bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of Nipah virus proteins released as virus-like particles reveals central role for the matrix protein
Authors: Patch Jared R , Crameri Gary , Wang Lin-Fa , Eaton Bryan T , Broder Christopher C
Published: January 2007

Background

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging paramyxovirus distinguished by its ability to cause fatal disease in both animal and human hosts. Together with Hendra virus (HeV), they comprise the genus Henipavirus in the Paramyxoviridae family. NiV and HeV are also restricted to Biosafety Level-4 containment and this has hampered progress towards examining details of their replication and morphogenesis. Here, we have established recombinant expression systems to study NiV particle assembly and budding through the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs).

Results

When expressed by recombinant Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) or plasmid transfection, individual NiV matrix (M), fusion (F) and attachment (G) proteins were all released into culture supernatants in a membrane-associated state as determined by sucrose density gradient flotation and immunoprecipitation. However, co-expression of F and G along with M revealed a shift in their distribution across the gradient, indicating association with M in VLPs. Protein release was also altered depending on the context of viral proteins being expressed, with F, G and nucleocapsid (N) protein reducing M release, and N release dependent on the co-expression of M. Immunoelectron microscopy and density analysis revealed VLPs that were similar to authentic virus. Differences in the budding dynamics of NiV proteins were also noted between rMVA and plasmid based strategies, suggesting that over-expression by poxvirus may not be appropriate for studying the details of recombinant virus particle assembly and release.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results indicate that NiV M, F, and G each possess some ability to bud from expressing cells, and that co-expression of these viral proteins results in a more organized budding process with M playing a central role. These findings will aid our understanding of paramyxovirus particle assembly in general and could help facilitate the development of a novel vaccine approach for henipaviruses.
Neuromuscular deterioration in the early stage of sepsis in rats
Authors: Cankayali Ilkin , Dogan Yusuf Hakan , Solak Ilhami , Demirag Kubilay , Eris Oguz , Demirgoren Serdar , Moral Ali Resat
Published: January 2007

Introduction

Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a clinical condition frequently seen in patients being treated in critical care units in the final stage of sepsis. The etiopathology of CIP is still unclear, and the onset time of appearance of the electrophysiological findings has not been elucidated. The very little research that has been carried out on this topic is limited to clinical electrophysiological and histopathological studies. In this study, electrophysiological alterations in the early stage of experimentally induced sepsis were investigated in septic rats.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study in an animal basic science laboratory with 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200 to 250 g. All of the rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the sepsis group (n = 20), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed to induce experimental sepsis. In the sham-operated group (n = 10), laparotomy without CLP was performed. Before and 24 hours after CLP and laparotomy, the right sciatic nerve was stimulated from the sciatic notch and compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle. Recordings of latency, amplitude, and duration of the CMAP were evaluated.

Results

CMAP durations before and 24 hours after surgery were 0.45 ± 0.05 ms and 0.48 ± 0.05 ms, respectively, in the sham-operated group and 0.46 ± 0.05 ms and 0.55 ± 0.01 ms, respectively, in the sepsis group. Latency measurements in the sham-operated group were 0.078 ± 0.010 ms and 0.080 ± 0.015 ms, respectively, whereas measurements were found to be prolonged in the sepsis group: 0.094 ± 0.015 ms and 0.149 ± 0.054 ms before and 24 hours after surgery, respectively (p < 0.05). CMAP amplitudes in the sham-operated group before and 24 hours after surgery were 8.41 ± 0.79 mV and 8.28 ± 1.92 mV, respectively, whereas in the sepsis group the amplitude measurements decreased to 7.60 ± 1.75 mV and 4.87 ± 3.44 mV, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate that electrophysiological alterations appear in the first 24 hours after experimental sepsis and are characterized by an increase in latency and a decrease in CMAP amplitude. The results also suggest that electrophysiological findings seen in patients with CIP might appear before clinical signs of CIP.
Normalization of boutique two-color microarrays with a high proportion of differentially expressed probes
Authors: Oshlack Alicia , Emslie Dianne , Corcoran Lynn M , Smyth Gordon K
Published: January 2007

Normalization is critical for removing systematic variation from microarray data. For two-color microarray platforms, intensity-dependent lowess normalization is commonly used to correct relative gene expression values for biases. Here we outline a normalization method for use when the assumptions of lowess normalization fail. Specifically, this can occur when specialized boutique arrays are constructed that contain a subset of genes selected to test particular biological functions.
GENECODIS: a web-based tool for finding significant concurrent annotations in gene lists
Authors: Carmona-Saez Pedro , Chagoyen Monica , Tirado Francisco , Carazo Jose M , Pascual-Montano Alberto
Published: January 2007

We present GENECODIS, a web-based tool that integrates different sources of information to search for annotations that frequently co-occur in a set of genes and rank them by statistical significance. The analysis of concurrent annotations provides significant information for the biologic interpretation of high-throughput experiments and may outperform the results of standard methods for the functional analysis of gene lists. GENECODIS is publicly available at http://genecodis.dacya.ucm.es/.
Controlled overexpression of Pax6 in vivo negatively autoregulates thePax6locus, causing cell-autonomous defects of late cortical progenitor proliferation with little effect on cortical arealization
Authors: Manuel Martine , Georgala Petrina A. , Carr Catherine B. , Chanas Simon , Kleinjan Dirk A. , Martynoga Ben , Mason John O. , Molinek Michael , Pinson Jeni , Pratt Thomas , Quinn Jane C. , Simpson T. Ian , Tyas David A. , van Heyningen Veronica , West John D. , Price David J.
Published: January 2007

