bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional map of NFκB signaling identifies novel modulators and multiple system controls
Authors: Halsey Thomas A , Yang Longlong , Walker John R , Hogenesch John B , Thomas Russell S
Published: June 2007

Background

The network of signaling pathways that leads to activation of the NFκB transcription factors is a branched structure with different inputs and cross-coupling with other signaling pathways. How these signals are integrated to produce specific, yet diverse responses is not clearly understood. To identify the components and structural features of the NFκB network, a series of cell-based, genomic screens was performed using a library of approximately 14,500 full-length genes.

Results

A total of 154 positive and 88 negative modulators of NFκB signaling were identified. Using a series of dominant-negative constructs and functional assays, these modulators were mapped to the known NFκB signaling cascade. Most of the positive modulators acted upstream of the IκB kinase complex, supporting previous observations that the IκB kinases represent the primary point of convergence in the network. A number of negative modulators were localized downstream of the IκB kinase β (IKBKB) subunit, suggesting that they form an additional layer of negative control within the system. The expression of the modulators at the RNA level was distributed disproportionately across tissues, providing flexibility in network structure, and the number of positive and negative modulators present in a given tissue was highly correlated, suggesting that positive and negative regulation is balanced at the tissue level.

Conclusion

The relative locations of the modulators are consistent with an hourglass structure for the NFκB network that is characteristic of robust systems. The tissue distribution of the modulators and downstream location of the negative modulators serve as layers of control within the system that allow differential responses to different stimuli.
Fibrinogen is localized on dark zone follicular dendritic cells in vivo and enhances the proliferation and survival of a centroblastic cell line in vitro
Authors: Lefevre Eric A , Hein Wayne R , Stamataki Zania , Brackenbury Louise S , Supple Emma A , Hunt Lawrence G , Monaghan Paul , Borhis Gwenoline , Richard Yolande , Charleston Bryan
Published: June 2007

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the germinal centers (GC) of secondary lymphoid organs increase the survival and proliferation of antigen-stimulated B cells and are pivotal for the affinity maturation of an antibody response and for maintenance of B cell immunological memory. The dark zone (DZ) and the light zone (LZ) constitute distinct areas of the GC containing different subtypes of FDC as identified by their morphology and phenotype. Until now, most available FDC-specific reagents identify LZ FDC, and there are no reagents recognizing DZ FDC specifically. Here, we report a new mAb, D46, which stains FDC specifically in the DZ of bovine and ovine GC within the secondary follicles. We identify its ligand as bovine fibrinogen, and using commercially available anti-human fibrinogen antibodies, show that this inflammatory protein is also present on DZ FDC of human GC within palatine tonsils. In vitro, the addition of exogenous fibrinogen stimulates the proliferation and survival of BCR-stimulated L3055 cells, which constitute a clonal population of centroblastic cells and retain important features of normal GC B cells. Together, our results suggest that fibrinogen localized on DZ FDC could support the extensive proliferation and survival of GC B cells within the DZ in vivo.
Distinct approaches to investigate the importance of the murine 4-1BB–4-1BBL interaction in the antibody response toStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Moens Leen , Jeurissen Axel , Mittler Robert S , Wuyts Greet , Michiels George , Boon Louis , Ceuppens Jan L , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: June 2007

Protection against infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae is based mainly on the generation of antibodies to the pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (caps-PS). Although caps-PS are considered thymus-independent antigens, there is a growing body of evidence that T lymphocytes and costimulatory molecules are involved in the regulation of the antibody response to caps-PS. We investigated whether the interaction between 4-1BB and 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) is involved in the modulation of the antibody response to caps-PS after immunization with Pneumovax® or with intact heat-killed S. pneumoniae. Treatment with agonistic anti-4-1BB mAb, which mimics engagement of 4-1BB by 4-1BBL, had no effect on the IgG and IgM immune response to caps-PS (Serotype 3) after immunization with Pneumovax or with S. pneumoniae Serotype 3. However, anti-4-1BB treatment strongly inhibited the IgG response to pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA). By contrast, the IgG anti-caps-PS (Serotype 3) antibody response was reduced strongly in 4-1BBL−/− mice immunized with S. pneumoniae Serotype 3. The IgG anti-PspA antibody response in the 4-1BB−/− mice was comparable with the immune response in the wild-type mice. We conclude that distinct pathways are involved in the humoral antibody response to pneumococcal antigens, depending on the nature of the antigen and the context in which the different antigens are presented. The 4-1BB–4-1BBL interaction is not involved in the antibody response to soluble caps-PS. The influence of the 4-1BB–4-1BBL interaction in the immune reaction to S. pneumoniae Serotype 3 depends on the experimental system used.
Association between a C/T Polymorphism in Exon 33 of the Thyroglobulin Gene Is Associated with Relapse of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism after Antithyroid Withdrawal in Taiwanese
Authors: Hsiao Jeng-Yueh , Hsieh Ming-Chia , Tien Kai-Jen , Hsu Shih-Chie , Shin Shyi-Jang , Lin Shiu-Ru
Published: June 2007

Context: Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder with genetic predisposition. The thyroglobulin (Tg) is a major autoantigen for GD. The human Tg gene polymorphism has specific features that make it important in GD.

