bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of ceruloplasmin in human hepatic cells by redox active copper: identification of a novel AP-1 site in the ceruloplasmin gene
Authors: Das Dola , Tapryal Nisha , Goswami Shyamal K. , Fox Paul L. , Mukhopadhyay Chinmay K. 
Published: January 2007

Cp (ceruloplasmin), a copper containing plasma protein, mainly synthesized in the liver, is known to be functional between the interface of iron and copper metabolism. We have reported previously that Cp is regulated by cellular iron status, but the process of the regulation of Cp by copper still remains a subject for investigation. In the present paper, we show that PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), a thiol compound widely known to increase intracellular redox copper, regulates Cp expression in hepatic cells by a copper-dependent transcriptional mechanism. To find out the mechanism of induction, chimeric constructs of the Cp 5′-flanking region driving luciferase were transfected into human hepatic cells. Deletion and mutational analyses showed the requirement of a novel APRE [AP-1 (activator protein-1) responsive element] present about 3.7 kb upstream of the translation initiation site. The role of AP-1 was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility-shift analysis. Western blot and overexpression studies detected the AP-1 as a heterodimer of c-jun and c-fos proteins. The activation of AP-1 was found to be copper-dependent as a specific extracellular chelator bathocuproine disulfonic acid blocked PDTC-mediated induction of AP-1–DNA binding and increased reporter gene activity. Whereas, in a copper-free medium, PDTC failed to activate either AP-1 or Cp synthesis, supplementation of copper could reverse AP-1 activation and Cp synthesis. Our finding is not only the first demonstration of regulation of Cp by redox copper but may also explain previous findings of increased Cp expression in cancers like hepatocarcinoma, where the intracellular copper level is higher in a redox compromised environment.
The role of neutral lipid nanospheres in Plasmodium falciparum haem crystallization
Authors: Pisciotta John M. , Coppens Isabelle , Tripathi Abhai K. , Scholl Peter F. , Shuman Joel , Bajad Sunil , Shulaev Vladimir , Sullivan David J. 
Published: January 2007

The intraerythrocytic malaria parasite constructs an intracellular haem crystal, called haemozoin, within an acidic digestive vacuole where haemoglobin is degraded. Haem crystallization is the target of the widely used antimalarial quinoline drugs. The intracellular mechanism of molecular initiation of haem crystallization, whether by proteins, polar membrane lipids or by neutral lipids, has not been fully substantiated. In the present study, we show neutral lipid predominant nanospheres, which envelop haemozoin inside Plasmodium falciparum digestive vacuoles. Subcellular fractionation of parasite-derived haemozoin through a dense 1.7 M sucrose cushion identifies monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol neutral lipids as well as some polar lipids in close association with the purified haemozoin. Global MS lipidomics detects monopalmitic glycerol and monostearic glycerol, but not mono-oleic glycerol, closely associated with haemozoin. The complex neutral lipid mixture rapidly initiates haem crystallization, with reversible pH-dependent quinoline inhibition associated with quinoline entry into the neutral lipid microenvironment. Neutral lipid nanospheres both enable haem crystallization in the presence of high globin concentrations and protect haem from H2O2 degradation. Conceptually, the present study shifts the intracellular microenvironment of haem crystallization and quinoline inhibition from a polar aqueous location to a non-polar neutral lipid nanosphere able to exclude water for efficient haem crystallization.
The lipidation status of acute-phase protein serum amyloid A determines cholesterol mobilization via scavenger receptor class B, type I
Authors: Marsche Gunther , Frank Sǎsa , Raynes John G. , Kozarsky Karen F. , Sattler Wolfgang , Malle Ernst 
Published: January 2007

During the acute-phase reaction, SAA (serum amyloid A) replaces apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I) as the major HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-associated apolipoprotein. A remarkable portion of SAA exists in a lipid-free/lipid-poor form and promotes ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1)-dependent cellular cholesterol efflux. In contrast with lipid-free apoA-I and apoE, lipid-free SAA was recently reported to mobilize SR-BI (scavenger receptor class B, type I)-dependent cellular cholesterol efflux [Van der Westhuyzen, Cai, de Beer and de Beer (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 35890–35895]. This unique property could strongly affect cellular cholesterol mobilization during inflammation. However, in the present study, we show that overexpression of SR-BI in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) (devoid of ABCA1) failed to mobilize cholesterol to lipid-free or lipid-poor SAA. Only reconstituted vesicles containing phospholipids and SAA promoted SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux. Cholesterol efflux from HEK-293 and HEK-293[SR-BI] cells to lipid-free and lipid-poor SAA was minimal, while efficient efflux was observed from fibroblasts and CHO cells (Chinese-hamster ovary cells) both expressing functional ABCA1. Overexpression of SR-BI in CHO cells strongly attenuated cholesterol efflux to lipid-free SAA even in the presence of an SR-BI-blocking IgG. This implies that SR-BI attenuates ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in a way that is not dependent on SR-BI-mediated re-uptake of cholesterol. The present in vitro experiments demonstrate that the lipidation status of SAA is a critical factor governing cholesterol acceptor properties of this amphipathic apolipoprotein. In addition, we demonstrate that SAA mediates cellular cholesterol efflux via the ABCA1 and/or SR-BI pathway in a similar way to apoA-I.
