bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of 6,6'-(Butane-1,4-diyl)bis(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) in the reaction of tetralin with aluminium chloride
Authors: Wilson MA , Rottendorf H , Collin PJ , Vassallo AM
Published: October 2006

It has been shown that the
reaction of aluminium chloride with tetralin yields
6,6'-(butane-1,4-diy1)-bis(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) as well as a number
of other products. It is suggested that this compound is formed by protonation
of tetralin, fragmentation of the alicyclic ring and
then electrophilic attack of a further tetralin
molecule. The positions of substitution in the product suggests that ion pairs
are involved in the reaction. It is clear that intermediates have sufficient lifetime to undergo intermolecular
substitution reactions in addition to intramolecular substitution or proton loss.
Heterocyclic Synthesis With Azides. I. The Reaction of Hydrazoic Acid With Ethoxymethylenemalonate
Authors: Donkor A , Prager RH , Thompson MJ
Published: October 2006

Reaction of diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate with sodium azide in trifluoroacetic acid at 20� gives ethyl 5-ethoxyisoxazole-4-carboxylate (67%), diethyl cyanomalonate (21%) and diethyl ethoxyaminomethylenemalonate (5%). The last compound and its tautomer are converted into ethyl 1-ethoxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate. The product structures have been confirmed by synthesis or degradation.
Electron Ionization and Chemical Ionization Mass Spectra of Some Nα-(t-Butoxycarbonyl)-O-(diorganylphosphono)-L-serines
Authors: Perich JW , Johns RB
Published: October 2006

N α -(t- Butoxycarbonyl )-O-( diorganylphosphono )L- serines underwent a complex fragmentation under both electron ionization and chemical ionization ( isobutane ) with the dominant pathway being a function of the phosphono organyl group (phenyl, ethyl, methyl, benzyl, t-butyl). In the case of the phenyl-, ethyl- and methyl-substituted derivatives, both electron ionization (15 eV) and chemical ionization mass spectra showed that β-eliminative loss of the seryl residue was the major pathway, and that the two-step loss of the t- butoxycarbonyl group from the [MH]+ ion was a inor pathway. In the case of the benzyl- and t-butyl-substituted derivatives, the poor mass spectra obtained under electron ionization conditions indicated that extensive thermal decomposition of the sensitive dibenzyl or di-t-butyl phosphate functionality occurred on the heated probe. Under the softer chemical ionization conditions, the mass spectrum of the benzyl-substituted derivative showed that loss of the phosphono benzyl group as the tropylium ion was the major fragmentation, and that both loss of the seryl residue by β-elimination and the cleavage of the t- butoxycarbonyl group were minor events. However, the poor chemical ionization spectrum obtained for the t-butyl derivative indicated that the di-t-butyl phosphate functionality was still sensitive to these milder conditions, with the compound undergoing decomposition on the heated probe.
The Relative Permittivity of 1,2-Dimethoxyethane/Water Solvent Mixtures From -10 to 80°C
Authors: Marcheselli L , Marchetti A , Tagliazucchi M , Tassi L , Tosi G
Published: October 2006

Relative permittivities (є) and the excess property (єE) for the binary mixtures formed by 1,2-dimethoxyethane with water have been measured at various temperatures in the range from -10 to +80°C. These mixtures have interesting properties for electroanalytical applications. Their study should help in understanding the phenomenology of cosolvency towards ionizable and inert solutes. The results of the єE analysis are discussed in terms of the influence of interactions between the components, order and degree of packing in the mixtures, and any other structural effect which occurs in solution.
Experiments Directed Towards the Synthesis of Anthracyclinones. XVIII. Novel Dioxepins From the Boron-Trifluoride Catalyzed Cyclization of Methallyl Anthraquinone Acetals
Authors: Cambie RC , Holroyd SE , Rutledge PS , Woodgate PD
Published: October 2006

Boron trifluoride mediated cyclizations of ortho-methallyl-substituted homochiral anthraquinone acetals yield novel dioxepins, which are probably formed via free carbocation intermediates.
Regioselective Monomethylation of Unsymmetrical Naphthalenediols With Methanolic HCl
Authors: Bell KH , Mccaffery LF
Published: October 2006

Treatment of naphthalene-1,3-diol and naphthalene-1,7-diol with methanol containing dry hydrogen chloride at room temperature gives exclusively 3-methoxy-1-naphthol and 7-methoxy- 1-naphthol, respectively. Of the other two unsymmetrical naphthalenediols, the 1,2-isomer was unreactive and the 1,6-isomer gave a mixture of regioisomers under the same conditions. Two symmetrical diols (the 1,5- and 2,7-isomers) examined by the same procedure gave the monomethyl ethers in 60-70% yields.
Mixing of Flocced Suspensions
Authors: Carlström Elis , Lange F. F.
Published: October 2006

Many ceramics are polyphase, requiring the mixing of two or more powders. Recent work suggests that colloidal processing methods are desirable, i.e. the handling of powders, in either dispersed or flocced states. We have demonstrated that a high‐shear‐rate mixer can be used to produce a homogeneous mixture of two flocced suspensions.
Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Mg‐Al‐Si‐O‐N Glasses
Authors: Homeny Joseph , McGarry Dennis L.
Published: October 2006

