantly lower. The latencies of N1 and P2 at all intensities and the slope ASF of the N1/P2 component significantly increased. Conclusion: The decrease of the free fraction of L-Trp in plasma and the increase of the ASF slope of the N1/P2 component reflect a functional relationship between the brain serotonergic activity and the N1/P2 changes in the auditory cortex, suggesting a cortical impaired activity associated with anomalies of brain serotonergic neurotransmission in women with type 2 diabetes. We proposed the ASF slope together with measurement of the plasma FFT as noninvasive clinical indicators of serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain in these as well as in other types of patients.
Viability and Functionality of Fresh and Cryopreserved Human Hyperplastic Parathyroid Tissue Tested in vitro
Authors: Álvarez-Hernández Daniel , González-Suárez Ignacio , Carrillo-López Natalia , Naves-Díaz Manuel , Anguita-Velasco Javier , Cannata-Andía Jorge B.
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: This study aimed to test the viability and functionality of fresh and cryopreserved human hyperplastic parathyroid glands cultured in vitro. Methods: Small fragments of 18 parathyroid glands from 18 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were cultured in vitro, freshly or after cryopreservation, during 60 h. Cell viability and functionality of the parathyroid fragments exposed to calcium and calcitriol were studied. Results: Human parathyroid glands obtained from renal patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism maintained their viability and functionality for 60 h in culture. Sixty percent of the fresh but only 10% of the cryopreserved parathyroid glands showed the expected response with higher intact parathyroid hormone secretion when cultured with 0.6 mM calcium compared to 1.2 mM calcium. On the contrary, 44 of fresh and 40% of cryopreserved glands behaved in the same manner, showing a similar decrease in intact parathyroid hormone synthesis and secretion when cultured with calcitriol (10–8M). Conclusion: These results demonstrate differences in the response to calcium between fresh and cryopreserved glands and no differences in the response to calcitriol. This in vitroculture method may be useful to discriminate between responsive and nonresponsive hyperplastic human parathyroid glands.
Urinary Cytokines and Steroid Responsiveness in Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome of Childhood
Authors: Woroniecki Robert P. , Shatat Ibrahim F. , Supe Katarina , Du Zhongfang , Kaskel Frederick J.
Published: October 2007

Background/Aim: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) has been associated with activation of TGF-β1 and progression to chronic kidney disease. Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) has been associated with activation of T-cells and favorable outcome. Our objective was to distinguish SRNS from SSNS and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) from minimal change disease (MCD) on the basis of urinary cytokine profile. Method: We used a high-throughput cytokine array. ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 in urine and kidney tissue were evaluated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Results: Age, gender, race, body mass index, and glomerular filtration rate were similar among groups. There were no statistically significant differences between SRNS (n = 12) and SSNS (n = 12) in regard to the presence of hypertension, treatment with ACE inhibitors, and renal histology. Arrays detected a 1- to 5.5-fold increase in urinary cytokine expression in subjects with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) as compared to controls. Using ELISA, urinary excretion of ICAM-1 was significantly higher in INS subjects than in controls (control group, n = 12; p = 0.005), but it did not differentiate SRNS from SSNS, or FSGS from MCD. IHC failed to reveal differences in renal tissue expression of ICAM-1 among controls, SRNS and SSNS. There were no significant differences among controls, and patients with SRNS and SSNS in the urinary excretion of TGF-β1 (p = 0.21). However, urinary TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in FSGS than in MCD (p = 0.03), and IHC showed increased immunoreactivity in FSGS. Conclusion: Our data indicate that urinary TGF-β1 was able to differentiate between FSGS and MCD but was not a biomarker of steroid responsiveness.
Oral Paricalcitol for the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients on Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Ross Edward A. , Tian Jin , Abboud Hanna , Hippensteel Richard , Melnick Joel Z. , Pradhan Rajendra S. , Williams Laura A. , Hamm L. Lee , Sprague Stuart M.
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of chronic kidney disease, resulting from inactivation of vitamin D receptor signaling and phosphate retention. Selective activation of vitamin D receptors with intravenous paricalcitol significantly reduced parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with no significant hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia in predialysis and hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study investigates the effects of oral paricalcitol to reduce PTH in patients receiving chronic HD and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Eighty-eight patients were randomized in double-blind fashion to receive paricalcitol or placebo for 12 weeks. The dose of the study drug was adjusted weekly using the previous week’s intact PTH (iPTH) level as well as calcium and Ca × P product levels. The primary end points were efficacy (two consecutive iPTH decreases of ≧30%) and safety (two consecutive calcium measurements >11.0 mg/dl). Markers of biochemical bone activity were followed. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar between treatment groups. The mean paricalcitol doses (three times a week) over the entire treatment period for subjects with baseline iPTH ≤500 pg/ml and iPTH >500 pg/ml were 3.9 and 7.6 µg, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in iPTH was seen after week 1, with a mean 30% reduction occurring by week 3. A significantly greater proportion of both HD and PD paricalcitol subjects [83% (33/40) and 100% (18/18), respectively] achieved two consecutive ≧30% decreases in iPTH. The treatment groups were not statistically different in regard to the hypercalcemia safety end point. Phosphate binder use and mean serum phosphorus levels were not different between the treatment groups. The markers of bone activity improved in the treated subjects and worsened in those on placebo. Conclusion: Paricalcitol provides a rapid and sustained reduction of PTH in both HD and PD patients with minimal effect on serum calcium and phosphorus and no significant difference in adverse events as compared with placebo.
A new species of the genus Physalaemus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura, Leiuperidae) from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Cruz Carlos Albert , Barreto Nascimento Luciana , Neves Feio Renato
Published: October 2007

