bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root and shoot attributes of indigenous perennial accessions of the wild mungbean (Vigna radiata ssp. sublobata)
Authors: Rebetzke G. J. , Lawn R. J.
Published: July 2006

Root and shoot attributes of 12 indigenous perennial accessions of the wild mungbean (Vigna radiata ssp. sublobata) were evaluated in early and late summer sowings in the field in SE Queensland. All but one of the accessions were obtained from the Townsville–Charters Towers region of NE Queensland. In both sowings, the accessions developed thickened tap and lateral roots, the taproot thickening extending to a depth of 0.20–0.30 m below the soil surface, depending on accession. The thickened lateral roots emerged from the taproot within 0.10 m of the soil surface, and extended laterally up to 1.10 m, remaining close to the soil surface. Differences among the accessions in gross root morphology and phenology were relatively small. There were differences among the accessions in the production of seed, tuberised root, and recovered total plant biomass. Depending on accession and sowing date, the tuberised roots accounted for up to 31% of recovered plant biomass and among accessions, the root biomass was positively correlated with total plant biomass. In contrast, seed biomass represented only a small proportion of recovered plant biomass, up to a maximum of 14%, depending on accession and sowing date. Among accessions, the proportion of seed biomass tended to be negatively correlated with that of tuber biomass. The perennial trait appears to be unique to Australian accessions of wild mungbean obtained from coastal-subcoastal, speargrass-dominant woodlands of NE Queensland. Although the ecological significance of the trait remains conjectural, field observation indicates that it facilitates rapid plant re-growth following early summer rainfall, especially where dry-season fire has removed previous-season above-ground growth.
DNA markers linked to yield, yield components, and morphological traits in autotetraploid lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Musial J. M. , Lowe K. F. , Mackie J. M. , Aitken K. S. , Irwin J. A. G.
Published: July 2006

We have mapped and identified DNA markers linked to morphology, yield, and yield components of lucerne, using a backcross population derived from winter-active parents. The high-yielding and recurrent parent, D, produced individual markers that accounted for up to 18% of total yield over 6 harvests, at Gatton, south-eastern Queensland. The same marker, AC/TT8, was consistently identified at each individual harvest, and in individual harvests accounted for up to 26% of the phenotypic variation for yield. This marker was located in linkage group 2 of the D map, and several other markers positively associated with yield were consistently identified in this linkage group. Similarly, markers negatively associated with yield were consistently identified in the W116 map, W116 being the low-yielding parent. Highly significant positive correlations were observed between total yield and yield for harvests 1–6, and between total yield and stem length, tiller number, leaf yield/plant, leaf yield/5 stems, stem yield/plant, and stem yield/5 stems. Highly significant QTL were located for all these characters as well as for leaf shape and pubescence.
Active cytosine demethylation triggered by a nuclear receptor involves DNA strand breaks
Authors: Kress Clémence , Thomassin Hélène , Grange Thierry
Published: July 2006

Cytosine methylation at CpG dinucleotides contributes to the epigenetic maintenance of gene silencing. Dynamic reprogramming of DNA methylation patterns is believed to play a key role during development and differentiation in vertebrates. The mechanisms of DNA demethylation remain unclear and controversial. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the demethylation of an endogenous gene in cultured cells. This demethylation is triggered in a regulatory region by a transcriptional activator, the glucocorticoid receptor. We show that DNA demethylation is an active process, occurring independently of DNA replication, and in a distributive manner without concerted demethylation of cytosines on both strands. We demonstrate that the DNA backbone is cleaved 3′ to the methyl cytidine during demethylation, and we suggest that a DNA repair pathway may therefore be involved in this demethylation.
Cortical systems mediating visual attention to both objects and spatial locations
Authors: Shomstein Sarah , Behrmann Marlene
Published: July 2006

Natural visual scenes consist of many objects occupying a variety of spatial locations. Given that the plethora of information cannot be processed simultaneously, the multiplicity of inputs compete for representation. Using event-related functional MRI, we show that attention, the mechanism by which a subset of the input is selected, is mediated by the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Of particular interest is that PPC activity is differentially sensitive to the object-based properties of the input, with enhanced activation for those locations bound by an attended object. Of great interest too is the ensuing modulation of activation in early cortical regions, reflected as differences in the temporal profile of the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response for within-object versus between-object locations. These findings indicate that object-based selection results from an object-sensitive reorienting signal issued by the PPC. The dynamic circuit between the PPC and earlier sensory regions then enables observers to attend preferentially to objects of interest in complex scenes.
Structural basis for targeting HIV-1 Gag proteins to the plasma membrane for virus assembly
Authors: Saad Jamil S. , Miller Jaime , Tai Janet , Kim Andrew , Ghanam Ruba H. , Summers Michael F.
Published: July 2006

