bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the cell cycle in the budding yeast Candida albicans by positioning of chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with repetitive sequences
Authors: Chibana Hiroji , Tanaka Kenji , Yanagida Mitsuhiro 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn the budding yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which individual chromosomes cannot be visualized by microscopy, the mitotic phases in the cell cycle have not been correlated with the chromosome behaviour. We used various repetitive sequences, namely, rDNA, telomeric sequences and RPSs, which are localized in limited regions in almost all chromosomes, as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to analyse the cell cycle phases in a pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. The positioning of the FISH signals was analysed quantitatively in relation to the length of spindle microtubules in the nuclear domain. Results: RPSs were randomly distributed in the interphase nucleus, and they formed aggregates with the development of the spindle. DNA synthesis was complete before RPSs came closest to the spindle. As the spindle elongated, they were scattered along the spindle and then separated into two clusters at the spindle poles at the end of anaphase. rDNA was localized in the nucleolar domain, and telomere signals were randomly distributed throughout mitosis. Conclusion: By estimating quantitatively the proportions of mitotic cells with particular configurations of both microtubules and chromosomes in a population of rapidly proliferating cells, we were able to define various stages in the progression of mitosis. The S phase and pro‐to‐prometaphase were overlapping and the G2 phase was lacking. Unexpectedly, the pole‐to‐pole elongation of the spindle (anaphase B) was predominating and was followed by movement of chromosomes to the poles (anaphase A).
Inhibition of agrin‐mediated acetylcholine receptor clustering by utrophin C‐terminal peptides
Authors: Namba Tsunehisa , Scheller Richard H. , Hirokawa Nobutaka 
Published: September 2006

Abstract Background: Agrin is an extracellular matrix protein that is required for neuromuscular synaptogenesis and is particularly important in the clustering of acetylcholine receptors at post‐synaptic sites. Little is known about the signal transduction pathway of agrin‐mediated receptor clustering, although cytoskeletal elements and a dystrophin associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) have been implicated. Because agrin binds to α‐dystroglycan, a member of the DGC, and the DGC is linked to actin through utrophin at postsynaptic sites, it has been suggested that binding of utrophin to the DGC plays a central role in agrin mediated receptor clustering. Results: To test this hypothesis, we expressed at high levels the DGC binding domains of utrophin in cultured myotubes using recombinant Semliki Forest Virus. Myotubes expressing the utrophin and dystrophin DGC binding domain formed significantly fewer acetylcholine receptor clusters in response to agrin than myotubes expressing other proteins. Conclusions: These results suggest involvement of the DGC and utrophin in the signal transduction pathway of agrin‐mediated acetylcholine receptor cluster formation or stabilization.
Proteinase inhibitors and helminth parasite infection
Authors: KNOX D. P. 
Published: September 2006

Summary The concept that parasites may utilize proteinase inhibitors to survive within the host has been with us for 100 years. Given that we now know that proteinases are involved in key areas of the host anti‐parasite immune response including antigen presentation, effector cell function and tissue dissolution and remodelling, it is somewhat surprising that the proteinase inhibitors of parasite origin have not generally been the subject of intense research effort. There is now substantial evidence to show that nematode parasites utilize these inhibitors to protect themselves from degradation by host proteinases, to facilitate feeding and to manipulate the host response to the parasite. The diversity of the parasite‐derived inhibitors is also being revealed and they target the four major proteinase classes, namely serine, cysteine, aspartic and metallo‐proteinases. This review summarizes the information available on nematode‐derived proteinase inhibitors and what is known of their putative functions. Their potential as targets for immunological control is also addressed.
Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) inhibits apoptosis in human neutrophils
Authors: BAZZOCCHI C. , COMAZZI S. , SANTONI R. , BANDI C. , GENCHI C. , MORTARINO M. 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARY Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are essential for the innate immune response against invading bacteria. At the same time, modulation of PMNs’ apoptosis or cell death by bacteria has emerged as a mechanism of pathogenesis. Wolbachia bacteria are Gram‐negative endosymbionts of filarial nematodes and arthropods, phylogenetically related to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Neorickettsia (family Anaplasmataceae). Although several pathogens are known to interfere with apoptosis, there is only limited information on specific proteins that modulate this phenomenon. This is the first evidence for the anti‐apoptotic activity of a surface protein of Wolbachia from filarial nematode parasites (the Wolbachia surface protein, WSP). The inhibition of apoptosis was demonstrated on purified human PMNs in vitro by different methods. TUNEL assay showed that the percentage of dead cells was reduced after stimulation with WSP; Annexin V‐FITC binding assay confirmed that cell death was due mainly to apoptosis and not to necrosis. Reduced caspase‐3 activity in stimulated cells also confirmed an inhibition of the apoptotic process.
A Monoclonal Antibody to the Mycobacterial 65kDa Heat Shock Protein (ML 30) Binds to Cells in Normal and Arthritic Joints of Rats
Authors: KLEINAU S. , SÖDERSTRÖM K. , KIESSLING R. , KLARESKOG L. 
Published: September 2006

A monoclonal antibody reactive with the mycobacterial 65 kDa heal shock protein (ML 30) was investigated for reactivity with biopsies from normal rat joints and with inflamed joints due to adjuvant arthritis (AA) or collagen induced arthrilis (CIA).Immunohistochemical stainings with the ant‐hsp 65 antibody on paralVm sections from normal rat joints revealed a weak but exclusive staining of cells within the synovial lining. Also normal chondrocytes and bone marrow cells showed oceasioniil staining.In biopsies from inflamed joints obtained from rats suffering from AA or CIA. an intense staining with ML 30 was seen with in the Ciirtilage‐pannus junction as well as sites of bone erosion. An increased staining, compared with the normal, was also seen in chondroeytes of the eroded cartilage and in some bone marrow cells. No staining with ML 30 was seen in biopsies from inflammatory lesions due to delayed type hyperscnsitivity reactions in the skin of rats. Reactivity of ML 30 was also seen in a Western blot assay performed on lysates from inflamed synovia from rats with CIA, preferentially with a component slightly below 60 kDa in molecular weight.The demonstration of epitopes cross‐reactive with hsp 65 of mycobacteria in normal and. in higher quantity, in arthritic rat joints, suggests, together with our preliminary biochemical findings, that a recently identified mammalian counterpart to bacterial hsp 65 is both preferentially expressed in normal joints and subject to increased expression in arthritis of different aetiologies.
The influence of habitat management on the breeding success of the Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris in Britain
Authors: GILBERT GILLIAN , TYLER GLEN A. , DUNN CHRISTOPHER J. , RATCLIFFE NORMAN , SMITH KEN W. 
Published: September 2006

Great Bitterns Botaurus stellaris have experienced a population decline in the UK, such that in 1997 the total number of breeding males was just 11. This study aimed to identify factors affecting productivity, and how management could be used to manipulate this. An intensive study of Great Bittern breeding success was conducted between 1997 and 2001. The date that males established their booming territories was closely correlated with when females started nesting. Wetter sites with greater fish densities had males that established their booming territories earlier in the season. However, only the date that males started booming determined when females started nesting. The mean clutch size of Great Bitterns was four and the only cause of nest failure was predation. Of eight nests suspected to be second attempts the mean interval between these first and second attempts was 12.25 ± 0.88 (sd) days (range 8–15). The fate of radiotagged chicks followed to fledging revealed that the overall probability of a chick surviving to fledge was 39.1%. Daily losses of Great Bittern chicks due to starvation/exposure accounted for 76.25% and predation 21.25%. The youngest chicks in poor condition were most likely to die, particularly in periods of high rainfall. A simulated renesting model allowed estimation of Great Bittern productivity as 1.24 chicks per female and 1.52 nesting attempts per female. Habitat management, or lack of water control that resulted in sites being drier in spring, delayed nesting, although statistically there was no difference in productivity compared with wetter sites.