A new species of the genus Physalaemus from the Atlantic Rain Forest of the
state of Minas Gerais is described. It belongs to P. signifer species group
and is characterized by well-developed vocal sac, second finger with the
same size of the fourth, granulate dorsal skin, large inguinal gland with
black ocelli, presence of dorso-lateral folds, and advertisement call
composed by harmonic notes, generally four, being the last shorter than the
others. Information on tadpole external morphology are also presented.
Altitudinal variation in reproductive strategy of the toad-headed lizard, Phrynocephalus vlangalii in North Tibet Plateau (Qinghai)
Authors: Jin Yuan-Ting , Liu Nai-Fa
Published: October 2007

Phrynocephalus vlangalii, a toad-headed viviparous sand lizard, is endemic in the Northern Tibet (Qinghai) Plateau in China. Lizards were collected from 14 localities along the large altitudinal gradient (2289-4565 m a.s.l) to analyze the variation of reproductive traits among localities. Both litter size and mean offspring (scaled embryo) mass were positively correlated with female snout-vent length (SVL). Females produced fewer and larger offspring with increasing elevation when the effect of body size (SVL) was removed. This strategy may possibly be correlated with early survival and growth of offspring. The decreased litter size cline along altitudinal gradient might be correlated with more anatomical constraints at higher altitudes. The lizard has lower coefficient of variation (CV) of litter size at higher environments. Moreover, females from higher elevations had less reproductive investment (relative litter mass, RLM). Study concluded that P. vlangalii fit into the common pattern of higher elevation animals that have smaller clutches of larger offspring and lower reproductive effort.
Seasonal variation in the diet of a population of Hyla arborea from Romania
Authors: Kovács Éva-Hajnalka , Sas István , Covaciu-Marcov Severus-Daniel , Hartel Tibor , Cupsa Diana , Groza Marius
Published: October 2007

We examined the diet of Hyla arborea over its entire activity period (March
to late September, 2004), and analysed a total of 585 adult samples. From
the stomach contents we identified plant remains, shed-skin fragments, and
animals. We identified a total of 2976 prey items, almost all of which
originated from the terrestrial environment. Adult araneans and coleopterans
were the most abundant prey items in the diet of the studied tree frogs.
Some of the prey items become abundant in certain parts of the year (e.g.
Homoptera, Lepidoptera larvae, Trichoptera). The dietary diversity index is
high and exhibits seasonal changes. During the period of study an important
seasonal change was observed in feeding intensity and in the type of
consumed prey. Our results show that Hyla arborea has a broad dietary
diversity which was expected as a consequence of exploiting the habitat both
vertically and horizontally, possibly allowing access to a broader spectrum
of prey.
Studies on specialized epidermal derivatives in igianian lizards. I. Gross morphology, topography and histology of callose scales in the Asian Rock Agama, Laudakia himalayana (Steindachner, 1869) (Squamata: Agamidae)
Authors: Dujsebayeva Tatjana , Ananjeva Natalia , Miroschnichenko Larissa
Published: October 2007

