bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAR-Satellite for Offshore and Coastal Wind Resource Analysis, with Examples from St. Lawrence Gulf, Canada
Authors: Choisnard Julien , Lafrance Gaëtan , Bernier Monique
Published: January 2005

This paper illustrates the benefits of using remote sensing methodology as an intermediate step to assess offshore and coastal wind resources. Results are based on an ongoing research to understand wind patterns in the St-Lawrence Gulf. This area combines two advantages for wind power development in Canada: a) very good wind, b) high potential of the large scale integration of wind power with the hydro-wind concept. Advantages and drawbacks of satellite techniques in such a complex environment are reviewed. Our approach of satellite data selection for dominant wind conditions reduces the weakness of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite temporal resolution. Wind fields are extracted from sixteen scenes provided by RADARSAT-1. Results are compared with two main sources: in situ measurements and QuickSCAT scatterometer computations. Among interesting findings, it appears that a relative small sample of scenes can already indicates the best wind sites to be investigated for further analysis. The proposed approach to obtain a global wind map of the gulf and the advantages of such high-resolution wind maps to wind resource assessment are discussed.
Robust Optimization of Integrated Aircraft-Propulsion System Control to Meet Takeoff Noise Requirements of Supersonic Business Jet
Authors: Ilyin Andrey V. , Chaika Taras Yu. , Mirzoyan Artur A. , Egorov Igor N. , Kretinin Gennady V.
Published: January 2005

The integrated aircraft-propulsion system control is considered from the point of view of the probability of meeting stringent market takeoff noise requirements to supersonic business jet (SSBJ). The probability of meeting requirements to the SSBJ cumulative noise level was considered, by taking into account the accuracy of SSBJ noise prediction models and real-life accuracy of optimal control realization.

The robust optimization of integrated aircraft-propulsion system control was used to achieve maximum probability of meeting SSBJ takeoff noise requirements. For robust optimization the IOSO technology (new generation multidimensional nonlinear optimization technology) was used. The results of this paper show the Pareto set probability statement, which allows us to find the set of compromise control laws for different levels of preset probabilities.

The paper presents the comparison of conventional deterministic and stochastic approaches to assess maximum probability of meeting of market noise requirements. The proposed stochastic approach to noise reduction allows us to considerably decrease the risk level in meeting future stringent noise requirements.
Attitudes to Conscious Sedation in Patients Attending an Emergency Dental Clinic
Authors: Allen Edith M , Girdler Nick M
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Anxiety and fear in relation to dentistry are long-standing problems and the incidence of dental fear does not appear to be decreasing. It can result in poor dental health and wastage of clinical time. Conscious sedation is one method of allaying anxiety in dental patients and enables such patients to accept dental treatment.

Aims, Materials and Methods

A questionnaire survey was undertaken among patients attending an emergency dental clinic. Its aims were to assess the levels of dental anxiety in these subjects, the impact on their attendance for dental treatment, and their knowledge of and desire to have conscious sedation, should it be available.

Results

The results indicated that in the 72 patients who responded, levels of anxiety regarding dental treatment were high, with 49 (68%) claiming some nervousness or worse. Thirty-one (43%) cited fear/nervousness as a reason for delaying making a dental appointment. Twenty-seven (38%) were not aware of the existence of conscious sedation for dental treatment, of whom half reported that they were in the highly anxious group. Forty (56%) respondents said they would like to have sedation if it were available. Twenty-five (35%) claimed to have received sedation for dental treatment in the past.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the availability of dental sedation was currently not matching the needs and demands of several patients who took part in the survey. Increased availability of dental sedation could remove a barrier to dental care for many highly anxious dental patients.
A Comparison of Attitudes and Practices of Gutka Users and Non-users in Chitrakoot, India. A Pilot
Authors: Anwar Shahid , Williams Sonia A , Scott-Smith Jennifer , Sage Helen , Baweja Sohrab , Singal Manu , Sharma Naresh K
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives

As part of a student elective, this pilot study aimed at investigating attitudes and practices concerning gutka use in a town in India. It was hoped that information gained would assist in formulating an appropriate health education programme to encourage gutka cessation locally and would provide more information about a habit which is also relevant to some UK South Asian populations.

Design and setting

124 consecutively attending subjects (103 males and 21 females) at a charity-run dental clinic in Chitrakoot, India, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Main findings

57 (46%) of the respondents, of whom there were more males than females (103 v. 21), reported current gutka use. There were no differences between users and non-users by age or educational attainment. Users found gutka ‘helpful’ in relieving tension, aiding concentration, combating bad breath and as a leisure activity. They all cited other family members who were using gutka as compared to only 40% of the gutka non-users. Cancer was mentioned as a harmful outcome of gutka use more frequently by non-users. Of the 57 gutka chewers, 36 also chewed paan with tobacco and 20 smoked cigarettes.

