bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Autoreactivity of Therapeutic Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Preparations Depends on the Fractionation Methods Used
Authors: Djoumerska I. , Tchorbanov A. , Pashov A. , Vassilev T.
Published: April 2005

Natural immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies are present in the plasma of healthy individuals and, as a result, in pooled therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) preparations. The production processes of commercial IVIg preparations involve different fractionation and virus‐inactivation steps that include in some cases treatments at extreme conditions. Different physical and chemical treatments are known to augment greatly the reactivity of natural autoantibodies to self‐antigens. It is not clear to what extent the self‐reactivity of IVIg preparations is due to the presence of natural IgG antibodies in the plasma pools used for fractionation, and to what extent it is due to the treatments that the IgG molecules have been subjected to during the fractionation process. We compared the binding of seven different commercial IVIg preparations to human liver antigens. All studied IVIg's could be clearly separated into two distinct groups: those that possess significant self‐reactivity and those with low binding to self‐antigens. Increased self‐binding was seen in the preparations produced using a fractionation step at low pH. The treatment of IVIg at low pH resulted in increasing the inhibitory effect of the pooled IgG on PHA‐induced proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IVIg's with high and low self‐binding may have different immunomodulating activities when infused to autoimmune patients.
Allogeneic Dendritomas Induce Anti‐tumour Immunity Against Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Xu F. , Ye Y.‐J. , Cui Z.‐R. , Wang S.
Published: April 2005

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies in the Western world. Although surgical resection is the first choice worldwide, at this point an effective approach for the treatment of patients with metastasis and cancer recurrence post‐operation has not yet been found. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the allogeneic dendritomas from fusion of dendritic cells (DC) and metastatic CC cells in the activation of anti‐tumour immunity against metastatic CC. Dendritomas were generated by fused allogeneic human peripheral blood DC with metastatic CC cells using 50% polyethylene glycol. The proliferation of the T cells and the toxicity of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes were observed after T cell pulsed with allogeneic dendritomas. The activated ratios of CD4+T helper 1 and CD8+Tc1 cells were about 51.55 and 65.60% after T cells were mixed with fusions for 24 h, which higher than those of controls. The proliferation of T cells were significantly higher than those of control after T cell pulsed with dendritomas (P < 0.01). Significantly, the activated CD8+ T lymphocytes effectively lysed the CC cells. These results demonstrate that allogeneic dendritomas activate T‐cell responses against metastatic CC cells.
In Vivo Transduction of Thymic Dendritic Cells with Adenovirus and Its Potential Use in Acute Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Oberholzer C. , Tschoeke S. K. , Bahjat K. , LaFace D. , Hutchins B. , Clare‐Salzler M. J. , Moldawer L. L. , Oberholzer A.
Published: April 2005

Dendritic cells (DC) represent a potential target for gene therapy. In their ability to process antigens and present them to T cells, DC have been allocated a unique role as initiators of the immune response in both the innate and acquired immunity. Recent in vitro studies have showed the feasibility of DC transduction with adenoviral recombinants. In cancer therapy, targeting of DC with adenovirus has been proved to be effective in inhibiting tumour growth, as well as in reducing the number of tumour metastases. The aim of our study is to evaluate the feasibility of in vivo transduction of DC in a murine lymphocyte‐rich compartment (thymus) as a potential treatment for acute inflammatory diseases. Nearly 50% of the total thymic DC were transduced with a first‐generation adenoviral construct following intrathymic injection, and post‐transductional inflammation was neglectable. Transduction of thymic cells with adenoviral recombinants was able to induce the expression of an intracellular protein (β‐galactosidase, green fluorescent protein), as well as the secretion of human interleukin‐10, within the local compartment. Furthermore, this induction of the latter significantly decreased thymic apoptosis in the applied model of acute bacterial peritonitis (cecal ligation and puncture).
Molecular screening for microdeletions at 9p22‐p24 and 11q23‐q24 in a large cohort of patients with trigonocephaly
Authors: Jehee FS , Johnson D , Alonso LG , Cavalcanti DP , De Sá Moreira E , Alberto FL , Kok F , Kim C , Wall SA , Jabs EW , Boyadjiev SA , Wilkie AOM , Passos‐Bueno MR
Published: April 2005

Trigonocephaly is a rare form of craniosynostosis characterized by the premature closure of the metopic suture. To contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of metopic synostosis and in an attempt to restrict the candidate regions related to metopic suture fusion, we studied 76 unrelated patients with syndromic and non‐syndromic trigonocephaly. We found a larger proportion of syndromic cases in our population and the ratio of affected male to female was 1.8 : 1 and 5 : 1 in the non‐syndromic and syndromic groups, respectively. A microdeletion screening at 9p22‐p24 and 11q23‐q24 was carried out for all patients and deletions in seven of them were detected, corresponding to 19.4% of all syndromic cases. Deletions were not found in non‐syndromic patients. We suggest that a molecular screening for microdeletions at 9p22‐p24 and 11q23‐q24 should be offered to all syndromic cases with an apparently normal karyotype because it can potentially elucidate the cause of trigonocephaly in this subset of patients. We also suggest that genes on the X‐chromosome play a major role in syndromic trigonocephaly.
BRAIN PHARMACOKINETICS OF LIGNOCAINE BEFORE and FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS PERFLUOROCARBON EMULSION INFUSION IN SHEEP
Authors: Doolette David J , Upton Richard N , Martinez Allison M
Published: April 2005

1. Perfluorocarbon emulsions have potential medical applications, particularly as temporary oxygen carriers and are likely to be coadministered with other intravenous drugs. It is possible that perfluorocarbon emulsions may alter the disposition of other drugs in the body.

