bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐146a contributes to abnormal activation of the type I interferon pathway in human lupus by targeting the key signaling proteins
Authors: Tang Yuanjia , Luo Xiaobing , Cui Huijuan , Ni Xuming , Yuan Min , Guo Yanzhi , Huang Xinfang , Zhou Haibo , de Vries Niek , Tak Paul Peter , Chen Shunle , Shen Nan
Published: March 2009

Objective

MicroRNA have recently been identified as regulators that modulate target gene expression and are involved in shaping the immune response. This study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of microRNA‐146a (miR‐146a), which was identified in the pilot expression profiling step, to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

TaqMan microRNA assays of peripheral blood leukocytes were used for comparison of expression levels of microRNA between SLE patients and controls. Transfection and stimulation of cultured cells were conducted to determine the biologic function of miR‐146a. Bioinformatics prediction and validation by reporter gene assay and Western blotting were performed to identify miR‐146a targets.

Results

Profiling of 156 miRNA in SLE patients revealed the differential expression of multiple microRNA, including miR‐146a, a negative regulator of innate immunity. Further analysis showed that underexpression of miR‐146a negatively correlated with clinical disease activity and with interferon (IFN) scores in patients with SLE. Of note, overexpression of miR‐146a reduced, while inhibition of endogenous miR‐146a increased, the induction of type I IFNs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Furthermore, miR‐146a directly repressed the transactivation downstream of type I IFN. At the molecular level, miR‐146a could target IFN regulatory factor 5 and STAT‐1. More importantly, introduction of miR‐146a into the patients' PBMCs alleviated the coordinate activation of the type I IFN pathway.

Conclusion

The microRNA miR‐146a is a negative regulator of the IFN pathway. Underexpression of miR‐146a contributes to alterations in the type I IFN pathway in lupus patients by targeting the key signaling proteins. The findings provide potential novel strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Choice of second‐line disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs after failure of methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: A decision tree for clinical practice based on rheumatologists' preferences
Authors: Fautrel Bruno , Guillemin Francis , Meyer Olivier , de Bandt Michel , Berthelot Jean‐Marie , Flipo René‐Marc , Lioté Frédéric , Maillefert Jean‐Francis , Wendling Daniel , Saraux Alain , Combe Bernard , Le loët Xavier
Published: March 2009

Objective

To survey rheumatologists' preferences for the choice of a second‐line disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) after inadequate response with methotrexate (MTX) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Thirty‐six rheumatologists stated their preferences for RA treatment after inadequate response with MTX therapy (optimal dose at least 6 months). From the initial scenario, we derived 54 vignettes varying by rheumatoid factor or anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody presence, swollen joint count, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, and structural damage. Respondents stated their preference among 5 therapeutic options: MTX continuation, switch to another conventional DMARD, addition of another conventional DMARD, addition of anakinra, or addition of a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. Presentation by pairs yielded 10 combinations of strategies for each variant, totaling 540 vignettes; participants evaluated a random sample of 180 vignettes. Determinants of each top‐ranked option were analyzed by logistic regression. The compilation of these data served to define a therapeutic algorithm.

Results

The responses of 33 rheumatologists were analyzable. Therapeutic preferences corresponded to the top‐ranked options. For patients with mild or moderately active RA, either a switch or step‐up strategy to another conventional DMARD was top ranked. TNF blockers were preferred for RA patients with high disease activity or progressive structural damage. On the basis of these preferences, we developed a simple decision tree for use in daily clinical practice.

Conclusion

Our simple, easy‐to‐use decision tree developed from rheumatologists' preferences for therapy after failure of MTX therapy in RA treatment may guide rheumatologists in daily practice to choose a second‐line DMARD.
Anencephaly and spina bifida among Hispanics: Maternal, sociodemographic, and acculturation factors in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Canfield Mark A. , Ramadhani Tunu A. , Shaw Gary M. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Waller D. Kim , Mosley Bridget S. , Royle Marjorie H. , Olney Richard S.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: We used data from the multisite National Birth Defects Prevention Study for expected delivery dates from October 1997 through 2003, to determine whether the increased risk in anencephaly and spina bifida (neural tube defects (NTDs)) in Hispanics was explained by selected sociodemographic, acculturation, and other maternal characteristics. METHODS: For each type of defect, we examined the association with selected maternal characteristics stratified by race/ethnicity and the association with Hispanic parents' acculturation level, relative to non‐Hispanic whites. We used logistic regression and calculated crude odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Hispanic mothers who reported the highest level of income were 80% less likely to deliver babies with spina bifida. In addition, highly educated Hispanic and white mothers had 76 and 35% lower risk, respectively. Other factors showing differing effects for spina bifida in Hispanics included maternal age, parity, and gestational diabetes. For spina bifida there was no significant elevated risk for U.S.–born Hispanics, relative to whites, but for anencephaly, corresponding ORs ranged from 1.9 to 2.3. The highest risk for spina bifida was observed for recent Hispanic immigrant parents from Mexico or Central America residing in the United States <5 years (OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.46–7.37). CONCLUSIONS: Less acculturated Hispanic parents seemed to be at highest risk of NTDs. For anencephaly, U.S.–born and English‐speaking Hispanic parents were also at increased risk. Finally, from an etiologic standpoint, spina bifida and anencephaly appeared to be etiologically heterogeneous from these analyses. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation of contaminant migration through a soil layer due to an instantaneous source
Authors: Cokca Erdal , Bilge H. Tolga , Unutmaz Berna
Published: March 2009