Conclusions

Gutka chewing involved almost half of the study population and proportionately more males than females. The habit was endemic within families. Many gutka chewers also smoked, chewed paan or drank alcohol, representing a high-risk behaviour for oral cancer. Proportionately more non-chewers were aware of the link with cancer. There are clear implications for health promotion in India. General dental practitioners in the UK should also be aware of the possibility that this habit is becoming more widely adopted in South Asian communities here, involving young children as well as adults. Research into gutka use is also required in the UK.
Looking Back!
Authors: Renson Ted
Published: January 2005

To celebrate the work of three senior teachers from Guy's, King's and St Thomas’ Dental (GKT) Institute, six distinguished, internationally-famous speakers were assembled, at Guy's Campus on 2nd September 2004, to give lectures to an audience of 150 colleagues and friends. This veritable Festschrift had attracted the great and the good in the world of dentistry and it was clear that we had a very interesting day ahead.
Histologic Characterization of Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tidholm A. , Jönsson L.
Published: January 2005

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by chamber dilatation and myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction, is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs. The clinical diagnosis is based on findings on echocardiographic and Doppler examinations, with the active exclusion of other acquired or congenital heart diseases. However, the echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of DCM are not wholly specific for the disease, and histologic examination may be necessary for final diagnosis. Review of reports on histologic findings in dogs with clinically diagnosed DCM reveals two histologically distinct forms of DCM: 1) cardiomyopathy of Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, corresponding to the “fatty infiltration-degenerative” type and 2) the form seen in many giant, large-, and medium-sized breeds, including some Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, classified as the “attenuated wavy fiber” type of DCM. The histologic changes of the attenuated wavy fiber type of DCM may precede clinical and echocardiographic signs of heart disease, thus indicating an early stage of DCM.
Estrogen-dependent Induction of Cyclooxygenase-2 in the Canine Prostate In Vivo
Authors: Doré M. , Chevalier S. , Sirois J.
Published: January 2005

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is involved in several physiologic and pathologic processes. COX-2 is overexpressed in human and canine prostate cancer, but little is known about COX-2 inducers in the prostate. Our objective was to investigate the effect of sex steroid hormones on COX-2 expression in the canine prostate in vivo. COX-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in intact and castrated dogs treated with exogenous androgen or estrogen. Results showed that no COX-2 staining was observed in prostates of untreated or androgen-treated castrated or intact dogs. However, treatment of intact and castrated dogs with estrogen resulted in squamous metaplasia with intense COX-2 expression observed in both squamous epithelial cells and in cells of acini without metaplasia. This is the first report to demonstrate the induction of COX-2 by estrogen in the prostate in vivo.
Interstitial Lung Disease in West Highland White Terriers
Authors: Norris A. J. , Naydan D. K. , Wilson D. W.
Published: January 2005

Progressive respiratory failure and pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland White Terriers (WHWT) is an apparently genetic disorder of unknown pathogenesis. This study characterizes the light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features of affected WHWT in comparison with lesions in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) of humans. Lesions in WHWT were confined to the expansion of the interstitial space of alveolar septa by extracellular matrix (ECM) determined to be mixtures of type-I and -III collagens. Features of UIP such as intra-alveolar fibroblastic foci, subpleural distribution, and honeycombing were not observed in six WHWT. Comparison with normal dogs showed no apparent increase in septal myofibroblasts. Ultrastructually, the ECM in alveolar septa consisted of large aggregates of periodic collagen filaments underlying alveolar capillaries that were surrounded by thick bands of amorphous to fine fibrillar matrix. This study suggests that chronic pulmonary disease of WHWT is a result of aberrant collagen regulation.
Metastatic Tumors to the Adrenal Glands in Domestic Animals
Authors: Labelle P. , De Cock H. E. V.
Published: January 2005

Although metastases to the adrenals are common in humans, they have not been thoroughly studied in animals. The purpose of this retrospective study was to document the types of malignant tumors that metastasize to canine, feline, equine, and bovine adrenals, and the rate at which they do so. The average rate of adrenal involvement in metastatic cancer was 112/534 (21.0%) in dogs, 12/81 (14.8%) in cats, 18/67 (26.9%) in horses, and 5/16 (31.3%) in cattle. In dogs, 26 different tumor types metastasized to the adrenals. Pulmonary, mammary, prostatic, gastric, and pancreatic carcinomas, and melanoma had the highest rates of metastasis to the adrenal glands in dogs. Hemangiosarcoma and melanoma had high rates of adrenal involvement in horses. In cats and cattle, relevant data were only available for lymphoma. Adrenal metastases usually occurred in the late stages of the disease. One dog had developed Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) secondary to lymphoma. Metastatic lesions represented 126/472 (26.7%) of canine, 12/20 (60.0%) of feline, 21/80 (26.3%) of equine, and 5/9 (55.5%) of bovine adrenal neoplasms. This study shows that adrenal glands should be thoroughly examined during both clinical work-up and postmortems when disseminated neoplasia is suspected.
An Epizootic of Avian Pox in Endemic Short-toed Larks (Calandrella rufescens) and Berthelot's Pipits (Anthus berthelotti) in the Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Smits J. E. , Tella J. L. , Carrete M. , Serrano D. , López G.
Published: January 2005

