bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization of polyamide confined in sub‐micrometer droplets dispersed in a molten polyethylene matrix
Authors: Sánchez Manuel Salmerón , Mathot Vincent , Poel Geert Vanden , Groeninckx Gabriel , Bruls Willie
Published: January 2006

The crystallization of submicrometer PA6 droplets dispersed in an ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer matrix, using PE‐g‐MA as a compatibilizer agent, is investigated. This system shows a nonconventional mechanical behavior at high temperatures. Up to ∼100 °C above the final melting temperature of the ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer matrix, the system shows good thermal and mechanical properties including dimensional stability. Because of the dispersed phase morphology of the system, so‐called fractionated/homogeneous crystallization takes place leading to an extra supercooling of PA6: ∼50 °C compared to the bulk PA6 crystallization temperature. Thus—though this is most probably just of interest for small‐scale research—the system can be processed at lowered temperatures while still providing exceptional high‐temperature properties. While the matrix is in the melt state when crystallization of the dispersed PA6 phase occurs, the possibility of matrix induced crystallization is absent, contrary to almost all of the ‘dispersed droplets in a matrix’ systems reported so far. The kinetics of this phenomenon is investigated in detail by DSC: the existence of fractionated/homogeneous crystallization is shown to be related to the lack of active nuclei in the dispersed droplets by means of self‐seeding experiments. The occurrence of extensive cold crystallization of PA6 in the confined environment is studied as is the crystallization kinetics, including the characterization of its time dependences showing its sporadic nature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 815–825, 2006
Cover Picture: Plasma Process. Polym. 1/2006
Authors: Poenariu Viorel , Wertheimer Michael R. , Bartnikas Raymond
Published: January 2006

Cover: The picture on the cover shows axial, time‐dependent distributions of (a) total light emission intensity, and [(b) to (d)] those of spectral lines at (b) 380.5 nm (N2), (c) 391.4 nm (N2+), and (d) 706.5 nm (He I), during the positive voltage half‐cycle of an atmospheric‐pressure He discharge across a needle‐plane gap. Needle position at 3.0 mm, alumina dielectric plane at 0 mm. Further details can be found in the Full Paper by V. Poenariu, M. R. Wertheimer,* and R. Bartnikas on page 17.
Comparing atomistic simulation data with the NMR experiment: How much can NOEs actually tell us?
Authors: Zagrovic Bojan , van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: January 2006

Simulated molecular dynamics trajectories of proteins and nucleic acids are often compared with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data for the purposes of assessing the quality of the force field used or, equally important, trying to interpret ambiguous experimental data. In particular, nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) intensities or atom–atom distances derived from them are frequently calculated from the simulated ensembles because the distance restraints derived from NOEs are the key ingredient in NMR‐based protein structure determination. In this study, we ask how diverse and nonnative‐like an ensemble of structures can be and still match the experimental NOE distance upper bounds well. We present two examples in which simulated ensembles of highly nonnative polypeptide structures (an unfolded state ensemble of the villin headpiece and a high‐temperature denatured ensemble of lysozyme) are shown to match fairly well the experimental NOE distance upper bounds from which the corresponding native structures were derived. For example, the unfolded ensemble of villin headpiece, which is on average 0.90 ± 0.13 nm root‐mean‐square deviation away from the native NMR structure, deviates from the experimental restraints by only 0.027 nm on average. However, this artificially good agreement is largely a consequence of 1) the highly nonlinear effects ofr−6(orr−3) averaging and 2) focusing only on the experimentally observed set of NOE bounds. Namely, in addition to the experimentally observed NOEs, both simulated ensembles (especially the villin ensemble) also predict a large number of NOEs, which are not seen in the experiment. If these are taken into account, the agreement between simulation and experiment gets markedly worse, as it should, given the nonnative nature of the underlying simulated ensembles. In light of the examples given, we conclude that comparing experimental NOE distance restraints with large simulated ensembles provides just by itself only limited information about the quality of simulation. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical Treatment of Complex Malignant Anterior Mediastinal Tumors Invading the Superior Vena Cava
Authors: Chen Ke‐Neng , Xu Shao‐Fa , Gu Zhen‐Dong , Zhang Wei‐Min , Pan Hong , Su Wen‐Zhong , Li Ji‐You , Xu Guang‐Wei
Published: January 2006

Determining the appropriate surgery‐based treatment for complicated anterior mediastinal malignancies (CAMM), especially those invading the superior vena cava (SVC) and its branches, remains a challenge for general thoracic surgeons. In this report, we summarize our experience and lessons regarding this issue in order to discuss a reasonable strategy for diagnosis and treatment of CAMM. Between January 2001 and April 2003, 15 patients with CAMM invading the SVC and/or its branches with or without invasion of other neighboring organs were surgically treated in our institution by a single surgeon team. We collected clinical data from the medical charts and from surgeons’ specific notes for complicated cases, and performed a comprehensive analysis. There were 9 patients with malignant thymoma. Thymic carcinoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and mixed teratoma with thymoma were diagnosed in 1 patient each. All procedures were performed via median sternotomy. Some angioplasty techniques were successfully used to resect and reconstruct the SVC. Ten of the 15 patients also underwent pulmonary resection due to involvement of pulmonary parenchyma. Four of the patients underwent perioperative chemotherapy. There were no perioperative deaths. Two patients suffered prolonged ventilation after surgery, and there were no other severe complications related to surgery. One patient died 10 months after surgery. The remaining 14 patients were still living and their progress is still monitored. As of August 2004, the median follow‐up duration for all patients was 35 months, and the disease‐free survival duration was 10–43 months. CAMM can be safely and completely resected via a median sternotomy, even if it has invaded other mediastinal structures. CAMM should be pathologically identified before initial treatment. A good outcome for patients with CAMM is possible if a suitable strategy combining accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially surgical resection, is established.
Objective Assessment of Small Bowel Anastomosis Skill in Trainee General Surgeons and Urologists
Authors: Shah Jyoti , Munz Yaron , Manson Joanne , Moorthy Krishna , Darzi Ara
Published: January 2006

