bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV Tat-mediated transcriptional regulation of proteasome protein cleavage specificity
Authors: Aresté Cristina , Blackbourn David J.
Published: June 2006

The major antigen-adapted immune response protecting a vertebrate against virus infection is that mediated by CTLs (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes). CTLs destroy virus-infected cells, thereby containing the infection. They are activated by recognition of peptide antigens or epitopes, presented to them in the context of MHC I proteins. These epitopes are derived from proteolytic degradation of endogenously synthesized proteins, which is mediated by the proteasome. Augmentation of epitope presentation by MHC I is thought to be effected by the immunoproteasome, induced in response to IFN-γ (interferon-γ) in some cells, and constitutively expressed in others. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Remoli and colleagues describe the manipulation of the immunoproteasome by the Tat (transcriptional activation) protein of HIV. The authors show that Tat deregulates the balance of the three proteins, LMP2 (low-molecular-mass polypeptide 2), LMP7 and MECL1 (multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like 1), which distinguish the immunoproteasome from the proteasome, and they provide a molecular explanation. Intracellular Tat sequesters IRF-1 (interferon-regulatory factor-1) from its cognate promoter element, where normally it associates with STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) to activate basal transcription of the LMP2 gene. LMP2 expression is inhibited as a consequence, skewing the stoichiometry of the immunoproteasome and changing its enzymatic activity. These findings provide a molecular account of an immunomodulatory activity of HIV: changing the peptide antigen profile of cells expressing or exposed to Tat. They may also provide an avenue for manipulating vaccine efficacy and specificity with Tat-based adjuvants.
Development of a remote method for the recording of cattle weights under field conditions
Authors: Charmley E. , Gowan T. L. , Duynisveld J. L.
Published: June 2006

Remote weighing of cattle is advantageous because it is less labour-intensive and less invasive for the animal than conventional methods. An automated system was built using ‘off the shelf’ technology which allowed for cattle to be weighed automatically on pasture when accessing the device. Data collected over a 70-day grazing period was compared with data collected at 2-week intervals by transferring cattle to a centralised weighing facility. Liveweights recorded using the remote system were some 20 kg higher than those measured conventionally. However the daily rate of change was similar for conventional and remote weighing methods, being 1.25 v. 1.20 kg/day, respectively (P = 0.48). This study demonstrated that remote weighting of cattle on pasture is feasible and gives satisfactory results compared with conventional methods. This relatively simple method relies on technologies currently available to the cattle industry and could readily be adapted to a range of commercial situations.
Effects of dietary fibre and feeding frequency on wool biting and aggressive behaviours in housed Merino sheep
Authors: Vasseur S. , Paull D. R. , Atkinson S. J. , Colditz I. G. , Fisher A. D.
Published: June 2006

Wool biting is a behaviour that can develop in housed sheep, in which sheep start to bite and eat the wool of others. The aim of this study was to determine whether (i) supplementing the diet of housed sheep with fibre and (ii) increasing feeding frequency would help to reduce wool biting, aggressive behaviours and wool damage. In a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, 40 Merino wethers were either fed with lucerne-based pellets only, or with pellets supplemented with barley straw. They received their pellets either on a low feeding frequency basis (once a day Monday to Friday mornings, double ration on Friday afternoon, nothing Saturdays and Sundays), or on a high feeding frequency basis (twice a day, every day). The sheep were housed in 4 treatment pens, each with 10 animals. Wool biting and aggressive behaviours were recorded through direct observation and the sheep were scored for wool damage twice a week during the 15-week study. The provision of fibre had a significant effect on reducing wool biting (P<0.001) and wool damage score (P<0.001). There was no consistent effect of feeding frequency on wool biting or wool damage, and no fibre × feeding frequency interactions. Whereas wool biting in general increased with time during the study (P<0.001), levels of aggressive behaviour showed no consistent time trend, and there were no effects of fibre or feeding frequency treatments. It is concluded that wool biting is largely a redirected behaviour in concentrate-fed housed sheep deprived of adequate levels of activity or oral stimulus, and that the provision of roughage will reduce the development of wool biting and improve animal welfare in housed experimental sheep.
Effectiveness of electrolytes at alleviating dehydration and improving carcass characteristics of adult sheep in lairage
Authors: Toohey E. S. , Hopkins D. L. , Nielsen S. G.
Published: June 2006

The aim of this work was to examine the effectiveness of a commercial electrolyte mixture in alleviating dehydration and improving carcass characteristics of adult sheep under commercial processing conditions. Two separate experiments were conducted to investigate this aim. Experiment 1 had 2 hydration treatments (water with and without electrolytes) and sheep commenced their treatments on their arrival at the abattoir. Animals were then slaughtered at the lairage times of 24, 48 or 72 h. Experiment 2 had the same treatments and an additional no water (no electrolyte) treatment. In the second experiment only, animals from each of the treatment groups were allocated into 2 stimulation groups, so that on the production line the carcasses were either treated with high voltage stimulation or not treated. Experiment 2 animals were grazed for 2 weeks at the abattoir prior to commencement of the treatments. Animals were slaughtered after a lairage time of 24, 48 or 72 h, except for animals on the no-water treatment: these animals had lairage times of 24 or 48 h only. It was found in both experiments that there was no difference (P>0.05) between the water treatments for all carcass and meat quality traits measured. Lairage time had an effect (P<0.05) on urine specific gravity in both experiments. Urine specific gravity decreased as lairage time increased in experiment 1, but an opposing trend was found in experiment 2. In experiment 1, as lairage time increased, GR (total tissue depth at the 12th rib) decreased. Electrical stimulation in experiment 2 lowered (P<0.05) the initial pH and interacted with lairage time causing differences in cook loss for meat aged for 1 or 7 days, but had no impact on other traits.
The hydration status of lambs after lairage at two Australian abattoirs
Authors: Jacob R. H. , Pethick D. W. , Ponnampalam E. , Speijers J. , Hopkins D. L.
Published: June 2006

