bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do I Know You? A Case Study of Prosopagnosia (Face Blindness)
Authors: Diaz Anne L.
Published: October 2008

Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, can be a congenital disorder or the result of a traumatic brain injury or developmental problems. This disorder interferes with a person’s ability to recall faces and thus recognize individuals, even ones with whom he or she is intimate or familiar. Strangers cannot be distinguished from friends, which creates safety issues for the prosopagnosics. Furthermore, social interactions can be painful and ostracism is common as persons previously met cannot be recognized at subsequent meetings. This article presents a case study of a 13-year-old male and his mother who have congenital prosopagnosia. Information obtained from the student and his mother followed four themes: academic/career, safety, interpersonal relationships, and coping strategies. Examples of these themes and related interventions for school nurses are included.
Visual Detection of Calcium by GBHA Staining in Bitter Pit-affected Apples
Authors: Val J. , Gracia M.A. , Monge E. , Blanco A.
Published: October 2008

Bitter pit is a physiological disorder of apple fruits apparently caused by a localized calcium deficiency or imbalance in fruits associated with low levels of calcium in the flesh. A new, highly selective method using glyoxal bis(2-hydroxyanil, GBHA) was tested to reveal the presence of calcium within the fruit as a red stain. Water-soluble and insoluble calcium was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis and atomic absorption spectroscopy in pitted regions, adjacent sound areas and pulp from sound apples. Both methods, selective calcium staining and mineral analysis, showed that calcium accumulates in the pitted areas of apples affected by bitter pit. However, in mechanically inflicted wounds, the pulp of the apple was heavily stained but not the corresponding fingerprint, indicating a similar mechanism of insoluble calcium accumulation but a different distribution of soluble calcium compared to the pits.
Effect of the Use of Ground Flaxseed on Quality and Chemical Composition of Bread
Authors: Menteş Ö. , Bakkalbaşşi E. , Ercan R.
Published: October 2008

Effects of ground flaxseed on bread quality, staling, and in particular on γ-tocopherol and unsaturated fatty acid composition were determined. Ground flaxseed was added in concentrations of 10, 15, 20, and 25% to wheat flour sample. Results showed that the use of ground flaxseed at a 10% level markedly increased loaf volume, specific loaf volume, Dallman degree and retarded bread staling. Oil and γ-tocopherol content and proportion of linolenic acid in fatty acid composition went up as the ratio of flaxseed flour in bread formulation was increased. Oil, γ-tocopherol content, and proportion of linolenic acid in fatty acid varied in the range of 1.48—8.20%, 0.2—0.24 g/kg sample oil, and 50.25—55.55%, respectively in breads enriched with flaxseed flour. During bread staling, the change in peroxide values, γ-tocopherol content, and fatty acid distribution were not significant. Bread samples were tested for crust color appearance, crumb color, shape-symmetry, external appearance, mouth feel, and taste-aroma. The general acceptability was good at the level of 15% flaxseed flour addition and other substitute levels were found satisfactory.
Cell Wall Physicochemical Properties as Indicators of Peach Quality During Fruit Ripening after Cold Storage
Authors: Manganaris G.A. , Vasilakakis M. , Mignani I. , Manganaris A.
Published: October 2008

A comparative study between melting flesh peach fruit (Prunus persica L. Batsch cvs. Royal Glory and Morettini No 2) with contrasting tissue firmness during their on-tree ripening was conducted. Such fruit were cold stored (0 °C) for 4 and 6 weeks, and subsequently transferred at 25 °C (shelf life) for up to 5 days and evaluated for quality attributes and cell wall physicochemical properties. Data were partly unexpected, since fruit of the soft cultivar (Morettini No 2) were characterized by lower exo- and endo-PG activity, lower amounts of ethylene evolution, as well as higher amounts of endogenous calcium bound in the cell wall compared to fruit of the firmer cultivar (Royal Glory). These differences may be attributed to the incidence of chilling injury symptoms, evident as loss of juiciness in Morettini No 2 fruit, while Royal Glory fruit were characterized by acceptable appearance and eating quality even after 6 weeks cold storage plus 5 days shelf life, as the fruit softened gradually without cell rupture. Overall results showed that no direct relationship between cell wall physicochemical properties and sensory attributes can be established, indicating the complexity of peach fruit ripening. Since fruit of both cultivars presented similar tissue firmness after 5 days shelf life an attempt to distinguish normal peach fruit softening from cell rupture-chilling injury also has been made in the current study.
Quality Characteristics, Respiration Rates, and Microbial Stability of Osmotically Treated Mango Tissue (Mangifera indica L.) with or without Calcium Lactate
Authors: Torres J.D. , Castelló M.L. , Escriche I. , Chiralt A.
Published: October 2008

