bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Did an ancient chlamydial endosymbiosis facilitate the establishment of primary plastids?
Authors: Huang Jinling , Gogarten Johann Peter
Published: June 2007

Background

Ancient endosymbioses are responsible for the origins of mitochondria and plastids, and they contribute to the divergence of several major eukaryotic groups. Although chlamydiae, a group of obligate intracellular bacteria, are not found in plants, an unexpected number of chlamydial genes are most similar to plant homologs, which, interestingly, often contain a plastid-targeting signal. This observation has prompted several hypotheses, including gene transfer between chlamydiae and plant-related groups and an ancestral relationship between chlamydiae and cyanobacteria.

Results

We conducted phylogenomic analyses of the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae to identify genes specifically related to chlamydial homologs. We show that at least 21 genes were transferred between chlamydiae and primary photosynthetic eukaryotes, with the donor most similar to the environmental Protochlamydia. Such an unusually high number of transferred genes suggests an ancient chlamydial endosymbiosis with the ancestral primary photosynthetic eukaryote. We hypothesize that three organisms were involved in establishing the primary photosynthetic lineage: the eukaryotic host cell, the cyanobacterial endosymbiont that provided photosynthetic capability, and a chlamydial endosymbiont or parasite that facilitated the establishment of the cyanobacterial endosymbiont.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a glimpse into the complex interactions that were necessary to establish the primary endosymbiotic relationship between plastid and host cytoplasms, and thereby explain the rarity with which long-term successful endosymbiotic relationships between heterotrophs and photoautotrophs were established. Our data also provide strong and independent support for a common origin of all primary photosynthetic eukaryotes and of the plastids they harbor.
Phase III Study of Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Compared With Fluorouracil and Leucovorin Plus Oxaliplatin in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Final Report of the AIO Colorectal Study Group
Authors: Porschen Rainer , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Kubicka Stephan , Greil Richard , Seufferlein Thomas , Freier Werner , Kretzschmar Albrecht , Graeven Ullrich , Grothey Axel , Hinke Axel , Schmiegel Wolff , Schmoll Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To compare the use of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) with infusional fluorouracil (FU)/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FUFOX) as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC).

Patients and Methods

A total of 474 patients with MCRC received either CAPOX (capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 bid, days 1 to 14 plus oxaliplatin 70 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, repeated every 22 days) ) or FUFOX (oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 followed by leucovorin 500 mg/m2 plus FU 2,000 mg/m2 as a 22-hour infusion days 1, 8, 15, and 22, repeated every 36 days). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were response rate (RR), overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure, and toxicity. The study was designed to determine noninferiority for the CAPOX regimen.

Results

Median PFS was 7.1 months in the CAPOX arm and 8.0 months in the FUFOX arm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.43; P = .117). Median OS was 16.8 months (CAPOX) and 18.8 months (FUFOX; HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.38; P = .26). Overall RRs were 48% for CAPOX (95% CI, 41% to 54%) and 54% for FUFOX (95% CI, 47% to 60%). Both regimens were generally well tolerated, although there was a significantly higher incidence of grade 2/3 hand-foot syndrome (HFS) in the CAPOX arm (P = .028).

Conclusion

CAPOX resulted in a slightly inferior efficacy than FUFOX. With respect to PFS, the best estimate of the HR of 1.17 was within the prespecified equivalence range. However, a relevant inferiority cannot be excluded. Both regimens were generally well tolerated but there was a significantly higher rate of grade 2/3 HFS in the CAPOX arm.
Phase III Study of Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Compared With Continuous-Infusion Fluorouracil Plus Oxaliplatin As First-Line Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Final Report of the Spanish Cooperative Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumors Trial
Authors: Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Tabernero Jose , Gómez-España Auxiliadora , Massutí Bartomeu , Sastre Javier , Chaves Manuel , Abad Alberto , Carrato Alfredo , Queralt Bernardo , Reina Juan José , Maurel Joan , González-Flores Encarnación , Aparicio Jorge , Rivera Fernando , Losa Ferrán , Aranda Enrique
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this phase III trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) versus Spanish-based continuous-infusion high-dose fluorouracil (FU) plus oxaliplatin (FUOX) regimens as first-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC).

Patients and Methods

A total of 348 patients were randomly assigned to receive XELOX (oral capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days plus oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks) or FUOX (continuous-infusion FU 2,250 mg/m2 during 48 hours on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36 plus oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on days 1, 15, and 29 every 6 weeks).

Results

There were no significant differences in efficacy between XELOX and FUOX arms, which showed, respectively, median time to tumor progression (TTP; 8.9 v 9.5 months; P = .153); median overall survival (18.1 v 20.8 months; P = .145); and confirmed response rate (RR; 37% v 46%; P = .539). The safety profile of the two regimens was similar, although there were lower rates of grade 3/4 diarrhea (14% v 24%) and grade 1/2 stomatitis (28% v 43%), and higher rates of grade 1/2 hyperbilirubinemia (37% v 21%) and grade 1/2 hand-foot syndrome (14% v 5%) with XELOX versus FUOX, respectively.

