bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The flagellin gene and protein from the brewing spoilage bacteriaPectinatus cerevisiiphilusandPectinatus frisingensis
Authors: Chaban Bonnie , Deneer Harry , Dowgiert Teri , Hymers Jillian , Ziola Barry
Published: December 2005

Flagellin genes from the anaerobic Gram-negative beer-spoilage bacteria Pectinatus cerevisiiphilus and Pectinatus frisingensis were sequenced and the flagellin proteins initially characterized. Protein microsequencing led to the design of two degenerate PCR primers that allowed the P. cerevisiiphilus flagellin gene to be partially sequenced. A combination of PCR and Bubble PCR was then used to sequence the flagellin genes of three isolates from each species. Cloning and gene expression, followed by immunoblotting, confirmed the gene identities as flagellin. Analysis of the gene sequences revealed proteins similar to other bacterial flagellins, including lengths of 446 or 448 amino acids, putative sigma 28 promoters, and a termination loop. Antibody binding studies with isolated flagella correlated with gene sequence comparisons, with both indicating that the P. cerevisiiphilus isolates studied are very similar but that the P. frisingensis isolates show greater variation. Purified flagellins were found to be glycosylated, probably through an O linkage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed greater diversity within the flagellin sequences than within the 16S rRNA genes. Despite the Gram-negative morphology of Pectinatus, this genus proved most closely related to Gram-positive Firmicutes.Key words: beer spoilage, Firmicutes, flagellin, glycosylation, Pectinatus cerevisiiphilus, Pectinatus frisingensis, phylogenetics, taxonomy.
Cloning and characterization of a novel genecry9Ec1encoding lepidopteran-specific parasporal inclusion protein from aBacillus thuringiensisserovargalleriaestrain
Authors: Wasano Naoya , Saitoh Hiroyuki , Maeda Minoru , Ohgushi Akira , Mizuki Eiichi , Ohba Michio
Published: December 2005

A novel δ-endotoxin gene from a lepidopteran-specific Bacillus thuringiensis serovar galleriae strain was cloned, and the full sequence of the cry gene was determined. The cloned 6.5-kb DNA fragment included the full sequence of the cry gene and three open reading frames located upstream of the cry gene. The gene, designated cry9Ec1, encodes a polypeptide of 1154 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 130 237. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Cry9Ec1 protein had the highest homology (77.7%) with the Cry9Ea1 protein when compared with existing Cry proteins. The expression, in an acrystalliferous B. thuringiensis strain, of the cry9Ec1 gene was high when controlled by the cyt1A2 promoter, leading to the formation of large spherical inclusions. The purified crystals from the recombinant strain were toxic when tested against two lepidopteran species, Bombyx mori and Plutella xylostella. However, the Cry9Ec1 protein gave no toxicity against Spodoptera litura, Spodoptera exigua, Plodia interpunctella, Helicoverpa zea, and Culex pipiens molestus.Key words: Bacillus thuringiensis serovar galleriae, Cry9Ec1 protein, lepidopteran-specific δ-endotoxin, Plutella xylostella.
Vectorial activation of smooth muscle myosin filaments and its modulation by telokin
Authors: Sobieszek Apolinary
Published: December 2005

Smooth muscle myosin copurifies with myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and calmodulin (CaM) as well as with variable amounts of myosin phosphatase. Therefore, myosin filaments formed in vitro also contain relatively high levels of these enzymes. Thus these filaments may be considered to be native-like because they are similar to those expected to exist in vivo. These endogenous enzymes are present at high concentrations relative to myosin, sufficient for rapid phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the filaments at rates comparable to those observed for contraction and relaxation in intact muscle strips. The phosphorylation by MLCK/CaM complex appears to exhibit some directionality and is not governed by a random diffusional process. For the mixtures of myosin filaments with and without the endogenous MLCK/CaM complex, the complex preferentially phosphorylates its own parent filament at a higher rate than the neighboring filaments. This selective or vectorial-like activation is lost or absent when myosin filaments are dissolved at high ionic strength. Similar vectorial-like activation is exhibited by the reconstituted filament suspensions, but the soluble systems composed of isolated regulatory light chain or soluble myosin head subfragments exhibit normal diffusional kinetic behavior. At physiological concentrations, kinase related protein (telokin) effectively modulates the activation process by reducing the phosphorylation rate of the filaments without affecting the overall phosphorylation level. This results from telokin-induced liberation of the active MLCK/CaM complex from the filaments, so that the latter can also activate the neighboring filaments via a slower diffusional process. When this complex is bound at insufficient levels, this actually results in acceleration of the initial phosphorylation rates. In short, I suggest that in smooth muscle, telokin plays a chaperone role for myosin and its filaments.Key words: smooth muscle, regulation, myosin filament, phosphorylation, activation mechanism, myosin kinase, phosphatase, telokin.
A not so plain muscle: the maturing of smooth muscle research
Authors: Rangachari P K
Published: December 2005

