bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the conformations of nucleic acids
Authors: Turcotte Marcel , Lapalme Guy , Major François 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper presents an application of functional programming in the field of molecular biology: exploring the conformations of nucleic acids. TheNucleic Acid three-dimensional structure determination problem(NA3D) and a constraint satisfaction algorithm are formally described. Prototyping and experimental development using the Miranda functional programming language, over the last four years, are discussed. A Prolog implementation has been developed to evaluate software engineering and performance criteria between functional and logic programming. A C++ implementation has been developed for distribution purpose and to solve large practical problems. This system, called MC-SYM for ‘Macromolecular Conformation by SYMbolic generation’, is used in more than 50 laboratories, including academic and government research centres and pharmaceutical companies.
Reference counting as a computational interpretation of linear logic
Authors: Chirimar Jawahar , Gunter Carl A. , Riecke Jon G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe develop an operational model for a language based on linear logic. Our semantics is ‘low-level’ enough to express sharing and copying while still being ‘high-level’ enough to abstract away from details of memory layout, and thus can be used to test potential applications of linear logic for analysis of programs. In particular, we demonstrate a precise relationship between type correctness for the linear-logic-based language and the correctness of a reference-counting interpretation of the primitives, and formulate and prove a result describing the possible run-time reference counts of values of linear type.
Problems with different time scales
Authors: Kreiss Heinz-Otto 
Published: November 2008

In this section we discuss a very simple problem. Consider the scalar initial value problemHere ε > 0 is a small constant and a = a1 + ia2, a1, a2 real, is a complex number with |a| = 1. We can write down the solution of (1.1) explicity. It iswhereis the forced solution andis a solution of the homogeneous equationyS varies on the time scale ‘1’ while yF varies on the much faster scale 1/ε. We say that yS, yF vary on the slow and fast scale, respectively. We use also the phrase: yS and yF are the slow and the fast part of the solution, respectively.
COOPERATING AGAINST SMALL-STATE MARGINALIZATION
Authors: Edozie Rita Kiki 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEmploying postcolonial critical international relations theory as its theoretical bedrock, this article uses the U.N.-U.S.-French-led humanitarian intervention in Haiti in 2004 to examine top-tier states' claims to universal human rights and bottom-tier states' claims to sovereign national democratic rights. This article critically interrogates both the theoretical and policy assumptions of an emergent interventionism by the North into the South, and examines Haitian social forces and their pan-African allies (CARICOM, the AU, and CBC), who are opposed to the universalist appropriation and imposition of a rights domain that curtails freedom in the international arena.
Assessment of oil refinery waste on Rhizophora mangle L. seedling growth in mangroves of Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Orge M.D.R. , Porsché I.J. , Costa M.C. , Lima J.S. , Soares S.E.D. , Justino R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Seeds of Rhizophora mangle L. were planted and comparatively assessed in six mangroves of Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil. Five of the mangroves were on the north of the bay, an area under the influence of oil activities: two areas around the Landulpho Alves Refinery in Mataripe, and in Madre de Deus Island, Pati Island, and Fontes Island. The control site was a mangrove located on the south of the bay at Jiribatuba on Itaparica Island. In January and March, 1994, 1995 and 1998, sets of seeds were established and distributed in a pattern at regular intervals of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 m from one another. Every 3 months, the seedlings were assessed for fixation, height, number of lateral branches, surface area and wet and dry weight of leaves. During 1998, five individual seedlings were removed for biomass determination every 6 months. All variables were co-related with environmental conditions. After 12 months, a significant growth pattern difference (p &lt; 0.05) was noted between seedlings from the mangrove around the refinery and those from Jiribatuba, mainly related to the rates of fixation higher than 50% and growth of leaves and precocious lateral branches to the two most impacted mangroves around the refinery, and Madre de Deus and Pati Islands. This branching was not observed on the seedlings grown in the mangroves of Fontes Island and Jiribatuba.
The construction of an effluent emission channel into one of the mangrove area from the refinery began in 1998. One hundred and twenty-five seedlings 1 yr in age and other young plants died following direct contact with these effluents in February, 1999. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of AEHMS.
A 6000-year record of interaction between Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario: quantitative assessment of recent hydrologic disturbance using 13C in lake sediment cellulose
Authors: Wolfe B.B. , Edwards T.W.D. , Duthie H.C. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Hamilton Harbour, a heavily urbanized and polluted embayment, has been selected for environmental remedy by an International Joint Commission. Ecosystem restoration efforts, however, require an understanding of harbour water balance and in particular the influence of recently enhanced exchange with the more dilute waters of Lake Ontario via the Burlington Canal. Here we provide a 6000-year quantitative reconstruction of hydrologic communication between Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario, based on the carbon isotope composition in the cellulose of the lake sediment, as a tracer of dissolved inorganic carbon. Results indicate that excavation of the canal has led to mixing levels 30–100% greater than the natural hydrologic state, conditions comparable to the Nipissing Flood when Upper Great Lakes drainage was diverted through Lakes Erie and Ontario roughly 5000 years ago. The effects of elevated exchange are clearly displayed by abrupt attenuation of anthropogenically driven eutrophication in the uppermost sediments from Hamilton Harbour. Thus, restoring the harbour water balance to predisturbance status would generate unfavourable environmental conditions in the harbour unless the effluent discharge to the harbour is eliminated entirely.
Algal growth potential and nutrient limitation in a tropical river-reservoir system of the Central Plateau, Mexico
Authors: López Eugenia López , Dávalos-Lind Laura 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Algal bioassays to determine algal growth potential of waters and nutrient limitation were conducted using a standard test organism Selenastrum capricornutum and native phytoplankton from the sites sampled. The study site was the river-reservoir system of the Río Grande de Morelia located on the Mexican Central Plateau. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s protocol for algal bioassays was followed. In this river-reservoir system, urban and industrial impacts increase downstream. The bioassays showed that water from sites impacted by rural settlements has a low algal growth potential and that nitrogen limits growth. Sites located at urban and industrial settlements have a high algal growth potential and phosphorus limits algae growth.
Helminth antigen-based strategy to ameliorate inflammation in an experimental model of colitis
Authors: Motomura Y , Wang H , Deng Y , El-Sharkawy R T , Verdu E F , Khan W I 
Published: November 2008

SummaryInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the most common and serious chronic inflammatory condition of the gut. Among the distinct T helper (Th) cell subsets, a Th1 type response is associated predominantly with Crohn's disease (CD) while helminth infections generate a strong Th2 type response. IBD is most prevalent in developed countries but rare in countries where infections with helminths are common. Thus, it has been hypothesized that infection with helminth infection influence the development of CD and recent clinical and experimental studies suggest strongly a beneficial role of helminth infection in IBD. In the present study we examined the effects of rectal submucosal administration of helminth antigens on subsequent experimental colitis. Mice were treated with Trichinella spiralis antigens prior to the induction of dinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis and were killed 3 days post-DNBS to assess colonic damage macroscopically, histologically and by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cytokine levels. Previous treatment with T. spiralis antigens reduced the severity of colitis significantly, as assessed macroscopically and histologically, and reduced the mortality rate. This benefit was correlated with a down-regulation of MPO activity, interleukin (IL)-1β production and iNOS expression and an up-regulation of IL-13 and transforming growth factor-β production in colon. These results clearly show a beneficial role of local treatment with helminth antigens for experimental colitis and prompt consideration of helminth antigen-based therapy for IBD instead of infection with live parasites.
‘Are You Top or Bottom?’: Social Science Answers for Everyday Questions about Sadomasochism
Authors: Guidroz Kathleen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSadomasochism remains a topic of curiosity for academics and non‐academics alike. There has been a recent proliferation of scholarship on the topic to explain and justify the behaviors of practitioners of sadomasochism, who remain a diverse yet understudied population. This article offers answers for questions typically asked about sadomasochism. The article includes a brief historical sexological background, explores the topic of sadomasochism from a social science perspective, and deals with linkages between sadomasochism and the sex industry, which I argue deserves more attention by researchers.
MULTIPLICITY-FREE DECOMPOSITIONS OF THE MINIMAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INDEFINITE ORTHOGONAL GROUP
Authors: MORIWAKI MASAYASU 
Published: November 2008

