bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cells: What role do they play in antitumor immunity in patients with head and neck cancer?
Authors: Alhamarneh Osama , Amarnath Shoba M. P. , Stafford Nicholas D. , Greenman John 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAdvances in the treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) over the last 20 years involving surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are not fully reflected in increases in the 5‐year survival rates, mainly due to locoregional recurrences and to a lesser extent, distant metastasis. This can, in part, be attributed to the fact that HNSCC induces severe depression of a patient's immune system. Recent advances in understanding the complex host–tumor interactions have led to the identification of a distinct suppressor cell population known as regulatory T cells that play a crucial role in maintaining T‐cell tolerance to self‐antigens. Here, we present a critical review of our understanding of the involvement of regulatory T cells in controlling the T‐cell immune response in tumor occurrence and progression in HNSCC with an emphasis on current and future immunotherapeutic approaches involving regulatory T cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Navigational skills correlate with hippocampal fractional anisotropy in humans
Authors: Iaria Giuseppe , Lanyon Linda J. , Fox Christopher J. , Giaschi Deborah , Barton Jason J.S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIndividuals vary widely in their ability to orient within the environment. We used diffusion tensor imaging to investigate whether this ability, as measured by navigational performance in a virtual environment, correlates with the anatomic structural properties of the hippocampus, i.e., fractional anisotropy. We found that individuals with high fractional anisotropy in the right hippocampus are (a) faster in forming a cognitive map of the environment, and (b) more efficient in using this map for the purpose of orientation, than individuals with low fractional anisotropy. These results are consistent with the role of the hippocampus in navigation, and suggest that its microstructural properties may contribute to the intersubject variability observed in spatial orientation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A double‐nonparametric procedure for estimating the number of delay‐reported cases
Authors: Lin Huazhen , Yip Paul S. F. , Huggins Richard M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis paper proposes a double‐nonparametric procedure to estimate the population size for reporting delay data without the specification of the incidence function and the delay distribution function. Asymptotic results of the proposed estimator are given. Simulation studies show that the proposed procedure works better than the existing estimating procedures. The method has been applied to a suicide reporting system in Hong Kong for improving monitoring and surveillance purposes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunological and metabolic effects of cis-9, trans-11-conjugated linoleic acid in subjects with birch pollen allergy
Authors: Turpeinen Anu M. , Ylönen Niina , von Willebrand Eva , Basu Samar , Aro Antti 
Published: January 2008

Animal studies suggest that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may modulate the immune response, while studies in healthy human subjects have shown little effect and results are controversial. However, the effects of CLA may be more prominent in situations of immune imbalance, such as allergy. We studied the effects of the natural CLA isomer, cis-9, trans-11-CLA, on allergy symptoms and immunological parameters in subjects with birch pollen allergy. In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, forty subjects (20–46 years) with diagnosed birch pollen allergy received 2 g CLA/d in capsules, which contained 65·3 % cis-9, trans-11-CLA and 8·5 % trans-10, cis-12-CLA (n 20), or placebo (high-oleic acid sunflower-seed oil) (n 20) for 12 weeks. The supplementation began 8 weeks before the birch pollen season and continued throughout the season. Allergy symptoms and use of medication were recorded daily. Lymphocyte subsets, cytokine production, immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, lipid and glucose metabolism and lipid peroxidation were assessed before and after supplementation. The CLA group reported a better overall feeling of wellbeing (P < 0·05) and less sneezing (P < 0·05) during the pollen season. CLA supplementation decreased the in vitro production of TNF-α (P < 0·01), interferon-γ (P < 0·05) and IL-5 (P < 0·05). Total plasma IgE and birch-specific IgE concentrations did not differ between groups, whereas plasma IgA (P < 0·05), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P < 0·05) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (P < 0·05) concentrations were lower after CLA supplementation. Urinary excretion of 8-iso-PGF2α, a major F2-isoprostane (P < 0·01), and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α, a primary PGF2α metabolite (P < 0·05), increased in the CLA group. The results suggest that cis-9, trans-11-CLA has modest anti-inflammatory effects in allergic subjects.
