bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of secondary internal waves by the interaction of an internal solitary wave with an underwater bank
Authors: Vlasenko Vasiliy , Alpers Werner
Published: February 2005

The generation of secondary internal waves by the interaction of a large‐amplitude internal solitary wave with the Dreadnought Bank in the Andaman Sea (6°40′N, 95° 47′E) is shown by analyzing a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image acquired by the European Remote Sensing satellite ERS‐2 and by carrying out model calculations. Although the Dreadnought Bank is quite deep (241 m), the model calculations show that large‐amplitude internal solitary waves as encountered in this sea area can overturn and break over the bank and generate secondary internal waves. Comparison of model results with observations clearly demonstrates that the semicircular wave pattern visible on the ERS‐2 SAR image centered at the Dreadnought Bank is indeed a sea surface manifestation of a secondary internal wave packet generated by scattering of a large‐amplitude internal solitary wave and not by the interaction of the barotropic tidal flux with this underwater obstacle.
Field observations of swash zone infragravity motions and beach cusp evolution
Authors: Ciriano Yolanda , Coco Giovanni , Bryan K. R. , Elgar Steve
Published: February 2005

Fluid flows consistent with low‐mode edge waves were evident in video observations of swash motions during a field experiment in which beach cusps developed on an initially smooth beach. As beach cusps grew, energy lying along low‐mode dispersion curves increased. The most energetic edge‐wave propagation direction changed from upcoast to downcoast as the orientation of the cusp horns rotated. These observations suggest a coupling between morphodynamics and hydrodynamics, and are evidence that beach cusp evolution might control low‐mode edge wave dynamics.
Observations of the initiation and evolution of the 2001 Mars global dust storm
Authors: Strausberg Melissa J. , Wang Huiqun , Richardson Mark I. , Ewald Shawn P. , Toigo Anthony D.
Published: February 2005

A global dust storm occurred on Mars between June and October 2001. The storm began near Hellas just before southern spring equinox (∼Ls = 177°). Local storms, likely forced by a combination of slope‐flow and ice cap thermal contrasts, were observed to propagate along the northwestern rim of Hellas, apparently triggering the global storm. Cap‐edge storm activity for much of late southern winter was similar in 2001 to one Mars year earlier; however, a very large storm propagated into the basin just after Ls = 177°. Subsequently, the total area of storm activity in 2001 was roughly double that of the previous year. For about 10 days, dust lifting was limited to the Hellas region. As additional storms propagated into Hellas, activity built and extended northward into Syrtis and eastward into Hesperia. It is not clear whether transport or spreading of lifting were of greatest importance for expansion. At Ls = 185° the storm began to spread rapidly to the east, along a line from the southern pole to the northern tropics. Essentially no storm propagation to the west occurred, yielding strong zonal asymmetry of expansion. As the dust storm reached the western edge of Tharsis, secondary dust lifting centers developed in Daedalia and Solis (southeastern Tharsis). Subsequently, the storm rapidly encompassed the planet (by Ls = 193°). Once fully global, the Syria/Solis/Daedalia lifting center appeared to dominate (on the basis of cloud top morphology), with Hellas quiescent. By Ls = 212°, lifting could no longer be discerned. Thereafter, dust haze appeared uniform and diffuse, and decay appeared to have set in.
Nitrogen and carbon flow from rock to water: Regulation through soil biogeochemical processes, Mokelumne River watershed, California, and Grand Valley, Colorado
Authors: Holloway JoAnn M. , Smith Richard L.
Published: February 2005

Soil denitrification is an ecologically important nitrogen removal mechanism that releases to the atmosphere the greenhouse gas N2O, an intermediate product from the reduction of NO3− to N2. In this study we evaluate the relationship between soil carbon and denitrification potential in watersheds with bedrock acting as a nonpoint source of nitrogen, testing the hypothesis that nitrate leaching to stream water is in part regulated by denitrification. Two sites, one in a Mediterranean climate and the other in an arid climate, were investigated to understand the interplay between carbon and denitrification potential. Both sites included carbonaceous bedrock with relatively high nitrogen concentrations (>1,000 mg N kg−1) and had low background nitrogen concentrations in surface and groundwater. There was a net accumulation of carbon and nitrogen in soil relative to the corresponding bedrock, with the exception of carbonaceous shale from the arid site. There the concentration of carbon in the soil (15,620 mg C kg−1) was less than the shale parent (22,460 mg C kg−1), consistent with the bedrock being a source of soil carbon. Rates of denitrification potential (0.5–83 μg N kg−1 hr−1) derived from laboratory incubations appeared to be related to the ratio of dissolved organic carbon and nitrate extracted from soils. These data indicate that microbial processes such as denitrification can help maintain background nitrogen concentrations to tens of μM N in relatively undisturbed ecosystems when nitrogen inputs from weathering bedrock are accompanied by sufficient organic carbon concentrations to promote microbial nitrogen transformations.
Space weather risk
Authors: Pirjola Risto , Kauristie Kirsti , Lappalainen Hanna , Viljanen Ari , Pulkkinen Antti
Published: February 2005

