bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐monophyly of the avian genus Seicercus (Aves: Sylviidae) revealed by mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Olsson Urban , Alström Per , Sundberg Per
Published: November 2004

The phylogeny of all species and nearly all subspecies of Seicercus and representatives of all subgenera in Phylloscopus was estimated based on two mitochondrial genes. According to the gene tree, and supported by non‐molecular data, Seicercus belongs in three separate clades. Two of these include only taxa currently classified as Seicercus, while the third comprises S. xanthoschistos and P. occipitalis. These results suggest that both Seicercus and Phylloscopus are paraphyletic. The gene tree suggests two more cases of non‐monophyly: (1) the ‘S. burkii complex’ is separated into two different clades, one of which also includes S. affinis and S. poliogenys; (2) two populations of S. affinis intermedius are more closely related to S. affinis ocularis than to a third population of intermedius. A recent proposal to split the ‘S. burkii complex’ into six species is corroborated, as is the recognition of the taxon cognitus as a colour morph of S. affinis intermedius. Our study also revealed unexpectedly large genetic divergences between three different populations of the monotypic S. poliogenys, indicating the presence of cryptic species. Our results underscore the importance of dense sampling at the specific and infraspecific levels in intrageneric phylogenetic studies.
Characterization of a novel Neisseria meningitidis Fur and iron‐regulated operon required for protection from oxidative stress: utility of DNA microarray in the assignment of the biological role of hypothetical genes
Authors: Grifantini Renata , Frigimelica Elisabetta , Delany Isabel , Bartolini Erika , Giovinazzi Serena , Balloni Sergio , Agarwal Sarika , Galli Giuliano , Genco Caroline , Grandi Guido
Published: November 2004

We have previously shown that in the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) more than 200 genes are regulated in response to growth with iron. Among the Fur‐dependent, upregulated genes identified by microarray analysis was a putative operon constituted by three genes, annotated as NMB1436, NMB1437 and NMB1438 and encoding proteins with so far unknown function. The operon was remarkably upregulated in the presence of iron and, on the basis of gel retardation analysis, its regulation was Fur dependent. In this study, we have further characterized the role of iron and Fur in the regulation of the NMB1436–38 operon and we have mapped the promoter and the Fur binding site. We also demonstrate by mutant analysis that the NMB1436–38 operon is required for protection of MenB to hydrogen peroxide‐mediated killing. By using both microarray analysis and S1 mapping, we demonstrate that the operon is not regulated by oxidative stress signals. We also show that the deletion of the NMB1436–38 operon results in an impaired capacity of MenB to survive in the blood of mice using an adult mouse model of MenB infection. Finally, we show that the NMB1436–38 deletion mutant exhibits increased susceptibility to the killing activity of polymorphonuclears (PMNs), suggesting that the ‘attenuated’ phenotype is mediated in part by the increased sensitivity to reactive oxygen species‐producing cells. This study represents one of the first examples of the use of DNA microarray to assign a biological role to hypothetical genes in bacteria.
RNA‐guided nucleotide modification of ribosomal and non‐ribosomal RNAs in Archaea
Authors: Ziesche Sonia M. , Omer Arina D. , Dennis Patrick P.
Published: November 2004

Archaea use ribonucleoprotein (RNP) machines similar to those found in the eukaryotic nucleolus to methylate ribose residues in nascent ribosomal RNA. The archaeal complex required for this 2′‐O‐ribose‐methylation consists of the C/D box sRNA guide and three proteins, the core RNA‐binding aL7a protein, the aNop56 protein and the methyltransferase aFib protein. These RNP machines were reconstituted in vitro from purified recombinant components, and shown to have methylation activity when provided with a simple target oligonucleotide, complementary to the sRNA guide sequence. To obtain a better understanding of the versatility and specificity of this reaction, the activity of reconstituted particles on more complex target substrates, including 5S RNA, tRNAGln and ‘double target’ oligonucleotides that exhibit either direct or reverse complementarity to both the D′ and D box guides, has been examined. The natural 5S and tRNAGln substrates were efficiently methylated in vitro, as long as the complementarity between guide and target was about 10 base pairs in length, and lacked mismatches. Maximal activity of double guide sRNAs required that both methylation sites be present in cis on the target RNA.
Identification of host‐specific colonization factors of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Morgan Eirwen , Campbell June D. , Rowe Sonya C. , Bispham Jennie , Stevens Mark P. , Bowen Alison J. , Barrow Paul A. , Maskell Duncan J. , Wallis Timothy S.
Published: November 2004

The severity of infections caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium varies depending on the host species. Numerous virulence genes have been identified in S. Typhimurium, largely from studies in mice, but their roles in infections of other species remain unclear. In the most comprehensive survey of its kind, through the use of signature‐tagged mutagenesis of S. Typhimurium we have identified mutants that were unable to colonize calf intestines, mutants unable to colonize chick intestines and mutants unable to colonize both species. The type three secretion systems encoded on Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) 1 and 2 were required for efficient colonization of cattle. However, disruption of these secretion systems only caused a minor defect in S. Typhimurium colonization of chicks. Transposon insertions in SPI‐4 compromised S. Typhimurium colonization of cattle, but not chicks. This is the first data confirming a role for SPI‐4 in pathogenesis. We have also been able to ascribe a role in colonization for cell surface polysaccharides, cell envelope proteins, and many ‘housekeeping’ genes and genes of unknown function. We conclude that S. Typhimurium uses different strategies to colonize calves and chicks. This has major implications for vaccine design.
In vivo effect of inactivation of ribosome recycling factor – fate of ribosomes after unscheduled translation downstream of open reading frame
Authors: Hirokawa Go , Inokuchi Hachiro , Kaji Hideko , Igarashi Kazuei , Kaji Akira
Published: November 2004

