bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated solvents utilizing vegetable oil emulsions
Authors: Newman William A. , Pelle Ronald C.
Published: June 2006

The use of vegetable oil as an electron donor to enhance the reductive dechlorination of chlori‐nated solvents as an in situ remediation technology is gaining significant traction. Vegetable oil is a cost‐effective slow‐release electron donor with greater hydrogen‐release efficiency than other electron‐donor products. However, neat vegetable oil can inhibit distribution in aquifers due to the oil droplets blocking the flow of groundwater through the smaller pore spaces in the aquifer materials. This issue has been partially overcome by applying the vegetable oil as an oil‐water emulsion, which typically is created in the field. However, the field preparation results in a mixture of droplet sizes, including larger droplets that can make the emulsions unstable and reduce the soil permeability by blocking soil‐pore throats with oil. RNAS, Inc., has developed a kinetically sta‐ble soybean oil emulsion (“Newman Zone”) consisting of submicron droplets with less droplet‐size variation than field‐prepared emulsions. This product is composed of a blend of fast‐release (sodium lactate) and slow‐release (soybean oil) electron donors. The emulsion is produced in a stable factory environment in which it is pasteurized and packaged in sterile packaging. This ma‐terial can be utilized as an electron donor without further treatments or amendments in the field. This article discusses factors associated with selecting electron donors and the development of vegetable oil–based products. A case study of an application of Newman Zone at a former adhe‐sives manufacturing facility is then presented. The case study demonstrates the effect of Newman Zone in reducing chlorinated solvent concentrations in groundwater by both rapidly stimulating initial microbial activity and supporting long‐term reductive dechlorination with a slow‐release electron donor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitrogen dynamics in sediment during water level manipulation on the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Cavanaugh Jennifer C. , Richardson William B. , Strauss Eric A. , Bartsch Lynn A.
Published: June 2006

Nitrogen (N) has been linked to increasing eutrophication in the Gulf of Mexico and as a result there is increased interest in managing and improving water quality in the Mississippi River system. Water level reductions, or ‘drawdowns’, are being used more frequently in large river impoundments to improve vegetation growth and sediment compaction. We selected two areas of the Upper Mississippi River system (Navigation Pool 8 and Swan Lake) to examine the effects of water level drawdown on N dynamics. Navigation Pool 8 experienced summer drawdowns in 2001 and 2002. Certain areas of Swan Lake have been drawn down annually since the early 1970s where as other areas have remained inundated. In the 2002 Pool 8 study we determined the effects of sediment drying and rewetting resulting from water level drawdown on (1) patterns of sediment nitrification and denitrification and (2) concentrations of sediment and surface water total N (TN), nitrate, and ammonium (NH). In 2001, we only examined sediment NH and TN. In the Swan Lake study, we determined the long‐term effects of water level drawdowns on concentrations of sediment NH and TN in sediments that dried annually and those that remained inundated. Sediment NH decreased significantly in the Pool 8 studies during periods of desiccation, although there were no consistent trends in nitrification and denitrification or a reduction in total sediment N. Ammonium in sediments that have dried annually in Swan Lake appeared lower but was not significantly different from sediments that remain wet. The reduction in sediment NH in parts of Pool 8 was likely a result of increased plant growth and N assimilation, which is then redeposited back to the sediment surface upon plant senescence. Similarly, the Swan Lake study suggested that drawdowns do not result in long term reduction in sediment N. Water level drawdowns may actually reduce water retention time and river‐floodplain connectivity, while promoting significant accumulation of organic N. These results indicate that water level drawdowns are probably not an effective means of removing N from the Upper Mississippi River system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐habitat variation in the benthos of the Upper Missouri River (North Dakota, USA): implications for Great River bioassessment
Authors: Angradi Ted R. , Schweiger E. William , Bolgrien David W.
Published: June 2006

We examined inter‐habitat variation in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the 180‐km Garrison Reach of the Upper Missouri River, North Dakota (USA) in 2001–2003. The Garrison Reach is unchannelized with a mostly rural setting. Flows are regulated by Garrison Dam. We sampled benthos from three habitats defined a priori: channel, shoreline, and backwater. Benthic assemblages were different in each habitat. Average Bray‐Curtis dissimilarity in assemblage composition ranged from 89% for backwater versus channel habitat to 70% for backwater versus shoreline habitat. There were distinct intra‐habitat groups within a priori habitats: channel assemblages included moving‐sand assemblages and other‐substrate channel assemblages; backwater assemblages included connected (to the river channel) and unconnected backwater assemblages; shorelines assemblages varied between natural (unprotected) and riprap (rock revetment) shorelines. Abundance and taxa richness were lowest and spatial variability highest for moving‐sand channel assemblages. Abundance was highest in backwaters. Taxa richness in backwaters and along channel shorelines were similar. Assemblages in all three habitats were dominated by Nematoda, Oligochaeta and Chironomidae. Taxa in these groups comprised at least 80% of mean abundance in all three habitats. Taxa that discriminated among habitats included the psammophilic chironomid Chernovskiia for moving‐sand channel substrates versus all other habitats; Hydroptila (Trichoptera) for riprap vs natural shorelines, Aulodrilus (Oligochaeta) for connected versus unconnected backwaters; and Nematoda for backwater versus channel and shoreline versus channel. Based on overlap patterns in benthic assemblages among habitats, we concluded that sampling main channel shorelines should also capture much of the natural and stressor‐induced variation in connected backwater and channel habitat exclusive of moving‐sand channel habitat. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences of environmental conditions on macrophyte communities in drought‐affected headwater streams
Authors: Westwood C. G. , Teeuw R. M. , Wade P. M. , Holmes N. T. H. , Guyard P.
Published: June 2006

