bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN PROTOPLASTS OF MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYTA)1
Authors: Davison Ian R. , Polne‐Fuller Miriam
Published: October 2004

Photosynthetic rates measured in protoplasts isolated from the broivn alga Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) Ag. were compared to those for intact tissue. Both 14C incorporation and O2 evolution gave similar rates of light‐saturated protoplast photosynthesis (approximately 0.4 mmol‐g chl a−1· min−1). Light saturated photosynthetic rates (Pmax) and light harvesting efficiencies (α) of protoplasts were approximately 40% those of intact tissue. In contrast, protoplasts had a greater substrate affinity for photosynthetic HCO3 uptake (lower K0.5) than intact tissue (0.87 and 4.1 mMolar, respectively), presumably because of a reduction in the thickness of the unstirred boundary layer in the absence of the cell wall. Overall, the data suggest that protoplasts isolated from Macrocystis pyrifera are of valur in the study of photosynthesis. However, experiments with intact tissue are necessary as controls to aid interpretation of protoplast data.
LIFE HISTORY AND GROWTH OF LAURENCIA BRACHYCLADOS (RHODOPHYTA, CERAMIALES)1
Authors: McDermid Karla J.
Published: October 2004

Laurencia brachyclados Pilger from Hawai'i completed a “Polysiphonia‐type” tri‐phasic life history in 21 weeks in laboratory culture. Tetraspores developed into gametophytes in a nearly 1:1:1 ratio of females: males: non‐reproductive. Carpospores were released as early as 21 days after mixing virgin female and male gametophytes. Cultured thalli showed a “guerilla type” growth form. Other Hawaiian Laurencia species in culture had longer maturation times or remained non‐reproductive. Variation in life history schedules may influence Laurencia species coexistence and algal community structure.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF NANOPLANKTON FROM THE NORTH PACIFIC CENTRAL GYRE1
Authors: Hoepffner Nicolas , Haas Leonard W.
Published: October 2004

Nanoplankton was collected from the North Pacific Central Gyre during a cruise of R/V “Melville” in August 1985. Water samples from the surface and the deep chlorophyll maximum layer were fixed with glutaraldehyde and prepared for electron microscopy observation using formvar coated grids. The grids were examined first by epifluoresence microscopy under blue light to differentiate chloroplast and non‐chloroplast containing cells. The surface and deep samples were dominated strongly by members of the Prymnesiophyceae, accounting for 55% of the total number of organisms identified. Prymnesiales and Coccosphaerales were equally abundant although coccoliths‐bearing cells tended to dominate in the deep chlorophyll maximum layer. Heterotrophic choanoflagellates were also abundant at depth and were characterized by a high species diversity. Micromonas pusilla (Butcher) Manton & Parke was the major representative of the Prasinophyceae and was observed commonly within the deep chlorophyll maximum. Our observations reveal several new species, including autotrophic and heterotrophic specimens, and demonstrate the importance of knowing the structure of the planktonic community for ecological purposes. Indeed, the presence of a large number of heterotrophic organisms in the deep water suggests an active microbial food chain which may play an important role in regulating plankton processes in oligotrophic waters.
A NOVEL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AN ENDEMIC STICKLEBACK AND A PARASITIC DINOFLAGELLATE. 2. MORPHOLOGY AND LIFE CYCLE1
Authors: Buckland‐Nicks John A. , Reimchen Tom E. , Taylor Max F. J. R.
Published: October 2004

An unusual dinoflagellate has been discovered in association with an endemic population of stickleback,Gasterosteus(L.), from the Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada. The dinoflagellate spends most of its life cycle as a coccoid vegetative cyst, not as a parasitic trophont. The vegetative cyst is unique in containing a rigid fenestrated matrix, which is penetrated by cytoplasmic process that emanate from a central area containing the dinokaryotic nucleus and associated chloroplasts. Some pores in the matrix are filled by oil droplets or starch granules. Intracellular bacteria are found throughout the cyst, sometimes in association with the nucleus. The cytoplasm contains accumulation bodes, microbodies, polyhedral crystals, chloroplasts and polyvesicular bodes. The encysted dinoflagellate has several potential strategies. It can 1) shed its wall and become amoeboid; 2) undergo sporogenesis and give rise to both regular and resistant spores; 3) divide mitotically, with a gradual reduction in the size of daughter cells down to 20 μm; and 4) apparently form a resting cyst, during which it secretes a thick outer wall composed of five layers. Taxonomically, this unusual dinoflagellate appears to be a new member of the Blastodiniales, although its position will become clearer when details of the motile stage are known.
STUDIES OF VANDADIUM‐BROMOPEROXIDASE USING SURFACE AND CORTICAL PROTOPLASTS OF MACROCYSTIS PYRIEFERA (PHAEOPHYTA)1
Authors: Butler Alison , Soedjak Helena S. , Polne‐Fuller Meiram , Gibor Aharon , Boyen Catherine , Kloareg Bernard
Published: October 2004

