bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of climatic fluctuations on the distribution of warm-water coral Astroides calycularis in the Adriatic Sea: new records and review
Authors: Grubelić Ivana , Antolić Boris , Despalatović Marija , Grbec Branka , Paklar Gordana Beg
Published: May 2004

Three colonies of warm-water coral Astroides calycularis were found at the eastern part of the middle Adriatic Sea during the 1990–2001 period. For each specimen, depth distribution and habitat were recorded. Previous and recent knowledge of this species in the Adriatic Sea and in the Mediterranean Sea was discussed in relation to climatic changes. Occurrence of A. calycularis in the Adriatic Sea was related to the increased temperatures of the surface marine layer. Variable temperature conditions were connected to the climatic changes on the hemispheric scale through the North Atlantic Oscillation index. The prevailing sea current system together with the coastal configuration and bottom type favours the presence of the studied warm-water coral on the eastern Adriatic coast.
Impact of sea-cage fish farms on intertidal macrobenthic assemblages
Authors: Boyra A. , Nascimento F.J.A. , Tuya F. , Sanchez-Jerez P. , Haroun R.J.
Published: May 2004

The influence of two sea-cage fish farms at Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, central east Atlantic Ocean) on the intertidal macrobenthic assemblages was studied. Two controls and two impact locations were established at each farm. The composition and coverage of the macrobenthic assemblages were surveyed every three months using image processing analyses. Significant dissimilarities were found between control and impact locations at both sea-cage fish farms. The presence of: (1) algal species tolerant to pollution (Caulerpa racemosa and Corallina elongata); and (2) filter-feeding fauna (Anemonia sulcata) at impact locations, indicate that the fish farming activity is causing an effect on the surrounding intertidal macrobenthic assemblages of both sea-cage fish farms.
An assemblage of the host anemone Heteractis magnifica in the northern Red Sea, and distribution of the resident anemonefish
Authors: Brolund Thea Marie , Tychsen Anders , Nielsen Lis Engdahl , Arvedlund Michael
Published: May 2004

The Heteractis magnifica assemblage at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula was examined. The actinian size, location, and number of resident anemonefishes were recorded. The anemones were found at depths down to approximately 40 m and the sizes of clustering H. magnifica and clusters were positively correlated with depth. The shallow waters of the anemone assemblage contained few mainly small, solitary actinians. There seemed to be a tendency for solitary actinians to cluster once they reached a certain size-range. The resident anemonefishes Amphiprion bicinctus and Dascyllus trimaculatus were present in very large numbers (approximately 250 and 1800 respectively) and the A. bicinctus home range size was positively correlated with depth.
Summer social distribution of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Drouot Violaine , Gannier Alexandre , Goold John C.
Published: May 2004

Sperm whale social distribution was investigated in the Mediterranean Sea, using data collected during summer surveys from 1997 to 2002. Variations in the size of sperm whale schools/underwater aggregations were assessed using both visual and acoustic data. Individual body lengths were estimated acoustically, using the click inter-pulse intervals. Regional comparisons were undertaken, taking the 41° parallel as a north/south boundary. In the southern region, schools of up to seven sperm whales were sighted and calves were relatively frequent. The animals ranged between 8·6 m and 13·1 m long. In the northern region, school sizes were significantly smaller, with a maximum of three whales sighted at the surface. However, the acoustic survey showed that sperm whales form loose aggregations of up to five animals in certain areas. Whales detected in the north were 12·6 m long on average, and the body size range was relatively small. This summer survey demonstrated a segregation of males, in the north, from larger schools including calves, which seemed to be confined to the southern region.
Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency and dopamine loss in a genetic mouse model of Lesch‐Nyhan disease
Authors: Hyland K. , Kasim S. , Egami K. , Arnold L. A. , Jinnah H. A.
Published: May 2004

Summary: Hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) is an enzyme that catalyses the conversion of hypoxanthine and guanine into their respective nucleotides. Inherited deficiency of the enzyme is associated with a loss of striatal dopamine in both mouse and man. Although HPRT is not directly involved in the metabolism of dopamine, it contributes to the supply of GTP, which is used in the first and rate‐limiting step in the synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). Since BH4 is required as a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase in the synthesis of dopamine, any limitation in the supply of GTP could interfere with the synthesis of dopamine. The current studies were designed to address the hypothesis that the reduced striatal dopamine in mice with HPRT deficiency results from reduced availability of BH4. The mutant mice had small reductions in striatal BH4, with normal BH4 levels in other brain regions. Liver BH4 was normal in HPRT‐deficient mutant mice, and a phenylalanine challenge test failed to reveal any evidence for impaired hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase, another BH4‐dependent enzyme. Although striatal BH4 content is not normal, supplementation with BH4 or L‐dopa failed to correct the striatal dopamine deficiency of the mutant mice, suggesting that BH4 limitation is not responsible for the dopamine loss.
Maternal histidinaemia: Pregnancies and offspring outcomes
Authors: Levy H. L. , Yu J. J. , Waisbren S. E.
Published: May 2004