During the late phase of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) replication, newly synthesized retroviral Gag proteins are targeted to the plasma membrane of most hematopoietic cell types, where they colocalize at lipid rafts and assemble into immature virions. Membrane binding is mediated by the matrix (MA) domain of Gag, a 132-residue polypeptide containing an N-terminal myristyl group that can adopt sequestered and exposed conformations. Although exposure is known to promote membrane binding, the mechanism by which Gag is targeted to specific membranes has yet to be established. Recent studies have shown that phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P
2
], a factor that regulates localization of cellular proteins to the plasma membrane, also regulates Gag localization and assembly [Ono, A., Ablan, S. D., Lockett, S. J., Nagashima, K. & Freed, E. O. (2004)
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
101, 14889–14894]. Here we show that PI(4,5)P
2
binds directly to HIV-1 MA, inducing a conformational change that triggers myristate exposure. Related phosphatidylinositides PI, PI(3)P, PI(4)P, PI(5)P, and PI(3,5)P
2
do not bind MA with significant affinity or trigger myristate exposure. Structural studies reveal that PI(4,5)P
2
adopts an “extended lipid” conformation, in which the inositol head group and 2′-fatty acid chain bind to a hydrophobic cleft, and the 1′-fatty acid and exposed myristyl group bracket a conserved basic surface patch previously implicated in membrane binding. Our findings indicate that PI(4,5)P
2
acts as both a trigger of the myristyl switch and a membrane anchor and suggest a potential mechanism for targeting Gag to membrane rafts.
Extreme heat reduces and shifts United States premium wine production in the 21st century
Authors: White M. A. , Diffenbaugh N. S. , Jones G. V. , Pal J. S. , Giorgi F.
Published: July 2006

Premium wine production is limited to regions climatically conducive to growing grapes with balanced composition and varietal typicity. Three central climatic conditions are required: (i) adequate heat accumulation; (ii) low risk of severe frost damage; and (iii) the absence of extreme heat. Although wine production is possible in an extensive climatic range, the highest-quality wines require a delicate balance among these three conditions. Although historical and projected average temperature changes are known to influence global wine quality, the potential future response of wine-producing regions to spatially heterogeneous changes in extreme events is largely unknown. Here, by using a high-resolution regional climate model forced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emission Scenarios A2 greenhouse gas emission scenario, we estimate that potential premium winegrape production area in the conterminous United States could decline by up to 81% by the late 21st century. While increases in heat accumulation will shift wine production to warmer climate varieties and/or lower-quality wines, and frost constraints will be reduced, increases in the frequency of extreme hot days (>35°C) in the growing season are projected to eliminate winegrape production in many areas of the United States. Furthermore, grape and wine production will likely be restricted to a narrow West Coast region and the Northwest and Northeast, areas currently facing challenges related to excess moisture. Our results not only imply large changes for the premium wine industry, but also highlight the importance of incorporating fine-scale processes and extreme events in climate-change impact studies.
A Sanger/pyrosequencing hybrid approach for the generation of high-quality draft assemblies of marine microbial genomes
Authors: Goldberg Susanne M. D. , Johnson Justin , Busam Dana , Feldblyum Tamara , Ferriera Steve , Friedman Robert , Halpern Aaron , Khouri Hoda , Kravitz Saul A. , Lauro Federico M. , Li Kelvin , Rogers Yu-Hui , Strausberg Robert , Sutton Granger , Tallon Luke , Thomas Torsten , Venter Eli , Frazier Marvin , Venter J. Craig
Published: July 2006

Since its introduction a decade ago, whole-genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) has been the main approach for producing cost-effective and high-quality genome sequence data. Until now, the Sanger sequencing technology that has served as a platform for WGS has not been truly challenged by emerging technologies. The recent introduction of the pyrosequencing-based 454 sequencing platform (454 Life Sciences, Branford, CT) offers a very promising sequencing technology alternative for incorporation in WGS. In this study, we evaluated the utility and cost-effectiveness of a hybrid sequencing approach using 3730
xl
Sanger data and 454 data to generate higher-quality lower-cost assemblies of microbial genomes compared to current Sanger sequencing strategies alone.
Utilization of host SR protein kinases and RNA-splicing machinery during viral replication
Authors: Fukuhara Takeshi , Hosoya Takamitsu , Shimizu Saki , Sumi Kengo , Oshiro Takako , Yoshinaka Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Masaaki , Yamamoto Naoki , Herzenberg Leonore A. , Herzenberg Leonard A. , Hagiwara Masatoshi
Published: July 2006