Levels of expression of the transcription factor Pax6 vary throughout corticogenesis in a rostro-lateralhigh to caudo-mediallow gradient across the cortical proliferative zone. Previous loss-of-function studies have indicated that Pax6 is required for normal cortical progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation, cortical lamination and cortical arealization, but whether and how its level of expression affects its function is unclear. We studied the developing cortex of PAX77 YAC transgenic mice carrying several copies of the human PAX6 locus with its full complement of regulatory regions. We found that PAX77 embryos express Pax6 in a normal spatial pattern, with levels up to three times higher than wild type. By crossing PAX77 mice with a new YAC transgenic line that reports Pax6 expression (DTy54), we showed that increased expression is limited by negative autoregulation. Increased expression reduces proliferation of late cortical progenitors specifically, and analysis of PAX77↔wild-type chimeras indicates that the defect is cell autonomous. We analyzed cortical arealization in PAX77 mice and found that, whereas the loss of Pax6 shifts caudal cortical areas rostrally, Pax6 overexpression at levels predicted to shift rostral areas caudally has very little effect. These findings indicate that Pax6 levels are stabilized by autoregulation, that the proliferation of cortical progenitors is sensitive to altered Pax6 levels and that cortical arealization is not.
Les femmes et l'isolement cellulaire au Canada : un defi de l'esprit sur la matiere
Authors: Martel Joane
Published: January 2007

Prisons exhibit many of the characteristics of modernity, in which time and space are central preoccupations. This article discusses findings of a recent study on the segregation (solitary confinement) of incarcerated women in Canada. Specifically, it examines the notions of time and space as they are practised by the prison and experienced by women. It argues that operators of time normally used inside the prison (meals, visits, head counts, recreation time, etc.) are de-structured when a prisoner enters segregation cells where she will face a discipline of the temporal minuscule that tends to blur culturally relevant temporal benchmarks that are necessary for the prisoner's reintegration into society. It also argues that prison segregation is a form of spatial confinement that particularly exacerbates the sacredness of personal objects and of housing, which, in turn, impinges on the maintenance of one's habitus as well as of a space necessary for identity formation.

La prison exhibe plusieurs des caract�ristiques de la modernit� dans laquelle le
temps et l'espace sont des pr�occupations centrales. Le pr�sent article examine
les r�sultats d'une �tude portant sur l'isolement cellulaire des femmes dans les
prisons canadiennes. Sp�cifiquement, la discussion porte sur les notions de
temps et d'espace telles qu'utilis�es par l'institution carc�rale, et telles que
v�cues par les femmes incarc�r�es. Les arguments principaux qui y sont
d�velopp�s sont les suivants : d'abord, les op�rateurs temporels habituellement
utilis�s � l'int�rieur de la prison (repas, visites, d�comptes hebdomadaires,
r�cr�ation, etc.) sont d�structur�s lorsqu'une prisonni�re se retrouve en
isolement cellulaire, l� o� elle sera soumise � une discipline du minuscule
temporel qui tendra � brouiller les rep�res spatio-temporels qui s'av�rent
essentiels � sa r�int�gration en soci�t�. Ensuite, en tant que mode particulier
de confinement spatial, les conditions de vie qui tendent � pr�valoir en
isolement cellulaire, exacerbent le caract�re sacr� des objets personnels, d'une
part, et de l'habitation, d'autre part, ce qui affecte le maintien d'un espace
n�cessaire � l'habitus et � la formation identitaire chez les femmes
emprisonn�es.
Knowledge and Explanation
Authors: Jenkins C. S.
Published: January 2007

Craig (1990) casts doubt upon the project of trying to give the traditional sort of necessary and sufficient conditions for A knows that p. He interprets the inadequacy of existing analyses of knowledge as evidence that our concept of knowledge is complex and diffuse, and concludes that we should aim to understand it by thinking about the rôle the concept plays in our lives, rather than by trying to find necessary and sufficient conditions for the truth of knowledge ascriptions.

There is surely something right about Craig's view: we are unlikely to succeed in any attempt to analyse away the intricacies in our concept of knowledge. We cannot realistically hope to uncover a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for A knows that p which are in all cases either clearly satisfied or clearly not satisfied. Nor, I suspect, is it possible to offer necessary and sufficient conditions for knowledge which are widely accepted as being more securely understood than knowledge itself.
Motivating the Relevant Alternatives Approach
Authors: Rysiew Patrick
Published: January 2007

Knowing that p requires being able to ‘rule out’ the relevant not-p alternatives. Such is the core claim of the Relevant Alternatives (RA) theorist. Of course, to endorse the core claim is not to have a complete and satisfactory account of knowing: any RA theorist has some explaining to do. Most obviously, anyone who endorses the core claim must ultimately provide an account of ‘ruling out’ and ‘relevance’. And some who‘ve been critical of the whole RA approach have done so because of a scepticism about the prospects of cashing these notions out in a satisfactory way.
"A Very Sinister Book": The Sun Also Rises as Critique of Pastoralism
Authors: Savola David
Published: January 2007

