bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute toxicity of fatty acids to the freshwater green alga Selenastrum capricornutum
Authors: Kamaya Yasushi , Kurogi Yasunori , Suzuki Kyoji
Published: September 2003

The acute toxicity of fatty acids (C14 to C18) commonly found in wood was determined by the standard algal growth inhibition test using the freshwater green alga Selenastrum capricornutum. Toxicity, quantified as IC50 values, varied depending on the number of total carbons and double bonds. Of the tested acids, oleic (cis‐9‐octadecenoic) acid showed the highest toxicity (72‐h IC50 = 0.47 mg/L) to the alga, and triolein, a triglyceride of oleic acid, showed no apparent toxicity. Further examination of a series of C18:1 acids with a double bond at the 6, 11, or 12 position revealed that both double‐bond position and cis or trans configuration affected toxicity. The 72‐h IC50 data for these fatty acids and related compounds seemed to correlate well with the melting point (mp), showing two separate linear relationships: at mp < 35°C toxicity increased with increasing melting point, and at mp > 40°C toxicity decreased with melting point. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 289–294, 2003.
Estimating service level impacts from changes in cycle count, buffer stock, or corrective action
Authors: Morey Richard C.
Published: September 2003

Inventory managers, tasked with providing adequate levels of material support, need to be able to gain insights, in a computationally easy manner, to the magnitude of improvements in protection levels against stockouts that can be gleaned from the three mechanisms available to them—more buffer stock, more physical inventories, or more corrective action to eliminate or reduce the causes for the errors arising in the first place. Armed with quantitative conservative estimates of the types of improvements available from any of these three mechanisms or combinations of the mechanisms, and the relative cost of each, the manager is is a better position to select a cost‐effective, remedial course of action.
AXR1 is involved in BR‐mediated elongation and SAUR‐AC1 gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nakamura Ayako , Shimada Yukihisa , Goda Hideki , Fujiwara Makoto T. , Asami Tadao , Yoshida Shigeo
Published: September 2003

Limited information is available concerning the interactions between the brassinosteroid (BR) and auxin signaling pathways. The expression pattern of the SAUR‐AC1 gene, an early auxin‐inducible gene in Arabidopsis, was studied in response to brassinolide (BL), in the presence of a BR‐biosynthesis inhibitor, in a BR‐deficient mutant, and in combination with auxin. The results suggested that the SAUR‐AC1 gene is regulated by BRs independently of auxin levels, and that it is important in BR‐mediated elongation. The axr1 (auxin insensitive 1) mutant was less sensitive to BL‐induced elongation and BL‐induced SAUR‐AC1 expression, suggesting that a ubiquitin ligase‐mediated system is involved in BR‐mediated elongation.
B cell receptor‐mediated nuclear fragmentation proceeds in WEHI 231 cells in the absence of detectable DEVDase and FRase activity
Authors: Mlinaric-Rascan Irena , Turk Boris
Published: September 2003

Crosslinking of the WEHI 231 lymphoma B cell receptor (BCR) leads to growth arrest followed by apoptosis. In a study of the role of lysosomal cysteine proteinases in BCR‐mediated apoptosis we provide evidence that commitment to apoptosis correlates with a time‐dependent increase in caspase and cathepsin activities. We also show that activation of cathepsins is a caspase‐independent process, and caspase cascade activation is independent of lysosomal endopeptidases. BCR‐induced nuclear fragmentation was not prevented, but rather delayed in the absence of detectable caspase and cathepsin activities, suggesting that BCR‐driven apoptosis of these cells may use an alternative proteolytic mechanism independent of caspases and cathepsins.
Is there an evolutionary relationship between WARP (von Willebrand factor A‐domain‐related protein) and the FACIT and FACIT‐like collagens?
Authors: Fitzgerald Jamie , Bateman John F.
Published: September 2003

We suggest that there is an evolutionary relationship between von Willebrand factor A‐domain‐related protein (WARP), and the fibril‐associated collagen with interrupted triple helix (FACIT) and FACIT‐like subfamilies of collagens. Data from a comparison of amino acid sequences, domain organisation and chromosomal location are consistent with the hypothesis that WARP and these collagens share a common collagen ancestor. In support of this is the observation that the WARP 3′ coding region is GC‐rich suggesting that this may represent the remnant of a triple helix protein domain which WARP has ‘lost’ during evolution.
Effects of glycerol and high temperatures on structure and function of phycobilisomes in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Mao Hai-Bin , Li Guo-Fu , Li Dong-Hai , Wu Qing-Yu , Gong Yan-Dao , Zhang Xiu-Fang , Zhao Nan-Ming
Published: September 2003

The effects of glycerol and high temperatures on structure and function of phycobilisomes (PBSs) in vivo were investigated in a chlL deletion mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. When the mutant was grown under light‐activated heterotrophic growth conditions, it contained intact and functional PBSs, but essentially no chlorophyll and photosystems. So the structural and functional changes of the mutant PBSs in vivo can be handily detected by measurement of low temperature (77 K) fluorescence emission spectra. High concentration glycerol induced an obvious disassembly of PBSs and the dissociation of phycocyanins in the rod substructures into their oligomers and monomers. PBSs also disassembled at high temperatures and allophycocyanins were more sensitive to heat stress than phycocyanins. Our results demonstrate that the chlL
− mutant strain is an advantageous model for studying the mechanisms of assembly and disassembly of protein complexes in vivo.
Fluorescence visualization of ultraviolet‐sensitive cone photoreceptor development in living zebrafish
Authors: Takechi Masaki , Hamaoka Takanori , Kawamura Shoji
Published: September 2003