Introduction

The object of this study was to compare the technical ability of general surgery and urology trainees to perform a small bowel anastomosis using a life‐like bench model.

Methods

Forty subjects were divided into two groups based on the stage of their training. Specialist registrars (SpRs) trained for 1 to 3 years were defined as junior SpRs, and those with 4 to 6 years of training were defined as senior SpRs. They were asked to perform a small bowel anastomosis on a standard latex model using the same equipment, suture material, and standardized instructions. Trainees were assessed by three trained observers based on a global rating scale.

Results

Interrater reliability was 0.83 for the general surgical group and 0.88 for the urology group. The median scores obtained by the junior SpRs were lower than those achieved by the senior SpRs, and general surgical trainees consistently performed better than their matched urology group. This difference reached statistical significance for the senior group.

Conclusions

Global rating scores provide a reliable, valid method for assessing technical skills between specialties when performing a small bowel anastomosis. We provide reasons why general surgeons may be more proficient at this task than urologists. These findings have possible application to identifying trainees who need additional training and may also provide a mechanism to ensure competence in this task.
Tuberculosis of the Thyroid Gland: Review of the Literature
Authors: Bulbuloglu Ertan , Ciralik Harun , Okur Erdogan , Ozdemir Gokhan , Ezberci Fikret , Cetinkaya Ali
Published: January 2006

Objective

Thyroid tuberculosis (TTB) is a very rare condition, even in countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. The aim of this article is to review and retrieve data about thyroid tuberculosis from the English‐language literature in order to gain a better understanding of the clinical characteristics of TTB.

Study Design

We performed Medline, PubMed, and library searches using the key words “thyroid tuberculosis,” “throid disease,” “tuberculosis and thyroid.” Reference lists of the articles obtained and previous reviews were also examined.

Results

We retrieved 76 cases matching our selection criteria from the search. Review of the cases with TTB revealed a slight female preponderance. The patients reported in the literature ranged in age from 9 to 83 years, with a median age of 40 ± 16 years for men and 44 ± 17 years for women. In the articles surveyed, TTB presented with a broad spectrum of manifestations, ranging from an isolated nodule to thyrotoxicosis. It seems that diagnosis of thyroid tuberculosis has recently been increasing, perhaps because of the growing incidence of tuberculosis and the diagnostic use of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis. Although, in the past, the diagnosis was genarally made by the examination of the specimens, at present, fine‐needle aspiration cytology seems to be a useful method in diagnosis tuberculous thyroiditis.The role of surgery is limited after the diagnosis. The choice of treatment should be medical antituberculous therapy.

Conclusiıons

Preoperative diagnosis of thyroid tuberculosis is important because of the availability of medical treatment and the limited role of surgery. This condition should be kept in mind in evaluating patients with a thyroid nodule, in communities where the prevalence of tuberculosis is high.
Clinical Significance of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Furuyama Kenichiro , Doi Ryuichiro , Mori Tomohiko , Toyoda Eiji , Ito Daisuke , Kami Kazuhiro , Koizumi Masayuki , Kida Atsushi , Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Fujimoto Koji
Published: January 2006

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non‐receptor, cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is involved in the regulation of cellular signaling, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. Previous reports have shown that FAK is expressed in various kinds of cancer tissues and cancer cell lines; however, no information is available about human pancreatic carcinoma specimens. Tissue such specimens were obtained from 50 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for pancreatic invasive ductal carcinoma at our institute from 1996 to 2002. Immunohistochemical analysis of FAK was performed in the resected specimens. Focal adhesion kinase expression in seven human pancreatic cancer cell lines was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and Western blot analysis. Focal adhesion kinase expression was detected in 24 of 50 cases (48%). There was a statistically significant correlation between FAK expression and tumor size (P = 0.004), although FAK expression did not significantly correlate with other factors such as tumor histological grade, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, histological stage, and overall survival. Reverse transcription PCR analysis and Western blot analysis showed that FAK was expressed in all seven pancreatic cancer cell lines. Focal adhesion kinase expression was not directly related to clinicopathological factors except tumor size in pancreatic carcinoma. Focal adhesion kinase expression may not be a prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer patients.
Mario Donati and the Vertical Mattress Suture of the Skin
Authors: Dietz Ulrich A. , Kuhfuß Ingo , Debus Eike‐Sebastian , Thiede Arnulf
Published: January 2006

