bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plakophilin 2: a critical scaffold for PKCα that regulates intercellular junction assembly
Authors: Bass-Zubek Amanda E. , Hobbs Ryan P. , Amargo Evangeline V. , Garcia Nicholas J. , Hsieh Sherry N. , Chen Xinyu , Wahl James K. , Denning Mitchell F. , Green Kathleen J.
Published: May 2008

Plakophilins (PKPs) are armadillo family members related to the classical cadherin-associated protein p120ctn. PKPs localize to the cytoplasmic plaque of intercellular junctions and participate in linking the intermediate filament (IF)-binding protein desmoplakin (DP) to desmosomal cadherins. In response to cell–cell contact, PKP2 associates with DP in plaque precursors that form in the cytoplasm and translocate to nascent desmosomes. Here, we provide evidence that PKP2 governs DP assembly dynamics by scaffolding a DP–PKP2–protein kinase Cα (PKCα) complex, which is disrupted by PKP2 knockdown. The behavior of a phosphorylation-deficient DP mutant that associates more tightly with IF is mimicked by PKP2 and PKCα knockdown and PKC pharmacological inhibition, all of which impair junction assembly. PKP2 knockdown is accompanied by increased phosphorylation of PKC substrates, raising the possibility that global alterations in PKC signaling may contribute to pathogenesis of congenital defects caused by PKP2 deficiency.
Intervention to Prevent Falls on the Medical Service in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Krauss Melissa J. , Tutlam Nhial , Costantinou Eileen , Johnson Shirley , Jackson Diane , Fraser Victoria J.
Published: May 2008

Objective.

To evaluate an intervention to prevent falls at a hospital.

Design.

A quasi-experimental intervention with historical and contemporaneous control groups.

Setting and Participants.

Nursing staff and patients in the medicine service (comprising 2 intervention floors and 2 control floors) at an academic hospital.

Intervention.

Nursing staff were educated regarding fall prevention during the period from April through December 2005. Data on implemented prevention strategies were collected on control and intervention floors. Mean monthly fall rates were compared over time and between intervention and control floors, using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results.

Postintervention fall knowledge test scores for the nursing staff were greater than preintervention test scores (mean postintervention test score, 91%; mean preintervention test score, 72%;P< .001). Use of prevention strategies was greater on intervention floors than it was on control floors, including patient education via pamphlets (46% vs 15%;P< .001), use of toileting schedules (36% vs 25%;P= .016), and discussion of high-risk medications (51% vs 30%;P< .001). The mean fall rate for the first 5 months of the intervention was 43% less than that for the 9-month preintervention period for intervention floors (3.81 falls per 1,000 patient-days vs 6.64 falls per 1,000 patient-days;P= .043). Comparisons of mean rates for the overall 9-month intervention period versus the 9-month preintervention period showed a 23% difference in the fall rate for intervention floors, but this did not reach statistical significance (5.09 falls per 1,000 patient-days vs 6.64 falls per 1,000 patient-days;P= .182).

Conclusion.

The nursing staffs knowledge and use of prevention strategies increased. Fall rates decreased for 5 months after the educational intervention, but the reduction was not sustained.
FunSiP: a modular and extensible classifier for the prediction of functional sites in DNA
Authors: Van Bel Michiel , Saeys Yvan , Van de Peer Yves
Published: May 2008

Motivation: Many problems in genome annotation are tackled by using a classification model to predict functional sites such as splice sites, translation start sites or stop codons. Locating the correct position of these sites remains one of the most important but also one of the most difficult issues in the structural annotation of genomes. Most of the software currently in use is written for a very specific problem, thereby limiting the possibilities for reuse.

Summary: We developed a software platform that uses a very general approach towards the classification of functional sites in DNA sequences. The program uses an ab initio approach towards the identification of these sites, and extends SpliceMachine, a previously developed splice site predictor that shows state-of-the-art performance for both donor and acceptor splice site recognition in the human and Arabidopsis thaliana genome.

Availability: The program is developed as a stand-alone Java application, and is available as GPLv3 open-source software. The program, source and documentation can be obtained from the ‘Software’ section at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/

Contact:  Yves.VandePeer@psb.ugent.be

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data is available at Bioinformatics online.
Biomaterials for the central nervous system
Authors: Zhong Yinghui , Bellamkonda Ravi V
Published: May 2008

Biomaterials are widely used to help treat neurological disorders and/or improve functional recovery in the central nervous system (CNS). This article reviews the application of biomaterials in (i) shunting systems for hydrocephalus, (ii) cortical neural prosthetics, (iii) drug delivery in the CNS, (iv) hydrogel scaffolds for CNS repair, and (v) neural stem cell encapsulation for neurotrauma. The biological and material requirements for the biomaterials in these applications are discussed. The difficulties that the biomaterials might face in each application and the possible solutions are also reviewed in this article.
Rotavirus within day care centres in Oxfordshire, UK: characterization of partial immunity
Authors: White L.J , Buttery J , Cooper B , Nokes D.J , Medley G.F
Published: May 2008

