bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of target output monitoring and source input monitoring
Authors: Marsh Richard L. , Hicks Jason L.
Published: November 2002

Five experiments were conducted to compare source memory to target memory. For the current purposes, source memory was defined as information that was learned from two sources (i.e. information input) whereas target memory was defined as information that was delivered to two sources (i.e. information output). The paradigm that we developed involved receiving concrete objects from two people in the source‐monitoring conditions or giving away these same objects to two people in the target‐monitoring conditions. This procedure allowed a direct comparison of source monitoring to target monitoring holding all other experimental variables constant. Target‐monitoring performance exceeded source monitoring except when the decision component of target monitoring was eliminated and incorporated into source monitoring. Commonalities and differences between source and target monitoring are discussed as are the real‐world implications of target memory for social behavior and facilitating communication. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parent‐administered modified dry‐bed training for childhood nocturnal enuresis: evidence for superiority over urine‐alarm conditioning when delivery factors are controlled
Authors: Nawaz Shazia , Griffiths Peter , Tappin David
Published: November 2002

We compared the relative efficacy of modified dry‐bed training and standard urine‐alarm conditioning for treating functional nocturnal enuresis in 36 children aged 7–12 years attending health centres in Glasgow, Scotland. A minimal intervention, self‐help approach was adopted. Parents and children received standardized instruction, which, for each method, consisted of one clinic interview and a manual and videotape for home viewing. Outcomes were contrasted with those from untreated controls. Twelve children were randomly assigned to each condition. All groups were matched for age, gender, social class (deprivation category), and baseline wetting frequency. In the two treated groups, an intake interview was followed by two review appointments, otherwise families carried out the programmes independently at home with fortnightly telephone support either until the success criterion of 14 consecutive dry nights was met or the 16 week maximum treatment period expired. Of the 12 children treated by dry‐bed training, eight achieved initial success compared with only three of the 12 treated by the conventional urine‐alarm method. One waiting‐list control child remitted spontaneously. ANOVA showed highly significant differences in wet nights per week immediately after intervention for both treatment and time factors (p < 0.001) and their interaction (p < 0.01). The dry‐bed group averaged 0.8 nights per week wet on treatment cessation, a frequency which was significantly superior to the average of 3.25 for the urine‐alarm group and 5.00 for the controls. Six months after attaining initial success, one child in each treated group had relapsed. Our results show an outcome of 58% long‐term remission (67% initial arrest, 13% relapse) for dry‐bed training when delivered by minimal intervention methods and indicate dry‐bed training as being more effective than orthodox urine‐alarm conditioning for the same input of clinic time and instruction. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of Jasmonate Biosynthesis in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Barley Roots,
Authors: Hause Bettina , Maier Walter , Miersch Otto , Kramell Robert , Strack Dieter
Published: November 2002

Colonization of barley (Hordeum vulgare cv Salome) roots by an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith, leads to elevated levels of endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and its amino acid conjugate JA-isoleucine, whereas the level of the JA precursor, oxophytodienoic acid, remains constant. The rise in jasmonates is accompanied by the expression of genes coding for an enzyme of JA biosynthesis (allene oxide synthase) and of a jasmonate-induced protein (JIP23). In situ hybridization and immunocytochemical analysis revealed that expression of these genes occurred cell specifically within arbuscule-containing root cortex cells. The concomitant gene expression indicates that jasmonates are generated and act within arbuscule-containing cells. By use of a near-synchronous mycorrhization, analysis of temporal expression patterns showed the occurrence of transcript accumulation 4 to 6 d after the appearance of the first arbuscules. This suggests that the endogenous rise in jasmonates might be related to the fully established symbiosis rather than to the recognition of interacting partners or to the onset of interaction. Because the plant supplies the fungus with carbohydrates, a model is proposed in which the induction of JA biosynthesis in colonized roots is linked to the stronger sink function of mycorrhizal roots compared with nonmycorrhizal roots.
Salt Stress Inhibits the Repair of Photodamaged Photosystem II by Suppressing the Transcription and Translation ofpsbAGenes inSynechocystis
Authors: Allakhverdiev Suleyman I. , Nishiyama Yoshitaka , Miyairi Sachio , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Inagaki Noritoshi , Kanesaki Yu , Murata Norio
Published: November 2002

Light stress and salt stress are major environmental factors that limit the efficiency of photosynthesis. However, we have found that the effects of light and salt stress on photosystem II (PSII) in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 are completely different. Strong light induced photodamage to PSII, whereas salt stress inhibited the repair of the photodamaged PSII and did not accelerate damage to PSII directly. The combination of light and salt stress appeared to inactivate PSII very rapidly as a consequence of their synergistic effects. Radioactive labeling of cells revealed that salt stress inhibited the synthesis of proteins de novo and, in particular, the synthesis of the D1 protein. Northern- and western-blotting analyses demonstrated that salt stress inhibited the transcription and the translation of psbA genes, which encode D1 protein. DNA microarray analysis indicated that the light-induced expression of various genes was suppressed by salt stress. Thus, our results suggest that salt stress inhibits the repair of PSII via suppression of the activities of the transcriptional and translational machinery.
GIBRAN'S THE PROCESSION IN THE TRANSCENDENTALIST CONTEXT
Authors: Majdoubeh Ahmad
Published: November 2002

