bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Crude Protein Intake on the Duration of Delivery and Litter Size in Sows
Authors: Tydlitát D. , Vinkler A. , Czanderlová L.
Published: April 2008

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different intakes of crude protein during the period from 94 to 100 days of pregnancy to the parturition, lengths of pregnancy and delivery, number and birth weights of piglets and concentrations of progesterone, 17-β estradiol and cortisol on days 100, 110 and 114 of pregnancy in sows. Daily feed intake of the sow represented 2.5 kg of complete mixtures containing 13% (group A, n = 23), 15% (group B, n = 52), 18% (group C, n = 10) and 21% (group D, n = 10) of crude protein. Lengths of pregnancy in experimental groups were not significantly different. The mean durations of delivery synchronously increased with the intake of crude protein; significant difference was found between groups A (4.5 h) and D (8.6 h) (p < 0.05). Total numbers of piglets in experimental groups were not significantly different. Numbers of live piglets decreased and numbers of stillborn piglets increased from groups A to D. Significant difference was found between numbers of stillborn piglets in group A compared to groups C, D; and group B compared to groups D, C (p < 0.05). The average birth weights of piglets did not differ between experimental groups. No statistical differences in hormone concentrations were found between experimental groups. High intake of crude protein in sows before parturition prolonged delivery and increased the number of stillborn piglets.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Seed Cakes during the Chicken Broiler Fattening
Authors: Suchý P. , Straková E. , Kummer V. , Herzig I. , Písaříková V. , Blechová R. , Mašková J.
Published: April 2008

The objective of this work was to verify the hepatoprotective effects of Silybum marianum seed cakes in feed mixtures used for the fattening of chicken broilers to heavier weights. Part of the experiment was to verify the preventive effect of such modified feed mixtures with the use of chlortetracycline medication. The experiment was carried out on 180 ROSS 308 broiler chickens. The chickens were fed complete feed mixtures containing 0.0% (K), 0.2% (P1 and 1.0% (P2) of Silybum marianum seed cakes. The cakes used contained 2.95% of silymarin. On the 44th day of fattening half of the chickens from every group were supplied with chlortetracycline medicated water at a dose of 2 g kg1 live weight. The selected biochemical indices were observed: cholesterol (Chol), glutamyl transferase (GMT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). On the 52nd day of the test, six chickens from each group were euthanized and their liver was taken for histological examination. Adding Silybum marianum seed cakes resulted in a non-significant decrease in the chickens' live weight and in the feed conversion in both experimental groups compared to the control group. The cholesterol levels were highly significantly lower (p < 0.01) on the 43rd day in group P2, and significantly lower (p < 0.05) on the 52nd day in group P1 when compared to the control group (K). Also the ALT and AST activity was lower (p < 0.01) in both experimental groups on the 22nd day of the experiment. On the 52nd day the lower activity (p < 0.01) was found only for AST in both experimental groups. In the chlortetracycline medicated group P2, cholesterol level (p < 0.05) as well as ALT activity and AST activity decreased (p < 0.01), compared to the medicated control group. Results of biochemical analyses were also confirmed by histological examination of the liver. Administration of silymarin reduced (p < 0.01) the content of lipids and increased the content of glycogen in the liver of both experimental groups.
Influence of Linseed and Fish Oil on Metabolic and Immunological Indicators of Laying Hens
Authors: Švedová M. , Vaško L. , Trebunová A. , Kašteľ R. , Tučková M. , Čertík M.
Published: April 2008

The metabolic and immunological indicators were determined in the blood of laying hens of ISA BROWN hybrid divided into three groups, the control group and two experimental groups. The administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the form of linseed (Group 1) and fish oil (Group 2) and α-tocopherol as antioxidant to laying hens resulted in a significant increase in concentrations of high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.05), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) and α-linolenic acids (AA) in blood in comparison to the control group. Significantly lower levels of cholesterol (CHOL) were determined in both experimental groups at the third sampling (P < 0.05) and arachidonic acid (AA) in the fish group (P < 0.01). The metabolic activity of phagocytes and polyclonal activation of lymphocytes showed no significant differences and remained within the physiological range. Oral administration of n-3 PUFA showed no significant increase of the immune response of experimental animals.
Acute Phase Proteins and Variables of Protein Metabolism in Dairy Cows during the Pre- and Postpartal Period
Authors: Tóthová Cs. , Nagy O. , Seidel H. , Konvičná J. , Farkašová Z. , Kováč G.
Published: April 2008

