bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographically guided transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy
Authors: SOBEK ALEŠ , HAMMADEH MOHAMED , VODICKA JAN , SOBEK ALEŠ 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTransvaginal hydrolaparoscopy was introduced as an outpatient procedure to examine the tubo‐ovarian complex in infertile women. We evaluated ultrasonographically guided transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (UTHL) as a modified technique for pelvic examination in 562 infertile women without overt evidence of pelvic pathology. Access to the abdominal cavity was observed by ultrasound and examination of the pelvic structures was done by hydrolaparoscopy using saline solution. Access was successful in all cases. No perforation of bowel or rectum was detected. Bilateral visualization of the tubo‐ovarian complex was successful in 96% of women. Mild asymptomatic peri‐ovarian adhesions were detected in 17% of the women, 4.9% had grade I endometriosis. There was unilateral tubal occlusion in 5%, and bilateral in 3.6%. In 13.9% elective operative laparoscopy for tubal obstruction and/or adhesions was recommended. UTHL is a safe outpatient procedure for examination of the tubo‐ovarian complex. The use of ultrasound increases the rate of successful access to the pouch of Douglas and minimizes complications.
Regulation of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Phosphorylation by Metabolites and Abscisic Acid during the Development and Germination of Barley Seeds
Authors: Feria Ana-Belén , Alvarez Rosario , Cochereau Ludivine , Vidal Jean , García-Mauriño Sofía , Echevarría Cristina 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
During barley (Hordeum vulgare) seed development, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activity increased and PEPC-specific antibodies revealed housekeeping (103-kD) and inducible (108-kD) subunits. Bacterial-type PEPC fragments were immunologically detected in denatured protein extracts from dry and imbibed conditions; however, on nondenaturing gels, the activity of the recently reported octameric PEPC (in castor [Ricinus communis] oil seeds) was not detected. The phosphorylation state of the PEPC, as judged by l-malate 50% inhibition of initial activity values, phosphoprotein chromatography, and immunodetection of the phosphorylated N terminus, was found to be high between 8 and 18 d postanthesis (DPA) and during imbibition. In contrast, the enzyme appeared to be in a low phosphorylation state from 20 DPA up to dry seed. The time course of 32/36-kD, Ca2+-independent PEPC kinase activity exhibited a substantial increase after 30 DPA that did not coincide with the PEPC phosphorylation profile. This kinase was found to be inhibited by l-malate and not by putative protein inhibitors, and the PEPC phosphorylation status correlated with high glucose-6-phosphate to malate ratios, thereby suggesting an in vivo metabolic control of the kinase. PEPC phosphorylation was also regulated by photosynthate supply at 11 DPA. In addition, when fed exogenously to imbibing seeds, abscisic acid significantly increased PEPC kinase activity. This was further enhanced by the cytosolic protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide but blocked by protease inhibitors, thereby suggesting that the phytohormone acts on the stability of the kinase. We propose that a similar abscisic acid-dependent effect may contribute to produce the increase in PEPC kinase activity during desiccation stages.
Trench‐forearc interactions reflected in the sedimentary fill of Talara basin, northwest Peru
Authors: Fildani Andrea , Hessler Angela M. , Graham Stephan A. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTExceptional exposure of the forearc region of NW Peru offers insight into evolving convergent margins. The sedimentary fill of the Talara basin spans the Cretaceous to the Eocene for an overall thickness of 9000 m and records within its stratigraphy the complicated history of plate interactions, subduction tectonics, terrane accretion, and Andean orogeny. By the early Tertiary, extensional tectonism was forming a complex horst and graben system that partitioned the basin into a series of localized depocentres. Eocene strata record temporal transitions from deltaic and fluvial to deep‐water depositional environments as a response to abrupt, tectonically controlled relative sea‐level changes across those depocentres. Stratigraphic and provenance data suggest a direct relationship between sedimentary packaging and regional tectonics, marked by changes in source terranes at major unconformities. A sharp shift is recognized at the onset of deepwater (bathyal) sedimentation of the  Talara Formation, whose sediments reflect an increased influx of mafic material to the basin, likely related to the arc region. Although the modern topography of the Amotape Mountains partially isolates the Talara basin from the Lancones basin and the Andean Cordillera to the east, provenance data suggest that the Amotape Mountains were not always an obstacle for Cordilleran sediment dispersal. The mountain belt intermittently isolated the Talara basin from Andean‐related sediment throughout the early  Tertiary, allowing arc‐related sediment to reach the basin only during periods of subsidence in the forearc region, probably related to plate rearrangement and/or seamounts colliding with the trench. Intraplate coupling and/or partial locking of subduction plates could be among the major causes behind shifts from contraction to extension (and enhanced subduction erosion) in the forearc region. Eventually, collisional tectonic and terrane accretion along the Ecuadorian margin forced a major late‐Eocene change in sediment dispersal.
