bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNase A – tRNA binding alters protein conformation
Authors: N’soukpoé-Kossi C.N. , Ragi C. , Tajmir-Riahi H.A. 
Published: June 2007

Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) catalyzes the cleavage of P-O5′ bonds in RNA on the 3′ side of pyrimidine to form cyclic 2′,5′-phosphates. Even though extensive structural information is available on RNase A complexes with mononucleotides and oligonucleotides, the interaction of RNase A with tRNA has not been fully investigated. We report the complexation of tRNA with RNase A in aqueous solution under physiological conditions, using a constant RNA concentration and various amounts of RNase A. Fourier transform infrared, UV-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods were used to determine the RNase binding mode, binding constant, sequence preference, and biopolymer secondary structural changes in the RNase–tRNA complexes. Spectroscopic results showed 2 major binding sites for RNase A on tRNA, with an overall binding constant of K = 4.0 × 105(mol/L)–1. The 2 binding sites were located at the G-C base pairs and the backbone PO2group. Protein–RNA interaction alters RNase secondary structure, with a major reduction in α helix and β sheets and an increase in the turn and random coil structures, while tRNA remains in the A conformation upon protein interaction. No tRNA digestion was observed upon RNase A complexation.
Valosin-containing protein from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis: effects of dsRNA-mediated HlVCP gene silencing
Authors: Boldbaatar Damdinsuren , Battsetseg Badgar , Hatta Takeshi , Miyoshi Takeharu , Tsuji Naotoshi , Xuan Xuenan , Fujisaki Kozo 
Published: June 2007

We report the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding the valosin-containing protein (VCP) from the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick (HlVCP). The full-length HlVCP is 2782 bp and codes for 808 amino acids of a deduced protein with a predicted molecular mass of 89.9 kDa. The domain structure analysis revealed that the deduced protein has 2 Walker A domains, 2 Walker B domains, a Cdc48 domain, and a polyQ-binding domain. The mouse anti-HlVCP serum recognized a 97 kDa native protein in the salivary glands, midgut, and synganglion. RT–PCR analysis revealed that the native VCP was expressed throughout the developing stages and in tick organs. HlVCP silencing resulted in a decrease in tick body mass after blood feeding. This study not only contributes to a growing understanding of the ATPase gene family but also lays the groundwork for future studies on protein secretion and host–tick interaction. This study is the first report of the VCP gene from Chelicerata, which include spiders, scorpions, and ticks.
Increased Uridine Adenosine Tetraphosphate Concentrations in Plasma of Juvenile Hypertensives
Authors: Jankowski Vera , Meyer Andreas-Alexander , Schlattmann Peter , Gui Yu , Zheng Xi-long , Stamcou Irini , Radtke Kristina , Anh Tran Thi Nguyet , van der Giet Markus , Tölle Markus , Zidek Walter , Jankowski Joachim 
Published: June 2007

Background—Uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A) was been recently characterized as a potent vasoconstrictor. Up4A occurs in plasma from healthy subjects at concentrations sufficient to cause strong vasoconstrictive effects. In this study, Up4A concentrations in plasma from juvenile hypertensives and normotensives were determined.Methods and Results—Up4A was purified to homogeneity by preparative reverse phase high performance liquid-chromatography (HPLC), affinity chromatography HPLC, and analytic reverse phase HPLC from deproteinized plasma of juvenile hypertensives and normotensives. Mean total plasma Up4A concentration was significantly increased in juvenile hypertensives compared with juvenile normotensives (33.0±25.4 versus 3.7±0.9 nmol/L; mean±SEM, n=40 and 38, respectively;P<0.005). Accordingly, Up4A showed a significant association with juvenile hypertension (OR for ln(Up4A): 1.82; 95% CI 1.12, 2.95). Plasma Up4A concentrations correlated with left ventricular mass (Kendall-τ correlation coefficient 0.220, n=40;P<0.05) and intima media wall thickness (Kendall-τ correlation coefficient 0.296, n=40;P<0.05) in the hypertensives. Because the increased intima media thickness may be related to proliferative effects of Up4A, we studied the effects of Up4A on human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. The maximum proliferative effect of Up4A was 80.0±24.0% % above control (P<0.01). The proliferative effect of Up4A on smooth muscle cells is cell cycle–dependent, involving stimulation of S phase entry.Conclusion—Circulating levels of Up4A are strongly associated with juvenile hypertension. The endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor Up4A may contribute to the early development of primary hypertension and is moreover an important risk factor of juvenile hypertension.
Endothelin-1, but not Ang II, Activates MAP Kinases Through c-Src–Independent Ras-Raf–Dependent Pathways in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Yogi A. , Callera G.E. , Montezano A.C.I. , Aranha A.B. , Tostes R.C. , Schiffrin E.L. , Touyz R.M. 
Published: June 2007