Summary: Untreated pregnancies and their outcomes were studied in 10 women with histidinaemia and their 26 pregnancies. The mean maternal assigned histidine level was 727±186 µmol/L (range 484–1053). Six women had classic histidinaemia (assigned level>700 µmol/L) and the remaining four had mild (atypical) histidinaemia. The pregnancies were uneventful, with only one spontaneous loss and 25 live births. Birth measurements were normal and no congenital anomalies were observed. Growth and development were normal in all offspring. IQ among the 23 offspring tested was 103±12 (range 79–122). Four offspring required special education for brief periods and one for several years, but this frequency, as well as that of 12% for attention deficit hyperactive disorder, was not significantly different from expected in the general population. It would appear that maternal histidinaemia, unlike maternal phenylketonuria, can be added to the list of maternal inborn errors of metabolism that are nonteratogenic.
A new, low‐volume protein substitute for teenagers and adults with phenylketonuria
Authors: MacDonald A. , Lilburn M. , Cochrane B. , Davies P. , Daly A. , Asplin D. , Hall S. K. , Cousins A. , Chakrapani A. , Robinson P. , Lee P.
Published: May 2004

Summary: Some older patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) fail to consume their protein substitute (with or without vitamin and mineral supplements) in prescribed amounts, which contributes to poor blood phenylalanine control. PKU Express (Vitaflo), is a new low‐volume (amino acids 72 g/100 g), low‐carbohydrate, phenylalanine‐free protein substitute with added vitamins and minerals designed for people with PKU over 8 years of age. In an open intervention study, the aim was to investigate its acceptability and effectiveness in a group of teenagers and adults with PKU. Twenty‐three subjects (15 female; 8 male) with PKU, who had a median age of 17 years (range 8–37 years) took the substitute for 8weeks. A 3‐day prospective diet diary, height, weight, plasma amino acids, biochemical and haematological nutritional analytes were measured at weeks 0 and 8. Skin‐puncture bloods for plasma phenylalanine were collected every 2 weeks. The median weight of protein substitute (with or without vitamin and mineral supplements) consumed decreased by 33% from 150 g (range 140–180) daily to 100 g (range 100–125) daily (p<0.001). Median change in energy intake decreased by a median of 10% (95% CI 2.0 to 18.0) when compared to intake on original protein substitute. On PKU Express, the intakes of all nutrients exceeded the dietary reference values but none was excessively high. Blood phenylalanine decreased by a mean of 37 µmol/L (95% CI‐27 to 102) during the trial. Body mass index decreased in 40% of subjects. Changes in blood phenylalanine or body mass index were not statistically significant. Most of the nutritional, haematological and biochemical indices stayed within normal reference ranges for the analytes studied. Sixteen (70%) of the subjects had low plasma selenium at the start, but only 13 (57%) at the study end. Plasma vitamin B12 was high in 8 subjects at the start of the study and 9 at the end. Twenty‐one subjects (96%) stated that the product was convenient and easy to prepare. However, 7 (32%) described the smell and 9 (46%) the texture as the same as or worse than those of previous protein substitutes. Because of the use of the premeasured sachets, some subjects were able to prepare their own protein substitute for the first time. PKU Express is a safe, efficacious, protein substitute that significantly reduces the daily volume of prescribed protein substitute.
The early‐onset phenotype of mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency: A lethal disorder with multiple tissue involvement
Authors: Spiekerkoetter U. , Khuchua Z. , Yue Z. , Strauss A. W.
Published: May 2004

Summary: Mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with phenotypes of different severity. Early‐onset, severe forms predominantly exhibit cardiomyopathy, life‐threatening arrhythmias and liver dysfunction; the later‐onset, milder phenotype is mainly characterized by neuromyopathic features. The mechanisms that determine these heterogeneous presentations are unknown. We performed multiple tissue immunoblots from a patient with early‐onset, lethal TFP deficiency and demonstrated absent TFP antigen in all. The predominant cardiac manifestation of severe TFP deficiency reflects its essential role in myocardial energetics, not its tissue‐specific expression.
Sedation with 4‐hydroxybutyric acid: A potential pitfall in the diagnosis of SSADH deficiency
Authors: Wolf N. I. , Haas D. , Hoffmann G. F. , Jakobs C. , Salomons G. S. , Wevers R. A. , Engelke U. F. , Rating D.
Published: May 2004

Summary: Deficiency of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) is a rare neurometabolic disorder with accumulation of 4‐hydroxybutyric acid (4‐HBA) as a biochemical hallmark. We present a boy with an unresolved severe neurological disorder and intermittent elevation of 4‐HBA in serum and CSF which was later shown to result from iatrogenic administration of 4‐HBA for sedation purposes.
Glutathione synthetase deficiency associated with antenatal cerebral bleeding
Authors: Brüggemann L. W. , Groenendaal F. , Ristoff E. , Larsson A. , Duran M. , van Lier J. A. C. , Dorland L. , Berger R. , de Koning T. J.
Published: May 2004

Summary: We present a newborn with glutathione synthetase deficiency and intracranial haemorrhages. Because the latter are rare in term newborns a possible relationship with glutathione synthetase deficiency will be discussed.
Numerical study of the diapycnal flow through a tidal front with passive tracers
Authors: Dong Changming , Houghton Robert , Ou Hsien‐Wang , Chen Dake , Ezer Tal
Published: May 2004

