bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteolytic Cleavage of VP1-2 Is Required for Release of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA into the Nucleus
Authors: Jovasevic Vladimir , Liang Li , Roizman Bernard
Published: January 2008

In this report we propose a model in which after the herpes simplex virus (HSV) capsid docks at the nuclear pore, the tegument protein attached to the capsid must be cleaved by a serine or a cysteine protease in order for the DNA to be released into the nucleus. In support of the model are the following results. (i) Exposure of cells at the time of or before infection to
l
-(tosylamido-2-phenyl) ethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), a serine-cysteine protease inhibitor, prevents the release of viral DNA or expression of viral genes. TPCK does not block viral gene expression after entry of viral DNA into the nucleus. (ii) The tegument protein VP1-2, the product of the U
L
36 gene, is cleaved shortly after the entry of the HSV 1 (HSV-1) virion into the cell. (iii) The proteolytic cleavage of VP1-2 does not occur in cells that are infected with HSV-1 under conditions that prevent the release of the viral DNA into the nucleus. (iv) The proteolytic cleavage of VP1-2 occurs only after the capsid is attached to the nuclear pore. Thus, TPCK prevented the release of HSV-1 DNA into the nucleus when added to medium 1 hour after infection with
ts
B7 at 39.5°C followed by a shift down to the permissive temperature. The
ts
lesion maps in the U
L
36 gene. At the nonpermissive temperature, the capsids accumulate at the nuclear pore but the DNA is not released into the nucleus.
Identification of Hot Spots in the Variola Virus Complement Inhibitor (SPICE) for Human Complement Regulation
Authors: Yadav Viveka Nand , Pyaram Kalyani , Mullick Jayati , Sahu Arvind
Published: January 2008

Variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, encodes a soluble complement regulator named SPICE. Previously, SPICE has been shown to be much more potent in inactivating human complement than the vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP), although they differ only in 11 amino acid residues. In the present study, we have expressed SPICE, VCP, and mutants of VCP by substituting each or more of the 11 non-variant VCP residues with the corresponding residue of SPICE to identify hot spots that impart functional advantage to SPICE over VCP. Our data indicate that (i) SPICE is ∼90-fold more potent than VCP in inactivating human C3b, and the residues Y98, Y103, K108 and K120 are predominantly responsible for its enhanced activity; (ii) SPICE is 5.4-fold more potent in inactivating human C4b, and residues Y98, Y103, K108, K120 and L193 mainly dictate this increase; (iii) the classical pathway decay-accelerating activity of activity is only twofold higher than that of VCP, and the 11 mutations in SPICE do not significantly affect this activity; (iv) SPICE possesses significantly greater binding ability to human C3b compared to VCP, although its binding to human C4b is lower than that of VCP; (v) residue N144 is largely responsible for the increased binding of SPICE to human C3b; and (vi) the human specificity of SPICE is dictated primarily by residues Y98, Y103, K108, and K120 since these are enough to formulate VCP as potent as SPICE. Together, these results suggest that principally 4 of the 11 residues that differ between SPICE and VCP partake in its enhanced function against human complement.
Functional Analysis of the Transmembrane (TM) Domain of the
Autographa californica
Multicapsid Nucleopolyhedrovirus GP64 Protein: Substitution of Heterologous TM Domains
Authors: Li Zhaofei , Blissard Gary W.
Published: January 2008

GP64, the major envelope glycoprotein of the
Autographa californica
multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) budded virion, is important for host cell receptor binding and mediates low-pH-triggered membrane fusion during entry by endocytosis. In the current study, we examined the functional role of the AcMNPV GP64 transmembrane (TM) domain by replacing the 23-amino-acid GP64 TM domain with corresponding TM domain sequences from a range of viral and cellular type I membrane proteins, including
Orgyia pseudotsugata
MNPV (OpMNPV) GP64 and F, thogotovirus GP75,
Lymantria dispar
MNPV (LdMNPV) F, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) GP41, human CD4 and glycophorin A (GpA), and influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), and with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor addition sequence. In transient expression experiments with Sf9 cells, chimeric GP64 proteins containing either a GPI anchor or TM domains from LdMNPV F or HIV-1 GP41 failed to localize to the cell surface and thus appear to be incompatible with either GP64 structure or cell transport. All of the mutant constructs detected at the cell surface mediated hemifusion (outer leaflet merger) upon low-pH treatment, but only those containing TM domains from CD4, GpA, OpMNPV GP64, and thogotovirus GP75 mediated pore formation and complete membrane fusion activity. This supports a model in which partial fusion (hemifusion) proceeds by a mechanism that is independent of the TM domain and the TM domain participates in the enlargement or expansion of fusion pores after hemifusion. GP64 proteins containing heterologous TM domains mediated virion budding with dramatically differing levels of efficiency. In addition, chimeric GP64 proteins containing TM domains from CD4, GpA, HA, and OpMNPV F were incorporated into budded virions but were unable to rescue the infectivity of a
gp64
null virus, whereas those with TM domains from OpMNPV GP64 and thogotovirus GP75 rescued infectivity. These results show that in addition to its basic role in membrane anchoring, the GP64 TM domain is critically important for GP64 trafficking, membrane fusion, virion budding, and virus infectivity. These critical functions were replaced only by TM domains from related viral membrane proteins.
Regulation of Immune Response and Inflammatory Reactions against Viral Infection by VCAM-1
Authors: Ou Rong , Zhang Menghua , Huang Lei , Flavell Richard A. , Koni Pandelakis A. , Moskophidis Demetrius
Published: January 2008

