bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Function ofKRE5Suppresses Temperature Sensitivity of Mutants Lacking Mitochondrial Anionic Lipids
Authors: Zhong Quan , Gvozdenovic-Jeremic Jelena , Webster Paul , Zhou Jingming , Greenberg Miriam L.
Published: November 2004

Disruption of PGS1, which encodes the enzyme that catalyzes the committed step of cardiolipin (CL) synthesis, results in loss of the mitochondrial anionic phospholipids phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and CL. The pgs1Δ mutant exhibits severe growth defects at 37°C. To understand the essential functions of mitochondrial anionic lipids at elevated temperatures, we isolated suppressors of pgs1Δ that grew at 37°C. One of the suppressors has a loss of function mutation in KRE5, which is involved in cell wall biogenesis. The cell wall of pgs1Δ contained markedly reduced β-1,3-glucan, which was restored in the suppressor. Stabilization of the cell wall with osmotic support alleviated the cell wall defects of pgs1Δ and suppressed the temperature sensitivity of all CL-deficient mutants. Evidence is presented suggesting that the previously reported inability of pgs1Δ to grow in the presence of ethidium bromide was due to defective cell wall integrity, not from “petite lethality.” These findings demonstrated that mitochondrial anionic lipids are required for cellular functions that are essential in cell wall biogenesis, the maintenance of cell integrity, and survival at elevated temperature.
THE MORPHOLOGY AND INTEGRATION OF VALVES AND BANDS IN NAVICULA MUTICA VAR. MUTICA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Phipps Donald W. , Rosowski James R.
Published: November 2004

Navicula mutica (Kütz.) var. mutica was isolated from the air, cloned on agar, cultured in soil‐water bottle, and studied with transmission and scanning electron micros‐ropy. The frustules were lanceolate to ovoid with rounded apices, with the apical axis 8.5 ± 3.2 μ and the trans‐apical and the transapical axis 3.6 ± 0.6 μm. Striae were composed of two or three puncta, and the mantle bore a single row of puncta aligned with the striae. The ends of the raphe turned away from an isolated punctual in the central area of the valve. The mantle puncta and one or two of the valve‐face puncta in each stria opened into a series of transapical grooves in the interior of the valve, the grooves contributing to the appearance of striae in the light microscope. The interior of the mantle also possessed a pair of longitudinal grooves, discontinuous at the apices of the valves. An undulate advalvar margin of the valvocopula likely articulates along the interior longitudinal groove of the mantle. The projections of the undulate margin are perhaps positioned between the transapical grooves and along the longitudinal groove between the dentiform structures formed by the intersection of the double‐grooved system. The girdle bands each had two (occasionally three) rows of pores. The pleurae margins were straight and not undulate.
FUNCTIONAL PHYCOBILISOMES FROM TOLYPOTHRIX TENUIS (CYANOPHYTA) GROWN HETEROTROPHICALLY IN THE DARK1
Authors: Ohki Kaori , Gantt Elisabeth
Published: November 2004

Phycobiliproteins produced in dark‐grown cells of Tolypothrix tenuis Kützing formed Phycobilisomes functionally capable of energy transfer. The phycobilisomes could be recovered in high yield (80% of extracted phycobiliproteins). Phycobilisomes from cells grown without light and in red light had the same size, morphology, and spectral characteristics. They had a phycocyanin to allophycocyanin malar ratio of 3:1. Phycocyanin and allophycocyanin in phycobilisomes were energetically coupled as indicated by their fluorescence emission (maximum of ca. 690 nm at –196° C) and excitation spectra. Phycobilisomes were attached to the outer surface of thylakoids and were hemidiscoidal in shape. In thin sections they had a diameter of 42 ± 3nm, a height of 24 ± 4 nm and a thickness of 10 ± 2 nm. Isolated and negatively stained Phycobilisomes were larger with a diameter of 51 ± 2 nm and height of 33 ± 2 nm, Isolated phycobilisomes in face view had a central core of three units and six peripheral rods. Each rod appeared to be composed of three hexamers (three double discs), consistent with the observed dimensions and substructure. After Phycoerythria synthesis was induced by a 15 min green light exposure, phycobilisomes of dark‐grown cells exhibited energy transfer from phycoerythrin to a long wavelength allophycocyanin, indicating that phycoerythrin synthesized in darkness was incorporated into functional phycobilisomes.
POVERTY, NON‐WHITE POVERTY, AND THE SEN INDEX
Authors: Hoover Gary A. , Formby John P. , Kim Hoseong
Published: November 2004

This paper investigates the impact of economic growth, and more specifically robust economic growth along with other macroeconomic determinants, on poverty levels using both the U.S. official measure of poverty and an estimated time series of Sen indices of poverty. The results reveal that the period of robust economic expansion that the U.S. economy experienced during the 1990s did not have a significant impact on poverty using either measure. In addition, we find that the impact of growth and other macro controls is dramatically different when a subset of the poverty population, namely non‐white poverty, is investigated. The percentage of households headed by women is shown to be a significant factor in examining poverty for this subgroup.
Women's Political Representation in Sweden: Discursive Politics and Institutional Presence
Authors: Sainsbury Diane
Published: November 2004

