bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nitrogen‐15 NMR study of hydrogen bonding in 1‐alkyl‐4‐imino‐1,4‐dihydro‐3‐quinolinecarboxylic acids and related compounds
Authors: Carlton Laurence , Staskun Benjamin , van Es Theodorus 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe title compounds contain groups (amine, amide, imine, carboxylic acid) that are capable of forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds involving a six‐membered ring. In compounds where the two interacting functional groups are imine and carboxylic acid, the imine is protonated to give a zwitterion; where the two groups are imine and amide, the amide remains intact and forms a hydrogen bond to the imine nitrogen. The former is confirmed by the iminium 15N signal, which shows the coupling of 1J(15N,1H) −85 to −86.8 Hz and 3J(1H,1H) 3.7–4.2 Hz between the iminium proton and the methine proton of a cyclopropyl substituent on the iminium nitrogen. Hydrogen bonding of the amide is confirmed by its high 1H chemical shift and by coupling of the amide hydrogen to (amide) nitrogen [(1J(15N,1H) −84.7 to −90.7 Hz)] and to ortho carbons of a phenyl substituent. Data obtained from N,N‐dimethylanthranilic acid show 15N1H coupling of (−)8.2 Hz at 223 K (increasing to (−)5.3 Hz at 243 K) consistent with the presence of a N··· HO hydrogen bond. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of maturation stage at cryopreservation on post‐thaw cytoskeleton quality and fertilizability of equine oocytes
Authors: Tharasanit T. , Colenbrander B. , Stout T.A.E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractOocyte cryopreservation is a potentially valuable technique for salvaging the germ‐line when a valuable mare dies, but facilities for in vitro embryo production or oocyte transfer are not immediately available. This study examined the influence of maturation stage and freezing technique on the cryopreservability of equine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were frozen at the immature stage (GV) or after maturation in vitro for 30 hr (MII), using either conventional slow freezing (CF) or open pulled straw vitrification (OPS); cryoprotectant‐exposed and untreated nonfrozen oocytes served as controls. After thawing, GV oocytes were matured in vitro, and MII oocytes were incubated for 0 or 6 hr, before staining to examine meiotic spindle quality by confocal microscopy. To assess fertilizability, CF MII oocytes were subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cultured in vitro. At 12, 24, and 48 hr after ICSI, injected oocytes were fixed to examine their progression through fertilization. Both maturation stage and freezing technique affected oocyte survival. The meiosis resumption rate was higher for OPS than CF for GV oocytes (28% vs. 1.2%; P < 0.05), but still much lower than for controls (66%). Cryopreserving oocytes at either stage induced meiotic spindle disruption (37%–67% normal spindles vs. 99% in controls; P < 0.05). Among frozen oocytes, however, spindle quality was best for oocytes frozen by CF at the MII stage and incubated for 6 hr post‐thaw (67% normal); since this combination of cryopreservation/IVM yielded the highest proportion of oocytes reaching MII with a normal spindle (35% compared to <20% for other groups), it was used when examining the effects of cryopreservation on fertilizability. In this respect, the rate of normal fertilization for CF MII oocytes after ICSI was much lower than for controls (total oocyte activation rate, 26% vs. 56%; cleavage rate at 48 hr, 8% vs. 42%: P < 0.05). Thus, although IVM followed by CF yields a respectable percentage of normal‐looking MII oocytes (35%), their ability to support fertilization is severely compromised. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and expression profiling of 10 novel spermatid expressed CYPT genes
Authors: Hansen Martin A. , Nielsen John E. , Tanaka Masami , Almstrup Kristian , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Leffers Henrik 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTo identify candidate genes for poor sperm morphology, we have screened for genes expressed during spermiogenesis. We identified 10 new members of the cysteine‐rich perinuclear theca (CYPT) family showing that this family contains at least 15 members, which also includes the casein kinase II target genes. Based on similarity the CYPT sequences could be divided into two groups, Cypt1–10 and the novel members Cypt12–15. The 5′‐end of the CYPT family is highly similar to exon1A and part of the first intron of Zfy2. Seven CYPT genes mapped to the X chromosome; six contained an intron and one was intron‐less. One CYPT gene mapped to chromosome 3 and one mapped to chromosome 9 which were both intron‐less. The upstream region of the CYPT family and Zfy2 genes is conserved. For some the conservation extended over a large region, however, only about 150 nucleotides is conserved among all CYPT members and Zfy2. Nevertheless, the short conserved promoter leads to essentially identical expression profiles for the CYPT family members and Zfy2, which was clearly different from the profile of Zfy1. Expression of the CYPT family and Zfy2 preceded the expression of other spermatid‐specific genes such as the transition proteins and the protamines. In situ hybridization revealed a low expression in pachytene spermatocytes from stages IX–X followed by a strong upregulation in spermatids from stage VI with maximum expression in spermatids in stages VII–VIII. The CYPT family may function in the remodeling of the spermatid nucleus before condensation of the DNA. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurophysiological testing in anorectal disorders