The migration of activated antigen-specific immune cells to the target tissues of virus replication is controlled by the expression of adhesion molecules on the vascular endothelium that bind to ligands on circulating lymphocytes. Here, we demonstrate that the adhesion pathway mediated by vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) plays a role in regulating T-cell-mediated inflammation and pathology in nonlymphoid tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS) during viral infection. The ablation of VCAM-1 expression from endothelial and hematopoietic cells using aloxP-Crerecombination strategy had no major effect on the induction or overall tissue distribution of antigen-specific T cells during a systemic infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), except in the case of lung tissue. However, enhanced resistance to lethal LCM and the significantly reduced magnitude and duration of footpad swelling observed in VCAM-1 mutant mice compared to B6 controls suggest a significant role for VCAM-1 in promoting successful local inflammatory reactions associated with efficient viral clearance and even life-threatening immunopathology under particular infection conditions. Interestingly, analysis of the infiltrating populations in the brains of intracerebrally infected mice revealed that VCAM-1 deletion significantly delayed migration into the CNS of antigen-presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic cells), which are critical for optimal stimulation of migrating virus-specific CD8+T cells initiating a pathological cascade. We propose that the impaired migration of these accessory cells in the brain may explain the improved clinical outcome of infection in VCAM-1 mutant mice. Thus, these results underscore the potential role of VCAM-1 in regulating the immune response and inflammatory reactions against viral infections.
A Single-Amino-Acid Mutation in Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Disrupting FKBP8 Interaction Impairs Viral Replication
Authors: Okamoto Toru , Omori Hiroko , Kaname Yuuki , Abe Takayuki , Nishimura Yorihiro , Suzuki Tetsuro , Miyamura Tatsuo , Yoshimori Tamotsu , Moriishi Kohji , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) regulates viral replication through its interaction with host and other viral proteins. We have previously shown that FK506-binding protein 8 (FKBP8) binds to NS5A and recruits Hsp90 to form a complex that participates in the replication of HCV. In this study, we examined the biochemical characteristics of the interaction and the intracellular localization of NS5A and FKBP8. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that the dissociation constant of the interaction between the purified FKBP8 and NS5A expressed in bacteria was 82 nM. Mutational analyses of NS5A revealed that a single amino acid residue of Val or Ile at position 121, which is well conserved among all genotypes of HCV, is critical for the specific interaction with FKBP8. Substitution of the Val
121
to Ala drastically impaired the replication of HCV replicon cells, and the drug-resistant replicon cells emerging after drug selection were shown to have reverted to the original arrangement by replacing Ala
121
with Val. Examination of individual fields of the replicon cells by both fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy (the correlative fluorescence microscopy-electron microscopy technique) revealed that FKBP8 is partially colocalized with NS5A in the cytoplasmic structure known as the membranous web. These results suggest that specific interaction of NS5A with FKBP8 in the cytoplasmic compartment plays a crucial role in the replication of HCV.
Hepatitis C Virus Inhibits Cell Surface Expression of HLA-DR, Prevents Dendritic Cell Maturation, and Induces Interleukin-10 Production
Authors: Saito Kousuke , Ait-Goughoulte Malika , Truscott Steven M. , Meyer Keith , Blazevic Azra , Abate Getahun , Ray Ratna B. , Hoft Daniel F. , Ray Ranjit
Published: January 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection is characterized by low-level or undetectable cellular immune responses against HCV antigens. HCV proteins have been shown to affect various intracellular events and modulate immune responses, although the precise mechanisms used to mediate these effects are not fully understood. In this study, we have examined the effect of HCV proteins on the modulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression and other functions important for antigen presentation in humans. Expression of an HCV1-2962genomic clone (HCV-FL) in human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) inhibited gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-induced upregulation of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) cell surface expression. Furthermore, inhibition of promoter activities of MHC class II transactivator (CIITA), IFN-γ-activated site (GAS), and HLA-DR was observed in IFN-γ-inducible HT1080 cells expressing HCV-FL by in vitro reporter assays. Exposure of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) to cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc) genotype 1a (clone H77) or 2a (clone JFH1) significantly inhibited DC maturation and was associated with the production of IL-10. Furthermore, DCs exposed to HCVcc were impaired in their functional ability to stimulate antigen-specific CD4-positive (CD4+) and CD8+T-cell responses. Taken together, our results indicated that HCV can have direct and/or indirect inhibitory effects on antigen-presenting cells, resulting in reduction of antigen-specific T-cell activation. These effects may account for or contribute to the low overall level of immunogenicity of HCV observed in chronically infected patients.
An Effective Approach to 1,2,3-Triazole-Containing 12-Vertex closo-Dodecaborates
Authors: Semioshkin Andrey A. , Osipov Sergey N. , Grebenyuk Julia N. , Nizhnik Evgueniya A. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Shchetnikov Grigory T. , Bregadze Vladimir I.
Published: January 2008