Objective: This study investigated whether Tg single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) relate to GD development in a Taiwanese population.

Design and Setting: This was a case-control association study.

Patients and Main Outcome Measures: We enrolled 215 Taiwanese patients with GD and 141 controls from the Endocrine Clinic of Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital. This study investigated the association between gene polymorphism and relapse of hyperthyroidism after medication was discontinued in three GD patient groups and a control group. We also compared clinical and laboratory data obtained from patients with the three different genotypes with the three different Tg SNPs (E10SNP158, E12SNP, and E33SNP).

Results: We found a significant increase in the T/T genotype of E33SNP compared with the control group (P < 0.001). We also found the E33SNP C/C genotype of the Tg gene was strongly associated with a subgroup of GD patients who were also characterized as having a higher relapse rate, significantly higher levels of persisting TSH-receptor antibody at the end of treatment, a higher frequency in smoking, and a higher incidence of ophthalmopathy (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study showed that Taiwanese patients with the C/C genotype of E33SNP, smoking, ophthalmopathy, and positive TSH-receptor antibodies at the end of the treatment were more likely to have a relapse of Graves’ hyperthyroidism after antithyroid medication is withdrawn.
Metabolomic and Genetic Analysis of Biomarkers for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Expression and Activation
Authors: Zhen Yueying , Krausz Kristopher W. , Chen Chi , Idle Jeffrey R. , Gonzalez Frank J.
Published: June 2007

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a nuclear receptor with manifold effects on intermediary metabolism. To define a set of urinary biomarkers that could be used to determine the efficacy of PPARα agonists, a metabolomic investigation was undertaken in wild-type and Pparα-null mice fed for 2 wk either a regular diet or a diet containing the PPARα ligand Wy-14,643 ([4-chloro-6-(2,3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio] acetic acid), and their urine was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Principal components analysis of 6393 accurate mass positive ions revealed clustering as a single phenotype of the treated and untreated Pparα (−/−) mice plus two additional discrete phenotypes for the treated and untreated Pparα (+/+) mice. Biomarkers of PPARα activation were identified from their accurate masses and confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry of authentic compounds. Biomarkers were quantitated from raw chromatographic data using appropriate calibration curves. PPARα urinary biomarkers highly statistically significantly elevated by Wy-14,643 treatment included 11β-hydroxy-3,20-dioxopregn-4-en-21-oic acid (>3700-fold), 11β,20-dihydroxy-3-oxopregn-4-en-21-oic acid (50-fold), nicotinamide (>2-fold), nicotinamide 1-oxide (5-fold), 1-methylnicotinamide (1.5-fold), hippuric acid (2-fold), and 2,8-dihydroxyquinoline-β-d-glucuronide (3-fold). PPARα urinary biomarkers highly statistically significantly attenuated by Wy-14,643 treatment included xanthurenic acid (1.3-fold), hexanoylglycine (20-fold), phenylpropionylglycine (4-fold), and cinnamoylglycine (9-fold). These biomarkers arise from PPARα effects on tryptophan, corticosterone, and fatty acid metabolism and on glucuronidation. This study underscores the power of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics combined with genetically modified mice in the definition of monogenic metabolic phenotypes.
Nur77 Coordinately Regulates Expression of Genes Linked to Glucose Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Chao Lily C. , Zhang Zidong , Pei Liming , Saito Tsugumichi , Tontonoz Peter , Pilch Paul F.
Published: June 2007

Innervation is important for normal metabolism in skeletal muscle, including insulin-sensitive glucose uptake. However, the transcription factors that transduce signals from the neuromuscular junction to the nucleus and affect changes in metabolic gene expression are not well defined. We demonstrate here that the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is a regulator of gene expression linked to glucose utilization in muscle. In vivo, Nur77 is preferentially expressed in glycolytic compared with oxidative muscle and is responsive to β-adrenergic stimulation. Denervation of rat muscle compromises expression of Nur77 in parallel with that of numerous genes linked to glucose metabolism, including glucose transporter 4 and genes involved in glycolysis, glycogenolysis, and the glycerophosphate shuttle. Ectopic expression of Nur77, either in rat muscle or in C2C12 muscle cells, induces expression of a highly overlapping set of genes, including glucose transporter 4, muscle phosphofructokinase, and glycogen phosphorylase. Furthermore, selective knockdown of Nur77 in rat muscle by small hairpin RNA or genetic deletion of Nur77 in mice reduces the expression of a battery of genes involved in skeletal muscle glucose utilization in vivo. Finally, we show that Nur77 binds the promoter regions of multiple genes involved in glucose metabolism in muscle. These results identify Nur77 as a potential mediator of neuromuscular signaling in the control of metabolic gene expression.
Caveolin-1 is required for lateral line neuromast and notochord development
Authors: Nixon Susan J. , Carter Adrian , Wegner Jeremy , Ferguson Charles , Floetenmeyer Matthias , Riches Jamie , Key Brian , Westerfield Monte , Parton Robert G.
Published: June 2007

