bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of metal roughness on the near‐field generated by an aperture/apertureless probe
Authors: Martin O. J. F. , Paulus M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe study the influence of metal roughness on the near‐field distribution generated by an aperture or an apertureless (scattering) probe. Different experimental parameters are investigated: roughness magnitude, aperture form, distribution of the roughness. Our results show that aluminium roughness has a dramatic impact on the emission characteristics of a near‐field probe and in particular on its polarization sensitivity. Apertureless or scattering probes appear to be less sensitive to roughness and to provide a well confined field even with a somewhat rough probe.
Functional characterization of a novel serotonin receptor (5‐HTap2) expressed in the CNS of Aplysia californica
Authors: Barbas Demian , Zappulla Jacques P. , Angers Stéphane , Bouvier Michel , Castellucci Vincent F. , DesGroseillers Luc 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSerotonin has been shown to be a neuromodulator in the Aplysia californica CNS. The diversity of serotonin actions is due to the existence of several different receptor subtypes. In this study we report the cloning of a full‐length cDNA, coding for a novel serotonin receptor (5‐HTap2). The receptor protein bears the characteristics of G protein‐coupled receptors. It shares 68% and 34% of its amino acid sequence identity with the 5‐HTlym receptor from Lymnaea stagnalis and the mammalian 5‐HT1A receptor, respectively. When transfected in HEK 293 cells, 5‐HTap2 was negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. Ligand binding analysis indicated that the order of potencies of various drugs for the inhibition of [3H]LSD binding was: methiothepin >
metergoline
> 5‐CT > PAPP > 5‐HT >
ketanserin
> NAN‐190 > 8‐OH‐DPAT > clozapine. RT‐PCR amplification of RNA isolated from different tissues indicated that this receptor is expressed in the CNS and in bag cells. The expression of 5‐HTap2 restricted to the CNS suggests an important role for this receptor in the modulation of neuronal functions in Aplysia. Moreover, the high expression of 5‐HTap2 in the bag cells, associated with its pharmacological profile, suggests that this receptor may be implicated in modulating the afterdischarge during the egg‐laying behavior.
Reduced nitric oxide metabolites in CSF of patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency
Authors: Zorzi Giovanna , Thöny Beat , Blau Nenad 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe investigated CSF concentrations of nitrite and nitrate as indicators of nitric oxide (NO) production in patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies. Patients with 6‐pyruvoyl‐tetra‐hydropterin synthase, sepiapterin reductase and dihydropteridine reductase deficiencies exhibited decreased CSF nitrite + nitrate levels compared with healthy control subjects. Reduced levels of nitrite + nitrate were not influenced by oral administration of 2.5–5.0 mg/kg tetrahydrobiopterin. Our data indicate impaired NO synthase function in patients with BH4 deficiency and suggest possible involvement in the neuronal cell dysfunction.
Evaluation of the BacT/Alert automated blood culture system for detecting bacteria and measuring their growth kinetics in leucodepleted and non‐leucodepleted platelet concentrates
Authors: McDonald C. P. , Roy A. , Lowe P. , Robbins S. , Hartley S. , Barbara J. A. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectiveTo evaluate the BacT/Alert automated blood culture system for the detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates, and to determine bacterial growth kinetics in leucodepleted and non‐leucodepleted units.Materials and MethodsApheresis (Cobe Leucocyte Reduction System™ [LRS]) and pooled buffy coat‐derived (Optipress™) platelet concentrates (PCs) were tested. Six organisms were used for spiking the PCs: Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Group B Streptococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Units were inoculated to give a final concentration of ≈ 1 and 50 colony‐forming units (CFU)/ml. On days 0, 2 and 5, BacT/Alert standard aerobic and anaerobic bottles were inoculated with a 5‐ml fill volume and bacteria were enumerated.ResultsThe BacT/Alert Automated blood culture system gave rapid determination times of spiked units, with all positives detected within 48 h and 98·1% detected within 24 h. In general, as the inoculum concentration increased, the detection time decreased. Rapid growth was obtained with all organisms tested except for B. cereus, which failed to grow on four occasions. Bacterial numbers on day 2 ranged from 105 to 1011 CFU/ml and on day 5 ranged from 104 to 1012 CFU/ml. Growth was not significantly greater in leucodepleted units.ConclusionsThe study confirmed that PCs are an excellent growth medium for bacteria. Rapid and substantial growth was obtained with all organisms under test. Leucodepletion does not appear to enhance bacterial proliferation. The BacT/Alert automated blood culture system could rapidly detect contamination of units. Bacterial screening using an automated blood culture system is therefore a potential option.