A 10‐year study of groundwater‐dominated headwater streams in the chalklands of southern England has highlighted the major influence that stream flow has on the composition of in‐channel macrophyte communities. Macrophytes supply much of the physical structure within these headwater channels, as well as providing habitats for a rich assemblage of higher life forms, some of them specialized and rare. The overall influence of stream flow however, is modulated by many environmental factors operating at diverse spatial scales. Data describing the relevant environmental variables were accumulated for six chalk streams in the Thames basin and related directly to the vegetation record by means of Canonical Correspondence Analysis, correlation tests and other analyses, to reveal the circumstances in which communities would be likely to thrive and those in which they would be negatively impacted by variations in stream flow. It was found that local topography and channel dimensions had a direct influence on the composition of communities at local level and that land use and rates of water abstraction had an underlying, but no less important, influence at catchment level. The species most associated with positive species diversity were those of sluggish flow and damp margins indicating the importance of velocity and moisture gradients across the channel in producing a full manifestation of the flora. Strong negative correlations were produced by non‐aquatic grasses and herbs, which represent prolonged periods of channel desiccation. The environmental parameters most associated with positive diversity were high local water stages, wide channels and a high degree of semi‐natural land use within the catchment. Steep channel gradients were strongly associated with negative diversity. The results have confirmed that optimal channel conditions, as exemplified by the classic ‘winterbourne’ with its low‐flow channel, extensive margins, gently sloping banks and high seasonal inundation, will produce good conditions for species diversity and make communities more resistant to the effects of drought. These conditions can be enhanced through sensitive catchment management that encourages rainfall percolation, limits abstractions and seeks to maintain a low intensity of landcover management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of flooding regime upon the decomposition of Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth measured on a tropical, flow‐regulated floodplain (Paraná River, Brazil)
Authors: Padial André Andrian , Thomaz Sidinei Magela
Published: June 2006

Decomposition of macrophytes is an important process in river‐floodplain systems, especially in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, given that this ecosystem receives high inputs of detritus from this vegetation. Release of nutrients by decomposition is essential in this floodplain because it is located downstream from a reservoir chain where nutrients are being trapped. Water level fluctuations are considered one of the most important aspects that affect macrophyte decomposition. Anthropogenic alterations, such as the control of flooding regimes, observed in this floodplain, could change the dynamic of this process. To evaluate the influence of the hydrological cycle upon the decomposition of Eichhornia azurea (an aquatic macrophyte that has high biomass values in this ecosystem), litter bags with senescent leaves and petioles of this plant were submitted to four different flooding treatments, which differed in time of flooding and exposure to dry conditions. The decomposition rates and the detritus chemical composition (nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations) were measured over 113 days. There were significant effects of the flooding treatments and time upon all parameters. The materials that decomposed with flood conditions showed the greatest decomposition rates. The quality of the detritus seems to be highly linked with the flooding regime, showing highest releases of phosphorus in the submerged treatments. It was shown that floods, even the short duration ones, increase the decomposition velocity and the nutrient cycling relative to dry conditions. Thus, investigations that assess the nutrient budgets on the Upper Paraná River floodplain and the role of nutrients in its productivity should consider the detritus compartment and the effects of flood regimes upon its dynamics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘A memorandum on the Present Position and Prospects of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology’ by Major Greenwood
Authors: Farewell Vern , Johnson Tony , Armitage Peter
Published: June 2006

We present an unpublished, possibly unsent, memorandum written by Major Greenwood in 1928 that is of historical importance. It raises three issues, namely, the profile of medical statistics in 1928, the development of mathematical statistics in the U.K., and the staffing of his own department. Some of these issues are still relevant today. We discuss each of them against the historical background of the first quarter of the 20th century. Some additional biographical details relevant to the understanding of the memorandum are provided in an Appendix.Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy of fetal echocardiography: a cardiac segment‐specific analysis
Authors: Gottliebson W. M. , Border W. L. , Franklin C. M. , Meyer R. A. , Michelfelder E. C.
Published: June 2006

Objective

In patients with congenital heart disease, comprehensive, segment‐specific analysis of cardiac anatomy has become ‘the standard of care’, largely as a result of improvements in cardiac imaging technology. Our aim was to apply segment‐specific standards to assess the accuracy of fetal echocardiography.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all fetal echocardiograms (n = 915) performed at our center between August 1998 and June 2003. Of these, 100 studies had congenital heart disease findings and corresponding postnatal studies on the same patients for comparison. An expert independent pediatric echocardiologist, using the standards of accuracy expected of postnatal echocardiography, assessed the studies for the following cardiac segments: abdominal situs, systemic venous return (VR), pulmonary VR, atria, atrioventricular valves, ventricular septum, ventricular hypoplasia, ventricular morphology, semilunar valves, great arterial relation and aortic arch. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each segment.

