bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Bacillus cereus spores on a mail sorting system using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Farquharson Stuart , Grigely Lawrence , Khitrov Victor , Smith Wayne , Sperry Jay F. , Fenerty Gerard
Published: January 2004

The ability of Raman spectroscopy to detect anthrax‐causing spores as they pass through a mail sorting system was investigated. A pump was connected to an existing vacuum manifold on a commercial sorter, and a filter designed to capture 0.5–3 µm particles was placed in‐line. A standard business letter containing 0.23 g of Bacillus cereus spores, a Bacillus anthracis surrogate, was placed in a stack of 20 letters and passed through the system. Raman spectra of the filter positively identified the captured material as bacterial spores by the dominant calcium dipicolinate Raman spectral bands associated with the spore core. A limit of detection, using 400 mW of 785 nm laser excitation for a 1‐s acquisition, is estimated at 4.5 mg. The ability of a Raman spectroscopy based system to detect and prevent the distribution of a letter containing gram levels of anthrax spores is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical study of polarization‐dependent focusing for a bilayer planar FSS reflective lens at millimeter wavelengths
Authors: Bliznyuk Natalia , Engheta Nader
Published: January 2004

In this paper, we numerically analyze the polarization‐dependent focusing properties of a planar reflective lens formed by two parallel layers of nonuniform “gangbuster” surfaces (GSs) above a ground plane. Since these GSs consist of superdense arrays of thin finite‐length parallel metallic wires, the desired phase patterns on such a lens surface are achieved by adjusting the lengths of these metallic wires for appropriate polarization components. In our analysis, we use the method of moments (MoM) and the transmission‐lines analogy, along with the surface‐equivalence theorem, to estimate the field intensity in the focal plane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 361–365, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11382
Efficient methods for inductance calculation with special emphasis on nonuniform current distributions
Authors: Ooi Ban‐Leong , Xu Dao‐Xian , Guo Li‐Hui
Published: January 2004

Two efficient methods of inductance calculations for spiral inductor with special emphasis on nonuniform current distribution on the metallic trace are presented. Based on the conventional magnetic‐flux method and the energy method, a unified approach for modeling the eddy current and skin depth of the spiral inductor has been presented. Our proposed method is validated with experimental results, and good agreement is obtained. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 432–436, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11402
A 2D‐TLM model for electromagnetic wave propagation in Tellegen media
Authors: Cabeceira Ana C. L. , Barba Ismael , Grande Ana , Represa José
Published: January 2004

A TLM model suitable to simulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves in Tellegen media is presented. The angle tilt between electromagnetic field vectors, the intrinsic impedances and the effective parameters of the medium are computed. The results for a monochromatic source are in very good agreement with the analytical solution. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 438–441, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11404
Numerical modelling of the propagation of fast landslides using the finite element method
Authors: Quecedo M. , Pastor M. , Herreros M. I. , Fernández Merodo J. A.
Published: January 2004

This paper proposes a two‐dimensional (2D) model for the analysis of the propagation of fast landslides involving a fluidized material such as debris and mud flows, flowslides and avalanching flows. The model is based on the Navier–Stokes depth‐integrated equations. To incorporate the effect of steep slopes and centrifugal forces due to the high velocities characterizing the flowslides and the bed curvature, a curvilinear system of reference is used. The corresponding equations of motion are complemented by depth‐averaged constitutive equations and bed friction laws.

The resulting set of differential equations are solved using the two‐step Taylor–Galerkin algorithm. This algorithm has been used by the authors to solve hydraulic and dam‐break problems using the finite element method. Owing to the importance of the source term compared to the advection component, the proposed algorithm follows a splitting scheme using a fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method for integrating the friction and slope components.

The performance of the overall approach has been checked in a number of examples. The analysis of the results provides insights into the key elements of the model and shows the adequacy of the method to solve real problems where merging and splitting of the flow occur. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel non‐linearly explicit second‐order accurate L‐stable methodology for finite deformation: hypoelastic/hypoelasto‐plastic structural dynamics problems
Authors: Zhou X. , Sha D. , Tamma K. K.
Published: January 2004

A novel non‐linearly explicit second‐order accurate L‐stable computational methodology for integrating the non‐linear equations of motion without non‐linear iterations during each time step, and the underlying implementation procedure is described. Emphasis is placed on illustrative non‐linear structural dynamics problems employing both total/updated Lagrangian formulations to handle finite deformation hypoelasticity/hypoelasto‐plasticity models in conjunction with a new explicit exact integration procedure for a particular rate form constitutive equation. Illustrative numerical examples are shown to demonstrate the robustness of the overall developments for non‐linear structural dynamics applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational approach for multi‐scale analysis of heterogeneous elasto‐plastic media subjected to short duration loads
Authors: Chung Peter W. , Tamma Kumar K. , Namburu Raju R.
Published: January 2004

The asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) approach has found wide acceptance for the study of heterogeneous structures due to its ability to account for multi‐scale features. The emphasis of the present study is to develop consistent AEH numerical formulations to address elasto‐plastic material response of structures subjected to short‐duration transient loading. A second‐order accurate velocity‐based explicit time integration method, in conjunction with the AEH approach, is currently developed that accounts for large deformation non‐linear material response. The approach is verified under degenerate homogeneous conditions using existing experimental data in the literature and its ability to account for heterogeneous conditions is demonstrated for a number of test problems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrostatic fluid loading in non‐linear finite element analysis
Authors: Rumpel T. , Schweizerhof K.
Published: January 2004

Deformation dependent pressure loading on solid structures is created by the interaction of fluids with the deformable surface of a structure. Such fairly simple load models are valid for static and quasi‐static analyses and they are a very efficient tool to represent the influence of a fluid on the behaviour of structures. Completing previous studies on the deformation dependence of the loading with the assumption of finite gas volumes, the current contribution focuses on the influence of modifications of the size and shape of a finite structure containing an incompressible fluid with a free surface. The linearization of the corresponding virtual work expression necessary for a Newton‐type solution leads to additional terms for the volume dependence. Investigating these terms the conservativeness of the problem can be proven by the symmetry of the linearized form. Similarly to gas loading, the discretization of the structure with finite elements leads to standard stiffness matrix forms plus the so‐called load stiffness matrices and a rank‐one update for each filled structure part, if the loaded surface segments are identical with element surfaces. Some numerical examples show the effectiveness of the approach and the necessity to take the corresponding terms in the variational expression and the following linearization into account. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive methods for thermomechanical coupled contact problems
Authors: Rieger A. , Wriggers P.
Published: January 2004

In this paper an adaptive method for the analysis of thermomechanical coupled multi‐body contact problems is presented. The method is applied to non‐linear elastic solids undergoing finite (thermal) deformations. The contact model considers non‐linear pressure‐dependent heat flux as well as frictional heating in the interface. A time–space‐finite element discretization of the governing equations is formulated including unilateral constraints due to contact. A staggered solution algorithm has been constructed that allows an independent spatial discretization of the coupled subproblems. A posteriori projection‐based error estimators, which enforce implicitly the special boundary conditions due to thermal contact, are used to control the spatial discretization as well as the adaptive time stepping. Numerical examples are presented to corroborate the applicability of the adaptive algorithm to the considered problem type. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐inhibitory rebound properties of dopaminergic cells of the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Paul Kush , Johnson Steven W.
Published: January 2004

We have investigated the post‐inhibitory rebound (PIR) properties of dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area of the rat midbrain. Using microelectrodes to record intracellularly from rat cells in the midbrain slice, we found that 54% of all recorded DA cells exhibited rebound depolarization in the presence of TTX. We observed primarily two types of rebound responses distinguished by their maximum amplitude and inactivation time constant, which we have termed as the ‘slowly inactivating PIR’ and low‐threshold spike (LTS). 35% of DA cells exhibited a ‘slowly inactivating PIR’ and 19% showed LTS. A subset of the latter exhibited repetitive LTS. The PIR was enhanced in high K+ medium and suppressed in low‐calcium medium. Under voltage clamp conditions, inward rebound currents at the end of a hyperpolarizing voltage step were partially blocked by specific T‐type channel blocker, Ni2+. Repetitive LTSs were reversibly changed to single LTS by blocking the potassium SK current.
Ethanol intoxication reduces, whereas ethanol withdrawal transiently enhances, production of the neural progenitor cells in the adult mouse dentate gyrus
Authors: Jaako K. , Zharkovsky T. , Kaasik A. , Zharkovsky A.
Published: January 2004

The hippocampus is one of the brain areas where neurogenesis persists during adulthood. To determine whether chronic ethanol administration affects production of the new cells in the dentate gyrus adult mice received ethanol via the inhalation route for 4 weeks and newly born cells were determined after administration of the proliferation marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). An inhibition of the generation of the new cells at the end of ethanol intoxication was observed, whereas ethanol withdrawal induced a transient increase in the number of dividing cells in the dentate gyrus. The differentiation of the newly born cells into mature calbindin‐positive neurons during ethanol intoxication or withdrawal was retarded. Although the functional significance of the observed changes is not known, we suggest that retardation of the differentiation of the new cells following ethanol administration might have an impact on the ethanol‐induced impairment of hippocampal functions.
The effects of the inhaled formaldehyde during the early postnatal period in the hippocampus of rats: A morphological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Songur Ahmet , Akpolat Nusret , Kus Ilter , Ozen Oguz Aslan , Zararsiz Ismail , Sarsilmaz Mustafa
Published: January 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of formaldehyde (FA) gas inhalation during the early postnatal period on the heat shock proteins 70 kDa (Hsp70) synthesis and morphological changes in the hippocampus in developmental process of rats and to determine whether the changes was reversible or not.

Neonatal rats were exposed to 0 (control), 6 and 12 ppm FA gas throughout 30 day period following the birth. After the exposure to FA, some animals from each concentration group were decapitated at the day 30. Despite cessation of FA exposure, other groups were left for decapitation until the days of 60th and 90th. The brain samples were stained with Hsp70 as immunohistochemically and H&E. In the samples, pyramidal cell layer in the hippocampus was examined. Hsp70(+) neurons were found in the hippocampus of rats that inhaled FA on the 30th day. Furthermore, a considerable increase on the count of pyknotic neurons in these groups. But, on the other hand, in the 60th and 90th days, Hsp70 immunostaining and the count of pyknotic cells were found to be diminishing in FA inhaled groups.