The post‐termination ribosomal complex is disassembled by ribosome recycling factor (RRF) and elongation factor G. Without RRF, the ribosome is not released from mRNA at the termination codon and reinitiates translation downstream. This is called unscheduled translation. Here, we show that at the non‐permissive temperature of a temperature‐sensitive RRF strain, RRF is lost quickly, and some ribosomes reach the 3′ end of mRNA. However, instead of accumulating at the 3′ end of mRNA, ribosomes are released as monosomes. Some ribosomes are transferred to transfer‐messenger RNA from the 3′ end of mRNA. The monosomes thus produced are able to translate synthetic homopolymer but not natural mRNA with leader and canonical initiation signal. The pellet containing ribosomes appears to be responsible for rapid but reversible inhibition of most but not all of protein synthesis in vivo closely followed by decrease of cellular RNA and DNA synthesis.
Enolase in the RNA degradosome plays a crucial role in the rapid decay of glucose transporter mRNA in the response to phosphosugar stress in Escherichia coli
Authors: Morita Teppei , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Mizota Taisei , Inada Toshifumi , Aiba Hiroji
Published: November 2004

The ptsG mRNA encoding the major glucose transporter is rapidly degraded in an RNase E‐dependent manner in response to the accumulation of glucose 6‐P or fructose 6‐P when the glycolytic pathway is blocked at its early steps in Escherichia coli. RNase E, a major endonuclease, is associated with polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), RhlB helicase and a glycolytic enzyme, enolase, which bind to its C‐terminal scaffold region to form a multienzyme complex called the RNA degradosome. The role of enolase within the RNase E‐based degradosome in RNA decay has been totally mysterious. In this article, we demonstrate that the removal of the scaffold region of RNase E suppresses the rapid degradation of ptsG mRNA in response to the metabolic stress without affecting the expression of ptsG mRNA under normal conditions. We also demonstrate that the depletion of enolase but not the disruption of pnp or rhlB eliminates the rapid degradation of ptsG mRNA. Taken together, we conclude that enolase within the degradosome plays a crucial role in the regulation of ptsG mRNA stability in response to a metabolic stress. This is the first instance in which a physiological role for enolase in the RNA degradosome has been demonstrated. In addition, we show that PNPase and RhlB within the degradosome cooperate to eliminate short degradation intermediates of ptsG mRNA.
A novel sensor kinase–response regulator hybrid regulates type III secretion and is required for virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Laskowski Michelle A. , Osborn Ellice , Kazmierczak Barbara I.
Published: November 2004

The type III secretion system (TTSS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is induced by contact with eukaryotic cells and by growth in low‐calcium media. We have identified a protein, RtsM, that is necessary for expression of the TTSS genes in P. aeruginosa. RtsM possesses both histidine kinase and response regulator domains common to two‐component signalling proteins, as well as a large predicted periplasmic domain and seven transmembrane domains. Deletion of rtsM resulted in a defect in production and secretion of the type III effectors. Northern blot analysis revealed that mRNAs encoding the effectors ExoT and ExoU are absent in the ΔrtsM strain under TTSS‐inducing conditions. Using transcriptional fusions, we demonstrated that RtsM is required for transcription of the operons encoding the TTSS effectors and apparatus in response to calcium limitation or to host cell contact. The operon encoding the TTSS regulator ExsA does not respond to calcium limitation, but the basal transcription rate of this operon was lower in ΔrtsM than in the wild‐type parent, PA103. The defect in TTSS effector production and secretion of ΔrtsM could be complemented by overexpressing ExsA or Vfr, two transcriptional activators involved in TTSS regulation. ΔrtsM was markedly less virulent than PA103 in a murine model of acute pneumonia, demonstrating that RtsM is required in vivo. We propose that RtsM is a sensor protein at the start of a signalling cascade that induces expression of the TTSS in response to environmental signals.
Functional dependence on calcineurin by variants of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae vacuolar Ca2+/H+ exchanger Vcx1p
Authors: Pittman Jon K. , Cheng Ning‐Hui , Shigaki Toshiro , Kunta Madhurababu , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: November 2004

The Ca2+‐dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin is an important regulator of ion transporters from many organisms, including the Saccharomyces cerevisiae vacuolar Ca2+/H+ exchanger Vcx1p. In yeast and plants, cation/H+ exchangers are important in shaping cytosolic Ca2+ levels involved in signal transduction and providing tolerance to potentially toxic concentrations of cations such as Ca2+, Mn2+ and Cd2+. Previous genetic evidence suggested Vcx1p is negatively regulated by calcineurin. By utilizing direct transport measurements into vacuolar membrane vesicles, we demonstrate that Vcx1p is a low‐affinity Ca2+ transporter and may also function in Cd2+ transport, but cannot transport Mn2+. Furthermore, direct Ca2+ transport by Vcx1p is calcineurin sensitive. Using a yeast growth assay, a mutant allele of VCX1 (VCX1‐S204A/L208P), termed VCX1‐M1, was previously found to confer strong Mn2+ tolerance. Here we demonstrate that this Mn2+ tolerance is independent of the Ca2+/Mn2+‐ATPase Pmr1p and results from Mn2+‐specific vacuolar transport activity of Vcx1‐M1p. This Mn2+ transport by Vcx1‐M1p is calcineurin dependent, although the localization of Vcx1‐M1p to the vacuole appears to be calcineurin independent. Additionally, we demonstrate that mutation of L208P alone is enough to confer calcineurin‐dependent Mn2+ tolerance. This study demonstrates that calcineurin can positively regulate the transport of cations by VCX1‐M1p.
Direct and indirect transcriptional activation of virulence genes by an AraC‐like protein, PerA from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Porter Megan E. , Mitchell Paul , Roe Andrew J. , Free Andrew , Smith David G. E. , Gally David L.
Published: November 2004