Analytical and numerical simulation models help civil and environmental engineering students to understand the physical and chemical processes that influence contaminant transport through a saturated soil layer, including advective and dispersive transport as well as sorption. The basic principles for simulation of contaminant migration through a saturated soil were introduced. Using the spreadsheet program MS Excel, based on existing analytical solution for two‐dimensional transport of contaminants in a saturated soil layer, concentrations at several coordinates at several times were calculated. A MATLAB code was developed using finite difference approach for numerical solution. The programming steps followed for analytical and numerical solutions were explained. The analytical and numerical solution was compared. An example of the simulation models for the contaminant transport through a saturated soil layer is given. The study shows that the analytical solution and the numerical solution, for the given problem, match in an acceptable range. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 385–398, 2011
Structure–Function Relationships in Unsymmetrical Zinc Phthalocyanines for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cid Juan‐José , García‐Iglesias Miguel , Yum Jun‐Ho , Forneli Amparo , Albero Josep , Martínez‐Ferrero Eugenia , Vázquez Purificación , Grätzel Michael , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Palomares Emilio , Torres Tomás
Published: March 2009

Let it shine! The impact of the anchoring group on photovoltaic performance by a series of phthalocyanine sensitisers (see figure) has been demonstrated.

magnified image

A series of unsymmetrical zinc phthalocyanines bearing an anchoring carboxylic function linked to the phthalocyanine ring through different spacers were designed for dye‐sensitised solar cells (DSSC). The modification of the spacer group allows not only a variable distance between the dye and the nanocrystalline TiO2, but also a distinct orientation of the phthalocyanine on the semiconductor surface. The photovoltaic data show that the nature of the spacer group plays a significant role in the electron injection from the photo‐excited dye into the nanocrystalline TiO2 semiconductor, the recombination rates and the efficiency of the cells. The incident monochromatic photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) for phthalocyanines bearing an insulating spacer is as low as 9 %, whereas for those with a conducting spacer an outstanding IPCE 80 % was obtained.
Identification of Odor‐Active Organic Sulfur Compounds in Gypsum Products
Authors: Burdack‐Freitag Andrea , Mayer Florian , Breuer Klaus
Published: March 2009

Gypsum is widely used in building products, e. g., as drywall, stucco or constituent in mortar, because it is easy to handle and it is assigned creating a good indoor air quality. Odor analysis of a gypsum product with a sulfurous off‐odor by means of gas chromatography‐olfactometry compared to two unobtrusive commercial gypsum products revealed – apart from typical odor compounds previously found in building products like aldehydes, ketones and acids – various organic sulfur compounds as odorants at very small concentrations (≪1 μg/m3) not allowing structural identification. Gypsum deposits naturally contain impurities and elemental sulfur, which can react in nature due to tectonic pressure and temperature or during production with organic compounds, e. g., from beater additives, to form organic sulfur compounds. Odor analysis of a gypsum raw material and its semi‐processed product from a Chinese deposit with a very intense sulfurous off‐odor revealed high concentrations of organic sulfur compounds, which were identical in analytical, chromatographic and sensory properties to the unidentified sulfur compounds of the commercial products and are therefore suitable for structural identification of those unknowns. In this way, a number of sulfides, disulfides, thiols and aromatic sulfur compounds could be identified as contributing to the odor of gypsum products.
Gads‐deficient thymocytes are blocked at the transitional single positive CD4+ stage
Authors: Dalheimer Stacy L. , Zeng Ling , Draves Kevin E. , Hassaballa Ashraf , Jiwa Nasheena N. , Parrish Torrey D. , Clark Edward A. , Yankee Thomas M.
Published: March 2009

Positive selection of T‐cell precursors is the process by which a diverse T‐cell repertoire is established. Positive selection begins at the CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) stage of development and involves at least two steps. First, DP thymocytes down‐regulate CD8 to become transitional single positive (TSP) CD4+ thymocytes. Then, cells are selected to become either mature single positive CD4+ or mature single positive CD8+ thymocytes. We sought to define the function of Gads during the two steps of positive selection by analyzing a Gads‐deficient mouse line. In Gads+/+ mice, most TSP CD4+ thymocytes are TCRhiBcl‐2hiCD69+, suggesting that essential steps in positive selection occurred in the DP stage. Despite that Gads−/− mice could readily generate TSP CD4+ thymocytes, many Gads−/− TSP CD4+ cells were TCRloBcl‐2loCD69−, suggesting that Gads−/− cells proceeded to the TSP CD4+ stage prior to being positively selected. These data suggest that positive selection is not a prerequisite for the differentiation of DP thymocytes into TSP CD4+ thymocytes. We propose a model in which positive selection and differentiation into the TSP CD4+ stage are separable events and Gads is only required for positive selection.
Homeostatic regulation of T effector to Treg ratios in an area of seasonal malaria transmission
Authors: Finney Olivia C. , Nwakanma Davis , Conway David J. , Walther Michael , Riley Eleanor M.
Published: March 2009