Shortened intensified multi‐agent chemotherapy and non‐cross resistant maintenance therapy for advanced lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and adolescents: report from the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Abromowitch Minnie , Sposto Richard , Perkins Sherrie , Zwick David , Siegel Stuart , Finlay Jonathan , Cairo Mitchell S. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPediatric lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) has utilized treatment strategies similar to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with prolonged maintenance chemotherapy. We report the results of a pilot study to estimate the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of a 12‐month aggressive multi‐agent chemotherapy regimen in children and adolescents with advanced LL. Between July 1994 and June 1997, 85 eligible children and adolescents with advanced LL (Stage III/IV) were enrolled on this pilot study. Patients achieving a complete response following induction and consolidation received six cycles of maintenance chemotherapy for a total duration of 12 months. Grade III/IV toxicities included: hematological (80%), infections (20%), stomatitis and elevated transaminases, (29%). There were a total of 19 events, 13 relapses, two secondary acute myeloid leukaemia and four toxic deaths (5%). The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was 78 ± 4·5% and 85 ± 3·9%, respectively. Relapsed patients had a 5‐year OS of only 33 ± 14%. Multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate age, gender, lactate dehydrogenase level, presence of marrow and/or central nervous system disease to have independent prognostic value. These results suggest that this experimental approach is safe and results in similar outcomes as more prolonged childhood ALL regimens.
Significantly shorter telomeres in T‐cells of patients with ZAP‐70+/CD38+ chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Röth Alexander , De Beer Dirk , Nückel Holger , Sellmann Ludger , Dührsen Ulrich , Dürig Jan , Baerlocher Gabriela M. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryIn contrast to other B‐cell neoplasias, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterized by increased non‐leukaemic T‐cells. In order to assess their replicative history, telomere length was analyzed in subsets of leucocytes from CLL patients. Naive and memory T‐cells from ZAP‐70+/CD38+ patients exhibited significantly shorter average telomere lengths than ZAP‐70−/CD38− patients. Compared to the age‐related percentiles of telomere length values from healthy individuals practically all values of the naive and memory T‐cells from the ZAP‐70+/CD38+ CLL patients fell below the 50th percentile. This indicated an extensive expansion and a role for T‐cells in ZAP‐70+/CD38+ CLL patients.
Non‐myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: a multicentre experience
Authors: Rezvani Andrew R. , Norasetthada Lalitha , Gooley Ted , Sorror Mohamed , Bouvier Michelle E. , Sahebi Firoozeh , Agura Edward , Chauncey Thomas , Maziarz Richard T. , Maris Michael , Shizuru Judith , Bruno Benedetto , Bredeson Christopher , Lange Thoralf , Yeager Andrew , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer F. , Maloney David G. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPatients with relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have failed or are ineligible for autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have a poor prognosis. We examined the outcomes of non‐myeloablative allogeneic HCT in this setting. Thirty‐one patients with DLBCL and one patient with Burkitt lymphoma received allogeneic HCT following 2 Gy total body irradiation with or without fludarabine. Median age was 52 years. Twenty‐four patients (75%) had undergone prior autologous HCT. Disease status at HCT was complete response (14/32, 44%), partial response (9/32, 28%), or refractory (9/32, 28%). Cumulative incidences of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) grades II–IV, grades III–IV, and chronic GVHD were 53%, 19%, and 47% respectively. With a median follow‐up of 45 months, 3‐year estimated overall (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) was 45% and 35% respectively. Three‐year cumulative incidences of relapse and non‐relapse mortality were 41% and 25% respectively. In multivariate models, chemosensitive disease and receipt of ≥4 lines of treatment before HCT were associated with better OS. Patients with chemosensitive disease had 3‐year OS and PFS of 56% and 43% respectively. Non‐myeloablative allogeneic HCT can produce long‐term disease‐free survival in patients with chemosensitive relapsed DLBCL who have failed or are ineligible for autologous HCT.
