bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to Biodegradable Block Copolymers of ε‐Caprolactone and δ‐Valerolactone Catalyzed by New Aluminum Metal Complexes
Authors: Yang Jing , Jia Lin , Yin Lingzhi , Yu Jianyong , Shi Zhen , Fang Qiang , Cao Amin
Published: December 2004

Summary: The chemical preparation of structurally well‐defined biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymers is now of great interest for biomedical applications and the fundamental mimetic study of biomacromolecule self‐assembly. For this purpose, in this study, (R,R)‐N,N′‐bis(3‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine 2 as a ligand was first synthesized from 1,2‐cyclohexanediamine (DACH) and was allowed to further react with AlMe3, leading to a precursor compound 3. Then, the novel five‐coordinated aluminum metal complexes 4–6 and 7–8 were prepared with good yields of 80–90%, bearing various molar mass monofunctional methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol) MPEG and difunctional poly(ethylene glycol) PEG as the alkoxy moieties, respectively. By means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR), mass spectrometry (MALDI‐FTMS) and Fourier Transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR), new metal aluminum complexes 4–8 were characterized as having distinct chemical structures. Utilizing the synthesized metal complexes 4–8 as novel coordination polymerization catalytic templates, biodegradable amphiphilic MPEG‐b‐PCL, MPEG‐b‐PVL, PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PCL and PVL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PVL were synthesized with good control of the molecular weight distribution via the ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and δ‐valerolactone monomers at 100 °C in toluene. In addition, the chemical and crystalline structures and the thermal properties of these block biodegradable copolymers were analyzed by means of NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that the melting points and crystallinities of the block copolymers synthesized strongly depended on the molecular structures of the polyether and polyester building blocks. Only one glass transition stage was detected, indicating good chain/segmental miscibility between the hydrophilic MPEG/PEG and hydrophobic PCL/PVL blocks in the non‐crystalline regions. Moreover, TGA analysis exhibited typical two‐step decomposition profiles with the weight‐loss percentages in good agreement with block compositions from NMR calculations.

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Solution Properties and Complexation of Polyampholytes based on N,N‐Dimethyldiallylammonium Chloride and Maleic Acid or Alkyl (Aryl) Derivatives of Maleamic Acids
Authors: Ibraeva Zhanar E. , Hahn Mathias , Jaeger Werner , Bimendina Larisa A. , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt E.
Published: December 2004

Summary: Solution properties of alternating polyampholytes based on N,N‐dimethyldiallylammonium chloride and maleic acid as well as N,N‐dimethyldiallylammonium and maleamic acid (butylmaleamic acid, phenylmaleamic acid, 4‐butylphenylmaleamic acid) were studied in aqueous and aqueous‐salt solutions. The isoelectric points (IEP) of the amphoteric macromolecules were determined. It was found that the viscosity of equimolar polyampholyte solutions increases at the IEP with an increase in neutral salt concentration, while polyampholyte solutions having an excess of cationic groups exhibit polyelectrolyte character. The influence of pH, neutral salt, and a water–ethanol mixture on the viscosity of polyampholyte solutions was shown. Formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes between regular polyampholytes based on N,N‐dimethyldiallylammonium chloride–alkyl (aryl) substituted maleamic acids and poly(acrylic acid), poly(styrene sodium sulfonate), as well as the formation of polyampholyte–sodium lauryl sulfate complexes was studied in aqueous solution by potentiometric, conductimetric, turbidimetric, and viscometric methods. The composition of polyampholyte–polyelectrolyte and polyampholyte–surfactant complexes was determined and the influence of temperature and ionic strength on their behavior was studied.

Possible conformational changes of APA‐2 and APA‐3 in water, a water–ethanol mixture, and in ethanol containing 0.15 N KCl.

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Possible conformational changes of APA‐2 and APA‐3 in water, a water–ethanol mixture, and in ethanol containing 0.15 N KCl.
Effects of quenched‐in vacancies on the damping behaviour of Cu–11.9Al–2.5Mn shape memory alloy
Authors: Wang Qingzhou , Han Fusheng , Wang Jinxiang , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2004

By internal friction technique, the behaviour of quenched‐in vacancies and their influence on the martensitic transformation of the Cu–11.9Al–2.5Mn alloy has been studied. It is found that the reverse martensitic transformation temperature Tp follows a non‐monotonous dependence on quenching temperature Tp, of which the presence of a maximum Tp value is attributed to the different vacancy formation energies in the ordered and disordered phases. The background internal friction decreases with increasing ageing time due to migration of vacancies and resultant pinning effect on the phase interfaces and dislocations. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of ridge geometry on lateral mode stability of (Al,In)GaN laser diodes
Authors: Schwarz Ulrich T. , Pindl Markus , Sturm Evi , Furitsch Michael , Leber Andreas , Miller Stephan , Lell Alfred , Härle Volker
Published: December 2004

