bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Gene Locus for Autosomal Dominant Left Ventricular Noncompaction Maps to Chromosome 11p15
Authors: Sasse-Klaassen Sabine , Probst Susanne , Gerull Brenda , Oechslin Erwin , Nürnberg Peter , Heuser Arnd , Jenni Rolf , Hennies Hans Christian , Thierfelder Ludwig
Published: June 2004

Background—

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a congenital unclassified cardiomyopathy with numerous prominent trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses in a hypertrophied and hypokinetic myocardium. It has been reported to occur in isolation or in association with congenital heart disease. Mutations in the X-linked
G4.5
gene are responsible for cases of isolated LVNC in male infants, but
G4.5
mutations were not found in patients with clinical onset of disease in adulthood. In addition, several families with LVNC and an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance suggest genetic heterogeneity.

Methods and Results—

We performed a genome-wide linkage analysis in a family with autosomal dominant LVNC and show that a locus containing the LVNC disease gene maps to chromosome 11p15. A peak 2-point logarithm of odds score of 5.06 was obtained with marker D11S902 at θ=0. Haplotype analysis defined a critical interval of 6.4 centimorgan between D11S1794 and D11S928 corresponding to a physical distance of 6.8 megabases. No disease-causing mutation was identified in 2 prime positional candidate genes, muscle LIM protein (
MLP
) and
SOX6
.

Conclusions—

We have mapped a locus for autosomal dominant LVNC to a 6.8-megabase region on human chromosome 11p15. Identification of the disease gene will allow genetic screening and provide fundamental insight into the understanding of myocardial morphogenesis.
Clinical and Angiographic Predictors of Restenosis After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Gersh Bernard J. , McClelland Robyn L. , Ho Kalon K.L. , Willerson James T. , Penny William F. , Holmes David R.
Published: June 2004

Background—

Restenosis prediction from published studies is hampered by inadequate sample size and incomplete angiographic follow-up. The prediction of restenosis with the existing variables is poor. The aim of the present study was to include the clinical and angiographic variables commonly associated with angiographic restenosis and develop a prediction model for restenosis from the PRESTO database.

Methods and Results—

This study included 1312 patients with a single lesion enrolled in the angiographic substudy of the PRESTO trial. We constructed 2 risk scores. The first used preprocedural variables (female gender, vessel size [≤2.5 mm, 2.5 to 3 mm, 3 to 3.5 mm, 3.5 to 4 mm, >4 mm], lesion length >20 mm, diabetes, smoking status, type C lesion, any previous percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], and unstable angina) derived from previous studies. Estimated restenosis rates and corresponding variability for each possible level of the resultant risk score were obtained via bootstrapping techniques. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.63, indicating modest discriminatory ability to predict restenosis. The second approach constructed a multiple logistic regression model considering significant univariate clinical and angiographic predictors of restenosis identified from the PRESTO database (treated diabetes mellitus, nonsmoker, vessel size, lesion length, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association type C lesion, ostial location, and previous PCI). The area under the ROC curve for this risk score was also 0.63.

Conclusions—

The preprocedural clinical and angiographic variables from available studies and from the PRESTO trial have only modest predictive ability for restenosis after PCI.
Accumulated Evidence on Fish Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality
Authors: He Ka , Song Yiqing , Daviglus Martha L. , Liu Kiang , Van Horn Linda , Dyer Alan R. , Greenland Philip
Published: June 2004

Background—

Results from observational studies on fish consumption and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality are inconsistent.

Methods and Results—

A meta-analysis of cohort studies was conducted to examine the association between fish intake and CHD mortality. Studies were included if they provided a relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% CI for CHD mortality in relation to fish consumption and the frequency of fish intake. A database was developed on the basis of 11 eligible studies and 13 cohorts, including 222 364 individuals with an average 11.8 years of follow-up. Pooled RR and 95% CI for CHD mortality were calculated by using both fixed-effect and random-effect models. A linear regression analysis of the log RR weighted by the inverse of variance was performed to assess the possible dose-response relation. Compared with those who never consumed fish or ate fish less than once per month, individuals with a higher intake of fish had lower CHD mortality. The pooled multivariate RRs for CHD mortality were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.01) for fish intake 1 to 3 times per month, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76 to 0.96) for once per week, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.89) for 2 to 4 times per week, and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82) for 5 or more times per week. Each 20-g/d increase in fish intake was related to a 7% lower risk of CHD mortality (
P
for trend=0.03).

