bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic efficiency of different amphetamine screening tests – the search for an optimal cutoff
Authors: Savoca Reto , Rentsch Katharina M. , Huber Andreas R.
Published: September 2004

Increased use of designer drugs (amphetamines and amphetamine-like substances) raises the need for fast screening tests in urine in clinical settings, workplace and drug rehabilitation. Immunological assays currently used are subject to unwanted crossreactivities, partly depending on the cutoff concentrations used. The values recommended in Europe and the USA are 500 and 1000 ng/ml, respectively. In Switzerland, the recommended concentration of 300 ng/ml results in a high rate of false-positive urine samples and expensive, time-consuming confirmation testing. Using the Abbott Axsym analyzer, we found numerous false positives from patients in rehabilitation centers due to concomitant medication. Therefore, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Abbott test at different cutoff concentrations and the sensitivity of the Roche Cobas Integra, Beckman Synchron and Biosite Triage point-of-care test were examined. HPLC Bio-Rad Remedi was chosen as the method of higher hierarchical order. The specificity of the Axsym analyzer (300 ng/ml) was 86%. At 500 ng/ml or 1000 ng/ml the specificity was increased to 99 or 100%, respectively, while the sensitivity only decreased from 97 to 91 or 81%, respectively. In summary, the cutoff concentration for amphetamine screening tests should not be below 500 ng/ml to avoid a high rate of false-positive results.
Evaluation of a new lithium colorimetric assay performed on the Dade Behring Dimension® X-pand™ system
Authors: Gruson Damien , Lallali Abdelkrim , Furlan Valérie , Taburet Anne Marie , Legrand Alain , Conti Marc
Published: September 2004

Lithium is the standard first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. Because of its potential toxicity, levels of the drug have to be constantly monitored. To this end, an accurate and rapid assay is thus required. Moreover, lithium measurement allows differential diagnosis in patients with hallucinations, dementia and amnesia. The lithium concentration in blood is usually evaluated by flame photometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy or ion selective electrode. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a new colorimetric assay for lithium. Within-day precision of a pool with a target value of 1.25 mmol/l was 2.18% (CV) and day-to-day precision was assessed using serum aliquots containing two concentrations of lithium, and CVs were 5.47 and 1.6% at 0.6 and 1.15 mmol/l, respectively. The lower detection limit (LLD) was <0.08 mmol/l. The assay seemed to be linear up to 5 mmol/l. Results of a comparison method using Deming regression were: y=1.161x–0.0075 (r=0.9879) for regression with the Flame Photometer and y=0.9729 x+0.0133 (r=0.9787) for regression with atomic absorption spectroscopy. Moreover, in this study we did not find any interference with drugs or other analytes tested. In conclusion, this assay may be a method of choice for measuring lithium blood concentrations, especially in emergency situations.
Suicide Surveillance in the U.S. Military—Reporting and Classification Biases in Rate Calculations
Authors: Carr Joel R. , Hoge Charles W. , Gardner John , Potter Robert
Published: September 2004

The military has a well‐defined population with suicide prevention programs that have been recognized as possible models for civilian suicide prevention efforts. Monitoring prevention programs requires accurate reporting. In civilian settings, several studies have confirmed problems in the reporting and classification of suicides. This analysis evaluated whether suicides were underreported or misclassified under accident or undetermined manner of death in the military system. We reviewed all 1998 and 1999 military deaths using official death reports and compared these data with additional sources, most importantly the DoD Medical Mortality Registry. We assessed for evidence of expressed suicidal intent and past psychiatric history among deaths classified as undetermined and accidents due to gunshot, overdose, drowning, falls, or asphyxia. Using sources other than official records, we found 17% more suicides than were reported, and an additional 4% of deaths that were suspicious for suicide. This study suggests that reporting and classification errors may account for 21% additional suicides in the military. These findings are comparable to rates seen in civilian studies and add to the literature regarding the problems inherent in using administrative death classification data for medical surveillance purposes.
c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) and the cytoskeleton—functions beyond neurodegeneration
Authors: Gelderblom Mathias , Eminel Sevgi , Herdegen Thomas , Waetzig Vicki
Published: September 2004

The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) are important mediators of neurodegeneration and their actions include the activation of genetic programs by phosphorylation of the nuclear transcription factor c‐Jun/AP‐1, the release of cytochrome c or the pro‐inflammatory actions of microglia. Recent data, however, provide evidence for physiological functions of JNKs in particular JNK1, and this involves a role of JNKs in the development of the brain and the (functional and/or structural) integrity of the cytoskeleton.

Here we summarize our findings on the cytoskeleton‐associated actions of JNKs. Thus, JNKs the relevant MAP kinases for the NGF‐induced formation and elongation of PC12 cells, and this process is also supported by JNK2 and JNK3 which are commonly considered as pro‐apoptotic signal transducers. Importantly, JNK3 is also mandatory for the intact differentiation of neurons since the functional deletion of JNK3 caused apoptotic features such as activation of caspase 3 in untreated P0 primary hippocampal neurons and following glutamate excitotoxicity. Finally, we can visualize the presence of JNKs at the cytoskeleton, axon and growth cones of primary hippocampal neurons and PC12 cells, and this pattern changes following excitatory stimulation with glutamate.