The aim of this article is to examine Gibran Kahlil Gibran's ideas, as articulated in The Procession (Al-Mawākib), in the context of New England Transcendentalism, in particular Emerson's and Thoreau's. Even though critics recognize Ralph Waldo Emerson (and less frequently Henry David Thoreau) as an influence on Gibran, the precise nature of the influence has not been spelled out clearly. In this study, I shall attempt to do so. To the end of establishing the New England Transcendentalist influence on Gibran more firmly and coherently, I locate, explain, and highlight some of the striking echoes, similarities, and analogies (linguistic, philosophic, as well as structural) in Gibran's The Procession, on the one hand, and Emerson's essays and Thoreau's Walden, on the other hand. Such an examination of the relationship will certainly enrich the meanings of Gibran's poem, shed a new light on his ideas, and suggest an angle from which his philosophy is best viewed.
Laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in women with genital discharge in Madagascar: implications for primary care
Authors: Behets F M-T F , Andriamiadana J , Randrianasolo D , Rasamilalao D , Ratsimbazafy N , Dallabetta G , Cohen M S
Published: November 2002

Women seeking care in Madagascar for genital discharge ( n =1066) were evaluated for syphilis seroreactivity; bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis. Chlamydial infection was assessed by ligase chain reaction (LCR) and by direct immunofluorescence (IF); gonorrhoea by direct microscopy, culture and LCR. Leucocytes were determined in endocervical smears and in urine using leucocyte esterase dipstick (LED). Gonococcal isolates were tested for minimal inhibitory concentrations. BV was found in 56%, trichomoniasis in 25%, and syphilis in 6% of the women. LCR detected gonorrhoea in 13% and chlamydial infection in 11% of the women. Detection of Gram(-) intracellular diplococci in endocervical smears, and gonococcal culture were respectively 23% and 57% sensitive and 98% and 100% specific compared to LCR. Chlamydia antigen detection by IF was 75% sensitive and 77% specific compared to LCR. Leucocytes in endocervical smears and LED testing lacked precision to detect gonococcal and chlamydial infections. Of 67 gonococcal strains evaluated, 19% were fully susceptible to penicillin, 33% to tetracycline; all were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and spectinomycin. Patients who present with genital discharge in Madagascar should be treated syndromically for gonococcal and chlamydial infections and screened for syphilis. Gonorrhoea should be treated with ciprofloxacin.
Back to basics: a componential analysis of the original cognitive interview mnemonics with three age groups
Authors: Milne Rebecca , Bull Ray
Published: November 2002

A large body of research now exists which demonstrates that the cognitive interview (CI) increases the reporting of correct recall from various population groups. It is now necessary to determine from both a theoretical and an applied perspective which of the CI techniques, or combination of techniques are largely responsible for this CI superiority effect. The two aims of this study were (1) to examine the relative effectiveness of each of the four original CI mnemonics and (2) to assess their efficacy as a function of age. A total of 125 participants; 34 first‐year undergraduate students, 44 children aged 8–9 years and 47 children aged 5–6 years viewed a video‐recording of an accident. Forty‐eight hours later each participant was individually interviewed and randomly assigned to one of six instruction groups; (1) context reinstatement, (2) change perspective, (3) change order, (4) report everything, (5) report everything + context reinstatement combination (RE + CR), or (6) a control instruction to ‘try again’. Each of the individual CI mnemonics were found to be of equal benefit and to occasion no more recall than the ‘try again’ control. However, the RE + CR combination resulted in significantly more correct recall compared to the individual mnemonics. There was no effect of age group on the efficacy of the various instructions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do differences in event descriptions cause differences in duration estimates?
Authors: Pedersen Alice C. I. , Wright Daniel B.
Published: November 2002

The relationship between the way in which people describe an event and people's estimates of the duration of the event is investigated in three studies. People are told to use different writing styles designed to produce different characteristics. For example, a ‘tabloid’ condition was designed to produce words with higher implied action. Across all three studies, differences among the event descriptions only produced small differences in the duration estimates. These results question the direct causal relation between language use and duration estimates. We discuss these findings in relation to memory reconstruction and eyewitness testimony. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensing the glass transition in thin and ultrathin polymer films via fluorescence probes and labels
Authors: Ellison Christopher J. , Torkelson John M.
Published: November 2002

Fluorescence was used to characterize the glass transition in thin and ultrathin supported polymer films with common chromophores. The temperature dependence of the fluorescence intensity exhibits a transition or break upon cooling from the rubbery state to the glassy state, and this is identified as the glass transition. A variety of chromophores are investigated including pyrene, anthracene, and phenanthrene either as dopants, covalently attached to the polymer as a label, or both. The particular choice of the chromophore as well as the nature of the attachment, in the case of labels, have significant impact on the success of this method. Problematic cases include those in which the excited‐state chromophore undergoes significant photochemistry in addition to fluorescence or those in which the particular attachment of the chromophore as a label may allow for conformational interactions that affect the fluorescence quantum yield in a nontrivial way. Polymers that have an intrinsic fluorescence unit, for example, polystyrene, may allow for the fluorescence sensing of the glass transition without added dopants or labels. Finally, it is demonstrated that this technique holds promise for the study of the glass transition in polymer blends and within specific locations in multilayer films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2745–2758, 2002
Multiaxial deformations of end‐linked poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks. III. Effect of entanglement density on strain‐energy density function
Authors: Kawamura Takanobu , Urayama Kenji , Kohjiya Shinzo
Published: November 2002

