bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phloem long‐distance trafficking of GIBBERELLIC ACID‐INSENSITIVE RNA regulates leaf development
Authors: Haywood Valerie , Yu Tien‐Shin , Huang Nien‐Chen , Lucas William J.
Published: March 2005

The phloem translocation stream contains a population of RNA molecules, suggesting plants use RNA to integrate developmental processes, at the whole‐plant level. In the present study, we analyzed the role of long‐distance trafficking in the delivery of transcripts from two members of the GRAS family, namely CmGAIP and GAI. These two homologs were chosen because of their involvement as transcriptional regulators in GA signaling. A combination of pumpkin, tomato and Arabidopsis was employed to examine the processes involved in long‐distance delivery, to sink tissues, of RNA for engineered dominant gain‐of‐function pumpkin (Cmgaip) and Arabidopsis (ΔDELLA‐gai) genes. Our studies demonstrate that gai RNA entry into functional sieve elements occurs via a selective process. Both engineered mutant gai transcripts were able to exit the scion phloem and traffic cell to cell into the shoot apex. Delivery of Cmgaip and ΔDELLA‐gai RNA mediated highly reproducible changes in leaf phenotype in transgenic tomato lines grown under greenhouse conditions. Phenotypic analysis indicated that tomato leaflet morphology was influenced quite late in development. In addition, tissue sink strength did not appear to dictate gai RNA delivery, suggesting complexity in the process underlying macromolecular trafficking. These results establish that the molecular properties of the Cmgaip and ΔDELLA‐gai transcripts are compatible with the tomato cell‐to‐cell and long‐distance macromolecular trafficking systems. An important conclusion, based on our work, is that control over GAI RNA delivery, via the phloem, may be regulated by sequence motifs conserved between plant families. We propose that RNA delivery via the phloem allows for flexibility in fine tuning of developmental programs to ensure newly developing leaves are optimized for performance under the prevailing environmental conditions.
shk1‐D, a dwarf Arabidopsis mutant caused by activation of the CYP72C1 gene, has altered brassinosteroid levels
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Nakazawa Miki , Shibata Kyomi , Yokota Takao , Ishikawa Akie , Suzuki Kumiko , Kawashima Mika , Ichikawa Takanari , Shimada Hiroaki , Matsui Minami
Published: March 2005

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroidal hormones that regulate plant growth and development. An Arabidopsis dwarf mutant, shrink1‐D (shk1‐D), was isolated and the phenotype was shown to be caused by activation of the CYP72C1 gene. CYP72C1 is a member of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene family similar to BAS1/CYP734A1 that regulates BR inactivation. shk1‐D has short hypocotyls in both light and dark, and short petioles and siliques. The seeds are also shortened along the longitudinal axis indicating CYP72C1 controls cell elongation. The expression of CPD, TCH4 and BAS1 were altered in CYP72C1 overexpression transgenic lines and endogenous levels of castasterone, 6‐deoxocastasterone and 6‐deoxotyphasterol were also altered. Unlike BAS1/CYP734A1 the expression of CYP72C1 was not changed by application of exogenous brassinolide. We propose that CYP72C1 controls BR homeostasis by modulating the concentration of BRs.
Antigen specific cytokine response in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bordignon Valentina , Sinagra Jo Linda , Trento Elisabetta , Pietravalle Mario , Capitanio Bruno , Fei Paola Cordiali
Published: March 2005

The physiopathology of atopic dermatitis (AD) has still to be elucidated. T effector cells with cutaneous homing receptors or T‐cell derived cytokines have been assumed to be implicated in the pathogenetic mechanisms in AD and to be responsible for the different immunologic responses of patients. In fact, the large majority of AD patients display high IgE levels while others do not develop an abnormal IgE response. Although, there are not significant clinical features characterizing the two different groups, patients with normal IgE belong to a younger age range, raising the possibility that the hypothesized dichotomy of AD might be due to age. In the present study we included 172 outpatient children attending the Pediatric Department of our institution. Serum IgE levels and percentages of peripheral T lymphocytes expressing the cutaneous homing antigen (CLA) were evaluated and results were analyzed in relation to the activity of the disease (SCORAD index) or age. In the overall patients, the IgE levels increased significantly with age (0–1 yr: 19.50 IU/ml; 1–3 yr: 62.0 IU/ml; 3–8 yr: 96.0 IU/ml; >8 yr: 148.5 IU/ml; p < 0.001) and with the severity of the disease (SCORAD low: 46.80 IU/ml; medium: 42.90 IU/ml; high: 148.5 IU/ml; p = 0.01). Percentages of CLA+ peripheral T lymphocytes also increased with age (0–1 yr: 3.3; 1–3 yr: 4.85; 3–8 yr: 10.6; >8 yr: 12.5; p < 0.001), although they were not significantly different in patients with different SCORAD (p = 0.89). We further investigated the cellular immune response to a specific antigen in 25 subjects, matched for age, SCORAD, and CLA+ T‐cell percentages. Among them, 13 patients had casein serum specific IgE and 12 had no evidence of casein sensitization. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were kept in short‐term culture with endotoxin‐free casein fractions and IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐5, IL‐10 cytokine‐producing cells were detected by ELISpot. Statistical analysis showed significant higher numbers of TNF‐α‐ or IL‐10‐producing cultures (stimulation index >3) in the ‘allergic’ patients than in the milk tolerant subjects (p = 0.01 and 0.05). The analysis of individual responses confirmed this finding but also provide evidence of a significant increase in IFN‐γ‐producing cells (p = 0.05) induced by casein stimulation in the group of ‘non‐allergic’ children. Our data showed that immunologic parameters as IgE levels or CLA+ T cells in AD pediatric patients are influenced by the age, confirming that age could represent a bias in the analysis of immune response in those patients. Although, we demonstrated in children with AD the existence of different cytokine patterns of the lymphocyte response that could account for the different immunologic features between the two hypothesized forms of AD, which are not dependent on age.
ATP‐dependent proteases in plant mitochondria: What do we know about them today?
Authors: Janska Hanna
Published: March 2005

