bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Runoff-induced vertical thermal dynamics in a canyon-shaped reservoir during the summer monsoon
Authors: Byun Do-Seong , Cho Yang-Ki , Huh In-Ae , Hart Deirdre E.
Published: November 2005

During the summer rainy season, double thermoclines were observed in a small canyon-shaped reservoir. The physical processes leading to thermocline evolution are examined from the vertical temperature profile observed along the reservoir before and after rain. Observations show that their evolution is related to the inflow of runoff, which is colder than the reservoir surface water and post-rain fair-weather conditions. Tongue-like distributions of turbidity, conductivity and nutrient concentrations downstream from the headwater clearly reveal the presence of runoff-induced intermediate inflows. In addition to supplying nutrients, the inflow provides the oxygen-deficient intermediate layer with a rich supply of dissolved oxygen. Concurrently, in the upper part of the reservoir runoff-induced inflows may drive the oxygen-deficient bottom water to shift downstream along the layer beneath the runoff-induced inflow. The water mass between the two thermoclines may operate as a source of nutrients for algal development in early autumn when the upper thermocline is destroyed by the convective overturn owing to the surface cooling.
Quantum yield of the marine benthic microflora of near-shore coastal Penang, Malaysia
Authors: McMinn A. , Sellah S. , Llah W. A. Wan Ab. , Mohammad M. , Merican F. Md. Sidik , Omar W. M. Wan , Samad F. , Cheah W. , Idris I. , Sim Y. K. , Wong W. S. , Tan S. H. , Yasin Z.
Published: November 2005

Benthic microalgal communities often contribute more than 30% of the primary production of shallow coastal and estuarine areas. At Muka Head Penang (Pulau Pinang) and the Songsong Islands (Pulau Songsong), Kedah, Malaysia, high concentrations of suspended solids and phytoplankton biomass (10.6 mg Chl a m−3) has reduced water clarity such that the euphotic zone of these areas is less than 2 m and 3 m deep respectively. The benthic microalgal communities, which were composed of the diatom genera Cocconeis, Fragilaria, Paralia and Pleurosigma, had a low biomass, had low maximum quantum yields (0.325 ± 0.129), were poorly adapted to their light environment and were constantly light limited. These characteristics suggest that the benthic microalgal communities were likely to have made only a minor contribution to the total primary production of the area.
Characterisation of the progesterone receptor on canine spermatozoa
Authors: Wu Jui-Te , Tsai Pei-Shiue , Lee Shuang-Lin , Cheng Feng-Pang
Published: November 2005

The present study was conducted to characterise and localise the progesterone receptor (PR) on canine spermatozoa. Using a progesterone–bovine serum albumin–fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (PBF) and different monoclonal antibodies (C262 and NCL-PGR against the steroid binding domain and N-terminus of intracellular PR, respectively, and h151 against the hinge domain of the intracellular oestrogen receptor), the PR was identified on the plasma membrane over the acrosomal region. Two proteins (54 kDa and 65 kDa) were detected by recognition of the three monoclonal antibodies using Western blotting. PBF labelling was observed in the majority of cauda epididymal spermatozoa (63 ± 4%), but this labelling was markedly reduced (33 ± 17%) after the addition of canine seminal plasma. Over a 7-h capacitation, the proportion of ejaculated spermatozoa exhibiting PBF labelling (indicating the presence of the PR) increased from 18 ± 10% (onset) to 59 ± 7% by 5 h, where it plateaued. Progesterone (P4) induced the acrosome reaction (AR) in a dose-dependent manner (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/mL P4 corresponding to 10 ± 5%, 16 ± 9%, 23 ± 7% and 30 ± 7%). Pre-treatment of capacitated spermatozoa with canine seminal plasma reduced the incidence of the P4-induced AR (12 ± 5%). In addition, treatment with the monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the incidence of the P4-induced AR (10 µg/mL) in capacitated ejaculated spermatozoa from 19 ± 6% to 11 ± 4% (h151, 1 : 10) and 12 ± 6% (C262, 1 : 10), respectively. A typical Scatchard plot revealed one binding with high affinity and low capacity, and another binding with low affinity and high capacity, suggesting at least two different characteristic PR. Taken together, these results demonstrate that P4 induced the AR in a dose-dependent manner via functional transmembranal receptors in the acrosomal region of the canine sperm plasma membrane. The characteristics of this membrane receptor seem similar to those of other mammalian spermatozoa, and it shows structural homology to the intracellular PR.
Ultra-high-yield growth of vertical single-walled carbon nanotubes: Hidden roles of hydrogen and oxygen
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Mann David , Zhang Li , Javey Ali , Li Yiming , Yenilmez Erhan , Wang Qian , McVittie James P. , Nishi Yoshio , Gibbons James , Dai Hongjie
Published: November 2005

An oxygen-assisted hydrocarbon chemical vapor deposition method is developed to afford large-scale, highly reproducible, ultra-high-yield growth of vertical single-walled carbon nanotubes (V-SWNTs). It is revealed that reactive hydrogen species, inevitable in hydrocarbon-based growth, are damaging to the formation of sp
2
-like SWNTs in a diameter-dependent manner. The addition of oxygen scavenges H species and provides a powerful control over the C/H ratio to favor SWNT growth. The revelation of the roles played by hydrogen and oxygen leads to a unified and universal optimum-growth condition for SWNTs. Further, a versatile method is developed to form V-SWNT films on any substrate, lifting a major substrate-type limitation for aligned SWNTs.
Modeling lateral geniculate nucleus cell response spectra and Munsell reflectance spectra with cone sensitivity curves
Authors: Romney A. Kimball , D'Andrade Roy G.
Published: November 2005