Strain‐energy density functions (W) of end‐linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks with different entanglement densities were estimated as a function of the first and second invariants I1 and I2 of Green's deformation tensor on the basis of the quasi‐equilibrium biaxial stress‐strain data. Entanglement densities in the PDMS networks were controlled by varying the precursor PDMS concentration (ϕ0) in end‐linking. The deduced functional form of W [W = C10(I1 − 3) + C01(I2 − 3) + C11(I1 − 3)(I2 − 3) + C20(I1 − 3)2 + C02(I2 − 3)2] is independent of the degree of dilution at network preparation. The contribution of each term in I1 and I2 to total energy depends on whether the precursor PDMS solution before end‐linking belongs to the concentrated regime ϕ0 > ϕc where many entanglement couplings of precursor chains exist or the moderately concentrated regime ϕ0 < ϕc where pronounced entanglement couplings of precursor chains are absent. These results suggest that the rubber elasticity of the end‐linked networks is significantly influenced by the entangled state of precursor chains before end‐linking, and the extra terms in the estimated W that are absent in the prediction of the classical rubber elasticity theories [W = C (I1 − 3)] mainly originate from the effect of trapped entanglements. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2780–2790, 2002
Hole‐growth instability in the dewetting of evaporating polymer solution films
Authors: Gu X. , Raghavan D. , Douglas J. F. , Karim A.
Published: November 2002

We investigate the dewetting of aqueous, evaporating polymer [poly(acrylic acid)] solutions cast on glassy hydrophobic (polystyrene) substrates. As in ordinary dewetting, the evaporating films initially break up through the nucleation of holes that perforate the film, but the rapidly growing holes become unstable and form nonequilibrium patterns resembling fingering patterns that arise when injecting air into a liquid between two closely spaced plates (Hele–Shaw patterns). This is natural because the formation of holes in thin films is similar to air injection into a polymer film where the thermodynamic driving force of dewetting is the analogue of the applied pressure in the flow measurement. The patterns formed in the rapidly dewetting and evaporating polymer films become frozen into a stable glassy state after most of the solvent (water) has evaporated, leaving stationary patterns that can be examined by atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy. Similar patterns have been observed in water films evaporating from mica substrates, block copolymer films, and modest hole fingering has also been found in the dewetting of dry polymer films. From these varied observations, we expect this dewetting‐induced fingering instability to occur generally when the dewetting rate and film viscosity are sufficiently large. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2825–2832, 2002
Forensic medical expertise in the event of sexual and physical violence in Russia
Authors: Solntsev I.S
Published: November 2002

Scientific investigation has made it possible to gather new evidence of sexual violence in a form acceptable in forensic practice, thereby helping prosecuting crimes of violence. Among the new techniques we can include: colposcopy, which allows a detailed view of a ruptured hymen as well as an evaluation of the degree of hyperemia of the vaginal vestibule as consequence of recent penetration by the penis or other objects; the morphology and dynamics of spermatozoa collected from the vagina, as well as from the cervical canal, which allows a careful determination of their viability and mobility.
A critical appraisal of cesarean section rates at teaching hospitals in India
Authors: Kambo I. , Bedi N. , Dhillon B.S. , Saxena N.C.
Published: November 2002

Objectives: To obtain an estimate of cesarean section rates and examine the indications and consequences at teaching hospitals in India. Methods: Information was obtained on total number of normal and cesarean deliveries during 1993–1994 and 1998–1999 from 30 medical colleges/teaching hospitals. In addition, prospective data were recorded for a period of 2 months on 7017 consecutive cesarean sections on indications for cesarean delivery, associated complications and mortality. Results: The overall rate of cesarean section increased from 21.8% in 1993–1994 to 25.4% in 1998–1999. Among the 7017 cesarean section cases, 42.4% were primigravidas, 31% had come from rural areas, 20.8% were referred including 8% with history of interference, 66% were booked cases, period of gestation was less than 37 weeks in 21.7% and in 18% the surgery was elective. Major indications for cesarean section included dystocia (37.5%), fetal distress with or without meconium aspiration (33.4%), repeat section (29.0%), malpresentation (14.5%) and PIH (12.5%). Maternal and perinatal mortality was 299/100 000 and 493/1000 deliveries, respectively, and is high in spite of the increase in the cesarean section rates. Conclusions: There is need for standardized collection of information on all aspects of childbirth to ascertain the incidence and indications of cesarean section nationally so that comparison and improvements of care can take place.
Clinical equivalence of intranasal estradiol and oral estrogens for postmenopausal symptoms
Authors: Ozsoy M. , Oral B. , Ozsoy D.
Published: November 2002

