bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halococcus hamelinensis sp. nov., a novel halophilic archaeon isolated from stromatolites in Shark Bay, Australia
Authors: Goh Falicia , Leuko Stefan , Allen Michelle A. , Bowman John P. , Kamekura Masahiro , Neilan Brett A. , Burns Brendan P.
Published: May 2006

Several halophilic archaea belonging to the genusHalococcuswere isolated from stromatolites from Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia, collected during field trips in 1996 and 2002. This is the first incidence of halophilic archaea being isolated from this environment. Stromatolites are biosedimentary structures that have been formed throughout the earth's evolutionary history and have been preserved in the geological record for over 3 billion years. The stromatolites from Hamelin Pool, Western Australia, are the only known example of extant stromatolites forming in hypersaline coastal environments. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences and morphology, the isolates belong to the genusHalococcus. Strain 100NA1, isolated from stromatolites collected in 2002, was closely related to strain 100A6Tthat was isolated from the stromatolites collected in 1996, with a DNA–DNA hybridization value of 94±8 %. DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain 100A6TwithHalococcus morrhuaeNRC 16008 andHalococcus saccharolyticusATCC 49257Twere 17±6 and 11±7 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain 100A6Twas 60.5 mol% (Tm). The main polar lipid was S-DGA-1, a sulphated glycolipid that has been detected in all strains of the genusHalococcus. Whole-cell protein profiles, enzyme composition and utilization of various carbon sources were distinct from those of all previously characterizedHalococcusspecies. The recognition of this strain as representing a novel species within the genusHalococcusis justified, and the nameHalococcus hamelinensissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 100A6T(=JCM 12892T=ACM 5227T).
The kfrA gene is the first in a tricistronic operon required for survival of IncP-1 plasmid R751
Authors: Adamczyk Malgorzata , Dolowy Patrycja , Jonczyk Michal , Thomas Christopher M. , Jagura-Burdzy Grazyna
Published: May 2006

ThekfrAgene of the IncP-1 broad-host-range plasmids is the best-studied member of a growing gene family that shows strong linkage to the minimal replicon of many low-copy-number plasmids. KfrA is a DNA binding protein with a long, alpha-helical, coiled-coil tail. Studying IncP-1βplasmid R751, evidence is presented thatkfrAand its downstream genesupf54.8andupf54.4were organized in a tricistronic operon (renamed herekfrA kfrB kfrC), expressed from autoregulatedkfrAp, that was also repressed by KorA and KorB. KfrA, KfrB and KfrC interacted and may have formed a multi-protein complex. Inactivation of eitherkfrAorkfrBin R751 resulted in long-term accumulation of plasmid-negative bacteria, whereas wild-type R751 itself persisted without selection. Immunofluorescence studies showed that KfrAR751formed plasmid-associated foci, and deletion of the C terminus of KfrA caused plasmid R751ΔC2kfrAfoci to disperse and mislocalize. Thus, the KfrABC complex may be an important component in the organization and control of the plasmid clusters that seem to form the segregating unit in bacterial cells. The studied operon is therefore part of the set of functions needed for R751 to function as an efficient vehicle for maintenance and spread of genes in Gram-negative bacteria.
Genomic analysis of host–pathogen interaction between Fusarium graminearum and wheat during early stages of disease development
Authors: Goswami Rubella S. , Xu Jin-Rong , Trail Frances , Hilburn Karen , Kistler H. Corby
Published: May 2006

Fusarium graminearum strains responsible for causing the plant disease Fusarium head blight vary greatly in their ability to cause disease and produce mycotoxins on wheat. With the goal of understanding fungal gene expression related to pathogenicity, three cDNA libraries were created by suppression subtractive hybridization using wheat heads inoculated with a highly aggressive strain and either water or a less aggressive strain of this pathogen. Eighty-four fungal genes expressed during initial disease development were identified. The probable functions of 49 of these genes could be inferred by bioinformatic analysis. Thirty-five ESTs had no known homologues in current databases and were not identified by ab initio gene prediction methods. These ESTs from infected wheat heads probably represent F. graminearum genes that previously were not annotated. Four genes represented in one of these libraries were selected for targeted gene replacement, leading to the characterization of a two-component response regulator homologue involved in pathogenicity of the fungus. The mutants for this gene showed reduced sporulation and delayed spread of Fusarium head blight on wheat.
Analysis of tryptic digests indicates regions of GvpC that bind to gas vesicles of Anabaena flos-aquae
Authors: Dunton Peter G. , Mawby William J. , Shaw Virginia A. , Walsby Anthony E.
Published: May 2006

