bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of heat shock protein 105 and 70 in malignant melanoma and benign melanocytic nevi
Authors: Park Hye‐Sang , Park Chan‐Hyuk , Choi Bo‐Ra , Lim Mi‐Sun , Heo Su‐Hak , Kim Cheol‐Hann , Kang Sang‐Gue , Whang Kyu U. , Cho Moon K.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Heat shock proteins (HSPs) restore immature proteins or denatured proteins, thus protecting cells. Also, the expression of some HSPs is elevated substantially in malignant tumors, but the expression of HSPs in association with melanoma has yet to be studied. Therefore, we examined the expression patterns of HSP 70 and 105 in melanoma, benign melanocytic nevi and normal human skin.

Methods:  Two specimens of malignant melanoma, two of benign melanocytic nevi and six of normal human skin were analyzed using Western blot analysis for expression of HSP 70 and 105. In another set, 16 specimens of malignant melanoma, 24 of benign melanocytic nevi and eight of normal human skin were analyzed for the expression of HSP 105 using immunohistochemical studies.

Results:  The Western blot analysis showed that HSP 70 was overexpressed in all three types. But, the HSP 105 was hardly expressed in normal human skin and benign melanocytic nevi. However, in malignant melanoma, the HSP 105 was overexpressed, and immunohistochemical examination of HSP 105 showed a result similar to that of Western blot analysis.

Conclusions:  In our study, HSP 105 is thought to be a more relevant tumor‐associated antigen in malignant melanoma than is HSP 70.
Psoriasis: characterization of six different clinical phenotypes
Authors: Guinot Christiane , Latreille Julie , Perrussel Marc , Doss Nejib , Dubertret Louis ,   on behalf of the French Psoriasis Group
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Until recently, psoriasis was considered as a single disease entity. However, the discovery of major differences between early‐ or late‐onset psoriasis suggests the presence of distinct disease phenotypes which may differ in their pathophysiology and in their treatment responsiveness. The objective of this study was to use exploratory data analysis methods to identify potential clinical psoriasis phenotypes without a priori hypotheses. A prospective questionnaire‐based survey collected comprehensive informations on the main clinical characteristics of 1484 psoriatic patients. Six statistically different clusters of clinical symptoms were observed, corresponding at least to six different clinical psoriasis phenotypes. Moreover, discriminant functions allow patients to be assigned to one or other of these phenotypes. Our findings open the way to focus genetic, pharmaco‐genetic, pathophysiological and therapeutic studies on more homogenous group of patients.
No detectable impacts of frequent burning on foliar C and N or insect herbivory in an Australian eucalypt forest
Authors: Christie Fiona J. , York Alan
Published: March 2009

Question: What is the effect of frequent low intensity prescribed fire on foliar nutrients and insect herbivory in an Australian eucalypt forest?

Location: Lorne State Forest (Bulls Ground Frequent Burning Study), mid‐north coast, New South Wales, Australia.

Methods: Eighteen independent sites were studied representing three experimental fire regimes: fire exclusion (at least 45 years), frequently burnt (every 3 years for 35 years) and fire exclusion followed by the recent introduction of frequent burning (two fires in 6 years). Mature leaves were collected from the canopy of Eucalyptus pilularis trees at each site and analysed for nutrients and damage by invertebrate herbivores.

Results: Almost 75% of all leaves showed some signs of leaf damage. The frequency of past fires had no effect on carbon and nitrogen content of canopy leaves. These results were consistent with assessments of herbivore damage where no significant differences were found in the amount of invertebrate herbivory damage to leaves across fire treatments.

Conclusions: This eucalypt forest displayed a high degree of resilience to both frequent burning and fire exclusion as determined by foliar nutrients and damage by insect herbivores. Fire frequency had no detectable ecological impact on this aspect of forest health.
The structural basis for catalytic function of GMD and RMD, two closely related enzymes from the GDP‐d‐rhamnose biosynthesis pathway
Authors: King Jerry D. , Poon Karen K. H. , Webb Nicole A. , Anderson Erin M. , McNally David J. , Brisson Jean‐Robert , Messner Paul , Garavito R. M. , Lam Joseph S.
Published: March 2009