Urine samples were collected from lambs slaughtered at 2 abattoirs, 1 in Western Australia (WA) and 1 in Victoria (Vic.), for the purpose of estimating hydration status at the time of slaughter. Collections were made from 219 consignments at WA and 57 consignments at Vic., over a 12-month period commencing in July 2003 and finishing in June 2004. The average consignment urine specific gravity was high, suggesting subclinical dehydration was common at both abattoirs. Consignment urine specific gravity was higher at Vic. than WA during the months from January to June. Analyses of demographic data collected at WA suggested that average consignment urine specific gravity was higher in sucker lambs than carry over lambs, highest in August and lowest in January, and higher in lambs from the south-eastern districts compared with other districts within the state.
Mid-pregnancy shearing can increase birthweight and survival to weaning of multiple-born lambs under commercial conditions
Authors: Kenyon P. R. , Revell D. K. , Morris S. T.
Published: June 2006

In several field studies, mid-pregnancy shearing has increased lamb birthweight, which may be associated with an increase in lamb survival. However, animal numbers have been too low in these studies to accurately examine any effects on survival rates to weaning. This study was designed to investigate the effect of mid-pregnancy shearing on the birthweight of multiple-born lambs and their survival rates to weaning under commercial farming conditions at 2 different sites. At Riverside, 657 twin- and 47 triplet-bearing ewes were either shorn at mid-pregnancy (n = 347) or left unshorn (n = 357). Similarly, at Tuapaka, 532 twin-, and 60 triplet-bearing ewes were either shorn at mid-pregnancy (n = 291) or left unshorn (n = 301). Mid-pregnancy shearing significantly (P<0.05) increased the birthweights of lambs at each site (by 0.44 and 0.13 kg at Riverside and Tuapaka, respectively). Mid-pregnancy shearing significantly (P<0.05) increased lamb weaning weights (by 1.07 kg) and survival rates to weaning (by 5.5%) at Riverside, but not at Tuapaka. These findings show that mid-pregnancy shearing under commercial farming conditions can increase the birthweight of multiple-born lambs and, when the birthweight response is large enough to reduce the numbers of otherwise lightweight lambs, it is associated with an increase in survival rates to weaning.
Performance of growing cattle grazing moderate quality legume - grass temperate pastures when offered varying forage allowance with or without grain supplementation
Authors: Beretta V. , Simeone A. , Elizalde J. C. , Baldi F.
Published: June 2006

This research evaluated the effect of supplementation with cracked corn grain (0 or 1% of liveweight) on the performance of Hereford steers grazing a mixed pasture of legume and grass at 3 forage allowances (3, 6 or 9 kg DM/100 kg liveweight). The experiments were conducted in West Uruguay over 2 consecutive summers, with 72 Hereford steers (282 ± 15.3 kg; n = 36/year) randomly allocated to 1 of the 6 treatments in a factorial arrangement. Cattle were supplemented in individual pens and weighed every 14 days. Grain intake did not differ (P>0.05) between forage allowances. Both supplementing and increasing forage allowance reduced (P<0.01) forage utilisation. Year effect was significant (P<0.01) for liveweight gain and grain intake, but neither the 2- nor the 3-way interaction of year with forage allowance or supplementation was significant (P>0.05). Increasing forage allowance only improved (P<0.01) liveweight gain of non-supplemented cattle (0.299, 0.483, 0.667 kg/day for forage allowance of 3, 6 or 9%, respectively). Hence, response to supplementation decreased with forage allowance, increasing the grain (kg)/gain (kg) conversion ratio. These results provide a quantitative basis on which to decide upon the best feeding management option for summer.
Factors affecting wool scouring performance, yield and colour measurements of Western Australian fleece wools
Authors: Westmoreland D. J. , Schlink A. C. , Greeff J. C.
Published: June 2006

A benchtop scouring procedure was used to evaluate the ability of conventional detergent scouring systems to adequately clean fleece samples from a selection of Western Australian Merino wools. Sixteen fleeces were selected from the Western Australian Department of Agriculture resource flocks, covering a wide range in yield (49.2 to 77.5%), wax (7.3 to 26.9%), suint (4.9 to 11.6%), and dust (1.4 to 16.3%) contents. Using a simple detergent-based system, 50% of the fleeces were classified as effectively scoured, based on residual wax content. When scouring liquor was not refreshed between subsamples drawn from the same fleece, wool wax, staple length and dust content in the greasy fleece accounted for 93% of the variation in the rate of residual wax increase observed in sequential 10 g samples of wool. Residual ash content also increased but the greasy fleece parameters measured were not statistically significant predictors of residual ash changes. The rate of scoured wool colour change, when sequential samples of greasy wool from the same fleece were scoured without liquor change, could be predicted from greasy fleece yields. The scouring efficiency of the more difficult to scour wools was improved by the addition of sodium carbonate to the main scouring bowls.
Effect of fibre supplementation on dag formation and flystrike in sheep grazing spring pastures
Authors: Davidson B. S. , Chaplin S. J. , Laird C.
Published: June 2006