We find that the cell response spectra of lateral geniculate nucleus cells, as well as the reflectance spectra of Munsell color chips, may be modeled by using the cone sensitivity functions of the long and medium cones. We propose a simple model for how the neural signals from the photoreceptors might be combined in the retina to closely approximate the reflectance spectra of Munsell color chips without input from the short cone.
Measurement of energy expenditure
Authors: Levine James A
Published: November 2005

Measurement of energy expenditure in humans is required to assess metabolic needs, fuel utilisation, and the relative thermic effect of different food, drink, drug and emotional components. Indirect and direct calorimetric and non-calorimetric methods for measuring energy expenditure are reviewed, and their relative value for measurement in the laboratory and field settings is assessed. Where high accuracy is required and sufficient resources are available, an open-circuit indirect calorimeter can be used. Open-circuit indirect calorimeters can employ a mask, hood, canopy or room/chamber for collection of expired air. For short-term measurements, mask, hood or canopy systems suffice. Chamber-based systems are more accurate for the long-term measurement of specified activity patterns but behaviour constraints mean they do not reflect real life. Where resources are limited and/or optimum precision can be sacrificed, flexible total collection systems and non-calorimetric methods are potentially useful if the limitations of these methods are appreciated. The use of the stable isotope technique, doubly labelled water, enables total daily energy expenditure to be measured accurately in free-living subjects. The factorial method for combining activity logs and data on the energy costs of activities can also provide detailed information on free-living subjects.
A compilation of energy costs of physical activities
Authors: Vaz Mario , Karaolis Nadine , Draper Alizon , Shetty Prakash
Published: November 2005

Objectives

There were two objectives: first, to review the existing data on energy costs of specified activities in the light of the recommendations made by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU) Expert Consultation of 1985. Second, to compile existing data on the energy costs of physical activities for an updated annexure of the current Expert Consultation on Energy and Protein Requirements.

Design

Electronic and manual search of the literature (predominantly English) to obtain published data on the energy costs of physical activities. The majority of the data prior to 1955 were obtained using an earlier compilation of Passmore and Durnin. Energy costs were expressed as physical activity ratio (PAR); the energy cost of the activity divided by either the measured or predicted basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Results

The compilation provides PARs for an expanded range of activities that include general personal activities, transport, domestic chores, occupational activities, sports and other recreational activities for men and women, separately, where available. The present compilation is largely in agreement with the 1985 compilation, for activities that are common to both compilations.

Conclusions

The present compilation has been based on the need to provide data on adults for a wide spectrum of human activity. There are, however, lacunae in the available data for many activities, between genders, across age groups and in various physiological states.
Imaging techniques used in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of patients with myeloma
Authors: Mulligan M. E.
Published: November 2005

Radiologists play a central role in the diagnosis, initial staging, follow-up, and restaging of patients with myeloma. This review article attempts to familiarize the reader with all the various types of myeloma, their imaging appearances and useful imaging strategies. The staging system for myeloma patients has been updated and now includes findings from advanced imaging modalities. Radiologists have a vast array of imaging modalities at their disposal to aid them in diagnosis, staging, and follow-up. Currently, conventional radiographic skeletal surveys, magnetic resonance imaging, and F-18 FDG PET/CT examinations are the most useful instruments.
In situ central pulmonary artery thrombosis in primary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Agarwal P. P. , Wolfsohn A. L. , Matzinger F. R. , Seely J. M. , Peterson R. A. , Dennie C.
Published: November 2005

A rare case of extensive in situ central pulmonary artery thrombosis in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is presented. The differentiation from chronic thromboembolic pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTEPH) is of paramount importance because of different therapeutic strategies. In this case, the presence of mural thrombus in the central pulmonary arteries on computed tomography made the distinction difficult. However, the possibility of in situ thrombosis was suggested on the basis of absence of other findings of CTEPH (abrupt narrowing/truncation of segmental arteries, variation in size of segmental vessels, arterial webs, mosaic attenuation, pulmonary infarcts, and dilated bronchial arteries), and this was confirmed on final pathology.
Computed tomography for evaluation of rotation dislocation of supracondylar elbow fractures in children
Authors: Adlercreutz C. , Enekvist M. , Jonsson K. , Liu W.
Published: November 2005

We describe a simple method for evaluation rotation dislocation of supracondylar elbow fractures.
Low-dose and standard-dose unenhanced helical computed tomography for the assessment of acute renal colic: prospective comparative study
Authors: Kim Bong Soo , Hwang Im Kyung , Choi Yo Won , Namkung Sook , Kim Heung Cheol , Hwang Woo Cheol , Choi Kuk Myung , Park Ji Kang , Han Tae Il , Kang Weechang
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of low-dose and standard-dose computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of ureteral stones.