Mario Donati (1879–1946) was one of the foremost European surgeons of the early 20th century. During an impressive carrier as surgeon, teacher, and innovator he authored more than 200 scientific works. Already as a young teacher he won the admiration of his colleagues: “His lectures were models of clarity and conviction, his originality and brilliance as a surgeon have well earned [him] a place among the most famous of the clinical masters of surgery of all eras” (Mario Donati. J. Int. Coll. Surg. 1946;9:739). The present review offers a brief biographical sketch of Donati’s life and career, presents an eyewitness account of the origin of the Donati stitch, and discusses a possible precursor of this suture technique in the Middle Ages. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the authors would like to pay a special homage to Mario Donati, who due to his Jewish ancestry was removed from his office as Professor of Surgery at the University of Milan in 1938 and died shortly after his return from exile in Switzerland.
Viability and Fertility of Human Hepatic Hydatid Cysts
Authors: Manterola Carlos , Vial Manuel , Melo Angélica , Oberg Carlos , Fonseca Flery
Published: January 2006

Introduction

The adequate treatment for hydatidosis requires a knowledge of certain aspects related to the survival of infectious agents, especially protoscoleces. The aim of this study is to evaluate the viability of protoscoleces in human hepatic hydatid cysts in order to determine the prevalence of their fertility and to study the association with variables typical of the host and of the parasite.

Materials

A cross‐sectional study was done in biological material (the fluid from human hepatic hydatid cysts). The viability criteria used were: ovoid form, invaginated scolices and intact calcareous corpuscles, the presence of vibrating movements, and the absence of “vital” staining. The cysts were grouped as univesicular cysts (UVC), multivesicular cysts (MVC) and abscessed cysts (LAHO). Fertility was defined as living protoscoleces in relation to the total number of protoscoleces. Descriptive statistics were for the calculation of the prevalence of fertility, analytical statistics for the comparison of groups, and a multivariate analysis for the examination of the association between cyst fertility and clinical variables.

Results

A total of 163 cysts with a median diameter of 15 cm were studied in this way. Of these lesions, 79 (48.5%) were UVC, 54 (33.1%) MVC, and 30 (18.4%) LAHO. On 99 occasions (60.7%), macroscopic communication was evident in the bile duct, and a prevalence of general fertility of 57.1% (94.4% for MVC, 53.2% for UVC, and 0% for LAHO, with a value of P < 0.001). Association with location, type, and diameter of the cyst, and presence of biliary communications was verified by applying a bivariate analysis, and association between fertility and the variables of the type of the cyst and the existence of biliary communications was verified employing a multivariate analysis (P values of 0.004 and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The prevalence of fertility found was low. The main prevalence of fertility was observed in MVCs. Fertility is associated with the type of cyst and the presence of biliary communications.
The Effect of Esophageal and Gastric Distension on the Crural Diaphragm
Authors: Shafik Ahmed , Shafik Ismail , Sibai Olfat El , Mostafa Randa M.
Published: January 2006

Background

The mechanism of prevention of gastric reflux into the esophagus is not exactly known. The lower esophagus has a barrier function provided by the lower esophageal sphincter. We investigated the hypothesis that the crural diaphragm shares in the barrier function not only mechanically but also actively through a crural–esophageal–gastric reflex action.

Methods

The study was performed during repair of abdominal ventral and incisional hernias in 20 subjects (11 men, 9 women; age 38.6 ± 4.8 years). The electromyographic response of the crural diaphragm to individual balloon distension of esophagus and stomach was recorded by means of a needle electrode inserted into the crural diaphragm and connected to an electromyographic apparatus. The recordings were repeated after separate crural, esophageal, and gastric anesthetization.

Results

The crural diaphragm exhibited basal motor unit action potentials, which decreased on esophageal distension (P < 0.001) after a mean latency of 17.3 ± 2.8 SD ms. The crural diaphragm response to esophageal distension did not occur after the crural diaphragm or esophagus was anesthetized. Gastric distension effected an increase of crural diaphragm electromyographic activity with a mean latency of 18.4 ± 4.6 ms; this effect could not be achieved after the crural diaphragm or stomach was anesthetized.

Conclusions

The crural diaphragm has a resting tone that relaxes after esophageal distension and contracts after gastric distension. This sphincter‐like action of the crural diaphragm appears to be a reflex and is mediated through the esophagocrural inhibitory and gastrocrural excitatory reflexes. The crural diaphragm seems to share actively in the gastroesophageal competence mechanism.
Is Rectal Washout Necessary in Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer? A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Terzi Cem , Ünek Tarkan , Sağol Özgül , Yılmaz Tuğbahan , Füzün Mehmet , Sökmen Selman , Ergör Gül , Küpelioğlu Ali
Published: January 2006

Background

Implantation of exfoliated malignant cells has been suggested as a possible mechanism of tumor recurrence in colorectal anastomoses that might be prevented by cytocidal washout. The aim of our study was to assess whether malignant cells are likely to be collected by a circular stapler introduced transanally to perform an anastomosis and to observe local recurrences during follow‐up, with special attention to the washout status of patients.