The integument of juvenile, yearling and adult specimens of the Asian Rock Agama, Laudakia himalayana from the Western Pamir Mountains has been studied. Different degree of callose scale development was recorded in all groups of specimens. There are sexually dimorphic and age differences in their grossform, number and topography. The results are discussed with reference to available ecological and behavioral data concerning agamids and other lacertilian clades.
Gay-Straight Alliances in High Schools
Authors: Fetner Tina , Kush Kristin
Published: October 2007

This article examines the patterns of emergence of gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in public high schools in the United States. These extracurricular student groups offer safe spaces, social support, and opportunities for activism to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and straight students. Combining data on various characteristics of public schools and state anti-discrimination laws with organizational records on the formation of GSA groups, the authors consider the conditions under which these groups are likely to form, as well as the social barriers to their formation. Using logistic regression and linear regression analysis, a number of characteristics common among those schools are isolated that founded the first wave of GSAs. The location of schools, the number of students, region of the country, and support groups outside high schools are among those social forces that promoted the early adoption of GSAs in public schools.
Assessment of two thermally treated drill mud wastes for landfill containment applications
Authors: Carignan Marie-Pierre , Lake Craig B. , Menzies Todd
Published: October 2007

Offshore oil and gas drilling operations generate significant amounts of drill mud waste, some of which is transported onshore for subsequent thermal treatment (i.e. via thermal remediation). This treatment process results in a mineral waste by-product (referred to as thermally treated drill mud waste; TTDMW). Bentonites are originally present in many of the drill mud products and it is hypothesized that TTDMW can be utilized in landfill containment applications (i.e. cover or base liner). The objective of this paper is to examine the feasibility of this application by performing various physical and chemical tests on two TTDMW samples. It is shown that the two TTDMW samples contained relatively small amounts of clay-sized minerals although hydraulic conductivity values are found to be less than 10—8 m/s. Organic carbon contents of the samples were approximately 2%. Mineralogy characterization of the samples confirmed varying amounts of smectite, however, peak friction angles for a TTDMW sample was greater than 36°. Chemical characterization of the TTDMW samples show potential leaching of barium and small amounts of other heavy metals. Discussion is provided in the paper on suggestions to assist in overcoming regulatory issues associated with utilization of TTDMW in landfill containment applications.
Water regime of mechanical—biological pretreated waste materials under fast-growing trees
Authors: Rüth Björn , Lennartz Bernd , Kahle Petra
Published: October 2007

In this study mechanical—biological pre-treated waste material (MBP) was tested for suitability to serve as an alternative surface layer in combination with fast-growing and water-consumptive trees for final covers at landfill sites. The aim was to quantify evapotranspiration and seepage losses by numerical model simulations for two sites in Germany. In addition, the leaf area index (LAI) of six tree species over the growing season as the driving parameter for transpiration calculations was determined experimentally. The maximum LAI varied between 3.8 and 6.1 m2 m—2 for poplar and willow clones, respectively. The evapotranspiration calculations revealed that the use of MBP waste material for re-cultivation enhanced evapotranspiration by 40 mm year— 1 (10 %) over an 11 year calculation period compared to a standard mineral soil. Between 82% (for LAImax = 3.8) and 87% (for LAImax = 6.1) of the average annual precipitation (506 mm) could be retained from the surface layer assuming eastern German climate conditions, compared with a retention efficiency between 79 and 82% for a mineral soil. Although a MBP layer in conjunction with water-consumptive trees can reduce vertical water losses as compared to mineral substrates, the effect is not sufficient to meet legal regulations.
Processing of copper converter slag for metal reclamation. Part I: extraction and recovery of copper and cobalt
Authors: Tong Deng  , Yunhan Ling
Published: October 2007

Clean processing of copper converter slag to reclaim cobalt and copper could be a challenge. An innovative and environmentally sound approach for recovering valuable metals from such a slag has been developed in the present study. Curing the slag with strong sulphuric acid, without re-smelting or roasting as practiced currently in the industry, render it accessible to leaching, and more than 95% of cobalt and up to 90% of copper was extracted together with iron by water leaching, leaving silica behind in a residue. The copper in the leach liquor was recovered by cementation with iron and the dissolved iron crystallized as ferrous sulphate monohydrate. The cobalt in the mother-liquor rich in iron was recovered by either cementation or sulphide precipitation. Operation variables in the new process were also investigated and optimized.
Ezekiel the Tragedian on the Despoliation of Egypt
Authors: Allen J.
Published: October 2007

