bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody-catalyzed anaerobic destruction of methamphetamine
Authors: Xu Yang , Hixon Mark S. , Yamamoto Noboru , McAllister Laura A. , Wentworth Anita D. , Wentworth Paul , Janda Kim D.
Published: March 2007

Methamphetamine [(+)-2] abuse has emerged as a fast-rising global epidemic, with immunopharmacotherapeutic approaches being sought for its treatment. Herein, we report the generation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody, YX1-40H10, that catalyzes the photooxidation of (+)-2 into the nonpsychoactive compound benzaldehyde (14) under anaerobic conditions in the presence of riboflavin (
6
). Studies have revealed that the antibody facilitates the conversion of (+)-2 into 14 by binding the triplet photoexcited state of 6 in proximity to (+)-2. The antibody binds riboflavin (
K
d
= 180 μM), although this was not programmed into hapten design, and the YX1-40H10-catalyzed reaction is inhibited by molecular oxygen via the presumed quenching of the photoexcited triplet state of 6. Given that this reaction is another highlight in the processing of reactive intermediates by antibodies, we speculate that this process may have future significance
in vivo
with programmed immunoglobulins that use flavins as cofactors to destroy selectable molecular targets under hypoxic or even anoxic conditions.
Ablation of D1 dopamine receptor-expressing cells generates mice with seizures, dystonia, hyperactivity, and impaired oral behavior
Authors: Gantois Ilse , Fang Ke , Jiang Luning , Babovic Daniela , Lawrence Andrew J. , Ferreri Vincenzo , Teper Yaroslav , Jupp Bianca , Ziebell Jenna , Morganti-Kossmann Cristina M. , O'Brien Terence J. , Nally Rachel , Schütz Günter , Waddington John , Egan Gary F. , Drago John
Published: March 2007

Huntington's disease is characterized by death of striatal projection neurons. We used a
Cre/Lox
transgenic approach to generate an animal model in which D1 dopamine receptor (
Drd1a
)+ cells are progressively ablated in the postnatal brain. Striatal Drd1a,
substance P
, and
dynorphin
expression is progressively lost, whereas D2 dopamine receptor (
Drd2
) and
enkephalin
expression is up-regulated. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis demonstrated early elevation of the striatal choline/creatine ratio, a finding associated with extensive reactive striatal astrogliosis. Sequential MRI demonstrated a progressive reduction in striatal volume and secondary ventricular enlargement confirmed to be due to loss of striatal cells. Mutant mice had normal gait and rotarod performance but displayed hindlimb dystonia, locomotor hyperactivity, and handling-induced electrographically verified spontaneous seizures. Ethological assessment identified an increase in rearing and impairments in the oral behaviors of sifting and chewing. In line with the limbic seizure profile, cell loss, astrogliosis, microgliosis, and down-regulated
dynorphin
expression were seen in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. This study specifically implicates
Drd1a
+ cell loss with tail suspension hindlimb dystonia, hyperactivity, and abnormal oral function. The latter may relate to the speech and swallowing disturbances and the classic sign of tongue-protrusion motor impersistence observed in Huntington's disease. In addition, the findings of this study support the notion that
Drd1a
and
Drd2
are segregated on striatal projection neurons.
DMY
gene induces male development in genetically female (XX) medaka fish
Authors: Matsuda Masaru , Shinomiya Ai , Kinoshita Masato , Suzuki Aya , Kobayashi Tohru , Paul-Prasanth Bindhu , Lau En-lieng , Hamaguchi Satoshi , Sakaizumi Mitsuru , Nagahama Yoshitaka
Published: March 2007

Although the sex-determining gene
SRY/Sry
has been identified in mammals, homologues and genes that have a similar function have yet to be identified in nonmammalian vertebrates. Recently,
DMY
(the
DM
-domain gene on the Y chromosome) was cloned from the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome of the teleost fish medaka (
Oryzias latipes
). DMY has been shown to be required for the normal development of male individuals. In this study, we show that a 117-kb genomic DNA fragment that carries
DMY
is able to induce testis differentiation and subsequent male development in XX (genetically female) medaka. In addition, overexpression of
DMY
cDNA under the control of the CMV promoter also caused XX sex reversal. These results demonstrate that
DMY
is sufficient for male development in medaka and suggest that the functional difference between the X and Y chromosomes in medaka is a single gene. Our data indicate that
DMY
is an additional sex-determining gene in vertebrates.
A hexahistidine-Zn
2+
-dye label reveals STIM1 surface exposure
Authors: Hauser Christina T. , Tsien Roger Y.
Published: March 2007

Site-specific fluorescent labeling of proteins
in vivo
remains one of the most powerful techniques for imaging complex processes in live cells. Although fluorescent proteins in many colors are useful tools for tracking expression and localization of fusion proteins in cells, these relatively large tags (>220 aa) can perturb protein folding, trafficking and function. Much smaller genetically encodable domains (<15 aa) offer complementary advantages. We introduce a small fluorescent chelator whose membrane-impermeant complex with nontoxic Zn
2+
ions binds tightly but reversibly to hexahistidine (His
6
) motifs on surface-exposed proteins. This live-cell label helps to resolve a current controversy concerning externalization of the stromal interaction molecule STIM1 upon depletion of Ca
2+
from the endoplasmic reticulum. Whereas N-terminal fluorescent protein fusions interfere with surface exposure of STIM1, short His
6
tags are accessible to the dye or antibodies, demonstrating externalization.
Stimulus-specific competitive selection in macaque extrastriate visual area V4
Authors: Fallah Mazyar , Stoner Gene R. , Reynolds John H.
Published: March 2007