Height and width of the ridge forming the laser diode waveguide determine threshold current density and lateral mode stability. We measure the optical near‐field of the laser mode and simulate the two–dimensional mode distribution including waveguide losses and optical gain. The simulations show that weak guiding and not current spreading is the major cause for increased threshold current densities in weakly guided laser diodes. The near‐field measurements show fundamental and higher order modes for nominally identical ridge laser diodes. We demonstrate that asymmetric losses in the waveguide bias the lateral mode competition towards higher order modes for an intermediate range of index guiding. This asymmetric damping is specific for (Al,In)GaN laser diodes due to absorption introduced in the p‐waveguide by magnesium doping. This competition of lateral modes can also be seen spectrally as two longitudinal mode combs of different optical gain. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Acute efficacy of a sublingual dose of nifedipine on uterine arterial blood flow: preliminary data in prematurely menopausal women
Authors: Huissoud C. , Hadj S. , Bied‐Damon V. , Benchaïb M. , Salle B.
Published: December 2004

Objectives

To determine whether the calcium blocker nifedipine alters Doppler velocimetry and impedance parameters in the uterine artery in prematurely menopausal women.

Methods

Uterine artery Doppler examinations were performed transvaginally in seventeen prematurely menopausal women without the use of calcium blocker (T0). Following a 10‐mg sublingual dose of nifedipine patients were subsequently rescanned at successive time intervals (T25= 25, T40= 40, T60= 60 min). PI (normalized (NPI) for heart rate) and maximum, minimum and average velocities of the uterine artery were recorded and waveforms were qualitatively assessed using Goswamy and Steptoe's waveform classification.

Results

Quantitative analysis showed a significant decrease in NPI at T25in the right and left uterine arteries (T0:PI= 2.95 and 3.01; T25:PI= 1.52 and 1.52, respectively; P < 0.001) and until the end of the experiment. Minimum and average blood flow velocities increased strongly (P < 0.001) whereas the maximum velocities did not change significantly (P = 0.12). Qualitative analysis revealed more conspicuous results: eight subjects presented ‘abnormal’ spectra: one was type A (absence of protodiastole), three were type B (absence of telediastole) and four were type O (no diastolic blood flow); all of them recovered type C waveforms (normal spectrum) during the hour following nifedipine administration.

Conclusions

Nifedipine induces a reversible decrease in NPI and an increase in blood flow velocities in the uterine artery in prematurely menopausal women. These results suggest that nifedipine is a potent uterine arterial vasodilator. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of ultrasound cervical length assessment on duration of hospital stay in the clinical management of threatened preterm labor
Authors: Sanin‐Blair J. , Palacio M. , Delgado J. , Figueras F. , Coll O. , Cabero L. , Cararach V. , Gratacos E.
Published: December 2004

Objective

To evaluate the impact of ultrasound cervical length measurement on duration of hospital stay in patients admitted for threatened preterm labor.

Study design

This was a prospective, comparative study in 294 patients with threatened preterm labor in three hospitalization units (Units A, B and C). In the first phase of the study (observational), cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasound, but managing physicians were blinded to the results. In the second phase (interventional), physicians from Unit A remained blinded to cervical length information, but Units B and C incorporated these data into their clinical management protocols. Early discharge was contemplated if the cervix measured 25 mm or more on admission (Unit B) or no changes were observed over 48 h (Unit C). Duration of hospital stay and delivery rates within 7 days and before 37 weeks' gestation were recorded.

Results

Hospital stay was significantly reduced in Units B and C in the interventional phase, while no changes were observed in Unit A. Delivery rates within 7 days and before 37 weeks' gestation were similar in the three units during the two stages of the study.

Conclusion

Routine use of ultrasound cervical length assessment in patients admitted with threatened preterm labor may reduce the duration of hospital stay without increasing the rate of preterm births. These data should be confirmed by means of an appropriately designed randomized clinical trial. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of fetal anatomy at the 11–14‐week ultrasound examination
Authors: Souka A. P. , Pilalis A. , Kavalakis Y. , Kosmas Y. , Antsaklis P. , Antsaklis A.
Published: December 2004

Objective

To assess the feasibility of examining cardiac and non‐cardiac fetal anatomy in a low‐risk population in the setting of the routine 11–14‐week ultrasound scan.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 1144 women with viable, singleton pregnancies at 11–14 weeks of gestation. The ultrasound examination was performed transabdominally and transvaginally and fetal anatomy assessment included visualization of the skull, brain, face, spine, four‐chamber and three‐vessel views of the heart, stomach, abdominal wall, kidneys, bladder and extremities.

Results

Complete examination of the fetal anatomy was achieved in 48% of the fetuses, whereas non‐cardiac anatomy was examined successfully in 86% of the fetuses. The use of the transvaginal approach increased successful examination of the fetal anatomy from 72% to 86% of the fetuses and transvaginal scanning was particularly helpful in examining the face, kidneys and bladder. Non‐cardiac anatomy visualization increased from 65% for fetuses with a crown–rump length of 45–54 mm, to 84%, 93% and 96% for fetuses with a crown–rump length of 55–64 mm, 65–74 mm and more than 74 mm, respectively. In the same groups the four‐chamber view was seen in 67%, 86%, 93% and 97% of fetuses, and the three‐vessel view was seen in 25%, 46%, 58% and 67% of fetuses, respectively. Maternal habitus and crown–rump length were found to be statistically significant contributors to the rate of successful examination of fetal anatomy.