The importance of space weather to society is in a continuous increase since we are more and more dependent on reliable spaceborne and ground‐based technological systems. Physical processes involved in space weather constitute a complicated chain from the Sun to the Earth's surface, so the management of space weather risks requires expertise in many disciplines of science and technology. In this paper, geomagnetically induced currents in electric power networks are considered in detail, referring particularly to research carried out in Finland. Today's monitoring systems of natural risks, such as floods and forest fires, are based on satellite observations. Spacecraft and communication between satellites and the ground are vulnerable to space weather. Thus, besides being a direct risk to technology, space weather may also indirectly have adverse effects on risk management. European efforts, which take into account both aspects, are also discussed in this paper.
Inhibition of granuloma‐associated angiogenesis by controlling mast cell mediator release: role of mast cell protease‐5
Authors: Russo Annapina , Russo Giulia , Peticca Manuela , Pietropaolo Concetta , Di Rosa Massimo , Iuvone Teresa
Published: February 2005

We investigated the role of mast cells in granuloma‐associated angiogenesis in rat by using: (i) a mast cell membrane stabilizer, ketotifen; (ii) a mast cell depleting agent, compound 48/80. Moreover, we focused on the role of chymases, which exhibit proinflammatory and proangiogenic properties by using: (i) chymostatin, an inhibitor of chymase activity; (ii) a specific antisense oligonucleotide (AS‐ODN) designed against rat mast cell protease‐5 (rMCP‐5), the most abundantly expressed chymase in the skin.

The formation of granuloma was evaluated, as wet weight, 96 h after the subcutaneous implant of two λ‐carrageenin (1%)‐soaked sponges on the back of male Wistar rats. Angiogenesis was evaluated as haemoglobin content in the granulomatous tissue and as level of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in the exudates.

A single injection of ketotifen (1–5–25 mg kg−1 i.p.) significantly reduced granuloma formation by 31.6, 44.6 and 71.9%, and haemoglobin content by 17.0, 35.0 and 66.2%, suggesting that the release of mediator(s) from mast cells modulates the process. Chymostatin (5–10 nmol−1 site−1 day−1) reduced granuloma‐associated angiogenesis by 57.3 and 70.0%.

RT–PCR analysis showed that rMCP‐5 mRNA amounts were significantly reduced by rMCP‐5 AS‐ODN (1.25–2.5–5.0 nmol site−1) by 69.5, 72.5 and 81.8%. In parallel experiments, rMCP‐5 AS‐ODN (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 nmol site−1) strongly reduced granuloma weight (26.1, 45.0 and 56.3%) and haemoglobin content (22.2, 50.4, 62.03%), suggesting that the observed effect is mediated through an antisense mechanism.

In conclusion, these data suggest that: (i) inhibition of mast cell mediators release may represent a novel strategy to modulate angiogenesis; (ii) among the chymase family, rMCP‐5 is a key promoter of angiogenesis in the rat.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 24–33. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706112
ClC‐3: more than just a volume‐sensitive Cl− channel
Authors: Remillard Carmelle V , Yuan Jason X‐J
Published: February 2005

Pulmonary vascular medial hypertrophy due to enhanced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and/or decreased PASMC apoptosis is a primary cause of increased pulmonary vascular resistance and arterial pressure in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. While many factors can contribute to this form of vascular remodeling, it is generally agreed upon that altered transmembrane ion flux via ion channels is involved. While much focus has centered on the role of cations and cation channels in controlling PASMC contraction and proliferation, anion efflux via Cl− channels has recently gained interest for its role in SMC proliferation, differentiation, migration, contraction, and angiogenesis. In this issue, Dai et al. report that the putative volume‐sensitive ClC‐3 channel is upregulated in PASMC from monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertensive rats and in inflammatory cytokine‐treated canine PASMC. They also provide evidence that ClC‐3 upregulation may protect against oxidative stress‐induced PASMC necrosis, thereby improving PASMC survival and promoting medial hypertrophy.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 1–2. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706136
Inhibition of TGF‐β signaling by an ALK5 inhibitor protects rats from dimethylnitrosamine‐induced liver fibrosis
Authors: de Gouville Anne‐Charlotte , Boullay Valerie , Krysa Gael , Pilot Julia , Brusq Jean‐Marie , Loriolle Florence , Gauthier Jean‐Michel , Papworth Stephen A , Laroze Alain , Gellibert Françoise , Huet Stephane
Published: February 2005

Chronic liver disease is characterized by an exacerbated accumulation of matrix, causing progressive fibrosis, which may lead to cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), a well‐known profibrotic cytokine, transduces its signal through the ALK5 ser/thr kinase receptor, and increases transcription of different genes including PAI‐1 and collagens. The identification of GW6604 (2‐phenyl‐4‐(3‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)pyridine), an ALK5 inhibitor, allowed us to evaluate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting TGF‐β pathway in different models of liver disease.

A cellular assay was used to identify GW6604 as a TGF‐β signaling pathway inhibitor. This ALK5 inhibitor was then tested in a model of liver hepatectomy in TGF‐β‐overexpressing transgenic mice, in an acute model of liver disease and in a chronic model of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)‐induced liver fibrosis.