Sheep on spring pastures may scour excessively due to the low levels of neutral detergent fibre. Scouring leads to dag formation, which predisposes sheep to flystrike, particularly in the breech area, posing a considerable challenge to sheep producers. This trial was undertaken to test whether supplementing sheep on spring pasture with fibre would reduce diarrhoea and thereby reduce dag formation and flystrike. Four hundred first-lambing Merino ewes were randomly allocated to control (no fibre supplementation) and fibre treatment (ad libitum cereal hay or wheat straw supplementation) groups in a 2-paddock crossover trial, which was conducted from August through the spring flush to crutching in October. The bulk fecal egg counts of each group were no different at the start of the trial but the fibre group had a higher (P<0.05) fecal egg count than the control at crutching. Fecal egg count was not correlated with dag score. Fecal dry matter percentage was higher (P<0.05) in the fibre group but there was no difference in dag wet weight or dry matter percentage between the treatment groups. Dag scores of a sample of 100 sheep from each group were significantly (P<0.01) lower at crutching. There was no difference between the groups in the incidence of flystrike, however, there were significantly (P<0.001) more sheep with high dag scores (>3) in the control group than the fibre treatment group. These results indicate that the supplementation of spring pasture with low quality hay or straw can reduce dag formation by improving the consistency of feces and, thereby, reduce the number of sheep with dag scores greater than 3.
Selection response in fecal worm egg counts in the Rylington Merino parasite resistant flock
Authors: Karlsson L. J. E. , Greeff J. C.
Published: June 2006

The Rylington Merino internal parasite resistant selection line was initiated in 1987 from a wide genetic base of 100 ewe flocks. Selection for parasite resistance was based on selecting animals with a low worm egg count in a natural parasite challenge environment. The realised annual genetic gain for estimated breeding value of worm egg count is 2.7%. The genetic gain in parasite resistance has been achieved without any adverse genetic correlations with the other economically important production traits. There is an unfavourable genetic correlation between worm egg count and scouring traits. The recommendation to industry is to select for both low worm egg count and reduced diarrhoea and combine these traits with other economically important production traits. The relative weighting applied to each component trait will vary according to the local parasite challenge situation and the time frame available to achieve sustainable parasite control.
Effect of lupin supplementation and phenotypic characteristics on the performance of pastoral cattle grazing tagasaste
Authors: Dellar S. J. , Accioly J. M. , McIntyre B. L. , Williams I. , Pethick D. W.
Published: June 2006

Within the Western Australian beef industry there is a negative perception of the capabilities of pastoral cattle to be finished in agricultural regions, especially those that have dominant Bos indicus characteristics. In order to address this perception, the performance, temperament and muscle glycogen levels of pastoral cattle grown in the agricultural region were investigated. Sixty steers were divided into phenotypic groups types, as either B. indicus (n = 30) or B. taurus (n = 30), and were randomly allocated to 2 treatments, each with 2 replicates. They were grazed on tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) and supplemented for 8 months with lupin grain 3 times per week at an equivalent of 1.5 or 3 kg/animal.day. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in weight gain between the B. indicus and B. taurus type steers on either supplement level with both gaining weight at an average of 0.6 kg/day. Muscle biopsies from the M. semimembranosus (SM, topside) and M. semitendinosis (ST, eye round) were analysed for glycogen concentration, as an indicator of potential meat quality. Muscle glycogen concentration was not significantly (P>0.05) different between nutritional treatments or type of cattle. All steers had sufficient glycogen in the sampled muscles (1.3% in the SM and 1.0% in the ST) to produce meat with a desirable pH (<5.7). Flight speed, as an indicator of temperament, was recorded to detect any differences between the 2 types of cattle. Flight time was not significantly (P>0.05) different between the B. indicus or B. taurus steers, suggesting that there was no difference in temperament. The results illustrate that selection of pastoral cattle based on phenotypic characteristics alone is not substantiated, and that decisions should be made on the basis of genetic and past management information. If proper management strategies are put in place, pastoral cattle can perform adequately in the agricultural regions, which presents an opportunity for further integration between northern pastoral regions and southern agricultural regions to enhance overall beef productivity of the state.
Skin characteristics and skin protein composition of Merinos differing in estimated breeding values for wool growth and fed at above and below maintenance
Authors: Li L. , Godwin I. , Liu S. M. , Oddy V. H. , Nolan J. V.
Published: June 2006

