bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of the Rugose Phenotype in
waaG
and
ddhC
Mutants of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium DT104 Is Associated with Inverse Production of Curli and Cellulose
Authors: Anriany Yuda , Sahu Surashri N. , Wessels Kimberly R. , McCann Lindsay M. , Joseph Sam W.
Published: July 2006

The rugose (also known as wrinkled or rdar) phenotype in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium DT104 Rv has been associated with cell aggregation and the ability, at low temperature under low-osmolarity conditions, to form pellicles and biofilms. Two Tn
5
insertion mutations in genes that are involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis,
ddhC
(A1-8) and
waaG
(A1-9), of Rv resulted in diminished expression of colony rugosity. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the
ddhC
mutant showed reduced amounts of extracellular matrix, while there was relatively more, profuse matrix production in the
waaG
mutant, compared to Rv. Both mutants appeared to produce decreased levels of curli, as judged by Western blot assays probed with anti-AgfA (curli) antibodies but, surprisingly, were observed to have increased amounts of cellulose relative to Rv. Comparison with a non-curli-producing mutant suggested that the alteration in curli production may have engendered the increased presence of cellulose. While both mutants had impaired biofilm formation when grown in rich medium with low osmolarity, they constitutively formed larger amounts of biofilms when the growth medium was supplemented with either glucose or a combination of glucose and NaCl. These observations indicated that LPS alterations may have opposing effects on biofilm formation in these mutants, depending upon either the presence or the absence of these osmolytes. The phenotypes of the
waaG
mutant were further confirmed in a constructed, nonpolar deletion mutant of
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium LT2, where restoration to the wild-type phenotypes was accomplished by complementation. These results highlight the importance of an integral LPS, at both the O-antigen and core polysaccharide levels, in the modulation of curli protein and cellulose production, as well as in biofilm formation, thereby adding another potential component to the complex regulatory system which governs multicellular behaviors in
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium.
Recurrent Seasonal Variations in Abundance and Composition of Filamentous SOL Cluster Bacteria (
Saprospiraceae
,
Bacteroidetes
) in Oligomesotrophic Lake Mondsee (Austria)
Authors: Schauer Michael , Jiang Jing , Hahn Martin W.
Published: July 2006

The spatial and temporal variation of SOL cluster bacteria was assessed in oligomesotrophic Lake Mondsee and adjacent lakes by fluorescence in situ hybridization over two annual cycles. The filamentous SOL bacteria were present in Lake Mondsee throughout the study period, and the seasonal dynamics of the SOL community were remarkably similar with respect to both abundance and composition in the two consecutive years. Only two of the three SOL subclusters were detected in Lake Mondsee and four connected lakes. These two populations significantly differed in size distribution and demonstrated pronounced but recurrent differences in seasonality and length of period of appearance in Lake Mondsee. Extensive sampling of the lakes in September 2003 revealed low horizontal variation in the composition of the SOL community within Lake Mondsee but marked variations with depth. Between connected habitats pronounced differences in the composition and abundance of the SOL community were detected. The interaction of SOL bacteria with bacterivorous protists, mesozooplankton, and phytoplankton was investigated in order to reveal variables controlling the structure and dynamics of SOL communities. No strong indication for a bottom-up influence of phytoplankton was found, while the estimated community grazing rates of mesozooplankton on SOL bacteria indicated a top-down control of SOL abundance during mesozooplankton peaks in spring and early autumn. Furthermore, species-specific differences in grazing of mesozooplankton on SOL bacteria were observed. In general, the overall composition of SOL communities was controlled by abiotic factors (water chemistry), while their dynamics seemed to be controlled by abiotic and biotic interactions.
Improved Serological Diagnosis Stresses the Major Role of
Campylobacter jejuni
in Triggering Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Schmidt-Ott Ruprecht , Schmidt Holger , Feldmann Sylvia , Brass Felicitas , Krone Bernd , Gross Uwe
Published: July 2006

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy. The most frequent antecedent pathogen is
Campylobacter jejuni
, followed by cytomegalovirus. However, more than 40% of GBS cases currently cannot be attributed to triggering events. This might be due to the shortcomings of the serological assays used for diagnosing infections, in particular for
C. jejuni
. In our study investigating 36 patients with acute GBS, standard serological methods identified the triggering viral or bacterial etiology in only 25% of cases. However, using a highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on two recombinant outer antigens encoded by
C. jejuni
genes Cj0017 (P39) and Cj0113 (P18), we found serological evidence of a preceding
C. jejuni
infection in 80.6% of the patients but in only 3.5% of the controls. We conclude that the role of
C. jejuni
in triggering GBS has been greatly underestimated.
Diagnosis of First Case of
Balamuthia
Amoebic Encephalitis in Portugal by Immunofluorescence and PCR
Authors: Tavares Marta , Correia da Costa Jose M. , Carpenter S. Stirling , Santos L. A. , Afonso Caldas , Aguiar Álvaro , Pereira Josue , Cardoso Ana Isabel , Schuster Frederick L. , Yagi Shigeo , Sriram Rama , Visvesvara Govinda S.
Published: July 2006

