bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol Sensitivity and Tolerance in Long‐Term Memory Mutants of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Berger Karen H. , Kong Eric C. , Dubnau Josh , Tully Tim , Moore Monica S. , Heberlein Ulrike 
Published: April 2008

Background:  It has become increasingly clear that molecular and neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory and drug addiction are largely shared. To confirm and extend these findings, we analyzed ethanol‐responsive behaviors of a collection of Drosophila long‐term memory mutants.Methods:  For each mutant, sensitivity to the acute uncoordinating effects of ethanol was quantified using the inebriometer. Additionally, 2 distinct forms of ethanol tolerance were measured: rapid tolerance, which develops in response to a single brief exposure to a high concentration of ethanol vapor; and chronic tolerance, which develops following a sustained low‐level exposure.Results:  Several mutants were identified with altered sensitivity, rapid or chronic tolerance, while a number of mutants exhibited multiple defects.Conclusions:  The corresponding genes in these mutants represent areas of potential overlap between learning and memory and behavioral responses to alcohol. These genes also define components shared between different ethanol behavioral responses.
Improving the delivery room setting in developing countries: the opinion of local health caregivers
Authors: Trevisanuto Daniele , Lincetto Ornella , Doglioni Nicoletta , Micaglio Massimo , Zanardo Vincenzo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Neonatal mortality has remained steady or increased in many developing countries. A pragmatic approach to the organization of the delivery room setting, where a large part of neonatal deaths occurs, could detect the priorities for potential ameliorative interventions. We evaluated the local health caregivers' opinions regarding the priority areas for improving the hospital delivery room setting in developing countries.Methods: Twenty‐eight participants to a World Health Organization (WHO) workshop were asked to fill out an anonymous, written questionnaire regarding the priorities that could significantly improve their hospital delivery room setting.Results: The three most important interventions for improving the delivery room setting were classified as following: education of all staff in newborn care (28%), optimize doctor–nurse/patient ratio (15%), equipment (14%), maternal‐antenatal care (13%), role and responsibilities (8%), salary (8%), neonatal intensive care unit facilities (6%), availability of a specialized team for neonatal resuscitation (5%) and improve the building (3%).Conclusion: Education of health staff in newborn care, personnel organization and equipment availability are valued as high priorities by local health caregivers for improving the delivery room setting in developing countries. The opinion of operators involved in maternal and neonatal health may contribute to better design interventions in setting with limited resources.
Acoustic and Morphological Differentiation in the FrogAllobates femoralis: Relationships with the Upper Madeira River and Other Potential Geological Barriers
Authors: Simões Pedro Ivo , Lima Albertina P. , Magnusson William E. , Hödl Walter , Amézquita Adolfo 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTWe studied patterns of call acoustics and external morphological differentiation in populations of the dart‐poison frogAllobates femoralisoccurring in forested areas along a 250‐km stretch of the upper Madeira River, Brazil. Multivariate analyses of variance using principal components representing shared acoustic and morphological parameters distinguished three groups in relation to call structure and external morphology: (1) populations belonging to a two‐note call morphotype; (2) populations with four‐note calls inhabiting the left riverbank; and (3) populations with four‐note calls inhabiting the right riverbank. Our results report a case of Amazonian anuran diversity hidden by current taxonomy and provide evidence for the upper Madeira River being a boundary between distinct populations ofA. femoralis, and suggest a new taxonomic interpretation for these groups. Samples that did not fit into the general differentiation pattern and the existence of a well‐defined contact zone between two morphotypes on the left riverbank indicate that mechanisms complementary to river‐barrier hypotheses are necessary to explain the phenotypic differentiation between populations. Our study shows that at least one anuran species shows congruence between population differentiation and separation by a large Amazonian river, as documented for birds and mammals. Conservation efforts should not consider the taxon now known asA. femoralisas a homogeneous entity. There is much within‐taxon variability, which can be probably explained partly by the existence of cryptic species, partly by geological barriers and part of which currently has no obvious explanation.