Data Disaggregation in Demand Forecasting
Authors: Vu Chau Jo , Turner Lindsay 
Published: January 2007

It is assumed in tourism demand forecasting that the disaggregation of data is useful in terms of country of origin and also in terms of purpose of travel (Smith and Toms, 1967; Blackwell, 1970; Martin and Witt, 1989a). The primary disaggregation by country is useful for determining regional forecast flows and the disaggregation by purpose of visit has been considered potentially useful for increasing forecasting accuracy given the flows have different characteristics (Turner, Kulendran and Pergat, 1995; Morley and Sutikno, 1991). It is also possible to disaggregate on the basis of age and gender. It has been assumed (because no research has disaggregated by age and gender) in previous research that the gender and age composition of flows is a reflection of the total population and therefore exhibits the same time-series characteristics. This may not be the case, however. This study uses data for tourist arrivals into Korea to test the assumptions that further disaggregation of data on the basis of gender and age is not needed, and to further examine whether disaggregation by purpose of visit is worthwhile, when the purpose is to forecast total country arrivals. Quarterly data from 1994 to 2003 are used with the estimation period 1994–2001 and the post-estimation period 2002–2003. The conclusion from the study is that total arrivals forecasting is not more accurate when the data used is the sum of forecast disaggregated series, as opposed to direct forecasts of total arrivals.
A Comparison of Adolescents' and Parents' Holiday Motivations and Desires
Authors: Carr Neil 
Published: January 2007

This paper provides an analysis of the under-researched and under-valued holiday motivations of adolescents and their parents. This work is required for the formulation of effective marketing strategies and product development plans. The data for this paper were gathered in Brisbane, Australia, during 2002 from a convenience sample of 54 parents and 66 adolescents using two questionnaire surveys. The results show that the types of holiday experiences likely to result in satisfaction for the parents and adolescents often differ. Within the context of the tourism industry the results suggest the need for more focused attention on the holiday needs and desires of adolescents, both in their own right and as part of the family unit.
Is sialic acid in milk food for the brain?
Authors: Karim M. , Wang Bing Wang Bing 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The rapid brain growth of infants places exceptionally high demands on the supply of nutrients from the diet. Human milk is the best source of food for brain growth and cognition. One of nature's richest sources of sialic acid, a vital component of brain gangliosides and the building block of polysialic acid (PSA) on neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), is found in human breast milk. However, infant formulas contain very little amounts. Gangliosides and polysialylated NCAM in the brain have an important role in cell-to-cell interactions, neuronal outgrowth, modifying synaptic connectivity, and memory formation. An exogenous source of sialic acid may be critical under conditions of extremely rapid brain growth, particularly during the first months after birth. Here we review the major differences in sialic acid concentration between human milk and infant formulas, and how sialic acid-bearing nutrients are metabolized. The role of this essential micronutrient in the developing brain is examined, particularly with respect to PSA, which has a major effect on brain plasticity.
Blackleg in ruminants.
Authors: Useh N. M. , Nok A. J. , Esievo K. A. N. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Blackleg is a per acute or acute and fatal disease of cattle and sheep caused by
Clostridium chauvoei
Jakari, Vom and K76 strains in Nigeria, strains NCTC 8070 and 8361 in UK, strain 49 in India and other parts of Asia, strain NC08596 in Germany and other parts of Europe and America, strains ch.16 and ch.22 in Mozambique and Tanzania and strain Awasa in Ethiopia, respectively. The haematological and biochemical changes observed in ruminants with blackleg include haemoconcentration (increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts, and total plasma protein concentration), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), decrease in total and differential leucocyte counts (leucopaenia, panleucopaenia i.e. lymphopaenia, neutropaenia, eosinopaenia and monocytopaenia), thrombocytopaenia, increased plasma neuraminidase activity, increased erythrocyte surface and plasma sialic acid concentration, increased levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased creatine kinase (CK) activity. The leucopaenia and decrease in differential leucocyte counts, increase in plasma sialic acid concentration and decrease in erythrocyte surface sialic acid levels were attributed to the action of neuraminidase, whose activity is increased in the plasma in clinical blackleg. The neuraminidase produced by
C. chauvoei
is reported to possibly play a significant role in the inflammation and vascular permeability which are observed in blackleg. The pathological changes observed in cattle, sheep and deer with blackleg are essentially similar and are discussed. Some herbal remedies (
Tamarindus indicus
and
Combretum fragrans
) have been used by the transhumance (nomadic) Fulani pastoralists of rural Nigeria to successfully treat the disease. The economic losses of ruminants to the disease have not been quantified in most countries of the world, but in Nigeria, annual losses of cattle to it have been estimated at US$4.3 million. Vaccination has remained the best control strategy against the disease, which is endemic in Africa, USA, Central and Southern America, Asia and Europe.
