bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor NR2 isoforms in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hynd Matthew R. , Scott Heather L. , Dodd Peter R. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractWe have previously shown that the expression of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit mRNA splice variants in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain varies according to regional susceptibility to pathological damage. Here we investigated the expression of the modulatory NR2 subunits of the NMDA receptor using quantitative RT–PCR to assay all NR2 isoforms. Significantly lower expression of NR2A and NR2B transcripts was found in susceptible regions of AD brain, whereas expression of NR2C and NR2D transcripts did not differ from that in controls. Western blot analysis confirmed a lower expression of the NR2A and NR2B isoforms at the protein level. The results suggest that NR2 subunit composition may modulate NMDA receptor‐mediated excitotoxicity. NMDA receptor dysfunction might give rise to the regionally selective pattern of neuronal loss that is characteristic of AD.
Circadian rhythms in the retina of rats with photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Sakamoto Katsuhiko , Liu Cuimei , Tosini Gianluca 
Published: July 2004

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that the mammalian retina contains a circadian clock system that controls several retinal functions. In mammals the location of the retinal circadian clock is unknown whereas, in non‐mammalian vertebrates, earlier work has demonstrated that photoreceptor cells contain the circadian clock. New experimental evidence has suggested that in mammals the retinal circadian clock may be located outside the photoreceptor cells. In this study we report that circadian rhythms in Aa‐nat mRNA (in vivo) and melatonin synthesis (in vitro) are still present in the retina of rats lacking photoreceptors. The circadian pacemaker(s) controlling such rhythms is probably located in kainic acid sensitive neurons in the inner retina since kainic acid injections abolished the rhythmicity. These data are the first direct demonstration that circadian rhythmicity in the mammalian retina can be generated independently from the photoreceptors and the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus.
Biosynthesis of NAAG by an enzyme‐mediated process in rat central nervous system neurons and glia
Authors: Gehl Laura M. , Saab Omar H. , Bzdega Tomasz , Wroblewska Barbara , Neale Joseph H. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe peptide transmitter N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is present in millimolar concentrations in mammalian spinal cord. Data from the rat peripheral nervous system suggest that this peptide is synthesized enzymatically, a process that would be unique for mammalian neuropeptides. To test this hypothesis in the mammalian CNS, rat spinal cords were acutely isolated and used to study the incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids into NAAG. Consistent with the action of a NAAG synthetase, inhibition of protein synthesis did not affect radiolabel incorporation into NAAG. Depolarization of spinal cords stimulated incorporation of radiolabel. Biosynthesis of NAAG by cortical astrocytes in cell culture was demonstrated by tracing incorporation of [3H]‐glutamate by astrocytes. In the first test of the hypothesis that NAA is an immediate precursor in NAAG biosynthesis, [3H]‐NAA was incorporated into NAAG by isolated spinal cords and by cell cultures of cortical astrocytes. Data from cerebellar neurons and glia in primary culture confirmed the predominance of neuronal synthesis and glial uptake of NAA, leading to the hypothesis that while neurons synthesize NAA for NAAG biosynthesis, glia may take it up from the extracellular space. However, cortical astrocytes in serum‐free low‐density cell culture incorporated [3H]‐aspartate into NAAG, a result indicating that under some conditions these cells may also synthesize NAA. Pre‐incubation of isolated spinal cords and cultures of rat cortical astrocytes with unlabeled NAA increased [3H]‐glutamate incorporation into NAAG. In contrast, [3H]‐glutamine incorporation in spinal cord was not stimulated by unlabeled NAA. These results are consistent with the glutamate–glutamine cycle greatly favoring uptake of glutamine into neurons and glutamate by glia and suggest that NAA availability may be rate‐limiting in the synthesis of NAAG by glia under some conditions.
N‐Acetylaspartate: a literature review of animal research on brain ischaemia
Authors: Demougeot Céline , Marie Christine , Giroud Maurice , Beley Alain 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe present review examines and discusses the changes in N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration in the ischaemic brain from the existing literature of animal research. By summarizing the current knowledge on NAA metabolic pathways and reviewing the data obtained in animal models of global and focal ischaemia, the following conclusions emerge from this compilation: (i) both magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and the absolute HPLC method of NAA quantification give converging information; (ii) decreases in brain NAA concentration in acute stroke can be considered as an index of neuronal loss or dysfunction, although NAA redistribution by glial cells and NAA trapping in cell debris restrict its use as a quantitative neuronal marker; (iii) further studies on NAA metabolism in pathologic brain are required before using NAA measurement in the chronic stage of ischaemia for evaluating neuroprotective strategies.
Inquiry‐based learning as a ‘whole‐curriculum approach’: the experiences of first‐year nursing students
Authors: Bebb Hilary , Pittam Gail 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAnglia Polytechnic University implemented inquiry‐based learning (IBL) as a ‘whole‐curriculum’ strategy for preregistration nursing education, primarily to avoid the possibility of educational dissonance within a mixed methodology approach. An evaluation strategy was put in place to provide stakeholders with information about process and outcomes. Set against the context of this wider evaluation, this report presents some of the findings of interviews with 15 student representatives as they completed their first year of the IBL programme. The key issues identified concerned adaptation to the IBL process and learning within small groups. This evaluation offers a unique insight into the student experience within an IBL curriculum. The evaluation has enabled the course team to make pertinent modifications to both the programme and student support mechanisms and may provide other educators with pointers for their own curriculum development and implementation.
Bearing the 'Bare Facts' of Ritual. A Critique Of Jonathan Z. Smith's Study of the Bear Ceremony Based On a Study of the Ainu Iyomante
Authors: Kimura Takeshi 
Published: July 2004

