bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoantibody Response to Chromatographic Fractions from Oxidized LDL in Unstable Angina Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Ketelhuth D. F. J. , Tonini G. C. , Carvalho M. D. T. , Ramos R. F. , Boschcov P. , Gidlund M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractLevels of autoantibodies to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) have been correlated to atherosclerosis; however, contradictory results have been shown. To better understand the role of autoantibodies to oxLDL in atherogenesis, and their potential to predict risk of developing coronary artery disease we investigated the antibody response of unstable angina (UA) patients and healthy controls against chromatographic separated fractions of oxLDL. Five major peaks were detected after chromatographic separation of oxLDL and 10 fractions were collected. Surprisingly, when the response to high molecular weight fractions was analysed, we observed a significant increase in the levels of autoantibodies in controls compared to UA. In contrast, when the autoantibody response to intermediate and low molecular weight fractions was analysed, we observed that the UA group showed consistently higher levels compared with controls. Our data demonstrates that within oxLDL there are major fractions that can be recognized by autoantibodies from either UA patients or healthy individuals, and that the use of total oxLDL as an antigen pool may mask the presence of some antigenic molecules and their corresponding antibodies. Further studies are needed, but the analysis of antibody profiles may indeed open up a novel approach for evaluation and prevention against atherosclerosis.
Differential Dependence of the Ingestion of Necrotic Cells and TNF‐α / IL‐1β Production by Murine Macrophages on Lipid Rafts
Authors: Acosta‐Pérez G. , Maximina Bertha Moreno‐Altamirano M. , Rodríguez‐Luna G. , Javier Sánchez‐Garcia F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMonocytes and macrophages may encounter both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory signals during their lifetime, in the form of micro‐organisms or their products or as cytokines. In addition, macrophages are also exposed to apoptotic and necrotic cells. Apoptosis or ‘programmed cell death’ is thought to be the physiological end of developing or maturing cells, whereas necrosis is regarded as ‘accidental death’ or injury‐associated cell death. Apoptotic cells are cleared from tissues by phagocytic cells without eliciting an inflammatory response, while necrotic cells elicit inflammation. Several cell membrane molecules from apoptotic and necrotic, as well as from phagocytic cells, have been shown to participate in the process of endocytosis of dying and potentially harmful cells. Apart from an array of cell surface receptors, it is also known that lipid rafts are key components of cell–cell communication and signalling. By using the interaction of BALB/c mice thymus‐derived apoptotic or necrotic cells with murine macrophages of the J774 cell line as a model system, we provide evidence that endocytosis of apoptotic but not of necrotic cells is inhibited by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, a cholesterol sequestering agent, able to disrupt lipid rafts. However, necrotic but not apoptotic cells co‐localize with lipid rafts within macrophages. Interestingly, necrotic cell‐induced secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐1β was also inhibited by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, thus suggesting a role for lipid rafts in the signalling of this particular inflammatory response. Taken together, our results argue in favour of differential macrophage recognition of apoptotic and necrotic cells at the level of lipid rafts, and endocytosis versus signalling for TNF‐α and IL‐1β synthesis.
Effects of the Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on Immunity, Infection and Cancer
Authors: Hetland G. , Johnson E. , Lyberg T. , Bernardshaw S. , Tryggestad A. M. A. , Grinde B. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) is an edible, medicinal mushroom of Brazilian origin. It is used traditionally against a range of diseases, including cancer and chronic hepatitis, and has been cultivated commercially for the health food market. AbM has recently been shown to have strong immunomodulating properties, which has led to increasing scientific interest. In this article, we review current knowledge as to the immunological properties of AbM, and its possible clinical use in connection with infections and cancer. We also present some novel findings, which point to highly different biological potency between AbM extracts of different source and manufacturing.
