bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tidal modulation of seismic noise and volcanic tremor
Authors: Custodio Susana I. S. , Fonseca Joao F. B. D. , d'Oreye Nicolas F. , Faria Bruno V. E. , Bandomo Zuleyka
Published: August 2003

We present seismic data from Fogo Volcano (Cape Verde Republic) that document a tidal control on the amplitude of seismic noise and volcanic tremor. The effect is detectable in the raw data by simple eye inspection. We identified the main periodicity in the noise modulation, which coincides with the tidal component M2. The signal duration of 40 days, together with a sampling rate of 1440 samples per day (seismic r.m.s. time series) allowed the resolution of M2 from the neighbor solar frequencies that are often related to environmental effects. Spectral analysis shows that the modulation affects selectively the frequency range 2.0 Hz–3.0 Hz, which we interpret as volcanic tremor. White noise from 1.5 Hz to 7 Hz is also modulated. Comparison with meteorological data reinforces the conclusion that the effect is not due to environmental parameters.
A model study of the impact of magnetic field structure on atmospheric composition during solar proton events
Authors: Sinnhuber Miriam , Burrows John P. , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Jackman Charles H. , Kallenrode May‐Britt , Künzi Klaus F. , Quack Manuel
Published: August 2003

During a polarity transition of the Earth's magnetic field, the structure and strength of the field change significantly from their present values. This will alter the global pattern of charged particle precipitation into the atmosphere. Thus, particle precipitation is possible into regions that are at the moment effectively shielded by the Earth's magnetic field. A two‐dimensional global chemistry, photolysis and transport model of the atmosphere has been used to investigate how the increased particle precipitation affects the chemical composition of the middle and lower atmosphere. Ozone losses resulting from large energetic particle events are found to increase significantly, with resultant losses similar to those observed in the Antarctic ozone hole of the 1990s. This results in significant increases in surface UV‐B radiation as well as changes in stratospheric temperature and circulation over a period of several months after large particle events.
Infrasonic imaging of the Kunlun Mountains for the great 2001 China earthquake
Authors: Le Pichon A. , Guilbert J. , Vallée M. , Dessa J. X. , Ulziibat M.
Published: August 2003

On November 14, 2001, a strong earthquake occurred on the high plateau of western China. At a distance of 1800 km from the epicenter, coherent infrasonic waves were detected for more than one hour. Using both an inverse location procedure and a complete simulation of the radiated pressure field, distant source regions are accurately located. The seismo‐acoustic coupling along a mountain belt is clearly demonstrated. Such an event offers an opportunity to validate velocity models in the atmosphere as well as to improve the understanding of the amplification of ground displacement caused by the topography.
North–south topographic slope asymmetry on Mars: Evidence for insolation‐related erosion at high obliquity
Authors: Kreslavsky M. A. , Head J. W.
Published: August 2003

A map of north–south subkilometer‐scale slope asymmetry on Mars obtained from statistical analysis of along‐track MOLA topographic profiles reveals well‐defined zonal belts of north–south slope asymmetry at 40–50° latitude in both hemispheres. In these narrow anomalous belts the pole‐facing slopes are systematically gentler than equator‐facing slopes. This asymmetry is especially pronounced for the steepest (>20°) slopes, in which pole‐facing slopes are three times less frequent than >20° slopes facing the equator. We interpret these belts to be related to insolation asymmetry. Specifically, we suggest that summertime melting of ground ice on pole‐facing slopes occurred during periods of very high obliquity (∼45°) in the past and favored downslope movement of material and reduction of steep pole‐facing slopes.
Influence of the Kuwait oil fires plume (1991) on the microphysical development of clouds
Authors: Rudich Yinon , Sagi Ayelet , Rosenfeld Daniel
Published: August 2003

Applications of new retrieval methods to old satellite data allowed us to study the effects of smoke from the Kuwait oil fires in 1991 on clouds and precipitation. The properties of smoke‐affected and smoke‐free clouds were compared on the background of the dust‐laden desert atmosphere. Several effects were observed: (1) clouds typically developed at the top of the smoke plume, probably because of solar heating and induced convection by the strongly absorbing aerosols; (2) large salt particles from the burning mix of oil and brines formed giant cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) close to the source, which initiated coalescence in the highly polluted clouds; (3) farther away from the smoke source, the giant CCN were deposited, and the extremely high concentrations of medium and small CCN dominated cloud development by strongly suppressing drop coalescence and growth with altitude; and (4) the smaller cloud droplets in the smoke‐affected clouds froze at colder temperatures and suppressed both the water and ice precipitation forming processes. These observations imply that over land the smoke particles are not washed out efficiently and can be transported to long distances, extending the observed effects to large areas. The absorption of solar radiation by the smoke induces convection above the smoke plumes and consequently leads to formation of clouds with roots at the top of the smoke layer. This process dominates over the semidirect effect of cloud evaporation due to the smoke‐induced enhanced solar heating, at least in the case of the Kuwait fires.
Association of autism severity with a monoamine oxidase A functional polymorphism
Authors: Cohen IL , Liu X , Schutz C , White BN , Jenkins EC , Brown WT , Holden JJA
Published: August 2003

