bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure of a shear layer bounding a separation region. Part 2. Effects of free-stream turbulence
Authors: Castro I. P. , Haque A.
Published: April 2006

Detailed measurements throughout the separated region behind a flat plate placed normal to a turbulent stream are reported. A long, central, downstream splitter plate prevented vortex shedding and led to a relatively extensive reversed flow region. Mean flow and turbulence data are compared with results obtained in the (nominal) absence of free-stream turbulence, and attention is concentrated on the changes in the shear-layer structure resulting from the different nature of the upstream flow.

Many aspects of the results confirm those obtained recently by other workers. Free-stream turbulence enhances shear-layer entrainment rates, reduces the distance to reattachment and modifies the relatively low-frequency ‘flapping’ motion of the shear layer. In addition, however, extensive use of pulsed wire anemometry has allowed detailed measurements of the turbulence structure throughout the flow and it is shown that this is also modified significantly by the stream turbulence.
Three-dimensional wave patterns generated by moving disturbances at transcritical speeds
Authors: Pedersen Geir
Published: April 2006

Disturbances in the form of pressure fields, source distributions and time-dependent bottom topographies are discussed and found to produce similar wave patterns. Results obtained for wide channels are discussed in the light of the features of soliton reflection at a wall. Comparison with experiments shows excellent agreement. The introduction of radiation conditions enables long-time simulation of the development of wave patterns in infinite and semi-infinite fluids. A stationary wave pattern is also found to emerge for slightly supercritical Froude numbers, but contrary to linear results the leading divergent waves may originate ahead of the disturbance. This behaviour is due to nonlinear interactions similar to those governing collisions between solitons. This study on wave generation by a moving disturbance is based on numerical solutions of Boussinesq-type equations. The equations in their most general form are integrated by an implicit difference method. Strongly supercritical cases are described by a simplified set of equations which is solved by a semi-implicit difference scheme.
Frithegod of Canterbury's Maundy Thursday hymn
Authors: Love Rosalind C.
Published: April 2006

In his Catalogus of British writers, John Bale's account of the tenth-century scholar, Frithegod, includes incipits for two hymns, of which the first, on Mary Magdalen (‘Dum pietas multimoda’), was long thought lost. In fact it is not lost, but has simply become uncoupled from its author's name, and is transmitted anonymously in three manuscripts of French origin, and in some Spanish liturgical books, whence it was first printed in 1897. Frithegod's authorship is suggested by Patrick Young's seventeenth-century catalogue of Salisbury Cathedral manuscripts. Young noticed two ‘carmina Frethogodi’ at the end of what is now Dublin, Trinity College 174 (a late eleventh- or early twelfth-century Salisbury legendary), giving the incipit of the first as 'Dum pietas multimoda’. After Young had catalogued TCD 174, the page with the hymns must have become detached, and cannot now be traced. Frithegod may have composed the hymn while still at Canterbury, and then perhaps took a copy back to his native Auvergne, given that it ended up in an English manuscript but also circulated in France. Although the circumstances of composition are beyond recovery, I suggest that the hymn was originally intended not for the cult of Mary Magdalen (it was used thus in France), but rather to accompany the penitential rituals of Maundy Thursday. The article includes a text and translation of the hymn.
The fragile X syndrome: exploring its molecular basis and seeking a treatment
Authors: Bardoni Barbara , Davidovic Laetitia , Bensaid Mounia , Khandjian Edouard W.
Published: April 2006

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) – the leading cause of inherited mental retardation – is an X-linked disease caused by loss of expression of the FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) gene. In addition to impairment of higher-cognitive functions, FXS patients show a variety of physical and other mental abnormalities. FMRP, the protein encoded by the FMR1 gene, is thought to play a key role in translation, trafficking and targeting of mRNA in neurons. To better understand FMRP's functions, the protein partners and mRNA targets that interact with FMRP have been sought. These and functional studies have revealed links with processes such as cytoskeleton remodelling via the RhoGTPase pathway and mRNA processing via the RNA interference pathway. In this review, we focus on recent insights into the function of FMRP and speculate on how the absence of FMRP might cause the clinical phenotypes seen in FXS patients. Finally, we explore potential therapies for FXS.
Discrete reductive perturbation technique
Authors: Levi Decio , Petrera Matteo
Published: April 2006

We expand a partial difference equation (PΔE) on multiple lattices and obtain the PΔE which governs its far field behavior. The perturbative-reductive approach is here performed on well-known nonlinear PΔEs, both integrable and nonintegrable. We study the cases of the lattice modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation, the Hietarinta equation, the lattice Volterra-Kac-Van Moerbeke equation and a nonintegrable lattice KdV equation. Such reductions allow us to obtain many new PΔEs of the nonlinear Schrödinger type.
Atomic-resolution study of Mn tetramer clusters using scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Yang Rong , Yang Haiqiang , Smith Arthur R.
Published: April 2006

A manganese nitride surface containing a well-ordered array of MnN-bonded manganese clusters is investigated. The clusters are composed of a quadrant array of Mn atoms forming a tetramer. Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to image and resolve the clusters into their constituent atoms and their structure and arrangement is presented. The Mn–Mn and Mn–N bond lengths are estimated from the experimental data and compared with theoretical predictions by Rao and Jena [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 185504 (2002)] for free, N-doped Mn clusters. The possible effect of the bond lengths on the magnetic properties of the clusters is discussed.
Temperature dependent magnetization in Cr-doped CdTe crystals
Authors: Ko K. Y. , Blamire M. G.
Published: April 2006

