bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface modification of wood by plasma polymerisation
Authors: Podgorski L. , Bousta C. , Schambourg F. , Maguin J. , Chevet B.
Published: February 2005

Plasma technology is often used in textile industries. The aim of this study is to transpose this technology to wood in order to protect it when used outdoors. First experiments have shown that this kind of treatment can be applied either to bare or finished wood. In this study, different plasma coatings of wood surface to create water repellent characteristics are presented. Treatment parameters were optimised and the surface characteristics of the plasma treated substrates were evaluated and compared. If this treatment is sufficiently resistant to weather it could be applied to wood without any other coatings. If it is not sufficiently resistant, it could be applied to a coated wood to extend the durability of the coating. This kind of deposit may also protect wood against fungi.
Performance measurement practice in an independent hotel context
Authors: Haktanir Mine , Harris Peter
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The aim of this work is to explore performance measurement practices in the context of an independent hotel in Northern Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a 392‐room five‐star resort hotel over a nine‐week period using multiple data collection methods comprising semi‐structured interviews, documentation collection and observation. In the context of the case hotel, three decision‐making groups – employees, managers, and regional executive – were involved in order that the performance measurement and the decision‐making mechanism could be described.

Findings

The findings indicated six main themes, which are grouped under business dynamics and overall performance, employee performance, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and innovative activities performance measures, so that understanding the type, the communication process and the purpose of utilising the performance measures is described and analysed.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of performance measurement practice of an independent hotel setting, providing in‐depth information about the context of the business, the decision‐making process and the information flow. Also, the paper documents performance measurement practices in the hospitality management field, providing an insight into the kinds of measures used by decision‐makers of an independent hotel business in Northern Cyprus.
The greying of resource communities in northern British Columbia: implications for health care delivery in already‐underserviced communities
Authors: Hanlon Neil , Halseth Greg
Published: February 2005

The delivery of ‘rural’ health care services has long confronted the geographic problems of distance, low user densities, low‐order facilities and caregiver shortages. As a result, rural and remote communities across Canada have struggled with health care delivery. For rural and remote communities in resource hinterlands, population ageing driven by industrial restructuring presents a significant departure from past experience. Drawing on examples from northern British Columbia (BC), this paper examines this context of ageing in rural and remote locations with the purpose of highlighting impending challenges for health care service provision. In the first part of this paper, we provide a demographic overview of population change and ageing in northern BC. In the second part, we present data on the availability of services throughout the region to support seniors who age‐in‐place. Population ageing, in areas that have never dealt with this issue before, highlights not only important servicing questions but also important policy questions about how to provide for needs that the policy and community context are not presently equipped to meet.
Winning back more than words? Power, discourse and quarrying on the Niagara Escarpment
Authors: Patano Sandra , Sandberg L. Anders
Published: February 2005

This paper explores the controversy and public hearing on the proposed extension of the largest limestone quarry in Canada, operated by Dufferin Aggregates at Milton, Ontario. The quarry constitutes an important source of construction material for the nearby Greater Toronto Area. However, the quarry is protected by the provincial Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act and located inside the UNESCO‐designated Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. The proposal has therefore attracted considerable opposition from the public institution charged with its protection, the Niagara Escarpment Commission, as well as environmental groups and local residents. To make sense of the tensions, conflicts and outcome of the Dufferin case, we consult and apply several critical literatures. We see the conflict as part of a transformation of the countryside from a space of production to a space of consumption, where there is a shift in emphasis from resource extractive to scenic and ecological landscape values, and the displacement of productive classes, farmers and workers, in favour of a service class of professionals and retirees. Within this transformation, we identify a ‘power geometry’ of actor networks of different coalition groups that form allegiances and engage in struggles at different geographic scales. These actor networks operate within the set frames of a dominant development discourse and a popular environmentalist discourse that both include and exclude other ways of seeing and managing the escarpment.
Explaining perceptions of a technological environmental hazard using comparative analysis
Authors: Baxter Jamie , Greenlaw Kristine
Published: February 2005

This study addresses one of the main research problems in the area of environmental hazard risk—to explain why perception of threat from the same hazard varies between groups. We argue that the cultural theory of risk, explicitly place‐contingent ways of life and worldviews that support those ways of life, goes a long way towards explaining risk perception differences in the communities of Kinuso, Fort Assiniboine and Barrhead Alberta. Fifty‐five in‐depth interviews were conducted within these communities; three of the four communities are closest to the Alberta Special (hazardous) Waste Treatment Facility. A regional donut pattern of interviewee concern is partially explained as differential attachment to ways of life like farming, tourism and hunting for the concerned and amenity‐proximate rural living for the unconcerned. These relationships are further supported by worldviews like distrust and sensitivity to equity for the concerned and the price of progress for the unconcerned. Though this study is not about siting process per se, detailed conversations about the siting process indicate that the perceptions of risk (as concern) in the operational phase of this hazard were solidified early on and are likely difficult to change.
Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Interaction Studies of Loreclezole with Felbamate, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, and Oxcarbazepine in the Mouse Maximal Electroshock Seizure Model
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Ratnaraj Neville , Patsalos Philip N. , Czuczwar Stanislaw J.
Published: February 2005

Summary:  Purpose: The study investigated the types of interactions between loreclezole (LCZ) and a variety of newly licensed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with different mechanisms of actions [felbamate (FBM), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), and oxcarbazepine (OXC)] by isobolographic analysis.

