bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma carnitine levels in children with down syndrome
Authors: Seven Mehmet , Cengiz Müjgan , Tüzgen Saffet , İscan >Mehmet Yaşar 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCarnitine is responsible for several chemical processes, including lipid metabolism, nerve cell conduction, reduction in muscle hypotonia, and limitation in oxidative damage to cells. In patients with Down syndrome (DS), the process of growth is behind that of normal children and neuromuscular control is attained somewhat later. The purpose of this study was to assess variation in levels of carnitine in normal and DS children and the relationship between the amount of carnitine and age. The study involved 30 (15 girls, 15 boys) normal children and 40 (20 girls, 20 boys) DS patients of Turkish ancestry, 6 months to 13 years of age. Carnitine level was determined using Deufel's enzymatic method. Carnitine level was significantly lower in DS patients compared with normal children between 6 months to 5 years of age. Between 5 and 13 years of age, the level of carnitine was about the same in both the normal and DS groups. The results suggest that carnitine level shows a different pattern of age related increase in DS compared to normal children. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:721–725, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Neurotraumatological aspects of head injuries resulting from sharp and blunt force in the early medieval period of southwestern Germany
Authors: Weber Jochen , Czarnetzki Alfred 
Published: November 2004

AbstractApproximately 10% (33 of 304) of the predominantly male skulls from the 6th through 8th centuries in southwestern Germany exhibit cranial fractures derived from blunt or sharp force trauma. No evidence of fracture healing characterizes 24% (n = 8) of these individuals. All nonhealed fractures were caused by sharp force, and four of these wounds cross the sagittal sinus. The lengths of these straight‐edged wounds, produced exclusively by sword blows, measure around 8.0 cm for fatal, and about 5.0 cm for nonfatal wounds. Seventy‐six percent (n = 25) of these skulls exhibit some healing, which indicates that these injuries did not lead to immediate death. In this group are all depressed fractures resulting from blunt force blows. Two thirds of the 45 cranial injuries noted on these 33 skulls are located on the left side of these individuals, with a concentration in the frontoparietal region. Bony indications of wound infection occur in four cases (12%). Three crania exhibit circular trepanations in association with fractures. These phenomena are discussed in the context of modern neurotraumatological knowledge. Am J Phys Anthropol 114:352–356, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adrenoleukodystrophy: Incidence, new mutation rate, and results of extended family screening
Authors: Bezman Lena , Moser Ann B. , Raymond Gerald V. , Piero Rinaldo  , Watkins Paul A. , Smith Kirby D. , Kass Nancy E. , Moser Hugo W. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractUtilizing the plasma very long chain fatty acid assay, supplemented by mutation analysis and immunofluorescence assay, we determined the number of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) hemizygotes from the United States identified each year in the two laboratories that perform most of the assays in this country: the Kennedy Krieger Institute between 1981 and 1998 and the Mayo Clinic Rochester from 1996 to 1998. The minimum frequency of hemizygotes identified in the United States is estimated to be 1:42,000 and that of hemizygotes plus heterozygotes 1:16,800. Our studies involved 616 pedigrees with a total of 12,787 identified at‐risk members. Diagnostic assays were performed in 4,169 at‐risk persons (33%) and included members of the extended family. Only 5% of male probands and 1.7% of X‐ALD hemizygotes were found to have new mutations. The extended family testing led to the identification of 594 hemizygotes and 1,270 heterozygotes. Two hundred fifty of the newly identified hemizygotes were asymptomatic and represent the group in which therapy has the greatest chance of success. Identification of heterozygotes provides the opportunity for disease prevention through genetic counseling. Diagnostic tests should be offered to all at‐risk relatives of X‐ALD patients and should include members of the extended family. Ann Neurol 2001;49:512–517
Children with comorbid attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder and tic disorder: Evidence for additive inhibitory deficits within the motor system
Authors: Moll Gunther H. , Heinrich Hartmut , Trott Götz‐Erik , Wirth Sigrun , Bock Nathalie , Rothenberger Aribert 
Published: November 2004

AbstractFor children with attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or tic disorder (TD), we recently reported deficient inhibitory mechanisms within the motor system by using transcranial magnetic stimulation. These deficits—stated as reduced intracortical inhibition in ADHD and shortened cortical silent period in TD—could be seen as neurophysiological correlates of motor hyperactivity and tics, respectively. To investigate neurophysiological aspects of comorbidity, we measured motor system excitability for the first time also in children with combined ADHD and TD. The findings of a reduced intracortical inhibition as well as a shortened cortical silent period in these comorbid children provide evidence for additive effects at the level of motor system excitability. Ann Neurol 2001;49:393–396
