bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasal mucus clearance in rats: Differences with sex and phase of the oestrous cycle
Authors: Saldiva P. H. N. , Parada M. A. C. , Macchione M. , Paiva P. S. O. , Guimarães E. T. , Lorenzi G. , Martins M. A. , Montes G. S. , Balbani A. P. , King M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe studied the changes in airway mucus rheology and clearability, as well as in morphometric indices, between male rats and females in either the oestrous or dioestrous phases of the oestrous cycle. Three‐month‐old Wistar rats were studied and the phases of the oestrous cycle were determined based on analysis of vaginal smears stained by a modified Shorr's procedure. Nasal mucus samples were analysed by means of magnetic rheometry and determination of in vitro transport rate in the frog palate preparation. In situ clearance on the exposed nasal septum was also determined. The mucociliary velocity in situ was significantly affected by both sex and the oestrous cycle phase. In female rats, dioestrous phase clearance was significantly slower than the oestrous phase one. Clearance in male rats was faster than that of both the phases studied in females. Mucus rigidity of females in the oestrous phase was more rigid than that of females in the dioestrous phase and that of males. Mucus viscosity/elasticity ratio for deformations performed at high frequencies was greater for females in comparison with males. Cough clearability computed on the basis of rheological parameters was predicted to be more favourable in females. There were no significant differences between the three groups in mucociliary clearance in vitro. Morphometric studies of the nasal epithelium showed that epithelial and glandular volumes did not exhibit sex‐ or oestrous‐phase‐related differences, but the amount of epithelial acidic glycoproteins was lower in females in the oestrous phase in comparison with males and those in the dioestrous phase, the same trend being observed in the glands of the lamina propria. The finding of significant differences of mucus rheology and mucus airway histochemistry may be important in explaining differences between sexes in the susceptibility to the effects of airborne noxious stimulants, as suggested by some epidemiological data.
Semiautomated quantification of cytotoxic damage induced in cultured insect cells exposed to commercial bacillus thuringiensis biopesticides
Authors: Tayabali Azam F. , Seligy Verner L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA convenient in vitro bioassay based on semiautomated quantification of live‐cell reduction of tetrazolium dyes ‐ 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MIT) and 2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulphophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐corboxanilide sodium salt (XTT) – to formazan was developed and used to evaluate cytotoxic effects of two commercial insecticides (BT) derived from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk). Comparison of two target insect cell lines MGI (Trichoplusia ni, cabbage looper midgut) and Sf9 (Spodoptera frugiperda, fall army worm oocyte) revealed similar cell‐dependent responses in mitochondrial‐associated electron transport activity. The 50% inhibition of formazan production (ID50) obtained by exposing these cells to 20 μM 2,4‐dinitrophenol or 5 mM sodium azide occurred in the range 10−7–10−6 International Units (IU) of BT cell−1 24 h−1. Damage to cell adhesion and cytoarchitecture, revealed by light and electron microscopic analysis, increased with BT exposure and dose. MTT was superior to XTT as a cytotoxic indicator in kinetic studies related to spores, a major component of BT. Unless blocked by antibiotic (gentamicin), vegetative growth resulting from spore germination was the major cause of toxicity. The ID50 exposure time using vegetative Btk cells was ∼0.1–0.2 times that required for BT spores, with or without intact parasporal proteins present. This difference in exposure is an indirect measure of the time required for spores to germinate and produce vegetative cells. The assay methodology developed here, if linked with suitable target and non‐target animal cell types, should have broad application for conducting standardizable estimates of cytotoxic potential of any microbe‐based biotechnology product.