Multivariate Analyses of Water Chemistry: Surface and Ground Water Interactions
Authors: Woocay Arturo , Walton John 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMultivariate statistical methods (MSMs) applied to ground water chemistry provide valuable insight into the main hydrochemical species, hydrochemical processes, and water flowpaths important to ground water evolution. The MSMs of principal component factor analysis (FA) and k‐means cluster analysis (CA) were sequentially applied to major ion chemistry from 211 different ground water–sampling locations in the Amargosa Desert. The FA reduces the number of variables describing the system and finds relationships between major ions. The CA of the reduced system produced objective hydrochemical facies, which are independent of, but in good agreement with, lithological data. The derived factors and hydrochemical facies are innovatively presented on biplots, revealing composition of hydrochemical processes and facies, and overlaid on a digital elevation model, displaying flowpaths and interactions with geologic and topographic features in the region. In particular, a distinct ground water chemical signature is observed beneath and surrounding the extended flowpath of Fortymile Wash, presenting some contradiction to contemporary water levels along with potential interaction with a fault line. The signature surrounding the ephemeral Fortymile Wash is believed to represent the relic of water that infiltrated during past pluvial periods when the amount of runoff in the wash was significantly larger than during the current drier period. This hypothesis and aforementioned analyses are supported by the examination of available chloride, oxygen‐18, hydrogen‐2, and carbon‐14 data from the region.
Delineation of Regional Arid Karstic Aquifers: An Integrative Data Approach
Authors: Wolaver Brad D. , Sharp John M. , Rodriguez Juan M. , Ibarra Flores Juan Carlos 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis research integrates data procedures for the delineation of regional ground water flow systems in arid karstic basins with sparse hydrogeologic data using surface topography data, geologic mapping, permeability data, chloride concentrations of ground water and precipitation, and measured discharge data. This integrative data analysis framework can be applied to evaluate arid karstic aquifer systems globally. The accurate delineation of ground water recharge areas in developing aquifer systems with sparse hydrogeologic data is essential for their effective long‐term development and management. We illustrate the use of this approach in the Cuatrociénegas Basin (CCB) of Mexico. Aquifers are characterized using geographic information systems for ground water catchment delineation, an analytical model for interbasin flow evaluation, a chloride balance approach for recharge estimation, and a water budget for mapping contributing catchments over a large region. The test study area includes the CCB of Coahuila, Mexico, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve containing more than 500 springs that support ground water–dependent ecosystems with more than 70 endemic organisms and irrigated agriculture. We define recharge areas that contribute local and regional ground water discharge to springs and the regional flow system. Results show that the regional aquifer system follows a topographic gradient that during past pluvial periods may have linked the Río Nazas and the Río Aguanaval of the Sierra Madre Occidental to the Río Grande via the CCB and other large, currently dry, upgradient lakes.
3HO/Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere: The ‘Forgotten’ New Religious Movement?
Authors: Jakobsh Doris 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article will give a general overview of a Sikh movement that originated in the 1960s with an immigrant from India known as Harbhajan Singh, a Khatri Sikh. His initial aim was to teach yoga in Canada, but the job he was promised did not materialize, and thus it was that he turned his attention towards California. In Los Angeles, he took on a new name, Yogi Bhajan, and soon surrounded himself with eager students. An ashram was built soon thereafter and by 1969 his ‘Healthy, Happy, Holy’ group was incorporated as a tax exempt organization. Although Bhajan was from a traditional Sikh family, he increasingly focused on Kundalini Yoga and Tantra in his teaching and practices. However, Sikh teachings were also incorporated into his message, a message that was largely directed towards a white, middle‐class, counter‐culture audience. Needless to say, the Punjabi Sikh community has had a mixed reaction to the ‘Gora’ (white) converts, particularly with regard to the accretions and modifications to the Sikh traditions, upheld by Bhajan and his followers. This article will address aspects of 3HO (or Sikh Dharma in the Western Hemisphere) in its current manifestation that resembles characteristics of new religious movements, particularly its claims to universality and purity within its own manifestation of ‘true’ Sikh identity.
