bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Record of Holocene Climate Change from Lake Geochemical Analyses in Southeastern Arabia
Authors: Parker Adrian G. , Goudie Andrew S. , Stokes Stephen , White Kevin , Hodson Martin J. , Manning Michelle , Kennet Derek 
Published: September 2006

AbstractLacustrine sediments from southeastern Arabia reveal variations in lake level corresponding to changes in the strength and duration of Indian Ocean Monsoon (IOM) summer rainfall and winter cyclonic rainfall. The late glacial/Holocene transition of the region was characterised by the development of mega-linear dunes. These dunes became stabilised and vegetated during the early Holocene and interdunal lakes formed in response to the incursion of the IOM at approximately 8500 cal yr BP with the development of C3 dominated savanna grasslands. The IOM weakened ca. 6000 cal yr BP with the onset of regional aridity, aeolian sedimentation and dune reactivation and accretion. Despite this reduction in precipitation, the lake was maintained by winter dominated rainfall. There was a shift to drier adapted C4 grasslands across the dune field. Lake sediment geochemical analyses record precipitation minima at 8200, 5000 and 4200 cal yr BP that coincide with Bond events in the North Atlantic. A number of these events correspond with changes in cultural periods, suggesting that climate was a key mechanism affecting human occupation and exploitation of this region.
Effect of a metabolically created systemic acidosis on calcium homeostasis and the diurnal variation in urine pH in the non-lactating pregnant dairy cow
Authors: Roche John R , Dalley Dawn E , O'Mara Frank P 
Published: September 2006

Reducing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) has been shown to be an effective means of preventing parturient paresis in confinement systems where cows are offered a total mixed ration containing DCAD-reducing mineral compounds (anionic salts). Such a supplementation strategy is not possible in cows being group fed forages precalving, and little is known about the effect of supplementing these cows with large amounts of anionic salts twice daily.Eight non-lactating, pregnant Holstein-Friesian cows were allocated to two levels of DCAD (−20 and +18 meq/100 g DM) for 24 d, with an intensive Ca balance undertaken in metabolism stalls following a 2-week acclimatization to diet. The basal diet was 3 kg DM of crushed barley and 7 kg DM of pasture-hay. Urine and faeces were collected separately, weighed daily for 5 d and analysed for Ca content. Urinary Ca, creatinine and hydroxyproline concentration and plasma Ca concentration were determined during the period of the balance study. The diurnal pattern in urine and rumen pH was determined over 2 d. Decreasing DCAD reduced (P<0·001) the pH of urine, and increased (P<0·05) Ca absorption. Plasma Ca concentration was not affected by DCAD, and DCAD did not affect the output of urinary hydroxyproline, a marker of bone resorption. Twice-daily supplementation of anionic salts was sufficient to reduce the pH of blood and increase gastrointestinal Ca absorption. There was no diurnal variation in the pH of urine, suggesting that time of sampling to determine efficacy of DCAD in reducing systemic pH was not important.
Enantioselective Synthesis of l‐Homophenylalanine by Whole Cells of Recombinant Escherichia coli Expressing l‐Aminoacylase and N‐Acylamino Acid Racemase Genes from Deinococcus radiodurans BCRC12827
Authors: Hsu Shih‐Kuang , Lo Hsueh‐Hsia , Kao Chao‐Hung , Lee Dong‐Sheng , Hsu Wen‐Hwei 
Published: September 2006

Abstractl‐Homophenylalanine (l‐HPA) is a chiral unnatural amino acid used in the synthesis of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and many pharmaceuticals. To develop a bioconversion process with dynamic resolution of N‐acylamino acids for the l‐HPA production, N‐acylamino acid racemase (NAAAR) and l‐aminoacylase (LAA) genes were cloned from Deinococcus radiodurans BCRC12827 and expressed in Escherichia coli XLIBlue. The recombinant enzymes were purified by nickel‐chelate chromatography, and their biochemical properties were determined. The NAAAR had high racemization activity toward chiral N‐acetyl‐homophenylalanine (NAc‐HPA). The LAA exhibited strict l‐enantioselection to hydrolyze the NAc‐l‐HPA. A stirred glass vessel containing transformed E. coli cells expressing D. radiodurans NAAAR and LAA was used for the conversion of NAc‐d‐HPA to l‐HPA. Unbalance activities of LAA and NAAAR were found in E. coli cell coexpressing laa and naaar genes, which resulted in the accumulation of an intermediate, NAc‐l‐HPA, in the early stage of conversion and a low productivity of 0.83 mmol l‐HPA/L h. The results indicated that low activity of LAA present in the biomass is the rate‐limiting factor in l‐HPA production. In the case of two whole cells with separately expressed enzyme, the enzymatic activities of LAA and NAAAR could be balanced by changing the loading of individual cells. When the activities of two enzymes were fixed at 3600 U/L, 99.9% yield of l‐HPA could be reached in 1 h, with a productivity of 10 mmol l‐HPA/L h. The cells can be reused at least six cycles at a conversion yield of more than 96%. This is the first NAAAR/LAA process using NAc‐HPA as substrate and recombinant whole cells containing Deinococcus enzymes as catalysts for the production of l‐HPA to be reported.
