bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the office: A social-analytic perspective
Authors: Hirschheim R. A.
Published: July 2002

In order to apply office automation in a meaningful fashion, it is apparent that some understanding of the office is necessary. Most descriptive studies of the office have placed great emphasis on manifest office actions, suggesting that offices are the embodiment of these actions. The meanings of these actions or tasks, however, have been given scant attention. There exist a number of office activity or task taxonomies, but they do little more than provide a simple and limited structure through which to conceive of an office. From a social-analytic perspective this appears to be overly simplistic and misses the richness of social action in an office. Focusing on the overt and manifest aspects of the office may very well lead to its misrepresentation. This paper takes a critical look at the way offices are conceived in the office automation literature and suggests alternatives that may provide a better understanding of the real functions of an office.
CROSS-TALK BETWEEN BACTERIAL PATHOGENS AND THEIR HOST CELLS
Authors: Galán Jorge E. , Bliska James B.
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  A taxonomically diverse group of bacterial pathogens have evolved a variety of strategies to subvert host-cellular functions to their advantage. This often involves two-way biochemical interactions leading to responses in both the pathogen and host cell. Central to this interaction is the function of a specialized protein secretion system that directs the export and/or translocation into the host cells of a number of bacterial proteins that can induce or interfere with host-cell signal transduction pathways. The understanding of these bacterial/host-cell interactions will not only lead to novel therapeutic approaches but will also result in a better understanding of a variety of basic aspects of cell physiology and immunology.
Using Phylogenetic Approaches for the Analysis of Plant Breeding System Evolution
Authors: Weller Stephen G. , Sakai Ann K.
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  Until recently, studies of plant reproductive systems have been at the population level, using microevolutionary approaches. The development of cladistic approaches, combined with the emergence of molecular systematics, has resulted in an explosion of phylogenetic studies and an increase in interdisciplinary approaches combining ecological and systematic methodology. These new approaches offer the possibility of testing explicit hypotheses about the number of evolutionary transitions in reproductive characters and the evolutionary relationship of these characters to changes in the environment. Character mapping may be especially useful for detecting convergent evolution. In a number of cases, character mapping has provided new insights into the evolution of plant breeding systems and pollination biology, especially in suggesting the number of times evolutionary transitions have taken place, indicating where there have been reversals and suggesting when preadaptation has been important. The insights provided by character mapping are determined by a number of factors, including the degree of confidence in phylogenies underlying these studies and the identification of appropriate outgroups. Assumptions about character coding, character ordering, inclusion vs. exclusion of characters that are mapped on trees in the data matrix, and weighting of characters will have profound effects on interpretation of character evolution. Highly labile characters that evolve frequently and have the potential to undergo reversals may make it difficult to detect the pattern of character evolution. Characters that are very strongly correlated with each other or with ecological shifts may make prediction of cause and effect using phylogenetic approaches difficult because changes in characters and ecological shifts will occur, apparently simultaneously, on the same branches. Results from microevolutionary studies have been used in several cases to weight transitions, suggesting that results of phylogenetic studies may not provide fully independent assessments of character evolution. While not a simple cure to understanding problems that have been studied only in the realm of microevolutionary studies, phylogenetic approaches offer clear potential for providing new insights for evolutionary studies.
CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1900–1995
Authors: Matos Grecia , Wagner Lorie
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  The flows of nonfood and nonfuel materials through the economy have significant impact on our lives and the world around us. Growing populations and economies demand more goods, services, and infrastructure. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the types of materials consumed in the United States have significantly changed. In 1900, on a per-weight basis, almost half of the materials consumed were from renewable resources, such as wood, fibers, and agricultural products, the rest being derived from nonrenewable resources. By 1995, the consumption of renewable resources had declined dramatically, to only 8% of total consumption. During this century, the quantity of materials consumed has grown, from 161 million metric tons in 1900 to 2.8 billion metric tons by 1995, an equivalent of 10 metric tons per person per year. Of all the materials consumed during this century, more than half were consumed in the last 25 years. This paper examines the general historical shifts in materials consumption and presents an analysis of different measurements of materials use and the significance of their trends.
HIGH-LEVEL NUCLEAR WASTE: The Status of Yucca Mountain
Authors: Craig Paul P.
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  Yucca Mountain, NV, is being characterized for disposal of U.S. high-level nuclear waste, which consists predominantly of spent fuel from nuclear reactors and radioactive waste from reprocessing. In this paper, the program is presented in the context of global and U.S. nuclear energy systems and of international plans for high-level waste disposal. The potential impact of the proposed repository is discussed in the context of the U.S. Department of Energy's Total System Performance Assessment-Viability Assessment, the primary tool for assessing how the repository might operate.
Sonoluminescence: How Bubbles Turn Sound into Light
Authors: Putterman S. J. , Weninger K. R.
Published: July 2002