In conclusion, inhalation of FA gas in cytotoxic concentrations during early postnatal period causes increase in Hsp70 synthesis and damages the rat's hippocampus. Diminishment or disappearance of these negative changes in the 60th and 90th days indicates a reversible change in rats.
Microglial response to early ischemia‐induced changes in the rat spinal cord
Authors: Saganová Kamila , Mars̆ala Jozef , Ondrejc̆ák Tomás̆ , Vanický Ivo , Gálik Ján
Published: January 2004

We examined the early microglial response to spinal cord ischemia induced by occlusion of the descending aorta for 15 min, or more limited aortic occlusion (8, 10, 12 min( linked with blood volume reduction. The recovery of motor function and activation of microglia labeled by Griffonia simplicifolia B4‐isolectin (GSA I‐B4‐HRP) were assessed up to 7 days post‐ischemia. Activation of resident microglia characterized by both increased lectin binding and altered morphology was observed >48 hrs post‐ischemia. Massive infiltration of the microglia/macrophages related to the severity of ischemic insult appeared at day 3. Our data suggest that (1) ischemia of different degrees gives rise to a generalized microglial response at the early post‐ischemic phase; (2) graded activation of microglia/macrophases as a response to ischemic neuronal injury occurs within 48–72 hrs of post‐ischemic reperfusion; (3) lectin labeling of microglia can serve for continuous study of the evolution of pathological changes associated with transient spinal cord ischemia.
In vitro modulation of protein kinase CK2‐mediated phosphorylation of the neuronal growth‐associated protein B‐50 (GAP‐43)
Authors: Dokas Linda A. , Haas Michael S. , Lilly Scott M. , Ting Shu‐mei , Dennis Allison M.
Published: January 2004

The presynaptic protein B‐50 (GAP‐43) is a protein kinase CK2 (CK2) substrate phosphorylated in vitro in a polylysine‐dependent manner. Polylysine was compared to other basic compounds to further define characteristics of this phosphorylation. Total histone stimulated CK2 to a similar extent, but at higher concentrations than did polylysine, while spermine was without effect. Histone H2A accounted for the stimulatory effect of the mixed histone. Correlation between CK2 activity and the length of polylysine was observed. Polylysine‐dependent B‐50 phosphorylation was observed with both recombinant human CK2 and purified rat brain CK2. Serine/threonine phosphorylation occurred on the fragment, B‐501–132, and serine phosphorylation on B‐50133–226. Phosphorylation of B‐50 by CK2 was inhibited by actin and calmodulin. These results suggest that local interactions between CK2, basic proteins and/or actin at the neuronal membrane and calmodulin binding may determine the phosphorylated state of B‐50 at CK2 sites.
Age‐related changes in properties of cortically projecting basal forebrain neurons
Authors: Tanaka Junichi , Nishimura Jun‐ichi , Kimura Fukuko
Published: January 2004

Electrophysiological properties of basal forebrain (nucleus basalis area) neurons projecting directly to the frontal cortex were studied in urethane‐anesthetized young and old male rats. Extracellular recordings demonstrated a total of 75 neurons (35 young and 40 old cells) which were antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of the frontal cortex. Post‐antidromic orthodromic excitatory responses were seen, and the number of neurons showing such an orthodromic excitation was significantly smaller in aged rats. No significant differences were observed between young and aged rats in the threshold, latency or the conduction velocity of antidromic activation, or in the spontaneous firing rate of driven cells. The absolute refractory period was significantly longer and the degree of successful antidromic propagation into the somatodendritic complex was significantly lower in aged rats. The data provide evidence that there are marked changes with age in the physiological properties of basal forebrain neurons projecting to the frontal cortex.
Effect of penicillin‐induced epilepsy seizure on the volume of hippocampus stratum pyramidalis in rat
Authors: Unal Nedim , Akdogan Ilgaz , Adiguzel Esat , Ozdemir Bülent , Tufan A. Cevik
Published: January 2004

Experimental epileptic models have been developed to assess the pathophysiology of epileptic seizures. We have previously shown that epileptic seizures cause significant neuronal loss in hippocampus (p < 0.05). This study was undertaken to estimate the volume of rat hippocampus stratum pyramidalis in a penicillin‐induced epilepsy model, using a stereological method, i.e., “Cavalieri method”. Either 500 UI penicillin‐G in 0.1 ml or the same volume of saline was administered intracortically. A week later, animals were decapitated, their brains were removed by craniotomy, frozen and cut at a thickness of 150 μm in a cryostat. Sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. The total and individual volumes of stratum pyramidalis layer of CA1, CA2 and CA3 subfields of hippocampus were then estimated. Results showed that unlike the decrease in the number of hippocampal neurons, the decrease in the total volume of hippocampus in experimental group of rats (4.55 ± 0.31 mm3) was not statistically significant compared to that of control group of rats (4.67 ± 0.25 mm3; p > 0.05). This study suggests that the loss of hippocampal neurons in penicillin‐induced epilepsy seizure is not directly correlated with a volume change in the hippocampus. Furthermore, our results indicate that it is important to assess both the neuron number and the volume of the affected area using stereological methods in an epilepsy model to objectively analyze the effects of the seizure.
p53, bcl‐2 Protein expression and the level of cerebral blood flow at the ischemic penumbra in rats
Authors: Park Seung Won , Kim Young Baeg , Min Byung Kook , Hwang Sung Nam , Kwon Jeong Taik , Suk Jong Sik
Published: January 2004

