bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Model of Peripheral Arterial Disease: Sustained Impairment of Nutritive Microcirculation and Its Recovery by Chronic Electrical Stimulation
Authors: BROWN M. D. , KELSALL C. J. , MILKIEWICZ M. , ANDERSON S. , HUDLICKA O.
Published: July 2007

Objectives: To develop a model of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in rat skeletal muscle with sustained impairment of microcirculatory perfusion, and to ascertain whether increased muscle activity can reverse the impairment.

Methods: Three weeks after iliac ligation in rats, the ipsilateral femoral artery was ligated (double ligation, DL), and in some animals, muscle activity was increased by electrical stimulation for 2 weeks (10 Hz, 15 min on, 85 mins off, 7 times per day). Diameter changes of precapillary arterioles to vasoactive agonists and capillary perfusion (flow intermittency, capillary red cell velocity [Vrbc], and diameters) were measured in extensor digitorum longus muscle and compared with 5 weeks iliac only ligation (single ligation, SL) and controls. Total muscle endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was estimated by Western blotting.

Results:Whereas single ligation increased intermittency of capillary flow with little effect on Vrbc and shear stress, DL completely eliminated increases in Vrbc and shear stress after muscle contractions. Arterial dilation to sodium nitroprusside was attenuated similarly in SL and DL; in SL, acetylcholine induced constriction and bradykinin an attenuated dilation, but in DL vessels were unresponsive to either. Chronic stimulation returned all microcirculatory parameters in DL to normal and increased levels of eNOS protein by 75%.

Conclusions: Femoral artery ligation following iliac ligation impairs arteriolar vasodilator capacity, capillary perfusion, and shear‐dependent function of microcirculatory endothelium more than iliac ligation alone and is more representative of long‐standing ischemia in PAD. Chronic intermittent electrical stimulation can normalize these derangements.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Perfusion
Authors: Brock Robert W. , Dorman Robert B.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Insulin resistance brings together the collection of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia associated with pathologies such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. As such, it is an important target for the prevention of complications linked with these pathologies. To the extent that insulin resistance involves hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, there are obvious associations between impaired insulin signaling and microvascular dysfunction. In fact, there is evidence that insulin resistance significantly participates in the microvascular damage that occurs with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Since the liver plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, and the state of the microcirculation reflects its function, the impact of insulin resistance on hepatic microvascular perfusion deficits is important. However, as of yet, no single body of work has addressed the relationships that exist between insulin resistance and the derangements in hepatic microvascular perfusion. Although there is distinct hepatic microvascular dysfunction associated with insulin resistance, a controversy still arises as to whether this dysfunction occurs as a result of reductions to the sinusoidal lumen. Nonetheless, the literature appears to agree that the general effects of obesity and insulin resistance on the hepatic microcirculation are linked to the selective impairment of phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase signaling, as well as the presence of swollen fatty hepatocytes and sinusoidal “capillarization.” This manuscript sets out to review the main aspects of hepatic glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, as well as the cellular and molecular mediators regulating hepatic microvascular perfusion deficits during obesity and insulin resistance.
An argument for new understandings and explanations of early school leaving that go beyond the conventional
Authors: Smyth John
Published: July 2007

This paper presents an argument around the need to rethink the issue of early school leaving from the vantage point of students and teachers, and the conditions and pathways that need to be constructed and brought into existence within schooling, if such conditions do not already exist.
The attempt is to move discussions outside of the well-meaning but ultimately unhelpful literatures of 'at risk' categories that end up blaming students, their families or backgrounds. The claim being advanced is that the focus needs to be on relationships, school cultures, and pedagogical
arrangements that make schools more attractive and educationally engaging places.
Effects of vanadate and insulin on the activities of selected enzymes of amino acid metabolism in alloxan diabetic rat kidney
Authors: Salimuddin  , Upadhyaya K. C. , Baquer Najma Z.
Published: July 2007

The effects of insulin and the insulin mimetic agent “vanadate” were studied on the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and arginase in the cytosolic and the mitochondrial fractions of the kidney in control and alloxan induced diabetic rats. An enhancement in the activities of these enzymes were noted in both the fractions of diabetic kidney. Vanadate treatment (0.6 mg/ml in drinking water) of alloxan induced diabetic rats restored the activities of these enzymes almost completely in the cytosolic and partially in the mitochondrial fractions. Vanadate treatment also normalized hyperglycaemia without altering the depressed levels of insulin secretion in diabetic rats. The effect of insulin treatment was found to be the same as that of vanadate in diabetic rats.
Reaction of rabbit skeletal myosin with D‐glucose 6‐phosphate
Authors: Avigad Gad , Kniep Annemarie , Bailin Gary
Published: July 2007

