bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Ligand Binding to the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/PTH-Related Protein Receptor: Selectivity of a Modified PTH(1–15) Radioligand for GαS-Coupled Receptor Conformations
Authors: Dean Thomas , Linglart Agnes , Mahon Matthew J. , Bastepe Murat , Jüppner Harald , Potts John T. , Gardella Thomas J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMechanisms of ligand binding to the PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTHR) were explored using PTH fragment analogs as radioligands in binding assays. In particular, the modified amino-terminal fragment analog, 125I-[Aib1,3,Nle8,Gln 10,homoarginine11,Ala12,Trp14,Tyr15]rPTH(1–15)NH2, 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15), was used as a radioligand that we hypothesized to bind solely to the juxtamembrane (J) portion of the PTHR containing the extracellular loops and transmembrane helices. We also employed 125I-PTH(1–34) as a radioligand that binds to both the amino-terminal extracellular (N) and J domains of the PTHR. Binding was examined in membranes derived from cells expressing either wild-type or mutant PTHRs. We found that the binding of 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) to the wild-type PTHR was strongly (∼90%) inhibited by guanosine 5′-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPγS), whereas the binding of 125I-PTH(1–34) was only mildly (∼25%) inhibited by GTPγS. Of these two radioligands, only 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) bound to PTHR-delNt, which lacks most of the receptor’s N domain, and again this binding was strongly inhibited by GTPγS. Binding of 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) to the constitutively active receptor, PTHR-H223R, was only mildly (∼20%) inhibited by GTPγS, as was the binding of 125I-PTH(1–34). In membranes prepared from cells lacking GαS via knockout mutation of Gnas, no binding of 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) was observed, but binding of 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) was recovered by virally transducing the cells to heterologously express GαS. 125I-PTH(1–34) bound to the membranes with or without GαS. The overall findings confirm the hypothesis that 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) binds solely to the J domain of the PTHR. They further show that this binding is strongly dependent on coupling of the receptor to GαS-containing heterotrimeric G proteins, whereas the binding of 125I-PTH(1–34) can occur in the absence of such coupling. Thus, 125I-[Aib1,3,M]PTH(1–15) appears to function as a selective probe of GαS-coupled, active-state PTHR conformations.
Serologic Markers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bossuyt Xavier 
Published: December 2005

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an enduring disease involving mostly young people, with symptoms of bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Several antibodies have been associated with IBD, the 2 most comprehensively studied being autoantibodies to neutrophils (atypical perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies. This review focuses on the value of these antibodies for diagnosing IBD, differentiating Crohn disease from ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, monitoring disease, defining clinical phenotypes, predicting response to therapy, and as subclinical markers. Pancreatic antibodies and newly identified anti-microbial antibodies (anti-outer membrane porin C, anti-I2, and anti-flagellin) are also reviewed.
How to find small non-coding RNAs in bacteria
Authors: Vogel Jörg , Sharma Cynthia Mira 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSmall non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) have attracted considerable attention as an emerging class of gene expression regulators. In bacteria, a few regulatory RNA molecules have long been known, but the extent of their role in the cell was not fully appreciated until the recent discovery of hundreds of potential sRNA genes in the bacteriumEscherichia coli. Orthologs of theseE. colisRNA genes, as well as unrelated sRNAs, were also found in other bacteria. Here we review the disparate experimental approaches used over the years to identify sRNA molecules and their genes in prokaryotes. These include genome-wide searches based on the biocomputational prediction of non-coding RNA genes, global detection of non-coding transcripts using microarrays, and shotgun cloning of small RNAs (RNomics). Other sRNAs were found by either co-purification with RNA-binding proteins, such as Hfq or CsrA/RsmA, or classical cloning of abundant small RNAs after size fractionation in polyacrylamide gels. In addition, bacterial genetics offers powerful tools that aid in the search for sRNAs that may play a critical role in the regulatory circuit of interest, for example, the response to stress or the adaptation to a change in nutrient availability. Many of the techniques discussed here have also been successfully applied to the discovery of eukaryotic and archaeal sRNAs.