Cell‐mediated immune response to unrelated proteins and unspecific inflammation blocked by orally tolerated proteins
Authors: Ramos Gustavo C. , Rodrigues Claudiney M. , Azevedo Jr Geraldo M. , Pinho Vanessa , Carvalho Cláudia R. , Vaz Nelson M. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryOral tolerance promotes a generalized decrease in specific immune responsiveness to proteins previously encountered via the oral route. In addition, parenteral immunization with a tolerated protein also triggers a significant reduction in the primary responsiveness to a second unrelated antigen. This is generally explained by ‘innocent bystander suppression’, suggesting that the transient and episodic effects of inhibitory cytokines released by contact with the tolerated antigen would block responses to the second antigen. In disagreement with this view, we have previously shown that: (i) these inhibitory effects do not require concomitance or contiguity of the injections of the two proteins; (ii) that intravenous or intragastric exposures to the tolerated antigen are not inhibitory; and (iii) that the inhibitory effect, once triggered, persists in the absence of further contact with the tolerated protein, possibly by inhibition of secondary responsiveness (immunological memory). The present work confirms that immunological memory of the second unrelated antigen is hindered by exposure to the tolerated antigen and, in addition, shows that this exposure: (i) inhibits the inflammation triggered by an unrelated antigen through the double effect of inhibiting production of leucocytes in the bone marrow and blocking their migration to inflammed sites; and (ii) significantly blocks footpaw swelling triggered by carrageenan. Taken together, these results conclusively demonstrate that inhibitory effects of parenteral injection of tolerated antigens are much more general than suggested by the ‘innocent bystander suppression’ hypothesis.
Ultrastructural characterization of CD133+ stem cells bound to superparamagnetic nanoparticles: possible biotechnological applications
Authors: PAVON L. F. , GAMARRA L. F. , MARTI L. C. , AMARO JUNIOR E. , MOREIRA‐FILHO C. A. , CAMARGO‐MATHIAS M. I. , OKAMOTO O. K. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryCD133 antigen is an integral membrane glycoprotein that can bind with different cells. Originally, however, this cellular surface antigen was expressed in human stem cells and in various cellular progenitors of the haematopoietic system. Human cord blood has been described as an excellent source of CD133+ haematopoietic progenitor cells with a large application potential. One of the main objectives of the present study is to describe for the first time the ultrastructural characteristics of CD133+ stem cells using transmission electronic microscopy. Another objective of the manuscript is to demonstrate through transmission electronic microscopy the molecular image of magnetic nanoparticles connected to the stem cells of great biotechnological importance, as well as demonstrating the value of this finding for electronic paramagnetic resonance and its related nanobioscientific value. Ultrastructural results showed the monoclonal antibody anti‐CD133 bound to the superparamagnetic nanoparticles by the presence of electrondense granules in cell membrane, as well as in the cytoplasm, revealing the ultrastructural characteristics of CD133+ cells, exhibiting a round morphology with discrete cytoplasmic projections, having an active nucleus that follows this morphology. The cellular cytoplasm was filled up with mitochondrias, as well as microtubules and vesicles pinocitic, characterizing the process as being related to internalization of the magnetic nanoparticles that were endocyted by the cells in question. Electronic paramagnetic resonance analysis of the CD133+ stem cells detected that the signal (spectrum) generated by the labelled cells comes from the superparamagnetic nanoparticles that are bound to them. These results strongly suggest that these CD133+ cells can be used in nanobiotechnology applications, with benefits in different biomedical areas.
