bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE MEANINGS OF KINSHIP AMONG THE ESE EJJA OF NORTHERN BOLIVIA
Authors: Lepri Isabella
Published: November 2005

This article focuses on the construction of relatedness among an Amazonian people of northern Bolivia. In analysing the Ese Ejja's kinship terminology and practices, it engages with the widespread stress on the processual nature of relatedness encountered in Amazonian studies. The article shows that, for the Ese Ejja, kinship relations are made through shared practices, although in some important respects kinship is considered to be given at birth. Given kinship is considered fixed, whereas processual kinship is open to contestation. The article argues that processual and given aspects of kinship must be considered together in order to account for local understandings of relatedness. The data presented invite further investigation into Amazonian ideas about the sharing of substance through filiation. This has important implications for the understanding of the conceptualization of cross‐ and parallel cousins. The article also suggests that in Amazonia otherness is not always given, as has been extensively argued, and that, in the context of Ese Ejja kinship relations, it is created through marriage and it is constantly made and undone.
TEMPLE AND KING: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, RITUALS AND REDISTRIBUTION IN EARLY BALI
Authors: Hauser‐Schäublin Brigitta
Published: November 2005

This article discusses the intricate relationship between economics, temples, rituals, and king and kingship in early Bali. So far the anthropological representation of the organization of the pre‐colonial or early colonial Balinese state and society has oscillated between the ‘theatre state’ in which ‘power served pomp’ and the alleged disjunction of the state from an economy based for the most part on irrigated agriculture (rice). This article suggests that regional lords as well as kings had a substantial share in the economy as well as in the ritual organization of irrigation agriculture. This involvement functioned on both the local or regional level, with its corresponding irrigation associations (subak) and their rituals, and on the transregional level, with its major temples – which also acted as redistribution centres – and their authorities.
Chinese Immigrants in Canada: Their Changing Composition and Economic Performance1
Authors: Wang Shuguang , Lo Lucia
Published: November 2005

Using landing records and tax data, this paper examines both the changing composition of the Chinese immigrants in Canada in the past two decades and their levels of economic performance. Our research found that, in addition to a shift in origin, economic immigrants have been on the rise and other classes of immigrants have declined. This has been accompanied by a significant increase in their educational qualifications and proficiency in a Canadian official language. Yet, despite their increased human capital, Chinese immigrants still experience very different economic outcomes in the Canadian labour market compared to members of the general population of Canada. For one thing, they have much lower employment and self‐employment income than the general population. Moreover, these earning differentials hold true for all age groups, both genders, and Chinese immigrants from all origins. While their levels of economic performance increases with length of residency in Canada, this study suggests that it would take more than 20 years for Chinese immigrants to close the earning gaps with the general population. Evidence also suggests that Canadian‐specific educational credentials are indeed worth more than those acquired in the immigrants' country of origin, and are much better remunerated by Canadian employers.
Christianity among Transnational Chinese: Religious versus (Sub)ethnic Affiliation
Authors: Nagata Judith
Published: November 2005

The approximately 5 per cent of the diaspora Chinese who are Christian are faced with the question as to whether religious or sectarian affiliation takes priority over Chinese unity or sub‐Chinese identity. For many, the solution is to form (sub)ethnic congregations, and the issue is how far and how fast they (especially younger members) should “assimilate” linguistically and socially to Anglo‐Canadian or other local styles in the host country. One response is the formation of a pan‐Chinese transnational Christian organization, the Chinese Coordination Centre for World Evangelism (CCCOWE), whose mission attempts to unite Chinese of all subethnicities, reach Chinese in remote areas, control and manage existing congregations everywhere, and resist local assimilation. Although claiming to represent all Chinese, in fact, CCCOWE began as a Cantonese‐medium movement in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China (hereinafter Hong Kong), but is now coming to terms with Chinese Christians from other parts of Asia, as well as with the inevitable localization/anglicization of congregations. Some churches refuse to associate with CCCOWE for dislike of Hong Kong, others due to preference for their own language (Indonesian), or birth place (Malaysia/Singapore). Thus, in some cases, subethnicity is subordinated to religious (Christian) identity across the world, in others, to a pan‐Chinese religious membership, while for many, religion continues to follow subethnic lines, variously defined by language or birth place.
Declining Numbers of Foreign Students and America's Science and Engineering Enterprise
Authors: Lowell B. Lindsay
Published: November 2005

The enterprise of science and engineering (S&E) is powerfully affected by the role of immigrants in institutions of higher education and in US labour markets (Freeman et al., 2004). Especially since the 1970s and increasingly in the 1990s, educational institutions and labour markets have experienced steady increases of foreign students and workers and have come to expect more of the same. Yet, since 2001 there have been notable downturns in the number of foreign students applying and attending US institutions of higher education.
NCAM140 stimulates integrin‐dependent cell migration by ectodomain shedding
Authors: Diestel Simone , Hinkle C. Leann , Schmitz Brigitte , Maness Patricia F.
Published: November 2005

