bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CONTRIBUTION OF TRANSFERRED ALLOGENEIC LYMPHOCYTES TO THE ABROGATION OF SHEEP ERYTHROCYTE TOLERANCE IN RATS
Authors: McCullagh Peter
Published: November 2007

The technique of abrogating sheep erythrocyte tolerance by administration of allogeneic lymphocytes has been modified in various ways and the influence of the modifications on abrogation studied. Deferment of antigenic challenge for longer than one hour after the transfer of allogeneic lymphocytes markedly reduces the ensuing immune response. Heavily irradiated lymphocytes have a greatly reduced capacity to abrogate tolerance. Lymphocytes which have been incubated with mitomycin C. at a concentration sufficient to curtail other immunological reactivities of the lymphocytes, retain their capacity to abrogate tolerance. However, if lymphocytes are pre‐incubated with actinomycin D. their capacity to evoke abrogation is inhibited over a similar range of drug concentrations to that which progressively blocks the incorporation of tritiated uridine by these cells. From these observations it is concluded that, whereas synthesis of DNA is not essential retention of the ability to synthesize RNA is mandatory if allogeneic lymphocytes are to abrogate tolerance.
SORBITOL METABOLISM IN THE RETINA: ACCUMULATION OF PATHWAY INTERMEDIATES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETES IN THE RAT
Authors: Hutton JC , Schofield PJ , Williams JF , Hollows FC
Published: November 2007

The capacities of rat lens and retina to accumulate sorbitol pathway intermediates in streptozotocin induced diabetes were investigated. The experiments performed were of two types:

(i) investigations of the time course of the appearance of the pathway intermediates in lens and retina following the induction of diabetes, and

(ii) investigation of tile relationship of sorbitol pathway intermediate accumulations to varying doses of streptozotocin.

The experimental objectives were to investigate the factors which control the activity of the pathway in vivo, and to assess the proposed relationship between sorbitol metabolism in the retina and the pathogenesis of diabetic small vessel disease in this tissue.

The sorbitol which accumulated in the retina of the diabetic animal (approximately 1·5 μmole/g protein) was formed by the intrinsic metabolic activity of the tissue and was not attributed to transport from an external metabolic site. The accumulation of this intermediate was directly related to the plasma glucose concentration and could not be related to other parameters of the diabetic state, e.g. plasma free fatty acid concentration, ketonaemia.

It was confirmed that the rat lens accumulated sorbitol (approximately 80 (μmole/g protein) and fructose (approximately 20 μmole/g protein) in diabetes, and that such accumulations were related to the glucose concentration of the aqueous humour. The possibility that factors associated with ketoacidosis affected the relative concentrations of lens sorbitol and fructose was suggested by the results.

An hypothesis which invoked sorbitol accumulation to osmotically significant concentrations within the retina as a pathogenic agent in diabetic small vessel disease in this tissue could not be directly supported by the results. Alternate mechanisms by which low concentrations of sorbitol in diabetic retina could act as a pathogenic stimulus are discussed.
THE CLONAL NATURE OF ALLO‐ANTIGEN‐SENSITIVE SMALL LYMPHOCYTES IN THE RECIRCULATING POOL OF NORMAL RATS
Authors: Dorsch Susan , Roser B
Published: November 2007

Small lymphocytes of the recirculating pool are competent to mediate the rejection of first‐set allografts. As a population, these cells are multicompetent, i.e. they can procure the rejection of a variety of antigenically distinct grafts. The basis of this multicompetence was shown to be the admixture, within the population, of separate, clones of allo‐antigen‐sensitive cells, each competent against one set of allo‐antigens. This was done using supralethally irradiated rats as biological filters for large inocula of thoracic duct lymphocytes, and assaying the competence of those, cells which successfully recirculated from the blood to the lymph. When recovered from the lymph of allogeneic “passage” rats, these cells were specifically depleted of the clone of cells competent against “passage” allo‐antigens. This clone of cells was recovered from the lymphoid tissues of the passage animal at the time when it was missing from the lymph. It was possible to exclude antibody mediated enhancement or the induction of conventional transplantation tolerance as explanations for the specific defect in reactivity suffered by passaged thoracic duct lymphocytes. The reproducible sequestration of specific allo‐antigen‐sensitive cells which occurred in supralethally irradiated passage rats with a variety of donor‐host combinations is interpreted as confirming the clonal nature of the cells sensitive to Ag‐B allo‐antigenic specificities among the small lymphocytes in the recirculating pool of normal rats.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE IN VITRO INTERACTION BETWEEN HUMAN LEUCOCYTES AND CANCER CELLS
Authors: Pihl E , Nind APP , Nairn RC
Published: November 2007

The in vitro interaction between human leucocytes and tumour cells from eight patients with malignant melanoma and three with colonic carcinoma was studied in parallel samples using the phase‐contrast and electron microscopes. Interaction of a conceivably specific type, “peripolesis” and “emperipolesis”, was seen between autologous lymphocytes and tumour cells in six of the melanoma cases and two of the colonic carcinoma cases. It is concluded that a direct autologous lymphocyte‐tumour cell interaction is the morphological expression of part of the in vitro cytotoxicity mechanism by which cytotoxic lymphocytes induce target cell destruction. No evidence of specific involvement of any other type of leucocyte was found.
THE ORIGIN OF ANTIBODY IN INTESTINAL SECRETION OF SHEEP
Authors: Husband AJ , Lascelles AK
Published: November 2007