Sonoluminescence, the transduction of sound into light, is a phenomenon that pushes fluid mechanics beyond its limit. An initial state with long wavelength and low Mach number, such as is realized for a gas bubble driven by an audible sound field, spontaneously focuses the energy density so as to generate supersonic motion and a different phase of matter, from which are then emitted picosecond flashes of broad-band UV light. Although the most rational picture of sonoluminescence involves the creation of a “cold” dense plasma by an imploding shock wave, neither the imploding shock nor the plasma has been directly observed. Attempts to attack sonoluminescence from the perspective of continuum mechanics have led to interesting issues related to bubble shape oscillations, shock shape instabilities, and shock propagation through nonideal media, and chemical hydrodynamics. The limits of energy focusing that can be achieved from collapsing bubbles in the far-off equilibrium motion of fluids have yet to be determined either experimentally or theoretically.
Human Population Genetics: Lessons from Finland
Authors: Kere Juha
Published: July 2002

A population of about 5 million at the northern corner of Europe is unlikely to arouse the attention of the human genetics community, unless it offers something useful for others to learn. A combination of coincidences has finally made this population one that, out of proportion for its size, has by example shaped research in human disease genetics. This chapter summarizes advances made in medical genetics that are based on research facilitated by Finland's population structure. The annotation of the human genome for its polymorphism and involvement in disease is not over; it is, therefore, of interest to assess whether genetic studies in populations such as the Finnish might help in the remaining tasks.
REGULATION AND INHIBITION OF PHOSPHOLIPASE A2
Authors: Balsinde Jesús , Balboa María A. , Insel Paul A. , Dennis Edward A.
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  In recent years, there has been great interest in the study of phospholipid metabolism in intact cell systems. Such an interest arises mainly from the discovery that cellular membrane phospholipids serve not only in structural roles, but are also reservoirs of preformed second messenger molecules with key roles in cellular signaling. These second messenger molecules are generated by agonist-induced activation and secretion of intracellular and extracellular phospholipases, respectively, i.e. enzymes that cleave ester bonds within phospholipids. Prominent members of the large collection of signal-activated phospholipases are the phospholipase A2s. These enzymes hydrolyze the sn-2 ester bond of phospholipids, releasing a free fatty acid and a lysophospholipid, both of which may alter cell function. In addition to its role in cellular signaling, phospholipase A2has recently been recognized to be involved in a wide number of pathophysiological situations, ranging from systemic and acute inflammatory conditions to cancer. A growing number of pharmacologic inhibitors will help define the role of particular phospholipase A2s in signaling cascades.
A Novel Means of Drug Delivery: Myoblast-Mediated Gene Therapy and Regulatable Retroviral Vectors
Authors: Ozawa Clare R. , Springer Matthew L. , Blau Helen M.
Published: July 2002

A potentially powerful approach to drug delivery in the treatment of disease involves the use of cells to introduce genes encoding therapeutic proteins into the body. Candidate genes for delivery include those encoding secreted factors that could have broad applications ranging from treatment of inherited single-gene deficiencies to acquired disorders of the vasculature or cancer. Myoblasts, the proliferative cell type of skeletal muscle tissues, are potent tools for stable delivery of a gene of interest into the body, as they become an integral part of the muscle into which they are injected, in close proximity to the circulation. The recent development of improved tetracycline-inducible retroviral vectors allows for fine control of recombinant gene expression levels. The combination of ex vivo gene transfer using myoblasts and regulatable retroviral vectors provides a powerful toolbox with which to develop gene therapies for a number of human diseases.
MANAGED CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS: Who is Responsible for the Health of the Population?
Authors: Goldberg Bruce W.
Published: July 2002

▪ Abstract  This review examines changes over the past decade in the delivery of health care in the United States, specifically the move toward managed care and capitation. Over 77 million Americans are now enrolled in health maintenance organizations, and the health care delivery system is reorganizing into large group practices and integrated health systems. Examined here are the implications of this shift on the interaction between managed care and public health agencies. How will a population-based system of health care be achieved in light of managed care organizations' responsibility only for their enrolled population, in contrast to the responsibility of the public health service for the entire population? Where does the responsibility of MCOs end and that of public health begin? Should certain public health functions be absorbed by managed care organizations? What are the prospects for partnership between these two systems?
Effects of Cholesterol and Inflammation-Sensitive Plasma Proteins on Incidence of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Men
Authors: Engström G. , Lind P. , Hedblad B. , Stavenow L. , Janzon L. , Lindgärde F.
Published: July 2002

Background
—

Although cholesterol is a major cardiovascular risk factor, its association with stroke remains controversial. This study explored whether the cholesterol-related incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction is modified by plasma markers of inflammation in a large, population-based cohort with a long follow-up.

