bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and analysis of the genetic diversity of repertoires of VSG expression site containing telomeres from Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, T. b. brucei and T. equiperdum
Authors: Young Rosanna , Taylor Jesse E , Kurioka Ayako , Becker Marion , Louis Edward J , Rudenko Gloria 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
African trypanosomes (including Trypanosoma brucei) are unicellular parasites which multiply in the mammalian bloodstream. T. brucei has about twenty telomeric bloodstream form Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) expression sites (BESs), of which one is expressed at a time in a mutually exclusive fashion. BESs are polycistronic transcription units, containing a variety of families of expression site associated genes (ESAG s) in addition to the telomeric VSG. These polymorphic ESAG families are thought to play a role in parasite-host adaptation, and it has been proposed that ESAG diversity might be related to host range. Analysis of the genetic diversity of these telomeric gene families has been confounded by the underrepresentation of telomeric sequences in standard libraries. We have previously developed a method to selectively isolate sets of trypanosome BES containing telomeres using Transformation associated recombination (TAR) cloning in yeast.

Results
Here we describe the isolation of repertoires of BES containing telomeres from three trypanosome subspecies: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense DAL 972 (causative agent of West-African trypanosomiasis), T. b. brucei EATRO 2340 (a nonhuman infective strain) and T. equiperdum STIB 818 (which causes a sexually transmitted disease in equines). We have sequenced and analysed the genetic diversity at four BES loci (BES promoter region, ESAG6, ESAG5 and ESAG2) from these three trypanosome BES repertoires.

Conclusion
With the exception of ESAG2, the BES sequence repertoires derived from T. b. gambiense are both less diverse than and nearly reciprocally monophyletic relative to those from T. b. brucei and T. equiperdum. Furthermore, although we find evidence for adaptive evolution in all three ESAG repertoires in T. b. brucei and T. equiperdum, only ESAG2 appears to be under diversifying selection in T. b. gambiense. This low level of variation in the T. b. gambiense BES sequence repertoires is consistent both with the relatively narrow host range of this subspecies and its apparent long-term clonality. However, our data does not show a clear correlation between size of trypanosome host range and either number of BESs or extent of ESAG genetic diversity.
Methoxylation enhances stilbene bioactivity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wilson Mark A , Rimando Agnes M , Wolkow Catherine A 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Stilbenes are 1,2-diphenylethylene congeners produced by plants in response to stress. Many stilbenes also exhibit xenobiotic activities in animal cells, such as inhibition of cancer cell growth, neuroprotection, and immune modulation. In vivo, hydroxylated stilbenes are metabolized by glucuronidation to facilitate excretion. Methoxylated stilbenes are metabolized more slowly, which may have a positive effect on in vivo bioactivity. Here, we have directly compared in vivo bioactivities of methoxylated and hydroxylated stilbenes in a whole organism using the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, an advantageous experimental system for such studies due to its rapid lifecycle, genetic amenability and relatively low-cost.

Results
Toxicity towards C. elegans adults was observed for trimethoxylated and dimethoxylated stilbenes, as well as the monomethoxylated stilbene desoxyrhapontigenin. Toxicity was not observed for the monomethoxylated stilbene, pinostilbene, nor for hydroxylated stilbenes. The methoxylated stilbenes that exhibited toxicity also showed stronger inhibitory effects than the hydroxylated stilbenes on germline tumor growth in gld-1(q485) adults. However, steady-state levels of three inhibitory methoxylated stilbenes did not directly correlate to their relative bioactivities.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that, for the group of stilbenes investigated, methoxylation generally increased bioactivity in vivo in a whole organism, with the exception of pinostilbene. Differences in bioactivity in C. elegans adults did not appear to correlate with differential uptake. Rather, we speculate that methoxylated stilbenes may have increased interactions with biological targets in vivo or may interact with specific targets unaffected by hydroxylated stilbenes. The potent activities of methoxylated stilbenes provide a basis for further investigations to identify in vivo targets for these compounds.
