bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content/Construct Approaches in Life History Form Development for Selection
Authors: Stokes Garnett S. , Cooper Lisa A.
Published: December 2004

Life history, or biodata, inventories are attractive alternatives to cognitive ability tests for selection, but they have been frequently criticized for their low construct validity and the a‐theoretical nature of their items. Little guidance in the literature is provided for developing good construct‐valid biodata measures. Using a content/construct‐oriented approach, a biodata form was developed and validated. The methods for developing and validating the form are thoroughly described so as to provide guidelines for future researchers, and evidence for the meaningfulness of the scales is presented.
Absenteeism and Measures of Job Performance: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Viswesvaran Chockalingam
Published: December 2004

The correlations reported in the extant literature between one form of counterproductive behaviors – absenteeism – and four different indices of job performance were meta‐analytically cumulated. Job performance indices utilized were productivity, quality, interpersonal behaviors, and effort. The former two were measured using organizational records, while the latter two were measured using supervisory ratings. The results suggest that absenteeism measures are more highly correlated with organizational records of quality, and supervisory ratings of both effort and interpersonal behaviors. Lower correlations were found with organizational records of productivity. These results suggest the potential for common determinants of absenteeism and some aspects of job performance. The fairly independent literatures that have developed on absenteeism and job performance can inform one another. Implications for modeling and assessing job performance are noted.
Assessing Pilots with ‘the Wrong Stuff’: A Call for Research on Emotional Health Factors in Commercial Aviators
Authors: Butcher James N
Published: December 2004

The responsibility that airline pilots have toward the safety of passengers is immense. Airline pilots are likely to be among the most reliable and psychologically problem‐free populations. Yet, psychological problems can and do occur among persons who pursue this occupation although the actual extent is unknown. Personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, and psychosis are mental health problems that can prevent a person from holding medical certification required in airline flying. No definitive epidemiological studies have been conducted to provide rates of these and other disorders in this important population. Personality and emotional factors have been found to impact job performance; however, most airlines do little in the way of psychological assessment at the initial hiring stage or throughout the pilot’s career to detect potential personality problems or emotional disorders. Much is known about the personality and mental health factors that could affect performance of pilots but little of this information has been incorporated in pilot screening programs. This article surveys a number of potential problem areas that can lead to performance decrements. Recommendations with respect to psychological assessment in airline pilot mental health determinations are suggested. Further research to determine the full extent of maladjustment among pilots is recommended.
Sex in the Head
Authors: Morgan Seiriol
Published: December 2004

Abstract Recent philosophical writing on sexual desire divides broadly into two camps. Reductionists take sexual desire to aim at an essentially physical bodily pleasure, whereas intentionalist accounts take a focus upon the reciprocal interaction of the mental states of the partners to be crucial for understanding the phenomenon. I argue that the apparent plausibility of reductionism rests upon the flawed assumption that sexual pleasure has the same uniform bodily character in all sexual encounters, which rests in turn upon flawed assumptions in the philosophy of mind. Drawing on an Aristotelian understanding of persons as essentially embodied minds, I outline an alternative account of sexual desire, showing how the nature of the sexual pleasure we take in the body of another can be transformed by the significance the person or situation has for us. I proceed to show that my account of sexual desire is able to accommodate the entire range of sexual phenomena, including those that seem to undermine standard intentionalist accounts as well as those that reductionists have difficulty in fully explaining. Finally I make some brief remarks about the implications of my account of sexual desire for sexual morality, suggesting some reasons why it casts doubt on the view that universal participant consent is sufficient for a sexual act to be morally unproblematic.
Power, norms and institutional change in the European Union: The protection of the free movement of goods
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Dionyssis G.
Published: December 2004

How do European Union (EU) institutions change? Using an institutionalist approach, this article highlights the interplay between power, cognitive limits and the normative order that underpins institutional settings and assesses their impact upon the process of institutional change. Empirical evidence from recent attempts to reinforce the protection of the free movement of goods in the EU suggests that, under conditions of uncertainty, actors with ambiguous preferences assess attempts at institutional change on the basis of the historically defined normative order which holds a given institutional structure together. Hence, path dependent and incremental change occurs even when more ambitious and functionally superior proposals are on offer.
Can Democracy Survive Globalization?
Authors: Barber Benjamin R.
Published: December 2004

Democracy is far less fragile than we sometimes imagine. Although hard to establish, it is remarkably robust and is corrupted only by dint of persistent effort. Yet, as Rousseau wrote of freedom, once lost, democracy is nearly impossible to regain. Today, the forces of democracy face a new source of corruption all the more sinister because it appears so innocuous, often even identifying itself with the liberty it undermines. Having survived the nation-state and in time subordinated it to its own liberal purposes, can democracy now survive globalization? Only if democracy is globalized.