Dynamic Expression of the Signal Regulatory Protein α and CD18 on Porcine PBMC During Acute Endotoxaemia
Authors: Ebdrup L. , Krog J. , Granfeldt A. , Tønnesen E. , Hokland M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractEndotoxaemia elicits a massive inflammatory insult affecting the β2 integrin CD18. Being an adhesion molecule, CD18 is pivotal in inflammation and, moreover, exiting data suggest that CD18 is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor. Early LPS‐induced inflammation is regulated by the signal regulatory protein (SIRPα), which is identical to the porcine panmyelocytic marker swine CD workshop 3 (SWC3), and LPS‐induced downregulation of SIRPα has been described in vitro. The dynamic SIRPα/SWC3 and CD18 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vivo during LPS‐induced inflammation is the focus of this study. Pigs were randomized into LPS (n = 12) or control (n = 6) groups. At start 0 min, LPS infusion was stepwise (2.5–15 μg/kg/h, 30 min) followed by maintenance infusion (2.5 μg/kg/h, 330 min). PBMC were isolated at 0, 60, 240 and 360 min, and two‐colour flow cytometry was performed using monoclonal antibodies identifying SWC3 and CD18. Viability was tested using 7‐amino‐actinomycin D. LPS dramatically changed the relative distribution of circulating myeloid cells. At 60 min monocytes disappeared. This was followed by reappearance of a distinct population with low CD18 and SIRPα/SWC3 expression. Cell sorting showed that the appearing population comprised band neutrophils and apoptotic/dead cells. The remaining monocytes expressed less CD18 at 360 min than the controls (P = 0.03). The appearance of a distinct cell population comprising apoptotic cells and band neutrophils consistent with LPS‐induced apoptosis, and decreased CD18 expression on monocytes suggests that early CD18 downregulation is profitable for the host in a situation with an intense LPS stimulus.
A Rationalized Set of Default Postulates that Permit a Coherent Description of the Immune System Amenable to Computer Modeling
Authors: Cohn M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis discussion delineates and rationalizes a set of postulates that permit a coherent understanding of immune function. Although analytical tools such as mathematics and computer modeling have become very popular, simulation and data mining in the absence of a conceptual framework cannot increase understanding. The goal of this essay is to provide the foundation for a discussion that has as its goal the formulation of an agreed upon set of default postulates. Such a set is required to guide the algorithms needed to analyze complex immune behavior.
Backward Intergenerational Goods and Endogenous Fertility
Authors: HATFIELD JOHN WILLIAM 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper characterizes the consequences of introducing the public provision of intergenerational goods to the elderly in a model with endogenous fertility. With exogenous fertility, it has been shown that the government can mandate the first‐best outcome by simply imposing the socially optimal transfer. By contrast, with endogenous fertility, the government can no longer enforce this outcome. This is due, in part, to the effects of mandatory provision on the birth rate. However, taxes may still have a salubrious effect on social welfare as they can eliminate particularly bad equilibria.
Modesty May Pay!
Authors: FINUS MICHAEL , MAUS STEFAN 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMost noncooperative game theoretic models of international environmental agreements (IEAs) draw a pessimistic picture of the prospective of successful cooperation. In this paper, we consider the possibility that countries agree on modest instead of ambitious abatement targets. It is shown that this can be an explanation for higher participation and more successful treaties. Thus, modesty may well pay, though the first‐best optimum cannot be achieved. It is also demonstrated that our model extension makes it easier to relate the stylized model to actual negotiations.
Living Standard, Social Welfare, and the Redistribution of Income in a Heterogeneous Population
Authors: EBERT UDO 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe paper considers the redistribution of income in a population of households which may differ by type. The redistribution is based on (differences in) living standard and a principle of between‐type‐progressive transfers (BTPT). We characterize the relationship between a social welfare ordering satisfying the BTPT principle and the concept of living standard the principle is based on. It turns out that there is a close link: The ordering of living standard can be derived from the social welfare ordering. Conversely, the class of welfare orderings fulfilling the BTPT principle for a given concept of living standard can be completely described.