Objective—Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II) activate common signaling pathways to promote changes in vascular reactivity, remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Here we sought to determine whether upstream regulators of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are differentially regulated by ET-1 and Ang II focusing on the role of c-Src and the small GTPase Ras.Methods and Results—Mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from mice with different disruption levels in the c-Src gene (c-Src+/−and c-Src−/−) and wild-type (c-Src+/+) were used. ET-1 and Ang II induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, SAPK/JNK, and p38MAPK phosphorylation in c-Src+/+VSMCs. In VSMCs from c-Src+/−and c-Src−/−, Ang II effects were blunted, whereas c-Src deficiency had no effect in ET-1–induced MAPK activation. Ang II but not ET-1 induced c-Src phosphorylation in c-Src+/+VSMCs. Activation of c-Raf, an effector of Ras, was significantly increased by ET-1 and Ang II in c-Src+/+VSMCs. Ang II but not ET-1–mediated c-Raf phosphorylation was inhibited by c-Src deficiency. Knockdown of Ras by siRNA inhibited both ET-1 and Ang II–induced MAPK phosphorylation.Conclusions—Our data indicate differential regulation of MAPKs by distinct G protein–coupled receptors. Whereas Ang II has an obligatory need for c-Src, ET-1 mediates its actions through a c-Src–independent Ras-Raf–dependent pathway for MAPK activation. These findings suggest that Ang II and ET-1 can activate similar signaling pathways through unrelated mechanisms. MAP kinases are an important point of convergence for Ang II and ET-1.
Bullying and Animal Abuse: Is There a Connection?
Authors: Henry Bill , Sanders Cheryl 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn recent years, school violence has become an issue of great concern among psychologists, educators, and law-enforcement officials. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between bullying, victimization, and abuse of nonhuman animals. The study assessed bullying and victimization experiences, animal abuse, and attitudes toward animals within a sample of 185 college males. Results of the study highlighted the important distinction between males involved in single episodes of animal abuse and those involved in multiple episodes of animal abuse. Further, results highlighted the significance of the bully/victim phenomenon with regard to participation in multiple acts of animal abuse. Those who were above the median with regard to both victimization and perpetration of physical bullying exhibited the highest rates of involvement in multiple acts of animal abuse and also exhibited the lowest levels of sensitivity with regard to cruelty-related attitudes pertaining to animals. The study discusses theoretical mechanisms linking bullying and animal abuse as well as directions for future research.
'Dog Handlers' and Dogs' Emotional and Cortisol Secretion Responses Associated with Animal-Aassisted Therapy Sessions
Authors: Haubenhofer Dorit Karla , Kirchengast Sylvia 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe study investigated 13 dog handlers and 18 companion dogs (Canis familiaris) working as teams in nonhuman animal-assisted service. The handlers described in questionnaires what emotions they chose to associate with their daily life and therapeutic work. They described their emotional condition before and after therapeutic sessions, giving analogous descriptions for their dogs. Handlers collected saliva samples from themselves and their dogs (6 non-therapeutic control days) during 3 months of therapeutic work) to measure cortisol concentrations using an enzyme-immunoassay. Handlers chose different emotions from the questionnaires for themselves and their dogs, differing from the cortisol sampling results. Handlers and dogs had increased cortisol concentrations on therapy days compared to control days. Handlers had significantly higher concentrations immediately before therapeutic sessions. In handlers, cortisol concentrations increased steadily with the duration of sessions; in dogs, with the number of sessions per week. Further study of the effects of recreation periods during therapy work days or of more days scheduled without therapy will help clarify what conditions for delivering animal-assisted service best safeguard the welfare of dog and dog handler teams.
Notes on the Reformation, Humanism, and the Study of Hebrew in the Sixteenth Century: The Case of Theodore Bibliander (1505-64)
Authors: Amirav Hagit , Kirn Hans-Martin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTheodor Buchmann, better known as eodore Bibliander (1505-64), was Zwingli's immediate successor to the chair of Professor of Old Testament at the theological school in Zurich. An ardent orientalist, who was the first to edit a Latin translation of the Koran and a professed Hebraist, Bibliander could boast a well-articulated theology based on and around the knowledge of languages in general and of Hebrew in particular. In light of the contemporary prevalent notions of harmonia linguarum and concordia mundi, Bibliander sought to promote the study of Hebrew as an essential means to achieving a universal salvation. His treatise, De ratione omnium linguarum et literarum (Zurich, 1548), dedicated to the exposition of the said universalist theology, is the subject of this article. A full annotated translation of the De ratione communi is due to appear in the new series Corpus Reformatorum Minorum (Droz, Geneva).
Harmonia Legis: Conception and Concept of John Calvin's Expository Project on Exodus-Deuteronomy (1559–63)
Authors: de Boer Erik 
Published: June 2007