Twenty castrated male sheep were selected from a commercial flock, 10 with high estimated breeding values (EBVs) (F+) and 10 with low EBVs for wool production (F–). Five of each EBV treatment were offered feed at 0.8M [0.8 times their metabolisable energy (ME) requirement for maintenance] and the other 5 were offered feed at 1.8M for 6 weeks. On the midside area of skin, the F+ group had a greater rate of clean wool growth (g/100cm2.day) and daily growth in fibre length (mm/day) than the F– group at both feeding levels (P<0.05). Fibre diameter (FD) was finer for F+ than F– sheep at both feeding levels (P<0.001). As the feeding level increased, FD increased (P<0.001), but the ratio of fibre length growth to mean FD remained constant. The secondary follicle density in F+ sheep decreased with an increase in the feeding level (P<0.01), whereas the secondary follicle density of F– sheep remained unchanged (P>0.05). The ratio of secondary to primary follicles (S/P) was 21% higher (P<0.01) in skin from F+ sheep than in skin from F– sheep, but this difference was not related to the feeding level.
Skin thickness at the midside was thinner (P<0.05) when sheep were underfed, but F+ sheep had a thicker (P<0.05) skin than F– sheep. The trephine (diameter: 1.5 cm; area: 1.766  cm2)-sampled skin weight was heavier for F+ than for F– (0.339 v. 0.294 g, P<0.05) but did not differ (P>0.05) with the level of intake. The weight of the dermis layer was greater in F+ than F– sheep (0.231 v. 0.190 g per trephine, P<0.05) and F+ sheep also tended to be more responsive to feeding level than F– sheep (interaction: P = 0.06). True protein content per 100 g wet skin did not differ between F+ and F– sheep or between feeding levels, whereas the protein content per 100 cm2 skin was significantly (P<0.05) higher in F+ sheep. The concentration of collagen in skin protein (g/100 g) was lower in F+ sheep than F– sheep at both feeding levels (P<0.05).
Of the amino acids evaluated, significant differences occurred between F+ and F– sheep for the methionine (Met) concentration in plasma (P<0.05) and in the free amino acid pool in the skin (P = 0.06). The distribution ratio of skin Met concentration to plasma Met concentration was significantly lower in the F+ sheep than F– sheep (0.77 v.1.18 kg skin/ L plasma).
Results presented here indicate that skin characteristics such as skin thickness, follicle density, S/P ratio, skin weight, dermis weight, true protein or collagen content were a consequence of genetics and nutritional variation in wool growth rate, fibre length and fibre diameter. Selection for high EBVs for wool growth has resulted in animals which grow more wool at the 2 levels of feed intake provided, supported by their higher S/P ratios, higher skin and protein masses, more responsive dermides and higher efficiency of Met usage in skin tissue.
Convergence of isoprene and polyketide biosynthetic machinery: Isoprenyl-
S
-carrier proteins in the
pksX
pathway of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Calderone Christopher T. , Kowtoniuk Walter E. , Kelleher Neil L. , Walsh Christopher T. , Dorrestein Pieter C.
Published: June 2006

The
pksX
gene cluster from
Bacillus subtilis
is predicted to encode the biosynthesis of an as yet uncharacterized hybrid nonribosomal peptide/polyketide secondary metabolite. We used a combination of biochemical and mass spectrometric techniques to assign functional roles to the proteins AcpK, PksC, PksL, PksF, PksG, PksH, and PksI, and we conclude that they act to incorporate an acetate-derived β-methyl branch on an acetoacetyl-
S
-carrier protein and ultimately generate a Δ
2
-isoprenyl-
S
-carrier protein. This work highlights the power of mass spectrometry to elucidate the functions of orphan biosynthetic enzymes, and it details a mechanism by which single-carbon β-branches can be inserted into polyketide-like structures. This pathway represents a noncanonical route to the construction of prenyl units and serves as a prototype for the intersection of isoprenoid and polyketide biosynthetic manifolds in other natural product biosynthetic pathways.
Thoracic geometry changes during equine locomotion
Authors: Colborne G Robert , Allen Rebecca J , Wilson Rosanna JR , Marlin David J , Franklin Samantha H
Published: June 2006

Classic descriptions of rib motion during ventilation include three-dimensional movements that are tied to the locomotor pattern. It is still not clear how chest wall and diaphragmatic movements contribute to ventilation. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate how gait affects local thoracic geometry in horses. Hemispherical markers were placed on the skin over the ribs and spine to calculate thoracic hemi-diameter. Ventilatory airflows were recorded using an ultrasonic flowmeter system. Airflow and kinematic data were collected synchronously at walk (1.8 m s-1), trot (4 m s-1), canter and gallop (6, 8 and 10 m s-1) on the treadmill. At walk and trot, the changes in right and left hemi-diameter were approximately symmetric. At walk, mean hemi-diameter changes were 40 mm (rib 10) and 47 mm (rib 16). At trot, they were 33 mm (rib 10) and 34 mm (rib 16). Across the three canter and gallop speeds, leading (right) side hemi-diameter change increased from 25 to 30 to 35 mm (rib 10) and from 23 to 37 to 46 mm (rib 16). The trailing (left) side hemi-diameter increased from 50 to 67 to 70 mm (rib 10) and from 36 to 48 to 54 mm (rib 16) (P≪0.01). At canter and gallop, the non-lead side of the thorax is subjected to larger amplitude changes in hemi-diameter than the lead side, which tends to be more compressed overall and demonstrates smaller amplitudes of change in diameter.
Survey on Use of and Attitudes Toward Influenza Vaccination Among Emergency Department Staff in a New York Metropolitan Hospital
Authors: Piccirillo Barbara , Gaeta Theodore
Published: June 2006

Objective.

Recognizing that the potential transmission of influenza virus would be concentrated at a hospital's primary point of entry, we determined rates of staff compliance with the influenza vaccination recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the Emergency Department (ED). We describe the basic knowledge concerning influenza transmission and factors influencing vaccination decisions among ED staff.

Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and Participants.

A large urban teaching hospital. Participants included ED staff, visiting professionals from other departments, and emergency medical service personnel transferring patients to the hospital.

Results.