Objectives: The aim was to demonstrate the equivalent efficacy of intranasal estradiol (Aerodiol® Servier, Istanbul, Turkey) 300 mg/day relative to a standard oral estradiol therapy of 2 mg/day and to assess the therapeutic value of the potential benefits of Aerodiol®. Methods: Two hundred and one postmenopausal women with severe menopausal symptoms were recruited to the trial. Women received either intranasal Aerodiol® 300 μg/day (one spray delivery of 150 μg per nostril) or an oral estradiol 2 mg for 24 weeks. Severity of symptoms were compared based on the Kupperman index (KI) at the end of 24 weeks. Results: The KI score decreased markedly in both groups between W0 and W24. At W24, the two treatments were shown to be statistically equivalent (P<0.001). The incidence of adverse events was very similar in both groups; those related to treatment were of mild or moderate intensity in 95% of cases for the nasal group and 90% for the oral group. Conclusions: In conclusion, pulsed estrogen therapy using Aerodiol® is safe, easily used and highly efficient in alleviating postmenopausal symptoms with a dose of 300 μg. The dose of 300 μg in one administration per day offers the optimal therapy whilst being easily adaptable to each patient's clinical response.
Mutant DMPK 3′-UTR transcripts disrupt C2C12 myogenic differentiation by compromising MyoD
Authors: Amack Jeffrey D. , Reagan Shannon R. , Mahadevan Mani S.
Published: November 2002

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is caused by two similar noncoding repeat expansion mutations (DM1 and DM2). It is thought that both mutations produce pathogenic RNA molecules that accumulate in nuclear foci. The DM1 mutation is a CTG expansion in the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK). In a cell culture model, mutant transcripts containing a (CUG)200 DMPK 3′-UTR disrupt C2C12 myoblast differentiation; a phenotype similar to what is observed in myoblast cultures derived from DM1 patient muscle. Here, we have used our cell culture model to investigate how the mutant 3′-UTR RNA disrupts differentiation. We show that MyoD protein levels are compromised in cells that express mutant DMPK 3′-UTR transcripts. MyoD, a transcription factor required for the differentiation of myoblasts during muscle regeneration, activates differentiation-specific genes by binding E-boxes. MyoD levels are significantly reduced in myoblasts expressing the mutant 3′-UTR RNA within the first 6 h under differentiation conditions. This reduction correlates with blunted E-box–mediated gene expression at time points that are critical for initiating differentiation. Importantly, restoring MyoD levels rescues the differentiation defect. We conclude that mutant DMPK 3′-UTR transcripts disrupt myoblast differentiation by reducing MyoD levels below a threshold required to activate the differentiation program.
EGF controls the in vivo developmental potential of a mammary epithelial cell line possessing progenitor properties
Authors: Deugnier Marie-Ange , Faraldo Marisa M. , Janji Bassam , Rousselle Patricia , Thiery Jean Paul , Glukhova Marina A.
Published: November 2002

The bilayered mammary epithelium comprises a luminal layer of secretory cells and a basal layer of myoepithelial cells. Numerous data suggest the existence of self-renewing, pluripotent mammary stem cells; however, their molecular characteristics and differentiation pathways are largely unknown. BC44 mammary epithelial cells in culture, display phenotypic characteristics of basal epithelium, i.e., express basal cytokeratins 5 and 14 and P-cadherin, but no smooth muscle markers. In vivo, after injection into the cleared mammary fat pad, these cells gave rise to bilayered, hollow, alveolus-like structures comprising basal cells expressing cytokeratin 5 and luminal cells positive for cytokeratin 8 and secreting β-casein in a polarized manner into the lumen. The persistent stimulation of EGF receptor signaling pathway in BC44 cells in culture resulted in the loss of the in vivo morphogenetic potential and led to the induction of active MMP2, thereby triggering cell scattering and motility on laminin 5. These data (a) suggest that BC44 cells are capable of asymmetric division for self-renewal and the generation of a differentiated progeny restricted to the luminal lineage; (b) clarify the function of EGF in the control of the BC44 cell phenotypic plasticity; and (c) suggest a role for this phenomenon in the mammary gland development.
The Voltage-Independent Cation Channel in the Plasma Membrane of Wheat Roots Is Permeable to Divalent Cations and May Be Involved in Cytosolic Ca2+ Homeostasis
Authors: White Philip J. , Davenport Romola J.
Published: November 2002

A voltage-independent cation (VIC) channel has been identified in the plasma membrane of wheat (Triticum aestivum) root cells (P.J. White [1999] Trends Plant Sci 4: 245–246). Several physiological functions have been proposed for this channel, including roles in cation nutrition, osmotic adjustment, and charge compensation. Here, we observe that Ca2+ permeates this VIC channel when assayed in artificial, planar lipid bilayers, and, using an energy barrier model to describe cation fluxes, predict that it catalyzes Ca2+ influx under physiological ionic conditions. Thus, this channel could participate in Ca2+ signaling or cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis. The pharmacology of45Ca2+ influx to excised wheat roots and inward cation currents through the VIC channel are similar: Both are insensitive to 20 μm verapamil or 1 mmtetraethylammonium, but inhibited by 0.5 mmBa2+ or 0.5 mm Gd3+. The weak voltage dependency of the VIC channel (and its lack of modulation by physiological effectors) suggest that it will provide perpetual Ca2+ influx to root cells. Thus, it may effect cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis by contributing to the basal Ca2+ influx required to balance Ca2+ efflux from the cytoplasm through ATP- and proton-coupled Ca2+transporters under steady-state conditions.
Function of a Plant Stress-Induced Gene, HVA22. Synthetic Enhancement Screen with Its Yeast Homolog Reveals Its Role in Vesicular Traffic
Authors: Brands Alex , Ho Tuan-hua David
Published: November 2002

