bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENT WRONGS, DIFFERENT REMEDIES? REACTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONAL REMEDIES AFTER PROCEDURAL AND INTERACTIONAL INJUSTICE
Authors: REB JOCHEN , GOLDMAN BARRY M. , KRAY LAURA J. , CROPANZANO RUSSELL
Published: February 2006

To alleviate the negative effects of workplace unfairness and resulting conflict, organizations can take remedial action to atone for a perceived injustice. We argue that the effectiveness of organizational remedies may depend on the match between type of injustice perceived and type of remedy offered. Specifically, based on the multiple needs model of justice (Cropanzano, Byrne, Bobocel, & Rupp, 2001), we expect procedural injustice to be particularly associated with preference for instrumental remedies that address the need for control. On the other hand, interactional injustice should be particularly associated with preference for punitive remedies that address the need for meaning. Confirming this hypothesis, a field study involving recently terminated employees found that procedural injustice was positively associated with preference for an instrumental remedy (monetary compensation) and interactional injustice was positively associated with preference for a punitive remedy (disciplinary action against those involved in the termination). Further supporting the hypothesis, a laboratory experiment manipulating the unfairness of performance feedback found greater preference for an instrumental remedy relative to a punitive remedy following a procedural injustice than following an interactional injustice. In discussing these results, we present a taxonomy of organizational remedies as they relate to the multiple needs model of justice. Practical implications are discussed.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF MEASUREMENT EQUIVALENCE WITH THE INDCOL MEASURE OF INDIVIDUALISM AND COLLECTIVISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR VALID CROSS‐CULTURAL INFERENCE
Authors: ROBERT CHRISTOPHER , LEE WAYNE C. , CHAN KIM‐YIN
Published: February 2006

The INDCOL measure of individualism and collectivism (Singelis et al., 1995) has been used increasingly to test complex cross‐cultural hypotheses. However, sample differences in translation, culture, organization, and response context might threaten the validity of cross‐cultural inferences. We systematically explored the robustness of the INDCOL, for various statistical uses, in the face of those 4 threats. An analysis of measurement equivalence using multigroup mean and covariance structure analysis compared samples of INDCOL data from the United States, Singapore, and Korea. The INDCOL was robust with regard to the interpretability of correlations, whereas differences in culture and translation pose an important potential threat to the interpretability of mean‐level analyses. Recommendations regarding the interpretation of the INDCOL and issues in the analysis of measurement equivalence in cross‐cultural research are discussed.
TARGET PRACTICE: AN ORGANIZATIONAL IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO ATTRACTING MINORITY AND FEMALE JOB APPLICANTS
Authors: AVERY DEREK R. , McKAY PATRICK F.
Published: February 2006

On account of a number of factors, many companies have increased recruitment targeting female and ethnic or racial minority job applicants. Despite evidence suggesting that these applicants are attracted by different factors than traditional applicants and an abundance of recruitment tactics suggested in the popular press, no empirically based approach to recruiting these populations has emerged. This article reviews and integrates literature on organizational impression management, recruitment, marketing, and social psychology and provides a framework to assist practitioners in attracting minority and female job applicants. In addition, several avenues for future research are discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES ON EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT: A MULTILEVEL INVESTIGATION
Authors: FEDOR DONALD B. , CALDWELL STEVEN , HEROLD DAVID M.
Published: February 2006

Organizations are concerned with the impact organizational change can have on both individuals' response to the change itself and their ongoing relationship with the organization. This study investigated how organizational changes in 32 different organizations (public and private) affected individuals' commitment to the specific change and their broader commitment to the organization. The results indicate that both types of commitment may be best understood in terms of a 3‐way interaction between the overall favorableness (positive/negative) of the change for the work unit members, the extent of the change in the work unit, and the impact of the change on the individual's job. In addition, the fairness of the change process was found to interact with the effects of work unit change on organizational commitment. The implications of these results for future research and practice are discussed.
UNPROCTORED INTERNET TESTING IN EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS
Authors: TIPPINS NANCY T. , BEATY JAMES , DRASGOW FRITZ , GIBSON WADE M. , PEARLMAN KENNETH , SEGALL DANIEL O. , SHEPHERD WILLIAM
Published: February 2006

As the Internet has become more accessible to individuals and organizations, the use of computerized testing has become more feasible. Computerized testing has brought with it a demand for unproctored testing that allows test takers to take employment tests at times and places convenient to them. However despite the advantages of costs and convenience, unproctored Internet testing (UIT) introduces a number of issues, many of which have not yet been resolved. These problems range from hardware and software issues to concerns about the security of the test content, the identity of candidates, and cheating. This article explores the pros and cons of unproctored, Internet testing. Six panelists share their opinions and experiences regarding issues around UIT and offer suggestions for appropriate use and future research.
Sampling Strategies for Volatile Organic Compounds at Three Karst Springs in Tennessee
Authors: Williams Shannon D. , Wolfe William J. , Farmer James J.
Published: February 2006

