bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The melanosomal/lysosomal protein OA1 has properties of a G protein‐coupled receptor
Authors: Innamorati Giulio , Piccirillo Rosanna , Bagnato Paola , Palmisano Ilaria , Schiaffino Maria Vittoria 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe protein product of the ocular albinism type 1 gene, named OA1, is a pigment cell‐specific integral membrane glycoprotein, localized to melanosomes and lysosomes and possibly implicated in melanosome biogenesis. Although its function remains unknown, we previously showed that OA1 shares structural similarities with G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). To ascertain the molecular function of OA1 and in particular its nature as a GPCR, we adopted a heterologous expression strategy commonly exploited to demonstrate GPCR‐mediated signaling in mammalian cells. Here we show that when expressed in COS7 cells OA1 displays a considerable and spontaneous capacity to activate heterotrimeric G proteins and the associated signaling cascade. In contrast, OA1 mutants carrying either a missense mutation or a small deletion in the third cytosolic loop lack this ability. Furthermore, OA1 is phosphorylated and interacts with arrestins, well‐established multifunctional adaptors of conformationally active GPCRs. In fact, OA1 colocalizes and coprecipitates with arrestins, which downregulate the signaling of OA1 by specifically reducing its expression levels. These findings indicate that heterologously expressed OA1 exhibits two fundamental properties of GPCRs, being capable to activate heterotrimeric G proteins and to functionally associate with arrestins, and provide proof of principle that OA1 can actually function as a canonical GPCR in mammalian cells.
Diversity of pigmentation in cultured human melanocytes is due to differences in the type as well as quantity of melanin
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Kavanagh Renny , Kadekaro Ana L. , Terzieva Silva , Sturm Richard A. , Leachman Sancy , Abdel‐Malek Zalfa , Ito Shosuke 
Published: January 2006

SummaryCultured human melanocytes differ tremendously in visual pigmentation, and recapitulate the pigmentary phenotype of the donor's skin. This diversity arises from variation in type as well as quantity of melanin produced. Here, we measured contents of eumelanin (EM) and pheomelanin (PM) in 60 primary human melanocyte cultures (51 neonatal and nine adults), and correlated some of these values with the respective activity and protein levels of tyrosinase, and the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) genotype. Melanocytes were classified into four phenotypes (L, L+, D, D+) as depicted by visual pigmentation using light microscopy, and by the pigmentary phenotype of the donor's skin. There were large differences in total melanin (TM) and EM, which increased progressively for L, L+, D and D+ melanocytes. TM content, the sum of EM and PM, showed a good correlation with TM measured spectrophotometrically, and with the activity and protein levels of tyrosinase. Log EM/PM ratio did not correlate with MC1R genotype. We conclude that: (i) EM consistently correlates with the visual phenotype; (ii) lighter melanocytes tend to be more pheomelanic in composition than darker melanocytes; (iii) in adult melanocyte cultures, EM correlates with the ethnic background of the donors (African‐American > Indian > Caucasian); and (iv) MC1R loss‐of‐function mutations do not necessarily alter the phenotype of cultured melanocytes.
LIPID ANALYSIS OF FILLETS FROM GIANT GRENADIER (ALBATROSSIA PECTORALIS), ARROW‐TOOTH FLOUNDER (ATHERESTHES STOMIAS), PACIFIC COD (GADUS MACROCEPHALUS) AND WALLEYE POLLOCK (THERAGRA CHALCOGRAMMA)
Authors: OLIVEIRA A.C.M. , BECHTEL P.J. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT In Alaska, walleye pollock (WP [Theragra chalcogramma]) and Pacific cod (PC [Gadus macrocephalus]) are harvested in large amounts. There are also large biomasses of arrow‐tooth flounder (ATF [Atheresthes stomias]) and giant grenadier (GG [Albatrossia pectoralis]) available in Alaskan waters; however, these fish are underutilized. The objective of this study was to determine lipid content, lipid class distribution and fatty acid (FA) profiles of fillets from these four fish species. Fat content and percent triacylglycerides (TAG) in ATF was significantly higher than in other species, and percent phospholipids (PL) was lower (P < 0.05). PC had the highest levels of omega‐3 (ω‐3) FA, whereas ATF had the lowest. The ratio of ω‐3/omega‐6 (ω‐6) FA was significantly higher in ATF than in other species. Percent polyunsaturated and saturated FA's were equivalent in ATF; however, other species showed at least twice as much polyunsaturated FA as saturated FA. This study provided comparisons of the lipid characteristics in the two most abundant white fish harvested in Alaska and two other abundant but underutilized species.
