bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug abuse, innate immunity and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Yuan , Ho Wen‐Zhe
Published: August 2006

Since its discovery in 1989, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become a major public health problem. HCV chronically infects an estimated 170 million people worldwide. The seroprevalence of anti‐HCV antibody in the United States has been estimated at 1.8%, which corresponds to approximately 4 million people. HCV is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the United States, and the leading cause of liver transplantation in developed countries. Injection drug use is the dominant mode of HCV transmission and accounts for up to 90% of current infections. Opiates and other drug abuse, such as alcohol, have been implicated as cofactors in the pathogenesis of HCV disease. Injection drug use has been the most common risk factor identified in alcoholics with HCV infection. Both opiates and alcohol contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality from HCV disease. These drugs most likely act synergistically to promote the development and progression of HCV disease. However, there is limited information available concerning the interaction of the drug abuse with the host cell innate immunity against HCV infection, which is a major barrier to fundamental understanding of the immunopathogenesis of HCV disease. Therefore, defining the role of the drug abuse in the development of chronic HCV infection is of crucial importance and should provide practical guidance toward the reduction of risk factors that interfere with therapeutic approaches for HCV infection and disease. This review paper focuses on the interplay between drug abuse (opiates and alcohol), innate immunity and HCV in the context of the development of HCV disease. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional association between viral and cellular transcription during influenza virus infection
Authors: Engelhardt Othmar G. , Fodor Ervin
Published: August 2006

Influenza viruses replicate and transcribe their segmented negative‐sense single‐stranded RNA genome in the nucleus of the infected host cell. All RNA synthesising activities associated with influenza virus are performed by the virally encoded RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that consists of three subunits, PA, PB1 and PB2. However, viral transcription is critically dependent on on‐going cellular transcription, in particular, on activities associated with the cellular DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Thus, the viral RdRp uses short 5′ capped RNA fragments, derived from cellular Pol II transcripts, as primers for viral mRNA synthesis. These capped RNA primers are generated by cleavage of host Pol II transcripts by an endonuclease activity associated with the viral RdRp. Moreover, some viral transcripts require splicing and since influenza virus does not encode splicing machinery, it is dependent on host splicing, an activity also related to Pol II transcription. Despite these functional links between viral and host Pol II transcription, there has been no evidence that a physical association existed between the two transcriptional machineries. However, recently it was reported that there is a physical interaction between the trimeric viral RdRp and cellular Pol II. The viral RdRp was found to interact with the C‐terminal domain (CTD) of initiating Pol II, at a stage in the transcription cycle when capping takes place. It was therefore proposed that this interaction may be required for the viral RNA (vRNA) polymerase to gain access to capped RNA substrates for endonucleolytic cleavage. The virus not only relies on cellular factors to support its own RNA synthesis, but also subverts cellular pathways in order to generate an environment optimised for viral multiplication. In this respect, the interaction of the viral NS1 protein with factors involved in cellular pre‐mRNA processing is of particular relevance. The virus also alters the distribution of Pol II on cellular genes, leading to a reduction in elongating Pol II thereby contributing to the phenomenon known as host shut‐off. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning the Chemical Selectivity of SWNT‐FETs for Detection of Heavy‐Metal Ions
Authors: Forzani Erica S. , Li Xiulan , Zhang Peiming , Tao Nongjian , Zhang Ruth , Amlani Islamshah , Tsui Raymond , Nagahara Larry A.
Published: August 2006

A method to functionalize single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a field‐effect transistor (FET) device for the selective detection of heavy‐metal ions is presented. In this method, peptide‐modified polymers were electrochemically deposited onto SWNTs and the selective detection of metal ions was demonstrated by choosing appropriate peptide sequences. The signal transduction mechanism of the peptide‐modified SWNT‐FETs has also been studied.
Cardiac axis in fetuses with abdominal wall defects
Authors: Boulton S. L. , McKenna D. S. , Cly G. C. , Webb D. C. , Bantz J. , Sonek J.
Published: August 2006

Objectives

To investigate whether fetal cardiac axis is affected by the presence of an abdominal wall defect (AWD) independent of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Video ultrasound records from fetuses with AWDs identified from 1991–2004 were reviewed. Still images of the fetal cardiac four‐chamber view were digitized and two independent examiners measured the cardiac axis. A cardiac axis of >65° or <25° was considered abnormal. Maternal charts were reviewed for fetal echocardiogram results and neonatal charts were reviewed for confirmation of CHD and type of AWD.

Results

Of 17 fetuses with omphalocele and 42 fetuses with gastroschisis, 16 (27%) fetuses had an abnormal cardiac axis, while only seven (12%) had CHD. Fifty‐nine percent of fetuses with omphalocele had an abnormal cardiac axis and 35% had CHD. Fourteen percent of fetuses with gastroschisis had an abnormal cardiac axis and 2% had CHD. Of 43 fetuses with a normal cardiac axis, only one had CHD.