A functional polymorphism (the upstream variable‐number tandem repeat region, or uVNTR) in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) promoter region has been reported to be associated with behavioral abnormalities as well as increased serotonergic responsivity. We examined the relation between MAOA‐uVNTR alleles and the phenotypic expression of autism in 41 males younger than 12.6 years of age. Children with the low‐activity MAOA allele had both lower intelligence quotients (IQ) and more severe autistic behavior than children with the high‐activity allele. In follow‐up testing of 34 of the males at the 1‐year time‐point, those with the low‐activity allele showed a worsening in IQ but no change in the severity of their autistic behavior. We conclude that functional MAOA‐uVNTR alleles may act as a genetic modifier of the severity of autism in males.
Cholesterol ester transfer protein, apolipoprotein E and lipoprotein lipase genotypes in patients with coronary artery disease in the Turkish population
Authors: Isbir T , Yilmaz H , Agachan B , Karaali ZE
Published: August 2003

The aim of this study was to compare patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to healthy objects, in order to explore a possible association between CAD and the variants in the gene encoding cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), apolipoprotein E (Apo E) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The relationship between CETP MspI, apo E and LPL PvuII gene polymorphisms and serum lipids were investigated in 173 patients with CAD and 111 healthy controls. The frequency of Apo ε4 (p < 0.05) and CETP M1 (p < 0.01) alleles were higher in the CAD group than in the control group. In the CAD group, those with the Msp M1 allele had higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0026) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) than those with the Msp M2 allele. Subjects with an ε2 allele had the lowest levels of TC and LDL‐C, while subjects with the ε4 allele had the highest. In the control group, CETP, the Msp M2 allele was associated with a higher level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (p = 0.012) than the Msp M1 allele. The distributions of LPL genotype and allele did not differ between the CAD and control groups. The present study demonstrates that the CETP Msp1 and Apo E gene polymorphisms are associated with variations in lipids in patients with CAD and healthy controls in Turkish population.
The pattern of sesame sensitivity among infants and children
Authors: Dalal Ilan , Binson Inga , Levine Arie , Somekh Eli , Ballin Ami , Reifen Ram
Published: August 2003

Recently, we found sesame to be a major cause of severe IgE‐mediated food allergic reactions among infants and young children in Israel. The purpose of this study was to describe the different patterns of sesame sensitivity. We have identified three subgroups among our patients (n = 32). Group I (n = 23, M/F; 14/9) consisted of cases with IgE‐mediated sesame allergy. The mean age of the first allergic reaction was 11.7 months. Although the main clinical manifestation was urticaria/angiedema (n = 14, 60%), anaphylaxis was the presenting symptom in seven (30%) patients; all of them were younger than 1 year. Sixteen (70%) were found to be allergic to other foods, and other atopic diseases were identified in 18 (78%) patients. Three patients ‘outgrew’ their allergy within 1–2 years. Group II (n = 2) included cases in whom sesame allergy was ruled out based on a negative skin prick test (SPT) together with a negative open oral challenge. Group III (n = 7) consisted of patients that were found to be SPT positive for sesame as part of a screening for other food allergies. Although sesame products have become fashionable in westernized countries, early exposure may cause sesame to share eventually the same ‘noteriety and fate’ as peanut – a major cause of severe food allergic reactions.
A preliminary telemetry study of the migration of silver European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in the River Mosel, Germany
Authors: Behrmann‐Godel J. , Eckmann R.
Published: August 2003