2. In the present study, we examined the brain pharmacokinetics of a 5 min infusion of 100 mg lignocaine in three chronically instrumented sheep before and after the administration of a new investigational perflurocarbon emulsion (Oxygent™; Alliance Pharmaceutical, San Diego, CA, USA).

3. The rate constant for the blood : brain equilibration of lignocaine was larger after perflubron administration. This change could not be attributed to a change in brain blood flow and, therefore, may be the result of a change in the free fraction of lignocaine in the blood.
ANGIOTENSIN II–NITRIC OXIDE INTERACTION IN GLOMERULAR ARTERIOLES
Authors: Patzak Andreas , Lai EnYin , Persson Pontus B , Persson A Erik G
Published: April 2005

1. Resistance changes of the afferent and efferent arterioles determine blood flow and filtration rate in the kidney. The tone of both vessels results from the influence of nerves and humoral and paracrine factors, through a balance of constrictor and dilator systems. Angiotensin (Ang) II and nitric oxide (NO) are important factors determining vascular tone.

2. In the present review, we show that, in addition to the basal production of NO, a specific and significant AngII‐induced release of NO occurs in glomerular arterioles. Data from investigations of arteriolar contraction, as well as from fluorescence measurements of NO, in the presence of selective angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptor antagonists indicate an AT1 receptor‐stimulated release of NO in afferent arterioles.

3. The AngII‐induced liberation of NO could prevent glomerular arterioles from a marked constriction, particularly in situations of high AngII levels in the kidney.
LONG‐TERM RECORDING OF SYMPATHETIC NERVE ACTIVITY: THE NEW FRONTIER IN UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION?
Authors: Guild Sarah‐Jane , Barrett Carolyn J , Malpas Simon C
Published: April 2005

1. With increasing evidence that the sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in the development of hypertension, focus is turning to how these signals translate to a chronic increase in arterial pressure.

2. The kidney's role in the control of salt and water homeostasis makes it an obvious target for such investigations. However, to date, many studies have been restricted to experiments lasting only a few hours or, at most, a few days, whereas others may use indirect methods of assessing sympathetic activity rather than direct recordings.

3. We review current approaches used to determine the effects of renal sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) on arterial pressure and suggest possible avenues of future investigation. We propose that although afferent inputs, such as from chemoreceptors and baroreceptors, are important for the short‐term control of blood pressure via regulation of SNA to multiple organs, it is highly likely that alternative signals are important for setting the long‐term level of renal SNA.

4. Emerging evidence indicates circulating angiotensin II is hormone that may act on the central nervous system to regulate renal SNA, renal function and, thus, blood pressure.

5. We propose that an integral part of future studies seeking an understanding of the genesis of hypertension should include chronic direct recordings of renal SNA.
CARDIOVASCULAR ALTERATIONS BY CHRONIC INTERMITTENT HYPOXIA: IMPORTANCE OF CAROTID BODY CHEMOREFLEXES
Authors: Prabhakar Nanduri R , Peng Ying‐Jie , Jacono Frank J , Kumar Ganesh K , Dick Thomas E
Published: April 2005

1. Humans experiencing intermittent hypoxia (IH) owing to recurrent apnoea syndromes exhibit serious cardiovascular morbidity, including high blood pressure, increased sympathetic nerve activity, cardiac arrhythmia and myocardial infarction. Although apnoeas are accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in arterial O2 (hypoxia) and an increase in CO2 (hypercapnia), studies on experimental animals suggest that hypoxia, rather than hypercapnia, is the primary stimulus for developing hypertension and enhanced sympathetic nerve activity. Enhanced hypoxic‐sensing ability of the carotid bodies and the ensuing reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system have been suggested to play a critical role in cardiorespiratory alterations resulting from recurrent apnoeas.

2. The purpose of the present review is to highlight recent studies demonstrating the effects of IH on carotid body sensory activity and its consequences on sympathetic activation in a rodent model of chronic IH. Adult rats exposed to chronic IH (15 s of 5% O2 followed by 5 min of 21% O2, nine episodes per h, 8 h/day for 10 days) exhibited selective enhancement of carotid body sensory response to hypoxia. In addition, chronic IH induced a novel form of sensory plasticity in the carotid body, manifested as sensory long‐term facilitation (LTF). Functional changes in the carotid body occurred in the absence of morphological changes in the chemoreceptor tissue.