The plasmid‐encoded Per regulatory locus of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is generally considered to consist of three genes, perA, perB and perC. PerA, a member of the AraC‐like family of transcriptional regulators, is known to be an activator of its own promoter (autoactivation) as well as of the plasmid‐located bfp operon encoding bundle‐forming pili, but its role in activation of the chromosomal locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island, which confers the property of intimate adherence on EPEC, requires clarification. Here, we show that PerA is also required for activation of the master regulatory LEE operon, LEE1, but that this activation is indirect, being achieved via autoactivation of the per promoter which ensures sufficient production of the PerC protein to activate LEE1. In contrast, PerA‐dependent activation of the per and bfp promoters is direct and does not require the other Per proteins, but is modulated by the nucleoid‐associated protein H‐NS. The closely related VirF regulator from Shigella flexneri cannot substitute for PerA to activate these promoters, despite being able to bind their upstream regions in vitro. PerA can bind the per and bfp promoter fragments to form multiple complexes, while VirF forms only a single complex. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the PerA protein suggests that, like VirF, it may use both of its carboxy‐terminal helix—turn–helix motifs for DNA interaction, and may also make direct contacts with RNA polymerase. In addition, we have isolated mutations in the poorly characterized amino‐terminal domain of PerA which affect its ability to activate gene expression.
FtsK activities in Xer recombination, DNA mobilization and cell division involve overlapping and separate domains of the protein
Authors: Bigot Sarah , Corre Jacqueline , Louarn Jean‐Michel , Cornet François , Barre François‐Xavier
Published: November 2004

Escherichia coli FtsK is a multifunctional protein that couples cell division and chromosome segregation. Its N‐terminal transmembrane domain (FtsKN) is essential for septum formation, whereas its C‐terminal domain (FtsKC) is required for chromosome dimer resolution by XerCD‐dif site‐specific recombination. FtsKC is an ATP‐dependent DNA translocase. In vitro and in vivo data point to a dual role for this domain in chromosome dimer resolution (i) to directly activate recombination by XerCD‐dif and (ii) to bring recombination sites together and/or to clear DNA from the closing septum. FtsKN and FtsKC are separated by a long linker region (FtsKL) of unknown function that is highly divergent between bacterial species. Here, we analysed the in vivo effects of deletions of FtsKL and/or of FtsKC, of swaps of these domains with their Haemophilus influenzae counterparts and of a point mutation that inactivates the walker A motif of FtsKC. Phenotypic characterization of the mutants indicated a role for FtsKL in cell division. More importantly, even though Xer recombination activation and DNA mobilization both rely on the ATPase activity of FtsKC, mutants were found that can perform only one or the other of these two functions, which allowed their separation in vivo for the first time.
The Sm‐like protein Hfq regulates polyadenylation dependent mRNA decay in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mohanty Bijoy K. , Maples Valerie F. , Kushner Sidney R.
Published: November 2004

In Escherichia coli, the post‐transcriptional addition of poly(A) tails by poly(A) polymerase I (PAP I, pcnB) plays a significant role in cellular RNA metabolism. However, many important features of this system, including its regulation and the selection of polyadenylation sites, are still poorly understood. Here we show that the inactivation of Hfq (hfq), an abundant RNA‐binding protein, leads to the reduction in the ability of PAP I to add poly(A) tails at the 3′ termini of mRNAs containing Rho‐independent transcription terminators even though PAP I protein levels remain unchanged. Those poly(A) tails that are synthesized in the absence of Hfq are shorter in length, even in the absence of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), RNase II and RNase E. In fact, the biosynthetic activity of PNPase in the hfq single mutant is enhanced and it becomes the primary polynucleotide polymerase, adding heteropolymeric tails almost exclusively to 3′ truncated mRNAs. Surprisingly, both PNPase and Hfq co‐purified with His‐tagged PAP I under native conditions indicating a potential complex among these proteins. Immunoprecipitation experiments using PNPase‐ and Hfq‐specific antibodies confirmed the protein–protein interactions among PAP I, PNPase and Hfq. Analysis of mRNA half‐lives in hfq, ΔpcnB and hfq ΔpcnB mutants suggests that Hfq and PAP I function in the same mRNA decay pathway.
The German study on sleep‐disordered breathing in primary school children: epidemiological approach, representativeness of study sample, and preliminary screening results
Authors: Schlaud Martin , Urschitz Michael S. , Urschitz‐Duprat Pilar M. , Poets Christian F.
Published: November 2004

In order to study the prevalence of habitual snoring (HS), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), other aspects of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), and their determinants, we enrolled a cross‐section of children from the population of third graders attending regular primary schools in Hannover, Germany. The recruitment strategy followed a multistage, probability‐clustered design. Selected schools were compared with eligible schools regarding the percentage of children with low socio‐economic status (SES). The recruitment process was analysed and response proportions calculated. Study subjects were compared with their school enrolment cohort based on anonymous data provided by school authorities. Habitual snoring and OSA were investigated using parental questionnaires and all children underwent nocturnal home pulse oximetry. There was a good overall representativeness of sampled schools with regard to the percentage of children with low SES. In total, 1760 children were contacted and 1144 (65.0%) agreed to participate. The whole process of self‐selection of study subjects was not differential by gender.