We report magnetic, structural, and electrical properties of Cr-doped CdTe crystals grown by the vertical solidification method. High-resolution x-ray diffraction showed a single phase with a zinc-blende structure of lattice constant ∼6.481Å. It exhibited ferromagnetism with temperature-dependent magnetization. The ferromagnetic moment increased as the applied magnetic field increased in the field range of 100–2000Oe. The temperature dependence of resistance exhibited Efros-Shklovskii-type variable range hopping proportional to 1∕T1∕2. The appearance of ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature of ∼395K is explained by ferromagnetic interaction of Cr atoms dissolved in the CdTe matrix rather than intermetallic impurity phases.
Large enhancement in second-harmonic generation by optical feedback
Authors: Chatterjee U. , Gangopadhyay S. , Ghosh C. , Bhar G. C.
Published: April 2006

An optical feedback configuration is proposed for second-harmonic generation from a secondary coherent source in a nonlinear crystal that without focusing enables one to realize same conversion efficiency as obtained in a conventional setup but with at least four times less input fundamental energy. The effectiveness of the scheme is confirmed.
Type A Personality Characteristics and the Effect on Individual and Team Academic Performance
Authors: Watson Warren E. , Minzenmayer Tracey , Bowler Matt
Published: April 2006

Type A personality has been conceptualized in part as high need for achievement combined with aggression, hostility, and self‐esteem issues. In teams of undergraduate business students, high levels of Type A personality significantly correlated with high levels of depression and high levels of social monitoring; and negatively correlated with social desirability, communality, and individual performance across time. In team settings, the more Type A's were balanced in a team with low Type A's, the more there was team commitment and the more team synergy behaviors; while if teams had a greater number of Type A's, there was more individualistic behavior, and team project scores were lower.
Disadvantaged by Diversity? The Effects of Diversity Goals on Competence Perceptions1
Authors: Heilman Madeline E. , Welle Brian
Published: April 2006

This research examined how efforts to ensure demographic diversity in a work group affected perceptions of the competence of individuals who are likely targets of such efforts. In three experiments, 262 undergraduates gave their impressions and performance expectations of members of a group assembled to work on a task. When a diversity rationale rather than a merit rationale was provided for how the work group was assembled, both women (Studies 1 and 2) and Black men (Study 3) were perceived as less competent and were expected to be less influential. This effect occurred regardless of the proportional representation of women or the degree of the groups' heterogeneity. The diversity rationale also produced more negative characterizations than did another non‐merit‐based rationale: scheduling convenience.
Genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum for tumor‐targeting enzyme‐prodrug therapy of autochthonous mammary tumors in rats
Authors: Sasaki Takayuki , Fujimori Minoru , Hamaji Yoshinori , Hama Yoshihisa , Ito Ken‐ichi , Amano Jun , Taniguchi Shun’ichiro
Published: April 2006

A fundamental obstacle in systemic therapy for cancer patients is the specific targeting of therapy directly to solid tumors. A strain of the domestic bacterium Bifidobacterium longum, which is non‐pathogenic and anaerobic, showed selective localization to and proliferation within solid tumors after systemic application. Here, we propose a novel approach to cancer gene therapy in which anaerobic and non‐pathogenic bacteria of the genus B. longum are used to achieve tumor‐specific gene delivery and enzyme‐prodrug therapy. We constructed a plasmid, pBLES100‐S‐eCD, which included eCD. Transfected B. longum produced CD in hypoxic tumors and achieved tumor site‐specific conversion of 5‐FC to 5‐FU. Furthermore, we demonstrated antitumor efficacy in rat bearing autochthonous mammary tumors injected with the transfected B. longum directly or intravenously. This method was confirmed to be effective for enzyme‐prodrug therapy not only by intratumoral injection but also by systemic administration. To estimate the toxicity of this bacterial vector, the systemic immunogenicity was evaluated by ASA reaction and the anaphylactic activity of IgG was evaluated by PCA reaction in guinea pigs. In the ASA reaction, no anaphylaxis symptoms were observed in any immunized guinea pigs injected with transfected B. longum. In the PCA reaction, B. longum/S‐eCD specific‐PCA‐induced antibody was not detected. Thus, we proposed that anaerobic bacteria of the genus B. longum were an attractive and safe tumor‐targeting vector and transfected B. longum was a potential anticancer agent that could effectively and specifically treat solid tumors. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 649–657)
Effects of menthol on the triggering of the swallowing reflex in elderly patients with dysphagia
Authors: Ebihara Takae , Ebihara Satoru , Watando Aya , Okazaki Tatsuma , Asada Masanori , Ohrui Takashi , Yamaya Mutsuo , Arai Hiroyuki
Published: April 2006

Aims

To investigate the effect of menthol on swallowing reflex sensitivity in elderly patients with dysphagia.

Methods and results

The swallowing reflex sensitivity of institutionalized elderly patients was evaluated as a latent time of swallowing reflex (LTSR), induced by the injection of 1 ml solution into the pharynx. LTSR was significantly shortened in a concentration‐dependent manner, from 13.8 s [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1, 16.5] by distilled water to 9.4 s (95% CI 7.1. 11.8) by 10−2m menthol.

