bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The genetic structure of Pandalus borealis in the Northeast Atlantic determined by RAPD analysis
Authors: Martinez Iciar , Aschan Michaela , Skjerdal Taran , Aljanabi Salah M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe genetic structure of shrimp (Pandalus borealis) in the Northeast Atlantic was examined by RAPD analysis on specimens caught at eight stations in the Barents Sea, three off Svalbard, two off Jan Mayen, and in two northern Norwegian fjords (19 < n > 31 per station). A total of 34 polymorphic markers generated by seven 10-mer arbitrary primers was used to assess the genetic population structure using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). There was considerable RAPD diversity (>90%) among shrimp at all stations. The two Norwegian fjords and the Jan Mayen stations were different from all the others, and the Jan Mayen stations also differed from each other. More than 98% of the genetic variation between Barents Sea and Svalbard was ascribed to individual diversity, and there was no significant difference between the two areas, although there seemed to be a subpopulation structure in the Barents Sea. Principal component analysis on the frequency of each RAPD marker on each sampled station confirmed the presence of three populations: Barents Sea and Svalbard, northern Norwegian fjords, and Jan Mayen. We postulate that the large genetic variability found at an individual level may provide the total population with a diverse genetic pool from which traits can be selected to respond to variations in local environmental conditions, and that this local selection may be the cause of the subpopulation structure observed.
Differences of cytosine methylation in parental lines and F1hybrids of Large White×Meishan crosses and their effects on F1performance
Authors: Cao-De Jiang , Chang-Yan Deng , Yuan-Zhu Xiong 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn order to probe the effect of methylation on heterosis, the methylation-sensitive arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) technique was adopted to amplify pig genome DNA with 40 single arbitrary primers. The material involved parental lines and F1hybrids of Large White×Meishan crosses. Nineteen differentially methylated sites withRsaI+HpaII digestion and 14 differentially methylated sites withRsaI+MspII digestion between parental lines and the hybrid were found. All fragments detected in this study were grouped into four classes: (1) the same level of methylation in both parental lines and the hybrid; (2) the same level of methylation in one parent and the hybrid; (3) an increased level of methylation in the hybrid compared to the parents, and (4) a decreased level of methylation in the hybrid. Five sites had significant effects on seven traits (P<0.05). Sequence analysis showed that three sequences had a high-identity match in GenBank (greater than 87%) and two sequences had no match in the database. The percentage of G+C in three sequences was over 50, and the observed/expected CpG of all sequences was above 0.6. Furthermore, one sequence contained G/C boxes. This study demonstrated that the sites in CpG islands within a gene promoter were differentially methylated in the hybrid compared to parental lines; methylated sites contributed differentially to F1performance, showing that heterosis could benefit from either expression or repression of some genes.
Protease inhibitors in bacteria: an emerging concept for the regulation of bacterial protein complexes?
Authors: Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Zverlov Vladimir V. 
Published: May 2006