Association between Interleukin-15 and Obesity: Interleukin-15 as a Potential Regulator of Fat Mass
Authors: Nielsen Anders Rinnov , Hojman Pernille , Erikstrup Christian , Fischer Christian Philip , Plomgaard Peter , Mounier Remi , Mortensen Ole Hartvig , Broholm Christa , Taudorf Sarah , Krogh-Madsen Rikke , Lindegaard Birgitte , Petersen Anne Marie Winther , Gehl Julie , Pedersen Bente Klarlund 
Published: August 2008

Objective: IL-15 decreases lipid deposition in preadipocytes and decreases the mass of white adipose tissue in rats, indicating that IL-15 may take part in regulating this tissue. IL-15 is expressed in human skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle may be a source of plasma IL-15 and in this way regulate adipose tissue mass.Design: The relation between skeletal muscle IL-15 mRNA expression, plasma IL-15, and adipose tissue mass was studied in 199 humans divided into four groups on the basis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, using a DNA electrotransfer model, we assessed the effect of IL-15 overexpression in skeletal muscle of mice.Results: In humans, multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between plasma IL-15 and total fat mass (P &lt; 0.05), trunk fat mass (P &lt; 0.01), and percent fat mass (P &lt; 0.05), independent of type 2 diabetes. Negative associations were also found between muscle IL-15 mRNA and obesity parameters. IL-15 overexpression in skeletal muscle of mice reduced trunk fat mass but not sc fat mass.Conclusions: Our results indicate that IL-15 may be a regulator of trunk fat mass.
A Novel Mutation in the Human Androgen Receptor Suggests a Regulatory Role for the Hinge Region in Amino-Terminal and Carboxy-Terminal Interactions
Authors: Deeb A. , Jääskeläinen J. , Dattani M. , Whitaker H. C. , Costigan C. , Hughes I. A. 
Published: August 2008

Context: The androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is caused by molecular defects in the androgen receptor (AR). Clinically, the partial AIS has a variable phenotype. Many mechanisms explain the phenotype in the AIS. A crucial step in AR action is the interaction of the N and C termini.Objective: The role of the hinge region of the AR is not as well understood as other parts of the receptor. We aim to study the role of this region in the N/C-termini interaction.Patient and Method: We report a patient with severe undermasculinization and poor response to exogenous androgens. Androgen binding was performed, and the AR gene was sequenced. The mutation was recreated and transfected in COS-1 cells. Transactivation was studied. N/C-termini interaction was studied using a mammalian two-hybrid assay. A nuclear localization study was performed.Results: Androgen binding was normal, and a novel mutation (Arg629Trp) in the AR hinge region was identified. Mutant AR transactivation was 40% higher compared with wild type (WT). A 3-fold increase in transcription occurred when both WT N and C-terminal domains were cotransfected; no response occurred when the mutated region of the AR was included (P &lt; 0.001). Cells with mutant AR showed a comparable nuclear localization to the WT AR.Conclusions: A mutation in the hinge region impaired N/C-domain interaction in the presence of normal AR binding and nuclear localization. It resulted in severe undermasculinization at birth and resistance to androgens. The findings confirm a unique regulatory role for the hinge region in AR function.
Desvenlafaxine: Another “Me Too” Drug?
Authors: Sopko Michael A , Ehret Megan J , Grgas Marina 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare desvenlafaxine with its parent drug, venlafaxine, to determine the usefulness of this new medication. Data Sources: Information was obtained through a MEDLINE search (1966-June 2008) and from published abstracts. Search terms included desvenlafaxine, O-desmethyIvenlafaxine, Pristiq, major depressive disorder, and venlafaxine. STUDY selection and data extraction: All English-language studies and abstracts pertaining to desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine were considered for inclusion. Preference was given to human data. Data Synthesis: Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is the active metabolite of the antidepressant venlafaxine. The recommended dose is 50 mg daily, based on the efficacy and safety data of 50, 100,150,200, and 400 mg of desvenlafaxine. The response and remission rates of depression at 8 weeks for the 50-mg dose are 51 -63% and 31-45%, respectively. These rates are comparable with those seen with venlafaxine (58% and 45%, respectively). Adverse effects are also similar to those of venlafaxine, with the most common being insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, and nausea. The decreased potential of CYP2D6 activity with desvenlafaxine compared with the parent drug may be a potential advantage in patients on other medications metabolized via this enzymatic pathway. Also, desvenlafaxine tablets are less expensive than extended-release (XR) venlafaxine, which may decrease healthcare costs in the short term. However, venlafaxine XR is expected to go off patent in 2010. Conclusions: With the overall similarity between these 2 drugs and the potential lack of cost savings, the need for desvenlafaxine and its ultimate utility in treating major depressive disorder appears to be insignificant.
Sorption and thermodynamic properties of juvenile Pinus sylvestris L. wood after 103 years of submersion
Authors: Esteban Luis García , de Palacios Paloma , Fernández Francisco García , Guindeo Antonio , Conde Marta , Baonza Victoria 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The hygroscopicity and thermodynamic properties of juvenile Pinus sylvestris L. wood taken from the submerged piles of a bridge built in 1903 over the Jiloca River, in Spain, were compared with the corresponding values of juvenile wood of the same species from recently cut trees. The 35°C and 50°C isotherms were plotted and subsequently fitted using the Guggenheim-Anderson-Boer-Dent method, and the isosteric heat of sorption was obtained through the integration method of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The isotherms were compared by means of the hysteresis coefficients. Infrared spectra were recorded to study the chemical modifications, and the crystal structure of the cellulose was studied by X-ray diffractograms. The submersion in water resulted in hemicellulose degradation and a decrease in the crystallinity index and the crystallite length, accompanied by a corresponding increase in the proportion of amorphous zones. Owing to this, the equilibrium moisture contents of the water logged wood are higher than in the recent wood, both in adsorption and in desorption. In terms of the thermodynamic properties, the bond energy is higher in the recent wood than in the water logged wood.
