bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposed Model for Inter-Institutional Collaboration on Instructional Design Projects
Authors: Blick Andrew , Waters Todd
Published: May 2021

Instructional design requests are multi-faceted and complex, necessitating a broad skill set and efficacious problem-solving procedures. While individual instructional designers in higher education are effective in their work, partnering with designers from other higher education institutions allows them to leverage one another’s experiences, skills, and approaches to these complex design requests. There is much research regarding instructional design processes, but there is none that addresses inter-institutional collaborative efforts to address complicated instructional design requests from faculty and subject-matter experts. In this article, we review current trends and discussions of instructional design models and practices and applicable communication theories and practices. We then propose a model for cross-institutional collaboration based on instructional design, communication, and collaborative processes.
Simple Steps towards Equitable Online Courses
Authors: Vidal Graciela
Published: May 2021

It is well-known that academic life can be very stressful for students. We are currently in the middle of a pandemic and living in a time of deep social reflection and transformation, which has brought a new level of stress to our students, who are experiencing it in different ways. This is impacting all learning environments, including online courses. Approaches for making online courses more inclusive have been discussed extensively, but we are still learning how to go about achieving equitable courses. This article will highlight lessons learned from teaching experiences and from listening to students, including the importance of observing and identifying the factors contributing to the increased stress that students in your online course may be facing. It will also discuss simple strategies to help all your students achieve academic success.
A Compound Real Option Approach for Determining the Optimal Investment Path for RPV-Storage Systems
Authors: Hassi Benjamin , Reyes Tomas , Sauma Enzo
Published: May 2021

The use of residential Photovoltaic-Storage systems may produce large benefits to owners and has expanded rapidly in recent years. Nonetheless, large uncertainties regarding the profitability of these systems make it necessary to incorporate flexibilities in their economic evaluations. This paper offers a new method to evaluate the compound flexibility of both the option of delaying investments and the option of further expanding the capacity of solar photovoltaic modules and batteries during the investment horizon. Flexibility is modeled as a compound real option, whose value is computed using a novel method that we call Compound Least Squares Monte Carlo (CLSM). The model is applied to the investment decisions associated to a residential Photovoltaic-Storage system. Results suggest that investors should use the proposed CLSM method in the economic valuation of multi-stage projects, since considering only a single flexibility could promote sub-optimal decisions. Moreover, in our case study, we show that it is optimal to break the investment down into two steps or more in 36% of future scenarios, on average.
Increasing or Diversifying Risk? Tail Correlations, Transmission Flows and Prices across Wind Power Areas
Authors: Mauritzen Johannes , Sucarrat Genaro
Published: May 2021

As wind power costs have declined, capacity has grown quickly, often times in adjacent areas. Price and volatility risk from wind power’s intermittency can be mitigated through geographic diversification and transmission. But wind power generation has a fat-tailed and right-skewed distribution. In this article we investigate how geographic diversification of wind power and the effect of wind power on market prices varies across the distribution of production. In a case study from Denmark and Sweden, we show that during tail-end production periods, correlations between areas increase substantially as does congestion in the transmission network. This leads to highly non-linear price effects. The marginal effect of wind power on the local prices is shown to be substantially higher at the 10th decile of wind power production. This has implications for valuation models of wind power projects and for operations of electricity markets with high penetrations of wind power.
Preferred display size and visual distance for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation
Authors: Hoshi Takuo
Published: May 2021

Introduction: In-line positioning of an ultrasound image provides higher success rates and less time to completion for radial arterial cannulation. But preferable size and distance of ultrasound display has not been previously discussed.

Objective: To assess the ideal visual distance and display size when using a smart phone or tablet as the ultrasound image display.

Methods: Four smart phones or tablets were used as ultrasound displays in six different configurations in a simulated radial artery puncture. In a questionnaire, 116 anaesthesiologists working in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, were asked which of the six configurations was preferable for radial artery cannulation.

Results: Sixty anaesthesiologists answered the questionnaire. About half (53%) preferred the smaller display (4- or 5.5-inch) fixed at a distance of 30 to 40 cm, and most of the rest (44%) preferred the larger display (7.9- or 9.7-inch) placed posterior to the probe with a visual distance of 45 to 60 cm.

Conclusions: Among the anaesthesiologists, the preferable size and visual distance for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation varied using a smart phone or tablet for in-line display.
Can Adaptive Market Hypothesis Explain the Existence of Seasonal Anomalies? Evidence from Dhaka Stock Exchange, Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Tahmina , Yong Othman
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the behavior of seasonal anomalies in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) of Bangladesh and whether the time varying nature of the anomalies is in line with Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH). With this aim the research investigated whether the changes in market conditions, for example: up and down market states, stock market bubbles and crashes, initiation of automated trading system and circuit breaker system can affect the behavior of calendar anomalies and therefore, can provide justification for the seasonal patterns in DSE. To achieve the stated objectives, this study utilizes daily general index values of DSE from 1993 to 2018, with GARCH (1,1) model, Markov switching model, subsample analysis and rolling window analysis. The findings support the existence of AMH at DSE in the form of time-varying nature of seasonal anomalies. However, not all seasonal anomalies examined in the study were found to grow weaker over time. The most important finding of this study is that the investors in emerging stock markets, for example DSE, may not learn from the past investment experiences and show the adapting ability towards changed market conditions in the same manner like the investors in a developed market.
Aplicabilidade e Impactos quanto a Adoção de Modelos de Classiﬁcação como Mecanismos Anti-phishing.
Authors: De Barros Mateus , Da Silva Carlo , De Miranda Péricles
Published: May 2021