Conclusion

Examination of fetal anatomy is feasible during the routine 11–14‐week scan. The optimal gestational age for examining both cardiac and non‐cardiac anatomy is from the beginning of the 12th week to the end of the 13th week of gestation. Access to the transvaginal approach is important for completeness of the examination. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Egg size, fertility, hatchability, and chick survivability in captive California condors (Gymnogyps californianus)
Authors: Harvey Nancy C. , Dankovchik Jenine D. , Kuehler Cynthia M. , Levites Tom , Kasielke Susie , Kiff Lloyd , Wallace Michael P. , Mace Michael E.
Published: December 2004

California condors are one of the most endangered species native to the mainland United States and are subject of intense effort regarding captive breeding and reintroduction. We analyzed 20 years of California condor egg records from the wild and from three captive propagation facilities for fertility, hatchability, and chick survivability, along with changes in egg size due to multiple clutching. Overall annual mean percent of fertile eggs was 80.2%, hatchability was 87.3%, and chick survivability to ≥60 days was 95.5%. One egg‐laying site had a significantly lower fertility rate (P ≤ 0.0001) than the other sites, which was probably due to pair incompatibility rather than any physiological factors. Egg volume of the first egg was significantly greater than both the second (t=6.73, P=0.0001) and third egg (t=6.62, P ≤ 0.0001) of the season, while the second egg had a significantly greater volume (t=3.20, P=0.0084) than the third egg. Chicks from the second egg (t=3.24, P=0.029) and third egg (t=7.94, P=0.0014) of the season were significantly smaller than chicks from the first egg of the season. The decrease in egg measures and chick hatch weight due to multiple clutching did not affect hatchability or chick survivability. There were significant positive relationships (P<0.0001) between fresh egg weight and chick hatch weight and between egg volume and chick hatch weight, as well as between fresh egg weight and egg volume. In spite of the decrease in fresh egg weight, egg volume and chick hatch weights, due to egg removal to stimulate double and sometimes triple clutching, the captive propagation program has been successful in producing birds for the restoration of this species. Zoo Biol 23:489–500, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variability and population differentiation in captive baird's Tapirs (Tapirus bairdii)
Authors: Norton James E. , Ashley Mary V.
Published: December 2004

The objectives of this study were to assess the level of genetic variability and population differentiation within captive populations of an endangered large mammal, Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii). We genotyped 37 captive animals from North American (NA) and Central American (CA) zoos and conservation ranches using six polymorphic microsatellite loci. Standard indices of genetic variability (allelic richness and diversity, and heterozygosity) were estimated and compared between captive populations, and between captive and wild population samples. In addition, we evaluated levels of population differentiation using Weir and Cockerham's version of Wright's F‐statistics. The results indicate that the NA and CA captive populations of Baird's tapirs have retained levels of genetic variability similar to that measured in a wild population. However, inbreeding coefficients estimated from the molecular data indicate that the CA captive population is at increased risk of losing genetic variability due to inbreeding. Despite this, estimated levels of population differentiation indicate limited divergence of the CA captive population from the wild population. Careful management appears to have kept inbreeding coefficients low in the NA captive population; however, population differentiation levels indicate that the NA population has experienced increased divergence from wild populations due to a founder effect and isolation. Based on these results, we conclude that intermittent exchanges of Baird's tapirs between the NA and CA captive populations will benefit both populations by increasing genetic variability and effective population size, while reducing inbreeding and divergence from wild populations. Zoo Biol 23:521–531, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential of low-protein genotypes for nitrogen management in malting barley production
Authors: EMEBIRI L. C. , MOODY D. B.
Published: December 2004

Nitrogen (N) levels in the soil and N fertilization are among the major factors that affect grain protein concentration (GPC) in malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The use of inherently low protein cultivars might be an advantage in conditions of excessive soil N or in situations where N is applied to maximize yield. In the present study, eight malting barley genotypes were grown under dryland and irrigated conditions to compare their response to four rates of nitrogen (N) application (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg/ha). The trials were carried out in 1998 and 1999 at a site in the Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia, which has a Mediterranean-type environment. Seasonal differences accounted for a large proportion of the observed variation in GPC, but had little influence on variation in grain yield. Nitrogen application significantly increased grain yield and GPC, and decreased kernel weight and plumpness. The rate of response for grain protein was higher under dryland than irrigated conditions, but the genotype-by-nitrogen interaction was not significant under both conditions. To further characterize genotypic response, the method of pattern analysis was used to identify groups of genotypes showing a similar pattern in their response to N application and to relate the patterns to available knowledge about the inherent GPC of their grains. The eight genotypes were clustered into three entry groups, corresponding to low, moderate and high-protein genotypes. There was little difference among groups in the rate of response to N application. However, the genotype group with inherently low GPC maintained the lower protein over those with higher grain protein at the different rates of N application. Under dryland conditions, the low-protein genotypes tended to have less plump kernels with increasing rates of N application than the respective high-protein group.
Midlatitude shelf seas in the Cenomanian‐Turonian greenhouse world: Temperature evolution and North Atlantic circulation
Authors: Voigt Silke , Gale Andrew S. , Flögel Sascha
Published: December 2004

