bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group location in the group-living lizard, Cordylus cataphractus: the significance of occupancy and a group signal
Authors: Hayward Jeannie , Mouton P. le Fras N. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Chemical cues in the form of glandular secretions may play an important role
in the location and selection of shelters in lizards. The present study
investigated the possible existence and significance of a composite group
signal in the group-living cordylid, Cordylus cataphractus. Cordylus
cataphractus is very sluggish and probably extremely vulnerable during
periods away from the crevice. A group signal would aid dispersing or lost
individuals in locating groups of conspecifics in the shortest possible
time. Choice experiments to determine shelter selection were conducted in
the laboratory as well as in the field, in order to test specific
predictions following from the group signal hypothesis. In the laboratory,
there was a statistically significant preference for shelters marked with
conspecific glandular secretions over unmarked shelters. In the field,
individuals strongly avoided crevices occupied by conspecifics. It seems
likely that a composite group signal does exist, and that such a signal may
be used to locate groups of conspecifics. Whether an individual will
actually join a group seems to be determined by the interaction of a number
of complex factors.
The texture and composition of tourmaline in metasediments of the Sinai, Egypt: Implications for the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Pan-African basement
Authors: Abu El-Enen M. M. , Okrusch M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAccessory tourmaline in metasediments from the Sinai crystalline basement exhibits textural and chemical signatures that relate to the evolution of regional metamorphism and deformation during the Pan-African orogeny and testifies to differentP-Tpath segments. Tourmaline inclusions in various porphyroblasts were formed during the prograde phase of metamorphism; acicular to prismatic crystals in the matrix, oriented sub-parallel to, and enveloped by, the main foliation crystallized syntectonically under prograde and peak metamorphic conditions; tourmaline cross-cutting the main foliation may have formed just after the peak or during the retrograde phase of metamorphism. Some of the cores in tourmaline crystals, showing different colours, are interpreted as former detrital grains. The abundance of tourmaline decreases with increasing peak metamorphic conditions. The tourmaline investigated belongs to the schorl-dravitessgroup, generally withXMgof 0.42–0.73 and XCa= Ca/(Ca+Na+K+□) of 0.02–0.24, typical of tourmalines in metapelites and metapsammites; whereas detrital cores have been derived from various sources, including former tourmaline-quartz and pre-existing high-metamorphic rocks. Tourmaline of the Sinai metasediments was formed during metamorphism of the sedimentary precursors, essentially in a closed system, where clay minerals and organic matter, together with detrital tourmaline, served as the source of boron. Although a metamorphic facies should be defined by characteristic mineral assemblages present in metamorphic rocks, tourmaline chemistry is a good monitor ofP-Tconditions in the metapelites and semi-metapelites investigated, showing an increase inXMgwith increasing metamorphic grade, whereXturMg= 0.60 distinguishes between greenschist and lower-amphibolite facies, whileXturMg= 0.65 could distinguish lower- from middle- to upper-amphibolite facies. The results of tourmaline-biotite geothermometry compare well with our former temperature estimates using conventional geothermometry and phase-diagram modelling.
