bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fenitrothion‐induced structural and functional perturbations in the yolk lipoproteins of the shrimp Macrobrachium borellii
Authors: García Fernando , Gonzalez‐Baró María R. , Garda Horacio , Cunningham Monica , Pollero Ricardo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTwo lipovitellin (LV) forms containing the same apoproteins but differing in their lipid composition were isolated from Macrobrachium borelii eggs at early (LVe) and late (LVI) embryogenic stages and characterized. These two forms of LV, as well as liposomes prepared with lipids extracted from them, were used as simpler models to study the effect of the pesticide fenitrothion (FS) on their structures and functions. Rotational diffusion and fluorescence lifetime of two fluorescent probes [1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene (DPH) and 3‐(p(6‐phenyl)‐1,3,5‐hexatrienal)phenylpropionic acid (DPH‐PA)] were used to obtain information on structural changes induced by FS in the inner and outer regions of the LV, respectively. Comparison of the rotational behavior of these probes in native LV and liposomes (LP) from extracted LV lipids suggests that apoprotein‐lipid interactions result in an ordered neutral lipid core. FS increased the lipid phase polarity of both LV and LP forms. The rotation of these probes in LP was not affected, suggesting a dependence of FS action on lipid‐protein interactions. DPH‐PA steady‐state anisotropy showed that, unlike the LVe form, the LVI form was sensitive to extremely low FS concentrations. The ability of both LV to transfer palmitic acid to albumin was increased, but in a dissimilar manner, by the presence of FS. Such differences in the sensitivity of the LV at different steps of embryogenesis to FS influence the toxic action of this insecticide.
Synthesis of deuterated fatty acids to investigate the biosynthetic pathway of disparlure, the sex pheromone of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar
Authors: Abad José‐Luis , Fabriàs Gemma , Camps Francisco 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe preparation and characterization of a series of deuterium‐labeled intermediates used in the study of the biosynthetic pathway for disparlure, the sex pheromone of Lymantria dispar, is reported. The synthetic route starts with propargyl alcohol, and the deuterium atoms are introduced by deuteration of an alkyne precursor in the presence of Wilkinson's catalyst. The olefinic bond was created by the Wittig reaction of a suitable aldehyde with a common tetradeuterated phosphonium ylide intermediate. The presence of the expected label and its correct location were confirmed by both MS and 13C NMR. These compounds were successfully used to elucidate the disparlure biosynthetic pathway.
Effect of mitomycin‐C on human foreskin fibroblasts used as feeders in human embryonic stem cells: Immunocytochemistry MIB1 score and DNA ploidy and apoptosis evaluated by flow cytometry
Authors: Nieto A. , Cabrera C.M. , Catalina P. , Cobo F. , Barnie A. , Cortés J.L. , del Jesus A. Barroso , Montes R. , Concha A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMitomycin C (MMC) treatment has been used to arrest cell proliferation but not much is known about the effect of MMC on human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) used as feeders for human embryonic stem cells (hESC). We tested the ability of MMC to stop the proliferation of HFF and to induce apoptosis. MMC inhibited the proliferation of HFF at 10 μg/ml over 2.5 h of MMC treatment showing a decrease in the proliferation index measured by Ki‐67 and S and G2/M phases related to active HFF. A low percentage of cells showed necrotic or apoptotic features using different lengths of incubation. Over time, the majority of cells remained in a mitotically inactive state. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased from day 2 to day 10, at the same time as the necrotic ones increased. The HS181 hESC line grew in an undifferentiated state on inactive HFF throughout the study.