Mango minimally processed (20 °Brix) was obtained by applying osmotic treatments and the product quality development was evaluated throughout storage. Osmotic treatments were carried out at atmospheric pressure Osmotic dehydration (OD) and by applying a vacuum pulse osmotic dehydration (PVOD) using 45 °Brix sucrose solutions with and without calcium lactate (2%). Mechanical properties were measured after treatments and after 10 days storage. Color, microbial controls, and respiration rates were measured throughout storage time, in order to evaluate the development of the different parameters which affect product quality. Osmotic treatments induced changes in the physical properties, respiration rates and microbial behavior, depending on the treatment conditions and the addition of calcium lactate. From the microbiological point of view the most stable samples are those treated with calcium in both OD and PVOD treatments. Respiration rates were also reduced to a greater extent in these treatments. Mechanical properties are also better preserved when calcium is applied in PVOD treatments. Nevertheless, a greater decrease in hue is observed in calcium treated samples which indicates that browning occurs more intensely in these cases.
Effects of Mandarin Cultivar on Quality of Mandarin Juice
Authors: Beltrán F. , Perez-López A.J. , López-Nicolás J.M. , Carbonell-Barrachina A.A.
Published: October 2008

Eight mandarin cultivars have been analyzed for their content of vitamin C, minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn), CIELab color coordinates (L*, a*, b*, C*, and h ab), total volatile compounds content and sensory aroma intensity of juice. Experimental results proved that no important enough differences were found in the minerals contents to decide which mandarin cultivar was of higher quality. Clemenules provided the darkest juice with the highest vitamin C content and with the most intense mandarin aroma. On the other hand, Nova and Hernandina mandarin could be considered as the worst cultivars for juice production. Finally if Clemenules mandarins were not available for juice processing, Orogrande, Clemenpons, Ellendale, and Marisol could also be good options.
Influence of Gamma Irradiation on Microbiological, Biochemical, and Textural Properties of Bonito (Sarda sarda) During Chilled Storage
Authors: Mbarki R. , Sadok S. , Barkallah I.
Published: October 2008

This study evaluates the influence of various doses of gamma irradiation on some quality aspects of iced bonito (Sarda sarda). Fresh bonito sections were aerobically packed and gamma irradiated with doses of 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 kGy, samples were then chilled during 21 days. Microbiological analyses showed the presence of mesophilic and psychrophilic germs just before irradiation treatment. These germs were eliminated at doses ≥1.5 kGy. The analyses of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA) as well as the texture analysis showed that irradiated samples preserved a good quality during 21 days of chilled storage, whereas the control showed putrefaction. Histamine content was reduced after irradiation treatment, such decrease strongly correlated with the applied dose level. Fatty acid composition survey demonstrated that gamma irradiation associated with aerobic packaging influenced significantly the lipid profile. Irradiation at doses of 6 and 7.5 kGy reduced significantly poly-unsaturated fatty acid fraction. Results demonstrated that irradiation amplified the rate of lipid oxidation as shown by an increased peroxide value especially at higher doses. Gamma irradiation at low doses was effective in extending the bonito's shelf-life through the improvement of its microbiological, biochemical and textural qualities up to 21 days of chilled storage.
How Relationship Age Moderates Loyalty Formation
Authors: Raimondo Maria Antonietta , "Nino" Miceli Gaetano , Costabile Michele
Published: October 2008

In this article, the authors focus on the concept of relational equity, that is, the customer perception of distributive justice within a continuous customer-provider relationship. The authors investigate the influences of relational equity on attitudinal loyalty and behavioral loyalty. Moreover, they test the hypothesis that relationship age moderates the impact of relational equity on loyalty, adopting a cross-sectional design and data from a sample of Italian customers of mobile phone services ( N = 461). Relational equity is recognized as a significant determinant of customer loyalty over and above satisfaction and trust effects, and its influence increases along with relationship age. From a managerial point of view, results suggest that loyalty programs should be tailored according to the age of the relationship. Moreover, particular care should be devoted to monitoring perceived relational equity, especially in longer-term relationships.
Conceptions of Learning Management among Undergraduate Students in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Hung-Ming , Tsai Chin-Chung
Published: October 2008

Research into student learning has emphasized that students' conceptions of learning play an important role in learning approaches and learning outcomes. The main purpose of this study is to explore the conceptions of learning management among Taiwanese university students. The interview data were analyzed using a phenomenographic method, and six categories of conceptions of learning management were identified, including learning management as `memorizing', `testing', `applying', `gaining higher status', `understanding' and `seeing in a new way'. In contrast with other learning domains, the results illustrate a new category, `gaining higher status'. This category implies a pragmatic view of learning management as expressed by some students. This study also found that most of the students expressed their conceptions across different categories; therefore, a `tree of conceptions of learning' is proposed to represent students' multiple conceptions of learning management.
The Minority-Race Planner in the Quest for a Just City
Authors: Thomas June Manning
Published: October 2008

This article reviews some basic concepts about planners' role in obtaining a just city, focusing in particular upon the possible role of racial minorities in the process of reaching such a city. We adopt Fainstein's two-part definition of what is `valued' in a just city, and then discuss how planners who are racial minorities might be helpful for one part of that definition. Minority-race professionals may help bring tangible benefits to the workforce, but these benefits become difficult to cultivate if minority-race professionals experience difficulties in their work environment. Interviews with several US black planners provide illustrative examples concerning these points.
Talk To the Hand? Community Councils and Planning Consultation
Authors: Anderson Jon
Published: October 2008

