bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal resource partitioning and climatological influences on colony flight and foraging of stingless bees (Apidae; Meliponini) in Ugandan tropical forests
Authors: Kajobe Robert , Echazarreta Carlos M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe studied the flight activity of two stingless bee species (Meliponula ferruginea and Meliponula nebulata) and the environmental factors influencing their flight. Two morphs of M. ferruginea were studied: M. ferruginea (brown) in Budongo forest and M. ferruginea (black) in Bwindi Park. The two bee species exited their nests in characteristically distinct foraging bouts suggesting that the recruitment methods used may be direct leading or ‘piloting’. The number of individuals in a returning bout was less than that in an exiting bout suggesting recruits do not follow experienced foragers the whole distance to food source, a phenomenon referred to as ‘partial piloting’. Flight period of M. ferruginea (black) and M. nebulata in Bwindi was restricted to a few hours each day. Meliponula nebulata foraged in the drizzle; a survival strategy, which could promote its reproductive fitness. Nectar and pollen foraging took place throughout the day while the removal of debris was greater in the late hours of the morning. Increased temperature resulted in significant increase in number of exiting bees. There was increase in number of exiting bees with decrease in humidity up to an optimal of 78% thereafter, increase in humidity resulted in reduced number of exiting bees.
The essential GTPase RbgA (YlqF) is required for 50S ribosome assembly in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Uicker William C. , Schaefer Laura , Britton Robert A. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryIn this paper the essential GTPase YlqF is shown to participate in the biogenesis of the 50S ribosomal subunit in Bacillus subtilis. Cells depleted of YlqF displayed gene expression profiles and nucleoid morphologies that were consistent with a function for YlqF in translation. In addition, YlqF is evolutionarily linked to two eukaryotic GTPases, Nog2p and Nug1p, that are involved in the biogenesis and the nuclear export of the 60S ribosomal subunit. Analysis of ribosomes from cells depleted of YlqF demonstrated that the formation of 70S ribosomes was greatly reduced and the large subunit sedimented at 45S. Cells grown with varying depleted levels of YlqF, yielding doubling times ranging from 38 min to 150 min, all displayed the 45S intermediate. Purified YlqF‐His6 protein associates with the 45S intermediate, but not the mature 50S subunit in vitro. Analysis of proteins from the 45S intermediate indicated that ribosomal protein L16, which is added late during in vitro Escherichia coli 50S ribosome biogenesis, was missing from the 45S intermediate. These results support a model in which YlqF participates in the formation of active 70S ribosomes in the cell by functioning in a late step of 50S subunit biogenesis. Based on these results we propose to rename the ylqF gene rbgA (ribosome biogenesis GTPase A).
House cleaning, a part of good housekeeping
Authors: Galperin Michael Y. , Moroz Olga V. , Wilson Keith S. , Murzin Alexey G. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryCellular metabolism constantly generates by‐products that are wasteful or even harmful. Such compounds are excreted from the cell or are removed through hydrolysis to normal cellular metabolites by various ‘house‐cleaning’ enzymes. Some of the most important contaminants are non‐canonical nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) whose incorporation into the nascent DNA leads to increased mutagenesis and DNA damage. Enzymes intercepting abnormal NTPs from incorporation by DNA polymerases work in parallel with DNA repair enzymes that remove lesions produced by modified nucleotides. House‐cleaning NTP pyrophosphatases targeting non‐canonical NTPs belong to at least four structural superfamilies: MutT‐related (Nudix) hydrolases, dUTPase, ITPase (Maf/HAM1) and all‐α NTP pyrophosphatases (MazG). These enzymes have high affinity (Km's in the micromolar range) for their natural substrates (8‐oxo‐dGTP, dUTP, dITP, 2‐oxo‐dATP), which allows them to select these substrates from a mixture containing a ∼1000‐fold excess of canonical NTPs. To date, many house‐cleaning NTPases have been identified only on the basis of their side activity towards canonical NTPs and NDP derivatives. Integration of growing structural and biochemical data on these superfamilies suggests that their new family members cleanse the nucleotide pool of the products of oxidative damage and inappropriate methylation. House‐cleaning enzymes, such as 6‐phosphogluconolactonase, are also part of normal intermediary metabolism. Genomic data suggest that house‐cleaning systems are more abundant than previously thought and include numerous analogous enzymes with overlapping functions. We discuss the structural diversity of these enzymes, their phylogenetic distribution, substrate specificity and the problem of identifying their true substrates.