Of 230 surveys that were distributed, 200 were completed. One hundred one respondents (51%) were female. The overall influenza vaccination rate was 50%. Having had influenza previously was the most instrumental factor in whether or not a respondent chose vaccination (P<.001). Use of the Employees Health Services Free Vaccine Program (FVP) was a very important factor influencing whether ED staff sought influenza vaccination (P<.0001). Prior knowledge of the ACIP recommendations proved to be not statistically important (P = .03). A significant factor for respondents declining vaccination was the concern that illness could be caused by the vaccine (P<.0001). Variables such as sex of the respondents (P = .6714) and type of job (P = .3628) were not associated with vaccination.

Conclusion.

Despite ACIP recommendations, 50% of respondents did not receive an influenza vaccination. Misconceptions regarding influenza vaccine efficacy, concerns about adverse effects, and fear of contracting illness were significantly associated with noncompliance with vaccination. Variables that were important contributors to compliance with vaccination were prior influenza illness and services rendered by the FVP.
Outbreak ofSalmonella javianaInfection at a Children's Hospital
Authors: Elward Alexis , Grim Autumn , Schroeder Patricia , Kieffer Patricia , Sellenriek Patricia , Ferrett Rhonda , Adams Hilda Chaski , Phillips Virginia , Bartow Rhonda , Mays Debra , Lawrence Steven , Seed Patrick , Holzmann-Pazgal Galit , Polish Louis , Leet Terry , Fraser Victoria
Published: June 2006

Objective.

To determine the source of an outbreak of Salmonella javiana infection.

Design.

Case-control study.

Participants.

A total of 101 culture-confirmed cases and 540 epidemiologically linked cases were detected between May 26, 2003, and June 16, 2003, in hospital employees, patients, and visitors. Asymptomatic employees who had eaten in the hospital cafeteria between May 30 and June 4, 2003, and had had no gastroenteritis symptoms after May 1, 2003, were chosen as control subjects.

Setting.

A 235-bed academic tertiary care children's hospital.

Results.

Isolates from 100 of 101 culture-confirmed cases had identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. A foodhandler with symptoms of gastroenteritis was the presumed index subject. In multivariate analysis, case subjects were more likely than control subjects to have consumed items from the salad bar (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-12.1) and to have eaten in the cafeteria on May 28 (aOR, 9.4; 95% CI, 1.8-49.5), May 30 (aOR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.0-12.7), and/or June 3 (aOR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.3).

Conclusions.

Foodhandlers who worked while they had symptoms of gastroenteritis likely contributed to the propagation of the outbreak. This large outbreak was rapidly controlled through the use of an incident command center.
Macrophage cultures are susceptible to lytic productive infection by endothelial-cell-propagated human cytomegalovirus strains and present viral IE1 protein to CD4+ T cells despite late downregulation of MHC class II molecules
Authors: Sinzger Christian , Eberhardt Kathrin , Cavignac Yolaine , Weinstock Christof , Kessler Tobias , Jahn Gerhard , Davignon Jean-Luc
Published: June 2006

The contribution of CD4+ T cells to control of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been shown and infected tissue macrophages might contribute to this response by antigen presentation. As shown previously, CD4+ T cells recognize HCMV immediate-early antigen IE1 on glioblastoma cells manipulated to express MHC class II molecules. Here, the possible interference of virus-induced MHC class II downmodulation with the presentation of IE1 by natural target cells was analysed. The capacity of IE1-specific CD4+ T-cell clones to recognize HCMV-infected monocyte-derived macrophages was tested. Various HCMV strains were used to achieve efficient infection of macrophages. Activation of CD4+ T cells by infected macrophages was evaluated at different time points after infection. Endothelial-cell-adapted HCMV strains efficiently infected cultured human macrophages. However, the immediate-early and early phases of replication were prolonged. Infected cells entered the late replication phase only after 3 days of infection, which was associated with downmodulation of MHC class II molecules at the surface of infected cells. Strong stimulation of IE1-specific CD4+ T cells resulted from endogenous de novo antigen production and presentation by infected macrophages during the first 3 days of virus replication, despite MHC class II downmodulation in the late replication phase. Therefore, infected macrophages are assumed to contribute to the antiviral immune response in infected organs.
Identification and characterization of a virus-inducible non-coding RNA in mouse brain
Authors: Saha Sougata , Murthy Sreenivasa , Rangarajan Pundi N.
Published: June 2006

Infection of mice withJapanese encephalitis virusorRabies virusresults in the activation of a gene encoding a novel, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in the mouse central nervous system. This transcript, named virus-inducible ncRNA (VINC), is identical to a 3.18 kb transcript expressed in mouse neonate skin (GenBank accession no. AK028745) that, together with a number of unannotated cDNAs and expressed sequence tags, is grouped in the mouse unigene cluster Mm281895. VINC is expressed constitutively in early mouse embryo and several adult non-neuronal mouse tissues, as well as a murine renal adenocarcinoma (RAG) cell line. Northern blotting of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs revealed that VINC is localized primarily in the nucleus of RAG cells and is thus a novel member of the nuclear ncRNA family.
Abnormal lamellar granules in a case of CHILD syndrome
Authors: Ishibashi Masafumi , Matsuda Fumio , Oka Hiroshi , Ishiko Akira
Published: June 2006

Background:

A 32‐year‐old female had cutaneous and musculoskeletal changes consistent with congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects (CHILD) syndrome. She was born with the dysplastic, shortened right‐sided arm and leg. Erythematous, hyperkeratotic lesion occurred on the trunk initially and extended to the right‐sided arm and leg. Almost all area of her right‐side body except the head and neck was covered by the erythematous lesion with yellow waxy scales, and the distal end of the rudimentary leg showed a verrucous appearance.