Expression of the barley (Hordeum vulgare)HVA22 gene is induced by environmental stresses, such as dehydration, salinity, and extreme temperatures, and by a plant stress hormone, abscisic acid. Genes sharing high level of sequence similarities with HVA22 exist in diverse eukaryotic organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi, but not in any prokaryotic organisms. The yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) HVA22 homolog, Yop1p, has been shown to interact with the GTPase-interacting protein, Yip1p. Deletion ofYOP1 led to only a modest reduction of the stationary phase titer at 37C. A synthetic enhancement mutant screen was performed in the yop1 deletion background to identify genes interacting with YOP1. The open reading frame YOR165W (renamed SEY1 for synthetic enhancement ofYOP1) was identified as a YOP1-dependent complementation gene. The yeast SEY1 is a homolog of the Arabidopsis RHD3 gene whose mutations cause the accumulation of transport vesicles near the tips of defective root hairs. The yeast double mutant of yop1 andsey1 is defective in vesicular traffic as evidenced by the accumulation of transport vesicles and the decrease in invertase secretion. Based on these observations, we suggest that Yop1p/HVA22 regulates vesicular traffic in stressed cells either to facilitate membrane turnover, or to decrease unnecessary secretion.
LeCTR1, a Tomato CTR1-Like Gene, Demonstrates Ethylene Signaling Ability in Arabidopsis and Novel Expression Patterns in Tomato
Authors: Leclercq Julie , Adams-Phillips Lori C. , Zegzouti Hicham , Jones Brian , Latché Alain , Giovannoni James J. , Pech Jean-Claude , Bouzayen Mondher
Published: November 2002

LeCTR1 was initially isolated by both differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction screening for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit ethylene-inducible genes and through homology with the Arabidopsis CTR1 cDNA. LeCTR1 shares strong nucleotide sequence homology with Arabidopsis CTR1, a gene acting downstream of the ethylene receptor and showing similarity to the Raf family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The length of the LeCTR1 transcribed region from ATG to stop codon (12,000 bp) is more than twice that of Arabidopsis CTR1(4,700 bp). Structural analysis reveals perfect conservation of both the number and position of introns and exons in LeCTR1and Arabidopsis CTR1. The introns inLeCTR1 are much longer, however. To address whether this structural conservation is indicative of functional conservation of the corresponding proteins, we expressed LeCTR1 in the Arabidopsis ctr1-1 (constitutive triple response 1) mutant under the direction of the 35S promoter. Our data clearly show that ectopic expression of LeCTR1 in the Arabidopsis ctr1-1 mutant can restore normal ethylene signaling. The recovery of normal ethylene sensitivity upon heterologous expression of LeCTR1 was also confirmed by restored glucose sensitivity absent in the Arabidopsisctr1-1 mutant. Expression studies confirm ethylene responsiveness of LeCTR1 in various tissues, including ripening fruit, and may suggest the evolution of alternate regulatory mechanisms in tomato versus Arabidopsis.
Localization, Ion Channel Regulation, and Genetic Interactions during Abscisic Acid Signaling of the Nuclear mRNA Cap-Binding Protein, ABH1
Authors: Hugouvieux Véronique , Murata Yoshiyuki , Young Jared J. , Kwak June M. , Mackesy Daniel Z. , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: November 2002

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates developmental processes and abiotic stress responses in plants. We recently characterized a new Arabidopsis mutant, abh1, which shows ABA-hypersensitive regulation of seed germination, stomatal closing, and cytosolic calcium increases in guard cells (V. Hugouvieux, J.M. Kwak, J.I. Schroeder [2001] Cell 106: 477–487). ABH1 encodes the large subunit of a dimeric Arabidopsis mRNA cap-binding complex and in expression profiling experiments was shown to affect mRNA levels of a subset of genes. Here, we show that the dimeric ABH1 and AtCBP20 subunits are ubiquitously expressed. Whole-plant growth phenotypes ofabh1 are described and properties of ABH1 in guard cells are further analyzed. Complemented abh1 lines expressing a green fluorescent protein-ABH1 fusion protein demonstrate that ABH1 mainly localizes in guard cell nuclei. Stomatal apertures were smaller in abh1 compared with wild type (WT) when plants were grown at 40% humidity, and similar at 95% humidity. Correlated with stomatal apertures from plants grown at 40% humidity, slow anion channel currents were enhanced and inward potassium channel currents were decreased in abh1 guard cells compared with WT. Gas exchange measurements showed similar primary humidity responses inabh1 and WT, which together with results fromabh1/abi1-1 double-mutant analyses suggest thatabh1 shows enhanced sensitivity to endogenous ABA. Double-mutant analyses of the ABA-hypersensitive signaling mutants,era1-2 and abh1, showed complex genetic interactions, suggesting that ABH1 and ERA1 do not modulate the same negative regulator in ABA signaling. Mutations in the RNA-binding protein sad1 showed hypersensitive ABA-induced stomatal closing, whereas hyl1 did not affect this response. These data provide evidence for the model that the mRNA-processing proteins ABH1 and SAD1 function as negative regulators in guard cell ABA signaling.
Characterization of the Genes Encoding the Cytosolic and Plastidial Forms of ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase in Wheat Endosperm
Authors: Burton Rachel A. , Johnson Philip E. , Beckles Diane M. , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Jenner Helen L. , Naldrett Mike J. , Denyer Kay
Published: November 2002