To date, The Sun Also Rises has received little ecocritical attention, despite its concern with interrogating literary depictions of the relationship between humanity and the natural world. This concern is most evident in the novel's attention to the importance of truthful reporting, woven into Jake's indictment of Cohn's admiration for The Purple Land, which Jake brands "a very sinister book." His critique provides a key for analyzing the many ironic allusions to the pastoral tradition in the novel.
The Altars of the Idols: Religion, Sacrifice, and the Early Modern Polity
Authors: Sheehan Jonathan
Published: January 2007

This essay is an attempt to think through some of the problems of idolatry and sacrifice for the early modern period and more generally, for the constitution of religious and political community. In particular, it argues that the altars of the idols condensed two problems: first, the problem of communion, and specifically the Protestant ability to communicate with God; and second, the problem of distinction. At a time when the nature of the religious polity was in question, the analysis of idolatry and sacrifice produced a conceptual structure for understanding, in anthropological fashion, the very constitution of religious and political community. In fact, this essay will suggest, this structure lives on, alive and well, among modern theorists seeking to diagnose the ailments of modernity.
Depolarization and Neurotransmitter Regulation of Vasopressin Gene Expression in the Rat Suprachiasmatic NucleusIn Vitro
Authors: Rusnak Milan , E. Tóth Zsuzsanna , House Shirley B. , Gainer Harold
Published: January 2007

Vasopressin (VP) transcription in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in organotypic culture was studied byin situhybridization histochemistry using an intron-specific VP heteronuclear RNA probe. The circadian peak of VP gene transcription in the SCNin vitrois completely blocked by a 2 h exposure to tetrodotoxin (TTX) in the culture medium, and this TTX inhibition of VP gene transcription is reversed by exposure of the SCN to either forskolin or potassium depolarization. This suggests that an intrinsic, spontaneously active neuronal mechanism in the SCN is responsible for the cAMP- and depolarization-dependent pathways involved in maintaining peak VP gene transcription. In this paper, we evaluate a variety of neurotransmitter candidates, membrane receptors, and signal-transduction cascades that might constitute the mechanisms responsible for the peak of VP gene transcription. We find that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and a VPAC2 (VIP receptor subtype 2) receptor-specific agonist, Ro-25-1553, are the most effective ligands tested in evoking a cAMP–mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction cascade leading to an increase in VP gene transcription in the SCN. In addition, a second independent pathway involving depolarization activating L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and a Ca-dependent kinase pathway [inhibited by KN62 (1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine)] rescues VP gene transcription in the presence of TTX. In the absence of TTX, these independent pathways appear to act in a cooperative manner to generate the circadian peak of VP gene transcription in the SCN.
Facilitation of Extinction Learning for Contextual Fear Memory by PEPA: A Potentiator of AMPA Receptors
Authors: Zushida Ko , Sakurai Mikako , Wada Keiji , Sekiguchi Masayuki
Published: January 2007

Contextual fear memory is attenuated by the re-exposure of mice to the context without aversive stimulus. This phenomenon is called extinction. Here, we report that a potentiator of AMPA receptors, 4-[2-(phenylsulfonylamino)ethylthio]-2,6-difluorophenoxyacetamide (PEPA), potently facilitates extinction learning in mice. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to novel context and stimulated by electrical footshock. After 24 h (extinction training) and 72 h (extinction test), the mice were repeatedly exposed to the context without footshock and the duration of their freezing response was measured. The duration of freezing response in the extinction test was consistently shorter than the value in extinction training. Intraperitoneal injection of PEPA 15 min before extinction training remarkably reduced the duration of freezing responses during the extinction training and test, compared with the vehicle-injected control mice. This action of PEPA on extinction was dose-dependent and inhibited by NBQX (1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2,3-dioxo-benzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide), an AMPA receptor antagonist. PEPA had no effect on acquisition and consolidation of fear memory itself. Electrophysiological studies suggested that PEPA activates the neural network much more potently in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) than in the basolateral amygdala and hippocampal CA1 field. Quantitative PCR studies suggested the pronounced expression of PEPA-preferring AMPA receptor subunits (GluR3 and GluR4) and a splice variant (flop) in the mPFC. An intra-mPFC injection of PEPA facilitated the extinction much more potently than an intra-amygdala injection of PEPA did. These results suggest that PEPA facilitates extinction learning through AMPA receptor activation mainly in the mPFC.
NGF Regulates the Expression of Axonal LINGO-1 to Inhibit Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Myelination
Authors: Lee Xinhua , Yang Zhongshu , Shao Zhaohui , Rosenberg Sheila S. , Levesque Melissa , Pepinsky R. Blake , Qiu Mengsheng , Miller Robert H. , Chan Jonah R. , Mi Sha
Published: January 2007