Authors: Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe neurophysiological techniques currently available to evaluate anorectal disorders include concentric needle electromyography (EMG) of the external anal sphincter, anal nerve terminal motor latency (TML) measurement in response to transrectal electrical stimulation or sacral magnetic stimulation, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the anal sphincter to transcranial magnetic cortical stimulation, cortical recording of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to anal nerve stimulation, quantification of electrical or thermal sensory thresholds (QSTs) within the anal canal, sacral anal reflex (SAR) latency measurement in response to pudendal nerve or perianal stimulation, and perianal recording of sympathetic skin responses (SSRs). In most cases, a comprehensive approach using several tests is helpful for diagnosis: needle EMG signs of sphincter denervation or prolonged TML give evidence for anal motor nerve lesion; SEP/QST or SSR abnormalities can suggest sensory or autonomic neuropathy; and in the absence of peripheral nerve disorder, MEPs, SEPs, SSRs, and SARs can assist in demonstrating and localizing spinal or supraspinal disease. Such techniques are complementary to other methods of investigation, such as pelvic floor imaging and anorectal manometry, to establish the diagnosis and guide therapeutic management of neurogenic anorectal disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Neuropathies associated with excessive exposure to lead
Authors: Thomson Ruth M. , Parry Gareth J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractExposure to lead is a ubiquitous problem of the modern era. The majority of cases of all forms of lead intoxication, especially lead neuropathy, result from industrial exposure. In the Western world meticulous monitoring in industry has reduced the risk of overt lead neuropathy. The classic form of lead neuropathy consists of weakness that primarily involves the wrist and finger extensors but which later spreads to other muscles. There is only minimal sensory involvement. Less commonly, there is a more typical toxic neuropathy with distally accentuated sensory and motor involvement. The motor neuropathy is more likely to develop following relatively short‐term exposure to high lead concentrations and evolves in a subacute fashion. Prognosis for recovery is good as long as exposure is terminated promptly. The distal sensory and motor neuropathy develops after many years of exposure, evolves more slowly, and recovery is less certain. There is a generally weak relationship between the development of lead neuropathy and blood lead levels, at least for the subacute motor neuropathy, leading to speculation that the metabolic basis for the neuropathy is interference with porphyrin metabolism. Lead intoxication in humans causes axonal degeneration, but in some other species it causes a primarily demyelinating neuropathy. It should be possible to prevent lead neuropathy by good industrial hygiene. Close monitoring should identify excessive lead exposure before it causes overt neuropathy. If evidence of excessive exposure is found or if overt neuropathy develops, exposure must be terminated immediately. The role of chelation therapy in the treatment of lead neuropathy is controversial. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Numerical generation and grid controls of boundary‐fitted conformal grids in multiply connected regions
Authors: Tsay Ting‐Kuei , Wang John , Huang Yung‐Te 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBased on the study of grid generation methods in a simply connected region (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 1997; 40:343), with the aid of a new transformation from a multiply connected region to a simply connected domain, the grid generation in a multiply connected domain is carried out in this paper. 2‐D conformal and orthogonal grids are generated in a multiply connected region, mostly involving a multiple‐blocks method developed in the present study. To avoid grid distortion on the degenerated boundary caused by physical singularities, controls of grids through specified points are implemented, without losing the conformal properties. Further applications of this grids‐controlling technique for points inside the region, the nested grids, and the multiple‐blocks method are introduced and discussed comprehensively. Numerical examples are taken to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the theorems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order finite elements applied to the discrete Boltzmann equation