3. Acute hypoxia increased expiratory modulated splanchnic nerve activity (SNA) and acute IH‐induced LTF in SNA. Hypoxia‐induced SNA activation was prevented by bilateral sectioning of the sinus nerves. Rats exposed to chronic IH exhibited enhanced hypoxia‐induced sympathetic activation and augmented LTF of the SNA. Bilateral sectioning of the sinus nerves abolished these responses, suggesting chronic IH‐induced alterations in carotid body sensitivity contribute to LTF in SNA and the subsequent cardiovascular alterations.
HYPOTHESIS: THE SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION AS A REGULATED FREE‐MARKET ECONOMY. A NEW APPROACH FOR UNDERSTANDING THE LONG‐TERM CONTROL OF BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Fink Gregory D
Published: April 2005

1. The purpose of the present paper is to discuss the long‐term regulation of arterial blood pressure. Current thinking on the topic favours the theory that tight regulation is achieved through the action of a central (or primary) controller, usually assumed to be in either the brain or kidneys.

2. Here, an alternative explanation is considered; namely, that the average long‐term level of arterial pressure is an emergent property of a decentralized control system. The goal of the system is to deliver nutrient‐rich blood to distinct vascular regions based on their energy demand.

3. Specifically, the circulation is conceptualized as a free‐market economy where tissues ‘compete’ for a scarce resource (the energy contained in blood) supplied by the heart–lung unit; the ‘price’ of the resource (analogous to the reciprocal of arterial pressure) is determined primarily by the dynamic relationship between supply and demand, not by a central mechanism.

4. Based on this concept of the circulation as an energy market, economic analogies are used to suggest novel mechanisms by which the brain and kidney may affect the long‐term control of blood pressure.

5. Market‐based control, a process derived from quantitative theoretical analysis of the performance of economic markets, is proposed as a new, potentially useful strategy for mathematically modelling the behaviour of the circulation.
Multiple family therapy for anorexia nervosa: concepts, experiences and results
Authors: Scholz Michael , Rix Maud , Scholz Katja , Gantchev Krassimir , Thömke Volker
Published: April 2005

Multiple family therapy (MFT) is an increasingly popular treatment approach for adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa and their families. This paper describes the ingredients and different phases of this treatment, and outlines its indications and contra‐indications. Relationship patterns in families containing anorectic teenagers are examined, with a special emphasis on identifying areas for change in family relationships. Results with regard to the overall acceptability of the approach are presented.
Working with families of adults with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Treasure Janet , Whitaker Wendy , Whitney Jenna , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: April 2005

The aim of this paper is to describe working with the carers (families) of adults with anorexia nervosa (AN), which is different from working with families of younger adolescents. The main difference is in the area of rights and responsibilities of both parties. Moreover, as AN in adults is often a chronic condition, the treatment goal may not focus on recovery, but instead on improvement in quality of life. Thus the spectrum of nature and degree of parental involvement in the treatment of adults with AN is much broader than in children and adolescents. Our framework for intervention is based on a clear model of carer distress, from which targets for intervention follow. The paper outlines some of the core components of this work.
Things I've Learned About Personality From Studying Political Leaders at a Distance1
Authors: Winter David G.
Published: April 2005

AbstractStudying the personalities of political leaders requires methods of measuring personality at a distance. One such method is content analysis of speeches, interviews, and other texts. This article reviews the author's research on achievement, affiliation, and power motives of U.S. presidents and other leaders and draws the following conclusions: (1) motivation and personality can be objectively and reliably measured at a distance; (2) personality is complex, consisting of several different elements or kinds of variables (e.g., motives and cognitions as well as traits); (3) personality exists in social contexts, and past social contexts are embodied in personality; (4) political behaviors and outcomes can be predicted from personality, but only in contingent (“if/then”) ways.
Cognitive Coping With the Threat of Rape: Vigilance and Cognitive Avoidance
Authors: Krahé Barbara
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Individual differences in women's avoidant and vigilant style in coping with the threat of rape were explored in four studies. In the first study, 97 women read a rape scenario and completed measures of cognitive vigilance and avoidance. They also provided ratings of fear of rape and anticipated coping problems in case of sexual assault. Vigilance was associated with significantly higher levels of fear of rape and anticipation of more severe coping problems. No effects were found for cognitive avoidance. Study 2 replicated these findings with a sample of 275 women. In addition, it showed that high vigilance was associated with significantly more rape‐preventive behaviors. Study 3, including 172 women, was an online study on the effect of cognitive coping style on fear of rape, anticipated coping problems, and two behavioral measures of rape avoidance. High vigilance was related to higher levels of fear of rape, anticipation of more severe coping problems, and more rape‐preventive behaviors. Finally, Study 4 (N=210) showed that individual differences in cognitive coping style affected rape‐related affect and behavior in the absence of a rape scenario, underlining the chronic salience of the threat of rape for women. Vigilance was positively related to fear of rape, rape‐avoidance behavior, and anticipated coping problems. In contrast, a negative relationship was found between cognitive avoidance and fear of rape, rape‐avoidance strategies, and anticipated coping problems. Across the four studies, no evidence was found for an interactive effect of cognitive avoidance and vigilance, as suggested by the construct of repression versus sensitization. The findings are discussed in the light of previous research on repression‐sensitization in coping with threatening information.
Processes Underlying Gender‐Role Flexibility: Do Androgynous Individuals Know More or Know How to Cope?
Authors: Cheng Cecilia
Published: April 2005