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays a key role in neural development, regeneration and synaptic plasticity. This study describes a novel function of NCAM140 in stimulating integrin‐dependent cell migration. Expression of NCAM140 in rat B35 neuroblastoma cells resulted in increased migration toward the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, collagen IV, vitronectin, and laminin. NCAM‐potentiated cell migration toward fibronectin was dependent on β1 integrins and required extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. NCAM140 in B35 neuroblastoma cells was subject to ectodomain cleavage resulting in a 115 kDa soluble fragment released into the media and a 30 kDa cytoplasmic domain fragment remaining in the cell membrane. NCAM140 ectodomain cleavage was stimulated by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate and inhibited by the broad spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor GM6001, characteristic of a metalloprotease. Moreover, treatment of NCAM140‐B35 cells with GM6001 reduced NCAM140‐stimulated cell migration toward fibronectin and increased cellular attachment to fibronectin to a small but significant extent. These results suggested that metalloprotease‐induced cleavage of NCAM140 from the membrane promotes integrin‐ and ERK1/2‐dependent cell migration to extracellular matrix proteins.
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibition increases the inflammatory response in the brain during systemic immune stimuli
Authors: Blais Véronique , Turrin Nicolas P. , Rivest Serge
Published: November 2005

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways are currently recommended for the prevention and treatment of several inflammatory diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. However non‐selective blockade of COX was found to have pro‐inflammatory properties, because they have the ability to alter the plasma glucocorticoid levels that play a critical role in the control of the innate immune response. The present study investigated the role of non‐selective (ketorolac or indomethacin) or specific inhibitors of COX‐1 (SC‐560) and COX‐2 (NS‐398) in these effects. Mice challenged systemically with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exhibited a robust hybridization signal for numerous inflammatory genes in vascular‐associated cells of the brain and microglia across the cerebral tissue. Ketorolac, indomethacin and NS‐398 significantly increased the ability of LPS to trigger such an innate immune response at time 3 h post challenge, whereas SC‐560 failed to change gene expression in the brain of animals treated with the endotoxin. These data together with the crucial role of COX‐2‐derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the increase of glucocorticoids during systemic immune stimuli provide evidence that inhibition of this pathway results in an exacerbated early innate immune reaction. This may have a major impact on the use of these drugs in diseases where inflammation is believed to be a contributing and detrimental factor.
The activation of 5‐HT2A receptors in prefrontal cortex enhances dopaminergic activity
Authors: Bortolozzi Analía , Díaz‐Mataix Llorenç , Scorza M. Cecilia , Celada Pau , Artigas Francesc
Published: November 2005

Atypical antipsychotics show preferential 5‐HT2A versus dopamine (DA) D2 receptor affinity. At clinical doses, they fully occupy cortical 5‐HT2 receptors, which suggests a strong relationship with their therapeutic action. Half of the pyramidal neurones in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) express 5‐HT2A receptors. Also, neurones excited through 5‐HT2A receptors project to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We therefore hypothesized that prefrontal 5‐HT2A receptors can modulate DA transmission through excitatory mPFC–VTA inputs. In this study we used single unit recordings to examine the responses of DA neurones to local (in the mPFC) and systemic administration of the 5‐HT2A/2C agonist 1‐[2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl‐2‐aminopropane] (DOI). Likewise, using microdialysis, we examined DA release in the mPFC and VTA (single/dual probe) in response to prefrontal and systemic drug administration. The local (in the mPFC) and systemic administration of DOI increased the firing rate and burst firing of DA neurones and DA release in the VTA and mPFC. The increase in VTA DA release was mimicked by the electrical stimulation of the mPFC. The effects of DOI were reversed by M100907 and ritanserin. These results indicate that the activity of VTA DA neurones is under the excitatory control of 5‐HT2A receptors in the mPFC. These observations may help in the understanding of the therapeutic action of atypical antipsychotics.
Investigation of the abundance and subunit composition of GABAA receptor subtypes in the cerebellum of α1‐subunit‐deficient mice
Authors: Ogris Waltraud , Lehner Reinhard , Fuchs Karoline , Furtmüller Birgit , Höger Harald , Homanics Gregg E. , Sieghart Werner
Published: November 2005

In cerebellum, 75% of all GABAA receptors contain α1 subunits. Here, we investigated compensatory changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression and composition in α1 subunit‐knockout mice. In these mice the total number of cerebellar GABAA receptors was reduced by 46%. Whereas the number of receptors containing α6 subunits was unchanged, the total amount of α6 subunits was significantly elevated. RT‐PCR showed no increase of α6 mRNA levels, arguing against increased biosynthesis of these subunits. Elevated levels of α6 subunits in α1 ‐/‐ mice might thus have been caused by an increased incorporation of unassembled α6 subunits, replacing α1 subunits in α1α6βγ2 or α1α6βδ receptors, thus rescuing α6 subunits from degradation. Elevated levels of α3 and α4 subunits in the cerebellum of α1 ‐/‐ mice possibly can be explained similarly. Finally, a small amount of receptors containing no γ or δ subunits was identified in these mice. Results suggest a total loss of GABAA receptors in cell types where α1 was the only α subunit expressed and a partial compensation for receptor loss in cell types containing other α subunits. Our results do not support a significant compensatory synthesis of other GABAA receptor subunits in the cerebellum of α1 ‐/‐ mice.
Altered glycosylation of acetylcholinesterase in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Silveyra María‐Ximena , Cuadrado‐Corrales Natividad , Marcos Alberto , Barquero María‐Sagrario , Rábano Alberto , Calero Miguel , Sáez‐Valero Javier
Published: November 2005