Results

Specificity and negative predictive value were high for all cardiac segments (range, 82–100%). Sensitivity and positive predictive value were similarly high (range, 83–100%) for most cardiac segments, but were only 50–88% for systemic VR, pulmonary VR and aortic arch segments.

Conclusions

Fetal echocardiography has excellent diagnostic accuracy in describing intracardiac anatomy. However, despite both technological advances and improved physician awareness, assessment of systemic VR, pulmonary VR, and aortic arch anatomy remain challenging. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the intraobserver variability in the measurement of fetal cardiothoracic ratio using ellipse and diameter methods
Authors: Awadh A. M. A. , Prefumo F. , Bland J. M. , Carvalho J. S.
Published: June 2006

Objective

To assess the variability of fetal heart and thoracic area and circumference measurements using the ellipse and diameter methods at different gestational ages.

Design

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study of 200 singleton pregnancies, with no apparent fetal abnormalities. The gestational age ranged between 19 and 42 weeks. At each examination, two transverse frames of the fetal chest at the level of the four‐chamber view during diastole were obtained. For each frame, the area and the circumference of the heart and thorax were obtained by the ellipse and diameter methods. In the diameter method, cardiac and thoracic areas and circumferences were derived from the measured anteroposterior and transverse diameters. All measurements were made by the same observer.

Results

For the same method, intraobserver variability was good. Coefficient of variation for all measurements varied between 3–11%. The ellipse method tended to give larger measurements than did the diameter method, the absolute difference increasing with fetal age. The mean ellipse/diameter ratio was 1.10, 1.04, 1.05 and 1.02 for heart area, thorax area, heart circumference and thorax circumference, respectively. In most cases, intraobserver variability of the thorax measurements was independent of gestational age. In contrast, there was a greater variability of heart measurements with increasing gestational age.

Conclusions

Both the ellipse and diameter methods of measuring cardiothoracic ratio are clinically useful and fairly reproducible at certain gestations, but are not interchangeable as the ellipse method overestimates measurements compared to the diameter method. The less reproducible measurement of heart size in later gestation should be taken into account when assessing cardiothoracic ratios. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wasserpermeation durch Polymere und keramische Substrate
Authors: Hübner Susanne , Pulker H.K.
Published: June 2006

Für die Messung der Wasserpermeation durch Scheiben aus TorrSeal (Epoxidharz), FIMO (PVC und Füllstoffe) und Polycarbonat bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen wurde eine Vorrichtung benutzt, die aus zwei Kammern besteht. Eine der Kammern enthält Wasser und in der anderen ist ein Feuchtigkeitssensor untergebracht. Die Kammern sind durch die Probe voneinander getrennt.

Es konnte kein Unterschied zwischen der Permeation von flüssigem Wasser und der des Wasserdampfes festgestellt werden. Die Nachweisgenze des Messsystems für den Diffusionskoeffizienten liegt bei 7,98 · 10−13 m2/s. Für Polycarbonatfolien konnten der Diffusionskoeffizient, seine Temperaturabhängigkeit und die Aktivierungsenergie bestimmt werden. Diese Werte sind vergleichbar mit den Werten in der Literatur. In späteren Experimenten sollen Materialien mit verschiedenen Barriereschichten versehen werden, um die Permeation weiter zu verringern.
A framework for predicting and visualizing the East African wildebeest migration‐route patterns in variable climatic conditions using geographic information system and remote sensing
Authors: Musiega Douglas E. , Sanga‐Ngoie Kazadi , Fukuyama Kaoru
Published: June 2006

In the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem of East Africa, the migrating wildebeests’ (Connochaetes taurinus) response to food resource distribution and terrain complexity impacts their movement characteristics. This manifests in varying ways such as movement speed, direction, turning frequency, and moving distance. To investigate these characteristics, indices derived from vegetation quantity (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) and relief (slope) were used in our previous work to quantify the relationships between migration route location versus vegetation, relief complexity, and their combination. Least cost pathways determined using these indices were representative of approximate migration routes. The simulated routes were shown to be strongly influenced by vegetation during the dry season. However the impact of climatic change (rainfall) on route location was not investigated though known to influence vegetation recovery patterns. This paper specifically addresses the impact of climatic change on route location. The mean monthly rainfall data were used to classify the rainy and dry seasons in the Serengeti, the Western, and the Mara areas as normal, drier, or wetter than normal, over the 1986–1997 period. The classification is based on the mean monthly rainfall variability about the 11‐year seasonal mean. Regression analysis showed strong linear relationships between rainfall and mean NDVI for each one of the three areas. The subsequent seasonal classification based on the corresponding habitat vegetation characteristics (NDVI) revealed the relative variation of vegetation with rainfall. Using the derived general categories, migration routes are then predicted for the various categories using a “route attractivity index.” The seasonal migration routes were shown to change depending on the relative abundance of the rainfall during the dry season. Dry season migration routes tended toward areas with better vegetation activity, i.e., those characterized by higher NDVI gradients. Our results showed that during the western trek, wetter dry seasons have the effect of delaying the herds movement northwestward. During the northern trek, wetter dry seasons have the effect of delaying the tendency to move westward. However the variation in rainfall conditions during the rainy and dry season had no significant influence on the southern trek route location. We assume that predicted routes based on average general category conditions for different years are representative of main migration route patterns for similar seasons, therefore they are well suited for approximate route prediction, if the climatic characteristics of the year are known.
Interaction of nucleoredoxin with protein phosphatase 2A
Authors: Lechward Katarzyna , Sugajska Ewa , de Baere Ivo , Goris Jozef , Hemmings Brian A. , Zolnierowicz Stanislaw
Published: June 2006

A trimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2AT55) composed of the catalytic (PP2Ac), structural (PR65/A), and regulatory (PR55/B) subunits was isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle by thiophosphorylase affinity chromatography, and contained two additional proteins of 54 and 55 kDa, respectively. The 54 kDa protein was identified as eukaryotic translation termination factor 1 (eRF1) and as a PP2A interacting protein [Andjelkovic et al. (1996) EMBO J. 15, 101–112]. The 55 kDa protein is now identified as nucleoredoxin (NRX). The formation of a complex between GST–NRX, PP2AC and PP2AD was demonstrated by pull‐down experiments with purified forms of PP2A, and by immunoprecipitation of HA‐tagged NRX expressed in HEK293 cells complexed endogenous PP2A subunits. Analysis of PP2A activity in the presence of GST–NRX showed that NRX competed with polycations for both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on different forms of PP2A.
A dileucine motif targets MCAM‐l cell adhesion molecule to the basolateral membrane in MDCK cells
Authors: Guezguez Borhane , Vigneron Pascale , Alais Sandrine , Jaffredo Thierry , Gavard Julie , Mège René-Marc , Dunon Dominique
Published: June 2006

Melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), an adhesion molecule belonging to the Ig superfamily, is an endothelial marker and is expressed in different epithelia. MCAM is expressed as two isoforms differing by their cytoplasmic domain: MCAM‐l and MCAM‐s (long and short). In order to identify the respective role of each MCAM isoform, we analyzed MCAM isoform targeting in polarized epithelial Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells using MCAM‐GFP chimeras. Confocal microscopy revealed that MCAM‐s and MCAM‐l were addressed to the apical and basolateral membranes, respectively. Transfection of MCAM‐l mutants established that a single dileucine motif (41‐42) of the cytoplasmic domain was required for MCAM‐l basolateral targeting in MDCK cells. Although double labelling experiments showed that MCAM‐l is not a component of adherens junctions and focal adhesions, its expression on basolateral membranes suggests that MCAM‐l is involved in epithelium insuring.
Expression and functional characterization of the putative protein 8b of the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐associated coronavirus
Authors: Law Pui Ying Peggy , Liu Yuet-Man , Geng Hua , Kwan Ka Ho , Waye Mary Miu-Yee , Ho Yuan-Yuan
Published: June 2006

SARS 8b is one of the putative accessory proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐associated coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) with unknown functions. In this study, the cellular localization and activity of this estimated 9.6 kDa protein were examined. Confocal microscopy results indicated that SARS 8b is localized in both nucleus and cytoplasm of mammalian cells. Functional study revealed that overexpression of SARS 8b induced DNA synthesis. Coexpression of SARS 8b and SARS 6, a previously characterized SARS‐CoV accessory protein, did not elicit synergistic effects on DNA synthesis.
Increased p21 expression and complex formation with cyclin E/CDK2 in retinoid‐induced pre‐B lymphoma cell apoptosis
Authors: Bao George C. , Wang Jian-Guang , Jong Ambrose
Published: June 2006

Cip/Kip family protein p21, a cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, is directly transactivated by retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) upon retinoic acid (RA):RARα binding. Yet the role of p21 upregulation by RA in lymphoma cells remains unknown. Here, we show that, in human pre‐B lymphoma Nalm6 cells, RA‐induced proliferation inhibition results from massive cell death characterized by apoptosis. Upregulated p21 by RA accompanies caspase‐3 activation and precedes the occurrence of apoptosis. p21 induction leads to increased p21 complex formation with cyclin E/CDK2, which occurs when cyclin E and CDK2 levels remain constant. CDK2 can alternatively promote apoptosis, but the mechanisms remain unknown. Data presented here suggest a novel RA‐signaling, by which RA‐induced p21 induction and complex formation with cyclin E/CDK2 diverts CDK2 function from normally driving proliferation to alternatively promoting apoptosis.
Ordovician and Silurian chitinozoan biozones of western Gondwana
Authors: GRAHN YNGVE
Published: June 2006

A formal Ordovician–Silurian chitinozoan biozonation for western Gondwana is proposed. This palaeogeographic province includes South America, and was located in medium to high latitudes during Ordovician and Silurian times. Ordovician chitinozoans are known from northern Argentina, southern Bolivia, and Brazil. Silurian chitinozoans occur in Brazil, northern Argentina, southern Bolivia and southern Peru. No published information is available about Ordovician–Silurian chitinozoans from Ecuador, Colombia or Venezuela. Altogether more than 150 localities (including wells and outcrops) are included in this study, and 154 species have been encountered. A biozonation based on the first occurrence of critical chitinozoan species is introduced. Five biozones are defined in the Ordovician (zones of Desmochitina sp. gr. minor, Conochitina decipiens, Eremochitina brevis, Lagenochitina obeligis and Tanuchitina anticostiensis), and nine in the Silurian (zones of Belonechitina postrobusta, Spinachitina harringtoni, Pogonochitina djalmai, Margachitina margaritana–Salopochitina monterrosae, Angochitina echinata, Eisenackitina granulata, Fungochitina kosovensis and the subzones of Sphaerochitina solutidina and Desmochitina cf. D. densa). These biozones are compared with known graptolite, conodont, acritarch and spore zones from the same area, and chitinozoan zones on a global basis.
Parental attitude towards mass antimicrobial prophylaxis during a school-associated pertussis outbreak
Authors: BORCHARDT S. M. , POLYAK G. , DWORKIN M. S.
Published: June 2006

