bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colchicine suppresses neutrophil superoxide production in a murine model of gouty arthritis: a rationale for use of low‐dose colchicine
Authors: Chia E W , Grainger R , Harper J L 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:When used to treat gouty arthritis, colchicine is believed to work by inhibiting microtubule‐dependent cell infiltration. However,in vitro, colchicine also reduces monosodium urate (MSU)‐induced superoxide production by neutrophils. Our study aimed to compare the effects of colchicine on neutrophil superoxide production and infiltration in anin vivomodel of acute gouty inflammation.Experimental approach:In vitro:Human and murine peritoneal neutrophils were incubated with MSU with and without colchicine, and superoxide production was measured.In vivo:Mice were treated with colchicine followed by an intraperitoneal injection of MSU to induce acute inflammation. After 4h, the peritoneal cells were recovered to measure superoxide production and neutrophil infiltration. Sera were tested for liver and renal toxicity.Key results:Colchicine dose‐dependently inhibited MSU‐induced superoxide production by both human and murine neutrophilsin vitro.Oral colchicine inhibited MSU‐induced superoxide production by neutrophilsin vivoat doses 100 times lower than those required to inhibit neutrophil infiltration and without acute liver or renal toxicity. Neutrophils treated with colchicinein vivostill produced superoxide in response to another stimulus, 4‐β‐phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate.Conclusions and implications:These results show a beneficial effect of colchicine for the treatment of MSU‐induced superoxide productionin vivoat sub‐toxic doses without compromising superoxide production by other physiological processes. This is the firstin vivodata to provide a biological rationale that supports the implementation of low dose, non‐toxic, colchicine therapy for the treatment of gouty arthritis.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 1288–1295; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.20; published online 11 February 2008
Involvement of tumour necrosis factor‐α inClostridium perfringensβ‐toxin‐induced plasma extravasation in mice
Authors: Nagahama M , Kihara A , Kintoh H , Oda M , Sakurai J 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:Clostridium perfringensbeta‐toxin, an important agent of necrotic enteritis, causes plasma extravasation due to the release of a tachykinin NK1receptor agonist in mouse skin. In this study, we investigated the role of cytokines in beta‐toxin‐induced plasma extravasation.Experimental approach:Male Balb/c, C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice were anaesthetized with pentobarbitone and beta‐toxin was injected i.d. into shaved dorsal skin. SR140333, capsaicin, chlorpromazine and pentoxifylline were given as pretreatment when required before the injection of the toxin. Cytokines in the dorsal skin were measured by ELISA.Key results:Injection (i.d.) of beta‐toxin induced a dose‐dependent increase in dermal TNF‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels with a concomitant increase in plasma extravasation, but not the release of IL‐6. SR140333 and capsaicin significantly inhibited the toxin‐induced release of TNF‐α and IL‐1β. The plasma extravasation and the release of TNF‐α induced by beta‐toxin were significantly inhibited by chlorpromazine and pentoxifylline which inhibit the release of TNF‐α. The toxin‐induced plasma extravasation in mouse skin was attenuated by pretreatment with a monoclonal antibody against TNF‐α, but not anti‐IL‐1β. Furthermore, the toxin caused an increase in plasma extravasation in both C3H/HeN (TLR4‐intact) and C3H/HeJ (TLR4‐deficient) mice. In C3H/HeN mice, the toxin‐induced leakage was not inhibited by pretreatment with anti‐TLR4/MD‐2 antibody.Conclusions and implications:These observations show that beta‐toxin‐induced plasma extravasation in mouse skin is related to the release of TNF‐α via the mechanism involving tachykinin NK1receptors, but not via TLR4.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 1296–1302; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.9; published online 11 February 2008
Perceptual deficits and inattention in schizophrenia
Authors: Skoyles John , Skottun Bernt 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA number of investigators have found perceptual deficits in schizophrenic subjects. It has also been indicated that those with schizophrenia suffer from reduced attention. This raises the possibility that their perceptual deficits may wholly or in part reflect attentional effects. The present study used computer simulations to examine the potential effects of inattention on performance measures determined with three psychophysical methods: the Two Alternative Forced Choice (2-AFC) Staircase Method, the Two Alternative Forced Choice (2-AFC) Fixed Stimuli Method, and the Yes/No Method. It is shown that both 2-AFC methods are susceptible to attentional effects but, in contrast, the Yes/No Method may allow for the differentiation of attentional effects from sensory sensitivity and subjective criterion effects. The simulations indicate that it may be possible to control for attention effects by using Yes/No Method in combination to a 2AFC method.
