bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auricular anthropometry of Hong Kong Chinese babies
Authors: Fok T.F. , Hon K.L. , So H.K. , Ng P.C. , Wong E. , Lee A.K.Y. , Chang A. 
Published: December 2004

Structured AbstractAuthors – Fok TF, Hon KL, So HK, Wong E, Ng PC, Lee AKY, Chang AObjectives – To provide a database of the auricular measurements of Chinese infants born in Hong Kong.Design – Prospective cross‐sectional study.Setting and Sample Population – A total of 2384 healthy singleton, born consecutively at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Union Hospital from October 1998 to September 2000, were included in the study. The range of gestation was 33–42 weeks.Measurements and Results – Measurements included ear width (EW), ear length (EL) and ear position (EP). The data show generally higher values for males in the parameters measured. When compared with previously published data for Caucasian and Jordanian term babies, Chinese babies have shorter EL. The ears were within normal position in nearly all our infants.Conclusion – The human ear appears to grow in a remarkably constant fashion. This study establishes the first set of gestational age–specific standard of the ear parameters for Chinese new‐borns, potentially enabling early syndromal diagnosis. There are significant inter‐racial differences in these ear parameters.
On the Diffusion of a Chemically Reactive Species in a Laminar Boundary Layer Flow
Authors: Chambré Paul L. , Young Jonathan D. 
Published: December 2004

A chemically reactive species is emitted from the surface of a body located in a hydrodynamic flow field. It diffuses into the fluid where it undergoes a simple isothermal, homogeneous transformation. The analysis given enables one to trace the reaction history of this component in a laminar boundary layer flow which develops over the surface of a body.
For illustration the development of a first-order reaction in the neighborhood of a flat plate is calculated. Two reaction types are considered. In one case the reactant is destroyed; in the other, it is generated. The reaction histories show a number of interesting features which are discussed in some detail.
MLJ Reviews
Authors: Liskin–Gasparro Judith E. 
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this article:Aguilar, Julia Van Loan, & José Miguel Oviedo, Textos en contexto: Literatura hispanoamericana en multimediaBhatia, Tej K., & Ashok Koul, Colloquial Urdu: The Complete Course for BeginnersBlanco, José A., Mary Ann Dellinger, Philip Donley, & María Isabel García, Vistas: Introducción a la lengua españolaBlanco, José A., Mary Ann Dellinger, Philip Donley,& María Isabel García, Instructor's Resource ManualBlanco, José A., Mary Ann Dellinger, Philip Donley,& María Isabel García, Student Activities ManualBrustad, Kristen E, The Syntax of Spoken Arabic: A Comparative Study of Moroccan, Egyptian, Syrian, and Kuwaiti DialectsByram, Michael. (Ed.), Routledge Encyclopedia of Language Teaching and LearningCaycedo Garner, Lucía, Debbie Rusch, & Marcela Domínguez, Claro que sí!Caycedo Garner, Lucía, Debbie Rusch, & Marcela Domínguez, Activities ManualClivio, Gianrenzo P.,& Marcel Danesi, The Sounds, Forms, and Uses of Italian: An Introduction to Italian LinguisticsDavis, Robert L., H. Jay Siskin, & Alicia Ramos, Entrevistas: An Introduction to Language and CultureDavis, Robert L., H. Jay Siskin, & Alicia Ramos, Lab ManualDudeney, Gavin, The Internet and the Language Classroom: A Practical Guide for TeachersFrayer–luna, Georgiana R., Ho‘opilipili ‘Olelo: Hawaiian Language Crossword Puzzles, Word Search Puzzles,& Crossword Dictionary.Graves, Kathleen, Designing Language Courses: A Guide for TeachersHawkins, Roger, Second Language Syntax. A Generative IntroductionJarvis, Ana C., & Raquel Lebredo, Audio CD ProgramJarvis, Ana C., & Raquel Lebredo, Cassette Program: Lecciones 1–7Jarvis, Ana C., & Raquel Lebredo, Entre nosotrosJarvis, Ana C., & Raquel Lebredo, Instructor's Resource Manual: Testing Program/AudioscriptJarvis, Ana C., & Raquel Lebredo, Workbook/Laboratory ManualKaiser, Stefan, Yasuko Ichikawa, Noriko Kobayashi,& Hilofumi Yamamoto, Japanese: A Comprehensive Grammar.Kunnan, Antony J. (Ed.), Fairness and Validation in Language Assessment: Selected Papers from the 19th Language Testing Research Colloquium, Orlando, FloridaLavine, Roberta Z. (Ed.), Beyond the Boundaries: Changing Contexts in Language LearningLuo, Jing, Let's Speak ChineseMárquez Reiter, Rosina, Linguistic Politeness in Britain and Uruguay: A Contrastive Study of Requests and ApologiesMcNamara, Tim, Language TestingMuysken, Pieter, Bilingual Speech: A Typology of Code–MixingNorth, Brian, The Development of a Common Framework Scale of Language ProficiencySalaberry, M. Rafael, The Development of Past Tense Morphology in L2 SpanishSamaniego, Fabián A., Nelson Rojas,& Francisco X. Alarcón, Cuaderno de actividades2nd ed.Samaniego, Fabián A., Nelson Rojas, Elba R. Sánchez, & Francisco X. Alarcón, Cuaderno de actividades para hispanohablantesSamaniego, Fabián A., Nelson Rojas, Maricarmen Ohara, & Francisco X. Alarcón, Mundo 21. 2nd ed.Samaniego, Fabián A., Nelson Rojas, Maricarmen Ohara, & Francisco X. Alarcón, Mundo 21, Edición alternativaSchunk, Susan,& Janet Waisbrot, Explorations—La littérature du monde français (4e) with Système–D