An efficient general synthetic approach giving a facile, rapid and inexpensive access to a wide range of novel 1,2,3-triazoles bearing closo-dodecaborate fragment has been developed. The method is based on the nucleophilic cleavage of oxonium dodecaborate with NaN3 or tertiary propargylamine and subsequent Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition ("click" methodology) of the cleavage products and organic acetylenes or azides.
Preparation of Carboranyl and Dodecaborate Derivatives of Coumarin
Authors: Justus Eugen , Izteleuova Dana T. , Kasantsev Alexander V. , Axartov Mendel M. , Lork Enno , Gabel Detlef
Published: January 2008

A series of derivatives of coumarin (2H-chromen-2-one) and 6,7-benzocoumarin (3H-benzo-[f]chromen-3-one) carrying the o-carborane, m-carborane, and dodecaborate clusters, has been obtained. X-ray structure analysis has been carried out for three of the products. The addition of o-carborane occurs in the 4-position of the coumarin ring, in a stereoselective way, independent of whether the cluster was reacted as the lithium or magnesium salt. m-Carborane gives two products, one being the result of 1,2-addition to an exocyclic ester bond and 1,4-addition to the coumarin system, the other resulting from 1,4-addition. The negatively charged dodecaborate derivatives obtained, link the cluster via oxygen or sulfur and an appropriate linker to a 7-hydroxy-substituted coumarin. For the coumarin derivatives, an o-carboranecarbonyl derivative could also be obtained.
Hospitalisations for sport-related concussions in US children aged 5 to 18 years during 2000–2004
Authors: Yang J , Phillips G , Xiang H , Allareddy V , Heiden E , Peek-Asa C
Published: January 2008

Objectives:

To describe patient and hospital characteristics associated with hospitalisation for a diagnosis of non-fatal sport-related concussion, and to determine factors associated with these hospitalisations.

Methods:

Children aged 5–18 years with a primary diagnosis of a sport-related concussion in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2000–2004) were identified. Length of stay and hospital charges for sport-related concussions were documented. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of patient or hospital characteristics with hospitalisations for sport-related concussion.

Results:

Between 2000 and 2004, a total of 755 non-fatal paediatric sport-related hospitalisations for concussion were identified. Nationwide, this represents 3712 hospitalisations and over US$29 million total hospital charges, with nearly US$6 million in total hospital charges per year. Over half (52.3%) of patients with concussion experienced loss of consciousness. Over 80% of the patients hospitalised for concussion received no procedures during their average 1.1 day (median 0.8 day) of hospital stay. Older age, but not gender, was associated with increased odds of sport-related hospitalisations for concussion. Non-teaching hospitals or hospitals in rural areas had significantly greater odds of admitting sport-related concussions versus other sport-related traumatic brain injuries compared with teaching or urban hospitals.

Conclusions:

Management of paediatric sport-related concussions varied, depending on the patient and the hospital. Better guidelines are needed for the identification and management of sport-related concussions. Standardised procedures for hospitals treating concussive injuries may also be warranted.
A high school gym-induced disease
Authors: Seitz C S , Bröcker E B , Trautmann A
Published: January 2008

Physical exercise may induce upper and lower airway symptoms such as rhinitis and asthma. Rhinitis symptoms are often neglected although runny nose and nasal congestion may interfere with performance of the affected individual. A detailed history regarding locality and time of symptoms is of most significance for taking the appropriate diagnostic measures and identifying, as in this case, an uncommon form of allergic rhinitis to airborne spores from moulds.
Sport-related hyperhomocysteinaemia: a putative marker of muscular demand to be noted for cardiovascular risk
Authors: Borrione P , Rizzo M , Spaccamiglio A , Salvo R A , Dovio A , Termine A , Parisi A , Fagnani F , Angeli A , Pigozzi F
Published: January 2008

Objective:

Regular physical activity is associated with a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, evidence of unfortunate cardiovascular events accompanying elite sport involvement continues to accumulate. To date, no information is available on possible peculiarities of the cardiovascular risk profile in athletes.

Design:

The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma homocysteine levels in a group of athletes and to search for relationship with vitamin status and other metabolic variables in order to confirm the existence of a “sport-related hyperhomocysteinaemia” and to explain its clinical significance.

The study population was composed of 82 athletes (59 male and 23 female) practising different sports and 70 healthy age-matched subjects (40 male and 30 female) as a control group. Besides the general clinical and analytical determinations, the assessed variables included homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CPK) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Results:

The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia (>15 μmol/l) in athletes and controls was 47% and 15%, respectively. No correlation was found between homocysteine and any of the other investigated variables, in particular plasma folate, blood pressure, LDH, CPK, total and HDL cholesterol and IL-6.