We report here the first Portuguese case of acute fatal granulomatous encephalitis attributed to
Balamuthia mandrillaris
, initially thought to be a brain tumor, which had a progressive and fatal outcome.
Balamuthia mandrillaris
is a free-living amoeba recognized as an uncommon agent of granulomatous encephalitis. Infections have been identified in immunocompromised hosts and in immunocompetent pediatric patients.
Balamuthia
infections are very rare, with only two reported cases in Europe. The case presented here occurred in a previously healthy boy who died 5 weeks after the onset of the symptoms. No evidence of immunological deficiency was noted, and testing for human immunodeficiency virus antibodies was negative. The symptoms were initially thought to be the result of a tumor, but histopathologic examination showed evidence of amoebic infection. Immunofluorescence staining of brain tissue identified
B. mandrillaris
as the infectious agent. The diagnosis was confirmed with PCR by detecting
Balamuthia
DNA in formalin-fixed brain tissue sections. Despite initiation of empirical antimicrobial therapy for balamuthiasis, the patient died 3 weeks after being admitted to the hospital. No source of infection was readily apparent.
Identification of Bacteria in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Heart Valve Tissue via 16S rRNA Gene Nucleotide Sequencing
Authors: Imrit Kavita , Goldfischer Michael , Wang Jie , Green Jaime , Levine Jerome , Lombardo Joseph , Hong Tao
Published: July 2006

We applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify bacterial species present in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded heart valve tissue. In 40% (12/30) of the cases, we were able to identify the bacterium to the species-genus level. For more recent cases (≤4 years), the success rate was significantly improved, to 70% (
P
< 0.001).
Comparison of New Diagnostic Tools for Management of Pediatric Mediterranean Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Cruz Israel , Chicharro Carmen , Nieto Javier , Bailo Begoña , Cañavate Carmen , Figueras María-Concepción , Alvar Jorge
Published: July 2006

New techniques are available for diagnosing leishmaniasis, but their efficacy in the identification of pediatric visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has not been compared with that of traditional methods. Blood, bone marrow, and urine samples were taken from 25 children with VL during their first clinical episode, 22 days after the start of treatment with liposomal amphotericin B (3 mg/kg/day on 6 days over a 10-day period), and when a relapse was suspected during follow-up. The results obtained suggest that antibody detection techniques, the antigen detection in urine (KAtex kit), andLeishmanianested PCR (LnPCR) analysis of the blood could be used for diagnosis of the first clinical episode. After treatment, clinical improvement was associated with negativization of Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle culture and microscopy of bone marrow aspirate, KAtex test, and LnPCR blood analysis results. Interestingly, LnPCR analysis of the bone marrow aspirate showed that sterile cure was not achieved in eight patients, two of which suffered a relapse within 10 to 20 weeks. All of the new noninvasive techniques tested showed high diagnostic sensitivity. However, LnPCR analysis of the bone marrow was the most sensitive; this test was able to detect the persistence of parasites and predict potential relapses.
High Concordance of Results of Testing for Human Papillomavirus in Cervicovaginal Samples Collected by Two Methods, with Comparison of a Novel Self-Sampling Device to a Conventional Endocervical Brush
Authors: Brink Antoinette A. T. P. , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Wiegerinck Maarten A. H. M. , Nieboer Thedoor E. , Kruitwagen Roy F. P. M. , van Kemenade Folkert , Fransen Daalmeijer Nathalie , Hesselink Albertus T. , Berkhof Johannes , Snijders Peter J. F.
Published: July 2006

A user-friendly self-sampling method for collecting representative cervical cell material would lower the threshold for women to respond to the invitation for cervical screening. In the present article, we introduce such a device; we have evaluated its sensitivity and specificity to detect high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), via high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection and liquid-based cytology (LBC), compared to endocervical brush samples obtained by gynecologists. Women who had a cervical smear reading of moderate dyskaryosis or worse or a repeat equivocal Pap smear result in the cervical screening program (
n
= 64) and healthy volunteers (
n
= 32) took a self-obtained sample at home prior to their visit to the gynecological outpatient department. At the outpatient department, an endocervical brush smear was taken, followed by colposcopy and biopsy whenever applicable. Both self-obtained samples and endocervical brush samples were immediately collected in Surepath preservation solution and used for LBC and hrHPV testing (by general primer-mediated GP5+/6+ PCR). hrHPV test results showed a good concordance between the two sample types (87%; κ = 0.71), with sensitivities for prevalent high-grade CIN that did not differ significantly (92% and 95%;
P
= 1.0). The hrHPV test on self-obtained samples proved to be at least as sensitive for high-grade CIN as cytology on endocervical brush samples (34/37 versus 31/37;
P
= 0.5). LBC showed a poor concordance between self-obtained and endocervical brush samples (60%; κ = 0.27). In conclusion, self-obtained samples taken by this novel device are highly representative of the hrHPV status of the cervix. In combination with hrHPV testing, the use of this device may have implications for increasing the attendance rate for cervical screening programs.
Illustration of a Common Framework for Relating Multiple Typing Methods by Application to Macrolide-Resistant
Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Carriço J. A. , Silva-Costa C. , Melo-Cristino J. , Pinto F. R. , de Lencastre H. , Almeida J. S. , Ramirez M.
Published: July 2006

