bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Matrix Protein Assembles on Membranes as a Hexamer
Authors: Alfadhli Ayna , Huseby Doug , Kapit Eliot , Colman Dalbinder , Barklis Eric 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
The membrane-binding matrix (MA) domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) structural precursor Gag (PrGag) protein oligomerizes in solution as a trimer and crystallizes in three dimensions as a trimer unit. A number of models have been proposed to explain how MA trimers might align with respect to PrGag capsid (CA) N-terminal domains (NTDs), which assemble hexagonal lattices. We have examined the binding of naturally myristoylated HIV-1 matrix (MyrMA) and matrix plus capsid (MyrMACA) proteins on membranes in vitro. Unexpectedly, MyrMA and MyrMACA proteins both assembled hexagonal cage lattices on phosphatidylserine-cholesterol membranes. Membrane-bound MyrMA proteins did not organize into trimer units but, rather, organized into hexamer rings. Our results yield a model in which MA domains stack directly above NTD hexamers in immature particles, and they have implications for HIV assembly and interactions between MA and the viral membrane glycoproteins.
Physiological characteristics of the best Eritrean runners—exceptional running economy
Authors: Lucia Alejandro , Esteve-Lanao Jonathan , Oliván Jesús , Gómez-Gallego Félix , San Juan Alejandro F. , Santiago Catalina , Pérez Margarita , Chamorro-Viña Carolina , Foster Carl 
Published: November 2006

Despite their young age, limited training history, and lack of running tradition compared with other East African endurance athletes (e.g., Kenyans and Ethiopians), male endurance runners from Eritrea have recently attained important running successes. The purposes of our study were (i) to document the main physical and physiological characteristics of elite black Eritrean distance runners (n = 7; age: 22 ± 3 years) and (ii) to compare them with those of their elite white Spanish counterparts. For this second purpose we selected a control group of elite Spanish runners (n = 9; 24 ± 2 years), owing to the traditionally high success of Spanish athletes in long-distance running compared with other white runners, especially in cross-country competitions. The subjects’ main anthropometric characteristics were determined, together with their maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and VO2(mL·kg–1·min–1), blood lactate, and ammonia concentrations while running at 17, 19, or 21 km·h–1. The body mass index (18.9 ± 1.5 kg·m–2) and maximal calf circumference (30.9 ± 1.5 cm) was lower in Eritreans than in Spaniards (20.5 ± 1.7 kg·m–2and 33.9 ± 2.0 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and their lower leg (shank) length was longer (44.1 ± 3.0 cm vs. 40.6 ± 2.7 cm, respectively) (p < 0.05). VO2 maxdid not differ significantly between Eritreans and Spaniards (73.8 ± 5.6 mL·kg–1·min–1vs. 77.8 ± 5.7 mL·kg–1·min–1, respectively), whereas the VO2cost of running was lower (p < 0.01) in the former (e.g., 65.9 ± 6.8 mL·kg–1·min–1vs. 74.8 ± 5.0 mL·kg–1·min–1when running at 21 km·h–1). Our data suggest that the excellent running economy of Eritreans is associated, at least partly, with anthropometric variables. Comparison of their submaximal running cost with other published data suggests that superior running economy, rather than enhanced aerobic capacity, may be the common denominator in the success of black endurance runners of East African origin.
The effect of dietary control and carbohydrate supplementation on the immune and hormonal responses to rowing exercise
Authors: Sellar Christopher M. , Syrotuik Daniel G. , Field Catherine J. , Bell Gordon J. 
Published: November 2006

