bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous quantification of CTN986 and its deglycosylation products in rat serum using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Jifen , Zhao Yimin , Zhao Ling , Zhang Weiqiang , Zhang Aijun , Xu Bin 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of CTN986, a flavonol triglycoside, and its two deglycosylation products rutin and hirsutin in rat serum was developed and validated for the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of CTN986. Analytes were isolated from the serum samples (200 µL) prior to analysis by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using C18 solid‐phase extraction, and were separated on a Zorbax C8 reversed‐phase column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol/isopropanol/water/formic acid (20:10:70:0.1, v/v/v/v). The protonated analytes generated in the positive ion mode were monitored through multiple reaction monitoring in an eletrospray ionization source. Calibration was performed by internal standardization with CTN987, a flavonoid structurally similar to CTN986, and regression curves were constructed ranging from 2 to 1000 ng/mL in 200 µL serum samples. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision values were below 11% and accuracy was between −2.37 and 1.4% for all quality control samples. This quantitation method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of CTN986 in rats following oral and intravenous administration. Rutin and hirsutin were not detected in rat serum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIZE OF NEWBORN AND CAESAREAN SECTION DELIVERIES AMONG TEENAGERS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM DHS
Authors: MAGADI MONICA , AGWANDA ALFRED , OBARE FRANCIS , TAFFA NEGUSSIE 
Published: May 2006

Summary.This paper uses DHS data from 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, collected in the late 1990s and early 2000s, to examine perceived size of newborn and Caesarean section deliveries among teenagers in the region. A comparison between teenagers and older women, based on logistic regression analyses for individual countries, as well as multilevel logistic analyses applied to pooled data across countries, and controlling for the effects of important socioeconomic and demographic factors, shows that in general, births to teenagers are more likely to be small in size but are less likely to be delivered by Caesarean section compared with births among older women. An examination of the country-level variations shows significant differences in perceived size of newborn and Caesarean section deliveries between countries. However, the observed pattern by maternal age does not vary significantly between countries, suggesting that these patterns are generalizable for the region. For teenagers with characteristics associated with higher odds of Caesarean section, being in a country with an overall higher rate particularly amplifies their individual probability.
TopoICE-R: 3D visualization modeling the topology of DNA recombination
Authors: Darcy Isabel K. , Scharein Robert G. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
TopoICE-R is a three-dimensional visualization and manipulation software for solving 2-string tangle equations and can be used to model the topology of DNA bound by proteins such as recombinases and topoisomerases.
Availability: This software, manual and example files are available at for Linux, Windows and Mac.
Contact: idarcy@math.uiowa.edu
SHARP2: protein–protein interaction predictions using patch analysis
Authors: Murakami Yoichi , Jones Susan 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Summary: SHARP2 is a flexible web-based bioinformatics tool for predicting potential protein–protein interaction sites on protein structures. It implements a predictive algorithm that calculates multiple parameters for overlapping patches of residues on the surface of a protein. Six parameters are calculated: solvation potential, hydrophobicity, accessible surface area, residue interface propensity, planarity and protrusion (SHARP2). Parameter scores for each patch are combined, and the patch with the highest combined score is predicted as a potential interaction site. SHARP2 enables users to upload 3D protein structure files in PDB format, to obtain information on potential interaction sites as downloadable HTML tables and to view the location of the sites on the 3D structure using Jmol. The server allows for the input of multiple structures and multiple combinations of parameters. Therefore predictions can be made for complete datasets, as well as individual structures.