An 8 million year record of subtropical and midlatitude shelf‐sea temperatures, derived from oxygen isotopes of well‐preserved brachiopods from a variety of European sections, demonstrates a long‐term Cenomanian temperature rise (16–20°C, midlatitudes) that reached its maximum early in the late Turonian (23°C, midlatitudes). Superimposed on the long‐term trend, shelf‐sea temperatures vary at shorter timescales in relation to global carbon cycle perturbations. In the mid‐Cenomanian and the late Turonian, two minor shelf‐sea cooling events (2–3°C) coincide with carbon cycle perturbations and times of high‐amplitude sea level falls. Although this evidence supports the hypothesis of potential glacioeustatic effects on Cretaceous sea level, the occurrence of minimum shelf‐sea temperatures within transgressive beds argues for regional changes in shelf‐sea circulation as the most plausible mechanism. The major carbon cycle event in the latest Cenomanian (oceanic anoxic event 2) is accompanied by a substantial increase in shelf‐sea temperatures (4–5°C) that occurred ∼150 kyr after the commencement of the δ13C excursion and is related to the spread of oceanic conditions in western European shelf‐sea basins. Our oxygen isotope record and published δ18O data of pristinely preserved foraminifera allow the consideration of North Atlantic surface water properties in the Cenomanian along a transect from the tropics to the midlatitudes. On the basis of fossil‐derived δ18O, estimated δw ranges, and modeled salinities, temperature‐salinity‐density ranges were estimated for tropical, subtropical, and midlatitude surface waters. Accordingly, the Cenomanian temperate shelf‐seas waters have potentially the highest surface water density and could have contributed to North Atlantic intermediate to deep waters in the preopening stage of the equatorial Atlantic gateway.
Angiotensin II‐mediated calcium signals and mitogenesis in human prostate stromal cell line hPCPs
Authors: Wennemuth Gunther , Aumüller Gerhard
Published: December 2004

Western blots and immunocytochemistry were used to detect angiotensin 1 (AT1) and angiotensin 2 (AT2) receptors in human primary cultures of the prostate stromal compartment (hPCPs). Immunohistochemistry was performed on human prostate tissue‐embedded paraffin. In addition, pharmacological tools were applied in combination with photometry experiments to characterize the physiological activity of AT1 and AT2 receptors in hPCPs cell culture. A proliferation assay was used to describe the mitogenic activity of angiotensin II (Ang II) on hPCPs cells.

Only the AT1 receptor was detected in Western blot analysis. Immunocytochemistry of hPCPs cells showed that the AT1 receptor is present in both the smooth muscle type and the fibroblastic type. In the stromal compartment of human prostate tissue, immunoreaction with antibodies against the AT1 receptor was detectable.

Fura‐2‐loaded hPCPs cells showed an instantaneous and linear rise in free intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) after local perfusion with Ang II in concentrations of 10 nM. Removing of external calcium or emptying intracellular calcium stores before Ang II application diminished or abolished this [Ca2+]i response.

The response to Ang II was also diminished when hPCPs cells were perfused with the AT1 receptor inhibitor losartan prior to Ang II application. No inhibition of the [Ca2+]i increase was detectable after perfusion with PD 123319, a specific inhibitor of the AT2 receptor.

hPCPs cells were stimulated with Ang II in various concentrations over a period of 2 days. The subsequently performed proliferation assay revealed a mitogenic effect of Ang II on hPCPs in concentrations starting at 10 nM. This effect could be inhibited by losartan.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 3–10. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706037
Cyclo-oxygenase type 2-dependent prostaglandin E2 secretion is involved in retrovirus-induced T-cell dysfunction in mice
Authors: RAHMOUNI Souad , AANDAHL Einar Martin , NAYJIB Btissam , ZEDDOU Mustapha , GIANNINI Sandra , VERLAET Myriam , GREIMERS Roland , BONIVER Jaques , TASKEN Kjetil , MOUTSCHEN Michel
Published: December 2004

MAIDS (murine AIDS) is caused by infection with the murine leukaemia retrovirus RadLV-Rs and is characterized by a severe immunodeficiency and T-cell anergy combined with a lymphoproliferative disease affecting both B- and T-cells. Hyperactivation of the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway is involved in the T-cell dysfunction of MAIDS and HIV by inhibiting T-cell activation through the T-cell receptor. In the present study, we show that MAIDS involves a strong and selective up-regulation of cyclo-oxygenase type 2 in the CD11b+ subpopulation of T- and B-cells of the lymph nodes, leading to increased levels of PGE2 (prostaglandin E2). PGE2 activates the cAMP pathway through G-protein-coupled receptors. Treatment with cyclo-oxygenase type 2 inhibitors reduces the level of PGE2 and thereby reverses the T-cell anergy, restores the T-cell immune function and ameliorates the lymphoproliferative disease.
Phosphonium compounds as new and specific inhibitors of bovine serum amine oxidase
Authors: DI PAOLO Maria Luisa , LUNELLI Michele , SCARPA Marina , RIGO Adelio
Published: December 2004