Conclusion:

The results of this study confirm the existence of a sport-related hyperhomocysteinaemia which appears linked neither to the same variables found in the general population, nor to specific training-related variables. We suggest that it would represent an adaptation to training but the possibility of a secondary vascular damage cannot be excluded.
Low back pain in drivers exposed to whole body vibration: analysis of a dose–response pattern
Authors: Tiemessen I J H , Hulshof C T J , Frings-Dresen M H W
Published: January 2008

Objective:

Analysis of a dose–response pattern between exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) and low back pain (LBP) in a group of drivers.

Methods:

This study assessed individual factors, work-related risk factors, various LBP outcome measures and LBP disability in a group of drivers (n = 571) approached at baseline (T0), as well as the WBV magnitude of a representative sample of their vehicles (n = 49), at T0 and at 1-year follow-up (T1). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and actual field measurements according to ISO 2631-1. The magnitude and duration of vibration exposure and a variety of daily and cumulative WBV-exposure measures were calculated for each driver.

Results:

229 drivers (40.1%) completed both questionnaires (T0 and T1). The magnitude of WBV was comparable over time. Depending on the LBP outcome, various individual factors (marital status, back trauma and smoking) and work-related risk factors (previous job with heavy physical loading, lifting, bending and the physical risk index) related significantly to onset (all, p<0.05). After adjusting for these contributing factors, the study found a significant trend (an increase in odds ratios of developing LBP with an increase in WBV exposure) for driving-related LBP with daily driving time (p<0.03), and the cumulative measures total hours of exposure (p<0.01), root sum of squares at total dose (p<0.05) and root sum of quads at total dose (p<0.01). No significant trend was found for 12-month LBP. No analysis on a possible dose–response pattern could be derived for either LBP intensity or LBP disability, due to low prevalence.

Conclusion:

The investigation found a dose–response pattern between WBV exposure and driving-related LBP. No indication of a dose–response pattern was found between WBV exposure and 12-month LBP. Although this dose–response pattern is only an indication, these findings imply that WBV exposure might contribute to the onset of driving-related LBP.
Survivors of tobacco-related diseases and advocacy for tobacco control
Authors: Mathew M , Goldstein A O , Hampton K
Published: January 2008

Survivors and victims of tobacco-related diseases can and should play significant roles in tobacco control advocacy efforts. This article describes one example of how to successfully incorporate their talents into a statewide programme.
After the smoke has cleared: evaluation of the impact of a new national smoke-free law in New Zealand
Authors: Edwards R , Thomson G , Wilson N , Waa A , Bullen C , O’Dea D , Gifford H , Glover M , Laugesen M , Woodward A
Published: January 2008

Background:

The New Zealand 2003 Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act (SEAA) extended existing restrictions on smoking in office and retail workplaces by introducing smoking bans in bars, casinos, members’ clubs, restaurants and nearly all other workplaces from 10 December 2004.

Objective:

To evaluate the implementation and outcomes of aspects of the SEAA relating to smoke-free indoor workplaces and public places, excluding schools and early learning centres.

Methods:

Data were gathered on public and stakeholder attitudes and support for smoke-free policies; dissemination of information, enforcement activities and compliance; exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in the workplace; changes in health outcomes linked to SHS exposure; exposure to SHS in homes; smoking prevalence and smoking related behaviours; and economic impacts.

Results:

Surveys suggested growing majority support for the SEAA and its underlying principles among the public and bar managers. There was evidence of high compliance in bars and pubs, where most enforcement problems were expected. Self reported data suggested that SHS exposure in the workplace, the primary objective of the SEAA, decreased significantly from around 20% in 2003, to 8% in 2006. Air quality improved greatly in hospitality venues. Reported SHS exposure in homes also reduced significantly. There was no clear evidence of a short term effect on health or on adult smoking prevalence, although calls to the smoking cessation quitline increased despite reduced expenditure on smoking cessation advertising. Available data suggested a broadly neutral economic impact, including in the tourist and hospitality sectors.

Conclusion:

The effects of the legislation change were favourable from a public health perspective. Areas for further investigation and possible regulation were identified such as SHS related pollution in semi-enclosed outdoor areas. The study adds to a growing body of literature documenting the positive impact of comprehensive smoke-free legislation. The scientific and public health case for introducing comprehensive smoke-free legislation that covers all indoor public places and workplaces is now overwhelming, and should be a public health priority for legislators across the world as part of the globalisation of effective public health policy to control the tobacco epidemic.
Relation between newspaper coverage of tobacco issues and smoking attitudes and behaviour among American teens
Authors: Smith K Clegg , Wakefield M A , Terry-McElrath Y , Chaloupka F J , Flay B , Johnston L , Saba A , Siebel C
Published: January 2008

Objective:

Geographic variation in youth smoking prevalence suggests that community-level factors influence risk of tobacco use. We examine the extent to which newspaper coverage of tobacco issues is related to youth smoking attitudes and behaviours.

Design:

We conducted a content analysis of 8390 newspaper articles on tobacco issues from 386 daily newspapers circulating at 5% or more in 2001–3 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey communities. This resulted in the creation of community level measures of news volume, content and valence. Associations between news and youth outcomes were assessed using logistic regression analyses adjusting for individual, geographic and tobacco policy factors linked to youth smoking and attitudes.

