bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct contact membrane inoculation of yeasts and moulds for evaluating preservative efficacy in solid cosmetics
Authors: TRAN TONY T. , COLLIER STEVEN W.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

A direct contact membrane inoculation technique for yeasts and moulds was used to evaluate the preservation efficacy and antimicrobial activity of Germall 115 and Germall II in pressed eye shadows. Test organisms on membrane filters were placed in direct contact with cosmetics at room temperature under humid conditions. Growth on membranes was removed daily, or as appropriate, and cultured on potato dextrose agar containing lecithin and Tween 80. Linear regression analysis was used to determine product preservation efficacy. Average D values of 1 and 3 days for Candida albicans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 10231 and 17 and 29 days for Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 were obtained on two eye shadows we prepared (in‐house eye shadows) with parabens and either Germall II or Germall 115 as preservatives. A decimal reduction time (D value) of 6–7 days was calculated for the yeast on a commercial eye shadow preserved with parabens and Germall 115. A. niger multiplied on six of seven replicates of this commercial product to attain a nearly 3 log10 increase in 20 days. On one replicate, A. niger showed a 1 log10 increase in the first 10 days, and then decreased linearly (r =— 0.95) to <10 colony‐forming units per membrane by day 24. The method used with C. albicans and A. niger was then used with bacteria. The method was sensitive enough to differentiate the antimicrobial activity of the Germall 115 and Germall II against fungi but not against bacteria. The in‐house and commercial products were preserved most effectively against the three bacteria tested and least effectively against the mould.
Transparent gels: study of their formation and assimilation of active ingredients through phase diagrams
Authors: COMELLES F. , CAELLES J. , PARRA J.L. , LEAL J. SÁNCHEZ
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Multicomponent gel formulations capable of assimilating, simultaneously, several active ingredients of potential application in the cosmetic field were studied.

The possibility of formation of a transparent gel was determined using a method which consisted in the optimization of several lipophilic basic compositions, composed of oil, a mixture of surfactants, a sunscreen agent, several vitamins and antioxidants situated in the base of a regular tetrahedron that symbolized the considered system. To this, a polar phase made of water, a cosolvent and urea in appropriate proportions and situated in the fourth vertex, was progressively added.

It may be concluded, that the use of phase diagrams on cosmetic systems, constitutes a useful way to select the components and their mutual ratios, allowing an adaptation to the specific requested conditions of formulation.
Geographical variations of the constituents of the essential oil of Crithmum maritimum L., Apiaceae
Authors: COIFFARD L. , PIRON‐FRENET‡ M. , AMICEL L.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Crithmum maritimum L. is a halophyte and chasmophyte apiaceous plant, which grows on all the world's coastlines but is particularly abundant in France. The essential oil obtained by steam distillation from samples of leaves of Crithmum maritimum L. gathered in two areas of France, Brittany and Provence, was analysed first by ultraviolet spectroscopy and secondly by capillary GC.

In the first analysis, two distinct UV spectra were obtained depending on the two origins. In all, about 27 components were identified in the two sample types by GC, and they were quantified when possible. Dillapiole is the main constituent representing 75% of the oil whatever its origin.
First impression versus extended usage: a comparison of product testing methodologies for perfume
Authors: SHALOFSKY I.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

In the fine fragrance industry, unlike many other fast moving consumer goods (fmcg) industries, systematic consumer product‐testing has usually been conspicuous by its absence. The reasons are varied, including perfume's own traditions rooted in fashion rather than in marketing, the reluctance of perfumers to see their creations tested, the frequently (and perhaps, surprisingly) short lead times accorded for new product development and, of course, costs. When consumer product‐testing is carried out, it is often limited for these same reasons, to ‘sniff‐testing’, which, in the perfume industry, is equivalent to ‘first impression’ testing.

This paper suggests that such sniff‐testing may not only be unreliable, but perhaps more unreliable for the perfume category than has been realized hitherto. Reference is made to two consumer research studies on perfume, a qualitative project in France, followed by a quantitative exercise in the UK. A comparison is made between in‐home test and sniff‐test results for the same set of perfumes, which illustrates the limitations of sniff‐testing in general, and the misleading results that it may produce, in particular. A major implication is that perfume is one product category which should be tested in extended usage, and not just for ‘first impressions’.
Identification and characterization of vinylpyrrolidone‐vinylimidazolium chloride copolymers in cosmetic products by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method
Authors: GMAHL E. , RUESS W.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

Commercially available copolymers of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and 1‐vinyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride, known as ‘Luviquat’ types in the cosmetic industry, were analysed for their composition using a combination of pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. This is a report on the determined pyrolytic products and the fast identification of the analysed polymers both in raw materials and cosmetic products. Calibration with defined material ensures the determination of monomer ratios with good reproducibility.
7. Very Local Structure in Social Networks
Authors: Faust Katherine
Published: May 2007