Cone photoreceptor cells of fish retinae are arranged in a highly organized fashion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying photoreceptor development and retinal pattern formation are largely unknown. Here we established transgenic lines of zebrafish carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) cDNA with the 5.5‐kb upstream region of the ultraviolet‐sensitive cone opsin gene (SWS1). In the transgenic fish, GFP gene expression proceeded in the same spatiotemporal pattern as SWS1 in the retinae of embryos. In the adult retina, GFP expression was observed throughout the short single cone (SSC) layer where SWS1 is specifically expressed. Therefore, the transgenic fish provides an excellent genetic background to study retinal pattern formation, photoreceptor determination and differentiation, and factors regulating these processes and SSC‐specific expression of SWS1.
BRCA1 interacts with FHL2 and enhances FHL2 transactivation function
Authors: Yan Jinghua , Zhu Jianhua , Zhong Hongjun , Lu Qiujun , Huang Cuifen , Ye Qinong
Published: September 2003

Germ‐line mutations in BRCA1 are associated with an increased lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian tumors. The BRCA1 gene product is a 220‐kDa protein that contains a tandem of two BRCA1 C‐terminal (BRCT) domains required for transcription. In an attempt to understand how BRCA1 exerts its function through BRCT domains, we search for partners of the BRCT domains of BRCA1. Using the yeast two‐hybrid system, we identified the four and a half LIM‐only protein 2 (FHL2) as a novel BRCA1 interacting protein. We demonstrate that BRCA1 and FHL2 can physically associate in vitro, in yeast, and in human cells. BRCA1 interacted with FHL2 through its second BRCT domain and the interaction of FHL2 with BRCA1 requires the last three LIM domains of FHL2. BRCA1 enhanced FHL2‐mediated transcriptional activity in transient transfections. Tumor‐derived transactivation‐deficient BRCA1 mutants showed a reduced ability to enhance transactivation by FHL2. Lack of BRCA1 binding sites in the FHL2 completely abolished the FHL2 transactivation function. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that FHL2 mRNA levels may be downregulated in many breast cancer cell lines. These results suggest that the BRCA1–FHL2 interaction may be involved in transcriptional regulation and play a significant role in cancer cell growth.
Sequence of Escherichia coli O128 antigen biosynthesis cluster and functional identification of an α‐1,2‐fucosyltransferase
Authors: Shao Jun , Li Mei , Jia Qiang , Lu Yuquan , Wang Peng George
Published: September 2003

O128 is one of the most common atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhea patients worldwide. The primary structure of E. coli O128 repeat units has previously been determined as →3)‐β‐D‐GalNAc‐(1→4)‐α‐D‐Gal‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐GalNAc‐(1→6)‐[α‐L‐Fuc‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐Gal‐(1→ pentasaccharide. Here we report the complete sequencing of E. coli O128 antigen biosynthesis gene cluster and its flanking regions. Comparative sequence analysis revealed the expected O128 antigen process genes, GDP‐fucose biosynthesis genes and four potential glycosyltransferase genes responsible for the assembly of E. coli O128 antigen repeats. WbsJ was shown to encode an α‐1,2‐fucosyltransferase by enzymatic assays and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis.
TIGRINA d, required for regulating the biosynthesis of tetrapyrroles in barley, is an ortholog of the FLU gene of Arabidopsis thaliana1
Authors: Lee Keun Pyo , Kim Chanhong , Lee Dae Won , Apel Klaus
Published: September 2003

Regulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in higher plants has been attributed to negative feedback control of steps prior to δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) formation. One of the first mutants with a defect in this control had been identified in barley. The tigrina (tig) d mutant accumulates 10–15‐fold higher amounts of protochlorophyllide than wild type, when grown in the dark. The identity of the TIGRINA d protein and its mode of action are not known yet. Initially this protein had been proposed to act as a repressor of genes that encode enzymes involved in early steps of ALA formation, but subsequent attempts to confirm this experimentally failed. Here we demonstrate that the TIGRINA d gene of barley is an ortholog of the FLU gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. The FLU protein is a nuclear‐encoded plastid protein that plays a key role in negative feedback control of chlorophyll biosynthesis in higher plants. Sequencing of the FLU gene of barley revealed a frame shift mutation in the FLU gene of the tig d mutant that results in the loss of two tetratricopeptide repeats that in the FLU protein of Arabidopsis are essential for its biological activity. This mutation cosegregates strictly with the tigrina phenotype within the F1 population of a heterozygous tig d mutant, thus providing additional support for the flu gene being responsible for the tigrina phenotype of barley.
Poly‐L‐lysine enhances the protein disaggregation activity of ClpB
Authors: Strub Christine , Schlieker Christian , Bukau Bernd , Mogk Axel
Published: September 2003