Macaque visual area V4 has been implicated in the selective processing of stimuli. Prior studies of selection in area V4 have used spatially separate stimuli, thus confounding selection of retinotopic location with selection of the stimulus at that location. We asked whether V4 neurons can selectively respond to one of two differently colored stimuli even when they are spatially superimposed. We find that delaying one of the two stimuli leads to selective processing of the delayed stimulus by area V4 neurons. This selective processing persists when the stimuli move together across the visual field, thereby successively activating different populations of neurons. We also find that this effect is not a spatially global form of feature-based selection. We conclude that selective processing in area V4 is neither exclusively spatial nor feature-based and may thus be surface- or object-based.
The nuclear function of p53 is required for PUMA-mediated apoptosis induced by DNA damage
Authors: Wang Peng , Yu Jian , Zhang Lin
Published: March 2007

The tumor suppressor p53 can induce apoptosis by activating gene expression in the nucleus, or by directly permeabilizing mitochondria in the cytoplasm. It has been shown that PUMA, a downstream target of p53 and a BH3-only Bcl-2 family member, plays an essential role in apoptosis induced by both nuclear and cytoplasmic p53. To understand how PUMA does so, we used homologous recombination to delete the binding sites of p53 in the promoter of
PUMA
in human colorectal cancer cells. As a result, the induction of PUMA and apoptosis in response to p53 and DNA-damaging agents were abrogated. Transcription coactivator recruitment and histone modifications in the
PUMA
promoter were suppressed. However, induction of PUMA and apoptosis in response to non-DNA-damaging stimuli were unaffected. These results indicate that the binding of nuclear p53 to the specific sites within the
PUMA
promoter is essential for its ability to induce apoptosis and is likely to be required for its tumor suppressive capacity.
Cell-cycle-dependent phosphorylation of the nuclear pore Nup107–160 subcomplex
Authors: Glavy Joseph S. , Krutchinsky Andrew N. , Cristea Ileana M. , Berke Ian C. , Boehmer Thomas , Blobel Günter , Chait Brian T.
Published: March 2007

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) mediates macromolecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Many NPC proteins (nucleoporins, Nups) are modified by phosphorylation. It is believed that phosphorylation regulates the breakdown of the nuclear envelope at mitosis and the disassembly of the NPC into different subcomplexes. In this study, we examined the cell-cycle-dependent phosphorylation of the Nup107–160 subcomplex, a core building block of the NPC. Using
in vivo
32
P labeling in HeLa cells, we found that Nup107, Nup96, and Nup133 are phosphorylated during mitosis. To precisely map the phosphorylation sites within the complex, we used a comprehensive multiple-stage MS approach (MS, MS
2
, and MS
3
), establishing that Nup160, Nup133, Nup96, and Nup107 are all targets of phosphorylation. We determined that the phosphorylation sites are clustered mainly at the N-terminal regions of these proteins, which are predicted to be natively disordered. In addition, we determined the cell-cycle dependence of the phosphorylation of these sites by using stable isotope labeling and MS
2
analysis. Measurement of the site-specific phosphorylation ratios between mitotic and G
1
cells led us to conclude that several phosphorylation events of the subcomplex are mainly mitotic. Based on these results and our finding that the entire Nup107–160 subcomplex is stable throughout the cell cycle, we propose that phosphorylation does not affect interactions within the Nup107–160 subcomplex, but regulates the association of the subcomplex with the NPC and other proteins.
Dynamic Regulation of p53 Subnuclear Localization and Senescence by MORC3
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Yoshida Naofumi , Murakami Naoko , Kawata Kiyo , Ishizaki Hiroyuki , Tanaka-Okamoto Miki , Miyoshi Jun , Zinn Andrew R. , Shime Hiroaki , Inoue Norimitsu
Published: March 2007

The tumor suppressor p53 is a key transcriptional factor regulating the induction of cellular senescence by oncogenic signals. The activity of p53 is regulated by recruitment into promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-nuclear bodies (NBs) as well as by stabilization through posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation. Here we found that MORC3 (microrchidia3)-ATPase activated p53 and induced cellular senescence in normal human and mouse fibroblasts but not p53−/− fibroblasts. Conversely, genotoxic stress–induced phosphorylation and stabilization of p53 but barely increased its transcriptional activity in Morc3−/− fibroblasts. MORC3 localized on PML-NBs in presence of PML and mediated recruitment of p53 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) into PML-NBs. In contrast, expression of ATPase activity-deficient mutant MORC3-E35A or siRNA repression of MORC3 impaired the localization of p53 and Sp100 but not CBP on PML-NBs. These results suggest that MORC3 regulates p53 activity and localization into PML-NBs. We identified a new molecular mechanism that regulates the activity of nuclear proteins by localization to a nuclear subdomain.
The Cytoskeleton-associated PDZ-LIM Protein, ALP, Acts on Serum Response Factor Activity to Regulate Muscle Differentiation
Authors: Pomiès Pascal , Pashmforoush Mohammad , Vegezzi Cristina , Chien Kenneth R. , Auffray Charles , Beckerle Mary C.
Published: March 2007

