bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human CD4low CD25high regulatory T cells indiscriminately kill autologous activated T cells
Authors: Bryl Ewa , Daca Agnieszka , Jóźwik Agnieszka , Witkowski Jacek M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe interest of the scientific community in regulatory CD4+ T cells has reached an enormously high level. Common agreement is that they inhibit not only the proliferation of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes, but also the activities of natural killer cells and macrophages. However, very important issues concerning actual mechanism(s) and specificity of the action of regulatory T cells (Tregs) upon responder cells are still unsolved or vague. The best known marker for Tregs is the expression of transcription factor FoxP3, widely used for their enumeration. It is known that FoxP3 inhibits cytokine production so the most probable action of Tregs is direct. However, FoxP3 expression cannot be used for functional studies in humans. Therefore we identified human peripheral blood Tregs as a distinct, very well‐defined population of peripheral blood T cells with reduced CD4 and high CD25 expression (CD4low CD25high), which fulfils the current phenotypic criteria identifying the Tregs by simultaneously expressing high amounts of FoxP3. We conclude that the definition of a CD4low CD25high phenotype is enough to unambiguously detect and study the regulatory function of these cells. On the functional level, the CD4low Tregs are able to non‐specifically suppress the proliferation of autologous, previously polyclonally activated CD4+ and CD4− lymphocytes and to kill them by direct contact, probably utilizing intracellular granzyme B and perforin.
The decrease of regulatory T cells correlates with excessive activation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells in HIV‐1‐infected typical progressors, but not in long‐term non‐progressors
Authors: Jiao Yanmei , Fu JunLiang , Xing Shaojun , Fu Baoyun , Zhang Zheng , Shi Ming , Wang Xicheng , Zhang Jiyuan , Jin Lei , Kang Fubiao , Wu Hao , Wang Fu‐Sheng 
Published: November 2008

SummaryPersistent HIV infection results in a decrease in absolute counts of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg). To investigate the role of decreased Treg counts in the regulation of excessive activation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infection, we characterized Treg in 83 HIV‐1‐infected individuals, including 19 long‐term non‐progressors (LTNPs) and 51 typical progressors (TPs) who were treatment‐naïve, and 13 AIDS patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), of whom nine were complete responders (CRs) and the remaining four were non‐responders (NRs) to the treatment. TPs but not LTNPs had a significant decrease in absolute counts of circulating Treg, which was inversely correlated with the activation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells. Efficient HAART was found to increase Treg counts in CR patients and temper the excessive activation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, isolated Treg significantly inhibited the spontaneous and anti‐CD3‐induced apoptosis of CD8+ T cells in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. Thus, our findings indicate that the decrease in Treg closely correlates with the increase in apoptotic CD8+ T cells and disease progression in chronic HIV‐1 infection, and that Treg may play a key role in maintaining the balance between the amount and quality of CD8+ T cells in HIV‐1 infection. Manipulation of Treg function may be a promising strategy for immune therapy of this disease.
Blattabacteria, the endosymbionts of cockroaches, have small genome sizes and high genome copy numbers
Authors: López‐Sánchez María José , Neef Alexander , Patiño‐Navarrete Rafael , Navarro Lara , Jiménez Ricardo , Latorre Amparo , Moya Andrés 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBlattabacteria are intracellular endosymbionts of cockroaches and primitive termites that belong to the class Flavobacteria and live only in specialized cells in the abdominal fat body of their hosts. In the present study we determined genome sizes as well as genome copy numbers for the endosymbionts of three cockroach species, Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana and Blatta orientalis. The sole presence of blattabacteria in the fat body was demonstrated by rRNA‐targeting techniques. The genome sizes of the three blattabacteria were determined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. The resulting total genome sizes for the three symbionts were all approximately 650 ± 15 kb. Comparison of the genome sizes with those of free‐living Bacteroidetes shows extended reduction, as occurs in other obligatory insect endosymbionts. Genome copy numbers were determined based on cell counts and determination of DNA amounts via quantitative PCR. Values between 10.2 and 18.3 and between 323 and 353 were found for the symbionts of P. americana and B. orientalis respectively. Polyploidy in intracellular bacteria may play a significant role in the genome reduction process.
FACTIVE, IMPLICATIVE VERBS AND THE ORDER OF OPERATORS
Authors: Erdmann Peter 
Published: November 2008

