bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal reactions of methyl linoleate. III. Characterization of C18 cyclic esters
Authors: Michael William R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis third paper presents the isolation and characterization of nonaromatic cyclic monomers formed from the heated linoleate. The esters were isolated by a series of column chromatographic separations, followed by repeated gas chromatography to obtain fractions containing C18 cyclic esters. Characterization of the esters was achieved by use of infrared, NMR, mass spectroscopy, and standard chemical analyses. Also characterized were the isomers found in a complex mixture of cyclic monomers which had been partially separated by column chromatography. Use of both physical and chemical methods of analyses permitted characterization of the mixture of isomers without their having been separated from each other.
Experimental alcoholism and pathogenesis of prostatic diseases in UChB rats
Authors: Cândido Eduardo Marcelo , Carvalho César Alexandre Fabrega , Martinez Francisco Eduardo , Cagnon Valéria Helena Alves 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that long‐term alcohol treatment has negative effects on prostatic stromal—epithelial interaction. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural alterations that occur in the prostatic stroma and epithelium of rats submitted to chronic alcohol ingestion and alcohol abstinence, as well as to establish the relationship between these changes and prostatic diseases. Thirty male rats (10 Wistar and 20 UChB rats) were divided into three experimental groups: the control group received tap water, the alcoholic group received ethanol diluted to 10° G.L. for 150 days, and the abstinent group received the same liquid diet as the alcoholic group up to 120 days of treatment and only tap water for 30 days thereafter. At the end of treatment, all animals were sacrificed and the ventral lobe of the prostate was removed and processed for histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. In addition, plasma testosterone levels were measured. The results showed prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, infolding of the epithelium towards the stroma, stromal hypertrophy and the presence of inflammatory cells in alcoholic animals. In the abstinent group, alterations were noted mainly in the stromal area. In conclusion, ethanol triggers alterations in prostatic epithelial and stromal compartments, affecting the stromal microenvironment and predisposing the organ to pathological processes.
In vitro differentiation of cord blood unrestricted somatic stem cells expressing dopamine‐associated genes into neuron‐like cells
Authors: Fallahi‐Sichani Mohammad , Soleimani Masoud , Najafi Seyed Mahmoud Arab , Kiani Jafar , Arefian Ehsan , Atashi Amir 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAn intensive study is underway to evaluate different potential candidates for cell therapy of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Availability and lower immunogenicity compared to other sources for stem cell therapy such as bone marrow have made human umbilical cord blood stem cells a considerable source for cell therapy. The present study aimed to investigate differentiation of recently introduced pluripotent cord blood stem cells, known as unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs), into cells with neural features in serum‐withdrawal medium. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry assays, we have shown the expression of neuron‐specific genes following a 2 week treatment of USSCs in serum‐withdrawal induction medium. In addition, we have found that USSCs and USSC‐derived neuron‐like cells express transcripts of genes associated with development and/or survival of dopaminergic mesencephalic neurons including En1, En2, Nurr1, Ptx3, Pax2, Wnt1 and Wnt3a. The expression of dopamine‐associated genes suggests that these cells may be potential candidates to be used for cell therapy of PD.
Ex vivo expansion, adipogenesis and neurogenesis of cryopreserved human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Xiang Ying , Zheng Qiang , Jia Bingbing , Huang Guoping , Xie Chungang , Pan Jianjun , Wang Jinfu 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the potentials of ex vivo expansion and pluridifferentiation of cryopreserved adult human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into adipocytes and neurocytes. Cryopreserved hMSCs were resuscitated and cultured for 15 passages, and then induced to adipocytes and neurocytes with corresponding induction medium. The induced cells were observed for morphological properties and expression of triglyceride or neuron‐specific enolase and nestin was detected. The result showed that the resuscitated cells cultured in induction medium consisting of dexamethasone, 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine, indomethacin and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) showed adipogenesis, and lipid vacuole accumulation was detectable after 21 days. The resuscitated hMSCs were also induced into neurocytes and expressed nestin and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), which are special surface markers associated with neural cells at different stages. This study suggested that resuscitated hMSCs should still be a population of pluripotential cells and should be accessible for establishing an abundant hMSC reservoir for further experiment and treatment of various clinical diseases.