In vitro, GW6604 inhibited autophosphorylation of ALK5 with an IC50 of 140 nM and in a cellular assay inhibited TGF‐β‐induced transcription of PAI‐1 (IC50: 500 nM). In vivo, GW6604 (40 mg kg−1 p.o.) increased liver regeneration in TGF‐β‐overexpressing mice, which had undergone partial hepatectomy. In an acute model of liver disease, GW6604 reduced by 80% the expression of collagen IA1. In a chronic model of DMN‐induced fibrosis where DMN was administered for 6 weeks and GW6604 dosed for the last 3 weeks (80 mg kg−1 p.o., b.i.d.), mortality was prevented and DMN‐induced elevations of mRNA encoding for collagen IA1, IA2, III, TIMP‐1 and TGF‐β were reduced by 50–75%. Inhibition of matrix genes overexpression was accompanied by reduced matrix deposition and reduction in liver function deterioration, as assessed by bilirubin and liver enzyme levels.

Our results suggest that inhibition of ALK5 could be an attractive new approach to treatment of liver fibrotic diseases by both preventing matrix deposition and promoting hepatocyte regeneration.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 166–177. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706172
Preparation, heat capacity, magnetic properties, and the magnetocaloric effect of EuO
Authors: Ahn Kyunghan , Pecharsky A. O. , Gschneidner K. A. , Pecharsky V. K.
Published: February 2005

EuO was synthesized through the thermal reduction of Eu2O3 by a stoichiometric quantity of metallic Eu. According to the heat capacity and magnetic measurements, EuO undergoes a second-order phase transformation at ∼69K from the ferromagnetic to the paramagnetic state on heating. The magnetocaloric effect of EuO, both as the isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSmag) and the adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad), was obtained from the heat-capacity data. Also, the magnetization isotherms were used to calculate ΔSmag. EuO exhibits the magnetocaloric effect with a peak in the vicinity of the magnetic phase-transition temperature (∼69K), the amplitude of which is comparable to other known magnetocaloric materials. The ΔSmag calculated from the heat-capacity data is in excellent agreement with that calculated from the magnetization data.
Application of variational reduced-density-matrix theory to organic molecules
Authors: Gidofalvi Gergely , Mazziotti David A.
Published: February 2005

Variational calculation of the two-electron reduced-density matrix (2-RDM), using a new first-order algorithm [D. A. Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 213001 (2004)], is applied to medium-sized organic molecules. The calculations reveal systematic trends in the accuracy of the energy with well-known chemical concepts such as hybridization, electronegativity, and atomic size. Furthermore, correlation energies from hydrocarbon chains indicate that the calculation of the 2-RDM subject to two-positivity conditions is size extensive, that is, the energy grows linearly with the number of electrons. Because organic molecules have a well-defined set of functional groups, we employ the trends in energy accuracy of the functional groups to design a correction to the 2-RDM energy for an arbitrary organic molecule. We apply the 2-RDM calculations with the functional-group correction to a large set of organic molecules with different functional groups. Energies with millihartree accuracy are obtained both at equilibrium and nonequilibrium geometries.
Integral equation theory for two-dimensional polymer melts
Authors: Yethiraj Arun , Sung Bong June , Lado Fred
Published: February 2005

The polymer reference interaction site model theory is investigated for two-dimensional polymer melts composed of freely-jointed hard disk chains and tangent-disk rods. Exact results for the intramolecular pair correlation functions are input into the theory, and predictions of the theory for the intermolecular pair correlation functions are tested via comparison with simulation. The theory is not as accurate for this system as it is for three-dimensional polymer melts, and the quantitative predictions are not good except at the highest area fractions. Possible reasons for the deficiency in the theory are discussed.
External Raman standard for absolute intensity and concentration measurements
Authors: Favors Ryan N. , Jiang Yanan , Loethen Yvette L. , Ben-Amotz Dor
Published: February 2005

A new method of calibrating Raman intensities is described, which uses a sapphire window as an external intensity standard. This method overcomes problems often encountered using conventional internal standards techniques, resulting either from refractive index differences or chemical interactions of the standard with the sample. The new method is demonstrated by measuring solution concentrations and Raman cross sections in various liquids. Concentration measurements are performed using the second derivative variance minimization (SDVM) algorithm to simultaneously subtract the sapphire window spectrum, normalize the solution spectral intensity and quantify solute concentration. The absolute Raman cross sections of several pure liquids were determined by comparing intensities of the sapphire-normalized Raman bands to that of benzene and other liquids whose Raman cross sections are known.
Frequency reference for laser spectroscopy with the stabilized 4-m-long Fabry–Perot cavity
Authors: Kruk Paweł , Noga Andrzej , Trepka Teresa , Zachorowski Jerzy , Gawlik Wojciech
Published: February 2005

A 4-m-long, stabilized Fabry–Perot interferometer for frequency reference in high-resolution laser spectroscopy is described. The interferometer works as a transfer cavity locked to one laser whose frequency is Doppler-free stabilized to an atomic transition. Another laser beam whose frequency is scanned across the investigated spectral range is transmitted across the cavity to yield the frequency markers with FSR intervals below 40 MHz. The two laser beams of very close frequencies are separated at the cavity exit by a polarization method. The described methodology is simple yet versatile and provides dense and stable frequency markers for high-resolution laser spectroscopy.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Armothin for chemical peach thinning
Authors: Tsipouridis C. , Thomidis T.
Published: February 2005