Differential response of protein metabolism in splanchnic organs and muscle to pectin feeding
Authors: Pirman Tatjana , Mosoni Laurent , Rémond Didier , Ribeyre Marie Claude , Buffière Caroline , Salobir Janez , Mirand Philippe Patureau 
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the addition of soluble fibre in the diet affected protein metabolism in the intestinal tissues, some visceral organs and in skeletal muscle. A diet supplemented with pectin (80 g/kg) was fed to young growing rats and the effect on organ mass and protein metabolism in liver, spleen, small and large intestines and gastrocnemius muscle was monitored and compared with the control group. Protein synthesis rates were determined by measuring [13C]valine incorporation in tissue protein. In the pectin-fed rats compared with the controls, DM intake and body weight gain were reduced (9 and 20 %, respectively) as well as gastrocnemius muscle, liver and spleen weights (6, 14 and 11 %, respectively), but the intestinal tissues were increased (64 %). In the intestinal tissues all protein metabolism parameters (protein and RNA content, protein synthesis rate and translational efficiency) were increased in the pectin group. In liver the translational efficiency was also increased, whereas its protein and RNA contents were reduced in the pectin group. In gastrocnemius muscle, protein content, fractional and absolute protein synthesis rates and translational efficiency were lower in the pectin group. The stimulation of protein turnover in intestines and liver by soluble fibre such as pectins could be one of the factors that explain the decrease in muscle turnover and whole-body growth rate.
Coaxial cavity vircator with enhanced efficiency
Authors: LIU G.Z. , SHAO H. , YANG Z.F. , SONG Z.M. , CHEN C.H. , SUN J. , ZHANG Y.P. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA vircator with a coaxial cavity has the potential to increase the beam–microwave conversion efficiency. According to the E-field distribution pattern of the modes in the anode cavity of a coaxial vircator, the resonant frequency band of the injected electron beam and the lowest two operating modes are derived. The main frequency of the virtual cathode is also deduced. The optimal operating frequency and high-efficiency designing method of a coaxial cavity vircator is discussed. An experimental setup is designed and built to test the high-power microwave (HPM) generation mechanism described by theoretical analysis as well as increase the power efficiency. HPM frequency obtained in the experiment is in good agreement with the analysis. The power and energy efficiencies obtained in the experiment are, respectively, 8.7% and 6.8% with 50 ns pulse width. Frequency and phase stable HPM radiation is observed as well as pulse shortening is evidently depressed.
Whole-Genome Amplification by Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed PCR (DOP-PCR)
Authors: Arneson Nona , Hughes Simon , Houlston Richard , Done Susan 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONPCR-based whole-genome amplification (WGA) has the goal of generating microgram quantities of genome-representative DNA from picogram or nanogram amounts of starting material. This amplification should introduce little, or ideally no, representational bias. Unlike other techniques for WGA, PCR-based methods are generally less affected by DNA quality and are more applicable to DNA extracted from various sources (fixed and fresh tissues). The degenerate-oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR) method described here allows complete genome coverage in a single reaction. In contrast to the pairs of target-specific primer sequences used in traditional PCR, only a single primer, which has defined sequences at its 5′-end (containing an XhoI restriction site) and 3′-end and a random hexamer sequence between them, is used here. DOP-PCR comprises two different cycling stages. In stage 1 (low stringency), low-temperature annealing and extension in the first five to eight cycles occurs at many binding sites in the genome. The 3′-end of the primer binds at sites in the genome complementary to the 6-bp well-defined sequence at the 3′-end of the primer (~106 sites in the human genome). The adjacent random hexamer sequence (displaying all possible combinations of the nucleotides A, G, C, and T) can then anneal and tags these sequences with the DOP primer. In stage 2 (high stringency; >25 cycles), the PCR annealing temperature is raised, which increases priming specificity during amplification of the tagged sequence. DOP-PCR generates a smear of DNA fragments (200-1000 bp) that are visible on an agarose gel.