A three‐component glass system (Mg–Al–Si) was nitrided by adding amorphous and crystalline Si3N4. Glasses with varying amounts of nitrogen were melted, and their mechanical properties were measured. Density, hardness, Young's elastic modulus, and fracture toughness increased with increasing nitrogen content.
Velocity of a Freely Rising Gas Bubble in a Soda‐Lime Silicate Glass Melt
Authors: Hornyak Emery J. , Weinberg Michael C.
Published: October 2006

The buoyant rise speeds of single bubbles of varying composition and size in a soda‐lime silicate glass melt were measured. The measured rise velocities were compared with the steady‐state velocities predicted by the Stokes and Hadamard‐Rybczynski formulas. In all cases the data fit the latter expression for steady‐state rise speed far better than the Stokes formula.
Synthesis of β‐Sialon from a Montmorillonite‐Polyacrylonitrile Intercalation Compound by Carbothermal Reduction
Authors: Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Kuroda Kazuyuki , Kato Chuzo
Published: October 2006

To develop a new type of carbothermal reduction for the preparation of nitrides, a montmorillonite‐polyacrylonitrile intercalation compound was heated inflowing N2 using intercalated polyacrylonitrile as a reducing agent. Nitridation occurred at >1150°C, and β‐sialon was obtained, with the formation of β‐Sic and AlN.
Formation and Structure of Silicon Carbide Whiskers from Rice Hulls
Authors: SHARMA N. K. , WILLIAMS WENDELL S. , ZANGVIL A.
Published: October 2006

A study of the distribution of Si in rice hulls was carried out to aid in understanding the observed formation of SIC whiskers by the thermal decomposition and reaction of these natural materials. Scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis confirm the presence of a major amount of Si in the inner and outer epidermal regions of the rice hull. The Si is present as a hydrated amorphous form of SiO2 which is evidently bound in the inner layer to organic constituents, placing it adjacent to a source of carbon but interfering with its solubility in HF. The SIC produced by pyrolysis is in the form of ultrafine particles with cubic crystal structure and whiskers exhibiting stacking faults and twins perpendicular to the whisker axis, easily visible by transmission electron microscopy. These whiskers are very similar to ones obtained by chemical vapor deposition with SiO and CO as the primary reactants.
Effects of Voids at Three‐Grain Junctions on Sintering and Creep Damage
Authors: DRORY M. D. , EVANS A. G.
Published: October 2006

An analysis of the growth and shrinkage rates of ellipsoidal voids on three‐grain junctions is presented. The predicted rates are compared with those for cylindrical pores on the same interfaces. It is demonstrated that the sintering of ellipsoidal pores occurs more rapidly, by virtue of the increased surface curvature. The formation of such pores by the Rayleigh instability mechanism thus appears to constitute an important step in final stage sintering. Conversely, under creep loading, cylindrical voids grow at a faster rate, suggesting that creep damage develops more slowly when discrete ellipsoidal voids are maintained on three‐grain junctions.
Kinetic Analysis of Solid‐state Reactions Between Powdered Reactants
Authors: BERETKA JULIUS
Published: October 2006

The kinetic analysis of solid‐state reactions of powdered reactants was investigated. Seven different reactions were examined, four from the author's laboratory (BaCO3‐Fe2O3, MgO‐Fe2O3, MgO‐Al2O3, and 2BaC03‐SiO2) and three from published tabulated primary data which are available in the literature (BaCO3‐SiO2, BaCO3‐WO3, and CuO‐Al2O3). The results were fitted to 10 kinetic equations (models) commonly used for the kinetic analysis of solid‐state reactions and analyzed by linear regression analysis. It was found, that if the data are analyzed to ≊100% reaction, the reactions could be best described by diffusion models, particularly by Jander's model (1927) for three‐dimensional diffusion. Jander's model is quite suitable for describing the kinetics of solid‐state reactions between powdered reactants satisfactorily if the experiments are conducted carefully. Attempts to describe such solid‐state reactions by other models appear to be unwarranted.
Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing on Reaction‐Bonded Silicon Nitride
Authors: WATSON GORDON K. , MOORE THOMAS J. , MILLARD MICHAEL L.
Published: October 2006

Reaction‐bonded silicon nitride was isostatically hot‐pressed under 138 MPa for 2 h at 1850°, 1950°, or 2050°C. Nearly theoretically dense specimens resulted. The room‐temperature flexural strength more than doubled, but the 1200°C flexural strength increased significantly only after pressing at 2050°C.f. ∼35% improvement). An amorphous phase introduced by hot isostatic pressing accounts in part for these results.
Deuteroxyl Groups in Vitreous Silica
Authors: KUMAR BINOD , LYNN WILLIAM F.
Published: October 2006

Vitreous silica exhibits a characteristic absorption band at 3.81 μm which was attributed previously to a combination frequency of SiO4 fundamentals. Deuterium treatment of water‐containing fused silica also gives rise to an absorption band at 3.81‐μm. An analysis of the previously characterized 3.81‐μm band and its relation to absorption bands in deuterated specimens is presented.
Pore Shrinkage and Sintering Stress
Authors: DE JONGHE LUTGARD C. , RAHAMAN MOHAMED L.
Published: October 2006

