bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipocortin 1 binding sites on human T‐cells: The population of cells with the binding sites is larger in CD8 T‐lymphocytes than in CD4 T‐lymphocytes
Authors: Kim Ha Won , Choi Euna , Yoo Bin , Choi Jung Ryul , Park Young Min , Lee Soo Ok , Moon Hee‐Bom , Na Doe Sun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLipocortin 1 (LC1) is believed to be a mediator of glucocorticoids in displaying anti‐inflammatory and immune suppressive responses. The existence of specific LC1 binding sites (putative receptor) on monocytes and neutrophils has been reported. We have studied the distribution of LC1 binding sites in human peripheral blood leukocytes by flow cytometry. The population of cells with LC1 binding sites was much larger in monocytes than in lymphocytes in both rheumatoid arthritis patients (93.1 ± 2.3% vs 8.8 ± 1.0%) and healthy volunteers (97.0 ± 0.9% vs 9.9 ± 1.5%). The LC1 binding cell population was larger in CD8+ T‐lymphocytes than in CD4+ T‐lymphocytes in both healthy volunteers (26.4 ± 4.5% vs 10.6 ± 2.0%) and rheumatoid arthritis patients (28.8 ± 4.7% vs 8.7 ± 2.1%). No difference in LC1 binding cell populations was found between rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls.
Proton gradients during salt adaptation of synechococcus
Authors: Nitschmann Wolfgang H. , Packer Lester 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe ability of cells to energize their membranes during salt‐adaptation as measured by ΔpH was studied using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin probe technique. Salt‐adaptated cells have the following features: an increased stability of ΔpH across the cytoplasmic membrane and a significantely lower rate of ΔpH formation across the thylakoid membrane. Therefore, during salt‐adaptation, the cytoplasmic membrane takes over the role of primary energizing membrane from the thylakoid membrane. In contrast to non‐adapted cells, ΔpH across the thylakoid membrane of salt‐grown cells is higher under respiratory than under photosynthetic conditions.
Identification and immunohistochemical localization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in human kidney
Authors: Imamura Keisaku , Nishihira Jun , Suzuki Masaki , Yasuda Kazue , Sasaki Satoshi , Kusunoki Yukihiro , Tochimaru Hiroyuki , Takekoshi Yasuo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was the first lymphokine identified in activated T‐lymphocytes. MIF can induce proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. In this study, we identified MIF expression in a tissue specimen of a normal portion of a nephrectomized human kidney by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, immunohistochemical study using an anti‐human MIF polyclonal antibody demonstrated that MIF was mostly present in the renal tubule epithelial cells and, to a lesser extent, in Bowman's capsular epithelial cells. We also carried out immunohistochemistry on cultured human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, which showed that MIF was present in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. These results suggest the possibility that MIF takes part in the mechanism of inflammation and immunological events in the human kidney.
Effect of cyclic GMP produced by natriuretic peptides on osteoblast‐like MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Nashida Tomoko , Matsumoto Hidehiko , Imai Akane , Kameda Akira , Shimomura Hiromi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe C‐type natriuretic peptide (10‐7 M) and atrial natriuretic peptide (10‐7 M) enhanced cGMP accumulation by 418 and 83 times the control value, respectively, in osteoblast‐like MC3T3‐E1 cells. The natriuretic peptide B receptor was assumed to be the major natriuretic peptide receptor. 8‐Bromoguanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (8‐Br‐cGMP) activated alkaline phosphatase doubled the activity versus the control value on day 15. Phosphodiesterase activity was not stimulated by the addition of cGMP (1 μM). cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (G kinase) activity of the supernatant fraction was 25.5 pmol/min/mg protein. The 42 kDa protein band was detected to be phosphorylated by G kinase on SDS‐PAGE. These results supported the hypothesis that natriuretic peptides regulate the differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells through a cGMP‐dependent pathway.