This study was designed to test Armothin as a candidate for chemical peach thinning. Fruit set on ‘Andross’ trees sprayed with 3% Armothin was lower than on those sprayed with 1.5% Armothin. Both 3 and 1.5% Armothin resulted in less fruit set than in the untreated control. The rootstock used did not influence the effectiveness of Armothin. However, when treated with 3% Armothin, the number and proportion of fruit set in the cultivar ‘Flavour Crest’ was much higher than that set in the cultivar ‘May Crest’. The highest percentage of fruit set per annual shoot ranged from 10 to 40% on ‘Katerina’ trees treated with 3% Armothin, whereas the range was 60–80% on the untreated control.
Extent of dimensional changes during staggered seasoning in Pakistan-grown eucalyptus wood
Authors: Zahid D. M. , Majeed A.
Published: February 2005

Eucalyptus is an exotic species that has been grown in Pakistan for over 2 decades. It is fast growing and an alternative to indigenous hardwood species, but growers are facing problems regarding maximum utilisation, predominantly due to seasoning defects. Attempts are being made to assess the extent of dimensional changes during seasoning so that appropriate procedures can be developed and applied to reduce defects occurring during this time. Specimens were taken from farm grown eucalyptus wood at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station. Seasoning was applied in 2 stages. Changes in wood dimension measured were shrinkage (longitudinal, radial, tangential and volumetric) and warping (bending and twisting). From this study it can be concluded that intermediate sized samples that were symmetrically sawn were more stable than smaller samples sawn unevenly. The data indicated that specimens neither too large nor too small could be favoured for seasoning. Two-step seasoning is preferred over 1-step seasoning, and sawing of wood with rectangular specimens (boards) cut with the wide face radial relative to the growth rings is ideal, even though boards with lesser width were recovered. This is because internal stresses are disposed off symmetrically and counter balance each other, which reduces defects. Seasoning efficiency of these logs was enhanced and the stresses were set due to wood plasticity. Further degradation was unlikely when wood was re-sawn after partial seasoning.
Variation in oil quality and fatty acid composition in Australian olive oil
Authors: Mailer R. J.
Published: February 2005

There is little information on the fatty acid composition or other quality aspects of Australian olive oil. In future years, it is predicted that domestic supply will outstrip demand. The industry is therefore focussed on export quality oil that meets international standards. Australia has a very variable environment that has been shown to contribute to a wide range in oil quality, both chemically and organoleptically. This paper summarises the results of the chemical analyses of 822 Australian olive oils carried out at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute over 2002 and 2003. The analyses are compared with IOOC standards for extra virgin olive oil and show that Australia olive oils are generally within these standards.
Peroxide values were between 1.9 and 27.2 meq/kg oil with only 10 exceeding 20 meq/kg. Free fatty acids were between 0.05 and 2.16 although they were generally less than the accepted limit of 0.8% with only 28 exceeding that level. Polyphenol content (38–1352 g/kg) and induction time (1.4–23.6 h) showed wide variation although these have no IOOC recommended standard. The fatty acid profiles also showed a considerable range with palmitic acid (saturated) levels from 7.8 to 18.9% and oleic acid (monounsaturated) from 58.5 to 83.2%. Linoleic acid ranged from 2.8 to 21.1%. Of particular concern was the range for linolenic acid from 0.42 to 1.91%. For this component, 29 oils exceeded the maximum linolenic acid level of ≤1.0% recommended by the IOOC. This data provides evidence of the variation in oil quality and fatty acid profiles resulting from Australia’s diverse environments and cultivars.
Influence of feeding level and of protein level in early life on the cellularity of adipose tissue and body fat content of growing pigs
Authors: Campbell R. G. , Dunkin A. C.
Published: February 2005

1. The effects of level of feeding and level of protein in the early postnatal period on the cellularity of subcutaneous adipose tissue and body fat content of pigs were investigated in two experiments.

2. In Expt 1, piglets were given a common liquid diet at energy intakes equivalent to 2·8 or 5·2 times energy for maintenance (M) between 1·8 and 6·5 kg live weight (LW), and a common dry diet at 2·8 or 4·5 M between 6·5 and 20 kg LW. Between 20 and 75 kg LW all pigs were given a second dry diet at 4·0 M.

3. In both experiments the effects of nutritional treatments on fat cell number at 20 and 75 kg LW (Expt 1) and at 45 kg LW (Expt 2) were assessed by measuring the DNA content of the subcutaneous adipose tissue contained in the left shoulder joint. Fat cell size was assessed in the same tissue by measuring the diameter of collagenase-released adipocytes.

4. In Expt 1, raising the level of feeding between 1·8 and 6·5 kg LW increased body fat content and average fat cell diameter at both 6·5 (P< 0·01) and 20 kg LW (P< 0·05) but had no effect on either measurement at 75 kg LW. Similarly, raising the level of feeding between 6·5 and 20 kg LW increased body fat content and fat cell size at both 20 (P< 0·01) and 75 kg LW (P< 0·05). There was an almost twofold increase in the DNA content of subcutaneous adipose tisuue between 20 and 75 kg LW. However, it was not significantly affected at either weight by level of feeding before or subsequent to 6·5 kg LW.

