bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic analysis of transverse dispersion in density‐coupled transport in aquifers
Authors: Welty Claire , Kane Allen C. , Kauffman Leon J.
Published: June 2003

Spectral perturbation techniques have been used previously to derive integral expressions for dispersive mixing in concentration‐dependent transport in three‐dimensional, heterogeneous porous media, where fluid density and viscosity are functions of solute concentration. Whereas earlier work focused on evaluating longitudinal dispersivity in isotropic media and incorporating the result in a mean one‐dimensional transport model, the emphasis of this paper is on evaluation of the complete dispersion tensor, including the more general case of anisotropic media. Approximate analytic expressions for all components of the macroscopic dispersivity tensor are derived, and the tensor is shown to be asymmetric. The tensor is separated into its symmetric and antisymmetric parts, where the symmetric part is used to calculate the principal components and principal directions of dispersivity, and the antisymmetric part of the tensor is shown to modify the velocity of the solute body compared to that of the background fluid. An example set of numerical simulations incorporating the tensor illustrates the effect of density‐coupled dispersivity on a sinking plume in an aquifer. The simulations show that the effective transverse vertical spreading in a sinking plume to be significantly greater than would be predicted by a standard density‐coupled transport model that does not incorporate the coupling in the dispersivity tensor.
Haemoglobin during pregnancy: relationship to erythropoietin and haematinic status
Authors: McMullin Mary Frances , White Raymond , Lappin Terence , Reeves John , MacKenzie Gilbert
Published: June 2003

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of haematinic status on erythropoietin throughout pregnancy in order to assess whether haematinic supplementation is appropriate for all pregnant women or should be reserved for individuals in whom deficiency has been identified.

Methods: A prospective, repeated‐measures, longitudinal study of 263 women enrolled at an antenatal clinic in a district general hospital who received standard obstetric management including haematinic supplements. Haematological indices, iron status, folate and B12 status, and erythropoietin levels were measured by standard methods at scheduled intervals throughout pregnancy. The relationships between the measurements were analysed using statistical models which took into account the serial correlation between repeated measurements on the same individuals.

Results: Erythropoietin levels rose throughout pregnancy from a mean of 22.8 mU/mL at booking to 43.7 mU/mL at 38 wk. There was a significant relationship between erythropoietin levels and haemoglobin, ferritin, TIBC and folate. The relationship was strongest between erythropoietin and haemoglobin. Erythropoietin levels were influenced by parity but not maternal age.

Conclusion: Haematinic levels, particularly iron are related to the rise in serum EPO which occurs during pregnancy. Therefore, haematinic deficiency in pregnancy will result in increased stimulation of erythroid progenitor cells by erythropoietin. While haematinic supplementation is not always prescribed throughout pregnancy, haematinic status must be assessed on an individual basis and supplementation provided as required.
Subpontic cartilagenous hyperplasia of the mandible
Authors: Ide F , Horie N , Shimoyama T
Published: June 2003

We report here a case of subpontic cartilagenous hyperplasia of the lower first molar of a 65‐year‐old woman. A sessile mass of calcifying hyaline cartilage firmly attached to the alveolar ridge was found below the pontic of a fixed partial denture. This is a novel type of reactive cartilagenous metaplasia in the subpontic tissue.
Development of novel oligonucleotide probes for seven Actinomyces species and their utility in supragingival plaque analysis
Authors: Tang G , Yip H‐K , Luo G , Cheung BPK , Shen S , Samaranayake LP
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE: The traditional, biochemical and enzymatic methods of identifying Actinomyces species are frequently confounded by the similar phenotypic characteristics shared by the different members of this genus. Therefore, we developed novel species‐specific oligonucleotide probes to accurately speciate seven pathogenic Actinomyces species, namely, Actinomyces bovis, A. gerencseriae, A. israelii, A. meyeri, A. naeslundii, A. odontolyticus and A. viscosus.

METHODS: A pair of universal primers and seven 15‐ to 19‐base oligonucleotide probes with a tail of 20 thymidines on the 5′ end were developed. The variable regions of 16S ribosomal DNA of 36 strains of Actinomyces belonging to the above species were amplified and labeled with digoxigenin, and an oligonucleotide‐DNA hybridization assay was performed to examine the specificity and sensitivity of these probes.

RESULTS: All seven, newly developed probes were specific and sensitive, and accurately detected 36 reference and wild type strains belonging to Actinomyces species, without cross‐reactions. The probe for A. naeslundii detected all strains belonging to the genospecies 1 (12 strains) and catalase‐negative genospecies 2 (four strains); it failed to detect catalase‐positive A. naeslundii genospecies 2 (previous A. viscosus serotype II) (two strains). However, the latter strains of catalase‐positive A. naeslundii genospecies 2 were correctly detected by the probe developed for A. viscosus. The new probes were then field tested using supragingival plaque samples from 28 healthy preschool children. Whilst A. odontolyticus was detected in almost all samples (96.4%), A. gerencseriae, A meyeri, catalase‐negative A. naeslundii and catalase‐positive A. naeslundii genospecies 2 were detected in <50% samples.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that the developed oligonucleotide probes, complementary to the variable regions of 16S rDNA, would be of potential value for differentiating Actinomyces spp. in clinical samples from the oral cavity and other ecosystems where such species may abound.
Estimating palaeowind strength from beach deposits
Authors: Adams Kenneth D.
Published: June 2003