The effect on mitochondrial function of the tRNA Ser(UCN)/COI A7445G mtDNA point mutation associated with maternally‐inherited sensorineural deafness
Authors: Hyslop Serena J. , James Andrew M. , Maw Marion , Fischel‐Ghodsian Nathan , Murphy Michael P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn A to G point mutation at nucleotide position 7445 in the mitochondrial DNA genome is associated with maternally‐inherited sensorineural deafness in two separate human pedigrees. To determine whether this point mutation [tRNASer(UCN)/COI A7445G] led to sensorineural deafness by affecting cellular energy metabolism we investigated the bioenergetic function of mitochondria in lymphoblastoid cultures established from these patients. Even though essentially all of the mitochondrial DNA in these cells contained the mutation at nucleotide position 7445, there was no effect on a number of mitochondrial bioenergetic functions (mitochondrial content, membrane potential in both intact and digitonin‐permeabilised cells, cellular ATP/ADP ratios and respiratory enzyme activity) when compared with control cells. The implications of these findings for both the aetiology of the sensorineural deafness associated with the A7445G mtDNA mutation, and the role of bioenergetic defects in mitochondrial DNA diseases in general, are discussed.
Kinetic properties of cytosolic fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase from grapefruit. Effect of citrate
Authors: Van Praag Esther 
Published: July 2007

AbstractcFBP is studied for its affinity to Mg++ and Fru‐1,6‐P2. The affinity for Mg++ is not very high with a Km of 0.24±0.01 mM. High concentrations of Mg++ are inhibitory. The saturation curve for Fru‐1,6‐P2 is hyperbolic with a Km of 0.54±0.014 μM. The presence of citrate (10 mM) induces a sigmoidal curve, modifying both Vmax and S0.5. Citrate affects the allosteric properties of cFBPase: at low substrate concentration cooperativity becomes negative, while at higher concentration it is positive. Addition of higher concentrations of Mg++ shows a synergistic effect with citrate, decreasing of the affinity for Fru‐1,6‐P2: S0.5 equals 7.6±0.25 mM, 9.0±0.86 mM and 21.5±1.46 mM in presence of 5, 7.5 and 10 mM Mg++, respectively.
Alteration of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in naturally occurring hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Chich‐Sheng , Liu Chang‐Yeu , Sun Yu‐Lin , Chang Ling‐Chu , Chiu Yung‐Tsung , Huang San‐Yuan , Lin Jyh‐Hung , Yang Ping‐Cheng , Mao Simon J. T. , Chu Redman , Huang Mu‐Chiou 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have recently developed a porcine model with naturally occurring hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Similar to humans, occluded intramural coronary artery and damaged mitochondria are frequently observed in these animals in which the disease is thought to be associated with the local ischemia of myocardium. In view of antioxidant functions involved in the ischemic injury, we measured the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in the tissues with and without HCM. The results showed a significant increase of Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not Mn‐SOD, and decrease of catalase (CAT) activities in the various areas of HCM hearts. It was demonstrated that SOD/CAT ratios in the HCM hearts were significantly higher than those in normals and were found to be dramatically correlated with the severity of cardiac hypertrophy. The altered SOD/CAT ratio was also consistent with increase in lipid damage. We hypothesize that the elevated SOD combined with an inadequate amount of H2O2 scavenging enzyme may lead HCM heart at oxidative stress risk. However, the pathogenic role of imbalanced antioxidant enzyme needs to be further explored.
Molecular cloning of a Bacillus sp. KK‐1 xylanase gene and characterization of the gene product
Authors: Yoon Ki‐Hong , Yun Hae Nam , Jung Kyung Hwa 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA gene encoding cellulase‐free xylanase was cloned from the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus sp. KK‐1 into Escherichia coli and the gene product was purified from the recombinant E. coli. This xylanase gene, designated xylY, was composed of 1,302 base pairs and encoded a polypeptide of 434 amino acids. No similarity was found between the nucleotide sequence of the xylY gene and those reported for other xylanase genes. The deduced amino acid sequence was homologous to those of cellulases belonging to the β‐glycanase family D. The purified enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 55°C but also lost 70% of this activity even after incubation for 30 min at 55°C. Bacillus sp. KK‐1 may have acquired the xylY gene by an interspecies gene transfer during adaptation to mesophilic environments.