5. In Expt 2, reducing the level of dietary protein between 1·8 and 6·5 kg LW increased body fat content (P< 0·01) and fat cell size (P< 0·01) at the latter weight. Although level of dietary protein to 6·5 kg LW had no effect on body fat content or the weight of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the shoulder joint at 45 kg LW, pigs given the lowest-protein diet contained less DNA (P< 0·05) in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and had larger (P< 0·05) fat cells than those given the highest-protein diet to 6·5 kg LW. Reducing the protein content of the diet fed subsequent to 6·5 kg LW increased the body fat content (P< 0·01) and fat cell size (P< 0·01) at 45 kg LW.
The metabolism of circulating non-esterified fatty acids by the whole animal, hind-limb muscle and uterus of pregnant ewes
Authors: Pethick D. W. , Lindsay D. B. , Barker P. J. , Northrop A. J.
Published: February 2005

1. The over-all and regional metabolism of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) was studied using a combination of isotopic and arteriovenous-difference techniques.

2. There was a common linear relationship, whether stearic, palmitic or oleic acids were used as tracer, between the arterial NEFA concentration and the rates of entry and oxidation.

3. Assuming that the tracer used reflected the metabolism of all the NEFA, the total entry rate in fed and fasted pregnant ewes was (mean±SE) 0·44±0·02 and 0·55±0·07 mmol/h per kg body-weight respectively. Oxidation of NEFA contributed (mean±SE) 34±5 and 58±7% to the respiratory carbon dioxide in fed and fasted animals, this accounting for (mean±SE) 46±6 and 59±3% of the respective entry rates.

4. Hind-limb muscle both utilized and produced NEFA. The mean gross fractional extraction (calculated from isotopic uptake) was (mean±SE) 9±1%. Gross utilization of any NEFA and appearance of14CO2across the muscle were linearly related to the arterial concentration of tracer fatty acid, irrespective of whether this was oleate or stearate. The amount of14CO2appearing was consistent with (mean±SE) 54±8% of the CO2produced by the hind-limb being derived from NEFA oxidation.

5. Infused NEFA were partly converted to ketone bodies. Uptake and oxidation in the hind-limb of ketones formed in the liver could account for approximately 20% of the14CO2apparently produced in muscle from NEFA. Correction for this reduces the proportion of CO2derived from NEFA to 43%. There was some indication that ketones were also produced from NEFA in the hind-limb.

6. NEFA were not a significant energy source for the gravid uterus.

7. An over-all view of energy sources for the whole animal and for hind-limb muscle in normal and fasted pregnant sheep was presented.
Monoterpene Metabolism. Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of (−)-Isopiperitenol/(−)-Carveol Dehydrogenase of Peppermint and Spearmint
Authors: Ringer Kerry L. , Davis Edward M. , Croteau Rodney
Published: February 2005

The essential oils of peppermint (Mentha  x  piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) are distinguished by the oxygenation position on the p-menthane ring of the constitutive monoterpenes that is conferred by two regiospecific cytochrome P450 limonene-3- and limonene-6-hydroxylases. Following hydroxylation of limonene, an apparently similar dehydrogenase oxidizes (−)-trans-isopiperitenol to (−)-isopiperitenone in peppermint and (−)-trans-carveol to (−)-carvone in spearmint. Random sequencing of a peppermint oil gland secretory cell cDNA library revealed a large number of clones that specified redox-type enzymes, including dehydrogenases. Full-length dehydrogenase clones were screened by functional expression in Escherichia coli using a recently developed in situ assay. A single full-length acquisition encoding (−)-trans-isopiperitenol dehydrogenase (ISPD) was isolated. The (−)-ISPD cDNA has an open reading frame of 795 bp that encodes a 265-residue enzyme with a calculated molecular mass of 27,191. Nondegenerate primers were designed based on the (−)-trans-ISPD cDNA sequence and employed to screen a spearmint oil gland secretory cell cDNA library from which a 5′-truncated cDNA encoding the spearmint homolog, (−)-trans-carveol-dehydrogenase, was isolated. Reverse transcription-PCR amplification and RACE were used to acquire the remaining 5′-sequence from RNA isolated from oil gland secretory cells of spearmint leaf. The full-length spearmint dehydrogenase shares >99% amino acid identity with its peppermint homolog and both dehydrogenases are capable of utilizing (−)-trans-isopiperitenol and (−)-trans-carveol. These isopiperitenol/carveol dehydrogenases are members of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily and are related to other plant short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases involved in secondary metabolism (lignan biosynthesis), stress responses, and phytosteroid biosynthesis, but they are quite dissimilar (approximately 13% identity) to the monoterpene reductases of mint involved in (−)-menthol biosynthesis. The isolation of the genes specifying redox enzymes of monoterpene biosynthesis in mint indicates that these genes arose from different ancestors and not by simple duplication and differentiation of a common progenitor, as might have been anticipated based on the common reaction chemistry and structural similarity of the substrate monoterpenes.
Proteomic Characterization of Evolutionarily Conserved and Variable Proteins of Arabidopsis Cytosolic Ribosomes
Authors: Chang Ing-Feng , Szick-Miranda Kathleen , Pan Songqin , Bailey-Serres Julia
Published: February 2005