Phishing websites are fake addresses that cheat the victims, passing by legitimate sites from banks or companies to obtain personal information without their consent. Looking to solve this problematic, several ways of defense were put into practice, among them the Machine Learning (ML). This article presents an study about ML utilization on malicious websites detection, reporting the methods used and concluding about their impact on precision and relevance.
Solução para habilitar conversas integras e auditáveis em aplicativos de troca de mensagens instantâneas
Authors: Komo Andrea , Simplicio Jr. Marcos
Published: May 2021

A integridade das mensagens em aplicativos de comunicação instantânea tem sido uma questão importante nosúltimos anos. Em particular, como esses aplicativos têm sido utilizados como ferramentas corporativas, não é incomum que as conversas neles realizadas sejam usadas como documentos para comprovar negociações. Por outro lado, a maioria desses aplicativos não apresenta um recurso de veriﬁcação para conﬁrmar a integridade da conversas. De fato, análises mostram que é possível modiﬁcar registros de forma proposital ou acidental em aplicativos como WhatsApp, Telegram e outros, sem que a alteração seja facilmente detectada. Este trabalho propõe o uso de uma estrutura encadeada de hashes criptográﬁcos das mensagens de forma a garantir a integridade e permitir a veriﬁcação conﬁável das conversas. Essa solução é independente da arquitetura do sistema e pode ser incorporada em qualquer aplicativo de mensagem.
Routine handling does not lead to chronic stress in captive green anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Borgmans G , Palme R , Sannen A , Vervaecke H , Van Damme R
Published: May 2021

Routine handling has been shown to affect stress levels in a variety of animal species. This could result in a general decrease in welfare and may confound the results of scientific experiments or observations on captive study animals. In reptiles, there seems to be variation in the effects of handling on stress levels. Furthermore, most studies on reptiles only look at the effect of handling in the short term. In this study we quantified the physiological and behavioural impact of being held, twice daily, for 1 min at a time over a three-week period on the green anole (Anolis carolinensis). Measurements were collected at the end of the three-week repeated handling period. Our results showed no effect of repeated handling on body mass, tail-base width, heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (H/L ratios), behaviour and faecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels for both males and females in the experimental treatments (‘handled’, ‘unhandled’). Our study animals did score very highly for several stress-indicating variables in the three weeks preceding the experiments — suggesting that they had experienced considerable stress during capture, transport and temporary housing in the pet store.
The relative effectiveness of two expanding bullet designs in young harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus): A randomised controlled field study in the Norwegian harp seal hunt
Authors: Ryeng KA , Larsen SE
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of a rapidly expanding Bonded hunting bullet and an explosively expanding Varmint bullet in young harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus). The study was conducted as an open, controlled and randomised parallel-group designed field trial. The animals were pre-randomised (1:1) into one explosively expanding (Varmint) and one expanding (Bonded) bullet type group, with 75 animals in each. The study sample consisted of young, weaned harp seals, 2-7 weeks of age, of both sexes, from the Greenland Sea harp seal population. The study was conducted during the regular hunt. Instantaneous death rate (IDR) and time to death (TTD) were the main variables. The observed IDR was 84% in both bullet groups. Correcting for Weather Condition Index, the IDR for the Varmint bullet was significantly higher compared to the Bonded. The mean TTD was shortest in the Varmint group, but the difference did not reach significance. Compared to the Bonded, a significantly higher total cranial damage score and bleeding intensity, and significantly lower frequencies of bullet exit wounds were detected in the Varmint group. The post mortem reflex movements caused by the Varmint bullet were significantly more powerful with longer duration and higher frequencies of clonic contractions. In conclusion, the results indicate a higher effectiveness of the Varmint bullet relative to the Bonded. The Varmint bullet may thus improve animal welfare in the hunt of young harp seals.
Perceptions of animal welfare and exotic pet ownership in China
Authors: Weldon AV , Campera M , Zhang X , Ni Q , Zhu WW , Nijman V , Nekaris KAI
Published: May 2021

China plays a critical role in global biodiversity conservation, as both a biodiversity hotspot and for its role in international and domestic animal trade. Efforts to promote wildlife conservation have sparked interest in the attitudes held by Chinese citizens towards animals. Using a questionnaire, we sought to investigate the attitudes of 317 Chinese nationals across 22 provincial-level administrative units regarding their uses of animals, their perceived emotional capacities and views on exotic pets. We reduced the variables related to perceived uses of animals via Principal Component Analysis and ran Generalised Linear Models and Structural Equation Modelling to test relationships between questionnaire-derived variables. Perceptions of animals were divided into two Kellert categories — Utilitarian and Humanistic uses — and 97% of participants believed in animals’ capacities to have and express emotions. We found few interactions, with exotic pets, ie playing with or taking photographs, but the acceptability of owning an exotic pet influenced the likelihood of purchasing one. A belief that animals express emotions encouraged people to look for them as pets but thinking that pets make people happy made exotic pet ownership less acceptable. The shift in attitudes to include humanistic perceptions of animals, a belief in animals as emotive beings and understanding of terminology changed from the previous utilitarian views of pre-reform China, suggesting a readiness to embrace further conservation efforts in China. This deeper understanding of Chinese attitudes toward animals and drivers of the exotic pet trade within China may enable conservation efforts to better target future campaigns.
Kuratoriske forhandlinger om kunstmuseets rolle under kontemporaneitetens vilkår: udfoldet i en udstilling om billedkunstner Sonja Ferlov Mancoba
Authors:   , Løgstrup Johanne
Published: May 2021