Conclusion

This randomized study shows a similar TTP of XELOX compared with FUOX in the first-line treatment of MCRC, although there was a trend for slightly lower RR and survival. XELOX can be considered as an alternative to FUOX.
hnRNP I/PTB can antagonize the splicing repressor activity of SRp30c
Authors: Paradis Caroline , Cloutier Philippe , Shkreta Lulzim , Toutant Johanne , Klarskov Klaus , Chabot Benoit
Published: June 2007

The control of alternative pre-mRNA splicing often requires the participation of factors displaying synergistic or antagonistic activities. In the hnRNP A1 pre-mRNA, three elements promote the exclusion of alternative exon 7B, while a fourth intron element (CE9) represses splicing of exon 7B to the downstream exon. We have shown previously that the 5′ portion of the 38-nucleotide-long CE9 element is bound by SRp30c, and that this interaction is important for repression in vitro. To determine whether SRp30c alone can impose repression, we tested a high-affinity SRp30c binding site that we identified using the SELEX protocol. We find that multiple high-affinity SRp30c sites are required to replicate the level of repression obtained with CE9, and that both the 5′ and the 3′ portions of CE9 contribute to SRp30c binding. Performing RNA affinity chromatography with the complete CE9 element recovered hnRNP I/PTB. Surprisingly however, His-tagged PTB reduced the binding of SRp30c to CE9 in a nuclear extract, stimulated splicing to a downstream 3′ splice site, and relieved the CE9-mediated splicing repression in vitro. Our in vivo results are consistent with the notion that increasing PTB levels alleviates the repression imposed by CE9 to a downstream 3′ splice site. Thus, PTB can function as an anti-repressor molecule to counteract the splicing inhibitory activity of SRp30c.
Practice Abstracts
Authors: Denton Brian T.
Published: June 2007

The goal of “Practice Abstracts” is to present interesting, topical, and novel applications of operations research methodology to a wide range of industrial applications. “Practice Abstracts” are intended to provide Interfaces readers with short (2–4 page) descriptions of the most relevant aspects of operations research-based projects, in a form that is accessible to academics and practitioners in other organizations. Contributions should be sent for evaluation to the editor of “Practice Abstracts,” Brian T. Denton, Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Pavilion 3, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, denton.brian@mayo.edu.
ASP, The Art and Science of Practice: Direct Advisors vs. Tool Developers—Implications for Practice
Authors: Hew Patrick
Published: June 2007

The operations research market may be shifting from the direct provision of advice to clients to the development of tools that clients can use themselves. Driving this change is the commodification of information processing. Practitioners will find new opportunities in providing the expert software components within decision-support systems.
A Novel Problem for a Vintage Technique: Using Mixed-Integer Programming to Match Wineries and Distributors
Authors: Cholette Susan
Published: June 2007

Wineries must find distributors to represent their wines, and distributors seek interesting wines to sell to clients. Wineries and distributors often form partnerships at trade shows. I created a system to qualify potential partnerships for one such trade show, the World Wine Market, by formulating a mixed-integer program that is an embellished transportation model. I based its parameters on answers to a questionnaire I obtained from a subset of trade-show attendees who were seeking partners. Of 675 possible matches between wineries and distributors, the program recommended 31 as the optimal set of matches. This resulted in an allocation of just over 50,000 cases of wine. Participants provided positive feedback. In addition, the program introduced at least one winery and a corresponding distributor who have formed a profitable, long-term partnership.
Fehlertolerante mechatronische Systeme, Teil 2 (Fault-tolerant Mechatronic Systems, Part 2)
Authors: Isermann Rolf
Published: June 2007

Nach einem einführenden Teil in Heft 4/2007 werden im Folgenden verschiedene realisierte, fehlertolerante Systeme gezeigt, wie z. B. ein fehlertoleranter Doppelsensor in einem E-Gas-Aktor, ein fehlertoleranter Asynchronmotorenantrieb mit Getriebe in verschiedenen Duplex-Anordnungen und die analytische Sensorredundanz für das querdynamische Verhalten eines PKW. Dabei werden die jeweilige Fehlererkennung und die Rekonfigurationsstrategie beschrieben. Diese ermöglichen es, die Funktion nach dem Auftreten von Fehlern mit nur kleinen Störungen des Betriebes aufrecht zu erhalten.
Sichere drahtlose Kommunikation im industriellen Umfeld mit ZigBee (Secure Wireless Communications in Industrial Automation with ZigBee)
Authors: Adamczyk Heiko
Published: June 2007

Die Rolle der Informationssicherheit innerhalb der industriellen Automation nimmt stetig zu. Erste Lösungsansätze basieren weitestgehend auf einer Integration zusätzlicher, meist nachträglich integrierter (Security) Funktionen. Natürlich ist das ein Weg zur Absicherung existierender Anlagen. Ist das aber der generelle Weg zur Umsetzung der Informationssicherheit? Am Beispiel von ZigBee, einem Vertreter drahtloser Sensor-Netzwerke, wird im folgenden Beitrag zunächst versucht, die spezifischen Anforderungen der industriellen Automation mit seinen Randbedingungen darzustellen. Es wird dann gezeigt, wie ZigBee bereits innerhalb der Spezifikation auf derartige Anforderungen reagiert und welche Möglichkeiten hinsichtlich der Security Funktionalität dem Anwender geboten wird.
Modeling batch kinetics of cesium, cobalt and strontium ions adsorption from aqueous solutions using hydrous titanium oxide
Authors: Metwally E. , Abdel Rahman R. O. , Ayoub R. R.
Published: June 2007