The growing number of women in parliament (currently 45 percent) and in the cabinet (at times 50 percent) in Sweden over the past three decades has been frequently noted. A less well‐known phenomenon is the advances made by women in appointed positions since the late 1980s. This article seeks to understand the dynamics of the process of increased representation in both elected and appointed office and its timing. Putting special emphasis on discursive strategies and resources, the article examines three crucial debates. It argues that a discursive turn involving two changes set the process in motion. The first was to redefine women's issues as demands for gender equality. This transformed women's issues, which were earlier regarded as peculiar to women who were a special minority, into major party issues. In effect this change recast the conditions for substantive representation – the incorporation of women's preferences in policies. The second aspect of the discursive turn was gendering the demand for greater democracy. Framing the issue of women's representation in this way strategically converted political women from a minority within each of the parties into a majority of the citizenry – improving the potential for descriptive representation. The article concludes that, despite the importance of naming and framing, it is the combination of discursive and organizational resources – especially the institutional presence of women – that has been decisive for women securing public office.
Making links, opening out: Anthropology and the British Association for the Advancement of Science
Authors: Sillitoe Paul
Published: November 2004

This paper has benefited greatly from the time that I have recently spent working on the Committee of Section H of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. I am particularly grateful to David Shankland and Malcolm Smith, both of whom have served as Recorders for Section H, for generously sharing their knowledge and reminiscences of the Section with me. The paper further benefited from comments received at the recent 2004 Festival of Science in Exeter at which I presented it in a session entitled ‘Anthropology after Darwin: The role of the BA’. I also acknowledge the helpful comments of three anonymous reviewers.
Ethnobiology, Social Change and Displacement
Authors: Morris Brian
Published: November 2004

Ninth International Congress of Ethnobiology, University Of Kent, 13‐17 June 2004
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1C toxin on the metabolic rate of Cry1C resistant and susceptible Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Dingha Beatrice N. , Moar William J. , Appel Arthur G.
Published: November 2004

Abstract.  The effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1C toxin on the metabolic rate of Cry1C resistant and susceptible Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are investigated using closed‐system respirometry. Mechanisms of resistance to the Bt toxin may be associated with an energetic cost that can be measured as an increase in metabolic rate compared with Bt‐susceptible insects. This hypothesis is tested using third‐ and fifth‐instar larvae and 1–7‐day‐old pupae. Metabolic rate is measured as the amount of O2 consumed and CO2 produced. V̇O2 and V̇CO2 (mL g−1 h−1) of third‐instar Cry1C resistant larvae reared continuously on a diet containing 320 µg Cry1C toxin per g diet (CryonT) are significantly greater than third‐instar Cry1C resistant larvae reared on toxin for 5 days and reared thereafter on untreated diet (Cry5dT), Cry1C resistant larvae reared on untreated diet (CryReg) and the susceptible parental strain (SeA) reared on untreated diet. There are no differences in V̇O2 and V̇CO2 (mL g−1 h−1) among treatment groups for fifth‐instar larvae. CryonT larvae and pupae weigh significantly less than larvae and pupae receiving other treatments. Smaller body mass may be an important biological cost to individuals exposed continuously to Bt toxin. One‐day‐old pupae of all treatment groups exhibit a high V̇O2 (mean approximately 0.174 mL g−1 h−1) with CryonT having a significantly greater value than all other treatments; there are no differences among the other treatments. Pupal metabolic rates of all treatment groups decline to a minimum between days 2 and 4 then increase linearly between days 4 and 7 until adult emergence. These results demonstrate no difference in metabolic rates, and possibly fitness costs, between resistant (CryReg and Cry5dT) and susceptible (SeA) S. exigua except when larvae were reared continuously on toxin (CryonT).
Lifetime gains of host‐feeding in a synovigenic parasitic wasp
Authors: Giron D. , Pincebourde S. , Casas J.
Published: November 2004