In this report, an antisense RNA strategy has allowed us to show that disruption of ALP expression affects the expression of the muscle transcription factors myogenin and MyoD, resulting in the inhibition of muscle differentiation. Introduction of a MyoD expression construct into ALP-antisense cells is sufficient to restore the capacity of the cells to differentiate, illustrating that ALP function occurs upstream of MyoD. It is known that MyoD is under the control of serum response factor (SRF), a transcriptional regulator whose activity is modulated by actin dynamics. A dramatic reduction of actin filament bundles is observed in ALP-antisense cells and treatment of these cells with the actin-stabilizing drug jasplakinolide stimulates SRF activity and restores the capacity of the cells to differentiate. Furthermore, we show that modulation of ALP expression influences SRF activity, the level of its coactivator, MAL, and muscle differentiation. Collectively, these results suggest a critical role of ALP on muscle differentiation, likely via cytoskeletal regulation of SRF.
CD133, One of the Markers of Cancer Stem Cells in Hep‐2 Cell Line
Authors: Zhou Liang , Wei Xudong , Cheng Lei , Tian Jie , Jiang Jack J.
Published: March 2007

Objective: In recent years, a growing body of evidence has been reported that a tumor clone is organized as a hierarchy that originates from rare stem cells. CD133, a cell surface antigen, was identified as a stem cell maker for human leukemia, brain tumors, and prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to detect the expression of CD133, a putative marker of cancer stem cells in the Hep‐2 cell line, and isolate CD133 positive cells to observe their proliferation and differentiation ability in vitro.

Method: Immunocytochemical staining technology and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of the putative stem cell marker CD133 in a Hep‐2 cell line. The immunomagnetic beads were applied to purify CD133 positive cells. CD133+ tumor cells were cultured in vitro to observe their ability to proliferate and differentiate.

Results: Only a small proportion (<5%) of cells in the Hep‐2 cell line expressed CD133. CD133+ cells possess a marked capacity for self renewal, extensive proliferation, and mutilineal differentiation potency in vitro.

Conclusion: CD133 is one of the markers for cancer stem cells in human laryngeal tumors, the Hep‐2 cell line.
Effects of Fibrin Glue on Nasal Septal Tissues
Authors: Erkan Alper Nabi , Cakmak Ozcan , Kocer Nazm Emrah , Ylmaz Ismail
Published: March 2007

Objectives: To investigate the changes in adult rabbit nasal septal tissues after application of fibrin glue during septoplasty.

Study Design: Preclinical animal study.

Methods: Nineteen adult albino Vienna rabbits were included in the study. Rabbits were randomly divided into study (n = 14) and control groups (n = 5). The study group was subsequently divided into two subgroups with seven rabbits in each group to investigate short‐ and long‐term effects of fibrin glue. After raising the mucoperichondrial flap on one side of the septum, fibrin glue was used to fix the mucoperichondrial flap over the septal cartilage. Rabbits were killed 3 weeks and 6 weeks after septoplasty. Samples from the excised nasal septa underwent routine tissue procedure for histopathologic investigation.

Results: Both short‐term and long‐term results were compared with the control group and with each other. There was a significant difference regarding mucosal inflammation and cartilaginous damage between groups. A significant difference was found between groups in terms of loss of cilia, loss of goblet cells, the presence and degree of fibrosis. Loss of cartilage was significantly different between groups. In comparing the thickness of the mucosa, thickness of the perichondrium, and thickness of cartilage, there were significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that fibrin glue causes distinctive inflammation, creates mucosal damage, increases mucosal thickness, decreases perichondrial thickness and cartilaginous thickness, and causes segmental cartilage loss in rabbits. Further comparative clinical investigations are required to assess the clinical efficacy of fibrin glue in nasal septal surgery in humans.
The Skin Cancer Index: Clinical Responsiveness and Predictors of Quality of Life
Authors: Rhee John S. , Matthews B. Alex , Neuburg Marcy , Logan Brent R. , Burzynski Mary , Nattinger Ann B.
Published: March 2007

Objective: To establish the clinical responsiveness of the Skin Cancer Index (SCI), a new disease‐specific quality of life (QOL) instrument, and to assess demographic and clinical factors which impact QOL in patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Study Design: Prospective study of 183 patients with NMSC of the face and neck referred to a tertiary care Mohs surgery clinic.

Methods: The SCI is a 15 item, validated, disease‐specific QOL instrument with 3 distinct subscales, Emotion, Social, and Appearance. Higher scores reflect better QOL. The SCI and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a general dermatology instrument, was administered at initial consultation and 4 months after surgical treatment. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess demographic and clinical factors predictive of QOL for both instruments.

Results: The SCI total score and all three subscale scores increased with treatment, demonstrating strong evidence of responsiveness over time (P < .001) in contrast with the DLQI (P = .46). Predictors of poorer QOL for the SCI included female sex and cancers located on the lip. Patients who demonstrated greatest improvement in QOL with treatment included those who were younger (<50 yr) and had lower reported household income. Also, first time NMSC patients and those patients who underwent less extensive reconstructions demonstrated greater improvements in QOL.