Planning systems are not the property of planners alone, rather they are collectively owned by the broad range of stakeholders that planning involves and affects (after Hague, 2000). As a consequence, issues of participation, responsiveness and relevance are fundamental to the health and vitality of planning systems. To accurately diagnose this aspect of the patient's condition it is necessary, as Allmendinger notes, to examine `the rich context in which planning operates' (2002: 4). This article does so by shedding light on planning consultation at the local level. It examines the often overlooked relationships between community councils (the lowest level of statutory community representation in planning) and principal councils (a term employed to include all local authorities and national parks that make planning decisions). The article will illustrate the frequency, function and degree of agreement existing between different council tiers on planning deliberations and, from this, identify a number of crucial points of tension between community councils and the planning system. These tensions centre on the nature of democracy within the system, the legitimacy of local knowledge in deliberation, and perhaps most importantly, the (perceived) interests and values of the planning system as they are practised. The article will argue that these tensions produce both competence and confidence disparities between councils and, as a consequence, the planning dialogue is reduced to each council `talking to the hand' of the other. Such circumstances raise important concerns regarding the vitality of the planning system in remaining relevant and responsive to these local participants, and thus the health of the planning system overall.
Plan It Without a Condom!
Authors: Davy Benjamin
Published: October 2008

Cities draw from many voices, many rationalities. However, planners often make an effort to separate dissimilar uses from each other and even neglect plural rationalities. Their plans work like condoms, designed to defend us against being raped by the cacophonous abundance of the metropolis. The metaphor, borrowed from Georg Simmel (1903), encourages planners to use monorationality as a tool for planning. But is diversity, even if cacophonous, not also a vital sign of urbanity? Based upon Mary Douglas's cultural theory, the article aims to demonstrate how planners can profit from exploring the frontiers of polyrationality.
Fighting the Flu: Developing Sustained Community Resilience and Preparedness
Authors: Paton Douglas , Parkes Bruce , Daly Michele , Smith Leigh
Published: October 2008

A pandemic will impose considerable demands on communities over a period of several weeks; thus, people must develop means to facilitate their resilience in such an event. This article describes the development and testing of a model to inform public education strategies to facilitate the sustained adoption of the preparedness and protective measures that underpin community resilience. The model is derived from the premise that decisions to act reflect how people interpret information to make it meaningful to them. The model describes how this outcome reflects the interaction among personal beliefs about preparing, community characteristics influencing how risk beliefs and risk management strategies are developed, and the relationship between the community and health information sources. It highlights a need to distinguish those who decide not to prepare from those who accept a need to prepare but need guidance. Implications for developing pandemic public education and risk communication programs are discussed.
What Australians Know and Believe About Bird Flu: Results of a Population Telephone Survey
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Iverson Don
Published: October 2008

The avian influenza A (A/H5N1) virus has attracted the attention of governments and health organizations throughout the world because of its pandemic potential. Despite the emerging nature of A/H5N1, there is limited research on public knowledge and perceptions of this disease. This study is based on a computer-assisted telephone interviewing survey conducted in May 2006 to determine the Australian public's knowledge of A/H5N1, their willingness to engage in preventive behaviors, and their acceptance of potential messages for communication campaigns. Awareness and concern about bird flu is low (lower than a recent survey of U.S. residents). There appears to be widespread support for bird flu control measures initiated by the federal government, although less agreement regarding personal protective behaviors. Our study and those examining the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic suggest that governments, including the Australian government, will encounter a number of significant communication challenges in the event of a bird flu outbreak.
Results of Resection for Middle Facet Tarsal Coalitions in Adults
Authors: Philbin Terrence M. , Homan Brad , Hill Keith , Berlet Gregory
Published: October 2008

The optimum surgical procedure for talocalcaneal coalitions has not been definitively determined. The authors performed this study to evaluate the results achieved with talocalcaneal tarsal coalition resection with regard to preoperative radiographic findings in relation to postoperative outcomes. They reviewed the medical records of 7 patients and conducted telephone interviews using a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. The average age at surgery was 31 years (range, 15-56 years), and the follow-up period averaged 17.4 months (range, 7-36 months). In 6 cases, the resection was successful, with the mean preoperative Ankle-Hindfoot score of 36.5 improving to 50.5 (P = .51). One patient failed the resection and underwent a subtalar arthrodesis 1 year after the resection procedure. Radiographic evaluation showed that higher cartilaginous content of the tarsal coalition was associated with a better outcome in Ankle-Hindfoot scores (r = .894, P = .016); the relationship of patient age and changes in scores was r = .692 but was not statistically significant because of small sample size. Resection of tarsal coalition led to higher Ankle-Hindfoot scores for 6 of 7 patients at least 1 year postoperatively, and that higher cartilagenous content of the coalition was statistically significantly correlated with better postoperative outcomes.
Metastases to Bones of the Foot
Authors: El Ghazaly Sherif A. , DeGroot Henry
Published: October 2008