Abstract. Understanding behavioural decisions relative to host use for feeding or reproduction by foraging parasitoids requires not only the study of metabolic pathways followed by nutrients, but also the quantification of lifetime fitness gains of each alternative behaviour. By using a combination of observational and manipulative approaches, the lifetime host‐feeding gains are measured both in terms of fecundity and longevity in the parasitoidEupelmus vuilletti. Host‐feeding increases both egg production and longevity. The increase in fecundity is mainly determined by the amount of lipids obtained whereas the lifespan extension is mainly determined by carbohydrates. Proteins obtained through host‐feeding have been implicated previously in egg production by parasitoids but protein intake has no effect on fecundity and longevity inE. vuilletti. The amount of nutrients gained through host‐feeding and invested in eggs is variable and changes over the lifetime of the animal. Therefore, lifetime feeding gains are best understood through the construction of dynamical budgets running over the entire lifespan of an insect.
What Factors Are Associated with Parents’ Desire To Know the Sex of Their Unborn Child?
Authors: Shipp Thomas D. , Shipp Diane Z. , Bromley Bryann , Sheahan Robert , Cohen Amy , Lieberman Ellice , Benacerraf Beryl
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Background: Parents feel strongly about whether or not to learn the sex of their fetus. We sought to determine which factors are significantly associated with parents’ desire to know or not to know the fetal sex during a prenatal ultrasound. Methods: All women undergoing prenatal ultrasound examinations, except for those with suspected failed pregnancies, were invited to answer a questionnaire at an outpatient referral center for diagnostic ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology in Boston, Massachusetts. The survey asked about demographic factors, current pregnancy, and past pregnancies, and an open‐ended question about whether and why the parents wished to learn, or did not learn, the sex of their fetus. Factors significantly associated with parents’ desire to learn the fetal sex prenatally were determined and analyzed. Results: A total of 1,340 questionnaires were completed. Overall, 761/1,302 (58%) of mothers and 747/1,295 (58%) of fathers learned or planned to learn the fetal sex before delivery. Factors most associated with wanting to learn the fetal sex were conceiving accidentally, finding out the sex in a previous pregnancy, not planning to breastfeed, influence of sex on future childbearing plans, planning a move or renovation dependent on sex, and specific parental sex preference. Demographic factors most associated with wanting to learn the fetal sex were father without full‐time job, lower household income, unwed mother, maternal age less than 22 or greater than 40 years, no college degree, race other than white, and religion other than Catholic. Conclusions: Specific demographic and socioeconomic characteristics predicted whether or not parents chose to know the sex of their unborn child. Families in which the pregnancy was unplanned, those in which fetal sex would influence living arrangements or future childbearing plans, and those of lower socioeconomic status wished to know the sex more frequently. Further study is needed to understand parents’ motivations underlying the desire to know or not know fetal sex before delivery.
Physicians’ Responses to Patient‐Requested Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Ghetti Chiara , Chan Benjamin K.S. , Guise Jeanne‐Marie
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Background: The issue about whether a woman's autonomy in childbirth should include the choice of cesarean delivery in the absence of medical indications has become a major source of debate. Our objective was to examine factors that determined physicians’ responses to patient‐requested cesarean delivery. Methods: Surveys were distributed to all obstetrician‐gynecologists in the greater Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area in Spring, 2000. Physicians were asked to respond to scenarios involving a term patient with a singleton pregnancy requesting primary cesarean delivery. Results: One hundred and seventy of 255 physicians (67%) responded, of whom 68 to 98 percent agreed to cesarean delivery in cases with clear medical indications. Without a clear medical indication, most practitioners would not perform a cesarean delivery. In cases where medical indications were unclear, responses were divided. Physician male gender and patient high socioeconomic status were associated with increased likelihood of physician agreement to patient‐requested cesarean delivery. Age, years in practice, and practice type were not associated with agreement. Conclusions: Physicians are reluctant to agree to patient request for primary cesarean delivery without a clear medical indication. Male physicians were more likely to agree to a patient's request for cesarean delivery than female physicians.
Changing the Use of Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Labor Support: A Case Study of Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Graham Ian D. , Logan Jo , Davies Barbara , Nimrod Carl
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Background: Decreasing the use of continuous electronic fetal monitoring and increasing professional labor support for low‐risk pregnancies are recommended by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. This study explored factors influencing the successful (and unsuccessful) introduction of an evidence‐based fetal health surveillance guideline. Methods: This qualitative case study was conducted at two tertiary and one community hospital. Data were collected in 14 clinician focus groups (51 nurses), followed by 8 interviews with nurse administrators and educators. Analysis of verbatim transcripts and unit records included coding and categorizing data to form profiles that were compared across hospitals. Results: Implementation of the guideline recommendations in the hospital settings was affected by many different factors originating in the practice environment, with the potential adopters, and related to the characteristics of the guideline. The influences of these diverse factors interacted sometimes to magnify or counteract each other's effect. The physical setting, adopter concerns, and the medicolegal issues surrounding the guideline played critical roles in uptake. In addition, changes preceding the introduction of the recommendations, the institution's agenda, and nursing and medical leadership influenced the uptake of guideline recommendations. The number and experience of nurses in each setting and availability of equipment also affected guideline acceptance and use. Conclusions: When implementing best practice, it is important to identify organizational barriers to the change that will need managing by the appropriate level of administration in the organization. Careful tailoring of implementation interventions to the barriers originating with the potential adopters is also necessary. Be prepared for unanticipated effects.
Differentiation status dependent function of FOG‐1
Authors: Tanaka Makoto , Zheng Jie , Kitajima Kenji , Kita Keisuke , Yoshikawa Hideki , Nakano Toru
Published: November 2004

The molecular interactions between transcription factors and cofactors play crucial roles in various biological processes, including haematopoiesis. FOG‐1 is a cognate cofactor of GATA‐1, and the FOG‐1/GATA‐1 complex is essential for the haematopoietic differentiation of erythroid cells and megakaryocytes. In order to elucidate the biological functions of FOG‐1 in the different contexts of cell differentiation, we analysed the effects of FOG‐1 expression on haematopoietic cell differentiation, using a combination of in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and conditional gene expression. FOG‐1 suppressed the proliferation of primitive and definitive erythroid cells in all stages of differentiation. However, FOG‐1 inhibited and enhanced megakaryopoiesis in the early and late differentiation stages, respectively, through different molecular mechanisms. In addition, FOG‐1 inhibited the proliferation of ES cells, the molecular mechanism of which differs from those of erythroid and megakaryocytic cells. These results suggest that FOG‐1 functions in a cell differentiation context‐dependent manner.
DNA binding properties of human DNA polymerase η: implications for fidelity and polymerase switching of translesion synthesis
Authors: Kusumoto Rika , Masutani Chikahide , Shimmyo Shizu , Iwai Shigenori , Hanaoka Fumio
Published: November 2004