The rare 6‐deoxysugar d‐rhamnose is a component of bacterial cell surface glycans, including the d‐rhamnose homopolymer produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, called A‐band O polysaccharide. GDP‐d‐rhamnose synthesis from GDP‐d‐mannose is catalyzed by two enzymes. The first is a GDP‐d‐mannose‐4,6‐dehydratase (GMD). The second enzyme, RMD, reduces the GMD product (GDP‐6‐deoxy‐d‐lyxo‐hexos‐4‐ulose) to GDP‐d‐rhamnose. Genes encoding GMD and RMD are present in P. aeruginosa, and genetic evidence indicates they act in A‐band O‐polysaccharide biosynthesis. Details of their enzyme functions have not, however, been previously elucidated. We aimed to characterize these enzymes biochemically, and to determine the structure of RMD to better understand what determines substrate specificity and catalytic activity in these enzymes. We used capillary electrophoresis and NMR analysis of reaction products to precisely define P. aeruginosa GMD and RMD functions. P. aeruginosa GMD is bifunctional, and can catalyze both GDP‐d‐mannose 4,6‐dehydration and the subsequent reduction reaction to produce GDP‐d‐rhamnose. RMD catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of GDP‐6‐deoxy‐d‐lyxo‐hexos‐4‐ulose, as predicted. Reconstitution of GDP‐d‐rhamnose biosynthesis in vitro revealed that the P. aeruginosa pathway may be regulated by feedback inhibition in the cell. We determined the structure of RMD from Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus at 1.8 Å resolution. The structure of A. thermoaerophilus RMD is remarkably similar to that of P. aeruginosa GMD, which explains why P. aeruginosa GMD is also able to catalyze the RMD reaction. Comparison of the active sites and amino acid sequences suggests that a conserved amino acid side chain (Arg185 in P. aeruginosa GMD) may be crucial for orienting substrate and cofactor in GMD enzymes.
An Unusual Success with Simultaneous Urethral Repair and Reimplantation of Penile Prosthesis in a Patient with Urethral Stricture Induced by Rotated Tubing
Authors: Cui Wan Shou , Kim Sang Deuk , Choi Kyung Soo , Zhao Chen , Park Jong Kwan
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Simultaneous urethral repair and reimplantation of penile prosthesis in a patient with urethral stricture induced by rotated tubing of a three piece penile prosthesis has not been reported yet.

Aim

The aim of this study was to present our experience, which overcame severe urethral stricture induced by penile prosthesis implantation.

Main Outcome Measure

Uroflowmetry, voding cystourethrogram, function of prosthesis, and complications.

Methods

We performed one-stage urethroplasty with pedicle island of penile skin and reimplantation of Titan penile prosthesis without abnormal rotation of the cylinder.

Results

The patient voided very well, and the prosthesis worked very well without complications.

Conclusion

One-stage urethroplasty with pedicle island of penile skin and reimplantation of a three-piece penile prosthesis in simultaneous stage may be another choice to treat the long-segment urethral stricture occurred by three-piece penile prosthesis implantation.
Sexual Function in F-111 Maintenance Workers: The Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel
Authors: Brown Anthony , Gibson Richard , Tavener Meredith , Guest Maya , D’Este Catherine , Byles Julie , Attia John , Horsley Keith , Harrex Warren , Ross James
Published: March 2009

Introduction

In Australia, four formal F-111 fuel tank deseal/reseal (DSRS) repair programs were implemented over more than two decades, each involving different processes and using a range of hazardous substances. However, health concerns were raised by a number of workers. The “Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel” was commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence to investigate potential adverse health outcomes as a result of being involved in the deseal/reseal processes.

Aim

To compare measures of sexual function in F-111 aircraft fuel tank DSRS maintenance workers, against two appropriate comparison groups.

Methods

Exposed and comparison participants completed a postal questionnaire which included general questions of health and health behavior, and two specific questions on sexual functioning. They also completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore exposure status and outcome while adjusting for potential confounders.

Main Outcome Measures

The three outcomes of interest for this study were the proportion of participants with erectile dysfunction (ED) according to the IIEF, the proportion with self-reported loss of interest in sex, and the proportion with self-reported problems with sexual functioning.

Results

Compared with each of the comparison groups, a larger proportion of the exposed group reported sexual problems and were classified as having ED according to the IIEF. In logistic regression, the odds of all three outcomes were higher for exposed participants relative to each comparison group and after adjustment for potentially confounding variables including anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

There was a consistent problem with sexual functioning in the exposed group that is not explained by anxiety and depression, and it appears related to DSRS activities.
Use of 3D T2-Weighted MR Sequences for the Assessment of Neurovascular Bundle Changes After Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy (RRP): A Potential Diagnostic Tool for Optimal Management of Erectile Dysfunction After RRP
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Panebianco Valeria , Salciccia Stefano , Alfarone Andrea , Gentilucci Alessandro , Lisi Danilo , Passariello Roberto , Gentile Vincenzo
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the complications after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), and recovery of erectile function is quantitatively related to the preservation of the neurovascular bundles (NVBs).

Aim

The aim of our study was to assess, in patients submitted to a nerve-sparing RRP, the capability of a dedicated 3D isotropic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted sequence in the depiction of postsurgical changes of NVB formation.

Methods

Fifty-three consecutive patients underwent a bilateral nerve-sparing RRP. Two postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) examinations and International Index of Erectile Function Five-Item (IIEF-5) questionnaire were carried out at 6 and 12 months. Morphological imaging of the postprostatectomy fossa was performed by first acquiring turbo spin echo T2-weighted sequences in the axial and coronal planes and then with 3D T2-weighted isotropic sequence on axial plane. Image findings were scored using a relative 5-point classification (0 = normal; I = mild; II = mild to moderate; III = moderate; IV = severe alterations) and correlated with postoperative IIEF-5 score questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

The degree of association between the alteration score values obtained by postoperative MR morphologic evaluation for MR sequence and IIEF-5 score.

Results

Image interpretation was performed by two radiologists, that scoring MR alterations by the use of axial and multiplanar reconstruction 3D T2 isotropic sequence. The radiologists placed 43.30% of patients in class 0 (23/53 normal or quite normal), 32.00% in class I (17/53 mild), 11.40% in class II (6/53 mild to moderate), 7.50% in class III (4/53 moderate), and 5.70% in class IV (3/53 severe). In all cases, the correlation and regression analyses between the 3D T2 isotropic sequence and IIEF-5 score, resulted in higher coefficient values (rho = 0.45; P = 0.0010).