The gas vesicles of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae contain two main proteins: GvpA, which forms the ribs of the hollow cylindrical shell, and GvpC, which occurs on the outer surface. Analysis by MALDI-TOF MS shows that after incubating Anabaena gas vesicles in trypsin, GvpA was cleaved only at sites near the N-terminus, whereas GvpC was cleaved at most of its potential tryptic sites. Many of the resulting tryptic peptides from GvpC remained attached to the underlying GvpA shell: the pattern of attachment indicated that there are binding sites to GvpA at both ends of the 33-residue repeats (33RRs) in GvpC, although one of the tryptic peptides within the 33RR did not remain attached. Tryptic peptides near the two ends of the GvpC molecule were also lost. The mean critical collapse pressure of Anabaena gas vesicles decreased from 0.63 MPa to 0.20 MPa when GvpC was removed with urea or fully digested with trypsin; partial digestion resulted in partial decrease in critical pressure.
Contribution of the type III secretion system (TTSS) to virulence of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida
Authors: Dacanay A. , Knickle L. , Solanky K. S. , Boyd J. M. , Walter J. A. , Brown L. L. , Johnson S. C. , Reith M.
Published: May 2006

The recently described type III secretion system (TTSS) ofAeromonas salmonicidasubsp.salmonicidahas been linked to virulence in salmonids. In this study, three TTSS effector genes,aexT,aopHoraopO, were inactivated by deletion, as wasascC, the gene encoding the outer-membrane pore of the secretion apparatus. Effects on virulence were assayed by live challenge of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The ΔascCmutant strain was avirulent by both intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and immersion, did not appear to establish a clinically inapparent infection and did not confer protection from subsequent rechallenge with the parental strain.1H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolite profiling of plasma from all fish showed significant differences in the metabolite profiles between the animals exposed to the parental strain or ΔascC. The experimental infection by immersion with ΔaopOwas indistinguishable from that of the parental strain, that of ΔaexTwas delayed, whilst the virulence of ΔaopHwas reduced significantly but not abolished. By i.p. injection, ΔaexT, ΔaopHand ΔaopOcaused an experimental disease indistinguishable from that of the parental strain. These data demonstrate that while the TTSS is absolutely essential for virulence ofA. salmonicidasubsp.salmonicidain Atlantic salmon, removal of individual effectors has little influence on virulence but has a significant effect on colonization. The ΔascCi.p. injection data also suggest that in addition to host invasion there is a second step inA. salmonicidapathogenesis that requires an active TTSS.
The response regulator PhoP4 is required for late developmental events in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Pham Vinh D. , Shebelut Conrad W. , Jose Ivy R. , Hodgson David A. , Whitworth David E. , Singer Mitchell
Published: May 2006

Phosphate regulation is complex in the developmental prokaryote Myxococcus xanthus, and requires at least four two-component systems (TCSs). Here, the identification and characterization of a member of one TCS, designated PhoP4, is reported. phoP4 insertion and in-frame deletion strains caused spore viability to be decreased by nearly two orders of magnitude, and reduced all three development-specific phosphatase activities by 80–90 % under phosphate-limiting conditions. Microarray and quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated that PhoP4 is also required for appropriate expression of the predicted pstSCAB–phoU operon of inorganic phosphate assimilation genes. Unlike the case for the other three M. xanthus Pho TCSs, the chromosomal region around phoP4 does not contain a partner histidine kinase gene. Yeast two-hybrid analyses reveal that PhoP4 interacts reciprocally with PhoR2, the histidine kinase of the Pho2 TCS; however, the existence of certain phenotypic differences between phoP4 and phoR2 mutants suggests that PhoP4 interacts with another, as-yet unidentified, histidine kinase.
SALVAGE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH UNRESECTABLE HILAR CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA
Authors: Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Shinohara Yasushi , Takeda Kazuya , Nakamura Kazuto , Kurihara Toshio , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Moriyasu Fuminori
Published: May 2006

We describe our methods and outcomes of multidisciplinary treatments in patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Fifty‐seven patients with a known outcome were enrolled. Thirty‐four of 57 patients were treated and evaluated by salvage therapy. For salvage therapy, we used internal and external radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, YAG laser therapy and microwave coagulation therapy. The median survival time was 548 days for the group receiving salvage therapy and 198 days for the group not receiving this treatment. In conclusion, although no randomization of the patients was performed in this retrospective study, our present data provide convincing evidence that salvage therapy is a useful therapeutic approach for unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinomas.
RNA interference in the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) induced by double‐stranded RNA feeding
Authors: Turner C. T. , Davy M. W. , MacDiarmid R. M. , Plummer K. M. , Birch N. P. , Newcomb R. D.
Published: May 2006

RNA interference (RNAi) or gene silencing is typically induced in insects by the injection of double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), short interfering RNAs, or through the use of hairpin constructs in transgenic insects. Here we demonstrate in the horticultural pest, Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), that RNAi can be triggered by oral delivery of dsRNA to larvae. Transcript levels of a larval gut carboxylesterase gene (EposCXE1) were reduced to less than half that of controls within 2 days of being fed EposCXE1 dsRNA. Transcript levels of the pheromone binding protein gene (EposPBP1) were reduced in adult antennae by feeding larvae EposPBP1 dsRNA. Knockdown of EposPBP1 transcripts was observed for the first 2 days after adult eclosion but recovered to wild‐type levels at 4 days posteclosion. The potential mechanisms involved in the initiation, movement and amplification of the silencing signal are discussed.
Two Ser/Thr protein kinases essential for efficient aggregation and spore morphogenesis in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Stein Emily A. , Cho Kyungyun , Higgs Penelope I. , Zusman David R.
Published: May 2006