The human XPV (xeroderma pigmentosum variant) gene is responsible for the cancer–prone xeroderma pigmentosum syndrome and encodes DNA polymerase η (pol η), which catalyses efficient translesion synthesis past cis‐syn cyclobutane thymine dimers (TT dimers) and other lesions. The fidelity of DNA synthesis by pol η on undamaged templates is extremely low, suggesting that pol η activity must be restricted to damaged sites on DNA. Little is known, however, about how the activity of pol η is targeted and restricted to damaged DNA. Here we show that pol η binds template/primer DNAs regardless of the presence of TT dimers. Rather, enhanced binding to template/primer DNAs containing TT dimers is only observed when the 3′‐end of the primer is an adenosine residue situated opposite the lesion. When two nucleotides have been incorporated into the primer beyond the TT dimer position, the pol η‐template/primer DNA complex is destabilized, allowing DNA synthesis by DNA polymerases α or δ to resume. Our study provides mechanistic explanations for polymerase switching at TT dimer sites.
The AtNACK1/HINKEL and STUD/TETRASPORE/AtNACK2 genes, which encode functionally redundant kinesins, are essential for cytokinesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Ishikawa Masaki , Kitamura Saori , Takahashi Yuji , Soyano Takashi , Machida Chiyoko , Machida Yasunori
Published: November 2004

Cytokinesis is the critical step during which daughter cells are separated. We showed previously that a protein complex that consists of NACK1 (and NACK2) kinesin‐like protein and NPK1 MAPKKK and its substrate NQK1 MAPKK are required for progression of cytokinesis in Nicotiana tabacum. The genome of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes homologues of NACK1 and NACK2, namely, AtNACK1/HINKEL and STUD/TETRASPORE/AtNACK2, respectively. Loss‐of‐function mutations in AtNACK1/HINKEL and STUD/TETRASPORE/AtNACK2 result in the occasional failure of somatic and male‐meiotic cytokinesis, respectively. However, it is likely that these genes function redundantly to some extent in somatic tissues and female gametogenesis. We describe the phenotypes of Arabidopsis plants that have mutations in both the AtNACK1/HINKEL and STUD/TETRASPORE/AtNACK2 genes. These phenotypes suggest that the two genes are essential during both male and female gametogenesis. Female gametes with atnack1 atnack2 double mutations failed to cellularize and to generate a central cell, synergids and the egg cells. Male gametes with atnack1 atnack2 mutations were also not transmitted to the next generation. The AtNACK1/HINKEL and STUD/TETRASPORE/AtNACK2 genes for kinesin‐like proteins have overlapping functions that are essential for gametogenetic cytokinesis. They appear to be essential components of a MAP kinase cascade that promotes cytokinesis of plant cells in both gametophytic (haploid) and sporophytic (diploid) proliferation.
Modulation of GDF5/BRI‐b signalling through interaction with the tyrosine kinase receptor Ror2
Authors: Sammar Marei , Stricker Sigmar , Schwabe Georg C. , Sieber Christina , Hartung Anke , Hanke Michael , Oishi Isao , Pohl Jens , Minami Yasuhiro , Sebald Walter , Mundlos Stefan , Knaus Petra
Published: November 2004

The brachydactylies are a group of inherited disorders of the hands characterized by shortened digits. Mutations in the tyrosine kinase receptor Ror2 cause brachydactyly type B (BDB). Mutations in GDF5, a member of the BMP/TGF‐β ligand family, cause brachydactyly type C (BDC) whereas mutations in the receptor for GDF5, BRI‐b, cause brachydactyly type A2 (BDA2). There is considerable degree of phenotypic overlap between the subtypes BDB, BDC and BDA2. Here we demonstrate that all three components are involved in GDF5 induced regulation of chondrogenesis. We show that Ror2 (tyrosine kinase receptor) and BRI‐b (serine/threonine kinase receptor) form a ligand independent heteromeric complex. The frizzled‐like‐CRD domain of Ror2 is required for this complex. Within that complex Ror2 gets transphosphorylated by BRI‐b. We show that Ror2 modulates GDF5 signalling by inhibition of Smad1/5 signalling and by activating a Smad‐independent pathway. Both pathways however, are needed for chondrogenic differentiation as demonstrated in ATDC5 cells. The functional interaction of Ror2 with GDF5 and BRI‐b was genetically confirmed by the presence of epistatic effects in crosses of Ror2, BRI‐b and Gdf5 deficient mice. These results indicate for the first time a direct interaction of Ser/Thr‐ and Tyr‐Kinase receptors and provide evidence for modulation of the Smad‐pathway and GDF5 triggered chondrogenesis.
The adaptor molecule FADD from Xenopus laevis demonstrates evolutionary conservation of its pro‐apoptotic activity
Authors: Sakamaki Kazuhiro , Takagi Chiyo , Kominami Katsuya , Sakata Shin‐ichi , Yaoita Yoshio , Kubota Hiroshi Y. , Nozaki Masami , Yonehara Shin , Ueno Naoto
Published: November 2004