The Hsp100 protein ClpB is a member of the AAA+ protein family that mediates the solubilization of aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system. Unstructured polypeptides such as casein or poly‐L‐lysine have been shown to stimulate the ATPase activity of ClpB and thus may both act as substrates. Here we compared the effects of α‐casein and poly‐L‐lysine on the ATPase and chaperone activities of ClpB. α‐Casein stimulated ATP hydrolysis by both AAA domains of ClpB and inhibited the ClpB‐dependent solubilization of aggregated proteins if present in excess. In contrast, poly‐L‐lysine stimulated exclusively the ATPase activity of the second AAA domain and increased the disaggregation activity of ClpB. Thus poly‐L‐lysine does not act as substrate, but rather represents an effector molecule, which enhances the chaperone activity of ClpB.
Extremely rapid turnover of S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase in Crithidia fasciculata
Authors: Nasizadeh Sima , Persson Lo
Published: September 2003

The activity of S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) in Crithidia fasciculata was shown to be correlated to the growth of the parasite. An increase in activity was observed during exponential growth. Inhibition of protein synthesis induced an extremely rapid decay of AdoMetDC activity. The half‐life of the enzyme was estimated to be about 3 min, which is the shortest half‐life ever recorded for an eukaryotic AdoMetDC. The reduction in AdoMetDC activity was correlated with a decrease in AdoMetDC protein content, demonstrating a rapid turnover of the enzyme. No polyamine‐mediated feedback regulation of AdoMetDC was observed in the parasite.
Measurement of changes in trabecular bone at fracture sites using X‐ray CT and automated image registration and processing
Authors: Lynch John A. , Grigoryan Mikayel , Fierlinger Anke , Guermazi Ali , Zaim Souhil , MacLean David B. , Genant Harry K.
Published: September 2003

Currently, there are no in vivo techniques for quantifying healing within fractures involving mainly trabecular bone. Methods for quantitatively assessing healing would aid the investigation of new treatment regimes, and might also be useful for predicting whether a patient may be undergoing delayed union. Using CT and automated image registration, we have developed an image processing technique for measuring changes in CT image intensity at fracture sites. The technique focuses on quantifying the formation of new mineralised tissue within fracture gaps, while ignoring loss of bone mineral due to disuse osteoporosis. Seven patients with fractures of the distal radius were examined for 12 weeks following fracture. To assess reproducibility of measurements of change in CT intensity at the fracture line, measurements were performed on two separate occasions, by each of two independent readers. Reproducibility was compared to rates of change over time, to determine detectable differences in individual progression. Scans were scored qualitatively for features of healing and scores compared to the quantitative measurements. The mean (SD) change in CT intensity was + 128 (65) Hounsfield Units (HU) over the 12 week follow‐up. Inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibilities were both similar (±17 HU), 1/7 of the change seen during the study. In this small patient cohort, a significant increase in CT intensity was seen 2 weeks post‐fracture. Large early increases in CT intensity were associated with early visual appearance of sclerosis and blurring of the fracture line. In this preliminary, prospective study, we have developed a reproducible quantitative technique for measuring changes in CT intensity of trabecular bone at the fracture line in the distal radius. Further work is required to determine whether it can be used to identify, or monitor patients who are undergoing delayed fracture repair. The technique appears sensitive for measuring changes immediately post‐fracture, and could have a role in examining potential effects of new therapies in patient cohorts. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Integrating spatial management measures into traditional fishery management systems: the case of the Georges Bank multispecies groundfish fishery
Authors: Holland Daniel S
Published: September 2003

Primary determinants of the productivity of most fisheries are the level of fishing mortality and the age structure of the catch. Constraints on nominal effort or catch and technical measures such as mesh sizes are typically the most effective methods of ensuring productivity and sustainability. Stock assessment models are generally well adapted to assess the biological implications (though less often the economic implications) of these measures. However, the increasing use of spatial management measures such as marine protected areas (MPAs) or seasonal area closures presents new challenges for fishery managers. Assessment models and data collection programs are rarely designed or adaptable for analysis of these measures. Using spatial management measures effectively requires new models and data. Models of Georges Bank groundfish fisheries are presented and used to explore the impacts of area closures in the context of the overall management system. Although the spatial dynamics of the models are highly stylized, they illustrate mechanisms through which area closures can increase productivity and profitability of a spatially heterogeneous multispecies fishery. The utility of taxes to control the distribution of effort is also explored.
Haemoglobin biosynthesis site in rabbit embryo erythroid cells
Authors: Cianciarullo Aurora M. , Bertho Álvaro L. , Soares Maurilio J. , Hosoda Tânia M. , Nogueira‐Silva Simone , Beçak Willy
Published: September 2003

Properly metabolized globin synthesis and iron uptake are indispensable for erythroid cell differentiation and maturation. Mitochondrial participation is crucial in the process of haeme synthesis for cytochromes and haemoglobin. We studied the final biosynthesis site of haemoglobin using an ultrastructural approach, with erythroid cells obtained from rabbit embryos, in order to compare these results with those of animals treated with saponine or phenylhydrazine. Our results are similar to those obtained in assays with adult mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish, after induction of haemolytic anaemia. Therefore, the treatment did not interfere with the process studied, confirming our previous findings. Immunoelectron microscopy showed no labelling of mitochondria or other cellular organelles supposedly involved in the final biosynthesis of haemoglobin molecules, suggesting instead that it occurs free in the cytoplasm immediately after the liberation of haeme from the mitochondria, by electrostatic attraction between haeme and globin chains.
Captopril and enalaprilat decrease antioxidant defences in human endothelial cells and are unable to protect against apoptosis
Authors: Mailloux Agnès , Deslandes Benjamin , Vaubourdolle Michel , Baudin Bruno
Published: September 2003

