bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical conductivity of montmorillonite as a function of relative humidity: La-montmorillonite
Authors: García N. J. , Bazán J. C.
Published: May 2009

The conductivity of La-montmorillonite was measured in the domain of water relative pressures (p/p0) of <1, and compared with the conductivites of Li- and Na-montmorillonite. La-montmorillonite shows smaller conductivity over the whole range of p/p0 studied. To explain this, theoretical considerations of the polarizing power and of the local stacking order induced by the exchangeable cation were addressed.
Protein synthesis is resistant to rapamycin and constitutes a promising therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tamburini Jerome , Green Alexa S. , Bardet Valerie , Chapuis Nicolas , Park Sophie , Willems Lise , Uzunov Madalina , Ifrah Norbert , Dreyfus François , Lacombe Catherine , Mayeux Patrick , Bouscary Didier
Published: May 2009

The deregulation of translation markedly contributes to the malignant phenotype in cancers, and the assembly of the translation initiating complex eIF4F is the limiting step of this process. The mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) is thought to positively regulate eIF4F assembly and subsequent oncogenic protein synthesis through 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. We showed here that the translation inhibitor 4EGI-1 decreased the clonogenic growth of leukemic progenitors and induced apoptosis of blast cells, with limited toxicity against normal hematopoiesis, which emphasize the importance of translation deregulation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) biology. However, the mTORC1 inhibitor RAD001 (a rapamycin derivate) did not induce AML blast cell apoptosis. We herein demonstrated that mTORC1 disruption using raptor siRNA or RAD001 failed to inhibit 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in AML. Moreover, RAD001 failed to inhibit eIF4F assembly, to decrease the proportion of polysome-bound c-Myc mRNA, and to reduce the translation-dependent accumulation of oncogenic proteins. We identified the Pim-2 serine/threonine kinase as mainly responsible for 4E-BP1 phosphorylation on the S65 residue and subsequent translation control in AML. Our results strongly implicate an mTORC1-independent deregulation of oncogenic proteins synthesis in human myeloid leukemogenesis. Direct inhibition of the translation initiating complex thus represents an attractive option for the development of new therapies in AML.
High frequency of PTEN, PI3K, and AKT abnormalities in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gutierrez Alejandro , Sanda Takaomi , Grebliunaite Ruta , Carracedo Arkaitz , Salmena Leonardo , Ahn Yebin , Dahlberg Suzanne , Neuberg Donna , Moreau Lisa A. , Winter Stuart S. , Larson Richard , Zhang Jianhua , Protopopov Alexei , Chin Lynda , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Silverman Lewis B. , Hunger Stephen P. , Sallan Stephen E. , Look A. Thomas
Published: May 2009

To more comprehensively assess the pathogenic contribution of the PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), we examined diagnostic DNA samples from children with T-ALL using array comparative genomic hybridization and sequence analysis. Alterations of PTEN, PI3K, or AKT were identified in 47.7% of 44 cases. There was a striking clustering of PTEN mutations in exon 7 in 12 cases, all of which were predicted to truncate the C2 domain without disrupting the phosphatase domain of PTEN. Induction chemotherapy failed to induce remission in 3 of the 4 patients whose lymphoblasts harbored PTEN deletions at the time of diagnosis, compared with none of the 12 patients with mutations of PTEN exon 7 (P = .007), suggesting that PTEN deletion has more adverse therapeutic consequences than mutational disruptions that preserve the phosphatase domain. These findings add significant support to the rationale for the development of therapies targeting the PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway in T-ALL.
Analysis of the role of COP9 Signalosome (CSN) subunits in K562; the first link between CSN and autophagy
Authors: Pearce Claire , Hayden Rachel E , Bunce Christopher M , Khanim Farhat L
Published: May 2009

Background

The COP9/signalosome (CSN) is a highly conserved eight subunit complex that, by deneddylating cullins in cullin-based E3 ubiquitin ligases, regulates protein degradation. Although studied in model human cell lines such as HeLa, very little is known about the role of the CSN in haemopoietic cells.

Results

Greater than 95% knockdown of the non-catalytic subunit CSN2 and the deneddylating subunit CSN5 of the CSN was achieved in the human myeloid progenitor cell line K562. CSN2 knockdown led to a reduction of both CSN5 protein and mRNA whilst CSN5 knockdown had little effect on CSN2. Both knockdowns inhibited CSN deneddylase function as demonstrated by accumulation of neddylated Cul1. Furthermore, both knockdowns resulted in the sequential loss of Skp2, Cdc4 and β-TrCP F-box proteins. These proteins were rescued by the proteasome inhibitor MG132, indicating the autocatalytic degradation of F-box proteins upon loss of CSN2 or CSN5. Interestingly, altered F-box protein gene expression was also observed in CSN2 and CSN5 knockdowns, suggesting a potential role of the CSN in regulating F-box protein transcription.