Subjects:

98 747 youth participating in the nationally representative school-based MTF annual surveys between 2001 and 2003.

Main outcome measures:

Perceived harm of smoking, perceived peer smoking, disapproval of smoking, smoking within the past 30 days, daily cigarette consumption.

Results:

In the five months preceding survey administration, newspapers in MTF communities published an average of 11.9 tobacco related articles (range 0–55.7). Each 10-article increase in newspaper volume over the five-month period was associated with increased odds of perceiving great harm from smoking (OR = 1.04, p<0.01) and disapproving of smoking (OR = 1.04, p<0.05) and decreased odds of perceiving most or all friends smoke (0.94, p<0.01) and smoking in the past 30 days (OR = 0.93, p<0.001). No consistent association was found between the content or valence of coverage and youth smoking outcomes.

Conclusions:

Gaining and keeping tobacco on the media agenda is an important tool for tackling youth smoking. As volume appears to be the driving factor, media advocacy may be best targeted towards generating events and highlighting issues likely to increase and sustain news attention.
Paternal smoking and increased risk of child malnutrition among families in rural Indonesia
Authors: Best C M , Sun K , de Pee S , Sari M , Bloem M W , Semba R D
Published: January 2008

Objective:

To determine whether paternal smoking is associated with an increased risk of child malnutrition among families in rural Indonesia.

Methods:

The relation between paternal smoking and child malnutrition was examined in a population-based sample of 438 336 households in the Indonesia Nutrition and Health Surveillance System, 2000–2003. Main outcome measures were child underweight (weight-for-age Z score <−2) and stunting (height-for-age Z score <−2) and severe underweight and severe stunting, defined by respective Z scores <−3, for children aged 0–59 months of age.

Results:

The prevalence of paternal smoking was 73.7%. The prevalence of underweight and stunting was 29.4% and 31.4%, and of severe underweight and severe stunting was 5.2%, and 9.1%, respectively. After adjusting for child gender, child age, maternal age, maternal education, weekly per capita household expenditure and province, paternal smoking was associated with an increased risk of underweight (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.05, p = 0.001) and stunting (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.13, p<0.001) and severe underweight (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10) p = 0.020) and severe stunting (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.16, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Paternal smoking is associated with an increased risk of child malnutrition in families living in rural Indonesia.
Quantitative and qualitative estimates of cross-border tobacco shopping and tobacco smuggling in France
Authors: Lakhdar C Ben
Published: January 2008

Objective:

In France, cigarette sales have fallen sharply, especially in border areas, since the price increases of 2003 and 2004. It was proposed that these falls were not due to people quitting smoking but rather to increased cross-border sales of tobacco and/or smuggling. This paper aims to test this proposition.

Methods:

Three approaches have been used. First, cigarette sales data from French sources for the period 1999–2006 were collected, and a simulation of the changes seen within these sales was carried out in order to estimate what the sales situation would have looked like without the presence of foreign tobacco. Second, the statements regarding tobacco consumed reported by the French population with registered tobacco sales were compared. Finally, in order to identify the countries of origin of foreign tobacco entering France, we collected a random sample of cigarette packs from a waste collection centre.

Results:

According to the first method, cross-border shopping and smuggling of tobacco accounted for 8635 tonnes of tobacco in 2004, 9934 in 2005, and 9930 in 2006, ie, between 14% and 17% of total sales. The second method gave larger results: the difference between registered cigarette sales and cigarettes declared as being smoked was around 12 000 to 13 000 tonnes in 2005, equivalent to 20% of legal sales. The collection of cigarette packs at a waste collection centre showed that foreign cigarettes accounted for 18.6% of our sample in 2005 and 15.5% in 2006. France seems mainly to be a victim of cross-border purchasing of tobacco products, with the contraband market for tobacco remaining modest.

Conclusion:

in order to avoid cross-border purchases, an increased harmonisation of national policies on the taxation of tobacco products needs to be envisaged by the European Union.
Crossing geographical, legal and moral boundaries: the Belgian cigarette black market
Authors: Vander Beken T , Janssens J , Verpoest K , Balcaen A , Vander Laenen F
Published: January 2008

Objectives:

To describe and analyse the cigarette smuggling trade in Belgium and its role in the international cigarette black market.

Design:

Analysis of Belgian customs and prosecution files concerning the cigarette smuggling trade in the period 2000 to 2006 and interviews with law enforcement authorities and private tobacco industry.

Results:

Analyses were made of the geographical aspects, the modus operandi and the participants of the cigarette smuggling trade in Belgium. Belgium is mainly a transit country. The cigarettes are transported via the fine-meshed Belgian highway network to the UK, which is often the destination country of the cigarettes. China is the most popular country of origin, especially for counterfeited cigarettes. In order to transport the cigarettes often use was made of legal transport companies and warehouses were frequently used to store the cigarettes. Many of the persons involved in the Belgian cigarette smuggling trade are strongly connected to legitimate business activities.