Caveolae have been linked to diverse cellular functions and to many disease states. In this study we have used zebrafish to examine the role of caveolin-1 and caveolae during early embryonic development. During development, expression is apparent in a number of tissues including Kupffer's vesicle, tailbud, intersomite boundaries, heart, branchial arches, pronephric ducts and periderm. Particularly strong expression is observed in the sensory organs of the lateral line, the neuromasts and in the notochord where it overlaps with expression of caveolin-3. Morpholino-mediated downregulation of Cav1α caused a dramatic inhibition of neuromast formation. Detailed ultrastructural analysis, including electron tomography of the notochord, revealed that the central regions of the notochord has the highest density of caveolae of any embryonic tissue comparable to the highest density observed in any vertebrate tissue. In addition, Cav1α downregulation caused disruption of the notochord, an effect that was enhanced further by Cav3 knockdown. These results indicate an essential role for caveolin and caveolae in this vital structural and signalling component of the embryo.
Role of a Gαi2 protein splice variant in the formation of an intracellular dopamine D2 receptor pool
Authors: López-Aranda Manuel F. , Acevedo Maria J. , Gutierrez Antonia , Koulen Peter , Khan Zafar U.
Published: June 2007

Treatment of D2-receptor-expressing cells with specific drugs upregulates the receptor number at the cell surface independently of protein synthesis, leading to the concept of an intracellular receptor pool. However, how this pool is operating is still an enigma. Here, we report that a splice variant of the Gαi2 protein, protein sGαi2, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of this D2-receptor pool. Co-expression of sGi2 with D2 receptor reduced receptor localization to cell surface by one-third. This effect is associated with specific intracellular protein-protein interaction and the formation of a sGi2–D2-receptor complex. It has been suggested that the formation of this complex serves to prevent D2 receptors from reaching the cell membrane. Treatment of D2-receptor-expressing cells with agonists increased the number of cell surface D2 receptors and coincided with a reduction in these receptors from intracellular complexes, suggesting that agonist treatment released D2 receptors from the complex allowing them to localize to the cell membrane. Thus, in addition to elucidating how the intracellular pool of D2 receptor functions, our findings uncover a novel mechanism regulating the density of cell surface D2 receptors.
The responses of rats to various combinations of energy and protein II. Diets made from natural ingredients
Authors: Edwards D. G. , Dean Jill
Published: June 2007

Natural diets with metabolizable energy levels of 8·5, 10·0, 11·5 or 13·0 MJ/kg and protein:energy ratios of 1:1, 1·33:1, 1·67:1 or 2:1 %:MJ/kg were fed ad libitum for 28 days to male and female weanling rats. Records of food intake and bodyweight were maintained weekly, and at post mortem examination body length, abdominal fat, liver and kidney weights were measured. Food intake was reduced when dietary energy level increased but this reduction was not sufficient to prevent energy intake increasing, especially in males. Female rats showed only small increases in energy intakes as dietary energy levels rose. The increase in energy intake at higher dietary energy levels increased food conversion efficiency, weight gain and abdominal fat deposition. The responses of male rats were greater than females. Protein intake had a smaller and less consistent effect than energy intake. Increased protein:energy ratio resulted in higher absolute and relative liver and kidney weights and greater body length. This reflected the increase of bodyweight gain at higher protein:energy ratios.
Development of a semi-inbred line of Landrace pigs. I. Breeding performance and immunogenetic characteristics
Authors: Hradecký J. , Hruban V. , Hojný J. , Pazdera J. , Staněk R.
Published: June 2007

During 15 years of inbreeding of pigs (Canadian Landrace) a semi-inbred line has been developed. The inbreeding coefficient (Fx) is 0·84, which theoretically corresponds to between 8-9 generations of brother/sister matings. At the highest inbreeding level (0·84) the mean number of newborn piglets in the litter was 7·2 (5 litters, n = 36) including 5 stillborn (13·8%). The mean birth weight of the litter was 8·56 kg (5 litters, n = 31) the mean piglet birth weight was 1·23 kg and at the age of 21 days the mean weight of a litter was 33·24 kg with a mean piglet weight of 5·44 kg. During inbreeding, immunogenetic alloantigenic systems were investigated. Of 15 known erythrocyte systems, alleles of loci J, K, and of the most polymorphic system E, segregated. As to other immunogenetic systems (histocompatibility, leucocyte and allotypes) 2 SLA haplotypes (major histocompatibility complex) and 2 alleles of the SLC leucocyte system segregated. Allotransplants of the skin in SLA compatible siblings survived for a mean of 50·7 days (n = 77) compared with 10·8 days (n = 29) in non-inbred siblings. Tests of blastic transformation activated by T and B lymphocyte mitogens revealed a normal cell-mediated immune response. After immunization with some cell membrane alloantigens a normal humoral response was also recorded. All tested animals were halothaneresistant and tolerated a 10-min exposure to 5% without developing malignant hyperthermia. Depression due to inbreeding was manifested by a reduced reproductive ability (smaller number of piglets, frequent incidence of gonadal hypoplasia, diminution or loss of libido).
Comparison of media for isolation of mouse anaerobic faecal bacteria
Authors: Itoh K. , Mitsuoka T.
Published: June 2007

