bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective maturation of dendritic cells by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis‐secreted proteins drives Th2 immune responses
Authors: Balic Adam , Harcus Yvonne , Holland Martin J. , Maizels Rick M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractHelminth infections at mucosal and tissue sites strongly polarize towards Th2 immune responses, following pathways which have yet to be elucidated. We investigated whether dendritic cells (DC) exposed to gastrointestinal nematodes induce Th2 differentiation and, if so, whether this outcome reflects the absence of DC activation (the default hypothesis). We studied secreted proteins from the parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, which induce Th2 development in vivo without live infection. Murine bone marrow‐derived DC pulsed with N. brasiliensis excretory/secretory antigen (NES) can, on transfer to naive recipients, prime mice for Th2 responsiveness. Heat inactivation of NES abolishes both its ability to drive Th2 responses in vivo and its capacity to stimulate DC for Th2 induction. NES, but not heat‐inactivated NES, up‐regulates DC maturation markers associated with Th2 promotion (CD86 and OX40L), with little change to CD80 and MHC class II. Moreover, DC exposed to NES readily produce IL‐6 and IL‐12p40, but not IL‐12p70. LPS induced high IL‐12p70 levels, except in DC that had been pre‐incubated with NES. These data contradict the default hypothesis, demonstrating that a helminth product (NES) actively matures DC, selectively up‐regulating CD86 and OX40L together with IL‐6 production, while blocking IL‐12p70 responsiveness in a manner consistent with Th2 generation in vivo.
Enantioselective, Potentiometric Membrane Electrodes for the Determination of L‐Pipecolic Acid in Serum
Authors: Stefan Raluca‐Ioana , Nejem R'afat Mahmoud , van Staden Jacobus Frederick , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractL‐Pipecolic acid is a marker for peroxisomal disorders. Three enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes were designed for the enantioanalysis of L‐pipecolic acid. These electrodes are based on carbon paste impregnated with different maltodextrins (DE: 4.0–7.0 (I), 13.0–17.0 (II) and 16.5–19.5 (III), respectively) as chiral selectors and they can be used reliably for enantiopurity assay of L‐pipecolic acid using a potentiometric method in the concentration ranges of 10−8–10−3, 10−8–10−5 and 10−10–10−6 mol/L for the maltodextrins I, II and III, respectively, based electrodes, with very low detection limits (magnitude orders of 10−9 for I and II, respectively and 10−12 mol/L for III). The proposed electrodes can be successfully applied for the enantioanalysis of L‐pipecolic acid in serum samples.
Detection of DNA and Protein Molecules Using an FET‐Type Biosensor with Gold as a Gate Metal
Authors: Shin Jang‐Kyoo , Kim Dong‐Sun , Park Hey‐Jung , Lim Geunbae 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn this study, a field effect transistor (FET)‐type biosensor based on 0.5 μm standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is proposed and its feasibility for detecting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein molecules is investigated. Au, which has a chemical affinity with thiol by forming a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM), was used as the gate metal in order to immobilize DNA and protein molecules. A Pt pseudo‐reference electrode was employed for the detection of biomolecules. The sensor was fabricated as a p‐channel (P)MOSFET‐type because PMOSFET with positive surface potential is useful for detecting negatively charged biomolecules from the view point of its high sensitivity and fast response time. DNA and protein molecules were detected by measuring the variation of the drain current due to the variation of biomolecular charge and capacitance. DNA and protein molecules used in the experiment were 15mer–oligonucleotide probe and streptavidin‐biotin protein complexes, respectively. DNA was detected by both in situ and ex situ measurements. Additionally, to verify the interactions among SAM, streptavidin, and biotin, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement was performed.
