bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between biochemical biomarkers and pre‐copulatory behaviour and mortality in Gammarus pulex following pulse‐exposure to lambda‐cyhalothrin
Authors: Heckmann Lars‐Henrik , Friberg Nikolai , Ravn Helle W
Published: April 2005

The impact of the pyrethroid lambda‐cyhalothrin was studied in an in‐stream mesocosm placed in a natural riffle of a Danish stream. Twice during summer 2002, the natural macroinvertebrate community was exposed in situ to a 30‐min pulse of lambda‐cyhalothrin. During exposure, nets caught macroinvertebrates in drift. Exposed and unexposed individuals of the amphipod Gammarus pulex (L) were transferred to aquaria in the laboratory and monitored for biochemical changes (ie biomarkers), pre‐copulatory behaviour and mortality. Biochemical biomarkers were identified by screening extracts of exposed and unexposed G pulex using high‐performance planar chromatography (HPPC). Biochemical biomarkers were detected 3 h after pulse‐exposure, and one biomarker was persistent up to 7 days after exposure. Pre‐copulatory behaviour (ie pair formation) was significantly impaired up to 5 days after exposure, and had not fully recovered at the end of the observation period. EC10(0.5 h) and EC50(0.5 h) values for pre‐copulatory behaviour were 0.04 and 0.20 µg litre−1, respectively. Mortality was significant at 0.35 µg litre−1 with an LC50(0.5 h) of 5.69 µg litre−1. There was a significant relationship between two biomarkers and mortality. The study demonstrated that pulse‐exposure at expected environmental concentrations can reduce local populations of G pulex, resulting in severe impact on populations with limited possibilities of re‐colonisation. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Possible ferromagnetic interactions between IS Co3+ ions in Nb doped cobaltites
Authors: Troyanchuk I. O. , Karpinsky D. V. , Szymczak R.
Published: April 2005

Magnetic and electrotransport properties studies have been performed for La1–xSrxCo1–x/2Nbx/2O3 solid solutions containing cobalt ions in three valence electronic state. It was shown that these solid solutions are spin glasses with temperature of magnetic moment freezing (Tf) of about 25 K. The ferromagnetic component is the most pronounced in the sample with x = 0.15. This result can be explained by a model according to which Co ions near to Sr ones are in intermediate spin state and the Co3+–O–Co3+ superexchange interactions are ferromagnetic due to local dynamic orbital correlations. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical study on the reaction mechanism and thermodynamics of tin oxidation by oxygen species and chlorine species
Authors: Li Lai‐Cai , Deng Ping , Zhu Yuan‐Qiang , Zha Dong , Tian An‐Min , Xu Ming‐Hou , Wong Ning‐Bew
Published: April 2005

In this work ab initio molecular orbital methods were employed to study the coal combustion reaction mechanisms of tin oxidized by different oxidants, including HOCl, HCl, ClO, ClO2, NO3, CO2, and O2. Eleven reaction pathways were identified. The results show that Sn can react with HCl, ClOO, CO2, O2, and NO3 to form SnO and SnCl. SnO can be oxidized into SnCl by HOCl and HCl. SnCl can be further oxidized into a soluble compound, SnCl2. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Theoretical and experimental luminescence quantum yields of coordination compounds of trivalent europium
Authors: Faustino Wagner M. , Junior Severino A. , Thompson Larry C. , De Sá Gilberto F. , Malta Oscar L. , Simas Alfredo M.
Published: April 2005

An appraisal of a semiempirical methodology recently introduced by us for the theoretical calculation of luminescence quantum yields is presented. Six coordination compounds of Eu3+ were considered, possessing either benzoylacetonate or benzoyltrifluoroacetonate, together with either water, 2,2′‐bipyridine, or 1,10‐phenanthroline as ligands. Their geometries were calculated using the SMLC/AM1 method. The ligand–Eu3+ energy transfer rates were calculated in terms of a model of intramolecular energy transfer processes in lanthanide coordination compounds developed earlier by our group. The luminescence quantum yields of the complexes were calculated by solving numerically a system of rate equations for each compound, and by comparing them with the quantum yields determined spectroscopically. Finally, we show that the theoretical quantum yields correlate linearly with the experimental yields, within their error bars. Such linear correlation indicates that the theoretical approach can be useful for the a priori design of highly luminescent lanthanide coordination compounds. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Spatial distributions of desorbing products in basic catalytic processes and surface nano‐structures
Authors: Matsushima Tatsuo , Rzeznicka Izabela , Ma Yunsheng
Published: April 2005

Reviews of recent progress in angle‐resolved measurements of desorbing surface reaction products are discussed. The angular and velocity distributions of desorbing products deliver information about the reaction site as well as the reaction mechanism when the products are repulsively desorbed. These distribution measurements can yield symmetry and orientation information of the reaction site for associative processes whereas, in dissociative desorption, the collimation of fragment desorption is related to the orientation of the intermediate species immediately before dissociation. These different collimations provide information on desorption steps whenever any step becomes rate determining. © 2005 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 5: 81–93; 2005: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20036
Genetic counseling for a family with two distinct anomalies: A case report of a neural tube defect and 5p‐ syndrome in a fetus
Authors: Begleiter Michael L. , Rogers Jill Cellars
Published: April 2005