Repeated measures data for rotavirus infection in children within 14 day care centres (DCCs) in the Oxfordshire area, UK, are used to explore aspects of rotavirus transmission and immunity. A biologically realistic model for the transmission of infection is presented as a set of probability models suitable for application to the data. Two transition events are modelled separately: incidence and recovery. The complexity of the underlying mechanistic model is reflected in the choice of the fixed variables in the probability models. Parameter estimation was carried out using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method. We use the parameter estimates obtained to build a profile of the natural history of rotavirus reinfection in an individual child. We infer that rotavirus transmission in children in DCCs is dependent on the DCC prevalence, with symptomatic infection of longer duration, but no more infectious per day of infectious period, than asymptomatic infection. There was evidence that a recent previous infection reduces the risk of disease and, to a lesser extent, reinfection, but not duration of infection. The results provide evidence that partial immunity to rotavirus infection develops over several time scales.
VESTA: a three-dimensional visualization system for electronic and structural analysis
Authors: Momma Koichi , Izumi Fujio
Published: May 2008

A cross-platform program,VESTA, has been developed to visualize both structural and volumetric data in multiple windows with tabs.VESTArepresents crystal structures by ball-and-stick, space-filling, polyhedral, wireframe, stick, dot-surface and thermal-ellipsoid models. A variety of crystal-chemical information is extractable from fractional coordinates, occupancies and oxidation states of sites. Volumetric data such as electron and nuclear densities, Patterson functions, and wavefunctions are displayed as isosurfaces, bird's-eye views and two-dimensional maps. Isosurfaces can be colored according to other physical quantities. Translucent isosurfaces and/or slices can be overlapped with a structural model. Collaboration with external programs enables the user to locate bonds and bond angles in the `graphics area', simulate powder diffraction patterns, and calculate site potentials and Madelung energies. Electron densities determined experimentally are convertible into their Laplacians and electronic energy densities.
Application of small-angle scattering to study the effects of moisture content on a native soy protein
Authors: Kealley Catherine S. , Elcombe Margaret M. , Wuhrer Richard , Gilbert Elliot P.
Published: May 2008

The nano- and microstructure of glycinin, a soybean protein, has been investigated as a function of moisture for moisture contents between 4 and 21 wt%. Glycinin exhibits peaks in the small-angle region whose positions show minimal change with X-rays for samples up to 13% moisture. However, the use of neutron scattering, and the associated enhancement in contrast, results in the Bragg peaks being well resolved up to higher moisture contents; the associated shift in peak positions between 4 and 21% moisture are consistent with the expansion of a hexagonal unit cell as a function of moisture content. A Porod slope of ∼−4 indicates that the interface between the `dry' protein powder and the surrounding medium at a length-scale of at least 3 µm down to ∼20 nm is smooth and sharp. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that the powders, with low moisture content, have a porous appearance, with the porosity decreasing and microstructure expanding as the moisture content increases.
On a Malay Form of Chlorococcum humicola (Näg.), Rabenh
Authors: Bristol B. Muriel
Published: May 2008

The material described has been obtained from cultures of a sample of dried soil, which was sent from the Malay States about two years before the cultures were set up.

The vegetative cells are spherical or subspherical, solitary or collected together into mucilaginous strata, very variable in size, being from 20–80 μ in diameter, each with a thin cellulose cell-wall and a single parietal chloroplast containing from one to several pyrenoids and numerous starch granules. In adult cells a quantity of yellow oil is stored, in which a bright red pigment is often dissolved.

The cytoplasm is reticulate. The young cells contain a single minute nucleus and one pyrenoid, both of which multiply by repeated division so that the adult cells are cœnocytic with many pyrenoids.

Propagation takes place, by successive bipartition of the contents of the mother-cell, into 8–16 or numerous biciliate zoogonidia which may develop asexually or may act as facultative gametes. In both cases direct development into vegetative cells takes place.

Aplanospore-formation may also take place, preceded by the multiplication by constriction of the nuclei of the mother-cell. The aplanospores remain imbedded in a mucous stratum, and enter into a palmelloid state in which further bipartitions may take place. Eventually, the palmelloid cells either acquire cilia and behave as normal zoogonidia or they develop directly into vegetative cells.

True vegetative division does not take place, but the cell-contents may divide into two daughter-cells which immediately acquire new cell-walls and are set free as vegetative cells by the dissolution of the mother-cell-wall.

Chloroaoccum humicola, differing in no essential particulars from that in the Malay soil, has been found to occur almost universally in English soils. The limit of its resistance against desiccation and of its retention of vitality has been shown, by investigations on long-dried English soils, to lie somewhere between seventy and eighty years.

In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to Professor G. S. West for his valuable help throughout this work.
Studies in the Capparidaceae.—II. Floral anatomy and some structural features
of the Capparidaceous flower
Authors: Raghavan T. S.
Published: May 2008

The paper deals with the floral structure of several genera and species of the Capparidaceae. The findings may be summarized as follows:—

The prevalence of andromonoecism is recorded in Gynandropsis pentaphylla DC.

The occurrence of what look like tricarpellary and tetracarpellary gynoecia in the species is explained and interpreted on the bicarpellary basis.

The median sepals are found to be the lowest floral members; thus they occupy the position which would be expected had bracteoles been present; this view is supported by the actual occurrence of bracteoles in Euadenia eminens Hook. fil. and Capparis flexuosa Blume, and the belief that the Capparidaceae are bracteoleless is not accepted.