Material and Methods: Unenhanced helical CT was performed with both a standard dose (260 mAs, pitch 1.5) and a low dose (50 mAs, pitch 1.5) in 121 patients suspected of having acute renal colic. The two studies were prospectively and independently interpreted for the presence and location of ureteral stones, abnormalities unrelated to stone disease, identification of secondary signs, i.e. hydronephrosis and perinephric stranding, and tissue rim sign. The standard-dose CT images were interpreted by one reviewer and the low-dose CT images independently by two reviewers unaware of the standard-dose CT findings. The findings of the standard and low-dose CT scans were compared with the exact McNemar test. Interobserver agreements were assessed with kappa analysis. The effective radiation doses resulting from two different protocols were calculated by means of commercially available software to which the Monte-Carlo phantom model was given.

Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of standard-dose CT for detecting ureteral stones were 99%, 93%, and 98%, respectively, whereas for the two reviewers the sensitivity of low-dose CT was 93% and 95%, specificity 86%, and accuracy 92% and 94%. We found no significant differences between standard-dose and low-dose CT in the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ureter stones ( P>0.05 for both). However, the sensitivity of low-dose CT for detection of 19 stones less than or equal to 2 mm in diameter was 79% and 68%, respectively, for the two reviewers. Low-dose CT was comparable to standard-dose CT in visualizing hydronephrosis and the tissue rim sign. Perinephric stranding was far less clear on low-dose CT. Low-dose CT had the same diagnostic performance as standard-dose CT in diagnosing alternative diseases. Interobserver agreement between the two low-dose CT reviewers in the diagnosis of ureter stones and alternative diseases, the identification of secondary signs, and tissue rim sign were high, with kappa values ranging from 0.769 to 0.968. On standard-dose CT scans, the calculated mean effective radiation dose was 7.30 mSv for males and 10.00 mSv for females. On low-dose CT scans, the calculated mean effective radiation dose was 1.40 mSv for males and 1.97 mSv for females.

Conclusion: Compared with standard scans using 260 mAs, low-dose unenhanced helical CT using a reduced tube current of 50 mAs results in a concomitant decrease in the radiation dose of 81%. Although low-dose CT was limited in its ability to depict small-sized calculi less than or equal to 2 mm, it is still comparable to standard-dose CT for the diagnosis of ureter stones and alternative disease.
Reactive sclerosis: hyperintense appearance on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kanberoglu K. , Kantarci F. , Yilmaz M. H.
Published: November 2005

Osteosclerosis is defined as increased density of bone on X-ray imaging studies. It is known that osteosclerosis appears hypointense on both T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences. In this review, we present our experience in various sclerotic skeletal pathologies that appear hyperintense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We emphasize the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may cause this appearance, such as bone marrow edema and/or composition of newly formed bone.
From Alcoholism Treatment to the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England: An Overview of Alcohol Policy since 1950
Authors: Thom Betsy
Published: November 2005

With the publication of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England in 2004,1it is timely to reflect on the social and political contexts that have influenced alcohol policy. This paper provides an overview of trends in the development of alcohol policy in England since 1950 with a focus on treatment policy. In particular, it traces factors that have prompted change and resulted in the “treatment” response of the 1960s becoming a small part of a larger, complex approach to the “management” of alcohol‐related harm. The publication of theAlcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England1and the Interim Analytical Report,2which provided the evidence and framework for the strategy, has resulted in fierce debate on the political processes underlying the emergence of the strategy, the extent to which the strategy is “evidence‐based,” its strategic aims, and the mechanisms for implementation. This paper argues that responses to policy statements—like the policies themselves—have to be examined within the political, economic, and cultural contexts of their time.
Alcohol‐Related Suicides in Victims with a History of Hospital‐Treated Depression
Authors: Hakko Helinä , Koponen Petri , Viilo Kaisa , Särkioja Terttu , Meyer‐Rochow V. Benno , Räsänen Pirkko , Timonen Markku
Published: November 2005

Victims of suicides are frequently known to have suffered from depression and alcohol‐related disorders, but whether these disorders exert different impacts on the period of survival following last hospitalizations have remained unknown. We surveyed 1585 suicide victims from northern Finland and assigned them to one of three groups, based on lifetime history of depression, alcohol‐related disorders, and both together. We then compared survival times in the three groups. Survival times in depressed alcoholic and non‐alcoholic males were significantly shorter than those of males with alcohol‐related disorders alone. Depressed but non‐alcoholic suicide victims had more commonly used violent methods, had less often been under the influence of alcohol, and had had more psychotic disorders than the rest. It is apparently important in clinical practice to recognize the increased risk of suicide soon after hospital discharge not only in depressed patients, but also in those with a history of both depression and alcohol‐related disorders.
Electron and proton transport by NADPH oxidases
Authors: Demaurex Nicolas , Petheö Gábor L
Published: November 2005