At present, the encompassing practices of globalization have created an ironic and radical asymmetry: we have managed to globalize markets in goods, labour, currencies and information without globalizing the civic and democratic institutions that have historically comprised the free market's indispensable context. Put simply, we have removed capitalism from the institutional ‘box’ that has (quite literally) domesticated it and given its sometimes harsh practices a human face.
Power Alternation in South Korea
Authors: Kong Tat Yan
Published: December 2004

Despite the dramatic final breakthrough in summer 1987, the democratization of South Korea (hereinafter Korea) displayed the hallmarks of a gradual or continuous transition from authoritarianism. These included: liberalization emanating from within the regime; continuity of personnel from the authoritarian ruling elite; continuity in economic and foreign policy; and the exclusion from power of the representatives of the economically disadvantaged groups. Such features of democratic deficit have been observed for Korea and for Brazil, two countries whose experiences of authoritarian developmentalism are commonly compared.

Events in recent years suggest the possibility of more fundamental reform of Korea's economic and political institutions. The financial crisis of late-1997 led to the most serious economic recession for 40 years. Held in the middle of the financial meltdown, the presidential election of December 1997 resulted in a victory for Kim Dae-Jung (or DJ as he is commonly known), a veteran dissident associated with the excluded constituencies (not only his own underdeveloped home region but also labour and progressivelyminded intellectuals and activists).
Is there Life after Kohl? The CDU Crisis and the Future of Party Democracy in Germany
Authors: Helms Ludger
Published: December 2004

There are few Chapters of the Federal Republic'S History that could be written without a prominent reference to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Since 1949 Christian Democratic chancellors have led German governments for no less than 37 years. Even when in opposition, the Christian Democrats - composed at the national level of the CDU and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU)1 - constituted more often than not the strongest parliamentary party group (Fraktion) in the Bundestag, such as after the federal elections of 1969, 1976 and 1980. Also at state level and in the Bundesrat, which represents the individual states (L-nder) in the national decision-making process, the Christian Democrats quite often held a dominant position justifying occasional remarks of a ‘CDU/CSU bias’ within the German party system.
Improving Service Delivery in Education Through Collaboration: An Exploratory Study of the Role of Cross‐Sectoral Alliances in the Development and Support of Charter Schools*
Authors: Wohlstetter Priscilla , Malloy Courtney L. , Hentschke Guilbert C. , Smith Joanna
Published: December 2004

Objective.This article explores cross‐sectoral alliances as mechanisms for enhancing service delivery in public education. We assess the extent to which the three economic sectors—nonprofit, for‐profit, and public—are involved in partnerships with charter schools and identify the benefits that charter schools receive from partnering with other organizations.

Methods.The study utilized a qualitative approach: data collection involved interviews with charter school experts in 37 states.

Results.We found that organizations from each of the three economic sectors were involved in alliances with charter schools and that these alliances offered a range of financial (e.g., facilities, salaries), political (e.g., legitimacy, credibility), and organizational (e.g., curriculum, management) benefits.

Conclusions.Our findings from this exploratory study suggest that cross‐sectoral alliances have the potential to enhance the capacity of charter schools to deliver high‐quality educational services. Three hypotheses generated from the findings are also offered to guide future research on charter school alliances.
Does Catholic High School Attendance Lead to Attendance at a More Selective College?*
Authors: Eide Eric R. , Goldhaber Dan D. , Showalter Mark H.
Published: December 2004

Objectives. To evaluate whether Catholic high school attendance, relative to public high school attendance, affects the quality of four‐year college that students attend.

Methods. We use quantile regression, which allows the relationship between Catholic high school attendance and college quality to vary along the conditional college quality distribution.

Results. We find the relationship between Catholic high school attendance and college quality is larger and more significant at the top half of the conditional college quality distribution than at the bottom half.

Conclusions. An understanding of the potential benefits of Catholic schooling is essential to an informed debate about school‐choice programs such as educational vouchers. One potential benefit associated with Catholic schooling is matriculation at more selective colleges and universities. We find some evidence that such a benefit exists.
Where College‐Bound Students Send Their SAT Scores: Does Race Matter?*
Authors: Thomas M. Kathleen
Published: December 2004

Objective. I examine where Texas students send their SAT scores in 1998 to identify their revealed preferences for higher education and determine if race/ethnicity influences their decision.

Methods. Using data from the Texas Schools Microdata Panel, I estimate the influence of race/ethnicity on various college choice sets using a multinomial logit model.

Results. The empirical estimation indicates that minorities perceive their opportunities at Texas public institutions to be different from whites. Furthermore, although blacks and Hispanics are less likely than whites to send their SAT scores to selective Texas institutions, they are more likely to send their scores to selective institutions out of state.

Conclusion. Although the reasons for this are currently unclear, a possible suspect is the Hopwood v. Texas decision, a court ruling ending affirmative action initiatives in the admissions decisions of all Texas public colleges and universities.
College Attendance and Choice of College Majors Among Asian‐American Students*
Authors: Song Chunyan , Glick Jennifer E.
Published: December 2004

Objective. This study explores how various measures, ranging from assimilation, to human capital, to family capital, and Holland's career‐development theories, affect Asian‐American students' choice of college majors. To test our hypotheses, we examine choice of college major using a unique measure based on the early earning potential of a large number of specific majors.

Methods. Our data come from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS88). We use the Heckman selection approach to adjust for the nonrandom selection of college attendance and choice of college majors.