A study was made to determine suitable plate-in-bottle media for enumeration and isolation of the anaerobic faecal bacteria of mice. Comparison of non-selective media indicated that colony counts were higher on M-SM10, M10 and M-M98-5 than on EG, W & E medium and BHI, and those on M-SM10 were always the highest. Bacteroidaceae counts on M-SM10, M10, M-M98-5 were particularly high. On the other hand, in chloroform-treated faeces which contain only Clostridial spores, colony counts were higher on EG and W & E medium than on M-SM10, M10 and M-M98-5. These results indicate that suitable non-selective media vary according to the bacterial species to be enumerated and isolated.
A new method of complete biliary retention
Authors: Clements D. , Iqbal Sajida , Mills C. , Elias E.
Published: June 2007

We describe a new modified method of producing non-obstructive complete internal biliary retention in the rat by draining bile into the caudal vena cava. This relatively simple method has the additional advantage that restraining cages are not necessary.
Animal house stock control based on bar-coded cage labels
Authors: Wootton R.
Published: June 2007

In an animal house serving the needs of a large research institute, a regular inventory of the animals in stock is a considerable help towards effective management of the facility. In particular, advising the licence-holders of what animals are being held in their name and reminding them of the costs involved is a valuable exercise. The introduction of a computerized system of stock control, based on bar-coded cage labels, is described. The system has proved economical to operate, accurate, and can be run by persons without computer expertise.
A low-cost system for computerized rodent weight logging with statistical analysis
Authors: Young L. S. , East R. J. , Fearn T.
Published: June 2007

A system comprising a suite of 4 computer programs has been developed for on-line rodent weight data collection and statistical analysis using an IBM personal computer. Data can be collected from up to 3 separate trials simultaneously, and can be stored for later statistical analysis. Mettler balances were used for the animal weighing. A Mettler current loop adapter and a multiplexer were used to interface the balances with the computer.
Gastrointestinal flora of cotton rats
Authors: Itoh K. , Tamura H. , Mitsuoka T.
Published: June 2007

The gastrointestinal (GI) flora of cotton rats was examined. No lactobacilli were detected in any part of the GI tract. Anaerobes, including Peptococcaceae, Bacteroidaceae, bifidobacteria and eubacteria, were the predominant bacteria in the stomach, small intestine, caecum and faeces. Aerobes and facultative anaerobes, including Enterobacteriaceae and streptococci, were detected at low numbers and very low frequency of occurrence in all parts of the GI tract. Sixty-one isolates of bifidobacteria were recovered from the stomach, small intestine, caecum and faeces of cotton rats. They were identified as Bifidobacterium animalis, B. pseudolongum biovar a and b. The study showed that the GI flora of cotton rats seem to be very different from the GI flora in other rodents.
Effect of starvation and sampling time on plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium homeostasis in the rat
Authors: Thompson C. S. , Mikhailidis D. P. , Gill D. S. , Jeremy J. Y. , Bell J. L. , Dandona P.
Published: June 2007

The effect of starvation and sampling time on plasma alkaline phosphatase activity, total plasma calcium concentration and whole blood ionized calcium concentration was determined in the rat. Starvation caused a significant fall in total and ionized calcium concentrations as well as in alkaline phosphatase activity. These changes were accompanied by a fall in whole blood pH and an increase in the anion gap and a decrease in urinary excretion of calcium. These indices were restored to normal following refeeding. There was no change in serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations following starvation for 3 days. Alkaline phosphatase activity showed a pattern compatible with the presence of a circadian rhythm when sampling took place between 0800 and 1800 h. Total and ionized calcium concentrations did not show such a rhythm when animals were fed the present diet.
A simple laryngoscopic technique for the endotracheal intubation of rabbits
Authors: Macrae D. J. , Guerreiro D.
Published: June 2007

A safe and reliable technique for the endotracheal intubation of rabbits is described. Direct laryngoscopy is followed by intubation of the trachea with a fine catheter, and subsequent advancement of the endotracheal tube over this catheter.
Semen characteristics of vervet monkeys
Authors: Seier J. V. , Fincham J. E. , Menkveld R. , Venter F. S.
Published: June 2007

Semen samples (91) from 47 vervet monkeys were collected by electroejaculation over a 2 year period. Seventy-eight of these were from 37 singly caged males of unknown fertility and 13 from 10 breeding males of known fertility. Mean values for semen characteristics of the singly caged males were: volume 0·45 ml, pH 7·8, concentration 184×106/ml, forward progression rating 2·95 (scale 0-4), motility 55·4%, live 68% and abnormal morphology 3·5%. Mean values for semen characteristics for the breeding males were: volume 0·86 ml, pH 9·00, concentration 117×15·106/ml, forward progression rating 3·00 (scale 0-4), motility 43·6%, live 53·3% and abnormal morphology 6%. Semen volumes in the singly caged males were lower than the volumes reported in other studies.
A Compact Active Control System for Tonal Noise Reduction in Axial Fans
Authors: Gérard Anthony , Berry Alain , Masson Patrice
Published: June 2007

The objective of this paper is to show the feasibility of active control of tonal noise from automotive engine cooling fans using a single unbaffled loudspeaker in front of the fan. A simplified model is described for preliminary design using this configuration. A single input single output (SISO) filtered X-LMS has been implemented to control the first tones in real time. At the error microphone, the sound pressure attenuation at blade passage frequency (BPF) and its first harmonics are reduced down to the broadband noise level. At low frequency, for large sound wavelength compared to the fan radius, the sound radiation is reduced in all directions, since the dipolar directivity of the secondary noise emitted by the unbaffled loudspeaker is similar to the directivity of the primary noise emitted by the fan.
Pediatric Migraine: Pharmacologic Agents for Prophylaxis
Authors: Eiland Lea S , Jenkins Lauren S , Durham Spencer H
Published: June 2007

Objective:

To identify and evaluate the data regarding medication use for migraine prophylaxis in the pediatric population.