Conclusions:

Belgium is an important transit country for cigarette smuggling to the UK. This study pictures the illicit tobacco trade as a complex, ambiguous phenomenon involving several legal and illegal participants whereby the transit of cigarettes across the licit/illicit divide is paralleled by the moral careers of those who smuggle them, not to mention those who consume them. From the legal world to the illegal and back again, this trade and its practitioners and customers blur the line between criminality and non-criminality. Dealing with this phenomenon therefore requires more than a strategy focusing on these lawbreakers alone.
Breeding behavior and chromosome numbers among New Guinea and Java Impatiens species, cultivated varieties, and their interspecific hybrids
Authors: Beck Allan R. , Weigle Jack L. , Kruger Eric W.
Published: January 2008

Impatiens crosses were made among the following: P.I. 349629 (Java), P.I. 349586 (New Guinea), I. Itolstii, and "Tangerine." All crosses were successful except those made with I. Itolstii. Chromosome counts were as follows: P.I. 349629 = 16, P.I. 349586 = 32, I. Itolstii = 16, and "Tangerine" = 8. Chromosome counts of the hybrids were midway between the respective parents. Cytological studies indicated a similarity in chromosome morphology and size among all parents except I. holslii. A new genome count of 4 is reported for the genus Impatiens indicating a ploidy series in which x = 4.
Effects of temperature and light on growth and development of embryos of Fucus edentatus and F. distichus ssp. distichus
Authors: McLachlan J.
Published: January 2008

Growth and development of embryos, starting from zygotes, of Fucus edentatus De la Pyl. and F. distichus L. ssp. distichus (nomenclature is that used by McLachlan et al. 1971) were investigated under a variety of temperatures combined with various light conditions; both species appeared to respond in a similar manner. Growth was more rapid with increase in temperature up to 15°; at 20° embryos developed abnormally under prolonged incubation. Light (cool-white fluorescent lamps) saturation for growth occurred at about 3000 μW/cm2 at 15°, and no inhibition was noted up to 12 000 μW/cm2. In darkness or under light-deficient conditions, the primary rhizoid became relatively long but apical hairs were suppressed or reduced, and additionally in darkness there was little increase in the size of the thallus over that of the original zygote. Below 15° growth and development were limited by temperature. At 15° and a photoperiod exceeding 16 h or at 20° and a photoperiod exceeding 12 h aberrant morphological development of the embryo occurred. Incubation on a 6-, 36-, or 48-h day at 15° did not result in abnormal development where the light:dark (L:D) ratio was kept at 2:1. Under 36- and 48-h days growth was slower, indicating an inefficient use of light during the long light periods. The laboratory results suggest that distribution of this species in nature is largely controlled by factors acting on the embryo and that these responses may be different from those of the mature plant.
The water relations of hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). IV. The dependence of the balance pressure on temperature as measured by the pressure-bomb technique
Authors: Tyree M. T. , Dainty J. , Hunter D. M.
Published: January 2008

The temperature dependence of the balance pressure is reported for shoots of Tsuga canadensis at constant volume, i.e., when water is neither added to nor removed from the shoot. Since the balance pressure closely equals minus the water potential, the temperature dependence of the balance pressure should reflect the combined temperature dependence of the osmotic and turgor pressures. Both the osmotic and the turgor pressures decline with decreasing temperature; frequently the turgor pressure declines 2 to 3 times more rapidly than the osmotic pressure, causing the balance pressure to rise with decreasing temperature. Only when the turgor pressure is zero (only beyond incipient plasmolysis) does the temperature dependence of the balance pressure closely follow the temperature dependence of the osmotic pressure; this occurs when the balance pressure equals or exceeds 24 bars.
Fine structure of ascospore formation in Poronia punctata
Authors: Stiers David L.
Published: January 2008

Ascospore ontogeny in Poronia punctata is described. At the time of complete delimitation the ascospore is enclosed within two membranes, the spore plasma membrane to the inside and the investing membrane to the outside. The initial ascospore wall is the primary wall, formed by deposition of electron-transparent material between these two membranes. Differentiation within the region occupied by the primary wall begins with the development of an electron-dense epispore adjacent to the highly convoluted spore plasma membrane. Immediately after the epispore is differentiated the mesospore begins to form between the epispore and the spore plasma membrane. The mesospore becomes about twice as thick as the epispore. With the formation of the mesospore, differentiation and development within the region formerly occupied by the electron-transparent primary wall is complete. The outer portion of the primary wall, that between the epispore and the investing membrane, is the penspore. After formation of mesospore, epispore, and perispore, electron-transparent material is deposited centripetally between the spore plasma membrane and the mesospore. This innermost wall is the endospore.
Ion transport and electrogenic pumps in storage tissue cells
Authors: Poole Ronald J.
Published: January 2008

Experimental evidence for the existence of electrogenic pumps in storage tissue cells is presented. The nature of the pump (which ion?, proton vs. bicarbonate transport, role of proton pump, K+–H+ exchange) is extensively discussed.
Significance of hydrogen ion transport in plant cells
Authors: Raven J. A. , Smith F. A.
Published: January 2008