Donor selection in Japan: a trial of new criteria with predonation haemoglobin testing
Authors: Shimoyama R. , Nakase T. , Kojima S. , Tanaka S. , Yamamori K. , Kaneko C. , Ishimaru K. , Ikeda H. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives In Japan, eligibility for blood donation depends on blood specific gravity, which does not directly measure blood haemoglobin. Additionally, the criteria are not based on normal values. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of predonation screening by using actual haemoglobin levels, and adopted a new criterion based on the normal range for men.Materials and Methods Using a portable device, we measured haemoglobin in 1032 prospective blood donors, then applied this method to all blood donations. The criterion for men was set at the 95th percentile of haemoglobin distribution, namely 13·0 g/dl and 13·5 g/dl, respectively, for 200‐ml and 400‐ml donations. That for women remained unchanged.Results The percentage of men ineligible by these criteria increased from 0·6 to 1·5%, while that of women decreased from 16·5 to 14·6%. Donors with abnormal haemoglobin levels were referred to hospitals.Conclusion Predonation measurement of haemoglobin concentration, combined with the referral of those with abnormal values, provided a health benefit to that population.
Passive protection against fasciolosis in mice by immunization with a monoclonal antibody (ES‐78 MoAb)
Authors: Marcet Ricardo , Díaz Ailen , Arteaga Ernesto , Finlay Carlos M. , Sarracent Jorge 
Published: March 2003

SummaryRecently, we reported a partial characterization of the epitope recognized by the ES‐78 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). This monoclonal antibody was obtained from spleen lymphocytes of a mouse immunized with excretory–secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica adult worms. In the present study, we report the results obtained in experiments of passive protection using this MoAb in BALB/c mice infected with 15 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae. The monoclonal antibody was able to reduce the parasite burden when administered 24 h before challenge but not when delivered 7 days after challenge. The antibody recognition of digestive tract structures in 3‐week‐old parasites was demonstrated by immune histochemical techniques. The antigens purified by affinity chromatography using this antibody had molecular weights of 14–20, 25–29 and 36–45 kDa and demonstrated proteinase activity similar to cathepsin L. These results suggest that the antigens carrying the epitope recognized by the ES‐78 MoAb may be used as target in the protection against fasciolosis.
Golgi secretion is not required for marking the preprophase band site in cultured tobacco cells
Authors: Dixit Ram , Cyr Richard 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe preprophase band predicts the future cell division site. However, the mechanism of how a transient preprophase band fulfils this function is unknown. We have investigated the possibility that Golgi secretion might be involved in marking the preprophase band site. Observations on living BY‐2 cells labeled for microtubules and Golgi stacks indicated an increased Golgi stack frequency at the preprophase band site. However, inhibition of Golgi secretion by brefeldin A during preprophase band formation did not prevent accurate phragmoplast fusion, and subsequent cell plate formation, at the preprophase band site. The results show that Golgi secretion does not mark the preprophase band site and thus does not play an active role in determination of the cell division site.
