bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different surveys provide similar pictures of trends in a marine fish community but not of individual fish populations
Authors: Trenkel Verena M. , Pinnegar John K. , Rochet Marie-Joëlle , Rackham Brian D.
Published: April 2004

Choice of sampling method and survey period can have an important impact on the perception of the structure and dynamics of an ecological community. For the Celtic Sea fish assemblage we compared data obtained by three different trawl surveys: an autumn groundfish survey with a GOV trawl, and a spring and an autumn groundfish survey, both carried out with a Portuguese high-headline trawl. Time-series of abundance estimates were not consistent among surveys for all species and were generally very noisy. An analysis of variance components showed that the sampling method contributed more to the variance in abundance estimates compared to survey period, interannual variability, or even sampling variance. Overall community assessments based on indicators such as proportions of non-commercial and piscivorous species, and the proportion of benthic species showed similar trends for all data series. The shape of the size spectrum based on abundances per length class summed over all fish species, although stable over time, was highly sensitive to the sampling method. With the exception of size spectra, community indicators for marine fish assemblages monitored by surveys seem to be robust to survey period and trawling gear, but species abundance trends are method dependent.
Determination of technical efficiency of fisheries by stochastic frontier models: a case on the Gulf of Cádiz (Spain)
Authors: García del Hoyo Juan José , Castilla Espino David , Jiménez Toribio Ramón
Published: April 2004

We give a broad review of a variety of econometric procedures to estimate technical efficiency and compare the results of several of them based on an application to the purse-seine fishery operating in the Gulf of Cádiz in 1998 and 1999. As these approaches provide different technical efficiency estimates, they might have different policy implications. Two conclusions are obtained: firstly, the higher the useful life of vessels is, the smaller the technical efficiency is; and secondly, the present total allowable catch regime based only on vessels larger than 12 m is unsuitable for this fishery.
Necrosis of hippocampus and piriform lobe: Clinical and neuropathological findings in two italian cats
Authors: Brini E. , Gandini G. , Crescio I. , Fatzer R. , Casalone C.
Published: April 2004

The present paper reports the clinical and neuropathological findings in two cats with a neuropathologically confirmed diagnosis of necrosis of the hippocampus and piriform lobe. The cats were presented because of acute onset of behavioural changes and complex partial seizures. The neurological examination suggested a forebrain lesion. The results of blood examination were within the normal range, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and computed tomography (CT) scan in one cat did not show any abnormality. Despite therapy with diazepam (Valium®; Roche) there was deterioration of the clinical signs and the cats were euthanased. The neuropathological examination revealed hippocampal necrosis that included the piriform lobe.
Investigation of serum IGF-I levels amongst diabetic and non-diabetic cats
Authors: Starkey S.R. , Tan K. , Church D.B.
Published: April 2004

Since insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was first discovered as a mediator of glucose homeostasis, it has been extensively investigated in diabetes research in humans, rodents and primates. To date, however, relatively little work has been carried out on this hormone in the cat, despite the pathophysiological similarities between human and feline diabetes mellitus, as well as the relatively common nature of the disease in cats. This study reports on the IGF-I concentrations of 42 insulin treated diabetic cats and 25 normal cats. Diabetic subjects were grouped according to length of insulin treatment as either short, medium or long term. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fischer's pair-wise comparisons revealed that mean IGF-I levels in short-term diabetic cats were significantly lower than those in normal cats whilst mean levels in long-term diabetics were significantly higher. The direction and extent of these alterations may have implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology of feline diabetes mellitus and for the use of this hormone in the diagnosis of acromegaly in diabetic cats.
Whole blood transfusions in 91 cats: A clinical evaluation
Authors: Weingart C. , Giger U. , Kohn B.
Published: April 2004

This survey assessed the feline transfusion practices at the University of Berlin from 1998 to 2001 in regard to patient population, indications, efficacy, and transfusion reactions. Blood was obtained from seven healthy in-house donors and 127 mostly indoor client-owned pet cats. Over a 3-year period 91 cats were transfused with blood type compatible blood. The blood was fresh (within 8 h of collection) or stored no longer than 15 days. Transfusions were required because of blood loss anaemia ( n=40), haemolytic anaemia ( n=13), ineffective erythropoiesis ( n=35), hypoproteinaemia ( n=2) or coagulopathy ( n=2). The anaemic cats had a pretransfusion haematocrit of 5–20% ( m [median]=13), and received one to six transfusions ( m=1). The survival rates of the anaemic cats at 1 and 10 days after transfusion were 84 and 64%, respectively. None of the deaths appeared to be related to transfusion reactions. The major crossmatch, undertaken before 117 transfusions, was incompatible for eight cats. All except for one had previously been transfused. Lysis of transfused cells in six cases resulted in a less than expected haematocrit rise and an increase in serum bilirubin. Transient mild transfusion reactions were only noted in two cats during the second or third transfusion. In conclusion, with proper donor selection and appropriate compatibility screening, blood transfusions are well tolerated, appear effective, and may increase chances of survival.
A pilot study using synthetic feline facial pheromone for the management of feline idiopathic cystitis
Authors: Gunn-Moore D. A. , Cameron M. E.
Published: April 2004

Synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) (Feliway; Ceva Animal Health) was assessed for the management of cats with recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Nine of 12 cats completed the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. They had their environment treated daily with either FFP or placebo for 2 months, after which time the treatment groups were reversed. Owners used visual analogue scales to define the severity of their cat's clinical signs and behavioural changes. Five (56%) of the owners stated that their cat's overall health was better when they were using FFP. Four (44%) of the owners noticed no difference between when using the FFP and when using the placebo. While there were no statistical differences between the two treatment groups there was a trend for the cats exposed to FFP to show fewer days with clinical signs of cystitis (FFP total, mean per cat±standard deviation, 30, 4.3±6.7; placebo 69, 9.9±19.1), a lower overall clinical score (1667, 238±476; 2009, 287±425), a reduced number of episodes of cystitis (9, 1.3±2.0; 10, 1.4±2.1) and reduced negative behavioural traits (e.g., less aggression and fear) (−128, −18.3±65.8; −73, −10.4±35.1).
Treatment of a well differentiated pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a cat by pneumonectomy and adjuvant mitoxantrone chemotherapy
Authors: Clements D.N. , Hogan A.M. , Cave T.A.
Published: April 2004

Primary lung neoplasia is a rare condition of older cats. This report describes a case of left-sided pulmonary collapse, secondary to pulmonary adenocarcinoma in an 11-year-old cat. Left sided pneumonectomy was performed, and adjuvant chemotherapy with mitoxantrone (Novantrone; Lederle) was administered every 3 to 5 weeks, for 10 doses after surgery. Thirty-four months after surgery, the cat remains well and has no radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastasis.
Twist and its effect on ACL graft forces
Authors: Arnold M. P. , Blankevoort L. , Ham A. ten , Verdonschot N. , van Kampen A.
Published: April 2004

Graft tension is a controversial topic in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Evidence suggests a narrow range of graft tensions, which allow the graft to remodel to a stable and mature neoligament. In previous cadaver experiments, we showed that twisting the graft could modulate the graft forces. In this study we hypothesized that the same phenomena would be found in patients, and that twisting the graft intraoperatively can reduce peak forces in the graft.

The effects of twist on graft forces in bone–patellar tendon–bone grafts were measured during anterior cruciate ligament surgery on 15 consecutive patients using a custom‐made tension‐measurement device. Variations in surgical procedure that could potentially affect the graft force patterns were quantified. Graft force as a function of knee‐flexion angle was measured with the graft in the neutral, untwisted position and repeated with the tibial bone block rotated externally or internally by 180°.

In eight of the 15 knees, external twisting of the graft reduced the maximal graft force to 50%. However, in five knees the forces in extension increased by twisting to a maximum of 300%. Of the surgical variables, only the femoral tunnel position appeared to have a consistent effect on the graft force pattern.

Due to the unpredictable effect of graft twisting, a general recommendation on whether the graft should be twisted, and if so, in which direction, cannot be given. Intraoperatively, graft twisting may however be considered in every individual knee to modulate the graft force as a function of flexion angle. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Vascular pathologic changes in the flexor tenosynovium (subsynovial connective tissue) in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Jinrok Oh , Zhao Chunfeng , Amadio Peter C. , An Kai‐Nan , Zobitz Mark E. , Wold Lester E.
Published: April 2004

We used the Verhoeff‐van Gieson stain method to identify histopathology and to localize elastin in the subsynovial connective tissue of the tendon sheath (SSCT) of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) within the carpal tunnel in 10 carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients and 10 control cadaver specimens. Normal SSCT stained for elastin abundantly around blood vessels and within vessel walls. The typical pathologic findings of CTS patients SSCT included vascular proliferation, vascular hypertrophy, and vascular obstruction with wall thickening. There was a decreased amount of elastin in the blood vessel walls and around the vessels in the CTS patients as well. The changes in the carpal tunnel patients were particularly remarkable in that the patients were younger than the controls, yet showed findings more characteristic of chronic degeneration. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published y Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Role of evolutionary information in prediction of aromatic‐backbone NH interactions in proteins
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Raghava G.P.S.
Published: April 2004

