bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular multiplication of Legionella pneumophila depends on host cell amino acid transporter SLC1A5
Authors: Wieland Hagen , Ullrich Susanne , Lang Florian , Neumeister Birgid
Published: February 2005

The infectious agent of Legionnaires’ disease, Legionella (L) pneumophila, multiplies intracellularly in eukaryotic cells. This study has been performed to explore the nutrient requirements of L. pneumophila during intracellular replication. In human monocytes, bacterial replication rate was reduced by 76% in defined medium lacking l‐cysteine, l‐glutamine or l‐serine. SLC1A5 (hATB0,+), a neutral amino acid transporter, was upregulated in the host cells after infection with L. pneumophila. Inhibition of SLC1A5 by BCH, a competitive inhibitor of amino acid uptake as well as siRNA silencing of the slc1a5 gene blocked intracellular multiplication of L. pneumophila without compromising viability of host cells. These observations suggest that replication of L. pneumophila depends on the function of host cell SLC1A5.
Severing all ties between mother and daughter: cell separation in budding yeast
Authors: Yeong Foong May
Published: February 2005

At the end of nuclear division in the budding yeast, acto‐myosin ring contraction and cytokinesis occur between mother and daughter cells. This is followed by cell separation, after which mother and daughter cells go their separate ways. While cell separation may be the last event that takes place between the two cells, it is nonetheless under tight regulation which ensures that both cells are viable upon separation. It is becoming increasingly clear that the components of the cell separation machinery are controlled at various levels, including the temporal and spatial regulation of the genes encoding for the components and the specific localization of the components to the neck. In addition, these regulatory controls are co‐ordinated with exit from mitosis, thereby placing a mechanistic link between the end of mitosis and cell separation. More importantly, the success of the cell separation event is contingent upon the presence of a trilaminar septum, whose assembly is dependent on a host of proteins which localize to the neck over the span of one cell division cycle.
2004 ASM Conference on the New Phage Biology: the ‘Phage Summit’
Authors: Adhya Sankar , Black Lindsay , Friedman David , Hatfull Graham , Kreuzer Kenneth , Merril Carl , Oppenheim Amos , Rohwer Forest , Young Ry
Published: February 2005

In August, more than 350 conferees from 24 countries attended the ASM Conference on the New Phage Biology, in Key Biscayne, Florida. This meeting, also called the Phage Summit, was the first major international gathering in decades devoted exclusively to phage biology. What emerged from the 5 days of the Summit was a clear perspective on the explosive resurgence of interest in all aspects of bacteriophage biology. The classic phage systems like λ and T4, reinvigorated by structural biology, bioinformatics and new molecular and cell biology tools, remain model systems of unequalled power and facility for studying fundamental biological issues. In addition, the New Phage Biology is also populated by basic and applied scientists focused on ecology, evolution, nanotechnology, bacterial pathogenesis and phage‐based immunologics, therapeutics and diagnostics, resulting in a heightened interest in bacteriophages per se, rather than as a model system. Besides constituting another landmark in the long history of a field begun by d’Herelle and Twort during the early 20th century, the Summit provided a unique venue for establishment of new interactive networks for collaborative efforts between scientists of many different backgrounds, interests and expertise.
Getting down to malarial nuts and bolts: the interaction between Plasmodium vivax merozoites and their host erythrocytes
Authors: Rayner Julian
Published: February 2005

Of the four Plasmodium species that routinely cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria mortality and consequently gets most of the headlines. Outside Africa, however, more malaria cases are caused by its distant cousin Plasmodium vivax, resulting in a daunting morbidity and economic burden for countries across Asia and the Americas. Plasmodium life cycles are complex, but the symptoms and pathology of malaria occur during the blood phase, when merozoites recognize and invade erythrocytes, initiating a developmental programme that culminates in lysis of the erythrocyte and release of multiple daughter merozoites. P. vivax merozoites are dependent on a single host cell receptor for erythrocyte invasion, the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines, and humans that do not express this receptor on the surface of their erythrocytes are immune to P. vivax infection. This essential receptor–ligand interaction is addressed from both the host and parasite side in two papers in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, with important implications for plans to develop a P. vivax vaccine.
Adjustment of leaf photosynthesis to shade in a natural canopy: rate parameters
Authors: LAISK A. , EICHELMANN H. , OJA V. , RASULOV B. , PADU E. , BICHELE I. , PETTAI H. , KULL O.
Published: February 2005