 Methods: Anticonvulsant and adverse‐effect profiles of combinations of LCZ with other AEDs at fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 were investigated in the maximal electroshock (MES)‐induced seizures and the chimney test (as a measure of motor impairment) in mice so as to identify optimal combinations. Protective indices (PIs) and benefit indices (BIs) were calculated so that a ranking in relation to advantageous combinations could be established.

 Results: With isobolography, it was observed that the combination of LCZ and TPM, at the fixed ratios of 1:1 and 3:1, was supraadditive (synergistic; p < 0.05), whereas LCZ with TPM at the fixed ratio of 1:3 and LCZ combined with LTG, FBM, or OXC at the fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 were associated with additive interactions. Moreover, the isobolographic analysis in the chimney test revealed that only one combination tested (LCZ and TPM at the fixed ratio of 1:1) was subadditive (antagonistic; p < 0.05), whereas the remaining combinations of LCZ with LTG, FBM, or OXC (at the fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) barely displayed additivity. However, these combinations were associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions, in that LCZ increased brain TPM (94%), OXC (21%), FBM (46%), and LTG (8%) concentrations. In addition, brain LCZ concentrations were decreased by TPM (26%), OXC (37%), LTG (42%), and FBM (19%). None of the examined combinations between LCZ and TPM, OXC, LTG, and FBM altered long‐term memory in the step‐through passive‐avoidance task.

 Conclusions: LCZ plus TPM appears to be a particularly favorable combination, based on the MES test and the chimney test. LCZ and OXC also is a favorable combination. However, these conclusions are confounded by the fact that LCZ is associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions.
Phenobarbital Pharmacokinetics in Old Age: A Case‐matched Evaluation Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Data
Authors: Messina Sara , Battino Dina , Croci Danilo , Mamoli Daniela , Ratti Sara , Perucca Emilio
Published: February 2005

Summary: Purpose:To assess the influence of aging on the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital (PB) at steady state in patients receiving long‐term therapy.

Methods:Serum PB concentrations from the database of the therapeutic drug monitoring service of a large neurological hospital were used to calculate apparent clearance values (CL/F) in 224 patients aged 65 years and older (mean, 73 ± 6.1 years). CL/F values in these patients were compared with those determined in an equal number of controls aged 20 to 50 years (mean, 35.7 ± 7.9 years) and matched for gender, body weight, and type of anticonvulsant comedication. Correlations of CL/F with age, body weight, gender, and comedication also were explored within each age group.

Results:PB CL/F values were significantly lower in elderly patients than in controls (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 4.1 ± 1.2 ml/h/kg; p < 0.0001). Age was identified as a statistically significant predictor of CL/F at multiple regression analysis, but it accounted for only a modest component of the interindividual pharmacokinetic variation. Comedication with carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin (PHT) was associated with a moderate decrease in PB CL/F, which reached statistical significance in the elderly group (p < 0.01 for CBZ comedication; p < 0.001 for PHT comedication).

Conclusions:Aging is associated with a significant decrease in PB clearance, which might be related to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate or diminished drug‐metabolizing capacity in the liver or both. Because of this, older patients will require lower dosages to achieve serum PB concentrations comparable with those found in nonelderly adults.
Ictal Smile Lateralizes to the Right Hemisphere in Childhood Epilepsy
Authors: Fogarasi András , Janszky József , Siegler Zsuzsanna , Tuxhorn Ingrid
Published: February 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To analyze the localizing and lateralizing value of ictal smile (IS) in childhood epilepsy.

Methods: Incidence of IS in 309 videotaped seizures of 114 consecutive patients younger than 12 years with refractory frontal, temporal, or posterior cortex epilepsy were assessed.

Results: Among patients with right‐sided epileptogenic zone, 12 (21%) of 57 had IS, whereas in patients with left‐sided epilepsy, IS occurred only in one patient (1.8%; p < 0.01, χ2 test). The incidence of IS was 11%, 3%, and 26% in the frontal, temporal, and posterior cortex subgroups, respectively. Logistic regression revealed that the localization of the epileptogenic region in the posterior cortex (p < 0.01), focal cortical dysplasia etiology (p = 0.012), and right‐sided lateralization (p = 0.025) were independently associated with the presence of IS.