Site occupancy in richterite-winchite from Libby, Montana, USA, by FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Iezzi G. , Della Ventura G. , Bellatreccia F. , Lo Mastro S. , Bandli B. R. , Gunter M. E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThree natural amphibole samples collected from the former vermiculite mine near Libby, Montana. USA, have been analysed by Rietveld X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) refinement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the OH-stretching region. The same materials have been analysed previously by electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), Mössbauer spectroscopy and structure refinement (SREF) single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), which revealed that these amphiboles have a crystal chemical formula very close to an intermediate composition between winchite and richterite, i.e. AA0.5BNaCaCMg4.5M3+T0.5Si8O22(OH)2 (A = Na and/or K; M3+ = Fe3+ and/or Al). The Rietveld analysis showed the powder samples used for the experiments here to be composed only of amphibole. This in turn allowed us to use FTIR OH-stretching data to derive cation ordering on these powder samples. The three FTIR spectra are quite similar and up to four components can be fitted to the patterns. The two lower-frequency components (labelled A and B) can be attributed to a local O(3)-H dipole surrounded by M(1)M(3)Mg3 and M(1)M(3)Mg2Fe2+; (respectively), an empty A site and rSi8 environments; on the contrary, the higher-frequency C and D bands indicate the presence of an occupied A site. The FTIR OH-stretching data alone allow us to calculate the site occupancy of the A, M(1)–M(3) and T sites with confidence, as compared with previously published data. By contrast M(4)- and M(2)-site occupancies are more difficult to evaluate. This study takes advantage of the large database of well characterized synthetic amphiboles, built over the last two decades. The comparison of vibrational spectroscopy data with micro-chemical and crystallographic data reported in this study demonstrate that the FTIR OH-stretching method alone is a valuable and rapid method to derive or at least sensibly constrain site occupancy for natural amphiboles. A much more detailed cation site occupancy can be obtained by combining micro-chemical and FTIR OH-stretching data.
Clinical evaluation of QuantiFERON TB-2G test for immunocompromised patients
Authors: Kobashi Y. , Mouri K. , Obase Y. , Fukuda M. , Miyashita N. , Oka M. 
Published: July 2007

The usefulness of the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON TB-2G (QFT-TB) test were compared in immunocompromised patients.The subjects consisted of 252 immunocompromised patients who were clinically suspected of tuberculosis (TB) infection between April 2005 and December 2006.Regarding the underlying diseases, 74 subjects had malignant diseases, 72 were undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, 52 had diabetes mellitus, 50 had chronic renal failure and four had HIV infection. While the positive rate of the QFT-TB test for the diagnosis of TB infection (TB disease or latent TB infection) was 78.1%, that of TST for TB infection was 50.0%. The QFT-TB test was significantly better than TST. However, 32 (13%) patients had an indeterminate QFT-TB result. Indeterminate findings were significantly more frequent in patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment (28%), especially with lymphocytopaenia in the peripheral blood, than in those who had other underlying diseases. While TST-positive and QFT-TB test-negative results were recognised in immunocompromised patients with bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccination or nontuberculous mycobacterial disease, TST-negative and QFT-TB test-positive results were recognised in immunocompromised patients with a past history of TB infection.It was concluded that the QuantiFERON TB-2G test is a more useful diagnostic method for tuberculosis infection than tuberculin skin test for immunocompromised patients suspected of tuberculosis disease. However, because the results of the QuantiFERON TB-2G test show an indeterminate response for patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment, especially for those with lymphocytopaenia due to severe underlying diseases, care must be taken in the interpretation of the QuantiFERON TB-2G test for these patients.
Effects of antioxidant enzyme polymorphisms on ozone-induced lung function changes
Authors: Chen C. , Arjomandi M. , Tager I. B. , Holland N. , Balmes J. R. 
Published: July 2007

Chronic exposure to ozone (O3) can cause changes in lung function that may reflect remodelling of small airways. It is likely that antioxidant enzyme function affects susceptibility to O3. The aim of the present study was to determine whether polymorphisms in antioxidant enzyme (GSTM1,GSTP1andNQO1) genes affect the risk of lung function changes related to chronic exposure to O3.In total, 210 young adults who participated in a previous study, which showed a relationship between lifetime exposure to O3and decreased lung function, were genotyped. Multivariable linear regression was used to model sex-specific associations between genotypes and O3-related lung function changes, adjusting for height, weight, lifetime exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm, and self-identified race/ethnicity.TheGSTM1-null/NQO1Pro187Pro-combination genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of an O3-related decrease in mean forced expiratory flow between 25–75% of forced vital capacity in females (parameter estimate±se-75±35 mL·s−1), while theGSTP1Val105 variant genotypes were significantly associated with greater risk of an O3-related decrease in mean forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity in males (-81±31 mL·s−1).GSTM1-null status was not significantly associated with any O3-related changes in lung function in either sex.The current authors conclude that the effects of antioxidant enzyme gene polymorphisms on the risk of decreased lung function related to chronic exposure to ozone may be modified by sex-specific factors.