Playing for Your Own Audience: Extremism in Two‐Party Elections
Authors: VIRÁG GÁBOR 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper considers a two‐party election with a single‐dimensional policy space. We assume that each voter has a higher probability of observing the position of the party he is affiliated with than the position of the other party, an assumption that is consistent with the National Election Studies (NES) electoral data set. In equilibrium, the two parties locate away from the median, because the voters who dislike a party's platform observe its policy choice with a lower probability, and its own audience like policy choices that cater to its taste. As the asymmetry in voter information or the cost of voting increases, the parties adopt more extreme platforms, while if there are fewer extreme voters the opposite effect occurs. Making voters more symmetrically informed about the two parties' platforms increases the welfare of society, while asymmetric information acquisition by the voters is worse than no information acquisition at all.
Investment in Health Technologies in a Competitive Model with Real Options
Authors: PERTILE PAOLO 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper adopts a real options approach to study the optimal timing of investment in new technologies by health care providers competing for patients and the role of alternative payment systems in the adoption decision. The innovative technology provides a better health outcome, thus attracting a larger number of patients. On the other hand, at the early stages of innovation it is assumed to involve a larger degree of uncertainty and higher costs. The role of the payment system turns out not always to be intuitive. In particular, it is shown that a more generous scheme does not always induce earlier investment. By comparing the competitive solution with the social optimal timing, some policy implications are finally discussed.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Effect of Oxidative Environment on Immunosuppressive Properties of Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: Badia Roger , Iborra Antoni , Palacio José Ramón , Antich Marta , Martínez Paz 
Published: September 2008

Problem Human seminal plasma (SP) has an important immunosuppressive function that enables sperm survival in the female reproductive tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate how oxidized proteins, by oxidative stress, may influence seminal plasma immunosuppressive properties in male infertility.Method of study Human SP immunosuppressive ability was evaluated by a lymphocyte proliferation assay. We used phytohemagglutinin mitogen to induce lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of human SP from infertile and fertile men, and under in vitro oxidizing conditions. Human SP‐oxidized proteins (MDA‐protein) were determined by the thiobarbituric acid test.Results Significant high levels of oxidized proteins were found in SP from asthenozoospermic patients. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of SP from normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic group compared to the fertile donor group. Oxidized human SP in vitro allows for higher lymphocyte proliferation than non‐oxidized SP.Conclusion Human SP proteins have an inhibitory ability on lymphocyte proliferation, but under oxidative stress conditions, these proteins lose their immunosuppressive function.
Interactions between TIME and PIN could play a role in the system that controls the duration of diapause development and synchronization with seasonal cycles in the silkworm Bombyx mori*
Authors: KAI Hidenori , TANI Naoki , ISOBE Minoru 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe significance of winter cold in the termination of diapause was investigated with regards to TIME and PIN in eggs of the silkworm Bombyx mori. TIME (time interval measuring enzyme) is an ATPase that can measure time intervals by exhibiting a transitory burst of activation of the enzyme in accordance with diapause development, which requires cold for resumption of embryonic development in the silkworm. The possible timer function of TIME comprises a built‐in mechanism in the protein structure. TIME is a metallo‐glycoprotein consisting of 156 amino acid residues with a unique sequence in the N‐terminal region to which a sugar chain is attached. PIN (peptidyl inhibitory needle) inhibits the ATPase activity of TIME. PIN is not a simple enzyme inhibitor, but holds the timer by forming a time‐regulatory complex with TIME. The carbohydrate moiety of TIME is essential for the assembly of a high‐affinity PIN‐binding site within the timer motif of the TIME structure. The binding interaction between TIME and PIN was much tighter (nearly 1000 times) at 25°C than that at 4°C, as measured by fluorescence polarization. Because the logEC50 at 4°C was approximately 7 nmol/L, PIN must dissociate from TIME at the physiological concentration of TIME in eggs in the winter cold. Based on the results of our study, we propose that the dissociation of the TIME–PIN complex in the winter cold cues a series of conformational changes of TIME, ultimately reaching the active form of ATPase which in turn causes the completion of diapause development and initiates new developmental programs.