Lon‐, Clp‐ and FtsH‐like proteases, members of three families of ATP‐dependent proteases derived from bacterial ancestors, have been identified in plant mitochondria. Classifications of mitochondrial‐specific paralogues of plant ATP‐dependent proteases, based on targeting prediction programs and different experimental methods, are compared. Accumulating evidence points to similarities in the structure and the mechanisms of action used by various ATP‐dependent proteases. Therefore, before focusing on plant mitochondrial ATP‐dependent proteases, the paper discusses general features of ATP‐dependent proteases. To date, information about structure and function of plant mitochondrial Lon‐like, Clp‐like and FtsH‐like proteases is rather scarce, but indicates that these enzymes, like their bacterial and eukaryotic homologues, combine proteolytic and chaperone‐like activities to form mitochondrial protein quantity and quality control system in plants.
Field evaluation of transgenic wheat plants stably expressing the HVA1 gene for drought tolerance
Authors: Bahieldin Ahmed , Mahfouz Hesham T. , Eissa Hala F. , Saleh Osama M. , Ramadan Ahmed M. , Ahmed Ismail A. , Dyer William E. , El‐Itriby Hanaiya A. , Madkour Magdy A.
Published: March 2005

The barley HVA1 gene, encoding a member of the group 3 late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, has previously been introduced into spring wheat cv. Hi‐Line to determine its effect on drought tolerance (Sivamani E, Bahieldin A, Wraith JM, Al‐Niemi T, Dyer WE, Ho T‐HD, Qu R (2000) Improved biomass productivity and water use efficiency under water deficit conditions in transgenic wheat constitutively expressing the barley HVA1 gene. Plant Sci 155, 1–9). T4 progeny from six independent transgenic events (lines 111/1, 1/1, 11/2, 84, 765 and 1201) were tested in nine field experiments over six cropping seasons. In the first two seasons, the total biomass per plot and the grain yield per plot of line 111/1 were higher than those of line 1/1, and higher than those of the wild‐type control in the second season. The grain yield per plot of line 11/2 was significantly lower than that of the transgenic lines 111/1 and 1/1 in the third season, and this line was not tested further. In the fourth season, the plant height and grain yield per plot of line 111/1 were significantly higher than those of the wild‐type control. Under dryland conditions in the fifth season, line 111/1 showed significantly greater plant height, total biomass per plot and grain yield per plot than the wild‐type control in at least two of the four locations, as well as across locations. In the sixth season, newly developed transgenic lines 1201 and 765 significantly overyielded the two original transgenic lines 111/1 and 1/1, the non‐expressing transgenic line 84 as well as the wild‐type control in the three yield attributes and leaf water measurement, namely relative water content (RWC). This result coincided with the rate of HVA1 transgene expression of the different genotypes. Differences in total seed storage protein concentrations between the transgenic lines and the wild‐type control within or across environmental conditions were insignificant. These field trials show that the HVA1 gene has the potential to confer drought stress protection in transgenic spring wheat.
Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Maturation in Embryonic Rat Liver: Immunohistochemistry and Electron Microscopy with Reference to Dendritic Cell Contacts
Authors: El‐Nefiawy N. , Abdel‐Hakim K. , Kanayama N. , Terao T.
Published: March 2005

This study investigated the dendritic cell (DC) differentiation in embryonic rat liver utilizing in situ ultrastructural characterization and immunohistochemistry. The study revealed the existence of DCs early in hepatic ontogeny with positive immune staining to the OX‐62 monoclonal antibody. DCs existed in three differentiating stages: immature, mature and transitional forms in between. At 14 and 16 days of gestation, immature and transitional forms of DCs dominated. Mature cells increased significantly in number through late gestational days (18 days onwards). DCs (particularly mature and moderate mature forms) revealed signs of active phagocytosis manifested by the existence of cytoplasmic phagosomes and heterophagosomes. At 18 days of gestation as well as newborn liver mature DCs displayed two distinct morphological phenotypes according to the degree of development of either the smooth endoplasmic reticulum or the lysosomal compartment. Mature DCs delineated close appositions to other DCs, hepatocytes, and clustering with lymphocytes especially through their cellular processes. The features of phagocytosis and DC–T‐cell contacts may signify a role of DCs in immune surveillance in the embryonic liver.
The Arterial Vascularization of Septum Interventriculare in Donkeys (Equus asinus L.)
Authors: Ozgel O. , Dursun N.
Published: March 2005