In this study, an attempt has been made to develop a neural network‐based method for predicting segments in proteins containing aromatic‐backbone NH (Ar‐NH) interactions using multiple sequence alignment. We have analyzed 3121 segments seven residues long containing Ar‐NH interactions, extracted from 2298 non‐redundant protein structures where no two proteins have more than 25% sequence identity. Two consecutive feed‐forward neural networks with a single hidden layer have been trained with standard back‐propagation as learning algorithm. The performance of the method improves from 0.12 to 0.15 in terms of Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) value when evolutionary information (multiple alignment obtained from PSI‐BLAST) is used as input instead of a single sequence. The performance of the method further improves from MCC 0.15 to 0.20 when secondary structure information predicted by PSIPRED is incorporated in the prediction. The final network yields an overall prediction accuracy of 70.1% and an MCC of 0.20 when tested by five‐fold cross‐validation. Overall the performance is 15.2% higher than the random prediction. The method consists of two neural networks: (i) a sequence‐to‐structure network which predicts the aromatic residues involved in Ar‐NH interaction from multiple alignment of protein sequences and (ii) a structure‐to structure network where the input consists of the output obtained from the first network and predicted secondary structure. Further, the actual position of the donor residue within the ‘potential’ predicted fragment has been predicted using a separate sequence‐to‐structure neural network. Based on the present study, a server Ar_NHPred has been developed which predicts Ar‐NH interaction in a given amino acid sequence. The web server Ar_NHPred is available at http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/ar_nhpred/ and http://bioinformatics.uams.edu/mirror/ar_nhpred/ (mirror site).
In vivo 13C‐NMR and modelling study of metabolic yield response to ethanol stress in a wild‐type strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martini Silvia , Ricci Maso , Bonechi Claudia , Trabalzini Lorenza , Santucci Annalisa , Rossi Claudio
Published: April 2004

In this paper the combined use of in vivo 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mathematical modelling allowed the analysis of the response to ethanol stress in a wild‐type strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in terms of a reduced metabolic activity. The model developed succeeded in describing and interpreting the effects of increasing concentrations of exogenous ethanol. In particular, the ratio between the kinetic constants associated with ethanol production and glucose consumption gave the estimation of the metabolic yield of the processes in perfect agreement with experimental results.
Heavier‐than‐air flying machines are impossible
Authors: Oliveira L , Hulsen T , Lutje Hulsik D , Paiva A.C.M , Vriend G
Published: April 2004

Many G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) models have been built over the years. The release of the structure of bovine rhodopsin in August 2000 enabled us to analyze models built before that period to learn more about the models we build today. We conclude that the GPCR modelling field is riddled with ‘common knowledge’ similar to Lord Kelvin's remark in 1895 that “heavier‐than‐air flying machines are impossible”, and we summarize what we think are the (im)possibilities of modelling GPCRs using the coordinates of bovine rhodopsin as a template. Associated WWW pages: http://www.gpcr.org/articles/2003_mod/.
Generation of SUMO‐1 modified proteins in E. coli: towards understanding the biochemistry/structural biology of the SUMO‐1 pathway
Authors: Uchimura Yasuhiro , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Saitoh Hisato
Published: April 2004

Here, we developed a binary vector system that introduces a synthetic SUMO‐1 conjugation pathway into Escherichia coli and demonstrated that large amounts of sumoylated Ran GTPase activating protein 1 C‐terminal region (RanGAP1‐C2), Ran binding protein 2 internal repeat domain, p53 and promyelocytic leukemia were efficiently produced. The sumoylated recombinant RanGAP1‐C2 appeared to retain the in vivo properties, since it was specifically sumoylated at lysine 517 as expected from in vivo studies. Our findings indicate the establishment of a biosynthetic route for producing large amounts of sumoylated recombinant proteins that will open up new avenues for studying the biochemical and structural aspects of the SUMO‐1 modification pathway.
Indication of circadian oscillations in the rat pancreas
Authors: Mühlbauer E , Wolgast S , Finckh U , Peschke D , Peschke E
Published: April 2004

The central circadian oscillator of the suprachiasmatic nucleus controls diurnal rhythmicity of the body with light as its dominant zeitgeber. Recently, peripheral oscillators have been detected in liver and heart, which follow as yet unidentified cues. In this study real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used in analysis of the expression of the major clock genes Per1, Per2, Bmal1, Cry1, Tim (timeless) and Clock, as well as of the output genes Dbp and Rev‐erbα in the pancreatic tissue of rats. The results presented here indicate a robust circadian expression of clock genes (e.g. Per1 and Bmal1) and the probable existence of a peripheral oscillator in the pancreas. Whether this oscillator regulates the diverse functions of the islets of Langerhans remains to be elucidated.
FAD assembly and thylakoid membrane binding of ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase in chloroplasts
Authors: Onda Yayoi , Hase Toshiharu
Published: April 2004

We investigated the process of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) incorporation into the ferredoxin (Fd):NADP+ oxidoreductase (FNR) polypeptide during FNR biosynthesis, using pull‐down assay with resin‐immobilized Fd which bound strongly to FAD‐assembled holo‐FNR, but hardly to FAD‐deficient apo‐FNR. After FNR precursor was imported into isolated chloroplasts and processed to the mature size, the molecular form pulled down by Fd‐resin increasingly appeared. The mature‐sized FNR (mFNR) accumulated transiently in the stroma as the apo‐form, and subsequently bound on the thylakoid membranes as the holo‐form. Thus, FAD is incorporated into the mFNR inside chloroplasts, and this assembly process is followed by the thylakoid membrane localization of FNR.
Inhibition of insulin amyloid formation by small stress molecules
Authors: Arora Anubhav , Ha Chanki , Park Chan Beum
Published: April 2004