Loss of either CSN subunit dramatically reduced cell growth but resulted in distinct patterns of cell death. CSN5 knockdown caused mitotic defects, G2/M arrest and apoptotic cell death. CSN2 knockdown resulted in non-apoptotic cell death associated with accumulation of both the autophagy marker LC3-II and autophagic vacuoles. Treatment of vector control K562 cells with the autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and bafilomycin A1 recapitulated the growth kinetics, vacuolar morphology and LC3-II accumulation of CSN2 knockdown cells indicating that the cellular phenotype of CSN2 cells arises from autophagy inhibition. Finally, loss of CSN2 was associated with the formation of a CSN5 containing subcomplex.

Conclusion

We conclude that CSN2 is required for CSN integrity and the stability of individual CSN subunits, and postulate that CSN2 loss results in a phenotype distinct from that of cells lacking CSN5 possibly as a consequence of altered CSN5 activity within a resultant CSN subcomplex. Our data present the first evidence for the sequential loss of F-box proteins upon CSN manipulation and are the first to identify a potential link between CSN function and autophagy.
Recent dermatophyte divergence revealed by comparative and phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Wu Yuan , Yang Jian , Yang Fan , Liu Tao , Leng Wenchuan , Chu Yonglie , Jin Qi
Published: May 2009

Background

Dermatophytes are fungi that cause superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. They are the most common agents of fungal infections worldwide. Dermatophytic fungi constitute three genera, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum, and the evolutionary relationships between these genera are epidemiologically important. Mitochondria are considered to be of monophyletic origin and mitochondrial sequences offer many advantages for phylogenetic studies. However, only one complete dermatophyte mitochondrial genome (E. floccosum) has previously been determined.

Results

The complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of five dermatophyte species, T. rubrum (26,985 bp), T. mentagrophytes (24,297 bp), T. ajelloi (28,530 bp), M. canis (23,943 bp) and M. nanum (24,105 bp) were determined. These were compared to the E. floccosum sequence. Mitochondrial genomes of all 6 species were found to harbor the same set of genes arranged identical order indicating that these dermatophytes are closely related. Genome size differences were largely due to variable lengths of non-coding intergenic regions and the presence/absence of introns. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete mitochondrial genomes reveals that the divergence of the dermatophyte clade was later than of other groups of pathogenic fungi.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic comparative genomic study on dermatophytes, a highly conserved and recently-diverged lineage of ascomycota fungi. The data reported here provide a basis for further exploration of interrelationships between dermatophytes and will contribute to the study of mitochondrial evolution in higher fungi.
A kinase-dead knock-in mutation in mTOR leads to early embryonic lethality and is dispensable for the immune system in heterozygous mice
Authors: Shor Boris , Cavender Druie , Harris Crafford
Published: May 2009

Background

The mammalian target of rapamycin protein (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved kinase that regulates protein synthesis, cell cycle progression and proliferation in response to various environmental cues. As a critical downstream mediator of PI3K signaling, mTOR is important for lymphocyte development and function of mature T and B-cells. Most studies of mTOR in immune responses have relied on the use of pharmacological inhibitors, such as rapamycin. Rapamycin-FKBP12 complex exerts its immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative effect by binding outside the kinase domain of mTOR, and subsequently inhibiting downstream mTOR signaling.

Results

To determine the requirement for mTOR kinase activity in the immune system function, we generated knock-in mice carrying a mutation (D2338) in the catalytic domain of mTOR. While homozygous mTOR kd/kd embryos died before embryonic day 6.5, heterozygous mTOR+/kd mice appeared entirely normal and are fertile. mTOR +/kd mice exhibited normal T and B cell development and unaltered proliferative responses of splenocytes to IL-2 and TCR/CD28. In addition, heterozygousity for the mTOR kinase-dead allele did not sensitize T cells to rapamycin in a CD3-mediated proliferation assay. Unexpectedly, mTOR kinase activity towards its substrate 4E-BP1 was not decreased in hearts and livers from heterozygous animals.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings indicate that mTOR kinase activity is indispensable for the early development of mouse embryos. Moreover, a single wild type mTOR allele is sufficient to maintain normal postnatal growth and lymphocyte development and proliferation.
Outcomes and factors influencing survival in cirrhotic cases with spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter study
Authors: Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Saito Satoru , Yoneda Masato , Fujita Koji , Mawatari Hironori , Uchiyama Takashi , Higurashi Takuma , Imajo Kento , Sakaguchi Takashi , Atsukawa Kazuhiro , Sawabe Aya , Kanesaki Akira , Takahashi Hirokazu , Abe Yasunobu , Inamori Masahiko , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Kubota Kensuke , Ueno Norio , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: May 2009

Background

Spontaneous rupture is rare complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high mortality rate in cirrhotic cases. The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing prognosis in cases of spontaneously ruptured HCC and to investigate the outcomes of the treatments employed, especially transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE).

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in 48 cirrhotic patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC. Conservative treatment was employed in 32 patients (ConT group) and TAE was performed in 16 patients (TAE group).