The criterion for the stability of a large pore in a fine pore matrix is reconsidered, taking into account the pressure exerted by the densifying matrix. The result indicates that progressively larger pores can shrink, even if grain growth is minimal or absent.
Effect of Atmosphere on the Electrical Conductivity of Sodium Tungstophosphate Glasses
Authors: GERACI DEAN J. , SHELBY JAMES E.
Published: October 2006

The dc electrical conductivity of sodium tungstophosphate glasses was measured as a function of glass composition, melting history, and ambient atmosphere. The color of the glasses was a strong function of both glass composition and melting history. The electrical conductivity was found to be strongly dependent upon the concentration of protons in the surrounding atmosphere. The colorless glasses were found to be electrochromic only so long as protons were present in the atmosphere. A model is suggested to explain these results.
Radioactive Waste‐Portland Cement Systems: II, Leaching Characteristics
Authors: JANTZEN C. M.
Published: October 2006

Crystal chemical stabilization of radioactive wastes can be achieved during clinkering of ordinary portland cement. Crys‐tallographic relations predict that the radionuclide partitioning in the anhydrous clinkered phases will be maintained in the hydration products. The resulting hydration products are considered to be cementitious hydroxylated radiophases. Simulated leaching experiments demonstrate that the hydroxylated phases are stable and that waste element release rates are lower than for other cementitious waste forms. The formation of tobermorite as a reaction product limits the release of cesium. Radionuclide fixation is described in the context of commercial waste‐cement systems, but is applicable to transuranic, medium‐ and low‐level wastes.
Hypo‐Egoic Self‐Regulation: Exercising Self‐Control by Diminishing the Influence of the Self
Authors: Leary Mark R. , Adams Claire E. , Tate Eleanor B.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT
Theory and research dealing with self‐regulation have focused primarily on instances of self‐regulation that involve high levels of self‐reflection and effortful self‐control. However, intentionally trying to control one's behavior sometimes reduces the likelihood of achieving one's goals. This article examines the process of hypo‐egoic self‐regulation in which people relinquish deliberate, conscious control over their own behavior so that they will respond more naturally, spontaneously, or automatically. An examination of spontaneously occurring hypo‐egoic states (such as flow, deindividuation, and transcendence) suggests that hypo‐egoic states are characterized by lowered self‐awareness and/or an increase in concrete and present‐focused self‐thoughts. In light of this, people may intentionally foster hypo‐egoism via two pathways—(a) taking steps to reduce the proportion of time that they are self‐aware (such as repeating a behavior until it is automatic or practicing meditation) or (b) increasing the concreteness of their self‐thoughts (such as inducing a concrete mindset or practicing mindfulness). In this way, people may deliberately choose to regulate hypo‐egoically when effortful control might be detrimental to their performance.
Between Decentralized Planning and Neo‐liberalism: Challenges for the Survival of the Indigenous People of Kerala, India
Authors: Kjosavik Darley Jose , Shanmugaratnam Nadarajah
Published: October 2006

This paper examines the experiences of decentralization under successive political regimes in Kerala in the context of neo‐liberal policies, with reference to the impact on the lives of adivasi (indigenous) communities. The Communist Party‐led government had been implementing a home‐grown programme of decentralized planning since 1996 until it lost power to the Congress Party‐led conservative coalition in 2001. In the context of the accelerated structural adjustment and liberalization of the national government, the new government amended its predecessor's programme with a reduced role for the state bureaucratic and political actors in mobilizing people for planning and implementing projects at the local level. Based on a comparative analysis, the authors argue that the new programme has so far not been successful as regards enabling marginalized groups such as the indigenous communities to resist exclusion and move out of their states of deprivation. The study also shows that the withdrawal of the state from the social and economic sectors has adversely affected these groups.
Sociopsychological Analysis of Japanese Industrial Policy: The Sumitomo Metals Incident
Authors: Suzuki Yuzuru
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  In the 1960s, the former Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) controlled key industries through its industrial policy. It is commonly believed that this policy was based on an economic rationale. In particular, the MITI justified what are known as recession cartels on the grounds that reducing production volume would prevent destructive competition. Our purpose is to go beyond this current economic understanding via a sociopsychological analysis. We focus on the so‐called Sumitomo Metals incident of 1965 when the Sumitomo Metals Company refused to follow the MITI guideline demanding a reduction in steel production. This was the first such incident in which a private company explicitly refused to abide by MITI administrative guidance. We hold that the industrial policy was not necessarily based on an economic rationale. Sumitomo was alone enjoying profit while all other companies were suffering loss. The MITI and major steel manufacturers insisted, without economically sound reasoning, that Sumitomo should reduce its steel exports. On an economic basis, however, steel exports should have been promoted, not restricted, to counterbalance the domestic recession. The whole incident was a sociopsychological battle disguised as an economic debate, and the economic argument of the MITI and other steel manufacturers was actually an elaborate scheme of psychological rationalization. Their severe denouncement of Sumitomo is best explained by the psychological defense mechanisms of projection and displacement. Furthermore, the recession cartel in this case was essentially a ritual of collective suffering under the orchestration of state authority.
Debate of Adjunctive Pharmacology for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Thrombin Inhibitors and Clopidogrel Are Enough
Authors: YEHUDAI LORAN , FEIT FREDERICK
Published: October 2006