Mycobacterium paratuberculosisis recognized by Toll-like receptors and NOD2
Authors: Ferwerda Gerben , Kullberg Bart Jan , de Jong Dirk J , Girardin Stephen E , Langenberg Dennis M L , van Crevel Reinout , Ottenhoff Tom H M , Van der Meer Jos W M , Netea Mihai G 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMycobacterium paratuberculosis has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD). The importance of microorganisms in CD is supported by the association of CD with mutations in the intracellular pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2). The aim of this study is to investigate the PRR involved in the recognition of M. paratuberculosis. Methods used include in vitro stimulation of transfected cell lines, murine macrophages, and human PBMC. M. paratuberculosis stimulated human TLR2 (hTLR2)-Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells predominantly and hTLR4-CHO cells modestly. Macrophages from TLR2 and TLR4 knockout mice produced less cytokines compared with controls after stimulation with M. paratuberculosis. TLR4 inhibition in human PBMC reduced cytokine production only after stimulation with live M. paratuberculosis. TLR-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 production is mediated through MyD88, whereas Toll-IL-1R domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF) promoted the release of IL-1β. hNOD2-human embryo kidney (HEK) cells, but not hNOD1-HEK cells, responded to stimulation with M. paratuberculosis. PBMC of individuals homozygous for the 3020insC NOD2 mutation showed a 70% defective cytokine response after stimulation with M. paratuberculosis. These results demonstrate that TLR2, TLR4, and NOD2 are involved in the recognition of M. paratuberculosis by the innate immune system.
Distribution and phenotype of rotavirus-specific B cells induced during the antigen-driven primary response to 2/6 virus-like particles administered by the intrarectal and the intranasal routes
Authors: Di Martino Cyrille , Basset Christelle , Ogier Agathe , Charpilienne Annie , Poncet Didier , Kohli Evelyne 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSelection of mucosal sites is an important step in mucosal vaccine development. The intrarectal (IR) route represents an alternative to the oral route of immunization; nevertheless, immune responses induced by this route are not well defined. Here, we studied the early primary B cell response (induction, homing, and phenotype) induced by IR immunization with rotavirus (RV)-2/6 virus-like particles (VLP). Using flow cytometry, we traced RV-specific B cells in different lymphoid tissues and analyzed the expression of α4β7 and CCR9, which are important receptors for homing to the gut, as well as CD5, a marker expressed by B1-a cells, which are a major source of natural antibodies. We observed a massive, specific B cell response in rectal follicles, lumbar, and mesenteric lymph nodes but not in Peyer’s patches or cervical lymph nodes. A minority of cells expressed α4β7, suggesting a probable lack of migration to the gut, whereas CCR9 and CD5 were expressed by 30–50% and 30–75% of specific B cells, respectively. Then, we compared the intranasal route of immunization and observed similar B cell frequency and phenotype but in respiratory lymphoid tissues. These results confirm the high compartmentalization of B cell responses within the mucosal system. They show that CCR9 expression, conversely to α4β7, is not restricted to B cells induced in the gut. Finally, an important part of the RV-specific B cell response induced at the mucosal level during the primary response to VLP is most likely a result of B1-a cells.