We describe parental attitude towards mass antimicrobial prophylaxis and adolescent booster vaccination to prevent pertussis. A survey was distributed to parents at a large suburban high school where an outbreak of pertussis was occurring. A total of 314 surveys were received among 450 distributed. If antimicrobial prophylaxis was recommended for all students and faculty as a method of controlling a pertussis outbreak in their child's school (i.e. mass antimicrobial prophylaxis), 40% of parents would have their child take the medication and 49% might have their child take the antibiotic but would first consult their child's physician. Having [ges ]2 children attend the high school (OR 2·2, 95% CI 1·10–4·59) and generally favouring immunizations (OR 1·7, 95% CI 0·99–2·87) were predictors of likely compliance with mass antimicrobial prophylaxis. These findings underscore the importance of communicating the rationale of public health intervention efforts to physicians in order to help ensure their success.
The changing epidemiology of diagnosed prevalent HIV infections in England: greatest impact on the London environs
Authors: RICE B. D. , SINKA K. , PATEL B. , CHADBORN T. R. , DELPECH V. C.
Published: June 2006

Data from the 1997–2004 Surveys of Prevalent HIV Infections Diagnosed were analysed by three geographical areas of residence and treatment to describe the heterogeneous growth of the HIV epidemic in England and provide projections to 2007. Between 1997 and 2004, the number of diagnosed HIV-infected adults resident in England increased by 163% (14223 to 37459). Within the ‘London environs’ the increase was 360% (742 to 3411), within the rest of England 219% (4417 to 14088) and within London 120% (9064 to 19960). By 2004, the London environs had the largest proportion of infections acquired through heterosexual sex (and in particular women) and the most recently diagnosed population. Projections indicate over half of diagnosed HIV-infected adults will live outside London by 2007. The epidemiology of diagnosed HIV infection within the London environs is likely to be a predictor of future trends in England overall.
Timing of monoclonal antibody for seasonal RSV prophylaxis in the United Kingdom
Authors: GODDARD N. L. , COOKE M. C. , GUPTA R. K. , NGUYEN-VAN-TAM J. S.
Published: June 2006

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection produces more severe disease and increased hospitalization rates in high-risk babies. The monoclonal antibody palivizumab offers protection against complications, and the first of five monthly doses should be administered before the onset of community RSV activity. However, the required real-time prediction of this onset is problematic. We attempted to identify seasonal RSV patterns by retrospectively examining 10 years of laboratory reports for RSV and clinical episode reports for certain respiratory presentations in both primary and secondary care. Analysis of hospital laboratory reports, incidence of acute bronchitis in primary care, and hospital admissions for acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis in young children revealed a consistent increase in RSV activity during week 43 each year. Promptly commencing prophylaxis during the second week of each October (week 42) would precede the onset of the RSV season in the United Kingdom, and provide coverage until its decline in mid-March.
Daumenregel oder Kopfzerbrechen?
Authors: Dickhäuser Oliver , Reinhard Marc-André
Published: June 2006

Zusammenfassung. Erfolgserwartungen in Bezug auf spezifische Aufgaben sollen den Annahmen verschiedener Theorien zufolge enger mit dem entsprechenden spezifischen Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept als mit allgemeinen Fähigkeitsselbstkonzepten zusammenhängen. Im Gegensatz dazu wird hier argumentiert, dass im Falle peripherer Informationsverarbeitung die Erfolgserwartung enger mit dem allgemeinen, im Falle zentraler Informationsverarbeitung enger mit dem spezifischen Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept zusammenhängen sollte. In einem Experiment (N = 252) zeigte sich hypothesengemäß, dass bei hoher Relevanz korrekter Erfolgserwartungen (die zu zentraler Informationsverarbeitung führen sollte) die Erfolgserwartung durch das spezifische, nicht aber durch das allgemeine Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept vorhergesagt werden konnte. In einer Kontrollbedingung zeigte sich dieses Zusammenhangsmuster jedoch nur für Personen mit einer hohen Freude am Nachdenken (Need for Cognition), während Personen mit einem niedrigen Need for Cognition die Erfolgserwartung für eine spezifische Aufgabe aus ihrem allgemeinen Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept abzuleiten schienen.
Soziales Netzwerk, soziale Unterstützung und soziale Kompetenz bei Kindern
Authors: Laireiter Anton-Rupert , Lager Caroline
Published: June 2006