Data Sources:

Literature was obtained through searches in PubMed (Mid 1950s–March 2007), Iowa Drug Information Service/Web (1966–February 2007), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–Pebruary 2007), and the Cochrane Library. The terms migraine, prophylaxis, child, and children were used and cross referenced with all drug names. Reference citations from publications identified were also reviewed and included.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Only trials that evaluated migraine headaches in the pediatric population were included. Trials including adolescent and adult populations are briefly listed, but not reviewed. Trials involving nonprescription medication were also included in the evaluation. Due to the limited information, all clinical trials, retrospective reviews, and abstracts evaluated were included in this review.

Data Synthesis:

Few controlled clinical trials regarding prophylaxis therapy are available. Currently, no medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for prophylaxis of migraines in children. Seventeen drugs were identified and included in the review. Of the drugs with available data, topiramate, valproic acid, flunarizine, amitriptyline, and cyproheptadine have shown efficacy in decreasing migraine frequency and duration in children. However, larger clinical trials are necessary to validate the utility of these agents. Conflicting data exist for propranolol and pizotifen, and additional data are needed for gabapentin, leve-tiracetam, zonisamide, naproxen, and trazodone. In clinical trials, nimodipine, clonidine, and natural supplements have shown a lack of efficacy versus placebo for prophylaxis of migraines in children.

Conclusions:

Topiramate, valproic acid, and amitriptyline have the most data on their use for prophylaxis of migraines in children. Numerous agents have limited data in this population and several agents lack efficacy. Prospective, well designed, controlled clinical trials that include quality-of-life and functional outcomes are needed for guiding therapy of migraine prophylaxis for children.
Experiential differences between voluntary and involuntary job redundancy on depression, job‐search activity, affective employee outcomes and re‐employment quality
Authors: Waters Lea
Published: June 2007

The current study used learned helplessness theory and legacy theory to examine experiential differences in voluntary vs. involuntary job redundancy in a baseline study (Study 1) and a 3‐month retest (Study 2). The sample for Study 1 comprised 102 job seekers who had voluntarily taken a job redundancy and 114 job seekers who had been made involuntarily redundant from their last job. Results at Study 1 showed that voluntarily redundant participants experienced lower levels of depression and engaged in more job‐search activity than those who experienced involuntary redundancy. Employees who became re‐employed 3 months later (voluntarily redundant N = 28, involuntarily redundant N = 26) were compared on depression, organizational commitment, perceived job insecurity and perceived re‐employment quality. The involuntarily redundant employees reported higher depression, lower organizational commitment, higher perceived job insecurity and lower perceived re‐employment quality. The voluntarily redundant employees also experienced a significant drop in depression upon re‐employment while the involuntarily redundant employees reported no significant changes to depression scores from baseline. Implications for practice and future research are discussed together with the limitations of the two studies.
Psychometrics of a simple method for scoring organizational approach on the Rey‐Osterrieth complex figure
Authors: Smith Steven R. , Chang Jenss , Schnoebelen Katrina J. , Edwards Jordan W. , Servesko Amanda M. , Walker Sara J.
Published: June 2007

The Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is a commonly used neuropsychological measure that assesses visuospatial processing, planning and visuomotor integration. Using samples of clinically referred (N=20) and non‐clinical (N=44) adults, the present study examines the psychometric properties of a simple method of scoring organizational approach to the ROCF. Developed by Savage et al. (1999) and refined by Deckersbach et al. (2000), this simple 5‐point organizational scoring system allows for the quick and accurate assessment of organizational quality. Results suggest that this system is internally consistent and can be scored reliably. Correlations with measures of visuomotor integration and accuracy of rendition after a delay provide evidence of convergent validity. Organization scores were independent of both Verbal and Performance IQ estimates. However, discriminant validity analyses found that high‐functioning patients referred for a neuropsychological assessment did not score significantly different from a non‐clinical sample, raising questions about the diagnostic utility of this measure with less impaired populations. Implications for clinical practice are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Inhibitory control and affective valence processing in dementia of the alzheimer type
Authors: Doninger Nicholas A. , Bylsma Frederick W.
Published: June 2007