Thiry and double re‐entrant jejunal loops were prepared in adult sheep and young lambs to study antibody responses following local and systemic administration of soluble and particulate antigens. Systemic administration of both living Brucella abortus and ferritin elicited an IgG response in serum and intestinal secretion. Repeated local infusions of living and killed Br. abortus into isolated intestinal loops failed to elicit a significant response. However, local infusions of egg albumin or ferritin resulted in the appearance in intestinal secretion of substantial amounts of antibody most of which was associated with IgA. The results obtained using lambs demonstrated that local antibody production associated with IgA occurred after antigenic stimulation of intestinal loops in animals as young as 3 weeks of age.
STUDIES OF THE RESPONSES OF BASOPHIL AND EOSINOPHIL LEUCOCYTES AND MAST CELLS TO THE NEMATODE TRICHOSTRONGYLUS COLUBRIFORMIS
Authors: Huxtable CR , Rothwell TLW
Published: November 2007

Basophil and eosinophil leucocytes infiltrate the small intestinal lamina propria of guinea‐pigs infected with the nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis. By comparing the morphology of both cell types at the site of infection with bone marrow and buffy coat cells, it was found that, after entering the lamina propria, basophils developed an electron lucent halo beneath the granule‐limiting membrane while the characteristic orderly periodicity of the granules changed to a fibrillar or amorphous appearance. The granules also tended to coalesce but remained within the cell. Approximately half the eosinophils at the site of infection developed deficiencies in the amorphous outer matrix of their granules but showed no obvious change in the central electron‐dense cores.
THE LOCATION OF CALCIUM DURING ITS TRANSPORT BY THE SMALL INTESTINE OF THE CHICK
Authors: Hamilton John W , Holdsworth Eric S
Published: November 2007

During the in vivo absorption of Ca by chicks, cholecaleiferol (vitamin D3) increased the translocation of Ca by the mucosal cells of the small intestine and this was accompanied by a greater “turnover” of Ca within these cells. The location of Ca within mucosal cells was studied by differential centrifugation after conventional homogenation of the cells in isotonic sucrose medium at 0°. Most of the Ca was in mitochondria with less than 2% of Ca being in the soluble phase. However, this finding may be misleading since there may be a redistribution of Ca at 0°, with the mitochondria taking up Ca which in vivo would be located in other parts of the cell. When cells were homogenized in the presence of inhibitors of Ca uptake by mitochondria or were homogenized at 22°–28°. 15–30% of the Ca was found in the soluble cytosol fraction.

The uptake of Ca by mitochondria was compared in sucrose media and in this media containing dialysed cell cytosol. The non‐dialysable substances in the cytosol influenced uptake and release of Ca by mitochondria so that more Ca would be in the soluble phase in the presence of cell cytosol. Dialysed cell cytosol from cholecaleiferol‐pretreated chicks had greater effects than cytosol from rachitic chicks and this may partially account for the increased translocation brought about by cholecalciferol.
HEPATIC VITAMIN A FAT‐STORAGE CELLS AND THE METABOLISM OF CHYLOMICRON CHOLESTEROL
Authors: Redgrave TG , Vakakis N
Published: November 2007

These experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that the vitamin A fat‐storage cell removes chylomicron remnant cholesterol from hepatic portal venous blood. A modified Ficoll density gradient ultracentrifugation procedure was used to isolate from rat liver cellular fractions that were enriched in vitamin A. In rats fed a normal diet and in rats fed excess vitamin A isolated hepatocytes were fractionated 15 min after the intravenous injection of chylomicrons labelled in vivo with radioactive cholesterol. The results showed that cholesterol radioactivity was not concentrated in the vitamin A enriched cellular fractions, so it was concluded that the vitamin A fat‐storage cell is not implicated in clearance of chylomicron remnants by the liver.
STUDIES OF THE ANTIGENICITY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF BROMELAIN‐PRETREATED RED BLOOD CELLS
Authors: Cox KO , Baddams Helen , Evans Anne
Published: November 2007

The effects of the proteolytic enzyme bromelain (Br) on the antigenicity and immunogenicity of sheep and mouse red blood cells (RBC) have been investigated. The results presented support the previous claim that there are antigens present on Br RBC that are not present in an exposed form on untreated RBC and that Br RBC have lost some of the antigens present on the surface of normal RBC. The susceptibility of Br RBC to osmotic lysis was very similar to that of normal RBC. Implying that the modified RBC were not more fragile than normal RBC. Injection of mice with Br mouse‐RBC did not increase the unusually high “background” number of cells producing IgM antibodies against Br mouse‐RBC and mice did not mount delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions against Br mouse‐RBC, either before or after sensitizing injections of Br mouse‐RBC. However, mouse‐RBC and Br mouse‐RBC elicited similar antibody responses in rabbits and guinea pigs. Although mice appeared unresponsive to Br mouse‐RBC injections, delayed‐type hypersensitivity responses and antibody production in primary and secondary responses were of similar levels irrespective of whether sheep‐BBC or Br sheep‐RBC were used as immunogens.