We investigated the spatial characteristics of apoptotic genes expression and CBF at the ischemic penumbra. A delayed focal cerebral infarction was created in twelve adult Sprague‐Dawley rats. Immunohistochemical staining of bcl‐2 and p53 proteins and TUNEL staining for apoptosis were performed. The peri‐infarct area was divided into six sectors by distance from the infarction border. Local CBF was measured at 2 mm distal to the presumed MCA occlusion site preoperatively, and at 2 mm and 8 mm distal to the MCA occlusion site intraoperatively. TUNEL‐positive, bcl‐2 or p53 positive cells were concentrated as it went closer to the infarction core and reduced peripherally, which was inversely proportional to the local CBF. The area encompassed by the border of the p53 area was 3.3 ± 0.2 times of the infarction core. The p53 area seems to overlap the ischemic penumbra, and may deserve to be a molecular penumbra.
Role of kynurenic acid on vestibulo‐autonomic symptoms following unilateral labyrinthectomy in rats
Authors: Park Byung Rim , Kim Min Sun , Lee Moon Young , Choi Myung Ae , Choi Dong Ok , Doh Nam Yong
Published: January 2004

Unilateral labyrinthectomy produces vestibular symptoms that abate over time in a process of behavioral recovery known as vestibular compensation. To investigate the role of glutamate receptors in vestibulo‐autonomic symptoms, we measured spontaneous nystagmus and c‐Fos expression in the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) and the solitary tract nucleus (STN) in unilateral labyrinthectomized Sprague‐Dawley rats treated with kynurenic acid, a broad spectrum glutamate receptor antagonist, 30 min before labyrinthectomy. Spontaneous nystagmus occurred after unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL), and nystagmus decreased gradually over time. Spatial expression of c‐Fos in the MVN following UL corresponded to disappearance of spontaneous nystagmus. Expression of c‐Fos in the STN decreased 24 h after UL. Pretreatment with kynurenic acid decreased c‐Fos expression in both the MVN and STN and decreased spontaneous nystagmus. These results suggest that pretreatment with kynurenic acid facilitates recovery of autonomic symptoms as well as behavioral response following UL.
Reduction of dynamic LFT systems with LTI model uncertainties
Authors: Ferreres Gilles
Published: January 2004

A method was proposed by Becket al. (IEEE Trans Automatic Control, 1996;41: 1466–1477), for reducing an LFT system with linear time varying model uncertainties. This paper extends this method to the case of linear time invariant model uncertainties, by computing on a finite frequency interval frequency‐dependent generalized grammians. The original method by Becket al. is proved to be equivalent to the computation of constant generalized grammians on the infinite frequency interval (−∞,+∞). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collecting and analyzing qualitative data for system dynamics: methods and models
Authors: Luna‐Reyes Luis Felipe , Andersen Deborah Lines
Published: January 2004

System dynamics depends heavily upon quantitative data to generate feedback models. Qualitative data and their analysis also have a central role to play at all levels of the modeling process. Although the classic literature on system dynamics strongly supports this argument, the protocols to incorporate this information during the modeling process are not detailed by the most inﬂuential authors. Data‐gathering techniques such as interviews and focus groups, and qualitative data analysis techniques such as grounded theory methodology and ethnographic decision models could have a strong, critical role in rigorous system dynamics efforts. This article describes some of the main qualitative, social science techniques and explores their suitability in the different stages of the modeling process. Additionally, the authors argue that the techniques described in the paper could contribute to the understanding of the modeling process, facilitate communication among modelers and clients, and set up a methodological framework to promote constructive discussion around the merits of qualitative versus quantitative modeling. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of violent video game habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance
Authors: Gentile Douglas A , Lynch Paul J , Linder Jennifer Ruh , Walsh David A
Published: January 2004

Video games have become one of the favorite activities of American children. A growing body of research is linking violent video game play to aggressive cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors. The first goal of this study was to document the video games habits of adolescents and the level of parental monitoring of adolescent video game use. The second goal was to examine associations among violent video game exposure, hostility, arguments with teachers, school grades, and physical fights. In addition, path analyses were conducted to test mediational pathways from video game habits to outcomes. Six hundred and seven 8th‐ and 9th‐grade students from four schools participated. Adolescents who expose themselves to greater amounts of video game violence were more hostile, reported getting into arguments with teachers more frequently, were more likely to be involved in physical fights, and performed more poorly in school. Mediational pathways were found such that hostility mediated the relationship between violent video game exposure and outcomes. Results are interpreted within and support the framework of the General Aggression Model.
Mitochondrial small heat‐shock protein enhances thermotolerance in tobacco plants
Authors: Sanmiya Kazutsuka , Suzuki Katsumi , Egawa Yoshinobu , Shono Mariko
Published: January 2004