Whole-Genome Amplification by Single-Cell Comparative Genomic Hybridization PCR (SCOMP)
Authors: Arneson Nona , Hughes Simon , Houlston Richard , Done Susan 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTIONPCR-based whole-genome amplification (WGA) has the goal of generating microgram quantities of genome-representative DNA from picogram or nanogram amounts of starting material. This amplification should introduce little, or ideally no, representational bias. In contrast to other techniques for WGA, PCR-based methods are generally less affected by DNA quality and are more applicable to DNA extracted from various sources (fixed and fresh tissues). Ligation-mediated PCR techniques involve ligating an adaptor sequence onto a “representation” of DNA molecules, generated following enzymatic digestion, random shearing, or chemical cleavage. Single-cell comparative genomic hybridization (SCOMP), described in this protocol, is a form of ligation-mediated PCR that was specifically designed for WGA of extremely limited sources of genomic DNA. The reaction volume is purposely kept to a minimum, and all buffers are optimized to eliminate the need to purify the reaction between steps. In addition, the entire reaction is performed in a single tube. This avoids initial template loss and reduces the risk of PCR contamination. SCOMP begins by converting the genome to a high-complexity representation with a fragment size of <2 kb by digesting with the restriction enzyme MseI. This results in a smear in the range of 100-1500 bp. Following enzyme digestion, adaptors containing specific primer sequences (specific to the restriction enzyme used) are ligated onto the ends of the genomic DNA and amplified in a high-stringency PCR. This results in a smear of PCR products in the range of 100-1500 bp, which can be visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis.
Wing morphometric analysis of Australian Sarcophaginae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: BROWN K. R. , SHIPP E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPhenetic affinities of thirty‐two species of Australian Sarcophaginae are described. A set of wing morphometric characters was analysed using canonical variate analysis and clustering of generalized distances. The results were compared to classifications of Roback (1954) and to that of Souza Lopes (1954, 1958a, b, 1959). There was substantially more agreement with the classification of Roback than with that of Souza Lopes. Thus the subfamily appears to consist of a reduced number of minor genera (Heteronychia, Blaesoxipha, Tricharaea and possibly Sarcosolomonia/Fergusonimyia) and a large complex consisting of species of Sarcophaga sensu lato.
A new species of Acraea Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Acraeinae) from Ghana, West Africa
Authors: USHER M. B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAcraea krakais a distinctive species, with reduced scales on both forewings and hindwings, from the equatorial forest east of the Dahomey Gap. A similar, allopatric species,A.kibisp.n., is described from an isolated upland forest within the equatorial forest west of the Dahomey Gap.
A phylogenetic interpretation of the Brachycera (Diptera) based on the larval mandible and associated mouthpart structures
Authors: SINCLAIR B. J. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Based on outgroup comparison, the various components of the larval mandible of the Brachycera and their homologies are described. The final instar larval mandible of the Brachycera ground plan is comprised of a distal pointed hook and an inverted ‘U’‐shaped basal sclerite. The phylogenetic implications of the larval mandibular homologies and associated mouthpart structures for the current cladistic hypotheses of the Nematocera (Wood & Borkent, 1989) and orthorrhaphous Brachycera (Woodley, 1989) are evaluated.A cladistic analysis of larval mouthpart characters largely supports the hypotheses of Wood & Borkent and Woodley. The presence of a pharyngeal filter is tentatively proposed as a synapomorphy of the Diptera exclusive of the Tipulomorpha and Bibionomorpha. Evidence is presented supporting a sister‐group relationship between the Psychodomorpha (sensu Wood & Borkent, 1989) and the Brachycera. The placement of the Pantophthalmidae in the Stratiomyomorpha is supported by the apomorphic development of the mandibular‐maxillary complex and pharyngeal filter with posterior grinding mill. Additional larval mouthpart characters are proposed supporting the concept of the Eremoneura (Empidoidea + Cyclorrhapha). The ground plan of the Empidoidea appears to be characterized by the apomorphic development of a four‐component mandible, in which the basal sclerite is subdivided into two connecting sclerites and a ventral sclerite. Morphological evidence is presented supporting the mandibular origin of the mouthhooks of the Cyclorrhapha.