Protein nutrition in crustaceans.
Authors: Mente E. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Successful commercial aquaculture of crustacean species is dependent on satisfying their nutritional requirements and on producing rapidly growing and healthy animals. This paper provides an overview of current knowledge on protein nutrition in crustaceans with emphasis on the species used in aquaculture and briefly examines important directions for future research. Research studies on the nutrition of crustaceans such as shrimp and lobster began at least 15 years after similar research on fish nutrition. Protein is the most critical ingredient in crustacean diets with regard to both the economic cost of diet production and growth response in culture. Crustaceans are reported to have higher protein requirements than finfish with levels from 60% of the diet for some postlarvae, to about 3050% of the diet for shrimps and lobsters. Salinity, age and the physiological state of crustaceans influence to different extents the utilization of dietary protein as energy source and growth. The nutritive value of dietary protein is governed by the extent to which its amino acid content satisfies the needs of the animal in question. Essential amino acid requirements for crustaceans still need to be quantified for various species. However, the ideal amino acid profile has yet to be defined for species of crustaceans. Future studies on theirphysiology, protein metabolism and immunological condition are required in a range of crustaceans to complete our understanding of their protein nutrition.
Stimulating private investment in agricultural research for greater impact on poverty reduction.
Authors: Marr A. , Chancellor T. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
This article reviews the international experience with approaches to encouraging private investment in agricultural research and technology for a greater impact on poverty reduction. Some specific types of technologies and the roles for public and private sector involvement in generating new technology are identified, as well as the potential for public-private partnerships. Three most promising mechanisms for stimulating private investment in agricultural research are then revised in some detail: taxation schemes, co-funding arrangements, and output-based approaches. The article concludes that in order to help create a significant impact on poverty reduction, the innovative incentive system of tying rewards to adoption of technology development is the most likely to succeed.
High Resolution Measurements of Atomic and Molecular Lifetimes Using the High Frequency Deflection Technique
Authors: Peter Erman  
Published: January 2007

The basic principles of the High Frequency Deflection (HFD) technique for the determination of atomic and molecular lifetimes as well as the first experimental tests were presented a couple of years ago. In principle this technique is a further refinement of the conventional multichannel delayed coincidence technique with periodic electron excitation of free molecules. The differences are mainly that the HFD technique utilizes a continuous electron beam from a high-power gun operating in the kilovolt range and that the periodic excitation is accomplished by sweeping the beam at an optimal rate, i.e. with a period equal to 3-10 times the lifetime to be studied. With these two refinements the HFD technique enables lifetime measurements in all kinds of atoms, molecules, ions and ion-molecules with several orders of magnitude higher efficiency than other methods permit, thus opening possibilities for high resolution work in the absence of Doppler broadening. Thus a number of lifetimes have been determined at a spectral resolution of 0.1 Å FWHM or better, which is 20-50 times higher a resolution than what is normally achieved in lifetime measurements. The variable sweep frequency and the multichannel registration make possible measurements over a large lifetime range (up to about 104ns) which in turn offers unique possibilities for analysing multi-exponential decay curves. With a time scale of arbitrary precision given by the sweep frequency, lifetime measurements have so far been performed with a total error down to 0.5% in favourable cases.The HFD technique is now currently in use at this laboratory and several hundreds of lifetimes have been studied and reported in a number of publications. In this paper we shall discuss more in detail the technique itself, its properties and possibilities compared to other methods for lifetime measurements. A review of some of the experimental results obtained so far, with particular emphasis on abundance determinations of atoms and molecules of fundamental astrophysical interest, is also included as well as a critical discussion of given error limits in lifetime measurements in general.