In this study, arteries that supply the septum interventriculare in donkeys, their course and variations, if present, were defined. Six hearts belonging to donkeys of varying age and sex constituted the material of the study. In order to expose the arteries, latex coloured with Rotring ink was injected into a. coronaria sinistra and a. coronaria dextra and dissection was performed. The arterial vascularization of the heart in donkeys is supplied by a. coronaria sinistra and a. coronoria dextra, which have their origin at the aorta. A. coronaria sinistra gives off two branches: one is ramus interventricularis paraconalis, which extends into the sulcus interventricularis paraconalis and the other is ramus circumflexus sinister, which lies within the sulcus coronarius. A. coronaria dextra is formed by the union of ramus interventricularis subsinuosus and ramus circumflexus dexter. Septum interventriculare is supplied by rr. septales, which originate from ramus interventricularis paraconalis, a branch of a. coronaria sinistra, as well as rami septales which have their origin in ramus interventricularis subsinuosus, a branch of a. coronaria dextra.
Impact of Growth Factors on In Vitro Development of Caprine Oocytes at Pre‐antral Stage
Authors: Zhou HM , Zhang Y
Published: March 2005

Contents

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of various growth factors such as the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) either individually or in association, in the presence of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) on the in vitro growth and viability of caprine oocytes at pre‐antral stage. Pre‐antral follicles were disassociated enzymatically and mechanically from pre‐pubertal caprine ovaries after the animals were anaesthetically ovariectomized. Caprine pre‐antral follicles in group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were cultured in growth culture medium, growth culture medium + EGF, growth culture medium + IGF‐I and growth culture medium + IGF‐I + EGF, respectively, for 9 days. The results indicated that EGF (50 mg/l) increased the survival rate of oocytes, but decreased the growth rate of oocytes; IGF‐I (100 mg/l) effectively maintained the survival of oocytes and stimulated their growth; IGF‐I (100 mg/l) and EGF (50 mg/l) in combination produced a higher effect on both the survival and the growth rate of oocytes than IGF‐I or EGF alone. Conclusively, the growth factors can effectively maintain the survival of caprine oocytes from pre‐antral follicles and regulate their growth in culture. EGF and IGF‐I in association could synergically meliorate the culture system of caprine pre‐antral follicles.
Macronutrient intake, physical activity, serum lipids and increased body weight in primary schoolchildren in Istanbul
Authors: Manios Yannis , Kolotourou Maria , Moschonis George , Sur Haydar , Keskin Yasar , Kocaoglu Bike , Hayran Osman
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
: The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to record the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in primary school children living in Istanbul and to examine the relationship between increased body weight and certain cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods
: A total of 510 randomly selected children aged 12 and 13 years of age (257 boys, 253 girls) were examined. Information regarding anthropometrical indices, energy and macronutrient intake, physical activity, physical fitness and lipid profile were collected. Classification of children in overweight and obese subgroups was based on the cut‐off points proposed by Cole et al.1

Results
: The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was found to be 15.3%, 10.6% and 1.6%, respectively. Both overweight boys and girls were found to have lower physical fitness compared to their normal‐weight counterparts, but no difference was observed for energy and macronutrient intake. Overweight boys were found to have higher total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.01) and total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio (P < 0.05) compared to their normal‐weight counterparts, while overweight girls were found to have lower HDL‐C (P < 0.05) compared to their normal‐weight peers.

Conclusions
: Underweight and overweight coexisted in the current population. Increased body weight was accompanied by unfavorable lipid profiles and lower fitness levels. Consequently, there is an emergent need for early identification and understanding of behavioral and physiological variables related to obesity and CVD, so that appropriate interventions can be targeted to children who are at risk for adult onset of these diseases.
Family therapy after a death in the traditional Jewish family
Authors: Harari Vicky , Wolowelsky Joel B.
Published: March 2005

A family therapist working with a religious family should be aware of its religious dynamics which, as part of the family's overriding belief system, influence coping mechanisms. We discuss here some of the dynamics within a traditional Jewish family following a death, including traditional and specially constructed therapeutic rituals.
Healing rituals with families in exile *
Authors: Woodcock Jeremy
Published: March 2005

This paper describes work with families who have been subjected to torture and atrocity and forced into political exile. Exile is described as a state of limbo which may be resolved by involving families in rituals which reconnect them to communal life. Therapeutic dilemmas when working with families affected by torture and atrocity are discussed. The culture of refugee families is a resource which can be used to enable them to integrate experiences of atrocity and adapt to life in exile. Therapeutic strategies are discussed through case histories.
‘An intimate loneliness’: evaluating the impact of a child's death on parental self‐identity and marital relationships
Authors: Riches Gordon , Dawson Pamela
Published: March 2005