Triadic configurations are fundamental to many social structural processes and provide the basis for a variety of social network theories and methodologies. This paper addresses the question of how much of the patterning of triads is accounted for by lower-order properties pertaining to nodes and dyads. The empirical base is a collection of 82 social networks representing a number of different species (humans, baboons, macaques, bison, cattle, goats, sparrows, caribou, and more) and an assortment of social relations (friendship, negative sentiments, choice of work partners, advice seeking, reported social interactions, victories in agonistic encounters, dominance, and co-observation). Methodology uses low dimensional representations of triad censuses for these social networks, as compared to censuses expected given four lower-order social network properties. Results show that triadic structure is largely accounted for by properties more local than triads: network density, nodal indegree and outdegree distributions, and the dyad census. These findings reinforce the observation that structural configurations that can be realized in empirical social networks are severely constrained by very local network properties, making some configurations extremely improbable.
Damages Caps in Medical Malpractice Cases
Authors: NELSON LEONARD J. , MORRISEY MICHAEL A. , KILGORE MEREDITH L.
Published: May 2007

This article reviews the empirical literature on the effects of damages caps and concludes that the better‐designed studies show that damages caps reduce liability insurance premiums. The effects of damages caps on defensive medicine, physicians’ location decisions, and the cost of health care to consumers are less clear. The only study of whether consumers benefit from lower health insurance premiums as a result of damages caps found no impact. Some state courts have based decisions declaring damages caps legislation unconstitutional on the lack of evidence of their effectiveness, thereby ignoring the findings of conflicting research studies or discounting their relevance. Although courts should be cautious in rejecting empirical evidence that caps are effective, legislators should consider whether they benefit consumers enough to justify limiting tort recoveries for those most seriously injured by malpractice.
Commentary: Malpractice Reform in Policy Perspective
Authors: BOVBJERG RANDALL R.
Published: May 2007

Enacted caps on malpractice awards and proposed early offer reform address the sometimes excessive verdicts of conventional liability and its very high overhead costs. However, such reforms greatly benefit medical defendants while doing too little for claimants or patients in general. Caps and early offer only affect current claims; far broader reforms are therefore needed to improve the woeful performance of liability as a general promoter of patient safety and injury compensation. Broad reforms, however desirable, seldom surmount high political and practical hurdles. A good, more evenhanded start would seek to make claims resolution faster, more accurate, more predictable, and less expensive, while separately promoting medical quality and safety as well as greater transparency for law, medicine, and insurance.
Hospitals' Strategies for Orchestrating Selection of Physician Preference Items
Authors: MONTGOMERY KATHLEEN , SCHNELLER EUGENE S.
Published: May 2007

This article analyzes hospitals' strategies to shape physicians' behavior and counter suppliers' power in purchasing physician preference items. Two models of standardization are limitations on the range of manufacturers or products (the “formulary” model) and price ceilings for particular item categories (the “payment‐cap” model), both requiring processes to define product equivalencies often with inadequate product comparison data. The formulary model is more difficult to implement because of physicians' resistance to top‐down dictates. The payment‐cap model is more feasible because it preserves physicians' choice while also restraining manufacturers' power. Hospitals may influence physicians' involvement through a process of orchestration that includes committing to improve clinical facilities, scheduling, and training and fostering a culture of mutual trust and respect.
Clinical and imaging characterization of a patient with idiopathic progressive ataxia and palatal tremor
Authors: Cilia R. , Righini A. , Marotta G. , Benti R. , Marconi R. , Isaias I. U. , Pezzoli G. , Antonini A.
Published: May 2007

We describe clinical and imaging features of a patient with sporadic progressive ataxia and palatal tremor (PAPT) of unknown etiology. There was hypertrophy of bilateral inferior olivary nuclei with hyperintense T2‐weighted signal and mild cerebellar atrophy at brain magnetic resonance imaging. 18F‐fluoro‐2‐desoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography scanning (FDG‐PET) showed hypometabolism in the red nucleus, external globus pallidus and precuneus while FP‐CIT‐SPECT imaging revealed mild and progressive loss of striatal dopaminergic terminals. Our findings suggest that in idiopathic PAPT involvement of the dentato‐rubro‐olivary pathway occurs along with some dopaminergic dysfunction.
Aging and cancer cell biology, 2007
Authors: Campisi Judith
Published: May 2007

This Hot Topics review, the second in a new Aging Cell series, discusses articles published in the last year that have stimulated new ideas about the tangled relationship of aging to cancer cell biology. The year's highlights include reports on the ability of Mdm2 mutations to diminish risks of cancer in aging mice, on proliferative competition between oncogenic cells and bone marrow stem cells, and on the role of metalloproteinases in overcoming age‐associated barriers to tumor invasion. Of particular interest were three articles showing that diminished activity of the tumor‐suppressor gene p16/INK4a, while increasing the risk of cancer mortality, can lead to improved function in several varieties of age‐sensitive stem cells.
Enhancement of isokinetic muscle strength with a combined training programme in chronic heart failure
Authors: Degache Francis , Garet Martin , Calmels Paul , Costes Fédéric , Bathélémy Jean‐Claude , Roche Frédéric
Published: May 2007

Background  Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) exhibit an impaired exercised tolerance that dramatically limits their functional capacity and alters their quality of life.

Design  The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two types of training programmes on isokinetic muscle strength and aerobic capacities in patients with CHF.