Although the viral genome is often quite small, it encodes a broad series of proteins. The virus takes advantage of the host-RNA-processing machinery to provide the alternative splicing capability necessary for the expression of this proteomic diversity. Serine–arginine-rich (SR) proteins and the kinases that activate them are central to this alternative splicing machinery. In studies reported here, we use the HIV genome as a model. We show that HIV expression decreases overall SR protein/activity. However, we also show that HIV expression is significantly increased (20-fold) when one of the SR proteins, SRp75 is phosphorylated by SR protein kinase (SRPK)2. Thus, inhibitors of SRPK2 and perhaps of functionally related kinases, such as SRPK1, could be useful antiviral agents. Here, we develop this hypothesis and show that HIV expression down-regulates SR proteins in Flp-In293 cells, resulting in only low-level HIV expression in these cells. However, increasing SRPK2 function up-regulates HIV expression. In addition, we introduce SR protein phosphorylation inhibitor 340 (SRPIN340), which preferentially inhibits SRPK1 and SRPK2 and down-regulates SRp75. Although an isonicotinamide compound, SPRIN340 (or its derivatives) remain to be optimized for better specificity and lower cytotoxicity, we show here that SRPIN340 suppresses propagation of Sindbis virus in plaque assay and variably suppresses HIV production. Thus, we show that SRPK, a well known kinase in the cellular RNA-processing machinery, is used by at least some viruses for propagation and hence suggest that SRPIN340 or its derivatives may be useful for curbing viral diseases.
Induction of Sarcomas by a Single Subcutaneous Injection of 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene into Neonatal Male Sprague–Dawley Rats: Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Analyses
Authors: Taguchi Shuuhei , Kuriwaki Kazumi , Souda Masakazu , Funato Mamoru , Ninomiya Kenjiro , Umekita Yoshihisa , Yoshida Hiroki
Published: July 2006

Animal experiments have shown that carcinogenicity of chemicals is higher in fetal or neonatal periods than adult. We investigated sensitivities to a carcinogen in peri-neonatal rats with a model of sarcomas-induction by a subcutaneous injection of chemo-carcinogen that has rarely done in neonatal rats. Neonatal male SD rats were injected with 7,12-DMBA 10, 100, and 500 μg, which resulted in sarcomas-induction in 0, 62, and 94% of rats. Male SD rats were injected with DMBA 500 μg at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, which resulted in sarcomas-induction in 94, 70, 64, 50, and 44% of rats. Although the induced sarcomas were occasionally in mixed morphological feature as previous reports for sarcomas of rat, each was immunohistochemically in almost monotonous pattern, and classification was feasible. The incidence of rhabdomyosarcomas was higher in rats neonatally injected with a higher dose of DMBA than a lower dose, and in rats injected at peri-neonatal periods than later periods. In histological observations for the site of injection before overt sarcomas develop, clusters of atypical mesenchymal cells emerged as previous studies, but also those were immunohistochemically differentiated into rhabdomyocytes and other mesenchymal cells. We consider these findings may contribute a little to elucidation of process of sarcomas-induction in rats.
Development of a Percutaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection Technique in F-344 Rats and Evaluation of Cell Counts and Total Protein Concentrations
Authors: Sharma Alok K. , Schultze Albert E. , Cooper Dale M. , Reams Rachel Y. , Jordan William H. , Snyder Paul W.
Published: July 2006

A simple technique for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection was developed in F-344 rats. Cell counts and total protein concentrations were evaluated to assess sample quality. While the 50 to 70 μL samples of CSF collected on three different days showed a progressive decrease in the total erythrocyte and nucleated cell counts, no significant changes were observed in the total protein concentrations. Progressive decreases in the total erythrocyte count correlated positively with the decreases in volume of CSF collected. Our data suggest that collection of less than 50 μL of CSF will give a better quality of CSF in F-344 rats. This is the first report of cellular and protein parameters in the CSF of F-344 rats.
The Temporal Expression of Osteopontin (SPP-1) in the Rodent Model of Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Potential Biomarker
Authors: Banerjee Atrayee , Burghardt Robert C. , Johnson Greg A. , White Frankie J. , Ramaiah Shashi K.
Published: July 2006

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that osteopontin (OPN) mediates neutrophil infiltration into the liver in a rodent model of alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH). The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal and spatial pattern of hepatic OPN mRNA and protein expression during the progression of alcoholic liver disease. OPN mRNA and protein expression were evaluated using real time PCR, in situ hybridization, Western blot and immunohistochemistry respectively. ASH was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats by feeding EtOH-containing Lieber-DeCarli diet for 6 weeks, followed by a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg, ip). Rats were sacrificed 2-, 12- and 24-hour post LPS injection. A progressive induction of OPN mRNA was observed that preceded hepatic neutrophil infiltration and the increase in OPN mRNA correlated with increases in OPN protein expression. OPN mRNA was localized primarily to the biliary epithelium. The data indicates that OPN is transcribed and translated within the biliary epithelium. These findings suggest a potential role of OPN as an early biomarker in predicting inflammatory liver diseases such as ASH.
Spontaneous Lesions of the Cardiovascular System in Purpose-Bred Laboratory Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Chamanza Ronnie , Parry Nicola M. A. , Rogerson Petrina , Nicol Jen R. , Bradley Alys E.
Published: July 2006