AbstractJohn Calvin's plan to study Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the form of a Harmony was conceived in the congrégations, the Bible studies of the ministers of Geneva and its surrounding villages. A surviving manuscript of Calvin's introductory exposition to the series, studied here for the first time since the sixteenth century, reveals intriguing details on the conception of this plan. It also sheds light on the history of the congrégations, this fascinating example of concentration on the Bible in Geneva, on the co-operation of the ministers, and on Calvin's role as the Moderator of the Company of Pastors. The origin of the Harmony idea is an adaptation of the Gospel Harmonies. Calvin's approach is highly original in the history of exegesis. The text of the congrégation points to Calvin's reading of the commentaries of the Lutheran scholars Martin Borrhaus and, possibly, Johannes Brenz.
Democratic language and neo-liberal practice
Authors: Lavalette Michael , Ferguson Iain 
Published: June 2007

English Social workers need to be wary of an uncritical acceptance of the concept of civil society. Despite its democratic veneer it is being utilized by international financial institutions and governments as a cover for privatizing health and welfare services both in the South and in much of the North. French Les travailleurs sociaux doivent se montrer prudents envers l’acception non critique de la notion de socié té civile. En dé pit de son vernis dé mocratique, ce terme est en fait utilisé par les institutions financiè res internationales et les gouvernements pour masquer la ré alité de la privatisation des services de santé et d’aide sociale dans les pays du Sud ainsi que dans bon nombre de pays du Nord. Spanish Trabajo social necesita ser cauto de la aceptació n sin criticismo del concepto de sociedad civil. A pesar de su apariencia democrá tica el concepto ha sido utilizado por instituciones financieras internacionales y gobiernos para ocultar la privatizació n de salud y servicios sociales tanto en el sur como en el norte.
Quo vadis? Trends in South African child welfare policies
Authors: Schmid Jeanette 
Published: June 2007