ConFunc—functional annotation in the twilight zone
Authors: Wass Mark N. , Sternberg Michael J. E. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Motivation: The success of genome sequencing has resulted in many protein sequences without functional annotation. We present ConFunc, an automated Gene Ontology (GO)-based protein function prediction approach, which uses conserved residues to generate sequence profiles to infer function. ConFunc split sets of sequences identified by PSI-BLAST into sub-alignments according to their GO annotations. Conserved residues are identified for each GO term sub-alignment for which a position specific scoring matrix is generated. This combination of steps produces a set of feature (GO annotation) derived profiles from which protein function is predicted.
Results: We assess the ability of ConFunc, BLAST and PSI-BLAST to predict protein function in the twilight zone of sequence similarity. ConFunc significantly outperforms BLAST & PSI-BLAST obtaining levels of recall and precision that are not obtained by either method and maximum precision 24% greater than BLAST. Further for a large test set of sequences with homologues of low sequence identity, at high levels of presicision, ConFunc obtains recall six times greater than BLAST. These results demonstrate the potential for ConFunc to form part of an automated genomics annotation pipeline.
Availability: http://www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk/confunc
Contact: m.sternberg@imperial.ac.uk
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Plankton, from the last ice age to the year 3007
Authors: Pielou E. C. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Pielou, E. C. 2008. Plankton, from the last ice age to the year 3007. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 296–301. Climate forcing of the environment and biota has been happening since time immemorial, human forcing only for the past 200 years or so. This paper considers, first, climatic changes over the past 30 000 years, as indicated by plankton and their effects on plankton. Only fossilizable plankton can be observed: principally foraminifera, radiolaria, and pteropods in the zooplankton, and their food, principally coccolithophores, diatoms, and dinoflagellate cysts, in the phytoplankton. The soft-bodied zooplankton species—especially copepods—that lived with them can only be inferred. Large, abrupt climate changes took place, aided by positive feedback. Second, this paper attempts to predict how human forcing in the form of anthropogenic climate change is likely to affect marine ecosystems in the future. Past predictions have underestimated the speed at which warming is actually happening: positive feedback has been unexpectedly strong. Thus, the melting of snow and ice, by reducing the earth's albedo, has increased the amount of solar energy absorbed. Also, warming of the surface (water and land) has caused outgassing of methane from buried clathrates (hydrates), and methane is a strong greenhouse gas. Currently, predictions emphasize one or the other of two contrasted alternatives: abrupt cooling caused by a shutdown of the thermohaline circulation (the “ocean conveyor”) or abrupt warming caused by copious outgassing of methane. Both arguments (the former from oceanographers and the latter from geophysicists) are equally persuasive, and I have chosen to explore the methane alternative, because I am familiar with an area (the Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta) where outgassing has recently (2007) been detected and is happening now: in the Arctic Ocean and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, where disappearance of the ice will affect currents, temperature, thermocline, salinity, upwelling, and nutrients, with consequent effects on the zooplankton.