Conclusion: The SCI is a sensitive and responsive QOL instrument for patients with NMSC. Distinct demographic and clinical variables that impact QOL have been demonstrated using this multidimensional, disease‐specific instrument.
Effects of Ciprofloxacin‐Dexamethasone on Myringotomy Wound Healing
Authors: Hebda Patricia A. , Yuksel Sancak , Dohar Joseph E.
Published: March 2007

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the ciprofloxacin‐dexamethasone (CDX) combination ototopical treatment after myringotomy on tympanic membrane (TM) healing in ears with eustachian tube obstruction (ETO) and unobstructed ears.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, masked, controlled.

Methods: ETO was created in the left ear of 30 rats to induce a model of otitis media with effusion (OME). After 3 weeks, bilateral myringotomy was performed (day 0). Animals were randomized into three groups to receive no treatment or bilateral once daily ototopical treatment with balanced salt solution (BSS, vehicle) or CDX for 13 days. Bilateral otomicroscopy was performed on days 7, 14, and 28. On day 14, five randomly selected animals per group were humanely euthanized and the TM harvested for histology. Three additional rats provided normal negative control ears for histologic comparisons.

Results: On day 14, TM perforation healing rates were 100% in all ears of untreated and BSS‐treated animals, 89% (8/9) in CDX‐treated obstructed ears, and 30% (3/10) in CDX‐treated unobstructed ears (P < .05 vs. BSS). On day 28, 100% (5/5) of the CDX‐treated unobstructed ears and 80% (4/5) of the CDX‐treated obstructed ears were healed. Histology showed initial TM thickening postmyringotomy in all ears but no significant qualitative differences between groups on day 28.

Conclusion: Myringotomy healing was transiently modulated by treatment with CDX but proceeded normally after CDX discontinuation. This early modulation might enhance middle ear drainage and middle ear concentrations of CDX when tympanostomy tube surgery is performed in patients with active OME and ETO, thus potentially reducing otorrhea and preventing or treating infection. It would not be expected to increase the risk of premature tube extrusion or adversely affect normal healing of the TM after usual spontaneous extrusion.
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Infarction Presenting With Sudden Hearing Loss and Vertigo
Authors: Son Eun Jin , Bang Jung Hwan , Kang Jae‐Goo
Published: March 2007

A peripheral origin is typically contemplated in a patient presenting with sudden hearing loss (HL) and dizziness without other neurologic manifestations. Although symptoms of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) infarction include sudden HL and vertigo, the clinical picture usually shows ipsilateral facial anesthesia or paralysis, Horner's syndrome, contralateral body anesthesia, or cerebellar dysmetria. A 68‐year‐old female patient developed sudden HL in the right ear and vertigo. A left‐beating horizontal torsional nystagmus was observed, and caloric weakness in the right side was noted. Diffusion‐ and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebellar infarction in the right AICA territory. AICA infarction may present without obvious neurologic deficits, and an imaging study is advised in patients at high risk for vascular accidents.
Labrys okinawensis sp. nov. and Labrys miyagiensis sp. nov., budding bacteria isolated from rhizosphere habitats in Japan, and emended descriptions of the genus Labrys and Labrys monachus
Authors: Islam Muhammad Saiful , Kawasaki Hiroko , Nakagawa Yasuyoshi , Hattori Tsutomu , Seki Tatsuji
Published: March 2007

Three strains, MAFF 210191T, G24103T and G24116, assumed to be members of two novel species, were isolated from several rhizosphere habitats in different parts of Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolates formed a distinct monophyletic group together with the two known species of the genus Labrys, suggesting that the isolates have a close affiliation with this genus. In this study, a polyphasic approach was used to characterize and compare the three isolates with the two species of the genus Labrys, Labrys monachus and Labrys methylaminiphilus. All three isolates were aerobic, Gram-negative, motile and non-sporulating and they ranged in shape from spherical to short rods. The cells multiplied by budding and utilized a wide variety of monosaccharides, disaccharides and sugar alcohols as sole carbon and energy sources, but they did not utilize C1 compounds, salicin or d-melezitose. The strains were inhibited by dl-α-alanine and glycine (both at 10 mM). The major cellular fatty acids were C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and C18 : 1
ω7c. The three isolates shared <12 % and <11 % DNA–DNA relatedness with L. monachus DSM 5896T and L. methylaminiphilus DSM 16812T, respectively. The G+C content of the isolates (61–62 mol%) was also significantly lower than those of the two previously characterized species. In spite of many morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic similarities among the three isolates, strain MAFF 210191T could be differentiated from strains G24103T and G24116 on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence, DNA–DNA relatedness (<46 %) and gelatin hydrolysis. Two novel species are therefore proposed, namely Labrys okinawensis sp. nov., with the type strain MAFF 210191T (=DSM 18385T), and Labrys miyagiensis sp. nov., with the type strain G24103T (=NBRC 101365T=NCIMB 14143T) and also including strain G24116 (=NBRC 101366=NCIMB 14144). Emended descriptions of the genus Labrys and Labrys monachus are also presented.
Pseudomonas delhiensis sp. nov., from a fly ash dumping site of a thermal power plant
Authors: Prakash Om , Kumari Kirti , Lal Rup
Published: March 2007