SummaryTo account for the semanties of complement constructions requires meaning properties that are not restricted to individual lexical items and their sense relationships. In dealing with subject and object sentences one has to pay attention to semantic properties that define a subordinate clause in relation to the predicate of the main clause. The distinction between factives and implicatives, which has been drawn in recent studies on English complement constructions boils down to the question originally asked by Frege whether the complement is semantically a sentence or not. In case it is Frege distinguished between two groups. Sentences which have the truth value for their reference and sentences which have the truth value for their presup‐position. In case it is not the complement sentence has no reference at all. Factive and implicative predicates differ in that complement sentences of the former constitute a sentence semantically the truth value of which is its presupposition, while the latter do not. This difference shows up in various restrictions on operators like negation, tense, time and locative adverbials. Whereas the complement of an implicative falls within the scope of the operator of the main clause predicate, the order of main clause predicate and complement is reversed for factives.
SORT OF IN NEW ZEALAND WOMEN'S AND MEN'S SPEECH
Authors: Holmes Janet 
Published: November 2008

Sort of is a syntactically flexible pragmatic particle serving a variety of functions in conversation. At a general level sort of functions as a device facilitating the smooth flow of the discourse, providing the speaker with verbal planning time. At a more specific level it serves both as an imprecision or approximation signal (epistemic modal meaning) and as an informality and solidarity marker (affective meaning).Differences in the distribution of sort of in different corpuses relate most obviously to the context and type of discourse in which participants are engaged. There were few differences between New Zealand women's and men's speech in the total proportions of sort of used, though in semi‐formal contexts it was addressed more often to women than to men.
The effect of enemy‐release and climate conditions on invasive birds: a regional test using the rose‐ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) as a case study
Authors: Shwartz Assaf , Strubbe Diederik , Butler Chris John , Matthysen Erik , Kark Salit 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAim Some invasive species succeed particularly well and manage to establish populations across a wide variety of regions and climatic conditions. Understanding how biotic and environmental factors facilitate their invasion success remains a challenge. Here, we assess the role of two major hypotheses explaining invasion success: (1) enemy‐release, which argues that invasive species are freed from their native predators and parasites in the new areas; and (2) climate‐matching, which argues that the climatic similarity between the exotic and native range determines the success of invasive populations.Location India, Israel and the UK.Methods We studied the reproductive success of one of the most successful avian invaders, the rose‐ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), in its native range (India) and in two introduced regions, varying in their climate conditions (Israel and the UK). We combined literature and field data to evaluate the role of predation pressure and climatic conditions in explaining the differences in reproductive success between the three regions.Results We found significant differences in reproductive success between regions. In accordance with the enemy‐release hypothesis, we discovered that while predation was the main factor responsible for the reduction of fecundity in India, it did not significantly affect the fecundities of parakeet populations in the two introduced regions. In accordance with the climate‐matching hypothesis, we found that in the colder temperate UK, egg infertility was high, resulting in lower fecundities. Populations in both the warmer Mediterranean climate of Israel and in the native Indian range had significantly lower egg infertility and higher fecundities than the UK populations.Main conclusions Our findings support both the enemy‐release and the climate‐matching hypotheses. While release from predators facilitates the reproductive success and therefore the invasiveness of parakeets in both the UK and in Israel, colder climate impedes reproduction and therefore the spread of parakeets in the UK.
Prospective study of complier individuals under periodontal maintenance therapy: analysis of clinical periodontal parameters, risk predictors and the progression of periodontitis
Authors: Lorentz Telma Campos Medeiros , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio , Cortelli José Roberto , Vargas Andréa Maria Duarte , Costa Fernando Oliveira 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the progression of periodontitis and the influence of risk variables among individuals attending a programme of periodontal maintenance treatment in an academic environment.Material and Methods: A total of 150 individuals diagnosed with chronic moderate‐advanced periodontitis, and who had finished active periodontal treatment, were incorporated into the periodontal maintenance therapy. Social, demographic and biological variables of interest from subjects were collected at quarterly recalls, over a 12‐month period. The effect of variables of interest and confounding on the periodontal status and progression of periodontitis was tested by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis.Results: A total of 130 subjects (86.7%) showed stable periodontal status, whereas 20 subjects (13.3%) presented periodontitis progression. Twenty‐eight subjects (18.66%) presented tooth loss that resulted in a total of 47 lost teeth (1.38%). Diabetes was not found to be associated with periodontitis progression (p=0.67). Smoking was significantly associated with a greater progression of periodontitis (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.01–7.22).Conclusions: Periodontal maintenance programmes in academic environment can stabilize the periodontal condition obtained after active periodontal therapy as well as control the action of risk variables for the progression of periodontitis.
Rethinking the South China Sea Issue: A Perspective of Sino‐U.S. Relations
Authors: Wang Yiwei 
Published: November 2008