Conclusion

Using menthol with elderly patients with dysphagia may improve the sensitivity of their swallowing reflex, resulting in prevention of aspiration pneumonia.
Expression of Toll-like receptors and their association with cytokine responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with acute rotavirus diarrhoea
Authors: Xu J , Yang Y , Sun J , Ding Y , Su L , Shao C , Jiang B
Published: April 2006

To understand virus and host interactions and host responses to rotavirus infection in children, we analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the expression of mRNA for five Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR8) and four T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-4) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of children with acute rotavirus diarrhoea. We observed significantly higher expression of genes encoding TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR8 in PBMC of 41% (31/75) patients within 3 days of illness onset than those in healthy children. After 3 days of illness onset, only TLR3 and TLR8 mRNA expressions were still significantly (P < 0.05) increased in 59% (44/75) children with diarrhoea. We also observed significantly (P < 0.05) elevated expression of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ in PBMC of patients during the entire period of illness and the first 3 days of illness, respectively. We further demonstrated a weak but significant association between elevated levels of gene expression of four TLRs (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TLR8) and IFN-γ. Our results suggest that multiple TLRs may modulate the immune response in the acute phase of rotavirus infection and play a role in the activation of IFN-γ.
Assessment of need for psychosocial interventions in an Asian population of carers of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Pearce Kenneth , McGovern John , Barrowclough Christine
Published: April 2006

Aim.  This paper reports on a study to establish the profile of need for psychosocial family interventions and to examine the concurrent validity of the Relatives’ Cardinal Needs Schedule with an Asian population of carers in England, UK.

Background.  Although psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia have a strong evidence base, little is known of the needs of Asian families. A cardinal need is indicative of the existence of a problem causing the carer a strain for which the carer is willing to co‐operate if help is offered and for which systematic help has not been provided in the last 12 months.

Methods.  The Relatives’ Cardinal Needs Schedule was used to assess needs in a small randomly selected sample of Asian carers in one English locality and to compare the results with independent measures of patient symptoms and carer distress.

Results.  Feedback from carers indicated that the Relatives’ Cardinal Needs Schedule was culturally acceptable and appropriate to their needs. There was evidence for the validity of the assessment in that there were large and statistically significant associations between the number of needs detected by the Relatives’ Cardinal Needs Schedule and independent measures of both carer distress (as measured by the 28 item General Health Questionnaire) and patient symptom severity (as reliably assessed from case notes).

Conclusion.  The Relatives’ Cardinal Needs Schedule may prove useful for nurses and service managers in establishing the need for psychosocial family interventions amongst Asian families in the United Kingdom.
Impact of follow‐up time and re‐measurement of the electrocardiogram and conventional cardiovascular risk factors on their predictive value for myocardial infarction
Authors: MÖLLER CHRISTINA STRÖM , ZETHELIUS BJÖRN , SUNDSTRÖM JOHAN , LIND LARS
Published: April 2006

Objective.  To explore if the predictive power of mid‐life electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and conventional cardiovascular risk factors for future myocardial infarction, change over a 30‐year follow‐up period and if repeated examination improves their predictive power.

Design and setting.  Longitudinal population‐based study.

Participants.  A total of 2322 men aged 50 years, with a total follow‐up period of 30 years and 1221 subjects were re‐examined at age of 70 years.

Main outcome measure.  Risk for fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction (n = 470) analysed at age 50 and 70 years, and separately for 1–10, 11–20 and 21–30 years after first examination. Investigations included a 12‐lead ECG, blood pressure, body mass index, smoking habits, and glucose and lipid variables.

Results.  Whilst high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia variables, such as apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, measured at age 50 showed an almost unchanged predictive power during the three decades of follow up, ECG abnormalities, insulin and BMI were only significant predictors during the two first decades of follow up. Despite increased prevalences of ECG abnormalities and obesity with age, they predicted for future myocardial infarction in midlife only whilst fasting insulin and smoking regained their predictive power when re‐measured at age 70.

Conclusion.  Whilst hypertension and dyslipidaemia were consistent as risk factors, length of follow‐up period and age at baseline investigations affected the predictive power of ECG abnormalities, fasting insulin, BMI and smoking. In the elderly, ECG abnormalities did not contribute to the prediction of myocardial infarction but smoking and fasting insulin may be important in the pathophysiology leading to MI especially in this age group.
Orchestrating bacterial cell morphogenesis
Authors: Carballido‐López Rut
Published: April 2006

MreB proteins are bacterial homologues of actin that directly determine cell shape and are involved in a range of other cellular processes in non‐spherical bacteria. Like F‐actin in eukaryotes, MreBs self‐assemble into dynamic filamentous structures that are essential for cell viability. Recent studies have demonstrated that the MreB cytoskeletal scaffold governs shape determination by controlling functions related to the bacterial cell wall (probably by recruiting and directing peptidoglycan‐synthesizing and modifying proteins). Here I consider general implications for bacterial morphogenesis, and the basis for differences in wall expansion and cylindrical cell shape, based on recent studies aimed to determine the role of MreBs in bacteria with different modes of growth.
Crystal structure of the DNA‐binding domain of BldD, a central regulator of aerial mycelium formation in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Kim In‐Kwon , Lee Chang‐Jin , Kim Min‐Kyu , Kim Jeong‐Mok , Kim Ji‐Hye , Yim Hyung‐Soon , Cha Sun‐Shin , Kang Sa‐Ouk
Published: April 2006

