bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXCHANGE IN NORTH SYRIA
Authors: Bakkora Muhammed , Develi Evrim İldem
Published: January 2024

This research project delves into the profound impact of the Syrian revolution on international trade exchange within the regions of Ras Al Ain and Tal Abyad. The study scrutinizes trade pattern transformations before, during, and after the revolution while closely examining the catalysts behind these shifts. Employing an exploratory and historical methodology, this research predominantly uses qualitative methods. Extensive interviews were conducted with local merchants spanning various trade sectors, extracting invaluable insights into their experiences and viewpoints regarding trade across distinct periods. The findings bear a substantial disruption in international trade during the revolution, exerting a detrimental influence on trade flows. However, a discernible convalescence is witnessed post-revolution, underscored by a noteworthy surge in trade exchange rates between the regions. These revelations significantly enhance our comprehension of the intricate interplay between political turmoil and trade dynamics in regions gripped by conflict, mainly through the personal narratives and detailed accounts provided by those directly involved in the trade sector.
Los tres plebeyos. Tras la primera melodía del famoso vals de Felipe Pinglo
Authors: Sarmiento Herencia Rodrigo
Published: January 2024

Hace más de 80 años que la melodía de uno de los valses más conocidos y queridos del cancionero criollo peruano fue inconscientemente transformada debido a una temprana confusión que el tiempo y la tradición terminaron por canonizar. La reciente aparición de una partitura de la canción de Felipe Pinglo, publicada cuando este aún vivía, así como las declaraciones de un respetado compositor popular sobre el emblemático vals de Pinglo y un manuscrito original dan pie al siguiente artículo que examina las tres versiones en un intento por encontrar la primera melodía de El Plebeyo.
El compositor Gerardo Guevara en el nacionalismo musical ecuatoriano. Un análisis de la obra Fiesta para piano
Authors: Campos Serrano Jorge
Published: January 2024

En el presente trabajo se estudia una de las obras musicales más representativas del músico Gerardo Guevara, uno de los compositores ecuatorianos más importantes del siglo XX. En la primera parte, se aborda la trayectoria artística y la formación académica del compositor y, sobre todo, se intenta sistematizar el estudio de los diferentes periodos estilísticos que sugiere su fecunda obra musical. Asimismo, se explora sus particulares formas de alineamiento con el nacionalismo musical ecuatoriano y las diversas estrategias compositivas que usó para crear una obra musical sincrética, el albazo Fiesta, en la cual los elementos de la música de tradición oral adquieren una significación alejada de las tendencias localistas y folclorísticas. Este trabajo pone en evidencia cómo el compositor va más allá de los géneros populares ecuatorianos al crear un universo musical hasta entonces inaudito, en el cual, la utilización de elementos musicales, tales como la pentafonía y la forma musical, genera obras nuevas y trascendentes en constante búsqueda de universalidad. En la segunda parte, se analiza el albazo Fiesta, una pieza musical escrita para piano, que evidencia de manera concreta las técnicas empleadas por el compositor en lo relativo a los aspectos melódicos y armónicos.
AKIBAT HUKUM KARENA SUKSESI (Studi kasus Timor Leste)
Authors: Eko Fajar Arifianto  , Yumna Fahira  , Besiroh  , Hamideh Latifah  , Muzzamil  , Ulil Amri Insan Kamil
Published: January 2024

Suksesi suatu negara merupakan momentum dimana peralihan kedulatan dari prosessor kepada suksessor yang menimbulkan adanya akibat hukum, bebarapa akibat hukum yang mungkin dapat terjadi antara lain akibat hukum terkait perjanjian internasional, akibat hukum terhadap publik proprty rights dan privat proprty rights, akibat hukum terhadap status kewarganegaraan, akibat hukum terkait hutang piutang, dan akibat hukum terkait status pada organisasi internasional. Terkait dengan akibat hukum yang timbul dengan adanya suksesi suatu negara, masyarakat internasional menggunakan hasil dari konvensi wina 1978 sebagai petunjuk dari akibat – akibat hukum yang timbul dari terjadinya sebuah suksesi negara. Negara Timor Leste juga satu dari banyak negara yang melakukan suksesi yaitu pada tahun 2002. Akibat terjadinya suksesi Timor-Leste terhadap Indonesia menyebabkan lahirnya akibat – akibat hukum antara Timor-Leste dengan Indonesia maupun Timor-Leste dengan masyarakat internasional. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian yuridis normatif yang bertujuan memberikan jawaban terkait akibat – akibat hukum yang timbul akibat susksesi Negara Timor Leste terhadap Indonesia yaitu akibat hukum terkait perjanjian internasional, akibat hukum terhadap publik proprty rights dan privat proprty rights, akibat hukum terhadap status kewarganegaraan, akibat hukum terkait hutang piutang, dan akibat hukum terkait status pada organisasi internasional.
Manfaat sistem informasi geografis terhadap penyakit dengue: Scoping Review
Authors: Crispin Andrian Reinaldo , Sitorus Mido Ester J , Zega Defacto Firmawati , Kamble Pratik Bibhishan , Dewantoro Rico Wijaya
Published: January 2024