A novel mutation in the accessory DNA-binding domain of human steroidogenic factor 1 causes XY gonadal dysgenesis without adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Reuter Anne L , Goji Katsumi , Bingham Nathan C , Matsuo Masafumi , Parker Keith L 
Published: July 2007

Objective: Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), officially designated NR5A1, is a nuclear receptor that plays key roles in endocrine development and function. Previous reports of human SF1 mutations revealed a spectrum of phenotypes affecting adrenal function and/or gonadal development and sex differentiation. We present the clinical phenotype and functional effects of a novel SF1 mutation.Patient: The patient is a 22-year-old 46, XY Japanese patient who presented with dysgenetic testes, atrophic vasa deferentia and epididymides, lack of Müllerian structures, and clitoromegaly. Endocrine studies revealed normal adrenal function.Results: Analysis of theSF1gene revealed compound heterozygosity for a previously described p.G146A polymorphism and a novel missense mutation (p.R84C) in the accessory DNA-binding domain. The father carried the p.G146A polymorphism and the mother had the p.R84C mutation; both were clinically and reproductively normal. Functional studies demonstrated that the p.R84C SF1 had normal nuclear localization but decreased DNA-binding affinity and transcriptional activity compared with wild-type SF1; it did not exhibit any dominant negative activity.Conclusions: These results describe the human phenotype that results from compound heterozygosity of the p.G146A polymorphism and a novel p.R84C mutation of SF1, thereby extending the spectrum of human SF1 mutations that impair testis development and sex differentiation in a sex-limited manner while preserving normal adrenal function.
Phase inversion of polyacrylamide based inverse‐emulsions: Effect of the surfactant and monomer on postinversion equilibrium properties
Authors: Armanet Luc , Hunkeler David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe influence of the interfacial chemistry on the phase inversion of polymerized water‐in‐oil emulsions has been investigated. For copolymerizations of acrylamide with cationic monomers, the effect of substituting of fatty acid esters and ethoxylated fatty acid esters with ABA block type stabilizers, on the kinetics and extent of phase inversion, were examined. It was determined that the solution viscosity was a valid metric to identify the mechanism by which inversion occurs, while conductivity provided a means to quantify inversion efficiency, Therefore, the interfacial chemistry was found to influence not only the plateau value of the viscosity of the polymer solution but also its kinetics. The most suitable inversion was observed with a polymer emulsion stabilized with low block copolymer stabilizer levels in the blend (8 wt %), relative to traditional fatty acid esters and ethoxylated fatty acid esters. This provided an ultimate solution viscosity 30% higher than for a polymer synthesized under identical conditions though with higher levels of the ABA block stabilizer. Overall, the optimal formulation (8% ABA) was found to liberate 88% of the latent viscosity. Given that the options in regards to inverting surfactants can be, legislatively, limited, the present work makes a case for the selection of the interfacial composition not only for its stability during reaction, and the molecular weight of the synthesized polymer, but also for the extent and rapidity of inversion. The formulation‐composition map approach provided an understanding of phase inversion applied to polymer emulsion and was a useful fingerprint to qualitatively describe the catastrophic mechanism of inversion. The surfactant affinity difference applied to a blend of surfactant was found to be a convenient formulation parameter which allowed us to locate the representative point on the map of the polymer emulsion stabilized with different surfactant blend composition. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
The synthesis, characterization, and DC electrical conductivity of poly[di(2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)‐metal] complexes
Authors: El‐Shekeil Ali G. , Al‐Maydama Hussein M. , Al‐Shuja'a Omar M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPoly[di(2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)]‐metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) were synthesized by the reaction of 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (6.6 mmol) with anhydrous cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc chlorides (3.3 mmol) in absolute ethanol under reflux for 24 h. The products were characterized by elemental analyses, electronic spectra, FTIR spectroscopy, as well as thermal analyses (TGA and DTA), and X‐ray diffraction. The DC electrical conductivity variation of the poly[di(2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)‐metal] complexes were studied in the temperature range 300–500 K as annealed for 24 h at 100°C and after doping with 5% I2 for comparison. An attempt is made to interpret the DC electrical conductivity behavior and thermal properties to doping, annealing, structure, and metal used. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effects of the minor groove pyrimidine nucleobase functional groups on the stability of duplex DNA: The impact of uncompensated minor groove amino groups