Incubation of rabbit skeletal myosin with 1 to 3 mM D‐glucose 6‐phosphate over a period of several hours resulted in the inhibition of the K+‐ and actin activated‐ATPase activities. Substrate ATP (0.5 ‐ 3 mM final concentration) protected the myosin against the loss of ATPase activity as induced by glucose 6‐phosphate. This was also found for ADP. When the myosin was incubated with 3 mM [3H] labeled glucose 6‐phosphate for 28 h. up to one mole of glucose 6‐phosphate was incorporated per 4.7 × 105 g of myosin. A significant reduction in the labeling occurred in the presence of ATP. The labeling was limited to the heavy chain region as judged by gel electrophoresis which resolved the heavy and light chain components of myosin. The non‐enzymatic glycation of myosin by glucose 6‐phosphate is probably the primary cause for the observed loss of the ATPase activity of myosin. This effect may also occur physiologically modifying the activity of muscle contractile proteins particularly during prolonged hyperglycemia.
Promotion of proliferation of murine BALB/c3T3 fibroblasts mediated by nitric oxide at lower concentrations
Authors: Du Ming , Islam Md. Muzharul , Lin Ling , Ohmura Yoshihisa , Moriyama Yoichi , Fujimura Shinji
Published: July 2007

This study showed that nitric oxide (NO)‐generating S‐nitrosothiols, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), increased proliferation of BALB/c 3T3 (clone A31‐1‐1) fibroblasts in vitro. Treatment with SNAP at a relatively low concentration (0.005‐0.02 mM) induced an increase in cell number compared to control. SNAP (0.005‐0.02 mM) and GSNO (0.025‐0.05 mM) both showed an increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation in exponentially growing cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The maximal effect was observed at about 40 and 90% above control at 0.02 mM and 0.05 mM, respectively. The increase induced by 0.02 mM SNAP was abolished by the addition of 0.01mM oxyhemoglobin, a scavenger of NO. [3H]Thymidine incorporation in stationary cells was also increased by SNAP. In addition, 0.02mM SNAP produced a 1.8‐3.2‐fold increase of thymidine kinase activity in exponentially growing cells.
Direct synthesis of full length p53 cDNA from frozen liver
Authors: Ranganathan Perungavur N. , Feitelson Mark A.
Published: July 2007

RNA secondary structures can inhibit efficient first strand synthesis in the construction of cDNA clones. Here we report a procedure that incorporates an initial computer analysis of potential secondary structures in related mRNAs. Then a modified, direct reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) procedure optimized for obtaining a full length cDNA starting from a small amount of frozen tissue, without the need for a library construction, is performed. This modified approach is compared to the gene‐specific first strand primer method. In addition, the first strand obtained by each of these methods is amplified using two different types of PCR. The utility of this procedure is demonstrated by the successful synthesis of a full length 1.2 kb p53 cDNA by both methods of PCR, from total RNA isolated from woodchuck liver.
Isolation and characterization of AFP‐binding proteins from tumor and fetal human tissues
Authors: Kanevsky V.Yu. , Pozdnyakova L. P. , Aksenova O. A. , Severin S. E. , Katukov V.Yu. , Severin E. S.
Published: July 2007

The AFP receptor (rAFP) was discovered in embryonal and tumor tissues with a high level of proliferation. The AFP‐binding protein (AFPbp) possibly containing the AFP‐receptor (rAFP) was isolated from human embryos and human breast cancer tissue using affinity chromatography on an AFP‐Sepharose column. The similarity of molecular weight, subunit composition, and immunological characteristics was shown for embryonal and tumor AFPbp using immunoblotting, gel‐filtration, and PAAG electrophoresis. Judging from Superose‐12 gel‐filtration data, the protein molecular weight made up to 320‐380 kDa. The presence of an IgG‐binding site was detected in embryonal and tumor AFPbp by Western blot analysis.
Regulation of progresterone biosynthesis in the human placenta by estradiol 17β and progesterone
Authors: Shanker Y. Gopi , Rao A. Jagannadha
Published: July 2007

Ex vivo addition of estradiol 17β to first trimester or term human placental minces caused a significant increase in the quantity of progesterone produced. Addition of an aromatase inhibitor, CGS 16949 A, or the estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182780, significantly inhibited progesterone production confirming the role of estradiol 17β in the regulation of progesterone synthesis in human placenta. RU 486 and ZK 98299, which are antagonists of progesterone receptor, significantly modulated progesterone synthesis in the human placenta but exhibited paradoxical effects on the first trimester and term placenta. We conclude that progesterone synthesis in the human placenta is regulated by estradiol 17β and progesterone. This is the first report providing evidence for autoregulation of progesterone synthesis in the human placenta.
A requirement for rac1 in the PDGF‐stimulated migration of fibroblasts and vascular smooth cells
Authors: Doanes A. Masharn , Irani Kaikobad , Goldschmidt‐Clermont Pascal J. , Finkel Toren
Published: July 2007