OsPHR2 Is Involved in Phosphate-Starvation Signaling and Excessive Phosphate Accumulation in Shoots of Plants
Authors: Zhou Jie , Jiao FangChang , Wu Zhongchang , Li Yiyi , Wang Xuming , He Xiaowei , Zhong Weiqi , Wu Ping 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that AtPHR1 plays a central role in phosphate (Pi)-starvation signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this work, two OsPHR genes from rice (Oryza sativa) were isolated and designated as OsPHR1 and OsPHR2 based on amino acid sequence homology to AtPHR1. Their functions in Pi signaling in rice were investigated using transgenic plants. Our results showed that both OsPHR1 and OsPHR2 are involved in Pi-starvation signaling pathway by regulation of the expression of Pi-starvation-induced genes, whereas only OsPHR2 overexpression results in the excessive accumulation of Pi in shoots under Pi-sufficient conditions. Under Pi-sufficient conditions, overexpression of OsPHR2 mimics Pi-starvation stress in rice with enhanced root elongation and proliferated root hair growth, suggesting the involvement of OsPHR2 in Pi-dependent root architecture alteration by both systematic and local pathways. In OsPHR2-overexpression plants, some Pi transporters were up-regulated under Pi-sufficient conditions, which correlates with the strongly increased content of Pi. The mechanism behind the OsPHR2 regulated Pi accumulation will provide useful approaches to develop smart plants with high Pi efficiency.
A Novel WRKY Transcription Factor Is Required for Induction of PR-1a Gene Expression by Salicylic Acid and Bacterial Elicitors
Authors: van Verk Marcel C. , Pappaioannou Dimitri , Neeleman Lyda , Bol John F. , Linthorst Huub J.M. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
PR-1a is a salicylic acid-inducible defense gene of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). One-hybrid screens identified a novel tobacco WRKY transcription factor (NtWRKY12) with specific binding sites in the PR-1a promoter at positions −564 (box WK1) and −859 (box WK2). NtWRKY12 belongs to the class of transcription factors in which the WRKY sequence is followed by a GKK rather than a GQK sequence. The binding sequence of NtWRKY12 (WK box TTTTCCAC) deviated significantly from the consensus sequence (W box TTGAC[C/T]) shown to be recognized by WRKY factors with the GQK sequence. Mutation of the GKK sequence in NtWRKY12 into GQK or GEK abolished binding to the WK box. The WK1 box is in close proximity to binding sites in the PR-1a promoter for transcription factors TGA1a (as-1 box) and Myb1 (MBSII box). Expression studies with PR-1a promoter∷β-glucuronidase (GUS) genes in stably and transiently transformed tobacco indicated that NtWRKY12 and TGA1a act synergistically in PR-1a expression induced by salicylic acid and bacterial elicitors. Cotransfection of Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts with 35S∷NtWRKY12 and PR-1a∷GUS promoter fusions showed that overexpression of NtWRKY12 resulted in a strong increase in GUS expression, which required functional WK boxes in the PR-1a promoter.
High-Resolution Mapping of Epigenetic Modifications of the Rice Genome Uncovers Interplay between DNA Methylation, Histone Methylation, and Gene Expression
Authors: Li Xueyong , Wang Xiangfeng , He Kun , Ma Yeqin , Su Ning , He Hang , Stolc Viktor , Tongprasit Waraporn , Jin Weiwei , Jiang Jiming , Terzaghi William , Li Songgang , Deng Xing Wang 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We present high-resolution maps of DNA methylation and H3K4 di- and trimethylation of two entire chromosomes and two fully sequenced centromeres in rice (Oryza sativa) shoots and cultured cells. This analysis reveals combinatorial interactions between these epigenetic modifications and chromatin structure and gene expression. Cytologically densely stained heterochromatin had less H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 and more methylated DNA than the less densely stained euchromatin, whereas centromeres had a unique epigenetic composition. Most transposable elements had highly methylated DNA but no H3K4 methylation, whereas more than half of protein-coding genes had both methylated DNA and di- and/or trimethylated H3K4. Methylation of DNA but not H3K4 was correlated with suppressed transcription. By contrast, when both DNA and H3K4 were methylated, transcription was only slightly reduced. Transcriptional activity was positively correlated with the ratio of H3K4me3/H3K4me2: genes with predominantly H3K4me3 were actively transcribed, whereas genes with predominantly H3K4me2 were transcribed at moderate levels. More protein-coding genes contained all three modifications, and more transposons contained DNA methylation in shoots than cultured cells. Differential epigenetic modifications correlated to tissue-specific expression between shoots and cultured cells. Collectively, this study provides insights into the rice epigenomes and their effect on gene expression and plant development.