Methods and Results:

The histology shared many features with verruciform xanthoma. Electron microscopy revealed vesicular structures in the intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum and vacuoles or vesicular structures in upper prickle cell layer. Some of them can be recognized as abnormal lamellar granules. Within the foamy cells in the papillary dermis, large vacuoles were found.

Conclusion:

These findings suggested that abnormal lipid metabolism involving lamellar granules may be responsible to the skin lesion of CHILD syndrome.
Diel feeding periodicity, daily ration and vertical migration of juvenile Cape hake off the west coast of South Africa
Authors: Pillar S. C. , Barange M.
Published: June 2006

Feeding periodicity, daily ration and vertical migration of juvenile Cape hake Merluccius capensis are investigated from midwater and bottom trawl collections taken during a 42‐h period between 29 February and 2 March 1992 at a fixed position off the west coast of South Africa. Feeding of 10‐20 cm hake intensified during the night when they ascended into subsurface layers to prey on recruits of anchovy Engraulis capensis. Larger hake remained close to the bottom, were partially cannibalistic and exhibited no diel feeding periodicity. M. capensis appear to migrate vertically and feed asynchronously in midwater, as individuals, and not as a population, returning to the bottom when satiated. Based upon the exponential rate of decline in stomach fullness throughout the day, the evacuation rate by hake <20 cm was estimated as 0.054 h−1; 90% evacuation of anchovy prey required an estimated 43 h. Using the Elliott & Persson and Eggers methods, the daily ration was estimated as 5.51 and 4.15% of wet body weight respectively. The effect of the foraging behaviour of M. capensis on the appropriateness of acoustic sampling for estimates of their abundance is discussed.
Endocardial pores in the sinus venosus and atrium of the dogfish
Authors: Muñoz‐Chápuli R. , Gallego A. , Macías D. , Ramos C. , De Andrés A. V.
Published: June 2006

A scanning electron microscopy study showed the presence of large pores in the endocardium of the sinus venosus of the dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula. The pores were always found on large bundles which protruded into the cardiac lumen. The bundles were mainly constituted of granule‐containing nerve fibres. The average diameter of the pores was 3.2 μm (range=1.5‐5.0μm), and their density, was about 822 pores mm−2. Endocardial pores were absent in other areas of the sinus venosus, but they were observed on the little bundles of granulated nerve fibres which were scattered throughout the atrium. The existence of large endocardial pores associated with bundles of granulated nerve fibres supports the hypothesis for the neuroendocrine nature of the elasmobranch sinus venosus wall.
Size structure, sex ratio and onset of sexual maturity of two species of Hypostomus
Authors: Mazzoni R. , Caramaschi E. P.
Published: June 2006

Length‐frequency analyses showed that male Hypostomus affinis are bigger than females, but H. luetkeni showed no such differences. The sex ratio was estimated at 1:1 for both species. The temporal variation of sex ratio indicated a decrease in the male population when GSI was at its maximum value, suggesting that males are less prone to capture during the spawning season. According to the decrease of males during the reproductive period, paternal behaviour is proposed for both species. H. affinis reached sexual maturity at a smaller size than H. luetkeni. Considering the length weight relationship and the mortality rate of the reproductive females in both species, the physiological consequences of delay or precocity of the first maturation are discussed.
Evaluation of ovum fixation and storage in three‐spined stickleback
Authors: Heins D. C. , Baker J. A. , King R. W. , Lahti K.
Published: June 2006

Ripe eggs removed from three‐spined sticklebacks stored in 50% isopropyl alcohol showed significantly Sower mean masses than those stored in 10% formalin. These results are considered in relationship to preservation techniques for stickleback.
Cryopreservation of leucocytes of channel catfish for subsequent cytogenetic analysis
Authors: Zhang Quiyang , Tiersch T. R.
Published: June 2006

Channel catfish leucocytes cryopreserved with glycerol or dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) had significantly higher (P<0.05) viability and recovery rates than did cells cryopreserved with methanol. After 7 days of frozen storage, a 24 to 27% reduction of viability was observed for cells cryopreserved with glycerol; a 25 to 43% reduction for cells frozen with DMSO, and a 67 to 100% reduction for cells frozen with methanol. The concentration of cryoprotectants affected the viability of cryopreserved cells significantly (p<0.05). The viability reduction was 36% for cells frozen with 5% of cryoprotectants, 30% for cells frozen with 10% of cryoprotectants, and 49% for cells frozen with 15% of cryoprotectants. The viability of cells frozen at the slower rate (‐2.7°C min−1) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of cells frozen at the faster rate (‐45°C min−1). Best results were obtained for cells cryopreserved with 10% of glycerol or DMSO and frozen at the slower rate. The chromosomes prepared from cells cryopreserved using this procedure were identical to those prepared from fresh cells, and to those reported in the literature for channel Catfish.
Muscle development in larvae of a fast growing tropical freshwater fish, the curimatã‐pacú
Authors: Brooks S. , Vieira V. L. A. , Johnston I. A. , Macheru P.
Published: June 2006

