bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global diffuse distribution in the brain and efficient gene delivery to the dorsal root ganglia by intrathecal injection of adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 1
Authors: Iwamoto Naotaka , Watanabe Atsushi , Yamamoto Motoko , Miyake Noriko , Kurai Toshiyuki , Teramoto Akira , Shimada Takashi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe success of gene therapy for inherited neurodegenerative diseases such as metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) depends on the development of efficient gene delivery throughout the brain guarded by the blood–brain barrier and achieves distribution of the deficient enzyme throughout the brain. Direct injection of viral vector into the brain parenchyma is too invasive and may not be sufficient to treat the entire brain. As an alternative approach, we examined the feasibility of intrathecal (IT) injection of adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 1 (AAV1).MethodsAAV1 vector expressing arylsulfatase A (ASA) and green fluorescence protein (GFP) was intrathecally injected into ASA knockout MLD model mice. Expression of GFP was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemical methods, whereas the concentration of ASA was determined by a quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBroad distribution of GFP expression was seen throughout the brain after IT injection of AAV1 vector. In addition, a large number of nerve fibers in the dorsal spinal cord and many neural cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia were efficiently transduced. Widespread distribution of ASA activity and a significant reduction of sulfatide content were confirmed in treated MLD model mice.ConclusionsIT injection of AAV1 vector is a useful and non‐invasive method for widespread gene delivery to the brain and dorsal root ganglia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 is induced in hepatocellular carcinoma by hypoxia and promotes tumour progression
Authors: Maegdefrau Ulrike , Amann Thomas , Winklmeier Andreas , Braig Simone , Schubert Thomas , Weiss Thomas S , Schardt Katharina , Warnecke Christina , Hellerbrand Claus , Bosserhoff Anja‐Katrin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractStriking similarities exist between molecular mechanisms driving embryonic liver development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly BMP4, have been proposed to regulate embryonic hepatic development. BMP expression has been observed in neoplasia but the expression and biological role of BMP4 in human HCC are unknown. We found increased BMP4 mRNA and protein in HCC cell lines and tissue samples compared to primary human hepatocytes and corresponding non‐tumourous tissue. Hypoxia further induced BMP4 expression in HCC cells, which was abolished by transfection of a dominant negative form of HIF‐1alpha (dnHIF‐1alpha). However, gel shift assays revealed only minor binding activity in nuclear extracts from (hypoxic) HCC cells to a putative hypoxia‐response element in the BMP4 promoter. Sequence analysis of the BMP4 promoter revealed two Ets‐1 binding sites, and Ets‐1 activity was increased in HCC cells under hypoxic conditions. Transfection of dnHIF‐1alpha completely abrogated hypoxia‐induced Ets‐1 activity as well as BMP4 expression. Overexpression of Ets‐1 markedly enhanced BMP4 promoter activity, while antisense Ets‐1 almost completely abolished basal as well as hypoxia‐induced BMP4 expression. These data demonstrate that Ets‐1 activity contributes to baseline expression of the BMP4 gene and is the predominant mediator of the HIF‐dependent BMP4 induction under hypoxic conditions. To determine the functional relevance of BMP4 expression, HCC cell lines were treated with antisense BMP4 constructs or siRNA against BMP4. BMP4 suppression resulted in a strong reduction of the migratory and invasive potential and anchorage‐independent growth. Furthermore, tube formation assays indicated that BMP4 expressed by HCC cells promotes vasculogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that BMP4 is increased in HCC and promotes HCC progression. Therefore, BMP4 expression may have clinical relevance, and interfering with BMP4 signalling appears as an attractive therapeutic target for this highly aggressive tumour. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
G‐protein coupled receptor array technologies: Site directed immobilisation of liposomes containing the H1‐histamine or M2‐muscarinic receptors
Authors: Bailey Kelly , Bally Marta , Leifert Wayne , Vörös Janos , McMurchie Ted 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper describes a novel strategy to create a microarray of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), an important group of membrane proteins both physiologically and pharmacologically. The H1‐histamine receptor and the M2‐muscarinic receptor were both used as model GPCRs in this study. The receptor proteins were embedded in liposomes created from the cellular membrane extracts ofSpodoptera frugiperda(Sf9) insect cell culture line with its accompanying baculovirus protein insert used for overexpression of the receptors. Once captured onto a surface these liposomes provide a favourable lipidic environment for the integral membrane proteins. Site directed immobilisation of these liposomes was achieved by introduction of cholesterol‐modified oligonucleotides (oligos). These oligo/cholesterol conjugates incorporate within the lipid bilayer and were captured by the complementary oligo strand exposed on the surface. Sequence specific immobilisation was demonstrated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D). Confirmatory results were also obtained by monitoring fluorescent ligand binding to GPCRs captured on a spotted oligo microarray using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and the ZeptoREADER microarray imaging system. Sequence specific immobilisation of such biologically important membrane proteins could lead to the development of a heterogeneous self‐sorting liposome array of GPCRs which would underpin a variety of future novel applications.