Latar Belakang: Demam dengue merupakan penyakit yang masih menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat dibanyak negara saat ini. Akibat masih tingginya prevalensi dengue maka perlu pemanfaatan Sistem Informasi Geografis (SIG) untuk memprediksi kejadian penyakit dengue. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki dan merangkum manfaat SIG untuk penyampaian informasi penyebaran penyakit dengue.
Metode: Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode scoping review. Pencarian literatur dilakukan pada database terindeks Google Scholar, Scopus dan PubMed, dalam bahasa Inggris. Terdapat 440 jurnal penelitian dan hanya 11 yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Dari 11 jurnal tersebut dikumpulkan informasi berupa rentang tahun publikasi 2013-2023, judul jurnal, desain penelitian, populasi penelitian, intervensi, hasil, dan manfaat SIG untuk penyakit dengue. Analisis data dilakukan secara kualitatif dengan menyajikan data dan menyusun laporan penelitian.
Hasil: Penggunaan SIG terhadap penyebaran dengue dapat bermanfaat untuk mengidentifikasi situasi terkini dengue di suatu wilayah, dan memastikan wilayah yang berpotensi terdampak wabah dengue dengan menentukan klaster spasial kejadian dengue pada skala lokal, memprediksi kasus dengue yang lebih baik serta membantu proses pemantauan dan pengawasan yang lebih baik terhadap masyarakat yang terdampak, serta memfasilitasi pengambilan keputusan dalam pencegahan dan pengendalian penyakit dengue.
Kesimpulan: Penggunaan SIG memiliki peran penting untuk memprediksi, mengidentifikasi, membantu proses pemantauan dan pengawasan serta pengendalian penyakit dengue.
Arquimedes, Pappus, Descartes e Polya: quatro episódios da história da heurística
Authors: Balieiro Filho Inocêncio Fernandes
Published: January 2024

Este livro discute os indícios heurísticos presentes nas obras O método, do pensador grego Arquimedes de Siracusa (287 a.C-212 a.C.); A coleção matemática, do matemático helenístico Pappus de Alexandria (c.290-c.350 d.C.); e Regras para a direção do espírito, do filósofo francês René Descartes (1596-1650). A partir dessa discussão, o Balieiro Filho estabelece relações com a sistematização da atividade heurística apresentada nas obras A arte de resolver problemas e Matemática e raciocínio plausível, do matemático húngaro George Polya (1887-1985). A atividade heurística – definida como esquema psíquico por meio do qual o homem cria, elabora e descobre a resolução de um problema – é o eixo central dos estudos sobre como pensamos, estabelecidos por Polya e que fundamentam a Resolução de Problemas, linha de pesquisa em Educação Matemática. Este livro também traz a primeira tradução em português, feita pelo autor, a partir do original em grego clássico, da obra O método, de Arquimedes, a mais antiga obra de heurística de que se tem conhecimento.
Integrative study of skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in a murine pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia model
Authors: Gicquel Tristan , Marchiano Fabio , Reyes-Castellanos Gabriela , Audebert Stephane , Camoin Luc , Habermann Bianca H , Giannesini Benoit , Carrier Alice
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common pancreatic cancer, is a deadly cancer, often diagnosed late and resistant to current therapies. PDAC patients are frequently affected by cachexia characterized by muscle mass and strength loss (sarcopenia) contributing to patient frailty and poor therapeutic response. This study assesses the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial remodeling in the cachectic skeletal muscle, through an integrative exploration combining functional, morphological, and omics-based evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle from KIC genetically engineered mice developing autochthonous pancreatic tumor and cachexia. Cachectic PDAC KIC mice exhibit severe sarcopenia with loss of muscle mass and strength associated with reduced muscle fiber’s size and induction of protein degradation processes. Mitochondria in PDAC atrophied muscles show reduced respiratory capacities and structural alterations, associated with deregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics pathways. Beyond the metabolic pathways known to be altered in sarcopenic muscle (carbohydrates, proteins, and redox), lipid and nucleic acid metabolisms are also affected. Although the number of mitochondria per cell is not altered, mitochondrial mass shows a twofold decrease and the mitochondrial DNA threefold, suggesting a defect in mitochondrial genome homeostasis. In conclusion, this work provides a framework to guide toward the most relevant targets in the clinic to limit PDAC-induced cachexia.
Glycerol-based extracts of Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea Flower) with enhanced antioxidant potential
Authors: Gew Lai Ti , Teoh Waye Juin , Lein Li Lin , Lim Min Wen , Cognet Patrick , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine
Published: January 2024

The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is a plant species that is commonly used in culinary products, as it adds a natural purplish-blue tint to dishes without artificial food colourings and is rich in antioxidants. In this study, glycerol was employed as an extraction solvent for the extraction of phenolic compounds from C. ternatea. Several studies have proven glycerol is an ideal green solvent to replace conventional solvents such as ethanol and methanol due to its ability to change the water polarity, thereby improving the extraction of bioactive compounds and recovering the polyphenols from natural products. We systematically reviewed the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of C. ternatea as a comparison to our study. Our results show that glycerol extract (GE) and glycerol/water extract (GWE) have demonstrated high phenolic and flavonoid profiles as compared to ethanol extract (EE) and water extract (WE). This study suggests glycerol as a promising extraction medium to extract higher concentrations of phytochemical contents from C. ternatea. It could be used as a natural source of antioxidant boosters, particularly in food preparation and cosmeceutical product development.
Factors influencing space-use and kill distribution of sympatric lion prides in a semi-arid savanna landscape
Authors: Tarugara Allan , Clegg Bruce W. , Clegg Sarah B.
Published: January 2024