Abstract The geological record of past wind conditions is well expressed in the coarse gravel, cobble and boulder beach deposits of Quaternary palaeolakes in the Great Basin of the western USA and elsewhere. This paper describes a technique, using the particle‐size distribution of beach deposits, to reconstruct palaeowind conditions when the lakes were present. The beach particle technique (BPT) is first developed using coarse beach deposits from the 1986–87 highstand of the Great Salt Lake in Utah, combined with instrumental wind records from the same time period. Next, the BPT is used to test the hypothesis that wind conditions were more severe than at present during the last highstand of Lake Lahontan (≈ 13 ka), which only lasted a decade or two at most. The largest 50 beach clasts were measured at nine beach sites located along the north, west and south sides of Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake, all of which formed in 1986–87. At these sites, the largest clast sizes range from 10 to 28 cm (b‐axis), and fetch lengths range from 25 to 55 km. Nearshore wave height was calculated by assuming that the critical threshold velocity required to move the largest clasts represents a minimum estimate of the breaking wave velocity, which is controlled by wave height. Shoaling transformations are undertaken to estimate deep‐water wave heights and, ultimately, wind velocity. Wind estimates for the nine sites, using the BPT, range from 6·5 to 17·4 m s−1, which is in reasonable agreement with the instrumental record from Salt Lake City Airport. The same technique was applied to eight late Pleistocene beaches surrounding the Carson Sink sub‐basin of Lake Lahontan, Nevada. Using the BPT, estimated winds for the eight sites range from 9·7 to 27·1 m s−1. The strongest winds were calculated for a cobble/boulder beach with a fetch of 25 km. Instrumental wind records for the 1992–99 period indicate that wind events of 9–12 m s−1 are common and that the strongest significant wind event (≥ 9 m s−1 for ≥ 3 h) reached an average velocity of 15·5 m s−1. Based on this preliminary comparison, it appears that the late Pleistocene western Great Basin was a windier place than at present, at least for a brief time.
The effect of host stage and temperature on selected developmental parameters of the solitary endoparasitoid Meteorus gyrator (Thun.) (Hym., Braconidae)
Authors: Bell H. A. , Marris G. C. , Smethurst F. , Edwards J. P.
Published: June 2003

Abstract:  The development of the solitary endoparasitoid Meteorus gyrator was compared in the six larval stages of its host, the tomato moth Lacanobia oleracea, and at five constant temperatures. The host instar at the time of parasitism had a marked effect on the larval developmental period of the parasitoid, such that larvae derived from eggs oviposited in first instar hosts took approximately 18 days to egress, whilst those derived from eggs oviposited in sixth instar hosts took <10 days. The weight of cocoons was greatest when oviposition was into final instar hosts, where female cocoons averaged 12.8 mg, and lowest in those derived from eggs oviposited into first instars (9.2 mg). The parasitoid's larval development rate in third instar hosts increased with temperature increments in a linear fashion up to 25°C, after which development times were only marginally increased. At 10°C, the mean larval development time was approximately 90 days and pupal development 35–40 days, whilst at 25°C development times were 10–11 days for larvae and 6–7 days for the pupae. In the majority of cases, overall development times were marginally longer (<1 day) in females than in males.
The influence of demographic variables and ward type on elderly patients’ perceptions of needs and satisfaction during acute hospitalization
Authors: Chang Esther , Hancock Karen , Chenoweth Lynn , Jeon Yun‐Hee , Glasson Janet , Gradidge Kathy , Graham Emilia
Published: June 2003

This article reports on a study designed to determine whether demographic characteristics of patients such as age, gender and cultural background were associated with different perceptions of the importance of and satisfaction with various aspects of nursing care. In addition, patients, their family/carer and nurses from wards specializing in aged care were compared with general medical wards to determine if there were differences in these perceptions. Results demonstrated that patients who were older (aged > 80 years), female and from aged care wards perceived that physical aspects of nursing care were more important than did patients who were younger (aged 65–80 years), male and from medical wards. Older patients and those from aged care wards were more satisfied with physical care. Nurses need to be aware of these differences and focus on physical aspects of care to ensure patient satisfaction better health outcomes.
Paediatric brain tumour, a 10‐year local experience (1992–2001)
Authors: Hung Wai‐Man , Fong Dawson
Published: June 2003

Objective:  To report our local experience on incidence and outcomes of different paediatric brain tumour.

Methods:  A detailed data search was carried out from our operative records and histopathology database. A total of 48 paediatric patients bearing 49 brain tumours (one patient had two tumours) within the period between 1992 and 2001 was retrieved. The discharge summary, out‐patient follow‐up record was examined for each patient. The data was grouped according to different pathology type.

Results:  The results were mainly concentrating over several selected pathologies: (i) low‐grade glioma; (ii) high‐grade glioma; (iii) germ cell tumour; (iv) medulloblastoma; and (v) craniopharyngioma.