RNA thermometers are common in α- and γ-proteobacteria
Authors: Waldminghaus Torsten , Fippinger Anja , Alfsmann Juliane , Narberhaus Franz 
Published: December 2005

AbstractExpression of many rhizobial small heat-shock genes is controlled by the ROSE element, a thermoresponsive structure in the 5′-untranslated region of the corresponding mRNAs. Using a bioinformatics approach, we found more than 20 new potential ROSE-like RNA thermometers upstream of small heat-shock genes in a wide variety of α- and γ-proteobacteria. Northern blot analyses revealed heat-inducible transcripts of the representative candidateCaulobacter crescentus CC2258,Escherichia coli ibpAandSalmonella typhimurium ibpAgenes. Typical σ32-type promoters were mapped upstream of the potential RNA thermometers by primer extension. Additional translational control was demonstrated in alacZreporter system and by site-directed mutagenesis. RNA secondary structure predictions strongly suggest that the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in the RNA thermometers is masked at low temperatures. Combining two regulatory modules, a σ32promoter and a ROSE-type RNA thermometer, provides a novel stringent mechanism to control expression of small heat-shock genes.
Determination of uranium concentration and burn-up of irradiated reactor fuel in contaminated areas in Belarus using uranium isotopic ratios in soil samples
Authors: Mironov V. P. , Matusevich J. L. , Kudrjashov V. P. , Ananich P. I. , Zhuravkov V. V. , Boulyga S. F. , Becker J. S. 
Published: December 2005

Summary
An analytical method is described for the estimation of uranium concentrations, of 235U/238U and 236U/238U isotope ratios and burn-up of irradiated reactor uranium in contaminated soil samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Experimental results obtained at 12 sampling sites situated on northern and western radioactive fallout tails 4 to 53 km distant from Chernobyl nuclear power plant (NPP) are presented. Concentrations of irradiated uranium in the upper 0–10 cm soil layers at the investigated sampling sites varied from 2.1 × 10−9 g/g to 2.0 × 10−6 g/g depending mainly on the distance from Chernobyl NPP. A slight variation of the degree of burn-up of spent reactor uranium was revealed by analyzing 235U/238U and 236U/238U isotope ratios and the average value amounted to 9.4 ± 0.3 MWd/(kg U).
Is human longevity a consequence of cultural change or modern biology?
Authors: Caspari Rachel , Lee Sang‐Hee 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIncreased longevity, expressed as the number of individuals surviving to older adulthood, represents a key way that Upper Paleolithic Europeans differ from earlier European (Neandertal) populations. Here, we address whether longevity increased as a result of cultural/adaptive change in Upper Paleolithic Europe, or whether it was introduced to Europe as a part of modern human biology. We compare the ratio of older to younger adults (OY ratio) in an early modern human sample associated with the Middle Paleolithic from Western Asia with OY ratios of European Upper Paleolithic moderns and penecontemporary Neandertals from the same region. We also compare these Neandertals to European Neandertals. The difference between the OY ratios of modern humans of the Middle and Upper Paleolithic is large and significant, but there is no significant difference between the Neandertals and early modern humans of Western Asia. Longevity for the West Asian Neandertals is significantly more common than for the European Neandertals. We conclude that the increase in adult survivorship associated with the Upper Paleolithic is not a biological attribute of modern humans, but reflects important cultural adaptations promoting the demographic and material representations of modernity. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Function of snake mobbing in spectral tarsiers
Authors: Gursky Sharon 
Published: December 2005

AbstractNumerous species are known for their tendency to approach and confront their predators as a group. This behavior is known as mobbing. Snakes seem to be one of the more consistent recipients of this type of predator‐directed behavior. This paper explores individual differences (sex and age) in the mobbing behavior of the spectral tarsier toward live and model snakes. This study was conducted at Tangkoko Nature Reserve (Sulawesi, Indonesia) during 2003–2004. During this research, 11 natural mobbing events and 31 artificially induced mobbing events were observed. The mean number of individuals at a mobbing was 5.7. The duration of mobbing events was strongly correlated with the number of assembled mobbers. Adults were more likely than other age classes to participate in mobbings. Males were more likely than females to participate in mobbings. Mobbing groups often contained more than one adult male, despite the fact that no spectral tarsier group contains more than one adult male. No difference in body size between extragroup males and resident males was observed, refuting the “attract the mightier” hypothesis. The number of mobbers did not affect whether the tarsier or the snake retreated first, countering the “move‐on” hypothesis. The “perception advertisement” hypothesis was tentatively supported, in that live snakes were rarely seen in the area following mobbing calls, in comparison to when tarsiers either ignored the snake or alarm call. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exchange reactions of poly‐2‐(N‐phthalimido)ethyl acrylate with hydroxy and amino compounds
Authors: Khalil A. A. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract2‐(N‐Phthalimido)ethyl acrylate was prepared by the reaction of N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)phthalimide with acrylic acid in the presence of N,N‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The exchange reactions of the resulting polymer with hydroxy and amino compounds have been studied. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Structure and adsorption properties of activated carbon aerogels
Authors: Wu Dingcai , Sun Zhuoqi , Fu Ruowen 
Published: December 2005

AbstractActivated carbon aerogels (ACAs) with excellent microporosity (e.g., 0.44 cm3/g) and mesoporosity (e.g., 1.72 cm3/g) were prepared by CO2 activation. Their structures were investigated with transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. Subsequently, their adsorption properties toward organic vapors were studied with static and dynamic adsorption experiments. The micropores of the ACAs had stronger adsorption ability than those of normal porous carbons. Furthermore, the condensation of organic vapors in the mesopores of ACAs greatly enhanced their equilibrium adsorption at high relative pressures. As a result, the adsorption capacities of organic vapors on the typical ACAs prepared were about 2–3 times greater than those on normal porous carbons. In addition, they also possessed excellent adsorption dynamics and outstanding desorption and regeneration properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
In vivo delivery of fluoresceinated dextrans to the murine growth plate: Imaging of three vascular routes by multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Farnum Cornelia E. , Lenox Michelle , Zipfel Warren , Horton William , Williams Rebecca 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBone elongation by endochondral ossification occurs through the differentiation cascade of chondrocytes of cartilaginous growth plates. Molecules from the systemic vasculature reach the growth plate from three different directions: epiphyseal, metaphyseal, and a ring vessel and plexus associated with the perichondrium. This study is an analysis of the real‐time dynamics of entrance of fluoresceinated tracers of different molecular weights into the growth plate from the systemic vasculature and tests the hypothesis that molecular weight is a key variable in the determination of both the directionality and the extent of tracer movement into the growth plate. Multiphoton microscopy was used for direct in vivo imaging of the murine proximal tibial growth plate in anesthetized 4‐ to 5‐week‐old transgenic mice with green fluorescent protein linked to the collagen II promoter. Mice were given an intracardiac injection of either fluorescein (332.3 Da) or fluoresceinated dextrans of 3, 10, 40, 70 kDa, singly or sequentially. For each tracer, directionality and rate of arrival, together with extent of movement within the growth plate, were imaged in real time. For small molecules (up to 10 kDa), vascular access from all three directions was observed and entrance was equally permissive from the metaphyseal and the epiphyseal sides. Within our detection limit (a few percent of vascular concentration), 40 kDa and larger dextrans did not enter. These results have implications both for understanding systemic and paracrine regulation of growth plate chondrocytic differentiation, as well as variables associated with effective drug delivery to growth plate chondrocytes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microstructure and innervation of the mystacial vibrissal follicle‐sinus complex in bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus (Pinnipedia: Phocidae)
Authors: Marshall Christopher D. , Amin Heidi , Kovacs Kit M. , Lydersen Christian 
Published: December 2005