Changes in the glycosylation pattern of brain proteins have been associated with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). We have investigated the glycosylation status of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by lectin binding assay. Our data show that in lumbar CSF from definite and probable sporadic CJD cases AChE activity is lower compared with that in age‐matched controls. We also show, for the first time, that AChE glycosylation is altered in CJD CSF and brain. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, in which an alteration in both the glycosylation and levels of AChE molecular forms is observed, the abnormal glycosylation of AChE in CJD appears to be unrelated to changes in molecular forms of this enzyme. These findings suggest that altered AChE glycosylation in CJD may be a consequence of the general perturbation of the glycosylation machinery that affects prion protein, as well as other proteins. The diagnostic potential of these changes remains to be explored.
Cocaine‐induced alterations in nucleus accumbens ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits in human and non‐human primates
Authors: Hemby Scott E. , Tang Wenxue , Muly Emil C. , Kuhar Michael J. , Howell Leonard , Mash Deborah C.
Published: November 2005

Chronic cocaine and withdrawal induce significant alterations in nucleus accumbens (NAc) glutamatergic function in humans and rodent models of cocaine addiction. Dysregulation of glutamatergic function of the prefrontal cortical–NAc pathway has been proposed as a critical substrate for unmanageable drug seeking. Previously, we demonstrated significant up‐regulation of NMDA, (±)‐α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainate receptor subunit mRNAs and protein levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but not the substantia nigra, of cocaine overdose victims (COD). The present study was undertaken to examine the extent of altered ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) subunit expression in the NAc and the putamen in cocaine overdose victims. Results revealed statistically significant increases in the NAc, but not in the putamen, of NMDA receptor subunit (NR)1 and glutamate receptor subunit (GluR)2/3 wit trends in GluR1 and GluR5 in COD. These results extend our previous finding and indicate pathway‐specific alterations in iGluRs in COD. In order to determine that changes were related to cocaine intake and not to other factors in the COD victims, we examined the effects of cocaine intravenous self‐administration in rhesus monkeys for 18 months (unit dose of 0.1 mg/kg/injection and daily drug intake of 0.5 mg/kg/session). Total drug intake for the group of four monkeys was 37.9 ± 4.6 mg/kg. Statistically significant elevations were observed for NR1, GluR1, GluR2/3 and GluR5 (p < 0.05) and a trend towards increased NR1 phosphorylated at serine 896 (p = 0.07) in the NAc but not putamen of monkeys self‐administering cocaine compared with controls. These results extend previous results by demonstrating an up‐regulation of NR1, GluR2/3 and GluR5 in the NAc and suggest these alterations are pathway specific. Furthermore, these changes may mediate persistent drug intake and craving in the human cocaine abuser.
Cloning of ad‐serine‐regulated transcriptdsr‐2from rat cerebral neocortex
Authors: Taniguchi Go , Yamamoto Naoki , Tsuchida Hideto , Umino Asami , Shimazu Dai , Sakurai Shin‐ichiro , Takebayashi Hironao , Nishikawa Toru
Published: November 2005

d‐Serine is now considered to be an endogenous co‐agonist of the NMDA receptor in mammalian brain. To obtain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlyingd‐serine metabolism and function, we explored transcripts that are responsive tod‐serine in the neocortex of the 8‐day‐old infant rat by a differential cloning technique, RNA arbitrarily primed PCR. We isolated a noveld‐serine inducible transcript,d‐serine‐responsive transcript‐2 (dsr‐2), that was exclusively expressed in the brain. Sequence analysis of the corresponding cDNAs to the transcript revealed that thedsr‐2mRNA consists of 7199 nucleotides with an open reading frame encoding 111 amino acids. Thedsr‐2gene was located on the reverse strand within an intron of the neurexin‐3α gene, mapped to rat chromosome 6q24‐31. The regional distribution of the basal expression ofdsr‐2and its ontogenic changes in the brain closely correlated with those of freed‐serine and of NMDA receptor R2B subunit mRNA, but were somewhat different from those of the neurexin‐3α transcript. These findings suggest thatdsr‐2may be involved ind‐serine metabolism and/or function, and in the interactions betweend‐serine, NMDA receptor and neurexin‐3α, in mammalian brain.
Banquet plate and Renaissance culture: a day in the life
Authors: Taylor Valerie
Published: November 2005