The objective of the present study was to compare the concentrations of acute phase proteins and selected variables of protein metabolism in dairy cows of the Slovak Spotted breed from 4 weeks before parturition to 10 weeks after parturition. Acute phase proteins - haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) - and variables of protein metabolism - total proteins, albumin, urea, creatinine, total immunoglobulins - were evaluated in blood serum. Significant differences were found in average values of the Hp and SAA concentrations in several groups during the monitored period (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The Hp and SAA concentrations in cows during the early postparturient period were significantly higher compared with the later postparturient period. Throughout the monitored time we found differences in mean values of total proteins (P < 0.001), urea (P < 0.001), and total immunoglobulins (P < 0.05). The concentrations of albumin decreased progressively in the postparturient period until 4 weeks after parturition. In the assessment of correlations between the monitored variables in the mentioned period we found significant correlations between Hp and SAA (r = 0.916; P < 0.001), total proteins and urea (r = 0.668; P < 0.05), total proteins and total immunoglobulins (r = 0.827; P < 0.01), and between total immunoglobulins and urea (r = 0.899; P < 0.001). The above mentioned results indicate that in the time around parturition there are significant changes in concentrations of acute phase proteins, as well as in the whole protein metabolism of dairy cows. These facts suggest that the postparturient period is a critical biological phase, throughout which there is the highest incidence of metabolic disorders.
Histological and Ultrasonographic Monitoring of Folliculogenesis in Puerperal Ewes after Spring Lambing
Authors: Vlčková R. , Valocký I. , Lazar G. , Sopková D. , Maraček I.
Published: April 2008

The time of the first ovulation depends on the sheep breed, feeding conditions, year season, length of lamb nursing and following galactopoiesis. The objective of the present study was to analyse the follicle status after parturition in non-lactating Improved Valachian ewes. Laparotomy with following ovariectomy was performed after lamb weaning (spring) on days 17, 24 and 32 after parturition. The ovaries were USG analysed with 5.0 MHz linear and 7.5 MHz convex transducer. Follicular data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The ovaries were collected at the end of laparotomy and fixed in 10% formalin. The sections of the ovarian tissue were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Azan staining. Ovarian slides were microscopically studied and analysed by LUCIA-G ver. 4.71. The differences in the ovary size were not significant. The number of follicles < 3 mm monitored by USG on day 32 was higher than that on day 17 after parturition. The image analysis of the ovary sections showed significantly higher numbers in the total follicles (P < 0.05) and the follicles > 3 mm (P < 0.001). The rate of atresia was 82% and 89% on day 17 and on day 32 post partum, respectively. We observed single ovulation on day 17 and double ovulations on days 24 and 32 post partum. More than half of the total number of antral follicles visible on the ovary surface was prepared for recruitment and this number was higher on day 32 post partum. Follicle selection connected with a relatively low rate of atresia and responsible preovulatory follicle sizes opened the way for selecting more follicles for the dominance process and thus also for the occurrence of double ovulations.
Relaxation Responses of Trigonal Smooth Muscle from Rabbit by Alpha1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists Alfuzosin, Doxazosin and Tamsulosin
Authors: Karadeniz A. , Pişkin İ. , Eşsiz D. , Altintaş L.
Published: April 2008

This study was performed to investigate the effects of alfuzosin, doxazosin and tamsulosin in vitro on trigone smooth muscle of rabbit. In this study, fifteen rabbits weighing 2.5 - 3 kg were used. One strip in the shape of a trigone was prepared for each of the isolated bladders. Firstly, an initial tension of 1 g was placed on each segment, and we waited for equilibration by constantly bubbling with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Next, the determination level of electrical stimulation which created submaximal contraction and effective dosage were found for trigone and they were determined by applying different concentrations of phenylephrine (10-8 M, 10-7 M, 10-6 M, 10-5 M), respectively. Firstly 10-8 M dosage of alfuzosin (10-8 M, 10-7 M, 10-6 M, 10-5 M) was added, then we waited for 20 min. Then, an effective dosage of phenylephrine (10-5 M) was added into the solution and we waited for 7 min again. After this process, electrical stimulation was applied for the contraction of the tissue. After stimulation, the tissue was washed twice every two minutes and rested; we waited until the tissue reached its starting stretching value. The same processes were performed for the other dosages of alfuzosin (10-7 M, 10-6 M, 10-5 M), doxazosin (10-7 M, 10-6 M, 10-5 M) and tamsulosin (10-7 M, 10-6 M, 10-5 M), respectively. In conclusion, when we compared the amplitudes of the responses of all concentrations of doxazosin, alfuzosin and tamsulosin in the trigone smooth muscle with amplitude of a response of effective concentration of phenylephrine, it was determined that the prevention level of contractions occurred after tamsulosin hydrochloride was higher than after alfuzosin hydrochloride and doxazosin mesylate. With these results, we showed that alfuzosin, doxazosin and tamsulosin inhibited noradrenalin-based contractions in the rabbit trigone smooth muscle and this result can be used both for in vitro and in vivo future studies.
Biomechanical Evaluation of the MACSTL Internal Fixator for Thoracic Spinal Stabilisation
Authors: Veselý R. , Florián Z. , Wendsche P. , Tošovský J.
Published: April 2008