Conclusions:  The most prevalent pathology in our experience is low‐grade astrocytoma, followed by germ cell cell tumour and medulloblatoma. The highest mortality rate is high‐grade glioma.
Survey on the working hours and workload of public sector surgeons in Hong Kong
Authors: Yip Andrew Wai‐Chun
Published: June 2003

Introduction:  The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong commissioned the Public Opinion Programme (POP) of the University of Hong Kong in April 2002 to conduct a survey on the working hours and workloads of all in‐service public sector surgeons in Hong Kong. The research instrument used, as well as the fieldwork operation and data analysis, were all conducted independently by the POP team.

Methods:  All in‐service public sector surgeons in Hong Kong were invited to participate in the survey from 23 to 29 September 2002, which consisted of a daily work diary and seven opinion questions on workload, work morale and quality of life.

Results and Conclusions:  A total of 264 of the 486 eligible surgeons participated in the survey. The average daily work hour was 10.3 h and the average weekly work hour was 72 h. A total of 45% of the respondents worked for more than 10 h everyday. In the respondents’ opinion, 60.9% claimed they were overworked, 31% were satisfied with their own morale and 51% evaluated their own quality of life as unsatisfactory.
Nitric oxide signalling in plants
Authors: Neill Steven J. , Desikan Radhika , Hancock John T.
Published: June 2003

Recently nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a key signalling molecule in plants. Here we review the potential sources of endogenous NO, outline the biological processes likely to be mediated by NO, and discuss the downstream signalling processes by which NO exerts its cellular effects. It will be important to develop methods to quantify intracellular NO synthesis and release. Clasification of the biosynthetic origins of NO is also required. NO can be synthesised from nitrite via nitrate reductase (NR) and although biochemical and immunological data indicate the presence of enzyme(s) similar to mammalian nitric oxide synthase (NOS), no NOS genes have been identified. NO can induce various processes in plants, including the expression of defence‐related genes and programmed cell death (PCD), stomatal closure, seed germination and root development. Intracellular signalling responses to NO involve generation of cGMP, cADPR and elevation of cytosolic calcium, but in many cases, the precise biochemical and cellular nature of these responses has not been detailed. Research priorities here must be the reliable quantification of downstream signalling molecules in NO‐responsive cells, and cloning and manipulation of the enzymes responsible for synthesis and degradation of these molecules.

Contents

Summary
11

1
Introduction
12

2
Why does NO make a good signal?
12

3
NO biosynthesis
13

4
NO biology
17

5
NO signal transduction
23

6
Conclusion
30

Acknowledgements
31

References
31
Ketoprofen, Acetaminophen, and Placebo in the Treatment of Tension Headache
Authors: Mehlisch Donald R. , Weaver Melanie , Fladung Bernward
Published: June 2003

Seven hundred three subjects completed a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, single‐center study comparing the single‐dose efficacy of ketoprofen 12.5 mg, ketoprofen 25 mg, acetaminophen 1000 mg, and placebo in the treatment of tension headache.

For the primary efficacy variable, 4‐hour sum of pain relief intensity differences, ketoprofen 25 mg was significantly superior to placebo. Ketoprofen 25 mg also demonstrated superior pain relief in the first hour after dosing, and the time to meaningful pain relief was significantly shorter for the ketoprofen 25‐mg group. Ketoprofen 12.5 mg proved to be significantly superior to placebo for pain relief intensity difference and pain relief at 3 hours, global assessment of medication at 4 hours, and for time to onset of meaningful pain relief. The data suggest a dose response for ketoprofen 12.5 mg and 25 mg.Acetaminophen 1000 mg proved to be numerically more favorable than placebo in most variables, but could not be separated from placebo with statistical significance. In spite of possible inflation of the placebo response due to sensitivity limits of the study, ketoprofen 25 mg demonstrated a more rapid onset of analgesia compared to acetaminophen 1000 mg, and patients' global assessment rated ketoprofen 25 mg higher than acetaminophen 1000 mg.
Migraine Prevalence: A Literature Review
Authors: Sheffield Reinée E.
Published: June 2003

Worldwide epidemiological studies provide estimates of migraine prevalence. The International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria have permitted more reliable and generalizable study estimates. In this review, recent population‐based reports of IHS‐defined migraine are discussed to update the current epidemiological literature, to highlight methodological challenges, and to encourage greater public awareness of this frequently undiagnosed disabling disorder.
Amlodipine for Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Dandapani Bhuvaneswari K. , Hanson Maurice R.
Published: June 2003

Migraine is among the most common neurologic disorders encountered in clinical practice.1 In the general US population, the annual incidence has been calculated to be approximately 250 per 100 000 with a point prevalence of 10%.2 Females are affected more than males. A variety of prophylactic and abortive medications are being used for treatment and several are being studied in clinical trials. Calcium‐channel blockers are frequently used prophylactic medications. We report two patients with migraine successfully treated with amlodipine (Norvasc, Pfizer, Inc), a slow calcium‐channel blocker. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of amlodipine used in migraine prophylaxis.
Migraine and Coeliac Disease
Authors: Serratrice J. , Disdier P. , de Roux C. , Christides C. , Weiller P.J.
Published: June 2003