Conclusion

The MRI protocol and NVB change classification score proposed in this study would represent an additional tool in the postoperative phase of those patients with ED.
Comparisons of the environmental dependence of galaxy properties between galaxies above and below M*
Authors: Deng Xin-Fa , He Ji-Zhou , Wen Xiao-Qing , Tang Xiao-Xun
Published: March 2009

From the main galaxy sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 6 (SDSS DR6), we construct two volume-limited samples above and below the value of M* to explore the difference of the environmental dependence of galaxy properties between galaxies above and below the value of M*. We measure the local three-dimensional galaxy density in a comoving sphere with a radius of the distance to the fifth nearest galaxy for each galaxy, and compare basic properties of galaxies in the lowest density regime with those of galaxies in the densest regime. It is found that the galaxy luminosity strongly depend on local environments only for galaxies above M*, but this dependence is very weak for galaxies below M*. It is worth noting that g−r colour, concentration index ci and galaxy morphologies strongly depend on local environments for all galaxies with different luminosities. This shows that M* is a characteristic parameter only for the environmental dependence of galaxy luminosity.
Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum Bennett)
Authors: DING SHAO‐XIONG , PAN YING , ZENG HUA‐SONG , WANG JUN
Published: March 2009

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci without linkage disequilibrium were isolated and characterized from a microsatellite DNA‐enriched DNA library for the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum Bennett, 1830). These loci show polymorphism information content ranging from 0.384 to 0.885, allele number ranging from 4 to 12, effective allele number ranging from 1.686 to 9.438, and observed and expected heterozygosities from 0.229 to 1.000 and from 0.407 to 0.894 respectively. Four loci show strong Hardy–Weinberg deviations. We expect that these markers would be useful for population genetic and breeding studies of the whitespotted bamboo shark.
Lest we forget Hansen's disease (leprosy): an unusual presentation with an acute onset of inflammatory polyarthritis and the rheumatology experience
Authors: SHEETAL Salvi , ARVIND Chopra
Published: March 2009

Several forms of arthritis and rheumatism can sometimes complicate leprosy. However, its presentation as an acute onset arthritis is unusual. We report two adult male naïve patients who presented to our rheumatology outpatient clinic with acute onset inflammatory polyarthritis, skin rash and mild sensory neurodeficit. Borderline lepromatous leprosy (in type I lepra reaction) was diagnosed. We also refer to 19 case records of Hansen arthritis in the clinic database (1998–2007) from approximately 35,000 patients and a community study to highlight the missed diagnosis of Hansen's disease and its unusual association with rheumatoid arthritis. In countries like India where leprosy is endemic, this disease also merits attention in rheumatology clinics.
Optimal Dynamic Pricing of Perishable Items by a Monopolist Facing Strategic Consumers
Authors: Levin Yuri , McGill Jeff , Nediak Mikhail
Published: March 2009

We introduce a dynamic pricing model for a monopolistic company selling a perishable product to a finite population of strategic consumers (customers who are aware that pricing is dynamic and may time their purchases strategically). This problem is modeled as a stochastic dynamic game in which the company's objective is to maximize total expected revenues, and each customer maximizes the expected present value of utility. We prove the existence of a unique subgame‐perfect equilibrium pricing policy, provide equilibrium optimality conditions for both customer and seller, and prove monotonicity results for special cases. We demonstrate through numerical examples that a company that ignores strategic consumer behavior may receive much lower total revenues than one that uses the strategic equilibrium pricing policy. We also show that, when the initial capacity is a decision variable, it can be used together with the appropriate pricing policy to effectively reduce the impact of strategic consumer behavior. The proposed model is computationally tractable for problems of realistic size.
What is your diagnosis? Intracranial mass in a dog
Authors: Harms N. Jane , Dickinson Ryan M , Nibblett Belle Marie D , Wobeser Bruce K
Published: March 2009

Abstract:A 9‐year‐old, spayed female Chihuahua was presented for evaluation of acute, progressive neurologic disease. On physical examination the dog was depressed and laterally recumbent. The dog had marked neutrophilia with a toxic left shift and monocytosis. Using computed tomography with contrast enhancement a large intracranial mass lesion was identified in the rostral portion of the brain. The mass extended from the central thalamic region rostral to the cribiform plate and obliterated the lateral ventricles. A fine needle aspirate of the mass contained moderately pleomorphic polygonal cells with many intranuclear cytoplasmic pseudoinclusions (ICPs). The primary differential diagnosis was meningioma, based on cell morphology and the presence of ICPs. At necropsy, the mass was well‐demarcated, unencapsulated, and densely cellular. Cells were arranged in papillary projections on fibrovascular stalks, and eosinophilic ICPs and nuclear folding were frequently seen. Cavitated areas of necrosis throughout the tumor mass were filled with intact and degenerated neutrophils. The histopathologic diagnosis was malignant papillary meningioma. ICPs are not frequently observed in Wright‐stained cytologic preparations but may be found in many types of neoplasms, including meningiomas.
Endmill Condition Monitoring and Failure Forecasting Method for Curvilinear Cuts of Nonconstant Radii
Authors: Suprock Christopher A. , Roth John T. , Downey Larry M.
Published: March 2009

