bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orthophosphate is a non‐essential activator of Vigna radiata flavokinase
Authors: Das‐Panja Kaberi , Jonnalagadda Vidya S. , Jonnalagadda Sobhanaditya 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe ATP‐dependent phosphorylation of riboflavin to FMN by flavokinase from Vigna radiata was activated by orthophosphate (Pi) in a concentration dependent manner. Pi affected both the Km and Vmax, indicating that it is a non‐essential, mixed type activator. The extent of activation by Pi was dependent on the cation (Mg2+ or Zn2+). Activation by other anions could be correlated to similarity to Pi in molecular size and structure. These observations suggest the presence of a binding site(s) for a phosphate‐like anion on flavokinase.
Novel gelatinolytic activities in rat organs
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Toyohara Haruhiko , Sakaguchi Morihiko 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNovel gelatinolytic activities in both latent and active forms were detected in the normal organs of rat by gelatin zymography. Multiple active bands were detected in the extracts from the skin, jejunum, muscle, and kidney without any activation. These activities were inhibited by 1,10‐phenanthroline or leupeptin, nor by E64, suggesting that these activities were derived from metallo‐proteinases or serine‐proteinases. Some gelatinolytic active bands were newly induced or enhanced by p‐aminophenylmercuric acetate. These results suggest that matrix degrading activities due to metallo‐ and serine‐proteinases were constitutively expressed in various rat normal organs.
Comparison of enzymatic activities of the HIV‐1 and HFV integrases to their U5 LTR substrates
Authors: Oh You‐Take , Shin Cha‐Gyun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and human foamy virus (HFV) integrase proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and purified to a near homogeneity by one‐ or two‐step purification scheme. The endonucleolytic, integration, and disintegration activities for the HIV‐1 and HFV integrases were characterized in vitro. The endonucleolytic activities for the HIV‐1 and HFV integrases were found only on their own substrates, respectively, indicating that the cognate U5 LTR sequences in the substrates is critical for specific cleavage. However, the integration and disintegration activities showed less specificity on the substrate usage. Our results suggest that the disintegration activity have more preference for substrates based on Y‐shaped structure rather than on viral donor DNA sequence.
Categorizing reactivity of bacteriorhodopsin cysteine mutants crosslinking to 4‐bromoretinal
Authors: Datta‐Gupta N. , Crouch Rosalie K. , Hazard E. Starr 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe structure of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) has been probed by a large number of experimental methods. In earlier work distance constraints measured from the 1BRD Brookhaven structure (1, 2) were used to guide site‐directed mutagenesis/affinity labeling experiments (3‐5). In the present study we report on the use of limited molecular dynamics (MD) investigations of the same bR/affinity label system. We show here that the chiral center introduced when 4‐bromo‐all‐trans retinal is synthesized produces variable impact on potential crosslinking. Our MD analysis suggests the following ranking of binding site mutants in order of reactivity: R118C>S118C>> S121C>R141C>>S141C⋙R121C, R138C, S 138C. Chirality appears to have limited effect for the M118C mutants but shows more dramatic impact for the T121C and S141C mutants. These results are in excellent agreement with the experimental observations and offer encouragement that MD can be a useful component of experimental design with considerable predictive power.