Availability:
Contact: s.jones@sussex.ac.uk
A protein Ser/Thr kinase cascade negatively regulates the DNA‐binding activity of MrpC, a smaller form of which may be necessary for the Myxococcus xanthus development
Authors: Nariya Hirofumi , Inouye Sumiko 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe developmental process of Myxococcus xanthus is achieved by the expression of a specific set of genes under the influence of developmental signals. MrpC is a member of the CRP family of transcription regulators, essential for fruA expression during development. The Pkn8‐Pkn14 protein kinase cascade negatively regulates mrpC expression (H. Nariya and S. Inouye, 2005. Mol Microbiol 58: 367–379). Elevated levels of mrpC in pkn8 and pkn14 deletion strains (Δpkn8 and Δpkn14) induce untimely FruA production during vegetative growth resulting in significantly faster fruiting body development. mrpC expression is presumably activated by MrpA and MrpB which belong to a two‐component His‐Asp phosphorelay system and is proposed to require MrpC on the basis of the genetic analysis. In the present study, we demonstrate that MrpC binds to at least eight sites in the upstream region of its promoter. Based on analysis of MrpC binding sites in the mrpC and fruA promoter regions, there are two types of MrpC‐specific binding sequences. Importantly, MrpC‐binding activity was greatly reduced upon its phosphorylation by Pkn14. MrpC2, a transcription activator for fruA expression, lacks the N‐terminal 25 residues of MrpC and exhibited four‐ and eightfold greater binding activity to the mrpC and fruA promoter regions respectively. Pkn14 was not able to phosphorylate MrpC2 and phosphorylates MrpC at Thr residue(s), thus Thr‐21 and/or Thr‐22 is (are) the likely site(s) of MrpC phosphorylation. MrpC2 was not detected in a lonD mutant in which fruA expression is low. Thus, the LonD protease essential for development may play an important role for the activation of MrpC‐binding activity through its proteolytic processing to MrpC2, required for developmental progression. MrpC2, only detectable during development in DZF1, was present at high levels during vegetative growth in Δpkn8 and Δpkn14, thus MrpC phosphorylation may inhibit its proteolytic processing. Based on these results, we propose a mechanism by which two transcription factors essential to development, MrpC and FruA, are regulated during the M. xanthus life cycle.
The use of oral cyclosporin to treat feline dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of 23 cases
Authors: Vercelli A. , Raviri G. , Cornegliani L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLimited information is available regarding the use of cyclosporin A (CsA) for the treatment of feline dermatoses. The aim of this retrospective study was therefore to describe the efficacy of CsA for the therapy of eosinophilic granuloma (EG), eosinophilic plaque, indolent ulcer, linear granulomas, idiopathic pruritus and stomatitis. A computer search for feline dermatological cases treated with CsA between 1999 and 2004 was performed. Based on history, clinical signs and laboratory diagnostic tests, it was then possible to divide cases into three groups and to select 23 cats. Seven cats had one or more of the following conditions: EG, eosinophilic plaque, indolent ulcer and/or linear granuloma (group A); eight cats had idiopathic pruritus (group B) and eight cats had plasmacytic stomatitis (group C). Doses ranged from 5.8 to 13.3 mg kg−1oral CsA. All cats were monitored, with complete serum blood analysis and physical examination, monthly for a minimum of 6 months. Response to therapy was scored (severity of lesions and pruritus) with a 0–10 visual analogue scale at each visit (day 0, day, 30, day 60, day 90). All cats in groups A and B were cured and were maintained on alternate day therapy. In group C, 4/8 patients went into remission, while remaining cats have a fair to good improvement. Routine haematological and biochemical examination failed to reveal abnormalities related to CsA administration.