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Es werden Zusammenhänge zwischen sozialen Kompetenzen und dem sozialen Netzwerk bei Kindern sowie Effekte des Geschlechts, des Alters, der familiären Situation und des Wohnorts untersucht. Methodik: Es wurden 60 Kinder im Alter zwischen sieben und 10 Jahren querschnittlich mit den Kompetenzskalen (Selbstsicherheit, Selbstbehauptung, Wertschätzung, Kontaktfähigkeit) des “Frankfurter Kinder-Selbstkonzept-Inventars“ (FKSI) und dem “Interview zum Sozialen Netzwerk und zur Sozialen Unterstützung für Kinder“ (SONET 4-K) untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die kindlichen Netzwerke bestehen im Schnitt aus 17 Personen, die großteils der Familie, dem Freundeskreis und den Peers angehören. 50% bis 60% sind Unterstützer, nur wenige Beziehungen sind belastend. Geschlecht, Alter und Wohnort zeigen keinen Einfluss auf Netzwerk und Kompetenz. Die soziale Kompetenz steht primär mit den affektiven und belastenden Beziehungen und der Unterstützung in Zusammenhang. Die bedeutsamsten Kompetenzvariablen sind Kontaktfähigkeit, Selbstsicherheit und Wertschätzung durch andere; Selbstbehauptungsfähigkeit zeigt generell keinen Einfluss auf das kindliche Netzwerk. Multivariate Analysen weisen auf gegenseitige Beeinflussung von Netzwerk und Kompetenz hin. Schlussfolgerung: Die Befunde legen ein transaktionales Verhältnis von sozialen Beziehungen und sozialer Kompetenz nahe, welches sich vor allem zwischen unterstützenden und belastenden Beziehungen und der Kontaktfähigkeit und Selbstsicherheit abspielt.
Der Frankfurter Imitations-Test für 12 Monate alte Kinder (FIT 12)
Authors: Goertz Claudia , Knopf Monika , Kolling Thorsten , Frahsek Stefanie , Kressley Regina
Published: June 2006

Zusammenfassung. Die Erforschung des Gedächtnisses von präverbalen Kindern nimmt in der modernen Entwicklungspsychologie einen breiten Raum ein. Es besteht dabei Konsens dahingehend, dass die Methode der Verzögerten Imitation (VI) das Verfahren ist, das deklaratives Gedächtnis im Verlauf der Ontogenese am frühesten erfassen kann. Im deutschen Sprachraum gibt es bislang kein erprobtes Instrumentarium, das für die Messung deklarativer Gedächtnisleistungen mittels VI erprobt worden wäre. Im Anschluss an die Darstellung der Grundlagen des Messverfahrens wird über eine Studie mit n = 92 Einjährigen berichtet, in der eine Aufgabenserie zur VI erprobt (Frankfurter Imitations-Test für 12 Monate alte Kinder, FIT 12) wurde. Dieses neu entwickelte Instrument erwies sich als altersadäquat. Die zwischen den Einjährigen gemessenen Leistungsunterschiede erwiesen sich zudem in einer Test-Retest-Reliabilitätsstudie nach einem Zeitintervall von einer Woche als stabil (Goertz et al., under revision). Schließlich konnten Belege für die Konstruktvalidität dieses Gedächtnistests erbracht werden.
Viral delivery of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor improves behavior and protects striatal neurons in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: McBride Jodi L. , Ramaswamy Shilpa , Gasmi Mehdi , Bartus Raymond T. , Herzog Christopher D. , Brandon Eugene P. , Zhou Lili , Pitzer Mark R. , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth M. , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2006

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal, genetic, neurological disorder resulting from a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the gene that encodes for the protein huntingtin. These excessive repeats confer a toxic gain of function on huntingtin, which leads to the degeneration of striatal and cortical neurons and a devastating motor, cognitive, and psychological disorder. Trophic factor administration has emerged as a compelling potential therapy for a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, including HD. We previously demonstrated that viral delivery of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) provides structural and functional neuroprotection in a rat neurotoxin model of HD. In this report we demonstrate that viral delivery of GDNF into the striatum of presymptomatic mice ameliorates behavioral deficits on the accelerating rotorod and hind limb clasping tests in transgenic HD mice. Behavioral neuroprotection was associated with anatomical preservation of the number and size of striatal neurons from cell death and cell atrophy. Additionally, GDNF-treated mice had a lower percentage of neurons containing mutant huntingtin-stained inclusion bodies, a hallmark of HD pathology. These data further support the concept that viral vector delivery of GDNF may be a viable treatment for patients suffering from HD.
Semirational design of Jun-Fos coiled coils with increased affinity: Universal implications for leucine zipper prediction and design
Authors: Mason Jody M. , Schmitz Mark A. , Müller Kristian M. , Arndt Katja M.
Published: June 2006

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a crucial transcription factor implicated in numerous cancers. For this reason, nine homologues of the AP-1 leucine zipper region have been characterized: Fos (c-Fos, FosB, Fra1, and Fra2), Jun (c-Jun, JunB, and JunD), and semirational library-designed winning peptides FosW and JunW. The latter two were designed to specifically target c-Fos or c-Jun. They have been identified by using protein-fragment complementation assays combined with growth competition. This assay removes nonspecific, unstable, and protease susceptible library members from the pool, leaving winners with excellent drug potential. Thermal melts of all 45 possible dimeric interactions have been surveyed, with the FosW–c-Jun complex displaying a melting temperature (
T
m
) of 63°C, compared to only 16°C for wild-type c-Fos–c-Jun interaction. This impressive 70,000-fold
K
D
decrease is largely due to optimized core packing, α-helical propensity, and electrostatics. Contrastingly, due to a poor c-Fos core, c-Fos–JunW dimerizes with lower affinity. However the
T
m
far exceeds wild-type c-Fos–c-Jun and averaged JunW and c-Fos, indicating a preference over either homodimer. Finally, and with wider implications, we have compiled a method for predicting interaction of parallel, dimeric coiled coils, using our
T
m
data as a training set, and applying it to 59 bZIP proteins previously reported. Our algorithm, unlike others to date, accounts for helix propensity, which is found to be integral in coiled coil stability. Indeed, in applying the algorithm to these 59
2
bZIP interactions, we were able to correctly identify 92% of all strong interactions and 92% of all noninteracting pairs.
Predicting short-term stock fluctuations by using processing fluency
Authors: Alter Adam L. , Oppenheimer Daniel M.
Published: June 2006

