bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivoimaging detects a transient increase in brain arachidonic acid metabolism: a potential marker of neuroinflammation
Authors: Lee Helen , Villacreses Nelly E. , Rapoport Stanley I. , Rosenberger Thad A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn a rat model of neuroinflammation produced by an intracerebral ventricular infusion of bacterial lipopolysaccaride (LPS), we measured the coefficients of incorporation (k*) of arachidonic acid (AA, 20 : 4n−6) from plasma into each of 80 brain regions, using quantitative autoradiography and intravenously injected [1–14C]AA. Compared with control rats infused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF),k* was increased significantly in 25 brain areas, many of them close to the CSF compartments, following 6‐days of LPS infusion. The increases, ranging from 31 to 76%, occurred in frontal, motor, somatosensory, and olfactory cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, and septal nuclei, and basal ganglia. Following 28 days of LPS infusion,k* was increased significantly in only two brain regions. Direct analyses of microwaved brain showed that 93 ± 3 (SD) and 94 ± 4% of brain radioactivity was in the organic extract as radiolabeled AA in the 6‐day control and LPS‐infused animals, respectively, compared with 91 ± 3 and 87 ± 6% in the 28‐day control and LPS‐infused animals. These results confirm that brain AA metabolism is disturbed after 6 days of LPS exposure, show this increase is transient, and that these changes can be detected and localized usingin vivoimaging with radiolabeled AA.
Recombinant DNA vaccine encoding multiple domains related to inhibition of neurite outgrowth: a potential strategy for axonal regeneration
Authors: Xu Gang , Nie Du‐Yu , Chen Ju‐Tao , Wang Chao‐Yang , Yu Feng‐Gang , Sun Li , Luo Xue‐Gang , Ahmed Sohail , David Samuel , Xiao Zhi‐Cheng 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMyelin‐derived proteins, such as tenascin‐R (TN‐R), myelin associate glycoprotein (MAG), and Nogo‐A, inhibit the CNS regeneration. By targeting specifically the inhibitory epitopes, we have investigated whether vaccination with a recombinant DNA molecule encoding multiple domains of myelin inhibitors may be useful in CNS repair. We show here that the recombinant DNA vaccine is able to activate the immune system but does not induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats. Importantly, it promotes axonal regeneration in a spinal cord injury model. Thus, the application of DNA vaccine, encoding multiple specific domains of major inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors, provides another promising approach to overcome the inhibitory barriers during CNS regeneration.
Sex Differences in the Mate Selection Process Of the Monogamous, Biparental Convict Cichlid, Archocentrus Nigrofasciatum
Authors: Itzkowitz  , Santangelo Nick 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCompared to polygynous species, monogamous males and females are considered more similar in their mate choosiness, yet few studies have explored the mate selection process between the sexes. Here, we examined this mate selection process in the monogamous convict cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus. We presented an individual (i.e. the selector) of each sex with a choice of two alternative, visually and tactilely isolated, mates. Tanks were video taped each day until the selector fish spawned with one of the potential mates (i.e. the accepted mate). The number of visits, length of visits, and courtship interactions were recorded. Selecting females spent significantly more time with accepted versus rejected males (i.e. females expressed a time-based preference for their chosen males), but there was no significant difference in the number of visits made to either male. Selecting females did not court accepted and rejected males differently, but rejected males courted at a significantly higher rate than did accepted males. Although selecting females expressed a time-based preference for accepted