bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromycetes Hazardous to Human Health in Buildings of Various Age and Use in Vilnius
Authors: Lugauskas A. , Jaskelevičius B.
Published: September 2007

In 2001—2005, the mycological condition of some brick, block and wooden buildings used for different purposes in Vilnius has been investigated. Micromycetes are isolated and identified from walls, ceilings, various pieces of equipment, air and dust. The majority of them belong to the Mitosporic fungi group. The degree of their spread and their potential hazard to those living, working or visiting the buildings are discussed. Factors stimulating the development and spread of micromycetes in the various buildings as well as measures to suppress or eliminate their development are examined. Improvement of the conditions in the premises is regarded as essential to reduce the hazard of clinical problems including respiratory disorders, asthma, allergies, skin diseases and mycoses.
Policy and Built Environment Changes in Bogotá and their Importance in Health Promotion
Authors: Parra Diana , Gomez Luis , Pratt Michael , Sarmiento Olga L. , Mosquera Janeth , Triche Elizabeth
Published: September 2007

There is an increasing interest in establishing the influence of urban environments on health. The importance of changes to environmental policy in order to promote physical activity has been emphasized during recent years. Bogotá, the capital of Columbia, is recognized as a Latin American leader in its creation of a more activity friendly environment. The city has undergone a number of urban and social changes which have resulted in a positive effect on the recovery of public spaces, access to recreational facilities, and promotion of non-motorized and public transportation options. These changes may have enhanced perceptions of quality of life and facilitated increased physical activity. The experience of Bogotá could be used as a potential example for leaders of other cities to encourage similar programs.
Biological Hazards in Tannery Workers
Authors: Özdilli Kürşat , Işsever Halim , Özyildirim Bedia Ayhan , Hapçioglu Bilge , Ince Nurhan , Ince Haluk , Yeğenoğlu Yildiz , Susever Serdar , Erelel Mustafa , Işik Erol , Gedikoğlu Gündüz
Published: September 2007

A total of 431 workers from 14 leather factories located in the Tuzla Organized Industry Region, Istanbul were involved in the study. Subjects were interviewed and examined individually with regard to asthma symptoms. Physical examinations were undertaken and respiratory function measured by spirometer. Moreover, the atmosphere of the working areas in the factories was assessed microbiologically. The fungal genera most often detected were Penicillium spp., followed by Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Scopulariopsis spp., and Cladosporium spp. multiplying at differing rates. The number of those physically examined with indications of peripheral respiratory obstruction was 176 (40.8%) while those with suspected asthma following questioning was 153 (35.5%). The obstruction demonstrated by the use of respiratory function tests was associated with the mold isolated from the environment and was included in the logistic model that was developed as a risk factor for increasing obstruction. Workers employed in tanneries encounter many health problems. These may be reduced by: improving the factory environment, environmental control of allergens, elimination of allergen reservoirs, control of humidity and reducing exposure to excessive heat or cold. In addition there should be air filtration and vacuum cleaning to control dust mites and control of other workplace risks not necessarily associated with tanning. Importantly, workers should have medical examinations before employment and periodic examinations during training and employment to reduce the risk of occupational diseases to a minimum.
Coping with `forbidden love' and loveless marriage Educated Bedouin women from the Negev
Authors: Abu-Rabia-Queder Sarab
Published: September 2007

The issue of love and marriage is considered a taboo topic that has not yet been researched in the Bedouin community in Israel. This is especially true of the subjective experience of Bedouin women. This article describes the encounter of Bedouin women, who were the first in their tribes to study in higher education institutions, with the issue of love connections with men from `forbidden tribes' and other difficult marital situations arising from their education and employment opportunities. I describe several types of marital situations created by this encounter: `tragic heroines', `matchless women' and `women ahead of their times', the common theme being that all these women had to sacrifice their emotions for the sake of their independence. I describe their ways of struggling in terms of splitting mechanisms that shift between attachment and detachment of body-mind, reason-emotion and public-private spheres on two levels: behavior and consciousness.
Incumbent Vulnerability and Challenger Entry in Statewide Elections
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey
Published: September 2007

Prior studies of challenger entry in Senate and gubernatorial elections provide inconclusive evidence that challengers consider incumbents' electoral vulnerability when deciding whether to run. The reason for this is primarily methodological: These studies analyze only general-election challengers, and in so doing overlook the dominant share of candidates who enter races. Additionally, the manner in which incumbent vulnerability affects challenger entry varies with the challenger's party status and electoral strength. Incumbent-party challengers run against incumbents who did poorly in the previous primary election, whereas out-party challengers run against incumbents who did poorly in the previous general election. Finally, the entry decisions of weak out-party challengers are not directly related to incumbent vulnerability; rather, they avoid facing strong out-party challengers in the primary election. These hypotheses are tested using data from Senate and gubernatorial elections from 1976 to 1998; the hypotheses are supported.
To measure or not to measure? Reviewing the assessment of spirituality and religion in health-related quality of life
Authors: O'Connell Kathryn A. , Skevington Suzanne M.
Published: September 2007

Measures of quality of life have not conventionally or routinely included concepts of spirituality, religion, or existential wellbeing. Although spirituality has been seen as irrelevant, or difficult to measure, a growing body of peer-reviewed articles point to a positive and important relationship between spiritual beliefs and other domains of quality of life in health. Following a discussion of current theoretical issues surrounding the inclusion of these generic concepts, we select and review seven quality-of-life assessments in health that provide a spiritual and/or religious dimension, and evaluate each in psychometric terms. Such information could be useful to clinicians working in chronic illness, surgery and terminal care, who seek concept clarification before using an assessment that includes a spiritual domain.
A review of the cost-effectiveness of face-to-face behavioural interventions for smoking, physical activity, diet and alcohol
Authors: Gordon L. , Graves N. , Hawkes A. , Eakin E.
Published: September 2007

Objective: To assess the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of health behaviour interventions that address the major behavioural risk factors for chronic disease, including smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, and alcohol misuse.