Thus, the functional role of JNKs during development and differentiation substantially differs from their degenerative actions in the adult brain.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Zareian Z.
Published: September 2004

Objectives:This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and evaluate their effects on the mothers and fetuses at Jahrom, a city in southern Iran.Methods:A retrospective survey was performed on 2300 pregnant women who had referred to Shahid Motahhari Hospital of Jahrom School of Medical Sciences from 22 September 2002 to 21 September 2003. Diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their probable complications were made according to medical recording files.Results:Among the studied patients, 3.3% were diagnosed as having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, of which 96% were cases of preeclampsia/eclampsia or transient hypertension. In hypertensive patients, the overall maternal mortality rate was 1.3 per 10,000 and perinatal mortality rate was 53 per 1000 births. Low birth weight neonates were observed in 20% of cases.Conclusion:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy commonly complicate pregnancy and have great influences on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates and more attention and precision is needed to evaluate the pregnant women for detecting and preventing the complications.
Skilled birth attendant competence: an initial assessment in four countries, and implications for the Safe Motherhood movement
Authors: Harvey S.A. , Ayabaca P. , Bucagu M. , Djibrina S. , Edson W.N. , Gbangbade S. , McCaw‐Binns A. , Burkhalter B.R.
Published: September 2004

Objectives: Percentage of deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) has become a proxy indicator for reducing maternal mortality in developing countries, but there is little data on SBA competence. Our objective was to evaluate the competence of health professionals who typically attend hospital and clinic‐based births in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda. Methods: We measured competence against World Health Organization's (WHO) Integrated Management of Pregnancy and Childbirth guidelines. To evaluate knowledge, we used a 49‐question multiple‐choice test covering seven clinical areas. To evaluate skill, we had participants perform five different procedures on anatomical models. The 166 participants came from facilities at all levels of care in their respective countries. Results: On average, providers answered 55.8% of the knowledge questions correctly and performed 48.2% of the skills steps correctly. Scores differed somewhat by country, provider type, and subtopic. Conclusion: A wide gap exists between current evidence‐based standards and current levels of provider competence.
Toll‐like receptor 2‐dependent bacterial sensing does not occur via peptidoglycan recognition
Authors: Travassos Leonardo H , Girardin Stephen E , Philpott Dana J , Blanot Didier , Nahori Marie‐Anne , Werts Catherine , Boneca Ivo G
Published: September 2004

Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) has been shown to recognize several classes of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns including peptidoglycan (PG). However, studies linking PG with TLR2 recognition have relied mainly on the use of commercial Staphylococcus aureus PG and have not addressed TLR2 recognition of other PG types. Using highly purified PGs from eight bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. aureus), we show that these PGs are not sensed through TLR2, TLR2/1 or TLR2/6. PG sensing is lost after removal of lipoproteins or lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) from Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive cell walls, respectively. Accordingly, purified LTAs are sensed synergistically through TLR2/1. Finally, we show that elicited peritoneal murine macrophages do not produce tumour necrosis factor‐α or interleukin‐6 in response to purified PGs, suggesting that PG detection is more likely to occur intracellularly (through Nod1/Nod2) rather than from the extracellular compartment.
DSS1 is required for RAD51 focus formation and genomic stability in mammalian cells
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Katrin , Lord Christopher J , Witt Emily , Tutt Andrew N J , Ashworth Alan
Published: September 2004

BRCA2 is a breast cancer susceptibility gene implicated in the repair of double‐strand breaks by homologous recombination with RAD51. BRCA2 associates with a 70‐amino‐acid protein, DSS1, but the functional significance of this interaction has remained unclear. Recently, deficiency of a DSS1 orthologue in the fungus Ustilago maydis has been shown to cause a defect in recombinational DNA repair. Here we have investigated the consequences of DSS1 depletion in mammalian cells. We show that like BRCA2, DSS1 is required for DNA damage‐induced RAD51 focus formation and for the maintenance of genomic stability, indicating a function conserved from lower eukaryotes to humans. However, DSS1 seems to be not required for BRCA2 or RAD51 stability or for BRCA2 and RAD51 to interact, raising the possibility that DSS1 may be required for the BRCA2–RAD51 complex to become associated with sites of DNA damage.
The correlation between the grade of dyskaryosis on cervical smear, grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on punch biopsy and the final histological diagnosis on cone biopsies of the cervix
Authors: Heatley M. K. , Bury J. P.
Published: September 2004

HEATLEY M. K. AND BURY J. P. (1998) Cytopathology9, 93–99

The correlation between the grade of dyskaryosis on cervical smear, grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on punch biopsy and the final histological diagnosis on cone biopsies of the cervix

