bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ser/Thr‐rich domains are associated with genetic variation and morphogenesis inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Bowen Suzanne , Wheals Alan E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractProteins containing regions of amino acid bias are often found in eukaryotes and are associated with particular functional groups. We have carried out a genomic analysis of yeast proteins containing regions with a significant bias of Ser and Thr residues. Our findings reveal that a high number are cell surface proteins or regulatory proteins involved in many aspects of cell differentiation. Furthermore, inSaccharomyces‐related species, a highly significant correlation exists between the frequency of Ser‐rich regions and DNA repeats, indicating that their generation may rely on similar factors. Cluster analysis shows that Ser/Thr‐rich regions, located within the tandem repeats of cell surface proteins, are encoded to an increased frequency by UCU (Ser) and ACU/ACC (Thr), implying that mutational events that generate iterations could involve these codons. Replication slippage is proposed to be a contributing factor, as mounting evidence suggests that repeat generation in cell surface proteins can occur independently of meiosis. To reinforce this argument, we have discovered a premeiotic association between Mre11p, a nuclease involved in DNA repair, and ORFs encoding Ser/Thr‐rich regions. Several macromolecules involved in the glycosylation and phosphorylation of proteins require Ser and Thr residues as binding sites. Ser/Thr‐rich regions, through polymorphisms, are associated with the evolution of functional sites, particularly in providing motifs for glycosylation and phosphorylation. These results point to a Ser/Thr‐biased somatic mutation mechanism that contributes to rapid evolution in yeast. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Otogenic brain abscess: management by otologist
Authors: Syal R , Singh H , Duggal K K 
Published: July 2006

Introduction: Fifty per cent of brain abscesses in adults and 25 per cent of those in children are otogenic in origin. The current neurosurgical options are to drain the abscess repeatedly through burr holes or to excise it completely with the capsule. We successfully managed 10 cases of brain abscess by draining through the transmastoid route. The technique and its advantages are discussed.Material and methods: The patients underwent surgery at two different institutions. Computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, along with diffusion-weighted imaging and in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The abscesses were drained via a transmastoid route.Results: In eight cases, ear disease and brain abscess were treated in a single-stage procedure. In the remaining two cases, residual brain abscess was excised subsequently by our neurosurgical colleagues.Conclusions: Transmastoid drainage of pus can successfully treat mastoid disease and brain abscess in a single surgical intervention. Residual abscess can be subsequently excised, with relatively reduced morbidity. Repeated needling is also avoided with this approach. Diffusion-weighted imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy are helpful.
Regulated expression of TAF1 in 1-cell mouse embryos
Authors: Wang Kai , Sun Feng , Sheng Hui Z. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryTATA binding protein (TBP) associated factor 1 (TAF1) is a member of the general transcription machinery. Interference in the function of TAF1 causes a broad transcriptional defect in early development. To explore possible roles of TAF1 in embryonic transcriptional silence and zygotic genome activation, we examined the expression of TAF1 in 1-cell mouse embryos. Using an immunofluorescence assay, TAF1 was not detected in embryos in the first few hours after fertilization. TAF1 appeared in pronuclei 6 h post-fertilization and reached a relatively high level before zygotic genome activation. These data show that besides TBP, another critical member of the general transcription machinery such as TAF1 is also absent or at an extremely low level at the outset of development. Combined deficiency in critical members of the general transcription machinery may account for embryonic transcriptional silence.