Aqueous Tri‐SO4 buffer (pH 8.3) extracts of cortical and surface protoplasts of Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. Catalyzed the bromination of monochlorodimedone (2‐chloro‐5, 5‐dimethyl‐1, 3‐dimedone, MCD) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and bromide. The apparent bromo‐peroxidase activity as measured by the bromination of MCD was inhibited by the presence of endogenous compounds which are probably polyphenolics compounds (i.e. polymers of phloroglucinol) or other inhibitors. The bromoperoxidase activity of the protoplast extracts increased substantially when the extracts were washed extensively with Tris‐SO4 buffer (pH 8.3) by ultrafiltration. The bromoperoxidase activity of both surface and cortical protoplast extracts was dependent on the presence of vanadium, indicating that the bromoperoxidase present in cortical and surface cells of M. pyrifera is vanadium‐bromoperoxidase. Halogenated compounds constitute one of the most significant classes of marine natural products. Since bromoperoxidases are assumed to be involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds, elucidation of the location of BrPO with in the algal tissue is important.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS SUPPLY ON GROWTH AND TISSUE COMPOSITION OF ULVA FENESTRATA AND ENTEROMORPHA INTESTINALIS (ULVALES, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Björnsäter Bo R. , Wheeler Patricia A.
Published: October 2004

The chlorophyte macroalgae Ulva fenestrata (Postels and Ruprecht) and Enteromorpha intestinalis (Linnaeus) Link. were grown under various nutrient regimes in indoor semi‐continuous and batch cultures. Tissue nitrogen contents ranged from 1.3–5.4% N (dry wt), whereas tissue P ranged from 0.21–0.56% P (dry wt). Growth in low nitrogen medium resulted in N:P ratios of 5–8, whereas growth in high nitrogen medium resulted in N:P ratios of 21–44. For U. fenestrata, tissue N:P < 16 was indicative of N‐limitation. Tissue N:P 16–24 was optimal for growth and tissue N:P > 24 was indicative of P‐limitation. Growth of U. fenestrata was hyperbolically related to tissue N but linearly related to tissue P. Phosphorus‐limited U. fenestrata maintained high levels of tissue N, but N‐limited algae became depleted of P. For E. intestinalis, tissue N remained at maximum levels during P‐limitation whereas tissue P decreased to about 85% of maximal levels during N‐limitation. Growth rates for U. fenestrata decreased faster during P‐limitation than during N‐limitation. Simultaneously, tissue P was depleted faster than tissue N. Our results suggest that comparing tissue N and P of macroalage grown in batch cultures is useful for monitoring the nutritional status of macroalgae.
COPPER TOLERANCE OF CHLAMYDOMONAS ACIDOPHILA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) ISOLATED FROM ACIDIC, COPPER‐CONTAMINATED SOILS1
Authors: Twiss Michael R.
Published: October 2004

Cells of Chlamydomonas acidophila Negoro, isolated from three soils with different available copper contents (74, 80, and 87 μg·g−1), were assayed for their responses to copper. Soil pH ranged from 3.3–3.9. Responses were evaluated using algistatic assays involving five day exposure to copper concentrations from 0.1–100 mg·L−1 at pH 3.8 and 6.6 in defined liquid media. Interspecies and intraspecies comparisons were made between the soil isolates and laboratory strains of C. reinhardtii and C. acidophila, respectively. Algistatic copper concentrations of soil isolates were 20–125 times greater than those of the laboratory strain of C. reinhardtii. Concentrations of 0.1 mg Cu·L−1, or greater, killed the laboratory strain of C. acidophila. Soil isolates of C. acidophila appeared to be copper tolerant; however, there was no conclusive evidence to indicate that the level of copper tolerance in the soil isolates was positively correlated with the level of available copper in the soil.
PIGMENT AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC RESPONSES OF OSCILLATORIA AGARDHII (CYANOPHYTA) TO PHOTON FLUX DENSITY AND SPECTRAL QUALITY1
Authors: Millie David F. , Ingram Daphne A. , Dionigi Christopher P.
Published: October 2004

The effects of photon flux density (PFD) and spectral quality on biomass, pigment content and composition, and the photosynthetic activity of Oscillatoria agardhii Gomont were investigated in steady‐state populations. For alterations of PFD, chemostat populations were exposed to 50, 130 and 230 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). Decreases in biomass, chlorophyll a (Chl a) and c‐phycocyanin (CPC) contents, and CPC: Chl a and CPC: carotenoid content was not altered. Increases in the relative abundances of myxoxanthophyll and zeaxanthin and deceases in the relative abundances of echinenone and β‐carotene within the carotenoid pigments coincided with increasing PFD. Increases in Chl a‐specific photosynthetic rates and maxima and decreases in biomass‐specific photosynthetic rates and maxima with increasing PFD were attributed to increased light harvesting by carotenoids per unit Chl a and reduction in total pigment content, respectively.

