bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion channel blockade attenuates aggregated alpha synuclein induction of microglial reactive oxygen species: relevance for the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Thomas Mark P. , Chartrand Kathryn , Reynolds Ashley , Vitvitsky Victor , Banerjee Ruma , Gendelman Howard E.
Published: December 2006

Brain mononuclear phagocyte (perivascular macrophage and microglia, MG) inflammatory neurotoxins play a principal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease; chief among these are reactive oxygen species (ROS). We posit that aggregated, misfolded and oxidized α‐synuclein (a major constituent of Lewy bodies), released or secreted from dying dopaminergic neurons, induces microglial ROS production that is regulated by ion channels and as such affects disease progression. To address this hypothesis, we performed patch clamp recordings of outward ionic currents in murine microglia and characterized their links to ROS production during α‐synuclein stimulation. Aggregated nitrated α‐synuclein induced ROS production in a dose‐dependent manner that was inhibited by voltage‐gated potassium current blockade, and to a more limited degree, by chloride current blockade. Interestingly, ROS produced in MG primed with tumor necrosis factor alpha and activated with phorbol myristate acetate was attenuated by voltage‐gated potassium current blockade and more completely by chloride current blockade. In contrast, amyloid beta or cell membrane extract failed to induce microglial ROS production. Similar results were obtained using bone marrow‐derived macrophages. The association of ROS production with specific plasma membrane ion currents provides a link between regulation of microglial ion transport and oxygen free radical production. Understanding these linkages may lead to novel therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease where modulation of redox‐related stress may slow disease progression.
Characterization of highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis
Authors: ANDREAKIS N. , CAPUTI L. , SORDINO P.
Published: December 2006

Eight nuclear polymorphic microsatellite markers were characterized from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis whole genome sequence. The behaviour of these loci was investigated against two geographically distinct populations: one from Plymouth, UK the other from the Fusaro Lagoon, Italy, both belonging to the type A Ciona cryptic species. The markers exhibited six to 29 alleles and average observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.06 to 0.73. These new microsatellite loci demonstrated to be valuable tools for both population genetic analysis at different scales and genetic identification of mutant phenotypes frequently encountered in Mediterranean populations of C. intestinalis.
THE RECLASSIFICATION OF LESSONIA LAMINARIOIDES (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE): PSEUDOLESSONIA GEN. NOV.1
Authors: Cho Ga Youn , Klochkova Nina G. , Krupnova Tatyana N. , Boo Sung Min
Published: December 2006

A new genus, Pseudolessonia, is proposed for the kelp Lessonia laminarioides Postels et Ruprecht (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), which occurs on the northwest side of the Sea of Okhotsk, in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Pseudolessonia is monotypic and differs from Lessonia in its short primary stipes and its corrugated, unilaterally arranged blades with entire margins. This species is transferred on the basis of morphology and plastid gene sequence comparisons. We determined psaA and rbcL gene sequences from 17 taxa of Pseudolessonia, Lessonia, and putative relatives. Analyses of individual and combined data sets resulted in congruent trees showing a clear separation of Pseudolessonia laminarioides from Lessonia, but suggesting its sister relationships with the clade of Nereocystis, Macrocystis, Pelagophycus, and Postelsia in the North Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, Lessonia species from the South Pacific Ocean formed a strongly supported clade. The results indicate that the basal splitting of the blade, which has been considered a diagnostic character for the family Lessoniaceae, is a result of convergent evolution.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PLANKTONIC CYANOBACTERIA FROM BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG1
Authors: Willame Raphaël , Boutte Christophe , Grubisic Stana , Wilmotte Annick , Komárek Jirí , Hoffmann Lucien
Published: December 2006

For the first time in Belgium and Luxembourg, the diversity and taxonomy of 95 cyanobacterial strains isolated from freshwater blooms were assessed by the comparison of phenotypes and partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. The results showed the high diversity of nanoplanktonic, picoplanktonic, and benthic–periphytic cyanobacteria accompanying the main bloom‐forming taxa. Indeed, besides 15 morphotypes of bloom‐forming taxa, seven non‐bloom‐forming planktonic morphotypes and 11 morphotypes from benthic–periphytic taxa were isolated in culture from the plankton samples of 35 water bodies. The bloom‐forming strains belonged to the genera Microcystis, Woronichinia, Planktothrix, Anabaena, and Aphanizomenon, whereas the other strains isolated from the same samples were assigned to the nanoplanktonic Aphanocapsa, Aphanothece, Snowella, and Pseudanabaena; to the picoplanktonic Cyanobium; and to the benthic–periphytic Geitlerinema, Komvophoron, Leptolyngbya, Lyngbya, Phormidium, Calothrix, Nostoc, and Trichormus. The results supported both the polyphyletism of genera such as Aphanocapsa, Aphanothece, Leptolyngbya, Geitlerinema, Anabaena, and Aphanizomenon as well as the validity of genera such as Microcystis, Planktothrix, and Pseudanabaena with gas vesicles and cells constricted at the cross wall. The results obtained showed the close relationship between Snowella and Woronichinia for which very few sequences exist. The first sequence of Komvophoron appeared poorly related to other available cyanobacterial sequences. Although in a few cases a good agreement existed between phenotypic and genotypic features, there was generally a discrepancy. Strains with identical morphotypes show small differences in the 16S rRNA sequences, which might be related to the different chemical properties of their habitats. The results showed the importance of the polyphasic approach in order to improve the taxonomy of cyanobacteria.
RAPHIDOPHYCEAE [CHADEFAUD EX SILVA] SYSTEMATICS AND RAPID IDENTIFICATION: SEQUENCE ANALYSES AND REAL‐TIME PCR ASSAYS1
Authors: Bowers Holly A. , Tomas Carmelo , Tengs Torstein , Kempton Jason W. , Lewitus Alan J. , Oldach David W.
Published: December 2006