Ph.D. afhandlingen analyserer kurateringens muligheder i kunstmuseers samlinger i lyset af en tids- og historieforståelse baseret på kontemporaneitetens vilkår, med henblik på museernes rolle og betydning i dag. Med kontemporaneitetens vilkår forstås en global samtidighed og sammenbringning af kulturelle tider og historier. Gennem praktisk kuratering og analyser undersøger jeg det modernistiske kunstmuseums praksis og samlingers betydning i et globalt tidsperspektiv. Det modernistiske kunstmuseum skal her forstås som et kunstmuseum, der er baseret på en homogen tid, hvor en stærk fremskridtsbevidsthed og troen på det opbyggelige med vesten som hegemonisk magt gør sig gældende (Bishop 2013, Groys 2009). Helt centralt for projektet står spørgsmålene om hvilken rolle spiller de modernistiske kunstmuseer, og hvilken rolle kan kuratering som en særlig praksis og udstillingsmediet som en bestemt formidlingsform få i et globalt og afkolonialt perspektiv? Helt konkret forstås kuratering og udstillingsmediet, som det der danner rammen for hvordan kunsten formidles på. Gennem kuratering, analyser og diskussioner udfolder jeg de spørgsmål. Det sker blandt andet via kunstteoretiker og museumsforskere som Claire Bishop, James Clifford, Jacob Lund, Nora Sternfeld, George Didi-Hubermann, Wayne Modest og Ann Laura Stoler, som jeg benytter til at diskutere tidopfattelser med, kurateringens muligheder, samt museet rolle og betydning i dag. På baggrund af dette teoretiske grundlag analyserer jeg i afhandlingens første del forskellige samlingsophængninger og samlingsudstillinger på moderne kunstmuseer. Her inddrager jeg de afkoloniale bevægelser og aktioner, som finder sted i disse år på en række kunstmuseer og jeg analyserer hvordan forskellige udstillinger på museerne har taget agens og blevet et rum for konflikter. I min praktiske del af afhandlingen arbejder jeg med den dansk-franske billedkunstner Sonja Ferlov Mancoba (1911-1984), som Statens Museum for Kunst viste en monografisk udstilling med i foråret 2019, som jeg har analyseret. I mit hovedkapitel producerer jeg et spekulativt kuratorisk projekt om Sonja Ferlov Mancoba. Jeg benytter en kuratorisk metode, der belyser den tidslige kompleksitet og afkolonialiserings-processer. I udstillingen undersøger jeg hvordan det er muligt at etablere rum for fortiden og nutidens relation til transnationale udvekslinger i kunst. Udstillingen er ikke udført men forestillet. Det er et essay, hvor læseren guides fra rum til rum. Her sammensættes værker og kuraterings-tanker fremlægges og diskuteres. Derudover indgår i den praktiske del en artikel, som er en mailkorrespondance, hvor jeg har inviteret billedkunstnere Yvette Brackman og Pia Rönicke med som medforfattere, som tager udgangspunkt i udstillingen om Sonja Ferlov Mancoba og diskuterer hvorledes kvindelige kunstnere i dag indskrives i kunsthistorien.
Is Immunomodulatory Property of Hydroxychloroquine Beneficial for Severe COVID-19? A Hospital Based Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Prasad Mohanta Mahesh , Behera Debabrata , Das Deben , Kumar Mishra Prasant , Satapathy Siddhartha , Patnaik Lavina , Badapanda Saroj , Prakash Gayathri
Published: May 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hydroxychloroquine is being prescribed by the doctors all over the world for the treatment as well as prevention of COVID-19 with varying results. As we know damage in severe COVID-19 disease occurs mainly via the immunological mechanism. There is an assumption that HCQ has immunomodulatory property and thus may have a beneficial role in severe COVID-19 disease. In this retrospective study, we describe our experience of using low dose of HCQ (200mg/day) in 27 hospitalized severe cases of COVID-19 disease. We found, though the use of HCQ resulted in improvements in chest X-rays, there was no significant reduction in the deaths in the cases where HCQ was used.
Development of Process Technology for Laxative Biscuits
Authors: Srivastava S. , Tapre A. R. , Jain Mayank
Published: May 2021

Aims: The main objective of this study was to develop the whole wheat flour based castor oil fortified biscuits as per the maximum safe daily dosage of castor oil requirement for adults.