Today, smooth muscle research is a flourishing sub-discipline. This essay charts the trials and tribulations of early workers as they overcame technical limitations to establish this field by the end of the 1960s.Key words: historical, techniques, muscle.
Decreased RhoA expression in myocardium of diabetic rats
Authors: Tang Jiping , Fitzgerald Sharyn M , Boughtman Brandi N , Cole Samuel W , Brands Michael W , Zhang John H
Published: December 2005

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is 1 of the major causes of death in diabetic patients, but the pathogenesis is unclear. There is evidence that RhoA, a small GTPase, might be involved in cardiac function. This study, therefore, analyzed RhoA expression and activation in hearts of diabetic rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and diabetic groups of 18 each. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Rats were studied 3 weeks after induction of diabetes. Heart rate, which was measured 24 h/day, decreased by 93 ± 7 beats/min in diabetic rats. There was a 62% decrease (p < 0.01) in RhoA mRNA expression in heart tissues (left ventricle) of diabetic rats (38.5 ± 6.7 × 106molecules/µg total RNA) compared with controls (101 ± 10.3 × 106molecules/µg total RNA). Western blot showed a 33% decrease in total RhoA protein expression in heart tissues of diabetic rats compared with controls (p < 0.05). A reduced RhoA translocation in heart tissues of diabetic rats was determined by a 64% decrease in membrane-bound RhoA (p < 0.01 vs. control group), indicating that the activation of RhoA is markedly reduced in diabetic myocardium. Our data suggest that down-regulated RhoA may be involved in cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats.Key words: RhoA, diabetes, heart.
Myogenic regulation of arterial diameter: role of potassium channels with a focus on delayed rectifier potassium current
Authors: Cole William C , Chen Tim T , Clément-Chomienne Odile
Published: December 2005

The phenomenon of myogenic constriction of arterial resistance vessels in response to increased intraluminal pressure has been known for over 100 years, yet our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved remains incomplete. The focus of this paper concerns the potassium (K+) channels that provide a negative feedback control of the myogenic depolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells that is provoked by elevations in intraluminal pressure, and specifically, the contribution of delayed rectifier (KDR) channels. Our knowledge of the important role played by KDRchannels, as well as their molecular identity and acute modulation via changes in gating, has increased dramatically in recent years. Several lines of evidence point to a crucial contribution by heteromultimeric KV1 subunit-containing KDRchannels in the control of arterial diameter and myogenic reactivity, but other members of the KVsuperfamily are also expressed by vascular myocytes, and less is known concerning their specific functions. The effect of pharmacological modulation of KDRchannels is discussed, with particular reference to the actions of anorexinogens on KV1- and KV2-containing KDRchannels. Finally, the need for a greater understanding of the mechanisms that control KDRchannel gene expression is stressed in light of evidence indicating that there is a reduced expression of KDRchannels in diseases associated with abnormal myogenic reactivity and vascular remodelling.Key words: resistance arteries, myogenic response, potassium channels, delayed rectifier K+current, KVchannels, KV1, KV2.
Asynchronous calcium waves in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lee Cheng-Han , Kuo Kuo-Hsing , Dai Jiazhen , Breemen Cornelis van
Published: December 2005

Asynchronous Ca2+waves or wave-like [Ca2+]ioscillations constitute a specialized form of agonist-induced Ca2+signaling that is observed in a variety of smooth muscle cell types. Functionally, it is involved in the contractile regulation of the smooth muscle cells as it signals for tonic contraction in certain smooth muscle cells while causing relaxation in others. Mechanistically, repetitive Ca2+waves are produced by repetitive cycles of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release followed by Ca2+uptake. Plasmalemmal Ca2+entry mechanisms are important for providing the additional Ca2+necessary to maintain proper refilling of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+store and support ongoing Ca2+waves. In this paper, we will review the phenomenon of asynchronous Ca2+waves in smooth muscle and discuss the scientific and clinical significance of this new understanding.Key words: excitation-contraction coupling, confocal fluoresence microscopy, calcium signaling.
The latch-bridge hypothesis of smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Murphy Richard A , Rembold Christopher M
Published: December 2005