This retrospective study was performed to determine the range, occurrence and incidence of spontaneously arising histopathological findings of the cardiovascular system in purpose-bred laboratory nonhuman primates. Data were collected from 84 controlled toxicological studies with equal numbers of male and female animals and full tissue lists. Attempts were also made to standardize pathological terms used by various original pathologists. Tissue sections from 2464 animals, which included 2050 cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis), 284 common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) and 130 rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta) were examined. The most common cardiac finding was focal myocardial inflammation, subcategorized as either “inflammatory cell infiltration” (339) or “focal myocarditis” (131). Other cardiac findings included mineralization (29), endocarditis (16), pericarditis (10), squamous cysts (6) and ectopic thyroid tissue (5). Perivasculitis/vasculitis in the kidney, lung, meninges, sciatic nerve, and other tissues (206) was the most common vascular lesion. Focal myocarditis was more common in male (60%) than female (40%) animals. Cardiac mineralization and extramedullary hematopoiesis were more common in marmosets than other species while ectopic thyroid tissue was present in marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the range and incidence of spontaneous cardiovascular lesions in laboratory nonhuman primates.
The Transduction of Rat Submandibular Glands by an Adenoviral Vector Carrying the Human Growth Hormone Gene is Associated with Limited and Reversible Changes at the Infusion Site
Authors: Elmore S. , Lanning L. , Allison N. , Vallant M. , Nyska A.
Published: July 2006

Adenoviral vectors have been shown to efficiently deliver exogenous genes to salivary glands and have therefore been investigated as tools for the treatment of human disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of F344 rats to intraductal infusion of the right submandibular salivary gland with an adenoviral vector encoding the gene for human growth hormone (AdCMVhGH). Co-administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was used to redirect the secretion of human growth hormone (hGH) from saliva into serum. This paper documents the findings of the pathology evaluation of this National Toxicology Program study. The right submandibular salivary gland (infusion site) was the primary target organ, with microscopic lesions characteristic of a mild to moderate insult observed at 3 days post infusion in vector exposed animals. These lesions were characterized by variable degrees of acute glandular inflammation, degeneration and necrosis, with more severe lesions in the higher dose groups. Rats at 28 days post infusion had milder inflammation, degeneration and necrosis compared to day 3 rats, with variable degrees of regeneration. In conclusion, the effects on the salivary glands are reversible as indicated by the milder inflammation and degeneration in the day 28 rats concomitant with mild to moderate regeneration. Therefore, the vector appears relatively innocuous with limited tissue toxicity.

[The supplemental data referenced in this paper is not printed in this issue of Toxicologic Pathology. It is available as a downloadable file in the online edition of Toxicologic Pathology, 34(4). In order to access the full article online, you must have either an individual subscription or a member subscription accessed through www.toxpath.org .]
Arsenic and Cigarette Smoke Synergistically Increase DNA Oxidation in the Lung
Authors: Hays Allison Marie , Srinivasan Dinesh , Witten Mark L. , Carter Dean E. , Lantz R. Clark
Published: July 2006

Epidemiological evidence has indicated that arsenic and cigarette smoking exposure act synergistically to increase the incidence of lung cancer. Since oxidative damage of DNA has been linked to cancer, our hypothesis is that aerosolized arsenic and cigarette smoke work synergistically to increase oxidative stress and increase DNA oxidation in the lung. To test this hypothesis male Syrian golden hamsters were exposed to room air (control), aerosolized arsenic compounds (3.2 mg/m3 for 30 minutes), cigarette smoke (5 mg/m3 for 30 minutes), or both smoke and arsenic. Exposures were for 5 days/week for 5 or 28-days. Animals were sacrificed one day after the last exposure. In the 28-day group, glutathione levels and DNA oxidation (8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG)) were determined. Our results show that in the 28-day arsenic/smoke group there was a significant decrease in both the reduced and total glutathione levels compared with arsenic or smoke alone. This correlated with a 5-fold increase in DNA oxidation as shown by HPLC. Immunohistochemical localization of 8-oxo-dG showed increase staining in nuclei of airway epithelium and subadjacent interstitial cells. These results show that dual exposure of arsenic and cigarette smoke at environmentally relevant levels can act synergistically to cause DNA damage.
Methadone: old problems for new programmes
Authors: BURGESS PHILIP M. , GILL ANTHONY J. , PEAD JOHN , HOLMAN C. PAUL
Published: July 2006

The present paper is concerned with factors which compromise the effective delivery of programmes incorporating methadone. Current clinical practices and programme characteristics are reviewed and policy issues regarding the role of methadone are considered, especially within the context of containing the spread of HIV infection. These issues are discussed in relation to empirical outcome studies, local prescribing trends and clinical case material. The authors conclude that there is an urgent need for: (1) an evaluation of the outcome of private practitioner methadone dispensation versus comprehensive agency‐based therapy; (2) the accreditation of staff in all programmes incorporating methadone; and (3) the development of monitoring mechanisms, including on‐site clinical audits of programmes.
Alcohol and drug dependence: syndrome, strong attachment or everyday behaviour?
Authors: STOCKWELL TIM , SAUNDERS BILL
Published: July 2006