Between January 2002 and November 2003, 50% ( n = 395) of short-toed larks ( Calandrella rufescens) and 28% ( n = 139) of Berthelot's pipits ( Anthus berthelotti) examined on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, Canary Islands, had gross lesions compatible with avian pox. However, Spanish sparrows ( Passer hispaniolensis, n = 128) and trumpeter finches ( Bucanetes githagineus, n = 228), which inhabit the same steppe habitats associated with goat husbandry, did not have poxlike lesions. Histopathology and electron microscopy confirmed poxvirus in the lesions, whereas serology using standard, fowl poxvirus- and pigeon poxvirus-based diagnostic agar gel immunodiffusion techniques was negative, likely because of the limited (74.6% pipit; 74.9% lark) similarity between the viruses in our species and fowlpox virus on which the serologic tests rely. on the basis of polymerase chain reaction analyses, the virus isolated from dried lesions of C. rufescens has 80.5% similarity with the virus isolated from A. berthelotti and 91.3% similarity with canarypox, whereas A. berthelotti poxvirus has only 80% similarity with canarypox. We have two distinct and possibly new avian poxviruses. Both poultry and the wild birds on the farms were heavily infested by fleas, which may have acted as vectors in transmission of poxvirus. Disease prevalence in these Canary Island passerines is higher than that described in song birds in Hawaii that are now threatened, endangered, or extinct. Environmental and biological factors contributing to increased disease susceptibility of these isolated populations must be investigated.
Immunohistochemical Studies of Epithelial Cell Proliferation and p53 Mutation in Bovine Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Carvalho T. , Vala H. , Pinto C. , Pinho M. , Peleteiro M. C.
Published: January 2005

Bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the second most common cause of rejection due to neoplasia in slaughterhouses on Sao Miguel Island, Azores, and accounts for significant economic losses. To obtain a better insight into the genesis and neoplastic transformation process of bovine OSCC, abnormal protein expression and proliferation index were assessed by the immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and Ki67, respectively. OSCC samples were collected from 15 bovines and were classified histologically according to the degree of differentiation into three categories: poorly, moderately, and well differentiated. Immunohis-tochemistry using polyclonal anti-human p53 antibody and polyclonal anti-human Ki67 antibody was performed. Ten of 15 tumors tested were immunoreactive for p53. Twelve tumors demonstrated Ki67 expression. As in human squamous cell carcinoma, p53 overexpression is frequent in bovine OSCC, providing support for a possible role of the protein in the pathogenesis of this neoplasia. No correlation between the percentage of p53 stained nuclei and the degree of differentiation was observed, although different patterns of staining were seen according to the degree of keratinization of the tumor cells. With the exception of the moderately differentiated OSCC group, Ki67 index showed significant correlation with the histologic pattern, increased proliferation being found in poorly differentiated OSCC ( P = 0.013).
Papillary Adenocarcinoma of the Extrahepatic Bile Duct in a Holstein Cow
Authors: Ilha M. R. S. , Loretti A. P. , Barros C. S. L. , Gimeno E. J. , Martin C. A.
Published: January 2005

A 15-year-old female Holstein cow was presented with a history of anorexia and weight loss. Abnormal physical examination findings included poor body condition, dehydration, icterus, and photodermatitis on nonpigmented areas of the skin of the dorsum. At necropsy, the common bile duct was greatly enlarged, with thickened walls, and tightly adhered to the hepatic capsular surface and serosa of adjacent loops of the small intestine. Two sessile, yellowish, friable, well-circumscribed, cauliflower-like, bulging masses (14 and 8 cm in diameter) were attached to the inner surface of the common bile duct blocking its lumen. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of well-differentiated, columnar epithelial cells with oval or round, vesicular, basal nuclei arranged in papillary projections. Periodic acid-Schiff-positive material accumulated in the apical cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells. Immunostaining of the tumor cells was positive for cytokeratin (CK) of wide-spectrum screening and for CK 7. The diagnosis of papillary adenocarcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct was based on the morphologic features of the neoplasm and evidence of local invasion. To the best of our knowledge, extrahepatic bile duct carcinomas have not been described in cattle.
Invasive Epithelial Mesothelioma in a Dog
Authors: Reggeti F. , Brisson B. , Ruotsalo K. , Southorn E. , Bienzle D.
Published: January 2005

This report describes the gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of an invasive epithelial mesothelioma in an 11-year-old neutered male Golden Retriever. The tumor involved the pericardium, pleura, mediastinum, and peritoneum and invaded into submesothelial tissues. Neoplastic cells in the thoracic fluid showed prominent features of malignancy in a background of mixed inflammatory cells and scattered erythrocytes. Histologically, the tumor consisted of nests of epithelioid cells with frequent mitotic figures and multinucleation that infiltrated submesothelial tissues. Neoplastic cells strongly coexpressed vimentin and cytokeratin intermediate filaments, which assisted in the differentiation from other epithelial tumors of nonmesothelial origin.
Paraneoplastic Pemphigus in a Dog with Splenic Sarcoma
Authors: Elmore S. A. , Basseches J. , Anhalt G. J. , Cullen J. M. , Olivry T.
Published: January 2005