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were shown to improve endothelial dysfunction in various human diseases and some of these inhibitors have been proposed as enhancers of antioxidant defences. We measured glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in human endothelial cells treated with captopril or enalaprilat, two ACE inhibitors, and we showed that both inhibitors decreased GPX and SOD activities but not MDA, the end‐product of lipoperoxidation. Captopril and enalaprilat were also unable to protect against etoposide‐induced apoptosis in endothelial cells, indicating that they cannot be considered as protective drugs for the endothelium, in particular in clinical situations involving oxidative stress or apoptosis. Moreover, when used at high concentration captopril, but not enalaprilat, was toxic for endothelial cells with both necrotic and apoptotic effects.
Production of hydrogen peroxide by peripheral blood monocytes and specific macrophages during experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in vivo
Authors: Melo Rossana C.N , Fabrino Daniela L , D'Ávila Heloisa , Teixeira Henrique C , Ferreira Ana Paula
Published: September 2003

Acute Chagas' disease triggers potent inflammatory reaction characterized by great increase of peripheral blood monocyte (PBM) and macrophage numbers. We studied the respiratory burst responses of PBM and peritoneal and splenic macrophages to in vivo infection (rats). The ultrastructure of heart inflammatory macrophages was also investigated. The infection increased the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by PBM and splenic macrophages but not by peritoneal macrophages. Accordingly, the PBM and spleen cell numbers increased but the total number of peritoneal cells was similar to controls. Heart macrophages of infected rats exhibited increase (number and size) and activated morphology in parallel to high cardiomyocyte parasitism. Our data highlight the importance of innate immunity and H2O2production to host resistance during acute phase of T. cruzi infection. A novel finding is that H2O2production seems related to specific types of monocytes/macrophages that are able to release this agent when in presence of high parasite load.
Immunohistochemical detection of apoptosis, proliferation and inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat urothelium damaged by cyclophosphamide treatment
Authors: Jezernik Kristijan , Romih Rok , Mannherz Hans Georg , Koprivec Daša
Published: September 2003

The present study was conducted to investigate cell death, proliferation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity in rat urothelium within 24 h after a single intraperitoneal dose of cyclophosphamide (CP). Necrotic cells were identified predominantly in the superficial cell layer from 1 h until 6 h after CP injection, most of them desquamating from the urothelium into the lumen of the urinary bladder. Active caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry revealed apoptotic cells from 12 h until 24 h after CP injection. The apoptotic index reached a peak at 18 h and then rapidly dropped. Simultaneously with the decrease of apoptosis, the proliferation index increased from 18 h until 24 h after CP treatment. Immunoreaction to iNOS was first detected at 6 h in basal and intermediate cells. Later, iNOS immunoreactivity became stronger and was present in all cell layers. Our results suggest that the destruction of rat urothelium during 24 h after CP administration is due not only to necrosis, but also to apoptosis. The first 6 h are characterised by necrotic changes and no iNOS immunoreactivity. Thereafter, apoptosis and iNOS immunoreactivity are observed within the damaged urothelium. At 24 h after CP injection, iNOS immunoreactivity is still present, but proliferation prevails over cell death, enabling the urothelium to start regeneration.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging in the assessment of neurological damage in patients with methylmalonic aciduria
Authors: Burlina A. P. , Manara R. , Calderone M. , Catuogno S. , Burlina A. B.
Published: September 2003

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) of the brain was performed in two patients with methylmalonic aciduria who presented signs and symptoms of neurological involvement without metabolic decompensation. Patient 1 presented acute metabolic stroke and patient 2 presented subacute encephalopathy. Brain DW‐MRI confirmed very recent damage in patient 1, while the absence of brain lesions on brain DW‐MRI indicates the development of more chronic damage in patient 2. Brain DW‐MRI represents an additional and complementary tool in the assessment of brain damage in methylmalonic aciduria patients who develop neurological syndrome.
Newborn urine screening programme in the province of Quebec: An update of 30 years' experience
Authors: Auray‐Blais C. , Giguére R. , Lemieux B.
Published: September 2003

The introduction of our voluntary mass screening programme in 1971, in the province of Quebec, has permitted us to detect different inborn errors of metabolism in the newborn population using a thin‐layer chromatographic (TLC) technique with sequential use of different sprays on the same plate. Abnormalities in amino acids and organic acids are detected in urine filter paper specimens of 21‐day‐old babies. Initial parental compliance is 90% and climbs to 99.25% for repeat sample requests. Screening is centralized in one laboratory, while diagnosis, counselling, management and follow‐up are done in four regional centres. Over 25 inherited Mendelian disorders can be identified. There have been certain modifications in our programme throughout the years in order to increase efficiency, screen for a larger number of disorders, improve the quality of the collection of the urine filter paper samples, increase parental compliance and better manage the data bank. However, one goal has remained a priority: early prevention of genetic diseases. We present an overall view of our screening programme with an add‐on technique to detect different organic acidurias, our recent statistics and the modifications implemented over the years.
How Can We Observe and Describe Chaos?
Authors: Kossakowski Andrzej , Ohya Masanori , Togawa Yoshio
Published: September 2003