Kazhdan, Kostant, Binegar–Zierau and Kobayashi–Ørsted constructed a distinguished infinite-dimensional irreducible unitary representation π of the indefinite orthogonal group G = O(2p, 2q) for p, q ≥ 1 with p + q > 2, which has the smallest Gelfand–Kirillov dimension 2p + 2q - 3 among all infinite-dimensional irreducible unitary representations of G and hence is called the minimal representation. We consider, for which subgroup G′ of G, the restriction π|G′ is multiplicity-free. We prove that the restriction of π to any subgroup containing the direct product group U(p1) × U(p2) × U(q) for p1, p2 ≥ 1 with p1 + p2 = p is multiplicity-free, whereas the restriction to U(p1) × U(p2) × U(q1) × U(q2) for q1, q2 ≥ 1 with q1 + q2 = q has infinite multiplicities.
Polymorphisms of the IGF1R gene and their genetic effects on chicken early growth and carcass traits
Authors: Lei Mingming , Peng Xia , Zhou Min , Luo Chenglong , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R) has an important effect on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in many species. However, few studies on associations of the IGF1R gene with growth and carcass traits have been reported in chickens. The objectives of the present study were to study the associations of the IGF1R gene with chicken early growth and carcass traits using a neutral test, variation scan of the gene, genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium and association analyses.

Results
The tree generated from the amino acid sequences of 15 species showed that the IGF1R gene was conservative in the whole evolution among the mammalian animals and chickens. In a total of 10,818 bp of sequence, 70 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the chicken IGF1R gene. The allelic and genotypic frequency distribution, genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium of 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Xinghua and White Recessive Rock chickens showed that six of them were possibly associated with growth traits. Association analyses showed that the A17299834G SNP was significantly associated with chicken carcass body weight, eviscerated weight with giblets, eviscerated weight, body weights at 28, 35, and 56 d of age, leg length at 56 d of age, and daily weight gain at 0–4 weeks. The haplotypes of the A17307750G and A17307494G were associated with early growth traits. The haplotypes of the A17299834G and C17293932T were significantly associated with most of the early growth traits and carcass traits.

Conclusion
There were rich polymorphisms in the chicken IGF1R gene. Several SNPs associated with chicken early growth traits and carcass traits were identified in the IGF1R gene by genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, and association analyses in the present study.
Expression of Immunoregulatory Molecules by Thyrocytes Protects Nonobese Diabetic-H2h4 Mice from Developing Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Nakahara Mami , Nagayama Yuji , Saitoh Ohki , Sogawa Rintaro , Tone Shigenobu , Abiru Norio 
Published: November 2008