Results. The findings of the study show little difference between Asian men and white men. On the other hand, there are significant differences among women.

Conclusions. Chinese, Filipino, and Southeast Asian women are all more likely to choose more lucrative college majors than white women, controlling for all the other factors. Interestingly, effects of our assimilation, psychological, and some of the family capital measures are quite different for men than for women.
Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: role of the long‐acting insulin glargine analogue
Authors: Yki‐Järvinen H.
Published: December 2004

Insulin glargine is a long‐acting insulin analogue, with a longer duration of action and a flatter time‐action profile compared with NPH insulin. These properties can be predicted to result in higher glucose levels during the night and lower glucose levels after dinner following bedtime injection of insulin glargine compared with an equal dose of NPH insulin injected at bedtime. In two large‐scale clinical trials involving either insulin‐naïve (426 patients treated for 1 year) or previously insulin‐treated (518 patients treated for 28 weeks) patients with type 2 diabetes, comparing addition of once‐daily insulin glargine or NPH insulin to oral agents, these predictions were proven to be correct. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia was reduced by 58% in insulin‐naive patients and by 22% in previously insulin‐treated patients, and dinner‐time glucose control was significantly better with insulin glargine than with NPH insulin once daily in the study in insulin‐naive patients. The ‘treat‐to‐target study’ (756 insulin‐naive patients treated for 24 weeks) showed that good glycaemic control can be achieved with aggressive titration of the insulin dose with either once‐daily insulin glargine or NPH insulin combined with oral agents (mean endpoint HbA1c was 6·96% with insulin glargine and 6·97% with NPH insulin); however, this was achieved with less variability and nocturnal hypoglycaemia with insulin glargine. These data support use of insulin glargine instead of NPH insulin for basal insulin replacement in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Ligand‐induced expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and activation of fatty acid oxidation enzymes in fatty liver
Authors: Akbiyik F. , Cinar K. , Demirpence E. , Ozsullu T. , Tunca R. , Haziroglu R. , Yurdaydin C. , Uzunalimoglu O. , Bozkaya H.
Published: December 2004

Background  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) regulates lipid metabolism upon activation by ligands. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α may play a role in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to assess the PPARα expression pattern and mitochondrial/peroxisomal enzyme activities in response to high fat diet (HFD) and clofibrate, a well known PPARα ligand.

Materials and methods  Four groups of Wistar‐Albino rats were included: (1) rats fed a control diet (CD) for 6 weeks, (2) rats fed CD (6 weeks) plus clofibrate (last 2 weeks), (3) rats fed HFD for 6 weeks, and (4) rats fed HFD (6 weeks) plus clofibrate (last 2 weeks). Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Fatty acid β‐oxidation (peroxisomal‐acyl‐CoA‐oxidase and mitochondrial‐acyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase) and catalase enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde and glutathion levels were measured spectrophotometrically in liver tissues.

Results  All animals were fed HFD but only 2/12 animals were fed HFD plus clofibrate‐developed fatty liver. Both HFD and clofibrate induced PPARα expression, clofibrate induction being more prominent than HFD. Clofibrate plus HFD did not further increase PPARα expression. Activities of peroxisomal‐acyl‐CoA‐oxidase and mitochondrial‐acyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase enzymes were not induced by HFD alone. Clofibrate increased the activity of these enzymes in both CD‐ and HFD‐fed animals. However, an increase of acyl‐CoA‐oxidase activity was blunted in rats fed HFD. Catalase activity and malondialdehyde levels were increased but glutathion levels were unchanged in rats fed HFD plus clofibrate.

Conclusions  Clofibrate was a more potent inducer of PPARα expression than HFD in our rat fatty liver model. The finding of blunted peroxisomal enzyme response to clofibrate in fatty livers suggests that alterations in postreceptor events may exist and further contribute to liver steatosis. Clofibrate seems to stabilize glutathion content and this might contribute to the prevention of liver steatosis.
Distribution of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the Indian Ocean and its relation to environmental factors
Authors: CHEN I‐CHING , LEE PEI‐FEN , TZENG WANN‐NIAN
Published: December 2004

The distribution pattern of albacore, Thunnus alalunga, in the Indian Ocean was analyzed based on catch data from the Taiwanese tuna longline fishery during the period 1979–85. The Taiwanese tuna fishery began operating in the Indian Ocean in 1967. We used a geographic information system to compile a fishery and environmental database and statistically explored the catch per unit effort (CPUE) distribution of albacore. Our results indicated that immature albacore were mainly distributed in areas south of 30°S although some displayed a north–south seasonal migration. Mature albacore, which were mainly concentrated between 10°S and 25°S, also showed a north–south migration. Within 10°S and 30°S, the separation of mature, spawning, and immature albacore life history stages roughly coincided with the boundaries of the three oceanic current systems in the Indian Ocean. The optimal environmental variables for CPUE prediction by stepwise discriminant analysis differed among life history stages. For immature albacore, the sea surface variables sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll concentration and surface salinity were significant. For mature albacore, SST was significant, while for spawning albacore, the sub‐surface variables temperature at 100 m and oxygen at 200 m were significant. Spawning albacore evidently prefer deep oceanographic conditions. Our results on the oceanographic conditions preferred by different developmental stages of albacore in the Indian Ocean were compatible with previous studies found in the Pacific Ocean.
Use of invertebrate traits for the biomonitoring of European large rivers: the effects of sampling effort on genus richness and functional diversity
Authors: Bady Pierre , Dolédec Sylvain , Fesl Christian , Gayraud Sébastien , Bacchi Michel , Schöll Franz
Published: December 2004

1. Studies on biodiversity and ecosystem function require considering metrics for accurately describing the functional diversity of communities. The number of taxa (richness) is commonly used to characterise biological diversity. The disadvantage of richness as a measure of biological diversity is that all taxa are taken into account on an equal basis regardless of their abundance, their biological characteristics or their function in the ecosystem.