Filopodia formation induced by active mDia2/Drf3
Authors: BLOCK J. , STRADAL T.E.B. , HÄNISCH J. , GEFFERS R. , KÖSTLER S.A. , URBAN E. , SMALL J.V. , ROTTNER K. , FAIX J. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryFilopodia are rod‐shaped cell surface protrusions composed of a parallel bundle of actin filaments. Since filopodia frequently emanate from lamellipodia, it has been proposed that they form exclusively by the convergence and elongation of actin filaments generated in lamellipodia networks. However, filopodia form without Arp2/3‐complex, which is essential for lamellipodia formation, indicating that actin filaments in filopodia may be generated by other nucleators. Here we analyzed the effects of ectopic expression of GFP‐tagged full length or a constitutively active variant of the human formin mDia2/Drf3. By contrast to the full‐length molecule, which did not affect cell behaviour and was entirely cytosolic, active Drf3 lacking the C‐terminal regulatory region (Drf3ΔDAD) induced the formation of filopodia and accumulated at their tips. Low expression of Drf3ΔDAD induced rod‐shaped or tapered filopodia, whereas over‐expression resulted in multiple, club‐shaped filopodia. The clubs were filled with densely bundled actin filaments, whose number but not packing density decreased further away from the tip. Interestingly, clubs frequently increased in width after protrusion beyond the cell periphery, which correlated with increased amounts of Drf3ΔDAD at their tips. These data suggest Drf3‐induced filopodia form and extend by de novo nucleation of actin filaments instead of convergent elongation. Finally, Drf3ΔDAD also induced the formation of unusual, lamellipodia‐like structures, which contained both lamellipodial markers and the prominent filopodial protein fascin. Microarray analyses revealed highly variable Drf3 expression levels in different commonly used cell lines, reflecting the need for more detailed analyses of the functions of distinct formins in actin cytoskeleton turnover and different cell types.
Non‐classical use of clathrin during bacterial infections
Authors: COSSART P. , VEIGA E. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryHow invasive bacteria exploit mammalian host cell components to induce their entry into cells has received a lot of attention in the last two decades. Model organisms have emerged and helped understanding the various mechanisms that are used. Among those, Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most documented organisms. It enters into cells via two bacterial proteins, internalin (also called InlA) and InlB, which interact with cell surface receptors, E‐cadherin and the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, Met, respectively. These interactions initiate a series of events that leads to actin polymerization, membrane invagination and bacterial internalization. Investigations on internalin‐ and InlB‐mediated entries have repeatedly shown that Listeria fully usurps the host cell machinery. Moreover, they have also shown that previously unknown components discovered during the study of Listeria invasion play a role either in E‐cadherin‐mediated cell–cell adhesion or Met signalling. Unexpectedly, recent studies have highlighted a role for clathrin in Listeria InlB‐mediated actin polymerization and entry, revealing a new role for this endocytic protein, i.e. in bacterial‐induced internalization. Furthermore, comparative studies have demonstrated that the clathrin‐mediated endocytosis machinery is also used in the internalin–E‐cadherin pathway, and for the entry of other bacteria that enter by a ‘zipper’ mechanism. By contrast, the clathrin‐mediated endocytic machinery is not used by bacteria that inject effectors into mammalian cells via the type III secretion system and enter by the so‐called trigger mechanism, characterized by enormous membrane ruflles that result in the macropinocytosis of the corresponding bacteria. Finally, adherent bacteria, for example enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), also co‐opt clathrin to induce the formation of actin‐rich pedestals. Together, these new data illuminate our view on how actin rearrangements may be coupled to clathrin recruitment during bacterial infection. They also shed light on a new function for clathrin in mammalian cells, i.e. internalization of objects much larger than previously accepted.