Methods: Medical and economic databases were searched for relevant economic evaluations. Studies were critically appraised using a published 35-point checklist, and the results are described using a narrative approach, noting methodological limitations. The review included 64 studies from 1995—2005, including 17 reports on multiple behaviour interventions.

Results: There was considerable variation among the studies by target populations, intervention components, primary outcomes, and economic methods, but the reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were consistently low (e.g. <14,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained for smoking-cessation programmes in 2006 Euros) as compared to certain preventive pharmaceutical and invasive interventions. Interventions targeting high-risk-population subgroups were relatively better value for money as compared to those targeting general populations.

Discussion: In general, the results of this review demonstrate favourable cost-effectiveness for smoking interventions, physical activity interventions and multiple behaviour interventions in high-risk groups. Although alcohol and dietary interventions appeared to be economically favourable, it is difficult to draw conclusions because of the variety in study outcomes. However, methodological limitations weaken the generalizability of findings, and suggest that the results of any given study should be considered carefully when being used to inform resource allocation.
Living and working with sickness: a qualitative study
Authors: Edwards Suzanne , Gabbay Mark
Published: September 2007

Objectives: To explore patients' views and experiences of long-term sickness absence, and their attitudes with regard to return to work.

Methods: The study design and analysis were guided by a narrative psychology perspective. In-depth, biographical narrative interviews were conducted with 26 individuals, aged between 30 and 65 years, who had been certified absent for longer than 6 weeks. Follow-up data were collected at 12 months. The narrative analysis techniques used were holistic content, holistic form, categorical content, and categorical form. This paper illustrates our findings obtained mainly using the holistic-form approach.

Results: Long-term absence reduces attachment to work and impacts on work identity. Three distinct narrative patterns emerged from the data analysis. The first was `uncomplicated absence', usually triggered by an acute event with an uncomplicated resolution; the second, `complicated absence', typically involved gradually deteriorating health and social complications with a less predictable recovery; the third pattern, `sustained absence', was associated with chronic deterioration in health, often complex and multidimensional in nature. These three patterns offer an insight into how well individuals are coping with their underlying health condition.

Conclusions: Narrative analysis tools could be developed to help identify those patients who would: (1) respond favourably to `return to work' interventions; or (2) benefit from additional health service support.
Effects of erythropoietin on advanced pulmonary vascular remodelling
Authors: van Albada M. E. , du Marchie Sarvaas G. J. , Koster J. , Houwertjes M. C. , Berger R. M. F. , Schoemaker R. G.
Published: September 2007

Erythropoietin (EPO) mobilises endothelial progenitor cells and promotes neovascularisation in heart failure. The present authors studied the effects of EPO on pulmonary vascular and cardiac remodelling in a model for flow-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

PAH was induced in adult male Wistar rats by the injection of monocrotaline combined with an abdominal aortocaval shunt 1 week later (PAH or experimental group). Immediately afterwards, rats were randomised into those who received treatment with EPO (PAH+EPO group) and controls. Pulmonary and systemic haemodynamics, and right ventricular and pulmonary vascular remodelling were evaluated 3 weeks later.

Vascular occlusion of the intra-acinar pulmonary vessels (13.4±0.7versus16.7±1.3% in PAH+EPO and PAH, respectively) and medial wall thickness of the pre-acinar arteries (wall-to-lumen ratio 0.13±0.01versus0.17±0.01 in PAH+EPO and PAH, respectively) decreased after treatment with EPO. Moreover, right ventricular capillary density was increased by therapy (2,322±61versus2,100±63 capillaries·mm−2in PAH+EPO and PAH, respectively). Increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure and decreased right ventricular contractility in the model were not altered by EPO treatment.

In this rat model of flow-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, erythropoietin treatment beneficially affected pulmonary vascular and cardiac remodelling. These histopathological effects were not accompanied by significantly improved haemodynamics.
Postconditioning with a volatile anaesthetic in alveolar epithelial cellsin vitro
Authors: Yue T. , Roth Z'graggen B. , Blumenthal S. , Neff S. B. , Reyes L. , Booy C. , Steurer M. , Spahn D. R. , Neff T. A. , Schmid E. R. , Beck-Schimmer B.
Published: September 2007

Acute lung injury is a common complication in critically ill patients. The present study examined possible immunomodulating effects of the volatile anaesthetic sevoflurane on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated alveolar epithelial cells (AEC)in vitro.