Myxococcus xanthus has a complex life cycle that involves vegetative growth and development. Previously, we described the espAB locus that is involved in timing events during the initial stages of fruiting body formation. Deletion of espA caused early aggregation and sporulation, whereas deletion of espB caused delayed aggregation and sporulation resulting in reduced spore yields. In this study, we describe two genes, pktA5 and pktB8, that flank the espAB locus and encode Ser/Thr protein kinase (STPK) homologues. Cells deficient in pktA5 or pktB8 formed translucent mounds and produced low spore yields, similar in many respects to espB mutants. Double mutant analysis revealed that espA was epistatic to pktA5 and pktB8 with respect to aggregation and fruiting body morphology, but that pktA5 and pktB8 were epistatic to espA with respect to sporulation efficiency. Expression profiles of pktA5–lacZ and pktB8–lacZ fusions and Western blot analysis showed that the STPKs are expressed under vegetative and developmental conditions. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated that the RD kinase, PktA5, autophosphorylated on threonine residue(s) and phosphorylated the artificial substrate, myelin basic protein. In contrast, autophosphorylation of the non‐RD kinase, PktB8, was not observed in vitro; however, the phenotype of a pktB8 kinase‐dead point mutant resembled the pktB8 deletion mutant, indicating that this residue was important for function and that it likely functions as a kinase in vivo. Immunoprecipitation of Tap‐tagged PktA5 and PktB8 revealed an interaction with EspA during development in M. xanthus. These results, taken together, suggest that PktA5 and PktB8 are STPKs that function during development by interacting with EspA and EspB to regulate M. xanthus development.
Enhanced Expression and Clinical Significance of CC‐Chemokine MIP‐3α in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Rubie C. , Frick V. O. , Wagner M. , Rau B. , Weber C. , Kruse B. , Kempf K. , Tilton B. , König J. , Schilling M.
Published: May 2006

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent visceral neoplasms worldwide. Using RT‐PCR, ELISA, microdissection and immunohistochemistry, we investigated the expression profiles of CCL19, CCL20, CCL21 and CXCL12 and their receptors in tumourous and tumour neighbouring tissues from patients with HCC and in nonmalignant liver lesions, respectively. All chemokines were found to be expressed in normal liver and HCC tissues, yet CCL20 was the only chemokine showing significant upregulation in HCC tissues. Clinicopathological analysis revealed a distinct increase in CCL20 expression rates in HCC tissues of grade III tumours in comparison to HCC tissues from grade II tumours. On mRNA level, only chemokine receptor CCR6 revealed significant upregulation in HCC tissues. However, immunohistochemical studies indicated a marked CCR6 expression accumulated in a streak of normal cells along the tumour invasion front in all our HCC specimens which could provide a stimulative signal for the tumour to further expand. The present findings show significant overexpression of CCL20 in the tumour tissues and marked overexpression of the corresponding receptor CCR6 in the tumour invasion front of HCC patients in comparison to normal liver. Moreover, CCL20 expression was found to correlate with tumour grade and therefore, we suggest that the CCL20/CCR6 system may be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Understanding of and attitude to xenotransplantation among Italian university students: impact of a 3‐yr university course
Authors: Canova Daniele , Bona Manuela De , Rumiati Rino , Masier Annalisa , Ermani Mario , Naccarato Remo , Cozzi Emanuele , Ancona Ermanno , Burra Patrizia
Published: May 2006

Canova D, De Bona M, Rumiati R, Masier A, Ermani M, Naccarato R, Cozzi E, Ancona E, Burra P. Understanding of and attitude to xenotransplantation among Italian university students: impact of a 3‐yr university course. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13: 264–271. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006

Abstract: Background: Young people, and students in particular, generally have a positive attitude to xenotransplantation. We reported previously that university students attending their first year approved of the idea of transplanting animal organs into humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 3‐yr course at various faculties on the university students’ understanding of and attitude to xenotransplantation.

Methods: University students in their fourth year at five different faculties of Padua University (Italy), who had previously been surveyed in exactly the same way 3 yr earlier, were re‐administered an anonymous 19‐item questionnaire on their attitude to xenotransplantation.

Results: A total of 453 students completed the fourth year questionnaire (84 males, 369 females; mean age 24.6 yr, range 21–36 yr). Students were attending courses in Medicine (22.1%), Veterinary Science (16.5%), Agriculture (10.4%), Educational Sciences (22.1%) and Psychology (28.9%). In their fourth year, 85% of the students knew that animal organs could, at some stage, be transplanted into humans, 81.5% approved of this idea and 84% would accept an animal organ to save their life if necessary (these percentages were 88%, 78% and 76%, respectively 3 yr earlier). A significantly larger proportion of the students who approved of xenotransplantation were attending science courses rather than art courses, while no differences emerged as regards gender. Those who refused xenotransplantation justified their position mainly on ethical‐moral (41.7%) and immunological (35.7%) grounds.