The pathophysiology of migraine remains unclear. To incriminate a comorbid factor is always hypothetical, even if suppression of this factor appears to prevent the migrainous attacks. In our patient, treatment of coeliac disease coincided with total disappearance of severe migraine attacks. Moreover, the coeliac disease was first revealed during the evaluation of a migraine with aura.
Gliomatosis Cerebri: A Rare Cause of Progressive Headache
Authors: Giraud P. , Hernette D. , Broussolle E. , Jouvet A. , Chazot G.
Published: June 2003

A 49‐year‐old right‐handed woman was admitted for an 8‐month history of unusual headache and transient diplopia. Clinical examination and brain CT scan were normal. Two months later, symptoms of raised intracranial pressure developed and a brain CT scan showed small lateral ventricles and sulci without any abnormal contrast enhancement or tumor mass. Brain MRI with T2‐weighted spin echo sequences revealed a hyperintense signal in the right temporoparietal region, whereas only a slight enlargement of this region was noted on T1 spin echo. The patient deteriorated rapidly and died with uncontrollable raised cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri was made at necropsy. Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare intracranial neoplasm of neuroepithelial origin. Spread of this tumor is particularly fast in the white matter compared with the gray matter and nuclei. Clinical symptoms are not specific. The diagnosis can be suspected by MFU showing an isointense or hypointense signal in the deep white matter on T1‐weighted images, and largely a hyperitense signal on T2‐weighted sequences. The diagnosis is confirmed by stereotactic biopsy or necropsy. No curative treatment is currently available. Radiotherapy can delay the rapidly fatal outcome. Our case illustrates the possible onset of this rare disease by isolated cephalgia with normal early CT scan.
The Arabidopsis CDPK-SnRK Superfamily of Protein Kinases
Authors: Hrabak Estelle M. , Chan Catherine W.M. , Gribskov Michael , Harper Jeffrey F. , Choi Jung H. , Halford Nigel , Kudla Jörg , Luan Sheng , Nimmo Hugh G. , Sussman Michael R. , Thomas Martine , Walker-Simmons Kay , Zhu Jian-Kang , Harmon Alice C.
Published: June 2003

The CDPK-SnRK superfamily consists of seven types of serine-threonine protein kinases: calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPKs), CDPK-related kinases (CRKs), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinases (PPCKs), PEP carboxylase kinase-related kinases (PEPRKs), calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs), calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CCaMKs), and SnRKs. Within this superfamily, individual isoforms and subfamilies contain distinct regulatory domains, subcellular targeting information, and substrate specificities. Our analysis of the Arabidopsis genome identified 34 CDPKs, eight CRKs, two PPCKs, two PEPRKs, and 38 SnRKs. No definitive examples were found for a CCaMK similar to those previously identified in lily (Lilium longiflorum) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) or for a CaMK similar to those in animals or yeast. CDPKs are present in plants and a specific subgroup of protists, but CRKs, PPCKs, PEPRKs, and two of the SnRK subgroups have been found only in plants. CDPKs and at least one SnRK have been implicated in decoding calcium signals in Arabidopsis. Analysis of intron placements supports the hypothesis that CDPKs, CRKs, PPCKs and PEPRKs have a common evolutionary origin; however there are no conserved intron positions between these kinases and the SnRK subgroup. CDPKs and SnRKs are found on all five Arabidopsis chromosomes. The presence of closely related kinases in regions of the genome known to have arisen by genome duplication indicates that these kinases probably arose by divergence from common ancestors. The PlantsP database provides a resource of continuously updated information on protein kinases from Arabidopsis and other plants.
A Resource of Mapped Dissociation Launch Pads for Targeted Insertional Mutagenesis in the Arabidopsis Genome
Authors: Muskett Paul R. , Clissold Leah , Marocco Adriano , Springer Patricia S. , Martienssen Robert , Dean Caroline
Published: June 2003

We describe a new resource for targeted insertional mutagenesis in Arabidopsis using a maize (Zea mays) Activator/Dissociation (Ds) two-element system. The two components of the system, T-DNA vectors carrying a Ds launch pad and a stable Activator transposase source, were designed to simplify selection of transposition events and maximize their usefulness. Because Ds elements preferentially transpose to nearby genomic sites, they can be used in targeted mutagenesis of linked genes. To efficiently target all genes throughout the genome, we generated a large population of transgenic Arabidopsis plants containing the Ds launch pad construct, identified lines containing single Ds launch pad inserts, and mapped the positions of Ds launch pads in 89 lines. The integration sites of the Ds launch pads were relatively evenly distributed on all five chromosomes, except for a region of chromosomes 2 and 4 and the centromeric regions. This resource therefore provides access to the majority of the Arabidopsis genome for targeted tagging.
ArabidopsishotMutants Define Multiple Functions Required for Acclimation to High Temperatures
Authors: Hong Suk-Whan , Lee Ung , Vierling Elizabeth
Published: June 2003