Three studies investigated the impact of the psychological principle of fluency (that people tend to prefer easily processed information) on short-term share price movements. In both a laboratory study and two analyses of naturalistic real-world stock market data, fluently named stocks robustly outperformed stocks with disfluent names in the short term. For example, in one study, an initial investment of $1,000 yielded a profit of $112 more after 1 day of trading for a basket of fluently named shares than for a basket of disfluently named shares. These results imply that simple, cognitive approaches to modeling human behavior sometimes outperform more typical, complex alternatives.
Experimental evidence that predation promotes divergence in adaptive radiation
Authors: Nosil Patrik , Crespi Bernard J.
Published: June 2006

Adaptive radiation is the evolution of ecological and phenotypic diversity within a rapidly multiplying lineage. Recent studies have identified general patterns in adaptive radiation and inferred that resource competition is a primary factor driving phenotypic divergence. The role and importance of other processes, such as predation, remains controversial. Here we useTimemastick insects to show that adaptive radiation can be driven by divergent selection from visual predators. Ecotypes using different host-plant species satisfy criteria for the early stages of adaptive radiation and differ in quantitative aspects of color, color pattern, body size, and body shape. A manipulative field experiment demonstrates that the direction and strength of divergent selection on these traits is strongly positively correlated with the direction and magnitude of their population divergence in nature but only when selection is estimated in the presence of predation. Our results indicate that both competition and predation may commonly serve as mechanisms of adaptive radiation.
Biomass and toxicity responses of poison ivy (
Toxicodendron radicans
) to elevated atmospheric CO
2
Authors: Mohan Jacqueline E. , Ziska Lewis H. , Schlesinger William H. , Thomas Richard B. , Sicher Richard C. , George Kate , Clark James S.
Published: June 2006

Contact with poison ivy (
Toxicodendron radicans
) is one of the most widely reported ailments at poison centers in the United States, and this plant has been introduced throughout the world, where it occurs with other allergenic members of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Approximately 80% of humans develop dermatitis upon exposure to the carbon-based active compound, urushiol. It is not known how poison ivy might respond to increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
), but previous work done in controlled growth chambers shows that other vines exhibit large growth enhancement from elevated CO
2
. Rising CO
2
is potentially responsible for the increased vine abundance that is inhibiting forest regeneration and increasing tree mortality around the world. In this 6-year study at the Duke University Free-Air CO
2
Enrichment experiment, we show that elevated atmospheric CO
2
in an intact forest ecosystem increases photosynthesis, water use efficiency, growth, and population biomass of poison ivy. The CO
2
growth stimulation exceeds that of most other woody species. Furthermore, high-CO
2
plants produce a more allergenic form of urushiol. Our results indicate that
Toxicodendron
taxa will become more abundant and more “toxic” in the future, potentially affecting global forest dynamics and human health.
Naked corals: Skeleton loss in Scleractinia
Authors: Medina Mónica , Collins Allen G. , Takaoka Tori L. , Kuehl Jennifer V. , Boore Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2006

Stony corals, which form the framework for modern reefs, are classified as Scleractinia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, and Hexacorallia) in reference to their external aragonitic skeletons. However, persistent notions, collectively known as the “naked coral” hypothesis, hold that the scleractinian skeleton does not define a natural group. Three main lines of evidence have suggested that some stony corals are more closely related to one or more of the soft-bodied hexacorallian groups than they are to other scleractinians: (
i
) morphological similarities; (
ii
) lack of phylogenetic resolution in molecular analyses of scleractinians; and (
iii
) discrepancy between the commencement of a diverse scleractinian fossil record at 240 million years ago (Ma) and a molecule-based origination of at least 300 Ma. No molecular evidence has been able to clearly reveal relationships at the base of a well supported clade composed of scleractinian lineages and the nonskeletonized Corallimorpharia. We present complete mitochondrial genome data that provide strong evidence that one clade of scleractinians is more closely related to Corallimorpharia than it is to a another clade of scleractinians. Thus, the scleractinian skeleton, which we estimate to have originated between 240 and 288 Ma, was likely lost in the ancestry of Corallimorpharia. We estimate that Corallimorpharia originated between 110 and 132 Ma during the late- to mid-Cretaceous, coinciding with high levels of oceanic CO
2
, which would have impacted aragonite solubility. Corallimorpharians escaped extinction from aragonite skeletal dissolution, but some modern stony corals may not have such fortunate fates under the pressure of increased anthropogenic CO
2
in the ocean.
Smad3 deficiency alters key structural elements of the extracellular matrix and mechanotransduction of wound closure
Authors: Arany Praveen R. , Flanders Kathleen C. , Kobayashi Tetsu , Kuo Catherine K. , Stuelten Christina , Desai Kartiki V. , Tuan Rocky , Rennard Stephen I. , Roberts Anita B.
Published: June 2006