Methods

Between May 1999 and March 2004, 96 patients with carcinoma of the rectum and distal sigmoid colon undergoing anterior resection under the care of three surgeons (only one of whom routinely performed rectal washout) were prospectively studied. While 38 patients had rectal washout with 5% povidone‐iodine before anastomosis, 58 patients did not. A circular stapler was used for anastomosis, and the stapler was immediately rinsed in 100 ml of saline. The fluid was then classified as “acellular,” “malignant cells identified,” or “benign cells identified” by pathologists.

Results

Malignant cells were collected from the circular stapler after use in 3 patients (8%) on whom rectal washout was performed and in 2 (3%) patients who did not have rectal washout performed (P = 0.631). Three patients (8%) in the washout group developed local recurrence, and 2 patients (3.4%) in the no‐washout group had local recurrence (one was anastomotic recurrence) (P = 0.338). The median follow‐up time was 23 (range: 9–70) months.

Conclusions

There were no differences in terms of the number of patients who had malignant cells collected from the circular stapler and local recurrence rates between the two groups. Although this is not a randomized study and size and mean follow‐up time of the study were not sufficient, our results did not offer rational arguments in support of intraoperative rectal washout when a circular stapler is used after low anterior resection for carcinoma. Because of the limitations of our study, however, we are unable to arrive at a definite conclusion regarding rectal washout. There is a need for a randomized, controlled, large‐scale, multicenter trial to establish the clinical relevance of intraoperative rectal washout.
Incurable Esophageal Cancer: Patterns of Tumor Spread and Therapeutic Consequences
Authors: Gockel Ines , Kneist Werner , Junginger Theodor
Published: January 2006

Background

The aim of the study was to determine if the two histologic tumor types in esophageal cancer exhibit different behavior at advanced tumour stages and require a differentiated therapy.

Patients and Methods

From November 1997 to December 2003, 268 patients presented with esophageal carcinoma. Esophagectomy was contraindicated in 88 (32.8%) patients (75 men, 13 women) with a median age of 64.7 (42–83) years. Fifty‐six (63.6%) had squamous cell carcinoma; adenocarcinoma was identified in 31 (35.2%).

Results

The causes of incurable disease were non‐resectable distant metastases in 32 (36.4%) patients, local tumor spread in 25 (28.4%), and general operative risk in 19 (21.5%). Surgical intervention was contraindicated in 7 patients because of a combination of general inoperability and local tumor spread, or the presence of distant metastases at the time of diagnosis (4 patients declined to undergo surgery and in one patient esophageal resection and reconstruction was technically not possible). The incurability rate for squamous cell carcinoma was 44.6% because of the presence of local tumor spread, compared to a rate of 12.4% for adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas with proven hematogenic metastases were characterized by a higher incurability rate (64.5% vs. 21.4%) (P = 0.0014). The prevalence of technical causes of inoperability or of poor general condition was similar in both patient groups (P > 0.05). The median 1‐year survival rates estimated (Kaplan‐Meier) were 36.5% for patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 23.7% for patients with adenocarcinoma (P = 0.051). Therapeutic measures had a significant influence on the prognosis: patients without tumor‐specific therapy survived 3.4 (0–24) months; those with radiochemotherapy 10.6 (0–25) months; those with radiotherapy 11.0 (0–65) months; and those with chemotherapy 16.5 [0–16.5] months (log‐rank test: P = 0.0229). In the multivariate analysis, the therapeutic measures (P = 0.0126) and tumor localization (P = 0.0474) proved significant for prognosis, but were not the cause of incurability (P = 0.0948).

Conclusions

The histologic tumor type does not represent an independent prognostic factor in patients with incurable disease. Rather, the prognosis is dependent on the suitability of the induction of tumor‐specific therapeutic measures. These are also recommended in patients with incurable disease after consideration of the extent of tumor spread, provided the performance of the selected measures is justified by the general condition of the patient and the expected prognosis.
Is there an association between the COMT gene and P300 endophenotypes?
Authors: Bramon E. , Dempster E. , Frangou S. , McDonald C. , Schoenberg P. , MacCabe J.H. , Walshe M. , Sham P. , Collier D. , Murray R.M.
Published: January 2006

P300 wave anomalies correlate with genetic risk for schizophrenia and constitute a plausible endophenotype for the disease. The COMT gene is thought to influence cognitive performance and to be a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. Unlike two previous studies, we found no significant influence of the COMT gene on P300 amplitude or latency in 189 individuals examined. The well-supported role of the COMT gene both in dopamine catabolism as well as in prefrontal cognition makes a strong theoretical case for the influence of COMT Val158Met polymorphism on P300 endophenotypes. However, the available neurophysiologic evidence suggests that any such association, if present, must be very subtle.
Risperidone in the management of agitation and aggression associated with psychiatric disorders
Authors: De Deyn Peter Paul , Buitelaar Jan
Published: January 2006

Objective

This review provides an overview of the prevalence and treatment of agitation and aggression, and focuses on the use of risperidone to treat these symptoms in patients from different age groups.

Methods

MEDLINE® and EMBASE® databases were used to identify controlled studies of risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavior disorders and pervasive developmental disorders in pediatric patients, acute agitation or aggression in adults, and psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia in the elderly. Additionally, key open-label, long-term trials assessing the efficacy and safety of risperidone were considered.