English South African child welfare remains in transition a decade post-apartheid. Child Protection assumptions impede policy efforts towards a more intersectoral, holistic, strengths-based, family-centered and community-based approach. Since the Anglo-American child protection orientation is criticized internationally, it is useful to reflect on the South African lessons when considering system change. French Une dé cennie aprè s l’apartheid, la protection de l’enfance demeure un domaine en transition en Afrique du Sud. Les plus ré centes politiques tendent à montrer que le champ se dé place vers une approche davantage intersectorielle, holistique, basé e sur les forces, centré e sur la famille et sur la communauté , ce qui s’inscrit tout à fait dans le cadre national de la Developmental Social Welfare. Toutefois, je soutiens que les postulats de la protection de l’enfance empêchent ce virage. Spanish El sistema de bienestar infantil en Sudá frica permanece en transició n despué s de una dé cada de post-aparteid. Recientes políticas sugieren que el campo intenta moverse má s hacia un sistema inter-sectorial, holistico, basado en capacidades, centrado en la familia y en enfoque en comunidades los cuales conforman al marco de referencia de Desarrollo Nacional de la Beneficencia Social. Sin embargo, yo argumento que las suposiciones de la protecció n del niño impiden estos cambios.
Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Petersen Wolf , Welp Robert , Rosenbaum Dieter 
Published: June 2007

Background Previous studies have shown that eccentric training has a positive effect on chronic Achilles tendinopathy. A new strategy for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy is the AirHeel brace. Hypothesis AirHeel brace treatment improves the clinical outcome of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The combination of the AirHeel brace and an eccentric training program has a synergistic effect. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods One hundred patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) eccentric training, (2) AirHeel brace, and (3) combination of eccentric training and AirHeel brace. Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, and 54 weeks after the beginning of the treatment protocol with ultrasonography, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results The VAS score for pain, AOFAS score, and SF-36 improved significantly in all 3 groups at all 3 follow-up examinations. At the 3 time points (6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 54 weeks) of follow-up, there was no significant difference between all 3 treatment groups. In all 3 groups, there was no significant difference in tendon thickness after treatment. Conclusions The AirHeel brace is as effective as eccentric training in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. There is no synergistic effect when both treatment strategies are combined. Clinical Relevance The AirHeel brace is an alternative treatment option for chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
A Method for Predicting the Flexural Strength of RC Beams Strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Lee Stephen , Moy Stuart 
Published: June 2007

An extensive experimental study has shown that the external bonding of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates or carbon fiber sheets (CFS) to the tension face of concrete beams is an effective strengthening method to increase the flexural load capacity and the stiffness. The strengthening mechanism relies on composite action between the concrete and the laminate. If composite action is not fully achieved, the strengthening effect will not be realized. Test results have indicated that the local failure of the concrete layer between the bonded laminate and longitudinal reinforcement in retrofitted beams is predominant. Premature failure due to debonding always occurs before the full composite action of the bonded laminate to the strengthened beam is reached. The ultimate tensile strength or strain of the laminate may not be fully utilized due to the debonding failure; however, through proper design of the strengthening system, an effective (maximum) laminate strain of the bonded CFS can be achieved. This effective laminate strain can be used for the prediction of the flexural behavior of the strengthened beam. A design-oriented expression for determining an effective laminate strain has been developed. This expression accounts not only for the laminate length and the laminate width but also for the stiffness of the laminate, as well as the stiffness of the member to which the laminate is bonded. Close agreement with the experimental results indicates the accuracy of the proposed method. It can predict correctly the debonding failures for all the tests in this study.
A Fatigue Damage Model for (0/90) FRP Composites based on Stiffness Degradation of 0° and 90° Composite Plies
Authors: Varvani-Farahani A. , Shirazi A. 
Published: June 2007

The present study develops a stiffness reduction based model to characterize fatigue damage in unidirectional 0° and 90° plies and (0°/90°) laminates of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The proposed damage model has been developed, based on (i) cracking mechanism and damage progress in matrix (Region I), matrix-fiber interface (Region II) and fiber (Region III) and (ii) corresponding stiffness reduction of unidirectional composite laminates as the number of cycles progresses. Fatigue damage of (0/90)°composite systems was obtained by integrating damage values and occurred in composite plies of 0 and 90° under fatigue cycles. The predicted fatigue damage results based on the proposed damage model were found to be in good agreement for both unidirectional and (0/90) FRP composites, as they were compared with experimental data for these materials, tested at various cyclic stress levels, stress ratios, and off-axis angles reported in the literature.
Competing Explanations for Bureaucratic Preferences
Authors: Whitford Andrew B. 
Published: June 2007