Methods and Results
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Plasma cholesterol and 5 inflammation-sensitive plasma proteins (ISP) (fibrinogen, α
1
-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and orosomucoid) were determined in 6063 healthy men, 28 to 61 years of age. The incidence of stroke, cardiac events (fatal and nonfatal), and cardiovascular deaths was compared between groups defined by levels of cholesterol and ISP. Mean follow-up was 18.7 years. High ISP level was defined as 2 to 5 ISP in the top quartile. High cholesterol was associated with higher levels of ISP. Hypercholesterolemia (≥6.5 mmol/L, 251 mg/dL) was associated with an increased incidence of ischemic stroke and cardiac events and with a reduced incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage. The ISP levels modified these associations. After risk factor adjustment, men with hypercholesterolemia and high ISP levels had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death (relative risk [RR]=2.4; CI, 1.8 to 3.3), cardiac events (RR=2.3; CI, 1.8 to 3.0), and ischemic stroke (RR=2.1; CI, 1.4 to 3.3) than men with normal cholesterol and low ISP levels. In the absence of high ISP levels, hypercholesterolemia was associated with a moderately higher risk of cardiovascular death (RR=1.4; CI, 1.0 to 2.0) and cardiac events (RR=1.5; CI, 1.2 to 1.9) but not significantly with ischemic stroke (RR=1.25; CI, 0.8 to 2.0).

Conclusions
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Hypercholesterolemia is associated with high plasma levels of ISP. These proteins increase the cholesterol-related incidence of cardiovascular diseases. In the absence of elevated ISP levels, no statistically confirmed association was found between hypercholesterolemia and ischemic stroke.
The Threat of a Malthusian Crisis in the Habsburg Monarchy
Authors: Komlos John , Heintel Markus
Published: July 2002

The threat of a Malthusian crisis in the late-eighteenth-century Habsburg monarchy is evident from the decline in physical stature of the male population. This evidence is consistent with diminishing returns to labor on account of the acceleration in population growth, with a concomitant decline in real wages. An alternative hypothesis—that heights decreased, not because nutrient consumption fell, but because work effort, and hence energy expenditures, increased, leaving less calories available for the biological growth process—is found to be unsubstantiated on the basis of the available evidence.
Luminograms: Apparent Movement in Two-Dimensional Images
Authors: Kočíb Zdeněk
Published: July 2002

Luminograms, a contemporary form of kinetic art, are two-dimensional images created with ready-made holographic foils. These “trompe la lumière” compositions demonstrate virtual movement in their fixed images. The author also discusses the view that Luminograms appear to display the fourth dimension.
The Souillac II Conference on Art, Industry and Innovation: Final Report with an Introduction by Martin Malvy
Authors: Foresta Don , Kisfaludi Georges-Albert , Barton Jonathan
Published: July 2002

This document builds on the discussion among art and industry representatives documented in “The Souillac Charter for Art and Industry: A Framework for Collaboration” (Leonardo 31, 3 [1998]). Specific projects and project ideas are presented, with the aim of increasing collaboration between artists and the telecommunications industry. Such increased collaboration will result in greater recognition and protection for artists and in greater innovation and creativity for industry.
A Fronto-Posterior Network Involved in Visual Dimension Changes
Authors: Pollmann S. , Weidner R. , Müller H.J. , Cramon D.Y. von
Published: July 2002

Objects characterized by a unique visual feature may pop out of their environment. When participants have to search for such “odd-one-out” targets, detection is facilitated when targets are consistently defined within the same feature dimension (e.g., color) compared with when the target dimension is uncertain (e.g., color or motion). Further, with dimensional uncertainty, there is a cost when a given target is defined in a different dimension to the preceding target, relative to when the critical dimension remains the same. Behavioral evidence suggests that a target dimension change involves a shift of attention to the new dimension. The present fMRI study revealed increased activation in the left frontopolar cortex, as well as in posterior visual areas of the dorsal and ventral streams, specific to changes in the target dimension. In contrast, activation in the striate cortex was decreased. This pattern suggests control of cross-dimensional attention shifts by the frontopolar cortex, modulating visual cortical processing by increased activation in higher-tier visual areas and suppression of activation in lower-tier areas.
Neural Networks with Local Receptive Fields and Superlinear VC Dimension
Authors: Schmitt Michael
Published: July 2002

Local receptive field neurons comprise such well-known and widely used unit types as radial basis function (RBF) neurons and neurons with center-surround receptive field. We study the Vapnik-Chervonenkis (VC) dimension of feedforward neural networks with one hidden layer of these units. For several variants of local receptive field neurons, we show that the VC dimension of these networks is superlinear. In particular, we establish the bound Ω (w log k) for any reasonably sized network with W parameters and k hidden nodes. This bound is shown to hold for discrete center-surround receptive field neurons, which are physiologically relevant models of cells in the mammalian visual system, for neurons computing a difference of gaussians, which are popular in computational vision, and for standard RBF neurons, a major alternative to sigmoidal neurons in artificial neural networks. The result for RBF neural networks is of particular interest since it answers a question that has been open for several years. The results also give rise to lower bounds for networks with fixed input dimension. Regarding constants, all bounds are larger than those known thus far for similar architectures with sigmoidal neurons. The superlinear lower bounds contrast with linear upper bounds for single local receptive field neurons also derived here.
Reaching for the Valley of the Sun: The American Festival Project's Untold Stories
Authors: Burnham Linda Frye
Published: July 2002