Rac1 and Cdc42 regulate hyphal growth and cytokinesis in the dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Mahlert Michael , Leveleki Leonora , Hlubek Andrea , Sandrock Björn , Bölker Michael 
Published: November 2005

SummarySmall GTP‐binding proteins of the highly conserved Rho family act as molecular switches regulating cell signalling, cytoskeletal organization and vesicle trafficking in eukaryotic cells. Here we show that in the dimorphic plant pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis deletion of either cdc42 or rac1 results in loss of virulence but does not interfere with viability. Cells deleted for cdc42 display a cell separation defect during budding. We have previously shown that the Rho‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Don1 is required for cell separation in U. maydis. Expression of constitutive active Cdc42 rescues the phenotype of don1 mutant cells indicating that Don1 triggers cell separation by activating Cdc42. Deletion of rac1 affects cellular morphology and interferes with hyphal growth, whereas overexpression of wild‐type Rac1 induces filament formation in haploid cells. This indicates that Rac1 is both necessary and sufficient for the dimorphic switch from budding to hyphal growth. Cdc42 and Rac1 share at least one common essential function because depletion of both Rac1 and Cdc42 is lethal. Expression of constitutively active Rac1Q61L is lethal and results in swollen cells with a large vacuole. The morphological phenotype, but not lethality is suppressed in cla4 mutant cells suggesting that the PAK family kinase Cla4 acts as a downstream effector of Rac1.
The GATA factor AreA regulates localization and in vivo binding site occupancy of the nitrate activator NirA
Authors: Berger Harald , Pachlinger Robert , Morozov Igor , Goller Sabine , Narendja Frank , Caddick Mark , Strauss Joseph 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe GATA factor AreA is a wide‐domain regulator in Aspergillus nidulans with transcriptional activation and chromatin remodelling functions. AreA interacts with the nitrate‐specific Zn2‐C6 cluster protein NirA and both proteins cooperate to synergistically activate nitrate‐responsive genes. We have previously established that NirA in vivo DNA binding site occupancy is AreA dependent and in this report we provide a mechanistic explanation for our previous findings. We now show that AreA regulates NirA at two levels: (i) through the regulation of nitrate transporters, AreA affects indirectly the subcellular distribution of NirA which rapidly accumulates in the nucleus following induction; (ii) AreA directly stimulates NirA in vivo target DNA occupancy and does not act indirectly by chromatin remodelling. Simultaneous overexpression of NirA and the nitrate transporter CrnA bypasses the AreA requirement for NirA binding, permits utilization of nitrate and nitrite as sole N‐sources in an areA null strain and leads to an AreA‐independent nucleosome loss of positioning.
Playground safety in South Western Sydney
Authors: Martin J , Cooper CD 
Published: November 2005

Objective: Recognition of the cost of injuries sustained in playgrounds has led to the development of Australian/New Zealand Standards for playground safety. This study assesses compliance of public playgrounds in South Western Sydney with the current Standards. Methods: Playgrounds in South Western Sydney were randomly audited for compliance with Australian/New Zealand Standards for playground equipment pertaining to fall height, type of undersurface material, adequacy of maintenance of undersurface materials and adequacy of the safe fall zone. Comparisons were made with an audit of playgrounds in New South Wales undertaken in 1995 by Kidsafe. Results: Of the 257 pieces of equipment from 87 playgrounds audited, only three (3.4%) playgrounds and 65 (25.3%) pieces of equipment complied with all criteria assessed. Compared with the 1995 study, there has been a significant improvement in equipment complying with height standards (84.4% vs 72.2%, P < 0.0001) and appropriate undersurface material (66.8% vs 45.4%, P < 0.0001). Pinebark is now the most common appropriate undersurface material used but is poorly maintained, particularly in high‐traffic areas. Of 131 pieces of equipment with an appropriate undersurface material, only 38 (29%) had an adequate safe fall zone. Conclusions: Improvements in playground safety have occurred; however, very few playgrounds meet the Australian/New Zealand Standards. Compliance with Standards pertaining to maintenance of undersurface materials and safe fall zone is poor. Mechanisms need to be developed to support councils in the upgrading and maintenance of existing playgrounds.