FADD is an adaptor protein that transmits apoptotic signals from death receptors such as Fas to downstream initiator caspases in mammals. We have identified and characterized the Xenopus orthologue of mammalian FADD (xFADD). xFADD contains both a death effector domain (DED) and a death domain (DD) that are structurally homologous to those of mammalian FADD. We observed xFADD binding to Xenopus caspase‐8 and caspase‐10 as well as to human caspase‐8 and Fas through interactions with their homophilic DED and DD domains. When over‐expressed, xFADD was also able to induce apoptosis in wild‐type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), but not in caspase‐8‐deficient MEF cells. In contrast, DED‐deficient xFADD (xFADDdn) acted as a dominant‐negative mutant and prevented Fas‐mediated apoptosis in mammalian cell lines. These results indicate that xFADD transmits apoptotic signals from Fas to caspase‐8. Furthermore, we found that transgenic animals expressing xFADD in the developing heart or eye under the control of tissue‐specific promoters show abnormal phenotypes. Taken together, these results suggest that xFADD can substitute functionally for its mammalian homologue in death receptor‐mediated apoptosis, and we suggest that xFADD functions as a pro‐apoptotic adaptor molecule in frogs. Thus, the structural and functional similarities between xFADD and mammalian FADD provide evidence that the apoptotic pathways are evolutionally conserved across vertebrate species.
Hub1 is an essential ubiquitin‐like protein without functioning as a typical modifier in fission yeast
Authors: Yashiroda Hideki , Tanaka Keiji
Published: November 2004

Hub1 exhibits 23% sequence identity to ubiquitin. However, Hub1 lacks the C‐terminal Gly, which is essential for covalent attachment to target protein(s) of ubiquitin and other ubiquitin‐like (UBL) modifiers. Instead, Hub1 proteins in all eukaryotes retain the di‐Tyr just before a single variable residue at the C‐terminus, so one intriguing question is whether Hub1 could be linked to substrate through the conserved Tyr or not. Here we studied Hub1 inSchizosaccharomyces pombe.Gene disruption experiment revealed thathub1+is essential. Remarkably, the mutant cells harbouring Hub1 lacking the di‐Tyr could grow similar to wild‐type cells, indicating that the di‐Tyr is dispensable for the essential function of Hub1. Moreover, we could not observe cleavage of Flag‐tag fused with C‐terminus of Hub1. It suggests that the processing for conjugation via conserved Tyr is not likely to occur in Hub1, and Hub1 is a novel class of the UBL protein family. Finally, we isolated a temperature‐sensitive allele,hub1‐1. This temperature sensitivity could be suppressed by overproduction of Rpb10 or Snu66, the former of which is one of the common subunits of the RNA polymerases and the other is the component of the spliceosome. We also observed that pre‐mRNA splicing was impaired inhub1‐1.
In vitro transcription analysis by reconstituted cyanobacterial RNA polymerase: roles of group 1 and 2 sigma factors and a core subunit, RpoC2
Authors: Imamura Sousuke , Asayama Munehiko , Shirai Makoto
Published: November 2004

The RNA polymerase (RNAP) core enzyme of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 was reconstituted with overproduced recombinant subunits and purified with C‐terminal histidine‐tagged RpoA. The core enzyme with purified a sigma factor, SigA/SigD or SigB, allowed specific in vitro transcription from the light‐inducible psbA2 or the dark‐/heat‐inducible lrtA/hspA promoters, respectively. Further analysis using a mutant psbA2 promoter revealed that the −35 hexamer of the promoter was essential for SigA but not SigD. Similar but distinct patterns of psbA2 transcription were found for two types of RNAP, cyanobacterial (α2ββ′γ) and E. coli (α2ββ′) core enzymes. Specific binding of PCC 6803 RpoC2 (β′) to E. coli core enzyme and its contribution to efficient psbA2 transcription by RNAP‐SigA/D suggest that this subunit could confer an important role on the cyanobactrial RNAP. Differences in affinity and specificity among cyanobacterial sigma factors for the core enzyme and promoters were discussed.
Meta‐analytic evidence of increased breakthrough bleeding during prophylaxis with B‐domain deleted factor VIII
Authors: Gruppo R. A. , Brown D. , Wilkes M. M. , Navickis R. J.
Published: November 2004

Summary.  A recent meta‐analysis of 13 observational studies suggested reduced haemostatic efficacy during prophylaxis and shortened half‐life of B‐domain deleted factor VIII (BDD‐rFVIII) as compared with full‐length factor VIII (FL‐FVIII). The meta‐analysis included a multivariate model that took both dose and age into account. In addition, several assumptions and interpretations were required in order to conduct the meta‐analysis. It is important to test the impact of such assumptions and interpretations through sensitivity analysis. In the published meta‐analysis, results of several sensitivity analyses were described involving the effect of study design; heterogeneity of subjects in some studies; type of assay used for half‐life determinations; and year of publication. In two subsequent brief reports, additional sensitivity analyses addressed choice of median‐to‐mean conversion factor over a wide range of scenarios and use of age at start of prophylaxis vs mean age during prophylaxis in the multivariate model. A recognized inherent difficulty in the meta‐analysis of multiple published reports from similar studies is the possibility of some subject or data overlap. Therefore, the present communication details further sensitivity analyses encompassing assumptions regarding the possibility of subject duplication in a subgroup of subjects from one study and possible duplication of pharmacokinetic data from two smaller studies within the reports of two larger studies. All the sensitivity analyses support the main conclusions of the meta‐analysis, namely, that BDD‐rFVIII substantially increases the risk of breakthrough bleeding during prophylaxis, possibly at least partly because of shorter half‐life than that of FL‐FVIII.
Descriptive biogeography of Tomicus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) species in Spain
Authors: Gallego D. , Cánovas F. , Esteve M. A. , Galián J.
Published: November 2004