Conclusions: Childhood IS lateralizes to the right hemisphere and localizes more frequently in the posterior cortex epilepsy.
Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trials (CREST): lessons learned
Authors: Kampman Kyle M. , Leiderman Deborah , Holmes Tyson , LoCastro Joseph , Bloch Daniel A. , Reid Malcolm S. , Shoptaw Steve , Montgomery Margaret A. , Winhusen Theresa M. , Somoza Eugene C. , Ciraulo Domenic A. , Elkashef Ahmed , Vocci Frank
Published: February 2005

Aims  The Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trials (CREST) were designed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Division of Treatment Research and Development (NIDA, DT R&D) to rapidly screen a number of medications potentially useful for the treatment of cocaine dependence.

Design  Each CREST trial was designed to compare several medications in a single trial against an unmatched placebo. The placebo group was included in each trial to avoid the nearly universal positive response to medications seen in open‐label trials. In addition, a common set of procedures and outcome measures were employed throughout to increase comparability of results obtained from different trials and from different times.

Participants  In all, 18 medications were screened in seven different trials, conducted in four different sites throughout the United States involving 398 cocaine‐dependent patients.

Findings  Three medications were found to be promising enough to include in subsequent larger trials. Common statistical procedures for evaluating medications were developed to facilitate comparisons across sites and across time. A portion of the data were pooled and analyzed, which yielded some useful insights into cocaine dependence and its treatment. Finally, a review of individual trials together with the pooled analysis revealed several potential improvements for future screening trials.

Conclusions  Overall, the CREST trials proved to be useful for rapidly screening medications for treatment of cocaine dependence, but several modifications in design should be made before this framework is applied further.
Randomized controlled pilot trial of cabergoline, hydergine and levodopa/carbidopa: Los Angeles Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trial (CREST)
Authors: Shoptaw Steven , Watson Donnie W. , Reiber Chris , Rawson Richard A. , Montgomery Margaret A. , Majewska Maria D. , Ling Walter
Published: February 2005

Aim  This study tested three dopaminergic medications against a common unmatched placebo condition: hydergine 1 mg three times daily (n = 15); levodopa/carbidopa 25/100 mg three times daily (n = 15); cabergoline 0.5 mg per week (n = 15); and placebo three times daily (n = 15) as potential pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence.

Design  The four‐parallel group, Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trial (CREST) design featured a 2‐week baseline period followed by randomization to an 8‐week medication condition that included 1 hour per week of cognitive behavioral drug counseling. A safety evaluation was conducted 4 weeks after termination.

Measures  Outcomes included cocaine metabolites measured in urine, retention and self‐reports for drug use, cocaine craving, clinical improvement, mood and HIV risk behaviors.

Results  Participants assigned to receive cabergoline provided more urine samples negative for cocaine metabolites (42.4%) than those assigned to receive placebo (25.0%), a statistically significant difference after controlling for baseline differences in self‐reported cocaine use (F = 2.95, df = 3; P = 0.05). Cabergoline‐treated participants demonstrated a significant improvement over placebo from baseline to week 8 when measured using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) employment subscale (overall change = − 0.09, SD = 0.10, t = 2.36, P < 0.05). Safety and adverse event measures showed similar rates and types of complaints by treatment condition.

Conclusions  These results, combined with the apparent safety of cabergoline when used with this population, provide empirical support for conducting a larger study of the medication.
Clinical investigation: increased serum stromal derived factor 1 alpha levels in pulmonary tuberculosis THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED
Authors: Mizuno K , Matsuyama W , Mitsuyama H , Watanabe M , Higashimoto I , Osame M , Arimura K
Published: February 2005

Pulmonary tuberculosis, a granulomatous disease, has few serological markers for its activity. Recently, an increased plasma level of stromal derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α), which can induce strong chemotaxis of cells through its receptor CXCR4, was detected in patients with tuberculosis. In this study we investigated serum SDF-1α levels and CXCR4 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Fifty-five active tuberculosis patients, 30 resolved tuberculosis patients, 27 acute bronchitis patients and 8 healthy volunteers were examined. Histological expression of SDF-1α in the tuberculosis lesion and CXCR4 expression of PBMCs were also analysed. Serum SDF-1α levels in active tuberculosis patients were significantly higher than other groups. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis was 88·5% and 85·3% (cutoff value = 650 pg/ml), respectively. CXCR4 expression levels on PBMCs showed a significant negative correlation with serum SDF-1α levels. Inflammatory cells including multinuclear giant cells in the lesion expressed SDF-1α. Measurement of serum SDF-1α could be a useful screening marker for the identification of active pulmonary tuberuculosis. We propose that interaction of SDF-1α and CXCR4 might be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
The changes in circulating osteoprotegerin after hormone therapy in postmenopausal women and their relationship with oestrogen responsiveness on bone
Authors: Han Ki Ok , Choi Jong Tae , Choi Hyun Ah , Moon In Gul , Yim Chang Hoon , Park Won Keun , Yoon Hyun Koo , Han In Kwon
Published: February 2005

Objective  Oestrogen replacement reduces the increased rate of bone remodelling after the menopause. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a negative regulator of osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. In vitro studies have shown that oestrogen stimulates OPG production. However, the role of OPG in physiological bone remodelling and its regulation by oestrogen in vivo remain controversial. In this study, we analysed the association between changes in serum OPG levels and bone turnover status before and after hormone therapy (HT) in healthy postmenopausal women.

