bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of processing methods on the nutritional value of Mucuna cochinchinensis to broiler chicks
Authors: Ukachukwu S. N. , Obioha F. C.
Published: January 2007

The performance and nutrient retention of broilers fed raw (RMD), toasted (TMD), boiled (BMD), soaked and boiled (SMD) or no (NMD) Mucuna cochinchinensis seed diets at both starter and finisher phases were assessed using 400 broiler chicks. The birds were fed a common proprietary feed (Top Feed) until 2 weeks of age, followed by a treatment diet for 3 weeks of the starter period, then 5 weeks on the finisher diet. At the starter phase, RMD significantly (P < 0.05) decreased liveweight, daily weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and encouraged poorer feed conversion ratio and higher cost per kilogram weight gain when compared with other diets. TMD decreased (P < 0.05) only the protein efficiency ratio. RMD also decreased (P < 0.05) retention of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and energy while TMD decreased (P < 0.05) retention of only DM, CP, and energy. At the finisher phase, RMD also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased daily weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio and increased cost per kg weight gain, while TMD decreased (P < 0.05) only the protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio. RMD again decreased (P < 0.05) retention of DM, CP, CF and energy, while TMD, as in the starter phase, again decreased (P < 0.05) retention of DM, CP and energy. On a cumulative basis, RMD adversely affected (P < 0.05) all the parameters under investigation. TMD affected (P < 0.05) only the feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and cost per kg weight gain. Boiling Mucuna cochinchinensis, therefore, encourages significantly better performance of chicks, higher nutrient retention and lower cost per kg weight gain than toasting, whereas soaking before boiling does not add any advantage to boiling alone.
Development and application of polymerase chain reaction-based assays for Rathayibacter toxicus and a bacteriophage associated with annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) toxicity
Authors: Kowalski M. C. , Cahill D. , Doran T. J. , Colegate S. M.
Published: January 2007

Annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) is responsible for significant stock losses in South Australia and Western Australia. The toxicity is caused by corynetoxins produced by the bacterium Rathayibacter toxicus (with the possible involvement of a bacteriophage), which infects annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, compatible with an existing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the corynetoxins, have been developed and used to screen L. rigidum for both the presence of R. toxicus and for the bacteriophage isolate NCPPB 3778. The results from analysing bacterially infected galls from toxic grain screenings showed a positive correlation between the presence of the bacterium and corynetoxins but not with the bacteriophage. Analysis of pasture-derived samples of annual ryegrass showed about a 50% correlation of corynetoxins with bacterial presence and about a 5% correlation of phage with the presence of the bacterium. These observations support the potential application of the PCR-based assays in providing a useful, complementary tool in the assessment of the likelihood of pasture and feed to cause ARGT and to enable a better understanding of the complex aetiology of ARGT.
Cold temperature exposure at 10°C for 10 and 20 nights does not reduce tissue viability in vegetative and early flowering cotton plants
Authors: McDowell A. J. , Bange M. P. , Tan D. K. Y.
Published: January 2007

In Australia, temperatures below 11°C (called cold shocks) were believed to retard cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, development and yield. Recent studies, however, have suggested that temperatures lower than this did not impede cotton development beyond normal developmental responses to cool temperatures. This paper aims to test the hypothesis that cold exposure to 10°C for 10 and 20 nights does not reduce tissue viability in vegetative and early flowering cotton plants. Cold temperatures at 10°C for 10 and 20 consecutive nights were imposed on cotton plants, grown in both controlled temperature glasshouses and outdoors, at the vegetative seedling and early flowering stages. Extreme temperature tests at 2, 5 and 7°C for two nights were also imposed to generate tissue damage for comparison. 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) tissue viability (testing for mitochondrial activity), relative electrical conductivity (REC, testing for membrane integrity), leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf photosynthesis, plant dry weight and yield were measured. Only exposure at 2°C for two nights showed negative effects in the TTC and REC tests, and leaves of these plants died soon after exposure. There were no consistent negative effects in the TTC and REC tests for all treatments at 10°C for 10 and 20 nights compared with the respective controls, suggesting that there was no structural or functional damage to leaves. In support of these findings, leaf photosynthesis and both light- and dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence for the 20 nights at 10°C treatment were occasionally below the controls but recovered quickly, suggesting that only temporary dynamic photoinhibition occurred. Cotton plant development was delayed following 10 and 20 nights at 10°C owing to reduced degree day accumulation. These data support previous work that cold temperatures at 10°C for up to 20 nights would be unlikely to result in yield reduction as a consequence of plant damage, and also that crop development can be estimated with degree days without an adjustment for cold shock. The use of TTC and REC has potential for novel detection of tissue damage for cotton at extreme temperatures.
Liposome reconstitution and modulation of recombinantN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor channels by membrane stretch
Authors: Kloda Anna , Lua Linda , Hall Rhonda , Adams David J. , Martinac Boris
Published: January 2007