Hydrous titanium oxide was chemically synthesized and tested as adsorbent material for the removal of cesium, cobalt and strontium ions from chloride waste solutions using batch technique. The influences of pH, contact time, and temperature have been reported. The uptake of both strontium and cobalt ions was found to be greater than that of cesium and the apparent sorption capacity of each ion increases with increase in temperature. Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in Gibbs free energy (ΔG
0), enthalpy (ΔH
0), and entropy (ΔS
0) were calculated. The numerical value of ΔG
0 decreases with an increase in temperature, indicating that the sorption reaction of each ion was more favorable at higher temperature. The positive values of ΔH
0 correspond to the endothermic nature of sorption processes and suggested that chemisorption was the predominant mechanism. Analysis of the respective rate data in accordance with three kinetic models revealed that the homogeneous particle diffusion kinetic model was found to best correlate the experimental rate data. The numerical values of the rate constants and particle diffusion coefficients were determined from the graphical representation of the proposed models. The results indicated that prepared hydrous titanium oxide can be used as an efficient adsorbent material for the removal of strontium and cobalt ions from radioactive aqueous wastes.
Simple and fully automated preparation of [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635
Authors: Wadsak Wolfgang , Mien Leonhard-Key , Ettlinger Dagmar E. , Lanzenberger Rupert , Haeusler Daniela , Dudczak Robert , Kletter Kurt , Mitterhauser Markus
Published: June 2007

So far, [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635 is the PET-tracer of choice for 5HT1A-receptor-imaging. Since the preparation is still a challenge, we aimed at (1) the evaluation of various essential parameters for the successful preparation, (2) the simplification of the radiosynthesis and (3) the establishment of a safe and fully automated system. The preparation is based on a commercial synthesizer and all chemicals are used without further processing. We found a low failure rate (7.7%), high average yield (4.0 ± 1.0 GBq) and a specific radioactivity of 292 ± 168 GBq/μmol (both at the end of synthesis, EOS).
Assessment of atmospheric pollution level usingAsclepias proceraleaves as biomonitor
Authors: Daud Muhammad , Khalid Nasir , Iqbal Javed , Ahmad Shujaat
Published: June 2007

The potential ofAsclepias proceraplant leaves as biomonitor for air pollution monitoring has been explored by analyzing 36 elements in the leaf samples employing Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometric (AAS) techniques. The leaf samples were collected in summer and winter seasons from urban areas of Islamabad with different anthropogenic activities as well as from a rural area as a reference site. The soil samples of the respective sites were also analyzed. The reliability of the methods used was established by analyzing the certified reference materials under identical experimental conditions and comparing the results obtained with the certified values, which are in quite good agreement with each other. Pollution Load Index (PLI) of the determined elements was computed and is discussed accordingly. The uptake of metals from soil to roots, stem and leaves has also been investigated by analyzing these parts of the same plant. The results suggest that the leaves ofAsclepias proceraplant have a good potential to indicate the air pollution levels both in the vicinity of industrial as well as near roadside areas.
Hematologic and Blood Biochemistry Monitoring During Methylphenidate Treatment in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: 2-Year, Open-Label Study Results
Authors: Wigal Sharon B. , Wilens Timothy E. , Wolraich Mark , Lerner Marc
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. Patients receiving methylphenidate for the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are recommended to receive periodic hematologic monitoring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of methylphenidate treatment on blood biochemistry and hematologic values.

METHODS. This study involved a detailed analysis of changes in hematologic and blood biochemistry values over the course of a 2-year study of once-daily OROS methylphenidate in otherwise healthy children aged 6 to 13 years with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Routine hematologic and blood biochemistry assessments were performed at baseline, at 6 and 12 months during study treatment, and at the end of the study.

RESULTS. Of the 407 subjects enrolled in the study, 289 completed year 1, and 229 completed 21 of 24 months. No subject was excluded from entry into the study or discontinued from the study because of abnormalities of any of the blood chemistries evaluated. There were no clinically significant changes from baseline in mean values for hematologic or blood biochemistry parameters. For most values, the mean change in value over the course of the study was <5%.

CONCLUSIONS. These longer-term data suggest that chronic therapy with OROS methylphenidate has no clinically significant impact on laboratory values, challenging the necessity of routine hematologic monitoring in otherwise healthy children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who are treated with methylphenidate.
Growth and Growth Hormone Therapy in Subjects With Mulibrey Nanism
Authors: Karlberg Niklas , Jalanko Hannu , Lipsanen-Nyman Marita
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. Mulibrey nanism is a monogenic disorder with prenatal-onset growth restriction, mild dysmorphic features, and a strong tendency for insulin resistance but no major neurologic handicap. Growth hormone therapy has been shown to promote short-term growth in children born small for gestational age, but the experience with long-term therapy is insufficient. Growth in patients with mulibrey nanism has not been analyzed previously in detail.

METHODS. We evaluated the natural growth pattern and long-term impact of growth hormone treatment in the largest cohort of subjects with mulibrey nanism to date. The study included 72 living subjects followed up to 30 years. Thirty (18 female) were treated with recombinant human growth hormone for a median period of 5.7 years. Patients were reviewed at baseline and every 6 to 12 months during the therapy. Evaluation included assessment of height, weight, and pubertal status and laboratory analyses. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by oral glucose-tolerance test.

RESULTS. The patients were born small for gestational age with immature craniofacial features. They experienced a continuous deceleration in height (median decrement of 1.1 SDS) and weight for height (median reduction of 17%) in infancy followed by an incomplete catch-up growth lasting up to school age. The final adult height averaged 136 cm in girls and 150 cm in boys. Growth hormone treatment improved the prepubertal growth but had only little impact on adult height (+5 cm). The treated subjects showed earlier bone maturation and growth arrest but not a significant increase in insulin resistance. On the contrary, the subjects who were treated with growth hormone were slimmer and had less metabolic syndrome as young adults.