males, they continued to visit and court rejected males throughout the mate choice process; thus females did not terminate their selection process until they spawned. In contrast to selecting females, selecting males did not spend a significantly different amount of time with accepted and rejected females while visiting both females equally. Furthermore, selecting males courted accepted females significantly more than they courted rejected females. Thus, males expressed their mate preferences through courtship whereas females expressed them through time spent. Males also courted more than females. Many of these sex differences curiously resemble those of a polygynous social system, which we suggest perhaps indicates polygynous ancestral origins.
Non-breeding Nazca Boobies (Sula Granti) Show Social and Sexual Interest in Chicks: Behavioural and Ecological Aspects
Authors: Porter Elaine , Anderson David , Ferree Elise 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAdult Nazca boobies (Sula granti) show an unusual interest in both conspecific and congeneric nestlings, visiting them at their nest sites and performing mixtures of affiliative, aggressive, and sexual behaviours. Using a 20 year database from a large Nazca booby colony on Isla Española, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, we describe the behaviour and the individuals performing the behaviour. Non-parental Adult Visitors ('NAVs') are typically 'unemployed' (non-breeding birds or recently failed breeders), and make visits of 1-60 min to unguarded chicks. Males and females are equally likely to exhibit the behaviour, if they are unemployed; since most unemployed birds are male, due to a sex ratio bias, most NAVs are male. Very young chicks and chicks nearing fledging are not visited, because young chicks are always attended by protective parents, and old chicks can defend themselves. When acting affiliatively, NAVs may simply stand by the chick, or may preen it and present gifts of pebbles and feathers. Aggression by the NAV often leaves scratches on the chick's body, but seldom causes the chick's death directly. However, landbirds take blood-meals from the scratches during food shortages, deepening the wound and eventually killing the chick. The least common NAV behaviour is sexual, in which adults perform male copulatory behaviour with the chick. Sexual behaviour occurs in 14.3% of visits by males, and 6.8% of visits by females. NAV behaviour is the direct or indirect cause of mortality of up to 24.6% of chicks, representing up to 41.6% of all deaths, in a given year. Approximately 80% of non-breeding birds in a given year show NAV behaviour, and since most adults are non-breeders at some point in life, most adults show NAV behaviour at some point. We propose a number of hypotheses to explain the causation of this puzzling and ecologically important behaviour.
Resistance to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne fallax in Solanum sparsipilum: analysis of the mechanisms
Authors: Kouassi Abou Bakari , Kerlan Marie-Claire , Sobczak Miroslaw , Dantec Jean-Paul , Rouaux Claudia , Ellissèche Daniel , Mugniéry Didier 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe genotype 88S.329.15 of Solanum sparsipilum was studied in order to analyse the genetic basis and the mechanisms of its resistance to Meloidogyne fallax. In infected plants grown at 20°C, juveniles invaded the root system with a clear delay and a lower infection rate in comparison to the susceptible S. tuberosum genotype BF15 H1. No defence reaction occurred during root invasion and migration toward the vascular cylinder. The juveniles induced development of feeding sites usually composed of several giant cells, which contained condensed cytoplasm, only small vacuoles, enlarged nuclei with pronounced nucleoli and almost no endoplasmic reticulum. Abundant necrosis of surrounding parenchymatous vascular cylinder cells lead to the degeneration of the giant cells. More than 90% of the invading juveniles failed to develop. The others developed as males. The resistance inheritance was analysed on 128 F1 