Rac1 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases. Although rac1 has been demonstrated to regulate the cytoskeleton, relatively little is known regarding its role in directional migration of mammalian cells. To address this issue, we have used recombinant adenoviruses to transiently express in fibroblasts either a dominant negative (N17rac1) or constitutively active (V12rac1) isoform of the small GTP‐binding protein rac1. Expression of N17rac1 is demonstrated to inhibit PDGF‐stimulated migration of rat fibroblasts. Surprisingly, expression of V12rac1 also inhibited, albeit to a lesser degree, the chemotactic response to PDGF. In contrast, expression of N17rac1 had no effect on PDGF stimulation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or the adherence of cells to plastic or fibronectin coated surfaces. Similar to what was observed in fibroblasts, expression of N17rac1 inhibited the PDGF‐stimutated migration of primary vascular smooth muscle cells. These results identify rac1 as an important downstream mediator of PDGF‐induced chemotaxis.
Spectroscopic and thermodynamic evidence for a complex denaturation mechanism of bovine β‐lactoglobulin A
Authors: García‐Hernández Enrique , Hernández‐Arana Andrés , Zubillaga Rafael A. , Rojo‐Domínguez Arturo
Published: July 2007

We present a spectroscopic and calorimetric study on the thermal denaturation of bovine β‐lactoglobulin (β‐lg) variant A. Spectroscopic data allowed detection of a stable intermediate emerging from structural modifications restricted to local regions of the native molecule. It is suggested that this kind of intermediate could be a common property of lipocalins. Using the same set of parameters that has successfully related thermodynamics and structural properties of other proteins, it is shown that the thermally denatured state of β‐lg retains a significant amount of buried hydrophobic surface area. Thus, despite being a small protein composed of a single structural domain, β‐lg exhibits a complex unfolding mechanism, comprising at least two other species different from the native and completely unfolded states.
Epitope mapping of anti‐troponin I monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Filatov Vladimir L. , Katrukha Aleksei G. , Bereznikova Anastasia V. , Esakova Tatiana V. , Bulargina Tamara V. , Kolosova Olga V. , Severin Evgeniy S. , Gusev Nikolai B.
Published: July 2007

Two groups of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to human cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were generated by immunization of mice by isolated cTnI (group I, 16 MAbs) or by the whole troponin complex (group II, 15 MAbs). Two sets of overlapping decapeptides covering the complete sequence of cTnI were prepared and used for epitope mapping by SPOT technique. Majority of MAbs (28 out of 31) interacts with synthetic peptides thus indicating that they recognize liner epitopes. MAbs raised against isolated cTnI preferentially recognize epitopes located at the N‐ or C‐terminal ends of cTnI. Nine out of fifteen MAbs raised against whole troponin complex interact with epitopes located in the N‐terminal part of cTnI. Generation of MAbs recognizing both isolated cTnI and cTnI inside of troponin complex and mapping their epitopes provides reliable detection of TnI in serum of patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Thymoquinone protects against carbon tetrachloride hetatotoxicity in mice via an antioxidant mechanism
Authors: Nagi Mahmoud N. , Alam Khurshid , Badary Osama A. , Al‐Shabanah Othman A. , Al‐Sawaf Hussein A. , Al‐Bekairi Abdullah M.
Published: July 2007

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major active component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds. The effects of TQ on carbon tetrachloride (CC14)‐induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in male Swiss albino mice. Carbon tetrachloride (20 μl/Kg, i.p.) injected into mice, induced damage to liver cells and was followed by the increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity after 24 h. Oral administration of TQ in a single dose (100 mg/Kg) resulted in significant (p<0.001) protection against the hepatotoxic effects of CCl4.

TQ was tested as a substrate for mice hepatic DT‐diaphorase in the presence of NADH. TQ appears to undergo reduction to dihydrothymoquinone (DHTQ). Reduction rates as a function of protein (liver homogenate) and substrate (TQ) concentrations are reported. An apparent Km of 0.1 mM and an apparent Vmax of 74 μmol/min/g liver were measured.

TQ and DHTQ inhibited the in vitro non‐enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate (induced by Fe3+‐ascorbate) in a dose dependent manner. In this in vitro model DHTQ was more potent in comparison with TQ and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The IC50 for DHTQ, TQ and BHT were found to be 0.34, 0.87 and 0.58 μM respectively. The data suggest that the in vivo protective action of TQ against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity may be mediated through the combined antioxidant properties of TQ and its metabolite DHTQ.
Stabilization of the T‐state of human hemoglobin by proflavine, an antiseptic drug
Authors: Ascenzi Paolo , Colasanti Marco , Fasano Mauro , Bertollini Alberto
Published: July 2007

The effect of proflavine (3,6‐diaminoacridine), an antiseptic drug, on the spectroscopic and oxygen binding properties of ferrous human adult hemoglobin (Hb) has been investigated. Upon binding of proflavine to the nitric oxide derivative of ferrous human adult hemoglobin (HbNO), the X‐band EPR spectrum displays the characteristics which have been attributed to the T‐state of the ligated tetramer. In parallel, oxygen affinity for the deoxygenated derivative of ferrous human adult Hb decreases in the presence of proflavine. The effect of proflavine on the spectroscopic and ligand binding properties of ferrous human adult Hb is reminiscent that of 2,3‐D‐glycerate bisphosphate, the physiological modulator of Hb action.
Purification and partial characterization of a new proteolytic enzyme from the venom of Bothrops moojeni (Caissaca)
Authors: Oliveira F. , Rodrigues V. M. , Borges M. H. , Soares A. M. , Hamaguchi A. , Giglio J. R. , Homsi‐Brandeburgo M. I.
Published: July 2007

