bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the histomorphological concept of the female pelvic floor and its changes due to age and vaginal delivery correct?
Authors: Jundt Katharina , Kiening Marion , Fischer Petra , Bergauer Florian , Rauch Elisabeth , Janni Wolfgang , Peschers Ursula , Dimpfl Thomas 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAimsTo compare the histomorphology of pelvic floor specimens of 94 female cadavers, ten male cadavers, and 24 female symptomatic patients who underwent pelvic floor surgery, and to evaluate the association of age, parity, and sex to myogenic and/or neurogenic changes to the levator ani muscle (LAM).MethodsThe pelvic floor was biopsied at the pubococcygeus, the iliococcygeus and the coccygeus muscle. After staining, signs for myogenic/neurogenic changes to the muscle were evaluated (fibrosis, variation in fiber diameter, centralization of nuclei, small angulated fibers, and type grouping). To identify the intact neuromuscular junction stainings with NCAM (neuronal cell adhesion molecule) and acetylcholinesterase (ACE) were used.ResultsA significant influence of age and parity on the histomorphological criteria of myogenic cell‐damage was shown in this study. Although these criteria were found even in young nulliparous women, there was a significant increase in older or parous women with at least one vaginal delivery. We failed to demonstrate significant changes between the nulliparous LAM, the male LAM, and the LAM from women with prolapse and incontinence. None of the specimen showed any obvious evidence of neuropathy.ConclusionsWe have evaluated histological criteria adapted from the examination of limb muscles in the LAM of nulliparous young women. “Myogenic changes” seem to be a normal finding in the LAM. The increase of these changes with aging and parity points to mechanical stress to the LAM as the most plausible causative factor. We propose that further studies using histomorphological techniques of the pelvic floor muscle in nulliparous and parous women should clarify the potential role of our histological findings. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review on thermal decomposition and combustion of thermoplastic polyesters
Authors: Levchik Sergei V. , Weil Edward D. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn overview is presented of the literature on the thermal decomposition and combustion of thermoplastic polyesters, especially commercially important poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(1,4‐butylene terephthalate) (PBT). Although the literature is not clear as to whether heterolytic or homolytic scission of aliphatic fragments is the first step in the thermal decomposition of polyesters, in any case volatilization of light aliphatic fragments make polyesters easily ignitable polymers. Despite the presence of benzene groups in the main polymer chain, thermoplastic polyesters show very limited tendency to char, but instead, aromatic‐containing polymer fragments volatilize and feed the flame. Fire retardant additives, although they usually facilitate decomposition of the polyesters at lower temperature, also usually promote charring and therefore suppress combustion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syngenetic permafrost growth: cryostratigraphic observations from the CRREL tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska
Authors: Shur Y. , French H. M. , Bray M. T. , Anderson D. A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSyngenetic permafrost forms when alluvial, aeolian and/or colluvial sediment accumulates under cold‐climate conditions. Observations from within the CRREL permafrost tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska, indicate that layered, lenticular‐layered and micro‐lenticular cryogenic structures are characteristic of this type of permafrost. In contrast, reticulate cryogenic structures indicate local thaw modification. During the growth of syngenetic permafrost, episodes of thermokarst erosion may operate preferentially along ice wedges leading to the development of gullies and tunnels in the near‐surface sediments. The local thaw unconformities that result are inferred by the recognition of thermokarst‐cave ice (‘pool’ ice), and various soil and ice pseudomorphs. These may be regarded as further characteristics of syngenetic permafrost growth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moisture content measurements of moss (Sphagnum spp.) using commercial sensors
Authors: Yoshikawa Kenji , Overduin Pier Paul , Harden Jennifer W. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSphagnum (spp.) is widely distributed in permafrost regions around the arctic and subarctic. The moisture content of the moss layer affects the thermal insulative capacity and preservation of permafrost. It also controls the growth and collapse history of palsas and other peat mounds, and is relevant, in general terms, to permafrost thaw (thermokarst). In this study, we test and calibrate seven different soil moisture sensors for measuring the moisture content of Sphagnum moss under laboratory conditions. The soil volume to which each probe is sensitive is one of the important parameters influencing moisture measurement, particularly in a heterogeneous medium such as moss.Each sensor has a unique response to changing moisture content levels, solution salinity, moss bulk density and to the orientation (structure) of the Sphagnum relative to the sensor. All of the probes examined here require unique polynomial calibration equations to obtain moisture content from probe output. We provide polynomial equations for dead and live Sphagnum moss (R2>0.99). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of transverse ridges on rock glaciers: field measurements and laboratory experiments