Understanding lions’ (Panthera leo) space-use is important for the management of multi-species wildlife systems because lions can have profound impacts on ecosystem-wide ecological processes. Semi-arid savanna landscapes are typically heterogeneous with species space-use driven by the availability and distribution of resources. Previous studies have demonstrated that lions select areas close to water as encounter rates with prey are higher and hunting success is greater in these regions. Where multiple lion prides exist, landscape partitioning is expected to follow a despotic distribution in which competitively superior prides occupy high-quality areas while subordinates select poorer habitats. In this study, Global Positioning System collar data and logistic regression were used to investigate space-use and hunting success among 50% of lion prides at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe. Our findings show that lion space-use was driven by surface water availability and that home range selection was socially hierarchical with the dominant pride occupying habitat in which water was most abundant. In addition, we found that the effect of shrub cover, clay content and soil depth on kill probability was area specific and not influenced by hierarchical dominance. Where multiple lion prides are studied, we recommend treating prides as individual units because pooling data may obscure site and pride specific response patterns.
“Normalising” flying-foxes: a bold vision for improving the public perceptions of our largest and most conspicuous bats
Authors: Mo Matthew , Timmiss Libby A. , Pearson Tim , Kerr Maree Treadwell , Steves Sera , Welbergen Justin A.
Published: January 2024

Negative public attitudes toward particular species can have significant impact on their conservation. Traditional approaches to improving public perceptions of flying-foxes include defending them, encouraging co-existence with them and promoting empathy for them following publicised mortality events. We propose a shift toward “normalising” flying-foxes, in which they are portrayed as interesting species and a natural part of our highly esteemed biodiversity. This has somewhat already begun in a piecemeal fashion, and we provide examples of flying-foxes being represented in a range of formats, including museum and photography exhibitions, public artwork and street décor, books, preschool and school education, wildlife-based tourism and community events. However, there remains paucity in flying-foxes being represented alongside portrayals of Australian wildlife at a broader scale. We suggest that proponents fearing public backlash or impacts on market responses are a likely barrier to seeing flying-foxes being represented more widely; but conclude with hope that current participation in depicting flying-foxes as interesting and part of biodiversity will gain momentum. Ultimately, through normalising flying-foxes, public attitudes adopting their intrinsic value may eventually overshadow the perspectives of flying-foxes connected to contentious issues.
Impact of Seed Priming and Growing Media on Germination and Seedling Growth of Bitter Gourd
Authors: Khatun Most. Shamima , Islam Nazrul , Choudhury Shormin
Published: January 2024

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the suitable growing media and priming treatments for seed germination and seedling growth of bitter gourd (cv. BARI hybrid Korola 2).

Study Design: The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design (CRD) with sixteen treatments, each containing fifteen seedlings.

Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted on Horticulture farm at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; Dhaka, Bangladesh from March to April 2021.

Methodology: Four seed priming treatments were used in the experiments: T0: Seed soak in distilled water for 12 h (control), T1:Hot water treatment (450C for 5 min), T2: Poly ethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 (5%), T3: Sodium chloride solution (NaCl) (2%) soak for 12h and four growing media viz.,M0: soil + cow dung (1:1), M1: soil + cow dung + vermicompost (1:1:1), M2: soil + cow dung + sawdust (1:1:1), M3: soil + cow dung + cocopeat (1:1:1).

Results: The maximum germination percentage (100%), highest shoot (21.00 cm) and root length (12.83 cm), seed vigor index (3383.3) was recorded in T2M3 treatment. However, the maximum photosynthetic pigment (30.31 mg/g), relative water content (96.99%) and shoot (3.53g) and root fresh weight (0.47 g) was found in T2M1 treatment.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that soil + cow dung + cocopeat (1:1:1) with PEG 6000 (5%) is the best treatment for bitter gourd seed germination, while soil + cow dung + vermicompost (1:1:1) with PEG 6000 (5%) is better for vigor and healthy seedlings.
PKB/Akt phosphorylates the CDC25B phosphatase and regulates its intracellular localisation
Authors: Baldin Véronique , Theis‐Febvre Nathalie , Benne Clarisse , Froment Carine , Cazales Martine , Burlet‐Schiltz Odile , Ducommun Bernard
Published: October 2003

Regulation of the intracellular localisation of its actors is one of the key mechanisms underlying cell cycle control. CDC25 phosphatases are activators of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinases (CDK) that undergo nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling during the cell cycle and in response to checkpoint activation. Here we report that the protein kinase PKB/Akt phosphorylates CDC25B on serine 353, resulting in a nuclear export‐dependent cytoplasmic accumulation of the phosphatase. Oxidative stress activates PKB/Akt and reproduces the effect on CDC25B phosphorylation and localisation. However, inhibition of PKB/Akt activity only partially reverted the effect of oxidative stress on CDC25B localisation and mutation of serine 353 abolishes phosphorylation but only delays nuclear exclusion. These results indicate that additional mechanisms are also involved in preventing nuclear import of CDC25B. Our findings identify CDC25B as a target of PKB/Akt and provide new insight into the regulation of its localisation in response to stress‐activated signalling pathways.
Target Reputation and Appropriability: Picking and Deploying Resources in Acquisitions
Authors: Saxton Todd , Dollinger Marc
Published: October 2003