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease of humans that consists of characteristic skin lesions associated with concurrent neoplasia. in this study we provide histologic and serologic evidence to support a diagnosis of PNP in a dog with splenic sarcoma. Skin lesions consisted of widespread erosions involving haired skin, mucocutaneous junctions, and oral mucosa. Microscopic examination of skin and mucosae revealed lesions consistent with both pemphigus vulgaris and erythema multiforme. Immunoprecipitation confirmed that circulating IgG autoantibodies from this patient recognized five distinct antigens, presumed to represent epidermal plakins. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunologic findings in this patient were similar to those observed in human patients with PNP. The splenic neoplasia in this dog was diagnosed as a phenotypically variable spindle cell sarcoma. To date, only one other dog has been reported with PNP. This is the second reported case of canine PNP and the first patient in whom skin lesions were identified in association with splenic neoplasia.
Copper-associated Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis in a European Shorthair Cat
Authors: Meertens N. M. , Bokhove C. A. M. , van den Ingh T. S. G. A. M.
Published: January 2005

A 2-year-old, castrated, male European Shorthair cat was presented with inappetence, vomiting, and fever. Ascites and an irregularly nodular liver were observed on laparotomy; in view of the poor prognosis, the animal was euthanatized. Histopathologic examination of the liver showed a chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis associated with massive accumulation of copper in hepatocytes and macrophages, particularly in the fibrotic areas between the regenerative nodules. Electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis revealed lysosomal accumulation of copper in the hepatocytes. Analytical determination showed very high copper concentrations in the liver. No evidence for increased dietary or environmental copper could be found. This and the pattern of hepatic copper storage, the associated inflammation and fibrosis, strongly suggest a primary copper storage disorder.
An Analysis of Genetic Diversity Across the Maize Genome Using Microsatellites
Authors: Vigouroux Yves , Mitchell Sharon , Matsuoka Yoshihiro , Hamblin Martha , Kresovich Stephen , Smith J Stephen C , Jaqueth Jennifer , Smith Oscar S , Doebley John
Published: January 2005

How domestication bottlenecks and artificial selection shaped the amount and distribution of genetic variation in the genomes of modern crops is poorly understood. We analyzed diversity at 462 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) or microsatellites spread throughout the maize genome and compared the diversity observed at these SSRs in maize to that observed in its wild progenitor, teosinte. The results reveal a modest genome-wide deficit of diversity in maize relative to teosinte. The relative deficit of diversity is less for SSRs with dinucleotide repeat motifs than for SSRs with repeat motifs of more than two nucleotides, suggesting that the former with their higher mutation rate have partially recovered from the domestication bottleneck. We analyzed the relationship between SSR diversity and proximity to QTL for domestication traits and observed no relationship between these factors. However, we did observe a weak, although significant, spatial correlation for diversity statistics among SSRs within 2 cM of one another, suggesting that SSR diversity is weakly patterned across the genome. Twenty-four of 462 SSRs (5%) show some evidence of positive selection in maize under multiple tests. Overall, the pattern of genetic diversity at maize SSRs can be explained largely by a bottleneck effect with a smaller effect from selection.
Rapid Concerted Evolution of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA in Two Tragopogon Allopolyploids of Recent and Recurrent OriginSequence data from this article have been deposited with the EMBL/GenBank Data Libraries under accession nos. AY458586, AY458588, AY458589, and AY458587
Authors: Kovarik A , Pires J C , Leitch A R , Lim K Y , Sherwood A M , Matyasek R , Rocca J , Soltis D E , Soltis P S
Published: January 2005

We investigated concerted evolution of rRNA genes in multiple populations of Tragopogon mirus and T. miscellus, two allotetraploids that formed recurrently within the last 80 years following the introduction of three diploids (T. dubius, T. pratensis, and T. porrifolius) from Europe to North America. Using the earliest herbarium specimens of the allotetraploids (1949 and 1953) to represent the genomic condition near the time of polyploidization, we found that the parental rDNA repeats were inherited in roughly equal numbers. In contrast, in most present-day populations of both tetraploids, the rDNA of T. dubius origin is reduced and may occupy as little as 5% of total rDNA in some individuals. However, in two populations of T. mirus the repeats of T. dubius origin outnumber the repeats of the second diploid parent (T. porrifolius), indicating bidirectional concerted evolution within a single species. In plants of T. miscellus having a low rDNA contribution from T. dubius, the rDNA of T. dubius was nonetheless expressed. We have apparently caught homogenization of rDNA repeats (concerted evolution) in the act, although it has not proceeded to completion in any allopolyploid population yet examined.
Chromosome Loss Followed by Duplication Is the Major Mechanism of Spontaneous Mating-Type Locus Homozygosis in Candida albicans
Authors: Wu Wei , Pujol Claude , Lockhart Shawn R , Soll David R
Published: January 2005