This study was carried out to assess how reliably a punch biopsy of the cervix predicts the maximum grade of CIN present and whether a colposcopically directed punch biopsy is more reliable than cytology in predicting the grade of intraepithelial neoplasia present in the cervix. The grade of CIN in 107 cone biopsy specimens was compared with the grade of CIN and dyskaryosis in punch biopsies and smears from the same patients. Exact correlations were identified between the highest grade lesions on cone biopsy and those in 63% of punch biopsies and 49% of cervical smears. fie conclude that punch biopsy provides a more reliable estimate of the highest grade of CIN present in a subsequent cone biopsy than cervical cytology, but nonetheless fails to give a consistent estimate of the final grade of CIN in a significant percentage of cases.
Cervical screening: management of patients referred for colposcopy with smear abnormalities less severe than dyskaryosis
Authors: Usman F. , Hammond R.
Published: September 2004

USMAN F. AND HAMMOND R. (1998) Cytopathology9, 100–106

Cervical screening: management of patients referred for colposcopy with smear abnormalities less severe than dyskaryosis

The cervical smear and biopsy results were reviewed for 141 patients who were referred for colposcopy with either a technically unsuitable smear or with cervical smear abnormalities less severe than dyskaryosis. The number of referrals due to minor smear abnormalities more than doubled from 8.6% to 22.3% of the total colposcopy referrals over the 4 year period studied. The minor smear abnormalities were only associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in patients aged <50 years. In 19 (13.5%) of the 141 patients high‐grade lesions (CIN II or CIN III) were diagnosed. There were no cases of invasive cancer. Furthermore, the increased number of patients being referred for colposcopy with minor cervical smear abnormalities highlights the increasing pressures on colposcopy services, with prolonged waiting times for all patients.
Doppler Broadening Calculations of Compton Scattering for Molecules, Plastics, Tissues, and Few Biological Materials in the X-Ray Region: An Analysis in Terms of Compton Broadening and Geometrical Energy Broadening
Authors: Rao D. V. , Cesareo R. , Brunetti A. , Gigante G. E. , Akatsuka T. , Takeda T. , Itai Y.
Published: September 2004

Relativistic and nonrelativistic Compton profile cross sections for H, C, N, O, P, and Ca and for a few important biological materials such as water, polyethylene, lucite, polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, bakelite, fat, bone and calcium hydroxyapatite are estimated for a number of Kα x-ray energies and for 59.54 keV (Am-241) γ photons. Energy broadening and geometrical broadening (ΔG) is estimated by assuming θmin and θmax are symmetrically situated around θ=90°. FWHM of J(PZ) and FWHM of Compton energy broadening are evaluated at various incident photon energies. These values are estimated around the centroid of the Compton profile with an energy interval of 0.1 and 1.0 keV for 59.54 keV photons. Total Compton, individual shell, and Compton energy–absorption scattering cross sections are evaluated in the energy region from 0.005 to 0.5 MeV. It is an attempt to know the effect of Doppler broadening for single atoms, many of which constitute the biological materials.
Compilation of Wavelengths, Energy Levels, and Transition Probabilities for Ba I and Ba II
Authors: Curry J. J.
Published: September 2004

Energy levels, wavelengths, and transition probabilities for the first and second spectra of barium, Ba I and Ba II, have been compiled. Wavelengths of observed transitions and energy levels derived from those wavelengths have been obtained from a critical evaluation of the available literature. Measured and calculated transition probabilities for some of the observed transitions have been obtained from the recent compilation of Klose et al. [J. Z. Klose et al., J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 31, 217 (2002)].
Energy Levels and Observed Spectral Lines of Xenon, Xe I through Xe LIV
Authors: Saloman E. B.
Published: September 2004

The energy levels and observed spectral lines of the xenon atom, in all stages of ionization for which experimental data are available, have been compiled. Sufficient data were found to generate level and line tables for Xe I–Xe XI, Xe XIX, Xe XXV–Xe XXIX, Xe XLIII–Xe XLV, and Xe LI–Xe LIV. For Xe LIII and Xe LIV theoretical values are compiled for the energy levels. In 15 of the other stages a few lines are reported. Experimental g factors are included for Xe I, Xe II, and Xe III. A value, either experimental, semiempirical, or theoretical, is included for the ionization energy of each ion.
Recommended Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium Data. Part 3. Binary Alkanol–Aromatic Hydrocarbon Systems
Authors: Góral Marian , Skrzecz Adam , Bok Andrzej , Ma̧czyński Andrzej , Oracz Paweł
Published: September 2004

The recommended vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for mixtures of alkanols with benzene and alkylbenzenes have been selected after critical evaluation of all data reported in the open literature up to the middle of 2002. The evaluation procedure consisted in combining the thermodynamic consistency tests, data correlation, comparison with enthalpy of mixing data, and comparison of VLE data for various mixtures. The data were correlated with equations based on local compositions concept as well as with equation of state appended with chemical term (EoSC) proposed by Góral. The recommended data for 29 systems are presented in the form of individual pages containing tables of data, figures and auxiliary information. Each page corresponds to one system and contains three isotherms (spaced by at least 15 K) and one isobar (preferably at 101.32 kPa). Experimental gaps were completed with the predicted data.
Responses to neighbours and non-neighbours in the buff-banded rail (Gallirallus philippensis): no dear-enemy relationships
Authors: Lachish Shelly , Goldizen Anne W.
Published: September 2004