The distribution and ultrastructure of myotomal muscle fibres was studied in larvae and early juveniles of the curimatã‐pacúProchilodus marggravii, a tropical freshwater fish endemic to the São Francisco River system, Brazil. At 26°C, larvae hatched 15 h post‐fertilization at a relatively early stage of development with the head still curved around the yolk‐sac (head‐trunk angle greater than 45°), and prior to pigmentation of the eyes and formation of the jaws, gut and pectoral fins. Although motile the swimming muscles of newly‐hatched larvae were largely undifferentiated. The myotomes were made up of a single layer of superficial muscle fibres containing six to eight myofibrils and abundant mitochondria, surrounding an inner core of myoblasts, myotubes and immature muscle fibres. The volume densities of mitochondria and myofibrils in the immature inner muscle fibres of 1‐day‐old lavae were 14.5 and 6.4% respectively. The body axis straightened within 24 h of hatching and the yolk sac was completely absorbed by 72 h. Larval development was rapid with gill filaments, a muscular stomach, liver and swimbladder present after 7 days. The inner muscle fibres were well differentiated in 7‐day‐old larvae; the volume density of myofibrils had increased to 63.1% whereas the volume density of mitochondria had decreased to 3.5%. In 14‐day‐old juveniles the superficial muscle had thickened to a layer two to three fibres thick in the region of the lateral line nerve and capillaries were present in the inner muscle. Muscle growth until 14 days was largely due to the hypertrophy of the fibres present at hatching.
Occurrence of the ocean triggerfish in the Eastern Atlantic (Canary Islands)
Authors: Brito A. , Falcon J. M. , Herrera R.
Published: June 2006

The occurrence, habitat and abundance are reported for the population of ocean triggerfish Canthidermis sufflamen (Balistidae) at El Hierro, Canary Islands. This is the first record from the Eastern Atlantic.
Preliminary morphometric study of the gills of Oreochromis alcalicus grahami from Lake Magadi and a comparison with O. niloticus
Authors: Hughes G. M.
Published: June 2006

Morphometric features, including shrinkage, were determined on a small sample of Oreochromis alcalicus grahami. Comparison with more extensive data for O. niloticus, using identical methodology, indicates that O. alcalicus grahami has a greater lamellar surface area and is even more adapted for the transfer of oxygen from the water to the blood.
The application of molecular markers to the study and conservation of fish populations, with special reference to Salmo
Authors: Ferguson A. , Taggart J. B. , Prodöhl P. A. , McMeel O. , Thompson C. , Stone C. , McGinnity P. , Hynes R. A.
Published: June 2006

The main molecular techniques which can be used to generate genetic markers, and the applications of these markers to studies of fish populations are outlined. Published and ongoing studies, in the authors' laboratories, on brown trout and Atlantic salmon are used to compare the resolution and applicability of allozyme, mitochondrial DNA and minisatellite (variable number of tandem repeats) markers for studies on population structuring, genetic variation within populations, and the impact of the accidental and deliberate introduction of non‐native salmonids on the genetic make‐up of natural populations.
Genetic structure of two Turkish brown trout populations
Authors: Togan I. , Fidan A. Z. , Yain E. , Ergüven A. , Emre Y.
Published: June 2006

The genetic structure of two brown trout Salmo trutta populations living in Lake Abant in Bolu and Üzüm River in Antalya was determined by examining 15 enzyme coding loci (AAT, ADH, LDH, MDH, MEP, GPI, PGM and SOD) using starch gel electrophoresis. Population specific mobilities were observed for the fixed alleles of LDH‐B2, mMEP‐2 and SOD‐1 loci. Polymorphisms in sAA T‐4, GPI‐B2 loci were observed within the populations. Average heterozygosity of Abant and Antalya populations was 0.0358 and 0.0224 respectively. For LDH‐C which is the post glaciation marker locus, the ancestral allele *105 was found to be fixed in both of the populations. Nei's genetic distance between the two populations was 0.2507 which is the level of genetic distance often found between different species. This difference seems to be due to the presence of unique alleles in the LDH‐B2, mMEP‐2 and SOD‐1 loci of the Abant population, indicating that the conservation of the Abant population and its heterozygosity is of prime importance.
Population genetics of Atlantic cod using amplified single locus minisatellite VNTR analysis
Authors: Galvin P. , Sadusky T. , McGregor D. , Cross T.
Published: June 2006

Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, have been examined extensively over the last two decades using allozyme electrophoresis. More recently, several populations have been studied using mitochondrial DNA (RFLP and sequence) analysis, together with multilocus minisatellite DNA and also microsatellite DNA analyses. The declining status of cod populations in many areas highlights the need for powerful genetic markers capable of discriminating between cod populations, in order to facilitate the design of effective management strategies. Single locus minisatellite DNA analysis offers a potentially powerful alternative to the already mentioned techniques, by combining the power of detection of hypervariable DNA, with non‐radioactive techniques in a cost‐effective way. As a preliminary investigation into the feasibility of using this approach, four Atlantic cod samples (North Norway, Irish Sea, Scotian Shelf and Northern Cod) were screened at a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified minisatellite locus (Mmer‐AMP2), using primers designed for the flanking regions of a whiting Merlangius merlangus L., minisatellite DNA locus. PCR products separated by agarose electrophoresis and viewed by ethidium bromide fluorescence under UV illumination, consisted of one or two bands per individual (corresponding to homozygotes and hétérozygotes, respectively). Twenty‐two alleles were resolved in 119 cod, and sample heterozygosity ranged from 0.76 to 0.90. Samples from opposite sides of the Atlantic showed highly significant differences in allelic composition. The results suggest that single locus minisatellite DNA analysis may be of substantial benefit to furthering our knowledge of the population genetics of Atlantic cod.
RARE EARTHS*
Authors: KREIDL NORBERT J.
Published: June 2006