Candida albicans, which is diploid, possesses a single mating-type (MTL) locus on chromosome 5, which is normally heterozygous (a/α). To mate, C. albicans must undergo MTL homozygosis to a/a or α/α. Three possible mechanisms may be used in this process, mitotic recombination, gene conversion, or loss of one chromosome 5 homolog, followed by duplication of the retained homolog. To distinguish among these mechanisms, 16 spontaneous a/a and α/α derivatives were cloned from four natural a/α strains, P37037, P37039, P75063, and P34048, grown on nutrient agar. Eighteen polymorphic (heterozygous) markers were identified on chromosome 5, 6 to the left and 12 to the right of the MTL locus. These markers were then analyzed in MTL-homozygous derivatives of the four natural a/α strains to distinguish among the three mechanisms of homozygosis. An analysis of polymorphisms on chromosomes 1, 2, and R excluded meiosis as a mechanism of MTL homozygosis. The results demonstrate that while mitotic recombination was the mechanism for homozygosis in one offspring, loss of one chromosome 5 homolog followed by duplication of the retained homolog was the mechanism in the remaining 15 offspring, indicating that the latter mechanism is the most common in the spontaneous generation of MTL homozygotes in natural strains of C. albicans in culture.
Quantitative Genetics of Vector Competence for La Crosse Virus and Body Size in Ochlerotatus hendersoni and Ochlerotatus triseriatus Interspecific Hybrids
Authors: Anderson Justin R , Schneider Jennifer R , Grimstad Paul R , Severson David W
Published: January 2005

La Crosse virus is a leading cause of pediatric encephalitis in the United States. The mosquito Ochlerotatus triseriatus is an efficient vector for La Crosse virus, whereas the closely related O. hendersoni transmits only at very low rates. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the ability to orally transmit this virus and adult body size were identified in 164 F2 female individuals from interspecific crosses of O. hendersoni females and O. triseriatus males using a combination of composite interval mapping (CIM), interval mapping (IM) for binary traits, and single-marker mapping. For oral transmission (OT), no genome locations exceeded the 95% experimentwise threshold for declaring a QTL using IM, but single-marker analysis identified four independent regions significantly associated with OT that we considered as tentative QTL. With two QTL, an increase in OT was associated with alleles from the refractory vector, O. hendersoni, and likely reflect epistatic interactions between genes that were uncovered by our interspecific crosses. For body size, two QTL were identified using CIM and a third tentative QTL was identified using single-marker analysis. The genome regions associated with body size also contain three QTL controlling OT, suggesting that these regions contain either single genes with pleiotropic effects or multiple linked genes independently determining each trait.
Linkage Disequilibrium and Recent Selection at Three Immunity Receptor Loci in Drosophila simulansSequence data from this article have been deposited with the EMBL/GenBank Data Libraries under accession nos. AY864355, AY864606 and AY870440, AY870441, AY870442, AY870443, AY870444, AY870445, AY870446, AY870447.
Authors: Schlenke Todd A , Begun David J
Published: January 2005

Immune system genes in a California population sample of Drosophila simulans were shown to bear several hallmarks of the effects of past directional selection. One potential effect of directional selection is an increase in linkage disequilibrium among the polymorphic sites that are linked to the site under selection. In this study, we focus on three D. simulans immunity loci, Hmu, Sr-CI/Sr-CIII, and Tehao, for which the polymorphic sites are in nearly perfect linkage disequilibrium, an unusual finding even with respect to other immunity genes sampled from the same lines. The most likely explanation for this finding is that, at each locus, two divergent alleles have been selected to intermediate frequencies in the recent past. The extent to which the linkage disequilibrium extends to the flanks of each of the immunity genes is minimal, suggesting that the favored mutations actually occurred within the immunity genes themselves. Furthermore, the excess linkage disequilibrium found in the California population is not found in an African D. simulans population sample and may be a result of novel pathogen-mediated selection pressures encountered during establishment of non-African populations.
Meiosis-Specific Regulation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae S-Phase Cyclin CLB5 Is Dependent on MluI Cell Cycle Box (MCB) Elements in Its Promoter but Is Independent of MCB-Binding Factor Activity
Authors: Raithatha Sheetal A , Stuart David T
Published: January 2005

In proliferating S. cerevisiae, genes whose products function in DNA replication are regulated by the MBF transcription factor composed of Mbp1 and Swi6 that binds to consensus MCB sequences in target promoters. We find that during meiotic development a subset of DNA replication genes exemplified by TMP1 and RNR1 are regulated by Mbp1. Deletion of Mbp1 deregulated TMP1 and RNR1 but did not interfere with premeiotic S-phase, meiotic recombination, or spore formation. Surprisingly, deletion of MBP1 had no effect on the expression of CLB5, which is purportedly controlled by MBF. Extensive analysis of the CLB5 promoter revealed that the gene is largely regulated by elements within a 100-bp fragment containing a cluster of MCB sequences. Surprisingly, induction of the CLB5 promoter requires MCB sequences, but not Mbp1, implying that another MCB-binding factor may exist in cells undergoing meiosis. In addition, full activation of CLB5 during meiosis requires Clb5 activity, suggesting that CLB5 may be regulated by a positive feedback mechanism. We further demonstrate that during meiosis MCBs function as effective transcriptional activators independent of MBP1.
Rapid Subfunctionalization Accompanied by Prolonged and Substantial Neofunctionalization in Duplicate Gene Evolution
Authors: He Xionglei , Zhang Jianzhi
Published: January 2005