Sevoflurane was applied after the onset of injury, simulating a “postconditioning” scenario. Rat AEC were stimulated with LPS for 2 h, followed by a 4-h co-exposure to a CO2/air mixture with sevoflurane 2.2 volume %; control cells were exposed to the CO2/air mixture only. Cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, as well as the potential protective mediators inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)2 and heat shock protein (HSP)-32, were analysed. Additionally, functional assays (chemotaxis, adherence and cytotoxicity assay) were performed.

A significant reduction of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated, sevoflurane-exposed AEC was found, leading to reduced chemotaxis, neutrophil adherence and neutrophil-induced AEC killing. While iNOS2 was increased in the sevoflurane group, blocking experiments with iNOS2 inhibitor did not affect sevoflurane-induced decrease of inflammatory mediators and AEC killing. Interestingly, sevoflurane treatment also resulted in an enhanced expression of HSP-32.

The data presented in the current study provide strong evidence that anaesthetic postconditioning with sevoflurane mediates cytoprotection in the respiratory compartment in anin vitromodel of acute lung injury.
From registry to quality management: the German Cystic Fibrosis Quality Assessment project 1995–2006
Authors: Stern M. , Wiedemann B. , Wenzlaff P.
Published: September 2007

Since 1995, the German Cystic Fibrosis Quality Assessment project has collected demographic data and outcome parameters. It aims to develop tools for quality management.

The basic data of 6,835 patients has been collected annually by 93 centres. Weight for height and body mass index (BMI) indicated nutritional status, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) served as the central respiratory parameter. Data on mortality and survival were calculated.

The mean age of all patients has increased from 13.9 yrs in 1995 to 17.7 yrs in 2005, and the percentage of adult patients has increased from 28.4 to 43.4%. Benchmarking diagrams and centre reports indicated considerable differences between the centres. The achievement of basic aims at the age of 6, 12 and 18 yrs indicated a positive development in 1995 to 2005. In 2005, median age at death was 23.7 yrs and the median cumulative survival was 37.4 yrs. Mortality correlated with a BMI <19 kg·m−2and an FEV1<80%. No sex gap in mortality was detected.

“Learning from the best” is now possible. Further improvements in the system of cystic fibrosis care are required, such as: defining alarm signals for early treatment; involvement of patients and their families in quality management; auditing; benchmarking; and in-house training.
Elevated healthcare utilisation in young adult males with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Reuveni H. , Greenberg-Dotan S. , Simon-Tuval T. , Oksenberg A. , Tarasiuk A.
Published: September 2007

The aim of the present study was to explore morbidity and healthcare utilisation among young adult males with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) compared with middle-aged OSA patients over the 5-yr period preceding diagnosis.

A prospective case–control study was performed; 117 young (22–39-yr-old) males with OSA were matched with 117 middle-aged (40–64-yr-old) OSA males for body mass index, apnoea/hypopnoea index, arterial oxygen saturation, arousal and awakening index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score. Each OSA patient was matched with controls by age, geographic area and physician.

Young adult males with OSA showed no increase in specific comorbidity compared with controls. Middle-aged OSA patients exhibited increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare utilisation for the 5-yr period was ≥1.9 times higher among young and middle-aged male OSA patients than among controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that hyperlipidaemia in young adults and a body mass index of >37 kg·m−2and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged adults are the only independent determinants of the upper third, most costly, OSA patients.

Compared with middle-aged males with obstructive sleep apnoea, in whom increased expenditure was related to cardiovascular disease and body mass index, utilisation was not related to any specific disease in younger cases.
Estimation of the number of extreme pathways for metabolic networks
Authors: Yeung Matthew , Thiele Ines , Palsson Bernard Ø
Published: September 2007

Background

The set of extreme pathways (ExPa), {p

i
}, defines the convex basis vectors used for the mathematical characterization of the null space of the stoichiometric matrix for biochemical reaction networks. ExPa analysis has been used for a number of studies to determine properties of metabolic networks as well as to obtain insight into their physiological and functional states in silico. However, the number of ExPas, p = |{p

i
}|, grows with the size and complexity of the network being studied, and this poses a computational challenge. For this study, we investigated the relationship between the number of extreme pathways and simple network properties.

Results

We established an estimating function for the number of ExPas using these easily obtainable network measurements. In particular, it was found that log [p] had an exponential relationship with

log

[

∑

i
=
1

R

d

−
i

d

+
i

c
i

]

MathType@MTEF@5@5@+=feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfKttLearuWrP9MDH5MBPbIqV92AaeXatLxBI9gBaebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8akY=wiFfYdH8Gipec8Eeeu0xXdbba9frFj0=OqFfea0dXdd9vqai=hGuQ8kuc9pgc9s8qqaq=dirpe0xb9q8qiLsFr0=vr0=vr0dc8meaabaqaciaacaGaaeqabaqabeGadaaakeaacyGGSbaBcqGGVbWBcqGGNbWzdaWadaqaamaaqadabaGaemizaq2aaSbaaSqaaiabgkHiTmaaBaaameaacqWGPbqAaeqaaaWcbeaakiabdsgaKnaaBaaaleaacqGHRaWkdaWgaaadbaGaemyAaKgabeaaaSqabaGccqWGJbWydaWgaaWcbaGaemyAaKgabeaaaeaacqWGPbqAcqGH9aqpcqaIXaqmaeaacqWGsbGua0GaeyyeIuoaaOGaay5waiaaw2faaaaa@4414@