The influence of different sampling strategies on characterizing volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations and estimating VOC loads was evaluated at three karst springs in Tennessee. During a 6‐month period, water samples for VOC analyses were collected weekly at all three springs and as frequently as every 20 min during storms at the two springs with variable water quality conditions. Total 6‐month loads for selected VOCs were calculated, and VOC data were systematically subsampled to simulate and evaluate several potential sampling strategies. Results from the study indicate that sampling strategies for karst springs need to be developed on a site‐specific basis. The use of fixed sampling intervals (as infrequently as quarterly or semiannually) produced accurate concentration and load estimates at one of the springs; however, additional sampling was needed to detect storm‐related changes at a second spring located in a similar hydrogeologic setting. Continuous discharge data and high‐frequency or flow‐controlled sampling were needed at the third spring, which had the most variable flow and water quality conditions. The lack of continuous discharge data at the third spring would substantially affect load calculations, and the use of fixed sampling intervals would affect load calculations and the ability to detect pulses of high contaminant concentrations that might exceed toxicity levels for aquatic organisms.
Vapor Intrusion in Homes over Gasoline‐Contaminated Ground Water in Stafford, New Jersey
Authors: Sanders Paul F. , Hers Ian
Published: February 2006

The potential for chemical vapor intrusion from contaminated ground water to the interior of homes was investigated at a site with a leaking underground gasoline storage tank in Stafford Township, New Jersey. This location exhibited conditions favorable to vapor intrusion, with sand soil and a water table depth of 3.3 m. Concentrations of volatile organic chemicals in the ground water were as high as 82 mg/L for total benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and up to 590 mg/L for methyl‐t‐butyl ether (MTBE). Soil vapor samples at multiple depths were taken adjacent to several homes. Inside the homes, air samples were taken on the main floor, in the basement, and under the foundation slab. Despite high ground water concentrations, only one home had measurable impacts to indoor air quality attributable to some of the ground water contaminants. In this house, the BTEX chemicals were not detected in the basement, indicating a lack of indoor air impacts from the ground water for these chemicals. Oxygen measurements suggested that degradation attenuated these chemicals as they diffused through the vadose zone. However, MTBE, 2,2,4‐trimethylpentane (isooctane), and cyclohexane were found in the indoor air. The first two of these chemicals served as gasoline‐specific tracers and indicated that vapor intrusion was occurring. Attenuation factors (the ratio of the indoor air concentration to a source soil vapor concentration) for the BTEX chemicals between the ground water and the indoor air were <1 × 10−5, and for MTBE was 1.2 × 10−5. Attenuation factors between the deep‐soil vapor and the basement air were as follows: BTEX compounds, <1 × 10−5; MTBE, 2.2 × 10−5; 2,2,4‐trimethylpentane, 3.6 × 10−4; and cyclohexane, 1.2 × 10−4. Attenuation factors between the subslab vapor and the basement air were 7 to 8 × 10−3.
A Sampling Device for Collection of Ground Water Bacteria under Natural Gradient Flow Conditions
Authors: Petruzzi Nicholas M. , Silliman Stephen E.
Published: February 2006

A passive sampler was tested for the purpose of collecting ground water bacteria under natural gradient conditions. Samples were collected within a series of dual‐port dialysis cells (originally containing sterile water) mounted within a length of polyvinyl chloride pipe that was suspended within the center of the screened interval of a monitoring well. Previous passive sampling devices, the design of which the present study was based on, have been employed in evaluating in situ bacterial activity (primarily contaminant degradation ability) and the collection of colloids; however, the characterization of the collected bacterial fraction has yet to be demonstrated. Concern for the performance of this collection device, particularly with respect to sampling of the biological population, is addressed through laboratory and field experiments. These experiments demonstrated (1) the ability to maintain a dynamic equilibrium with respect to bacterial concentrations within and outside of the dialysis cells; (2) unbiased sampling related to bacterial communities as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis; (3) uniform collection by dialysis cells throughout the length of the sampler; and (4) acquisition of a representative sample, although a minimum suspension time could not be determined with available data. These results have provided a level of confidence in the ability of the passive sampler to collect ground water samples for the purpose of bacterial characterization.
Using Direct‐Push EC Logging to Delineate Heterogeneity in a Clay‐Rich Aquitard
Authors: Harrington Glenn A. , Hendry M. Jim
Published: February 2006

Heterogeneity exerts an important control on solute transport pathways in any subsurface environment, including aquitards where diffusion is the dominant transport mechanism. Direct‐push (D‐P) electrical conductivity (EC) logging has recently enabled high‐resolution hydrostratigraphic characterization of predominantly coarse‐grained sediments in low‐salinity aquifers. In this paper, we apply D‐P EC logging to characterize the spatial variability of physical and chemical properties in a clay‐rich aquitard that has known vertical contrasts in pore water salinity. The D‐P EC logging was conducted to a maximum depth of 17.5 m below ground (BG). Results obtained from 22 D‐P EC logs across a 140‐ × 80‐m field site were compared with pore water chemistry data from squeezed core samples (n= 21) and piezometers (n= 6) to reveal complex spatial variations in pore water salinity ranging from <5000 to ∼90,000 μS/cm. The EC distributions appear to be controlled by nonuniform salt fluxes from the unsaturated zone to the water table and subsequent downward diffusion. Detailed D‐P EC logging also revealed the presence of a single discontinuous sand lens located between 9.4 and 15.9 m BG that may have important controls on solute transport pathways. The only limitation with using this method in very fine‐grained sediments is that depths of tool penetration may be considerably less than those currently achievable in sand and silt deposits.
Stratification and fine sediment transport mechanisms in a semi‐enclosed tidal lagoon (Pagham Harbour, West Sussex)
Authors: Mitchell S. B. , Burgess H. M. , Pope D. J.
Published: February 2006