The NADPH oxidase is the main weapon of phagocytic white blood cells that are the first line of defence of our body against invading pathogens, and patients lacking a functional oxidase suffer from severe and recurrent infections. The oxidase is a multisubunit enzyme complex that transports electrons from cytoplasmic NADPH to molecular oxygen in order to generate superoxide free radicals. Electron transport across the plasma membrane is electrogenic and is associated with the flux of protons through voltage-activated proton channels. Both proton and electron currents can be recorded with the patch-clamp technique, but whether the oxidase is a proton channel or a proton channel modulator remains controversial. Recently, we have used the inside–out configuration of the patch-clamp technique to record proton and electron currents in excised patches. This approach allows us to measure the oxidase activity under very controlled conditions, and has provided new information about the enzymatic activity of the oxidase and its coupling to proton channels. In this chapter I will discuss how the unique characteristics of the electron and proton currents associated with the redox activity of the NADPH oxidase have extended our knowledge about the thermodynamics and the physiological regulation of this remarkable enzyme.
The role of two CbbRs in the transcriptional regulation of three ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase genes in Hydrogenovibrio marinus strain MH-110
Authors: Toyoda Koichi , Yoshizawa Yoichi , Arai Hiroyuki , Ishii Masaharu , Igarashi Yasuo
Published: November 2005

Hydrogenovibrio marinusMH-110 possesses three different sets of genes for ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO): two form I (cbbLS-1andcbbLS-2) and one form II (cbbM). We have previously shown that the expression of these RubisCO genes is dependent on the ambient CO2concentration. LysR-type transcriptional regulators, designated CbbR1 and CbbRm, are encoded upstream of thecbbLS-1andcbbMgenes, respectively. In this study, we revealed by gel shift assay that CbbR1 and CbbRm bind with higher affinity to the promoter regions ofcbbLS-1andcbbM, respectively, and with lower affinity to the other RubisCO gene promoters. The expression patterns of the three RubisCOs in thecbbR1and thecbbRmgene mutants showed that CbbR1 and CbbRm were required to activate the expression ofcbbLS-1andcbbM, respectively, and that neither CbbR1 nor CbbRm was required for the expression ofcbbLS-2. The expression ofcbbLS-1was significantly enhanced under high-CO2conditions in thecbbRmmutant, in which the expression ofcbbMwas decreased. AlthoughcbbLS-2was not expressed under high-CO2conditions in the wild-type strain or the singlecbbRmutants, the expression ofcbbLS-2was observed in thecbbR1 cbbRmdouble mutant, in which the expression of bothcbbLS-1andcbbMwas decreased. These results indicate that there is an interactive regulation among the three RubisCO genes.
Protein O-mannosyltransferase A of Aspergillus awamori is involved in O-mannosylation of glucoamylase I
Authors: Oka Takuji , Sameshima Yuka , Koga Tomoko , Kim Hoon , Goto Masatoshi , Furukawa Kensuke
Published: November 2005

Industrially important extracellular enzymes from filamentous fungi are oftenO-mannosylated. The structure and function of thepmtA(AapmtA) gene encoding the proteinO-d-mannosyltransferase ofAspergillus awamoriwere characterized. TheAapmtAdisruptant, designated AaPMTA, was constructed by homologous recombination. The strain AaPMTA exhibited fragile cell morphology with respect to hyphal extension, as well as swollen hyphae formation and conidia formation in potato dextrose medium. Moreover, theAapmtAdisruptant showed increased sensitivity to high temperature and Congo red. Thus, the AaPmtA protein is involved in the formation of the normal cell wall. The strain AaPMTA could grow well in liquid synthetic medium and secrete glucoamylase I (GAI-AaPMTA) to a similar extent to the wild-type strain (GAI-WT). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of the GAIs revealed that approximately 33 mannose moieties of GAI were absent in strain AaPMTA. This result indicates that the AaPmtA protein is responsible for the transfer of mannose to GAI. Structural analysis of theO-linked oligosaccharides of GAI also demonstrated that theAapmtAdisruption resulted in a reduction of the amounts ofO-linked oligosaccharides, such asd-mannose andα-1,2-mannotriose, in GAI-AaPMTA. However, the amount ofα-1,2-mannobiose was comparable between GAI-WT and GAI-AaPMTA. The result suggests the presence of a compensatory mechanism in the synthetic pathway ofO-mannosylation inA. awamori.
Peptidoglycan degradation by specialized lytic transglycosylases associated with type III and type IV secretion systems
Authors: Zahrl Doris , Wagner Maria , Bischof Karin , Bayer Michaela , Zavecz Barbara , Beranek Andreas , Ruckenstuhl Christoph , Zarfel Gernot E. , Koraimann Günther
Published: November 2005

Specialized lytic transglycosylases are muramidases capable of locally degrading the peptidoglycan meshwork of Gram-negative bacteria. Specialized lytic transglycosylase genes are present in clusters encoding diverse macromolecular transport systems. This paper reports the analysis of selected members of the specialized lytic transglycosylase family from type III and type IV secretion systems. These proteins were analysedin vivoby assaying their ability to complement the DNA transfer defect of the conjugative F-like plasmid R1-16 lacking a functional P19 protein, the specialized lytic transglycosylase of this type IV secretion system. Heterologous complementation was accomplished using IpgF from the plasmid-encoded type III secretion system ofShigella sonneiand TrbN from the type IV secretion system of the conjugative plasmid RP4. In contrast, neither VirB1 proteins (Agrobacterium tumefaciens,Brucella suis) nor IagB (Salmonella enterica) could functionally replace P19.In vitro, IpgF, IagB, both VirB1 proteins, HP0523 (Helicobacter pylori) and P19 displayed peptidoglycanase activity in zymogram analyses. Using an established test system and a newly developed assay it was shown that IpgF degraded peptidoglycan in solution. IpgF was active only after removal of the chaperonin GroEL, which co-purified with IpgF and inhibited its enzymic activity. A mutant IpgF protein in which the predicted catalytic amino acid, Glu42, was replaced by Gln, was completely inactive. IpgF-catalysed peptidoglycan degradation was optimal at pH 6 and was inhibited by the lytic transglycosylase inhibitors hexa-N-acetylchitohexaose and bulgecin A.
Acetate excretion during growth of Salmonella enterica on ethanolamine requires phosphotransacetylase (EutD) activity, and acetate recapture requires acetyl-CoA synthetase (Acs) and phosphotransacetylase (Pta) activities
Authors: Starai Vincent J. , Garrity Jane , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C.
Published: November 2005