Pyriform cell differentiation in Podarcis sicula is accompanied by the appearance of surface glycoproteins bearing α‐galNAc terminated chains
Authors: Andreuccetti Piero , Famularo Ciro , Gualtieri Roberto , Prisco Marina 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe present histochemical and cytochemical study using a lectin panel (WGA, GSI‐A4, GSI‐B4, PSA UEA‐I, PNA, LCA, Con‐A, DBA, MPA, BPA) has demonstrated that, in Podarcis sicula, the differentiation of small follicle cells into pyriform cells by means of intermediate cells is accompanied by the appearance of glycoproteins bearing α‐GalNAc terminated O‐linked side chains on the cell surface. The distribution of DBA‐ and MPA‐binding sites over the follicular epithelium changed during the different stages of oocyte growth. DBA‐ and MPA‐binding sites ffirst appeared at the beginning of folliculogenesis within the zona pellucida (ZP) and on the surface of small cells, i.e., the stem cells of pyriform cells. Afterward, labeling was evident on the cell surfaces of intermediate cells and, later on, also of pyriform cells. On the other hand, no labeling was detected on the small cells located under the basal lamina, which, reportedly, do not differentiate into pyriform cells (Filosa et al. J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol., 1979; 15:297‐316). Once pyriform cells were differentiated, the distribution of DBA‐ and MPA‐binding sites over the follicular epithelium remained unchanged until intermediate and pyriform cells underwent apoptosis (Motta et al. J. Exp. Zool., 1996; 276:233‐241) and the follicular epithelium transformed into a monolayer composed of small follicle cells only (Filosa Mon. Zool. Ital., 1973; 7:151–165). During this stage of oocyte growth, DBA and MPA labeling gradually decreased to completely disappear in the follicular epithelium of vitellogenic follicles. It is noteworthy that the observed changes in the distribution of DBA‐ and MPA‐binding sites represent the ffirst evidence recognized by lectins of a gradual modification of surface glycoprotein distribution over the follicular epithelium in the ovarian follicles of nonmammalian vertebrates so far studied. Finally, the zona pellucida (ZP), characterized by the presence of GalNAc, GluNAc, Man, and Gal, was demonstrated to be first synthetized by the oocyte and later on by the follicle cells. Anat Rec 263:1–9, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indirect measurement of water content in an aseptic solid substrate cultivation pilot‐scale bioreactor
Authors: Peña y Lillo M. , Pérez‐Correa R. , Agosin E. , Latrille E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA lack of models and sensors for describing and monitoring large‐scale solid substrate cultivation (SSC) bioreactors has hampered industrial development and application of this type of process. This study presents an indirect dynamic measurement model for a 200‐kg‐capacity fixed‐bed SSC bioreactor under periodic agitation. Growth of the filamentous fungus Gibberella fujikuroi on wheat bran was used as a case study. Real data were preprocessed using previously reported methodology. The model uses CO2 production rate and inlet air conditions to estimate average bed water content and average bed temperature. The model adequately reproduces the evolution of the average bed water content and can therefore be used as an on‐line estimator in pilot‐scale SSC bioreactors. To obtain a reasonable fit of the bed temperature, however, inlet air humidity measurements will have to be adjusted with a data reconciliation algorithm. Good estimation of temperature is important for the future design of improved water content estimation using state observers. The model also provides insight into understanding the complex behavior of the dynamic system, which could prove useful when establishing advanced model‐based operational and control strategies. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 76: 44–51, 2001.
Technical evaluation of the potential for streamlining of equipment validation for fermentation applications
Authors: Junker Beth 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to provide a few concrete examples of the potential to acceptably reduce the scope of validation and qualification testing based on scientific justification for the specific area of microbial fermentation. The key areas explored include: autoclave operational qualification (OQ) testing, autoclave load pattern testing, vessel sterilize‐in‐place testing, spore strip use and failure investigation, grouping of D‐values for media and concentrated nutrients, influence of temperature on D‐values, and equipment clean‐in‐place cleaning agent/recovery studies. Suggestions are offered based on technical data and engineering analysis of the procedures involved. Methodologies are described for how to evaluate the systems being tested relative to processing requirements to determine which testing might be minimized and which testing might warrant expansion. The ultimate risk to quality then must be evaluated by the designated quality control groups within the organization for the specific process and equipment in use. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 74: 49–61, 2001.
