bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning of the cDNA for the catalytic subunit of plant DNA polymerase α and its cell‐cycle dependent expression
Authors: Yokoi Masayuki , Ito Masaki , Izumi Masako , Miyazawa Hiroshi , Nakai Hirokazu , Hanaoka Fumio 
Published: November 2003

Background:DNA polymerase α has been studied in considerable detail in yeast and animals. Genetic and biochemical analyses reveal that this enzyme is composed of a heterotetramer and is necessary for replicon initiation and primer synthesis in lagging strand synthesis. In spite of the fact that modes of DNA replication in plants seem to be similar to those in other eukaryotes, very little is known about the biochemical components that participate in DNA replication of plants, including DNA polymerases.Results:Using a 561‐base pair DNA fragment, obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification from a rice cDNA library as a probe, we isolated and sequenced a cDNA homologous to the cDNA for the catalytic subunit of rice DNA polymerase α. The encoded polypeptide has extensive homology with the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase α from several species. Furthermore, when the cDNA was expressed in eukaryotic transcription/translation systems, the protein products showed DNA polymerase activity which was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody specific for DNA polymerase α. Using RNA gel blot analysis, we found that the levels of mRNA of the catalytic subunit of this enzyme is regulated during the cell‐cycle in plant cells.Conclusion:This is the first report which describes the cDNA cloning of plant DNA polymerase. We conclude that the principal features of the DNA polymerase α catalytic subunit are conserved in plants.
Combined laparoscopic and vaginal surgery: saving of time by means of a new type of OR draping cloth
Authors: Brandner P. , Neis K. J. 
Published: November 2003

ObjectiveTo describe our experience with a new operating room drape designed specifically for laparoscopic surgery where changes between the abdominal and the vaginal route are frequent.DesignThe drape was tested in the 373 laparoscopic operations including 32 laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies (LAVHs) carried out over a 4‐month period. Special interest was given to possible saving of time.ResultsThe amount of time saved depended on the number of changes between the vaginal and the abdominal sites, which varies according to the type of operation performed. In LAVH, the pre‐ and intraoperative preparation time was reduced by almost 50%.ConclusionSince the drape has been proved to shorten operating time, it may be a benefit to the patient as well as to surgeons and their staff.
Directional analysis of digitized planar sets by configuration counts
Authors: JENSEN E. B. V. , KIDERLEN M. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe oriented rose of normal directions of a random set Z can be used to quantify its anisotropy. A method for estimating this quantity from a digitization of Z in a sampling window, i.e. its pixel image, is presented. The image is analysed locally by considering pixel squares of size n × n. This allows us to count the number of different types of n × n configurations in the pixel image. We show that it suffices to restrict attention to the so‐called informative configurations. The number of informative configurations increases only polynomially in n. An algorithm to find these informative configurations is presented. Furthermore, estimators of the oriented rose based on counts of observed informative configurations are derived. The procedure is illustrated by a simulated example and an analysis of a microscopic image of steel.
Quantitative microstructure analysis of polymer‐modified mortars
Authors: Jenni A. , Herwegh M. , Zurbriggen R. , Aberle T. , Holzer L. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryDigital light, fluorescence and electron microscopy in combination with wavelength‐dispersive spectroscopy were used to visualize individual polymers, air voids, cement phases and filler minerals in a polymer‐modified cementitious tile adhesive. In order to investigate the evolution and processes involved in formation of the mortar microstructure, quantifications of the phase distribution in the mortar were performed including phase‐specific imaging and digital image analysis. The required sample preparation techniques and imaging related topics are discussed. As a form of case study, the different techniques were applied to obtain a quantitative characterization of a specific mortar mixture. The results indicate that the mortar fractionates during different stages ranging from the early fresh mortar until the final hardened mortar stage. This induces process‐dependent enrichments of the phases at specific locations in the mortar. The approach presented provides important information for a comprehensive understanding of the functionality of polymer‐modified mortars.