Conclusions—

These results indicate that fish consumption is inversely associated with fatal CHD. Mortality from CHD may be reduced by eating fish once per week or more. (Circulation. 2004;109:2705-2711.)
Outcome with the hyper-CVAD regimens in lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Thomas Deborah A. , O'Brien Susan , Cortes Jorge , Giles Francis J. , Faderl Stefan , Verstovsek Srdan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Koller Charles , Beran Miloslav , Pierce Sherry , Ha Chul S. , Cabanillas Fernando , Keating Michael J. , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: June 2004

Therapy of lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) has evolved with use of chemotherapy regimens modeled after those for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). We treated 33 patients with LL with the intensive chemotherapy regimens hyper-CVAD (fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, Adriamycin, and dexamethasone) or modified hyper-CVAD used for ALL at our institution. Induction consolidation was administered with 8 or 9 alternating cycles of chemotherapy over 5 to 6 months with intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis, followed by maintenance therapy. Consolidative radiation therapy was given to patients with mediastinal disease at presentation. No consolidation with autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation was performed. At diagnosis, 80% were T-cell immunophenotype, 70% were stages III to IV, 70% had mediastinal involvement, and 9% had central nervous system (CNS) disease. Of the patients, 30 (91%) achieved complete remission, and 3 (9%) achieved partial response. Within a median of 13 months, 10 patients (30%) relapsed or progressed. Estimates for 3-year progression-free and overall survival for the 33 patients were 66% and 70%, respectively. Estimates for the patients with known T-cell immunophenotype were 62% and 67%, respectively. No parameters (eg, age, stage, serum lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], β2 microglobulin) appeared to influence outcome except for CNS disease at presentation. Modification of the hyper-CVAD regimen with anthracycline intensification did not improve outcome. Other modifications of the program could include incorporation of monoclonal antibodies and/or nucleoside analogs, particularly for slow responders or those with residual mediastinal disease. (Blood. 2004;104:1624-1630)
Cardiac-like behavior of an insect flight muscle
Authors: Tu Michael S. , Daniel Thomas L.
Published: June 2004

The synchronous wing depressor muscles of the hawkmoth Manduca sexta undergo large amplitude motions at lengths that lie entirely on the ascending region of their twitch length–tension curve. Moreover, these muscles bear a striking functional resemblance to mammalian cardiac muscle in both the shape of their length–tension curve and in their working length range. Although operation on the ascending region of the twitch length–tension curve sacrifices maximal force, it does permit the generation of larger forces at greater strains. In the case of cardiac muscle,this mechanical behavior is critical for accommodating the increasing stresses associated with greater ventricular filling. Similar characteristics in moth flight muscle suggest an analogous regulatory mechanism for skeletal muscles performing repetitive oscillatory work; the strong length dependence of force over their working length range should give the wing depressors the capacity to generate larger forces as wing stroke amplitude increases. These results support the notion that the length–tension relationship of muscle can be tuned to function in locomotor muscles.
Morphological and physiological specialization for digging in amphisbaenians, an ancient lineage of fossorial vertebrates
Authors: Navas Carlos A. , Antoniazzi Marta M. , Carvalho José Eduardo , Chaui-Berlink José Guilherme , James Rob S. , Jared Carlos , Kohlsdorf Tiana , Pai-Silva Maeli Dal , Wilson Robbie S.
Published: June 2004

Amphisbaenians are legless reptiles that differ significantly from other vertebrate lineages. Most species dig underground galleries of similar diameter to that of the animal. We studied the muscle physiology and morphological attributes of digging effort in the Brazilian amphisbaenid Leposternon microcephalum (Squamata; Amphisbaenia), which burrows by compressing soil against the upper wall of the tunnel by means of upward strokes of the head. The individuals tested (<72 g) exerted forces on the soil of up to 24 N. These forces were possible because the fibres of the longissimus dorsi, the main muscle associated with burrowing, are highly pennated, thus increasing effective muscle cross-sectional area. The muscle is characterized by a metabolic transition along its length: proximal, medial and distal fibres are fast contracting and moderately oxidative, but fibres closer to the head are richer in citrate synthase and more aerobic in nature. Distal fibres, then, might be active mainly at the final step of the compression stroke, which requires more power. For animals greater than a given diameter,the work required to compress soil increases exponentially with body diameter. Leposternon microcephalum, and probably some other highly specialized amphisbaenids, are most likely constrained to small diameters and can increase muscle mass and effective muscle cross-sectional area by increasing body length, not body diameter.
Switching destinations: memory change in wood ants
Authors: Durier Virginie , Graham Paul , Collett Thomas S.
Published: June 2004

We have studied the changing use of spatial memories in wood ants by charting how the ants' paths transform when ants are first trained to feed at one site and must then switch to another site. Because ants, which are trained to approach a single feeding site from a single starting point, are attracted directly to that goal when started from unfamiliar positions, we describe the ants' paths in terms of the use of two stored snapshots. Each snapshot consists of retinotopic views of the ants' surroundings acquired at one of the two feeding sites. When a snapshot is activated, it draws an ant to the related site from a wide range of directions. Here, we focus on routes that occur before ants have learnt to go directly from the start to the second site. The initial direction of the ant's path is then mostly aimed either at the first site or between the two sites. On 62.2% of all recorded paths, this segment is followed by an abrupt turn, after which the ant often aims directly at the second feeding site. The details of this behaviour suggest that, after the turn, control of the path switches from the snapshot recorded at the first feeding site (or some combination of the two snapshots) to the snapshot recorded at the second feeding site. We discuss different ways in which control might be transferred from one snapshot to the other.
Macrophage involvement for successful degeneration of apoptotic organs in the colonial urochordateBotryllus schlosseri
Authors: Voskoboynik Ayelet , Rinkevich Baruch , Weiss Anna , Moiseeva Elizabeth , Reznick Abraham Z.
Published: June 2004

Apoptosis is an important tool for shaping developing organs and for maintaining cellular homeostasis. In the colonial urochordate Botryllus schlosseri, apoptosis is also the hallmark end point in blastogenesis, a cyclical and weekly developmental phenomenon. Then the entire old generation of zooids are eliminated (resorbed) by a process that lasts 24–36 h. Administration of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) resulted in resorption being arrested by 1–8 days on average. At high doses(2.5–15.0 mg BHT l-1) resorption was completed only after removal of BHT. Colonies that were not removed in time, died. In treated colonies, although DNA fragmentation was high, tissues and organs that would normally have died, survived, and the general oxidative levels of lipids were reduced. Blood vessels were widened, containing aggregates of blood cells with a significantly increased proportion of empty macrophage-like cells without inclusion. In colonies rescued from BHT treatment, resorption of zooids started immediately and was completed within a few days. We propose three possible mechanisms as to how BHT may affect macrophage activity: (1) by interrupting signals that further promote apoptosis; (2) through the respiratory burst initiated following a phagocytic stimulus; and (3) by reducing lipid oxidation and changing cell surface markers of target cells. Our results point, for the first time, to the role of phagocytic cells in the coordination of death and clearance signals in blastogenesis.
Effect of polymorphic colour vision for fruit detection in the spider monkeyAteles geoffroyi, and its implications for the maintenance of polymorphic colour vision in platyrrhine monkeys
Authors: Riba-Hernández Pablo , Stoner Kathryn E. , Osorio Daniel
Published: June 2004

Most platyrrhine monkeys have an X-linked tri-allelic polymorphism for medium and long wavelength (M/L) sensitive cone photopigments. These pigments'sensitivity maxima (λmax) range from 535 to 562 nm. All animals also have an autosomally coded short-wavelength-sensitive (S) cone pigment. In populations with three M/L alleles there are six different colour vision phenotypes. Heterozygous females have trichromatic colour vision, while males and homozygous females are dichromats. The selective basis for this polymorphism is not understood, but is probably affected by the costs and benefits of trichromatic compared to dichromatic colour vision. For example,it has been suggested that trichromats are better equipped than dichromats to detect fruit against a leaf background. To investigate this possibility, we modeled fruit detection by various colour vision phenotypes present in the frugivorous spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyi. Our study population is thought to have three M/L alleles with cone pigment λmaxvalues close to 535, 550 and 562 nm. The model predicted that all trichromat phenotypes had an advantage over dichromats, and the 535/562 nm phenotype was best; however, the model predicted that dichromats could detect all of the fruit species consumed by spider monkeys. We conclude that the heterozygote advantage experienced by females may be the most plausible explanation for the maintenance of this polymorphism in A. geoffroyi. Nevertheless, more studies need to evaluate social foraging behaviour and the performance of different phenotypes of other New World monkeys to determine if this is a global explanation for this phenomena or more specific to A. geofforyi.
Interspecific and intraspecific views of color signals in the strawberry poison frogDendrobates pumilio
Authors: Siddiqi Afsheen , Cronin Thomas W. , Loew Ellis R. , Vorobyev Misha , Summers Kyle
Published: June 2004

Poison frogs in the anuran family Dendrobatidae use bright colors on their bodies to advertise toxicity. The species Dendrobates pumilio Schmidt 1858, the strawberry poison frog, shows extreme polymorphism in color and pattern in Panama. It is known that females of D. pumiliopreferentially choose mates of their own color morph. Nevertheless, potential predators must clearly see and recognize all color morphs if the aposematic signaling system is to function effectively. We examined the ability of conspecifics and a model predator to discriminate a diverse selection of D. pumilio colors from each other and from background colors. Microspectrophotometry of isolated rod and cone photoreceptors of D. pumilio revealed the presence of a trichromatic photopic visual system. A typical tetrachromatic bird system was used for the model predator. Reflectance spectra of frog and background colors were obtained, and discrimination among spectra in natural illuminants was mathematically modeled. The results revealed that both D. pumilio and the model predator discriminate most colors quite well, both from each other and from typical backgrounds, with the predator generally performing somewhat better than the conspecifics. Each color morph displayed at least one color signal that is highly visible against backgrounds to both visual systems. Our results indicate that the colors displayed by the various color morphs of D. pumilio are effective signals both to conspecifics and to a model predator.
Seasonality of energetic functioning and production of reactive oxygen species by lugworm (Arenicola marina)mitochondria exposed to acute temperature changes
Authors: Keller Martina , Sommer Angela Maria , Pörtner Hans O. , Abele Doris
Published: June 2004

The influence of seasonal and acute temperature changes on mitochondrial functions were studied in isolated mitochondria of the eurythermal lugworm Arenicola marina (Polychaeta), with special emphasis on the interdependence of membrane potential and radical production. Acclimatisation of lugworms to pre-spawning/summer conditions is associated with rising mitochondrial substrate oxidation rates, higher proton leakage rates, elevated membrane potentials, and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)in isolated mitochondria, compared with mitochondria from winter animals. However, a high ROS production was compensated for by higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, as well as lower mitochondrial densities in summer compared with winter animals. In summer animals, a higher sensitivity of the proton leakage rate to changes of membrane potential will confer better flexibility for metabolic regulation(mild uncoupling) in response to temperature change. These seasonal alterations in mitochondrial functions suggest modifications of energy metabolism in eurythermal and euryoxic organisms on intertidal mudflats during summer. In winter, low and less changeable temperatures in intertidal sedimentary environments permit higher respiratory efficiency at low aerobic metabolic rates and lower membrane potentials in A. marinamitochondria.
Preparation, Structural Properties, and Charge-Transfer Complexes of Novel Anthracenophanes
Authors: Tsuge Akihiko , Iwasaki Waka , Moriguchi Tetsuji , Sakata Kazunori
Published: May 2004

Cyclophanes consisting of the anthracene unit and the aromatic component carrying various substituents at the inner or the outer position (anthracenophanes) have been synthesized. Their structures were characterized by the NMR and the X-ray analyses. NH–π interaction between the anthracene ring and the inner amino group on the opposite ring was observed in this cyclophane system. It has been found out that the λmax values of charge-transfer complexes of anthracenophanes with TCNE are closely related to transannular and NH–π interaction.
Theoretical Design of a New Optical Durable Molecular Switch
Authors: Mori Hirotoshi , Miyoshi Eisaku
Published: May 2004

A new inorganic molecule that can be used as a new optical durable molecular switch was theoretically designed in the framework of density functional theory. Two energy minima were found in the molecule, and their electronic states were 1Ag and 5A1, respectively. The predicted infrared spectra in each state showed that the new inorganic molecule have quite different spectra. This means that the molecule can be used as an optical durable molecular switch.
Fiber-optic Detection of DNA Denaturation for SNP Analysis
Authors: Honda Kaori , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Kitsunai Tokuji , Nishi Katsuo , Tashiro Hideo
Published: May 2004

A fiber-optic detection system for SNP analysis has been developed for monitoring the denaturation process of hybridized DNA strands on the end surface of an optical fiber. The probe DNA directly immobilized on the end surface of the fiber was hybridized to target DNA, and the denaturation process was measured. We determined the difference in melting temperature (Tm) between perfectly and SNP-matched probe-target hybrids by derivative analysis of the melting curves.
Palladium-catalyzed Stereospecific Epoxide-opening Reaction of γ,δ-Epoxy-α,β-unsaturated Esters with Boric Acid Leading to γ,δ-Diol Derivatives with Double Inversion of Configuration
Authors: Yu Xiao-Qiang , Hirai Atsushi , Miyashita Masaaki
Published: May 2004

A new palladium-catalyzed epoxide-opening reaction of γ,δ-epoxy-α,β-unsaturated esters with boric acid has been developed, which proceeds stereospecifically giving rise to the corresponding γ,δ-diol derivatives with double inversion of the configuration, i.e., with retention of configuration, in excellent yields. The new method provides a useful tool in organic synthesis including natural product synthesis.
A New Reaction to ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Du Hongchu , Yuan Fangli , Huang Shulan , Li Jinlin , Zhu Yongfa
Published: May 2004

A new reaction was developed to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles with nearly uniform, spherical morphologies and controlled size range from 25–100 nm via esterification between zinc acetate and ethanol under solvothermal condition. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The reaction mechanism was directly testified by the existence of ethyl acetate in the finished reaction liquid.
Synthesis of Hexagonal Mesostructured FePO4 Using Cationic Surfactant as the Template
Authors: Zhu Shenmin , Zhou Haoshen , Hibino Mitsuhiro , Honma Itaru
Published: May 2004

An effective, fast, easy approach was reported for the first time to synthesize highly-ordered hexagonally mesostructured iron phosphate using cationic surfactant as the template.
Non-destructive Readout of the Photochromic Recording Using the IR Light in the Near Field
Authors: Saito Masaaki , Miyata Toshinobu , Murakami Akinori , Nakamura Shinichiro , Irie Masahiro , Uchida Kingo
Published: May 2004

An IR spectral difference of the isomers of a photochromic diarylethene derivative was successfully observed by a near field microscope. The near-field detection can be used for non-destructive readout of high-density photochromic recording of the derivative.
Drastic Enhancement of SCR of NO over Ir Catalyst through Formation of Metallic Iridium on Na-zeolite
Authors: Shibata Junji , Yoshida Hisao , Satsuma Atsushi , Hattori Tadashi
Published: May 2004

The co-existence of both CO and H2 and the use of Na-zeolite supports leads to effective NO reduction below 500 K for the SCR of NO over low loaded (0.5 wt %) Ir catalyst, which was attributed to the formation of metallic iridium species.
Supercritical Microemulsions as Nanoreactors for Manufacturing ZnS Nanophosphors
Authors: Kuo Te-Wen , Tung Chien-Yueh , Lin Yung-Chan , Jang Shyue-Ming
Published: May 2004

The nanometer-sized zinc sulfide (ZnS) as a blue-emitting phosphor was prepared in a water-in-supercritical CO2 microemulsion. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, and PL. XRD analysis shows that the average crystalline size of ZnS nanometer-scale samples is about 2–3 nm. Emission intensity of the ZnS nanophosphors obtained by the process is higher than that micrometer-sized ZnS.
Effect of Paramagnetic Fe3+ on T1H in PVA/montmorillonite-clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Asano Atsushi , Shimizu Miho , Kurotsu Takuzo
Published: June 2004

The relation between T1H values of PVA/montmorillonite-clay nanocomposites and an iron content in a few different kinds of montmorillonite clays is examined. The T1H values for PVA in the PVA/montmorillonite-clay nanocomposites decreased drastically with the amount of the montmorillonite clay, and the decrement depends on the iron content in the montmorillonite clay.
Evaluation of the Relationship between the Catalyst Structure and Regio- as well as Stereoselectivity in the Chiral Ammonium Bifluoride–Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Silyl Nitronates to α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Ooi Takashi , Morimoto Kumiko , Doda Kanae , Maruoka Keiji
Published: June 2004

Unique relationship between the catalyst structure and regio- and stereoselectivity in the chiral quaternary ammonium bifluoride–catalyzed asymmetric addition of silyl nitronates to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes has been reported.
A Facile Synthesis of CdSe and CdTe Nanorods Assisted by Myristic Acid
Authors: Nie Wei , An Lijia , Jiang Bingzheng , Ji Xiang-Ling
Published: June 2004

A simple, productive, low-cost route has been developed to synthesize the high-quality 1-D nanorods of CdE (E = Se, Te) with 3–8 nm in diameter and 5–40 nm in length using myristic acid as a complexing agent. Moreover, the reaction is performed under mild conditions and relatively low temperatures. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns confirmed the CdE nanorods with wurtzite structure.
Template-Directed Electrodeposition of Lamellar Platinum Nanostructures
Authors: Zhao Ji K , Chen Xiao , Jiao Li Y , Chai Yong C , Zhang Guo D , Liu Jie
Published: June 2004

A simple method for electrochemical deposition of lamellar platinum nanostructure templated by lyotropic liquid crystal phase is developed. Small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the template and deposit, respectively. Results indicate that the deposition potential and electrolyte concentration have great effects on the morphology of the product.
Preparation of Deuterium Labelled Organophosphonium Salts (Wittig Salts) under Hydrothermal Condition Catalyzed by Molecular Sieves
Authors: Yamamoto Mitsuru , Oshima Koichiro , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: June 2004

Organophosphonium salt was converted into deuterium labelled ones under hydrothermal condition in the presence of molecular sieves. The hydrothermal condition can be obtained by either heating D2O in an autoclave or irradiating with microwave to D2O in a sealed vial.
Textur- und topologiebasierte Vektorfeldvisualisierung (Texture and Topology Based Vector Field Visualization)
Authors: Weiskopf Daniel , Scheuermann Gerik
Published: June 2004

Vektorfeldvisualisierung mittels charakteristischer Linien, wie beispielsweise Stromlinien, basiert auf einer Teilchenverfolgung und ist somit von einer geeigneten Wahl von Teilchenstartpunkten abhängig. In diesem Artikel werden zwei Ansätze zur Lösung dieser Saatpunktproblematik beschrieben: erstens eine dichte, texturbasierte Repräsentation, die mit GPUs realisiert werden kann, und zweitens ein topologiebasierter Zugang.
Informationsvisualisierung: Methoden und Perspektiven (Information Visualization: Techniques and Perspectives)
Authors: Schumann Heidrun , Müller Wolfgang
Published: June 2004

Ziel der Informationsvisualisierung ist es, abstrakte Daten graphisch so zu repräsentieren, dass strukturelle Zusammenhänge und relevante Eigenschaften der Daten intuitiv erfasst werden können. Damit soll die Exploration unbekannter Datenmengen unterstützt werden. Aktuelle Methoden der Informationsvisualisierung adressieren die Darstellung von Strukturen oder Werteverteilungen massiv großer Datensätze sowie die Optimierung des Platzbedarfs bei der graphischen Ausgabe.
DFG-Schwerpunktprogramm “Basissoftware für selbstorganisierende Infrastrukturen für vernetzte mobile Systeme” (Middleware for Self-Organized Networked Mobile Systems)
Authors: Zitterbart Martina
Published: June 2004

Mobile Geräte können sich ohne Ausnutzung einer vorhandenen festen Kommunikationsinfrastruktur (wie zum Beispiel Mobilfunknetze oder das Internet) selbstorganisierend zu mobilen Ad-Hoc-Netzen zusammenschließen. Um in solchen Netzen auch attraktive Anwendungen und Dienste anbieten zu können, bedarf es einer geeigneten Middleware — heutige Strukturen sind für dieses Einsatzgebiet kaum geeignet. Im Rahmen des DFG-Schwerpunktprogramms 1140 werden hierzu geeignete Methoden und Verfahren entwickelt und prototypisch evaluiert.
Tank Performance of Larval Saugeyes (Walleye × Sauger) Produced Out-of-Season and during Regular Season Spawning
Authors: Garcia-Abiado Mary Ann , Czesny Sergiusz , Dabrowski Konrad
Published: June 2004

In the north-central region of the United States, hybrid saugeyes (female walleye Sander vitreus [formerly Stizostedion vitreum] × male sauger S. canadense) have been recognized as an important species for recreational fisheries and as a potential aquaculture commodity. We compared the performance of larval saugeyes that were produced out of season with larvae produced during the regular spawning season using intensive rearing systems. Fertilized out-of-season and regular season saugeye eggs that were produced by crossing two Spirit Lake, Iowa, female walleyes and two Mississippi River male saugers were obtained from the Rathbun Hatchery, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Moravia. Out-of-season spawning was induced by light and photoperiod manipulation. Eyed eggs were air-shipped overnight at 10°C. First-feeding larvae (19,000 fish/tank) were stocked in six 800-L cylindrical tanks provided with turbid water to prevent cannibalism and with surface sprays to secure swim bladder inflation. The fish were fed exclusively with commercial diets (Fry Feed Kyowa B-400 and B-700 and Bio-Oregon starter diet). The specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor, and survival were compared between saugeyes reared out of season (50 d) and during the regular season (39 d). The mean SGR and survival of saugeyes from the out-of-season experiment were significantly lower than those of saugeyes from the regular season experiment (P < 0.05), although the condition factor of the fish did not differ between the experiments. Significant differences in SGR were also observed between tank replicates, suggesting possible differences in the feeding responses of saugeyes within a tank system. Large discrepancies (40–43%) were observed between actual survival at the end of the rearing period and predicted survival based on counts of dead larvae siphoned from the tank bottom, suggesting the occurrence of cannibalism and the deterioration of larvae bodies prior to tank cleaning. The actual survival (12–19%) of larval saugeyes in both experiments shows some promise in the intensive rearing of saugeyes exclusively on dry feeds.
Habitat and Substrate Use in Reproduction of Captive Devils River Minnows
Authors: Gibson J R , Fries J N , Garrett G P
Published: June 2004

The Devils River minnow Dionda diaboli is a threatened species once endemic to a portion of the Rio Grande drainage in western Texas and northern Mexico but now found only in the Devils River and San Felipe and Pinto creeks. Because little is known about the biology of this species, it is difficult to establish protocols for maintaining captive populations. We monitored the production of Devils River minnows in two laboratory culture systems containing four substrate types (rocks, gravel, sand, and Spawntex) within each of two habitat types (riffle and pool) that had two subhabitat types each (upper and lower riffle, covered and uncovered pool). A total of 38 adult fish (mean weight = 1.38 g; mean total length = 54 mm) were introduced into the two culture systems (19 fish each, approximately equal sex ratio) on 5 September 2001. From 18 September to 6 December, 2,269 young were removed. A significantly greater number (1,922; three-factor nested analysis of variance [ANOVA], Fisher's least-significant-difference tests, P ≤ 0.05) were in gravel substrate (2–5 cm diameter). However, no differences were found in the counts of young with respect to habitat or subhabitat type. The indoor culture of Devils River minnows is possible using gravel as a spawning substrate and, since parental stock can be manipulated, the technique can be used for establishing refugium populations and for augmenting wild populations.
Masculinization of Gynogenetic Northern Pike Juveniles Using 17 α-Methyltestosterone
Authors: Luczynski Marek J , Demska-Zakes Krystyna , Dabrowski Konrad , Luczynski Miroslaw
Published: June 2004

Gynogenetic juveniles of northern pike Esox lucius were fed a dry diet supplemented with 17 α-methyltestosterone (MT) to reverse their phenotypic sex (i.e., masculinization). Successful sex reversal required that the fish (total length, 26–30 mm; wet weight, 0.14–0.19 g) be reared for 2 weeks at 22.0°C while being fed a diet supplemented with 20 or 30 mg MT/kg. The procedure resulted in the transformation of 77% and 87% of the gynogenetic fingerlings into functional males. Histological examination showed that the gonads and sperm ducts of all of the sex-reversed males were normally developed.
Effects of Air Diffusion Turbulent Flow on Nitrification Rate in Fixed-Film Biofilters: A Comparison Study
Authors: Zhu Songming , Chen Shulin
Published: June 2004

The total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration is often a key limiting water quality parameter in intensive aquaculture systems. Removing TAN through biological filtration is a major objective in the design of recirculating aquaculture systems. In this study, the effect of turbulent flow on nitrification rate was investigated using a reactor series system to improve nitrification efficiency by enhancing nutrient mass transfer. Nitrification performance of fixed-film biofilters was compared between the system with the diffusers placed inside the reactors (D-in) and that with the diffusers outside the reactors (D-out). The results indicated that the turbulence caused by diffused air had a substantial impact on the nitrification rate in the biofilters. When TAN concentration was not limited, the TAN removal rate in D-out reactors was 269 ± 58 mg/(m2 · d), only about 15% of that in the D-in reactors. These results suggest that increasing flow turbulence through air diffusion could be an effective way to improve the nitrification efficiency of fixed-film biofilters.
The Effects of the Soy Isoflavone Genistein on the Reproductive Development of Striped Bass
Authors: Pollack Sara J , Ottinger Mary Ann , Sullivan Craig V , Woods L Curry
Published: June 2004

The aquaculture industry has made great strides toward developing diets for finfish that provide adequate nutrition for the animals being maintained while minimizing the cost to the farmer. Alternative, plant-derived protein sources are used to minimize cost. Soybean meal is the plant protein most commonly used because it maintains adequate growth. However, soy is rich in phytoestrogens, the most abundant of which is genistein. Studies have shown variable physiological effects associated with exposure to genistein. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of feeding genistein to juvenile striped bass Morone saxatilis at varying concentrations in the diet. The first experiment was designed to determine whether juvenile striped bass are capable of responding to estrogen exposure. Juvenile striped bass were given weekly injections of estradiol benzoate for 3 weeks and showed a significant response to the estrogen via expression of vitellogenin. In two additional experiments, genistein was fed to striped bass fingerlings (approximately 120 d old and 60–100 d old) in varying concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 8 mg/g of diet) to determine whether a similar response would be elicited. No significant differences were found among the growth variables and histological endpoints, although a significant vitellogenin response was observed at the 2-mg/g and 8-mg/g doses. These results show that the juvenile striped bass did respond to the estrogen-like function of genistein and that the genistein induced a U-shaped response curve that is characteristic of the low-dose effects of some endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Microbial Inhibition in Response to Treatments of Hydrogen Peroxide and Formalin on Landlocked Fall Chinook Salmon Eyed Eggs, as Determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Stephenson Hans , Gabel Mark , Barnes Michael E
Published: June 2004

Scanning electron microscopy was used to compare microbial growth in eggs of landlocked fall chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha receiving daily 15-min treatments of 1,667 mg/L formalin, 700 mg/L hydrogen peroxide, or no chemical treatments during incubation in vertical-flow incubators from egg eye-up to hatch. Eggs receiving no chemical treatment had bacterial densities at the end of the experiment that were significantly greater than those on eggs receiving either of the chemical treatments. In eggs not chemically treated, bacterial densities significantly increased from 2,413 bacteria/mm2 on the external egg membrane surface at the start of the experiment to 69,598 bacteria/mm2 12 d later. Although the initial and final numbers were not significantly different, bacterial counts on eggs treated with formalin averaged 2,075 bacteria/mm2 on day 1 and 3,764 bacteria/mm2 by the end of the experiment, while those of eggs treated with hydrogen peroxide ranged from 5,406 bacteria/mm2 at the start of the experiment to 14,431 bacteria/mm2 after 12 d. The number of bacteria attached to the external egg membranes did not differ significantly between eggs treated with formalin and those treated with hydrogen peroxide throughout the study. Fungal growth was negligible and was only observed in control eggs. Additionally, the external membranes of the control eggs, but not the chemically treated eggs, were visibly degraded over the 12-d period. Egg survival was significantly lower in control eggs than in eggs receiving either of the chemical treatments and was significantly correlated with bacterial numbers.
Retrospective Analysis of Antigen Prevalences of Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs) Detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Alaskan Pacific Salmon and Trout from 1988 to 2000 and Management of Rs in Hatchery Chinook and Coho Salmon
Authors: Meyers T. R. , Korn D. , Glass K. , Burton T. , Short S. , Lipson K. , Starkey N.
Published: June 2004

Five species of anadromous Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. and eight species of nonanadromous fish, including trouts Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus spp., Arctic char S. alpinus, and Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus (collectively called “trout”), from Alaskan waters were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for annual and total prevalences of Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs) from 1988 to 2000. The total prevalence of Rs antigen was lower among the Pacific salmon and highest among the nonanadromous salmonid species grouped as “trout” that were residents in many of the watersheds. These trout species were likely reservoirs of Rs infection for many of the wild and hatchery stocks of Pacific salmon. Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha and coho salmon O. kisutch comprised 80% of the salmon database, and 45% of these two species were hatchery broodstocks at four facilities where eggs were routinely culled from Rs-positive parent fish. The cyclical occurrences of Rs antigen in the coho and Chinook salmon data sets were remarkably similar and, when combined, were opposite from several of the major peaks and declines observed in the next largest data set, that for sockeye salmon O. nerka. Routine culling of eggs from Rs-positive parent fish supplemented with occasional prophylactic erythromycin therapy appeared to provide some success in Rs management for the three Chinook and two coho salmon hatchery stocks examined. The overall Rs prevalences in spawned adult fish were lower than (or at least not amplified above) those for the remaining coho and Chinook salmon stocks in the database, and no significant epizootics of bacterial kidney disease occurred in progeny fish during juvenile rearing.
The Effect of in Vitro Passage of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) on Virulence and Sensitivity of the Virus to Rainbow Trout Serum
Authors: Park Kyoung C. , Reno Paul W.
Published: June 2004

Three infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) isolates (A1 serotype, Buhl subtype) were passaged five times in rainbow trout gonad (RTG)-2 cells with either minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (MEM-10) or MEM-10 supplemented with 1% rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss serum (MEM−RTS) to determine the effect of passage of the virus on its virulence and sensitivity to RTS. Mortalities in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis fry were highly variable during viral passages; however, in general, most of the IPNV isolates were virulent under all conditions. The IPNV mortalities ranged between 30% and 89%. Maintenance of virulence during the five passages was dependent on the IPNV isolate and culture conditions. Rainbow trout serum did not always facilitate maintenance of viral virulence during the passages. Isolate mortalities after multiple passages were virulence dependent: the highly virulent isolate showed peak mortality from 4 to 11 d postexposure, while the low-virulence isolate showed delayed peak mortality from 8 to 14 d postexposure. The virus isolates passaged in MEM-10 or MEM−RTS were generally resistant to in vitro inactivation by RTS except for the isolate from noble crayfish Astacus astacus passaged in MEM-10. This isolate became highly sensitive to RTS, demonstrating a reduction in tissue culture infectious dose with 50% endpoint of 10−8.0/mL in virus titer. However, increased RTS sensitivity of the virus did not correlate with decreased virulence. Overall, no relationship was observed between virulence and the RTS sensitivity of the virus. All isolates passaged showed identical monoclonal reaction patterns with a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies, irrespective of viral virulence and sensitivity to RTS.
California Golden Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita Are Susceptible to Proliferative Kidney Disease
Authors: Morris D. J. , Longshaw M. , Adams A.
Published: June 2004