The studies that correlate the results obtained by different typing methodologies rely solely on qualitative comparisons of the groups defined by each methodology. We propose a framework of measures for the quantitative assessment of correspondences between different typing methods as a first step to the global mapping of type equivalences. A collection of 325 macrolide-resistant
Streptococcus pyogenes
isolates associated with pharyngitis cases in Portugal was used to benchmark the proposed measures. All isolates were characterized by macrolide resistance phenotyping, T serotyping,
emm
sequence typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), using SmaI or Cfr9I and SfiI. A subset of 41 isolates, representing each PFGE cluster, was also characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The application of Adjusted Rand and Wallace indices allowed the evaluation of the strength and the directionality of the correspondences between the various typing methods and showed that if PFGE or MLST data are available one can confidently predict the
emm
type (Wallace coefficients of 0.952 for both methods). In contrast,
emm
typing was a poor predictor of PFGE cluster or MLST sequence type (Wallace coefficients of 0.803 and 0.655, respectively). This was confirmed by the analysis of the larger data set available from
http://spyogenes.mlst.net
and underscores the necessity of performing PFGE or MLST to unambiguously define clones in
S. pyogenes
.
Detection of
Chlamydia trachomatis
by Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing: Our Evaluation Suggests that CDC-Recommended Approaches for Confirmatory Testing Are Ill-Advised
Authors: Schachter Julius , Chow Joan M. , Howard Holly , Bolan Gail , Moncada Jeanne
Published: July 2006

We evaluated three CDC-suggested approaches for confirming positive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for
Chlamydia trachomatis
: (i) repeat the original test on the original specimen, (ii) retest the original specimen with a different test, and (iii) perform a different test on a duplicate specimen. For approach 1, specimens (genital swabs or first-catch urine [FCU]) initially positive by the Abbott LCx Probe System
Chlamydia trachomatis
Assay (LCx; Abbott Laboratories), the APTIMA Combo 2 Assay (AC2; Gen-Probe Inc.), the Amplicor CT/NG Assay (PCR; Roche Diagnostics Corp.), or the BD ProbeTec ET System
C. trachomatis
amplified-DNA assay (SDA; Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems) were retested by the same NAAT. In several evaluations, multiple efforts were made to confirm the original positive result. For approach 2, specimens initially positive by SDA and the Hybrid Capture 2 CT-ID DNA Test (HC2; Digene Corp.) were retested by different NAATs (SDA, PCR, AC2, and the APTIMA assay for
C. trachomatis
[ACT]). For approach 3, duplicate male urethral or cervical swabs were tested by SDA or by both AC2 and ACT. FCU specimens were tested by all three tests. We found that 84 to 98% of SDA, LCx, PCR, and AC2 positive results were confirmed by a repeat test and that 89 to 99% of SDA and AC2 and 93% of HC2 positive results were confirmed by different NAATs, but that some NAATs cannot be used to confirm other NAATs. The use of repeat testing did not confirm 11% of
C. trachomatis
SDA positive results that could be confirmed by more extensive testing. Doing more testing confirms more positive results; >90% of all positive NAATs could be confirmed.
Oral magnesium therapy, exercise heart rate, exercise tolerance, and myocardial function in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Pokan R , Hofmann P , von Duvillard S P , Smekal G , Wonisch M , Lettner K , Schmid P , Shechter M , Silver B , Bachl N
Published: July 2006

Background:Previous studies have demonstrated that in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) upward deflection of the heart rate (HR) performance curve can be observed and that this upward deflection and the degree of the deflection are correlated with a diminished stress dependent left ventricular function. Magnesium supplementation improves endothelial function, exercise tolerance, and exercise induced chest pain in patients with CAD.

Purpose:We studied the effects of oral magnesium therapy on exercise dependent HR as related to exercise tolerance and resting myocardial function in patients with CAD.

Methods:In a double blind controlled trial, 53 male patients with stable CAD were randomised to either oral magnesium 15 mmol twice daily (n = 28, age 61±9 years, height 171±7 cm, body weight 79±10 kg, previous myocardial infarction, n = 7) or placebo (n = 25, age 58±10 years, height 172±6 cm, body weight 79±10 kg, previous myocardial infarction, n = 6) for 6 months. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the degree and direction of the deflection of the HR performance curve described as factor k<0 (upward deflection), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were the outcomes measured.

Results:Magnesium therapy for 6 months significantly increased intracellular magnesium levels (32.7±2.5v35.6±2.1 mEq/l, p<0.001) compared to placebo (33.1±3.1.9v33.8±2.0 mEq/l, NS), VO2max(28.3±6.2v30.6±7.1 ml/kg/min, p<0.001; 29.3±5.4v29.6±5.2 ml/kg/min, NS), factor k (−0.298±0.242v−0.208±0.260, p<0.05; −0.269±0.336v−0.272±0.335, NS), and LVEF (58±11v67±10%, p<0.001; 55±11v54±12%, NS).