Structural and ultrastructural analysis of embryonic development ofProchilodus lineatus(Valenciennes, 1836) (Characiforme; Prochilodontidae)
Authors: Ninhaus-Silveira Alexandre , Foresti Fausto , de Azevedo Alexandre 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThis survey was performed to characterize the embryogenesis ofProchilodus lineatus. Seven stages of embryo development were identified – zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, larval and hatching – after a period of incubation of 22 h (24 °C) or 14 h (28 °C). The following cleavage pattern was identified: the first plane was vertical (2 blastomeres); the second was vertical and perpendicular to the first (4 blastomeres); the third was vertical and parallel to the first (4 × 2); the fourth cleavage was vertical and parallel to the second (4 × 4); the fifth was vertical and parallel to the first (4 × 8); and the sixth cleavage was horizontal (64 blastomeres). At the blastula stage (3.0–4.0 h (24 °C); 1.66–2.0 h (28 °C)) irregular spaces were detected and periblast structuring was initiated. At the gastrula stage (4.0–8.0 h (24 °C); 3.0–6.0 h (28 °C)) the epiboly, convergence and cell movements, as well as the formation of embryonic layers, had begun. The segmentation stage (10.0–15.0 h (24 °C); 7.0–10.0 h (28 °C)) was characterized by a rudimentary formation of organs and systems (somites, optic vesicle and intestinal delimitation). The embryo at the larval stage (16.0–21.0 h (24 °C); 11.0–13.0 h (28 °C)) showed a free tail, more than 25 somites, an optic vesicle and a ready-to-hatch larval shape. The blastomeres at cleavage stage had disorganized nuclei indicating high mitotic activity. At gastrula, the blastomeres and the periblast had euchromatic nuclei and a large number of mitochondria and vesicles. The yolk was organized into globose sacs, which were dispersed into small pieces prior to absorption.
Structures related to the germ plasm in mouse
Authors: Reunov Arkadiy 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThis report presents data from ultrastructural and morphometric studies on the germinal-body-like structures, nuage, nuage–mitochondrial clusters and chromatoid bodies in 4.5-day embryo cells and spermatogenic cells of the laboratory mouseMus musculus. In the 4.5-day embryo cells the germinal-body-like structures that, according to previous data, arise by condensation of mitochondria in Graafian oocytes, were found not to undergo any ultrastructural alterations. In spermatogonia the germinal-body-like structures presumably were transformed into nuage that functioned as ‘intermitochondrial cement’ binding the mitochondrial clusters. In primary spermatocytes mitochondria aggregated by nuage were found with large vacuoles containing membraneous conglomerates that were obviously excreted by organelles into the cytoplasm. The chromatoid bodies that arose in spermatocytes and finally disintegrated in the posterior part of late spermatids seemed not to be implicated in the pathway of the germinal-body-like structure. The dispersion of chromatoid bodies was noted to be accompanied by excretion of membraneous conglomerates by late spermatid mitochondria. The spermatozoa were not found to contain either the germinal-body-like structures or any other germ-plasm-related structures.
The Saljūq Campaign against the Crimea and the Expansionist Policy of the Early Reign of ‘Alā’ al-Dīn Kayqubād
Authors: Peacock A. C. S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe reign of Sultan ‘Alā’ al-Dīn Kayqubād (1219-1237) is depicted by both mediaeval and modern sources as the apogee of the Saljūq Sultanate of Rūm (Anatolia) (c. 1081–1308). The later court historian, Ibn Bībī, reflected subsequent generations' perception of ‘Alā’ al-Dīn when he recorded that “the earth has never borne a king the like of him, nor have the high heavens looked down on such a one”. Above all, his reign was remembered for the great military conquests that unified much of Anatolia under Saljūq rule. To the north, south and east neighbouring principalities, both Muslim and Christian, were either annexed outright or reduced to tributary status in a series of memorable campaigns.
The Establishment of Calcutta Botanic Garden: Plant Transfer, Science and the East India Company, 1786–1806
Authors: Thomas Adrian P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCalcutta Botanic Garden occupies a prime riverside site three miles downstream from the centre of Calcutta. It is most famous as the home of the world's largest tree, a vast spreading banyan. Its grand avenues, named after its founders and the fathers of Indian botany, convey something of its former glory. In the nineteenth century it was the greatest of all the colonial botanic gardens and an important scientific institution; two of its superintendents were knighted and one went on to become Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, the very centre of the imperial botanical network. The Garden is of considerable importance as it was one of the earliest institutions in India based on western science. This survey will look at the reasons for its foundation, and how it successfully established itself in its first twenty years.