Expression of the Na ‐H exchanger isoform‐1 and cyclooxygenases in human placentas: Their implications in preeclampsia
Authors: Khan Islam , Al‐Yatama M. , Nandakumaran M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe sodium hydrogen exchanger isoform, NHE‐1 plays an important role in electrolyte and water homeostasis. These functions are compromised in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. At present it is not known whether NHE‐1 expression is altered during preeclampsia. In the present study the placental level of NHE‐1 protein was measured using immunoblotting. Since prostaglandins regulate the secretory and absorptive functions, the levels of prostaglandin E‐2 as well as the expression of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 were also estimated. The amount of NHE‐1 protein and cyclooxygenase‐2 was reduced in preeclamptic placentas, whereas the level of cyclooxygenase‐1 remained unaltered. In contrast, prostaglandin E‐2 concentration was higher in preeclampsia. Suppression of NHE‐1 might render the placenta with impaired uptake of water and electrolytes and therefore may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. While prostaglandin E‐2 may play a role in preeclampsia, these findings discount the induction of cyclooxygenase‐genes for this increase.
Effect of α lipoic acid amide on hexachlorobenzene porphyria
Authors: Vilas Gonzalo L. , Aldonatti Carmen , de Viale Leonor San Martín , de Molina María del Ríos 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe aim of this work is to study the effect of thioctamide ‐ the commercial form of α lipoic acid amide‐ on the porphyrinogenic action of hexachlorobenzene (HCB). For this purpose, porphyria was induced in rats by chronic HCB treatment, with or without simultaneous thioctamide administration. Two different groups of rats were used as reference: one treated with vehicle (control) and the other treated with thioctamide (TO).Urine δ aminolevulic acid, porphobilinogen, and porphyrin excretions were lower in the HCB+TO treated group than in the HCB group, and the same happened with liver uroporphyrin accumulation. On the other hand, the second stage of uroporphyrinogen‐decarboxylase activity was significantly higher in the HCB + TO group than in the HCB group. δ aminolevulic acid synthase activity was higher in the HCB group. Hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were lower in HCB + TO group than in HCB group. Thus, we might suggest that TO would decrease HCB effects by means of its free radical scavenging ability, and by having a direct effect on uroporphyrinogen‐decarboxylase activity.
Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Age Regulation (Homeostasis) of Blood Coagulation
Authors: Kurachi Kotoku , Zhang Kezhong , Ameri Afshin , Huo Jeffery , Atoda Hideko , Kurachi Sumiko 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBlood coagulation plays a critical role not only in hemostasis but also in many physiological and pathological conditions. Epidemiological studies have shown that blood coagulation capacity in humans increases with age. Towards understanding the underlying mechanisms, the age regulation of factor IX, a key blood coagulation factor, was extensively studied. A series of human factor IX minigenes, consisting of various components of the human factor IX gene, were constructed and subjected to systematic analyses with HepG2 cells in culture and over the entire life span of transgenic mice. These studies identified critical gene structures that are essential for the unique age‐dependent expression patterns of the human factor IX gene?one acting by stabilizing gene transcription and another increasing the amount of mRNA present, presumably by augmenting mRNA stability. These studies have set the stage for analyzing the overall age‐based regulatory mechanisms of blood coagulation.