In this study, the heteromericN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels composed of NR1a and NR2A subunits were expressed, purified, reconstituted into liposomes, and characterized by using the patch clamp technique. The protein exhibited the expected electrophysiological profile of activation by glutamate and glycine and internal Mg2+blockade. We demonstrated that the mechanical energy transmitted to membrane-bound NMDA receptor channels can be exerted directly by tension developed in the lipid bilayer. Membrane stretch and application of arachidonic acid potentiated currents through NMDA receptor channels in the presence of intracellular Mg2+. The correlation of membrane tension induced by either mechanical or chemical stimuli with the physiological Mg2+block of the channel suggests that the synaptic transmission can be altered if NMDA receptor complexes experience local changes in bilayer thickness caused by dynamic targeting to lipid microdomains, electrocompression, or chemical modification of the cell membranes. The ability to study gating properties of NMDA receptor channels in artificial bilayers should prove useful in further study of structure–function relationships and facilitate discoveries of new therapeutic agents for treatment of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity or analgesic therapies.
Palmitoylation-dependent protein sorting
Authors: Greaves Jennifer , Chamberlain Luke H.
Published: January 2007

S-palmitoylation is a posttranslational modification that regulates membrane–protein interactions. However, palmitate is more than just a hydrophobic membrane anchor, as many different types of protein are palmitoylated, including transmembrane proteins. Indeed, there is now compelling evidence that palmitoylation plays a key role in regulating various aspects of protein sorting within the cell.
Vascular wall–produced prostaglandin E2 exacerbates arterial thrombosis and atherothrombosis through platelet EP3 receptors
Authors: Gross Sabrina , Tilly Peggy , Hentsch Didier , Vonesch Jean-Luc , Fabre Jean-Etienne
Published: January 2007

Prostanoids, bioactive lipids derived from arachidonic acid (AA), are important for vascular homeostasis. Among them, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enhances aggregation of platelets submaximally stimulated in vitro. This results from activation of EP3, one of the four PGE2 receptors, which decreases the threshold at which agonists activate platelets to aggregate. Although PGE2 altered venous thrombosis induced by administration of AA, its role in pathophysiopathological conditions has remained speculative. We report that arterial walls subjected to inflammatory stimuli produce PGE2. In several models, we show that PGE2 produced by the arterial wall facilitates arterial thrombosis. Next, we detected PGE2 in mouse atherosclerotic plaques. We demonstrate that this plaque-produced PGE2 is not altered and is still able to activate EP3. In addition, we present evidence that PGE2 can leave the plaque and activate EP3 on blood platelets. Consistent with these findings, we observed that atherothrombosis induced in vivo by mechanical rupture of the plaque was drastically decreased when platelets lacked EP3. In conclusion, PGE2 facilitates the initiation of arterial thrombosis and, hence, contributes to atherothrombosis. Inhibition of the platelet EP3 receptor should improve prevention of atherothrombosis.
A Search for Isobaric Analogue States in 58Co from the 57Fe(p,γ)58Co Reaction
Authors: B Erlandsson  , A Marcinkowski
Published: January 2007

The 57Fe(p,γ)58Co reaction has been investigated in the proton energy region E
p = 1 580-2 125 keV. Branching ratios for low lying levels and decay schemes for seven resonances have been investigated, and possible analogue states or fragments of analogue states of the 2 782 keV (1+) and 2 876 keV (2+) levels in 58Fe have been suggested. The investigated analogue states give a Coulomb displacement energy of 8 846 ± 20 keV.
Fine Structure of4Π States in Diatomic Molecules
Authors: L Veseth
Published: January 2007

The fine structure theory of4Π states in diatomic molecules is reconsidered from the point of view of exact numerical diagonalization of the four-by-four perturbation matrix. The interaction with other electronic states is accounted for through a second order Van Vleck transformation. Centrifugal distortion corrections are also added to the matrix elements, and a new spin-spin matrix element of the type ΔΛ = -ΔΣ = ±2 is in particular found to contribute to the Λ-doubling. The theoretical results are applied to thea4Πustate in O2+and theB4Π state in VO.
Etude des Configurations Fondamentales 5s25p4de Te I et I II par l'Observation des Raies Multipolaires Infrarouges
Authors: C Morillon  , J Vergès
Published: January 2007

Many infrared lines permitted for second-order radiation, magnetic dipole, electric quadrupole or mixed types, have been observed in the arc spectrum of tellurium and in the spark spectrum of iodine. These lines are due to transitions between the levels of the ground configuration 5s25p4. The Zeeman effect of the lines of tellurium (isotope 130) has supplied Landé factors for the [3P2],3P1and [1D2] levels. Furthermore, a direct observation of the "interference effect" between magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole radiations has been made on the [1D2] → [3P2] transition. The hyperfine structure of tellurium (isotope 125, nuclear spinI= ½) was observed for four transitions, by means of which the interaction constantsA([3P2]),A(3P1) andA([1D2]) have been determined. The hyperfine structure observed on the3P1→ [3P2] line of127I II (nuclear spinI= 5/2) supplied the constantsA([3P2]),A(3P1),B([3P2]),B(3P1). Parametric studies of these hyperfine structures suggest that relativistic and core polarization effects are predominant.
The Puzzle of the Near-Saturation of Isospin Bounds in πN → πN, KN → KN and πN → KΣ
Authors: J Ervanne  , M Korkea-aho  , N A Törnqvist
Published: January 2007