Responses to spectral quality were tested by exposing chemostat populations to a gradient of spectral transmissions at 50 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 PAR. Biomass differences among populations were likely attributable to the distinct absorption of the PAR spectrum by Chl a, CPC, and carotenoids. Although pigment contents were not altered by spectral quality, relative abundances of zeaxanthin and echinenone in the carotenoid pigments increased in populations exposed to high‐wavelength PAR. The population adapted to green light possessed a greater photosynthetic maximum than populations adapted to other spectral qualities.
PHYLOGENY OF THE ULVOPHYCEAE (CHLOROPHYTA): CLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF NUCLEAR‐ENCODED rRNA SEQUENCE DATA1
Authors: Zechman Frederick W. , Theriot Edward C. , Zimmer Elizabeth A. , Chapman Russell L.
Published: October 2004

Cladistic analysis of nuclear‐encoded rRNA sequence data provided us with the basis for some new hypotheses of relationships within the green algal class Ulvophyceae. The orders Ulotrichales and Ulvales are separated from the clade formed by the remaining orders of siphonous and siphonocladous Ulvophyceae (Caulerpales, Siphonocladales /Cladophorales [S/C] complex, and the Dasycladales), by the Chlorophyceae and Pleurastrophyceae. Our results suggest that the Ulvophyceae is not a monophyletic group. Examination of inter‐ and intra‐ordinal relationships within the siphonous and siphonocladous ulvophycean algae revealed that Cladophora, Chaetomorpha, Anadyomene, Microdictyon, Cladophoropsis and Dictyosphaeria form a clade. Thus the hypothesis, based on ultrastructural features, that the Siphonocladales and Cladophorales are closely related is supported. Also, the Caulerpales is a monophyletic group with two lineages; Caulerpa, Halimeda, and Udotea comprise one, and Bryopsis and Codium comprise the other. The Dasycladales (Cymopolia and Batophora) also forms a clade, but this clade is not inferred to be the sister group to the S/C complex as has been proposed. Instead, it is either the sister taxon to the Caulerpales or basal to the Caulerpales and S/C clade The Trentepohliales is also included at the base of the siphonous and siphonocladous ulvophycean clade. The Pleurastrophyceae, which, like the Ulvophyceae, posses a counter‐clockwise arrangement of flagellar basal bodies, are more closely related to the Chlorophyceae than to the Ulvophyceae based on rRNA sequences. Thus, the arrangement of basal bodies does not diagnose a monophyletic group. Previously reported hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships of ulvophycean algae were tested. In each case, additional evolutionary steps were required to obtain the proposed relationships. Relationships of ulvophycean algae to other classes of green algae are discussed.
LIFE HISTORY AND SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF PSEUDOCHORDA GRACILIS SP. NOV. (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Nabata Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2004

Pseudochorda gracilis sp. Nov. (Pseudochordacease, Laminariales) is described from the Japan Sea coast of Hokkaido/ the species is subtidal, epilithic and annual, appearing in spring and maturing in winter. Erect thalli grow solitary or in tufts on a small discoid holdfast. They are simple, cord‐shaped and hollow, with inner hyphal filaments, cylindrical medullary cells and paraphyses consisting of 3–6 cells. Hair tufts are observed only in young thalli. Unilocular sporangia are sessile and narrowly ovate. In culture, P. gracilis shows a heteromorphic life history with oogamy, characteristic of the order Laminariales. Gametophytes are dioecious and dimorphic. Gametophytes mature under lower temperature conditions (usually below 10°C), and sporophytes mature under low temperature and short‐day conditions (5°C, SD). The seasonal growth pattern of the species results from the photoperiod‐temperature conditions controlling saprophyte maturation.
The Incidence and Intensity of Employer Funded Training: Australian Evidence on the Impact of Flexible Work
Authors: Draca Mirko , Green Colin
Published: October 2004

The interaction between the growth of flexible forms of employment and employer funded training is important for understanding labour market performance. In particular, the idea of a trade‐off has been advanced to describe potential market failures in the employment of flexible workers. This study finds that evidence of a trade‐off is apparent in both the incidence and intensity of employer funded training. Flexible workers receive training that is 50–80% less intense than the workforce average. Casual workers – especially males – suffer more acutely from the trade‐off. This suggests that flexible production externalities may seriously reduce human capital formation in the workforce.
Hybrid Inflation‐Price‐Level Targeting in an Economy With Output Persistence
Authors: Kobayashi Teruyoshi
Published: October 2004

This paper investigates hybrid inflation‐price‐level targeting (HT), employing a Phillips curve with output persistence. By HT we mean that a central bank targets a weighted average of the optimal inflation rate and its corresponding price level. The analysis shows that if output is persistent to some extent, it is desirable to adopt HT because, relative to the case of alternative regimes such as inflation targeting (IT) and price‐level targeting (PT), it will reduce the variability of inflation and thereby social loss. In addition, it is shown that the optimal hybrid‐type target is uniquely determined according to the degree of persistence in output.
Is There a Trade‐Off Between Inflation Variability and Output‐Gap Variability in the EMU Countries?
Authors: Arestis Philip , Mouratidis Kostas
Published: October 2004

This paper examines the performance of monetary policy in eleven EMU countries for the whole period of the EMS. This is based on the trade‐off between inflation variability and output‐gap variability. To this end, we examine whether the introduction of an implicit inflation targeting by the EMU member countries after the Maastricht Treaty, changed the trade‐off between inflation variability and output‐gap variability. We employ a stochastic volatility model for two sub‐periods of the EMS (i.e. before and after the Maastricht Treaty). We find that the trade‐off varies amongst EMU countries. The implication of these findings is that there are asymmetries in the euro area, due to different economic structures among the member countries of the EMU.
Welfare, Growth and Environment: A Sceptical Review of the Skeptical Environmentalist by B. Lomborg
Authors: FitzRoy Felix , Smith Ian
Published: October 2004