This study explores sources of acquirer satisfaction and achievement of strategic objectives following acquisitions. We develop two sets of factors based on picking and deploying target resources that we expect will affect these outcomes, and consider how the two interact. We find that target reputation is consistently related to desirable acquisition outcomes. In particular, product quality and financial reputation positively affect satisfaction; product quality is a strong predictor of achieving market-based objectives; and management and product reputation facilitate learning. Retaining top management after the transaction is also positively related to satisfaction. We support and extend the theory of relative standing—target executives are retained to a greater degree when management reputation is strong, and this leads to better outcomes for acquirers. Other deployment effects vary depending on the outcome and the strength of the acquired resource.
The formin‐binding protein 17, FBP17, binds via a TNKS binding motif to tankyrase, a protein involved in telomere maintenance
Authors: Fuchs U. , Rehkamp G.F. , Slany R. , Follo M. , Borkhardt A.
Published: October 2003

In acute myelogenous and lymphoid leukemias, rearrangements involving the MLL (mixed lineage leukemia) gene at chromosome 11q23 are frequent. The truncated MLL protein is fused in‐frame to a series of partner proteins. We previously identified the formin‐binding protein 17 (FBP17) as such an MLL fusion partner. In this study, we explored in vivo physiological interaction partners of FBP17 using a two‐hybrid assay and found tankyrase (TNKS), an ADP‐ribose polymerase protein involved in telomere maintenance and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling. We demonstrate that FBP17 binds via a special TNKS‐binding motif to tankyrase. The physiological relevance is indicated by co‐immunoprecipitation of endogenous proteins in 293T cells.
Ice Massage for the Reduction of Labor Pain
Authors: Waters Bette L. , Raisler Jeanne
Published: October 2003

The current study investigated the use of ice massage of the acupressure energy meridian point large intestine 4 (LI4) to reduce labor pain during contractions. LI4 is located on the medial midpoint of the first metacarpal, within 3 to 4 mm of the web of skin between the thumb and forefinger. A one‐group, pretest, posttest design was chosen, which used 100‐mm Visual Analog Scales (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) ranked numerically and verbally to measure pain levels; the pretest served as the control. Study participants were Hispanic and white Medicaid recipients who received prenatal care at a women's clinic staffed by certified nurse‐midwives and obstetricians. Participants noted a pain reduction mean on the VAS of 28.22 mm on the left hand and 11.93 mm on the right hand. The postdelivery ranked MPQ dropped from number 3 (distressing) to number 2 (discomforting). The study results suggest that ice massage is a safe, noninvasive, nonpharmacological method of reducing labor pain.
Functional Expression of a Bacterial Heavy Metal Transporter in Arabidopsis Enhances Resistance to and Decreases Uptake of Heavy Metals
Authors: Lee Joohyun , Bae Hyunju , Jeong Jeeyon , Lee Jae-Yun , Yang Young-Yell , Hwang Inhwan , Martinoia Enrico , Lee Youngsook
Published: October 2003

Large parts of agricultural soil are contaminated with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). Although most environments are not heavily contaminated, the low levels observed nonetheless pose a high risk of heavy metal accumulation in the food chain. Therefore, approaches to develop plants with reduced heavy metal uptake are important. Recently, many transgenic plants with increased heavy metal resistance and uptake of heavy metals were developed for the purpose of phytoremediation. However, to reduce heavy metal in the food chain, plants that transfer less heavy metals to the shoot are required. We tested whether an Escherichia coli gene, ZntA, which encodes a Pb(II)/Cd(II)/Zn(II) pump, could be useful for developing plants with reduced heavy metal content. Yeast cells transformed with this gene had improved resistance to Pb(II) and Cd(II). In Arabidopsis plants transformed with ZntA, ZntA was localized at the plasma membrane and improved the resistance of the plants to Pb(II) and Cd(II). The shoots of the transgenic plants had decreased Pb and Cd content. Moreover, the transgenic protoplasts showed lower accumulation of Cd and faster release of preloaded Cd than wild-type protoplasts. These results show that a bacterial transporter gene, ZntA, can be functionally expressed in plant cells, and that that it may be useful for the development of crop plants that are safe from heavy metal contamination.
An Examination of Perceived Organizational Support as a Multidimensional Construct in the Context of an Expatriate Assignment
Authors: Kraimer Maria L. , Wayne Sandy J.
Published: October 2003

We examined a multidimensional measure of perceived organizational support (adjustment POS, career POS, and financial POS) within an integtrative stress model of expatriate success. Expatriate success was defined in terms of multiple criteria and the predictors included role stressors, situational stressors, supervisor support, and POS. Hypotheses were tested with 230 expatriate–supervisor dyads and S.E.M. analyses. Support was found for a partially mediated model. The results showed that the POS dimensions differentially predicted expatriate success criteria.
When Conscientiousness Isn’t Enough: Emotional Exhaustion and Performance Among Call Center Customer Service Representatives
Authors: Witt L. A. , Andrews Martha C. , Carlson Dawn S.
Published: October 2003