Gene duplication is the primary source of new genes. Duplicate genes that are stably preserved in genomes usually have divergent functions. The general rules governing the functional divergence, however, are not well understood and are controversial. The neofunctionalization (NF) hypothesis asserts that after duplication one daughter gene retains the ancestral function while the other acquires new functions. In contrast, the subfunctionalization (SF) hypothesis argues that duplicate genes experience degenerate mutations that reduce their joint levels and patterns of activity to that of the single ancestral gene. We here show that neither NF nor SF alone adequately explains the genome-wide patterns of yeast protein interaction and human gene expression for duplicate genes. Instead, our analysis reveals rapid SF, accompanied by prolonged and substantial NF in a large proportion of duplicate genes, suggesting a new model termed subneofunctionalization (SNF). Our results demonstrate that enormous numbers of new functions have originated via gene duplication.
Wind profile detection of atmospheric radar signals using wavelets and harmonic decomposition techniques
Authors: Varadarajan S. , Reddy K. Jithendra , Reddy G. Ramachandra
Published: January 2005

A simple and successful design of algorithms using parametric and non‐parametric techniques for spectral cleaning and estimation of the atmospheric radar signal is presented. With these algorithms, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the radar returns could be improved and the Doppler frequency could be predicted even at greater heights and under severe weather conditions. The predicted results are compared with the conventional techniques and good improvement is reported. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparison of dexamethasone pharmacokinetics in female rats after intravenous and intramuscular administration
Authors: Samtani Mahesh N. , Jusko William J.
Published: January 2005

This study seeks a route of drug administration that would produce a pharmacokinetic profile for dexamethasone not significantly different from the intravenous route in female rats and would offer reproducible drug input with minimal stress to the animals. The intramuscular (IM) route of drug administration vs intravenous (IV) injection were compared in three female Wistar rats administered 1 mg/kg dexamethasone phosphate. Dexamethasone plasma concentrations were measured by a normal phase HPLC assay for 12 h after drug administration. Dexamethasone exhibited monoexponential behavior after intravenous dosing and was absorbed rapidly after intramuscular dosing (absorption half‐life of 14 min) with 86% bioavailability. Dexamethasone had a terminal half‐life of 2.3 h after drug administration by either route. The volume of distribution of 0.78 l/kg and the clearance of 0.23 l/h/kg are in good agreement with reported pharmacokinetic parameters in male rats. Intravenous dosing can be replaced by intramuscular dosing without causing any marked difference in dexamethasone pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Quality‐Defining Process in Early Years Services: A Case Study
Authors: Tanner Emily , Welsh Elaine , Lewis Jane
Published: January 2005

In this article we argue, through a case study in a large, urban local authority in England, that local stakeholders in early years provision express a variety of perspectives on quality but are constrained by a national framework which promotes an ‘official’ definition of quality. We offer a quality‐defining model that captures the role of both ‘official’ definitions and more pluralistic approaches to quality. Finally, we highlight mechanisms already in place in the structure of early years services that could offer social spaces for the quality‐defining process to take place.
A New Ligand for the Formation of Triangular Building Blocks in Supramolecular Chemistry (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2/2005)
Authors: Müller Iris M. , Möller Daniela
Published: January 2005

The cover picture shows the pH dependency of the geometry of the tris(5‐bromo‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)triaminoguanidinium cation [H6Br3L]+. In the solid state, a conformation which is less favourable for the coordination of metal centres is predominant. In the presence of a basic metal salt, a partial change in the conformation can be observed, whereas in the presence of base even in the absence of metal ions, a complete conformation change takes place. In this way, the reaction of [H6Br3L]+ with metal salts can be easily controlled. The formation of an [M3Br3L](3n−5)+ species as a triangular building block for use in supramolecular chemistry is also described in the article by I. M. Müller and D. Möller on p. 257 ff.
An investigation of tuned liquid dampers equipped with damping screens under 2D excitation
Authors: Tait M. J. , El Damatty A. A. , Isyumov N.
Published: January 2005

This paper reports on the results of a study conducted on tanks partially filled with water, representing tuned liquid dampers (TLD), subjected to both 1D and 2D horizontal excitations. The sloshing response of the water in the tank is characterized by the free surface motion, the resulting base shear force, and evaluation of the energy dissipated by the sloshing water. A 1D non‐linear flow model capable of simulating a TLD equipped with damping screens is employed to model a 2D TLD. Application of this particular model requires the assumption that the response is decoupled and can be treated as the summation of two independent 1D TLDs. Results from the non‐linear flow model are compared with the 2D experimental shake table test results leading to a validation of the decoupled response assumption. This attractive decoupled response property allows square and rectangular tanks to be used as 2D TLDs, which can simultaneously reduce the dynamic response of a structure in two perpendicular modes of vibration. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active sensing using impedance‐based ARX models and extreme value statistics for damage detection
Authors: Fasel Timothy R. , Sohn Hoon , Park Gyuhae , Farrar Charles R.
Published: January 2005