In contrast to striated muscle, both normalized force and shortening velocities are regulated functions of cross-bridge phosphorylation in smooth muscle. Physiologically this is manifested as relatively fast rates of contraction associated with transiently high levels of cross-bridge phosphorylation. In sustained contractions, Ca2+, cross-bridge phosphorylation, and ATP consumption rates fall, a phenomenon termed "latch". This review focuses on the Hai and Murphy (1988a) model that predicted the highly non-linear dependence of force on phosphorylation and a directly proportional dependence of shortening velocity on phosphorylation. This model hypothesized that (i) cross-bridge phosphorylation was obligatory for cross-bridge attachment, but also that (ii) dephosphorylation of an attached cross-bridge reduced its detachment rate. The resulting variety of cross-bridge cycles as predicted by the model could explain the observed dependencies of force and velocity on cross-bridge phosphorylation. New evidence supports modifications for more general applicability. First, myosin light chain phosphatase activity is regulated. Activation of myosin phosphatase is best demonstrated with inhibitory regulatory mechanisms acting via nitric oxide. The second modification of the model incorporates cooperativity in cross-bridge attachment to predict improved data on the dependence of force on phosphorylation. The molecular basis for cooperativity is unknown, but may involve thin filament proteins absent in striated muscle.Key words: chemo-mechanical transduction, activation-contraction coupling, cross-bridge, myosin light chain kinase, myosin light chain phosphatase, phosphorylation, cooperativity.
Filament lattice changes in smooth muscle assessed using birefringence
Authors: Smolensky A V , Ford L E
Published: December 2005

The long functional range of some types of smooth muscle has been the subject of recent study. It has been proposed that the muscle filament lattice adapts to longer lengths by placing more filaments in series and that lattice plasticity is facilitated by myosin filament evanescence, with filaments dissociating during relaxation and reforming upon activation. Support for these dynamic changes in the filament lattice has been provided partly by changes in contractile parameters at different times in the contraction–relaxation cycle at different lengths. If the changes in contractile parameters result from filament formation and dissociation, these structural changes must occur on the time scale of tension development and relaxation. To assess whether thick-filament formation could account for the contractile changes, we measured birefringence continuously during activation and relaxation and compared these optical changes with the time course of force development and relaxation. Birefringence is a well-known property of muscle; striations in skeletal and cardiac muscle result from the A-bands being anisotropic, i.e., birefringent, and it is now known that this optical property is due to the presence of myosin thick filaments in the A-bands. Thus, the strength of birefringence is expected to represent the density of thick filaments. Here, we describe the principle of the method, the techniques for recording the optical signals, some initial results, and discuss the interpretation of results and some limitations of the method.Key words: airway smooth muscle, myosin filament, plasticity.
Latitude affects photoperiod-induced changes in immune response in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Authors: Pyter L M , Weil Z M , Nelson R J
Published: December 2005

Animals use day length (photoperiod) to time seasonal adaptations to annual changes in their environment. Reproductive adjustments in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) from high latitudes are more extensive in response to short days than in deer mice from low latitudes. These adjustments may permit individuals to survive the severe seasonal changes (e.g., temperature and food abundance) in high-latitude environments. Immune function is also affected by photoperiod. Short days were predicted to result in elevated immune and reproductive responses in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1815)) from the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada (~62°N), compared with voles from Ohio (OH), USA (~39°N). Male voles from both latitudes were maintained in long or short days for 10 weeks prior to a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) immune challenge. Both populations displayed similar testicular regression and reduction of testosterone concentrations in short days. DTH immune responses, however, diverged between the two populations. DTH immune responses were enhanced in long-day NWT voles and short-day OH voles, but decreased in short-day NWT voles and long-day OH voles. Total and free corticosterone concentrations did not explain the latitudinal differences in immune responses. These results suggest that photoperiod affects reproductive and immune systems differently and that immune responses may reflect other environmental factors.
What do harp seals eat? Comparing diet composition from different compartments of the digestive tract with diets estimated from stable-isotope ratios
Authors: Hammill M O , Lesage V , Carter P
Published: December 2005

This study compared diet reconstructed from different compartments of the digestive tract of harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus (Erxleben, 1777)) with the diet estimated using stable carbon and stable nitrogen isotope ratios in mixing models. Diet composition in 18 feeding harp seals (mean age = 2.4 years, SD = 1.8 years, range = 0–6 years) was determined using traditional methods of hard-part identification and reconstruction, and stable carbon and stable nitrogen isotope ratios. Diet composition consisted of 68.8% (SD = 8.7%) and 69.6% (SD = 11.6%) by mass of invertebrates or 65.0% (SD = 8.8%) and 66.5% (SD = 11.8%) by energy of invertebrates for the stomach and small-intestine compartments, respectively. Reconstructed diets using material recovered from the large-intestine contents suggested a diet of 43.1% (SD = 12.2%) and 38.0% (SD = 11.9%) invertebrates using mass and energy, respectively. Stable carbon and stable nitrogen isotope ratios determined for the same individual harp seals suggested a diet consisting of approximately 66.1% (SD = 117.4) invertebrates, indicating that diet reconstructions based on hard parts from stomachs are likely to be more representative than reconstructions from large-intestine contents. In species that feed on a combination of vertebrates and invertebrates, the use of faecal material to reconstruct diet composition will likely underestimate the importance of invertebrates in the diet.
Impacts of roads associated with the Ekati Diamond MineTM, Northwest Territories, Canada, on reproductive success and breeding habitat of Lapland Longspurs
Authors: Male Sean K , Nol Erica
Published: December 2005