Aim, location  Tomicus (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) species are some of the principal pests of Eurasian forest and are represented by three coexisting species in Spain, Tomicus piniperda (Linnaeus, 1758), Tomicus destruens (Wollaston, 1865) and Tomicus minor (Harting, 1834). The distribution of two taxa are unknown as they have until recently been considered separate species. Therefore, we model the potential distribution centres and establish the potential distribution limits of Tomicus species in Iberia. We also assess the effectiveness of different models by comparing predicted results with observed data. These results will have application in forest pest management.

Methods  Molecular and morphological techniques were used to identify species from 254 specimens of 81 plots. For each plot, a Geographical Information System was used to extract a set of 14 environmental (one topographic, six climatic) and biotic variables (seven host tree distributions). General Additive Models and Ecological Niche Factor Analysis models are applied for modelling and predicting the potential distribution of the three especies of Tomicus.

Results  The results of both modelling methodologies are in agreement. Tomicus destruens is the predominant species in Spain, living in low and hot areas. Tomicus piniperda occurs in lower frequency and prefers wet and cold areas of north‐central Spain. We detected sympatric populations of T. destruens and T. piniperda in Northern coast of Spain, infesting mainly P. pinaster. Tomicus minor is the rarest species, and it occupies a fragmented distribution located in high and wet areas. The remarkable biotic variable is the distribution of P. sylvestris, incorporated into the models of T. destruens and T. piniperda.

Main conclusions  These results indicate that in wet areas of north‐central Spain where T. piniperda occurs (and possibly the high altitudes of the southern mountains), T. destruens has a climatic distribution limit. In the northern border of this area, both species overlap their distributions and some co‐occurrences were detected. Tomicus minor potentially occurs in high and wet fragmented areas.
The nature of spatial transitions in the Arctic
Authors: Epstein H. E. , Beringer J. , Gould W. A. , Lloyd A. H. , Thompson C. D. , Chapin F. S. , Michaelson G. J. , Ping C. L. , Rupp T. S. , Walker D. A.
Published: November 2004

Aim  Describe the spatial and temporal properties of transitions in the Arctic and develop a conceptual understanding of the nature of these spatial transitions in the face of directional environmental change.

Location  Arctic tundra ecosystems of the North Slope of Alaska and the tundra‐forest region of the Seward Peninsula, Alaska

Methods  We synthesize information from numerous studies on tundra and treeline ecosystems in an effort to document the spatial changes that occur across four arctic transitions. These transitions are: (i) the transition between High‐Arctic and Low‐Arctic systems, (ii) the transition between moist non‐acidic tundra (MNT) and moist acidic tundra (MAT, also referred to as tussock tundra), (iii) the transition between tussock tundra and shrub tundra, (iv) the transition between tundra and forested systems. By documenting the nature of these spatial transitions, in terms of their environmental controls and vegetation patterns, we develop a conceptual model of temporal dynamics of arctic ecotones in response to environmental change.

Results  Our observations suggest that each transition is sensitive to a unique combination of controlling factors. The transition between High and Low Arctic is sensitive primarily to climate, whereas the MNT/MAT transition is also controlled by soil parent material, permafrost and hydrology. The tussock/shrub tundra transition appears to be responsive to several factors, including climate, topography and hydrology. Finally, the tundra/forest boundary responds primarily to climate and to climatically associated changes in permafrost. There were also important differences in the demography and distribution of the dominant plant species across the four vegetation transitions. The shrubs that characterize the tussock/shrub transition can achieve dominance potentially within a decade, whereas spruce trees often require several decades to centuries to achieve dominance within tundra, and Sphagnum moss colonization of non‐acidic sites at the MNT/MAT boundary may require centuries to millennia of soil development.

Main conclusions  We suggest that vegetation will respond most rapidly to climatic change when (i) the vegetation transition correlates more strongly with climate than with other environmental variables, (ii) dominant species exhibit gradual changes in abundance across spatial transitions, and/or (iii) the dominant species have demographic properties that allow rapid increases in abundance following climatic shifts. All three of these properties characterize the transition between tussock tundra and low shrub tundra. It is therefore not surprising that of the four transitions studied this is the one that appears to be responding most rapidly to climatic warming.
The effect of music listening on acute confusion and delirium in elders undergoing elective hip and knee surgery
Authors: McCaffrey Ruth , Locsin Rozzano
Published: November 2004

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of music on elders undergoing elective hip and knee surgery who experience acute confusion and delirium postoperatively. Postoperative confusion and delirium in elders often cause complications that negatively effect recovery. Music listening was introduced as an intervention to an experimental group. Nurses documented episodes of acute confusion and delirium experienced by elders postsurgically. Scores from a readiness‐to‐ambulate profile to determine if patients were cognitively ready for postoperative therapy were evaluated. There was a significant decrease in the number of episodes of postoperative confusion among those in the experimental group compared with those in the non‐listening control group. In addition, the experimental group had significantly higher scores on the readiness‐to‐ambulate profile than the control group. These findings indicate that music listening is an effective nursing intervention that can be used to decrease acute postoperative confusion and delirium in elders undergoing elective hip and knee surgery.
The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale: direct assessment of people with cognitive impairment
Authors: Merchant Christopher , Hope Kevin W.
Published: November 2004

Background.  A need exists, consistent with a person‐centred approach to dementia care, to facilitate collaborative approaches to the assessment of quality of life.