A detailed analysis of the phenomenon of near-saturation of isospin bounds is performed using available experimental information on πN → πN, KN → KN and πN → KΣ. The puzzle, previously observed mainly in low energy πN → πN at 180°, is found to exist also elsewhere, in particular in KN → KN at 180° at intermediate angles in terms of theO3invariant bound of Doncel, Michel and Minnaert. The widespread occurrence of the phenomenon makes us suggest the hypothesis that it is a general approximate property of nondiffrative scattering. The significance of the effect is studied with a statistical model and the extent to which well known phenomenology can explain it is discussed, but it is concluded that the effect is more general than can be expected from simple arguments.
On the relationship between sequence and structure similarities in proteomics
Authors: Krissinel Evgeny
Published: January 2007

Motivation: The underlying assumption of many sequence-based comparative studies in proteomics is that different aspects of protein structure and therefore functionality may be linked to particular sequence motifs. This holds true if sequence similarity is sufficiently high, but in general the relationship between protein sequence and structure appears complex and is not well understood.

Results: Statistical analysis of multiple and pairwise structural alignments of protein structures within SCOP folds is performed. The results indicate that multiple conservation of residue identity is not common and that relationship between sequence and structure may be explained by a model based on the assumption that protein structure is tolerant to residue substitutions preserving hydropathic profile of the sequence. This model also explains the origin and specific value of the sequence similarity threshold, noticed in many previous studies, below which structural resemblance is not statistically expected.

Contact:  keb@ebi.ac.ukkeb
Phenotypes and genotypes of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes isolated in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Bae Sook Young , Kim Jang Su , Kwon Jung-Ah , Yoon Soo-Young , Lim Chae Seung , Lee Kap No , Cho Yunjung , Kim Young Kee , Lee Chang Kyu
Published: January 2007

The mechanisms of resistance to macrolides in 51 erythromycin-resistant clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes collected from 1997 through 2003 in Seoul, Korea were evaluated. They were characterized by their antimicrobial susceptibility, phenotype (using triple-disc and induction tests), resistance genotype, emm genotyping (M typing) and phylogenetic analysis. Erythromycin resistance was observed in 23 % of isolates. Inducible phenotype was the most common (iMLS, 51 %, 26 strains), followed by the constitutive phenotype (cMLS, 31 %, 16 strains) and the M phenotype (18 %, 9 strains). Eight of twenty-six iMLS isolates exhibited the iMLS-C phenotype. The remaining 18 isolates gave small inhibition zones (<12 mm) around all three discs, and mild blunting of the spiramycin and clindamycin zones of inhibition proximal to the erythromycin disc. They showed remarkable inducibility in erythromycin and clindamycin resistance. The MIC90 of erythromycin and clindamycin rose from 8 to >128 μg ml−1 and from 0.5 to >128 μg ml−1, respectively. Their resistance characteristics did not fit into any known iMLS subtype reported so far in the literature. So, it was named as an iMLS-D, new subtype. All of these iMLS-D strains harboured the erm(B) gene, demonstrated the emm12 genotype, except one, and formed a tight cluster in a phylogenetic tree, with 89.2 to 100 % sequence homology, suggesting that they are closely related. Nine of sixteen cMLS strains had the emm28 genotype, which had been reported to be associated with multiple drug resistance.
The Pam18/Tim14–Pam16/Tim16 complex of the mitochondrial translocation motor: The formation of a stable complex from marginally stable proteins
Authors: Iosefson Ohad , Levy Ran , Marom Milit , Slutsky‐Leiderman Olga , Azem Abdussalam
Published: January 2007

The vast majority of mitochondrial proteins are imported from the cytosol. For matrix‐localized proteins, the final step of translocation across the inner membrane is mediated by the mitochondrial translocation motor, of which mhsp70 is a key component. The ATP‐dependent function of mhsp70 is regulated by a complex, composed of a J‐protein (called Pam18 or Tim14) and a J‐like protein (called Pam16 or Tim16), and the nucleotide exchange factor Mge1. In this study, we investigated the structural properties of a recombinant purified Pam18/Tim14–Pam16/Tim16 complex using cross‐linking with the bifunctional reagent DSS and CD‐spectroscopy. The results of the study show that both Pam18/Tim14 and Pam16/Tim16 are thermally unstable proteins that unfold at very low temperatures (Tm values of 16.5°C and 29°C, respectively). Upon mixing the proteins in vitro, or when both proteins are co‐overexpressed in bacteria, Pam18/Tim14 and Pam16/Tim16 form a heterodimer that is thermally more stable than the individual proteins (Tm = 41°C). Analysis of the properties of the complex in GdnHCl shows that dissociation of the heterodimer is the limiting step in achieving full denaturation.
Semisynthesis of unnatural amino acid mutants of paxillin: Protein probes for cell migration studies
Authors: Vogel Elizabeth M. , Imperiali Barbara
Published: January 2007

Caged phosphopeptides and phosphoproteins are valuable tools for dissecting the dynamic role of phosphorylation in complex signaling networks with temporal and spatial control. Demonstrating the broad scope of phosphoamino acid caging for studying signaling events, we report here the semisynthesis of a photolabile precursor to the cellular migration protein paxillin, which is a complex, multidomain phosphoprotein. This semisynthetic construct provides a powerful probe for investigating the influence that phosphorylation of paxillin at a single site has on cellular migration. The 61‐kDa paxillin construct was assembled using native chemical ligation to install a caged phosphotyrosine residue at position 31 of the 557‐residue protein, and the probe includes all other binding and localization determinants in the paxillin macromolecule, which are essential for creating a native environment to investigate phosphorylation. Following semisynthesis, paxillin variants were characterized through detailed biochemical analyses and by quantitative uncaging studies.
Interleukin‐9 and Interleukin‐13 augment UTP‐induced Cl ion transport via hCLCA1 expression in a human bronchial epithelial cell line
Authors: Endo Y. , Isono K. , Kondo M. , Tamaoki J. , Nagai A.
Published: January 2007

Background
IL‐9 and IL‐13 induce airway goblet cell metaplasia, which is associated with expression of a Ca2+‐activated Cl channel, hCLCA1.

