bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which mechanism for nuclear import of plasmid DNA complexed with polyethylenimine derivatives?
Authors: Grosse Stéphanie , Thévenot Guiti , Monsigny Michel , Fajac Isabelle 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the nuclear import mechanism of plasmid/polyethylenimine (PEI) derivative complexes and the putative nuclear targeting of therapeutic genes by the use of oligosaccharides, we have studied the nuclear import of plasmid DNA complexed either with PEI or with lactosylated PEI (Lac–PEI) in cystic fibrosis human airway epithelial cells (∑CFTE29o‐ cells).Methods and resultsCells were synchronized by a double‐thymidine block protocol and gene transfer efficiency was evaluated: Lac–PEI‐ and PEI‐mediated gene transfer was greatly increased when cells have undergone mitosis during the course of transfection. However, both types of complexes were able to transfect some growth‐arrested cells. When the nuclear import of plasmid/Lac–PEI or plasmid/unsubstituted PEI complexes was studied in digitonin‐permeabilized cells, the nuclear uptake of both types of complexes did not follow the classic pathway of nuclear localization sequence (NLS)‐containing proteins and lactose residues did not act as a nuclear localization signal.ConclusionsOur results show that for complexes made with PEI derivatives, the major route for plasmid DNA nuclear entry is a passive nuclear importation during mitosis when the nuclear membrane temporarily breaks down. However, albeit to a lesser extent as that observed in dividing cells, a plasmid DNA importation also occurs in nondividing cells by a yet unknown mechanism. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of GaN‐buffer etching in atmospheric‐pressure MOVPE growth of InN on sapphire
Authors: Yamamoto A. , Nagai Y. , Miwa H. , Hashimoto A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFilms of InN have been grown on sapphire with a GaN buffer by the atmospheric‐pressure MOVPE and the effects of GaN buffer etching with a KOH solution have been studied. With increasing etching time, the number of GaN grains is decreased and, as a result, the grain size of InN grown on the buffer is markedly increased. The grain size of InN grown on the 10 min‐etched GaN buffer is larger than that of films grown without GaN buffer. When the GaN etching time is less than 5 min, the number of InN grains is smaller by about one order of magnitude than that of GaN buffer, showing that one InN grain is grown on about ten GaN grains on average. For the etching time of 8‐10 min, the number of InN grains becomes approximately the same as that of GaN grains, indicating that under this condition one GaN grain acts as a nucleation center for one InN grain and no InN nucleation occurs in the areas without GaN grains on the sapphire substrate. The diffusion length of InN species on the sapphire substrate is estimated to be approximately 1 μm or more. In spite of the enhanced grain growth of InN films grown on the etched buffers, their electrical properties are a little worse compared with those grown without etching. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of the magnetic field on the effective mass of the two‐dimensional electron gas in Alx Ga1–xN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Tang N. , Shen B. , Wang M. J. , Yang Z. J. , Xu K. , Zhang G. Y. , Gui Y. S. , Zhu B. , Guo S. L. , Chu J. H. , Hoshino K. , Arakawa Y. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe relationship between the magnetic field and the effective mass m* of the two‐dimensional electron gas in the triangular quantum well at the heterointerface of modulation‐doped Al0.15Ga0.85N/GaN heterostructures is investigated by means of temperature‐dependent Shubnikov‐de Haas measurements at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. The values of the m* have strong dependence on the magnetic field, which is thought to be attributed to conduction‐band nonparabolicity of GaN. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Genetic inhomogeneous Poisson processes describing the roles of an isolated mature tree in forest regeneration
Authors: Shimatani Kenichiro , Kitamura Keiko , Kanazashi Tatsuo , Sugita Hisashi 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe spatial distribution of genotyped adult plants and offspring can be modeled by genetic inhomogeneous Poisson processes. This paper reports the development of a previously proposed point process model to cover safe site conditions for sapling survival, unknown seed sources and wider ranges of dispersal kernels. Suppose that a species has limited seed dispersal and shade‐tolerance, and that young trees are clustered around highly isolated adults. The clustering might be formed solely by dispersed seeds from adults. However, the survival of the offspring might be influenced by shading by the adults’ crowns. The new genetic processes are applicable to such cases, as demonstrated for a young population of Fagus crenata, a shade‐tolerant canopy tree species, in a 55‐year‐old stand regenerated after shelterwood logging. Isozyme analysis revealed that the regenerating trees were genetically related to the nearest adults, but some were not their respective daughters. The maximum likelihood method has led us to the following regeneration: seeds were dispersed mostly within 20 m of their mothers; two residual adults in the plot had equal female reproductive success; about 10% of offspring even close to the adult were not their daughters; the adults’ crowns reduced the survival of offspring up to 20–25 m away. However, the degree of model fitting was unsatisfactory. Hence, our models, in principle, can quantify two roles of highly isolated adults: providing seed sources and safe sites, but the case study suggests that other, unknown factors influence F. crenata regeneration after shelterwood harvesting.
The impact of a social network intervention on retention in Belgian therapeutic communities: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Soyez Veerle , De Leon George , Broekaert Eric , Rosseel Yves 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTBackground  Although numerous studies recognize the importance of social network support in engaging substance abusers into treatment, there is only limited knowledge of the impact of network involvement and support during treatment. The primary objective of this research was to enhance retention in Therapeutic Community treatment utilizing a social network intervention.Aims  The specific goals of this study were (1) to determine whether different pre‐treatment factors predicted treatment retention in a Therapeutic Community; and (2) to determine whether participation of significant others in a social network intervention predicted treatment retention.Design, setting and participants  Consecutive admissions to four long‐term residential Therapeutic Communities were assessed at intake (n = 207); the study comprised a mainly male (84.9%) sample of polydrug (41.1%) and opiate (20.8%) abusers, of whom 64.4% had ever injected drugs. Assessment involved the European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI), the Circumstances, Motivation, Readiness scales (CMR), the Dutch version of the family environment scale (GKS/FES) and an in‐depth interview on social network structure and perceived social support. Network members of different cohorts were assigned to a social network intervention, which consisted of three elements (a video, participation at an induction day and participation in a discussion session).Findings  Hierarchical regression analyses showed that client‐perceived social support (F1,198 = 10.9, P = 0.001) and treatment motivation and readiness (F1,198 = 8.8; P = 0.003) explained a significant proportion of the variance in treatment retention (model fit: F7,197 = 4.4; P = 0.000). By including the variable ‘significant others’ participation in network intervention’ (network involvement) in the model, the fit clearly improved (F1,197 = 6.2; P = 0.013). At the same time, the impact of perceived social support decreased (F1,197 = 2.9; P = 0.091).Conclusions  Participation in the social network intervention was associated with improved treatment retention controlling for other client characteristics. This suggests that the intervention may be of benefit in the treatment of addicted individuals.
In vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity of R‐etodolac with dexamethasone in glucocorticoid‐resistant multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Neri Paola , Yasui Hiroshi , Hideshima Teru , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Raje Noopur , Laurence Catley P. , Ishitsuka Kenji , Blotta Simona , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Ocio Enrique M. , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Kanekal Sarath , Elliott Gary T. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryGlucocorticoids have been widely used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) both as single agents and in combination with other drugs. However, primary or acquired glucocorticoid resistance occurs in most cases. It was recently reported that R‐etodolac induced in vitro cytotoxicity in MM cell lines and in primary MM cells, as well as synergistically enhanced dexamethasone (Dex)‐induced apoptosis in Dex‐sensitive MM.1S cells. This study examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of combination treatment with R‐etodolac and Dex on Dex‐resistant OPM1 cells. Treatment with R‐etodolac and Dex was found to enhance cytotoxicity, inhibit nuclear factor κB activity via upregulation of IκBα, as well as enhance Dex‐induced caspase activation and poly (ADP)‐ribose polymerase cleavage in OPM1 cells. R‐etodolac also enhanced Dex cytotoxicity in patient MM cells that were resistant to glucocorticoids. The in vivo anti‐tumour effect of this combination on MM cells was evaluated by using severe combined immunodeficient mice engrafted with OPM1. Treatment with R‐etodolac or Dex alone did not induce a significant reduction of tumour volume; in contrast, combination treatment with R‐etodolac and Dex induced significant synergistic inhibition of tumour growth. These data indicate that R‐etodolac overcomes resistance to Dex in glucocorticoid‐resistant MM cells, providing the framework for clinical trials of R‐etodolac combined with Dex, to improve patient outcome in MM.
Ocular toxoplasmosis: in the storm of the eye
Authors: JONES L. A. , ALEXANDER J. , ROBERTS C. W. 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARY Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) can occur in the children of mothers infected with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy. It is not limited to the congenitally infected, but can also occur following adult‐acquired infection or as a result of disease reactivation in immune‐compromised and pregnant individuals. Many aspects of immune privilege in the eye, including constitutive TGF‐β expression and reduced MHC class 1 expression, would appear at first to favour parasite survival. Conversely, many of the mechanisms that control parasite multiplication in other anatomical sites, such as nitric oxide expression, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α, are known to disrupt immune privilege and are associated with ocular damage. Taking into account the opposing needs of limiting parasite multiplication and minimizing tissue destruction we review the pathogenesis of OT in the murine model.
Oral clonidine premedication reduces minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion in children
Authors: NISHINA KAHORU , MIKAWA KATSUYA , UESUGI TAKANOBU , OBARA HIDEFUMI 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgrounds:  Sevoflurane is widely employed for inhalational induction in children. Clonidine deepens volatile anesthetics and reduces several types of MAC of sevoflurane. Laryngeal mask airway is a useful device for pediatric anesthesia. The aim of the current study was to determine whether oral clonidine premedication can reduce MAC of sevoflurane for an LMA insertion in children.Methods:  Fifty‐six ASA physical status I patients (3–11 years) scheduled for general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 28 patients each. One group (clonidine group) received clonidine 4 μg·kg−1 approximately 100 min before anesthesia, and the other (control) group did not. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane. Each concentration of sevoflurane, at which an LMA insertion was attempted, was predetermined according to the modification of Dixon's up‐and‐down method with 0.25% as a step size and held constant for at least 20 min before the trial. All responses (‘movement’ or ‘no movement’) to an LMA insertion were assessed.Results:  Minimum alveolar concentration values of sevoflurane for an LMA insertion were lower in the clonidine group (1.31% ± 0.18% [mean ± sd]) than in the control group (2.00% ± 0.16%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that sevoflurane EC95 values were 1.79% and 2.49% in the clonidine and control groups, respectively.Conclusions:  Oral clonidine premedication reduced the MAC (EC50) and EC95 values of sevoflurane for LMA insertion by 38% and 28%, respectively.
Effects of an ENSO‐related fire on birds of a lowland tropical forest in Sumatra
Authors: Adeney J.M. , Ginsberg J. R. , Russell G. J. , Kinnaird M. F. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractComparisons of bird community composition in burned and unburned areas of a lowland tropical rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia indicated the following during the first 5 years after burning: (1) original burn severity strongly affected bird community composition at both the genus and family levels; (2) bird community composition continued to change progressively away from immediate post‐burn composition in medium and severely burned forest as well as adjacent unburned forest; and (3) the degree of impact was both taxon and guild specific, with understory insectivores most detrimentally affected. Although species richness may temporarily increase in burned areas, this study suggests that multiple wildfires will lead to a decline in diversity over a large scale as birds of open fields replace interior forest specialists.
Sequence analyses of fimbriae subunit FimA proteins on Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 1 and 2 and Actinomyces odontolyticus with variant carbohydrate binding specificities
Authors: Drobni Mirva , Hallberg Kristina , Öhman Ulla , Birve Anna , Persson Karina , Johansson Ingegerd , Strömberg Nicklas 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background

Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 1 and 2 express type-2 fimbriae (FimA subunit polymers) with variant Galβ binding specificities and Actinomyces odontolyticus a sialic acid specificity to colonize different oral surfaces. However, the fimbrial nature of the sialic acid binding property and sequence information about FimA proteins from multiple strains are lacking.

Results
Here we have sequenced fimA genes from strains of A.naeslundii genospecies 1 (n = 4) and genospecies 2 (n = 4), both of which harboured variant Galβ-dependent hemagglutination (HA) types, and from A.odontolyticus PK984 with a sialic acid-dependent HA pattern. Three unique subtypes of FimA proteins with 63.8–66.4% sequence identity were present in strains of A. naeslundii genospecies 1 and 2 and A. odontolyticus. The generally high FimA sequence identity (>97.2%) within a genospecies revealed species specific sequences or segments that coincided with binding specificity. All three FimA protein variants contained a signal peptide, pilin motif, E box, proline-rich segment and an LPXTG sorting motif among other conserved segments for secretion, assembly and sorting of fimbrial proteins. The highly conserved pilin, E box and LPXTG motifs are present in fimbriae proteins from other Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, only strains of genospecies 1 were agglutinated with type-2 fimbriae antisera derived from A. naeslundii genospecies 1 strain 12104, emphasizing that the overall folding of FimA may generate different functionalities. Western blot analyses with FimA antisera revealed monomers and oligomers of FimA in whole cell protein extracts and a purified recombinant FimA preparation, indicating a sortase-independent oligomerization of FimA.