Territorial individuals often respond less aggressively to intrusions by their neighbours than to intrusions by unfamiliar individuals. This commonly observed strategy, the dear-enemy phenomenon, is thought to minimise the costs associated with territory defence. This study determined whether an insular population of territory-holding buff-banded rails (Gallirallus philippensis) exhibits dear-enemy relationships and whether males and females differ in their responses to neighbours and non-neighbours. Playback techniques were used to examine and compare the vocalisations and movements of focal individuals in response to the territorial advertisement calls of their neighbours and of unfamiliar individuals (non-neighbours). Results showed that focal birds did not respond differently to the calls of neighbours and non-neighbours; thus, no evidence for the dear-enemy phenomenon was found in this species. We suggest that this result is due to the significant threats posed by neighbours to territory owners in this territorial system, in addition to a high level of territorial instability in the population. Males and females were shown to differ qualitatively in their general territorial response to intruders but not in their relative responses to neighbours and non-neighbours, suggesting that the relative threats posed by neighbours and non-neighbours do not differ between the sexes.
Age determination and growth in wild Petrogale lateralis pearsoni and captive Petrogale lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race'
Authors: Jones Michelle , Taggart David , Temple-Smith Peter
Published: September 2004

Accurate assessment of age is important for effective captive husbandry techniques and assists in understanding developmental processes, population dynamics, reproductive strategies and seasonal breeding. Using linear and non-linear regression, this study analysed the growth rate of the head and pes length of known-age, captive-born pouch young of the black-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race'. Growth curves for head and pes length from the captive-born pouch young were then used to predict the age of pouch young of P. lateralis pearsoni using data collected from the field. Observations on the development of the eyes, ears and body of P.�lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race' were also recorded. Results showed that a non-linear growth model best described the head-length growth of captive-born pouch young (r2 = 99.5%), whereas logistic regression was the most accurate predictor of pes-length growth (r2 = 99.6%). No significant differences were found when the two growth models were applied to head and pes data from wild pouch young, suggesting that the growth models derived from captive animals can be used to accurately predict the age of pouch young in the wild. During a preliminary cross-fostering trial, we examined growth of the head and pes length in pouch young of P. lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race' that had been cross-fostered onto the teats of surrogate tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) mothers; comparisons were made to the growth rate of pouch young of the same race that had remained with their natural mothers.
Variation in the timing of the breeding haulout of female southern elephant seals at Marion Island
Authors: S.P.Kirkman  , M.N.Bester  , G.J.G.Hofmeyr  , F.C.Jonker  , P.A.Pistorius  , R.Owen  , N.Strydom
Published: September 2004

Using data from an ongoing mark–resight program at Marion Island, we tested whether there is variation in the timing of the breeding haulout of female southern elephant seals, in relation to breeding experience. Females were classed as primiparous or multiparous according to their age and known life histories. The mean breeding season haulout date of primiparae was found to be significantly earlier than that of multiparae in nearly every year of the study. This was caused by differences in the timing of arrival, not by differences in the duration of tenure. In addition, in consecutive seasons, mean moulting and breeding haulout dates of individual females were shown to be significantly correlated. The results of our study fit well with our expectations, assuming that the nutritional condition at the time of the sensitive photoperiod phase affects the timing of implantation, because females in their first pregnancy generally moult sooner than post-parturient females and are likely to recover depleted reserves earlier.
Aquatic locomotion and behaviour in two disjunct populations of Western Australian tiger snakes, Notechis ater occidentalis
Authors: Aubret Fabien
Published: September 2004

Adaptive phenotypic plasticity can be viewed as an evolutionary strategy that enables organisms to match their phenotypes to local conditions. I studied two neighbouring populations of amphibious fresh-water tiger snakes, Notechis ater occidentalis, from Western Australia. One mainland population occurs around a lake, feeds primarily on frogs, and is under strong predation pressure, whereas the second population inhabits a small offshore island with no standing water and no known predators, and feeds primarily on chicks. The availability of water and its use as a habitat differ considerably between the two populations. I compared experimentally the locomotor capacities and behaviour of individuals from both populations in water, treating neonates and adults separately. Sex did not significantly influence any trait in both populations, in either adults or neonates. At birth, the two populations exhibited very little difference in swimming speed, stamina, apnoea capacities or behaviour. However, adult mainland snakes had greater apnoea capacities and faster burst swimming speed than island snakes. Mainland adult snakes also spontaneously swam underwater for longer, and a higher proportion filled their lungs while surface swimming compared with island specimens. This study suggests strong behavioural flexibility in tiger snakes depending on habitats.
Breeding ecology and social behaviour of an antiphonal duetter, the eastern whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus)
Authors: Rogers Amy C. , Mulder Raoul A.
Published: September 2004