Objective
As UTP stimulates both mucin secretion and Cl ion transport via a Ca2+‐dependent pathway, the purpose of this study is to determine whether IL‐9 and IL‐13 affect UTP‐induced Cl ion transport in human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE cells, and if they do, to elucidate whether such an effect is associated with hCLCA1 expression.

Methods
The increases in short‐circuit current (Isc) in response to UTP were measured in the presence of amiloride by the Ussing chamber method. The morphology of epithelial cells was assessed by light microscopic findings, and hCLCA1 expression was investigated by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting.

Results
UTP‐induced increases in Isc in the cells treated with IL‐9 or IL‐13 for 48 h were greater than those in non‐treated cells, and the potency of IL‐13 was greater than that of IL‐9. Pre‐treatment with Ca2+‐activated Cl channel inhibitors diisothocyanatostilbene‐2, 2‐disulphonic acid and niflumic acid completely inhibited the augmenting effects of IL‐9 and IL‐13 on Isc. The epithelial layer of the cells treated with IL‐9 or IL‐13 was thicker than that of non‐treated cells. The expression of hCLCA1 protein was induced by IL‐13 in a concentration‐dependent manner. These effects of IL‐13 were more potent than those of IL‐9.

Conclusion
IL‐9 and IL‐13 augmented UTP‐induced Cl ion transport, probably via proliferation of the cells with hCLCA1 expression, and IL‐13 was more potent than IL‐9 in producing such an effect in 16HBE cells.
Supplementation with vitamins C, E, β‐carotene and selenium has no effect on anti‐oxidant status and immune responses in allergic adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dunstan J. A. , Breckler L. , Hale J. , Lehmann H. , Franklin P. , Lyons G. , Ching S. Y. L. , Mori T. A. , Barden A. , Prescott S. L.
Published: January 2007

Background
Anti‐oxidants are of growing interest in early treatment and prevention of allergic diseases in early life, but the effects on allergen‐specific immune responses need to be documented further before intervention studies in infants are undertaken. The aim of this study in adults was to determine the effects of dietary anti‐oxidants on allergen‐specific immune responses in sensitized individuals.

Methods
In a randomized controlled trial, 54 allergic adults received an anti‐oxidant supplement (n=36) comprising β‐carotene (9 mg/day), vitamin C (1500 mg/day), vitamin E (130 mg/day), zinc (45 mg/day), selenium (76 μg/day) and garlic (150 mg/day) or a placebo (n=18) for 4 weeks. Anti‐oxidant capacity (AC), serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, β‐carotene and selenium, peripheral blood responses, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), as a marker of airway inflammation, and plasma F2 isoprostanes, as a measure of oxidative stress, were measured before and after supplementation.

Results
Anti‐oxidant supplementation resulted in significant increases in serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, β‐carotene and selenium levels, compared with the placebo group (P<0.001). There was no change in serum AC, plasma F2‐isoprostanes, eNO or immune responses following supplementation with anti‐oxidants compared with placebo.

Conclusion
Supplementation with anti‐oxidants resulted in significantly increased levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, β‐carotene and selenium but no change in immune responses, serum AC or plasma F2‐isoprostanes.
Mechanism of a plastic phenotypic response: predator‐induced shell thickening in the intertidal gastropodLittorina obtusata
Authors: BROOKES J. I. , ROCHETTE RÉMY
Published: January 2007

Phenotypic plasticity has been the object of considerable interest over the past several decades, but in few cases are mechanisms underlying plastic responses well understood. For example, it is unclear whether predator‐induced changes in gastropod shell morphology represent an active physiological response or a by‐product of reduced feeding. We address this question by manipulating feeding and growth of intertidal snails,Littorina obtusata, using two approaches: (i) exposure to predation cues from green crabsCarcinus maenasand (ii) reduced food availability, and quantifying growth in shell length, shell mass, and body mass, as well as production of faecal material and shell micro‐structural characteristics (mineralogy and organic fraction) after 96 days. We demonstrate thatL. obtusataactively increases calcification rate in response to predation threat, and that this response entails energetic and developmental costs. That this induced response is not strictly tied to the animal's behaviour should enhance its evolutionary potential.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, compared with the sulfonylurea, glipizide, in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin alone: a randomized, double‐blind, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Nauck M. A. , Meininger G. , Sheng D. , Terranella L. , Stein P. P. ,   Sitagliptin Study 024 Group
Published: January 2007

Aim:  To compare the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin vs. glipizide in patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5 and ≤10%] on metformin monotherapy.