The present study was performed to investigate the adjustment of the rate parameters of the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis to the natural growth light in leaves of an overstorey species, Betula pendula Roth, a subcanopy species, Tilia cordata P. Mill., and a herb, Solidago virgaurea L., growing in a natural plant community in Järvselja, Estonia. Shoots were collected from the site and individual leaves were measured in a laboratory applying a standardized routine of kinetic gas exchange, Chl fluorescence and 820 nm transmittance measurements. These measurements enabled the calculations of the quantum yield of photosynthesis and rate constants of excitation capture by photochemical and non‐photochemical quenchers, rate constant for P700+ reduction via the cytochrome b6f complex with and without photosynthetic control, actual maximum and potential (uncoupled) electron transport rate, stomatal and mesophyll resistances for CO2 transport, Km(CO2) and Vm of ribulose‐bisphosphate carboxylase‐oxygenase (Rubisco) in vivo. In parallel, N, Chl and Rubisco contents were measured from the same leaves. No adjustment toward higher quantum yield in shade compared with sun leaves was observed, although relatively more N was partitioned to the light‐harvesting machinery in shade leaves (H. Eichelmann et al., 2004). The electron transport rate through the Cyt b6f complex was strongly down‐regulated under saturating light compared with darkness, and this was observed under atmospheric, as well as saturating CO2 concentration. In vivo Vm measurements of Rubisco were lower than corresponding reported measurements in vitro, and the kcat per reaction site varied widely between leaves and growth sites. The correlation between Rubisco Vm and the photosystem I density was stronger than between Vm and the density of Rubisco active sites. The results showed that the capacity of the photosynthetic machinery decreases in shade‐adjusted leaves, but it still remains in excess of the actual photosynthetic rate. The photosynthetic control systems that are targeted to adjust the photosynthetic rate to meet the plant's needs and to balance the partial reactions of photosynthesis, down‐regulate partial processes of photosynthesis: excess harvested light is quenched non‐photochemically; excess electron transport capacity of Cyt b6f is down‐regulated by ΔpH‐dependent photosynthetic control; Rubisco is synthesized in excess, and the number of activated Rubisco molecules is controlled by photosystem I‐related processes. Consequently, the nitrogen contained in the components of the photosynthetic machinery is not used at full efficiency. The strong correlation between leaf nitrogen and photosynthetic performance is not due to the nitrogen requirements of the photosynthetic apparatus, but because a certain amount of energy must be captured through photosynthesis to maintain this nitrogen within a leaf.
Indirect effects of insect herbivory on leaf gas exchange in soybean
Authors: ALDEA MIHAI , HAMILTON JASON G. , RESTI JOSEPH P. , ZANGERL ARTHUR R. , BERENBAUM MAY R. , D eLUCIA EVAN H.
Published: February 2005

Herbivory can affect plant carbon gain directly by removing photosynthetic leaf tissue and indirectly by inducing the production of costly defensive compounds or disrupting the movement of water and nutrients. The indirect effects of herbivory on carbon and water fluxes of soybean leaves were investigated using gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and thermal imaging. Herbivory by Popillia japonica and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) caused a 20–90% increase in transpiration from soybean leaflets without affecting carbon assimilation rates or photosynthetic efficiency (ΦPSII). Mechanical damage to interveinal tissue increased transpiration up to 150%. The spatial pattern of leaf temperature indicated that water loss occurred from injuries to the cuticle as well as from cut edges. A fluorescent tracer (sulforhodamine G) indicated that water evaporated from the apoplast approximately 100 µm away from the cut edges of damaged leaves. The rate of water loss from damaged leaves remained significantly higher than from control leaves for 6 d, during which time they lost 45% more water than control leaves (0.72 mol H2O per cm of damaged perimeter). Profligate water loss through the perimeter of damaged tissue indicates that herbivory may exacerbate water stress of soybeans under field conditions.
Hepatitis B NAT virus‐positive blood donors in the early and late stages of HBV infection: analyses of the window period and kinetics of HBV DNA
Authors: Yoshikawa Akira , Gotanda Yuhko , Itabashi Masako , Minegishi Kiyoshi , Kanemitsu Kimihiro , Nishioka Kusuya ,   the Japanese Red Cross NAT Screening Research Group
Published: February 2005

Background and Objectives  The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) carries out nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) by using a multiplex (MPX) reagent. Screening is undertaken on serologically negative units. In this study we characterized HBV NAT‐positive donations individually and analysed the window period and kinetics of HBV DNA, during acute infection, in follow‐up studies.

Materials and Methods  Two hundred and seventy‐seven HBV DNA‐positive donations have been identified in Japan since the introduction of NAT screening of 50‐donation minipools. The viral loads and genotypes of these HBV DNA‐positive donations were characterized. The doubling time and half‐life of HBV was estimated from the data of 123 follow‐up donors. The sensitivity of the NAT system (based on 50‐donation minipools) was compared with the sensitivities of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Samples that were CLIA negative, but with > 104 copies/ml of HBV DNA, were analysed by sequencing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) region.

Results  Out of 277 HBV NAT‐positive samples, 125 (45%) were found to have an increasing viral load and 45 (16%) a decreasing viral load. Forty per cent of HBV NAT‐positive samples with an increasing viral load, and 33% of those with a decreasing viral load, were negative when tested by using the CLIA. No mutations related to escape mutants were found in the samples that were CLIA negative but with HBV DNA loads of > 104 copies/ml. The median HBV doubling time was 2·6 days (n = 93, 1·3–15·2 days) and the half‐life was 1·6 days (n = 55, 0·9–6·3 days). Some kinetic difference was observed between genotypes A and B.