Marital relationships may degenerate following a son's or daughter's death. This paper explores ways in which problems of communication between grieving partners may be linked to the challenge which each is facing in reordering their parental self‐narrative. The role which‘talk’plays in constructing and maintaining self‐identity, and the contributions which professional and volunteer support might make in facilitating marital conversation are examined. A brief note is also made of current research upon which this paper is based, commenting on the appropriateness of the narrative technique for collecting emotionally sensitive field‐data.
Cohesion and power in the families of children involved in bully/victim problems at school: an Italian replication
Authors: Berdondini Lucia , Smith Peter K.
Published: March 2005

A replication was made of the findings of Bowers et al.(1992), relating involvement of children in bully/victim problems at school with characteristics of family systems as revealed by the Family System Test (FAST), on a central Italian sample. The findings regarding father absence, structural plot characteristics—such as use of corners and no separation of figures—and cohesion scores especially with parents, were consistent across both studies; findings relating to power scores were few and inconsistent. The main findings of the Bowers et al. study appear to be robust and generalizable.
Family therapy and soiling
Authors: Silver Evril
Published: March 2005

Children and families referrred for soiling problems present special challenges to family therapists. Behaviour modification and the externalizing approach of White and Epston are considered in relation to these challenges. Externalizing may offer advantages over existing approaches and deserves systematic evaluation.
Hopelessness and suicidal ideation among adolescents in two cultures
Authors: Stewart Sunita Mahtani , Kennard Betsy D. , Lee Peter W.H. , Mayes Taryn , Hughes Carroll , Emslie Graham
Published: March 2005

Background:  This study examines the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations among cognitive variables, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in Hong Kong Chinese and Caucasian American adolescents.

Methods:  Community adolescents (n = 2,044) ages 14–18 years from Hong Kong and the United States provided information regarding their suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and cognitions (self‐efficacy, cognitive errors and hopelessness), at two surveys, six months apart.

Results:  Self‐efficacy was a weak unique predictor of suicidal ideation in both cultures. Hopelessness was the strongest of cognitive variables in concurrent associations with suicidal ideation in bivariate and multivariate models, in both cultures, and in both boys and girls. Hopelessness continued to offer unique prediction when depressive symptoms were controlled, both concurrently and prospectively.

Conclusions:  Our results support hopelessness theories of suicidal ideation and behavior in Hong Kong, and extend the cognitive theory of suicidality to a modernized Asian culture.
Maternal attributions and expressed emotion as predictors of attendance at parent management training
Authors: Peters Sarah , Calam Rachel , Harrington Richard
Published: March 2005

Background:  The effectiveness of parent management training (PMT) as a treatment for child behaviour problems is reduced by high attrition rates. One difficulty with engaging mothers is that, by definition, PMT is directed at the parent, yet many parents believe the cause of the problem lies within the child. Hence the model of therapy offered contradicts their understanding about the cause and nature of the problem. Moreover, the emotional consequence of holding child‐responsibility causal attributions is associated with high expressed emotion (EE), a known predictor of poor compliance with therapy in other child psychiatric disorders.

Methods:  Seventy‐five consecutive referrals of mothers to a PMT programme were recruited. EE was assessed using the Camberwell Family Interview methodology. Spontaneous causal attributions about their child's problem behaviour were collected from the same interview material and independently coded using the Leeds Attributional Coding System. Attendance data at the PMT programme was collected following completion of programmes.

Results:  Contrary to expectations, mothers who made child‐responsibility attributions and were highly critical about their child's behaviour were no more likely than non‐blaming, low EE parents to drop out prematurely from a course of PMT. However, expressing an understanding of their own role in managing their child's behaviour was predictive of attendance. Two factors were, however, more closely associated with greater attrition: having been offered a clinical diagnosis and being from a lower socio‐economic family.

Conclusions:  Socio‐economic factors should be viewed as barriers to uptake of services and successful strategies for increasing engagement of families are likely to be economical rather than psychological. However, although the causal attributions mothers make about their child's behaviour did not predict whether they were likely to attend PMT, an exploratory analysis found evidence to suggest that successful engagement with PMT begins early in the referral process and that referring clinicians should ensure treatment options are aligned with diagnoses provided.
Prepulse inhibition of startle and its moderation by schizotypy and smoking
Authors: Evans Lisa H. , Gray Nicola S. , Snowden Robert J.
Published: March 2005