A couple presented for genetic counseling because of an elevated maternal serum alpha fetoprotein. Ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a neural tube defect. The couple declined an amniocentesis, but chose serial ultrasound evaluations instead. Ultrasounds eventually identified microcephaly, but the couple continued to decline amniocentesis. After the child's birth, the diagnosis of 5p‐ syndrome was made. The couple's decision not to have an amniocentesis allowed the family their right to autonomy; however, prenatal chromosome analysis would have provided this couple with a great deal more prognostic information. We discuss the conflict between a counselor's duty to respect a client's freedom vs. duty to care for a client's welfare. We address issues of nondirective counseling and the need for more studies looking at the decision‐making process in prenatal diagnosis.
Synoptic-scale fluctuations of total ozone in the atmosphere
Authors: Galliani A. , Siani A. M. , Muthama N. J. , Palmieri S.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A model, based on ozone-concentration tendency equation, is developed to study synoptic ozone-column variations. The application is referred to a middle-latitude site and to an atmospheric layer extending from the surface up to about 35-km altitude. Photochemical effects at the considered location for synoptic time scales are considered negligible. The data input consists of umkehr ozone profile, total ozone (obtained by Brewer No. 067, located at Rome) and horizontal wind at various levels. Analysis of several cases indicates that meridional advection is the main factor responsible for the observed synoptic-scale ozone fluctuations.
Global solutions to vortex density equations arising from sup-conductivity
Authors: Masmoudi Nader , Zhang Ping
Published: April 2005

In the first part of this paper, we establish the existence of a global renormalized solution to a family of vortex density equations arising from superconductivity. And we show by an explicit example the necessity of the notion of renormalized solution to be used here. In the second part, we prove the global existence and uniqueness of

W^{1,p}

and

C^{\alpha }

solutions to a modified model, which is derived from the physically sign-changing vortices case.

On montre l'existence de solutions globales pour une famille d'équations provenant de la super-conductivité. On montre par un exemple que la notion de solutions renormalizées est nécessaire ici. Dans la seconde partie de ce papier, on montre l'existence et l'unicité de solutions

W^{1,p}

et

C^{\alpha }

pour un modèle qui décrit des vortex qui changent de signes.
Three nodal solutions of singularly perturbed elliptic equations on domains without topology
Authors: Bartsch Thomas , Weth Tobias
Published: April 2005

We prove the existence of three nodal solutions of the Dirichlet problem for the singularly perturbed equation

−ɛ\mathrm{\Delta }u + u = f(u)

for

ɛ > 0

small on any bounded domain

\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{N}

. The nonlinearity

f

grows superlinearly and subcritically. We do not require symmetry conditions nor conditions on the geometry or the topology of the domain. Two solutions have precisely two nodal domains, and the third solution has at most three nodal domains. A corresponding result holds true for the semilinear equation

−\mathrm{\Delta }u + u = f(u)

on

Ω

provided

Ω

contains a large ball.

Nous prouvons l'existence de trois solutions nodales du problème de Dirichlet pour l'équation

−ɛ\mathrm{\Delta }u + u = f(u)

avec

ɛ > 0

petit dans tous les domaines bornés

\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{N}

. La nonlinéarité

f

est sur-linéaire et sous-critique. Nous n'avons pas besoin de conditions de symétrie ni de conditions géométriques ou de conditions liées à la topologie du domaine. Deux solutions admettent exactement deux domaines nodeaux et la troisiems admet au plus trois domaines nodeaux. Un résultat correspondant est valide pour l'équation semi-linéaire

−\mathrm{\Delta }u + u = f(u)

dans le cas où

Ω

contient une grande boule.
Multi-bump type nodal solutions having a prescribed number of nodal domains: II
Authors: Liu Zhaoli , Wang Zhi-Qiang
Published: April 2005

This paper is a sequel to [Liu and Wang, preprint] in which we studied nodal property of multi-bump type sign-changing solutions constructed by Coti Zelati and Rabinowitz [Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 45 (1992) 1217]. In this paper we remove a technical condition that the nonlinearity is odd, which was used in [Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 45 (1992) 1217; Liu and Wang, Multi-bump type nodal solutions having a prescribed number of nodal domains: I, Ann. I. H. Poincaré – AN 22 (2005) 597–608] for constructing multi-bump type nodal solutions having a prescribed number of nodal domains.

Cet article est la suite de [Liu and Wang, preprint] sur l'analyse de la propriété nodale des solutions des multi-bosses, construites par Coti Zelati et Rabinowitz dans [Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 45 (1992) 1217]. Nous supprimons la condition technique que le terme nonlinéaire impair comme elle est utilisée dans [Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 45 (1992) 1217; Liu and Wang, Multi-bump type nodal solutions having a prescribed number of nodal domains: I, Ann. I. H. Poincaré – AN 22 (2005) 597–608], pour construire des solutions nodales de multi-bosses ayant un nombre de domaines nodaux prescrits.
Nonoccurrence of the Lavrentiev phenomenon for nonconvex variational problems
Authors: Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: April 2005

In this paper we establish nonoccurrence of the Lavrentiev phenomenon for two classes of nonconvex variational problems. For the first class of integrands we show the existence of a minimizing sequence of Lipschitzian functions while for the second class we establish that an infimum on the full admissible class is equal to the infimum on a set of Lipschitzian functions with the same Lipschitzian constant.