Plasmid DNA Delivery by d‐Alanine‐Deficient Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Simon Benjamin E. , Ybarra Noel , Bonneval Aimée O. , Barry Ronald A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOptimal DNA vaccine efficacy requires circumventing several obstacles, including low immunogenicity, a need for adjuvant, and the costs of purifying injection grade plasmid DNA. Bacterial delivery of plasmid DNA may provide an efficient and low‐cost alternative to plasmid purification and injection. Also, the bacterial vector may exhibit potential as an immune adjuvant in vivo. Thus, we elected to examine the use of cell‐wall‐deficient Listeria monocytogenes as a DNA delivery vehicle in vitro. First, the d‐alanine‐deficient (Δdal‐dat) L. monocytogenes strain DP‐L3506, which undergoes autolysis inside eukaryotic host cells in the absence of d‐alanine, was transformed with a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of the CMV promoter (pAM‐EGFP). Then COS‐7 and MC57G cell lines were infected with the transformed DP‐L3506 at various multiplicities of infection (MOI) in the presence or absence of d‐alanine. Subsequent GFP expression was observed in both cell lines by 24 h post‐infection with DP‐L3506(pAM‐EGFP). Notably, no GFP positive cells were observed when d‐alanine was omitted. Although transfection efficiency initially increased as a result of d‐alanine supplementation, high concentration or long‐term supplementation led to sustained bacterial growth that killed the infected host cells, resulting in fewer GFP‐expressing cells. Thus, efficient DNA delivery by transformed bacteria must balance bacterial invasion and survival with target cell health and survival.
Soft X-ray optics characterization on SURF II
Authors: J R Roberts  , J Kerner  , E B Saloman  
Published: September 2006

We describe the present capabilities and future plans for soft X-ray optics characterization at the NIST storage ring, SURF II. The existing facility is made up of a monochromator and a reflectometer capable of characterizing the reflectivity of soft X-ray devices, including multilayers, gratings and grazing incidence optics. This system can also be used to characterize the transmission of components such as filters. The present capabilities include a wavelength range from 80 Å to 600 Å. The reflectometer will handle components up to several cm in diameter and its detector can be scanned in two independent angular directions. This allows the mapping of scattered photons from the sample, as well as the measurement of reflectivity as a function of angle and wavelength. Results of measurements on users' samples will be shown.
We plan to modernize and expand the capabilities of this facility in the following ways:
(1) Construct a new monochromator capable of scanning wavelengths from 30 Å to greater than 600 Å.
(2) Construct a new reflectometer with independent, computer-controlled angular and translational motion for the sample and detector. This will permit automated wavelength scans and Θ/2Θ scans at fixed wavelengths, as well as mapping of the sample surface. The reflectometer will have a multidetector capability. It will also allow the measurement of optical constants of thin films.
(3) Construct an optical test bench for characterizing the imaging properties of focusing optics.
Other considerations for expanded capabilities, depending on the needs of the soft X-ray user community, include:
(1) In-situ deposition of thin films with a vacuum transfer capability.