In this paper, an endmill condition monitoring technique is presented for curvilinear cutting. This algorithm operates without the need for prior knowledge of cutting conditions, tool type, cut curvature, cut direction, or directional rate of change. The goal of this method is an indirect measurement of the tool wear able to indicate when wear is accelerating without direct measurement of the tool. This technique is based on an autoregressive-type monitoring algorithm, which is used to track the tool’s condition using a tri-axial accelerometer. Accelerometer signals are monitored due to the sensor’s relatively low cost and since use of the sensor does not limit the machining envelope. To demonstrate repeatability, eight life tests were conducted. The technique discussed herein successfully delivers prognosis of impending fracture or meltdown due to wear in all cases, providing sufficient time to remove the tools before failure is realized. Furthermore, the algorithm produces similar trends capable of forecasting failure, regardless of tool type and cut geometry. Success is seen in all cases without requiring algorithm modifications or any prior information regarding the tool or cutting conditions.
The Determination of Heating Shapes and Locations for Triangle Heating
Authors: Kim Young-Bum , Park Jung-Seo , Shin Jong-Gye , Hyun Chung-Min , Ko Kwang-Hee
Published: March 2009

Thermal forming is a method to form a curved plate by inducing local shrinkage and angular distortion through heating and cooling. In this approach, two different methods are available: line heating and triangle heating. Among them, this paper discusses triangle heating and presents algorithms for determining heating shapes and locations. The heating shape is determined by using the in-plane strain distributions, which are calculated by nonlinear kinematics analysis between the designed and initial shapes, field survey results, and mechanics based on the neutral axis. To predict the angular distortion and shrinkage in various heating conditions, a functional relation of residual deformations is formulated. For the formulation, multivariate analysis and multiple regression techniques are used with data obtained from experiments of unit triangle heating and numerical analysis. Using the determined heating shapes and the functional relation for the residual deformations, a correct triangle heating position is determined by an algorithm, which can predict qualitatively correct angular distortion and shrinkage in the interior and quantitatively correct distortion values on the edge. Finally, analytic verification of the proposed method has been done by applying the method to a convex type plate used in the field. The proposed work can be used for automation of curved plate fabrication in the shipyards.
The Virulent
Wolbachia
Strain wMelPop Efficiently Establishes Somatic Infections in the Malaria Vector
Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Jin Chaoyang , Ren Xiaoxia , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: March 2009

Wolbachia pipientis
bacteria are maternally inherited endosymbionts that are of interest to control the
Anopheles
mosquito vectors of malaria.
Wolbachia
does not infect
Anopheles
mosquitoes in nature, although cultured
Anopheles
cells can be infected. Here, we show that the virulent
Wolbachia
strain wMelPop can survive and replicate when injected into female
Anopheles gambiae
adults, but the somatic infections established are avirulent. These in vivo data suggest that stable
Wolbachia
infections of
Anopheles
may be possible.
Enhancement ofBacillus thuringiensisCry3Aa and Cry3Bb Toxicities to Coleopteran Larvae by a Toxin-Binding Fragment of an Insect Cadherin
Authors: Park Youngjin , Abdullah Mohd Amir F. , Taylor Milton D. , Rahman Khalidur , Adang Michael J.
Published: March 2009

The Cry3Aa and Cry3Bb insecticidal proteins ofBacillus thuringiensisare used in biopesticides and transgenic crops to control larvae of leaf-feeding beetles and rootworms. Cadherins localized in the midgut epithelium are identified as receptors for Cry toxins in lepidopteran and dipteran larvae. Previously, we discovered that a peptide of a toxin-binding cadherin expressed inEscherichia colifunctions as a synergist for Cry1A toxicity against lepidopteran larvae and Cry4 toxicity against dipteran larvae. Here we report that the fragment containing the three most C-terminal cadherin repeats (CR) from the cadherin of the western corn rootworm binds toxin and enhances Cry3 toxicity to larvae of naturally susceptible species. The cadherin fragment (CR8 to CR10 [CR8-10]) of western corn rootwormDiabrotica virgifera virgiferawas expressed inE. colias an inclusion body. By an enzyme-linked immunosorbent microplate assay, we demonstrated that the CR8-10 peptide binds α-chymotrypsin-treated Cry3Aa and Cry3Bb toxins at high affinity (11.8 nM and 1.4 nM, respectively). Coleopteran larvae ingesting CR8-10 inclusions had increased susceptibility to Cry3Aa or Cry3Bb toxin. The Cry3 toxin-enhancing effect of CR8-10 was demonstrated for Colorado potato beetleLeptinotarsa decemlineata, southern corn rootwormDiabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, and western corn rootworm. The extent of Cry3 toxin enhancement, which ranged from 3- to 13-fold, may have practical applications for insect control. Cry3-containing biopesticides that include a cadherin fragment could be more efficacious. And Bt corn (i.e., corn treated withB. thuringiensisto make it resistant to pests) coexpressing Cry3Bb and CR8-10 could increase the functional dose level of the insect toxic activity, reducing the overall resistance risk.
Differential Regulation and Posttranslational Processing of the Class II Hydrophobin Genes from the Biocontrol FungusHypocrea atroviridis
Authors: Mikus Marianna , Hatvani Lóránt , Neuhof Torsten , Komoń-Zelazowska Monika , Dieckmann Ralf , Schwecke Torsten , Druzhinina Irina S. , von Döhren Hans , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: March 2009