Characteristics of Pain and Stooling in Children With Recurrent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Shulman Robert J , Eakin Michelle N , Jarrett Monica , Czyzewski Danita I , Zeltzer Lonnie K 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjective:To collect symptom data longitudinally from children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and control (asymptomatic) children.Patients and Methods:Children with RAP (n = 77) and controls (n = 33) 7 to 10 years of age completed daily diaries for 2 weeks tracking pain frequency and severity, how often the pain interfered with activities, and stooling pattern.Results:RAP children reported a greater number of pain episodes and greater pain severity than control children. Pain commonly was reported to be in the periumbilical area and occurred evenly across the day in both groups. However, the pain interfered with activity more often in the RAP group. There was a positive relationship between pain and interference with activities. Both groups reported stool changes, but there were no differences between groups in stool character (eg, hard, mushy). For both groups, the presence of watery stool was related positively to pain. Of children with RAP, 65% could be categorized as having irritable bowel syndrome, whereas 35% were classifiable as having functional abdominal pain according to the pediatric Rome II criteria.Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal report of symptoms in children with RAP compared with controls. These data demonstrate that there is considerable overlap between children with RAP and control children on a number of items commonly obtained in the history (eg, pain location, timing, stooling pattern). Most children with RAP could be characterized as having irritable bowel syndrome. The relationship between pain reports and interference with activities substantiates the need to deal specifically with the abdominal pain to decrease disability. The relationship between pain and watery stools requires further study.
Nonadherence With Thiopurine Immunomodulator and Mesalamine Medications in Children with Crohn Disease
Authors: Oliva‐Hemker Maria M , Abadom Vivian , Cuffari Carmen , Thompson Richard E 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To assess the prevalence of adherence to prescribed medications in children with Crohn disease and to identify possible factors associated with nonadherence.Patients and Methods:This was a cross‐sectional study of 51 pediatric patients with Crohn disease who were prescribed maintenance therapy with a thiopurine immunomodulator (6‐mercaptopurine or azathioprine) and/or mesalamine during a 180‐day period. Medication adherence rates were calculated from a validated formula using pharmacy records, and nonadherence was defined as a refill rate of <80% of the prescribed medication. Seventy‐five percent of patients were prescribed thiopurine immunomodulators and 86% were prescribed mesalamine.Results:The prevalence of nonadherence was 50% for the thiopurine immunomodulators and 66% for mesalamine. The mean number of emergency department visits for patients adherent to mesalamine was significantly greater than the nonadherent group (P < 0.0008). Having an emergency department visit increased the chances of a patient being adherent to mesalamine therapy by >9‐fold (odds ratio, 9.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.87–52.17). The mean number of total health care visits was significantly greater for patients adherent to mesalamine (6.1 ± 0.8) compared with those who were not adherent (3.0 ± 0.4) (P < 0.001).Conclusions:These findings suggest that nonadherence to thiopurine immunomodulator or mesalamine therapy in pediatric patients with Crohn disease is common. Having a health care visit was associated with being adherent.
Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Children with Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Aw Marion M , Mitry Ragai R , Hughes Robin D , Dhawan Anil 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent mitogen, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor, may play roles in hepatocyte regeneration in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of HGF and VEGF in children with ALF.Patients and Methods:Serum samples were collected on admission from 25 children with ALF (median age, 11.1 y; range, 1.3–17.1 y; 11 male, 14 female) and 12 normal children (9.1 y; range, 5.4–15.4 y; 6 male, 6 female). Aetiology of ALF was 13 non‐A to E hepatitis, 3 viral, 3 toxic, and 6 other. HGF and VEGF in sera were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Median HGF levels in patients (10,157 pg/mL; range, 3412–73,420 pg/mL) were significantly higher than in controls (855 pg/mL, 510–1253 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Median VEGF levels in patients (164 pg/mL, 0–1588 pg/mL) were not significantly different from those in controls (214 pg/mL, 11–527 pg/mL). There was no relationship of HGF or VEGF levels to the aetiology of liver failure. There was a positive correlation between serum HGF and international normalized ratio (r = 0.73, P < 0.001), but not with levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, or VEGF. There was no correlation between VEGF levels and international normalized ratio, aspartate aminotransferase or bilirubin.Conclusions:Serum levels of HGF but not VEGF are increased in children with acute liver failure.
The slick hair coat locus maps to chromosome 20 in Senepol‐derived cattle
Authors: Mariasegaram M. , Chase C. C. , Chaparro J. X. , Olson T. A. , Brenneman R. A. , Niedz R. P. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe ability to maintain normal temperatures during heat stress is an important attribute for cattle in the subtropics and tropics. Previous studies have shown that Senepol cattle and their crosses with Holstein, Charolais and Angus animals are as heat tolerant as Brahman cattle. This has been attributed to the slick hair coat of Senepol cattle, which is thought to be controlled by a single dominant gene. In this study, a genome scan using a DNA‐pooling strategy indicated that the slick locus is most likely on bovine chromosome 20 (BTA20). Interval mapping confirmed the BTA20 assignment and refined the location of the locus. In total, 14 microsatellite markers were individually genotyped in two pedigrees consisting of slick and normal‐haired cattle (n = 36), representing both dairy and beef breeds. The maximum LOD score was 9.4 for a 4.4‐cM support interval between markers DIK2416 and BM4107. By using additional microsatellite markers in this region, and genotyping in six more pedigrees (n = 86), the slick locus was further localized to the DIK4835 ‐ DIK2930 interval.