Results

The results of the 19 double-blind studies identified showed that risperidone is effective in treating agitation and aggression in the different populations, regardless of age. The safety and tolerability of risperidone appear to be good overall but certain safety issues, such as a higher risk of cerebrovascular adverse events in the elderly with dementia, were highlighted.

Conclusions

Risperidone is useful for treating aggression and agitation associated with various psychiatric disorders in patients from different age groups.
Does the proteome encode organellar pH?
Authors: Brett Christopher L. , Donowitz Mark , Rao Rajini
Published: January 2006

Inherent to the proteome itself, may be information that enables proteins to buffer pH at a level that promotes their own function within a specialized compartment. We observe that the distribution of computed isoelectric points in the yeast proteome matches experimentally derived organellar pH estimates across distinct subcellular compartments. This raises an interesting evolutionary question: did the pI of proteins and the pH of organelles co‐evolve to optimize function?
Presence of a unique male‐specific extension of C‐terminus to the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein coded by the male‐transmitted mitochondrial genome of Venustaconcha ellipsiformis (Bivalvia: Unionoidea)
Authors: Chakrabarti R. , Walker J.M. , Stewart D.T. , Trdan R.J. , Vijayaraghavan S. , Curole J.P. , Hoeh W.R.
Published: January 2006

Analyses of unionoidean bivalve male‐transmitted (M) mtDNA genomes revealed an approximately 555 bp 3′ coding extension to cox2. An antibody was generated against this predicted C‐terminus extension to determine if the unique cox2 protein is expressed. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated that the protein was predominantly expressed in testes. Weak expression was detected in other male tissues but the protein was not detected in female tissues. This is the first report documenting the expression of a cox2 protein with a long C‐terminus in animals. Its universal presence in unionoidean bivalve testes suggests a functional significance for the protein.
A PKC‐mediated backup mechanism of the MXXCW motif‐linked switch for initiating tyrosine kinase activities
Authors: Takeda Kozue , Kawamoto Yoshiyuki , Okuno Yusuke , Kato Masashi , Takahashi Masahide , Suzuki Haruhiko , Isobe Kenichi , Nakashima Izumi
Published: January 2006

The cysteine in the M/IXXCW motif is conserved in all but one (threonine in place of cysteine) of the human protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). We showed that all RET‐PTC‐1 mutants in which the C in this motif (C376) was replaced with glycine, lysine, threonine or serine lost their activity in vitro. However, the C376T/S mutants showed normal tyrosine phosphorylation in vivo (in cells). Further analyses reveled that protein kinase C (PKC) initiated the activities of the C376T/S mutants in cells. We conclude that the M/IXXCW motif‐mediated mechanisms which initiate PTK activities are partially replaced by a PKC‐mediated mechanism.
Energetics of RNA binding by the West Nile virus RNA triphosphatase
Authors: Benzaghou Ines , Bougie Isabelle , Picard-Jean Frédéric , Bisaillon Martin
Published: January 2006

The West Nile virus (WNV) RNA genome harbors the characteristic methylated cap structure present at the 5′ end of eukaryotic mRNAs. In the present study, we report a detailed study of the binding energetics and thermodynamic parameters involved in the interaction between RNA and the WNV RNA triphosphatase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of the RNA cap structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy assays revealed that the initial interaction between RNA and the enzyme is characterized by a high enthalpy of association and that the minimal RNA binding site of NS3 is 13 nucleotides. In order to provide insight into the relationship between the enzyme structure and RNA binding, we also correlated the effect of RNA binding on protein structure using both circular dichroism and denaturation studies as structural indicators. Our data indicate that the protein undergoes structural modifications upon RNA binding, although the interaction does not significantly modify the stability of the protein.
High phosphorylation of HBV core protein by two α‐type CK2‐activated cAMP‐dependent protein kinases in vitro
Authors: Enomoto Masato , Sawano Yoshitaka , Kosuge Seiji , Yamano Yuko , Kuroki Kazuyuki , Ohtsuki Kenzo
Published: January 2006

Two α‐type CK2‐activated PKAs (CK2‐aPKAIα and CK2‐aPKAIIα) were biochemically characterized in vitro using GST‐HBV core fusion protein (GST‐Hcore) and GST‐Hcore157B as phosphate acceptors. It was found that (i), in the absence of cAMP, these two CK2‐aPKAs phosphorylated both Ser‐170 and Ser‐178 on GST‐Hcore and Hcore157B; (ii) this phosphorylation was approx. 4‐fold higher than their phosphorylation by cAMP‐activated PKAs; and (iii) suramin effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of Hcore157B by CK2‐aPKAIIα through its direct binding to Hcore157B in vitro. These results suggest that high phosphorylation of HBV‐CP by two CK2‐aPKAs, in the absence of cAMP, may be involved in the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) encapsidation and DNA‐replication in HBV‐infected cells.
Human RELMβ is a mitogenic factor in lung cells and induced in hypoxia
Authors: Renigunta Aparna , Hild Christiane , Rose Frank , Klepetko Walter , Grimminger Friedrich , Seeger Werner , Hänze Jörg
Published: January 2006