MORAL CONSIDERATIONS IN BODY DONATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: A UNIQUE LOOK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESEARCH FACILITY1
Authors: CHRISTENSEN ANGI M. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses keys to the moral procurement, treatment and disposition of remains used for scientific research, specifically those donated to the University of Tennessee’s Anthropological Research Facility (ARF). The ARF is an outdoor laboratory dedicated to better understanding the fate of human remains in forensic contexts, and focuses its research on decomposition, time since death estimates, body location and recovery techniques, and skeletal analysis. Historically, many donations were unclaimed bodies received from medical examiners (although it will be shown that this trend is changing), and it has been argued that the use of unclaimed bodies for medical or scientific purposes is a violation of autonomy since no consent was given by the individual. It is argued here, however, that the domain of autonomous choice extends to one’s own corpse only insofar as expressed wishes are made known prior to one’s death, and that in the absence of expressed intent toward final disposition, it is acceptable for institutions to receive donations from medical examiners or family members. This paper also discusses other philosophical issues related to donation, consent and autonomy, and the forensic benefits of research conducted at the Anthropological Research Facility.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of the polymerase gene of gibbon lymphocryptovirus
Authors: Phakdeewirot Piraya , Payungporn Sunchai , Chutinimitkul Salin , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  Lymphocryptovirus (LCV) is found in various non‐human primates. As a herpesvirus naturally infecting gibbons it is closely related to human Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) with which it shares considerable genetic, biological and epidemiologic features.Methods  We collected blood samples from 70 gibbons (51 Hylobates lar, 18 Hylobates pileatus and 1 Hylobates agilis) for further separation into serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).Results  Only 13 of 70 (18.6%) sera were serologically positive for human EBV IgG but 64 of 70 (91.4%) PBMCs yielded the partial LCV DNA polymerase gene by semi‐nested PCR, which we subjected to direct sequencing. All sequences showed 84% nucleic acid and 91% amino acid identity to human EBV. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated gibbon LCVs clustered separately from other gammaherpesvirinae but closely related to LCV of other species.Conclusions  Based on LCV DNA detection, we discovered a high prevalence of LCV infection among gibbons. Further characterization of non‐human primate LCV might thus provide new insight into both evolution and pathogenicity of gammaherpesvirinae.
Experimental infection of rhesus macaques with Streptococcus pneumoniae: a possible model for vaccine assessment
Authors: Philipp Mario T. , Purcell Jeanette E. , Martin Dale S. , Buck Wayne R. , Plauché Gail B. , Ribka Erin P. , DeNoel Philippe , Hermand Philippe , Leiva Lily E. , Bagby Gregory J. , Nelson Steve 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  We explored the possibility of using normal adult rhesus macaques for the preclinical assessment of safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of newly developed vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the lung.Methods  Our primary objective was to determine whether an intra‐bronchial inoculum of at least 106S. pneumoniae colony‐forming units, or one as high as 108–109 organisms, could detectably survive in rhesus macaques for a period longer than 1–2 weeks. If so, we hypothesized, it would be possible to observe signs of pneumonia commonly observed in humans, and discriminate between vaccinated/protected animals and controls. Infection was detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids 3–5 weeks post‐inoculation.Results  The clinical course of disease mimicked aspects of that of human pneumococcal pneumonia. Signs of inflammation typical of the disease in humans, such as elevated concentrations of neutrophils and of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were also observed.Conclusions  These findings underscore the utility of this model to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of newly developed S. pneumoniae vaccines.
The 17‐kDa sheath protein in enamel proteins induces cementum regeneration in experimental cavities created in a buccal dehiscence model of dogs
Authors: Kanazashi M. , Gomi K. , Nagano T. , Tanabe T. , Arai T. , Fukae M. 
Published: May 2006

Background and Objective:  Commercially available enamel proteins, such as Emdogain®, are clinically used for periodontal regeneration. However, the real mechanisms behind the bioactivities of enamel proteins is still unclear, as enamel proteins have multicomponents. The purpose of this in vivo study was to identify the cementum regeneration‐promoting factor in enamel proteins that is clinically used for periodontal regeneration to induce cementum‐promotive and osteopromotive activities.Material and Methods:  Cementum regeneration, which is an important part of periodontal regeneration, was examined in experimental cavities prepared on a buccal dehiscence model of dogs. The purification of enamel protein with cementum regeneration activity was carried out by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatographies of newly formed secretory enamel.Results:  Cementum regeneration activity was found in the aggregate comprising 13–17‐kDa sheath proteins along with a small amount of amelogenins, found in the newly formed secretory enamel. In these proteins, cementum regeneration activity was detected upon application of the 17‐kDa sheath protein, but not by other lower molecular‐weight sheath proteins and amelogenins. However, the purified 17‐kDa sheath protein induced cementum regeneration activity only in a small area, although the regenerated cementum was thick. The activity of the 17‐kDa sheath protein was believed not to have been a result of contamination by growth factors such as transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) found in the enamel protein, as the application of TGF‐β1 induced weak cementum regeneration activity.Conclusion:  It is concluded that the 17‐kDa sheath protein itself exhibits cementum regeneration activity, although other factors may be needed to demonstrate its full ability.