Conclusions

Fetal cardiac axis is often affected by the presence of an AWD independent of CHD. A normal cardiac axis in fetuses with AWDs is an accurate predictor of the absence of CHD, the negative predictive value being 97.7%. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Factors for Conversion to Open Surgery in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Ibrahim Salleh , Hean Tay Khoon , Ho Lim Swee , Ravintharan T. , Chye Tan Ngian , Chee Chng Hong
Published: August 2006

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for most gallbladder diseases. Conversion to open cholecystectomy is necessary in some patients for any of a number of factors. Identifying these factors will help the patient, the surgeon, and the hospital.

Methods

One thousand laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed from May 1998 to May 2004 in Changi General Hospital, Singapore; 103 patients (10.3%) required conversion to open cholecystectomy. All data were kept prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The patients who had conversion were mostly men (P < 0.0001), were heavier (P < 0.05), had acute cholecystitis (P < 0.0001), and had a history of upper abdominal surgery (P < 0.001). There were no differences in terms of race (P = 0.315) and presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.126). Diabetic patients who had conversion had a significantly higher glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c) (8.9% ± 0.6%; P < 0.038). Patients who had conversion had a higher total white count (P < 0.05), but liver function tests were similar between the two groups. There was a higher conversion rate among the junior surgeons than the more experience surgeons (P < 0.032).

Conclusions

The significant risk factors for conversion were male gender, advanced age (> 60 years), higher body weight > 65 kg, acute cholecystitis, previous upper abdominal surgery, junior surgeons, and diabetes associated with Hba1c > 6. Chronic liver disease was not found to be a risk factor (P = 0.345), and performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients is safe. Identifying risk factors will help the surgeon to plan and counsel the patient and introduce new policies to the unit. Some of the risk factors are similar to those reported from international centers, but others may be unique to our department.
Improved quality of life with cardiac rehabilitation for post-myocardial infarction patients in Korea
Authors: Choo Jina , Burke Lora E. , Hong Kyung Pyo
Published: August 2006

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been used as a primary health outcome in cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP).

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week CRP on HRQOL and exercise capacity in myocardial infarction (MI) patients in Korea.

Methods

After matching on gender, age, and left ventricular ejection fraction, 60 subjects with a first acute MI were allocated to either a CRP group ( n =31) or a Control group ( n =29). The 8-week CRP included hospital-based, supervised exercise training (three times per week, average intensity of 65% VO2peak) and individual education sessions. The Control group was instructed on a home-based exercise regimen without contact during the 8 weeks. At baseline and 8 weeks, HRQOL was assessed by the Quality of Life Index (QLI)–cardiac version III; exercise capacity by a treadmill test.

Results

After adjusting for education level, the overall QLI, health/functioning and psycho/spiritual scores showed greater increases in the CRP group than the Control group ( p=.014, p=.016, and p=.036, respectively). We observed significant improvements in VO2peak ( p<.0001), anaerobic threshold ( p<.0001), and maximal exercise duration ( p<.0001) in the CRP group, compared to the Control group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the Korean CRP can lead to significant improvements in HRQOL outcomes and exercise capacity.
‘Quantal’ Ca2+ release reassessed – a clue to oscillation and synchronization
Authors: Yamashita Masayuki
Published: August 2006

Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, a pivotal event in Ca2+ signaling, is a ‘quantal’ process; it terminates after a rapid release of a fraction of stored Ca2+. To explain the ‘quantal’ nature, ‘all‐or‐none’ model and ‘steady‐state’ model were proposed. This article shortly reviews these hypotheses and considers a recently proposed mechanism, ‘luminal potential’ model, in which the membrane potential of Ca2+ store regulates Ca2+ efflux. By reassessing the ‘quantal’ nature, other important features of Ca2+ signaling, oscillation and synchronization, are highlighted. The mechanism for ‘quantal’ Ca2+ release may underlie the temporal and spatial control of Ca2+ signaling.
Prognostic factors and expression of p53 and mdm‐2 in uterine sarcomas
Authors: Kim S.H. , Kim J.W. , Kim Y.T. , Kim J.H. , Yoon B.S. , Ryu H.S.
Published: August 2006

Objectives: To evaluate the clinicopathologic prognostic factors of uterine sarcoma, and determine whether overexpression of p53 and mdm‐2 proteins correlate with overall survival and prognostic factors. Methods: Thirty specimens from 43 patients with uterine sarcoma were available for slide review and evaluated by immunohistochemistry at Yonsei and Ajou University Medical Centers for the expression of p53 and mdm‐2. Results: Overall survival was found to correlate to histologic type of uterine sarcoma, surgical stage, tumor grade, and mitotic index. Whereas 63% of the sarcomas expressed p53, with a significant correlation to overall survival, 60% expressed mdm‐2, with a significant correlation to the mitotic index but not to overall survival. Conclusion: Histologic type, surgical stage, tumor grade, mitotic index, and p53 expression were prognostic factors of the overall survival of patients with uterine sarcoma.
The Potential Role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in Painful Neuromas and the Mechanism of Pain Relief by their Relocation to Muscle
Authors: ATHERTON D. D. , TAHERZADEH O. , FACER P. , ELLIOT D. , ANAND P.
Published: August 2006