SummarySerine protease inhibitors (serpins), the antagonists of serine proteases, were unknown in the bacterial kingdom until recently. Kang et al. in this issue of Molecular Microbiology report the cloning and functional analysis of the three serpin genes from the thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum. Two of the serpins contain a dockerin module for location in the extracellular hydrolytic multienzyme complex, the cellulosome. The susceptibility of cellulosome to proteolytic degradation and the presence of a serine protease in the same complex provoke speculation that protease inhibitor/protease pairs could play hitherto unrecognized roles in protein stability and regulation in bacteria.
Negative per capita effects of purple loosestrife and reed canary grass on plant diversity of wetland communities
Authors: Schooler Shon S. , McEvoy Peter B. , Coombs Eric M. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTInvasive plants can simplify plant community structure, alter ecosystem processes and undermine the ecosystem services that we derive from biotic diversity. Two invasive plants, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), are becoming the dominant species in many wetlands across temperate North America. We used a horizontal, observational study to estimate per capita effects (PCEs) of purple loosestrife and reed canary grass on plant diversity in 24 wetland communities in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Four measures of diversity were used: the number of species (S), evenness of relative abundance (J), the Shannon–Wiener index (H′) and Simpson's index (D). We show that (1) the PCEs on biotic diversity were similar for both invasive species among the four measures of diversity we examined; (2) the relationship between plant diversity and invasive plant abundance ranges from linear (constant slope) to negative exponential (variable slope), the latter signifying that the PCEs are density‐dependent; (3) the PCEs were density‐dependent for measures of diversity sensitive to the number of species (S, H′, D) but not for the measure that relied solely upon relative abundance (J); and (4) invader abundance was not correlated with other potential influences on biodiversity (hydrology, soils, topography). These results indicate that both species are capable of reducing plant community diversity, and management strategies need to consider the simultaneous control of multiple species if the goal is to maintain diverse plant communities.
Designing a conservation plan for protecting the habitat for giant pandas in the Qionglai mountain range, China
Authors: Xu Weihua , Ouyang Zhiyun , Viña Andrés , Zheng Hua , Liu Jianguo , Xiao Yi 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTPopulation viability of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is threatened by small population sizes in scattered isolated habitat areas. Designing a conservation plan for protecting and connecting the fragmented habitat will improve the chances for survival of this endangered species. For such a plan, this study assessed the overall habitat suitability for the species in the Qionglai mountain range (Sichuan, China) using Landsat TM imagery acquired in 2001, geographical data, field surveys, and information acquired in previous researches. Results show that the habitat is separated by roads and rivers, as well as by human settlements and cropland areas, into four main habitat blocks. Overlapping these four habitat blocks with the current nature reserve network reveals that only 36% of the total habitat is protected within nature reserves. Thus, the current nature reserve network is failing to preserve essential habitat for dispersal and genetic exchange. In this study, five key areas and four linkage areas were identified and suggested as nature reserves and/or corridors. These areas, together with the six currently established nature reserves in the mountain range, will form a conservation unit for facilitating the exchange of giant panda individuals among previously isolated habitat blocks. Policies recently implemented by the Chinese government, including the Natural Forest Conservation Program (NFCP) and the Grain‐to‐Green Program (GTGP), could aid in the formation of such a conservation unit.
Is using ethanol–glycine irrigating fluid monitoring and ‘good surgical practice’ enough to prevent harmful absorption during transurethral resection of the prostate?
Authors: COLLINS JUSTIN W. , MACDERMOTT SEAMUS , BRADBROOK RICHARD A. , KEELEY FRANK X. , TIMONEY ANTHONY G. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the utility of using a tracer of 1% ethanol in 1.5% glycine for the early detection of irrigation fluid absorption during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 126 men undergoing TURP were irrigated with a solution of 1% ethanol and 1.5% glycine; their expired air was tested for ethanol every 20 min, and again at the end of the procedure. Maximum absorption by the breath‐ethanol reading was compared with the serum concentration of absorbed glycine (analysed by anion‐exchange chromatography).RESULTSComplete data on 120 men were assessed; 75% of the men absorbed irrigation fluid, with glycine levels above the normal range. The sodium levels tended to decrease with increasing glycine levels (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, − 0.57; 120 men) and five men (4%) developed clinical features of the TUR syndrome. There was a weak correlation between breath‐ethanol levels and serum glycine levels (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, 0.54). The experience of the surgeon, the weight of the resected chips, and the operative duration were not significantly predictive of irrigation fluid absorption.CONCLUSIONSA rising breath‐ethanol level indicates irrigation fluid absorption. However, irrigating fluid absorption is unpredictable, supporting the case for alternative, potentially safer irrigants.
Agency and Market Area Factors Affecting Home Health Agency Supply Changes
Authors: Porell Frank W. , Liu Korbin , Brungo David P. 
Published: May 2006