We propose a new approach to define chaos in dynamical systems from the point of view of Information Dynamics. Observation of chaos in reality depends upon how to observe it, for instance, how to take the scale in space and time. Therefore it is natural to abandon taking several mathematical limiting procedures. We take account of them, and chaos degree previously introduced is redefined in this paper.
Genotype–phenotype correlation in the 5703G>A mutation in the tRNAAsn gene of mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Vives‐Bauza C. , Del Toro M. , Solano A. , Montoya J. , Andreu A. L. , Roig M.
Published: September 2003

The 5703G>A mutation in the tRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA seems to show a tissue‐specific phenotype: early age of clinical presentation, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, fatigability and ‘extremely thin appearance’. We report a second patient with the same mutation and phenotype.
Free use of fruits and vegetables in phenylketonuria
Authors: Mac Donald A. , Rylance G. , Davies P. , Asplin D. , Hall S. K. , Booth I. W.
Published: September 2003

This study aimed to evaluate systematically the effect of the free use of fruits and vegetables containing an intermediate amount of phenylalanine (51–100 mg/100 g) on the biochemical control in children with phenylketonuria (PKU). Fifteen subjects with PKU, with a median age of 6 years (range 1–24 years) were studied. In a three‐part prospective 15‐week study, subjects sequentially ate fruits and vegetables containing phenylalanine 0–50 mg/100 g for weeks 1 to 3; 51–75 mg/100 g for weeks 4 to 8; and 76–100 mg/100 g for weeks 9 to 15. Plasma phenylalanine concentrations were measured twice daily for three consecutive days in weeks 1, 3, 6, 8, 11, 13 and 15. A standard menu was followed on the blood sampling days. Daily dietary records of fruits and vegetables under study were kept throughout the trial. Control of phenylalanine concentrations was not adversely affected by the free use of fruits and vegetables containing 51–100 mg/100 g. Pre‐breakfast median plasma concentrations were: weeks 1 to 3, 260 μmol/L (range 90–890); weeks 4 to 8, 255 μmol/L (range 130–920); and weeks 9 to 15, 278 μmol/L (range 30–880). Pre‐evening meal median plasma phenylalanine concentrations were: weeks 1 to 3, 240 μmol/L (range 30–820); weeks 4 to 8, 210 μmol/L (40–880); and weeks 9 to 15, 238 μmol/L (range 20–880). These data suggest that free use of fruits and vegetables containing 51–75 mg/100 g poses no problem for children with PKU.
High activity of fatty acid oxidation enzymes in human placenta: Implications for fetal‐maternal disease
Authors: Oey N. A. , Den Boer M. E. J. , Ruiter J. P. N. , Wanders R. J. A. , Duran M. , Waterham H. R. , Boer K. , van der Post J. A. M. , Wijburg F. A.
Published: September 2003

As the human fetus and placenta are considered to be primarily dependent on glucose oxidation for energy metabolism, the cause of the remarkable association between severe maternal pregnancy complications and the carriage of a fetus with an inborn error of mitochondrial long‐chain fatty acid oxidation (FAO) has remained obscure. We analysed human term placenta and chorionic villus samples for the activities of a variety of enzymes involved in FAO, and compared the results with those obtained in human liver. All enzymes were found to be expressed, with a very high activity of two enzymes involved in the metabolism of long‐chain fatty acids (CPT2 and VLCAD), whereas the activity of medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) was found to be low, when compared to liver. These results suggest that fatty acid oxidation may play an important role in energy generation in human placenta, and that a deficiency in the placental oxidation of long‐chain FAO may result in placental dysfunction, thus causing gestational complications.
A model of mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB (Sanfilippo syndrome type IIIB): N‐acetyl‐α‐D‐glucosaminidase deficiency in Schipperke dogs
Authors: Ellinwood N. M. , Wang P. , Skeen T. , Sharp N. J. H. , Cesta M. , Decker S. , Edwards N. J. , Bublot I. , Thompson J. N. , Bush W. , Hardam E. , Haskins M. E. , Giger U.
Published: September 2003

Mucopolysaccharidosis III (MPS III) is characterized by lysosomal accumulation of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) heparan sulphate (HS). In humans, the disease manifests in early childhood, and is characterized by a progressive central neuropathy leading to death in the second decade. This disease has also been described in mice (MPS IIIA and IIIB), dogs (MPS IIIA), emus (MPS IIIB) and goats (MPS IIID). We now report on dogs with naturally occurring MPS IIIB, detailing the clinical signs, diagnosis, histopathology, tissue enzymology and substrate levels. Two 3‐year‐old Schipperke dogs were evaluated for tremors and episodes of stumbling. Examination of the animals found signs consistent with cerebellar disease including dysmetria, hind limb ataxia and a wide‐based stance with truncal swaying. There were mildly dystrophic corneas and small peripheral foci of retinal degeneration. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and skeletal radiographs were normal. Intracytoplasmic granules were found in the white cells of peripheral blood and cerebral spinal fluid, and in myeloid lineages in bone marrow. Electrophoresis of urinary GAGs indicated the presence of HS, while assays of cultured fibroblasts found N‐acetyl‐α‐D‐glucosaminidase (Naglu) activity of between 4.3% and 9.2% of normal. Owing to neurological deterioration, both dogs were euthanized, and post‐mortem examinations were performed. Biochemical studies of liver and kidney from both animals demonstrated profound deficiency of Naglu activity and abnormally high GAG levels. Pathology of the brain included severe cerebellar atrophy, Purkinje cell loss, and cytoplasmic vacuolation in neurons and perithelial cells throughout the central nervous system. Pedigree analyses and Naglu levels of family members supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Using an obligate heterozygote, a breeding colony has been established to aid in understanding the pathogenesis of MPS IIIB and testing of potential therapies.
Primary pyruvate dehydrogenase E3 binding protein deficiency with mild hyperlactataemia and hyperalaninaemia
Authors: Hargreaves I. P. , Heales S. J. R. , Briddon A. , Lee P. J. , Hanna M. G. , Land J. M.
Published: September 2003

