bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis of O4+ axonal fragments in vitro by p75− neonatal rat olfactory ensheathing cells
Authors: Wewetzer Konstantin , Kern Norman , Ebel Christian , Radtke Christine , Brandes Gudrun 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOlfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have gained wide interest because of their unique regeneration‐promoting capacity. However, despite their frequent use in regeneration studies, the characterization of the cells has remained fragmentary. In the present study, we analyzed freshly dissociated neonatal rat OECs at the light and electron microscopic level and studied their fate in vitro using a novel two‐step labeling protocol based on antibody internalization. We report the identification and characterization of two distinct OEC populations in situ and in primary cell suspensions that differed in number, p75 NGF receptor expression, and O4 immunoreactivity. The major OEC population in primary cells suspensions did not express p75 but stained positive for the glycolipid O4 (p75−/O4+). During culturing, these cells upregulated p75 expression and lost O4 immunoreactivity. Conversely, the minor OEC population consisted of p75+/O4− OECs that maintained p75 expression in vitro. Interestingly, ultrastructural analysis revealed not only that O4 immunoreactivity of p75− OECs was, in fact, due to O4+ axonal fragments adhering to the cell surface but also that p75− OECs rapidly phagocytosed these fragments in vitro. Taken together, the identification of two distinct OEC populations in the neonatal olfactory bulb that converge into single p75+ phenotype in vitro is reported. The observation that upregulation of p75 receptor expression in vitro was only apparent in those OECs closely associated with O4+ axonal processes may suggest that axonal signalling in vivo negatively regulates p75 receptor expression. The strong phagocytic activity of OECs in vitro may reflect one important aspect of their physiological function. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of a soil water balance model using soil water content and pressure head data
Authors: Wegehenkel Martin 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe validation of soil water balance models and the evaluation of the quality of the model predictions at field‐scale require time‐series of in situ measured model outputs. In our study, we have validated such a model using a 6‐year period with time‐series of automatically recorded, daily volumetric soil water contents measured with the time‐domain reflectometry with intelligent microelements (TRIME) method and daily pressure heads measured with tensiometers. The comparisons of simulated with measured soil water contents and pressure heads were analysed using the modelling efficiency index (IA) and the square root of the mean square error (RMSE) in order to evaluate the prediction quality of the model. In our study, IA and RMSE, obtained either from the comparison of simulated with measured soil water contents or the comparison of calculated with observed pressure heads, in some cases lead to different results regarding the evaluation of the simulation quality of the soil water balance model. For example, a good fit between simulated and observed soil water contents does not necessarily result in a comparably good fit between the corresponding calculated and measured pressure heads. Therefore, a combined use of both measurement techniques, which takes into account their respective advantages and disadvantages, gives a more complete overview on the simulation quality of the soil water balance model than the single use of one of those techniques. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical modification and immobilization of papain
Authors: Roy J Jegan , Sumi S , Sangeetha K , Abraham T Emilia 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPapain, an endolytic cysteine protease (EC: 3.4.22.2), from Carica papaya latex has been chemically modified using succinic anhydride. This reagent reacts with the amino group of the lysine residues in the enzyme, thereby changing its net charge from positive to negative. The resultant enzyme had its optimum pH shifted from pH 6 to 8 and there was no change in the temperature optima of 70 °C. The modified papain had a specific activity of about 62.8 IU mg−1 of protein at pH 8.0 at 30 °C, whereas for the native enzyme it was 46.57 IU mg−1 under same conditions. Stability of the modified papain was further increased by entrapping in alginate/starch beads. The immobilized papain retained its activity even after six cycles of hydrolysis. The wet beads, when dried at 50 ± 2 °C, increased the storage stability of the immobilized enzyme. The succinylated papain is active in various organic solvents and hence can be successfully used in biotransformations as well as being used as a proteolytic component in detergents. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of static and dynamic perturbations on isotropic hyperfine coupling constants in some quinone radicals
Authors: Fiedler S. L. , Eloranta J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects of solvent dielectric response on the isotropic hyperfine coupling constants of the 1,4‐benzoquinone, 1,4‐naphthoquinone and 9,10‐anthraquinone anions and 1,4‐naphthalenediol cation radicals were studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and by the theoretical density functional method within the polarizable continuum model. Experimental results demonstrate that the isotropic hyperfine coupling constants can be obtained with high accuracy and that the effects of solvent impurities can be minimized by careful sample preparation. The results obtained correlate well with theoretical predictions from density functional theory calculations. For 1,4‐naphthalenediol both the solvent dielectric response as well as rotational averaging of the hydroxy groups were calculated. The overall results highlight the importance of static and dynamic perturbations to the couplings and aid in the assignation process of the couplings to specific magnetic nuclei. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change from within: The ABC‐AME church