This report shows thatSalmonella entericacatabolizes ethanolamine to acetyl-CoA (Ac-CoA), which enters the glyoxylate bypass and tricarboxylic acid cycle for the generation of energy and central metabolites. During growth on ethanolamine,S. entericaexcreted acetate, whose recapture depended on Ac-CoA synthetase (Acs) and the housekeeping phosphotransacetylase (Pta) enzyme activities. The Pta enzyme did not play a role in acetate excretion during growth ofS. entericaon ethanolamine. It is proposed that during growth on ethanolamine, acetate excretion is necessary to maintain a pool of free CoA. Acetate excretion requires theeutoperon-encoded phosphotransacetylase (EutD) and acetate kinase (Ack) enzymes. EutD function was not required for growth on ethanolamine, and aneutDstrain showed only a slight reduction in growth rate. The existence of an as-yet-unidentified system that releases acetate was revealed during growth of a strain lacking Acs, the housekeeping phosphotransacetylase (Pta), and EutD. The functions of pyruvate oxidase (PoxB), Ack and STM3118 protein [a homologue of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeAc-CoA hydrolase (Ach1p) enzyme] were not involved in the release of acetate by theacs pta eutDstrain.
Genetic interaction of the SMC complex with topoisomerase IV in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Tadesse Serkalem , Mascarenhas Judita , Kösters Bernd , Hasilik Andrej , Graumann Peter L.
Published: November 2005

The role of topoisomerase IV (Topo IV) and of the structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complex in chromosome compaction and in global protein synthesis was investigated. Lowering of the levels of Topo IV led to chromosome decondensation, while overproduction induced chromosome hyper-compaction, showing that Topo IV has an influence on the compaction of the whole chromosome, in a manner similar to that of the SMC protein, though different in mechanism. Increased synthesis of Topo IV in smc-deleted cells partially rescued the growth and condensation defect of the deletion, but not the segregation defect, revealing that the two systems interact at a genetic level. Two-dimensional gel investigations showed that global protein synthesis is highly aberrant in smc-deleted cells, and, to a different extent, also in cells lacking ScpA or ScpB, which form the SMC complex together with SMC protein. Overproduction of Topo IV partially rescued the defect in protein synthesis in smc mutant cells, indicating that Topo IV can restore the loss of negative supercoiling caused by the absence of SMC protein, but does not fully rescue the segregation defect. The data also show that the SMC protein has a dual function, in chromosome supercoiling and in active segregation.
Factors triggering type III secretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kim Jaewha , Ahn Kyungseop , Min Sungran , Jia Jinghua , Ha Unhwan , Wu Donghai , Jin Shouguang
Published: November 2005

The type III secretion system ofPseudomonas aeruginosais tightly regulated by various environmental signals, such as low calcium and contact with the host cell. However, the exact signals triggering type III secretion are unknown. The present study describes the finding that secretion ofP. aeruginosatype III effector molecules requires protein factors from serum and L broth, designated type III secretion factors (TSFs), in addition to the low-calcium environment. In the absence of TSF or calcium chelator EGTA, basal levels of type III effector molecules are accumulated intracellularly. Addition of TSF and EGTA together effectively triggers the secretion of pre-existing effector molecules in a short time, even before the active expression of type III genes; thus, active type III gene expression does not seem to be a prerequisite for type III secretion. A search for TSF molecules in serum and L broth resulted in the identification of albumin and casein as the functional TSF molecules. Although there is no clear sequence similarity between albumin and casein, both proteins are known to have a low-affinity, high-capacity calcium-binding property. Tests of well-studied calcium-binding proteins seemed to indicate that low-affinity calcium-binding proteins have TSF activity, although the requirement of low-affinity calcium-binding ability for the TSF activity is not clear.P. aeruginosaseems to have evolved a sensing mechanism to detect target cells for type III injection through host-derived proteins in combination with a low-calcium signal. Disruption of the bacterial ability to sense low calcium or TSF might be a valid avenue to the effective control of this bacterial pathogen.
The hydrogen-bonding network in deacetylcephalothin
Authors: Zachara Janusz , Madura Izabela D. , Zimniak Andrzej , Oszczapowicz Irena , Chrobak Iwona
Published: November 2005

The structural analysis of deacetylcephalothin [systematic name: (6R,7R)-3-hydroxymethyl-8-oxo-7-(2-thiophen-2-ylacetylamino)-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid], C14H14N2O5S2, shows that the geometry of the central bicyclic moiety is close to the geometry exhibited by other biologically active cephalosporin antibiotics. The molecules are arranged in a helical chain running parallel to the 21 axis via a strong O—H...O hydrogen bond. The main helices are zipped together via N—H...O interactions, forming infinite layers. The supramolecular architecture is stabilized by O—H...S and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
4-[2-(4-Cyanophenyl)ethenyl]-N-methylpyridinium tetraphenylborate
Authors: Jin Dan , Zhang De-Chun
Published: November 2005