A framework of integrating gene relations from heterogeneous data sources: an experiment onArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Jiexun , Li Xin , Su Hua , Chen Hsinchun , Galbraith David W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOne of the most important goals of biological investigation is to uncover gene functional relations. In this study we propose a framework for extraction and integration of gene functional relations from diverse biological data sources, including gene expression data, biological literature and genomic sequence information. We introduce a two-layered Bayesian network approach to integrate relations from multiple sources into a genome-wide functional network. An experimental study was conducted on a test-bed of Arabidopsis thaliana. Evaluation of the integrated network demonstrated that relation integration could improve the reliability of relations by combining evidence from different data sources. Domain expert judgments on the gene functional clusters in the network confirmed the validity of our approach for relation integration and network inference.Contact: jiexun@eller.arizona.edu
Sublocalization and Volumetric Growth Pattern of Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Caye‐Thomasen Per , Hansen Søren , Dethloff Thomas , Stangerup Sven‐Eric , Thomsen Jens 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective: None of several previous reports on the growth pattern of vestibular schwannomas (VS) have dealt with the sublocalization and volumetric growth pattern of intracanalicular tumors. This paper reports such data from 196 patients.Study Design: All VS patients have been registered prospectively at one center in Denmark since 1975. Data on intracanalicular tumors were drawn from the database, yielding 196 patients with a diagnostic and at least one control magnetic resonance imaging scan. All images were retrieved and the tumor sublocalization, size, and growth rate determined.Results: The majority (50%) of the tumors was located centrally in the internal auditory canal (IAC), whereas 31% were porus‐near and 19% fundus‐near. Of the 196 tumors, 88 (45%) displayed growth, 20 (10%) shrinkage, and 88 (45%) remained unchanged. Thirty‐eight (19%) tumors grew to extrameatal extension. Growth occurred only within 5 years after diagnosis. In the 88 growing tumors, the mean absolute growth rate was 111mm3/year and the relative rate 114%/volume/year. The occurrence of IAC expansion at diagnosis was higher for tumors displaying subsequent shrinkage. Growth occurrence and rate, IAC expansion, and progression to extrameatal extension were not related to tumor sublocalization.Conclusion: Most intracanalicular VS are located centrally in a nonexpanded IAC at diagnosis. Growth occurs within 5 years after diagnosis in up to 45% of the tumors, although only 19% extend into the cerebellopontine angle. IAC expansion, growth occurrence, and rate are not related to tumor sublocalization. These findings justify primary observation of all purely intracanalicular tumors, unless realistic hearing preservation is intended.
Juvenile Spring Eruption: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Dogru Salim , Gungor Atila , Cekin Engin , Cincik Hakan , Alga Omer Hilmi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractJuvenile spring eruption is a photodermatosis characterized by the development of papules and vesicles on the light‐exposed helix of the ears after sun exposure, usually in the springtime. It mainly affects boys and young male adults, and has a tendency to occur in the form of small epidemics. We report an outbreak in a group of soldiers who were performing military exercises during cold and sunny weather during a midwinter season. The clinicopathologic features and laboratory test results are described in two of these cases.
Impact of Duty Hour Restrictions on Otolaryngology Training: Divergent Resident and Faculty Perspectives
Authors: Brunworth Joseph D. , Sindwani Raj 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectives: In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) passed a controversial mandate limiting resident work hours. We sought to examine the impact of these restrictions on otolaryngology programs and to explore faculty and resident perspectives.Methods: Faculty and residents of all 102 ACGME‐accredited otolaryngology residency programs were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey.Results: The study population consisted of 460 respondents: 275 residents and 185 faculty (including 41 program directors) representing 57 otolaryngology programs. Sixty‐five percent of programs implemented at least one change specifically to comply with duty‐hour restrictions. Strategies included tracking work hours electronically (35.7%), utilization of “home call” (33.1%), and hiring additional healthcare professionals (23.1%). When asked if the restrictions have had a negative effect on patient care, 61% of respondents said no, but a surprising 33% said yes. Sixty‐nine percent of faculty felt that the restrictions have actually had a negative effect on resident training compared with only 31% of residents (P < .001). Thirty‐nine percent of participants felt resident workload was excessive before the restrictions. Opinions on whether duty‐hour limits had fostered improvements in resident education, research, or examination scores varied, but most agreed that resident mental health had improved (67%).Conclusions: Otolaryngology programs have successfully restricted resident duty hours through significant infrastructural changes. Of concern, the majority of residents surveyed appeared to be in favor of the ACGME restrictions, whereas most program directors and faculty were opposed. Further studies are needed to establish whether limited work hours will enhance or hinder the residency training experience.