The structure of G117H mutant of butyrylcholinesterase: Nerve agents scavenger
Authors: Amitay Moshe , Shurki Avital 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOrganophosphate ester (OP) compounds are known for their ubiquitous use as insecticides. At the same time, these chemicals are highly toxic and can be used as nerve agents. G117H mutant of human Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was found to be capable of hydrolyzing certain OPs and protect against their toxicity. However, for therapeutic use, the rate of hydrolysis is too low. Its catalytic power can be improved by rational design, but the structure of the G117H mutant is first required. In this work, we determined, computationally, the three dimensional structure of the G117H BChE mutant. The structure was then validated by simulating acetylation of acetylthiocholine (ATC). Several plausible conformers of G117H BChE were examined but only the (62,−75) conformer fully reproduced catalytic effect. The (62,−75) conformer is, therefore, suggested as the structure adopted by the G117H BChE mutant. This conformer is shown to explain the loss of esterase activity observed for the G122H Acetylcholinesterase mutant together with its recovery when additional mutations are placed turning the enzyme also into an OP hydrolase. Furthermore, similarity of the structure to the structure of RNase A, which is known to hydrolyze the OP bond in RNA, grants it further credibility and suggests a mechanism for the OP hydrolysis. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental study of pig rearing
Authors: Howie J. W. , Biggar W. A. , Thomson W. , Cook R. 
Published: March 2009

1. Nine pig-rearing experiments designed to probe the causes of ill-health among young pigs farrowed and reared indoors suggested that the main cause of trouble was that the buildings were too cold, draughty and damp.2. The superior health of pigs farrowed and reared outdoors appeared to depend less on their access to iron or unknown nutrients in soil and grass than to the greater comfort afforded by the wooden ark huts in which they were housed.3. The clinical and pathological features of sick indoor pigs were essentially those of cardiac failure.4. In a discussion of our own findings and the published reports of others we offer a working hypothesis to explain the sequence of events. We hope to explore its validity in future experiments.Work on this subject was suggested by Mr Arthur Crichton and encouraged at all stages by his interest and advice.
Studies on soil organic matter: Part I. The chemical nature of soil organic nitrogen
Authors: Bremner J. M. 
Published: March 2009

1. The acid hydrolysis of six soils with nitrogen contents ranging from 0·1 to 2·38% has been studied by determining the amounts of ammonia-, humin- and α-amino-N present in the soil hydrolysates after various periods of hydrolysis.2. Under the conditions of hydrolysis employed (3 ml. of 6N-HCl/g. soil) the period required for maximum liberation of amino-acids from the soils was about 12 hr. 24·2–37·1% of the total-nitrogen of the soils examined was liberated as α-amino-N in this period. Further hydrolysis led to destruction of amino-acids. Similar amounts of α-amino-N were liberated by hydrolysis of the soils with alkali (5N-NaOH).3. From 69 to 87% of the total-nitrogen of the soils was brought into solution by acid hydrolysis; the amount dissolved by hydrolysing with alkali or with alkali under reducing conditions (alkalistannite) was not significantly different. It is concluded that most of the insoluble-nitrogen found after acid hydrolysis is not derived from protein material, and it is suggested that some of this nitrogen is in the form of heterocyclic nitrogen compounds.