Abstract  – To study the behaviour of silver eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) during their downstream migration, particularly near a hydroelectric power dam, we tagged nine eels with ultrasonic transmitters and tracked their paths in the River Mosel, Germany. The onset of migration coincided with the first flood event that followed the full moon but was independent of daytime, because migration and turbine passage occurred during both day and night. During migration eels swam actively downstream with a velocity of 0.3–1.2 m · s−1. When migrating eels arrived at the dam, they either passed through the turbines immediately or stayed upstream of the powerhouse for up to 8 days, showing a characteristic circling behaviour. Circling eels repeatedly approached the trashrack, sprinted upstream, and finally passed through the turbines with the next high water discharge. These observations are discussed with regard to the design of appropriate downstream passage facilities.
Seasonal variation in body composition of Arctic char,Salvelinus alpinus, from an ultraoligotrophic alpine lake
Authors: Finstad A. G. , Berg O. K. , Lohrmann A.
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Seasonal pattern of energy content was determined in a population of Arctic char,Salvelinus alpinus(L.), living in an ultraoligotrophic alpine lake (altitude 1100 m) located in central Norway (62°5′N). Specific somatic energy content varied between 4.3 and 6.1 kJ · g−1in spawners and between 4.8 and 6.6 kJ · g−1in immatures. Corresponding values for specific somatic lipid energy were 0.5–1.6 kJ · g−1for spawners and 0.7–2.1 kJ · g−1for immatures. The temporal pattern in storage energy residuals (deviation from mean storage energy, all sampling periods pooled) indicated that total, protein and lipid energy accumulated in the autumn and early winter. This increase was followed by a winter decrease in somatic energy (January to April). A new increase in total somatic energy and somatic lipid energy occurred during late winter (March/April to June), while the lake was still ice covered and water temperatures ranged between 0.5 and 2.5 °C. The observed seasonal pattern of specific energy storage and lipid deposition demonstrated a considerable potential for energy accumulation in Arctic char at low temperatures. It is discussed whether freshwater lakes at high altitudes or latitudes represent a temperature‐stabilised and predictable environment in contrast to the variable temperature experienced in the corresponding terrestrial system.
Influence of turbidity and fluctuating water levels on the abundance and depth distribution of small, benthic fish in New Zealand alpine lakes
Authors: Rowe D. , Graynoth E. , James G. , Taylor M. , Hawke L.
Published: August 2003

Abstract –  Minnow trapping was used to determine the distribution and abundance of two small, benthic species of fish, common bullies (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) and koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis), in five oligotrophic lakes varying in both turbidity and the extent of water‐level variation. Koaro were 5–20 times more abundant in the large turbid lakes than in the clear ones, indicating that turbidity may reduce the extent of salmonid predation on koaro. However, the scarcity of koaro in the clear lakes was related mainly to the prevalence of brown trout (Salmo trutta) compared with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as the former were more piscivorous and had a stronger inverse relationship with koaro. Common bullies were more abundant at sites 20 m or more away from the shoreline, and at depths of 9–12 m irrespective of season, year and turbidity level. However, the overall abundance of bullies was reduced by 70–90% in the turbid lakes. As bullies are relatively insensitive to the direct effects of increased turbidity, indirect effects such as reductions in macrophytes from reduced water clarity or smothering of benthic habitats by settled solids are thought to influence their abundance in the lakes affected by glacial turbidity. There was no relationship between the extent of water‐level fluctuation and the abundance of koaro or common bullies in the lakes, but the depth distribution of bullies was shallowest in the lake with the least water‐level fluctuation and was deepest in the lake with the greatest water‐level fluctuation.
Movements and habitat use by pikeperch (Stizostedion lucioperca (L.)) in a hydropeaking reservoir
Authors: Vehanen T. , Lahti M.
Published: August 2003

Abstract –  We used radio telemetry to measure the habitat use and movements of 20 tagged pikeperch (44–59 cm) in the hydropeaking Pyhäkoski Reservoir, Finland, during June 1999–2000. The hydrological conditions in the 8‐km‐long reservoir were measured and then modeled over eight discharge rates between 30 and 700 m3 · s−1. Pikeperch preferred relatively low water velocities and deep water depths especially during the winter. During the summer, pikeperch moved actively in different parts of the reservoir. No relationship was found between hydroelectric plant operations and distances moved by pikeperch during the summer. Movements peaked in autumn but decreased during the winter to a restricted area. After 1 year of monitoring, 4 out of 20 tagged pikeperch remained in the Pyhäkoski Reservoir, three had died when descending from hydroelectric dams, 10 had descended downstream to other reservoirs or sea, two were captured by local fishermen, and one fish's signal was lost for unknown reasons.
Persistence of Golgi Matrix Distribution Exhibits the Same Dependence on Sar1p Activity as a Golgi Glycosyltransferase
Authors: Stroud W. Jefferson , Jiang Shu , Jack Graham , Storrie Brian
Published: August 2003

We investigated the relative distributional persistence of Golgi ‘matrix’ proteins and glycosyltransferases to an endoplasmic reticulum exit block induced by expression of a GDP‐restricted Sar1p. HeLa cells were microinjected with plasmid encoding the GDP‐restricted mutant (T39N) of Sar1p to block endoplasmic reticulum exit and then scored for the distribution of GM130 (Golgi matrix protein of 130 kDa), a cis located golgin; p27, a member of the p24 family of proteins; giantin, a protein that interacts indirectly with GM130; and the Golgi glycosyltransferase, N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase‐2 (GalNAcT2). All of these proteins lost their compact, juxtanuclear distribution and displayed characteristics of endoplasmic reticulum/cytoplasmic accumulation with the same dependence on plasmid concentration. The kinetics of redistribution of GM130 and GalNAcT2 were identical. Expression of Sar1pT39N displaced the COPII coat protein Sec13p from endoplasmic reticulum exit sites consistent with disruption of these sites. This occurred without disturbing the overall distribution of endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Furthermore, the reassembly of a juxtanuclear Golgi matrix as assayed by the distribution of GM130 following washout of the Golgi disrupting drug, brefeldin A, was blocked by microinjected Sar1pT39N plasmids. We conclude that the persistence, i.e. stability and maintenance, of Golgi matrix distribution and its reassembly following drug disruption are exquisitely dependent on Sar1p activity.
Health care workers' action strategies in situations that involve a risk of blood exposure
Authors: Lymer Ulla‐Britt , Richt Bengt , Isaksson Barbro
Published: August 2003

• Previous research shows that health care workers (HCWs) often act in a risky way in blood‐exposure situations, and thereby run the risk of becoming infected by blood‐borne pathogens.