Objective. To use the natural experiment created by the Medicare interim payment system (IPS) to study supply change behavior of home health agencies (HHAs) in local market areas.Data Sources. One hundred percent Medicare home health claims for 1996 and 1999, linked with Medicare Provider of Service and Denominator files, and the Area Resource File.Study Design. Medicare home health care (HHC) claims data were used to distinguish HHAs that changed the local market supply of Medicare HHC by their market exit or by significant expansion or contraction of their geographic service area between 1996 and 1999 from other HHAs. Multinomial logit models were estimated to analyze how characteristics of agencies and the market areas in which they served were associated with these different agency‐level supply changes.Principal Findings. Changes in local HHA supply stemming from geographic service area expansions and contractions rivaled those owing to agency closures and market entries. Agencies at greater risk of closure and service area contraction tended to be smaller, newer, freestanding agencies, operating with more visit‐intensive practice styles in markets with more competitor agencies. Except for having much less visit‐intensive practice styles, similar attributes characterized agencies that increased local supply through service area expansion.Conclusions. Supply changes by HHAs largely reflected rational market responses by agencies to significant changes in financial incentives associated with the Medicare IPS. Recently certified agencies were among the most dynamic providers. Supply changes were more likely among agencies operating in more competitive market environments.
The Stepparent Relationship Index: Development, validation, and associations with stepchildren’s perceptions of stepparent communication competence and closeness
Authors: SCHRODT PAUL 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThere is a growing consensus among family researchers that many of the challenges facing members of stepfamilies revolve around the role of the stepparent. Using schema theory, this study extends recent research on the stepparent role by developing an empirically reliable measure for the primary dimensions that stepchildren identify as part of their stepparent relationship schemas. Participants included 522 young adult stepchildren from 4 different states who completed an inventory assessing key dimensions of the stepparent‐stepchild relationship, as well as stepchildren’s perceptions of stepparents’ communication competence and closeness. The results produced a new multidimensional measure, the Stepparent Relationship Index, as three dimensions of the stepparent‐stepchild relationship emerged from factor analytic techniques: positive regard, (step)parental authority, and affective certainty. Each subscale produced acceptable reliability estimates, and initial evidence of concurrent validity was obtained.
Editorials: Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: An Emerging Threat Among Renal Patients
Authors: DeHoratius Danielle M. , Cowper Shawn E. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTNephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy, is a scleroderma‐like disease of the skin observed in patients with renal insufficiency. Since its recognition in 1997, relatively little has been published in the nephrology literature, despite indications that the disorder is becoming increasingly recognized in the United States and abroad. As nephrology professionals may be the first to encounter newly developing cases of NSF, it becomes imperative that they be able to recognize the symptoms and comorbidities and initiate tests and treatment. To date, the cause of NSF has not been established. Recent observations indicate that specific cells normally involved in wound repair and tissue remodeling may be aberrantly recruited to the skin and soft tissues of NSF patients.
Role of transcription factor Sp1 and CpG methylation on the regulation of the human podocalyxin gene promoter
Authors: Butta Nora , Larrucea Susana , Alonso Sonia , Rodriguez Ramón B , Arias-Salgado Elena G , Ayuso Matilde S , González-Manchón Consuelo , Parrilla Roberto 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Podocalyxin (podxl) is a heavily glycosylated transmembrane protein mainly found on the apical membrane of rat podocytes and also in endothelial, hematopoietic, and tumor cells. Despite of its interest no much is known about the transcriptional regulation of podxl in different cells. Thus, we aimed at studying the functional features of the 5'-regulatory region of the human Podxl gene.