The vasculation of the members of the different floral whorls in all stages of development has been traced.

The ontogeny of the gynoecium shows that it is formed by the marginal fusion of two inrolled carpellary leaves.

The foliar concept of the carpels is supported by anatomical evidence, the vasculation of the carpels being essentially that of a lateral organ, leaf or leaf-like appendage.

The polymorphic carpel theory is discussed in the light of the present findings, and the conclusion is reached that it is not applicable to the Capparidaceae.

In conclusion, it is a source of sincere pleasure for me to record my grateful thanks to Professor R. Ruggles Gates for his unfailing interest in the progress of the work and for much helpful guidance.
α1β1 integrin and interleukin‐7 receptor up‐regulate the expression of RANKL in human T cells and enhance their osteoclastogenic function
Authors: Gendron Steve , Boisvert Marc , Chetoui Nizar , Aoudjit Fawzi
Published: May 2008

Activated T cells, through the production of the receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) cytokine, have been implicated in the osteoclast development and bone loss that are associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, the cellular pathways that regulate the expression of RANKL and the induction of osteoclasts are still unclear. In this study, we show that, in human effector CD4+ T cells, activation of α1β1 integrin and interleukin (IL)‐7 receptor (IL‐7R) up‐regulates the expression and production of RANKL but has no effect on the production of interferon‐γ, an inhibitor of T‐cell‐mediated osteoclastogenesis. Thus, both α1β1 integrin and IL‐7R enhance the ability of these cells to induce the formation of osteoclasts from human monocytes. Furthermore, we found that simultaneous activation of effector CD4+ T cells via α1β1 integrin and IL‐7R synergistically increases the production of RANKL and enhances their osteoclastogenic function. We also show that, although α1β1 integrin does not protect human effector CD4+ T cells from IL‐2‐withdrawal‐induced apoptosis, it does enhance the pro‐survival effect of IL‐7, further emphasizing the importance of the α1β1/IL‐7R synergistic effect. Together our results identify a new function of α1β1 integrin in T cells and suggest that activation of effector CD4+ T cells through α1β1 integrin and IL‐7R is an important regulatory pathway in T‐cell‐dependent osteoclastogenesis. Further understanding of the mechanisms by which IL‐7R and α1β1 integrin promote T‐cell‐mediated osteoclastogenesis will lead to new insights into the regulatory pathways of T‐cell‐dependent bone resorption associated with autoimmune diseases.
T lymphocytes in acute bacterial infection: increased prevalence of CD11b+ cells in the peripheral blood and recruitment to the infected site
Authors: Wagner Christof , Kotsougiani Dimitra , Pioch Marco , Prior Birgit , Wentzensen Andreas , Hänsch Gertrud Maria
Published: May 2008

T‐cell activation, particularly of CD8+ cells, is invariably associated with viral infections. We now provide evidence for the activation of T cells in patients with localized bacterial soft tissue infections. During acute disease we detected in the peripheral blood of these patients, small though conspicuous populations of CD4+ CD28+ CD11b+ and CD8+ CD28+ CD11b+ cells, indicative of an expansion of effector T cells. Moreover, we identified CD4+ and CD8+ cells at the infected site, in addition to highly activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). In keeping with their role as first‐line defence, PMN were preponderant, but T cells amounted to 20% of the infiltrated cells. The majority of the infiltrated T cells expressed CXCR6, a homing receptor for non‐lymphoid tissue. The infiltrated T cells produced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), while the peripheral blood cells obtained at the same time did not. In conclusion, in response to localized bacterial infections, T cells are activated and recruited to the infected site. We propose that these T cells, e.g. by producing IFN‐γ, enhance the efficiency of the infiltrated phagocytic cells, particularly of the PMN, thereby supporting the local host defence.
Detection of cutaneous antibodies in excised skin explants from grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes), immune to Scophthalmus maximus rhabdovirus
Authors: Lü A‐J , Li Z‐Q , Zhang Q‐Y
Published: May 2008

This study determined whether cutaneous antibodies were present in excised skin explants of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, immune to Scophthalmus maximus rhabdovirus (SMRV). Culture fluid from immune skin explants were assayed by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), Western blot, indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and flow cytometry (FCM). iELISA showed that cutaneous antibody titres were much lower (1:12) than antiserum titres (1:1458) from intraperitoneally immunized grass carp. The phosphoprotein and matrix protein antigens of purified SMRV proteins were recognized by cutaneous antibodies from skin culture fluid using Western blot. The skin culture fluid produced staining signals in viral assembly sites and cytoplasm of SMRV‐infected epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells by IFA. FCM showed that 4.39% SMRV‐infected EPC cells were detected, while non‐specific reaction was seen in 2% of control cells. This is the first description of cutaneous antibodies against SMRV in grass carp.
Genetic and phenotypic comparison of Nocardia seriolae isolated from fish in Japan
Authors: Shimahara Y , Nakamura A , Nomoto R , Itami T , Chen S‐C , Yoshida T
Published: May 2008