The effect of breeding status on the timing of moult in Mute Swans Cygnus olor
Authors: MCCLEERY R. H. , PERRINS C. M. , WHEELER D. , GROVES S. 
Published: September 2006

It is well known that in breeding Mute Swans Cygnus olor males initiate moult 4–6 weeks after their mate, and that in non‐breeding flocks males and females moult at about the same time. Here we show that mated pairs that have lost their young moult at the same time, implying that the male is able to avoid the delay in moult at very short notice.
Clustering of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Heart Failure Patients Implanted with a Biventricular Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: LUNATI MAURIZIO , GASPARINI MAURIZIO , BOCCHIARDO MARIO , CURNIS ANTONIO , LANDOLINA MAURIZIO , CARBONI ANGELO , LUZZI GIANNI , ZANOTTO GABRIELE , RAVAZZI PIERANTONIO , MAGENTA GIOVANNI , DENARO ALESSANDRA , DISTEFANO PAOLA , GRAMMATICO ANDREA ,   on behalf of the InSync ICD Italian Registry Investigators
Published: September 2006

Background: Temporal patterns of ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT/VF) have been studied only in patients who have received implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for secondary prevention of sudden death, and mainly in ischemic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate VT/VF recurrence patterns in heart failure (HF) patients with biventricular ICD and to stratify results according to HF etiology and ICD indication. Methods and Results: We studied 421 patients (91% male, 66 ± 9 years). HF etiology was ischemic in 292 patients and nonischemic in 129. ICD indication was for primary prevention in 227 patients and secondary prevention in 194. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 26 ± 7%, QRS duration 168 ± 32 msec, and NYHA class 2.9 ± 0.6. In a follow‐up of 19 ± 11 months, 1,838 VT/VF in 110 patients were appropriately detected. In 59 patients who had ≥4 episodes, we tried to determine whether VT/VF occurred randomly or rather tended to cluster by fitting the frequency distribution of tachycardia interdetection intervals with exponential functions: VT/VF clusters were observed in 46 patients (78% of the subgroup of patients with ≥4 episodes and 11% of the overall population). On multivariate logistic analysis, VT/VF clusters were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with ICD indication for secondary prevention (odds ratio [OR]= 3.12; confidence interval [CI]= 1.56–6.92), nonischemic HF etiology (OR = 4.34; CI = 2.02–9.32), monomorphic VT (OR = 4.96; CI = 2.28–10.8), and LVEF < 25% (OR = 3.34; CI = 1.54–7.23). Cardiovascular hospitalizations and deaths occurred more frequently in cluster (21/46 [46%]) than in noncluster patients (63/375 (17%), P < 0.0001). Conclusions: In HF patients with biventricular ICDs, VT/VF clusters may be regarded as the epiphenomenon of HF deterioration or as a marker of suboptimal response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Glycodelin: a novel serum anti‐inflammatory marker in type 1 diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Immonen Ilkka R. J. , Loukovaara Mikko J. , Koistinen Riitta , Kaaja Risto J. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  Inflammation may play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy. Glycodelin is a glycoprotein whose secretion from the endometrial glands increases during pregnancy. Glycodelin has immunosuppressive properties thought to play a role in the protection of the fetoplacental unit. We studied the role of glycodelin in the development and progression of retinopathy in type 1 diabetes during pregnancy.Methods:  Retinopathy was graded from fundus photographs in 45 diabetes subjects and nine non‐diabetes subjects prospectively during pregnancy. Serum glycodelin concentration was measured by an immunofluorometric assay.Results:  In women with diabetes with progression of retinopathy, serum glycodelin concentration was 263 ng/ml (range 116–505 ng/ml) during the first trimester, 61 ng/ml (range 30–106 ng/ml) during the second trimester, and 29 ng/ml (range 13–53 ng/ml) during the third trimester, compared with values of 595 ng/ml (range 376–870 ng/ml), 104 ng/ml (range 75–228 ng/ml) and 45 ng/ml (range 32–74 ng/ml), respectively, in diabetes subjects without progression (p = 0.005 between the groups). Low glycodelin concentration was associated with progression of diabetic retinopathy in multiple regression analysis. Serum glycodelin concentration was similar in women with and without diabetes throughout pregnancy (p = 0.63 by repeated measures anova).Conclusions:  Low glycodelin concentration is associated with progression of retinopathy in pregnant women with diabetes. A possible causal relationship between low glycodelin levels and progression of retinopathy may be mediated by the immunomodulatory properties of glycodelin.