The paper discusses the many functions of banquet plate within the spatial and gestural framework of feasting at the Renaissance court. During the Cinquecento, a golden age of Italian gastronomy, an increasing variety and number of silver and gold vessels were used for formal dining, including basins, ewers, food warmers, drinking cups, sauce boats, confections dishes, wine coolers, forks and other accoutrements. Banquets were conceived as spectacles where plate was displayed on tiered sideboards or credenze and also used as tableware that was handled by servants, patrons and guests. At these events, costly table furnishings would be seen in motion against an ongoing show of culinary extravaganzas punctuated by live performances and musical intermezzi. The Gonzaga court of Mantua (1450–1550) offers a rich context for studying how these precious vessels were handled in public during service, as well as behind the scenes, where their movements were carefully regulated in household ordinances. (pp. 621–633)
The icon of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome: an image and its afterlife
Authors: Noreen Kirstin
Published: November 2005

Focussing on the icon of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, this article explores the re‐use, replication and documentation of a medieval image in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The icon, a portrait of the Virgin and Christ attributed to the hand of St Luke the Evangelist, helped to reinforce both the Catholic cult of images and the cult of Mary, which had come under attack during the period of the Protestant Reformation. During this time, the copying and dispersion of the Roman image served various purposes: the reproductions reinforced the popularity of the original representation from Santa Maria Maggiore; the copies established political ties through diplomatic gift giving; and the replications played a significant role in the Catholic missionary programme, especially under the Jesuits. The popularity of the icon copies, encouraged by missionary zeal, miraculous occurrences, or authoritative texts, blurred the distinctions among prototype (the Virgin or Christ), holy image (the icon) and replica (the Counter‐Reformation copy). (pp. 660–672)
Terminal addition, the Cambrian radiation and the Phanerozoic evolution of bilaterian form
Authors: Jacobs David K. , Hughes Nigel C. , Fitz‐Gibbon Sorel T. , Winchell Christopher J.
Published: November 2005

Summary
We examine terminal addition, the process of addition of serial elements in a posterior subterminal growth zone during animal development, across modern taxa and fossil material. We argue that terminal addition was the basal condition in Bilateria, and that modification of terminal addition was an important component of the rapid Cambrian evolution of novel bilaterian morphology. We categorize the often‐convergent modifications of terminal addition from the presumed ancestral condition. Our focus on terminal addition and its modification highlights trends in the history of animal evolution evident in the fossil record. These trends appear to be the product of departure from the initial terminal addition state, as is evident in evolutionary patterns within‐fossil groups such as trilobites, but is also more generally related to shifts in types of morphologic change through the early Phanerozoic. Our argument is contingent on dates of metazoan divergence that are roughly convergent with the first appearance of metazoan fossils in the latest Proterozoic and Cambrian, as well as on an inference of homology of terminal addition across bilaterian Metazoa.
Duplication events and the evolution of segmental identity
Authors: Hurley I. , Hale M. E. , Prince V. E.
Published: November 2005

SummaryDuplication of genes, genomes, or morphological structures (or some combination of these) has long been thought to facilitate evolutionary change. Here we focus on studies of the teleost fishes to consider the conceptual similarities in the evolutionary potential of these three different kinds of duplication events. We review recent data that have confirmed the occurrence of a whole‐genome duplication event in the ray‐finned fish lineage, and discuss whether this event may have fuelled the radiation of teleost fishes. We then consider the fates of individual duplicated genes, from both a theoretical and an experimental viewpoint, focusing on our studies of teleost Hox genes and their functions in patterning the segmented hindbrain. Finally, we consider the duplication of morphological structures, once again drawing on our experimental studies of the hindbrain, which have revealed that experimentally induced duplicated neurons can produce functionally redundant neural circuits. We posit that the availability of duplicated material, independent of its nature, can lead to functional redundancy, which in turn enables evolutionary change.
caudal and even‐skipped in the annelid Platynereis dumerilii and the ancestry of posterior growth
Authors: de Rosa Renaud , Prud'homme Benjamin , Balavoine Guillaume
Published: November 2005

Summary
In order to address the question of the conservation of posterior growth mechanisms in bilaterians, we have studied the expression patterns of the orthologues of the genes caudal, even‐skipped, and brachyury in the annelid Platynereis dumerilii. Annelids belong to the still poorly studied third large branch of the bilaterians, the lophotrochozoans, and have anatomic and developmental characteristics, such as a segmented body plan, indirect development through a microscopic ciliated larva, and building of the trunk through posterior addition, which are all hypothesized by some authors (including us) to be present already in Urbilateria, the last common ancestor of bilaterians. All three genes are shown to be likely involved in the building of the anteroposterior axis around the slit‐like amphistomous blastopore as well as in the patterning of the terminal anus‐bearing piece of the body (the pygidium). In addition, caudal and even‐skipped are likely involved in the posterior addition of segments. Together with the emerging results on the conservation of segmentation genes, these results reinforce the hypothesis that Urbilateria had a segmented trunk developing through posterior addition.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY AND PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN THE HETEROTROPHIC GREEN ALGAL GENUS PROTOTHECA (TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Ueno Ryohei , Hanagata Nobutaka , Urano Naoto , Suzuki Motofumi
Published: November 2005