A case of pyruvate dehydrogenase E3 binding protein deficiency is reported in a 24‐year‐old male with encephalomyopathy. Blood lactate was only minimally elevated, as was alanine.
Along‐strike variation of the sheeted dike complex in the Oman Ophiolite: Insights into subaxial ridge segment structures and the magma plumbing system
Authors: Umino Susumu , Miyashita Sumio , Hotta Fumiko , Adachi Yoshiko
Published: September 2003

Along‐strike variations of the 60‐km‐long sheeted dike complex in the northern Oman Ophiolite were studied in order to understand the shallow magma plumbing system beneath the fossil fast spreading ridge. The presence of numerous dikes intruding into the layered gabbro defines the northern end of the paleoridge segment at Wadi Fizh. The postulated segment center is located at Wadi Thuqbah, which has a thicker Mono transition zone than elsewhere along the fossil segment. Aphyric dikes predominate in the sheeted dikes, of which 99% are simple, while multiple and composite dikes are few. The thickness of 1511 dikes ranges from <1 cm to >13 m, with an average thickness of 71.3 cm. Restored dike trends in the 30‐km‐long northern half of the dike complex display the NS trending north domain and NNE‐NS trending south domain bordered at the south of Wadi Bani Umar al Gharbi. In the domain boundary, dikes gradually change strikes or are mutually intrusive. Dike thickens northward with the largest peak along Wadi Fizh at the northern end of the paleoridge segment and a small peak at Wadi Bani Umar al Gharbi. Most dikes have a bulk Mg# of 55–66, which overlaps the majority of MORB. Less common, highly evolved dikes with Mg# 34–40 characterize the north domain. Thicker dikes (>3 m) tend to have high Mg#, while thinner dikes (<2 m) are highly variable in Mg#. The regional variations of the dike trends and the whole rock compositions can be explained by the secular variation in the structures of the paleoridge segment comparable to a third‐order segment of the present mid‐ocean ridge system spanning a few tens of thousands of years. Initially, the segment‐long melt lens developed along the paleoridge axis, which fed long and thick dikes with high Mg#. With decreasing supply of magma, the melt lens split up into the north and south smaller lenses bordered by a DEVAL that fed thinner dikes intruding into the former thick dikes. Cut‐off of the northern melt lens from the magma source changed the melt composition to highly evolved, low‐Mg# magmas, which subsequently intruded as short evolved dikes. Meanwhile, the main melt lens in the segment center continued feeding the high‐Mg# dikes which were maintained by the larger melt lens size and intermittent magma supply from deep magma chambers.
Geology and petrology of the plutonic complexes in the Wadi Fizh area: Multiple magmatic events and segment structure in the northern Oman ophiolite
Authors: Adachi Yoshiko , Miyashita Sumio
Published: September 2003

Multiple magmatic events are recorded in the gabbroic unit in the Fizh area of the northern Oman ophiolite. Gabbroic blocks intruded by sheeted dike complex and upper gabbros of the main crustal sequence show the oldest event. Gabbronorite sills in the gabbroic blocks are nearly coeval with the host gabbro. Wehrlitic intrusions (wehrlite I) mark the third event of magmatism. These three magmatic events occurred at the retreating (dying) ridge axis because all these rocks are intruded by dolerite dike swarm, which is generally regarded as a precursor of advancing ridge axis. The next stage of magmatism is a main phase of oceanic crust generation in this area. Wehrlite II and then gabbronorite dikes intrude the still hot main gabbro unit. All of these above rocks have similar signatures with respect to clinopyroxene compositions and covariations between plagioclase and mafic minerals, though slight differences are present in the compositional ranges and clinopyroxene compositions of each unit. After considerable cooling of the main gabbro unit, primitive basalt dikes intrude the main gabbro unit, which may correspond to the Lasail unit. Finally, the Fizh‐South complex intrudes into considerably cooled crustal sequence, being below the brittle‐plastic transition temperatures. The Fizh‐South complex, which was regarded as a common wehrlitic intrusion, is significantly different from all of the above mentioned rocks, with respect to the covariation between plagioclase and associating mafic minerals, crystallization order, and clinopyroxene compositions. The clinopyroxenes are characterized by extremely low Ti and Na contents, comparable with those of the V2 unit (Alley volcanics), suggesting that the Fizh‐South complex correlates with the plutonic facies of the V2 unit during arc stage. Layered gabbros in the Wadi Zabin area, about 10 km north of the Fizh area, may be a northern extension of the gabbro blocks of the Fizh area, because they are intruded by numerous dolerite dikes. On the other hand, basin‐like structure of the main gabbroic unit in the northern end of the Fizh area may demonstrate a fossilized magma chamber beneath the advancing ridge axis due to the ceasing of magmatic crustal accretion. On the basis of these lines of evidence, we propose that the Fizh area indicates the northward propagation tip of the ridge axis.
Hydrographic and transport variability on the Halifax section
Authors: Loder John W. , Hannah Charles G. , Petrie Brian D. , Gonzalez Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2003