, where R = |R

eff
| is the number of active reactions in a network,

d

−
i

MathType@MTEF@5@5@+=feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfKttLearuWrP9MDH5MBPbIqV92AaeXatLxBI9gBaebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8akY=wiFfYdH8Gipec8Eeeu0xXdbba9frFj0=OqFfea0dXdd9vqai=hGuQ8kuc9pgc9s8qqaq=dirpe0xb9q8qiLsFr0=vr0=vr0dc8meaabaqaciaacaGaaeqabaqabeGadaaakeaacqWGKbazdaWgaaWcbaGaeyOeI0YaaSbaaWqaaiabdMgaPbqabaaaleqaaaaa@30A9@

and

d

+
i

MathType@MTEF@5@5@+=feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfKttLearuWrP9MDH5MBPbIqV92AaeXatLxBI9gBaebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8akY=wiFfYdH8Gipec8Eeeu0xXdbba9frFj0=OqFfea0dXdd9vqai=hGuQ8kuc9pgc9s8qqaq=dirpe0xb9q8qiLsFr0=vr0=vr0dc8meaabaqaciaacaGaaeqabaqabeGadaaakeaacqWGKbazdaWgaaWcbaGaey4kaSYaaSbaaWqaaiabdMgaPbqabaaaleqaaaaa@309E@

the incoming and outgoing degrees of the reactions r

i
∈ R

eff
, and c

i
the clustering coefficient for each active reaction.

Conclusion

This relationship typically gave an estimate of the number of extreme pathways to within a factor of 10 of the true number. Such a function providing an estimate for the total number of ExPas for a given system will enable researchers to decide whether ExPas analysis is an appropriate investigative tool.
Origin and distribution of epipolythiodioxopiperazine (ETP) gene clusters in filamentous ascomycetes
Authors: Patron Nicola J , Waller Ross F , Cozijnsen Anton J , Straney David C , Gardiner Donald M , Nierman William C , Howlett Barbara J
Published: September 2007

Background

Genes responsible for biosynthesis of fungal secondary metabolites are usually tightly clustered in the genome and co-regulated with metabolite production. Epipolythiodioxopiperazines (ETPs) are a class of secondary metabolite toxins produced by disparate ascomycete fungi and implicated in several animal and plant diseases. Gene clusters responsible for their production have previously been defined in only two fungi. Fungal genome sequence data have been surveyed for the presence of putative ETP clusters and cluster data have been generated from several fungal taxa where genome sequences are not available. Phylogenetic analysis of cluster genes has been used to investigate the assembly and heredity of these gene clusters.

Results

Putative ETP gene clusters are present in 14 ascomycete taxa, but absent in numerous other ascomycetes examined. These clusters are discontinuously distributed in ascomycete lineages. Gene content is not absolutely fixed, however, common genes are identified and phylogenies of six of these are separately inferred. In each phylogeny almost all cluster genes form monophyletic clades with non-cluster fungal paralogues being the nearest outgroups. This relatedness of cluster genes suggests that a progenitor ETP gene cluster assembled within an ancestral taxon. Within each of the cluster clades, the cluster genes group together in consistent subclades, however, these relationships do not always reflect the phylogeny of ascomycetes. Micro-synteny of several of the genes within the clusters provides further support for these subclades.

Conclusion

ETP gene clusters appear to have a single origin and have been inherited relatively intact rather than assembling independently in the different ascomycete lineages. This progenitor cluster has given rise to a small number of distinct phylogenetic classes of clusters that are represented in a discontinuous pattern throughout ascomycetes. The disjunct heredity of these clusters is discussed with consideration to multiple instances of independent cluster loss and lateral transfer of gene clusters between lineages.
High variability and non-neutral evolution of the mammalian avpr1a gene
Authors: Fink Sabine , Excoffier Laurent , Heckel Gerald
Published: September 2007

Background

The arginine-vasopressin 1a receptor has been identified as a key determinant for social behaviour inMicrotusvoles, humans and other mammals. Nevertheless, the genetic bases of complex phenotypic traits like differences in social and mating behaviour among species and individuals remain largely unknown. Contrary to previous studies focusing on differences in the promotor region of the gene, we investigate here the level of functional variation in the coding region (exon 1) of this locus.

Results

We detected high sequence diversity between higher mammalian taxa as well as between species of the genusMicrotus. This includes length variation and radical amino acid changes, as well as the presence of distinct protein variants within individuals. Additionally, negative selection prevails on most parts of the first exon of thearginine-vasopressin receptor 1a (avpr1a)gene but it contains regions with higher rates of change that harbour positively selected sites. Synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates in theavpr1agene are not exceptional compared to other genes, but they exceed those found in related hormone receptors with similar functions.