CONCLUSIONS. The patients with mulibrey nanism showed a distinct postnatal growth pattern. The growth hormone treatment was safe and induced a good short-term effect, but the impact on the adult height remained modest.
Műtrágyázás hatása a szemescirok (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) elemfelvételére
Authors: Kádár Imre
Published: June 2007

Karbonátos csernozjom
vályog talajon, egy műtrágyázási tartamkísérlet 19. évében vizsgáltuk az eltérő
NPK-ellátottsági szintek és kombinációik hatását az Alföldi 1. hibrid
szemescirok elemösszetételére és fajlagos elemtartalmára. A termőhely talaja a
szántott rétegben 3% humuszt, 5% CaCO
3
-ot és 20% agyagot
tartalmazott; P és Zn elemekkel gyengén, N és K elemekkel közepesen ellátottnak
minősült. Kísérletünk 4N×4P×4K=64 kezelést és 2 ismétlést foglalt magában 128
parcellával. A műtrágyákat 25%-os N-tartalmú pétisó, 18%-os szuperfoszfát és
50%-os kálisó formájában adagoltuk. A talajvíz 15 m mélyen helyezkedik el, a
terület aszály-érzékeny. A főbb eredményeket az alábbiakban foglaljuk össze. A
maximális 4,1 t/ha szem-, ill. 4,8 t/ha szárterméseket a 19 éve nitrogénnel nem
trágyázott, 105 mg/kg AL-P
2
O
5
-, ill. 128 mg/kg AL-K
2
O-ellátottságú
parcellákon kaptuk. A N-trágyázás depressziót eredményezett, mely a P-hiányos
talajon és a 300 kg N/ha/év adagolás esetén már 50%-os termésveszteséget
okozott ebben az aszályos évben. A K-trágyázás hatástalan maradt. A N-túlsúly
serkentette a nitrogén, kén, mangán, réz és gátolta a molibdén beépülését a
vegetatív szervekbe. A csökkenő szemtermésben ugyanakkor a molibdén
megháromszorozódott a N-kontrollhoz viszonyítva. A P-trágyázás növelte a Ca,
Mg, Fe, Mn és Sr, ill. mérsékelte a K, Zn, Cu és B elemek koncentrációját a
növény vegetatív részeiben, esetenként a szemben is. Erősen kifejezetté vált a
P-Mn és P-Sr szinergizmus a zöld növényi részekben, valamint a P-Zn
antagonizmus minden szervben. A K-trágyázás drasztikusan csökkentette a Ca, Mg,
Na és Sr kationok felvételét a kation-antagonizmus nyomán. A szemescirok
optimális ellátottságát a fiatal 4-6 leveles hajtás vagy a kifejlett
bugahányáskori levél 2,0-3,0% N-; 0,20-0,30% P- és 1,5-3,0% K-tartalom; ill. a
7-15 N/P és az 50-150 közötti P/Zn aránya jellemezheti. Adataink iránymutatóul
szolgálhatnak a szaktanácsadás számára. Kombájn betakarításnál, amikor csak a
szemtermést visszük el a tábláról, a talaj főként N és P elemekben szegényedhet.
Az 1 t szem + a hozzá tartozó melléktermés fajlagos elemtartalma kísérletünkben
átlagosan 31 kg N, 6-7 kg P
2
O
5
, 16-17 kg K
2
O,
8 kg CaO és 5 kg MgO mennyiségnek adódott. A N és CaO jó egyezést mutatott a
hazai szaktanácsadásban ajánlottal, míg a szaktanácsadásban elfogadott P
2
O
5

mintegy 50%-kal, a K
2
O 80-90%-kal haladta meg a kísérletben mért
fajlagos értékeket.
Nutrient Uptake by Weeds in a Long-term Maize Field Experiment
Authors: Lehoczky Éva , Tóth Z. , Kismányoky A. , Kismányoky T.
Published: June 2007

The effect of four NPK fertilizer rates (NPK[1:1:1]: 0, 300, 600,
900 kg active ingredients·ha
-1
) was studied on the growth of maize
and on weed infestation - bio-mass production and nutrient uptake of weeds - in
four replications in a 35-year old long-term maize continuous cropping field
experiment (Keszthely, Hungary). The weed flora was recorded on 1 June, 2003 in
the 6-8-leaf development stage of maize. The effect of the increasing rates of
fertilizers was analyzed and evaluated from the results of biomass production
as well as the nutrient uptake of weeds and maize, respectively. On the
experimental plots 9 weed species were
registered at the date of sampling, from which 4 species were perennial and 5
species were annual ones. All the weeds were collected from 1 m² areas of each plot and the different weed species were
separated from each other. The fresh and dry weights of the canopy of maize and
the different weed species were measured. The
nutrient (NPK) contents of maize and weed samples were measured in the
laboratory. Total and species scale nutrient concentration, as well as per-unit
nutrient uptake of maize and weeds were compared. The increasing rates of
mineral fertilizers had a significant effect on the biomass production and on
the nutrient uptake of weeds. Significant differences were also found between
the biomass production and nutrient uptake of the different weed species.
Effect of Microelement Loads on the Element Fractions of Soil and Plant Uptake
Authors: Rékási Márk , Filep T.
Published: June 2007