The role of adjunctive pharmacology for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been extensively studied, but controversy remains regarding the optimal regimen. While older studies suggest that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) should be routinely administered, much of this evidence was collected prior to the era of widespread stenting and thienopyridine use. There is now substantial clinical evidence that bivalirudin monotherapy is the optimal adjunctive pharmacology for the vast majority of patients undergoing elective or urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including those presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Bivalirudin monotherapy provides similar protection from ischemic complications with a reduced rate of major hemorrhage, resulting in a superior net clinical outcome compared with the use of GPI.
Debate of Adjunctive Pharmacology for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Anticoagulation and Clopidogrel Are Not (Always) Enough
Authors: TCHENG JAMES E.
Published: October 2006

Substantial controversy exists regarding the optimal pharmacologic cocktail for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The most common approach typically includes aspirin, clopidogrel, unfractionated heparin (or enoxaparin), and (variably) a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Some substitute bivalirudin with “bailout” GP IIb/IIIa blockade for heparin and planned GP IIb/IIIa integrin blockade, an approach that necessarily includes aspirin and clopidogrel (for their antiplatelet effects). These shifts in adjunctive treatment paradigms should be examined in the context of available data from clinical studies. Several studies have demonstrated the phenomenon of clopidogrel resistance to be fairly prevalent; even in clopidogrel‐responsive patients, steady state is achieved only 4–6 hours after a 600‐mg loading dose. It would thus be anticipated that clopidogrel‐resistant patients would benefit from GP IIb/IIIa blockade, particularly during the period immediately after intervention. Neither REPLACE‐2 nor the recent ACUITY trial demonstrated an efficacy advantage for bivalirudin as a substitute for heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa blockade; instead, any advantage appears to be limited to reducing the propensity for bleeding. As bleeding is directly correlated with the degree of anticoagulation and is further augmented by GP IIb/IIIa blockade, an alternative to the bivalirudin strategy is to simply reduce the amount of heparin anticoagulation during PCI. Finally, the benefit‐to‐risk ratio of aggressive adjunctive antiplatelet/antithrombotic therapy might be further improved via risk stratification, with patients at higher risk for periprocedural events receiving intensive therapy and lower‐risk patients being managed with less intensive regimens focused on minimizing the risk of bleeding.
Density‐dependent and geographical variation in bird immune response
Authors: P. Møller A. , Martín–Vivaldi M. , Merino S. , J. Soler J.
Published: October 2006

Latitudinal gradients in parasitism are common, causing differences in the intensity of parasite‐mediated natural selection. Such differences in selection pressures should affect optimal investment in anti‐parasite defense, because defense levels should increase in response to increased intensity of parasite‐induced selection. Likewise, latitudinal differences in population density may affect immune responses either by selecting for higher levels or defense, or by suppressing resources needed for mounting efficient immune responses. We tested these predictions in a study of T‐cell mediated immune response in altricial bird species in subtropical Spain and temperate Denmark. There were highly consistent levels of T‐cell mediated response between nestlings and adults in the two areas, with nestlings having stronger responses than adults. In addition, there were highly consistent levels of immune response in nestlings and adults between the two areas, with responses being consistently stronger in Denmark than in Spain, particularly in adults. Population density was much higher in Denmark than in Spain. We found evidence of density‐dependent immune response in nestlings and adults, as shown by differences in T‐cell response between study areas being positively related to differences in density. Given that the relationship between density and immune response was positive, we can reject the hypothesis that higher population densities suppressed immune response. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that birds in areas with higher density allocate more resources to immune response, particularly in adults, suggesting that density‐dependent effects of parasitism have selected for allocation strategies that minimize the risk of parasitism.
Effects of within‐patch characteristics on the vulnerability of a plant to herbivory
Authors: Miller Alison M. , McArthur Clare , Smethurst Philip J.
Published: October 2006

Consumption of a focal plant by herbivores depends, not only on the physical and chemical characteristics of that plant, but also on the characteristics of the neighbouring vegetation. Consumption of focal plants has been related to their own characteristics and to the quality of the neighbouring vegetation, but the two have not been combined to examine the relative importance of focal plant and neighbouring vegetation characteristics.

We conducted a series of feeding trials to examine the relative importance of focal plant and various characteristics of neighbouring vegetation to browsing of a focal plant within vegetation patches. We planted Eucalyptus nitens seedlings of high and low nutrient status amongst vegetation patches differing in palatability, abundance and height. Generalist mammalian herbivores, red‐bellied pademelons (Thylogale billardierii), were allowed to feed in each of these patches one at a time, and seedling consumption was recorded. Results were considered in light of the attractant‐decoy and apparency hypotheses, which focus on the outcome to plants, and in terms of foraging theory, which is process‐focussed.

Seedling and vegetation characteristics were both important. Seedlings of high nutrient status were preferred over those of low nutrient status. The relative quality, abundance and height of neighbouring vegetation all influenced browsing of a focal plant. Seedlings were more vulnerable amongst vegetation that was of low palatability, of low abundance, or was short. Seedling and vegetation effects were additive in two of three trials.