Study Design: In the present investigation attempts were made to prepare the whole wheat flour based castor oil fortified biscuits. As per the maximum safe daily dosage of castor oil requirement for adults, different levels of castor oil viz. 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 56% were tried to prepare acceptable quality biscuit based on sensory parameters. The effect of variable amounts of castor oil in the biscuit formulation on dough and biscuit texture was also studied

Place and Duration of Study: Experiments were done in Department of Food Processing Technology, A D Patel Institute of technology, Gujarat (India) and completed within 8 months.

Methodology: The texture profile analysis for dough and biscuit samples prepared with varying levels of castor oil was carried out using texture analyser. Sensory evaluation of the prepared biscuit samples with varying % of castor oil was carried out for consumer acceptance and preference using semi-trained and consumer panelists.

Results: Dough with castor oil was observed to be significantly harder and less sticky. The hardness of the biscuits decreased with the increase in the level of substitution of castor oil. Overall acceptability of biscuits sample with 56% castor oil was the highest as compared to other samples and was significantly better than the control sample.

Conclusion: Overall acceptability of biscuits sample with 56% castor oil was the highest as compared to other samples and was significantly better than the control sample.
Population Dynamics of Natural Enemies in Okra Agro-ecosystem in Relation to Abiotic Factors
Authors: Kumar Ram , Singh P. P.
Published: May 2021

The present experiment was carried out to access the relationship between population fluctuation of natural enemies and abiotic factors in okra agro-ecosystem at the Research Farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur (Bihar). From pooled data of two consecutive Kharif seasons i.e. 2018 and 2019 it was inferred that the highest coccinellids population was registered during 35th standard week (4.56 coccinellids/ 5 plant). Thereafter, the population gradually decreases and reached to 1.19 coccinellids/ 5 plant during 41st standard week i.e. end of the crop. Correlation studies of coccinellids population with abiotic factors indicated that the maximum temperature had positive and highly significant effect on coccinellids. While, minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hrs showed positive but non-significant effect on coccinellids. The relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall had negative and non-significant correlation with coccinellids population. All the weather parameters together governed 49.90 per cent to the coccinellids population build up (R2 = 0.4990). In case of spider, incidence commenced in 27th standard week however, the maximum population (3.94 spiders/ 5 plant) was observed in 35th standard week. Correlation analysis of spider population with abiotic factors exhibited that the maximum temperature had highly significant and positive effect on spider population. Unlike it, minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hrs indicated positive and non-significant effect on spider population. However, the effect of relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall on spider population was found negative and non-significant. However, all the prevailing weather parameters together contributed 48.23 per cent towards spider incidence (R2 = 0.4823).
Institutional Dynamics of Municipal Solid Waste Management in the Bamenda Metropolis
Authors: Ntoban Victor Konfor , Akei Mbanga Lawrence , Wanie Clarkson Mvo
Published: May 2021

Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization in several parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), has introduced a plethora of urban development challenges. This has left city governments ‘standing in their sleep’, as they strive to deal such issues. A classic example is solid waste management – with waste considered to be principally an urban problem. While the issue of waste has been belaboured in the literature, there is a dearth in geographical literature on the institutional dynamics of solid waste management. Viewed as structures and processes, institutions demonstrate potentials to determine the intentions and actions of urban waste managers and urban dwellers, within the waste management spectrum. Taking the case of Bamenda – a primate city par excellence – this paper explores the dynamics of institutions and their implications for solid waste management. Specifically, it explores the waste management institutional transition and its bearing on current and potentially, future waste management practices. Household surveys, complemented by expert interviews provided data for the study. Through narratives and descriptive statistics, we observed that despite the litany of institutions involved in solid waste management and their related institutional frameworks, their effectiveness remains questionable. This rests, in part, on the inadequacy in personnel, and the lack of law enforcement in the courts and city judiciary systems. The ineffectiveness of these instruments in the Bamenda Municipality is as a result of weak legal institutional setup, the absence of courts and a city judiciary system to handle environmental issues (solid waste), irregular or poorly enforced laws, inaccessible neighbourhood, and organizational lapses. Furthermore, the socio-political climate, characterised by insecurity, mars the effective implementation of waste management approaches. This paper argues that the institutional change process in waste management should strive towards the introduction of economic incentives that can motivate urban dwellers to fully engage in the process. Further empirical evidence on the right business-oriented waste management models are required to ground this claim.
A role for Ca2+ in the effect of very low frequency electromagnetic field on the blastogenesis of human lymphocytes
Authors: Conti P. , Gigante G.E. , Alesse E. , Cifone M.G. , Fieschi C. , Reale M. , Angeletti P.U.
Published: July 2002

The DNA synthesis of lymphocytes triggered by phytohemagglutinin or phorbol‐myristate‐acetate is strongly reduced by the externally applied electromagnetic field (ELF). Ca2+ uptake by stimulated lymphocytes is also reduced by ELF. The effect appears to be synergistic with that of the well‐known calcium blocker agent, verapamil.
Precursors of the mammalian synthesis of morphine: (+)‐salutaridine and (−)‐thebaine from (+)‐6‐demethylsalutaridine, and (−)‐N‐13CH3‐thebaine from (−)‐northebaine
Authors: Dumont Raymond , Newman Amy Hauck , Rice Kenner C. , Brossi A. , Toome Voldemar , Wegrzynski Bogda
Published: July 2002