The concept of the dependence syndrome has largely replaced that of ‘alcoholism’ and ‘addiction’ in official classifications of alcohol‐ and drug‐related disorders. However, the utility of the concept has been widely disputed by psychologists and other social scientists. The authors of this paper, both clinical psychologists, hold opposing positions on this issue. Following a brief statement of these positions and an outline of the dependence syndrome, the authors debate a range of disputed issues.
Patterns of heroin use in the methadone programme in Sydney, 1986‐1987
Authors: LEWIS JOHN H. , CHESHER GREGORY B.
Published: July 2006

A study was undertaken to examine patterns of heroin use by clients attending New South Wales Health Department methadone maintenance units in Sydney. The study group included those clients who commenced taking methadone between January 1986 and January 1987 and who remained on individual programmes until December 1987. A total of 16800 urinalysis results from 346 clients were examined. Data were correlated vertically so as to examine heroin use by all clients beginning with their first dose of methadone. Contrary to expectation, the data indicate that heroin use did not decline as a function of time. The data were further examined within a numerically stable group, which had been sub‐classified according to the number of morphine positive urine samples over a period of 12 months. These data indicated the existence of two major groups; those whose continued use of heroin could be described as occasional and another heavy using group. The latter constituted 51% of the study population and contributed almost 90% of the morphine positive urines. The use of urinalysis data to identify the heavy and occasional‐user groups could assist in a study to define those factors which could be responsible for the continued use of heroin whilst on a methadone maintenance programme.
Ayurveda and acupuncture in heroin detoxification in Sri Lanka
Authors: McDonald David
Published: July 2006

The Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is applying the traditional medical practices of Ayurveda and acupuncture to the management of withdrawal from heroin. This is part of a wider research effort into the application of Ayurveda in contemporary systems of health care. The detoxification programme is briefly described. Initial observations of programme outcomes suggest that these methods are of similar effectiveness to approaches used in western medicine and are culturally appropriate in the Sri Lankan context.
Preventing drug use problems: the university as a site for local action
Authors: LOCKWOOD ANNE , SAUNDERS BILL
Published: July 2006

While the prevention of drug use problems comes well recommended, there is limited agreement on which preventive strategies are the most effective. Furthermore there is debate as to where activity most effectively occurs—should it be at the national or local level? In this study a university community was investigated with the aim of determining whether members of that community appreciated the need for prevention of drug use problems and which preventive strategies they deemed to be of value. The difficulties inherent in taking action within a tertiary environment are also considered and an agenda for action described. [Lockwood A, Saunders B. Preventing drug use problems: the university as a site for local action. Drug Alcohol Rev 1991; 10: 29‐35]
Alcoholic beverage consumption prior to the onset of Wernicke's encephalopathy
Authors: PRICE JOHN , HICKS MAUREEN , DUNNE MICHAEL
Published: July 2006

Alcoholic beverage consumption prior to the onset of Wernicke's encephalopathy is shown to be, primarily, full strength beer, although not always in large quantity, by 91% of 80 patients. Secondly, in order of frequency of consumption, was white wine sold in casks and consumed by 30% of patients. These findings have implications when decisions have to be made regarding which alcoholic beverages could be fortified with thiamine as a measure designed to prevent the development of the Wernicke‐Korsakoff syndrome. [Price J, Hicks M, Dunne M. Alcoholic beverage consumption prior to the onset of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Drug Alcohol Rev 1991; 10: 115‐119]
EDITORIAL
Authors: Batey R. G.
Published: July 2006

The contribution of medicine to the drug and alcohol field
Parental bonding and patterns of drug use amongst Greek youth
Authors: CONSTANTINIDES JOHN C.
Published: July 2006

This project attempted to identify patterns of drug use amongst youth of Greek descent and the parental relationships. The sample consisted of 112 subjects (69 females, 43 males). The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) was administered, together with a multiple choice questionnaire attempting to assess levels of drug use for 11 drug categories. The findings revealed that subjects viewed their parents as more caring and protective than the general youth population. Overall, it was the constraining type of maternal and paternal bonding (high care, high protection) that yielded the lowest levels of drug use for both sexes, and the paternal neglecting type for females (low care, low protection) that yielded the highest levels. Patterns of drug use between sexes were similar for similar types of maternal bonding; however, in the paternal neglecting type, females showed the highest levels of use while males the lowest. These findings lead to the conclusion that the relative constraining attitudes of Greek parents that may be seen as ‘over‐protective’ in the Anglo‐Australian culture might have led to insulation or resilience in the face of high availability and widespread use of drugs. When these conditions deteriorate the experimentation and misuse is a possibility for both sexes, especially for females who become more vulnerable.
The Adolescent Alcohol Involvement Scale: some findings with young offenders
Authors: PUTNIŅŠ ALDIS L.
Published: July 2006