Methods  A group of 23 stable CHF patients included consecutively followed an exercise training programme, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The first group (P1, n = 11) exercised on a cycloergometer for 45 min at 65% of peak . The second group (P2, n = 12) followed a 45‐min combined bicycle and quadricipital strength training. Strength training consisted of 10 series of 10 repetitions at 70% of maximal voluntary force. Incremental maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests as well as an isokinetic quadricipital dynamometry evaluation were performed before and after training.

Results and conclusions  In P1, peak increased by 20% (22·3 ± 4·9 versus 17·8 ± 4·5 ml min−1 kg−1; P<0·05) without any significant change in isokinetic muscle strength. In P2, peak improved within the same range (20·5 ± 2·8 versus 18·6 ± 3·7 ml min−1 kg−1; P<0·01). This last rehabilitation programme significantly increased isokinetic muscle strength at each angular velocities (+10·5 ± 13·5%, P<0·04; +5·6 ± 7·0%, P<0·03; for 180° s−1 and 60° s−1 respectively). Only the combined endurance/strength training programme was associated with an improvement in both peak and peripheral muscle strength, two significant parameters of outcome and quality of life in CHF.
SOME LESSER KNOWN FEATURES OF THE ANCIENT CEPHALOPOD ORDER ELLESMEROCERIDA (NAUTILOIDEA, CEPHALOPODA)
Authors: KRÖGER BJÖRN
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Three specimens of the small breviconic ellesmeroceratid Paradakeoceras minor Flower, 1964 from the Tremadocian of the New York area preserve the annular elevation and muscle scars in moulds of the body chamber. The annular elevation is positioned at the base of the body chamber and is wider on the convex side of the shell than on the concave side. Multiple paired muscle scars can be seen within this annular elevation. A well‐preserved body chamber of the breviconic ellesmeroceratid Levisoceras cf. edwardsi Ulrich, Foerste and Miller is described. Its body chamber shows a strong anterior–posterior asymmetry, which is common within the Ellesmeroceratida. The shape of the body chamber and of the soft body attachment structures has led to a reconstruction of an ellesmeroceratid soft body that is organized like a primitive conchiferan mollusc. Based on this reconstruction, a tryblidian cephalopod ancestor is supported. An evolutionary scenario is reconstructed from an ancestral nautiloid that is stretched along the anterior–posterior axis, and has serially arranged shell muscles and a small mantle cavity, towards a modern cephalopod with a dorsal–ventral body orientation, reduced number of shell muscles and a large mantle cavity.
A NEW TEMNOSPONDYL FROM THE PERMO‐TRIASSIC BUENA VISTA FORMATION OF URUGUAY
Authors: PIÑEIRO GRACIELA , MARSICANO CLAUDIA , LORENZO NORA
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  A partial skull recovered from conglomerates of the Permo‐Triassic Buena Vista Formation in Uruguay belongs to a new species, Uruyiella liminea gen. et sp. nov. This species is characterized by a broadly triangular skull with laterally projecting posterior corners, rhytidosteid‐like dermal sculpturing, and orbits positioned close to the skull margin. Uruyiella liminea is distinguished from other temnospondyls by a combination of primitive and derived character states, such as the anterior extent of the palatine ramus of the pterygoid, which excludes the ectopterygoid and most of the palatine from the lateral border of the interpterygoid vacuity, and the absence of both tabular horns and otic notches. A phylogenetic analysis places Uruyiella and the enigmatic Early Triassic Laidleria in a clade to which we attach the family name Laidleriidae. The Plagiosauridae and the Laidleriidae form a clade at the base of Dvinosauria, which is the sister group of a clade that includes Stereospondyli and Archegosauroidea. This result is unexpected because Laidleria and Plagiosauridae are nested deeply within Stereospondyli in most phylogenies. The sister‐group relationship of Uruyiella and Laidleria suggests that a ghost lineage for the latter genus extends down into the earliest Triassic and perhaps even into the Late Permian, which in turn would suggest survivorship of the Laidleriidae through the Permo‐Triassic extinction event.
REASSESSMENT OF THE GENUS LEANCHOILIA (ARTHROPODA, ARACHNOMORPHA) FROM THE MIDDLE CAMBRIAN BURGESS SHALE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Authors: GARCÍA‐BELLIDO DIEGO C. , COLLINS DESMOND
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The collection, since 1975, of over 1500 specimens of Leanchoilia Walcott by the Royal Ontario Museum has prompted reassessment of the genus and its species from the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale. Among new characters in Leanchoilia superlata, the type species, are the presence of two pairs of eyes, a dorsal double carina bracketing the axis of the body segments, segmentation of the gill branch of the appendages, and serration along the body edges from the posterior third of the cephalic shield to the last body segment. Leanchoilia persephone Simonetta, previously synonymized with L. superlata, is also well represented in the Burgess Shale, and is re‐established as a valid species, owing to conspicuous differences from the type species. These are the absence of the diagnostic up‐curving snout of the cephalic shield, the absence of carina, the shorter ‘great appendages’, the smooth edges of the body, and its overall shape in dorsal aspect. Leanchoilia superlata and L. persephone may be sexual dimorphs of each other. The ROM collections extend considerably the geographical distribution and stratigraphic range of Leanchoilia in western Canada.