BldD is a central regulator of the developmental process in Streptomyces coelicolor. The 1.8 Å resolution structure of the DNA‐binding domain of BldD (BldDN) reveals that BldDN forms a compact globular domain composed of four helices (α1–α4) containing a helix‐turn‐helix motif (α2–α3) resembling that of the DNA‐binding domain of lambda repressor. The BldDN/DNA complex model led us to design a series of mutants, which revealed the important role of α3 and the ‘turn’ region between α2 and α3 for DNA recognition. Based on the fact that BldD occupies two operator sites of bldN and whiG and shows significant disparity in the affinity toward the two operator sites when they are disconnected, we propose a model of cooperative binding, which means that the binding of one BldD dimer to the high affinity site facilitates that of the second BldD dimer to the low affinity site. In addition, structural and mutational investigation reveals that the Tyr62Cys mutation, found in the first‐identified bldD mutant, can destabilize BldD structure by disrupting the hydrophobic core.
Antigenic variation by Borrelia hermsii occurs through recombination between extragenic repetitive elements on linear plasmids
Authors: Dai Qiyuan , Restrepo Blanca I. , Porcella Stephen F. , Raffel Sandra J. , Schwan Tom G. , Barbour Alan G.
Published: April 2006

The relapsing fever agent Borrelia hermsii undergoes multiphasic antigenic variation through gene conversion of a unique expression site on a linear plasmid by an archived variable antigen gene. To further characterize this mechanism we assessed the repertoire and organization of archived variable antigen genes by sequencing ∼85% of plasmids bearing these genes. Most archived genes shared with the expressed gene a ≤ 62 nucleotide (nt) region, the upstream homology sequence (UHS), that surrounded the start codon. The 59 archived variable antigen genes were arrayed in clusters with 13 repetitive, 214 nt long downstream homology sequence (DHS) elements distributed among them. A fourteenth DHS element was downstream of the expression locus. Informative nucleotide polymorphisms in UHS regions and DHS elements were applied to the analysis of the expression site of relapse serotypes from 60 infected mice in a prospective study. For most recombinations, the upstream crossover occurred in the UHS’s second half, and the downstream crossover was in the DHS’s second half. Usually the closest archival DHS element was used, but occasionally a more distant DHS was employed. The downstream extragenic crossover site in B. hermsii contrasts with the downstream extragenic crossover site for antigenic variation in African trypanosomes.
Period–colour and amplitude–colour relations in classical Cepheid variables – IV. The multiphase relations
Authors: Ngeow Chow-Choong , Kanbur Shashi M.
Published: April 2006

The superb phase resolution and quality of the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) data on the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) Cepheids, together with existing data on Galactic Cepheids, are combined to study the period–colour (PC) and amplitude–colour (AC) relations as a function of pulsation phase. Our results confirm earlier work that the LMC PC relation (at mean light) is more consistent with two lines of differing slopes, separated at a period of 10 d. However, our multiphase PC relations reveal much new structure which can potentially increase our understanding of Cepheid variables. These multiphase PC relations provide insight into why the Galactic PC relation is linear but the LMC PC relation is non-linear. This is because the LMC PC relation is shallower for short (log P < 1) and steeper for long (log P > 1) period Cepheids than the corresponding Galactic PC relation. Both of the short- and long-period Cepheids in all three galaxies exhibit the steepest and shallowest slopes at phases around 0.75–0.85, respectively. A consequence is that the PC relation at phase ∼ 0.8 is highly non-linear. Further, the Galactic and LMC Cepheids with log P > 1 display a flat slope in the PC plane at phases close to the maximum light. When the LMC period–luminosity (PL) relation is studied as a function of phase, we confirm that it changes with the PC relation. The LMC PL relation in V and I band near the phase of 0.8 provides compelling evidence that this relation is also consistent with two lines of differing slopes joined at a period close to 10 d.
DNA methylation and allelic losses on chromosome arm 14q in oligodendroglial tumours
Authors: Felsberg J. , Yan P. S. , Huang T. H.‐M. , Milde U. , Schramm J. , Wiestler O. D. , Reifenberger G. , Pietsch T. , Waha A.
Published: April 2006

Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies have shown frequent losses on the long arm of chromosome 14 in different types of human gliomas. Using differential methylation hybridization as a genome‐wide screening approach to determine DNA methylation patterns in gliomas, we recently identified two DNA fragments in 14q23.1 (CGI‐clone ♯396) and 14q32.12 (CGI‐clone ♯519) that were differentially methylated between astrocytic gliomas and mixed oligoastrocytomas. To validate this observation, we examined these 14q32.12 locus for methylation in an extended series of 43 astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas. All tumours were additionally investigated for loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Microsatellite analysis showed LOH in seven of 28 (25%) oligodendroglial tumours and three of 15 (20%) astrocytic tumours. Seven tumours demonstrated LOH at all informative 14q loci whereas three tumours carried partial deletions defining a commonly deleted region at 14q22.3–q32.1 between the microsatellite markers D14S282 and D14S995. Methylation‐specific PCR analysis of the 14q32.12 locus revealed hypermethylation in 12 of 43 gliomas (28%). Hypermethylation was restricted to tumours with oligodendroglial differentiation (12 of 28 tumours, 43%). However, none of the hypermethylated tumours demonstrated LOH on 14q and vice versa. In total, 19 of 28 oligodendroglial tumours (68%) showed either hypermethylation at the 14q32.12 locus or LOH at 14q22.3–q32.2. Taken together, our data lend further support for the location of one or more yet to be identified glioma‐associated tumour suppressor gene(s) on 14q. In addition, the restriction of 14q32.12 methylation to oligodendroglial tumours suggests a role for epigenetic DNA modifications in these particular gliomas.
Evidence that differential gene expression between the halophyte, Thellungiella halophila, and Arabidopsis thaliana is responsible for higher levels of the compatible osmolyte proline and tight control of Na+ uptake in T. halophila
Authors: KANT SURYA , KANT PRAGYA , RAVEH ERAN , BARAK SIMON
Published: April 2006

Salt‐sensitive glycophytes and salt‐tolerant halophytes employ common mechanisms to cope with salinity, and it is hypothesized that differences in salt tolerance arise because of changes in the regulation of a basic set of salt tolerance genes. We explored the expression of genes involved in two key salt tolerance mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana and the halophytic A. thaliana relative model system (ARMS), Thellungiella halophila. Salt overly sensitive 1 (SOS1) is a plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter that retrieves and loads Na+ ions from and into the xylem. Shoot SOS1 transcript was more strongly induced by salt in T. halophila while root SOS1 was constitutively higher in unstressed T. halophila. This is consistent with a lower salt‐induced rise in T. halophila xylem sap Na+ concentration than in A. thaliana. Thellungiella halophila contained higher unstressed levels of the compatible osmolyte proline than A. thaliana, while under salt stress, T. halophila accumulated more proline mainly in shoots. Expression of the A. thaliana ortholog of proline dehydrogenase (PDH), involved in proline catabolism, was undetectable in T. halophila shoots. The PDH enzyme activity was lower and T. halophila seedlings were hypersensitive to exogenous proline, indicating repression of proline catabolism in T. halophila. Our results suggest that differential gene expression between glycophytes and halophytes contributes to the salt tolerance of halophytes.
Correlation of reefal Oxfordian episodes and climatic implications in the eastern Paris Basin (France)
Authors: Carpentier Cédric , Martin‐Garin Bertrand , Lathuilière Bernard , Ferry Serge
Published: April 2006

Oxfordian reefal episodes of Lorraine and Burgundy have a long time been considered as contemporaneous. Biostratigraphic data and sequential evolutions peculiar to each region indicate their structural autonomy during Oxfordian times. A north‐south‐oriented well‐logging transect shows that, during the Middle Oxfordian, a shallow reefal platform developed in Lorraine while thin deeper deposits occurred in Burgundy. In spite of their different ages, reefal episodes of Middle Oxfordian in Lorraine and Upper Oxfordian in Burgundy exhibit a broadly similar vertical evolution of coral communities. During the Late Oxfordian, the contemporaneous occurrence of a diversified assemblage in the Burgundy region, a colder coral assemblage characterized by eurytopic genera and the decrease in seawater isotopic temperatures in Lorraine can be explained by a shift in trophic conditions, a climatic change related to structural rearrangements in this strategic place and a modification of oceanic circulations between the arctic and the Tethyan regions.
Generation and characterization of a single‐gene mouse–human chimeric antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Bose Biplab , Khanna Navin , Acharya Subrat K , Sinha Subrata
Published: April 2006

Background:  Antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is used for passive immunotherapy in certain cases of hepatitis B infection. The authors have earlier reported a high‐affinity mouse monoclonal (5S) against HBsAg. However, this mouse antibody cannot be used for therapeutic purposes because it may elicit antimouse immune responses. Chimerization by replacing mouse constant domains with human ones can reduce the immunogenicity of this antibody.

Methods:  A single‐chain variable fragment (scFv), derived from the mouse monoclonal 5S, was fused with the fragment crystallisable (Fc) fragment of human IgG1. The scFv region is expected to bind to the antigen, whereas the Fc fragment can provide the effector functions required for virus neutralization. This chimeric molecule was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in serum‐free medium. It was purified by affinity chromatography and characterized by in vitro binding studies.

Results:  Purification and characterization indicated that this chimeric scFv‐Fc fusion protein is secreted as a disulfide‐linked, glycosylated, homodimeric molecule. The yield of the purified chimeric antibody was approximately 4.6 mg/L. In vitro analyses confirmed that this chimeric molecule retained the high affinity and specificity of the original mouse monoclonal.

Conclusion:  Because it is a single‐gene product, this chimeric scFv‐Fc has the advantage of stable expression. Being chimeric and bivalent, it is expected to be less immunogenic and therefore suitable for further in vivo studies on virus neutralization.
Potential of adipocytokines in predicting peripancreatic necrosis and severity in acute pancreatitis: Pilot study
Authors: Schäffler Andreas , Landfried Karin , Völk Markus , Fürst Alois , Büchler Christa , Schölmerich Jürgen , Herfarth Hans
Published: April 2006

Background and Aim:  Severe acute pancreatitis is characterized by lipase‐induced peripancreatic fat cell necrosis. Because adipocytes secret several highly active molecules, the aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that adipocytokines could serve as potential markers predicting peripancreatic necrosis and severity in acute pancreatitis.