Human anti‐DNA autoatibodies and induced antibodies against ROS‐modified‐DNA show similar antigenic binding characteristics
Authors: Alam Khurshid , Ali Rashid 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAlterations in DNA structure by hydroxyl radical modification was characterized by UV spectroscopy, Tm, nuclease S 1 digestibility and base modification. In view of indicted role of oxygen free radicals in human diseases, an attempt has been made to precisely compare the antigen binding properties of induced antibodies against hydroxyl radical modified DNA with those of naturally occurring anti‐DNA autoantibodies. Antibodies induced against ROS‐DNA showed diverse antigen binding characteristics which were comparable with those derived from SLE patients. The immune IgG recognized native DNA, heat denatured DNA, and synthetic polynucleotides in B‐/B‐like conformations. IgG isolated from SLE sera showed preference for ROS‐DNA in competition‐inhibition assay. The antigenic diversity of induced antibodies and preference of circulating anti‐DNA autoantibodies for ROS‐DNA over that of native DNA demonstrates the possible role of modified DNA antigens in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Cloning and expression of human cDNA encoding human homologue of pituitary tumor transforming gene
Authors: Lee In Ae , Seonga Changkeun , Choe In Seong 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRecently, a potent transforming gene which was exclusively expressed in rat pituitary tumor but not in normal pituitary had been isolated and named as pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG). A cDNA clone encoding human homologue of rat PTTG was isolated from human fetal liver cDNA library. It contained an open reading frame of 603 base pairs predicting a protein composed of 201 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 26 kDa. The deduced protein showed about 85% homology (78% identity, 7% favored substitution) with the rat PTTG. Northern blot analysis showed that the cDNA hybridized to 1.0 kb mRNA species which was expressed in fetal liver and several cancer cell lines. These results suggest that the presence of the human homologue of rat PTTG gene may not be restricted to pituitary tumor.
Expression of the divergent transcription unit containing the yeast PET122 and OXA1 genes
Authors: Marathe Sudhir V. , McEwen Joan E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe nuclear PET122 gene of S. cerevisiae encodes a mitochondrial‐localized protein that activates initiation of translation of the mitochondrial mRNA from the COX3 gene, which encodes subunit III of cytochrome c oxidase. The PET122 locus contains two divergent transcription units: one is involved in expression of PET122 mRNA and the mRNA for an adjacent gene OXA1, which is also required for cytochrome c oxidase biogenesis, and the other is involved in expression of an antisense RNA that is complementary to about two thirds of the PET122 mRNA and an adjacent gene YER152C of unknown function. Steady state levels of OXA1, PET122 sense and PET122 antisense RNAs were measured after growth of yeast cells under catabolite repressing or derepressing conditions, or after deletion of portions of the 5′ flanking DNA of the genes. The results reported here indicate that the PET122 and OXA1 genes are unconventional in terms of the control of their transcription. Neither possesses a canonical TATA element and they exhibit no apparent need for native upstream DNA. These results raise the interesting possibility that PET122 and OXA1 transcription is controlled by downstream DNA, perhaps located within the coding regions of the respective genes.
Overexpression of human testis antigens in Escherichia coli host cells is influenced by site of expression and the induction temperature
Authors: Mburu D. N. , Roberts T. K. , Boettcher B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA panel of twenty human testis cDNA clones were expressed in an Escherichia coli expression system and six clones were found to express identifiable fusion polypeptides. Expression was found to be influenced not only by the site of localization of the polypeptide in the host cells, but also by the temperature used for induction. This emphasized the need for cytoplasmic and periplasmic expression of new antigens of unknown properties, as well as the use of temperatures of 30°C or lower. A majority of the expressed polypeptides were mainly in an insoluble form. By reducing the induction temperature to 30°C production of the soluble fraction was further improved.
Free Radicals in Exhaustive Physical Exercise: Mechanism of Production, and Protection by Antioxidants
Authors: VinÑa Jose , Gomez‐Cabrera Mari‐Carmen , Lloret Ana , Marquez Rafael , Miñana Juan B. , Pallardó Federico V. , Sastre Juan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractModerate exercise is a healthy practice. However, exhaustive exercise generates free radicals. This can be evidenced by increases in lipid peroxidation, glutathione oxidation, and oxidative protein damage. It is well known that activity of cytosolic enzymes in blood plasma is increased after exhaustive exercise. This may be taken as a sign of damage to muscle cells. The degree of oxidative stress and of muscle damage does not depend on the absolute intensity of exercise but on the degree of exhaustion of the person who performs exercise. Training partially prevents free radical‐formation in exhaustive exercise. Treatment with antioxidants such as vitamins C or E protects in part against free radical‐mediated damage in exercise. Xanthine oxidase is involved in free‐radical formation in exercise in humans and inhibition of this enzyme with allopurinol decreases oxidative stress and muscle damage associated with exhaustive exercise. Knowledge of the mechanism of free‐radical formation in exercise is important because it will be useful to prevent oxidative stress and damage associated with exhaustive physical activity.