Lomborg's best‐selling attempt to demolish environmental concerns has been praised by the Economist and the Financial Times, in stark contrast to the reactions of environmental scientists. We show in detail here how Lomborg selects statistics to support his optimistic views, and systematically neglects relevant but unfavourable evidence. He also ignores much of modern environmental economics, such as the use of genuine investment that captures environmental degradation, ‘double dividends’ from green taxation in the presence of unemployment, and local health benefits from abatement of emissions.
Impact of body mass index on graft failure and overall survival following liver transplant*
Authors: Rustgi Vinod K , Marino Gustavo , Rustgi Sheila , Halpern Michael T , Johnson Lynt B. , Tolleris Christine , Taddei Tamar H
Published: October 2004

Abstract:  Goals:  To assess the influence of body mass index (BMI) in the outcome of liver transplantation.

Background:  Body mass index appears to affect liver transplantation, independently of several risk factors.

Study:  A review of the United Network for Organ Sharing database included 32 515 liver transplants from 1992 through 2000 with at least one follow‐up visit, of which 26 920 had information for determining BMI. The overall impact of elevated BMI (>25), and the impact of increasingly elevated BMI (25–40+) on graft failure rates and overall survival rates are assessed using proportional hazards regression.

Results:  Controlling for follow‐up time, age, gender, race, number of comorbidities, and status 1 designation, the impact of BMI on survival was mixed. The risk of death was elevated for patients with low BMI (<19) and BMI values of ≥40. Compared with patients with BMI of 19–22, those with BMI > 25 had a decreased likelihood of death. This decrease was seen among patients with BMI of 25–34.

Conclusion:  BMI did not significantly affect rates of graft failure. Compared with patients with a BMI in the ‘normal’ range, those with moderately elevated BMI had decreased likelihood of death while patients with low BMI or extremely high BMI had increased likelihood of death.
Dyslipidemia during sirolimus therapy in patients after liver transplantation
Authors: Kniepeiss D , Iberer F , Schaffellner S , Jakoby E , Duller D , Tscheliessnigg KH
Published: October 2004

Abstract:  Introduction:  Sirolimus (SRL) is an immunosuppressive agent of potential benefit in clinical liver transplantation (LTX). One of the major side effects of SRL is hyperlipidemia, which is reported in up to 44% of patients. In this report, we describe the lipid profiles of 20 stable liver transplant recipients who received SRL for immunosuppression.

Methods:  The study group received SRL in combination with tacrolimus and/or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The control group was administered calcineurin inhibitor (CI) and MMF. Fasting serum cholesterol level, high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) and low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) were measured regularly. Furthermore, the total cholesterol/HDL ratio and the LDL/HDL ratio were evaluated. Diabetes and hypertension were monitored as well.

Results:  In the SRL group, hypercholesterolemia was found in three patients (15%) and hypertriglyceridemia in two patients (10%). There was no marked difference from the control group, although a higher association of SRL with hyperlipidemia was described in the literature. Furthermore, HDL and LDL levels were similar in both groups, as well as total cholesterol/HDL ratio and LDL/HDL ratio. Diabetes and hypertension had a similar incidence in both the groups. Thus, there was no difference concerning the cardiovascular atherosclerosis risk between the immunosuppressive protocol with SRL or with CI.

Discussion:  The results of our retrospective study demonstrated that the immunosuppressive regimen can potentially influence the incidence of hyperlipidemia in patients after LTX. SRL in combination with tacrolimus and/or MMF had no higher incidence of hyperlipidemia than CI and MMF. The combination of immunosuppressive therapy with low dose and low levels of each immunosuppressive agent could decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and its complications in long‐term survivors after LTX.
Successful living donor renal transplantation despite ABO incompatibility and a positive crossmatch
Authors: Kayler Liise K. , Colombe Beth , Farber John L. , LaCava Deborah , Dafoe Donald C. , Burke James F. , Francos George C. , Ratner Lloyd E.
Published: October 2004

Abstract:  Potential live kidney donors have been rejected when the prospective recipients are blood type or crossmatch incompatible. By utilizing plasmapheresis combined with intravenous immune globulin (PP/IVIg) prior to surgery, donor‐specific antibodies against blood group or human leukocyte antigens (HLA) have been removed, thereby allowing successful renal transplantation. A 26‐yr‐old male with a panel reactive antibody level of 100% and repeated positive crossmatches against deceased donor kidney offers, including zero HLA mismatched donors, successfully underwent ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation from his HLA‐identical but nevertheless crossmatch‐incompatible sister. The initial anti‐A blood group isoagglutinin titers were 128, 256, and 1024 at room temperature, 37°C, and 37°C anti‐IgG enhanced, respectively. With an individualized PP/IVIg regimen based on donor‐specific antibody titer, however, the relevant antibodies were adequately reduced and hyperacute rejection avoided. Subsequent antibody‐mediated rejection, likely directed against a minor histocompatibility antigen, was diagnosed on postoperative day 7 and successfully treated. Neither ABO, or crossmatch incompatibility, or both in combination prohibit kidney transplantation.
Development of an unbiased method for the estimation of liver steatosis
Authors: Fiorini Ryan N , Kirtz Jeremy , Periyasamy Basker , Evans Zachary , Haines Julia K , Cheng Gang , Polito Carmen , Rodwell David , Shafizadeh Stephen F , Zhou Xin , Campbell Crystal , Birsner Jennifer , Schmidt Michael , Lewin David , Chavin Kenneth D
Published: October 2004