TPP+ (tetraphenylphosphonium ion) and its analogues were found to act as powerful competitive inhibitors of BSAO (bovine serum amine oxidase). The binding of this new class of inhibitors to BSAO was characterized by kinetic measurements. TPP+ can bind to the BSAO active site by hydrophobic and by coulombian interactions. The binding probably occurs in the region of the ‘cation-binding site’[Di Paolo, Scarpa, Corazza, Stevanato and Rigo (2002) Biophys. J. 83, 2231–2239]. Under physiological conditions, the association constant of TPP+ for this site is higher than 106 M−1, the change of enthalpy being the main free-energy term controlling binding. Analysis of the relationships between substrate structure and extent of inhibition by TPP+ reveals some new molecular features of the BSAO active site.
Zoledronic acid up-regulates bone sialoprotein expression in osteoblastic cells through Rho GTPase inhibition
Authors: CHAPLET Michaël , DETRY Cédric , DEROANNE Christophe , FISHER Larry W. , CASTRONOVO Vincent , BELLAHCÉNE Akeila
Published: December 2004

Clinical practice reveals that osteoporotic women treated with BPs (bisphosphonates) show an increased bone mass density and a reduced risk of fractures. However, the mechanisms leading to these beneficial effects of BPs are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that ZOL (zoledronic acid), a potent third-generation BP, may induce the expression of proteins associated with the bone-forming potential of osteoblastic cells such as BSP (bone sialo-protein). Expression of BSP gene is up-regulated by hormones that promote bone formation and has been associated with de novo bone mineralization. Using real-time reverse transcriptase–PCR and Western-blot analysis, we demonstrated that ZOL increased BSP expression in Saos-2 osteoblast-like cells. Nuclear run-on and mRNA decay assays showed no effect at the transcriptional level but a stabilization of BSP transcripts in ZOL-treated cells. ZOL effect on BSP expression occurred through an interference with the mevalonate pathway since it was reversed by either mevalonate pathway intermediates or a Rho GTPase activator. We showed that ZOL impaired membrane localization of RhoA in Saos-2 cells indicating reduced prenylation of this protein. By the use of small interfering RNAs directed to RhoA and Rac1, we identified both Rho GTPases as negative regulators of BSP expression in Saos-2 cells. Our study demonstrates that ZOL induces BSP expression in osteoblast-like cells through inactivation of Rho GTPases and provides a potential mechanism to explain the favourable effects of ZOL treatment on bone mass and integrity.
Cross-talk of anosmin-1, the protein implicated in X-linked Kallmann's syndrome, with heparan sulphate and urokinase-type plasminogen activator
Authors: HU Youli , GONZÁLEZ-MARTÍNEZ David , KIM Soo-Hyun , BOULOUX Pierre Marc Gilles
Published: December 2004

Defective function of anosmin-1, the protein encoded by KAL-1, underlies X-linked Kallmann's syndrome (X-KS), a human hereditary developmental disorder. Anosmin-1 appears to play a role in neurite outgrowth and axon branching, although molecular mechanisms of its action are still unknown. Anosmin-1 contains a WAP (whey acidic protein-like) domain and four contiguous FnIII (fibronectin-like type III) repeats; its WAP domain shows similarity to known serine protease inhibitors, whereas the FnIII domains contain HS (heparan sulphate)-binding sequences. To investigate the functional role of these domains, we have generated both wild-type and mutant recombinant anosmin-1 proteins using a Drosophila S2 cell expression system. Here we present the first biochemical evidence demonstrating the high-binding affinity between HS and anosmin-1, as measured by SPR (surface plasmon resonance) (Kd=2 nM). The FnIII domains, particularly the first, are essential for dose-dependent HS binding and HS-mediated cell surface association. Furthermore, we have identified uPA (urokinase-type plasminogen activator) as an anosmin-1 interactant. Anosmin-1 significantly enhances the amidolytic activity of uPA in vitro; and anosmin-1–HS–uPA co-operation induces cell proliferation in the PC-3 prostate carcinoma cell line. Both the HS interaction and an intact WAP domain are required for the mitogenic activity of anosmin-1. These effects appear to be mediated by a direct protein interaction between anosmin-1 and uPA, since anosmin-1–uPA could be co-immunoprecipitated from PC-3 cell lysates, and their direct binding with high affinity (Kd=6.91 nM) was demonstrated by SPR. We thus propose that anosmin-1 may modulate the catalytic activity of uPA and its signalling pathway, whereas HS determines cell surface localization of the anosmin-1–uPA complex.
The
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
aquaporin Aqy1 is involved in sporulation
Authors: Sidoux-Walter Frédéric , Pettersson Nina , Hohmann Stefan
Published: December 2004