The authors examined the relationship of the interaction between emotional exhaustion and conscientiousness with objectively-measured call volume performance and subjectively-measured service quality ratings among 92 call center customer service representatives (CSR’s) of a financial services institution. Results supported the interactive effects on call volume but not service quality. Specifically, the relationship between emotional exhaustion and call volume was stronger among high- than low-conscientiousness CSR’s. Among CSR’s reporting low levels of emotional exhaustion, those high in conscientiousness achieved higher call volumes than those low in conscientiousness. In contrast, among CSR’s reporting high levels of emotional exhaustion, those high in conscientiousness achieved lower call volumes than those low in conscientiousness. Implications for both the personality and stress literatures are discussed. Practical implications for human resources managers also are offered.
Topical, single dose bisphosphonate treatment reduced bone resorption in a rat model for prosthetic loosening
Authors: Åstrand Jörgen , Aspenberg Per
Published: October 2003

Fluid pressure, instability or particles have been suggested to cause peri‐prosthetic bone resorption. High intracapsular pressures have been reported in hip joints with loose prosthetic components, and oscillating fluid pressure has been shown to cause dramatic bone resorption in animal models. Resorption can be reduced by systemic bisphosphonate treatment in rat models with oscillating fluid pressure, but this has required higher doses than needed to inhibit normal remodelling. Bisphosphonates have high affinity to bone mineral. Topical application of the drug is therefore feasible. We used a previously described rat model where oscillating fluid pressure causes bone resorption. Before pressurization, a 1 mg/ml solution of alendronate was applied onto the bone surface for 1 min, after which excess bisphosphonate was rinsed away. Bone resorption was measured on histological slides as soft tissue area at the interface. Rats treated with topical alendronate had soft tissue areas reduced by half. Topical bisphosphonate treatment before cementing a joint implant could possibly reduce the risk of later loosening. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Vascular endothelial growth factor 121 and 165 in the subacromial bursa are involved in shoulder joint contracture in type II diabetics with rotator cuff disease
Authors: Handa Akiyoshi , Gotoh Masafumi , Hamada Kazutoshi , Yanagisawa Kazuhiro , Yamazaki Hitoshi , Nakamura Masato , Ueyama Yoshito , Mochida Joji , Fukuda Hiroaki
Published: October 2003

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in neovascularization and increases vascular permeability. We reported that VEGF is involved in motion pain of patients with rotator cuff disease by causing synovial proliferation in the subacromial bursa (SAB). The present study investigates whether VEGF is also involved in the development of shoulder contracture in diabetics with rotator cuff disease. We examined 67 patients with rotator cuff disease, including 36 with complete cuff tears, 20 with incomplete tears, and 11 without apparent tears (subacromial bursitis). The patients were into groups according to the presence or absence of diabetes (14 type II diabetics and 53 non‐diabetics). Specimens of the synovium of the SAB were obtained from all patients during surgery. Expression of the VEGF gene in the synovium of the subacromial bursa was evaluated by using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The VEGF protein was localized by immunohistochemistry, and the number of vessels was evaluated based on CD34 immunoreactivity. The results showed that VEGF mRNA was expressed in significantly more diabetics (100%, 14/14) than in non‐diabetics (70%, 37/53) (P = 0.0159, Fisher's test). Investigation of VEGF isoform expression revealed VEGF121 in all 14 diabetics and in 37 of the 53 non‐diabetics, VEGF 165 in 12 of the 14 diabetics and in 21 of the 53 non‐diabetics, and VEGF 189 in 1 of the 14 diabetics and in 2 of the 53 non‐diabetics. No VEGF206 was expressed in either group. VEGF protein was localized in both vascular endothelial cells and synovial lining cells. The mean number of VEGF‐positive vessels and the vessel area were also significantly greater in the diabetics (p < 0.015, Mann‐Whitney U test). Synovial proliferation and shoulder joint contracture were more common in the diabetics (P = 0.0329 and P = 0.073, respectively; Fisher's test). The mean preoperative range of shoulder motion significantly differed in terms of elevation between two groups: 103.8° in diabetics and 124.9° in no diabetics (p = 0.0039 Mann–Whitney U test). In contrast, external rotation did not significantly differ: 44° in diabetics and 49° in non‐diabetics (p ° 0.4957, Mann–Whitney U test). These results suggest that VEGF121 and VEGF165 expression in the SAB is responsible for the development of shoulder joint contracture, especially in elevation, among type II diabetic patients with rotator cuff disease. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Specificity of muscle action after anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Williams Glenn N. , Barrance Peter J. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Axe Michael J. , Buchanan Thomas S.
Published: October 2003

Neuromuscular control is believed to be a critical factor in dynamic knee stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate voluntary muscle control in anterior cruciate ligament deficient (ACL‐D) and uninjured people. Twenty athletes of similar age participated in this study. Subjects performed a target‐matching protocol that required them to produce isometric moments about the knee with fine control in flexion, extension, varus, and valgus (i.e., loads were generated in the plane perpendicular to the long axis of the shank). Electromyographic data were collected from 10 muscles that span the knee. A specificity index was calculated for each muscle to describe how fine‐tuned (specific) its muscle activity pattern was with respect to its principal direction of action in the load plane. Diminished specificity of muscle action was observed in 8 of 10 muscles in the ACL‐D subjects' involved knees when compared with the activity patterns from their uninvolved knees and those from the uninjured subjects' knees. The vastus lateralis muscle was especially affected. Increased and more global co‐contraction was also observed in the ACL‐D limbs. The alterations in muscle firing patterns observed in this study are consistent with diminished neuromuscular control. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effects of sex and estrogen therapy on bone ingrowth into porous coated implant
Authors: Shih Lih‐Yuann , Shih Hsin‐Nung , Chen Tain‐Hsiung
Published: October 2003