Bifurcation, birooted primary canines: a case report
Authors: Mochizuki K. , Ohtawa Y. , Kubo S. , Machida Y. , Yakushiji M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.A rare case of birooted primary canines is reported. A male patient aged 6 years 4 months of age presented with pain and swelling related to the upper right first primary molar. Radiographic examination revealed an incidental finding of bifurcation of the roots of all four primary canines. This represents a rare finding. The prevalence of birooted permanent canines in the Japanese population has been reported, but the prevalence of this abnormality of primary canines in other populations is unknown. This report discusses the findings in the context of the available literature. The possible aetiology, possible inferences for the developing dentition, and the need for careful assessment prior to root canal therapy or extraction are highlighted.
The thymidylate synthase gene of Hz‐1 virus: A gene captured from its lepidopteran host
Authors: Chen Hong‐Hwa , Tso Dan‐Ju , Yeh Wen‐Bin , Cheng Hsien‐Jen , Wu Ting‐Feng 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe sequence analysis of a thymidylate synthase gene was identified in the Hz‐1 virus HindIII‐D fragment. The viral thymidylate synthase gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids, and is closely related to that of insect, mammals and herpesvirus. The thymidylate synthase gene identified was a genuine viral gene in that it was only detected in cells infected with Hz‐1 virus but not in the mock infected cells, by Southern blot analysis and by RT‐PCR. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on non‐synonymous and amino acid distances suggested that the TS gene of Hz‐1 virus was grouped closely with that of Bombyx mori. High bootstrap values confirmed that the thymidylate synthase of Hz‐1 virus was acquired by a capture event from its lepidopteran host. Results of both sequence divergences and phylogenetic analysis suggested that TS genes in insect viruses, Hz‐1, CIV, and MsEPV may have a different history or originated from different capture events.
A cluster of four D7‐related genes is expressed in the salivary glands of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Arcà B. , Lombardo F. , Lanfrancotti A. , Spanos L. , Veneri M. , Louis C. , Coluzzi M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFour genes expressed in the Anopheles gambiae adult female salivary glands and similar in sequence to the Aedes aegypti D7 gene were identified. The genes, called D7‐related (D7r), are included in a single cluster encompassing approximately six kilobases on chromosome arm 3R. The deduced proteins contain secretory signals and they are probably injected by the mosquito into the host with the saliva during blood feeding. The region of similarity to D7 encompasses the carboxy‐terminal part of the Ae. aegypti protein and the different An. gambiae D7r show a degree of similarity to each other, varying from 53% to 73%. The weak but significant similarity to members of a wide family of insect proteins, including odourant‐ and pheromone‐binding proteins, raises the possibility that the D7r‐encoded proteins may bind and/or carry small hydrophobic ligands.
The genetic mating system and tests for cuckoldry in a pipefish species in which males fertilize eggs and brood offspring externally
Authors: Mccoy E. E. , Jones A. G. , Avise J. C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHighly variable microsatellite loci were used to study the mating system of Nerophis ophidion, a species of pipefish in which pregnant males carry embryos on the outside of their body rather than in an enclosed brood pouch. Despite this mode of external fertilization and brooding, otherwise rare in the family Syngnathidae, the genotypes of all embryos proved to be consistent with paternity by the tending male, thus indicating that cuckoldry by sneaker males is rare or nonexistent in this species. N. ophidion is a phylogenetic outlier within the Syngnathidae and its reproductive morphology is thought to be close to the presumed ancestral condition for pipefishes and seahorses. Thus, our genetic results suggest that the evolutionary elaboration of the enclosed brood pouch elsewhere in the family was probably not in response to selection pressures on pregnant males to avoid fertilization thievery. With regard to maternity assignments, our genotypic data are consistent with behavioural observations indicating that females sometimes mate with more than one male during a breeding episode, and that each male carries eggs from a single female. Thus, the polyandrous genetic mating system in this species parallels the social mating system, and both are consistent with a more intense sexual selection operating on females, and the elaboration of secondary sexual characters in that gender.