A phenanthrene- and citronellol-degrading bacterium, strain RLD-1T, was isolated from the fly ash dumping site of a thermal power plant in Delhi, India. The 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that this strain belongs to the genus Pseudomonas; high levels of sequence similarity were found with respect to Pseudomonas citronellolis DSM 50332T (98.9 %), Pseudomonas jinjuensis DSM 16612T (97.6 %) and Pseudomonas nitroreducens DSM 14399T (97.5 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the strain within the clade represented by these three strains. Strain RLD-1T showed low levels of DNA–DNA hybridization with respect to P. citronellolis DSM 50332T (36 %), P. jinjuensis DSM 16612T (4 %) and P. nitroreducens (13.7 %). Strain RLD-1T can also be distinguished from these three strains on the basis of several biochemical and physiological attributes. The novel strain contained high levels of cellular fatty acids 18 : 1ω7c, 16 : 0 and 16 : 1ω7c, along with 10 : 0 3-OH and 12 : 0 3-OH. Thus, strain RLD-1T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas delhiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RLD-1T (=MTCC 7601T=CCM 7361T).
Lysobacter niabensis sp. nov. and Lysobacter niastensis sp. nov., isolated from greenhouse soils in Korea
Authors: Weon Hang-Yeon , Kim Byung-Yong , Kim Min-Kyeong , Yoo Seung-Hee , Kwon Soon-Wo , Go Seung-Joo , Stackebrandt Erko
Published: March 2007

Two bacterial strains, designated GH34-4T and GH41-7T, were isolated from greenhouse soil cultivated with cucumber. The bacteria were strictly aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped and oxidase- and catalase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that these strains belong to the genus Lysobacter within the Gammaproteobacteria. Strain GH34-4T showed highest sequence similarity to Lysobacter yangpyeongensis GH19-3T (97.5 %) and Lysobacter koreensis Dae16T (96.4 %), and strain GH41-7T showed highest sequence similarity to Lysobacter antibioticus DSM 2044T (97.5 %), Lysobacter enzymogenes DSM 2043T (97.5 %) and Lysobacter gummosus ATCC 29489T (97.4 %). Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness indicated that strains GH34-4T and GH41-7T represented species clearly different from L. yangpyeongensis, L. antibioticus, L. enzymogenes and L. gummosus. The major cellular fatty acids of strains GH34-4T and GH41-7T were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1
ω9c, and the major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C contents of GH34-4T and GH41-7T were 62.5 and 66.6 mol%, respectively. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic data presented, it is evident that each of these strains represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the names Lysobacter niabensis sp. nov. (type strain GH34-4T=KACC 11587T=DSM 18244T) and Lysobacter niastensis sp. nov. (type strain GH41-7T=KACC 11588T=DSM 18481T) are proposed.
Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii sp. nov., a novel, arsenite-oxidizing haloalkaliphilic gammaproteobacterium capable of chemoautotrophic or heterotrophic growth with nitrate or oxygen as the electron acceptor
Authors: Hoeft Shelley E. , Blum Jodi Switzer , Stolz John F. , Tabita F. Robert , Witte Brian , King Gary M. , Santini Joanne M. , Oremland Ronald S.
Published: March 2007

A facultative chemoautotrophic bacterium, strain MLHE-1T, was isolated from Mono Lake, an alkaline hypersaline soda lake in California, USA. Cells of strain MLHE-1T were Gram-negative, short motile rods that grew with inorganic electron donors (arsenite, hydrogen, sulfide or thiosulfate) coupled with the reduction of nitrate to nitrite. No aerobic growth was attained with arsenite or sulfide, but hydrogen sustained both aerobic and anaerobic growth. No growth occurred when nitrite or nitrous oxide was substituted for nitrate. Heterotrophic growth was observed under aerobic and anaerobic (nitrate) conditions. Cells of strain MLHE-1T could oxidize but not grow on CO, while CH4 neither supported growth nor was it oxidized. When grown chemoautotrophically, strain MLHE-1T assimilated inorganic carbon via the Calvin–Benson–Bassham reductive pentose phosphate pathway, with the activity of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) functioning optimally at 0.1 M NaCl and at pH 7.3. Strain MLHE-1T grew over broad ranges of pH (7.3–10.0; optimum, 9.3), salinity (15–190 g l−1; optimum 30 g l−1) and temperature (13–40 °C; optimum, 30 °C). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences placed strain MLHE-1T in the class Gammaproteobacteria (family Ectothiorhodospiraceae) and most closely related to Alkalispirillum mobile (98.5 %) and Alkalilimnicola halodurans (98.6 %), although none of these three haloalkaliphilic micro-organisms were capable of photoautotrophic growth and only strain MLHE-1T was able to oxidize As(III). On the basis of physiological characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data, it is suggested that strain MLHE-1T represents a novel species within the genus Alkalilimnicola for which the name Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii is proposed. The type strain is MLHE-1T (=DSM 17681T=ATCC BAA-1101T). Aspects of the annotated full genome of Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii are discussed in the light of its physiology.
Agromyces allii sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum
Authors: Jung Seo-Youn , Lee Soo-Young , Oh Tae-Kwang , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: March 2007