Entropy Based Design of Fuel Cells
Authors: Naterer G. F. , Tokarz C. D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis article aims to develop an entropy based method of systematically improving efficiency of fuel cells. Entropy production of both electrochemical and thermofluid irreversibilities is formulated based on the Second Law. Ohmic, concentration, and activation irreversibilities occur within the electrodes, while thermal and friction irreversibilities occur within the fuel channel. These irreversibilities reduce the overall cell efficiency by generating voltage losses. Unlike past studies, this article considers fuel channel irreversibilities within the total entropy production, for both solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Predicted results of entropy production are shown at varying operating temperatures, surface resistances, and channel configurations. Numerical predictions are compared successfully against past measured data of voltage profiles, thereby providing useful validation of the entropy based formulation. The Second Law stipulates the maximum theoretical capability of energy conversion within the fuel cell. Unlike past methods characterizing voltage losses through overpotential or polarization curves, the entropy based method provides a useful alternative and systematic procedure for reducing voltage losses.
Numerical Simulation of the Particle Motion Characteristics in
Boundary Layer of Gas-Solid Rotary Flow
Authors: Ran Jingyu , Zhang Li , Tang Qiang , Xin Mingdao 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The boundary-layer feature and the forces on the particle are analyzed in detail, and the motion parameters of the particle in the gas-solid rotary flow are divided into two parts according to the r-z meridian and r-θ cross section. The Lagrange method is then applied, the 3-D mathematical model of particle motion in the gas-solid rotary flow is presented, and the Gear integral method is applied to simulate the motion characteristics of the particles. The results show that the centrifugal force and Saffman lift force play important roles in the process of the particle being separated from the gas-solid rotary flow in the rotary boundary layer. The velocity gradient of radial direction is the biggest, and that of tangent direction is the smallest. For a higher density ratio of gas to solid, the deposition performance of the particle depends not only on the inlet flow velocity but also on the range of the particle diameter. Reasonable velocity gradient matching of the three directions (r,z,θ) in the gas-solid rotary flow is useful to improve the separation efficiency of the rotary separators.
Inactivation of Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
in Rumen Content- or Feces-Contaminated Drinking Water for Cattle
Authors: Zhao Tong , Zhao Ping , West Joe W. , Bernard John K. , Cross Heath G. , Doyle Michael P. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Cattle drinking water is a source of on-farm
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 transmission. The antimicrobial activities of disinfectants to control
E. coli
O157:H7 in on-farm drinking water are frequently neutralized by the presence of rumen content and manure that generally contaminate the drinking water. Different chemical treatments, including lactic acid, acidic calcium sulfate, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, caprylic acid, ozone, butyric acid, sodium benzoate, and competing
E. coli
, were tested individually or in combination for inactivation of
E. coli
O157:H7 in the presence of rumen content. Chlorine (5 ppm), ozone (22 to 24 ppm at 5°C), and competing
E. coli
treatment of water had minimal effects (<1 log CFU/ml reduction) on killing
E. coli
O157:H7 in the presence of rumen content at water-to-rumen content ratios of 50:1 (vol/wt) and lower. Four chemical-treatment combinations, including (i) 0.1% lactic acid, 0.9% acidic calcium sulfate, and 0.05% caprylic acid (treatment A); (ii) 0.1% lactic acid, 0.9% acidic calcium sulfate, and 0.1% sodium benzoate (treatment B); (iii) 0.1% lactic acid, 0.9% acidic calcium sulfate, and 0.5% butyric acid (treatment C); and (iv) 0.1% lactic acid, 0.9% acidic calcium sulfate, and 100 ppm chlorine dioxide (treatment D); were highly effective (>3 log CFU/ml reduction) at 21°C in killing
E. coli
O157:H7, O26:H11, and O111:NM in water heavily contaminated with rumen content (10:1 water/rumen content ratio [vol/wt]) or feces (20:1 water/feces ratio [vol/wt]). Among them, treatments A, B, and C killed >5 log CFU
E. coli
O157:H7, O26:H11, and O111:NM/ml within 30 min in water containing rumen content or feces, whereas treatment D inactivated approximately 3 to 4 log CFU/ml under the same conditions. Cattle given water containing treatment A or C or untreated water (control) ad libitum for two 7-day periods drank 15.2, 13.8, and 30.3 liters/day, respectively, and cattle given water containing 0.1% lactic acid plus 0.9% acidic calcium sulfate (pH 2.1) drank 18.6 liters/day. The amounts of water consumed for all water treatments were significantly different from that for the control, but there were no significant differences among the water treatments. Such treatments may best be applied periodically to drinking water troughs and then flushed, rather than being added continuously, to avoid reduced water consumption by cattle.
