bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Amyloplasts
Authors: Denyer Kay , Pike Marilyn 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo different methods for the preparation of starch‐rich plastids are described together with protocols for the determination of plastid yield, purity, and intactness. The preparation of amyloplasts from maize endosperm and oilseed rape embryos are given as examples, but the protocols could be adapted for the isolation of starch‐rich plastids from other plant organs. A method for the determination of the quantitative distribution of an enzyme between the plastids and cytosol is given. Typical results and references for marker enzymes for a range of subcellular compartments are listed. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 38:3.28.1‐3.28.15. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rho GTPase Activation Assays
Authors: Pellegrin Stéphanie , Mellor Harry 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe Rho GTPase family of signaling proteins controls a wide range of highly dynamic cellular processes. Activation of Rho GTPases can be investigated and quantified in cell extracts using so‐called pull‐down assays. Proteins that bind specifically to the activated form of the Rho GTPase are used to capture it onto a bead support. Western blotting of the captured samples with specific antibodies then allows for quantification of the level of Rho GTPase activation in the sample. This unit describes the techniques for preparing the reagents required for assays of RhoA, Rac, and Cdc42 and gives practical tips for the successful application of the assay in a range of situations. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 38:14.8.1‐14.8.19. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The InterPro Database and Tools for Protein Domain Analysis
Authors: Mulder Nicola J. , Apweiler Rolf 
Published: March 2008

AbstractInterPro provides a one‐stop shop for protein‐sequence classification, freeing the user from having to visit multiple databases separately and rationalize the different results in varying formats. This unit describes how to submit a sequence to InterProScan via a Web server. It also provides instructions for installing and running InterProScan locally. In addition, details on browsing InterPro families and domains of interest using the InterPro Web and sequence retrieval system (SRS) are provided to show users how to get the most from the resource. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 21:2.7.1‐2.7.18. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Installing a Local Copy of the Reactome Web Site and Database
Authors: Vastrik Imre 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe Reactome project builds, maintains, and publishes a database of biological pathways. The information in the database is gathered from the experts in the field, peer reviewed, and edited by Reactome editorial staff and then published to the Reactome Web site, http://www.reactome.org (see UNIT here). Reactome software is open source and builds on top of other open‐source or freely available software. Reactome data and code can be freely downloaded in its entirety and the Web site installed locally. This allows for more flexible interrogation of the data and also makes it possible to add one's own information to the database. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 21:9.10.1‐9.10.9. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Adherent and in Chemically Defined Culture Conditions
Authors: Vallier Ludovic , Pedersen Roger 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGenerating fully functional differentiated cells from human embryonic stem cells and achieving this goal using clinically compatible conditions remain major challenges for the stem cell field. The presence of undefined components in standard culture media and protocols (including animal‐derived serum, feeder cells, and extracellular matrices) has significantly impeded the achievement of these objectives. Here, we describe culture conditions to differentiate pluripotent cells in adherent conditions and in the absence of stroma cells, feeder cells, conditioned medium, serum, or complex matrices. Importantly, these defined culture conditions are devoid of animal products, thereby eliminating factors that could obscure analysis of developmental mechanisms or render the resulting tissues incompatible with future clinical applications. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 4:1D.4.1‐1D.4.7. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Care seeking after stroke symptoms
Authors: Howard Virginia J. , Lackland Daniel T. , Lichtman Judith H. , McClure Leslie A. , Howard George , Wagner Libby , Pulley Leavonne , Gomez Camilo R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess risk factors associated with care for stroke symptoms.MethodsUsing data from the population‐based national cohort study (REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke) conducted January 25, 2003–February 28, 2007 (N = 23,664), we assessed care‐seeking behavior among 3,668 participants who reported a physician diagnosis of stroke/transient ischemic attack (n = 647) or stroke symptoms (n = 3,021) during follow‐up. Care seeking was defined as seeking medical attention after stroke symptoms or a physician diagnosis.ResultsOverall, 58.5% of participants (2,146/3,668) sought medical care. In multivariable models, higher income was associated with greater likelihood of seeking care (p = 0.02): participants with income of ≥$75,000 had odds 1.43 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–2.02) greater than those with income of less than $20,000. Diabetes and previous heart disease were associated with increased care seeking: odds ratio (OR) of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.04–1.47) and OR of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.06–1.49), respectively. Participants with previous stroke symptoms but no stroke history were less likely to seek care than those with stroke history or without previous symptoms (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67–0.96). Past smoking was associated with lower likelihood (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59–0.85; p = 0.0003) of seeking care relative to nonsmokers.InterpretationOnly approximately half of participants with stroke symptoms sought care. This is despite the encouragement of advocacy groups to seek prompt attention for stroke symptoms. Our results highlight the importance of identifying characteristics associated with care‐seeking behavior. Recognizing factors that contribute to delays provides opportunities to enhance education on the importance of seeking care for stroke symptoms. Ann Neurol 2008