Species within the class Raphidophyceae were associated with fish kill events in Japanese, European, Canadian, and U.S. coastal waters. Fish mortality was attributable to gill damage with exposure to reactive oxygen species (peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxide radicals), neurotoxins, physical clogging, and hemolytic substances. Morphological identification of these organisms in environmental water samples is difficult, particularly when fixatives are used. Because of this difficulty and the continued global emergence of these species in coastal estuarine waters, we initiated the development and validation of a suite of real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Sequencing was used to generate complete data sets for nuclear encoded small‐subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA; 18S); internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, 5.8S; and plastid encoded SSU rRNA (16S) for confirmed raphidophyte cultures from various geographic locations. Sequences for several Chattonella species (C. antiqua, C. marina, C. ovata, C. subsalsa, and C. verruculosa), Heterosigma akashiwo, and Fibrocapsa japonica were generated and used to design rapid and specific PCR assays for several species including C. verruculosa Hara et Chihara, C. subsalsa Biecheler, the complex comprised of C. marina Hara et Chihara, C. antiqua Ono and C. ovata, H. akashiwo Ono, and F. japonica Toriumi et Takano using appropriate loci. With this comprehensive data set, we were also able to perform phylogenetic analyses to determine the relationship between these species.
IN SITU ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF MYRIOPHYLLUM VERTICILLATUM (HALORAGACEAE) AGAINST SELECTED PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES1
Authors: Hilt (nee Körner) Sabine , Ghobrial Mary G. N. , Gross Elisabeth M.
Published: December 2006

The potential allelopathic impact of Myriophyllum verticillatum L. under in situ conditions was determined in a series of field and laboratory experiments. Coexistence experiments were performed in a lake dominated by M. verticillatum (Van Goor) Meffert where we exposed three unialgal phytoplankton cultures in dialysis tubes to macrophyte exudates regularly during the vegetated period. Plant content and exudation of polyphenolic compounds were determined, and the inhibitory activity of polyphenol‐containing extracts was tested in bioassays with cyanobacteria. To account for possible resource interference, we monitored growth and photosynthesis of phosphorus‐limited and unlimited cyanobacterium Limnothrix redekei in dialysis tubes exposed to M. verticillatum in aquaria.

A high allelopathic potential of M. verticillatum was concluded from high tissue concentrations of total phenolic compounds of 6%–12% of dry matter, the demonstrated release of bioactive polyphenols into the surrounding medium, and the inhibition of cyanobacteria by extracts. We could not unambiguously demonstrate the exudation of polyphenols by M. verticillatum in situ due to interference with allochthonous humic compounds. In laboratory experiments, L. redekei exhibited significantly reduced maximum relative electron transport rates when co‐cultivated in dialysis tubes with M. verticillatum. The field dialysis tube experiment confirmed this result, accompanied by a decline of chl a and PSII activity for L. redekei and the diatom Stephanodiscus minutulus (Kütz.) Greve et Möller, but not for the green alga Scenedesmus armatus Chodat in August. At other times, either no effects or stimulatory effects were observed with all species. Nutrient limitation of the target species may have masked allelopathic effects, and M. verticillatum may have enhanced phytoplankton growth due to phosphorus leakage.
MECHANISM OF GAMETE FUSION INDINOPHYSIS FORTII(DINOPHYCEAE, DINOPHYTA): LIGHT MICROSCOPIC AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS1
Authors: Koike Kazuhiko , Nishiyama Asami , Saitoh Kazuya , Imai Keisuke , Koike Kanae , Kobiyama Atsushi , Ogata Takehiko
Published: December 2006

A variety of studies have examined the sexual life cycle of species belonging to the genusDinophysisEhrenberg. Here, we used TEM to investigate the mechanism of cellular fusion during the sexual life cycle inDinophysis fortiiPavillard. We observed that fusion always occurred between a normal‐sized cell and a small cell following attachment of their ventral margins. After cell attachment, the small cell moved toward the epitheca of the normal‐sized cell, and the cingular and sulcal lists of the small cell shrunk or were almost lost. The epitheca of the normal‐sized cell then opened between the cingulum plates and the upper cingular list, after which the small cell was gradually engulfed. This is the first ultrastructural observation in a dinoflagellate of a larger cell opening its epitheca to engulf the smaller gamete. In another case, the normal‐sized cell did not open the epitheca, the cell wall of the attached small cell underwent extensive extracellular digestion, and the cytoplasm appeared to flow into the normal‐sized cell via the periflagellar area. Inflow of the nucleus was not observed in this case, suggesting that it represented a failure of sexual fusion. In both cases, membranous separations between the cytoplasm of the two cells were not observed. At the beginning of the fusion process, the nucleus of the small cell was substantially deformed. The planozygote, formed upon completion of sexual fusion, sometimes had two longitudinal flagella, but was identical to a normal vegetative cell in its cellular shape, as already mentioned by previous authors.
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON PIGMENTS OF TWO STRAINS OF EMILIANIA HUXLEYI (HAPTOPHYTA)1
Authors: Leonardos Nikos , Harris Gayle N.
Published: December 2006