High glucose‐boosted inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide are suppressed by statin
Authors: Nareika A. , Maldonado A. , He L. , Game B. A. , Slate E. H. , Sanders J. J. , London S. D. , Lopes‐Virella M. F. , Huang Y. 
Published: September 2006

Background and Objective:  It has been established that periodontal diseases are more prevalent and of greater severity in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic patients. Recent studies have underscored the role of monocytes and macrophages in periodontal tissue inflammation and destruction in diabetic patients. Although it has been shown that monocytes isolated from diabetic patients produce more inflammatory cytokines and that gingival crevicular fluid collected from diabetic patients contains higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than that obtained from nondiabetic patients, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.Material and Methods:  U937 histiocytes cultured in medium containing either normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose were treated with 100 ng/ml of lipopolysaccharide for 24h. After the treatment, cytokines in the medium and cytokine mRNA in the cells were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbet assay and real‐time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.Results:  In this study, we demonstrated that the pre‐exposure of U937 histiocytes to high glucose concentrations markedly increased the lipopolysaccharide‐induced secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the cellular inducible nitric oxide level compared with pre‐exposure to normal glucose. Our data also showed that the increased secretion of cytokines was a result of increased mRNA expression. Furthermore, the effects of statin and peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor agonists on high glucose‐enhanced secretion of cytokines were determined. The results showed that simvastatin, but not fenofibrate or pioglitazone, inhibited high glucose‐enhanced cytokine release.Conclusion:  This study has shown that high glucose concentrations and lipopolysaccharide act synergistically to stimulate the secretion of inflammatory mediators, and that statin is capable of suppressing the high glucose‐boosted proinflammatory response. This study therefore delineates a novel mechanism by which hyperglycemia enhances the inflammatory responses of macrophages and suggests that statin may be useful in the treatment of periodontal disease in diabetic patients.
Estimating a boundary line model for a biological response by maximum likelihood
Authors: Milne A.E. , Ferguson R.B. , Lark R.M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe boundary line model was proposed to interpret biological data sets, where one variable is a biological response (e.g. crop yield) to an independent variable (e.g. available water content of the soil). The upper (or lower) boundary on a plot of the dependent variable (ordinate) against the independent variable (abscissa) represents the limiting response of the dependent variable to the independent variable value. Although the concept has been widely used, the methods proposed to define the boundary line have been subject to criticism. This is because of their ad hoc nature and lack of theoretical basis. In this article, we present a novel method for fitting the boundary line to a set of data. The method uses a censored probability distribution to interpret the data structure. The parameters of the distribution (and hence the boundary line parameters) are fitted using maximum likelihood and related confidence intervals deduced. The method is demonstrated using both simulated and real data sets.
INFLUENCE OF CHEWING AND SWALLOWING BEHAVIOR ON VOLATILE RELEASE IN TWO CONFECTIONERY SYSTEMS
Authors: BLISSETT A. , HORT J. , TAYLOR A.J. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT Electromyography, electroglottography and turbine airflow technology were used to characterize the chewing, swallowing and breath flow profiles of 35 subjects during the consumption of two different (a gum Arabic‐ and carrageenan‐based) confectionery chews. Simultaneous volatile release measurements were obtained using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Subgroups of subjects displaying different eating characteristics were identified for both products. Parameters accounting for the maximum variance (product 1, 42% and product 2, 52%) between the subgroups were chewing force, chewing rate, proportion of work and total number of chews. Volatile release measurements were significantly different between the subgroups from product 1. The impact of the different eating characteristics on volatile release from product 2 was less defined, and postulated to be a result of the contrasting textural properties. Manipulating in vivo breakdown of chewy confectionery products, by texture modification, may influence consumer's volatile release and subsequent flavor perception.