2. To circumvent this problem, we applied a recently described measure of biological diversity that incorporates dissimilarities among taxa. Dissimilarities were defined from biological traits (e.g. life history, morphology, physiology and behaviour) of stream invertebrate taxa and the resulting biological diversity index was considered as a surrogate for functional diversity.

3. As sampling effort is known to affect the number of taxa collected within a reach, we investigated how change in functional diversity is affected by sampling effort. We used stream invertebrate community data from three large European rivers to model accumulation curves and to assess the number of samples required to estimate (i.e. closeness to the maximal value) functional diversity and genera richness. We further evaluated the precision of estimates (i.e. similarity of temporal or spatial replicates) of the total functional diversity.

4. As expected, richness estimates were strongly dependent on sampling effort, and 10 replicate samples were found to underestimate actual richness. Moreover, richness estimates showed much variation with season and location. In contrast, functional diversity had greater accuracy with less sampling effort and the precision of the estimates was higher than richness both across sampling occasions and sampling reaches. These results are further arguments towards conducting research on the design of a biomonitoring tool based on biological traits.
Does high nitrogen loading prevent clear‐water conditions in shallow lakes at moderately high phosphorus concentrations?
Authors: González Sagrario María A. , Jeppesen Erik , Gomà Joan , Søndergaard Martin , Jensen Jens Peder , Lauridsen Torben , Landkildehus Frank
Published: December 2004

1. The effect of total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) loading on trophic structure and water clarity was studied during summer in 24 field enclosures fixed in, and kept open to, the sediment in a shallow lake. The experiment involved a control treatment and five treatments to which nutrients were added: (i) high phosphorus, (ii) moderate nitrogen, (iii) high nitrogen, (iv) high phosphorus and moderate nitrogen and (v) high phosphorus and high nitrogen. To reduce zooplankton grazers, 1+ fish (Perca fluviatilis L.) were stocked in all enclosures at a density of 3.7 individuals m−2.

2. With the addition of phosphorus, chlorophyll a and the total biovolume of phytoplankton rose significantly at moderate and high nitrogen. Cyanobacteria or chlorophytes dominated in all enclosures to which we added phosphorus as well as in the high nitrogen treatment, while cryptophytes dominated in the moderate nitrogen enclosures and the controls.

3. At the end of the experiment, the biomass of the submerged macrophytes Elodea canadensis and Potamogeton sp. was significantly lower in the dual treatments (TN, TP) than in single nutrient treatments and controls and the water clarity declined. The shift to a turbid state with low plant coverage occurred at TN >2 mg N L−1 and TP >0.13–0.2 mg P L−1. These results concur with a survey of Danish shallow lakes, showing that high macrophyte coverage occurred only when summer mean TN was below 2 mg N L−1, irrespective of the concentration of TP, which ranged between 0.03 and 1.2 mg P L−1.

4. Zooplankton biomass and the zooplankton : phytoplankton biomass ratio, and probably also the grazing pressure on phytoplankton, remained overall low in all treatments, reflecting the high fish abundance chosen for the experiment. We saw no response to nutrition addition in total zooplankton biomass, indicating that the loss of plants and a shift to the turbid state did not result from changes in zooplankton grazing. Shading by phytoplankton and periphyton was probably the key factor.

5. Nitrogen may play a far more important role than previously appreciated in the loss of submerged macrophytes at increased nutrient loading and for the delay in the re‐establishment of the nutrient loading reduction. We cannot yet specify, however, a threshold value for N that would cause a shift to a turbid state as it may vary with fish density and climatic conditions. However, the focus should be widened to use control of both N and P in the restoration of eutrophic shallow lakes.
Hatching of cladoceran resting eggs: temperature and photoperiod
Authors: VANDEKERKHOVE JOCHEN , DECLERCK STEVEN , BRENDONCK LUC , CONDE‐PORCUNA JOSÉ MARIA , JEPPESEN ERIK , MEESTER LUC DE
Published: December 2004

Summary 1. We identified temperature and photoperiod conditions under which the hatching of 45 cladoceran species could be elicited. Identification of appropriate hatching cues is of primary importance for the exploration of the ties between active and diapausing stages.

2. Incubation temperature affected the hatching success of resting eggs isolated from Danish, Belgian/Dutch and Spanish sediments. In general, most hatchlings and species were retrieved at 15 °C. Danish and Belgian/Dutch resting eggs hatched more successfully under a long day photoperiod than in continuous illumination.