Hydrophobins are small extracellular proteins, unique to and ubiquitous in filamentous fungi, which mediate interactions between the fungus and environment. The mycoparasitic fungusHypocrea atroviridishas recently been shown to possess 10 different class II hydrophobin genes, which is a much higher number than that of any other ascomycete investigated so far. In order to learn the potential advantage of this hydrophobin multiplicity for the fungus, we have investigated their expression patterns under different physiological conditions (e.g., vegetative growth), various conditions inducing sporulation (light, carbon starvation, and mechanical injury-induced stress), and confrontation with potential hosts for mycoparasitism. The results show that the 10 hydrophobins display different patterns of response to these conditions: one hydrophobin (encoded byhfb-2b) is constitutively induced under all conditions, whereas other hydrophobins were formed only under conditions of carbon starvation (encoded byhfb-1candhfb-6c) or light plus carbon starvation (encoded byhfb-2c, hfb-6a, andhfb-6b). The hydrophobins encoded byhfb-1bandhfb-5awere primarily formed during vegetative growth and under mechanical injury-provoked stress.hfb-22awas not expressed under any conditions and is likely a pseudogene. None of the 10 genes showed a specific expression pattern during mycoparasitic interaction. Most, but not all, of the expression patterns under the three different conditions of sporulation were dependent on one or both of the two blue-light regulator proteins BLR1 and BLR2, as shown by the use of respective loss-of-function mutants. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry of mycelial solvent extracts provided sets of molecular ions corresponding to HFB-1b, HFB-2a, HFB-2b, and HFB-5a in their oxidized and processed forms. These in silico-deduced sequences of the hydrophobins indicate cleavages at known signal peptide sites as well as additional N- and C-terminal processing. Mass peaks observed during confrontation with plant-pathogenic fungi indicate further proteolytic attack on the hydrophobins. Our study illustrates both divergent and redundant functions of the 10 hydrophobins ofH. atroviridis.
Engineering of 2,3-Butanediol Dehydrogenase To Reduce Acetoin Formation by Glycerol-Overproducing, Low-AlcoholSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ehsani Maryam , Fernández Maria R. , Biosca Josep A. , Julien Anne , Dequin Sylvie
Published: March 2009

EngineeredSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains overexpressingGPD1, which codes for glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lacking the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase Ald6 display large-scale diversion of the carbon flux from ethanol toward glycerol without accumulating acetate. AlthoughGPD1 ald6strains have great potential for reducing the ethanol contents in wines, one major side effect is the accumulation of acetoin, having a negative sensory impact on wine. Acetoin is reduced to 2,3-butanediol by the NADH-dependent 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase Bdh1. In order to investigate the influence of potential factors limiting this reaction, we overexpressedBDH1, coding for native NADH-dependent Bdh1, and the engineered geneBDH1221,222,223, coding for an NADPH-dependent Bdh1 enzyme with the amino acid changes 221 EIA 223 to 221 SRS 223, in a glycerol-overproducing wine yeast. We have shown that both the amount of Bdh1 and the NADH availability limit the 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase reaction. During wine fermentation, however, the major limiting factor was the level of synthesis of Bdh1. Consistent with this finding, the overproduction of native or engineered Bdh1 made it possible to redirect 85 to 90% of the accumulated acetoin into 2,3-butanediol, a compound with neutral sensory characteristics. In addition, the production of diacetyl, a compound causing off-flavor in alcoholic beverages, whose production is increased in glycerol-overproducing yeast cells, was decreased by half. The production of higher alcohols and esters, which was slightly decreased or unchanged inGPD1 ald6cells compared to that in the control cells, was not further modified inBDH1cells. Overall, rerouting carbons toward glycerol and 2,3-butanediol represents a new milestone in the engineering of a low-alcohol yeast with desirable organoleptic features, permitting the decrease of the ethanol contents in wines by up to 3°.
Hollow-Fiber Membrane Chamber as a Device for In Situ Environmental Cultivation
Authors: Aoi Yoshiteru , Kinoshita Tomoyuki , Hata Toru , Ohta Hiroaki , Obokata Haruko , Tsuneda Satoshi
Published: March 2009

A hollow-fiber membrane chamber (HFMC) was developed as an in situ cultivation device for environmental microorganisms. The HFMC system consists of 48 to 96 pieces of porous hollow-fiber membrane connected with injectors. The system allows rapid exchange of chemical compounds, thereby simulating a natural environment. Comparative analysis through the cultivation of three types of environmental samples was performed using this newly designed device and a conventional agar-based petri dish. The results show that the ratios of novel phylotypes in isolates, species-level diversities, and cultivabilities in HFMC-based cultivation are higher than those in an agar-based petri dish for all three samples, suggesting that the new in situ cultivation device is effective for cultivation of various environmental microorganisms.
Phosphate-Responsive Promoter of a
Pichia pastoris
Sodium Phosphate Symporter
Authors: Ahn Jungoh , Hong Jiyeon , Park Myongsoo , Lee Hyeokweon , Lee Eungyo , Kim Chunsuk , Lee Joohwan , Choi Eui-sung , Jung Joon-ki , Lee Hongweon
Published: March 2009

To develop a functional phosphate-regulated promoter in
Pichia pastoris
, a phosphate-responsive gene,
PHO89
, which encodes a putative sodium (Na
+
)-coupled phosphate symporter, was isolated. Sequencing analyses revealed a 1,731-bp open reading frame encoding a 576-amino-acid polypeptide with 12 putative transmembrane domains. The properties of the
PHO89
promoter (

P
PHO89

) were investigated using a bacterial lipase gene as a reporter in 5-liter jar fermentation experiments.