Three essential factors of international politics underlie current controversies regarding the South China Sea: sovereignty, resources and strategy. Before the 1980's, the United States maintained a completely “neutral position” towards this issue for a number of historical reasons. However, when the 1982 UNCLOS III entered into force in 1994, the South China Sea joined Taiwan and the tensions on the Korean Peninsula as one of three potential flashpoints in the Asia‐Pacific region. Since 1994, American foreign policy regarding the South China Sea underwent three stages of development: prevention–deterrence–practice. This article analyzes these changes by focusing on the development of America's Asia‐Pacific security strategy, especially one of its main outcomes: the development of the Sino‐U.S. relationship.From balance of power and geopolitical theories, in the long run, the South China Sea issue may become a global fulcrum between the U.S. and China, which probably will become a global power in the future. Even as a regional power today, it is well known that the Taiwan issue has led to conflict and competition with the U.S. for more than half a century. To avoid falling into the same old trap again as with the Taiwan issue in the past, we must prepare for a rainy day in solving the South China Sea issue, in essence, to find a balance between China's position, which represents a newcomer's demands, and international maritime law, which represents the vested interests of the international system. We need a long‐term perspective to deal with the Sino‐U.S relationship.
Population genetic structure of North American burbot (Lota lota maculosa) across the Nearctic and at its contact zone with Eurasian burbot (Lota lota lota)
Authors: Elmer Kathryn R. , Van Houdt Jeroen K.J. , Meyer Axel , Volckaert Filip A.M. 
Published: November 2008

The burbot, Lota lota (Teleostei: Gadidae), has a holarctic distribution, with one subspecies ( Lota lota lota ) living in the lakes and rivers of the Palaearctic and northwestern North America and the other ( Lota lota maculosa ) living in the Nearctic (except the northwest). We analysed nine microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial DNA control region of 350 burbot sampled across North America to develop a continent-wide understanding of population differentiation following postglacial recolonization. Using mitochondrial DNA, we identify three subclades of L. l. maculosa: one is widespread, one is moderately well distributed, and the third is restricted to the southwest. Lota l. lota is restricted to Yukon and Alaska. Microsatellite loci show moderate levels of genetic diversity and high population differentiation throughout North America (Rst ≤ 0.9). Lota l. maculosa and L. l. lota mtDNA lineages only co-occur appreciably in Great Slave Lake. An individual-based Bayesian approach to detect genotypic admixture indicates that very few of all individuals show signs of admixture between subspecies, and those individuals are restricted to Great Slave Lake and Lake Laberge.
Protein fouling of ultrafiltration membranes — investigation of several factors relevant for tertiary wastewater treatment
Authors: Haberkamp Jens , Ernst Mathias , Makdissy Gladys , Huck Peter M. , Jekel Martin 
Published: November 2008