The Adolescent Alcohol Involvement Scale (AAIS) has been questioned regarding its reliability, the amount of common variance among items and its clinical usefulness. Previous studies are reviewed and data for 197 South Australian young offenders in custody are presented. The AAIS was found to be a reliable and internally consistent measure of adolescent alcohol use and misuse. A strong general alcohol involvement component on which all items had positive loadings was found. The need for objective measures in work with at‐risk populations was highlighted. The AAIS meets this need through a brief yet broad sampling of clinically‐relevant behaviours.
Penetrating social worlds: conducting ethnographic research into alcohol and other drug use within Australia
Authors: MOORE DAVID
Published: July 2006

Despite growing interest in the potential usefulness of ethnography with respect to alcohol and other drug studies, the literature on such a method in the Australian context is sparse. This paper focuses on the practical conduct of ethnographic research into alcohol and other drug use in Australia, using two research experiences as illustrations. It covers the establishment and maintenance of access to the ‘field’, methods of data collection, the process of analysis (which is intertwined with data collection), and the production of written texts. The paper's purpose is to provide prospective ethnographers in the alcohol and other drug field with some sense of the nature and texture of ethnographic fieldwork and analysis.
Assessing the relationship between craving and relapse
Authors: Tracy Joseph I.
Published: July 2006

The value of craving as a construct in the substance use disorders literature stems from its purported ability to predict actual alcohol or psychoactive drug consumption. Empirical reports of craving's relationship to actual use, however, are quite mixed. It is argued that craving's relationship to use variables such as relapse will remain unclear until individual differences related to acting on craving are considered. Such potential mediators of craving's relationship to relapse, such as impulsivity, are evaluated. The implications of this argument for the construct of craving are discussed.
Novel dynamic fatigue-testing device: design and measurements
Authors: Foong Chee-Hoe , Wiercigroch Marian , Deans William F
Published: July 2006

The influence of dynamics on a propagating fatigue crack has not been studied experimentally yet mainly due to quasi-static loading from traditional fatigue-testing machines. To overcome this serious drawback, a novel base-excited fatigue-testing device was designed and built to allow measurement of the dynamic responses of a single-edge-notch beam (SENB) under a growing fatigue crack. In this paper, the details of the novel test rig including initial development, modification and instrumentation are given. The experimental time histories obtained for harmonic and chaotic excitations have shown that the fatigue rig is capable of generating a wide range of loading patterns. Moreover, the experimental crack growth curves and features of the fracture surface have confirmed that the rig is capable of inducing proper fatigue cracks.
Muscle fibre number varies with haemoglobin phenotype in Atlantic cod as predicted by the optimal fibre number hypothesis
Authors: Johnston Ian A , Abercromby Marguerite , Andersen Øivind
Published: July 2006

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhuaL.) with the HbI-(2/2) haemoglobin phenotype have a higher blood oxygen affinity at low temperatures and a lower routine metabolic rate than individuals with the HbI-(1/1) phenotype. In the present study, muscle structure was found to be related to haemoglobin phenotype in a coastal population of Atlantic cod from the Saltenfjord region of Northern Norway. The maximum number of fast muscle fibres (FNmax) was reached at approximately 39 cm fork length and was 15% greater in the HbI-(1/1) than in the HbI-(2/2) phenotypes whereas the average fibre diameter for fish of the same fork length was significantly lower. Theoretically, the higher oxygen affinity of the HbI-(2/2) phenotype in the cold water of northern latitudes could have resulted in a relaxation of diffusional constraints at the level of individual muscle fibres, permitting the observed increase in fibre diameter. The results support the optimal fibre number hypothesis which envisages a trade-off between diffusional constraints and the energy cost of maintaining ionic homeostasis with fewer larger diameter muscle fibres in the HbI-(2/2) phenotype contributing to a lower routine metabolic rate.
Tooth microstructure tracks the pace of human life-history evolution
Authors: Christopher Dean M
Published: July 2006

A number of fundamental milestones define the pace at which animals develop, mature, reproduce and age. These include the length of gestation, the age at weaning and at sexual maturity, the number of offspring produced over a lifetime and the length of life itself. Because a time-scale for dental development can be retrieved from the internal structure of teeth and many of these life-history variables tend to be highly correlated, we can discover more than might be imagined about fossil primates and more, in particular, about fossil hominids and our own evolutionary history. Some insights into the evolutionary processes underlying changes in dental development are emerging from a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling enamel and dentine formation. Our own 18–20-year period of growth and development probably evolved quite recently afterca17 million years of a more ape-like life-history profile.
An analysis of reaction pathways for proton tunnelling in methylamine dehydrogenase
Authors: Nuñez Sara , Tresadern Gary , Hillier Ian H , Burton Neil A
Published: July 2006