P
PHO89

was tightly regulated by phosphate and was highly activated when the cells were grown in a phosphate-limited external environment. Compared to translation elongation factor 1α and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter,

P
PHO89

exhibited strong transcriptional activity with higher specific productivity (amount of lipase produced/cell/h). Furthermore, a cost-effective and simple

P
PHO89

-based fermentation process was developed for industrial application. These results demonstrate the potential for efficient use of

P
PHO89

for controlled production of recombinant proteins in
P. pastoris
.
An Adenosine Kinase Exists inXanthomonas campestrisPathovar campestris and Is Involved in Extracellular Polysaccharide Production, Cell Motility, and Virulence
Authors: Lu Guang-Tao , Tang Yong-Qin , Li Cai-Yue , Li Rui-Fang , An Shi-Qi , Feng Jia-Xun , He Yong-Qiang , Jiang Bo-Le , Tang Dong-Jie , Tang Ji-Liang
Published: March 2009

Adenosine kinase (ADK) is a purine salvage enzyme and a typical housekeeping enzyme in eukaryotes which catalyzes the phosphorylation of adenosine to form AMP. Since prokaryotes synthesize purines de novo and no endogenous ADK activity is detectable inEscherichia coli, ADK has long been considered to be rare in bacteria. To date, only two prokaryotes, both of which are gram-positive bacteria, have been reported to contain ADK. Here we report that the gram-negative bacteriumXanthomonas campestrispathovar campestris, the causal agent of black rot of crucifers, possesses a gene (designatedadkXcc) encoding an ADK (named ADKXcc), and we demonstrate genetically that the ADKXccis involved in extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production, cell motility, and pathogenicity ofX. campestrispv. campestris.adkXccwas overexpressed as a His6-tagged protein inE. coli, and the purified His6-tagged protein exhibited ADK activity. Mutation ofadkXccdid not affect bacterial growth in rich and minimal media but led to an accumulation of intracellular adenosine and diminutions of intracellular ADK activity and ATP level, as well as EPS. TheadkXccmutant displayed significant reductions in bacterial growth and virulence in the host plant.
23S rRNA Nucleotides in the Peptidyl Transferase Center Are Essential for Tryptophanase Operon Induction
Authors: Yang Rui , Cruz-Vera Luis R. , Yanofsky Charles
Published: March 2009

Distinct features of the ribosomal peptide exit tunnel are known to be essential for recognition of specific amino acids of a nascent peptidyl-tRNA. Thus, a tryptophan residue at position 12 of the peptidyl-tRNA TnaC-tRNA
Pro
leads to the creation of a free tryptophan binding site within the ribosome at which bound tryptophan inhibits normal ribosome functions. The ribosomal processes that are inhibited are hydrolysis of TnaC-tRNA
Pro
by release factor 2 and peptidyl transfer of TnaC of TnaC-tRNA
Pro
to puromycin. These events are normally performed in the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center. In the present study, changes of 23S rRNA nucleotides in the 2585 region of the peptidyl transferase center, G2583A and U2584C, were observed to reduce maximum induction of
tna
operon expression by tryptophan in vivo without affecting the concentration of tryptophan necessary to obtain 50% induction. The growth rate of strains with ribosomes with either of these changes was not altered appreciably. In vitro analyses with mutant ribosomes with these changes showed that tryptophan was not as efficient in protecting TnaC-tRNA
Pro
from puromycin action as wild-type ribosomes. However, added tryptophan did prevent sparsomycin action as it normally does with wild-type ribosomes. These findings suggest that these two mutational changes act by reducing the ability of ribosome-bound tryptophan to inhibit peptidyl transferase activity rather than by reducing the ability of the ribosome to bind tryptophan. Thus, the present study identifies specific nucleotides within the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center that appear to be essential for effective tryptophan induction of
tna
operon expression.
French hospital nurses’ opinion about euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide: a national phone survey
Authors: Bendiane M K , Bouhnik A-D , Galinier A , Favre R , Obadia Y , Peretti-Watel P
Published: March 2009

Background:

Hospital nurses are frequently the first care givers to receive a patient’s request for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (PAS). In France, there is no consensus over which medical practices should be considered euthanasia, and this lack of consensus blurred the debate about euthanasia and PAS legalisation. This study aimed to investigate French hospital nurses’ opinions towards both legalisations, including personal conceptions of euthanasia and working conditions and organisation.

Methods:

A phone survey conducted among a random national sample of 1502 French hospital nurses. We studied factors associated with opinions towards euthanasia and PAS, including contextual factors related to hospital units with random-effects logistic models.