The effect of microelement loads was investigated on
the mobile (1
M
NH
4
NO
3
soluble), mobilizable (NH
4
-acetate
+ EDTA soluble) and pseudo total (cc. HNO
3
+ H
2
O
2
)
element concentrations of a calcareous chernozem soil in a long-term field
experiment. Salts of 13 microelements were applied on four levels: 0, 90, 270
and 810 kg/ha in the spring of 1991 prior to sowing maize. The relations
between the mobile, mobilizable and pseudo total fractions of a heavy metal
contaminated soil were defined and quantified. According to this, Ba, Mo, Sr
and Se have the greatest mobility, while Cu, Ni and Zn showed strong fixation
on the examined soil. The maximum quantities of elements incorporated in the
whole above-ground yield of maize were as follows (in g/ha): Al 1548, Zn 543,
Mo 352, Ba 269, Cd 201, Se 153, Sr 116, Cu 64, Pb 22, Ni 15, Hg 8, Cr 4 and As
<1. Transfer coefficients calculated as a
quotient of different soil element fractions and maize grain and stem element
contents were compared. In the case of grain the greatest accumulation was
found in relation to the Ni, Cu and Se contents of the mobile fraction. The
coefficient values were 3, 5 and 7, respectively. Coefficients for stem may
exceed those obtained for grain. The accumulation decreases as a function of
loads. The coefficients for NH
4
NO
3
extractions show the
greatest standard deviation, thus this quotient indicates the heavy metal and
toxic element accumulation in plants with the greatest sensitiveness.
Seasonal Dynamics of Mycorrhizal Colonization in the Rhizosphere of Some Dominant Halophytes
Authors: Füzy A. , Tóth T. , Biró Borbála
Published: June 2007

Dominant halophytes, such
as
Plantago maritima, Aster tripolium, Artemisia santonicum, Puccinellia
limosa, Festuca pseudovina
and
Lepidium crassifolium
were monitored
for their colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for two vegetation
periods, sampled by monthly frequency. Two saline sites (A: Apaj-puszta and Z:
Zabszék) were selected for the survey due to their similar physical and
chemical soil characteristics (including the salt level and salt specific
anions) and the distinct site use (pasturing or not) or water regime (as
drought or temporally flooded at the vicinity of the Zabszék lake).  Colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi greatly depended on the plant species and their physiological status,
such as the mycotroph or non-mycotroph character. In this respect the highest
mycorrhizal intensity (M%) and arbusculum richness (A%) was found on the
Plantago
maritima
, while
Puccinellia limosa
was the less dependent species on
mycorrhiza fungi.  A characteristic
seasonal dynamism was found at both saline sites, for all sampled halophytes. A
maximum mycorrhizal colonization was recorded in late spring and early summer,
when there was an increased plant-physiological initiative
for the helpful symbiosis (i.e. intensive vegetative and/or generative phases
of the hosts).  The rate of fungal
intensity in the root system (M%), and especially the arbusculum richness (A%)
on the other hand was found to be dependent on the site use and the water
fluctuation in the soils. A more versatile dynamism of the mycorrhizal
colonization was found therefore at the vicinity of the Zabszek lake with the
permanent water fluctuations. Under more drought stressed conditions an
increased mycorrhizal colonization and functioning (arbusculum richness) was
found, generally preceeding the high environmental stress, which was
deleterious for both symbiont partners. Such mycorrhizal dynamism in the
rhizosphere, however, seems to be a common strategy between the hosts and the
microsymbionts in the “struggle for life” process in the Hungarian steppe.
Modelling of Soil Respiration in Hungary
Authors: Ács Ferenc , Breuer H.
Published: June 2007

The climatology of soil respiration in Hungary is
presented. Soil respiration is estimated by a Thornthwaite-based biogeochemical
model using soil hydrophysical data and climatological fields of precipitation
and air temperature. Soil respiration fields are analyzed for different soil
textures (sand, sandy loam, loam, clay loam and clay) and time periods (year,
growing season and months).  Strong
linear relationships were found between soil respiration and the actual evapotranspiration
for annual and growing season time periods. In winter months soil respiration
is well correlated with air temperature, while in summer months there is a
quite variable relationship with water balance components. The strength of
linear relationship between soil respiration and climatic variables is much
better for coarser than for finer soil texture.
RNA expression as a prognostic tool in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Fischer Krisztina , Galamb Orsolya , Molnár Béla , Tulassay Zsolt , Szabó András
Published: June 2007

