bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pericyte‐derived angiopoietin‐1 multimeric complex induces occludin gene expression in brain capillary endothelial cells through Tie‐2 activation in vitro
Authors: Hori Satoko , Ohtsuki Sumio , Hosoya Ken‐ichi , Nakashima Emi , Terasaki Tetsuya
Published: September 2006

Although tight‐junctions (TJs) at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are important to prevent non‐specific entry of compounds into the CNS, molecular mechanisms regulating TJ maintenance remain still unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify molecules, which regulate occludin expression, derived from astrocytes and pericytes that ensheathe brain microvessels by using conditionally immortalized adult rat brain capillary endothelial (TR‐BBB13), type II astrocyte (TR‐AST4) and brain pericyte (TR‐PCT1) cell lines. Transfilter co‐culture with TR‐AST4 cells, and exposure to conditioned medium of TR‐AST4 cells (AST‐CM) or TR‐PCT1 cells (PCT‐CM) increased occludin mRNA in TR‐BBB13 cells. PCT‐CM‐induced occludin up‐regulation was significantly inhibited by an angiopoietin‐1‐neutralizing antibody, whereas the up‐regulation by AST‐CM was not. Immunoprecipitation and western blot analyses confirmed that multimeric angiopoietin‐1 is secreted from TR‐PCT1 cells, and induces occludin mRNA, acting through tyrosine phosphorylation of Tie‐2 in TR‐BBB13 cells. A fractionated AST‐CM study revealed that factors in the molecular weight range of 30–100 kDa led to occludin induction. Conversely, occludin mRNA was reduced by transforming growth factor β1, the mRNA of which was up‐regulated in TR‐AST4 cells following hypoxic treatment. In conclusion, in vitro BBB model studies revealed that the pericyte‐derived multimeric angiopoietin‐1/Tie‐2 pathway induces occludin expression.
Astrocytic production of nerve growth factor in motor neuron apoptosis: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pehar Mariana , Cassina Patricia , Vargas Marcelo R. , Castellanos Raquel , Viera Liliana , Beckman Joseph S. , Estévez Alvaro G. , Barbeito Luis
Published: September 2006

Reactive astrocytes frequently surround degenerating motor neurons in patients and transgenic animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We report here that reactive astrocytes in the ventral spinal cord of transgenic ALS‐mutant G93A superoxide dismutase (SOD) mice expressed nerve growth factor (NGF) in regions where degenerating motor neurons expressed p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and were immunoreactive for nitrotyrosine. Cultured spinal cord astrocytes incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peroxynitrite became reactive and accumulated NGF in the culture medium. Reactive astrocytes caused apoptosis of embryonic rat motor neurons plated on the top of the monolayer. Such motor neuron apoptosis could be prevented when either NGF or p75NTR was inhibited with blocking antibodies. In addition, nitric oxide synthase inhibitors were also protective. Exogenous NGF stimulated motor neuron apoptosis only in the presence of a low steady state concentration of nitric oxide. NGF induced apoptosis in motor neurons from p75NTR +/+ mouse embryos but had no effect in p75NTR –/– knockout embryos. Culture media from reactive astrocytes as well as spinal cord lysates from symptomatic G93A SOD mice‐stimulated motor neuron apoptosis, but only when incubated with exogenous nitric oxide. This effect was prevented by either NGF or p75NTR blocking‐antibodies suggesting that it might be mediated by NGF and/or its precursor forms. Our findings show that NGF secreted by reactive astrocytes induce the death of p75‐expressing motor neurons by a mechanism involving nitric oxide and peroxynitrite formation. Thus, reactive astrocytes might contribute to the progressive motor neuron degeneration characterizing ALS.
Neuropeptides: implications for alcoholism
Authors: Cowen Michael S. , Chen Feng , Lawrence Andrew J.
Published: September 2006

The role of neuromodulatory peptides in the aetiology of alcoholism has been relatively under‐explored; however, the development of selective ligands for neuropeptide receptors, the characterization and cloning of receptors, and the development of transgenic mouse models have greatly facilitated this analysis. The present review considers the most recent preclinical evidence obtained from animal models for the role of two of the opioid peptides, namely b‐endorphin and enkephalin; corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), urocortin I and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in deleterious and excessive alcohol consumption, focussing on specific brain regions, in particular the central nucleus of the amygdala, that appear to be implicated in the pathophysiology of alcoholism. The review also outlines potential directions for further research to clarify neuropeptide involvement in neuromodulation within discrete brain nuclei pertinent to behavioural patterns.
Spinal cord injury triggers systemic autoimmunity: evidence for chronic B lymphocyte activation and lupus‐like autoantibody synthesis
Authors: Ankeny Daniel P. , Lucin Kurt M. , Sanders Virginia M. , McGaughy Violeta M. , Popovich Phillip G.
Published: September 2006