Conclusion:The present study supports the intake of oral magnesium and its favourable effects on exercise tolerance and left ventricular function during rest and exercise in stable CAD patients.
The validity and reliability of a novel activity monitor as a measure of walking
Authors: Ryan C G , Grant P M , Tigbe W W , Granat M H
Published: July 2006

Background:The accurate measurement of physical activity is crucial to understanding the relationship between physical activity and disease prevention and treatment.

Objective:The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of theactivPAL physical activity monitor in measuring step number and cadence.

Methods:The ability of theactivPAL monitor to measure step number and cadence in 20 healthy adults (age 34.5±6.9 years; BMI 26.8±4.8 (mean±SD)) was evaluated against video observation. Concurrently, the accuracy of two commonly used pedometers, the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200 and the Omron HJ-109-E, was compared to observation for measuring step number. Participants walked on a treadmill at five different speeds (0.90, 1.12, 1.33, 1.56, and 1.78 m/s) and outdoors at three self selected speeds (slow, normal, and fast).

Results:At all speeds, inter device reliability was excellent for theactivPAL (ICC (2,1)⩾0.99) for both step number and cadence. The absolute percentage error for theactivPAL was <1.11% for step number and cadence regardless of walking speed. The accuracy of the pedometers was adversely affected by slow walking speeds.

Conclusion:TheactivPAL monitor is a valid and reliable measure of walking in healthy adults. Its accuracy is not influenced by walking speed. TheactivPAL may be a useful device in sports medicine.
HIGHER-DIMENSIONAL COSMOLOGICAL MODELS WITH STRANGE QUARK MATTER
Authors: YILMAZ IHSAN , YAVUZ ATTILA ALTAY
Published: July 2006

In this article, we study higher-dimensional cosmological models with quark–gluon plasma in the context of general relativity. For this purpose, we consider quark–gluon plasma as a perfect fluid in the higher-dimensional universes. After solving Einstein's field equations, we have analyzed this matter for the different types of universes in the higher- and four-dimensional universes. Also, we have discussed the features of obtained solutions.
WIGGLY COSMIC STRINGS ACCRETE DARK ENERGY
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-DÍAZ PEDRO F. , JIMÉNEZ MADRID JOSÉ A.
Published: July 2006

This paper deals with a study of the cylindrically symmetric accretion of dark energy with equation of state p = wρ onto wiggly straight cosmic strings, interpreting that the accreted energy only contributes the extent of the wiggliness, but consistently leaves invariant the unperturbed line density μ0. We have obtained that when w > -1, the perturbed linear energy density in the string core gradually increases tending to a finite maximum value as time increases, for all considered dark energy models. Where the dominant energy condition is violated, all such models predict a steady decreasing of the perturbed linear energy density μ of the cosmic strings as phantom energy is being accreted. The final state of the string after such an accretion process is a wiggleless defect. It is argued however, that if accreation of phantom energy would proceed by successive quantum steps, then the defect would continue losing perturbed linear energy density beyond μ0, until a minimum nonzero value which can be smaller than that corresponding to the unperturbed string.
GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE OF MASSLESS SCALAR FIELD WITH NEGATIVE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT IN (2+1) DIMENSIONS
Authors: CHAN R. , DA SILVA M. F. A. , VILLAS DA ROCHA JAIME F.
Published: July 2006

The (2+1)-dimensional geodesic circularly symmetric solutions of Einstein-massless-scalar field equations with negative cosmological constant are found and their local and global properties are studied. It is found that one of them represents gravitational collapse where black holes are always formed.
Caspase-Dependent Cell Death inDrosophila
Authors: Hay Bruce A. , Guo Ming
Published: July 2006

Cell death plays many roles during development, in the adult, and in the genesis of many pathological states. Much of this death is apoptotic in nature and requires the activity of members of the caspase family of proteases. It is now possible uniquely in Drosophila to carry out genetic screens for genes that determine the fate—life or death—of any population of cells during development and adulthood. This, in conjunction with the ability to obtain biochemical quantities of material, has made Drosophila a useful organism for exploring the mechanisms by which apoptosis is carried out and regulated. This review summarizes our knowledge of caspase-dependent cell death in Drosophila and compares that knowledge with what is known in worms and mammals. We also discuss the significance of recent work showing that a number of key cell death activators also play nonapoptotic roles. We highlight opportunities and outstanding questions along the way.
Blood Cells and Blood Cell Development in the Animal Kingdom
Authors: Hartenstein Volker
Published: July 2006