A basic serine protease which is active on casein and fibrinogen was purified from Bothrops moojeni venom using a single step chromatography on a CM‐Sepharose fast flow column. The enzyme, MOO3, was not hemorrhagic and presented only a trace of blood‐clotting activity. Synthetic chromogenic substrates (azoacasein and azoalbumin) where not hydrolyzed by MOO3. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4.3, MOO3 showed as a single protein band. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide electrophoresis, MOO3 behaved as a single‐chain protein with an approximate mol. weight of 27,000, both in the presence and absence of β‐mercaptoethanol. Its pl was 7.8 by electrofocusing. The enzyme did not contain neutral carbohydrates and its N‐terminal amino acid was alanine. The amino acid composition showed 249 residues/mole, a high content of hydrophilic amino acids and 14 half‐cystine residues, which should account for 7 disulfide bonds. The protease cleaved the A‐α chain faster than the B‐β of bovine fibrinogen and showed no effect on the δ‐chain. Specific esterolytic activity of MOO3 on α‐N‐tosyl‐l‐arginine methyl ester was 29.64 μmol min‐1×mg‐1. MOO3 represented 1.42% (w/w) of the initial desiccated venom. Its proteolytic activity was inhibited by β‐mercaptoethanol, leupeptin, phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride and ethylenediamine tetraacetate.
Reactions of Heme Peroxidases with Peroxynitrite
Authors: Gebicka Lidia , Gebicki Jerzy L.
Published: July 2007

The interaction of peroxynitrite, produced by ozonation of azide, with two heme peroxidases (horseradish peroxidase and lactoperoxidase) was studied. Enzymes retained full activity after incubation with peroxynitrite at neutral pH. Lactoperoxidase alone was found to catalyze peroxynitrite decomposition, whereas horseradish peroxidase accelerated peroxynitrite decomposition only in the presence of certain substrates. For example, in the presence of guaiacol the catalyzing effect was clear, but in the presence of trolox was only noticeable.
Oscillating politics and shifting agencies: equalities and diversity work and actor network theory
Authors: Hunter Shona , Swan Elaine
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper has two purposes: to introduce a new perspective on power and resistance in equalities work; and to trouble either or theorisations of success and failure in this work. Instead it offers a new means of exploring micro‐practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies/develops an “actor network theory” (ANT) analysis to a single case study of Iopia, a Black woman equalities practitioner working in a prison education context. It uses this to explore the ways in which Iopia interacts with a variety of human and non‐human objects to challenge racism in this context.

Findings

Iopia, from an initial position of marginality (as a Black woman experiencing racism) is able to establish herself (by virtue of this same identity as a Black woman combating racism) as central to a “new” network for equality and diversity. This new network both challenges and sustains narrow exclusionary definitions of diversity. Thus, Iopia's case provides an example of the contradictions, and paradox, experienced by those working for equality and diversity.

Research limitations/implications

In the future, this type of feminist ANT analysis could be more fully developed and integrated with critical race and other critical cultural theories as these relate to equalities work.

Practical implications

The approach, and, in particular, the notion of translation, can be used by practitioners in thinking through the ways in which they can use material objects to draw in multiple “others” into their own networks.

Originality/value

The article is one of the first to explore equalities workers via the lens of ANT. It is unique in its analysis of the material objects constituting both diversity workers and diversity work and thus its analysis of diversity workers and their work as part of a complex set of social and “material” relations.
Borders of “the boundaryless career”
Authors: Sommerlund Julie , Boutaiba Sami
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the notion of the boundaryless career, arguing that the notion is problematic, and that simultaneous co‐existence of different types of careers makes both “new” and “old” types of careers possible.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is twofold: a theoretical argument, and a qualitative ethnographic study, involving observations and interviews.

Findings

The theoretical argument questions the underlying premise and promise of the notion of the boundaryless career, namely that modern careers amount to a higher level of personal freedom. This empirical study will serve to illustrate the co‐constitutive nature of different career stories.

Research limitations/implications

The research is qualitative and thereby limited in the following way: it serves to give a deep understanding of the phenomena at hand, but is not easily generalizable. However, the methodology can inspire scholars to explore the findings observed in this paper.

Practical implications

The idealization of the boundaryless career is problematic, as it poses problems to those concerned with the career. A more flexible ideal of careers would be preferable to researchers and organisational actors alike.

Originality/value

The paper gives a practical and empirical input to a debate that has been largely conceptual or generalized.
Can banks improve customer relationships with high quality online services?
Authors: Herington Carmel , Weaven Scott
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of online service quality on the level of customer delight and on the development of customer relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐complete survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 200 Australian respondents who use online banking. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test the proposed model of relationships.