Authors: Sun Zhenhua , McLaughlin Larry W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDNA sequences containing four types of analog nucleosides are described. All four are pyridine derivatives constructed as C‐nucleosides so that they mimic the pyrimidine derivatives 2′‐deoxyuridine, thymidine or 2′‐deoxycytidine, but in all cases the analogs lack the corresponding O2‐carbonyls that in duplex DNA are located in the minor groove. In place of the O2‐carbonyl is a hydrogen atom, a polar fluorine atom, or a nonpolar methyl group. The described C‐nucleosides have native‐like bidentate Watson–Crick hydrogen‐bonding faces and can form essentially normal W‐C base pairs of varying stability with A or G. In each modified base pair, two inter‐residue hydrogen bonds should be present. In spite of a common number of interstrand hydrogen bonds, the thermodynamic stabilities of the prepared duplexes, each containing two analog base pairs, vary dramatically. Most notably, base pairs containing uncompensated purine amino groups (those lacking a hydrogen‐bonding partner) in the minor groove exhibit the most dramatic reductions in thermodynamic stability. Removal of such uncompensated amino groups results in increased duplex stability. Base pairs containing fluorine in the minor groove positioned adjacent to an amino group seem to enhance duplex stability marginally (relative to H or CH3), but there is little evidence to suggest that fluorine is an effective hydrogen‐bonding partner in these systems. The presence of minor groove methyl groups results in the least stable duplexes in each series of sequences. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 183–195, 2007.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Selection and initial characterization of novel peptide ligands that bind specifically to human blood outgrowth endothelial cells
Authors: Veleva Anka N. , Cooper Stuart L. , Patterson Cam 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing phage display technology, we have isolated 12‐mer peptide ligands that bind to human blood outgrowth endothelial cells (HBOEC). To avoid non‐specific binding we apply negative–positive selection approach by pre‐incubating the library with non‐HBOEC. The selected phage clones bind to their target cell population with high recovery. Moreover, the isolated clones display outstanding cell specificity as no significant binding is observed on a panel of other cell types. We anticipate the findings from this work to be exploited in the development of future cell‐based therapeutic revascularization approaches to ischemic disease and endothelial injury or in combination with biomedical devices. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 306–312. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adipocytokine profile of type 2 diabetics in metabolic syndrome as defined by various criteria
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Al‐Attas Omar S. , Al‐Rubeaan Khalid , Sallam Reem 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to identify which among the metabolic syndrome (MS) definitions are closely associated with pathological levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, tumour necrosis alpha (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) among type 2 diabetics.Materials and MethodsThree hundred and five (160 males; 145 females) adult type 2 diabetic Saudis participated in this cross‐sectional study. Leptin, adiponectin, resistin, TNF‐α and CRP were analysed, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Each participant was screened for MS based on the definitions of WHO, AHA/NHLBI and IDF.ResultsIDF holds the most identified patients [190 (62.3%)] in both, males [107 (66.9%)], and females [83 (57.2%)]. In males, hyperleptinemia, hypoadiponectinemia and hyperresistinemia were strongest in the AHA/NHLBI‐defined MS [odds ratio (95% confidence interval ‘CI’) of 2.03 (1.05–3.93); 1.31 (0.55–3.1); 1.63 (0.42–6.4) respectively]. The risk of elevated CRP was highest on the WHO definition [odds ratio (95% CI) of 2.04 (0.46–9.04)]. In females, the IDF‐defined MS has the strongest association in all four parameters: odds ratio (95% CI), as follows: leptin [2.09 (0.14–30.71)]; adiponectin [6.00 (0.47–76.17)]; resistin [0.47 (0.18–1.23)] and CRP [3.07 (0.21–45.10)].ConclusionGender differences exist in assessing the risk of various adipocytokine abnormalities in relation to the various criteria. This study supports the use of IDF definition among females and AHA/NHLBI in males in studies involving MS and obesity, since these definitions hold stronger predicting powers in detecting pathological levels of key adipocytokines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of aqueous chiral electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) with an emphasis on chiral microemulsion EKC
Authors: Kahle Kimberly A. , Foley Joe P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe separation of enantiomers using electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) with chiral microemulsions is comprehensively reviewed through December 1, 2006. Aqueous chiral EKC separations based on other pseudostationary phases such as micelles and vesicles or on other chiral selectors such as CDs, crown ethers, glycopeptides, ligand exchange moeities are also reviewed from both mechanistic and applications perspective for the period of January 2005 to December 1, 2006.