Patients and Measurements  Ninety‐nine healthy postmenopausal women of Korean ethnicity, aged 42–64 years (52·3 ± 4·9 years, mean ± SD) were enrolled in our study. Serum OPG levels were assessed by a highly sensitive sandwich‐type enzyme immunoassay. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxyterminal telopeptides (CTx) were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results  Baseline levels of OPG correlated neither a the bone formation marker, serum OC, nor with a bone resorption marker, serum CTx. No significant association of baseline OPG was found with baseline BMD measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Serum OPG levels measured after 3 months and 1 year of HT decreased significantly compared to baseline (P < 0·001 in both). The changes in circulating OPG at 3 months of HT correlated with the changes in both serum OC (r = 0·226, P = 0·029) and serum CTx (r = 0·214, P = 0·038) at 3 months after HT. However, there was no significant association between the changes in circulating OPG after 3 months of HT and BMD values of the lumbar spine or femoral neck after 1 year of HT.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that baseline OPG levels do not reflect bone turnover status and that serial measurements of serum OPG after HT are not a useful predictor of the long‐term effects of oestrogen on bone density. The decrease in serum concentrations of OPG after HT may occur to compensate for the action of oestrogen in suppressing bone resorption.
Growth hormone deficiency and coeliac disease: an unusual association?
Authors: Bozzola Mauro , Giovenale Diletta , Bozzola Elena , Meazza Cristina , Martinetti Miryam , Tinelli Carmine , Corazza Gino Roberto
Published: February 2005

Objective  To assess the occurrence of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in patients with coeliac disease (CD).

Study Design  A total of 1066 children diagnosed elsewhere with short stature were referred to our centre for second‐line evaluation in a 6‐year period. All patients were screened for CD by antiendomysial antibodies (EMA) and those with positive sera underwent intestinal biopsy.

Results  Among the 1066 short children, 210 (19·7%) had GHD and 12 (1·12%; chronological age from 3·6 to 12·3 years, bone age from 1·5 to 10·5 years, SDS height from −3·05 to −0·48), having positive EMA, showed histologically confirmed CD. Nine of these latter 12 CD children had a beneficial effect on growth rate after the first year of gluten‐free diet, while the remaining three showed no catch‐up growth. A careful endocrinological investigation in these three CD boys showed an isolated GHD in two cases and a multiple GHD in one case. The congenital origin of GHD is supported by the congenital abnormalities documented by magnetic resonance imaging. GH therapy associated with gluten‐free diet led to an increased growth rate.