Results
The promoter region of the human Podxl gene has been cloned and its structure and function were analyzed. The primary DNA sequence is rich in G+C and is devoid of TATA or CAAT boxes. The sequence contains recognition sites for several putative transcription factors; however, the basic promoter activity seems to rely entirely on Sp1 transcription factor since supershift analysis was positive only for this factor. The region encompassed by 66 to -111 nts conferred the minimal transcriptional activity that increases as the number of Sp1 sites augmented with the length of the promoter fragment. In Sp1-lacking insect cells the Podxl promoter constructs showed activity only if cotransfected with an Sp1 expression plasmid. Finally, mutation of the Sp1 sites reduced the promoter activity.
We analyzed whether methylation of the CpG dinucleotides present in the first ~600 nts of the promoter region of Podxl could explain the variable rates of expression in different types of cells. Inactivation of methyltransferases by 5'-aza-2'deoxicitidine showed a dose-dependent increase in the podxl content. Moreover, in vitro methylation of the promoter constructs -111,-181 and -210 led to an almost complete reduction of the promoter activity. A correlation was found between the degree of methylation of the CpG promoter dinucleotides and the rate of podxl expression in different cell lines.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that transcriptional regulation of Podxl is supported primarily by Sp1 site(s) and that DNA-methylation of the CpG promoter islands contributes to control the tissue specific expression of podxl.
HER 2/neu protein expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Schuell B , Gruenberger T , Scheithauer W , Zielinski Ch , Wrba F 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Conflicting data exist about the prevalence of HER-2/neu overexpression in colorectal cancer ranging from 0 to 83 %. In our study we tried to clarify the extent of expression and its relationship to clinicopathological parameters.

Methods
This study involved 77 specimens of malignant colorectal cancer lesions of surgically resected patients. HER-2/neu immunohistochemistry was performed using the Hercep-Test Kit.

Results
Out of 77 specimens, 56 were Her-2/neu negative (70%), 20 (26%) showed a barely immunostaining (1+), only 1 (1%) was moderately (2+) and 2 (3%) were strongly positive (3+). Her-2/neu staining (moderately and strongly positive) was only detected in primary tumours of patients with confirmed metastases. No relationship was found between membranous HER-2 expression and patients' gender or differentiation. The median survival time of patients with positive HER-2/neu immunostaining was 21 versus 39 months in patients without HER-2/neu expression (p = 0.088).

Conclusion
The c-erbB protein expression was observed in colorectal cancer but rarely in the therapeutic range (2+ and 3+). There was no significant association with tumour grade, gender, localization of the primary tumour or survival. These data indicate that c-erbB-2 is unlikely to play a major role in the therapeutic management of colorectal cancer.
Laser-assisted blastocyst dissection and subsequent cultivation of embryonic stem cells in a serum/cell free culture system: applications and preliminary results in a murine model
Authors: Tanaka Noriko , Takeuchi Takumi , Neri Queenie V , Sills Eric Scott , Palermo Gianpiero D 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
To evaluate embryonic stem cell (ESC) harvesting methods with an emphasis on derivation of ESC lines without feeder cells or sera. Using a murine model, laser-assisted blastocyst dissection was performed and compared to conventional immunosurgery to assess a novel laser application for inner cell mass (ICM) isolation.

Methods
Intact blastocysts or isolated ICMs generated in a standard mouse strain were plated in medium with or without serum to compare ESC harvesting efficiency. ESC derivation was also undertaken in a feeder cell-free culture system.

Results
Although ICM growth and dissociation was comparable irrespective of the media components, an enhanced ESC harvest was observed in our serum-free medium (p < 0.01). ESC harvest rate was not affected by ICM isolation technique but was attenuated in the feeder cell-free group.

Conclusion
Achieving successful techniques for human ESC research is fundamentally dependent on preliminary work using experimental animals. In this study, all experimentally developed ESC lines manifested similar features to ESCs obtained from intact blastocysts in standard culture. Cell/sera free murine ESC harvest and propagation are feasible procedures for an embryology laboratory and await refinements for translation to human medical research.
Molecular diagnosis of Theileria and Babesiaspecies infecting cattle in Northern Spain using reverse line blot macroarrays
Authors: García-Sanmartín Josune , Nagore Daniel , García-Pérez Ana L , Juste Ramón A , Hurtado Ana 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Piroplasmosis in cattle is caused by tick-borne haemoprotozoan parasites of the genera Theileria and Babesia. Molecular detection techniques offer higher sensitivity and specificity than microscopy examination methods and serological tests. A reverse line blot (RLB) macroarray that included generic and species-specific probes for Theileria annulata, Theileria buffeli, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia divergens and Babesia major was used to study the presence and identity of the piroplasm species infecting 263 bovine blood samples from 79 farms, most of them in Northern Spain. Microscopy examination of blood smears and haematology were also performed whenever possible to identify animals with parasitaemia.