Metastatic lesions to the bones of the foot are rare but pose a challenge to the treating surgeon because of variation in presentation. Cases may present as a painful or swollen toe or as an infection resistant to antibiotics, or they may mimic inflammatory arthropathy. As such, diagnosis may be delayed. Also, with the advent of new therapies for certain cancers, patients living longer have time to develop metastases. The incidence of metastases to the foot is changing. The senior author (HD) has managed 3 consecutive cases of tumorous lesions metastasizing to the foot. Patients included 1 man and 2 women, with an average age of 76.7 years (range, 57-88 years). Open biopsy was performed in 2 cases, whereas true-cut needle biopsy was performed in 1 case. The average follow-up was 16.2 months (range, 8.5-29 years). The pattern and incidence of foot metastases may be changing. Early and accurate diagnosis may help improve patient survival. A working protocol is presented here that can help in diagnosing such lesions.
Experimental analysis of corrosion resistance on columnar to equiaxed transition region of as cast structures of Al–Cu alloys
Authors: Osório W. R. , Spinelli J. E. , Freire C. M. , Garcia A.
Published: October 2008

In the present article, in order to investigate the corrosion resistance tendency on both sides of the columnar to equiaxed transition (CET), some samples of Al–Cu alloys (5 and 8 wt-%Cu) were prepared on the columnar and on the equiaxed sides of the casting and subjected to corrosion tests. The corrosion resistance has been analysed by both the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique and Tafel extrapolation method conducted in a 3%NaCl solution at room temperature. It was found that both columnar and equiaxed morphologies at the CET region, for each alloy examined, have attained similar experimental electrochemical impedance and polarisation results. The secondary dendrite arm spacings λ2 on both columnar and equiaxed sides of the CET region are very similar in any case experimentally examined and the resemblance on the corrosion resistance of columnar and equiaxed structures has been attributed to the similarity of such microstructural parameter. The corrosion resistance has decreased with increasing alloy Cu content. The experimental evidence has indicated that this can be associated with smaller dendritic arm spacings.
Identification and characterization of domains responsible for self-assembly and cell wall binding of the surface layer protein of Lactobacillus brevisATCC 8287
Authors: Åvall-Jääskeläinen Silja , Hynönen Ulla , Ilk Nicola , Pum Dietmar , Sleytr Uwe B , Palva Airi
Published: October 2008

Background

Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 8287 is covered by a regular surface (S-) layer consisting of a 435 amino acid protein SlpA. This protein is completely unrelated in sequence to the previously characterized S-layer proteins of Lactobacillus acidophilus group.

Results

In this work, the self-assembly and cell wall binding domains of SlpA were characterized. The C-terminal self-assembly domain encompassed residues 179–435 of mature SlpA, as demonstrated by the ability of N-terminally truncated recombinant SlpA to form a periodic structure indistinguishable from that formed by full length SlpA. Furthermore, a trypsin degradation analysis indicated the existence of a protease resistant C-terminal domain of 214 amino acids. By producing a set of C-terminally truncated recombinant SlpA (rSlpA) proteins the cell wall binding region was mapped to the N-terminal part of SlpA, where the first 145 amino acids of mature SlpA alone were sufficient for binding to isolated cell wall fragments of L. brevis ATCC 8287. The binding of full length rSlpA to the cell walls was not affected by the treatment of the walls with 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), indicating that cell wall structures other than teichoic acids are involved, a feature not shared by the Lactobacillus acidophilus group S-layer proteins characterized so far. Conserved carbohydrate binding motifs were identified in the positively charged N-terminal regions of six Lactobacillus brevis S-layer proteins.

Conclusion

This study identifies SlpA as a two-domain protein in which the order of the functional domains is reversed compared to other characterized Lactobacillus S-layer proteins, and emphasizes the diversity of potential cell wall receptors despite similar carbohydrate binding sequence motifs in Lactobacillus S-layer proteins.
Limited clinical relevance of mitochondrial DNA mutation and gene expression analyses in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bragoszewski Piotr , Kupryjanczyk Jolanta , Bartnik Ewa , Rachinger Andrea , Ostrowski Jerzy
Published: October 2008

Background

In recent years, numerous studies have investigated somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA in various tumours. The observed high mutation rates might reflect mitochondrial deregulation; consequently, mutation analyses could be clinically relevant. The purpose of this study was to determine if mutations in the mitochondrial D-loop region and/or the level of mitochondrial gene expression could influence the clinical course of human ovarian carcinomas.

Methods

We sequenced a 1320-base-pair DNA fragment of the mitochondrial genome (position 16,000-750) in 54 cancer samples and in 44 corresponding germline control samples. In addition, six transcripts (MT-ATP6, MT-CO1, MT-CYB, MT-ND1,MT-ND6, andMT-RNR1) were quantified in 62 cancer tissues by real-time RT-PCR.