AbstractA few years ago, Benjamin Ray criticized Jonathan Z. Smith's study of the bear hunting ritual. In this article, I further examine and develop a criticism of Smith's theory of ritual. Since he presents the Ainu bear ceremony as the exemplar case and bases his theory of ritual on his interpretation of it, I review and examine the available ethnographies of the Ainu bear ceremony Iyomante . My reading of them calls into question both Smith's presentation of the ethnography of the bear ceremony and his interpretation of its meaning. Smith's focus on the ritual killing as the core of the Ainu bear ceremony as the perfect hunt to resolve incongruity between the mythical ideology and the hunting practice is based upon his not taking into consideration the Ainu religious world of meanings. From my study of the Ainu bear ceremony, I maintain that the ritual dismemberment of the bear and the ritual decoration of the bear's skull constitute the core of the meaning of the ritual. To interpret the religious meaning of this ritual, I point out the necessity for considering the Ainu view of personhood and ontological understanding of the "bear." In my interpretation of this core part of the bear ceremony, the material form, that is the bear, of the Ainu deity is ritually transformed into its spiritual mode and then sent back to the mountain whence from it originally came.
Prayer Formularies For Public Recitation. Their Use and Function in Ancient Religion
Authors: Klinghardt Matthias 
Published: July 2004

AbstractIn order to understand the religious mentality of ancient prayer, this article investigates the mode of public praying with respect to the use of fixed formularies, for which the most relevant references from Hellenistic and Roman antiquity are collected and presented. In spite of the different religious traditions, a surprisingly homogenous picture emerges: Public prayers had to be recited in accordance to formularies whose wording was prescribed and not at will of the praying persons. The correct recitation of a formulary (and even its proper pronunciation) was meant to guarantee the prayer's appropriateness and efficacy: an improperly recited prayer was considered to be either ineffective or even dangerous. This concept accounts for several closely related aspects which can be identified in all religious traditions: (1) Usually, the particular wording of a prayer is traced back to some divine origin which afforded its efficacy; knowledge of a prayer is, therefore, the result of revelation or of divine inspiration. (2) Correspondingly, the recitation of such formularies requires some spiritual quality of the praying person (righteousness, purity, priesthood, spiritual "ability" etc.). (3) Restriction of access to prayer formularies for certain people only is expressed by the prohibition to divulge the formulary, and by the exclusion of those considered unworthy. This picture encompasses the different religious traditions (accounting even for the "magic" prayers in the Greek magical papyri): an essential, phenomenological difference between pagan and Jewish-Christian praying cannot be substantiated. Furthermore, the concept relates to the most different hymnic genres and, therefore, can serve as the basis for a cultural comparison of ancient hymnody and for reconstructing the religious mentality of prayer.
,,Bevor einer von Jakobus kam . . .": Anmerkungen zur textkritischen und theologiegeschichtlichen Problematik von Gal 2,12
Authors: Popkes Enno Edzard 
Published: July 2004

