bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preincubation of thymocytes with 1‐(5‐isoquinolinesulfonyl)‐2‐methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H‐7) induces apoptosis in non‐stimulated thymocytes
Authors: Sakurai Yoshiaki , Hirata Chihiro , Onishi Yoshiaki , Tanimoto Yutaka , Yamada Takeshi , Kizaki Harutoshi 
Published: July 2007

Abstract1‐(5‐Isoquinolinesulfonyl)‐2‐methylpiperazine hydrochloride (H‐7), an inhibitor of protein kinases, has been shown to inhibit the thymocyte apoptosis induced by various apoptogenic agents. In the present study, when mouse thymocytes were pretreated with H‐7, washed, and cultured for an additional time, apoptosis was induced depending on the preincubation time and the dose of H‐7. The protein kinase C activity in the H‐7‐pretreated and ‐washed cells was not altered, suggesting that an alteration of a certain PKC isoform is related to both the triggering and the progression of apoptosis.
Thermal denaturation of glutathione reductase from cyanobacterium Spirulina maxima
Authors: Rojo‐Domínguez Arturo , Hernández‐Arana Andrés , Mendoza‐Hernández Guillermo , Rendón Juan L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe thermal unfolding of glutathione reductase (NAD[P]H:GSSG oxidoreductase EC 1.6.4.2.) from cyanobactefium Spirulina maxima was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism at neutral pH. Covalent cross‐linking of enzyme at different temperatures revealed dimer as the species undergoing the thermal transition. A single endotherm was observed, but its thermodynamic parameters showed dependence on the scan rate. In the transition zone, aggregation of the dimeric species was observed. Analysis of the enzyme heated at 80°C revealed that the resultant species retained a high content of secondary structure. The addition of low concentrations of guanidinium hydrochlofide resulted in a full cooperative thermal transition. A model in which the dimeric protein undergoes a partial unfolding in a kinetically controlled fashion is proposed, such that the experimental value of ΔHcal results from the simultaneous occurrence of endothermic and exothermic events.
Effect of dihydralazine on the fluidity of erythrocyte membranes
Authors: Maliszewska‐Mazur Małgorzata , Sikorski Aleksander F. , Jezierski Adam 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDihydralazine, a drug used in the treatment of chronic hypertension was found to affect the mobility of fatty acid hydrocarbon chains followed by spin‐labelling technique with the use of 5‐, 12‐ and 16‐doxylstearate. The effect of this drug on the membrane bilayer properties may result either from the reduction of the number of double bonds in fatty acid hydrocarbon chains, as was shown by the changes of d1/d and order parameters in the region of C(12) or from direct interactions of the drug with the polar head group region of the phospholipids as was shown by changes in the distance between nitroxyl groups without changes of the order parameter in the region of C(5).
A protease from the marine sponge Callyspongia schulzi
Authors: Mebs Dietrich , Benesch Stefan , König Birgit , Yamakawa Yoshio , Omori‐Satoh Tamotsu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAqueous extracts of 25 marine sponge species (from coral reefs of Papua New Guinea) were screened for proteolytic activity. Only one sponge, Callyspongia schulzi, showed remarkable activity. A protease hydrolyzing casein as well as the synthetic substrate α‐N‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine ethyl ester was isolated from the sponge extract by gel filtration, ion‐exchange and HPLC absorption chromatography. The enzyme was homogenous in SDS‐PAGE exhibiting an apparent molecular weight of 80 kDa. Its pH optimum was in the range of 9‐11, it was remarkably heat‐stable and was not inhibited by phenylmethane sulfonylfluoride, soybean trypsin inhibitor, aprotinin or α1‐antitrypsin, but by EDTA and 1,10‐phenanthroline suggesting properties of a metalloprotease. The protease hydrolyzed the oxidized insulin B‐chain between Arg22‐Gly23 and Lys29‐Ala30, similar to trypsin.