(2) Provisions for other types of characterization, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and interferometric profilometry.
Mate choice assays and mating propensity differences in natural yeast populations
Authors: Murphy Helen A , Kuehne Heidi A , Francis Chantal A , Sniegowski Paul D 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

In sexual microbes, mating occurs by fusion of individual cells. This complete fitness investment suggests that cell behaviour could potentially mediate prezygotic isolation between microbial species, a topic about which very little is known. To investigate this possibility, we conducted individual cell mate choice trials and mass-culture mating propensity assays with isolates from sympatric natural populations of the closely related yeasts
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
Saccharomyces paradoxus
. Although we found no evidence for active species recognition in mate choice, we observed a marked difference in mating propensity between these two species. We briefly discuss the possibility that this mating propensity difference may contribute to reproductive isolation between
S. cerevisiae
and
S. paradoxus
in nature.
Metabolic costs of brain size evolution
Authors: Isler Karin , van Schaik Carel P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
In the ongoing discussion about brain evolution in vertebrates, the main interest has shifted from theories focusing on energy balance to theories proposing social or ecological benefits of enhanced intellect. With the availability of a wealth of new data on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and brain size and with the aid of reliable techniques of comparative analysis, we are able to show that in fact energetics is an issue in the maintenance of a relatively large brain, and that brain size is positively correlated with the BMR in mammals, controlling for body size effects. We conclude that attempts to explain brain size variation in different taxa must consider the ability to sustain the energy costs alongside cognitive benefits.
Long‐term results of thalidomide in refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma with emphasis on response duration
Authors: Cibeira M. Teresa , Rosiñol Laura , Ramiro Laia , Esteve Jordi , Torrebadell Montserrat , Bladé Joan 
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Objective: Thalidomide administered as a single agent produces a response rate of about 40% in patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of our study was to determine the quality and duration of such responses. Patients and methods: Forty‐two consecutive patients with refractory (20) or relapsed (22) MM were given thalidomide as a single agent at our institution. Most of them (70%) had previously received two or more lines of therapy, and 38% had undergone autologous stem cell transplantation. Results: Eighteen patients (43%) responded to thalidomide [11 minimal responses (MR) and seven partial responses (PR)] according to the European Marrow Transplant Registry (EBMT) criteria. The median time to response was 3 months and the median duration of therapy in responding patients was 9 months. Treatment was discontinued because of toxicity in 10 responding patients. The toxicity mainly led to peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. At the time of this analysis, all responding patients had progressed except one who remains in continued stable PR. The median time to progression was 15.6 months (range 1.3 to 70+), with a trend towards a longer duration for patients who achieved PR vs. MR (21.2 vs. 11.2 months, P = 0.11). The median duration of response was 12.4 months (range: 0.3–67+) (17.2 months for PR vs. 9.7 months for MR, P = 0.11). Conclusion: These results show that the effect of thalidomide in refractory/relapsed MM can be sustained, particularly in patients who achieve a greater degree of response, and support the finding that this drug can be used for maintenance therapy.
Molecular genetic analysis of a variant Bernard–Soulier syndrome due to compound heterozygosity for two novel glycoprotein Ibβ mutations
Authors: Kunishima Shinji , Sako Masahiro , Yamazaki Tomio , Hamaguchi Motohiro , Saito Hidehiko 
Published: September 2006

Abstract:Bernard–Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by giant platelets, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged bleeding time. It is caused by abnormalities in the glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V complex, the receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWF). Most cases of BSS described so far involve quantitative rather than qualitative defects in the complex. In this study, we investigated the effects of two naturally occurring mutations in the GPIbβ gene, C122S and 443delG, on the expression of the GPIb/IX complex identified in a variant type of BSS in which the platelets had severely reduced GPIbα (∼10%) and less markedly reduced GPIbβ and GPIX (∼20%) expression. Immunoblot analysis showed the absence of non‐reduced GPIb (GPIbα/GPIbβ) in the patient's platelets. Transient transfection experiments in 293T cells revealed the expression of GPIbβ Ser122 polypeptide and absence of GPIbβ 443delG polypeptide. Although no disulfide‐linked association was observed between GPIbβ Ser122 and GPIbα, GPIbβ Ser122 was non‐covalently associated with both GPIbα and GPIX subunits on the cell surface when cotransfected with wild‐type GPIbα and GPIX. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing GPIbα/Ibβ Ser122/IX had the ability to bind soluble vWF and to aggregate in the presence of ristocetin. These results suggest that despite disruption of the disulfide linkage between GPIbα and GPIbβ, GPIb/IX is formed, but its stability may be impaired, resulting in low levels of the complex on the platelet membranes.