RELMβ (resistin‐like molecule) represents the most related human homologue of mouse RELMα, also known as hypoxic‐induced mitogenic factor (HIMF). In this study, we isolated RELMβ cDNA from human lung tissue and performed regulatory and functional expression studies. RELMβ mRNA was upregulated in hypoxia in human lung A549 cell line as well as primary cultured adventitial fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells (SMC) of pulmonary arteries. Upon transfection of a RELMβ encoding expression plasmid into these cells, we observed significant induction of proliferation particularly in SMC and A549 cells, which could be blocked by phosphatidyl‐inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin. The results suggest that human RELMβ may contribute to hypoxic‐induced pulmonary vascular remodeling processes or hypoxia related fibrotic lung disease.
The role of Glu196 in the environment around the substrate binding site of leucine aminopeptidase from Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Arima Jiro , Uesugi Yoshiko , Uraji Misugi , Iwabuchi Masaki , Hatanaka Tadashi
Published: January 2006

To investigate the role of Glu196 of leucine aminopeptidase from Streptomyces griseus (SGAP) in SGAP activation by calcium and substrate specificity, we constructed E196X SGAP by saturation mutagenesis. Most mutations led to the abrogation of SGAP activation by calcium, and substitution with Lys led to a marked increase in activity toward Asp‐p‐nitroanilide (pNA) and a decrease in that toward Lys‐pNA. A similar result was obtained from the investigation using non‐calcium‐activated enzyme from Streptomyces septatus (SSAP). These results indicate that Glu196 of SGAP is associated with the environment around the substrate binding site besides its role in SGAP activation by calcium.
Arabidopsis GIGANTEA protein is post‐transcriptionally regulated by light and dark
Authors: David Karine M. , Armbruster Ute , Tama Nga , Putterill Joanna
Published: January 2006

GIGANTEA (GI) is a key regulator of photoperiodic flowering in Arabidopsis and encodes a protein with no domains of known biochemical function. Expression of GI mRNA is controlled by the circadian clock, but GI protein accumulation has not been previously investigated. We generated plants that produced functional epitope‐tagged GI to enable us to track the protein through the daily cycle. Here we show that GI protein levels oscillate when either constitutively overexpressed or driven by its promoter and that its accumulation is modulated by day length as well as by phase‐specific factors. Also, we demonstrate that one of the mechanisms underlying GI protein oscillation occurs post‐translationally via dark‐induced proteolysis by the 26S proteasome.
Intranuclear disposition of exogenous DNA in vivo: Silencing, methylation and fragmentation
Authors: Ochiai Hiroshi , Harashima Hideyoshi , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: January 2006

The intranuclear disposition of exogenous DNA is highly important for the therapeutic effects of the administrated DNA. Naked luciferase‐plasmid DNA was delivered into mouse liver by a hydrodynamics‐based injection, and the amounts of intranuclear plasmid DNA, luciferase, and its mRNA were quantitated at various time points. Methylation of the promoter of the luciferase gene was also analyzed. Expression efficiency from one copy of the exogenous DNA dramatically decreased over time, and the DNA was methylated and degraded into fragments. Unexpectedly, methylation of the intact plasmid DNA was low and did not increase over time. Rather, the fragmented DNA was methylated more frequently than the intact plasmid. These results suggest that the CpG methylation and the degradation of exogenous DNA, and its ‘silencing’, occurred in parallel in the nucleus.
A WNK kinase binds and phosphorylates V‐ATPase subunit C
Authors: Hong-Hermesdorf Anne , Brüx Angela , Grüber Ardina , Grüber Gerhard , Schumacher Karin
Published: January 2006

WNK (with no lysine (K)) protein kinases are found in many eukaryotes and share a unique active site. Here, we report that a member of the Arabidopsis WNK family (AtWNK8) interacts with subunit C of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) via a short C‐terminal domain. AtWNK8 is shown to autophosphorylate intermolecularly and to phosphorylate Arabidopsis subunit C (AtVHA‐C) at multiple sites as determined by MALDI‐TOF MS analysis. Furthermore, we show that AtVHA‐C and other V‐ATPase subunits are phosphorylated when V1‐complexes are used as substrates for AtWNK8. Taken together, our results provide evidence that V‐ATPases are potential targets of WNK kinases and their associated signaling pathways.
Differences in spawning time of captive Atlantic cod from four regions of Norway, kept under identical conditions
Authors: Otterå Håkon , Agnalt Ann-Lisbeth , Jørstad Knut E.
Published: January 2006

Several hundred Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) were collected from selected spawning grounds along the Norwegian coast in March 2002. Four areas or regions that represent a wide range of environmental conditions were chosen for our breeding experiments: Porsangerfjord, Tysfjord, Helgeland, and Øygarden. Cod were transported to Øygarden near Bergen, individually tagged, and kept in sea cages. In both 2003 and 2004, a total of 40 family groups (adult pairs) representing the four regions were monitored for their spawning performance in separate tanks. During the spawning period, the quantity and diameter of eggs were recorded. During 2003, the time of peak spawning differed among groups. It was evident that the broodstock from the Øygarden region spawned about one month earlier than the broodstock collected from the Helgeland region. This also occurred in 2004, two years after the cod were collected, suggesting that the difference has a genetic component. Differences in life history parameters between cod populations, such as spawning cycles as described here, could be adaptive and under genetic control. This must be taken into consideration when assessing precautionary means of overcoming the problem with escapees from future cod mariculture.
Chytrid fungus infection related to unusual mortalities of Salamandra salamandra and Bufo bufo in the Peñalara Natural Park, Spain
Authors: Bosch Jaime , Martínez-Solano Iñigo
Published: January 2006