Assessment of adhesively bonded joints subjected to surface damage by paint removal
Authors: Prabhune Shantanu C. , Talreja Ramesh 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo provide a basis for making assessment of the safety of adhesively bonded joints after they have been de‐painted by a dry abrasive method or a wet chemical method.Design/methodology/approachStress analysis by a finite element method has been conducted for metal/composite and composite/composite joints in a single lap configuration. The effects of degradation of composite and adhesive, separately or combined, on the stresses in the adhesive layer bonding the two components are studied. Effects of wet and dry conditions of de‐painting are included in the study. It is assumed that in the composite these conditions affect only the laminae close to the surface from which the paint coating is removed.FindingsThe locations and values of the maximum peel and shear stresses in the adhesive are determined for both joints under different assumed conditions of degradation caused by de‐painting.Research limitations/implicationsExperimental data indicating the extent of surface damage caused by de‐painting is not available.Originality/valueExtensive literature study did not show any investigation of composite surface damage and adhesive property degradation on integrity of adhesively bonded joints. Results reported here will be of use in assessing effects of de‐painting on the structural performance of adhesively bonded joints.
Effect of myostatin F94L on carcass yield in cattle
Authors: Sellick G. S. , Pitchford W. S. , Morris C. A. , Cullen N. G. , Crawford A. M. , Raadsma H. W. , Bottema C. D. K. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryIn this study, a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for meat percentage, eye muscle area (EMA) and silverside percentage was found on cattle chromosome 2 at 0–15 cM, a region containing the positional candidate gene growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), which has the common alias myostatin (MSTN). Loss‐of‐function mutations in the MSTN gene are known to cause an extreme ‘double muscling’ phenotype in cattle. In this study, highly significant associations of MSTN with cattle carcass traits were found using maternally inherited MSTN haplotypes from outbred Limousin and Jersey cattle in a linkage disequilibrium analysis. A previously reported transversion in MSTN (AF320998.1:g.433C>A), resulting in the amino acid substitution of phenylalanine by leucine at position 94 of the protein sequence (F94L), was the only polymorphism consistently related to increased muscling. Overall, the size of the g.433C>A additive effect on carcass traits was moderately large, with the g.433A allele found to be associated with a 5.5% increase in silverside percentage and EMA and a 2.3% increase in total meat percentage relative to the g.433C allele. The phenotypic effects of the g.433A allele were partially recessive. This study provides strong evidence that a MSTN genotype can produce an intermediate, non‐double muscling phenotype, which should be of significant value for beef cattle producers.
HLA‐DQB1*0602 allele is associated with splenomegaly in Japanese sarcoidosis
Authors: Sato H. , Nagai S. , Du Bois R. M. , Handa T. , Suginoshita Y. , Ohta K. , Welsh K. I. , Izumi T. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract.Objectives.  The association between HLA class II alleles and susceptibility to sarcoidosis is well documented. Further, the HLA‐DRB1*15 and DQB1*0602 haplotype has been considered as a marker for both chronic and severe disease. Splenomegaly has been proposed as a marker for severity and activity in sarcoidosis, although its functional mechanism is unknown. In other diseases, HLA class II alleles can be markers for splenomegaly. We therefore set out to test the hypothesis that the primary DRB1*15‐DQB1*0602 link in sarcoidosis would be to splenomegaly.Design and subjects.  We performed abdominal ultrasonography to evaluate the prevalence and extent of splenomegaly and genotyped for HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 using allele or allele group specific primers in polymerase‐chain‐reaction on 138 Japanese sarcoidosis patients as case comparison study. Furthermore, we explored their relationship with other clinically important indices, e.g. chest radiograph stage, serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) concentration and duration of disease.Results.  Splenomegaly was detected in 37 (26.8%) sarcoidosis patients. DQB1*0602 showed associations with splenomegaly (P < 0.0001) and longer disease duration (P = 0.007). In addition, higher chest radiograph staging was associated with both DQB1*0602 (P = 0.02) and splenomegaly (P = 0.003). The presence of splenomegaly was associated with higher serum ACE concentration (P < 0.0001).Conclusion.  We conclude that in the Japanese population the primary association of HLA class II DQB1*0602 is with splenomegaly. This allele is also a marker for chronicity and lung disease severity. On the other hand, the presence of splenomegaly is a marker for severity and activity. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between splenomegaly and sarcoidosis in other ethnic groups and its association with HLA‐DQB1*0602.