Modern sediment yield compared to geologic rates of sediment production in a semi‐arid basin, New Mexico: assessing the human impact
Authors: Gellis Allen C. , Pavich Milan J. , Bierman Paul R. , Clapp Eric M. , Ellevein Amy , Aby Scott 
Published: October 2004

Abstract

An Erratum has been published for this article in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 29(13) 2004, 1707.In the semi‐arid Arroyo Chavez basin of New Mexico, a 2·28 km2 sub‐basin of the Rio Puerco, we contrasted short‐term rates (3 years) of sediment yield measured with sediment traps and dams with long‐term, geologic rates (∼10 000 years) of sediment production measured using 10Be. Examination of erosion rates at different time‐scales provides the opportunity to contrast the human impact on erosion with background or geologic rates of sediment production. Arroyo Chavez is grazed and we were interested in whether differences in erosion rates observed at the two time‐scales are due to grazing.The geologic rate of sediment production, 0·27 kg m−2 a−1 is similar to the modern sediment yields measured for geomorphic surfaces including colluvial slopes, gently sloping hillslopes, and the mesa top which ranged from 0·12 to 1·03 kg m−2 a−1. The differences between modern sediment yield and geologic rates of sediment production were most noticeable for the alluvial valley ﬂoor, which had modern sediment yields as high as 3·35 kg m−2 a−1. The hydraulic state of the arroyo determines whether the alluvial valley ﬂoor is aggrading or degrading. Arroyo Chavez is incised and the alluvial valley ﬂoor is gullied and piped and is a source of sediment. The alluvial valley ﬂoor is also the portion of the basin most modiﬁed by human disturbance including grazing and gas pipeline activity, both of which serve to increase erosion rates. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing different methods of bed shear stress estimates in simple and complex flow fields
Authors: Biron Pascale M. , Robson Colleen , Lapointe Michel F. , Gaskin Susan J. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBed shear stress is a fundamental variable in river studies to link ﬂow conditions to sediment transport. It is, however, difﬁcult to estimate this variable accurately, particularly in complex ﬂow ﬁelds. This study compares shear stress estimated from the log proﬁle, drag, Reynolds and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) approaches in a laboratory ﬂume in a simple boundary layer, over plexiglas and over sand, and in a complex ﬂow ﬁeld around deﬂectors. Results show that in a simple boundary layer, the log proﬁle estimate is always the highest. Over plexiglas, the TKE estimate was the second largest with a value 30 per cent less than the log estimate. However, over sand, the TKE estimate did not show the expected increase in shear stress. In a simple boundary layer, the Reynolds shear stress seems the most appropriate method, particularly the extrapolated value at the bed obtained from a turbulent proﬁle. In a complex ﬂow ﬁeld around deﬂectors, the TKE method provided the best estimate of shear stress as it is not affected by local streamline variations and it takes into account the increased streamwise turbulent ﬂuctuations close to the deﬂectors. It is suggested that when single‐point measurements are used to estimate shear stress, the instrument should be positioned close to 0·1 of the ﬂow depth, which corresponds to the peak value height in proﬁles of Reynolds and TKE shear stress. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A laboratory study of formative conditions for characteristic ripple patterns associated with a change in wave conditions
Authors: Sekiguchi Tomohiro , Sunamura Tsuguo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractA wave‐ﬂume experiment was conducted to examine the formative condition for three types of distinctive bedforms that emerged through deformation of existing ripples due to waning wave power. They were ripple marks with: (1) a single secondary crest, (2) double secondary crests, and (3) a rounded crest. Data were analysed using two parameters, kh and d0/λ*, where k is the wave number, h is the water depth, d0 is the near‐bottom orbital diameter, and λ* is the spacing of existing ripples. The former quantity, kh, was employed as a surrogate for the degree of ﬂow asymmetry. The result showed that ripples with secondary crests developed under a rather symmetrical ﬂow ﬁeld with kh ≳ 0·7, if d0/λ* ≲ 1·2, whereas rounded‐crest ripples emerged under asymmetrical ﬂow ﬁeld with kh ≲ 0·7, if d0/λ* ≲ −2·9 kh + 3·2. The number of secondary crests, which initially occurred in each trough, was single if d0/λ* ≳ 0·8, or double if d0/λ* ≲ 0·8. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical taxonomic evaluation of calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate crystals in the leaves of certain Ficus species (Moraceae)