Results

The median survival time (MST) in the ConT group was only 13.1 days and the survival rate was extremely poor: 59.4% at 7 days, 37.5% at 14 days, and 6.3% at 30 days. On the other hand, the MST in the TAE group was 244.8 days and the survival rate was 87.5% at 1 month, 56.3% at 3 months, 23.4% at 12 months, and 15.6% at 24 months. According to the results of univariate analyses, factors associated with poor hepatic function and poor suitability for TAE was important determinants of short-term death (less than 3 weeks) among the patients (p < 0.05). On the other hand, among the patients in whom initial TAE was successfully performed (n = 15), a multivariate analysis showed that a maximum tumor size not exceeding 7 cm was the only independent factor determining long-term survival (p = 0.0130).

Conclusion

Despite the inherent limitations of this retrospective study, TAE appears to be a useful treatment strategy for cirrhotic patients with spontaneous HCC rupture, as it yielded a longer survival period compared with conservative treatment in patients with ruptured HCC. Among the patients with ruptured HCC in whom initial TAE was successfully performed, the maximum tumor size was an important factor influencing survival.
A polymorphic variant of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor correlates with male longevity in the Italian population: a genetic study and evaluation of circulating IGF-1 from the "Treviso Longeva (TRELONG)" study
Authors: Albani Diego , Batelli Sara , Polito Letizia , Vittori Angelica , Pesaresi Marzia , Gajo Giovanni Battista , De Angeli Sergio , Zanardo Andrea , Gallucci Maurizio , Forloni Gianluigi
Published: May 2009

Background

An attenuation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling has been associated with elongation of the lifespan in simple metazoan organisms and in rodents. In humans, IGF-1 level has an age-related modulation with a lower concentration in the elderly, depending on hormonal and genetic factors affecting the IGF-1 receptor gene (IGF-1R).

Methods

In an elderly population from North-eastern Italy (n = 668 subjects, age range 70–106 years) we investigated the IGF-1R polymorphism G3174A (rs2229765) and the plasma concentration of free IGF-1. Frequency distributions were compared using χ2-test "Goodness of Fit" test, and means were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); multiple regression analysis was performed using JMP7 for SAS software (SAS Institute, USA). The limit of significance for genetic and biochemical comparison was set at α = 0.05.

Results

Males showed an age-related increase in the A-allele of rs2229765 and a change in the plasma level of IGF-1, which dropped significantly after 85 years of age (85+ group). In the male 85+ group, A/A homozygous subjects had the lowest plasma IGF-1 level. We found no clear correlation between rs2229765 genotype and IGF-1 in the females.

Conclusion

These findings confirm the importance of the rs2229765 minor allele as a genetic predisposing factor for longevity in Italy where a sex-specific pattern for IGF-1 attenuation with ageing was found.
Low density parasitaemia, red blood cell polymorphisms and Plasmodium falciparumspecific immune responses in a low endemic area in northern Tanzania
Authors: Shekalaghe Seif , Alifrangis Michael , Mwanziva Charles , Enevold Anders , Mwakalinga Steve , Mkali Humphrey , Kavishe Reginald , Manjurano Alphaxard , Sauerwein Robert , Drakeley Chris , Bousema Teun
Published: May 2009

Background

Low density Plasmodium falciparum infections, below the microscopic detection limit, may play an important role in maintaining malaria transmission in low endemic areas as well as contribute to the maintenance of acquired immunity. Little is known about factors influencing the occurrence of sub-microscopic parasitaemia or the relation with immune responses.

We investigated possible associations between the occurrence of sub-microscopic P. falciparum parasite carriage and antibody responses to the asexual stage antigens, G6PD deficiency and α+-thalassaemia in 464 subjects from a low endemic area in northern Tanzania.

Methods

We used samples collected from two cross sectional surveys conducted during dry and wet season in 2005. Submicroscopic parasitaemia was detected by using quantitative nucleic acid sequence based amplification (QT-NASBA). Genotyping for G6PD and α+-thalassaemia were performed by high throughput PCR; the prevalence and level of total IgG antibodies against MSP-1, MSP-2 and AMA-1 were determined by ELISA.

Results

Compared to parasite free individuals, individuals carrying sub-microscopic densities of P. falciparum parasites had significantly higher median antibody levels to MSP-1 (p = 0.042) and MSP-2 (p = 0.034) but not to AMA-1 (p = 0.14) while no clear relation between sub-microscopic parasite carriage and G6PD deficiency or α+-thalassaemia was observed.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a role for sub-microscopic parasite densities in eliciting or maintaining humoral immune responses without evidence for a modulating effect of G6PD deficiency or α+-thalassaemia.
The combination effect of sodium butyrate and 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on radiosensitivity in RKO colorectal cancer and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Cho Hang Joo , Kim Sin Young , Kim Kee Hwan , Kang Won Kyung , kim Ji Il , Oh Seong Tack , Kim Jeong Soo , An Chang Hyeok
Published: May 2009

Background

The overall level of chromatin compaction is an important mechanism of radiosensitivity, and modification of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation may increase radiosensitivity by altering chromatin compaction. In this study, we investigated the effect of a demethylating agent, a histone deacetylase(HDAC) inhibitor, and the two agents combined on radiosensitivity in human colon and breast cancer cell lines.