A two‐dimensional numerical model is used to study the diapycnal flow through a tidal front with passive tracers. In a basic numerical experiment a passive tracer is released into the bottom water at the offshore edge of a tidal front, and it subsequently moves on‐bank with a velocity that decreases with time. This qualitatively agrees with a recent field experiment using a dye tracer on Georges Bank. Additional experiments are performed to investigate the sensitivity of the tracer dispersion to the tidal phase and the location of tracer release within the front. As the release point is moved on‐bank across the front, the tracer velocity decreases until it weakly reverses on the on‐bank edge of the front. This trend can be understood by considering the structure of the Lagrangian velocity field in the tidal front, the degree of vertical mixing of the tracer, and the concentration‐weighted mean patch velocity. The tidal phase at the time of tracer release does not significantly affect the tracer dispersion.
Nutrient mineralization rates and ratios in the eastern South Atlantic
Authors: Brea S. , Álvarez‐Salgado X. A. , Álvarez M. , Pérez F. F. , Mémery L. , Mercier H. , Messias M. J.
Published: May 2004

The physical and biogeochemical components of nutrients and inorganic carbon distributions along WOCE line A14 are objectively separated by means of a constrained least‐squares regression analysis of the mixing of eastern South Atlantic water masses. Contrary to previous approaches, essentially devoted to the intricate South Atlantic circulation, this work is focused on the effects of circulation on nutrients and carbon biogeochemistry, with special emphasis on the stoichiometry and the rate of mineralization processes. Combination of nutrient and apparent CFC‐age anomalies, derived from the mixing analysis, indicate faster mineralization rates in the equatorial (12 × 10−2 μmol P kg−1 yr−1) and subequatorial (5.3 × 10−2 μmol P kg−1 yr−1) than in the subtropical (4.3 × 10−2 μmol P kg−1 yr−1) regime at the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) depth range. Lower rates are obtained in the Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) domain (3.0 × 10−2 μmol P kg−1 yr−1). Significant variation with depth of O2/C/N/P anomalies indicates preferential mineralization of proteins in thermocline waters, as compared with the reference Redfield composition.
Organic aerosol effects on fog droplet spectra
Authors: Ming Yi , Russell Lynn M.
Published: May 2004

Organic aerosol alters cloud and fog properties through surface tension and solubility effects. This study characterizes the role of organic compounds in affecting fog droplet number concentration by initializing and comparing detailed particle microphysical simulations with two field campaigns in the Po Valley. The size distribution and chemical composition of aerosol were based on the measurements made in the Po Valley Fog Experiments in 1989 and 1998–1999. Two types of aerosol with different hygroscopicity were considered: the less hygroscopic particles, composed mainly of organic compounds, and the more hygroscopic particles, composed mainly of inorganic salts. The organic fraction of aerosol mass was explicitly modeled as a mixture of seven soluble compounds [Fuzzi et al., 2001] by employing a functional group‐based thermodynamic model [Ming and Russell, 2002]. Condensable gases in the vapor phase included nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and ammonia. The maximum supersaturation in the simulation is 0.030% and is comparable to the calculation by Noone et al. [1992] inferred from measured residual particle fractions. The minimum activation diameters of the less and more hygroscopic particles are 0.49 μm and 0.40 μm, respectively. The predicted residual particle fractions are in agreement with measurements. The organic components of aerosol account for 34% of the droplet residual particle mass and change the average droplet number concentration by −10–6%, depending on the lowering of droplet surface tension and the interactions among dissolving ions. The hygroscopic growth of particles due to the presence of water‐soluble organic compounds enhances the condensation of nitric acid and ammonia due to the increased surface area, resulting in a 9% increase in the average droplet number concentration. Assuming ideal behavior of aqueous solutions of water‐soluble organic compounds overestimates the hygroscopic growth of particles and increases droplet numbers by 6%. The results are sensitive to microphysical processes such as condensation of soluble gases, which increases the average droplet number concentration by 26%. Wet deposition plays an important role in controlling liquid water content in this shallow fog.
The seismic efficiency of the 1999 Chi‐Chi, Taiwan, earthquake
Authors: Wang Jeen‐Hwa
Published: May 2004

On September 20, 1999, the Ms7.6 Chi‐Chi earthquake ruptured the Chelungpu fault in central Taiwan. In this work, the seismic efficiency, η, which is the ratio of seismic radiation energy, ES, to strained energy, ΔE, of the earthquake is estimated. The value of ΔE estimated from the slip distribution inferred by Dominguez et al. [2003] is 3.208 × 1024 ergs. Based on this value, the η calculated from ES, measured from near‐field seismograms and from near‐field and teleseismic data are 0.137 and 0.262, respectively. The two values do not seem to agree with the η ≦ 0.06 hypothesis proposed by McGarr [1994]. From the ES calculated from two ES‐Ms laws, η = 0.049 and 0.019, which fit the hypothesis. However, the two laws could underestimate ES.
Distribution of barnacle epizoites of the crab Portunus pelagicus in the Moreton Bay region, eastern Australia
Authors: Gaddes Shane W. , Sumpton Wayne D.
Published: May 2004