Analysis of 80S ribosomes of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) by use of high-speed centrifugation, sucrose gradient fractionation, one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography purification, and mass spectrometry (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and electrospray ionization) identified 74 ribosomal proteins (r-proteins), of which 73 are orthologs of rat r-proteins and one is the plant-specific r-protein P3. Thirty small (40S) subunit and 44 large (60S) subunit r-proteins were confirmed. In addition, an ortholog of the mammalian receptor for activated protein kinase C, a tryptophan-aspartic acid-domain repeat protein, was found to be associated with the 40S subunit and polysomes. Based on the prediction that each r-protein is present in a single copy, the mass of the Arabidopsis 80S ribosome was estimated as 3.2 MD (1,159 kD 40S; 2,010 kD 60S), with the 4 single-copy rRNAs (18S, 26S, 5.8S, and 5S) contributing 53% of the mass. Despite strong evolutionary conservation in r-protein composition among eukaryotes, Arabidopsis 80S ribosomes are variable in composition due to distinctions in mass or charge of approximately 25% of the r-proteins. This is a consequence of amino acid sequence divergence within r-protein gene families and posttranslational modification of individual r-proteins (e.g. amino-terminal acetylation, phosphorylation). For example, distinct types of r-proteins S15a and P2 accumulate in ribosomes due to evolutionarily divergence of r-protein genes. Ribosome variation is also due to amino acid sequence divergence and differential phosphorylation of the carboxy terminus of r-protein S6. The role of ribosome heterogeneity in differential mRNA translation is discussed.
Proteomic Identification of S-Nitrosylated Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lindermayr Christian , Saalbach Gerhard , Durner Jörg
Published: February 2005

Although nitric oxide (NO) has grown into a key signaling molecule in plants during the last few years, less is known about how NO regulates different events in plants. Analyses of NO-dependent processes in animal systems have demonstrated protein S-nitrosylation of cysteine (Cys) residues to be one of the dominant regulation mechanisms for many animal proteins. For plants, the principle of S-nitrosylation remained to be elucidated. We generated S-nitrosothiols by treating extracts from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cell suspension cultures with the NO-donor S-nitrosoglutathione. Furthermore, Arabidopsis plants were treated with gaseous NO to analyze whether S-nitrosylation can occur in the specific redox environment of a plant cell in vivo. S-Nitrosylated proteins were detected by a biotin switch method, converting S-nitrosylated Cys to biotinylated Cys. Biotin-labeled proteins were purified and analyzed using nano liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. We identified 63 proteins from cell cultures and 52 proteins from leaves that represent candidates for S-nitrosylation, including stress-related, redox-related, signaling/regulating, cytoskeleton, and metabolic proteins. Strikingly, many of these proteins have been identified previously as targets of S-nitrosylation in animals. At the enzymatic level, a case study demonstrated NO-dependent reversible inhibition of plant glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, suggesting that this enzyme could be affected by S-nitrosylation. The results of this work are the starting point for further investigation to get insight into signaling pathways and other cellular processes regulated by protein S-nitrosylation in plants.
CASS: a collaborative academic store for Scotland
Authors: Nicholson Catherine M.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To determine whether a collaborative academic store for Scotland is a viable proposition and discover what problems and issues it raises.

Design/methodology/approach

Implementation of a pilot facility that would permit a real‐world assessment of requirement costs and funding models, would pave the way for a full facility, and act as a possible model to others considering similar facilities.

Findings

Although the project is still in its first year, a good deal of useful experience has already been gained via the planning and setting‐up of an operational facility. This has informed the features and facilities of the pilot store described in the paper.

Research limitations/implications

The pilot facility currently only serves a sub‐set of possible participants in Scotland.

Practical implications

The pilot will inform the Scottish community on the viability of an operational store whilst providing a useful facility in the short to medium term.

Originality/value

The paper will inform others wishing to set up collaborative stores on methods, models, problems and issues in what is still a relatively unexplored approach to storage problems.
Lung cancer death rates by smoking status: Comparison of the Three‐Prefecture Cohort study in Japan to the Cancer Prevention Study II in the USA
Authors: Marugame Tomomi , Sobue Tomotaka , Satoh Hiroshi , Komatsu Shoko , Nishino Yoshikazu , Nakatsuka Haruo , Nakayama Tomio , Suzuki Takaichiro , Takezaki Toshiro , Tajima Kazuo , Tominaga Suketami
Published: February 2005

Cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for lung cancer. However, the magnitude of the relative risk (RR) on lung cancer mortality in relation to cigarette smoking is reported to be lower in Japan than in Western countries. We investigated whether this discrepancy could be explained by differences in the exposure to cigarettes smoked, by differences in sensitivity to smoking, or by differences in lung cancer mortality among non‐smokers. We examined the 10‐year follow‐up data on 88 153 participants in a Japanese population‐based prospective study conducted in three prefectures. Data used as a Western counterpart was retrieved from a published report of the US Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)‐II. Although there was a significant increased risk of lung cancer death among current smokers compared with non‐smokers, the observed RR in the Three‐Prefecture Study were much lower than RR reported in the CPS‐II. Lung cancer mortality of our Japanese sample was lower among current smokers and higher among non‐smokers regardless of age and sex. Current smokers in our sample had initiated smoking at an older age and smoked fewer cigarettes per day for shorter durations than those in the CPS‐II sample. The Poisson regression model (controlling for age, number of cigarettes smoked per day and duration of smoking) showed that male current smokers in our sample had a lower risk of lung cancer compared with those in the CPS‐II sample (rate ratio 0.34 [95%CI 0.27–0.43]). These findings might explain why Japanese risks of lung cancer are lower than those observed in Western countries. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 120–126)
Screening of DNA copy‐number aberrations in gastric cancer cell lines by array‐based comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Takada Hisashi , Imoto Issei , Tsuda Hitoshi , Sonoda Itaru , Ichikura Takashi , Mochizuki Hidetaka , Okanoue Takeshi , Inazawa Johji
Published: February 2005