Methods

In this study, we used RKO colorectal cancer cell line and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and normal colon cell lines. On each of the cell lines, we used three different agents: the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate(SB), the demethylating agent 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-DC), and radiation. We then estimated the percentage of the cell survival using the XTT method and experimented to determine if there was an augmentation in the therapeutic effect by using different combinations of the two or three of the treatment methods.

Results

After treatment of each cell lines with 5-aza-DC, SB and 6 grays of radiation, we observed that the survival fraction was lower after the treatment with 5-aza-DC or SB than with radiation alone in RKO and MCF-7 cell lines(p < 0.001). The survival fraction was lowest when the two agents, 5-aza-DC and SB were combined with radiation in both RKO and MCF-cell lines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 5-aza-DC and SB can enhance radiosensitivity in both MCF-7 and RKO cell lines. The combination effect of a demethylating agent and an HDAC inhibitor is more effective than that of single agent treatment in both breast and colon cancer cell lines.
The cAMP-HMGA1-RBP4 system: a novel biochemical pathway for modulating glucose homeostasis
Authors: Chiefari Eusebio , Paonessa Francesco , Iiritano Stefania , Le Pera Ilaria , Palmieri Dario , Brunetti Giuseppe , Lupo Angelo , Colantuoni Vittorio , Foti Daniela , Gulletta Elio , De Sarro Giovambattista , Fusco Alfredo , Brunetti Antonio
Published: May 2009

Background

We previously showed that mice lacking the high mobility group A1 gene (Hmga1-knockout mice) developed a type 2-like diabetic phenotype, in which cell-surface insulin receptors were dramatically reduced (below 10% of those in the controls) in the major targets of insulin action, and glucose intolerance was associated with increased peripheral insulin sensitivity. This particular phenotype supports the existence of compensatory mechanisms of insulin resistance that promote glucose uptake and disposal in peripheral tissues by either insulin-dependent or insulin-independent mechanisms. We explored the role of these mechanisms in the regulation of glucose homeostasis by studying the Hmga1-knockout mouse model. Also, the hypothesis that increased insulin sensitivity in Hmga1-deficient mice could be related to the deficit of an insulin resistance factor is discussed.

Results

We first show that HMGA1 is needed for basal and cAMP-induced retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene and protein expression in living cells of both human and mouse origin. Then, by employing the Hmga1-knockout mouse model, we provide evidence for the identification of a novel biochemical pathway involving HMGA1 and the RBP4, whose activation by the cAMP-signaling pathway may play an essential role for maintaining glucose metabolism homeostasis in vivo, in certain adverse metabolic conditions in which insulin action is precluded. In comparative studies of normal and mutant mice, glucagon administration caused a considerable upregulation of HMGA1 and RBP4 expression both at the mRNA and protein level in wild-type animals. Conversely, in Hmga1-knockout mice, basal and glucagon-mediated expression of RBP4 was severely attenuated and correlated inversely with increased Glut4 mRNA and protein abundance in skeletal muscle and fat, in which the activation state of the protein kinase Akt, an important downstream mediator of the metabolic effects of insulin on Glut4 translocation and carbohydrate metabolism, was simultaneously increased.

Conclusion

These results indicate that HMGA1 is an important modulator of RBP4 gene expression in vivo. Further, they provide evidence for the identification of a novel biochemical pathway involving the cAMP-HMGA1-RBP4 system, whose activation may play a role in glucose homeostasis in both rodents and humans. Elucidating these mechanisms has importance for both fundamental biology and therapeutic implications.
Blood autoantibody and cytokine profiles predict response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hueber Wolfgang , Tomooka Beren H , Batliwalla Franak , Li Wentian , Monach Paul A , Tibshirani Robert J , Van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Lampa Jon , Saito Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya , Genovese Mark C , Klareskog Lars , Gregersen Peter K , Robinson William H
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Anti-TNF therapies have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common systemic autoimmune disease involving destruction of the synovial joints. However, in the practice of rheumatology approximately one-third of patients demonstrate no clinical improvement in response to treatment with anti-TNF therapies, while another third demonstrate a partial response, and one-third an excellent and sustained response. Since no clinical or laboratory tests are available to predict response to anti-TNF therapies, great need exists for predictive biomarkers.

Methods

Here we present a multi-step proteomics approach using arthritis antigen arrays, a multiplex cytokine assay, and conventional ELISA, with the objective to identify a biomarker signature in three ethnically diverse cohorts of RA patients treated with the anti-TNF therapy etanercept.

Results

We identified a 24-biomarker signature that enabled prediction of a positive clinical response to etanercept in all three cohorts (positive predictive values 58 to 72%; negative predictive values 63 to 78%).