A double-blind randomised comparative trial of amisulpride versus olanzapine for 2 months in the treatment of subjects with schizophrenia and comorbid depression
Authors: Vanelle J.-M. , Douki S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPurposeTo compare the efficacy and safety of amisulpride and olanzapine in subjects with schizophrenia and comorbid depression in a randomised double-blind trial.PatientsEighty-five adult patients fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia and presenting a depressive episode were randomised to amisulpride (200–600 mg/day) or olanzapine (5–15 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Primary efficacy variables were change in Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) score and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) of Change. Safety was monitored by adverse event reporting and determination of extrapyramidal function and metabolic variables.ResultsThe mean change from baseline of CDS score was –6.84 in the amisulpride group and –7.36 in the olanzapine group. 65.9% and 61.5% of subjects, respectively, were considered “much” or “very much” improved. No significant inter-group difference in effect size was observed. The frequency of adverse events was low and emergence of extrapyramidal symptoms was not seen. Four patients in the olanzapine group developed abnormal triglyceride levels. Mean weight gain was 1.45 and 0.5 kg, respectively, in the olanzapine and amisulpride groups.ConclusionAmisulpride and olanzapine are effective in patients with schizophrenia and comorbid depression. Tolerance of both drugs was acceptable, although use of olanzapine was associated with a trend toward greater metabolic side-effects [19].
“Black‐box” and “gray‐box” supplier integration in product development: Antecedents, consequences and the moderating role of firm size
Authors: Koufteros Xenophon A. , Edwin Cheng T.C. , Lai Kee‐Hung 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe investigate here antecedents and consequences of supplier integration (black‐box and gray‐box) in product development activities. Antecedents include embeddedness with suppliers, supply base rationalization, and supplier selection based on product development capabilities. Product innovation and quality are modeled as returns of supplier integration in product development. We also assess the moderating role that firm size may play in the relationships we posit. Our research framework relies primarily on the social network perspective (SNP) and using a sample of 157 firms we found support for many of the posited hypotheses. Specifically, we found that embeddedness with suppliers is positively related to supply base rationalization and supplier selection based on product development capabilities. Supply base rationalization has a significant positive impact on gray‐box integration (i.e., suppliers working along side the customer's engineers for product development) but not black‐box integration (i.e., suppliers carry out on their own the development of components or parts for the customers). On the other hand, selecting suppliers based on their product development capabilities leads to higher levels of both gray‐box and black‐box integration. Only gray‐box integration manifests statistically significant positive effects towards product innovation. The effects of black‐box integration are negligible. Product innovation exhibits strong positive effects on quality. We also found partial support for the moderating impact of firm size. Supply base rationalization practiced by small firms has a statistically significant negative impact on black‐box integration but there is no statistically significant effect for large firms. Supply base rationalization is statistically related to gray‐box integration only for large firms. Finally, the positive effects of product innovation on quality are more potent for large firms.
Foreign participation in local currency bond markets
Authors: Burger John D. , Warnock Francis E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCountries that cannot attract foreigners to invest in their local currency bonds run the risk of currency mismatches that can result in painful crises. We analyze foreign participation in the bond markets of over 40 countries. Bond markets in less developed countries have returns characterized by high variance and negative skewness, factors that we show are eschewed by U.S. investors. While results based on a three‐moment CAPM indicate that it is diversifiable idiosyncratic risk that U.S. investors shun, our analysis suggests that countries can improve foreign participation by reducing macroeconomic instability.