This 3-year study provides the first detailed information on the ecology and breeding behaviour of a colour-banded population of the duetting eastern whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus). Molecular sexing of banded individuals unambiguously demonstrated that the eastern whipbird duet is male-led. Stable, socially monogamous pair bonds were formed, with a low rate of divorce. Pairs jointly defended a territory year-round, with those inhabiting open tussock grass areas defending significantly larger territories than pairs with a predominantly bracken and Macrozamia spiralis understorey. Territory turnover was low, adult survival was high, and habitat was apparently saturated, suggesting that competition for territories at this site was high. The ratio of unpaired females to unpaired males was 7 : 1, indicating that female competition might be particularly intense. Eastern whipbirds displayed characteristic breeding features of old endemic Australian passerines, with a small clutch size (two eggs), multiple broods in a long breeding-season (5–6 months), a delayed renesting period and an extended period of post-fledging care (~6 weeks). Only the female incubated and brooded young, but both males and females fed offspring. Males provisioned nestlings at a rate almost 1.5 times greater than females and played an equal role in post-fledging care, with each parent caring exclusively for one fledgling. We discuss the value of such ecological information for understanding the function of duets.
Evolutionary genetics of island and mainland species of Rhagada (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in the Pilbara Region, Western Australia
Authors: Johnson M. S. , Hamilton Z. R. , Murphy C. E. , MacLeay C. A. , Roberts B. , Kendrick P. G.
Published: September 2004

Mainland species of the camaenid genus Rhagada, endemic to northern Western Australia, have relatively large, non-overlapping geographic ranges. In contrast, over much smaller distances in the Dampier Archipelago, several locally endemic, morphologically distinctive species occur with intermingled ranges. To test alternative origins of the unusual local diversity, we compared allozymes at 21 loci in 12 archipelago populations and 14 mainland populations, representing 14 species. Genetic distances were consistently low, averaging 0.019 (range 0.000–0.051) within species, and only 0.043 (range 0.001–0.133) between species. In the Dampier Archipelago, the average genetic distance between species was even smaller (0.023). This result was indistinguishable from the within-species comparisons, highlighting the disconnection between morphological diversification and levels of molecular genetic divergence. A pattern of isolation by distance among all comparisons within the archipelago also suggests a historic cohesiveness of the species in the Dampier Archipelago. Although providing no resolution of relationships among mainland populations, a neighbour-joining tree provided further support for an in situ morphological radiation in the Dampier Archipelago, transcending variation seen over much larger distances on the mainland.
Morphology and the internal structure of words
Authors: Devlin Joseph T. , Jamison Helen L. , Matthews Paul M. , Gonnerman Laura M.
Published: September 2004

Morphology is the aspect of language concerned with the internal structure of words, and languages vary in the extent to which they rely on morphological structure. Consequently, it is not clear whether morphology is a basic element of a linguistic structure or whether it emerges from systematic regularities between the form and meaning of words. Here, we looked for evidence of morphological structure at a neural systems level by using a visual masked priming paradigm and functional MRI. Form and meaning relations were manipulated in a 2 × 2 design to identify reductions in blood oxygenation level-dependent signal related to shared form (e.g.,
corner
-
corn
), shared meaning (e.g.,
idea
-
notion
), and shared morphemes (e.g.,
boldly
-
bold
, which overlapped in both form and meaning). Relative to unrelated pairs (e.g.,
ozone
-
hero
), morphologically related items reduced blood oxygenation level-dependent signal in the posterior angular gyrus bilaterally, left occipitotemporal cortex, and left middle temporal gyrus. In the posterior angular gyrus, a neural priming effect was observed for all three priming conditions, possibly reflecting reduced attentional demands rather than overlapping linguistic representations
per se
. In contrast, the reductions seen in the left occipitotemporal cortex and left middle temporal gyrus corresponded, respectively, to main effects of orthographic and semantic overlap. As neural regions sensitive to morphological structure overlapped almost entirely with regions sensitive to orthographic and semantic relatedness, our results suggest that morphology emerges from the convergence of form and meaning.
Insights into the evolution of
Yersinia pestis
through whole-genome comparison with
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Chain P. S. G. , Carniel E. , Larimer F. W. , Lamerdin J. , Stoutland P. O. , Regala W. M. , Georgescu A. M. , Vergez L. M. , Land M. L. , Motin V. L. , Brubaker R. R. , Fowler J. , Hinnebusch J. , Marceau M. , Medigue C. , Simonet M. , Chenal-Francisque V. , Souza B. , Dacheux D. , Elliott J. M. , Derbise A. , Hauser L. J. , Garcia E.
Published: September 2004

Yersinia pestis
, the causative agent of plague, is a highly uniform clone that diverged recently from the enteric pathogen
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
. Despite their close genetic relationship, they differ radically in their pathogenicity and transmission. Here, we report the complete genomic sequence of
Y. pseudotuberculosis
IP32953 and its use for detailed genome comparisons with available
Y. pestis
sequences. Analyses of identified differences across a panel of
Yersinia
isolates from around the world reveal 32
Y. pestis
chromosomal genes that, together with the two
Y. pestis
-specific plasmids, to our knowledge, represent the only new genetic material in
Y. pestis
acquired since the the divergence from
Y. pseudotuberculosis
. In contrast, 149 other pseudogenes (doubling the previous estimate) and 317 genes absent from
Y. pestis
were detected, indicating that as many as 13% of
Y. pseudotuberculosis
genes no longer function in
Y. pestis
. Extensive insertion sequence-mediated genome rearrangements and reductive evolution through massive gene loss, resulting in elimination and modification of preexisting gene expression pathways, appear to be more important than acquisition of genes in the evolution of
Y. pestis
. These results provide a sobering example of how a highly virulent epidemic clone can suddenly emerge from a less virulent, closely related progenitor.
Amine-synthesizing enzyme N-substituted formamide deformylase: Screening, purification, characterization, and gene cloning
Authors: Fukatsu Hiroshi , Hashimoto Yoshiteru , Goda Masahiko , Higashibata Hiroki , Kobayashi Michihiko
Published: September 2004