Characterization of alanyl aminopeptidase from insecticide resistant and susceptible strains of Musca domestica L.
Authors: AHMED Sohail , WAKIL Waqas , MANTLE David , WILKINS Richard M. , KWON Yong Jung 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTo investigate the high activity of intracellular proteases in insecticide resistant strains of Musca domestica L., purification by anion‐exchange chromatography and gel filtration of one of the enzymes, alanyl aminopeptidase (Ala AP), in three strains of Musca domestica was carried out. The fractions collected by gel filtration of soluble homogenates of the three strains (571ab, 17bb and Cooper) showed a single peak of Ala AP activity. Partially purified Ala AP of the three strains showed high activity at pH 7.5. The presence or absence of Ca2+ in the assay medium did not produce any difference in activity of Ala AP in the 571ab and Cooper strains, but there was a significant difference in the 17bb strain. The activity of Ala AP in all three strains was essentially unaltered in the presence of inhibitors of serine (PMSF), cysteine (E‐64) proteases and carboxypeptidases (pepstatin). Ala AP hydrolyzed alanine amino methylcoumarin (Ala‐AMC) maximally, followed by phenyl alanine amino methylcoumarin (Phe‐AMC), leucyl amino methylcoumarin (Leu‐AMC) and ornithine amino methylcoumarin (Orn‐AMC). Ala AP from the three strains showed differential activity towards various substrates. The comparison of alanyl aminopeptidase's activity from different sources is discussed.
Allantus luctifer(Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), a candidate agent for the biological control ofRumexspp.
Authors: PARK Jinyoung , LEE In‐Yong , PARK Jae‐Eup , KWON Ohseok 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe dock plant (Rumexspp.) is one of the most problematic pasture weeds worldwide.Allantus luctiferwas selected as a potential biological control agent forRumexspp. Continuous rearing ofA. luctiferwas carried out from 2005 to 2006, and its general biology is presented in this report. The preliminary host specificity test showed a promising result for usingA. luctiferto controlRumexspp.
Larval pupation site preference on fruit in different species of Drosophila
Authors: VANDAL Nakul B. , SIDDALINGAMURTHY Gudadappa S. , SHIVANNA Nanjaiah 
Published: September 2008

AbstractLarval pupation site preference (PSP) of different species of Drosophila was analyzed on fruit in the laboratory. The larvae of D. melanogaster, D. ananassae, D. virilis, D. novamexicana and D. hydei pupated on the surface of glass vials; D. simulans, D. yakuba, D. mauritiana and D. malerkotliana pupated in/on fruit; and D. rajasekari pupated on cotton plugs in all experiments. D. bipectinata larvae changed their preference from fruit in the control to glass surface for all of the fruits tested. The statistical analysis of PSP (glass and fruit) found a significant result in that compared to other species, D. mauritiana and D. ananassae preferred to pupate on cotton compared to the control.
Microstructure of the adhesive pad in the millipedeOrthomorphella pekuensis(Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: CHUNG Kyung‐Hwun , MOON Myung‐Jin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSecondary sexual structures in millipedes have evolved to improve the efficiency with which spermatophores are transferred from males to females. Here, we demonstrate the microstructural characteristics of the sexual dimorphism in the leg adhesive pads of the millipedeOrthomorphella pekuensis, using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The adult male of this millipede has developed typical adhesive pads on the legs as a secondary sexual character: these help the male hold on to the female during mating. The adhesive pads are located on the ventral surface of the tarsus in the form of numerous filamentous bristles with horizontal striation. There are approximately 300 bristles, each with an average length of approximately 60 µm, on each tarsus. Each bristle has a round socket on the surface of the tarsus and an acuminate tip. The striation appears only on the distal half of each bristle, typically.
Three species of the family Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) new to China
Authors: HAN Hui‐Lin , DUAN Zhao‐Yao , FENG Zhi‐Wei 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThree species of the family Noctuidae –Phlogophora striatovirens (Moore, 1867), Usbeca kulmburgi (Rebel, 1918) and Feliniopsis leucostigma (Moore, 1867) – are reported for the first time from China. Photographs of adults and genital characteristics are provided.