What happens when a multicultural alliance of a dozen artists and companies decide to stage a “movable arts feast”, interacting with communities all across the U.S.A.? Does the AFP engender lasting social change?
Sleeping with Cake and other affairs of the heart
Authors: Borsato Diane
Published: July 2002

These recent works by a Canadian performance artist, reflect Borsato's interest in engaging the nonvisual senses as well as using everyday materials and activities to find love and comfort.
Enhanced Environments: Large-Scale, Real-Time Ecosystems
Authors: Refsland Scot Thrane , Ojika Takeo , Berry Robert
Published: July 2002

This research proposes a new method for using real-time information to support large-scale, climatic virtual environments that exhibit natural eco-behavioral conditions. The purpose of this research is to support a real-time virtual ecosystem created by live weather information and GIS terrain data, and delivered through a common multimedia PC/Internet network. For this research experiment, we customized available GIS satellite, terrain, and photography data to construct a highly accurate, large-scale, virtual environment. Next, a Web-based climatic collection system was developed to persistently collect real-time weather information for the physical area being modeled. Finally, an enhanced environment module was created and added to a popular game engine to support a “living” virtual ecosystem with real-time climatic conditions. This type of enhanced environment lays the foundation for creating emergent, dynamic environments that integrate the behavioral patterns of climate, artificial life, user interactions, and their complex interrelationships within a dynamic virtual world.

In the sections that follow, the issues and problems of constructing, supporting, and maintaining a new style of virtual environment are explored, discussed, and analyzed. Finally, a conclusion is presented, including future uses and potentials of this research.
Toward Optimal Classifier System Performance in Non-Markov Environments
Authors: Lanzi Pier Luca , Wilson Stewart W.
Published: July 2002

Wilson's (1994) bit-register memory scheme was incorporated into the XCS classifier system and investigated in a series of non-Markov environments. Two extensions to the scheme were important in obtaining near-optimal performance in the harder environments. The first was an exploration strategy in which exploration of external actions was probabilistic as in Markov environments, but internal “actions” (register settings) were selected deterministically. The second was use of a register having more bit-positions than were strictly necessary to resolve environmental aliasing. The origins and effects of the two extensions are discussed.
A Genetic Model: Analysis and Application to MAXSAT
Authors: Bertoni Alberto , Carpentieri Marco , Campadelli Paola , Grossi Giuliano
Published: July 2002

In this paper, a genetic model based on the operations of recombination and mutation is studied and applied to combinatorial optimization problems.

Results are: The equations of the deterministic dynamics in the thermodynamic limit (infinite populations) are derived and, for a sufficiently small mutation rate, the attractors are characterized; A general approximation algorithm for combinatorial optimization problems is designed. The algorithm is applied to the Max Ek-Sat problem, and the quality of the solution is analyzed. It is proved to be optimal for k≥3 with respect to the worst case analysis; for Max E3-Sat the average case performances are experimentally compared with other optimization techniques.
READING VOICES: PERSONIFICATION, DIALOGISM, AND THE READER OF LAMENTATIONS 1
Authors: Miller Charles William
Published: July 2002

Most interpretations of the first chapter of Lamentations recognize the existence of two different speakers who alternate speeches throughout the poem. The first speaker is characterized by third person discourse and often identified as a narrator. Critics unanimously equate the second speaker, who employs first person discourse, with the voice of the personified Jerusalem. One of the often overlooked elements in this standard reading of Lamentations 1, however, is the fact that, like the personified Jerusalem, the so-called narrator exists within the created world of the poem. In other words, both speakers are literary constructs (personifications) given their existence by the poet. This apparently mundane observation carries serious consequences for the reading of Lamentations 1, as it raises questions regarding the commonly held notion that the narrator stands outside of the poem and thereby offers the reader an "objective" perspective. In this essay I have chosen not to privilege the narrator's voice, but to read the poem as a polyphonic text composed of two "unmerged … consciousnesses." The poem is no longer read as a monological description of Jerusalem's many egregious sins and the justification of her cruel punishment, in which Jerusalem's voice ultimately retreats into insignificance. Lamentations 1 becomes, instead, the locus of conflict and struggle between two equally weighted voices, where one observes both speakers using "double-voiced" discourse to provoke an ongoing dialogue, not only between the two voices, but among the speakers within the poem and the reader who stand outside of it.
RULERS AND QĀDĪS: THEIR RELATIONSHIP DURING THE NASRID KINGDOM
Authors: Secall M. Isabel Calero
Published: July 2002

The relationship between rulers and judges during the Nasrid kingdom of Granada (629/1232 to 897/1492), based on the utmost respect for the Mālikī school, can be analysed in two contexts: First, the legal framework, e.g., appointments and dismissals; second, the extralegal sphere, in which political relations played an important role, especially when a judge assumed non-legal tasks, such as diplomatic missions to Muslim countries. One of the unstated conditions of becoming a judge in Granada was loyalty to the sultans. The political elite used removal from office as a mechanism for control of the judiciary.
YHWH, QUI SEJOURNERA EN TA TENTE? ETUDE STRUCTURELLE DU PSAUME XV
Authors: Auffret Pierre
Published: July 2002