The cross‐linking by o‐phthalaldehyde of two amino acid residues at the active site of 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase
Authors: Giovannini P. Paolo , Rippa Mario , Dallocchio Franco , Tetaud Manuel , Barrett Michael P. , Hanau Stefania 
Published: July 2007

Abstracto‐phthalaldehyde inactivates homodimeric, NADP+ dependent, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from sheep liver, upon formation of a single isoindole derivative per enzyme subunit. This indicates that the thiol group of a cysteine residue or the ε‐amino group of a lysine residue located within 3 Å and crosslinked by the reagent is essenthial for catalysis. Fluorescence analyses of the modified enzyme suggest that the isoindole derivative forms at the binding site of the nicotinamide moiety of NADP+. The enzymes from Trypanosoma brucei and Lactococcus lactis are also inactivated suggesting a similar three‐dimensional structure in this domain. The isoindole derivative does not form with two mutants of the T. brucei enzyme (Lys185His and Lys185Leu), this allowing to identify not only the lysine but also the cysteine involved in the cross‐linking. The formation of the isoindole derivative inactivates not only the oxidative decarboxylation, but also two partial reactions catalysed by the enzyme.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure on the activity of rat ribosome and cell‐free translation system
Authors: Lu Biao , Li Qing , Liu Wang‐Yi , Ruan Kang‐cheng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the protein synthesis activity of rat liver ribosome and the reconstructed cell‐free translation system were studied. The results indicated that the activity of the ribosome decreased with the increase in applied pressure and the activity was totally lost as pressure went up to 2,400 bar, but there was a plateau approximately from 300 to 1,200 bar where the activity only had a minor change. The activity of the cell‐free translation system seems to be more sensitive to pressure. Its activity was entirely lost when the pressure was up to 900 bar. The activity of rat ribosome and the cell‐free translation system treated by pressure below 900 bar could be almost completely restored by incubation after releasing the pressure, but could be partially restored at higher pressure.
Alteration of intracellular free calcium and acylphosphatase levels in differentiating SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Pieri A. , Liguri G. , Ceechi C. , Degl'Innocenti D. , Nassi P. , Ramponi G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLevels of acylphosphatase isoenzymes and free intracellular calcium have been investigated in cultured SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells under stimulation with all‐trans retinoic acid and phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate. Under these conditions morphological and functional characteristics demonstrated the differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells towards neuronal phenotype. Retinoic acid treatment caused a progressive and synchronous increase of the organ common‐type acylphosphatase and of free intracellular calcium but not of the muscle‐type acylphosphatase. Phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate treatment gave rise to a peak of the muscle‐type acylphosphatase levels during the early differentiation stage whereas organ common‐type isoenzyme and free calcium levels show a pattern similar to that observed in retinoic acid‐treated cells. These evidences indicate that the two acylphosphatase isoenzymes play different roles in SH‐SY5Y differentiation and that during this process the expression of organ common‐type acylphosphatase increases in a synchronous way with intracellular free calcium concentration.
Rotating Spheres: Gendered Commemorative Practice at the 1903 Jan Hus Memorial Festival in Prague
Authors: Paces Cynthia 
Published: July 2007

It will be a memorable day for every Czech.In 1903, former mayor Dr Jan Podlipný used these words to petition the Prague City Council to finance a nationalist festival dedicated to the memory of Jan Hus. Arguing for a celebration devoted to the fifteenth-century priest and church reformer who had become a nationalist icon in the nineteenth century, Podlipný emphasized the “memorable” quality of the planned event.2Indeed, the purpose of the celebration was to create memory on several levels. The festival itself would gather Czechs in great numbers, creating a memory of a shared community, which would bolster the Czech nationalist spirit for future campaigns. The festival's purpose was to lay a cornerstone to a Jan Hus Memorial, a monument that would etch a permanent memory of Jan Hus into Prague's landscape. Last, by publicly and collectively commemorating Hus, Czech nationalists would create a shared memory of the nation's past.