Amyloidogenic proteins undergo an alternative folding pathway under stressful conditions leading to formation of fibrils having cross β‐sheet structure, which is the hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. As a means of surviving against external stress, on the other hand, many microorganisms accumulate small stress molecules to prevent abnormal protein folding and to contribute to protein stability, which hints at the efficacy of the solutes against amyloid formation. The current work demonstrates the effectiveness of small stress molecules such as ectoine, betaine, trehalose, and citrulline on inhibition of insulin amyloid formation in vitro. The inhibitory effects were analyzed by thioflavin T‐induced fluorescence, circular dichroism, and atomic force microscopy. This report suggests that naturally occurring small molecules may serve a function that is typically fulfilled by protein chaperones, and it provides a hint for designing inhibitors against amyloid formation associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
Completed sequence of aflatoxin pathway gene cluster in Aspergillus parasiticus1
Authors: Yu Jiujiang , Bhatnagar Deepak , Cleveland Thomas E
Published: April 2004

An 82‐kb Aspergillus parasiticus genomic DNA region representing the completed sequence of the well‐organized aflatoxin pathway gene cluster has been sequenced and annotated. In addition to the 19 reported and characterized aflatoxin pathway genes and the four sugar utilization genes in this cluster, we report here the identification of six newly identified genes which are putatively involved in aflatoxin formation. The function of these genes, the cluster organization and its significance in gene expression are discussed.
Interaction of neuron‐specific K+‐Cl− cotransporter, KCC2, with brain‐type creatine kinase
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Ueno Shinya , Fukuda Atsuo
Published: April 2004

γ‐Aminobutyric acid, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter within the adult central nervous system, is also known to be excitatory at early developmental stages due to the elevated intracellular Cl− concentration. This functional change is primarily attributable to a K+‐Cl− cotransporter, KCC2, the expression of which is developmentally regulated in neurons. However, little detail information is available concerning the intracellular regulation of KCC2 function. Here, we identify an interaction between KCC2 and brain‐type creatine kinase by means of yeast two‐hybrid screening. This interaction, which was also detected in cultured cells and brain extracts, might contribute to KCC2‐mediated modulation of Cl− homeostasis.
Functional complementation between the PDX1 vitamin B6 biosynthetic gene of Cercospora nicotianae and pdxJ of Escherichia coli
Authors: Wetzel Denise K , Ehrenshaft Marilyn , Denslow Sheri A , Daub Margaret E
Published: April 2004

The pathway for de novo vitamin B6 biosynthesis has been characterized in Escherichia coli, however plants, fungi, archaebacteria, and most bacteria utilize an alternative pathway. Two unique genes of the alternative pathway, PDX1 and PDX2, have been described. PDX2 encodes a glutaminase, however the enzymatic function of the product encoded by PDX1 is not known. We conducted reciprocal transformation experiments to determine if there was functional homology between the E. coli pdxA and pdxJ genes and PDX1 of Cercospora nicotianae. Although expression of pdxJ and pdxA in C. nicotianae pdx1 mutants, either separately or together, failed to complement the pyridoxine mutation in this fungus, expression of PDX1 restored pyridoxine prototrophy to the E. coli pdxJ mutant. Expression of PDX1 in the E. coli pdxA mutant restored very limited ability to grow on medium lacking pyridoxine. We conclude that the PDX1 gene of the alternative B6 pathway encodes a protein responsible for synthesis of the pyridoxine ring.
Elucidation of CPX‐1 involvement in RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by a proteomics approach
Authors: Chang Eun-Ju , Kwak Han Bok , Kim Hyunsoo , Park Joo-Cheol , Lee Zang Hee , Kim Hong-Hee
Published: April 2004

To identify proteins potentially involved in osteoclast differentiation, we conducted a proteomics‐based analysis using the osteoclastogenesis model cell line RAW264.7. Total proteins from undifferentiated cells, committed pre‐osteoclasts, and differentiated osteoclasts were resolved by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Protein spots showing differential expression levels were processed for peptide mass fingerprinting. Among them, we identified the metallocarboxypeptidase CPX‐1, which was prominently increased in pre‐osteoclasts and then decreased in mature osteoclasts. Results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and confocal microscopy were in agreement with the proteomics data. Notably, the forced overexpression of CPX‐1 led to the inhibition of osteoclast formation, but not pre‐osteoclast generation. Therefore, the transient up‐regulation pattern of CPX‐1 expression may be important for the successful progression from pre‐osteoclasts to mature osteoclasts.
Analgesic effects of codeine‐6‐glucuronide after intravenous administration
Authors: Srinivasan V. , Wielbo D. , Tebbett I.R.
Published: April 2004

Centrally administered codeine glucuronide has been shown to exhibit antinociceptive properties with decreased immunosuppressive effects compared to codeine. In this study, codeine‐6‐glucuronide was administered to rats, and its analgesic effect was compared to that of codeine. The concentrations of codeine and its metabolites in plasma and brain were also determined at the peak response time after administration of each compound. Receptor‐binding studies with rat brain homogenates and affinity profiles were also determined. Intravenous administration of codeine‐6‐glucuronide resulted in approximately 60% of the analgesic response elicited by codeine itself. Analysis of plasma and brain showed that codeine‐6‐glucuronide is relatively stable in vivo, with only small amounts of morphine‐6‐glucuronide being detected in addition to unchanged codeine‐6‐glucuronide. The receptor affinity of codeine‐6‐glucuronide was similar to that of codeine. It is concluded that intravenously administered codeine‐6‐glucuronide possesses analgesic activity similar to that of codeine, and may have clinical benefit in the treatment of pain
Interaction between dextromethorphan and norpethidine in rats
Authors: Plummer J.L. , Tran K.D. , Gourlay G.K.
Published: April 2004