Prospective audit of treatment of paediatric febrile neutropenia in Australasia
Authors: Chamberlain JD , Smibert E , Skeen J , Alvaro F 
Published: November 2005

Objectives: Febrile neutropenia post‐chemotherapy continues to impose a burden of morbidity and mortality on patients and families affected by childhood cancer, whereas these unplanned hospital admissions increase the financial cost of treating paediatric malignancies. There are currently no published national guidelines. This study comprises the first audit of current therapeutic practice in Australasia. Methods: Information was sought prospectively from the 12 paediatric oncology tertiary referral centres in Australia and New Zealand regarding treatment of febrile neutropenia episodes commencing between 11 March and 10 May 2002. Results: Data were returned on 127 episodes by nine centres. The median length of stay was 6 days and 18 different antibiotic regimens were implemented as first‐line therapy. The median neutrophil count at the beginning and end of the febrile neutropenic episode was 0.0 × 109/L (range 0.0 to 2.3 × 109/L) and 0.7 × 109/L (range 0.0 to 25.4 × 109/L), respectively. Thirty per cent of episodes had positive blood cultures. Of these, 81% occurred in patients with tunnelled central venous catheters. The initial antimicrobial combination was changed in 61% of episodes. Outpatient antibiotics were used in 21% episodes after initial intravenous antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: The current practice in Australasia is consistent with international guidelines, although changes are made more frequently to first‐line therapy than in previous published studies. The central venous catheters are associated with a much higher risk of bacteraemia and consideration should be given to increased use of implanted port systems.
Changes of urinary nerve growth factor and prostaglandins in male patients with overactive bladder symptom
Authors: KIM JOON CHUL , PARK EUN YOUNG , HONG SUNG HOO , SEO SEONG IL , PARK YONG HYUN , HWANG TAE‐KON 
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Aim:  Nerve growth factor (NGF) and prostaglandins (PG) in the urinary bladder can be affected by pathology of bladder, and this change can be noted in the urine. This study was performed to investigate the changes in urinary NGF and PG in male patient with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.Methods:  The study group included 75 male patients with OAB symptoms and 20 males without bladder symptoms as controls. Evaluation included history‐taking, urinalysis, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and urodynamic study. The NGF, PGE2, PGF2α and PGI2 levels in voided urine were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and these results were compared in control and OAB patients. Also, the urinary levels of NGF and PG were correlated with IPSS score and urodynamic parameters in OAB patients.Results:  The urinary levels of NGF and PGE2 were signiﬁcantly increased in patients with OAB compared with control (P < 0.05). The urodynamic study in OAB patients showed that more than half of the patients had detrusor overactivity and bladder outlet obstruction. The incidence of detrusor underactivity was noted in seven patients in the OAB group. The urinary level of PGE2 was decreased in patients with detrusor underactivity compared with patients without detrusor underactivity (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with maximum bladder capacity in OAB patients (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  NGF and PG may have important role in male patients with OAB, and the urinary level of PGE2 can change according to detrusor function. Therefore, these results may be used as urinary markers to evaluate the OAB symptoms.
Acucise endopyelotomy: A technique with limited efﬁcacy for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults
Authors: WEIKERT STEFFEN , CHRISTOPH FRANK , MÜLLER MARKUS , SCHOSTAK MARTIN , MILLER KURT , SCHRADER MARK 
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Aim:  To retrospectively evaluate the efﬁcacy of Acucise endopyelotomy in a series of patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).Methods:  Twenty‐four patients with a symptomatic primary UPJO underwent Acucise endopyelotomy. Patients with high‐grade hydronephrosis and/or poor renal function were excluded. Patients were followed by ultrasound imaging, intravenous urography, diuretic renography, and clinical review.Results:  The overall success rate was 58% (14/24 patients), with a median follow up of 32 months. Of the ten patients in whom Acucise endopyelotomy failed, seven underwent open pyeloplasty, one required nephrectomy, and two received a permanent ureteral stent. A poor outcome was noted in patients without perioperative extravasation.Conclusions:  Our experience with Acucise endopyelotomy indicates that the success rate is lower than initially reported. Larger studies are needed to clarify the role of Acucise endopyelotomy in comparison with other techniques.
Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion: Preliminary experience
Authors: HONG SUNG‐HOO , SEO SEONG‐IL , KIM JOON CHUL , HWANG TAE‐KON 
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Aim:  We present our experience with the ﬁrst eight patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and extracorporeal urinary diversion. Patients, operative data and the surgical techniques are presented.Methods:  Between June 2003 and April 2004, seven men and one woman with organ‐conﬁned muscle‐invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. The age range was 41–73 years. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed using ﬁve ports by a transperitoneal approach. An ileal conduit diversion or ileal W‐neobladder was constructed through the site of specimen retrieval.Results:  We performed eight radical cystectomies with ileal conduits (six cases) or orthotopic ileal W‐neobladders (two cases). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one due to technical difﬁculty in urethroneobladder anastomosis. Mean operating time was 560 min (range 455–680). Mean estimated blood loss was 675 mL (range 400–1050). Two of the eight patients needed blood transfusion (800 mL each). Mean days to oral intake and ambulation was 4.4 (range 2–6) and 4.1 (range 3–5), respectively. Mean hospital stay was 12.8 days (range 7–28). Mean follow up was 6.1 months (range 4–14). Histopathological examination of the specimens revealed stage T2N0M0 in ﬁve cases, T3aN0M0 in one, T3aN1M0 in one and T3bN1M0 in one. No metastases have been detected and all are alive and free of disease.Conclusion:  Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is feasible, although difﬁcult and technically demanding, and our results are promising. With more experience and improvement of the surgical technique, laparoscopic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion may become an alternative surgical method for treating the selected patients with localized muscle invasive bladder cancer.
NMDA‐induced retinal injury is mediated by an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related protein, CHOP/GADD153
Authors: Awai Maiko , Koga Takahisa , Inomata Yasuya , Oyadomari Seiichi , Gotoh Tomomi , Mori Masataka , Tanihara Hidenobu 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe investigated the role of an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐associated protein, CHOP/GADD153, after NMDA‐induced mouse retinal damage. After injection of NMDA into the vitreous, TUNEL‐positive cells were detected in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) at 6 h after NMDA injection, and these gradually increased in number up to 24 h. Analysis by real‐time RT‐PCR revealed that CHOP mRNA was induced by about 3‐fold, at 2 h after NMDA injection. Immunoreactivity for the CHOP protein was intense in cells of the GCL following NMDA treatment. Immunoblot analysis showed that NMDA injection increased the expression of CHOP protein in the retina. Compared with wild‐type mice, CHOP–/– mice were more resistant to NMDA‐induced retinal cell death as determined by TUNEL assay. At 7 days after NMDA treatment, the thickness of the inner plexiform layer and INL were larger in CHOP–/– mice than in wild‐type mice. The number of residual cells in the GCL following NMDA treatment was significantly higher in CHOP–/– mice than in wild‐type mice. In conclusion, CHOP is induced in mouse retina by NMDA treatment, and CHOP–/– mice are more resistant to NMDA‐induced retinal damage, suggesting that CHOP plays an important role in NMDA‐induced retinal cell death.
The β‐amyloid peptide of Alzheimer's disease decreases adhesion of vascular smooth muscle cells to the basement membrane
Authors: Mok Su San , Losic Dusan , Barrow Colin J. , Turner Bradley J. , Masters Colin L. , Martin Lisandra L. , Small David H. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a major feature of Alzheimer's disease pathology. In CAA, degeneration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) occurs close to regions of the basement membrane where the amyloid protein (Aβ) builds up. In this study, the possibility that Aβ disrupts adhesive interactions between VSMCs and the basement membrane was examined. VSMCs were cultured on a commercial basement membrane substrate (Matrigel). The presence of Aβ in the Matrigel decreased cell‐substrate adhesion and cell viability. Full‐length oligomeric Aβ was required for the effect, as N‐ and C‐terminally truncated peptide analogues did not inhibit adhesion. Aβ that was fluorescently labelled at the N‐terminus (fluo‐Aβ) bound to Matrigel as well as to the basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) perlecan and laminin. Adhesion of VSMCs to perlecan or laminin was decreased by Aβ. As perlecan influences VSMC viability through the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signalling pathway, the effect of Aβ1–40 on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was examined. The level of phospho‐ERK1/2 was decreased in cells following Aβ treatment. An inhibitor of ERK1/2 phosphorylation enhanced the effect of Aβ on cell adhesion. The studies suggest that Aβ can decrease VSMC viability by disrupting VSMC–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion.