Calcifying and a noncalcifying strains of Emiliania huxleyi were cultured in nutrient replete turbidostats under a photon flux density (PFD) gradient from 50 to 600 μmol E·m−2·s−1. For both strains, growth was PFD‐saturated at 300 μmol E·m−2·s−1. The strains, although with clearly different physiological properties due to the presence or absence of calcification, showed the same trends and magnitude of change in their pigment compliment as a function of PFD. Light‐controlled pigment composition and the trends of change in pigment composition were identical in both strains. Fucoxanthin (Fuco) was the major carotenoid in the calcifying strain, while in the noncalcifying strain this role was assumed by 19′ hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (19 Hex). The photoprotective pigments and 19 Hex, normalized to chl a, increased with increasing light, while chl a content per cell and chl c's and Fuco, normalized to chl a, decreased with increasing PFD. The sum of all carotenoids normalized to chl a was remarkably similar in all PFDs used. Collectively, our results suggest that 19 Hex was synthesized from Fuco with light as a modulating factor and that the total amount of carotenoids is strain‐specific and synthesized/catabolized in tandem with chl a to a genetically predefined level independent of PFD.
A Functional Polymorphism of the μ‐Opioid Receptor Gene (OPRM1) Influences Cue‐Induced Craving for Alcohol in Male Heavy Drinkers
Authors: Van Den Wildenberg Esther , Wiers Reinout W. , Dessers Joelle , Janssen Rob G. J. H. , Lambrichs Ellen H. , Smeets Hubert J. M. , Van Breukelen Gerard J. P.
Published: December 2006

Background: The μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) codes for the μ‐opioid receptor, which binds β‐endorphin. The A118G polymorphism in this gene affects β‐endorphin binding such that the Asp40 variant (G allele) binds β‐endorphin 3 times more tightly than the more common Asn40 variant (A allele). This study investigated the influence of the A118G polymorphism on cue reactivity after exposure to an alcoholic beverage in male heavy drinkers.

Methods: Participants were either homozygous for the A allele (n=84) or carrying at least 1 copy of the G allele (n=24). All participants took part in a cue‐reactivity paradigm where they were exposed to water and beer in 3‐minute trials. The dependent variables of main interest were subjective craving for alcohol, subjective arousal, and saliva production.

Results: G allele carriers reported significantly more craving for alcohol than the A allele participants (as indicated by the within‐subject difference in craving after beer vs after water exposure). No differences were found for subjective arousal and saliva. Both groups did not differ in family history of alcoholism. Participants with the G allele reported a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of drug use than participants homozygous for the A allele.

Conclusions: A stronger urge to drink alcohol after exposure to an alcoholic beverage might contribute to a heightened risk for developing alcohol‐related problems in individuals with a copy of the G allele. The G allele might also predispose to drug use in general.
Sleep Electroencephalographic Spectral Power After Withdrawal from Alcohol in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Feige Bernd , Scaal Susanne , Hornyak Magdolna , Gann Horst , Riemann Dieter
Published: December 2006

Background: Dysfunctional hyperarousal is suspected to be a neurophysiological determinant of relapse in abstinent alcohol‐dependent patients. In the present study, we used spectral power analysis of the sleep electroencephalographic (EEG) to quantify brain activity during sleep in patients during subacute withdrawal as well as in control subjects. Our hypothesis was that the subgroup of patients who relapsed within the 3 months to follow‐up would exhibit‐increased dysfunctional arousal manifested by higher‐frequency (β) EEG power during sleep.

Methods: Twenty‐six alcohol‐dependent in‐patients were examined with polysomnography over 2 nights 2 to 3 weeks after withdrawal. At the 3‐month clinical follow‐up assessment, 12 of them had relapsed and 14 abstained. The control group consisted of 23 healthy subjects similar to the patients with alcohol dependence in age and gender distribution. Spectral sleep EEG analysis was performed on both nights (adaptation and baseline) of all subjects. Logarithmic artifact‐controlled spectral band power of sleep stage 2 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was analyzed for Group, Gender, and Age effects using multiple analyses of covariance. Three groups were compared with the Group factor: relapsers, abstainers, and controls.

Results: Generally, both Group and Age effects were significant for the second, baseline night for the visually scored sleep parameters, while spectral EEG parameters showed significant differences in the adaptation night. In the adaptation night, a significant enhancement in the β2 band (24–32 Hz) was seen in REM sleep in relapsers relative to both abstainers and controls.