Abstract: Background: Steatosis significantly contributes to an organ's transplantability. Livers with >30% fat content have a 25% chance of developing primary non‐function (PNF). The current practice of evaluating a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained donor biopsy by visual interpretation is subjective. We hypothesized that H&E staining of frozen sections fails to accurately estimate the degree of steatosis present within a given liver biopsy. To address this problem of evaluating steatosis in prospective donor organs, we developed a fast, user friendly computer methodology to objectively assess fat content based on the differential quantification of color pixels in Oil Red O (ORO) stained liver biopsies.

Methods: The accuracy of human visual estimation of fat content by H&E and ORO stains was compared with computer‐based measurements of the same slides from 25 frozen sections of donor biopsies.

Results: Samples with a fat content >20% showed marked variation between human interpretation and computer analysis. There was also a significant difference in the human interpretation of fat based on the method of staining. This difference ranged from 3 to 37% with H&E.

Discussion: Use of ORO resulted in a more consistent estimation of liver steatosis compared with H&E, but human interpretations failed to correlate with computer measurements. Such differences in fat content estimations might result in the rejection of a potentially transplantable organ or the acceptance of a marginal one. Ideally, our protocol can rapidly be applied to clinical practice for accurate and consistent measurement of fat in liver sections for the ultimate purpose of increasing the number of successful transplantable organs.
G protein‐coupled receptor 30 down‐regulates cofactor expression and interferes with the transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid
Authors: Ylikomi Timo , Vienonen Annika , Ahola Tytti M.
Published: October 2004

G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) has previously been described to be important in steroid‐mediated growth and to inhibit cell proliferation. Here we investigated whether the effect of GPR30 on cell growth is dependent on steroid hormone receptors. We stably introduced GPR30 in immortalized normal mammary epithelial (HME) cells using retroviruses for gene delivery. GPR30 inhibited the growth and proliferation of the cells. They expressed glucocorticoid receptor, but not estrogen or progesterone receptor. GPR30 down‐regulated the expression of cofactor transcription intermediary factor 2 (TIF2) analyzed using quantitative RT‐PCR analysis, and also diminished the expression of TIF2 at protein level analyzed by Western blotting using nuclear extracts from mammary epithelial cells. When HME cells were transiently transfected with the glucocorticoid response element MMTV‐luc reporter plasmid, stable expression of GPR30 resulted in the abolition of ligand‐induced transactivation of the promoter. In COS cells, transient transfection of GPR30 with glucocorticoid receptor αresulted in an abrogation of the MMTV‐luc and GRE‐luc reporter activities induced by dexamethasone. The results suggest a novel mechanism by which membrane‐initiated signaling interferes with steroid signaling.
Investigation of the substrate specificity of a β‐glycosidase from Spodoptera frugiperda using site‐directed mutagenesis and bioenergetics analysis
Authors: Marana Sandro R. , Andrade Eduardo H. P. , Ferreira Clélia , Terra Walter R.
Published: October 2004

The specificity of the Spodoptera frugiperda digestive β‐glycosidase (Sfβgly50) for fucosides, glucosides and galactosides is determined by noncovalent interactions of glycone 6‐OH and glycone 4‐OH with the active‐site residues Q39 and E451. Site‐directed mutagenesis and enzyme steady‐state kinetics were described, showing that replacement of E451 with glutamine increased the preference of Sfβgly50 for glucosides in comparison to galactosides, whereas replacing E451 with serine had the opposite effect. In contrast, the replacement of E451 with aspartate did not change Sfβgly50 specificity. The energy of the interactions formed by these different residues with the axial and equatorial glycone 4‐OH were also measured, showing that the increase in preference for galactosides resulted from a larger energy decrease in the interaction with equatorial 4‐OH than with axial 4‐OH (22.6 vs. 13.9 kJ·mol−1), whereas the increase in preference for glucosides was caused by an energy reduction in the interaction with the axial 4‐OH (5.1 kJ·mol−1). The introduction of glutamine at position 451 or of asparagine at position 39 increased the preference of Sfβgly50 for fucosides in comparison to galactosides, whereas the presence of aspartate or serine at position 451 had less effect on this preference. The hydrolysis of fucosides was favored because glutamine at position 451 increased a steric hindrance with 6‐OH of 7.1 kJ·mol−1 and asparagine at position 39 disrupted a favorable interaction with this same hydroxyl. In conclusion, it is proposed that the specificity of new β‐glycosidase mutants can be predicted by combining and adding energy of the enzyme–substrate interactions evaluated in the present study.
Donor substrate regulation of transketolase
Authors: Esakova Olga A. , Meshalkina Ludmilla E. , Golbik Ralph , Hübner Gerhard , Kochetov German A.
Published: October 2004