Results were consistent with both the attractant‐decoy and apparency hypotheses, and could be explained in terms of maximising foraging efficiency. They demonstrate the need to consider characteristics of both the focal plant and its neighbouring vegetation when predicting the vulnerability of the former to browsing by generalist herbivores.
Pheromone-Responsive Conjugative Vancomycin Resistance Plasmids in
Enterococcus faecalis
Isolates from Humans and Chicken Feces
Authors: Lim Suk-Kyung , Tanimoto Koichi , Tomita Haruyoshi , Ike Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2006

The drug resistances and plasmid contents of a total of 85 vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) strains that had been isolated in Korea were examined. Fifty-four of the strains originated from samples of chicken feces, and 31 were isolated from hospital patients in Korea.
Enterococcus faecalis
KV1 and KV2, which had been isolated from a patient and a sample of chicken feces, respectively, were found to carry the plasmids pSL1 and pSL2, respectively. The plasmids transferred resistances to vancomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, and erythromycin to
E. faecalis
strains at a high frequency of about 10
−3
per donor cell during 4 hours of broth mating.
E. faecalis
strains containing each of the pSL plasmids formed clumps after 2 hours of incubation in broth containing
E. faecalis
FA2-2 culture filtrate (i.e., the
E. faecalis
sex pheromone), and the plasmid subsequently transferred to the recipient strain in a 10-min short mating in broth, indicating that the plasmids are responsive to
E. faecalis
pheromones. The pSL plasmids did not respond to any of synthetic pheromones for the previously characterized plasmids. The pheromone specific for pSL plasmids has been designated cSL1. Southern hybridization analysis showed that specific FspI fragments from each of the pSL plasmids hybridized with the aggregation substance gene (
asa1
) of the pheromone-responsive plasmid pAD1, indicating that the plasmids had a gene homologous to
asa1
. The restriction maps of the plasmids were identical, and the size of the plasmids was estimated to be 128.1 kb. The plasmids carried five drug resistance determinants for
vanA
,
ermB
,
aph(3
′
)
,
aph(6
′
)
, and
aac(6
′
)
/
aph(2
′
)
, which encode resistance to vancomycin, erythromycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, and gentamicin/kanamycin, respectively. Nucleotide sequence analyses of the drug resistance determinants and their flanking regions are described in this report. The results described provide evidence for the exchange of genetic information between human and animal (chicken) VRE reservoirs and suggest the potential for horizontal transmission of multiple drug resistance, including vancomycin resistance, between farm animals and humans via a pheromone-responsive conjugative plasmid.
Differential Effects of Temperature and Starvation on Induction of the Viable-but-Nonculturable State in the Coral Pathogens
Vibrio shiloi
and
Vibrio tasmaniensis
Authors: Vattakaven Thomas , Bond Peter , Bradley Graham , Munn Colin B.
Published: October 2006

We compared induction of the viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) state in two
Vibrio
spp. isolated from diseased corals by starving the cells and maintaining them in artificial seawater at 4 and 20°C. In
Vibrio tasmaniensis
, isolated from a gorgonian octocoral growing in cool temperate water (7 to 17°C), the VBNC state was not induced by incubation at 4°C after 157 days. By contrast,
Vibrio shiloi
, isolated from a coral in warmer water (16 to 30°C), was induced into the VBNC state by incubation at 4°C after 126 days. This result is consistent with reports of low-temperature induction in several
Vibrio
spp. A large proportion of the
V. tasmaniensis
population became VBNC after incubation for 157 days at 20°C, and
V. shiloi
became VBNC after incubation for 126 days at 20°C. Resuscitation of
V. shiloi
cells from cultures at both temperatures was achieved by nutrient addition, suggesting that starvation plays a major role in inducing the VBNC state. Our results suggest that viable
V. shiloi
could successfully persist in the VBNC state in seawater for significant periods at the lower temperatures that may be experienced in winter conditions, which may have an effect on the seasonal incidence of coral bleaching. For both species, electron microscopy revealed that prolonged starvation resulted in transformation of the cells from rods to cocci, together with profuse blebbing, production of a polymer-like substance, and increased membrane roughness.
V. shiloi
cells developed an increased periplasmic space and membrane curling; these features were absent in
V. tasmaniensis
.
Analysis of the Collar-Whisker Structure of Temperate Lactococcal Bacteriophage TP901-1
Authors: Vegge Christina S. , Neve Horst , Brøndsted Lone , Heller Knut J. , Vogensen Finn K.
Published: October 2006

Proteins homologous to the protein NPS (
n
eck
p
assage
s
tructure) are widespread among lactococcal phages. We investigated the hypothesis that NPS is involved in the infection of phage TP901-1 by analysis of an NPS
−
mutant. NPS was determined to form a collar-whisker complex but was shown to be nonessential for infection, phage assembly, and stability.
Use of Flow Cytometry To Follow the Physiological States of Microorganisms in Cider Fermentation Processes
Authors: Herrero Mónica , Quirós Covadonga , García Luis A. , Díaz Mario
Published: October 2006