Standard samples of pure (+)‐salutaridine and (−)‐thebaine required to study the mammalian origin of morphine, were prepared from (+)‐6‐demethylsalutaridine by published procedures and were characterized by CD spectra and physical data. Reductive N‐methylation of (−)‐northebaine afforded (−)‐thebaine, and when 13C‐labeled formalin was used, (−)‐thebaine with a 13C label on the N‐methyl carbon atom resulted. The latter represents a model procedure to prepare ultimately N‐14CH3‐labeled (−)‐thebaine and 14C‐labeled congeners.
Rabbit cardiac and slow‐twitch muscle express the same phospholamban gene
Authors: Fujii Junichi , Lytton Jonathan , Tada Michihiko , MacLennan David H.
Published: July 2002

The nucleotide sequences of cDNAs encoding phospholamban were found to be virtually identical when the cDNA clones were isolated from rabbit slow‐twitch (soleus) and rabbit cardiac muscle libraries. These findings demonstrate that both types of muscle express the same phospholamban gene. The deduced amino acid sequences of rabbit and dog phospholamban were identical except for a change from Asp (dog) to Glu (rabbit) at position 2. The nucleotide sequences of the 5′‐ and the very long 3′‐untranslated regions of rabbit and dog phospholamban cDNAs also exhibited a high percentage of identity.
Sequence analysis of the potent mitogenic toxin of Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Lax Alistair J. , Chanter Neil , Pullinger Gillian D. , Higgins Theresa , Staddon James M. , Rozengurt Enrique
Published: July 2002

Pasteurella multocida toxin is a potent mitogen for cultured Swiss 3T3 cells where it causes an accumulation of inositol phosphates and activation of protein kinase C. The gene sequence described here coded for a 146 kDa protein. The ORF was preceded by a ribosome binding site and followed by a stem loop. There was no evidence for a signal sequence. The gene had a low G + C base ratio which differs from the rest of the Pasteurella genome. There was no significant homology with other known proteins, although a motif found in certain bacterial toxins which are ADP‐ribosyl transferases is present. A recombinant expressing only part of the PMT gene was not mitogenic.
Presence of non‐selective type of endothelin receptor on vascular endothelium and its linkage to vasodilation
Authors: Takayanagi Ryoichi , Kitazumi Kazuhiro , Takasaki Chikahisa , Ohnaka Keizo , Aimoto Saburo , Tasaka Kenjí , Ohashi Masao , Nawata Hajime
Published: July 2002

We studied the role of non‐selective type (ET14) of endothelin (ET) receptor in the vasculature, using a ligand specific to the ET14 receptor, [Glu9]‐sarafotoxin S6b ([Glu9]SRTb). Endothelium‐containing rat thoracic aorta possessed specific binding sites for 125I‐[Glu9]SRTb, which were almost eliminated by removal of the endothelium, while ET‐3‐specific binding sites were not detected in the endothelium‐intact rat aorta. Only ET14 receptor was detected in the membranes from the endothelium of porcine thoracic aorta. [Glu9]SRTb exerted only vasodilation in rat aortic ring. These findings indicate that ET14 receptors are located on vascular endothelium and linked to vasodilation.
Prostaglandin A2 and Δ12‐prostaglandin J2 induce apoptosis in L1210 cells
Authors: Kim In-Kyung , Lee Jeong-Hwa , Sohn Hae-Won , Kim Ho-Shik , Kim Sang-Ho
Published: July 2002

Treatment of L1210 cells with prostaglandin A2 (PGA2) or 9‐deoxy‐Δ9,12‐13,14‐dihydro PGD2 (Δ12‐PGJ2) resulted in significant G2/M arrest and subsequent DNA fragmentation at concentrations that are cytotoxic to the cells. On agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA ladder formation was evident 24 h after the addition of Δ12‐PGJ2 and remained apparent through 72 h, whereas G2/M accumulation was observed 6 h after the treatment. When the morphology of cells was examined by electron microscopy, L1210 cells incubated with a cytotoxic dose of PGA2 or Δ12‐PGJ2 for 24 h showed the characteristic morphological features of apoptosis such as chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and formation of apoptotic body. Cycloheximide blocked the DNA fragmentation and morphological changes induced by Δ12‐PGJ2. Our results suggest that these cyclopentenone PGs caused apoptotic cell death of L1210 cells which is preceded by G2/M accumulation and requires de novo protein synthesis.
Subunit structure of bovine ESF (extracellular‐matrix stabilizing factor(s))
Authors: Castillo Gerardo M. , Templeton Douglas M.
Published: July 2002

Two chondroitin sulfate‐containing complexes have been isolated from fetal bovine serum and shown to contain the serine protease inhibitor bikunin. A complex of 126 kDa contains bikunin linked by a chondroitin sulfate chain to a protein with homology to the HC2 component of the human inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor. This complex represents the extracellular matrix stabilizing factor recently described as a bikunin‐containing fraction necessary for expansion of the cumulus matrix [(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 12380‐12386]. A second complex of 236 kDa contains, in addition to bikunin and HC2, a bovine homolog of HC3 of the human pre‐α‐trypsin inhibitor. Thus, bovine bikunin is a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that achieves multifunctionality by linkage to proteins homologous to human serine antiproteinase complexes.
Thyroid hormones increase insulin‐like growth factor mRNA levels in the clonal osteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1
Authors: Varga Franz , Rumpler Monika , Klaushofer Klaus
Published: July 2002