• A qualitative study was conducted in order to describe factors that influence HCWs' actions in such situations. Nurses and nursing assistants were interviewed.

• The analysis shows that HCWs perceive that there is a conflict among different demands. These demands are protecting the patient's privacy, protecting themselves from being infected and respecting the norms of the department.

• The process of managing this conflict is labelled `balancing', which most often results in the choice of a diagnosis‐related strategy.
Expressions of power and powerlessness in discharge planning: a case study of an older woman on her way home
Authors: Efraimsson Eva , Rasmussen Birgit H. , Gilje Fredricka , Sandman Po
Published: August 2003

• The aim of this case study was to illuminate and describe the phenomenon of power as it appeared in a discharge planning conference. The patient was an older woman who needed long‐term care as a result of stroke and heart failure.

• Data comprised transcriptions of a video‐recorded discharge planning conference and two audio‐recorded interviews focusing on the patient's experience of the discharge planning conference.

• The findings reveal that the content of the discharge planning conference focused on the patient's medical state and routine administrative protocols. Analysis of the participants' activities, strategies and attitudes during the conference indicate that the professional carers dominated the conversation. Analysis further reveals that the patient experienced a feeling of powerlessness and of being treated as an object.

• The findings are interpreted and discussed based on the concepts of ‘institutional frame’ and ‘client's frame', derived from Agar's theory of institutional discourse.
Beyond the metaphysical: health‐promoting existential mechanisms and their impact on the health status of clients
Authors: Whitehead Dean
Published: August 2003

• This paper aims to conceptualize the issues that surround the notion of existential health. It also seeks to establish the impact that existential issues have upon the health of the individual client and how these might explicitly be applied in clinical practice settings.

• The ability of clients to draw upon their own existential resources as a fundamental part of their health care experience often goes unrecognized in nursing. Whilst existential mechanisms may be theoretically recognized, as a valid aspect of an individual's unique and personal identity, they are not an established part of the health care activity of nurses.

• Entrenched biomedical frameworks of care delivery and the interchangeable use of metaphysical health states with existential health states in the established literature present particular dilemmas for the acknowledgement of existential health in clients.

• A review of the literature has been conducted.

• This account argues that the failure to recognize and assess a client's existential health status represents a major omission on the part of the clinical nurse. These nurses are, in effect, denying their clients the right to exercise and mobilize an important and valuable health resource.
In‐hospital social support for families of heart patients
Authors: Tarkka Marja‐Terttu , Paavilainen Eija , Lehti Kristiina , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: August 2003

• Chronic illness in one family member influences all aspects of family life. Research has documented the positive contributions of social support in an unexpected and stressful event such as a family member's heart disease.

• The aim of the study was to describe in‐hospital social support provided by nurses to families of heart patients and to identify factors related to social support.

• Data were collected using a mailed questionnaire to family members of heart patients (n = 161) receiving treatment on two medical wards of a university hospital in southern Finland.

• The results show that the family members were not very satisfied with the social support from nurses, because about 40% were dissatisfied with the concrete aid and affirmation they received and about 30% with emotional support. According to regression analysis the most important predictors of social support were family structure, patient's age, gender of family member and whether the patient had been hospitalized for cardiac symptoms.

• This report shows that supporting families of cardiac patients need development according to the family nursing practice.
An exploration of the concept of comfort
Authors: Tutton Elizabeth , Seers Kate
Published: August 2003

• This paper explores the concept of comfort within conceptual frameworks that identify comfort as a key component. The paper focuses on two main issues: firstly, descriptions of comfort and how comfort is defined; secondly, the relationship between comfort and other core concepts and how it is similar to, or differs from these concepts.

• The descriptions of comfort identify the difficulty of defining comfort and note that historical interpretations of comfort have changed over time. Key authors provide different perspectives of comfort and hence a uniform definition is not evident. The degree to which patients' perspectives are represented varies within the frameworks which suggests that further clarity is needed in this area. The relationship between comfort and other concepts considers the boundaries between comfort and two concepts: nursing as therapy and caring. Comfort tends to be seen as a minor aspect of these concepts focusing on relief of discomfort or actions that demonstrate caring.