Aquaporins mediate rapid selective water transport across biological membranes. Elucidation of their precise physiological roles promises important insight into cellular and organismal osmoregulation. The genome of the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
encodes two similar but differentially regulated aquaporins. Here, we show that expression of
AQY1
is stimulated during sporulation and that the Aqy1 protein is detectable exclusively in spore membranes. When spores are rapidly frozen, those that lack Aqy1 survive better, providing for a functional test of active spore water channels. Under ambient conditions, lack of Aqy1 reduces spore fitness. Because this reduction is independent from germination conditions, Aqy1 may be important during spore formation rather than subsequent maintenance or germination. Indeed, it seems that Aqy1 is degraded after spores have been formed and during germination. Taken together, Aqy1 is developmentally controlled and may play a role in spore maturation, probably by allowing water outflow. Taken together, we demonstrate a functional role of an aquaporin in gametogenesis, as well as in the formation of durable structures such as spores, a role that may have wider biological and medical implications.
Cell-surface expression of a mutated Epstein–Barr virus glycoprotein B allows fusion independent of other viral proteins
Authors: McShane Marisa P. , Longnecker Richard
Published: December 2004

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects human B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. We have compared the requirements for EBV glycoprotein-induced cell fusion between Chinese hamster ovary effecter cells and human B lymphoblasts or epithelial cells by using a virus-free cell fusion assay. EBV-encoded gB, gH, gL, and gp42 glycoproteins were required for efficient B cell fusion, whereas EBV gB, gH, and gL glycoproteins were required for Chinese hamster ovary effecter cell fusion with epithelial cell lines (AGS and SCC68) or the human embryonic kidney cell line 293-P. Fusion with human embryonic kidney 293-P cells was greater than fusion observed with B cells, indicative of an important role for cell contact. An antibody directed against the gH and gL complex inhibited epithelial cell fusion. Increased surface expression of gB alone as a result of truncations or point mutants in the carboxyl-terminal tail allowed gB-mediated fusion with epithelial cells, albeit at a lower level than with coexpression of gB, gH, and gL. Overall, gB appears to be the critical component for EBV glycoprotein-mediated cell fusion.
Evidence that injury-induced changes in hippocampal neuronal calcium dynamics during epileptogenesis cause acquired epilepsy
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Blair Robert E. , Sombati Sompong , Carter Dawn S. , Deshpande Laxmikant S. , DeLorenzo Robert J.
Published: December 2004

Alterations in hippocampal neuronal Ca2+and Ca2+-dependent systems have been implicated in mediating some of the long-term neuroplasticity changes associated with acquired epilepsy (AE). However, there are no studies in an animal model of AE that directly evaluate alterations in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and Ca2+homeostatic mechanisms (Ca2+dynamics) during the development of AE. In this study, Ca2+dynamics were evaluated in acutely isolated rat CA1 hippocampal, frontal, and occipital neurons in the pilocarpine model by using [Ca2+]iimaging fluorescence microscopy during the injury (acute), epileptogenesis (latency), and chronic-epilepsy phases of the development of AE. Immediately after status epilepticus (SE), hippocampal neurons, but not frontal and occipital neurons, had significantly elevated [Ca2+]icompared with saline-injected control animals. Hippocampal neuronal [Ca2+]iremained markedly elevated during epileptogenesis and was still elevated indefinitely in the chronic-epilepsy phase but was not elevated in SE animals that did not develop AE. Inhibiting the increase in [Ca2+]iduring SE with the NMDA channel inhibitor MK801 was associated in all three phases of AE with inhibition of the changes in Ca2+dynamics and the development of AE. Ca2+homeostatic mechanisms in hippocampal neurons also were altered in the brain-injury, epileptogenesis, and chronic-epilepsy phases of AE. These results provide evidence that [Ca2+]iand Ca2+-homeostatic mechanisms are significantly altered during the development of AE and suggest that altered Ca2+dynamics may play a role in the induction and maintenance of AE and underlie some of the neuroplasticity changes associated with the epileptic phenotype.
Use of herpes simplex virus and pseudorabies virus chimeric glycoprotein D molecules to identify regions critical for membrane fusion
Authors: Zago Anna , Jogger Cheryl R. , Spear Patricia G.
Published: December 2004

Membrane fusion induced by herpes simplex virus (HSV) requires the action of four viral membrane glycoproteins (gB, gD, gH, and gL) and the binding of gD to one of its receptors, such as the herpesvirus entry mediator or nectin-1. The related animal herpesvirus, pseudorabies virus (PRV), encodes a homologous set of glycoproteins and its gD can also use nectin-1 as an entry receptor. We show here that PRV gD, when coexpressed with HSV gB, gH, and gL, cannot substitute for HSV gD in inducing fusion with target cells expressing nectin-1. Chimeric gD molecules composed of HSV and PRV sequences can substitute, provided the first 285 aa are from HSV gD. Because the first 261 aa were sufficient for receptor binding, this suggested that amino acids 262–285 contain a region required for cell fusion but not for receptor binding. Deletions from amino acids 250–299 failed to identify a specific subregion critical for cell fusion, except possibly for amino acids 250–255, which also influenced receptor binding. Instead, presence of a flexible stalk between the membrane and receptor-binding domain appears to be required, perhaps to enable conformational changes in gD on receptor binding and subsequent interactions of undefined regions of gD with the other glycoproteins required for membrane fusion.
Reconstructing paleo lake levels from relict shorelines along the Upper Great Lakes
Authors: Baedke Steve J. , Thompson Todd A. , Johnston John W. , Wilcox Douglas A.
Published: December 2004