Findings

Online service quality has no impact on customer delight, e‐trust or the development of stronger relationships with customers. It does have a relationship to e‐loyalty. However, the “efficiency” dimension of online service quality is related to e‐trust and also indirectly to relationship strength through e‐trust. The “personal need” and “site organization” dimensions of online service quality are related to e‐loyalty, with “personal needs” exhibiting the strongest impact. Customer delight has no relationship to online service quality, nor e‐trust, relationship strength or e‐loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizability is the main issue. Further research is required to confirm results and examine the identified lack of association between customer delight and e‐loyalty. Further exploration of all scales is recommended. Online service quality is not a sufficient method for retaining customers through relationship building and does not result in delighting customers.

Practical implications

Online service quality is not enough to develop strong relationships with bank customers. Banks can achieve customer loyalty through attending to their personal needs in online situations as well as providing a well organized site. Alternatively, if banks wish to develop strong relationships with customers, they must provide user‐friendly and efficient websites while also developing trust in the website. Relationship building and e‐loyalty appears to represent different things to different customers. Therefore, online service quality alone is not a sufficient means of building strong relationships and retaining customers.

Originality/value

Results provide important insights into the impact of online service quality on relationship building with customers. Also online service quality for banks appears different to other previously researched retail settings and has different associated outcomes.
Policy benchmarking: a tool of democracy or a tool of authoritarianism?
Authors: Papaioannou Theodoros
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between policy benchmarking, democracy and authoritarianism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses theoretical investigation of different methodological perspectives of policy benchmarking and their relationship with principles of democracy and authoritarianism and analysis of the case of the European Union (EU) on the basis of empirical data.

Findings

Identifies two methodological perspectives of policy benchmarking: the first, grounded on the principle of learning and the bottom‐up approach, is close to democracy; the second, based on the principle of copying and the top‐down approach, is close to authoritarianism. The application of policy benchmarking in the EU so far appears to include elements of both democracy and authoritarianism.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not exhaustive as regards methodological approaches to policy benchmarking and theories of democracy and authoritarianism.

Practical implications

Crucial methodological and ethico‐political implications for the use of benchmarking in the enlarged EU of 25.

Originality/value

This original piece of work provides clear answer to the question of relationship between policy benchmarking, democracy and authoritarianism. The paper contributes to academic debate of public policy, offering, at the same time, practical methodological help to policy‐makers.
Mechanisms of serotonergic agents for treatment of gastrointestinal motility and functional bowel disorders
Authors: Kindt S. , Tack J.
Published: July 2007

Abstract  Most of the body's serotonin is released in the gut where it plays an important role in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) motility, sensitivity and muscle tone by activating different receptor subtypes. This review focuses on the known effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists on the sensorimotor function of the GI tract and describes the therapeutic potential of these actions for GI motility and functional bowel disorders.
Incorporation of herbs into sandesh, an Indian sweet dairy product, as a source of natural antioxidants
Authors: BANDYOPADHYAY MAHUYA , CHAKRABORTY RUNU , RAYCHAUDHURI UTPAL
Published: July 2007

Indian herbs such as turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), curry leaf (Murraya koenigii L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and aonla (Emblica officinalis) are good sources of antioxidants. These herbs, as a paste, were incorporated separately at the 10% level into sandesh (a heat‐desiccated product of coagulated milk protein mass or chhana, which is analogous to cottage cheese). Their total antioxidative status was assessed in vitro using Randox's method. The antioxidative levels of the various herbs were compared with the synthetic antioxidants TBHQ and BHA: BHT (1:1) at 100 and 200 mg/kg levels. The antioxidative effect of herbal sandesh decreased in the order turmeric > curry leaf > aonla > spinach > coriander leaf. Total antioxidative statuses of herbal sandesh were lower than samples with TBHQ but similar to those with 200 mg/kg BHA: BHT (1:1). The proximate composition of herbal sandesh was comparable with control sandesh. Incorporation of herbs at the level used did not significantly affect the overall acceptability of sandesh. Considering all the findings, it can be concluded that herbal sandesh is a more value‐added health food than the control sandesh.
Synthesis of Spinel CoFe2O4 Via the Co‐Precipitation Method Using Tetraalkyl Ammonium Hydroxides as Precipitating Agents
Authors: Paike Vijaykumar V. , Niphadkar Prashant S. , Bokade Vijay V. , Joshi Praphulla N.
Published: July 2007

Spinel Cobalt ferrites were synthesized by the co‐precipitation method using tetramethyl‐, tetraethyl‐, and tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide as precipitating agents. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption measurements. The influence of the length of the carbon chain of the precipitating agent on the progressive development of the spinel structure has been investigated as a function of thermal decomposition temperature. The degree of crystallization depends on the thermal decomposition temperature, and also on the type of precipitating agent used to form the precursor. Tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide is the weakest base with the highest molecular weight among the three precipitating agents. An increase in the size of the tetraalkyl ammonium cation reduces the crystallite size and lattice parameter of cobalt ferrite spinel. It also appears to reduce the degree of particle aggregation significantly.
An intestinal neuroendocrine tumour associated with paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia and melaena in a 10‐year‐old boxer
Authors: Tappin S. , Brown P. , Ferasin L.
Published: July 2007