Prediction, diagnosis, and causal thinking in forecasting
Authors: Einhorn Hillel J. , Hogarth Robin M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhile forecasting involves forward/predictive thinking, it depends crucially on prior diagnosis for suggesting a model of the phenomenon, for defining‘relevant’variables, and for evaluating forecast accuracy via the model. The nature of diagnostic thinking is examined with respect to these activities. We first consider the difficulties of evaluating forecast accuracy without a causal model of what generates outcomes. We then discuss the development of models by considering how attention is directed to variables via analogy and metaphor as well as by what is unusual or abnormal. The causal relevance of variables is then assessed by reference to probabilistic signs called‘cues to causality’. These are: temporal order, constant conjunction, contiguity in time and space, number of alternative explanations, similarity, predictive validity, and robustness. The probabilistic nature of the cues is emphasized by discussing the concept of spurious correlation and how causation does not necessarily imply correlation. Implications for improving forecasting are considered with respect to the above issues.
The functioning of large‐scale cooperative enterprise in the south: A case study from Nicaragua
Authors: Wiggins Steve 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the functioning and performance of a large cooperative federation in Nicaragua, concerned mainly with retailing. Set up in late 1985, in response to undersupply to smallholders, especially those in the mountainous interior, it has followed a strategy of rapid expansion. By using a federal structure which has allowed middle and junior management freedom to take the initiative, and by adopting mostly simple, appropriate, and non‐bureaucratic procedures, the federation has succeeded in mounting an impressively large operation, with over 190 shops selling a wide variety of goods. On the other hand, at the centre, sales have grown sluggishly since 1988, costs have risen, and liquidity has become a problem. Moreover, the organization has lost capital, largely through its pricing policy. These can be blamed partly on the federated structure, the lack of a medium‐term strategy, and dependency upon external donors; and partly on the trading environment of recession and uncertainty. The case study illustrates the difficulties in establishing large‐scale cooperative enterprise, and the need in the long run to realise comparative advantage.
Of cattle, farmers, veterinarians and the World Bank: The political economy of veterinary services privatization in Cameroun
Authors: Gros Jean‐Germain 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article relates how the World Bank makes reform decisions in a particular economic sector and country. It highlights some of the key issues pertaining to the privatization of livestock veterinary services in sub‐Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Cameroun. Relating to the economics literature, it argues that veterinary services have both public and private good attributes. Therefore, any policy aimed at privatizing the entire spectrum of services without regard to their public good character is likely to result in significant market failures. With empirical evidence provided by Cameroun, the article also demonstrates that the ‘privatization project’ advocated most strongly by key international lending institutions does not enjoy much support among African policy makers. It also raises issues of implementation in policy environments fraught with bureaucratic indifference and resistance, as well as divisions within the lending community over policy directions.