A gyermekkori nephrosis 90%-a idiopathiás nephrosis szindróma. Az idetartozó három kórkép, a minimal change betegség, a mesangialis proliferatio és a focalis sclerosis hasonló klinikai képpel jelentkező, eltérő prognózisú és terápiás válaszú betegség. Dolgozatunk célja az idiopathiás nephrosis szindrómába tartozó kórképek kialakulásával, progressziójával összefüggő genetikai ismeretek, génexpressziós változások áttekintése és funkcionális csoportosítása. A génexpressziós változások meghatározásának eszközeként, dolgozatunk röviden összefoglalja a northern blot, a ribonuclease protection assay, azin situRNS-hibridizáció, a kvantitatív RT-PCR és a microarray módszerek lényegét. Az eddig elvégzett vizsgálatok a DNS-szintézis és repair gének, növekedési faktorok, extracelluláris mátrix, extracelluláris ligandreceptorok, extracelluláris jelátvitel zavarai mellett kiemelik a metabolikus és transzporter gének, illetve az immunszabályozó gének molekuláris eltéréseit, amelyek összefüggésben vannak az idiopathiás nephrosis szindróma eddig megismert molekuláris hátterével. A chiptechnológia fejlődésével és elterjedésével ezek a markerek és a hagyományos vizsgálati módszerek párhuzamos alkalmazása rutindiagnosztikai szempontból is fontossá válhat.
Molecular pathology and clinical manifestations of Fabry disease
Authors: Rákóczi Éva , Görögh Sándor , Grubits János , Erdős Melinda , Garzuly Ferenc , Hahn Katalin , Bencsik Krisztina , Vécsei László , Trinn Csilla , Kristóf Éva , Mogyorósy Gábor , Tóth Beáta , Maródi László
Published: June 2007

A Fabry-kór X-kromoszómához kötött öröklődésmenetű, több szervet érintő, ritka, lysosomalis tárolási betegség, amelyet a GAL gén mutációja, az α-galaktozidáz A-enzim elégtelen működése okoz. Az enzimhiány következtében lipid lebontási termékek (glikoszfingolipidek) halmozódnak fel a kiserek endothel sejtjeiben, a simaizomsejtekben, a leukocytákban, és a fibroblastokban. A betegséget a bőrön, a szemben, az idegrendszerben, a vesében és a szívben sokszínű szervi eltérések jellemzik. A Fabry-kór leggyakoribb klinikai megjelenési formái az acroparesthesia, az angiokeratoma, a corneahomály, valamint különféle cardialis, renalis és cerebrovascularis megbetegedések. A 2003 óta Magyarországon is elérhető enzimpótló kezeléssel a betegség progressziója lassítható. A szerzők közleményükben 31 beteg férfi és hordozó nő klinikai adatait foglalják össze. A 31 főből 15 férfi, 16 nő, az elhunytak száma 5 fő (4 férfi, 1 nő). A nők egynegyede tünetmentes. A 7 gondozott család mindegyikében sikerült azonosítani a betegségokozó mutációt; 3 családban új mutáció igazolódott. Enzimpótló kezelésben 12 beteg részesül, közülük 8 férfi, 4 nő.
Stainless steel structures in fire
Authors: Gardner L.
Published: June 2007

The initial material cost of structural stainless steel is about four times that of structural carbon steel, largely owing to the expense of the alloying elements and the relatively low volume of production. Given broadly similar structural performance, additional areas of benefit need to be identified and exploited in order to establish stainless steel as a viable alternative material for construction. In addition to the familiar benefits of corrosion resistance, low maintenance, high residual value and aesthetics, one such area is fire resistance. Stainless steel generally displays superior strength and stiffness retention at elevated temperature when compared to carbon steel, but also exhibits greater thermal expansion. The current paper describes experimental, numerical and analytical investigations into the elevated temperature response of stainless steel structures. Comparisons are made with the behaviour of carbon steel structures in fire and proposals for improved structural fire resistant design guidance for stainless steel are described.
Enhancing ductility of non-seismically designed RC shear walls
Authors: Kuang J. S. , Ho Y. B.
Published: June 2007

Experimental investigation is conducted on the seismic behaviour and ductility enhancement of non-seismically designed reinforced concrete shear walls with various configurations of confinement links. Large-scale squat shear wall specimens are tested under reversed cyclic loads. Emphasis is placed on the effects of the boundary confinement and configuration of confinement links on the improvement of seismic performance and ductility. It has been shown that modification in reinforcement detailing specifications for non-seismic design should be made in order to improve seismic behaviour and enhance ductility capacity, as well as the energy dissipation ability, of reinforced concrete shear walls with non-seismic design for fulfilling the requirements of low to moderate seismicity. This can be achieved by adopting the specific reinforcement detailing, which is proposed based on the results of the experimental study. The proposed reinforcement details include only minor modifications to the detailing techniques of currently practiced non-seismic design, which can lead to an important improvement of ductile response behaviour of the shear walls, but do not result in significant increases in construction cost and difficulty.
Cracking and tension zone behaviour in RC flexural members
Authors: Kong K. L. , Beeby A. W. , Forth J. P. , Scott R. H.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the results of an extensive programme of research carried out jointly at the University of Leeds and the University of Durham to clarify various aspects of cracking behaviour particularly in the tension zones of flexural members. The results show that concrete cover is the only parameter affecting the transfer length at load levels close to cracking and up to service load. An attempt has also been made to show the bond mechanism at the bar–concrete interface using the technique of ink injection. Unfortunately, this technique failed to reveal internal cracks between two major cracks when the stress in the reinforcement was increased up to approximately 200 MPa; whether this was attributed to their absence or to faults in the testing procedure was unclear. The current paper also proposes an empirical formula to predict the transfer length in slabs. The input data required are more simple and convenient to collect than using a crack width microscope and the predictions from the formula are just as accurate.
Inclined reinforcement around web opening in concrete beams
Authors: Yang K.-H. , Ashour A. F.
Published: June 2007

