bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zona pellucida from fertilised human oocytes induces a voltage-dependent calcium influx and the acrosome reaction in spermatozoa, but cannot be penetrated by sperm
Authors: Patrat Catherine , Auer Jana , Fauque Patricia , Leandri Roger L , Jouannet Pierre , Serres Catherine 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
The functions of three zona glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 during the sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction are now well established in mice. The expression of an additional zona glycoprotein, ZPB/4, in humans, led us to reconsider the classical mouse model of gamete interaction. We investigated the various functions of human ZP (hZP) during the interaction of spermatozoa with fertilised and unfertilised oocytes.

Results
The hZP of fertilised oocytes retained their ability to bind sperm (albeit less strongly than that from unfertilised oocytes), to induce an intraspermatic calcium influx through voltage-dependent channels similar to that observed with hZP from unfertilised oocytes and to promote the acrosome reaction at a rate similar to that induced by the ZP of unfertilised oocytes (61.6 ± 6.2% vs60.7 ± 9.1% respectively). Conversely, the rate of hZP penetrated by sperm was much lower for fertilised than for unfertilised oocytes (19% vs 57% respectively, p < 0.01). We investigated the status of ZP2 in the oocytes used in the functional tests, and demonstrated that sperm binding and acrosome reaction induction, but not ZP penetration, occurred whether or not ZP2 was cleaved.

Conclusion
The change in ZP function induced by fertilisation could be different in human and mouse species. Our results suggest a zona blocking to polyspermy based at the sperm penetration level in humans.
Practice makes perfect: the neural substrates of tactile discrimination by Mah-Jong experts include the primary visual cortex
Authors: Saito Daisuke N , Okada Tomohisa , Honda Manabu , Yonekura Yoshiharu , Sadato Norihiro 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
It has yet to be determined whether visual-tactile cross-modal plasticity due to visual deprivation, particularly in the primary visual cortex (V1), is solely due to visual deprivation or if it is a result of long-term tactile training. Here we conducted an fMRI study with normally-sighted participants who had undergone long-term training on the tactile shape discrimination of the two dimensional (2D) shapes on Mah-Jong tiles (Mah-Jong experts). Eight Mah-Jong experts and twelve healthy volunteers who were naïve to Mah-Jong performed a tactile shape matching task using Mah-Jong tiles with no visual input. Furthermore, seven out of eight experts performed a tactile shape matching task with unfamiliar 2D Braille characters.

Results
When participants performed tactile discrimination of Mah-Jong tiles, the left lateral occipital cortex (LO) and V1 were activated in the well-trained subjects. In the naïve subjects, the LO was activated but V1 was not activated. Both the LO and V1 of the well-trained subjects were activated during Braille tactile discrimination tasks.

Conclusion
The activation of V1 in subjects trained in tactile discrimination may represent altered cross-modal responses as a result of long-term training.
Wild-type huntingtin ameliorates striatal neuronal atrophy but does not prevent other abnormalities in the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington disease
Authors: Van Raamsdonk Jeremy M , Pearson Jacqueline , Murphy Zoe , Hayden Michael R , Leavitt Blair R 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Huntington disease (HD) is an adult onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin (htt) protein. Htt function is essential for embryonic survival as well as normal function during the postnatal period. In addition to having roles in transcription and transport, recent evidence demonstrates that wild-type htt is neuroprotective in vivo. To determine whether treatment with wild-type htt would be beneficial in HD, we crossed the YAC128 mouse model of HD with mice that over-express wild-type htt (YAC18 mice) to generate YAC128 mice that over-express wild-type htt (YAC18/128 mice).

Results
YAC18/128 mice were found to express mutant htt at the same level as YAC128 mice and wild-type htt at the same level as YAC18 mice. YAC18/128 mice show no significant behavioural improvement compared to YAC128 mice in the rotarod test of motor coordination or in an automated open field test. In the brain, YAC18/128 mice show no significant improvement in striatal volume, striatal neuronal numbers or striatal DARPP-32 expression compared to YAC128 mice. In contrast, striatal neuronal cross-sectional area showed significant improvement in YAC18/128 mice compared to YAC128 mice.

Conclusion
While the over-expression of wild-type htt results in a mild improvement in striatal neuropathology in YAC128 mice, our findings suggest that treatment with wild-type htt may not be sufficient to ameliorate the symptoms of HD in this model.
Correlations between subjective treatment responses and plantar pressure parameters of metatarsal pad treatment in metatarsalgia patients: a prospective study
Authors: Kang Jiunn-Horng , Chen Min-Der , Chen Shih-Ching , Hsi Wei-Li 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Metatarsalgia is related to repetitive high-pressure loading under the metatarsal head (MH) that causes pain. The high pressure under the MH can be reduced by adequately applying metatarsal pads (MPs). Plantar pressure measurements may provide a method to objectively evaluate pressure loading under the MH. However, it is still unclear if the decrease in plantar pressure under the MH after MP treatment is associated with subjective improvement. This study aims to explore the correlations between subjective pain improvement and outcome rating, and the plantar pressure parameters in metatarsalgia patients treated using MPs.