In the title compound, C15H13N2
+·C24H20B−, the pyridyl ring of the cation makes a dihedral angle of 1.6° with the benzene ring. Each is rotated in the same direction with respect to the central –C—CH=CH—C– linkage, by 3.8 and 5.3°, respectively. The anions have a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. Molecular packing analysis was carried out using the packing energy portioning scheme in the program OPEC. Around each anion in the crystal structure there are eight anions, which interact with the central anion through C—H...π interactions. The cations are hydrogen bonded in a head-to-tail fashion, forming chains along [10\overline{1}].
N,N′,N′′-Tris(p-methoxyphenyl)phosphoric triamide
Authors: Li Chenguang , Dyer Daniel J. , Rath Nigam P. , Robinson Paul D.
Published: November 2005

The title compound, C21H24N3O4P, is a self-complementary hydrogen-bond (HB) building unit, with (P=)O as the primary HB acceptor and N—H as the HB donor. Each of the four crystallographically distinct and nearly parallel molecules of the unit cell has a net dipole moment along the P=O bond direction and all of the dipoles are directed in the same general crystallographic direction. Head-to-tail N—H...O=P double-HB strands stack adjacent molecules into one-dimensional infinite polar columns. Each polar column is a 21 helix and all columns are essentially parallel, resulting in polar order throughout the entire crystal.
Supramolecular structures of three isomeric 4-(methylphenylamino)pyridine-3-sulfonamides
Authors: Košutić Hulita Nada , Danilovski Aleksandar , Filić Darko , Marinković Marina , Meštrović Ernest , Dumić Miljenko
Published: November 2005

The structures of the three title isomers, namely 4-(2-methylanilino)pyridine-3-sulfonamide, (I), 4-(3-methylanilino)pyridine-3-sulfonamide, (II), and 4-(4-methylanilino)pyridine-3-sulfonamide, (III), all C12H13N3O2S, differ in their hydrogen-bonding arrangements. In all three molecules, the conformation of the 4-aminopyridine-3-sulfonamide moiety is conserved by an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond and a C—H...O interaction. In the supramolecular structures of all three isomers, similar C(6) chains are formed via intermolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds. N—H...O hydrogen bonds lead to C(4) chains in (I), and to R
2
2(8) centrosymmetric dimers in (II) and (III). In each isomer, the overall effect of all hydrogen bonds is to form layer structures.
Effects of simulated winter browsing on mountain birch foliar chemistry and on the performance of insect herbivores
Authors: Riipi M. , Lempa K. , Haukioja E. , Ossipov V. , Pihlaja K.
Published: November 2005

Winter browsing by mammalian herbivores is known to induce a variety of morphological and physiological changes in plants. Browsing has been suggested to decrease the carbohydrate reserves in woody plants, which might lead to reduced tannin production in leaves during the following summer, and consequently, to increased herbivore damage on leaves. We conducted a clipping experiment with mature mountain birch trees and measured the effects of clipping on birch growth, leaf chemistry and toughness, as well as on the performance of insect herbivores. Leaves grew larger and heavier per unit area in the clipped ramets and had a higher content of proteins than leaves in the control trees. Clipping treatment did not affect the total content of sugars in the leaves (mg g−1), suggesting that a moderate level of clipping did not significantly reduce the carbohydrate pools of fully‐grown mountain birch trees. Furthermore, the contents of proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) and gallotannins were slightly higher in the leaves of clipped ramets, contrary to the hypothesis of reduced tannin production. The effects of clipping treatment on leaf and shoot growth and on foliar chemistry were mainly restricted to the clipped ramets, without spreading to untreated ramets within the same tree individual. The effects of clipping on leaf characters varied during the growing season; for instance, leaf toughness in clipped ramets was higher than toughness in control trees and ramets only when leaves were mature. Accordingly, clipping had inconsistent effects on insect herbivores feeding at different times of the growing season. The generally small impact of clipping on herbivore performance suggests that the low intensity of natural browsing at the study area, simulated by our clipping treatment, does not have strong consequences for the population dynamics of insect herbivores on mountain birch via enhanced population growth caused by browsing‐induced changes in food quality.
Cellular inflammatory response to persistent localizedStaphylococcus aureusinfection: phenotypical and functional characterization of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)
Authors: Wagner C , Iking-Konert C , Hug F , Stegmaier S , Heppert V , Wentzensen A , Hänsch G M
Published: November 2005