Conclusions: The β2 increase could be interpreted as a sign of dysfunctional arousal during REM sleep “unmasked” by the additional stressor of sleep environment adaptation. Its determinants are likely to be both premorbid and drinking history related.
Ethnic Disparities in Clinical Severity and Services for Alcohol Problems: Results from the National Alcohol Survey
Authors: Schmidt Laura A. , Ye Yu , Greenfield Thomas K. , Bond Jason
Published: December 2006

Background: This study reports lifetime estimates of the extent of unmet need for alcohol services across the 3 largest ethnic groups in America, and examines factors that may contribute to ethnic differences in service use. Prior studies report mixed findings as to the existence of ethnic disparities in alcohol services, with some suggesting that minorities are over‐represented in treatment settings.

Methods: Drawing on the most recent National Alcohol Surveys, we compare rates and factors associated with the lifetime service use for alcohol problems among Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics who meet lifetime criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.

Results: While bivariate analyses revealed few ethnic differences in service use, there were significant differences by ethnicity in multivariate models that included alcohol problem severity and its interactions with ethnicity. At higher levels of problem severity, both Hispanics and Blacks were less likely to have utilized services than comparable Whites. Hispanics, on the whole, reported higher‐severity alcohol problems than Whites. Yet, they were less likely to have received specialty treatment and multiple types of alcohol services, and were more likely to cite economic and logistical barriers as reasons for not obtaining care.

Conclusions: Future efforts to study ethnic disparities in alcohol services should utilize analytic approaches that address potential confounding between ethnicity and other factors in service use, such as alcohol problem severity. Our findings suggest that Hispanics and Blacks with higher‐severity alcohol problems may utilize services at lower rates than comparable Whites, and that, particularly for Hispanics, this may in part be attributable to financial and logistical barriers to care.
Impact of Age at First Drink on Stress‐Reactive Drinking
Authors: Dawson Deborah A. , Grant Bridget F. , Li Ting‐Kai
Published: December 2006

Background: Although recent data from animal models indicate that adolescent ethanol exposure increases self‐administered ethanol intake in adult rats, the impact of age at first drink on the association between stress and drinking has not been studied in humans.

Methods: Data collected in the 2001 to 2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) were used to estimate the extent to which age at first drink modified the association between stress and average daily volume (ADV) of ethanol intake in a sample of 26,946 past‐year drinkers. Successive models estimated the magnitude and significance of the interaction between age at first drink (ages 14 or younger, 15–17, and 18 or older) and number of stressors (out of 12 past‐year negative life events) after (1) adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, (2) additionally adjusting for family history of alcoholism, comorbid psychopathology, adolescent, and past‐year tobacco and illicit drug use, and (3) additionally adjusting for all other significant interactions with number of stressors.

Results: Even after adjusting for a wide range of confounders and their interactions with stress, initiation of drinking at ages 14 and younger increased the association between the number of stressors and ADV of ethanol consumption by 8% (p=0.014), when considering the full range of 12 potential stressors. In fact, the positive association between stress and consumption was significant only for this group of drinkers with early adolescent exposure to ethanol. Within this group, ADV of consumption increased by an average of 7% with each additional stressor experienced, although the exact percentage increase varied as a function of other covariates that had significant interactions with stress. When a reduced set of 4 stressors was considered, the magnitudes of the associations were mostly unchanged, but the modifying effect of age at first drink fell short of statistical significance (p=0.309) in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusions: The findings of this study are consistent with the argument that early‐onset drinking may increase stress‐reactive ethanol consumption; however, these findings need to be replicated in an experimental human study in order to control fully the direction of the relationship between stress and consumption.
Development and Consideration of Global Policies for Managing the Future Risks of Poliovirus Outbreaks: Insights and Lessons Learned Through Modeling
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J. , Pallansch Mark A. , Kew Olen M. , Sutter Roland W. , Aylward R. Bruce , Watkins Margaret , Gary Howard , Alexander James P. , Venczel Linda , Johnson Denise , Cáceres Victor M. , Sangrujee Nalinee , Jafari Hamid , Cochi Stephen L.
Published: December 2006

The success of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative promises to bring large benefits, including sustained improvements in quality of life (i.e., cases of paralytic disease and deaths avoided) and costs saved from cessation of vaccination. Obtaining and maintaining these benefits requires that policymakers manage the transition from the current massive use of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) to a world without OPV and free of the risks of potential future reintroductions of live polioviruses. This article describes the analytical journey that began in 2001 with a retrospective case study on polio risk management and led to development of dynamic integrated risk, economic, and decision analysis tools to inform global policies for managing the risks of polio. This analytical journey has provided several key insights and lessons learned that will be useful to future analysts involved in similar complex decision‐making processes.
The Costs of Future Polio Risk Management Policies
Authors: Tebbens Radboud J. Duintjer , Sangrujee Nalinee , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: December 2006