Oil Prices and Stocks in the Second Quarter of 2004
Authors:   OPEC Secretariat
Published: December 2004

AbstractNotwithstanding forecasting difficulties, the oil supply and demand balance has proved to be a good indicator of the state of the market and stock levels, which, in turn, influence price behaviour.In periods where OECD commercial stock levels lie within a certain range, currently around 2,450–2,650 million barrels, the range of prices is larger than when stock levels are very high or very low. In both the latter extreme situations, prices are prone to rapid movements, undermining market stability. Other factors, of course, also influence price fluctuations.The general opinion among regularly published oil market reports points to the inevitability of a higher‐than‐normal build in stocks in the second quarter of 2004. If the resulting surplus is not handled in a timely and effective manner, there is likely to be excessive downward pressure on prices, which, if left unattended, would lead to a protracted spell of volatility.
Functional analysis of H2O2‐generating systems in Botrytis cinerea: the major Cu‐Zn‐superoxide dismutase (BCSOD1) contributes to virulence on French bean, whereas a glucose oxidase (BCGOD1) is dispensable
Authors: Rolke Yvonne , Liu Songji , Quidde Thomas , Williamson Brian , Schouten Alexander , Weltring Klaus‐Michael , Siewers Verena , Tenberge Klaus B. , Tudzynski Bettina , Tudzynski Paul 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThe oxidative burst, a transient and rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a widespread defence mechanism of higher plants against pathogen attack. There is increasing evidence that the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea itself generates ROS, and that this capability could contribute to the virulence of the fungus. Two potential H2O2‐generating systems were studied with respect to their impact on the interaction of B. cinerea and its host plant Phaseolus vulgaris. A Cu‐Zn‐superoxide dismutase gene (bcsod1) and a putative glucose oxidase gene (bcgod1) were cloned and characterized, and deletion mutants were created using a gene‐replacement methodology. Whereas the Δbcgod1‐mutants displayed normal virulence on bean leaves, the Δbcsod1 mutants showed a significantly retarded development of lesions, indicating that the Cu‐Zn SOD‐activity is an important single virulence factor in this interaction system. Whether dismutation of (fungal or host) superoxide, or generation of H2O2 (or both), are important for pathogenesis in this system remains to be elucidated.
Recent advance in the study of caspase‐like proteases and Bax inhibitor‐1 in plants: their possible roles as regulator of programmed cell death
Authors: Watanabe Naohide , Lam Eric 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYProgrammed cell death (PCD) is a common process in multicellular organisms during development and in response to pathogens and stress signals. In animal systems, it is well established that a class of cysteine protease called caspase plays a central role in signalling and executing PCD. No caspase orthologue has been uncovered from any plant genomic database so far, but recent structural element‐based iterative searches have uncovered the presence of a putative caspase‐related protease family designated as metacaspases in plants. Furthermore, a structural homologue of Bcl‐2‐like proteins such as Bax and Bcl‐2, which act as important regulators to modulate caspase action in animal cells, has not been found in any plant genomic databases. Clearly, the molecular components of plant PCD machinery and many key interactions in the regulatory network of plant PCD remain obscure. However, recent discoveries from numerous laboratories have provided good evidence for the involvement of caspase‐like proteases in the control of cell death activation in plants, and there is accumulating evidence for a plant homologue of Bax inhibitor‐1, which was first identified as an antagonist of Bax action in yeast, as an evolutionarily conserved protein and that may act as a key regulator for a common cell death pathway in plants and animals.