Conclusion
The genus Actinomyces involves a diversity of unique FimA proteins with conserved pilin, E box and LPXTG motifs, depending on subspecies and associated binding specificity. In addition, a sortase independent oligomerization of FimA subunit proteins in solution was indicated.
Preliminary study of p53 and c-erbB-2 expression in gallbladder cancer in Indian patients
Authors: Chaube Amita , Tewari Mallika , Garbyal RS , Singh Usha , Shukla Hari S 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The inactivation of the tumour suppressor gene and activation of the proto-oncogene are the key steps in the development of the human cancer. The p53 and c-erbB-2 are the best examples of it. In the present study, our aim was to determine the role of these genes in the carcinogenesis of gallbladder by immunohistochemistry.

Methods
In all 78 consecutive patients of gall bladder diseases were studied for p53 and c-erbB-2 expression immunohistochemically and their expression was correlated with the age, grades and stages of the disease and presence of stone. An informed consent was obtained in each case. Chi square and z test were applied to see the association of p53 and c-erbB-2 over expression with other clinicopathological factors.

Results
Eight (20%) patients of gall bladder cancer were positive for p53 expression and 10 (25%) patients for c-erbB-2. The p53 positivity increased with increasing grade while cerbB-2 positivity decreased with increasing grade of gall bladder cancer. Mean age in cerbB-2 positive cases were lesser as compared to negative cases while p53 did not show such association with age.

Conclusion
Only one case of gall bladder cancer co-expressed the p53 and c-erbB-2, thereby suggesting that p53 and c-erbB-2 may have independent role in carcinogenesis of gall bladder cancer. c-erbB-2 over expression in adenoma and younger age group indicates its role as an early event in carcinogenesis of gallbladder. However study of larger sample is required to further validate the results.
Major combined electrolyte deficiency during therapy with low-dose Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and Interferon alpha: report on several cases and review of the literature [ISRCTN62866759]
Authors: Hoffmann Katrin , Marten Angela , Lindel Katja , Fritz Stefan , Jager Dirk , Buchler Markus W , Schmidt Jan 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Low-dose Cisplatin and Interferon alpha treatment of solid tumors rarely has been associated with severe hypocalcaemia. To the authors knowledge the phenomenon has not been reported previously in patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

Case presentation
A patient with resected adenocarcinoma of the pancreas was treated with adjuvant radio-chemo-immunotherapy using a combination of low-dose Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and Interferon alpha together with external beam radiation. Severe hypocalcaemia without signs of acute renal failure or electrolyte disturbance occurred within 2 days at the 4th week of treatment and required intensive care treatment.

Conclusion
Combination of biological and cytotoxic therapies may increase the incidence of severe hypocalcaemia in pancreatic cancer. Oncologists should remain attentive of this problem as more highly active regimes become available.
Reversible hypothyroidism and Whipple's disease
Authors: Tran Huy A 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The major cause of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune mediated with progressive and permanent destruction of the thyroid gland resulting in life-long replacement therapy. Treatable and reversible hypothyroidism is unusual and here forth is such a case due to infection of the thyroid gland with Tropheryma whippleii, Whipple disease.