Venlafaxine‐induced ecchymoses and impaired platelet aggregation
Authors: Sarma Anita , Horne McDonald K. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Objective: To describe a case of venlafaxine‐induced ecchymoses. Methods: A patient with a history of ecchymoses coincident with venlafaxine therapy was rechallenged with the drug. Her platelet function was assessed with aggregation and ATP release studies before the rechallenge and after she developed ecchymoses. In addition, the effect of venlafaxine on platelet aggregation and ATP release was studied in vitro by adding the drug to platelet‐rich plasma from normal donors. Results: After 4 wk of treatment with venlafaxine our patient developed extensive ecchymoses. At that time her platelet aggregation and release responses to epinephrine, ADP, collagen, and arachidonic acid were markedly suppressed. Adding venlafaxine to normal platelet‐rich plasma also dramatically reduced the aggregation and release responses to the same agonists as well as to serotonin, but the concentrations of venlafaxine required were 1000‐fold greater than those normally achieved clinically. Conclusions: Our patient demonstrated an idiosyncratic hypersensitivity to the platelet inhibitory effects of venlafaxine. Because venlafaxine is an inhibitor of serotonin uptake by platelets and neurons, this mechanism may contribute to the impact of this drug on platelet function. However, our in vitro studies suggest that this hypothesis is inadequate to explain the observations completely.
Exisulind induces apoptosis in advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia/MDS
Authors: Czibere Akos , Prall Wolf C. , Zerbini Luiz F. , Jäger Markus , Kobbe Guido , Knipp Sabine , Libermann Towia A. , Haas Rainer , Aivado Manuel 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe influence of Exisulind on the viability and apoptosis of CD34+ stem cells from patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)/MDS was investigated. In eight out of 10 patient samples Exisulind reduced the fraction of viable cells by inducing apoptosis. We found evidence that Exisulind‐mediated apoptosis depends on c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Addition of a specific JNK‐inhibitor to Exisulind‐treated advanced MDS and AML/MDS cells partly abrogated apoptosis. We propose that Exisulind is tested in clinical phase I/II trials for the treatment of advanced MDS and AML/MDS.
Participatory evaluation (I) – sharing lessons from fieldwork in Asia
Authors: Crishna B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  There is a need to study methodologies for evaluating social development projects. Traditional methods of evaluation are often not able to capture or measure the ‘spirit of change’ in people, which is the very essence of human development. Using participatory methodologies is a positive way to ensure that evaluations encourage an understanding of the value of critical analysis among service providers and other stakeholders. Participatory evaluation provides a systematic process of learning through experiences.Methods  Practical experiences of conducting a number of evaluation studies in social development projects have led the author to develop four basic principles of participatory evaluation strategies. This has been further conceptualized through an extensive literature search. The article develops and shares these principles through descriptions of field experiences in Asia.Results  The article illustrates that the role of any evaluation remains a learning process, one which promotes a climate of reflection and self‐assessment. It shows how using participatory methods can create this environment of learning. However, one needs to keep in mind that participatory evaluation takes time, and that the role and calibre of the facilitator are crucial.Conclusion  Participatory evaluation methods have been recommended for social development projects to ensure that stakeholders remain in control of their own lives and decisions.