Conclusions

We identified a multi-parameter protein biomarker that enables pretreatment classification and prediction of etanercept responders, and tested this biomarker using three independent cohorts of RA patients. Although further validation in prospective and larger cohorts is needed, our observations demonstrate that multiplex characterization of autoantibodies and cytokines provides clinical utility for predicting response to the anti-TNF therapy etanercept in RA patients.
Dynamic expression of small non-coding RNAs, including novel microRNAs and piRNAs/21U-RNAs, during Caenorhabditis elegansdevelopment
Authors: Kato Masaomi , de Lencastre Alexandre , Pincus Zachary , Slack Frank J
Published: May 2009

Background

Small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), serve an important role in controlling gene expression during development and disease. However, little detailed information exists concerning the relative expression patterns of small RNAs during development of animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans.

Results

We performed a deep analysis of small RNA expression in C. elegans using recent advances in sequencing technology, and found that a significant number of known miRNAs showed major changes in expression during development and between males and hermaphrodites. Additionally, we identified 66 novel miRNA candidates, about 35% of which showed transcripts from their 'star sequence', suggesting that they are bona fide miRNAs. Also, hundreds of novel Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs)/21U-RNAs with dynamic expression during development, together with many longer transcripts encompassing 21U-RNA sequences, were detected in our libraries.

Conclusions

Our analysis reveals extensive regulation of non-coding small RNAs during development of hermaphrodites and between different genders of C. elegans, and suggests that these RNAs, including novel miRNA candidates, are involved in developmental processes. These findings should lead to a better understanding of the biological roles of small RNAs in C. elegans development.
Roles for phagocytic cells and complement in controlling relapsing fever infection
Authors: Woodman Michael E , Cooley Anne E , Avdiushko Rita , Bowman Amy , Botto Marina , Wooten R Mark , van Rooijen Nico , Cohen Donald A , Stevenson Brian
Published: May 2009

Macrophages and/or dendritic cells were found to play significant roles in both antibody-dependent and -independent control of B. hermsii infection, while bacterial binding of host factor H was found to be nonessential.

Relapsing fever spirochetes, such as Borrelia hermsii, proliferate to high levels in their hosts’ bloodstream until production of IgM against borrelial surface proteins promotes bacterial clearance. The mechanisms by which B. hermsii survives in host blood, as well as the immune mediators that control this infection, remain largely unknown. It has been hypothesized that B. hermsii is naturally resistant to killing by the alternative pathway of complement activation as a result of its ability to bind factor H, a host complement regulator. However, we found that Cfh−/− mice were infected to levels identical to those seen in wild-type mice. Moreover, only a small minority of B. hermsii in the blood of wild-type mice had detectable levels of factor H adhered to their outer surfaces. In vitro, complement was found to play a statistically significant role in antibody-mediated inactivation of B. hermsii, although in vivo studies indicated that complement is not essential for host control of B. hermsii. Depletion of mφ and DC from mice had significant impacts on B. hermsii infection, and depleted mice were unable to control bloodstream infections, leading to death. Infection studies using muMT indicated a significant antibody-independent role for mφ and/or DC in host control of relapsing fever infection. Together, these findings indicate mφ and/or DC play a critical role in the production of B. hermsii-specific IgM and for antibody-independent control of spirochete levels.
RNase J1 endonuclease activity as a probe of RNA secondary structure
Authors: Daou-Chabo Roula , Condon Ciarán
Published: May 2009

Reliable determination of RNA secondary structure depends on both computer algorithms and experimental probing of nucleotides in single- or double-stranded conformation. Here we describe the exploitation of the endonucleolytic activity of the Bacillus subtilis enzyme RNase J1 as a probe of RNA structure. RNase J1 cleaves in single-stranded regions and, in vitro at least, the enzyme has relatively relaxed nucleotide specificity. We confirmed the feasibility of the approach on an RNA of known structure, B. subtilis tRNAThr. We then used RNase J1 to solve the secondary structure of the 5′ end of the hbs mRNA. Finally, we showed that RNase J1 can also be used in footprinting experiments by probing the interaction between the 30S ribosomal subunit and the Shine–Dalgarno element of the hbs mRNA.
Sexual dimorphism of male face shape, partnership status and the temporal context of relationship sought modulate women's preferences for direct gaze
Authors: Conway Claire A. , Jones Benedict C. , DeBruine Lisa M. , Little Anthony C.
Published: May 2009