A 10‐year‐old female neutered boxer was presented with a five‐week history of episodic collapse and melaena. Twenty‐four‐hour electrocardiograph (Holter) analysis revealed the collapsing episodes to coincide with episodes of paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. Investigation of the dog’s melaena revealed a gastric ulcer which was treated medically and an ileocaecal mass which was surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the mass was consistent with a neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumour. The patient’s recovery after surgery was unremarkable. At six‐week follow‐up, there had been no further episodes of melaena or collapse and repeat Holter analysis did not show any significant abnormalities. In this dog the gastric ulceration and paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia could be attributed to a paraneoplastic syndrome as a result of circulating vasoactive substances released by the tumour; this is supported by the evidence that all clinical signs resolved after surgical excision of the mass and the dog was clinically well 18 months after surgery.
Canine diabetes mellitus: from phenotype to genotype
Authors: Catchpole B. , Kennedy L. J. , Davison L. J. , Ollier W. E. R.
Published: July 2007

Breed differences in susceptibility to diabetes mellitus in dogs suggest an underlying genetic component to the pathogenesis of the disease. There is little evidence for an equivalent of human type 2 diabetes in dogs, and it has been proposed that canine diabetes is more comparable to the type 1 form of the disease. Certain immune response genes, particularly those encoding major histocompatibility complex molecules involved in antigen presentation, are important in determining susceptibility to human type 1 diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that canine major histocompatibility complex genes (known as the dog leucocyte antigen) are associated with diabetes in dogs. A total of 530 diabetic dogs and more than 1000 controls were typed for dog leucocyte antigen, and associations were found with three specific haplotypes. TheDLA‐DRB1*009/DQA1*001/DQB1*008haplotype shows the strongest association with diabetes in the UK dog population. This haplotype is common in diabetes‐prone breeds (Samoyed, cairn terrier and Tibetan terrier) but rare in diabetes‐resistant breeds (boxer, German shepherd dog and golden retriever), which could explain differences in the prevalence of diabetes in these different breeds. There is evidence that theDLA‐DQA1*001allele is also associated with hypothyroidism, suggesting that this could represent a common susceptibility allele for canine immune‐mediated endocrinopathies.
The High-Osmolarity Glycerol Response Pathway in the Human Fungal Pathogen
Candida glabrata
Strain ATCC 2001 Lacks a Signaling Branch That Operates in Baker's Yeast
Authors: Gregori Christa , Schüller Christoph , Roetzer Andreas , Schwarzmüller Tobias , Ammerer Gustav , Kuchler Karl
Published: July 2007

The high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway mediates adaptation to high-osmolarity stress in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Here we investigate the function of HOG in the human opportunistic fungal pathogen
Candida glabrata. C. glabrata sho1
Δ (Cg
sho1
Δ) deletion strains from the sequenced ATCC 2001 strain display severe growth defects under hyperosmotic conditions, a phenotype not observed for yeast
sho1
Δ mutants. However, deletion of Cg
SHO1
in other genetic backgrounds fails to cause osmostress hypersensitivity, whereas cells lacking the downstream MAP kinase Pbs2 remain osmosensitive. Notably, ATCC 2001 Cg
sho1
Δ cells also display methylglyoxal hypersensitivity, implying the inactivity of the Sln1 branch in ATCC 2001. Genomic sequencing of Cg
SSK2
in different
C. glabrata
backgrounds demonstrates that ATCC 2001 harbors a truncated and mutated Cg
ssk2
-
1
allele, the only orthologue of yeast
SSK2/SSK22
genes. Thus, the osmophenotype of ATCC 2001 is caused by a point mutation in Cg
ssk2
-
1
, which debilitates the second HOG pathway branch. Functional complementation experiments unequivocally demonstrate that HOG signaling in yeast and
C. glabrata
share similar functions in osmostress adaptation. In contrast to yeast, however, Cg
sho1
Δ mutants display hypersensitivity to weak organic acids such as sorbate and benzoate. Hence, CgSho1 is also implicated in modulating weak acid tolerance, suggesting that HOG signaling in
C. glabrata
mediates the response to multiple stress conditions.
Children's Reported Communication With Their Parents About War
Authors: O'Malley Colleen J. , Blankemeyer Maureen , Walker Kathleen K. , Dellmann-Jenkins Mary
Published: July 2007

There is increased interest by parents in communicating with their children about political violence. However, limited attention in the scholarly literature has focused on parent—child communication about war and terrorism. In response, the purpose of this study is to assess, within their respective ecological contexts, American and Northern Irish children's ( n = 97) reported communication with their parents about war. The results provide support for the presence of developmental differences, with age being a stronger predictor than gender and country in the frequency and content of parent—child discussions about war. Children ages 7 to 11 are more likely than younger children to report talking to their parents about war, and they address more topics than do the younger children in their reports of what their parents said about war. The contents of the children's reported conversations with their parents are discussed, as are implications for parents, parenting educators, and researchers.
Comparing Consensus- and Aggregation-Based Methods of Measuring Team-Level Variables
Authors: Quigley Narda R. , Tekleab Amanuel G. , Tesluk Paul E.
Published: July 2007