Career choices for paediatrics: national surveys of graduates of 1974–2002 from UK medical schools
Authors: Turner G. , Lambert T. W. , Goldacre M. J. , Turner Steve 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  Knowledge of UK doctors’ career intentions and pathways is essential for understanding future workforce requirements. The aim of this study was to report career choices for and career progression in paediatrics in the UK.Methods  Postal questionnaire surveys of qualifiers from all UK medical schools in nine qualification years since 1974.Results  In total, 74% (24 621/33 412) and 73% (20 720/28 459) of doctors responded at 1 and 3 years after graduation. Choices for paediatrics 1 year after qualifying fell from 7.8% of 1974 graduates to 5.0% of 1983 graduates, increased to 7.2% of 1993 graduates, and since the level has remained fairly constant. Approximately twice the percentage of women graduates than men graduates indicated a long‐term career choice for paediatrics. A total of 44% of those who chose paediatrics 1 year after graduation were working in it 10 years after qualifying. Experience of the subject as a student, and enthusiasm/commitment: what I really want to do, affected long‐term career choices more for paediatrics than for other medical careers.Conclusions  The proportion of junior doctors wishing to become paediatricians has not changed much during the last 30 years. The planned increase in the number of medical school graduates is necessary to increase the number of UK‐trained consultant paediatricians. Medical students who experience enthusiastic and stimulating training in paediatrics may be more likely to become paediatricians.
CDX‐2 expression in pseudomyxoma peritonei: a clinicopathological study of 42 cases
Authors: Nonaka D , Kusamura S , Baratti D , Casali P , Younan R , Deraco M 
Published: September 2006

Aims:  CDX‐2 is a highly sensitive and specific marker of intestinal epithelial cells and their neoplastic counterparts. CDX‐2 status in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) has been barely reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of 42 cases of PMP with a special emphasis on CDX‐2.Methods and results:  All patients were treated by cytoreduction. Immunohistochemistry was performed for CDX‐2, MUC‐2, MUC‐5AC, cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK20. Statistical correlation was evaluated for age, sex, completeness of cytoreduction and histological subtype with overall and progression‐free survival (OS and PFS). PMP consisted of 32 cases of disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis and 10 cases of peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis. The appendix evaluated in 25 cases showed two mucinous adenocarcinomas and 21 low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms. CDX‐2 was diffusely positive in 40 cases, with the remaining two cases being focally positive. All cases demonstrated diffuse reactions to CK20 and MUC‐2, and variable reactions to MUC‐5AC, while CK7 was variably positive in 38 cases. Five‐year OS was 97%. Histological type was significantly correlated with PFS (P = 0.02).Conclusions:  CDX‐2 is diffusely and strongly positive in PMP. This is a useful marker to confirm an appendiceal origin of PMP, particularly when used in conjunction with CK7, CK20, MUC‐2 and MUC‐5AC.
Cytokeratin profiles of male breast cancers
Authors: Ciocca V , Bombonati A , Gatalica Z , Di Pasquale M , Milos A , Ruiz‐Orrico A , Dreher D , Folch N , Monzon F , Santeusanio G , Perou C M , Bernard P S , Palazzo J P 
Published: September 2006

Aims:  The prognostic factors and expression of molecular markers in male breast carcinomas are similar to those in female breast cancers. The identification of distinct cytokeratin (CK) profiles (basal as opposed to luminal cells) helps to identify subsets of tumours with different clinical behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate CK expression in male breast cancer.Methods and results:  Thirty‐two cases of male breast cancer were studied. The panel of CKs studied by immunohistochemistry included: 5/6, 14, 17, 18 and 19. Pathological findings and CK expression were analysed in all cases. Histological patterns included ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma and mixed patterns. Four cases were positive for CK5/6 and CK14, identifying a basal‐like phenotype. CK17 was negative in all but two cases. All cases expressing either CK5/6 or CK14 were invasive carcinomas of high nuclear and histological grade and were also larger compared with the tumours not expressing CK5/6 and CK14. All tumours except three (also negative for CK5/6) expressed CK18 and CK19. The four basal‐like tumours were negative for Her‐2 expression.Conclusions:  Male breast carcinomas have a basal‐like phenotype that is similar in frequency to that of female breast carcinomas. The expression of CK5/6 and CK14 identifies a subset of pathologically aggressive male breast cancers.