Preliminary analysis of data collected at a macrotidal semi‐enclosed lagoon (Pagham Harbour, UK) has revealed useful information about long‐term patterns of siltation and some of the related mechanisms. Sediment surface‐level measurements made over 2 years at different sites within Pagham Harbour have shown a steady siltation, in common with earlier measurements, which is moderated by seasonal effects due to erosion by locally generated waves. Furthermore, inspection of vertical profiles of salinity and turbidity over individual tidal cycles has revealed that the degree of sediment transport on the flood tide is related to the vertical salinity gradient. Thus, at the Ferry Pool site, which is characterised by episodic pumped discharges from a nearby sewage treatment plant, landward sediment transport is enhanced by the high degree of salinity stratification observed during the flood tide. The mobility of the sediment, and the greater distribution of softer, less well‐consolidated sediment deposits, is greater here than at the other significant freshwater inflow at the Salthouse site, where the fresh water flow is instead moderated by a tidal flap gate. Preliminary analyses suggest that the higher the salinity stratification, the greater the landward sediment transport during the flood tide. Such analyses could help inform future policy on the methods of land drainage to macrotidal lagoons, and on the potential for managed realignment at such sites.
The Autocatalytic Oxidation of Iodine with Hydrogen Peroxide in Relation to the Bray-Liebhafsky Oscillatory Reaction
Authors: Olexová Anna , Mrákavová Marta , Melicherčík Milan , Treindl Ľudovít
Published: February 2006

The oxidation of iodine with hydrogen peroxide was studied spectrophotometrically and potentiometrically. At low concentrations of HClO4, after induction period (IP), the iodine concentration decreases sigmoidally and IP decreases with decreasing surface area of the solution interphase. We assume that •OH radicals are produced via the oxidation of iodide with H2O2 and, by their subsequent reaction with H2O2, the HO2• radicals are formed. By their disproportionation, 2 HO2•  ↔   H2O2 + 1O2, very reactive singlet oxygen is produced and the oxidation of iodine can start. The described experimental results are consistent with the Noyes-Treindl mechanism.
Kinetic Study of Hydrolysis of Benzoates. Part XXV. Ortho Substituent Effect in Alkaline Hydrolysis of Phenyl Esters of Substituted Benzoic Acids in Water
Authors: Nummert Vilve , Piirsalu Mare , Mäemets Vahur , Koppel Ilmar
Published: February 2006

The second-order rate constants k2 for alkaline hydrolysis of phenyl esters of meta-, para- and ortho-substituted benzoic acids, X-C6H4CO2C6H5 (X = H, 3-Cl, 3-NO2, 3-CH3, 4-NO2, 4-Cl, 4-F, 4-CH3, 4-OCH3, 4-NH2, 2-NO2, 2-CN, 2-F, 2-Cl, 2-Br, 2-I, 2-CH3, 2-OCH3, 2-CF3, 2-NH2), and of substituted phenyl esters of benzoic acid, C6H5CO2C6H4-X (X = 2-I, 2-CF3, 2-C(CH3)3, 4-Cl, 4-CH3, 4-OCH3, 4-NH2), have been measured spectrophotometrically in water at 25 °C. The substituent effect in alkaline hydrolysis of phenyl esters of para-substituted benzoic acids, similar to that for ethyl esters of para-substituted benzoic acids, was found to be precisely described by the Hammett relationship (ρ = 1.7 in water). The log k value for alkaline hydrolysis of phenyl and ethyl esters of meta-, para- and ortho-substituted benzoic acids, X-C6H4CO2R, was nicely correlated with log km,p,ortho = log ko + (ρ)m,pσ + (ρI)orthoσI + (ρ°R)orthoσ°R + δorthoEsB where σ, σI, σ°R are the Hammett polar, Taft inductive and Taft resonance (σ°R = σ° - σI) substituent constants, respectively. EsB is the steric scale for ortho substituents calculated on the basis of the log k values for the acid hydrolysis of ortho- substituted phenyl benzoates in water owing to the ortho substituent in the phenyl of phenyl benzoates. In water, the main factors responsible for changes in the ortho substituent effect in alkaline hydrolysis of phenyl and ethyl esters of ortho-substituted benzoic acids, X-C6H4CO2R, were found to be the inductive and steric factors while the role of the resonance term was negligible ((ρ°R)ortho ca. 0.3). In alkaline hydrolysis of substituted benzoates in neat water, the ortho inductive effect appeared to be 1.5 times and steric influence 2.7 times higher than the corresponding influences from the ortho position in the phenyl of phenyl benzoates. The contributions of the steric effects in alkaline hydrolysis of esters of ortho-substituted benzoic acids was found to be approximately the same as in acid hydrolysis of esters of ortho-substituted benzoic and acid esterification of ortho-substituted benzoic acids.
A link between repetitive sequences and gene replication time
Authors: Regelson M. , Eller C.D. , Horvath S. , Marahrens Y.
Published: February 2006