The literature on the value and variability of the pH of the cytoplasm and vacuole of plant cells, and of the bathing medium, is reviewed. It is concluded that the pH of the cytoplasm and the vacuole changes much less than that of the medium during plant growth, despite a number of essential processes which produce or consume large quantities of protons in the cell during growth. It is thus concluded that loss of excess H+ or OH− to the medium is a major feature of cell pH regulation. In general, the excretion of excess H+ or OH− is an active process, i.e. against a gradient of electrochemical potential.The biochemical 'pH stat' mechanism of Davies is briefly discussed as an alternative to active transport of H+ or OH−. It is concluded that the major and primary function of active H+ and OH− fluxes is the regulation of cytoplasmic pH. Secondary functions (such as chemiosmotic ATP synthesis, transport of other solutes, and morphogenesis) of the H+ or OH− transport are also discussed. The extent to which these processes can occur is limited by interference with the regulation of intracellular pH.
Environmental factors controlling the distribution of forbs on coastal foredunes in Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Authors: Valk A. G. van der
Published: January 2008

Shifting sand, which either buries the seeds or seedlings of dune forbs or carries them away, is responsible for the absence of forbs on the front of the foredune and in other zones accumulating sand regularly. Experimental work with the seedlings of six dune forbs showed that they can withstand burial by no more than 5 cm of sand and that their seeds can survive burial under only 1 to 16 cm, depending on the species. At least 20 to 30 cm of sand normally accumulates each winter in a zone subject to regular sand deposition. Salt spray plays a secondary role in preventing the establishment of forbs on the front of the foredune. It is responsible for the elimination of species which may occasionally escape burial during the winter months and which happen to be susceptible to salt spray injury. Measurements of soil moisture, soil nutrients, and soil temperatures indicate that these factors differ only slightly on the front, top, and back of the foredune. These three factors, then, appear to have little influence on the distribution of the forbs.
Chromosome numbers of some Ceylon grasses
Authors: Gould F. W. , Soderstrom T. R.
Published: January 2008

Chromosome numbers are reported for 287 collections of grasses of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) representing 69 genera and 142 species. First counts are reported for the genera Ottochloa, Trachys, and Heteropholis, and for the following 42 species and 3 varieties: Bambusa multiplex, Chimonobambusa densifolia, Oryza rufipogon, Agrostis pilosula, Eragrostis diplachnoides, E. tenella var. insularis, E. unioloides, Leptochloa uniflora, Tripogon wardii, Cynodon arcuatus, C. barberi, Acroceras munroanum, Brachiaria mutica, B. setigera, Cyrtoccum deccanense, C. oxyphyllum, C. trigonum, Digitaria abyssinica, Ottochloa nodosa, Panicum brevifolium, P. gardneri, P. paludosum, P. sparsicomum, P. trypheron, Setaria barbata, Trachys muricata, Coelachne simpliciuscula, Isachne globosa var. effusa, I. kunthiana, I. kunthiana var. elatior, I. walkeri, Apluda mutica, Arthraxon castratus, Chrysopogon fulvus, C. orientalis, Cymbopogon nardus, Dimeria lehmannii, Heteropholis nigrescens, Ischaemum barbatum var. barbatum, I. commutatum, I. impressum, I. mangaluricum, I. muticum, I. zeylanicolum, Schizachyrium sanguineum, and Themeda villosa. Counts differing from previous records were obtained for the following 30 species: Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis japonica, E. tenella, Leptochloa neesii, Oropetium thomaeum, Sporobolus fertilis, S. tremulus, S. wallichii, Zoysia matrella, Brachiaria miliiformis, B. paspaloides, B. reptans, Digitaria bicornis, D. ciliaris, D. cruciata, D. fuscescens, Echinochloa stagnina, Panicum notatum, P. psilopodium, Paspalum commersonii, P. distichum, Pennisetum polystachyum, P. triflorum, Sacciolepis curvata, Hemarthria compressa, Ischaemum indicum, Iseilema laxum, Rottboellia exaltata, Sorghum propinquum, and Themeda tremula.
Chromosome numbers in some vascular plants from northern Alaska
Authors: Packer John G. , McPherson G. D.
Published: January 2008

Chromosome numbers are reported for a number of vascular plant species collected in the vicinity of Barrow, Umiat, and Meade River, northern Alaska.
Some aspects of the function of the endosperm during the germination of lettuce seeds
Authors: Speer Henry L.
Published: January 2008

The response to red and far-red light of intact and punched seeds of Lactuca sativa var. Grand Rapids is compared. Punched seeds are fully responsive to red light after only 1 min of hydration; intact seeds require 15 min. Punching has no effect on the usual red and far-red light mediation of germination of these seeds. It does, however, raise the level of dark germination, indicating that there are at least two mechanisms by which the seed can germinate, only one of which is controlled by phytochrome.Treatment of seeds with dichloromethane enhances germination in seeds imbibed 1 min but not the penetration of arsenate, which is normally excluded by the intact seed. The detergent Brij greatly enhances the penetration of arsenate into the seed.
A scanning electron microscope study of developing sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Colotelo Nicholas
Published: January 2008