Conclusion  GH secretion should be evaluated in coeliac patients showing no catch‐up growth after a period on a gluten‐free diet in spite of reversion to seronegativity for EMA. In the case of GHD and CD, replacement GH therapy should be started during a gluten‐free diet.
Detection of periodic leg movements with a static‐charge‐sensitive bed
Authors: RAUHALA ESA , ERKINJUNTTI MATTI , POLO OLLI
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY We evaluated the performance of the static‐charge‐sensitive bed (SCSB), a non‐ invasive movement sensor, in detecting nocturnal periodic movement activity using simultaneous bilateral anterior tibialis electromyography (EMG,) as a reference. Two different study setups were used, one with 500 random record extracts, another with 10 continuous recordings. The inter‐rater reliability between two independent scorers was 0.92 in scoring EMG, and 0.91 in scoring SCSB. In an epoch based analysis, depending on the study setup and scorer, the sensitivity of the SCSB to detect periodic leg movements was 0.81‐0.94 whereas the specificity was 0.84‐0.89. In a movement‐by‐movement analysis, despite incomplete concordance between the two methods the total number of movements per hour were comparable. Our findings support the use of the SCSB as a non‐invasive alternative to anterior tibialis EMG recordings to reveal the presence of nocturnal periodic movement activity and estimate its frequency.
The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) Construct ion and validation of an instrument to evaluate sleep disturbances in childhood and adolescence
Authors: BRUNI OLIVIERO , OTTAVIANO SALVATORE , GUIDETTI VINCENZO , ROMOLI MANUELA , INNOCENZI MARGHERITA , CORTESI FLAVIA , GIANNOTTI FLAVIA
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY To attempt a categorization of sleep disorders in children, we developed a 27 item Likert‐type rating scale (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children: SDSC) and assessed the psychometric properties was developed. The scale was distributed to the mothers of 1304 children (1157 controls, mean age 9.8y; 147 sleep disorder subjects, mean age 9.2y, composed of four clinical groups: Insomnia 39 subjects, Hypersomnia 12 subjects, Respiratory disturbances during sleep 25 subjects and Parasomnias 71 subjects). The internal consistency was high in controls (0.79) and remained at a satisfactory level in sleep disorder subjects (0.71); the test/retest reliability was adequate for the total (r = 0.71) and single item scores. The factor analysis (variance explained 44.21%) yielded six factors which represented the most common areas of sleep disorders in childhood and adolescence. Enuresis was the only item with a factor loading lower than 0.40 and with a low inter‐item correlation and was therefore eliminated, resulting in a final scale of 26 items. The re‐evaluation of the sample, using the factor scores, supported the validity and the discriminating capacity of the scales between controls and the four clinical groups. The correlation between factor scores corroborated the hypothesis that childhood sleep disturbances are not independent entities nor do they cluster into different groupings related to each other. The SDSC appears to be a useful tool in evaluating the sleep disturbances of school‐age children in clinical and non‐clinical populations.
Objective components of individual differences in subjective sleep quality
Authors: KEKLUND GÖRAN , ÅKERSTEDT TORBJÖRN
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY The relation between subjective and objective (polysomnography) is of obvious interest in understanding sleep. The aim of the present study was to examine the item structure of the Karolinska Sleep Diary (KSD), and the covariation between KSD and sleep‐stage variables, with cross‐sectional (inter‐individual) data obtained in natural conditions. Thirty‐seven subjects had a polysomnography prior to a work day. After rising they completed the Karolinska Sleep Diary. A factor analysis of the diary yielded two factors: (1) a sleep‐quality index (SQI) related to the initiation and maintenance of sleep, and (2) a second factor related to difficulties waking‐up and to whether sleep was recuperative and sufficient. The strongest predictors (multiple regression) of the sleep quality index was slow‐wave sleep (SWS) and sleep efficiency [and variables related to sleep continuity ‐ total sleep time (TST) and the amount of stage 0]. The obtained results were in agreement with previous laboratory findings. It was concluded that sleep quality seems to be a matter of depth of sleep and sleep continuity.
Sleep and morningness‐eveningness in the ‘middle’ years of life (20–59y)
Authors: CARRIER JULIE , MONK TIMOTHY H. , BUYSSE DANIEL J. , KUPFER DAVID J.
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY The following four issues were assessed in a group of 110 adults between the age of 20 and 59y: (1) the effect of age (regarded as a continuous variable) on polysomnographic sleep characteristics, habitual sleep‐diary patterns, and subjective sleep quality; (2) the effects of age on morningness‐eveningness; (3) the effects of morningness‐eveningness on sleep, after controlling for the effects of age; and (4) the role of morningness‐eveningness as a mediator of the age and sleep relationship. Increasing age was related to earlier habitual waketime, earlier bedtime, less time in bed and better mood and alertness at waketime. In the laboratory, increasing age was associated with less time asleep, increased number of awakenings, decreased sleep efficiency, lower percentages of slow‐wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, higher percentages of Stage 1 and 2, shorter REM latency and reduced REM activity and density. Increasing age was also associated with higher morningness scores. After controlling for the effects of age, morningness was associated with earlier waketime, earlier bedtime, less time in bed, better alertness at waketime, less time spent asleep, more wake in the last 2 h of sleep, decreased REM activity, less stage REM (min and percentage), more Stage 1 (min and percentage) and fewer minutes of Stage 2. For one set of variables (night time in bed, waketime, total sleep time, wake in the last 2 h of sleep and minutes of REM and REM activity), morningness‐eveningness accounted for about half of the relationship between age and sleep. For another set of variables (bedtime, alertness at waketime, percentages of REM and Stage 1), morningness‐eveningness accounted for the entire relationship between age and sleep. In conclusion, age and morningness were both important predictors of the habitual sleep patterns and polysomnographic sleep characteristics of people in the middle years of life (20‐59 y).
A short‐term poikilothermic period occurs just after paradoxical sleep onset in humans: characterization changes in sweating effector activity
Authors: DEWASMES G. , BOTHOREL B. , CANDAS V. , LIBERT J. P.
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY We examined the changes in sudorific effector activity in five healthy young (21‐23 y) subjects just before, during and just after successive paradoxical sleep (PS) phases. Local sweat rates were evaluated minute by minute over the chest (ṁcs). Previous observations, showing that ṁcs levels dropped before paradoxical sleep onset was electrophysiologically scored, were confirmed. At the end of this period of ṁcs depression, which in the present study coincided with paradoxical sleep onset, we show for the first time a short period (3–7 min) (period I) during which sweat production completely disappeared. A second period then followed (period II), at the very beginning of which ṁcs was re‐elicited and thereafter increased in close correlation with paradoxical sleep duration. During period 11, the remaining inhibiting influences (maximal during period I) and their releases could be specified by the successive valleys (indicating ṁcs inhibition) and peaks (indicating release of the ṁcs inhibition) drawn by the minute by minute mcs changes. These inhibitions became weaker as paradoxical sleep advanced. Given the strategic position of period I (at paradoxical sleep onset) and the total mcs abolition therein observed, it may be assumed that this poikilothermic state is the re‐emergence of the ‘ancestral’ mode of body temperature regulation. From a thermophysiological point of view, period II may be considered as more ‘modern’ and directly related to the extension of paradoxical sleep in humans. This extension could be underlain by the unique development of our cognitive and/or learning functions.
Under reporting of sleepiness and driving impairment in patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome
Authors: ENGLEMAN HEATHER M. , HIRST WILLIAM S. J. , DOUGLAS NEIL J.
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY Under reporting of symptoms by patients with sleep apnoeal/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) has been reported anecdotally, but investigation of the prevalence or determinants of this is limited. To assess this, repeated ratings in 99 patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome of pre‐treatment Epworth sleepiness score, unintended napping, driving impairment and mood were obtained, first at presentation and then after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy of median 22 (range 2‐70) weeks duration. Median Epworth score for pre‐treatment sleepiness rose from 12 (range 0‐24) initially to 14 (range 5‐24) retrospectively (P<0.0001). More patients initially under‐rated Epworth score (67%) than over‐rated (29%; P0.001). ‘False negative’ cases with an initially ‘normal’ (≤ 10) and retrospectively ‘sleepy’ (≥ 11) Epworth score comprised 24% of all patients and 62% of initially ‘normal’ scorers. Unintended napping behaviour also was rated as significantly more severe on retrospective assessment (P<0.001). Driving impairment due to sleepiness was initially reported by 23% of all drivers and retrospectively by 37% (P=0.01), with 25% of initial deniers retrospectively admitting compromised driving ability before continuous positive airway pressure. No polysomnographic predictors of symptom under reporting were found (P 0.1). These results suggest a high prevalence of symptom minimization before treatment in patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.
Expression of photosynthesis gene‐promoter fusions in leaf epidermal cells of transgenic tobacco plants
Authors: Dupree Paul , Pwee Keng‐Hock , Gray John C.
Published: February 2005