Thyroid hormones are known to affect skeletal growth and maturation by influencing both bone resorption and bone formation. Their exact mechanism of action, however, is still unknown. Local factors such as prostaglandins, TGF‐β or IGF‐I were suggested to mediate their effects. Thyroid hormones were reported to stimulate expression of IGF‐I mRNA in liver and kidney and to increase IGF‐I release from bone organ cultures and osteoblast‐like cells. Therefore we studied the effect of thyroid hormones on IGF‐I mRNA expression in MC3T3‐E1 cells. The cells were grown in culture for 5 to 7 days and treated with triiodothyronine (10−11 ‐ 10−6 M) and thyroxin (10−6 M) for 1–24 h. Cellular mRNA was isolated and subjected to Northern hybridization. The amount of IGF‐I mRNA, which is already expressed in this cell line under control conditions, was markedly enhanced by T3 and T4. This effect was found to be dose‐dependent with a maximum at 10−7M and could already be seen after 3 h increasing up to 24 h. Our findings indicate that IGF‐I expression in osteoblasts is directly regulated by thyroid hormones. We conclude that IGF‐I expression belongs to the phenotypic characteristics of mature osteoblasts, and that thyroid hormones play an important role in differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells along the osteoblastic lineage.
Catabolism of intact fibrillin microfibrils by neutrophil elastase, chymotrypsin and trypsin
Authors: Kielty Cay M. , Woolley David E. , Whittaker Stephen P. , Shuttleworth C.Adrian
Published: July 2002

We present ultrastructural and biochemical evidence for the turnover of intact fibrillin microfibrils by the serine proteinases, neutrophil elastase, chymotrypsin and trypsin. Rotary shadowing electron microscopy revealed that serine proteinase treatment of intact microfibrils isolated from foetal bovine skin resulted in extensive degradation. Microfibrils were destroyed by neutrophil elastase and effectively disrupted by chymotrypsin and trypsin, with no morphologically identifiable arrays remaining. Evidence of defined fibrillin degradation products was obtained by Western blotting of these enzyme‐treated fibrillin assemblies. Fibrillin immunoprecipitated from dermal fibroblast culture medium was also comprehensively degraded by these enzymes. These observations demonstrate that serine proteinases are potent effectors for the physiological and pathological catabolism of microfibrils, and suggest a key role in elastic fibre degradation.
Macromolecular crowding and the mandatory condensation of DNA in bacteria
Authors: Zimmerman Steven B. , Murphy Lizabeth D.
Published: July 2002

Cellular DNA in bacteria is localized into nucleoids enclosed by cytoplasm. The forces which cause condensation of the DNA into nucleoids are poorly understood. We suggest that direct and indirect macromolecular crowding forces from the surrounding cytoplasm are critical factors for nucleoid condensation, and that within a bacterial cell these crowding forces are always present at such high levels that the DNA is maintained in a condensed state. The DNA affected includes not only the preexisting genomic DNA but also DNA that is newly introduced by viral infection, replication or other means.
Screening for anemia in pregnancy with copper sulfate densitometry
Authors: Pistorius L.R. , Funk M. , Pattinson R.C. , Howarth G.R.
Published: July 2002

Objective: The copper sulfate method of screening for anemia was evaluated to determine its accuracy in antenatal patients. Method: In an antenatal clinic in a tertiary referral center, which also serves a local urban black community, 100 antenatal patients were prospectively tested for anemia by Coulter hemoglobin analysis in comparison with the copper sulfate test. The respective accuracy and costs of the tests were evaluated. Results: Once initial technical difficulties had been overcome, the copper sulfate test proved accurate in detecting a hemoglobin level <10 g% in pregnancy (sensitivity 94%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 80%, negative predictive value 99%). The cost of the copper sulfate test is estimated to be less than 0.3% that of the Coulter test. Conclusion: The copper sulfate test is accurate and inexpensive, and can be recommended for screening for anemia in pregnancy.
ATP‐dependent regulation of nuclear Ca2+ levels in plant cells
Authors: Bunney Tom D. , Shaw Peter J. , Watkins Peter A.C. , Taylor J.Philip , Beven Alison F. , Wells Brian , Calder Grant M. , Drøbak Bjørn K.
Published: July 2002

Localised alterations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels are an integral part of the response of eukaryotic cells to a plethora of external stimuli. Due to the large size of nuclear pores, it has generally been assumed that intranuclear Ca2+ levels reflect the prevailing cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. Using nuclei prepared from carrot (Daucus carota L.) cells, we now show that Ca2+ can be transported across nuclear membranes in an ATP‐dependent manner and that over 95% of Ca2+ is accumulated into a pool releasable by the Ca2+ ionophore A.23187. ATP‐dependent nuclear Ca2+ uptake did not occur in the presence of ADP or ADPγS and was abolished by orthovanadate. Confocal microscopy of nuclei loaded with dextran‐linked Indo‐1 showed that the initial ATP‐induced rise in [Ca2+] occurs in the nuclear periphery. The occurrence of ATP‐dependent Ca2+ uptake in plant nuclei suggests that alterations of intranuclear Ca2+ levels may occur independently of cytoplasmic [Ca2+] changes.
Generation of both MHC class I‐ and class II‐restricted antigenic peptides from exogenously added ovalbumin in murine phagosomes
Authors: Muno Daisaku , Kominami Eiki , Mizuochi Toshiaki
Published: July 2002