Painful neuromas have been successfully treated by surgical procedures including relocation to muscle, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is secreted by tissues and promotes the expression of ion channels and neuropeptides in sensory neurons involved in pain transmission. We hypothesised that excess of NGF may lead to pain in neuromas and that the efficacy of surgical relocation results from deprivation of NGF, i.e. translocation from NGF-rich regions, particularly sub-cutaneous structures associated with injury or inflammation, to NGF-poor structures such as muscle or bone. Using immunohistological methods with primary antibodies to rhNGF, we report that NGF levels were elevated in 13 painful neuromas in comparison with six control nerves. However, in four painful neuromata re-located into muscle with pain relief, the NGF level was similar to that of controls. NGF levels suggest an explanation for the development of painful neuromas and the efficacy of relocation.
2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews
Authors: Bidwell Maureen A.
Published: August 2006

2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews, Paul Falcone, 2005, softcover, 244 pages $10.95
Fundamentals of Nursing
Authors: Radford Mary Ellen
Published: August 2006

Fundamentals of Nursing, Patricia A. Potter, Anne Griffin Perry, sixth edition, 2004, hardcover, 1,739 pages $137
The HR Answer Book: An Indispensable Guide for Managers and Human Resources Professionals
Authors: Atkinson Melinda
Published: August 2006

The HR Answer Book: An Indispensable Guide for Managers and Human Resources Professionals, Shawn Smith, Rebecca Mazin, 2004, hardcover, 244 pages $24.95
Motivational Management: Inspiring Your People for Maximum Performance
Authors: Zuber Jennifer
Published: August 2006

Motivational Management: Inspiring Your People for Maximum Performance, Alexander Hiam, 2003, softcover, 288 pages $18.95
Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Anthony Margaret L. , Hardee Elise M.
Published: August 2006

Sickle cell disease is a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by the production of hemoglobin S, anemia, and acute and chronic tissue damage secondary to blockages caused by abnormally shaped (ie, sickle‐shaped) red blood cells. In children, complications of sickle cell disease (eg, splenic sequestration and splenomegaly) increase the risks for postoperative complications due to the physical stress of the large incisions previously required for splenectomy. An intracorporeal splenic fragmentation technique is now being used to avoid these complications and will be discussed in this article. AORN J 69 (March 1999) 568–582.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Esophagus
Authors: Gavaghan Mary
Published: August 2006

Modern diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disease is a result of progress in assessing the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus, as well as refinements in anesthetic and surgical techniques. Esophageal carcinoma spreads rapidly and metastasizes easily. The tendency for early spread and the absence of symptoms result in late diagnosis that reduces treatment options and cure rates. Lifestyle (ie, use of alcohol and tobacco), nutritional deficiencies, ingestion of nitrosamines, and mutagen‐inducing fungi are blamed for cancer of the esophagus. Other pathologic conditions (eg, achalasia, Barrett's epithelium, gastric reflux, hiatal hernia) are potential contributors to the development of carcinoma. Nurses are in key positions to identify the existence of factors contributing to premalignant or malignant lesions and to educate patients and make the appropriate referrals. AORN J 69 (Feb 1999) 372–386.
Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children
Authors: Hammond Wendy A. , Kay Robert M. , Skaggs David L.
Published: August 2006

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common fractures in children that require surgery. A significant advancement in the field of pediatric orthopedics has been closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of these fractures. This technique, using high quality fluoroscopic imaging, allows for a near anatomical reduction of fractures without the need for an open surgical procedure or prolonged traction. Supracondylar fractures in children are often associated with neurologic and vascular damage that must be recognized before fracture reduction. Nursing staff members' skill with pediatric patients can greatly aid the surgeon in the timely and safe treatment of these fractures. AORN J 68 (August 1998) 186–200.
The Nation's Health
Authors: Pitre‐Mitchell Cheryl
Published: August 2006

The Nation's Health, fifth ed By Philip R. Lee, Carroll L. Estes 1997, 427 pp $45 paperback
The Effect of Traffic Patterns in the OR on Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Pryor Flavia , Messmer Patricia R.
Published: August 2006