This article argues that, in his Exagoge, Ezekiel the Tragedian answers contemporary anti-Jewish charges publicly in a theater piece on the exodus. Ezekiel shapes the fair wage argument, as it is found in Jub. 48.18 and Wis. 10.16, to depict the plundering of Egypt as relatively inconsequential free-will gifts. Ezekiel uniquely claims that only Israelite and Egyptian women participated in the event taking no more than that which could have been carried by a single person. What happened was not excessive pillaging but a reasonable fair wage under the supervision of Divine Providence.
Why Does the Lion Disappear in Revelation 5? Leonine Imagery in Early Jewish and Christian Literatures
Authors: Strawn Brent A.
Published: October 2007

Despite the extensive literature on the lamb image in the Apocalypse, the reasons why the seer shifted from a lion (Rev. 5.5) to a lamb (5.6) have not been fully addressed. The present study presents an overview of the lion image in various corpora of Early Jewish and Early Christian literature. From these materials, it is shown that the lion qua lion is too ambivalent and thus potentially ambiguous of an image to serve as the primary metaphor for the Messiah-Christ figure given the precise nuances that the metaphor needed to connote for the rhetorical purposes of Revelation. Hence, it is not only the various and sundry connotations of the lamb that prompted the switch, but also the various and sundry connotations of the lion. Attention to the latter proves insightful, then, in addressing the former.
Career Self-Efficacy: Exemplary Recent Research and Emerging Directions
Authors: Betz Nancy E.
Published: October 2007

This article discusses what the author views as exemplary work illustrating important directions in research on the applications of Bandura's self-efficacy theory to career theory, assessment, and counseling. The author begins with research on measuring career self-efficacy, following which research testing the postulated behavioral consequences of career self-efficacy expectations is discussed. Notable studies of the learning experiences postulated to lead to the development of strong expectations of efficacy are reviewed. Studies of the possible relationships of efficacy expectations to parallel measures of vocational interests are included. Finally, exemplary studies applying the theory to the career development of diverse groups, studies of interventions designed to increase career self-efficacy, and new research attempting to integrate self-efficacy theory with personality constructs are included. The article is not intended as a comprehensive review of this research but rather to provide highlights of some of the excellent work being done in this area.
Convergence of Personality and Interests: Meta-Analysis of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire and the Strong Interest Inventory
Authors: Staggs Gena D. , Larson Lisa M. , Borgen Fred H.
Published: October 2007

Using meta-analysis, we revised Ackerman and Heggestad's (1997) identification of four trait complexes that propose personality and interest (P-I) linkages. Studies that had reported correlations between general and specific measures of vocational interests (Strong Interest Inventory [Strong; Hansen & Campbell, 1985; Harmon, Hansen, Borgen, & Hammer, 1994]) and personality (Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire [MPQ: Tellegen, 1982, 2000; Tellegen & Waller, in press]) were located. These meta-analysis was based on 2,023 people from five databases including gifted adolescents, college students, and adult career clients. The substantive P-I correlations ranged from |.20| to |.49|—reflecting between 4% and 24% shared variance. Within the Science/Math complex, we found Harmavoidance to be negatively linked with Realistic and Science interests and Achievement to be positively linked with Investigative, Math, and Science interests. Within the Intellectual/Cultural complex, Absorption was related to general and specific Artistic interests. Within the Social complex, Social and Enterprising interests were differentiated based on the former being related positively to Wellbeing and negatively to Aggression and the latter being related positively to Social Potency. Sex was not found to be a substantial moderator of P-I correlations.
The role of Akt in the signaling pathway of the glycoprotein Ib-IX–induced platelet activation
Authors: Yin Hong , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Hay Nissim , Du Xiaoping
Published: October 2007