The fouling of two different ultrafiltration membranes by solutions of three globular proteins with different molecular weights and isoelectric points was investigated at low concentrations relevant to secondary effluents (10 mg·L–1). The results reveal the increased fouling potential of macromolecules being small enough to enter the membrane pores due to the resulting blockage and (or) constriction of the pores, compared to a moderate increase of the filtration resistance due to gel layer formation by larger compounds. Differences between the applied membranes in terms of fouling behaviour, protein retention, as well as attachment of macromolecules to membrane surface and pore walls demonstrate the impact of pore size distribution, zeta potential, surface roughness, and hydrophobicity of the membranes on the fouling mechanism. Comparative ultrafiltration experiments using two different pumps indicate the influence of type and dimensioning of the pumping system on membrane fouling due to structural changes of solutes by pump-induced shear forces.
Dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) subgroup distribution: are shallow waters a refuge for nursery groups?
Authors: Weir J. S. , Duprey N. M.T. , Würsig B. 
Published: November 2008

Mammalian young are especially vulnerable to harm because of their small size, poorly developed survival skills, and strong dependence on maternal care. Tactics for rearing young, including avoiding harm, vary largely by environment type. Off Kaikoura, New Zealand, mother–calf pairs of dusky dolphins ( Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Gray, 1828)) are often found in small groups with other mother–calf pairs, with calves of roughly the same age. These groups, termed “nursery groups”, may distance vulnerable calves from hazards associated with males seeking mating opportunities, predation by sharks and killer whales ( Orcinus orca (L., 1758)), and boat traffic. We conducted systematic boat-based surveys to determine the relative distribution of dusky dolphin group types, predators, and boats in the area. Nursery groups were encountered in shallow waters (≤20 m) significantly more often than in deeper waters (p < 0.001). Boats were found more in shallow water, while predators were almost exclusively encountered in deeper water. Other dusky dolphin group types did not show a preference for deep or shallow waters. Potential harassment from males and the presence of boats were both significant predictors of the depth category in which a group was found (p < 0.03). We recommend that managers focus efforts on protecting this vulnerable subgroup of the dusky dolphin population by protecting their preferred nearshore shallow habitat and by reducing recreational boating and fishing in these areas.
The Hypothesis of Self-Organization for Musical Tuning Systems
Authors: Aucouturier Jean-Julien 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT
Musical tuning systems are found in intriguing diversity in human cultures around the world and over the history of human music-making. Traditional justifications for the adoption of such musical systems consider tuning an algorithmic optimization of consonance. However, it is unclear how this can be implemented in a realistic evolutionary process, with no central entity in charge of optimization. Inspired by the methodology of artificial language evolution, the author proposes that tuning systems can emerge as the result of local musical interactions in a population. His computer simulations show that such interactional mechanisms are capable of generating coherent artificial tunings that resemble natural systems, sometimes with a diversity and complexity unaccounted for by previous theoretical justifications.
The reversal of recurrence hazard rate between ER positive and negative breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node dissection (pathological stage I-III) 3 years after surgery
Authors: Kiba Takayoshi , Inamoto Takashi , Nishimura Tsutomu , Ueno Masaya , Yanagihara Kazuhiro , Teramukai Satoshi , Kato Hironori , Toi Masakazu , Fukushima Masanori 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Backgrounds
Prognostic factors are defined as biological or clinical measurement associated with overall survival and/or disease-free survival. Previous studies have shown that patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive cancers have a better prognosis than patients whose cancers do not have these receptors.

Methods
This study investigated the assessment of variables in defining prognosis of 742 breast cancer women with pathological stage (pTNM) I-III diagnosed between 1980 and 2005 at the Kyoto University Hospital in Japan, by age, clinical stage (cTNM), pTNM, the numbers of positive lymph nodes (pN), and ER status.