The phenotypic and genetic characterizations of 58 isolates of the fish pathogen Nocardia seriolae, from amberjack, Seriolae dumerili, yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, and chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, in Japan from 1970–2005, were examined to investigate the epidemiological relationship between isolates. The phenotypic and genetic characterizations were determined by α‐glucosidase activity and biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis (BSFGE) analysis, respectively. There was no α‐glucosidase activity in strains isolated from 2000–05 (n = 50) with a few exceptions (n = 3), while all strains isolated from 1970–90 (n = 8) were positive. In BSFGE analysis, digestions with restriction enzymes Xba I and Ase I produced 15 and 16 restriction patterns, respectively. All restriction patterns obtained from 50 strains isolated during 2000–05 were unrelated to those obtained from eight strains isolated during 1970–90, with the exception of two strains isolated during recent outbreaks. Based on the phenotypic and genetic characterizations, recent outbreaks of nocardiosis in Japan are suggested to be epidemiologically unrelated to earlier outbreaks in Japan. Although a low genetic relationship was observed in the restriction pattern between recent and earlier isolates, identity was confirmed between these groups of isolates because five representative strains showed 99.9% homology with N. seriolae ATCC43993T in the 16S rRNA sequence.
Salmonid fish viruses and cell interactions at early steps of the infective cycle
Authors: De Las Heras A I , Rodríguez Saint‐Jean S , Pérez‐Prieto S I
Published: May 2008

A flow cytometric virus‐binding assay that directly visualizes the binding and entry of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and virus haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) to several cell lines was established. The highest efficiency of binding was shown by the BF‐2 cell line and this was used to study, at the attachment level, the interactions of these cells with salmonid fish viruses in coinfections, and to further determine if the earliest stage of the viral growth cycle could explain the previously described loss of infectivity of IHNV when IPNV is present. Our results demonstrated that IPNV binds to around 88% of cells either in single or dual infections, whereas IHNV attachment always decreased in the presence of any of the other viruses. VHSV binding was not affected by IPNV, but coinfection with IHNV reduced the percentage of virus‐binding cells, which suggests competition for viral receptors or co‐receptors. Internalization of the adsorbed IHNV was not decreased by coinfection with IPNV, so the hypothetical competence could be restricted to the binding step. Treatment of the cells with antiviral agents, such as amantadine or chloroquine, did not affect the binding of IPNV and VHSV, but reduced IHNV binding by more than 30%. Tributylamine affected viral binding of the three viruses to different degrees and inhibited IPNV or IHNV entry in a large percentage of cells treated for 30 min. Tributylamine also inhibited IHNV cytopathic effects in a dose‐dependent manner, decreasing the virus yield by 4 log of the 50% endpoint titre, at 10 mm concentration. IPNV was also inhibited, but at a lower level. The results of this study support the hypothesis that IHNV, in contrast to VHSV or IPNV, is less efficient at completing its growth cycle in cells with a simultaneous infection with IPNV. It can be affected at several stages of viral infection and is more sensitive to the action of antiviral compounds.
Occurrence of postmortem myoliquefactive kudoosis in Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus L., from the North Sea
Authors: Levsen A , Jørgensen A , Mo T A
Published: May 2008

Members of the myxosporean genus Kudoa occur in various marine teleosts worldwide. Several species are of concern to the fishery and aquaculture industries as they may produce unsightly cysts in the fish host’s musculature or are associated with postmortem myoliquefaction of the fish muscle, commonly referred to as ‘soft flesh’. This study describes the occurrence and effects on a host of a Kudoa species in Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus, from the northern North Sea. Generalized postmortem myoliquefaction associated with Kudoa sp. occurred in 0.8% of the examined fish, i.e. 11 of 1339 mackerel developed ‘soft flesh’. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of myoliquefaction between medium sized (400–600 g) and large mackerel (>600 g). The prevalence reached 8.9% in the latter host size group. No subclinical infections of Kudoa sp. were detected when examining fresh muscle (n = 103) and blood (n = 165) samples for spores using light microscopy. Affected mackerel developed generalized myoliquefaction after 38–56 h post‐catch. No inflammatory host response was associated with the presence of plasmodia within single body muscle fibres of ‘soft flesh’ affected fish. Based on comparison of myxospore dimensions and analysis of the nuclear small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA, the present Kudoa species is assigned to Kudoa thyrsites. However, due to the species’ apparently very wide geographical distribution and host range, its varying effect on different fish host species, together with the still unknown life cycle of Kudoa spp., the taxonomic status of K. thyrsites appears not to be fully resolved.
Sleep‐related attentional bias in patients with primary insomnia compared with sleep experts and healthy controls
Authors: SPIEGELHALDER KAI , ESPIE COLIN , NISSEN CHRISTOPH , RIEMANN DIETER
Published: May 2008

Sleep‐related attentional bias has been proposed to be an important factor in the development and maintenance of primary insomnia. In this study, a newly introduced mixed modality (visual auditory) task and an emotional Stroop task were used to investigate attentional processes in patients with primary insomnia, sleep experts and healthy controls (n = 20 per group). The sleep expert group served as second control group to control for effects of frequency of concept usage (FOCU). The results of the emotional Stroop task showed a sleep‐related attentional bias in the insomnia group in comparison with the expert group. However, no significant differences were detected in the other group comparisons and in the mixed modality task. The difference between insomnia patients and sleep experts in the emotional Stroop task indicates that FOCU is not the underlying process of sleep‐related attentional bias. Insomnia patients seem to be more emotionally, cognitively or procedurally affected by sleep‐related stimuli than sleep experts. The findings suggest that a desensitization of sleep‐related stimuli might be used therapeutically, thus extending the current cognitive behavioral treatments for primary insomnia.
Mandibular advancement appliance for obstructive sleep apnoea: results of a randomised placebo controlled trial using parallel group design
Authors: PETRI NIELS , SVANHOLT PALLE , SOLOW BENI , WILDSCHIØDTZ GORDON , WINKEL PER
Published: May 2008