Neurons and glia share a mutual dependence in establishing a functional relationship, and none is more evident than the process by which axons control myelination. Here, we identify LRR and Ig domain-containing, Nogo receptor-interacting protein (LINGO-1) as a potent axonal inhibitor of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination that is regulated by nerve growth factor and its cognate receptor TrkA in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas LINGO-1 expressed by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells was previously identified as an inhibitor of differentiation, we demonstrate that axonal expression of LINGO-1 inhibits differentiation with equal potency. Disruption of LINGO-1 on either cell type is sufficient to overcome the inhibitory action and promote differentiation and myelination, independent of axon diameter. Furthermore, these results were recapitulated in transgenic mice overexpressing the full length LINGO-1 under the neuronal promoter synapsin. Myelination was greatly inhibited in the presence of enforced axonal LINGO-1. The implications of these results relate specifically to the development of potential therapeutics targeting extrinsic growth factors that may regulate the axonal expression of modulators of oligodendrocyte development.
Probing Lithium and Alumina Impurities in Air- and Water Stable Ionic Liquids by Cyclic Voltammetry and In Situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Endres Frank , El Abedin Sherif Zein , Borissenko Natalia
Published: January 2007

In this paper we report on some results on the electrochemical breakdown of ionic liquids at the cathodic limit of the electrochemical window and on the probing of inorganic impurities in ionic liquids (originating from the synthesis) at the interface electrode/electrolyte by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy on Au(111). It will be shown that the restructuring/reconstruction of Au(111) in ultrapure 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Py1,4]Tf2N) leads to a transition from a wormlike surface structure to a surface with well defined terraces. Close to the cathodic decomposition of the liquid the quality of the STM pictures gets worse and at the onset of massive ionic liquid breakdown a film forms on the gold surface finally shielding completely the gold terraces. When the [Py1,4]Tf2N liquid, made by a metathesis reaction from [Py1,4]Cl and LiTf2N, is not thoroughly washed after the synthesis, the in situ STM pictures show in a wide potential range the same surface structures as with the ultrapure liquid, but in the cathodic regime the deposition of lithium in only a few monolayers is observed. In the respective cyclic voltammograms on Au(111) there is clear evidence for lithium deposition.

We show furthermore that a spectroscopically ultrapure 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ionic liquid ([EMIm]Tf2N) can show unexpected behaviour at the electrode/electrolyte interface when after synthesis it is subject to an Al2O3 treatment with the aim to remove organic impurities. Al2O3 seems to be dissolved in the ionic liquid in low concentrations and deposited at the electrode surface. At lower electrode potentials the alumina seems to be reduced to metallic aluminium. Our results show that even ultrapure ionic liquids can contain inorganic impurities which are very difficult to probe with conventional analytical methods. Better synthesis routes will be necessary to make ultrapure ionic liquids for fundamental physicochemical studies.
Managing the Uncertainties of Gulf War Illness: The Challenges of Living with Contested Illness
Authors: Shriver Thomas E. , Waskul Dennis D.
Published: January 2007

Based on observation and in‐depth interviews with fifty‐five respondents, we provide a detailed analysis of the Gulf War illness experience. All chronically ill people experience troublesome physical symptoms, but most reasonably expect to receive medical answers and treatment, in addition to the support of family, friends, employers, and coworkers. This research addresses a circumstance where neither sick people nor the medical establishment has clear answers to the basic etiology and treatment of illness. Consequently, many veterans endure doubt, threats to their credibility, and intensified stigma. The resulting ambiguity and stigma initiate efforts to redefine and renegotiate the illness experience. Drawing heavily from the thick descriptions provided by Gulf War veterans and their spouses, we document assaults on the physical body, emotional stability, social status, and selfhood, as well as negative effects on social relations. We also examine how institutional barriers influence the contested illness experience.
Using Emotional Labor to Create and Maintain Relationships in Service Interactions
Authors: Godwyn Mary
Published: January 2007

This article investigates the complex relationships between service workers and customers in both luxury and nonluxury retail settings. Though much of the sociological research on sales and service work concentrates on relatively low‐status positions, this research explores the importance of the service worker as expert and artisan. Using the concept of emotional labor introduced by Hochschild, this study examines whether emotional labor, in certain service and sales contexts, can be used to create and maintain relationships between employees and customers. This research suggests a more complete theoretical understanding of service work as well as practical policy implications applicable to such concerns as turnover and morale, training and orientation, and communication and supervisory strategies.
Adaptation of maize lines and hybrids to abiotic/biotic stresses
Authors: Pepó P. , Bódi Z.
Published: January 2007

The resistance of
maize inbred lines and their hybrids to Western Corn Rootworm was investigated
in a 4 × 4 full diallel system. The most tolerant line against WCR
larvae was the inbred line P26. Four maize inbred lines and their 12 normal and
reciprocal crosses were investigated for resistance to Fusarium ssp. and
European Corn Borer under natural conditions in four replications in 1998-2000.
The highest GCA values were found for the inbred lines P26 and P50. Studies
were also made to determine the optimum concentration of imidazolinone in the
selective medium for the detection of resistant cell lines originating from
homozygous genotypes produced by irradiation.
Wide‐Diameter Implants: Analysis of Clinical Outcome of 304 Fixtures
Authors: Degidi Marco , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna , Carinci Francesco
Published: January 2007

Background: In the last decade, the use of wide‐diameter implants (WDIs; diameter >3.75 mm) has increased. Although good clinical outcomes have been reported in recent literature, there are few reports on this topic. Thus, we planned a retrospective study on a large series of WDIs to evaluate the clinical outcome.