Retinoic Acid Improves Ciliogenesis after Surgery of the Maxillary Sinus in Rabbits
Authors: Hwang Peter H. , Chan Joe M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Retinoids have been shown to be important cofactors in regulating the differentiation and proliferation of ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. In particular, retinoic acid has been shown to enhance the regeneration of paranasal sinus mucosa. The objective of this study is to use scanning electron microscopy techniques to evaluate the effect of topical retinoic acid on mucosal wound healing in a rabbit model of maxillary sinus surgery. It is hypothesized that the application of topical retinoic acid will enhance ciliogenesis and improve the morphology of regenerated cilia compared with controls.Study Design: Prospective multi‐arm controlled animal trial.Methods: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgical opening of the maxillary sinuses through a midline incision. The rabbits were divided among four experimental groups: 1) mucosal stripping alone (stripped control), 2) stripping followed by topical application of an inert aqueous gel, 3) stripping followed by application of 0.01% retinoic acid in aqueous gel, and 4) no mucosal stripping and no topical treatment (nonstripped control). After 14 days, the medial wall of the maxillary sinus was harvested and examined by scanning electron microscopy at ×2,000 and ×5,000 magnification. The micrographs were then rated by a blinded review panel for ciliary density, orientation, and morphology.Results: Mean scores for ciliary density, orientation, and morphology were all significantly higher for the retinoic acid treatment group compared with both the inert aqueous gel treatment group and the stripped control group (P = .004–.03 for all comparisons, Student's t test). Mean scores for the retinoic acid treatment group were numerically lower than the nonstripped control group but did not approach statistical significance for any parameter (P = .23–.31).Conclusions: In a rabbit model of maxillary sinus surgery, topically delivered retinoic acid enhances ciliogenesis. Qualitative assessment of ciliary density, orientation, and morphology shows improved healing in retinoic acid treated sinuses compared with both untreated control sinuses and aqueous gel treated sinuses.
Cochlear Implantation in Postirradiated Ears: Outcomes and Challenges
Authors: Low Wong‐Kein , Gopal K , Goh L K. , Fong K W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectives. Radiotherapy to head and neck tumors can potentially damage the auditory pathways. This has relevance in cochlear implants and there is a need for clinical studies to confirm the feasibility of cochlear implantation in these patients.Methods. The records of all patients who had received cochlear implants at our institution were reviewed in this retrospective study and those who had prior irradiation for head and neck tumors were further studied. Case controls consisted of comparable cochlear implant recipients who did not have prior radiotherapy.Results. Four of 230 patients met the criteria for further study. They had received radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 11 to 28 years ago and the postimplant follow‐up period ranged from 9 to 46 months. The implanted ear of each patient had favorable preoperative promontory stimulation results. Postimplant, all patients were satisfied with their hearing outcomes and the improvement in speech discrimination scores was comparable to the controls. These cases also illustrated specific clinical concerns, including 1) radiation‐induced endocrine dysfunction was common and, if overlooked, could result in increased anesthetic risks, and 2) irreversible eustachian tube dysfunction led to chronic middle ear problems, which complicated surgery; the use of modified surgical techniques overcame these difficulties.Conclusions. Deafened postirradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were able to achieve good postimplant hearing outcomes comparable to those of nonirradiated patients. Should cochlear implantation be indicated in patients who have had prior radiation to the head and neck, specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues have to be addressed.