An important aspect of clinical immunity to malaria is the ability to down‐regulate inflammatory responses, once parasitaemia is under control, in order to avoid immune‐mediated pathology. The role of classical (CD4+CD25+CD127lo/−FOXP3+) Treg in this process, however, remains controversial. Thus, we have characterized the frequency, phenotype and function of Treg populations, over time, in healthy individuals in The Gambia. We observed that both the percentage and the absolute number of CD4+FOXP3+CD127lo/− T cells were higher among individuals living in a rural village with highly seasonal malaria transmission than among individuals living in an urban area where malaria rarely occurs. These CD4+FOXP3+CD127lo/− T cells exhibited an effector memory and apoptosis‐prone phenotype and suppressed cytokine production in response to malaria antigen. Cells from individuals exposed to malaria expressed significantly higher levels of mRNA for forkhead box P3 and T‐box 21 (T‐BET) at the end of the malaria transmission season than at the end of the non‐transmission season. Importantly, the ratio of T‐BET to forkhead box P3 was remarkably consistent between populations and over time, indicating that in healthy individuals, a transient increase in Th1 responses during the malaria transmission season is balanced by a commensurate Treg response, ensuring that immune homeostasis is maintained.
Trans fatty acids in margarines marketed in Brazil: Content, labeling regulations and consumer information
Authors: Benincá Cristina , Zanoelo Everton Fernando , de Lima Luz Luiz Fernando , Spricigo Cinthia Bittencourt
Published: March 2009

A set of 46 different trademarks of margarines produced in Brazil by eight different companies was investigated in terms of the national labeling requirements for trans fatty acids (TFA). Experimental measurements of the content of total saturated fatty acids, cis‐monounsaturated fatty acids, cis‐polyunsaturated fatty acids and total TFA by gas chromatography showed the reliability of the data listed on the nutrition facts panel, which were used as reference for this analysis. The results revealed that 50% of the manufacturers and 13% of all the investigated trademarks of margarines violated the current Brazilian labeling regulations. A group of 200 consumers categorized by age, sex and years of formal education was also questioned about the importance of nutrition labeling information and TFA. Approximately 33% of the consumers interviewed were not informed about the possible detrimental effects of TFA on human health. Individuals with longer years of formal education and those affected by coronary heart diseases attributed to the intake of TFA were most interested in reading the nutrition labeling.
Relationship of variables affecting separation following transesterification of vegetable oil
Authors: Hájek Martin , Skopal František
Published: March 2009

The transesterification of vegetable oils (rapeseed and sunflower oils were used) by low‐molecular alcohol is the most‐used method of biodiesel production. A heterogeneous reaction mixture is formed by transesterification, containing ester and glycerol phases. Biodiesel is gained by the sedimentation of this mixture. We have studied how the separation conditions (independent variables: amount of added water, intensity and time of stirring, etc.) affect the quantity and the quality of both phases (dependent variables). The reaction mixture presents a multivariable system; therefore, the statistical method Plackett–Burman was used for planning the experiments. Multidimensional linear regression was used for the description of the relation between independent and dependent variables. A mathematical model describing this relationship was created for both types of oil.
Strategies for the Synthesis of Stemona Alkaloids
Authors: Alibés Ramon , Figueredo Marta
Published: March 2009

The extracts of several plants of the Stemonaceae family have long been used in Asian countries against differentdiseases and for their antiparasitic properties. Significant constituents of these extracts are a series of structurally related secondary metabolites named Stemona alkaloids. All the Stemona alkaloids are polycyclic and contain multiple stereocenters. Most of them present a central pyrrolo[1,2‐a]azepine system and the majority also incorporate at least one α‐methyl‐γ‐butyrolactone substructure. Their challenging molecular architectures have motivated the development of new strategies for the construction of their skeletons, but only a small number of total syntheses have been published and they are still limited to quite a small number of targets. This microreview briefly examines most of the synthetic approaches to these alkaloids, according to the strategies devised to assemble their intricate structures, stressing the main similarities and differences encountered in the work developed by different laboratories, as well as the variations introduced along the synthetic route when pursuing different alkaloids through a common strategy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Efficient Synthesis of Vitamin E Amines
Authors: Mazzini Francesco , Netscher Thomas , Salvadori Piero
Published: March 2009

A short and efficient synthesis of all VE amines (‐, ‐, ‐, ‐tocopheramines and ‐tocotrienamines) in enantiopure form is described. These amino analogues of natural vitamin E compounds (‐, ‐, ‐, ‐tocopherols and ‐tocotrienols) can be prepared by Pd‐catalyzed N‐arylation reactions on the corresponding triflates, synthesized under controlled conditions from the phenols. The benzophenone imine or benzylamine intermediates deliver the VE amines in high yield and purity after deprotection. The compounds prepared are key precursors of VE amides, which are of great interest in the search for new therapeutics with antitumoral activity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Diagnostic utility of the Pittsburgh sleep Quality Index in memory clinics
Authors: Hancock P. , Larner A. J.
Published: March 2009

Background

Since sleep is important for physiological memory function, sleep disturbance may contribute to subjective memory complaints and objective memory impairments independent of brain pathology. We investigated the diagnostic utility of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as an independent test to differentiate patients with and without dementia at the initial clinical diagnostic interview in dedicated memory clinics.