Methods: From October of 1996 to December of 2004, 205 patients were operated on, and 304 WDIs were inserted. The mean postloading follow‐up was 30 months. Implant diameter and length ranged from 5.0 to 6.5 mm and from 8.0 to 15 mm, respectively. Because only five of 304 implants were lost (i.e., a survival rate of 98.4%) and no statistical differences were detected among the studied variables, no or reduced crestal bone resorption (CBR) was considered an indicator of success to evaluate the effect of several host‐, surgery‐, and implant‐related factors. A general linear model (GLM) was performed to detect variables that were associated statistically with CBR.

Results: Only five of 304 WDIs were lost, and no differences were detected among the studied variables. On the contrary, the GLM showed that distal teeth (i.e., premolars and molars), small implant diameter (i.e., 5.0 and 5.5 mm), and short implant length (i.e., <13 mm) correlated with a statistically significant lower CBR.

Conclusion: The use of WDIs is a viable treatment option, and it may provide benefits in posterior regions for long‐term maintenance of various implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitations.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Prostaglandin E2 and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance Levels in Smokers and Non‐Smokers With Chronic Periodontitis Following Phase I Periodontal Therapy and Adjunctive Use of Flurbiprofen
Authors: Kurtiş Bülent , Tüter Gülay , Serdar Muhittin , Pınar Selin , Demirel İlkim , Toyman Utku
Published: January 2007

Background: It has been established that smoking is an important risk factor for the initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis (CP). This study investigates the effects of phase I periodontal therapy and adjunctive flurbiprofen administration on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from smoker and non‐smoker patients with CP.

Methods: Twenty‐one non‐smoker and 21 smoker patients with CP were divided into four groups according to treatment modalities. Group 1 (non‐smokers with CP) and group 3 (smokers with CP) patients received daily 100‐mg flurbiprofen tablets in a 2 × 1 regimen for 10 days together with scaling and root planing (SRP). Patients in group 2 (non‐smokers with CP) and group 4 (smokers with CP) received placebo tablets in a 2 × 1 regimen for 10 days together with SRP. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were recorded and GCF samples were collected at baseline and on day 10 of drug intake from each sampling area by a single examiner who was unaware of the treatment modality. Assays for GCF PGE2 and TBARS were carried out by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and fluorometric method, respectively.

Results: All groups showed statistically significant reductions in PI and GI scores following the phase I periodontal treatment on day 10 (P <0.05), but no statistical differences were observed in PD and CAL scores after the therapy. In groups 1 and 2, the reduction of GCF PGE2 and TBARS levels were not significant after the therapy compared to baseline levels. In group 3, GCF PGE2 and TBARS levels exhibited a statistically significant decrease (P <0.05) after the therapy. Group 4 showed significant reductions (P <0.05) in GCF PGE2 levels after the therapy. No statistically significant reductions were observed in group 4 with regard to GCF TBARS levels. When groups 1 and 3 were compared according to GCF TBARS levels after the therapy, a more statistically significant reduction was observed in group 3 (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: These results suggest that additional flurbiprofen administration may have more inhibitory effects on GCF levels of PGE2 and TBARS in the groups of smokers compared to non‐smokers with CP.
Postnatal Development of Blood Serum Concentrations of Immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM Isotypes in Suckling Foal
Authors: Sedlinská M. , Krejčí J. , Vyskočil M. , Kudláčková H.
Published: January 2007

Postnatal changes in concentrations of immunoglobulin IgG, IgM and IgA isotypes from birth until the age of five months were monitored by the ELISA method. The experiment was performed in a group of 52 thoroughbred foals and their mothers. Among the investigated animals, failure of colostral immunity transfer was recorded in only four foals (7.7 percent). The concentrations of immunoglobulin IgG and IgA isotypes primarily decreased during the first weeks of life and then gradually increased until the end of the investigated period. The concentrations of immunoglobulin IgG isotype reached the values of adult animals by the end of the investigated period. However, immunoglobulin IgA isotype did not reach those values during the entire investigated period. The concentrations of immunoglobulin IgM isotype were quite rapidly increasing from the birth on. The beginning of active antibody formation was inversely proportional to the level of colostral immunoglobulins.
Ultrashort Bradycardic Effect of Newly Synthesized Compounds
Authors: Bartošová L. , Frydrych M. , Vaculová G. , Beránková K. , Bébarová M. , Opatřilová R. , Strnadová V. , Mokrý P. , Brunclík V. , Kolevská J. , Krčmář J. , Bartošíková L. , Florian T. , Nečas J.
Published: January 2007

Changes in the heart rate induced by four different doses of two newly synthesized potential ultrashort-action antagonists of beta adrenergic receptors were tested in 90 male laboratory Wistar rats. The isoprenaline-induced tachycardia model was used. Their effects were compared with those of esmolol. In the second part of the study, approximate electro-physiological measurements were made in vitro to assess the influence of the compounds tested on ion membrane currents in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes. Both compounds demonstrated significant bradycardic effects in all concentrations tested compared with the control group, but they differed in the time of the onset of their action. Both newly synthesized compounds induced blockade of the fast sodium current (INa) and potassium currents (Ito, IK1, IK,end).
Effect of Intensive Fattening of Bulls Fed a High-grain Diet on Selected Health Indicators
Authors: Štercová E. , Haas D. , Krása A. , Lepková R. , Šterc J.
Published: January 2007

