bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of neuronal cdc20 (p55cdc) expression by the plasticity‐related transcription factor zif268
Authors: Conway Ann‐Marie , James Allan B. , Zang Jie , Morris Brian J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMost forms of neuronal plasticity are associated with induction of the transcription factor zif268 (egr1). Down‐regulation of cdc20 (p55cdc)—a regulatory protein for the anaphase‐promoting complex, which controls access of specific substrates to the proteasome—was observed after transfection of a neuronal cell line with zif268. Treatment of cultured hippocampal neurones with NMDA, which elevates endogenous zif268 levels, also decreased cdc20 levels. Conversely, the levels of cdc20 were found to be increased in the cerebral cortex of mice with targeted deletion of the zif268 gene, when compared with wild‐type controls. Our findings indicate that expression of the cdc20 gene is down‐regulated by zif268 in neuronal cells, and provide new evidence that altered expression of proteasome‐regulatory genes following zif268 induction may be a key component of long‐lasting CNS plasticity. Synapse 61:463‐468, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repair of Giant Midline Abdominal Wall Hernias: “Components Separation Technique” versus Prosthetic Repair
Authors: Reilingh T. S. de Vries , van Goor H. , Charbon J. A. , Rosman C. , Hesselink E. J. , van der Wilt G. J. , Bleichrodt R. P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackgroundReconstruction of giant midline abdominal wall hernias is difficult, and no data are available to decide which technique should be used. It was the aim of this study to compare the “components separation technique” (CST) versus prosthetic repair with e‐PTFE patch (PR).MethodPatients with giant midline abdominal wall hernias were randomized for CST or PR. Patients underwent operation following standard procedures. Postoperative morbidity was scored on a standard form, and patients were followed for 36 months after operation for recurrent hernia.ResultsBetween November 1999 and June 2001, 39 patients were randomized for the study, 19 for CST and 18 for PR. Two patients were excluded perioperatively because of gross contamination of the operative field. No differences were found between the groups at baseline with respect to demographic details, co‐morbidity, and size of the defect. There was no in‐hospital mortality. Wound complications were found in 10 of 19 patients after CST and 13 of 18 patients after PR. Seroma was found more frequently after PR. In 7 of 18 patients after PR, the prosthesis had to be removed as a consequence of early or late infection. Reherniation occurred in 10 patients after CST and in 4 patients after PR.ConclusionsRepair of abdominal wall hernias with the component separation technique compares favorably with prosthetic repair. Although the reherniation rate after CST is relatively high, the consequences of wound healing disturbances in the presence of e‐PTFE patch are far‐reaching, often resulting in loss of the prosthesis.
Ectopic Pheochromocytoma: Does the Rule of Tens Apply?
Authors: Madani R. , Al‐Hashmi M. , Bliss R. , Lennard T.W.J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIntroductionThe rule of “tens” is often stated to reflect the distribution and histology of pheochromocytomas, with 10% being bilateral, 10%; ectopic in origin, and 10%; malignant. The objective of this study was to review the ectopic pheochromocytomas in a tertiary endocrine center and to establish whether the rule of tens holds true.MethodsRetrospective data were collected on all adrenalectomies and ectopic pheochromocytoma resections performed between 1993 and 2005 at our institution.ResultsIn total, 77 patients had pheochromocytomas: 75%; (58/77) adrenal and 25%; (19/77) ectopic. Of the adrenal pheochromocytomas, 10%; (6/58) were bilateral. The anatomic locations of the ectopic pheochromocytomas were as follows: 26%; (5/19) adjacent to the adrenals, 53%; (10/19) in the organ of Zuckerkandl, 11%; (2/19) in the bladder, 5%; (1/19) in the mediastinum, and 5%;(1/19) in the neck.ConclusionsOur series demonstrates an incidence of 10%; for bilateral pheochromocytoma, which is similar to that in the published reports. However, 25%; of the pheochromocytomas were ectopic. Zuckerkandl pheochromocytomas were the most common among the ectopic lesions. Rarely, these tumors present outside the abdominal cavity
Parasitism and breeding system variation in North American populations of Daphnia pulex
Authors: Killick Stuart C. , Obbard Darren J. , West Stuart A. , Little Tom J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe Red Queen hypothesis proposes that frequency‐dependent selection by parasites may be responsible for the evolutionary maintenance of sexual reproduction. We sought to determine whether parasites could be responsible for variation in the occurrence of sexual reproduction in 21 populations of Daphnia pulex (Crustacea; Cladocera) that previous studies have shown to consist of either cyclical parthenogens, obligate parthenogens, or a mixture of both. We measured parasite prevalence over a four‐week period (which essentially encompasses an entire season for the temporary snow‐melt habitats we sampled) and regressed three different measures of sexuality against mean levels of parasite prevalence. Levels of parasitism were low and we found no relationship between levels of sexuality and mean parasite prevalence. Genetic variation with infection level was detected in 2 of the 21 populations, with several different clones showing signs of overparasitism or underparasitism. Overall, however, our results suggest that parasites are not a major source of selection in these populations and it thus seems unlikely they are responsible for maintaining breeding system variation across the study region.