Conclusion: As in their first year, so too in their fourth, University students were well informed about the feasibility of transplanting animal organs into human beings and those attending science courses were more likely to accept this idea than art students. Approval of xenotransplantation was much the same among fourth year males and females, whereas in the first year, male students had approved more than female students.
Additional computed tomography scans in the prone position to distinguish early interstitial lung disease from dependent density on helical computed tomography screening patient characteristics
Authors: KASHIWABARA Kosuke , KOHSHI Syu‐ichi
Published: May 2006

Background:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of additional prone CT scanning to helical CT screening to detect early interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods:  Helical CT screening was performed as an optional test in 1098 subjects during their annual health examination. Subjects with parenchymal abnormalities in the posterior subpleural aspect of the lung were advised to receive additional CT scans in the prone position. The CT images were assessed independently by both a radiologist and a chest specialist without reference to clinical data.

Results:  Ninety‐three subjects (8%) had parenchymal abnormalities in the posterior subpleural aspect of the lung and 75 subjects (7%) received additional CT scans. These revealed 72 dependent densities and three early ILD (0.3%). By multivariate analysis, subjects aged over 70 years, with obesity (BMI ≥ 25) and currently smoking (pack years ≥ 20) had a tendency to have dependent density on helical CT, the predominant distribution of which was in the middle lung fields.

Conclusions:  Additional CT scans were performed in 7% of subjects after abnormal CT screening and three early ILD were detected. Therefore, we recommend that additional CT scans in prone position be performed to detect early ILD after abnormal helical CT screening.
The calpain inhibitor MDL‐28170 and the AMPA/KA receptor antagonist CNQX inhibit neurofilament degradation and enhance neuronal survival in kainic acid‐treated hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Lopez‐Picon Francisco R. , Kukko‐Lukjanov Tiina‐Kaisa , Holopainen Irma E.
Published: May 2006

The cytoskeleton controls the architecture and survival of the central nervous system neurons by maintaining the stability of axons, dendrites and cellular architecture, and any disturbance in this genuine structure could compromise cell survival. The developmentally regulated intracellular intermediate filament protein neurofilament (NF), composed of the light (NF‐L), medium (NF‐M) and high (NF‐H) molecular weight isoforms, is expressed abundantly in nerve cells but its significance in nerve cell survival in stress situations in the brain is unknown. We have used Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and Fluoro‐Jade B and thionin stainings to clarify the effect of kainic acid (KA) treatment on NF protein stability, and its importance for neuronal survival in hippocampal slice cultures. The contribution of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/KA glutamate receptor subtypes, calpain proteases and l‐type Ca2+‐channels to these processes were also assessed. Our results indicated that KA‐induced degradation of NF was a fast process, similarly affecting all three NF proteins. It was effectively inhibited by the AMPA/KA receptor antagonist CNQX and the calpain inhibitor MDL‐28170, whereas the Ca2+‐channel blocker nifedipine and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 had no significant effect. Moreover, KA‐induced neuronal damage was effectively decreased in cultures treated with CNQX and MDL‐28170. Our results suggest that the stability of NF proteins is an important factor contributing to neuronal survival after excitotoxic injury, and that both AMPA/KA receptor antagonists and calpain inhibitors might serve as neuroprotectants against this type of insult in the immature hippocampus.
Expression of pheromone receptor gene families during olfactory development in the mouse: expression of a V1 receptor in the main olfactory epithelium
Authors: Karunadasa Delicia K. , Chapman Christopher , Bicknell R. John
Published: May 2006

In the mouse, two large gene families, V1R and V2R, encoding putative pheromone receptors have been described. Studies have suggested a homotypic recognition role for V1Rs and V2Rs during development in the targeting of vomeronasal axons to specific sets of glomeruli in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Analysis of the onset of expression of the V1R and V2R gene families in developing vomeronasal neurons using polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization now suggests that a role for these receptors in the organization of axon projections is only likely at the final stages of targeting within the AOB. Surprisingly, our studies reveal expression of a V1Rd receptor in scattered cells within the main olfactory epithelium, suggesting that limited pheromone detection may also take place in this structure. The pheromone sensory neurons of the vomeronasal system and the neuroendocrine gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that regulate fertility both arise from progenitor cells of the nasal placode. The development of these two cell types is intimately linked, and the GnRH neuron population migrates into the forebrain during embryogenesis in close association with a subset of vomeronasal sensory axons; how GnRH neurons recognize this axon subset is unknown. We report selective expression of a V1Ra gene in the clonal NLT GnRH cell line, raising the possibility of a similar role for V1Rs or V2Rs in the directed migration of GnRH neurons. However, no expression of this gene or of other V1Rs and V2Rs is detectable at the cellular level in migrating GnRH neurons in the mouse.
Prominent corticosteroid disturbance in experimental prion disease
Authors: Voigtländer Till , Unterberger Ursula , Touma Chadi , Palme Rupert , Polster Brigitte , Strohschneider Michaela , Dorner Susanna , Budka Herbert
Published: May 2006