Decisionmakers need information about the anticipated future costs of maintaining polio eradication as a function of the policy options under consideration. Given the large portfolio of options, we reviewed and synthesized the existing cost data relevant to current policies to provide context for future policies. We model the expected future costs of different strategies for continued vaccination, surveillance, and other costs that require significant potential resource commitments. We estimate the costs of different potential policy portfolios for low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries to demonstrate the variability in these costs. We estimate that a global transition from routine immunization with oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) to inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) would increase the costs of managing polio globally, although routine IPV use remains less costly than routine OPV use with supplemental immunization activities. The costs of surveillance and a stockpile, while small compared to routine vaccination costs, represent important expenditures to ensure adequate response to potential outbreaks. The uncertainty and sensitivity analyses highlight important uncertainty in the aggregated costs and demonstrates that the discount rate and uncertainty in price and administration cost of IPV drives the expected incremental cost of routine IPV vs. OPV immunization.
Containment of Polioviruses After Eradication and OPV Cessation: Characterizing Risks to Improve Management
Authors: Dowdle Walter , Van Der Avoort Harrie , De Gourville Esther , Delpeyroux Francis , Desphande Jagadish , Hovi Tapani , Martin Javier , Pallansch Mark , Kew Olen , Wolff Chris
Published: December 2006

The goal of the World Health Organization is to stop routine use of oral poliovirus vaccine shortly after interruption of wild poliovirus transmission. A key component of this goal is to minimize the risk of reintroduction by destruction of polioviruses except in an absolute minimum number of facilities that serve essential functions and implement effective containment. Effective containment begins with a complete facility risk assessment. This article focuses on characterizing the risks of exposure to polioviruses from the essential vaccine production, quality control, and international reference and research facilities that remain. We consider the potential exposure pathways that might lead to a poliovirus reintroduction, including para‐occupational exposures and releases to the environment, and review the literature to provide available estimates and a qualitative assessment of containment risks. Minimizing the risk of poliovirus transmission from a poliovirus facility to increasingly susceptible communities is a crucial and ongoing effort requiring understanding and actively managing the potential exposure pathways.
Global Surveillance and the Value of Information: The Case of the Global Polio Laboratory Network
Authors: De Gourville Esther , Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J. , Sangrujee Nalinee , Pallansch Mark A. , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: December 2006

Effective control and eradication of diseases requires reliable information from surveillance activities, including laboratories, which typically incur real financial costs. This article presents data from a survey we conducted to estimate the costs of the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN), which currently supports aggressive global surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to detect circulating polioviruses. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) of the World Health Organization (WHO) provides resources for some of the laboratory network costs, but the total cost of the network remains relatively poorly characterized given the limited documentation of national contributions. We surveyed network laboratories to quantify AFP surveillance support costs and provide data for cost estimates of potential posteradication surveillance policies related to the laboratories. We estimate that the GPLN currently requires millions (US$ 2002) in total support annually, and that half of the support for national and regional reference laboratories comes from external donors through the WHO or bilateral agreements and half from within nations that host those laboratories. The article also presents the framework for considering the value of information from this global surveillance network and suggests that the expected value of surveillance information from the GPLN currently exceeds its costs. We also provided important insights about how the value of information may change after successful eradication of wild polioviruses.
When Does Information about Probability Count in Choices Under Risk?
Authors: Tyszka Tadeusz , Zaleskiewicz Tomasz
Published: December 2006

The question addressed in the present research is whether in naturalistic risky decision environments people are sensitive to information about the probability parameter. In Study 1, we showed that in naturalistic scenarios participants generally revealed little interest in obtaining information about the outcomes and probabilities. Moreover, participants asked fewer questions about probabilities for scenarios containing moral considerations. In Study 2, it was shown that, when supplied with information on probabilities, people could be sensitive to this information. This sensitivity depends on two factors. People were less sensitive to probabilities in scenarios perceived as containing ethical considerations. People were also less sensitive to probabilities when they were faced with a single‐choice situation than when they were faced with a series of lotteries with different probabilities. This can be accounted for in terms of the evaluability principle.
Dose Response for Infectivity of Several Strains of Campylobacter jejuni in Chickens
Authors: Chen Lailai , Geys Helena , Cawthraw Shaun , Havelaar Arie , Teunis Peter
Published: December 2006

Although some major risk studies have been done for Campylobacter jejuni, its dose response is not well characterized. Only a single human study is available, providing dose‐response information for only a single isolate. As substantial heterogeneity in infectivity has been acknowledged for other pathogens, it remains unknown how well this single study represents the dose‐response relation for this pathogen. As future human challenge studies with Campylobacter are unlikely, we have to find other means of studying its infectivity. Several dose‐response studies have been done using chickens as host organisms. These studies may be used to obtain quantitative information on the variation in infectivity among different isolates of this pathogen. A hierarchical Bayesian model is well suited to describe heterogeneity, and we demonstrate how the beta‐Poisson model of microbial infection may be adapted to allow for within‐ and between‐isolate variation. Isolates tested in chickens can be categorized into two distinct groups: lab‐adapted and fresh isolates, and we show how the hierarchical dose‐response model can be used to quantitatively describe their differences. Fresh isolates show higher colonization potential and less within‐isolate variation than lab isolates. The results indicate that Campylobacter jejuni is highly infectious in chickens. Different isolates show great variation in infectivity, especially between lab and fresh isolates, indicating that human clinical (volunteer) studies on infectivity must be interpreted cautiously.
Dot‐in‐circle: An ethnoarchaeological approach to soft‐stone vessel decoration
Authors: Ziolkowski M.C. , Al‐Sharqi A.S.
Published: December 2006