Two Gram-positive, non-motile, yellow-pigmented, slightly curved and rod-shaped bacterial strains, UMS-62T and UMS-101, were isolated from the rhizosphere of Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum, a variety of wild edible greens grown on Ulleung island, Korea. The taxonomic position of the strains was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Strains UMS-62T and UMS-101 grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 6.5–7.5. The novel strains contained MK-11 and MK-12 as the predominant menaquinones and rhamnose, ribose and galactose as the major cell-wall sugars. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 % of the total fatty acids) were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C contents were 71.1–71.3 mol%. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains UMS-62T and UMS-101 belong to the genus Agromyces. Strains UMS-62T and UMS-101 showed a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 99.9 % and a mean DNA–DNA relatedness level of 91.1 %. Similarity values between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two novel strains and the type strains of recognized Agromyces species ranged from 95.2 to 99.1 %. The levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between the two novel strains and the type strains of five phylogenetically related Agromyces species were in the range of 13.4 to 54.2 %. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogenetic distinctiveness and genetic data, strain UMS-62T (=KCTC 19181T=JCM 13584T) and strain UMS-101 are classified as representing a novel species in the genus Agromyces, for which the name Agromyces allii sp. nov. is proposed.
Ethnic composition of schools affects episodic heavy drinking only in ethnic‐minority students
Authors: Monshouwer Karin , Van Dorsselaer Saskia , Van Os Jim , Drukker Marjan , De Graaf Ron , Ter Bogt Tom , Verdurmen Jacqueline , Vollebergh Wilma
Published: March 2007

Aims To investigate if school‐related contextual factors (school alcohol policy and school ethnic composition) explain episodic heavy drinking by individual students, while taking individual‐level variables into account.

Design and participants Data were derived from the 2003 Dutch National School Survey on Substance Use, a nationally representative cross‐sectional study with a total of 7324 respondents aged 12–16 years.

Methods Student‐level data were collected by written questionnaire administered in classroom settings, assessing alcohol and drug use as well as socio‐demographic and behavioural variables. School‐level data were gathered by written questionnaire completed by the school principal, assessing school policy on substance use and school compositional factors. The data were analysed using a multi‐level logistic regression model.

Findings The study revealed an association between ethnic composition of the school and episodic heavy drinking: a relatively high percentage of ethnic minorities (10–30%) at the school was associated with a lower probability of episodic heavy drinking, but only in interaction with individual‐level ethnicity. Thus, ethnic‐minority students attending schools of high minority density had less risk of episodic heavy drinking (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47–1.00). None of the school policy factors was associated with episodic heavy drinking.

Conclusions Within a school context, peer modelling and reinforcement mechanisms can affect individual students' alcohol use, but a certain level of identification with the group and the resulting social control may be necessary. School policy seems to have no impact on students' alcohol use, possibly because students are faced with these only during special events, including school parties and excursions.
Expression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor in low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcomas in the absence of activating mutations
Authors: Liegl B , Gülly C , Reich O , Nogales F F , Beham A , Regauer S
Published: March 2007

Aims:  To investigate platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α and PDGFRβ expression and a mutational analysis of PDGFRα (exons 11, 12, 17 and 18) and PDGFRβ (exon 12) genes in endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS). Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), which have somatic mutations of the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which act through an inhibitory effect on class 3 receptor tyrosine kinase members such as PDGFRα, PDGFRβ and c‐kit.

Methods and results:  The immunohistochemical expression of PDGFRα and PDGFRβ was investigated in 37 archival c‐kit– ESS. Staining was scored as negative (0–10% positive tumour cells) and positive (weakly positive 11–50% positive cells; strongly positive > 50% positive cells). PDGFRα was expressed in 24/37 ESS [65%; strongly by 19/37 (51.5%) and weakly by 5/37 ESS (13.5%)]. ESS tumour cells were negative for PDGFRβ, but endothelial cells stained positive. A mutational analysis of PDGFRα (exons 11, 12, 17 and 18) and PDGFRβ (exon 12) genes on frozen metastatic ESS from three patients detected no mutations leading to amino acid changes in the mature protein.

Conclusions:  Patients with PDGFRα+ ESS may benefit from treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors by blocking autocrine and paracrine stimulation loops, blocking neovascularization and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy.
Expression of oestrogen receptor‐β in apocrine carcinomas of the breast
Authors: Honma N , Takubo K , Akiyama F , Kasumi F , Sawabe M , Arai T , Hosoi T , Yoshimura N , Harada N , Younes M , Sakamoto G
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Apocrine carcinoma of the breast seldom expresses oestrogen receptors (ER) or progesterone receptors (PR), but frequently expresses androgen receptors (AR). Because of this unusual hormone receptor status, it has been suggested that oestrogens have a less important role in the pathogenesis of apocrine carcinoma. The ER status of apocrine carcinoma has been studied for one kind of ER, the classic receptor now named ER‐α; however, the status of ER‐β, a secondary oestrogen receptor, has not been examined systematically in apocrine carcinoma. The aim was to study ER‐β status in apocrine carcinoma.

Methods and results:  The expression of ER‐β was examined immunohistochemically in 48 apocrine carcinomas and compared with clinicopathological factors and ER‐α, PR and AR status. ER‐β positivity was observed in 35 cases (73%), regardless of any clinicopathological factors or the status of other receptors. The results of ER‐β mRNA analysis supported the immunohistochemical results.