The flow cytometry (FC) technique used with certain fluorescent dyes (ChemChrome V6 [CV6], DRAQ5, and PI) has proven useful to label and to detect different physiological states of yeast and malolactic bacterium starters conducting cider fermentation over time (by performing sequential inoculation of microorganisms). First, the technique was tested with pure cultures of both types of microorganisms grown in synthetic media under different induced stress conditions. Metabolically active cells detected by FC and by the standard plate-counting method for both types of microorganisms in fresh overnight pure cultures gave good correlations between the two techniques in samples taken at this stage. Otherwise, combining the results obtained by FC and plating during alcoholic and malolactic fermentation over time in the cider-making process, different subpopulations were detected, showing significant differences between the methods. A small number of studies have applied the FC technique to analyze fermentation processes and mixed cultures over time. The results were used to postulate equations explaining the different physiological states in cell populations taken from fresh, pure overnight cultures under nonstress conditions or cells subjected to stress conditions over time, either under a pure-culture fermentation process (in this work, corresponding to alcoholic fermentation) or under mixed-fermentation conditions (for the malolactic-fermentation phase), that could be useful to improve the control of the processes.
Photolyase Confers Resistance to UV Light but Does Not Contribute to the Symbiotic Benefit of Bioluminescence in
Vibrio fischeri
ES114
Authors: Walker Emma L. , Bose Jeffrey L. , Stabb Eric V.
Published: October 2006

Recent reports suggest that the selective advantage of bioluminescence for bacteria is mediated by light-dependent stimulation of photolyase to repair DNA lesions. Despite evidence for this model, photolyase mutants have not been characterized in a naturally bioluminescent bacterium, nor has this hypothesis been tested in bioluminescent bacteria under natural conditions. We have now characterized the photolyase encoded by
phr
in the bioluminescent bacterium
Vibrio fischeri
ES114. Consistent with Phr possessing photolyase activity,
phr
conferred light-dependent resistance to UV light. However, upon comparing ES114 to a
phr
mutant and a dark Δ
luxCDABEG
mutant, we found that bioluminescence did not detectably affect photolyase-mediated resistance to UV light. Addition of the light-stimulating autoinducer
N
-3-oxo-hexanoyl homoserine lactone appeared to increase UV resistance, but this was independent of photolyase or bioluminescence. Moreover, although bioluminescence confers an advantage for
V. fischeri
during colonization of its natural host,
Euprymna scolopes
, the
phr
mutant colonized this host to the same level as the wild type. Taken together, our results indicate that at least in
V. fischeri
strain ES114, the benefits of bioluminescence during symbiotic colonization are not mediated by photolyase, and although some UV resistance mechanism may be coregulated with bioluminescence, we found no evidence that light production benefits cells by stimulating photolyase in this strain.
Establishment of a Gene Expression System in
Ochrobactrum anthropi
Authors: Seleem Mohamed N. , Ali Mohammed , Boyle Stephen M. , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup , Witonsky Sharon G. , Schurig Gerhardt G. , Sriranganathan Nammalwar
Published: October 2006

Genetic studies of
Ochrobactrum anthropi
are hindered by the lack of a suitable gene expression system. We constructed a set of vectors containing several promoters and a His tag fusion in the N terminus to facilitate protein detection and purification. The new vectors should significantly enhance the genetic manipulation and characterization of
O. anthropi
.
Biotransformation of
N
-Nitrosodimethylamine by
Pseudomonas mendocina
KR1
Authors: Fournier Diane , Hawari Jalal , Streger Sheryl H. , McClay Kevin , Hatzinger Paul B.
Published: October 2006

N
-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent carcinogen and an emerging contaminant in groundwater and drinking water. The metabolism of NDMA in mammalian cells has been widely studied, but little information is available concerning the microbial transformation of this compound. The objective of this study was to elucidate the pathway(s) of NDMA biotransformation by
Pseudomonas mendocina
KR1, a strain that possesses toluene-4-monooxygenase (T4MO).
P. mendocina
KR1 was observed to initially oxidize NDMA to
N
-nitrodimethylamine (NTDMA), a novel metabolite. The use of
18
O
2
and H
2
18
O revealed that the oxygen added to NDMA to produce NTDMA was derived from atmospheric O
2
. Experiments performed with a pseudomonad expressing cloned T4MO confirmed that T4MO catalyzes this initial reaction. The NTDMA produced by
P. mendocina
KR1 did not accumulate, but rather it was metabolized further to produce
N
-nitromethylamine (88 to 94% recovery) and a trace amount of formaldehyde (HCHO). Small quantities of methanol (CH
3
OH) were also detected when the strain was incubated with NDMA but not during incubation with either NTDMA or HCHO. The formation of methanol is hypothesized to occur via a second, minor pathway mediated by an initial α-hydroxylation of the nitrosamine. Strain KR1 did not grow on NDMA or mineralize significant quantities of the compound to carbon dioxide, suggesting that the degradation process is cometabolic.
Alteration of the Canine Small-Intestinal Lactic Acid Bacterium Microbiota by Feeding of Potential Probiotics
Authors: Manninen Titta J. K. , Rinkinen Minna L. , Beasley Shea S. , Saris Per E. J.
Published: October 2006

Five potentially probiotic canine fecal lactic acid bacterium (LAB) strains,Lactobacillus fermentumLAB8,Lactobacillus salivariusLAB9,Weissella confusaLAB10,Lactobacillus rhamnosusLAB11, andLactobacillus mucosaeLAB12, were fed to five permanently fistulated beagles for 7 days. The survival of the strains and their potential effects on the indigenous intestinal LAB microbiota were monitored for 17 days. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) demonstrated that the five fed LAB strains survived in the upper gastrointestinal tract and modified the dominant preexisting indigenous jejunal LAB microbiota of the dogs. When the LAB supplementation was ceased, DGGE analysis of jejunal chyme showed that all the fed LAB strains were undetectable after 7 days. However, the diversity of the intestinal indigenous microbiota of the dogs, as characterized from jejunal chyme plated onLactobacillusselective medium without acetic acid, was reduced and did not return to the original level during the study period. In all but one dog, an indigenousLactobacillus acidophilusstrain emerged as the dominant LAB strain. In conclusion, strains LAB8 to LAB12 have potential as probiotic strains for dogs as they survive in and dominate the jejunal LAB microbiota during feeding and have the ability to modify the intestinal microbiota.
Comparison of PCR-Based Methods for Typing
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolates
Authors: Sabat Artur , Malachowa Natalia , Miedzobrodzki Jacek , Hryniewicz Waleria
Published: October 2006