Nonlinear Alternatives to Unit Root Tests and Public Finances Sustainability: Some Evidence from Latin American and Caribbean Countries*
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Kapetanios George , Uctum Merih 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe analyse the sustainability of government debt for Latin American and Caribbean countries employing unit‐root tests with nonlinear alternative hypotheses and examine the robustness of our results against those from unit‐root tests with breaks and threshold nonlinearities. We show that, in general support for sustainability substantially improves when nonlinear mean reversion is taken into account. We also find that the results obtained from applying various tests with nonlinear alternatives, although broadly consistent, are not identical. This suggests that reliance on a single unit‐root test for assessing fiscal policy sustainability may be misleading.
Regional Planning of Wastewater Reuse for Irrigation and River Rehabilitation
Authors: Axelrad Gilad , Feinerman Eli 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Subject to a few agri‐environmental restrictions, municipal wastewater can be utilised for agricultural irrigation and river rehabilitation. This paper develops a single‐year Planning Model for a region in Israel which consists of a city and three potential wastewater consumers. The model incorporates, in one endogenous system, the economic, physical and biological relationships in the water–soil–plant–environment system and its objective is to maximise the regional social welfare. The model determines the optimal crop mix and the optimal allocation of the limited water and land resources among all potential users. Then, different allocation approaches from the concept of transferable utility games are applied to determine a reasonable and fair allocation of the additional net benefits which will be acceptable to all the players. The results support the collaboration among the economic entities and indicate economic and environmental advantages which can serve the decision‐makers.
The Amenity Value of Agricultural Landscape and Rural–Urban Land Allocation
Authors: Fleischer Aliza , Tsur Yacov 
Published: August 2008

Abstract We analyse rural–urban land allocation in the light of the increasing environmental role of agricultural landscapes. The landscape amenity value of farmland varies across crops and as a result affects the optimal crop mix in addition to its effect on rural–urban land allocation. Investigating the effects of population and income growth processes, we find that, contrary to market outcomes, the socially optimal allocation may call for more farmland preservation under both processes. In an empirical application to a region in Israel, we find that the extent of market under‐supply of farmland is substantial and that population growth calls for more farmland preservation at the expense of urban land.
Dynamic Fatigue Behavior of Dental Porcelain Modified by Surface Deposition of a YSZ Thin Film
Authors: Teixeira Erica C. , Piascik Jeffrey R. , Stoner Brian R. , Thompson Jeffrey Y. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the basic fatigue parameters of a dental porcelain modified by deposition of a yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film and to compare the data to that of an unmodified control. Methods: Two hundred bars (2 × 2 × 15 mm3) were cut from ProCAD blocks. Specimens were wet‐polished with 1200‐grit SiC abrasive. One surface of each bar was sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3 abrasive (50 psi). Half the specimens were further modified through deposition of a 3‐μm YSZ thin film on the sandblasted surface. Depositions were performed using an radio frequency magnetron sputter system (working pressure of 15 mT, 150°C, 30:1 Ar:O2 gas ratio). Specimens were tested at different stressing rates: 5.0, 0.1, and 0.01 MPa/s (n = 25/group) in deionized water (37°C), and inert strength was determined in air (25°C, 70 MPa/s). All strength measurements were carried out by three‐point bending (span = 10 mm) in a servo‐electric test system. Results: The mean flexural strength values (MPa) and standard deviation for the uncoated sandblasted group were: 98.6 (5.5), 90.7 (5.9), and 84.2 (8.5), and for the sandblasted + YSZ thin film group: 125 (9.4), 119.3 (7.8), and 102.8 (7.0), for the highest to the lowest stressing rates, respectively. The fatigue parameters n and lnB were calculated by linear regression of dynamic fatigue data. For the uncoated group, n = 38 and lnB = 4.7 MPa2/s, and for the coated group, n = 33 and lnB = 10.8 MPa2/s. Weibull analysis was also performed showing that the characteristic parameter (σo) was 113.3 and 125.7 MPa for the uncoated and coated group, respectively. Conclusions: There was an increase in strength for specimens modified by application of a YSZ thin film. It is hypothesized that thin‐film application modifies flaws or residual surface stress states.