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of intensive fattening of bulls with a high-grain diet on selected health parameters. Metabolic indicators under study were compared with those in bulls receiving a traditional diet based on maize silage. The trial included 18 Czech pied bulls that were fed a diet containing from 75.0% to 83.6% concentrate on dry matter basis. As a control, 18 Czech pied bulls were used, given total mixed ration based on maize silage. The experiment was started after weaning when the treated group averaged 114 days of age and the control group 115 days of age. Bulls were slaughtered at an average age of 473 days in the treated group and 474 days in the control group. The experiment lasted 359 days. In the fattening period, blood and rumen fluid samples were withdrawn to evaluate rumen fermentation, acid-base balance and selected biochemical indicators. After the slaughter, samples of tuber coxae cancellous tissue were collected for the bone metabolism assessment. Among indicators under study, the rumen fermentation ones were the most affected by feeding the high-grain diet. Bulls fed the high-grain diet showed (P < 0.05) lower rumen fluid pH and a higher total titration activity, a higher (P < 0.01) total level of VFA and propionate proportion, and a lower (P < 0.01) acetate proportion than the control bulls. Counts of infusoria were also lower (P < 0.01). Acid-base balance was not significantly influenced by feeding the high-grain diet. The high-grain diet fed bulls showed increased serum levels of AST and phosphorus, but the differences from the control group were non-significant in most cases. In 1 g bone ash of the samples of tuber coxae cancellous tissue in the treated group calcium content was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in the control group; no significant differences were observed between other indicators under investigation.
Effects of Agricultural Byproducts in Ration on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Saidi Rams
Authors: Megahed G. A. , Etman A.-H. M.
Published: January 2007

The influence of selected agricultural byproducts supplementation to feed rations on the ram's body gain, reproductive performance, and subsequent fertility were investigated. Forty Saidi rams were divided into 4 groups (n = 10). Group 1 (control) was fed 500 g/head/day concentrate feed mixtures (CFM) plus wheat straw ad libitum. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed 500 g/head/day CFM plus corn cobs or sugar cane tops or sugar cane bagasse (these roughages were treated with 1% urea), respectively. Serum testosterone, glucose and total cholesterol levels were determined and semen evaluations were carried out every 15 days. Testicular size, scrotal circumference and body weight were recorded each month. At the end of the experiment, 12 rams were allowed to mount 114 healthy ewes to evaluate the pregnancy rate for each group. The results have shown that the body weight, daily body gain, testicular size and scrotal circumference increased (p < 0.01) in the treated groups as compared to controls with advancing age. At the end of the experiment (90 days), testicular size and scrotal circumference increased (p < 0.01) in the treated groups as compared with the control. The testosterone level (ng/ml) in treated groups increased (2.18 ± 0.31 ng/ml in group 2; 2.35 ± 0.24 ng/ml in group 3, and 1.97 ± 0.16 ng/ml in group 4) significantly (p < 0.01) as compared with group 1 (1.76 ± 0.09 ng/ml). Moreover, supplementation of treated agricultural byproducts had a significant improving effects on the semen quality. The semen volume increased, along with individual motility and live sperm percentages. Pregnancy rate in this study indicated that rams of groups 2, 3 and 4 yielded a higher pregnancy rate (83.33%, 86.67% and 81.48%, respectively) than group 1 (74.07%). Agricultural byproducts such as corn cobs, sugar cane tops and sugar cane bagasse treated with 1% urea had a beneficial effect on the daily body gain and improved the reproductive performance and subsequent fertility of Saidi rams, compared to wheat straw.
Dicrocoeliosis in Cats and Dogs
Authors: Nesvadba J.
Published: January 2007

This paper is the first report of clinical cases of dicrocoeliosis in cats and dogs. In cats, symptoms manifested as inappetence, diarrhoea, loss of weight, changes of hair coat, and, in particular, conjunctivitis with mucoserous discharge and prolapse of the third eyelid. In dogs, clinical symptoms manifested with alteration of the digestive apparatus (anorexia, increased peristalsis, vomiting and diarrhoea), loss of weight, jaundice and skin lesions (pruritus, alopecia and dermatitis interdigitalis). The performance of all working dogs was reduced significantly. Both in dogs and cats, a reliable diagnosis is only possible through repeated coprological examination and demonstration of Dicrocoelium eggs. As far as the therapeutic procedures are concerned, albendazole administered for four days was only found fully effective in the cat as well as in the dog, in which praziquantel for 4-5 days was also sufficient.
Inside Front Cover: Field‐Driven Biofunctionalization of Polymer Fiber Surfaces during Electrospinning (Adv. Mater. 1/2007)
Authors: Sun X.‐Y. , Shankar R. , Börner H. G. , Ghosh T. K. , Spontak R. J.
Published: January 2007