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a mandibular advancement appliance (MAA) for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Ninety‐three patients with OSA and a mean apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) of 34.7 were centrally randomised into three, parallel groups: (a) MAA; (b) mandibular non‐advancement appliance (MNA); and (c) no intervention. The appliances were custom made, in one piece. The MAAs had a mean protrusion of the mandible of 74% (range 64–85%). Outcome measures, assessed after continuous use for 4 weeks, were AHI (polysomnography), daytime sleepiness (Epworth) and quality of life (SF‐36). Eighty‐one patients (87%) completed the trial. The MAA group achieved mean AHI and Epworth scores significantly lower (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05) than the MNA group and the no‐intervention group. No significant differences were found between the MNA group and the no‐intervention group. The MAA group had a mean AHI reduction of 14.1 (95% CI 7.4–20.8), and a mean Epworth score reduction of 3.3 (95% CI 1.8–4.8). Eight MAA patients (30%) achieved a reduction in AHI ≥75% ending with an AHI <5, half of them having baseline AHI >30. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. MAA had a significant beneficial effect on the vitality domain of SF‐36. Four MAA patients (14.8%) and two MNA patients (8%) discontinued interventions because of adverse effects. Our conclusion is that MAA has significant beneficial effects on OSA, including cure in some cases of severe OSA. Protrusion of the mandible is essential for the effect. MNA has no placebo effect. MAA may be a good alternative to CPAP in subsets of OSA patients.
Measuring nightmare and bad dream frequency: impact of retrospective and prospective instruments
Authors: ROBERT GENEVIÈVE , ZADRA ANTONIO
Published: May 2008

Studies on nightmare frequency have yielded inconsistent results. We compared the frequency of nightmares and bad dreams obtained with retrospective methods (annual and monthly estimates) and with two types of prospective measures (narrative and checklist logs). Four hundred and eleven participants completed retrospective estimates of nightmare and bad dream frequency and recorded their dreams in either narrative or checklist logs for 2–5 weeks. When measured prospectively with narrative logs, nightmare frequency was marginally higher than the 1‐year estimate (P = 0.057) but not significantly different from the 1‐month estimate (P > 0.05). Prospective bad dream frequency was significantly greater than the two retrospective estimates (ps < 0.0005). There were no significant differences in the frequency of nightmares and bad dreams reported prospectively with narrative versus checklist logs (ps > 0.05). However, checklist logs yielded a significantly greater number of everyday dreams per week (P < 0.0001). Taken together, the results provide partial support for the idea that when compared to daily logs, retrospective self‐reports significantly underestimate current nightmare and bad dream frequency. Prospective studies of dream recall and nightmare frequency should take into account the type of log used, its duration, and the participants’ level of motivation over time.
Sleep quality and depression during pregnancy: a prospective study
Authors: SKOUTERIS HELEN , GERMANO CARMELA , WERTHEIM ELEANOR H. , PAXTON SUSAN J. , MILGROM JEANNETTE
Published: May 2008