In most species, the synthesis of ADP-glucose (Glc) by the enzyme ADP-Glc pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) occurs entirely within the plastids in all tissues so far examined. However, in the endosperm of many, if not all grasses, a second form of AGPase synthesizes ADP-Glc outside the plastid, presumably in the cytosol. In this paper, we show that in the endosperm of wheat (Triticum aestivum), the cytosolic form accounts for most of the AGPase activity. Using a combination of molecular and biochemical approaches to identify the cytosolic and plastidial protein components of wheat endosperm AGPase we show that the large and small subunits of the cytosolic enzyme are encoded by genes previously thought to encode plastidial subunits, and that a gene, Ta.AGP.S.1, which encodes the small subunit of the cytosolic form of AGPase, also gives rise to a second transcript by the use of an alternate first exon. This second transcript encodes an AGPase small subunit with a transit peptide. However, we could not find a plastidial small subunit protein corresponding to this transcript. The protein sequence of the purified plastidial small subunit does not match precisely to that encoded by Ta.AGP.S.1 or to the predicted sequences of any other known gene from wheat or barley (Hordeum vulgare). Instead, the protein sequence is most similar to those of the plastidial small subunits from chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) seeds. These data suggest that the gene encoding the major plastidial small subunit of AGPase in wheat endosperm has yet to be identified.
Characterization of AtCDC48. Evidence for Multiple Membrane Fusion Mechanisms at the Plane of Cell Division in Plants
Authors: Rancour David M. , Dickey Carrie E. , Park Sookhee , Bednarek Sebastian Y.
Published: November 2002

The components of the cellular machinery that accomplish the various complex and dynamic membrane fusion events that occur at the division plane during plant cytokinesis, including assembly of the cell plate, are not fully understood. The most well-characterized component, KNOLLE, a cell plate-specific soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF)-attachment protein receptor (SNARE), is a membrane fusion machine component required for plant cytokinesis. Here, we show the plant ortholog of Cdc48p/p97, AtCDC48, colocalizes at the division plane in dividing Arabidopsis cells with KNOLLE and another SNARE, the plant ortholog of syntaxin 5, SYP31. In contrast to KNOLLE, SYP31 resides in defined punctate membrane structures during interphase and is targeted during cytokinesis to the division plane. In vitro-binding studies demonstrate that AtCDC48 specifically interacts in an ATP-dependent manner with SYP31 but not with KNOLLE. In contrast, we show that KNOLLE assembles in vitro into a large approximately 20S complex in an Sec18p/NSF-dependent manner. These results suggest that there are at least two distinct membrane fusion pathways involving Cdc48p/p97 and Sec18p/NSF that operate at the division plane to mediate plant cytokinesis. Models for the role of AtCDC48 and SYP31 at the division plane will be discussed.
Variation in Its C-Terminal Amino Acids Determines Whether Endo-β-Mannanase Is Active or Inactive in Ripening Tomato Fruits of Different Cultivars
Authors: Bourgault Richard , Bewley J. Derek
Published: November 2002

Endo-β-mannanase cDNAs were cloned and characterized from ripening tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Trust) fruit, which produces an active enzyme, and from the tomato cv Walter, which produces an inactive enzyme. There is a two-nucleotide deletion in the gene from tomato cv Walter, which results in a frame shift and the deletion of four amino acids at the C terminus of the full-length protein. Other cultivars that produce either active or inactive enzyme show the same absence or presence of the two-nucleotide deletion. The endo-β-mannanase enzyme protein was purified and characterized from ripe fruit to ensure that cDNA codes for the enzyme from fruit. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that non-ripening mutants, which also fail to exhibit endo-β-mannanase activity, do so because they fail to express the protein. In a two-way genetic cross between tomato cvs Walter and Trust, all F1 progeny from both crosses produced fruit with active enzyme, suggesting that this form is dominant and homozygous in tomato cv Trust. Self-pollination of a plant from the heterozygous F1 generation yielded F2 plants that bear fruit with and without active enzyme at a ratio appropriate to Mendelian genetic segregation of alleles. Heterologous expression of the two endo-β-mannanase genes in Escherichia coliresulted in active enzyme being produced from cultures containing the tomato cv Trust gene and inactive enzyme being produced from those containing the tomato cv Walter gene. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to establish key elements in the C terminus of the endo-β-mannanase protein that are essential for full enzyme activity.
Mutations in the Gravity Persistence Signal Loci in Arabidopsis Disrupt the Perception and/or Signal Transduction of Gravitropic Stimuli
Authors: Wyatt Sarah E. , Rashotte Aaron M. , Shipp Matthew J. , Robertson Dominique , Muday Gloria K.
Published: November 2002