From these studies it appears that mice have B‐cells producing antibodies against the “new” antigens on Br mouse‐RBC. But there are no T‐cells that respond to these antigens by way of “helper” activity in antibody production or by way of cell‐mediated immune reactions.
IgG1 HYPERGAMMAGLOBULINAEMIA IN CHRONIC PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN MICE: EVIDENCE THAT THE RESPONSE REFLECTS CHRONICITY OF ANTIGEN EXPOSURE
Authors: Chapman Colin B , Knopf Paul M , Anders Robin F , Mitchell Graham F
Published: November 2007

Tbe IgG1 molecules in the sera of IgG1 hypergammaglobulinaemic mice chronically infected with the larval cestode, Mesocestoides corti, are a heterogeneous population. Although antibodies to M. corti are present, the question of whether a minority or majority of the serum IgG1 molecules has anti‐parasite reactivity remains open. The splenic PFC response to an intravenous injection of SRBC in M. corti‐infected mice does not consist of an unusually high proportion of IgG1 anti‐SRBC PFC. Moreover, the adoptive anti‐DNP PFC response of spleen cells from M. corti‐infected mice to DNP‐M. corti is not biased towards IgG1 antibody production.

Since IgG1 hypergammaglobulinaemia is seen in mice with chronic, “high‐dose” infections, an attempt has been made to simulate chronic antigenic exposure with SRBC in uninfected mice. A split, high‐dose regime of SRBC injections leads to a high number and high proportion of IgG1 anti‐SRBG PFC in the spleen in three strains of mice. The results suggest that the extraordinarily high levels of IgC1 seen in the sera of mice chronically infected with the metazoan, M. corti and Nematospiroides dubius, reflect persistent, high‐dose, “strong”. T cell‐dependent stimulation of the B cell system.
CANINE GAUCHER DISEASE—THE ENZYMIC DEFECT
Authors: van de Water NS , Jolly RD , Farrow BRH
Published: November 2007

β‐Glucosidase activity was investigated in tissues from a case of canine Gaucher disease and from a normal dog. In the latter, enzyme activity showed two pH optima at pH 4·0–4·25 and pH 5·0–5·5. In Gaucher disease tissues, negligible activity could be measured al the more acidic pH.
VARIATION IN H‐2 ANTIGEN EXPRESSION IN F1 HYBRID MICE: ANALYSIS USING MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES
Authors: O'Neill Helen C , Blanden RV
Published: November 2007

Cells of (CBA/H × BALB/c) F1 hybrid mice express CBA/H‐derived H‐2k antigens more weakly than do CBA/H ceils, but H‐2d antigens are similarly expressed by F1 and BALB/c cells. This was evident when F1 hybrid macrophages were compared with CBA/H and BALB/c macrophage as targets for both alloreactive and H‐2 restricted antiviral Tc cells. Quantitative absorption of anti‐H‐2Kk serum by spleen cells of F1 or CBA/H mice also suggested about 3‐fold less H‐2Kk antigen on F1 cells. With the use of two anti‐H‐2Kk monoclonal antibodies. 30R3 and 27R9, the reduced expression of H‐2Kk in this F1 hybrid was further analysed in a two‐stage radio‐immunoassay employing the uptake of 125I‐protein A to measure antibody binding. By a thermodynamic approach, estimates were made of the dissociation constant for antibody binding, and of the relative numbers of H‐2 molecules expressed by both F1 hybrid and CBA/H spleen cells. The results indicate that there is a two‐fold reduction in the number of H‐2Kk molecules expressed on the surface of F1 cells. Similar dissociation constants for F1 and CBA/H cells indicated no detectable qualitative difference in their H‐2Kk antigens with respect to sites recognized by 30R3 and 27R9.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ALLERGENS FROM THE MITE DERMATOPHAGOIDES PTERONYSSINUS
Authors: Stewart GA , Turner KJ
Published: November 2007

The physicochemical and immunochemical characteristics of the allergens from Dermatophagoides pteroyssinus have been described, in particular those for the allergens designated Dpt 4 and Dpt 12. Dpt 4 is a high molecular weight allergen with an apparent molecular weight of 274,000 daltons and a pI of 4.5. In contrast, the antigenically unrelated Dpt 12 has an apparent molecular weight of 24,000 daltons and a pI 6.6. Both allergens demonstrate heterogeneity, either in molecular weight or pI. Dpt 12 appears to be the major allergen in extracts of D. pteronyssinus and probably corresponds to the low molecular weight allergen previously described by other workers.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT ALLERGENS FROM DERMATOPHAGOIDES PTERONYSSINUS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE TRIDACNIN, CON‐A AND S107 REACTIVE COMPONENTS
Authors: Stewart GA , Turner KJ
Published: November 2007

High molecular weight allergens which react with the S107 murine IgA myeloma and with the lectins Concanavalin A (Con‐A) and tridacnin have been identified and characterized in extracts of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Mite extracts from two different manufacturers were Fractionated by Con‐A affinity chromatography. The major antigen in both the Con‐A bound and unbound fractions, which was antigenically indistinguishable, reacted with tridacnin and the S107 myeloma. This high molecular weight, multi‐reactive antigen corresponded to allergen Dpt 4, suggesting that Dpt 4 exists as isoallergens, each differing in the degree of glycosylation or in the type of carbohydrate moiety comprising the glycan part of the allergen. Mite media extracts also reacted with Con‐A, tridacnin and the S107 myeloma but were not allergenic per se.
ROLE OF GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA IN ONTOGENY OF GUT IMMUNITY
Authors: Husband AJ
Published: November 2007