Authors: Düster Alexander , Demkowicz Leszek , Rank Ernst 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA discontinuous Galerkin approach for solving the discrete Boltzmann equation is presented, allowing to compute approximate solutions for fluid flow problems. Based on a two‐dimensional high‐order finite element and an explicit Euler time stepping scheme, the D2Q9 model is discretized and the results are compared to the exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equation. Four numerical examples are considered, including stationary and instationary problems with curved boundaries. It is demonstrated that the proposed method allows to obtain the desired, highly efficient exponential convergence. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple crack weight for solution of multiple interacting cracks by meshless numerical methods
Authors: Muravin Boris , Turkel Eli 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe devise a multiple crack weight (MCW) method for the accurate and effective solution of strongly interacting cracks by meshless numerical methods. The MCW method constructs weight functions around cracks so that they simultaneously characterize all the cracks present in the single nodal domain of influence. This approach reduces the number of nodes necessary to achieve sufficient accuracy and consequently it decreases the computational effort. Numerical examples demonstrate that the method allows an accurate solution of multiple cracks problems. Convergence of the method is analysed and discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel heterozygous missense mutation 377T > C (V126A) of TGIF gene in a family segregated with holoprosencephaly and moyamoya disease
Authors: Chen Ming , Kuo Shou‐Jen , Liu Chin‐San , Chen Wei‐Liang , Ko Tsang‐Ming , Chen Tze‐Ho , Chang Shun‐Ping , Huang Chien‐Hao , Chang Yih‐Yuan , Wang Bao‐Tyan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectivesto identify whether any mutations of candidate genes including SHH, ZIC2, SIX3, and TGIF exist in a Taiwanese family segregated with holoprosencephaly (HPE) and moyamoya disease.MethodsGenotypes of the candidate genes SHH, ZIC2, SIX3, and TGIF were determined in the family members who were available for analysis by sequencing. In addition, genomic regions of another 50 unrelated Taiwanese (100 chromosomes) were studied to verify whether the nucleotide changes we found were mutations or polymorphisms.ResultsA novel missense mutation 377T > C and two polymorphisms (420A > G and 487C > T) in the TGIF gene were identified. No mutations in SHH, ZIC2 and SIX3 were found. The mother of the three HPE fetuses was found to be afflicted with moyamoya disease. A brief review of the mutations as well as polymorphisms reported in the TGIF gene up to 2005 is given.ConclusionMolecular diagnosis can help genetic counseling in HPE, which is a heterogeneous disorder with its phenotypic and genotypic spectrum highly widened and variable. The possible association between TGIF mutation and moyamoya disease noted in our study also appeared to be novel. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of citrullinemia and argininosuccinic aciduria: evidence for a transmission ratio distortion in citrullinemia
Authors: Kleijer Wim J. , Garritsen Victor H. , van der Sterre Marianne L. T. , Berning Christoph , Häberle Johannes , Huijmans Jan G. M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn the course of 25 years, we have experienced a high rate of affected fetuses in the prenatal diagnosis of citrullinemia.Methods and ResultsNinety‐one pregnancies at 1 in 4 risk were tested; 36 were diagnosed as affected (39.5%; P = 0.0015). The high rate of positive diagnoses was found both after chorionic villus sampling (24/68 = 35.3%) and amniocentesis (12/23 = 52.2%) despite the completely different and independent techniques used. Using exactly the same (indirect) enzyme assay for argininosuccinic aciduria on chorionic villi and a similar method on amniotic fluid, the expected rate of affected fetuses was found: 13/53 = 24.5%. Technical and genetic causes for the unexpected results were excluded by confirmatory studies performed on independent fetal material, which was available for 27 of the 36 fetuses affected with citrullinemia. Biochemical confirmation was obtained in the 27 cases, whereas in 18 fetuses homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for disease‐causing mutations were retrospectively demonstrated in the stored fetal cells.ConclusionThe results suggest the occurrence of preferential transmission of the mutant allele. An explanation for this phenomenon may be found in a protective role of argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency in mutant sperm cells against the possibly detrimental or apoptotic effect of nitric oxide produced normally from arginine by nitric oxide synthase. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for thalassaemia in pregnant Pakistani women in the North of England