Discussion

These results stress the importance of considering variation in the coding sequence ofavpr1ain regards to associations with life history traits (e.g. social behaviour, mating system, habitat requirements) of voles, other mammals and humans in particular.
Ciclesonide uptake and metabolism in human alveolar type II epithelial cells (A549)
Authors: Nonaka Takashi , Nave Rüdiger , McCracken Nigel , Kawashimo Atsuko , Katsuura Yasuhiro
Published: September 2007

Background

Ciclesonide is a novel inhaled corticosteroid for the treatment of airway inflammation. In this study we investigated uptake and in vitro metabolism of ciclesonide in human alveolar type II epithelial cells (A549). Ciclesonide uptake was compared with fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid that is not metabolized in lung tissue. A549 cells were incubated with 2 × 10-8 M ciclesonide or fluticasone propionate for 3 to 30 min to determine uptake; or with 2 × 10-8 M ciclesonide for 1 h, followed by incubation with drug-free buffer for 3, 6, and 24 h to analyze in vitro metabolism. High performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the concentrations of both corticosteroids and metabolites.

Results

At all time points the mean intracellular concentration was higher for ciclesonide when compared with fluticasone propionate. Activation of ciclesonide to desisobutyryl-ciclesonide (des-CIC) was confirmed and conjugates of des-CIC with fatty acids were detected. The intracellular concentration of ciclesonide decreased over time, whereas the concentration of des-CIC remained relatively stable: 2.27 to 3.19 pmol/dish between 3 and 24 h. The concentration of des-CIC fatty acid conjugates increased over time, with des-CIC-oleate being the main metabolite.

Conclusion

Uptake of ciclesonide into A549 cells was more efficient than that of the less lipophilic fluticasone propionate. Intracellular concentrations of the pharmacologically active metabolite des-CIC were maintained for up to 24 h. The local anti-inflammatory activity of ciclesonide in the lung may be prolonged by the slow release of active drug from the depot of fatty acid esters.
Milk consumption and the prepubertal somatotropic axis
Authors: Rich-Edwards Janet W , Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Pollak Michael N , Nakamoto Erika K , Kleinman Ken , Tserendolgor Uush , Willett Walter C , Frazier A Lindsay
Published: September 2007

Background

Nutrients, hormones and growth factors in dairy foods may stimulate growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and raise the ratio of IGF-I to its binding protein, IGFBP-3. We conducted pilot studies in Mongolia and Massachusetts to test the extent to which milk intake raised somatotropic hormone concentrations in prepubertal children.

Methods

In Ulaanbaatar, we compared plasma levels before and after introducing 710 ml daily whole milk for a month among 46 10–11 year old schoolchildren. In a randomized cross-over study in Boston, we compared plasma hormone levels of 28 6–8 year old girls after one week of drinking 710 ml lowfat (2%) milk with their hormone levels after one week of consuming a macronutrient substitute for milk.

Results

After a month of drinking whole milk, Mongolian children had higher mean plasma levels of IGF-I (p < 0.0001), IGF-I/IGFBP-3 (p < 0.0001), and 75thpercentile of GH levels (p = 0.005). After a week of drinking lowfat milk, Boston girls had small and non-significant increases in IGF-1, IGF-1/IGFBP-3 and GH.

Conclusion

Milk drinking may cause increases in somatotropic hormone levels of prepubertal girls and boys. The finding that milk intake may raise GH levels is novel, and suggests that nutrients or bioactive factors in milk may stimulate endogenous GH production.
In vitro permissivity of bovine cells for wild-type and vaccinal myxoma virus strains
Authors: Pignolet Béatrice , Duteyrat Jean-Luc , Allemandou Aude , Gelfi Jacqueline , Foucras Gilles , Bertagnoli Stéphane
Published: September 2007

Myxoma virus (MYXV), a leporide-specific poxvirus, represents an attractive candidate for the generation of safe, non-replicative vaccine vector for non-host species. However, there is very little information concerning infection of non-laboratory animals species cells with MYXV. In this study, we investigated interactions between bovine cells and respectively a wild type strain (T1) and a vaccinal strain (SG33) of MYXV. We showed that bovine KOP-R, BT and MDBK cell lines do not support MYXV production. Electron microscopy observations of BT-infected cells revealed the low efficiency of viral entry and the production of defective virions. In addition, infection of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) occurred at a very low level, even following non-specific activation, and was always abortive. We did not observe significant differences between the wild type strain and the vaccinal strain of MYXV, indicating that SG33 could be used for new bovine vaccination strategies.
Transformation of the Output of Spinal Lamina I Neurons After Nerve Injury and Microglia Stimulation Underlying Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Keller A Florence , Beggs Simon , Salter Michael W , De Koninck Yves
Published: September 2007

Background:

Disinhibition of neurons in the superficial spinal dorsal horn, via microglia – neuron signaling leading to disruption of chloride homeostasis, is a potential cellular substrate for neuropathic pain. But, a central unresolved question is whether this disinhibition can transform the activity and responses of spinal nociceptive output neurons to account for the symptoms of neuropathic pain.

Results:

Here we show that peripheral nerve injury, local spinal administration of ATP-stimulated microglia or pharmacological disruption of chloride transport change the phenotype of spinal lamina I output neurons, causing them to 1) increase the gain of nociceptive responsiveness, 2) relay innocuous mechanical input and 3) generate spontaneous bursts of activity. The changes in the electrophysiological phenotype of lamina I neurons may account for three principal components of neuropathic pain: hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain, respectively.