Authors: Sharawy S. M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe type and the distribution of calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate crystals were investigated in the leaves of 33 taxa of Ficus belonging to the three subgenera Urostigma, Ficus and Sycomorus for a speculation to the inter‐subgeneric affinity. Numerical analysis of 55 characters grouped the taxa under 13 groups. The sizes of the latter with respect to the number of taxa they contain were calculated. Some resultant groups comprised taxa from different subgenera. So far as the present data are concerned and in agreement with previous workers, the var. decora of Ficus elastica and var. comosa of Ficus benjamina are better raised to the specific levels F. decora Hort and F. comosa Roxb. respectively. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Understanding and treating incompleteness in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Summerfeldt Laura J. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIncompleteness—the troubling and irremediable sense that one's actions or experiences are not “just right”—appears to underlie many of the symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Because incompleteness may reflect basic sensory‐affective dysfunction, it presents a challenge to clinicians wishing to apply cognitive‐behavioral treatments. In this article, I review ways of adapting well‐demonstrated treatment principles to this condition. A case is presented and then used to discuss challenges in conducting cognitive‐behavioral therapy with this population. Behavioral methods aimed at habituation (e.g., exposure and ritual prevention [ERP]) are probably more applicable than conventional cognitive techniques. However, even these may result in modest long‐term gains; relapse is a probability if they are not actively practiced after treatment cessation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
Iron specific growth inhibition of Burkitt's lymphoma cells in vitro, associated with a decrease in translocated c‐myc expression
Authors: Habel Marie‐Eve , Lemieux Réal , Jung Daniel 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe cellular proto‐oncogene c‐myc is an important transcription factor that plays a role in several cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. It follows that regulation of c‐myc expression is crucial for maintaining cell integrity. Amplification or translocation can convert this proto‐oncogene into an activated oncogene, thereby deregulating c‐myc expression. Changes in the expression of c‐myc leading to malignant cell growth and tumor progression can also be triggered by extrinsic factors. It has been reported that iron can increase cell proliferation, mainly by stimulating DNA synthesis as well as by enhancing c‐myc expression. Here, we studied the effect of iron on cells in which c‐myc expression is deregulated by either chromosomal translocation or gene amplification. When added to Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines, iron markedly inhibits cell proliferation. This effect is mediated by a cell cycle arrest in G2/M, followed by an important decrease in c‐myc expression, whereas no effect could be observed in a cell line harboring amplified c‐myc. Moreover, the down‐regulation of c‐myc expression, which is independent from cell cycle blockade, leads to cell death by apoptosis. Collectively, our results suggest the existence of a novel iron‐dependent cell cycle regulatory mechanism involving modulation of translocated c‐myc gene expression. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of calbindin‐D28K by yolk sac and chorioallantoic membranes of the corn snake, Elaphe guttata
Authors: Ecay Tom W. , Stewart James R. , Blackburn Daniel G. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe yolk splanchnopleure and chorioallantoic membrane of oviparous reptiles transport calcium from the yolk and eggshell to the developing embryo. Among oviparous amniotes, the mechanism of calcium mobilization to embryos has been studied only in domestic fowl, in which the mechanism of calcium transport of the yolk splanchnopleure differs from the chorioallantoic membrane. Transport of calcium is facilitated by calbindin‐D28K in endodermal cells of the yolk splanchnopleure of chickens but the chorioallantoic membrane does not express calbindin‐D28K. We used immunoblotting to assay for calbindin‐D28K expression in yolk splanchnopleure and chorioallantoic membrane of the corn snake, Elaphe guttata, to test the hypothesis that the mechanism of calcium transport by extraembryonic membranes of snakes is similar to birds. High calbindin‐D28K expression was detected in samples of yolk splanchnopleure and chorioallantoic membrane during late embryonic stages. We conclude that calbindin‐D28K is expressed in these extraembryonic membranes to facilitate transport of calcium and that the mechanism of calcium transport of the chorioallantoic membrane of the corn snake differs from that of the chicken. Further, we conclude that calbindin‐D28K expression is developmentally regulated and increases during later embryonic stages in the corn snake. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 302B:000–000, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immuno‐Cross reactivity of transglutaminase and cornification marker proteins in the epidermis of vertebrates suggests common processes of soft cornification across species