Plants acquire thermotolerance to lethal high temperatures if first exposed to moderately high temperature or if temperature is increased gradually to an otherwise lethal temperature. We have taken a genetic approach to dissecting acquired thermotolerance by characterizing loss-of-function thermotolerance mutants in Arabidopsis. In previous work, we identified single recessive alleles of four loci required for thermotolerance of hypocotyl elongation, hot1-1, hot2-1, hot3-1, and hot4-1. Completed screening of M2 progeny from approximately 2500 M1 plants has now identified new alleles of three of these original loci, along with three new loci. The low mutant frequency suggests that a relatively small number of genes make a major contribution to this phenotype or that other thermotolerance genes encode essential or redundant functions. Further analysis of the original four loci was performed to define the nature of their thermotolerance defects. Although the HOT1 locus was shown previously to encode a major heat shock protein (Hsp), Hsp101, chromosomal map positions indicate that HOT2, 3, and 4 do not correspond to major Hsp or heat shock transcription factor genes. Measurement of thermotolerance at different growth stages reveals that the mutants have growth stage-specific heat sensitivity. Analysis of Hsp accumulation shows that hot2 and hot4 produce normal levels of Hsps, whereas hot3 shows reduced accumulation. Thermotolerance of luciferase activity and of ion leakage also varies in the mutants. These data provide the first direct genetic evidence, to our knowledge, that distinct functions, independent of Hsp synthesis, are required for thermotolerance, including protection of membrane integrity and recovery of protein activity/synthesis.
AtSig5 Is an Essential Nucleus-Encoded Arabidopsis σ-Like Factor
Authors: Yao Junlan , Roy-Chowdhury Sanchita , Allison Lori A.
Published: June 2003

Transcription of chloroplast genes is subject to control by nucleus-encoded proteins. The chloroplast-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) is a eubacterial-type RNA polymerase that is presumed to assemble with nucleus-encoded σ-factors mediating promoter recognition. Recently, families of σ-factor genes have been identified in several plants including Arabidopsis. One of these genes, Arabidopsis SIG5, encodes a σ-factor, AtSig5, which is phylogenetically distinct from the other family members. To investigate the role of this plant σ-factor, two different insertional alleles of the SIG5 gene were identified and characterized. Heterozygous mutant plants showed no visible leaf phenotype, but exhibited siliques containing aborted embryos and unfertilized ovules. Our inability to recover plants homozygous for a SIG5 gene disruption indicates that SIG5 is an essential gene. SIG5 transcripts accumulate in flower tissues, consistent with a role for AtSig5 protein in reproduction. Therefore, SIG5 encodes an essential member of the Arabidopsis σ-factor family that plays a role in plant reproduction in addition to its previously proposed role in leaf chloroplast gene expression.
Use of Serial Analysis of Gene Expression Technology to Reveal Changes in Gene Expression in Arabidopsis Pollen Undergoing Cold Stress
Authors: Lee Ji-Yeon , Lee Dong-Hee
Published: June 2003

We have characterized the global gene expression patterns of Arabidopsis pollen using Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE). A total of 21,237 SAGE tags were sequenced and 4,211 unique tags were identified. Interestingly, the number of unique tags in pollen was low compared with the SAGE library of the leaf constructed on a similar scale. The transcript profiles of pollen reflect accurately the characteristics of pollen as a reproductive organ. Functional classification of the expressed genes reveals that those involved in cellular biogenesis such as polygalacturonase, pectate lyase, and pectin methylesterase make up more than 40% of the total transcripts. However, genes involved in energy and protein synthesis, which are prevalent in leaves, were expressed at a relatively low level. The expression level of the great majority of transcripts was unaffected by cold treatment at 0°C for 72 h, whereas pollen tube growth and seed production were substantially reduced. Interestingly, many genes thought to be responsible for cold acclimation such as COR, lipid transfer protein, and β-amylase, that are highly induced in Arabidopsis leaves, were only expressed at their normal level or weakly induced in the pollen. The expression patterns of the cold-responsive transcripts identified by SAGE were confirmed by microarray analysis. Our results strongly suggest that poor accumulation of proteins that play a role in stress tolerance may be why Arabidopsis pollen is cold sensitive.
Arabidopsis Contains a Large Superfamily of Acyl-Activating Enzymes. Phylogenetic and Biochemical Analysis Reveals a New Class of Acyl-Coenzyme A Synthetases
Authors: Shockey Jay M. , Fulda Martin S. , Browse John
Published: June 2003

Acyl-activating enzymes are a diverse group of proteins that catalyze the activation of many different carboxylic acids, primarily through the formation of a thioester bond. This group of enzymes is found in all living organisms and includes the acyl-coenzyme A synthetases, 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligases, luciferases, and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases. The members of this superfamily share little overall sequence identity, but do contain a 12-amino acid motif common to all enzymes that activate their acid substrates using ATP via an enzyme-bound adenylate intermediate. Arabidopsis possesses an acyl-activating enzyme superfamily containing 63 different genes. In addition to the genes that had been characterized previously, 14 new cDNA clones were isolated as part of this work. The protein sequences were compared phylogenetically and grouped into seven distinct categories. At least four of these categories are plant specific. The tissue-specific expression profiles of some of the genes of unknown function were analyzed and shown to be complex, with a high degree of overlap. Most of the plant-specific genes represent uncharacterized aspects of carboxylic acid metabolism. One such group contains members whose enzymes activate short- and medium-chain fatty acids. Altogether, the results presented here describe the largest acyl-activating enzyme family present in any organism thus far studied at the genomic level and clearly indicate that carboxylic acid activation metabolism in plants is much more complex than previously thought.
AtCHIP, a U-Box-Containing E3 Ubiquitin Ligase, Plays a Critical Role in Temperature Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yan Juqiang , Wang Jing , Li Qingtian , Hwang Jae Ryoung , Patterson Cam , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2003