N-substituted formamide was produced through the hydration of an isonitrile by isonitrile hydratase in the isonitrile metabolism. The former compound was further degraded by a microorganism, strain F164, which was isolated from soil through an acclimatization culture. The N-substituted formamide-degrading microorganism was identified as
Arthrobacter pascens
. The microbial degradation was found to proceed through an enzymatic reaction, the N-substituted formamide being hydrolyzed to yield the corresponding amine and formate. The enzyme, designated as N-substituted formamide deformylase (NfdA), was purified and characterized. The native enzyme had a molecular mass of ≈61 kDa and consisted of two identical subunits. It stoichiometrically catalyzed the hydrolysis of
N
-benzylformamide (an N-substituted formamide) to benzylamine and formate. Of all of the N-substituted formamides tested,
N
-benzylformamide was the most suitable substrate for the enzyme. However, no amides were accepted as substrates. The gene (
nfdA
) encoding this enzyme was also cloned. The deduced amino acid sequence of
nfdA
exhibited the highest overall sequence identity (28%) with those of regulatory proteins among known proteins. Only the N-terminal region (residues 58–72) of NfdA also showed significant sequence identity (27–73%) to that of each member of the amidohydrolase superfamily, although there was no similarity in the overall sequence except in the above limited region.
Irregularity, volatility, risk, and financial market time series
Authors: Pincus Steve , Kalman Rudolf E.
Published: September 2004

The need to assess subtle, potentially exploitable changes in serial structure is paramount in the analysis of financial data. Herein, we demonstrate the utility of approximate entropy (ApEn), a model-independent measure of sequential irregularity, toward this goal, by several distinct applications. We consider both empirical data and models, including composite indices (Standard and Poor's 500 and Hang Seng), individual stock prices, the random-walk hypothesis, and the Black–Scholes and fractional Brownian motion models. Notably, ApEn appears to be a potentially useful marker of system stability, with rapid increases possibly foreshadowing significant changes in a financial variable.
A complex between peptide:
N
-glycanase and two proteasome-linked proteins suggests a mechanism for the degradation of misfolded glycoproteins
Authors: Katiyar Samiksha , Li Guangtao , Lennarz William J.
Published: September 2004

Peptide:
N
-glycanase (PNGase) has been proposed to participate in the proteasome-dependent glycoprotein degradation pathway. The finding that yeast PNGase interacts with the 19S proteasome subunit through the protein Rad23 supports this hypothesis. In this report, we have used immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation, coimmunoprecipitation, and
in vitro
GST pull-down techniques for detecting intracellular localization and interactions of PNGase, HR23B, and S4 by using human (h) and mouse (m) homologs. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that hPNGase, hHR23B, and hS4 are present in close proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when calnexin was used as an ER marker in HeLa cells. Subcellular fractionation suggests not only cytoplasmic but also ER association of hPNGase in HeLa cells. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed the interaction of h/mPNGase with the 19S proteasome subunit, hS4, through hHR23B. Using an
in vitro
GST pull-down assay, we also have shown that recombinant mPNGase requires its N terminus and middle domain for interaction with mHR23B. Finally, using misfolded yeast carboxypeptidase Y and chicken ovalbumin as glycoprotein substrates, we have established that mHR23B acts as a receptor for deglycosylated proteins. Based on this finding, we propose that after deglycosylation of misfolded glycoproteins by PNGase, the aglyco forms of these proteins are recognized by HR23B and targeted for degradation.
Enhanced expression of transient receptor potential channels in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yu Ying , Fantozzi Ivana , Remillard Carmelle V. , Landsberg Judd W. , Kunichika Naomi , Platoshyn Oleksandr , Tigno Donna D. , Thistlethwaite Patricia A. , Rubin Lewis J. , Yuan Jason X.-J.
Published: September 2004

Pulmonary vascular medial hypertrophy caused by excessive pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation is a major cause for the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Increased Ca
2+
influx is an important stimulus for PASMC proliferation. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel genes encode Ca
2+
channels that are responsible for Ca
2+
entry during cell proliferation. Normal human PASMC expressed multiple canonical TRP (TRPC) isoforms; TRPC6 was highly expressed and TRPC3 was minimally expressed. The protein expression of TRPC6 in normal PASMC closely correlated with the expression of Ki67, suggesting that TRPC6 expression is involved in the transition of PASMC from quiescent phase to mitosis. In lung tissues and PASMC from IPAH patients, the mRNA and protein expression of TRPC3 and -6 were much higher than in those from normotensive or secondary pulmonary hypertension patients. Inhibition of TRPC6 expression with TRPC6 small interfering RNA markedly attenuated IPAH-PASMC proliferation. These results demonstrate that expression of TRPC channels correlates with the progression of the cell cycle in PASMC. TRPC channel overexpression may be partially responsible for the increased PASMC proliferation and pulmonary vascular medial hypertrophy in IPAH patients.
A balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses is controlled by PSD-95 and neuroligin
Authors: Prange Oliver , Wong Tak Pan , Gerrow Kimberly , Wang Yu Tian , El-Husseini Alaa
Published: September 2004