• The paper concludes that there is a lack of clarity around the use of the term comfort which fits with a view of comfort as an emerging concept. Descriptions of comfort are clearly evident in the literature but differ in relation to the authors' views of nursing. The relationship between comfort and nursing as therapy and caring is also complex and highlights the debate in relation to comfort as a part of caring or as the overall focus of care.
Patient education: perspective of adolescents with a chronic disease
Authors: Kyngäs Helvi
Published: August 2003

• The purpose of this study was to describe patient education from the perspective of adolescents.

• Data were collected by interviewing adolescents who had asthma, epilepsy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. The sample consisted of 40 Finnish adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years. The interview data were analysed with methods of content analysis.

• From the perspective of adolescents with a chronic disease, patient education can be divided into the following categories: routine programmes, problematic planning issues, atmosphere of patient education session and written patient education material. Some features of ideal patient education also emerged.

• In a routine programme, patient education was based on the professional knowledge of the physicians and nurses rather than the needs of the adolescents. It was provided at a time that was good for the nurses or physicians. The level of education was not compatible with each developmental level of the adolescent.

• Problematic planning issues included a poorly outlined plan of education and a lack of systematic and continuous education.

• Educational communication consisted of dialogue between the adolescent and the educator. An encouraging atmosphere developed when the educators motivated the adolescents, respected them and their opinions and encouraged them to express their feelings, to ask questions and to relate experiences. Also, it was important that the adolescents’ opinions were respected.

• In ideal patient education, the sessions had been planned well beforehand based on the adolescents’ needs and written patient education material. Ideal patient education helped adolescents to acquire skills to take care of themselves and provided information on how to adjust to different situations and problems.

• The results provided useful insight into patient education and served to raise awareness of the problems and difficulties experienced by adolescents with a chronic disease.
Physical restraint use in a Korean ICU
Authors: Choi Eunha , Song Misoon
Published: August 2003

• This descriptive study investigated the patterns of use of physical restraints in a Korean Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the aim of identifying the factors that would best discriminate the times of application and removal of restraints in the same patients.

• The subjects of the study were 23 physically restrained patients out of 51 patients who were admitted to a medical ICU in a university hospital admitted during a 6‐week period, and the 29 nurses who applied or removed the restraints. Ninety‐four incidents of restraint application and removal on the 23 patients were analysed.

• Data were collected using a self‐reporting questionnaire of attitudes towards restraint application for nurses, restraint document sheets, ICU flowsheets and patient chart reviews. Restraint‐related patient data were collected on a restraint document sheet by the nurse in charge at each instance of application and removal of restraint.

• The most common type of restraint was the bilateral wrist restraint. The mean number of restraint applications per patient was 3.62 ± 3.56 (mean ± SD), and the mean restrained period per incident was 22.64 ± 58 hours. There were no significant differences in the frequency of restraint use during the day, evening and night shifts. The most significant discriminators for restraint application and removal were the restless‐behaviour score and the presence of a nasogastric tube – the classification accuracy by these two factors was 70.2%. More than 90% of the decisions to apply restraints were made by nurses. Nurses reported that preventing the patient from removing medical devices (48.6%) was the primary reason for application, and improvement of cognitive status (29.3%) was the primary reason for removal of restraint.

• In conclusion, as the most discriminating factor of application or removal of restraints was the patient's restless behaviour, providing nurses with tools for the accurate evaluation of patient restlessness will shorten restraint application periods in ICUs.
Evidence‐based practice in Hong Kong: issues and implications in its establishment
Authors: Lee Linda Yin King
Published: August 2003

• Evidence‐based practice has been widely discussed in the literature, but it is not common or well adopted in nursing practice, both in Hong Kong and other countries.

• This article aims to examine the relationships between three important elements of evidence‐based practice: systematic reviews, clinical guidelines and protocols. Current issues associated with evidence‐based practice in Hong Kong are explored.

• Specific suggestions are given to researchers, practitioners, managers and academics so that the current situation can be advanced.
The site of cutaneous infection influences the immunological response and clinical outcome of hamsters infected with Leishmania panamensis
Authors: Osorio Yaneth , Melby Peter C. , Pirmez Claude , Chandrasekar Bysani , Guarín Nora , Travi Bruno L.
Published: August 2003