Results

Somatic mutations in the D-loop sequence were found in 57% of ovarian cancers. Univariate analysis showed no association between mitochondrial DNA mutation status or mitochondrial gene expression and any of the examined clinicopathologic parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that the expression of the mitochondrial geneRNR1might be used as a predictor of tumour sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

In contrast to many previously published papers, our study indicates rather limited clinical relevance of mitochondrial molecular analyses in ovarian carcinomas. These discrepancies in the clinical utility of mitochondrial molecular tests in ovarian cancer require additional large, well-designed validation studies.
How to limit the burden of data collection for Quality Indicators based on medical records? The COMPAQH experience
Authors: Corriol Clément , Daucourt Valentin , Grenier Catherine , Minvielle Etienne
Published: October 2008

Background

Our objective was to limit the burden of data collection for Quality Indicators (QIs) based on medical records.

Methods

The study was supervised by the COMPAQH project. Four QIs based on medical records were tested: medical record conformity; traceability of pain assessment; screening for nutritional disorders; time elapsed before sending copy of discharge letter to the general practitioner. Data were collected by 6 Clinical Research Assistants (CRAs) in a panel of 36 volunteer hospitals and analyzed by COMPAQH. To limit the burden of data collection, we used the same sample of medical records for all 4 QIs, limited sample size to 80 medical records, and built a composite score of only 10 items to assess medical record completeness. We assessed QI feasibility by completing a grid of 19 potential problems and evaluating time spent. We assessed reliability (κ coefficient) as well as internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient) in an inter-observer study, and discriminatory power by analysing QI variability among hospitals.

Results

Overall, 23 115 data items were collected for the 4 QIs and analyzed. The average time spent on data collection was 8.5 days per hospital. The most common feasibility problem was misunderstanding of the item by hospital staff. QI reliability was good (κ: 0.59–0.97 according to QI). The hospitals differed widely in their ability to meet the quality criteria (mean value: 19–85%).

Conclusion

These 4 QIs based on medical records can be used to compare the quality of record keeping among hospitals while limiting the burden of data collection, and can therefore be used for benchmarking purposes. The French National Health Directorate has included them in the new 2009 version of the accreditation procedure for healthcare organizations.
Norvaline is accumulated after a down-shift of oxygen in Escherichia coli W3110
Authors: Soini Jaakko , Falschlehner Christina , Liedert Christina , Bernhardt Jörg , Vuoristo Jussi , Neubauer Peter
Published: October 2008

Background

Norvaline is an unusual non-proteinogenic branched-chain amino acid which has been of interest especially during the early enzymological studies on regulatory mutants of the branched-chain amino acid pathway in Serratia marcescens. Only recently norvaline and other modified amino acids of the branched-chain amino acid synthesis pathway got attention again when they were found to be incorporated in minor amounts in heterologous proteins with a high leucine or methionine content. Earlier experiments have convincingly shown that norvaline and norleucine are formed from pyruvate being an alternative substrate of α-isopropylmalate synthase, however so far norvaline accumulation was not shown to occur in non-recombinant strains of E. coli.

Results

Here we show that oxygen limitation causes norvaline accumulation in E. coli K-12 W3110 during grow in glucose-based mineral salt medium. Norvaline accumulates immediately after a shift to oxygen limitation at high glucose concentration. On the contrary free norvaline is not accumulated in E. coli W3110 in aerobic cultures. The analysis of medium components, supported by transcriptomic studies proposes a purely metabolic overflow mechanism from pyruvate into the branched chain amino acid synthesis pathway, which is further supported by the significant accumulation of pyruvate after the oxygen downshift. The results indicate overflow metabolism from pyruvate as necessary and sufficient, but deregulation of the branched chain amino acid pathway may be an additional modulating parameter.

Conclusion

Norvaline synthesis has been so far mainly related to an imbalance of the synthesis of the branched chain amino acids under conditions were pyruvate level is high. Here we show that simply a downshift of oxygen is sufficient to cause norvaline accumulation at a high glucose concentration as a consequence of the accumulation of pyruvate and its direct chain elongation over α-ketobutyrate and α-ketovalerate.

Although the flux to norvaline is low, millimolar concentrations are accumulated in the cultivation broth, which is far above the level which has been discussed for being relevant for misincorporation of norvaline into recombinant proteins. Therefore we believe that our finding is relevant for recombinant protein production but also may even have implications for the physiology of E. coli under oxygen limitation in general.
Genetic immunization with Hantavirus vaccine combining expression of G2 glycoprotein and fused interleukin-2
Authors: Hao Huang , Xiu Li , Zehua Zhang , Min Jia , Hongbo Hu , Zhihong Wu , Zhenhua Zhu , Xiaohong Wan , Hanju Huang
Published: October 2008