For the first time, the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality was explored prospectively during pregnancy. Participants (n = 273) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Beck Depression Inventory at three 8‐week intervals, starting from 15–23 weeks gestation. In addition to sleep quality and depression remaining relatively stable during pregnancy, findings revealed that sleep quality earlier in pregnancy predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms at later stage in pregnancy (after controlling for prior depression levels). In contrast, there was no evidence to suggest that depressive symptoms earlier in pregnancy impacted on sleep quality later on. Given that depressive symptomatology can lead to major depression and given the prevalence of pre‐ and postnatal depression, our findings suggest that screening for sleep problems during pregnancy may be of clinical significance.
Evidence of an enhanced central 5HT response in irritable bowel syndrome and in the rat maternal separation model
Authors: O'mahony S. , Chua A. S. B. , Quigley E. M. M. , Clarke G. , Shanahan F. , Keeling P. W. N. , Dinan T. G.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Efforts to define either a biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a valid animal model have proven disappointing. The aims of this study were to determine if buspirone stimulates prolactin release through the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5HT)1a receptor and whether this response is altered in patients with IBS and in the rat maternal separation model. Buspirone (30 mg) was used to stimulate prolactin release in 40 patients with IBS and in 40 healthy controls. In study 1, 10 IBS patients and 10 controls underwent pretreatment with pindolol (5HT1a antagonist) or placebo followed by buspirone. In study 2, 30 patients with IBS and 30 healthy controls had prolactin release stimulated by buspirone. Maternally separated and nonseparated rats were also treated with buspirone and prolactin monitored. Serotonin metabolites were measured together with the expression of the 5HT1a and serotonin transporter (SERT) gene. Pindolol produced a dose‐dependent decrease in the buspirone prolactin response. Patients with IBS and maternally separated rats showed an exaggerated release of prolactin in response to buspirone. In the animal model, an increased turnover of 5HT was found in the brainstem together with a trend toward increased activity of the SERT gene. In conclusion altered central serotonin responses are found in both IBS and in an animal model.
Suspension Properties of Various Phyletic Groups of Phytoplankton and Tintinnids in an Oligotrophic, Subtropical System
Authors: Smayda Theodore J. , Bienfang Paul K.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. The sinking rate (ψ) characteristics of a natural community of phytoplankton in the size range from 5 to 102 μn were determined. The following trends in ψ were observed: coc‐colithophorids > dinoflagellates > diatoms; large cells > small cells; attenuate shapes < other geometries; community i|) rate based on cell numbers > chlorophyll‐based rate; arenaceous tintinnids > organic‐loricate tintinnids. Dtnoflagellate swimming rates appear to be considerably greater than their sinking rates.
The Black Band Disease of Atlantic Reef Corals
Authors: Rützler Klaus , Santavy Deborah L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.The cyanophyte(Cyanobaclerium)that causes black band disease of Atlantic reef corals is described under the namePhormidium corallyticum, new species (familyOscillatoriaceae), and its generic placement is discussed from the standpoint of the GEITLERian (classical) and Drouetsystems. Distinguishing characters include densely interwoven filaments that form a blackish mat and trichomes without significant cell wall constrictions, almost isodiametric cells (4.2 μm mean width, 4.0μm mean length) tapering end cells, and thin (0.1 μm or less) mucilaginous wall coating. Transmission electron microscopy shows typical cyanophyte cell walls, sheath, nucleoplasm, and cytoplasmic inclusions, but an unusual thylakoid of straight, and, as seen in cell cross section, radiating lamellae. The dark coloration is due to a high concentration of phycocyanin and some phycoerythrin. The species is similar toOscillatoria(=Phormidium) submembranacea, which differs in several morphological features and does not infect coral tissue. It is concluded thatPhormidiumshould be used for this and related species that have external mucilage but not the distinct sheath found inLyngbya.
Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile: A Structural Study of the Photosynthetic Apparatus
Authors: Colombo P. Mariani , Rascio N. , Cinelli F.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. P. oceanica forms broad prairies which completely surround the island of Ischia. This is a histochemical and ultrastructural study of the photosynthetic apparatus of the Posidonia plant. In the leaf, epidermal cells have a porous region underneath the cuticle and contain most of the chloroplasts. Fiber bundles run hypodermally and phenol storing cells are present in the mesophyll. Chloroplast ontogenesis is characterized by juvenile stages with provesicular bodies. Sea depth apparently affects some morphological features of the photosynthetic apparatus, like leaf blade thickness, phenolic cell and hypodermal fiber frequency.
Predation by Octopus vulgaris in the Mediterranean
Authors: Ambrose Richard F. , Nelson Bobette V.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Octopus vulgaris consumes at least 22 molluscan and several crab species in the Mediterranean off the coast of France. Collections of prey discards in octopus middens and in areas inhabited by octopuses revealed that molluscs comprise an estimated 80% of the O. vulguris diet. Octopus predation is probably an important source of mortality for many of these prey species, causing up to 60 % of the mortality within the size ranges sampled. O. vulgaris does not selectively consume particular sizes of its three most important prey species, the bivalves Pilaria chione and Venus verrucosa and the abalone Haliotis tuberculata. Analysis of octopus drill holes on the two bivalve species showed that their locations were nonrandom, whereas the distribution of drill holes in the abalone was not distinguishable from random.
Northern Adriatic Rocky Reef Fishes at Low Winter Temperatures
Authors: Kotrschal Kurt
Published: May 2008

Abstract. The behavioural ecology of certain northern Adriatic fishes was observed from January to April at a water temperature of 7–11 oC. The fishes studied here do not migrate to deeper waters. Most of the benthic fishes show a similar distribution over the substrate in winter and in summer; in winter, however, they are very inactive and hide in the substrate. Suprabenthic fishes aggregate in littoral caves where they form dense, inactive, mixed aggregations. Certain hemipelagic and pelagic fishes join to form very dense aggregations at specific sites in the open waters of bays. Littoral predators display high feeding activity at a time when their prey is inactive. I present a hypothesis concerning possible implications of seasonally cyclic environmental temperatures for a sympatric community of non‐migrating fishes.
Variability of Coulter Counter Data and their Relationship with Other Oceano‐graphical Parameters
Authors: Flos Jordi
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Coulter counter data (from the upper 100 m of water) gathered during a cruise in October, 1976 in the Spanish waters of the Western Mediterranean are analysed in this paper. The ANOVA shows that the main sources of variability are the geographical situation and the depth level, while the sampling method especially affects the results for the larger particles. Repeating the counting in the same sample also introduces some changes which have less importance in the overall sense. Correlations of the particle counts with chlorophyll a, total POC and PON, POC and PON above 200u.m, estimated POC based on the particle size spectra, and SECCHI disc visibility were calculated and are discussed in order to assess the kind of information given by seston counts obtained from two different sampling methods and expressed both in absolute values (ppm by volume) and as a percentage of volume for the different channels.