Gravity plays a fundamental role in plant growth and development, yet little is understood about the early events of gravitropism. To identify genes affected in the signal perception and/or transduction phase of the gravity response, a mutant screen was devised using cold treatment to delay the gravity response of inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis. Inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis show no response to gravistimulation at 4°C for up to 3 h. However, when gravistimulated at 4°C and then returned to vertical at room temperature (RT), stems bend in response to the previous, horizontal gravistimulation (H. Fukaki, H. Fujisawa, M. Tasaka [1996] Plant Physiology 110: 933–943). This indicates that gravity perception, but not the gravitropic response, occurs at 4°C. Recessive mutations were identified at three loci using this cold effect on gravitropism to screen for gravity persistence signal (gps) mutants. All three mutants had an altered response after gravistimulation at 4°C, yet had phenotypically normal responses to stimulations at RT. gps1-1 did not bend in response to the 4°C gravity stimulus upon return to RT.gps2-1 responded to the 4°C stimulus but bent in the opposite direction. gps3-1 over-responded after return to RT, continuing to bend to an angle greater than wild-type plants. At 4°C, starch-containing statoliths sedimented normally in both wild-type and the gps mutants, but auxin transport was abolished at 4°C. These results are consistent with GPS loci affecting an aspect of the gravity signal perception/transduction pathway that occurs after statolith sedimentation, but before auxin transport.
Convenient Preparation of 2-Phenylethyl 3,3-Difluoro-2-methylpropionate
Authors: Yamazaki Takashi , Ichige Tatsuro , Kitazume Tomoya
Published: November 2002

The slow inverse addition of an LDA solution at -78 °C to an ester of 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid enabled efficient dehydrofluorination. Hydrogenation of the resulting difluoromethylacrylate furnished the target ester of 3,3-difluoro-2-methylpropionic acid in good overall yield.
DE QUELQUES PROCÉDÉS DE PERSUASION DANS LE CORAN
Authors: Urvoy Marie-Thérèse
Published: November 2002

L'existence de diverses recensions du Coran conduit à poser la question de l'organisation du texte et, par suite, de la visée pédagogique qui a présidé à chacune de ces recension. Envisagée de cette façon, la version canonique elle-même montre non seulement qu'elle a intégré des procédés courants d'action psychologique comme traits ponctuels, mais qu'elle a mis en jeu plusieurs stratégies stylistiques : jeu de rythmes, introductions subreptices, structures répétitives cumulatives ou au contraire restrictives, déplacement de la preuve, . . . en vue d'obtenir l'adhésion inconsciente de l'auditeur ou lecteur.
Long term survival of children with Burkitt lymphoma in Malawi after cyclophosphamide monotherapy
Authors: Kazembe P. , Hesseling P.B. , Griffin B.E. , Lampert I. , Wessels G.
Published: November 2002

Background

Between 1991 and 1997, limited funding at times restricted available treatment for children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) to cyclophosphamide (CPM) monotherapy at Lilongwe Central Hospital, Malawi. Our objective was to assess long‐term survival in Malawian children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) who had received one or more treatments with intravenous CPM at 40 mg/kg/dose at 14‐day intervals.

Procedure and Results

The study population consisted of 92 children in whom BL had been confirmed on fine needle aspirates (FNA), a home address had been documented on discharge from hospital, and the treatment records could be verified. Only the clinical site(s) of disease had been recorded. The M:F ratio was 1.4 and median age 8 years. A clinical officer on motorcycle attempted to locate the given addresses and interview parents or other sources. In 19 patients, the address was incorrect. Of 73 evaluable patients, 40 children are alive at a mean follow‐up time of 59 (range: 29–104) months. The survival rate was 63.5% in 52 children with BL of the head only, and 33.3% in 21 children with primary disease involving the abdomen or other sites. Survivors had received a median number of 6 (range: 1–12), non‐survivors 4 (range: 1–12), and untraceable children 3 (range: 1–11) courses of CPM.

Conclusions

We confirmed that CPM could cure children with facial and abdominal BL. The unavoidable bias in the selection of patients and the variable amount of CPM given, precludes accurate survival estimates. A prospective study with proper staging, assessment of FNA, marrow and cerebrospinal fluid with modern techniques, a standard treatment protocol, and adequate follow‐up will better define the current therapeutic value of CPM monotherapy. CPM can be purchased at about 3 US dollars per 500 mg. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:23–25, © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: responding to violence against women
Authors: Jones Richard F , Horan Deborah L
Published: November 2002

Domestic violence is a significant social and public health problem that disproportionately affects women and girls and often results in injury, chronic health problems, and death. Obstetrician–gynecologists are in a unique position to identify such patients and to provide intervention. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has responded to this problem and encouraged its members to act. ACOG activities reflect the mission of the organization and can serve as a template for like societies.
Violence against women—what are ICM and its member associations doing about it?
Authors: ten Hoope‐Bender P
Published: November 2002