Conclusions  HBV NAT screening detected HBV DNA in both early (the so‐called serological window period) and late stages of acute HBV infection.
Report of the First International Workshop on molecular blood group genotyping
Authors: Daniels G. , Van Der Schoot C. E. , Olsson M. L.
Published: February 2005

The use of molecular genetic technology for blood group typing is becoming routine procedure in many reference laboratories worldwide. A First International Workshop was organized on behalf of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). Thirty laboratories that provide a molecular diagnostic service participated in the workshop. Six samples were distributed: two represented DNA from transfusion‐dependent patients for testing for multiple polymorphisms; two represented fetal DNA prepared from amniotic fluid for RhD, Rhc and K‐testing; and two represented plasma from RhD‐negative pregnant women for fetal RhD testing. Error rates varied from 0 to 11% for different polymorphisms. A consensus arising from discussion on the workshop results between participants at a feedback meeting and by e‐mail has resulted in seven recommendations for molecular blood group genotyping. Further international workshops will take place every 2 years, with a more limited exercise being organized in the intervening years.
The efficacy of a malarial antibody enzyme immunoassay for establishing the reinstatement status of blood donors potentially exposed to malaria
Authors: Seed C. R. , Cheng A. , Davis T. M. E. , Bolton W. V. , Keller A. J. , Kitchen A. , Cobain T. J.
Published: February 2005

Background and Objectives  The two key objectives of the study were, first, to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a recombinant antigen‐based malarial enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) and, second, to estimate the risk associated with implementing this test with a shortened cellular component restriction period (6 months rather than the standard 12–36 months) for blood donors with a malarial risk exposure.

Materials and Methods  Blood donors were recruited into four distinct groups [non‐exposed (control), malarial area ‘visitors’, ‘residents’ and ‘previous infection’) and screened by using the Newmarket malarial antibody EIA. Assay specificity was evaluated in unexposed blood donors, and sensitivity was determined in acute clinical samples.

Results  No parasitaemic donors were detected amongst 337 malarial ‘visitors’ who had returned from a malaria‐endemic area less than 6 months previously, or for 402 ‘visitors’ or ‘residents’ who had returned from a malaria‐endemic area more than 6 months previously. The incidence of malarial antibodies within the exposed blood donor groups was 1·33% (10/751). In acute clinical non‐donor samples, the Newmarket EIA detected 106/108 (98·1; 93·5–99·5%) ‘film’ positive Plasmodium falciparum infections and 12/12 (100, 75·7–100·0%) P. vivax infections. The estimated additional risk exposure of the proposed new strategy was one infectious P. falciparum donation per 175 years or 1 per 4·2 years for P. vivax.

Conclusions  The study findings support the efficacy and safety of a targeted screening strategy combining antibody screening with a 6‐month cellular component restriction period for donors with a declared malarial risk.
Ureteroscopic endoureterotomy
Authors: Razdan Sanjay , Silberstein Irene K. , Bagley Demetrius H.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the current status of ureteroscopic endoureterotomy (UE) by reporting extensive experience with the endoscopic management of ureteric strictures, with special emphasis on factors determining success, and by reviewing publications on the minimally invasive management of ureteric strictures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 50 patients (mean age 53 years, range 18–85, equal sex distribution) with ureteric strictures of varying causes; all had their stricture treated endoscopically. The follow‐up was 0.5–9 years; 10 patients with recurrent strictures had two ipsilateral stents placed to try to improve the outcome, and eight patients with completely obliterating strictures were treated by ureteroscopic re‐canalization.

RESULTS

The site of stricture had no bearing on the eventual outcome. Patients with uretero‐enteric and malignant strictures did not fare so well. The most important predictor of failure was the length of the stricture, with failure in all seven patients with strictures of > 2 cm. In the 10 patients treated with two ipsilateral stents, eight were successful, which was very promising considering that these patients had recalcitrant strictures and placing one stent had previously failed. The overall success rate was 74%.

CONCLUSION

UE has become the procedure of choice for the initial management of ureteric strictures. Simple balloon dilatation is also effective in certain situations. The characteristics of the stricture often govern the eventual outcome. In properly selected cases success rates of ≈ 75% can be expected.
Transformation of maize with the p1 transcription factor directs production of silk maysin, a corn earworm resistance factor, in concordance with a hierarchy of floral organ pigmentation
Authors: Cocciolone Suzy M. , Nettleton Dan , Snook Maurice E. , Peterson Thomas
Published: February 2005