In this paper, the applicability of an auto‐regressive model with exogenous inputs (ARX) in the frequency domain to structural health monitoring (SHM) is established. Damage sensitive features that explicitly consider non‐linear system input/output relationships are extracted from the ARX model. Furthermore, because of the non‐Gaussian nature of the extracted features, Extreme Value Statistics (EVS) is employed to develop a robust damage classifier. EVS provides superior performance to standard statistical methods because the data of interest are in the tails (extremes) of the damage sensitive feature distribution. The suitability of the ARX model, combined with EVS, to non‐linear damage detection is demonstrated using vibration data obtained from a laboratory experiment of a three‐story building model. It is found that the vibration‐based method, while able to discern when damage is present in the structure, is unable to localize the damage to a particular joint. An impedance‐based active sensing method using piezoelectric (PZT) material as both an actuator and a sensor is then investigated as an alternative solution to the problem of damage localization. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenge of CIP as a universal solver for solid, liquid and gas
Authors: Yabe T. , Takizawa K. , Chino M. , Imai M. , Chu C. C.
Published: January 2005

We review some recent progress of the CIP method that is known as a general numerical solver for solid, liquid, gas and plasmas. This method is a kind of semi‐Lagrangian scheme and has been extended to treat incompressible flow in the framework of compressible fluid. Since it uses primitive Euler representation, it is suitable for multi‐phase analysis. Some applications to skimmer, swimming fish and laser cutting are presented. This method is recently extended to almost mesh‐free system that is called ‘soroban grid’ that ensures the third‐order accuracy both in time and space with the help of the CIP method. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidimensional positive definite advection transport algorithm (MPDATA): an edge‐based unstructured‐data formulation
Authors: Smolarkiewicz Piotr K. , Szmelter Joanna
Published: January 2005

We report a new development in the area of non‐oscillatory transport methods. We derive, discuss, and test the iterative upwind scheme MPDATA in the Finite Volume framework with the edge‐based data structure and arbitrary hybrid mesh. MPDATA has proven successful in simulations of geophysical flows using single block, structured cuboidal meshes, while employing continuous invertible mappings to accommodate time‐dependent curvilinear domains. Our motivation for the finite‐volume formulation and the choice of unstructured meshes is to facilitate the use of MPDATA schemes for a wider range of applications involving complex geometries and/or inhomogeneous anisotropic flows, where mesh adaptivity is advantageous. Our development preserves the signature benefits of the standard Cartesian‐mesh MPDATA scheme, i.e. the second‐order accuracy, sign‐preservation, and a full multidimensionality free of directional‐splitting errors. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A moving mesh finite element algorithm for fluid flow problems with moving boundaries
Authors: Baines M. J. , Hubbard M. E. , Jimack P. K.
Published: January 2005

A moving mesh finite element method is proposed for the adaptive solution of second‐ and fourth‐order moving boundary problems which exhibit scale invariance. The equations for the mesh movement are based upon the local application of a scale‐invariant conservation principle incorporating a monitor function and have been successfully applied to problems in both one and two space dimensions. Examples are provided to show the performance of the proposed algorithm using a monitor function based upon arc‐length. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale modelling and computation of fluid flow
Authors: Hou Thomas Y.
Published: January 2005

Many problems of fundamental and practical importance have multiscale solutions. Direct numerical simulation of these multiscale problems is difficult due to the range of length scales in the underlying physical problems. Here, we describe two multiscale methods for computing nonlinear partial differential equations with multiscale solutions. The first method relies on constructing local multiscale bases for diffusion‐dominated problems. We demonstrate that such an approach can be used to upscale two‐phase flow in heterogeneous porous media. The second method is to construct semi‐analytic multiscale solutions local in space and time. We use these solutions to approximate the large‐scale solution for convection‐dominated transport. This approach overcomes the common difficulty due to the memory effect in deriving the averaged equations for convection‐dominated transport. Our multiscale analysis provides a useful guideline for designing effective numerical methods for incompressible flow. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On using discontinuous finite element methods to simulate inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Burbeau‐Augoula Anne
Published: January 2005

This paper is devoted to the simulation of inertial confinement fusion for target design. An arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation based on discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods is proposed. It is totally different from Wilkins' scheme used in traditional ICF codes. The objective here is to test the robustness of the method on non‐uniform moving grids. The emphasis is put on the preservation of the spherical symmetry. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pressure‐correction algorithm with Mach‐uniform efficiency and accuracy
Authors: Nerinckx Krista , Vierendeels J. , Dick E.
Published: January 2005

We present a collocated Mach‐uniform pressure‐correction method. By using a low Mach adapted AUSM+ flux for the spatial discretization, we reach Mach‐uniform accuracy. Mach‐uniform efficiency is obtained by a pressure‐correction equation based on the energy equation. Furthermore, we take heat conduction into account, which as far as we know, has never been done before in the context of Mach‐uniform pressure‐correction methods. An explicit treatment of the conduction terms results in a diffusive limit on the time step. To avoid this, a coupled solution of the energy equation and the continuity equation is needed. The results for both the adiabatic and the non‐adiabatic algorithms are in full accordance with the developed theory. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term survival and concomitant gene expression of ribozyme‐transduced CD4+ T‐lymphocytes in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Macpherson Janet L. , Boyd Maureen P. , Arndt Allison J. , Todd Alison V. , Fanning Gregory C. , Ely Julie A. , Elliott Fiona , Knop Alison , Raponi Mitch , Murray John , Gerlach Wayne , Sun Lun‐Quan , Penny Ronald , Symonds Geoff P. , Carr Andrew , Cooper David A.
Published: January 2005

Background

An anti‐HIV‐1 tat ribozyme, termed Rz2, has been shown to inhibit HIV‐1 infection/replication and to decrease HIV‐1‐induced pathogenicity in T‐lymphocyte cell lines and normal peripheral blood T‐lymphocytes. We report here the results of a phase I gene transfer clinical trial using Rz2.