Recent findings strongly suggest that the molecular pathways involved in the development and function of blood cells are highly conserved among vertebrates and various invertebrate phyla. This has led to a renewed interest regarding homologies between blood cell types and their developmental origin among different animals. One way to address these areas of inquiry is to shed more light on the biology of blood cells in extant invertebrate taxa that have branched off the bilaterian tree in between insects and vertebrates. This review attempts, in a broadly comparative manner, to update the existing literature that deals with early blood cell development. I begin by providing a brief survey of the different types of blood cell lineages among metazoa. There is now good reason to believe that, in vertebrates and invertebrates alike, blood cell lineages diverge from a common type of progenitor cell, the hemocytoblast. I give a synopsis of the origin and determination of the hematocytoblast, beginning with a look at the hematopoietic organs that house hemocytoblasts in adult animals, followed by a more detailed overview of the embryonic development of the hematopoietic organ. Finally, I compare the process of blood lineage diversification in vertebrates and Drosophila.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Plant Cell Interactions and Activities Required for Interkingdom Macromolecular Transfer
Authors: McCullen Colleen A. , Binns Andrew N.
Published: July 2006

Host recognition and macromolecular transfer of virulence-mediating effectors represent critical steps in the successful transformation of plant cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This review focuses on bacterial and plant-encoded components that interact to mediate these two processes. First, we examine the means by which Agrobacterium recognizes the host, via both diffusible plant-derived chemicals and cell-cell contact, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which multiple host signals are recognized and activate the virulence process. Second, we characterize the recognition and transfer of protein and protein-DNA complexes through the bacterial and plant cell membrane and wall barriers, emphasizing the central role of a type IV secretion system—the VirB complex—in this process.
Energy Efficiency Policies: A Retrospective Examination
Authors: Gillingham Kenneth , Newell Richard , Palmer Karen
Published: July 2006

▪ Abstract  We review literature on several types of energy efficiency policies: appliance standards, financial incentive programs, information and voluntary programs, and management of government energy use. For each, we provide a brief synopsis of the relevant programs, along with available existing estimates of energy savings, costs, and cost-effectiveness at a national level. The literature examining these estimates points to potential issues in determining the energy savings and costs, but recent evidence suggests that techniques for measuring both have improved. Taken together, the literature identifies up to four quads of energy savings annually from these programs—at least half of which is attributable to appliance standards and utility-based demand-side management, with possible additional energy savings from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) ENERGY STAR, Climate Challenge, and Section 1605b voluntary programs to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Related reductions in CO2and criteria air pollutants may contribute an additional 10% to the value of energy savings above the price of energy itself.
Integrated Regional Changes in Arctic Climate Feedbacks: Implications for the Global Climate System
Authors: McGuire A. David , Chapin F.S. , Walsh John E. , Wirth Christian
Published: July 2006

▪ Abstract  The Arctic is a key part of the global climate system because the net positive energy input to the tropics must ultimately be resolved through substantial energy losses in high-latitude regions. The Arctic influences the global climate system through both positive and negative feedbacks that involve physical, ecological, and human systems of the Arctic. The balance of evidence suggests that positive feedbacks to global warming will likely dominate in the Arctic during the next 50 to 100 years. However, the negative feedbacks associated with changing the freshwater balance of the Arctic Ocean might abruptly launch the planet into another glacial period on longer timescales. In light of uncertainties and the vulnerabilities of the climate system to responses in the Arctic, it is important that we improve our understanding of how integrated regional changes in the Arctic will likely influence the evolution of the global climate system.
Biotechnology in Agriculture
Authors: Herdt Robert W.
Published: July 2006

▪ Abstract  The consequences of the invention of DNA-based molecular techniques and their application to agriculture have been pervasive. This review examines the key consequences for farmers and the public. These include widespread commercial applications of agricultural biotechnology in a limited number of countries, a large private-sector investment in biotechnology research, significant economic contributions to farmers, continuing controversy over its environmental impacts, a proliferation of regulations (both national and international as a consequence of the technology and property rights), a wide range of changing public reaction, and relatively little contribution of the technology to increasing food production, nutrition, or farm incomes in less-developed countries.
Environment and Security
Authors: Khagram Sanjeev , Ali Saleem
Published: July 2006

▪ Abstract  A broadening research program focused on environment and security emerged over the past 30 years. But the meaning and operationalization of environment and security have been an implicit and increasingly explicit part of the scholarly debate. Approaches range from the more specific focus on the linkages between environmental change and violent (deadly) conflict, the possible role of environmental conservation, cooperation, and collaboration in promoting peace, and the broader focus on potential relationships between environmental change and human security (understood as freedom from both violent conflict and physical want). In addition to the different conceptions of environment and security, the type and direction of causal relationships among different factors continue to be a focus of research. With respect to the environment and violent conflict, which constitute the largest explicit research stream on environment and security, the debate has centered on whether and why environmental scarcity, abundance, or dependence might cause militarized conflict. Less research has been conducted on the environmental effects of violent conflict and war or traditional security institutions such as militaries and military-industrial complexes. Rigorous research on the consequences of peace or human security for the environment is virtually nonexistent.
Linking Knowledge and Action for Sustainable Development
Authors: van Kerkhoff Lorrae , Lebel Louis
Published: July 2006