Authors: Kääb A. , Weber M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractVery high‐resolution photogrammetric and geodetic measurements about the deformation of transverse ridges on Murtèl, Muragl and Suvretta rock glaciers in the Swiss Alps are discussed. The ridges are advected downstreams with a speed that equals the overall speed of the creeping permafrost within the significance level of the applied techniques. Any process of ridge formation is, thus, overlain on the mass creep. In fact, measurements yield local speed maxima on top of the ridges that can be explained by differential movement due to ridge growth through bulging under compressive flow. This hypothesis is consistent with results from laboratory experiments that were performed on a model ramp employing mixtures of Xanthan Gum, sand and gravel. Indications were also found that overthrusting is involved in the development of transverse ridges on rock glaciers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice segregation and gas distribution in permafrost using tomodensitometric analysis
Authors: Calmels Fabrice , Allard Michel 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIce lenses, soil layers, faults, sedimentary structures and gas bubbles in permafrost cores were imaged using a computed tomography scanner. Two kinds of images were produced: two‐dimensional sections which allow ice, gases and soil volumetric contents to be measured, and virtual three‐dimensional reconstructions of the entire core. Volumetric ice and gas contents were measured at 60% and 2% respectively. Ice and gas contents appear to be independent of each other along the stratigraphic profile. The shape and spatial distribution of gaseous inclusions in the permafrost provide some clues on gas source and on the thermo‐mechanics of ice segregation during permafrost aggradation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond chloride transport: CFTR in the 21st century—introductory remarks to a new state of the art series
Authors: Mehta Anil , Bush Andrew 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis new series of articles on cystic fibrosis provides an overview of the confusing plethora of problems that arise from the loss of function in a low abundance protein, the cystic fibrosis membrane conductance regulator CFTR. The references are designed to take the clinical reader into areas and journals that they might not normally read. In particular we have concentrated on recent advances that suggest CFTR has functions that do not relate to chloride transport alone. In forthcoming issues of the journal the topics covered range from prospects and difficulties in the translation of new therapies into clinical practice, the regulation of the defective gene (promoters, enhancers, silencers, etc.), regulation and interaction of the CFTR protein product with other proteins in the cell, to functional approaches using developmental and secretory paradigms. These themes have been chosen to bring controversies at the cutting edge of cystic fibrosis research to the practicing pulmonologist in order to stimulate lateral thinking, which we hope will ultimately benefit our patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:289–291. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure and dynamics of the human pleckstrin DEP domain: Distinct molecular features of a novel DEP domain subfamily
Authors: Civera Concepcion , Simon Bernd , Stier Gunter , Sattler Michael , Macias Maria J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPleckstrin1 is a major substrate for protein kinase C in platelets and leukocytes, and comprises a central DEP (disheveled, Egl‐10, pleckstrin) domain, which is flanked by two PH (pleckstrin homology) domains. DEP domains display a unique α/β fold and have been implicated in membrane binding utilizing different mechanisms. Using multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic tree reconstructions, we find that 6 subfamilies of the DEP domain exist, of which pleckstrin represents a novel and distinct subfamily. To clarify structural determinants of the DEP fold and to gain further insight into the role of the DEP domain, we determined the three‐dimensional structure of the pleckstrin DEP domain using heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Pleckstrin DEP shares main structural features with the DEP domains of disheveled and Epac, which belong to different DEP subfamilies. However, the pleckstrin DEP fold is distinct from these structures and contains an additional, short helix α4 inserted in the β4‐β5 loop that exhibits increased backbone mobility as judged by NMR relaxation measurements. Based on sequence conservation, the helix α4 may also be present in the DEP domains of regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) proteins, which are members of the same DEP subfamily. In pleckstrin, the DEP domain is surrounded by two PH domains. Structural analysis and charge complementarity suggest that the DEP domain may interact with the N‐terminal PH domain in pleckstrin. Phosphorylation of the PH–DEP linker, which is required for pleckstrin function, could regulate such an intramolecular interaction. This suggests a role of the pleckstrin DEP domain in intramolecular domain interactions, which is distinct from the functions of other DEP domain subfamilies found so far. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High affinity fucose binding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin PA‐IIL: 1.0 Å resolution crystal structure of the complex combined with thermodynamics and computational chemistry approaches