Isolation and multiplex analysis of six polymorphic microsatellites in the Antarctic notothenioid fish, Trematomus newnesi
Authors: VAN HOUDT J. K. J. , HELLEMANS B. , VAN DE PUTTE A. , KOUBBI P. , VOLCKAERT F. A. M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractSix polymorphic microsatellites were isolated from the dusky notothen, Trematomus newnesi (Boulenger 1902), using a microsatellite enrichment protocol and selective hybridization with di‐ tetra‐ and penta‐repeat probes. The loci were screened in 48 individuals captured in the Southern Ocean (coastal zone of Terre‐Adélie), revealing eight to 22 alleles per locus and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.70 to 0.92. These microsatellite markers provide a tool to study the relationship between the various morphs observed in this species and can be used for population genetic analysis and biodiversity studies.
Development of DNA microsatellite markers in tropical yam (Dioscorea sp.)
Authors: TOSTAIN S. , SCARCELLI N. , BROTTIER P. , MARCHAND J.‐L. , PHAM J.‐L. , NOYER J.‐L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe developed new simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in different species of yam (Dioscorea sp.). A microsatellite‐enriched bank was created from Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea abyssinica and Dioscorea praehensilis. Sixteen polymorphic loci were characterized. Several of these markers are transferable to species of other Dioscorea sections.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the icefish Chionodraco rastrospinosus (Perciformes, Notothenioidea, Channichthyidae)
Authors: PAPETTI CHIARA , ZANE LORENZO , PATARNELLO TOMASO 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe characterized eight polymorphic microsatellites in the icefish Chionodraco rastrospinosus (Perciformes, Notothenioidea, Channichthyidae). Microsatellites were isolated from a partial genomic library enriched for an AC motif. Chionodraco rastrospinosus is an endemic species inhabiting southern ocean waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and the South Orkney Islands. An excess of homozygotes was observed in seven out of the eight investigated loci; however, presence of null alleles was detected only for three of them suggesting that other factors may act in reducing heterozygosity. These molecular markers will be useful to investigate icefish genetic structure, possibly providing insights on its effective population size and demographic history.
Association of kinesin and myosin with pigment granules in crustacean chromatophores
Authors: Boyle Robert Tew , McNamara John Campbell 
Published: November 2005

SummaryChromatic adaptation in crustaceans results from the differential distribution of colored pigment granules within their chromatophores consequent to cell signaling by neurosecretory peptides. However, the force transducing, mechanochemical protein motors responsible for granule translocation, and their molecular mechanisms of action, are not well understood. The present study uses immunocytochemical techniques and a motility assay in vitro to demonstrate that protein motors from the kinesin and myosin superfamilies are stably associated with membrane‐bounded pigment granules in the red, ovarian chromatophores of the freshwater, palaemonid shrimp, Macrobrachium olfersii. Monoclonal antibodies against conventional kinesin heavy chain, and an anti‐myosin whole serum, labeled pigment‐containing fragments prepared from homogenates of chromatophores with fully dispersed or aggregated pigments: this finding infers a permanent association between the protein motors and the pigment granules, and suggests that such motors may be regulated while bound to their cargos. The pigment aggregator appears to be a myosin since the anti‐myosin whole serum attenuated hormonally triggered pigment aggregation in the motility assay in vitro, and induced pigment hyper‐dispersion in some chromatophores. Western blots of the chromatophore‐containing, ovarian tissue homogenate demonstrated protein bands consistent with myosin II and myosin XII, either of which may be the pigment aggregator. This study provides the first direct evidence for myosin and kinesin protein motors directly and stably associated with pigment granules in crustacean chromatophores, and may represent the first successful isolation of myosin class XII.