THE EFFECT OF EPIMYSIAL CONNECTIVE TISSUE ON FACTORS RELATED TO TENDERNESS OF BEEF SEMITENDINOSUS
Authors: JANZ J.A.M. , AALHUS J.L. , PRICE M.A. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT Previous investigations have revealed consistently unacceptable levels of toughness in beef semitendinosus (ST; eye of round). It is possible that the fusiform architecture of the ST permits moisture loss during cooking as the epimysial connective‐tissue (CT) layer shrinks with heating. This investigation of the effects of the presence/absence of the epimysium demonstrated significantly (P < 0.01) greater shear values in samples with an intact external CT layer. However, the reduction in shear with epimysium removal was small (4.45%) and would not have been sufficient to bring a large proportion of ST steaks into the range of acceptable eating quality. The ST is atypical of skeletal muscle with regards to its biomechanical function and native elastin content, and this possible contributor to toughness requires further investigation in order to develop a suitable method for tenderness improvement.
HYDRODYNAMIC PRESSURE‐PROCESSED BEEF SEMITENDINOSUS MUSCLE USING A STEEL REFLECTOR BOWL†
Authors: CALLAHAN JANICE A. , BERRY BRADFORD W. , SOLOMON MORSE B. , LIU MARTHA N. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT Hydrodynamic pressure (HDP) technology, used to tenderize meat, has been previously conducted in both stationary steel hemisphere‐shaped tanks (1060‐L commercial and 54‐L laboratory scale steel units) as well as in plastic explosive containers (PEC) fitted with a flat metal reflector plate. It was hypothesized that the bottom surface of the container may affect the magnitude of tenderness improvement during the HDP process. A steel reflector bowl was constructed to fit inside the PEC to mimic the shape of the bottom of the stationary steel vessel. Beef semitendinosus (ST) muscles treated with HDP (150‐g binary explosive detonated inside a water‐filled 98‐L PEC) were more tender (P < 0.05) than controls (5.37 versus 5.74 kgf). ST response to HDP was highly variable (−8.6 to 24.5%). Although the improvement in ST tenderness was significant (P < 0.05), using the steel reflector bowl in the PEC was not an efficient method to tenderize ST muscles.
The Determination of Glacial Till Specific Storage in North Dakota
Authors: Shaver Robert B. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSpecific storage (Ss) was calculated for 107 glacial till core samples collected in 1962 from 93 drilling sites at U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launch and launch control facilities located in North Dakota. Core sample depths ranged from 8 to 26 m. Consolidation tests were performed on the till samples using a floating ring consolidometer. The coefficient of volume change (mv), which is defined as the volume change per unit volume per unit increase in effective stress, was calculated for this study using previously reported consolidation test data. Ss calculated for the 107 till samples ranged from 2.0 × 10‐4m‐1 to 1.1 × 10‐3m‐1, with a mean value of 5.6 × 0‐4m‐1.Till is easily compressible and, as a result, Ss is not constant, but rather a function of loading. With increased depth, effective stress (σ0) increases and Ss decreases. Based on data from 107 till cores in this study, the relationship between σ0 and Ss is described by: Ss= 0.049σ0−0.84, (r2= 0.60, p<0.0001), where σ0= in situ effective stress in kPa, and Ss= specific storage in m‐1.