With increasing interest in the application of dextromethorphan in pain control, it is probable that patients will receive this drug in combination with analgesics such as opioids, giving rise to the potential for previously unobserved drug interactions. The interaction between dextromethorphan, and its pharmacologically active metabolite dextrorphan, and norpethidine, a toxic metabolite of pethidine, was examined in rats. Rats were assigned to receive dextromethorphan (0, 20 or 40 mg/kg) or dextrorphan (0, 15 or 30 mg/kg) combined with norpethidine (0, 28 or 42 mg/kg). The occurrence of seizures, myoclonic jerks and shivering was recorded for 60 min after drug administration. Norpethidine produced dose‐related increases in the incidence of seizures, myoclonic jerks and shivering. Dextromethorphan, but not dextrorphan, increased the incidence of these behaviours. It is recommended that extreme caution be exercised if dextromethorphan and pethidine are to be used together.
Pressure pain tolerance at different sites on the quadriceps femoris prior to and following eccentric exercise
Authors: Baker S.J. , Kelly N.M. , Eston R.G.
Published: April 2004

Downhill running, particularly for the untrained subject, is a mode of eccentric exercise that produces delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the quadriceps femoris muscle which is maximal between 24 and 72 h after the exercise. It is not clear whether sensitivity to pain is uniform over the surface of the muscle, or whether some locations become more sensitive following eccentric exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to compare pressure pain tolerance (PPTO) at various sites on the quadriceps femoris muscle on 2 days prior to exercise, immediately after, and at 24, 48 and 72 h following a bout of eccentric exercise. Fifteen untrained female subjects performed a 40 min downhill run on a motorized treadmill with a gradient of −12%, where running speed was adjusted to elicit a heart rate of approximately 60% of age‐related maximum heart rate reserve, and were measured for PPTO at seven sites on the right thigh. Sites were visited sequentially three times and repeated on each of 6 days. Pressure pain tolerance as an index of tenderness was determined using a strain gauge algometer. Two sites were close to the distal myotendinous junction, three sites were located on the mid belly of the muscle and two sites were located at the proximal myotendinous junction.

There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in PPTO between muscle sites prior to eccentric exercise (Days 1 and 2), and a significant difference between sites following eccentric exercise (p < 0.01). Sites close to the distal and proximal myotendinous junction were most sensitive to pain (p < 0.01). There was no difference in PPTO at any site across the belly of the muscle. These results suggest that the belly of the quadriceps femoris is the most suitable area for measurement of PPTO.
Predictors of veterans' participation in cognitive–behavioral group treatment for PTSD
Authors: Kutter Catherine J. , Wolf Erika J. , McKeever Victoria M.
Published: April 2004

Increasingly effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have led to dramatic improvements in the lives of many trauma survivors; however, a significant subgroup of individuals with PTSD avoids mental health treatment. Little is known about the features distinguishing those who participate in treatment from those who do not. We analyzed archival clinical data from 197 male veterans who were evaluated in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center PTSD clinic. We found greater PTSD severity associated with initial enrollment and continued participation in a PTSD group treatment program, and we noted few differences on other background and symptom measures. These preliminary findings suggest possible directions for future research in this area, which may have implications for enhancing service delivery to individuals with PTSD.
A gene atlas of the mouse and human protein-encoding transcriptomes
Authors: Su Andrew I. , Wiltshire Tim , Batalov Serge , Lapp Hilmar , Ching Keith A. , Block David , Zhang Jie , Soden Richard , Hayakawa Mimi , Kreiman Gabriel , Cooke Michael P. , Walker John R. , Hogenesch John B.
Published: April 2004

The tissue-specific pattern of mRNA expression can indicate important clues about gene function. High-density oligonucleotide arrays offer the opportunity to examine patterns of gene expression on a genome scale. Toward this end, we have designed custom arrays that interrogate the expression of the vast majority of protein-encoding human and mouse genes and have used them to profile a panel of 79 human and 61 mouse tissues. The resulting data set provides the expression patterns for thousands of predicted genes, as well as known and poorly characterized genes, from mice and humans. We have explored this data set for global trends in gene expression, evaluated commonly used lines of evidence in gene prediction methodologies, and investigated patterns indicative of chromosomal organization of transcription. We describe hundreds of regions of correlated transcription and show that some are subject to both tissue and parental allele-specific expression, suggesting a link between spatial expression and imprinting.
Oxygen and the copper chaperone CCS regulate posttranslational activation of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase
Authors: Brown Nina M. , Torres Andrew S. , Doan Peter E. , O'Halloran Thomas V.
Published: April 2004