Unstable fractures of the thoracic spine in humans represent a serious social and economic issue. They may lead to persistent consequences and chronic disease. The anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the thoracic spine are different from all the other spinal parts due to its higher mobility. The vertebrae of the chest area are less mobile, conferring a higher degree of rigidity to the spine. To destabilize this relatively rigid system, a considerable force is necessary. The treatment of unstable spinal fractures is solely surgical. The decompression of the spinal canal with reposition and stabilisation of the fracture is indicated urgently. This intervention is performed mostly from the posterior approach in the first phase. However, the anterior spinal column is the structure responsible for the stability of the spine. Therefore, the recent advances in spine surgery focus on this area of expertise. For this reason, we carried out a bio-mechanical study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of two surgical tactics used. The study consisted of comparative experiments performed by computer-aided device on segments of pig cadavers (n = 5). The experiment involved a comparison of segments of the thoracic spine under the following conditions: an anatomically intact segment, a spine segment with an artificially created anterior instability, and a segment with an applied internal fixator. The experiment compared the mechanical characteristics of these segments. The experiment has demonstrated that after application of the internal fixator used for stabilisation of the injured anterior spinal column at defined pre-loading of 200 N, the stability of damaged spinal segment in torsion increased twofold. It was also verified that sufficient stability can be ensured using the Modular Anterior Construct System (MACSTL) implant for ventral stabilisation of thoracic spine unstable injuries. Endoscopic application of this implant represents an additional advantage of this surgical procedure.
Nutrition Risk in Home-Bound Older Adults: Using Dietician-Trained and Supervised Nutrition Volunteers for Screening and Intervention
Authors: Laforest Sophie , Goldin Benita , Nour Kareen , Roy Marie-Andrée , Payette Hélène
Published: April 2008

Nutrition screening and early intervention in home-bound older adults are key to preventing unfavourable health outcomes and functional decline. This pilot study's objectives were (a) to test the reliability of the Elderly Nutrition Screening Tool (ENS©) when administered by dietician-trained and supervised nutrition volunteers, and (b) to explore the feasibility of volunteers' doing nutrition screening and intervention for home-bound older adults receiving home care services. Both participating clients (n= 29) and volunteers (n= 15) were community-dwelling older adults. Volunteers met with participating clients, assessed nutritional risk with the ENS©, provided nutritional education, and developed and helped implement intervention plans. To assess ENS©inter-rater reliability, we compared results obtained by nutrition volunteers and a dietician. Agreement was high (≥80%) for most items but was higheramongvolunteers thanbetweenvolunteers and the dietician. We conclude that nutrition volunteers can assist in screening and educating older adults regarding nutritional risks, but intervention is best left to professionals.
Volunteers' Experiences Visiting the Cognitively Impaired in Nursing Homes: A Friendly Visiting Program
Authors: Damianakis Thecla , Wagner Laura M. , Bernstein Syrelle , Marziali Elsa
Published: April 2008

Two challenges facing nursing-home care today are understanding the concept ofquality of lifeas it relates to cognitively impaired residents and finding effective ways to ensure that it is achieved. Canadian director Allan King's documentary,Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company, filmed at Baycrest, captures a method for enhancing the quality of life of six cognitively impaired residents. While the film suggests an intervention model implemented by volunteers, there are challenges unique to institution-based programs (i.e., the recruitment and retention of volunteers). One of the challenges is the fear that volunteers may experience when interacting with the cognitively impaired. We conducted a pilot study of a model for training volunteers to providefriendly visitingand evaluated the impact on the participating residents. Observational accounts of volunteer–resident interactions and seven volunteer interviews were analysed and yielded several themes—(a) relationship building, (b) contribution of the environment, (c) preserving personhood, (d) resident-centred presence and the quality of the moment—and several themes related to the volunteers' role and their perceived impact on the residents. Discussed are the implications for volunteer programs in long-term health care settings.
A quantitative and descriptive approach to morphological variation of the endocranial base in modern humans
Authors: Bruner Emiliano , Ripani Maurizio
Published: April 2008

The cranial base is one of the major foci of interest in functional craniology. The evolution and morphogenesis of this structure are still poorly known and rather controversial because of multifactorial influences and polyphasic stages. Endocranial dynamics are associated anteriorly with the upper facial structures, laterally with the mandibular system and midsagittally with brain development. In the present study, we investigated the endocranial morphology of modern humans using 3D landmark‐based approaches, i.e. geometric morphometrics and Euclidean distance matrix analysis. The structure of endocranial variation is poorly integrated, with only weak reciprocal influences among the three fossae. Some major variations are associated with changes in the posterior fossa, with possible consequences on the anterior areas. These main patterns of integration are hypothesized to be influenced by the connective tensors of the dura layers. Static allometry and sex differences are largely related to the ontogenetic sequences, characterized by early maturation of the anterior fossa with respect to the middle and posterior regions (i.e., relatively shorter posterior part of the planum sphenoideum and vertical lengthening of the clivus in males). The relative independence between the endocranial fossae, as well as their structural connection through the meningeal tensors, must be carefully considered in studies on the evolutionary dynamics, since they lead to mosaic changes through phylogeny. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterocyclic Carbenes: Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Jahnke Mareike C.
Published: April 2008