Dans cet article nous démontrons que le phénomène de Lavrentiev pour deux classes de problèmes variationnels non convexes ne peut avoir lieu. Nous montrons, pour la première classe d'intégrands, l'existence d'une suite minimisante de fonctions lipschtziennes, alors que pour la seconde classe, nous démontrons qu'un infimum sur toute la classe admissible est égale a l'infimum sur un ensemble de fonctions lipschtziennes, avec la même constante de Lipschtiz.
Existence and uniqueness of Lipschitz continuous graphs with prescribed Levi curvature
Authors: Da Lio Francesca , Montanari Annamaria
Published: April 2005

In this paper we prove comparison principles between viscosity semicontinuous sub- and supersolutions of the generalized Dirichlet problem (in the sense of viscosity solutions) for the
Levi Monge–Ampère
equation. As a consequence of this result and of the Perron's method we get the existence of a continuous solution of the Dirichlet problem related to the prescribed Levi curvature equation under suitable assumptions on the boundary data and on the Levi curvature of the domain. We also show that such a solution is Lipschitz continuous by building Lipschitz continuous barriers and by applying a weak Bernstein method introduced by Barles in [Differential Integral Equations 4 (2) (1991) 241].

Dans cet article, nous prouvons des principes de comparaison entre sous et sursolutions du problème de Dirichlet généralisé (dans le sens des solutions de viscosité) pour l'équation de
Levi Monge–Ampère
. Comme conséquence de ces résultats, nous obtenons l'existence d'une solution continue du problème de Dirichlet associé à l'équation de la courbure de Levi sous des hypothèses convenables sur les conditions au bord et sur l'ouvert. Nous prouvons que la solution est lipschitzienne par la méthode de Bernstein faible introduite par Barles dans [Differential Integral Equations 4 (2) (1991) 241].
Pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension due to chronic heart failure
Authors: Delgado Juan F. , Conde Esther , Sánchez Violeta , López‐Ríos Fernando , Gómez‐Sánchez Miguel A. , Escribano Pilar , Sotelo Teresa , de la Cámara Agustín Gómez , Cortina José , de la Calzada Carlos S.
Published: April 2005

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) associated with chronic heart failure (CHF) is a risk factor of right ventricular failure after heart transplantation (HT). Our aim was to study pulmonary vascular changes in patients with CHF and to assess any correlation with haemodynamic data.

Methods:

We studied 17 HT recipients with preoperative CHF who died shortly after HT. Preoperative haemodynamic information was obtained immediately before HT. Vascular lesions in muscular arteries were assessed by linear morphometry. Haemodynamic data were correlated with the morphologic changes.

Results:

Mean transpulmonary gradient (TPG) was 8.9±4.5 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 2.25±1.34 Wu. According to the threshold for at‐risk PHT (TPG>12 mm Hg or PVR>2.5 Wu), six patients had at‐risk PHT. Medial thickness was 23.82±7.23% in patients with at‐risk PHT and 17.16±3.24% in patients without at‐risk PHT (p=0.018).

Conclusions:

Medial hypertrophy of muscular pulmonary arteries is more common and severe than expected in patients with CHF, even in patients without at‐risk PHT. This structural change could explain why PHT, even in range of values not excluding HT, is a risk factor for right ventricular failure after HT and influences post‐HT haemodynamic behaviour.
Recovery of systolic and diastolic function after ablation of incessant supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Salemi Vera Maria Cury , Arteaga Edmund , Mady Charles
Published: April 2005

We report a case of a 26‐year‐old woman who presented to our hospital with arrhythmia and heart failure. She had an incessant supraventricular tachycardia, which was not reversible with electrical cardioversion. Echocardiogram showed a severe LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. After radiofrequency catheter ablation, LV function returned to normal. This article is intended to show a case with tachycardiomyopathy, which is considered the most frequently unrecognized curable cause of heart failure, and to demonstrate that early treatment allows the recovery to a normal LV systolic and diastolic function, preventing irreversible structural cardiac damage. It is very likely that some patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic atrial fibrillation or other chronic arrhythmia actually have a curable tachycardiomyopathy.
Exercise hyperventilation in chronic heart failure is not caused by systemic lactic acidosis
Authors: Wensel Roland , Francis Darrel P. , Georgiadou Panagiota , Scott Adam , Genth‐Zotz Sabine , Anker Stefan D. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Piepoli Massimo F.
Published: April 2005

Background:

Patients with heart failure have an abnormally high ventilatory response to exercise associated with gas exchange defects and reduced arterial pCO2.

Aims:

We examined the possibility of lactic acidosis as the stimulus to this increased ventilation that abnormally depresses pCO2 during exercise in heart failure.

Method and results:

We studied 18 patients with chronic heart failure. We measured VE/VCO2 slope during exercise, arterial blood gases and lactate concentrations during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (rest, peak exercise and one minute after the end of exercise). Neither VE/VCO2 slope nor arterial pCO2 were related to arterial lactate concentrations at peak exercise (r=–0.16, p=0.65 and r=–0.15, p=0.6). During early recovery, patients with a high VE/VCO2 slope had a particularly pronounced rise in arterial lactate and hydrogen ion concentrations (r=0.57, p<0.05 and r=0.84, p<0.0001) and yet their arterial pCO2 rose rather than fell (r=0.79, p<0.001). The rise in arterial pCO2 correlated with the increase in arterial hydrogen concentration (r=0.78, p<0.001) and with arterial pCO2 at peak exercise (r=–0.76, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

In heart failure VE/VCO2 slope and low arterial pCO2 at peak exercise are not related to the degree of systemic lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is therefore not a plausible mechanism of exercise induced hyperventilation.
Dosage compensation in flies: Mechanism, models, mystery
Authors: Straub Tobias , Dahlsveen Ina K. , Becker Peter B.
Published: April 2005