In this research, we developed a novel chimeric HTNV-IL-2-G2 DNA vaccine plasmid by genetically linking IL-2 gene to the G2 segment DNA and tested whether it could be a candidate vaccine. Chimeric gene was first expressed in eukaryotic expression system pcDNA3.1 (+). The HTNV-IL-2-G2 expressed a 72 kDa fusion protein in COS-7 cells. Meanwhile, the fusion protein kept the activity of its parental proteins. Furthermore, BALB/c mice were vaccinated by the chimeric gene. ELISA, cell microculture neutralization test in vitro were used to detect the humoral immune response in immunized BALB/c mice. Lymphocyte proliferation assay was used to detect the cellular immune response.- The results showed that the chimeric gene could simultaneously evoke specific antibody against G2 glycoprotein and IL-2. And the immunized mice of every group elicited neutralizing antibodies with different titers. Lymphocyte proliferation assay results showed that the stimulation indexes of splenocytes of chimeric gene to G2 and IL-2 were significantly higher than that of other groups. Our results suggest that IL-2-based HTNV G2 DNA can induce both humoral and cellular immune response specific for HTNV G2 and can be a candidate DNA vaccine for HTNV infection.
A negative modulatory role for rho and rho-associated kinase signaling in delamination of neural crest cells
Authors: Groysman Maya , Shoval Irit , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: October 2008

Background

Neural crest progenitors arise as epithelial cells and then undergo a process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition that precedes the generation of cellular motility and subsequent migration. We aim at understanding the underlying molecular network. Along this line, possible roles of Rho GTPases that act as molecular switches to control a variety of signal transduction pathways remain virtually unexplored, as are putative interactions between Rho proteins and additional known components of this cascade.

Results

We investigated the role of Rho/Rock signaling in neural crest delamination. Active RhoA and RhoB are expressed in the membrane of epithelial progenitors and are downregulated upon delamination. In vivo loss-of-function of RhoA or RhoB or of overall Rho signaling by C3 transferase enhanced and/or triggered premature crest delamination yet had no effect on cell specification. Consistently, treatment of explanted neural primordia with membrane-permeable C3 or with the Rock inhibitor Y27632 both accelerated and enhanced crest emigration without affecting cell proliferation. These treatments altered neural crest morphology by reducing stress fibers, focal adhesions and downregulating membrane-bound N-cadherin. Reciprocally, activation of endogenous Rho by lysophosphatidic acid inhibited emigration while enhancing the above. Since delamination is triggered by BMP and requires G1/S transition, we examined their relationship with Rho. Blocking Rho/Rock function rescued crest emigration upon treatment with noggin or with the G1/S inhibitor mimosine. In the latter condition, cells emigrated while arrested at G1. Conversely, BMP4 was unable to rescue cell emigration when endogenous Rho activity was enhanced by lysophosphatidic acid.

Conclusion

Rho-GTPases, through Rock, act downstream of BMP and of G1/S transition to negatively regulate crest delamination by modifying cytoskeleton assembly and intercellular adhesion.
Serum levels of biomarkers of bone and cartilage destruction and new bone formation in different cohorts of patients with axial spondyloarthritis with and without tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocker treatment
Authors: Appel Heiner , Janssen Louise , Listing Joachim , Heydrich René , Rudwaleit Martin , Sieper Joachim
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Recent data about radiographic progression during treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blocker agents in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have prompted an intensive discussion about the link between inflammation/bone destruction and new bone formation and the order of events. Therefore, we analysed parameters of cartilage degradation, neoangiogenesis, and new bone formation in different cohorts of patients with axial spondyloarthritis with and without treatment with TNF-α blocker agents.

Method

TNF-α blocker-naïve AS patients were investigated for serum levels of metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) (n = 71), vasoendothelial growth factor (VEGF) (n = 50), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (n = 71) at baseline and after 1 and 2 years. This was compared with 34 adalimumab-treated patients with axial spondyloarthritis (22 AS and 12 non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients) before and after 36 to 52 weeks of treatment.

Results

There were no significant changes in serum levels of MMP-3 (P > 0.05), VEGF (P > 0.05), and BALP (P > 0.05) in a large cohort of TNF-α blocker-naïve AS patients followed for 2 years. In contrast, adalimumab-treated spondyloarthritis (AS and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis) patients had a significant decrease of VEGF (P < 0.001) and MMP-3 (P = 0.022) after 36 to 52 weeks of therapy. Most interestingly, the level of BALP increased significantly after 36 to 52 weeks of therapy (P < 0.001). A decrease in MMP-3 serum levels correlated significantly to an increase of BALP (r = -0.398, P = 0.02). In the case of VEGF, there was a negative correlation without significance (r = -0.214, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Rising levels of BALP and the negative correlation between MMP-3 and BALP in spondyloarthritis patients with TNF-α blocker treatment indicate that new bone formation in AS occurs if inflammation is successfully treated and might be part of a healing process.
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates canonical Wnt–β-catenin signaling by inactivation of GSK3β
Authors: Bikkavilli Rama Kamesh , Feigin Michael E. , Malbon Craig C.
Published: October 2008