Emotional and traditional Stroop effects were contrasted in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age‐equated, non‐demented individuals to examine (a) differences in the speed of processing emotional versus neutral words; and (b) the extent to which the emotional valence influences interference effects. Individuals with moderate AD experienced larger traditional Stroop interference effects than did healthy elderly or individuals with mild AD. Emotional Stroop effects were evident among individuals with moderate AD and significantly greater than elderly and individuals with mild AD who exhibited minimal effects. For negative words, significant differences were only observed between individuals with moderate AD and healthy elderly. Emotional Stroop effects among individuals with AD were not statistically different for positive and negative words. The impact of stimulus intensity level and AD‐associated changes to the prefrontal cortex and amygdala on emotional Stroop effects requires further investigation.
Is short‐term memory involved in decision making? Evidence from a short‐term memory patient
Authors: Gozzi Marta , Papagno Costanza
Published: June 2007

It is reasonable to suggest that working memory (WM;Baddeley & Hitch, 1974) is involved in decision making, as decision making is dependent on the ability to remember and update past choices and outcomes. However, contradictory results have been reported in the literature concerning the role of two of its components, namely the central executive and the phonological loop. In order to investigate the role of these components in the decision‐making process, we tested a patient with intact central executive but impaired phonological loop on a laboratory decision‐making task involving hypothetical gambles (gambling task, GT). When tested in a no‐load condition (simple keypress task), her performance was not significantly different from that of matched controls. We also verified whether her performance would be affected differently by memory‐load when compared with control subjects. The memory task (holding a string of letters in memory) loaded WM without incurring number‐number interference. When the memory‐load was imposed during the GT, both the patient and the controls showed a decline in performance, but the strategy they adopted differed. Possible explanations are discussed. In conclusion, our results suggest that the phonological loop is not directly involved in decision making.
Lysosomal cysteine cathepsins: signaling pathways in apoptosis
Authors: Stoka Veronika , Turk Vito , Turk Boris
Published: June 2007

Apoptosis is the major mechanism by which eukaryotic organisms eliminate potentially dangerous, superfluous and damaged cells. Initially, nuclei and mitochondria were found to be the key organelles involved in the process. However, recent data suggest that lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum also play important roles in the process. A number of different stimuli were found to directly or indirectly target the lysosomal membrane, thereby inducing lysosomal permeabilization and the release of cysteine cathepsins and the aspartic protease cathepsin D into the cytosol. Once in the cytosol, cathepsins can trigger cell death by different mechanisms. Here we discuss the different signaling pathways used by lysosomal proteases to trigger apoptosis and their potential role in physiological processes.
Selection of vimentin-specific antibodies from the HuCAL® phage display library by subtractive panning on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
Authors: Jarutat Tiantom , Nickels Cora , Frisch Christian , Stellmacher Florian , Hofig Kai Peter , Knappik Achim , Merz Hartmut
Published: June 2007

We describe the direct isolation of specific antibodies on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The technique involves subtractive selection of a large and highly diverse combinatorial human antibody phage library (HuCAL®) on lymphocyte FFPE tissue sections. Tissue sections from normal human tonsil tissue were used to deplete the library of binders to most housekeeping proteins. Mantle-cell lymphoma tissue was used for positive selection and enrichment of mantle cell or tumor-specific antibody phage. We established a high-throughput immunohistochemical method for screening of antibody clones selected from FFPE tissue. One recombinant antibody showed specific staining for interfollicular and mantle cells in FFPE tissue. Immunoprecipitation with this antibody and subsequent mass spectrometric analysis revealed specificity for vimentin.
Annexin B1 fromTaenia soliummetacestodes is a newly characterized member of the annexin family
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Kai-Hui , Guo Ying-Jun , Lu Yi-Ming , Yan Hong-Li , Song Yun-Long , Wang Fang , Ding Fei-Xiang , Sun Shu-Han
Published: June 2007

We previously reported cloning of theTaenia soliumannexin B1 gene from a metacestode cDNA expression library and demonstrated that it acts as a protective antigen for effective vaccine development against cysticercosis. In the present study we produced recombinant annexin B1 and antiserum against the protein to investigate its structural and functional properties. Western blotting of metacestode fractions indicated thatT. soliumannexin B1, similar to vertebrate annexins, associates with acid phospholipids in the presence of Ca2+. This property was confirmed by the recognition of apoptotic cells by labeled annexin B1. CD spectroscopy results demonstrated that α-helices are the main secondary structures of the protein. Ca2+binding increases the α-helix content and causes significant thermal stabilization with a melting temperature increase of approximately 10°C. Functional Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding sites of annexin B1 were investigated using mutant proteins. By changing a conserved acidic amino acid residue that putatively combines Ca2+in each domain of annexin B1 singly or in combination, we found that Ca2+binding in the first domain is more important than that at the other Ca2+binding sites. Annexin B1 is a metacestode stage-specific antigen, with the protein being mainly localized in the teguments and surrounding cyst wall ofT. soliummetacestodes, suggesting a role in the parasite-host interaction.
Characterization of rat BLOS2/Ceap, a putative yeast She3 homolog, as interaction partner of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor/Che-1
Authors: Felten Andrea , Leister Peter , Burgdorf Sven , Uhlmann Lutz , Scheidtmann Karl Heinz
Published: June 2007