The platelet von Willebrand factor (vWF) receptor, glycoprotein Ib-IX (GPIb-IX), mediates platelet adhesion and induces signaling leading to integrin activation. Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is important in GPIb-IX–mediated signaling. PI3K–dependent signaling mechanisms, however, are unclear. We show that GPIb-IX–induced platelet aggregation and stable adhesion under flow were impaired in mouse platelets deficient in PI3K effectors, Akt1 and Akt2, and in human platelets treated with an Akt inhibitor, SH-6. Akt1 and Akt2 play important roles in early GPIb-IX signaling independent of Syk, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), or thromboxane A2 (TXA2), in addition to their recognized roles in ADP- and TXA2–dependent secondary amplification pathways. Knockout of Akt1 or Akt2 diminished platelet spreading on vWF but not on immobilized fibrinogen. Thus, Akt1 and Akt2 are both required only in the GPIb-IX–mediated integrin activation (inside-out signaling). In contrast, PI3K inhibitors abolished platelet spreading on both vWF and fibrinogen, indicating a role for PI3K in integrin outside-in signaling distinct from that in GPIb-IX–mediated inside-out signaling. Furthermore, Akt1- or Akt2-deficiency diminished vWF–induced cGMP elevation, and their inhibitory effects on GPIb-IX–dependent platelet adhesion were reversed by exogenous cGMP. Thus, Akt1 and Akt2 mediate GPIb-IX signaling via the cGMP–dependent signaling pathway.
M-CSF: a novel plasmacytoid and conventional dendritic cell poietin
Authors: Fancke Ben , Suter Mark , Hochrein Hubertus , O'Keeffe Meredith
Published: October 2007

The critical importance of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in viral infection, autoimmunity, and tolerance has focused major attention on these cells that are rare in blood and immune organs of humans and mice. The recent development of an Flt-3 ligand (FL) culture system of bone marrow cells has led to the simple generation of large numbers of pDCs that resemble their in vivo steady-state counterparts. The FL system has allowed unforeseen insight into the biology of pDCs, and it is assumed that FL is the crucial growth factor for these cells. Surprisingly we have found that a cell type with high capacity for interferon-α (IFN-α) production in response to CpG-containing oligonucleotides, a feature of pDCs, develop within macrophage–colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)–generated bone marrow cultures. Analysis of this phenomenon revealed that M-CSF is able to drive pDCs as well as conventional DCs (cDCs) from BM precursor cells in vitro. Furthermore, application of M-CSF to mice was able to drive pDCs and cDCs development in vivo. It is noteworthy that using mice deficient in FL indicated that the M-CSF-driven generation of pDCs and cDCs in vitro and in vivo was independent of endogenous FL.
Signaling pathways governing stem-cell fate
Authors: Blank Ulrika , Karlsson Göran , Karlsson Stefan
Published: October 2007

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are historically the most thoroughly characterized type of adult stem cell, and the hematopoietic system has served as a principal model structure of stem-cell biology for several decades. However, paradoxically, although HSCs can be defined by function and even purified to near-homogeneity, the intricate molecular machinery and the signaling mechanisms regulating fate events, such as self-renewal and differentiation, have remained elusive. Recently, several developmentally conserved signaling pathways have emerged as important control devices of HSC fate, including Notch, Wingless-type (Wnt), Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and Smad pathways. HSCs reside in a complex environment in the bone marrow, providing a niche that optimally balances signals that control self-renewal and differentiation. These signaling circuits provide a valuable structure for our understanding of how HSC regulation occurs, concomitantly with providing information of how the bone marrow microenvironment couples and integrates extrinsic with intrinsic HSC fate determinants. It is the focus of this review to highlight some of the most recent developments concerning signaling pathways governing HSC fate.
Outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with nonmyeloablative or myeloablative conditioning regimens for treatment of lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Sorror Mohamed L. , Storer Barry E. , Maloney David G. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Martin Paul J. , Storb Rainer
Published: October 2007

Allogeneic conventional hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can be curative treatment for lymphoid malignancies, but it has been characterized by high nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Here, we compared outcomes among patients with lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia given either nonmyeloablative (n = 152) or myeloablative (n = 68) conditioning. Outcomes were stratified by the HCT-specific comorbidity index. Patients in the nonmyeloablative group were older, had more previous treatment and more comorbidities, more frequently had unrelated donors, and more often had malignancy in remission compared with patients in the myeloablative group. Patients with indolent versus aggressive malignancies were equally distributed among both cohorts. After HCT, patients without comorbidities both in the nonmyeloablative and myeloablative cohorts had comparable NRM (P = .74), overall survival (P = .75), and progression-free survival (P = .40). No significant differences were observed (P = .91, P = .89, and P = .40, respectively) after adjustment for pretransplantation variables. Patients with comorbidities experienced lower NRM (P = .009) and better survival (P = .04) after nonmyeloablative conditioning. These differences became more significant (P < .001 and .007, respectively) after adjustment for other variables. Further, nonmyeloablative patients with comorbidities had favorable adjusted progression-free survival (P = .01). Patients without comorbidities could be enrolled in prospective randomized studies comparing different conditioning intensities. Younger patients with comorbidities might benefit from reduced conditioning intensity.
Expression and water calcium dependence of calcium transporter isoforms in zebrafish gill mitochondrion-rich cells
Authors: Liao Bo-Kai , Deng Ang-Ni , Chen Shyh-Chi , Chou Ming-Yi , Hwang Pung-Pung
Published: October 2007