Methods:  After a metformin dose titration/stabilization period (≥1500 mg/day), 1172 patients were randomized to the addition of sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. (N = 588) or glipizide 5 mg/day (uptitrated to a potential maximum 20 mg/day) (N = 584) for 52 weeks. The primary analysis assessed whether sitagliptin was non‐inferior to glipizide regarding HbA1c changes from baseline at Week 52 using a per‐protocol approach.

Results:  From a mean baseline of 7.5%, HbA1c changes from baseline were −0.67% at Week 52 in both groups, confirming non‐inferiority. The proportions achieving an HbA1c < 7% were 63% (sitagliptin) and 59% (glipizide). Fasting plasma glucose changes from baseline were −0.56 mmol/l (−10.0 mg/dl) and −0.42 mmol/l (−7.5 mg/dl) for sitagliptin and glipizide, respectively. The proportion of patients experiencing hypoglycaemia episodes was significantly (p < 0.001) higher with glipizide (32%) than with sitagliptin (5%), with 657 events in glipizide‐treated patients compared with 50 events in sitagliptin‐treated patients. Sitagliptin led to weight loss (change from baseline =−1.5 kg) compared with weight gain (+1.1 kg) with glipizide [between‐treatment difference (95% confidence interval) =−2.5 kg (−3.1, −2.0); p < 0.001].

Conclusions:  In this study, the addition of sitagliptin compared with glipizide provided similar HbA1c‐lowering efficacy over 52 weeks in patients on ongoing metformin therapy. Sitagliptin was generally well tolerated, with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia relative to glipizide and with weight loss compared with weight gain with glipizide.
False perception of visual verticality in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Crevits L. , Venhovens J. , Vanoutrive J. , Debruyne J.
Published: January 2007

We wanted to investigate to what extent patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), not complaining of dizziness or disequilibrium, may have problems with the estimation of gravidity. Therefore, we studied the static ‘subjective visual vertical’ (SVV), a test that is thought to reflect mainly otolith function. Further, we correlated SVV measures with the degree of disease disability. A group of outpatients was compared with a group of age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. The deviations of SVV in patients were significantly larger than in controls. Overall, SVV was abnormal in 48% of individual patients. There was a significant correlation between SVV and the global disability score. The same held true for correlation with the subscores of brainstem and cerebellar complaints. The SVV test proved to be a simple method that was well tolerated by the patients. It can be considered a complementary otoneurological tool for evaluating MS patients. Further, these findings suggest that misperception of the verticality parallels the disability in MS patients.
The role of the plasmalemmal dopamine and vesicular monoamine transporters in methamphetamine‐induced dopaminergic deficits
Authors: Volz Trent J. , Hanson Glen R. , Fleckenstein Annette E.
Published: January 2007

Amphetamine (AMPH) and methamphetamine (METH) are members of a collection of phenethylamine psychostimulants that are commonly referred to collectively as “amphetamines.” Amphetamines exert their effects, in part, by affecting neuronal dopamine transport. This review thus focuses on the effects of AMPH and METH on the plasmalemmal dopamine transporter and the vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 in animal models with a particular emphasis on how these effects, which may vary for the different stereoisomers, contribute to persistent dopaminergic deficits.
SNP‐SCALE: SNP scoring by colour and length exclusion
Authors: HINTEN G. N. , HALE M. C. , GRATTEN J. , MOSSMAN J. A. , LOWDER B. V. , MANN M. K. , SLATE J.
Published: January 2007

Here we present SNP‐SCALE, a new single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping protocol based on allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR), but with two critical modifications designed to maximize accuracy, efficiency and throughput and minimize costs. The first is the addition of a locked nucleic acid (LNA) at the 3′‐SNP position of each of the two allele‐specific forward primers. The second is the addition of size‐differentiating M13 tails at the 5′ end of each primer, which facilitates the use of universal fluorescent primers. The use of LNAs makes SNP‐SCALE significantly more sensitive and specific than standard AS‐PCR. Moreover, SNP‐SCALE is ideally suited to a touchdown‐like PCR protocol, such that PCRs can be standardized, PCR optimization is straightforward, and medium‐high throughput can be readily achieved. We anticipate that the SNP‐SCALE protocol will be useful to molecular ecologists for a broad range of studies.
Therapeutic angiogenesis induced by controlled release of fibroblast growth factor‐2 from injectable chitosan/non‐anticoagulant heparin hydrogel in a rat hindlimb ischemia model
Authors: Fujita Masanori , Ishihara Masayuki , Shimizu Masafumi , Obara Kiyohaya , Nakamura Shingo , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Morimoto Yuji , Takase Bonpei , Matsui Takemi , Kikuchi Makoto , Maehara Tadaaki
Published: January 2007