l
-Methionine Degradation Pathway in
Kluyveromyces lactis
: Identification and Functional Analysis of the Genes Encoding
l
-Methionine Aminotransferase
Authors: Kagkli Dafni-Maria , Bonnarme Pascal , Neuvéglise Cécile , Cogan Timothy M. , Casaregola Serge 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Kluyveromyces lactis
is one of the cheese-ripening yeasts and is believed to contribute to the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) through degradation of
l
-methionine.
l
-Methionine aminotransferase is potentially involved in the pathway that results in the production of methanethiol, a common precursor of VSCs. Even though this pathway has been studied previously, the genes involved have never been studied. In this study, on the basis of sequence homology, all the putative aminotransferase-encoding genes from
K. lactis
were cloned in an overproducing vector, pCXJ10, and their effects on the production of VSCs were analyzed. Two genes, Kl
ARO8.1
and Kl
ARO8.2
, were found to be responsible for
l
-methionine aminotransferase activity. Transformants carrying these genes cloned in the pCXJ10 vector produced threefold-larger amounts of VSCs than the transformant containing the plasmid without any insert or other related putative aminotransferases produced.
Effect of Conventional and Organic Production Practices on the Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of
Campylobacter
spp. in Poultry
Authors: Luangtongkum Taradon , Morishita Teresa Y. , Ison Aaron J. , Huang Shouxiong , McDermott Patrick F. , Zhang Qijing 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Intestinal tracts of broilers and turkeys from 10 conventional broiler farms and 10 conventional turkey farms, where antimicrobials were routinely used, and from 5 organic broiler farms and 5 organic turkey farms, where antimicrobials had never been used, were collected and cultured for
Campylobacter
species. A total of 694
Campylobacter
isolates from the conventional and organic poultry operations were tested for antimicrobial resistance to nine antimicrobial agents by the agar dilution method. Although
Campylobacter
species were highly prevalent in both the conventional and organic poultry operations, the antimicrobial resistance rates were significantly different between the organic operations and the conventional operations. Less than 2% of
Campylobacter
strains isolated from organically raised poultry were resistant to fluoroquinolones, while 46% and 67% of
Campylobacter
isolates from conventionally raised broilers and conventionally raised turkeys, respectively, were resistant to these antimicrobials. In addition, a high frequency of resistance to erythromycin (80%), clindamycin (64%), kanamycin (76%), and ampicillin (31%) was observed among
Campylobacter
isolates from conventionally raised turkeys. None of the
Campylobacter
isolates obtained in this study was resistant to gentamicin, while a large number of the isolates from both conventional and organic poultry operations were resistant to tetracycline. Multidrug resistance was observed mainly among
Campylobacter
strains isolated from the conventional turkey operation (81%). Findings from this study clearly indicate the influence of conventional and organic poultry production practices on antimicrobial resistance of
Campylobacter
on poultry farms.