Archived data and geostrophic computations are used to examine variability in hydrographic properties and along‐shelf transport on the Scotian Shelf, with focus on the Halifax section and a decadal‐scale hydrographic anomaly during the late 1950s and early/mid 1960s. The long‐term annual cycle shows strong seasonal variations in baroclinic transport on the inner shelf and at the shelf edge, and an associated steric change in adjusted sea level (ASL) at Halifax. Regional wind‐forcing and barotropic currents make smaller contributions to the annual cycle in ASL. In contrast, regional wind‐forcing contributes about 40% of the ASL variability for periods of 6–30 days. Hydrographic sections indicate that the 1950s/1960s anomaly arose from episodic extensions of Labrador Slope Water along the shelf edge followed by on‐shelf intrusions, primarily during the fall‐spring periods of 1958–1959 and 1963–1964. It ended with excursions of Warm Slope Water into the region in 1967–1968. An analysis of monthly temperature anomalies indicates that slope temperatures can account for 50% of the variance of deep shelf temperatures 3–6 months later. Correlations between the hydrographic and baroclinic transport variations indicate increased southwestward flow associated with lower temperatures and salinities, but no evidence was found for large local current events at the onset and termination times of the 1950s/1960s anomaly. Positive correlations between wind‐adjusted ASL and steric anomalies point to the potential for sea level being helpful in monitoring baroclinic transport variability.
Interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations of the 1994 Double Spring Flat, Nevada, earthquake (M5.9): Main shock accompanied by triggered slip on a conjugate fault
Authors: Amelung Falk , Bell John W.
Published: September 2003

The 1994 Double Spring Flat (DSF) earthquake (M5.9) was the largest earthquake to strike Nevada in more than 30 years. It occurred in the Sierra Nevada‐Basin and Range Transition Zone within a step‐over region between two major normal faults. Descending and ascending ERS interferograms show a maximum range change of 8.5 cm which is the coseismic ground displacement associated with this normal, oblique‐slip, moderate‐sized earthquake. Elastic inverse modeling and surface displacements across coseismic ground cracks suggest that two different event sources could account for the observed deformation. The first source was the main shock with right‐oblique slip on the north‐northwest striking DSF fault. The second source was normal faulting on a shallow, north‐northeast striking, elongated plane (conjugate to the DSF fault). These two sources are consistent with the pattern of postevent seismicity, and we suggest that the second source represents seismic and aseismic slip triggered by the main shock. Calculations of changes in Coulomb failure stress show that the main shock encouraged normal slip on this plane.
Conduction‐dominated heat transport of the annual temperature signal in soil
Authors: Smerdon Jason E. , Pollack Henry N. , Enz John W. , Lewis Matthew J.
Published: September 2003

Conductive heat transport of temperature signals into the subsurface is a central assumption of ground surface temperature (GST) reconstructions derived from present‐day temperatures in deep boreholes. Here we test this assumption and its implications for annual relationships between GST and surface air temperature (SAT) by analyzing two decades of shallow soil temperature (0.01–11.7 m) and SAT time series measured at Fargo, North Dakota. We spectrally decompose each of these temperature time series to determine the amplitude and phase of the annual signal at each depth. Conductive heat transport of a harmonic temperature signal in a homogeneous medium is characterized theoretically by exponential amplitude attenuation and linear phase shift with depth. We show that transport of the annual signal in the soil at Fargo follows these theoretical characterizations of conduction closely: the depth dependence of both the natural logarithm of the amplitude and the phase shift are highly linear. Interval wave velocities and thermal diffusivities calculated as functions of depth suggest a diffusivity gradient in the upper meter of the soil. We estimate the annual signal at the ground surface by extrapolating amplitude and phase shift regression lines upward to the surface. We compare this estimate of the annual signal at the ground surface to the annual signal contained in the SAT and show the ground surface signal to be attenuated ∼20% and negligibly phase shifted relative to the SAT.
Dense low‐salinity outflow from the Adriatic Sea under mild (2001) and strong (1999) winter conditions
Authors: Sellschopp Jürgen , Álvarez Alberto
Published: September 2003