We determined that the site of inoculation (foot or snout) influences the clinical evolution and immune responses of hamsters infected with Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis. Hamsters infected in the snout showed (i) a more rapid and severe lesion evolution at multiple time points (P < 0·05), (ii) a more extensive inflammatory infiltrate and tissue necrosis, (iii) a higher tissue parasite burden, (iv) a higher antibody titre (P < 0·01), but lower antigen‐specific spleen cell proliferative response (P = 0·02), and (v) a slower response to anti‐leishmanial drug treatment (P < 0·002). In both inoculation groups there was co‐expression of type 1 (IFN‐γ and IL‐12) and some type 2 (IL‐10 and TGF‐β, but not IL‐4) cytokines in the cutaneous lesions and spleen. Early in the course of infection, hamsters infected in the snout showed higher expression of splenic IL‐10 (P = 0·04) and intra‐lesional IFN‐γ (P = 0·02) than foot infections. No expression of IL‐12p40 or IL‐4 was detected. During the chronic phase, snout lesions expressed more IFN‐γ (P = 0·001), IL‐12p40 (P = 0·01), IL‐10 (P = 0·009) and TGF‐β (P = 0·001), and the level of expression of each of these cytokines correlated with lesion size (P ≤ 0·01). These results suggest that the site of infection influences the clinical outcome in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis, and that the expression of macrophage‐deactivating type 2 cytokines and/or an exaggerated type 1 proinflammatory cytokine response may contribute to lesion severity.
The lack of suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS1) protects mice from the development of cerebral malaria caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA
Authors: Bullen Denise V. R. , Hansen Diana S. , Siomos Mary‐Anne V. , Schofield Louis , Alexander Warren S. , Handman Emanuela
Published: August 2003

Cerebral malaria is a severe complication of infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA involving the Th1 cytokines TNF‐α and IFN‐γ. Suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS1) is an important component in the regulatory cascade controlling inflammatory responses and signalling through IFN‐γ. Contrary to the expectation that SOCS1‐deficient mice, in which IFN‐γ responses are uncontrolled and which are more sensitive to IFN‐γ, may show heightened susceptibility, mice lacking SOCS1 were protected from cerebral malaria. Unlike the controls and despite similar parasitaemia, infected SOCS1 null mice showed no inflammation or haemorrhaging in the brains. Mice lacking SOCS1 exhibited decreased splenic cellularity and a reduced ratio of CD4 : CD8 lymphocytes, which were maintained during infection. However, the ratio of IFN‐γ to IL‐4 mRNA expression during infection was similar in SOCS1 –/– and control mice suggesting that a dramatic shift in the ratio of Th1 : Th2 responses does not account for the resistance to disease. Resistance conferred by the lack of SOCS1 is specific since the related SOCS2, also implicated in Th1‐mediated responses, did not seem to be involved in the development of disease. Understanding the mechanism by which SOCS1 deficiency protects mice from cerebral malaria may allow the manipulation of its activity and alleviate pathology.
Immunomodulatory effects of Maxadilan and Phlebotomus papatasi sand fly salivary gland lysates on human primary in vitro immune responses
Authors: Rogers Kathleen A. , Titus Richard G.
Published: August 2003

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of Leishmania‐infected sand flies. Here we show for the first time the ability of Maxadilan (Max), a vasodilatory peptide isolated from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, and salivary gland lysate (SGL) from Phlebotomus papatasi to decrease the secretion of Type 1 cytokines and to enhance the production of the Type 2 cytokine interleukin (IL)‐6 by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocytes. We found Max decreased the secretion of interferon (IFN)‐γ and IL‐12p40 by PBMC and TNF‐α by monocytes. SGL reduced the production of IFN‐γ by PBMC. In contrast, production of the Type 2 cytokine IL‐6 was increased in Max or SGL‐exposed cells. Finally, we determined that Max interacts with human cells through at least the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide receptor. These results show that sand fly salivary gland components have an immunomodulatory effect on human cells, and this has important implications for the development of vaccines against leishmaniasis for humans.
A receptor for protein import into potato mitochondria
Authors: Heins Lisa , Schmitz Udo Klaus
Published: August 2003

Five potential surface receptors for protein import into plant mitochondria were identified by gentle trypsin treatment of intact mitochondria from potato tubers and subsequent preparation of outer mitochondrial membranes. One of them, a 23 kDa protein, was purified to homogeneity and analysed by direct protein sequencing. Copy DNA clones encoding the corresponding polypeptide were isolated with labelled oligonucleotides derived from the amino acid data. The 23 kDa protein shares significant sequence similarity with protein import receptors from fungal mitochondria and contains one of their typical tetratricopeptide motifs. Its integration into the outer membrane is independent of protease accessible surface receptors and not accompanied by proteolytic processing. Monospecific antibodies against the 23 kDa protein significantly reduce import capacity of isolated mitochondria indicating that this component is indeed involved in the recognition or import of precursor proteins. As in fungi, immunological inhibition of protein import with IgGs against a single receptor is incomplete suggesting the existence of other receptors in the outer mitochondrial membrane of plant mitochondria.
Sucrose metabolism during cotyledon development of Vicia faba L. is controlled by the concerted action of both sucrose‐phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase: expression patterns, metabolic regulation and implications for seed development
Authors: Weber Hwans , Buchner Peter , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Wobus Ulrich
Published: August 2003