Abstract
This research examined gender‐role flexibility across a variety of stressful events, and tested two proposed hypotheses that explicate the processes underlying gender‐role flexibility. The knowing‐more hypothesis posits that androgynous individuals have a broad coping repertoire. The knowing‐how hypothesis posits that androgynous individuals know how to cope according to changing situational characteristics. The coping responses of Chinese university students were assessed in both real‐life (Study 1) and hypothetical (Study 2) stressful situations. Results revealed that androgynous participants, who were less depressed than others, were characterized by (a) cognitive astuteness in distinguishing among situational characteristics and (b) deployment of strategies that fit specific situational demands. Results supported the knowing‐how hypothesis only.
Two Concepts of Violence
Authors: Bufacchi Vittorio
Published: April 2005

The aim of this review article is to explore some theoretical issues regarding the nature and scope of violence. There are two ways of thinking about violence: in terms of an act of force, or in terms of a violation. Those who define violence as an intentional act of excessive or destructive force endorse a narrow conception of violence (the Minimalist Conception of Violence or MCV), while those who see violence in terms of a violation of rights champion a broader conception of violence (the Comprehensive Conception of Violence or CCV). The strengths and weaknesses of both approaches will be assessed.
Competing for the Public Through the News Media
Authors: Baron David P.
Published: April 2005

Interest groups seek to influence economic activity through public and private politics. Public politics takes place in the arena of public institutions, whereas private politics takes place outside public institutions often in the arena of public sentiment. Private politics refers to action by interest groups directed at private parties, as in the case of an activist group launching a campaign against a firm. This paper presents a model of informational competition between an activist and an industry, where both interest groups seek to influence public sentiment and do so by advocating their positions through the news media. Citizen consumers make both a private consumption decision and a collective choice on the regulation of a product that has an externality associated with it. In the absence of the news organization, the collective choice is not to regulate. The activist and the industry obtain private, hard information on the seriousness of the externality and provide favorable information to the news media and may conceal unfavorable information. The news media can conduct investigative journalism to obtain its own information, and based on that information and the information it has received from its sources, provides a news report to the public. Because of its role in society, the media has an incentive to bias its report, and the direction of bias is toward regulation. Its bias serves to mitigate both market failure by decreasing demand and a government failure by shifting votes in favor of regulation. The activist then has incentive to conceal information unfavorable to its interests, whereas the industry fully reveals its information.
The Structure of Payments in Technology Transfer Contracts: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Mendi Pedro
Published: April 2005

This paper studies the impact of contract duration in determining scheduled payments in international transfers of technology. Analyzing a sample of contracts written by Spanish firms in 1991, the main empirical finding is a positive relationship between contract duration and the probability of the parties including variable payments in the first period of the agreement. This result suggests that the parties choose the type of payments to be made, whether fixed or variable, so as to avoid early termination of the relationship, even in the absence of opportunistic behavior or risk aversion.
Learning by Exporting: New Insights from Examining Firm Innovation
Authors: Salomon Robert M. , Shaver J. Myles
Published: April 2005

Empirical findings across many nations show that exporters have superior productivity compared to nonexporters and that this relationship is driven by productive firms becoming exporters. The conclusion drawn from these studies is that there is little learning from exporting. We, however, assess if there areex postbenefits that accrue to exporting firms by examining innovation outcomes. We argue that exporters can often access diverse knowledge inputs not available in the domestic market, that this knowledge can spill back to the focal firm, and that such learning can foster increased innovation. We examine product innovation and patent application counts of a representative sample of Spanish manufacturing firms from 1990 to 1997. To conduct the analysis, we use a nonlinear GMM estimator for exponential models with panel data that allows for predetermined regressors and linear feedback. We find that exporting is associated with innovation. Moreover, the panel data allow us to explore the temporal relationship between exporting and innovation. In contrast to existing findings, we find evidence of learning by exporting—albeit in dimensions not previously examined in the literature.
Cooperative R&D with Endogenous Technology Differentiation
Authors: Gil Moltó María José , Georgantzís Nikolaos , Orts Vicente
Published: April 2005

We study a nontournament R&D duopoly. Before the standard R&D investment and quantity‐setting stages, we consider a stage in which firms choose their R&D technologies. Spillovers negatively depend on R&D technology differentiation. We show that, in equilibrium, firms will choose identical or very similar R&D processes. Such equilibria may entail less differentiation than would be dictated by social welfare maximization.
Uncertainty, Conventional Behavior, and Economic Sociology
Authors: Bibow Jörg , Lewis Paul , Runde Jochen
Published: April 2005