The maize p1 gene encodes an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor that controls the biosynthesis of red flavonoid pigments in floral tissues of the maize plant. Genetic and quantitative trait locus analyses have also associated the p1 gene with the synthesis of maysin, a flavone glycoside from maize silks that confers natural resistance to corn earworm. Here, we show directly that the p1 gene induces maysin accumulation in silk tissues. Transformation of maize plants that had low or no silk maysin with p1 transgenes elevated silk maysin concentrations to levels sufficient for corn earworm abiosis. The p1 transgenes also conferred red pigment to pericarp, cob, husk and tassel tissues, as expected; however, different subsets of these tissues were pigmented within individual transgenic plants. Statistical analysis shows that the pigmentation patterns observed amongst the p1 transgenic plants conform to a hierarchy that is similar to the temporal ordering of floral organ initiation. We propose that the observed hierarchy of pigmentation patterns is conferred by variation due to epigenetic control of the p1 transgenes. The production of plants with improved traits through genetic engineering can depend in large part on the achievement of tight organ‐specific expression of the introduced transgenes. Our results demonstrate that the production of transgenic plants using a promoter with well‐defined tissue specificity, such as the p1 promoter, can result in unexpected variation in tissue specificity amongst the resulting transgenic plants.
Immunomodulation of polyamine biosynthesis in tobacco plants has a significant impact on polyamine levels and generates a dwarf phenotype
Authors: Nölke Greta , Schneider Bernd , Fischer Rainer , Schillberg Stefan
Published: February 2005

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyses the direct decarboxylation of l‐ornithine to putrescine, one of the rate‐limiting steps of polyamine biosynthesis in plants. In the present study, an ODC‐specific murine single‐chain antibody fragment (scFvODC1) was generated by phage display technology. To evaluate the effect of the recombinant antibody fragment on ODC activity and polyamine levels, we produced transgenic tobacco plants that accumulated scFvODC1 in the cytosol. Expression levels of up to 4% total soluble protein (TSP) were achieved, resulting in the inhibition of up to 90% of endogenous ODC activity. A significant reduction in putrescine, spermidine and spermine levels was observed in transgenic lines producing high levels of scFvODC1. Furthermore, these lines showed developmental abnormalities and a dwarf phenotype. We show that the immunomodulation of enzyme activity is a powerful approach that can be used to alter complex and tightly controlled metabolic pathways, allowing specific steps in the pathway to be blocked and the resulting physiological effects to be investigated.
The Mexican American Struggle for Equal Educational Opportunity inMendez v. Westminster:Helping to Pave the Way forBrown v. Board of Education
Authors: Valencia Richard R.
Published: February 2005

Few people in the United States are aware of the central role that Mexican Americans have played in some of the most important legal struggles regarding school desegregation. The most significant such case is Mendez v. Westminster (1946), a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of more than 5,000 Mexican American students in Orange County, California. The Mendez case became the first successful constitutional challenge to segregation. In fact, in Mendez the U.S. District Court judge ruled that the Mexican American students’ rights were being violated under the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision was affirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although the Mendez case was never appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, a number of legal scholars at that time hailed it as a case that could have accomplished what Brown eventually did eight years later: a reversal of the High Court's 1896 ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which had sanctioned legal segregation for nearly 60 years. Even though Mendez did not bring about the reversal of Plessy, it did lay some of the important groundwork for the landmark case that would. In this article, I use the lens of critical race theory to examine how Mendez and Brown were strongly connected and how Mendez served as a harbinger for Brown. This linkage can be captured in at least two ways. First, Mendez was a federal, Fourteenth Amendment case grounded in a theoretical argument—known as integration theory—that stresses the harmful effects of segregation on Mexican American students. Secondly, in order to make this Fourteenth Amendment argument, the attorneys in Mendez used social science expert testimony. Such testimony, grounded in similar theoretical arguments, proved very useful in Brown. For these reasons it is important to remember the role of Mexican Americans and the Mendez case, in particular, in the broader struggle for equal educational opportunity in the United States and appreciate how they helped pave the way for Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.
Dear Zora: A Letter to Zora Neale Hurston 50 Years after Brown
Authors: Fine Michelle , Bloom Janice , Burns April , Chajet Lori , Guishard Monique , Payne Yasser , Perkins-Munn Tiffany , Torre Maria Elena
Published: February 2005

This article reports on the extensive qualitative and quantitative findings of a multi-method participatory study designed to assess urban and suburban youths’ experiences of racial/class justice or injustice in their schools and throughout the nation. Constructed as a letter to Zora Neale Hurston, who was immediately critical of the Brown decision in 1955, the article lays out the victories of Brown and the ongoing struggles, what we call “six degrees of segregation” that identify systematic policies that ensure an opportunity gap.

The article theorizes the academic, social and psychological consequences of persistent inequity on youth of color and White American youth—all adversely affected by systematic educational inequities that persist 50 years after Brown.
Local Likelihood for non‐parametric ARCH(1) models
Authors: Audrino Francesco
Published: February 2005

Abstract. We propose a non‐parametric local likelihood estimator for the log‐transformed autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (ARCH) (1) model. Our non‐parametric estimator is constructed within the likelihood framework for non‐Gaussian observations: it is different from standard kernel regression smoothing, where the innovations are assumed to be normally distributed. We derive consistency and asymptotic normality for our estimators and show, by a simulation experiment and some real‐data examples, that the local likelihood estimator has better predictive potential than classical local regression. A possible extension of the estimation procedure to more general multiplicative ARCH(p) models withp > 1 predictor variables is also described.
Emotions and airway resistance in asthma: Study with whole body plethysmography
Authors: Von Leupoldt Andreas , Dahme Bernhard
Published: February 2005