A NEW SILURIAN EURYPTERID (ARTHROPODA: CHELICERATA) FROM CHINA
Authors: TETLIE O. ERIK , SELDEN PAUL A. , REN DONG
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The oldest eurypterid from China is described as Hughmilleria wangi sp. nov., from the Xiaoxiyu Formation (Silurian: latest Llandovery) of Hunan Province. H. wangi is relatively similar to two species from North America, but differs in the development of epimera on the postabdomen, a slightly wider carapace, a styliform telson and the dimensions of the penultimate podomere of the paddle. The Llandovery age of the specimen substantially reduces the ghost range of the genus Hughmilleria. The exact phylogenetic relationship between the different species in Hughmilleria, the most basal genus in the pterygotoid clade, cannot be resolved because the plesiomorphic states within this clade are poorly known. The shapes of the telson and swimming paddle of the Chinese species suggest that it is more primitive than its North American relatives, which is in accord with its greater age.
A NEW MICROCHOERINE OMOMYID (PRIMATES, MAMMALIA) FROM THE ENGLISH EARLY EOCENE AND ITS PALAEOBIOGEOGRAPHICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: HOOKER J. J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  A new genus and species of omomyid primate, Melaneremia bryanti, is described from the Early Eocene Blackheath Beds of Abbey Wood, London, UK. It shares unique derived characters with the European subfamily Microchoerinae and is its most primitive member. It is nevertheless more derived than the primitive omomyid Teilhardina belgica from the beginning of the European Eocene. Cladistic analysis shows that the Microchoerinae are sister group to a clade comprising subfamilies Omomyinae and Anaptomorphinae, but excluding Teilhardina belgica and T. asiatica, which are stem omomyids. The Mammalian Dispersal Event (MDE), which marks the beginning of the Eocene (55·8 Ma), saw the dispersal of primates, perissodactyls and artiodactyls into the Northern Hemisphere. At this time similar species of Teilhardina lived in Europe, Asia and North America. The Abbey Wood microchoerine lived about 1 million years later. It co‐occurs with non‐primate species identical or very similar to those that lived in North America. The latter were ground‐dwellers, whereas the microchoerine and others that show distinct differences from North American relatives were tree‐dwellers. Land‐bridges connected North America and Europe via Greenland at the beginning of the Eocene, but 2 million years later these had been severed by submarine rifting. North American species at Abbey Wood indicate that a land connection still remained at c. 55 Ma. However, the forest belt that must have been continuous during the MDE to allow tree‐dwellers to disperse between the continents is likely by this time to have been disrupted, perhaps by volcanic eruption.
FOSSIL DIAGENESIS IN THE BURGESS SHALE
Authors: BUTTERFIELD NICHOLAS J. , BALTHASAR UWE , WILSON LUCY A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Current models for the exceptional preservation of Burgess Shale fossils have focused on either the HF‐extractable carbonaceous compressions or the mineral films identified by elemental mapping. BSEM, EDX and microprobe analysis of two‐dimensionally preserved Marpolia, Wiwaxia and Burgessia identifies the presence of both carbonaceous and aluminosilicate films for most features, irrespective of original lability. In the light of the deep burial and greenschist facies metamorphism documented for the Burgess Shale, the aluminosilicate films are identified as products of late‐stage volatilization and coincident mineralization of pre‐existing compression fossils, whereas the three‐dimensionally preserved gut‐caecal system of Burgessia is interpreted as an aluminosilicate replacement of a pre‐existing carbonate phase. The case for late diagenetic emplacement of aluminosilicate minerals is supported by the extensive aluminosilicification of trilobite shell and (originally) calcareous veinlets in the Burgess Shale, as well as documentation of other secondarily aluminosilicified compression fossils. By distinguishing late diagenetic alteration from the early diagenetic processes responsible for exceptional preservation, it is possible to reconcile the range of preservational modes currently expressed in the Burgess Shale.
Effect of Chronic Sustained‐Release Dipyridamole on Myocardial Blood Flow and Left Ventricular Function in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Akhtar Mateen , Ordovas Karen , Martin Alastair , Higgins Charles B. , Michaels Andrew D.
Published: May 2007