The Wnt–β-catenin canonical signaling pathway is crucial for normal embryonic development, and aberrant expression of components of this pathway results in oncogenesis. Upon scanning for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways that might intersect with the canonical Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway in response to Wnt3a, we observed a strong activation of p38 MAPK in mouse F9 teratocarcinoma cells. Wnt3a-induced p38 MAPK activation was sensitive to siRNAs against Gαq or Gαs, but not against either Gαo or Gα11. Activation of p38 MAPK is critical for canonical Wnt–β-catenin signaling. Chemical inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB203580 or SB239063) and expression of a dominant negative-version of p38 MAPK attenuate Wnt3a-induced accumulation of β-catenin, Lef/Tcf-sensitive gene activation, and primitive endoderm formation. Furthermore, epistasis experiments pinpoint p38 MAPK as operating downstream of Dishevelleds. We also demonstrate that chemical inhibition of p38 MAPK restores Wnt3a-attenuated GSK3β kinase activity. We demonstrate the involvement of G-proteins and Dishevelleds in Wnt3a-induced p38 MAPK activation, highlighting a critical role for p38 MAPK in canonical Wnt–β-catenin signaling.
Ligand modulation of REV-ERBα function resets the peripheral circadian clock in a phasic manner
Authors: Meng Qing Jun , McMaster Andrew , Beesley Stephen , Lu Wei Qun , Gibbs Julie , Parks Derek , Collins Jon , Farrow Stuart , Donn Rachelle , Ray David , Loudon Andrew
Published: October 2008

The nuclear receptor REV-ERBα is a key negative-feedback regulator of the biological clock. REV-ERBα binds to ROR elements of the Bmal1 (Arntl) promoter and represses Bmal1 transcription. This stabilizing negative loop is important for precise control of the circadian pacemaker. In the present study, we identified a novel synthetic REV-ERBα ligand, which enhances the recruitment of nuclear receptor co-repressor (NCoR) to REV-ERBα. In order to explore REV-ERBα action on resetting responses of the molecular clock, we first established the rhythmic transcription profile and expression level of REV-ERBα in Rat-1 fibroblasts. When applied at different phases of the circadian oscillation to cell models containing stably transfected Bmal1::Luc or Per2::Luc, the REV-ERBα ligand induced phase-dependent bi-directional phase shifts. When the phase changes were plotted against time, a clear phase response curve was revealed, with a significant peak-to-trough amplitude of ca. 5 hours. The phase-resetting effect was also observed when the compound was applied to primary lung fibroblasts and ectopic lung slices from transgenic PER2::Luc mice. Therefore, similar regulation of REV-ERBα function by endogenous ligands, such as heme, is likely to be an important mechanism for clock resetting. In addition, we identify a new means to generate phasic shifts in the clock.
Flagellum elongation is required for correct structure, orientation and function of the flagellar pocket in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Absalon Sabrina , Blisnick Thierry , Bonhivers Mélanie , Kohl Linda , Cayet Nadège , Toutirais Géraldine , Buisson Johanna , Robinson Derrick , Bastin Philippe
Published: October 2008

In trypanosomes, the flagellum is rooted in the flagellar pocket, a surface micro-domain that is the sole site for endocytosis and exocytosis. By analysis of anterograde or retrograde intraflagellar transport in IFT88RNAi or IFT140RNAi mutant cells, we show that elongation of the new flagellum is not required for flagellar pocket formation but is essential for its organisation, orientation and function. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the flagellar pocket exhibited a modified shape (smaller, distorted and/or deeper) in cells with abnormally short or no flagella. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of intact and detergent-extracted cells demonstrated that the orientation of the flagellar pocket collar was more variable in trypanosomes with short flagella. The structural protein BILBO1 was present but its localisation and abundance was altered. The membrane flagellar pocket protein CRAM leaked out of the pocket and reached the short flagella. CRAM also accumulated in intracellular compartments, indicating defects in routing of resident flagellar pocket proteins. Perturbations of vesicular trafficking were obvious; vesicles were observed in the lumen of the flagellar pocket or in the short flagella, and fluid-phase endocytosis was drastically diminished in non-flagellated cells. We propose a model to explain the role of flagellum elongation in correct flagellar pocket organisation and function.
Localized expression of an Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor at the myoendothelial junction selectively regulates heterocellular Ca2+ communication
Authors: Isakson Brant E.
Published: October 2008

Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] originating in the vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs) has been shown to modulate the Ca2+ stores in endothelial cells (ECs). However, the reverse is not found, suggesting that Ins(1,4,5)P3 movement might be unidirectional across gap junctions at the myoendothelial junction (MEJ), or that distribution of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor [Ins(1,4,5)P3-R] is different between the two cell types. To study trans-junctional communication at the MEJ, we used a vascular-cell co-culture model system and selectively modified the connexin composition in gap junctions in the two cell types. We found no correlation between modification of connexin expression and Ins(1,4,5)P3 signaling between ECs and VSMCs. We next explored the distribution of Ins(1,4,5)P3-R isoforms in the two cell types and found that Ins(1,4,5)P3-R1 was selectively localized to the EC side of the MEJ. Using siRNA, selective knockdown of Ins(1,4,5)P3-R1 in ECs eliminated the secondary Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced response in these cells. By contrast, siRNA knockdown of Ins(1,4,5)P3-R2 or Ins(1,4,5)P3-R3 in ECs did not alter the EC response to VSMC stimulation. The addition of 5-phosphatase inhibitor (5-PI) to ECs that were transfected with Ins(1,4,5)P3-R1 siRNA rescued the Ins(1,4,5)P3 response, indicating that metabolic degradation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 is an important part of EC-VSMC coupling. To test this concept, VSMCs were loaded with 5-PI and BAPTA-loaded ECs were stimulated, inducing an Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated response in VSMCs; this indicated that Ins(1,4,5)P3 is bidirectional across the gap junction at the MEJ. Therefore, localization of Ins(1,4,5)P3-R1 on the EC side of the MEJ allows the ECs to respond to Ins(1,4,5)P3 from VSMCs, whereas Ins(1,4,5)P3 moving from ECs to VSMCs is probably metabolized before binding to a receptor. This data implicates the MEJ as being a unique cell-signaling domain in the vasculature.
Numerical analysis of track: Structure interaction and time domain resonance
Authors: Petrangeli M , Tamagno C , Tortolini P
Published: October 2008