En 1932 et durant ces vingt dernières années la structure littéraire du Ps xv a fait l'objet de recherches assidues, et aux conclusions pourtant encore divergentes. Mettant à profit tant d'observations et de propositions, la présente étude tente à son tour de découvrir la structure de ce poème. Il semble bien ordonné selon un parallèle de 2 + 3 à 4ab + 4c-5b, lequel est encadré par 1 et 5cd qui manifestent l'intention dernière de ce psaume: séjourner auprès de YHWH pour trouver là une stabilité qui perdure à jamais.
PECTORAL FIN ASYMMETRY, DIMORPHISM AND FECUNDITY IN THE BROOK STICKLEBACK, CULAEA INCONSTANS
Authors: Hechter  , Moodie  , Moodie
Published: July 2002

Sexual dimorphism in the pectoral fins of a C. inconstans population produces males whose fins are relatively larger than those of females. This difference may result from the unique demands placed on the fins during the male's courtship dance and fanning behaviour during the parental phase. Males and females are also dimorphic in terms of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of pectoral fin ray number, which is lowest in females. Females with symmetric fin ray counts averaged about 15% more eggs per clutch than females with asymmetric fin ray counts. The ovaries of symmetric females were an average 6.5% heavier than those of asymmetric fish. The difference in fecundity is statistically significant and similar in two samples collected from the same site and separated by a time span of 19 years. This is the first report of a correlation between FA and fecundity in a fish population.
COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF ALLOGROOMING BEHAVIOUR IN CERCOCEBUS TORQUATUS LUNULATUS
Authors: Vea Joaquim , Perez Ana Perez , Baldellou Maribel , Alea Victoria
Published: July 2002

We assume that allogrooming is an activity which yields various benefits to the participants and at the same time its practice requires a resource investment. In this work we aim to quantify the costs and benefits derived for each subject by performing allogrooming in order to find the maximum net benefit gained and the equilibrium point above which a major allogrooming investment would not increase the benefits obtained. The data were obtained observing the members of a captive troop (N = 9) of white crowned mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus lunulatus) at the Barcelona Zoo. Allogrooming time and the preceding and following context were recorded for each actor. The costs were quantified as the energetic expenditure required to perform allogrooming as proposed by Coelho (1974). The benefits were estimated from the frequency and duration of bouts associated to transitions preceded by an agonistic context and followed by a neutral context. The equilibrium values of time spent in allogrooming, for which the costs equalled the benefits, and the value for time invested corresponding to maximal net benefits, were estimated from the theoretical model adjusted to the data. It was found that the differences between the equilibrium point and the maximal net benefit were correlated with the age of the subject, which can be understood as an effect of learning the relation cost-benefit of allogrooming to maintain low levels of agonism within the troop.
THE BENEFITS OF DEAR ENEMY RECOGNITION IN THREE-CONTENDER CONVICT CICHLID (CICHLASOMA NIGROFASCIATUM) CONTESTS
Authors: Leiser John , Itzkowitz Murray
Published: July 2002

We staged eight types of contests using adult male convict cichlids (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum) to study the effects of dear enemy recognition on the defensive decisions of territorial residents when confronted by two opponents. Our observations supported the hypothesis that residents faced with two intruders simultaneously would divide the overall response shown to a single intruder between the two intruders with respect to their relative threats (i.e. sizes). Consequently, in comparison to a single-intruder circumstance, the residents' attacks against any given intruder were reduced. The relative threat of competitors was dramatically altered when one of the residents' opponents was a dear enemy neighbour. When faced with a dear enemy neighbour and an unfamiliar intruder simultaneously, residents preferentially confronted the unfamiliar opponent. That is, the establishment of dear enemy recognition between a resident and a neighbour allowed the resident to direct his aggression to the greater competitive threat, i.e. the intruder. In this case, the amount of aggression residents exhibited toward the intruder was similar to the amount of aggression against a single nonterritorial intruder. Therefore, having a dear enemy neighbour freed a resident to defend its territory against an intruder with similar efficiency compared to when the intruder had been the resident's only opponent.
Effect of storage time and temperature on infectivity, reproduction and development of Heterorhabditis megidis in Galleria mellonella
Authors: Wiegers Gerrie , Boff Mari I.C. , Smits Peter
Published: July 2002