The loss of TGFβ or its downstream mediator, Smad3, key players in tissue repair, accelerates closure of incisional wounds in mice. In contrast, we now report that excisional ear wounds in mice lacking Smad3 enlarge compared with wild-type controls resulting from changes in extracellular matrix molecules, which alter the mechanotransduction properties of these wounds. Specifically, levels of elastin and glycosoaminoglycans are increased, collagen fibers are more compactly organized, and matrix modulators like integrins, TGFβ1, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are altered both basally and after wounding in Smad3 knockout mice. Mechanical testing of dorsal skin correlates these changes in matrix composition with functional parameters, specifically an increased elastic modulus, suggesting an imbalance of tissue forces. We propose that the altered mechanical elastic properties translate into a persistent retractile force that is opposed by decreased wound contractile forces contributing to the enlarging ear wound in Smad3 knockout mice. These studies highlight a previously undescribed role for Smad3 in the mechanotransduction of matrix unsupported ear wound closure.
The plasma membrane permease PfNT1 is essential for purine salvage in the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: El Bissati Kamal , Zufferey Rachel , Witola William H. , Carter Nicola S. , Ullman Buddy , Ben Mamoun Choukri
Published: June 2006

The human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
relies on the acquisition of host purines for its survival within human erythrocytes. Purine salvage by the parasite requires specialized transporters at the parasite plasma membrane (PPM), but the exact mechanism of purine entry into the infected erythrocyte, and the primary purine source used by the parasite, remain unknown. Here, we report that transgenic parasites lacking the PPM transporter PfNT1 (
P. falciparum
nucleoside transporter 1) are auxotrophic for hypoxanthine, inosine, and adenosine under physiological conditions and are viable only if these normally essential nutrients are provided at excess concentrations. Transport measurements across the PPM revealed a severe reduction in hypoxanthine uptake in the knockout, whereas adenosine and inosine transport were only partially affected. These data provide compelling evidence for a sequential pathway for exogenous purine conversion into hypoxanthine using host enzymes followed by PfNT1-mediated transport into the parasite. The phenotype of the conditionally lethal mutant establishes PfNT1 as a critical component of purine salvage in
P. falciparum
and validates PfNT1 as a potential therapeutic target.
A mammalian NudC-like protein essential for dynein stability and cell viability
Authors: Zhou Tianhua , Zimmerman Wendy , Liu Xiaoqi , Erikson Raymond L.
Published: June 2006

Cytoplasmic dynein, a minus-end-directed microtubule motor, has been implicated in many fundamental cellular processes; however, little is known regarding the underlying molecular machinery that regulates its stability. In
Aspergillus nidulans
, nuclear distribution gene C (
nudC
) has been implicated in the regulation of dynein-mediated nuclear migration. Here, we characterize a previously undescribed mammalian NudC-like protein (NudCL). The expression and phosphorylation of NudCL are increased during mitosis. Depletion of NudCL by RNA interference in HeLa cells inhibits cell growth and induces mitotic arrest with multiple mitotic defects, which subsequently result in cell death. Unexpectedly, the majority of NudCL depletion-induced mitotic defects may result from loss of dynein function; this interpretation is supported by the failure to recruit sufficient γ-tubulin to spindle poles and the mislocalization of the dynein complex from kinetochores, spindle microtubules, and spindle poles during mitosis. Depletion of NudCL also results in the aggregation of dynein intermediate chain throughout the cytoplasm during mitosis. NudCL was shown to bind to the dynein complex, and its depletion induces degradation of dynein intermediate chain, a process suppressed by MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Taken together, these data suggest a previously undescribed mechanism whereby NudCL appears to influence the stabilization of dynein intermediate chain.
Dimeric organization of the yeast oligosaccharyl transferase complex
Authors: Chavan Manasi , Chen Zhiqiang , Li Guangtao , Schindelin Hermann , Lennarz William J. , Li Huilin
Published: June 2006

The enzyme complex oligosaccharyl transferase (OT) catalyzes N-glycosylation in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. The yeast OT complex is composed of nine subunits, all of which are transmembrane proteins. Several lines of evidence, including our previous split-ubiquitin studies, have suggested an oligomeric organization of the OT complex, but the exact oligomeric nature has been unclear. By FLAG epitope tagging the Ost4p subunit of the OT complex, we purified the OT enzyme complex by using the nondenaturing detergent digitonin and a one-step immunoaffinity technique. The digitonin-solubilized OT complex was catalytically active, and all nine subunits were present in the enzyme complex. The purified OT complex had an apparent mass of ≈500 kDa, suggesting a dimeric configuration, which was confirmed by biochemical studies. EM showed homogenous individual particles and revealed a dimeric structure of the OT complexes that was consistent with our biochemical studies. A 3D structure of the dimeric OT complex at 25-Å resolution was reconstructed from EM images. We suggest that the dimeric structure of OT might be required for effective association with the translocon dimer and for its allosteric regulation during cotranslational glycosylation.