The chemistry of heterocyclic carbenes has experienced a rapid development over the last years. In addition to the imidazolin‐2‐ylidenes, a large number of cyclic diaminocarbenes with different ring sizes have been described. Aside from diaminocarbenes, P‐heterocyclic carbenes, and derivatives with only one, or even no heteroatom within the carbene ring are known. New methods for the synthesis of complexes with N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands such as the oxidative addition or the metal atom template controlled cyclization of β‐functionalized isocyanides have been developed recently. This review summarizes the new developments regarding the synthesis of N‐heterocyclic carbenes and their metal complexes.
Three‐Residue Turns in α/β‐Peptides and Their Application in the Design of Tertiary Structures
Authors: Sharma Gangavaram V. M. , Nagendar Pendem , Ramakrishna Kallaganti V. S. , Chandramouli Nagula , Choudhary Madavi , Kunwar Ajit C.
Published: April 2008

A new three‐residue turn was serendipitously discovered in α/β hybrid peptides derived from alternating C‐linked carbo‐β‐amino acids (β‐Caa) and L‐Ala residues. The three‐residue β‐α‐β turn at the C termini, nucleated by a helix at the N termini, resulted in helix‐turn (HT) supersecondary structures in these peptides. The turn in the HT motif is stabilized by two H bonds—CO(i−2)–NH(i), with a seven‐membered pseudoring (γ turn) in the backward direction, and NH(i−2)–CO(i), with a 13‐membered pseudoring in the forward direction (i being the last residue)—at the C termini. The study was extended to generalize the new three‐residue turn (β‐α‐β) by using different α‐ and β‐amino acids. Furthermore, the HT motifs were efficiently converted, by an extension with helical oligomers at the C termini, into peptides with novel helix‐turn‐helix (HTH) tertiary structures. However, this resulted in the destabilization of the β‐α‐β turn with the concomitant nucleation of another three‐residue turn, α‐β‐β, which is stabilized by 11‐ and 15‐membered bifurcated H bonds. Extensive NMR spectroscopic studies were carried out to delineate the secondary and tertiary structures in these peptides, which are further supported by molecular dynamics (MD) investigations.
In‐situ‐Ermittlung der Tragfähigkeit von Brücken
Authors: Gebbeken Norbert , Baumhauer Andreas
Published: April 2008

An der Universität der Bundeswehr München wird derzeit an einem Projekt gearbeitet, das sich mit der schnellen Abschätzung der Tragfähigkeit bestehender Brückentragwerke befasst. Die Erkundung und Klassifizierung einer Brücke darf dabei maximal drei Tage dauern. Unter der Voraussetzung, dass Bauunterlagen nicht mehr zur Verfügung stehen, wird dazu ein Hilfsmittel entwickelt. Das Lösungskonzept basiert auf den drei Teil schritten Brückenerkundung, Tragfähigkeitsberechnung und Brückenverhaltensmessung. Bei der Brückenerkundung müssen die für die Berechnung relevanten Parameter der Brücke – im wesentlichen Geometrieparameter und Materialparameter – erfasst werden. Die Brückenerkundung wird über ein Expertensystem gesteuert. Die Tragfähigkeitsberechnung wird ebenfalls computerunterstützt durchgeführt. Brückenverhaltensmessungen dienen zur Qualitätsbeurteilung der Erkundungsdaten und des Berechnungsmodells der Tragkonstruktion. Das in diesem Beitrag vorgestellte System ist offen für Erweiterungen. Derzeit wird an der Entwicklung eines Einstufungsverfahrens beschädigter Brücken gearbeitet.
Konzept und FE‐Modellierung zum Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge
Authors: Perau Eugen
Published: April 2008

Es werden Untersuchungen für ein Verfahren zum Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge bei rückverankerten Baugrubenwänden mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) vorgestellt. Anhand eines Beispiels wird untersucht, welchen Einfluss die Art, den Verpressk, örper zu modellieren, auf die berechneten Sicherheitswerte hat. Neben der Ankerlänge wird gleichzeitig auch die Feinheit des FEM‐Netzes variiert, um auch den Einfluss von Interface‐Elementen am Verpresskörper auf die Abhängigkeit der Berechnungsergebnisse von der Netzfeinheit bewerten zu können.

Diskutiert wird, ob Berechnungen zum Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge mit der FEM auch im ebenen Formänderungszustand (2D) durchgeführt werden können und wie der Fehler gegenüber der 3D‐Realität mittels rechnerischer Kürzung der Anker ausgeglichen werden kann.

Es schließen sich Betrachtungen zur Behandlung der unvermeidlichen Unsicherheiten beim Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge an; diese Betrachtungen lassen sich auch für einen solchen FEM‐gestützten Nachweis verwenden.

Abschließend wird ein detailliertes Konzept für den Nachweis der erforderlichen Ankerlänge auf Basis der FEM vorgestellt, welches die Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Beispielrechnungen sowie die vorangegangenen Überlegungen zu den Unsicherheiten aufnimmt.
Overcoming barriers to sustainability: an explanation of residential builders' reluctance to adopt clean technologies
Authors: Pinkse Jonatan , Dommisse Marcel
Published: April 2008