Discovery of the zahrah carving tool on a trip to the Ru'us al‐Jibal/Musandam Peninsula provided the impetus for the following ethnoarchaeological examination. Ethnographic information recovered from numerous interviews is outlined in detail. The connection between the various carving tools used by the Shihuh tribes in this region and the dot‐in‐circle motif is investigated. Similar artefacts recovered from archaeological sites are also reviewed and implications discussed.
Delmephialmas and Sircorcor: Gasparo Balbi, Dalmâ, Julfâr and a problem of transliteration
Authors: King Geoffrey
Published: December 2006

Gasparo Balbi, the state jeweller of the Venetian Republic, visited the eastern Arabian coast in c. 1580 and recorded many of the places in the modern United Arab Emirates for the first time, giving them the names by which we know them today, albeit in sixteenth‐century Italian transliteration. While some places are readily recognizable, Balbi's terms Delmephialmas and Sircorcor present problems. It is suggested that Delmephialmas is the island of Dalmâ off the coast of Abu Dhabi but with an additional phrase as a suffix, giving a meaning approximating to Dalmâ, fî‐hâ mâ’, i.e. ‘‘Dalmâ, there is water there’’. The absence of any reference to so major a port as Julfâr in modern Ra's al‐Khaima by Balbi is remarkable. It is suggested that Balbi's term Sircorcor is an eliding of al‐Sirr as a synonym for Julfâr combined in error with Khawr al‐Khuwayr to the north of Julfâr.
Trade centres and commercial routes in the Arabian Gulf: Post‐Hellenistic discoveries at Dibba, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jasim Sabah A.
Published: December 2006

The excavation of a tomb of the Roman‐Parthian period in Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah, is discussed. The contents provide evidence of far‐ranging trade contacts extending from the Mediterranean to India.
Effect of rinsing with povidone–iodine on bacteraemia due to scaling: a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Cherry Martin , Daly Christopher G. , Mitchell David , Highfield John
Published: December 2006

Aim: To investigate rinsing with povidone–iodine on bacteraemia caused by ultrasonic scaling.

Material and Methods: Sixty patients with gingivitis undertook a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in which 30 rinsed with 0.9% saline and 30 with 7.5% povidone–iodine for 2 min. before ultrasonic scaling of FDI teeth 31–35. Blood samples before and after 30 s and 2 min. of scaling were cultured by lysocentrifugation.

Results: Oral bacteraemia occurred in 33.3% of the saline group and 10% of the povidone–iodine group. Regression analysis showed that rinsing with povidone–iodine was approximately 80% more effective than rinsing with saline in reducing the occurrence of bacteraemia, with a statistically significant odds ratio (OR) of 0.189 (95% confidence intervals, OR=0.043–0.827). There were 24 oral bacterial isolates in the saline group and 3 in the povidone–iodine group. Viridans streptococci comprised 11 of the isolates in the saline group and none in the povidone–iodine group. Bacteraemia magnitude was 0.1 colony‐forming units /ml in the povidone–iodine subjects and 0.1–0.7 CFU/ml in the saline group.

Conclusions: Rinsing with 7.5% povidone–iodine reduced the incidence and magnitude of bacteraemia and eliminated viridans streptococci from such bacteraemia. Povidone–iodine rinsing may be helpful for ultrasonic scaling of gingivitis patients at risk of infective endocarditis.
Cellular Localization and Function of the Antiviral Protein, Ovine Mx1 (oMx1): I. Ovine Mx1 Is Secreted By Endometrial Epithelial Cells Via an ‘Unconventional’ Secretory Pathway
Authors: Toyokawa Koji , Carling Stacy J. , Ott Troy L.
Published: December 2006

Problem

Embryonic loss is a major contributor to infertility. Understanding factors contributing to embryonic loss will aid in development of technologies to improve/regulate fertility in animals and humans.

Method of study

We tested the hypothesis that the antiviral protein, ovine Mx1 (oMx1), is secreted by uterine epithelial cells. Uterine flushes were obtained from cyclic and early pregnant ewes and examined for levels of oMx1 protein. The pathway for ovine Mx1 secretion in ovine glandular epithelial (oGE) cells was determined using brefeldin A (BFA), an inhibitor of the conventional secretory pathway. Effects of BFA were determined using β2‐microglobulin (β2MG) as a marker for the conventional secretory pathway, and interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and Galectin‐1 (Gal‐1) as markers for the unconventional secretory pathways.

Results

Ovine Mx1 protein levels were low in uterine flushes from cyclic ewes and levels increased in pregnant ewes after D 15. Ovine GE cells secreted oMx1 in response to interferon and secretion was not reduced by BFA, suggesting oMx1 was secreted via an unconventional secretory pathway. β2MG secretion was reduced by BFA, whereas ISG15 and Gal‐1 were not.