Dipyridamole increases adenosine levels and augments coronary collateralization in patients with coronary ischemia. This pilot study tested whether a 6‐month course of sustained‐release dipyridamole/aspirin improves coronary flow reserve and left ventricular systolic function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Six outpatients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% were treated with sustained‐release dipyridamole 200 mg/aspirin 25 mg twice daily for 6 months. Myocardial function and perfusion, including coronary sinus flow at rest and during intravenous dipyridamole‐induced hyperemia, were measured using velocity‐encoded cine magnetic resonance stress perfusion studies at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. There was no change in heart failure or angina class at 6 months. LVEF increased by 39%±64% (31.0%±13.3% at baseline vs 38.3%±10.7% at 6 months; P=.01), hyperemic coronary sinus flow increased more than 2‐fold (219.6±121.3 mL/min vs 509.4±349.3 mL/min; P=.01), and stress‐induced relative myocardial perfusion increased by 35%±13% (9.4%±3.4% vs 13.9%±8.5%; P=.004). Sustained‐release dipyridamole improved hyperemic myocardial blood flow and left ventricular systolic function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
A Molecular Phylogenetic Investigation of Opisthonecta and Related Genera (Ciliophora, Peritrichia, Sessilida)
Authors: WILLIAMS DANIEL , CLAMP JOHN C.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. The gene encoding 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) was sequenced in the sessiline peritrichs Opisthonecta minima and Opisthonecta matiensis, whose free‐swimming, paedomorphic trophonts resemble telotrochs. Using these new sequences, phylogenetic trees were constructed with four different methods to test a previously published association between Opisthonecta henneguyi and members of the families Vorticellidae and Astylozoidae. All trees had similar topologies, with O. minima, O. henneguyi, Vorticella microstoma, and Astylozoon enriquesi forming a well‐supported, certainly monophyletic clade. On the basis of genetic evidence, genera of the families Opisthonectidae and Astylozoidae are assigned to the family Vorticellidae, which already includes some species with free‐swimming morphotypes. The ssu rRNA sequence of O. matiensis places it in the family Epistylididae; its taxonomic revision will be left to another group of authors. A close association of Ophrydium versatile with members of the family Vorticellidae was confirmed, casting doubt on the validity of the family Ophrydiidae. Epistylis galea, Campanella umbellaria, and Opercularia microdiscum are confirmed as comprising an extremely distinct, monophyletic, but morphologically heterogeneous clade that is basal to other clades of sessiline peritrichs.
Redescriptions of Two Marine Hypotrichous Ciliates, Diophrys irmgard and D. hystrix (Ciliophora, Euplotida), with a Brief Revision of the Genus Diophrys
Authors: SONG WEIBO , WILBERT NORBERT , AL‐RASHEID KAHLED , WARREN ALAN , SHAO CHEN , LONG HONGAN , YI ZHENZHEN , LI LIQIONG
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Two insufficiently described marine euplotids, Diophrys irmgardMansfeld (1923) and Diophrys hystrixBuddenbrock (1920), found in coastal waters near Qingdao, China, were reinvestigated with emphasis on their living morphology and infraciliature. Improved diagnoses and redescriptions are supplied for both organisms. Critical redefinitions of nine morphotypes are presented and the validities of the nominal species are discussed and briefly revised. Following Curds and Wu (1983), and based on data obtained during the present study and a critical review of the literature, five additional nominal species are regarded as junior synonyms of known forms: Diophrys quadricaudatusAgamaliev (1967), D. scutoidesAgamaliev (1967), and D. tetramacronucleataKattar (1970) are synonymized with D. scutum (Dujardin 1841), while D. pentacirratusAlekperov (1984) and D. multicirratusAlekperov (1984) are junior synonyms of D. oligothrixBorror (1965).
Micronuclear and Macronuclear Forms of β‐Tubulin Genes in the CiliateChilodonella uncinataReveal Insights into Genome Processing and Protein Evolution
Authors: ZUFALL REBECCA A. , KATZ LAURA A.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT.Chilodonella uncinata, like all ciliates, contains two distinct nuclei in every cell: a germline micronucleus and a somatic macronucleus. During development of the macronucleus from a zygotic nucleus, the genome is processed in several ways, including elimination of internal sequences. In this study, we analyze micronuclear and macronuclear copies of β‐tubulin inC. uncinataand find at least four divergent paralogs of β‐tubulin in the macronucleus. We characterize the micronuclear version of one paralog and compare its internally eliminated sequences (IESs) with previously described IESs in this species. These comparisons reveal the presence of a conserved sequence motif within IESs. In addition, we compare the sequences of β‐tubulin fromC. uncinatawith other ciliates and to other alveolates in order to test the hypothesis that the mode of molecular evolution in ciliates obscures phylogenetic signal in protein‐coding genes. We find that heterogeneous rates of substitution in β‐tubulin across ciliates result in unstable genealogies that are inconsistent with phylogenies based on small subunit rDNA genes and on ultrastructure. We discuss the implications of our findings for genome processing and protein evolution in ciliates.
DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY IN THE CLASSROOM: A SOCIOLOGICAL VIEW
Authors: Reich Wendelin
Published: May 2007