Use of a night vision intensifier for direct visualization by eye of far‐red and near‐infrared fluorescence through an optical microscope
Authors: Siddiqi M. A. , Kilduff G. M. , Gearhart J. D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe describe the design, construction and testing of a prototype device that allows the direct visualization by eye of far‐red and near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence through an optical microscope. The device incorporates a gallium arsenide (GaAs) image intensifier, typically utilized in low‐light or ‘night vision’ applications. The intensifier converts far‐red and NIR light into electrons and then into green light, which is visible to the human eye. The prototype makes possible the direct, real‐time viewing by eye of normally invisible far‐red and NIR fluorescence from a wide variety of fluorophores, using the full field of view of the microscope to which it is applied. The high sensitivity of the image intensifier facilitates the viewing of a wide variety of photosensitive specimens, including live cells and embryos, at vastly reduced illumination levels in both fluorescence and bright‐field microscopy. Modifications to the microscope are not required in order to use the prototype, which is fully compatible with all current fluorescence techniques. Refined versions of the prototype device will have broad research and clinical applications.
Wirksamkeit, Nebenwirkungen und Patientenzufriedenheit bei Leitungsanästhesie durch Handblock vor Behandlung der palmaren Hyperhidrose mit Botulinumtoxin A
Authors: Siebert Thorsten , Sinkgraven Ronald , Fuchslocher Monika , Rzany Berthold 
Published: November 2003

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die Behandlung der palmaren Hyperhidrose mit Botulinumtoxin A (BTX‐A)‐Injektionen stellt eine der wirksamsten therapeutischen Möglichkeiten dar. Jedoch ist sie bei den meisten Patienten ohne eine ausreichende Anästhesie der Handfläche nicht durchführbar. Die Leitungsanästhesie des Nervus radialis, medianus und ulnaris (kurz: Handblock) gilt als wirksame aber risikoreiche Therapie, ohne daß hierfür belegbare Daten zur Verfügung stehen. Patienten und Methodik: Um Wirksamkeit, Nebenwirkungen und Patientenzufriedenheit bei Anwendung des Handblocks zu beurteilen, erfolgte eine retrospektive Untersuchung der zwischen 1. 10. 1999 und 30. 9. 2001 vor der Therapie der palmaren Hyperhidrose mit einem Handblock behandelten Patienten der Klinik für Dermatologie in Mannheim. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 38 Patienten behandelt, von denen 33 in der Studie nachuntersucht werden konnten. Die Patienten attestierten dem Handblock eine deutliche Wirksamkeit, im Mittel mit einem Scorewert von 7,9 ± 2,1 (SD) von 10 möglichen. Die Zufriedenheit mit dem Handblock wurde im Mittel mit dem Wert 7,7 ± 2,1 (SD) angegeben.Insgesamt gaben 31 der 33 (93,9 %) behandelten Patienten Nebenwirkungen wie Schmerzen bei der Injektion des Lokalanästhetikums, lokale Hämatome bis zu Parästhesien wie Kribbeln/Ameisenlaufen, unspezifischem Schwindel oder Kopfschmerzen an. Alle Beschwerden waren jedoch reversibel und dauerten mit Ausnahme einer Patientin nur kurzzeitig an.29/33 Patienten (87,9 %) würden den Handblock vor der Behandlung mit BTX weiter empfehlen und 28/33 Patienten (84,9 %) können sich eine BTX‐Behandlung ohne lokale Betäubung nicht vorstellen. Schlußfolgerungen: Der Handblock führt zu einer wirksamen Anästhesie der Handfläche bei Unterspritzungsbehandlung der palmaren Hyperhidrose. Gravierende Nebenwirkungen sind selten. Die Akzeptanz und Zufriedenheit seitens der Patienten ist hoch.