Effect of cooking and soaking on physical, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of indigenous and foreign rice varieties in Nigeria
Authors: Albert T. Ebuehi Osaretin , Christiana Oyewole Abosede 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of cooking and soaking on the physical characteristics, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of an indigenous “ofada” rice and a foreign “aroso” rice varieties in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe two rice varieties were freshly purchased in the raw state, soaked in water and cooked. The physical characteristics, such as length, width, weight, colour, purity, breakage, cooking time, dispersability and swelling capacity of the raw rice varieties were determined according to official methods. The raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties were oven‐dried at 60○C for 4 h and milled to obtain a uniform surface area. The proximate composition and some minerals of the raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties and the sensory evaluation of the cooked rice were determined. Findings–The physical characteristics showed that “ofada” and “aroso” rice varieties were brown and creamy in colour, respectively. There were significant (p<0.01) differences in the purity, breakage, cooking time, swelling capacity and weight of the whole grain, but no difference in the length and width. The raw, cooked and soaked “ofada” rice contain more protein, fat, and fibre, than in “aroso” rice, but with no change in carbohydrate content. There were no significant (p>0.01) differences in the levels of minerals, Ca, Fe, Mg and P, in raw, cooked and soaked “ofada” and “aroso” rice. Sensory evaluation showed that cooked aroso rice was generally preferred, in terms of colour, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability.Originality/valueThe methods employed in this study are very simple and the two rice varieties are readily available, acceptable to local tastes and widely consumed in Nigeria. The local or indigenous “ofada” rice is compared favourably with a foreign and imported parboiled “aroso” rice. It is therefore possible for small scale and cottage industries to embark on commercial production and fortification of the local rice varieties in Nigeria.
Are maternal diet, birth weight, breastfeeding and antioxidants playing a role in pediatric leukemia? A review
Authors: Papandreou D. , Athanassiadou F. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to present the current evidence on maternal diet, birth weight, breastfeeding and antioxidants with regard to pediatric leukemia and to show the potential role of specific nutrients in the nutrition management of a child with cancer.Design/methodology/approachThe most up‐to‐date literature on various aspects of nutrition in pediatric leukemia have been considered and included in this report.FindingsOne of the most common pediatric cancers is leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy, with a cure rate of 80 per cent. Maternal diet, breastfeeding and weight of child may play a significant role in the development of leukemia. Antioxidants and non‐antioxidants nutrients also appear to be important contributors in decreasing the risk of leukemia.Originality/valueInformation on the role of diet in pediatric leukemia is presented for expert dietitians.
Food motivation: content analysis of Châtelaine women's magazine
Authors: Hamadeh Sima , Marquis Marie 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the continuity and/or rupture in food motivations as revealed from documents issued from Châtelaine in 1960‐1961, 1970, 1980 and 1990.Design/methodology/approachA historical content analysis was used to explore the food motivations in Châtelaine. A total of 51 issues were read and all documents referring to food and nutrition were photocopied except for advertisements. Variables associated with each document were grouped into four themes: health and diseases, food and nutrition, body and society. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS (version 10.1, 1999).FindingsOverall, the content analysis has indicated that food and nutrition is the dominant motivation (n  =  430) followed by health and disease (n  =  292), society (n  =  71) and body concerns (n  =  70). Each decade was associated with major sub‐themes. In brief, 1960 was the year of food, family and tradition; 1970 was the transition year; 1980 was the year of knowledge, culpability and environment; 1990 was the nutritional education year.Research limitations/implicationsStudy done using the first year of each decade and in a single magazine cannot be generalized. Moreover, these results are specific to a French‐Canadian context. Further research on other media could provide more insight into some of the relationships explored in this study.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that the dominant motivations are projecting in a different way from one year to another. These results support the need to take into consideration the role of media in shaping women's food preferences and the evolution of these motivations over time.