Results
Multivariate analysis demonstrated that pTNM and ER status were the independent prognostic factors for overall survival, and that pTNM and pN were the independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. For the 0- to 2-year interval, the hazard of recurrence was higher for the ER-negative patients than the ER-positive patients, and beyond 3 years the hazard was higher for ER-positive patients.

Conclusion
The present study confirmed the previous reports which showed favorable prognosis of the patients with lesser pTNM or positive ER status. A reversal of recurrence hazard rate between ER positive and negative breast cancer patients beyond 3 years after operation was detected. The fact may indicate the importance of long term adjuvant hormone therapy for ER positive cancer patients.
The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, its receptors and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein during corpus luteum regression
Authors: Abdo Michael , Hisheh Susan , Arfuso Frank , Dharmarajan Arun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundCorpus luteum (CL) regression is known to occur as two parts; functional regression when steroidogenesis declines and structural regression when apoptosis is induced. Previous studies suggest this process occurs by the production of luteolytic factors, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).MethodsWe examined TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha receptors (TNFR1 and 2) and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression during CL regression in albino Wistar rats. CL from Days 16 and 22 of pregnancy and Day 3 post-partum were examined, in addition CL from Day 16 of pregnancy were cultured in vitro to induce apoptosis. mRNA was quantitated by kinetic RT-PCR and protein expression examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses.ResultsTNF-alpha mRNA increased on Day 3 post-partum. TNFR were immunolocalized to luteal cells, and an increase in TNFR2 mRNA observed on Day 3 post-partum whilst no change was detected in TNFR1 mRNA relative to Day 16. StAR protein decreased on Day 3 post-partum and following trophic withdrawal but no change was observed following exogenous TNF-alpha treatment. StAR mRNA decreased on Day 3 post-partum; however, it increased following trophic withdrawal and TNF-alpha treatment in vitro.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the existence of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in rat CL and suggest the involvement of TNF-alpha in rat CL regression following parturition. Furthermore, decreased StAR expression over the same time points was consistent with the functional regression of the CL.
The effect of methyl sulphonyl methane supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in sport horses following jumping exercise
Authors: Marañón Gonzalo , Muñoz-Escassi Bárbara , Manley William , García Cruz , Cayado Patricia , de la Muela Mercedes Sánchez , Olábarri Begoña , León Rosa , Vara Elena 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Exercise induces changes in several organs and tissues, and this process might be due to oxidative damage caused by free radicals and inflammatory mediators. Methyl Sulphonyl Methane, better known as MSM, is a naturally occurring sulphur compound with well-known antioxidant properties. On the other hand, Vitamin C is important in limiting free radical damage in the aqueous phase of the cell, and cellular vitamin C status may be linked to the mechanisms involved in quenching cellular reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to determine if supplementation with MSM and vitamin C could alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress in horses undergoing jumping competition.

Methods
Twenty four jumping horses involved in competition were used. Horses were given the following three treatment diets: control (without supplementation), MSM 8 mg/kg, and combined supplements (MSM 8 mg/kg + Vit-C 5 mg/kg). EDTA blood samples were collected before exercise, upon arrived to the schooling area (control), and each week after last show. Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, lipid hydroperoxides and the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase and glutathione reductase, plasma levels were determined.

Results
Competition induced a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. By contrary, reduced glutathione as well as antioxidant enzyme activities, were decreased. MSM administration significantly ameliorated all these exercise-related changes, and this effect was potentiated by Vit C reaching values in some of the parameters similar to those found before competition.

Conclusion
These results suggest that jumping exercise could induce harmful effects on horses, probably due to an increase in oxidative damage and proinflammatory molecules. In addition, we have demonstrated that MSM could exert some protective effect on oxidative and inflammatory exercise-induced injury.