Effect of Different Doses of Prostaglandin on the Area of Corpus Luteum, the Largest Follicle and Progesterone Concentration in the Dairy Cow
Authors: Répási A , Beckers JF , Sulon J , Perényi Zs , Reiczigel J , Szenci O 
Published: November 2003

ContentsLactating dairy cows with a mature corpus luteum (CL) (diameter of ≥17 mm determined by ultrasonography) and having a follicle with a diameter of 10 mm (n = 49) were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group was treated with a single dose of exogenous prostaglandin (25 mg), while the second group was treated with 35 mg on day 0, and the third group served as control in order to evaluate the effect of rectal manipulation on the CL during ultrasonographic examination. Blood samples were collected daily for analysing progesterone (P4) concentrations. In group 1 the incidence of oestrus and artificial insemination (AI) in 10 days after treatment was 95% (19 of 20). The conception rate was 31.6%, and the average time to oestrus after treatment was 3.7 day. In group 2 the incidence of oestrus and A.I. was 84.2% (16/19). The conception rate was 31.2%, and the average time to oestrus after treatment was 2.8 day. In the untreated group only two cows (2/10) exhibited oestrus during the examined period and none of them became pregnant. There were no significant differences between the two treated groups in terms of reduction in the area of CL and P4 concentrations and of an increase in the area of the dominant follicles. At the same time, the decrease in the percentage changes relative to the area of CL and to the concentrations of P4 were statistically significant in both treated groups.
Epidemiology of dermatophyte infection in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Singh Darshan , Patel Denesh C , Rogers Karen , Wood Neil , Riley David , Morris Arthur J 
Published: November 2003

SUMMARYThis report describes the epidemiology of culture‐proven dermatophyte infection in Auckland, New Zealand. The authors undertook a retrospective review of laboratory data for the period from June 1999 to July 2002. There were 10 004 dermatophyte isolates. The most common isolates were Trichophyton rubrum (69%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (19%). Microsporum canis was mainly isolated from children. The prevalence of T. mentagrophytes increased with patient age (P < 0.001). Trichophyton rubrum was most common in those aged between 20 and 59 years. The incidence of culture‐proven dermatophyte infection was 2.9/1000 population for the year 2000, and the incidence increased with patient age (P < 0.001). It is concluded that dermatophytes causing superficial mycoses in the Auckland region are essentially similar to Australia and other Western countries, although some new organisms are seen as a result of the migration of people from other countries. The incidence of local dermatophyte infection increases with age.
Progression of a myxoid pleomorphic fibroma to myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: Dore Amanda , Robertson Ivan , Williamson Richard , Weedon David 
Published: November 2003

SUMMARYA 75‐year‐old man presented with a protuberant stable lesion of many years on his left second toe. Histology on an incisional biopsy showed myxoid pleomorphic fibroma. Over the subsequent 21 months, the lesion enlarged and became exophytic and irregular. Repeat biopsy showed features consistent with a grade III myxofibrosarcoma. Treatment involved amputation of his toe. Six months later he remains well, with no evidence of local recurrence or systemic spread.
The Scientific Practitioner in Psychiatry for the 21st Century
Authors: Hay Phillipa , Mulder Roger , Boyce Philip 
Published: November 2003

Objective: To argue that practical research experience should be a requirement for postgraduate training in psychiatry in Australasia. Conclusions: It is acknowledged that at present there is only indirect evidence to support the authors’ views, but insufficient evidence is not equivalent to negative evidence. In addition, the ideal study is a prospective, preferably randomized comparative study of trainees who do and who do not have practical research experience during training, with a range of subjective and objective outcomes assessed. It is argued that we cannot afford to wait until such a study is completed and lose a generation of trainees who will not be exposed to more than ‘lectures’ on research during their postgraduate years. It is believed that removing such practical research experience from a postgraduate training programme would be a retrograde step, and out of line with other medical colleges and clinical training in cognate disciplines. In the longer term this could result in psychiatry being seen as less able to evaluate its own clinical practice, and psychiatrists as less able to practice evidence-based medicine.