Persistent, localized Staphylococcus aureus infections, refractory to antibiotic treatment, can result in massive tissue destruction and surgical intervention is often the only therapeutic option. In that context, we investigated patients with S. aureus-induced infection at various sites, apparent as either olecranon bursitis, empyema of the knee joint or soft tissue abscess formation. As expected, a prominent leucocyte infiltrate was found, consisting predominantly of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) (up to 75%) and to a lesser extent of T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. In line with their bactericidal capacity, PMN expressed the high-affinity receptor for IgG, CD64 and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor CD14; moreover, the oxygen radical production in response to the bacterial peptide f-MLP was enhanced, while chemotactic activity was greatly reduced. The more intriguing finding, however, was that a portion of PMN had acquired major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens and CD83, indicative of a transdifferentiation of PMN to cells with dendritic-like characteristics. Of note is that a similar transdifferentiation can be induced in PMN in vitro, e.g. by gamma interferon or by tumour necrosis factor alpha. Co-cultivation of transdifferentiated PMN with autologous T lymphocytes resulted in prominent T cell proliferation, provided that S. aureus enterotoxin A was added. Taken together, persistent S. aureus infection induces PMN to acquire characteristics of dendritic cells, which in turn might promote the local immune response.
Inter‐ and intraspecific differences in the life history and growth of Caridina spp. (Decapoda: Atyidae) in Hong Kong streams
Authors: YAM RITA S. W. , DUDGEON DAVID
Published: November 2005

1. The life‐history pattern of three populations of Caridina cantonensis (Atyidae) and one population of Caridina serrata were studied in four Hong Kong streams: Pak Ngau Shek (PNS), Kap Man Hang (KMH), Pak Tam Chung (PTC), and Lung Fu Shan (LFS). Caridina cantonensis occurred at PNS, KMH and PTC while C. serrata was present at LFS only. Monthly quantitative sampling was carried out at each study site over 2 years to investigate life‐history patterns and cohort‐specific growth rates.

2. Breeding by both species was mainly restricted to the wet season, and there was an increase in the incidence of ovigerous females as water temperatures rose at the start of the summer monsoon. The number of cohorts and the frequency of recruitment of C. cantonensis (one to three times each year) were highly site‐specific, but consistent between years.

3. Shrimp growth was size‐dependent, and decreased with increasing body size. Caridina cantonensis at PTC had the highest cohort‐specific growth rates (0.05–0.14 mg ash‐free dry weight (AFDW) mg−1 day−1), followed by C. serrata at LFS (6% lower), and C. cantonensis at KMH and PNS (16–39% lower). Shrimp life spans exceeded 1 year (17–22 months), depending on site and species.

4. Sexual maturity occurred at an earlier age and at a smaller size in populations with higher growth rates. Shrimps at PTC and LFS matured at approximately 4 months old; this was 3 months earlier than at KMH and 5 months earlier than at PNS. Females of C. cantonensis at PTC and C. serrata at LFS may have bred twice during each breeding season, while females in the other two populations bred once only. The number of cohorts produced by each population in each year did not vary between the years of the study. Most sexually mature individuals only survived long enough (for 10–12 months after maturation) to breed during one season.

5. The mean brood size of C. cantonensis varied among streams and was 25–28% larger at PNS and KMH than at PTC. Egg size did not differ among populations. Larger brood sizes at PNS and KMH may have been a consequence of increased availability of algal food in these unshaded stream sites. Caridina serrata had similar egg and brood sizes to C. cantonensis, but females were smaller and reproductive investment was higher. Thus, the degree of intraspecific variation in atyid breeding in Hong Kong was at least equal to, if not greater than, the extent of interspecific variation. Interspecific differences in life history may reflect the frequency of droughts and spate intensity experienced by C. serrata at LFS.
Estimation of gas‐hydrate concentration and free‐gas saturation at the Norwegian‐Svalbard continental margin
Authors: Carcione José M. , Gei Davide , Rossi Giuliana , Madrussani Gianni
Published: November 2005

We estimate the concentration of gas hydrate and free gas at an area located to the north of the Knipovich Ridge (western Svalbard margin). The method is based on P‐wave velocities computed by reflection tomography applied to multicomponent ocean‐bottom seismometer data. The tomographic velocity field is fitted to theoretical velocities obtained from a poro‐elastic model based on a Biot‐type approach (the interaction between the rock frame, gas hydrate and fluid is modelled from first physical principles). We obtain average hydrate concentrations of 7% and maximum free‐gas saturations of 0.4% and 9%, depending on the saturation model.
Minimum weighted norm wavefield reconstruction for AVA imaging
Authors: Sacchi Mauricio D. , Liu Bin
Published: November 2005

Seismic wavefield reconstruction is posed as an inversion problem where, from inadequate and incomplete data, we attempt to recover the data we would have acquired with a denser distribution of sources and receivers. A minimum weighted norm interpolation method is proposed to interpolate prestack volumes before wave‐equation amplitude versus angle imaging.

Synthetic and real data were used to investigate the effectiveness of our wavefield reconstruction scheme when preconditioning seismic data for wave‐equation amplitude versus angle imaging.
A constrained 2D gravity model of the Sebastián Vizcaíno Basin, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: García‐Abdeslem J. , Romo J.M. , Gómez‐Treviño E. , Ramírez‐Hernández J. , Esparza‐Hernández F.J. , Flores‐Luna C.F.
Published: November 2005

The subsurface geometry of the Sebastián Vizcaíno Basin is obtained from the 2D inversion of gravity data, constrained by a density‐versus‐depth relationship derived from an oil exploration deep hole. The basin accumulated a thick pile of marine sediments that evolved in the fore‐arc region of the compressive margin prevalent along western North America during Mesozoic and Tertiary times. Our interpretation indicates that the sedimentary infill in the Sebastián Vizcaíno Basin reaches a maximum thickness of about 4 km at the centre of a relatively symmetric basin. At the location of the Suaro‐1 hole, the depth to the basement derived from this work agrees with the drilled interface between calcareous and volcaniclastic members of the Alisitos Formation. A sensitivity analysis strongly suggests that the assumed density function leads to a nearly unique solution of the inverse problem.
Therapeutic working relationships with people with schizophrenia: literature review
Authors: Hewitt Jeanette , Coffey Michael
Published: November 2005

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to review the evidence for the necessity and sufficiency of therapeutic relationships when working with people with enduring mental health problems, such as schizophrenia.