Evolving under myrmecophily: a cladistic revision of the symphilic beetle tribe Sceptobiini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: DANOFF‐BURG JAMES A. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract. A phylogenetic analysis is carried out using Falagriini as the sister taxon of the tribe Sceptobiini. The trees resulting from a series of matrix manipulations and analyses are highly congruent. Two clades are produced: Dinardilla includes two species, and Sceptobius includes three species. Symbiochara Fenyes and Apteronina Wasmann are synonymized with Sceptobius Sharp, and Apteronina wasmanni Mann is synonymized with Sceptobius dispar Sharp.All sceptobiine species are obligate inquilines of either Liometopum apiculatum Mayr or L.occidentale Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). Preliminary behavioural observations indicate that the subdivision into two clades is reflected in the types of interactions with host ants. Dinardilla beetles actively interact with the host, while Sceptobius beetles are more peripheral within the nest. These ecological and behavioural differences are believed to be produced by an interaction between ecological specialization, chance historical events, and geographic isolation during the speciation of the host ants.
A phylogenetic analysis of the fungus‐growing ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini) based on morphological characters of the larvae
Authors: SCHULTZ TED R. , MEIER RUDOLF 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA phylogenetic hypothesis of the fungus‐growing ants (subfamily Myrmicinae, tribe Attini) is proposed, based on a cladistic analysis utilizing forty‐four morphological characters (109 states) of the prepupal worker larva. The fifty‐one attine species analysed include representatives of eleven of the twelve currently recognized attine genera, excluding only the monotypic workerless parasitePseudoatta; the non‐attines include two outgroups (species of the basal myrmicine generaMyrmicaandPogonomyrmex), two myrmicine species presumed to be distantly related to the attines, and twelve species representing taxa that have been proposed by prior workers as possible sister groups of the Attini. There is strong character support for the monophyly of the Attini and for a sister‐group relationship of the Attini and the NeotropicalBlepharidatta brasiliensis.The Attini are divided into two distinct lineages, an ‘apterostigmoid’ clade (containingApterostigmaandMycocepurus)and an‘attoid’clade (containing all other attine genera exceptMyrmicocrypta).The attine genusMyrmicocryptaappears to be paraphyletic with respect to these two groups; the speciesM.buenzliiin particular retains many attine plesiomorphies.These results indicate that the fungus‐growing behaviour had a single evolutionary origin in the ants. They also indicate that mycelium cultivation is plesiomorphic and that yeast cultivation is derived within the Attini, overturning the long‐standing assumption that the yeast‐growingCyphomyrmexspecies are the most primitive Attini. Behavioural and ecological investigations into the origin and evolution of the fungus‐growing behaviour might more profitably focus on species in the attine genusMyrmicocrypta, as well as those in the closely related non‐attine generaBlepharidattaandWasmannia.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF RADIATION INACTIVATION OF MICRO‐ORGANISMS—IX. MECHANISM OF THE ULTRAVIOLET‐INDUCED INACTIVATION OF TRANSFORMING DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID
Authors: Stuy J. H. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryPurified transforming DNA and whole cells of Haemophilus influenzae were exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The DNA and the cells carried three linked antibiotic‐resistant markers.Inactivation of these markers, singly and in all possible combinations proceeded semilogarithmically with U.V. dose. The in vitro and in viva pictures were quite alike.Experiments designed to test the possible integration of U.V. damaged DNA regions into the genome of recipient cells demonstrated that the bulk of these regions is rejected by the cells. The “inactivation” of genetic markers as scored by the transformation reaction is thus simply due to their location on such regions. They need not be damaged themselves.U.V.‐induced DNA damage seemed to induce double recombination events in the transformation process.
CHLOROPLAST “DISAPPEARANCE” AS A TOOL FOR STUDYING SOME EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT ON PLANTS*
Authors: Chessin M. , Quinn G. H. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryWith certain precautions the “disappearance” of guard cell chloroplasts may serve as a quantitative measure of ultraviolet light damage to leaves.Irradiated French bean leaves are still appreciably photoreactivable after 30–60 min in darkness, but eventually they cease to be. This critical time is the same as with irradiated viruses photoreactivated in their hosts.Guard cells seem much less susceptible than other epidermal cells to damage by ultraviolet light because ultraviolet light doses 15 times as great as those that cause collapse of ordinary epidermal cells do not abolish reversible osmotic closure of stomata.