Methods
Thirteen patients (a total of 18 feet) with secondary metatarsalgia were included in this study. Teardrop-shaped MPs made of polyurethane foam were applied just proximal to the second MH by an experienced physiatrist. Insole plantar pressure was measured under the second MH before and after MP application. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores of pain were obtained from all subjects before and after 2 weeks of MP treatment. The subjects rated using four-point subjective outcome scales. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the difference between the plantar pressure parameters and VAS scores before and after treatment. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to compare the plantar pressure parameters in each outcome group. Pearson's correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between the changes in plantar pressure parameters and VAS scores. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05.

Results
MP application decreased the maximal peak pressure (MPP) and pressure-time integral (PTI) under the second MH and also statistically improved subjective pain scores. However, neither the pre-treatment values of the MPP and PTI shift in the position of the MPP after treatment, nor the age, gender and body mass index (BMI) of the subjects were statistically correlated with subjective improvement. Declines in the PTI and MPP values after MP application were statistically correlated with the improvement in VAS scores (r = 0.77, R
2 = 0.59, p < 0.001; r = 0.60, R
2 = 0.36, p = 0.009).

Conclusion
We found that the successful decline in the PTI and MPP under the second MH after MP application was correlated to subjective pain improvement. This study provides a strategy for the further design and application of MPs for metatarsalgia treatment.
Are Asians comfortable with discussing death in health valuation studies? A study in multi-ethnic Singapore
Authors: Wee Hwee-Lin , Li Shu-Chuen , Xie Feng , Zhang Xu-Hao , Luo Nan , Cheung Yin-Bun , Machin David , Fong Kok-Yong , Thumboo Julian 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
To characterize ease in discussing death (EID) and its influence on health valuation in a multi-ethnic Asian population and to determine the acceptability of various descriptors of death and "pits"/"all-worst" in health valuation.

Methods
In-depth interviews (English or mother-tongue) among adult Chinese, Malay and Indian Singaporeans selected to represent both genders and a wide range of ages/educational levels. Subjects rated using 0–10 visual analogue scales (VAS): (1) EID, (2) acceptability of 8 descriptors for death, and (3) appropriateness of "pits" and "all-worst" as descriptors for the worst possible health state. Subjects also valued 3 health states using VAS followed by time trade-off (TTO). The influence of sociocultural variables on EID and these descriptors was studied using univariable analyses and multiple linear regression (MLR). The influence of EID on VAS/TTO utilities with adjustment for sociocultural variables was assessed using MLR.

Results
Subjects (n = 63, 35% Chinese, 32% Malay, median age 44 years) were generally comfortable with discussing death (median EID: 8.0). Only education significantly influenced EID (p = 0.045). EID correlated weakly with VAS/TTO scores (range: VAS: -0.23 to 0.07; TTO: -0.14 to 0.11). All subjects felt "passed away", "departed" and "deceased" were most acceptable (median acceptability: 8.0) while "sudden death" and "immediate death" were least acceptable (median acceptability: 5.0). Subjects clearly preferred "all-worst" to "pits" (63% vs. 19%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Singaporeans were generally comfortable with discussing death and had clear preferences for several descriptors of death and for "all-worst". EID is unlikely to influence health preference measurement in health valuation studies.
The strength of the HIV-1 3' splice sites affects Rev function
Authors: Kammler Susanne , Otte Marianne , Hauber Ilona , Kjems Jørgen , Hauber Joachim , Schaal Heiner 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
The HIV-1 Rev protein is a key component in the early to late switch in HIV-1 splicing from early intronless (e.g. tat, rev) to late intron-containing Rev-dependent (e.g. gag, vif, env) transcripts. Previous results suggested that cis-acting sequences and inefficient 5' and 3' splice sites are a prerequisite for Rev function. However, we and other groups have shown that two of the HIV-1 5' splice sites, D1 and D4, are efficiently used in vitro and in vivo. Here, we focus on the efficiency of the HIV-1 3' splice sites taking into consideration to what extent their intrinsic efficiencies are modulated by their downstream cis-acting exonic sequences. Furthermore, we delineate their role in RNA stabilization and Rev function.