Perioperative nurses are situated uniquely to promote good traffic control practices in the OR. This study was conducted to explore the effect of traffic patterns, specifically the number of people in the OR, on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs). Researchers analyzed 2,864 clean surgical procedures performed in 1995 in an academic medical center. Duration of surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical assessment score were statistically significant risk factors for SSIs. A rising trend in SSIs was observed as the number of people in the OR Increased; however, it was not statistically significant. Risk factors for SSIs must be better understood to develop more effective prevention programs.
The Continuing Ethical Dilemma of the Do‐Not‐Resuscitate Order
Authors: Eckberg Evelyn
Published: August 2006

The continued use of the do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) order remains very confusing to health care workers, especially when surgical intervention is undertaken either by choice or necessity. Although ethics committees can aid in clarification, and the use of advance directives can further define patient wishes, patient and family member education is necessary to ascertain what a surgical patient really desires. As technology advances, perioperative nurses will continue to be bombarded with ethical issues surrounding the DNR order. This article addresses how nurses can be proactive in obtaining answers to these difficult questions and learn how to deal with this dilemma. AORN J 67 (April 1998) 783–790.
Characterization of Binding Sites of Eukaryotic Transcription Factors
Authors: Qian Jiang , Lin Jimmy , Zack Donald J.
Published: August 2006

To explore the nature of eukaryotic transcription factor (TF) binding sites and determine how they differ from surrounding DNA sequences, we examined four features associated with DNA binding sites: G+C content, pattern complexity, palindromic structure, and Markov sequence ordering. Our analysis of the regulatory motifs obtained from the TRANSFAC database, using yeast intergenic sequences as background, revealed that these four features show variable enrichment in motif sequences. For example, motif sequences were more likely to have palindromic structure than were background sequences. In addition, these features were tightly localized to the regulatory motifs, indicating that they are a property of the motif sequences themselves and are not shared by the general promoter “environment” in which the regulatory motifs reside. By breaking down the motif sequences according to the TF classes to which they bind, more specific associations were identified. Finally, we found that some correlations, such as G+C content enrichment, were species-specific, while others, such as complexity enrichment, were universal across the species examined. The quantitative analysis provided here should increase our understanding of protein-DNA interactions and also help facilitate the discovery of regulatory motifs through bioinformatics.
Improve Survival Prediction Using Principal Components of Gene Expression Data
Authors: Shen Yi-Jing , Huang Shu-Guang
Published: August 2006

The purpose of many microarray studies is to find the association between gene expression and sample characteristics such as treatment type or sample phenotype. There has been a surge of efforts developing different methods for delineating the association. Aside from the high dimensionality of microarray data, one well recognized challenge is the fact that genes could be complicatedly inter-related, thus making many statistical methods inappropriate to use directly on the expression data. Multivariate methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering are often used as a part of the effort to capture the gene correlation, and the derived components or clusters are used to describe the association between gene expression and sample phenotype. We propose a method for patient population dichotomization using maximally selected test statistics in combination with the PCA method, which shows favorable results. The proposed method is compared with a currently well-recognized method.
Why Should We Be Beggars with the Ballot in Our Hand? Veto Players and the Failure of Land Value Taxation in the United Kingdom, 1909–14
Authors: McLEAN IAIN , NOU JENNIFER
Published: August 2006

Recent veto player work argues that majoritarian regimes such as the United Kingdom have better fiscal discipline and smaller welfare states than proportional regimes with more veto players. An analytic narrative of the failure of land value taxation in the United Kingdom between 1909 and 1914 shows, however, that it failed not because of previously advanced reasons, but because the number of veto players in British politics was sharply increased. This increase in veto player numbers prevented a tax increase. All seven of the conventional reasons for characterizing the United Kingdom as a low-n veto player regime failed to hold between 1906 and 1914. Observable implications discussed include the need to review the entire history of British politics in this period in the light of the temporary increase in veto players; and the ambiguous implications of number of veto players for fiscal discipline.
When Fully Informed States Make Good the Threat of War: Rational Escalation and the Failure of Bargaining
Authors: LANGLOIS CATHERINE C. , LANGLOIS JEAN-PIERRE P.
Published: August 2006

Why would fully informed, rational actors fight over possession of a valued asset when they could negotiate a settlement in peace? Our explanation of the decision to fight highlights the incentives that are present when the defender holds a valued asset coveted by the challenger. The defender receives utility from possession of the contested asset and sees any compromise as a loss that is lower if postponed. The challenger, instead, sees any compromise as a gain that is more valuable if reached earlier. Faced with the defender's vested interest in the status quo, the challenger needs to threaten war and may have no choice but to implement the threat to force a settlement. For the defender, the threat of war is a deterrent that might incite the challenger to back down. In the perfect equilibria that we describe, the players' ability to threaten each other credibly allows them to maintain incompatible bargaining positions instead of helping them narrow their differences. But the very credibility of these threats leads our rivals to engage in what can become lengthy protracted wars.
Value Conflict and Volatility in Party Identification
Authors: KEELE LUKE , WOLAK JENNIFER
Published: August 2006