Abstract Contemporary philosophical and political theories place high hopes on the concept of deliberative democracy. Within educational research, there seems to be widespread agreement that if students are to be educated for deliberative democracy, actual classroom deliberation constitutes an indispensable educational tool. From the standpoint of sociology and social psychology, this assumption seems plausible but unnecessarily vague. In this essay, Wendelin Reich suggests a comprehensive list of educational aims that may be associated with deliberation before reviewing research on the concept of communicative interaction in order to evaluate how deliberation, seen as a specific form of communicative interaction, could live up to its educational aims. From this evaluation Reich deduces that the aims stand in complex and sometimes even contradictory relation to the means for achieving them and to each other. Reich concludes that more empirical research is needed to determine in which forms and contexts deliberation can best contribute to fulfilling the goal of educating democratic citizens.
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor is highly susceptible to chymase‐mediated proteolysis
Authors: Hamuro Tsutomu , Kido Hiroshi , Asada Yujiro , Hatakeyama Kinta , Okumura Yuushi , Kunori Youichi , Kamimura Takashi , Iwanaga Sadaaki , Kamei Shintaro
Published: May 2007

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a multivalent Kunitz‐type protease inhibitor that primarily inhibits the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. It is synthesized by various cells and its expression level increases in inflammatory environments. Mast cells and neutrophils accumulate at sites of inflammation and vascular disease where they release proteinases as well as chemical mediators of these conditions. In this study, the interactions between TFPI and serine proteinases secreted from human mast cells and neutrophils were examined. TFPI inactivated human lung tryptase, and its inhibitory activity was stronger than that of antithrombin. In contrast, mast cell chymase rapidly cleaved TFPI even at an enzyme to substrate molar ratio of 1 : 500, resulting in markedly decreased TFPI anticoagulant and anti‐(factor Xa) activities. N‐Terminal amino‐acid sequencing and MS analyses of the proteolytic fragments revealed that chymase preferentially cleaved TFPI at Tyr159‐Gly160, Phe181‐Glu182, Leu89‐Gln90, and Tyr268‐Glu269, in that order, resulting in the separation of the three individual Kunitz domains. Neutrophil‐derived proteinase 3 also cleaved TFPI, but the reaction was much slower than the chymase reaction. In contrast, α‐chymotrypsin, which shows similar substrate specificities to those of chymase, resulted in a markedly lower level of TFPI degradation. These data indicate that TFPI is a novel and highly susceptible substrate of chymase. We propose that chymase‐mediated proteolysis of TFPI may induce a thrombosis‐prone state at inflammatory sites.
The localization of FGFR3 mutations causing thanatophoric dysplasia type I differentially affects phosphorylation, processing and ubiquitylation of the receptor
Authors: Bonaventure Jacky , Gibbs Linda , Horne William C. , Baron Roland
Published: May 2007

Recurrent missense fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) mutations have been ascribed to skeletal dysplasias of variable severity including the lethal neonatal thanatophoric dysplasia types I (TDI) and II (TDII). To elucidate the role of activating mutations causing TDI on receptor trafficking and endocytosis, a series of four mutants located in different domains of the receptor were generated and transiently expressed. The putatively elongated X807R receptor was identified as three isoforms. The fully glycosylated mature isoform was constitutively but mildly phosphorylated. Similarly, mutations affecting the extracellular domain (R248C and Y373C) induced moderate constitutive receptor phosphorylation. By contrast, the K650M mutation affecting the tyrosine kinase 2 (TK2) domain produced heavy phosphorylation of the nonglycosylated and mannose‐rich isoforms that impaired receptor trafficking through the Golgi network. This resulted in defective expression of the mature isoform at the cell surface. Normal processing was rescued by tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Internalization of the R248C and Y373C mutant receptors, which form stable disulfide‐bonded dimers at the cell surface was less efficient than the wild‐type, whereas ubiquitylation was markedly increased but apparently independent of the E3 ubiquitin‐ligase casitas B‐lineage lymphoma (c‐Cbl). Constitutive phosphorylation of c‐Cbl by the K650M mutant appeared to be related to the intracellular retention of the receptor. Therefore, although mutation K650M affecting the TK2 domain induces defective targeting of the overphosphorylated receptor, a different mechanism characterized by receptor retention at the plasma membrane, excessive ubiquitylation and reduced degradation results from mutations that affect the extracellular domain and the stop codon.
FAMILY‐FRIENDLY PROGRAMS, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT, AND WORK WITHDRAWAL: THE MODERATING ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: WANG PENG , WALUMBWA FRED O.
Published: May 2007

Using data from China, Kenya, and Thailand, we investigated the moderating effect of transformational leadership in the relationships between family‐friendly programs (childcare and work flexibility benefits), organizational commitment, and work withdrawal. Results supported the moderating effect of transformational leadership in the relationships between work flexibility benefits and both organizational commitment and work withdrawal, and between childcare benefits and work withdrawal. Theoretical contributions as well as practical implications are discussed.
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH FOR EVALUATING VARIABLES IN ORGANIZATIONAL RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
Authors: LeBRETON JAMES M. , HARGIS MICHAEL B. , GRIEPENTROG BRIAN , OSWALD FREDERICK L. , PLOYHART ROBERT E.
Published: May 2007

One of the most difficult tasks facing industrial‐organizational psychologists is evaluating the importance of variables, especially new variables, to be included in the prediction of some outcome. When multiple regression is used, common practices suggest evaluating the usefulness of new variables by showing incremental validity beyond the set of existing variables. This approach assures that the new variables are not statistically redundant with this existing set, but this approach attributes any shared criterion‐related validity to the existing set of variables and none to the new variables. More importantly, incremental validity alone fails to answer the question directly about the importance of variables included in a regression model—arguably the more important statistical concern for practitioners. To that end, the current article reviews 2 indices of relative importance, general dominance weights and relative weights, which may be used to complement incremental validity evidence and permit organizational decision makers to make more precise and informed decisions concerning the usefulness of predictor variables. We illustrate our approach by reanalyzing the correlation matrices from 2 published studies.
Conformational Transition in the Aminoacyl t‐RNA Site of the Bacterial Ribosome both in the Presence and Absence of an Aminoglycoside Antibiotic
Authors: Meroueh Samy O. , Mobashery Shahriar
Published: May 2007