Species of the heterotrophic green microalgal genus Prototheca and related taxa were phylogenetically analyzed based on the nuclear small subunit (SSU) and the 5′ end of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene (rDNA) sequences. We propose restricting the genus Prototheca to the four species: P. moriformis Krüger, P. stagnora (Cooke) Pore, P. ulmea Pore, and P. zopfii Krüger. The main diagnostic feature of these taxa is the absence of growth on trehalose.Of these, it was suggested that P. moriformis should be merged into P. zopfii; P. moriformis and three varieties of P. zopfii constituted a paraphyletic assemblage with estimated short evolutionary distances. The trehalose‐assimilating strains (Prototheca wickerhamii Tubaki et Soneda strains and Auxenochlorella protothecoides (Krüger) Kalina et Punčochářová SAG 211‐7a), together with an invertebrate pathogen Helicosporidium sp., diverged before the radiation of the four species of Prototheca in the SSU rDNA and composite (SSU rDNA plus LSU rDNA) analyses. Comparison between the results from physiological data in this work (fermentative pattern) and those described earlier (growth requirements) lead us to propose a hypothesis that the phenotypic variation, which did not represent diagnostic characters for species delimitation, may reflect the history of genetic diversification within the genus Prototheca as inferred from rDNA sequence characters.
EARLY TOXIC EFFECTS OF ZINC ON PSII OF SYNECHOCYSTIS AQUATILIS F. AQUATILIS (CYANOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Chaloub Ricardo M. , de Magalhães Cristiana C. P. , Dos Santos Cesar P.
Published: November 2005

Zinc toxicity on photosynthetic activity in cells of Synechocystis aquatilis f. aquatilis Sauvageau was investigated by monitoring Hill activity and fluorescence. The oxygen‐evolving activity decreased to about 80% of the initial value after exposure to 0.1 mM ZnSO4 for 1 h. The PSII activity was inhibited by 40% in the presence of zinc concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mM, suggesting that the metal effect is limited by zinc uptake. The fluorescence capacity (Fmax–F/Fmax) decreased from 0.57 to 0.35 and 0.20 in Zn‐treated cells for 15 and 60 min, respectively, thus providing evidence for rapid inactivation of electron transport at PSII. Zinc treatment promoted a rapid increase in PSII fluorescence that was counteracted by addition of 1,4‐benzoquinone, indicating that electron transfer at the reducing side of the PSII reaction center is arrested by zinc. Furthermore, a decline in the fluorescence yield could be observed after 1 h of zinc treatment as well as when Zn‐treated cells were excited in presence of 3‐(3′,4′‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea. Under these conditions, zinc did not affect energy transfer from phycobilisomes to PSII, and the gradual quenching of PSII fluorescence may be due to a decrease in electron flow on the donor side of PSII. However, the 20% increase in the minimal fluorescence intensity (Fo) in parallel to the absence of changes in the maximal fluorescence intensity (Fmax), observed in the first hour of zinc treatment, could also suggest a metal‐induced decline in the energy transfer from PSII‐chl a antenna to the PSII reaction center.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN NITRATE UPTAKE AND NITROGEN FIXATION IN CONTINUOUS CULTURES OF THE MARINE DIAZOTROPH TRICHODESMIUM (CYANOBACTERIA)1
Authors: Holl Carolyn M. , Montoya Joseph P.
Published: November 2005

Diazotrophic cyanobacteria can take up combined nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium, amino acids, dissolved organic nitrogen) from solution, but the interaction between N2 fixation and uptake of combined nitrogen is not well understood. We studied the effects of combined nitrogen ) additions on N2 fixation rates in the cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum (IMS‐101) maintained in continuous culture in an N‐free medium (YBCII) and a 12:12‐h light:dark cycle. We measured acetylene reduction rates, nutrient concentrations, and biomass throughout the 12 h of illumination after the addition of nitrate (0.5–20 μM) at the start of the light period. Compared with unamended controls, Trichodesmium showed strong inhibition of acetylene reduction (up to 70%) in the presence of , with apparent saturation of the inhibition effect at an initial concentration of approximately 10 μM. The inhibition of acetylene reduction persisted through much of the light period as concentration in the culture vessel decreased. Recovery of N2 fixation was observed late in the light period in cultures amended with low concentrations of (<5 μM) when ambient concentrations had decreased to 0.3–0.4 μM in the culture vessel. Nitrate uptake accounted for as much as 86% of total N uptake and, at the higher treatment concentrations, more than made up for the observed decrease in N2 fixation rates. We conclude that Trichodesmium can obtain significant quantities of N through uptake of nitrate and does so in preference to N2 fixation when sufficient is available.
Do‐Not‐Resuscitate and Do‐Not‐Hospitalize Directives of Persons Admitted to Skilled Nursing Facilities Under the Medicare Benefit
Authors: Levy Cari R. , Fish Ronald , Kramer Andrew
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To determine prevalence and factors associated with do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) and do‐not‐hospitalize (DNH) directives of residents admitted under the Medicare benefit to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). To explore geographic variation in use of DNR and DNH orders.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Nursing homes in the United States.