Methods

PSQI was administered to consecutive new patient referrals to two memory clinics over a 2‐year period, independent of other tests (interview, neuropsychology, imaging) which were used to establish diagnoses according to standard diagnostic criteria (DSM‐IV), and results were compared.

Results

In a cohort of 310 patients, 50% fulfilling clinical diagnostic criteria for dementia, PSQI scores and subscores showed suboptimal sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for the diagnosis of dementia, and likelihood ratios were unimportant. However, the proportion of poor sleepers was significantly larger in the non‐demented as compared to the demented patient group.

Conclusions

PSQI scores were suboptimal for dementia diagnosis using traditional diagnostic parameters, but were pragmatically useful in identifying non‐demented ‘memory complainers’ with poor sleep quality. This observation may have therapeutic implications for these patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human entorhinal gamma and theta oscillations selective for remote autobiographical memory
Authors: Steinvorth Sarah , Wang Chunmao , Ulbert Istvan , Schomer Donald , Halgren Eric
Published: March 2009

Current source densities in different layers of the human entorhinal cortex (ER) were recorded using a linear array of 24 microelectrodes during three memory conditions: a remote autobiographical condition eliciting recollections of events that occurred 10 or more years ago in the participant's past, a semantic icon condition invoking the mental image of a well‐known object, and a semantic knowledge condition asking about general information. Our data demonstrate theta, gamma, and delta oscillations in left ER particularly for remote autobiographical memory. Gamma is predominant in hippocampally projecting layers during presentation of the memory cue, whereas theta is prolonged and dominant in cortically projecting layers during memory retrieval. Gamma interactions between ER and hippocampal formation (HF) may elicit an HF contribution to recall under influences relayed from the association cortex (AC). This contribution may then be relayed back to AC during retrieval of the memory orchestrated by theta interactions with ER. Accordingly, theta oscillations were recorded simultaneously in frontal and temporal cortices. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of hippocampal–neocortical interactions in the retrieval of episodic autobiographical memories across the entire life‐span of aged adults
Authors: Viard Armelle , Lebreton Karine , Chételat Gaël , Desgranges Béatrice , Landeau Brigitte , Young Alan , De La Sayette Vincent , Eustache Francis , Piolino Pascale
Published: March 2009

We previously demonstrated that episodic autobiographical memories (EAMs) rely on a network of brain regions comprising the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and distributed neocortical regions regardless of their remoteness. The findings supported the model of memory consolidation, which proposes a permanent role of MTL during EAM retrieval (multiple‐trace theory or MTT) rather than a temporary role (standard model). Our present aim was to expand the results by examining the interactions between the MTL and neocortical regions (or MTL–neocortical links) during EAM retrieval with varying retention intervals. We used an experimental paradigm specially designed to engage aged participants in the recollection of EAMs, extracted from five different time‐periods, covering their whole life‐span, in order to examine correlations between activation in the MTL and neocortical regions. The nature of the memories was checked at debriefing by means of behavioral measures to control the degree of episodicity and properties of memories. Targeted correlational analyses carried out on the MTL, frontal, lateral temporal, and posterior regions revealed strong links between the MTL and neocortex during the retrieval of both recent and remote EAMs, challenging the standard model of memory consolidation and supporting MTT instead. Further confirmation was given by results showing that activation in the left and right hippocampi significantly correlated during the retrieval of both recent and remote memories. Correlations among extra‐MTL neocortical regions also emerged for all time‐periods, confirming the critical role of the prefrontal, temporal (lateral temporal cortex and temporal pole), precuneus, and posterior cingulate regions in EAM retrieval. Overall, this paper emphasizes the role of a bilateral network of MTL and neocortical areas whose activation correlate during the recollection of rich phenomenological recent and remote EAMs. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐1β receptor blockade protects islets against pro‐inflammatory cytokine induced necrosis and apoptosis
Authors: Schwarznau Alice , Hanson Matthew S. , Sperger Jamie M. , Schram Brian R. , Danobeitia Juan S. , Greenwood Krista K. , Vijayan Ashwanth , Fernandez Luis A.
Published: March 2009