To clarify the role of mitochondrial small heat‐shock protein (MT‐sHSP) in the heat‐shock response, we introduced the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) MT‐sHSP gene under the control of the 35S promoter into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and examined the thermotolerance of the transformed plants. Irrespective of the orientation, sense or antisense, of the gene, the transgenic plants exhibited a normal morphology and growth rate in the vegetative growth stage. When 4‐week‐old seedlings were exposed to sudden heat stress, the sense plants which overexpress the MT‐sHSP gene exhibited thermotolerance, whereas the antisense plants in which the expression of the gene is suppressed exhibited susceptibility.
Location of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase α subunit C‐terminal domain at an FNR‐dependent promoter: analysis using an artificial nuclease
Authors: Barnard Anne M.L , Lloyd Georgina S , Green Jeffrey , Busby Stephen J.W , Lee David J
Published: January 2004

The Escherichia coli FNR protein is a global transcription regulator that activates gene expression via interactions with the RNA polymerase α subunit C‐terminal domain. Using preparations of E. coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme, specifically labelled with a DNA cleavage reagent, we have determined the location and orientation of the C‐terminal domain of the RNA polymerase α subunit in transcriptionally competent complexes at a class II FNR‐dependent promoter. We conclude that one α subunit C‐terminal domain binds immediately upstream of FNR, and that its position and orientation is the same as at similar promoters dependent on CRP, another E. coli transcription activator that is related to FNR. In complementary experiments, we show that the second α subunit C‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase can be repositioned by upstream‐bound CRP, but not by upstream‐bound FNR.
Induction of p53‐independent apoptosis by the BH3‐only protein ITM2Bs
Authors: Fleischer Aarne , Rebollo Angelita
Published: January 2004

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is critically involved in cell cycle regulation and programmed cell death. Here we show that expression of the BH3‐only protein ITM2Bs is able to induce apoptotic cell death in p53+/+, as well as in p53−/− cell lines. This cell death involves neither subcellular redistribution of p53 nor transcriptional regulation of p53 target genes such as Bax, Ras, Puma or Bcl‐2. Together, our data provide evidence for a p53‐independent apoptotic role of ITM2Bs.
Increased transcription of mitochondrial genes for Complex I in human platelets during ageing
Authors: Merlo Pich Milena , Raule Nicola , Catani Lucia , Fagioli Maria Elena , Faenza Irene , Cocco Lucio , Lenaz Giorgio
Published: January 2004

We studied the effect of ageing on the mRNA levels of mitochondria‐encoded polypeptides in human platelets. We used quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to investigate the expression of selected cytochrome c oxidase (COX) genes (subunits I and III) and Complex I genes (subunits reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase (ND)1 and ND5) in platelets from young and aged healthy subjects. Northern blot analysis confirmed the PCR results. COX I expression is higher than that of COX III in both young and aged platelets. A significant increase of transcripts for Complex I was found during ageing. On the contrary, the mRNA levels of the two COX subunits did not significantly vary during ageing.
Revisiting the odorant‐binding protein LUSH of Drosophila melanogaster: evidence for odour recognition and discrimination
Authors: Zhou Jing-Jiang , Zhang Guo-An , Huang Wensheng , Birkett Michael A , Field Linda M , Pickett John A , Pelosi Paolo
Published: January 2004

LUSH is a soluble odorant‐binding protein of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Mutants not expressing this protein have been reported to lack the avoidance behaviour, exhibited by wild type flies, to high concentrations of ethanol. Very recently, the three‐dimensional structure of LUSH complexed with short‐chain alcohols has been resolved supporting a role for this protein in binding and detecting small alcohols. Here we report that LUSH does not bind ethanol and that wild type flies are in fact attracted by high concentrations of ethanol. We also report that LUSH binds some phthalates and that flies are repelled by such compounds. Finally, our fluorescence data, interpreted in the light of the three‐dimensional structure of LUSH, indicate that the protein undergoes a major conformational change, similar to that reported for the pheromone‐binding protein of Bombyx mori, but triggered, in our case, by ligand.
Histidine‐containing phosphotransfer domain extinction by RNA interference turns off a cytokinin signalling circuitry in Catharanthus roseus suspension cells
Authors: Papon Nicolas , Vansiri Amerin , Gantet Pascal , Chénieux Jean-Claude , Rideau Marc , Crèche Joël
Published: January 2004