One approach to prevent tissue destruction by autoimmune attack in organ-specific autoimmune diseases is to protect the target tissue from autoimmune reaction, regardless of its persistent activity. To provide proof-of-principle for the feasibility of this approach, the immunoregulatory molecules, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase, were expressed in the thyroid glands using adenovirus vector in nonobese diabetic-H2h4 mice that spontaneously develop thyroiditis. Mice were anesthetized, and the thyroid glands were exposed by neck dissection, followed by in situ infection with adenovirus vector (5 × 1010 particles per mouse) twice or thrice, starting 1 d or 4 wk before mice were supplied with sodium iodine (NaI) water. After 8 wk NaI provision, the extent of thyroiditis, serum titers of antithyroglobulin antibodies, and cytokine expression in the spleen were examined. In situ infection of adenovirus expressing TRAIL or indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase, but not green fluorescent protein, significantly suppressed thyroiditis scores. However, antithyroglobulin antibody titers and expression levels of cytokines (interferon-γ and IL-4) in the spleen remained unaltered. Importantly, adenovirus infection 4 wk after NaI provision was also effective at suppressing thyroiditis. The suppressive effect of TRAIL appears to be mediated at least partly by accumulation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells into the thyroid glands. Thus, localized expression of immunoregulatory molecules efficiently protected the thyroid glands from autoimmune attack without changing the systemic autoimmunity in nonobese diabetic-H2h4 mice. This kind of immunological intervention, although it does not suppress autoimmune reactivity, may have a potential for treating organ-specific autoimmune diseases.The feasibility of in situ expression of the immuno-regulatory molecules to prevent tissue destruction by autoimmune attack in organ-specific autoimmune diseases is discussed.
Role of Natural-Killer Group 2 Member D Ligands and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 in Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Lysis of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Frenzel Lukas P. , Abdullah Zeinab , Kriegeskorte Anja K. , Dieterich Rebecca , Lange Nadin , Busch Dirk H. , Krönke Martin , Utermöhlen Olaf , Hescheler Jürgen , Šarić Tomo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe transplantation of cardiomyocytes derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells into infarcted heart has been shown to improve heart function in animal models. However, immune rejection of transplanted cells may hamper the clinical application of this approach. Natural killer (NK) cells could play an important role in this process in both autologous and allogeneic settings by eliminating cells expressing low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Here we characterize embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (ESCM) in terms of their sensitivity to NK cells. We show that despite expression of very low levels of MHC class I molecules, murine ESCM were neither recognized nor lysed by activated syngeneic NK cells in vitro. In contrast, undifferentiated ES cells expressing similarly low levels of MHC class I molecules as ESCM were recognized and lysed by NK cells. This differential susceptibility results from the differential expression of ligands for the major activating natural killer cell receptor natural-killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on ES cells versus ESCM. NKG2D ligands and ICAM-1 were expressed on ES cells but were absent from ESCM. Undifferentiated ES cells were lysed by NK cells in a perforin-dependent manner. However, simultaneous blockade of NKG2D and ICAM-1 by antibodies inhibited this killing. These data suggest that in the course of differentiation ESCM acquire resistance to NK cell-mediated lysis by downregulating the expression of ligands required for activation of NK cell cytotoxicity.
Growth inhibition and chemosensitization of exogenous nitric oxide released from NONOates in glioma cells in vitro
Authors: Weyerbrock Astrid , Baumer Brunhilde , Papazoglou Anna 
Published: November 2008

Object
Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) from NO donors has cytotoxic, chemosensitizing, and radiosensitizing effects, and increases vascular permeability and blood flow in tumors. Yet little is known about whether these cytotoxic and chemosensitizing effects can be observed in glioma cells at doses that alter tumor physiological characteristics in vivo and whether these effects are tumor selective.

Methods
The effect of NO released from proline NONOate, diethylamine NONOate, spermine NONOate, and sodium nitrite on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity to carboplatin of cultured glioma cells was studied in C6, U87 glioma cells, human glioblastoma cells, and human astrocytes and fibroblasts.

Results
Although proline NONOate failed to induce cell death, the other NO donors induced growth arrest when present in high concentrations (10−2 M) in all cell lines. Chemosensitization was observed after concomitant incubation with spermine NONOate and carboplatin in C6 and human glioblastoma cells. There is strong evidence that cell death occurs primarily by necrosis and to a lesser degree by apoptosis. The NO doses, which altered tumor physiology in vivo, were not cytotoxic, indicating that NO alters vascular permeability and cell viability in vivo by different mechanisms.