Compared with their school enrolment cohort, study subjects had slightly higher educated parents. The prevalence of HS was estimated to be 10.1%[95% CI 8.3, 11.9%]; and 3.2%[2.2, 4.2%] and 3.9%[2.8, 4.2%] had an abnormally high OSA or SDB score respectively. Based on pulse oximetry, 2.4%[95% CI 1.5, 3.4%] had 3 D90and 3 DC, 1.0%[0.4, 1.6%] had the DI90 > 0.6, and 3.3%[2.2, 4.4%] had the DI4 > 3.9 and the DIC > 0.4. This study sample appears to be highly representative with regard to all available data from the population, and therefore suitable to study the prevalence of HS and OSA. Our prevalence estimates are in the range of other studies.
Effect of foliar‐applied potassium chloride on septoria leaf blotch of winter wheat
Authors: Mann R. L. , Kettlewell P. S. , Jenkinson P.
Published: November 2004

The effect of foliar‐applied potassium chloride on Septoria tritici, the anamorph of Mycosphaerella graminicola, was quantified and possible modes of action investigated during controlled‐environment and field experiments. A field experiment in harvest year 1997 showed c. 50% reduction in the area of leaf 2 of winter wheat plants affected by septoria leaf blotch after foliar application of potassium chloride, compared with untreated controls. Similarly, in harvest year 1998 potassium chloride reduced, by about one‐third, the area of the flag and penultimate leaf affected by S. tritici. However, a significant yield increase was not observed, although grains m−2 did show an increase of borderline significance. Applications of epoxiconazole reduced the area of leaf 4 affected by S. tritici compared with untreated controls, whereas applications of chlorothalonil, potassium chloride or polyethylene glycol proved ineffective against disease development. This may suggest that potassium chloride is relatively immobile and possesses contact activity similar to that of chlorothalonil. In 1998, similar reductions in leaf area affected were observed with the inert osmoticum polyethylene glycol in the field, suggesting that the control provided by potassium chloride may be achieved by adverse osmotic effects on the pathogen. Scanning electron microscopy of germinating conidia on wheat plants showed inhibition of conidial germination by both potassium chloride and polyethylene glycol at the same calculated osmotic potential on the leaf surface.
Effect of inoculum type and timing of application of Coniothyrium minitans on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: influence on apothecial production
Authors: Jones E. E. , Clarkson J. P. , Mead A. , Whipps J. M.
Published: November 2004

The effects of different inocula of the mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans on carpogenic germination of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at different times of year were assessed. A series of three glasshouse box bioassays was used to compare the effect of five spore‐suspension inocula of C. minitans, including three different isolates (Conio, IVT1 and Contans), with a standard maizemeal–perlite inoculum. Apothecial production, as well as viability and C. minitans infection of S. sclerotiorum sclerotia buried in treated soil, were assessed. Maizemeal–perlite inoculum at 107 CFU per cm3 soil reduced sclerotial germination and apothecial production in all three box bioassays, decreasing sclerotial recovery and viability in the second bioassay and increasing C. minitans infection of sclerotia in the first bioassay. Spore‐suspension inocula applied at a lower concentration (104 CFU per cm3 soil) were inconsistent in their effects on sclerotial germination in the three box bioassays. Temperature was an important factor influencing apothecial production. Sclerotial germination was delayed or inhibited when bioassays were made in the summer. High temperatures also inhibited infection of sclerotia by C. minitans. Coniothyrium minitans survived these high temperatures, however, and infected the sclerotia once the temperature decreased to a lower level. Inoculum level of C. minitans was an important factor in reducing apothecial production by sclerotia. The effects of temperature on both carpogenic germination of sclerotia and parasitism of sclerotia by C. minitans are discussed.
Applicability of rep‐PCR genomic fingerprinting to molecular discrimination of members of the genera Phaeoacremonium and Phaeomoniella
Authors: Alves A. , Henriques I. , Fragoeiro S. , Santos C. , Phillips A. J. L. , Correia A.
Published: November 2004

This study examined the applicability of rep‐PCR genomic fingerprinting to molecular typing of Phaeoacremonium and Phaeomoniella species found on grapevines and associated with the esca syndrome. Fingerprints obtained by rep‐PCR were compared with those obtained by microsatellite‐primed PCR. The rep‐PCR patterns clearly separated the species, and in some cases revealed intraspecific variability. Dendrograms revealed a clear genetic distance between Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and the three Phaeoacremonium species analysed. The results demonstrate that rep‐PCR can be a complementary or alternative strategy to other molecular methods as a tool for identification of species and strains of these two genera.
Effect of inoculum type and timing of application of Coniothyrium minitans on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: control of sclerotinia disease in glasshouse lettuce
Authors: Jones E. E. , Mead A. , Whipps J. M.
Published: November 2004