The effect of temperature, dose and storage period on the infectivity and development of Heterorhabditis megidis (strain NLH-E 87.3) infective juveniles (IJ) was studied in the laboratory. IJ were stored at 5, 10, 15 and 20°C for a period of up to 70 days (10 weeks). Every second week, mortality, infectivity, reproductive capacity, time to emergence and length of IJ were examined. Galleria mellonella larvae were infested with doses of one and 30 IJ. As the period of storage increased, the number of active nematodes, the infectivity and the reproduction of IJ decreased both at low and high temperatures. Time to first emergence and body length of IJ were significantly affected by time, storage temperature and inoculum level. Independent of the dose and storage periods, highest infectivity and optimal development were observed when IJ were stored at 10 and 15°C. Effets de la durée du stockage et de la température sur le pouvoir infestant, la reproduction et le développement d'Heterorhabditis megidis parasitant Galleria mellonella - Les effets de la température, de la dose d'inoculum et de la durée du stockage sur le pouvoir infestant et le développement des juvéniles infestants (JI) d'Heterorhabditis megidis ont été étudiés au laboratoire. Les JI ont été stockés à 5, 7, 10, 15 et 20°C pendant une période allant jusqu'à 70 jours (10 semaines). Toutes les 2 semaines ont été examinées: la mortalité, le pouvoir infestant, la capacité de reproduction, la durée de l'émergence et la longueur de ces JI. Les larves de Galleria mellonella ont été infestées à deux doses: un et 30 JI. Lorsque la durée du stockage augmente, le nombre de nématodes actifs, le pouvoir infestant et la reproduction des JI diminuent, aussi bien à basse qu'à haute température. La durée de la première émergence et la longueur du corps des JI ont été significativement affectées par la durée et la température du stockage, ainsi que par la valeur de l'inoculum. De façon indépendante de cette dernière valeur et de la durée de stockage, le pouvoir infestant la plus élevée et le développement optimal ont été observés lorsque les JI sont stockés à 10 et 15°C.
Rapid gene discovery in plant parasitic nematodes via Expressed Sequence Tags
Authors: Abad Pierre , Bird David , Jones John , McCarter James
Published: July 2002

Projects currently underway are generating thousands of publicly available DNA sequences representing numerous genes from plant parasitic nematodes. Use of these data has the potential to revolutionise gene discovery, as well as aiding in genome physical mapping and expression profiling experiments. This article introduces sequences called expressed sequence tags or ESTs, which are single-sequence reads from randomly-selected cDNA clones. We review the process used to create these sequences and outline the strengths and weaknesses of ESTs as research tools. Instructions on how to access and use EST data also are provided. Découverte rapide de gènes chez les nématodes parasites des plantes: le point sur l'utilisation des Etiquettes de Séquences Exprimées - Les projets actuellement en cours génèrent des milliers de séquences d'ADN, publiquement disponibles, représentant de nombreux gènes de nématodes parasites des plantes. L'utilisation de ces données pourrait révolutionner la découverte des gènes en facilitant aussi bien les expériences de cartographie physique que celles de profils d'expression. Cet article présente les séquences dérivées de clones d'ADNc sélectionnés au hasard, appelées étiquettes de séquences exprimées (ESTs). Nous exposons le processus utilisé pour les générer de même que les avantages et les inconvénients des ESTs comme outils de recherche. Les instructions concernant l'accès et l'utilisation des ESTs sont également fournies.
Influence of temperature on the hatch of Heterodera avenae Woll. populations from Algeria
Authors: Mokabli Aïssa , Gauthier Jean-Pierre , Rivoal Roger , Valette Sylvie
Published: July 2002

Two Algerian populations of Heterodera avenae originating from Oued Smar in a sub-humid coastal plain and from Tiaret in an inland semi-arid plain were subjected to different temperature treatments and juvenile emergence evaluated. These populations were compared with two populations, Fr1 and Fr4 from southern and northen France, respectively, which represent two ecotypes with respect to hatching cycles in response to temperature. The two Algerian populations hatched over a wide range of constant temperatures (3 to 25°C) but differed in the times at which juveniles emerged from the cysts. Simulation of seasonal temperature variations (from summer to autumn or winter and, conversely, from winter to spring or summer) demonstrated diapause in these two populations, induced by higher temperature (20 and 25°C) treatments and broken subsequently by lower temperatures (3 and 7°C). Both Algerian populations of H. avenae represent the Mediterranean ecotype, with biological variations that may represent regional adaptations to more or less severe climatic conditions.
The use of clay minerals and microfossils in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions: The Holocene littoral strand of Las Nuevas (Doñana National Park) SW Spain
Authors: Carretero M. I. , Ruiz F. , Rodríguez-Ramírez A. , Cáceres L. , Rodríguez Vidal J. , González Regalado M. L.
Published: July 2002

Three steps have been established during the Holocene formation of the bar-built estuary of Las Nuevas (Doñana National Park, Spain), on the basis of the clay mineralogy variations and the palaeontological record. The first step is characterized by the presence of ostracodes and homogeneous quantities of clay minerals (17–20% illite, 25–29% smectites), values of smectite (0.64–0.70) and illite (0.60–0.70) crystallinity indexes, and the ratio of AlVI/(FeVI + MgVI) in illite (0.46–0.47). This zone is interpreted as a very shallow lagoon with euryhaline conditions. The presence of roots, the progressive disappearance of foraminifers and an increase in the smectite content (up to 35%) define the second step. A salt-marsh environment with low-energy hydrodynamic conditions is deduced for this zone. The third step is characterized by an increase in illite content (up to 35%), and a decrease of the smectite content (up to 21%). The smectite crystallinity index decreased to 0.38, whereas the illite ratio AlVI/(FeVI + MgVI) decreased to 0.36. In this zone, the ostracode assemblage contains numerous juvenile stages of coastal species coinciding with lumachelle accumulations of the estuarine bivalves, abundant foraminifers and the presence of charophytes. This zone represents a strong marine input, probably caused by storms.
A high temperature structural phase transition in crocoite (PbCrO4) at 1068 K: crystal structure refinement at 1073 K and thermal expansion tensor determination at 1000 K
Authors: Knight K. S.
Published: July 2002