Conclusions
The authors found that NO-generating agents at high concentrations are potent growth inhibitors and might also be useful as chemosensitizers in glioma cells. These data corroborate the theory that the use of NOgenerating agents may play a role in the multimodal treatment of malignant gliomas but that the NO release must be targeted more specifically to tumor cells to improve selectivity and efficacy.
Surface modification and metallization of polyimide using gold colloids as a seed layer
Authors: Kong Yong , Shao Jianqun , Wang Wenchang , Chen Zhidong , Chu Haixia 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHerein we report on metallization of Cu on to surface‐modified polyimide resin, the method of which relies on potassium hydroxide‐induced modification of the polyimide surface to introduce carboxylic acid groups and incorporation of gold colloids as a seed layer through reduction of chloroauric acid. The contact angle of modified polyimide surface with water changed from 70 to 35° due to the hydrolysis of polyimide. Secondary amine group on the surface was detected with attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, suggesting that tertiary amine group has turned into secondary group. In addition, on the basis of hydrophilic behavior, we succeeded in depositing gold colloids on the chemically modified surface. SEM image of copper electroless plated on polyimide surface indicated that copper particles were compact and about ∼ 300 nm in diameter. It showed that gold colloids provide an excellent conductive layer to catalyze the electroless plating of Cu on polyimide surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Kinetics of serum parathyroid hormone during and after thyroid surgery
Authors: Hermann M , Ott J , Promberger R , Kober F , Karik M , Freissmuth M 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy is thought to result from surgical damage to the parathyroid glands. This study analysed postoperative outcomes related to perioperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.

Methods
Some 402 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery were studied prospectively to monitor perioperative changes in serum PTH and Ca2+ levels, and clinical symptoms of hypocalcaemia.

Results
Transient symptomatic hypocalcaemia and persistent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 61 (15 per cent) and six (1·5 per cent) of 402 patients respectively. The intraoperative decline in PTH was 20·2 per cent; the trough (63·8 per cent of preoperative value) was reached 3 h after surgery. Before surgery, PTH levels were correlated inversely with serum Ca2+ concentration. The correlation remained positive from 3 h after surgery until postoperative day 14. Thus, PTH secretion was reduced, but remained sufficient to prevent symptomatic hypocalcaemia in most patients. A low serum PTH level was predictive of persistent hypoparathyroidism (sensitivity and negative predictive value 100 per cent, but poor specificity of 54·1 per cent).

Conclusion
Thyroid surgery impairs hormone secretion by the parathyroid glands resulting in postoperative latent parathyroid insufficiency. Normal PTH levels 3 h after surgery and a normal serum calcium level on the first postoperative day rule out persistent hypoparathyroidism.
Long-term outcome and risk of oesophageal cancer after surgery for achalasia
Authors: Zaninotto G , Rizzetto C , Zambon P , Guzzinati S , Finotti E , Costantini M 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Few studies have reported very long-term results after surgery for oesophageal achalasia. The aim of the present study was to assess long-term subjective outcomes after cardiomyotomy and partial fundoplication, focusing specifically on the risk of oesophageal cancer.

Methods
Clinical and demographic information from 228 consecutive patients who had surgery between 1980 and 1992 was extracted from hospital files. Survival status and dates of death were obtained from census offices. Causes of death were obtained from public registries and compared with those of the general population. Symptoms were assessed by means of a questionnaire and endoscopy results were scrutinized.

Results
Among 226 patients who could be traced, 182 of 184 survivors were contacted and the cause of death established for 41 of 42 patients. At a median follow-up of 18·3 years, almost 90 per cent of patients were satisfied with the treatment. Four had developed squamous cell oesophageal carcinoma 2, 8, 13 and 18 years after surgery, one of whom was still alive. The standardized mortality ratio for oesophageal carcinoma was significantly higher than expected in men.

Conclusion
Cardiomyotomy and partial fundoplication is an excellent long-term treatment for achalasia. Men with achalasia have an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer.