bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective prevention of neonatal hyperammonaemia in argininosuccinic acidura by arginine therapy
Authors: Donn S. M. , Thoene J. G.
Published: June 2005

Argininosuccinic aciduria, due to deficiency of argininosuccinic acid lyase, is generally associated with severe neonatal hyperammonaemia and its neurological sequelae. The cases of two siblings with this autosomal recessive disorder are presented. Both infants were preterm and delivered by Caesarean section for maternal pre‐eclampsia. The first infant was not diagnosed until after the development of severe hyperammonaemia and, despite adequate treatment with haemodialysis and arginine infusion, remained comatose for a prolonged period. At 20 months she has profound developmental delays and intellectual impairment. The second infant, whose diagnosis was made antenatally by amniotic fluid analysis, was treated with arginine infusion beginning at 32 h of life and never developed hyperammonaemia. We conclude that early recognition and prompt institution of arginine therapy is an effective regimen for the prevention of neonatal hyperammonaemia in argininosuccinic aciduria.
An unusual aminoacidopathy associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy
Authors: Perry T. L. , Hansen S. , Booth F. A. , Penn A. M. W. , Jones K. , Dilling L. A.
Published: June 2005

Five patients from two unrelated pedigrees are affected by an inherited form or forms of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy in which the exact site of the block in the respiratory chain has yet to be identified. All five patients regularly exhibit an unusual aminoacidopathy evident both in fasting plasma and in CSF. Alanine concentrations are elevated, reflecting high tissue pyruvate and lactate levels. Concentrations of the four essential amino acids threonine, methionine, tryptophan and lysine are substantially reduced, as are those of citrulline, ornithine and arginine. This pattern of amino‐acid deficiency is apparently not due to failure to absorb the dibasic amino acids, to any abnormality of the urea cycle, to excessive synthesis and turnover of creatine, or to protein malnutrition. The aminoacidopathy presumably is a metabolic consequence of one or more impairments in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. A detailed explanation of its aetiology needs to be sought.
Transport inhibition in the pathology of phenylketonuria and other inherited metabolic diseases
Authors: Pratt O. E.
Published: June 2005

Kinetic analysis of the rates of transport of amino acids and of sugars across the blood‐brain barrier shows how severe is the competition which commonly occurs between groups of chemically related substances in the blood plasma for one of a number of shared transport carriers. In view of the possible importance of such competition in causing brain damage in inherited metabolic diseases an example is given of the use of these kinetic data to work out the best way of ensuring an adequate supply of amino acids to the brain during the dietary treatment of phenylketonuria. Indications are obtained of the degree to which the supply of amino acids other than phenylalanine to the brain may be reduced and of the conditions which are likely to prove most dangerous. It is concluded that the supplementation of the diet with tyrosine alone cannot be expected to provide an effective alternative to phenylalanine restriction. The high level of phenylalanine found commonly in untreated phenylketonuria carries a risk of reducing the supply to the brain of up to eleven other amino acids which the brain cells need. A lack of any one of these may interfere with brain growth and development. The implications are considered for possible improvements in the treatment of phenylketonuria or other inherited metabolic diseases. It is concluded that there may well be some advantage in increasing the intake of amino acids other than the restricted phenylalanine which the brain has to obtain from the circulation above the amounts currently given in the treatment of phenylketonuria (or of analogous compensatory nutrition in the treatment of other metabolic defects by dietary restriction).
Experience with non‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia in Finland
Authors: Von Wendt L. , Similä S.
Published: June 2005

By the end of 1981 a total of 28 infants suffering from non‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia had been diagnosed in Finland. The mean incidence in Finland is 1:55 000 newborns. All these infants represent the neonatal type, characterized by onset of rapidly progressing neurological symptoms during the first days of life. Attempted therapy, including strychnine, did not alter the clinical course, which in the majority of cases led to the death of the infants within the first weeks of life. Although the clinical condition appears to be normal at birth in these infants, the EEG is already pathological, and the CSF glycine level is as high as in fully developed NKH. Consequently, there is most probably prenatal brain damage in the neonatal type of NKH. The heterozygotes for NKH differ from healthy controls by significantly higher levels of plasma and urinary glycine, but a considerable overlap of individual values reduces the usefulness of this finding for active heterozygote diagnosis.
Stable isotope dilution analysis of 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid in amniotic fluid: Contribution to the prenatal diagnosis of inherited disorders of leucine catabolism
Authors: Jakobs C. , Sweetman L. , Nyhan W. L. , Packman S.
Published: June 2005

A quantitative assay for 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid in amniotic fluid was developed using D6‐3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid as an internal standard. 3‐Hydroxyisovaleric acid was isolated by liquid partition chromatography and the amount determined by selected ion monitoring, ammonia chemical ionization gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry of the trimethylsilyl derivatives. The concentration of 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid in ten normal amniotic fluids was 4.52±1.73 µmol/l. The level was elevated eight‐fold in the amniotic fluid from a pregnancy resulting in the birth of a child with biotin‐responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency. The stable isotope dilution assay of 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid in amniotic fluid is a rapid, sensitive and accurate method for the prenatal diagnosis of this disorder, and may be of value in the prenatal diagnosis of other inherited disorders of leucine catabolism.
Malonyl coenzyme a decarboxylase deficiency
Authors: Brown G. K. , Scholem R. D. , Bankier A. , Danks D. M.
Published: June 2005

A patient is described with a deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme, malonyl CoA decarboxylase — an inborn error of metabolism not recognized previously. The enzyme defect was first suspected because of persistent excretion of malonic and methylmalonic acids in urine in a child with repeated episodes of vomiting, some requiring hospitalization. Disturbances of lipid metabolism were demonstrated.
Substrate specificity of manganese‐activated prolidase in control and prolidase‐deficient cultured skin fibroblasts
Authors: Butterworth J. , Priestman D.
Published: June 2005

Skin fibroblasts have a single enzyme, Mn2+‐activated prolidase, that hydrolyses a range of amino acid‐proline dipeptides. Two cases of prolidase deficiency showed a marked loss of activity against glycyl‐proline irrespective of Mn2+ conditions. However, the abnormal enzyme showed only moderate reductions in activity against phenylalanyl‐, alanyl‐, and leucyl‐proline following preincubation with Mn2+ or addition of Mn2+ with the substrate. Control prolidase was stable to prolonged preincubation with Mn2+, whereas the abnormal prolidase was progressively inactivated. The findings indicate, for at least the present two cases, that prolidase deficiency results from an altered rather than a marked reduction in the amount of normal enzyme.
Non‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia in a family with an unusual phenotype
Authors: Ando T. , Nyhan W. L. , Bicknell Joan , Harris Ruth , Stern J.
Published: June 2005

A 10‐year‐old girl, one of three affected sisters, with non‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia is described. In contrast to other reported cases, the course of the disorder was comparatively mild in this family. The only clinical signs were mental retardation and abnormalities in the EEG; blood glycine levels were 2–3 times normal. In the propositus, the formation of14CO2 from glycine‐1‐14C and of FH414CH2OH from glycine‐2‐14C were impaired, shown by the decreased14CO2 content of expired air and diminished labelling of carbon 3 of serine. However, the biochemical defect was no less than that seen in patients with much more severe clinical effects.
Diagnosis of the mucopolysaccharidoses using cultured skin fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells
Authors: Butterworth J.
Published: June 2005

Assay ofα‐L‐iduronidase, heparin sulphamidase,N‐acetyl‐α‐D‐glucosaminidase, arylsulphatase B,α‐L‐fucosidase,β‐glucuronidase,β‐galactosidase andα‐D‐mannosidase in cultured cells is described. Activities in deficient fibroblast strains are compared to control fibroblast strains. The first case of Sanfilippo B in the United Kingdom is reported. A comparison of enzyme activities in cultured fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells is made.
Studies on sphingomyelinase activity in cultured cells and leucocytes
Authors: Besley G. T. N.
Published: June 2005

Using both [3H]ceramide‐sphingomyelin and [14C]methyl choline‐sphingomyelin as substrate, enzyme activity was determined in skin fibroblasts, cultured amnotic fluid cells and leucocytes. Sphingomyelinase activities of fibroblasts from two patients with Niemann‐Pick disease were about 1% of the mean control values (22.9 nmol/h/mg protein and 65.6 nmol/h/mg protein, with [3H]sphingomyelin and [14C]sphingomyelin respectively). Leucocyte sphingomyelinase activity is much lower than that of cultured cells.

Optimum sphingomyelinase activity of cultured cells is at pH 5.0 and the apparentKm values are 58µmol/l and about 200µmol/l for [3H]sphingomyelin and [14C]sphingomyelin respectively. These properties are similar to those for residual sphingomyelinase activity in Niemann‐Pick fibroblasts.
Cholesterol sulphate in the microsomal sulphatase deficient placenta
Authors: Marinkovic‐Ilsen A. , Williams M. L.
Published: June 2005

Placental sulphatase deficiency (PSD) and recessive X‐linked ichthyosis (RXLI) are known as a nosological entity, due to deficiency of the enzyme, steroid sulphatase. Prior studies have demonstrated high urinary excretion and some accumulation of sulphated steroids prenatally, and of accumulation of cholesterol sulphate postnatally. This study was undertaken to investigate the level of cholesterol sulphate in the sulphatase deficient placenta. Whereas cholesterol sulphate levels are elevated in blood, erythrocyte membrane and stratum corneum of patients with RXLI, cholesterol sulphate content of four investigated sulphatase deficient placentas was normal in comparison to six normal male controls and four male controls with low oestrogen excretion in the third trimester of pregnancy but with normal placental sulphatase activity. The explanation for normal cholesterol sulphate content of sulphatase deficient placentas is unknown but may be due to placental transport, rapid metabolism to other sulphated steroids or age‐related differences in residual enzyme activities.
Pregnancy in xanthinuria: Demonstration of fetal uric acid production?
Authors: Simmonds H. A. , Stutchbury J. H. , Webster D. R. , Spencer R. E. , Fisher R. A. , Wooder M. , Buckley B. M.
Published: June 2005

This paper reports biochemical studies in a pregnant xanthinuric female (McKusick 27830) and compares the results with findings in three other xanthinurics studied by us, including a previously unreported female who had a nephrectomy for xanthine stones.

The findings of raised levels of uric acid in plasma and urine at presentation in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the subsequent fall to almost undetectable levels 6 weeks post‐partum, is regarded as evidence of the extent of fetal uric acid production and clearance by the maternal circulation.
Some nutritional aspects of trace metals
Authors: Aggett P. J. , Davies N. T.
Published: June 2005

A brief outline of the known biochemical roles of managanese and chromium is given before the problems of determining human trace metal status are discussed. The factors predisposing to trace metal deficiency are reviewed but particular emphasis is placed upon those which alter the bioavailability of essential trace metals from natural and synthetic diets. This is illustrated by practical examples which show the importance of investigating the bioavailability of the trace metal content of artificial diets used in paediatric care. The results of such studies highlight the need to assess similarly the adequacy of the trace element composition of the many meat substitutes and extenders available currently. Finally, some aspects of trace metal supplementation of intravenous feeding regimes are described.
The role of molybdenum in human biology
Authors: Coughlan M. P.
Published: June 2005

Molybdenum, because of its unique chemistry, is the biological catalyst for reactions in which proton and electron transfer, and possibly oxygen transfer, are coupled. The molybdoenzymes in man are sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase. The former is essential for detoxication of the sulphite arising from metabolism of sulphur‐containing amino acids, from ingestion of bisulphite preservative and from inhalation of sulphur dioxide, an atmospheric pollutant. Whether, or not, any of the reactions catalysed by xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase are necessary for human well‐being has yet to be established.
The evaluation of selenium state in children
Authors: Lombeck I.
Published: June 2005

Conclusion

Our conclusion is that young infants are at risk of Se deficiency, especially with artificial feeding, semisynthetic diets or parenteral nutrition. Short term changes of the Se state can be monitored by estimation of the serum Se concentration or better by its active form—the plasma GSHPx activity. Long term changes can be controlled by measuring the Se content and GSHPx activity of erythrocytes. For field studies it is easy to measure hair Se values.
Peroxisomal disorders: Clinical characterization
Authors: Monnens L. , Heymans H.
Published: June 2005

The peroxisomal disorders can be divided into three classes: firstly, those in which the activity of only one single enzyme is reduced; secondly, those in which the activities of multiple peroxisomal enzymes are deficient and also the number of peroxisomes is reduced; and thirdly, those in which the activities of multiple peroxisomal enzymes are lacking and at the same time the number of peroxisomes is normal at least in liver tissue. The cerebro‐hepato‐renal syndrome of Zellweger is the prototype of peroxisomal disorders of the second group. Clinical distinction between Zellweger syndrome and neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy or infantile Refsum disease can be impossible. The clinical abnormalities that should give rise to suspicion for the presence of a peroxisomal disorder and urge the necessity of further biochemical studies are proposed.
Secondary mitochondrial pathology
Authors: Sengers R. C. A. , Stadhouders A. M.
Published: June 2005

A considerable number of myopathies seem to involve the mitochondria but the various causes may be situated outside the mitochondria. These can be categorized as (1) deficiency; (2) intoxication; (3) disturbed regulatory control; (4) hypoxia; (5) disturbed interaction with other cell organelles and (6) unidentified causes.
Therapy of mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Przyrembel H.
Published: June 2005

Mitochondrial disorders, namely defects of fatty acid oxidation, defects of pyruvate metabolism and defects of the respiratory chain are heterogenous in clinical picture and in response to therapeutic attempts. Defects of fatty acid metabolism are amenable to therapy by dietary means, carnitine substitution and in some cases with vitamins. Defects in pyruvate metabolism do not respond to therapy except in some special cases. Therapeutic attempts include dietary measures, vitamins as coenzyme precursors. Defects in the respiratory chain appear to respond to treatment only in exceptional cases. Evaluation of treatment effects appears to be singularly difficult. General measures that can be of benefit to different defects are discussed.
Osmolality of enteral formulas for maternal phenylketonuria
Authors: Anderson K. , Acosta P. B. , Kennedy B.
Published: June 2005

Osmolalities of individual products and composite diets used in the treatment of maternal phenylketonuria were measured. Mathematical equations were developed which predict osmolality. Quantitative information on osmolalities of enteral formulas for women with maternal phenylketonuria may help clinicians plan diets to avoid the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances and to increase acceptability.
Niemann‐pick disease type B: Clinical signs and follow‐up of a new case
Authors: Pavone L. , Fiumara A. , LaRosa M.
Published: June 2005

A girl affected by Niemann‐Pick disease type B is reported. The patient presented unusual skin lesions of nummular eczematous dermatitis, signs of delayed puberty and stunted physical development, together with the typical symptoms involving visceral organs and lungs. This disease may therefore indirectly affect more body organs than assumed.
The formal design of distributed controllers with
d
SL and Spin
Authors: Wachter Bram De , Genon Alexandre , Massart Thierry , Meuter Cédric
Published: June 2005

We study the formal verification of programs written in
d
SL, an extension of the standard ST language used to program industrial controllers. It proposes a trade off between industrial and formal verification worlds. The main advantage of
d
SL is to provide a transparent code distribution through low level communication mechanisms. The behavior of the synthesized distributed system can therefore be formally modeled, easily monitored and formally verified. The verification of a
d
SL program, realized with the
Spin
tool, is eased by the definition of a lattice of models linked with a simulation relation preserving next-free LTL formulae. We show that, although
d
SL is an industrial programming language, it gives the possibility to verify systems designed with it. We illustrate the benefit of our approach with a simple control system of two canal locks.
Is Minimal Access Surgery for Cancer Associated with Immunologic Benefits?
Authors: Ng Calvin S. H. , Whelan Richard L. , Lacy Antonio M. , Yim Anthony P.C.
Published: June 2005

Minimal‐access surgical techniques have been shown to be beneficial to patients in terms of shorter convalescence, reduced pain, and improved cosmesis. Although systemic immune function is better preserved following laparoscopic procedures when compared with their respective open approaches, CO2 pneumoperitoneum may significantly affect local (i.e., infra‐abdominal) cellular immunity by reducing regional macrophage function. Results to date are conflicting with regard to the impact of closed and open methods on intraabdominal immunity. Impaired cellular immunity after CO2 pneumoperitoneum may have significant undesirable intra‐abdominal effects on tumor surveillance after oncological surgery; however, at present, there is no clinical evidence to support this position. The VATS techniques avoid the use of CO2 insufflation, which may offer some advantages from the immune function perspective over laparoscopic procedures accomplished with CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Better preservation of early postoperative cellular immune function and attenuated disturbance in the inflammatory mediators are likely contributing factors to the clinical benefits that follow laparoscopic surgery and VATS. Larger multi‐center randomized trials are needed to confirm the potential benefits of minimal‐access surgery on patient survival after cancer surgery. Future research should focus on the effects of minimal‐access surgery on other mediators (such as MMP‐9, IGFBP‐3, IL‐12, IL‐17, and IL‐23) that may be important in tumor cell dissemination, deposition, and propagation in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, additional searches for other factors or mediators, heretofore unrecognized, should be carried out. Such studies will, we hope, increase our knowledge and understanding of the impact of surgery on immune and other physiologic functions.
Relationship Between Tissue Ingrowth and Mesh Contraction
Authors: Gonzalez Rodrigo , Fugate Kim , McClusky David , Ritter E. Matt , Lederman Andrew , Dillehay Dirk , Smith C. Daniel , Ramshaw Bruce J.
Published: June 2005

Contraction is a well‐documented phenomenon occurring within two months of mesh implantation. Its etiology is unknown, but it is suggested to occur as a result of inadequate tissue ingrowth into the mesh and has been associated with hernia recurrence. In continuation of our previous studies, we compared tissue ingrowth characteristics of large patches of polyester (PE) and heavyweight polypropylene (PP) and their effect on mesh contraction. The materials used were eight PE and eight PP meshes measuring 10 × 10 cm2. After random assignment to the implantation sites, the meshes were fixed to the abdominal wall fascia of swine using interrupted polypropylene sutures. A necropsy was performed three months after surgery for evaluation of mesh contraction/shrinkage. Using a tensiometer, tissue ingrowth was assessed by measuring the force necessary to detach the mesh from the fascia. Histologic analysis included inflammatory and fibroblastic reactions, scored on a 0–4 point scale. One swine developed a severe wound infection that involved two PP meshes and was therefore excluded from the study. The mean area covered by the PE meshes (87 ± 7 cm2) was significantly larger than the area covered by the PP meshes (67 ± 14 cm2) (p = 0.006). Tissue ingrowth force of the PE meshes (194 ± 37 N) had a trend toward being higher than that of the PP meshes (159 ± 43 N), although it did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference in histologic inflammatory and fibroblastic reactions between mesh types. There was a significant correlation between tissue ingrowth force and mesh size (p = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.05–0.84). Our results confirm those from previous studies in that mesh materials undergo significant contraction after suture fixation to the fascia. PE resulted in less contraction than polypropylene. A strong integration of the mesh into the tissue helps prevent this phenomenon, which is evidenced by a significant correlation between tissue ingrowth force and mesh size.
Two-dimensional simulations of katabatic layers observed during the GIMEX experiment
Authors: Elkhalfi A.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. The hydrostatic model SALSA is used to simulate a particular event observed during the Greenland Ice Margin EXperiment "GIMEX" (on July 12th, 1991). The time evolution of the large-scale flow was incorporated in the model through time dependent boundary conditions which were updated using the closest upwind sounding. A turbulent scheme for the stable boundary layer and an appropriate parametrization of the surface fluxes implemented in the same model, are used for this study. The simulation results are discussed and compared to the available observations. The computed turbulent fluxes are correctly estimated. The model predicts a mixing zone of about 1500 m high which is in good agreement with tundra site observations. Over the ice cap, the katabatic layer is correctly simulated by the model. Its height of 80-300 m is well estimated. The comparison between the simulation and observations taken at ice cap sites is reasonably valid. The ablation computed along the ice cap corresponds well to the values reconstructed of observations at sites 4 and 9. Finally, a sensibility study to a specified westward geostrophic wind (2 ms-1) shows that the consideration of this latter improves the simulated tundra wind evolution.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (mesoscale meteorology; polar meteorology; turbulance)
Intercomparison of oceanic and atmospheric forced and coupled mesoscale simulations Part I: Surface fluxes
Authors: Josse P. , Caniaux G. , Giordani H. , Planton S.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. A mesoscale non-hydrostatic atmospheric model has been coupled with a mesoscale oceanic model. The case study is a four-day simulation of a strong storm event observed during the SEMAPHORE experiment over a 500 × 500 km2 domain. This domain encompasses a thermohaline front associated with the Azores current. In order to analyze the effect of mesoscale coupling, three simulations are compared: the first one with the atmospheric model forced by realistic sea surface temperature analyses; the second one with the ocean model forced by atmospheric fields, derived from weather forecast re-analyses; the third one with the models being coupled. For these three simulations the surface fluxes were computed with the same bulk parametrization. All three simulations succeed well in representing the main oceanic or atmospheric features observed during the storm. Comparison of surface fields with in situ observations reveals that the winds of the fine mesh atmospheric model are more realistic than those of the weather forecast re-analyses. The low-level winds simulated with the atmospheric model in the forced and coupled simulations are appreciably stronger than the re-analyzed winds. They also generate stronger fluxes. The coupled simulation has the strongest surface heat fluxes: the difference in the net heat budget with the oceanic forced simulation reaches on average 50 Wm-2 over the simulation period. Sea surface-temperature cooling is too weak in both simulations, but is improved in the coupled run and matches better the cooling observed with drifters. The spatial distributions of sea surface-temperature cooling and surface fluxes are strongly inhomogeneous over the simulation domain. The amplitude of the flux variation is maximum in the coupled run. Moreover the weak correlation between the cooling and heat flux patterns indicates that the surface fluxes are not responsible for the whole cooling and suggests that the response of the ocean mixed layer to the atmosphere is highly non-local and enhanced in the coupled simulation.Key words. Oceanography: physical (air · sea interac- tion; eddies and mesoscale processes). Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (ocean · atmosphere interactions)
POLAR spacecraft observations of helium ion angular anisotropy in the Earth's radiation belts
Authors: Spjeldvik W. N. , Fritz T. A. , Chen J. , Sheldon R. B.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. New observations of energetic helium ion fluxes in the Earth's radiation belts have been obtained with the CAMMICE/HIT instrument on the ISTP/GGS POLAR spacecraft during the extended geomagnetically low activity period April through October 1996. POLAR executes a high inclination trajectory that crosses over both polar cap regions and passes over the geomagnetic equator in the heart of the radiation belts. The latter attribute makes possible direct observations of nearly the full equatorial helium ion pitch angle distributions in the heart of the Earth's radiation belt region. Additionally, the spacecraft often re-encounters the same geomagnetic flux tube at a substantially off-equatorial location within a few tens of minutes prior to or after the equatorial crossing. This makes both the equatorial pitch angle distribution and an expanded view of the local off-equatorial pitch angle distribution observable. The orbit of POLAR also permitted observations to be made in conjugate magnetic local time sectors over the course of the same day, and this afforded direct comparison of observations on diametrically opposite locations in the Earth's radiation belt region at closely spaced times. Results from four helium ion data channels covering ion kinetic energies from 520 to 8200 KeV show that the distributions display trapped particle characteristics with angular flux peaks for equatorially mirroring particles as one might reasonably expect. However, the helium ion pitch angle distributions generally flattened out for equatorial pitch angles below about 45°. Significant and systematic helium ion anisotropy difference at conjugate magnetic local time were also observed, and we report quiet time azimuthal variations of the anisotropy index.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (energetic particles · trapped; magnetospheric configuration and dynamics; plasmasphere)
The present-day and future impact of NOx emissions from subsonic aircraft on the atmosphere in relation to the impact of NOx surface sources
Authors: Valks P. J. M. , Velders G. J. M.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. The effect of present-day and future NOx emissions from aircraft on the NOx and ozone concentrations in the atmosphere and the corresponding radiative forcing were studied using a three-dimensional chemistry transport model (CTM) and a radiative model. The effects of the aircraft emissions were compared with the effects of the three most important anthropogenic NOx surface sources: road traffic, electricity generation and industrial combustion. From the model results, NOx emissions from aircraft are seen to cause an increase in the NOx and ozone concentrations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and a positive radiative forcing. For the reference year 1990, the aircraft emissions result in an increase in the NOx concentration at 250 hPa of about 20 ppt in January and 50 ppt in July over the eastern USA, the North Atlantic Flight Corridor and Western Europe, corresponding to a relative increase of about 50%. The maximum increase in the ozone concentrations due to the aircraft emissions is about 3-4 ppb in July over the northern mid-latitudes, corresponding to a relative increase of about 3-4%. The aircraft-induced ozone changes cause a global average radiative forcing of 0.025 W/m2 in July. According to the ANCAT projection for the year 2015, the aircraft NOx emissions in that year will be 90% higher than in the year 1990. As a consequence of this, the calculated NOx perturbation by aircraft emissions increases by about 90% between 1990 and 2015, and the ozone perturbation by about 50-70%. The global average radiative forcing due to the aircraft-induced ozone changes increases by about 50% between 1990 and 2015. In the year 2015, the effects of the aircraft emissions on the ozone burden and radiative forcing are clearly larger than the individual effects of the NOx surface sources. Taking chemical conversion in the aircraft plume into account in the CTM explicitly, by means of modified aircraft NOx emissions, a significant reduction of the aircraft-induced NOx and ozone perturbations is realised. The NOx perturbation decreases by about 40% and the ozone perturbation by about 30% in July over Western Europe, the eastern USA and the North Atlantic Flight Corridor.Keywords. Atmospheric composition and structure (troposphere · composition and chemistry) · Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (radiative processes)
High-beta plasma blobs in the morningside plasma sheet
Authors: Haerendel G. , Baumjohann W. , Georgescu E. , Nakamura R. , Kistler L. M. , Klecker B. , Kucharek H. , Vaivads A. , Mukai T. , Kokubun S.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. Equator-S frequently encountered, i.e. on 30% of the orbits between 1 March and 17 April 1998, strong variations of the magnetic field strength of typically 5–15-min duration outside about 9RE during the late-night/early-morning hours. Very high-plasma beta values were found, varying between 1 and 10 or more. Close conjunctions between Equator-S and Geotail revealed the spatial structure of these "plasma blobs" and their lifetime. They are typically 5–10° wide in longitude and have an antisymmetric plasma or magnetic pressure distribution with respect to the equator, while being altogether low-latitude phenomena  (≤ 15°). They drift slowly sunward, exchange plasma across the equator and have a lifetime of at least 15–30 min. While their spatial structure may be due to some sort of mirror instability, little is known about the origin of the high-beta plasma. It is speculated that the morningside boundary layer somewhat further tailward may be the source of this plasma. This would be consistent with the preference of the plasma blobs to occur during quiet conditions, although they are also found during substorm periods. The relation to auroral phenomena in the morningside oval is uncertain. The energy deposition may be mostly too weak to generate a visible signature. However, patchy aurora remains a candidate for more disturbed periods.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (plasma convection; plasma sheet; plasma waves and instabilities)
Magnetic storm acceleration of radiation belt electrons observed by the Scintillating Fibre Detector (SFD) onboard EQUATOR-S
Authors: Cyamukungu M. , Lippens C. , Adams L. , Nickson R. , Boeder C. , Pierrard V. , Daly E. , Grégoire Gh. , Lemaire J.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. On the basis of the currents induced by electron fluxes in the Scintillating Fibre Detector (SFD) onboard the EQUATOR-S satellite launched on 2 December 1997, an in-situ acceleration of radiation belt electrons is found to possibly contribute to the increase of the flux of electrons with energies greater than 400 keV. The data acquired between 16 December 1997 and 30 April 1998 on the 500–67300 km, 4° inclination EQUATOR-S orbit show that the increase of the energetic electron flux corresponds to the enhanced geomagnetic activity measured through the Dst index.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (energetic particles · trapped; storms and substorms; instruments and techniques)
Integration of psychological and biological approaches to trauma memory: Implications for pharmacological prevention of PTSD
Authors: McCleery Jenny M. , Harvey Allison G.
Published: June 2005

Although memory processes play a central role in both psychological and neurobiological accounts of the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there has been little integration of the two literatures. This paper aims to consider the implications of an integrated account of trauma memory for pharmacological treatments that have been proposed for the prevention of PTSD. The idea of reprocessing trauma memories to bring about recovery, central to the psychological account of PTSD, is translated into terms more familiar in the biological literature using the concept of reconsolidation of active memories. It is suggested that physiological arousal enhances the reprocessing of trauma memories. Drugs that influence arousal may have effects after trauma which depend on the psychosocial context, helping to prevent the development of PTSD in some trauma victims, but impeding recovery in others who would do well without treatment.
A Note on Positive Maps and Classification of States
Authors: Kimura Gen , Kossakowski Andrzej
Published: June 2005

The relation between positive maps on Mn and subsets of self-adjoint elements from Mn ⊗ Mn is investigated. It has been shown that there exists the isomorphism between the set of all positive normalized maps on Mn and the subset of separable states on Mn ⊗ Mn.
Description of Quantum Dynamics of Open Systems Based on Collision-Like Models
Authors: Ziman Mário , Štelmachovič Peter , Bužek Vladimír
Published: June 2005

Master equations in the Lindblad form describe evolution of open quantum systems that are completely positive and simultaneously have a semigroup property. We analyze the possibility to derive this type of master equations from an intrinsically discrete dynamics that is modelled as a sequence of collisions between a given quantum system (a qubit) with particles that form the environment. In order to illustrate our approach we analyze in detail how the process of an exponential decay and the process of decoherence can be derived from a collision-like model in which particular collisions are described by SWAP and controlled-NOT interactions, respectively.
The bovine vitreous‐derived lipid factor (bVLF) is a powerful inhibitor of retinal pigmented epithelial (hRPE) cell proliferation
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Esther , Piñeiro Antonio , Casanueva Felipe F. , Camiña Jesús P.
Published: June 2005

Human retinal pigmented epithelial cell (hRPE) proliferation plays a significant role in various proliferative diseases associated to the retina that leads to loss of vision, such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy. In the current study, the role of the bovine vitreous lipid factor (bVLF) in hRPE cell proliferation has been investigated. bVLF is a bioactive lipid isolated from the bovine vitreous body with strong Ca2+‐mobilizing activity in fibroblast. In the first approach, the effects of bVLF on Ca2+‐mobilizing activity were investigated in hRPE. The results showed that bVLF induced, in a dose‐dependent manner, a Ca2+ mobilization from PA‐sensitive intracellular stores [non‐Ins(1,4,5)P3‐sensitive stores], in which extracellular Ca2+ participated. The increase in intracellular Ca2+ was associated with a dose‐dependent inhibiting effect on cell proliferation. At a dose of 10 μg/mL, bVLF caused a 26% or a 44% inhibition in hRPE cell proliferation during the 3‐ or the 6‐day culture periods, respectively. These effects appear to be specific in hRPE cells, since EFGR‐T17 fibroblast cells treated with equivalent amounts of bVLF did not show any inhibiting effects. This inhibitory action was not associated to apoptotic/necrotic processes. Furthermore, bVLF inhibited EGF‐, bFGF‐, IGF‐I‐, PDGF‐, HGF‐ and VEGF‐induced proliferation of the hRPE cells. Moreover, this inhibitory response was also observed in FBS‐induced hRPE cell proliferation. bVLF, at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, induced 16% inhibition of proliferation during a culture period of 3 days. This inhibitory action was greater during the 6‐day culture period, exceeding 40%. With regard to this action, the results showed that bVLF has a potent inhibitory effect on ERK1/2 activation, and plays a key role in the control of hRPE cell proliferation. These observations contribute to the knowledge of inhibitory factors responsible for keeping antiproliferative environment that preserve the RPE‐associated activities in normal states. It advances the interesting possibility that this factor or a factor with characteristics common to bVLF might be involved in the pathogenesis of abnormal proliferative eye processes.
Neurotrophins in murine viscera: a dynamic pattern from birth to adulthood
Authors: Lommatzsch Marek , Quarcoo David , Schulte‐Herbrüggen Olaf , Weber Heike , Virchow Johann Christian , Renz Harald , Braun Armin
Published: June 2005

There is growing evidence that target‐derived neurotrophins regulate the function of visceral neurons after birth. However, the postnatal profile of neurotrophin supply from internal organs is poorly described. In this study, we compared neurotrophin concentrations in lysates of murine peripheral target tissues (lung, heart, liver, colon, spleen, thymus, kidney and urinary bladder) at different time points after birth. In most organs, there was a decrease of neurotrophin concentrations in the first weeks after birth. In contrast, there were characteristic increases of specific neurotrophins during adolescence or adulthood. These increases were found for nerve growth factor (NGF) in the heart, thymus, kidney and liver, for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the lung, and for neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) in the colon. In conclusion, we show that neurotrophins display a very differential and dynamic profile in internal organs after birth.
Residential Environmental Risks for Reproductive Age Women in Developing Countries
Authors: Dyjack David , Soret Samuel , Chen Lie , Hwang Rhonda , Nazari Nahid , Gaede Donn
Published: June 2005

Published research suggests there is an association between maternal inhalation of common ambient air pollutants and adverse birth outcomes, including an increased risk for preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, small head circumference, low birth weight, and increased rate of malformations. The air pollutants produced by indoor combustion of biomass fuels, used by 50% of households worldwide, have been linked to acute lower respiratory infections, the single most important cause of mortality in children under the age of 5. This report describes a hypothesis‐generating study in West Wollega, Ethiopia, conducted to assess airborne particulate matter concentrations in homes that combust biomass fuels (biomass homes). Respirable suspended particulate matter was measured in biomass homes and nonbiomass homes using NIOSH method 0600. Measured airborne particulate concentrations in biomass homes were up to 130 times higher than air quality standards. These findings, in part, confirm that exposure to indoor air pollutants are a major source of concern for mother/child health. Midwives are encouraged to raise awareness, contribute to research efforts, and assist in interventions.
Midwifery Curriculum for Auxiliary Maternity Nurses: A Case Study in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Foster Jennifer , Regueira Yadira , Burgos Rosa Ipania , Sanchez Annemarie Heath
Published: June 2005

Although most deliveries in the Dominican Republic occur within hospitals, maternal mortality in that nation remains high. In nonteaching hospitals, almost all of the vaginal births are attended by maternity auxiliary nurses. This article reports on a series of educational conferences for maternity auxiliary nurses in 1 hospital that were developed in response to the maternal mortality rate there. These conferences, taught by a team of midwives from the continental United States and Puerto Rico, used a midwifery curriculum with a participatory action methodology. The educational initiative has developed into a nongovernmental organization named Proyecto ADAMES to build capacity among auxiliary nurses. A qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness of Proyecto ADAMES in improving the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the auxiliary nurses revealed positive behavioral changes despite weak documentation of their newly acquired knowledge and skills. Findings suggest that midwifery education for auxiliary maternity nurses in the Dominican Republic may contribute to maternal mortality reduction.
Living the Reality of Forced Sex Work: Perspectives From Young Migrant Women Sex Workers in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Rushing Rosanne , Watts Charlotte , Rushing Sharon
Published: June 2005

Young women are often lured or forced into selling sex as a result of migrating from rural to urban areas to find work. In this setting, they are exposed to high‐risk situations, which may leave them vulnerable to exploitation. Using interviews with young migrant women currently working as sex workers in northern Vietnam, we recorded the perspectives of their initiation into sex work and life as a sex worker. The study found that high levels of forced sex and sexual exploitation were experienced by the majority of the young women interviewed. The young women describe their entry into sex work, first sexual experience (intercourse), violence, and condom negotiation and use. Although access to health care was available, the young women perceived the stigma attached to sex work as a barrier to receiving health care, and thus, preferred health education and care from peers. Health education programs focusing on peer education and support are essential for protecting and empowering these young women. In addition, policies and programs must work toward effective strategies to protect young migrant women.
Forebrain dopamine systems — can they help us to understand psychosis?
Authors: Grace Anthony
Published: June 2005

Under normal circumstances, emotional and affective signals within the brain are tempered by signals from higher brain centres, including the forebrain. These control systems ensure that responses to emotional and affective stimuli are appropriate for the environment within which they are generated. In patients with schizophrenia, these control systems are dysfunctional causing the patients to become oversensitive to such emotional stimuli and leading to the exaggerated reactions that are symptomatic of the disease [7,19].
Integrated graptolite and chitinozoan biostratigraphy of the upper Telychian (Llandovery, Silurian) of the Ventspils D-3 core, Latvia
Authors: LOYDELL D. K. , NESTOR V.
Published: June 2005

Integrated graptolite and chitinozoan biostratigraphical data are presented from the upper Telychian (Oktavites spiralis and Cyrtograptus lapworthi graptolite biozones) of the Ventspils D-3 core, Latvia. The base of the Angochitina longicollis chitinozoan Biozone is approximately coincident with that of the spiralis graptolite Biozone, as it is elsewhere in the East Baltic, although in Wales it lies within the upper spiralis graptolite Biozone. Conochitina proboscifera appears in the upper spiralis graptolite Biozone in the Ventspils D-3 core, but at lower and higher horizons elsewhere, presumably reflecting its patchy distribution during the lower part of its stratigraphical range. Ramochitina ruhnuensis appears to be a stratigraphically useful, although geographically restricted, species, appearing at a level close to the base of the lapworthi graptolite Biozone. The most remarkable feature of the Ventspils D-3 chitinozoan record is the very early occurrence, in the upper spiralis graptolite Biozone, of two chitinozoan biozonal index species: Margachitina banwyensis and M. margaritana. Previously, these two taxa were considered unequivocal indicators of the uppermost Telychian to Sheinwoodian or Homerian, respectively.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Authors: Fabb Nigel , Heycock Caroline , Borsley Bob
Published: June 2005

With this issue of the Journal Maggie Tallerman steps down from the editorial team. Maggie has been the review editor since 1994 and we are indebted to her for the enormous contribution that she made to the Journal. We are very pleased to welcome Kerstin Hoge as the new review editor.
Estimation of maximum sustainable yield of Gelidium robustum seaweed fishery in Mexico
Authors: Casas-Valdez M. , Lluch-Belda D. , Ortega-García S. , Hernández-Vázquez S. , Serviere-Zaragoza E. , Lora-Sánchez D.
Published: June 2005

Surplus production models were used to assess the fishery condition of red seaweed Gelidium robustum off the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula from 1985 to 1997. The maximum sustainable yield and optimum effort estimated by the Schaefer model were 705 tn and 457 teams, while the Fox model estimated 670 tn and 510 teams. The determination coefficients were r2=0·62 for the Fox and r2=0·58 for the Schaefer model. These results suggest that the resource is not overexploited. Fitting the data to Hilborn & Walters' dynamic model was not satisfactory.
Morphometric analyses of two species of Scolelepis (Polychaeta: Spionidae)
Authors: MacCord Fábio Sá , Amaral A. Cecília Z.
Published: June 2005

Seven hundred and six specimens of Scolelepis cf. chilensis and 551 specimens of Scolelepis goodbodyi were analysed. Individuals of each species were classified according to sex (male, female, and immature individuals). Width (w) and height (h) of setigers 3 and 5, the position of the first and the last gametogenic setigers, the total number of setigers, and the total length of each worm were measured. The area and volume of the setigers were estimated. Discriminant analysis was used to determine whether there were sexually dimorphic features, apart from the presence of gametes. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between each parameter and the number of setigers. Scolelepis cf. chilensis was found to be significantly larger than S.goodbodyi (t=21·71 and t=36·44, P<0·05 for length and number of setigers, respectively). These species also differed in the position of the first gametogenic setiger, which averaged 27 (SD=3) in S. cf. chilensis and 22 (SD=1) in S.goodbodyi (t= 29·18, P<0·05). There were no sexually dimorphic features in either sex of S. cf. chilensis (Wilks' lambda=0·9675, P>0·05, eigenvalue=0·034) or S.goodbodyi (Wilks' lambda=0·8429, P>0·05, eigenvalue=0·186). The total length showed the strongest correlation with the number of setigers in both species (r2=0·887 and 0·850 for S. cf. chilensis and S.goodbodyi, respectively), followed by the width and the volume of setigers.