Clinical and experimental data indicate that spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits pathological T‐cell responses. Implicit in these data, but poorly understood, is that B lymphocytes (B cells) also contribute to the delayed pathophysiology of spinal trauma. Here, for the first time, we show that experimental spinal contusion injury elicits chronic systemic and intraspinal B cell activation with the emergence of a B cell‐dependent organ‐specific and systemic autoimmune response. Specifically, using sera from spinal cord injured mice, immunoblots reveal oligoclonal IgG reactivity against multiple CNS proteins. We also show SCI‐induced synthesis of autoantibodies that bind nuclear antigens including DNA and RNA. Elevated levels of anti‐DNA antibodies are a distinguishing feature of systemic lupus erythematosus and, via their ability to cross‐react with neuronal antigens, can cause neuropathology. We show a similar pathologic potential for the autoantibodies produced after SCI. Thus, mammalian SCI produces marked dysregulation of B cell function (i.e. autoimmunity) with pathological potential.
Identification of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Príncipe seedeater (Serinus rufobrunneus) and assessment of their utility in nine other Serinus species (Fringillidae, Aves)
Authors: MELO MARTIM , HANSSON BENGT
Published: September 2006

We tested 74 passerine microsatellite loci for cross‐amplification in the Príncipe seedeater (Serinus rufobrunneus), and identified 15 loci that were both polymorphic and easy to score. In a sample of 113 individuals, the number of alleles ranged between three and 71. Three loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after correcting for multiple tests, and one locus had high estimated null allele frequency. These 15 loci were highly successful in amplifying polymorphic products also in nine other Serinus species.
Development and evaluation of specific 16S rDNA primers for marine Cytophaga–Flavobacteria cluster
Authors: CHEN XIHAN , ZENG YONGHUI , JIAO NIANZHI
Published: September 2006

Through multiple alignment analysis of 16S rDNA sequences from all known genera of Cytophaga–Flavobacteria (CF) cluster, a new primer pair specifically targeting this cluster was developed, greatly facilitating their diversity and function's exploration in marine ecosystems. Compared with previously reported primers, the new primer pair could theoretically retrieve broader CF diversity without decreasing specificity. The effectiveness for field samples was further evaluated by testing the community DNA samples from various marine environments using the optimal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions established in this work. The results showed its robustness and high specificity for amplifying CF cluster's 16S rDNA fragments from complex marine environments.
Nine new tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina)
Authors: HAUSWALDT* J. S. , SCHRÖDER C. , TIEDEMANN R.
Published: September 2006

We describe nine new polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina). The relative yield of new loci was higher than described in previous studies in amphibians: out of 12 loci initially evaluated, nine were polymorphic and amplifying reliably. Number of alleles ranged from four to 10 and observed heterozygosities from 0.47 to 0.91. Seven loci were polymorphic also in Bombina variegata and five in Bombina orientalis. Enrichment protocols yielding long flanking regions potentially overcome difficulties (i.e, low yield of reliable loci relative to number of clones screened) which have been reported in microsatellite development in anurans.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Authors: SCHOENLE L. A. , TOWNSEND A. K. , LOVETTE I. J.
Published: September 2006

We describe 11 microsatellite loci isolated from the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), the most wide‐spread cooperatively breeding bird in North America. Polymorphism at these loci ranged from four to 43 alleles, and observed heterozygosities from 0.53 to 0.92. Genetic parentage analyses using these markers will allow us to describe the mating system of this common but socially complex species, and to interpret their behavioural interactions in light of relatedness.
Isolation of 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Neotropical palm Oenocarpus bataua Martius (Arecaceae)
Authors: MONTUFAR R. , MARIAC C. , PHAM J‐L. , PINTAUD J‐C.
Published: September 2006

We report the isolation of 23 microsatellite loci obtained from a (GA)n‐enriched genomic library of Oenocarpus bataua var. bataua. The average number of alleles per locus, the mean observed and expected heterozygosities for these microsatellite loci revealed a high level of variability. The transferability of the developed markers to other Oenocarpus species and other genera within the Euterpeae tribe was high, except for the Hyospathe genus.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for studies of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), the vector of dengue and yellow fever
Authors: SLOTMAN M. A. , KELLY N. B. , HARRINGTON L. C. , KITTHAWEE S. , JONES J. W. , SCOTT T. W. , CACCONE A. , POWELL J. R.
Published: September 2006

A significant challenge to population genetic studies of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, has been the lack of polymorphic microsatellite loci. In an effort to develop useful markers, we evaluated the genetic variation at 17 microsatellite loci identified in the A. aegypti genome. Nine loci with at least five alleles were identified in field‐collected specimens from Thailand. An additional two loci carried five alleles if samples from an A. aegypti laboratory colony were included. Our results greatly increase the number of highly variable markers available for the study of the genetics and the population structure of this medically important species.
Genetically diversified populations in the loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus inferred from newly developed microsatellite markers
Authors: ARIAS‐RODRIGUEZ L. , MORISHIMA K. , ARAI K.
Published: September 2006

The loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus is a freshwater fish which include natural polyploids and clones besides most bisexually reproducing diploids. Recent genetic studies using allozymes differentiated the populations in northern region of Hokkaido from other populations in Japan. Here, we developed 23 new sets of polymerase chain reaction primers to detect polymorphic microsatellites loci and tested them in 20 individuals from Memanbetsu town (northern Hokkaido) and Kita village (southern Hokkaido). These markers can be potentially diagnostic for identification of two populations.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Caribbean seagrassThalassia testudinumBanks ex König
Authors: VAN DIJK JENT KORNELIS , WAYCOTT MICHELLE , VAN TUSSENBROEK BRIGITTA I. , OUBORG JOOP
Published: September 2006