The construction industry has great opportunities to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings. However, in this industry, diffusion of cost‐effective clean technologies has been notoriously slow and below potential. This paper sheds light on factors that explain why construction companies have been reluctant to adopt energy‐efficient technologies. It questions why some companies have intensified their investments in clean technologies, while others are lagging behind. Based on a multiple case study of four Dutch building contractors, the paper shows that contractors that actively gather information and build internal technical capacity are keener on adopting energy‐efficient technologies. Findings also reveal that it will be a major challenge for the construction industry to communicate the advantages of clean technologies to (potential) home buyers and create market demand. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Quantitative comparison of PTH1R in breast cancer MCF7 and osteosarcoma SaOS‐2 cell lines
Authors: Alokail Majed S. , Peddie Margaret J.
Published: April 2008

The aim of the present study was to compare the classical parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTH/PTHrP) receptors in MCF7 breast cancer cells with SaOS‐2 osteosarcoma cell line. Quantitative binding showed that 125I‐PTHrP‐1‐34Tyr binds with a single binding site in both cells. However 125I‐PTHrP‐1‐34Tyr has higher affinity binding in MCF7 (KD = 1.88 ± 0.08 nM) than in SaOS‐2 cells (KD = 4.4 ± 0.185 nM). The competitive binding using 3.3 nM 125I‐PTHrP‐1‐34Tyr with increasing amounts (0.33–33 nM) of unlabelled human PTHrP‐1‐34, PTHrP‐7‐34, PTHrP‐1‐86 His5‐PTHrP‐1‐36, His5‐Phe23‐PTHrP‐1‐36 or PTH‐1‐34 revealed different displacements. In SaOS‐2 the PTHrP‐7‐34 and PTHrP‐1‐86 caused similar displacement compared with 73% by PTH‐1‐34 and 70% by PTHrP‐1‐34. However, in MCF7, PTHrP‐7‐34, PTHrP‐1‐86 and PTH‐1‐34 displaced by 54%, 72% and 67%, respectively, compared to 87% by PTHrP‐1‐34. The His5‐Phe23‐PTHrP‐1‐36 caused an increase in the KD from 2.0 ± 0.03 nM to 2.75 ± 0.045 nM in MCF7 cells, but had no significant effect in SaOS‐2 cells. The PTH/PTHrP receptor in both cell lines revealed a single 85 KDa band with different intensity. Our results suggest that the PTH/PTHrP receptor in MCF7 cells has higher binding affinity for PTHrP than PTH compared to the receptor in SaOS‐2 cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boolean Logic Gates that Use Enzymes as Input Signals
Authors: Strack Guinevere , Pita Marcos , Ornatska Maryna , Katz Evgeny
Published: April 2008

Biochemical systems that demonstrate the Boolean logic operations AND, OR, XOR, and InhibA were developed by using soluble compounds, which represent the chemical “devices”, and the enzymes glucose oxidase (GOx), glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (AlcDH), and microperoxidase‐11 (MP‐11), which operated as the input signals that activated the logic gates. The enzymes were used as soluble materials and as immobilized biocatalysts. The studied systems are proposed to be a step towards the construction of “smart” signal‐responsive materials with built‐in Boolean logic.
Nanopinsel + DOPA‐Leim = mehr als die Summe
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: April 2008

Geckos können, wie man weiß und doch immer mit Unbehagen sieht, kopfüber an einer Zimmerdecke wandern, um ihre Beute zu schnappen, ohne einem ins Bett hinein abzustürzen. Das können sie, weil ihre Zehen‐ und Fingerballen mit feinen Haaren (Setae) besetzt sind, die in Nanopinsel (Spatulae) von ca. 200 nm enden.
Studies on multiple‐quantum magic‐angle‐spinning NMR of half‐integer quadrupolar nuclei under strong rf pulses with a microcoil
Authors: Inukai Munehiro , Takeda Kazuyuki
Published: April 2008

In multiple‐quantum magic‐angle‐spinning (MQMAS) NMR experiments, it has been argued that one should use as strong rf irradiation as possible in most situations so as to attain the better sensitivity. In this work, we theoretically derive formulas for the efficiency of MQMAS experiments for spin $ {3 \over 2} $ nuclei under strong rf irradiation, and experimentally examine the validity of the derived formulas. For this purpose, a microcoil was accommodated to magic‐angle‐spinning (MAS) experiments by developing a microcoil‐based, coin‐sized probe, which is attachable to an existing MAS module. The rf intensity of up to ∼1 MHz was realized, and the efficiencies of multiple‐quantum (MQ)‐excitation and conversion were studied for the 23Na (I = 3/2) nucleus in a polycrystalline sample of sodium sulfite, from which the theoretical formulas were confirmed. Moreover, it was found that the effect of rf inhomogeneity is significant for MQ‐excitation when rf irradiation is strong, while it is not appreciable for MQ to single‐quantum conversion. From the insight into the MQ‐excitation and conversion processes, the optimal set of rf intensity and pulse width is proposed for a given quadrupolar coupling constant. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 115–123, 2008
NMR microscopy with isotropic resolution of 3.0 μm using dedicated hardware and optimized methods
Authors: Weiger Markus , Schmidig Daniel , Denoth Schimun , Massin Charles , Vincent Franck , Schenkel Michael , Fey Michael
Published: April 2008