Fusions of the promoter regions of the pea plasto‐cyanin, pea ferredoxin: NADP+ reductase and tobacco rbcS genes to the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene have been introduced into tobacco via Agro‐bacterium‐mediated transformation, and epidermal peels of the lower leaf surface of tissue‐cultured and greenhouse‐grown plants examined histochemically for GUS activity. For each of the constructs, GUS was detected in epidermal cells as well as in stomatal guard cells. Epidermal peels from plants in tissue culture stained more readily than those from greenhouse‐grown plants. Light and electron microscopy clearly demonstrated the presence of chloroplasts in epidermal cells of tobacco leaves. These results provide further evidence for the correlation between the presence of chloroplasts and the expression of nuclear genes for photosynthesis components.
Comparative localization of three classes of cell wall proteins
Authors: Ye Zheng‐Hua , Song Yan‐Ru , Marcus Abraham , Varner Joseph E.
Published: February 2005

The localization of the cell wall proline‐rich proteins (PRPs), and the gene expression of the cell wall glycine‐rich proteins (GRPs) and the hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) were examined in several dicot species. The PRPs are accumulated in the corner walls of the cortex where several cells are joined together and in the protoxylem cell walls of 3‐day‐old soybean root. In 1‐month‐old soybean plants, the PRPs are specifically deposited in xylem vessel elements of the young stem, and they are accumulated in both phloem fibers and xylem vessel elements and fibers of the older stem. Likewise, the PRPs are localized in xylem vessel elements and fibers in tomato, petunia, potato and tobacco stems. They are also found in outer and inner phloem fiber cell walls of tomato stem and in outer phloem fiber cell walls of petunia stem. The gene expression of the HRGPs and the GRPs is develop‐mentally regulated in tomato, petunia and tobacco stems. HRGP mRNAs are abundant in outer and inner phloem regions, while GRP mRNAs are present mostly in primary xylem and in the cambium region. Immunocytochemical localization showed that the GRPs have a localization pattern similar to that of the PRPs in tomato, petunia and tobacco stems.
Genetic and phenotypic characterization of cop1 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Deng Xing‐Wang , Quail Peter H.
Published: February 2005

Ten Arabidopsis lines that carry recessive mutations in the cop1 (constitutively photomorphogenic) locus have been isolated. These lines define at least four different alleles. All of the mutant lines produce dark‐grown seedlings that mimic wild‐type seedlings grown in the light. The phenotype of the dark‐grown mutant seedlings includes: short hypocotyls, open and enlarged cotyledons, accumulation of anthocyanin, cell‐type differentiation and chloroplast‐like plastid differentiation in cotyledons. Moreover, in more prolonged dark‐growth periods the mutants exhibit true leaf development that parallels that in light‐grown siblings. The four mutant alleles represent two types of mutations: three alleles (cop 1‐1, cop 1‐2, and cop 1‐3) have severely affected phenotypes whereas one allele (cop 1‐4) has a less severe phenotype. Compared to the severe alleles, the cop 1‐4 mutant has slightly longer hypocotyls in dark‐grown seedlings and does not accumulate abnormal levels of anthocyanin. The cop1–1/cop1‐4 hybrid seedlings are intermediate in many physiological properties under both dark‐ and light‐growth conditions, relative to the two parents. These results may suggest that the extent of residual cop1 gene activity in the mutants dictates the degree to which the aberrant plant phenotype is expressed. Analysis of plants carrying both cop1 and hy, a mutation that results in a deficiency of active phyto‐chrome, suggests that the cop1 gene product acts downstream of phytochrome. The differentiation of chloroplasts in the roots of light‐grown cop1 plants but not in wild‐type plants suggests that the wild‐type cop1 gene product also normally plays a role in suppressing chloroplast development in the roots of light‐grown plants. To aid the eventual molecular cloning of the cop1 locus, its chromosomal location has been mapped and a molecular marker that is located about 1 centimorgan away from the cop1 locus obtained.
Temporal and spatial patterns of 1, 3‐β‐glucanase and chitinase induction in potato leaves infected by Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Schröder Martin , Hahlbrock Klaus , Kombrink Erich
Published: February 2005