Oxidative stress leads to the up-regulation of many antioxidant enzymes including Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) via transcriptional mechanisms; however, few examples of posttranslational regulation are known. The copper chaperone for SOD1 (CCS) is involved in physiological SOD1 activation, and its primary function is thought to be delivery of copper to the enzyme. Data presented here are consistent with a previously uncharacterized function for CCS in the SOD1 pathway, namely mediating enzyme activation in response to increases in oxygen tension. Activity assays with pure proteins and cell extracts reveal that O
2
(or superoxide) is required for activation of SOD1 by CCS. Dose–response studies with a translational blocking agent demonstrate that the cellular oxidative response to O
2
is multitiered: existing apo-pools of SOD1 are activated by CCS in the early response, followed by increasing expression of SOD1 protein with persistent oxidative stress. This CCS function provides oxidant-responsive posttranslational regulation of SOD1 activity and may be relevant to a wide array of physiological stresses that involve a sudden elevation of oxygen availability.
BMP4 supports self-renewal of embryonic stem cells by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways
Authors: Qi Xiaoxia , Li Teng-Guo , Hao Jing , Hu Jie , Wang Jing , Simmons Holly , Miura Shigeto , Mishina Yuji , Zhao Guang-Quan
Published: April 2004

The fate of pluripotent stem cells is tightly controlled during early embryonic development. Both the derivation and the maintenance of embryonic stem cells (ES cells)
in vitro
depend on feeder cell-derived growth factors that are largely unidentified. To dissect the mechanisms governing pluripotency, we conducted a screen to identify factors that are produced by mouse embryonic fibroblast STO cells and are required to maintain the pluripotency of ES cells. One of the factors is bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). Unexpectedly, the major effect of BMP4 on the self-renewal of ES cells is accomplished by means of the inhibition of both extracellular receptor kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and inhibitors of ERK and p38 MAPKs mimic the effect of BMP4 on ES cells. Importantly, inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway by SB203580 overcomes the block in deriving ES cells from blastocysts lacking a functional
Alk3
, the BMP type IA receptor. These results uncover a paradigm for BMP signaling in the biology of pluripotent stem cells.
Phaedo of Elis and Plato on the Soul
Authors: Boys-Stones George
Published: April 2004

Phaedo of Elis was well-known as a writer of Socratic dialogues, and it seems inconceivable that Plato could have been innocent of intertextuality when, excusing himself on the grounds of illness, he made him the narrator of one of his own: the Phaedo. In fact the psychological model outlined by Socrates in this dialogue converges with the evidence we have (especially from fragments of the Zopyrus) for Phaedo's own beliefs about the soul. Specifically, Phaedo seems to have thought that non-rational desires were ineliminable epiphenomena of the body, that reason was something distinct, and that the purpose of philosophy was its 'cure' and 'purification'. If Plato's intention with the Phaedo is to assert the separability and immortality of reason (whatever one might think about desire and pleasure), then Phaedo provides a useful standpoint for him. In particular, Phaedo has arguments that are useful against the 'harmony-theorists' (and are the more useful rhetorically speaking since it is only over the independence of reason that Phaedo disagrees with them). At the same time as allying himself with Phaedo, however, Plato is able to improve on him by adding to the demonstration that reason is independent a proof that it is actually immortal.
Review of evidence from risk factor analyses associating HIV infection in African adults with medical injections and multiple sexual partners
Authors: Gisselquist David , Potterat John J
Published: April 2004

Studies of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in sub-Saharan Africa present a wealth of evidence relevant to ongoing debates about the contributions of unsterile health care and sexual transmission to Africa's HIV epidemics. From studies which meet search criteria ( n = 39) we calculate population attributable fractions (PAFs) for incident and prevalent HIV infections associated with exposure to medical injections and with having more than one sexual partner. Median and mean crude PAFs for injections for both incident and prevalent HIV exceed those for multiple partners. Evidence suggests that adjustments for reverse causation (people with HIV-related symptoms seeking injections) and confounding do not explain away the large PAFs for injections. Misreporting of sexual behaviour has an unknown impact on PAFs for multiple partners. However, most PAFs for incident HIV infections are from communities with low-growth epidemics; hence data about the most important risk factors fuelling high-growth epidemics are sparse. Empirical resolution of ongoing debates may be possible with the aid of future research—especially in high-growth epidemic settings—that investigates risks for HIV transmission through a full range of sexual and parenteral exposures with attention to reverse causation, confound, and quality of sexual behaviour data.
Antiretroviral therapy is associated with sexual dysfunction and with increased serum oestradiol levels in men
Authors: Lamba Harpal , Goldmeier David , Mackie Nicola E , Scullard George
Published: April 2004