Twelve reinforced-concrete continuous deep beams having web openings within interior shear spans were tested to failure. The main variables investigated were the opening size and the amount of inclined reinforcement around openings. An effective inclined reinforcement factor combining the influence of the amount of inclined web reinforcement and opening size is proposed and used to analyse the structural behaviour of continuous deep beams tested. It was observed that the end support reaction, diagonal crack width and load capacity of beams tested were significantly dependent on the proposed effective inclined reinforcement factor. As this factor increased, the end support reaction and increasing rate of diagonal crack width were closer to those of companion solid deep beams. In addition, a higher load capacity was exhibited by beams having an effective inclined reinforcement factor above 0·077 than the companion solid deep beam. A numerical procedure based on the upper-bound analysis of the plasticity theory was proposed to estimate the load capacity of beams tested. Comparisons between the measured and predicted load capacities showed good agreement.
Health Risk Evaluations for Ingestion Exposure of Humans to Polonium-210
Authors: Scott Bobby R.
Published: June 2007

The incident in London during November 2006 involving a lethal intake by Mr. Alexander Litvinenko of the highly-radioactive, alpha-particles-emitting polonium-210 (Po-210) isotope, presumably via ingestion, sparked renewed interest in the area of Po-210 toxicity to humans. This paper is the result of assembling and interpreting existing Po-210 data within the context of what is considered a reliable risk model (hazard-function [HF] model) for characterizing the risk of death from deterministic effects of high alpha radiation doses and dose rates to body organs. The HF model was developed to address radiation exposure scenarios involving combined exposures to alpha, beta, and gamma radiations and can be used in circumstances where only one type of radiation is involved. Under a plausible but not yet validated set of assumptions and using available megabecquerel (Po-210) to gray dose-conversion factors, acute lethality risk vs. dose curves were developed for circumstances of ingestion exposure to Po-210 by humans. Initial risk calculations were carried out for a reference adult male human (a hypothetical 70-kg person). Results were then modified for application to all ages (except the in utero child) via the use of systemic Po-210 burden. Because of the unavailability of acute lethality data derived from human ingestions of high levels of Po-210, plausibility of risk calculations were evaluated based on data from studies of Po-210 injections in animals. The animal data, although limited, were found to be consistent with the theoretical risk calculations. Key findings are as follows: (1) ingestion (or inhalation) of a few tents of a milligram of Po-210 will likely be fatal to all exposed persons. (2) Lethal intakes are expected to involve fatal damage to the bone marrow which is likely to be compounded by damage caused by higher doses to other organs including the kidneys and liver. (3) Lethal intakes are expected to cause severe damage to the kidney, spleen, stomach, small and large intestines, lymph nodes, skin, and testes (males) in addition to the fatal damage to bone marrow. (4) The time distribution of deaths is expected to depend on the level of radioactivity ingested or inhaled, with deaths occurring within about a month after very high levels of radioactivity intake (e.g., systemic burdens > 1 MBq/kg-body-mass) and occurring over longer periods, possibly up to or exceeding a year for lower but lethal intakes (systemic burdens from 0.1 to 1.0 MBq/kg-body-mass). Below a systemic burden estimate of 0.02 MBq/kg-body-mass, deaths from deterministic effects are not expected to occur but the risk of cancer and for life shortening could be significant. New, funded experimental and modeling/theoretical research is needed to improve on these estimates.
Presentation procedures in lineups and mug books: a direct comparison
Authors: McAllister Hunter A. , Michel Lacie L. M. , Tarcza Erin V. , Fitzmorris J. Michael , Nguyen Kim H. T.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this research was to replicate and to extend past findings that the best procedure for presenting lineup pictures is not the best procedure for presenting mug book pictures. Participants witnessed a videotape of a simulated crime that was followed by a lineup task for half the participants or a mug book task for the other half. The task factor was crossed with two other factors: (a) a presentation procedure factor—pictures presented one‐at‐a‐time or grouped 12 per page and (b) a presence of the perpetrator factor—perpetrator present or absent in the viewed pictures. For perpetrator‐absent conditions, the one‐at‐a time lineup procedure produced more correct rejections than the grouped lineup procedure replicating past results; however, for the mug book task the two presentation procedures did not differ. For perpetrator‐present conditions, the grouped presentation procedure produced more correct identifications than the one‐at‐a time procedure in both lineups and mug books. The different pattern of results for lineups and mug books was explained in terms of differences in response criterion. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternally inherited duplication of chromosome 7, dup(7)(p11.2p12), associated with mild cognitive deficit without features of Silver–Russell syndrome
Authors: Leach Natalia T. , Chudoba Ilse , Stewart Tasheena V. , Holmes Lewis B. , Weremowicz Stanislawa
Published: June 2007

We report on a familial duplication in the short arm of chromosome 7, dup(7)(p11.2p12), present in three generations. The duplication was identified by GTG‐banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a whole chromosome 7 DNA painting probe that verified that the duplicated material originated from chromosome 7. The multicolor banding (mBAND) was used to refine the breakpoint assignment. The duplication identified in the proband was also present in her son and mother. All three carriers have mild cognitive deficiencies. Interstitial duplications of the short arm of chromosome 7, although relatively uncommon, have been described in association with a variety of clinical features, including mental retardation of varying severity. Duplication of the p11.2p13 region on chromosome 7 was reported in association with Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS), and an overlapping dup(7)(p11.2p14.1)dn was described in an individual with autistic disorder. Furthermore, a potentially overlapping maternally transmitted inverted duplication, dup(7)(p13p12.2), was reported in patients with cognitive delay. These observations and the phenotype of our duplication carriers suggest that partial trisomy of the proximal 7p region causes cognitive deficiency. The maternal origin of the duplication is of special interest in light of genomic imprinting and implication of the 7p11‐p13 region in the SRS etiology. Locus‐specific FISH targeting a growth factor receptor binding protein 10 (GRB10), the strong candidate for SRS residing at 7p12.2, showed that it is not duplicated in our patients. Our study helps refine the SRS critical region on 7p and extends our understanding of the clinical manifestations associated with 7p duplications. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) syndrome associated with progressive cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Yoshida Kunihiro , Okano Tomomi , Hoshi Kenichi , Yahikozawa Hiroyuki , Suzuki Kayo , Banno Haruhiko , Tamura Takuya , Sobue Gen , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: June 2007