hybrids obtained using the susceptible line BF15 H1 as the female parent and 88S.329.15 as the male parent. Among the progenies, 68 genotypes produced a necrotic reaction to nematode infection and 60 produced no necrosis. This 1 : 1 segregation pattern suggests a monogenic control of this defence reaction. Unlike the resistant parent 88S.329.15, some M. fallax females developed in the roots of necrotically responding hybrids. There was a normal distribution of mean numbers of adult females found in the roots of these genotypes. This result suggests that the ability of the resistant genotype 88S.329.15 to suppress development of females is quantitatively inherited and likely to be controlled by more than one locus. These data indicate that the mechanism of resistance is different from the resistance to Meloidogyne incognita conferred by the Mi gene of tomato.
"Religion" and the Problem of the Governable Self; or How to Live in a Less than Perfect Nation
Authors: McCutcheon Russell 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe category "religion"—along with the binary pairs that attend it (e.g., sacred/secular, Church/State, etc.)—deserves as much attention as has been devoted by scholars throughout the human sciences to the social and political roles played by other pairs, such as pure/impure, raw/cooked, male/female, and citizen/foreigner. Just as with these pairings, the church/state binary refers not to stable and separable zones of human practice, but is part of a classification system that manages a competitive social and political economy by segmenting certain forms of behavior and organization—whether as a means to authorize or deauthorize them. When understood to refer to an inner zone of experience and feeling, the rhetorics of "religion" and "faith" should therefore be studied as techniques of governance, not as neutrally descriptive names given to pre-existent things existing in the world or in the human heart.
C1 inhibitor prevents Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular permeability
Authors: Liu Dongxu , Zhang Dong , Scafidi Jennifer , Wu Xiao , Cramer Cort C. , Davis Alvin E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractGram-negative bacterial endotoxemia may lead to the pathological increase of vascular permeability with systemic vascular collapse, a vascular leak syndrome, multiple organ failure (MOF), and/or shock. Previous studies demonstrated that C1 inhibitor (C1INH) protects mice from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced lethal septic shock via a direct interaction with LPS. Here, we report that C1INH blocked the LPS-induced increase in transendothelial flux through an endothelial monolayer. In addition, LPS-mediated detachment of cultured endothelial cells was prevented with C1INH. C1INH also inhibited LPS-induced endothelial cell apoptosis as demonstrated by suppression of DNA fragmentation and annexin V expression. As illustrated by laser scanning confocal microscopy, C1INH completely blocked the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–LPS to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). C1INH protected from localized LPS-induced increased plasma leakage in C57BL/6J mice and in C1INH-deficient mice. Local vascular permeability in response to LPS was increased to a greater extent in C1INH-deficient mice compared with wild-type littermate controls and was reversed by treatment with C1INH. Systemic administration of LPS to mice resulted in increased vascular permeability, which was reduced by C1INH. Therefore, these studies demonstrate that C1INH, in addition to its role in suppression of LPS-mediated macrophage activation, may play an important role in the prevention of LPS-mediated increased vascular permeability, endothelial cell injury, and multiple organ failure.
Stimulation with 4-1BB (CD137) inhibits chronic graft-versus-host disease by inducing activation-induced cell death of donor CD4+ T cells
Authors: Kim Juyang , Choi Woon S. , La Soojin , Suh Jae-Hee , Kim Byoung-Sam , Cho Hong R. , Kwon Byoung S. , Kwon Byungsuk 
Published: November 2004

