bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Truncated forms of viral VP2 proteins fused to EGFP assemble into fluorescent parvovirus-like particles
Authors: Gilbert Leona , Toivola Jouni , Välilehto Outi , Saloniemi Taija , Cunningham Claire , White Daniel , Mäkelä Anna R , Korhonen Eila , Vuento Matti , Oker-Blom Christian 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) monitors random movements of fluorescent molecules in solution, giving information about the number and the size of for example nano-particles. The canine parvovirus VP2 structural protein as well as N-terminal deletion mutants of VP2 (-14, -23, and -40 amino acids) were fused to the C-terminus of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The proteins were produced in insect cells, purified, and analyzed by western blotting, confocal and electron microscopy as well as FCS. The non-truncated form, EGFP-VP2, diffused with a hydrodynamic radius of 17 nm, whereas the fluorescent mutants truncated by 14, 23 and 40 amino acids showed hydrodynamic radii of 7, 20 and 14 nm, respectively. These results show that the non-truncated EGFP-VP2 fusion protein and the EGFP-VP2 constructs truncated by 23 and by as much as 40 amino acids were able to form virus-like particles (VLPs). The fluorescent VLP, harbouring VP2 truncated by 23 amino acids, showed a somewhat larger hydrodynamic radius compared to the non-truncated EGFP-VP2. In contrast, the construct containing EGFP-VP2 truncated by 14 amino acids was not able to assemble into VLP-resembling structures. Formation of capsid structures was confirmed by confocal and electron microscopy. The number of fluorescent fusion protein molecules present within the different VLPs was determined by FCS. In conclusion, FCS provides a novel strategy to analyze virus assembly and gives valuable structural information for strategic development of parvovirus-like particles.
Is mammalian chromosomal evolution driven by regions of genome fragility?
Authors: Ruiz-Herrera Aurora , Castresana Jose , Robinson Terence J 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
A fundamental question in comparative genomics concerns the identification of mechanisms that underpin chromosomal change. In an attempt to shed light on the dynamics of mammalian genome evolution, we analyzed the distribution of syntenic blocks, evolutionary breakpoint regions, and evolutionary breakpoints taken from public databases available for seven eutherian species (mouse, rat, cattle, dog, pig, cat, and horse) and the chicken, and examined these for correspondence with human fragile sites and tandem repeats.

Results
Our results confirm previous investigations that showed the presence of chromosomal regions in the human genome that have been repeatedly used as illustrated by a high breakpoint accumulation in certain chromosomes and chromosomal bands. We show, however, that there is a striking correspondence between fragile site location, the positions of evolutionary breakpoints, and the distribution of tandem repeats throughout the human genome, which similarly reflect a non-uniform pattern of occurrence.

Conclusion
These observations provide further evidence that certain chromosomal regions in the human genome have been repeatedly used in the evolutionary process. As a consequence, the genome is a composite of fragile regions prone to reorganization that have been conserved in different lineages, and genomic tracts that do not exhibit the same levels of evolutionary plasticity.
Generation of medaka gene knockout models by target-selected mutagenesis
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshihito , Takeda Shunichi , Furutani-Seiki Makoto , Kamei Yasuhiro , Todo Takeshi , Sasado Takao , Deguchi Tomonori , Kondoh Hisato , Mudde Josine , Yamazoe Mitsuyoshi , Hidaka Masayuki , Mitani Hiroshi , Toyoda Atsushi , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Plasterk Ronald HA , Cuppen Edwin 
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe have established a reverse genetics approach for the routine generation of medaka (Oryzias latipes) gene knockouts. A cryopreserved library of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenized fish was screened by high-throughput resequencing for induced point mutations. Nonsense and splice site mutations were retrieved for the Blm, Sirt1, Parkin and p53 genes and functional characterization of p53 mutants indicated a complete knockout of p53 function. The current cryopreserved resource is expected to contain knockouts for most medaka genes.
Chemotherapy for Advanced Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Kondagunta G. Varuni , Motzer Robert J. 