We performed genome‐wide screening for deoxyribonucleic acid copy‐number aberrations in 31 gastric cancer (GC) cell lines by using custom‐made comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)‐array. Copy‐number gains were frequently detected at 1q, 3q, 5p, 7p, 7q, 8q, 11q, 17q, 20p, 20q, Xp and Xq, and losses at 3p, 4p, 4q, 8p, 9p, 18p and 18q. With respect to histological subtypes, copy‐number gains at 1p, 16p, 20p, 20q and 22q, and losses at 8p, 10p, 10q and 18q were significantly frequent in cell lines derived from tumors of the well‐differentiated type, whereas copy‐number gains at 1q, 7p, 7q, Xp and Xq were frequent in the undifferentiated type. Homozygous deletions were seen at five loci, whereas high‐level amplifications were detected in 15 of the 31 GC cell lines; these had occurred at 24 loci, including the segment containing CDK6 (7q21.2). Amplification of that gene had never been reported in GC before. Immunohistochemical studies showed increased levels of CDK6 protein in 54 of the 292 primary GC samples we examined (18.5%). Cytoplasmic localization of CDK6, as well as CDK6 over‐expression, was more frequent in well‐differentiated GC than in undifferentiated tumors. Nuclear expression of CDK6 was more frequent in early stage GC than in advanced tumors, suggesting that nuclear localization of CDK6 is likely to be a prognostic factor for GC. Taken together, our data indicate that CDK6 might be involved in the pathogenesis of GC and, more generally, that CGH‐arrays have a powerful potential for identifying novel cancer‐related genetic changes in a variety of tumors. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 100–110)
Activated human umbilical cord blood dendritic cells kill tumor cells without damaging normal hematological progenitor cells
Authors: Shi Jun , Ikeda Kazuma , Fujii Nobuharu , Kondo Eisei , Shinagawa Katsuji , Ishimaru Fumihiko , Kaneda Kinuyo , Tanimoto Mitsune , Li Xiao , Pu Quan
Published: February 2005

Apart from their role as antigen presenting cells, human peripheral blood monocyte and CD34+ cell‐derived dendritic cells (DC), have been demonstrated to exert cytotoxicity against some tumor cells, and their tumoricidal activity can be enhanced by some stimili. However, there have been no reports concerning the tumoricidal activity of human cord blood dendritic cells (CBDC). In this article, we report that human cord blood monocyte‐derived DC acquire the ability to kill hematological tumor cells, after activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ), associated with the enhanced TNF‐α‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression in CBDC cytoplasm. The CD14‐positive cells collected from cord blood were induced to CBDC in vitro. After activation with IFN‐γ for 12 h, CBDC exhibited cytotoxicity against HL60 and Jurkat cells, while activation with LPS induced cytotoxicity against Daudi and Jurkat cells. However, both LPS‐ and IFN‐γ‐stimulated CBDC showed no cytotoxic activity against normal CD14‐negative cord blood mononuclear cells. The formation of umbilical cord hematopoietic progenitor colonies, identified as burst‐forming unit‐erythroid and colony‐forming unit granulocyte‐macrophage, was not inhibited by stimulated or unstimulated CBDC. IFN‐γ or LPS stimulation enhanced intracellular but not cellular surface TRAIL, and neither intracellular nor cellular surface tumor necrosing factor‐α and Fas Ligand as analyzed by flow cytometry. Our results show that activated CBDC can serve as cytotoxic cells against hematological tumor cells without damaging the normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 127–133)
Ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated dependent phosphorylation of Artemis in response to DNA damage
Authors: Chen Ling , Morio Tomohiro , Minegishi Yoshiyuki , Nakada Shin‐Ichiro , Nagasawa Masayuki , Komatsu Kenshi , Chessa Luciana , Villa Anna , Lecis Daniele , Delia Domenico , Mizutani Shuki
Published: February 2005