This study defines and compares three broad theories that seek to explain bureaucratic preferences. I first argue that each of these explanations is complex — that no single measurable attribute encapsulates the entire theory. Second, I argue that these explanations are non-nested — that at least one attribute representing a given theory cannot be expressed as resulting from attributes that represent one of the other theories. Based on the theory of comparisons of non-nested models, I assess these three competing explanations with the Likelihood Dominance Criterion, an approach for assessing the total explanatory power of a given theory relative to that offered by other theories. The comparisons take place in the context of the bureaucratic implementation of policies governing the remediation of hazardous waste at the state level in the United States. The comparisons show that bureaucratic preferences are best explained by the organizational capacity and constraints explanation rather than more proximate political and task environment theories. In total, the agency's rules, capacity, and characteristics form a better total explanation of the observed variance in bureaucratic preferences than either proximate state politics or the agency's task environment.
Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia secondary to lupus nephritis: an important differential diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Hunt B.J. , Tueger S. , Pattison J. , Cavenagh J. , D'Cruz D.P. 
Published: June 2007

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been described as a cause of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA), however there is little literature to support this assertion. We report on three patients presenting with SLE and MAHA with a clinical picture indistinguishable from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), who had underlying lupus nephritis. They all had significant proteinuria and normal Von Willebrand Factor cleaving protease (vWF-CP) levels. Their MAHA fitted better for haemolytic syndrome (HUS) and their cerebral signs were explained either by malignant hypertension or cerebral lupus. Their MAHA only improved when the appropriate treatment for lupus nephritis was given. We propose that the previously described association between SLE and MAHA, in actuality relates to the underlying presence of lupus nephritis causing haemolytic uraemic syndrome, not TTP. Significant proteinuria was present in all cases of MAHA due to lupus nephritis, so may be a useful discriminatory sign. Furthermore the demonstration of a normal vWF-CP assay aided in the distinction between TTP and MAHA due to lupus nephritis. All our patients responded to mycophenolate mofetil suggesting this may be useful in other cases of lupus nephritis causing HUS. Lupus (2007) 16, 358—362.
Umbilical cord blood transplantation after nonmyeloablative conditioning: impact on transplantation outcomes in 110 adults with hematologic disease
Authors: Brunstein Claudio G. , Barker Juliet N. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , DeFor Todd E. , Miller Jeffrey S. , Blazar Bruce R. , McGlave Philip B. , Wagner John E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe evaluated the efficacy of umbilical cord blood (UCB) in the setting of a nonmyeloablative regimen consisting of fludarabine (200 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg), and a single fraction of total body irradiation (200 cGy) with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil for posttransplantation immunoprophylaxis. The target cell dose for the UCB graft was 3.0 × 107 nucleated cells/kg, resulting in the selection of a second partially human leukocyte antigen-matched UCB unit in 85%. One hundred ten patients with hematologic disease were enrolled. Neutrophil recovery was achieved in 92% at a median of 12 days. Incidences of grades III and IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were 22% and 23%, respectively. Transplantation-related mortality was 26% at 3 years. Survival and event-free survival (EFS) at 3 years were 45% and 38%, respectively. Favorable risk factors for survival were absence of high-risk clinical features (Karnofsky 50-60, serious organ dysfunction, recent fungal infection, P < .01) and absence of severe GVHD (P = .04), and favorable risk factors for EFS were absence of high-risk clinical features (P < .01) and use of 2 UCB units (P = .07). These findings support the use of UCB after a nonmyeloablative conditioning as a strategy for extending the availability of transplantation therapy, particularly for older patients.