The effects of Coniothyrium minitans inoculum quality and an 8‐week interval between inoculum application and crop planting on sclerotinia (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) disease in three successive lettuce crops were investigated in a glasshouse trial. Spore suspensions of three isolates of C. minitans (Conio, IVT1 and Contans) applied at 108 CFU m−2 and a standard Conio maizemeal–perlite application (06 L m−2, 1011 CFU m−2) were assessed for their ability to control S. sclerotiorum. Only the maizemeal–perlite inoculum (isolate Conio) consistently reduced sclerotinia disease. In the third lettuce crop only, isolates IVT1 and Contans formulated by Prophyta and isolate IVT as an oil–water formulation, all applied as spore suspensions, reduced disease at harvest compared with the untreated control. Recovery, viability and C. minitans infection of sclerotia buried during the 8‐week period prior to each of the three lettuce crops, and of sclerotia formed on the crop, were tested. Only the maizemeal–perlite inoculum (isolate Conio) reduced the recovery of sclerotia buried in soil for weeks between inoculum application and crop planting, reducing their viability and increasing infection by C. minitans. Eight weeks was sufficient to enable C. minitans to infect sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum, and may account for disease control. After harvest of the second and third crops, maizemeal–perlite treatment (isolate Conio) reduced the number and viability of sclerotia recovered on the soil surface and increased infection by C. minitans compared with spore‐suspension treatments. The effect of inoculum concentration and the influence of soil temperature (varying with time of year) on infection of sclerotia by C. minitans are discussed.
The Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone as the mantle edge of Baltica lithosphere: new evidence from three‐dimensional seismic anisotropy
Authors: Babuška Vladislav , Plomerová Jaroslava
Published: November 2004

Joint analysis of shear‐wave splitting parameters and directional dependence of teleseismic P residuals based on data from the seismic experiment TOR across the Trans‐European Suture Zone suggest that the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone (STZ) in northern Denmark forms the south‐western margin of Baltica in the upper mantle. Different lithosphere thickness and different orientation of seismic anisotropy in the mantle lithosphere identify three domains separated by the STZ between Denmark and southern Sweden and the Thor Suture between northern Germany and Denmark. We suggest that the anisotropy reflects frozen‐in olivine fabrics, most probably created during early stages of the evolution of the European continent. The middle Danish block might represent a microplate caught in between Avalonia and Baltica before the Caledonian orogeny.
Seismic reflection evidence for thick‐skinned tectonics in the northern Jura
Authors: Rotstein Y. , Schaming M.
Published: November 2004

Newly released seismic reflection data from the northern Jura Mountains and southern Rhine Graben provide the first high‐quality subsurface images from this area. These throw light on the details of the fault patterns in the area, and show that the Ferrette and Le Glaserberg Jura structures are largely the result of thrust faulting. However, the faults differ in their nature from those usually assumed in Jura tectonics: they are not low‐angle thrusts converging on a decollement zone in Triassic evaporites. They appear instead to be high‐angle faults that cross the entire sedimentary section, indicating that thick‐skinned tectonics prevailed in this part of the Jura. Embryonic Jura folds can be seen on the images from the nearby Mulhouse Horst, folds that are not supported by thickened Triassic evaporites. The existence of recent earthquake activity, taken together with the prevalence of thick‐skinned tectonics, suggests that occasional large earthquakes cannot be ruled out in this area.
Flexural response of the Venetian foreland to the Southalpine tectonics along the TRANSALP profile
Authors: Barbieri C. , Bertotti G. , Di Giulio A. , Fantoni R. , Zoetemeijer R.
Published: November 2004

The Venetian Basin was affected by flexure related to the Southalpine shortening phase during the Middle Miocene – Early Pliocene. This downbending is quantified here using a two‐dimensional flexural model. A recently improved data set on basin geometry based on the bottom of the Serravallian–Tortonian clastic wedge, on palaeobathymetry and gravity anomalies is used to constrain the components of flexure and to test the importance of the initial bathymetry in evaluating the contribution of surface loads to deflection. A good fit is obtained assuming a northward broken plate configuration of the downbent Adriatic plate with an effective elastic thickness of 20 km. Results highlight that, in the studied region, flexure related to the Eastern Southern Alps is totally due to surface loads (topographic load partly replacing initial bathymetry) and that no hidden loads are required. Furthermore, the palaeobathymetry contributes up to 50% to the total flexure in the studied region.
Deep‐water anoxia over the Frasnian–Famennian boundary (La Serre, France): a tectonically induced oceanic anoxic event?
Authors: Tribovillard N. , Averbuch O. , Devleeschouwer X. , Racki G. , Riboulleau A.
Published: November 2004

The Frasnian–Famennian (F‐F) transition is well exposed in the basinal setting of La Serre (Montagne Noire, France), where oxygen‐deficient conditions prevailed in bottom environments. In this paper, we study the F‐F transition using inorganic geochemistry (notably, major elements, redox‐sensitive and/or sulphide‐forming trace metals, and productivity proxies). The results are compared with published data concerning the La Serre section, other F‐F sections and other geological formations also deposited in basinal settings. The very high enrichment in redox and productivity tracers indicates that anoxic conditions prevailed across the F‐F boundary, and that surface productivity was intense. Such deep‐water restricted conditions coupled with high productivity occurred in various places in Late Devonian oceans. Recycling alone cannot account for the intense nutrient supply and therefore the most probable source was via land runoff. We discuss the Eovariscan episode of uplift that stimulated rock weathering, and hence long‐term nutrient supply to the seas.
Fluid‐escape features as a precursor of a large sublacustrine sediment slide in Lake Le Bourget, NW Alps, France
Authors: Chapron E. , Van Rensbergen P. , De Batist M. , Beck C. , Henriet J. P.
Published: November 2004

The north‐western corner of Lake Le Bourget is situated along an active fault zone and accommodated a large sediment supply from the Rhone River until the end of the Late Glacial period. On the delta slope, the Holocene sheet drape that covers the largest buried mass wasting deposit (the HDU) shows undulations, small fractures and discontinuities that are attributed to downslope creep. Evidence for episodes of vigorous fluid expulsion is found in association with these discontinuities. All these features are rooted at the top of the HDU and occur along two specific isobaths. These observations indicate a close link between fractures and focused fluid flow. We suggest that focused fluid flow triggered by earthquakes facilitates the formation of small‐scale faults that accommodate part of the downslope movement and eventually link up to form a head‐scarp of a large slide (c. 107 m3).
The effect of internal gas pressurization on volcanic edifice stability: evolution towards a critical state
Authors: Thomas Mark E. , Petford Nick , Bromhead Edward N.
Published: November 2004