Quasi‐synoptic temperature, salinity, and oxygen measurements in the Adriatic and northern Ionian Seas (Mediterranean Sea) during two different winter conditions are presented. In addition to the confirmation of previous knowledge about deepwater formation in the eastern Mediterranean, measurements give more insight into processes in the Adriatic Sea in winter and, especially, into the fate of the dense low‐salinity water masses transported by the West Adriatic Current (WAC) and its spreading into the Ionian Sea. A mild winter season without dense water production in the shallow areas of the Adriatic Sea was encountered during a cruise in February 2001. Dense water outflow, restricted to the deeper parts of the Strait of Otranto, was nevertheless present during that mild winter and also in previous records of a cruise in autumn 1999. Thus, even in times of no deepwater production in the southern Adriatic Sea, observations reveal a continuous flow of Adriatic Deep Water (ADW) through the Strait of Otranto and downslope in the northern Ionian Sea. Strong winter conditions are represented by a cruise carried out in February 1999. At that time, cold and fresh water with density higher than that of south ADW was observed on the Italian shelf. The dense coastal current is continued around Cape Santa Maria di Leuca at the heel of the Italian boot. In the Gulf of Taranto, where the width of the shelf rapidly decreases, dense coastal water is released to depth and transformed by intrusion and mixing with ambient water. Plumes and patches with horizontal extensions smaller than distances of a station grid are resolved by towed measurements in the 200 m upper layer with a multisensor chain. Products of coastal water transformation may be found at any depth on the western slopes of the Ionian Sea. The new observations of dense water carried by the WAC and plunging down to the level of neutral buoyancy in the Gulf of Taranto seem to confirm the hypothesis that the WAC could be the origin of cold lenses found below the thermocline in the central Ionian Sea [Sellschopp and Onken, 2000].
Three‐dimensional analysis of temperature and salinity in the equatorial Pacific using a variational method with vertical coupled temperature‐salinity empirical orthogonal function modes
Authors: Fujii Y. , Kamachi M.
Published: September 2003

A method of analyzing salinity, as well as temperature, is adopted in the equatorial Pacific. It is a three‐dimensional variational method with vertical coupled temperature‐salinity empirical orthogonal function modes. The salinity field is estimated from temperature observation alone such that the surface dynamic height calculated from the estimation has realistic variability compared with TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) altimetry data. Using T/P altimetry data with temperature observation further improves the analysis of the salinity field. The comparison with the in situ salinity data showed that the salinity fields were analyzed successfully with temperature and T/P observation data alone especially in the western equatorial Pacific, although there are some difficulties in analyzing salinity in the eastern equatorial Pacific and the surface mixed layer. These results convince us that the analysis salinity field has its own reliability even where no salinity observation exists. We also confirm that interannual variabilities of the near‐surface salinity field and the barrier layer in the period of 1993–2000 in the analyses are consistent with former studies. The fresh water is confined to the west, sea surface salinity in the central equatorial Pacific is relatively high, and a thick barrier layer develops in the western equatorial Pacific during La Niña periods. The fresh water spreads to the central equatorial Pacific, and the thick barrier layer moves to the east during El Niño periods. The correlation between near‐surface temperature and the barrier layer thickness is also confirmed. The analysis fields presented here are quite adequate to study the salinity interannual variability.
Impact of the Mount Pinatubo eruption on cirrus clouds formed by homogeneous freezing in the ECHAM4 GCM
Authors: Lohmann U. , Kärcher B. , Timmreck C.
Published: September 2003

Volcanic emissions may have the potential to alter cirrus cloud properties. Here we conduct different sensitivity studies with the ECHAM4 general circulation model for 2.5 years after the Mount Pinatubo eruption (July 1991 to December 1993) and compare homogeneous cirrus formation caused by sedimenting sulfate particles produced in the eruption plume with homogeneous cirrus formation in the undisturbed atmosphere. In the first scenario, the sulfate aerosol mass from Pinatubo is added to the background aerosol concentration assuming a monomodal aerosol. Here the aerosol concentration increases by up to 3000 cm−3 in 1992, which can be regarded as an upper limit more representative for the first months after the eruption. The ice crystal number concentration increases by up to 1 cm−3 near the tropical tropopause more than doubling the pre‐existing concentration in this region one year after the eruption. In the second, more realistic, scenario the Pinatubo aerosol is added to a bimodal background size distribution as a separate large particle mode. Here the aerosol number concentration increases by 10–25 cm−3, which can be regarded as a lower bound more representative for what has been observed in 1992. Then the ice crystal number increases at most 50% in the tropics in 1992. Satellite observations show an increase in ice water path starting in 1992 that could be related to either the Mount Pinatubo eruption or the El Niño event or both but a decrease in total cloud cover. While there is no trend on cloud microphysical or optical properties in our second scenario, the first scenario shows a pronounced increase in ice water path and a noticeable impact on cloud radiative forcing.
Column‐integrated aerosol optical properties from ground‐based spectroradiometer measurements at Barrax (Spain) during the Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Experiment (DAISEX) campaigns
Authors: Pedrós Roberto , Martinez‐Lozano Jose A. , Utrillas Maria P. , Gómez‐Amo José L. , Tena Fernando
Published: September 2003

The Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Experiment (DAISEX) was carried out for the European Space Agency (ESA) in order to develop the potential of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy for a range of different scientific applications. DAISEX involved simultaneous data acquisitions using different airborne imaging spectrometers over test sites in southeast Spain (Barrax) and the Upper Rhine valley (Colmar, France, and Hartheim, Germany). This paper presents the results corresponding to the column‐integrated aerosol optical properties from ground‐based spectroradiometer measurements over the Barrax area during the DAISEX campaign days in the years 1998, 1999, and 2000. The instruments used for spectral irradiance measurements were two Licor 1800 and one Optronic OL‐754 spectroradiometers. The analysis of the spectral aerosol optical depth in the visible range shows in all cases the predominance of the coarse‐particle mode over the fine‐particle mode. The analysis of the back trajectories of the air masses indicates a predominance of marine‐type aerosols in the lower atmospheric layers in all cases. Overall, the results obtained show that during the DAISEX there was a combination of maritime aerosols with smaller continental aerosols.