Prion diseases comprise a group of neurodegenerative disorders that invariably lead to death in affected individuals. The most prominent event in these diseases is a rapid and pronounced neuronal loss, although the cause and the precise mechanisms of neuronal cell death have not been identified so far. Recently, it has been suggested that corticosteroids might play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders in general, as the regulation of these hormones was found to be disturbed in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. To evaluate the possible corticosteroid disturbances in prion diseases, we determined the concentration of corticosterone metabolites in the faeces of scrapie‐inoculated mice during the course of the clinical disease. We observed markedly elevated concentrations of the metabolites during the last 5 weeks of the disease, as well as a severe disturbance of circadian periodicity of corticosterone excretion as much as 2 weeks before this elevation. A simultaneous downregulation of cerebral neuronal glucocorticoid receptors was not detectable by immunohistochemistry, indicating that increased corticosteroids can elicit their effects in mouse scrapie freely. The dysregulation of corticosteroid excretion might act as a further cofactor in the pathogenesis of scrapie, for example by preconditioning nerve cells to disease‐immanent neurotoxic stimuli, such as oxidative stress, and to apoptosis.
Dopaminergic responses to self‐administered cocaine in Rhesus monkeys do not sensitize following high cumulative intake
Authors: Bradberry Charles W. , Rubino Susan R.
Published: May 2006

Sensitization of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems by administration of psychostimulants has been observed repeatedly in rodents. This phenomenon has been incorporated into theories of neurobiological adaptation underlying addiction, and is believed to be a mechanism whereby drug‐associated cues acquire the ability to control behaviour via a conditioned release of DA. However, we have previously demonstrated in nonhuman primates that drug cues that cause cocaine seeking do not promote a conditioned increase in DA release of sufficient endurance to be measured in 2‐min samples. In addition, imaging studies in humans and nonhuman primates that have been chronically exposed to psychostimulants have not demonstrated an increase in DA release upon psychostimulant challenge. Here we report that following 32 weeks of self‐administration by rhesus monkeys, no increase over time in the DA response to self‐administered cocaine was observed in any striatal subregion or individual animal. These results are consistent with clinical imaging studies showing a lack of DA sensitization, and might provide a mechanism to explain our previous observation that the rodent and primate differ in neurochemical response to drug‐associated cues.
Neuroprotective effects of the P2 receptor antagonist PPADS on focal cerebral ischaemia‐induced injury in rats
Authors: Lämmer A. , Günther A. , Beck A. , Krügel U. , Kittner H. , Schneider D. , Illes P. , Franke H.
Published: May 2006

After acute injury of the central nervous system extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) can reach high concentrations as a result of cell damage and subsequent increase in membrane permeability. Released ATP may act as a toxic agent, which causes cellular degeneration and death, mediated through P2X and P2Y receptors. Mechanisms underlying the various effects of purinoceptor modulators in models of cerebral damage are still uncertain. In the present study the effect of P2 receptor inhibition after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats was investigated. Rats received either the non‐selective P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) as control by the intracerebroventricular route. First, these treatments were administered 10 min before MCAO and subsequently twice daily for 1 or 7 days after MCAO. The functional recovery of motor and cognitive deficits was tested at an elevated T‐labyrinth. The PPADS‐treated group showed a significant reduction of paresis‐induced sideslips compared with ACSF‐treated animals. Infarct volume was reduced in the PPADS group in comparison with the ACSF group. A significant decrease in intermediately and profoundly injured cells in favour of intact cells in the PPADS group was revealed by quantification of celestine blue/acid fuchsin‐stained cells in the peri‐infarct area. The data provide further evidence for the involvement of P2 receptors in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischaemiain vivo. The inhibition of P2 receptors at least partially reduces functional and morphological deficits after an acute cerebral ischaemic event.
The Postcolonial Biblical Reader – R.S. Sugirtharajah
Authors: Kim Uriah Y.
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

The Postcolonial Biblical Reader, R.S. Sugirtharajah (ed.), Blackwell Publishing 2006 (1‐4051‐3350‐3), xii + 317 pp., pb $32.95
Decolonizing Josiah: Toward a Postcolonial Reading of the Deuteronomistic History – Uriah Y. Kim
Authors: Yamada Frank M.
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

Decolonizing Josiah: Toward a Postcolonial Reading of the Deuteronomistic History, Uriah Y. Kim, Sheffield Phoenix Press 2005 (1‐905048‐13‐0), xii + 265 pp., hb £50.00/$85.00
Spirit in the Cities: Searching for Soul in the Urban Landscape – Edited by Kathryn Tanner (ed.)
Authors: Livezey Lowell W.
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

Spirit in the Cities: Searching for Soul in the Urban Landscape, Kathryn Tanner (ed.), Fortress Press 2004 (0‐8006‐3682‐1), xv + 144 pp., pb $10.20
How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature – Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today – Steven L. McKenzie
Authors: Kalve Peter
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature – Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today, Steven L. McKenzie, Oxford University Press 2005 (0‐19‐516149‐6, 0‐19‐516149‐1), 204 pp., hb $26.00
Christianity in 10 Minutes – Brian Mountford
Authors: Coleman Mary
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

Christianity in 10 Minutes, Brian Mountford, O Books 2005 (1905047‐09‐6), xii + 51 pp., pb $8.95
Psalmody and Prayer in the Writings of Evagrius Ponticus – Luke Dysinger
Authors: Toom Tarmo
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