Ecology and population genetics of Sonoran DesertDrosophila
Authors: Pfeiler E. , Markow T. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThree species of cactophilicDrosophilaendemic to the Sonoran Desert of North America,D. nigrospiracula,D. pacheaandD. mettleri, experience marked differences in spatial resource availability, and the first two of these display significant differences in dispersal behaviour. We employed starch gel and cellulose acetate electrophoresis for eight allozyme loci to test for a relationship between these variables and genetic differentiation among geographical populations of each species. No evidence was found for population structure in any of the three species, populations of which were separated by geographical distances of up to 475 km. Allele frequencies for two loci,Mdh‐1andEst‐2, inD. nigrospiraculaandD. pacheawere very similar to those obtained ≈ 30 years ago by other workers, indicating that the polymorphisms are remarkably stable under the stressful and variable conditions of the desert environment. High longevity, dispersal and multiple female remating are likely to contribute to the apparent high level of gene flow in all three species.
Detection of residual disease by cytology in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III post‐large loop excision of the transformation zone
Authors: Tangtrakul Somsak , Linasmita Vasant , Israngura Nathpong , Srisupundit Somkeart , Bullangpoti Sunchai , Wilailak Sarikapan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cytology in detecting residual disease in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III post‐large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).Methods: This prospective study was performed between February 1994 and August 1999 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, and involved 90 patients who underwent LLETZ and had histologic confirmation of CIN III. Simple hysterectomy was performed in all patients 2–3 months after LLETZ. Two Papanicolaou smears were taken using Ayre spatula on each patient 6 weeks after LLETZ and 1 day before hysterectomy. Histologic findings of hysterectomy specimens were used as the ‘gold standard’.Results: Forty‐six cases (51.1%) were found to have residual diseases: seven cases with CIN I, 11 cases with CIN II, 27 cases with CIN III and one case with invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Using the most severe diagnosis of two Papanicolaou smears performed on each patient as the cytologic diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 28.3, 93.2, 81.3 and 55.4%, respectively. The accuracy rate was 60.0%. Residual diseases were found in 62.5 and 39.0% of cases with the presence and absence of CIN at the margin of the LLETZ specimen, respectively.Conclusions Cytology using the Ayre spatula has low accuracy in detecting residual disease in the cervix post‐LLETZ.
Effects of nitric oxide(NO)‐donor and ‐scavenger on contractile responses in isolated fetal sheep carotid and renal arteries
Authors: Anzai Ken , Okawa Toshiaki , Honda Shinya , Sanpei Minoru , Fujimori Keiya , Yanagida Kaoru , Sato Akira 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to illuminate the mechanism of a redistribution of blood flow in fetuses. Nitric oxide (NO) is now known to play important functional roles in the vasculature. We measured plasma nitrate (the metabolites of nitric oxide) concentrations in maternal and fetal sheep at term, and compared the effect of NO donors on isolated carotid and renal arteries from fetuses.Methods: (1) Blood samples were taken from maternal and fetal arteries in sheep at 132 ± 2 days’ gestation, and were collected for nitrate determination with Griess reagent. (2) Rings of carotid and renal arteries with intact endothelium from fetal sheep were positioned in organ chambers filled with Krebs‐Henseleit solution (37°C) bubbled with 5% CO2 in air (pH: 7.4) and isometric tension was recorded. Concentration‐response relationships to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), nitroglycerine (NTG) and diethylamine nitric oxide (DEA/NO) with pretreatment NO scavenger, oxyhemoglobin (10–5 M), and vehicle were determined.Results: (1) Plasma nitrate levels were significantly higher in fetuses than in maternal sheep. (2) Nitric oxide donor concentrations dependently inhibited in phenylepherine‐precontracted carotid and renal arteries. The relaxation of both rings was attenuated by previous treatment with oxyhemoglobin. Nitric oxide sensitivity was greater in carotid arteries than in renal arteries. The order of potency was SNP > NTG > DEA/NO in the two types of arteries.Conclusion: These observations indicate that NO may play an important role in the redistribution of blood flow in fetuses.