Conclusions:  The significance of oestrogens in apocrine carcinoma should not be dismissed at present when the role of ER‐β remains to be determined. Studying the action of oestrogen or antioestrogen in apocrine carcinoma may reveal a role for ER‐β independent of ER‐α and raise the potential of hormonal therapy for these tumours.
‘Doing dialysis at home’: client attitudes towards renal therapy
Authors: Polaschek Nick
Published: March 2007

Aim.  This paper reports a study seeking to describe characteristic attitudes towards their treatment regime among a group living on home dialysis.

Background.  Although there are many papers about the problem of renal patient compliance and a number describing the experience of living on dialysis, studies have not focused on client attitudes towards their therapy.

Methods.  The study used an interpretivist methodology. Twenty home dialysis clients from one renal service were interviewed for an hour each in 2004. Texts of the taped interviews were analysed to formulate a number of themes that summarize the client perspective.

Results.  During the initial period of adjustment to treatment many participants learned their need for treatment by experimenting with the therapeutic prescription. They then used their knowledge of the therapy to alter their treatment regime to maintain their normal lifestyle. Having modified their therapeutic prescription, participants’ motivation to continue meeting the continuing demands of the treatment regime was influenced by their individual life situation, including their relationships, work and personal attitudes towards life.

Conclusion.  Health professionals have interpreted renal client behaviour in relation to their therapy in terms of compliance, because effectiveness of treatment depends on their cooperation. From a client perspective their attitudes are better understood in terms of negotiation. Renal clients do not simply follow professional advice but, through a process of negotiation, seek to integrate therapy into their pattern of regular activities to maintain their normal lifestyle. Renal clients’ motivation to meet the ongoing demands of treatment is not related solely to their health status, but is affected by their general life situation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding client attitudes towards therapy enables nurses to support people living on dialysis better. Through enhancing their relationships with clients, nurses can assume a key role in service to people living with chronic conditions.
High concentrations of zinc and copper induce differential polyamine responses in micropropagated white poplar (Populus alba)
Authors: Franchin Cinzia , Fossati Tiziana , Pasquini Elena , Lingua Guido , Castiglione Stefano , Torrigiani Patrizia , Biondi Stefania
Published: March 2007

An in vitro model system of micropropagated shoots of the commercial clone ‘Villafranca’ of Populus alba (L.) was used to investigate polyamine (PA) biosynthesis and accumulation in response to high concentrations of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Based on leaf symptoms, rate of adventitious root formation and ethylene production, 0.5–1 mM Zn was transiently toxic while 2–4 mM Zn concentrations were increasingly toxic. Free and conjugated putrescine and spermidine accumulated in a dose–response manner and proportionally to toxicity. The expression profiles of the PA biosynthetic genes were analysed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in plants exposed to Zn. In both leaves and stems, PaADC and PaODC transcript levels were early enhanced by all Zn concentrations, while those of PaSAMDC were not. In adventitious roots, free and conjugated PA levels also rose, although their composition and reciprocal ratios were different from those of leaves and no changes in transcript levels of PA biosynthetic genes were detected. Several Cu concentrations (5–500 μM) were tested in shoots showing severe leaf toxicity, strongly impaired adventitious root formation and high ethylene production. No changes in PA levels were detected until end of culture. The different timing of the PA response to Zn and Cu, despite their rapid uptake and translocation already at 24 h, is discussed in relation to the extent of leaf toxicity.
Infectious complications following unrelated cord blood transplantation
Authors: Van Burik J.‐A. , Brunstein C. G.
Published: March 2007

Introduction  Infections following cord blood transplantation are just beginning to be defined in the literature. This review will outline infections at death, the epidemiology of individual infections, and the impact of stem cell source.

Methods  A review of studies published since 2000.

Results  Based on registry data, most studies demonstrate an approximate rate of infection at death of 30–40% among cord blood recipients. Bacterial infections often occur prior to engraftment and increase among patients with graft failure. In addition, there is delayed recovery of the immune response among patients with graft‐versus‐host disease that leads to viral infections at later time points. The risk of serious infection among children receiving umbilical cord blood (UCB) grafts is comparable to that of children receiving unmanipulated marrow and is lower than that of recipients of a T‐cell‐depleted stem cell source. Among adult patients, despite an overall higher incidence of serious infections after UCB transplantation as compared with unrelated donor grafts, non‐relapse mortality and overall survival were not significantly different between haematopoietic stem cell sources.

Conclusions  Further studies are needed to confirm these observations and determine whether the risk of infection for cord blood recipients is comparable to that of recipients of unmanipulated marrow.
Effect of moderate aerobic exercise on sympatho‐vagal balance in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Zoppini G. , Cacciatori V. , Gemma M. L. , Moghetti P. , Targher G. , Zamboni C. , Thomaseth K. , Bellavere F. , Muggeo M.
Published: March 2007

Aims  The purpose of the study was to determine long‐term cardiovascular autonomic adaptation to moderate endurance aerobic exercise in people with Type 2 diabetes in order to test the hypothesis of an enhanced vagal drive.

Methods  We analysed the power spectral density of heart rate cyclic variations at rest, while lying, and while standing in 12 sedentary, non‐smoking, Type 2 diabetic individuals. Testing was performed before and after a 6‐month, supervised, progressive, aerobic training programme, twice weekly. Heart rate variability was assessed by autoregressive power spectral analysis (PSA); this method allows reliable quantification of low‐frequency (LF) and high‐frequency (HF) components, which are considered to be under mainly sympathetic and purely parasympathetic control, respectively.