Expression and Characterization of Chicken Muscle Ecto‐ATPase in Mammalian COS Cells
Authors: Kirley Terence L. , Gerber Lamar K. , Smith Thomas M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractChicken muscle ecto‐ATPase has unusual enzyme kinetics and properties not found in many other E‐type ATPases. To determine whether the unique properties of the chicken ecto‐ATPase are inherent in the protein sequence and not mediated by some unique property of the chicken system, we have spliced together two partial cDNAs encoding the ecto‐ATPase. The enzymatic properties of the COS (green monkey kidney)cell‐expressed protein are indistinguishable from the purified chicken gizzard ecto‐ATPase, including a 2‐ to 3‐fold stimulation of membrane‐bound activity by crosslinking and lectins, properties not shared by most other E‐type ATPases. The expressed enzyme is specific for nucleotide triphosphates (ATPase:ADPase hydrolysis ratio of 26:1) and is inhibited by Cibacron Blue (IC 10 mu M). The active, expressed enzyme = 50 can be affinity‐purified with Cibacron Blue, is relatively resistant to deglycosylation, and is less stable than other E‐type ATPases. Expression in the presence of tunicamycin resulted in an inactive, unfolded enzyme.
Modeling and simulation of a two combustion chambers liquid propellant engine
Authors: Karimi Hassan , Mohammadi Rafat 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose is to develop and apply a systematic simulation approach for dynamic analysis in order to study a two combustion chambers liquid propellant engine.Design/methodology/approachThe logic of the simulation method and the software is based on following the liquids. The implicit nonlinear algebraic equations are solved using a number of nested Newton‐Raphson loops, and the nonlinear and time varying differential equations are solved using a first‐order Euler technique.FindingsIt is found that the developed simulation code predicts the steady‐state values with errors under 5 percent, and this code has the capability to be used in studying the effect of various elements and subsystems parameters on the forecasting the performance and operation of the engine system.Research limitations/implicationsAt present, the research is limited to a specific liquid propellant engine. Development of a general purpose software package for simulation of liquid propellant engines, based on the developed simulation algorithm, is subject of future research.Practical implicationsThe major outcome of this research is that verifies liquid engine simulation code may be used as a suitable tool to optimize the engine.Originality/valueThis is the first paper in the area of a two combustion chambers engine simulation and dynamic analysis that is based on the application of an existing simulation algorithm.
Talking it out
Authors: Crawley Rosemary 
Published: July 2007

PurposeIn this article, I seek to show how invocations of political correctness still work in nuanced ways to close down debates and trivialise issues, and effectively slow down progress towards achieving an anti‐racist society. I also begin to identify the typologies of the myriad ways in which it presents.Design/methodology/approachIt is an autobiographical account, with evidence gleaned from personal experiences as an equalities trainer and from discussions arising as part of supporting and mentoring other trainers.FindingsPolitical correctness has not gone away: it is still invoked by politicians, the media and individuals within organisations to attack anti‐racism and anti‐racist learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by its autobiographical and inevitably subjective nature. However, the standpoints of resistance that I have chosen to discuss are those that have arisen frequently and repeatedly and from across a range of public sector and quasi‐public sector organisations.Practical implicationsDespite its limitations, the article clearly demonstrates that political correctness remains an important topic for academic and practitioner debate, and it also identifies the need for further work in developing training to combat its destructiveness.Originality/valueAn original and firsthand account of anti‐racist training from the front line is provided. Its value lies in its experiential origins and its potential as a basis for further work.