Are some people more prone to instabilities in partisanship due to the ways they rank and organize their core values? We investigate the mechanisms of partisan volatility, considering whether instabilities reflect value conflict and ambivalence. Our expectation is that when the basic values of the American ethos come into conflict in elite discourse, citizens have difficulty reconciling their own value arrangement with that of elites, resulting in greater partisan volatility. To this end, we use several heteroscedastic regression and ordered probit models to explore whether the conflict of competing values explains the response variance and instability of individual-level partisanship and ideology over time. To construct measures of value conflict, we rely on data from the 1992, 1994 and 1996 American National Election Studies. We find that, while instabilities in partisan identification reflect low information for some, the competition of core values generates volatility in partisan affiliations for others. In deliberating the value tradeoffs of politics, people may be of two minds even about central beliefs such as party identification.
The Paradox of Less Effective Incumbent Spending: Theory and Tests
Authors: MOON WOOJIN
Published: August 2006

In this article, the reason why incumbent spending is less effective than challenger spending is explained. The argument is that incumbent spending efficiency depends on the marginality of seats: safe incumbent spending is less effective than marginal incumbent spending, since safe incumbents have to buy fewer extreme voters, whereas marginal incumbents can easily buy a larger number of swing voters. The analysis of the US Senate elections between 1974 and 2000 shows that safe incumbent spending is less effective than challenger spending, but marginal incumbent spending is not. The analysis also shows that the previous finding of less effective incumbent spending is largely due to the fact that the data for marginal and safe incumbents have been aggregated.
Barriers to Participation, Voter Sophistication and Candidate Spending Choices in US Senate Elections
Authors: VAN HEERDE JENNIFER , JOHNSON MARTIN , BOWLER SHAUN
Published: August 2006

Costs associated with voting affect an individual's willingness to turn out for an election as well as aggregate rates of voting across political jurisdictions. Barriers to participation also skew the social and economic composition of electorates. In this Research Note, we suggest that the costs of participation affect candidate behaviour as well – the strategic purposes of their appeals to voters and the media they choose to deliver messages. Why? By making the trip to the ballot box more or less difficult, electoral laws select voters with respectively less or more interest in and thus knowledge of politics. Given the systematic variations in how people with different levels of political knowledge learn during a campaign, we anticipate that election laws ultimately influence the communication tools that candidates use.

We propose that the costs of voting have a compositional effect on electorates: as voting becomes increasingly difficult, the average level of political knowledge and interest among voters should decrease. This is not due to a micro-level effect in which registration laws somehow make individual voters smarter or better informed. Institutionally imposed costs simply affect who can and will vote. For a brief example, if one state charged its citizens £50 to vote while another paid its citizens £50 at their polling site, we would expect quite sizeable differences in turnout and composition of the electorate across the two states. The main contribution of this note, however, is our recognition that campaigns adapt to these differences in systematic ways. Real world differences in the cost of voting are not as great as these financial disparities, but the idea is the same: costs borne by individuals will have selection effects that produce different types of electorates and prompt different campaign styles by candidates.
The Pastoral Use of the Book of Revelation in Late Tudor England
Authors: O'BANION PATRICK J.
Published: August 2006

Over the past forty years historians have demonstrated continued interest in tracing the development of radical early modern English apocalypticism. The Tudor and Stuart eschatological scene, however, encompassed more than just millenarian activism. This article emphasises the pastoral ends to which Revelation was used by a group of late sixteenth-century writers as they sought to make it accessible to the ‘common sort’ of Christian. Viewing interest in the Last Days through this pastoral lens highlights both the tense complexities present in the Elizabethan Church and the usefulness of eschatological themes in studying ordinary and normative aspects of religious experience.
Vertical mixing in Lough Hyne during stratification
Authors: Johnson Mark P.
Published: August 2006

Lough Hyne time series records showed a clear increase in vertical mixing associated with spring tides. Temperature records from the thermocline region were the most variable of the depths studied with differences of up to 0.7°C between readings taken 3 min apart.
Clathria (Cornulotrocha) rosetafiordica sp. nov. from a south-east Pacific fjord (Chilean Patagonia) (Microcionidae: Poecilosclerida: Demospongiae: Porifera)
Authors: Hajdu Eduardo , Desqueyroux-Faúndez Ruth , Willenz Philippe
Published: August 2006

This article reports on a new species originating from the northern Chilean fjord region, which argued for the resurrection of Cornulotrocha, here classified as a new subgenus of Clathria, for sponges with choanosomal acanthostyles, ectosomal quasidiactinal monactines and rosettes of palmate (an)isochelae. Clathria (Cornulotrocha) rosetafiordica sp. nov. was collected at 23 m depth at Quintupeu fjord (∼42°S), and is unique within this very large genus, in possessing rosettes of palmate anisochelae. The new species is compared to the only other known Clathria (Cornulotrocha), viz. C. (Cornulotrocha) cheliradians n. comb.; to the single other Clathria known with anisochelae, viz C. (Thalysias) dubia; to other crustose Clathria from southern South America, the subantarctic and Antarctic areas; and also to other sponges bearing rosettes; and is considered clearly distinct from all. The phylogenetic significance of rosettes is discussed, a likely adaptive value being discarded in view of the variable location of such structures in the distinct poecilosclerid taxa in which they occur.
Interpopulation study of three Artemia strains from South India based on cyst membrane proteins
Authors: Sugumar V. , Munuswamy N.
Published: August 2006