Pro‐inflammatory cytokines (PIC) impair islet viability and function by activating inflammatory pathways that induce both necrosis and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to utilize an in vitro rat islet model to evaluate the efficacy of a clinically approved IL‐1 receptor antagonist (Anakinra) in blocking PIC induced islet impairment. Isolated rat islets were cultured for 48 h ± PIC (IL‐1β, IFNγ, and TNFα) and ±IL‐1ra then assayed for cellular integrity by flow cytometry, MAPK phosphorylation by proteome array, and gene expression by RT‐PCR. Nitric oxide (NO) release into the culture media was measured by Griess reaction. Islet functional potency was tested by glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and by transplantation into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic NOD.scid mice. Rat islets cultured with PIC upregulated genes for NOS2a, COX2, IL6, IL1b, TNFa, and HMOX1. IL‐1ra prevented the PIC induced upregulation of all of these genes except for TNFa. Inhibition of PIC induced iNOS by NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (NMMA) only blocked the increased expression of HMOX1. IL‐1ra completely abrogated the effects of PIC with respect to NO production, necrosis, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, GSIS, and in vivo potency. IL‐1ra was not effective at preventing the induction of necrosis or apoptosis by exogenous NO. These data demonstrate that Anakinra is an effective agent to inhibit the activation of IL‐1β dependent inflammatory pathways in cultured rat islets and support the extension of its application to human islets in vitro and potentially as a post transplant therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 341–347, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrin αvβ3 upregulates integrin‐linked kinase expression in human ovarian cancer cells via enhancement of ILK gene transcription
Authors: Lössner Daniela , Abou‐Ajram Claudia , Benge Anke , Aumercier Marc , Schmitt Manfred , Reuning Ute
Published: March 2009

We previously showed that integrin αvβ3 overexpression and engagement by its ligand vitronectin increased adhesion, motility, and proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells. In search of differentially regulated genes involved in these tumor biological events, we previously identified the integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) to be under control of αvβ3. In the present investigation we demonstrated significantly upregulated ILK protein as a function of αvβ3 in two ovarian cancer cell lines, OV‐MZ‐6 and OVCAR‐3, and proved co‐localization at the surface of αvβ3‐overexpressing cells adherent to vitronectin. Increase of ILK protein was reflected by enhanced ILK promoter activity, an effect, which we further characterized with regard to transcriptional response elements involved. Abrogation of NF‐κB/c‐rel or p53 binding augmented ILK promoter activity and preserved induction by αvβ3. The AP1‐mutant exhibited decreased promoter activity but was also still inducible by αvβ3. Disruption of the two DNA consensus motifs for Ets proteins led to divergent observations: mutation of the Ets motif at promoter position −462 bp did not significantly alter promoter activity but still allowed response to αvβ3. In contrast, disruption of the second Ets motif at position −85 bp did not only lead to slightly diminished promoter activity but also, in that case, abrogated ILK promoter induction by αvβ3. Subsequent co‐transfection studies with ets‐1 in the presence of the second Ets motif led to additional induction of ILK promoter activity. Taken together, these data suggest that ets‐1 binding to the second Ets DNA motif strongly contributes to αvβ3‐mediated ILK upregulation. By increasing ILK as an important integrin‐proximal kinase, αvβ3 may promote its intracellular signaling and tumor biological processes arising thereof in favor of ovarian cancer metastasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 367–375, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and properties of macroporous superabsorbent composite
Authors: Qi Xiaohua , Liu Mingzhu , Chen Zhenbin , Zhang Fen , Zhao Lu
Published: March 2009

A fast swelling macroporous superabsorbent composite was prepared by the copolymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid, 2‐acryloylamino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and attapulgite (APT) using N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NNMBA) and trihydroxymethyl propane glycidol ether as crosslinking agents. For fast swelling rate (SR), sodium bicarbonate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were introduced into the reaction system as foaming agent and stabilizers. Furthermore, the copolymer was surface‐crosslinked with glycerine and sodium silicate, and then blended with aluminum sulfate and sodium carbonate. The influences of the amount of NNMBA, trihydroxymethyl propane glycidol ether, PEG, CMC and sodium bicarbonate, and reaction temperature on water absorbence both under atmospheric pressure and load, and on the SR were investigated. The water absorbence of the sample in 0.9 wt% NaCl aqueous solution under atmospheric pressure and certain load (P ≈ 2 × 103 Pa) could reach 54 and 8 g.g−1, respectively, and the SR could reach 0.471 ml g−1 s−1. The excellent strength, resilience, and the dispersion of swollen hydrogel were also observed for the sample. Moreover, the surface morphology of macroporous superabsorbent composite was characterized using scanning electron microscope. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yangian symmetry, S‐matrices and Bethe ansatz for the AdS5 × S5 superstring
Authors: de Leeuw M.
Published: March 2009

We discuss the relation between the recently derived bound state S‐matrices for the AdS5× S5 superstring and Yangian symmetry. We will study the relation between this Yangian symmetry and the Bethe ansatz. In particular we can use it to derive the Bethe equations for bound states.
Crystallographic and activity‐based evidence for thumb flexibility and its relevance in glycoside hydrolase family 11 xylanases
Authors: Pollet Annick , Vandermarliere Elien , Lammertyn Jeroen , Strelkov Sergei V. , Delcour Jan A. , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: March 2009