Chytridiomycosis is a fatal disease associated with amphibian population declines and extinctions worldwide. In a protected area in central Spain, the Peñalara Natural Park, the disease almost extirpated the population of Alytes obstetricans over only a few years, but did not apparently affect other amphibians. We present new observations documenting the occurrence of the disease in other species. In 2001–2003 we collected over 400 larvae or recently metamorphosed individuals of Salamandra salamandra and also several dead individuals of Bufo bufo. The analysis of the skin of post-metamorphic specimens revealed the presence of chytrid sporangia and discharge tubes in both species. According to measures of larval abundances in 1999 and 2003 the population of S. salamandra has suffered a marked decline but no significant trend was observed for B. bufo. We discuss the possible role of chytridiomycosis in the decline of S. salamandra and comment on the differential susceptibility exhibited by various species in the amphibian community at Peñalara.
Exploitation and trade of Australian seahorses, pipehorses, sea dragons and pipefishes (Family Syngnathidae)
Authors: Martin-Smith Keith M. , Vincent Amanda C.J.
Published: January 2006

Seahorses and their syngnathid relatives have provided a focus for efforts to ensure sustainable use of marine resources, with new international trade controls (CITES Appendix II) implemented in May 2004. We demonstrate how a study of international trade can be used to assess relative levels of threat and set domestic research and conservation priorities. Australia has remarkably high syngnathid biodiversity with at least 14 seahorse species, two endemic sea dragon species, and 90 species of pipefishes and pipehorses found in its territorial waters. Our objectives were to quantify species, trade routes, volumes, values and temporal trends in syngnathid trade to and from Australia. We found that Australia is probably the major global supplier of dried pipehorses Solegnathus spp.. These fishes, including at least one endemic species, are sourced from trawl bycatch and comprise Australia's largest syngnathid export, by both volume and value. Research is urgently needed to evaluate the impacts and sustainability of trawling on pipehorse populations. Australia is also the sole supplier of two sea dragon species, Phycodurus eques and Phyllopteryx taeniolatus, for the live aquarium trade. Although lucrative, the number of wild-caught individuals involved in this trade was relatively low and probably of low conservation risk relative to habitat loss. Exports of seahorses and other pipefish species, and imports of all syngnathid species, are minor on a global scale, although the burgeoning aquaculture industry for seahorses requires careful evaluation for its potential impacts on wild populations.
Mitochondrial DNA variation and population structure of the Critically Endangered saiga antelope Saiga tatarica
Authors: Kholodova M.V. , Milner-Gulland E.J. , Easton A.J. , Amgalan L. , Arylov Iu.A. , Bekenov A. , Grachev Iu.A. , Lushchekina A.A. , Ryder O.
Published: January 2006

We analysed the mtDNA control region (HV1) of 93 tissue samples from all five populations of the saiga antelope Saiga tatarica. The results show a slight but clear distinction between S. t. mongolica and S. t. tatarica, supporting the current designation of S. t. mongolica as a subspecies rather than a separate species. Levels of genetic diversity were low in S. t. mongolica, consistent with the small size of its population and long isolation. Although populations of S. t. tatarica have reasonable levels of genetic diversity, their conservation status is perilous. The Kalmykian and Kazakhstan samples each contained unique haplotypes, although the species as a whole appears polyphyletic, consistent with recent fragmentation and rapid population decline. An understanding of the population genetics of this species is an essential prerequisite for conservation action.
The diversity and activity patterns of wild felids in a secondary forest in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Azlan J. Mohd. , Sharma Dionysius S. K.
Published: January 2006

A study to describe the diversity of wild felids was carried out in Jerangau Forest Reserve, Ulu Terengganu, Malaysia, using camera traps, over a period of 21 months. A total of 24 camera traps were used, with a total of 5,972 trap days. Six species of wild cats in five genera were recorded: tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, golden cat Catopuma temminckii and marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata. This represents all but two of the felid species known to occur in Peninsular Malaysia. The use of camera traps provided detailed information on the occurrence and activity patterns of these relatively secretive mammals. The most frequently photographed species was tiger (38.5% of records) followed by leopard (26.3%) and leopard cat (21.9%). The presence of charismatic flagship species such as tiger in this unprotected lowland dipterocarp secondary forest will be of help to local conservation organizations and the Wildlife Department in any proposals for the protection of these areas.
Population status, distribution and conservation needs of the narrow-striped mongoose Mungotictis decemlineata of Madagascar
Authors: Woolaver Lance , Nichols Rina , Rakotombololona William F. , Volahy Anselme T. , Durbin Joanna
Published: January 2006