Genes display a wide range of replication times in S phase. In general, late replication is associated with transcriptionally repressive states and early replication with transcriptional competence. Rare examples of early-replicating repressive states have also been identified that are consistent with molecular evidence that repressive states are not all uniform in nature. Here we show that the replication times of over 4000 Drosophila genes correlate with the abundance of repetitive sequences in ∼200-kb regions flanking the genes. In particular, Satellite-Related sequences (SRs) and the simple sequence repeats (SSRs) (CA)n and (ACTG)n were increasingly abundant in the regions flanking progressively later replicating genes, while (CATA)n repeats were more abundant around earlier replicating genes. These four sequences comprise less than 0.5% of the ‘euchromatic genome’ in Drosophila, yet they account for 5% of the variation of gene replication timing. Although the effect is not strong, it is broad: 99% of the genome is within the region of correlation of at least one of the above repeats. The role of SSRs and non-centromeric SRs in the genome is not known. We propose that SSRs and SRs foster transcriptionally repressive states throughout the genome in order to minimize spurious transcription.
Segmental duplication associated with evolutionary instability of human chromosome 3p25.1
Authors: Yue Y. , Tsend-Ayush E. , Grützner F. , Grossmann B. , Haaf T.
Published: February 2006

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of human bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones to orangutan metaphase spreads localized a breakpoint between human chromosome 3p25.1 and orangutan chromosome 2 to a <30-kb interval. The inversion occurred in a relatively gene-rich region with seven genes within 500 kb. The underlying breakpoint is closely juxtaposed to validated genes, however no functional gene has been disrupted by the evolutionary rearrangement. An approximately 21-kb DNA segment at the 3p25.1 breakpoint region has been duplicated intrachromosomally and interchromosomally to multiple regions in the orangutan and human genomes, providing additional evidence for the role of segmental duplications in hominoid chromosome evolution.
Common origin of the human synovial sarcoma associated SS18 and SS18L1 gene loci
Authors: de Bruijn D.R.H. , Geurts van Kessel A.
Published: February 2006

The highly conserved synovial sarcoma associated protein SS18 is thought to act as a transcriptional co-activator through interactions with various proteins involved in (epigenetic) gene regulation. The SS18 SNH domain appears to act as a major interface for these protein-protein interactions. Previously, we used this SNH domain to identify SS18 paralogs (SS18L1 and SS18L2) and orthologs in various species. The functional significance of these SS18-like proteins is embodied by the observations that SS18L1 and SS18L2 can replace SS18 in its various protein-protein interactions, and that SS18L1 may act as a fusion partner of SSX in synovial sarcoma. In the current study, we performed a comprehensive comparison of SNH-containing loci in several distinct species. By doing so, we found that the vertebrate SS18 and SS18L1 genes map within co-linear DNA segments that may have evolved through a relatively recent genomic duplication event. An additional phylogenetic study indicated that the more divergent SS18L2 gene is most likely derived from an earlier gene duplication event, again in the vertebrate lineage.
A 1.3-Mb interval map of equine homologs of HSA2
Authors: Wagner M.L. , Raudsepp T. , Goh G. , Agarwala R. , Schäffer A.A. , Dranchak P.K. , Brinkmeyer-Langford C. , Skow L.C. , Chowdhary B.P. , Mickelson J.R.
Published: February 2006

A comparative approach that utilizes information from more densely mapped or sequenced genomes is a proven and efficient means to increase our knowledge of the structure of the horse genome. Human chromosome 2 (HSA2), the second largest human chromosome, comprising 243 Mb, and containing 1246 known genes, corresponds to all or parts of three equine chromosomes. This report describes the assignment of 140 new markers (78 genes and 62 microsatellites) to the equine radiation hybrid (RH) map, and the anchoring of 24 of these markers to horse chromosomes by FISH. The updated equine RH maps for ECA6p, ECA15, and ECA18 resulting from this work have one, two, and three RH linkage groups, respectively, per chromosome/chromosome-arm. These maps have a three-fold increase in the number of mapped markers compared to previous maps of these chromosomes, and an increase in the average marker density to one marker per 1.3 Mb. Comparative maps of ECA6p, ECA15, and ECA18 with human, chimpanzee, dog, mouse, rat, and chicken genomes reveal blocks of conserved synteny across mammals and vertebrates.
Comparative mapping of cattle chromosome 19: cytogenetic localization of 19 BAC clones
Authors: Larkin D.M. , Astakhova N.M. , Prokhorovich M.A. , Lewin H.A. , Zhdanova N.S.
Published: February 2006