Results from simple physical and numerical models investigating the effects of increased internal pore‐fluid pressures of a Mohr–Coulomb volcanic edifice are presented. Physical experiments make use of a heap built from angular sand on top of a stiff substrate of variable angle, with the provision for injection of internal fluid (gas) pressures into the base. The resulting failure geometries arising from internal pressurization of the model appear similar to some natural examples of sector collapse. Two‐dimensional limit equilibrium models analysing 42 500 possible failure surfaces were run with internal pressures (P0) in the range 5–35 MPa, and show that the potential critical failure surface migrates to increasingly deeper levels with increasing internal pressure. Although internal pressurization alone is unlikely to reduce the factor of safety (FS) below unity, the edifice is driven towards a state of criticality that will render in susceptible to any internal or external perturbations.
Diagnostische Wertigkeit des Nachweises von Antikörpern gegen Candida‐Keimschlauchantigene bei einer Patientin mit hepatolienaler Candidose
Authors: Wulf G. G. , Conradi I. , Rüchel R.
Published: November 2004

Bei einer 53jährigen Patientin mit akuter myeloischer Leukämie wurde bei Fieber in der späten Aplasie nach Chemotherapie die Diagnose einer invasiven Mykose mit charakteristischen Infiltrationen in der Leber und Milz gestellt. Zur serologischen Erkennung einer Candidose in der Frühphase der Infektion wurden zwei Nachweismethoden von Antikörpern gegen Candida‐Antigene verglichen. Der ELISA‐gestützte Nachweis von IgM und IgG Antikörpern gegen ein Gemisch von Candida‐Antigenen (ESR 117G und 117M, Virion‐Serion, Würzburg, Deutschland) zeigte die invasive Candidose deutlich früher (22 Tage) an als der Nachweis mittels Immunfluoreszenzdetektion von IgG Antikörpern gegen Candida‐Keimschlauchantigene (Vircell, Granada, Spanien). Im Fall der Patientin war die Detektion einer humoralen Immunantwort gegen Candida‐Keimschlauchantigene von geringer diagnostischer Bedeutung.
Candida‐ und Aspergillus‐Antikörper‐ELISA – Erwartungswerte positiver Antikörpernachweise aus Seren der klinisch‐mykologischen Routinediagnostik
Authors: Fegeler W. , Kipp F.
Published: November 2004

Um eine bessere Einschätzung der Bedeutung von Erst‐ und Einzelbefunden beim Nachweis von Candida‐ und Aspergillus‐Antikörpern zu ermöglichen, wurden an Hand der ELISA‐Ergebnisse von mehr als 15.000 Serumproben der klinisch‐mykologischen Routinediagnostik für die Immunglobulinklassen IgM, IgG und IgA Erwartungswerte ermittelt. Die zu erwartende Häufigkeit positiver Antikörpernachweise wird entscheidend durch die Form der Diagnostik beeinflusst. Im Rahmen der Erstuntersuchungen waren qualitativ positiv zu bewertende Antikörpernachweise (Gesamtdiagnostik) in den verschiedenen Immunglobulin ‐ Klassen nachzuweisen für Candida‐Antikörper: IgM in 6,1%; IgG in 6,0% und IgA in 2,1% sowie für Aspergillus–Antikörper: IgM in 11,4%, IgG in 22,1% und IgA in 5,1%. Bei Erstuntersuchungen der Bedarfsdiagnostik lagen die Werte für Candida–Antikörper um den Faktor 2,5–3 höher. In der Verlaufsdiagnostik zeigen die Candida–Antikörper andere Verlaufsmuster in den Immunglobulinklassen als die Aspergillus–Antikörper.
Diagnose systemischerCandida‐Infektionen: Bewertung der Serologie, der Molekularbiologie und des D‐Arabinitol‐Nachweises
Authors: Bär W. , Beyreiß B. , Rebentisch G. , Juretzek T.
Published: November 2004

Zur Diagnose von systemischenCandida‐Infektionen bei Patienten einer Intensivstation wurden mehrere labortechnische Verfahren miteinander verglichen. Im ersten Zyklus wurden Antigen und Antikörper bei 104 Patienten untersucht. Bei 17 Patienten, die als infiziert eingestuft waren, wurden bei 9 Patienten ein positives Antigen und bei 11 Patienten erhöhte Antikörpertiter nachgewiesen. 42 Patienten waren nur kolonisiert. In dieser Gruppe wurden ein positives Antigen und sechs erhöhte Antikörpertiter nachgewiesen. Durch Kombination beider Werte konnte die Sensitivität von 58,8% (nur Antigen) bzw. 52,9% (nur Antikörper) auf 100% gesteigert werden. Im zweiten Zyklus (n = 83 Patienten) wurde zusätzlich der D‐Arabinitol/L‐Arabinitol‐Quotient (D‐Ara/L‐Ara‐Quotient) im Urin bestimmt. Hierbei wurde bei 18,1% ein erhöhter Antikörpertiter und bei 26,5% ein erhöhter D‐Ara/L‐Ara‐Quotient festgestellt. Im dritten Zyklus wurde noch zusätzlich die PCR eingesetzt (n = 27 Patienten). Fünf Patienten hatten einen erhöhten D‐Ara/L‐Ara‐Quotienten und einer von diesen ein positives PCR‐Signal im EDTA‐Blut. Serologische Methoden (Antigen‐, Antikörperbestimmung) sollten nur nach stringenter Vorauswahl der Patienten eingesetzt werden. Bei diagnostisch unklaren Fällen könnte der zusätzliche Einsatz von PCR oder Bestimmung des D‐Ara/L‐Ara‐Quotienten sinnvoll sein.
Erfahrungen mit dem Platelia®Candida ELISA zur Diagnostik invasiver Candida‐Infektionen bei neutropenischen Patienten
Authors: Rimek D. , Redetzke K. , Steiner B. , Podbielski A.
Published: November 2004