This paper describes an experiment which provides information on the ontogeny of some parameters of the intestinal immune system in normal lambs. It is also demonstrated that oral administration of a gram negative bacterial vaccine to foetal lambs resulted in non‐specific amplification of the population of IgA plasma cells in the gut and its associated lmphoid tissue, suggesting involvement of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a recognised B‐lymphocyte mitogen, in ontogeny of gut immunity.
LYMPHOCYTE SURFACE MARKERS IN SHEEP BLOOD AND LYMPH
Authors: Outteridge PM , Fahey KJ , Lee CS
Published: November 2007

Lymphocytes from sheep blood and lymph were analysed for the percentages of cells which had receptors for Fcμ, Fcγ or C′, which had surface immunoglobulin (sIg) or which could form rosettes with sheep red blood cells in the presence of saline (E) or 14% Ficoll‐saline (Efic). Compared with lymphocytes prepared by treating blood with carbonyl iron followed by glycerol lysis of the red cells, lymphocytes prepared by Ficoll‐Paque flotation were enriched for B‐cells (sIg+), depleted of T‐cells (Efic+) and retained a high proportion of phagocytic cells. Efferent popliteal lymph contained almost twice the percentage of Efic+ cells as did blood prepared by glycerol lysis, but only half the percentage of sIg+ cells. An unmarked or ‘null’ cell population was defined by subtracting the percentage of E fic+ and sIg+ cells from 100%. In glycerol lysed blood 39·0% of the cells were ‘null’ compared with 18·6% in lymph.

Fractionation of lymphocytes on Percoll discontinuous density gradients allowed some separation of T, B and ‘null’ cells from each other. With blood lymphocytes, ‘null’ cells were concentrated in the least dense region (1·01 g/ml), B‐cells in the region of intermediate density (1·05‐1·07 g/ml) and T‐cells in the most dense regions (1·08‐1·09 g/ml). Separation of blood and lymph cells on nylon wool columns and anti‐immunoglobulin affinity plates showed that ‘null’ cells were relatively non‐adherent and that there was a small population of C receptor‐bearing lymphocytes which were not sIg +.

Phytohaemagglutin (PHA) stimulation of lymphocytes prepared from blood, using Ficoll‐Paque or glycerol lysis and from lymph, showed that all three preparations had similar dose‐response curves irrespective of their T:B cell ratios. Interestingly, the ‘null’ cell enriched fraction from Percoll gradients also responded well to PHA.

It was concluded that sheep blood contains three major populations, T, B and ‘null’ and that T‐cells (Efic+) are relatively concentrated in efferent popliteal lymph compared to blood. Some separation of these three cell types could be obtained using Percoll density gradients, nylon wool columns or anti‐immunoglobulin affinity plates. Comparing the PHA responsiveness of lymphocytes from different layers of the Percoll gradients, it was concluded that the sheep blood ‘null’ cells should be considered to be part of the T‐cell population.
X‐LINKED GENE LOCI AND MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Grounds Miranda D
Published: November 2007

It is proposed that examination of known X‐linked gene products might elucidate the gene loci and genetic defects underlying X‐linked muscular dystrophies. On the basis of this hypothesis, kinetic studies were performed on the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (E.C. 2.7.2.3.) in blood taken from subjects with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy and from controls. Although no differences were detected between enzyme from any source, it is considered that further study of X‐linked gene products is warranted.
CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF SOMATOMEDIN‐LIKE ACTIVITY IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND MATERNAL PLASMA FROM RHESUS MONKEYS DURING THE LAST THIRD OF GESTATION
Authors: Falconer J , Robinson JS
Published: November 2007

Somatomedin‐like activity (SLA) was measured in serial samples of amniotic fluid and maternal plasma from Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) using the porcine costal cartilage disc bioassay. Samples of both amniotic fluid and maternal plasma gave dose response curves which were parallel to the human plasma standard. Concentrations of SLA were consistently lower in amniotic fluid (0.43 ± 0.02, mean ± S.E.M., units/ml, n = 33) than in maternal plasma (0.60 ± 0.03 units/ml, n = 31). No significant changes in concentrations of SLA with gestational age were found during the period studied (90‐170 days of pregnancy). The presence of SLA in amniotic fluid is consistent with the possibility that somatomedin plays a role in the control of foetal or placental growth in the primate.
LIPOSOMES CONTAINING MYELIN BASIC PROTEIN (BP) SUPPRESS BUT DO NOT INDUCE ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS IN LEWIS RATS
Authors: Willenborg David O , Higgins Terry J
Published: November 2007

The ability of rats to respond immunologically to myelin basic protein (BP) incorporated into liposomes was tested. BP‐liposomes administered intradermally or intravenously to naive rats were non‐encephalitogenic, did not induce antibody or cellular reactivity to BP, nor did they protect against a subsequent challenge with BP in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Intravenous, administration of BP‐liposomes to sensitized rats, however, suppressed EAE if given shortly before the expected onset of clinical signs. The same dose of BP in saline fails to suppress the appearance of clinical experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE).
Perlecan: a major IL‐2‐binding proteoglycan in murine spleen
Authors: Miller John D , Stevens Elliott T , Smith Deandra R , Wight Thomas N , Wrenshall Lucile E
Published: November 2007