The Arabidopsis gene AtCHIP encodes a protein with three tetratricopeptide repeats and a U-box domain, which is structurally similar to the animal CHIP proteins, a new class of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Like animal CHIP proteins, AtCHIP has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. AtCHIP is a single-copy gene, and its transcript is up-regulated by several stress conditions such as low and high temperatures. However, increased AtCHIP expression alone was not correlated with increased stress tolerance; in fact, overexpression of AtCHIP in Arabidopsis rendered plants more sensitive to both low- and high-temperature treatments. Higher electrolyte leakage was observed in leaves of AtCHIP overexpression plants after chilling temperature treatment, suggesting that membrane function is likely impaired in these plants under such a condition. These results indicate that AtCHIP plays an important role in plant cellular metabolism under temperature stress conditions.
The Pattern of Systemic Acquired Resistance Induction within the Arabidopsis Rosette in Relation to the Pattern of Translocation
Authors: Kiefer Ingrid W. , Slusarenko Alan J.
Published: June 2003

Local leaf infections by a necrogenic pathogen can lead to systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in untreated leaves. We reasoned that, whatever the nature of the long-distance signal, if it is transported in the phloem, the pattern of SAR induced within the plant by treatment of a single leaf should match the pattern of translocation out of that leaf. The source-sink relationships (orthostichies) in the Arabidopsis rosette were established with [14C]Suc or phloem-mobile 3-aminotriazole at herbicidal concentrations. SAR was activated by infiltrating a single Columbia leaf with Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola DC3000/avrRPM1, which causes a hypersensitive response. The pattern of SAR in the rosette was monitored by assessing the growth of wild-type DC3000 and by measuring the SAR markers salicylic acid and PR1 transcripts. Although the orthostichy of a single leaf was clearly limited to a row of vertically aligned leaves, SAR and SAR markers were also found outside the orthostichy. This indicates that, whatever the nature of the long-distance signal from the treated leaf to the upper responding leaves, its transport is either not limited exclusively to the phloem or the minor proportion of translocate that is not confined to the orthostichy contains enough of the SAR systemic signal to set in motion events leading to the establishment of the SAR state in the upper leaves.
Differential Regulation of Two Arabidopsis Type III Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase Isoforms. A Regulatory Role for the Pleckstrin Homology Domain
Authors: Stevenson-Paulik Jill , Love John , Boss Wendy F.
Published: June 2003

Here, we compare the regulation and localization of the Arabidopsis type III phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4-kinases, AtPI4Kα1 and AtPI4Kβ1, in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. We also explore the role of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain in regulating AtPI4Kα1. Recombinant kinase activity was found to be differentially sensitive to PtdIns-4-phosphate (PtdIns4P), the product of the reaction. The specific activity of AtPI4Kα1 was inhibited 70% by 0.5 mm PtdIns4P. The effect of PtdIns4P was not simply due to charge because AtPI4Kα1 activity was stimulated approximately 50% by equal concentrations of the other negatively charged lipids, PtdIns3P, phosphatidic acid, and phosphatidyl-serine. Furthermore, inhibition of AtPI4Kα1 by PtdIns4P could be alleviated by adding recombinant AtPI4Kα1 PH domain, which selectively binds to PtdIns4P (Stevenson et al., 1998). In contrast, the specific activity of AtPI4Kβ1, which does not have a PH domain, was stimulated 2-fold by PtdIns4P but not other negatively charged lipids. Visualization of green fluorescent protein fusion proteins in insect cells revealed that AtPI4Kα1 was associated primarily with membranes in the perinuclear region, whereas AtPI4Kβ1 was in the cytosol and associated with small vesicles throughout the cytoplasm. Expression of AtPI4Kα1 without the PH domain in the insect cells compromised PtdIns 4-kinase activity and caused mislocalization of the kinase. The green fluorescent protein-PH domain alone was associated with intracellular membranes and the plasma membrane. In vitro, the PH domain appeared to be necessary for association of AtPI4Kα1 with fine actin filaments. These studies support the idea that the Arabidopsis type III PtdIns 4-kinases are responsible for distinct phosphoinositide pools.
Catharinus versus Luther, 1521
Authors: Preston Patrick
Published: June 2003

In 1520 at the instigation of the influential Cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Nicholas von Schönberg, Ambrosius Catharinus Politus was asked to undertake the defence of the Church against Luther. Catharinus wrote the Apologia of 1520 at great speed, but he did not betray the trust that had been placed in him. Indeed, the resulting work may with plausibility be considered the literary origin of the Counter‐Reformation. The main argument of this article is that the eleven ways of deceiving the people that Catharinus ascribed to Luther in Book I of the Apologia were tantamount to the claim that Luther was Antichrist. Luther was angered by the innuendo and responded in 1521 by applying the ‘Antichrist’ description not to any specific individual but to the entire papal church. In reading Daniel 23–5 as a prophecy of a Church that was the instrument of Satan, Luther revealed a remarkable comic gift, but he did not answer the case that Catharinus had made against him in a very different polemical style.
Mother, Martyr and Mary Magdalene: German Female Pamphleteers and their Self‐images
Authors: Zitzlsperger Ulrike
Published: June 2003