Enzyme intramolecular mobility and conformational changes of loops in particular play a significant role in biocatalysis. In this respect, the highly conserved thumb loop of glycoside hydrolase family (GH) 11 xylanases is an intriguing and characteristic structural element, of which the true dynamic nature and function in catalysis is still unknown. Crystallographic analysis of the structure of a Bacillus subtilis xylanase A mutant, found as a dimer in an asymmetric unit, revealed that the thumb region can adopt an extended conformation, which is stabilized in the crystal lattice through intermolecular contacts. In contrast to the closed thumb conformation of GH11 xylanases and the previously observed small conformational changes upon substrate binding, a relocation of the tip of the thumb of more than 15 Å was observed. Site‐directed mutagenesis of five thumb residues, including putative hinge point residues, and enzyme kinetics assays showed that Arg112, Asn114, and Thr126 play a role in the open‐close thumb movement. Replacement of Arg112 by glycine or proline caused a strong decrease of turnover numbers and elevated Michaelis constants on xylan. Mutant N114P hindered thumb movement, provoking a fourfold decrease of turnover numbers and a sharp rise in Michaelis constants, whereas the proline mutant of Thr126 displayed an increase in specific activity. The observation that extensive thumb opening is possible combined with the kinetic data suggests that the thumb plays a crucial role in both binding of substrate and release of product from the active site. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The link between policy and practice in science education: The role of research
Authors: Fensham Peter J.
Published: March 2009

Policy has been a much neglected area for research in science education. In their neglect of policy studies, researchers have maintained an ongoing naivete about the politics of science education. In doing so, they often overestimate the implications of their research findings about practice and ignore the interplay between the stakeholders beyond and in‐school who determine the nature of the curriculum for science education and its enacted character. Policies for education (and science education in particular) always involve authority and values, both of which raise sets of fascinating questions for research. The location of authority for science education differs across educational systems in ways that affect the role teachers are expected to play. Policies very often value some groups in society over others, as the long history of attempts to provide science for all students testifies. As research on teaching/learning science identifies pedagogies that have widespread effectiveness, the policy issue of mandating these becomes important. Illustrations of successful policy to practice suggest that establishing conditions that will facilitate the intended implementation is critically important. The responsibility of researchers for critiquing and establishing policy for improving the practice of science education is discussed, together with the role research associations could play if they are to claim their place as key stakeholders in science education. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93:1076–1095, 2009
Role of plasma lipoproteins in the transport of the soyabean isoflavones
daidzein and daidzein-7-O-β-d-glucoside
Authors: Rüfer Corinna E. , Kulling Sabine E. , Möseneder Jutta , Winterhalter Peter , Bub Achim
Published: March 2009

Isoflavone intake is associated with various properties beneficial to human health which
are related to their antioxidant activity, for example, to their ability to increase LDL
oxidation resistance. However, the distribution of isoflavones among plasma lipoproteins
has not yet been elucidated in vivo. Therefore, the objective of the
present study was to investigate the association between daidzein (DAI) and lipoproteins
in human plasma upon administration of the aglycone and glucoside form. Five men aged
22–30 years participated in a randomised, double-blind study in cross-over
design. After ingestion of DAI and
daidzein-7-O-β-d-glucoside (DG) (1 mg DAI
aglycone equivalents/kg body weight) blood samples were drawn before isoflavone
administration as well as 1, 2, 3, 4·5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 and 48 h
post-dose. Concentrations of DAI in the different lipoprotein fractions (chylomicrons,
VLDL, LDL, HDL) and in the non-lipoprotein fraction were analysed using isotope dilution
capillary GC/MS. The lipoprotein fraction profiles were similar for all subjects and
resembled those obtained for plasma in our previously published study. The lipoprotein
distribution based on the area under the concentration–time profiles from
0 h to infinity in the different fractions were irrespective of the administered
form: non-lipoprotein fraction (53 %) > LDL (20 %) > HDL
(14 %) > VLDL (9·5 %) > chylomicrons
(2·5 %). Of DAI present in plasma, 47 % was associated to
lipoproteins. Concentrations in the different lipoprotein fractions as well as in the
non-lipoprotein fraction were always higher after the ingestion of DG than of DAI. Taken
together, these results demonstrate an association between isoflavones and plasma
lipoproteins in vivo.
On the colorimetric determination of hydrogen-ion concentration in soils
Authors: Gimingham C. T.
Published: March 2009

Of the two available methods for the determination of hydrogen-ion concentration, the electrometric is the more fundamental and satisfactory but it requires somewhat elaborate and expensive apparatus. The colorimetric method, on the other hand, though not lacking in difficulties if accurate results are wanted, requires no special apparatus and the actual procedure is simple. It is based on the electrometric method, and involves the use of buffer solutions of known hydrogen-ion concentration determined originally electrometrically.
Milk-secretion studies with New Zealand Romney ewes. Parts I and II
Authors: Barnicoat C. R. , Logan A. G. , Grant A. I.
Published: March 2009

Milk production is of fundamental and practical importance in all farm mammals. With dairy cattle in particular extensive study of milk secretion has resulted in raising the milking performance in all domestic breeds. This has mainly been achieved by the adoption of improved breeding and feeding practices.
The inheritance of a tail abnormality associated with urogenital disorders in pigs
Authors: Donald H. P.
Published: March 2009