We examined the effects of roads associated with the Ekati Diamond MineTM, Nortwest Territories, Canada, on reproductive success and breeding habitat of Lapland Longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus (L., 1758)) by comparing these attributes on study sites located directly beside and at least 5 km away from roads. No significant differences between roads and reference sites were detected for first-egg dates, clutch size, mean nestling mass on the 7th day following hatch, or daily nest survival. We found no evidence that Lapland Longspurs were avoiding nest sites located near roads. Recorded frequencies of male song overlapped with the harmonics of heavy-truck noise. Snow-water equivalent and percent cover of mosses were significantly higher on reference sites, while soil moisture and dust deposition were higher on road sites. Dust suppressant applied midway through the breeding season significantly reduced dust deposition. Lapland Longspur nest sites had significantly higher percent cover of graminoids and of shrubs and forbs, and significantly lower percent cover of lichens than random sites, an effect that occurred both near and distant from roads. Currently, there appears to be no measurable effect of roads associated with the Ekati Diamond MineTM on current territorial choice and reproductive performance of Lapland Longspurs. Observed differences in habitat characteristics between reference plots and road plots suggest that long-term changes in the vegetation community may occur that could affect nest-site selection of Lapland Longspurs.
Hierarchical habitat selection by North American porcupines in southern boreal forest
Authors: Morin Patrick , Berteaux Dominique , Klvana Ilya
Published: December 2005

In habitat-selection studies, a multi-scale approach is considered necessary to ensure that all elements of selection are depicted and that management decisions accurately reflect the needs of the species under study. We examined hierarchy in summer habitat selection in North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum (L., 1758)) in Eastern Canada at the scales of landscape, home range, and single tree. We used radiotelemetry to locate and observe animals visually to record their behaviour and exact location in the habitat. Den use in summer was unexpectedly high for some of our animals, which forced us to use a restricted number of locations per individual for comparison among scales. Although porcupines are generalists at the landscape level, selection patterns appear at the home-range and tree levels. Human-used land and conifer forests were least selected features of home ranges, while deciduous forests dominated by trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and mixed forests were most selected. At the tree scale, trembling aspen was found to be selected over other deciduous trees. However, fruit-producing trees were even more selected. This study shows the importance of a multi-scale approach that includes fine-scale selection.
Courtship displays and mounting calls are honest, condition-dependent signals that influence mounting success in Hermann's tortoises
Authors: Galeotti P , Sacchi R , Fasola M , Rosa D Pellitteri , Marchesi M , Ballasina D
Published: December 2005

Like other terrestrial tortoises, the courtship behaviour of Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789) is based on a multiple signalling system that involves visual, olfactory, tactile, and acoustic signals. In this study, we analysed relationships between male morphology, hematological profile, courtship intensity, vocalizations, and mounting success in Hermann's tortoises breeding in semi-natural enclosures to investigate the effects of male condition on signals exhibited during courtship and on their mounting success. Results showed that mounting success of Hermann's tortoise males was positively affected by the number of sexual interactions/h, number of bites given to the female during interactions, and by call rate and frequency-modulation range. Call rate, frequency-modulation range, and number of sexual interaction/h increased with hematocrit value, while number of bites given to females decreased with leukocyte concentration. In conclusion, courtship signals exhibited by Hermann's tortoise males, including vocalizations, reliably reveal different components of male condition, and females may use these multiple traits to choose high-quality partners. This is the first study documenting the condition-dependent nature of tortoise courting signals and their effect on male mounting success.
Are survival rates for northern spotted owls biased?
Authors: Loehle C , Irwin L , Rock D , Rock S
Published: December 2005

The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina (Merriam, 1898)) is listed as threatened in both Canada and the United States. As part of a 1998–2004 study of habitat usage, we attached radio tags to 197 northern spotted owls. Owls that died or emigrated from the study areas could be identified with high certainty. The long-term data we obtained enabled us to estimate survivorship using multiple statistical methods. Using a pooled data set, we estimated annual survivorship at 0.927. Using a year-by-year analysis, we obtained some variation in survival by year, but the same overall mean. Using a staggered-entry cohort approach, we obtained an estimate of 0.934. Mean annual survival estimated by program MARK was 0.927. These estimates are outside the confidence intervals of prior studies that used capture–recapture methods. Capture–recapture methods are based on the assumption that birds remain within a demographic study area, but our data suggest that owls may disperse or remain undetected within a study area often enough that capture–recapture methods may overestimate mortality. Our results imply that the true finite population growth rate, λ, may be higher than estimated in prior studies that used capture–recapture methods.
Life-history variation among populations of Canadian Toads in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Eaton Brian R , Paszkowski Cynthia A , Kristensen Kent , Hiltz Michelle
Published: December 2005