Isolated embryonic membranes (i.e. the outer cuticular membrane, the fibrous layer, the inner cuticular membrane and the hatching membrane) of a bisexual and two parthenogenetic strains from South India were examined using sodium dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Interpopulation comparison of the protein patterns revealed variations in the major polypeptides between the three populations. Repeated analyses of the embryonic membrane protein pattern of the same population resulted in the same banding pattern suggesting that the method is reproducible. These differences might be used as markers for identification of different Artemia strains.
Larval development of the eastern Pacific anomuran crab Porcellana cancrisocialis (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Porcellanidae) described from laboratory reared material
Authors: Garcia-Guerrero Marcelo U. , Rodríguez Antonio , Hendrickx Michel E.
Published: August 2006

The two zoeal and megalopal stages of Porcellana cancrisocialis are described and illustrated from laboratory-reared larvae. At an average temperature of 25°C, Zoea I of P. cancrisocialis lasted seven days before moulting to Zoea II which, in turn, lasted eight days to reach the megalopa. Larval features of P. cancrisocialis are compared with those of other species of Porcellana. Porcellana cancrisocialis exhibits similar but distinguishable features from those observed in Porcellana sigsbeiana and Porcellana platycheles. This species resembles P. sigsbeiana more than P. platycheles in the setation and aesthetasc pattern of Zoea I and II, but the relationships of these three species are not clear.
Larval development and first crab of Mithraculus sculptus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Mithracidae) described from laboratory-reared material
Authors: Rhyne Andrew L. , Fujita Yoshihisa , Calado Ricardo
Published: August 2006

The present work describes the complete larval development of Mithraculus sculptus (two zoeal stages, the megalopa) and the first crab instar from laboratory cultured material. The larval morphology is compared with other descriptions currently available for the Mithrax–Mithraculus complex: Mithraculus coryphe, M. forceps, Mithrax hispidus, M. pleuracanthus, M. spinosissimus and M. verrucosus. Although the different species of the Mithrax–Mithraculus complex display uniform morphological characters, the first zoeal stage of M. sculptus differs from other species in the setal meristics of the carapace and the number of aesthetascs of the antennule. The second zoeal stage differs in the number of aesthetascs of the antennule and the number of setae in the distal margin of the coxal endite of the maxillule. The megalopa of M. sculptus can be distinguished by the presence of 3–4 aesthetascs and a simple seta in the distal segment of the antennule. The morphological differences between the larvae from the genus Mithrax and Mithraculus are insufficient to support the separation of the two genera using adult morphology. Future studies should address in detail setal meristics.
The gametogenic cycle of Scrobicularia plana (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in Mweeloon Bay (Galway, west coast of Ireland)
Authors: Raleigh Jean , Keegan Brendan F.
Published: August 2006

The gametogenic cycle of Scrobicularia plana was studied in Mweeloon Bay (Galway, west coast of Ireland) over the periods of February to September 1996 and January to September 1997. Quantitative (reproductive indices and oocytes size) and qualitative (gonad developmental stages) analysis identified a broad annual breeding cycle, with one protracted spawning event occurring from May until September. Early gonad development had begun by January/February. Spawning animals were first recorded at the end of May and continued to mature throughout the summer. The decrease in temperature in September coincided with the end of the spawning season and gonad regression. Although the species is predominantly dioecious, one case of hermaphrodism was recorded. A female to male sex ratio of 1.1:1 was registered. Sexual maturity occurred at a shell length greater than 20 mm; the smallest individual undergoing sexual development had a shell length of 22.4 mm. The timing of the reproductive cycle in S. plana at Mweeloon Bay is in broad agreement with previous findings on the species carried out in northern latitudes.
Concentrations of booster biocides in sediment and clams from Vietnam
Authors: Harino Hiroya , Midorikawa Sayaka , Arai Takaomi , Ohji Madoka , Cu Nguyen Duc , Miyazaki Nobuyuki
Published: August 2006

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of five booster biocides (Sea-Nine 211, Dichlofluanid, Duiron, Irgarol 1051 and Pyrithiones) and degradation product of Irgarol 1051 (M1) in sediment from Vietnam was developed by LC/MS-MS. The recovery rates and relative standard deviation of the booster biocides in the sediment were in the range of 71–108% and 1.5–12%, respectively, and the detection limits were in the range of 0.04–2 μg kg−1 dry. An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of three booster biocides (Sea-Nine 211, Duiron and Irgarol 1051) and M1 in clams was also developed by LC/MS-MS. The recovery rates and relative standard deviations of the booster biocides in the biological samples were in the range of 60–99% and 3.4–6.8%, respectively, and the detection limits were in the range of 0.24–1.1 μg kg−1.