Published: December 2006

Purpose Germ cell tumors constitute the most curable of all cancers. Standard treatment of previously untreated and treated patients has evolved on the basis of prospective clinical trials and prognostic factors. This review summarizes the prognostic criteria on which treatment decisions may be based, and outlines the current treatment approaches. Patients and Methods Randomized and nonrandomized trials of first-line, salvage, and palliative therapy and the role of surgery after chemotherapy were reviewed. In the treatment of previously untreated patients, emphasis was placed on interpretation of data of trials according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group model, which has evolved into a universally accepted classification algorithm for determining appropriate risk-directed chemotherapy. This system permits treatment choices based on the balance between benefit and toxicity and allows comparison of results across multiple clinical trials. Results Standard therapy for good-risk patients is four cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin or three cycles of cisplatin, etoposide plus bleomycin (BEP × 3); both approaches cure approximately 90% of patients. After chemotherapy and normalization of markers, patients should generally undergo resection of residual masses. Approximately 75% of intermediate-risk and 45% of poor-risk patients group achieve a durable complete response with BEP × 4. Potentially curative options in the salvage setting include ifosfamide plus cisplatin-containing standard dose therapy and high-dose carboplatin plus stem-cell rescue. Surgery remains an essential component of care. Conclusion Curative therapy exists even in patients with resistant disease, and treatment choices can be based on established clinical criteria. Serum tumor markers and surgery after chemotherapy have essential roles in patient management.
Increased Plasma Concentrations of Antiprothrombin Antibodies in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
Authors: Sabatini Laura , Torricelli Michela , Scaccia Valentina , Fineschi Daniela , Pescaglini Monica , Gasparri Laura , Florio Pasquale , Petraglia Felice 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background: Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with recurrent fetal loss, but the clinical relevance of antiprothrombin (aPT) antibodies remains controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of plasma concentrations of aPT antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA isotypes) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) not associated with antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome.
Methods: In this retrospective case–control study, we measured plasma aPT antibodies in 100 pregnant women at 8–12 weeks of gestation who had histories of recurrent abortion not associated with antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome. The controls were 200 healthy gestational-age–matched women with uncomplicated gestations.
Results: The mean (SD) plasma aPT concentrations were significantly (P &lt;0.001) higher in women with histories of recurrent abortion than in healthy controls [7.97 (0.79) and 2.08 (0.07) kU/L]. Similarly, the concentrations of IgM aPT were significantly (P &lt;0.001) higher in patients than in controls [5.73 (0.85) and 1.83 (0.05) kU/L]. No differences were found for IgA aPT (P = 0.358).
Conclusions: High concentrations of aPT antibodies (IgG and IgM isotypes) are associated with pregnancy loss in women with RSA. We suggest that the antibodies may have a relevant role in the etiology and pathogenesis of the condition.
Drug Screening of Preserved Oral Fluid by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Øiestad Elisabeth Leere , Johansen Unni , Christophersen Asbjorg Solberg 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background: Oral fluid is an alternative matrix with potential applications in road-side drug screening, work-place testing, drug treatment programs, and epidemiological surveys. Development of methods for extensive drug screening in oral fluid is warranted.
Methods: We developed a liquid chromatography– tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for drug screening of preserved oral fluid collected with the Intercept® collection device. Samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction with ethylacetate/heptane (4:1). LC-separation was achieved with an Atlantis dC18-column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3 μm particle). Mass detection was performed by positive ion mode electrospray LC-MS/MS and included the following drugs/metabolites: morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, codeine, buprenorphine, methadone, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, lysergic acid diethylamide, alprazolam, bromazepam, clonazepam, 7-aminoclonazepam, diazepam, N-desmethyldiazepam, 3-OH-diazepam, fenazepam, flunitrazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam, 7-aminonitrazepam, oxazepam, zopiclone, zolpidem, carisoprodol, and meprobamat.
Results: Screening of 32 drugs was performed with a run time of 14 min. Within- and between-day relative CVs varied from 2.0% to 31.8% and from 3.6% to 39.1%, respectively. Extraction recoveries were &gt;50% except for morphine (30%) and benzoylecgonine (0.2%). The concentrations of the lowest calibrator were 1 nmol/L (0.28 μg/L) to 500 nmol/L (68 μg/L), depending on the drug.
Conclusion: The method allowed rapid and sensitive oral fluid screening for the most commonly abused drugs in Norway and will be used for a road-side survey of drug use in normal traffic.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Detection by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Yun , Hall Thomas A , Hofstadler Steven A , Naviaux Robert K 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations cause a large spectrum of clinically important neurodegenerative, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and endocrine disorders. We describe the novel application of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR MS) to the rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic mtDNA variants.
Methods: In a blinded study, we used ESI-FTICR MS to analyze 24 unrelated samples of total cellular DNA containing 12 mtDNA variants and compared the results with those obtained by conventional PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and gel electrophoresis.
Results: From the 24-sample blinded panel, we correctly identified 12 of the samples as bearing an mtDNA variant and found the remaining 12 samples to have no pathogenic variants. The correlation coefficient between the 2 methods for mtDNA variant detection was 1.0; there were no false positives or false negatives in this sample set. In addition, the ESI-FTICR method identified 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) that had previously been missed by standard PCR-RFLP analysis.
Conclusions: ESI-FTICR MS is a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for the identification and quantification of mtDNA mutations and SNPs.