Conclusion

This is the first report that the antiviral protein, oMx1, is secreted and provides evidence that secretion occurs via unconventional secretory pathway(s).
Myocarditis: Diagnostic Value of MR Imaging and CT
Authors: Laissy J.‐P. , Bazeli R. , Benachour N. , Gaxotte V. , Schouman‐Claeys E. , Serfaty J.‐M.
Published: December 2006

There is a growing consensus to recognize the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis of myocarditis. The most characteristic finding is the presence of subepicardial enhancing areas in the inferior and lateral walls in delayed‐enhanced MR sequences. Segmental wall motion abnormality may be present in the myocardial segments that can be different from those exhibiting the myocardial damage in delayed enhancement sequence. These MR features provide accurate information on the type of myocardial involvement, and probably are able to assess the severity of the disease. Moreover, these MR patterns as well as others may distinguish acute myocarditis from acute myocardial infarct, both on first‐pass perfusion images and on delayed‐enhancement images. Recent improvements of computerized tomography (CT) make it a challenging method for cardiac MR to assess myocarditis. By providing similar results in terms of myocardial involvement, and by adding information on coronary arteries, ECG‐gated MDCT could be a useful alternative non‐invasive diagnostic test in the early phase of acute myocarditis.
Adenosine Perfusion Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Kuijpers D.
Published: December 2006

This review article highlights the different approaches of adenosine perfusion techniques and the current clinical status of this technique in the work‐up of patients suspected for myocardial ischemia. Different scenarios including stress‐perfusion, rest‐perfusion and delayed‐enhancement are discussed.
Cardiac Imaging in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Acute Myocardial Infarction – An Update
Authors: Rendl G. , Altenberger J. , Pirich C.
Published: December 2006

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using nuclear techniques is a well‐established diagnostic tool in the management of patients after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) providing non‐invasively information about perfusion and function. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is routinely applied for MPI allowing the characterization of localization, extent and severity of perfusion abnormalities. Gated SPECT MPI is a technique that can accurately define the individual patient risk among clinically stable survivors of AMI, assessing the total left ventricular (LV) perfusion defect size, the extent of inducible ischaemia and the degree of LV dysfunction. The documented prognostic value of these scintigraphic parameters is of clinical importance to guide decision making in the cardiac patient. Moreover, the cost effectiveness of implemented MPI in the work‐up of patients after AMI has been demonstrated. Metabolic imaging with F‐18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) is currently the most advanced scintigraphic imaging technique developed for in vivo assessment of tissue viability, providing clinical valuable information about the presence and extent of viable myocardium in patients with coronary artery disease. Whether this technique will be valuable for patients with ACS or AMI has not been established, yet. However, PET technology offers fascinating opportunities to investigate the distinct pathophysiological pathways in acute and chronic cardiac disease. Imaging of stunning in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an example of how nuclear medicine techniques contribute to the understanding of cardiac disease.
In vitro embryonic developmental phosphorylation of the cellular nucleic acid binding protein by cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, and its relevance for biochemical activities
Authors: Lombardo Verónica A. , Armas Pablo , Weiner Andrea M. J. , Calcaterra Nora B.
Published: December 2006

The zinc‐finger cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP) is a strikingly conserved single‐stranded nucleic acid binding protein essential for normal forebrain formation during mouse and chick embryogenesis. CNBP cDNAs from a number of vertebrates have been cloned and analysed. CNBP is mainly conformed by seven retroviral Cys‐Cys‐His‐Cys zinc‐knuckles and a glycine/arginine rich region box. CNBP amino acid sequences show a putative Pro‐Glu‐Ser‐Thr site of proteolysis and several putative phosphorylation sites. In this study, we analysed CNBP phosphorylation by embryonic kinases and its consequences on CNBP biochemical activities. We report that CNBP is differentially phosphorylated by Danio rerio embryonic extracts. In vitro CNBP phosphorylation is basal and constant at early embryonic developmental stages, it begins to increase after mid‐blastula transition stage reaching the highest level at 48 hours postfertilization stage, and decreases thereafter to basal levels at 5 days postfertilization. The cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) was identified as responsible for phosphorylation on the unique CNBP conserved putative phosphorylation site. Site‐directed mutagenesis replacing the PKA phospho‐acceptor amino acid residue impairs CNBP phosphorylation, suggesting that phosphorylation may not only exist in D. rerio but also in other vertebrates. CNBP phosphorylation does not change single‐stranded nucleic acid binding capability. Instead, it promotes in vitro the annealing of complementary oligonucleotides representing the CT element (CCCTCCCC) from the human cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c‐myc) promoter, an element responsible for c‐myc enhancer transcription. Our results suggest that phosphorylation might be a conserved post‐translational modification that allows CNBP to perform a fine tune expression regulation of a group of target genes, including c‐myc, during vertebrate embryogenesis.
Sequences, geographic variations and molecular phylogeny of venom phospholipases and threefinger toxins of eastern India Bungarus fasciatus and kinetic analyses of its Pro31 phospholipases A2
Authors: Tsai Inn‐Ho , Tsai Hsin‐Yu , Saha Archita , Gomes Antony
Published: December 2006