Methods:  A total of 23 patients (11 females, 12 males) with acute pancreatitis were included and a computed tomography (CT) examination was available in 20 patients. Balthazar score, Schröder score, pancreatic necrosis score, Ranson score and APACHE II score were calculated, correlated with biochemical parameters and analyzed using receiver‐operator characteristics (ROC) analysis. Adipocytokine serum levels were measured daily by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) over 10 days after admission.

Results:  Resistin and leptin were significantly elevated in patients with severe pancreatitis and were correlated with a radiological scoring system for extrapancreatic necrosis. Whereas resistin correlated positively with clinical scoring systems, time until discharge and the need for interventions, leptin was correlated positively with C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. Resistin levels measured on the day of admittance had a positive predictive value of 93.3% (cut‐off: >6.95 ng/mL) in predicting a Schröder score >3.

Conclusion:  Resistin, and to a lesser extent leptin, but not adiponectin levels are novel potential markers for extrapancreatic necrosis and severity of acute pancreatitis and should therefore be tested in larger cohorts of patients.
Helicobacter pylori, chronic atrophic gastritis, inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2, macrocytosis and multiple upper aerodigestive tract cancers and the risk for gastric cancer in alcoholic Japanese men
Authors: Yokoyama Akira , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Omori Tai , Matsushita Sachio , Mizukami Takeshi , Takahashi Hisao , Higuchi Susumu , Maruyama Katsuya , Ishii Hiromasa , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: April 2006

Background:  Gastric carcinoma occurs at a high rate in alcoholic Japanese men. Inactive heterozygous aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2*1/2*2) and macrocytosis (mean corpuscular volume [MCV] ≥ 106 fl) enhance the risk for esophageal carcinoma, which frequently occurs with gastric carcinoma in this population. Whether alcoholism affects Helicobacter pylori‐induced chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is unknown.

Methods:  This study of Japanese alcoholic men with (n = 45) and without (n = 281) gastric carcinoma included assessment of H. pylori IgG antibody, serum pepsinogen‐confirmed CAG, MCV, and ALDH2 genotype.

Results:  The gastric carcinoma cases had a significantly higher age‐adjusted prevalence of H. pylori‐positivity (78%vs 57%), CAG (78%vs 42%), ALDH2*1/2*2 (36%vs 14%), MCV ≥106 fl (38%vs 20%), and concurrent esophageal/oropharyngolaryngeal carcinoma (18%vs 5%) than controls. Among gastric cancer‐free controls, the prevalence of CAG was higher than generally reported in Japan, regardless of H. pylori status (H. pylori‐positive, 56%vs 35–36% for Japanese general population; H. pylori‐negative, 8%vs 1–3%). Alcoholism may accelerate the progression of CAG. Each of these factors increased the risk of gastric carcinoma (ORs = 3.7 for H. pylori‐positive, 2.7 for non‐severe CAG, 8.7 for severe CAG, 3.5 for ALDH2*1/2*2, 2.5 for MCV ≥106 fl, and 3.7 for concurrent carcinoma). A multivariate analysis showed that CAG and ALDH2*1/2*2 were independently related to the risk of gastric carcinoma. Combinations of CAG and ALDH2*1/2*2 showed greater risks of gastric carcinoma (ORs = 4.0 for non‐severe CAG alone, 17.6 for severe CAG alone, 9.7 for ALDH2*1/2*2 alone, 17.1 for non‐severe CAG plus ALDH2*1/2*2, and 39.2 for severe CAG plus ALDH2*1/2*2).

Conclusions:  Combining blood tests for H. pylori, CAG, MCV and ALDH2 genotype could offer a new means of predicting risk of gastric carcinoma in Japanese alcoholic men.
Intravenous self‐administration of nicotine is altered by lesions of the posterior, but not anterior, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus
Authors: Alderson Helen L. , Latimer Mary P. , Winn Philip
Published: April 2006

The reinforcing properties of nicotine involve actions at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located on dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) is involved in the regulation of these DA neurons, and those of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The PPTg can be subdivided into anterior (aPPTg) and posterior (pPPTg) regions on the basis of its innervation of midbrain DA neurons – the pPPTg innervates both VTA and SNc while the aPPTg innervates SNc. As the reinforcing actions of nicotine depend on its actions in the VTA more than SNc, it was hypothesized that excitotoxic lesions of pPPTg would alter nicotine reinforcement, measured by intravenous self‐administration, while lesions of aPPTg would not. Rats were given ibotenate lesions of pPPTg or aPPTg, followed by intravenous catheterization. Intravenous self‐administration (IVSA) of nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/inf) was carried out until a stable response baseline was reached. A dose–response function for nicotine was then established. There was no significant effect of aPPTg lesions on nicotine IVSA, while IVSA was significantly elevated following pPPTg lesions, compared with both sham lesioned controls and aPPTg excitotoxin lesioned rats. This was found across all doses, including saline, of the dose–response function. The differential effect of aPPTg lesions and pPPTg lesions suggests that disruption of regulatory innervation from pPPTg results in altered regulation of VTA DA neurons. The resulting change in nicotine self‐administration behaviour was hypothesized to reflect either a reduction in intrinsic nicotine reward value, or enhancement of associative incentive salience.
Consequences of unilateral nigrostriatal denervation on the thalamostriatal pathway in rats
Authors: Aymerich M. S. , Barroso‐Chinea P. , Pérez‐Manso M. , Muñoz‐Patiño A. M. , Moreno‐Igoa M. , González‐Hernández T. , Lanciego J. L.
Published: April 2006