The role of emotions as potential triggers of asthmatic airway obstructions was examined by whole body plethysmography. Three affectively homogeneous picture series (IAPS) were presented with video glasses to induce pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral emotional states in 32 asthmatic and 32 nonasthmatic participants while they were seated in a Jaeger Bodytest plethysmograph. Airway resistance, specific airway resistance, thoracic gas volume, and mood were measured immediately after each presentation, in addition to specific airway resistance before and during each presentation. Airway resistance and specific airway resistance were significantly increased after and during pleasant and unpleasant stimulation compared to neutral stimulation in asthmatic patients and also, but less pronounced, in nonasthmatic controls. The results show that the experience of pleasant and unpleasant emotions can provoke increased airway resistance especially in asthmatic patients.
Twelve microsatellite loci in Manilkara huberi (Ducke) Standl (Sapotaceae), an Amazonian timber species
Authors: AZEVEDO V. C. R. , VINSON C. C. , CIAMPI A. Y.
Published: February 2005

Manilkara huberi is a timber species, found and intensely exploited in the Amazonian forest. Twelve highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from a genomic library enriched for AG/TC repeats. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated using a total of 12 adult trees from a natural population. An average of 6.43 alleles per locus were detected, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.721 to 0.862. These loci represent a powerful tool in investigating the mating system, gene flow, parentage and population dynamics in natural populations of M. huberi, all of which are needed to implement sound management.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Perciformes, Gobiidae)
Authors: GALLINI ALESSANDRA , ZANE LORENZO , BISOL PAOLO MARIA
Published: February 2005

We isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from two partial genomic libraries of Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Perciformes, Gobiidae), enriched for AC and for multiple motifs. Variability was tested on specimens from the Venice lagoon revealing a high degree of genetic variation. The loci will be useful for monitoring the biodiversity of the species at the genetic level and for parentage assessment purposes.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for the red panda, Ailurus fulgens
Authors: LIU ZHIJIN , ZHANG BAOWEI , WEI FUWEN , LI MING
Published: February 2005

We report on the isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellites in the red panda Ailurus fulgens from genomic DNA‐enriched libraries. Twenty‐one microsatellites were screened from the libraries, and 10 of the screened microsatellites were polymorphic. The number of observed alleles for each locus in 24 individuals ranged from three to 12, and the expected and observed heterozygosity was 0.60–0.90 and 0.50–1.00, respectively. These markers should prove a useful tool for the study of genetic variation in red panda in the future.
Development of microsatellite markers for Carapa guianensis (Aublet), a tree species from the Amazon forest
Authors: VINSON C. C. , AZEVEDO V. C. R. , SAMPAIO I. , CIAMPI A. Y.
Published: February 2005

Carapa guianensis is a timber species found in Central America and the north of South America. We have developed microsatellite primers which will allow analysis of gene flow and population genetic structure in natural populations of this tree species. Polymorphism of five microsatellite loci was evaluated using a total of 12 adult trees from a natural population. An average of 4.2 alleles per locus was detected, and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.397 to 0.806. These loci are being used for genetic population analysis in a managed forest in the state of Pará, in Amazonian Brazil, as part of the Dendrogene project.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers, isolated using a simple enrichment procedure, in the threatened smooth snake (Coronella austriaca)
Authors: BOND J. M. , PORTEOUS R. , HUGHES S. , MOGG R. J. , GARDNER M. G. , READING C. J.
Published: February 2005

The smooth snake,Coronella austriaca, is particularly rare within the UK and little is known about the genetic variability within the species. Here we report the isolation of 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the smooth snake, using a simple enrichment procedure. Despite screening individuals from a potentially isolated population, levels of polymorphism were high. These microsatellite markers will prove very useful in investigating population parameters, which will lead to effective conservation and management plans for this rare species.
Microsatellites isolated from diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), for studies of dispersal in Australian populations
Authors: ENDERSBY N. M. , MCKECHNIE S. W. , VOGEL H. , GAHAN L. J. , BAXTER S. W. , RIDLAND P. M. , WEEKS A. R.
Published: February 2005

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a worldwide agricultural pest that has developed resistance to many insecticides used for its control. Population structure and gene flow are yet to be determined for P. xylostella in Australia, but are important factors for the design of effective control strategies. We have isolated six polymorphic microsatellite markers: three from a partial genomic library, two from an Expressed Sequence Tagged library and one from an aminopeptidase intron of P. xylostella. These microsatellites will be used to determine population structure and gene flow in Australian populations of P. xylostella to improve insecticide resistance management.
Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in Pinus pinaster Ait
Authors: GUEVARA M. A. , CHAGNÉ D. , ALMEIDA M. H. , BYRNE M. , COLLADA C. , FAVRE J. M. , HARVENGT L. , JEANDROZ S. , ORAZIO C. , PLOMION C. , RAMBOER A. , ROCHETA M. , SEBASTIANI F. , SOTO A. , VENDRAMIN G. G. , CERVERA M. T.
Published: February 2005