Most previous studies of face preferences have investigated the physical cues that influence face preferences. Far fewer studies have investigated the effects of cues to the direction of others' social interest (i.e. gaze direction) on face preferences. Here we found that unpartnered women demonstrated stronger preferences for direct gaze (indicating social interest) from feminine male faces than from masculine male faces when judging men's attractiveness for long‐term relationships, but not when judging men's attractiveness for short‐term relationships. Moreover, unpartnered women's preferences for direct gaze from feminine men were stronger for long‐term than short‐term relationships, but there was no comparable effect for judgements of masculine men. No such effects were evident among women with romantic partners, potentially reflecting different motivations underlying partnered and unpartnered women's judgements of men's attractiveness. Collectively these findings (1) complement previous findings whereby women demonstrated stronger preferences for feminine men as long‐term than short‐term partners, (2) demonstrate context‐sensitivity in the integration of physical and social cues in face preferences, and (3) suggest that gaze preferences may function, at least in part, to facilitate efficient allocation of mating effort.
Moderators of post‐identification feedback effects on eyewitnesses' memory reports
Authors: Douglass Amy Bradfield , Brewer Neil , Semmler Carolyn
Published: May 2009

Purpose. Information provided to eyewitnesses suggesting that their identification was correct (i.e., post‐identification feedback) distorts witnesses' memory reports. More pronounced effects of feedback have been detected for subjective than for objective judgments. We investigated two variables that might explain this finding: response format and question verifiability.

Methods. Response format was manipulated by varying whether participants (N = 160) answered objective questions using fill‐in‐the‐blank options or Likert scales. Question verifiability was manipulated within‐subjects by including objective questions for which the answers either could or could not be known by the experimenter.

Results. Objective measures produced non‐significant feedback effects, whereas most subjective measures produced large feedback effects. Neither response format nor verifiability moderated the feedback effect on any of the measures.

Conclusions. Researchers should continue to search for moderators of the post‐identification feedback effect, guided by theoretical memory research. In addition, they should publish descriptive statistics for individual dependent measures, even if the ideal statistical techniques require collapsing across measures. This approach will allow future researchers to evaluate the difference between objective and subjective measures. Finally, researchers should avoid sweeping statements about the breadth of susceptibility to feedback – objective measures, for reasons unknown, are generally unaffected by post‐identification feedback.
The Global Distribution of Baha'is in the 1930s
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: May 2009

This note provides a summary of information presently available on the extent and distribution of the Baha'i communities around the world during the 1930s.
Reviews
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: May 2009

The Equality of Women and Men: The Experience of the Bah' Community of Canada, Deborah K. van den Hoonaard and Will C. van den Hoonaard (2006) Douglas, New Brunswick: Deborah K. and Will C. van den Hoonaard. 266 pp. (including index), ISBN 0-9685258-1-4 (pbk), Can$20.00
Reviews
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: May 2009

The Baha'is of Iran: Socio-Historical Studies. Dominic Parviz Brookshaw and Seena B. Fazel (eds.) (2008) London: Routledge. xv + 283 pp. (index, 14 photographs and 3 tables). ISBN 978-0-415-35673-2. Hardback 75.00
Reviews
Authors: Momen Moojan
Published: May 2009

Between Foreigners and Shiis: Nineteenth-Century Iran and its Jewish Minority, Daniel Tsadik (2007) Stanford Studies in Jewish History and Culture. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. xxiii + 295 pp. (including index, one map, no illustrations). ISBN 978-0-8047-5458-3
(cloth). $60.00
The Determinants of Happiness: Does Social Science Corroborate Baha'i Teachings?
Authors: Kingdon Geeta Gandhi
Published: May 2009

Happiness is generally considered an important if not the ultimate goal of life. Religion, by giving a prescription for living, purports to give the key to happiness. It prescribes a pattern for living to promote the happiness of individuals and collectively of humankind. There are
numerous references in religious writings in general, and in Baha'i writings in particular, to factors/behaviours/social arrangements that lead to happiness. But is there empirical support for the claimed happiness-enhancing effects of these factors and behaviours? The paper asks how much
support there is, in the social science literature, for the religious prescription for living.
A Proposed Qualitative Framework for Heterogeneous Burning of Metallic Materials: The “Melting Rate Triangle”
Authors: Ward Nicholas R. , Steinberg Theodore A.
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a proposed qualitative framework to discuss the heterogeneous burning of metallic materials, through parameters and factors that influence the melting rate of the solid metallic fuel (either in a standard test or in service). During burning, the melting rate is related to the burning rate and is therefore an important parameter for describing and understanding the burning process, especially since the melting rate is commonly recorded during standard flammability testing for metallic materials and is incorporated into many relative flammability ranking schemes. However, while the factors that influence melting rate (such as oxygen pressure or specimen diameter) have been well characterized, there is a need for an improved understanding of how these parameters interact as part of the overall melting and burning of the system. Proposed here is the “melting rate triangle,” which aims to provide this focus through a conceptual framework for understanding how the melting rate (of solid fuel) is determined and regulated during heterogeneous burning. In this paper, the proposed conceptual model is shown to be both (a) consistent with known trends and previously observed results, and (b) capable of being expanded to incorporate new data. Also shown are examples of how the melting rate triangle can improve the interpretation of flammability test results. Slusser and Miller previously published an “extended fire triangle” as a useful conceptual model of ignition and the factors affecting ignition, providing industry with a framework for discussion. In this paper it is shown that a melting rate triangle provides a similar qualitative framework for burning, leading to an improved understanding of the factors affecting fire propagation and extinguishment.
Fractal Tempo Fluctuation and Pulse Prediction
Authors: Rankin Summer K. , Large Edward W. , Fink Philip W.
Published: May 2009