Die invasive Candidose (IC) gehört zu den wichtigsten opportunistischen Pilzinfektionen bei immunsupprimierten Patienten. Die Diagnose ist schwierig zu stellen, da klinische Symptome unspezifisch sind und kulturelle Methoden niedrige Sensitivität oder Spezifität aufweisen. Wir evaluierten den Platelia®Candida Mannan Antigen Enzymimmunoassay (Candida EIA) zur Diagnostik einer IC bei hämatologischen Patienten. In die Studie eingeschlossen wurden 62 Patienten mit 469 Serumproben, von denen wöchentlich Mundspülwasser, Urin und Stuhlproben kulturell auf Candida untersucht wurden. Bei 42 Patienten (68%) wurden Sproßpilze angezüchtet, hauptsächlich Candida albicans (50%), gefolgt von Candida glabrata (23%) und Candida krusei (20%). Die Patienten wurden anhand der EORTC/NIH Kriterien in 4 Gruppen unterteilt: (i) 3 Patienten mit gesicherter IC; (ii) 6 Patienten mit wahrscheinlicher IC; (iii) 34 mit Candida kolonisierte Patienten; (iv) 19 Patienten ohne Candida Kolonisation oder IC. Der Candida EIA war in den Gruppen (i) bis (iv) bei 3/3 (100%), 3/6 (50%), 20/34 (59%) und 7/19 (37%) Patienten in mindestens einer Serumprobe positiv (>0,5 ng ml−1). Die Sensitivität des Tests zur Diagnostik der gesicherten IC betrug 100%, zur Diagnostik der gesicherten und wahrscheinlichen IC 67%, die Spezifität betrug in beiden Fällen 49%. Eine Anhebung des Positiv‐Grenzwertes auf 2,0 ng ml−1 verbesserte die Spezifität auf 61%, senkte aber die Sensitivität auf 56%. Als Schlußfolgerung ergibt sich, daß mit dem Platelia®Candida EIA eine Unterscheidung zwischen Candida Kolonisation und wahrscheinlicher IC bei hämatologischen Patienten nicht möglich ist.
Frühsignale systemischer Mykosen – Leitlinien für Therapieentscheidungen?
Authors: Bernhardt H. , Knoke M.
Published: November 2004

Bei Untersuchungen in vitro und im klinischen Einsatz hat sich gezeigt, dass alle Antimykotika ihre größte Wirksamkeit haben, wenn sie zu einem möglichst frühen Zeitpunkt der Infektion eingesetzt werden. Dazu ist eine frühzeitige Diagnosestellung notwendig. Für die Aspergillose und vor allem die Candidose ist zur Zeit eine Aussage nur bei Kombination mehrerer Methoden möglich. Entzündungsparameter wie das Procalcitonin und C‐reaktive Protein sowie die proinflammatorischen Cytokine können wichtige Hinweise auf eine Infektion geben. Antigennachweise haben durch eine erhöhte Empfindlichkeit an Bedeutung gewonnen. Neben dem Mannan‐Nachweis im ELISA‐Test ist auch auf die Nachweise des β‐Glucans und des D‐Arabinitols aufmerksam zu machen. Ob die transmembranalen Rezeptorproteine oder andere regulatorische Proteine eine diagnostische Bedeutung erlangen, erscheint bei dem heutigen Stand der Forschung auf dem Gebiet der Proteomics nicht ausgeschlossen zu sein.
Will Bank Bailouts Bust Budgets? Fiscalisation of the East Asian financial crisis
Authors: Rosengard Jay K.
Published: November 2004

East Asia has returned to a position of relative financial stability and modest economic growth seven years since the onset of the East Asian financial crisis, but the long‐range impact of the crisis is still unclear, especially regarding fiscal ramifications. Thailand and Indonesia were two of the hardest hit economies and each had exemplary fiscal policies before the crisis. Since the crisis, both countries have maintained prudent fiscal policies, keeping budget deficits relatively small, managing debt burdens effectively and limiting exposure to contingent liabilities. Both countries have addressed the short‐term triggers of the financial crisis admirably and continue to monitor vigilantly their external vulnerabilities. Thus, if either country experiences a fiscal crisis, it will be the result of other factors—bank bail‐outs will bust budgets only if banks have to be bailed out once again due to incomplete or insufficient financial sector reform.
Gender Orders in German Agriculture: From the Patriarchal Welfare State to Liberal Environmentalism
Authors: Prugl Elizabeth
Published: November 2004

This article employs insights from the feminist welfare state literature and the feminist literature on global governance to illustrate ways in which global restructuring is implicated in the construction of gender relations in German agriculture. I argue that changes in modes of regulation have entailed a movement from a patriarchal agricultural welfare state to an internationalised regime of liberal environmentalism with egalitarian pretensions. I adduce empirical and statistical evidence to illustrate the differential impact of regulatory modes on women's participation in the agricultural labour force, divisions of labour and power. My purpose is to show the gender subtexts of market regulation and offer a rationale for mainstreaming gender into agricultural trade negotiations.
Alternative Strategies in the UK Agro‐Food System: Interrogating the Alterity of Farmers' Markets
Authors: Kirwan James
Published: November 2004