Authors: Katsioloudes Marios I. , Avery Derek R. , Kass E. Eli 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis article describes the dilemma of a senior pastor whose urban church lost its community focus as the congregation became more affluent. His task was to determine what role the church should play in helping its less fortunate neighbors and how to get the members to support this new vision.Where there is no vision the people perish. —Proverbs 29:18
Nijmegen breakage syndrome diagnosed as Fanconi anaemia
Authors: New Helen V. , Cale C.M. , Tischkowitz M. , Jones A. , Telfer P. , Veys P. , D'Andrea A. , Mathew C.G. , Hann I. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackgroundFanconi anaemia (FA) and Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) are rare chromosomal instability disorders with overlapping clinical features. It has recently been shown that, like FA, NBS is also associated with increased chromosomal sensitivity to DNA cross‐linking agents.ProcedureWe report a family that was initially diagnosed with FA on the basis of increased sensitivity to DNA cross‐linking agents. They were atypical in that there were associated severe infection problems. In view of these features we performed immune function studies together with molecular analysis of the FA genes and subsequently the NBS1 gene.ResultsTwo children in the kindred have died, one from sepsis, and the other with a plasma cell malignancy. A third child underwent bone marrow transplantation because of recurrent infections. All affected members had severe immunological abnormalities. The genetic defect was shown to be a novel mutation in the NBS1 gene, so the diagnosis was revised to that of NBS.ConclusionsThis family illustrates the importance of awareness of the lack of specificity of DNA cross‐linking agent tests for FA, particularly in situations where the clinical features are atypical. In addition, one of the cases represents the first use of bone marrow transplantation for NBS that we are aware of; this treatment may have a future role for other patients with the syndrome. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Invasive adenoviral infection in a recipient of unrelated bone marrow transplantation: Problems with diagnostic PCR
Authors: Ishida Hiroyuki , Shin‐Nakai Noriko , Yoshihara Takao , Teramura Tomoko , Imamura Toshihiko , Mukouyama Atsushi , Morimoto Akira , Imashuku Shinsaku 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipient developed severe diarrhea and fever. A rapid test for the presence of adenovirus (AdV)‐specific antigen in the patient's stools was positive; however, AdV genome was not detected by conventional or real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). AdV was confirmed by specific PCR for AdV serotype 7 and by an AdV hexon/fiber gene DNA sequence homology search of the PCR product. We suspect that conventional/real‐time PCR failed to detect AdV due to nine silent single base substitutions in the extracted AdV genome. Treatment with 1 mg/kg cidofovir (CDV) intravenously three times a week was effective. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary circulation of fetal sheep with lung hyperplasia following tracheal occlusion
Authors: Tchirikov M. , Hecher K. , Deprest J. , Verbeken E. , Roubliova X. , Schröder H. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the alteration of blood flow velocity profile in the pulmonary arteries (PAs) of fetal sheep after tracheal occlusion (TO).MethodsDoppler ultrasound investigations of the PAs, the pulmonary trunk and the ductus arteriosus were performed weekly in nine ewes (gestational age 92–98 days, term 145 days) with singleton pregnancies after TO (n = 5) and in control fetuses (n = 4). Histological examinations with morphometry of pulmonary arterial vessels and of airways were performed in both groups.ResultsIn the control group the experiments lasted 38 ± 6 days (mean ± SD), and in the TO group 25 ± 7 days. Relative lung weight was significantly higher in the TO group compared with the control group (14.5 ± 3.4% and 4.0 ± 0.5% of body weight). There were no significant differences in the Doppler parameters (pulsatility index, resistance index, the systolic peak, the diastolic minimum, time averaged maximum velocity) between groups. When the Doppler values of PAs in TO and control fetuses were combined, no significant differences between the left and right PA could be detected. The external diameter of peripheral PAs was significantly higher in the TO group as compared to control group (105.7 ± 2.5 µm vs. 96.9 ± 1.3 µm).ConclusionsWe found a threefold increase of fetal lung volume after TO without significant changes of blood flow velocity profiles in the PAs of fetal sheep. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease using four‐dimensional spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) telemedicine via an Internet link: a pilot study
Authors: Viñals F. , Mandujano L. , Vargas G. , Giuliano A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether the spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) acquisition technique can be taught to a general obstetrician by e‐mail; whether STIC volume datasets can be transmitted over the Internet; and whether STIC volume datasets analyzed offline at a remote setting can be used to confirm or exclude major cardiac defects (TELE‐STIC).MethodsThis was a prospective study involving 50 pregnant women with gestational ages ranging between 20 and 36 weeks. These patients were selected by two general obstetricians (operators) working in geographically remote areas of Chile. Although both obstetricians were users of equipment capable of four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasound with STIC, they lacked skill in the performance of fetal cardiac examination. A dedicated web disk was created to upload the acquired volume datasets using an Internet broadband connection. Offline analysis was performed by a single investigator experienced in fetal echocardiography (the administrator).ResultsA telemedicine link via the Internet was possible in all cases. Seventy‐seven volume datasets were sent to the web server. A complete cardiac examination according to set criteria was achieved by the administrator in 86% of the cases scanned by one operator and 95% of the cases scanned by the other operator. Three patients had cardiac defects confirmed postnatally, two fetuses had extracardiac anomalies and one fetus had a suspected cardiac defect unconfirmed by second‐opinion TELE‐STIC. There were two isolated major congenital heart defects. Both patients were given advice by e‐mail and teleconference using a web camera about the likely outcome and benefits of scheduling in utero transport to a tertiary care center.ConclusionsSTIC volumes can be obtained by operators inexperienced in fetal echocardiography, transmitted via the Internet, and their analysis enables recognition of most of the structures and views necessary to assess fetal cardiac anatomy. The preliminary use of TELE‐STIC allowed us to demonstrate that some intracardiac anomalies can be ruled out and others confirmed, allowing perinatal management to be tailored accordingly. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of absence of the septum pellucidum associated with septo‐optic dysplasia
Authors: Lepinard C. , Coutant R. , Boussion F. , Loisel D. , Delorme B. , Biquard F. , Bonneau D. , Guichet A. , Descamps P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSepto‐optic dysplasia (SOD; De Morsier syndrome) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the absence of the septum pellucidum (SP), hypoplasia of the optic chiasma and nerves, and various types of hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction. We report on two fetuses with absence of the SP diagnosed by ultrasound examination at 29 and 30 gestational weeks. In the first case the diagnosis of SOD was suspected in utero and confirmed postnatally; to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of the prenatal diagnosis of SOD. In the second case absence of the SP appeared to be isolated and no visual or endocrine impairment were detected after birth. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tectonic drivers for vegetation patterning and landscape evolution in the Albany River region of the Hudson Bay Lowlands
Authors: GLASER PAUL H. , SIEGEL DONALD I. , REEVE ANDREW S. , JANSSENS JAN A. , JANECKY DAVID R. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Groundwater–peatland interactions were assessed by a regional survey in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, where the rapid rate of isostatic uplift has perturbed hydrological flow systems across a 6000‐year chronosequence.
A 24 000 km2 study area along the Albany River consists of 55% fen, 35% bog and 10% mineral soil. The peatland vegetation may be further subdivided into 11 noda, which are closely related to different water levels, ranges in water chemistry, and peat landform type. Species richness generally declines with increasing water level and acidity, whereas the gradient from bog to extremely rich fen is marked by the changing abundance and occurrence of fen‐indicator species.
Bog landforms are restricted to physiographic settings where surface waters flow downwards and the bog vegetation is therefore isotated from the influence of geogenous waters. In contrast, fens are located in areas where mineral solutes are transported to the peat surface either by upwelling groundwater or by advective/dispersion along lateral flow paths.
Peatlands spread across the study area between 6000 and 3000 bp, coinciding with the emergence of new land from the sea. The release of organic acids from the nearly continuous peat cover acidified this calcareous landscape, leading to the convergence of the surface‐water chemistry into four discrete groupings of pH vs. calcium.
Isostatic uplift, however, continues to alter the topography, fluvial geometry and groundwater flow systems of the lowlands, maintaining diverse peatland types on land surfaces of similar age. The formation of water‐table mounds under the interfluvial divides and rising moraine system spurred the development of raised bogs, whereas the formation of regional seepage faces for goundwater on the margins of the moraine and rivers of the till plain maintains large areas of fen.
Although peatland succession seems to follow predictable pathways within a given hydrogeological setting, these pathways are locally altered by tectonic drivers that continually modify surface and groundwater flow systems. In this large peat basin the pace and pathway of peatland succession seems to be driven by tectonic rather than climatic forcing.
Rates, pathways and drivers for peatland development in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: GLASER PAUL H. , HANSEN BARBARA C. S. , SIEGEL DONALD I. , REEVE ANDREW S. , MORIN PAUL J. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The Hudson Bay Lowlands have been rising isostatically for the past 7000 years, creating a regional chronosequence as new land emerges from the sea. Rates of uplift are most rapid in the eastern portion of the lowlands near the lower Albany River study area.
The stratigraphy of three raised bogs was investigated to determine rates and pathways of peatland development in the Albany River region. The bogs are distributed evenly along the regional chronosequence from the oldest site at Oldman (5980 ± 100 bp) to progressively younger sites at Albany River (4810 ± 70) and Belec Lake (3960 ± 60).