Relationship between fertilizing ability of ejaculated human spermatozoa and its chromatin heterogeneity
Authors: Hashimoto Shinako , Yanagida Kaoru , Katayose Haruo , Yamada Hidekazu , Yamada Hiroko , Sato Akira 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the fertilizing ability of ejaculated human sperm and its chromatin heterogeneity.Methods: We used the D‐AO staining method (acridine orange epifluorescence accompanied by diamide, a thiol oxidizing agent) to analyze the sperm chromatin structure of infertile patients with IVF‐ET treatment. SDS‐PAGE was performed to analyze the sperm nuclear proteins collected from patients with immature sperm (stained red with D‐AO staining) and proven fertile men.Results (1) It was suggested that D‐AO staining allowed the immature sperm to be divided into two groups. One was immature sperm, which had disturbance of S‐S formation in the epididymides, and the other was that which had an abnormal exchange process of nuclear proteins in the testes. (2) The stainability after D‐AO staining showed no correlation with the findings of semen analysis. (3) The fertilization rate of IVF‐ET was significantly correlated to the percentage of green sperm staining with D‐AO staining. (4) In the pregnant group after IVF‐ET, it was noticed that sperm of the green type with D‐AO staining was increased in comparison with the non‐pregnancy group. (5) The fertilization rate in the group of the sperm stained red with D‐AO staining was increased to 73.5% by ICSI. (6) Definite differences were noticed between the protein components of the patients with immature sperm and those of the proven fertile men by analyzing with SDS‐PAGE.Conclusion D‐AO staining was an efficient method for evaluating the fertilizing ability of human ejaculated sperm, and to determine an appropriate ART tool such as ICSI.
Genomic plus‐strand RNA synthesis by the brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA replicase requires a sequence that is complementary to the binding site of the BMV helicase‐like protein
Authors: Sivakumaran K. , Kao C. C. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryInitiation of genomic plus‐strand RNA synthesis by the brome mosaic virus (BMV) replicase in vitro requires a 26‐nucleotide (nt) RNA sequence at the 3′ end of the minus‐strand RNA and a nontemplated nucleotide 3′ of the initiation cytidylate [Sivakumaran, K. and Kao, C.C. (1999)J. Virol.64, 6415–6423]. At the 5′ end of this RNA is a 9‐nt sequence called the cB box, the complement of the previously defined B box. The cB box can not be functionally replaced by the B box and has specific positional and sequence requirements. The portion of the cB box that is required for RNA synthesis in vitro is well‐conserved in species in the Bromoviridae family. An equivalent RNA from Cucumber mosaic virus was unable to direct efficient RNA synthesis by the BMV replicase until the cB box was positioned at the same site relative to the BMV RNA and guanylates were present at positions +6 and +7 from the initiation cytidylate. These results further define the elements required for the recognition and initiation of viral genomic plus‐strand RNA synthesis and suggest that a sequence important for minus‐strand RNA synthesis is also required for plus‐strand RNA synthesis.
A thaumatin‐like gene from Asparagus officinalis (AoPRT‐L) exhibits slow activation following tissue maceration or salicylic acid treatment, suggesting convergent defence‐related signalling in monocots
Authors: Darby Robert M. , Firek Simon , Mur Luis A. J. , Draper John 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMessenger RNA derived from mechanically separated cells of asparagus has proved to be an enriched source of defence‐related transcripts. We describe the characterization of a novel PR‐5 gene coding for a secreted protein of neutral pI (AoPRT‐L) that is strongly up‐regulated following cell isolation or following accelerated tissue ageing caused by tissue maceration, but which is also responsive to salicylic acid, a defence‐related signal not normally associated with wound responses. Infection with the necrotizing fungal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium confirmed the responsiveness of AoPRT‐L to pathogen challenge in intact plants. An upstream region of the AoPRT‐L gene of less than 500 bp was sufficient to confer SA‐inducibility in transgenic tobacco. The expression profile of AoPRT‐L in both macerated and pathogen challenged tissue suggested there were complex, convergent signalling mechanisms operating during responses to these different stresses.