Gene Delivery to Skin Using Biolistics
Authors: Heiser William C. 
Published: July 2006

INTRODUCTIONBiolistics (“biological ballistics”) or particle bombardment provides a rapid and simple physical procedure for delivering genes into cells (Klein et al. 1987; Yang et al. 1990). The technique has many advantages—plasmids may be used for delivery, DNA theoretically can be delivered to any cell type, and genes may be delivered to cells in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo. DNA-coated gold particles are distributed evenly along the length of the tubing, which is subsequently cut into short sections of cartridges to be used in a gene gun. The Helios Gene Gun uses a pulse of helium to launch the DNA-coated particles, spreading them onto the target cells.
The oligomeric state and stability of the mannitol transporter, EnzymeIImtl, from Escherichia coli: A fluorescence correlation spectroscopy study
Authors: Veldhuis Gertjan , Hink Mark , Krasnikov Victor , van den Bogaart Geert , Hoeboer Jeroen , Visser Antonie J.W.G. , Broos Jaap , Poolman Bert 
Published: July 2006

AbstractNumerous membrane proteins function as oligomers both at the structural and functional levels. The mannitol transporter from Escherichia coli, EnzymeIImtl, is a member of the phosphoenolpyruvate‐dependent phosphotransferase system. During the transport cycle, mannitol is phosphorylated and released into the cytoplasm as mannitol‐1‐phosphate. Several studies have shown that EIImtl functions as an oligomeric species. However, the oligomerization number and stability of the oligomeric complex during different steps of the catalytic cycle, e.g., substrate binding and/or phosphorylation of the carrier, is still under discussion. In this paper, we have addressed the oligomeric state and stability of EIImtl using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. A functional double‐cysteine mutant was site‐specifically labeled with either Alexa Fluor 488 or Alexa Fluor 633. The subunit exchange of these two batches of proteins was followed in time during different steps of the catalytic cycle. The most important conclusions are that (1) in a detergent‐solubilized state, EIImtl is functional as a very stable dimer; (2) the stability of the complex can be manipulated by changing the intermicellar attractive forces between PEG‐based detergent micelles; (3) substrate binding destabilizes the complex whereas phosphorylation increases the stability; and (4) substrate binding to the phosphorylated species partly antagonizes the stabilizing effect.
Age and skin structure and function, a quantitative approach (II): protein, glycosaminoglycan, water, and lipid content and structure
Authors: Waller Jeanette M. , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: July 2006

Background/purpose: The aging process has been studied with fervor recently, given our shifting demographics. As age's effects are so manifest in the skin's appearance, structure, mechanics, and barrier function, it is not surprising that much effort has been made in research to better understand them. Quantitative measurements permitted by bioengineering have allowed us to objectively and precisely study aging skin. These overviews piece together the immense amounts of information that have emerged from recent technological advances in dermatological research in order to develop a unified understanding of the quantitative effects of age on skin.Methods: We performed a literature search on age‐related changes in protein, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), water, and lipid content and structure, searching Pub‐med, Em‐Base, Science Citation Index, and the UCSF dermatological library's collection of books on the topic of aging skin.Results: Collagen becomes sparser and less soluble in intrinsically aged skin, but is thickened and more soluble in extrinsically aged areas. Elastin is degraded slowly and accumulates damage with intrinsic aging; also, increased synthesis of abnormally structured elastin occurs in photoexposed areas. This leads to an age‐related accumulation of aberrant elastoic material, clumped in the papillary dermis. Generally, age leads to increased folding and decreased interaction of proteins with water. Also, despite increased GAGs in aged skin, these are abnormally deposited on the elastoic material and cannot interact properly with water. Hence, in aged skin, water is found in the tetrahedron form, bound to itself rather than other molecules. Lipid content appears to decrease with age, although the proportion of different lipid classes seems to remain fairly constant.Conclusion: Much work remains to be carried out to reach a consensus on the effects of age on skin structure and function. Future studies would be benefited by increased standardization of skin sites tested, methodology, and increased sample sizes.