Polyaniline‐multiwalled carbon nanotube composites: Characterization by WAXS and TGA
Authors: Jeevananda T. , Siddaramaiah  , Lee Taek Su , Lee Joong Hee , Samir O. M. , Somashekar R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPolyaniline/carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotube (PAni/c‐MWNT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by micellar aided emulsion polymerization with various c‐MWNTs compositions, viz., 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 wt %. The microcrystalline parameters such as the nanocrystal size (〈N〉), lattice strain (g), interplanar distance (dhkl), width of the crystallite size distribution, surface weighted crystal size (Ds), and volume of the ordered regions were calculated from the X‐ray data by using two mathematical models, namely the Exponential distribution and Reinhold distribution methods. The effects of heat ageing on the microcrystalline parameters of the PAni/c‐MWNT nanocomposites were also studied and the results are correlated. The thermal stability and electrical resistivity of the PAni/c‐MWNT nanocomposites were examined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a conventional two‐probe method. The TGA data indicate that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites improved after the incorporation of c‐MWNTs. The influence of temperature on the resistivity of the nanocomposites was also measured. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Case studies on eradicating the Asiatic cyprinid Pseudorasbora parva from fishing lakes in England to prevent their riverine dispersal
Authors: Britton J. R. , Brazier M. , Davies G. D. , Chare S. I. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva has proved to be a highly invasive pest fish species in mainland Europe following introduction from Asia, and was first recorded in the wild in the UK in 1996. Distribution has increased markedly since 2002, with recordings now from 32 sites, the majority being lakes.
In infested UK lakes, populations establish rapidly and become dominant in the fish community (often >97% by number); densities to over 60 m−2 have been recorded, with the majority of individuals <70 mm. The species also hosts a novel pathogen not previously recorded in the UK. It has, therefore, been identified as a significant concern to native fish communities and deserving of an appropriate response by regulatory authorities.
Where populations have been detected in lakes with connection to river catchments, actions have been taken to prevent riverine dispersal. Control measures are put in place, and eradication programmes designed and initiated. This paper details case studies on three completed eradication operations, two that utilized the piscicide rotenone, the other, de‐watering and disinfection.
Each case study has, so far, been successful in eradicating the topmouth gudgeon population and has resulted in approximately 280 km of river length being protected from their dispersal. Application of rotenone was the most cost‐effective eradication method at approximately £2 per m2 of water area treated.
These case studies demonstrate that riverine dispersal of invasive fish from infested connected lakes can be prevented by eradication. Outputs can be used to develop a strategy to manage the increasing distribution of topmouth gudgeon—and other invasive, pest fish—in the UK.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Invasive tilapia juveniles are associated with degraded river habitats
Authors: Linde Ana R. , Izquierdo Jorge I. , Moreira Josino Costa , Garcia‐Vazquez Eva 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Invasions are a main concern for conservationists. Identification of causes that raise or promote an invader's success is one of the first steps for preventing and/or fighting against invasions.
In the Brazilian River Paraiba do Sul, juveniles of invasive tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were detected associated with degraded habitats (mainly pollution from various sources). The relative abundance of juveniles of the competitor native species pearl cichlid Geophagus brasiliensis, morphologically and ecologically very similar, was negatively associated with habitat degradation.
A species‐specific molecular marker was employed to permit unambiguous identification of these small juveniles (2–3 cm long), which represent the most vulnerable life stage of both species.
It is suggested that adaptation to degraded habitats is one of the characteristics of invasive species, and consequently habitat conservation and restoration may help to prevent fish invasions.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Harvest, trade and conservation of the Asian arowana Scleropages formosus in Cambodia
Authors: Rowley Jodi J. L. , Emmett David A. , Voen Seila 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The worldwide trade in aquarium fish is a multi‐billion dollar industry. One of the most popular and expensive species traded is the Asian arowana Scleropages formosus. As a result of over‐harvesting for the aquarium fish trade, S. formosus is now endangered and commercial international trade in the species is prohibited under CITES. Despite this, very little is known about S. formosus in the wild.
Interviews were conducted with 62 local villagers at four sites in Koh Kong province, south‐west Cambodia, to obtain information on the reproduction, historical and current harvest and trade, and population trends of S. formosus.
The spawning season of S. formosus in Cambodia begins towards the end of the dry season (March–April) and is approximately 3 months in duration. Each male mouth‐broods an average of 30 juveniles. Harvesters target S. formosus fry and juveniles, and typically kill or frighten brooding males into releasing their offspring in order to harvest them.