Effects of short‐term occupational exposure to lead on erythrocyte glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity and serum cholesterol
Authors: Cocco Pierluigi , Salis Stefano , Anni Maristella , Cocco Maria E. , Flore Costantino , Ibba Antonio 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of short‐term occupational exposure to lead on erythrocyte glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity and serum cholesterol was studied in 40 male workers of a lead and zinc foundry. All parameters were measured just before employment and after 172 ± 21.3 days of work. Genetic deficiency of erythrocyte G6PD was observed in 5/40 subjects. Among G6PD normal subjects, increases in enzyme activity followed any change (increase or decrease) in blood lead. At the pre‐employment test, serum cholesterol parameters did not show any correlation with G6PD activity or blood lead, and they were not affected by exposure. Cholesterol values observed among all the G6PD‐deficient subjects were within the range of the rest of the study population.
Neutralization of ciliary neurotrophic factor reduces astrocyte production from transplanted neural stem cells and promotes regeneration of corticospinal tract fibers in spinal cord injury
Authors: Ishii Ken , Nakamura Masaya , Dai HaiNing , Finn Tom P. , Okano Hideyuki , Toyama Yoshiaki , Bregman Barbara S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTransplantation of neural stem cells (NSC) into lesioned spinal cord offers the potential to increase regeneration by replacing lost neurons or oligodendrocytes. The majority of transplanted NSC, however, typically differentiate into astrocytes that may exacerbate glial scar formation. Here we show that blocking of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) with anti‐CNTF antibodies after NSC transplant into spinal cord injury (SCI) resulted in a reduction of glial scar formation by 8 weeks. Treated animals had a wider distribution of transplanted NSC compared with the control animals. The NSC around the lesion coexpressed either nestin or markers for neurons, oligodendrocytes, or astrocytes. Approximately 20% fewer glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive/bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells were seen at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postgrafting, compared with the control animals. Furthermore, more CNPase+/BrdU+ cells were detected in the treated group at 4 and 8 weeks. These CNPase+ or Rip+ mature oligodendrocytes were seen in close proximity to host corticospinal tract (CST) and 5HT+ serotonergic axon. We also demonstrate that the number of regenerated CST fibers both at the lesion and at caudal sites in treated animals was significantly greater than that in the control animals at 8 weeks. We suggest that the blocking of CNTF at the beginning of SCI provides a more favorable environment for the differentiation of transplanted NSC and the regeneration of host axons. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategic implementation: a comparison of three methodologies
Authors: Ritson Neil , O'Neill Maureen 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a live consultancy project. Since the introduction of performance measures, much of the public sector has found itself having to change. It must find a way to introduce effective change to achieve the targets it is set.
The quasi‐experimental empirical study was structured around three models of change: Strategic Information Systems, Theory of Constraints, and Organizational Development. Each model was used to achieve three separate changes in a district hospital in the North West of England.
The conclusions from the research suggest that the theory of constraints (TOC) has all the components necessary to achieve effective change. It copes well with the public sector culture, especially in negotiating and overcoming resistance to change.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled pilot study of the effects of neuromuscular therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Craig Lauren H. , Svircev Anna , Haber Michael , Juncos Jorge L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe objectives of this study is to examine the effects of neuromuscular therapy (NMT) on motor and nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Thirty‐six subjects with PD were randomly assigned to NMT or music relaxation (MR, or active control). Subjects received treatment twice a week for 4 weeks. Testing was conducted at baseline, after final treatment, and 8 days after final treatment. Primary outcome measures were the Motor subscale of the United Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI‐Change). Secondary outcome measures included a PD‐specific quality of life scale (PDQ‐39), quantitative measures of motor function, and severity scales for anxiety and depression symptoms. NMT resulted in a significant and sustained improvement in the Motor subscale of the UPDRS (P ≤ 0.0001), most notable in the tremor scores. Also improved 1 week after the last treatment were the CGI scores (P = 0.007) and the finger‐tapping speed (P = 