Dosage compensation involves fine‐tuning of gene expression at the level of entire chromosomes. The principles that assure selective targeting of the male X chromosome in Drosophila and the mechanism by which transcription levels are adjusted in a twofold range are still mysterious. We discuss the prevalent models in the context of recent experimental observations.
Histamine elevates the expression of Ets‐1, a protooncogen in human melanoma cell lines through H2 receptor
Authors: Hegyesi Hargita , Horváth Barnabás , Pállinger Éva , Pós Zoltán , Molnár Viktor , Falus András
Published: April 2005

Histamine is known to act, at least in part, as a growth factor for several cell types, and as production of this biogen amine has been found to accelerate the rate of tissue proliferation in wound repair, embryogenesis and malignant growth. Abundant experimental and clinical data suggest that histamine augments in vivo tumour cell proliferation via histamine H2 receptors (H2R). Here, we report that exogenously added histamine stimulates Ets‐1 (v‐ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1) synthesis in human melanoma cells. Involvement of histamine receptors in the histamine induced ets‐1 expression has been also studied. Our data show that these newly recognized actions of histamine are mediated by the H2R. Modification of local protooncogen Ets‐1 level is likely being involved in the regulation of melanoma growth.
MEF2C DNA‐binding activity is inhibited through its interaction with the regulatory protein Ki‐1/57
Authors: Kobarg Claudia Bandeira , Kobarg Jörg , Crosara-Alberto Daniella P. , Theizen Thaís Holtz , Franchini Kleber Gomes
Published: April 2005

Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF2) are MADS box transcription factors that play important roles in the regulation of myogenesis and morphogenesis of muscle cells. MEF2 proteins are activated by mechanical overload in the heart. In this study, we found the interaction of MEF2C with the regulatory protein Ki‐1/57 using yeast two‐hybrid system. This interaction was confirmed by GST‐pull down assay in vitro and by co‐immunoprecipitation in vivo. This interaction is also dependent on pressure overload in the heart. Co‐imunoprecipitation assay with anti‐MEF2 and anti‐Ki‐1/57 antibodies demonstrated a basal association between these proteins in the left ventricles of control rats. Pressure overload caused a reduction in this association. Ki‐1/57 co‐localizes with MEF2 in the nucleus of myocytes of control rats. However, after submitting the animals to pressure overload Ki‐1/57 leaves the nucleus thereby decreasing this co‐localization. Ki‐1/57 also exerts an inhibitory effect upon MEF2C DNA binding activity. These results suggest that Ki‐1/57 is a new interacting partner of MEF2 protein and may be involved in the regulation of MEF2 at the onset of hypertrophy.
Zona pellucida thickness and clinical pregnancy outcome following in vitro fertilization
Authors: Sun Y.P. , Xu Y. , Cao T. , Su Y.C. , Guo Y.H.
Published: April 2005

Objective

To investigate possible correlations of ZPT or ZPTV with clinical outcome following in vitro fertilization.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐six embryos were selected for transfer on day 3 with clear image record from 81 IVF–ET cycles. The laser system measurement software was used to measure the ZTP value of each embryo and the ZPTV was computed. Statistical analysis was done using the ANOVA or Chi‐square test.

Results

Both ZPT and ZPTV declined with women's age. The mean ZPTV of embryos from patients between 30 and 34 years old was significantly higher than that from patients older than 35 (P < 0.001). The ZPTV in pregnancy group was significantly higher than that in nonpregnancy group(P < 0.005). The clinical pregnancy rate in the group with ZPTV more than 20% was significantly higher than that in the group with ZPTV less than 20% (P < 0.05). The ZPTV of high grade embryos was significantly higher than that of low grade embryos (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ZPTV rather than ZPT is an effective parameter to evaluate the embryo quality. Increasing the ZPTV may enhance embryo implantation potential.
Symptomatic Ulnar Neural Loop at the Wrist
Authors: MUSTHYALA S. , JONES W. A.
Published: April 2005

A case report is presented of a patient found at surgery to have an anomalous neural loop of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. The literature is reviewed. Although previous cases have been reported with compressive symptoms or as a coincidental finding we believe that this is the first case reported where symptoms were directly related to the presence of the loop without evidence of a compressive lesion.
NAO signature in a Bermuda coral Sr/Ca record
Authors: Kuhnert Henning , Crüger Traute , Pätzold Jürgen
Published: April 2005

We present a 55‐year‐long record (1928–1982) of Sr/Ca in a Bermuda coral (Diploria strigosa), which we use to reconstruct local twentieth century climate features. The clearest climate signal emerges for the late‐year Sr/Ca. Although the coral was collected in shallow water (12 m), the correlation with station data is highest for temperatures at 50 m depth (r = −0.70), suggesting that local temperatures at the collection site are not representative for the sea surface temperatures in the adjacent open ocean. The most striking feature of the coral record is the persistent and significant correlation (r = −0.50) with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. Field correlations of fall Sr/Ca with the winter sea level pressure (SLP) show the typical spatial NAO pattern. The stable relationship with the NAO shows that Sr/Ca in Bermuda corals is a suitable tool for the reconstruction of North Atlantic climate variability.
Variation in the reference Shields stress for bed load transport in gravel‐bed streams and rivers
Authors: Mueller Erich R. , Pitlick John , Nelson Jonathan M.
Published: April 2005