Factors that control differentiation of presynaptic and postsynaptic elements into excitatory or inhibitory synapses are poorly defined. Here we show that the postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins PSD-95 and neuroligin-1 (NLG) are critical for dictating the ratio of excitatory-to-inhibitory synaptic contacts. Exogenous NLG increased both excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic contacts and the frequency of miniature excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents. In contrast, PSD-95 overexpression enhanced excitatory synapse size and miniature frequency, but reduced the number of inhibitory synaptic contacts. Introduction of PSD-95 with NLG augmented synaptic clustering of NLG and abolished NLG effects on inhibitory synapses. Interfering with endogenous PSD-95 expression alone was sufficient to reduce the ratio of excitatory-to-inhibitory synapses. These findings elucidate a mechanism by which the amounts of specific elements critical for synapse formation control the ratio of excitatory-to-inhibitory synaptic input.
Dynamic antagonism between RNA-binding protein CUGBP2 and cyclooxygenase-2-mediated prostaglandin E
2
in radiation damage
Authors: Murmu Nabendu , Jung Jesse , Mukhopadhyay Debnath , Houchen Courtney W. , Riehl Terrence E. , Stenson William F. , Morrison Aubrey R. , Arumugam Thiruvengadam , Dieckgraefe Brian K. , Anant Shrikant
Published: September 2004

Damage to intestinal epithelium limits the use of ionizing radiation (IR) in cancer therapy. Prostaglandins (PGs), generated through the action of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 protect the intestinal stem cells from IR. In previous studies, we demonstrated that the RNA-binding protein CUGBP2 regulates the stability and translation of COX-2 mRNA by interacting with AU-rich sequences in 3′ UTR. Here, we demonstrate a dynamic antagonistic relationship between CUGBP2 and COX-2. Both CUGBP2 and COX-2 are rapidly induced after IR in intestinal crypt epithelial cells in mice, but CUGBP2 protein expression is observed immediately and COX-2 protein expression is delayed. In contrast, administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide induced COX-2 expression and PGE
2
, resulting in the inhibition of CUGBP2 expression and radioprotection of the intestine. These effects were reversed by NS398, a COX-2-specific inhibitor, suggesting that lipopolysaccharide-mediated inhibition of CUGBP2 is a PG-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, CUGBP2 expression is higher in
COX-1
–/–
and
COX-2
–/–
mice than wild-type controls at basal conditions, which is further increased after IR.
The effects of conflict role and intensity on preschoolers’ expectations about peer conflict
Authors: David Kevin M. , Murphy Bridget C. , Naylor Janett M. , Stonecipher Kim M.
Published: September 2004

Using a puppet procedure depicting hypothetical conflict involving the participant and a peer, 96 preschoolers’ (48 boys and 48 girls; M 1/4 5.14 years, SD 1/4 0.78 years) expectations about peer conflict were assessed as a function of their role in the conflict (i.e., initiator of or responder to initial provocation) and the intensity level of the conflict. Initiators of conflict expected less conflict escalation and subsequent problems with the same peer from the conflict than did responders, particularly following low-intensity conflict. Findings also indicated that, for low-intensity but not high-intensity conflict, girls expected the same peer to provoke them during a subsequent interaction more often than did boys. Results provide further support for assessing preschoolers’ understanding of conflict and are consistent with previous work demonstrating a self-serving bias in young children’s perceptions and reports of their conflicts with other children. Moreover, findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the development of peer relations.
Treatment of Cocaine‐Alcohol Dependence with Naltrexone and Relapse Prevention Therapy
Authors: Schmitz Joy M. , Stotts Angela L. , Sayre Shelly L. , DeLaune Katherine A. , Grabowski John
Published: September 2004

This study evaluates whether patients with cocaine‐alcohol dependence might benefit from naltrexone (NTX) pharmacotherapy when delivered in conjunction with psychotherapy. Eighty outpatients meeting DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol and cocaine dependence were randomly assigned to receive NTX (placebo or 50mg/d) combined with psychotherapy (Relapse Prevention [RP] or Drug Counseling [DC]) for twelve weeks. It was hypothesized that the skills training focus of RP therapy, in combination with NTX 50 mg/d, would produce greater reductions in cocaine and alcohol use. Outcome measures included self‐ and objective reports of substance use, treatment retention, medication compliance, and adverse effects. During the first four weeks of treatment, the percentage of cocaine‐positive urine screens was significantly lower for those receiving RP therapy (22%) than those receiving DC (47%); however, this difference subsequently diminished. No medication effects were found. All groups reported less alcohol use at the end of treatment. Treatment retention was the same among the groups, with about 33% of the subjects completing all twelve weeks of treatment. The active medication group showed better medication compliance, while the number of adverse events was low overall and not significantly different by group. In conclusion, NTX at 50 mg/d did not reduce cocaine or alcohol use. These findings stand in contrast to previously reported positive findings for NTX and RP in patients with a single diagnosis of cocaine dependence.
Suicide Risk in Depressed Methadone‐Maintained Patients: Associations with Clinical and Demographic Characteristics
Authors: Phillips Jordana , Carpenter Kenneth M. , Nunes Edward V.
Published: September 2004