In recent years we have witnessed the development of numerous alternative strategies (AS) within the UK agro‐food system intent on overcoming, or at least circumventing, some of the problems associated with the globalisation of food production and consumption. Within these AS, there is an intention to reconnect food to the social, cultural and environmental context of its production, leading to considerable interest in their potential to engender sustained change within the food system. However, it is apparent that AS are likely to face various pressures on their underlying integrity and alterity, and their possible re‐incorporation within mainstream processes. There is a need, therefore, to interrogate the durability of AS, which this paper does through its critical examination of farmers' markets (FMs). Drawing upon a number of FM cases studies, it examines the engagement of producers and consumers, both with each other, but also with the exchange context of FMs. The resultant data are assessed within the conceptual domains of embeddedness and regard as a means of better understanding the nature of FMs as an AS. The paper concludes by outlining the implications of this research for our comprehension of AS more broadly.
Place, Nature and Migration: Students' Attachment to their Rural Home Places
Authors: Wiborg Agnete
Published: November 2004

Mobility and migration are central aspect of modern society and challenges rural areas both structurally and culturally and young people, in particular, are described as globally oriented and detached from tradition. Instead of arguing that places have less importance in modern society, the paper discusses how people's attachment to place must be considered as a multidimensional, dynamic and context related phenomenon by using regional university students' stories about their relationship to home place in rural as the empirical point of departure. In addition, migration does not imply local detachment. In their stories, geographical background is in different ways associated with gender, kinship, class and life style. The meaning they ascribe to their home place and how they describe their relationship to their home place can be considered as part of their formation and management of identity.
Dietary Approaches to Epilepsy Treatment: Old and New Options on the Menu
Authors: Stafstrom Carl E.
Published: November 2004

Dietary therapies represent a potentially valuable adjunct to other epilepsy treatments, such as anticonvulsant medications, epilepsy surgery, and vagus nerve stimulation. Although the ketogenic diet (high fat, adequate protein, low carbohydrate) is the most well-established dietary therapy for epilepsy, other possible approaches include the Atkins diet (high fat, high protein, low carbohydrate), a diet enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, or overall restriction of calorie intake. This review discusses the current clinical status of each of these dietary approaches and suggests possible mechanisms by which they might suppress neuronal hyperexcitability and seizures.
Looking for GABA in all the Wrong Places: The Relevance of Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors to Epilepsy
Authors: Richerson George B.
Published: November 2004

It comes as no surprise that a high concentration of γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors exists across the synapse from presynaptic terminals that contain GABA. Oddly, though, many GABAA receptors also are far away from synapses. These extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are tonically activated by the low levels of GABA normally present in the extracellular space. Many of these extrasynaptic GABAA receptors contain the δ subunit. This subunit confers molecular properties on GABAA receptors that are well suited for a function in tonic inhibition, with a high affinity for GABA and little desensitization to continuous activation. Recent data linked a genetic variant of the δ subunit to epilepsy, providing a missing link between tonic inhibition and control of brain excitability.
Investigation of photosensitive disorders
Authors: Murphy Gillian M.
Published: November 2004

Investigation of photodermatosis is based primarily on the history and clinical findings, histological, immunological and biochemical findings are variably helpful depending on the clinical picture. Formal testing for photosensitivity may be the only definitive test proving photosensitivity on occasion.

This article delineates the important features which allow classification of patients which then enables appropriate treatment.
Melanocortin 1 receptor variants, pigmentation, and skin cancer susceptibility
Authors: Healy Eugene
Published: November 2004

The melanocortin 1 receptor is a key regulator of variation in normal human pigmentation. Genetic variants of this receptor cause red hair and fair skin, and several case–control studies have demonstrated that these genetic variants increase the risk of skin cancer development in humans. The mechanism whereby the risks of skin cancer are increased is not entirely clear, and may be because of a combination of effects on pigmentation and non‐pigmentary pathways.
Linkage analysis between BCL3 and nearby genes on 19q13.2 and non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in multigenerational Japanese families
Authors: Fujita H , Nagata M , Ono K , Okubo H , Takagi R
Published: November 2004

Objective:  To investigate the linkage between candidate genes on chromosome 19 and cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Japanese using a parametric method.

Materials and methods:  After informed consent was obtained, blood samples were drawn from 90 individuals in 14 families, 30 of whom were affected, and genomic DNAs were extracted. PCR‐amplified products using four microsatellite markers, D19S178, BCL3, APOC2[007/008] and APOC2[AC1/AC2] located in 19q13.2, were separated by 8% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Linkage analysis was carried out using the MLINK and LINKMAP programs, and logarithm of odds (LOD) scores were calculated for each family.

Results:  Before undertaking linkage analysis, we analyzed 74 healthy Japanese subjects and found racial differences in that the observed number of alleles and their heterozygosity were lower in Japanese than in Caucasians, and that both populations tended to show a different allele distribution. In 14 families, two‐point maximum LOD score (Zmax) for BCL3 was 0.341 and multi‐point Zmax was less than −2 excluding linkage. But in 9 families with left and bilateral CL/P, two‐point Zmax for APOC2[AC1/AC2] was 1.701 and multi‐point Zmax at APOC2 locus was 1.909.

Conclusion:  The LOD score was relatively high but provided no evidence of linkage for CL/P to BCL3 and nearby genes in Japanese subjects.