We developed 20 polymorphic nuclear microsatellites from Pinus pinaster using genomic libraries enriched with repeated motifs. A total of 25 individuals from five different populations were used to estimate genetic diversity parameters.
Cloning and characterization of novel microsatellite DNA markers for the grass rockfish, Sebastes rastrelliger, and cross‐species amplification in 10 related Sebastes spp
Authors: WESTERMAN M. E. , BUONACCORSI V. P. , STANNARD J. A. , GALVER L. , TAYLOR C. , LYNN E. A. , KIMBRELL C. A. , VETTER R. D.
Published: February 2005

Here we report development and characterization of seven polymorphic loci derived from grass rockfish (Sebastes rastrelliger) genomic DNA phagemid libraries enriched for microsatellite motifs. Within grass rockfish, average allelic diversity was 11.3 alleles per locus and average heterozygosity was 0.73. The seven loci also were surveyed in 10 related species of Sebastes, where allelic diversity ranged from highly polymorphic to monomorphic. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg were nonsignificant in all but one species/locus combination suggesting low occurrence of null alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium was detected among three loci, but these events were limited to a single species in each case.
Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in section Caulorrhizae (Arachis, Fabaceae)
Authors: PALMIERI D. A. , BECHARA M. D. , CURI R. A. , GIMENES M. A. , LOPES C. R.
Published: February 2005

This work reports the characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in section Caulorrhizae. The primer pairs were designed from Arachis pintoi and showed full transferability to Arachis repens species. These new markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in germplasm (accessions and cultivars) of section Caulorrhizae. This new set of markers detected greater gene diversity than morphological and molecular markers such as AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) and RAPD (rapid analysis of polymorphic DNA) previously used in this germplasm.
Identification and characterization of expressed sequence tags‐derived simple sequence repeats markers from robusta coffee variety ‘CxR’ (an interspecific hybrid of Coffea canephora × Coffea congensis)
Authors: BHAT PRASANNA R. , KRISHNAKUMAR V. , HENDRE PRASAD S. , RAJENDRAKUMAR P. , VARSHNEY RAJEEV K. , AGGARWAL RAMESH K.
Published: February 2005

SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers derived from ESTs (expressed sequence tags), commonly called EST‐SSRs or genic SSRs provide useful genetic markers for crop improvement. These are easy and economical to develop as by‐products of large‐scale EST resources that have become available as part of the functional genomic studies in many plant species. Here, we describe for the first time, nine genic‐SSRs of coffee that are developed from the microsatellite containing ESTs from a cDNA library of moisture‐stressed leaves of coffee variety, ‘CxR’ (a commercial interspecific hybrid between Coffea congensis and Coffea canephora). The markers show considerable allelic diversity with PIC values up to 0.70 and 0.75 for Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, respectively, and robust cross‐species amplification in 16 other related taxa of coffee. The validation studies thus demonstrate the potential utility of the EST‐SSRs for genetic analysis of coffee germplasm.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Eidothea hardeniana, an early Proteaceae
Authors: ROSSETTO MAURIZIO , PORTER CAROLYN
Published: February 2005

Eidothea hardeniana is a recently discovered rainforest species representing a basal Proteoid genus. It is known from a single location in New South Wales (Australia) with the only other member of the genus, Eidothea zoexylocarya, found in northern Queensland. We developed six microsatellite loci (five cross‐transferable) from an (AG) enriched library. The loci produced relatively high levels of diversity within 30 individuals of such a rare species. These microsatellites are now being used to provide new and useful information on the management of the species and on the processes shaping the evolution and persistence of ancient rainforest taxa.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the lance‐tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata)
Authors: DUVAL EMILY H. , NUTT KAREN J.
Published: February 2005

Eight microsatellite loci were isolated from the lance‐tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), a polygynous lek‐breeding bird from Central America. Five of these loci were polymorphic (two to seven alleles per locus), with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.100 to 0.860 (n = 50 individuals). These variable loci provide a valuable tool for assessing patterns of parentage and relatedness within lance‐tailed manakin social groups.
Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for kelp bass, Paralabax clathratus, amplified in three multiplex polymerase chain reaction sets
Authors: SELKOE KIMBERLY A. , VOGEL AUGUSTUS , AFTAB BLAKE T.
Published: February 2005

Kelp bass, Paralabrax clathratus, is an important sport fishery of California, USA and Baja, Mexico. Here we describe eight microsatellite loci developed for this species. Two loci were derived from known primers for other species in the family, Serranidae and six were developed anew using a clone enrichment protocol. Loci were arranged into three multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) sets for fast throughput; 564 individuals from nine populations across the species’ range were genotyped. Polymorphism ranged from four to 47 alleles and all populations at all loci displayed Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibrium.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the goosander (Mergus merganser)
Authors: GAUTSCHI B. , KOLLER B.
Published: February 2005