COLD GELATION OF WHEY PROTEIN EMULSIONS
Authors: ROSA PAULA , SALA GUIDO , VAN VLIET TON , VAN DE VELDE FRED 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT Stable and homogeneous emulsion‐filled gels were prepared by cold gelation of whey protein isolate (WPI) emulsions. A suspension of heat‐denatured WPI (soluble WPI aggregates) was mixed with a 40% (w/w) oil‐in‐water emulsion to obtain gels with varying concentrations of WPI aggregates and oil. For emulsions stabilized with native WPI, creaming was observed upon mixing of the emulsion with a suspension of WPI aggregates, likely as a result of depletion flocculation induced by the differences in size between the droplets and aggregates. For emulsions stabilized with soluble WPI aggregates, the obtained filled suspension was stable against creaming, and homogeneous emulsion‐filled gels with varying protein and oil concentrations were obtained. Large deformation properties of the emulsion‐filled cold‐set WPI gels were determined by uniaxial compression. With increasing oil concentration, the fracture stress increases slightly, whereas the fracture strain decreases slightly. Small deformation properties were determined by oscillatory rheology. The storage modulus after 16 h of acidification was taken as a measure of the gel stiffness. Experimental results were in good agreement with predictions according to van der Poel's theory for the effect of oil concentration on the stiffness of filled gels. Especially, the influence of the modulus of the matrix on the effect of the oil droplets was in good agreement with van der Poel's theory.
DIRECTION REVERSALS IN THE MECHANICAL SIGNATURE OF CELLULAR SNACKS: A MEASURE OF BRITTLENESS?
Authors: CORRADINI MARIA G. , PELEG MICHA 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTS The “mechanical signatures” of brittle cellular foods are known to be irregular and irreproducible. Nevertheless, their degree of jaggedness is remarkably similar and can be a measure of such foods' brittleness and perceived crunchiness/crispiness. An irregular curve's “jaggedness” is manifested by frequent direction reversals. Hence, their number can serve as a jaggedness's index. Counting the number of direction reversals in a digitized force‐displacement curve can be done with a simple algorithm, implemented in any general‐purpose software. The number of direction reversals is strongly correlated with the signature's apparent fractal dimension. It is also a reproducible enough parameter to monitor the loss of brittleness in snacks as a result of moisture sorption. This measure of jaggedness, however, is inapplicable to smooth force‐displacement curves because in such records, the small random force fluctuations produced by the digitizing process can create a false impression of “jaggedness.” Although a correction for this artifact can be introduced into the program, its utility is doubtful.
Panel Flutter Model Identification Using the Minimum Model Error Method on the Forced Response Measurements
Authors: Shiryayev Oleg V. , Slater Joseph C. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
This work illustrates application of the minimum model error system identification method to obtain the nonlinear state space models of a fluttering panel. Identification using position and velocity data from forced response of the panel is presented here. The response was numerically simulated using two different discretization approaches: through finite differences and using the Galerkin’s method. Data from two different parts of response time history were considered. First, data where transients due to initial conditions and the forcing were present were used for identification. Then, data when only transients due to forcing were present were used for identification. The models obtained using the forced response of the panel were able to capture the behavior of the true system relatively accurately. Identification of models of different sizes is also discussed. Reduced size models can be successfully created from the forced response data using the minimum model error method. It is demonstrated that the number of degrees of freedom in the model attempted to be identified should be consistent with the number modes observed in the measurements. The response surface method was successfully applied to generate models for various flow regimes.