AbstractTextkritisch scheint der älteste und prominenteste Zeuge P46 die ursprüngliche Textgestalt von Gal 2,12 zu bieten. Demnach führt die paulinische Schilderung den antiochenischen Zwischenfall auf eine Einzelperson und nicht auf eine Gruppe aus dem Umfeld des Jakobus zurück (so u. a. A C D2). Anlaß für eine Korrektur bietet einerseits die uneinheitliche Textgestalt der Zeugen ℵ B D, andererseits die Divergenz von Gal 2,12 und Act 15,1.24. Die lukanische Darstellung harmonisiert das Verhältnis von Paulus, Petrus, Jakobus und Barnabas, indem zwei Konflikte ineinander projiziert werden, die im Gal chronologisch und thematisch unterschieden sind. Eine Angleichung von Gal 2,12 und Act 15,1 ist textgeschichtlich eher sekundär.
Haüyne: phase transition and high-temperature structures obtained from synchrotron radiation and Rietveld refinements
Authors: Hassan I. , Antao S. M. , Parise J. B. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe structural behaviour of a haüyne with a chemical composition of Na4.35Ca2.28K0.95[Al6Si6O24]- (SO4)2.03, at room pressure and from 33 to 1035°C on heating, was determined by using in situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data (λ = 0.92249(5) Å). The satellite reflections in haüyne are lost at ∼400°C and a true substructure results because of this phase transition. There is a discontinuity in the a unit-cell parameter at ∼585°C. The α parameter increases rapidly and non-linearly to 585°C, but above 585°C, the expansion rate decreases. The percent volume change between 33 and 576°C is 2.0(3)%, and 0.6(3)% between 593 and 1035°C. Between 33 and 1035°C, the Al–O, Si–O and S–O distances are constant. Between 33 and 576°C, the angle of rotation of the AlO4 tetrahedron, jAl, changesfrom 11.5 to 5.8°, while the angle of rotation of the SiO4 tetrahedron, φSi, changesfrom 12.4 to 6.3°. The Al–O–Si bridging angle changesfrom 150.05(2) to 153.08(1)° from 33 to 576°C. Beyond 585°C, φAl and φSi angles remain nearly constant even though the maximum rotation of the tetrahedra is not achieved. Moreover, the Al–O–Si angle continues to increase at a slower rate from 585 to 1035°C by 1.05(2)°. From 33 to ∼585°C, the K atom position migrates at a slower rate than the Na and Ca atoms, and the structure expands at a high rate. Beyond 585°C, all the atomic positions of the interstitial cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+) remain nearly constant and the expansion of the structure is retarded.
The entropy of zinc chromite (ZnCr2O4)
Authors: Klemme S. , van Miltenburg J. C. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe low-temperature heat capacity of zinc chromite (ZnCr2O4) was measured between 6.5 K and 400 K using adiabatic calorimetry, and some thermochemical functions (CP(T), S(T), S°298, H(T)-H(0)) were derived from the results. The standard entropy (S°298 = 128.6±0.3 J mol-1 K-1) for zinc chromite was calculated from the results. Our calorimetric measurements indicate one extremely large anomaly in the heat capacity curve at ∼12.3 K which is related to the cubic-tetragonal transition in ZnCr2O4.
Rh autoantigen presentation to helper T cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by malignant B cells
Authors: Hall Andrew M. , Vickers Mark A. , McLeod Ewan , Barker Robert N. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases directed against constituents of the blood, including hemolytic anemia (AIHA). We hypothesized that CLL cells predispose to hematologic autoimmunity by acting as aberrant antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Initially, it was confirmed that all studied patients with AIHA secondary to CLL harbored activated helper T (TH) cells specific for epitopes on the dominant red blood cell (RBC) autoantigens in primary AIHA, the Rh proteins. Rh-specific TH cells were also detected in a number of patients with CLL who, although they did not have AIHA, had low levels of anti-RBC antibody in their sera. Fractionation of putative APC populations from the peripheral blood of patients by negative selection showed that CD5+ CLL cells are the most effective cell type in processing and presenting purified Rh protein to autoreactive TH cells. This ability was confirmed using positively selected CD5+ CLL cells. Thus, our study provides the first evidence for malignant cells driving an autoimmune response by acting as aberrant APCs.
A computer simulation analysis of the accuracy of partial genome sequencing and restriction fragment analysis in estimating genetic relationships: an application to papillomavirus DNA sequences
Authors: Qiao Baozhen , Weigel Ronald M 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Determination of genetic relatedness among microorganisms provides information necessary for making inferences regarding phylogeny. However, there is little information available on how well the genetic relationships inferred from different genotyping methods agree with true genetic relationships. In this report, two genotyping methods – restriction fragment analysis (RFA) and partial genome DNA sequencing – were each compared to complete DNA sequencing as the definitive standard for classification.