The booster biocides in sediment from the coastal area of northern and central Vietnam were measured using this analytical method. Sea-Nine 211, Dichlofluanid, Duiron, Irgarol 1051, M1 and Pyrithiones were detected in the range of 0.09–1.3 μg kg−1 dry, <0.10–13 μg kg−1 dry, 0.11–3.0 μg kg−1 dry, 0.05–4.0 μg kg−1 dry, <0.1–0.43 μg kg−1 dry and <2–420 μg kg−1 dry, respectively. The detection frequencies of Dichlofluanid, M1 and Pyrithiones were low. The species and levels of detected booster biocides varied between sampling stations.

Irgarol 1051 and its degradation product M1 were not detected in clams.
Haemogram of Littorina littorea
Authors: Gorbushin Alexander M. , Iakovleva Nadya V.
Published: August 2006

The haemogram (blood cells concentration, number and proportions of haemocyte morphotypes) of the common periwinkle, Littorina littorea, was studied in terms of its individual variations and seasonal dynamics. No granular blood cells were found. Three morphotypes of hyalinocytes were observed in the haemolymph of L. littorea and are described at both light and electron microscopy levels: juvenile round cells, intermediate cells and large mature haemocytes. The nucleoplasmic ratio, nucleus shape and location, number and size of glycogen deposits were the main characteristics used to discriminate between the haemocyte morphotypes. The enzyme cytochemistry and lectin binding studies did not identify additional haemocyte morphotypes. The experiments on BrdU incorporation showed that haemocyte population renewal occurred due to the proliferation of only one cell type, namely blast cells, which were morphologically similar to juvenile round cells. The three-month dynamics of the periwinkle haemogram and haemoblast proliferative activity are described. The blood cell concentration reached maximum values twice per summer season—in June and August, with the haemocyte proliferation activity being the highest in June. The percentage of mature haemocytes increased during the season, simultaneously intermediate cells demonstrated a decrease in number by the end of summer, with the population of juvenile cells being nearby constant. The method of haemogram analysis is positioned as a powerful technique having good potential in eco-toxicological, parasitological and immunobiological studies.
Gonadal development, allometric growth and ecological impact of Appendicularia sicula (Appendicularia: Fritillariidae) from the south-western Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Aguirre Gastón E. , Capitanio Fabiana L. , Viñas María D. , Esnal Graciela B.
Published: August 2006

The gonadal development and morphometry of Appendicularia sicula (Appendicularia: Fritillariidae) were studied by means of histological sections and from the measurement of several characters. Based on morphometric measurements, the ingestion and clearance rates and the percentages of consumed chlorophyll-a were also estimated. The gonadal development is similar to that of Fritillaria pellucida. A small dorsal ovotestis, which originates ovary and testicle, shows large somatic nuclei inside. In the ovary these somatic nuclei are surrounded by a single layer of germ cells nuclei, whereas in the testicle they are found between the small nuclei of the germ cells. As the development proceeds, the large somatic nuclei are resorbed in both gonads, and the testicle finally envelopes the ovary posteriorly. After spermatozoids emission, the rectum is shown occupying most of the body volume. The length of the rectum shows a positive allometric growth in respect to the length of the trunk, which can be ascribed to its continuous accumulation of matter due to the lack of an anus. The relationship obtained between trunk length (TL, μm) and dry weight (DW, μg) was DW=2.24×10−11 TL4.098. Applying this equation, a two-fold increase in length would correspond to a 42-fold weight increase. For specimens with an advanced sexual maturity (400–450 μm TL), we estimated a mean autotrophic ingestion rate of 0.17 μg C ind−1 d−1 and a mean clearance rate of 5.01 ml ind−1 d−1. The percentage of total chlorophyll-a consumed by the A. sicula population was 5.13%. This value is similar to those reported for other appendicularian species in different temperate seas.
Composition and temporal dynamics of a temperate rocky cryptobenthic fish assemblage
Authors: Beldade R. , Erzini K. , Gonçalves E.J.
Published: August 2006