The present study examines variations in the reference shear stress for bed load transport (τr) using coupled measurements of flow and bed load transport in 45 gravel‐bed streams and rivers. The study streams encompass a wide range in bank‐full discharge (1–2600 m3/s), average channel gradient (0.0003–0.05), and median surface grain size (0.027–0.21 m). A bed load transport relation was formed for each site by plotting individual values of the dimensionless transport rate W* versus the reach‐average dimensionless shear stress τ*. The reference dimensionless shear stress τ*r was then estimated by selecting the value of τ* corresponding to a reference transport rate of W* = 0.002. The results indicate that the discharge corresponding to τ*r averages 67% of the bank‐full discharge, with the variation independent of reach‐scale morphologic and sediment properties. However, values of τ*r increase systematically with average channel gradient, ranging from 0.025–0.035 at sites with slopes of 0.001–0.006 to values greater than 0.10 at sites with slopes greater than 0.02. A corresponding relation for the bank‐full dimensionless shear stress τ*bf, formulated with data from 159 sites in North America and England, mirrors the relation between τ*r and channel gradient, suggesting that the bank‐full channel geometry of gravel‐ and cobble‐bedded streams is adjusted to a relatively constant excess shear stress, τ*bf − τ*r, across a wide range of slopes.
The effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in rat mesenteric vasculature, and its interactions with the endocannabinoid anandamide
Authors: O'Sullivan Saoirse E , Kendall David A , Randall Michael D
Published: April 2005

Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces varying effects in mesenteric arteries: vasorelaxation (third‐order branches, G3), modest vasorelaxation (G2), no effect (G1) and vasoconstriction (the superior mesenteric artery, G0).

In G3, vasorelaxation to THC was inhibited by pertussis toxin, but was unaffected by the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251 (1 μM), incubation with the TRPV1 receptor agonist capsaicin (10 μM, 1 h), the TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine (10 μM) or de‐endothelialisation.

In G3, vasorelaxation to THC was inhibited by high K+ buffer, and by the following K+ channel inhibitors: charybdotoxin (100 nM), apamin (500 nM) and barium chloride (30 μM), but not by 4‐aminopyridine, glibenclamide or tertiapin.

In G3, THC (10 and 100 μM) inhibited the contractile response to Ca2+ in a Ca2+‐free, high potassium buffer, indicating that THC blocks Ca2+ influx.

In G0, the vasoconstrictor responses to THC were inhibited by de‐endothelialisation and SR141716A (100 nM), but not by the endothelin (ETA) receptor antagonist FR139317 (1 μM).

THC (1 and 10 μM) antagonised vasorelaxation to anandamide in G3 but not G0. THC did not antagonise the noncannabinoid verapamil, capsaicin or the CB1 receptor agonist CP55,940. THC (10 and 100 μM) inhibited endothelium‐derived relaxing factor (EDHF)‐mediated responses to carbachol in a manner similar to the gap junction inhibitor 18α‐glycyrrhetinic acid.

These data show that THC causes vasorelaxation through activation of K+ channels and inhibition of Ca2+ channels, and this involves non‐CB1, non‐TRPV1 but G‐protein‐coupled receptors. In G0, THC does not cause relaxation and at high concentrations causes contractions. Importantly, THC antagonises the effects of anandamide, possibly through inhibition of EDHF activity.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 514–526. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706218
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the diploid legume Medicago truncatula (barrel medic)
Authors: Baquerizo‐Audiot E. , Desplanque B. , Prosperi J. M. , Santoni S.
Published: April 2005

We report the development of nine microsatellite markers in the diploid legume Medicago truncatula. Five markers were obtained from microsatellite‐enriched genome libraries and four from sequences available in GenBank. Polymorphism was explored with plants from a natural population and cross‐amplification was tested in other Medicago and three other legume genera.
The development of microsatellite loci in the song sparrow, Melospiza melodia (Aves) and genotyping errors associated with good quality DNA
Authors: Jeffery K. J. , Keller L. F. , Arcese P. , Bruford M. W.
Published: April 2005

We describe the isolation, development and application of six microsatellite loci in the song sparrow, Melospiza melodia, their amplification in related species and problems encountered in genotyping from high quality DNA. Heterozygosity in an island song sparrow population was high (> 70%) for five out of six loci. Small scale cross‐species amplification showed up to three alleles per locus for other Emberizidae. Relatively high levels of allelic dropout were observed with two loci when using standard template DNA. These problems could be partially alleviated by diluting template DNA, and could always be eliminated by repeated genotyping.
Development of microsatellite markers for Primula sieboldii using degenerate oligonucleotide‐primed PCR‐amplified DNA
Authors: Isagi Y. , Honjo M. , Washitani I.
Published: April 2005

Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for Primula sieboldii using degenerate oligonucleotide‐primed (DOP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified DNA. The number of alleles per locus varied between two and seven and the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.23 to 0.81. Frequent occurrence of identical microsatellite found in positive clones suggested biased amplification of genomic DNA by DOP–PCR.
Microsatellite DNA markers for the Sri Lankan rainforest tree species, Shorea cordifolia (Dipterocarpaceae), and cross‐species amplification in S. megistophylla
Authors: Stacy E. A. , Dayanandan S. , Dancik B. P. , Khasa P. D.
Published: April 2005