AbstractVibrissal follicle‐sinus complexes (F‐SCs) are sensory receptors of the mammalian integument system. They are best developed within Pinnipedia. The objective of this study was to investigate the F‐SCs of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) for benthic foraging adaptations. Bearded seals possessed approximately 244 mystacial F‐SCs. In this species, F‐SCs consisted of an outer dermal capsule (DC) surrounding a blood sinus system [upper cavernous sinus (UCS), ring sinus (RS), and lower cavernous sinus (LCS)] and concentric rings of epidermal tissue. The UCS comprised up to 62% of the F‐SC length and may function as thermal protection for mechanoreceptors. A large asymmetrical ringwulst was located in the RS. A deep vibrissal nerve penetrated the DC at its base and terminated on mechanoreceptors in the epidermal tissues of the LCS and RS. The mean number of myelinated axons per F‐SC was 1,314 (range, 811–1,650) and was among the highest number of axons per F‐SC reported to date. An estimated mean number of 320,616 myelinated axons innervate the entire mystacial vibrissal array. Merkel‐Neurite complexes (MNCs) and small simple laminated corpuscles were found in the region of the LCS. Myelinated axons also terminated on MNCs and lanceolate endings apical to the ringwulst. The number of F‐SCs, their geometry in the mystacial region, the number of myelinated axons per F‐SC, and the distribution of mechanoreceptors support the premise that pinniped vibrissae are sensitive active‐touch receptor systems, and that structural differences in bearded seals, relative to other phocids, may be adaptations for benthic foraging. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conflicting interests in the funding of the early two‐year college
Authors: Pedersen Robert 
Published: December 2005

AbstractOur understanding of the funding of public junior colleges prior to 1940 has been strongly influenced by the ideology of current scholars. A close reading of the historical record reveals that early junior colleges were rarely subsidized by states. Rather, their costs were met by approximately equal contributions of local tax revenue and unaided tuition, in an era that can best be characterized as one of high tuition and low aid.
Staged carotid artery stenting and coronary artery bypass graft surgery: Initial results from a single center
Authors: Kovacic Jason C. , Roy Paul R. , Baron David W. , Muller David W.M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the clinical course of patients undergoing planned percutaneous carotid stenting followed by staged coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Coexisting carotid and coronary atherosclerotic disease is relatively common. A combined or staged surgical approach has a composite stroke, myocardial infarction, or death rate of > 10%. We performed a retrospective search of our single‐institution database to identify all patients scheduled to undergo staged carotid stenting followed by CABG. Twenty‐three such patients (17 males, 6 females) were identified, with 3/23 (13%) requiring bilateral carotid stenting. Most carotid lesions were asymptomatic (18/26; 69.2%) and severe (mean stenosis, 82.9% 6± 8.6%). Stents were successfully placed in 26/26 carotid arteries (100%). One stent procedure (1/26; 3.8%) resulted in a minor stroke, but full recovery occurred within 1 week. There were no other peristenting complications. Three patents (3/23; 13%), none of whom suffered an adverse event at carotid stenting, elected not to undergo CABG. The mean interval from last carotid stent to CABG was 69.6 6± 39.6 days (range, 8–157 days). Antiplatelet therapy was ceased > 3 days prior to CABG in 10/20 patients (50%), but continued until surgery in the remainder. There were no peri‐CABG bleeding or neurological complications, but one myocardial infarction occurred (1/20; 5%). Therefore, of the 20 patients who underwent planned carotid stenting followed by CABG, our overall rate of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction was 10%. However, our rate of death, persistent stroke or myocardial infarction was 5%. Planned carotid stenting followed by staged CABG is a viable method of treatment for patients with coexistent carotid and coronary atherosclerosis.© 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three dimensional CT angiography for patients with congenital heart disease: Scanning protocol for pediatric patients