We previously reported that cytokinins (CK) induce the fast and specific transcription of CrRR1, a gene encoding a type A response regulator in Catharanthus roseus cell cultures. Here, we characterized the CrHPt1 gene that encodes a histidine‐containing phosphotransfer domain. CrHPt1 was silenced through RNA interference (RNAi) to test its possible implication in the CK signalling pathway. In transgenic lines stably transformed with an intron‐spliced construct, the degradation of CrHPt1 transcripts abolishes the CK inductive effect on CrRR1 transcription. These result give a new in vivo functional argument for the crucial role of HPt proteins in the CK signalling pathway leading to the expression of the genes encoding type A response regulators. They also show that RNAi is a powerful strategy to turn off the CK signalling circuitry.
Hydrolysis of sphingosylphosphocholine by neutral sphingomyelinases
Authors: Miura Yukiko , Gotoh Eriko , Nara Futoshi , Nishijima Masahiro , Hanada Kentaro
Published: January 2004

Sphingosylphosphocholine (SPC), the N‐deacylated form of sphingomyelin (SM), is a naturally occurring lipid mediator. However, little is known about the metabolism of SPC. We here report an in vitro assay system for SPC‐phospholipase C (PLC). Using this assay system, we demonstrated that nSMase1 and nSMase2, human neutral sphingomyelinases (SMases), are capable of hydrolyzing SPC efficiently under detergent‐free conditions. Bacterial and plasmodial neutral SMases also showed SPC‐PLC activity. The substrate specificity of neutral SMases that hydrolyze SM, SPC, and monoradyl glycerophosphocholine, but not diradyl glycerophosphocholine, suggested that a hydrogen‐bond donor at the C‐2 or sn‐2 position in the substrate is required for recognition by the enzymes.
SCHISTOSOMIASIS-RELATED PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES AND TREATMENT-SEEKING PRACTICES IN MAGU DISTRICT, TANZANIA: PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Authors: MWANGA J. R. , MAGNUSSEN P. , MUGASHE THE LATE C. L. , GABONE THE LATE R. M. , AAGAARD-HANSEN J.
Published: January 2004

A study on perceptions, attitudes and treatment-seeking practices related to
schistosomiasis was conducted among the Wasukuma in the rural Magu district of Tanzania at the
shore of Lake Victoria where Schistosoma haematobium and mansoni infections are endemic. The study applied in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a questionnaire survey among adults and primary school children. The perceived symptoms and causes were incongruous with the biomedical perspective and a number of respondents found schistosomiasis to be a shameful disease. Lack of diagnostic and curative services at the government health care facilities was common, but there was a willingness from the biomedical health care services to collaborate with the traditional healers. Recommendations to the District Health Management Team were: that collaboration between biomedical and traditional health care providers should be strengthened and that the government facilities’ diagnostic and curative capacity with regard to schistosomiasis should be upgraded. Culturally compatible health education programmes should be developed in collaboration with the local community.
CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGE IN THE CAPITAL CITY SANA’A, YEMEN
Authors: AHMED GUNAID ABDALLAH , ALI HUMMAD NURIA , ABDALLAH TAMIM KHALED
Published: January 2004

Consanguineous marriage is traditionally common throughout the Eastern Mediterranean region, especially in the mainly Muslim countries. To date, there is little information on consanguinity in Yemen. The aim of this study was to ascertain the rate of consanguineous marriage and average coefficient of inbreeding in Sana’a City, Yemen. A population survey was conducted with the intention of covering married couples resident in Sana’a City by means of a multi-stage random sampling technique. A total of 1050 wives and husbands were interviewed on consanguinity in their households. The total incidence of consanguinity was 44·7% (95% CI 41·7–47·7%) with first-cousin marriages constituting 71·6% of the total consanguineous marriages and 32% of all marriages. Paternal parallel first cousins (Type I) accounted for 49% of first-cousin marriages. The average coefficient of inbreeding (F) was 0·02442. The incidence of consanguinity is relatively high in Yemen with predominantly first-cousin marriage. This might be related to the deeply rooted social and cultural beliefs in the country.
RELATIVE INFLUENCES ON RECENT CHANGES IN THE FIRST BIRTH RATIO IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: BERKOWITZ KING ROSALIND
Published: January 2004

Researchers in psychology have focused a great deal of attention on the potential greater predisposition to achievement among first-born children relative to their siblings. Focusing on the United States as an example, a time series of the first birth ratio is used to show how the changing prevalence of first births relative to higher order births has altered the composition of birth cohorts, and the ratio is decomposed into four factors. Results show that the ratio increased significantly in the 1960s and early 1970s, but changed only slightly in the following decades. While more recent birth cohorts are composed of larger proportions of first-born children, the majority of children are still born as siblings. Contrary to expectations, the primary source of change was the proportion childless rather than decreasing higher order birth rates.
THE INTERACTION OF BIRTH ORDER AND PARENTAL AGE ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION: AN EXAMINATION IN TWO SAMPLES
Authors: BOGAERT ANTHONY F. , CAIRNEY JOHN
Published: January 2004