To determine the effect of carbohydrate supplementation on the immune and stress hormone responses to 1 h of strenuous rowing exercise, 22 male subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo (PLA, n = 11) or carbohydrate (CHO, n = 11) group. Subjects completed 3 d of modified dietary intake, a standardized pre-exercise meal, and consumed either a carbohydrate beverage (1 g·kg body mass–1) or a non-caloric placebo drink before, during, and after a 1 h rowing trial. Increases were observed in adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, blood leukocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cell concentrations and activity, whereas the ability of peripheral blood monouclear cells (PBMCs) to respond (interleukin-2 (IL-2) production) to stimulation was reduced 5 min after exercise in both groups (p < 0.05). Lymphocytes were also elevated, but in the PLA group only (p < 0.05). One hour after exercise, blood leukocytes remained elevated owing to increased neutrophil concentrations, whereas a number of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD3+/4+, CD3+/8+, CD20+, CD25+, CD4+/25+, CD8+/25+) and the ability of PBMCs to respond to stimulation (IL-2, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production) were lower than resting values in both groups (p < 0.05). Carbohydrate supplementation to athletes in the post-prandial state undergoing a 1 h rowing trial resulted in attenuation of the post-exercise increase in peripheral blood lymphocyte concentration, but had little effect on the ability of PBMCs to produce cytokines following stimulation, natural killer cell activity, stress hormone concentrations, exercise performance, or self-reported incidence of illness during the 14 d period following the experimental trial.
The effect of nicotine on in vitro placental perfusion pressure
Authors: Bainbridge Shannon A. , Smith Graeme N. 
Published: November 2006

Cigarette smoking throughout pregnancy is associated with several negative outcomes, of which an increased incidence of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is most pronounced. Gestationally age-matched infants born to smoking mothers are, on average, 200 g lighter at birth, per pack smoked per day. The mechanisms and specific tobacco compounds responsible for the increased risk of IUGR among smokers have yet to be identified; however, it is widely accepted that smoking women have compromised placental perfusion throughout gestation due to the vasoconstricting effect of nicotine on uterine and placental blood vessels. Despite the universal acceptance of this theory, very little work has been completed to date examining the vasoactive properties of nicotine within the human placenta. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nicotine on placental vascular function. Normal-term human placentae were obtained after elective cesarean sections. An in vitro placental perfusion system was used; increasing doses of nicotine (20–240 ng/mL) were added to either the maternal (n = 5) or fetal (n = 3) circulation. The basal feto-placental perfusion pressure was 39.87 ± 4.3 mmHg and was not affected by nicotine. This finding supports the hypotheses that nicotine does not directly affect placental microvascular function and that any contribution to fetal growth restriction is likely at the level of placental function (i.e., amino acid transport) and (or) uterine vascular function.
Whole-body heat shock protects the ischemic rat heart by stimulating mitochondria respiration
Authors: Broderick Tom L. 
Published: November 2006