The parasites of some decapod crustaceans are known to cause sterilisation of their hosts, and can thus have an important impact on the population dynamics of infested species. Blue swimmer crabs (Portunus pelagicus) collected in three areas around Moreton Bay, Australia were examined for the presence of epizoic barnacles in their branchial chambers and on their carapace. Of the 952 crabs inspected 92% were infested with Octolasmis spp. The mean number of barnacles (predominantly Octolasmis warwickii) per carapace and gill chamber (mainly O. angulata) were 2.35 and 71.1, respectively. Barnacle infestation of gills was found to differ significantly by area, season and sex with the deeper offshore areas exhibiting the highest number of barnacles. The distribution within the hosts showed barnacles were more likely to be distributed in areas closer to the inhalant aperture. Highest abundances were found on the proximal surface of the hypobranchial side of gills 3, 4 and 5. Host moult stage and parasitism by Sacculina granifera were also found to affect the abundance of epizoic barnacles in some areas.
Distribution and life history of caridean shrimps in regulated lowland rivers in southern Australia
Authors: Richardson A. J. , Growns J. E. , Cook R. A.
Published: May 2004

Caridean shrimps are an integral component of lowland river ecosystems in south-eastern Australia, but their distributions may be affected by flow alteration. Monthly shrimp samples were collected from slackwaters in three hydrologically distinct sections of the heavily regulated Campaspe River and the less regulated Broken River for three consecutive years. The distributions of Paratya australiensis, Caridina mccullochi and Macrobrachium australiense, along with their life history in river sections with different hydrology are outlined. Paratya australiensis and M. australiense occurred in all sections, but C. mccullochi was absent from sections of the Campaspe River that received irrigation flows during summer/autumn. Shrimp larvae were most abundant in summer (December–February) and juvenile recruitment continued through to mid autumn (April). Breeding and recruitment of P. australiensis occurred for longer than other shrimps. Apart from large adult and berried M. australiense, all life stages of shrimps commonly occurred in slackwaters, particularly the larval and juvenile stages. Irrigation flows in summer/autumn probably adversely affect the size, extent and arrangement of slackwaters, at a time when they may be critical habitats for C. mccullochi larval development and recruitment. Dams and weirs in the Campaspe River may have influenced shrimp abundance and the timing of breeding.
Protection of in-stream biota from urban impacts: minimise catchment imperviousness or improve drainage design?
Authors: Walsh Christopher J.
Published: May 2004

Urbanisation is a looming global threat to in-stream biodiversity, but the best approaches to mitigation are unclear. This paper asks if the protection of in-stream biota, in particular macroinvertebrate assemblages, is dependent on the sequestration of catchments from urbanisation, or if protection in urbanised catchments can be achieved through better drainage design. In-stream macroinvertebrate assemblage composition was assessed for 16 catchments spanning a rural–urban gradient. Catchment imperviousness and drainage connection (the proportion of impervious area directly connected to streams by stormwater pipes), together with other possible driving factors, were assessed as explanatory variables of macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. The proportion of variance explained independently and jointly by each variable was assessed by hierarchical partitioning. Assemblage composition was strongly explained by the gradient of urban density (i.e. a large proportion of variance was jointly explained by variables correlated with the urban gradient; imperviousness, connection, longitude and elevation). However, drainage connection was the strongest independent correlate. Most sensitive taxa were absent from sites with >20% connection. Thus the connection of impervious surfaces to streams by pipes is a more likely determinant of taxa loss than the impervious areas themselves. Low-impact urban design approaches that reduce drainage connection are postulated as the most effective management solution to the protection of stream biota in urban catchments.
Uterine expression of implantation serine proteinase 2 during the implantation period and in vivo inhibitory effect of its antibody on embryo implantation in mice
Authors: Huang Z. P. , Yu H. , Yang Z. M. , Shen W. X. , Wang J. , Shen Q. X.
Published: May 2004

The aim of the present study was to examine the uterine expression pattern of implantation serine proteinase 2 (ISP2) protein during early pregnancy in mice and the effects of anti-ISP2 antibody on embryo implantation. Expression of ISP2 protein was found to be specifically up-regulated in mouse uterine endometrial glands following the initiation of embryo implantation. Similarly, ISP2 protein expression was observed during pseudopregnancy, indicating that its expression is not embryo dependent. In other experiments, rabbit anti-ISP2 IgG was infused into the mouse uterine lumen on Day 3 or 4 of pregnancy to examine its effects on embryo implantation, whereas vehicle (saline) or unspecific rabbit IgG served as controls. The mean number of implanted embryos from anti-ISP2-IgG-treated mice was significantly lower than that from control mice. These results suggest that ISP2 may play an important role during embryo implantation.
Production of transgenic porcine blastocysts by hand-made cloning
Authors: Kragh P. M. , Vajta G. , Corydon T. J. , Purup S. , Bolund L. , Callesen H.
Published: May 2004