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz , Green Josephine M. , Hewison Jenny 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectivesMost births of children affected with β‐thalassaemia major in the United Kingdom are to parents of Pakistani origin. A popular explanation for this is that Pakistanis decline termination of pregnancy on religious grounds. However, various factors influence people's attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy, which have not been investigated in a UK Pakistani sample. This study is aimed at exploring the attitudes of pregnant Pakistani women towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for β‐thalassaemia major in the North of England.MethodsForty‐three pregnant women tested for thalassaemia carrier status were interviewed following receipt of their test results. Interviews were analysed using the grounded theory approach.ResultsFindings showed: (1) women's awareness of and attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis; (2) the relationship between attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of an affected foetus; (3) the relationship between attitudes towards termination of pregnancy and religious beliefs, perceptions of severity of the condition, influence of significant others, and (4) the impact of gestational age at the time of the offer of termination of pregnancy.ConclusionsPakistani women's attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy are influenced by various factors, and therefore their religion should not be taken as a proxy for their attitudes either for or against termination of pregnancy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of achondroplasia presenting with multiple‐suture synostosis: a novel association
Authors: Karadimas Charalampos , Trouvas Dimitrios , Haritatos George , Makatsoris Constantinos , Dedoulis Evangelos , Velissariou Voula , Antoniadi Thalia , Hatzaki Angeliki , Petersen Michael B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveWe report an atypical case of a fetus presenting with a combined achondroplasia and multiple craniosynostosis phenotype.MethodsSonographic monitoring in conjunction with molecular genetic analysis was performed in a 32‐gestational weeks fetus.ResultsSonographic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of achondroplasia associated with multiple‐suture synostosis. The most common G380R FGFR3 achondroplasia mutation was detected.ConclusionThe most common achondroplasia mutation should be considered for prenatal DNA testing in cases with ultrasound findings of achondroplasia and multiple‐suture synostosis. This is crucial for the genetic counselling and perinatal management of the fetus. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of membrane microdomains derived from both failing and non‐failing human hearts
Authors: Banfi Cristina , Brioschi Maura , Wait Robin , Begum Shajna , Gianazza Elisabetta , Fratto Pasquale , Polvani Gianluca , Vitali Ettore , Parolari Alessandro , Mussoni Luciana , Tremoli Elena 
Published: February 2006

AbstractEukaryotic cells plasma membranes are organized into microdomains of specialized function such as lipid rafts and caveolae, with a specific lipid composition highly enriched in cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. In addition to their role in regulating signal transduction, multiple functions have been proposed, such as anchorage of receptors, trafficking of cholesterol, and regulation of permeability. However, an extensive understanding of their protein composition in human heart, both in failing and non‐failing conditions, is not yet available. Membrane microdomains were isolated from left ventricular tissue of both failing (n = 15) and non‐failing (n = 15) human hearts. Protein composition and differential protein expression was explored by comparing series of 2‐D maps and subsequent identification by LC‐MS/MS analysis. Data indicated that heart membrane microdomains are enriched in chaperones, cytoskeletal‐associated proteins, enzymes and protein involved in signal transduction pathway. In addition, differential protein expression profile revealed that 30 proteins were specifically up‐ or down‐regulated in human heart failure membrane microdomains. This study resulted in the identification of human heart membrane microdomain protein composition, which was not previously available. Moreover, it allowed the identification of multiple proteins whose expression is altered in heart failure, thus opening new perspectives to determine which role they may play in this disease.