Development of appropriate conservation plans relies on life-history information and how life-history traits vary across populations of a species. Such data are lacking for many amphibians, including the Canadian Toad (Bufo hemiophrys Cope, 1886). Here we use skeletochronology to estimate size at age, growth rates, age at maturity, and longevity of toads from nine populations along a latitudinal gradient in Alberta, Canada. Size of individual toads within each year class was highly variable, but age and size (measured as snout-to-urostyle length) were significantly related for almost all populations. The largest individuals were found in the southern-most population, while the smallest toads were found in three populations from the middle of the latitudinal range studied. Growth rates were highest in the southern-most population and lowest at the three populations with relatively small individuals. Maximum age was from 7 to 12 years for the populations sampled. The oldest individuals were found in populations in the middle of the latitudinal range sampled; toads in these populations were smaller than those in all other populations. Age at maturity was 1 year old for males and 2 years old for females in most populations. This study shows that some life-history traits exhibit significant variation between Canadian Toad populations, suggesting that effective conservation of this species will need to include population or area-specific management.
Female wolverine (Gulo gulo) reproduction: reproductive costs and winter food availability
Authors: Persson Jens
Published: December 2005

An individual has only a given amount of resources, and therefore an increase in one demographic trait results in a trade-off that necessitates a decrease in a different demographic trait. In general, the main factor determining an individual mammal's reproductive investment is food supply. This study addresses how female wolverine (Gulo gulo (L., 1758)) reproduction is limited. I tested two complementary hypotheses: (1) current reproduction is affected by the costs of reproduction in the preceding year and (2) current reproduction is affected by food availability in the current winter. I addressed the first hypothesis by comparing reproductive rates of females in relation to their reproductive effort in the preceding year. I experimentally tested the second hypothesis by comparing reproductive rates of food-supplemented females versus non-supplemented females. Reproduction incurred costs on female wolverines that affected future reproduction, and reproductive costs appeared to be related to the duration of parental care. Reproduction was higher for food-supplemented females than for non-supplemented females, even though all food-supplemented females had reproduced the preceding year. This study suggests that reproduction is limited by winter food availability and that additional food can compensate for reproductive costs. Thus, I suggest that female wolverine reproduction is determined by their condition in winter, which is a result of the combined effect of reproductive costs and winter food availability.
Mitochondrial DNA variation in water shrews (Sorexpalustris,Sorexbendirii) from western North America: implications for taxonomy and phylogeography
Authors: O'Neill M B , Nagorsen D W , Baker R J
Published: December 2005

Inter- and intra-specific variations in cytochrome b (Cytb) sequence were assessed in 22 specimens of Sorex palustris Richardson, 1828 and 6 specimens of Sorex bendirii (Merriam, 1884) from 20 locations in western North America. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three distinct clades: Boreal (S. p. palustris), Cordilleran (S. p. brooksi, S. p. navigator), and Coastal (S. b. palmeri, S. b. bendirii). Sequence divergence between the Boreal and the Coastal–Cordilleran lineages was 6.9%, while the divergence between the Coastal and the Cordilleran clades was 3.1%. Sorex palustris brooksi, a subspecies endemic to Vancouver Island, showed minor divergence from mainland samples of S. p. navigator. The results suggest that S. palustris may consist of two species: a boreal eastern form (S. palustris) and a Cordilleran form (S. navigator). The taxonomic validity of S. p. brooksi is unresolved. Distribution of the three clades are consistent with vicariance and isolation in coastal, Cordilleran, and eastern refugia in the Late Pliocene or Pleistocene. The Vancouver Island subspecies S. p. brooksi is probably derived from postglacial colonization in the Late Pleistocene.
TICK PHEROMONES AND THEIR USE IN TICK CONTROL
Authors: Sonenshine Daniel E.
Published: December 2005

▪ Abstract  Tick pheromones that regulate assembly, attraction/aggregation/attachment, and mating behavior have been described. Most of the compounds regulating these behaviors are purines, substituted phenols, or cholesteryl esters. Other pheromonal compounds include organic acids, hematin, or ecdysteroids. Novel devices have been developed that combine the specific compounds comprising these pheromones with an acaricide. When applied to tick-infested vegetation or directly to the body surfaces of livestock or companion animals, these devices are effective for tick control. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of tick pheromones. In addition, this review also presents examples illustrating how devices using tick pheromones can offer effective alternatives to conventional methods for achieving tick control.
Surgical Treatment of Aortic Regurgitation due to Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Matsuura Kaoru , Ogino Hitoshi , Kobayashi Junjiro , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Matsuda Hitoshi , Minatoya Kenji , Sasaki Hiroaki , Bando Ko , Niwaya Kazuo , Tagusari Osamu , Nakajima Hiroyuki , Yagihara Toshikatsu , Kitamura Soichiro
Published: December 2005

Background—

The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the late outcome of surgical treatment for aortic valve regurgitation due to Takayasu arteritis and correlate it with evidence of inflammation on pathological examination.