Authors: Mitchell Edward P. , Sabin Charles , Šnajdrová Lenka , Pokorná Martina , Perret Stéphanie , Gautier Catherine , Hofr Ctirad , Gilboa‐Garber Nechama , Koča Jaroslav , Wimmerová Michaela , Imberty Anne 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPA‐IIL is a fucose‐binding lectin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is closely related to the virulence factors of the bacterium. Previous structural studies have revealed a new carbohydrate‐binding mode with direct involvement of two calcium ions (Mitchell E, Houles C, Sudakevitz D, Wimmerova M, Gautier C, Peréz S, Wu AM, Gilboa‐Garber N, Imberty A. Structural basis for selective recognition of oligosaccharides from cystic fibrosis patients by the lectin PA‐IIL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nat Struct Biol 2002;9:918–921). A combination of thermodynamic, structural, and computational methods has been used to study the basis of the high affinity for the monosaccharide ligand. A titration microcalorimetry study indicated that the high affinity is enthalpy driven. The crystal structure of the tetrameric PA‐IIL in complex with fucose and calcium was refined to 1.0 Å resolution and, in combination with modeling, allowed a proposal to be made for the hydrogen‐bond network in the binding site. Calculations of partial charges using ab initio computational chemistry methods indicated that extensive delocalization of charges between the calcium ions, the side chains of the protein‐binding site and the carbohydrate ligand is responsible for the high enthalpy of binding and therefore for the unusually high affinity observed for this unique mode of carbohydrate recognition. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elucidation of information encoded in tryptophan 140 of staphylococcal nuclease
Authors: Hirano Satoshi , Kamikubo Hironari , Yamazaki Yoichi , Kataoka Mikio 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe investigated the role of W140 in the folding of Staphylococcal nuclease. For this purpose, we constructed the 19 possible substitution mutations at residue 140. Only three mutants, W140F, W140H, and W140Y, adopted native‐like structures under physiological conditions and showed native‐like enzymatic activities. In contrast, the other 16 mutants took on compact unfolded structures under physiological conditions and the enzymatic activities of these mutants were decreased to approximately 70% of wild‐type levels. These 16 mutants maintained substrate‐induced foldability. These results strongly indicate that the side‐chain information encoded by residue 140 is essential to maintain a stable native structure, and that this residue must be an aromatic side chain. The order of thermal stability was wild type > W140H > W140F = W140Y. Therefore, the five‐membered nitrogen‐containing ring of the indole is thought to bear the essential information. In the crystal structure of staphylococcal nuclease, the five‐membered ring is at the local center of the C‐terminal cluster through hydrophobic interactions. This cluster plays a key role in the interaction connecting the C‐terminal region and the N‐terminal β‐core. Mutants other than W140H, W140F, and W140Y lost the ability to form the local core, which caused the loss of the long‐range interactions between the C‐terminal and N‐terminal regions. Inhibitor or substrate binding to these mutants compensates for the lack of long‐range interactions generated by W140. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the performance of iron‐based oxygen scavengers, with comments on their optimal applications
Authors: Miltz Joseph , Perry Michael 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOxygen scavengers are commonly used in packaged foods in Japan and much less so in other developed countries, in spite of the advantages that they offer in maintaining quality and extending shelf‐life. The reason stems from the additional cost involved, and even more so because of the lack of sufficient technical information on their performance and the lack of understanding of how to apply them effectively. In the present study the performance of iron‐based oxygen‐scavenging sachets was evaluated. It was found that the actual scavenging capacity is much higher than the ‘nominal’ capacity provided by the manufacturers. Also, a significant distribution in the oxygen absorption capacity exists, even in the same scavenger type. The rate of oxygen scavenging was found to depend on the scavenger type and capacity. It was also found that in an atmosphere containing CO2 (as in MAP applications) the iron‐based oxygen scavengers also absorb CO2. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a hydrogen laser vacuum ultraviolet source for photoionization mass spectrometry of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Finch Jeffrey W. , Toerne Kevin A. , Schram Karl H. , Denton M. Bonner 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA photoionization hydrogen laser time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer system (H2‐TOFMS) has been evaluated for the rapid analysis of drugs of abuse and pharmaceutical agents extracted from prescription tablets and spiked urine samples. The spectra obtained using the H2‐TOFMS showed primarily intact molecular ions (M+.) after introduction by a heated probe and irradiation with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons from the laser. Samples analyzed by this technique required only a simple solid‐phase extraction step; no chromatographic separation or derivatization was necessary to identify the drugs of abuse or pharmaceutical agents. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analyses to solve micro‐heterogeneity in post‐translationally modified peptides from Phoneutria nigriventer (Aranea, Ctenidae) venom