Methods

Apheresis was used to obtain a peripheral blood cell population from each of four HIV‐negative donors. After enrichment for CD4+ T‐lymphocytes, ex vivo expansion and genetic manipulation (approximately equal aliquots of the cells were transduced with the ribozyme‐containing (RRz2) and the control (LNL6) retroviral vector), these cells were infused into the corresponding HIV‐1‐positive twin recipient. Marking was assessed over an initial 24‐week period and in total over an approximate 4‐year period.

Results

The gene transfer procedure was shown to be safe, and technically feasible. Both RRz2‐ and LNL6‐gene‐containing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were detected at all time points examined to 4 years. There was concomitant gene construct expression in the absence of the need for ex vivo peripheral blood cell stimulation and there was no evidence of immune elimination of the neoR T‐lymphocytes nor of silencing of the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat.

Conclusions

The proof of principle results reported here demonstrate safety and feasibility of this type of gene transfer approach. While not specifically tested, T‐lymphocytes containing an anti‐HIV gene construct may impact on HIV‐1 viral load and CD4+ T‐lymphocyte count, potentially representing a new therapeutic modality for HIV‐1 infection. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct injection of plasmid DNA into the skin induces dermatitis by activation of monocytes through toll‐like receptor 9
Authors: Sawamura D. , Abe R. , Goto M. , Akiyama M. , Hemmi H. , Akira S. , Shimizu H.
Published: January 2005

Background

Direct injection of naked DNA into skin can be efficiently used to transfer genes into keratinocytes in vivo. However, bacterial DNA is known to be a potent stimulus for vertebrate immune cells and immune systems. Towards the clinical use of this method, this study examined whether the application of plasmid DNA by direct injection induces any adverse skin effects.

Methods

Several plasmid preparations were prepared and directly injected into rat and human skin. Migration, IL‐6 production, and reactive oxygen production assays were performed to determine the type of the primary cells responsible for the reaction. Involvement of toll‐like receptor (TLR) 9 was examined by experiments using TLR9‐knockout mice.

Results

Injection of several plasmid preparations into rat and human skin resulted in an inflammatory reaction at the treated site. Contamination by endotoxin in the plasmid preparation was shown to worsen this skin inflammation reaction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the infiltrating cells in the skin lesions were predominantly monocytes and neutrophils. Further experiments examining migration, IL‐6 production, and reactive oxygen production indicated that the primary responsible cells were monocytes rather than neutrophils. Since it was recently shown that cytosine‐guanosine dinucleotide (CpG) motif is critical for immune reaction induction in bacterial DNA and cellular responses were mediated by TLR9, we injected plasmids into the ear skin of TLR9‐knockout mice. A decrease in ear swelling was noted in the knockout mice, compared to controls, suggesting that plasmid‐DNA‐induced dermatitis was mediated mostly by TLR9.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that injection of plasmid DNA induces skin inflammation initiated by monocyte activation via TRL9. We should therefore attempt to counteract this dermatitis during the clinical use of the naked DNA injection method in skin. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tight control of transgene expression by lentivirus vectors containing second‐generation tetracycline‐responsive promoters
Authors: Pluta Krzysztof , Luce Milson J. , Bao Lili , Agha‐Mohammadi Siamak , Reiser Jakob
Published: January 2005

Background

The goal of this study was to design improved regulatable lentivirus vector systems. The aim was to design tetracycline (tet)‐regulatable lentivirus vectors based on the Tet‐on system displaying low background expression in the absence of the doxycycline (DOX) inducer and high transgene expression levels in the presence of DOX.

Methods

We constructed a binary lentivirus vector system that is composed of a self‐inactivating (SIN) lentivirus vector bearing inducible first‐ or second‐generation tet‐responsive promoter elements (TREs) driving expression of a transgene and a second lentivirus vector encoding a reverse tetracycline‐controlled transactivator (rtTA) that activates transgene expression from the TRE in the presence of DOX.

Results

We evaluated a number of different rtTAs and found rtTA2S‐M2 to induce the highest levels of transgene expression. Regulated transgene expression was stable in human breast carcinoma cells implanted into nude mice for up to 11 weeks. In an attempt to minimize background expression levels, the chicken β‐globin cHS4 insulator element was cloned into the 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR) of the transgene transfer vector. The cHS4 insulator element reduced background expression but expression levels following DOX addition were lower than those observed with vectors lacking an insulator sequence. In a second strategy, vectors bearing second‐generation TREs harboring repositioned tetracycline operator elements were used. Such vectors displayed greatly reduced leakiness in the absence of DOX and induced transgene expression levels were up to 522‐fold above those seen in the absence of DOX.

Conclusions

Inducible lentivirus vectors bearing insulators or second‐generation TREs will likely prove useful for applications demanding the lowest levels of background expression. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.