3. Most species could be retrieved after incubation of resting eggs isolated from a limited amount of sediment (0.4 kg) under a single, well chosen combination of temperature and photoperiod. Processing additional sediment samples under seven more incubation regimes only allowed detection of 21% (Spain) to 34% (Denmark) more species.

4. The incubation period for resting eggs to hatch was strongly influenced by incubation temperature. Our results show that hatching experiments aimed at assessing cladoceran species richness and conducted at 15 °C should be continued for a period of at least 2 weeks, after which a random subset of hatchlings (e.g. n = 100) can be selected from the total hatchling assemblage.
From Europe to Africa and vice versa: evidence for multiple intercontinental dispersal in ribbed salamanders (GenusPleurodeles)
Authors: Veith Michael , Mayer Christian , Samraoui Boudjema , Barroso David Donaire , Bogaerts Serge
Published: December 2004

Aim The intricate puzzle‐like geography of the western Mediterranean is a product of long‐term tectonic and orogenic events, supplemented by repeated climatic oscillations since the Pliocene. It offers numerous vicariance events that may be invoked to explain speciation in amphibians. We test for plausibility of two mutually exclusive Iberian–African vicariance hypotheses to explain the basal split within newts of the genusPleurodeles: (1) the disconnection of the Betic archc.14 Ma and (2) the end of the Messinian salinity crisis 5.33 Ma.

Location Specimens ofP. waltlandP. poiretiwere sampled from 32 populations in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Methods Parts of three mitochondrial genes were sequenced (16S rRNA, cytochromeb, ATPase). Based on substitution rate constancy among lineages three different molecular clocks were calibrated to derive competing evolutionary scenarios for lineage evolution withinPleurodeles.

Results One scenario was aligned with the dated fossil record and with historical events that are known to have enabled terrestrial faunal exchange between Europe and Africa. InPleurodeles, such faunal exchange is more likely to have happened three times, resulting in the current pattern of species diversity and haplotype distribution: (1) following the disconnection of the Betic region from Iberia and connection of its southernmost part (present‐day Rif Mountains) to Africa,c.14 Ma; (2) closing of the Strait of Gibraltar prior to the Messinian salinity crisis, 5.59–5.33 Ma; (3) passive dispersal in recent times, caused by rafting on vegetation or inadvertent displacement by man. The results show that North AfricanP. poiretipopulations comprise two distinct lineages; despite their geographical proximity, haplotype distribution within both lineages indicates totally different histories (range fragmentation vs. dispersal).

Main conclusions Ribbed salamanders mainly evolved through allopatric speciation, driven by vicariance events. However, faunal exchange between Europe and Africa at the western end of the Mediterranean basin was linked to well‐known events of physical contact between both continents. This sheds new light on the potential role of dispersal across marine barriers via rafting or even, presumably inadvertent, anthropogenic displacement for the initiation of speciation in amphibians.
Transcriptional divergence of the duplicated oxidative stress‐responsive genes in the Arabidopsis genome
Authors: Stanley Kim H. , Yu Yan , Snesrud Erik C. , Moy Linda P. , Linford Lara D. , Haas Brian J. , Nierman William C. , Quackenbush John
Published: December 2004

Previous studies have indicated that Arabidopsis thaliana experienced a genome‐wide duplication event shortly before its divergence from Brassica followed by extensive chromosomal rearrangements and deletions. While a large number of the duplicated genes have significantly diverged or lost their sister genes, we found 4222 pairs that are still highly conserved, and as a result had similar functional assignments during the annotation of the genome sequence. Using whole‐genome DNA microarrays, we identified 906 duplicated gene pairs in which at least one member exhibited a significant response to oxidative stress. Among these, only 117 pairs were up‐ or down‐regulated in both pairs and many of these exhibited dissimilar patterns of expression. Examination of the expression patterns of PAL1 and PAL2, ACD1 and ACD2, genes coding for two Hsp20s, various P450s, and electron transfer flavoproteins suggests Arabidopsis evolved a number of distinct oxidative stress response mechanisms using similar gene sets following the duplication of its genome.
Autism in Angelman syndrome: implications for autism research
Authors: Peters SU , Beaudet AL , Madduri N , Bacino CA
Published: December 2004

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, ataxia, and a happy/sociable disposition. Maternally, but not paternally, derived defects, such as duplications, within the AS critical region result in autistic symptomatology, suggesting that the UBE3A gene might be implicated in the causation of autism. This study examined the prevalence of autism in AS in 19 children representing three known molecular classes of AS. Children were studied over the course of 1 year. Forty‐two percent of this population, eight of 19 children, met criteria for autism according to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Parents of children who were diagnosed with autism according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐IV criteria as well as the ADOS – Generic, Module 1 (ADOS‐G) were administered the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI‐R). Data from the ADI‐R were convergent with data from the ADOS‐G in all cases. Children with comorbid autism and AS scored lower on measures of language, adaptive behavior, and cognition, and demonstrated a slower rate of improvement over the course of the study. Furthermore, they demonstrated deficits in communication and socialization that mirror those observed in children with idiopathic autism. The study highlights the phenotypic overlap between autism and AS and increases the probability that dysregulation of UBE3A may play a role in the causation of autism.
Molecular delineation of deletions on 2q37.3 in three cases with an Albright hereditary osteodystrophy‐like phenotype
Authors: Shrimpton AE , Braddock BR , Thomson LL , Stein CK , Hoo JJ
Published: December 2004