The roles of sucrose‐phosphate synthase (Sps) and sucrose synthase (Sus) in developing embryos of Vicia faba have been characterized. In the cotyledons the expression of both Sps and Sus is initiated in cells differentiating into storage tissue. This stage is characterized by a switch in the carbohydrate state from a high to a low hexoses to sucrose ratio. The carbohydrate state was found earlier to be controlled by seed coat‐associated invertase. During cotyledon development the Sps‐enzyme undergoes a cycle of deactivation and reactivation: the activated state is associated with the prestorage phase, desiccation and germination and the deactivated state with the storage phase. Sus activity is associated with the storage phase. Sps and Sus are differentially influenced by free sugars. Feeding hexoses to storage phase cotyledons increases levels of Sps‐mRNA but not Sus‐mRNA, Sps activity and Sps activation state and impairs storage functions evidenced by an increased sucrose to starch ratio and a downregulation of storage protein legumin B‐mRNA. Sus enzyme activity is inhibited by free hexoses in vitro. It is proposed that the changing carbohydrate state during cotyledon development controls the ratio of Sps to Sus. Sps may have some significance for the initiation of the storage process possibly decreasing hexoses and/ or increasing sucrose. The relevance of the changing carbohydrate state with respect to development and storage processes is discussed.
The hypersensitive reaction, membrane damage and accumulation of autofluorescent phenolics in lettuce cells challenged by Bremia lactucae
Authors: Bennett Mark , Gallagher Matthew , Fagg Jean , Bestwick Charles , Paul Teresa , Beale Michael , Mansfield John
Published: August 2003

The expression of resistance to Bremia lactucae determined by the resistance genes Dm5/8 and Dm7 in lettuce was examined; incompatibility involved the hypersensitive reaction (HR) which occurred only within penetrated cells at early and late stages of fungal development, respectively. Autofluorescence observed under UV and blue light excitation in cells undergoing the HR was associated with the accumulation of ester‐linked syringaldehyde and caffeic acid on plant cell walls. Two phases of phenolic deposition were identified. The first was highly localized around penetration points and occurred during incompatible and compatible interactions. The second and major phase was only activated after the occurrence of irreversible membrane damage in the penetrated cell and was reduced by inhibitors of mRNA synthesis. Fungal structures, primary and secondary vesicles, intercellular hyphae and haustoria also became autofluorescent during incompatible interactions. Changes in the fluorescence due to preformed phenolics located in the plant cell vacuole were found just before plasma membrane damage became irreversible during the HR. In addition to localized deposition of phenolics, increases in the concentrations of the major free phenolic esters identified as dicaffeoyl tartaric and chlorogenic acids also occurred during incompatible interactions. The results suggest that membrane damage in penetrated cells occurs at different rates in resistance controlled by Dm5/8 and Dm7 and indicate an important role for irreversible membrane damage in lettuce as a key signalling event leading to widespread activation of defence responses in surrounding cells.
Members of a low‐copy number gene family encoding glutamyl‐tRNA reductase are differentially expressed in barley
Authors: Bougri Oleg , Grimm Bernhard
Published: August 2003

In plants tetrapyrrole synthesis is initially light regulated on the level of 5‐aminolevulinate (ALA) synthesis. ALA is formed from glutamate in three enzymatic steps. Glutamyl tRNA reductase (GluTR) catalyses the NADPH‐dependent reduction of glutamyl tRNA to glutamate 1‐semialdehyde. GluTR is encoded by a low‐copy gene family consisting of three to four genes. Three different cDNA clones are presented. Full‐length clones BHA1 and 87 differ in the length of the 3′ untranslated region and code for a 58.5 kDa protein. The sequence of the partial clone, BHA13, contains at least 87 base mismatches in the coding region for the mature GluTR resulting in 11 amino acid substitutions. Synthesis of a recombinant mature and a truncated GluTR lacking the first 19 amino terminal amino acids in Escherichia coli lead only in the latter case to complementation of an E. coli hemA mutant. Steady‐state level of BHA1‐ and BHA13‐specific mRNA encoding GluTR were analysed by Northern blot hybridization using cDNA‐specific oligo nucleotides and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Accumulation of the two RNA species is light induced in greening barley and controlled during cellular development. In contrast to BHA13, BHA1 transcripts are present in roots and are elevated after cytokinin treatment of dark‐grown seedlings. Furthermore, BHA1 mRNA shows oscillation under circadian growth conditions. GluTR transcript levels correlate with the capacity for ALA synthesis indicating that the rate‐limiting substrate flux through the ALA synthesizing pathway can be at least partially attributed to GluTR expression. Consequences of the initial control of the chlorophyll metabolic pathway on the level of ALA formation are discussed.
Post‐transcriptional transgene silencing and consequent tospovirus resistance in transgenic lettuce are affected by transgene dosage and plant development
Authors: Pang Sheng‐Zhi , Ja Fuh‐Jyh , Carney Kim , Stout John , Tricoli David M. , Quemada Hector D. , Gonsalves Dennis
Published: August 2003