Background.  The value of therapeutic relationships in mental health nursing has been the subject of some debate within the profession. This debate has centred on the spectrum of beliefs about therapeutic relationships, ranging from the position that the relationship is both necessary and sufficient to enable change, to more technical approaches, to therapeutic intervention which de‐emphasises the influence of the relationship.

Methods.  Searches for published material in English between 1986 and 2003 were carried out using the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature; MEDLINE; Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts; Sociological abstracts; and social service abstracts. The search terms were: therapeutic alliance; therapeutic relationship; working alliance; and nurse–patient relationships. Papers chosen for inclusion in the review were those with a research focus on the elements and potential benefits/costs of therapeutic relationships in nursing.

Results.  People who experience a relationship as being therapeutic appear to have better outcomes. A consistent finding of a number of meta‐analyses is that therapeutic relationships characterized by facilitative and positive interpersonal relationships with the helper have in‐built benefits, and that this is an important element of advanced techniques. In order for cognitive behavioural therapy to be successful, people need to feel understood and involved in the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusion.  Therapeutic relationships are necessary but not sufficient to enable change when working with people with schizophrenia.
Improved visualization and quantitative analysis of fluorescent membrane sterol in polarized hepatic cells
Authors: WÜSTNER D.
Published: November 2005

Dehydroergosterol is a natural yeast sterol which has recently been employed for direct observation of intracellular sterol transport by UV microscopy. Here, methods are described for improved visualization and quantification of dehydroergosterol in the membranes of polarized HepG2 cells. Using a new online assay, it is shown that dehydroergosterol derived from a cyclodextrin complex inserted into the plasma membrane with a half time of t1/2 ∼ 34 s. Based on a detailed bleaching analysis of dehydroergosterol, slightly different bleaching rates for dehydroergosterol in the basolateral and canalicular membrane were found, indicating different fluorophore environments. Bleaching correction in concert with 3D imaging allows for detection of dehydroergosterol enrichment in microvilli of the canalicular membrane forming the biliary canaliculus. Evidence is provided that some dehydroergosterol accumulating in a subapical compartment or apical recycling compartment can rapidly (t1/2 ∼ 2 min) exchange in vesicles towards the biliary canaliculus while the majority of dehydroergosterol does not redistribute from this compartment. The rapidly exchanging pool resembles only a small portion of the total subapical compartment or apical recycling compartment‐associated dehydroergosterol (about 15–30%). Kinetic modelling supports the theory that the subapical compartment or apical recycling compartment to biliary canaliculus transport pathway for sterol is unidirectional. This pathway might be important for rapid biliary transport of free sterol produced by hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters derived from high density lipoprotein.
Population stress and the Swedish sex ratio
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Bruckner Tim , Hartig Terry , Ong Michael
Published: November 2005

Well‐developed theory implies that the human secondary sex ratio moves inversely over time with the level of anxiety and depression in the population. Few tests of this hypothesis, however, appear in the voluminous literature concerned with the sex ratio. These tests, moreover, employ designs that allow only weak inference. We contribute to the literature by applying time‐series methods to Swedish data for the 276 months beginning January 1974 to detect a relationship between the sex ratio and defined daily doses of antidepressants and anxiolytics dispensed to women. Consistent with theory, we find the drug variable inversely related to the sex ratio. We argue that the discovered association cannot be attributed to shared trends, cycles, or other forms of autocorrelation in the data, or to the problem of endogeneity that necessarily plagues studies based on samples of individual women and births. Implications include that surveillance systems might monitor dispensing of anxiolytics and antidepressants as a marker for population stress thought to be a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery.
Systematics and evolution of Iolania (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from Hawai'i
Authors: Hoch Hannelore
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Within the planthopper taxon Cixiidae, which is distributed worldwide, only two lineages have colonized the Hawaiian Islands: Iolania Kirkaldy, 1902, and Oliarus Stål, 1862, and subsequently given rise to endemic species. Neither radiation has been studied in depth hitherto. Here the degree of speciation within Iolania is assessed and a taxonomic revision including a key to the species based on the male genitalic characters is provided. Six endemic species are recognized: I. perkinsi Kirkaldy, I. koolauensis Giffard, I. oahuensis Giffard, I. lanaiensis Giffard, I. mauiensis Giffard and I. kraussohana sp.n. A lectotype is designated for the type‐species I. perkinsi Kirkaldy, and I. perkinsi notata Kirkaldy is interpreted as an invalid name. Morphological arguments for the monophyly of Iolania and phylogenetic relationships among the species are discussed. A plausible scenario for the sequence of speciation events and history of colonization within the Hawaiian Islands is attempted. Combined information from taxon‐ and area‐cladograms suggests progressive inter‐island dispersal from older to younger islands in the Hawaiian chain as the major pattern of colonization and speciation.