Psalmody and Prayer in the Writings of Evagrius Ponticus, Luke Dysinger, Oxford University Press 2005 (0‐19‐927320‐0), 245 pp., hb £55/$99
Contemporary Doctrine Classics: The Combined Reports by the Doctrine Commission of the General Synod of the Church of England – Church House
Authors: Ables Travis E.
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

Contemporary Doctrine Classics: The Combined Reports by the Doctrine Commission of the General Synod of the Church of England, Church House Publishing 2005 (0‐7151‐4045‐0), xxxiv + 475 pp., pb £20.00
The Broken Whole: Philosophical Steps toward a Theology of Global Solidarity – Thomas E. Reynolds
Authors: Pinnock Sarah K.
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

The Broken Whole: Philosophical Steps toward a Theology of Global Solidarity, Thomas E. Reynolds, State University of New York 2006 (0‐7914‐6611‐6), viii + 250 pp., hb $70.00
A Work in Progress: Methodists Doing Theology – Angela Shier‐Jones
Authors: McBratney Samuel
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

A Work in Progress: Methodists Doing Theology, Angela Shier‐Jones, Epworth Press 2005 (0‐7162‐0591‐2), 287 pp., pb 16.99
The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology – Kevin J. Vanhoozer
Authors: Webb Stephen H.
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Westminster John Knox Press 2005 (0‐6642‐2327‐3), xv + 487 pp., $25.00
Ethanol's Actions on cAMP‐Mediated Signaling in Cells Transfected With Type VII Adenylyl Cyclase
Authors: Yoshimura M. , Tabakoff B.
Published: May 2006

Background: Adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity is increased in the presence of ethanol. The magnitude of ethanol's action on AC depends on the isoform of AC expressed in a particular cell type. Type VII AC demonstrates the greatest potentiation of activity in the presence of ethanol, but questions have arisen regarding the effects of pharmacologically relevant (∼ 50 mM) concentrations of ethanol on type VII AC activity. Questions also remain as to whether the potentiation of AC activity by ethanol initiates downstream effects on protein kinase A activity.

Methods: HEK293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells overexpressing type VII AC were used to study the dose‐dependent actions of ethanol on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Studies were performed in the presence and absence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Protein kinase A activity was assessed under conditions similar to those used to measure ethanol's actions on AC.

Results: A significantly greater percent stimulation of prostaglandin E1‐mediated cAMP accumulation was evident in the absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine and Ro 20–1724 than in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors. We also showed that ethanol was not, itself, acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The calculated percent stimulation of AC activity by ethanol depended on the baseline levels of cAMP production in the absence of ethanol. In the absence of 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine (or other phosphodiesterase inhibitors), a 50 mM concentration of ethanol produced a 56% increase in prostaglandin E1‐stimulated cAMP production in the type VII AC transfected HEK293 cells. This concentration of ethanol also produced a significant activation of protein kinase A beyond that produced by prostaglandin E1 alone.

Conclusions: The present study indicates that, in the presence of a particular isoform of AC, moderately intoxicating concentrations of ethanol will significantly potentiate the transmitter‐mediated activation of the cAMP signaling cascade. Activation of this signaling cascade may have important implications for the mechanisms by which ethanol produces intoxication and/or in the mechanisms of neuroadaptation leading to tolerance to, and physical dependence on, ethanol.
Naltrexone Reduces Ethanol‐ and/or Water‐Reinforced Responding in Rhesus Monkeys: Effect Depends Upon Ethanol Concentration
Authors: Williams Keith L , Woods James H.
Published: May 2006

Background:The opioid antagonist naltrexone reduces responding for ethanol. If naltrexone produces this effect by blocking ethanol‐induced opioid activity, then naltrexone should reduce responding for ethanol regardless of level of the ethanol responding relative to an alternatively available reinforcer. In addition, if naltrexone competitively blocks ethanol‐induced opioid activity, then the naltrexone effect may be surmountable by increasing ethanol concentration and, thus, ethanol intake (g/kg). This study was conducted to determine whether naltrexone will selectively reduce ethanol‐reinforced responding when the ethanol concentration is varied such that ethanol fluid deliveries are less than, greater than, or equal to the fluid deliveries of concurrently available water.

Methods:Four adult male rhesus monkeys were allowed to respond for ethanol or water concurrently for 2 hr per day. Ethanol concentration was either 2%, 8%, or 32%. On various days, either saline or naltrexone (0.1 mg/kg) was given intramuscularly 30 min before the drinking session.

Results:When ethanol fluid deliveries were greater than those of water (at 2% ethanol), naltrexone reduced responding for ethanol. When the ethanol and water fluid deliveries were approximately equal (at 8% ethanol), naltrexone reduced both ethanol and water fluid deliveries. When water fluid deliveries were greater than those of ethanol (at 32% ethanol), naltrexone reduced responding for water.