Our objective was to determine the relationship between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), serum total oestradiol and sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected men. Sexual difficulties were recorded prospectively in a cohort of HIV-negative (or unknown status) gay/bisexual men (MSM) and a cohort of HIV-infected men. The HIV-infected men were divided into those on and not on HAART and by sexuality. Serum total oestradiol and testosterone levels were evaluated where possible. One hundred HIV-negative MSM and 73 HIV-infected men (88% MSM) were analysed. Low libido and erectile dysfunction (ED) were reported in the control group in 2% and 10% respectively. This compared to a prevalence of 26% for both problems in HIV-infected MSM not taking HAART. In those MSM on HAART reduced libido was noted in 48% and ED in 25%. In the group of men taking HAART the mean oestradiol level was 228 pmol/L and was significantly above normal limits. Low libido and ED are more commonly reported in HIV-infected men compared to gay men of negative or unknown status. HAART is associated with a higher prevalence of lack of sexual desire and raised serum oestradiol levels.
How useful are high vaginal swabs in general practice? Results of a multicentre study
Authors: Jungmann E , Johnson A M , Ridgway G , Durrant K , Robinson A J
Published: April 2004

Vulvovaginal symptoms are a common reason for consultation with a general practitioner (GP). High vaginal swabs (HVS) are used to investigate symptoms, but their usefulness is poorly evaluated and microbiological tests performed vary between laboratories. In this multicentre study of 797 women with genital symptoms attending GPs, diagnostic yield of HVS was poor except for Candida spp. (22%). There is an urgent need to establish the most cost-effective approach for the management of these women.
Efficacy of azithromycin 1g single dose in the management of uncomplicated gonorrhoea
Authors: Habib Amgad R , Fernando Rufus
Published: April 2004

This paper describes the efficacy of azithromycin 1g single dose in the management of uncomplicated gonorrhoea either with or without chlamydial co-infection. Three hundred and one patients were treated for gonorrhoea between January 2000 and June 2001; 226/301 (75.1%) were treated with azithromycin 1g stat dose while the rest were treated with different regimens. Ninety-seven of 301 (32.2%) of all isolated strains were found to be resistant to at least one antibiotic where penicillin constituted the majority (23%). Chlamydial co-infection was found in 38.2% (115/301). Only 73.1% (220/301) attended for a test-of-cure, all but six patients had negative gonorrhoea cultures at their reviews. Among the six failures 3/32 (9.3%) were initially on amoxicillin, 2/170 (1.2%) on azithromycin and 1/22 (4.5%) on ciprofloxacin. Hence, azithromycin stat dose has proved to be a cost-effective treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhoea supported by the increased prevalence of penicillin-resistant organisms, concomitant chlamydial infection and the high failure rate in keeping review appointments.
Gonorrhoea in young heterosexuals attending urban STD clinics in Britain: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jungmann E , Ison C , Martin I M C , Fenton K A
Published: April 2004

Young people in the UK bear the brunt of sexually transmitted infections, in particular of gonorrhoea. We aimed to assess whether young people with gonorrhoea (under 21 years) attending sexual health clinics differed from older individuals with gonorrhoea in their behavioural and clinical characteristics and management outcomes. The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that young people were more likely to be female (66.2% vs 34.1%), have concurrent infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (55.4% vs 30.2%) and a history of recent gonococcal infection (81.3% vs 35.5%) if they ever had gonorrhoea. Young women were more likely to experience treatment delay and not to attend for follow-up than older women. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was high in both age groups but the prevalence of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae was higher in older patients (11.5% vs 1.3%). Different management protocols for young and older patients with gonorrhoea may need to be considered.
Neurocognitive impairment influences quality of life in HIV-infected patients receiving HAART
Authors: Tozzi V , Balestra P , Murri R , Galgani S , Bellagamba R , Narciso P , Antinori A , Giulianelli M , Tosi G , Fantoni M , Sampaolesi A , Noto P , Ippolito G , Wu A W
Published: April 2004

The objective of the study was to determine the association of neurocognitive impairment with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Seventy subjects were cross-sectionally analysed with a standardized neuropsychological test battery and a questionnaire including an Italian translation of the MOS-HIV Health Survey. The presence of neurocognitive impairment was significantly associated with lower HRQoL scores: pain ( P = 0.03), physical functioning ( P = 0.01), role functioning ( P = 0.01), social functioning ( P = 0.029), mental health ( P = 0.001), energy ( P = 0.036), health distress ( P = 0.002), cognitive functioning ( P = 0.05), current health perception ( P <0.001), physical health summary score (PHS) ( P = 0.005), mental health summary score (MHS) ( P = 0.002). Years of education (odds ratio [OR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.96), PHS (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54-0.95) and MHS (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.88) were also associated with cognitive impairment.

Neurocognitive impairment in patients receiving HAART was associated with reduced HRQoL. Identifying cognitive impairment may provide motivation for additional treatment to help patients to compensate for deficits in functioning.
Characteristics of sexual partners and STD infection among American adolescents
Authors: Ford Kathleen , Lepkowski James M
Published: April 2004

Adolescents are a high risk group for HIV infection and the characteristics of their partners may affect their susceptibility to infection. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of partner characteristics on sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection in a national sample of adolescents.

Data from 8,024 sexually active adolescents who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) in the United States were included in this study. Logistic models were used to examine the association of partner characteristics including age, neighbourhood, ethnicity, and school attendance on the self-report history of STD infection.