The phagosome fraction derived from a murine macrophage cell line (J774.1), which had internalized ovalbumin (OVA)‐coated latex beads, was isolated. The peptides recovered from the phagosome fraction were separated on reverse phase HPLC and each fraction was analyzed for the content of either major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐ or class II‐restricted OVA‐derived peptide. Both peptides were detected in the phagosome fraction after less than 15 min of internalization. It was also indicated that phagosomes degrade OVA protein into both MHC class I‐ and class II‐restricted antigenic peptides by employing the same types of cathepsins. Furthermore, the results suggest that the MHC class I‐restricted peptide rapidly exits from the phagosome to the cytosol. These findings illustrate a potential role for phagosomes not only in MHC class II‐restricted but also in MHC class I‐restricted exogenous antigen presentation pathways. Our results also point to the vital role of phagosomes in non‐cytosolic antigen presentation pathway, in which further degradation of antigens by the proteasome is dispensable.
Differential gene expression in mesothelioma
Authors: Rihn B.H. , Mohr S. , McDowell S.A. , Binet S. , Loubinoux J. , Galateau F. , Keith G. , Leikauf G.D.
Published: July 2002

To investigate the molecular events controlling malignant transformation of human pleural cells, we compared constitutive gene expression of mesothelioma cells to that of pleural cells. Using cDNA microarray and high‐density filter array, we assessed expression levels of >6500 genes. Most of the highly expressed transcripts were common to both cell lines and included genes associated with stress response and DNA repair, outcomes consistent with the radio‐ and chemo‐resistance of mesothelioma. Interestingly, of the fewer than 300 genes that differed between cell lines, most functioned in (i) macromolecule stability, (ii) cell adhesion and recognition, (iii) cell migration (invasiveness), and (iv) extended cell division. Expression levels of several of these genes were confirmed by RT‐PCR and could be useful as diagnostic markers of human mesothelioma.
Expression and distribution of heme oxygenase‐1 and ‐2 in rat brown adipose tissue: the modulatory role of the noradrenergic system
Authors: Giordano Antonio , Nisoli Enzo , Tonello Cristina , Cancello Raffaella , Carruba Michele O , Cinti Saverio
Published: July 2002

To investigate whether brown adipose tissue (BAT) expresses the inducible (HO‐1) and the constitutive (HO‐2) isoform of heme oxygenase, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed on interscapular BAT (IBAT) from rats acclimated at environmental temperature or exposed to cold. Both HO isoforms were detected in rat IBAT. They were immunolocalized in the cytoplasm and/or nuclei of brown adipocytes, in parenchymal capillaries, arteries and in some veins and nerves. Whereas cold exposure did not affect HO‐2 expression, it significantly increased the expression of HO‐1, both at mRNA (about 3‐fold) and protein (about 2‐fold) levels, reflecting the increased expression of HO‐1 in the brown adipocytes and endothelial cells of parenchymal capillaries. Western blotting of cytosolic and nuclear protein extracts from cultured differentiated brown adipocytes showed that HO‐1 and HO‐2 are indeed localized in the cytosol and nuclei of brown adipocytes, and that noradrenaline stimulation significantly increased their amount in cytosol but not in the nuclear fraction.
The Sso7d DNA‐binding protein from Sulfolobus solfataricus has ribonuclease activity
Authors: Shehi Erlet , Serina Stefania , Fumagalli Gianluca , Vanoni Marco , Consonni Roberto , Zetta Lucia , Dehò Gianni , Tortora Paolo , Fusi Paola
Published: July 2002

Sso7d is a small, basic, abundant protein from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Previous research has shown that Sso7d can bind double‐stranded DNA without sequence specificity by placing its triple‐stranded β‐sheet across the minor groove. We previously found RNase activity both in preparations of Sso7d purified from its natural source and in recombinant, purified protein expressed in Escherichia coli. This paper provides conclusive evidence that supports the assignment of RNase activity to Sso7d, shown by the total absence of activity in the single‐point mutants E35L and K12L, despite the preservation of their overall structure under the assay conditions. In keeping with our observation that the residues putatively involved in RNase activity and those playing a role in DNA binding are located on different surfaces of the molecule, the activity was not impaired in the presence of DNA. If a small synthetic RNA was used as a substrate, Sso7d attacked both predicted double‐ and single‐stranded RNA stretches, with no evident preference for specific sequences or individual bases. Apparently, the more readily attacked bonds were those intrinsically more unstable.
Human leukocyte elastase inhibition by Bowman‐Birk soybean inhibitor
Authors: Larionova Natalia I , Gladysheva Inna P , Gladyshev Dimitri P
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Growth inhibition by overexpression of human DEAD box protein rck/p54 in cells of a guinea pig cell line
Authors: Akao Yukihiro , Mizoguchi Hiromi , Ohishi Nobuko , Yagi Kunio
Published: July 2002