Conclusions:Thus, naltrexone reduced responding for the preferred fluid, either ethanol or water, depending on ethanol concentration. The effect was not surmountable by increasing ethanol concentration and, therefore, ethanol intake (g/kg). Naltrexone may reduce ethanol‐reinforced responding by a mechanism other than that of blocking ethanol‐induced opioid activity. Naltrexone may be inducing an aversive interoceptive state.
Ethanol and Protein Kinase C
Authors: Stubbs Christopher D. , Slater Simon J.
Published: May 2006

Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the control of many key signaling pathways in cells. Investigations over the past decade have shown that many effects of ethanol on cell function are closely interconnected with PKC. Three distinct areas of investigation have emerged; they are reviewed in this article. In vitro studies show that ethanol and higher alcohols can both inhibit or enhance PKC activity, depending on the experimental conditions. These studies show that alcohols interact directly with PKC, suggesting at least some role of this interaction in intoxication and anesthesia. Most ion channel systems are modulated by ethanol to varying degrees, and inhibition of PKC attenuates this effect; however, the mechanism by which ethanol brings about this effect is not known. Lastly, prolonged or chronic ethanol exposure up‐regulates PKC, an effect that has important consequences, for example, in neuronal development; again, the mechanism leading to this process is not understood. The current consensus is that PKC is intimately involved in acute and chronic ethanol action, and the challenge now is to determine the mechanisms involved so that strategies can be developed to control these effects.
Prevalence and Characterization of Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs with Surgically Treated Type 1 Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion
Authors: STIFFLER KEVIN S. , STEVENSON M.A. McCRACKIN , SANCHEZ SUSAN , BARSANTI JEANNE A. , HOFMEISTER ERIK , BUDSBERG STEVEN C.
Published: May 2006

Objective— To determine the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI), factors that correlate positively with UTI, and whether identified UTI are most likely community‐ or hospital acquired in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) extrusions.

Study Design— Prospective cross‐sectional clinical study.

Sample Population— Dogs (n=92) that were surgically treated for a thoracolumbar extradural compressive spinal cord lesion that was consistent with type 1 IVD extrusion.

Methods— Dogs were evaluated for bacterial lower UTI when possible by cystocentesis and urine culture before surgery, and 48–72, 96–120 hours, and 7 days after surgery while hospitalized. Paraparesis, confirmation of thoracolumbar extruded nucleus pulposus, and informed owner consent were required for study inclusion. Urine specimens (n=297) were cultured and both objective and subjective clinical data were obtained.

Results— Prevalence of UTI in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion was 27% (25 dogs). Temporal prevalence of UTI was 15% (13/89) before surgery, 12% (11/91) at 2–3 days, 16% (12/76) at 4–5 days, and 20% (8/41) at 7 days after surgery. Statistically significant factors affecting UTI prevalence included neurologic and urinary status, sex, administration of perioperative antibiotics, and amount of time body temperature was <35°C during anesthesia.

Conclusion— UTI are common in dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion. Females, dogs that cannot ambulate or voluntarily urinate, dogs not administered perioperative cefazolin, and dogs whose body temperature falls <35°C during anesthesia have a higher incidence of UTI.

Clinical Relevance— All dogs with surgically treated type 1 thoracolumbar IVD extrusion should be monitored for the presence of UTI; however, close attention should be paid to females and dogs that cannot ambulate or voluntarily urinate.
A Methodology for Seismic Risk Analysis of Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Kaplan Stan , Perla Harold F. , Bley Dennis C.
Published: May 2006

This methodology begins by quantifying the fragility of all key components and structures in the plant. By means of the logic encoded in the plant event trees and fault trees, the component fragilities are combined to form fragilities for the occurrence of plant damage states or release categories. Combining these, in turn, with the seismicity curves yields the frequencies of those states or releases. Uncertainty is explicitly included at each step of the process.
Heat Transfer in a Surfactant Drag-Reducing Solution—A Comparison With Predictions for Laminar Flow
Authors: Sears Paul L. , Yang Libing
Published: May 2006

Heat transfer coefficients were measured for a solution of surfactant drag-reducing additive in the entrance region of a uniformly heated horizontal cylindrical pipe with Reynolds numbers from 25,000 to 140,000 and temperatures from 30to70°C. In the absence of circumferential buoyancy effects, the measured Nusselt numbers were found to be in good agreement with theoretical results for laminar flow. Buoyancy effects, manifested as substantially higher Nusselt numbers, were seen in experiments carried out at high heat flux.
Upregulation of EphA2 during in vivo and in vitro renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: role of Src kinases
Authors: Baldwin Cindy , Chen Zhongchuan Will , Bedirian Arda , Yokota Naoko , Nasr Samih H. , Rabb Hamid , Lemay Serge
Published: May 2006