The influences of smoking status and schizotypy on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle eyeblink response were assessed in 71 healthy volunteers, across a wide range of prepulse‐to‐pulse intervals (50–2020 ms). Multiple regression analyses revealed that nonsmoking participants high in cognitive disorganization showed reduced PPI between 50 and 260 ms, whereas at prepulse intervals of 80 and 140 ms individuals high in introvertive anhedonia had greater PPI compared to their low‐scoring counterparts. Moreover, there were positive associations in nonsmokers between introvertive anhedonia and latencies to onset and peak response. In contrast, for those individuals who smoked these associations were attenuated or abolished. The results suggest that PPI is altered differentially in psychosis‐prone populations who display different symptom profiles, and that these relationships are moderated by smoking status.
Food hygiene training in the UK: a time for change
Authors: Coleman Philip , Roberts Andy
Published: March 2005

Food hygiene practices in industry have been the subject of much debate over recent years, and various studies have been undertaken which have focused upon the relationships between actual practices and the level of knowledge of caterers and their attitudes towards food safety. Food hygiene training is central to ensuring that food handlers are aware of the risks endemic to certain sectors of the industry and that they implement appropriate good hygiene practices in their workplace. This paper reflects upon some of the studies and issues concerning food hygiene training. Serious doubts are raised regarding current approaches to such training and its effectiveness in changing the behaviour or practices of food handlers and managers. New food safety legislation is due in the near future, but it would appear that food hygiene training requirements will remain as they are. Will this be a missed opportunity?
An integrated sensory study of selected chilled lasagne ready meals
Authors: Farley Heather Ann , Reed Zandra
Published: March 2005

The research combined quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) trained panel (n = 10) and consumer acceptance testing (n = 106) to better identify the sensory characteristics that were particularly influential in determining consumer choice of a range of eight chilled lasagne products. Significant differences were found between the samples, with potential for further sensory improvement. Three distinctive consumer segments were established, each with particular demographic characteristics and associated product preferences. External preference mapping confirmed that attributes pertaining to the quality of the meat sauce element, vegetable inclusion and cheese flavour had the greatest influence on consumer preferences. While not without some limitations, the study confirmed that an integrated research approach offered a more detailed explanation of consumer acceptance of chilled ready meals, to assist in better identifying and optimizing product development opportunities in the marketplace. There is scope for further study of more complex food products (such as ready meals) than has been the case in the past.
Efficacy and renal tolerability of ibuprofen vs. indomethacin in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Fanos Vassilios , Benini Daniela , Verlato Giuseppe , Errico Gabriella , Cuzzolin Laura
Published: March 2005

Indomethacin is commonly used for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) but has renal failure as a main side‐effect. Ibuprofen seems to be efficient in closing the ductus with less side‐effects, but few studies are available in literature as regards its use in preterm infants. This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data in order to compare the efficacy and the renal tolerability of ibuprofen and indomethacin administered to preterm infants with gestational age (GA) ≤30 weeks for the treatment of PDA. From our data, ibuprofen results pharmacologically as efficient as indomethacin and could be an alternative in prematures. About renal tolerability, our data confirm that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs treatment could affect at least transiently renal function. Moreover, indomethacin could be more nephrotoxic compared with ibuprofen, as creatinine concentrations normalize more slowly in this group, although the mean difference between the two drugs was not significant as our population sample was small. Further studies are needed to assess whether ibuprofen is really less nephrotoxic than indomethacin, in particular by examining carefully the correlation between GA and ibuprofen administration.
Paternal age is positively linked to telomere length of children
Authors: Unryn Brad M. , Cook Linda S. , Riabowol Karl T.
Published: March 2005

Telomere length is linked to age‐associated diseases, with shorter telomeres in blood associated with an increased probability of mortality from infection or heart disease. Little is known about how human telomere length is regulated despite convincing data from twins that telomere length is largely heritable, uniform in various tissues during development until birth and variable between individuals. As sperm cells show increasing telomere length with age, we investigated whether age of fathers at conception correlated with telomere length of their offspring. Telomere length in blood from 125 random subjects was shown to be positively associated with paternal age (+22 bp yr−1, 95% confidence interval 5.2–38.3, P = 0.010), and paternal age was calculated to affect telomere length by up to 20% of average telomere length per generation. Males lose telomeric sequence faster than females (31 bp yr−1, 17.6–43.8, P < 0.0001 vs. 14 bp yr−1, 3.5–24.8, P < 0.01) and the rate of telomere loss slows throughout the human lifespan. These data indicate that paternal age plays a role in the vertical transmission of telomere length and may contribute significantly to the variability of telomere length seen in the human population, particularly if effects are cumulative through generations.
Analysis of Epipolar Geometry in Linear Array Scanner Scenes
Authors: Habib Ayman F. , Morgan Michel , Jeong Soo , Kim Kyung‐Ok
Published: March 2005

Resampled imagery according to epipolar geometry, usually denoted as normalised imagery, is characterised by having conjugate points along the same row (or column). Such a characteristic makes normalised imagery an important prerequisite for many photogrammetric activities such as image matching, automatic aerial triangulation, automatic digital elevation model and orthophoto generation, and stereo viewing. The normalisation process requires having the input imagery in a digital format, which can be obtained by scanning analogue photographs or by direct use of digital cameras. To reduce the time gap between the data acquisition and product delivery, many small‐scale mapping projects now rely on digital cameras. Digital frame cameras still, in general, provide imagery with geometric resolution and ground coverage inferior to scanned images from analogue cameras. Linear array scanners (line cameras) have therefore emerged as a possible alternative to digital frame cameras, especially for high‐resolution space‐borne imaging, with performance comparable to that of analogue frame cameras.