To investigate the population genetic structure of the goosander (Mergus merganser) in Europe and to identify populations with a significant conservation value, we isolated nine microsatellite loci, and screened them in the subspecies Mergus merganser merganser and Mergus merganser americanus. All markers were polymorphic with two to 15 alleles per locus. Average observed and expected heterozygosity values were 0.422 and 0.624, respectively, for the European and 0.497 and 0.667, respectively, for the North American subspecies. Only one marker departed significantly from Hardy–Weinberg expectations in both subspecies. This marker was highly variable but homozygous in all females, suggesting a sex‐linked inheritance.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the large‐billed scrubwren (Sericornis magnirostris)
Authors: BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE , GRAY MELISSA M. , AUSTIN JEREMY , ROSÁRIO ISABEL AMORIM DO
Published: February 2005

We isolated 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the large‐billed scrubwren Sericornis magnirostris from genomic libraries enriched for (AAGG)n and (AACC)n repetitive elements and characterized them in 11 individuals. The number of alleles ranged from four to 15 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.14 to 0.91. These markers will be useful to address questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.
Primers for the amplification of nuclear introns in Heliconius butterflies
Authors: KRONFORST MARCUS R.
Published: February 2005

I described the development of degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for intron‐containing regions of nine candidate wing patterning and pigmentation genes in Heliconius butterflies. Primers were developed by comparing sequence data from Drosophila melanogaster, Precis coenia, and a variety of other insects so they are likely to be applicable widely among the butterfly family Nymphalidae and perhaps Lepidoptera in general. The amplified regions are highly variable and should be useful for inferring relationships among closely related species and estimating the phylogeographical and population genetic structure of individual species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for paternity assessment in the golden whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis: Aves)
Authors: VAN DONGEN W. F. D. , MULDER R. A.
Published: February 2005

We isolated and characterized six novel microsatellite markers for paternity analysis in the golden whistler Pachycephala pectoralis, by screening an enriched genomic library using nonradioactive PCR techniques. The six loci exhibited little or no evidence of null alleles and showed high levels of polymorphism (mean HE = 0.85, mean number of alleles = 15.2), making them suitable for paternity assessment in this species (exclusion probability of six unlinked loci = 0.9997).
Evaluation of a Percutaneously Controlled Hydraulic Occluder in a Rat Model of Gradual Venous Occlusion
Authors: Sereda Colin W. , Adin Christopher A. , Ginn Pamela E. , Farese James P.
Published: February 2005

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of a percutaneously controlled hydraulic occluder (HO) in a rat model of gradual venous occlusion.

Study Design—Experimental study.

Animals—Ten male Sprague–Dawley rats.

Methods—HOs and perivascular transit time ultrasound flow probes were applied to the caudal vena cava (CVC). Occluders in group I rats (n=6) were gradually attenuated over 8 weeks, whereas occluders in group II rats (n=4) were not attenuated. Vena caval blood flow measurements were performed weekly in all rats for 8 weeks. After euthanasia, the CVC was evaluated grossly and by histopathology.

Results—Premature occlusion of the vena cava occurred during the 1st week in 3 rats (1 in group I, 2 in group II) because of kinking of the vena cava between the HO and the flow probe. For the remaining rats, mean blood flow in group I decreased significantly from 40.71 mL/min/kg at baseline to 4.68 mL/min/kg at 8 weeks (P=.0094, power=0.91). Group II rats maintained vena caval blood flow at all times during the study. Complete occlusion of the vena cava was confirmed at necropsy in all group I rats.

Conclusions—Gradual occlusion of the CVC of rats was achieved with HOs over 8 weeks. This model is limited by the size of the experimental animals and comparatively large implants.

Clinical Relevance—HOs may provide a method for gradual occlusion of congenital portosystemic shunts.
Management of Pain in Addicted/Illicit and Legal Substance Abusing Patients
Authors: Rosenblatt Aaron B. , Mekhail Nagy A.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Approximately one‐third of the American population experiences chronic pain. This varies in origin and severity. It also has been documented that billions of dollars are lost yearly because of health care expenses and missed workdays for chronic pain. Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychological and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. Addictive disorders occur in 3% to 26% of the general population, 19% to 255 of hospitalized patients and 40% to 60% in patients who sustained major trauma. More specifically 13.9 million of people living in USA over the age of 12 years are currently using illicit drugs.

Although patients with chronic pain may be at an increased risk for addiction, the general population has demonstrated similar addiction rates. Unfortunately, patients who have chronic pain and addition will only have one of these aspects addressed.