▪ Abstract  It is now commonplace to assert that actions toward sustainable development require a mix of scientific, economic, social and political knowledge, and judgments. The role of research-based knowledge in this complex setting is ambiguous and diverse, and it is undergoing rapid change both in theory and in practice. We review conventional views of the linkages between research-based knowledge and action, and the early response to concerns that these links could and should be improved, through efforts at translation and transfer. We then examine the range of critiques that challenge those conventional views by highlighting different aspects of the relationships between science and society, focusing on the implications for action toward sustainable development. We then review the theories and strategies that have emerged in the attempt to improve the linkages between research-based knowledge and action in the context of sustainability across four broad categories: participation, integration, learning, and negotiation. These form a hierarchy with respect to how deeply they engage with the various critiques. We propose that the relationships between research-based knowledge and action can be better understood as arenas of shared responsibility, embedded within larger systems of power and knowledge that evolve and change over time. The unique contribution of research-based knowledge needs to be understood in relation to actual or potential contributions from other forms of knowledge. We conclude with questions that may offer useful orientation to assessing or designing research-action arenas for sustainable development.
Sustainability Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: A Review of Multinational and Global Trends
Authors: Leiserowitz Anthony A. , Kates Robert W. , Parris Thomas M.
Published: July 2006

▪ Abstract  This review surveys five major efforts to identify and declare values essential to global sustainability; describes empirical trends (as measured by multinational and global-scale surveys) in values, attitudes, and behaviors related to human and economic development, the environment, and driving forces (population, affluence, technology, and entitlements); and describes empirical trends in attitudes toward contextual values that condition sustainable development (e.g., freedom and democracy, capitalism, globalization, and equality). Finally, the review identifies important barriers between attitudes and behavior; draws several conclusions regarding the value, attitudinal, and behavioral changes needed to achieve global sustainability; and suggests future research directions.
Uranium Reduction
Authors: Wall Judy D. , Krumholz Lee R.
Published: July 2006

The dramatic decrease in solubility accompanying the reduction of U(VI) to U(IV), producing the insoluble mineral uraninite, has been viewed as a potential mechanism for sequestration of environmental uranium contamination. In the past 15 years, it has been firmly established that a variety of bacteria exhibit this reductive capacity. To obtain an understanding of the microbial metal metabolism, to develop a practical approach for the acceleration of in situ bioreduction, and to predict the long-term fate of environmental uranium, several aspects of the microbial process have been experimentally explored. This review briefly addresses the research to identify specific uranium reductases and their cellular location, competition between uranium and other electron acceptors, attempts to stimulate in situ reduction, and mechanisms of reoxidation of reduced uranium minerals.
Arsenic and Selenium in Microbial Metabolism
Authors: Stolz John F. , Basu Partha , Santini Joanne M. , Oremland Ronald S.
Published: July 2006

Arsenic and selenium are readily metabolized by prokaryotes, participating in a full range of metabolic functions including assimilation, methylation, detoxification, and anaerobic respiration. Arsenic speciation and mobility is affected by microbes through oxidation/reduction reactions as part of resistance and respiratory processes. A robust arsenic cycle has been demonstrated in diverse environments. Respiratory arsenate reductases, arsenic methyltransferases, and new components in arsenic resistance have been recently described. The requirement for selenium stems primarily from its incorporation into selenocysteine and its function in selenoenzymes. Selenium oxyanions can serve as an electron acceptor in anaerobic respiration, forming distinct nanoparticles of elemental selenium that may be enriched in 76Se. The biogenesis of selenoproteins has been elucidated, and selenium methyltransferases and a respiratory selenate reductase have also been described. This review highlights recent advances in ecology, biochemistry, and molecular biology and provides a prelude to the impact of genomics studies.
Curli Biogenesis and Function
Authors: Barnhart Michelle M. , Chapman Matthew R.
Published: July 2006

Curli are the major proteinaceous component of a complex extracellular matrix produced by many Enterobacteriaceae. Curli were first discovered in the late 1980s on Escherichia coli strains that caused bovine mastitis, and have since been implicated in many physiological and pathogenic processes of E. coli and Salmonella spp. Curli fibers are involved in adhesion to surfaces, cell aggregation, and biofilm formation. Curli also mediate host cell adhesion and invasion, and they are potent inducers of the host inflammatory response. The structure and biogenesis of curli are unique among bacterial fibers that have been described to date. Structurally and biochemically, curli belong to a growing class of fibers known as amyloids. Amyloid fiber formation is responsible for several human diseases including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and prion diseases, although the process of in vivo amyloid formation is not well understood. Curli provide a unique system to study macromolecular assembly in bacteria and in vivo amyloid fiber formation. Here, we review curli biogenesis, regulation, role in biofilm formation, and role in pathogenesis.
Selective loss of high-frequency oscillations in phrenic and hypoglossal activity in the decerebrate rat during gasping
Authors: Marchenko Vitaliy , Rogers Robert F.
Published: July 2006