Abstract  This paper addresses the problem of the conceptualization of social structure and its relationship to human agency in economic sociology. The background is provided by John Maynard Keynes's writings on uncertainty and conventional behavior on the stock market, and the analysis consists of a comparison of the social ontologies of the French Intersubjectivist School and the Economics as Social Theory Project in the light of these observations. The theoretical argument is illustrated with concrete examples from a prominent study of the stock market boom of the 1990s.
The Effectiveness of Legislation Controlling Gun Usage
Authors: Kwon Ik‐Whan G. , Baack Daniel W.
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Results from past research on the effectiveness of gun control legislation have been mixed. This study posits that one of the reasons for these conflicting results is the use of individual laws as the major variable. Instead, this study uses a holistic and comprehensive measure of state gun control laws, grouping states into extreme and lax gun control states. A multivariate linear regression analysis is used to investigate the relationship between a set of determinants, including the holistic gun control measure, and firearm deaths per 100,000 inhabitants of each state. The results show that comprehensive gun control legislation indeed lowers the number of gun‐related deaths anywhere between one to almost six per 100,000 individuals in those states that have the most extreme gun‐related legislation. Our study also reveals that socioeconomic and law enforcement factors play equally important roles in containing gun‐related fatalities. These findings suggest that gun‐related deaths have a variety of causes and that attempts to legislate a solution to this problem will need to be correspondingly complex and multifaceted.
The Influence of Country of Birth and Other Variables on the Earnings of Immigrants
Authors: Vargas Eugenio
Published: April 2005

Abstract.  With globalization, plus the ongoing wars and political problems facing many countries, immigration has lately been accentuated. It is very common for immigrants to move to countries where it is perceived that their economic and political possibilities might be enhanced. In light of this, many foreigners tend to see the United States as their destination. However, sometimes these new additions to the economy face an uphill battle to fit in and make their abilities be valued in the new country. This paper tries to measure and quantify these problems faced by newcomers. It also addresses the question of who will most probably fare better in the United States. These two issues are measured through data obtained in the Current Population Survey published in March 1999.
Henry George in Australia
Authors: Pullen John
Published: April 2005

Abstract.  Some biographies of Henry George give brief accounts of his lecture tour of Australia in 1890, based mainly on his diary and on reports he sent back from Australia for publication in his New York newspaper, The Standard. This study supplements previous accounts with further details of the 48 lectures and 9 Sunday sermons he gave in 38 towns and cities during his 98‐day stay in Australia, based on contemporary Australian newspaper reports. With an obvious proviso about the accuracy of the reporting, the Australian lectures are a valuable source of additional information on George's life and policies.
George Reisman on National Income Accounting
Authors: Ahiakpor James C. W.
Published: April 2005

Abstract.  George Reisman misrepresents macroeconomists’ estimation of national income. He fails to distinguish between intermediate goods and factors of production, and he does not correctly recognize macroeconomists’ derivation of the net domestic or national product. His concept of gross national product is also grossly mistaken. This note offers a correction for his confusion.
An Exploratory Comparison of the Behavioral Dynamics of Top Management Teams in Family and Nonfamily New Ventures: Cohesion, Conflict, Potency, and Consensus
Authors: Ensley Michael D. , Pearson Allison W.
Published: April 2005

While some researchers propose that the combination of family and business creates a need for trade–offs in family and business demands, we argue that the social system of the family creates a synergy in the top management team (TMT) that is not present in TMTs with less “familiness.” We argue that the unique dynamics created by the social aspects of the family–owned firm will result in higher cohesion, potency, task conflict, and shared strategic consensus than those TMTs with less “familiness.” Discriminant analysis of three groups of TMTs (parental, familial, and nonfamily) was conducted on a sample of 224 TMTs of new ventures to explore our propositions.
Familiness in Top Management Teams: Commentary on Ensley and Pearson's “An Exploratory Comparison of the Behavioral Dynamics of Top Management Teams in Family and Nonfamily New Ventures: Cohesion, Conflict, Potency, and Consensus”
Authors: Nordqvist Mattias
Published: April 2005

This commentary elaborates further upon the proposition that “familiness” can serve as a unique advantage in family firms, contributing to more effective behavioral processes in top management teams of family firms. This is done by offering three routes for extension based on the perspective on top management teams, the concept of “familiness,” and the definition of family business adopted in the article.
The F–PEC Scale of Family Influence: Construction, Validation, and Further Implication for Theory
Authors: Klein Sabine B. , Astrachan Joseph H. , Smyrnios Kosmas X.
Published: April 2005

For a solution to the family business definition dilemma, we propose the application of a scale that assesses the extent and the quality of family influence via the measurement of three dimensions: Power, Experience, and Culture. The Family Influence on Power, Experience, and Culture (F–PEC) scale is tested rigorously, utilizing a sample of more than 1,000 randomly selected companies, through the application of exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques. The scale demonstrates high levels of reliability. F–PEC has been applied in a number of studies, contributing to theory development, particularly in terms of the impact of family influence on distinct resources, and as a source of competitive advantage.
Comparison between sex and age class on some physiological, thermal, and hematological indices of the cerrado's marmoset (Callithrix penicillata)*
Authors: Boere V. , Pinheiro E.C. , De Oliveira e Silva I. , Paludo G.R. , Canale G. , Pianta T. , Welker A. , Rocha‐de‐Moura R.C.
Published: April 2005