Surface‐biofunctionalized synthetic polymer fibers composed of a fiber‐forming host polymer and an oligopeptide conjugate can be prepared from electrospinning, report Spontak and co‐workers on p. 87. The conjugate consists of a polypeptide segment and a polymer block that is compatible with the host polymer. Because the more polarizable peptide segment migrates to the surface during electrospinning, peptide surface‐enrichment is achieved in a single step without further treatment.
In‐line centrifugal separation of dispersed phases
Authors: van Wissen Ralph , Brouwers J. J. H. , Golombok Michael
Published: January 2007

A new device—the rotational particle separator (RPS)—is compared to the cyclone for the removal of ultrafine particles, such as cryogenically condensed contaminant droplets from natural gas. The comparison focusses on identifying for each configuration the smallest size of particle which has a 50% chance of being removed from the gas stream. Whereas a cyclone can only separate 1 μm droplets at very low‐throughputs on the order of 1 MMscfd, at the same energy consumption and device volume, the rotational particle separator removes droplets of that size at throughputs of 300 MMscfd. The advantage of the rotational particle separator, therefore, lies in its compact separation potential for full‐scale industrial gas well throughputs. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Selectivity for patch‐distributed reactive spherical surfaces
Authors: Wu Jui‐Chuang , Lu Shih‐Yuan
Published: January 2007

The selectivity of reactions on active patches over those on a partially active carrier surface is investigated for patch‐covered spheres. The effects of relevant parameters including patch and carrier reactivities, patch coverage, patch size, and patch separation state are studied. The selectivity is found to increase with increasing relative dominance of the patch reactivity over the carrier reactivity and patch coverage, as expected. Interestingly, it also increases with decreasing patch size and increasing patch separations. Decrease in patch size creates more patch–carrier interfaces and thus enhances the competition effectiveness of the patches against the carrier surface. With respect to the patch separation state, more complete utilization of the patches is achieved for well‐separated patches and thus enhances the selectivity toward the patches. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 2007
Involvement of alanine 103 residue in kinetic and physicochemical properties of glucose isomerases from Streptomyces species
Authors: Borgi Mohamed Ali , Rhimi Moez , Bejar Samir
Published: January 2007

The Ala103 to Gly mutation, introduced within the glucose isomerase from Streptomyces sp. SK (SKGI) decreased its catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) toward D‐glucose from 7.1 to 3 mM–1 min–1. The reverse counterpart replacement Gly103Ala introduced into the glucose isomerase of Streptomyces olivochromogenes (SOGI) considerably improved its catalytic efficiency to be 6.7 instead of 3.2 mM–1 min–1. This later mutation also increased the half‐life time of the enzyme from 70 to 95 min at 80°C and mainly modified its pH profile. These results provide evidence that the residue Ala103 plays an essential role in the kinetic and physicochemical properties of glucose isomerases from Streptomyces species.
Optical adjuncts for enhanced colonoscopic diagnosis
Authors: Taylor J C , Kendall C A , Stone N , Cook T A
Published: January 2007

Background

Optical techniques using previously unexploited properties of light interaction with tissue may be valuable in the detection, diagnosis and staging of colorectal neoplasia.

Methods

A Medline search (1990 to present) was conducted on optical diagnostics in the detection of colorectal neoplasia. The reference list of each identified article was reviewed for further relevant papers.

Results and conclusion

Chromoendoscopy is the only optical adjunct to colonoscopy that has been tested in large randomized clinical trials. It improves the detection of small and flat colorectal adenomas, and of neoplasia in chronic ulcerative colitis and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. All other techniques are the subject of ongoing research and the practicality of population screening with any of the methods has yet to be established. Optical techniques may, however, permit immediate clinical diagnosis, removing the need for histological analysis. They may also improve the diagnosis of early colonic neoplasia.
A General Strategy for the Rational Design of Size‐Selective Mesoporous Catalysts
Authors: Zapilko Clemens , Liang Yucang , Nerdal Willy , Anwander Reiner
Published: January 2007

A series of functionalized mesoporous silicas with cagelike pore topology has been synthesized and screened for size‐selective catalytic transformations. The aluminum‐catalyzed Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction of differently sized aromatic aldehydes (benzaldehyde and 1‐pyrenecarbox‐aldehyde) has been investigated as a test reaction. The catalysts were synthesized in a two‐step grafting sequence comprising pore‐size engineering of mesoporous silicas (SBA‐1, SBA‐2, SBA‐16) with long‐chain alkyl dimethylaminosilanes and surface organoaluminum chemistry with triethylaluminum [{Al(CH2CH3)3}2]. Size‐selective reaction behavior was found for small pore SBA‐1 materials, and the selectivity could be efficiently tuned by selecting a silylating reagent of appropriate size. The results are compared with the catalytic performance of a large‐pore periodic mesoporous organosilica PMO[SBA‐1] and the nonporous high‐surface‐area silicas Aerosil 300/380.
The Effect of Hydrothermal and Non‐Hydrothermal Synthesis on the Formation of Holmium(III) Succinate Hydrate Frameworks
Authors: Bernini Maria C. , Brusau Elena V. , Narda Griselda E. , Echeverria Gustavo E. , Pozzi C. Gustavo , Punte Graciela , Lehmann Christian W.
Published: January 2007