Review on Recent Trends in Rice Bran Oil Processing
Authors: Ghosh Mahua 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRice bran oil (RBO) is popular in several countries such as Japan, India, Korea, China and Indonesia as a cooking oil. It has been shown that RBO is an excellent cooking and salad oil due to its high smoke point and delicate flavor. The nutritional qualities and health effects of rice bran oil are also established. RBO is rich in unsaponifiable fraction (unsap), which contains the micronutrients like vitamin E complexes, gamma oryzanol, phytosterols, polyphenols and squalene. However, the high FFA and acetone‐insoluble content of RBO made it difficult for processing. Therefore, in recent years, research interest has been growing in RBO processing to obtain good quality oil with low refining loss. This review article deals with detailed reports on RBO processing including membrane‐based techniques from the production and quality point of view.
Isolation and characterization of Wnt pathway‐related genes from Porifera
Authors: Adell Teresa , Thakur Archana N. , Müller Werner E.G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe Wnt signal acts by binding to Frizzled receptors, with the subsequent activation of two different signal transduction cascades, the canonical and the non‐canonical Wnt pathways, involved in cell growth, differentiation, migration and fate. The canonical pathway functions through the translocation of β‐catenin to the nucleus and the activation of TCF/LEF transcription factors; it plays an important role in developmental patterning and cell fate decisions during embryogenesis. The non‐canonical Wnt pathway is responsible for the planar cell polarity process in invertebrates, and for the convergent‐extension movements during vertebrate gastrulation. The final effect of the non‐canonical Wnt pathway is the rearrangement of the cell cytoskeleton, through the activation of the subfamily of Ras‐like small GTPases. In a recent report we described for the first time the isolation of a Wnt‐related gene, Sd‐Frizzled, from the most basal animal phylum, the Porifera. In the present study we report the isolation and phylogenetic characterization of several Wnt pathway‐related genes from the sponge Suberites domuncula: Sd‐TCF/LEF, Sd‐GSK3, a recently discovered molecule with a putative function as a Wnt regulator (Sd‐LZIC), the small Rho GTPases Sd‐RhoA, Sd‐Cdc42, and their effector Sd‐mrlc. Also the isolation of a secreted frizzled related protein sFRP from another sponge species (Lubomirskia baicalensis) is reported.
Activation of cPLA2and sPLA2in astrocytes exposed to simulated ischemiain vitro
Authors: Gabryel Bozena , Chalimoniuk Malgorzata , Stolecka Anna , Langfort Jozef 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBoth cytosolic PLA2(cPLA2) and secretory PLA2(sPLA2)have been implicated in pathology of cerebral ischemia. However, which of PLA2isoforms in astrocytes is responsible for arachidonic acid (AA) release contributing to their ischemic injury remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time‐dependent activation of cPLA2and sPLA2in astrocytes exposed to combined oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of their pharmacological blockage as a method of preventing ischemic damage of the glial cells. It was shown that exposure of cultured astrocytes to OGD (0.5–24 h) causes an increase in cPLA2and sPLA2expression and activity. The role of AA liberated mainly by cPLA2in the process of apoptosis was also demonstrated. To confirm the specific role of cPLA2and sPLA2in the mechanism of cells injury by OGD exposure, the effect of AACOCF3as cPLA2inhibitor and 12‐epi‐scalaradial as sPLA2inhibitor on AA release was examined. It was proved that simultaneous pharmacological blockade of enzymatic activity of cPLA2and sPLA2during OGD by AACOCF3and 12‐epi‐scalaradial substantially improves survival of ischemic injured glial cells.