Authors: Jelnin Vladimir , Co Jennifer , Muneer Basharat , Swaminathan Balasubramanian , Toska Suzanna , Ruiz Carlos E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe objective of our study was to determine the contrast attenuation level that yields high quality cardiac three‐dimensional (3‐D) images and to predict the contrast injection rate (IR), from body weight, to reach this attenuation level. Enhanced electron beam computerized tomography (EBCT) with 3‐D reconstruction is useful in delineating cardiac anatomy in complex congenital heart disease (CHD). The current experience of using electron beam angiography (EBA) in pediatric CHD is limited. Well‐defined contrast injection protocols, specifically the contrast IR, have not been standardized when compared to those for adults. Establishing the contrast IR is essential in obtaining high quality 3‐D images. We retrospectively analyzed the studies of 115 pediatric patients with CHD. EBA images were divided into group 1 with good quality 3‐D images and group 2 with poor quality. The mean of measured enhancement level, expressed in Hounsfield units (HU), and contrast IR were analyzed in both groups. Spearman correlation was used to examine the relationship between weight and IR. The IR was predicted from weight using simple linear regression analysis. The mean level of enhancement was 344 ± 91 and 174 ± 31 HU for group 1 and group 2, respectively. Group 1 consisted of 103 patients (90%) and the IR strongly correlated with weight (ρ = 0.861, P < 0.01). The IR was estimated from the linear regression equation IR = 0.59 + 0.056 × weight. Necessary contrast enhancement level for quality 3‐D reconstruction should be greater than 250 HU, and the IR can be estimated from patient's weight. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Both Spacer Length and Parity Influence the Thermal and Light‐Induced Properties of Iron(II) α,ω‐Bis(tetrazole‐1‐yl)alkane Coordination Polymers
Authors: Absmeier Alina , Bartel Matthias , Carbonera Chiara , Jameson Guy N. L. , Weinberger Peter , Caneschi Andrea , Mereiter Kurt , Létard Jean‐François , Linert Wolfgang 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA new series of [μ‐tris‐{1,n‐bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)alkane‐N4,N4′}iron(II)] bis(perchlorate) spin‐crossover coordination polymers ([Fe(nditz)3](ClO4)2]; n=4–9) has been synthesised and characterised. The ditetrazole bridging ligands provide octahedral symmetry at the iron(II) centres while allowing the distance between iron(II) centres to be varied. These polymers have therefore been investigated to determine the effects of spacer length on their thermal and light‐induced spin‐transition behaviour. An increase in the number of carbon atoms in the spacer (n) raises the thermal spin‐crossover temperature, while decreasing the stability of the light‐induced metastable state generated through the light‐induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) effect by irradiating the sample at 530 nm. Remarkably, however, the parity of the spacer also has an effect, enabling the series of complexes to be divided into two sub‐series depending on whether the bridging ligand possesses an even or an odd number of carbon atoms. An explanation at the molecular level using the single configurational coordinate (SCC) model is presented.
Local perspective of the impact of the HIPAA privacy rule on research
Authors: Wolf Michael S. , Bennett Charles L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe operational and economic impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 was evaluated. The setting was a natural experiment which involved a single‐site, clinical research study that was initiated before the enactment of HIPAA and subsequently modified to be compliant with the new policy.METHODSA formative assessment was conducted of the recruitment process to a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an educational strategy to inform Veterans about the National Cancer Institute/Department of Veterans Affairs cosponsored Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). Personnel time and costs were determined based on weekly accrual for study periods before and after the implementation of HIPAA. Root cause analysis was used to assess the recruitment protocol and to identify areas for improvement.RESULTSThe implementation of HIPAA resulted in a 72.9% decrease in patient accrual (7.0 patients/wk vs. 1.9 patients/wk, P < 0.001), and a threefold increase in mean personnel time spent recruiting (4.1 hrs/patient vs. 14.1 hrs/patient, P < 0.001) and mean recruitment costs ($49/patient vs. $169/patient, P < 0.001). Upon review of the modified HIPAA‐compliant protocol, revisions in the recruitment procedure were adopted. The revised protocol improved weekly accrual by 73% (1.9 patients/wk vs. 7.1 patients/wk, P < 0.001) and resulted in improvements in personnel time (5.4 hrs/patient) and recruitment costs ($65/patient).CONCLUSIONEnactment of HIPAA initially placed a considerable burden on research time and costs. Establishing HIPAA‐compliant recruitment policies can overcome some of these obstacles, although recruitment costs and time are likely to be greater than those observed before HIPAA. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.