We isolated 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the western Atlantic tropical seagrass,Thalassia testudinum,using two different enrichment procedures. Polymorphism was screened among samples from Mexico and Panama. Allelic diversity varied between three and 17 alleles per locus, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.271 to 0.859.
Characterization of novel microsatellite markers from the Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis
Authors: SUN CHANGSEN , ZHAN AIBIN , HUI MIN , LU WEI , HU XIAOLI , HU JINGJIE , BAO ZHENMIN
Published: September 2006

Twelve polymorphic and informative microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized for the Yesso scallop, Mizuhopecten yessoensis. We characterized these loci by genotyping 48 individuals; the number of alleles ranged from two to eight, and the values of observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity varied from 0 to 0.8333 and from 0.2546 to 0.8231, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found and three loci showed significant heterozygote deficiency from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These markers are potential for studies of the population structure, individual or hybrid identification of the species.
WOMEN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND BENEFIT SHARING
Authors: ALVAREZ‐CASTILLO FATIMA , FEINHOLZ DAFNA
Published: September 2006

The aim of this paper is to show that any process of benefit sharing that does not guarantee the representation and participation of women in the decision‐making process, as well as in the distribution of benefits, contravenes a central demand of social justice. It is argued that women, particularly in developing countries, can be excluded from benefits derived from genetic research because of existing social structures that promote and maintain discrimination. The paper describes how the structural problem of gender‐based inequity can impact on benefit sharing processes. At the same time, examples are given of poor women’s ability to organise themselves and to achieve social benefits for entire communities. Relevant international guidelines (e.g. the Convention on Biodiversity) recognise the importance of women’s contributions to the protection of biodiversity and thereby, implicitly, their right to a share of the benefits, but no mechanism is outlined on how to bring this about. The authors make a clear recommendation to ensure women’s participation in benefit sharing negotiations by demanding seats at the negotiation table.
A Decade of Christian Democratic Decline: The Dilemmas of the CDU, ÖVP and CDA in the 1990s
Authors: Duncan Fraser
Published: September 2006

This article explores Christian Democratic electoral decline in the 1990s through an examination of the key problems faced by the CDU, the ÖVP and the CDA. Although the problems of Christian Democracy in this period are identified as arising from exogenous changes, the article goes beyond a mechanistic approach by also scrutinizing the response of the various parties. It is argued that the contraction of core support bases, intensified party competition and the rise of problematic issues created a series of dilemmas for the parties but also that the unconvincing reaction of the parties contributed to their electoral predicament.
Identity Politics and the Domestic Context of Turkey's European Union Accession
Authors: Polat Necati
Published: September 2006

This article observes a transformation in the largely essentializing, decontextualized form of identity politics that long defined political cosmology in Turkey, now in the process of negotiating accession to the European Union (EU). Accordingly, identity politics – not only the bread and butter of both Kurdish nationalism and Islamism, but also a justification for exhortations towards a limited, authoritarian democracy by Kemalists, the major power holders – is receding in favour of a civic, non-divisive political culture enabled by the EU anchorage. In danger of losing the longstanding centre–periphery configuration in an enhanced, participatory democracy and, concomitant with it, the periphery clientelism created by the waning identity politics, Kemalist nationalists, Islamists and Kurdish separatists appear to have stopped squabbling among themselves and joined forces against Turkey's EU bid.
More Than a Market? The Regulation of Sport in the European Union
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Dionyssis G.
Published: September 2006

The explanatory capacity of ideas has been contested on two grounds. First, ideas have been dismissed as epiphenomenal. Second, ideational explanations have been criticized for the limited importance that they ascribe to agency. This article examines the involvement of the European Commission in previously uncharted territory, namely the regulation of professional sport in Europe. It demonstrates that, in conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty created by the need to implement broad Treaty-based principles in new areas of socio-economic activity, ideas, first, act as road maps that direct the executive activity of the European Commission, legitimize it, and set limits to it by identifying the relevant deeply embedded conceptions of the nature of a given activity and by linking them to a wider, historically defined normative order. Second, ideas are also powerful political weapons used by political actors in their quest to advance their interests.
Zinc is a negative regulator of hepatitis C virus RNA replication
Authors: Yuasa Kazuhisa , Naganuma Atsushi , Sato Ken , Ikeda Masanori , Kato Nobuyuki , Takagi Hitoshi , Mori Masatomo
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global public health problem. In clinical studies, zinc has been closely related to the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. However, the role of zinc in both viral replication and the expression of viral proteins remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the effect of zinc on the replication of HCVin vitro.

Methods:We incubated subgenomic HCV replicon cells (sO) and genome‐length HCV RNA‐replicating cells (O) treated with several chemicals including trace elements. Total RNAs were collected and subjected to real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in order to examine the level of HCV RNA replication, and Western blotting was performed to confirm the expression of viral proteins.