Although interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) is typically considered a soluble cytokine, our laboratory has shown that the availability of IL‐2 in lymphoid tissues is regulated, in part, by an association with heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan. Heparan sulfate is usually found in proteoglycan form, in which the heparan sulfate chains are covalently linked to a specific core protein. We now show that perlecan is one of the major IL‐2‐binding heparan sulfate proteoglycans in murine spleen. IL‐2 binds perlecan via heparan sulfate chains, as enzymatic removal of heparan sulfate from splenic perlecan abolishes its ability to bind IL‐2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that perlecan‐bound IL‐2 supports the proliferation of an IL‐2‐dependent cell line. Identification of perlecan as a major heparan sulfate proteoglycan that binds IL‐2 has implications for both the localization and regulation of IL‐2 in vivo.
Ab initio study of KN
Authors: Ishii Keisaku , Taketsugu Tetsuya , Yamashita Koichi
Published: November 2007

The potential energy curves for the lowest Σ−3, Π3, and Σ−5 states of the KN molecule have been calculated by the multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction method, including Davidson’s corrections for quadruple excitations [MRCI(+Q)]. It is shown that the former two are bound, while the last one is repulsive. The electronic ground state of KN is predicted as Σ−3 state, although the term energy of the Π3 state is very small, 177.3cm−1. The binding energy for the Σ−3 state is evaluated as 0.838eV, the rotational constant B0 as 0.25063cm−1, and harmonic frequency as 324.4cm−1. The spin-orbit coupling effects between the Σ−3 and Π3 states of KN are evaluated and discussed. The same MRCI(+Q) computational procedures are applied to the isovalent LiN, KC, KO, and KCl to confirm the accuracy of present calculations. Theoretical spectroscopic constants presented here will inspire experimental studies of KN.
Monte Carlo simulations of defect recovery within a 10 keV collision cascade in 3C–SiC
Authors: Rong Zhouwen , Gao Fei , Weber William J. , Hobler Gerhard
Published: November 2007

A kinetic lattice Monte Carlo (KLMC) model is developed to investigate the recovery and clustering of defects during annealing of a single 10 keV cascade in cubic silicon carbide. The 10 keV Si cascade is produced by molecular dynamics (MD), and a method of transferring the defects created by MD simulations to the KLMC model is developed. The KLMC model parameters are obtained from MD simulations and ab initio calculations of defect migration, recombination, and annihilation. The defects are annealed isothermally from 100 K to 1000 K in the KLMC model. Two distinct recovery stages for close Frenkel pairs are observed at about 200 and 550 K, and the growth of complex clusters is observed above 400 K. These simulation results are in good agreement with available experimental results.
Presacral myelolipoma in a patient with rectal cancer: diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging and aspiration cytology
Authors: Skorpil M. , Tani E. , Blomqvist L.
Published: November 2007

State-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for the evaluation of rectal cancer suggests only T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences. We present a case of rectal cancer with a simultaneous presacral myelolipoma that could have been misdiagnosed on MRI as a metastasis if a T1-weighted sequence had not also been used in the evaluation.
Nursing of young psychotic patients: analysis of work environments and attitudes
Authors: LESINSKIENE S. , JEGOROVA N. , RANCEVA N.
Published: November 2007

Being members of the team who spend most of their time in direct contact with patient, nurses contribute considerably to observational and inpatient treatment process. The aims of this study were to analyse working environment of psychiatric nurses, attitudes, needs and emotional aspects while working with young (15–35 years old) psychotic patients. Study population consisted of psychiatric nurses working in all 15 inpatient psychiatry units in Vilnius. Nurses filled in an anonymous questionnaire. Summary statistics using number of observations, mean and SD were reported for quantitative variables, with absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables. Questionnaires were filled by 86 nurses. The mean working experience was 17 years in nursing and 14 years in psychiatric nursing. Data analysis revealed that majority of nurses rated their satisfaction with their job between average and high. Results showed that there was a lack of in‐service training programmes. What especially difficult was nursing of young psychotic patients and required good professional knowledge, experience and individual approach to each patient. Majority of nurses were fully satisfied with their job and were interested in further continuous self‐education. The major concern in working with young psychotic patients was reassurance of personal and patient's safety.
WORLDS OR WORDS APART? WITTGENSTEIN ON UNDERSTANDING RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia
Published: November 2007

In this paper I develop an account of Wittgenstein's conception of what it is to understand religious language. I show that Wittgenstein's view undermines the idea that as regards religious faith only two options are possible – either adherence to a set of metaphysical beliefs (with certain ways of acting following from these beliefs) or passionate commitment to a ‘doctrineless’ form of life. I offer a defence of Wittgenstein's conception against Kai Nielsen's charges that Wittgenstein removes the ‘content’ from religious belief and renders the religious form of life ‘incommensurable’ with other domains of discourse, thus immunizing it against rational criticism.
RULES AND REASON
Authors: Schulte Joachim
Published: November 2007

Wittgenstein's rule‐following considerations (PI §§185–242) have often been discussed in terms of the debate occasioned by Kripke's interpretation of the so‐called ‘paradox’ of rule‐following. In the present paper, some of the remarks that stood in the centre of that debate are looked at from a very different perspective. First, it is suggested that these remarks are, among other things, meant to bring out that, to the extent we can speak of ‘reason’ in the context of rule‐following, it is a very restricted form of reason – one which is basically to be understood as a kind of conformity. Second, by telling part of the story of the genesis of the relevant remarks it is pointed out that there is a certain tension between the ‘liberating’ character of earlier remarks bearing on rule‐following (PI §§81ff.) and the ‘sinister’ side of later remarks like §§198–202, which helps explain why it took Wittgenstein such a long time to arrive at the views expressed in his rule‐following considerations.
Corporate Restructuring and Bondholder Wealth
Authors: Renneboog Luc , Szilagyi Peter G.
Published: November 2007