A birth order and sexual orientation relationship has been demonstrated
numerous times in men, but a related variable, parental age (i.e. age of parents when the
participant was born), has been less studied and has demonstrated contradictory results. In
this research, the relations among birth order, parental age and sexual orientation were examined
in a national probability sample of the US (Kessler, 1994; Kessler et al., 1994) and in a Canadian sample of homosexual and heterosexual men closely matched on demographic characteristics (Blanchard & Bogaert, 1996a). In both studies, an interaction between birth order and parental age was observed in men, such that there was positive association between number of older siblings and the likelihood of homosexuality, but this association weakened with increasing parental age. No significant effects were observed for women. The results are discussed in relation to recent theories of the birth order/sexual orientation relationship.
DETERMINANTS OF PILL FAILURE IN RURAL BANGLADESH
Authors: RANI SAHA UNNATI , ALI KHAN MEHRAB , BEGUM MOARRITA , BAIRAGI RADHESHYAM
Published: January 2004

The pill is the most popular family planning method in Bangladesh. However, the failure rate of this method in Matlab, a typical rural area, has been found to be very high. It is estimated that with the current level of failure of the pill and other temporary contraceptives in Matlab, it is unlikely that fertility in Bangladesh will come down to replacement level without a change in contraceptive method mix. It is, therefore, important to know the reasons for the high failure in pill use. Data for this study came from a case-control study in Matlab. A pill failure was considered a case, and no-failure was considered a control. The study included 167 cases and 167 controls. In addition, five focus group discussions were conducted to supplement the data collected from the cases and controls to gain a deeper understanding of pill failure. Results of the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data suggested that the following were the risk factors for pill failure: no mobility of women, poor knowledge of women about the effectiveness and consequences of drop-out from pill use, weak confidence in the pill, a gap between the use of subsequence pill cycles, delay in starting the pill after menstruation for the first use, not taking any measures consistently for missing the pill, and not following the arrow sign given on the pill cycle. Extensive training of field workers and pill users, covering the reasons for pill failure identified in this study and strong supervision of the work of field workers, is likely to reduce the rate of pill failure in Bangladesh. Also, information, education and communication services for users, and management of side-effects, may be helpful in reducing pill failure.
THE CAUSE(S) OF THE FRATERNAL BIRTH ORDER EFFECT IN MALE HOMOSEXUALITY
Authors: JAMES WILLIAM H.
Published: January 2004

It has been established that the probability that a man is homosexual is positively related to his number of older brothers, but not older sisters when the brothers are accounted for. This is known as the ‘fraternal birth order’ effect. In the past, efforts have been made to explain this phenomenon in terms of several alternative biological hypotheses and a psychosocial hypothesis. This note examines how well these hypotheses accommodate the fraternal birth order effect. It is concluded that: (1) the evidence for the hypothesis of maternal immunoreactivity to the male fetus is weak; (2) the evidence for the intrauterine hormone exposure hypothesis is also weak; (3) the evidence for the hypothesis of postnatal learning is stronger. Lastly, there seem likely to be causes common to male homosexuality and paedophilia. They may include sexual (or quasi-sexual) experience in childhood or adolescence.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CHILD SURVIVAL IN CONTEMPORARY RURAL CHINA: A COUNTY STUDY
Authors: LI SHUZHUO , ZHU CHUZHU , FELDMAN MARCUS W.
Published: January 2004

Using data from a survey of deaths of children less than 5 years old conducted in 1997 in a county in Shaanxi Province, China, this paper examines gender differences in child survival in contemporary rural China. First, excess female child mortality in the county in 1994–96 is described, followed by an analysis of the mechanisms whereby the excess mortality takes place, and the underlying social, economic and cultural factors behind it. Excess female child mortality in this county is probably caused primarily by discrimination against girls in curative health care rather than in preventive health care or food and nutrition. Although discrimination occurs in all kinds of families and communities, discrimination itself is highly selective, and is primarily against girls with some specific characteristics. It is argued that the excess mortality of girls is caused fundamentally by the strong son preference in traditional Chinese culture, but exacerbated by the government-guided family planning programme and regulations. This suggests that it is crucial to raise the status of girls within the family and community so as to mitigate the pressures to discriminate against girls in China’s low fertility regime. Finally, the possible policy options to improve female child survival in contemporary rural China are discussed.
A FURTHER NOTE ON THE CAUSES OF THE FRATERNAL BIRTH ORDER EFFECT IN MALE HOMOSEXUALITY
Authors: JAMES WILLIAM H.
Published: January 2004

I have recently written: ‘there seem likely to be causes common to male homosexuality and paedophilia. They may include sexual (or quasi-sexual) experience in childhood or adolescence’ (James, 2004). These words are rather vague and I wish to clarify them here.
Grain-size analysis of surficial sediments from Golfo San Jorge, Argentina
Authors: Fernández M. , Roux A. , Fernández E. , Caló J. , Marcos A. , Aldacur H.
Published: January 2004

A detailed cartography of surficial sediments from Golfo San Jorge, Argentina is presented. Cluster analysis and principal components analysis (PCA) were applied considering the weight percentage of every granulometric fraction, carbonate concentration and the depth of 39 stations carried out during research cruises on board the RV ‘Captain Oca Balda’ (INIDEP).  The results defined three sectors: Sector 1, an area near the coast including Dos Bahías and Tres Puntas capes; Sector 2, a deep area far from the coast; and Sector 3, a coastal area and a south-east area between Tres Puntas cape and the inner area of the gulf. The first sector is characterized by the predominance of a coarse granulometric fraction and carbonate content. The second is defined by depth and presence of a fine granulometric fraction; while the third sector is considered a transitional sector, between the first and the second, dominated by fine sands. Sectors belong to environments of different kinds of energy or hydrodynamic conditions.
Seasonal ‘fall out’ of sessile macro-fauna from submarine cliffs: quantification, causes and implications
Authors: Bell James J. , Barnes David K.A. , Shaw Claire , Heally Aine , Farrell Aisling
Published: January 2004