The normalisation process of frame images is a well‐established and straight forward procedure. On the other hand, the normalisation process of linear array scanner scenes is not as straightforward and is sometimes mysterious. For example, providers of space‐borne imagery furnish normalised line scanner imagery while the user community is not aware of the underlying process. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the epipolar geometry in linear array scanner scenes. Special emphasis is directed towards scanners moving with constant velocity and attitude since such a trajectory closely resembles the imaging geometry of the majority of current space‐borne scanners. The research presented highlights the factors affecting the shape of the resulting epipolar lines such as the stereo coverage configuration and the geometric specifications of the imaging system. In addition, the paper outlines a comparative analysis of the normalisation process for frame and line cameras. The presented concepts are verified through experimental results with synthetic data.
Exploring Population Dynamics Patterns in a Rare Fish, Zingel asper, through Capture‐Mark‐Recapture Methods
Authors: LABONNE JACQUES , GAUDIN PHILIPPE
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  We performed a capture‐mark‐recapture study on one of the last populations of Zingel asper, an endemic percid species of the Rhône River basin in France. The distribution of Z. asper has decreased dramatically during the last century. We sampled three sites in suitable habitats in the Beaume River. No impact of individual tagging on survival was found. The demography of the population was analyzed using capture‐recapture methods that allow the estimation of survival, recruitment, and demographic growth rates. Annual survival rates were low (0.35–0.50). The level of transience was high (5% to 25%), suggesting that a significant number of individuals were highly mobile or shifted to suboptimal habitats. Seniority rates suggested random highly variable recruitment between years. The three sites had similar variation patterns in all demographic parameters, indicating broad spatial covariation in population dynamics. We found some local differences in demographic parameters, which could be linked to local habitat quality. Individual tagging allowed for the estimation of demographic parameters that improved our understanding of Z. asper population dynamics and revealed mechanisms that may affect population persistence, such as stochastic recruitment, low survival, and frequent dispersal. The fragmentation of habitat through river damming inhibits dispersal and represents a threat to the persistence of Z. asper in the Rhône basin. Our results offer evidence of the importance of dispersal in nonmigratory fishes and confirm the usefulness of individual tagging methods in rare fish demography.
Lomborg and the Litany of Biodiversity Crisis: What the Peer‐Reviewed Literature Says
Authors: BINI LUIS MAURICIO , ALEXANDRE JOSÉ , DINIZ‐FILHO FELIZOLA , CARVALHO PRISCILLA , PINTO MIRIAM PLAZA , RANGEL THIAGO FERNANDO L. V. B.
Published: March 2005

Abstract: 
Lomborg's (2001) book has generated passionate discussion about the state of the global environment. We performed a bibliometric evaluation of the peer‐reviewed primary scientific literature to determine whether there is any consistent evidence that “things are getting better.” The global literature primarily reported negative impacts on biodiversity caused by human actions, although Europe appeared to be doing better than the rest of the world. These results cannot be explained by publication bias alone because rejection rates of papers indicating improvements in the environment would have to be unrealistically high to change our results. There were nonrandom distributions of papers showing environmental recovery in developed countries and for ecosystems not strongly subjected to conservation‐development conflicts. Although the literature did not paint a picture of universal gloom, the empirical evidence clearly showed growing environmental crises.
Identifying Habitat Variables Important to the Rare Columbia Spotted Frog in Utah (U.S.A.): an Information‐Theoretic Approach
Authors: WELCH NATHAN E. , MacMAHON JAMES A.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  We identified habitat associations of the rare Columbia spotted frog ( Rana luteiventris). We used an information‐theoretic approach that encouraged careful consideration of previous studies, demanded a priori formulation of hypotheses and models, and provided interpretable results while avoiding some criticisms of traditional statistical analyses. We formulated hypotheses about habitat associations based on conductivity, emergent vegetation, littoral zone depth, pond hydrology, and water temperature. We modeled hypothesized associations with logistic regression and used Akaike's information criterion to quantify evidence for models, weigh the relative importance of each habitat variable, and select predictive models. Although variable, results suggested that spotted frogs are more likely to occur in ponds that do not shrink in size seasonally, maintain relatively constant seasonal water temperature, and have high emergent vegetation cover. Associations we identified will assist actions in Utah that may be critical to local persistence of spotted frogs. Moreover, this approach for identifying associations has great potential for other rare species.
Nonrandom, Size‐ and Timing‐Biased Breeding in a Hatchery Population of Steelhead Trout
Authors: McLEAN JENNIFER E. , BENTZEN PAUL , QUINN THOMAS P.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Hatcheries have been built and operated to buffer salmon and trout populations from overfishing and to compensate for habitat lost or degraded by human activities. These facilities are now so prevalent that in some cases hatchery‐produced salmon outnumber salmon produced in the wild. By default, this makes them an important component in the current ecology and evolution of salmonids. Hatcheries differ from natural environments in many ways, and among the most fundamental is the necessity that humans select fish for breeding instead of allowing natural processes of mate choice and competition. We examined the mating system for steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at Forks Creek Hatchery in southwest Washington and investigated factors affecting selection of individual steelhead for spawning by the hatchery staff. Despite efforts by the staff to not spawn selectively, data on steelhead spawned over 7 years revealed selection for large adult body size and early reproductive timing and a tendency for size‐assortative mating (i.e., large with large). Selection on size was related to selection on reproductive timing because early returning fish tended to be larger than those returning later. To improve the fitness of both hatchery fish destined to spawn in the wild and hatchery fish designated to be spawned in the hatchery, a better understanding of factors associated with the range of reproductive success and mate‐choice mechanisms in the wild is vital. This knowledge may then be applied to artificial propagation programs designed for conservation or enhancement.
Identification and characterization of novel PKA holoenzymes in human T lymphocytes
Authors: Ørstavik Sigurd , Funderud Ane , Hafte Tilahun Tolesa , Eikvar Sissel , Jahnsen Tore , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen
Published: March 2005

Cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a holoenzyme that consists of a regulatory (R) subunit dimer and two catalytic (C) subunits that are released upon stimulation by cAMP. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation of T‐cell protein extracts, immunofluorescence of permeabilized T cells and RT/PCR of T‐cell RNA using C subunit‐specific primers revealed expression of two catalytically active PKA C subunits Cα1 (40 kDa) and Cβ2 (47 kDa) in these cells. Anti‐RIα and Anti‐RIIα immunoprecipitations demonstrated that both Cα1 and Cβ2 associate with RIα and RIIα to form PKAI and PKAII holoenzymes. Moreover, Anti‐Cβ2 immunoprecipitation revealed that Cα1 coimmunoprecipitates with Cβ2. Addition of 8‐CPT‐cAMP which disrupts the PKA holoenzyme, released Cα1 but not Cβ2 from the Anti‐Cβ2 precipitate, indicating that Cβ2 and Cα1 form part of the same holoenzyme. Our results demonstrate for the first time that various C subunits may colocate on the same PKA holoenzyme to form novel cAMP‐responsive enzymes that may mediate specific effects of cAMP.
Roles of 1‐Cys peroxiredoxin in haem detoxification in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Kawazu Shin‐ichiro , Ikenoue Nozomu , Takemae Hitoshi , Komaki‐Yasuda Kanako , Kano Shigeyuki
Published: March 2005

In the present study, we investigated whether Plasmodium falciparum 1‐Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) (Pf1‐Cys‐Prx), a cytosolic protein expressed at high levels during the haem‐digesting stage, can act as an antioxidant to cope with the oxidative burden of haem (ferriprotoporphyrin IX; FP). Recombinant Pf1‐Cys‐Prx protein (rPf1‐Cys‐Prx) competed with glutathione (GSH) for FP and inhibited FP degradation by GSH. When rPf1‐Cys‐Prx was added to GSH‐mediated FP degradation, the amount of iron released was reduced to 23% of the reaction without the protein (P < 0.01). The rPf1‐Cys‐Prx bound to FP–agarose at pH 7.4, which is the pH of the parasite cytosol. The rPf1‐Cys‐Prx could completely protect glutamine synthetase from inactivation by the dithiothreitol–Fe3+‐dependent mixed‐function oxidation system, and it also protected enolase from inactivation by coincubation with FP/GSH. Incubation of white ghosts of human red blood cells and FP with rPf1‐Cys‐Prx reduced formation of membrane associations with FP to 75% of the incubation without the protein (P < 0.01). The findings of the present study suggest that Pf1‐Cys‐Prx protects the parasite against oxidative stresses by binding to FP, slowing the rate of GSH‐mediated FP degradation and consequent iron generation, protecting proteins from iron‐derived reactive oxygen species, and interfering with formation of membrane‐associated FP.
Effect of age on left ventricular systolic function in humans: a study of systolic isovolumic acceleration rate
Authors: Ruan Qinyun , Nagueh Sherif F.
Published: March 2005