This paper provides an overview of existing research on how corporate restructuring affects bondholder wealth. Restructuring is defined as any transaction which affects the firm's riskiness by changing its underlying capital structure. Thus, it reaches well beyond asset restructuring and includes transactions such as leveraged buyouts, security issues and exchanges, and the issuance of stock options. We identify significant gaps in the literature, emphasize the potential differences in bond performance between market‐ and stakeholder‐oriented corporate governance systems, and provide valuable insights into methodological advances. We find that many issues remain as the empirical evidence is often inconclusive and focuses almost exclusively on the US. Research on other countries remains constrained by the lesser development of their bond markets, but is equally imperative because the position and bargaining power of creditors vis‐à‐vis the firm differ substantially across countries and governance regimes.
Social Influence: Representation, Imagination and Facts
Authors: LAURENS STÉPHANE
Published: November 2007

Studies on social influence bring us to fear that influence may alienate us and turn us into an agent of the will and desire of the other. This fear relies on a representation of the relationship of influence: it would be an asymmetrical relationship involving two basically opposite and complementary entities, the source (who has a desire, a will, a power or, failing that, a technique) and the target (who is subjected, subordinate).

If some experiments in social psychology demonstrate the effectiveness of some techniques of influence and manipulation, they must however be analysed in detail. Many experiments and theories show that influence is not basically nonreciprocal. These works are neglected because they are too different from the imaginary representation of influence that dominates both social psychology and common sense.
Gender differences in reported dental fear and fear of dental pain
Authors: Heft Marc W. , Meng Xiaoxian , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J.
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Gender differences in dental fear have been of increasing interest among clinicians and researchers. The objectives of this study were to assess: (i) gender differences in reports of global dental fear, global fear of dental pain, and specific fear of dental pain; (ii) how the wording of questions about specific fear of dental pain influences a subjective report, and (iii) the interactions between gender differences and wording effects in the reports of specific fear of dental pain.

Methods:  A telephonic survey of 504 adult Floridians was conducted in 2004. Data collected included six measures of specific fear of dental pain, one measure of global fear of dental pain, one measure of global dental fear, and demographic information.

Results:  Women were more likely to report global dental fear, global fear of dental pain, and specific fear of dental pain than men, and both women and men were more likely to report ‘dread’ of dental pain than ‘fear’ of dental pain.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that: (i) there are gender differences in reports of dental fear and fear of dental pain; and (ii) both men and women are more willing to express their fearful feelings regarding dentistry using a more socially acceptable term.
Interaction of α1‐syntrophin with multiple isoforms of heterotrimeric G protein α subunits
Authors: Okumura Akiko , Nagai Katsuya , Okumura Nobuaki
Published: November 2007

Syntrophins are components of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex of the plasma membrane in muscular and neuronal cells, and recruit signaling proteins such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase via their multiple protein–protein interaction motifs. In this study, we found that α1‐syntrophin binds to various subtypes of guanine nucleotide‐binding protein α subunits (Gα). A pull‐down analysis using full‐length recombinant α1‐syntrophin and MS analysis showed that α1‐syntrophin was coprecipitated with several isoforms of Gα proteins in addition to known binding partners such as dystrobrevin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Further analysis using recombinant Gα isoforms showed that α1‐syntrophin associates with at least Gαi, Gαo, Gαs and Gαq subtypes. The region of α1‐syntrophin required for its interaction with Gαs was determined as the N‐terminal half of the first pleckstrin homology domain. In addition, the syntrophin unique domain of α1‐syntrophin was suggested to contribute to this interaction. In COS‐7 cells, downregulation of α1‐syntrophin by RNAi resulted in enhanced cAMP production and cAMP response element‐binding protein phosphorylation induced by isoproterenol treatment. These results suggest that α1‐syntrophin provides a scaffold for the Gα family of heterotrimeric G proteins in the brain to regulate the efficiency of signal transduction evoked by G‐protein‐coupled receptors.
Massively parallel pathogen identification using high‐density microarrays
Authors: Berthet Nicolas , Dickinson Philip , Filliol Ingrid , Reinhardt Anita K. , Batejat Christophe , Vallaeys Tatiana , Kong Katherine A. , Davies Christopher , Lee Walter , Zhang Shenglan , Turpaz Yaron , Heym Beate , Coralie Gilberte , Dacheux Laurent , Burguière Ana Maria , Bourhy Hervé , Old Iain G. , Manuguerra Jean‐Claude , Cole Stewart T. , Kennedy Giulia C.
Published: November 2007

Identification of microbial pathogens in clinical specimens is still performed by phenotypic methods that are often slow and cumbersome, despite the availability of more comprehensive genotyping technologies. We present an approach based on whole‐genome amplification and resequencing microarrays for unbiased pathogen detection. This 10 h process identifies a broad spectrum of bacterial and viral species and predicts antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity and virulence profiles. We successfully identify a variety of bacteria and viruses, both in isolation and in complex mixtures, and the high specificity of the microarray distinguishes between different pathogens that cause diseases with overlapping symptoms. The resequencing approach also allows identification of organisms whose sequences are not tiled on the array, greatly expanding the repertoire of identifiable organisms and their variants. We identify organisms by hybridization of their DNA in as little as 1–4 h. Using this method, we identified Monkeypox virus and drug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a skin lesion taken from a child suspected of an orthopoxvirus infection, despite poor transport conditions of the sample, and a vast excess of human DNA. Our results suggest this technology could be applied in a clinical setting to test for numerous pathogens in a rapid, sensitive and unbiased manner.
Role of Stress Response Sigma Factor SigG in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Lee Jong-Hee , Geiman Deborah E. , Bishai William R.
Published: November 2007