Aphorisms for Psychiatrists and People
Authors: Pridmore Saxby 
Published: November 2003

Objective: To present a collection of aphorisms/maxims/epigrams/quotes that may be of interest and/or utility to some psychiatrists and their patients. Methods: Tens of thousands of aphorisms were examined. Sixty-six were recorded and classified under 11 headings. Results: Aphorisms with apparent clinical utility could be arranged under the headings cure, expectation of happiness, happiness through attainment, happiness through pleasing others, our limited abilities, problem of being alone, relationships with others, work and responsibility, opportunities, preparation and outcomes, fear and worry, sex education, and miscellaneous aphorisms of interest. Conclusions: Aphorisms can be brought into clinical discussions, and have the advantage of representing the opinion of a non-psychiatrist. They can render a new insight or conclusion, or lead to a new train of thought.
Employment and the Creation of an Active Citizenry
Authors: Schur Lisa 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThis study examines the link between employment and political participation, using US household survey data. It finds that being employed increases an individual's political activities by more than one‐third, primarily through increased income, civic skills, political efficacy and recruitment at work. Union membership and skill‐building tasks are strong positive predictors of political participation. In exploring issue‐oriented activism, disability activism is found to be lower among employed people with disabilities, but higher among those who report job discrimination. The likely effects of declining unionization, changes in job structures and other workplace and employment trends on overall political participation are discussed.
A composite poly‐hydroxybutyrate–glial growth factor conduit for long nerve gap repairs
Authors: Mohanna P.‐N. , Young R. C. , Wiberg M. , Terenghi G. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThere is considerable evidence that peripheral nerves have the potential to regenerate in an appropriate microenvironment. We have developed a novel artificial nerve guide composed of poly 3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) filled with glial growth factor (GGF) suspended in alginate hydrogel. Gaps of 2–4 cm in rabbit common peroneal nerve were bridged using a PHB conduit containing either GGF in alginate hydrogel (GGF) or alginate alone (Alginate), or with an empty PHB conduit (Empty). Tissues were harvested 21, 42 and 63 days post‐operatively. Schwann cell and axonal regeneration were assessed using quantitative immunohistochemistry. At 21 days, addition of GGF increased significantly the distance of axonal and Schwann cells regeneration in comparison with that observed in Alginate and Empty conduits for both gap lengths. The axons bridged the 2‐cm GGF conduits gap by 63 days, with a comparable rate of regeneration seen in 4‐cm conduits. Schwann cells and axonal regeneration quantity was similar for both gap lengths in each group. However, at all time points the quantity of axonal and Schwann cells regeneration in GGF grafts was significantly greater than in both Alginate and Empty conduits, the latter showing better regeneration than Alginate conduits. The results indicate an inhibitory effect of alginate on regeneration, which is partially reversed by the addition of GGF to the conduits. In conclusion, GGF stimulates a progressive and sustainable regeneration increase in long nerve gap conduits.
Wallerian degeneration in C57BL/6J and A/J mice: differences in time course of neurofilament and myelin breakdown, macrophage recruitment and iNOS expression
Authors: De La Hoz Cristiane L. R. , Oliveira Alexandre L. R. , De S. Queiroz Luciano , Langone Francesco 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe lower regeneration potential reported for C57BL/6J mice strain after peripheral nerve lesion may result from alterations in crucial events during Wallerian degeneration. We analysed neurofilament and myelin breakdown, macrophage recruitment, NADPH‐diaphorase reaction and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in transected sciatic nerves of C57BL/6J and A/J mice. The neurofilament volume density was lower in C57BL/6J strain mice at 1 and 3 days after lesion, and later equalled the density observed in A/J. C57BL/6J mice presented a high number of cells containing myelin debris, 3 and 5 days after the lesion. In both strains iNOS immunoreactivity was intense in macrophages and less evident in Schwann cells. However, a delay in macrophage recruitment and a lower percentage of iNOS‐expressing macrophages on the third day were observed in C57BL/6J mice. NADPH‐diaphorase reaction disclosed a similar pattern for both strains until the seventh day. However, at 5 days, cells with slender processes involving ellipsoid segments showed a well‐defined cytoplasmic labelling in C57BL/6J whereas in A/J most of these cells exhibited a more granular and disperse labelling. We propose that these differences between A/J and C57BL/6J strains during Wallerian degeneration may be implicated in the lower regeneration potential observed in the latter.