Viral suppression of RNA silencing in plants
Authors: Moissiard Guillaume , Voinnet Olivier 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYRNA silencing is a conserved eukaryotic pathway involved in suppression of gene expression via sequence‐specific interactions that are mediated by nt 21–24‐long RNA molecules. In plants, cell‐autonomous and noncell‐autonomous steps of RNA silencing form the basis of an elaborate immune system that is activated by, and targeted against, viruses. As a counter‐defensive strategy, viruses have evolved suppressor proteins that inhibit various stages of the silencing process. These suppressors are diverse in sequence and structure and appear to be encoded by virtually any type of plant viruses. In this review, we consider the impact of silencing suppression on virus infections and its possible contribution to symptom development. We examine the presumed mode of action of some silencing suppressors and discuss their value as molecular probes of the RNA silencing mechanism. Finally, the biotechnological applications of silencing suppression are considered.
Inhibitory p41 isoform of invariant chain and its potential target enzymes cathepsins L and H in distinct populations of macrophages in human lymph nodes
Authors: Zavašnik‐Bergant Valentina , Schweiger Ana , Bevec Tadeja , Golouh Rastko , Turk Vito , Kos Janko 
Published: December 2004

SummaryActivation of the CD4+ T‐cell mediated immune response relies on the proteolytic capacity of enzymes involved in modulating major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II‐associated antigen presentation in antigen‐presenting cells (APC). The MHC II‐associated chaperone molecule p41 isoform of invariant chain (inhibitory p41 Ii) has been suggested to regulate stability and activity of cathepsin L in these APC. In the present study the human lymph node distribution of non‐inhibitory p31 Ii and inhibitory p41 Ii have been compared by differential labelling, using two specific monoclonal antibodies. The distribution of p41 Ii, but not p31 Ii, matched the distribution of cathepsins L and H in subcapsular and cortical sinuses and germinal centres. Co‐localization of p41 Ii with cathepsin H was confirmed in strongly CD68+ sinus‐lining macrophages, acting as APC. Furthermore, p41 Ii was determined together with cathepsins L and H in tingible body macrophages, highly phagocytic, but not antigen‐presenting cells inside germinal centres. With respect to the physiological function that these two populations of macrophages have in human lymph nodes, our results support a regulatory function of p41 Ii towards cathepsins L and H in human macrophages, associated with the processes of phagocytosis rather than antigen presentation.
Inhibition of murine allergic airway disease by Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Kim Young‐Suk , Kwon Keun‐Sang , Kim Dae‐Ki , Choi Il‐Whan , Lee Hern‐Ku 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWhole‐cell pertussis vaccines have been shown to selectively induce T helper 1 (Th1)‐type responses in human and animals. In this study, we investigated whether whole‐cell B. pertussis could inhibit allergic airway reactions in a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Systemic administration of whole‐cell B. pertussis strongly inhibited allergic airway reactions such as eosinophil recruitment into the airway, lung inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. The inhibitory effect of whole‐cell B. pertussis was mediated by chromosomal DNA and pretreatment of DNA with CpG methylase or DNase I resulted in a loss of the inhibitory effect. Treatment of animals with B. pertussis DNA significantly decreased the Th2 cytokine (interleukins IL‐4 and IL‐5) concentrations in the airways without increasing Th1 cytokines. These results suggest that B. pertussis DNA containing unmethylated CpG appears to be responsible for the inhibitory effect of whole cell B. pertussis on the allergic airway reactions through inhibition of the Th2 response.