Results:

Overall, 48% of nurses supported legalisation of euthanasia and 29%, of PAS. Religiosity, training in pallative care/pain management and feeling competent in end-of-life care were negatively correlated with support for legalisation of both euthanasia and PAS, while nurses working at night were more prone to support legalisation of both. The support for legalisation of euthanasia and PAS was also weaker in pain treatment/palliative care and intensive care units, and it was stronger in units not benefiting from interventions of charity/religious workers and in units with more nurses.

Conclusions:

Many French hospital nurses uphold the legalisation of euthanasia and PAS, but these nurses may be the least likely to perform what proponents of legalisation call “good” euthanasia. Improving professional knowledge of palliative care could improve the management of end-of-life situations and help to clarify the debate over euthanasia.
Modern renal transplantation: present challenges and future prospects
Authors: Galliford J , Game D S
Published: March 2009

Renal transplantation offers patients with end stage renal failure improved survival and quality of life compared with dialysis. Although more transplants are being performed in the UK and elsewhere, the size of the renal transplant waiting list is increasing at a faster rate. Live donor transplantation between antibody compatible and incompatible pairs is one of the short term solutions to this; it may also be a sensible long term strategy since it affords better outcomes. Following successful transplantation, balancing the chronic and often deleterious effects of immunosuppression with chronic immune damage poses the key clinical challenge for transplant physicians today. Research efforts worldwide are focused towards immunological tolerance of transplanted organs with two main questions: first, how can we induce tolerance; and second, how can we test that it is operational? Immunosuppressive protocols vary greatly between transplant units, which may be reflected in differing patient and allograft survival.
Omega-3 fatty acids: a comprehensive review of their role in health and disease
Authors: Yashodhara B M , Umakanth S , Pappachan J M , Bhat S K , Kamath R , Choo B H
Published: March 2009

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) are essential fatty acids with diverse biological effects in human health and disease. Reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is a well-established benefit of their intake. Dietary supplementation may also benefit patients with dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurological/ neuropsychiatric disorders and eye diseases. Consumption of ω-3 FAs during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature birth and improves intellectual development of the fetus. Fish, fish oils and some vegetable oils are rich sources of ω-3 FAs. According to the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition guidelines (2004), a healthy adult should consume a minimum of two portions of fish a week to obtain the health benefit. This review outlines the health implications, dietary sources, deficiency states and recommended allowances of ω-3 FAs in relation to human nutrition.
A BUSINESS MODEL ANALYSIS FOR THE SUPPLY CHAIN CONVERGENT OF SERVICES
Authors: RIM MYUNG-HWAN , HAN HYUN-SOO , SAWNG YEONG-WHA
Published: March 2009

In this paper, we explore the merging of supply chains between media and telecommunications as an example of business application of industry convergence. The goal of this study is to provide managerial insight into the various facets of convergence of supply chains so that companies can effectively exploit business opportunities presented by the accelerating process of digital convergence and related technological innovations. In this study, the focus is set on business models, rather than business strategies as such, since digital convergence is an emerging sector that deserves independent attention as a new business concept. We formulated a series of propositions, related to customer value, value network, and supply chain efficiency, using frameworks borrowed from the existing business model literature and value creation theories for Internet business. Managerial implications are discussed and applied to DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting), a new telecom-broadcasting convergence business model, recently introduced in South Korea.
Pedophilia
Authors: Seto Michael C.
Published: March 2009

Pedophilia is defined as a sexual interest in prepubescent children. It is empirically linked with sexual offending against children: Child pornography offenders and sex offenders with child victims are more likely to be pedophiles based on self-report or objective measures of sexual interests. At the same time, some pedophiles have not had any known sexual contact with children, and perhaps half of sex offenders against children would not meet diagnostic criteria for pedophilia. Pedophilia can be diagnosed using a variety of methods and is an important factor to consider in the assessment of sex offenders because pedophilic offenders are more likely to sexually reoffend and require different interventions. There is no evidence to suggest that pedophilia can be changed. Instead, interventions are designed to increase voluntary control over sexual arousal, reduce sex drive, or teach self-management skills to individuals who are motivated to avoid acting upon their sexual interests.
An Impulsive Two‐Prey One‐Predator System with Seasonal Effects
Authors: Baek Hunki
Published: March 2009

In recent years, the impulsive population systems have been studied by many researchers. However, seasonal effects on prey are rarely discussed. Thus, in this paper, the dynamics of the Holling‐type IV two‐competitive‐prey one‐predator system with impulsive perturbations and seasonal effects are analyzed using the Floquet theory and comparison techniques. It is assumed that the impulsive perturbations act in a periodic fashion, the proportional impulses (the chemical controls)
for all species and the constant impulse (the biological control) for the predator at different fixed time but, the same period. In addition, the intrinsic growth rates of prey population are regarded as a periodically varying function of time due to seasonal variations. Sufficient conditions for the local and global stabilities of the two‐prey‐free periodic solution are established. It is proven that the system is permanent under some conditions. Moreover, sufficient conditions, under which one of the
two preys is extinct and the remaining two species are permanent, are also found. Finally, numerical
examples and conclusion are given.
Samson: l'amour rend aveugle
Authors:   Luciani
Published: March 2009