The energy requirements of sheep for maintenance and gain. I. Pen fed sheep
Authors: Coop I. E. 
Published: March 2009

Four experiments have been conducted with sheep, housed and fed in pens, to determine the maintenance and live-weight gain requirements of sheep under such conditions.1. Fifteen Corriedale sheep of initial live weight 115 lb. were fed at maintenance for 13 weeks. Daily DOM (digestible organic matter) requirement for maintenance was 0·92 ± 0·07 lb.2. Twelve Romney ewes of mean live weight 106 lb. over the period were fed for 5 months, six on submaintenance and six on super-maintenance levels. Daily DOM requirement for maintenance was 0·99 ± 0·05 lb., and requirement for gain 2·29 ± 0·20 lb. DOM per lb. gain or loss.3. Thirteen Romney ewes of mean live weight 110 lb. over the period were fed at sub- and supermaintenance levels for 8 weeks yielding the result: daily DOM intake for maintenance 1·04 ± 0·13 lb. and for gain 2·25 ± 0·24 lb. DOM per lb. gain.4. Twenty-four Romney ewes of initial live weight 107 lb. were randomized into five groups and fed fresh grass, dried grass, sheep pellets, lucerne hay and rye-grass straw for 11 weeks at slightly below maintenance. There were no significant differences between groups and the mean estimate of maintenance was 1·00 ± 0·11 lb. DOM per day.Converting these estimates to those of a 100 lb. sheep using the ¾ power of live weight, and then taking the mean gives the final estimate for maintenance of a 100 lb. sheep 0·92 lb. DOM, 0·96 TDN or 0·89 lb. SE.
The amino acid supplementation of diets rich in maize meal for weanling pigs
Authors: Evans R. E. 
Published: March 2009

A comparison is made between a maize-rich diet containing 7% white-fish meal and a similar diet in which the protein supplement consisted of 6% ex. soya bean meal together with 0.3% L-lysine hydrochloride and 0.2% DL-methionine. The vegetable protein diet plus the amino acids proved in every way equal to the fish meal diet.When the essential amino acids in the diet of weanling pigs are properly balanced as little as 10% digestible crude protein will support maximum growth.The results obtained when 6% ex. dec. groundnut meal was used as a protein-rich supplement were not so favourable.
Normal growth and development up to one year of age of Sudanese cattle with special reference to the influence of Sex and sire
Authors: Osman A. H. , Rizgalla Y. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThree years' data on a herd of Sudanese cattle were used to study the influence of sex and sire on their growth from birth to 1 year of age. The traits studied included body weights at birth, weaning and yearling ages, and body measurements at birth and weaning age. Analysis of variance indicated no significant sex by sire interactions. Male calves had significantly (P < 0.01) heavier birth, weaning and yearling weights and faster pre-weaning average daily gain than female calves. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes in post-weaning gain or body measurements. The sire effects were highly significant (P < 0.01) for birth and yearling weights and postweaning average daily gain, but not for weaning weight and pre-weaning average daily gain. Sire effects were also significant (P < 0.05) for height at withers and heart girth at birth and weaning age and for body length at weaning age. The heritability estimates of birth and yearling weights and post-weaning gain were relatively high, whereas the heritability estimates of weaning weight and pre-weaning gain were low.