We here report on a Japanese family with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) syndrome associated with slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. The pedigree indicated autosomal dominant inheritance. All affected individuals showed a complete loss of upgaze function with ptosis, and severe or moderate restriction of downgaze function probably from the birth. Horizontal gaze function was well preserved, except for the eldest patient, who showed both eyes almost totally fixed in exotrophic position. The primary vertical and horizontal position of each eye varied from patient to patient. Aberrant eye movements were observed on attempted upgaze. They showed amblyopia and/or astigmatism, but none of them complained of diplopia. Pupillary reactions were normal, and retinal pigmentary degeneration or optic atrophy was not observed. These ophthalmological findings were consistent with the CFEOM phenotype. The two middle‐aged patients, but not the two younger patients, showed slowly progressive gait ataxia with juvenile onset. Magnetic resonance images of the brain indicated cerebellar atrophy in addition to congenital hypoplasia in the cerebellar vermis. Molecular genetic analysis provided a negative linkage to the FEOM3 locus. Linkage to the FEOM1 locus could not be excluded in our family, but mutation in KIF21A, a major cause of the CFEOM1 phenotype, was not detected. We consider that this family may broaden the spectrum of the clinical features of CFEOM or the related disorders presenting with the CFEOM phenotype. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elongational rheology by different methods and orientation number
Authors: Collier John R. , Petrovan Simioan , Hudson Nick , Wei Xiaoling
Published: June 2007

The elongational rheology of polymer melts was measured by the authors using the hyperbolic convergent die technique and the results were compared with the same samples measured using a Meissner type device or an Instron tensile tester. Polyethylene and polystyrene samples were tested at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule‐Zürich or Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and the polyisobutylene was part of a world wide “Round Robin” comparison. A modified Weissenberg number, i.e., an Orientation number, is suggested to explain the agreement between techniques for some samples and lack of agreement for others. The Orientation number is the product of Hencky strain, elongational strain rate, and average relaxation time. When it is less than one a relaxation dominant regime results, when greater than one an orientation dominant regime results, and near one a transition occurs. For the hyperbolic convergent die technique, in which the polymers are transversely constrained by the walls, the extrudates in the transition regime have slight surface defects and the pressure fluctuates more than in the other regimes. If the transition occurs after significant time, i.e., lower elongational strain rates, in the free boundary Meissner and Instron devices, the samples apparently experience more relaxation since unconstrained transversely (and perhaps differential thinning) leading to disagreement with the hyperbolic die measurements. The orientation related body forces are magnitudes larger than the shearing forces and cause slip at the wall in the hyperbolic dies in the orientation dominant regime. Even in the relaxation dominant regime, shear near the wall is a minor contributor to the necessary pressure force. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Combined forecast impact of GRACE‐A and CHAMP GPS radio occultation bending angle profiles
Authors: Healy S. B. , Wickert J. , Michalak G. , Schmidt T. , Beyerle G.
Published: June 2007

Impact experiments assimilating GRACE‐A and CHAMP GPS radio occultation (GPSRO) bending angle profiles are presented. The standard deviation of the observation minus background bending angle departures above 35‐km is 30% smaller for GRACE‐A than CHAMP, indicating that the GRACE‐A measurements are more accurate. Assimilating the GPSRO measurements improves stratospheric temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere. The combined impact of GRACE‐A and CHAMP is greater than assimilating either instrument individually. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Direct observation of quality of care in residential settings
Authors: Zarcone Jennifer R. , Iwata Brian A. , Rodgers Teresa A. , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: June 2007

Direct‐observation procedures were used to objectively and efficiently assess several classes of service provided for individuals residing at two state facilities for the developmentally disabled. Time samples were taken of the condition of the clients' physical environment and of the clients themselves. The ongoing behavior of both clients and staff also was recorded. Each residence was observed at least three times during both regular work hours and evening/weekend hours. Results showed that both facilities scored high in the categories regarding the physical condition of the living areas, as well as the categories concerning the condition of the clients. Greater variability was seen in the data on client and staff behavior. More generally, the results indicate that time‐sampling procedures can be used efficiently to collect data on multiple aspects of service delivery for large numbers of individuals.
Delusional verbalizations and beliefs
Authors: Himadi Bill , Osteen Frances , Crawford Ellen
Published: June 2007

This study evaluated the intensity of delusional beliefs during the modification of delusional verbalizations with three chronically mentally ill inpatients. The multiple‐baseline across responses design was used to evaluate the efficacy of a behavioral treatment package to modify delusional verbalizations. Results revealed that changes were obtained in delusional verbalizations to personal questions without corresponding changes in the subjects' delusional beliefs. Changes in delusional verbalizations were well‐maintained for two subjects during a 6‐month follow‐up period. Mixed results were obtained for generalization probe interviews.