The addition of non‐anticoagulant heparin [periodate‐oxidized (IO4) heparin] and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 to a viscous water‐soluble chitosan (CH‐LA) aqueous solution produces an injectable FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin hydrogel. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of the injected FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin hydrogel to induce vascularization and fibrous tissue formation. FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin hydrogels (100 μL of hydrogel consisting of 20 mg/mL of CH‐LA, 2 mg/mL of IO4‐heparin, and 50 μg/mL of FGF‐2) were subcutaneously injected into the backs of wound healing‐impaired diabetic (db/db) mice. Furthermore, the effect of percutaneous injection of FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin hydrogel at eight sites (25 μL/site) into ischemic left lower limbs of rats was examined from day 4 to at least day 28 postinjection. The injection of FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin hydrogels into the backs of db/db mice resulted in significant increases in blood vessel formation, significant vascularization, and fibrous tissue formation near the injection site. Injection of FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin hydrogel into ischemic left lower limbs of rats also significantly recovered and increased blood flow and blood oxygen in the calf and thigh. These results indicate that the controlled release of biologically active FGF‐2 molecules from FGF‐2/CH‐LA/IO4‐heparin induces angiogenesis and possibly collateral circulation in db/db mice and the ischemic limbs of rats.
Sequential Monitoring of Randomization Tests: Stratified Randomization
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Rosenberger William F. , Smythe Robert T.
Published: January 2007

SummaryIn many clinical trials, it is desirable to establish a sequential monitoring plan, whereby the test statistic is computed at an interim point or points in the trial and a decision is made whether to stop early due to evidence of treatment efficacy. In this article, we will set up a sequential monitoring plan for randomization‐based inference under the permuted block design, stratified block design, and stratified urn design. We will also propose a definition of information fraction in these settings and discuss its calculation under these different designs.
Severe hemorrhagic complications during remission induction therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia: incidence, risk factors, and influence on outcome
Authors: Yanada Masamitsu , Matsushita Tadashi , Asou Norio , Kishimoto Yuji , Tsuzuki Motohiro , Maeda Yasuhiro , Horikawa Kentaro , Okada Masaya , Ohtake Shigeki , Yagasaki Fumiharu , Matsumoto Tadashi , Kimura Yukihiko , Shinagawa Katsuji , Iwanaga Masako , Miyazaki Yasushi , Ohno Ryuzo , Naoe Tomoki
Published: January 2007

Background: Even after the introduction of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), early hemorrhagic death remains a major cause of remission induction failure for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Methods: To investigate severe hemorrhagic complications during remission induction therapy with respect to incidence, risk factors, and influence on outcome. Results were analyzed for 279 patients enrolled in the APL97 study conducted by the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (JALSG). Results: Severe hemorrhage occurred in 18 patients (6.5%). Although most of them were receiving frequent transfusions, the targeted levels of platelet counts (30 × 109/L) and plasma fibrinogen (1.5 g/L) for this study were reached at the day of bleeding in only 71% and 40%, respectively. Nine of them succumbed to an early death, while the remaining nine patients eventually achieved complete remission (CR). The 5‐yr event‐free survival rate was 68.1% for those who did not suffer severe hemorrhage, and 31.1% for those who did (P < 0.0001). For patients who achieved CR, on the other hand, there was no difference in disease‐free survival between patients with and without severe hemorrhage (P = 0.6043). Risk factor analysis identified three pretreatment variables associated with severe hemorrhage: initial fibrinogen level, white blood cell count, and performance status. Additionally, patients with severe hemorrhage were more easily prone to develop retinoic acid syndrome or pneumonia than patients without hemorrhage. Conclusions: These results indicate that fatal hemorrhage represents a major obstacle in curing APL, and that patients with such high‐risk features may benefit from more aggressive supportive care.
Spinal control of locomotion – from cat to man
Authors: Hultborn H. , Nielsen J. B.
Published: January 2007

For a large number of vertebrate species it is now indisputable that spinal networks have the capability of generating the basic locomotor rhythm. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence for spinal pattern generators in cats and primates, including man and its interaction with sensory signals from the limbs. For all species the sensory feed‐back from the moving limb is very important to achieve effective locomotor behaviour by adapting to the environment and compensating for unexpected postural disturbances. Sensory regulation of stepping can occur via reflex pathways to motoneurones (by‐passing the locomotor rhythm generators) or by acting on the spinal locomotor networks themselves. The sensory feed‐back serves to control the timing of the different phases in the step cycle, to shape the pattern of muscle activity, to contribute to the excitatory drive of the motoneurones and to the long‐term adaptation of the locomotor activity. In this review we discuss the spinal locomotor circuits and the sensory feed‐back in animals (mainly the cat) and human subjects. Special emphasis is given to work that has been of importance for the development of new rehabilitation paradigms following spinal cord injury.
The spinal pathophysiology of spasticity – from a basic science point of view
Authors: Nielsen J. B. , Crone C. , Hultborn H.
Published: January 2007

Spasticity is a term, which was introduced to describe the velocity‐sensitive increased resistance of a limb to manipulation in subjects with lesions of descending motor pathways. This distinguishes spasticity from the changes in passive muscle properties, which are often seen in these patients, but are not velocity‐sensitive. Increased excitability of the stretch reflex is thus a central component of the definition of spasticity. This review describes changes in cellular properties and transmission in a number of spinal reflex pathways, which may explain the increased stretch reflex excitability. The review focuses mainly on results derived from the use of non‐invasive electrophysiological techniques, which have been developed during the past 20–30 years to investigate spinal neuronal networks in human subjects, but work from animal models is also considered. The reflex hyperexcitability develops over several months following the primary lesion and involves adaptation in the spinal neuronal circuitries caudal to the lesion. In animal models, changes in cellular properties (such as ‘plateau potentials’) have been reported, but the relevance of these changes to human spasticity has not been clarified. In humans, numerous studies have suggested that reduction of spinal inhibitory mechanisms (in particular that of disynaptic reciprocal inhibition) is involved. The inter‐subject variability of these mechanisms and the lack of objective quantitative measures of spasticity have impeded disclosure of a clear causal relationship between the alterations in the inhibitory mechanisms and the stretch reflex hyperexcitability. Techniques which make such a quantitative measure possible as well as longitudinal studies where development of reflex excitability and changes in the inhibitory mechanisms are followed over time are in great demand.
Revolution and Reprisal: Bavarian Schoolteachers in the 1848 Revolution
Authors: Welch Steven R.
Published: January 2007