Using data collected from 53 student teams, the authors examine the relationships between team cohesion as measured through aggregation of individual team member responses and consensus methods and two outcome variables. They examine whether the different methods of assessment affect the strength of the relationships between cohesion and the outcome variables in cases of high and low relationship conflict and conflict management. Moderated regression results reveal three-way interactions among cohesion, method of assessment, and conflict management on team satisfaction and perceived team performance; in addition, the authors find support for a three-way interaction between cohesion, method of assessment, and relationship conflict on perceived team performance. The pattern of findings suggests that the team consensus approach to assessing cohesion may result in stronger relationships with outcome variables than the individual aggregation method only when teams are able to manage relationship conflict effectively. The findings and their implications for measuring team-level variables are discussed.
Reduced inflammatory response in cigarette smoke exposed Mrp1/Mdr1a/1b deficient mice
Authors: van der Deen Margaretha , Timens Wim , Timmer-Bosscha Hetty , van der Strate Barry W , Scheper Rik J , Postma Dirkje S , de Vries Elisabeth G , Kerstjens Huib A
Published: July 2007

Background

Tobacco smoke is the principal risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though the mechanisms of its toxicity are still unclear. The ABC transporters multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp/MDR1) extrude a wide variety of toxic substances across cellular membranes and are highly expressed in bronchial epithelium. Their impaired function may contribute to COPD development by diminished detoxification of noxious compounds in cigarette smoke.

Methods

We examined whether triple knock-out (TKO) mice lacking the genes for Mrp1 and Mdr1a/1b are more susceptible to develop COPD features than their wild-type (WT) littermates. TKO and WT mice (six per group) were exposed to 2 cigarettes twice daily by nose-only exposure or room air for 6 months. Inflammatory infiltrates were analyzed in lung sections, cytokines and chemokines in whole lung homogenates, emphysema by mean linear intercept. Multiple linear regression analysis with an interaction term was used to establish the statistical significances of differences.

Results

TKO mice had lower levels of interleukin (IL)-7, KC (mouse IL-8), IL-12p70, IL-17, TNF-alpha, G-CSF, GM-CSF and MIP-1-alpha than WT mice independent of smoke exposure (P < 0.05). IL-1-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IL-17, TNF-alpha, G-CSF, GM-CSF and MCP-1 increased after smoke exposure in both groups, but the increase in IL-8 was lower in TKO than WT mice (P < 0.05) with a same trend for G-CSF (P < 0.10). Smoke-induced increase in pulmonary inflammatory cells in WT mice was almost absent in TKO mice. The mean linear intercept was not different between groups.

Conclusion

Mrp1/Mdr1a/1b knock-out mice have a reduced inflammatory response to cigarette smoke. In addition, the expression levels of several cytokines and chemokines were also lower in lungs of Mrp1/Mdr1a/1b knock-out mice independent of smoke exposure. Further studies are required to determine whether dysfunction of MRP1 and/or P-gp contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD.
Gastrointestinal transit of model mini-tablet controlled release oral dosage forms in fasted human volunteers
Authors: Podczeck F , Course N , Newton J M , Short M B
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to compare the gastrointestinal transit of multiple unit, small diameter (3.2 mm), non-disintegrating tablets of differing densities with results previously reported in the same volunteers in the fasted state for larger diameter (6.6 and 12.2 mm) tablets. The gastrointestinal transit was observed with gamma-scintigraphy at various intervals over a 9-h period to give an accurate assessment of the transit characteristics. The value for the median emptying time of the first light tablet was significantly shorter than that for the dense tablet, but the total emptying time and the time for the last tablet to empty for both sets of tablets were not statistically different. The value of the median time for initial and final emptying of the small tablets from the stomach was significantly longer than that for the larger diameter tablets. The 9-h time limit of the observations limited the estimation of the time taken to enter the caecum and consequently the small intestine transit times. There was clear evidence that for the dense tablets of all sizes, the value for the small intestine transit time was longer than the 3–4 h reported in the literature. The only tablet system to enter the caecum within the time limit of the study was the normal density 12.2-mm tablets.
Effect of ethanol consumption on blood pressure and rat mesenteric arterial bed, aorta and carotid responsiveness
Authors: Tirapelli Carlos R , Leone Andreia F C , Coelho Eduardo B , Resstel Leonardo B M , Corrêa Fernando M A , Lanchote Vera L , Uyemura Sergio A , Padovan Cláudia M , de Oliveira Ana M
Published: July 2007