Nuclear magnetic resonance microscopy at an isotropic resolution of 3.0μm was realized by using dedicated hardware such as RF surface microcoils, a planar triple‐axis gradient with 6,500 G/cm, and a static magnetic field of 18.8 T. Purely phase‐encoded constant time imaging was used to allow increasing the gradient strength for the suppression of diffusion effects without reducing the signal‐to‐noise ratio. For this method the relationship between gradient strength and true spatial resolution was investigated, and an empirical formula is provided that is useful for practical applications. The characteristics of the different hardware components were investigated experimentally. Furthermore, microscopic phantom images were acquired and evaluated for their true resolution. It is demonstrated that the use of sufficiently large gradients enables suppressing diffusion‐related loss of spatial resolution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 84–93, 2008
Evolution of decitabine development
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Issa Jean‐Pierre , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: April 2008

Decitabine (5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine) is a hypomethylating agent with a dual mechanism of action: reactivation of silenced genes and differentiation at low doses, and cytotoxicity at high doses. The original studies in the 1980s used decitabine as a classical anticancer drug, at its maximum clinically tolerated dose, 1500 to 2500 mg/m2 per course. At these doses, decitabine was found to be active in leukemia, but was associated with delayed and prolonged myelosuppression. After a better understanding of epigenetics in cancer and the role of decitabine in epigenetic (hypomethylating) therapy was gained, it was reevaluated at approximately 1/20th of the previous doses (ie, at ‘optimal biologic’ doses that modulate hypomethylation). In these dose schedules of decitabine (100 to 150 mg/m2 per course), the drug was found to be active with manageable side effects in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and other myeloid tumors. Optimizing dosing schedules of decitabine to maximize hypomethylation (low dose, high dose intensity, and multiple cycles) have further improved results, suggesting that decitabine is an active therapy that alters the natural course of MDS. Combination therapies that augment the epigenetic effect of decitabine will likely improve responses and extend its use for the treatment of other malignancies. Cancer 2008. ©2008 American Cancer Society.
Integer programming for optimal reduction of calibration targets
Authors: Alsam Ali , Finlayson Graham
Published: April 2008

Calibration targets are widely used to characterize imaging devices. The question addressed in this article is that of how many surfaces in a calibration target are needed to account for the performance of the whole target. Different to previous research where the problem of reducing calibration charts is addressed independently of the calibration problem; in this article we tackle the reduction question based on the calibration performance. We argue that the outcome of both spectral and colorimetric calibration is dependent on the properties of the cross‐product matrix encompassing the color‐signals. Further, we show that by careful mathematical manipulation it is possible to write the cross‐product matrix as a linear sum of the submatrices corresponding to each individual color signal. This formulation allows us to cast the reduction problem as a quadratic minimization where we ask: given the spectral properties of the available color signals, what is the minimum number of surfaces needed to emulate the global cross‐product matrix. To reduce the number of surfaces we impose an integer constraint on the minimization, where the weight of each surface can only assume a value of 1 or 0. Our results show that around 13 surfaces are sufficient to account of the 24 surfaces of the Macbeth color checker. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 212–220, 2008
Interference colors of thin oxide layers on titanium
Authors: Diamanti Maria V. , Del Curto Barbara , Pedeferri MariaPia
Published: April 2008

This work deals with the characterization of the color properties of different titanium oxide films, obtained by means of anodic oxidation. The color of these oxides varies with film thickness, since it is due to light interference phenomena taking place at the metal‐oxide‐air interfaces. Color measurements were carried out by using spectrophotometry techniques: the values obtained belong to the colorimetric space CIELAB, which is defined as standard colorimetric space. The results of these analyses were related to the oxide structure, analyzed with X‐ray diffraction techniques, which was determined to be either amorphous or semicrystalline. Also the oxide thickness was taken into account. This feature was derived both from ellipsometric data and from reflectance spectra: the two data are shown to be in good adherence. Both commercial purity titanium (grade 2 ASTM) and titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4V substrates were investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 221–228, 2008
Detection and modification of confusing color combinations for red‐green dichromats to achieve a color universal design
Authors: Nakauchi Shigeki , Onouchi Tatsuya
Published: April 2008

Color‐vision deficiency is a relatively common genetic condition, which often leads to the obstruction of necessary information in colored images. It is important to minimize such inconvenient effects in communication using colored images from a universal design perspective. The universal design principle stipulates that all environments and products should be usable by all people, regardless of age, physical attributes, and ability. This article proposes a method to detect color combinations in a given image that would confuse color dichromats, and suggests a way in which to modify them to make the image easily distinguishable for both normal and dichromatic observers. Confusing color combinations were detected based on a color‐difference calculation using simulations of how the color would appear to dichromats. The confusing colors were then modified based on the minimization of an evaluation function, which was defined as the sum of the degree of confusion and the degree of color change from the original image. Several colored images obtained by the proposed method were compared with the originals by red–green dichromatic observers who judged them to be clearer, thereby confirming that the proposed method was effective for color rendering for universal design. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 203–211, 2008
Faithful brokers? Potentials and pitfalls of religion in peacemaking
Authors: Harpviken Kristian Berg , Røislien Hanne Eggen
Published: April 2008