Abstract: There are few papers about physiological indices inCallithrix penicillata, an increasing primate model in biomedicine. We investigated levels of plasmatic cortisol, plasmatic glucose, free fatty acids, blood cells, tympanic temperature, rectal temperature inC. penicllata, under a fast restraint. Measures of body and weight were accomplished. Males and females were not different regarding any measurements. Body measurements indicated differences between adults and juveniles. Adults showed higher hematocrit and a tendency for higher free fatty acids than juveniles. Right tympanic temperature was higher in adults than juveniles. This result suggests a higher reaction metabolism in adults than juveniles under a restraint stress. Due to the short‐time of collecting the data, plasmatic cortisol did not influence physiological parameters. Therefore, we suggest that present results could be considered referential values ofC. penicillataphysiology.
The effect of spironolactone on experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Grauballe M. C. B. , Bentzen B. H. , Björnsson M. , Moe D. , Jonassen T. E. N. , Bendtzen K. , Stoltze K. , Holmstrup P.
Published: April 2005

Background:  Elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) have been found in patients with adult periodontitis. Animal studies have shown that TNF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. New findings suggest that the aldosterone‐inhibitor spironolactone possesses an anti‐TNF effect. The purpose of the study was to determine the anti‐TNF effect of spironolactone in an endotoxic shock rat model and to disclose the effect of oral administration of spironolactone on the development of experimental periodontitis in rats.

Methods:  The study was divided in two parts. Part 1: oral administration of spironolactone (100 mg/kg) followed by intravenous lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg) infusion 45 min later. Blood samples were taken before and 90 min after lipopolysaccharide infusion to determine the TNF levels in spironolactone treated and non‐treated rats. Part 2: oral administration of spironolactone [100 mg/(kg day)] starting 2 days prior to induction of experimental periodontitis established by peridental ligatures. Morphometrical and radiographical registrations of alveolar bone destruction were carried out to determine the effect of spironolactone on the progression of experimental periodontitis.

Results:  In part 1 the endotoxic shock model showed a significant reduction in TNF levels in the spironolactone‐treated group compared to the non‐treated group, suggesting that spironolactone acts as a TNF inhibitor. In part 2 spironolactone‐treated rats did not demonstrate significantly less alveolar bone destruction compared to non‐treated rats.

Conclusions:  The insignificant effect of spironolactone treatment could be explained by the fast metabolism of spironolactone and that spironolactone does not completely inhibit TNF production in rats. Moreover, many other cytokines and mediators involved in alveolar bone destruction may account for the lacking response to spironolactone.
Cyclosporin A promotes mineralization by human cementoblastoma‐derived cells in culture
Authors: Arzate Higinio , Alvarez Marco A. , Narayanan A. Sampath
Published: April 2005

Objective: The immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A has been shown to induce cementum depositionin vivoin experimental animals. Using cementoblastoma‐derived cells, we have studied whether this drug will be useful to study cementum mineralization and differentiationin vitro.

Methods: Human cementoblastoma cells and gingival fibroblasts (controls) were cultured and treated with 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 µg/ml of cyclosporin A. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT (tetrazolium) assay and cell number, and cell viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion. Induction of mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red S staining to detect mineralized nodules and by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to assess the expression of bone differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein and core‐binding factor a1 (Cbfa1).

Results: Cyclosporin A at 5.0 µg/ml concentration reduced significantly the increase in the number of cementoblastoma cells. A dose‐dependent increase in the number of mineralized nodules occurred in cultures of cementoblastoma‐derived cells treated with cyclosporin A, and RT–PCR analyses showed significantly higher levels of expression of alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and Cbfa1. Human gingival fibroblast proliferation and cell number were not affected. Mineralized nodules were not detected in gingival fibroblasts and bone specific proteins were not expressed.

Conclusions: Presence of cyclosporin A during 14‐day culture period appears to suppress the proliferation of cementoblastoma cells and induce the formation mineralized‐like tissue by these cells.
The up‐regulation of heme oxygenase‐1 expression in human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with nicotine
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chao , Lai Chung‐Chih , Lin Li‐Fen , Ni Wei‐Fen , Tsai Chung‐Hung
Published: April 2005

Background:  Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in the development and further progression of periodontal diseases. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is known as a stress‐inducible protein and functions as an antioxidant enzyme. There is limited information on the expression of HO‐1 in smoking‐associated periodontal disease.

Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of nicotine on the expression of HO‐1 protein in cultured human gingival fibroblasts in vitro and further to compare HO‐1 expression in gingival tissues obtained from cigarette smokers and non‐smokers in vivo.

Methods:  Western blot assay was used to investigate the effects on human gingival fibroblasts exposed to nicotine. In addition, antioxidants catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) were added to test how they modulated the effects on nicotine‐induced HO‐1 expression. Gingival biopsies taken from the flap surgery of 20 male patients with periodontal disease (10 cigarette smokers and 10 non‐smokers) were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  The exposure of quiescent human gingival fibroblasts to 10 mm nicotine resulted in the induction of HO‐1 protein expression in a time‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). The addition of glutathione (GSH) precursor NAC inhibited the nicotine‐induced HO‐1 protein expression (p < 0.05). However, SOD and catalase did not decrease the nicotine‐induced HO‐1 protein expression (p > 0.05). The results from immunohistochemistry demonstrated that HO‐1 expression was significantly higher in cigarette smokers (p < 0.05). HO‐1 was noted in the basal layers of epithelium, inflammatory cells, and fibroblasts in specimens from cigarette smoking.