The influence of substrates on the interaction of apotransketolase with thiamin diphosphate was investigated in the presence of magnesium ions. It was shown that the donor substrates, but not the acceptor substrates, enhance the affinity of the coenzyme either to only one active center of transketolase or to both active centers, but to different degrees in each, resulting in a negative cooperativity for coenzyme binding. In the absence of donor substrate, negative cooperativity is not observed. The donor substrate did not affect the interaction of the apoenzyme with the inactive coenzyme analogue, N3′‐pyridyl‐thiamin diphosphate. The influence of the donor substrate on the coenzyme–apotransketolase interaction was predicted as a result of formation of the transketolase reaction intermediate 2‐(α,β‐dihydroxyethyl)‐thiamin diphosphate, which exhibited a higher affinity to the enzyme than thiamin diphosphate. The enhancement of thiamin diphosphate's affinity to apotransketolase in the presence of donor substrate is probably one of the mechanisms underlying the substrate‐affected transketolase regulation at low coenzyme concentrations.
Unfolding process of rusticyanin
Authors: Alcaraz Luis A. , Donaire Antonio
Published: October 2004

The unfolding process of the Blue Copper Protein (BCP) rusticyanin (Rc) has been studied using a wide variety of biochemical techniques. Fluorescence and CD spectroscopies reveal that the copper ion plays an essential role in stabilizing the protein and that the oxidized form is more efficient than the reduced species in this respect. The addition of guanidinium chloride to Rc samples produces aggregation of the protein. Gel filtration chromatography and glutaraldehyde cross‐linking experiments confirm the formation of such aggregates. Among the BCPs, this feature is exclusive to Rc. The aggregation could be related to the large molecular mass and large number of hydrophobic residues of this protein compared with those of other BCPs.
How is geriatrics different from general internal medicine?
Authors: Finucane Thomas E
Published: October 2004

Geriatrics and general internal medicine overlap greatly: most sick patients seen by a generalist are elderly and geriatricians care for nearly the full spectrum of diseases seen in internal medicine. Differences between the two disciplines can be seen in the areas of patient care, research and administration. As a group, geriatric patients are different from young adults because they are more likely to have multiple chronic illnesses, to depend on others, to be frail and to die in the near future. Each of these characteristics requires special knowledge on the part of the physician. The research agenda in geriatrics extends from attempts to find the molecular basis of sarcopenia and frailty to clinical research on the support of caregivers, who are themselves critically important to patients. In the US, nursing homes are required to have medical directors; this position is largely administrative and requires a distinct set of knowledge and attitudes. Clinical care, research and administrative efforts must all respond to the enormous number of patients who will develop cognitive impairment over the next three decades. Because the number of elderly patients so far exceeds the ability of geriatricians to provide care, education and ‘geriatricizing’ other specialties will also be an important mission for geriatricians. Proper reimbursement presents a serious challenge to physicians who care for the frail elderly. If geriatricians take care of the frailest, sickest and most vulnerable patients, but reimbursement mechanisms cannot recognize this fact, then all geriatricians will soon go bankrupt.
HLA‐DR allotype is associated with responsiveness to influenza vaccine in elderly Japanese
Authors: Maruyama Naoki , Yoshida Yuko , Inamatsu Takashi , Fujita Koji , Handa Setsuko , Shinkai Shoji
Published: October 2004

Background:  Influenza virus infection is a serious problem in elderly people because of a high pneumonia complication rate and a significant increase in mortality. Influenza vaccine in the pre‐endemic period is effective in reducing these problems. The contribution of the major histocompatibility complex to the effectiveness of such vaccination is worth analysis.

Methods:  HLA‐DR types of 57 elderly Japanese people were determined after influenza vaccination. HLA‐DR types and responsiveness to the vaccine were defined in the subjects. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responsiveness was also determined. The association between HLA‐DR types and the responsiveness to the influenza vaccine was evaluated.

Results:  The HLA‐DR2 phenotype showed the most significant association with responsiveness to the influenza vaccine. The PHA response as a general immunological parameter for T cell function was not associated with responsiveness to the influenza vaccine.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that HLA‐DR2 phenotype contributes to the enhancement the production of antibodies against the influenza virus in elderly Japanese people.
Therapeutic effectiveness of ranimustine chemotherapy for elderly essential thrombocythemia*
Authors: Umeda Masanori , Iijima Kimiko , Arai Chiaki , Katoh Masako
Published: October 2004

Background:  We studied the clinical effectiveness of ranimustine (MCNU) chemotherapy for essential thrombocythemia (ET).

Methods:  MCNU chemotherapy was carried out in 14 ET patients who were 60 years of age or older, including six men and eight women. Their ages ranged between 61 and 88 years (median age: 73 years). The patients’ mean platelet count before the treatment was 1.157 ± 0.284 × 106/µL. Five of the studied patients had experienced a thrombotic episode, and one had a profuse epistaxis. Patients were treated mainly by intravenous administration of MCNU. In 12 patients, the platelet count was controlled to a level less than 500 × 103/µL, while in two patients, it was controlled to less than 700 × 103/µL.

Results:  Cerebral infarction occurred in only one patient during or after MCNU therapy. Even in the cases in which thrombosis had occurred before MCNU treatment, further thrombotic events occurred in only one case. In the patient with a profuse epistaxis, bleeding improved during treatment and normal platelet count was maintained after chemotherapy.