Transgenic lettuce plants expressing the nucleocapsid (N) protein gene of the lettuce isolate of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV‐BL) were protected against TSWV isolates via transgenic N protein when the protein accumulated at high levels or via an N transgene silencing mechanism activated by its overexpression. In a transgenic lettuce line, post‐transcriptional gene silencing was activated at a relatively earlier developmental stage in homozygous than in hemizygous progenies. As a result, the homozygous progenies generally showed a uniform suppression of N protein accumulation and consequently high levels of virus resistance in all leaves of the silenced plants. in contrast, N protein accumulated at high levels in the lower leaves of the hemizygous progenies and at much reduced levels (due to transgene silencing) in the successive leaves, resulting in moderate levels of virus resistance. It was also observed that the timing of the N transgene silencing in both homozygous and hemizygous plants was affected by environmental factors.
Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Among the Chronic Mentally Ill
Authors: Davidson Sandra , Judd Fiona , Jolley Damien , Hocking Barbara , Thompson Sandra , Hyland Brendan
Published: August 2003

Objective: The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of risk factors for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among people with chronic mental illness treated in a community setting.

Method: 234 patients attending four community mental health clinics in the North-western Health Care Network in Melbourne, Australia, completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire which covered demographics, risk behaviour and psychiatric diagnosis.

Results: The sample was 58% male, and 79% of the sample had a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. Forty-three per cent of mentally ill men and 51% of mentally ill women in the survey had been sexually active in the 12 months preceding the survey. One-fifth of mentally ill men and 57% of mentally ill women who had sex with casual partners never used condoms. People with mental illness were eight times more likely than the general population to have ever injected illicit drugs and the mentally ill had a lifetime prevalence of sharing needles of 7.4%.

Conclusions: The prevalence of risk behaviours among the study group indicate that people with chronic mental illness should be regarded as a high-risk group for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. It is essential that adequate resources and strategies are targeted to the mentally ill as they are for other high-risk groups.
Learned predator recognition and antipredator responses in fishes
Authors: Kelley Jennifer L , Magurran Anne E
Published: August 2003

Early research into the causes of geographical variation in antipredator behaviour in fishes revealed that population differences have an underlying genetic basis. However, evidence from a variety of fish species suggests that learning plays an important role in the development of antipredator responses. Here, we consider the opportunities for learning during the three main stages of a predator–prey interaction: detection, recognition and assessment, and attack avoidance. Much of the evidence for learning is based on the recognition and assessment stage of the predator–prey interaction, but this may reflect methodological biases. We also examine the relative roles of different sensory cues, in particular, vision and olfaction, and the importance of individual vs. social learning. We provide evidence that visual predator recognition skills are largely built on unlearned predispositions, whereas olfactory recognition typically involves experience with conspecific alarm cues. Populations display variation in their propensity to learn, and we predict that ecological factors are likely to mediate the balance between individual and social learning.
Spatial cognition and its neural basis in teleost fishes
Authors: Broglio Cristina , Rodríguez Fernando , Salas Cosme
Published: August 2003

The present review is focused on recent laboratory studies revealing that the spatial behaviour of fishes is as complex and elaborate as described in land vertebrates. In addition, the data presented here indicate that the remarkable richness and plasticity of spatial behaviour in fishes are based on learning and memory mechanisms and cognitive processes that depend on particular brain circuits, possibly homologous to those identified in mammals and birds. For example, there is evidence that the fish hippocampal pallium is essential for processing and encoding complex spatial information to form map‐like representations of the environment. In contrast, body‐centred orientation strategies or emotional learning are subserved by different cerebral structures, such as the optic tectum, the cerebellum or the amygdalar pallium. These results that suggest a striking similarity in some cognitive processes and their neural basis between fish and land vertebrates are consistent with the possibility that these vertebrate groups share a common basic pattern of brain and behaviour organisation inherited from a common ancestor and conserved through a long history of separate evolution.
Nutrition for healthy ageing
Authors: Phillips Frankie
Published: August 2003

Summary The aim of this report is to bring together, in a user‐friendly format, the progress and results of recent European Union funded projects that have investigated food and nutrients that may help to contribute towards a healthy old age. Nutrition interacts with the ageing process in a number of ways and the risk of nutrition‐related health problems increases in later life. This report provides an overview of some of the reasons why nutrition is important in old age. As an introduction, some background information on the ageing process is provided.
Resolution of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy‐associated central nervous system lesions after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Fee Dominic B. , Fleming John O.
Published: August 2003

Abstract  Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system; however, it has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The natural history and response to treatment of these CNS lesions are unknown. We report the case of a patient with CIDP which met research criteria for definite CIDP and associated symptomatic CNS lesions. She had resolution of her CNS‐based clinical and radiographic findings with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. IVIG is a reasonable treatment option when symptomatic, CIDP‐associated CNS lesions are present.