Abstract4-1BB, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, is a costimulator for activated T cells. Previous studies have established that treatment with agonistic anti–4-BB monoclonal antibody (3H3) is effective in reversing the progression of spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus. Its therapeutic effect is mediated by suppression of autoantibody production. In this report, we show that a single injection of 3H3 blocks chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in the parent-into-F1 model. In particular, donor CD4+ T cells are rapidly eliminated from host spleens by activation-induced cell death after 4-1BB triggering. Since donor CD4+ T cells are required for the development of cGVHD, and 3H3-mediated inhibition of autoantibody production occurs without donor CD8+ T cells, 3H3 blocks cGVHD by preventing alloreactive donor CD4+ T cells from activating host B cells. Importantly, 3H3 treatment can reverse the progression of advanced cGVHD. Our findings indicate that agonistic anti–4-1BB monoclonal antibody has potential as an immunotherapeutic agent for preventing and treating cGVHD.
The earliest subpopulation of mouse thymocytes contains potent T, significant macrophage, and natural killer cell but no B-lymphocyte potential
Authors: Balciunaite Gina , Ceredig Rhodri , Rolink Antonius G. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe B-lymphocyte potential of progenitor thymocytes and whether the thymus is colonized by common lymphocyte progenitor cells have been subjects of considerable debate. Herein, we have used limiting dilution analysis to determine the lineage potential of phenotypically defined subpopulations of CD4–CD8– double-negative thymocytes. Culture systems used showed single-hit kinetics and had a high plating efficiency for B-, myeloid, and natural killer cell development. The T-cell potential of sorted cells was confirmed by transferring cells to fetal thymus organ cultures. Our results indicate that the earliest population of CD117+ double-negative cells, although containing potent T-cell developmental potential and significant myeloid and natural killer potential, does not have any residual B-cell potential. Gene transcription analysis also indicated that these double-negative cells contained abundant T and myeloid, but not B cell–specific transcripts. The implications of these results within the context of current models of thymocyte development are discussed.
Prospective isolation and global gene expression analysis of the erythrocyte colony-forming unit (CFU-E)
Authors: Terszowski Grzegorz , Waskow Claudia , Conradt Peter , Lenze Dido , Koenigsmann Jessica , Carstanjen Dirk , Horak Ivan , Rodewald Hans-Reimer 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe erythrocyte colony-forming unit (CFU-E) is a rare bone marrow (BM) progenitor that generates erythrocyte colonies in 48 hours. The existence of CFU-Es is based on these colonies, but CFU-Es have not been purified prospectively by phenotype. We have separated the “nonstem,” “nonlymphoid” compartment (lineage marker [lin]–c-Kit+Sca-1–IL-7Rα–) into interleukin 3 receptor α negative (IL-3Rα–) and IL-3Rα+ subsets. Within IL-3Rα– but not IL-3Rα+ cells we have identified TER119–CD41–CD71+ erythrocyte-committed progenitors (EPs). EPs generate CFU-E colonies at about 70% efficiency and generate reticulocytes in vivo. Depletion of EPs from BM strongly reduces CFU-E frequencies. EPs lack potential for erythrocyte burst-forming unit, megakaryocyte, granulocyte (G), and monocyte (M) colonies, and for spleen colony-forming units. Chronically suppressed erythropoiesis in interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP)–deficient BM is associated with reduced frequencies of both the EP population and CFU-E colonies. During phenylhydrazine-induced acute anemia, numbers of both the EP population and CFU-E colonies increase. Collectively, EPs (lin–c-Kit+Sca-1–IL-7Rα–IL-3Rα–CD41–CD71+) account for most, if not all, CFU-E activity in BM. As a first molecular characterization, we have compared global gene expression in EPs and nonerythroid GM progenitors. These analyses define an erythroid progenitor-specific gene expression pattern. The prospective isolation of EPs is an important step to analyze physiologic and pathologic erythropoiesis.
A probabilistic model for the evolution of RNA structure
Authors: Holmes Ian 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
For the purposes of finding and aligning noncoding RNA gene- and cis-regulatory elements in multiple-genome datasets, it is useful to be able to derive multi-sequence stochastic grammars (and hence multiple alignment algorithms) systematically, starting from hypotheses about the various kinds of random mutation event and their rates.