Performance Criticism of the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Giles Terry , Doan William 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPerformance criticism is a critical methodology that is based upon the premise that select portions of the Hebrew Bible (and Christian New Testament as well) are literary variations of originally oral compositions that were read or recited before live audiences. Those readings and recitations were performative in nature and understanding the performative dynamics at work in the material, being read or recited, can yield fresh insights into the meaning of the material. Performance criticism applies concepts commonly used in performative studies to the Hebrew Bible in an effort to better understand the conventions and structures enabling communication.
Social Scientific Approach to the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Sneed Mark 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn 1979, Cyril Rodd, biblical scholar, predicted the end of social scientific criticism of the Old Testament because its theories cannot be tested. He was wrong. It is currently thriving. It is interdisciplinary: either a biblical scholar who does research in the social sciences who then applies this to the Bible or a social scientist who does research on a biblical text and then applies it to the Bible. Social scientific approaches help fill in gaps that other ways of interpreting the Bible leave behind. For example, have you ever wondered why Cain was not punished with death for killing his brother? The Old Testament commands the death penalty for any murderer. Traditional interpretation emphasizes God's grace because he repented. But an anthropological perspective explains it as due to the fact that Cain was Abel's brother, his kin, and his death would have ended the family line of Adam and Eve. In less developed countries, kinship is very important, and some form of punishments like the death penalty would do more harm than good. Other forms of punishment might include payment, exile, and substitution.
Structural Effects on the Electronic Absorption Properties of 5,6‐Dihydroxyindole Oligomers: The Potential of an Integrated Experimental and DFT Approach to Model Eumelanin Optical Properties†
Authors: D’Ischia Marco , Crescenzi Orlando , Pezzella Alessandro , Arzillo Marianna , Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra , Barone Vincenzo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractElucidation of the relationships between structural features and UV–visible absorption properties of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole oligomers is an essential step towards an understanding of the unique optical properties of eumelanins. Herein, we report the first combined experimental and density functional theory (DFT) investigation of the 5,6‐dihydroxyindole oligomers so far isolated. 2,2′‐Biindolyl 2 and the 2,4′‐biindolyl 3 absorb at longer wavelengths relative to 2,7′‐biindolyl 4 and their spectra were well predicted by DFT analysis. The absorption bands of 2,4′:2′,4′′‐ and 2,4′:2′,7′′‐triindolyls 5 and 6 also fall at different wavelengths and can be interpreted by DFT simulations as being due to a combination of two main separate transitions. Tetramer 7, in which two 2,4′‐biindolyl units are linked through a 2,3′‐connection, exhibits a broad chromophore extending over the entire UV range without well defined absorption maxima. Within the dimer–tetramer range examined, three key points emerge: (1) an increase in oligomer chain length does not result in any regular and predictable bathochromic shift; (2) a marked broadening of the absorption bands occurs when going from the monomer to the tetramer structure; and (3) the mode of coupling of the indole units is a crucial, hitherto unrecognized, structural parameter affecting the electronic absorption properties of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole oligomers. It is concluded that use of experimentally characterized oligomeric scaffolds as a basis for DFT calculations is a most promising approach to building reliable structural models for studies of eumelanins optical properties.