Results
RLB hybridisation identified infection in 54.0% of the samples, whereas only 28.8% were positive by microscopy examination. The most frequently found species was T. buffeli, present in 42.6% of the samples. T. annulata was found in 22 samples (8.4%) from 12 farms, including 9 farms (14 samples) located in Northern Spain where presence of the vector is not very common. Babesia infections were less frequently detected: B. major was found in 3.0% of the samples, B. bigemina in 2.7%, B. bovis in 2.3% and B. divergens in 1.1%. Mixed infections were detected in 14 samples, accounting for six different combinations of species.

Conclusion
This is the first report in which B. major and B. divergens have been detected in Spain using molecular identification techniques and the first time that B. bovis has been detected in Northern Spain. The detection of T. annulata in Northern Spain suggests that the distribution of Mediterranean theileriosis might be changing. Samples with positive RLB hybridisation but negative microscopy had haematology values within the normal ranges suggesting that they corresponded to chronic carriers that may serve as reservoirs of the infection. In this sense, sensitive and specific laboratorial tests like RLB that clearly identify the parasite and can detect subclinical infections are essential to establish good control measures.
Cost-Effectiveness of Adding Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor to Primary Prophylaxis With Antibiotics in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Timmer-Bonte Johanna N.H. , Adang Eddy M.M. , Smit Hans J.M. , Biesma Bonne , Wilschut Frank A. , Bootsma Gerben P. , de Boo Theo M. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C.G. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose Recently, a Dutch, randomized, phase III trial demonstrated that, in small-cell lung cancer patients at risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN), the addition of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) to prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduced the incidence of FN in cycle 1 (24% v 10%; P = .01). We hypothesized that selecting patients at risk of FN might increase the cost-effectiveness of GCSF prophylaxis. Methods Economic analysis was conducted alongside the clinical trial and was focused on the health care perspective. Primary outcome was the difference in mean total costs per patient in cycle 1 between both prophylactic strategies. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as costs per percent-FN-prevented. Results For the first cycle, the mean incremental costs of adding GCSF amounted to 681 euro (95% CI, −36 to 1,397 euro) per patient. For the entire treatment period, the mean incremental costs were substantial (5,123 euro; 95% CI, 3,908 to 6,337 euro), despite a significant reduction in the incidence of FN and related savings in medical care consumption. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 50 euro per percent decrease of the probability of FN (95% CI, −2 to 433 euro) in cycle 1, and the acceptability for this willingness to pay was approximately 50%. Conclusion Despite the selection of patients at risk of FN, the addition of GCSF to primary antibiotic prophylaxis did not result in cost savings. If policy makers are willing to pay 240 euro for each percent gain in effect (ie, 3,360 euro for a 14% reduction in FN), the addition of GCSF can be considered cost effective.
Excellent Reversible Photochromic Behavior of 4-Octyl-4′-(5-carboxylpentamethyleneoxy)-azobenzene in Organized Monolayer Assemblies
Authors: Liu Zhong-Fan , Loo Boon H , Baba Ryo , Fujishima Akira 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
We report the first observation of a photochromic behavior of an amphiphilic azobenzene derivative in the close-packing LB films on a solid support. The excellent reversibility was achieved only after the LB films were ‘pretreated’ with UV irradiation.
Time Courses of the Numbers of Ion Radicals Produced in a Ternary System of a Decationated Y-Type Zeolite and Two Organic Compounds
Authors: Kashiwagi Hiroshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The number of ion radicals formed from a single organic compound or two organic compounds adsorbed on a zeolite was time-dependent. Cation radicals from a stronger electron donor adsorbed in advance were replaced by those from a weaker donor. The coexistence of donor and acceptor molecules increased the spin-generating sites of both cation and anion radicals.