Artemis plays a crucial role in the hairpin‐opening step of antigen receptor VDJ gene recombination in the presence of catalytic subunit of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PKcs). A defect in Artemis causes human radiosensitive‐severe combined immunodeficiency. Cells from Artemis‐deficient patients and mice display increased chromosomal instability, but the precise function of this factor in the response to DNA damage remains to be elucidate. In this study, we show that Artemis is hyperphosphorylated in an Ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM)‐ and Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (Nbs1)‐dependent manner in response to ionizing radiation (IR), and that S645 is an SQ/TQ site that contributes to retarded mobility of Artemis upon IR. The hyperphosphorylation of Artemis is markedly reduced in ATM‐ and Nbs1‐null cells. Reintroduction of wild‐type ATM or Nbs1 reconstituted Artemis hyperphosphorylation in ATM‐ or Nbs1‐deficient cells, respectively. In support of this functional link, hyperphosphorylated Artemis was found to physically associate with the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 complex in an ATM‐dependent manner in response to IR‐induced DNA double strand breaks (DSB). Since deficiency of either DNA‐Pkcs or ATM leads to defective repair of IR‐induced DSB, our finding places Artemis at the signaling crossroads downstream of DNA‐PKcs and ATM in IR‐induced DSB repair. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 134–141)
Modern management of myelofibrosis
Authors: Cervantes Francisco
Published: February 2005

The conventional treatment of myelofibrosis involves a wait‐and‐see approach for asymptomatic patients, oral chemotherapy for the hyperproliferative forms of the disease, androgens or erythropoietin for the anaemia, and splenectomy in selected patients. Low‐dose thalidomide plus prednisone is a well‐tolerated therapy for the anaemia and the thrombocytopenia of myelofibrosis, whereas imatinib has shown little efficacy. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) is the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis. Its standard modality has an associated mortality of about 30% and can be applied to younger patients with high‐risk disease or resistant to conventional treatment. Reduced‐intensity conditioning allo‐SCT involves a low mortality and is a promising therapy for patients aged 45–70 years old with the above characteristics. Autologous SCT is a palliative therapy for patients resistant to conventional treatment who lack a suitable donor. The next candidates for the treatment of myelofibrosis are the thalidomide derivatives, the proteasome inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing antibodies.
Poor association between allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin E levels, skin sensitivity and basophil degranulation: a study with recombinant birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and an immunoglobulin E detection system measuring immunoglobulin E capable of binding to FcɛRI
Authors: Purohit A. , Laffer S. , Metz‐Favre C. , Verot A. , Kricek F. , Valenta R. , Pauli G.
Published: February 2005

Background
Results from several studies indicate that the magnitude of immediate symptoms of type I allergy caused by allergen‐induced cross‐linking of high‐affinity Fcɛ receptors on effector cells (mast cells and basophils) is not always associated with allergen‐specific IgE levels.

Objective
To investigate the association of results from intradermal skin testing, basophil histamine release and allergen‐specific IgE, IgG1–4, IgA and IgM antibody levels in a clinical study performed in birch pollen‐allergic patients (n=18).

Methods
rBet v 1‐specific IgEs were measured by quantitative CAP measurements and by using purified FcɛRI‐derived α‐chain to quantify IgE capable of binding to effector cells. Bet v 1‐specific IgG subclasses, IgA and IgM levels were measured by ELISA, and basophil histamine release was determined in whole blood samples. Intradermal skin testing was performed with the end‐point titration method.

Results
Our study demonstrates on the molecular level that the concentrations of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies capable of binding to FcɛRI and biological sensitivities are not necessarily associated. A moderate association was found between cutaneous and basophil sensitivity.

Conclusion
Our results highlight the quantitative discrepancies and limitations of the present diagnostic tools in allergy, even when using a single allergenic molecule. The quantity of allergen‐specific serum IgE is only one component of far more complex cellular systems (i.e. basophil‐based tests, skin tests) used as indirect diagnostic tests for IgE‐mediated allergic sensitivity.
Prevalence and main characteristics of schoolchildren diagnosed withfood allergies in France
Authors: Rancé F. , Grandmottet X. , Grandjean H.
Published: February 2005

Background
A cross‐sectional, descriptive, questionnaire‐based survey was conducted in Toulouse schools to determine the prevalence of food allergies among schoolchildren.

Objectives
The first goal of the survey was to estimate the prevalence of food allergies. The second goal was to determine the main characteristics of the allergies.

Methods
The questionnaires (3500) were distributed in 150 classes in eight schools. The return rate was 77.6% (2716).

Results
Of the 192 (7.0%) questionnaires with a ‘Yes’ response (report of a food allergy), 182 were retained as reporting true food allergies (6.7%). The cumulative and point prevalences were 6.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.8–7.6] and 4.7% [95% CI 3.9–5.5], respectively. The point prevalences were 4.0% for the children aged 2–5 years, 6.8% for the children aged 6–10 years, and 3.4% for the children aged 11–14 years. The main foods reported as causing adverse reactions were cow milk (n=29, 11.9%), eggs (n=23, 9.4%), kiwis (n=22, 9.0%), peanuts (n=20, 8.2%), fish (n=19, 7.8%), tree nuts (n=19, 7.8%), and shrimp (n=13, 5.3%). The average age at which the allergies were detected was 3.4±2.8 years (with a range of 0.1–12 years). The clinical signs of the food allergies were cutaneous (n=153, 62.7%), digestive (n=74, 30.3%), respiratory (n=17, 6.9%), and anaphylactic shock (n=12, 4.9%).

Conclusion
While well aware of the biases inherent in this type of study, we estimated the cumulative and point prevalences of food allergies in a population of schoolage children in Toulouse at 6.7% and 4.7%, respectively. Cow milk, eggs, and peanuts were the main foods reported as causing allergies. Exotic fruits, shellfish, and tree nuts appeared to be relatively new allergens.