Methods and Results—

Ninety consecutive patients who underwent surgery for aortic valve regurgitation due to Takayasu arteritis between 1979 and 2003 were studied. Intraoperative pathological specimens of the aortic wall from 69 patients were retrospectively examined for inflammation. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 63 patients (group A) and composite graft repair in 27 patients (group B). The aortic root diameter was 39.9±9.5 mm in group A and 54.4±13.6 mm in group B (
P
<0.0001). Preoperative steroid therapy was performed in 40 patients (44.4%). Hospital mortality was 4.8% (3/63) in group A and 7.4% (2/27) in group B. The overall 15-year survival rate was 76.1%. Detachment of the valve or graft occurred in 11.1% (7/63) of group A and in 3.7% (1/27) of group B patients (
P
=0.43). Late dilatation (>50 mm) of the residual ascending aorta occurred in 11.1% (7/63) of group A and in 3.7% (1/27) of group B patients (
P
=0.43). Active inflammation was confirmed in intraoperative pathological specimens of 10 patients, and detachment of the valve or graft occurred in 4 of these patients. Univariate analysis of background variables revealed active inflammation to be a risk factor for detachment (
P
=0.0001; risk ratio 55).

Conclusions—

Late dilatation of the ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement is a clinically important finding. Active inflammation could be related to valve or graft detachment.
NAD(P)H Oxidase and Multidrug Resistance Protein Genetic Polymorphisms Are Associated With Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Wojnowski Leszek , Kulle Bettina , Schirmer Markus , Schlüter Gregor , Schmidt Albrecht , Rosenberger Albert , Vonhof Stefan , Bickeböller Heike , Toliat Mohammad Reza , Suk Eun-Kyung , Tzvetkov Mladen , Kruger Anke , Seifert Silvia , Kloess Marita , Hahn Heidi , Loeffler Markus , Nürnberg Peter , Pfreundschuh Michael , Trümper Lorenz , Brockmöller Jürgen , Hasenfuss Gerd
Published: December 2005

Background—A significant number of patients treated with anthracyclines develop cardiotoxicity (anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity [ACT]), mainly presenting as arrhythmias (acute ACT) or congestive heart failure (chronic ACT). There are no data on pharmacogenomic predictors of ACT.

Methods and Results—We genotyped participants of the German non-Hodgkin lymphoma study (NHL-B) who were followed up for the development of heart failure for a median of >3 years. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from 82 genes with conceivable relevance to ACT. Of 1697 patients, 55 developed acute and 54 developed chronic ACT (cumulative incidence of either form, 3.2%). We detected 5 significant associations with polymorphisms of the NAD(P)H oxidase and doxorubicin efflux transporters. Chronic ACT was associated with a variant of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunit NCF4 (rs1883112, −212A→G; symbols with right-pointing arrows, as edited?‘ odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.0). Acute ACT was associated with the His72Tyr polymorphism in the p22phox subunit (rs4673; OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.9) and with the variant 7508T→A (rs13058338; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.1) of the RAC2 subunit of the same enzyme. In agreement with these results, mice deficient in NAD(P)H oxidase activity, unlike wild-type mice, were resistant to chronic doxorubicin treatment. In addition, acute ACT was associated with the Gly671Val variant of the doxorubicin efflux transporter multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.6 to 8.4) and with the Val1188Glu-Cys1515Tyr (rs8187694-rs8187710) haplotype of the functionally similar MRP2 (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.4). Polymorphisms in adrenergic receptors previously demonstrated to be predictive of heart failure were not associated with ACT.

Conclusions—Genetic variants in doxorubicin transport and free radical metabolism may modulate the individual risk to develop ACT.
The Strength-Based Counseling Model
Authors: Smith Elsie J.
Published: December 2005

Sometimes, it is difficult for a profession to move forward because its members interpret emerging conceptual models from the perspective of old frameworks. Each of the five reactants in this issue of The Counseling Psychologist interpreted the strength-based counseling model within their own self-adopted framework—Adlerian psychology, role strain theory, optimal development, self-efficacy, or wellness. Only one reactant had the courage to say that although counseling psychology has historically “talked the talk” about building strengths in individuals, it has steadily embraced the medical model. If counseling psychology is to go forward, we will need honest appraisals of what goals we have and have not accomplished. Strength-based counseling represents a paradigm shift in psychology from the deficit medical model to one that stresses clients’ strengths. The model will hopefully encourage the profession to act on its espoused commitment to strength development for individuals across the life span.
Resilience, Meaning, and Well-Being
Authors: Lightsey Owen Richard
Published: December 2005

In this issue of The Counseling Psychologist, Smith presents an array of important strength-related literature and offers propositions, stages, and counseling recommendations to foster resilience among youth. This article argues, however, that the strength-based counseling model is not sufficiently operational or clearly distinguishable from other models and that more inclusion of the adult well-being literature could help to clarify key constructs and relationships among variables. The author proffers a focal operationalization of psychological resilience as generalized self-efficacy and discusses the importance of cultural moderators of resilience effects and meaning in life as a predictor of well-being. He recommends studying the incremental therapeutic benefits of strength-focused interventions.
Counseling Psychology and Strength-Based Counseling
Authors: Kaczmarek Peggy
Published: December 2005