Studies on the physico‐chemical, nutritional and microbiological changes during the traditional preparation of Marula wine in Gwanda, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dlamini Nomusa R. , Dube Shadreck 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe aim of the study is to determine the microbial, physico‐chemical and nutritional changes that take place during the four‐day traditional preparation of wine from the fruits of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subspecies Caffra) tree in Zimbabwe. It must be noted that Marula is documented as a drought‐resistant plant.Design/methodology/approachThe fruits used in the study were taken from four trees growing in different locations. The fermenting microbial populations were isolated using potato dextrose, tomato juice and nutrient agars, and then identified to genus level using simple biochemical tests. The physico‐chemical changes determined were pH, titratable acidity, sugar and alcohol content. The alcohol content was determined using the Anton Paar beer analyzer, while nutritional changes, evaluated as changes in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels, were determined using the 2, 6 dichlorophenolindophenol titrimetric method.FindingsDuring fermentation there was a gradual decrease in the bacterial population, and an increase in yeast counts. The pH and sugar contents decreased, while the average alcohol content increased to an average 2 per cent. The fermented Marula juice retained 72 per cent of the initial ascorbic acid content (a decrease from 133 to 96 mg/100 g) compared with orange juice subjected to similar conditions, which retained 40 per cent ascorbic acid levels (decrease from 60 to 24 mg/100 g).Originality/valueThe low pH of Marula wine could contribute to the microbiological safety of the product and relative stability of ascorbic acid. Marula wine produced after four days of fermentation is still an importance source of ascorbic acid.
What is an apprentice?
Authors: Hawkins T.H. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the different types and features of apprenticeships available in the 1950s.Design/methodology/approachThe term “apprenticeship” has lost the weight it had when it was originally conceived in the sixteenth century, and has now (at the time of writing) become a blanket term. It covers: temporary and transient positions – messengers, lorry‐drivers' mates, etc.; juvenile workers – assembly line work (little or no training) and “genuine apprentices” – including craft/trade apprenticeships, student or technical apprenticeships, and graduate apprenticeships. People are assigned to a grade of apprenticeship based on how a person achieves in the national educational system.FindingsApprenticeships vary in terms of: length of training, content, future career progression possibilities and education provided. It is suggested that the industry joined and training provided, alongside the opportunities available may be more valuable to a school leaver than an “apprenticeship”.Originality/valueThis paper provides a useful look on the role of an apprentice in the 1950s.
Research in technical colleges
Authors: MacLennan A. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to list and demonstrate areas in which research needs to be carried out, or questions answered, in order to raise the quality of technical education.Design/methodology/approachThe area of technical education expanded very rapidly in the late 1950s, and there was little comprehensive knowledge regarding the philosophy and practice. Areas of technical education that needed research included: how far does success in a school subject such as English or mathematics correlate with success in a technical subject? For how many and which courses at technical colleges does a student need to have more or less than average intelligence? What techniques can be used to fill any gaps existing in a student's knowledge before he embarks on a technical course? Are all students to receive the same industrial experiences (e.g. operating machines, bench work, drawing office, etc.)?FindingsThe paper lists six main areas in which research into technical education needs to be carried out: selection for courses; variety within classes; co‐ordination with industry; teaching methods; libraries; and technical education as a subject.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the first to suggest that educational research had been hitherto neglected, and that there is a need for research to be carried out into the relatively new area of technical education. The paper lists areas of technical education which need to be investigated in order to raise the quality of the field.