The
sigG
gene of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
was disrupted by homologous recombination, and the genes regulated by SigG were examined by real-time reverse-transcription PCR and microarray studies. The SigG consensus promoter recognition sequence was identified as GCGNGT-N
15-18
-CGANCA. A Δ
sigG
mutant was found to be more resistant to mitomycin C treatment than the wild-type strain, indicating that it may be involved in the SOS response in
M. tuberculosis
.
Natural Variability in
S
-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)-Dependent Riboswitches: S-Box Elements in
Bacillus subtilis
Exhibit Differential Sensitivity to SAM In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Tomšič Jerneja , McDaniel Brooke A. , Grundy Frank J. , Henkin Tina M.
Published: November 2007

Riboswitches are regulatory systems in which changes in structural elements in the 5′ region of the nascent RNA transcript (the “leader region”) control expression of the downstream coding sequence in response to a regulatory signal in the absence of a
trans
-acting protein factor. The S-box riboswitch, found primarily in low-G+C gram-positive bacteria, is the paradigm for riboswitches that sense
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Genes in the S-box family are involved in methionine metabolism, and their expression is induced in response to starvation for methionine. S-box genes exhibit conserved primary sequence and secondary structural elements in their leader regions. We previously demonstrated that SAM binds directly to S-box leader RNA, causing a structural rearrangement that results in premature termination of transcription at S-box leader region terminators. S-box genes have a variety of physiological roles, and natural variability in S-box structure and regulatory response could provide additional insight into the role of conserved S-box leader elements in SAM-directed transcription termination. In the current study, in vivo and in vitro assays were employed to analyze the differential regulation of S-box genes in response to SAM. A wide range of responses to SAM were observed for the 11 S-box-regulated transcriptional units in
Bacillus subtilis
, demonstrating that S-box riboswitches can be calibrated to different physiological requirements.
Structural Basis for Different Substrate Specificities of Two ADP-Ribose Pyrophosphatases from
Thermus thermophilus
HB8
Authors: Wakamatsu Taisuke , Nakagawa Noriko , Kuramitsu Seiki , Masui Ryoji
Published: November 2007

ADP-ribose (ADPR) is one of the main substrates of Nudix proteins. Among the eight Nudix proteins of
Thermus thermophilus
HB8, we previously determined the crystal structure of Ndx4, an ADPR pyrophosphatase (ADPRase). In this study we show that Ndx2 of
T. thermophilus
also preferentially hydrolyzes ADPR and flavin adenine dinucleotide and have determined its crystal structure. We have determined the structures of Ndx2 alone and in complex with Mg
2+
, with Mg
2+
and AMP, and with Mg
2+
and a nonhydrolyzable ADPR analogue. Although Ndx2 recognizes the AMP moiety in a manner similar to those for other ADPRases, it recognizes the terminal ribose in a distinct manner. The residues responsible for the recognition of the substrate in Ndx2 are not conserved among ADPRases. This may reflect the diversity in substrate specificity among ADPRases. Based on these results, we propose the classification of ADPRases into two types: ADPRase-I enzymes, which exhibit high specificity for ADPR; and ADPRase-II enzymes, which exhibit low specificity for ADPR. In the active site of the ternary complexes, three Mg
2+
ions are coordinated to the side chains of conserved glutamate residues and water molecules. Substitution of Glu90 and Glu94 with glutamine suggests that these residues are essential for catalysis. These results suggest that ADPRase-I and ADPRase-II enzymes have nearly identical catalytic mechanisms but different mechanisms of substrate recognition.
Latitudinal gradients in vegetation along a disturbed transmission line right-of-way in Manitoba
Authors: MacLellan P. , Stewart J. M.
Published: November 2007

A floristic survey was conducted along the high voltage direct current transmission line right-of-way in Manitoba. The right-of-way extends over 895 km, from 50 to 56° N latitude, intersecting six of the natural vegetation zones. The disturbed right-of-way communities differ from the adjacent undisturbed communities in both species composition and physiognomy. The majority of disturbed communities are characterized by high graminoid richness and cover, principally as a result of such secondary disturbances as grazing, mowing, herbicide treatment, and fire. In contrast, the majority of undisturbed communities are woodland or forested areas consisting of species from a variety of growth forms. Species richness in most plant growth forms (graminoid, forb, and tall shrub) decreases significantly with an increase in latitude in both the undisturbed and disturbed communities; the only exception being the low shrub group, which occurs predominantly in the northern latitudes. The composition of the undisturbed communities is highly influenced by changes in latitude and three major vegetation zones are recognizable. This strong latitudinal gradient is absent from the disturbed communities where the majority of species are ubiquitous.
Two new striped-leaved species of Calathea (Marantaceae) from Ecuador
Authors: Kennedy Helen
Published: November 2007

Calathea bantae from Colombia and Amazonian Ecuador and C. multicincta from western Ecuador are described as new. A new combination, Calathea majestica, is made for the commonly cultivated Maranta majestica Linden. All three species belong to the "Ornata group" within Calathea and show polymorphism for the lined pattern type. A key to the species of the "Ornata group" in Ecuador is provided.
N2 fixation associated with wood decayed by some common fungi in western Montana
Authors: Larsen Michael J. , Jurgensen Martin F. , Harvey Alan E.
Published: November 2007