The position of the caudal intralaminar nuclei within basal ganglia circuitry has largely been neglected in most studies dealing with basal ganglia function. During the past few years, there has been a growing body of evidence suggesting that the thalamic parafascicular nucleus in rodents (PF) exerts a multifaceted modulation of basal ganglia nuclei, at different levels. Our aim was to study the activity of the thalamostriatal pathway in rats with unilateral dopaminergic depletion. The experimental approach comprised first unilateral delivery of 6‐OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle. Thirty days post‐lesioning, animals showing a clear asymmetry were then subjected to bilateral injection of Fluoro‐Gold (FG) within the striatum. Subsequently, expression of the mRNA encoding the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGLUT2) was detected within thalamostriatal‐projecting neurons (FG‐labeled) by in situ hybridization and the results were confirmed by laser‐guided capture microdissection microscopy followed by real‐time PCR. The data showed that there was a marked neuronal loss restricted to PF neurons projecting to the dopamine‐depleted striatum. Moreover, PF neurons innervating the dopamine‐depleted striatum were intensely hyperactive. These neurons showed a marked increase on the expression of vGLUT2 mRNA as well as for the mRNA encoding the subunit I of cytochrome oxidase as compared with those neurons projecting to the striatum with normal dopamine content. Thus, the selective neurodegeneration of PF neurons innervating the striatum together with the increased activity of the thalamostriatal pathway coexist after nigrostriatal denervation.
Computed tomographic changes of the brain and clinical outcome of patients with seizures and epilepsy after an ischaemic hemispheric stroke
Authors: Reuck J. De , Claeys I. , Martens S. , Vanwalleghem Ph. , Van Maele G. , Phlypo R. , Hallez H.
Published: April 2006

It is not well established whether seizures and epilepsy after an ischaemic stroke increase the disability of patients. Seventy‐two patients with delayed seizures after a hemispheric infarct (37 with a single seizure and 35 with epilepsy) were included in the study. The modified Rankin scale was used to compare disability of the patients at 1 month after stroke and at 2 weeks after single or the last seizure, in case of epilepsy. The size of the X‐ray hypoattenuation zone was compared on computed tomographic (CT) scans, performed in the weeks after the stroke and 1 week after single or repeated seizures. Lesion size was determined by superimposing the CT slices on digital cerebral vascular maps, on which the contours of the infarct area were delineated. The extent of the infarcts was expressed as the percentage fraction of the total surface area of the cerebral hemisphere. Groups with a single seizure and with epilepsy were mutually compared. Infarcts predominated in the parieto‐temporal cortical regions. In the overall group the median Rankin score worsened significantly after seizures. The average size of the X‐ray hypoattenuation zone was also significantly increased on the CT scans after the seizures, compared with those after stroke, without clear evidence of recent infarction. Mutual comparison of patients with a single seizure episode and of those with epilepsy showed only a trend of more severe disability and of increase in lesion size in the post‐stroke epilepsy group. Delayed seizures and epilepsy after ischaemic stroke are accompanied by an increase in lesion size on CT and by worsening of the disability of the patients. This study does not allow to determine whether this is due to stroke recurrence or due to additional damage as a result of the seizures themselves.
Critical study of hair growth analysis with computer‐assisted methods
Authors: Van Neste D , Trüeb RM
Published: April 2006

Background  Computer‐assisted image analysis has been proposed for human hair growth studies.

Methods  The performances of Trichoscan, a commercially available automated system combining epiluminiscence microscopy with digital image analysis, developed for office‐based hair growth measurements, have been evaluated comparatively on the same skin sites using standardized photographic equipment and calibrated processing for contrast‐enhanced phototrichogram (CE‐PTG) analysis. This reference method has been validated with scalp biopsies and histological examination of serial sectioning.

Results  Besides edge effects, hair fibres escaped the Trichoscan analysis for various reasons including, but not limited to, thickness, pigmentation, closeness and crossing.

Conclusion  Most of these problems have been identified in the late 1980s and remain largely unsolved by the processing software that was evaluated in 2004. Therefore claims promoting the Trichoscan method for accurate hair measurements in clinical trials on scalp and body hair are not supported by the present investigation. The speed at which the analysis is performed is outweighed by the errors in signal detection. Therefore we suggest that improvements must be clearly documented before Trichoscan is established for quantified diagnostic purposes and detailed hair cycle monitoring during hair trials.
Challenges ahead for food science
Authors: JURIAANSE A C
Published: April 2006

Over the last decades, market forces have pushed many food companies into a process of continuous cost cutting and rationalization. The only way to escape this ‘spiral of death’ is to innovate.