Conclusions:  Taken together, these results suggest that HO‐1 expression is significantly up‐regulated in gingival tissues from cigarette smokers, and nicotine may, among other constituents, be responsible for the enhanced HO‐1 expression in vivo. The regulation of HO‐1 expression induced by nicotine is critically dependent on the intracellular GSH concentration.
Crystal structures of Aedes aegypti kynurenine aminotransferase
Authors: Han Qian , Gao Yi Gui , Robinson Howard , Ding Haizhen , Wilson Scott , Li Jianyong
Published: April 2005

Aedes aegypti kynurenine aminotransferase (AeKAT) catalyzes the irreversible transamination of kynurenine to kynurenic acid, the natural antagonist of NMDA and 7‐nicotinic acetycholine receptors. Here, we report the crystal structure of AeKAT in its PMP and PLP forms at 1.90 and 1.55 Å, respectively. The structure was solved by a combination of single‐wavelength anomalous dispersion and molecular replacement approaches. The initial search model in the molecular replacement method was built with the result of single‐wavelength anomalous dispersion data from the Br‐AeKAT crystal in combination with homology modeling. The solved structure shows that the enzyme is a homodimer, and that the two subunits are stabilized by a number of hydrogen bonds, salts bridges, and hydrophobic interactions. Each subunit is divided into an N‐terminal arm and small and large domains. Based on its folding, the enzyme belongs to the prototypical fold type, aminotransferase subgroup I. The three‐dimensional structure shows a strictly conserved ‘PLP‐phosphate binding cup’ featuring PLP‐dependent enzymes. The interaction between Cys284 (A) and Cys284 (B) is unique in AeKAT, which might explain the cysteine effect of AeKAT activity. Further mutation experiments of this residue are needed to eventually understand the mechanism of the enzyme modulation by cysteine.
The social life of ribosomal proteins
Authors: Brodersen Ditlev E. , Nissen Poul
Published: April 2005

Ribosomal proteins hold a unique position in biology because their function is so closely tied to the large rRNAs of the ribosomes in all kingdoms of life. Following the determination of the complete crystal structures of both the large and small ribosomal subunits from bacteria, the functional role of the proteins has often been overlooked when focusing on rRNAs as the catalysts of translation. In this review we highlight some of the many known and important functions of ribosomal proteins, both during translation on the ribosome and in a wider context.
Determination of thioxylo‐oligosaccharide binding to family 11 xylanases using electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and X‐ray crystallography
Authors: Jänis Janne , Hakanpää Johanna , Hakulinen Nina , Ibatullin Farid M. , Hoxha Antuan , Derrick Peter J. , Rouvinen Juha , Vainiotalo Pirjo
Published: April 2005

Noncovalent binding of thioxylo‐oligosaccharide inhibitors, methyl 4‐thio‐α‐xylobioside (S‐Xyl2‐Me), methyl 4,4II‐dithio‐α‐xylotrioside (S‐Xyl3‐Me), methyl 4,4II,4III‐trithio‐α‐xylotetroside (S‐Xyl4‐Me), and methyl 4,4II,4III,4IV‐tetrathio‐α‐xylopentoside (S‐Xyl5‐Me), to three family 11 endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanases from Trichoderma reesei (TRX I and TRX II) and Chaetomium thermophilum (CTX) was characterized using electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) MS and X‐ray crystallography. Ultra‐high mass‐resolving power and mass accuracy inherent to FT‐ICR allowed mass measurements for noncovalent complexes to within |ΔM|average of 2 p.p.m. The binding constants determined by MS titration experiments were in the range 104−103 M−1, decreasing in the series of S‐Xyl5‐Me ≥ S‐Xyl4‐Me > S‐Xyl3‐Me. In contrast, S‐Xyl2‐Me did not bind to any xylanase at the initial concentration of 5–200 µm, indicating increasing affinity with increasing number of xylopyranosyl units, with a minimum requirement of three. The crystal structures of CTX–inhibitor complexes gave interesting insights into the binding. Surprisingly, none of the inhibitors occupied any of the aglycone subsites of the active site. The binding to only the glycone subsites is nonproductive for catalysis, and yet this has also been observed for other family 11 xylanases in complex with β‐d‐xylotetraose [Wakarchuk WW, Campbell RL, Sung WL, Davoodi J & Makoto Y (1994) Protein Sci3, 465–475, and Sabini E, Wilson KS, Danielsen S, Schülein M & Davies GJ (2001) Acta CrystallogrD57, 1344–1347]. Therefore, the role of the aglycone subsites remains controversial despite their obvious contribution to catalysis.
Time and intensity coding at the hair cell's ribbon synapse
Authors: Fuchs Paul Albert
Published: April 2005