EDDY COVARIANCE CO2 FLUX MEASUREMENTS IN NOCTURNAL CONDITIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
Authors: Aubinet Marc 
Published: August 2008

A detailed analysis of the various processes at work in stable boundary layers was made. It pointed out that two main mechanisms may affect eddy covariance measurements in stable conditions and that their impacts were different. On one hand, intermittent turbulence produces strongly nonstationary events during which the validity of turbulent transport and storage measurements is uncertain. On the other hand, during breeze and drainage flow events, significant advection takes place and competes with turbulent flux and storage.Intermittent turbulence questions both the ability of eddy covariance systems to adequately capture turbulent flux and storage and the representativeness of the measurements. Ability of the systems to capture the fluxes could be improved by adapting the averaging time period or the high pass filtering characteristics. However, beyond this, the question of representativeness of the flux remains open as the flux measured during an intermittent turbulence event represents not only the source term, but also the removal of CO2 that built up in the control volume and that cannot be simply related to the source term. In these conditions, the u* discrimination is likely to be insufficient and should be completed with a stationarity criterion. Further research should allow determining better selection criteria.Advection occurs mainly in presence of flows associated with topographical slopes (drainage flows) or with land use changes (breezes). Direct advection measurements were performed at several sites, but the results were shown to be strongly site dependent. A classification based on the general flow pattern and on the source intensity evolution along streamlines was proposed here. Five different patterns were identified that helped to classify the different observations. The classification was found to be a fairly good fit for the observations. This could serve as a tool to better understand and quantify the fluxes at sites subjected to repeatable patterns.
Interpretation of the “positive” methacholine challenge
Authors: Hewitt David J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundA methacholine challenge may be used in confirming the diagnosis of asthma, occupational asthma, or reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) through identification of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). While sensitivity of the test in diagnosing clinically significant asthma is excellent, specificity of the test is poor. Since there are many conditions which have been associated with BHR, a positive test must be interpreted cautiously.MethodsThis paper reviews potential causes of a positive methacholine challenge other than asthma or RADS which have been reported in the medical literature.ResultsFactors which may be associated with a positive methacholine test include test methodology, normal variation of BHR in the general population, and numerous medical conditions.ConclusionsIn cases of inhalation exposure evaluations, alternative explanations must be considered when determining whether a causal association exists between the exposure and a positive methacholine test result. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:769–781, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel human antibody therapeutics: The age of the Umabs
Authors: Ruuls Sigrid R. , Lammerts van Bueren Jeroen J. , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Parren Paul W. H. I. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies represent a major and increasingly important category of biotechnology products for the treatment of human diseases. The state‐of‐the‐art of antibody technology has evolved to the point where therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, that are practically indistinguishable from antibodies induced in humans, are routinely generated. We depict how our science‐based approach can be used to further improve the efficacy of antibody therapeutics, illustrated by the development of three monoclonal antibodies for various cancer indications: zanolimumab (directed against CD4), ofatumumab (directed against CD20) and zalutumumab (directed against epidermal growth factor receptor).