Translationally distinct populations of NMDA receptor subunit NR1 mRNA in the developing rat brain
Authors: Awobuluyi Marc , Lipton Stuart A. , Sucher Nikolaus J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe translational activity of the NMDA subunit 1 (NR1) mRNA was examined in the developing rat brain by sucrose gradient fractionation. One translationally‐active pool of NR1 mRNA was associated with large polyribosomes (polysomes) over the entire developmental period examined. A second NR1 mRNA pool, approximately half of the NR1 mRNA at post‐natal day 4, sedimented only within the two to three ribosome range, indicating that it was translationally blocked during early brain development despite active translation of mRNAs coding for the NR2 subunits of the receptor. At post‐natal day 4, both NR1 mRNA pools were distributed throughout the brain and contained similar profiles of NR1 mRNA splice variants, except that NR1‐3 appeared to be present only in the translationally‐blocked NR1 pool. After post‐natal day 8, the translationally‐blocked NR1 mRNA pool became progressively active within a background of globally‐decreasing brain translational activity.
Affinity purification of PSD‐95‐containing postsynaptic complexes
Authors: Vinade Lucia , Chang Michael , Schlief Michelle L. , Petersen Jennifer D. , Reese Thomas S. , Tao‐Cheng Jung‐Hwa , Dosemeci Ayse 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA widely used method for the preparation of postsynaptic density (PSD) fractions consists of treatment of synaptosomal membranes with Triton X‐100 and further purification by density gradient centrifugation. In the present study, the purity of this preparation was assessed by electron microscopic analysis. Thin‐section and rotary shadow immuno‐electron microscopy of the Triton X‐100‐derived PSD fraction shows many PSD‐95‐positive structures that resemble in situ PSDs in shape and size. However, the fraction also includes contaminants such as CaMKII clusters, spectrin filaments and neurofilaments. We used magnetic beads coated with an antibody against PSD‐95 to further purify PSD‐95‐containing complexes from the Triton‐derived PSD fraction. Biochemical analysis of the affinity‐purified material shows a substantial reduction in the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein and electron microscopic analysis shows mostly individual PSDs attached to magnetic beads. This preparation was used to assess the association of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)‐type glutamate receptors with the PSD‐95‐containing complex. AMPA receptors are demonstrated by immunoblotting to be present in the complex, although they do not co‐purify exclusively with PSD‐95, suggesting the existence of two pools of receptors, one associated with the PSD‐95 scaffold and the other not. Of the AMPA receptor‐anchoring proteins tested, SAP‐97 is present in the affinity‐purified preparation whereas GRIP is found only in trace amounts. These results imply that a subpopulation of AMPA receptors is anchored to the PSD‐95‐containing scaffold through interaction of GluR1 with SAP‐97.
Sequential activation of individual caspases, and of alterations in Bcl‐2 proapoptotic signals in a mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ona Victor O. , Li Mingwei , Drozda Martin , Dubois‐Dauphin Michel , Przedborski Serge , Ferrante Robert J. , Friedlander Robert M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractCaspases play an important role in neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD). Members of the Bcl‐2 family are critical modulators of terminal cell death pathways. However, alterations of Bcl‐2 family members and their functional role in an in vivo model of HD have not been documented. With the goal of gaining mechanistic insight, we used a transgenic mouse model of HD (R6/2) to investigate the chronology of caspase activation and functional alterations in members of the Bcl‐2 family. In R6/2 mice caspase activation precedes proapoptotic changes in Bcl‐2 family members. Of the caspases that we screened, caspase‐1‐like activation was the first to be detected in the disease process (7 weeks). Proapoptotic changes in members of the Bcl‐2 family were first detected at 9 weeks. To demonstrate a potential functional/therapeutic role of Bcl‐2 in HD, we crossed R6/2 mice with mice overexpressing Bcl‐2 in neurons. Transgenic expression of Bcl‐2 in R6/2 mice resulted in slight prolonged survival. Understanding the chronology of apoptotic events provides important information for appropriate therapeutic targeting in this devastating and untreatable disease.