Hydrogeologic Controls on Radon‐222 in a Buried Valley‐Fractured Bedrock Aquifer System
Authors: Veeger A.I. , Ruderman N.C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA field study was conducted to evaluate the distribution of radon (222Rn) and the hydrogeologic controls on its occurrence in the glacial and fractured rock aquifers of the Pawcatuck River Basin, Rhode Island. A total of 91 ground water samples were collected and analyzed for major chemical constituents as well as uranium and 222Rn. The three bedrock types underlying the study area include the Proterozoic Esmond and Sterling gneisses, and the Devonian Scituate Granite, each having average uranium contents of 1.9 ppm, 3.3 ppm, and 4.1 ppm, respectively (Nevins 1991). All wells sampled in this study yielded radon levels above the proposed U.S. EPA limit of 300 pCi/L. Wells in areas underlain by the Esmond Suite had the lowest radon content (range 500 to 30,400 pCi/L, median 1400 pCi/L), areas underlain by the Sterling Suite were not significantly different but showed slightly higher concentrations (range 700 to 27,300 pCi/L, median 1600 pCi/L), and the areas underlain by the Scituate Suite had significantly higher levels (range 1600 to 83,500 pCi/L, median 5900 pCi/L). High fluoride and alkalinity concentrations in ground water were found to be hydrogeochemical markers for elevated radon concentrations. These markers are believed to represent chemical reactions that produce remobilization of uranium in the host crystalline rock to more favorable siting along grain and fracture boundaries. Physical characteristics such as porosity and the location of uranium are controlling factors in the distribution of radon between surficial and bedrock wells, with bedrock aquifers exhibiting higher radon concentrations than surficial‐materials aquifers in this basin.
Assignment of Boundary Conditions in Embedded Ground Water Flow Models
Authors: Leake S.A. , Lawson Peter W. , Lilly Michael R. , Claar David V. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMany small‐scale ground water models are too small to incorporate distant aquifer boundaries. If a larger‐scale model exists for the area of interest, flow and head values can be specified for boundaries in the smaller‐scale model using values from the larger‐scale model. Flow components along rows and columns of a large‐scale block‐centered finite‐difference model can be interpolated to compute horizontal flow across any segment of a perimeter of a small‐scale model. Head at cell centers of the larger‐scale model can be interpolated to compute head at points on a model perimeter. Simple linear interpolation is proposed for horizontal interpolation of horizontal‐flow components. Bilinear interpolation is proposed for horizontal interpolation of head values. The methods of interpolation provided satisfactory boundary conditions in tests using models of hypothetical aquifers.
Watershed Delineation and Ground Water Discharge to a Coastal Embayment
Authors: Cambareri Thomas C. , Eichner Eduard M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractNonpoint source management strategies for watersheds to eutrophic coastal waters require an adequate characterization of subsurface hydrogeology to understand the sources and fate of ground water and contaminant flow. An investigation was conducted to define the watershed to Waquoit Bay, a shallow eutrophic coastal embayment at the margin of the sand and gravel aquifer of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This investigation included: (1) the development of a subregional water table map over 56 square kilometers; (2) delineation of a watershed and subwatersheds by plotting reverse ground water flowpaths; (3) a water budget based on a mass balance between recharge rates over riverine watershed segments and measured stream flows; and (4) a series of well points driven beneath the bed of the embayment and a transect of deep geologic borings perpendicular to the shore to characterize submarine ground water and hydrogeologic conditions at depth. The principal aquifer thins from the apex of the watershed, where it is approximately 46 m thick, to approximately 11 m thick as it nears Waquoit Bay. The detailed water table map shows extremely high hydraulic gradients to the rivers and comparably smaller gradients near the bay, indicating the thinning aquifer forces ground water to discharge into the rivers and causes them to function as significant surface drains for the aquifer. A classic sharp salt water interface was found in the upper 11.3 m thick High K unit, while the interface in the lower 34 m thick Low K unit was estimated to extend 700 m from the shoreline beneath the saline water of the bay. Eighty‐nine percent (89%) of the bay water budget is from ground water flow (55% channeled into rivers and 34% direct ground water discharge), while 11% is from atmospheric deposition. The Low K unit is an insignificant source of fresh water to the embayment. The conceptual hydro‐geologic model of the watershed is consistent with the water table configuration and the mass balance water budget and was confirmed by subsurface characterization of the near shore hydrogeology. This type of watershed characterization provides a firm basis for the development of nonpoint source management options for coastal embayments.