Experimental Study on Fracture Behavior of a Silty Clay
Authors: Wang Jun-Jie , Zhu Jun-Gao , Chiu C. F. , Chai He-Jun 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Fracture toughness KIC and KIIC are two important parameters in fracture mechanics. In this paper, a device was designed to perform improved three-point and four-point unsymmetrical bending tests on soil beams. The device can easily remove the influence of specimen self-weight on the test results. Using the improved methods and the device, KIC, KIIC, and mixed mode I-II stress intensity factors KI and KII at fracture failure of a compacted silty clay were investigated. Test results indicated that the fracture of the silty clay exhibits linear and elastic behavior. The influences of dry density, water content, and preconsolidation pressure of specimens on parameter KIC were investigated. It was found that the classical mixed mode I-II fracture failure theories such as the strain energy density factor theory, maximum circumferential stress theory, and energy release rate theory cannot adequately predict the fracture failure behavior of the specimens, but a circle agrees well with the test results. The directions of crack growing in the specimens under mode II and mixed mode I-II loading conditions were expressed by a linear function of KI/KII.
Constructions of equative comparison
Authors: Henkelmann Peter 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe morphosyntactic structures of equative constructions, which represent one class of comparison constructions (alongside positive, comparative, and superlative con-structions), are cross-linguistically quite diverse. In the present investigation, which is based on a convenience sample consisting of 25 languages, constructions of this kind are exemplified, analyzed, and classified. Underlying these different morphosyntactic structures are various semantic structures, which are classified and illustrated, too.
Natural course of small, asymptomatic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumours in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: an endoscopic ultrasound imaging study
Authors: Kann P H , Balakina E , Ivan D , Bartsch D K , Meyer S , Klose K-J , Behr Th , Langer P 
Published: December 2006

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enables detection and localization of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Even small tumours down to a diameter of 1–2 mm can be visualized. Since such small tumours usually cannot be detected by computed tomography (ct), magnetic resonance imaging (mri) and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (srs), and experience with EUS imaging is limited, there is no clear evidence for clinical management in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Knowledge about the natural course of growth and metastatic distribution is mandatory to come to appropriate clinical decisions and guidelines. This prospective study was aimed to assess the natural course of small (<15 mm) neuroendocrine pancreatic tumours without clinical symptoms due to endocrine activity or mechanical problems and without clear indication for surgical therapy in MEN1 by EUS.
A total of 82 asymptomatic tumours <15 mm (5.9 ± 3.2 mm diameter at baseline) in 20 patients with MEN1-disease (8 female/12 male, 43 ± 13 years) were studied over a period of 20 ± 12 months (33.8 patient years, 106.7 tumour years) by EUS. Change in largest diameter of each tumour and annual tumour incidence rate in the patients’ cohort were calculated.
Increase of largest tumour diameter was found to be 1.3 ± 3.2% per month, annual tumour incidence rate 0.62 new tumours per patient year. In one patient, rapid progressive pancreatic manifestation of MEN1 was observed. There was no evidence in ct and/or srs and/or mri for metastatic disease in all patients. Only 4/84 (4.8%) pancreatic tumours could be visualized by computed tomography, 5/79 (6.3%) by somatostatin receptor imaging and 4/39 (10.3%) by magnetic resonance imaging.
Small asymptomatic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumours in MEN1 usually seem to grow slowly. Annual tumour incidence rate is low. However, faster growing tumours and patients with rapidly progressive disease can be observed. Risk for obvious metastatic disease from asymptomatic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumours <15 mm in MEN1 seems to be low.