AATF/Che-1 is a coactivator of several transcription factors, including steroid hormone receptors. In search of novel interaction partners of AATF, we identified BLOS2 (BLOC1S2, also termed Ceap) from a rat cDNA library. BLOS2 is extremely conserved with a high degree of homology to yeast She3p. The clone isolated represents a splice variant encoding a polypeptide of 168 residues. Rat BLOS2 mRNA is highly expressed in brain and testis and at lower levels in other tissues, but not in skeletal or smooth muscle. Expression as a tagged fusion protein revealed predominant cytoplasmic, but also nuclear localization. In the cytoplasm, BLOS2 fusion proteins exhibit diffuse, filamentous, or dotted distribution, with the latter partially co-localizing with recycling endosomes. In addition, BLOS2 localizes to centrosomes or the pericentrosomal region. Moreover, BLOS2 co-localizes with myosin V globular tail domains in vesicle-like structures. However, a direct interaction could not be demonstrated. In transactivation assays, BLOS2 enhanced transcription from androgen receptor and p53-responsive promoters. However, this enhancement correlated with accumulation of both androgen receptor and p53, suggesting that BLOS2 has a stabilizing effect on these transcription factors. We propose that BLOS2 functions as an adapter in processes such as protein and vesicle processing and transport, and perhaps transcription.
Competitive displacement of full-length HIV-1 Nef from the Hck SH3 domain by a high-affinity artificial peptide
Authors: Stangler Thomas , Tran Tuyen , Hoffmann Silke , Schmidt Holger , Jonas Esther , Willbold Dieter
Published: June 2007

We studied the interaction of the artificial 12-aa proline-rich peptide PD1 with the SH3 domain of the hematopoietic cell kinase Hck and the peptide's potency in competitively displacing HIV-1 Nef from the Hck SH3 domain. PD1 was obtained from a phage display screen and exhibits exceptional affinity for the Hck SH3 domain (K
d=0.23 μM). Competition experiments using NMR spectroscopy demonstrate that the peptide even displaces Nef from Hck SH3 and allow for estimation of the Nef-Hck SH3 dissociation constant (K
d=0.44 μM), the strongest SH3 ligand interaction known so far. Consequences of this study for novel antiviral concepts are discussed.
Characterisation of two calmodulin-like proteins from the liver fluke,Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Russell Sean L. , McFerran Neil V. , Hoey Elizabeth M. , Trudgett Alan , Timson David J.
Published: June 2007

Calmodulin is a calcium ion-sensing signalling protein found in eukaryotics. Two calmodulin-like gene sequences were identified in an EST library from adult liver flukes. One codes for a protein (FhCaM1) homologous to mammalian calmodulins (98% identity), whereas the other protein (FhCaM2) has only 41% identity. These genes were cloned into expression vectors and the recombinant proteins were expressed inEscherichia coli. Gel shift assays showed that both proteins bind to calcium, magnesium and zinc ions. Homology models have been built for both proteins. As expected, FhCaM1 has a highly similar structure to other calmodulins. Although FhCaM2 has a similar fold, its surface charge is higher than FhCaM1. One of the potential metal ion-binding sites has lower metal-ion co-ordination capability, while another has an adjacent lysine residue, both of which may decrease the metal-binding affinity. These differences may reflect a specialised role for FhCaM2 in the liver fluke.
Shopping and chatting: Reports of tourist–host interaction in The Gambia
Authors: Lawson Sarah , Jaworski Adam
Published: June 2007

As it becomes continually easier, at least technologically, for people to move around the world, so the growing numbers of global tourists, in their search for constantly novel experiences (Urry 2002), travel to destinations which are increasingly exotic and distant to them, not only geographically, but also in economic, social and cultural terms. This, in turn, brings them into contact with people from these very different cultures and societies. This paper examines interactions between tourists and hosts in The Gambia, a ‘winter sun’ package holiday destination in West Africa. To investigate the nature of such interactions, 20 ‘communication diaries’ were completed by a group of British tourism students during their week-long field trip to The Gambia and followed up by small group discussions with some of the participants. The students were asked to record as many individual interactions with Gambians as possible noting the following information: Time; Place; Situation; Interlocutor; Languages spoken; Topics; Result of interaction; Perceptions of interactions. 194 interactions were recorded. Many of the interactions were ‘transactional’ in that tourism workers treat them as potential sources of income. However, their tenor is predominantly ‘personal’ as they were full of phatic communion and chatting. Central to the tourist experience in The Gambia is the role of the ‘bumsters’ due to their mediating function between the tourists and other Gambian people. The omnipresence of the ‘bumsters’ in all tourist areas and their constant ‘pestering’ of tourists is initially annoying to the latter but also acts as a catalyst in encouraging contact with other Gambians by familiarising tourists with local people. We conclude by discussing our findings in the context of the global economies of tourism.
Die nicht-flektierten Adjektive / The uninflected adjectives
Authors: Trost Igor
Published: June 2007