Submarine cliffs are typically crowded with sessile organisms, most of which are ultimately exported downwards. Here we report a 24 month study of benthic fauna dropping from such cliffs at sites of differing cliff angle and flow rates at Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve, Co. Cork, Ireland. The magnitude of ‘fall out’ material collected in capture nets was highly seasonal and composed of sessile and mobile elements. Sponges, ascidians, cnidarians, polychaetes, bryozoans and barnacles dominated the sessile forms. The remainder (mobile fauna) were scavengers and predators such as asteroid echinoderms, gastropod molluscs and malacostracan crustaceans. These were probably migrants targeting fallen sessile organisms. ‘Fall out’ material (including mobile forms) increased between May and August in both years. This increase in ‘fall out’ material was correlated with wrasse abundance at the cliffs (with a one month lag period). The activities of the wrasse on the cliffs (feeding, nest building and territory defence) were considered responsible for the majority of ‘fall out’ material, with natural mortality and the activity of other large mobile organisms (e.g. crustaceans) also being implicated. Current flow rate and cliff profile were important in amount of ‘fall out’ material collected. In low current situations export of fallen material was vertical, while both horizontal and vertical export was associated with moderate to high current environments. Higher ‘fall out’ was associated with overhanging than vertical cliff surfaces. The ‘fall out’ of marine organisms in low current situations is likely to provide an important source of nutrition in close proximity to the cliff, in an otherwise impoverished soft sediment habitat. However, in high current areas material will be exported some distance from the source, with final settlement again occurring in soft sediment habitats (as current speed decreases).
Factors affecting meiofaunal community structure in the Pina Basin, an urbanized embayment on the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Somerfield P.J. , Fonsêca-Genevois V.G. , Rodrigues A.C.L. , Castro F.J.V. , Santos G.A.P.
Published: January 2004

Intertidal meiofauna were collected from various locations around the Pina Basin, Recife, Brazil. The basin is a shallow restricted environment which receives large quantities of untreated sewage, and is therefore polluted, eutrophic and hypoxic. The meiofauna were identified to major taxa (nematodes, copepods, polychaetes, oligochaetes, turbellarians, gastrotrichs, rotifers, ostracods, acari, and juvenile amphipods and bivalves) and counted. Subsamples of nematodes were extracted and identified to the level of genus. The nematode community structure was typical of organically-enriched intertidal areas world-wide. Various environmental measurements were made, including sediment structure, salinity, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand in the overlying water. Of these the latter two were shown to be most closely linked to variation in meiobenthic community structure. A much closer link was shown between variation in nematode assemblage structure, biochemical oxygen demand in the overlying water and gravel content of the sediment.
Palatability and nutritional quality of marine invertebrates in a sub-Arctic fjord
Authors: Lippert H. , Iken K.
Published: January 2004

To investigate the palatability of abundant sub-Arctic sessile or sluggish invertebrates and their value as a food source, in situ experiments with natural consumer assemblages were performed in the Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen). These experiments were complemented with quantitative laboratory assays, using a generalist predatory starfish. Feeding preference and avoidance reactions were similar in both assays. Natural assemblages of predators in situ rejected nine out of ten species tested, and 12 out of 16 species were rejected in laboratory assays, indicating a high percentage of unpalatable invertebrates. Results were compared to the biochemical composition of the investigated species to see whether palatability and feeding preferences coincide with nutritional quality of the prey. Although nutritional quality, expressed as protein, lipid, nitrogen, carbon and water content, may account for some of the feeding preferences found, no overall relationship between nutritional value and palatability or feeding preferences was detected.
Seasonal changes in the epifaunal community on the shallow-water gorgonian Melithaea flabellifera
Authors: Kumagai Naoki H. , Aoki Masakazu N.
Published: January 2004

Periodic surveys of the subtidal epifaunal community on the gorgonian Melithaea flabellifera were conducted over a five year period at the Izu Peninsula, southern Japan. The occurrence patterns of epifaunal species on M. flabellifera were examined. The epifauna consisted of 16 species representing five phyla. The amphipod Incisocalliope symbioticus dominated (usually >80%) and occurred throughout the study.
Observations on the re-establishment and tube construction by adults of the polychaete Lanice conchilega
Authors: Nicolaidou Artemis
Published: January 2004

The re-establishment of adult Lanice conchilega washed out from the sediment was studied in the laboratory in calm and wave conditions. Worms left in their tubes on the sand surface buried and built new tubes within 48 hours. In still water the fringe of the new tube was thinner and extended to all directions, while under a wave regime the individual branches were thicker and positioned perpendicularly to the direction of the waves.