An outbreak of proliferative kidney disease affecting farmed California golden trout Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita in the United Kingdom is described. The fish displayed the clinical signs of the disease, such as characteristic swelling of the posterior kidney and spleen. Confirmation of infection with Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae in the renal tissue was done by means of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody specific to T. bryosalmonae.
Inhibitory Effects of Some Antibiotics on Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase from Rainbow Trout Erythrocytes in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Hisar Olcay , Hisar Şükriye Aras , Küfrevioĝlu Öirfan , Yanik Telat
Published: June 2004

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) from erythrocytes of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was purified by affinity chromatography through a process comprising hemolysate preparation, sepharose- 4B-l-tyrosine-sulfanylamide affinity gel chromatography, and dialysis. Then the effects of three antibiotics—sodium ampicillin, streptomycin, and trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole—on this enzyme were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition effects were determined in vitro by means of the Lineweaver–Burk and activity–antibiotic regression graphs. The dissociation constant of the enzyme inhibitor complex (Ki) and 50% inhibitory values were 2.16 ± 0.40 and 1.87 mM for sodium ampicillin, 7.40 ± 0.310 and 5.21 mM for streptomycin, and 18.50 ± 0.35 and 9.74 mM for trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. The in vivo experiment demonstrated that CA was significantly inhibited by trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole but not by sodium ampicillin and streptomycin.
Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida Is Capable of Replicating in Hybrid Striped Bass Macrophages
Authors: Elkamel Ahmad A. , Hawke John P. , Henk William G. , Thune Ronald L.
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study was to use an in vitro assay to evaluate the ability of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida to survive and replicate within macrophages obtained from hybrid striped bass (striped bass Morone saxatilis × white bass M. chrysops). The results indicated that the number of bacteria recovered from macrophages after 3, 6, 12, and 18 h of incubation increased significantly from time 0 (105, 510, 1,091 and 1,385%, respectively). Replication of the intracellular bacteria was observed at a very low multiplicity of infection (1 bacterium to 100 macrophages). In contrast, the number of Escherichia coli recovered from macrophages declined 47, 80, 91, and 96%, respectively. Light and electron microscopy confirmed the internalization, uptake, and multiplication of bacteria within spacious, clear vacuoles in the macrophages. Using acid phosphatase as a lysosomal marker, we provide evidence that P. damselae subsp. piscicida inhibits phagolysosomal fusion. This study demonstrates that P. damselae subsp. piscicida is a very successful facultative, intracellular pathogen that can survive and multiply within hybrid striped bass macrophages.
Effects of Temperature on the Susceptibility of Largemouth Bass to Largemouth Bass Virus
Authors: Grant Emily C. , Philipp David P. , Inendino Kate R. , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: June 2004

Temperature is an environmental variable thought to influence the susceptibility of fish to infectious diseases. This study demonstrated that juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides that were experimentally infected with largemouth bass virus (LMBV; family Iridoviridae) experienced greater mortality at 30°C than at 25°C. Juvenile largemouth bass were exposed to equal doses of LMBV and held at three temperatures: 25, 30, and 35°C. Fish held at 30°C suffered mortality at a higher rate than fish held at 25°C and had higher viral loads (viral genomes per gram of tissue) at the time of death. The LMBV-injected fish held at 35°C suffered mortality at rates equal to those of sham-injected controls, suggesting that stressful manipulation at temperatures approaching the upper lethal limit can induce mortality in fish independently of viral infection. These results suggest that temperature is an important determinant of host survival and viral replication in the LMBV system.
Laboratory Efficacy of Amoxicillin for the Control of Streptococcus iniae Infection in Sunshine Bass
Authors: Darwish Ahmed M. , Ismaiel Adnan A.
Published: June 2004

An experimental trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of amoxicillin in controlling Streptococcus iniae infection in sunshine bass (a hybrid of female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). Minimum-inhibitory-concentration studies of amoxicillin against multiple S. iniae isolates showed a sensitivity range of 0.0156–0.5 μg/mL. The amoxicillin dose levels tested were 30, 50, 80, and 120 mg of active ingredient per kilogram of fish body weight per day. Administration of medicated feed started 1 d after infection by immersion exposure to S. iniae and continued for eight consecutive days; this was followed by an observation at 15 d posttreatment. Amoxicillin increased the survival rate from 1% in the infected, nonmedicated group to an average of 95% in the infected groups receiving the four doses; there were no significant differences among the medicated groups. Survivors of the infection were not found to be carriers of the bacteria (i.e., there was negative bacterial isolation).