Here we present the results of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping of a set of cattle BAC clones preselected for assignment on cattle chromosome 19 (BTA19). The BAC clones were anchored to human chromosome 17 (HSA17) sequences by BLASTn similarity search of cattle BAC-ends against the human genome sequence (NCBI build 33). Five blocks of homologous synteny were defined in the comparative map of BTA19 and HSA17 built with FISH data and the human genome coordinates. The positions for four evolutionary breakpoints in the bovine and human chromosomes were identified. Comparison of the FISH comparative map with previously published comparative RH, physical, and cytogenetic maps of BTA19 did not reveal major conflicts and allowed for the extension of the boundaries of homology between BTA19 and HSA17. Comparative analysis of HSA17, BTA19, and mouse chromosome 11 (MMU11) demonstrates that most likely mice retain the ancestral organization of the synteny group, and both cattle and human chromosomes underwent several major internal rearrangements after the divergence of Primates, Rodentia, and Cetartiodactyla.
Nondisjunction rates of mouse chromosomes involved in heterozygous Rb rearrangements measured by chromosome painting of spermatocytes. II. The effects of trivalent combinations and genetic background
Authors: Scascitelli M. , Gustavino B. , Pacchierotti F. , Spirito F. , Rizzoni M.
Published: February 2006

Chromosome specific nondisjunction rates were quantified by dual-colour FISH in spermatocytes II of Robertsonian heterozygous mice with different trivalent combinations or, alternatively, with different genetic backgrounds. We found that such factors do not influence the proneness to nondisjunction of specific chromosomes.
X accumulation of LINE-1 retrotransposons in Tokudaia osimensis, a spiny rat with the karyotype XO
Authors: Scott L.A. , Kuroiwa A. , Matsuda Y. , Wichman H.A.
Published: February 2006

The observation that LINE-1 transposable elements are enriched on the X in comparison to the autosomes led to the hypothesis that LINE-1s play a role in X chromosome inactivation. If this hypothesis is correct, loss of LINE-1 activity would be expected to result in species extinction or in an alternate pathway of dosage compensation. One such alternative pathway would be to evolve a karyotype that does not require dosage compensation between the sexes. Two of the three extant species of the Ryukyu spiny rat Tokudaia have such a karyotype; both males and females are XO. We asked whether this karyotype arose due to loss of LINE-1 activity and thus the loss of a putative component in the X inactivation pathway. Although XO Tokudaia has no need for dosage compensation, LINE-1s have been recently active in Tokudaia osimensis and show higher density on the lone X than on the autosomes.
Karyotypic evolution of the family Sciuridae: inferences from the genome organizations of ground squirrels
Authors: Li T. , Wang J. , Su W. , Nie W. , Yang F.
Published: February 2006

Cross-species chromosome painting has made a great contribution to our understanding of the evolution of karyotypes and genome organizations of mammals. Several recent papers of comparative painting between tree and flying squirrels have shed some light on the evolution of the family Sciuridae and the order Rodentia. In the present study we have extended the comparative painting to the Himalayan marmot (Marmotahimalayana) and the African ground squirrel (Xerus cf. erythropus), i.e. representative species from another important squirrel group – the ground squirrels –, and have established genome-wide comparative chromosome maps between human, eastern gray squirrel, and these two ground squirrels. The results show that 1) the squirrels so far studied all have conserved karyotypes that resemble the ancestral karyotype of the order Rodentia; 2) the African ground squirrels could have retained the ancestral karyotype of the family Sciuridae. Furthermore, we have mapped the evolutionary rearrangements onto a molecular-based consensus phylogenetic tree of the family Sciuridae.
Extensive gross genomic rearrangements between chicken and Old World vultures (Falconiformes: Accipitridae)
Authors: Nanda I. , Karl E. , Volobouev V. , Griffin D.K. , Schartl M. , Schmid M.
Published: February 2006

The karyotypes of most birds consist of a small number of macrochromosomes and numerous microchromosomes. Intriguingly, most accipitrids which include hawks, eagles, kites, and Old World vultures (Falconiformes) show a sharp contrast to this basic avian karyotype. They exhibit strikingly few microchromosomes and appear to have been drastically restructured during evolution. Chromosome paints specific to the chicken (GGA) macrochromosomes 1–10 were hybridized to metaphase spreads of three species of Old World vultures (Gyps rueppelli, Gyps fulvus, Gypaetus barbatus). Paints of GGA chromosomes 6–10 hybridize only to single chromosomes or large chromosome segments, illustrating the existence of high chromosome homology. In contrast, paints of the large macrochromosomes 1–5 show split hybridization signals on the chromosomes of the accipitrids, disclosing excessive chromosome rearrangements which is in clear contrast to the high degree of chromosome conservation substantiated from comparative chromosome painting in other birds. Furthermore, the GGA chromosome paint hybridization patterns reveal remarkable interchromosomal conservation among the two species of the genus Gyps.
The amphibian globin gene repertoire as revealed by the Xenopus genome
Authors: Fuchs C. , Burmester T. , Hankeln T.
Published: February 2006