Authors: Pimenta Adriano M. C. , Rates Breno , Bloch Carlos , Gomes Paulo C. , Santoro Marcelo M. , de Lima Maria Elena , Richardson Michael , Cordeiro Marta do N. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPrevious studies of the fractionated venom of the Brazilian armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer, obtained by gel filtration, have demonstrated the presence of a fraction PhM, a pool of small peptides (up to 2000 Da) that provoke contractions in smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum. Initial attempts to sequence these peptides were largely unsuccessful because of the low purification yield and the fact that the majority seemed to be blocked at their N‐termini. In the present work, analysis of this venom fraction by mass spectrometry has revealed the existence of a highly complex mixture of peptides with molecular weights corresponding to those observed for the muscle‐active peptides previously described (800–1800 Da). These peptides appear to be a family of isoforms with some particular features. The amino acid sequences of 15 isoforms have been determined by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using both electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐Q/ToFMS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐ToF/ToFMS). These molecules contain post‐translational modifications such as proteolysis and C‐terminal amidation, which combine to generate additional isoforms. All the isoforms sequenced in this study possess an N‐terminal pyroglutamic acid residue. A search for sequence similarities with other peptides in databanks revealed that these peptides are structurally related to the tachykinins, a family of neuro‐hormone peptides. The data obtained in this study will be essential for the subsequent steps of this research, the synthesis of these peptides and pharmacological characterization of their biological activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tyrosinaemia — treatment and outcome
Authors: Kvittingen E. A. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryTyrosinaemia type I is, untreated, a fatal disease: in the acute form from liver failure, in the chronic form often from hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute neurological crisis is also a cause of death. Traditionally the treatment has been with diet, but for a decade liver transplantation has been the ultimate treatment. The continuous production of the pathological metabolites in the kidneys after transplantation appears to be without significance. Introduction of the enzyme inhibitor NTBC in the treatment of tyrosinaemia has reduced the need for liver transplants. Neonatal screening may be justified as efficient treatment has become available. The complex phenotype of lethal albino mice, with severe alterations in gene expression, has been shown to be caused by fumarylacetoacetase deficiency. Prolonged hypoglycaemia in otherwise adequately treated tyrosinaemia patients may result from depressed expression of genes coding for enzymes in gluconeogenesis, as seen in the mouse model. Self‐induced genetic correction in liver tissue that occurs in many tyrosinaemia patients may reduce the risk of liver failure in some patients.
Development of mouse models for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dorin J. R. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryUsing gene targeting in embryonal stem cells it is now possible to create accurate genetic models of inherited human disease in the mouse. The value of an animal model of cystic fibrosis is in providing clarification of disease pathogenesis, genotype‐phenotype correlation, the identification of other relevant genetic factors, and as the optimal test system for novel therapeutic intervention. Correction of the basic defect by a somatic gene therapy approach is an attractive approach to disease treatment. CF mouse models have been described which display the characteristic electrophysiological defect and thus both safety and efficacy can be monitored in these animals. Modulation ofCftr levels in transgenic animals and the results on disease phenotype give some indication of the level of gene expression necessary to give clinical effect.
Lipid status and fatty acid metabolism in phenylketonuria
Authors: Giovannini M. , Biasucci G. , Agostoni C. , Luotti D. , Riva E. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryOwing to dietary treatment, patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) are supplied with only small amounts of animal fats and show low blood cholesterol levels and a poor long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC‐PUFA) status. Endogenous synthesis should compensate for the physiological need for cholesterol for growth, but supplementary exogenous LC‐PUFA seems advisable. PKU infants could develop depletion of docosahexaenoic acid, fundamental for the functional development of the central nervous system. The availability of arachidonic acid from plasma in PKU has been found to be related to dietary compliance, and seems to influence the synthesis of arachidonate‐derived eicosanoids. Trials of dietary supplementation of PKU patients with oils containing LC‐PUFA are in progress, but the functional consequences of these supplementations need further investigation.
A new diagnostic technique for adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency
Authors: Domkin V. D. , Lazebnik T. A. , Roundeff A. Yu. , Smirnov M. N. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryA convenient and simple method of diagnosing adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL) deficiency is described. This method consists of (1) isolation of SAICA riboside and S‐Ado with a cation exchange resin; (2) measurement of the UV absorbance of the ammonia eluate at 270 and 250 nm; (3) calculation of theA270/A250 ratio. If the value of this ratio is less than 0.45, the patient has a normal level of ASL activity. If the value of this ratio is greater than 0.70, the patient has ASL deficiency.
Trimethylaminuria, fish odour syndrome: a new method of detection and response to treatment with metronidazole
Authors: Treacy E. , Johnson D. , Pitt J. J. , Danks D. M. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryTrimethylaminuria is an autosomal recessive disorder involving deficientN‐oxidation of the dietary‐derived amine trimethylamine (TMA). TMA, a volatile tertiary amine, accumulates and is excreted in urine of patients with deficient TMA oxidase activity. Treatment strategies for this condition are limited. We report a new stable‐isotope dilution method for rapid sequential analysis of TMA concentrations and the clinical and biochemical response to treatment with metronidazole.