Whole-body heat shock (HS) leads to an enhancement of postischemic mechanical function and an improvement in glucose use by the rat heart. Here, we examine the effect of HS on isolated mitochondrial metabolism during reperfusion in the working rat heart. Rats were anesthetized, and their body temperature was raised to 41–42 °C for 15 min. Control rats were treated the same way but were not exposed to hyperthermia. Twenty-fours after HS or sham treatment, rats were reanesthetized and the hearts were removed for perfusion with Krebs–Henseleit buffer, containing 11 mmol glucose/L and 1.2 mmol palmitate/L prebound to 3% albumin. Hearts were subjected to 25 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. At the end of reperfusion, heart mitochondria were isolated using differential centrifugation and respiration measured in the presence of pyruvate, glutamate, or palmitoylcarnitine. Hearts subjected to HS showed an enhanced recovery of function, expressed as aortic flow, during the reperfusion period, compared with sham hearts. This improved functional status was associated with a significant increase in state 3 respiration in the presence of pyruvate, glutamate, or palmitoylcarnitine. These results show that HS offers protection against ischemic damage, and that a possible mechanism might be the enhanced myocardial metabolism of fuels.
CD28 Costimulation Provided through a CD19-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor EnhancesIn vivoPersistence and Antitumor Efficacy of Adoptively Transferred T Cells
Authors: Kowolik Claudia M. , Topp Max S. , Gonzalez Sergio , Pfeiffer Timothy , Olivares Simon , Gonzalez Nancy , Smith David D. , Forman Stephen J. , Jensen Michael C. , Cooper Laurence J.N. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractChimeric antigen receptors (CAR) combine an antigen-binding domain with a CD3-ζ signaling motif to redirect T-cell specificity to clinically important targets. First-generation CAR, such as the CD19-specific CAR (designated CD19R), may fail to fully engage genetically modified T cells because activation is initiated by antigen-dependent signaling through chimeric CD3-ζ, independent of costimulation through accessory molecules. We show that enforced expression of the full-length costimulatory molecule CD28 in CD8+CD19R+CD28− T cells can restore fully competent antigen-dependent T-cell activation upon binding CD19+ targets expressing CD80/CD86. Thus, to provide costimulation to T cells through a CD19-specific CAR, independent of binding to CD80/CD86, we developed a second-generation CAR (designated CD19RCD28), which includes a modified chimeric CD28 signaling domain fused to chimeric CD3-ζ. CD19R+ and CD19RCD28+ CD8+ T cells specifically lyse CD19+ tumor cells. However, the CD19RCD28+ CD8+ T cells proliferate in absence of exogenous recombinant human interleukin-2, produce interleukin-2, propagate, and up-regulate antiapoptotic Bcl-XL after stimulation by CD19+ tumor cells. For the first time, we show in vivo that adoptively transferred CD19RCD28+ T cells show an improved persistence and antitumor effect compared with CD19R+ T cells. These data imply that modifications to the CAR can result in improved therapeutic potential of CD19-specific T cells expressing this second-generation CAR. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10995-1004)
p53 Attenuates Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion through Repression of SDF-1/CXCL12 Expression in Stromal Fibroblasts
Authors: Moskovits Neta , Kalinkovich Alexander , Bar Jair , Lapidot Tsvee , Oren Moshe 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The p53 tumor suppressor acts as a major barrier against cancer. To a large extent, this is due to its ability to maintain genome stability and to eliminate cancer cells from the replicative pool through cell-autonomous mechanisms. However, in addition to its well-documented functions within the malignant cancer cell, p53 can also exert non-cell-autonomous effects that contribute to tumor suppression. We now report that p53 can suppress the production of the chemokine SDF-1 in cultured fibroblasts of both human and mouse origin. This is due to a p53-mediated down-regulation of SDF-1 mRNA, which can be exacerbated on activation of p53 by the drug Nutlin-3. SDF-1 promotes the migration and invasiveness of cells that express its cognate receptor CXCR4. Indeed, medium conditioned by p53-deficient fibroblasts induces cancer cells towards increased directional migration and invasiveness, which are largely reversed by CXCR4 antagonist peptides. Because SDF-1 produced by stromal fibroblasts plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis, our findings suggest that the ability of p53 to suppress stromal SDF-1 production may be an important mechanism whereby it does its non-cell-autonomous tumor suppressor function. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10671-6)
Energie de liaison des feuillets de talc, pyrophyllite, muscovite et phlogopite
Authors: Alcover J. F. , Giese R. F. 
Published: November 2006