Siliceous microfossil record of late Holocene oceanography and climate along the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Canada)
Authors: Hay Murray B. , Dallimore Audrey , Thomson Richard E. , Calvert Stephen E. , Pienitz Reinhard 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDiatoms, silicoflagellates, and biogenic silica (BSi) were analyzed from two piston cores recovered from Effingham Inlet, British Columbia. Relatively productive marine conditions from 4850 to 4000 cal yr BP were followed by a transition to the modern ocean–climate regime marked by a decreased siliceous microfossil production since 2800 cal yr BP. This change in the northeast Pacific climate was characterized by an apparent cooling associated with higher rainfall and lower light levels. The reduced abundance of most spring–summer bloom diatom taxa (Skeletonema–Thalassiosira–Chaetoceros) was coupled with a decreased abundance of diatoms normally associated with incursions of offshore water into coastal inlets. This pattern reflected a weaker summer upwelling along Vancouver Island associated with the insolation-related increase in the strength of the Aleutian Low and a weakened North Pacific High. After ca. 2800 cal yr BP, diatom assemblages also indicated more frequent periods of relatively low spring–summer surface water salinity and a disruption of the typical bloom sequence, indicative of increased climatic variability. A period of warmer and drier climate conditions and possibly increased coastal upwelling offshore occurred ca. 1450–1050 cal yr BP. The most recent 500 yr are marked by reduced diatom production and the appearance of three distinct diatom biomarkers in the stratigraphic record (Rhizosolenia setigera ca. AD 1940; Minidiscus chilensis ca. AD 1860; Thalassionema nitzschioides morphotype A, ca. AD 1550). The oceanographic changes recorded in Effingham Inlet are correlative with other marine and terrestrial paleoenvironmental records in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
Physiological and genetic characteristics of black‐boned sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Deng W. D. , Yang S. L. , Huo Y. Q. , Gou X. , Shi X. W. , Mao H. M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryHere we report for the first time the discovery of sheep that have black bones and black muscles. The spectral pattern of pigment extracted from tissues of these black‐boned sheep is similar to that of black‐boned Chinese silky fowl. Additionally, black‐boned sheep have significantly higher plasma colour, tyrosinase activity and kidney function than normal sheep. Synonymous nucleotide substitutions in the tyrosinase (TYR) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genes were detected in black‐boned sheep when compared with the corresponding sequences in normal sheep. In addition, a missense mutation (215T>C) in exon 2 of tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (TYRP1) was detected in black‐boned sheep, and this resulted in a putative valine‐to‐alanine substitution at codon 68 (Val68Ala).
Characterization of the porcine FABP5 gene and its association with the FAT1 QTL in an Iberian by Landrace cross
Authors: Estellé J. , Pérez‐Enciso M. , Mercadé A. , Varona L. , Alves E. , Sánchez A. , Folch J. M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryWe have characterized and mapped the porcine fatty acid binding protein 5, epidermal (FABP5) gene. According to linkage and RH mapping, this gene is located close to the FABP4 (fatty acid binding protein 4, adipocyte) gene on swine chromosome 4. We resequenced 4.7 kb of the FABP5 gene in the parental population of an Iberian × Landrace cross (IBMAP), identifying seven SNPs arranged in two distinct FABP5 haplotypes. QTL and association analyses in the IBMAP population showed that this gene is strongly associated with fat deposition. QTL and haplotype analysis revealed that both FABP4 and FABP5 (clustered in mammals) are major candidate genes for the FAT1 QTL; the most likely position for the FAT1 QTL is between these two genes. Finally, our results suggest the presence of more than one QTL affecting fatness traits on porcine chromosome 4.