Why doesn't Samson "see" Delilah and why is she the only woman named in Judges 13-16? Suggestion to solve this double riddle.
Theorizing the Cuban Revolution
Authors: Foran John
Published: March 2009

An assessment of the outcomes of the Cuban Revolution in terms of theories of both the causes and outcomes of revolutions in general reveals that that the revolution has been spectacularly successful in terms of ensuring the well-being of the vast majority of Cubans, while at the same time failing to deliver fully democratic institutions and freedoms. The success of the revolution in maintaining itself against U.S. hostility and the deepening of neoliberal global capitalism is attributed to the strength of the political culture that the revolution has forged and carried forward across the generations. The future of the revolution looks bright, especially if the Cuban people find a way to secure deeper democratic gains to match their social and economic ones.
Meeting Family and Military Needs through Military Child Care
Authors: Zellman Gail L. , Gates Susan M. , Moini Joy S. , Suttorp Marika
Published: March 2009

This article summarizes results from a child care survey of military families conducted by the RAND Corporation in 2004 and draws policy implications for the military child care system. The article describes the military child care system, discusses the policy objectives of the system, and summarizes survey results that clarify the degree to which the Department of Defense is meeting its child care goals. The authors find evidence that despite its high quality, the military child care system fails to optimize readiness and retention of military members because these goals do not drive system policies or operations. The article offers suggestions for improving system outcomes.
Adolescent Family Context and Adult Identity Formation
Authors: Benson Janel E. , Johnson Monica Kirkpatrick
Published: March 2009

This study examines the links between adolescent family context and coming to see oneself as an adult. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the authors investigate how adolescent family structure, resources, and processes together influence adult identity and whether they do so similarly for men and women. The authors find that youth in single-parent or stepparent families, but not in two-parent adoptive families, are more likely to identify as adults compared with those in two-biological-parent families. These relationships, however, are mediated by both family resources and processes. Furthermore, one of these processes, parental control, is especially influential for youth in single-father and other family structures, and parent—adolescent relationship quality and living in other-structure families are more consequential for young women than men.
Effects of Estradiol Treatment and/or Ovariectomy on Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Lesions in the Pancreatic Islets of Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Imaoka Masako , Kato Michiyuki , Tago Satoko , Gotoh Mayumi , Satoh Hiroshi , Manabe Sunao
Published: March 2009

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of estradiol treatment and/or ovariectomy (OVX) on non-neoplastic lesions in the pancreatic islets of Sprague-Dawley rats. Males were divided into non-treatment (naïve) and β-estradiol 3-benzoate (EB) treatment groups and females into naïve, sham-operation, OVX, and OVX plus EB treatment groups. EB was subcutaneously administered once a week from seven to twenty-six weeks of age. The animals were euthanized at twelve, eighteen, and twenty-six weeks of age, and the serum estradiol concentrations were measured in conjunction with the pancreatic islet histopathology. The histological stages of pancreatic findings were classified into three groups, hemorrhagic, fibrotic, and inflammatory lesions, and the incidence of each type of lesion was enumerated. In males, both the total and individual incidence of pancreatic lesions increased age dependently in the naïve group. EB treatment significantly decreased the total incidence at twenty-six weeks. This alteration consisted of fibrotic and inflammatory lesions, but not hemorrhagic lesions. Additionally, the incidence of hemorrhagic lesions was at the same level between male naïve and male EB groups at twelve weeks, despite a markedly higher concentration of serum estradiol in the EB group. In females, a similar tendency was seen, and the total incidence was generally low in the naïve group, whereas it was increased by OVX. OVX plus EB treatment tended to decrease the incidence accompanied by a marked increase in estradiol concentrations. In conclusion, estrogen was shown to inhibit the development of pancreatic islet lesions toward inflammation and fibrosis but did not inhibit the occurrence of hemorrhagic lesions.
Local injection of MK801 modifies oscillatory activity in the nucleus accumbens in awake rats
Authors: Hunt MJ , Falinska M. , Kasicki S.
Published: March 2009

Pharmacological blockade of NMDA receptors is used to model certain aspects of schizophrenia. It had been shown previously that ketamine dose dependently enhances high-frequency oscillations in the rodent nucleus accumbens, a structure implicated in schizophrenia. Here, the authors examined the effect of intra-accumbal and systemic administration of MK801 on delta, gamma and high-frequency oscillatory activity recorded in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats. In this study, rats were implanted with electrodes in the nucleus accumbens for chronic local field potential recording. Rats received either bilateral injections of MK801 (1 and 4 μg) or intraperitoneal injections of the drug (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg). Saline was used as control in each instance. Both local and systemic injections significantly enhanced the power and frequency of high-frequency oscillations and caused an increase in the occurrence, duration and amplitude of high-frequency oscillatory bursts. In contrast, no effect or a decrease in the power of delta and gamma bands was observed following local or systemic administration of MK801, respectively. These findings suggest that the dominant change in oscillatory activity after administration of NMDA receptor antagonists affect high frequencies. Moreover, direct NMDA blockade in the accumbal circuitry is sufficient to generate increases in high-frequency oscillations. The presence of abnormal oscillatory activity in the accumbens may be associated with the psychomimetic effects of NMDA receptor antagonists.