Cerium oxide in glasses is the strongest oxidizing agent with respect to iron. In combination with neodymium oxide, which compensates the remaining hue, it represents the ideal decolorizer. Cerium oxide absorbs in the ultraviolet without affecting visible transmission. It is used as an enamel opacifier in France, Various other applications of the rare earths are listed, including those which are based on the abrupt division of the visible spectrum by the sharp absorption band of neodymium in the green.
Pressure‐Sintered Silicon Carbide
Authors: ALLIEGRO R. A. , COFFIN L. B. , TINKLEPAUGH J. R.
Published: June 2006

Silicon carbide was hot‐pressed to uniform densities of the order of 98% of the theoretical density, with slight additions of aluminum and iron aiding in this densification. Other elements having some effect were lithium, calcium, chromium, zirconium, and boron. This dense silicon carbide had very high strength at high temperatures; for example, it had a modulus of rupture of 70,000 1b. per sq. in. at 2500°F.
Influence of Water Immersion Treatment on Tensile Strength of Glass: Effect of Temperature
Authors: MOORTHY V. K. , TOOLEY F. V. , STOCKDALE G. F.
Published: June 2006

An earlier investigation showed that marked increases in the tensile strength of glass could be achieved by soaking the specimens in water at 90°C. Increases in strength for the three glasses studied (soda‐lime, lead, and borosili‐cate) were shown to depend on time of soaking. The present investigation was an extension of this earlier work and dealt with the effect of soaking temperature on strength. A constant soaking period of 24 hours and soaking temperatures of 30° and 60°C. were used. Results were consistent with the view that chemical reaction between water and glass under proper conditions may result in strength increases due to reduction in stress‐concentration potentials of flaws.
Electron Micrographs of Some Borosilicate Glasses and Their Internal Structure
Authors: WATANABE MUNEO , NOAKE HARUO , AIBA TAKESHI
Published: June 2006

Many electron micrographs were obtained for borosilicate glass which had been subjected to chemical attack after heat‐treatment at various temperatures and durations in order to study changes in internal structure, the so‐called “phase separation.” Both replica and direct‐transmission methods were applied to Vycor‐type glass. The two kinds of picture showed good agreement with each other. The conclusions obtained are as follows: (1) So‐called quenched‐state glass contains a glassy microphase of alkali borate, with dimensions less than 100 a.u., which corresponds to the so‐called low‐melting component; (2) the longer the heat‐treatment time under constant temperature the larger the size of this glassy microphase becomes; (3) another kind of glassy microphase (SiO2‐rich) which corresponds to the so‐called high‐melting component is also enlarged with increasing heat‐treatment time; (4) the size of both glassy microphases shows different values with different heat‐treatment temperatures. Based on the experimental results described, a discussion of the relation between the internal structure and some physical properties of the glass is presented.
Effect of Fluorides on Infrared Transmittance of Certain Silicate Glasses
Authors: CLEEK GIVEN W. , SCUDERI THOMAS G.
Published: June 2006

Relatively large amounts of fluorides can be incorporated into silicate glasses without producing opalescence or turbidity if certain oxides, such as La2O3 or Ta2O5, are included in the glass composition. In most cases, the fluorides reduce the absorption at the 2.75‐μ water band, thus improving the glasses for use as infrared material. The fluorides also decrease the refractive index values of the glasses. Striae are produced in the glasses when the fluoride content is more than about 4 mole %.
Zeta Potentials in Relation to Rheological Properties of Oxide Slips
Authors: ANDERSON P. J. , MURRAY P.
Published: June 2006

The characteristic minimum which occurs in the apparent viscosity‐pH curves for oxide slips is explained in terms of the zeta potential of the dispersed oxide. The model adopted also explains a number of other features of the rheological behavior of oxide slips.
Preliminary Study of the Phase Equilibria Diagram of Tho2‐SiO2
Authors: HARRIS L. A.
Published: June 2006

A preliminary study of the system Tho2‐SiO2 supported the premise that the system CaF2 BeF2 is a model for this silicate system. The only compound present was the monoclinic form of ThSiO4 (huttonite), which melted incongruently to Tho2 and liquid at 1975° f 50° C. as determined from a series of powder X‐ray spectrometer patterns. The eutectic temperature as tentatively determined is 1700°± 10°C. at a composition of greater than 95% by weight of Sio2. No solid‐solution areas were observed. The quenching samples were fired in a modified oxygen‐acetylene furnace which was developed to insure accurate temperature readings and to retain the effects of heating the samples in air.
Wetting of Original and Metallized High‐Alumina Surfaces by Molten Brazing Solders
Authors: WILLIAMS J. C. , NIELSEN J. W.
Published: June 2006

An apparatus using the sessile‐drop method is described for determining surface tension and wettability data of liquid‐solid systems at elevated temperatures in vacuum and in controlled atmospheres. The relative merits of some of the current methods of metallizing alumina ceramics are evaluated in terms of solder wetting. The wetting by molten brazing metals and alloys is reported as a function of time in terms of contact angle on surfaces of high‐alumina ceramics with and without various types of hightemperature metal coatings.