In this study, we compared the potentials of (i) a multiplex PCR-based multilocus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) assay; (ii) a triplex PCR coamplifying fragments of
spa
,
coa
, and the hypervariable region adjacent to the
mecA
gene; (iii) restriction profile analysis of the STAR repetitive element; (iv) randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis; (v) inter-IS
256
PCR; and (vi) rep-MP3 PCR. Multilocus VNTR typing and triplex PCR (
coa
,
spa
, and hypervariable region) approaches showed excellent reproducibility and high discriminatory power; however, only multilocus VNTR typing could distinguish all pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and
spa
types. Multilocus VNTR typing appears to be the most useful PCR-based method for the rapid genotyping of
Staphylococcus aureus
strains.
Multiplex PCR-Based Method for Identification of Common Clinical Serotypes ofSalmonella entericasubsp.enterica
Authors: Kim Seonghan , Frye Jonathan G. , Hu Jinxin , Fedorka-Cray Paula J. , Gautom Romesh , Boyle David S.
Published: October 2006

A multiplex PCR method has been developed to differentiate between the most common clinical serotypes ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaencountered in Washington State and the United States in general. Six genetic loci fromS. entericaserovar Typhimurium and four fromS. entericaserovar Typhi were used to create an assay consisting of two five-plex PCRs. The assays gave reproducible results with 30 different serotypes that represent the most common clinical isolates ofS. entericasubsp.enterica. Of these, 22 serotypes gave unique amplification patterns compared with each other and the other 8 serotypes were grouped into four pairs. These were further resolved by two additional PCRs. We compared the data from PCR serotyping with conventional serotyping and found that PCR serotyping was nearly as discriminatory as conventional serotyping was. The results from a blind test screening 111 clinical isolates revealed that 97% were correctly identified using the multiplex PCR assay. The assay can be easily performed on multiple samples with final results in less than 5 h and, in conjunction with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, forms a very robust test method for the molecular subtyping ofSalmonella entericasubsp.enterica.
Longitudinal Analysis of Genotype Distribution of Influenza A Virus from 2003 to 2005
Authors: Mak Annie , Rahmanian Ronak , Lei Victor , Lawrence David , Krajden Mel , Brunham Robert C. , Skowronski Danuta , Li Yan , Booth Tim , Goh Swee Han , Petric Martin
Published: October 2006

Influenza A viruses cause yearly epidemics, in part, due to their ability to overcome immunity from previous infections through acquisition of mutations. Amino acid sequences encoded by genes 4 (HA), 6 (NA), 7 (M), and 8 (NS) from 77 H3N2 influenza A isolates, collected between November 2003 and March 2005, were analyzed to determine the extent to which the viruses mutated within epidemic periods and between the epidemics. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences were stable throughout the epidemics but experienced substantial changes between epidemics. Major changes occurred in the HA gene in 5 to 7 amino acids and the NA gene in 11 to 13 amino acids and changes of 5 amino acids occurred in the M and NS genes. In the HA gene, changes occurred in sites known to be epitopes that determine the hemagglutination inhibition reactivity, and these were shown to be associated with a change of strain from A/Fujian/411/2002-like to A/California/7/2004-like viruses. Our findings indicate that genotype determination promises to be a rapid approach for detecting new strains of influenza A viruses in a population.
Gene transfer of soluble transforming growth factor type II receptor by in vivo electroporation attenuates lung injury and fibrosis
Authors: Yamada Mizuho , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Maeyama Takashige , Yoshimi Michihiro , Hamada Naoki , Fukumoto Jutaro , Egashira Kensuke , Hiasa Kenichi , Takayama Koichi , Nakanishi Yoichi
Published: October 2006

Background:Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has the potential to induce acute inflammation and apoptosis in lung epithelial cells and plays a central role in subsequent fibrosis.

Aims:To examine a new anti-TGF-β1 therapy against lung injury and fibrosis, which comprises the transfection of soluble TGF type II receptor (sTGFRII) gene into skeletal muscles by in vivo electroporation.

Methods:Soluble TGFRII was detectable between 1 and 14 days in the serum and significantly increased between 3 and 10 days after gene transfer into muscles. Based on these findings, the sTGFRII gene was injected at 3 days before or 4 days after the bleomycin instillation in order to examine the significance of TGF-β1 on the early inflammatory phase (day 0 to day 7) or the fibrotic phase (day 7 to day 14) in this model.

Results:Transfection of sTGFRII gene at 3 days before or 4 days after bleomycin instillation significantly attenuated apoptosis, injury, and fibrosis at 7 or 14 days, respectively. This method does not require the use of viral vector or neutralising antibody, and it is therefore possible to avoid problems regarding the pathogenicity of the viral vector or immunocomplex.