Biohydrogen generation by mesophilic anaerobic fermentation of microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Lay Jiunn‐Jyi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSixteen batch experiments were performed to evaluate the stability, kinetics, and metabolic paths of heat‐shocked digester (HSD) sludge that transforms microcrystalline cellulose into hydrogen. Highly reproducible kinetic and metabolic data confirmed that HSD sludge could stably convert microcrystalline cellulose to hydrogen and volatile fatty acids (VFA) and induce metabolic shift to produce alcohols. We concluded that clostridia predominated the hydrogen‐producing bacteria in the HSD sludge. Throughout this study the hydrogen percentage in the headspace of the digesters was greater than 50% and no methanogenesis was observed. The results emphasize that hydrogen significantly inhibited the hydrogen‐producing activity of sludge when initial microcrystalline cellulose concentrations exceeded 25.0 g/L. A further 25 batch experiments performed with full factorial design incorporating multivariate analysis suggested that the ability of the sludge to convert cellulose into hydrogen was influenced mainly by the ratio of initial cellulose concentration (So) to initial sludge density (Xo), but not by interaction between the variables. The hydrogen‐producing activity depended highly on interaction of So × (So/Xo). Through response surface analysis it was found that a maximum hydrogen yield of 3.2 mmol/g cellulose occurred at So = 40 g/L and So/Xo = 8 g cellulose/g VSS. A high specific rate of 18 mmol/(g VSS‐d) occurred at So = 28 g/L and So/Xo = 9 g cellulose/g VSS. These experimental results suggest that high hydrogen generation from cellulose was accompanied by low So/Xo. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 74: 280–287, 2001.
Effect of crown ethers on structure, stability, activity, and enantioselectivity of subtilisin Carlsberg in organic solvents
Authors: Santos Angélica M. , Vidal Michael , Pacheco Yamaris , Frontera Joel , Báez Carlos , Ornellas Olivia , Barletta Gabriel , Griebenow Kai 
Published: November 2004

AbstractColyophilization or codrying of subtilisin Carlsberg with the crown ethers 18‐crown‐6, 15‐crown‐5, and 12‐crown‐4 substantially improved enzyme activity in THF, acetonitrile, and 1,4‐dioxane in the transesterification reactions of N‐acetyl‐L‐phenylalanine ethylester and 1‐propanol and that of (±)‐1‐phenylethanol and vinylbutyrate. The acceleration of the initial rate, V0, ranged from less than 10‐fold to more than 100‐fold. All crown ethers activated subtilisin substantially, which excludes a specific macrocyclic effect from being responsible. The secondary structure of subtilisin was studied by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. 18‐Crown‐6 and 15‐crown‐5 led to a more nativelike structure of subtilisin in the organic solvents employed when compared with that of the dehydrated enzyme obtained from buffer alone. However, the high level of activation with 12‐crown‐4 where this effect was not observed excluded overall structural preservation from being the primary cause of the observed enzyme activation. The conformational mobility of subtilisin was investigated by performing thermal denaturation experiments in 1,4‐dioxane. Although only a small effect of temperature on subtilisin structure was observed for the samples prepared with or without 12‐crown‐4, both 18‐crown‐6 and 15‐crown‐5 caused the enzyme to denature at quite low temperatures (38°C and 56°C, respectively). No relationship between this property and V0 was evident, but increased conformational mobility of the protein decreased its storage stability. The possibility of a “molecular imprinting” effect was also tested by removing 18‐crown‐6 from the subtilisin‐18‐crown‐6 colyophilizate by washing. V0 was only halved as a result of this procedure, an effect insignificant compared with the ca. 80‐fold rate enhancement observed prior to washing in THF. This suggests that molecular imprinting is likely the primary cause of subtilisin activation by crown ethers, as recently suggested. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 74: 295–308, 2001.