Decay caused by some common wood-destroying fungi in several associated tree hosts of the Intermountain forests of western Montana was evaluated as a potential environment for the fixation of dinitrogen. Differences in the rates of fixation were demonstrated between various decay stages, tree species, decay fungi, and brown and white rots. Advanced brown-rotted wood was a more favorable system for nitrogen fixation than wood partially brown rotted. Also, brown-rotted substrates proved to be more favorable than did white rotted, particularly Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco wood decayed by Fomitopsispinicola (Swartz ex Fr.) Karst. Data demonstrate that a nitrogenase function coexists naturally with decay fungi in woody substrates and that appreciable and significant amounts of nitrogen are fixed in these substrates.
Patterns of seed-cone and pollen-cone production in young Piceamariana trees
Authors: Caron G. E. , Powell G. R.
Published: November 2007

Production of seed cones from 1978 to 1987 and of pollen cones from 1980 to 1982 by young black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) trees was recorded in five plantations aged 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 years in 1980. Variations in cone production and percentages of trees bearing cones were assessed in relation to changing tree age and cone numbers per tree. The first seed cones and pollen cones were noted on 7- and 10-year-old trees, respectively. After ages 10–12 for seed cones and 12–14 for pollen cones there were substantial yearly fluctuations of average numbers of cones per tree. Similarly, the percentages of trees bearing cones fluctuated among years, but differences between poorer and better years decreased as the proportion of bearing trees gradually increased. Up to age 14, the number of seed cones borne per tree was generally higher than the number of pollen cones. Thereafter, pollen-cone production was always higher than seed-cone production and reached 6.6 pollen cones per seed cone by age 18. Pollen cone bearing trees were good indicators of seed cone bearing trees at all ages. Most 12-year-old and older seed cone bearing trees were good indicators of pollen cone bearing trees. Annual production of seed cones was correlated with warm weather in early May and early July, and with relatively low rainfall in early June of the previous year.
Preliminary investigation of the use of indirect immunofluorescence to detect conidia of Brunchorstiapinea
Authors: Nelson Carol L. , Castello John D. , Manion Paul D.
Published: November 2007

An indirect immunofluorescence staining procedure was developed for detection of Brunchorstiapinea conidia, using antiserum to conidia and a commercially prepared fluorescein isothiocyanate protein A conjugate. The procedure detected B. pinea conidia from culture, pycnidia, and spore-trap collections. Although cross reactivity occurred with spores of Fusarium spp., Sirococcus sp., Phialophora sp., Gliocladium sp., Verticillium sp., and Gelatinosporium sp., these spores were easily distinguished from those of B. pinea by size, shape, septation, and degree of fluorescence. Fluorescent B. pinea like conidia were collected in spore traps located within and outside the New York State quarantine region. However, the identity of B. pinea like conidia could not be corroborated by other methods.
TWO NEW CHAOTIC CRYPTOGRAPHIES BASED ON DIFFERENT ATTRACTOR-PARTITION ALGORITHMS
Authors: WANG XINGYUAN , LIU MING , GU NINI
Published: November 2007

The paper analyses the limitation of Baptista cryptography in partitioning an attractor, and proposes two new attractor-partition methods: uniform-partition algorithm and dynamic-partition algorithm. They are different from the equal-interval-partition algorithm in Baptista cryptography, but dividing the attractor according to the attractor's natural invariant density and plaintext density, respectively. The comparative experiment indicates: the two new methods improve the unbalanced cryptograph distribution and cryptograph length in Baptista cryptography, they are also able to reduce the iteration time in chaotic systems effectively, which has improved decryption time and cryptographies' security.
ENERGY DEPOSITION OF RELATIVISTIC ELECTRONS IN SUPER-HOT PLASMA
Authors: WU TONG-CHENG , ZHANG XUAN , AN WEI-KE
Published: November 2007

The intense ultrashort laser interacting with the thermonuclear fuel may produce a relativistic plasma and MeV electron beam, how to fix the Lorentz factors of the particles in the plasma and model the energy deposition of MeV electron beams are important subjects. In this letter, we demonstrate the exact relation between the average Lorentz factor and the temperature of the system; and then obtained the relativistic modified formula for the energy loss of the relativistic electron-beam due to binary electron-electron collisions. Another important energy loss mechanism, the excitation of Langmuir collective plasma oscillation, is also treated within the relativistic framework. Hence, we re-examine theoretically the possibility of igniting hot spots in the super-compressed DT target and the answer is that the fast ignitor scenario is able to yield thermonuclear ignition in the target.
RECENT RESULTS FOR THE BRAZILIAN TWO-PION EXCHANGE NUCLEON-NUCLEON POTENTIAL
Authors: DA ROCHA C. A. , HIGA R. , ROBILOTTA M. R.
Published: November 2007

We have recently performed a relativistic O(q4) chiral expansion of the two-pion exchange NN potential, and explored its configuration space content by fitting the theoretical expressions to parametrized simply formulas. In order to test the applicability of our parametrized potential, we studied the pion plus production in proton-neutron scattering at threshold an compare our results to the ones given by Reid 93 and v18 potentials. We shown that our results are very close to the v18 potential, which means that the potential is reliable and trustful.