Change agents, double agents, secret agents: EEO in New Zealand
Authors: Jones Deborah 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper theorises how equal employment opportunities (EEO) practitioners (EPs) operate as change agents within organisations.Design/methodology/approachIt takes a feminist and post‐structuralist perspective, in which EPs are seen as agents of positive social change, contesting existing discourses, but are also themselves subject to being changed by their engagement in those same discursive formations. The key example used is the way that EPs handle tensions between “business” and “social justice” agendas. A case study of EPs in New Zealand government organisations provides the empirical base.FindingsIt argues that agency is both produced and constrained by the discursive context of agents in specific situations. The case study showed EPs operating in an environment where the social justice discourse that had been central to introducing the concepts of EEO to the Public Service in the 1980s was in conflict with an increasingly powerful business agenda. This situation produced new “texts” and therefore new possibilities of agency. EPs struggled to define means and ends, and to handle the conflicts in ways that were coherent with their own concepts of ethics and politics. It argues that practitioners can act more effectively if they can find ways to reflect on their discursive locations. Research that draws out the contradictions in our positions, identities and language helps us do this.Research limitations/implicationsThe feminist post‐structuralist theoretical frame used in theorising this case can be used in any other empirical situations to understand how discursive practices operate to enable or constrain the work of change agents.Practical implications– It sets out to show how feminist and post‐structuralist approaches can be of practical value in supporting change agents by providing a framework for reflecting on their social and organisational context.Originality/valueIt combines a critical de‐naturalising stance, typical of writing in critical management studies, with the more action‐oriented agenda of most writing on equal opportunities.
Cultural differences in brand designs and tagline appeals
Authors: Woo Jun Jong , Lee Hyung‐Seok 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe objective of this study is to explore general cross‐cultural differences in corporate visual identity between the USA and Korea, and to apply Trompenaars' specific versus diffuse dimension to brand‐logos and taglines in the two countries.Design/methodology/approachA sample of the brand‐logos and taglines from the top 100 companies in each country were content analysed for research objectives.FindingsThe results indicate that Korean brands are generally more diffusive than those in the USA. Specifically, Korean brand‐logos tend to use more abstract and symbolic creative designs than those of the US, and the contents of Korean brand taglines contain more additional values than those in the USA.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest the explanation power of new cultural dimensions for academic researchers and the importance of localised corporate identity strategies for international marketers.Originality/valueBecause little is known about the differences between company brand designs across cultures, this study fills a gap in the literature by examining company brand designs and taglines. In addition, this study proved the usability of the newly developed Trompenaars' specific versus diffuse dimension.
Impacts of information management on business performance
Authors: Evans James R. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to analyze and interpret some empirical results, obtained from an online survey, on the types of review and analysis approaches used by organizations in manufacturing, service, education, health care, and not‐for‐profit sectors and their relationships with business performance.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using an online survey to capture basic information about the organization and its performance, the types of measures used in each of the five Baldrige results item groups, types and frequencies of review of the data, and types of analyses conducted. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistical analyses and tests for significant differences.FindingsThe results suggest that a significant gap exists in the sophistication of analysis methods between higher and lower performing organizations in terms of customer, financial, and market performance, and that better performance is associated with more mature and sophisticated approaches to performance analysis.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the exploratory nature of this study, the generalizibility of the conclusions is limited; however, the results of this study can be useful for developing more formal theories to understand management practices and business performance and, as a basis for more designing, research efforts validate the propositions suggested by these theories.Practical implicationsManagers should invest in effective performance measurement systems that include sound approaches for analyzing results and sharing information appropriately throughout the organization.Originality/valueThis work provides further validation of the quality management principle and Baldrige core value of “management by fact,” and offers practical advice for designing effective performance management systems.