Results
In the presence of an efficient upstream 5' splice site the integrity of the 3' splice site is not essential for Rev function whereas an efficient 3' splice site impairs Rev function. The detrimental effect of a strong 3' splice site on the amount of Rev-dependent intron-containing HIV-1 glycoprotein coding (env) mRNA is not compensatable by weakening the strength of the upstream 5' splice site. Swapping the HIV-1 3' splice sites in an RRE-containing minigene, we found a 3' splice site usage which was variably dependent on the presence of the usual downstream exonic sequence. The most evident activation of 3' splice site usage by its usual downstream exonic sequence was observed for 3' splice site A1 which was turned from an intrinsic very weak 3' splice site into the most active 3' splice site, even abolishing Rev activity. Performing pull-down experiments with nuclear extracts of HeLa cells we identified a novel ASF/SF2-dependent exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) within HIV-1 exon 2 consisting of a heptameric sequence motif occurring twice (M1 and M2) within this short non-coding leader exon. Single point mutation of M1 within an infectious molecular clone is detrimental for HIV-1 exon 2 recognition without affecting Rev-dependent vif expression.

Conclusion
Under the conditions of our assay, the rate limiting step of retroviral splicing, competing with Rev function, seems to be exclusively determined by the functional strength of the 3' splice site. The bipartite ASF/SF2-dependent ESE within HIV-1 exon 2 supports cross-talk between splice site pairs across exon 2 (exon definition) which is incompatible with processing of the intron-containing vif mRNA. We propose that Rev mediates a switch from exon to intron definition necessary for the expression of all intron-containing mRNAs.
Governing therapy choices: Power/Knowledge in the treatment of progressive renal failure
Authors: Holmes Dave , Perron Amélie M , Savoie Marc 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This article outlines the struggle between the power of the health care professional and the rights of the individual to choose freely a modality of treatment. Nurses are instrumental in assisting patients in making the best decision for a therapy they will have to assume for the rest of their lives. In guiding patients' decision, nurses must take into account these unavoidable contingencies: changes in lifestyle, nutritional restrictions, level of acceptance, compliance issues, ease of training and availability of support/facilities. Ensuring that the patient makes an informed decision is therefore an ongoing challenge for nurses as they are taking part in a delicate balancing act between not directly influencing the patient's decision while making sure the patient is accurately informed.
Laser nanochemistry
Authors: Masuhara Hiroshi , Asahi Tsuyoshi , Hosokawa Yoichiroh 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Various time- and space-resolved spectroscopies have been developed and applied to thin films and nanoparticles. Dynamic reflection spectroscopies of total internal, diffuse, and regular reflection modes analyze photophysical and photochemical processes at the interface/surface layers with thicknesses of a few tens to a few hundreds of nm and of optically scattering materials. The excited singlet, triplet, and ionic states are identified, and intersystem crossing, isomerization, electron transfer and recombination, and photothermal conversion due to excited-state annihilation are analyzed, just as by transmittance mode spectroscopy. Fluorescence and Rayleigh light-scattering spectroscopies are developed for elucidating excited-state dynamics of single nanoparticles. The optical properties are related to their size, shape, internal structure, and environmental conditions. We prove that organic molecular materials show novel nanometer-size effects due to structural confinement. The high-intensity laser excitation induces ablation whose dynamics and mechanism are considered on the basis of time-resolved spectroscopy and imaging. For nanosecond and femtosecond ablation, we propose cyclic multiphotonic absorption and photomechanical mechanisms, respectively, while purely photochemical ablation was confirmed. Ablation studies have opened a new research approach toward expansion and contraction dynamics of polymer films, nanoparticle preparation, crystal growth control, crystallization in saturated solution, and others.
Efficient radical addition of tertiary amines to alkenes using photochemical electron transfer
Authors: Hoffmann Norbert , Bertrand Samuel , Marinković Siniša , Pesch Jens 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
An efficient photoinduced radical addition of tertiary amine, mainly cyclic derivatives, to electron-deficient alkenes was developed. The reaction was applied to the asymmetric synthesis of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids laburnine and isoretronecanol. The method was then optimized for the addition of a larger variety of tertiary amines, in particular acyclic ones. Radical tandem addition cyclization reactions with unsaturated tertiary amines have also been investigated. A detailed mechanistic study using isotopic labeling enabled the optimization of a corresponding reaction with N,N-dialkylaniline derivatives. The origin of the high reaction stereoselectivity achieved with menthyloxyfuranone was elucidated. The radical addition of tertiary amines was also performed with heterogeneous photocatalysis using inorganic semiconductors as sensitizers.