WE INVESTIGATED PEOPLES' ABILITY TO ADAPT TO THE fluctuating tempi of music performance. In Experiment 1, four pieces from different musical styles were chosen, and performances were recorded from a skilled pianist who was instructed to play with natural expression. Spectral and rescaled range analyses on interbeat interval time-series revealed long-range (1/f type) serial correlations and fractal scaling in each piece. Stimuli for Experiment 2 included two of the performances from Experiment 1, with mechanical versions serving as controls. Participants tapped the beat at ¼- and ⅛-note metrical levels, successfully adapting to large tempo fluctuations in both performances. Participants predicted the structured tempo fluctuations, with superior performance at the ¼-note level. Thus, listeners may exploit long-range correlations and fractal scaling to predict tempo changes in music.
Subdividing the Beat: Auditory and Motor Contributions to Synchronization
Authors: Loehr Janeen D. , Palmer Caroline
Published: May 2009

THE CURRENT STUDY EXAMINED HOW AUDITORY AND kinematic information influenced pianists' ability to synchronize musical sequences with a metronome. Pianists performed melodies in which quarter-note beats were subdivided by intervening eighth notes that resulted from auditory information (heard tones), motor production (produced tones), both, or neither. Temporal accuracy of performance was compared with finger trajectories recorded with motion capture. Asynchronies were larger when motor or auditory sensory information occurred between beats; auditory information yielded the largest asynchronies. Pianists were sensitive to the timing of the sensory information; information that occurred earlier relative to the midpoint between metronome beats was associated with larger asynchronies on the following beat. Finger motion was influenced only by motor production between beats and indicated the influence of other fingers' motion. These findings demonstrate that synchronization accuracy in music performance is influenced by both the timing and modality of sensory information that occurs between beats.
Spatio-Temporal Cues for Visually Mediated Synchronization
Authors: Luck Geoff , Sloboda John A.
Published: May 2009

THE ACCURACY WITH WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE ABLE to synchronize with each other using vision alone is well documented. Less attention, however, has been given to the spatio-temporal characteristics of human movement that offer cues for such synchronization. The present study investigated such cues in the context of conductor-musician synchronization. Twenty-four participants tapped in time with dynamic point-light representations of traditional conducting gestures, in which the clarity of the beat and overall tempo was manipulated. A series of nine linear regression analyses identified absolute acceleration along the trajectory as the main cue for synchronization, while beat clarity and tempo influenced the weights of the variables in the emergent models.
Facial Expressions and Emotional Singing: A Study of Perception and Production with Motion Capture and Electromyography
Authors: Livingstone Steven R. , Thompson William Forde , Russo Frank A.
Published: May 2009

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE USED IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE to communicate structural and emotional intentions. Exposure to emotional facial expressions also may lead to subtle facial movements that mirror those expressions. Seven participants were recorded with motion capture as they watched and imitated phrases of emotional singing. Four different participants were recorded using facial electromyography (EMG) while performing the same task. Participants saw and heard recordings of musical phrases sung with happy, sad, and neutral emotional connotations. They then imitated the target stimulus, paying close attention to the emotion expressed. Facial expressions were monitored during four epochs: (a) during the target; (b) prior to their imitation; (c) during their imitation; and (d) after their imitation. Expressive activity was observed in all epochs, implicating a role of facial expressions in the perception, planning, production, and post-production of emotional singing.
Being Together in Time: Musical Experience and the Mirror Neuron System
Authors: Overy Katie , Molnar-Szakacs Istvan
Published: May 2009

THE DISCOVERY OF INDIVIDUAL "MIRROR NEURONS" in the macaque brain that fire both when an action is executed and when that same action is observed or heard, and of a homologous system in humans, is leading to an extraordinary conceptual shift in our understanding of perception-action mechanisms, human communication, and empathy. In a recent model of emotional responses to music (Molnar-Szakacs & Overy, 2006), we proposed that music is perceived not only as an auditory signal, but also as intentional, hierarchically organized sequences of expressive motor acts behind the signal; and that the human mirror neuron system allows for corepresentation and sharing of a musical experience between agent and listener. Here, we expand upon this model of Shared Affective Motion Experience (SAME) and discuss its implications for music therapy and special education.We hypothesize that imitation, synchronization, and shared experience may be key elements of successful work in these areas.
Justice and Police: Regulatory Offenses and the Criminal Law
Authors: Hildebrandt Mireille
Published: May 2009