Spatial orientation in the cubicle
Authors: Sommer Robert , Augustin Sally 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of worker orientation in their cubicles on workplace behavior and experience.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via written surveys, oral interviews, and workspace observations.FindingsBased on computer location, cubicle occupants in a large corporate office were classified as facing out or facing into the corner of their cubicle. People faced out to enhance communication, to protect the confidentiality of material they were working with, and to avoid being startled. Those facing in did so to reduce distractions and/or physical constraints. The chief disadvantages of facing in were loss of confidentiality and the possibility of being startled by people approaching from the rear. Cubicle occupants whose computers faced out, relative to those facing in, maintained that their spatial orientation had a positive effect on communication and morale within the work unit. Respondents used nonverbal signals to modulate interaction with others, employing seating locations and body positions to reduce likelihood of interruption and used different signals to indicate receptivity to interaction.Practical implicationsA workspace should have the flexibility to meet a wide range of functional and individual requirements.Originality/valueWorkspace orientation has not previously been investigated in this way and important insights were obtained through this study.
Is Reproductive Ageing Controlled By the Brain?
Authors: Gore Andrea C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryFemale reproductive function is controlled by complex interactions of the brain, pituitary gland and ovary. Each of these organs produces unique hormones, and each hormone acts upon the other organs to affect a response. Differentiating the causes and the consequences of reproductive senescence in mammals is thus a ‘chicken and egg’ puzzle. Surprisingly, recent evidence indicates a more important role for the brain in the initiation and transition to reproductive senescence.
Antimicrobial Activity of Aroma Compounds against
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and Improvement of Microbiological Stability of Soft Drinks as Assessed by Logistic Regression
Authors: Belletti Nicoletta , Kamdem Sylvain Sado , Patrignani Francesca , Lanciotti Rosalba , Covelli Alessandro , Gardini Fausto 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The combined effects of a mild heat treatment (55°C) and the presence of three aroma compounds [citron essential oil, citral, and (
E
)-2-hexenal] on the spoilage of noncarbonated beverages inoculated with different amounts of a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain were evaluated. The results, expressed as growth/no growth, were elaborated using a logistic regression in order to assess the probability of beverage spoilage as a function of thermal treatment length, concentration of flavoring agents, and yeast inoculum. The logit models obtained for the three substances were extremely precise. The thermal treatment alone, even if prolonged for 20 min, was not able to prevent yeast growth. However, the presence of increasing concentrations of aroma compounds improved the stability of the products. The inhibiting effect of the compounds was enhanced by a prolonged thermal treatment. In fact, it influenced the vapor pressure of the molecules, which can easily interact within microbial membranes when they are in gaseous form. (
E
)-2-Hexenal showed a threshold level, related to initial inoculum and thermal treatment length, over which yeast growth was rapidly inhibited. Concentrations over 100 ppm of citral and thermal treatment longer than 16 min allowed a 90% probability of stability for bottles inoculated with 10
5
CFU/bottle. Citron gave the most interesting responses: beverages with 500 ppm of essential oil needed only 3 min of treatment to prevent yeast growth. In this framework, the logistic regression proved to be an important tool to study alternative hurdle strategies for the stabilization of noncarbonated beverages.
Histone Deacetylase Activity Regulates Chemical Diversity in
Aspergillus
Authors: Shwab E. Keats , Bok Jin Woo , Tribus Martin , Galehr Johannes , Graessle Stefan , Keller Nancy P. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Bioactive small molecules are critical in
Aspergillus
species during their development and interaction with other organisms. Genes dedicated to their production are encoded in clusters that can be located throughout the genome. We show that deletion of
hdaA
, encoding an
Aspergillus nidulans
histone deacetylase (HDAC), causes transcriptional activation of two telomere-proximal gene clusters—and subsequent increased levels of the corresponding molecules (toxin and antibiotic)—but not of a telomere-distal cluster. Introduction of two additional HDAC mutant alleles in a Δ
hdaA
background had minimal effects on expression of the two HdaA-regulated clusters. Treatment of other fungal genera with HDAC inhibitors resulted in overproduction of several metabolites, suggesting a conserved mechanism of HDAC repression of some secondary-metabolite gene clusters. Chromatin regulation of small-molecule gene clusters may enable filamentous fungi to successfully exploit environmental resources by modifying chemical diversity.