Overall water splitting using (oxy)nitride photocatalysts
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , Teramura Kentaro , Saito Nobuo , Inoue Yasunobu , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Domen Kazunari 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Oxynitride photocatalysts with d
10 electronic configuration are presented as effective non-oxide catalysts for overall water splitting. Germanium nitride (β-Ge3N4) having a band gap of 3.8-3.9 eV modified with RuO2 nanoparticles as a cocatalyst is shown to achieve stoichiometric decomposition of H2O into H2 and O2 under UV irradiation (λ > 200 nm). A novel solid solution of GaN and ZnO, (Ga1-x
Zn
x
)(N1-x
O
x
), with a band gap of 2.4-2.8 eV (depending on composition) achieves overall water splitting under visible light (λ > 400 nm) when loaded with an appropriate cocatalyst. The narrower band gap of the solid solution is attributed to the bonding between Zn and N atoms at the top of the valence band. The photocatalytic activity of (Ga1-x
Zn
x
)(N1-x
O
x
) for overall water splitting is strongly dependent on both the cocatalyst and the crystallinity and composition of the material. The quantum efficiency of (Ga1-x
Zn
x
)(N1-x
O
x
) with Rh and Cr mixed-oxide nanoparticles is 2-3 % at 420-440 nm, which is the highest reported efficiency for overall water splitting in the visible-light region.
Oxidative damage to DNA: Inhibition of guanine damage
Authors: Kanvah Sriram , Schuster Gary B. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
One-electron oxidation of DNA results in chemical damage to nucleobases, particularly guanine in multiple G sequences. Oxidation may be triggered by numerous events, including photosensitization. We describe studies of photoinduced oxidations of DNA triggered by irradiation of covalently linked anthraquinone derivatives under various conditions that affect the global structure of the DNA. These structural changes have subtle effects on the result of the one-electron oxidation.
Highly selective fluorescent nucleobases for designing base-discriminating fluorescent probes
Authors: Saito Isao , Saito Yoshio , Hanawa Kazuo , Hayashi Keigo , Motegi Kaori , Bag Subhendu Sekhar , Dohno Chikara , Ichiba Tomohisa , Tainaka Kazuki , Okamoto Akimitsu 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
There is increasing interest in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing since they can be used as markers to identify the genes that underlie complex diseases and to realize the full potential of pharmacogenomics in analyzing variable response to drugs. Among the different methodologies for SNP genotyping, the homogenous assay is more amenable than the heterogeneous one.
In this article, we will describe some of our most recently developed novel base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) nucleosides useful for homogenous SNP typing. Our novel concept led to the investigation of a new type of pyrene-labeled BDF nucleosides PyU, PyC, 8pyA, and MePydA, which emitted strong fluorescence only when the bases opposite the BDF bases are A, G, T, and C, respectively. The DNA probes containing four different BDF bases enabled us to distinguish single-base alterations by simply mixing with a sample solution of target DNA. An example of SNP typing of c-Ha-ras SNP sequence has also been demonstrated. Detection of base insertion in insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms using pyrene excimer fluorescent probe has also been explored.
Detection of biomacromolecules with fluorescent light-up probes
Authors: Faulhaber Katja , Granzhan Anton , Ihmels Heiko , Viola Giampietro 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The emission properties of selected benzo[b]quinolizinium (acridizinium) derivatives in the presence of double-stranded DNA and proteins are presented. Spectrophotometric studies and linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopic experiments reveal that benzo[b]quinolizinium derivatives bind to DNA, mainly by intercalation. In contrast to the 9-aminobenzo[b]quinolizinium, which exhibits a moderate emission quantum yield in water, the 6-aminobenzo[b]quinolizinium ion as well as N-phenyl-9-aminobenzo[b]quinolizinium derivatives are almost nonfluorescent. The low intrinsic fluorescence quantum yields of the latter compounds are caused by conformational changes in the excited state, as shown by a linear double-logarithmic plot of the emission quantum yield vs. the solvent viscosity. Most notably, the fluorescence intensities of these dyes increase significantly by a factor of 10 to 50 upon addition of double-stranded DNA or proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA) or chicken egg albumin (CEA). Thus, these compounds exhibit ideal properties to be used as DNA- or protein-sensitive light-up probes.
Self-assembling and light-harvesting properties of fluorescent linear condensed aromatic gelators
Authors: Desvergne Jean-Pierre , Olive Alexandre G. L. , Sangeetha Neralagatta M. , Reichwagen Jens , Hopf Henning , Del Guerzo André 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The self-assembling and photophysical properties of soluble fluorescent linear condensed aromatic gelators are reported. The gels formed by 2,3-alkoxy derivatives are constituted of nanofibers weaving a 3-dimensional supramolecular network and imprisoning the solvent. These nanofibers are efficient light-harvesting systems in which complete energy transfer toward a fluorescent acceptor can be achieved at doping levels below 1 mol % of acceptor.