A 3H/3He Study of Ground Water Flow in a Fractured Bedrock Aquifer
Authors: Aeschbach‐Hertig W. , Schlosser P. , Stute M. , Simpson H.J. , Ludin A. , Clark J.F. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe concentrations of tritium, helium isotopes, and neon have been measured in ground water from a fractured bedrock aquifer in a densely populated suburban area near New York City. Samples were obtained from heavily pumped production wells of a regional water supply company. Helium and neon concentrations exceed the values for air‐saturated water, which is explained by the addition of unfractionated atmospheric air, radiogenic helium, and tritiogenic 3He. The identification of the composition of these excess components allows reliable separation of the tritiogenic 3He concentration, and hence the calculation of the 3H/3He ages of the ground water. Comparison of the combined tritium plus tritiogenic 3He concentrations with the historical record of tritium input from precipitation confirms that the 3H/3He data are self‐consistent and provides constraints on the degree of mixing or helium loss. The distribution of 3H/3He ages is related to the large‐scale topography of the study area and the depth of the wells. Furthermore, correlations between the 3H/3He ages and concentrations of total dissolved solids and total CO2 show that the ages contain meaningful information related to the temporal changes of the ground water chemistry.
Adolescent flexibility, endurance strength, and physical activity as predictors of adult tension neck, low back pain, and knee injury: a 25 year follow up study
Authors: Mikkelsson L O , Nupponen H , Kaprio J , Kautiainen H , Mikkelsson M , Kujala U M 
Published: January 2006

Objective:To examine whether adolescent flexibility, endurance strength, and physical activity can predict the later occurrence of recurrent low back pain, tension neck, or knee injury.Methods:In 1976, 520 men and 605 women participated in a sit and reach test (flexibility) and a 30 second sit up test (endurance strength). In 1976 and 2001 (aged 37 and 42 years) they completed a questionnaire. Lifetime occurrence and risk of self reported low back pain and self reported, physician diagnosed tension neck and knee injury were calculated for subjects divided into tertiles by baseline results of strength and flexibility tests.Results:Men from the highest baseline flexibility tertile were at lower risk of tension neck than those from the lowest tertile (odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 0.93). Women from the highest baseline endurance strength tertile were at lower risk of tension neck than those from the lowest tertile (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.91). Men from the highest baseline endurance strength tertile were at higher risk of knee injury than those from the lowest tertile (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.64). Men who at school age participated in physical activity were at lower risk of recurrent low back pain (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.88) than those who did not.Conclusions:Overall good flexibility in boys and good endurance strength in girls may contribute to a decreased risk of tension neck. High endurance strength in boys may indicate an increased risk of knee injury.
Optimising a curriculum for clinical haematology and biochemistry in sports medicine: a Delphi approach
Authors: Fallon K E , Trevitt A C 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:To investigate issues of curriculum in the context of a postgraduate sports medicine training programme, specifically in the field of clinical biochemistry and haematology.Methods:Following the Delphi methodology, a series of sequential questionnaires was administered to curriculum developers, clinical teachers, examiners, and registrars.Results:Agreement on a core syllabus for this subject with an indication of the core aims and objectives of teaching and learning in this field and the associated required skills and competencies. An indication of current and ideal teaching and learning methods and reasons for these preferences. A consensus of key features of a teaching module for this field and of appropriate methods of examination.Conclusions:The data derived from this study, as well as the experience of engaging in it, will better inform curriculum developers, teachers, and students of one another’s perceptions as to what is important in and appropriate to teaching and learning in this field of sports medicine. Engagement in the exercise and broader consideration of the outcomes by those who develop the curriculum, teach, and formulate the examination process will facilitate attainment of the ideal of well aligned teaching, learning, and examination in this specific field.