Conclusion:  It was suggested that MCNU chemotherapy may be useful for the prevention of complications in elderly ET patients.
Prognostic factors in elderly multiple myeloma patients aged 65 years or older: Comparison with nonelderly patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Umeda Masanori , Okuda Shinya , Izumi Haruka , Sugasawa Yasuyuki , Arai Chiaki , Natori Kazuhiko , Katoh Masako , Kuraishi Yasunobu
Published: October 2004

Background:  Although age is a prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM), the prognostic factors in elderly MM patients may be different to those in nonelderly MM patients due to the patient's age. The difference in the significance of prognostic factors between elderly MM patients and the nonelderly MM patients was studied.

Methods:  Forty‐two elderly MM patients aged 65 years or older were compared with 68 nonelderly MM patients, who were less than 65 years of age. The characteristics of the elderly patients included: aged 65–81 years (median, 72 years); female/male ratio of 22 : 20; 24 IgG type cases, 13 IgA type cases, one non‐secretory case and four cases of Bence‐Jones type; one case of stage I, 12 cases at stage II and 29 cases at stage III. The prognostic factors were evaluated by means of univariate analysis and Cox's multivariate analysis.

Results:  The median survival time was significantly shorter in the elderly MM patients (24 months) than in the nonelderly patients (50 months) (P < 0.01). Of the univariate prognostic factors, corrected serum Ca (cCa), hemoglobin, serum P, bone marrow plasma cell and uric acid were significant prognostic factors in the elderly MM patients, while nine factors including those listed here, were significant in nonelderly controls. Multivariate analysis showed that serum cCa was the only independent prognostic factor (P = 0.019) in elderly MM patients, while serum P and bone lesions were significant prognostic factors in nonelderly MM patients.

Conclusion:  Corrected serum c. (cCa) was an independent prognostic factor in elderly MM patients.
Functional Brain Mapping of Extraversion and Neuroticism: Learning From Individual Differences in Emotion Processing
Authors: Canli Turhan
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis review outlines how functional brain imaging, using an individual‐differences approach in the processing of emotional stimuli, has begun to reveal the neural basis of extraversion (E) and neuroticism (N), two traits that are linked to both emotion and health. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging have shown that individual differences in participants' E and N scores are correlated with individual differences in brain activation in specific brain regions that are engaged during cognitive‐affective tasks. Imaging studies using genotyped participants have begun to address the molecular mechanisms that may underlie these individual differences. The multidisciplinary integration of brain imaging and molecular genetic methods offers an exciting and novel approach for investigators who seek to uncover the biological mechanisms by which personality and health are interrelated.
Alexithymia, Emotional Disclosure, and Health: A Program of Research
Authors: Lumley Mark A.
Published: October 2004

Abstract
This article reviews a program of research on alexithymia, emotional disclosure, and health. The article first describes two lines of research and then outlines current work attempting to integrate these lines. The first research line involves basic correlational studies on alexithymia's link to health problems; these studies suggest that alexithymia is a potential risk factor for symptoms and illness behavior, although not necessarily organic disease. The second research line involves experimental studies of the health effects of emotional disclosure via expressive writing or talking; these studies suggest that disclosure improves health on average, but that the effects are not that robust and that various moderators likely are involved. The next section of the article describes recent attempts to integrate the two research lines by examining how baseline levels of alexithymia influence the effects of emotional disclosure; these analyses suggest that alexithymia interferes with or attenuates the health benefits of disclosure. Finally, the article describes initial forays into research on interventions with the alexithymic patients. This evolving program of research demonstrates the value of integrating emotion, personality, and health, and highlights the bidirectional relationship between clinical problems and basic research.
The depth of a group’s personality resources: Impacts on group process and group performance
Authors: Harris Bond Michael , Wing‐Chun Ng Isabel
Published: October 2004

The present study examines the productivity of task groups in relation to the personality resources of its members and its two dimensions of group process: task focus and shared exchange. It is hypothesized that the depth of a group’s personality resources impacts upon productivity both directly through the application of its member’s personality resources to successful group outputs, and indirectly through the mediating agency of group process variables that also contribute separately to successful group outputs. To test these hypotheses, the performance of 43 groups in a 3‐month social psychology class was measured across three course assignments. This averaged performance score was related to the groups’ process scores and to their total levels of personality resources measured by a comprehensive personality inventory administered at the beginning of the groups’ life. Using multiple regression, we found that a group’s performance was predicted by total member intellect, openness (negatively), and emotional stability (negatively). Blocked regression revealed that group intellect exercised a direct effect upon group performance, but that the effects of group openness and group emotional stability on performance were mediated through the group’s two group processes of task focus and shared exchange. It is hoped that this demonstration of a two‐step approach to studying the impact of group member’s personality through its direct effects on group performance and its indirect effect on performance‐linked aspects of group process will be extended to other types of personality measures, and to other types of groups addressing different tasks in other cultural settings.
A dynamic system model of social conflict that combines attitude change model and game theory
Authors: Sakamoto Maiko , Hagihara Yoshimi , Sugiman Toshio
Published: October 2004

A social conflict often occurs during the course of a large‐scale and long‐term project such as infrastructure development projects, in which multiple parties are involved. Not only do possible gains and losses of interested parties likely conflict with each other, but also their attitudes towards the project may change dynamically over time. A mathematical model was developed to analyze this process. One part of the model is the attitude change model, which describes attitude change processes as a function of both the remembering/forgeting of the project and the social influence among interested parties. The other part is called conflict analysis, which provides a game theoretical description of a conflict of interest among the parties. In order to show its utility, the model was applied to the case of an infrastructure development project in which a river mouth weir was constructed in the Nagara River, Japan. The model could reproduce the history of the social conflict surrounding the project, but was also helpful in exploring a counter‐factual event that might have eventuated had the parameter values been different. A more general discussion about the utility of dynamical modeling is provided.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Yan Song
Published: October 2004

Books reviewed

The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently . . . and Why. By Richard E. Nisbett.