Peptide bonds are made at the ribosomal decoding site. Structural information reveals that two bases in the RNA that constitute the decoding site, A1492 and A1493, can have both intrahelical and extrahelical conformations. Aminoglycoside antibiotics bind to the decoding site, and the structural information reveals the two bases in the extrahelical positions. We have shown by explicit‐solvent molecular dynamics simulations and free‐energy calculations that ribosomal RNA bases A1492 and A1493 are inherently prone to sampling conformational states that include both intrahelical and extrahelical positions. The simulations reveal that base flipping occurs through the minor groove of the double helix. Furthermore, free‐energy calculations for the conformational change of the bases to the extrahelical positions in both processes are exergonic and highly favorable. It is likely that the correct codon‐anticodon recognition by mRNA and tRNA arrests the bases in extrahelical conformations in the course of normal translation. In contrast, the sequestration of the aminoglycoside antibiotic at the decoding site facilitates the conformational change of the bases to the extrahelical position. Once the antibiotic is bound, the extrahelical positions for the bases are highly favored based on contributions by both electrostatic and entropic components of the free energy for the process.
QSAR Studies on the Anesthetic Action of Some Polyhalogenated Ethers
Authors: Mehdipour Ahmad R. , Hemmateenejad Bahram , Miri Ramin
Published: May 2007

There has been an on‐going debate about the mode of action of general anesthetics and until now, many sites have been postulated as target site for action of these compounds. Here, some quantum chemical‐based quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed for a set of polyhalogenated ethers in order to investigate the aspects of their anesthetic action, which is not completely defined yet, although some hypotheses have been suggested. A data set including 25 polyhalogenated methyl ethyl ethers were selected, and different descriptors were calculated for each molecule using density functional theory calculations, and subsequently some multilinear QSAR models were built by using different sets of the calculated molecular descriptors. The result showed that polar (polarizability) and non‐polar (logP) parameters have mixed role on the anesthetic activity i.e. models with high statistical quality were obtained in combination with these two parameters. Also a good model between anesthetic action and electrostatic potentials was obtained, which may imply the important role of electronic interactions in the anesthetic activity of the compounds. Finally, a four‐parametric QSAR model containing logP, molecular polarizability, most positive charge and an electrostatic potential parameters was obtained, which indicated that the anesthetic action of the polyhaloganted ethers may be proceeded through lipophilic, steric and columbic interactions.
A Simplified, Accurate and Fast Method for Lithium Isotope Analysis of Rocks and Fluids, and δ7Li Values of Seawater and Rock Reference Materials
Authors: Rosner Martin , Ball Lary , Peucker‐Ehrenbrink Bernhard , Blusztajn Jerzy , Bach Wolfgang , Erzinger Jörg
Published: May 2007

We report a new approach to conduct fast and accurate lithium isotope ratio measurements by MC‐ICP mass spectrometry after wet chemical sample preparation. In contrast to most previously published methods our MC‐ICP‐MS set‐up did not use a desolvating system to achieve appropriate ion beam intensities and, therefore, was less affected by matrix‐induced shifts of the instrumental mass bias. As the total lithium background and build‐up in the sample introduction system was low, previous sample residues could be washed out by an extended uptake of the new sample. Elimination of a nitric acid rinse step increased the sample throughput by a factor of two and allowed the instrumental mass bias drift to be tracked more precisely. δ7Li values of powdered silicate rock reference materials and seawater obtained in this study revealed good accuracy and an overall analytical uncertainty of typically 0.5‰ (2s). On the basis of a comparison between our lithium isotope data and compiled literature data, we recommend preliminary average δ7Li values for seawater (+30.8‰) and several silicate rock reference materials (BHVO‐1: +5.0‰; JA‐1: +5.6‰; JB‐2: +4.8‰). The compilation of published δ7Li values for seawater suggests that the observed large lithium isotope differences are due to inter‐method and/or interlaboratory bias. Most recently published δ7Li values for seawater show little variation and confirm a constant lithium isotope composition (at the sub ‰ level) of seawater in well mixed ocean basins.
Rare Earth Element Concentrations in the Natural Water Reference Materials (NRCC) NASS‐5, CASS‐4 and SLEW‐3
Authors: Lawrence Michael G. , Kamber Balz S.
Published: May 2007

The rare earth element and yttrium concentrations of the NRCC reference materials North Atlantic Surface seawater, NASS‐5; Coastal Atlantic Surface Seawater, CASS‐4; and the estuarine water, SLEW‐3 have been precisely determined by ICP‐MS after ca. 1:8 preconcentration following a triple chelation using HDEHP (phosphoric acid 2‐ethylhexyl ester ‐mono and di ester mixture) in heptane, and back extraction in nitric acid. We propose reference values with uncertainties for all naturally occurring lanthanides and yttrium.
Monte Carlo Study of Quantitative Electron Probe Microanalysis of Monazite with a Coating Film: Comparison of 25 nm Carbon and 10 nm Gold at E0= 15 and 25 keV
Authors: Kato Takenori
Published: May 2007