Results:Iron salts and interferon‐α suppressed HCV RNA replication and protein expression in both sO and O cells. Zinc salts effectively reduced the viral replication in the genome‐length HCV RNA replication system but not in the subgenomic HCV replicon system.

Conclusions:We demonstrated that zinc may play an important role as a negative regulator of HCV replication in genome‐length HCV RNA‐replicating cells. Zinc supplementation thus appears to offer a novel approach to the development of future strategies for the treatment of intractable chronic hepatitis C.
Noninvasive tests for the prediction of significant hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis C virus carriers with persistently normal alanine aminotransferases
Authors: Liu Chen‐Hua , Lin Jou‐Wei , Tsai Feng‐Chiao , Yang Pei‐Ming , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Jun‐Herng , Kao Jia‐Horng , Chen Ding‐Shinn
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Background: The diagnostic value of Doppler and various noninvasive indices in predicting significant hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with persistently normal alanine aminotransferases (PNALT) is unknown.

Methods: Seventy‐nine treatment‐naïve HCV carriers with PNALT, who received Doppler ultrasonography and percutaneous liver biopsies, were enrolled in the study. Doppler indices, including portal vein velocity (PVV), hepatic arterial resistive index (HARI), hepatic arterial pulsatility index (HAPI), splenic arterial resistive index (SARI), and splenic arterial pulsatility index (SAPI), were compared with known biochemical indices used in HCV carriers with elevated ALT levels, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), age‐platelet index (API), and AST to ALT ratio (AAR), for the diagnostic accuracy of significant hepatic fibrosis.

Results: SAPI was the most discriminatory index among the Doppler indices (P<0.001). By comparing areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic (AUROC) of SAPI with various biochemical indices, SAPI was superior to APRI, API, and AAR for predicting significant fibrosis (≥F2) (0.862 vs. 0.673, 0.639, 0.504). SAPI set at 0.85 and 1.10 had a sensitivity of 96.7% and 66.7%, a specificity of 44.6% and 96.0%, a positive predictive value of 41.4% and 87.1%, and an negative predictive value of 97% and 87.7% in predicting significant fibrosis.

Conclusions: This study indicates that SAPI is the most useful index among Doppler and biochemical indices for the detection of significant hepatic fibrosis in HCV carriers with PNALT levels.
Differential expression of toll‐like receptor mRNA in treatment non‐responders and sustained virologic responders at baseline in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: He Qi , Graham Camilla S. , Mangoni Emanuele Durante , Koziel Margaret James
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: The contribution of the host immune response to sustained virologic response is not clear in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of the toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression with the outcome of antiviral therapy in hepatitis C viral infection.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 15 CHC patients before a 48‐week treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) α‐2a and ribavirin. A multiplex semi‐quantitative reverse‐trancriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to compare the relative abundance of TLR2–9 transcripts.

Results: mRNA levels of TLR2, 3 and 6 were significantly higher in CHC subjects compared with normal controls (n=8). When patients were classified into non‐responders (n=8) and sustained virological responders (n=7) according to the virological outcome of the treatment, there was a clear difference in baseline mRNA expression of TLRs and T‐helper (Th) 1/2 cytokines. In addition, the mRNA expression of IFN‐γ and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which is exclusively expressed in activated T cells, was inversely correlated with that of TLR4, 6 and 9 in non‐responders.

Conclusions: TLRs mRNA levels are differentially expressed in baseline PBMC of chronic HCV‐infected subjects with or without responsiveness to antiviral therapy.
Spatial Distribution of Head Pain as a Factor in Migraine Experience
Authors: Campbell J. F. , Brisebois Mitch A. , Hughes Nicole M. G.
Published: September 2006

SYNOPSIS

By means of a life‐size three‐dimensional head model, 12 subjects reporting the symptoms of classic migraine described the spatial distribution of pain at its most intense. A correlational analysis indicated that a decrease in the surface area of pain was related to an increase in the salience of such symptoms as bilateral pain onset, the spread of pain to include the whole head, increased olfactory sensitivity, excessive sweating, and teeth or jaw aches, in the subjects' experience of headache. Concurrently, subjects reporting the smaller areas tended to describe the pain as “sharp” and “piercing”, while those reporting larger areas tended to describe the pain as “pounding” and “heavy”.
Hypothesis: Chronic Benign Daily Headache is an Immune Disorder with a Viral Trigger
Authors: Vanast W.J. , Diaz‐Mitoma F. , Tyrrell D.L.J.
Published: September 2006

SYNOPSIS

The persistence and reactivation of classic viruses may be responsible for some chronic headache syndromes and their exacerbations. Persistent infections may selectively decrease neurotransmitter output. Alternatively, headache may be due to the viral‐induced immune response. Lymphocytes secrete substances with CNS activity. Continuous antigenic stimulation may result in immune complexes, anti‐idiotype antibodies, and autoimmunity. Our studies show an increased incidence of raised thyroid microsomal antibodies in patients with chronic benign daily headache or benign paroxysmal vertigo (a syndrome closely related to idiopathic headache syndrome). We detected oropharyngeal secretion of Epstein‐Barr Virus by nucleic acid hybridization in 20 of 32 patients with the recently‐defined syndrome of new, daily persistent headache and in only 4 of 32 age and sex‐matched control patients. Based on these studies, we propose that chronic benign daily headache may be an auto‐immune disorder with a persistent viral trigger.
What Can Precipitating Factors Teach us About the Pathogenesis of Migraine?
Authors: Amery Willem K. , Vandenbergh Vic
Published: September 2006