Patients with both depression and drug dependence are at an elevated risk for suicide, yet suicide remains rare and difficult to predict. Clinical and demographic features associated with suicide risk among depressed opiate‐dependent patients were examined using baseline data from the Addiction Severity Index and Hamilton Depression Scale. Female gender, violent behavior in the past thirty days and lifetime, and less education correlated with a history of suicide attempts. Family conflict and depression severity correlated with current suicidal ideation. When evaluating opiate‐dependent patients with depressive disorders, these features should be considered in efforts to identify those at heightened risk for suicide and plan interventions.
Comparison of VA Intentional and Unintentional Deaths
Authors: Barglow Peter
Published: September 2004

This retrospective clinical study contrasts 22 unintentional (‘accidental’) deaths with 31 intentional (suicide) deaths of patients obtaining psychiatric care in a mid‐sized VA Health Care system during 1993–1998. Unintended deaths were more frequently associated with addicting agents, particularly opioids. The number of such incidents increased from 1993–1998, a phenomenon that appeared to be associated with the implementation of managed care. These findings challenge rapidly changing psychiatric care systems to generate more effective treatment methods for dangerous addiction pathology despite decreasing numbers of substance abuse personnel per patient.
Size and Complexity of Social Networks among Substance Abusers: Childhood and Current Correlates
Authors: Westermeyer Joseph , Thuras Paul , Waaijer Annet
Published: September 2004

The objective of this study was to identify parental, childhood, demographic, and social function factors associated with social network size and complexity among substance abusers using retrospective data regarding family and childhood history and current data regarding demographic characteristics and psychosocial function. The authors interviewed 505 voluntary patients with substance abuse at two university medical centers in Minnesota and Oklahoma with alcohol‐drug programs located within departments of psychiatry.

Data collection instruments included a childhood questionnaire, a demographic checklist, and two psychiatric rating scales of psychosocial function. The authors found that years of education, current residence with others, being actively occupied at work or school, and higher psychosocial function on two psychiatrist‐rated scales were associated with increased social network size and complexity. Loss of mother, out‐of‐homeplacement, and runaway before age 18 were associated with smaller social networks in adulthood. Age, gender, and current marital status were not associated with social network. Regression analysis indicated that network size (i.e., the number of individuals in the network) was associated with higher psychosocial function over the last year but not over the last two weeks, whereas network complexity (ie, the number of subgroups in the network) was related to psychosocial function over both the last year and the last two weeks.

These data indicate that in addicted persons, both childhood factors and current social factors affect network size and complexity. Network complexity may be amenable to short‐term change, where as network size may be more related to longer‐term coping.
Methylphenidate and Dextroamphetamine Abuse in Substance‐Abusing Adolescents
Authors: Williams Robert J. , Goodale Leslie A. , Shay‐Fiddler Michele A. , Gloster Susan P. , Chang Samuel Y.
Published: September 2004

The prevalence of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine misuse and abuse was examined in 450 adolescents referred for substance abuse treatment. Twenty three percent reported nonmedical use of these substances and six percent were diagnosed as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine abusers. Abuse was more common in individuals who were out of school and had an eating disorder. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine abuse appears to be much less common than abuse of most other substances. It does occur, however, and parents and schools need to exert greater control over the dispensing of these medications. Physicians are advised to prescribe non‐stimulant medications (eg, bupropion) when treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in substance‐abusing individuals.
Prevalence of Substance Abuse among Patients with Physical Diseases Seen in an Emergency Room in Japan
Authors: Hirabayashi Naotsugu , Wada Kiyoshi , Kimura Tomoki , Hirabayashi Eiichi , Mishima Siroh , Yukioka Tetsuo , Hanaoka Tomoyuki , Iimori Makio
Published: September 2004

According to a nationwide general population survey on drug use in Japan, the lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine is low when compared to the United States. To confirm the hypothesis of a lower point prevalence of methamphetamine in an emergency room (ER) in Japan than in the United States, we collected blood specimens from an urban area of heavy methamphetamine prevalence in Tokyo, Japan, and analyzed the sera using REMEDi‐HS based on an unlinked anonymity. Twenty kinds of drugs other than psycho‐tropics were detected in 55 of 279 subjects (19.7%). Nineteen kinds of psychotropics were detected in twenty (7.2%) subjects. Psychotropics were detected in eleven patients with physical diseases and no acute intoxication. Methamphetamines were detected in three subjects (1.09%,95% confidence interval 1.073 ∼ 1.088) and in one of 46 subjects with injury (2.2%). It is necessary to look at the methodological differences between this study and previous studies; however, this finding supports the lower point prevalence of methamphetamine in an ER in Japan than in an ER in the United States.