Recently, a zona-free technique for bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) with no requirement for micromanipulation (i.e. hand-made cloning (HMC)) has been described. The present study demonstrates the application of the HMC technique in the production of transgenic porcine blastocysts. In vitro-matured zona-free porcine oocytes were bisected manually using a microblade and halves containing no chromatin (i.e. the cytoplasts) were selected. Two cytoplasts were electrofused with one transgenic fibroblast expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein and reconstructed embryos were activated in calcium ionophore (A23187) followed by 6-dimethylaminopurine. Subsequently, embryos were cultured in NCSU-23 medium supplemented with 4 mg mL–1 bovine serum albumin for 7 days. In five replicates, 93.0 ± 7.0% (mean ± s.e.m.) of attempted reconstructed embryos fused and survived activation (31/31, 15/23, 28/28, 37/37 and 28/28). On Day 7 after activation, the respective blastocyst rates (per successfully reconstructed embryos) were 6% (2/31), 7% (1/15), 7% (2/28), 3% (1/37) and 7% (2/28), resulting in an average of 6.0 ± 0.8%. Enhanced green fluorescent protein was expressed in all cells of all eight developing blastocysts. Efforts are now directed towards the production of offspring from such transgenic NT blastocysts.
Comparative mapping and marker-assisted selection in Rosaceae fruit crops
Authors: Dirlewanger Elisabeth , Graziano Enrique , Joobeur Tarek , Garriga-Calderé Francesc , Cosson Patrick , Howad Werner , Arús Pere
Published: May 2004

The development of saturated linkage maps using transferable markers, restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and micro-satellites has provided a foundation for fruit tree genetics and breeding. A
Prunus
reference map with 562 such markers is available, and a further set of 13 maps constructed with a subset of these markers has allowed genome comparison among seven
Prunus
diploid (
x
= 8) species (almond, peach, apricot, cherry,
Prunus ferganensis, Prunus davidiana
, and
Prunus cerasifera
); marker colinearity was the rule with all of them. Preliminary results of the comparison between apple and
Prunus
maps suggest a high level of synteny between these two genera. Conserved genomic regions have also been detected between
Prunus
and
Arabidopsis
. By using the data from different linkage maps anchored with the reference
Prunus
map, it has been possible to establish, in a general map, the position of 28 major genes affecting agronomic characters found in different species. Markers tightly linked to the major genes responsible for the expression of important traits (disease/pest resistances, fruit/nut quality, self-incompatibility, etc.) have been developed in apple and
Prunus
and are currently in use for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Quantitative character dissection using linkage maps and candidate gene approaches has already started. Genomic tools such as the
Prunus
physical map, large EST collections in both
Prunus
and
Malus
, and the establishment of the map position of high numbers of ESTs are required for a better understanding of the Rosaceae genome and to foster additional research and applications on fruit tree genetics.
Crystal structure of the
Deinococcus radiodurans
single-stranded DNA-binding protein suggests a mechanism for coping with DNA damage
Authors: Bernstein Douglas A. , Eggington Julie M. , Killoran Michael P. , Misic Ana M. , Cox Michael M. , Keck James L.
Published: May 2004

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding (SSB) proteins are uniformly required to bind and protect single-stranded intermediates in DNA metabolic pathways. All bacterial and eukaryotic SSB proteins studied to date oligomerize to assemble four copies of a conserved domain, called an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold, that cooperate in nonspecific ssDNA binding. The vast majority of bacterial SSB family members function as homotetramers, with each monomer contributing a single OB fold. However, SSB proteins from the
Deinococcus-Thermus
genera are exceptions to this rule, because they contain two OB folds per monomer. To investigate the structural consequences of this unusual arrangement, we have determined a 1.8-Å-resolution x-ray structure of
Deinococcus radiodurans
SSB. The structure shows that
D. radiodurans
SSB comprises two OB domains linked by a β-hairpin motif. The protein assembles a four-OB-fold arrangement by means of symmetric dimerization. In contrast to homotetrameric SSB proteins, asymmetry exists between the two OB folds of
D. radiodurans
SSB because of sequence differences between the domains. These differences appear to reflect specialized roles that have evolved for each domain. Extensive crystallographic contacts link
D. radiodurans
SSB dimers in an arrangement that has important implications for higher-order structures of the protein bound to ssDNA. This assembly utilizes the N-terminal OB domain and the β-hairpin structure that is unique to
Deinococcus
and
Thermus
species SSB proteins. We hypothesize that differences between
D. radiodurans
SSB and homotetrameric bacterial SSB proteins may confer a selective advantage to
D. radiodurans
cells that aids viability in environments that challenge genomic stability.
Localization of the Blue-Light Receptor Phototropin to the Flagella of the Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Huang Kaiyao , Kunkel Tim , Beck Christoph F.
Published: May 2004

Blue light controls the sexual life cycle of Chlamydomonas, mediated by phototropin, a UV-A/blue-light receptor that plays a prominent role in multiple photoresponses. By using fractionation experiments and immunolocalization studies, this blue-light receptor, in addition to its known localization to the cell bodies, also was detected in flagella. Within the flagella, it was completely associated with the axonemes, in striking contrast to the situation in higher plants and the Chlamydomonas cell body where phototropin was observed in the plasma membrane. Its localization was not perturbed in mutants lacking several prominent structural components of the axoneme. This led to the conclusion that phototropin may be associated with the outer doublet microtubules. Analysis of a mutant (fla10) in which intraflagellar transport is compromised suggested that phototropin is a cargo for intraflagellar transport. The blue-light receptor thus seems to be an integral constituent of the flagella of this green alga, extending the list of organisms that harbor sensory molecules within this organelle to unicellular algae.
EnteropathogenicEscherichia coliUse Redundant Tyrosine Kinases to Form Actin Pedestals
Authors: Swimm Alyson , Bommarius Bettina , Li Yue , Cheng David , Reeves Patrick , Sherman Melanie , Veach Darren , Bornmann William , Kalman Daniel
Published: May 2004