The draft genome sequence of the Western clawed frog Xenopus (Silurana) tropicalis facilitates the identification, expression analysis and phylogenetic classification of the amphibian globin gene repertoire. Frog and mammalian neuroglobin display about 67% protein sequence identity, with the expected predominant expression in frog brain and eye. Frog and mammalian cytoglobins share about 69% of their amino acids, but the frog protein lacks the mammalian-type extension at the C-terminus. Like in mammals, X. tropicalis cytoglobin is expressed in many organs including neural tissue. Neuroglobin and cytoglobin genomic regions are syntenically conserved in all vertebrate classes. Frog and fish globin X show only 57% amino acid identity, but gene synteny analysis confirms orthology. The expression pattern of X. laevis globin X differs from that in fish, with a prominent expression in the eye and weak expression in most other examined tissues. Globin X is possibly present as two paralogous copies in X. tropicalis, with one copy showing transition stages of non-functionalization. The amphibian genome contains a previously unknown globin type (tentatively named ‘globin Y’) which is expressed in a broad range of tissues and is distantly related to the cytoglobin lineage. The globin Y gene is linked to a cluster of larval and adult hemoglobin α and β genes which contains substantially more paralogous hemoglobin gene copies than previously published. Database and gene synteny analyses confirm the absence of a myoglobin gene in X. tropicalis.
Identification of intergenomic recombinations in unisexual salamanders of the genus Ambystoma by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH)
Authors: Bi K. , Bogart J.P.
Published: February 2006

Unisexual salamanders in the genus Ambystoma (Amphibia, Caudata) are endemic to eastern North America and are mostly all-female polyploids. Two to four of the bisexual species, A. laterale, A. jeffersonianum, A. texanum and A. tigrinum, contribute to the nuclear genome of unisexuals and more than 20 combinations that range from diploid to pentaploid have been identified in this complex. Because the karyotypes of the four bisexual species are similar, homologous and homoeologous chromosomes in the unisexuals can not be distinguished by conventional or banded karyotypes. We chose two widespread unisexual genomic combinations (A.laterale–2 jeffersonianum [or LJJ] and A. 2 laterale–jeffersonianum [or LLJ]) and employed genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) to identify the genomes in these unisexuals. Under optimum conditions, GISH reliably distinguishes the respective chromosomes attributed to both A.laterale and A. jeffersonianum. Of four populations examined, two were found to have independently evolved homoeologous recombinants that persist in both LJJ and LLJ individuals. Our results refute the previous hypothesis of clonal integrity and independent evolution of the genome combinations in these unisexuals. Our data provide evidence for intergenomic interactions between maternal chromosomes during meiosis in unisexuals and help to explain previously observed non-homologous bivalents and/or quadrivalents among lampbrush chromosomes that were possibly initiated by partial homosequential pairing among the homo(eo)logues. To explore the utility of GISH in other members of the complex, probes developed from A. laterale were also applied to unisexuals that contained A. tigrinum and A. texanum genomes. GISH is an effective tool that can be used to identify and to quantify genomic constituents and to investigate intergenomic interactions in unisexual salamanders. GISH also has potential application to examine possible genomic evolution in other unisexuals.
Cytogenetic characterization and description of an XX/XY1Y2 sex chromosome system in catfish Harttia carvalhoi (Siluriformes, Loricariidae)
Authors: Centofante L. , Bertollo L.A.C. , Moreira-Filho O.
Published: February 2006

Karyotypic and cytogenetic characteristics of catfish Harttia carvalhoi (Paraíba do Sul River basin, São Paulo State, Brazil) were investigated using differential staining techniques (C-banding, Ag-staining) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 18S and 5S rDNA probes. The diploid chromosome number of females was 2n = 52 and their karyotype was composed of nine pairs of metacentric, nine pairs of submetacentric, four pairs of subtelocentric and four pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. The diploid chromosome number of males was invariably 2n = 53 and their karyotype consisted of one large unpaired metacentric, eight pairs of metacentric, nine pairs of submetacentric, four pairs of subtelocentric, four pairs of acrocentric plus two middle-sized acrocentric chromosomes. The differences between female and male karyotypes indicated the presence of a sex chromosome system of XX/XY1Y2 type, where the X is the largest metacentric and Y1 and Y2 are the two additional middle-sized acrocentric chromosomes of the male karyotype. The major rDNA sites as revealed by FISH with an 18S rDNA probe were located in the pericentromeric region of the largest pair of acrocentric chromosomes. FISH with a 5S rDNA probe revealed two sites: an interstitial site located in the largest pair of acrocentric chromosomes, and a pericentromeric site in a smaller metacentric pair of chromosomes. Translocations or centric fusions in the ancestral 2n = 54 karyotype is hypothesized for the origin of such multiple sex chromosome systems where females are fixed translocation homozygotes whereas males are fixed translocation heterozygotes. The available cytogenetic data for representatives of the genus Harttia examined so far indicate large kayotype diversity.
The characteristics of karyotype and telomeric satellite DNA sequences in the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera, Gryllidae)
Authors: Yoshimura A. , Nakata A. , Mito T. , Noji S.
Published: February 2006