Adaptive differences in plant physiology and ecosystem paradoxes: insights from metabolic scaling theory
Authors: ENQUIST BRIAN J. , KERKHOFF ANDREW J. , HUXMAN TRAVIS E. , ECONOMO EVAN P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe link between variation in species‐specific plant traits, larger scale patterns of productivity, and other ecosystem processes is an important focus for global change research. Understanding such linkages requires synthesis of evolutionary, biogeograpahic, and biogeochemical approaches to ecological research. Recent observations reveal several apparently paradoxical patterns across ecosystems. When compared with warmer low latitudes, ecosystems from cold northerly latitudes are described by (1) a greater temperature normalized instantaneous flux of CO2 and energy; and (2) similar annual values of gross primary production (GPP), and possibly net primary production. Recently, several authors attributed constancy in GPP to historical and abiotic factors.Here, we show that metabolic scaling theory can be used to provide an alternative ‘biotically driven’ hypothesis. The model provides a baseline for understanding how potentially adaptive variation in plant size and traits associated with metabolism and biomass production in differing biomes can influence whole‐ecosystem processes. The implication is that one cannot extrapolate leaf/lab/forest level functional responses to the globe without considering evolutionary and geographic variation in traits associated with metabolism. We test one key implication of this model – that directional and adaptive changes in metabolic and stoichiometric traits of autotrophs may mediate patterns of plant growth across broad temperature gradients.In support of our model, on average, mass‐corrected whole‐plant growth rates are not related to differences in growing season temperature or latitude. Further, we show how these changes in autotrophic physiology and nutrient content across gradients may have important implications for understanding: (i) the origin of paradoxical ecosystem behavior; (ii) the potential efficiency of whole‐ecosystem carbon dynamics as measured by the quotient of system capacities for respiration, R, and assimilation, A; and (iii) the origin of several ‘ecosystem constants’– attributes of ecological systems that apparently do not vary with temperature (and thus with latitude). Together, these results highlight the potential critical importance of community ecology and functional evolutionary/physiological ecology for understanding the role of the biosphere within the integrated earth system.
Differential polarization of immune responses by genetic cotransfer of chemokines changes the protective immunity of DNA vaccine against pseudorabies virus
Authors: Yoon Hyun A , Eo Seong Kug 
Published: November 2006

SummaryChemokines play a key role in eliciting adaptive immune responses by selectively attracting the innate cellular components to the site of antigen presentation. To evaluate the effect of the genetic adjuvant of chemokines on the adaptive immune responses induced by a plasmid DNA vaccine expressing glycorotein B (gB) of the pseudorabies virus (PrV), a PrV DNA vaccine was co‐inoculated with plasmid DNA expressing certain chemokines including CCL3 (MIP‐1α), CCL4 (MIP‐1β), CCL5 (RANTES), CXCL8 (MIP‐2), and CXCL10 (IP‐10). A co‐injection of the CCL3 plasmid DNA induced immunity that was biased to the T helper type 2 (Th2) pattern, as judged by the ratio of immunoglobulin G isotypes and the production of interleukin‐4 cytokine generated from stimulated immune T cells. However, CCL5 and CXCL10 induced immune responses of the Th1‐type, which rendered the recipients more resistant to a virulent virus infection. CXCL8 also showed enhanced humoral and cell‐mediated immunity (mixed‐type pattern) providing effective protection against a viral challenge. However, there was no change in the immune responses induced by the PrV DNA vaccine in CCL4 recipients. These results suggest that co‐injection of a chemokine, in the form of an adjuvant preparation, causes a rebalancing of the immunity, which subsequently affects the protective efficacy against a virulent virus infection.