The activity of individual afferent neurones in the mammalian cochlea can be driven by neurotransmitter released from a single synaptic ribbon in a single inner hair cell. Thus, a ribbon synapse must be able to transmit all the information on sound frequency, intensity and timing carried centrally. This task is made still more demanding by the process of binaural sound localization that utilizes separate computations of time and intensity, with temporal resolution as fine as 10 μs in central nuclei. These computations may rely in part on the fact that the response phase (at the characteristic frequency) of individual afferent neurones is invariant with intensity. Somehow, the ribbon synapse can provide stronger synaptic drive to signal varying intensity, without accompanying changes in transmission time that ordinarily occur during chemical neurotransmission. Recent ultrastructural and functional studies suggest features of the ribbon that may underlie these capabilities.
Mitochondrial redox state and Ca2+ sparks in permeabilized mammalian skeletal muscle
Authors: Isaeva Elena V. , Shkryl Vyacheslav M. , Shirokova Natalia
Published: April 2005

Intact skeletal muscle fibres from adult mammals exhibit neither spontaneous nor stimulated Ca2+ sparks. Mechanical or chemical skinning procedures have been reported to unmask sparks. The present study investigates the mechanisms that determine the development of Ca2+ spark activity in permeabilized fibres dissected from muscles with different metabolic capacity. Spontaneous Ca2+ sparks were detected with fluo‐3 and single photon confocal microscopy; mitochondrial redox potential was evaluated from mitochondrial NADH signals recorded with two‐photon confocal microscopy, and Ca2+ load of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was estimated from the amplitude of caffeine‐induced Ca2+ transients recorded with fura‐2 and digital photometry. In three fibre types studied, there was a time lag between permeabilization and spark development. Under all experimental conditions, the delay was the longest in slow‐twitch oxidative fibres, intermediate in fast‐twitch glycolytic–oxidative fibres, and the shortest in fast‐twitch glycolytic cells. The temporal evolution of Ca2+ spark frequencies was bell‐shaped, and the maximal spark frequency was reached slowly in mitochondria‐rich oxidative cells but quickly in mitochondria‐poor glycolytic fibres. The development of spontaneous Ca2+ sparks did not correlate with the SR Ca2+ content of the fibre, but did correlate with the redox potential of their mitochondria. Treatment of fibres with scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, dramatically and reversibly reduced the spark frequency and also delayed their appearance. In contrast, incubation of fibres with 50 μm H2O2 sped up the development of Ca2+ sparks and increased their frequency. These results indicate that the appearance of Ca2+ sparks in permeabilized skeletal muscle cells depends on the fibre's oxidative strength and that misbalance between mitochondrial ROS production and the fibre's ability to fight oxidative stress is likely to be responsible for unmasking Ca2+ sparks in skinned preparations. They also suggest that under physiological and pathophysiological conditions the appearance of Ca2+ sparks may be, at least in part, limited by the fine‐tuned equilibrium between mitochondrial ROS production and cellular ROS scavenging mechanisms.
Scaling in the Time Domain: Universal Dynamics of Order Fluctuations in Fe
3
Al
Authors: Mocuta Cristian , Reichert Harald , Mecke Klaus , Dosch Helmut , Drakopoulos Michael
Published: April 2005

By focusing a highly brilliant synchrotron x-ray beam to a micrometer spot on a sample, we measured in real time the x-ray intensity fluctuations associated with order fluctuations in crystalline materials. We applied this method to the binary alloy Fe
3
Al near its continuous A2-B2 phase transformation and determined a specific four-point time correlation function for the order parameter. From a detailed theoretical analysis, dynamical scaling in the time domain with a transition from noncritical to critical dynamics is disclosed.
Roles of CD4+T-Cell-Independent and -Dependent Antibody Responses in the Control of Influenza Virus Infection: Evidence for Noncognate CD4+T-Cell Activities That Enhance the Therapeutic Activity of Antiviral Antibodies
Authors: Mozdzanowska Krystyna , Furchner Michelle , Zharikova Darya , Feng JingQi , Gerhard Walter
Published: April 2005

Previous studies have indicated that B cells make a significant contribution to the resolution of influenza virus infection. To determine how B cells participate in the control of the infection, we transferred intact, major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-negative or B-cell receptor (BCR)-transgenic spleen cells into B-cell-deficient and CD8+T-cell-depleted μMT mice, termed μMT(−8), and tested them for ability to recover from infection. μMT(−8) mice that received no spleen cells invariably succumbed to the infection within 20 days, indicating that CD4+T-cell activities had no significant therapeutic activity on their own; in fact, they were harmful and decreased survival time. Interestingly, however, they became beneficial in the presence of antiviral antibody (Ab). Injection of MHC-II(−/−)spleen cells, which can provide CD4+T-cell-independent (TI) but not T-cell-dependent (TD) activities, delayed mortality but only rarely resulted in clearance of the infection. By contrast, 80% of μMT(−8) mice injected with normal spleen cells survived and resolved the infection. Transfer of BCR-transgenic spleen cells, which contained ∼10 times fewer virus-specific precursor B cells than normal spleen cells, had no significant impact on the course of the infection. Taken together, the results suggest that B cells contribute to the control of the infection mainly through production of virus-specific Abs and that the TD Ab response is therapeutically more effective than the TI response. In addition, CD4+T cells appear to contribute, apart from promoting the TD Ab response, by improving the therapeutic activity of Ab-mediated effector mechanisms.