0.001). The MR active control group had a slight improvement in tremor but evidenced no other change in motor function. Both groups exhibited a modest improvement in quality of life immediately after the last treatment. This effect was sustained for 8 days only in the MR group. In the nonmotor domains, the MR group evidenced improvements in mood (P = 0.001) and anxiety (P = 0.002), whereas NMT had no effect on mood (P = 0.09), and its initial effect on anxiety (P = 0.0009) dissipated after 8 days (P = 0.40). Group differences for UPDRS motor score and patient CGI‐Change were superior in the NMT compared to the MR group. There was no group difference in PDQ‐39 scores or in nonmotor measures. The findings suggest that NMT can improve motor and selected nonmotor symptoms in PD and that this effect is more durable for the motor symptoms. The results of this pilot study warrant larger controlled studies to examine dose range, durability, and mechanisms of NMT in PD function. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
A computational model for fracturing porous media
Authors: Al‐Khoury R. , Sluys L. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a new computational model for simulating a fracturing process in a porous medium using the finite element method. Two independent numerical techniques are used for describing this process. The partition of unity method is used for describing the fracturing process, and the double porosity model is used for describing the resulting fluid flow. A key feature of the model is the coupling of these two independent numerical techniques, which provide the means for a better simulation of the involved physical and mechanical processes. The paper focuses on the numerical formulation of the model. The capability of the model is illustrated by means of numerical examples, which examine the behaviour of a 1D porous medium under different boundary conditions. The numerical results show that the very complicated physical and mechanical processes of the fracturing porous media can be simulated properly and efficiently. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control of a water reservoir with expected value–variance criteria
Authors: Karbowski Andrzej , Magiera Przemysław 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe article presents how to solve a reservoir management problem, which has been formulated as a two‐criteria stochastic optimal control problem. Apart from the expected value of a performance index, its variance is also considered. Three approaches are described: a method based on the Lagrange function; a method based on the ordinary moment of the second order (finite time horizon); and a method based on linear programming (infinite time horizon). In the second part of the article, they are assessed in a case study concerning a reservoir in the southern part of Poland. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex steroids modulate α1‐adrenoceptor‐stimulated Ca2+ elevation in human cultured prostatic stromal cells
Authors: Nguyen S.T. , Prakash R. , Anderson C.J. , Frydenberg M. , Haynes J.M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDBenign prostatic hyperplasia is an age‐ and androgen‐dependent condition of urethral compression caused by prostatic contractility and glandular enlargement. In this study we investigate whether testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol modulate the ability of human cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSCs) to respond to the adrenoceptor agonists, noradrenaline (30 µM) and phenylephrine (100 µM), the protein kinase C activating phorbol ester, phorbol diacetate (PDA, 10 µM), and the L‐type Ca2+ channel activator, (−)‐Bay K8644 (Bay K, 10 µM) with elevations of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i).METHODSCells were loaded with the Ca2+ sensitive fluorophore, FURA‐2AM (10 µM) and changes in intracellular Ca2+ determined before and 8–12 min after ligand addition.RESULTSCompared to steroid‐free (SF) controls, the incubation of HCPSC with testosterone (30 and 300 pM) significantly increased responses to both noradrenaline and phenylephrine. Responses to Bay K were significantly reduced between 30 nM to 300 pM but responses to PDA were not greatly affected. Compared to SF the addition of estradiol (E2, 100 pM) did not affect responses to phenylephrine. The concomitant addition of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 (to give ratios from 1:1 to 1,000:1) elevated the responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine at the extreme ranges. Responses to PDA and Bay K generally increased as DHT:E2 approached unity.