We developed microsatellite primer pairs for the tropical tree species, Shorea cordifolia, of genus Shorea section Doona, an endemic and dominant group of Sri Lanka's rainforests. From an (AG)n‐enriched library, 30 positive clones were screened, yielding 21 unique microsatellite loci. We used oligonucleotide primer pairs designed for 13 loci to screen genomic DNA from 90 adults. For seven polymorphic loci, the number of alleles and gene diversity per locus ranged from 4 to 18 and 0.36 to 0.90, respectively. Because all seven loci amplified easily in a close relative, S. megistophylla, we expect that these primers will be transferable to other Doona species.
Identification and properties of microsatellite markers in tsetse flies Glossina morsitans sensu lato (Diptera: Glossinidae)
Authors: Baker M. D. , Krafsur E. S.
Published: April 2005

Genomic libraries enriched for simple sequence repeats were constructed for Glossina morsitans morsitans, G. m. submorsitans, and G. m. centralis. Sixteen microsatellite markers were isolated from the libraries and evaluated on flies from natural G. m. morsitans populations and other Glossina species in the morsitans and palpalis species groups. The primers amplified appropriate sized DNA fragments in the morsitans and palpalis groups. In G. morsitans s.l., eight of 12 dinucleotide repeats and four of 12 trinucleotide repeats were polymorphic. The polymorphic loci showed a mean 7.5 ± 4.8 alleles per locus and their mean heterozygosity was 55.8 ± 7.7%.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi)
Authors: Liewlaksaneeyanawin Cherdsak , Ritland Carol E. , Newton Craig H. , El‐Kassaby Yousry A.
Published: April 2005

Microsatellites are codominant and highly polymorphic genetic markers. They are widely used in studying parentage and reproductive success in many insect species. We developed six microsatellite markers in Pissodes storbi. The number of alleles per locus ranges from 5 to 16 alleles, with a mean number of 10. The high allelic diversity observed in this study showed that they could be useful in the study of parentage and reproductive success in P. strobi.
Reliable microsatellite genotyping of dolphin DNA from faeces
Authors: Parsons Kim M.
Published: April 2005

Noninvasive samples have proved useful in genotyping studies of free‐ranging mammals. However, potential genotyping errors associated with such samples dictate the need for validation studies. This pilot study demonstrates the use of dolphin faeces in multilocus microsatellite genotyping studies. An empirical approach to calculating the rate of genotyping error was applied to data from matched pairs of blood or tissue and faecal samples from both captive and wild bottlenose dolphins. Microsatellite genotypes were assigned to dolphin faecal extracts with greater than 95% confidence by using a multiple tube approach, and at least two independent replicate genotypings.
Development of a CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphics sequence) assay for sex identification of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: De Kloet Siwo R.
Published: April 2005

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based procedures that have been used to identify the sex of most birds cannot be used in ratites. This paper describes the identification of a female (W‐chromosome) specific randomly amplified polymorphic (RAPD) 1.3 kb DNA fragment (ESEXW) in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Southern blot experiments and sequence analysis revealed that a related (96% similarity) sequence exists on the emu Z‐chromosome (ESEXZ). The sequences ofESEXWandESEXZhave been used for the development of a two‐primer CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence) assay for reliable sex identification of the emu.
Molecular sexing eutherian mammals
Authors: Fernando Prithiviraj , Melnick Don J.
Published: April 2005

Mammals can be molecular sexed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Y chromosome fragments or coamplification of homologous fragments from both sex chromosomes, which are discriminated by size polymorphism or Y‐specific restriction digestion. Although coamplification of X and Y fragments is more reliable, size polymorphism in homologous fragments is uncommon and Y‐specific restriction site identification requires screening with a battery of enzymes or cloning. Here we describe a simple approach, using ‘double peaks’ in the chromatogram upon direct sequencing of PCR products from males, to identify Y‐specific restriction sites, and demonstrate its utility by application to a range of taxa.
Microsatellite primers for the African mole‐rat genus Cryptomys and cross‐species amplification within the family Bathyergidae
Authors: Burland T. M. , Bishop J. M. , O’Ryan C. , Faulkes C. G.
Published: April 2005

We report 11 microsatellite loci for the African mole‐rat genus Cryptomys (Rodentia: Bathyergidae), isolated from the Damaraland mole‐rat (Cryptomys damarensis) and the Common mole‐rat (C. hottentotus hottentotus). All loci are highly polymorphic in the source species, with between six and 13 alleles and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.54 to 0.86. Two C. damarensis loci (DMR1 and 6) may be located on the X‐chromosome. Cross‐species amplification was investigated in 10 Bathyergid species, representative of the five genera. The majority of loci amplified polymorphic product in all Cryptomys species tested. Amplification was also widespread in the other genera, except in Heterocephalus.
Microsatellites for the net‐spinning caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa (Polycentropodidae)
Authors: Wilcock H. R. , Hildrew A. G. , Nichols R. A. , Bruford M. W.
Published: April 2005

Six polymorphic microsatellites were developed for the caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa from two enriched partial genomic libraries. These represent the first microsatellites published for the order Trichoptera. We show that, whilst it is possible to develop a highly enriched library, isolation of polymorphic microsatellites is difficult for this species, as has been found in some other of invertebrate groups. The genotypes of 160 individuals were determined using these new loci. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.013 to 0.788. Despite their problematic isolation, polymorphic microsatellite loci show greater levels of variation than previously studied allozyme markers.
Ferroelectric-gate thin-film transistors using indium-tin-oxide channel with large charge controllability
Authors: Miyasako Takaaki , Senoo Masaru , Tokumitsu Eisuke
Published: April 2005