Case presentation
A 45 year-old female presented with symptoms and signs consistent with primary hypothyroidism, which was also confirmed biochemically. Her response to thyroxine replacement therapy was poor however, requiring a significantly elevated amount. Further investigation revealed the presence of Whipple's disease involving the gastrointestinal trace and possibly the thyroid gland. Her thyroxine requirement decreased drastically following appropriate antimicrobial therapy for Whipple's disease to the extent that it was ceased. Thyrotropin releasing hormone testing in the steady state suggested there was diminished thyroid reserve due to Whipple's disease.

Conclusion
This is the first ante-mortem case report studying the possible involvement of the thyroid gland by Whipple's disease. Despite the normalization of her thyroid function test biochemically after antibiotic therapy, there is diminished thyroid reserve thus requiring close and regular monitoring.
A Novel Photocyclization Reaction of Lysine–Anthraquinone Molecules
Authors: Maruyama Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Masakazu , Tamiaki Hitoshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Nα-Acetyl-Nε-(2-anthraquinonyl)-L-lysine methyl ester underwent a photocyclization reaction in an acetonitrile solution to produce piperidine derivatives. The cyclization might proceed via a novel process that carbon-centered radical formed at the ε-position attacked the α-amido group in the molecule, followed by the formation of C–N bond.
C–N Bond Atropisomerism of 1-(2,4-Dimethyl-3-pentyl)cyclohepta[b]pyrrol-2(1H)-one
Authors: Takeshita Hitoshi , Mori Akira , Ikeda Yukari , Kato Nobuo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Two retainers of 1-(2,4-dimethyl-3-pentyl)cyclohepta[b]pyrrol-2(1H)-one could be isolated by means of the HPLC at 0 °C. Its rotational barrier, measured by the line shape analysis of the low-temperature 1H NMR spectra, was 86.8 kJ/mol at 25 °C in CDCl3.
Butyllithium-Induced Syn β-Elimination of 2-Arylalkyl p-Toluenesulfonates
Authors: Shimizu Nobujiro , Sakai Makoto , Tsuno Yuho 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Erythro- and threo-1-methyl-2-phenylpropyl tosylates regiospecifically undergo syn β-elimination on treatment with butyllithium in THF with 88 and 96% d. e. respectively.
Photochemical Reactions of 1,1-Diphenylpolycyanocyclopropanes in the Presence of Amines. Formal Extrusion of Dicyanomethylene
Authors: Tomioka Hideo , Kanda Masahiko 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Irradiation of 1,1,2,2-tetracyano-3,3-diphenylcyclopropane in the presence of triethylamine results in the formation of 1,1-dicyano-2,2-diphenylethylene, which is suggested to be formed as a result of spontaneous 1,2 elimination of stabilized ion pairs in the initially formed amine-cyclopropane adducts.
Preparation of the Intracavity-grade Thin Film Using an Optically Nonlinear Organic Compound for the Pulsed Laser Light Compression
Authors: Hiraga Takashi , Yamashita Mikio , Torizuka Kenji , Moriya Tetsuo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline(MNA)-doped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film was prepared for intracavity pulse compression of a short pulse laser. This organic film held between two cover glasses was formed by means of an evacuated hot-press apparatus. The ultra fast response to a femtosecond light pulse was observed, which shows 3rd order nonlinear optical effects.
Thermodynamic Stabilities of Phenonium Ions in the Gas Phase
Authors: Mishima Masaaki , Tsuno Yuho , Fujio Mizue 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Gas phase stabilities of substituted phenonium (ethylenearenium) ions have been determined based on bromide transfer equilibria. The phenonium ion has been found to be stable even more than t-butyl cation, and the substituent effect on its stability has been analyzed based on the LArSR Eq., giving a ρ value of −17.5 and an r of 0.60.
Formation of Acrolein in the Propane Oxidation over VTeO/SiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Huang Chuanjing , Jin Yanxian , Ying Fang , Wan Huilin 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
VTeO/SiO2 catalyzed the oxidation of propane into acrolein with a maximal yield of 6.6% obtained at 520 °C. The catalytically active sites of the catalysts were investigated using propene and allyl bromide as molecular probes. The V5+ sites were responsible for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane, whereas the Te4+ sites for α-H abstraction of propene and O-insertion of allyl species.