Authors: Alibardi L. , Toni M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn differentiating mammalian keratinocytes proteins are linked to the plasma membrane by epidermal transglutaminases through N‐ϵ‐(γ‐glutamyl)‐lysine isopeptide bonds to form the cornified cell envelope. The presence of transglutaminases and their protein substrates in the epidermis of nonmammalian vertebrates is not known. The present study analyses the presence and localization of the above proteins in the epidermis using immuno‐cross reactivity across different classes of amniotes. After immunoblotting, some protein bands appear labelled for loricrin, sciellin, and transglutaminase in most species. These proteins are scarce to absent in the epidermis of aquatic species (goldfish and newt) where a stratum corneum is absent or very thin. The molecular weight of transglutaminase immunoreactive bands generally varies between 40 to 62 kDa, with the most represented bands at 52–57 kDa in most species. The more intense loricrin‐ and sciellin‐immunoreactive bands are seen at 50–55–62 kDa, but are weak or absent in aquatic vertebrates. Loricrine‐like immunoreactivity is present in the epidermis where α‐(soft)‐keratinization occurs. Isopeptide bonds are mainly associated to bands in the range of 50–62 kDa. In vertebrates where hard‐keratin is expressed (the beta‐keratin corneous layer of sauropsids and in feathers) or in hair cortex of mammals, no loricrin‐like, transglutaminase‐, and isopeptide‐bond‐immunoreactivities are seen. Immunoblotting however shows loricrin‐, sciellin‐, and trasnsglutaminase‐positive bands in the corneous layers containing β‐keratin. Histologically, the epidermis of most amniotes shows variable transglutaminase immunoreactivity, but isopeptide‐bond and sciellin immunoreactivities are weak or undetactable in most species. The limitations of immunohistochemical methods are discussed and compared with results from immunoblotting. In reptilian epidermis transglutaminase is mainly localized in 0.15–0.3 µm dense granules or diffuse in transitional α‐keratogenic cells. In β‐keratogenic cells few small dense granules show a weak immunolabeling. Transglutaminase is present in nuclei of terminal differentiating α‐ and β‐keratinocytes, as in those of mature inner and outer root sheath. The present study suggests that keratinization based on loricrin, sciellin and transglutaminase was probably present in the stratum corneoum of basic amniotes in the Carboniferous. These proteins were mainly maintained in α‐keratogenic layers of amniotes but decreased in β‐keratogenic layers of sauropsids (reptiles and birds). The study suggests that similar proteins for the formation of the cornified cell envelope are present in α‐keratinocytes across vertebrates but not in β‐keratinocytes. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 000: 000–000, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete sequences of small acid‐soluble proteins from Bacillus globigii
Authors: Whiteaker Jeffrey R. , Warscheid Bettina , Pribil Partick , Hathout Yetrib , Fenselau Catherine 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThree abundant small acid‐soluble proteins (SASPs) from spores of Bacillus globigii were sequenced using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with post‐source decay and nanoelectrospray collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry. The proteins were extracted from spores with 1 M HCl. Scanning electron micrographs of spores before and after acid extraction show that the spores retain their overall structure but have a shriveled texture following the acid treatment. Extracted SASPs were purified by high‐performance liquid chromatography and molecular masses of the SASPs were identified at 7068 (SASP‐1), 7332 (SASP‐2), and 8889 (γ‐SASP). De novo peptide sequencing was used to determine the protein sequences. The correct ordering of peptide sequences was aided by mapping overlapping enzymatic digests and by comparison with homologous SASPs from Bacillus stearothermophilus. B. globigii is used in many field tests as a surrogate for B. anthracis. Thus complete SASP sequences from B. globigii will facilitate the development of methods for rapid identification of bacteria based on mass spectrometry and the examination of taxonomic relationships between Bacillus species. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry of unusual phenols from Yucca schidigera bark: comparison with other analytical techniques