Geometric morphometric study of population variation in indigenous southern African crania
Authors: Franklin D. , Freedman L. , Milne N. , Oxnard C.E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMuch of our understanding of population variation in southern Africa is derived from traditional morphometric research. In the search for new perspectives, this paper reports on new geometric morphometric data examining cranial variation in 12 modern human populations from southern Africa. In total, 298 male Bantu‐speaking individuals were studied. In addition, a small Khoisan (Khoikhoi and San) series was also examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate Khoisan‐Bantu morphological similarities and differences, and to examine variation within both the Bantu‐speaking and Khoisan populations. The three‐dimensional coordinates of 96 landmarks were analyzed, using the shape‐analysis software morphologika. Interpopulation variation was examined by calculating Procrustes distances between groups; a cluster analysis was then used to summarize phenetic relationships. A principal components analysis explored the relationships between populations; shape differences were visualized and explored using three‐dimensional rendered models, and further interpreted using thin‐plate splines. Morphological differences are present within and between the crania of Bantu‐speaking and Khoisan individuals. The Khoisan demonstrate features (e.g., a pentagonoid vault, more rounded forehead contour, and a small and less prognathic face) that clearly distinguish them from Bantu‐speaking populations. Although southern African Bantu‐speaking populations are clearly closely related, they show population‐specific features (e.g., the crania of more southerly populations (Xhosa, Southern Sotho, and Zulu) are characteristically more brachycephalic and less prognathic). This study suggests that differential admixture with adjacent Khoisan peoples has contributed to diversity within southern African Bantu‐speaking populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:20–33, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factor analysis of risk variables associated with metabolic syndrome in Asian Indian adolescents
Authors: Ghosh Arnab 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe purpose of the present cross‐sectional study was to identify components of risk variables associated with metabolic syndrome in Asian Indian adolescents. The sample included 400 adolescents (boys = 200; mean age, 15.0 ± 4.5 years; girls = 200; mean age, 14.4 ± 3.8 years) from Calcutta, India. The following variables were considered: body mass index, waist circumference, sum of four skinfolds, subscapular/triceps ratio, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure. Principal component factor analysis revealed four uncorrelated factors for adolescent boys that cumulatively explained 76.3% of the observed variance of metabolic syndrome. Four factors with overlap between factors 1 and 2 were observed for adolescent girls that cumulatively explained 74.3% of the total variation of metabolic syndrome. The four factors identified were central body fat distribution (factor 1), centralized subcutaneous fat (factor 2), lipids‐blood glucose (factor 3), and blood pressure (factor 4). Furthermore, the first two factors, i.e., central body fat distribution and centralized subcutaneous fat, cumulatively explained more than 46% (46.5% for boys; 46.4% for girls) of the observed variation of metabolic syndrome. Since more than one factor was identified for metabolic syndrome, more than one physiological mechanism could account for the clustering of risk variables of metabolic syndrome in Asian Indian adolescents. Factor analysis of Asian Indian adults also revealed four uncorrelated factors, similar to the present factors, therefore warranting intervention as early as adolescence. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:34–40, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and digit ratios in a college sample
Authors: Stevenson J.C. , Everson P.M. , Williams D.C. , Hipskind G. , Grimes M. , Mahoney E.R. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDiagnosticians recognize three subtypes of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if there are developmentally inappropriate levels (six or more symptoms) of Hyperactive‐Impulsive behavior, or Inattentive behavior, or both (Combined), respectively. ADHD may partly reflect androgen dysfunction, and an arguable proxy for prenatal androgen exposure is the 2D:4D finger ratio set at least as early as week 9 in the fetus; this is lower in men than in women. We examined the relationship between digit ratios and ADHD symptoms representing the three phenotypes: ADHD/Combined as measured by “summarized” (Rasched) scales, i.e., 1) the short version of the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and a total symptom list derived from the DSM IV, and the subdivided DSM IV into 2) ADHD/Inattentive and 3) ADHD/Hyperactive‐Impulsive inventories, in a sample of European‐descent college students (135 female, 52 male) not selected for ADHD. All digit ratios were calculated excluding the thumb. There were significant sex differences for the 2D:4D digit ratios of both hands (RH and LH), and between the RH 3D:4D and between the LH 2D:3D ratio. In females, the more masculine the LH 2D:4D ratio, the more the ADHD/Combined symptoms (both WURS and DSM) and the more the ADHD/Inattentive symptoms and ADHD/Hyperactive‐Impulsive symptoms. More masculine ratios also correlated between the total WURS and RH 2D:3D, RH 2D:4D, and LH 2D:3D; and between the inattentive DSM symptoms and LH 2D:5D, and between the ADHD/Hyperactive and Impulsive symptoms and RH 3D:4D. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:41–50, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth and health status of street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Greksa Lawrence P. , Rie Naganuma , Islam A.B.M. Rafiqul , Maki Uchida , Omori Kinuko 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of street life on the growth and health status of poor children who live and work full‐time on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh (street children), independent of the effects of poverty. This was accomplished by comparing 142 street children with 150 poor children who live and work on the streets of Dhaka but who return to their families at night (slum children). Children between 7–14 years old were recruited at locales where street and slum children are typically found. Weight and upper arm circumference did not differ significantly between street and slum children (P > 0.05), but energy reserves, as assessed by skinfolds, were significantly larger in street than in slum children (P < 0.05). There was no wasting in either street or slum children. Although the majority of children in both groups were stunted and underweight, there were no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). The prevalence of disease symptoms tended to be slightly higher in street children than in slum children, but few of the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). These data do not support the contention that street children are a particularly high‐risk group. The greater‐than‐expected growth and health status of street children, compared to other poor children, may be due to biologically fitter children being more likely to permanently move to the streets and/or to remain on the streets once the move has been made. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:51–60, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.