Participants: Medicare admissions to SNFs in 2001 (n=1,962,742).

Measurements: Logistic regression was used to select factors associated with DNR and DNH directives and state variation in their use.

Results: Thirty‐two percent of residents had DNR directives, whereas less than 2% had DNH directives. Factors associated with having a DNR or DNH directive at the resident level included older age, cognitive impairment, functional dependence, and Caucasian ethnicity. African‐American, Hispanic, Asian, and North American Native residents were all significantly less likely than Caucasian residents to have DNR (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.35, 0.51, 0.61, and 0.62, respectively) or DNH (adjusted OR=0.26, 0.41, 0.43, and 0.67, respectively) directives. In contrast, residents in rural and government facilities were more likely to have DNR or DNH directives. After controlling for resident and facility characteristics, significant variation between states existed in the use of DNR and DNH directives.

Conclusion: Ethnic minorities are less likely to have DNR and DNH directives even after controlling for disease status, demographic, facility, and geographic characteristics. Wide variation in the likelihood of having DNR and DNH directives between states suggests a need for better‐standardized methods for eliciting the care preferences of residents admitted to SNFs under the Medicare benefit.
Long‐term variation in brown trout, Salmo trutta L., stocking success in a large lake: interplay between availability of suitable prey and size at release
Authors: Hyvärinen P. , Huusko A.
Published: November 2005

Abstract –  Factors affecting long‐term variation in brown trout, Salmo trutta L., stocking success were examined in a large lake, Lake Oulujärvi, in central Finland. Brown trout were stocked in spring (late May to early June) in 1974–1991 and in summer (late June to early July) in 1992–2001. The biomass of the vendace, Coregonus albula (L.), population (prey) at release time had the largest positive effect on stocking success within both periods: biomass of adult vendace in spring and both 0+ and adult vendace in summer. Increasing the size of stocked fish had a positive effect if the vendace available at release were only adults. The increasing trend of predator‐catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) [combined CPUE of northern pike Esox lucius L., burbot Lota lota (L.), and pike‐perch Stizostedion lucioperca (L.)] through the study period and its negative effect on trout stocking success suggested an increasing effect of predation within the entire time series.
Diet‐induced phenotypic plasticity in the skull morphology of hatchery‐reared Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus
Authors: Wintzer A. P. , Motta P. J.
Published: November 2005

Abstract –  Hatchery‐reared Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus, feed on inert pellet food while their wild counterparts capture elusive prey. Differences in levels of prey elusivity often mandate the use of alternate methods of prey capture. This study examines whether elusivity‐based variation in prey capture translates to a phenotypic change during skull development, and if this change results in a functional difference in the feeding mechanism. The developmental pattern of the skull was conserved between hatchery and wild bass until 80–99 mm TL. At this point, wild bass quickly developed morphological changes of the jaw apparatus including a more fusiform head and elongated jaw structures. Natural development in hatchery bass, however, was retarded at this size. Post‐release, the skulls of hatchery fish converged towards those of wild bass by 135 mm TL. Despite variation in skull development, no theoretical advantage in food capture was found between these two groups.
The relationship of environmental factors to spatial and temporal variation of fish assemblages in a floodplain river in Texas, USA
Authors: Li R. Y. , Gelwick F. P.
Published: November 2005

Abstract –  Spatial and temporal variation of species–environment relationships were evaluated for shallow‐margin and deep‐water fish assemblages in the Brazos River, a large floodplain river in Texas, USA. Total variation among the deep‐water assemblages (11 species, 86% turnover across gill net samples) was greater than for shallow‐margins (38 species, 64% turnover across seine samples). For both shallow‐margin and deep‐water assemblages, variation was greater among sites than between winter and summer seasons. Shallow‐margin assemblage structure was related to depth, velocity and substrate, whereas for deep‐water assemblages river discharge, temperature and velocity were important. Season itself accounted for little of the variation among either shallow (6.7%) or deep‐water (2.3%) assemblages. Overall temporal patterns of shallow‐margin samples appeared to show responses to juvenile recruitment, spates and migration of coastal fishes, whereas for deep‐water samples, patterns related to use of reproductive habitats, juvenile recruitment and seasonal activity levels. Brazos River assemblages were less variable overall in comparison with studies along similar length of reach in headwater streams and wadeable rivers. The residual variation in species distribution (54% for shallow‐margin and 67% for deepwater) that was not explained by instream variables and season suggests a greater influence of biotic interactions in rivers, particularly those across the spatially dynamic interface of main channel habitats and shallow river margins.
Variation in age and size at maturity in perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), compared across lakes with different predation risk
Authors: Heibo E. , Magnhagen C.
Published: November 2005