Ventricular proliferation zones in the brain of an adult teleost fish and their relation to neuromeres and migration (secondary matrix) zones
Authors: Ekström Peter , Johnsson Carl‐Magnus , Ohlin Liss‐Mari 
Published: November 2004

AbstractZones containing actively dividing cells (proliferation zones: PZs), in the brain of adult three‐spined sticklebacks, were identified by autoradiographic detection of 3H‐thymidine and immunocytochemical detection of the thymidine analogue 5'‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), singly or in combination, and by immunocytochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by monoclonal antibodies. The PZs are associated with boundaries between adult brain regions, as well as with defined morphofunctional subdivisions. PZs are located at the border between the telencephalon and diencephalon, and at the border between the mesencephalon and the rhombencephalon. In the midbrain, the PZ follows the dorsomedial, caudal, and ventrolateral aspects of each tectal hemisphere, extending over the caudal aspect of the torus semicircularis to the nucleus lateralis valvulae. In the hindbrain, the major PZ apparently represents the persisting embryonic secondary matrix layer of the developing cerebellum. In the forebrain, the PZs are associated with the ventricular zones of the olfactory bulbs and ventral telencephalic area (”subpallium”), dorsal telencephalic area (”pallium”), preoptic region, ventral thalamus, dorsal thalamus, epithalamus, pretectum, posterior tuberculum, and the hypothalamus. The diencephalic PZs are parcellated according to a neuromeric organisation (a synencephalic, a posterior, and an anterior parencephalic neuromere: p1, p2, and p3). The PZs of the secondary prosencephalon (telencephalon and hypothalamus) thus would belong to neuromeres p4–6, but do not form an immediately recognised serial pattern. The prosencephalic PZs correlate well with parts of embryonic migration areas as defined by Bergquist and Källén ([1954] J. Comp. Neurol. 100:627–659), morphogenetic fields from which postmitotic neurones migrate to their final destination. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:92–110, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryonic central nervous system angiogenesis does not involve blood‐borne endothelial progenitors
Authors: Kurz Haymo , Korn Johannes , Eggli Peter S. , Huang Ruijin , Christ Bodo 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe asked, whether, in the blood of avian embryos, endothelial precursor cells circulate that actually contribute to the growing vascular system in and around the central nervous system (CNS). We compared the morphology and distribution of QH1‐positive cells after transplantation of quail paraxial mesoderm, after blood transfusion, in quail‐chick parabiosis, or after quail bone‐marrow transplantation. After head mesoderm transplantation from quail to chick, we observed sprouting endothelial cells (ECs), capillary tube formation, and chimeric endothelial lining of large arteries in the host brain. These QH1‐positive quail cells showed EC morphologies that demonstrated three different aspects of CNS angiogenesis: invasion by means of filopodia, clonal proliferation and tube formation, and integration into preexisting EC layers. After blood transfusion or in chick‐quail parabiosis, blood‐borne QH1+ cells were found in the lumen of but not integrated into the wall of the host vascular system. Neither were QH1+ cells observed in the capillary walls of parabiotic chick chorioallantoic membranes. In both cases, the quail cells showed typical macrophage morphology. In chicks that had received quail bone marrow transplants onto their chorioallantoic membranes, QH1+ cells with macrophage, but not EC shape were occasionally seen near the inoculation site. We conclude that (1) blood‐borne cells do not become ECs or directly contribute to angiogenesis inside, or in vascular plexuses around the CNS during embryonic development; (2) blood‐borne cells do not contribute to the intraneural macrophage population of the embryonic CNS. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:263–274, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Projections of the pontine nuclei to the cochlear nucleus in rats
Authors: Ohlrogge Matthias , Doucet John R. , Ryugo David K. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn the cochlear nucleus, there is a magnocellular core of neurons whose axons form the ascending auditory pathways. Surrounding this core is a thin shell of microneurons called the granule cell domain (GCD). The GCD receives auditory and nonauditory inputs and projects in turn to the dorsal cochlear nucleus, thus appearing to serve as a central locus for integrating polysensory information and descending feedback. Nevertheless, the source of many of these inputs and the nature of the synaptic connections are relatively unknown. We used the retrograde tracer Fast Blue to demonstrate that a major projection arises from the contralateral pontine nuclei (PN) to the GCD. The projecting cells are more densely located in the ventral and rostral parts of the PN. They also are clustered into a lateral and a medial group. Injections of anterograde tracers into the PN labeled mossy fibers in the contralateral GCD. The terminals are confined to those parts of the GCD immediately surrounding the ventral cochlear nucleus. There is no PN projection to the dorsal cochlear nucleus. These endings have the form of bouton and mossy fiber endings as revealed by light and electron microscopy. The PN represent a key station between the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, so the pontocochlear nucleus projection emerges as a significant source of highly processed information that is introduced into the early stages of the auditory pathway. The cerebropontocerebellar pathway may impart coordination and timing cues to the motor system. In an analogous way, perhaps the cerebropontocochlear nucleus projection endows the auditory system with a timing mechanism for extracting temporal information. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:290–303, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rod pathways in the mammalian retina use connexin 36
Authors: Mills Stephen L. , O'Brien Jennifer J. , Li Wei , O'Brien John , Massey Stephen C. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMany neurons in the mammalian retina are coupled by means of gap junctions. Here, we show that, in rabbit retina, an antibody to connexin 36 heavily labels processes of AII amacrine cells, a critical interneuron in the rod pathway. Image analysis indicates that Cx36 is primarily located at dendritic crossings between overlapping AII amacrine cells. This finding suggests that Cx36 participates in homotypic gap junctions between pairs of AII amacrine cells. Cx36 was also found at AII/cone bipolar contacts, previously shown to be gap junction sites. This finding suggests that Cx36 participates at gap junctions that may be heterotypic. These results place an identified neuronal connexin in the context of a well‐defined retinal circuit. The absence of Cx36 in many other neurons known to be coupled suggests the presence of additional unidentified connexins in mammalian neurons. Conversely, Cx36 labeling in other regions of the retina is not associated with AII amacrine cells, indicating some other cell types use Cx36. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:336–350, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.