The narrow-striped mongoose Mungotictis decemlineata is a small, endemic carnivore currently known to occur only in the dry deciduous forests of the central and southern Menabe regions of western Madagascar. It is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is threatened by rapid habitat loss from deforestation. From live-trapping and village surveys we found M. decemlineata to be distributed throughout the largest area of connected forest in central Menabe and most of the larger forest fragments in southern Menabe. We estimated there are a minimum of 2,000–3,400 adults in central Menabe and 6,400–8,650 adults in southern Menabe. Although this represents the total known population, the southern limits of the species' range are still unclear. Fifty-four individuals were live-trapped in central Menabe. M. decemlineata abundance was not correlated with forest structure or invertebrate abundance and diversity at the sampled sites. The building of access roads for logging may have a long-lasting effect by increasing the level of human disturbance, predation by domestic dogs, and illegal cutting within the surrounding area. Conservation management efforts to save M. decemlineata need immediate implementation, with emphasis on cooperative efforts with local villages to reduce the rate of slash-and-burn agriculture and logging of the remaining dry deciduous forest of the region. Research to determine population trends and status of M. decemlineata south of the Morondava and Mangoky rivers is required.
Challenges to a new generation of Nigerian writers in English
Authors: Ayoola Kehinde A.
Published: January 2006

THIS PAPER recounts the challenges faced by young Nigerian writers in a climate that is hostile to new authors. The experience presented and discussed here epitomises both the dilemma and the experiences of the new generation of creative writers. The problem of language choice – English or a mother tongue – is re-examined, while exploring the various reasons, noble and not so noble, behind such matters as: choice of genre, the new writer’s response to democracy and globalization, the problem of audience recognition, and the failure of do-it-yourself publishing and marketing.
Vowel reduction and suffixation in Nigeria
Authors: Akinjobi Adenike
Published: January 2006

THIS STUDY investigates how speakers of Educated Yoruba English (EYE) produce the vowels in typically unstressed syllables of English words whose suffixes require a shift of stress and a consequent reduction of vowels, as in atómic from átom and dramátic from dráma. Twenty suffixed English words were read by one hundred Yoruba subjects, with a Briton who studied at the University of London serving as the control. The focus is on Yoruba English because of both its many speakers and the need for a ‘geo-tribal’ approach to defining the concept Nigerian English. The data was analysed by converting tokens of occurrence to percentages, the higher percentages being taken as the norm. The acoustic analysis was done in a computerized speech laboratory. The study establishes that vowels occurring in typically unstressed syllables in traditional Standard English remain strong and full in educated Yoruba English.
Focus: Fit for work?
Authors: Cheater Angela P.
Published: January 2006

‘UK school leavers a dismal failure’: conclusion of a survey of employer opinion on communicative and related skills. Most of the text (unadapted) of a British press release sent to ET in Nov 05 by the Forum of Private Business (FPB), a pressure group formed in 1977 that represents c.25,000 UK-based small and medium businesses (SMEs) employing over half a million people, for which it lobbies in both the United Kingdom and the European Union at large. The FPB claims ‘a track record of positively affecting [EU] legislation prior to its introduction in the UK’ (and elsewhere in the EU).
Introduction: Science and Literature
Authors: Naumann Barbara
Published: January 2006

Argument

The purpose of this volume is to investigate a number of selected examples of contact zones between the sciences and literature. We will be dealing with prominent cases of how science and literature encounter and interact with each other and profit by this recourse to their corresponding other, yielding aspects of self-reflection and self-representation. The volume will not attempt to address the question whether the so-called “two cultures” can be brought closer together or superseded by a third (Lepenies 1988, passim). We will be dealing neither with science and literature in an autobiographical or “life-world” sense, nor with popular scientific texts with quasi-literary claims, such as Stephen Hawking's theory of time, nor, in the parallel universe of popular fiction, with science fiction.
The Fable as Figure: Christian Wolff's Geometric Fable Theory and Its Creative Reception by Lessing and Herder
Authors: Torra-Mattenklott Caroline
Published: January 2006

Argument

In his Philosophia practica universalis (1738–39), Christian Wolff proposes a “mathematical” theory of moral action that includes his statements on the Aesopian fable. As a sort of moral example, Wolff claims, the fable is an appropriate means to influence human conduct because it conveys general truths to intuition. This didactic concept is modeled on the geometrical figure: Just as students intuit mathematical demonstrations by looking at figures on a blackboard, one can learn how to execute complex actions by listening to a fable. Wolff's “scientific” fable theory met with an ambivalent reception. Lessing, who in his fable treatises re-translates Wolff's suggestions into the conceptual framework of poetics, interprets the geometric model as a stylistic ideal. The famous passage on Homer's successive descriptions in Lessing's Laokoon can be seen as another attempt to apply the representational model of geometry to literature. Herder, reading Wolff in a way that might be called deconstructive, replaces Wolff's geometric theory of poetry by a poetic anthropology of geometry.
Moving Objects, Moved Observers: On the Treatment of the Problem of Relativity in Poetic Texts and Scientific Prose
Authors: Stadler Ulrich
Published: January 2006

Argument

When Copernicus pointed out that the apparent movement of the sun was in fact the effect of the rotation of the earth, he explained his view by referring to a passage in Virgil's Aeneid. Thus he established the link between science and literature. This topic recurred frequently in both science and literature whenever the question of the relativity of motion arose. In this article, I will focus above all on two authors who took up this question: Ernst Mach and Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Moreover I will try to show the different roles of scientific and literary prose in the works of Mach and in Hofmannsthal's Das Glück am Weg (1893).