In 1851 the conservative journalist and social critic Wilhelm Riehl placed the blame for the revolutionary upheavals of 1848–49 in Germany on theVolksschullehrer, the elementary schoolteachers, who allegedly acted as the ringleaders of rebellion in their local communities. Riehl labeled the “perverse schoolmaster” as the “Mephisto” and “evil demon” who inspired the peasantry to rise against the established order. Riehl's diagnosis of the source of the revolutionary disease appeared quite plausible and convincing to the rulers of various German states who had long harbored the suspicion that dangerously pretentious, miseducated schoolteachers were, as a Bavarian government decree issued in 1829 put it, “spreading mistaken doctrines and erroneous political views among their pupils and in this way dripping the poison of partisan political struggles into the unprejudiced souls [of the young].”
Meritocracy, Equal Opportunity, and the SAT
Authors: Perkins Linda M.
Published: January 2007

The third section of Nicholas Lemann's book, The Big Test, culminates with the 1997 battle in California over Proposition 209, the antiaffirmative action amendment known as the Civil Rights Initiative. This amendment, which passed, ended racial preferences in state personnel, contracting, and college admissions decisions. This portion of Lemann's book discusses the issues of meritocracy, equal opportunity, and the politics involved in accomplishing these goals. These issues are viewed through the lens of the battle for Proposition 209 and the various individuals—“guardians”—who were beneficiaries of the open meritocracy that allowed them entrance in elite Ivy League institutions.
Beyond “Progressive” Reform: Bodies, Discipline, and the Construction of the Professional Teacher in Interwar America
Authors: Perrillo Jonna
Published: January 2007

Rose Freistater was twenty-six years old when the New York City Board of Examiners denied her a teaching license. She had been teaching at James Monroe High School, first as a student teacher and then as a substitute teacher for five years, and her work was characterized by the chairman of the biology department in which she taught as “difficult to overstate in its excellence.” But in 1931, Rose stood five feet and two inches and weighed 182 pounds. When she applied for her teaching license that year, she weighed thirty pounds more than the maximum weight allowed by the Board for her height. She was given six months to lose thirty pounds; when she lost only twenty in that time, she was rejected by the Board altogether. Although a number of overweight and underweight teachers were rejected by the Board of Education in the ten years that the standards had existed, Rose was the first to appeal to the state that the qualifications were unfair. When her case reached the State Commissioner of Education in 1935, it was rejected again, and the city board issued a statement claiming, “Other things being normal, a person of abnormal weight is likely to have more absences because of ill health and be less efficient as a teacher than a person of average weight.” Furthermore, it added, “Teachers must climb stairs, take part in fire drills, and be able to handle all real school emergencies. Overweight teachers are less likely to stand the strain of teaching…. Teachers should [be]… acceptable hygienic models for their pupils in the manner of weight.” Finally, overweight teachers, who represented greater health risks than others, “constitute[d] a drain on the teachers' pension fund.” In response, the Freistater family contended that Rose walked the five flights of steps to their apartment several times a day, but her case was closed.
Inventing Industrial Education: The Ecole d'Arts et Métiers of Châlons-sur-Marne, 1807–1830
Authors: Pannabecker John R.
Published: January 2007

Today eight Schools of Arts and Crafts are the largest source of engineers in France but they originated from a single school established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803. At the time many French were concerned that their industries lagged behind the British. What better way to modernize industry than to train boys and young men in a more rational approach to production and send them out to lead industrial change? Historians have left a pessimistic view of the school's first quarter century, but my reading of the evidence, including the archives on school shops and commerce, has led me to nearly the opposite conclusion—the school of Châlons was, from 1807 to 1830, one of the most innovative and unusual schools of all time.
Chromosome-Encoded Narrow-Spectrum Ambler Class A β-Lactamase GIL-1 from
Citrobacter gillenii
Authors: Naas Thierry , Aubert Daniel , Özcan Ayla , Nordmann Patrice
Published: January 2007