Conclusion:

The transformation of discharge activity and sensory specificity provides an aberrant signal in a primarily nociceptive ascending pathway that may serve as a basis for the symptoms of neuropathic pain.
Sensitive and reliable detection of Kit point mutation Asp 816 to Val in pathological material
Authors: Kähler Christian , Didlaukat Sabine , Feller Alfred C , Merz Hartmut
Published: September 2007

Background

Human mastocytosis is a heterogenous disorder which is linked to a gain-of-function mutation in the kinase domain of the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit. This D816V mutation leads to constitutive activation and phosphorylation of Kit with proliferative disorders of mast cells in the peripheral blood, skin, and spleen. Most PCR applications used so far are labour-intensive and are not adopted to daily routine in pathological laboratories. The method has to be robust and working on such different materials like archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) and blood samples. Such a method is introduced in this publication.

Methods

The Kit point mutation Asp 816 to Val is heterozygous which means a problem in detection by PCR because the wild-type allele is also amplified and the number of cells which bear the point mutation is in most of the cases low. Most PCR protocols use probes to block the wild-type allele during amplification with more or less satisfying result. This is why point-mutated forward primers were designed and tested for efficiency in amplification of the mutated allele.

Results

One primer combination (A) fits the most for the introduced PCR assay. It was able just to amplify the mutated allele with high specificity from different patient's materials (FFPE or blood) of varying quality and quantity. Moreover, the sensitivity for this assay was convincing because 10 ng of DNA which bears the point mutation could be detected in a total volume of 200 ng of DNA.

Conclusion

The PCR assay is able to deal with different materials (blood and FFPE) this means quality and quantity of DNA and can be used for high-througput screening because of its robustness. Moreover, the method is easy-to-use, not labour-intensive, and easy to realise in a standard laboratory.
Fibril specific, conformation dependent antibodies recognize a generic epitope common to amyloid fibrils and fibrillar oligomers that is absent in prefibrillar oligomers
Authors: Kayed Rakez , Head Elizabeth , Sarsoza Floyd , Saing Tommy , Cotman Carl W , Necula Mihaela , Margol Lawrence , Wu Jessica , Breydo Leonid , Thompson Jennifer L , Rasool Suhail , Gurlo Tatyana , Butler Peter , Glabe Charles G
Published: September 2007

Background

Amyloid-related degenerative diseases are associated with the accumulation of misfolded proteins as amyloid fibrils in tissue. In Alzheimer disease (AD), amyloid accumulates in several distinct types of insoluble plaque deposits, intracellular Aβ and as soluble oligomers and the relationships between these deposits and their pathological significance remains unclear. Conformation dependent antibodies have been reported that specifically recognize distinct assembly states of amyloids, including prefibrillar oligomers and fibrils.

Results

We immunized rabbits with a morphologically homogeneous population of Aβ42 fibrils. The resulting immune serum (OC) specifically recognizes fibrils, but not random coil monomer or prefibrillar oligomers, indicating fibrils display a distinct conformation dependent epitope that is absent in prefibrillar oligomers. The fibril epitope is also displayed by fibrils of other types of amyloids, indicating that the epitope is a generic feature of the polypeptide backbone. The fibril specific antibody also recognizes 100,000 × G soluble fibrillar oligomers ranging in size from dimer to greater than 250 kDa on western blots. The fibrillar oligomers recognized by OC are immunologically distinct from prefibrillar oligomers recognized by A11, even though their sizes overlap broadly, indicating that size is not a reliable indicator of oligomer conformation. The immune response to prefibrillar oligomers and fibrils is not sequence specific and antisera of the same specificity are produced in response to immunization with islet amyloid polypeptide prefibrillar oligomer mimics and fibrils. The fibril specific antibodies stain all types of amyloid deposits in human AD brain. Diffuse amyloid deposits stain intensely with anti-fibril antibody although they are thioflavin S negative, suggesting that they are indeed fibrillar in conformation. OC also stains islet amyloid deposits in transgenic mouse models of type II diabetes, demonstrating its generic specificity for amyloid fibrils.

Conclusion

Since the fibril specific antibodies are conformation dependent, sequence-independent, and recognize epitopes that are distinct from those present in prefibrillar oligomers, they may have broad utility for detecting and characterizing the accumulation of amyloid fibrils and fibrillar type oligomers in degenerative diseases.
BUILDING “CODE”: DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND CHANGE IN A PRIVATE LANGUAGE
Authors: Rowe Charley
Published: September 2007

Using primarily data collected from the discussions of two sisters over a four-month period, this article shows the development and maintenance of private language orally and in the e-mail medium. Specifically, I demonstrate how a family private language first developed orally, then rapidly expanded into a special sibling code in the e-mail environment. The results have implications for the communicative potential in interpersonal interaction, particularly in terms of how interpersonal interaction can directly affect the rapidity of language change.
A NEW GENDER-NEUTRAL PRONOUN IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Stotko Elaine M. , Troyer Margaret
Published: September 2007

This article presents data collected on the use of yo in schools in Baltimore as a new third-person singular pronoun, as in Yo handin' out papers `She (the teacher) is handing out papers' and Peep yo `Look at him'. In the spring of 2004, a number of middle and high school teachers enrolled in a graduate linguistics class for teachers noted that their students at certain city schools were using yo in place of he or she. The authors collected spontaneous occurrences of the pronoun and then designed several writing activities and sentence judgment tasks. The tasks were administered to more than 200 students in two unrelated schools in Baltimore. It was clear from the results that students in these two schools use yo as a gender-neutral third-person singular pronoun, primarily in subject position. Limited follow-up was conducted in the spring of 2007.
Spatial and temporal specification of neural fates by transcription factor codes
Authors: Guillemot François
Published: September 2007