The association between coronary arterial dominancy and extent of coronary artery disease in angiography and paraclinical studies
Authors: Vasheghani‐Farahani Ali , Kassaian Seyed Ebrahim , Yaminisharif Ahmad , Davoodi Gholamreza , Salarifar Mojtaba , Amirzadegan Alireza , Darabian Sirous , Fotouhi Akbar , Sadigh Gelareh , Razavi Seyed Amirhossein , Hakki Elham 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe association between coronary arterial dominance patterns and the coronary artery diameter, length, and valvular heart diseases were previously studied. However, its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. We investigated to determine whether the extent and localization of CAD differ in right, left, or codominant coronary arterial patterns. Twelve thousand five hundred fifty‐eight patients admitted to Tehran Heart Center for coronary angiography were studied retrospectively (2004–2006). The extent and localization of CAD and the dominant artery were determined. There were 62.7% males. The mean age was 57.6 ± 10.3. 84.2% [95% confidence interval (CI); 83.6–84.8%], 10.9% (95% CI; 10.4–11.4%), and 4.8% (95% CI; 4.4–5.2%) of the patients were right, left, and codominant, respectively; No significant difference considering age, sex, positive family history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, electrocardiography, exercise treadmill stress test, and perfusion scan were seen in the groups. The right‐dominant patients tend to have three‐vessel disease (33.1% vs. 27%, P < 0.0001), stenosis of more than 50% in right coronary artery (65.9% vs. 57.9%, P < 0.0001) and left circumflex territories (64% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.01), more than the left‐dominant patients. The involvements of the left main coronary artery, left anterior descending artery territory, and posterior descending artery were not significantly different. This study demonstrates a relationship between angiographic CAD severity, and the involved arterial territory and dominancy patterns. Clin. Anat. 21:519–523, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A qualitative analysis of factors associated with user acceptance and rejection of a new workplace information system in the public sector: a conceptual model
Authors: Ouadahi Jamal 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study examines the factors that lead employees to endorse or resist the introduction of a new information system (IS). Findings suggest that attitudes toward adopting IS are related to psychological characteristics of the potential adopters, including, open‐mindedness, self‐efficacy, interest in the information and communication technology, and time remaining before retirement. Also figuring prominently in influencing attitudes are the end‐users' perceptions and expectations with respect to project management, IS quality, IS usefulness, and its effects on organizational positions, work organization, performance, skills, jobs, and worker health. Finally, user attitudes also relate to features of change management practices, including leadership, training, support, recognition, communication, and participation. An integrative conceptual model of IS user adoption is proposed and suggestions for future research are offered. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Region‐specific alterations in astroglial TWIK‐related acid‐sensitive K+‐1 channel immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampal complex following pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Kwak Sung‐Eun , Choi Soo‐Young , Kang Tae‐Cheon 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTASK‐1 (green) and GFAP (red) signals in the hippocampal complex at 1 day after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus. TASK‐1 immunoreactivity is observed in GFAP+ astrocytes in the CA1 region. However, TASK‐1 immunoreactivity in GFAP+ astrocytes is markedly decreased in the dentate gyrus. Blue is DAPI counterstaining. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:463–474, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lesions of the mammillary body region alter hippocampal movement signals and theta frequency: Implications for path integration models
Authors: Sharp Patricia E. , Koester Kate 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCells throughout the hippocampal formation are involved in processing spatial information. These same cells also show an influence of locomotor activity, and these movement signals are thought to be critical for the path integration abilities of these cells. Nuclei in the mammillary region provide ascending influences to the hippocampal formation and have been implicated in influencing both hippocampal spatial and theta signals. Here, we report the effects of mammillary lesions on movement‐related signals in several hippocampal subregions. We find first, as predicted by earlier work, these lesions cause an approximately 1 Hz reduction in the frequency of theta modulation of cell firing. According to recent theoretical work, this might, in turn, be expected to influence the size of hippocampal place fields. Our data do not confirm this prediction for any of the hippocampal regions examined. Second, we report lesion effects on the relationship between firing rate and running speed for the hippocampal cells. These lesions caused a reduction in both the slope and intercept of rate‐by‐speed functions for cells in the hippocampus and postsubiculum. Surprisingly, cells in subiculum showed an opposite effect, so that the excitatory influence of locomotion was enhanced. Path integration theories predict that the speed at which path integration occurs is related to the strength of this movement signal. In remarkable accordance with this prediction, we report that the timing of the place cell signals is slowed following mammillary lesions for hippocampal and postsubicular cells, but, in contrast, is speeded up for subicular cells. In fact, the timing for place signals across lesion condition and brain region is predicted by a single linear function which relates timing to the strength of the running speed signal. Thus, these data provide remarkable support for some aspects of current path integration theory, while posing a challenge for other aspects of these same theories. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standardized evapotranspiration as an agricultural drought index
Authors: Łabędzki Leszek , Kanecka‐Geszke Ewa 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDrought risk for sugar beet was estimated based on standardized evapotranspiration index ETs and the frequency of drought occurrence. Standardized evapotranspiration index ETs was calculated for four soil types of different useful soil water reserves using the series of actual evapotranspiration ET for sugar beet growing seasons in 1970–2004, taken from 40 meteorological stations located in various agroclimatic regions of Poland. A great spatial differentiation of the frequency of droughts depending on drought category and soils were determined. Differences between the stations were observed, whereas differences between soils were less. The minimum frequency was observed on soil with the greatest total available soil water. Frequency of all drought categories ranged from 20% to 40% on soil with low water retention and to 35% on soil with high water retention. Generally most drought periods according to the ETs were recorded in central Poland from west to east. Taking into account the frequency of droughts in all categories, the central‐west and central‐east parts of Poland are most threatened by agricultural droughts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.