Abstract –  Life‐history variation in perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), with special emphasis on age and size at maturity in females, was studied in five lakes in Northern Sweden, differing in perch size distribution and relative predator abundance. Age at maturity was negatively correlated with size of young‐of‐the‐year perch in the end of their first growth season. Length at maturity was positively correlated with L∞ (asymptotic length when age is close to infinity) and negatively correlated with K (growth rate coefficient) from von Bertalanffy growth model. Relative predator abundance was negatively correlated with minimum size at maturity. However, predation was probably more important in its effect on growth, with a high predation leading to a decrease in population density, decreased food competition, and as a consequence, higher growth rates. Instantaneous mortality rates did not affect maturation patterns when comparing across the five lakes. Age and size at maturity in the perch populations studied here seemed to be mainly influenced by factors affecting growth.
The Internationalization of Chinese Family Enterprises and Dunning's Eclectic MNE Paradigm
Authors: Erdener Carolyn , Shapiro Daniel M.
Published: November 2005

This paper applies Dunning's eclectic paradigm of Ownership, Location and Internalization (OLI) advantages to the international activity and performance dynamics of the Chinese family enterprise (CFE). Through the lens of Dunning's paradigm, we trace the role of cultural and economic factors in the success of this important form of organization. In demonstrating the relevance of a theory that originated in the analysis of Western multinational firms to this indigenous Chinese type of firm, the paper supports the larger effort to expand the scope of received theory to include Chinese as well as other non-Western forms of organization.
Induction of PAI‐1 expression by tumor necrosis factor α in endothelial cells is mediated by its responsive element located in the 4G/5G site
Authors: Swiatkowska Maria , Szemraj Janusz , Cierniewski Czeslaw S.
Published: November 2005

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) is induced by many proinflammatory and pro‐oxidant factors. Among them, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), a pivotal early mediator that regulates and amplifies the development of inflammation, is one of the strongest PAI‐1 synthesis activators. Location of the TNFα response element in the PAI‐1 promoter is still ambiguous. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the significance of the element located in the 4G/5G site of the PAI‐1 promoter in the TNFα stimulation of PAI‐1 expression in endothelial cells. PAI‐1 expression was monitored at: (a) the level of mRNA using real‐time PCR, (b) PAI‐1 gene transcription by transfection reporter assays, and (c) protein synthesis using the enzyme immunoassay. NF‐κB activity was monitored using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Its activity was modified by either antisense oligonucleotides or transfection of endothelial cells with the wild‐type or mutated IκBα. We have shown that TNFα‐induced expression and gene transcription of PAI‐1 involves a regulatory region present in segment −664/−680 of the PAI‐1 promoter. This reaction involves the TNFα‐induced generation of superoxide leading to activation of NF‐κB, and can be abolished by antioxidants and by overexpression of a super‐suppressor phosphorylation‐resistant IκBα. Stimulation of PAI‐1 under these conditions involves the motif of the PAI‐1 promoter adjacent to the 4G/5G site, which can directly interact with NF‐κB. We show that activation of PAI‐1 gene by TNFα and reactive oxygen species is mediated by interaction of NF‐κB with the cis‐acting element located in the −675 4G/5G insertion/deletion in the PAI‐1 promoter.
The hypocretins and sleep
Authors: de Lecea Luis , Sutcliffe J. Gregor
Published: November 2005

The hypocretins (also called the orexins) are two neuropeptides derived from the same precursor whose expression is restricted to a few thousand neurons of the lateral hypothalamus. Two G‐protein coupled receptors for the hypocretins have been identified, and these show different distributions within the central nervous system and differential affinities for the two hypocretins. Hypocretin fibers project throughout the brain, including several areas implicated in regulation of the sleep/wakefulness cycle. Central administration of synthetic hypocretin‐1 affects blood pressure, hormone secretion and locomotor activity, and increases wakefulness while suppressing rapid eye movement sleep. Most human patients with narcolepsy have greatly reduced levels of hypocretin peptides in their cerebral spinal fluid and no or barely detectable hypocretin‐containing neurons in their hypothalamus. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the hypocretinergic system integrates homeostatic, metabolic and limbic information and provides a coherent output that results in stability of the states of vigilance.
Prokineticin 2 and circadian clock output
Authors: Zhou Qun‐Yong , Cheng Michelle Y.
Published: November 2005

Circadian timing from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a critical component of sleep regulation. Animal lesion and genetic studies have indicated an essential interaction between the circadian signals and the homeostatic processes that regulate sleep. Here we summarize the biological functions of prokineticins, a pair of newly discovered regulatory proteins, with focus on the circadian function of prokineticin 2 (PK2) and its potential role in sleep‐wake regulation. PK2 has been shown as a candidate SCN output molecule that regulates circadian locomotor behavior. The PK2 molecular rhythm in the SCN is predominantly controlled by the circadian transcriptional/translational loops, but also regulated directly by light. The receptor for PK2 is expressed in the primary SCN output targets that regulate circadian behavior including sleep‐wake. The depolarizing effect of PK2 on neurons that express PK2 receptor may represent a possible mechanism for the regulatory role of PK2 in circadian rhythms.
Assembly of the Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap4p/Hap5p-DNA Complex in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McNabb David S. , Pinto Inés
Published: November 2005