Antitumor effects of cationic synthetic peptides derived from Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologues of snake venoms
Authors: Araya Cindy , Lomonte Bruno 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe effects of two cationic synthetic peptides, derived from the C‐terminal region of Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologues from snake venoms, upon various murine tumor cell lines (B16 melanoma, EMT6 mammary carcinoma, S‐180 sarcoma, P3X myeloma, tEnd endothelial cells) were evaluated. The peptides are 13‐mers derived from Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus Lys49 PLA2 (p‐AppK: KKYKAYFKLKCKK) and Bothrops asper Lys49 myotoxin II (pEM‐2[d]: KKWRWWLKALAKK), respectively, in the latter case with slight modifications and with all‐d amino acids. All tumor cells tested were susceptible to the lytic action of the peptides. The susceptibility of tumor cell lines was not higher than that of C2C12 skeletal muscle myoblasts, utilized as a non‐transformed cell line control. However, in a murine model of subcutaneous solid tumor growth of EMT6 mammary carcinoma, the intraperitoneal administration of pEM‐2[d] caused a tumor mass reduction of 36% (p < 0.05), which was of similar magnitude to that achieved by the administration of paclitaxel, an antitumor drug in clinical use. Thus, the C‐terminal peptides of Lys49 phospholipase A2 homologues present antitumor effects that might be of interest in developing therapeutic strategies against cancer.
An alternative strategy for universal infant hearing screening in tertiary hospitals with a high delivery rate, within a developing country, using transient evoked oto-acoustic emissions and brainstem evoked response audiometry
Authors: Mathur N N , Dhawan R 
Published: November 2006

Objective: To formulate an alternative strategy for universal infants hearing screening in an Indian tertiary referral hospital with a high delivery rate, which could be extended to similar situations in other developing countries. The system should be able to diagnose, in a timely fashion, all infants with severe and profound hearing losses.Methods: One thousand newborn were randomly selected. All underwent testing with transient evoked oto-acoustic emissions (TEOAE) in the first 48 hours of life. All TEOAE failures were followed up and repeat tests were performed at three weeks, three months and six months of age. Infants with acceptable TEOAE results at any of the four ages were discharged from the study. Infants with unacceptable TEOAE results at all the four ages underwent brainstem evoked response audiometry and oto-endoscopy. The ‘pass rate’ for TEOAE testing was calculated for all four ages. The time taken to perform TEOAE and brainstem evoked response audiometry was recorded for all subjects. These recordings were statistically analysed to find the most suitable strategy for universal hearing screening in our hospital.Results: The pass rate for TEOAE was 79.0 per cent at ≤48 hours, 85.0 per cent at three weeks, 97.0 per cent at three months and 98.0 per cent at six months. The average time taken to perform the test was 12 minutes for TEOAE and 27 minutes for brainstem evoked response audiometry. Obstructed and collapsed external auditory canals were the two factors that significantly affected the specificity of TEOAE in infants ≤48 hours old.Conclusion: The concept of screening all neonates within the first 48 hours of life is impractical because the specificity of TEOAE is lowest at that age. Many false positive results are generated, such that a larger number must undergo brainstem evoked response audiometry, wasting time and resources. This can easily be avoided by delaying TEOAE screening until three months of age, when it has a substantially lower false positive outcome. We expect that implementation of this alternative strategy in our hospital will maximise the benefits of such a programme.
A simulation model to assess herd-level intervention strategies againstE. coliO157
Authors: WOOD J. C. , McKENDRICK I. J. , GETTINBY G. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYA simulation model of a herd of grazing cattle, which has been developed to provide insight into the infection dynamics ofE. coliO157 is described. The spatially explicit model enables the modelling of the infection transmission processes to be realistically addressed under field management conditions. The model is used to explore the efficacy of various potential control strategies in reducing the levels of within-herd infection. These measures include restricting the size of herds, niche engineering, improving housing hygiene and vaccination. While a vaccination strategy remains a hypothetical option, it has the potential to be particularly effective. It is likely that the most successful strategy will involve the implementation of a combination of measures.
Legionnaires' disease outbreak associated with a cruise liner, August 2003: epidemiological and microbiological findings
Authors: BEYRER K. , LAI S. , DREESMAN J. , LEE J. V. , JOSEPH C. , HARRISON T. , SURMAN-LEE S. , LÜCK C. , BRODHUN B. , BUCHHOLZ U. , WINDORFER A. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYEight cases of Legionnaires' disease were identified among the 215 German passengers after a cruise to the Nordic Sea in August 2003. An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors and the source of infection. In total, eight passengers fulfilled the case definition, one of these died. Forty-two passengers served as controls. The attack rate was 4%. The mean age was 60 years for cases and 62 years for controls. Prolonged exposure to the spa pool seemed to be a risk factor of infection (OR 4·85,P=0·09).Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1, monoclonal antibody (mAb) subgroup ‘Knoxville’ was isolated from clinical and environmental samples. DNA sequence-based typing revealed that these isolates were indistinguishable from each other. The investigation showed the importance of an interdisciplinary approach of microbiology and epidemiology as not all sites on the ship that tested positive forL. pneumophilaactually posed a relevant risk for the passengers.