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are deadly contaminants in water and food and induce protrusion of actin-rich membrane pedestals beneath themselves upon attachment to intestinal epithelia. EPEC then causes intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and, among children, death. Here, we show that EPEC uses multiple tyrosine kinases for formation of pedestals, each of which is sufficient but not necessary. In particular, we show that Abl and Arg, members of the Abl family of tyrosine kinases, localize and are activated in pedestals. We also show that pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (PD) compounds, which inhibit Abl, Arg, and related kinases, block pedestal formation. Finally, we show that Abl and Arg are sufficient for pedestal formation in the absence of other tyrosine kinase activity, but they are not necessary. Our results suggest that additional kinases that are sensitive to inhibition by PD also can suffice. Together, these results suggest that EPEC has evolved a mechanism to use any of several functionally redundant tyrosine kinases during pathogenesis, perhaps facilitating its capacity to infect different cell types. Moreover, PD compounds are being developed to treat cancers caused by dysregulated Abl. Our results raise the possibility that PD may be useful in treating EPEC infections, and because PD affects host and not bacterium, selecting resistant strains may be far less likely than with conventional antibiotics.
Dynamics and mediators of acute graft attrition after myoblast transplantation to the heart
Authors: Suzuki Ken , Murtuza Bari , Beauchamp Jonathan R. , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Varela‐Carver Anabel , Fukushima Satuki , Coppen Steven R. , Partridge Terence A. , Yacoub Magdi H.
Published: May 2004

Survival and proliferation of skeletal myoblasts within the cardiac environment are crucial to the therapeutic efficacy of myoblast transplantation to the heart. We have analyzed the early dynamics of myoblasts implanted into the myocardium and investigated the mechanisms underlying graft attrition. At 10 min after implantation of [14C]thymidine‐labeled male myoblasts into female mice hearts, 14C measurement showed that 39.2 ± 3.0% of the grafted cells survived, and this steadily decreased to 16.0 ± 1.7% by 24 h and to 7.4 ± 0.9% by 72 h. PCR of male‐ specific Smcy gene calculated that the total (surviving plus proliferated) number of donor‐derived cells was 18.3 ± 1.6 and 23.3 ± 1.3% at 24 and 72 h, respectively, indicating that proliferation of the surviving cells began after 24 h. Acute inflammation became prominent by 24 h and was reduced by 72 h as indicated by myeloperoxidase activity and histological findings. Multiplex RT‐PCR revealed corresponding changes in IL‐1β, TGF‐β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α expression. Treatment with CuZn‐superoxide dismutase attenuated the initial rapid death and resulted in enhanced cell numbers afterward, giving a twofold increased total number at 72 h compared with the nontreatment. This effect was associated with reduced inflammatory response, suggesting a causative role for superoxide in the initial rapid graft death and subsequent inflammation. These data describe the early dynamics of myoblasts implanted into the myocardium and suggest that initial oxidative stress and following inflammatory response may be important mechanisms contributing to acute graft attrition, both of which could be potential therapeutic targets to improve the efficiency of cell transplantation to the heart.
IL‐13 and IL‐1β promote lung fibroblast growth through coordinated up‐regulation of PDGF‐AA and PDGF‐Rα
Authors: Ingram Jennifer L. , Rice Annette B. , Geisenhoffer Kristen , Madtes David K. , Bonner James C.
Published: May 2004

Peribronchiolar fibrosis is a prominent feature of airway remodeling in asthma and involves fibroblast growth and collagen deposition. Interleukin‐13 (IL‐13), a T‐helper 2 cytokine, is a key mediator of airway remodeling in asthma, yet the mechanism through which IL‐13 promotes fibroblast growth has not been investigated. In this study, we show that IL‐13 stimulates the mitogenesis of mouse, rat, and human lung fibroblasts through release of a soluble mitogen that we identified as PDGF‐AA. The IL‐13‐induced growth of human lung fibroblasts was attenuated by an anti‐PDGF‐AA neutralizing antibody, and IL‐13 stimulated human lung fibroblasts to secrete PDGF‐AA. Fibroblasts derived from mouse embryos possessing the lethal Patch mutation, which lack the PDGF‐Rα, showed no mitogenic response to IL‐13. However, Patch cells did exhibit IL‐13‐induced STAT‐6 phosphorylation. Stable transfection of the PDGF‐Rα into Patch cells restored the growth response to PDGF‐AA and IL‐13. Through the use of lung fibroblasts from STAT‐6‐deficient mice, we showed that IL‐13‐induced PDGF‐AA release is STAT‐6 dependent, but PDGF‐AA‐induced growth is STAT‐6 independent. Finally, we showed that IL‐1β enhanced IL‐13‐induced mitogenesis of rat lung fibroblasts through up‐regulation of the PDGF‐Rα. Our findings indicate that IL‐13 acts in synergy with IL‐1β to stimulate growth by coordinately up‐regulating PDGF‐AA and the PDGF‐Rα, respectively.
Hydrogen sulfide protects neurons from oxidative stress
Authors: Kimura Yuka , Kimura Hideo
Published: May 2004