Municipal institutional strengthening and donor coordination: The case of Ecuador
Authors: Fuhr Harald 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article analyses the circumstances surrounding municipal institutional reforms in Ecuador which were set in motion through, on the one hand, a link established by external contributors between the financing of infrastructure projects at the local level, and institutional reforms on the other. Credit was only provided to municipalities on the understanding that attempts were made by them to improve their capacity to provide urban services. This approach has enjoyed considerable success to date.
Adjusting policy‐thinking to global pragmatics and future problematics
Authors: Angelides Christodoulis , Caiden Gerald 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn unprecedented rate of change is rapidly outdating traditional modes of policy thinking. New orientations are needed to deal with the growing interaction between global pragmatics which encompass emerging trends that diverge radically from anything previously experienced and intractable problems that do not respond to conventional solutions and future problematics which arise from the nature of the future and paradoxes underlying futures oriented thinking. Current policy thinking suffers from many incapacities and should give way to the search for a new holistic paradigm based on the twin propositions that the properties of the parts can only be understood through an understanding of the dynamics of the whole and that the dynamics of the whole may be greater than the summation of the parts. Several suggestions are made where to make a start. The new policy thinking must provide a common meaning, purpose and sense of direction. It must be anticipatory, considering both the probable and the improbable, looking both backwards and forwards. It must be crisis‐prepared, innovative, multi‐dimensional and capable of handling adversity, uncertainty, and complexity. Other components of governance must also be improved lest an oversized head develop on an undersized body. Meantime, hope is placed in a new type of learning that would allow for living with past mistakes and failures without being overwhelmed, one that would allow for change, perception, problem reformulation, unlearning and even debunking. It would involve questioning the appropriateness of ultimate purposes and goals, selecting new replacements, and identifying new means for achieving them.
Making social science research applicable: The case of agricultural extension research in Egypt
Authors: Honadle B. W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOne problem in the management of agricultural research is the integration of research and extension. The links between research and extension are tenuous for many reasons, including institutional and administrative factors that thwart collaboration; geographic isolation of extension staff; differences in status, prestige and educational attainment between extension workers and researchers; and motivational issues impeding stronger ties between extension and research personnel. This article argues that the problem with much research intended for extension audiences is that it is supply driven and not demand driven. Using a social science research unit within the Agricultural Research Center of the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture as a case study, this article analyses the research produced by the unit and assesses its potential usefulness for extension. It then attempts to show why it does not reach this potential. Among the reasons are that the researchers lack experience and background in rural issues and agricultural extension; research results lag behind extension's need for the information; and there is no plan to disseminate the results to the extension community after research is completed. The article offers some suggestions for overcoming such barriers, including involving extension in the design of research projects and holding seminars on research results after projects are completed; changing the incentives for researchers to do more applied research; and diversifying the methods and disciplines used to conduct the research.
Einige Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Monte‐Carlo‐Methode
Authors: Crone Irene 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEinleitung. ‐ I. Diffusion thermischer Neutronen durch ein mittelschweres Element. ‐ II. Zwei einfache parabolische Differentialgleichungen. ‐ III. Allgemeine DIRICHLETsche Probleme. ‐ IV. Elliptische Eigenwertprobleme. ‐ V. Matrixinversion. ‐ Schlußbemerkung.
Optische Eigenschaften der Metalle
Authors: Ginsburg W. L. , Motulewitsch G. P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEinleitung. ‐ § 1. Reflektion des Lichts an einer Metalloberfläche ‐ § 2. Oberflächenimpedanz und effektive komplexe Dielektrizitätskonstante des Metalls ‐ § 3. Mikrotheorie im Fall des normalen Skineffekts. ‐ § 4. Mikrotheorie im Fall des anomalen Skineffekts. a) Grundlagen der Theorie des anomalen Skineffekts. b) Ergebnisse für das ultrarote Spektralgebiet. c) Berücksichtigung der Quanteneffekte ‐ § 5. Methoden zur Messung von neff χeff und A ‐ § 6. Diskussion der vorhandenen experimentellen Daten ‐ Schluß ‐ Literaturverzeichnis.