High-resolution, neutron time-of-flight, powder diffraction data have been collected on natural crocoite between 873 and 1073 K. Thermal analysis carried out in the 1920s had suggested that chemically pure PbCrO4 exhibited two structural phase transitions, at 964 K, to the β phase, and at 1056 K, to the γ phase. In this study, no evidence was found for the α-β structural phase transition, however a high-temperature phase transition was found at ∼1068 K from the ambient-temperature monazite structure type to the baryte structure type. The phase transition, close to the temperatures reported for the β to γ phase modifications, is first order and is accompanied by a change in volume of −1.6%. The crystal structure of this phase has been refined using the Rietveld method to agreement factors of Rp = 0.018, Rwp = 0.019, Rp = 0.011. No evidence for premonitory behaviour was found in the temperature dependence of the monoclinic lattice constants rom 873 K to 1063 K and these have been used to determine the thermal expansion tensor of crocoite just below the phase transition. At 1000 K the magnitudes of the tensor coefficients are α11, 2.66(1) × 10−5 K−1; α22, 2.04(1) × 10−5 K−1; α33, 4.67(4) × 10−5 K−1; and α13, −1.80(2) × 10−5 K−1 using the IRE convention for the orientation of the tensor basis. The orientation of the principal axes of the thermal expansion tensor are very close to those reported previously for the temperature range 50–300 K.
The occurrence of Zr-bearing amphiboles and their relationships with the pyroxenes and biotites in the teschenite and nepheline syenites of a differentiated dolerite boss, Islay, NW Scotland
Authors: Preston R. J. , Hole M. J. , Still J.
Published: July 2002

The Cnoc Rhaonastil minor dolerite intrusion on Islay, NW Scotland represents a single body of alkali olivine basalt magma which differentiated in situ, from leucodolerite, through teschenite to minor nepheline syenite. The syenites occur as isolated nests and pegmatitic schlieren within the leucodolerite, and schlieren of gabbroic pegmatite also occur at the margin of the teschenite. The differentiated rocks contain pyroxene, amphibole and biotite of variable compositions which reflect both primary fractionation processes and late-stage deuteric alteration and reaction.Mafic phases within the gabbroic pegmatite, teschenite and syenite are typically rimmed and speckled with biotite, the composition of which is controlled by the local environment of crystallization. The nepheline syenites contain primary ferro-kaersutite which, where in contact with interstitial patches, has been altered to arfvedsonite, which occasionally contains up to 1.2 wt.% ZrO2. The occurrence of Zr-arfvedsonite (and of Zr-aegirine) in interstitial patches suggests that variably trace element-enriched domains existed within the residual melts on very small scales.
Multiple VH genes are used to assemble human antibodies directed toward the A3-C1 domains of factor VIII
Authors: van den Brink Edward N. , Turenhout Ellen A. M. , Bovenschen Niels , Heijnen Bram G. A. D. H. , Mertens Koen , Peters Marjolein , Voorberg Jan
Published: July 2002

A well-known complication of factor VIII replacement therapy in patients with hemophilia A is the development of inhibitory antibodies. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of a binding site for factor VIII inhibitors in the A3 domain. Six different human monoclonal single-chain variable domain antibody fragments (scFv) directed toward the A3-C1 domains of factor VIII have been isolated, using phage display technology. Sequence analysis revealed that the VH domains of 2 scFv were encoded by germline gene segments from the VH1 gene family and 4 by germline gene segments belonging to the VH3 gene family. Epitope mapping of the scFv was performed, using a series of hybrid factor VIII/factor V light chain fragments. This analysis revealed that 5 of 6 scFv were directed against a region encompassing amino acid sequence Q1778-D1840 in the A3 domain, a previously identified binding site for factor VIII inhibitors. Only 2 of 5 scFv directed against amino acid sequence Q1778-D1840 inhibited the procoagulant activity of factor VIII. Our results define the properties of human antibodies directed against region Q1778-D1840 in the A3 domain. Binding of one, noninhibitory scFv was independent of the region Q1778-D1840, suggesting the presence of an additional binding site for anti–factor VIII antibodies in the A3-C1 domains of factor VIII.
RNA expression patterns change dramatically in human neutrophils exposed to bacteria
Authors: Subrahmanyam Yerramilli V. B. K. , Yamaga Shigeru , Prashar Yatindra , Lee Helen H. , Hoe Nancy P. , Kluger Yuval , Gerstein Mark , Goguen Jon D. , Newburger Peter E. , Weissman Sherman M.
Published: July 2002