Gastroenteritis associated with accidental contamination of drinking water with partially treated water
Authors: FERNANDES T. M. A. , SCHOUT C. , De RODA HUSMAN A. M. , EILANDER A. , VENNEMA H. , van DUYNHOVEN Y. T. H. P. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYDue to human error, drinking water supplied to a new housing estate in The Netherlands was contaminated with grey water. The cohort of 921 accidentally exposed households (area A) had a higher attack rate for diarrhoea (54·1%) than a non-exposed cohort of 1529 households from an adjacent area (B) (24%) (RR 2·3, 95% CI 1·9–2·7). Household water score showed a dose-response with illness, in both areas A and B. For each 1000 inhabitants, 19·8 cases in area A, 7·0 cases in control area B (RRAB2·2, 95% CI 1·3–3·8) and 3·3 cases in a more distant control area C (RRAC4·6, 95% CI 2·7–8·0) were diagnosed with gastroenteritis by their general practitioner. A gastroenteritis outbreak associated with consumption of contaminated drinking water was observed in the exposed area. The use of grey water was banned in 2003, with the exception of rainwater use for flushing toilets. The risk of rainwater use is currently being investigated.
α2A‐Adrenoceptors Regulate Sympathetic Transmitter Release in Mice Kidneys
Authors: Vonend O , Habbel S , Stegbauer J , Roth J , Hein L , Rump L C 
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:In the present study, a rodent model was used to investigate whether the α2A‐adrenoceptor (α2A) represents the presynaptic autoinhibitory receptor regulating sympathetic transmitter release in the kidney. Moreover, the potential role of α2A as a heteroceptor regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release was tested.Experimental approach:Kidneys from wild‐type (WT) and α2A‐knockout (KO) mice were isolated and perfused. Renal nerves were stimulated with platinum‐electrodes. Endogenously released noradrenaline (NA) was measured by HPLC. The perfusion pressure was monitored continuously.Key results:Renal nerve stimulation (RNS) induced a frequency (1,2,5,7.5,10,15 Hz)‐dependent release of NA in WT mice (994±373, 2355±541, 6375±950, 11626±1818, 19138±2001 pg NA g‐1 kidney (means±s.e.m.)). There was a 2.7‐fold (5 Hz) increase of NA release in α2A‐KO mice. In WT animals α‐adrenoceptor blockade by phentolamine increased RNS‐induced NA release in a concentration‐dependent manner up to 350% of control. No facilitation by phentolamine was observed in α2A‐KO mice. Pressor responses to 1 Hz and 2 Hz were resistant to α1‐adrenoceptor blockade (0.03 μM prazosin) but abolished by P2 receptor blockade (5 μM PPADS). Blockade of α2‐adrenoceptors (1 μM rauwolscine) increased these purinergic pressor responses to 296±112% (1 Hz) in WT but not in α2A‐KO mice. Exogenous ATP (100 μM) increased basal but not RNS‐induced NA release.Conclusions and Implications:α2A‐Adrenoceptor‐activation inhibits NA and ATP release from renal sympathetic nerves. Pressor responses to RNS at higher stimulation frequencies (>2 Hz) are mediated by NA. At lower frequencies neuronally released ATP seems to be the predominant transmitter mediating renovascular resistance.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 121–127. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706961
Historical Lessons on ID Technology and the Consequences of an Unchecked Trajectory
Authors: Michael Katina , Michael M. G. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
This paper traces the use of identification techniques throughout the ages and focuses on the growing importance of citizen identification by governments. The paper uses a historical approach beginning with manual techniques such as tattoos, through to more recent automatic identification (auto‐ID) techniques such as smart cards and biometrics. The findings indicate that identification techniques born for one purpose have gradually found their way into alternate applications, and in some instances have been misused altogether. There is also strong evidence to suggest that governments are moving away from localized identification schemes to more global systems based on universal lifetime identifiers.