We have fabricated and characterized ferroelectric-gate thin-film transistors (TFTs) using indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as a channel and ferroelectric Bi4−xLaxTi3O12 (BLT) as a gate insulator. We have obtained a typical n-channel transistor property with clear current saturation in drain current and drain voltage (ID–VD) characteristics. The obtained on∕off current ratio is more than 104 and the field-effect mobility is estimated 9.1cm2∕Vs. In particular, we demonstrate a large “on”-current of 2.5 mA in ITO∕BLT structure TFT in spite of the low channel mobility. This is because the ferroelectric film can induce large charge density due to the spontaneous polarization.
Spin control in heteromagnetic nanostructures
Authors: Scherbakov A. V. , Akimov A. V. , Yakovlev D. R. , Ossau W. , Hansen L. , Waag A. , Molenkamp L. W.
Published: April 2005

We suggest and verify experimentally a concept of heteromagnetic semiconductor structures. It is based on spin diffusion between layers of the nanostructure with different magnetic properties and allows to control the spin-switching rate for magnetic ions. A ten times increase of spin-lattice relaxation rate of magnetic Mn ions is achieved in Zn1−xMnxSe∕Be1−yMnyTe heteromagnetic structures with an inhomogeneous distribution of Mn ions.
Electrical addressing of confined quantum systems for quasiclassical computation and finite state logic machines
Authors: Remacle F. , Heath J. R. , Levine R. D.
Published: April 2005

Conduction spectroscopy measures the currentIthrough a nanosystem as a function of the voltageVbetween two electrodes. The differential conductance,dI/dV, has peaks that can be assigned to resonance conditions with different electronic levels of the system. Between these increments, the current has roughly constant plateaus. We discuss how measurements of the current vs. voltage can be used to perform Boolean operations and hence construct finite state logic machines and combinational circuits. The inputs to the device are the source–drain voltage, including its sign, and a gate voltage applied in a manner analogous to optical Stark spectroscopy. As simple examples, we describe a two-state set–reset machine (a machine whose output depends on the input and also on its present state) and a full adder circuit (a circuit that requires three inputs and provides two outputs).
ZW10 links mitotic checkpoint signaling to the structural kinetochore
Authors: Kops Geert J.P.L. , Kim Yumi , Weaver Beth A.A. , Mao Yinghui , McLeod Ian , Yates John R. , Tagaya Mitsuo , Cleveland Don W.
Published: April 2005

The mitotic checkpoint ensures that chromosomes are divided equally between daughter cells and is a primary mechanism preventing the chromosome instability often seen in aneuploid human tumors. ZW10 and Rod play an essential role in this checkpoint. We show that in mitotic human cells ZW10 resides in a complex with Rod and Zwilch, whereas another ZW10 partner, Zwint-1, is part of a separate complex of structural kinetochore components including Mis12 and Ndc80–Hec1. Zwint-1 is critical for recruiting ZW10 to unattached kinetochores. Depletion from human cells or Xenopus egg extracts is used to demonstrate that the ZW10 complex is essential for stable binding of a Mad1–Mad2 complex to unattached kinetochores. Thus, ZW10 functions as a linker between the core structural elements of the outer kinetochore and components that catalyze generation of the mitotic checkpoint-derived “stop anaphase” inhibitor.
Proteomic and genomic characterization of chromatin complexes at a boundary
Authors: Tackett Alan J. , Dilworth David J. , Davey Megan J. , O'Donnell Michael , Aitchison John D. , Rout Michael P. , Chait Brian T.
Published: April 2005

We have dissected specialized assemblies on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome that help define and preserve the boundaries that separate silent and active chromatin. These assemblies contain characteristic stretches of DNA that flank particular regions of silent chromatin, as well as five distinctively modified histones and a set of protein complexes. The complexes consist of at least 15 chromatin-associated proteins, including DNA pol ε, the Isw2-Itc1 and Top2 chromatin remodeling proteins, the Sas3-Spt16 chromatin modifying complex, and Yta7, a bromodomain-containing AAA ATPase. We show that these complexes are important for the faithful maintenance of an established boundary, as disruption of the complexes results in specific, anomalous alterations of the silent and active epigenetic states.
Colonization of 8-week-old conventionally reared goats by Escherichia coli O157 : H7 after oral inoculation
Authors: La Ragione R M , Ahmed N MY , Best A , Clifford D , Weyer U , Cooley W A , Johnson L , Pearson G R , Woodward M J
Published: April 2005