A novel β-lactamase gene was cloned from the whole-cell DNA of an enterobacterial
Citrobacter gillenii
reference strain that displayed a weak narrow-spectrum β-lactam-resistant phenotype and was expressed in
Escherichia coli
. It encoded a clavulanic acid-inhibited Ambler class A β-lactamase, GIL-1, with a pI value of 7.5 and a molecular mass of ca. 29 kDa. GIL-1 had the highest percent amino acid sequence identity with TEM-1 and SHV-1, 77%, and 67%, respectively, and only 46%, 31%, and 32% amino acid sequence identity with CKO-1 (
C. koseri
), CdiA1 (
C. diversus
), and SED-1 (
C. sedlaki
), respectively. The substrate profile of the purified GIL-1 was similar to that of β-lactamases TEM-1 and SHV-1. The
bla
GIL-1
gene was chromosomally located, as revealed by I-CeuI experiments, and was constitutively expressed at a low level in
C. gillenii
. No gene homologous to the regulatory
ampR
genes of chromosomal class C β-lactamases was found upstream of the
bla
GIL-1
gene, which fits the noninducibility of β-lactamase expression in
C. gillenii
. Rapid amplification of DNA 5′ ends analysis of the promoter region revealed putative promoter sequences that diverge from what has been identified as the consensus sequence in
E. coli
. The
bla
GIL-1
gene was part of a 5.5-kb DNA fragment bracketed by a 9-bp duplication and inserted between the
d
-lactate dehydrogenase gene and the
ydbH
genes; this DNA fragment was absent in other
Citrobacter
species. This work further illustrates the heterogeneity of β-lactamases in
Citrobacter
spp., which may indicate that the variability of
Citrobacter
species is greater than expected.
ASPECTS OF INFALLING D-BRANES IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL BLACK HOLE
Authors: SUGAWARA YUJI
Published: January 2007

This is a brief review of Refs. 1 and 2. We study the dynamics of D0-brane falling into the Lorentzian two-dimensional black hole (2D BH), typically arising in the near-horizon limit of non-extremal NS5-brane background, by the methods of conformal field theory. We propose the exact boundary state describing the infalling D0-brane by carefully carrying out the Wick rotation from the known D1-brane solution. We evaluate the closed string radiation from the infalling brane. A thermal-like behavior at the Hawking temperature is observed in the outgoing radiation. On the other hand, it is remarkable to find the incoming radiation absorbed by the black hole effectively showing the Hagedorn-like behavior with precise α′-correction. We confirm this feature by exactly analyzing the imaginary part of cylinder amplitudes, as well as the saddle point approximation. The radiation rate curiously depends on the level k of SL(2)/U(1) supercoset, suggesting the "black hole/string phase transition" at k = 1 (k = 3 for the bosonic coset) discussed recently.
EXACT QUANTIZATION RULE AND ITS APPLICATIONS TO PHYSICAL POTENTIALS
Authors: DONG SHI-HAI , MORALES D. , GARCÍA-RAVELO J.
Published: January 2007

By using the exact quantization rule, we present analytical solutions of the Schrödinger equation for the deformed harmonic oscillator in one dimension, the Kratzer potential and pseudoharmonic oscillator in three dimensions. The energy levels of all the bound states are easily calculated from this quantization rule. The normalized wavefunctions are also obtained. It is found that the present approach can simplify the calculations.
STATISTICAL ESTIMATION OF OPTIMAL PORTFOLIOS FOR LOCALLY STATIONARY RETURNS OF ASSETS
Authors: SHIRAISHI HIROSHI , TANIGUCHI MASANOBU
Published: January 2007

This paper discusses the asymptotic property of estimators for optimal portfolios when the returns are vector-valued locally stationary processes. First, we derive the asymptotic distribution of a nonparametric portfolio estimator based on the kernel method. Optimal bandwidth and kernel function are given by minimizing the mean squares error of it. Next, assuming parametric models for non-Gaussian locally stationary processes, we prove the LAN theorem, and propose a parametric portfolio estimator ĝ based on a quasi-maximum likelihood estimator. Then it is shown that ĝ is asymptotically efficient based on the LAN. Numerical studies are provided to investigate the accuracy of the portfolio estimators parametrically and nonparametrically. They illuminate some interesting features of them.
Body Traffic: Ecology, Genetics, and Immunity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Braun Jonathan , Wei Bo
Published: January 2007

The abundant bacteria and other microbial residents of the human intestine play important roles in nutrient absorption, energy metabolism, and defense against microbial pathogens. The mutually beneficial relationship of host and commensal microbiota represents an ancient and major coevolution in composition and mutual regulation of the human mucosa and the resident microbial community. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a set of chronic, relapsing inflammatory intestinal diseases in which rules of normal host-microbial interaction have been violated. This review considers the components of this host-microbial mutualism and the ways in which it is undermined by pathogenic microbial traits and by host immune and epithelial functions that confer to them susceptibility in patients with IBD. Recent advances in understanding the genetics of IBD and the immunology of host-microbial interaction are opening new strategies for treatments that target host susceptibility, candidate microbial pathogens, and intestinal ecology.
Neurofibromatosis
Authors: McClatchey Andrea I.
Published: January 2007

As familial cancer syndromes, the neurofibromatoses exhibit complex phenotypes, comprising a range of tumor and nontumor manifestations. Although the three recognized forms of neurofibromatosis (NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis) all feature the development of nervous system tumors, their underlying genetic bases are clearly distinct. The most prominent common feature of all three is the appearance of Schwann cell–initiated tumorigenesis of the peripheral nervous system. Recent progress in delineating the molecular function of the NF1- and NF2-encoded proteins, together with the development and use of manipulable mouse models, has led to important advances in understanding the pathogenesis of many features of neurofibromatosis. An important outcome of the study of neurofibromatosis-associated tumorigenesis has been insight into the more general molecular and cellular bases of nervous system tumors.