The vertebrate central nervous system contains a great diversity of neurons and glial cells, which are generated in the embryonic neural tube at specific times and positions. Several classes of transcription factors have been shown to control various steps in the differentiation of progenitor cells in the neural tube and to determine the identity of the cells produced. Recent evidence indicates that combinations of transcription factors of the homeodomain and basic helix-loop-helix families establish molecular codes that determine both where and when the different kinds of neurons and glial cells are generated.
Wnt5a is required for proper mammary gland development and TGF-β-mediated inhibition of ductal growth
Authors: Roarty Kevin , Serra Rosa
Published: September 2007

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an essential role in growth and patterning of the mammary gland, and alterations in its signaling have been shown to illicit biphasic effects on tumor progression and metastasis. We demonstrate in mice that TGF-β (Tgfβ) regulates the expression of a non-canonical signaling member of the wingless-related protein family, Wnt5a. Loss of Wnt5a expression has been associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients; however, data are lacking with regard to a functional role for Wnt5a in mammary gland development. We show that Wnt5a is capable of inhibiting ductal extension and lateral branching in the mammary gland. Furthermore, Wnt5a-/- mammary tissue exhibits an accelerated developmental capacity compared with wild-type tissue, marked by larger terminal end buds, rapid ductal elongation, increased lateral branching and increased proliferation. Additionally, dominant-negative interference of TGF-β signaling impacts not only the expression of Wnt5a, but also the phosphorylation of discoidin domain receptor 1 (Ddr1), a receptor for collagen and downstream target of Wnt5a implicated in cell adhesion/migration. Lastly,we show that Wnt5a is required for TGF-β-mediated inhibition of ductal extension in vivo and branching in culture. This study is the first to show a requirement for Wnt5a in normal mammary development and its functional connection to TGF-β.
Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Adschiri Tadafumi
Published: September 2007

This paper summarizes specific features of supercritical hydrothermal synthesis: Namely, synthesis of nano single crystals and controllable oxidizing and reducing atmosphere. Synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles is another unique feature of this method. The synthesized hybrid nanoparticles can be dispersed in organic solvents, from which super lattice structure can be formed.
Spin States of Mono- and Dinuclear Iron(II) Complexes with Bis(imidazolylimine) Ligands
Authors: Fujita Kunihiro , Kawamoto Ryohei , Tsubouchi Ryohei , Sunatsuki Yukinari , Kojima Masaaki , Iijima Seiichiro , Matsumoto Naohide
Published: September 2007

Bis(imidazolylimine) ligands, H2LH and H2LMe, were prepared from hydrazine and 4-formylimidazole or 2-methyl-4-formylimidazole (1:2), respectively. Mononuclear iron(II) complexes, [Fe(H2LH)2](ClO4)2·MeOH and [Fe(H2LMe)2](ClO4)2·2H2O, were in the LS and HS states, respectively, in the temperature range 5–300 K. A triple-helicate [Fe2(H2LH)3](ClO4)4, showed an abrupt [LS–HS] to [HS–HS] spin transition at 240 K, while [Fe2(H2LMe)3](ClO4)4 remained in the LS state in the temperature range 5–300 K.
Adsorption of Eu3+ to smectites and fluoro-tetrasilicic mica
Authors: Okada Tomohiko , Ehara Yusuke , Ogawa Makoto
Published: September 2007

The adsorption of Eu3+ from aqueous solution to natural Na+-montmorillonite (Kunipia F), synthetic saponite (Sumecton SA) and synthetic fluoro-tetrasilicic mica (Na+-TSM) clay samples was investigated. Adsorption capacities derived from the isotherms were 1.02, 0.71 and 1.00 meq/g of clay, respectively, for Kunipia F, Sumecton SA and Na+-TSM. The adsorption capacities were comparable to the cation exchange capacities of the clays, which were 1.19, 0.71 and 0.94 meq/g of clay, respectively. The greater slope of the TSM adsorption isotherm relative to the montmorillonite and saponite isotherms indicates a high affinity of Eu3+ for Na+-TSM. The high affinity of TSM for Eu3+ was thought to be related to the large electronegativity of the octahedral fluorine groups in TSM. Photoluminescence of adsorbed Eu3+ was observed for saponite and TSM, but not for montmorillonite. Quenching of Eu3+ luminescence by Fe in the montmorillonite structure is the probable reason for this phenomenon. The luminescence intensity varied with the amount of adsorbed Eu3+ for saponite and TSM as a result of self-quenching.
Eu incorporation behavior of a Mg-Al-Cl layered double hydroxide
Authors: Curtius Hilde , Ufer Kristian
Published: September 2007

From leaching experiments with metallic uranium-aluminum research reactor fuel elements in repository-relevant MgCl2-rich salt brines, a Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) with chloride as the interlayer anion was identified as a crystalline secondary phase component. The incorporation behavior of europium into the structure of the Mg-Al-Cl LDH was investigated. Synthesis via co-precipitation was performed. The Mg-Al-Eu-Cl LDH obtained was treated with a concentrated ammonium carbonate solution. No release of Eu was detected; hence the molar stoichiometry of the LDH remained stable with respect to Mg, Al and Eu. This chemical behavior might be the first indication of the incorporation of Eu.