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a well‐known toxic gas, is found in relatively high concentrations in the brain. Although a neuromodulatory role of H2S has been demonstrated, little is known of its other biological functions. Here we show that H2S protects primary cultures of neurons from death in a well‐studied model of oxidative stress caused by glutamate, a process called oxidative glutamate toxicity—or oxytosis. We found that H2S increases the glutathione levels, which normally decrease during the cell death cascade, by enhancing the activity of γ‐ glutamylcysteine synthetase and up‐regulating cystine transport. Cystine (cysteine) is the rate‐ limiting substrate of glutathione synthesis. These observations reveal that H2S protects neurons from oxytosis by increasing the production of the antioxidant glutathione.
Pseudoaneurysms of the Superficial Temporal Artery: Treatment Options
Authors: Isaacson Glenn , Kochan Polly S. , Kochan Jeffrey P.
Published: May 2004

Objectives: Pseudoaneurysms of the superficial temporal artery present as slowly growing masses of the face or scalp. They may arise as a result of infection or autoimmune disease but most commonly are sequelae of blunt, penetrating, or surgical trauma. We describe their clinical presentation and differential diagnosis and compare several treatment options.

Study Design: Observational case series.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the presentations, diagnostic evaluations, and management in three young men who presented with pseudoaneurysms after trauma. A computerized review of the world's literature revealed a variety of methods for the control of head and neck pseudoaneurysms.

Results: Surgical resection, ligation without resection, intravascular sclerosis, and coil embolization have all been used to treat these lesions. We treated two lesions by coil embolization and one by surgical resection. Long‐term control was achieved in each case.

Conclusions: Surgical resection cures pseudoaneurysms in most cases. The frontal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve are at risk during this procedure. Local sclerosis is effective but may cause distal tissue necrosis. Coil embolization is highly effective and leaves no facial scar but carries small risks of stroke, lower extremity ischemia, and groin pseudoaneurysm.
A New Classification System for Congenital Laryngeal Cysts
Authors: Forte Vito , Fuoco Gabriel , James Adrian
Published: May 2004

Objectives: A new classification system for congenital laryngeal cysts based on the extent of the cyst and on the embryologic tissue of origin is proposed.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: The charts of 20 patients with either congenital or acquired laryngeal cysts that were treated surgically between 1987 and 2002 at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentation, radiologic findings, surgical management, histopathology, and outcome were recorded. A new classification system is proposed to better appreciate the origin of these cysts and to guide in their successful surgical management.

Results: Fourteen of the supraglottic and subglottic simple mucous retention cysts posed no diagnostic or therapeutic challenge and were treated successfully by a single endoscopic excision or marsupialization. The remaining six patients with congenital cysts in the study were deemed more complex, and all required open surgical procedures for cure. On the basis of the analysis of the data of these patients, a new classification of congenital laryngeal cysts is proposed. Type I cysts are confined to the larynx, the cyst wall composed of endodermal elements only, and can be managed endoscopically. Type II cysts extend beyond the confines of the larynx and require an external approach. The Type II cysts are further subclassified histologically on the basis of the embryologic tissue of origin: IIa, composed of endoderm only and IIb, containing endodermal and mesodermal elements (epithelium and cartilage) in the wall of the cyst.

Conclusions: A new classification system for congenital laryngeal cysts is proposed on the basis of the extent of the cyst and the embryologic tissue of origin. This classification can help guide the surgeon with initial management and help us better understand the origin of these cysts.
Robert Hooke's work as surveyor for the city of London in the aftermath of the great fire. Part two: certification of areas of ground taken away for streets and other new works
Authors: Cooper M. A. R.
Published: May 2004

In the rebuilding of the City of London after the Great Fire of 1666, private land was taken by the City for new and widened streets, new markets, wharves alongside the Fleet River, and quays and wharves along the northern bank of the Thames. The amount of compensation paid by the City to owners of property depended on the location of the site and the area of ground taken away. In Part 1 of this paper, evidence of Hooke's work staking out widened streets and new building foundations was presented. In Part 2, his certification of areas of ground taken away is now described. The City had to decide not only on the amount of compensation and the procedures for paying it, but also to ensure that the procedures were properly carried out and generally accepted by the citizens. Hooke and the two other City Surveyors were ordered to undertake this crucial task.
Relics of Davy and Faraday in New Zealand
Authors: Tee G. J.
Published: May 2004

In April 1997 Sir John Meurig Thomas, F.R.S., toured New Zealand, as the 1997 Rutherford Lecturer of the Royal Society of London. He delivered his Rutherford Lecture on Sir Humphry Davy, P.R.S. (1778–1829), and Michael Faraday, F.R.S. (1791–1867), the first and second Directors of the Royal Institution.