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that sex steroids modulate the activities of HCPSCs through the regulation of both receptors and signal transduction processes. Prostate 67:74–82, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational diagnosis of protein conformational diseases: Short molecular dynamics simulations reveal a fast unfolding of r‐LDL mutants that cause familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Cuesta‐López S. , Falo F. , Sancho J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe molecular basis of conformational diseases frequently resides in mutant proteins constituting a subset of the vast mutational space. While the subtleties of protein structure point to molecular dynamics (MD) techniques as promising tools for an efficient exploration of such a space, the average size of proteins and the time scale of unfolding events make this goal difficult with present computational capabilities. We show here, nevertheless, that an efficient approach is already feasible for modular proteins. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a conformational disease linked to mutations in the gene encoding the low density lipoprotein receptor. A high percentage of these mutations has been found in the seven small modular binding repeats of the receptor. Taking advantage of its small size, we have performed an in depth MD study of the fifth binding repeat. Fast unfolding dynamics have been observed in the absence of a structural bound calcium ion, which agrees with its reported essential role in the stability of the module. In addition, several mutations detected in FH patients have been analyzed, starting from the native conformation. Our results indicate that in contrast with the wild type protein and an innocuous control mutant, disease‐related mutants experience, in short simulation times (2–8 ns), gross departures from the native state that lead to unfolded conformations and, in some cases, to binding site desorganization deriving in calcium release. Computational diagnosis of mutations leading to conformational diseases seems thus feasible, at least for small or modular pathogenic proteins. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical structure of the low‐laying electronic states of the molecule YBr
Authors: Abdul‐Al S. , Korek M. , Allouche A. R. , Aubert Frécon M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAn ab initio CASSCF and MRCI (single and double excitation plus Davidson correction) calculation have been performed for the molecule YBr. The potential energy curves of 20 electronic states in the representation 2s+1Λ(+/−) (neglecting the spin‐orbit effects) and 41 states in the representation Ω(+/−) [including the spin‐orbit (SO) effects] have been calculated along with the corresponding spectroscopic constants. The SO effects are taken into account via a semi‐empirical SO pseudo‐potential for the yttrium atom, while they have been neglected for bromine. Very good agreement is displayed by comparing the present results with those obtained experimentally, up to now, of the three states X1Σ+, (1)2Π, and (2)1Σ+. New results have been obtained for 17 states 2s+1Λ(+/−), and their SO components yet not observed or calculated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Spectroscopic constants and molecular properties of rare‐gas diatomic molecule in Lennard‐Jones potential: Ab initio and density functional study
Authors: Bera N. C. , Bhattacharyya I. , Das A. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAb initio and density functional theory (DFT) are applied to study the spectroscopic constants, molecular properties, and nature of force between two rare gas atoms of the weakly bound diatomic molecules He2, Ne2, Ar2, HeNe, and HeAr in the Lennard‐Jones potential. A simple method is developed to calculate the spectroscopic constants of these molecules. The calculated spectroscopic constants and molecular properties agree very well with the experimental and theoretical results wherever available. Most of the spectroscopic constants and molecular properties are reported for the first time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
A rapid water toxicity screening test based on oxygen uptake of pseudomonas putida
Authors: Slabbert J. L. , Grabow W. O. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOxygen uptake of Pseudomonas putida was employed for the rapid screening of toxicants in water. Oxygen uptake was measured over a 10 minute period at constant temperature by means of a biological oxygen monitoring system connected to a potentiometric recorder. Sublethal concentrations of selected chemicals inhibited or stimulated oxygen uptake. A P. putida growth inhibition test proved more sensitive to most individual chemicals than the oxygen uptake assay, but yields results only after some 7 hours. Industrial effluent in low concentrations and domestic wastewater, stimulated both oxygen uptake and growth of P. putida. Higher concentrations of industrial effluent and a laboratory mixture of selected toxicants inhibited both growth and oxygen uptake at equal levels of sensitivity. Sensitivity compared favourably with that of other rapid bioassays, and various toxicants were detected at concentrations well below those allowed in industrial effluents. Since the P. putida oxygen uptake assay is relatively sensitive, simple, economical and exceptionally fast, it should prove useful for the rapid testing of many wastewaters and even excessive contamination of drinking‐water supplies while it may serve a valuable purpose as part of a battery of bioassays containing slower tests.
