bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myostatin short interfering hairpin RNA gene transfer increases skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Magee Thomas R. , Artaza Jorge N. , Ferrini Monica G. , Vernet Dolores , Zuniga Freddi I. , Cantini Liliana , Reisz‐Porszasz Suzanne , Rajfer Jacob , Gonzalez‐Cadavid Nestor F. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundMyostatin negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth. Myostatin knockout mice exhibit muscle hypertrophy and decreased interstitial fibrosis. We investigated whether a plasmid expressing a short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) against myostatin and transduced using electroporation would increase local skeletal muscle mass.MethodsShort interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting myostatin were co‐transfected with a myostatin‐expressing plasmid into HEK293 cells and identified for myostatin silencing by Western blot. Corresponding shRNAs were cloned into plasmid shRNA expression vectors. Myostatin or a randomer negative control shRNA plasmid was injected and electroporated into the tibialis anterior or its contralateral muscle, respectively, of nine rats that were sacrificed after 2 weeks. Six other rats received a β‐galactosidase reporter plasmid and were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Uptake of plasmid was examined by β‐galactosidase expression, whereas myostatin expression was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Muscle fiber size was determined by histochemistry. Satellite cell proliferation was determined by PAX7 immunohistochemistry. Myosin heavy chain type II (MHCII) expression was determined by Western blot.Resultsβ‐Galactosidase reporter plasmid was expressed at 1 and 2 weeks but diminished by 4 weeks in tibialis anterior skeletal muscle. Myostatin shRNA reduced myostatin mRNA and protein expression by 27 and 48%, respectively. Tibialis anterior weight, fiber size, and MHCII increased by 10, 34, and 38%, respectively. Satellite cell number was increased by over 2‐fold.ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration that myostatin shRNA gene transfer is a potential strategy to increase muscle mass. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Riparian landscapes and human habitat preferences during the Hoxnian (MIS 11) Interglacial
Authors: Ashton Nick , Lewis Simon G. , Parfitt Simon , White Mark 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe archaeological, environmental and geological data from Hoxnian Interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11) sites from Britain are examined to elucidate the type of habitats that humans preferred during this temperate episode. The conclusion is that humans avoided lacustrine situations, but did make use of the full range of resources that fluvial environments provide. This model is strengthened by the examination of other non‐archaeological Hoxnian sites. The problem of archaeological visibility in lacustrine sediment sequences is also discussed and methods of identifying other evidence of human presence are suggested that may offset the deficiencies in the lithic record. These include presence of cut‐marked bone, micro‐debitage and possibly charcoal in fine‐grained sediments deposited in distal settings. The reasons for human selection of fluvial situations are discussed. It is concluded that these environments provide a greater diversity of animal, plant and lithic resources, but also are major route‐ways through the landscape. Patterns of human site use are identified, which seem to be triggered by local changes in hydrology and drainage, themselves possibly caused by regional changes in climate. Finally, Lower Palaeolithic sites on the interfluves are discussed. Although they lack environmental or dating evidence, it is tentatively suggested that they were used during cooler episodes, when more open conditions prevailed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Clactonian elephant butchery site at Southfleet Road, Ebbsfleet, UK
Authors: Wenban‐Smith F. F. , Allen P. , Bates M. R. , Parfitt S. A. , Preece R. C. , Stewart J. R. , Turner C. , Whittaker J. E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractArchaeological excavations at Southfleet Road, Ebbsfleet, Kent, have revealed a complex sequence of fossiliferous Middle Pleistocene sediments containing lithic artefacts. An incomplete skeleton of straight‐tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus was found in lacustrine sediments in close association with a cluster of mint condition cores, flakes and notched flake‐tools, some with evidence of use‐damage. These finds appear to reflect in situ tool production and butchery of the elephant carcass. A far larger concentration of similar artefacts, again in mint condition, occurred nearby in the same horizon. These finds were overlain by a fluvial gravel containing abundant handaxes, some also in mint condition. A range of fossils, including pollen, molluscs and small vertebrates, indicates temperate conditions with local woodland coeval with the elephant butchery. The sediments appear to have formed during the early part of an interglacial, almost certainly MIS 11. As well as providing rare undisturbed evidence of human behaviour, the site supports the existence of a distinctive non‐handaxe Clactonian core/flake‐tool industry in southeast England at this period. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Early Middle Palaeolithic in Britain: archaeology, settlement history and human behaviour