Increased activation‐induced cell death in peripheral lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients: the mechanism of action
Authors: Tang Xiaolei , Yocum David E. , Dejonghe David , Nordensson Kathryn , Lake Douglas F. , Richard John 
Published: December 2004

SummaryRecently, we have described a soluble survival signal for activated lymphocytes from CD14+ cells. As a result of the importance of T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we speculate a possible role for CD14+ cells in supporting the outgrowth of autoreactive lymphocytes in RA. To address this issue further, supernatants from activated CD14+ cells (CD14 cocktails) in both normal controls and RA patients were collected. The relative strength of the CD14 cocktails from normal controls and RA patients was compared. The data showed that depletion of CD14+ cells resulted in a much higher increase of activation‐induced cell death (AICD) and a decrease of lymphocyte proliferation in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients compared to normal controls. Interestingly, CD14 cocktails from RA patients provide much stronger protection against AICD compared to those from normal controls. The observed soluble survival signal from CD14+ cells is a general phenomenon because CD14 cocktails prevent both phytohaemagglutinin A‐p‐ and anti‐CD3‐induced AICD. Furthermore, supernatants collected from human dendritic cell cultures also prevent activated lymphocytes from undergoing AICD. The data implicate an important role of the CD14+ cell and its secreted form of survival signal in the pathogenesis of RA.
Expression of Epstein–Barr virus‐induced gene 3 and other interleukin‐12‐related molecules by human intestinal epithelium
Authors: Maaser Christian , Egan Laurence J. , Birkenbach Mark P. , Eckmann Lars , Kagnoff Martin F. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAntigen‐presenting cells, including dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages, produce members of the interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) family that are important in initiating and maintaining cell‐mediated immune responses. These include IL‐12p35 and p19 that dimerize with IL‐12p40 to form IL‐12 (also termed IL‐12p75) and IL‐23, respectively, and Epstein–Barr virus‐induced gene 3 (EBI3) protein (a protein related to IL‐12p40), that forms a dimer with p28, termed IL‐27. Intestinal epithelial cells, which are the initial site of contact between the host and enteric pathogens, can act as antigen‐presenting cells, and are known to express mediators important in inflammatory and immune responses. In the current studies, we hypothesized that intestinal epithelial cells express members of the IL‐12 family, which can function as an early signalling system important in mucosal immunity. Using in vitro and in vivo model systems of human intestinal epithelium, we demonstrate the regulated expression of EBI3, IL‐12p35 and p19 by human intestinal epithelial cells. However, intestinal epithelial cells do not coexpress IL‐12p40 or p28 that are required to generate heterodimeric IL‐12p75, IL‐23 and IL‐27. To the extent that IL‐12p35, p19 and EBI3 cannot form IL‐12p75, IL‐23 or IL‐27 heterodimers in intestinal epithelial cells, these data suggest that those cells may express other, currently unknown, molecules that can associate with EBI3, IL‐12p35 and/or p19 or, alternatively, intestinal epithelial cells may release IL‐12‐related molecules that by themselves, or in combination with other molecules in the mucosal microenvironment, mediate biological activities.
Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A up‐regulates immune responses, including T helper 1 and T helper 2 responses, in mice
Authors: Yoshino Shin , Yamaki Kouya , Li Xiaojuan , Sai Tao , Yanagisawa Rie , Takano Hirohisa , Taneda Shinji , Hayashi Hideyuki , Mori Yoki 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe effect of prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) on the immune system in mice was investigated. Virgin female mice were fed varying doses of BPA, on a daily basis, over a period of 18 days commencing on the day of pairing with stud males (day 0). On day 77, their male offspring of 8 weeks were immunized with hen egg lysozyme (HEL). Three weeks later, anti‐HEL immunoglobulin G (IgG) in sera, and proliferative responses of spleen cells to the antigen, were measured. Anti‐HEL IgG2a and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), secreted from splenic lymphocytes, were measured as indicators of T helper 1 (Th1) immune responses, while anti‐HEL IgG1 and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) were measured as indicators of Th2 responses. The results showed that fetal exposure to BPA was followed by significant increases in anti‐HEL IgG as well as antigen‐specific cell proliferation. Both Th1 responses (including anti‐HEL IgG2a and IFN‐γ production) and Th2 responses (including anti‐HEL IgG1 and IL‐4 production) were augmented by prenatal exposure to BPA, although the augmentation of Th1 responses appeared to be greater than that of Th2 responses. Two‐colour flow cytometric analysis showed that mice exposed prenatally to BPA had 29% and 100% more splenic CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ cells, respectively, than control animals. Similar results were obtained from females whose mothers had consumed BPA during pregnancy. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to BPA may result in the up‐regulation of immune responses, especially Th1 responses, in adulthood.
Polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid‐mediated stimulation of human γδ T cells via CD11c+ dendritic cell‐derived type I interferons
Authors: Kunzmann Volker , Kretzschmar Eva , Herrmann Thomas , Wilhelm Martin 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe recognition of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by the innate immune system is a crucial step in inducing effective immune responses. Double‐stranded RNA [mimicked by polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)], synthesized by various types of viruses, represents one important member of these immunostimulatory microbial components. Here we report that poly(I:C) has potent γδ T‐cell costimulatory capacity. Within peripheral blood mononuclear cells, poly(I:C)‐stimulated γδ T cells expressed increased levels of CD69 and exhibited significantly enhanced antigen‐mediated proliferation in response to isopentenylpyrophosphate (IPP). Among several recombinant cytokines tested, type I interferons (IFN‐α, IFN‐β) and interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) showed a similar activation pattern of γδ T cells. γδ T‐cell clones and purified γδ T cells did not respond to poly(I:C), indicating indirect effects of this compound. Depletion of CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC), which express Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3), known to recognize poly(I:C), abrogated poly(I:C)‐mediated stimulation of γδ T cells. In addition, the supernatant of poly(I:C)‐treated CD11c+ DC was able to mimic the stimulatory effects of poly(I:C) on γδ T cells. Experiments with neutralizing antibodies indicated that type I IFNs, but not IL‐15, contributed to the poly(I:C)‐mediated activation of γδ T cells. In conclusion, γδ T‐cell activation by immunostimulatory double‐stranded RNA, such as poly(I:C), is indirectly mediated via type I IFNs derived from TLR3‐expressing CD11c+ DCs. These results suggest that upon confrontation with certain viruses, γδ T cells can be rapidly activated by type I interferons and may contribute to effective antiviral responses.
Dual biological functions of an interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist–interleukin‐10 fusion protein and its suppressive effects on joint inflammation
Authors: Chang Deh‐Ming , Shyue Song‐Kun , Liu Shao‐Hsiang , Chen Yen‐Teen , Yeh Chiou‐Yueh , Lai Jenn‐Huang , Lee Herng‐Sheng , Chen Ann 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe aim of this study was to construct and purify a novel interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra)–interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) fusion protein and determine its biological function and anti‐inflammatory effects. The isolated cDNAs of two inhibitory cytokines (IL‐1ra, IL‐10) were used to construct a cDNA for the IL‐1ra–IL‐10 fusion protein. The expressed recombinant cytokines and fusion product were purified and their biological properties analysed. The anti‐IL‐1 effect was evaluated by using a thymocyte‐proliferation assay, and the IL‐10 effect was investigated by the inhibition of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production from splenocytes. The clinical response and histological analyses were studied in an adjuvant arthritic rat model. The fusion protein was 38 000 molecular weight in size. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and immunoblotting demonstrated that the purified protein was recognized by both IL‐1ra and IL‐10 antibodies. The fusion protein significantly inhibited IL‐1‐mediated thymocyte proliferation and concanavalin A (ConA)‐primed IFN‐γ production from splenocytes. The fusion protein also suppressed joint swelling (paw circumference reduced from 5·0 ± 0·2 to 4·1 ± 0·1 cm; paw thickness ≈ 2 mm in difference) and synovial inflammation in adjuvant arthritis of rats. Our investigations indicate that this fusion protein effectively suppresses inflammatory arthritis and may initiate a trend for future clinical application to target multiple molecules at the same time.
Transferrin is required for early T‐cell differentiation
Authors: Macedo M. Fatima , De Sousa Maria , Ned Renee M. , Mascarenhas Claudia , Andrews Nancy C. , Correia‐Neves Margarida 
Published: December 2004

SummaryTransferrin, the major plasma iron carrier, mediates iron entry into cells through interaction with its receptor. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that transferrin plays an essential role in lymphocyte division, a role attributed to its iron transport function. In the present study we used hypotransferrinaemic (Trfhpx/hpx) mice to investigate the possible involvement of transferrin in T lymphocyte differentiation in vivo. The absolute number of thymocytes was substantially reduced in Trfhpx/hpx mice, a result that could not be attributed to increased apoptosis. Moreover, the proportions of the four major thymic subpopulations were maintained and the percentage of dividing cells was not reduced. A leaky block in the differentiation of CD4− CD8− CD3− CD44− CD25+ (TN3) into CD4− CD8− CD3− CD44− CD25− (TN4) cells was observed. In addition, a similar impairment of early thymocyte differentiation was observed in mice with reduced levels of transferrin receptor. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that transferrin itself or a pathway triggered by the interaction of transferrin with its receptor is essential for normal early T‐cell differentiation in vivo.