Aims and objectives.  To examine the concept of quality of life, to make the case for its centrality in dementia care provision and to consider the validity and reliability of one tool (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale, QOL‐AD).

Conclusions.  The use of the QOL‐AD aligns with person‐centred principles incorporating the subjective viewpoint of the person with dementia, thereby promoting a collaborative and inclusive approach to the measurement of the concept of quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Utilization of QOL‐AD in clinical practice facilitates a user‐centred and collaborative approach to the assessment of quality of life. This approach is in keeping with contemporaneous forces in health and social care delivery for people with dementia.
Exploring the future of gerontological nursing outcomes
Authors: Meyer Julienne , Sturdy Deborah
Published: November 2004

This paper explores some of the global challenges in gerontological nursing and suggests that nurses need to be able to identify better more appropriate person‐centred outcomes, to justify their own worth in caring for older people. It highlights some of the methodological difficulties of measuring outcomes for older people and, more generally, of determining the value and contribution of nursing. It argues that, to address some of these methodological challenges, more participative approaches to research are needed, highlighting the particular value of action research. It suggests that if research is to be meaningful to both older people and those caring for them, there is an urgent need for gerontological nursing research to become much more person‐centred and practice/action oriented.
Morphologic and stratigraphic evolution of muddy ebb‐tidal deltas along a subsiding coast: Barataria Bay, Mississippi River delta
Authors: Fitzgerald Duncan M. , Kulp Mark , Penland Shea , Flocks James , Kindinger Jack
Published: November 2004

The Barataria barrier coast formed between two major distributaries of the Mississippi River delta: the Plaquemines deltaic headland to the east and the Lafourche deltaic headland to the west. Rapid relative sea‐level rise (1·03 cm year−1) and other erosional processes within Barataria Bay have led to substantial increases in the area of open water (> 775 km2 since 1956) and the attendant bay tidal prism. Historically, the increase in tidal discharge at inlets has produced larger channel cross‐sections and prograding ebb‐tidal deltas. For example, the ebb delta at Barataria Pass has built seaward > 2·2 km since the 1880s. Shoreline erosion and an increasing bay tidal prism also facilitated the formation of new inlets. Four major lithofacies characterize the Barataria coast ebb‐tidal deltas and associated sedimentary environments. These include a proximal delta facies composed of massive to laminated, fine grey‐brown to pale yellow sand and a distal delta facies consisting of thinly laminated, grey to pale yellow sand and silty sand with mud layers. The higher energy proximal delta deposits contain a greater percentage of sand (75–100%) compared with the distal delta sediments (60–80%). Associated sedimentary units include a nearshore facies consisting of horizontally laminated, fine to very fine grey sand with mud layers and an offshore facies that is composed of grey to dark grey, laminated sandy silt to silty clay. All facies coarsen upwards except the offshore facies, which fines upwards. An evolutionary model is presented for the stratigraphic development of the ebb‐tidal deltas in a regime of increasing tidal energy resulting from coastal land loss and tidal prism growth. Ebb‐tidal delta facies prograde over nearshore sediments, which interfinger with offshore facies. The seaward decrease in tidal current velocity of the ebb discharge produces a gradational contact between proximal and distal tidal delta facies. As the tidal discharge increases and the inlet grows in dimensions, the proximal and distal tidal delta facies prograde seawards. Owing to the relatively low gradient of the inner continental shelf, the ebb‐tidal delta lithosome is presently no more than 5 m thick and is generally only 2–3 m in thickness. The ebb delta sediment is sourced from deepening of the inlet and the associated channels and from the longshore sediment transport system. The final stage in the model envisages erosion and segmentation of the barrier chain, leading to a decrease in tidal discharge through the former major inlets. This process ultimately results in fine‐grained sedimentation seaward of the inlets and the encasement of the ebb‐tidal delta lithosome in mud. The ebb‐tidal deltas along the Barataria coast are distinguished from most other ebb deltas along sand‐rich coasts by their muddy content and lack of large‐scale stratification produced by channel cut‐and‐fills and bar migration.
Sedimentary environment of the Faroe‐Shetland and Faroe Bank Channels, north‐east Atlantic, and the use of bedforms as indicators of bottom current velocity in the deep ocean
Authors: Masson D. G. , Wynn R. B. , Bett B. J.
Published: November 2004