INTRAGENERATIONAL MOBILITY IN SUCCESSOR STATES OF THE USSR
Authors: Titma Mikk , Roots Ave 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
After the collapse of the USSR, the post-Soviet states chose different strategies to build up their economy and society. In our research, we use data of young adults in five countries that represent these strategies. Baltic countries, Estonia and Latvia, are the examples of ‘bottom up’ shock therapy which opened opportunities to everybody and therefore everybody was engaged. Belarus is an example of a country with a still ongoing command economy with very few changes to the market in the late 1990s. The Russian region, Sverdlovsk, and the Ukraine region, Kharkov, are examples of ‘top-down’ privatisation and still shrinking economy in the late 1990s. We hypothesize that different paths of transition influenced intragenerational mobility patterns for young adults. We estimate the impact of respondents’ gender, education, income, economic sector and the characteristics of parental background on intragenerational mobility. We found that Belarus differed from other regions, as young adults there were the least mobile, and the chosen factors had very little explanatory power in the analysis of intragenerational mobility. In the Baltic countries, intragenerational mobility was well explained by typical factors of mobility in a market society. Seven years of transition to the market is too short a time to make statements about long-term trends, but we can still investigate three major strategies to the market and predictability of intragenerational mobility.
THE IMPACT OF WELFARE AND LABOUR MARKET INSTITUTIONS ON INFORMAL RECRUITMENT IN EUROPEAN YOUTH LABOUR MARKETS
Authors: Harsløf Ivan 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
Youth labour markets where informal recruitment practices predominate are likely to amplify existing inequalities among young job seekers. Whereas most literature on informal recruitment focuses on characteristics of individual job seekers and the nature of the jobs they obtain, this article suggests to relate this important issue to overarching dynamics of welfare and labour market institutions. Analyses of survey data among young people with a history of longer-term unemployment in eight European countries suggest that comprehensive welfare state arrangements may substitute for the importance of personal network resources in the job search process. Thus the welfare state may intervene by providing active measures to facilitate the job-matching process and by providing economic means to make young people less dependent on their social network. The level of youth unemployment also seems to be related to the extent of informal recruitment, which is found to be more widespread in the countries with high rates of youth unemployment.
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND THE RISK OF BECOMING LESS EDUCATED
Authors: Powell Justin J.W. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
With educational expansion and rising standards, ever more students are being transferred into special education. These programs serve children and youth with ‘special educational needs’ (SEN), a heterogeneous group with social, ethnic, linguistic, physical, and intellectual disadvantages. An increasing proportion of students at risk of leaving secondary school without qualifications participate in special education. While most European countries aim to replace segregated schools and separate classes with school integration and inclusive education, cross-national comparisons of special education's diverse student bodies show considerable disparities in rates of SEN classification, provided learning opportunities, and educational attainments. Analyses of European special education demographics and organizations emphasize institutional instead of individual explanations. Findings from Germany and the United States further demonstrate that which students bear the greatest risk of becoming less educated depends principally on the institutionalization of special education systems and on definitions of ‘special educational needs’.
A pitcher injury risk assessment study analyzing composite, titanium, aluminum and wood softball bat performance
Authors: McDowell Mark , Ciocco Michael V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOver the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the performance of softball bats from the Olympics down to the recreational level. It is theorized that the introduction of composite‐based material bats has been the largest contributor to the increase in batted‐ball performance, which directly corresponds to a decrease in available pitcher reaction time that can lead to an increase in injury potential. To test this theory, a controlled field‐test study comparing all of the different bat model types currently available was conducted. The performance of ten bat model types; two composite‐based, two titanium‐based, two aluminum‐based multi‐wall, two aluminum‐based single‐wall and two wood‐based bats were measured using 1686 N/0.64 cm (379 lbs/0.25”) compression softballs in order to calculate available pitcher reaction times when using a specific bat model type. Over 1000 Batted‐ball velocity measurements were analyzed using two calibrated radar devices and five experienced test subjects. The results of this study indicate that when titanium‐based or composite‐based softball bat performance results are compared to published safety studies in the sports of softball and baseball, available pitcher reaction times are unsafe, which can lead to a higher injury risk potential. The significance of this research is to provide experimental field‐test data on the possible safety risks to pitchers that can be used to reduce the injury potential and promote safety awareness in the sport of softball.