The exterior features of the rind and the cut surface of sections of developing sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Before pigmentation, a developing sclerotium appears as a white mass of interwoven mycelial strands covered with numerous droplets of liquid, each of which is surrounded by membranous material. Subsurface mycelial cells swell, become pigmented, and result in the formation of the dark bulbous rind cells which darken with age. Membranous material which envelops the liquid exuded from developing sclerotia was always evident and appressed to the surface of the rind in old sclerotia. The interior of sclerotia consists of a mass of mycelia embedded in an amorphous matrix, which in young sclerotia is liquid but in older sclerotia appears solid. Openings in the outer rind cells, from sclerotia of old cultures and those removed from diseased sunflowers, indicate possible means by which other microorganisms could enter and degrade sclerotia. Multiple sclerotia were examined and the region where fusion occurs was evident.
Carbon dioxide compensation and its association with the photoperiodic response of plants
Authors: Purohit A. N. , Tregunna E. B.
Published: January 2008

Species within subfamilies and tribes of the Gramineae that have low carbon dioxide compensation values are either short-day or day-neutral in their photoperiodic requirement for flowering; those with high carbon dioxide compensation values are long-day, with a few exceptions. Photoperiodic screening of some species of Atriplex, Amaranthus, and Panicum revealed that the species with the C4 syndrome are quantitative short-day or day-neutral, except for P. miliaceum. Those lacking the C4 syndrome have a qualitative short-day requirement for flowering. It is assumed that the C4 syndrome is a derived condition from C3 plants with CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) plants probably in between. The photoperiodic responses of the plants seem to have a coevolutionary trend with photosynthetic characters, from long-day types to short-day ones, with plants having a dual photoperiodic requirement in between.
Caliciopsis struthanthi n. sp. (Ascomycetes) on Loranthaceae in Central America
Authors: Funk A. , Kuijt Job
Published: January 2008

Caliciopsis struthanthi n. sp. is an ascomycetous fungus occurring on the floral parts of Struthanthus belizensis Lundell (Loranthaceae) in Central America.
Aquatic plants of acid lakes in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia; floristic composition and relation to water chemistry
Authors: Catling P. M. , Freedman B. , Stewart C. , Kerekes J. J. , Lefkovitch L. P.
Published: January 2008

To document the aquatic flora of acid lakes in Kejimkujik National Park, N.S., the presence and abundance of aquatic macrophytes growing in water deeper than 3 dm were recorded in 20 lakes. Of the 45 species found, the most important were Sphagnum macrophyllum, Eriocaulon septangulare, Utricularia purpurea, Scirpus subterminalis, Pontederia cordata, Nuphar variegatum, Nymphaea odorata, Eleocharis acicularis, Sparganium angustifolium, Potamogeton confervoides, Lobelia dortmanna, Potamogeton epihydrus, and Utricularia vulgaris. To explore the relationship between floristic composition and water chemistry, information on 12 chemical variables and colour was related to species presence–absence using a nonparametric test based on relative neighbourhood graphs. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) using chemical data and six groups suggested by a conditional clustering of the species presence–absence data demonstrated significant heterogeneity in Ca, pH, and HCO3. Furthermore, these three proved to be highly correlated. A canonical variate analysis of the six groups revealed one significant axis and separated the lakes into two major groups, characterized by relative acidity. An ANOVA of these two groups established that colour was also significant. There were fewer species in the more acidic (range 8–20, average 15) than in the less acidic lakes (range 15–32, average 22).
Microhabitat selection and the successional gradient of a forest grass
Authors: Scheiner Samuel M. , Teeri James A.
Published: January 2008

Secondary forest succession involves large changes in the environment of the forest floor. Populations of Danthonia spicata occur in sites representing a 70-year span of succession following fire in the aspen–pine forests of northern lower Michigan. Five populations were studied from sites of ages 0, 26, 32, 44, and 69 years after fire. Four populations were in sites that were clear-cut and burned; one population occurred on the site of a natural burn. Environmental measurements in the sites revealed large differences with respect to light, soil water, and soil nutrients. We investigated the extent to which microhabitat selection was responsible for the persistence of D. spicata across the 70-year successional gradient. On three sites the D. spicata populations were in locations with a higher mean light level than the mean value for the site. During a 3-week period of no rain the plants in the four experimental burn sites were observed to occur in locations with a lower mean soil water potential than the mean for the site. It appears that microhabitat selection significantly altered the successional gradient as experienced by these populations of D. spicata.
A comparative study of two cytotypes of Chenopodium album in West Bengal, India
Authors: Mukherjee Kalyan Kumar
Published: January 2008

Two cytotypes, one diploid (2n = 18) and one hexaploid (2n = 54), of Chenopodium album L. were found in West Bengal. Morphological differences exist in the two cytotypes. Diploid plants were taller and had different flowering time, larger leaves, and lower saponin content in the seed as compared with the polyploid plants. Polyploidy is not associated with reduction of pollen fertility. A general uniformity in chromosome size, normal meiosis, bivalent formation, and regular seed setting in the polyploid suggest that homozygosity is a result of a continuous process of selection and evolution. Low saponin content and high protein content in the seed of the diploid may prove to be useful in breeding this variety as an alternative source of protein.