Female pamphleteers who involved themselves in the German Reformation faced a double challenge: they had to argue why a lay person needed to enter into public debate and, still more controversially, why a woman should brave the consequences of going into print. In this article two noblewomen, Argula von Grumbach and Elisabeth von Braunschweig‐Lüneburg, and two middle‐class Protestants, Katharina Schütz Zell and Ursula Weida, serve as case studies of how women with noticeably different backgrounds dealt with the challenge. The article focuses on the images they projected of themselves. While some of these images derived from traditional idealized and biblical female figures, others show a creative attempt to argue the case for long‐term participation in public debate. The most striking concept within this second category is Katharina Schütz Zell's role as ‘Kirchenmutter’ (Churchmother). The impact of such an image becomes obvious when Katharina Schütz Zell is compared with the Nuremberg shoemaker‐poet, Hans Sachs. An equally outspoken lay participant of the Reformation, his mounting disappointment with religious politics and the decline of his home town led him to withdraw into privacy. In contrast, Katharina Schütz Zell, whose remit was the more closely defined Strasbourg parish, remained actively involved until her death.
Do Alliances Deter Aggression? The Influence of Military Alliances on the Initiation of Militarized Interstate Disputes
Authors: Leeds Brett Ashley
Published: June 2003

Scholars have long debated the effects of military alliances on the likelihood of war, and no clear support has emerged for the argument that alliances improve the prospects for peace through effective deterrence nor that they kindle the flames of war. In this study, I argue that alliance commitments affect the probability that a potential challenger will initiate a militarized interstate dispute because alliances provide information about the likelihood that others will intervene in a potential conflict. Yet, different agreements provide different information. Alliance commitments that would require allies to intervene on behalf of potential target states reduce the probability that a militarized dispute will emerge, but alliance commitments promising offensive support to a potential challenger and alliances that promise nonintervention by outside powers increase the likelihood that a challenger will initiate a crisis. As diplomats have long understood, the specific content of international agreements helps to determine their effects.
Strategic Misspecification in Regression Models
Authors: Signorino Curtis S. , Yilmaz Kuzey
Published: June 2003

Common regression models are often structurally inconsistent with strategic interaction. We demonstrate that this “strategic misspecification” is really an issue of structural (or functional form) misspecification. The misspecification can be equivalently written as a form of omitted variable bias, where the omitted variables are nonlinear terms arising from the players' expected utility calculations and often from data aggregation. We characterize the extent of the specification error in terms of model parameters and the data and show that typical regressions models can at times give exactly the opposite inferences versus the true strategic data‐generating process. Researchers are recommended to pay closer attention to their theoretical models, the implications of those models concerning their statistical models, and vice versa.
Times of Turbulence
Authors: Merget Astrid E.
Published: June 2003

In July 1995, the American Society for Public Administration's Endowment Board established the Donald C. Stone Fund to honor the memory of this public administration legend. Income from this fund is used to sponsor a lecture or symposium at ASPA's national conference, which reflects Stone's varied interests and contributions to the field. This year marked the eighth Donald C. Stone Lecture. On March 18, Astrid E. Merget was ASPA's Stone Lecturer and gave the following speech.
Managerial Necessity and the Art of Creating Surpluses: The Budget‐Execution Process in West Virginia Cities
Authors: Dougherty Michael John , Klase Kenneth A. , Song Soo Geun
Published: June 2003

Budget execution traditionally has been defined as a straightforward process of implementing the budget as approved. Research into the process has been limited, particularly with regard to local government budgets. This article examines the rebudgeting process using a case study of 15 West Virginia cities. Rebudgeting displayed a consistent pattern for the various budget categories—personnel, contracts, commodities, capital, and contributions—closely resembling the “increase‐then‐decrease” pattern seen in the overall budget. Empirical data on budgetary adjustments and structured interviews with city finance officials helped to describe budget changes and explain probable causes and effects of behavior during budget execution for these smaller cities. Budget changes were found to be the result of managerial necessity and the exercise of discretion to generate and distribute surpluses.
Dating the Tree of Life
Authors: Benton Michael J. , Ayala Francisco J.
Published: June 2003

The relative merits of molecular and paleontological dates of major branching points in the tree of life are currently debated. In some cases, molecular date estimates are up to twice as old as paleontological dates. However, although it is true that paleontological dates are often too young (missing fossils), molecular dates are often too old (statistical bias). Intense study of the dating of major splits in the tree of mammals has shown rapprochement as fossil dates become older and molecular dates become younger.
The Deep Roots of Eukaryotes
Authors: Baldauf S. L.
Published: June 2003