ResumeNous présentons une méthode de calcul de l'énergie totale d'une structure cristallińe (énergie électrostatique, énergie de van der Waals, et énergie de répulsion). Nous utilisons ensuite cette méthode pour étudier une série de phyllosilicates (talc, pyrophyllite, muscovite et phlogopite), pour comparer et discuter leurs propriétés physico-chimiques en particulier l'énergi de liaison interfoliaire et la distance interlamellaire. Nous constatons que des méthodes de calcul, basées sur des expressions empiriques différentes de l'énergie de répulsion, conduisent à des résultats relatifs analogues. Nous vérifions que la distance interlamellaire calculée approche la distance mesurée à 0·1 Å près. Nous calculons des énergies de liaison interfoliaire du talc et de la pyrophyllite (de l'ordre de 30 Kcal/mol) plus faibles que celles de la muscovite et de la phlogopite (de l'ordre de 60 Kcal/mol).
Soil-lime reaction and microstructural development at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wild S. , Arabi M. , Leng-Ward G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMineralogical analysis of Devonian Red Marl using XRD, TEM, SEM and EDAX showed that it consisted of illite, quartz, and feldspar with minor amounts of chlorite and hematite. Physico-chemical changes in the soil minerals on reaction with lime (calcium hydroxide) from one day up to two years were investigated by these techniques to gain information on the soil-lime reaction mechanism. Significant reaction of the soil minerals and lime was found to occur only at elevated temperatures (50–75°C) in a moist environment. At these temperatures, formation, growth and development of fibrous and foil-like cementitious material was observed. XRD analysis provided no strong evidence for the formation of new phases. TEM analysis and EDAX, however, showed that the newly-formed fibrous and foil-like material consisted of an amorphous calcium silicate aluminate hydrate gel, similar to the gels formed during hydrothermal treatment of lime-silica, but with lower calcium to silicon ratios than previously reported for such gels. The morphological development of the gel suggested that it formed as a result of the progressive breakdown of the clay component in the soil by reaction with the calcium ions from the lime.
Application of a thermodynamic model to predict the mineral stability of titaniferous smectites from soils on volcanic rocks
Authors: Martin de Vidales J. L. , Casas J. , Sanz J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWeathering processes in the Piedrabuena volcano, Ciudad Real province, Central Spain, have produced a smectitic phyllosilicate in four profiles on porphyritic-holocrystalline basalts consisting mainly of titaniferous augites, olivine and pigeonite. Chemical analysis of the purified smectites gave TiO2 contents of 1·89–3·77%. Apart from one profile, the smectites showed high tetrahedral Al-for-Si substitution, with the lattice charge arising from this source exceeding that from octahedral substitution, and thus could be termed beidellites. Octahedral Ti contents ranged from 0·21 to 0·41 per 24 O. A thermodynamic model was used to estimate the ΔG° of formation of these titaniferous smectites. Values ranged between −2503·30 and −2543·26 Kcal/mol. Suitable equilibria were established by calculating their ΔG° of reaction and log Ksp and, from these, the stability diagrams pH - 1/2pMg2+ against log H4SiO4 were derived. Correlations found were: (i) strong and positive between AlVI-X+ (0·91), AlIV-FeVI (0·85), AlVI-FeVI (0·85) and AlVI-MgVI (0·76); (ii) strong and negative between AlIV-octahedral charge; (iii) solubility product (log Ksp) positively correlated with X+ (0·73), AlIV (0·89), FeVI (0·67) and MgVI (0·84). Smectites showing higher tetrahedral charges were the least stable. Conversely, the stabilities of titaniferous smectites were favoured by high values of pH - 1/2pMg2+ and/or activities in soil-matrix solution. When the activities of H4SiO4 decreased, the montmorillonitic smectites became less stable than those showing beidellitic characteristics. Variations in composition and stability of the titaniferous smectites were not correlated with soil depth.
Hexagonal platy halloysite in an altered tuff bed, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Central Japan
Authors: Noro H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractXRD analysis and electron microscopy show that hexagonal platy halloysite is the main component of an altered tuff (Ueno tuff bed) in the Pliocene Seto group, Aichi Prefecture, Central Japan. In the natural state it shows a single basal peak at 10·1 Å, which collapses to 7·2 Å, by dehydration through a segregate-type interstratification. The (02,11) non-basal band consists of slightly separated peaks which indicates moderate ordering of the crystal structure. The b-dimension is 8·936–8·939 Å. The stability of the interlayer water is intermediate with respect to halloysites of different morphologies. Between 3·5 and 4% Fe2O3 is present in the deferrated sample and the calculated chemical formula can not explain the anomalously high CEC of 21·9 mEq/100 g. Because the curvature radius and b-dimension of halloysite increase with increase in Fe2O3 content, the platy morphology is ascribed to replacement of Al3+ by Fe3+ in the octahedral sheet. Based on the geological and chemical data, the hexagonal platy halloysite is considered to have been formed from volcanic glass after deposition in a freshwater lake, where conditions were oxidizing and weakly acidic.
Mechanisms of particle movement in porous media
Authors: Gronow J. R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractActivation products of neutron-irradiated chrysotile and crocidolite which have suitable half-lives have been used as tracers to investigate the attenuation of fibres in media likely to be encountered in groundwater systems. The saturated and unsaturated filtration of chrysotile and crocidolite through columns of beads, gravel and sands is compared. The migration pattern of crocidolite through columns of disturbed and relatively undisturbed Greensand is then compared with the filtration through washed and sieved sand of the same porosity. The main factors affecting the filtration of particles are outlined, and the experimental results obtained are correlated with models used to describe general filtration theory. This is shown to provide a basis from which pollution control models may be derived and indicates that the principles underlying particle filtration will apply to particle migration in any fluid-filled system.
Inflammatory changes, recovery and recurrence at COPD exacerbation
Authors: Perera W. R. , Hurst J. R. , Wilkinson T. M. A. , Sapsford R. J. , Müllerova H. , Donaldson G. C. , Wedzicha J. A. 
Published: November 2006