The prices obtained by harvesters for S. formosus has been increasing since collection began, and currently averages $US11–13 per juvenile. After collection, fish are transported through a series of larger towns, most ultimately bound for Thailand. The current number of S. formosus harvested from the wild in Cambodia is almost certainly highly unsustainable, with all respondents indicating that local S. formosus population abundance had declined dramatically in recent years. It is also likely that a number of populations have already become locally extinct.
Strengthening legislation to protect the species within Cambodia, increasing enforcement of cross‐border trade, and an investigation into alternative low‐impact income generation opportunities for local communities is vital. There is also an urgent need to gather detailed information on the distribution, population abundance and threats facing S. formosus in Cambodia, and in other countries throughout its range.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congruence between riverine fish species richness and endemism at the biogeographical scale: the role of history
Authors: Reyjol Yorick , Hugueny Bernard , Bianco Pier Giorgio , Pont Didier 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This study aims to illustrate, on a European scale, how the congruence between riverine fish species richness and endemism is strongly related to biogeographical history.
A positive curvilinear relationship between species richness and endemism was found for Ponto‐Caspian Europe and peri‐Mediterranea, both spared by the last glacial maximum.
These results have important implications for European riverine fish biodiversity conservation, notably with regard to peri‐Mediterranea, which is expected to suffer from major climatic changes during the 21st century.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A spatial assessment of the risk to a mobile marine mammal from bycatch
Authors: Grech A. , Marsh H. , Coles R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Several species of marine mammals are at risk of extinction from being captured as bycatch in commercial fisheries. Various approaches have been developed and implemented to address this bycatch problem, including devices and gear changes, time and area closures and fisheries moratoria. Most of these solutions are difficult to implement effectively, especially for artisanal fisheries in developing countries and remote regions.
Re‐zoning of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) in 2004 closed 33% of the region to extractive activities, including commercial fishing. However, the impact of re‐zoning and the associated industry restructuring on a threatened marine mammal, the dugong (Dugong dugon), is difficult to quantify. Accurate information on dugong bycatch in commercial nets is unavailable because of the large geographic extent of the GBRWHA, the remoteness of the region adjacent to the Cape York Peninsula where most dugongs occur and the artisanal nature of the fishery.
In the face of this uncertainty, a spatial risk‐assessment approach was used to evaluate the re‐zoning and associated industry restructuring for their ability to reduce the risk of dugong bycatch from commercial fisheries netting.
The new zoning arrangements appreciably reduced the risk of dugong bycatch by reducing the total area where commercial netting is permitted. Netting is currently not permitted in 67% of dugong habitats of high conservation value, a 56% improvement over the former arrangements. Re‐zoning and industry restructuring also contributed to a 22% decline in the spatial extent of conducted netting.
Spatial risk assessment approaches that evaluate the risk of mobile marine mammals from bycatch are applicable to other situations where there is limited information on the location and intensity of bycatch, including remote regions and developing countries where resources are limited.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alteration of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Proteins Immunoreactivity in Astrocytes of the Spinal Cord Diabetic Rats
Authors: Afsari Zainab H. , Renno Waleed M. , Abd‐el‐basset E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDiabetes affects retinal and nervous glial cells, especially the astrocytes. A key indicator of this response is the alteration in the level of intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and number of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes. To date, no study has investigated the effect of diabetes on the distribution of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes in the spinal cord. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of diabetes on the number of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes in the gray matter of the spinal cord of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 7); 6 weeks and 12 weeks diabetic duration groups and their respective age‐matched normal control and sham control groups. Our results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the number of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes in different areas of the spinal cord sections of the 6 weeks and 12 weeks long diabetic rats when compared with the spinal cord of normal and sham control groups of comparable age. The mean percentage in total number of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes in the whole gray matter areas of the spinal cord of the 6 and 12 weeks diabetic groups were approximately 28% and 41% less than control groups. Furthermore, the 12 weeks diabetic group showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the number of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes when compared with the 6 weeks diabetic animals. These results suggest that the induction of diabetes is associated with a reduction in GFAP‐positive astrocytes in the spinal cord, which may affect the functional support and role of astrocytic cells in the nervous tissue. This in turn may contribute to the pathological changes associated with diabetic state in the central nervous system. Anat Rec, 291:390–399, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic value of ST‐segment resolution after rescue percutaneous coronary intervention. Data from the RICO survey