EnterohaemorrhagicEscherichia coliO157 : H7 infections of man have been associated with consumption of unpasteurized goat's milk and direct contact with kid goats on petting farms, yet little is known about colonization of goats with this organism. To assess the contribution of flagella and intimin ofE. coliO157 : H7 in colonization of the goat, 8-week-old conventionally reared goats were inoculated orally in separate experiments with 1×1010c.f.u. of a non-verotoxigenic strain ofE. coliO157 : H7 (strain NCTC 12900 Nalr), an aflagellate derivative (DMB1) and an intimin-deficient derivative (DMB2). At 24 h after inoculation, the threeE. coliO157 : H7 strains were shed at approximately 5×104c.f.u. (g faeces)−1from all animals. Significantly fewer intimin-deficient bacteria were shed only on days 2 (P= 0.003) and 4 (P= 0.014), whereas from day 7 to 29 there were no differences. Tissues from three animals inoculated with wild-typeE. coliO157 : H7 strain NCTC 12900 Nalrwere sampled at 24, 48 and 96 h after inoculation and the organism was cultured from the large intestine of all three animals and from the duodenum and ileum of the animal examined at 96 h. Tissues were examined histologically but attaching-effacing (AE) lesions were not observed at any intestinal site of the animals examined at 24 or 48 h. However, the animal examined at 96 h, which had uniquely shed approximately 1×107E. coliO157 : H7 (g faeces)−1for the preceding 3 days, showed a heavy, diffuse infection with cryptosporidia and abundant, multifocal AE lesions in the distal colon, rectum and at the recto-anal junction. These AE lesions were confirmed by immunohistochemistry to be associated withE. coliO157 : H7.
STIG1 Controls Exudate Secretion in the Pistil of Petunia and Tobacco
Authors: Verhoeven Tamara , Feron Richard , Wolters-Arts Mieke , Edqvist Johan , Gerats Tom , Derksen Jan , Mariani Celestina
Published: April 2005

The lipid-rich, sticky exudate covering the stigma of solanaceous species such as tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and petunia (Petunia hybrida) contains several proteins, of which only some have been characterized to date. Proteome analysis of the stigmatic exudate in both species revealed the presence of a cysteine-rich, slightly acidic 12-kD protein called stigma-specific protein 1 (STIG1). In both tobacco and petunia, Stig1 is highly expressed at the mRNA level in very young and developing flowers, whereas hardly any Stig1 transcript is detected in mature flowers. This expression pattern coincides with the differentiation of the secretory zone, forming the intercellular spaces into which the exudate is secreted. Using reverse genetics, we show that STIG1 is involved in the secretion and merging of exudate lipids in the intercellular spaces of the secretory zone and that plants lacking STIG1 show an accelerated deposition of exudate onto the stigmatic surface. This phenotype was observed both in a petunia knockout mutant and in tobacco transgenic plants. We therefore propose that STIG1 plays a role in the temporal regulation of the essential exudate secretion onto the stigma.
Molecular Cloning of GA 2-Oxidase3 from Spinach and Its Ectopic Expression in Nicotiana sylvestris
Authors: Lee Dong Ju , Zeevaart Jan A.D.
Published: April 2005

Previous work has shown that 13-hydroxylated gibberellins (GAs) are predominant in the long-day (LD) plant spinach (Spinacia oleracea; GA53, GA44, GA19, GA20, GA1, GA8, and GA29). Also present in spinach are 2β-hydroxylated C20-GAs: GA97, GA98, GA99, and GA110. Levels of the most abundant GA, GA97, decreased when plants were transferred from short photoperiods (SD) to LD. When [14C]GA53 was fed to spinach plants, more GA53 was converted to GA97 in SD than in LD, and more radioactive GA20 was formed in LD than in SD. SoGA2ox3, encoding a GA 2-oxidase, was isolated from spinach. The recombinant protein converted only two C20-GA precursors, GA12 and GA53, to their respective products, GA110 and GA97. GA2ox3 competes with GA20ox1 for their common substrate, GA53. In SD, deactivation to GA97 prevails, whereas in LD conversion to GA20 is favored. Transcript levels of SoGA2ox3 were higher in shoot tips than in blades, petioles, and young leaves. Ectopic expression of SoGA2ox3 in the long-day plant Nicotiana sylvestris showed a range of dwarf phenotypes, such as reduced germination, short hypocotyl and stem, dark-green leaves, and late flowering, but normal flowers and seed production. The levels of GA53 and GA1 were 3- to 5-fold lower in transgenic plants than in wild type, whereas the levels of GA97 and GA110 increased 3- to 6-fold in transgenic plants. It is concluded that genetic manipulation of plant stature by increasing deactivation of precursors of active GA is more advantageous than increased deactivation of bioactive GA1 itself.
A Plant Notices Insect Egg Deposition and Changes Its Rate of Photosynthesis
Authors: Schröder Roland , Forstreuter Manfred , Hilker Monika
Published: April 2005

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is known to change its terpenoid metabolism in response to egg deposition by the sawfly Diprion pini (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae). Three days after egg deposition, parts of the pine twig adjacent to the egg-laden one are induced to emit volatiles, which attract egg parasitoids. In this study, we investigated whether egg deposition by this sawfly affects pine photosynthesis. Measurements of photosynthesis were taken from untreated control twigs and from pine twigs adjacent to egg-laden ones (i.e. systemically oviposition-induced twigs) for a period of 3 d starting after egg deposition. The net photosynthetic rate of oviposition-induced pine twigs was lower than that of untreated control twigs, whereas the respiration rate of pine twigs was not affected by egg deposition. CO2 response curves of oviposition-induced twigs tended to be lower than those of controls. The potential rate of electron transport (J  max) and the maximum rate of Rubisco activity (V  cmax) were calculated from the data of the CO2 response curves. J  max of oviposition-induced twigs was significantly lower than that of controls at day 1 after egg deposition, while the difference diminished from day 2 to day 3. A similar pattern was observed for V  cmax. Light response curves of oviposition-induced twigs were significantly lower than those of untreated ones during 3 d of measurements. Stomatal conductance was slightly lowered by egg deposition. When considering photosynthetic activity as a physiological currency to measure costs of induction of plant defense, the effects of insect egg deposition on gas exchange of pine are discussed with respect to known effects of insect feeding on the photosynthesis activity of plants.