Some striking results arise which suggest that the use of a Coulter counter together with some kind of sample treatment might give an insight into the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the pelagic ecosystem.
The Ectoparasitic Gastropod Boonea (= Odostomia) impressa: Population Ecology and the Influence of Parasitism on Oyster Growth Rates
Authors: White Marie E. , Powell Eric N. , Kitting Christopher L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Boonea (= Odostomia) impressa is a common ectoparasite of oysters. In the laboratory, small oysters (Crassostrea virginica) parasitized by natural densities of B. impressa produced 75 % less new shell than unparasitized oysters. Shell deposition rates of previously parasitized oysters increased significantly after all B. impressa were removed. Thus, the decrease in growth rate, although significant, apparently was not permanent. B. impressa preferentially parasitized small, living oysters (≤2.5cm) in the field, even though a higher percentage of large, living oysters (>2.5cm) was available. The snails maintained an aggregated distribution on the oyster reef. The number of B. impressa per oyster clump was positively correlated with the number of living oysters per clump, however some clumps with few or no living oysters had many B. impressa. Thus, food availability only partially explained the pattern of distribution. B. impressa was very mobile. About 50 % of the population moved in one week. Reproduction occurred throughout the year with a peak period in May. Recruitment was greatest in July, however new recruits were observed throughout the year. The reduction in growth rate of parasitized oysters, the snaiľs propensity towards parasitizing small oysters and the snail's tendency to be contagiously distributed suggests that B. impressa potentially exerts a significant influence on the population structure and health of oyster populations.
Tropical Marine Fungi*
Authors: Kohlmeyer Jan
Published: May 2008

Abstract.MarineAscomycetes, BasidiomycetesandDeuteromyceteswere collected in tropical and subtropical regions (Australia, Belize, Fiji, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Mexico, New Zealand, Palau, Thailand), and the known range of distribution for these fungi was extended. Exclusively tropical are 27 taxa, 9 are probably restricted to the tropics also, and 11 are cosmopolitan. Distribution maps are given for 5 taxa. New species (4), varieties (3), and combinations (2) ofAscomycetesare proposed, and keys to the taxa ofHalosarpheiaandLulworthiaare presented. Most of the species are decomposers of mangrove parts or of detritus in sandy beaches. Nine new host plants were found. MarineAscomyceteswere discovered for the first time living in shells of foraminifera.
Brittlestar Color‐Change and Phototaxis (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae).
Authors: Hendler Gordon
Published: May 2008

Abstract.In the first decisive study of color‐change in brittlestars, four Caribbean species,Ophiocoma echinata, 0. paucigranulata, O. pumila,andO. wendtiare reported to change color from day to night. Color‐change is most striking inO. wendti,which is dark brown during the day, and is banded gray and black from dusk to dawn. The transformation occurs over a 3 to 4 hour period and is effected by chromatorphores which appear to respond to illumination, independently of the central nervous system. Color‐change may also be mediated by an endogenous rhythm.Ophiocoma wendtiis more responsive to light than the other 3 species tested. It reacts to lower levels of illumination at night than during the day, exhibiting negative phototaxis in moonlight as well as in sunlight. I suggest that color‐change may expose (or shield) photosensitive tissues that control the brittlestar's detection of shaded fissures in the reef. Thereby, chromatophore activity may be connected with the brittlestar's chief defense from predators, the ability to detect shadow and escape into darkened crevices. Although experiments to date with predacious fish are equivocal. the color patterns ofOphiocomaspecies mav provide protective camouflage.
The Role of Higher Trophic Levels in a Sublittoral Benthic Community
Authors: Wurzian Rolf Stephan
Published: May 2008

Abstract. The ingestion of carnivores and omnivores was determined during the investigation of higher trophic levels in a North Adriatic benthic community. The ingestion rate was calculated from respiration data using a respiration‐production equation and an assumed assimilation efficiency. In the case of the starfish Astropecten aranciacus the ingestion rate obtained by this indirect method was in good agreement with the ingestion rate calculated directly from gut contents, taking the retaining period of food items in the gut into consideration. These results are compared to previously published ingestion rates. The influence of A aranciacus on the community is briefly discussed.
The Association of Ophiothrix lineata and Callyspongia vaginalis: A Brittlestar‐Sponge Cleaning Symbiosis?
Authors: Hendler Gordon
Published: May 2008

Abstract.The relationship between a sponge,Callyspongia vaginalis,and an associated brittlestar,Ophiothrix lineata,was examined for mutualistic symbiotic interaction. Cinematography, feeding experiments, and analyses of stomach contents reveal thatO. lineata(unlike otherOphiothrixspecies) is a non‐selective deposit feeder. Its diet consists of detrital particles adhering to the sponge, which are too large to be utilized by the sponge as food. Thus, the brittlestar cleans the inhalent surface of the sponge as it feeds. Since siltation interferes with sponge pumping‐activity, it is suggested that the cleaning behavior ofO. lineatamay enhance the filtration capability ofC. vaginalis. In situelapsed‐time films show that brittlestars expose their arms when they feed, suggesting that they feed only at night because of a need to avoid diurnal predators. Manipulative experiments show that residence inC. vaginalisprotectsO. lineatafrom predatory fish. A comparison of the incidence of arm regeneration for brittlestars residing onC. vaginalis,and on a toxic sponge,Neofibularia nolitangere,indicates that factors other than sponge toxicity are involved in protecting sponge‐dwelling brittlestars.
The Role of Isopod Crustaceans in the Reef Crest Community at Carrie Bow Cay, Belize
Authors: Kensley Brian
Published: May 2008