The material was further examined by powder X-ray diffraction. Structural parameters were obtained from comparisons of simulated and experimental diffraction patterns of a <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">CO32−${\rm{CO}}_3^{2 - }$-exchanged Mg-Al-Eu LDH and a Mg-Al LDH. The two materials showed different behaviors according to stacking order and lattice parameters. This is an indirect indication of the incorporation of Eu.
Detection of Factor VIII Gene Mutations by High-Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Laurie Andrew D , Smith Mark P , George Peter M
Published: September 2007

Background: Single base-pair substitution mutations in the gene for coagulation factor VIII, procoagulant component (hemophilia A) (F8) account for approximately 50% of severe cases of hemophilia A (HA), and almost all moderate or mild cases. Because F8 is a large gene, mutation screening using denaturing HPLC or DNA sequencing is time-consuming and expensive.

Methods: We evaluated high-resolution melting analysis as an option for screening for F8 gene mutations. The melting curves of amplicons heterozygous for known F8 gene mutations were compared with melting curves of the corresponding normal amplicons to assess whether melting analysis could detect these variants. We examined 2 platforms, the Roche LightCycler 480 (LC480) and the Idaho Technology LightScanner.

Results: On both instruments, 18 (90%) of the 20 F8 gene variants we examined were resolved by melting analysis. For the other 2 mutations, the melting curves of the heterozygous amplicons were similar to the corresponding normal amplicons, suggesting these variants may not be detected by this approach in a mutation-scanning screen.

Conclusion: High-resolution melting analysis is an appealing technology for F8 gene screening. It is rapid and quickly identifies mutations in the majority of HA patients; samples in which no mutation is detected require further testing by DNA sequencing. The LC480 and LightScanner platforms performed similarly.
Meridian-based Grouping in Overlay Networks (Meridian-basierte Gruppierung in Overlay-Netzwerken)
Authors: Scheidegger Matthias , Braun Torsten
Published: September 2007

The performance of peer-to-peer and overlay networks depends to a large extent on their awareness of the underlying network's properties. Several schemes for estimating end-to-end network distances have been proposed to simplify this task. The mOverlay framework identifies groups of nodes that are near to each other in the network topology. Instead of distances between nodes mOverlay measures distances between groups. However, mOverlay's locating procedure has a number of drawbacks. We propose an alternate method for identifying groups using Meridian's closest node search. Simulation results based on PlanetLab measurements indicate that the Meridian-based approach is able to outperform mOverlay in terms of joining delay, the size of the identified groups, and their suitability for a distance estimation service. This alternate method for identifying groups is our main contribution.
MHT: Eine mobilitätsbewusste verteilte Hash-Tabelle (MHT: A mobility-aware Distributed Hash Table)
Authors: Landsiedel Olaf , Heer Tobias , Wehrle Klaus
Published: September 2007

Mobile Ad-hoc-Netzwerke und verteilte Hash-Tabellen (DHT) besitzen ähnliche Eigenschaften in Bezug auf Selbstorganisation, Dezentralisierung, mangelnde Infrastruktur und die Notwendigkeit von Redundanz. Die hohe Knotenmobilität und die Dynamik des Netzwerks sind jedoch eine besondere Herausforderung für das Design und insbesondere für die Skalierbarkeit einer verteilten Hash-Tabelle in mobilen Ad-hoc-Netzwerken. In diesem Beitrag wird das Design einer mobilitätsbewussten verteilten Hash-Tabelle (MHT) vorgestellt. MHT ist ein mobiles, skalierbares und strukturiertes Peer-to-Peer-System, das nur wenig Informationen über die Umgebung eines Knotens im Netzwerk benötigt. Weiterhin werden Herausforderungen diskutiert, wie Churn, Lastverteilung und Sicherheit, die sich für den Einsatz einer MHT ergeben. Der besondere Schwerpunkt sind hierbei die Unterschiede, die sich zu Internet-basierten Systemen ergeben.
Benchmarking Platform for Peer-to-Peer Systems (Benchmarking Plattform für Peer-to-Peer Systeme)
Authors: Kovačević Aleksandra , Kaune Sebastian , Liebau Nicolas , Steinmetz Ralf , Mukherjee Patrick
Published: September 2007

The benefits of the peer-to-peer paradigm have been proven through various applications besides file sharing. The requirements for the design of peer-to-peer overlay networks vary according to its purpose. In order to compare existing overlay networks and determine their suitability for specific purposes, requirements are defined with abstract quality attributes. Once the benchmarking set (quality attribute, metrics, and scenarios) is identified, experiments should be applied under the same circumstances on each overlay in order to obtain comparable results. This paper presents PeerfactSim.KOM, a simulator providing a benchmarking platform for peer-to-peer systems, especially for overlay networks. It supports defined benchmarking sets for all kinds of peer-to-peer overlays through an implemented catalogue of metrics and a simple but comprehensive scenario specification. Various peer distributions and churn rates are given which also supports geographical-location dependence. The platform is extensible due to its modular design and can scale up to around 106; peers for simple overlays such as Gnutella and 105; for more complex overlays like Kademlia.