Computational methods have now become a valuable tool to understand the way in which enzymes catalyse chemical reactions and to aid the interpretation of a diverse set of experimental data. This study focuses on the influence of the condensed-phase environment structure on proton transfer mechanisms, with an aim to understand how C–H bond cleavage is mediated in enzymatic reactions. We shall use a combination of molecular simulation,
ab initio
or semi-empirical quantum chemistry and semi-classical multidimensional tunnelling methods to consider the primary kinetic isotope effects of the enzyme methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH), with reference to an analogous application to triosephosphate isomerase. Analysis of potentially reactive conformations of the system, and correlation with experimental isotope effects, have highlighted that a quantum tunnelling mechanism in MADH may be modulated by specific amino acid residues, such as Asp428, Thr474 and Asp384.
Arrhenius curves of hydrogen transfers: tunnel effects, isotope effects and effects of pre-equilibria
Authors: Limbach Hans-Heinrich , Miguel Lopez Juan , Kohen Amnon
Published: July 2006

In this paper, the Arrhenius curves of selected hydrogen-transfer reactions for which kinetic data are available in a large temperature range are reviewed. The curves are discussed in terms of the one-dimensional Bell–Limbach tunnelling model. The main parameters of this model are the barrier heights of the isotopic reactions, barrier width of the H-reaction, tunnelling masses, pre-exponential factor and minimum energy for tunnelling to occur. The model allows one to compare different reactions in a simple way and prepare the kinetic data for more-dimensional treatments. The first type of reactions is concerned with reactions where the geometries of the reacting molecules are well established and the kinetic data of the isotopic reactions are available in a large temperature range. Here, it is possible to study the relation between kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) and chemical structure. Examples are the tautomerism of porphyrin, the porphyrin anion and related compounds exhibiting intramolecular hydrogen bonds of medium strength. We observe pre-exponential factors of the order of
kT
/
h
≅10
13
 s
−1
corresponding to vanishing activation entropies in terms of transition state theory. This result is important for the second type of reactions discussed in this paper, referring mostly to liquid solutions. Here, the reacting molecular configurations may be involved in equilibria with non- or less-reactive forms. Several cases are discussed, where the less-reactive forms dominate at low or at high temperature, leading to unusual Arrhenius curves. These cases include examples from small molecule solution chemistry like the base-catalysed intramolecular H-transfer in diaryltriazene, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole, 2-hydroxy-phenoxyl radicals, as well as in the case of an enzymatic system, thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase. In the latter case, temperature-dependent KIEs are interpreted in terms of a transition between two regimes with different temperature-independent KIEs.
Summarizing lecture: factors influencing enzymatic H-transfers, analysis of nuclear tunnelling isotope effects and thermodynamic versus specific effects
Authors: Marcus R.A
Published: July 2006

In the articles in this Discussion, a wide variety of topics are treated, including reorganization energy, initially introduced for electron transfers (‘environmentally assisted tunnelling’), nuclear tunnelling, H/D and

kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), the effect of changes of distal and nearby amino acid residues using site-directed mutagenesis, and dynamics versus statistical effects. A coordinate-free form of semi-classical theory is used to examine topics on data such as tunnelling versus ‘over-the-barrier’ paths and temperature and pressure effects on KIEs. The multidimensional semi-classical theory includes classically allowed and classically forbidden transitions. More generally, we address the question of relating kinetic to thermodynamic factors, as in the electron transfer field, so learning about specific versus thermodynamic effects in enzyme catalysis and KIEs.
Transition state theory can be used in studies of enzyme catalysis: lessons from simulations of tunnelling and dynamical effects in lipoxygenase and other systems
Authors: Olsson Mats H.M , Mavri Janez , Warshel Arieh
Published: July 2006

The idea that enzyme catalysis involves special factors such as coherent fluctuations, quantum mechanical tunnelling and non-equilibrium solvation (NES) effects has gained popularity in recent years. It has also been suggested that transition state theory (TST) cannot be used in studies of enzyme catalysis. The present work uses reliable state of the art simulation approaches to examine the above ideas. We start by demonstrating that we are able to simulate any of the present catalytic proposals using the empirical valence bond (EVB) potential energy surfaces, the dispersed polaron model and the quantized classical path (QCP) approach, as well as the approximate vibronic method. These approaches do not treat the catalytic effects by phenomenological treatments and thus can be considered as first principles approaches (at least their ability to compare enzymatic reaction to the corresponding solution reactions). This work will consider the lipoxygenase reaction, and to lesser extent other enzymes, for specific demonstration. It will be pointed out that our study of the lipoxygenase reaction reproduces the very large observed isotope effect and the observed rate constant while obtaining no catalytic contribution from nuclear quantum mechanical (NQM) effects. Furthermore, it will be clarified that our studies established that the NQM effect decreases rather than increases when the donor–acceptor distance is compressed. The consequences of these findings in terms of the temperature dependence of the kinetic isotope effect and in terms of different catalytic proposals will be discussed.