This contribution stems from a workshop on foundational issues in the philosophy of criminal law. This may raise expectations for a discussion of the core business of what is called substantive criminal law: the structure of crime, the concept of intention, complicity and participation, attempt and preparation;acts and omissions; or causation. However, most punitive sanctions—especially fines—concern regulatory offenses that are structured to a much lesser extent by such moral notions as culpability and wrongfulness, while the applicable burden of proof does not even come close to the presumption of innocence in the case of criminal offenses. This raises the questions of how the difference between regulatory and criminal offenses is to be understood and of the extent to which regulatory offenses (should) fall within the scope of the criminal law. The answers to these questions will be derived from an exploration of the historicity of crimes and regulatory offenses, and their relationship to the (modern) state. I will start off with tracing the emergence of contraventions and crimina in the course of the early and late Middle Ages and the subsequent advent of a domain of "police" at the threshold of modernity next to the already existing domain of "justice." After this the strict separation of the domains of "police" (covering Polizeidelikten) and "justice" (covering Verbrechen and Vergehen) in nineteenth-century Germany will be discussed as well as the relationship of both domains to different conceptions of the Rechtsstaat and the État de droit. The main argument will be that understanding the difference between criminal and regulatory offenses in essentialist terms, such as the medieval malum in se and malum prohibitum, does not make sense. Building on a nonessentialist difference I will suggest that differential procedural constraints should be based on pragmatic arguments, which, however, do not equate with utilitarian arguments. In line with philosophical pragmatism the separation of means and end that characterizes utilitarianism is rejected and replaced by a pragmatic approach grounded in the normative position of a constitutional democracy in the sense of an État de droit or a substantive conception of the Rechtsstaat. This implies that the aim of punishing regulatory offenses is to sustain an effective domain of "police" under the rule of law, meaning that the punishment of regulatory offenses will have to be regulated by the same principles that inform the "fair trial." This will allow the state to impose punitive sanctions to prevent and retaliate violations of specific legal norms, while enabling citizens to contest the incriminated violation as well as the lawfulness of the violated legal rule.
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Hatch Rate and Saprolegnia spp. Infestation of Channel Catfish Eggs
Authors: Mitchell Andrew J , Radomski Andrew A , Straus David L , Carter Ray
Published: May 2009

Fungal infestations of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus eggs can lower hatch rate, which requires the producer to spawn more channel catfish or risk fingerling shortages. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatments (0.0, 15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/L) were evaluated to determine their effect on channel catfish hatch rate (number of fry/number of eggs × 100) and control of naturally occurring infestations of fungi Saprolegnia spp. in an experimental compartmentalized trough hatching system. Experiments were run at water temperatures of 23.2–24.0°C, dissolved oxygen concentrations of 4.5–6.8 mg/L (53–79% saturation), total alkalinity of 209–217 mg/L, and total hardness of 91–110 mg/L. Treatments were applied to hatching compartments while well water was flowing at a rate of one water exchange every 30 min and egg density was 2.5 g eggs/L of water. Observations for fungal development were made daily, and the maximum measure of fungal growth was recorded. An initial range-finding study demonstrated that H2O2 concentrations greater than 500 mg/L lowered the hatch rate. In later experiments, concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/L applied for 6 d significantly increased the hatch rate and reduced fungal growth when compared with the controls. The 250-mg/L H2O2 treatment had the highest mean hatch rate (64.4% compared with 24.7% for the controls), lowest incidence of fungal infestation (27.3% compared with 100% for the control), and the lowest average fungal growth (an average measure of 0.95 cm compared with 7.23 cm for the controls).
Environmental Factors Related to the Distribution, Abundance, and Life History Characteristics of Mountain Whitefish in Idaho
Authors: Meyer Kevin A. , Elle F. Steven , Lamansky James A.
Published: May 2009

Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni are a broadly distributed native salmonid in western North America, but comparatively little investigation has been made regarding their population characteristics. We surveyed 2,043 study sites to assess whether physiochemical stream conditions affected mountain whitefish distribution and abundance in southern Idaho, and at 20 of these sites life history characteristics were also estimated. A total of 581 sites were dry or contained too little water to support any fish species. Mountain whitefish were captured at 106 sites; for these sites only, mean abundance was 2.2/100 m2. They were rarely present when mean wetted width was less than 10 m but were almost always present when wetted width was greater than 15 m. We estimated that within the study area there were approximately 4.7 ± 1.8 million mountain whitefish, mostly in fifth- to seventh-order streams, which comprised only 13% of the total stream kilometers but accounted for 93% of the total abundance of whitefish. Growth was positively related to mean annual water temperature and negatively related to site elevation. Mountain whitefish were long lived, most (90%) populations containing fish estimated to be at least 10 years old. This longevity produced total annual survival rates averaging 0.82 (range = 0.63–0.91). In general, the growth, fecundity, and survival of mountain whitefish were higher in the upper Snake River basin than in other areas for which data have been reported. Whitefish matured at about 250 mm and about age 2, with little variation in length and age at maturity between sites; males matured at a smaller size and younger age than females. The disproportionate use of larger (i.e., >15-m-wide) streams by mountain whitefish in southern Idaho differs from the situation in more northerly locations, where they apparently are more common in smaller streams.