Amounts of bone ingrowth into porous cobalt‐chromium plugs were compared between male and female dogs, and among sham‐operated and ovariectomized female dogs, with or without estrogen treatment, to investigate the effect of gender and estrogen therapy on biologic fixation. Each group consisted of eight skeletally mature dogs. Plugs were implanted bilaterally in the distal femur at 6 months after ovariectomy or sham operation. Estrogen treatment group received estradiol 20 μg/kg/day subcutaneous injection. Three months after implantation, histological examination showed significantly more bone ingrowth in areas with cortical bone contact than in areas with cancellous bone contact (P < 0.001 for all groups). Bone ingrowth was essentially the same in male and female control dogs. Ovariectomized dogs showed less overall bone ingrowth than male and female controls (P = 0.007). Bone ingrowth in areas with cortical bone contact did not decrease significantly, whereas bone ingrowth in areas with cancellous bone contact was significantly impaired (P < 0.001) in ovariectomized dogs compared with female controls. Short‐term, high‐dose estradiol treatment did not increase bone ingrowth volume fraction. Mechanical tests did not show any statistical differences among groups.

Conclusion: Type of bone contact is the key factor affecting the amount and pattern of bone ingrowth into the porous surface. Ovariectomy results in decreased bone ingrowth in areas with cancellous bone contact, but does not compromise bone ingrowth in areas with cortical bone contact. Short‐term, high‐dose estradiol treatment does not enhance bone ingrowth into the porous surface. Extensively coated or full‐coated porous prostheses are recommended to achieve enough cortical bone contact and ingrowth for postmenopausal patients. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Standardization of bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, catch per unit effort in the baitboat fishery of the Bay of Biscay (Eastern Atlantic)
Authors: Rodríguez-Marín E. , Arrizabalaga H. , Ortiz M. , Rodríguez-Cabello C. , Moreno G. , Kell L.T.
Published: October 2003

Relative indices of abundance by age class for bluefin tuna from 1975 to 2000 were estimated using generalized linear mixed models. Age class was included as a fixed factor within the model specifications, with the Year×Age interaction as a fixed factor component in order to obtain annual indices by age. Catch and effort data on bluefin tuna were available from two sources, catches by trip, and daily catches from logbooks. Catches were modelled using the delta-lognormal model. The model finally selected included the following explanatory factors: Year, Age, Year×Age, Month, number of Crew, number of Bait Tanks, and with the Year×Month interaction as a random component. Overall, year trends and coefficients of variation were similar from both datasets by age class. In general, the standardization procedure showed that vessel characteristics and technological advances related to fishing have a relatively minor explanatory effect on the observed catch rates of bluefin tuna in the fishery. Neither geographical distribution nor type of bait had an explanatory effect on the observed catch rates. The 1994 cohort stands out as an exceptionally large year class; it can be followed through the standardized series. This standardized catch rate index at age of bluefin tuna is the most complete yet available and is the only one currently used for juvenile fish in calibrating population models to evaluate the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock. It is particularly valuable because, apart from improvements in electronic technology, there are no changes in the method of exploitation during the entire series.
Breast Implants and Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Smalley Stacy M
Published: October 2003

Concern about breast prostheses impairing breast cancer detection has become a priority issue. This article provides a review of the literature on the influence of implants on early detection methods of breast cancer, specifically breast self‐examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. Background information on implants is presented, including indications for surgery, types of prostheses, location of placement, and associated complications. Conclusions from the literature suggest that the presence of implants may facilitate BSE and CBE, yet challenge interpretation of mammography. However, there is no evidence that these women will have a later stage diagnosis or a poorer prognosis if diagnosed with breast cancer.
Accuracy of Self‐Reported Height and Weight in Women: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Engstrom Janet L , Paterson Susan A , Doherty Anastasia , Trabulsi Mary , Speer Kara L
Published: October 2003

Height and weight are two of the most commonly used anthropometric measurements in clinical practice and research. Self‐reported height and weight measurement is a simple, efficient, inexpensive, and non‐invasive method of collecting data from large numbers of people. This integrative review of the published research examined the accuracy of self‐reported height and weight measurements in women. Twenty‐six studies examined the accuracy of self‐reported height in 39,244 women. Twenty‐one of the studies found that women overestimate height. Thirty‐four studies reviewed the accuracy of self‐reported weight in 57,172 women, and all 34 studies reported that women underestimated weight. Although mean variations between self‐reported and measured values were small, a significant percentage of women in study groups had very large errors. Inaccurate measurements of both height and weight can cause significant inaccuracies in calculation of body mass index, which is used as a guide for identifying persons at risk for disease. These findings indicate that direct measurement of height and weight should be performed whenever possible for optimal measurements in clinical practice and clinically oriented research.
Diurnal and Light-Regulated Expression of AtSTP1 in Guard Cells of Arabidopsis
Authors: Stadler Ruth , Büttner Michael , Ache Peter , Hedrich Rainer , Ivashikina Natalya , Melzer Michael , Shearson Sarah M. , Smith Steven M. , Sauer Norbert
Published: October 2003