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of age on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in normal healthy adults. Eighty consecutive subjects without cardiovascular disease underwent standard and tissue Doppler (TD) echocardiographic imaging. LV systolic function was assessed by load‐dependent indices as ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial systolic velocities by TD as well as by the load‐independent index, systolic isovolumic acceleration rate (IVA). None of the echocardiographic measurements of systolic function declined with age (mean IVA for the group, 286 ± 123 cm s−2; IVA vs. age, r= 0.21, P= 0.1). Likewise, LV end diastolic dimension, wall thickness, mass and left atrial maximum volume were not significantly related to age. On the other hand, as previously reported, echocardiographic indices of diastolic function showed a significant decline with age (P < 0.05). When the group was stratified by gender, isovolumic velocity and acceleration were higher in men than women, but the differences were not significant (P= 0.12 and 0.37, respectively). No significant relation was observed between age and measurements of LV systolic function by regression analysis in women (P > 0.1). However, in men, a positive correlation was noted between average IVA and age (r= 0.63, P= 0.007). In conclusion, age is not associated with a change in cardiac structure and LV systolic function, but is accompanied by a decline in echocardiographic indices of diastolic function. With respect to gender, age does not appear to influence LV systolic function in women, but is associated with an increase in IVA and septal systolic ejection in men.
3D Ball-End Milling Force Model Using Instantaneous Cutting Force Coefficients
Authors: Hoon Ko Jeong , Cho Dong-Woo
Published: March 2005

Application of a ball-end milling process model to a CAD/CAM or CAPP system requires a generalized methodology to determine the cutting force coefficients for different cutting conditions. In this paper, we propose a mechanistic cutting force model for 3D ball-end milling using instantaneous cutting force coefficients that are independent of the cutting conditions. The uncut chip thickness model for three-dimensional machining considers cutter deflection and runout. An in-depth analysis of the characteristics of these cutting force coefficients, which can be determined from only a few test cuts, is provided. For more accurate cutting force predictions, the size effect is also modeled using the cutter edge length of the ball-end mill and is incorporated into the cutting force model. This method of estimating the 3D ball-end milling force coefficients has been tested experimentally for various cutting conditions.
Determination of Geometry-Based Errors for Interpolated Tool Paths in Five-Axis Surface Machining
Authors: Tutunea-Fatan O. Remus , Feng Hsi-Yung
Published: March 2005

Five-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machining is characterized with a multitude of errors. Among them an important component comes from the computer-aided manufacturing software known as the geometry-based errors. A new and accurate method to determine these errors is presented in this paper as opposed to the conventional chordal deviation method. The present method allows establishing the exact linearly interpolated tool positions between two cutter contact points on a given tool path, based on the inverse kinematics analysis of the machine tool. A generic procedure has been developed to ensure wide applicability of the proposed method. Analytical derivation of the geometry-based errors provides insights regarding the origin of these errors and their affecting parameters. Due to the highly non-linear characteristics of the problem, analytical solutions can only be obtained for simple surface geometry. Numerical computation is able to determine the errors for general surface shapes but it would be difficult to uncover further insightful information from the calculated error values. Besides the local surface geometry, the configuration of the kinematic chain of the CNC machine has been found to be the primary factor controlling the resulting value and type of the geometry-based errors. Implementations with a typical complex free-form surface demonstrated that the conventional chordal deviation method was not reliable and could significantly underestimate the geometry-based errors.
Experimental Investigation Into the Fracture Toughness of Polyethylene Pipe Material
Authors: Graice Ihab Mamdouh , Younan Maher Y. A. , Naga Soheir Ahmed Radwan
Published: March 2005

The mechanical behavior of the recently produced gas pipes material PE100 is investigated and compared to the commonly used material PE80 to determine their relative advantages. The two materials show plastic behavior at room temperature. The fracture toughness of the two materials is experimentally determined using the two common elastic plastic fracture mechanics methods: the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) multiple specimen test method for determining the J-R curve of the materials, and the crack opening displacement method. The investigation of the fracture behavior of the two materials includes the effect of the specimen thickness as well as specimen configuration. The experimental tests were carried on the compact tension specimens and the single edge notch bending (SENB) specimens. At −70°C, the materials show elastic behavior, the ASTM test method for determining fracture toughness is applied to SENB specimens to determine KIC of both materials. PE80 shows greater resistance to fracture than PE100.
On the Development of Deadleg Criterion
Authors: Habib M. A. , Badr H. M. , Said S. A. M. , Hussaini I. , Al-Bagawi J. J.
Published: March 2005

Corrosion in deadlegs occurs as a result of water separation due to the very low flow velocity. This work aims to investigate the effect of geometry and orientation on flow field and oil/water separation in deadlegs in an attempt for the development of a deadleg criterion. The investigation is based on the solution of the mass and momentum conservation equations of an oil/water mixture together with the volume fraction equation for the secondary phase. Results are obtained for two main deadleg orientations and for different lengths of the deadleg in each orientation. The considered fluid mixture contains 90% oil and 10% water (by volume). The deadleg length to diameter ratio (L/D) ranges from 1 to 9. The results show that the size of the stagnant fluid region increases with the increase of L/D. For the case of a vertical deadleg, it is found that the region of the deadleg close to the header is characterized by circulating vortical motions for a length l≈3 D while the remaining part of the deadleg occupied by a stagnant fluid. In the case of a horizontal deadleg, the region of circulating flow extends to 3–5 D. The results also indicated that the water volumetric concentration increases with the increase of L/D and is influenced by the deadleg orientation. The streamline patterns for a number of cases were obtained from flow visualization experiments (using 200 mW Argon laser) with the objective of validating the computational model.