Effects of seed crop husbandry, seed source, seed tuber weight and seed rate on the growth of ware potato crops
Authors: O'Brien P. J. , Allen E. J. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe results of 20 experiments which compared seed from July-planted crops with seed from earlier planted (April-May) crops either grown locally or from certified seed-producing areas are reported. The effects of dates of planting and harvesting of late-planted seed crops and seed storage temperature were examined in eight experiments. In five experiments, the effect of seed rate was studied on two weights of seed-tubers in the July-planted crops.Tubers of several cultivars from the July-planted crops ended their dormancy close to the normal planting time of ware crops, 2–4 months later than tubers from spring-planted crops grown either locally or in areas certified for seed production. Tubers from seed crops planted in July produced fewer mainstems in ware crops than tubers from spring-planted crops, but effects on stem density were usually too small to have any significant effect on foliar ground cover and consequently on tuber yield. Date of planting the seed crops in July and date of harvest of the seed-tubers had no effect on sprout or ware crop growth in Record or Wilja. Ware tuber yields were similar for the different seed sources in 12 out of 15 experiments, suggesting little difference in the performance of tubers from seed crops planted early and late in the season.At equivalent seed rates, small seed-tubers (12·5 ± 2·5 g) from July-planted seed crops usually produced more stems and tubers and greater ware yields than larger tubers (37·5 ± 2·5 g). For the smaller seed, the results suggested optimum seed rates for ware tuber yields of c. 0·88, 0·88 and 0·59 t/ha for Wilja, Record and Saturna, respectively. These are substantially lower than those currently used in the UK. For the larger seed, rates of c. 2·64, 2·64 and 1·76 t/ha were adequate for Wilja, Record and Saturna, respectively.
Phosphorus kinetics of cattle grazing tropical pastures and implications for the estimation of their phosphorus requirements
Authors: Coates D. B. , Ternouth J. H. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYTwelve yearling Droughtmaster heifers were grazed on a tropical grass/legume pasture in north-east Australia for 1 year in four paddocks, each of 4 ha. One paddock was fertilized annually with 10 kg P/ha (treatment HPF). The other three paddocks had low soil P and low pasture P status. In one of the low soil P paddocks, P was added to the drinking water (treatment HPS) but no supplement was provided in the other two paddocks (treatments LP1 and LP2). In February, May and August 1989, the P kinetics of the heifers were monitored following oral administration of ruminal chromic oxide capsules and i/v injection of32P. At the same times, oesophageal-fistulated steers were grazed in the paddocks to obtain extrusa samples to estimate the P content and digestibility of selected forage.The liveweight gain per heifer was higher in the HP treatments (196 kg) than in the LP treatments (152 kg). The intake, absorption and excretion of P were closely related but the faecal excretion of P relative to P intake was less in heifers with than without P supplement. The P intakes of the LP heifers were about half the quantities recommended in the nutrient feeding standards for the observed food intakes and weight gains. The coefficients of P absorption in the LP heifers in May and August were high (> 0·8) and did not decrease with age or liveweight. The coefficients of P absorption of heifers given supplementary P were as high as those for LP heifers, but those of heifers on the fertilized pasture were significantly lower in May and August. The endogenous faecal excretion of P was related to P intake but more closely to dry matter intake and plasma inorganic P together. The reasons for the difference between observed P intakes of LP heifers and recommended requirements are discussed in relation to the assessment of P requirements of grazing cattle. The results from this experiment suggest that recommended P requirements are higher than necessary to sustain the measured liveweight gains of cattle on grass/legume pastures in the tropics.
A study of factors affecting the efficiency of feed conversion in Red Danish heifers
Authors: Owen J. B. , Nielsen E. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYData from 692 daughters of 38 Red Danish bulls, tested as heifers in the Danish cattle progeny testing stations 1963–64, were analysed to provide information on the efficiency of feed utilization by dairy cows. The results showed that because of, the feeding system adopted, efficiency measured as FCM per food unit was automatically closely related to FCM yield.Analysis based on pooled, within-bull, values showed that (a) both efficiency and FCM were negatively associated with body-weight gain during lactation, suggesting that feed allowances per unit FCM were low in relation to those for maintenance, (b) weight measured after calving was positively associated with efficiency and FCM yield whereas the association of these latter variables with weight at the end of the winter period was negative, and (c) the gain in weight during lactation was much lower in cows heavy at calving and higher in those heavy at the end of the winter.The between-bull correlations, although less reliable than the within-bull values, clearly indicated that the selection for FCM yield would result in increased cow weight.It is suggested that the selection of dairy cattle should not be based solely on milk yield but that suitable adjustments should be made so that selection for efficiency is safeguarded. Quantitative assessment of such adjustments would necessitate changing feeding procedures at central testing stations.