This paper will also consider briefly the dynamical effects and conclude that such effects do not contribute in a significant way to enzyme catalysis. Furthermore, it will be pointed out that, in contrast to recent suggestions, NES effects are not dynamical effects and should therefore be part of the activation free energy rather than the transmission factor. In view of findings of the present work and our earlier works, it seems that TST provides a quantitative tool for studies of enzyme catalysis and that the key open questions are related to the nature of the factors that lead to transition state stabilization.
Michigan Emergency Response Study: Phase III
Authors: Payne Dennis M.
Published: July 2006

This analysis is the result of Phase III of the Michigan Emergency Response Study. A check of traffic tickets issued by the State Police officers during Phase II MERS revealed that officers issued twice the the number of tickets for fleeing and eluding than the number of pursuits reported. This study was conducted to determine the number of unreported pursuits and the officers’ reasons for failing to report. An analysis of the 65 reported MERS accidents was also conducted. This analysis revealed state police officers may have under‐reported their pursuits during the study year by a factor of 14.5, and describes the implications of such reporting on the rates of accidents, injuries and fatalities. The accident analysis revealed 43 per cent of the reported accidents were intentional collisions, which further reduced the official pursuit accident rate. Applies the findings of MERS III to provide indicated reductions in the accident, injury and fatality rates. Suggests recommendations to improve police pursuit reporting. The findings indicate that the police not only act in their own worst interests when they fail to report pursuits accurately, but also raise serious implications as to their accountability and integrity.
First Amendment civil liability against law enforcement supervisors for violating their subordinates’ rights to engage in overt political expression
Authors: Vaughn Michael S.
Published: July 2006

Explores the issue of Section 1983 civil liability against law enforcement supervisors who infringe on their employees’ First Amendment rights to support political candidates and pursue political activities. The sacred right to engage freely in the political process periodically conflicts with law enforcement supervisors’ interests in ensuring political loyalty and efficient delivery of services from their subordinates. After reviewing relevant United States Supreme Court cases, develops a legal/conceptual framework from which the lower court cases on overt political expression are analyzed. Concludes that, to minimize civil liability, law enforcement supervisors must be educated about employees’ First Amendment rights.
The communication of innovation in American policing
Authors: Weiss Alexander
Published: July 2006

Reports on the innovations process in American policing. Explores how information about innovation is communicated among police organizations and the factors which influence adoption. Reports the findings of a survey of police chiefs and executives. Develops a model with four elements: cosmopolitanism; risk mediation; peer emulation; and innovativeness. Finds that many police departments use informal networks of communication to support organizational decision making and are often influenced by executives’ participation in policy communities and by efforts to reduce the organization’s perceived risk of civil liability. Recommends that police organizations strengthen their networks of communication in a more formal manner.
Public evaluations of police performance: an analysis across three levels of policing
Authors: Reisig Michael D. , Correia Mark E.
Published: July 2006

Research focussing on US citizen attitudes of police has concentrated on city policing agencies, neglecting varying attitudes toward county and state police. Attempts to fill this void by testing the effects of individual and contextual variables on citizen evaluations and police performance across city, county and state levels using data collected from a state in the western USA. Finds differences in evaluations depending on age, gender, initiation of contact and previous experience. Discusses the implications of these results and suggests topics for further research.
Police tactics in incidents with mentally disturbed persons
Authors: Panzarella Robert , Alicea Justin O.
Published: July 2006

In recent years police departments have responded to increasing numbers of incidents involving mentally disturbed people. Data for this study were drawn from a survey of 90 officers in a special unit mandated to respond to such situations and from their detailed descriptions of 90 specific incidents. Explores the types of incidents, their relative frequency, the characteristics of such incidents, and especially police tactics considered to be effective or ineffective. Discusses the findings in terms of police department organizational structure as well as individual officers’ beliefs about the mentally disturbed and tactical choices.
Can an old dog be taught new tricks?
Authors: Gould Larry A.
Published: July 2006

One of the most consistent complaints from the leaders in minority communities is that police officers are not sufficiently sensitive to differing cultures. In response to this criticism police trainers and administrators are requiring that police officers attend “Cultural Diversity Training.” This research suggests that police officers are somewhat divided in their views of the necessity for cultural diversity training. New recruits, for the most part, tend to be more accepting of the training while experienced officers tend more often to see the training as a waste of time or, worse yet, as an informal form of punishment.
An analysis of the rates of accidents, injuries and fatalities under different light conditions
Authors: Payne Dennis M. , Fenske John C.
Published: July 2006

Accidents, injuries and fatalities resulting from state police pursuits conducted during the Michigan Emergency Response Study (MERS) were compared with non‐pursuit police accidents and three‐ and five‐year means of general population accidents to examine the relative dangerousness of the police pursuits under varying light conditions. The Michigan State Police troopers, who were asked to complete a survey instrument each time a pursuit was conducted during the survey period of June 1991 through May 1992, reported 197 pursuits, 65 accidents with 30 injuries and one fatality. Pursuit accidents were significantly more likely to occur during the hours of darkness than the three comparable groups; however, pursuit injury accidents were more likely to occur during daylight and darkness, but not so during the hours of dusk and dawn. Significant differences in fatalities were not found during daylight, dawn or dusk, but the pursuit fatality rate was higher during darkness when compared with the three groups. Examines accident, injury and fatality rates of previous studies in the review of the literature. Overall, several similarities existed among the studies regardless of the number of pursuits reported.