Eight phospholipases A2 (PLAs) and four three‐finger‐toxins (3FTx) from the pooled venom of Bungarus fasciatus (Bf) were previously studied and sequenced, but their expression pattern in individual Bf venom and possible geographic variations remained to be investigated. We herein analyze the individual venom of two Bf specimens from Kolkata (designated as KBf) to address this question. Seven PLAs and five 3FTx were purified from the KBf venoms, and respective cDNAs were cloned from venom glands of one of the snakes. Comparison of their mass and N‐terminal sequence revealed that all the PLAs were conserved in both KBf venoms, but that two of their 3FTx isoforms were variable. When comparing the sequences of these KBf‐PLAs with those published, only one was found to be identical to that of Bf Vb‐2, and the other five were 94–98% identical to those of Bf II, III, Va, VI and XI‐2, respectively. Notably, the most abundant PLA isoforms of Bf and KBf venoms contain Pro31 substitution. They were found to have abnormally low kcat values but high affinity for Ca2+. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of venom group IA PLAs showed a close relationship between Bungarus and Australian and marine Elapidae. As the five deduced sequences of KBf‐3FTx are only 62–82% identical to the corresponding Bf‐3FTx from the pooled venom, the 3FTx apparently have higher degree of individual and geographic variations than the PLAs. None of the KBf‐3FTx was found to be neurotoxic or very lethal; phylogenetic analyses of the 3FTx also revealed the unique evolution of Bf as compared with other kraits.
Evaluating a Four Year Sales Selection Program
Authors: WILSON JOHN E.
Published: December 2006

The Sales Selection Program evaluated is believed to be typical of those programs using psychological appraisals based on test results, personal history blanks, and an interview by a psychologist as a basis for selection judgments. The company is a mill and warehouse distributor of metals and industrial products employing approximately 160 office and direct‐contact salesmen. Management's goals for the program were: the reduction of turnover, improvement in the quality of the sales force, and the identification of men with potential for advancement.

To determine if turnover had been reduced, the number and per cent of new men retained for 3, 12, 18, and 24 months preceding and following the initiation of the program were compared. Using chi square it was found that the reductions under the program were significant for each period.

The criterion of Job performance consisted of a rating in Job terms of points which management believed were important to Job success. A reliability coefficient of .79 was obtained by correlating ratings of 76 office salesmen made in two successive years. Pearsonian correlations were computed for a group of 70 to 75 office salesmen, including those selected during the selection program and a group of 34 to 40 men employed prior to installation of the program. For the group not selected on the basis of tests and interviews, significant validity coefficients ranging from .38 to .46, which held up after revalidation the following year, were obtained for the Guilford Zimmerman Aptitude Survey, Part I (Verbal), Part II (Reasoning), and two subscales of the Guilford Zimmerman Temperament Survey called “restraint” and “thoughtfulness.” As the direct‐contact sales group included a number of small Job subgroups, validation procedures were not considered feasible.
A Follow‐up on Some “Invalid” Tests For Selecting Salesmen1
Authors: ALBRIGHT LEWIS E. , SMITH WALLACE J. , GLENNON J. R.
Published: December 2006

Approximately two years after a battery of tests was administered to two types of salesmen, these salesmen were followed up to learn what changes, if any, had occurred in their Job status. Three groups of salesmen were identified: (a) those who had been promoted, (b) those who were still salesmen (no change in status) and (c) those who resigned. Several tests which had shown no previous correlation with supervisory ratings of the salesmen's Job performance were examined for evidence of validity against the promoted‐no change‐resigned criterion. It was found that this administrative‐action criterion was more predictable than were the original ratings. Consequently, an attempt was made to separate the three criterion groups more clearly than was possible with any one test by combining some of the tests in a multiple discriminant function.
SEX AND JOB ORIENTATION
Authors: SALEH SHOUKRY D. , LALLJEE MANSUR
Published: December 2006

Three samples, each divided into males and females, were asked to indicate to what degree some job characteristics were important to them. The job characteristics represented both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the first sample (40 male and 44 female university students) there was no sex difference in job orientation. Both selected the intrinsic factors more than the extrinsic factors.

There was also no sex difference in the second sample, which consisted of 68 male and 33 female public school teachers. They, however, stressed as many intrinsic factors as extrinsic.

The general results of the third sample showed significant sex differences. The sample of 259 male and 143 female employees represented a technical division of a large service‐oriented organization. Education and job level were significantly different for the two subgroups. When these two variables were controlled for a sample of clerks and of first‐level supervisors, no sex difference appeared in job orientation. The results also showed that the higher the job level, the more intrinsically‐oriented the employees were regardless of their sex.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPECTANCIES AND JOB BEHAVIOR FOR WHITE AND BLACK EMPLOYEES
Authors: GREENHAUS JEFFREY H. , GAVIN JAMES F.
Published: December 2006

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between effort‐reward expectancy (Porter and Lawler, 1968) and job behavior for white and black employees. It was found, first, that the blacks in this study tended to see a greater connection between hard work and rewards than did the whites. However, the ethnic groups did not differ in the rated importance they attributed to these rewards. It was also found that the relationship between expectancy and work motivation criteria was generally low for both samples. The interpretation of expectancy‐criterion correlations as possible indicators of importance was explored.