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the potential of religion for peacemaking. This article conceptualizes the role of religious actors in peacemaking, starting from a distinction among three facets of religion: its normative aspect, its relationship to identity, and its organizational function. Each may feed into the emergence or escalation of conflict, and each is in itself transformed through exposure to armed conflict. Similarly, each facet forms part of the peacemaking potential of religious actors in various ways. Focusing on the identity aspect of religion, along with the extent to which a given identity is shared by both the broker and conflictual parties, we suggest that religious brokers may be of three distinct types: the “liaison,” the “coordinator,” and the “representative.”
N‐terminal flanking residues of a diabetes‐associated GAD65 determinant are necessary for activation of antigen‐specific T cells in diabetes‐resistant mice
Authors: Dai Yang D. , Jensen Kent P. , Marrero Idania , Li Ningli , Quinn Anthony , Sercarz Eli E.
Published: April 2008

A diabetes‐associated peptide in the glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) molecule, p524–543, activates two distinct populations of T cells, which apparently play opposite roles in the development of diabetes in NOD mice. By comparing the fine specificity of these two T cell repertoires using a nested set of truncated peptides that cover the p524–543 region, we found, surprisingly, that all clones recognized the same core within this peptide, p530–539. The core itself was non‐immunogenic, but the residues flanking this shared sequence played the crucial role in selecting T cells to activate. A peptide missing N‐terminal flanking residues at position 528 and 529 was stimulatory in NOD but not in MHC‐matched, NOD‐resistant (NOR) mice, suggesting that a protective response in the resistant mice may require T cell recognition of one or more of the N‐terminal flanking residues. T cell repertoire studies demonstrated selective clonal expansions within the BV4 TCR family that dominates the p524–543 response in NOD but not in NOR mice. These data suggest that processing or trimming events affecting T cell recognition of very few flanking residues of diabetes‐associated determinants might be involved in the protective response in NOR mice.
Human regulatory T cells and autoimmunity
Authors: Costantino Cristina M. , Baecher‐Allan Clare M. , Hafler David A.
Published: April 2008

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) appear to be critical in regulating immune responses to self‐antigens. Treg deficiency is associated with several human autoimmune diseases. Although substantial progress has been made in the study of murine and human Treg, their fundamental mechanism of action remains unknown. In this review, we discuss the phenotype of human natural Treg, their functional mechanism, and their role in autoimmune disease.

See accompanying commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200738120
Rethinking the molecular definition of regulatory T cells
Authors: Hori Shohei
Published: April 2008

It has been postulated that expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 “specifically” identifies the regulatory T cell (Treg) lineage and it acts as its “master regulator” or “lineage specification factor”. However, emerging evidence challenges these views and suggests that the Treg lineage may be determined by a higher‐order regulatory process that ensures stable and high levels Foxp3 expression.

See accompanying commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200838168
Impaired function of dendritic cells translocating the liver sinusoids: A veto effect contributing to intrahepatic tolerance?
Authors: Bertolino Patrick
Published: April 2008

Due to its unique architecture and conditions of blood flow, the liver is acknowledged as an immunologically unusual organ associated with primary activation of naïve T cells and the induction of tolerance. Several mechanisms have been proposed to be involved in this process. Most suggest that naïve T cells activated in situ in the hepatic sinusoids are deleted or silenced following activation by liver cells acting as antigen presenting cells. Hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and bone marrow‐derived cells (including Kupffer cells and DC) have been shown to support primary activation in situ and play some role in tolerance induction. Although most liver DC have been described to be immature and located in sites inaccessible to naïve T cells, some blood‐borne DC have been shown to translocate via the sinusoids where naïve T cells recirculate. Thus, the presence of mature DC with potential immunogenicity in the sinusoids might give contradictory signals to the naïve T cells activated within this organ. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are shown to impair the DC ability to induce the proliferation of naïve T cells in vitro via an unknown mechanism. Although these findings need to be confirmed in a physiological setting, regulation of the function of DC translocating the sinusoids might represent a new mechanism contributing to T cell tolerance in the liver.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200738060
Regulatory T cells in the past and for the future
Authors: Sakaguchi Shimon
Published: April 2008

No Abtract
Nickel Coordination Compounds of Stanna‐closo‐dodecaborate
Authors: Kirchmann Marius , Gädt Torben , Eichele Klaus , Wesemann Lars
Published: April 2008

The reaction of the nickel complexes [(dppm)NiBr2] [dppm = 1,1‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane] and [(dppe)NiBr2] [dppe = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane] with stanna‐closo‐dodecaborate [Bu3NH]2[SnB11H11] (1) yielded the trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination compounds [Bu3NH]4[(dppm)Ni(SnB11H11)3] (2) and [Bu3NH]4[(dppe)Ni(SnB11H11)3](3). The square‐planar compound [Bu3NH]2[(ImiPr2Me2)2Ni(SnB11H11)2] (4) (ImiPr2Me2 = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethyl‐imidazoliumylidene) could be obtained by the reaction of the N‐heterocyclic carbene complex [(ImiPr2Me2)2NiBr2] with [Bu3NH]2[SnB11H11] (1). The new coordination compounds were characterized by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Genome‐wide analysis identifies 16q deletion associated with survival, molecular subtypes, mRNA expression, and germline haplotypes in breast cancer patients
Authors: Nordgard Silje H. , Johansen Fredrik E. , Alnæs Grethe I. G. , Bucher Elmar , Syvänen Ann‐Christine , Naume Bjørn , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Kristensen Vessela N.
Published: April 2008