Synthesis and Excited‐state Photodynamics of a Chlorin–Bacteriochlorin Dyad—Through‐space Versus Through‐bond Energy Transfer in Tetrapyrrole Arrays
Authors: Muthiah Chinnasamy , Kee Hooi Ling , Diers James R. , Fan Dazhong , Ptaszek Marcin , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey , Lindsey Jonathan S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractUnderstanding energy transfer among hydroporphyrins is of fundamental interest and essential for a wide variety of photochemical applications. Toward this goal, a synthetic free base ethynylphenylchlorin has been coupled with a synthetic free base bromobacteriochlorin to give a phenylethyne‐linked chlorin–bacteriochlorin dyad (FbC‐pe‐FbB). The chlorin and bacteriochlorin are each stable toward adventitious oxidation because of the presence of a geminal dimethyl group in each reduced pyrrole ring. A combination of static and transient optical spectroscopic studies indicate that excitation into the Qy band of the chlorin constituent (675 nm) of FbC‐pe‐FbB in toluene results in rapid energy transfer to the bacteriochlorin constituent with a rate of ∼(5 ps)−1 and efficiency of >99%. The excited bacteriochlorin resulting from the energy‐transfer process in FbC‐pe‐FbB has essentially the same fluorescence characteristics as an isolated monomeric reference compound, namely a narrow (12 nm fwhm) fluorescence emission band at 760 nm and a long‐lived (5.4 ns) Qy excited state that exhibits a significant fluorescence quantum yield (Φf = 0.19). Förster calculations are consistent with energy transfer in FbC‐pe‐FbB occurring predominantly by a through‐space mechanism. The energy‐transfer characteristics of FbC‐pe‐FbB are compared with those previously obtained for analogous phenylethyne‐linked dyads consisting of two porphyrins or two oxochlorins. The comparisons among the sets of dyads are facilitated by density functional theory calculations that elucidate the molecular‐orbital characteristics of the energy donor and acceptor constituents. The electron‐density distributions in the frontier molecular orbitals provide insights into the through‐bond electronic interactions that can also contribute to the energy‐transfer process in the different types of dyads.
The Phototoxicity of Aged Human Retinal Melanosomes†
Authors: Różanowski Bartosz , Cuenco Joyceline , Davies Sallyanne , Shamsi Farukh A. , Żądło Andrzej , Dayhaw‐Barker Pierrette , Róz˙anowska Małgorzata , Sarna Tadeusz , Boulton Michael E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether an age‐related increase in photoreactivity of human retinal melanosomes (MS) can cause phototoxicity to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. MS were isolated post mortem from young (20–30 years, young human melanosomes [YHMs]) and old (60–90 years, old human melanosomes [OHMs]) human eyes and from young bovine eyes (bovine melanosomes [BMs]). Confluent cultured ARPE‐19 cells were fed equivalent numbers of OHMs or BMs and accumulated similar amounts of melanin as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance assay. Cells with and without MS were either maintained in the dark or exposed to blue light for up to 96 h and assessed for alterations in cell morphology, cell viability and lysosomal integrity. Incubation of cells in dark in the presence of internalized MS or irradiation of cells with blue light in the absence or presence of BMs did not significantly affect cell viability. However, exposures to blue light in the presence of OHMs resulted in abnormal cell morphology, up to ∼75% decrease in mitochondrial activity, loss of lysosomal pH and cell death. OHMs contained significantly less melanin than YHMs, supporting the hypothesis that melanin undergoes degradation during RPE aging. Our results demonstrate that aged MS can be phototoxic to human RPE cells and support a contributing role of MS in RPE aging and in the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration.
Promotion of PDT Efficacy by a Bcl‐2 Antagonist
Authors: Kessel David 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) directed against the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is also known to target antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins. This effect is associated with the initiation of both apoptosis, a cell death pathway, and autophagy, an organelle recycling system that can lead to survival or cell death. In this study, we examined the ability of the Bcl‐2 antagonist HA14‐1 to promote the photodynamic efficacy of PDT directed at the ER. At concentrations that independently caused only a small loss of viability, HA14‐1 markedly enhanced the proapoptotic and phototoxic effects of ER photodamage. These results provide additional evidence that the antiapoptotic properties of Bcl‐2 constitute an important determinant of photokilling, and demonstrate that synergistic effects can result when PDT is coupled with pharmacologic suppression of Bcl‐2 function.