Guard cell chloroplasts are unable to perform significant photosynthetic CO2 fixation via Rubisco. Therefore, guard cells depend on carbon supply from adjacent cells even during the light period. Due to their reversible turgor changes, this import cannot be mediated by plasmodesmata. Nevertheless, guard cells of several plants were shown to use extracellular sugars or to accumulate sucrose as an osmoticum that drives water influx to increase stomatal aperture. This paper describes the first localization of a guard cell-specific Arabidopsis sugar transporter involved in carbon acquisition of these symplastically isolated cells. Expression of the AtSTP1 H+-monosacharide symporter gene in guard cells was demonstrated by in situ hybridization and by immunolocalization with an AtSTP1-specific antiserum. Additional RNase protection analyses revealed a strong increase of AtSTP1 expression in the dark and a transient, diurnally regulated increase during the photoperiod around midday. This transient increase in AtSTP1 expression correlates in time with the described guard cell-specific accumulation of sucrose. Our data suggest a function of AtSTP1 in monosaccharide import into guard cells during the night and a possible role in osmoregulation during the day.
The Role of Homogentisate Phytyltransferase and Other Tocopherol Pathway Enzymes in the Regulation of Tocopherol Synthesis during Abiotic Stress
Authors: Collakova Eva , DellaPenna Dean
Published: October 2003

Tocopherols are amphipathic antioxidants synthesized exclusively by photosynthetic organisms. Tocopherol levels change significantly during plant growth and development and in response to stress, likely as a consequence of the altered expression of pathway-related genes. Homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) is a key enzyme limiting tocopherol biosynthesis in unstressed Arabidopsis leaves (E. Collakova, D. DellaPenna [2003] Plant Physiol 131: 632–642). Wild-type and transgenic Arabidopsis plants constitutively overexpressing HPT (35S::HPT1) were subjected to a combination of abiotic stresses for up to 15 d and tocopherol levels, composition, and expression of several tocopherol pathway-related genes were determined. Abiotic stress resulted in an 18- and 8-fold increase in total tocopherol content in wild-type and 35S::HPT1 leaves, respectively, with tocopherol levels in 35S::HPT1 being 2- to 4-fold higher than wild type at all experimental time points. Increased total tocopherol levels correlated with elevated HPT mRNA levels and HPT specific activity in 35S::HPT1 and wild-type leaves, suggesting that HPT activity limits total tocopherol synthesis during abiotic stress. In addition, substrate availability and expression of pathway enzymes before HPT also contribute to increased tocopherol synthesis during stress. The accumulation of high levels of β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols in stressed tissues suggested that the methylation of phytylquinol and tocopherol intermediates limit α-tocopherol synthesis. Overexpression of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase in the 35S::HPT1 background resulted in nearly complete conversion of γ- and δ-tocopherols to α- and β-tocopherols, respectively, indicating that γ-tocopherol methyltransferase activity limits α-tocopherol synthesis in stressed leaves.
Cis-acting Elements and DNA-Binding Proteins Involved in CO2-Responsive Transcriptional Activation of Cah1 Encoding a Periplasmic Carbonic Anhydrase in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Kucho Ken-ichi , Yoshioka Satoshi , Taniguchi Fumiya , Ohyama Kanji , Fukuzawa Hideya
Published: October 2003

Expression of Cah1, encoding a periplasmic carbonic anhydrase in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard, is activated when cells are exposed to low-CO2 conditions (0.04% [v/v]) in light. By using an arylsulfatase reporter gene, a regulatory region essential for the transcriptional activation of Cah1 was delimited to a 63-bp fragment between –293 and –231 relative to the transcription start site. Linker-scan analysis of the 63-bp region identified two enhancer elements, EE-1 (AGATTTTCACCGGTTGGAAGGAGGT) and EE-2 (CGACTTACGAA). Gel mobility shift assays indicated that nuclear extracts purified from cells grown under low-CO2 conditions in light contained DNA-binding proteins specifically interacting with EE-1 and EE-2. Gel mobility shift assays using mutant oligonucleotide probes revealed that the protein binding to EE-1 preferentially recognized a 9-bp sequence stretch (AGATTTTCA) of EE-1, containing a conserved sequence motif named EEC, GANTTNC, which is also present in EE-2. The EE-1- and EE-2-binding proteins interacted with the EECs contained in both of the two enhancer elements in vitro. Four EECs in the 5′-upstream region from –651 to –231 of Cah1 played a central role in the transcriptional activation of Cah1 under low-CO2 conditions. These EEC-binding proteins were present even in cells grown under high-CO2 conditions (5% [v/v]) or in the dark when Cah1 is not activated. On the basis of these results, the relationship between the transcriptional regulation of Cah1 and protein-binding to the enhancer elements in the 5′-upstream region of Cah1 is discussed.
A Gateway Cloning Vector Set for High-Throughput Functional Analysis of Genes in Planta
Authors: Curtis Mark D. , Grossniklaus Ueli
Published: October 2003