An analysis of the breeding of 130 kinky-tailed pigs of Large White and Wessex origin indicates that the character is genetic in nature and is of variable penetrance and expressivity. The hypothesis is put forward that pigs, in general, may be charcterized by a slight tendency to this defect which is exhibited when the appropriate accidents of development occur. In addition, there may be genes which raise the overall frequency and severity of the defect. In the Large White inbred strain studied, it is thought that there were minor genes with a recessive effect as well as a major gene with incomplete dominance. In the inbred strain several litters were obtained which included no normal pigs although both parents were apparently normal. In outcrosses, kinky tails appeared less frequently. Inbred, kinky-tailed pigs were difficult to rear and of those kept for breeding most proved sterile. Post-mortem examination of a number of affected pigs showed a high incidence of abnormalities of the kidneys, ureters and genitalia. The suggestion is made that kinky tails are but a minor manifestation of an early developmental disorder.
Breeding cattle for increased adaptability to tropical and subtropical environments
Authors: Bonsma Jan C.
Published: March 2009

An adapted animal is one in perfect harmony with its environment. Of all the interrelated factors influencing the environment, climate is probably the most important, affecting not only the vegetation and parasitical fauna but likewise the density of human population, its needs and culture.

A study of the climatological influence on animals must be comprehensive and include species, breeds and types within breeds, land as well as aquatic animals, both steppe and mountain animals, and existing animals as well as those of historical importance. The climatology with which the animal breeder is concerned aims at establishing the influence of climate, with its constantly recurring phases, upon the animal (in this case the bovine). The reaction of any animal to a particular external environmental stimulus is closely correlated with the animal's efficiency of production.
The influence of environment and maturity on total carotenoids in carrots
Authors: Booth V. H. , Dark S. O. S.
Published: March 2009

1. A study has been made of the effect of conditions of growing and of maturity on the concentration of total carotenoids (t.c.) in the root of the carrot, Daucus carota L.

2. Carotene comprised nearly 90% of the total carotenoids in all categories of carrot roots except the very small seedlings. Hence t.c. concentration may be used as an index of carotene concentration.

3. In order to develop their full t.c. concentration by autumn, carrot varieties with normal t.c. values must be sown before the end of May. High-carotene varieties must be sown at least a month earlier. ‘Stecklings’ grown from summer-sown seeds and examined in spring had only about a third of their fully mature t.c. value.
The intensive production of herbage for crop-drying: Part I. A study of the productivity of two annual crops and two leys and of their responses in yield and chemical composition to applications of nitrogenous manure
Authors: Holmes W.
Published: March 2009

1. The importance of uniform production of herbage for crop-drying is emphasized.

2. A replicated experiment is described which compared four crops, two annuals and two leys under four manurial treatments which included a control and three applications of fertilizer (3½ cwt. ‘nitrochalk’) distributed during the season in three ways.

3. Vetches yielded 2500–3000 lb. dry matter per acre of 28–30% crude-protein content in two cuts.

Barley yielded 2500–3000 lb. dry matter per acre of 18–21% crude protein in five to six cuts.

Leys yielded 4000–5000 lb. dry matter per acre of 15–18% crude protein in four cuts in their first year, and 5000–6000 lb. dry matter per acre of 15–18% crude protein in five cuts in their second year.
The early weaning of pigs. VIII. Copper sulphate as a growth stimulant
Authors: Lucas I. A. M. , Livingstone R. M. , Boyne A. W. , McDonald I.
Published: March 2009

The effects of copper supplements on the performance up to 45 lb. live weight of early weaned pigs were measured in two experiments. Copper sulphate included as 0·1% of the diet had no apparent adverse effect on the piglets, even when it was introduced immediately after weaning at about 8 lb. live weight, but improved rate of gain by 6 and 12% and feed conversion efficiency by 5 and 6% in the two experiments, respectively. The length of the period of slow growth after weaning was reduced in both experiments. There was no clear advantage in delaying the introduction of the high-copper diet until the pigs weighed 17 or 26 lb.

The second experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial, the second factor being the presence or absence in the diet of antibiotic (present throughout in the first experiment). Antibiotic appeared to have slight beneficial effects on growth rate and feed conversion, which were additive to the effects of copper so that the best results were obtained from the diet containing both copper and antibiotic.

In a continuation of the first experiment it was found that the early copper treatment had no effect on rates of gain and feed conversion between 55 and 200 lb. live weight or on carcass measurements. The inclusion of a copper supplement in the diet from 55 to 200 lb. improved feed conversion by 4% and rate of gain by 3·5%, reduced the thickness of streak and increased the ratio of width to depth of eye muscle. None of these responses was affected by the copper treatment prior to 55 lb. live weight.
Soil moisture as a factor influencing the degree of response of an upland rice plant to increasing supply of nitrogen and phosphorus
Authors: Enyi B. A. C.
Published: March 2009

The soil used in this experiment was a sandy clay low in phosphorus and in nitrogen from the College Farm. A (3 x 3 x 2) factorial experiment with three replications using an upland rice variety, Agbede, was carried out in the open on the College Farm between January and May 1963. Ten-litre plastic buckets 25 cm. deep and holding 11 kg. of soil, which was thoroughly mixed and the pH brought to 6.0 by liming, were used in growing the plants. These buckets were left standing on the ground, and there was no rain during the experimental period.
Estimates of the contribution of solar radiation to the thermal exchanges of sheep at a latitude of 55° north
Authors: Clapperton J. L. , Joyce J. P. , Blaxter K. L.
Published: March 2009