A new genus and a new species of Akicerinae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Pamphagidae) from Libya
Authors: USMANI Mohammad Kamil 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA new genus, Neotmethis gen. n., with a new species, Neotmethis bidentatus sp. n., from the Fezzan Province of Libya is described and illustrated. A key to the Libyan genera of the subfamily Akicerinae is provided. Some additional characters of female genitalia at generic and species level are also provided.
ICSH guidelines for the standardization of bone marrow specimens and reports
Authors: LEE S.‐H. , ERBER W. N. , PORWIT A. , TOMONAGA M. , PETERSON L. C. ,   International Councilfor Standardization In Hematology
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe bone marrow examination is an essential investigation for the diagnosis and management of many disorders of the blood and bone marrow. The aspirate and trephine biopsy specimens are complementary and when both are obtained, they provide a comprehensive evaluation of the bone marrow. The final interpretation requires the integration of peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy findings, together with the results of supplementary tests such as immunophenotyping, cytogenetic analysis and molecular genetic studies as appropriate, in the context of clinical and other diagnostic findings. Methods for the preparation, processing and reporting of bone marrow aspirates and trephine biopsy specimens can vary considerably. These differences may result in inconsistencies in disease diagnosis or classification that may affect treatment and clinical outcomes. In recognition of the need for standardization in this area, an international Working Party for the Standardization of Bone Marrow Specimens and Reports was formed by the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) to prepare a set of guidelines based on preferred best practices. The guidelines were discussed at the ICSH General Assemblies and reviewed by an international panel of experts to achieve further consensus.
Stem Cell Identification and Sorting Using the Hoechst 33342 Side Population (SP)
Authors: Goodell Margaret A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis unit describes the use of Hoechst 33342 to identify and purify murine hematopoietic stem cells, the so‐called side population. Three properties of the dye contribute to the ability to distinguish stem cells in this way. Hoechst is a DNA‐binding dye. It has at least two binding modes that result in different spectral properties, allowing resolution of multiple populations by viewing fluorescence at two wavelengths simultaneously. The ability to discriminate SP cells is based on the differential efflux of the dye by a multi‐drug‐like transporter. Particular attention is given to the critical aspects of Hoechst concentration, cell concentration, staining time, and staining temperature.
Use of Microsphere‐Supported Phospholipid Membranes for Analysis of Protein‐Lipid Interactions
Authors: Gilbert Gary E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMany proteins bind to phospholipid membranes in order to gain or modify function. As an example, blood coagulation proteins must bind to phosphatidylserine‐containing membranes in order to gain procoagulant activity. The flow cytometry approaches described in this unit provide versatile assays for equilibrium and kinetic binding studies to measure essential membrane‐binding properties. These assays are rapid, require only small quantities of the protein of interest, and can evaluate binding interactions in complex, physiological mixtures, including blood plasma and tissue culture media.
Multiplexed SNP Genotyping Using Primer Single‐Base Extension (SBE) and Microsphere Arrays
Authors: Deshpande Alina , Valdez Yolanda , Nolan John P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genome sites with single‐base sequence differences between individual chromosomes, are the most common type of genetic variation. Single‐base changes can result in disease phenotypes, confer susceptibility or resistance to toxins or pathogens, or serve as markers for distinct allelic segments of DNA, making SNPs an important emerging tool in both basic and clinical research. This unit presents detailed protocols for multiplexed SNP genotyping using primer single‐base extension (SBE) adapted to microspheres and flow cytometry. The methods described are best suited for typing a modest number of SNPs in a large number of samples. The Basic Protocol describes extension of the genotyping primers by one nucleotide, a labeled dideoxyribonucleotide that reveals the nucleotide base at that position on the template strand. The extended primers are then captured onto microspheres bearing an oligonucleotide “address” that is the reverse complement of a sequence on the 5′ end of the genotyping primers and subsequently measured using flow cytometry.