The author provides a reaction to the proposed strength-based counseling model for at-risk youth. The Major Contribution initiates a dialogue about how to define strengths and how to operationalize a strength-based model of counseling. Discussing how this model adapts to adolescents by capitalizing on this developmental stage’s uniqueness would strengthen the model. In addition, research needs to test the model’s efficacy.
Comparison of Damage Development in Random Fiber-reinforced Polymers (FRPs) under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Setiadi Y. , Jar P. -Y. B. , Kuboki T. , Cheng J. -J. R.
Published: December 2005

It has been well known that suppression of debonding and matrix cracking could improve fatigue resistance of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). In this study, the roles of these two mechanisms on the damage development in FRPs with in-plane random glass fiber reinforcement have been investigated. Two polymers are used as the matrix - isophthalic polyester and polyurethane. Polyurethane-based FRP shows higher ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and strain to failure, but lower elastic modulus. Under zero-tension fatigue loading (with the maximum stress level equivalent to 50% of their respective UTS), the change in modulus, energy dissipation rate, and the corresponding damage development process are investigated. The damage development is analyzed at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, and found to be closely related to the modulus degradation and change in energy dissipation rate. The study concludes that the two FRPs show significantly different behavior under fatigue loading. The polyurethane-based FRP had better fatigue resistance, in view of the mild modulus change and the capability of absorbing energy through plastic deformation. Results from the study suggest that the excellent fatigue resistance of the polyurethane-based FRP is due to good toughness of the matrix.
Transverse Cracking in a Cross-ply Composite Laminate - Detection in Acoustic Emission and Source Characterization
Authors: Jong H. -J.
Published: December 2005

Transverse cracking detection in a uniaxially loaded symmetric cross-ply hybrid composite laminate is studied using modal-based acoustic emission (MAE) method. Transverse cracking in the hybrid laminate is identified in conjunction with the finite element analysis and acoustic emission (AE) testing on unidirectional carbon/epoxy specimens. Higher wave modes are involved in various damage events in both types of specimens. Wave attenuation in the hybrid laminate is observed to be much stronger than in the unidirectional carbon/epoxy specimen, resulting in fewer AE events detected. A material failure kinetics-based characterization of the transverse cracking process is proposed. Results of dynamic response analysis of the hybrid laminate show good agreement with the AE experiment data.
The Bearing Strength of Fiber Metal Laminates
Authors: Van Rooijen R. G. J. , Sinke J. , De Vries T. J. , Van Der Zwaag S.
Published: December 2005

The bearing strength, in particular the edge distance sensitivity, of several fiber metal laminates of the GLARE family is experimentally evaluated. The behavior of the fiber layer is investigated in detail to obtain a better understanding of its failure mode. Parallel with these experiments, the bearing behavior is studied using a finite element (FE) model. The plasticity in the metal layers, failure of the fiber layers, and friction between pin and laminate, are all implemented in the model. A comparison between experimental and FE results shows a good resemblance in strength and in internal damage pattern for the GLARE laminates. The FE model is used to define the optimal fiber orientation of standard GLARE laminates when loaded in bearing.
The Making of a Colonial Welfare State
Authors: Morrissey Marietta
Published: December 2005

Early-twentieth-century Puerto Rican women’s and labor groups advocated for public support for economically needy groups to little avail, given the fiscal limitations of the early colonial state. The exclusion of Puerto Rico from the comprehensive social welfare embodied in the Social Security Act of 1935 was rooted in U.S. Congressional resistance to statehood for selected territories. The platform of the Partido Popular Democrático (Popular Democratic party—PPD), which merged elements of Puerto Rican nationalism with a foreign-investment-and-export-dependent development strategy, further distanced Puerto Ricans from participation in federal welfare programs. The PPD’s economic program yielded rapid initial growth followed by stagnation. Resulting unemployment and declining consumer demand led to a gradual reversal of U.S. social welfare policy toward Puerto Rico. Beginning in the 1950s, federal social insurance and public assistance programs were extended to Puerto Rico, albeit with funding restrictions not imposed on the states.
Buscando ambiente
Authors: García-Colón Ismael
Published: December 2005

A land distribution program in the community of Parcelas Gándaras in Cidra, Puerto Rico, transformed the lives of formerly landless workers. Examination of the working conditions and social relations of workers before the program (1890s-1945) and their economic strategies, migration, and networks after becoming small landholders (1945-1960s) shows how they used their land to accommodate their practices of everyday life and their tactics of survival. Local ruling groups became hegemonic through the establishment of land distribution communities. The habitus of the new landholders expressed the ways in which they engaged in economic, social, and political activities shaped by the new urban space established by land distribution. In the process, recipients of land shaped the program to fit their everyday life, while the colonial state became hegemonic.
Social Struggle Against the U.S. Navy in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Authors: McCaffrey Katherine T.
Published: December 2005