In the northeast Atlantic, much of the deep cold water flow between the Norwegian Sea and the main North Atlantic basin passes through the Faroe‐Shetland and Faroe Bank Channels, generating strong persistent bottom currents capable of eroding and transporting sediment up to and including gravel. A large variety of sedimentary bedforms, including scours, furrows, comet marks, barchan dunes, sand sheets and sediment drifts, is documented using sidescan sonar images, seismic profiles, seabed photographs and sediment cores from the floor of the channel. Published information on current velocities associated with the various bedforms has been used to reconstruct the pattern of bottom currents acting on the channel floor. The results broadly reflect the current pattern predicted on the basis of regional oceanographic observations, but add considerable detail. The internal consistency of the results suggests that the methods used are robust, giving confidence in the fine detail of the observed bottom current structure. Bottom current velocities in the range < 0·3 to > 1·0 m s−1 are indicated by the range of observed bedforms, with the strongest currents associated with south‐west transport of Norwegian Sea Deep Water (NSDW) at water depths of 800–1200 m. The main NSDW flow forms a relatively narrow core that follows the base of the Faroes slope. This core follows the 90° change in trend of the Faroes slope at the junction between the Faroe‐Shetland and Faroe Bank Channels. The strongest currents within the NSDW core are found over the shallowest sill in the Faroe‐Shetland Channel and in the narrowest part of the channel immediately downstream of the sill, and are generated by topographic constriction of the flow. Eastward flow of deep water along the northern flank of the Wyville‐Thomson ridge suggests a complex current pattern with some recirculation of deep water within the deep Faroe Bank Channel basin. The observations suggest that Coriolis force is the main agent controlling the westward deflection of the NSDW into the Faroe Bank Channel, contradicting a previous suggestion that this was controlled by the topography of the Wyville Thomson Ridge.
Implications for Neoarchaean ocean chemistry from primary carbonate mineralogy of the Campbellrand‐Malmani Platform, South Africa
Authors: Sumner Dawn Y. , Grotzinger John P.
Published: November 2004

The precipitation of calcite and aragonite as encrustations directly on the seafloor was an important platform‐building process during deposition of the 2560–2520 Ma Campbellrand‐Malmani carbonate platform, South Africa. Aragonite fans and fibrous coatings are common in unrestricted, shallow subtidal to intertidal facies. They are also present in restricted facies, but are absent from deep subtidal facies. Decimetre‐thick fibrous calcite encrustations are present to abundant in all depositional environments except the deepest slope and basinal facies. The proportion of the rock composed of carbonate that precipitated as encrustations or in primary voids ranges from 0% to > 65% depending on the facies. Subtidal facies commonly contain 20–35%in situ precipitated carbonate, demonstrating that Neoarchaean sea water was supersaturated with respect to aragonite, carbonate crystal growth rates were rapid compared with sediment influx rates, and the dynamics of carbonate precipitation were different from those in younger carbonate platforms. The abundance of aragonite pseudomorphs suggests that sea‐water pH was neutral to alkaline, whereas the paucity of micrite suggests the presence of inhibitors to calcite and aragonite nucleation in the mixed zone of the oceans.
Synrift stratigraphic geometry in a transfer zone coarse‐grained delta complex, Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea
Authors: Sohn Young Kwan , Son Moon
Published: November 2004

The Gojusan fan delta is a coarse‐grained delta complex on the western margin of the Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea. The deposits consist of five facies associations (FA): alluvial‐fan conglomerates (FA I), shallow‐marine mouth‐bar sandstones (FA II), fluvial and mouth‐bar conglomerates (FA III), Gilbert‐type foreset conglomerates (FA IV) and hemipelagic mudstones (FA V). Different facies associations characterize the northern, central and southern parts of the delta complex. To the north, FA IV is laterally juxtaposed with FA I or the basement, with scarp‐derived breccias along the contact. Centrally, and to the south, FA I is laterally juxtaposed with FA II, with an abrupt facies change and local inliers of basement rocks along the contact. Early alluvial fan and mouth‐bar deposits are overlain by the topset (FA III) and truncated by the foreset (FA IV) of a Gilbert‐type delta in the central part of the fan delta complex, whereas FA II passes transitionally upward into FA III in the south, with the latter extending basinward into a gently inclined shoal water delta front. Gilbert‐type and shoal‐water geometries are therefore developed in the same delta complex. The composite delta geometry is interpreted as reflecting (1) its development near an extensional transfer zone where the hangingwall relief was variable over short distances along strike, and (2) the operation of intrabasinal faults. This interpretation contrasts with previous studies that viewed the delta complex as having formed along a pull‐apart basin margin.
Fusarium oxysporumFoxy 2 shows potential to control bothStriga hermonthicaandS. asiatica
Authors: Elzein A , Kroschel J
Published: November 2004

Under glasshouse conditions, the ability ofFusarium oxysporumisolate Foxy 2, a fungal pathogen isolated fromStriga hermonthica, to controlS. asiaticaandS. gesnerioides, was investigated on potted plants. In the experiment, the target weed of the fungus,S. hermonthica, was included as a standard. In the present study,S. asiaticawas the only species that, besidesS. hermonthicashowed high susceptibility to Foxy 2. This susceptibility was demonstrated by almost complete prevention of emergence of the parasite. In contrast,S. gesnerioidesdid not show any susceptibility at all. The susceptibility of twoStrigaspecies to the fungus provides an opportunity for simultaneous control of both parasites in those regions where they are co‐existing (e.g. Tanzania and Kenya).