The chromosomes derived from the Japanese population of Gryllus bimaculatus were characterized by C-banding and Ag-NOR staining. The chromosome number, 2n = 28 + XX (female)/XO (male), corresponded with that of other populations of G. bimaculatus, but the chromosome configuration in idiograms varied between the populations. NORs were carried on one pair of autosomes and appeared polymorphous. The positive C-bands located at the centromere of all chromosomes and the distal regions of many chromosome pairs, and the size and the distribution pattern of the distal C-heterochromatin showed differences among the chromosomes. In addition, this paper reports on the characteristics of HindIII satellite DNA isolated from the genome of G. bimaculatus. The HindIII repetitive fragments were about 0.54 kb long, and localized at the distal C-bands of the autosomes and the interstitial C-bands of the X chromosome. Molecular analysis showed two distinct satellite DNA sequences, named the GBH535 and GBH542 families, with high AT contents of about 67 and 66%, respectively. The two repetitive families seem to be derived from a common ancestral sequence, and both families possessed the same 13-bp palindrome sequence. The results of Southern blot hybridization suggest that the sequence of the GBH535 family is conserved in the genomic DNAs of Gryllus species, whereas the GBH542 family is a species-specific sequence.
Recombinant X chromosome in a prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Orellana C. , Badía L. , Martínez F. , Oltra J.S. , Monfort S. , Roselló M. , Cervera J.V. , García Z. , Prieto F.
Published: February 2006

The prenatal cytogenetic study of an amniotic fluid sample of a 39-year-old female showed one X chromosome with a fragment of extra material in the short arm. The G-band pattern suggested that the extra material could be the long arm of an X chromosome. Several complementary studies were performed in order to better clarify the origin of the material. These studies included parental karyotypes, microsatellite typing and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the derivative chromosome arose de novo as a recombinant X chromosome with duplication of Xq and partial deletion of Xp. Once informed, the parents decided to continue with the pregnancy, after which a healthy girl was born with no apparent disorders.
Early Detection of Lung Cancer
Authors: Pastorino Ugo
Published: February 2006

The overall 5-year survival of lung cancer is only 10% in Europe and 15% in the United States, and progress in curative treatments during the last 20 years has been modest. Late diagnosis of extensive disease is the main reason of failure. Early detection with low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) is one of the most promising development of clinical research, and continuous improvements in technology can make this instrument more effective than mammography in breast cancer detection. In order to prove the benefit of early detection by reduction of lung cancer mortality, we need to enrol large numbers of high-risk individuals in multicentric prospective randomized trials combining primary prevention by smoking cessation with diagnostic intervention with low-dose spiral CT, optimal management of cancer and minimum damage for healthy individuals. Molecular biology research within early detection trials, combining genomic and proteomic analysis of blood and sputum, may improve the differential diagnosis, define the individual risk of cancer incidence and failure, and help target therapies on the basis of biologic profile.
Otolith Function Assessed with the Subjective Postural Horizontal and Standardised Stance and Gait Tasks
Authors: Beule A.G. , Allum J.H.J.
Published: February 2006

If otolith function is essential to maintain upright standing while moving along slanted or uneven surfaces, subjects with an otolith deficit should have difficulty judging whether the inclination of the surface on which they are standing is tilted or not. We tested this judgement and compared it with the ability to control trunk sway during standardised stance and gait tests. Thirteen patients with unilateral vestibular nerve neurectomy at least 6 months prior to testing and 39 age-matched controls were asked to move a dynamic posturography platform on which they were standing back to their subjective ‘horizontal’ position after the platform had been slowly tilted at 0.4°/s to 5° in 8 different directions. Normal subjects left the platform deviated in pitch (forwards-backwards) at about 0.7° on describing the platform as levelled off for all directions of tilt. Patients showed larger deviations of about 1.3° in pitch with significant differences for forward right tilt (1.58 ± 0.73° compared to 0.73 ± 0.11° for normals; mean and SEM) and for forward left. Roll (lateral) deviations were about 0.4° for normals and 0.5° larger for the patients (for example, for backward left, 1.13 ± 0.24° compared to 0.4 ± 0.07° in normals). Except for a tendency towards greater deviations to the lesion side of patients with eyes closed, no differences were noted between tests under eyes open and closed conditions. However, for backward and roll tilts patients needed to steady themselves first by grasping a handrail when tested with eyes closed. Stance tests on foam showed increases in roll and pitch trunk sway with respect to controls. Patients had significantly larger trunk roll sway deviations during 1-legged stance tests and during gait trials. For stance trials, the patients lost their balance control prior to the end of the standard 20-second recording time. We conclude that a unilateral loss of otolith inputs due to nerve resection permanently impairs the ability to judge whether the support surface is horizontal, and leads to excessive trunk sway when standing on a compliant surface as well as excessive trunk roll sway during gait.
Postmenopausal Bleeding: A Diagnostic Approach for both Private and Public Sectors
Authors: Spicer J.M. , Siebert I. , Kruger T.F.
Published: February 2006