Running performance after adaptation to acutely intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Wood Matthew R. , Dowson Martin N. , Hopkins Will G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTo quantify the effects of adaptation to acutely intermittent hypoxia on running performance, we randomized 29 trained male hockey and soccer players in double‐blind fashion to altitude or placebo groups for 15 days of daily use of a functional or placebo hypoxic re‐breathing device. Each day's exposure consisted of alternately breathing stale and fresh air for 6 and 4 min respectively over 1 h. Oxygen saturation was monitored with pulse oximeters and progressively reduced in the hypoxia group (90% on Day 1, 77% on Day 15; equivalent to altitudes of ∼3600–6000 m above sea level). Performance tests were an incremental run to maximum speed followed by six maximal‐effort running sprints; tests were performed 1 day before, 3 days after, and 12 days after the 15‐day treatment. Relative to placebo, at 3 days post treatment the hypoxia group showed a mean increase in maximum speed of 2.0% (90% confidence limits, ±0.5%); sprint speed was relatively faster by 1.5% (±1.7%) in the first sprint through 7.0% (±1.5%) in the last; there were also substantial reductions in exercise lactate concentration and resting and exercise heart rate. Substantial effects on performance were still present 9 days later. Thus, adaptation to acutely intermittent hypoxia substantially improves high‐intensity running performance.
Discriminant analysis of game‐related statistics between basketball guards, forwards and centres in three professional leagues
Authors: Sampaio Jaime , Janeira Manuel , Ibáñez Sergio , Lorenzo Alberto 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present paper was to examine the differences in game‐related statistics between basketball guards, forwards and centres playing in three professional leagues: National Basketball Association (NBA, superior level) in the USA, Associación de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB, one of the best European leagues) in Spain and Liga de Clubes de Basquetebol (LCB, inferior level) in Portugal. We reasoned that the knowledge of these differences could allow the coaches to better establish and monitor playing patterns and increase the effectiveness of the player recruitment process. Archival data was gathered for the 2000–2001 play‐off final series of the NBA (five games), ACB (three games) and LCB (four games). For players in each league, discriminant analysis was able to identify game‐related statistics that maximized mean differences between playing positions (p<0.05). The interpretation of the obtained discriminant functions was based on examination of the structure coefficients greater than ∣0.30∣. In the LCB league, centres and guards were discriminated mainly in terms of defensive tasks, with emphasis on blocks (structure coefficient, SC=0.35) and defensive rebounds (SC=0.43) and a de‐emphasis on unsuccessful 3‐point field‐goals (SC= − 0.37). In the ACB, centres and guards were discriminated by offensive tasks, with emphasis on assists (SC=0.52) and 3‐point field‐goals, both successful (SC=0.35) and unsuccessful (SC=0.35), and a de‐emphasis on offensive rebounds (SC= − 0.44). Finally, in the NBA league guards and centres were discriminated by offensive tasks, with emphasis on offensive rebounds (SC=0.31) and a de‐emphasis on assists (SC= − 0.37) and unsuccessful 3‐point field‐goals (SC= − 0.34). These three analyses provided high overall percentages of successful classification (86% for the LCB league, 74% for the ACB and 85% for the NBA). Generally, the players’ game‐related statistics varied according to playing position, probably because of the well‐known differences in the players’ anthropometric characteristics that conditioned the distance they play from the basket. Coaches can use these results to reinforce the importance of relying on different players’ contributions to team performance and evaluate players’ game performance according to their playing position. Conversely, these discriminant models could help in player recruitment and improve training programmes.