Authors: Montoro Paola , Piacente Sonia , Oleszek Wieslaw , Pizza Cosimo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractQualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds are of interest for both medicinal and food plants. In the present work, the phenolic fraction from Yucca schidigera, a plant bearing the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) label approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, was studied. Crude extracts of Y. schidigera bark were investigated by liquid chromatography/UV spectrophotometry with diode‐array detection, liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS), in order to develop and optimize simple and rapid techniques to determine both stilbenes and yuccaols for the purposes of quality control of collected material. With optimal LC and MS conditions, stilbenes and yuccaols were quantified with all the proposed methods and the results were compared. Sensitivity was evaluated and the results indicated that MS/MS detection in the multiple reaction monitoring mode is easily applicable to this plant and allows the rapid and direct identification and quantification of these peculiar compounds in crude plant extracts. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laccase‐catalyzed mediated oxidation of benzyl alcohol: the role of TEMPO and formation of products including benzonitrile studied by nanoelectrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Marjasvaara Asse , Torvinen Mika , Vainiotalo Pirjo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractSubstituted benzyl alcohol was oxidized enzymatically with a laccase–mediator system and the products were investigated as a function of time by nanoelectrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (nanoESI‐FTICRMS). With Trametes versicolor laccase (TVL), the mediator, 2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl radical (TEMPO), undergoes oxidation and forms oxoammonium ion. Oxidized TEMPO oxidizes the alcohol and is simultaneously reduced to the NOH form. The laccase then restores TEMPO back to the normal radical form and the oxidation cycle starts again. The role of TEMPO and the structures of its oxidized and reduced forms in the enzymatic oxidation process were clarified in collision‐induced dissociation experiments and gas‐phase hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange reactions. The amounts of enzyme and mediator were significant for product formation: with greater amounts overoxidation products, the corresponding benzoic acid and benzonitrile were formed. Smaller amounts of laccase and mediator generated benzaldehyde in high yield. The reaction pathway for benzonitrile formation is discussed and it is suggested to start from benzaldehyde and the ammonia in the ammonium acetate buffer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of paraquat and diquat in human body fluids by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Xiao‐Pen , Kumazawa Takeshi , Fujishiro Masaya , Hasegawa Chika , Arinobu Tetsuya , Seno Hiroshi , Ishii Akira , Sato Keizo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractParaquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ) in human whole blood and urine were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) with positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI). The compounds were extracted with Sep‐Pak C18 cartridges from whole blood and urine samples containing ethyl paraquat as an internal standard. The separation of PQ and DQ was carried out using ion‐pair chromatography with heptafluorobutyric acid in 20 mM ammonium acetate and acetonitrile gradient elution for successful coupling with MS. Both compounds formed base peaks due to [M  H]+ ions by HPLC/ESI‐MS and the product ions produced from each [M  H]+ ion by HPLC/MS/MS. Selective reaction monitoring (SRM) showed much higher sensitivity for both body fluids. Therefore, a detailed procedure for the detection of compounds by SRM with HPLC/MS/MS was established and carefully validated. The recoveries of PQ and DQ were 80.8–95.4% for whole blood and 84.2–96.7% for urine. The calibration curves for PQ and DQ showed excellent linearity in the range of 25–400 ng ml−1 of whole blood and urine. The detection limits were 10 ng ml−1 for PQ and 5 ng ml−1 for DQ in both body fluids. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision for both compounds in whole blood and urine samples were not greater than 13.0%. The data obtained from the determination of PQ and DQ in rat blood after oral administration of the compounds are also presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.