Shorelines of the upper Great Lakes include many embayments that contain strandplains of beach ridges. These former shoreline positions of the lakes can be used to determine changes in the elevation of the lakes through time, and they also provide information on the warping of the ground surface that is occurring in the Great Lakes after the weight of glacial ice was removed. Relative lake-level hydrographs can be created by coring the beach ridges to determine the elevation of basal foreshore (swash zone) deposits in each ridge and by obtaining radiocarbon dates of basal wetland sediments between ridges to generate an age model for the ridges. Because the relative-level hydrographs are the combination of lake-level change and vertical ground movement (isostatic rebound), the rebound must be removed to produce a graph that shows only the physical limits and timing of past lake-level fluctuations referenced to a common outlet. More than 500 vibracores of beach-ridge sediments were collected at five sites along Lake Michigan and four sites along Lake Superior. The cores showed a sequence of dune deposits overlying foreshore deposits that, in turn, overlie upper shoreface deposits. The base of the foreshore deposits is coarser and more poorly sorted than an overlying and underlying sediment and represents the plunge-point sediments at the base of the swash zone. The plunge-point deposits are a close approximation of the elevation of the lake when the beach ridge formed. More than 150 radiocarbon ages of basal wetland sediments were collected to produce age models for the sites. Currently, age models exist for all Lake Michigan sites and one Lake Superior site. By combining the elevation data with the age models, six relative lake-level hydrographs were created for the upper Great Lakes. An iterative approach was used to remove rebound from the five Lake Michigan relative hydrographs and merge the graphs into a single hydrograph. The resultant hydrograph shows long-term patterns of lake-level change for lakes Michigan and Huron and is referenced to the Port Huron outlet. When the age models are completed for the Lake Superior sites, a hydrograph will be created for the entire lake.
Burrowing mayflies as indicators of ecosystem health: Status of populations in two western Lake Superior embayments
Authors: Edsall Thomas A. , Gorman Owen T. , Evrard Lori M.
Published: December 2004

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada are supporting the development of indicators of ecosystem health that can be used to report on progress in restoring and maintaining the Great Lakes ecosystem, as called for in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada. One indicator under development for Great Lakes mesotrophic environments is based on burrowing mayflies (Hexagenia: Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae). In this paper, we report the results of a benthic survey in spring 2002 to determine the status of nymphal populations of Hexagenia in two western Lake Superior embayments, the St. Louis River estuary, an area with significant water-use impairments, and Chequamegon Bay, an area with no known water-use impairments. Ponar grab samples collected throughout these embayments showed nymphs were generally abundant in finely particulate, cohesive substrate (clay or mixtures of clay and sand) in both embayments. However, in the St. Louis River estuary nymphs were absent in those preferred substrates at 11 stations in the eastern portion of St. Louis Bay and the adjoining northwestern portion of the Duluth-Superior Harbor, where the sediments were variously contaminated with visible amounts of taconite pellets, paint chips, oil, or combusted coal waste (clinkers). Our results suggest that human activities have rendered those portions of the St. Louis River estuary unsuitable for habitation by Hexagenia nymphs and we recommend that trend monitoring of the nymphal population there be conducted to permit reporting on progress in restoring and maintaining the health and integrity of this Great Lakes ecosystem embayment, consistent with the intent of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
Operationalising the concept of “information” for research into information behaviour
Authors: Shenton Andrew K.
Published: December 2004

To clarify the subject of a project and indicate its limits, investigators must define for readers their work's key concepts. In most information behaviour research, definition of “information” itself is critical, although it may be difficult to do this immediately, as the researcher may be initially unsure of the nature of the phenomenon of interest. A definition may be evolved retrospectively and informed by data collected. In assembling a definition, the investigator may consider whether to draw a distinction between “knowledge” and “information”, whether information is believed to be of the purely “objective” kind and the purposes for which information is required. A decision also needs to be made on whether the researcher's construct of “information” should be imposed on study participants. Whatever the approaches taken, the definition must be at least partially grounded in widely held assumptions and not inspired solely by the need to control the work's scope.
The ongoing legacy of R.L. Katz
Authors: Peterson Tim O. , Van Fleet David D.
Published: December 2004

Robert L. Katz first called attention to the problem of identifying those skills necessary for successful performance in managerial roles. This paper identifies the impact of Katz's classic 1955 work on managerial skills and notes the continuing legacy of his work. Modifications and additions appearing in the management literature, particularly introductory or principles textbooks, are noted with a suggested expansion of Katz's work that would subsume the dominant ones of those. The importance of managerial skills to the carrying out of managerial functions is also discussed.
Looking back on their “great works”
Authors: Wheeler Anthony R. , Richter Eve , Sahadevan Sajith
Published: December 2004