Non-inflecting adjectives occur not only in predicative, adverbial, co-predicative-adverbial and adadjectival-attributive function, but also occur regularly in adnominal-attributive function in particular types of text. This can occur in both the preposed and postposed position of the governing nominal core of the noun phrase. In contrast, the adnominal-attributive use in the position between the determinative and the governing nominal core is characteristic of inflected adjectives.
Dieser freundlicher Streit mit Rivalem und andern welchen Leuten. Über aktuelle Ungewöhnlichkeiten und latente Möglichkeiten in der Nominalphrase / Dieser freundlich er Streit mit Rival em und andern welchen Leuten. On current oddities and latent possibilities in the nominal phrase
Authors: Harnisch Rüdiger
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with three different abnormal constructions of the noun phrase in German: nouns hold full case inflection when they are un-accompanied in the NP (
11. Arbeitstagung zur Gesprächsforschung am Institut für Deutsche Sprache in Mannheim, 6.-8. April 2005 / 11th workshop on conversation and discourse analysis at the German Language Institute in Mannheim, 6–8 April 2005
Authors: Harren Inga
Published: June 2007

Wie schon in den beiden Vorjahren fand die Arbeitstagung zur Gesprächsforschung (ehemals
Cooperation and conflict in ingroup and intergroup communication „Dialoganalyse X“ 2005 – Bericht über den Kongress der IADA. Universität Bukarest, 25.-28. Mai 2005 / Report on the IADA Convention. University of Bucharest, 25–28 May 2005
Authors: Gobber Giovanni
Published: June 2007

Der zehnte Kongress der IADA –
Löcher bohren, Dächer bauen. Fachkonferenz “Perspektiven der Jugendsprachforschung” in Zürich, 17.-19.02.2005 / Löcher bohren, Dächer bauen. The symposium “Perspectives of research in adolescent language” in Zurich, 17–19 February 2005
Authors: Giger Nadio , Spitzmüller Jürgen
Published: June 2007

Seit 13 Jahren treffen sich die VertreterInnen der germanistischen und zunehmend auch der internationalen Jugendsprachforschung in regelmäßigen Abständen zu einem Austausch über den gegenwärtigen Stand der Forschung. Nach den Fachkonferenzen in Leipzig (1992), Heidelberg (1997), Osnabrück (1998) und Wuppertal (2001) fand im Februar 2005 die fünfte Tagung in Boldern bei Zürich und damit erstmals außerhalb Deutschlands statt. Etwa 90 TeilnehmerInnen aus 15 Ländern waren der Einladung von Christa Dürscheid (Zürich) gefolgt, „neue Blicke durch alte Löcher“ und „neue Blicke durch neue Löcher“ zu werfen, wie es in ihrem Eröffnungsvortrag in Anlehnung an Georg Christoph Lichtenberg hieß. Neben aktuellen Ergebnissen standen also auch alte, ungelöste Grundsatzfragen der Forschung (Welchen ontologischen Status räumt man „Jugendsprache“ ein? Ist sie eine Varietät, ein Stil, ein Register? Ist „Jugend“ eher eine soziale oder eher eine biologische Kategorie? u. a.) auf dem Programm.
PLANT DIVERSITY CONTRIBUTIONS OF RIPARIAN AREAS IN WATERSHEDS OF THE NORTHERN LAKE STATES, USA
Authors: Goebel P. Charles , Palik Brian J. , Pregitzer Kurt S.
Published: June 2007

In most forested watersheds, riparian areas constitute a small proportion of the total land area, yet their contributions to overall plant diversity can be significant. However, little information is available on which portion of riparian areas (defined as functional ecotones comprising all fluvial landforms, including floodplains, terraces, and connecting hillslopes) contribute the most to plant species richness and at what scale these contributions are most evident. In order to better understand the contributions riparian areas provide to plant species richness in forested watersheds, we examined herbaceous ground‐flora richness and similarity from 56 reaches in eight different valley types (defined as unique combinations of stream order, surficial geology, and stream‐valley constraint) across the northern Lake States, USA. We analyzed these data at two scales: (1) at the individual reach scale; and (2) at the watershed scale by pooling individual reaches by valley type. At the reach scale and regardless of valley type, there is not significant (<50%) species similarity among landforms; however, levels of species richness are not significantly different among the floodplain, terrace–slope complex landforms (e.g., terraces, connecting hillslopes), and adjacent uplands. This suggests that individual reaches (representing an individual riparian area) may not provide significant contributions to overall plant species richness. However, when individual reaches are pooled by valley type, the floodplains are almost always more species rich than the terrace–slope complex and upland landforms, suggesting that the environmental heterogeneity associated with a variety of individual reaches can be responsible for greater species richness provided by riparian areas at the watershed level. Our results also suggest that floodplains are not the only riparian landform that adds significantly to the overall plant diversity of watersheds, especially in areas with broad, unconstrained valleys. In these systems, the terrace–slope complex landforms comprising a series of broad fluvial terraces and connecting slopes have significantly higher species richness than the adjacent uplands. Consequently, it is apparent that, to maintain plant diversity at both local and regional levels, efforts should focus on all fluvial landforms of the riparian area, not just their floodplains. This is particularly relevant when management of riparian areas uses fixed‐width riparian management zones (RMZs). In our study areas, 33 m‐wide RMZs (the recommended width in each of our study states) often failed to include fluvial landforms beyond the floodplain. The consequence is that areas of increased species richness and/or unique plant assemblages in the watershed may receive inadequate protection during forest‐management operations.