SYNOPSIS

Relationships between precipitating factors in the pathogenesis of migraine were studied in a sample of 217 migraineurs. The most frequently cited triggers were the menstrual cycle (51.5% of the women), alcoholic beverages (51.6%) and emotional or psychic stress (48.8%). Analysis of 4 subgroups of patients, i.e. those with only one of these 3 triggers or with none of these (controls), showed that alcohol‐susceptible patients reported significantly (p<0.001) more alimentary triggers than the controls. A similar phenomenon was found in patients with menstrual‐cycle related migraine, but in this group the difference with the controls fell short of reaching statistical significance. A further analysis showed that menstrual migraine attacks are more frequently preceded by depressive symptoms than other migraine attacks.

It is suggested that the gut of certain migraineurs may be unduly permeable, either intrinsically or extrinsically (e.g. under the influence of alcohol). In addition, in some patients with menstrual migraine, a depressive episode, associated with the menstrual period, may facilitate the development of a migraine attack.
Chronic Cluster Headache: A Review of 60 Patients
Authors: Peter C. , Watson N. , Evans Ramon J.
Published: September 2006

SYNOPSIS

This article reports the clinical features and results of treatment of 60 patients with chronic cluster headache (CCH) with data on extended follow‐up of 46 patients (median 4 years). Treatment was generally difficult and often "trial and error" in nature. Lithium carbonate, methysergide, corticosteroids and indomethacin were of some limited usefulness as prophylactic agents. Symptomatic therapy by a variety of agents was evaluated but commonly, daily usage resulted in side effects and excessive dosage. Longterm follow‐up revealed that 59% of patients were either free of headache (33%) or categorized as satisfactory by patient and examiner (26%). Fourteen (52%) of these had undergone a surgical procedure.
SEASONAL MODULE DYNAMICS OFTURBINARIA TRIQUETRA(FUCALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) IN THE SOUTHERN RED SEA1
Authors: Ateweberhan Mebrahtu , Henrich Bruggemann J. , Breeman Anneke M.
Published: September 2006

Module dynamics in the fucoid algaTurbinaria triquetra(J. Agardh) Kützing were studied on a shallow reef flat in the southern Red Sea. Seasonal patterns in thallus density and size were determined, and the initiation, growth, reproduction, and shedding of modules were studied using a tagging approach. The effects of module density and module/thallus size on module initiation, growth, reproduction, and shedding were analyzed, and the occurrence of intraspecific competition among modules was examined. Seasonal variation occurred mainly at the modular level. There was a restricted period of new module formation in the cooler season, followed by fast growth and reproduction, massive shedding of modules from the end of the cooler season onward, and strongly reduced biomass in summer. There was no evidence of suppressed growth in small modules due to intraspecific competition. Module density and thallus/module size had opposite effects on elongation rates. High module densities enhanced maximum elongation rates (fastest‐growing module per thallus), resulting in longer thalli. On the other hand, elongation rates decreased and tissue loss increased with increasing module length. Reproduction had no clear effect on elongation rates, indicating that there was no direct trade‐off between reproduction and growth. The apparent size‐dependence of reproduction was due to delayed fertility in young modules. Module initiation and shedding were independent of module density. Shedding was also independent of module size and reproductive status. We conclude that seasonal changes in the environment affect module initiation, growth, reproduction, and shedding, whereas density and size‐dependent processes mainly affect growth rates.
PRODUCTION OF PHYTOCHELATINS AND GLUTATHIONE BY MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON IN RESPONSE TO METAL STRESS1
Authors: Kawakami Silvia K. , Gledhill Martha , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: September 2006

Phytoplankton deal with metal toxicity using a variety of biochemical strategies. One of the strategies involves glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs), which are metal‐binding thiol peptides produced by eukaryotes and these compounds have been related to several intracellular functions, including metal detoxification, homeostasis, metal resistance and protection against oxidative stress. This paper assesses our state of knowledge on the production of PCs and GSH by marine phytoplankton in laboratory and field conditions and the possible applications of PCs for environmental purposes. Good relationships have been observed between metal exposure and PC production in phytoplankton in the laboratory with Cd, Pb, and Zn showing the greatest efficacy, thereby indicating that PCs have a potential for application as a biomarker. Fewer studies on PC distributions in particulate material have been undertaken in the field. These studies show that free Cu has a strong relationship with the levels of PC in the particulate material. The reason for this could be because Cu is a common contaminant in coastal waters. However it could also be due to the lack of measurements of other metals and their speciation. GSH shows a more complex relationship to metal levels both in the laboratory and in the field. This is most likely due to its multifunctionality. However, there is evidence that phytoplankton act as an important source of dissolved GSH in marine waters, which may form part of the strong organic ligands that control metal speciation, and hence metal toxicity.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF THE HETEROTROPHIC DINOFLAGELLATES, PROTOPERIDINIUM, DIPLOPSALIS AND PREPERIDINIUM (DINOPHYCEAE), INFERRED FROM LARGE SUBUNIT rDNA1
Authors: Gribble Kristin E. , Anderson Donald M.
Published: September 2006