Long-term reproducibility of a food-frequency questionnaire and dietary changes in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Heidelberg cohort
Authors: Nagel Gabriele , Zoller Dorothee , Ruf Tilla , Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob 
Published: March 2007

Within a prospective cohort study, we explored the long-term reproducibility of the food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and dietary changes in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Heidelberg cohort. After a mean follow-up time of 68·8 (sd 4·1) months the dietary assessment by means of a validated FFQ was repeated in 21 462 participants in the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort. The correlation and test–retest reproducibility of both dietary intake measurements was explored. The long-term correlation coefficients ranged from 0·41 (vegetables in men) to 0·77 (alcoholic beverage consumption in women). The median intake of potatoes, added fat, sugar/confectionary, cakes and alcoholic beverages was lower in the second than in the first FFQ, whereas the median intake of fruits, vegetables, cereals/cereal products and non-alcoholic beverages were higher. Consistently for food groups, 60–70 % of the participants in both genders were re-classified to the same or adjacent quintile of intake. The results of fairly high correlation coefficients indicate good agreement between both measurements. It is acknowledged that this result reflects to a substantial extent the measurement error of the FFQ and conclusions on real changes in the diet should be drawn very carefully. For some nutrients the dietary changes were consistent with results from independent national surveys. The performance of the FFQ gives confidence in the dietary data to be used as long-term exposure variables.
Dietary non-digestible carbohydrates promote L-cell differentiation in the proximal colon of rats
Authors: Cani Patrice D. , Hoste Sophie , Guiot Yves , Delzenne Nathalie M. 
Published: March 2007

One of the challenges in type 2 diabetes treatment is to ensure pancreas functionality with gut peptides such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). We have recently shown that the endogenous GLP-1 production is promoted by dietary non-digestible carbohydrates (oligofructose), the higher GLP-1 secretion could participate in the control of obesity and associated disorders. This experimental study was designed to highlight the mechanisms of endogenous increase of GLP-1 following non-digestible carbohydrate feeding. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard diet (70·4 g/100 g total carbohydrates; controls) or the same diet supplemented with oligofructose (10 g/100 g diet) for 4 weeks. GLP-1-producing L-cells of the colon were quantified by immunohistochemistry. GLP-1 was quantified by ELISA, and proglucagon, neurogenin 3 and NeuroD mRNA were measured in the colon by quantitative RT–PCR. The number of GLP-1-expressing cells was doubled in the proximal colon of oligofructose-treated rats, a phenomenon correlated with the increase in proglucagon mRNA and peptide content in the tissue. Moreover, oligofructose increased the number of enteroendocrine L-cells in the proximal colon by a mechanism involving up-regulation of two differentiation factors: neurogenin 3 and NeuroD. It is the first demonstration that nutrients fermented in the gut may promote L-cell differentiation in the proximal colon, a phenomenon contributing to a higher endogenous GLP-1 production. These results suggest a new mechanism by which dietary fibres may lower food intake and fat mass development.