Carbon (25–30 nm in thickness) is the most common coating material used in the electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of geological samples. A gold coating is also used in special cases to reduce the surface damage by electron bombardment. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for monazite with a 25 nm carbon and a 10 nm gold coating to understand the effect of a coating film in quantitative EPMA at E0= 15 keV and 25 keV. Simulations showed that carbon‐coated monazite gave the same depth distribution of the generated X‐rays in the monazite as uncoated monazite, whilst gold‐coated monazite gave a distorted depth distribution. A 10 nm gold coating was 1.06 (15 keV) and 1.05 (25 keV) times higher in k‐ratio between monazite and pure thorium than a 25 nm carbon coating at an X‐ray take‐off angle of 40 degrees. Thus, a 10 nm gold coating is a possible factor contributing to inaccuracy in quantitative EPMA of monazite, while a 25 nm carbon coating does not have a significant effect.
Computing vector differences using a gain field‐like mechanism in monkey frontal eye field
Authors: Cassanello Carlos R. , Ferrera Vincent P.
Published: May 2007

Signals related to eye position are essential for visual perception and eye movements, and are powerful modulators of sensory responses in many regions of the visual and oculomotor systems. We show that visual and pre‐saccadic responses of frontal eye field (FEF) neurons are modulated by initial eye position in a way suggestive of a multiplicative mechanism (gain field). Furthermore the slope of the eye position sensitivity tends to be negatively correlated with preferred retinal position across the population. A model with Gaussian visual receptive fields and linear‐rectified eye position gain fields accounts for a large portion of the variance in the recorded data. Using physiologically derived parameters, this model is able to subtract the gaze shift from the vector representing the retinal location of the target. This computation might be used to maintain a memory of target location in space during ongoing eye movements. This updated spatial memory can be read directly from the locus of the peak of activity across the retinotopic map of FEF and it is the result of a vector subtraction between retinal target location when flashed and subsequent eye displacement in the dark.
In situ measurements of calpain activity in isolated muscle fibres from normal and dystrophin‐lacking mdx mice
Authors: Gailly P. , De Backer F. , Van Schoor M. , Gillis J. M.
Published: May 2007

Calpains are Ca2+‐activated proteases that are thought to be involved in muscle degenerative diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Status and activity of calpains in adult muscle fibres are poorly documented. We report here in situ measurements of calpain activity in collagenase‐isolated fibres from C57 mice and form two models of dystrophy: dystrophin‐deficient mdx and calpain‐3 knocked‐out mice. Calpain activity was measured using a permeant, fluorogenic substrate and its Ca2+ dependence was studied. A 30‐fold change of activity was observed between the lowest and the highest steady‐state Ca2+ availability. Fast transient changes of [Ca2+]i induced by electrical stimulation or KCl‐dependent depolarization were ineffective in activating calpain. Slow [Ca2+] transients, as elicited during depletion of Ca2+ stores, Ca2+ store repletion and hypo‐osmotic swelling were able to activate calpain. On return to resting conditions, calpain activity recovered its basal rate within 10 min. In resting intact muscle, μ‐calpain was predominantly in the 80 kDa native form, with a small fraction in the 78 kDa autolysed form. The latter is thought to be responsible for the activity measured in our conditions. Calpain activity in mdx fibres showed an average 1.5‐fold increase compared to activity in C57 fibres. This activity was reduced by a 10‐fold lowering of [Ca2+]o. Calpain‐3‐deficient fibres showed about the same increase, thus calpain‐3 did not contribute to the activity measured here and calpain activation is not specific to dystrophin deficiency. In fibres from transgenic mice over‐expressing calpastatin, a 40–50% reduction of calpain activity was observed, as with synthetic drugs (Z‐Leu‐Leu‐CHO and SNT198438). We provide novel information on the physiological factors that control calpain activity in situ, particularly the effect of intracellular Ca2+ transients that occur in excitation–contraction coupling, Ca2+ store depletion and refilling, and activation of mechanosensitive Ca2+ channels.
Early alterations in the electrophysiological properties of rat spinal motoneurones following neonatal axotomy
Authors: Mentis George Z. , Díaz Eugenia , Moran Linda B. , Navarrete Roberto
Published: May 2007

Early in development, motoneurones are critically dependent on their target muscles for survival and differentiation. Previous studies have shown that neonatal axotomy causes massive motoneurone death and abnormal function in the surviving motoneurones. We have investigated the electrophysiological and morphological properties of motoneurones innervating the flexor tibialis anterior (TA) muscle during the first week after a neonatal axotomy, at a time when the motoneurones would be either in the process of degeneration or attempting to reinnervate their target muscles. We found that a large number (∼75%) of TA motoneurones died within 3 weeks after neonatal axotomy. Intracellular recordings revealed a marked increase in motoneurone excitability, as indicated by changes in passive and active membrane electrical properties. These changes were associated with a shift in the motoneurone firing pattern from a predominantly phasic pattern to a tonic pattern. Morphologically, the dendritic tree of the physiologically characterized axotomized cells was significantly reduced compared with age‐matched normal motoneurones. These data demonstrate that motoneurone electrical properties are profoundly altered shortly after neonatal axotomy. In a subpopulation of the axotomized cells, abnormally high motoneurone excitability (input resistance significantly higher compared with control cells) was associated with a severe truncation of the dendritic arbor, suggesting that this excitability may represent an early electrophysiological correlate of motoneurone degeneration.