Mechanical and durability behaviour of growing concrete structures
Authors: Salomoni Valentina A. , Mazzucco Gianluca , Majorana Carmelo E. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyse 3D growing concrete structures taking into account the phenomenon of body accretion, necessary for the simulation of the construction sequence, and carbon dioxide attack.Design/methodology/approachA typical 3D segmental bridge made of precast concrete is studied through a fully coupled thermo‐hygro‐mechanical F.E. model. The durability of the bridge is evaluated and carbonation effects are considered. Creep, relaxation and shrinkage effects are included according to the theory developed in the 1970s by Bažant for concretes and geomaterials; the fluid phases are considered as a unique mixture which interacts with a solid phase. The porous material is modelled using n Maxwell elements in parallel (Maxwell‐chain model).FindingsFirst, calibration analyses are developed to check the VISCO3D model capabilities for predicting carbonation phenomena within concrete and the full 3D structure is modelled to further assess the durability of the bridge under severe conditions of CO2 attack.Originality/valueThe adopted numerical model accounts for the strong coupling mechanisms of CO2 diffusion in the gas phase, moisture and heat transfer, CaCO3 formation and the availability of Ca(OH)2 in the pore solution due to its transport by water movement. Additionally, the phenomenon of a sequential construction is studied and numerically reproduced by a sequence of “births” for the 3D finite elements discretizing the bridge. The fully coupled model is here extended to 3D problems for accreting bodies (as segmental bridges) in order to gather the effects of multi‐dimensional attacks of carbon dioxide for such structures.
Internal and external logistics information technologies
Authors: Savitskie Katrina 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis research seeks to investigate logistics information technology (LIT) from an international perspective. The initial focus determines the viability of categorizing LIT into two constructs – internal and external LIT. The second focus examines the relationships between internal and external LIT and customer‐related performance capabilities. The objective is to provide a mechanism for managers to use when they need to provide justification for LIT expenditures.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature, along with survey data provided by international supply chain executives, was used to develop a research concept regarding LIT and its impact on customer‐related performance capabilities.FindingsThe results revealed that it is logical to separate LIT into two dimensions and that those individual dimensions do have an impact on specified performance capabilities. Therefore, managers wishing to target specific performance capabilities with LIT may do so even within an international setting.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size of 34 was not ideal and limits the possible generalizations from this study, but the results provide a basis for future research. Implications include support for the viability of two‐dimension LIT approach and the connection between LIT and performance capabilities that managers can use to justify LIT expenditures.Originality/valueThis paper answers the call for more internationally‐based supply chain research along with the need for justification regarding LIT investment.
Customisation – moving customers away from the dull conformity of brand loyalty
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Kónya László 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine consumers' perception of the difference between customised/modified products and brand stereotypes, and the extent of brand's impact on consumers' decisions to customise their purchases. Current literature is rife about the shift from the dominance of brands in directing consumer choice to the contemporary ascendancy of individualism reflected in customising products.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire containing 23 variables relating to brand perception and customisation was administered to more than 500 random shoppers leaving two shopping centres in an Australian city during a two‐week period. Results were used to construct two econometric models aimed at predicting consumers' perception of the difference between customised/modified and brand stereotypes and the extent that consumers' decisions to customise their purchases were affected by brand names.FindingsThe results show that factors, other than the motive of and the satisfaction from customising the product, with a significant influence on the perceived difference between customised items and brand stereotypes, have little in common with factors that impel consumers to customise/modify their purchases based on the imagery of brands. A significant reason why consumers self‐engage with composing their product purchases is to satisfy their desire for quality and genuinely believe that their compositions are appreciably different from brand stereotypes thus vindicating the theory of self‐congruency. Indeed, there is evidence that the extent brands influence customers to tailor their purchases, depend on the stores from which consumers make their purchases.Research limitations/implicationsThe research did not ask questions on the extent of influence of brands on purchase behaviour of made‐to‐order products in relation to every specific durable product tested. These items conceivably have different buying protocols and therefore future research may want to consider a larger sample size with dedicated respondents for each type of item that was modified or customised. Meaningful comparisons can then be made across each of these items to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic product appeals of customised items that consumers may find more compelling than the pull of established stereotypes of brands.Practical implicationsBrand owners might consider setting up “virtual” stores that offer templates to adjust their stereotypes in order to accommodate specific styles and perspectives of customers.Originality/valueIn an era when individualism is getting increasing currency, this study aims to introduce service providers in the retail industry to how much of a role brands play in influencing the specifications of adjusted and customised products.