Results
Using the Genbank database, 16 different types or subtypes of papillomavirus were selected as study samples, because numerous complete genome sequences were available. RFA was achieved by computer-simulated digestion. The genetic similarity of samples, based on RFA, was determined from the proportion of fragments that matched in size. DNA sequences of four specific genes (E1, E6, E7, and L1), representing partial genome sequencing, were also selected for comparison to complete genome sequencing. Laboratory error was not taken into account. Evaluation of the correlation between genetic similarity matrices (Mantel's r) and comparisons of the structure of the derived dendrograms (partition metric) indicated that partial genome sequencing (for single genes) had higher agreement with complete genome sequencing, achieving a maximum Mantel's r = 0.97 and a minimum partition metric = 10. RFA had lower agreement, with a maximum Mantel's r = 0.60 and a minimum partition metric = 18.

Conclusions
This simulation indicated that for smaller genomes, such as papillomavirus, partial genome sequencing is superior to restriction fragment analysis in representing genetic relatedness among isolates. The generalizability of these results to larger genomes, as well as the impact of laboratory error, remains to be demonstrated.
The "Goldilocks Effect" in Cystic Fibrosis: identification of a lung phenotype in the cftr knockout and heterozygous mouse
Authors: Craig Cohen J , Lundblad Lennart KA , Bates Jason HT , Levitzky Michael , Larson Janet E 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Cystic Fibrosis is a pleiotropic disease in humans with primary morbidity and mortality associated with a lung disease phenotype. However, knockout in the mouse of cftr, the gene whose mutant alleles are responsible for cystic fibrosis, has previously failed to produce a readily, quantifiable lung phenotype.

Results
Using measurements of pulmonary mechanics, a definitive lung phenotype was demonstrated in the cftr-/- mouse. Lungs showed decreased compliance and increased airway resistance in young animals as compared to cftr+/+ littermates. These changes were noted in animals less than 60 days old, prior to any long term inflammatory effects that might occur, and are consistent with structural differences in the cftr-/- lungs. Surprisingly, the cftr+/- animals exhibited a lung phenotype distinct from either the homozygous normal or knockout genotypes. The heterozygous mice showed increased lung compliance and decreased airway resistance when compared to either homozygous phenotype, suggesting a heterozygous advantage that might explain the high frequency of this mutation in certain populations.