Background

Freshwater fish absorb Ca2+ predominantly from ambient water, and more than 97% of Ca2+ uptake is achieved by active transport through gill mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells. In the current model for Ca2+ uptake in gill MR cells, Ca2+ passively enters the cytosol via the epithelium Ca2+ channel (ECaC), and then is extruded into the plasma through the basolateral Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA). However, no convincing molecular or cellular evidence has been available to support the role of specific PMCA and/or NCX isoforms in this model. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a good model for analyzing isoforms of a gene because of the plentiful genomic databases and expression sequence tag (EST) data.

Results

Using a strategy of BLAST from the zebrafish genome database (Sanger Institute), 6 isoforms of PMCAs (PMCA1a, PMCA1b, PMCA2, PMCA3a, PMCA3b, and PMCA4) and 7 isoforms of NCXs (NCX1a, NCX1b, NCX2a, NCX2b, NCX3, NCX4a, and NCX4b) were identified. In the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, 5 PMCAs and 2 NCXs were ubiquitously expressed in various tissues including gills. Triple fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry showed the colocalization of zecac, zpmca2, and zncx1b mRNAs in a portion of gill MR cells (using Na+-K+-ATPase as the marker), implying a subset of ionocytes specifically responsible for the transepithelial Ca2+ uptake in zebrafish gills. The gene expressions in gills of high- or low-Ca2+-acclimated zebrafish by quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that zecac was the only gene regulated in response to environmental Ca2+ levels, while zpmcas and zncxs remained steady.

Conclusion

The present study provides molecular evidence for the specific isoforms of Ca2+ transporters, zECaC, zPMCA2, and zNCX1b, supporting the current Ca2+ uptake model, in which ECaC may play a role as the major regulatory target for this mechanism during environmental challenge.
A pilot study on pupillary and cardiovascular changes induced by stereoscopic video movies
Authors: Oyamada Hiroshi , Iijima Atsuhiko , Tanaka Akira , Ukai Kazuhiko , Toda Haruo , Sugita Norihiro , Yoshizawa Makoto , Bando Takehiko
Published: October 2007

Background

Taking advantage of developed image technology, it is expected that image presentation would be utilized to promote health in the field of medical care and public health. To accumulate knowledge on biomedical effects induced by image presentation, an essential prerequisite for these purposes, studies on autonomic responses in more than one physiological system would be necessary. In this study, changes in parameters of the pupillary light reflex and cardiovascular reflex evoked by motion pictures were examined, which would be utilized to evaluate the effects of images, and to avoid side effects.

Methods

Three stereoscopic video movies with different properties were field-sequentially rear-projected through two LCD projectors on an 80-inch screen. Seven healthy young subjects watched movies in a dark room. Pupillary parameters were measured before and after presentation of movies by an infrared pupillometer. ECG and radial blood pressure were continuously monitored. The maximum cross-correlation coefficient between heart rate and blood pressure, ρmax, was used as an index to evaluate changes in the cardiovascular reflex.

Results

Parameters of pupillary and cardiovascular reflexes changed differently after subjects watched three different video movies. Amplitudes of the pupillary light reflex, CR, increased when subjects watched two CG movies (movies A and D), while they did not change after watching a movie with the real scenery (movie R). The ρmax was significantly larger after presentation of the movie D. Scores of the questionnaire for subjective evaluation of physical condition increased after presentation of all movies, but their relationship with changes in CR and ρmax was different in three movies. Possible causes of these biomedical differences are discussed.

Conclusion

The autonomic responses were effective to monitor biomedical effects induced by image presentation. Further accumulation of data on multiple autonomic functions would contribute to develop the tools which evaluate the effects of image presentation to select applicable procedures and to avoid side effects in the medical care and rehabilitation.