Analysis of chicken serum proteome and differential protein expression during development in single‐comb White Leghorn hens
Authors: Huang San‐Yuan , Lin Jyh‐Hung , Chen Yu‐Huey , Chuang Chin‐Kai , Chiu Yu‐Fang , Chen Ming‐Yu , Chen Hsin‐Hsin , Lee Wen‐Chuan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSerum is believed to harbor thousands of distinct proteins that are either actively secreted or leak from various blood cells or tissues. Exploring protein composition in serum may accelerate the discovery of novel protein biomarkers for specific economic traits in livestock species. This study analyzed serum protein composition to establish a 2‐DE reference map, and monitored protein dynamics of single‐comb White Leghorn hens at 8, 19 and 23 weeks after hatching. A total of 119 CBB‐stained and 315 silver‐stained serum protein spots were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF MS. Of these, 98 CBB‐stained and 94 silver‐stained protein spots were significantly matched to existing chicken proteins. The identified spots represented 30 distinctive proteins in the serum of laying hens. To compare protein expression during development, expression levels of 47 protein spots were quantified by relative spot volume with Melanie 3 software. Ten protein spots increased and 3 protein spots decreased as hen age increased. Previous research has suggested that some of these proteins play critical roles in egg production. The differentially expressed proteins with unknown identities will be valuable candidates for further explorations of their roles in egg production of laying hens.
Comparison of the Paul ion trap to the linear ion trap for use in global proteomics
Authors: Riter Leah S. , Gooding Karen M. , Hodge Barry D. , Julian Randall K. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA critical evaluation of the performance of a 2‐D linear ion trap (IT) instrument to two 3‐D quadrupole IT instruments with emphasis on identification of rat serum proteins by bottom‐up LC‐MS/MS is presented. The speed and sensitivity of each of the instruments were investigated, and the effects that each of these have on the bottom‐up proteomics identification approach are discussed.
2‐DE proteome analysis of a proliferating and differentiating human neuronal stem cell line (ReNcell VM)
Authors: Hoffrogge Raimund , Mikkat Stefan , Scharf Christian , Beyer Susanne , Christoph Hilmar , Pahnke Jens , Mix Eilhard , Berth Matthias , Uhrmacher Adelinde , Zubrzycki Igor Z. , Miljan Erik , Völker Uwe , Rolfs Arndt 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe proteome of a proliferating human stem cell line was analyzed and then utilized to detect stem cell differentiation‐associated changes in the protein profile. The analysis was conducted with a stable human fetal midbrain stem cell line (ReNcell VM) that displays the properties of a neural stem cell. Therefore, acquisition of proteomic data should be representative of cultured human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in general. Here we present a 2‐DE protein‐map of this cell line with annotations of 402 spots representing 318 unique proteins identified by MS. The subsequent proteome profiling of differentiating cells of this stem cell line at days 0, 4 and 7 of differentiation revealed changes in the expression of 49 identified spots that could be annotated to 45 distinct proteins. This differentiation‐associated expression pattern was validated by Western blot analysis for transgelin‐2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, as well as peroxiredoxin 1 and 4. The group of regulated proteins also included NudC, ubiquilin‐1, STRAP, stress‐70 protein, creatine kinase B, glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. Our results reflect the large rearrangement of the proteome during the differentiation process of the stem cells to terminally differentiated neurons and offer the possibility for further characterization of specific targets driving the stem cell differentiation.