A minority of the reported cases of terminal 2q37 deletion clinically resemble Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO)/pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism and have only mild‐to‐moderate mental retardation. Our molecular and cytogenetic fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) findings on an additional three patients further reduce the size of the minimal critical region deleted in this syndrome to about 3 Mb. This region includes the G‐protein‐coupled receptor 35 (GPR35), glypican 1 (GPC1), and serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) genes on 2q37.3. We have further defined several polymorphic variants within the coding region and flanking regions of GPR35 gene, which could potentially be useful for rapid detection of GPR35 gene deletion. We postulate that the absence of GPR35 may, at least partly, account for the phenotypic resemblance to the AHO. We also believe that the deletion of GPR35 could be responsible for the entity brachydactyly mental retardation syndrome (OMIM #600430), which was coined based on the above minority of patients with terminal 2q37 deletion. We recommend that every patient with AHO phenotype should undergo 2q subtelomeric FISH screen and subsequently a molecular study on the GPR35 gene. GPC1 and/or STK25 haploinsufficiency may also contribute to the AHO‐like phenotype.
An open‐label randomized trial of the safety and efficacy of sirolimus vs. azathioprine in living related renal allograft recipients receiving cyclosporine and prednisone combination
Authors: Machado Paula GP , Felipe Cláudia R , Hanzawa Nilva M , Park Sung I , Garcia Riberto , Alfieri Fernando , Franco Marcelo , Silva Hélio T , Medina‐Pestana José O
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  The ability of sirolimus (SRL), in combination with reduced exposure of cyclosporine, was investigated to prevent acute rejection and associated side effects.

Methods:  Between June 1999 and February 2000, 70 recipients of primary one‐haplotype living‐related donor renal allografts were randomized to receive SRL (2 mg/d) or azathioprine (AZA) (2 mg/kg/d) combined with cyclosporine and prednisone. The primary end‐point was a composite of first occurrence of biopsy‐confirmed acute rejection, graft loss, or death during the first 3 months after transplantation.

Results:  From week 4 to month 12, SRL patients received lower cyclosporine (week 4: 364 mg/d vs. 455 mg/d, p = 0.004; month 12: 195 mg/d vs. 255 mg/d, p = 0.038) doses and showed lower cyclosporine concentrations (week 4: 247 ng/mL vs. 309 ng/mL, p = 0.04; month 12: 143 ng/mL vs. 188 ng/mL, p = 0.045). Compared with AZA, SRL patients showed reduced 3‐month primary end point (0% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.025), and reduced incidence of biopsy‐confirmed acute rejection at 3 months (0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.01) but not at 12 months (11.4% vs. 14.3%, NS). Mean creatinine at 12 months were not different (1.8 ± 0.6 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.23). Hyperlipidemia was the only adverse event more frequent among SRL patients (49% vs. 17%, p = 0.01). There were no differences in infections and no malignancies in both groups.

Conclusions:  The combination of 2 mg fixed doses of SRL, reduced cyclosporine exposure and prednisone was associated with a low incidence of acute rejection and did not result in significantly impaired graft function compared with patients receiving AZA, standard doses of cyclosporine and prednisone.
DNA‐Binding Surface of RecA Protein
Authors: Morimatsu Katsumi , Horii Toshihiro
Published: December 2004

The first DNA‐binding site (site I) of RecA protein on the filament has been mapped. RecA protein was covalently cross‐linked with a 55‐base synthetic single‐stranded DNA which was a good substrate for the RecA‐mediated strand exchange reaction. The cross‐linking sites of protein were determined in the regions spanning RecA residues 64–68, 89–106, 178–183, 199–216 and 257–280. The cross‐linking in the residues 64–68, 89–106, 199–216 and 257–280 would be due to the cross‐linking of Tyr65, Tyr103, disordered loop 2, and Tyr264, respectively. These regions form a DNA‐binding surface centered around the β‐sheet spanning residues 243–257. In the P61 crystal filament, the DNA‐binding surface is near the RecA–RecA interface but are not in the filament axis. The data implicate a mechanism whereby the DNA binding surface would be led into the filament axis by a conformational change from inactive filament as the P61 structure to active filament as the RecA‐DNA‐ATP complex.
Activated α2‐Macroglobulin Promotes Mitogenesis in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by a Mechanism that is Independent of Growth‐Factor‐Carrier Activity
Authors: Webb Donna J. , Hussaini Isa M. , Weaver Alissa M. , Atkins Tara L. , Chu Charleen T. , Pizzo Salvatore V. , Owens Gary K. , Gonias Steven L.
Published: December 2004

Vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) proliferation is important in atherosclerosis. We previously demonstrated that methylamine‐activated α2‐macroglobulin (α2M) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) cause a synergistic proliferative response in quiescent rat aortic vSMCs [Stouffer, G. A., LaMarre, J., Gonias, S. L. & Owens, G. K. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 18340–18344], The first goal of this study was to determine whether the synergy is due to the ability of α2M‐methylamine (α2M‐MeNH2) to bind TGF‐β1 and target the growth factor to vSMCs that express the α22M receptor. Receptor‐recognized α2M derivatives without TGF‐β1‐binding activity, including ternary α1M‐trypsin, an 18‐kDa proteolytic fragment of the α2M subunit, and the corresponding recombinant receptor‐binding fragment (rRBF) increased vSMC [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell number in a manner similar to α2M‐MeNH2. In combination with TGF‐β1, each α2M derivative caused a synergistic vSMC proliferative response. vSMCs responded comparably when treated with α2M‐MeNH2 and TGF‐β1 simultaneously or in sequence. Furthermore, α1M‐MeNH2–TGF‐β1 complexes increased [3H]thymidine incorporation no more than α2M‐MeNH2 alone. These results indicate that TGF‐β1 binding to α2M is not responsible for the synergistic mitogenic activity. Additional studies were undertaken to determine whether activated α2M independently induces a signal‐transduction response in vSMCs. α2M‐MeNH2 and rRBF caused a rapid, transient increase in vSMC inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate. This response was pertussis‐toxin insensitive. Receptor‐associated protein (RAP; 170 nmol/L) inhibited 91–95% of the specific binding of 125I‐α2M‐MeNH2 and 125I‐rRBF to vSMCs; however, RAP did not affect the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate response or the mitogenic response. These studies suggest that vSMCs express a receptor, other than low‐density‐lipoprotein‐receptor‐related protein, that transduces a signal in response to activated α1M. This receptor may mediate the mitogenic activity of α2M in vSMC culture.
Comparison of the Allatostatin Neuropeptide Precursors in the Distantly Related Cockroaches
Authors: Ding Qi , Donly Brooke C. , Tobe Stephen S. , Bendena William G.
Published: December 2004

Allatostatins are a family of insect neuropeptides that inhibit juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. We have characterized cDNA and genomic DNA sequences that specify a preproallatostatin precursor in the oviparous cockroach Periplaneta americana. Comparison of this precursor with that previously described [Donly, B. C., Ding, Q., Tobe, S. S. & Bendena, W. G. (1993) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 90, 8807–8811] for the viviparous cockroach Diploptera punctata revealed several common features. First, the precursors are remarkably similar in size and the organization of the peptides within the precursor is conserved. The separation of the peptides into groups by acidic domains within the precursor has been maintained. The P americana precursor contains 14 allatostatin‐like peptides that contain the core C‐terminal sequence (Tyr/Phe)‐Xaa‐Phe‐Gly‐(Leu/Ile)‐NH2, as compared to the D. punctata precursor, which contains 13. Five of the peptides are perfectly conserved between the two species. The remainder, with one exception, contain amino acid substitutions in the N‐terminal address portion of the peptide. Several features of expression are also similar between these two species. In both, a single copy gene specifies a large allatostatin transcript of 5.0 kb in P. americana and 9.2 kb in D. punctata. In P americana, allatostatin transcripts appear to be produced by numerous cells in different regions of the brain.
A Conserved Histidine Residue of Escherichia Coli Outer‐Membrane Phospholipase A is Important for Activity
Authors: Brok Ronald G. P. M. , Dekker Nick , Gerrits Nathalie , Verheij Hubertus M. , Tommassen Jan
Published: December 2004

Escherichia coli outer‐membrane phospholipase A (OMPLA) is thought to be a member of the class of serine hydrolases, having a classical Asp‐His‐Ser catalytic triad [Horrevoets, A. J. G., Verheij, H. M. & de Haas, G. H. (1991) Eur. J. Biochem. 198, 247–253]. To identify the histidine residue that is important for catalytic activity, the four histidine residues in E. coli OMPLA that arc conserved in other enterobacterial OMPLA enzymes were replaced by cysteine residues using PCR‐directed, site‐specific mutagenesis. The resulting mutant proteins were all well expressed and displayed heat modifiability, indicating that they were properly folded. Enzyme assays showed that only the His142Cys mutant protein was lacking enzymatic activity. In addition, a His142Gly mutant protein appeared to be inactive. These results show that His142 is important for the enzymatic activity of OMPLA.
TbPDE1, a novel class I phosphodiesterase of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Kunz Stefan , Kloeckner Thomas , Essen Lars‐Oliver , Seebeck Thomas , Boshart Michael
Published: December 2004

Cyclic nucleotide specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important components of all cAMP signalling networks. In humans, 11 different PDE families have been identified to date, all of which belong to the class I PDEs. Pharmacologically, they have become of great interest as targets for the development of drugs for a large variety of clinical conditions. PDEs in parasitic protozoa have not yet been extensively investigated, despite their potential as antiparasitic drug targets. The current study presents the identification and characterization of a novel class I PDE from the parasitic protozoon Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human sleeping sickness. This enzyme, TbPDE1, is encoded by a single‐copy gene located on chromosome 10, and it functionally complements PDE‐deficient strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Its C‐terminal catalytic domain shares about 30% amino acid identity, including all functionally important residues, with the catalytic domains of human PDEs. A fragment of TbPDE1 containing the catalytic domain could be expressed in active form in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme is specific for cAMP, but exhibits a remarkably high Km of > 600 µm for this substrate.
Multiple Ornaments in Male Northern Cardinals,Cardinalis cardinalis, as Indicators of Condition
Authors: Jawor Jodie M. , Breitwisch Randall
Published: December 2004