Infection of potato (Solarium tuberosum L.) leaves with the fungal pathogen Phytophthora infestans caused a similar, strong and coordinated induction of 1, 3‐β‐glucanases and chitinases in compatible (plant susceptible) and incompatible (plant resistant) interactions of two selected plant cultivars with appropriate races of the fungus. The temporal and spatial patterns of 1, 3‐β‐glucanase induction were studied in further detail by immunohistochemical and in‐situ hybridization methods. Accumulation of the protein was preceded by progressive activation of the corresponding gene, commencing near infection sites and spreading rapidly throughout the whole infected leaf as well as to adjacent, non‐infected leaves. Protein and mRNA distribution patterns were nearly identical in compatible and incompatible interactions. In comparison with 1, 3‐β‐glucanase mRNA, phenyl‐alanine ammonia‐lyase mRNA accumulated more rapidly and remained restricted to the vicinity of fungal infection sites, in addition to its constitutive occurrence in the vascular bundles. Even more rapid than any detectable mRNA induction was the accumulation of auto fluorescing material in plant cells immediately surrounding fungal structures, particularly and invariably in incompatible interactions and less frequently in compatible interactions. It is concluded that cultivar‐race‐specific resistance is established early in the interaction of potato leaves with P. infestans and hence the observed massive accumulation of 1, 3‐β‐glucanase and chitinase is presumably not involved in determining this specificity.
Structure and growth of infection threads in the legume symbiosis with Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Rae Anne L. , Bonfante‐Fasolo Paola , Brewin Nicholas J.
Published: February 2005

Specific antibodies and enzyme–gold probes were used to study the structure and development of infection threads in nodules induced by Rhizobium leguminosarum on the roots of Vicia, Pisum and Phaseolus. In Pisum nodules, the tubular infection thread wall contains polysaccharides antigenically similar to those of the cell wall, including cellulose, xyloglucan, methyl‐esterified pectin and non‐esterified pectin, but none of these wall components is present around the infection droplet structures from which bacteria are internalized by plant plasma membrane. As reported previously for pea nodules, the luminal matrix of infection threads and infection droplets contains a plant glycoprotein; this glycoprotein is also secreted by infected and uninfected cortical cells of a Vicia root at the earliest stages of nodule initiation. Synthesis of a transcellular infection thread apparently involves reorganized deposition of components normally targeted to the cell wall, and infection thread growth is orientated anticlinally through the outer cortex in the same plane observed for the deposition of new cell walls following mitosis. Both the development of infection threads in the outer cortex and the initiation of cell division in the inner cortex are preceded by a similar process of cell reactivation involving centralization of nuclei and the development of anticlinal transvacuolar strands. It is therefore suggested that the two Rhizobium‐induced processes of infection thread growth and cortical cell division may both be consequences of a similar plant cell response in the inner and outer root cortex, respectively. Phaseolus nodules contained only short intracellular infection structures which terminated within individual cells and contained no luminal matrix material. The differences in infection thread structure between Pisum and Phaseolus nodules may reflect differences in ontogeny between “indeterminate” and “determinate” nodule meristems.
Transgenic sugarcane plants via microprojectile bombardment
Authors: Bower Robert , Birch Robert G.
Published: February 2005

Transgenic sugarcane plants were produced by bombardment of embryogenic callus with high‐velocity DNA‐coated microprojectiles, followed by a selection and regeneration procedure designed for this target tissue. Optimal bombardment conditions for embryogenic callus required microprojectile velocities higher than those previously found effective for sugarcane suspension culture cells. Bombardment of target tissues twice increased the number of transiently expressing cells in regenerable callus regions, to more than 300 per treated plate. Stable transformants were obtained following bombardment with the neomycin phosphotransferase (npt‐II) gene under the control of the Emu strong monocot promoter. Stepped increases in antibiotic concentration during selection and regeneration allowed recovery of actively growing callus and plants on media containing geneticin concentrations completely inhibitory to untransformed controls. NPT‐II levels in transformed plants were 20–50 times the background levels in control plants in ELISA assays, and Southern analysis revealed integration of one to three copies of the introduced gene in the sugarcane genome. The procedures described yield one to three transgenic plants per treated plate within 16 weeks of bombardment and provide a simple, efficient and broadly applicable system for genetic transformation of sugarcane. A similar approach should be applicable to other members of the Poaceae able to form embryogenic callus.
An integrated genetic/RFLP map of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome
Authors: Hauge Brian M. , Hanley Susan M. , Cartinhour Sam , Cherry J. Michael , Goodman Howard M. , Koornneef Maarten , Stam Piet , Chang Caren , Kempin Sherry , Medrano Leonard , Meyerowitz Elliot M.
Published: February 2005