Increased proteolysis of diphtheria toxin by human monocytes after heat shock: a subsidiary role for heat‐shock protein 70 in antigen processing
Authors: Polla Barbara S. , Gabert Françoise , Peyrusse Brigitte M.‐N. , Jacquier‐Sarlin Muriel R. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe expression of heat‐shock proteins (hsp) increases after exposure to various stresses including elevated temperatures, oxidative injury, infection and inflammation. As molecular chaperones, hsp have been shown to participate in antigen processing and presentation, in part through increasing the stability and expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules. Heat shock selectively increases human T‐cell responses to processed antigen, but does not affect T‐cell proliferation induced by non‐processed antigens. Here, we have analysed the mechanisms by which stress such as heat shock, and the ensuing hsp over‐expression affect the processing of diphtheria toxin (DT) in peripheral blood monocytes. We found that heat shock increased DT proteolysis in endosomes and lysosomes while the activities of the cathepsins B and D, classically involved in DT proteolysis, were decreased. These effects correlated with the heat‐shock‐mediated increase in hsp 70 expression observed in endosomes and lysosomes. Actinomycin D or blocking anti‐hsp 70 antibodies abolished the heat‐shock‐mediated increase in DT proteolysis. These data indicate that the increased expression of hsp 70 constitutes a subsidiary mechanism that facilitates antigen proteolysis in stressed cells. Confirming these data, presentation by formaldehyde‐fixed cells of DT proteolysates that were obtained with endosomes and lysosomes from heat‐shocked peripheral blood monocytes showed higher stimulation of T cells than those generated with endosomes and lysosomes from control peripheral blood monocytes.
What over‐the‐counter preparations are pregnant women taking? A literature review
Authors: McKenna Lisa , McIntyre Meredith 
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper presents an overview of current literature relating to over‐the‐counter and herbal preparations use, with a focus on pregnancy.Background.  Internationally, there has been a shift towards self‐medication through over‐the‐counter release of many prescription‐category drugs and wider acceptance and use of herbal preparations. The general community perception that these preparations are safe may lead to inappropriate use, especially during pregnancy.Method.  A range of databases was searched to identify papers addressing ‘over‐the‐counter preparations/medications’, ‘non‐prescription medications’, ‘herbal preparations’ and ‘pregnancy’, including Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing, Allied Health Literature, Proquest and Sciencedirect. Midwifery, nursing and scientific papers published from 2000 onwards were included, along with a small number of scientific papers published from 1995 onwards, and some key textbooks to clarify the definitions.Findings.  Pregnant women use a range of over‐the‐counter preparations, including analgesics, antihistamines, antacids and a variety of herbal preparations. However, in many cases, it is unclear whether their use is actually safe in the short‐ or long‐term for mother or baby, owing to an inadequate evidence‐base to support the use of these preparations during pregnancy.Conclusion.  While there is extensive literature on the use of over‐the‐counter preparations generally, less is available about their use in pregnancy. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence of use and effects of these preparations in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and to support midwives and nurses in harm minimization through the promotion of informed risk‐avoidance behaviours.
The clinical nursing competences and their complexity in Belgian general hospitals
Authors: Defloor Tom , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie , Gobert Micheline , Darras Elisabeth , Grypdonck Mieke 
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study whose aim was to chart clinical nursing competences and their complexity in Belgian general hospitals.Background.  Competence is an essential factor for assuring quality, safety and cost‐effective health care. As clinical competence cannot be evaluated separately from the clinical context in which decisions are made, competence is defined as functional adequacy and the capacity to integrate knowledge and skills with attitudes and values into the specific contexts of practice.Method.  The study took place in 2003 and focused on basic care, specialized care and elder care. Head nurses of 176 departments processed 521 patient situations. Experts selected 50 situations per area. In a Delphi procedure 100 experts described the nursing competences required in each situation necessary to provide quality acceptable care. The experts determined the global complexity of each of these competences as well as the complexity of the cognitive, psychomotor and affective aspects.Findings.  The global complexity of the various care areas was similar. Cognitive and affective aspects of competences scored higher than psychomotor aspects. Simple and average situations did not show any significant difference with regard to complexity and were less complex than difficult situations, which obtained the highest complexity score. The complexity of emergency situations did not differ from that of difficult situations.Conclusion.  Emergency and difficult situations require more competences than offered by basic nursing education. The continuous presence of care providers with additional education is necessary for each care area to respond adequately to emergency and difficult situations. Nurses with additional academic qualifications need to be available for consultation. There are only a few possibilities of employing lower qualified staff in direct care, with the exception of support with regard to administrative tasks. Cognitive and affective aspects of the competences require particular attention during the education programme.