Authors: Lorgis Luc , Zeller Marianne , Dentan Gilles , Laurent Yves , Taam Jamal Abou , L'Huillier Isabelle , Vincent‐Martin Michel , Makki Hamid , Cottin Yves 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectives:The goal of the present study was to test the impact of ST segment resolution (STR) after rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the short‐term prognosis.Background:The prognostic value of STR after rescue PCI for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains undetermined.Methods:From the French regional database, we analyzed 168 consecutive patients with STEMI and failed lysis, defined by <50 percent STR, who underwent rescue PCI. Patients were classified into two groups according to the degree of STR from the maximal ST‐elevation measured on the single worst ECG lead before lysis and after rescue PCI: the without STR group (<50% STR) vs. the with STR group (≥50%).Results:After rescue PCI, 26 (15%) patients did not have STR and 142 (85%) patients did. No difference was observed between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics, risk factors, and median time delay either from symptom onset to thrombolysis or from failed lysis to rescue PCI. We observed a lower proportion of patients with TIMI 2/3 flow post PCI in the without STR group (respectively 61% vs. 97%, P < 0.001) but an increased use of intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation (34% vs. 8%, P < 0.001) in this group. Thirty‐day mortality was markedly higher in the without STR group than in the with STR group (27% vs. 9% respectively, P = 0.025). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that absence of STR (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 1.24–25.67), was an independent prognostic factor for mortality.Conclusions:We showed for the first time that analysis of ST‐segment resolution may be a simple reliable tool to identify patients at high risk after rescue PCI, and may provide useful information for the elaboration of therapeutic strategies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing a new endothelial progenitor cells antibody‐coated stent: A prospective single‐center registry in high‐risk patients
Authors: Miglionico Marco , Patti Giuseppe , D'Ambrosio Andrea , Di Sciascio Germano 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:To prospectively evaluate the outcome with circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) capture stent implantation in a cohort of consecutive patients with high‐risk angiographic and/or clinical features.Background:Genous R‐stent™ is a stainless steel coronary stent covered with antibodies specific to EPC's surface antigens, designed to promote the formation of a confluent functional endothelial layer over the device; conceivably, this may prevent both stent thrombosis and restenosis.Methods:From November 2005 to March 2007, 80 patients received 93 EPC capture stents at Campus Bio‐Medico, University of Rome. Patients had two or more of the following high‐risk features: diabetes mellitus (33%), unstable coronary syndromes (73%), left ventricular dysfunction (8%), multivessel intervention (9%), B2/C lesions (56%).Results:Acute success was achieved in 79/80 patients (98%), without Q‐wave myocardial infarction (MI), in‐hospital death or emergency bypass surgery; no patient had acute or subacute stent thrombosis. Follow‐up was available in 78 patients (mean 14 ± 4 months): noncardiac death occurred in one patient, acute MI in one patient; no patient required bypass surgery; 10 patients (13%) underwent percutaneous target lesion revascularization (TLR); three patients (4%) had reintervention on a nontarget vessel. Kaplan–Meyer life‐table analysis showed event‐free survival of 86% and TLR‐free survival of 90% at one and a half year follow‐up.Conclusions:The cell capture stent is safe and effective, with satisfactory immediate results and mid‐term outcome, without evidence of stent thrombosis. Whether those devices represent a viable alternative to currently available drug‐eluting or bare metal stents will need to be evaluated in larger randomized studies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Device closure of large atrial septal defects requiring devices ≥20 mm in small children weighing <20 kg
Authors: Dalvi Bharat , Pinto Robin , Gupta Anuja 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:To report our experience of transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects (ASDs) in small children.Background:Although transcatheter closure of small and medium sized ASDs is well established, large ASDs are still mostly treated surgically. There is little data available on the transcatheter closure of large ASDs in children.Methods:This was a retrospective study comprising 32 children weighing less than 20 kg, diagnosed with isolated large ASDs (requiring devices ≥20 mm in diameter). All of them underwent transcatheter closure using the amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). They were assessed by clinical examination by ECG and echocardiography before the procedure and also 1 day, 6 weeks, 6 months, and yearly thereafter.Results:Age and weight of the patients were 4.5 ± 1.8 years and 14.6 ± 3.5 kg, respectively. The mean ASD diameter was 16.6 ± 2.1 mm and balloon‐stretched diameter was 22.7 ± 2.6 mm. The mean Qp/Qs was 2.7 ± 0.4. The median device size used was 24 mm (range 20–32 mm). The device was successfully placed in 31 patients. One patient had malpositioning of the device requiring surgical removal. Another patient developed transient atrioventricular block which recovered within 48 hr. During a mean follow‐up of 26.8 ± 21.8 months, no major complication such as cerebrovascular accident, cardiac perforation, systemic thromboembolism, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, obstruction to systemic or pulmonary veins or rhythm disturbances.Conclusions:Transcatheter closure of large ASDs in small children using the ASO is feasible and is not associated with a greater risk of significant complications. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.