The genera Protoperidinium Bergh, Diplopsalis Bergh, and Preperidinium Mangin, comprised of species of marine, thecate, heterotrophic dinoflagellates in the family Protoperidinaceae Balech, have had a confused taxonomic history. To elucidate the validity of morphological groupings within the Protoperidinium and diplopsalids, and to determine the evolutionary relationships between these and other dinoflagellates, we undertook a study of molecular phylogeny using the D1–D3 domains of the large subunit (LSU) of the rDNA. Based on morphology, the 10 Protoperidinium species examined belonged to three subgenera and five morphological sections. Two diplopsalid species were also included. Single‐cell PCR, cloning, and sequencing revealed a high degree of intraindividual sequence variability in the LSU rDNA. The genus Protoperidinium appeared to be recently divergent in all phylogenetic analyses. In maximum parsimony and neighbor joining analyses, Protoperidinium formed a monophyletic group, evolving from diplopsalid dinoflagellates. In maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses, however, Protoperidinium was polyphyletic, as the lenticular, diplopsalid heterotroph, Diplopsalis lenticula Bergh, was inserted within the Protoperidinium clade as basal to Protoperidinium excentricum (Paulsen) Balech, and Preperidinium meunieri (Pavillard) Elbrächter fell within a separate clade as a sister to the Oceanica and Protoperidinium steidingerae Balech. In all analyses, the Protoperidinium were divided into two major clades, with members in the Oceanica group and subgenus Testeria in one clade, and the Excentrica, Conica, Pellucida, Pyriforme and Divergens sections in the other clade. The LSU rDNA molecular phylogeny supported the historical morphologically determined sections, but not a simple morphology based model of evolution based on thecal plate shape.
Factors associated with parameters of engraftment potential of umbilical cord blood
Authors: George Thomas J. , Sugrue Michele W. , George Sarah N. , Wingard John R.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an acceptable source of hematopoietic cells for transplantation with success being associated with the nucleated cell count (NCC), CD34+ cells, and colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage (CFU‐GM) content infused. A total of 1033 UCB samples with neonatal and paternal characteristics that might influence hematopoietic content were examined.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: UCB samples were screened, processed, and reevaluated for the above cell counts. These parameters of engraftment potential were analyzed for associations with neonatal and parental characteristics.

RESULTS: Postprocessed NCCs (median, 6.53 × 108± 2.80 × 108 SD; mean 7.30 × 108), CD34+ counts (median, 2.02 × 106 ± 2.20 × 106 SD; mean, 2.65 × 106; r = 0.66; p < 0.001), and CFU‐GM content (median, 2.65 × 105 ± 3.16 × 105 SD; mean, 3.54 × 105; r = 0.61; p < 0.001) all were strongly interrelated. Both initial volume (median, 77.5 ± 26.2 mL SD; mean, 81.9 mL) and initial NCC (median, 9.75 × 108 ± 4.88 × 108 SD; mean, 10.9 × 108) correlated well with postprocessed NCC (r = 0.60; r = 0.90; p < 0.01), CD34+ count (r = 0.40; r = 0.63; p < 0.01), and CFU‐GM content (r = 0.38; r = 0.59; p < 0.01), with a stronger relationship seen with initial NCC. Infant birth weight (specifically, >3000 g), but not sex, gestational age, or cytomegalovirus status correlated strongly with collection volume and UCB cell counts. Units from minority volunteers contained relatively smaller volumes and hematopoietic content.

CONCLUSION: UCB banks should emphasize selecting the heaviest infants and processing large‐volume units with high NCCs to optimize hematopoietic potential. Minority recruitment should be encouraged with consideration given to inherent racial differences in cell counts. There does not appear to be a significant relationship between other neonatal and parental characteristics and that of engraftment potential.
An association of soluble CD40 ligand (CD154) with adverse reactions to platelet transfusions
Authors: Blumberg Neil , Gettings Kelly F. , Turner Chantal , Heal Joanna M. , Phipps Richard P.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Removal of stored supernatant abrogates most transfusion reactions to leukoreduced platelets (PLTs), suggesting that PLT‐derived soluble mediators are involved. PLTs are the primary source of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L). Engagement of the receptor for CD40L induces synthesis of proinflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Supernatants from poststorage leukoreduced PLT concentrates were assayed for white cell– (IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1) and PLT‐derived (sCD40L, RANTES) inflammatory mediators. These levels were correlated with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: Of 534 transfusions, there were 12 reported (2.2%) and 2 unreported reactions (0.4%)—10 febrile and 4 allergic. Transfusions with reactions had significantly higher levels of IL‐6 (2.3‐fold higher; p = 0.005), IL‐8 (2.2‐fold higher; p = 0.001), MCP‐1 (2.6‐fold higher; p = 0.002), and sCD40L (1.24‐fold higher; p = 0.015), but not RANTES. (1.14‐fold higher; p = 0.22). The vast majority (>93%) of patients transfused with mediator levels in the highest quintile had no reactions. When levels of all five mediators were summed, the reaction rates in the first through fifth quintiles increased from 1 to 7 percent (p = 0.027). All but one reaction occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies (13 reactions/380 transfusions; 3.4%; p = 0.04 vs. other diagnoses).