The purpose of this article is to clarify specific definition of substance use, abuse and addiction. As well as examining the role of pain physicians in evaluating and treating the chronic pain patients who have a history of substance abuse, and lastly outline strategy for assessing patients at risks and evaluating the most practical way of dealing with their chronic pain issues.
Coadministration of an Opioid Agonist and Antagonist for Pain Control
Authors: Rozen Dima , Ling Carson , Schade Cris
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  The increased use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain encourages the search for drugs with low abuse and tolerance potential but with potent analgesic activity. Opioid agonist‐antagonists and partial agonists have less abuse potential than do mu opioid receptor agonists such as morphine, and have been used for many years for their analgesic affects. Recently they have been approved for treatment of opioid addiction. As a guard against abuse, an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, is added to some opioid formulations. Doctors are often hesitant to prescribe agonist‐antagonists and partial agonists to opioid‐tolerant patients, fearing that these drugs may precipitate withdrawal. Can drugs being used safely for addiction treatment also safely replace opioid agonists to provide analgesia in chronic pain patients who are opioid‐tolerant?
Perioperative and Intraoperative Pain and Anesthetic Care of the Chronic Pain and Cancer Pain Patient Receiving Chronic Opioid Therapy
Authors: Rozen Dima , Grass Gerald W.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  The expanding role of the anesthesiologist as a “perioperative physician” places ever‐increasing demands upon his or her clinical skills and knowledge. One area of growing concern for the anesthesiologist involves the perioperative assessment and management of the opioid‐tolerant chronic pain patient. Opioids occupy a position of unsurpassed clinical utility for the treatment of many types of painful conditions. Coupled with noticeable shifts in physician attitudes that have occurred in recent years regarding the use of opioids for the treatment of benign and malignancy‐related pain, many more patients are presenting for surgical procedures who are opioid tolerant. It is important therefore that the practicing anesthesiologist become familiar with the currently available opioid formulations, including drug interactions and side effects, in order to better plan the patient's perioperative anesthetic needs and management. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scientifically rigorous studies in this important area, and most of the information must be derived from anecdotal reports and personal experience of anesthesiologists working in this field. In this review, we shall discuss some aspects of current chronic pain management, the newer forms of opioid administration which may be unfamiliar to the anesthesiologist, as well as clinical aspects of opioid use and tolerance including the impact it may have on perioperative anesthetic management.
The Role of Opioids in Cancer Pain Management
Authors: Fukshansky Mikhail , Are Madhuri , Burton Allen W.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Opioids remain an important cornerstone in the treatment of cancer pain. Effective analgesia is obtained in the majority of cancer pain patients with the application of fairly straightforward algorithms using opioids as the main therapy. Many rational treatment algorithms exist. In this tutorial we will describe the role of opioids in the treatment of cancer pain, including a brief overview of cancer pain syndromes, essential aspects of opioid therapy, opioid pharmacology, opioid rotation, properties of the individual opioids, and management of common side effects of opioids.
Schumpeter's Legacy? Interaction and Emotions in the Sociology of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Goss David
Published: February 2005

Joseph Schumpeter's work has long been regarded as a seminal contribution to entrepreneurship theory. However, relatively little attention has been given to exploring the sociological implications of his insights. This article examines Schumpeter's early writings on the entrepreneur and focuses on the apparent contradiction between his understanding of the inhibitory effect of social control and the entrepreneur's strength of will. This tension is resolved by recourse to contemporary social theory of interaction and emotion. A synthesis of these works produces two hypothetical modes of entrepreneurial action. These are elaborated and their implications for the understanding of entrepreneurship discussed.
How does the periapical inflammatory process compromise general health?
Authors: Márton Idikó. J.
Published: February 2005

Several lines of evidence support the causative role of oral inflammatory lesions and certain systemic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcome and lung diseases. Properly executed epidemiologic studies identified increased odds ratios. Local or metastatic spread of oral microorganisms, local production of microbial or host‐derived soluble regulatory molecules, that may initiate or sustain inflammatory events in remote tissues and organs and the presence of (a) common – extrinsic‐ or intrinsic‐pathological mechanism(s) may result in or contribute to both local and systemic inflammation. A number of cross‐sectional studies addressing a possible association between oral health and systemic diseases have also investigated the presence or the absence of periapical lesions. However, these studies cannot either confirm or refute a role of the periapical inflammatory lesion in the observed associations, since other variables of oral health might have exerted an inestimable influence on general health of the assessed population. The literature, dealing with patients with root canal infections and apical periodontitis as sole oral inflammatory lesions is extremely sparse. Our group has demonstrated that young adults with apical periodontitis exhibit certain biochemical changes, such as elevated levels of C‐reactive protein and an increased whole blood chemiluminescence, which have been shown to elevate the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Future research will be required to determine whether and to what extent may endodontic diseases affect general health.
Cell‐to‐cell interactions
Authors: Kiss Csongor
Published: February 2005

The narrow anatomic periodontal space between the root surface and the alveolar bone is relatively poor in cells. However, a broad range of noxious stimuli, most frequently root canal infection, will result in the accumulation of a large number of inflammatory cells in the periapical region of the affected tooth/root. The encounter between invading microorganisms and host cells as well as the interactions of resident and immigrating cells will determine the course of the inflammatory events that may take place. This review attempts to summarize current knowledge on how cellular interactions may contribute to dynamic equilibrium between protective, self‐maintaining, propagating, destructive and downregulating events in apical periodontitis.