The elimination of meat from the diet selectively decreases pancreatic elastase secretion
Authors: Walkowiak Jaroslaw , Wadolowska Lidia , Szaflarska-Poplawska Anna , Lisowska Aleksandra , Bugajewska Alina , Przyslawski Juliusz 
Published: March 2007

Since the vegetarian diet lacks the substrate for pancreatic elastase-1 as an enzyme, a decreased secretion of this enzyme could be expected. We aimed therefore to assess the changes of exocrine pancreatic secretion in a prospective way in a group of healthy omnivores who modified their diet by abstaining from meat for 1 month. Twenty healthy omnivores (fourteen females and six males) were used in the study. The nutrient intake was assessed for 7 d before commencing the study (omnivore diet) and after 1 month of dietary modification (modified diet; meat excluded). Similarly, the faecal output of pancreatic enzymes (elastase-1, chymotrypsin and lipase) was assessed before and 1 month after the period of dietary modification. Statistical differences between two points of the assessment (paired data) were calculated with the use of the Wilcoxon rank test. The relationship between the changes of faecal enzyme output and the changes in nutrient intake was assessed using multiple regression analysis. The dietary changes resulted in statistically significant decrease of faecal elastase-1 output (P < 0·05), whereas for chymotrypsin and lipase no changes were observed. No significant change in stool weight was recorded. No statistically significant correlation between changes in energy and nutrient consumption and changes in faecal output of pancreatic enzymes has been found. It was concluded that the exclusion of meat from the diet for a 1-month period results in significant changes in pancreatic secretion with a selective decrease of elastase-1 output. However, the underlying factor remains unclear.
Homocysteine increases the risk of mortality in elderly individuals
Authors: González Sonia , Huerta José M. , Fernández Serafina , Patterson Ángeles M. , Lasheras Cristina 
Published: March 2007

Although total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) has been extensively studied as a risk factor of CVD, longitudinal evidence on its association with mortality is scarce, especially among the elderly. The study cohort consisted of 215 subjects (eighty-eight male and 127 female), aged 60 years or older, recruited in fourteen elderly care institutions from Asturias (Spain). All participants were free of major chronic pathology and took no vitamin and/or mineral supplements. Baseline determinations included tHcy in plasma and folate, vitamin B12and Se in serum. Survival analyses were performed by quintiles of these factors after 6 years (mean follow-up time 4·3 years) by means of Cox regression models. During follow-up time sixty participants died. tHcy above 16·7 μmol/l was associated with an increased risk of mortality in the sample (relative risk 2·30 (95 % CI 1·02, 5·17)). Among the nutritional determinants of tHcy evaluated, folate and Se were not predictive of death risk of the cohort, while vitamin B12showed inconsistent results. Nevertheless, mortality was significantly lower at higher serum Se levels (upper quintile), but this effect was restricted to women. Higher tHcy in both sexes and lower serum Se in women were found to be independently associated with an increased risk of death in elderly subjects.
Hobbes's Modern Prometheus: A Political Philosophy for an Uncertain Future
Authors: Michaelis Loralea 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.This paper takes the Prometheus story in chapter 12 of Leviathan as the point of entry for an examination of the importance that Hobbes assigns to the problem of an uncertain future in his political philosophy. Hobbes's thinking on human nature represents a dramatic departure from the ancients not only because his mechanistic psychology reverses the ancient conception of the relation between reason and passion but also because his understanding of the temporal situation of human beings privileges the future to an unprecedented degree. It is against the backdrop of a universe in which the problem of an uncertain future has reached intolerable proportions that Hobbes develops his portrait of human nature; it is against the backdrop of this universe that he develops his account of Leviathan as the only earthly power capable of stabilizing the horizon of expectation.Résumé.Cet article utilise l'histoire de Prométhée au chapitre 12 du Léviathan comme introduction à l'examen de l'importance qu'accorde Hobbes au problème de l'incertitude de l'avenir dans sa philosophie politique. La pensée de Hobbes sur la nature humaine constitue une dérogation spectaculaire par rapport aux Anciens non seulement parce que sa psychologie mécaniste s'oppose diamétralement à l'ancienne conception de la relation entre raison et passion, mais également parce que sa compréhension de la situation temporelle des êtres humains privilégie l'avenir et ce, à un degré sans précédent. C'est sur la toile de fond d'un univers dans lequel le problème de l'incertitude de l'avenir a atteint des proportions intolérables que Hobbes construit son portrait de la nature humaine comme un tourbillon de passions incontrôlées; c'est sur la toile de fond de cet univers qu'il élabore son récit du Léviathan, seule force terrestre capable de stabiliser les attentes de l'avenir.
“Do Democracies Have Separation of Religion and State?”