The partner characteristics of age and school attendance were associated with the reporting of STD infection. The odds ratio for STD infection was 1.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) (1.22-1.75), P < 0.01) if the adolescent's partner was two or more years older and 1.37 (95% CI (1.16-1.62), P < 0.01) if the partner did not attend the adolescent's school. The odds ratios for having an older partner were also significant and positive for eight different STDs. Partner characteristics were associated with STD infection among American adolescents. Counselling is needed in clinics that serve adolescents to raise awareness of the risk of infection in these relationships and to improve skills in condom negotiation and use.
A profile of clients of male sex workers in Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Minichiello Victor , Disogra Carlos
Published: April 2004

This paper provides a profile of clients seen by male sex workers (MSWs) in Córdoba, Argentina. Thirty-two MSWs completed a diary after each paid sexual encounter with a client over a two-week period. The results show that 254 commercial sex encounters were reported. More than half of these encounters were with first time clients. The most common source of recruiting clients was advertisements followed by street contact. The majority of the clients were aged in their 30s or 20s, and identified as 'middle class' and 'bisexual' or 'gay'. In the majority of the encounters, alcohol or drugs were not used by clients, and in about less than half of the cases, the MSWs had some personal tracing information about the client. Most of the clients indicated to the MSW what sexual activity they wanted and unsafe anal sex was requested in a minority (6%) of the encounters. While most workers reported having no or little attraction to the client, most indicated that they would serve the client again. The implications of the results for public health education and further research are discussed.
Symptomatic trichomoniasis, metronidazole allergic and pregnant—a management dilemma
Authors: Lomax N J , Estcourt C , Mirakian R
Published: April 2004

A case of persistent Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in a pregnant, metronidazole-allergic woman is described. This case posed a management dilemma as untreated TV has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes but antibiotic desensitization is potentially dangerous during pregnancy.
New Findings concerning the Structure of the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer over the Baltic Sea – Possible Implications for Wind Energy Installations
Authors: Smedman Ann-Sofi , Högström Ulf , Bergström Hans , Johansson Cecilia , Sjöblom Anna , Larsén Xiaoli Guo
Published: April 2004

Seven years worth of meteorological tower data from the site Östergarnsholm in the Baltic Sea have provided new information on the structure of the marine atmospheric boundary layer, of high relevance for off-shore wind energy siting. The present paper is a review based on a series of original papers, which have appeared recently or are about to appear in the meteorological literature. Waves on the water surface modify the flow considerably as soon as they become of sufficient length. Thus, during neutral conditions, a logarithmic wind profile is observed only when the waves are growing actively. During unstable stratification, which occurs at this site during more than half the time, several factors act together to reduce the magnitude of the wind shear to a considerable extent. Velocity spectra during neutral conditions and growing sea agree with corresponding spectra over land, which have recently been shown to have appreciably more low-frequency energy than previously assumed. The marine spectra are shown to be strongly dependent on wave-state. The effect of limited water depth on the structure of the marine surface layer is discussed.
Operation of Hybrid Wind-Turbine Compressed-Air System for Connection to Electric Grid Networks and Cogeneration
Authors: Enis Ben M. , Lieberman Paul , Rubin Irving
Published: April 2004

This paper describes a storage system that uses wind energy to compress air in a series of high-pressure storage tanks. When needed, the compressed air is expanded through a turbo-expander to generate electricity. The system is designed for the storage of wind energy and utilises above-ground compressed-air storage with 8,278 kPa (1,200-psia) tanks. It is applicable in the operational power region between (1) electrical storage batteries for relatively small peak power and (2) large pressurized underground salt caverns for large peak power. Therefore, it is most economic for between 0.5 and 100 Megawatt electric power systems. The key advantages over these other storage methods are that there is no need to either purchase, maintain and dispose of waste chemicals, or locate large underground caverns. In addition to supplying electrical power, the by-product heat may be utilised as cogeneration. For instance, the multi-stage compressor coolant may heat domestic water and the cooled exhaust air from the turbo-expander may benefit air-conditioning. Accounting 5% benefit from the hot water and 20% from the refrigerated air, the $0.076/kWh cost of delivered electricity decreases to $0.057/kWh. Reducing or eliminating high-pressure tanks and high-voltage power lines by using the volumetrically equivalent of long high-pressure transfer lines, further reduces the unit cost. This is particularly applicable for offshore windfarms.
Policy Networks of Wind Energy: The Story of the First Commercial Wind Farm in Spain
Authors: Blázquez García G. , Calero de Hoces M. , Lehtine T.
Published: April 2004

This paper concerns the pioneering commercial wind farms in Tarifa, in the context of the Spanish wind energy. Teething problems and mistakes at Tarifa help understand critical success factors for sustainable development of the wind industry and to form policies accordingly. In Tarifa, there have been fewer local benefits than might have been possible and this has resulted in social dissatisfaction. Yet social acceptance of wind energy is crucial, due to the local opinion and environmental impact. The study shows that profitability is not the only measure of success in the wind industry. Legal and administrative procedures concerning the environmental performance of wind energy have grown from non-existence to dominance, and the industry is now subject to greater environmental monitoring than other far, usually more harmful, forms of power generation. Willingness to promote wind energy as a real alternative to conventional energy sources is essential in order to combat climate change and other environmental hazards.