Each bog had the same stratigraphic sequence, beginning with a basal tidal marsh assemblage that was rapidly replaced by a Larix‐dominated swamp forest, followed by a Picea‐forested bog, and ultimately a non‐forested bog. The bog–fen boundary is marked by the disappearance of fen indicators, dominance of bog‐forming Sphagna, and a sharp decline in nitrogen. Each of these successional stages was associated with different rates of vertical growth.
The rate of successional change was more rapid at the younger sites, and their vertical growth curve was more curvilinear. The formation of a raised bog, for example, was 1.3 times more rapid at Albany River and 5.5 times more rapid at Belec Lake than at Oldman. Belec Lake reached its ultimate successional stage first, although it was the last site to emerge from the sea.
The differential rate of isostatic uplift across this region rather than climate was the principal environmental driver for peatland development. The faster rate of uplift on the lower reaches of the drainage basin continues to reduce the regional slope, impede drainage and shift river channels, continually altering the local hydrogeological setting.
Groundwater flow simulations based on the Dupuit equation show that the growth of these raised bogs was probably constrained by their local hydrogeological setting. Bog formation was first induced by the creation of interfluvial divides between headwardly eroding streams or shifting river channels, and further bog growth was ultimately constrained by the width of the interfluve and the depth of river incision. The Belec Lake bog was the first to approach its limiting height because its narrow interfluve could only support a low water‐table mound.
Although peatland succession largely followed the same conservative pathway at each site, both the pace and direction of these pathways were set by geological processes, which are probably the decisive drivers for the evolution of this large peat basin.
Is plasticity in partitioning of photosynthetic resources between and within leaves important for whole‐plant carbon gain in canopies?
Authors: PONS T. L. , ANTEN N. P. R. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The significance for whole‐plant carbon gain of plasticity in between‐leaf and within‐leaf partitioning of photosynthetic resources was investigated using an experimental and modelling approach. Lysimachia vulgaris L. was grown at two contrasting stand densities and two levels of nutrient availability in a glasshouse. Whole‐plant daily C gain was calculated for the four treatments. The importance of the two forms of plasticity in photosynthetic resource partitioning was investigated by switching distribution patterns of leaf nitrogen and photosynthetic capacity per unit chlorophyll between plants in the two stand densities and recalculating whole‐plant C gain, which was used as a measure of fitness.
The plants had a high photosynthetic capacity per unit leaf area in top leaves in the dense stands, and a low capacity in bottom leaves. The distribution over plant height was more homogeneous in the open stands. This plasticity in between‐leaf resource partitioning was not very important for whole‐plant C gain, provided the plants had a dense‐canopy type of partitioning. It is argued, however, that this result of the model calculations is valid only for low, but not high, nutrient availability.
Photosynthetic capacity per unit chlorophyll, a parameter representative of within‐leaf partitioning of photosynthetic resources between capacity and light harvesting, also showed plasticity in response to stand density. High values were found in open stands and in the top leaves in dense stands, whereas a low capacity per unit chlorophyll was found in shaded bottom leaves in dense stands. Plasticity in this trait was also not very important for C gain of plants in stands of contrasting densities. Here the condition was that plants have a distribution pattern found for open‐stand plants. However, in the case of subordinate plants that have all their leaves in the shade cast by their taller neighbours, adjustment of photosynthetic capacity per unit chlorophyll to the level of irradiance is much more important for whole‐plant C gain.
Ecophysiological constraints on spore establishment in bryophytes
Authors: WIKLUND K. , RYDIN H. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Many threatened bryophytes are restricted to patchy and temporary substrates such as dead wood and tree stems. Their persistence depends on successful colonizations of new patches. Spore germination may then be limited by substrate quality and wetness.
In vitro experiments were used to test the effects of pH and moisture on the establishment of spores of the moss species Neckera pennata Hedw. and Buxbaumia viridis (DC) Moug. & Nestl.
Low pH and water potential prolonged the lag phase preceding germination and reduced final germination. The interaction between pH and moisture suggests that high water availability facilitates germination at suboptimal pH, and vice versa.
The results reflect the species’ habitats: the wood‐inhabiting B. viridis had higher capacity to germinate at low pH, while spores of the epiphyte N. pennata showed earlier germination at low water potential and survived longer in a dry state. This supports the notion that bryophytes are most strongly affected by substrate quality during establishment.
We suggest that a trade‐off exists among moss spores between the ability to colonize substrates with low moisture‐holding capacity and low pH, and that the positive effect of high pH is largely that it speeds up germination thereby enabling the spores to exploit short, moist periods.