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are associated with increased airway and systemic inflammation, though relationships between exacerbation recovery, recurrent exacerbation and inflammation have not been previously reported. In the present study, inflammatory changes at COPD exacerbations were related to clinical nonrecovery and recurrent exacerbations within 50 days.Serum interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), sputum IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in 73 COPD patients when stable, at exacerbation and at 7, 14 and 35 days post-exacerbation.In 23% of patients, symptoms did not recover to baseline by day 35. These patients had persistently higher levels of serum CRP during the recovery period. A total of 22% of the patients who had recurrent exacerbations within 50 days had significantly higher levels of serum CRP at day 14, compared with those without recurrences: 8.8 mg·L−1versus3.4 mg·L−1. Frequent exacerbators had a smaller reduction in systemic inflammation between exacerbation onset and day 35 compared with infrequent exacerbators.Nonrecovery of symptoms at chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation is associated with persistently heightened systemic inflammation. The time course of systemic inflammation following exacerbation is different between frequent and infrequent exacerbators. A high serum C-reactive protein concentration 14 days after an index exacerbation may be used as a predictor of recurrent exacerbations within 50 days.
Variability of doublecortin-associated dendrite maturation in adult hippocampal neurogenesis is independent of the regulation of precursor cell proliferation
Authors: Plümpe Tobias , Ehninger Dan , Steiner Barbara , Klempin Friederike , Jessberger Sebastian , Brandt Moritz , Römer Benedikt , Rodriguez Gerardo Ramirez , Kronenberg Golo , Kempermann Gerd 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
In the course of adult hippocampal neurogenesis most regulation takes place during the phase of doublecortin (DCX) expression, either as pro-proliferative effect on precursor cells or as survival-promoting effect on postmitotic cells. We here obtained quantitative data about the proliferative population and the dynamics of postmitotic dendrite development during the period of DCX expression. The question was, whether any indication could be obtained that the initiation of dendrite development is timely bound to the exit from the cell cycle. Alternatively, the temporal course of morphological maturation might be subject to additional regulatory events.

Results
We found that (1) 20% of the DCX population were precursor cells in cell cycle, whereas more than 70% were postmitotic, (2) the time span until newborn cells had reached the most mature stage associated with DCX expression varied between 3 days and several weeks, (3) positive or negative regulation of precursor cell proliferation did not alter the pattern and dynamics of dendrite development. Dendrite maturation was largely independent of close contacts to astrocytes.

Conclusion
These data imply that dendrite maturation of immature neurons is initiated at varying times after cell cycle exit, is variable in duration, and is controlled independently of the regulation of precursor cell proliferation. We conclude that in addition to the major regulatory events in cell proliferation and selective survival, additional micro-regulatory events influence the course of adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Household out-of-pocket payments for illness: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Thuan Nguyen Thi Bich , Lofgren Curt , Chuc Nguyen Thi Kim , Janlert Urban , Lindholm Lars 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
In Vietnam, illnesses create high out-of-pocket health care expenditures for households. In this study, the burden of illness in the Bavi district, Vietnam is measured based upon individual household health expenditures for communicable and non-communicable illnesses. The focus of the paper is on the relative effect of different illnesses on the total economic burden of health care on households in general and on households that have catastrophic health care spending in particular.

Methods
The study was performed by twelve monthly follow-up interviews of 621 randomly selected households. The households are part of the FilaBavi project sample – Health System Research Project. The heads of household were interviewed at monthly intervals from July 2001 to June 2002.

Results
For the population in the Bavi district, communicable illnesses predominate among the episodes of illness and are the reason for most household health care expenditure. This is the case for almost all groups within the study and for the study population as a whole. However, communicable illnesses are more dominant in the poor population compared to the rich population, and are more dominant in households that have very large, or catastrophic, health care expenditure, compared to those without such expenditures.

Conclusion
The main findings indicate that catastrophic health care spending for a household is not usually the result of one single disastrous event, but rather a series of events and is related more to "every-day illnesses" in a developing country context than to more spectacular events such as injuries or heart illnesses.