Effect of Dimerization on Vibrational Spectra of Eumelanin Precursors†
Authors: Nighswander‐Rempel Stephen P. , Olsen Seth , Mahadevan Indumathy B. , Netchev George , Wilson Brian C. , Smith Sean C. , Rubinsztein‐Dunlop Halina , Meredith Paul 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTWe have synthesized a compound ideally suited to the study of structure‐function relationships in eumelanin synthesis. N‐methyl‐5‐hydroxy‐6‐methoxy‐indole (MHMI) has key functional groups strategically placed on the indole framework to hinder binding in the 2, 5, 6 and 7 positions. Thus, the dimer bound exclusively in the 4‐4′ positions was isolated and characterized. In order to study the difference in vibrational structure between the MHMI monomer and dimer, Raman spectra were acquired of both compounds, as well as indole, indole‐2‐carboxylic acid and 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid (DHICA). Peaks were assigned to particular vibrational modes using B3LYP density functional theory calculations, and experimental and theoretical spectra displayed good agreement. Addition of functional groups to either benzene or pyrrole rings in the indole framework impacted vibrational spectra attributed to vibrations in either ring, and in some cases, peaks appearing unchanged between two compounds corresponded to different contributing vibrations. Dimerization resulted in an expected increase in the number of vibrational modes, but not a significant increase in the number of apparent peaks, as several modes frequently contributed to an individual observed peak. Comparison of spectral features of the monomer and dimer provides insight into eumelanin photochemistry, but final conclusions depend on the planarity of oligomeric structure in vivo.
Multicolor Fluorescence Imaging of Leaves—A Useful Tool for Visualizing Systemic Viral Infections in Plants†
Authors: Pineda Mónica , Gáspár László , Morales Fermín , Szigeti Zoltán , Barón Matilde 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMulticolor fluorescence induced by UV light is a sensitive and specific tool that may be used to provide information about the primary and secondary metabolism of plants by monitoring signals of the chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl‐F) and blue‐green fluorescence (BGF), respectively. We have followed the systemic infection of Nicotiana benthamiana plants with the Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) by means of a multicolor fluorescence‐imaging system, to detect differences between two strains of PMMoV during the infection process and to establish a correlation between the virulence and changes induced in the host plant. Changes in both BGF and Chl‐F were monitored. BGF increased mainly in the abaxial side of the leaf during pathogenesis and the corresponding images showed a clear vein‐associated pattern in leaves of infected plants. HPLC analysis of leaf extracts was carried out to identify compounds emitting BGF, and determined that chlorogenic acid was one of the main contributors. BGF imaging was able to detect viral‐induced changes in asymptomatic (AS) leaves before detection of the virus itself. Chl‐F images confirmed our previous results of alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus of AS leaves from infected plants that were detected with other imaging techniques. Fluorescence ratios F440/F690 and F440/F740, which increase during pathogenesis, were excellent indicators of biotic stress.
Exposure to Increased Ambient Ultraviolet B Radiation has Negative Effects on Growth, Condition and Immune Function of Juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Jokinen Ilmari E. , Markkula Eveliina S. , Salo Harri M. , Kuhn Penny , Nikoskelainen Sami , Arts Michael T. , Browman Howard I. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAtlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr were exposed in two outdoor experiments, ranging in duration from 52 to 137 days, to spectral treatments: (1) natural sunlight (=present ambient UVB level), (2) solar radiation supplemented with enhanced UVB radiation from lamps simulating 20% or 8% stratospheric ozone loss or (3) UVB‐depleted sunlight achieved by screening with Mylar‐D film. The growth, condition and immune function of the salmon were quantified after treatments. Exposure to enhanced UVB radiation retarded growth, and decreased hematocrit value and plasma protein concentration. Further, enhanced UVB radiation affected plasma immunoglobulin concentration. The results demonstrate that juvenile Atlantic salmon are not able to fully adapt to increased ambient UVB levels in long‐term exposures, and the interference with immune system function suggests a negative effect of UVB on disease resistance in Atlantic salmon.
For Better and Worse: Social Influences on Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Authors: Ruiz John M. , Hutchinson James G. , Terrill Alexandra L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFrom the neighborhoods we live in to those we marry, other people are a part of our everyday lives. Mounting evidence suggests that these social factors constitute risk and resilience influences for coronary heart disease (CHD). The current aim is to summarize the literature into four representative categories relating to CHD risk: social environments, social roles, social resources, and close relationships. The argument is made that these factors moderate and mediate stress and associated physiological responses constituting a psychosomatic pathway to disease.