Authors: White Mark , Scott Beccy , Ashton Nick 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA number of archaeological sites dated to MIS 8 and MIS 7 and containing Early Middle Palaeolithic Levalloisian assemblages can now be identified within the British Palaeolithic record. These provide a mixture of high‐ and low‐resolution signatures, which together permit the reconstruction of aspects of early Neanderthal behaviour, settlement history and technological organisation within the British Isles. Much is certainly missing, but it is now possible to begin the task of disentangling the previously conflated Middle Palaeolithic, separating those sites belonging to the Middle Pleistocene from those dating to the last climatic cycle. This paper presents the first attempt to synthesise the data from the Early Middle Palaeolithic and presents some of our preliminary and tentatively held interpretations of what it might mean. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The taphonomy of a Middle Devensian (MIS 3) vertebrate assemblage from Lynford, Norfolk, UK, and its implications for Middle Palaeolithic subsistence strategies
Authors: Schreve Danielle C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe association of a rich lithic assemblage with a Middle Devensian mammalian assemblage at Lynford was initially thought indicative of a mammoth butchery locality, a rare occurrence for a European Middle Palaeolithic open site. However, taphonomic analyses suggest that the specimens have very different depositional histories and were incorporated into a palaeochannel in several stages. Most specimens are extremely fragmentary, probably the result of extensive trampling, and signs of weathering and root‐damage provide further indications of exposure before burial. Carnivore damage is minimal but establishing the degree of interaction between the mammal fauna and alternative predators, such as Neanderthals, is problematic. Direct evidence of butchery is not present and the best indication of any form of mammoth exploitation lies in more circumstantial evidence such as the virtual absence of long bones from the main channel deposit and the mammoth age profiles. Instances of pathologies are also unusually common in the mammoths, implying that their greater vulnerability may have led to an accelerated demise either naturally or at the hands of a predator. The best evidence for direct faunal exploitation at the site is from green bone fractures and broken teeth that suggest marrow extraction in horse, reindeer and woolly rhinoceros. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Palaeolithic occupation of Europe as revealed by evidence from the rivers: data from IGCP 449
Authors: Bridgland David R. , Antoine Pierre , Limondin‐Lozouet Nicole , Santisteban Juan I. , Westaway Rob , White Mark J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIGCP 449 (2000–2004), seeking to correlate fluvial records globally, has compiled a dataset of archaeological records from Pleistocene fluvial sequences. Many terrace sequences can now be reliably dated and correlated with marine oxygen isotope stages (MIS), allowing potentially useful patterns in artefact distribution to be recognised. This review, based on evidence from northwest European and German sequences (Thames, Somme, Ilm, Neckar and Wipper), makes wider comparisons with rivers further east, particularly the Vltava, and with southern Europe, especially Iberia. The northwest and southern areas have early assemblages dominated by handaxes, in contrast with flake‐core industries in Germany and further east. Fluvial sequences can provide frameworks for correlation, based on markers within the Palaeolithic record. In northwest Europe the first appearance of artefacts in terrace staircases, the earliest such marker, dates from the mid–late Cromerian Complex. Flake‐core industries may have significantly preceded handaxe industries in southern Europe. An important technological innovation—Levallois technique—occurs at the Lower‐Middle Palaeolithic boundary, correlated with MIS 9–8. Humans deserted northern Europe during MIS 6, apparently returning to central Germany and northern France (Somme valley) by MIS 5e but not reaching southern England until the appearance of Mousterian culture during MIS 4–3. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The human colonisation of Europe: where are we?
Authors: Roebroeks Wil 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper focuses on the earlier parts of the human colonisation of Europe and its wider setting and addresses the two basic tasks of archaeologists working in this field: (1) to identify the spatio‐temporal patterns of human presence and absence, i.e.getting the pattern‘right’; (2) toexplainthese patterns. Archaeologists have invested mostly in the first task, while the second one takes us to the field of biogeography. Study of biogeographical limits of hominins necessitates integration of many aspects of a species, e.g. diet, life history and social organisation, and the way environmental factors shape these. Palaeoanthropologists need to combine these with establishing data on the chronology of hominin presence, on palaeoenvironment and climatic oscillations, on emergence and disappearance of land bridges, and so on. They further have to acknowledge the fact that only very small parts of the former ranges of the species have been sampled ‘adequately’. The paper explores some of the key issues at stake in dealing with the human colonisation of Europe. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic response to two hydrocooling temperatures in sweet cherries cv Lapins and cv Sunburst
Authors: Alique Rafael , Martínez Miguel A , Alonso Jesús 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPhysiological and metabolic characterisation and analysis of response to two hydrocooling temperatures in cv Sunburst (early season) and cv Lapins (mid‐season) cherries during post‐harvest life has been studied. Samples were hydrocooled with water at 1 °C to reach 6 °C inside the fruit (HC‐6C) and 2 °C (HC‐2C) inside the fruit. After harvesting, Sunburst samples presented higher respiration rates and lower malic acid and sorbitol contents than Lapins. Glucose and fructose contents were similar in the two varieties. Sunburst control exhibited a higher respiration rate than Lapins and a higher rate of conversion from sorbitol to fructose. The change of glucose and malic acid consumption over 4 days at 20 °C was similar for the two varieties. Hydrocooling reduced respiration and the consumption of respiratory substrates. The residual effect of hydrocooling was especially significant in cherries of both varieties that had been pre‐cooled to 2 °C. Hydrocooling delayed loss of skin and pulp firmness, and reduced loss of titratable acid and soluble solid contents over 4 days at 20 °C in both varieties. Hydrocooling to 2 °C checked loss of quality with respect to controls for both varieties after 4 days at 20 °C. Lapins showed better conservation properties than Sunburst under all the experimental storage conditions. Hydrocooling reduced total losses in both varieties, especially in cherries pre‐cooled to 2 °C. Hydrocooling also had several residual effects: reduction of the respiration rate and consumption of respiratory substrates, and slowing of loss of quality, particularly for Lapins. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological response of broiler chickens fed peas (Pisum sativum L.) expressing the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) α‐amylase inhibitor transgene
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Higgins Thomas JV , Bryden Wayne L 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe nutritive value of transgenic peas expressing an α‐amylase inhibitor (α‐Ai1) was evaluated with broiler chickens. The effects of feeding transgenic peas on the development of visceral organs associated with digestion and nutrient absorption were also examined. The chemical composition of the conventional and the transgenic peas used in this study were similar. In the two feeding trials, that were conducted normal and transgenic peas were incorporated into a maize–soybean diet at concentrations up to 500 g kg−1. The diets were balanced to contain similar levels of apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and amino acids. In the first trial, the birds were fed the diets from 3 to 17 days post‐hatching and with levels of transgenic peas at 250 g kg−1 or greater there was a significant reduction in body weight but an increase in feed intake resulting in deceased feed conversion efficiency. In the second trial, in which the birds were fed diets containing 300 g kg−1 transgenic peas until 40 days of age, growth performance was significantly reduced. It was also demonstrated that the ileal starch digestibility coefficient (0.80 vs 0.42) was significantly reduced in the birds fed transgenic peas. Determination of AME and ileal digestibility of amino acids in 5‐week‐old broilers demonstrated a significant reduction in AME (12.12 vs 5.08 MJ kg−1 DM) in the birds fed the transgenic peas. The AME value recorded for transgenic peas reflected the lower starch digestibility of this line. Ileal digestion of protein and amino acids was unaffected by treatment. Expression of α‐Ai1 in peas did not appear to affect bird health or the utilisation of dietary protein. However, the significant reduction in ileal digestion of starch in transgenic peas does reduce the utility of this feedstuff in monogastric diets where efficient energy utilisation is required. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermotropic liquid crystal behavior on PBLG‐PDMS‐PBLG triblock copolymers
Authors: Ibarboure E. , Rodríguez‐Hernández J. , Papon E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this contribution, the preparation of rod‐coil‐rod triblock copolymers based on polydimethylsiloxane and polypeptide [poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)] is reported. Firstly, self‐assembly in rod‐like structures was demonstrated via polarized optical microscopy and small‐angle light scattering. Further structuration details were obtained using X‐ray scattering and AFM imaging to establish the formation of a double‐hexagonal structure and to accurately define the morphological dimensions of the rodlike structures. The thermal behavior of these structures was investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. We conclude by addressing an unexpected reversible thermal transition within the 130–150 °C temperature range and the ensuing associated organizational modifications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4668–4679, 2006
Effects of pigments on the volume‐phase‐transition properties of N‐isopropylacrylamide gels as light‐modulation materials
Authors: Tsutsui Hiroaki , Akashi Ryojiro 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe effects of pigments contained in N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) gels on their volume‐change properties were investigated. All the NIPAM gel particles, containing various kinds and concentrations of pigments, showed a volume phase transition at 34 °C. No pigment affected the volume‐phase‐transition temperature of the NIPAM gels. As the concentration of the pigment in the NIPAM gels was increased, the amount of the volume change of the NIPAM gels was reduced. The water absorptivity of the NIPAM gels in the swollen state decreased as the pigment concentration increased, whereas the water absorptivity in the shrunken state was almost constant. Reducing the initial monomer concentration of the polymerization of the NIPAM gel increased the water absorptivity in the swollen state. With an increase in the water absorptivity, the volume changes of the NIPAM gels containing pigments were increased. Prototype light modulators in which the NIPAM gel particles containing pigment were dispersed between glass plates were fabricated. The light modulator using the gel particles with improved diameter change (d/d0 = 2.3, where d and d0 are the equilibrium diameter and the diameter of the fully shrunken state at 50 °C, respectively) exhibited a larger transmittance change from 8 to 79% than that using the gel particles before the improvement (d/d0 = 1.7; from 38 to 79%) according to temperature changes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4644–4655, 2006