Results
Here, we consider a highly simplified evolutionary model for RNA, called "The TKF91 Structure Tree" (following Thorne, Kishino and Felsenstein's 1991 model of sequence evolution with indels), which we have implemented for pairwise alignment as proof of principle for such an approach. The model, its strengths and its weaknesses are discussed with reference to four examples of functional ncRNA sequences: a riboswitch (guanine), a zipcode (nanos), a splicing factor (U4) and a ribozyme (RNase P). As shown by our visualisations of posterior probability matrices, the selected examples illustrate three different signatures of natural selection that are highly characteristic of ncRNA: (i) co-ordinated basepair substitutions, (ii) co-ordinated basepair indels and (iii) whole-stem indels.

Conclusions
Although all three types of mutation "event" are built into our model, events of type (i) and (ii) are found to be better modeled than events of type (iii). Nevertheless, we hypothesise from the model's performance on pairwise alignments that it would form an adequate basis for a prototype multiple alignment and genefinding tool.
Hospitalization for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes mellitus among Indian-born persons: a small area analysis
Authors: Muennig Peter , Jia Haomiao , Khan Kamran 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
We set out to describe the risk of hospitalization from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes among persons born in India, all foreign-born persons, and U.S.-born persons residing in New York City.

Methods
We examined billing records of 1,083,817 persons hospitalized in New York City during the year 2000. The zip code of each patient's residence was linked to corresponding data from the 2000 U.S. Census to obtain covariates not present in the billing records. Using logistic models, we evaluated the risk of hospitalization for heart disease, stroke and diabetes by country of origin.

Results
After controlling for covariates, Indian-born persons are at similar risk of hospitalization for heart disease (RR = 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.02, 1.03), stroke (RR = 1.00, 95% confidence interval, 0.99, 1.01), and diabetes mellitus (RR = 0.96 95% confidence interval 0.94, 0.97) as native-born persons. However, Indian-born persons are more likely to be hospitalized for these diseases than other foreign-born persons. For instance, the risk of hospitalization for heart disease among foreign-born persons is 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.67, 0.72) and the risk of hospitalization for diabetes is 0.39 (95% confidence interval 0.37, 0.42) relative to native-born persons.

Conclusions
South Asians have considerably lower rates of hospitalization in New York than reported in countries with national health systems. Access may play a role. Clinicians working in immigrant settings should nonetheless maintain a higher vigilance for these conditions among Indian-born persons than among other foreign-born populations.
Physical function and associations with diet and exercise: Results of a cross-sectional survey among elders with breast or prostate cancer
Authors: Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Clipp Elizabeth C , Morey Miriam C , Pieper Carl F , Sloane Richard , Snyder Denise Clutter , Cohen Harvey J 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Functional decline threatens independent living and is common among individuals diagnosed with cancer, especially those who are elderly. The purpose of this study was to explore whether dietary and exercise practices are associated with physical function status among older cancer survivors.

Methods
Mailed surveys were used to ascertain data on physical function, dietary fat, fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, and exercise among elderly diagnosed with early stage (I-II) breast (N = 286) or prostate cancer (N = 402) within the past 18 months.

Results
Sixty-one percent of respondents reported diets with <30% of energy from fat, 20.4% reported F&V intakes of 5+ daily servings, and 44.6% reported regular vigorous exercise. Significant, independent associations were found between physical functioning and reported dietary fat intake, F&V consumption, and exercise. A simultaneous multiple regression model controlled for age, race, gender, time since diagnosis and concurrent health behaviors yielded the following estimates: (1) 0.2 increase in the SF-36 physical function subscale (PFS) score with each reported 1% decrease in percent energy from fat (p < .0001); (2) 0.9 increase in the SF-36 PFS score for each reported serving of F&V/day (p = .0049); and (3) 15.4 increase in the SF-36 PFS score with a positive response for regular vigorous exercise (p < .0001).

Conclusions
Results of this cross-sectional survey suggest that regular vigorous exercise and consumption of diets low in fat and rich in F&Vs are associated with higher levels of physical functioning among older cancer survivors. Interventions that promote healthful lifestyle change may deliver considerable benefit within this ever increasing and vulnerable population.
A swimming robot actuated by living muscle tissue
Authors: Herr Hugh , Dennis Robert G 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBiomechatronics is the integration of biological components with artificial devices, in which the biological component confers a significant functional capability to the system, and the artificial component provides specific cellular and tissue interfaces that promote the maintenance and functional adaptation of the biological component. Based upon functional performance, muscle is potentially an excellent mechanical actuator, but the larger challenge of developing muscle-actuated, biomechatronic devices poses many scientific and engineering challenges. As a demonstratory proof of concept, we designed, built, and characterized a swimming robot actuated by two explanted frog semitendinosus muscles and controlled by an embedded microcontroller. Using open loop stimulation protocols, the robot performed basic swimming maneuvers such as starting, stopping, turning (turning radius ~400 mm) and straight-line swimming (max speed >1/3 body lengths/second). A broad spectrum antibiotic/antimycotic ringer solution surrounded the muscle actuators for long term maintenance, ex vivo. The robot swam for a total of 4 hours over a 42 hour lifespan (10% duty cycle) before its velocity degraded below 75% of its maximum. The development of functional biomechatronic prototypes with integrated musculoskeletal tissues is the first critical step toward the long term objective of controllable, adaptive and robust biomechatronic robots and prostheses.