The impact of the behavioural environment on office productivity
Authors: Haynes Barry P. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to demonstrate the role the behavioural environment plays in office productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature from the occupier perspective. This approach enables a greater appreciation of the social context of offices. The review establishes the need to link work process with the office environment. It identifies the need to understand how occupiers make sense of space through personalisation. The balance between the positive interactions in the office and negative distractions are explored.FindingsThe review of the literature reveals that by adopting the occupier perspective potential tensions can be identified between individual, private and team‐based collaborative work areas. These tensions can have an impact on the office occupier's productivity.Originality/valueThis paper establishes that to ensure office environments are designed for optimum productivity; consideration needs to be given to the role of the behavioural environment. Office environments need to be designed to enhance collaboration, whilst at the same time ensure individual private work is not compromised.
The effect of antecedent fatiguing activity on the relationship between perceived exertion and physiological activity during a constant load exercise task
Authors: Eston Roger , Faulkner James , St Clair Gibson Alan , Noakes Tim , Parfitt Gaynor 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis study assessed the relationship between the rate of change of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physiological activity, and time to volitional exhaustion. After completing a graded exercise test, 10 participants cycled at a constant load equating to 75% of peak oxygen uptake (V̇ O2peak) to exhaustion. Participants performed two further constant load exercise tests at 75%V̇ O2peak in a fresh state condition within the next 7 days. The RPE was regressed against time and percentage of the time (%time) to volitional exhaustion in both conditions. Despite a lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and higher heart rate at the start of the exercise bout in the fatigued condition, there were no differences in RPE at the onset or completion of exercise. As expected, the rate of increase in RPE was greater in the fatigued condition, but there were no differences when expressed against %time. Results suggest that RPE is set at the start of exercise using a scalar internal timing mechanism, which regulates RPE by altering the gain of the relationship with physiological parameters such as heart rate and RER when these are altered by previous fatiguing exercise.
Comparison of the Sensitivities of Noroviruses and Feline Calicivirus to Chemical Disinfection under Field-Like Conditions
Authors: Poschetto Lorenza Ferrero , Ike Anthony , Papp Tibor , Mohn Ulrich , Böhm Reinhard , Marschang Rachel E. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Noroviruses (NV), in the family
Caliciviridae
, are an important cause of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Measures for prevention and control of NV dissemination are therefore necessary to ensure public safety. The abilities of an organic acid (Venno Vet 1 Super), an aldehyde (Venno FF Super), a halogen compound (sodium hypochlorite solution), and a peroxide (Oxystrong FG) to inactivate feline calicivirus (FCV), a cultivable virus surrogate for NV, were studied. Molecular protocols were then used for the comparative evaluation of disinfectant efficacies against NV and FCV, which were tested by reproducing NV field conditions, using human fecal material as a protein load. Generally, disinfectant efficacy was strongly reduced by the organic impurities (feces) used during tests. All disinfectants, except the aldehyde, were effective on FCV, as measured by cell culture and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), with inactivation levels of ≥99.9%. The glutaraldehyde-based compound failed to adequately inactivate FCV according to RT-PCR results, although the infectivity in cell culture was completely abolished. Similar inactivation levels were achieved with NV, but generally NV appeared more resistant than FCV, and consequently, the suitability of FCV as a model for NV should be considered with caution. In conclusion, according to RT-PCR results, 5% Venno Vet 1 Super, 1% Oxystrong FG, and not less than 2% Venno FF Super, with a contact time of 1 h, and 1% sodium hypochlorite, with 6,000 ppm of free chlorine and a contact time of 15 min, are required for safe disinfection when a calicivirus-related outbreak is suspected.