Surface modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes via nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Dong , Fan Xing‐He , Chen Xiao‐Fang , Chai Chun‐Peng , Zhou Qi‐Feng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene was carried out on the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) initiated by an MWNT‐supported initiator multiwalled carbon nanotube–2″,2″,6″,6″‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (MWNT–Tempo). The content of polystyrene grafted from the surface was controlled by changes in the polymerization conditions, such as the reaction times or the ratios of monomers to initiators. The obtained polystyrene‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT–PSs) were further used to initiate the polymerization of 4‐vinylpyridine to get polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT–PS‐b‐P4VPs). In contrast to unmodified MWNTs, MWNT–PSs had relatively good dispersibility in various organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, CHCL3, and o‐dichlorobenzene. The structures and properties of MWNT–PSs and MWNT–PS‐b‐P4VPs were characterized and studied with several methods, including thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible, and transmission electron microscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4656–4667, 2006
Growth and survival of two north Australian relictual tree species, Allosyncarpia ternata (Myrtaceae) and Callitris intratropica (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Prior L. D. , Bowman D. M. J. S. , Brook B. W. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAllosyncarpia ternata (an angiosperm) and Callitris intratropica (a gymnosperm) are two fire‐sensitive tree species of the Australian monsoonal tropics. Studies using historical aerial photography have revealed recent expansion of A. ternata rainforests. There has simultaneously been a widespread collapse of C. intratropica populations in northern Australian savannas, presumably because of cessation of traditional Aboriginal landscape burning. To explain the demography behind these contrasting trends, stand structure, survival, and growth of the two species were recorded over a 16‐year period at the boundary of a rainforest patch and also in adjacent savanna, in Kakadu National Park. Ages of the largest trees of each species, estimated by using a Bayesian analysis of tree‐diameter increments, were approximately 433 years for A. ternata and 235 years for C. intratropica on the rainforest boundary, and 417 years for C. intratropica in the adjacent savanna. Densities of juveniles (seedlings and re‐sprouts <0.5 m high) were 325–6,000 times higher for A. ternata than for C. intratropica. Life‐table calculations indicated there was sufficient recruitment of A. ternata, but not C. intratropica, to overcome observed mortality rates and maintain a stable population. This is almost certainly because A. ternata re‐sprouts prolifically after fire whereas C. intratropica is an obligate seeder. These results highlight the critical need for careful fire management to maintain populations of a characteristic Australian gymnosperm over much of its range.
Industrial relations climate and staff attitudes in the fire service: a case of union renewal?
Authors: Redman Tom , Snape Ed 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence for trade union renewal in the UK fire service. Its aim is to consider two main questions: “How have union‐management relations and the industrial relations climate been affected by management reforms?” and “To the extent that there is deterioration in the IR climate, has this had an effect on union leadership style and also on union commitment and participation amongst ordinary members?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on interviews with managers and union representatives and a survey of firefighters in the north of England.FindingsThe research finds that a marked deterioration in the industrial relations climate led to changes in union leadership and to an increase in union commitment and participation amongst ordinary members. The poor climate created the conditions for union renewal by bringing forward union activists with more inclusive styles and by raising membership awareness of the need to vigorously defend their existing terms and conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a research gap in the industrial relations literature on how industrial relations climate impacts on the renewal of workplace trade unionism.Originality/valueThis paper helps to fill the research gap in the industrial relations literature on how industrial relations climate impacts on the renewal of workplace trade unionism.
Equal opportunity and diversity management meet downsizing
Authors: Bajawa Asma , Woodall Jean 
Published: June 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on case study research of employment downsizing and the implications for equal opportunity and diversity management conducted in the UK airline industry during 2002/2003.Design/methodology/approachReview of literature on downsizing and equal opportunity and diversity management followed by identification of a number of research questions which are answered with reference to secondary analysis of labour market data and interviews with key informants from senior management and line management.FindingsA planned approach to downsizing had been adopted that was strongly influenced by the human resources function in terms of equal opportunity and diversity management. An adverse impact on different employee groups had been avoided in order to sustain the diversity of the workforce.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on the management of downsizing and equal opportunity and diversity management. It addresses the perceptions of managers involved in developing and implementing policy, but does not examine the perceptions of other employees.Practical implicationsThere are some reflections on ways in which equal opportunity and diversity management policy might adapt to organisational change and downsizing.Originality/valueThis paper brings together two scholarly debates on downsizing and equal opportunity and diversity management, and provides case study evidence of how an equal opportunity and diversity management agenda is implemented during organisational restructuring and downsizing.