A comprehensive study of changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in human neutrophils following exposure to bacteria is described. Within 2 hours there are dramatic changes in the levels of several hundred mRNAs including those for a variety of cytokines, receptors, apoptosis-regulating products, and membrane trafficking regulators. In addition, there are a large number of up-regulated mRNAs that appear to represent a common core of activation response genes that have been identified as early-response products to a variety of stimuli in a number of other cell types. The activation response of neutrophils to nonpathogenic bacteria is greatly altered by exposure to Yersinia pestis, which may be a major factor contributing to the virulence and rapid progression of plague. Several gene clusters were created based on the patterns of gene induction caused by different bacteria. These clusters were consistent with those found by a principal components analysis. A number of the changes could be interpreted in terms of neutrophil physiology and the known functions of the genes. These findings indicate that active regulation of gene expression plays a major role in the neutrophil contribution to the cellular inflammatory response. Interruption of these changes by pathogens, such as Y pestis, could be responsible, at least in part, for the failure to contain infections by highly virulent organisms.
Distinct behavior of mutant triosephosphate isomerase in hemolysate and in isolated form: molecular basis of enzyme deficiency
Authors: Orosz Ferenc , Oláh Judit , Alvarez Marco , Keserű György M. , Szabó Beáta , Wágner Gábor , Kovári Zoltán , Horányi Margit , Baróti Klára , Martial Joseph A. , Hollán Susan , Ovádi Judit
Published: July 2002

In a Hungarian family with severe decrease in triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) activity, 2 germ line–identical but phenotypically differing compound heterozygote brothers inherited 2 independent (Phe240Leu and Glu145stop codon) mutations. The kinetic, thermodynamic, and associative properties of the recombinant human wild-type and Phe240Leu mutant enzymes were compared with those of TPIs in normal and deficient erythrocyte hemolysates. The specific activity of the recombinant mutant enzyme relative to the wild type was much higher (30%) than expected from the activity (3%) measured in hemolysates. Enhanced attachment of mutant TPI to erythrocyte inside-out vesicles and to microtubules of brain cells was found when the binding was measured with TPIs in hemolysate. In contrast, there was no difference between the binding of the recombinant wild-type and Phe240Leu mutant enzymes. These findings suggest that the missense mutation by itself is not enough to explain the low catalytic activity and “stickiness” of mutant TPI observed in hemolysate. The activity of the mutant TPI is further reduced by its attachment to inside-out vesicles or microtubules. Comparative studies of the hemolysate from a British patient with Glu104Asp homozygosity and with the platelet lysates from the Hungarian family suggest that the microcompartmentation of TPI is not unique for the hemolysates from the Hungarian TPI-deficient brothers. The possible role of cellular components, other than the mutant enzymes, in the distinct behavior of TPI in isolated form versus in hemolysates from the compound heterozygotes and the simple heterozygote family members is discussed.
Mutations in the gene encoding the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Gombart Adrian F. , Hofmann Wolf-K. , Kawano Seiji , Takeuchi Seisho , Krug Utz , Kwok Scott H. , Larsen Renee J. , Asou Hiroya , Miller Carl W. , Hoelzer Dieter , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: July 2002

The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) protein is essential for proper lung and liver function and granulocytic and adipose tissue differentation. It was hypothesized that abnormalties in C/EBPα function contribute to the development of malignancies in a variety of tissues. To test this, genomic DNA from 408 patient samples and 5 cell lines representing 11 different cancers was screened for mutations in the C/EBPα gene. Two silent polymorphisms termed P1 and P2 were present at frequencies of 13.5% and 2.2%, respectively. Of the12 mutations detected in 10 patients, silent changes were identified in one nonsmall cell lung cancer, one prostate cancer, and one acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) subtype M4. The 9 remaining mutations were detected in 1 of 92 (1.1%) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) samples and 6 of 78 (7.7%) AML (AML-M2 and AML-M4) samples. Some mutations truncated the predicted protein with loss of the DNA-binding (basic region) and dimerization (leucine zipper [ZIP]) domains by either deletions or nonsense codons. Also, inframe deletions or insertions in the fork region located between the leucine zipper and basic region, or within the leucine zipper, disrupted the α-helical phase of the bZIP domain. The inframe deletion and insertion mutations abrogated the transcriptional activation function of C/EBPα on the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor promoter. These mutants localized properly to the nucleus, but were unable to bind to the C/EBP site in the promoter and did not possess dominant-negative activity. The mutations in the MDS patient and one AML-M2 patient were biallelic, indicating a loss of C/EBPα function. These results suggest that mutation of C/EBPα is involved in specific subtypes of AML and in MDS, but may occur rarely in other types of leukemias or nonhematologic malignancies.
Pustular Erythroderma in an Infant
Authors: Kermani Mandana Fadaei , Coulombe Jerome
Published: August 2024

An infant boy presented with generalized rash, fever, and severe skin pain. What is your diagnosis?
CLAPO Syndrome
Authors: Tran Andrew X. , Gelles Lisa
Published: August 2024

A 1-day-old, healthy, full-term boy born by cesarean delivery for placental abruption to a 31-year-old primigravid mother was noted at birth to have an erythematous patch on his lower lip.