Many place–names in New Zealand commemorate scientists. There is Mount Davy (1012 m) at 42°23'S, 171°23'E, between Greymouth and Blackball. Mount Faraday, at 42°03'S, 171°30'E, is the highest peak (1485 m) in the Paparoa Range (south of Westport), whose successive peaks from south to north are named Mounts Lodge, Ramsay, Dewar, Priestly, Faraday, Curie, Einstein, Euclid and Kelvin. And Mount Copernicus and Mount Galileo are 10 km east of the Paparoa Range.
Sir William Brooke O'Shaughnessy, M.D., F.R.S., F.R.C.S., F.S.A.: a biographical appreciation by an electrical engineer
Authors: Bridge J. A.
Published: May 2004

Dr William Brooke O'Shaughnessy's Certificate of Candidature for Election to Fellow of the Royal Society, dated 31 January 1843, reads ‘distinguished for his acquaintance with the science of Medicine and Chemistry, eminent as a Physician and as a promoter of education among the natives of Bengal’. It states that he is the author of some listed works on medicine and chemistry and, of interest to electrical engineers, the author of the laws of the constant voltaic battery and a work on the construction of electromagnetic machines. He is also given as the inventor or improver of Voltaic apparatus, etc. It does not mention his experimental work on electrical telegraphy of five years earlier, but what is there was sufficient to get him elected.
A long–distance Londoner
Authors: Bridges P.
Published: May 2004

Walter White (1811–1893), a self–educated cabinet–maker's son from Reading, failed to find success in America but after returning to England became one of the century's great walkers and published nine books about his rambles. Entering the service of the Royal Society in 1844 as ‘attendant’ in the Society's library, White was promoted to become the assistant Secretary and Librarian in 1861 and served for over two decades in these key positions, befriending many of England's great writers and scientists.
Centenary of the Zeeman effect
Authors: Bleaney B.
Published: May 2004

The years 1994–97 are marked by a plethora of anniversaries. In 1845 Michael Faraday discovered rotation of the plane of polarization of light in a magnetic field, now known as the ‘Faraday effect’. The first wireless communication was transmitted on 14 August 1894 by Oliver Lodge at a meeting of the British Association in Oxford. This message, sent from the old Clarendon Laboratory to the University Museum, was the first demonstration of the transmission of information by radio using the Morse code, well before the work of Marconi. The centenary was marked by a lecture in Oxford by Peter Rowlands, the author (with J. Patrick Wilson) of
Oliver Lodge and the invention of radio
.
The general public's use of (and attitudes towards) interactive, personal digital health information and advisory services
Authors: Huntington Paul , Nicholas David , Homewood Janet , Polydoratou Panayiota , Gunter Barrie , Russell Chris , Withey Richard
Published: May 2004

Examines statistically the public's use and attitudes towards interactive and personal health services via an online questionnaire survey and enhances these data with an expert assessment of a number of consumer health sites and their services. Over a period of three weeks more than 1,300 people responded to an online questionnaire produced by The British Life and Internet Project. Of the respondents, 81 per cent were British. The likely potential uptake figure for support group participation among Internet health users is about 20 per cent while around 11 to 13 per cent will go online to describe a medical condition. Those in poor heath were approximately ten to 13 times more likely to have participated in an online support group. Those aged over 65 were four times as likely to e‐mail their doctor. More positive health outcomes were associated with those respondents that participated in online support groups and the least number of health outcomes were associated with those people that maintained e‐mail contact with a doctor or surgery.
The JISC User Behaviour Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
Authors: Banwell Linda , Ray Kathryn , Coulson Graham , Urquhart Christine , Lonsdale Ray , Armstrong Chris , Thomas Rhian , Spink Siân , Yeoman Alison , Fenton Roger , Rowley Jennifer
Published: May 2004

Describes key aspects of the methodology and outcomes of the JISC User Behaviour Monitoring and Evaluation Framework in its first three annual cycles (1999‐2002). The Framework was initiated to assure the JISC that their investment in digital content and network infrastructure facilitates use and learning, and to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of electronic information services (EIS). Key Framework outcomes are: a multi‐dimensional across sector methodology for the continued monitoring of user behaviour in respect of EIS and the factors that impact on that behaviour; a profile of user behaviour in respect of EIS over the three annual cycles of the Framework; the EIS Diagnostic Toolkit that can be used to benchmark development in the provision and use of EIS in specific disciplines or at specific institutions; a methodology for monitoring, and a profile of the EIS resources available to higher and further education users; and a summary of some of the key issues in their provision. The challenge for the future is the embedding of EIS in curricula and learning experiences.
Comparison of Innovative Capabilities among the Anglo‐American
Countries:
Authors: Dunphy Steven M. , Herbig Paul
Published: May 2004

Culture heavily influences a society′s innovative capacity. Most
studies place that proportion influenced by culture at between 30 and 50
per cent. What causes the remainder? Discusses differences in innovative
capacity between culturally similar countries – the Anglo‐American
Cluster – and proposes that much of the remaining variance can be traced
to structural differences between those countries.
Ingratiation as a political tactic: effects within the organization
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Hughes Brent
Published: May 2004

This article examines the place of organizational politics in general and ingratiation specifically as a tactic in which there is an attempt by individuals to increase their attractiveness and upward influence in the eyes of other organizational members (management). Four common tactics of ingratiators were identified: other enhancement, rendering favors, opinion conformity and self‐presentation. Suggests that ingratiation is influenced by individual variables such as: Machiavellianism, locus of control and work task uniqueness. Furthermore, situational variables affect this political behavior There were mixed research results on the impact of ingratiation on further career success. Some recent research concluded that this tactic has little or no effect on extrinsic and intrinsic rewards available to the individual.