This paper illustrates the mechanics of track—structure interaction and resonance, and the finite-element (FE) modelling of railway girders subjected to combined live and thermal loadings. The numerical analysis makes use of the recent insertion of a ballast FE into the FE code FIBRE. The element complies with the Italian railway specifications and has been tested and validated accordingly. The program, originally developed to model the seismic (dynamic) response of civil structures, can perform step-by-step non-linear analyses in the time domain using a state-of-the-art library of fibre beam-column elements and other bridge dedicated FEs such as frictional bearing, gap, tendons, etc. Following the implementation of the ballast element, the non-linear static and dynamic responses of railway bridges can be analysed considering the track—structure interaction effects. With the same FE mesh, temperature effects, quasi-static, and dynamic (resonant) response under live loading as well as seismic response of bridge structures can now be analysed with a unified approach. In all these cases, the continuous welded rail significantly modifies the response of railway bridges, especially in the small to medium span range. After discussing the new ballast FE, a numerical case study is presented showing all the different types of analyses that can be performed with the program. The principal mechanisms governing the response of railway girders and bridges are discussed showing the stress—strain time histories of the principal bridge elements.
Holistic procedure for rail maintenance in Sweden
Authors: Kumar S , Espling U , Kumar U
Published: October 2008

The paper discusses a procedure for systematic and holistic (considering most of the factors influencing the rail degradation process) analysis and prediction of rail failures so that rail maintenance can be performed effectively. The current rail maintenance and reporting procedure followed by Banverket (Swedish National Rail Administration) for the Swedish Iron Ore Line is also described. The necessary data required to perform analysis and prediction of failures are discussed along with the improvement areas in Banverket's database management system.

This paper will help the infrastructure managers to better understand the existing rail maintenance procedure, and the improvements which can be incorporated in the existing procedure to make it more effective.
Hydrogen-bond-supported 3D Networks: Two Different Polymeric Structures Featuring Chlorine Atoms as Ligands and as Anions and Investigations as Epoxide Catalysts
Authors: Luan Yi , Wang Ge , Luck Rudy L , Wang Yingnan , Xiao Han , Ding Hangjun
Published: October 2008

Two novel hydrogen-bonded network polymers, [MoO2Cl2(H2O)2]2[4,4′-H2bipy]2+·2Cl− (1) and [MoO2Cl4]2−[4,4′-H2bipy]2+ (2) [bipy = bipyridine] contained different three-dimensional NH···Cl hydrogen-bonded arrangements resulting in different polymeric structures; complex 1 or 2 as catalytic precursor, H2O2 as a source of oxygen and NaHCO3 as cocatalyst showed great efficiency for the epoxidation of olefinic compounds under ambient conditions.
Preparation of Monodisperse Polystyrene Particles from Emulsifier-free Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhang Sen , Wang Mozhen , Ge Xuewu
Published: October 2008

This work reports a new way to prepare monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles by emulsifier-free miniemulsion polymerization. Only a small concentration (1.9×10−3 g/mL) of potassium persulfate (KPS) is needed to initiate the polymerization of styrene (St) to produce a certain amount of PS oligomer, which can be utilized to form a stable miniemulsion. Subsequently, the St monomers polymerize by a droplet nucleation mechanism. The particle number keeps constant before and after polymerization.
Synthesis of Enantiomorphic Excessive Helical Mesoporous Silicas Using Chiral Molecular Dopants
Authors: Hu Yifan , Yuan Pei , Zhao Lingzhi , Zhou Liang , Wang Yunhua , Yu Chengzhong
Published: October 2008

Both left-handed and right-handed enantiomorphic excessive helical mesoporous silicas have been selectively synthesized using achiral cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a liquid-crystal template and chiral organic dopants as handedness-inducing agents.
Self-assembling of Cholesterol-appended Benzothiadiazole Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Ishi-i Tsutomu , Nakamura Nozomi , Esaki Naoyuki , Amemori Shogo
Published: October 2008

Cholesterol-appended benzothiadiazole fluorescent dyes were self-assembled to form aggregates through van der Waals interactions among the cholesterol moieties, hydrogen-bonding interactions among the carbamate moieties, and π-stacking interactions among the benzothiadiazole moieties.