We have assembled an integrated genetic/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage map of the nuclear genome of the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The map is based on two independent sets of RFLP data, RFLP data for 123 new markers, and pair‐wise segregation data of 125 classical genetic markers. Mathematical integration of the independent data sets was performed using the join map computer package. Sixty‐two markers common to two or more data sets were exploited to facilitate integration of the individual maps. The current map, which encompasses a total genetic distance of 520 cM, contains 125 classical genetic markers and 306 RFLP markers. Comparison of the integrated consensus map with the individual maps demonstrates that the overall linear order of the integrated map is in good agreement with the component maps. It must be emphasized, however, that the integrated map represents the ‘best fit’ which is clearly subject to the statistical limitations of the available data. We present several examples where local differences in map order are observed between the integrated and component maps. It is likely, given the problems associated with statistical integration of mapping data from different populations, that the integrated map will contain additional local inconsistencies and problematic regions. None the less, the unified map provides a framework for building an increasingly accurate and useful map. Subsequent refinements of the map will be available electronically and researchers are invited to submit revised map data to the corresponding author for inclusion in future updates (see Appendix 1).
Cotton fiber annexins: a potential role in the regulation of callose synthase
Authors: Andrawis Andrawis , Solomon Mazal , Delmer Deborah P.
Published: February 2005

Cotton fibers contain a characteristic set of proteins which interact with plasma membranes in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. The association of these proteins with the membrane is correlated with a reduced level of UDP‐glucose: (1→3)‐β‐glucan (callose) synthase activity. Analysis of the proteins released from membranes by EDTA treatment shows that the most abundant proteins comprise a family of at least three polypeptides (p34) which resemble annexins. This resemblance includes similarity in size (about 34 kDa), sequence homology, Ca2+‐dependent precipitation or interaction with the plasma membrane, and ability to serve as a substrate for phosphorylation by endogenous protein kinase(s) which also bind to the membranes in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. A purified fraction of these annexins binds to, and inhibits, the activity of a partially purified cotton fiber callose synthase. These findings suggest that one possible function of annexin(s) in plants is to modulate the activity and/or localization of callose synthase.
Mobility of the maize transposable element En/Spm in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cardon Guillermo H. , Frey Monika , Saedler Heinz , Gierl Alfons
Published: February 2005

The autonomous element En‐1 of the maize En/Spm transposable element system is capable of frequent somatic and germinal excision in the heterologous host Arabidopsis thaliana. The pattern of En‐homologous transcripts generated in transgenic Arabidopsis resembles En transcription in maize. An excision reporter construct based on NPT‐II gene (pKEn2) can be used reliably for the isolation of En‐1 germinal revertants by seed germination on kanamycin‐containing medium. Re‐insertion after germinal excision is apparently frequent. A dSpm receptor element can be efficiently trans‐activated in Arabidopsis either by En‐1 or by expressing cDNAs of tnpA and tnpD. Excision and re‐insertion of En/Spm take place with similar characteristics as in maize. This is the first description of En/Spm transposition in Arabidopsis and the parameters analysed here suggest that transposon tagging with En should be feasible in this species.
A novel fingerprint method for analyzing the expression of complex multigene families of very low transcript abundance
Authors: Bohl Susanne , Apel Klaus
Published: February 2005

A novel RNA fingerprint method has been developed based on the polymerase chain reaction to identify individual mRNA species derived from different members of a complex multigene family of very low trannscript abundance. Using this method, changes in the composition of complex thionin mRNA populations and in the appearance of individual thionin mRNA species in different organs and in response to external stimuli were detected in Hordeum murinum. A single nucleotide exchange within the transcribed DNA may be sufficient to allow the distinction between otherwise identical transcripts.
Resolution of peanut allergy following bone marrow transplantation for primary immunodeficiency
Authors: O'B Hourihane J. , Rhodes H. L. , Jones A. M. , Veys P. , Connett G. J.
Published: February 2005

Peanut allergy is a severe and life‐threatening form of food allergy. Treatments are being developed but the mainstays of current management remain avoidance of peanut and appropriate use of rescue medication. We report the case of a boy with peanut allergy who required a bone marrow transplant (BMT) for combined immunodeficiency. A food challenge, 2 years after transplant, showed that his peanut allergy had resolved. Allergic disorders constitute a form of immune deviation and while we do not advocate BMT as a treatment for peanut allergy, we believe this case provides an insight into the basic mechanisms involved in food allergy.