Results  In 10‐min electrocardiogram recordings, mean RR intervals values lying and standing were similar before and after physical exercise. Likewise, total heart rate variability, expressed as total power spectral density (PSD), was not altered by exercise. In contrast, on standing, the HF component, expressed in normalized units, was significantly higher (20.1 ± 4 vs. 30.4 ± 5, P < 0.01), whereas the LF component was significantly lower (68.1 ± 7 vs. 49.8 ± 8, P < 0.01) after exercise; hence, on standing, the LF/HF ratio, reflecting the sympathetic vs. parasympathetic balance, was markedly lower (16.2 ± 11 vs. 5.2 ± 3.2, P = 0.003). No significant exercise‐related changes in these PSA components were observed on lying.

Conclusions  A twice‐weekly, 6‐month, moderate, aerobic exercise programme, without a concomitant weight loss diet, is associated with significant improvements in cardiovascular autonomic function in overweight, non‐smoking, Type 2 diabetic individuals.
Randomized double‐blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of lamotrigine and amitriptyline in painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Jose V. M. , Bhansali A. , Hota D. , Pandhi P.
Published: March 2007

Aims  To compare the efficacy and safety of lamotrigine and amitriptyline in controlling chronic painful peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Methods  A randomized, double‐blind, crossover, active‐control, clinical trial with variable dose titration was carried out (n = 53). Amitriptyline orally, at doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg at night‐time, each dose for 2 weeks, and lamotrigine orally, at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg twice daily, each dose for 2 weeks, by optional titration were used. There was a placebo washout period for 2 weeks between the two drugs. Assessment for pain relief, overall improvement and adverse events were carried out.

Results  Good, moderate and mild pain relief were noted in 19 (41%), six (13%) and seven (15%) patients on lamotrigine and 13 (28%), five (11%) and 15 (33%) patients on amitriptyline, respectively, by patient's global assessment of efficacy and safety. Patient and physicians global assessment, McGill pain questionnaire and Likert pain scale showed no significant difference between the treatments, although improvement with both treatments was seen from 2 weeks. Of the 44 adverse events reported, 33 (75%) were with amitriptyline, sedation being the commonest [in 19 (43%) patients]. Lamotrigine caused adverse events in 11 (25%), of which rash in three (7%) and elevations of creatinine in four (9%) were the most common. The preferred lamotrigine dose was 25 mg twice daily.

Conclusions  As there are few differences between the two treatments in efficacy, lamotrigine 25 mg twice daily might be the first choice as it is associated with fewer adverse effects in our population.
Justifications of Violence
Authors: CRICK BERNARD
Published: March 2007

The classical and the former Catholic doctrines of tyrannicide remind us that in the Western tradition of citizenship and political thought, tyrannicide is worthy. Recent legislation against the glorification of terrorism is too wide and vague, and denies any link between tyrannicide and liberty. A good production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar should not make the act of tyrannicide per se problematic, but should seize the dilemma of whether or not Julius Caesar was becoming a tyrant rather than a consul with constitutional powers for war or emergency. Both Hannah Arendt and our contemporary Ted Honderich offer philosophical justifications of violence in defined and not uncommon circumstances. Terrorism is sometimes the only resort of the poor and oppressed.
Bad History
Authors: HARVIE CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2007

If history is a sort of radar for the ship of state, then the machine has broken down, just at the point where Gordon Brown, trained as a historian, takes over control. Caught up in the best‐seller business, popularised on TV, it has come to reflect metropolitan commercial drives, the obsessions of The Hitler Channel or the ‘publish or be damned’ ethos of the Research Assessment Exercise. Fashionable discourses about identity and postmodern consumerism, and the palsied traditions of Fogeydomboth remote from the basic business of getting, spending and governing‐may offer a niche‐marketing future, but are more likely to speed the vessel towards the rocks.
The Style Consistency of Hedge Funds
Authors: Gibson Rajna , Gyger Sébastien
Published: March 2007

This study examines the style classification and the style consistency of hedge funds using a new proprietary database over the period May 1989 to April 1999. First, a hard clustering procedure is applied to classify hedge funds into homogeneous groups. It is shown that the methodology is robust and can be used to build stable hedge funds indexes. The method performs equally well as the principal component analysis in explaining in‐ and out‐of‐sample cross‐sectional hedge funds' returns. Second, we extend hard to fuzzy cluster memberships, relaxing the full assignment of the funds to individual clusters. We apply the fuzzy clustering methodology to estimate hedge funds' probabilistic exposure to various styles. We introduce three consistency indicators to quantify the hedge fund managers' style opportunism levels. We finally document that there is no evidence that style consistency leads to superior hedge funds' performance.
Camden to London and Paris: The Role of the Macarthur Family in the Early New South Wales Wine Industry
Authors: McIntyre Julie
Published: March 2007

The wine industry has been largely overlooked as a subject of historical analysis in Australian history despite its significance in the nineteenth century and its renewed vigour in the late 1900s. This article situates the development of a particular aspect of the industry within a broader consideration of the themes of colonization. It outlines the role of the Macarthur family in wine growing as well as exploring William Macarthur's view of viticulture as a means of moving beyond pastoralism to further ‘civilize’ the colony of New South Wales.