Abstract.The species composition and numbers of specimens of isopod crustaceans from the rubble of a Belizean reef crest were obtained. Four sets of 30 samples were taken from three rubble zones (rubble with algal turf, rubble betweenThalassiaplants, and pure rubble), in four different collecting periods. Twenty‐four species of isopods were identified, sexed and counted. By means of a Likelihood Ratio Chi‐square Contingency Table Analysis the presence of 13 species was shown to be positively correlated with habitat, 15 species with season, and nine species with habitat and season combined. From the spread of total numbers and of ovigerous females it is proposed that the isopods may be grouped into three patterns: a) those present and breeding in the reef crest rubble throughout the year,i. e.stress‐tolerant species; b) those showing a breeding peak in summer and a population decrease in winter‐spring,i. e.opportunist species; and c) those showing a breeding peak in the fall, and a second peak in spring, and a decrease or complete avoidance of the habitat, especially by ovigerous females, in the summer. The diversity of the Belizean reef crest isopod fauna is compared with the published report of the isopod fauna of a coral reef in Madagascar. Several similarities in composition are noted. The multiplicity of microhabitats is invoked as a possible explanation for the relatively high diversity of anthuridean isopods in coral reefs.
Initial Colonization Stages on Rocky Coastal Substrates
Authors: Niell F. X. , Varela M.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. This paper is the quantitative description of the first month of colonization of rocky intertidal substrates. The results are discussed in the light of general ecological theory.

The relationship between general ecological theory and recent findings on energy dissipation and structure of biological systems is examined. Some behavioural characteristics of the studied communities are compared with those described in systems with more than one month of growth after initial colonization.
Subtidal Benthic Macroinfauna in an Estuary of South Chile: Distribution Pattern in Relation to Sediment Types
Authors: Jaramillo E. , Mulsow S. , Pino M. , Figueroa H.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.A quantitative survey (18 stations) of the subtidal soft bottom macroinfauna in an estuary of the south Chilean coast was conducted during January, 1980. The map of sedimentological facies elaborated for the Queule River Estuary shows sandy bottoms in the outlet and upper part of the area studied, while the middle part is occupied by muddy sand. The ordination of stations by Principal Component Analysis is fundamentally defined by mud and gravel percentage and is, in general, concordant with the distribution of sediments in the facies map. A total of 17,405 animals was collected (16 taxa),Polychaetabeing the dominant group in density (77.47%) and biomass (73.4%). The maximum number of species was obtained outside the mouth of the estuary, while maximum densities and biomass were obtained in the middle of the estuary.

The Factor Analysis performed with the abundances data of the most abundant species rendered the ordination of two groups of stations (concordant with a Cluster Analysis) in the Q‐mode and two groups of species in the R‐mode. One group of stations is restricted to sandy habitats of the outlet area and is dominated by suspension feeders. The other, in the middle and upper part of the estuary (muddy sand or sandy bottoms with a higher percentage of organic matter), is dominated by deposit feeders. Between these two groups, significant differences in sedimentological variables (sand, mud, and organic matter percentage) were detected. Each of the two delineated groups of species corresponds to the groups of stations, showing that most of the taxa can be combined in faunal assemblages with preference for different types of substrate.
Der Einfluß einiger aÜßerer Faktoren auf die geschiechtliche Entwicklung und die Segmentbildung bei Anaitides mucosa (Annelida, Polychaeta, Phyllodocidae)
Authors: Röhrkasten Axel
Published: May 2008

Abstract. The influence of some exogenous factors (temperature, day‐length, starving, amputation of caudal segments) on oocyte development and on somatic growth in the polychaete Anaitides mucosa has been investigated. Animals from Wimereux (France) were maintained in the laboratory from September to April. Like in other polychaetes with a breeding season in early spring oocytes grow in two waves. The second one only occurs after spawning of the first and shows an accelerated growth. Low temperatures (5 oC) (i. e. winter conditions) are essential for a qualitative normal development of the first wave, whilst higher temperatures (15 oC) totally suppress maturation of oocytes and reproduction. The influence of day‐length, however, is probably without importance. Starving and amputation of caudal segments to do not produce significant changes in the growth rate of oocytes, either. In contrast, the somatic growth is most extensive at high temperatures (15 oC) and long‐day photoperiods (LD 16/8).

Eine normal verlaufende Entwicklung der Oocyten von Anaitides mucosa findet nur während einer längeren Periode mit niedrigen Temperaturen (5oC) statt.

Hungerbedingungen und Regenerationsprozesse, ausgelöst durch die Amputation caudaler Segmente, beeinflussen die Entwicklung der Oocyten bei niedrigen Temperaturen nicht. Die Oocytenentwicklung ist nicht abhängig von der Photoperiode.

Das somatische Wachstum ist dagegen an höhere Temperaturen (15 oC) und in geringerem Umfange an Langtag‐Bedingungen (LD 16/8) gebunden.