 This presents new challenges to food technologists: they have to connect the right functional benefits to the emotional benefits to support brand strengths. To achieve the desired speed to market, companies should build skills to utilize the latest technology and learn to work in an open innovation environment.
Bioactive peptides and lactic fermentations
Authors: FITZGERALD RICHARD J , MURRAY BRIAN A
Published: April 2006

Milk proteins contain regions within their primary structures that encrypt for many latent biological activities. The beneficial health effects associated with some fermented dairy products may, in part, be attributed to the release of bioactive peptide sequences during the fermentation process. Peptides displaying opioid, mineral binding, cytomodulatory and hypotensive activities, for example, have been identified in cheese and yogurt. Much effort has to date concentrated on the release of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides due to their potential to act as hypotensive agents. Peptide fractions obtained by hydrophobic interaction chromatography of different cheese varieties (Blue, Camembert, Edam, Emmental, Gouda and Havarti) were reported to give systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreases in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) ranging from 7.1 to 29.3 mm mercury (Hg). Skim milks fermented with various strains of Lactobacillus helveticus, and in one case also with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have been reported to display SBP decreases in mildly hypertensive human volunteers ranging from 4.6 to 14.1 mmHg. These human hypotensive effects have, in part, been attributed to the release of potent casein‐derived tripeptide inhibitors of ACE during fermentation. In general, the likelihood of any bioactive peptide released during fermentation mediating a physiological response is dependent on the ability of that peptide to reach an appropriate target site. Therefore, peptides may need to be resistant to further degradation by gastrointestinal and serum proteinases/peptidases following oral ingestion in order to display a functional food effect.
Overexpression of Neuropeptide Y in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Decreases Ethanol Self‐administration in “Anxious” Rats
Authors: Primeaux Stefany D. , Wilson Steven P. , Bray George A. , York David A. , Wilson Marlene A.
Published: April 2006

Background: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been implicated in a variety of behaviors including those associated with anxiety and ethanol administration. The current experiment investigated the predictive role of anxiety‐like behaviors in ethanol self‐administration and the relationship of NPY in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) with anxiety and ethanol self‐administration.

Methods: Rats were divided into anxious and nonanxious groups based on behavior in the elevated plus maze. Following elevated plus maze testing, rats were allowed to consume increasing concentrations of ethanol (2, 4, and 6%) in a 2‐bottle choice procedure over a period of 31 days. anxious rats showed an increased preference for 4% ethanol and 6% ethanol compared with non‐anxious rats. Following 20‐day access to 6% ethanol, rats underwent gene transfer surgery with replication‐defective recombinant herpes simplex 1 vectors encoding prepro‐NPY, an antisense NPY RNA, or LacZ (control) into the CeA.

Results: In anxious rats, bilateral injections into the CeA with the NPY‐antisense vector increased 6% ethanol preference, while the vector encoding NPY decreased 6% ethanol preference. Herpes simplex viral‐mediated alterations in CeA NPY expression did not alter ethanol preference in nonanxious rats.

Conclusions: These results suggest that virally mediated alterations in NPY levels in the CeA differentially affect ethanol consumption in rats with low and high basal levels of anxiety.
Stress and Alcohol Consumption in Heavily Drinking Men: 2 Years of Daily Data Using Interactive Voice Response
Authors: Helzer John E. , Badger Gary J. , Searles John S. , Rose Gail L. , Mongeon Joan A.
Published: April 2006

Background: The relationship between stress and alcohol consumption has been shown in recent research to be more complex than originally thought. Cross‐sectional and short‐term longitudinal studies may not provide adequate data to address subtle but important relationships that impact consumption frequency and/or quantity.

Methods: Participants were 33 males recruited from local bars who reported their alcohol consumption, stress, and other related variables every day for 2 years. Reports were provided by automated telephone to a computer‐based interactive voice response (IVR) system. By closely monitoring call completion, we were able to collect over 95% of the daily calls.

Results: Using hierarchical linear modeling, daily stress was found to be associated with daily alcohol consumption, but in the opposite direction than would be predicted by a “drinking to cope” hypothesis. That is, same‐day stress was found to be inversely related to consumption levels. Prior day's stress was not significantly associated with subsequent day's consumption; however, prior day's consumption was predictive of subsequent stress for up to 2 days. Similar analyses using week, rather than day, as the unit of measure paralleled these findings.

Conclusions: This study highlights the utility of using long‐term daily process data to address important research and clinical questions in the alcohol field.
Familial Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome: A Disease of Glycogen Storage or Ion Channel Dysfunction?
Authors: LIGHT PETER E.
Published: April 2006

Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome is the most common cause of ventricular pre‐excitation, a condition where, due to defects in the conduction pathway, all or part of the ventricle is excited earlier than would normally be expected, often leading to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. It was recently discovered that many of the underlying mutations responsible for the familial form of WPW syndrome are located in the gene encoding for the regulatory γ2‐subunit (PRKAG2) of the AMP‐activated protein kinase. The cellular mechanisms for the observed arrhythmias are currently being studied and may involve glycogen storage with associated hypertrophy as well as alterations in the properties of cardiac ion channels such as voltage‐gated sodium channel. It is the aim of this review to discuss our current knowledge of the cellular disturbances underlying the induction of arrhythmias in patients with PRKAG2 mutations.