CONCLUSIONS: These are the first data demonstrating that a PLT‐derived mediator, sCD40L, is associated with adverse transfusion events. Existing clinical factors, for example, inflammation or leukopenia, may influence whether infused mediators cause reactions.
Effects of a new perfluorocarbon emulsion on human plasma and whole‐blood viscosity in the presence of albumin, hydroxyethyl starch, or modified fluid gelatin: an in vitro rheologic approach
Authors: Jouan‐Hureaux Valérie , Audonnet‐Blaise Sandra , Lacatusu Diana , Krafft Marie‐Pierre , Dewachter Pascale , Cauchois Ghislaine , Stoltz Jean‐François , Longrois Dan , Menu Patrick
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Artificial oxygen carriers such as perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsions have reached Phase III clinical trials as alternatives to homologous blood, but their rheologic effects have not been characterized. In this study, the rheologic effects of PFC emulsion in the presence of clinically used volume expanders were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of a new PFC emulsion (small droplet size with narrow size distribution) at two PFC concentrations (4 and 8 g/dL) on plasma and whole‐blood viscosity in the presence of human albumin solution (HAS), hydroxyethyl starch (HES), or modified fluid gelatin (MFG) were investigated. Three hematocrit (Hct) levels were investigated: 30, 20, and 13 percent. Plasma, PFC emulsions, and whole‐blood viscosity, with a Couette viscometer, and RBC elongation, with an ektacytometer, were measured for shear rates of 0.2 to 128 per second.

RESULTS: The two PFC concentrations increased plasma and whole‐blood viscosities. Viscosity values similar to physiologic ones (Hct level, 40%) were observed at: 1) Hct level of 13 percent, with 4 or 8 g per dL MFG‐PFC; 2) Hct level of 20 percent, with 4 g per dL MFG‐PFC; and 3) Hct level of 30 percent, with 4 g per dL HES‐PFC and 4 and 8 g per dL HAS‐PFC. RBC deformability was unchanged.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that this new PFC emulsion increases plasma and blood viscosity and that among the three studied volume expanders, the interaction with MFG can result in viscosity values above the physiologic one even at low Hct values. The possible consequences of the increased viscosity at low Hct values are discussed.
Health‐Based Screening Levels to Evaluate U.S. Geological Survey Ground water Quality Data
Authors: Toccalino Patricia L. , Norman Julia E.
Published: September 2006

Federal and state drinking‐water standards and guidelines do not exist for many contaminants analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water‐Quality Assessment Program, limiting the ability to evaluate the potential human‐health relevance of water‐quality findings. Health‐based screening levels (HBSLs) were developed collaboratively to supplement existing drinking‐water standards and guidelines as part of a six‐year, multi‐agency pilot study. The pilot study focused on ground water samples collected prior to treatment or blending in areas of New Jersey where groundwater is the principal source of drinking water. This article describes how HBSLs were developed and demonstrates the use of HBSLs as a tool for evaluating water‐quality data in a human‐health context. HBSLs were calculated using standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methodologies and toxicity information. New HBSLs were calculated for 12 of 32 contaminants without existing USEPA drinking‐water standards or guidelines, increasing the number of unregulated contaminants (those without maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)) with human‐health benchmarks. Concentrations of 70 of the 78 detected contaminants with human‐health benchmarks were less than MCLs or HBSLs, including all 12 contaminants with new HBSLs, suggesting that most contaminant concentrations were not of potential human‐health concern. HBSLs were applied to a state‐scale groundwater data set in this study, but HBSLs also may be applied to regional and national evaluations of water‐quality data. HBSLs fulfill a critical need for federal, state, and local agencies, water utilities, and others who seek tools for evaluating the occurrence of contaminants without drinking‐water standards or guidelines.
Marginal Trust in Risk Managers: Building and Losing Trust Following Decisions Under Uncertainty
Authors: White Mathew P. , Eiser J. Richard
Published: September 2006

Although a considerable amount of research has examined correlates of baseline public trust in risk managers, much less research has looked at marginal changes in public trust following specific events. Such research is important for identifying what kinds of events will lead to increases and decreases in public trust and thus for understanding how trust is built and lost. Using a taxonomy based upon signal detection theory (SDT), the current article presents two experimental studies examining marginal trust change following eight different types of events. Supporting predictions, cautious decisionmakers who accepted signs of danger (Hits and False Alarms) were more likely to be trusted than those who rejected them (All Clears and Misses). Moreover, transparency about an event was associated with higher levels of marginal trust than a lack of transparency in line with earlier findings. Contrary to predictions, however, trust was less affected by whether the decisions were correct (i.e., Hits and All Clears) or incorrect (i.e., False Alarms and Misses). This finding was primarily due to a “False Alarm Effect” whereby Open False Alarms led to positive increases in trust despite being incorrect assessments of risk. Results are explained in terms of a cue diagnosticity account of impression formation and suggest that a taxonomy of event types based on SDT may be useful in furthering our understanding of how public trust in risk managers is gained and lost.
Uncertain Numbers and Uncertainty in the Selection of Input Distributions—Consequences for a Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Contaminated Land
Authors: Sander Per , Bergbäck Bo , Öberg Tomas
Published: September 2006