The article synthesizes the interview responses from ten authors who have published heavily cited research in the fields of organizational behavior and human resource management. The authors of these “great works” provided insights on their own works while also providing guidance to authors who aspire to produce future great works in management. The article utilizes facets of the grounded theory approach to analyze the qualitative responses of the authors, which enabled the presentation of common themes of the authors’ responses that might be useful to both management scholars and practitioners engaged in the research process.
Linking SCOR planning practices to supply chain performance
Authors: Lockamy Archie , McCormack Kevin
Published: December 2004

As supply chains continue to replace individual firms as the economic engine for creating value during the twenty‐first century, understanding the relationship between supply‐chain management practices and supply chain performance becomes increasingly important. The Supply‐Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model developed by the Supply Chain Council provides a framework for characterizing supply‐chain management practices and processes that result in best‐in‐class performance. However, which of these practices have the most influence on supply chain performance? This exploratory study investigates the relationship between supply‐chain management planning practices and supply chain performance based on the four decision areas provided in SCOR Model Version 4.0 (PLAN, SOURCE, MAKE, DELIVER) and nine key supply‐chain management planning practices derived from supply‐chain management experts and practitioners. The results show that planning processes are important in all SCOR supply chain planning decision areas. Collaboration was found to be most important in the Plan, Source and Make planning decision areas, while teaming was most important in supporting the Plan and Source planning decision areas. Process measures, process credibility, process integration, and information technology were found to be most critical in supporting the Deliver planning decision area. Using these results, the study discusses the implications of the findings and suggests several avenues for future research.
The British East India Company 1600‐1858
Authors: Roukis George S.
Published: December 2004

This paper focuses on the challenges facing global corporations which operate in a variety of environments with increasing multicultural managements and sophisticated understanding of how information technologies and organizational astuteness promote success. Compares this environment with that of the British East India Company. Suggests that corporations operating in the unpredictable environments at the start of the 21st century, in the absence of predictable government and military assistance, of necessity, will be compelled to rethink their transition strategies. Concludes that corporations will assume greater responsibility for functions – including intelligence acquisition, law enforcement, and military projection – normally provided by traditional nation‐states, following the pattern of the British East India Company.
The transformation of the accounting profession in the United States
Authors: Holtzman Yair
Published: December 2004

This paper will demonstrate that the continuous evolution of the accounting profession is in response to the major problems and regulations that exist in any given period. This metamorphosis yields opportunities, challenges, and sometimes results in stark contradictions that the profession must struggle with in order to go forward. The accountant has undergone a dramatic change during the 20th century. The transition from a bookkeeping and tax preparation role to one of a strategic management consultant has been dramatic. Accountants have moved from the back office to the front office. They have often redefined their roles from information processors to strategic business advisors. The key drivers that brought about this change in role include mass production, increased competition among accounting firms, advances in information technology, saturation in the audit service market, pressures on audit service partners, globalization, and the ever changing regulatory environment. This paper examines these changes in light of the challenges of the profession during the early 21st century.
Transition customs in Chinese companies: a practitioner's view
Authors: Ng Luke
Published: December 2004

This paper provides an overview of transition strategy, focusing specifically on the Chinese business world, where the common practice is for founders to pass their companies on to their children, the younger generation. This paper describes how Chinese businesses are invariably adopting the western‐style management practice of instituting the various offices of chairman, chief executive officer, president, etc. primarily because the children of those founding fathers have been mostly sent to the USA, the UK and Canada to receive higher education. This paper concludes that these second‐generation operating managers have essentially transformed their business environments with great success, modernizing the Asian business community as a whole and competing effectively with the western world.
D‐I‐Y Interloans: from dream to reality
Authors: McCartin Shona , Reid David
Published: December 2004

This paper reports on a pilot project that enabled end‐user patrons to submit their own interloan requests. Promoted to Lincoln University's end‐users as D‐I‐Y Interloans (Do‐it‐Yourself Interloans), Lincoln University and the National Library of New Zealand undertook this joint project between October 2002 and January 2003. This paper describes the pilot project, its drivers and its guiding principles. The authors address a number of issues relating to the constraints of end‐user mediated interloans within a utility environment, trends that emerged and what end‐users thought of the process. Finally, the authors address the issue of the future for end‐user initiated requests in the New Zealand context.
Israeli college interlibrary loan practices: implications for Israeli universities
Authors: Porat Lynne , Shoham Snunith
Published: December 2004

The recent establishment of academic colleges in Israel not only has affected the make‐up of Israeli higher education, it also has affected university libraries, particularly the interlibrary loan (ILL) departments. This article describes a study that characterised the ILL borrowing practices of Israeli college libraries in general and, in particular, those of libraries that send the majority of their requests to universities. It also identified the disciplines of college library ILL requests and determined that there is a connection to the disciplines prevalent in their own collections. In addition, it identified the Israeli university libraries that received increased requests between 1997 and 2001, assessed the effects on them and identified changes implemented in interlibrary loan departments in order to deal with the increased demand.