Investigations of male ornaments in the context of sexual selection have tended to focus on single ornaments, although many species of birds possess multiple ornaments. Understanding the evolution of multiple ornaments requires knowledge of correlations among ornaments in the same individual and the extent to which ornament expression reflects individual condition and behavior. Variation in four male ornaments in socially monogamous, biparental northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) was related to body size, indices of condition, level of paternal care, and reproductive success. Redness of breast plumage positively predicted body size and negatively predicted nestling feeding rate. Bill color predicted current body condition, with birds with redder bills in better condition. Birds with smaller black face masks had greater reproductive success. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that different ornaments in male cardinals provide information on different aspects of condition and behavior.
Testing Magnetic Orientation in a Solitary Subterranean Rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae)
Authors: Schleich Cristian E. , Antinuchi Carlos D.
Published: December 2004

To test for the hypothesis that Ctenomys talarum can use the earth's magnetic field for spatial orientation, we carried out field and laboratory experiments to analyse if C. talarum burrows present any geomagnetic orientation in their natural habitat, if C. talarum show any spontaneous directional preference when starting to excavate their burrows and if this subterranean rodent is capable to use the earth's magnetic field to orient towards a goal in a complex maze. No correlation between the burrowing direction and the earth's magnetic field was found. We could not find any evidence for any spontaneous directional preference when starting to excavate the burrows in C. talarum. The change of the horizontal vector of the geomagnetic field did not affect the ability of this rodent to orient towards a goal in an artificial labyrinth. Explanations for these results and other possible mechanisms of orientation that could be used by C. talarum are discussed.
Medicinal herbal extracts – renal friend or foe? Part two: Herbal extracts with potential renal benefits
Authors: WOJCIKOWSKI KEN , JOHNSON DAVID W , GOBÉ GLENDA
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:  In this second of two articles regarding the renal toxicities or benefits of medicinal herbs, herbs are reported as being ‘potentially beneficial’ to the kidneys if there is strong in vivo evidence of renal protection from toxic substances or drugs; potent, specific renal anti‐oxidant effects; in vivo cancer antiproliferative effects specific to the kidneys; or in vivo evidence of being beneficial in renal disease or failure. Among the herbs, polyherbal formulae and fungi with potential renal benefits are Cordyceps sinensis, Sairei‐to, Rheum spp., Salvia miltiorrhiza and its component, magnesium lithospermate B and others.
Association of positive serum anti‐p53 antibodies with poor prognosis in bladder cancer patients
Authors: GUMUS EYUP , ERDAMAR SIBEL , DEMIREL GULDEREN , HORASANLI KAYA , KENDIRCI MUAMMER , MIROGLU CENGIZ
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Aims  To assess the association of serum anti‐p53 antibodies and overexpression of tumor p53 protein with survival and prognostic factors in patients with urinary bladder tumors.

Methods  Seventy‐six patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder were assessed prospectively (Ta, 18; T1, 30; ≥T2, 28). Serum anti‐p53 antibodies were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Tumor p53 gene overexpression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The mean follow‐up time was 34 months.

Results:  Serum anti‐p53 antibodies were positive in 25 patients (33%). Overexpression of tumor p53 protein was positive in 41 patients (54%). There was an association between the presence of serum anti‐p53 antibodies and tumor p53 gene overexpression (P = 0.001). The total survival of the patients with positive serum anti‐p53 antibodies was shorter than the patients with positive tumor p53 gene overexpression (P < 0.001, P = 0.344, respectively). In the multivariate survival analysis, both tumor stage and serum‐p53 antibodies were found to be independent survival predictors (P = 0.004, P = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion  Serum anti‐p53 antibody positive tumors had a worse prognosis than those with negative serum levels, regardless of the p53 status of the tumor.
Enhancement of T cell proliferative response against autologous cancer cells of a metasatic renal cell carcinoma patient after unexplained regression
Authors: KAWAI KOJI , SAIJO KAORU , OIKAWA TAKEHIRO , OHNO TADAO , AKAZA HIDEYUKI
Published: December 2004

Abstract  The unexplained regression of a metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare phenomenon. While an immune mechanism has been proposed for spontaneous or unexplained regression of RCC, only limited data are available regarding immunological response. We report a case of a 62‐year‐old man with RCC whose paravertebral pleural tumor regressed after the withdrawal of interferon‐α. In the present case, we demonstrate the enhancement of T cell proliferative response against autologous RCC cells secondary to the unexplained regression using the mixed‐lymphocyte tumor culture. To our knowledge, the enhancement of an antitumor immunity secondary to an unexplained regression of RCC has not previously been reported.