Respiratory motor outputs contain medium-(MFO) and high-frequency oscillations (HFO) that are much faster than the fundamental breathing rhythm. However, the associated changes in power spectral characteristics of the major respiratory outputs in unanesthetized animals during the transition from normal eupneic breathing to hypoxic gasping have not been well characterized. Experiments were performed on nine unanesthetized, chemo- and barodenervated, decerebrate adult rats, in which asphyxia elicited hyperpnea, followed by apnea and gasping. A gated fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis and a novel time-frequency representation (TFR) analysis were developed and applied to whole phrenic and to medial branch hypoglossal nerve recordings. Our results revealed one MFO and one HFO peak in the phrenic output during eupnea, where HFO was prominent in the first two-thirds of the burst and MFO was prominent in the latter two-thirds of the burst. The hypoglossal activity contained broadband power distribution with several distinct peaks. During gasping, two high-amplitude MFO peaks were present in phrenic activity, and this state was characterized by a conspicuous loss in HFO power. Hypoglossal activity showed a significant reduction in power and a shift in its distribution toward lower frequencies during gasping. TFR analysis of phrenic activity revealed the increasing importance of an initial low-frequency “start-up” burst that grew in relative intensity as hypoxic conditions persisted. Significant changes in MFO and HFO rhythm generation during the transition from eupnea to gasping presumably reflect a reconfiguration of the respiratory network and/or alterations in signal processing by the circuitry associated with the two motor pools.
Paralogs of Genes Encoding Metal Resistance Proteins in Cupriavidus metallidurans Strain CH34
Authors: Nies Dietrich H. , Rehbein Grit , Hoffmann Toni , Baumann Cindy , Grosse Cornelia
Published: July 2006

Cupriavidus (Wautersia, Ralstonia, Alcaligenes) metallidurans strain CH34is a well-studied example of a metal-resistant proteobacterium. Genome sequence analysis revealed the presence of a variety of paralogs of proteins that were previously shown to be involved in heavy metal resistance. Which advantage has C. metallidurans in maintaining all these paralogs during evolution? Paralogs investigated belong to the families RND (resistance nodulation cell division) or CHR (chromate resistance). The respective genes were localized by PCR either on one of the two native megaplasmids pMOL28 and pMOL30 of strain CH34, or on its chromosomal DNA. Gene expression was studied by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and by reporter gene constructs. Genes found to be inducible were disrupted and their contribution to metal resistance measured. When two or three highly related genes were present, usually one was inducible by heavy metals while the other one or two were silent or constitutively expressed. This suggests that C. metallidurans CH34 carries a variety of no longer or not yet used genes that might serve as surplus material for further developments, an advantage that may compensate for the costs of maintaining these genes during evolution.
Urological Complications of Live Related Donor Renal Transplantation: 13 Years’ Experience at a Single Center
Authors: Srivastava Anand , Sinha Tapan , Madhusoodanan P. , Karan S.C. , Sandhu A.S. , Sethi G.S. , Kotwal S.V. , Bhatyal H.S. , Sood R. , Gupta S.K. , Verma P.P.
Published: July 2006

Background: This study is a retrospective analysis of urological complications and their treatment in our series of live-donor renal transplantation. Material and Methods: The series comprised of 500 patients. All underwent extravesical ureteroneocystostomy and all except a few initial patients were stented. Results: There were 92 complications in 82 patients (18.4%). Urinary leakage occurred in 1.2%. There were no intrinsic ureteric obstructions. Extrinsic ureteric obstruction occurred in 0.8% of cases. The incidence of UTI was 15.4% and of urethral strictures 1%. Conclusion: The technique of stented extravesical ureteroneocystomy has led to an extremely low rate of urological complications in our series, over a long time and in a substantial number of patients.
Evaluation of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Metastatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma with and without Prior Chemotherapy
Authors: Liu I. Jenna , Lai Yen-Han , Espiritu Jocelyn I. , Segall George M. , Srinivas Sandy , Nino-Murcia Matilde , Terris Martha K.
Published: July 2006

Introduction: This study was designed to determine the value of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in the evaluation of metastatic transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Methods: Fifty-eight FDG PET scans were performed on 46 consecutive patients with TCC. Results were correlated with radiologic, pathologic, and histologic findings in these patients and the sensitivity of PET for detecting malignancy in untreated TCC patients (n = 48) was compared to the sensitivity in patients who had undergone prior chemotherapy (n = 10). Results: Of 48 scans in patients who had no prior systemic chemotherapy, 10 had increased uptake in proven metastatic TCC lesions and 3 PET studies failed to reveal metastatic TCC (sensitivity 76.9%). In patients free of metastatic disease, 33 revealed no abnormal uptake and 1 study revealed a suspicious area in a patient free of metastases (specificity = 97.1%). However, in 10 patients imaged after receiving chemotherapy, the sensitivity fell to 50% for the detection of histologically confirmed residual/recurrent tumor by PET. Conclusions: FDG PET detects increased metabolic activity. After chemotherapy, viable cancer cells may still be present but with a diminished metabolic rate. As a result, PET imaging is often useful in the evaluation of untreated metastatic TCC metastasis but should be interpreted with caution in patients who have received prior chemotherapy.
Clinicopathological Features Predicting Nodal Metastasis of Testicular Seminoma: Results from 100 Cases in a Single Institute
Authors: Sato Akinori , Ohigashi Takashi , Oya Mototsugu , Nakashima Jun , Marumo Ken , Murai Masaru
Published: July 2006