Converging evidence for the under-reporting of concussions in youth ice hockey
Authors: Williamson I J S , Goodman D 
Published: January 2006

Background:Concussions are potentially serious injuries. The few investigations of prevalence or incidence in youth ice hockey have typically relied on prospective reports from physicians or trainers and did not survey players, despite the knowledge that many athletes do not report probable concussions.Objective:This study sought to compare concussion rates in youth ice hockey that were estimated from a variety of reporting strategies.Methods:Rates were calculated from British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association (BCAHA) official injury reports, from direct game observation by minor hockey volunteers (such as coaches and managers), as well as from retrospective surveys of both elite and non-elite youth players. All research was conducted within the BCAHA.Results:Estimates from official injury reports for male players were between 0.25 and 0.61 concussions per 1000 player game hours (PGH). Concussion estimates from volunteer reports were between 4.44 and 7.94 per 1000 PGH. Player survey estimates were between 6.65 and 8.32 per 1000 PGH, and 9.72 and 24.30 per 1000 PGH for elite and non-elite male youth hockey, respectively.Conclusion:It was found that concussions are considerably under-reported to the BCAHA by youth hockey players and team personnel.
Population genetics and conservation of the critically endangeredClematis acerifolia(Ranunculaceae)
Authors: López-Pujol J. , Zhang F.-M. , Ge S. 
Published: January 2006

Allozyme electrophoresis was used to evaluate the levels of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the critically endangered Clematis acerifolia Maximowicz (Ranunculaceae), a narrow endemic species in China. On the basis of variation at 19 putative loci in nine populations covering the entire distribution of this species, low values of genetic diversity were detected (P = 20.5%, A = 1.27, and He= 0.072). A significant deficiency of heterozygotes was found in all populations. Most loci showed deviations from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, probably as a result of population genetic structuring. The high genetic divergence among populations (FST= 0.273) can be interpreted as an effect of the extinction of local populations and genetic drift within extant populations, and has probably been enhanced by habitat fragmentation in recent decades. Threats to this species are mainly anthropogenic (road works, construction of holiday resorts, and extraction activities), although stochastic risks cannot be ignored. Therefore, to preserve extant genetic variation of C. acerifolia, in situ strategies, such as the preservation of its habitat or at least the most diverse populations, and ex situ measures, such as the collection and long-term storage of seeds, should be adopted.
Mucociliary and long-term particle clearance in airways of patients with immotile cilia
Authors: Möller Winfried , Häußinger Karl , Ziegler-Heitbrock Löms , Heyder Joachim 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSpherical monodisperse ferromagnetic iron oxide particles of 1.9 μm geometric and 4.2 μm aerodynamic diameter were inhaled by seven patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) using the shallow bolus technique, and compared to 13 healthy non-smokers (NS) from a previous study. The bolus penetration front depth was limiting to the phase1 dead space volume. In PCD patients deposition was 58+/-8 % after 8 s breath holding time. Particle retention was measured by the magnetopneumographic method over a period of nine months. Particle clearance from the airways showed a fast and a slow phase. In PCD patients airway clearance was retarded and prolonged, 42+/-12 % followed the fast phase with a mean half time of 16.8+/-8.6 hours. The remaining fraction was cleared slowly with a half time of 121+/-25 days. In healthy NS 49+/-9 % of particles were cleared in the fast phase with a mean half time of 3.0+/-1.6 hours, characteristic of an intact mucociliary clearance. There was no difference in the slow clearance phase between PCD patients and healthy NS. Despite non-functioning cilia the effectiveness of airway clearance in PCD patients is comparable to healthy NS, with a prolonged kinetics of one week, which may primarily reflect the effectiveness of cough clearance. This prolonged airway clearance allows longer residence times of bacteria and viruses in the airways and may be one reason for increased frequency of infections in PCD patients.