The grassroots struggle against the U.S. Navy in Vieques transcended highly divisive colonial politics to build unprecedented political solidarity in Puerto Rico. The success of the recent Vieques movement in shutting down a U.S. Navy live-fire training facility contrasts with the experience of an earlier grassroots struggle in the 1970s. Whereas cold-war politics impeded the earlier activists from forging the alliances and formulating the vision that might advance their cause, a changed political context in the 1990s opened up a new space for protest to develop. Activists’ new focus on peace was crucial to strengthening, expanding, and internationalizing the Vieques movement.
“If God Were Black and from Loíza”
Authors: Hiraldo Samiri Hernández
Published: December 2005

Loíza, a municipality on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, is principally known for its majority black population, its strong African tradition (expressed primarily through the community celebration of Santiago Apóstol), and its slow, limited development. In recent years it has attracted media attention because of its high crime rate and local efforts to develop tourism within a highly competitive tourist industry. The efforts of loiceños to improve their social and economic condition can be productively viewed in terms of the formation of identity, which involves complex relationships between local, national, transnational, religious, and cultural identities and those based on skin color and ethnic background and relationships of power that drive identity formation on a daily basis.
Urbanization in China and the Case of Fujian Province
Authors: Chen Aimin
Published: December 2005

This article examines China’s urbanization, drawing on the case of Fujian province. It finds that the lower rate of urbanization than of nonfarm employment and industrialization is partly explained by flaws in the current method of calculating the extent of urbanization. It demonstrates that the characteristics of Chinese urbanization differ in cities and towns of varying administrative ranks, and shows that the desirability of controlling population mobility and the development of large cities is questionable. The case of Fujian suggests that more attention needs to be paid to other issues of broad significance in China, such as the role of government in urbanizing, the challenge of transforming a low-value-added economy, and how to address the socioeconomic repercussions of the urbanization process. Especially important is the under-emphasized and as yet unanswered core question: how to create nonfarm jobs.
Can PR Voting Serve as a Shelter Against Declining Turnout? Evidence from Swiss Municipal Elections
Authors: Milner Henry , Ladner Andreas
Published: December 2005

To assess the impact of electoral systems on voting turnout, cross-national studies can be usefully complemented by studies of turnout in local elections in countries using more than one electoral system at that level. In this article, we look at data from a 1998 survey of Swiss municipalities to revisit the findings of our earlier study. This previous study, based on a 1988 survey, concluded, in particular, that there exists a positive relationship between proportional representation elections, party politicization, and voter turnout. The moment is opportune since, in the interval, turnout has markedly declined in Swiss municipalities, as elsewhere. By testing whether municipalities with proportional representation voting were more or less successful in stemming the decline, we learn more about the relationship among these three phenomena. We use the results for those Swiss municipalities which participated in both surveys as our primary source.
The Determinants of State Legitimacy: Results for 72 Countries
Authors: Gilley Bruce
Published: December 2005

This article examines a range of potential causal variables of state legitimacy using a globally representative set of 72 countries accounting for 83 percent of the world’s population. Major theories of legitimacy determinants are advanced and tested using survey and expert data. Three variables (which measure good governance, democratic rights, and welfare gains) are then chosen from among all strongly correlated variables as being the most plausible basis for a causal theory. The theory is then further tested using 31 pairs of countries with similar income levels and in similar regions, which shows a significant positive correlation between performance and legitimacy. The article concludes with suggestions for further research.
The Calm Before the Storm? Revolutionary Pressures and Global Governance
Authors: Webb Adam K.
Published: December 2005

Has the era of revolution passed? Many scholars think globalization and democratization make a recurrence of the great social revolutions unlikely, now that global webs of economic interest bind states together and democratization absorbs popular discontent. I argue against these views here. The present climate is the calm before the storm. Precisely those factors that make national revolutions unlikely (economic, political, and cultural globalization) may lead to a global revolutionary crisis in coming decades. Despite the lack of a global state to capture, transnational political institutions are creating a global political arena for future upsurges of revolt. They lock in policies favorable to global capital, while remaining unresponsive and hence brittle. The loss of democratic legitimacy within nation-states, combined with rising inequality, make the world system quite vulnerable to crisis in the long run. A future profound economic crisis, if it overlaps with the cultural fault lines of our time, may recreate globally many of the dynamics that led to earlier revolutionary ruptures within nation-states.
Best Practices Guidelines for Successfully Managing Application Service Providers (ASPs)
Authors: Focacci Luisa , Mockler Robert J. , Gartenfeld Marc E. , Dologite Dorothy G.
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this article is to identify various factors of success that can assist managers of Application Service Providers (ASPs) to develop and expand their firms’ businesses. These success factors are presented in the form of best practices guidelines, which have been developed from successful ASP experiences, and which are discussed in detail here. The discussion on successful ASPs, ranging across all ASP business models, focuses on meeting the customer requirements of ASPs—a major driver in the ASP market.