Temporal variation in a temperate cryptobenthic fish assemblage at the Arrábida Marine Park (Portugal) was assessed by visual surveys during 2002 and 2003. A total of 9596 fish from 11 families and 30 species was recorded. There were no changes in structure or density at the assemblage level between years, whereas diversity changed significantly due to a higher number of abundant species in the second year. A similar seasonal trend was found between years, with a significant overall density increase in autumn. This is partially explained by the arrival of new recruits of some of the most abundant species in the assemblage. Assemblage diversity and structure also changed across seasons. A group of species encompassing Gobius xanthocephalus, Tripterygion delaisi, Parablennius pilicornis, Gobius paganellus, Lepadogaster candollii and Lepadogaster spp. were analysed in detail. The temporal patterns of two of the most abundant species, G. xanthocephalus and T. delaisi, mimicked the overall temporal patterns of the assemblage. We suggest that the inter-annual stability in density of this subtidal fish assemblage may be similar to what has been reported for the intertidal and that strong post-settlement processes are probably shaping this assemblage.
The Raising of the New Temple: John 20.19–23 and Johannine Ecclesiology
Authors: SCHNEIDERS SANDRA M.
Published: August 2006

This article proposes to interpret the appearance of the risen Jesus to the community of the disciples on Easter evening in terms of a Johannine theology and spirituality and as integral to the Johannine resurrection narrative as a whole. The scene is a narrative exploration of Johannine ecclesiology, that is, the establishment of the New Covenant with the New Israel and the raising of the New Temple, the body of Jesus, in it midst.
Recent successes of the energy landscape theory of protein folding and function
Authors: Wolynes P. G.
Published: August 2006

Protein folding and binding can be understood using energy landscape theory. When seeming deviations from the predictions of the funnel hypothesis are found, landscape theory helps us locate the cause. Sometimes the deviation reflects symmetry effects, allowing extra degeneracies to occur. Such effects seem to explain some kinetic anomalies in helical bundles. When binding processes were found to use apparently non-funneled landscapes this was traced to an inadequate understanding of biomolecular forces. The discrepancy allowed the discovery of new water-mediated forces – some of which act between hydrophilic residues. Introducing such forces into the algorithms greatly improves the quality of structure predictions.
Assembly of the 30S ribosomal subunit
Authors: Williamson James R.
Published: August 2006

The assembly of ribosomes requires a significant fraction of the energy expenditure for rapidly growing bacteria. The ribosome is composed of three large RNA molecules and over 50 small proteins that must be rapidly and efficiently assembled into the molecular machine responsible for protein synthesis. For over 30 years, the 30S ribosome has been a key model system for understanding the process of ribosome biogenesis through in vitro assembly experiments. We have recently developed an isotope pulse-chase experiment using quantitative mass spectrometry that permits assembly kinetics to be measured in real time. Kinetic studies have revealed an assembly energy landscape that ensures efficient assembly by a flexible and robust pathway.
Potent vasoconstrictor actions of cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin on femoral arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Nomura Yukiko , Asano Masahisa , Ito Katsuaki , Uyama Yoshiaki , Imaizumi Yuji , Watanabe Minoru
Published: August 2006

The Ca2+ buffering function of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the resting state of arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was examined. Differences in the effects of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and thapsigargin, agents which inhibit the Ca2+‐ATPase of SR, on tension and cellular Ca2+ level were assessed in endothelium‐denuded strips of femoral arteries from 13‐week‐old SHR and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY).

In resting strips preloaded with fura‐PE3, the addition of CPA (10 μm) or thapsigargin (100 nm) caused an elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) and a contraction. These responses were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY.

The addition of verapamil (3 μm) to the resting strips caused a decrease in resting [Ca2+]i, which was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. In SHR, but not in WKY, this decrease was accompanied by a relaxation from the resting tone, suggesting the maintenance of myogenic tone in the SHR artery.

Verapamil (3 μm) abolished differences between SHR and WKY. The effects of verapamil were much greater on the contraction than on the [Ca2+]i.

The resting Ca2+ influx in arteries measured after a 5 min incubation of the artery with 45Ca was not increased by CPA or thapsigargin in either SHR or WKY. The net Ca2+ entry measured after a 30 min incubation of the artery with 45Ca was decreased by CPA or thapsigargin in both SHR and WKY. The resting Ca2+ influx was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY, and was decreased by nifedipine (100 nm) in the SHR artery, but was unchanged in the WKY artery.

The resting 45Ca efflux from the artery was increased during the addition of CPA (10 μm). This increase was less in SHR than in WKY. The resting 45Ca efflux was the same in SHR and WKY.

These results suggest that (1) the Ca2+ influx via L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) was increased in the resting state of the SHR femoral artery, (2) the greater part of the increased Ca2+ influx was buffered by Ca2+ uptake into the SR and some Ca2+ reached the myofilaments resulting in the maintenance of the myogenic tone, and (3) therefore the functional elimination of SR by CPA or thapsigargin caused a large elevation of [Ca2+]i and a potent contraction in this artery. During this process, the contraction was mainly due to the basal Ca2+ influx via L‐type VDCCs. The present study also showed the existence of a relatively large compartment of [Ca2+]i which does not contribute to the contraction during the addition of CPA or thapsigargin.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 120, 65–73; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0700857