The Free Press, New York, 2003. 263 pp. ISBN 0‐7432‐1646‐6. Price: $US 24.00 hardcover; $US 13.00 paperback.
Using S&T foresight to augment organizational tool kits: a Canadian institutional‐entrepreneurial experiment
Authors: Smith Jack ,   STFPP Team Members, Masum Hassan , Bouchard Raymond , Kallai Peter , Lockeberg Erik
Published: October 2004

This paper will explore recent Canadian federal experience in developing S&T foresight and creating knowledge sharing networks aimed at creating integrative capacities and convergent domains that involve fusions of several disciplines. More specifically, the paper will report on the experience of the Office of Technology Foresight (OTF) at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and its federal partners (science based departments and agencies – SBDAs) as they carried out a major S&T Foresight Pilot Project (STFPP) to elaborate prospective R&D opportunities and challenges in preparation for contingencies that may have to be confronted in the 10–20 year time horizon of 2015–2025. STFPP reports are posted at: http://www.techforesight.ca
Contractual Mix Between Cash and Kind Wages of Casual Workers in an Agrarian Economy
Authors: Datta Samar K. , Nugent Jeffrey B. , Tishler Asher
Published: October 2004

A two‐agent general‐equilibrium model is developed for explaining the mix of wage payment between cash and kind among landowners and workers. Its focus is on how, in the absence of insurance instruments but in the presence of heterogeneous tastes and attitudes toward risk among agents, the payment mix between cash and kind can serve as a welfare‐improving, risk‐hedging device. The model is used to determine how this optimal mix of wage payment would be affected by changes in risk‐aversion, consumption preferences, technology, price risk, and production risk. While the complexity and nonlinearity of the model make it impossible to obtain clear‐cut analytical results, simulation results are derived and shown to be rather robust. These results are also broadly supported by the findings of a small‐scale survey of agricultural wage contracts in India.
Robust Poverty and Inequality Measurement in Egypt: Correcting for Spatial‐price Variation and Sample Design Effects
Authors: Jolliffe Dean , Datt Gaurav , Sharma Manohar
Published: October 2004

The paper estimates inequality and absolute poverty in Egypt for 1997 with measures that are robust to sample design effects and corrected for spatial variation in price levels. Standard errors for inequality indices are calculated using a bootstrap approach which replicates the sample design. Standard errors for poverty indices are corrected for the design effects resulting from sample stratification and clustering. The authors use data from the Egypt Integrated Household Survey and follow the cost‐of‐basic‐needs methodology to construct region‐specific poverty lines. It is found that 15.7 million people were poor in Egypt in 1997, or 26.5% of the population. The estimates indicate a sharp sectoral difference with rural areas being significantly poorer, but significant differences in poverty were not found between Upper and Lower Egypt. This finding differs substantially from the conventional wisdom that Upper Egypt is poorer than Lower Egypt and results from the correction for spatial‐price variation.
Accountability, California Style: Counting or Accounting?
Authors: Russell Michael , Higgins Jennifer , Raczek Anastasia
Published: October 2004

Across the nation and at nearly all levels of our educational system, efforts to hold schools accountable for student learning dominate strategies for improving the quality of education. At both the national and state level, student testing stands at the center of educational accountability programs, such that schools are effectively held accountability for increases in student test scores. This working definition of accountability contrasts sharply with the formal definition of accountability in which those discharged with duties are expected to provide an account—that is, a description and an explanation—of their duties and conduct and to assist in determining whether said conduct was responsible. This article focuses specifically on the accountability system introduced in California in 1999 and identifies several shortcomings of test-based accountability systems. These shortcomings fall into two broad categories: unrealistic expectations established by the system and failure to identify why schools succeed or fail to meet test-based goals. Based on shortcomings identified in California, as well as limitations of test-based accountability itself, several recommendations for an improved accountability system are offered. Chief among these recommendations is that notions of accountability be expanded such that accountability becomes a two-way process in which all levels from the classroom up to the state should be asked to account for their practices and the impact those practices have on students and their learning.
‘Flames and fear on the farms’: controlling foot and mouth disease in Britain, 1892–2001*
Authors: Woods Abigail
Published: October 2004

For over a century, the British government has pursued a policy of national freedom from foot and mouth disease (F.M.D.), a highly contagious disease of cloven-footed animals. One of the cornerstones of this policy was the slaughter of infected animals. However, on several occasions – most notably in 2001 – slaughter struggled to contain F.M.D., and provoked widespread criticism and calls for policy change. Drawing upon a range of previously unexamined sources, this article examines the history of F.M.D. in Britain, in an attempt to explain the twenty-first-century persistence of a Victorian disease control policy.