The CCAAT-binding factor (CBF) is an evolutionarily conserved multimeric transcriptional activator in eukaryotes. In
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, the CCAAT-binding factor is composed of four subunits, termed Hap2p, Hap3p, Hap4p, and Hap5p. The Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p heterotrimer is the DNA-binding component of the complex that binds to the consensus 5′-CCAAT-3′ sequence in the promoter of target genes. The Hap4p subunit contains the transcriptional activation domain necessary for stimulating transcription after interacting with Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p. In this report, we demonstrate that Hap2p, Hap3p, and Hap5p assemble via a one-step pathway requiring all three subunits simultaneously, as opposed to the mammalian CCAAT-binding factor which has been shown to assemble via a two-step pathway with CBF-A (Hap3p homolog) and CBF-C (Hap5p homolog) forming a stable dimer before CBF-B (Hap2p homolog) can interact. We have also found that the interaction of Hap4p with Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p requires DNA binding as a prerequisite. To further understand the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions of this transcription factor, we identified the minimal domain of Hap4p necessary for interaction with the Hap2p/Hap3p/Hap5p-DNA complex, and we demonstrate that this domain is sufficient to complement the respiratory deficiency of a
hap4Δ
mutant and activate transcription when fused with the VP16 activation domain. These studies provide a further understanding of the assembly of the yeast CCAAT-binding factor at target promoters and raise a number of questions concerning the protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions of this multisubunit transcription factor.
Comparison of Cell Wall Localization among Pir Family Proteins and Functional Dissection of the Region Required for Cell Wall Binding and Bud Scar Recruitment of Pir1p
Authors: Sumita Toru , Yoko-o Takehiko , Shimma Yoh-ichi , Jigami Yoshifumi
Published: November 2005

We examined the localization of the Pir protein family (Pir1 to Pir4), which is covalently linked to the cell wall in an unknown manner. In contrast to the other Pir proteins, a fusion of Pir1p and monomeric red fluorescent protein distributed in clusters in
pir1
Δ cells throughout the period of cultivation, indicating that Pir1p is localized in bud scars. Further microscopic analysis revealed that Pir1p is expressed inside the chitin rings of the bud scars. Stepwise deletion of the eight units of the repetitive sequence of Pir1p revealed that one unit is enough for the protein to bind bud scars and that the extent of binding of Pir1p to the cell wall depends on the number of these repetitive units. The localization of a chimeric Pir1p in which the repetitive sequence of Pir1p was replaced with that of Pir4p revealed the functional role of the different protein regions, specifically, that the repetitive sequence is required for binding to the cell wall and that the C-terminal sequence is needed for recruitment to bud scars. This is the first report that bud scars contain proteins like Pir1p as internal components.
A Chitin Synthase and Its Regulator Protein Are Critical for Chitosan Production and Growth of the Fungal Pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Banks Isaac R. , Specht Charles A. , Donlin Maureen J. , Gerik Kimberly J. , Levitz Stuart M. , Lodge Jennifer K.
Published: November 2005

Chitin is an essential component of the cell wall of many fungi. Chitin also can be enzymatically deacetylated to chitosan, a more flexible and soluble polymer.
Cryptococcus neoformans
is a fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In this work, we show that both chitin and chitosan are present in the cell wall of vegetatively growing
C. neoformans
yeast cells and that the levels of both rise dramatically as cells grow to higher density in liquid culture.
C. neoformans
has eight putative chitin synthases, and strains with any one chitin synthase deleted are viable at 30°C. In addition,
C. neoformans
genes encode three putative regulator proteins, which are homologs of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Skt5p. None of these three is essential for viability. However, one of the chitin synthases (Chs3) and one of the regulators (Csr2) are important for growth. Cells with deletions in either
CHS3
or
CSR2
have several shared phenotypes, including sensitivity to growth at 37°C. The similarity of their phenotypes also suggests that Csr2 specifically regulates chitin synthesis by Chs3. Lastly, both
chs3Δ
and the
csr2Δ
mutants are defective in chitosan production, predicting that Chs3-Csr2 complex with chitin deacetylases for conversion of chitin to chitosan. These data suggest that chitin synthesis could be an excellent antifungal target.
Functional Analysis of the Polyketide Synthase Genes in the Filamentous FungusGibberella zeae(AnamorphFusarium graminearum)
Authors: Gaffoor Iffa , Brown Daren W. , Plattner Ron , Proctor Robert H. , Qi Weihong , Trail Frances
Published: November 2005

Polyketides are a class of secondary metabolites that exhibit a vast diversity of form and function. In fungi, these compounds are produced by large, multidomain enzymes classified as type I polyketide synthases (PKSs). In this study we identified and functionally disrupted 15 PKS genes from the genome of the filamentous fungusGibberella zeae. Five of these genes are responsible for producing the mycotoxins zearalenone, aurofusarin, and fusarin C and the black perithecial pigment. A comprehensive expression analysis of the 15 genes revealed diverse expression patterns during grain colonization, plant colonization, sexual development, and mycelial growth. Expression of one of the PKS genes was not detected under any of 18 conditions tested. This is the first study to genetically characterize a complete set of PKS genes from a single organism.