Conclusions:This novel anti-TGF-β1 strategy may have clinical application in the treatment of lung injury and fibrosis.
T Cell Costimulation: A Rational Target in the Therapeutic Armamentarium for Autoimmune Diseases and Transplantation
Authors: Vincenti Flavio , Luggen Michael
Published: October 2006

T cells are central mediators of adaptive immunity. As such, they are involved in both normal immune responses (e.g., rejection of a transplanted organ) and abnormal ones (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). T cells require both antigen-specific and costimulatory signals for their full activation. Advances in protein engineering and an increased understanding of the immune response have culminated in the evolution and creation of protein therapeutics that target specific costimulatory molecules. The selective costimulation modulator abatacept (CTLA-4Ig) binds to CD80 and CD86, blocking interaction with CD28, and is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Belatacept, currently enrolling phase III trials in renal transplantation, was rationally designed from abatacept to bind with more avidity to CD86, providing the more potent immunosuppressive properties required for immunosuppression in transplantation. This review describes the relevant immunology and summarizes recent clinical findings on these two molecules. Although both inhibit the CD28 costimulatory pathway, they are tailored for specific disease states—abatacept for autoimmune diseases and belatacept for transplantation.
Characterization of the regulation of renal Na+/H+exchanger NHE3 by insulin
Authors: Fuster Daniel G. , Bobulescu I. Alexandru , Zhang Jianning , Wade James , Moe Orson W.
Published: October 2006

Insulin receptors are widely distributed in the kidney and affect multiple aspects of renal function. In the proximal tubule, insulin regulates volume and acid-base regulation through stimulation of the Na+/H+exchanger NHE3. This paper characterizes the signaling pathway by which insulin stimulates NHE3 in a cell culture model [opossum kidney (OK) cell]. Insulin has two distinct phases of action on NHE3. Chronic insulin (24 h) activates NHE3 through the classic phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serum- and glucocorticoid-dependent kinase 1 (PI3K-SGK1) pathway as insulin stimulates SGK1 phosphorylation and the insulin effect can be blocked by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin or a dominant-negative SGK1. We showed that SGK1 transcript and protein are expressed in rat proximal tubule and OK cells. We previously showed that glucocorticoids augment the effect of insulin on NHE3 (Klisic J, Hu MC, Nief V, Reyes L, Fuster D, Moe OW, Ambuhl PM. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 283: F532–F539, 2002). Part of this can be mediated via induction of SGK1 by glucocorticoids, and indeed the insulin effect on NHE3 can also be amplified by overexpression of SGK1. We next addressed the acute effect of insulin (1–2 h) on NHE3 by systematically examining the candidate signaling cascades and activation mechanisms of NHE3. We ruled out the PI3K-SGK1-Akt and TC10 pathways, increased surface NHE3, NHE3 phosphorylation, NHE3 association with calcineurin homologous protein 1 or megalin as mechanisms of acute activation of NHE3 by insulin. In summary, insulin stimulates NHE3 acutely via yet undefined pathways and mechanisms. The chronic effect of insulin is mediated by the classic PI3K-SGK1 route.
Neural Averaging in Motor Learning
Authors: Mattar Andrew A. G. , Ostry David J.
Published: October 2006

The capacity for skill development over multiple training episodes is fundamental to human motor function. We have studied the process by which skills evolve with training by progressively modifying a series of motor learning tasks that subjects performed over a 1-mo period. In a series of empirical and modeling studies, we show that performance undergoes repeated modification with new learning. Each in a series of prior training episodes contributes such that present performance reflects a weighted average of previous learning. Moreover, we have observed that the relative weighting of skills learned wholly in the past changes with time. This suggests that the neural substrate of skill undergoes modification after consolidation.
Expression of Telomere-Associated Genes as Prognostic Markers for Overall Survival in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lin Xin , Gu Jian , Lu Charles , Spitz Margaret R. , Wu Xifeng
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Human telomeres, which are composed of long, repetitive sequences of TTAGGG and a variety of proteins, function as a protective structure capping the ends of chromosomes. Telomere dysfunction plays important roles in cancer initiation and progression. TRF1, TRF2, POT1, and RAP1 are four major telomere proteins that regulate telomere stability and telomere length. We hypothesized that the expression of these genes would have significant predictive value for cancer development and prognosis.

Experimental Design: We compared the mRNA expression level of TRF1, TRF2, POT1, and RAP1 between tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 148 patients with non–small cell lung cancer using real-time quantitative PCR. We then estimated the prognostic value of the mRNA expression of these genes in tumors.

Results: The expression level of TRF1 was significantly lower in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.0001); no significant difference was found for TRF2, POT1, and RAP1. The expression of RAP1 gene in tumors was highly predictive of overall survival. In the Cox proportional hazards model, patients with higher RAP1 expression were associated with a significantly better survival [hazard ratio (HR), 0.47; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.24-0.91]. This improved survival was more prominent in men (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.996) and in ever smokers (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.24-1.02). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with higher RAP1 expression had significantly longer median survival than patients with lower expression (median = 51.21 versus 15.34 months, P < 0.0009). The expressions of TRF2 in tumor tissues were significantly correlated with tumor grades (P = 0.0114).

Conclusions: RAP1 expression may be a useful biomarker of tumor progression and survival.