Background/Aims: To investigate the clinical and pathological features which predict nodal metastasis and/or the prognosis of testicular seminoma and to evaluate the current treatment strategy in a single institute. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients who had been pathologically diagnosed as having testicular seminoma in our institute. Ninety-one patients (91%) had stage I disease, 9 patients (9%) were stage II and none stage III. The median follow-up was 63.2 months (range 0.5–249). Results: The duration between the tumor recognition and the first outpatient visit ranged from 0 to 144 weeks, with a median of 5 weeks, which did not influence the clinical stage. The tumor diameter and the preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level were the significant predictors of stage II disease. Following orchiectomy, 68 patients (74.7%) with stage I disease received radiotherapy. Only 1 patient who had not received adjuvant radiotherapy died from the recurrent disease. The 5-year survival was 100% for the irradiation group but 95% for the surveillance group, although the difference was not statistically significant. All the stage II patients were successfully treated with chemotherapy following orchiectomy. Conclusion: The maximum tumor diameter and the preoperative serum LDH level were the significant predictors of nodal metastasis. Adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with stage I seminoma did not influence the survival. Systemic chemotherapy promised good survival for the seminoma, even with nodal metastasis, in this series. Our results support the good prognosis of testicular seminoma with the current treatment strategy.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Low-Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor in the Human Urinary Bladder
Authors: Eryıldırım Bilal , Tarhan Fatih , Gül Aylin Ege , Erbay Erkan , Kuyumcuoğlu Uğur
Published: July 2006

Introduction: Interest in the regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) production in the urinary tract derives from its probable involvement in obstructive, inflammatory and developmental disorders. Our aim was to investigate the presence of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) in the vesical urothelium of patients with bladder outlet obstruction. Subjects and Methods: The study included 20 patients with urodynamically confirmed outflow obstruction and 10 control patients without outflow obstruction. Cold cup biopsies of the posterior wall of the urinary bladder were obtained from all patients. Intensity and distribution of LNGFR in the human urinary bladder were examined immunohistochemically. Results: We detected LNGFR immunostaining in all specimens, and it was observed at the (luminal) epithelial surface and in nerve fibers. In the obstruction group, LNGFR immunoreactivity scores were higher than in the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The presence of LNGFR was demonstrated in the urothelium of the human urinary bladder, and these findings show that cells in hypertrophied and normal bladder can synthesize NGF. This observation may have a potential role for therapeutic implications. However, further studies are needed for an explanation of the pathophysiology and the role in treatment.
PCDH11 is X/Y homologous in Homo sapiens but not in Gorilla gorilla and Pan troglodytes
Authors: Wilson N.D. , Ross L.J.N. , Crow T.J. , Volpi E.V.
Published: July 2006

Protocadherin X (PCDHX) and Protocadherin Y (PCDHY) are cell-surface adhesion molecules expressed predominantly in brain. The human PCDH11X/Y gene pair is located in the non-pseudoautosomal X-Y homologous region (Xq21.3/Yp11.2). The possible existence of PCDH11 gene dosage differences between human and non-human primates is of evolutionary significance with respect to species differences and escape from X inactivation, and has been repeatedly debated. Previous investigations on the X/Y homologous status of PCDH11 and adjacent sequences in non-human primates have highlighted the complexity of the molecular pattern and evolutionary history of this genomic region. This paper provides for the first time direct evidence for the absence of the PCDH11 genefrom the Y chromosome of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) as well as gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). By confirmingthe suspected lack of X-Y homologous status for PCDH11 in non-human primates, our results reinforce the hypothesis of a hominid-specific role for this gene in brain development.
Chromosomal distribution and organization of three cervid satellite DNAs in Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis)
Authors: Lin C.C. , Li Y.C.
Published: July 2006

The species-specific profile and centromeric heterochromatin localization of satellite DNA in mammalian genomes imply that satellite DNA may play an important role in mammalian karyotype evolution and speciation. A satellite III DNA family, CCsatIII was thought to be specific to roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). In this study, however, this satellite DNA family was found also to exist in Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) by PCR-Southern screening. A satellite III DNA element of this species was then generated from PCR-cloning by amplifying this satellite element using primer sequences from the roe deer satellite III clone (CCsatIII). The newly generated satellite III DNA along with previously obtained satellite I and II DNA clones were used as probes for FISH studies to investigate the genomic distribution and organization of these three satellite DNA families in centromeric heterochromatin regions of Chinese water deer chromosomes. Satellite I and II DNA were observed in the pericentric/centric regions of all chromosomes, whereas satellite III was distributed on 38 out of 70 chromosomes. The distribution and orientation of satellite DNAs I, II and III in the centromeric heterochromatin regions of the genome were further classified into four different types. The existence of a Capreolus-like satellite III in Chinese water deer implies that satellite III is not specific to the genus Capreolus (Buntjer et al., 1998) and supports the molecular phylogeny classification of Randi et al. (1998) which suggests that Chinese water deer and roe deer are closely related.