Risks from exposure to contaminated land are often assessed with the aid of mathematical models. The current probabilistic approach is a considerable improvement on previous deterministic risk assessment practices, in that it attempts to characterize uncertainty and variability. However, some inputs continue to be assigned as precise numbers, while others are characterized as precise probability distributions. Such precision is hard to justify, and we show in this article how rounding errors and distribution assumptions can affect an exposure assessment. The outcome of traditional deterministic point estimates and Monte Carlo simulations were compared to probability bounds analyses. Assigning all scalars as imprecise numbers (intervals prescribed by significant digits) added uncertainty to the deterministic point estimate of about one order of magnitude. Similarly, representing probability distributions as probability boxes added several orders of magnitude to the uncertainty of the probabilistic estimate. This indicates that the size of the uncertainty in such assessments is actually much greater than currently reported. The article suggests that full disclosure of the uncertainty may facilitate decision making in opening up a negotiation window. In the risk analysis process, it is also an ethical obligation to clarify the boundary between the scientific and social domains.
Earthquake Risk Perception in Bucharest, Romania
Authors: Armaş Iuliana
Published: September 2006

The Municipality of Bucharest is one of the capitals with the highest seismic risk in the world. Bucharest is particularly vulnerable to seismic hazard due to: the high density of inhabitants, especially within the residential districts with blocks of flats; the old public utility fund; the out‐of‐date infrastructure; the numerous industrial parks that are undergoing a restructuring process, not to mention the inefficient organization of civil protection and poor education of the population regarding seismic risk. This research was designed to examine the attitudes and perceptions of people living with the risk of an earthquake hazard in Bucharest. We were interested in how attitudes and perceptions differ depending on gender, age, education, residential area and socioeconomic status, characteristics of seismic hazard, degree of risk exposure, degree of danger, and casualty awareness. At the same time, we compare the results of this study with those from a previous and similar enquiry in 1997. The statistical processing has indicated a significant difference between the declared perception of seismic risk and the independent variables of gender, age, level of education, level of attachment to the residential area, and degree to which the subjects consider they may be affected and could retrieve their losses. Due to the continuous decrease of their living standard, the most vulnerable is the aged population. The feelings toward the residential area is another factor of statistical significance for the population's seismic danger perception. A strong affective bond offers a feeling of safety and leads to the neglect and even total denial of the hazard. In the case of independent variables regarding the type of dwelling, its age, and property form, deviations of empiric values from the theoretical distribution are not relevant for the correlation searched for, which indicates that this issue goes beyond the above‐mentioned criteria.
Societal Responses to Familiar Versus Unfamiliar Risk: Comparisons of Influenza and SARS in Korea
Authors: Hong Seonghoon , Collins Alan
Published: September 2006

This study examines the connections between familiar (influenza) and unfamiliar (SARS) risks among the general public in a SARS affected society. Using a survey of 350 respondents in Chonju, we find that risk perceptions and a belief that influenza vaccination reduces the incidence of SARS explain behavioral intentions for influenza vaccination and purchase responses to a hypothetical SARS vaccine. Those respondents who believe that an influenza vaccination will very likely reduce SARS incidence have a high probability (79%) of intending to vaccinate, but a much lower WTP for a SARS vaccine than those without such a belief. This belief undoubtedly was influenced by a reframing of influenza vaccination as preventing SARS. Such reframing may lead to short‐term improvements in vaccination rates to the detriment of long‐term SARS vaccination development. When compared with a similar study in Taiwan, societal risk perceptions of SARS and WTP for a vaccine vary greatly according to the extent of a society's experience with SARS.
Sensitivity Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of Uncertain Factors in a Scenario Tree Model for Classical Swine Fever Introduction
Authors: De Vos Clazien J. , Saatkamp Helmut W. , Nielen Mirjam , Huirne Ruud B. M.
Published: September 2006

Introduction of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a continuing threat to the pig production sector in the European Union. A scenario tree model was developed to obtain more insight into the main risk factors determining the probability of CSFV introduction (PCSFV). As this model contains many uncertain input parameters, sensitivity analysis was used to indicate which of these parameters influence model results most. Group screening combined with the statistical techniques of design of experiments and meta‐modeling was applied to detect the most important uncertain input parameters among a total of 257 parameters. The response variable chosen was the annual PCSFV into the Netherlands. Only 128 scenario calculations were needed to specify the final meta‐model. A consecutive one‐at‐a‐time sensitivity analysis was performed with the main effects of this meta‐model to explore their impact on the ranking of risk factors contributing most to the annual PCSFV. The results indicated that model outcome is most sensitive to the uncertain input parameters concerning the expected number of classical swine fever epidemics in Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom and the probability that CSFV survives in an empty livestock truck traveling over a distance of 0–900 km.