Poterioochromonas malhamensis—a unicellular alga as test system in ecotoxicology, toxicology, and pharmacology
Authors: Röderer Gerhard 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe unicellular freshwater alga Poterioochromonas malhamensis is presented as a screening test system for studying general and specific toxic effects of xenobiotics. The algae are grown in suspension culture in organic substrate and have various characteristics (e.g. fast growth, vegetative reproduction, mobility, etc.) which allow the detection of effects on viability and cell reproduction by light microscopical observation and counting. In addition, the cells exhibit three microtubule‐dependent processes: lorica formation, mitosis and cytokinesis. Using two light microscopical tests adapted to this system (lorica formation test and nuclear phase accumulation test) information about possible interactions of a given test compound with mitotic and/or cytoplasmic microtubules of the algae can be obtained within a comparatively short time (3 hr. and 24 hr. incubation, respectively).
A multispecies toxicity assessment procedure using flow microcalorimetry: Comparison with other toxicity evaluation methods
Authors: Beaubien A. , Lapierre L. , Bouchard A. , Jolicoeur C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe acute toxicity of various contaminants and effluents towards a heterogenous aerobic culture has been determined using flow microcalorimetry. The toxicity of these contaminants and effluents was also evaluated towards a marine bacteria (type Photobacterium phosphoreum, Microtox test), a green algae (Selenastrum capricornutum, inhibition of growth) and a small crustacean (Daphnia magna, inhibition of mobility). The 50% (IC50) or 20% (IC20) inhibitory concentrations were obtained for each toxicity test, and compared to each other. The results of the present study suggest that, under proper conditions, a mixed aerobic culture could yield toxicity estimates comparable to those obtained from a combination of single species tests.
Herbicide toxicity and microbial responses in soil
Authors: Mahendru P. , Dubey P. S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe question mark placed on a few herbicides because of their longer persistence in Black Cotton soil made this ecotoxicological assessment necessary. Since microbial responses can be used as an indicator of herbicide toxicity, soil respiration, dehydrogenase, and viable bacterial counts were used as the parameters to assess herbicide toxicity. Basalin, Lasso, and Tafazine are used in Black Cotton Soil of Southwest part of India. Soils treated with 1,5, and 25 ppm (w/w) and assessed 1, ε, 11, 16, and 21 days later, indicated a significant inhibitory effect on microbial activity measured in terms of these parameters. The improvement in soil quality started after 16–21 days in Basalin treated soil only. Further, there exists a correlation between soil respiration and number of bacterial colonies, and soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity. The study warrants a rigorous screening of all the recommended preemergence herbicides in Black Cotton soil of this fertile area.
A new, short term, sensitive, bacterial assay kit for the detection of toxicants
Authors: Reinhartz A. , Lampert I. , Herzberg M. , Fish F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe present and evaluate a new bacterial test suitable for the detection of toxicants in water, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, foodstuff, food additives and cosmetics. It is a simple, rapid (1–1.5 hours), colorimetric assay which does not require special equipment, and can easily be carried out under field conditions.The assay is based on the ability of toxicants to inhibit thede novosynthesis of an inducible enzyme, e.g., β‐galactosidase, by a rough mutant ofE. coli, which is highly sensitive to a wide spectrum of toxic substances, such as pesticides, mycotoxins and heavy metals. The test is performed under stress conditions for the bacterium, since under such conditions better sensitivity for low concentrations of analytes is obtained. In the assay, serial dilutions of the sample are mixed with the stressed bacteria and a cocktail containing the specific inducer for the chromogenic enzyme and essential factors, required for the recovery of the bacteria from their‐stressed condition. The ability of cells to synthesize β‐galactosidase under these conditions depends on their ability to recover from the stress. Toxic materials interfere and/or inhibit the recovery process and with it the synthesis of β‐galactosidase. The amount of thede novosynthesized enzyme is determined by a colorimetric reaction.We have developed a commercial kit based on the assay. The kit is field oriented and easy to operate. The kit contains the bacteria in a lyophilized form and all the reagents have been stabilized so that the kit may be stored under normal refrigeration for a long period of time.