This study investigates whether chronic ethanol consumption increases blood pressure and alters vascular reactivity in different tissues. Changes in reactivity to phenylephrine and acetylcholine were investigated in the aorta, carotid artery and mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) isolated from rats pretreated with ethanol for 2 or 6 weeks. Mild hypertension was observed in chronically ethanol-treated rats, which was due to rises in both systolic and diastolic pressures. Chronic ethanol consumption increased the contractile response to phenylephrine of endothelium-intact and denuded rat aortic rings from rats pretreated with ethanol for 2 or 6 weeks. Conversely, no differences were found in acetylcholine-induced relaxation. Neither phenylephrine-induced contraction nor acetylcholine-induced relaxation were altered in the rat carotid. Six weeks' ethanol consumption enhanced the contractile response to phenylephrine of endothelium-intact, but not denuded rat MAB. On the other hand, 2 weeks' ethanol consumption did not affect phenylephrine-induced increase in perfusion pressure. Moreover, acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in the MAB was reduced after treatment with ethanol for 6 weeks but not after 2 weeks. In conclusion, ethanol affects both blood pressure and vessel reactivity, but the effect on vascular reactivity may take longer to become apparent in MAB than in the aorta, and was not evident in the carotid. Moreover, we provide evidence that the effect of ethanol depends on the agonist and blood vessel studied.
Effects of coconut oil on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Arruzazabala María de Lourdes , Molina Vivian , Más Rosa , Carbajal Daisy , Marrero David , González Víctor , Rodríguez Eduardo
Published: July 2007

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the benign uncontrolled growth of the prostate gland, leading to difficulty with urination. Saw palmetto lipid extracts (SPLE), used to treat BPH, have been shown to inhibit prostate 5α-reductase, and some major components, such as lauric, myristic and oleic acids also inhibit this enzyme. Coconut oil (CO) is also rich in fatty acids, mainly lauric and myristic acids. We investigated whether CO prevents testosterone-induced prostate hyperplasia (PH) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were distributed into seven groups (10 rats each). A negative control group were injected with soya oil; six groups were injected with testosterone (3 mg kg−1) to induce PH: a positive control group, and five groups treated orally with SPLE (400 mg kg−1), CO or sunflower oil (SO) (400 and 800 mg kg−1). Treatments were given for 14 days. Rats were weighed before treatment and weekly thereafter. Rats were then killed and the prostates were removed and weighed. CO (400 and 800 mg kg−1), SPLE (400 mg kg−1) and SO at 800 mg kg−1, but not at 400 mg kg−1, significantly reduced the increase in prostate weight (PW) and PW:body weight (BW) ratio induced by testosterone (% inhibition 61.5%, 82.0%, 43.8% and 28.2%, respectively). Since CO and SPLE, but not SO, contain appreciable concentrations of lauric and myristic acids, these results could be attributed to this fact. In conclusion, this study shows that CO reduced the increase of both PW and PW:BW ratio, markers of testosterone-induced PH in rats.
Unsteady thermal stress analysis in three-dimensional problems by means of the thermoelastic displacement potential and the boundary element method
Authors: Ochiai Y , Ishida R , Sekiya T
Published: July 2007

A numerical method to analyse unsteady thermal stresses in three-dimensional problems is proposed. It is shown that three-dimensional unsteady thermal stress problems can be easily solved without the volume integral by means of the thermoelastic displacement potential and the boundary element method. It is also shown that the time integral can be easily carried out analytically. In order to investigate the accuracy of this method, unsteady thermal stress distributions for a sphere and a circular cylinder are obtained. As a numerical example for which it is difficult to obtain the analytical solution, thermal displacements and surface stress distributions for a torus are obtained.
A study of stress concentrations in solids with circular holes by three-dimensional special hybrid stress finite elements
Authors: Tian Z-S
Published: July 2007

Four kinds of 12-node solid finite elements with two parallel faces and one traction-free cylindrical surface have been developed based on the assumed stress hybrid method. Cylindrical coordinates are used so that the assumed stresses satisfy the equilibrium equations as well as the traction-free condition over the cylindrical boundary. In the limiting case of plane stress the assumed stresses also satisfy the compatibility conditions. Examples have indicated that these present special solid finite elements are far superior in predicting the distributions of the circumferential stresses and the stress concentration factors for solids with circular holes.
Internal stresses at the saddles of YT tubular joints with three different weld fillet shapes
Authors: Fessler H , Marston R E , Ollerton E
Published: July 2007

The frozen-stress, photoelastic method was used to determine the elastic stresses along 16 lines through the chord at the saddles of YT tubular joints. Four 45–90 degree joints were simply supported at the ends of the chord and tension was applied to one brace only. The blend fillet at the intersection of the brace wall and chord wall outer surfaces was modelled as an idealised chamfer, a sharp corner, and a blended circular arc.

In the chord wall near the fillet, stress distributions show predominant chord wall bending with significant tension in the direction of the chord axis. The greatest stresses occur at the weld toe where the notch effect extends to one third of the chord wall thickness. There is no stress concentration at the internal brace/chord fillet. Surface stresses are presented as mean and bending values.
Out-of-plane bending of faceted cylinder end plates
Authors: Oghoubian R , Smart J
Published: July 2007

Washing machine tanks are now made mainly as plastic injection mouldings. Essentially, they consist of a cylinder, open at one end and with a faceted end plate at the other. The tanks are subjected to an out-of-plane bending moment at the centre of the faceted plate.

This geometry/loading combination has been examined using the finite element method and an understanding of the important design parameters obtained.

To avoid performing many finite element analyses to obtain a satisfactory design, a quick approximate analysis method has been developed. This has been shown to be accurate over a wide range of designs.