Objective: To assess the optimal diagnostic approach to women with postmenopausal bleeding by comparing transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial sampling with office hysteroscopy. Methods: A prospective collective study was performed on 102 consecutive patients with postmenopausal bleeding who were evaluated by ultrasound measurement of the endometrial thickness (EL), endometrial sampling by Accurette® and outpatient hysteroscopy and directed biopsy. Results: Accurette was inadequate for histological diagnosis in 65 of 136 samples and many repeat investigations were required. In all 16 cases of endometrial polyps, ultrasound measurement of the EL was ≧4 mm and hysteroscopy confirmed the findings. Accurette detected only 5 polyps. All 7 cases of endometrial hyperplasia were detected using an EL of ≧4 mm and hysteroscopy confirmed the findings. Accurette failed to detect 5 out of 7 cases of endometrial hyperplasia. Five cases of endometrial cancer were diagnosed: all had an EL ≧4 mm but were inadequately sampled for diagnostic purposes in 3 cases. A definitive diagnosis was made on hysteroscopy in 4 cases (1 patient did not have a hysteroscopy). Conclusion: Accurette is not a good sampling device for the diagnosis of postmenopausal bleeding. An ultrasound measurement of the EL ≧4 mm in patients with postmenopausal bleeding warrants further investigation. Outpatient office hysteroscopy is an accurate and sensitive modality to employ as a first line investigation for definitive diagnosis.
Antiproliferative Effect of Isosteviol on Angiotensin-II-Treated Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Wong Kar-Lok , Lin Jia-Wei , Liu Ju-Chi , Yang Hung-Yu , Kao Pei-Feng , Chen Cheng-Hsien , Loh Shih-Hurng , Chiu Wen-Ta , Cheng Tzu-Hurng , Lin Jaung-Geng , Hong Hong-Jye
Published: February 2006

Isosteviol is a derivative of stevioside, a constituent of Stevia rebaudiana, which is commonly used as a noncaloric sugar substitute in Japan and Brazil. The aims of this study were to examine whether isosteviol alters angiotensin-II-induced cell proliferation in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells were preincubated with isosteviol, then stimulated with angiotensin II, after which [3H]thymidine incorporation and endothelin-1 secretion were examined. Isosteviol (1–100 µmol/l) inhibits angiotensin-II-induced DNA synthesis and endothelin-1 secretion. Measurements of 2′7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate, a redox-sensitive fluorescent dye, showed an isosteviol-mediated inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species generated by the effects of angiotensin II. The inductive properties of angiotensin II on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were found reversed with isosteviol and antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine. In summary, we speculate that isosteviol inhibits angiotensin-II-induced cell proliferation and endothelin-1 secretion via attenuation of reactive oxygen species generation. Thus, this study provides important insights that may contribute to the effects of isosteviol on the cardiovascular system.
Effects of Intranasal Estradiol Treatment on Serum Paraoxonase and Lipids in Healthy, Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Fenkci Ibrahim Veysel , Serteser Mustafa , Fenkci Semin , Akyol Ahmet Melih
Published: February 2006

Background/Aims: Serum lipid concentrations worsen after the menopause because of estrogen deficiency, leading to an increased atherogenic pattern. It is known that serum paraoxonase (PON1) activity prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to observe the effects of intranasal 17β-estradiol (300 µg/day) on serum PON1 and lipid levels in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: 48 healthy, postmenopausal women were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. 28 subjects without an intact uterus and ovaries were using single-dose (300 µg/day) intranasal 17β-estradiol and 20 subjects with spontaneous natural menopause were not on any hormone therapy. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid fractions and PON1 levels were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R) was used to estimate insulin resistance. Results: The higher estradiol, high-density lipoprotein and salt-stimulated paraoxonase (SSP) levels were observed in intranasal 17β-estradiol users in comparison with non-users. There were no statistically significant differences in BMI, blood pressures, other lipid fractions, basal paraoxonase, arylesterase, fasting glucose and insulin levels, HOMA-R between the groups. SSP was inversely associated with fasting insulin levels and HOMA-R. Conclusion: These observations may suggest that intranasal 17β-estradiol does not have harmful effects on the PON1 activity and lipid metabolism.
The «Protocole d’Examen Cognitif de la Personne Agée – Lausanne» (PECPA-L): A Cognitive Assessment Tool for the French-Speaking Elderly in Switzerland
Authors: von Gunten A. , Brull J. , Küng A. , Simms K. , Taillefer D. , Geneau D. , Duc R.
Published: February 2006

Objective: The main objective of this study was to validate and normalize, in the French-speaking population of Switzerland, an empirically derived structured cognitive assessment scale for the elderly. Method: 237 healthy elderly and 115 elderly with mild-to-moderate dementia as well as a preliminary sample of 27 subjects with MCI, all community-dwelling, were assessed using the PECPA-L for its validation and normalization using Crohnbach’s alpha, rank comparisons, and AUROC measures. Results: The internal consistency of the PECPA-L was good (Crohnbach’s Alpha = 0.79). The discriminating power of the PECPA-L between the normal elderly and the mildly to moderately demented (AUROC = 0.940) and those with MCI (AUROC = 0.925) was high. Normal aging does not influence all cognitive domains equally; therefore, the subscores of the PECPA-L vary in their discriminating power between the normal and the demented elderly, with gnosis abilities having the least (AUROC = 0.719) and delayed memory performance having the highest (AUROC = 0.927) discriminating power. Normative data according to age and education are provided. Conclusions: The PECPA-L is a highly appropriate tool for the detection and documentation of early cognitive impairment in the French-speaking population in Switzerland while accounting for age and education.