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury in both native kidneys and renal allografts. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton is a key event with multiple repercussions on cell adhesion and function during IRI. However, receptors involved in regulating cytoskeletal repair following injury have not been identified. In an in vivo model of renal IRI, we used multiprobe RNase protection assay to examine the expression of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, key regulators of actin dynamics in embryonic development. We found that one receptor in particular, EphA2, was strongly upregulated in the kidney following IRI. Ephrins, the cell-bound ligands of Eph receptors, were also strongly expressed. In cultured renal tubular cells, diverse injurious stimuli mimicking IRI also resulted in upregulation of EphA2 protein expression. Upregulation of EphA2 was inhibited by the Src kinase inhibitor PP2. Conversely, overexpression of Src kinases strongly enhanced the expression of endogenous EphA2 as well as the activity of a human EphA2 promoter construct. Activation of the Erk pathway was necessary, but not sufficient for full induction of EphA2 upreglation by Src kinases. Stimulation of renal tubular epithelial cells with the EphA2 ligand ephrin-A1 caused tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous EphA2, paxillin, and an unidentified ∼65-kDa protein and resulted in increased cortical F-actin staining. In summary, under in vitro conditions mimicking IRI, EphA2 expression is strongly upregulated through a Src kinase-dependent pathway. Interactions between upregulated EphA2 and its ephrin ligands may provide critical cell contact-dependent, bidirectional cues for cytoskeletal repair in renal IRI.
Systematic Changes in Motor Cortex Cell Activity With Arm Posture During Directional Isometric Force Generation
Authors: Sergio Lauren E. , Kalaska John F.
Published: May 2006

We report here the activity of 96 cells in primate primary motor cortex (MI) during exertion of isometric forces at the hand in constant spatial directions, while the hand was at five to nine different spatial locations on a plane. The discharge of nearly all cells varied significantly with both hand location and the direction of isometric force before and during force-ramp generation as well as during static force-hold. In addition, nearly all cells displayed changes in the variation of their activity with force direction at different hand locations. This change in relationship was often expressed in part as a change in the cell's directional tuning at different hand locations. Cell directional tuning tended to shift systematically with hand location even though the direction of static force output at the hand remained constant. These directional effects were less pronounced before the onset of force output than after force onset. Cells also often showed planar modulations of discharge level with hand location. Sixteen proximal arm muscles showed similar effects, reflecting how hand location-dependent biomechanical factors altered their task-related activity. These findings indicate that MI single-cell activity does not covary exclusively with the level and direction of net force output at the hand and provides further evidence that MI contributes to the transformation between extrinsic and intrinsic representations of motor output during isometric force production.
Saccade-Related Neurons in the Primate Fastigial Nucleus: What Do They Encode?
Authors: Kleine J. F. , Guan Y. , Büttner U.
Published: May 2006

The cerebellar fastigial oculomotor region (FOR) and the overlying oculomotor vermis (OV) are involved in the control of saccadic eye movements, but nature and function of their saccade-related neuronal signals are not fully understood. There is controversy in at least two major aspects: first, lesion studies in OV/FOR reported eye-position-dependent dysmetria—with FOR lesions, centripetal saccades became more hypermetric than centrifugal saccades—suggesting that the cerebellum may compensate for orbital mechanics. However, single-unit studies failed to reveal corresponding eye-position dependencies in FOR saccade-related discharge patterns. Second, some single-unit studies reported precise correlation between burst and saccade duration in the FOR. However, others stated that FOR bursts were only weakly related to saccade properties. In an attempt to resolve these discrepancies, we recorded single FOR units in monkeys that made horizontal saccades (16°) from different starting positions. Sampling saccades of one fixed amplitude and application of an objective, computer-based burst-detection-routine allowed us to correlate burst parameters (onset latency, peak latency, peak amplitude, number of spikes, duration) and kinematic properties of individual saccades. FOR bursts were found to start and peak earlier and exhibit higher peak burst amplitudes for faster than for slower saccades of the same amplitude. While these correlations between FOR bursts and saccade properties were statistically significant for a minority of ∼20–25% of individual units, the same effects were also predominant in the remainder of the neuronal sample and statistically significant on the population level. Neuronal activity was not significantly modulated by eye position itself. However, reflecting differences in saccade velocities but not an actual influence of eye position per se, FOR bursts for centripetal and centrifugal saccades exhibited subtle but systematic differences, which closely paralleled, and hence probably explain, the eye-position dependency of deficits observed after FOR inactivation. Our findings indicate that FOR signals reflect much of the kinematic properties of the saccade. Moreover, they are consistent with the idea that the FOR output is purposefully modified according to these kinematic properties to maintain saccadic accuracy.
Using Arm Configuration to Learn the Effects of Gyroscopes and Other Devices
Authors: Flanders Martha , Hondzinski Jan M. , Soechting John F. , Jackson Jadin C.
Published: May 2006

Previous studies have perturbed the association between motor commands and arm movements by applying forces to the arm during two-dimensional movements. These studies have revealed that, when the normal hand path is perturbed, subjects gradually adapt their motor commands to return to this path. The present study used the spin of a gyroscope to create a complex perturbation, as subjects reached to targets presented in three dimensions. Hand path did not change, but the whole-arm geometry (“arm configuration” in four dimensions) was altered. Over a series of several hundred reaches to various targets, subjects gradually returned the arm movement to its normal configuration. Furthermore, during the course of this learning, subjects used a strategy that involved manipulating arm posture. A similar strategy was observed when subjects made reaching movements with a rod attached to the upper arm to change its inertial characteristics. In both cases, the gradual return to the normal arm movement was accomplished without an increase in kinetic energy, suggesting that arm postures and movements (kinematics) and muscular forces (kinetics) may be mutually optimized. In contrast to previous studies, the present results highlight the role of arm configuration (rather than hand path) in learning and control.