Conclusions
In the mouse the gene dosage of cftr results in distinct differences in pulmonary mechanics of the adult. Distinct phenotypes were demonstrated in each genotype, cftr-/-, cftr +/-, and cftr+/+. These results are consistent with a developmental role for CFTR in the lung.
Use and comparison of different internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) in tricistronic retroviral vectors
Authors: Douin Victorine , Bornes Stephanie , Creancier Laurent , Rochaix Philippe , Favre Gilles , Prats Anne-Catherine , Couderc Bettina 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Polycistronic retroviral vectors that contain several therapeutic genes linked via internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), provide new and effective tools for the co-expression of exogenous cDNAs in clinical gene therapy protocols. For example, tricistronic retroviral vectors could be used to genetically modify antigen presenting cells, enabling them to express different co-stimulatory molecules known to enhance tumor cell immunogenicity.

Results
We have constructed and compared different retroviral vectors containing two co-stimulatory molecules (CD70, CD80) and selectable marker genes linked to different IRES sequences (IRES from EMCV, c-myc, FGF-2 and HTLV-1). The tricistronic recombinant amphotropic viruses containing the IRES from EMCV, FGF-2 or HTLV-1 were equally efficient in inducing the expression of an exogenous gene in the transduced murine or human cells, without displaying any cell type specificity. The simultaneous presence of several IRESes on the same mRNA, however, can induce the differential expression of the various cistrons. Here we show that the IRESes of HTLV-1 and EMCV interfere with the translation induced by other IRESes in mouse melanoma cells. The IRES from FGF-2 did however induce the expression of exogenous cDNA in human melanoma cells without any positive or negative regulation from the other IRESs present within the vectors. Tumor cells that were genetically modified with the tricistronic retroviral vectors, were able to induce an in vivo anti-tumor immune response in murine models.

Conclusion
Translation of the exogenous gene is directed by the IRES and its high level of expression not only depends on the type of cell that is transduced but also on the presence of other genetic elements within the vector.
A model for cardiopulmonary bypass redesign
Authors: Groom R C , Likosky D S , Forest R J , O’Connor G T , Morton J R , Ross C S , Clark C , Kramer R 
Published: July 2004

Introduction: A portion of patients undergoing cardiac surgery may develop focal and/or subtle brain injuries secondary to cardiac surgery. There is evidence that, in some cases, these injuries may be related to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Embolism and hypoperfusion are the dominant mechanisms for focal neurologic injuries among coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. Recent studies suggest that these mechanisms may also produce the more prevalent subtle neurological deficits. The aim of our current work is to obtain a thorough understanding of the processes of care associated with the production of embolic activity, cerebral hypoperfusion, and hemodynamic aberrations that often occur during CPB. Methods: We developed a system for simultaneous recording of physiologic parameters, embolic activity in the CPB circuit and in the cerebral arteries, and near infrared regional cerebral oxyhemoglobin saturation (NIRS) during cardiac surgery. All data were synchronized with a video recording of the surgical procedure. Periods of embolic activity and NIRS were subsequently related to surgical and CPB processes of care through a systematic review of the patient’s surgical case video. Results: To date, we have enrolled 47 patients undergoing coronary and/or valvular procedures. We have observed wide variation across patients in detected cerebral embolic counts, NIRS and physiologic parameters. We have identified increased embolic counts in the CPB circuit related to specific processes and events such as the method of venous drainage, the entrainment of air in the venous line, the injection of medications into the CPB circuit and blood sampling from the CPB circuit. A portion of detected changes in NIRS were related to periods of hypotension and positioning of the heart during the construction of distal coronary artery grafts on the posterior coronary artery vessels. Summary: Use of this model provides the surgical team with detailed information regarding the contribution of CPB to the creation of precursors of neurological injury. This system provides meaningful data to guide the surgical team in the redesign of the CPB system and associated techniques.