Midwives are in a key position to address issues surrounding violence against women (VAW). The International Confederation of Midwives is committed to keeping VAW on the world's health agenda and make sure all the issues receive the necessary attention.
Domestic violence and postnatal depression in a Chinese community
Authors: Leung W.C. , Kung F. , Lam J. , Leung T.W. , Ho P.C.
Published: November 2002

Objectives: To study the relationship between domestic violence and postnatal blues/depression in a Chinese community. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study on 838 women after delivery in a local university teaching hospital. Between October, 2000 and February, 2001, all Chinese speaking women after delivery were invited to be interviewed by a designated research nurse using the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) to detect the incidence of domestic violence, the nature of violence and the perpetrator of abuse. Demographic data, pregnancy outcome, Stein's Daily Scoring System (SDSS) scores on day 2 or 3 postdelivery, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores on day 2 or 3 postdelivery, 1–2 days after discharge from hospital and at 6 weeks postdelivery were compared between the abused and non‐abused groups using Student's t‐test, χ2‐test and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Results: A total of 139 women (16.6%) had been abused in the last year (the abused group). Of these, 87 (10.4%) had been abused during the current pregnancy. The nature of abuse was mainly verbal. Fourteen women (1.7%) had been sexually abused in the last year. The husband/boyfriend, mother‐in‐law and employer/colleague were the most common perpetrators of abuse. Socio‐demographic factors did not differ between the two groups except that pregnancy was more likely to be unplanned in the abused group (P=0.002). The pregnancy outcome did not differ. However, the abused group had significantly higher SDSS and EPDS scores at all stages of screening (P=0.003, P=0.000, P=0.010 and P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The findings supported our hypothesis that the effect of domestic violence on Chinese pregnant women is mainly on their psychological well‐being.
Infertility in rural Ghana
Authors: Geelhoed D.W. , Nayembil D. , Asare K. , Schagen van Leeuwen J.H. , van Roosmalen J.
Published: November 2002

Objectives: This study measured the prevalence of self‐reported infertility, as well as the level of knowledge of causes of infertility. Infertility was defined as failure to achieve conception after a minimum of 12 months of exposure. Methods: Prevalence and knowledge of infertility were assessed in a representative community‐based survey using a structured questionnaire in a rural district in Ghana among a random sample of 2179 men and women from 15 to 49 years. Results: The prevalence of infertility was 11.8% among women and 15.8% among men. The knowledge of causes of infertility was limited; only 46.5% of the respondents reported any cause. Most respondents failed to identify reproductive tract infections as causes of infertility. Conclusions: Infertility in Ghana and other sub‐Saharan countries deserves more recognition as a public health problem. Prevention and treatment of infertility should be incorporated in reproductive health programs, while male participation in reproductive health programs and research needs to be encouraged. Public education about the causes of infertility is recommended.
Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy
Authors: Wen L.Z. , Xing W. , Liu L.Q. , Ao L.M. , Chen S.H. , Zeng W.J.
Published: November 2002

Objectives: To investigate the effects of intrauterine human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on pregnancy outcomes and infant development. Methods: The study group consisted of the HCMV‐IgM‐positive offspring of 75 pregnant women, and a control group of the non‐infected offspring of 73 pregnant women. Chorionic villi, amnionic fluid, and umbilical blood were obtained to detect HCMV–late mRNA with a reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. The pregnancy outcomes were followed up. For all offspring, neurological development was evaluated with neurosonography, audiologic development with the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), and psychomotor development with the Beyley Scale of Infant Development (BSID). Results: In the study group the positive rate of late mRNA was 50% in the chorionic villi and 67.65% in the amnionic fluid and the umbilical blood; the incidence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes (abortion, preterm delivery, stillbirth, etc.) was much higher than in the control group (40% vs. 6.57%; χ2=24.06; P=0.001); the abnormal rate of neurosonography results at birth and 3 months after birth was higher in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05), as were BAEP values 4 months after birth (χ2=8.960; P=0.003). Scores for the Infant Mental Development Index (MDI) were apparently lower than in the control group. When congenitally infected children were tested at the age of 5.5–6.5 years with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), their rate of mental retardation was still found to be approximately 20%. Conclusions: Intrauterine HCMV infection is closely related to abnormal pregnancy outcomes, infant neurological damage, mental retardation, and hearing loss.
Osteoid osteoma in the mandible.
Authors: Ida M , Kurabayashi T , Takahashi Y , Takagi M , Sasaki T
Published: November 2002

A case of osteoid osteoma (OO) in the mandible of 26-year-old female is presented. Her main complaint was intermittent pain during a 3 year period. The panoramic radiograph of the mandible showed diffuse sclerosis including an ill-defined circular radiopacity in the molar region. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an osseous lesion of 10 mm diameter that was located in the cortical bone of the mandible. Bone scintigraphy showed a localized region of high uptake of 99mTc HMDP. The lesion was diagnosed as an OO by histopathological examination of the surgical specimen and CT findings. Since radiological appearance has very significant meaning in the differentiation of an OO from other bone forming tumors, CT is the method of choice when the main symptom is pain and the conventional radiography was not informative.