Interaction of nutrient supply and plant density in relation to maximal yield of the swede crop
Authors: Lang R. W. , Holmes J. C. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe effects of changing plant density and nutrient supply on the yield of swedes were measured in nine experiments over 3 years. With small populations, a large nutrient supply was required to reach the maximal yield of roots, but with large plant populations the same nutrient rate depressed yield. This interaction is illustrated by a response surface, and reasons for it are discussed. The interaction is of limited importance in practice because it was small over the range of population and nutrient supply commonly used. Even with small populations, the compensation achieved by applying more fertilizer was uneconomic. On crops with large populations, such as swedes for human consumption, however, the normal recommended rate of fertilizer should not be exceeded because of loss of yield as well as increased cost. More fertilizer and greater plant density were needed to give maximal total yield (roots + tops) than of roots alone. Effects of nutrient supply and plant population on plant establishment and dry-matter content of the swedes are discussed.
Comparison of dry and wet feeding of growing pigs
Authors: Braude R. , Rowell J. G. 
Published: March 2009

A co-ordinated trial has been carried out at eighteen centres to compare the following amounts and methods of providing water to growing pigs: (1) water in the feed in the ratio of 2½: 1; (2) water in the feed in the ratio of 4:1; (3) dry feeding with water available separately ad lib.; (4) water in the feed in the ratio of 1½: 1 and also available separately ad lib.Pigs on dry feeding had substantially worse growth rate and feed conversion; carcass lengths were slightly smaller and eye muscles slightly wider. Fat measurements were not significantly affected.
A study of the effects of two methods of grazing poultry on the persistence and palatability of seven herbage species
Authors: Cowlishaw S. J. 
Published: March 2009

For three years the persistence of six grasses and one herb sown singly or in combination under poultry grazing was studied. Established swards were regularly mown and either not grazed (control) or grazed every other week or every other month. The results are compared with those from earlier trials and reasons for the differences are discussed. Red fescue, perennial rye-grass and smooth-stalked meadow grass increased in amount, red fescue being particularly unpopular with poultry. Meadow fescue and timothy were slightly, and cocksfoot and yarrow drastically, reduced under poultry grazing.The preferences of poultry for certain herbage species and varieties are discussed but no reasons adduced owing to lack of data.One week's and 4 weeks' grazing made no difference to the persistence and palatability of the grasses tested, but these were always in a short leafy condition when grazed.
Studies of the skeleton of the sheep VIII. Studies of the effects of protein and energy intake on productivity and skeletal mineralization in the pregnant and lactating ewe
Authors: Duckworth J. , Benzie D. , Cresswell E. , Hill R. , Boyne A. W. 
Published: March 2009

1. Effects on productivity and skeletal mineralization of high as opposed to moderate levels of protein and, or, energy intake by the ewe during pregnancy and lactation in the presence of adequate calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D have been studied.2. Two experiments were undertaken. One experiment used 4½-year-old Cheviot ewes and the other used 3½- and 4½-year-old Scottish Blackface ewes. Weight records, blood samples and in vivo and flesh-free radiographs were obtained, and bone ash determinations were carried out.3. The results showed that contrary to indications from earlier experiments in this series superiority in ewe weight, lamb growth, and mineralization of the ewe skeleton did not necessarily result from raising the protein and, or, energy values of the feed above the ‘moderate’ level.4. Discrepancies between the in vivo and flesh - free radiological assessments were noted for consideration.
Statistical appendix
Authors: Campbell R. C. 
Published: March 2009

Bleasdale & Nelder (1960) refer to several models which have been used in studying the relationship of yield and density in crop plants and indicate that they regard as most satisfactory the equation:where ω = yield/plant, ρ = number of plants/unit area and A and B are constants. The estimation of the constants for any given case is a very unattractive arithmetic exercise requiring a fairly large number of observations and a tedious iterative calculation; Nelder (1961) has discussed the least squares fit with the equation in the formwhich may readily be derived from (1) by the substitutionsThe data in the present case do not justify attempting this process but some progress can be made by the substitutionsby means of which it is easy to derive from (1) that