The current challenge, now that two plant genomes have been sequenced, is to assign a function to the increasing number of predicted genes. In Arabidopsis, approximately 55% of genes can be assigned a putative function, however, less than 8% of these have been assigned a function by direct experimental evidence. To identify these functions, many genes will have to undergo comprehensive analyses, which will include the production of chimeric transgenes for constitutive or inducible ectopic expression, for antisense or dominant negative expression, for subcellular localization studies, for promoter analysis, and for gene complementation studies. The production of such transgenes is often hampered by laborious conventional cloning technology that relies on restriction digestion and ligation. With the aim of providing tools for high throughput gene analysis, we have produced a Gateway-compatible Agrobacterium sp. binary vector system that facilitates fast and reliable DNA cloning. This collection of vectors is freely available, for noncommercial purposes, and can be used for the ectopic expression of genes either constitutively or inducibly. The vectors can be used for the expression of protein fusions to the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein and to the β-glucuronidase protein so that the subcellular localization of a protein can be identified. They can also be used to generate promoter-reporter constructs and to facilitate efficient cloning of genomic DNA fragments for complementation experiments. All vectors were derived from pCambia T-DNA cloning vectors, with the exception of a chemically inducible vector, for Agrobacterium sp.-mediated transformation of a wide range of plant species.
The Sulfolipids 2′-O-Acyl-Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol and Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol Are Absent from aChlamydomonas reinhardtiiMutant Deleted inSQD1
Authors: Riekhof Wayne R. , Ruckle Michael E. , Lydic Todd A. , Sears Barbara B. , Benning Christoph
Published: October 2003

The biosynthesis of thylakoid lipids in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms often involves enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the chloroplast envelopes. Two pathways of thylakoid lipid biosynthesis, the ER and the plastid pathways, are present in parallel in many species, including Arabidopsis, but in other plants, e.g. grasses, only the ER pathway is active. The unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii diverges from plants like Arabidopsis in a different way because its membranes do not contain phosphatidylcholine, and most thylakoid lipids are derived from the plastid pathway. Here, we describe an acylated derivative of sulfolipid, 2′-O-acyl-sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (ASQD), which is present in C. reinhardtii. Although the fatty acids of sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) were mostly saturated, ASQD molecular species carried predominantly unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, directly attached to the head group of ASQD was preferentially an 18-carbon fatty acid with four double bonds. High-throughput robotic screening led to the isolation of a plasmid disruption mutant of C. reinhardtii, designated Δsqd1, which lacks ASQD as well as SQDG. In this mutant, the SQD1 ortholog was completely deleted and replaced by plasmid sequences. It is proposed that ASQD arises from the sugar nucleotide pathway of sulfolipid biosynthesis by acylation of the 2′-hydroxyl of the sulfoquinovosyl head group. At the physiological level, the mutant showed increased sensitivity to a diuron herbicide and reduced growth under phosphate limitation, suggesting a role for SQDG and/or ASQD in photosynthesis as conducted by C. reinhardtii, particularly under phosphate-limited conditions.
Proteomics of
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Light-Harvesting Proteins
Authors: Stauber Einar J. , Fink Andreas , Markert Christine , Kruse Olaf , Johanningmeier Udo , Hippler Michael
Published: October 2003

With the recent development of techniques for analyzing transmembrane thylakoid proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, systematic approaches for proteomic analyses of membrane proteins became feasible. In this study, we established detailed two-dimensional protein maps of
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
light-harvesting proteins (Lhca and Lhcb) by extensive tandem mass spectrometric analysis. We predicted eight distinct Lhcb proteins. Although the major Lhcb proteins were highly similar, we identified peptides which were unique for specific
lhcbm
gene products. Interestingly,
lhcbm6
gene products were resolved as multiple spots with different masses and isoelectric points. Gene tagging experiments confirmed the presence of differentially N-terminally processed Lhcbm6 proteins. The mass spectrometric data also revealed differentially N-terminally processed forms of Lhcbm3 and phosphorylation of a threonine residue in the N terminus. The N-terminal processing of Lhcbm3 leads to the removal of the phosphorylation site, indicating a potential novel regulatory mechanism. At least nine different
lhca
-related gene products were predicted by comparison of the mass spectrometric data against
Chlamydomonas
expressed sequence tag and genomic databases, demonstrating the extensive variability of the
C. reinhardtii
Lhca antenna system. Out of these nine, three were identified for the first time at the protein level. This proteomic study demonstrates the complexity of the light-harvesting proteins at the protein level in
C. reinhardtii
and will be an important basis of future functional studies addressing this diversity.
Introduction to chromosome dynamics in mitosis
Authors: Watrin Erwan , Legagneux Vincent
Published: October 2003

To ensure that the genetic information, replicated in the S‐phase of the cell cycle, is correctly distributed between daughter cells at mitosis, chromatin duplication and chromosome segregation are highly regulated events. Since the early 1980's, our knowledge of the mechanisms governing these two events has greatly increased due to the use of genetic and biochemical approaches. We present here, first, an overview of the replication process, highlighting molecular aspects involved in coupling replication with chromatin dynamics in mitosis. The second part will present the current understanding of chromosome condensation and segregation during mitosis in higher eukaryotes. Finally, we will underline the links that exist between replication and mitosis.