PHOTOLYSIS AND PHOTO‐OXIDATION OF AMINO ACIDS AND PEPTTDES—II. PHOTO‐DEGRADATION OF CYSTEINE AND RELATED AMINO ACIDS
Authors: Forbes W. F. , Savige W. E. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryS‐methylcysteine (II) or lanthionine (III) in neutral aqueous solution is partly converted mainly to the corresponding sulphoxide (IV) on irradiation with sunlight or with a sunlamp; cysteine (I) affords cystine and/or products such as the acids (V—for example alaninethio‐sulphuric acid, V, X= SSO3H) shown to arise from photo‐degradation of cystine under similar conditiond(4). In dilute acid or alkaline solution, greater variations occur in the product patterns for cystine and lanthionine than for S‐methylcysteine. Cystine in dilute acid solution in the presence of air gives alaninesulphinic acid (V, X= SO2H) and cysteic acid (V, X= SO3H) but not the acids V (X= SSO3H, SSSO3H and X = SO2SH). In the solid state little photo‐degradation of the amino acids I, II, III or of cystine is detected.Irradiation of each of the amino acids I, II, or III in solution with 2537Å light affords good yields of alanine and serine in addition to the same products as were obtained with the sunlamp; this behaviour contrasts with that of cystine, when only traces of alanine and serine are obtained on irradiation with 2537Å light unless air is excluded when alanine is the main product.Alanine is also obtained from each of the three amino acids I, II, III or cystine on irradiation with 2537Å light in the solid state. In addition, irradiation of cysteine, cystine or lanthionine causes some interconversion. The main reactions of I, II and III with 2537Å light are compatible with homolytic fission of one of the bonds adjacent to the sulphur atom to yield the corresponding free radicals.In conformity with the above type of fission the amino acids I, II, III and also cystine give characteristic ESR absorption spectra on irradiation with 2537Å light. On irradiation with the sunlamp, cystine but not the amino acids I, TI or 111, gives a strong ESR signal; however the free radical or radicals responsible do not appear to be identical with those produced by the action of 2537Å light.
PRIMARY REACTIONS IN BACTERIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS—III. REACTIONS OF CAROTENOIDS AND CYTOCHROMES IN ILLUMINATED BACTERIAL CHROMATOPHORES
Authors: Clayton R. K. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryWashed or air‐dried chromatophores of photosynthetic bacteria show a reversible light‐induced bleaching and red shift of the absorption bands of carotenoids. This change is sensitized by light absorbed by bacteriochlorophyll (BChl). The carotenoid reaction is abolished by exposure to deoxycholate. In dried preparations, the reaction is optimal in the presence of an extremely low water vapor concentration. All of the light‐induced absorbancy changes in chromatophores are suppressed reversibly by exhaustive desiccation.Deoxycholate treatment and drying do not affect the efficiency of energy transfer from carotenoids to BChl in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides chromatophores, nor do these treatments affect the way in which carotenoids modify the absorption spectrum of BChl.The carotenoid reaction in washed or dried chromatophores is interpreted as arising from the diffusion of electrons or holes from the neighborhood of a special BChl component (BChl,) to the carotenoid molecules.Dark‐adapted Chromatium chromatophores show, in addition to the light‐induced alteration of BChl2 the reversible light‐induced oxidation of a cytochrome. Correspondingly, R. spheroides chromatophores show the oxidation of cytochrome c553. The cytochrome reaction occurs reversibly in dried films of Chromatium chromatophores; it is absent in dried chromatophores of R. spheroides.In Chromatium the reactions of cytochrome and BChl, show a close kinetic relationship. It is inferred that BChl, is a photosynthetic reaction center that traps excitation energy and initiates the electron‐transfer processes of photosynthesis.
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE THERMOCHEMILUMINESCENCE OF CHLOROPHYLL
Authors: Bellamy W.D. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The therrnochemiluminescence of the chloroplasts from normal lettuce seedlings is enhanced by the addition of β carotene but not by chlorophyll a.The thermochemiluminescence of chloroplasts from etiolated seedlings is enhanced by neither β carotene nor chlorophyll a.A variety of electron donors were substituted for β carotene in the mixtures with chlorophyll a.The most active were squalene, β carotene, vitamin A, and nerolidol.The isoprene structure (‐CH2‐CCH3=CH‐CH2‐) appears to be a necessary but not sufficient requirement for energy transfer during thermochemiluminescence.Changes in the absorption spectra indicate that both chlorophyll and carotene are destroyed during thermochemiluminescence.