Interest in the gain of heat by farm animals exposed to sunshine has largely been confined to countries in which air temperatures are high and in which exposure of stock to sunshine leads to their distress. Riemerschmidt's (1943) studies indicated the considerable magnitude of the heat gained by oxen standing in the sun in South Africa, and studies by MacFarlane, Morris & Howard (1956) in Australia showed that with sheep standing in the sun the wool surface temperature could rise to 85° C. These studies of MacFarlane have been confirmed in Egypt by Eyal (1963), and were subject to a theoretical analysis by Priestley (1957). Such observations, together with earlier ones reviewed by Findlay (1958), show that in many equatorial regions solar radiation is a major factor accounting for heat stress in farm ruminants.
Bacteria of the ovine rumen IV. Effect of change of diet on the predominant type of cellulose-digesting bacteria
Authors: Gouws L. , Kistner A.
Published: March 2009

It has been repeatedly shown that bacterial populations of different composition become established in the rumen of animals conditioned to different diets (Bryant & Burkey, 1953; Maki & Foster, 1957; Hungate, 1957; Warner, 1962). On changing ruminants from one diet to another, a reproducible physiological response of the animal to the new diet is often obtained only after a lapse of some weeks. This has been attributed to fluctuations in the levels of different groups of bacteria participating in the digestion of the ration before a new equilibrium between the species is attained. However, little is known about the rate at which these changes occur, mainly because the counting methods for specific bacteria which depend upon the isolation and cultural identification of the organisms are too laborious and time-consuming for examining samples of rumen contents at short intervals after a change of diet.
Seasonal fluctuations in the sexual activity of Awassi, German Mutton Merino, Corriedale, Border-Leicester and Dorset Horn rams:I. Seasonal changes in semen plasma volume and its fructose and citric acid concentrations
Authors: Amir D. , Volcani R.
Published: March 2009

The authors of most of the papers dealing with the seasonal breeding of sheep agree that the summer months are the less favourable season for sexual desire of the rams (Moule, 1960), their semen quality (McKenzie & Berliner, 1937; Gunn, Sanders & Granger, 1942; Comstock, Green, Winters & Nordskog, 1943; Phillips, Sohott, Eaton & Simmons, 1943; Sapsford, 1951; Hafez, Badreldin & Darwish, 1955; Cupps et al. 1960; and many others), and for spermatogenesis (Maqsood, 1951; Ortavant & Thibault, 1956).
Losses in the conservation of grassland herbage in lined trench silos:II. Comparison of lacerated silages of low and high dry-matter content made by the cold fermentation process
Authors: Brown W. O. , Kerr J. A. M.
Published: March 2009

A conservation experiment is described in which a comparison is made of quality and of nutrient losses in wilted and unwilted lacerated silages made by the cold fermentation process in large trench silos. The losses of dry matter in the two wilted silages were 19.7 and 16.7% and in the unwilted silages 23.3 and 22.1%.
Evaluation of phosphate fertilizers: I. Immediate value of dicalcium phosphate, nitrophosphates, Gafsa rock phosphate basic slag and potassium metaphosphate for barley and ryegrass
Authors: Mattingly G. E. G. , Penny A.
Published: March 2009

Three granular nitrophosphates containing 5, 26 and 50 % of their total phosphorus in a water-soluble form, granular potassium metaphosphate, Gafsa rock phosphate and basic slag (both as powders) were compared with granular superphosphate and powdered dicalcium phosphate as standards in two annual experiments with ryegrass and in three experiments with barley.

In 1960 total yields of ryegrass during a whole season were similar with all fertilizers. Nitrophosphate-5, Gafsa rock phosphate and basic slag acted more slowly than granular superphosphate and grass grew less well and took up less phosphorus during the first 12 weeks. Over the whole growing season more phosphorus was taken up by grass from powdered dicalcium phosphate and from granular potassium metaphosphate (0.5–2.0 mm) than from granular superphosphate (1.0–4.0 mm).

Powdered dicalcium phosphate was equivalent to about 60% as much phosphorus applied as superphosphate to barley. Rock phosphate was almost inert and percentage granular superphosphate equivalents of basic slag and potassium metaphosphate were 22 and 23% respectively. Percentage superphosphate equivalents of the granular nitrophosphates were 1, 25 and 53% and almost equal to the water-soluble phosphate they contained.
Hormonal induction of superovulation in cattle
Authors: Scanlon P. , Sreenan J. , Gordon I.
Published: March 2009

Eighty-nine cattle were treated to induce high superovulation with 3000 i.u. PMSG on day 16 of the cycle and slaughtered shortly after breeding and injection of 2000 i.u. HCG. In the 79 cattle that came in oestrus, the mean number of ovulations was 9.0. The percentage of follicles ovulating and the mean ovulation rate increased markedly as the interval between PMSG and oestrus increased from 2 to 5 days. Seventy-one percent of eggs shed were recovered; 68% of eggs recovered were cleaved. Evidence on cleavage stages attained, and on the location of eggs in the Fallopian tubes and uterus, suggests that a majority of eggs were capable of normal development.