Most cultivated and characterized eukaryotes can be confidently assigned to one of eight major groups. After a few false starts, we are beginning to resolve relationships among these major groups as well. However, recent developments are radically revising this picture again, particularly (i)the discovery of the likely antiquity and taxonomic diversity of ultrasmall eukaryotes, and (ii)a fundamental rethinking of the position of the root. Together these data suggest major gaps in our understanding simply of what eukaryotes are or, when it comes to the tree, even which end is up.
Timing Relationships between Prosodic and Segmental Control in Osaka Japanese Word Accent
Authors: Sugito Miyoko
Published: June 2003

This paper examines onset times of prosodic and segmental transitions with corresponding sternohyoid muscle activity in the speech of Osaka Japanese. The synchronization between prosodic and segmental control occurs in words combining a close vowel followed, directly or indirectly, by an open vowel with High-Low accent, including words with devoiced accented vowels. Both segmental and prosodic control mechanisms are associated with the activity of the sternohyoid muscle. We discuss how the observed segmental-prosodic timing relation can be interpreted in terms of muscle contraction control.
Presentation Serum Selenium Predicts for Overall Survival, Dose Delivery, and First Treatment Response in Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Last Kim W. , Cornelius Victoria , Delves Trevor , Sieniawska Christine , Fitzgibbon Jude , Norton Andrew , Amess John , Wilson Andy , Rohatiner Ama Z.S. , Lister T. Andrew
Published: June 2003

Purpose: This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that serum selenium concentration at presentation correlates with dose delivery, first treatment response, and overall survival in patients with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Patients and Methods: The patients presented between July 1986 and March 1999 and received anthracycline-based chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. The total selenium content was retrospectively analyzed in 100 sera, frozen at presentation, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results: The serum selenium concentration ranged from 0.33 to 1.51 μmol/L (mean, 0.92 μmol/L; United Kingdom adult reference range, 1.07 to 1.88 μmol/L). Serum selenium concentration correlated closely with performance status but with no other clinical variable. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased dose delivery, summarized by an area under the curve, correlated positively with younger age (P < .001), advanced stage (P = .001), and higher serum selenium concentration (P = .032). Selenium level also correlated positively with response (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43 to 0.90; P = .011) and achievement of long-term remission after first treatment (log-rank test, 4.38; P = .036). On multivariate analysis, selenium concentration was positively predictive of overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76 for 0.2 μmol/L increase; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.95; P = .018), whereas age indicated negative borderline significance (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.18; P = .066).

Conclusion: Serum selenium concentration at presentation is a prognostic factor, predicting positively for dose delivery, treatment response, and long-term survival in aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Unlike most existing prognostic factors in aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, selenium supplementation may offer a novel therapeutic strategy in this frequently curable malignancy.
Inhalation Aromatherapy During Radiotherapy: Results of a Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Trial
Authors: Graham P.H. , Browne L. , Cox H. , Graham J.
Published: June 2003

Purpose: To determine whether the inhalation of aromatherapy during radiotherapy reduces anxiety.

Patients and Methods: Three hundred thirteen patients undergoing radiotherapy were randomly assigned to receive either carrier oil with fractionated oils, carrier oil only, or pure essential oils of lavender, bergamot, and cedarwood administered by inhalation concurrently with radiation treatment. Patients underwent assessment by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Somatic and Psychological Health Report (SPHERE) at baseline and at treatment completion.

Results: There were no significant differences in HADS depression or SPHERE scores between the randomly assigned groups. However, HADS anxiety scores were significantly lower at treatment completion in the carrier oil only group compared with either of the fragrant arms (P = .04).

Conclusion: Aromatherapy, as administered in this study, is not beneficial.
Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding for a lysozyme from the gut of the reduviid bug Triatoma infestans
Authors: Kollien Astrid H. , Fechner Sabine , Waniek Peter J. , Schaub Günter A.
Published: June 2003

We have isolated and characterised a Triatoma infestans cDNA encoding a lysozyme. A 174‐bp fragment was amplified by PCR using degenerate oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers derived from the known amino acid sequences of lysozyme from other insects. This PCR fragment was used to screen a cDNA gut library of T. infestans. A clone containing the 3′‐end of the lysozyme cDNA (219 bp) was isolated and sequenced. RACE was used to amplify the 5′‐end of the lysozyme cDNA. After sequencing the complete lysozyme cDNA, the deduced 417 amino acid sequence showed high identity (40–50%) with other chicken‐type lysozymes. The amino acid residues responsible for the catalytic activity and the binding of the substrate were essentially conserved. The expression pattern of the lysozyme gene in bugs at different molting and feeding states showed that this gene was upregulated in the digestive tract directly after the molt and after feeding. Additionally, this lysozyme gene was expressed differently in the different regions of the digestive tract, strongly in the cardia and stomach, the anterior regions of the midgut, and only traces of lysozyme mRNA could be detected in the small intestine, the posterior region of the midgut. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 53:134–145, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contributions of insect research toward our understanding of neurosecretion
Authors: Klowden Marc J.
Published: June 2003

The process of neurosecretion is an important and widespread method of biological communication among animals. Although insects and vertebrates appear to be very different, neurosecretory mechanisms and the neuropeptides themselves are often the same. The gradual acceptance of neurosecretion as a biological phenomenon, largely as a result of research done with insects, is discussed. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 53:101–114, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.