Breast carcinomas are characterized by DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) with biological and clinical significance. This explorative study integrated CNA, expression, and germline genotype data of 112 early‐stage breast cancer patients. Recurrent CNAs differed substantially between tumor subtypes classified according to expression pattern. Deletion of 16q was overrepresented in Luminal A, and a predictor of good prognosis, both overall and for the nonluminal A subgroups. The deleted region most significantly associated with survival mapped to 16q22.2, harboring the genes TXNL4B and DXH38, whose expression was strongly correlated with the deletion. The area most frequently deleted resided on 16q23.1, 3.5 MB downstream of the area most significantly associated with survival, and included the tumor suppressor gene ADAMTS18 and the cell recognition gene CNTNAP4. Whole‐genome association analysis identified germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their corresponding haplotypes, residing on several different chromosomes, to be associated with deletion of 16q. The genes where these SNPs reside encode proteins involved in the extracellular matrix (CHST3 and SPOCK2), in regulation of the cell cycle (JMY, PTPRN2, and Cwf19L2) and chromosome stability (KPNB1). © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total serum cholesterol levels and Alzheimer's dementia in patients with down syndrome
Authors: Prasher V. P. , Airuehia E. , Patel A. , Haque M. S.
Published: April 2008

Background

The risk for dementia in Alzheimer's disease (DAD) in adults with Down syndrome (DS) is higher than in the general adult population. Hypercholesterolaemia has been reported as a risk factor for DAD in the general population. This study investigated the role of serum cholesterol levels in the onset of DAD in the DS population.

Methods

This study investigated total serum cholesterol levels in 179 DS persons (with and without DAD). The possible association between Apolipoprotein E and amyloid β1‐40 and β1‐42 levels was also investigated.

Results

No statistically significant association was found between total serum cholesterol levels and dementia in AD or with amyloid β levels. However for DS adults with an apoE ε4 allele significantly higher serum cholesterol levels were found.

Conclusion

Hypercholesterolaemia is not a risk factor for DAD in persons with DS. However, DS persons with an apoE ε4 allele are susceptible to high serum cholesterol. Such individuals should be screened on a regular basis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression in elderly life sentence prisoners
Authors: Murdoch Nicholas , Morris Paul , Holmes Clive
Published: April 2008

Background

The life sentence population is growing older and increasing in number. Despite the potential negative physical and social environment in prisons little is known about the prevalence or aetiology of depression in elderly ‘lifers’.

Aims

To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression in elderly life sentence prisoners.

Method

One hundred and twenty‐one elderly life/indeterminate sentence prisoners from two category B prisons in the United Kingdom were interviewed using the Geriatric Depression Scale and the relationship with prison and non prison specific variables analysed.

Results

Over half of the prisoners scored above the threshold for mild depression. The length of sentence served and other prison related variables were not associated with the depression score. However, the imported chronic physical ill health was strongly related to depression score.

Conclusions

Depression in long term prisoners is common and is related to the burden of imported chronic ill health as opposed to specific effects of imprisonment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered morphology of hippocampal dentate granule cell presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals following conditional deletion of TrkB
Authors: Danzer Steve C. , Kotloski Robert J. , Walter Cynthia , Hughes Maya , McNamara James O.
Published: April 2008

Dentate granule cells play a critical role in the function of the entorhinal‐hippocampal circuitry in health and disease. Dentate granule cells are situated to regulate the flow of information into the hippocampus, a structure required for normal learning and memory. Correspondingly, impaired granule cell function leads to memory deficits, and, interestingly, altered granule cell connectivity may contribute to the hyperexcitability of limbic epilepsy. It is important, therefore, to understand the molecular determinants of synaptic connectivity of these neurons. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor TrkB are expressed at high levels in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, and are implicated in regulating neuronal development, neuronal plasticity, learning, and the development of epilepsy. Whether and how TrkB regulates granule cell structure, however, is incompletely understood. To begin to elucidate the role of TrkB in regulating granule cell morphology, here we examine conditional TrkB knockout mice crossed to mice expressing green fluorescent protein in subsets of dentate granule cells. In stratum lucidum, where granule cell mossy fiber axons project, the density of giant mossy fiber boutons was unchanged, suggesting similar output to CA3 pyramidal cell targets. However, filopodial extensions of giant boutons, which contact inhibitory interneurons, were increased in number in TrkB knockout mice relative to wildtype controls, predicting enhanced feedforward inhibition of CA3 pyramidal cells. In knockout animals, dentate granule cells possessed fewer primary dendrites and enlarged dendritic spines, indicative of disrupted excitatory synaptic input to the granule cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that TrkB is required for development and/or maintenance of normal synaptic connectivity of the granule cells, thereby implying an important role for TrkB in the function of the granule cells and hippocampal circuitry. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.