We transfected cells of a guinea pig cell line with RCK cDNA inserted in a pIRES1neo expression vector. The overexpression of rck/p54 was confirmed by Western blot and RT‐PCR analysis. In two clones expressing rck/p54, the cell growth was highly inhibited; and their anchorage‐independent growth, which is an important character of malignant transformation, was not found. These findings are the first evidence that the overexpression of a DEAD box protein/RNA helicase could inhibit substantially cell growth at the translational level.
The sensitivity of versican from rabbit lung to gelatinase A (MMP‐2) and B (MMP‐9) and its involvement in the development of hydraulic lung edema
Authors: Passi Alberto , Negrini Daniela , Albertini Riccardo , Miserocchi Giuseppe , De Luca Giancarlo
Published: July 2002

Large chondroitinsulphate‐containing proteoglycan (versican) isolated from rabbit lung was cleaved by purified gelatinase A (MMP‐2) and gelatinase B (MMP‐9), as well as by crude enzyme extract from rabbit lung with hydraulic edema. Gelatine zymography, performed after purification of gelatinases by affinity chromatography, demonstrated that the enzyme extract contained two main gelatinolytic bands at about 92 kDa and 72 kDa, identified by specific antisera as the latent proMMP‐9 and proMMP‐2, respectively. Moreover, enzyme extract from edematous lung showed an increased amount of the proteolytically activated forms of both gelatinases with respect to normal controls. These results suggest that MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 are involved in the breakdown of versican occurring in rabbit lung during the development of hydraulic edema.
The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and oxygen‐derived free radicals in experimental acute pancreatitis: mediators of local destruction and activators of inflammation
Authors: Poch Bertram , Gansauge Frank , Rau Bettina , Wittel Uwe , Gansauge Susanne , Nüssler Andreas K. , Schoenberg Michael , Beger Hans G.
Published: July 2002

Using a retrograde infusion sodium taurocholate pancreatitis model in the rat treatment with oxygen radical scavengers or monoclonal anti‐ICAM‐1 antibody decreased tissue damage and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) infiltration. Scavengers or anti‐ICAM‐1 treatment attenuated the activating capacity of blood PMNs following zymosan stimulation. The local production of oxygen free radicals in the pancreas by systemic infusion of hypoxanthine and regional infusion of xanthine oxidase did not induce acute pancreatitis, although an increase of infiltrating PMNs was observed. Our data suggest that oxygen free radicals and infiltrating PMNs aggravate acute pancreatitis and that both are important mediators of local destruction and systemic activation of PMNs.
Approximate solutions of the incompressible Euler equations with no concentrations
Authors: Lopes Filho Milton C , Tadmor Eitan , Nussenzveig Lopes Helena J
Published: July 2002

We present a sharp local condition for the lack of concentrations in (and hence the

L^2

convergence of) sequences of approximate solutions to the incompressible Euler equations. We apply this characterization to greatly simplify known existence results for 2D flows in the full plane (with special emphasis on rearrangement invariant regularity spaces), and obtain new existence results of solutions without energy concentrations in any number of spatial dimensions.

Our results identify the ‘critical’ regularity which prevents concentrations, regularity which is quantified in terms of Lebesgue, Lorentz, Orlicz and Morrey spaces. Thus, for example, the strong convergence criterion cast in terms of circulation logarithmic decay rates due to DiPerna and Majda is simplified (removing the weak control of the vorticity at infinity) and extended (to any number of space dimensions).

Our approach relies on using a generalized div-curl lemma (interesting for its own sake) to replace the role that elliptic regularity theory has played previously in this problem.

On présente une condition locale optimale qui garanti l’inéxistence de concentrations dans des suites de solutions approchées de l’équation d’Euler incompressible (ce qui prouve leur convergence

L^2

). A l’aide de cette caractérisation on simplifie de façon substantielle les résultats d’existence connus pour les flots 2D dans tout le plan (on insiste tout particulièrement sur les espaces de régularité invariants par réarrangement). On démontre de nouveaux résultats d’existence sans concentrations d’énergie en dimension supérieure.

Notre résultat précise la régularité critique qui empèche l’apparition de concentrations. Cette régularité est quantifiée grâce aux spaces de Lebesgue, Lorentz, Orlicz et Morrey. Ainsi, par exemple, le critère de convergence forte basé dans les termes de circulation logarithmique de corrélations dus à DiPerna et Majda sont simplifiés (en éliminant le contrôle faible de la vorticité à l’infini) et généralisés (en dimension supérieure).

Notre approche est basée sur l’utilisation d’un lemme div-curl généralisé (qui présente un intéret en soi-même) qui remplace le rôle de la régularité elliptique qui était utilisée auparavant.
A singular Gierer–Meinhardt system of elliptic equations
Authors: Choi Y.S , McKenna P.J
Published: July 2002

We establish the existence of solutions to a singular non-quasimonotone system of equations. Such equations are a special case of the Gierer–Meinhardt equations. In the one dimensional case, the uniqueness result is also proved.

Nous établissons içi l’existence des solutions d’un système d’équations singulières non-quasimonotones. Ces équations forment un cas spécial des équations de Gierer–Meinhardt. En dimension un, nous demontrons aussi l’unicité des solutions.