Authors: Fox Jonathan 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.While many argue that separation of religion and state (SRAS) is an essential element of democracy, others posit that religion is an essential element of democracy's moral underpinnings. This study examines the debate using data from the Religion and State (RAS) dataset, which includes 62 variables in six broader categories measuring different aspects of SRAS for all 152 states with populations of one million or more, as well as data on democracy from the Polity and Freedom House datasets. It also develops seven operational definitions of SRAS that can be constructed using this data. Overall, the results show that a clear majority of democracies do not have SRAS even when evaluating multiple operational definitions of both democracy and SRAS. However, democracies tend to have lower average levels of government involvement in religion (GIR) than do non-democracies. This is because, while most democracies do not have SRAS, there is an upper limit to the amount of GIR that is found in any democracy that does not appear to apply to non-democracies. All this indicates that the proper question regarding religion and democracy is not one of SRAS but rather one of how much and what types of GIR can democracies tolerate.Résumé.Alors que de nombreuses personnes prétendent que la séparation de la religion et de l'État est un élément essentiel de la démocratie, d'autres avancent que la religion est un élément essentiel des fondations morales de la démocratie. Cette étude analyse ce débat en utilisant des données provenant de la base de données Religion and State, qui comprend 62 variables regroupées en 6 grandes catégories et mesurant les différents aspects de la séparation de la religion et de l'État dans les 152 pays dont la population atteint un million d'habitants ou plus, ainsi que les données sur la démocratie fournies par la base de données Polity et l'indicateur de Freedom House. L'article met aussi au point sept définitions fonctionnelles de la séparation de la religion et de l'État, que l'on peut composer à partir de ces données. Dans l'ensemble, les résultats montrent que la grande majorité des démocraties ne pratiquent pas la séparation de la religion et de l'État, même lorsque l'on prend en compte plusieurs définitions fonctionnelles de la démocratie et de la séparation de la religion et de l'État. En revanche, le niveau moyen d'engagement religieux du gouvernement tend à être plus bas dans les démocraties que dans les pays qui ne sont pas des démocraties. Cela s'explique par le fait que, bien que la plupart des démocraties ne pratiquent pas la séparation de la religion et de l'État, elles observent un plafond d'engagement religieux qu'on ne retrouve pas dans les pays qui ne sont pas des démocraties. Tout ceci indique que la question la plus appropriée concernant la religion et la démocratie n'est pas celle de la séparation de la religion et de l'État, mais plutôt celle du degré et des modèles d'engagement religieux que les démocraties peuvent tolérer de la part de leurs gouvernements.
Scope and Trade Agreements
Authors: Morgenstern Scott , Tamayo Arturo Borja , Faucher Philippe , Nielson Daniel 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.With a focus on NAFTA, we offer an alternative model of trade negotiations that explains why the dominant partner is able to force concessions only on some issues. Key to our model is the concept ofscope. The environment side agreement excited wide swaths of society; thus, scope was high and international power asymmetries appear to explain the result. Power asymmetries seemed unimportant, however, when bargaining over issues that affected small portions of society, such as individual tariff levels. Finally, in issues of medium scope, such as the rules of origin for the textile industry, power asymmetries and elements of traditional bargaining models likely account for the negotiated outcomes.Résumé.Ce texte explique pourquoi, au cours de la négociation d'une entente commerciale, le pays dominant n'a pas en général intérêt à imposer ses préférences aux pays partenaires. Le concept de “ scope ” (ou de portée) sert à distinguer entre les différents enjeux d'une négociation. La négociation du traité de l'ALENA sert ici de cadre pour l'application de notre proposition. Parce que d'importants secteurs de la société jugeaient prioritaires les enjeux soulevés par l'accord parallèle sur la coopération dans le domaine de l'environnement, l'issue des discussions a été imposée au plus haut niveau par les dirigeants américains. En revanche, les taux tarifaires appliqués aux différents produits ne concernent chacun que des groupes restreints. Sur ces enjeux, les rapports de puissance ne jouent pas. Enfin, ce n'est que sur les enjeux intermédiaires, tels que les règles d'origine pour l'industrie textile, que les processus familiers de négociations internationales rendent compte de la réalité de façon satisfaisante.