Two novel hydrated holmium(III) succinates with formula [Ho2(C4H4O4)3(H2O)4]·6H2O (1) and [Ho2(C4H4O4)3(H2O)2]·H2O (2) have been synthesized from aqueous solution under ambient and hydrothermal conditions, respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows that HoIII is nine‐coordinate in both compounds even though their structures are markedly different, the main distinctive features being the [H2O]/[C4H4O42–] ratio in the coordination sphere, the conformation and coordination ability of the succinate ions, and the resulting framework dimensionality. Compound 1 is a 2D hybrid polymer and its crystal structure is unprecedented for rare‐earth succinates. It consists of centrosymmetric dimers of edge‐sharing HoO7(H2O)2 polyhedra linked by succinate ions in the [100] and [101] directions. Hydrogen‐bonded hydration water molecules connect layers to give three‐dimensional stability. Compound 2 is built up from infinite chains of HoO8(H2O) polyhedra linked by succinates that result in a 3D architecture. This structure shows that hydrothermal conditions favor an increase in the overall dimensionality of these hybrids, in agreement with theoretical considerations. The compounds were characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and the results are discussed in connection with the structural findings. The effect of the dimensionality on the thermal stability of both structures after removal of the hydration water molecules is also analyzed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A One‐Pot Asymmetric Sequential Amination‐Alkylation of Aldehydes: Expedient Synthesis of Aliphatic Chiral Amines
Authors: Wakchaure Vijay N. , Mohanty Rashmi R. , Shaikh Ahson J. , Nugent Thomas C.
Published: January 2007

A one‐pot asymmetric sequential amination‐alkylation method has been developed for the synthesis of alkyl‐alkyl′ α‐chiral primary amines (aliphatic primary amines with a chiral center adjacent to the nitrogen atom) from aldehydes. In situ aldimine formation from non‐branched, α‐branched, and β‐branched aliphatic aldehydes with (R)‐ or (S)‐α‐(methylbenzyl)amine [catalyzed by 5 mol‐% Ti(OiPr)4] followed by reaction with a methyl, ethyl, or n‐butyl cuprate complex in the presence of boron trifluoride or an allyl Grignard reagent provides good yield (77–88 %) and diastereomeric excess (77–92 %) for amines 2 or 5. To further demonstrate the usefulness of this method, several of the secondary amine products (2d, 2e, and 5) were hydrogenolyzed, providing the corresponding enantioenriched alkyl‐alkyl′ α‐chiral primary amines 3d, 3e, and 6 (86–96 % yield).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Simultaneous detection of molecular weight and activity of adenylate kinases after electrophoretic separation
Authors: Ravera Silvia , Calzia Daniela , Panfoli Isabella , Pepe Isidoro Mario , Morelli Alessandro
Published: January 2007

Adenylate kinases (AKs) are ubiquitous monomeric phosphotransferases catalyzing the reversible reaction, AMP + MgATP = ADP + MgADP, which plays a pivotal role in the energetic metabolism. In vertebrates, six AK isoforms are known. In this work, we report the detection of many AK isoforms directly on gel or NC after separation by denaturing electrophoresis and electroblotting, by an optimized protocol for the enzyme detection. The method allows to clarify the apparent MW of most of those AK isozymes that follow the cited reaction, especially onto NC where bands are sharper due to the absence of protein diffusion. In contrast, GTP:AMP phosphotransferases are not detectable. AK activity from many sources can be detected in both its reaction courses; ATP production appears as dark‐blue bands, while ADP formation appears as nonfluorescent bands over a fluorescent background, under long‐wavelength UV light. We show that nondenaturing gel electrophoresis is not the first choice for AK activity detection. Our method is different from the preceding reports on AK activity detection in bacteria after native polyacrylamide gel separations, in the absence of SDS or methanol. The procedure is also quantitative, allowing to determine the amount of enzyme present in samples.
Characterization of a 3;6 translocation associated with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Foster Rebecca E. , Abdulrahman Mahera , Morris Mark R. , Prigmore Elena , Gribble Susan , Ng Beeling , Gentle Dean , Ready Steven , Weston Phil M. T. , Wiesener Michael S. , Kishida Takeshi , Yao Masahiro , Davison Val , Barbero Jose Luis , Chu Carol , Carter Nigel P. , Latif Farida , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: January 2007

The most frequent cause of familial clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is von Hippel–Lindau disease and the VHL tumor suppressor gene (TSG) is inactivated in most sporadic clear cell RCC. Although there is relatively little information on the mechanisms of tumorigenesis of clear cell RCC without VHL inactivation, a subset of familial cases harbors a balanced constitutional chromosome 3 translocation. To date nine different chromosome 3 translocations have been associated with familial or multicentric clear cell RCC; and in three cases chromosome 6 was also involved. To identify candidate genes for renal tumorigenesis we characterized a constitutional translocation, t(3;6)(q22;q16.1) associated with multicentric RCC without evidence of VHL target gene dysregulation. Analysis of breakpoint sequences revealed a 1.3‐kb deletion on chromosome 6 within the intron of a 2 exon predicted gene (NT_007299.434). However, RT‐PCR analysis failed to detect the expression of this gene in lymphoblast, fibroblast, or kidney tumor cell lines. No known genes were disrupted by the translocation breakpoints but several candidate TSGs (e.g., EPHB1, EPHA7, PPP2R3A RNF184, and STAG1) map within close proximity to the breakpoints. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.