bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacillus subtilis actin-like protein MreB influences the positioning of the replication machinery and requires membrane proteins MreC/D and other actin-like proteins for proper localization
Authors: Defeu Soufo Hervé Joël , Graumann Peter L 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Bacterial actin-like proteins have been shown to perform essential functions in several aspects of cellular physiology. They affect cell growth, cell shape, chromosome segregation and polar localization of proteins, and localize as helical filaments underneath the cell membrane. Bacillus subtilis MreB and Mbl have been shown to perform dynamic motor like movements within cells, extending along helical tracks in a time scale of few seconds.

Results
In this work, we show that Bacillus subtilis MreB has a dual role, both in the formation of rod cell shape, and in chromosome segregation, however, its function in cell shape is distinct from that of MreC. Additionally, MreB is important for the localization of the replication machinery to the cell centre, which becomes aberrant soon after depletion of MreB. 3D image reconstructions suggest that frequently, MreB filaments consist of several discontinuous helical filaments with varying length. The localization of MreB was abnormal in cells with decondensed chromosomes, as well as during depletion of Mbl, MreBH and of the MreC/MreD proteins, which we show localize to the cell membrane. Thus, proper positioning of MreB filaments depends on and is affected by a variety of factors in the cell.

Conclusion
Our data provide genetic and cytological links between MreB and the membrane, as well as with other actin like proteins, and further supports the connection of MreB with the chromosome. The functional dependence on MreB of the localization of the replication machinery suggests that the replisome is not anchored at the cell centre, but is positioned in a dynamic manner.
The Metabolic Syndrome: Requiescat in Pace
Authors: Reaven Gerald M 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Values for insulin-mediated glucose disposal vary continuously throughout a population of apparently healthy individuals, with at least a sixfold variation between the most insulin sensitive and most insulin resistant of these individuals. The more insulin resistant a person, the more insulin must be secreted to prevent decompensation of glucose tolerance. Insulin resistance is not a disease, but a description of a physiologic state, and approximately one third of an apparently healthy population is sufficiently insulin resistant to be at increased risk to develop a cluster of abnormalities and related clinical syndromes. The primary value of the concept of insulin resistance is that it provides a conceptual framework with which to place a substantial number of apparently unrelated biological events into a pathophysiological construct. In contrast, the metabolic syndrome was introduced as a diagnostic category to identify individuals that satisfy three of five relatively arbitrarily chosen criteria to initiate lifestyle changes with the goal of decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the value of the notion of the metabolic syndrome must be considered not in pathophysiologic terms, but as a pragmatic approach to obtain a better clinical outcome. In this review, an effort is made to critically evaluate the concept of the metabolic syndrome, the criteria chosen to identify individuals with the syndrome, and the clinical utility of making, or not making, a diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome.
Characteristics of Spawning Lake Sturgeon in the Upper Black River, Michigan
Authors: Smith Kregg M. , Baker Edward A. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The population of lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens in Black Lake, Michigan, is confined to a smaller spatial habitat than was historically available, which has led to concern over the future viability of the population. Biological data were collected from spawning lake sturgeons in the Upper Black River in 2001 and 2002 to assess the size of the spawning run and the condition of spawning fish relative to other populations. A 1.6-km section of the total 11 km of available habitat in the Upper Black River was an important spawning location for lake sturgeon. Spawning fish were captured and data were collected at the spawning sites from 115 adults in 2001 and 104 adults in 2002. Fish gender was determined by the presence of ripe gametes. The male : female sex ratio was 1.55:1 in 2001 and 2.06:1 in 2002. Weight at length for spawning lake sturgeons was comparable to that of other studied populations, and the average size at age of spawning lake sturgeons was slightly higher than for spawning fish from the Sturgeon River, Michigan, an open tributary to Lake Superior with a self-sustaining population. Consecutive-year spawning was documented for 10 male lake sturgeons, which showed an average increase in total length and weight of 1.6 cm and 1.15 kg, respectively. Age estimates predicted by a von Bertalanffy model for the spawning adults predicted males representing 25 different age-classes ranging from age 12 to age 63 and females representing 29 different age-classes ranging from age 20 to age 70. On the basis of our observations of ripe gametes, growth of the annual spawners, and overall condition of the spawning fish, we conclude that the spatially restricted habitat in Black Lake was sufficient to support adult lake sturgeon growth and gamete production.
Predicting Walleye Total Length from Head and Mandible Measurements
Authors: Isermann Daniel A. , Vandergoot Christopher S. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
To supplement harvest information on walleye Sander vitreus collected in Lake Erie creel surveys, we assessed whether walleye size structure and growth could be estimated by using total lengths (TL) predicted from measurements of head length (HL) and mandible length (ML). Regression models were developed by using measurements taken from 124 tournament-caught walleyes sampled in late May 2003. In most cases, HL and ML explained more than 90% of the variation in TL (r2 &gt; 0.90); however, residuals (absolute values) were frequently 10 mm or more. Despite estimation errors, the length-frequency distributions predicted from HL and ML models were not significantly different from observed distributions. Tests of the models with an additional 72 walleyes collected in June 2003 produced similar results. Predicted mean lengths at age for June walleyes ages 2–4 did not differ significantly from mean lengths at age estimated from observed TL. Use of an HL model developed for Minnesota walleyes yielded results similar to those of the Lake Erie models, suggesting that development of population-specific models may not be necessary. Given the accuracy and ease of measurement, we suggest that HL be used to predict walleye TL rather than ML; however, prediction errors indicate that age–length keys constructed by using TL predicted from HL should be validated before use.
Discrimination of Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead Redds and Evaluation of the Use of Redd Data for Estimating Escapement in Several Unregulated Streams in Northern California
Authors: Gallagher Sean P. , Gallagher Colin M. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
We developed and evaluated a stratified index redd area method to estimate Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, coho salmon O. kisutch, and steelhead O. mykiss escapement in several coastal streams in northern California based on the assumption that redd size is related to the number of redds a female builds. Sources of error in redd counts were identified, including the use of logistic regression to classify redd species (necessary due to temporal overlap in the spawning of these species in coastal northern California). Redd area escapement estimates were compared with estimates from more conventional methods and releases above a counting structure. Observer efficiency in redd detection ranged from 0.64 (SE = 0.10) to 0.75 (SE = 0.14) and was significantly associated with streamflow and water visibility (analysis of variance (ANOVA): F = 41.8; P &lt; 0.001). Logistic regression reduced uncertainty in redd identification. Redd area and date observed were significant in predicting coho salmon and steelhead redd species (Wald's z = 11.9 and 18.09, respectively; P &lt; 0.001). Pot substrate and redd area were significant in classifying Chinook and coho salmon redds (Wald's z = 5.88 and 4.03; P = 0.015 and 0.04, respectively). Stratified index redd area escapement estimates and estimates based on capture–recapture experiments, area-under-the-curve estimates, and known releases above the counting structure (coho salmon only) were not significantly different (ANOVA: F &lt; 13.6; P &gt; 0.06). Escapement estimates assuming one redd per female were only significantly different from other methods for steelhead (ANOVA: F = 13.11; P = 0.006). Redd counts were significantly correlated with escapement estimates (r &gt; 0.82; P &lt; 0.04). Reduction of counting errors and uncertainty in redd identification, biweekly surveys throughout the spawning period, and the use of redd areas in a stratified index sampling design produced precise, reliable, and cost-effective escapement estimates for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead.
Perceptual Evaluation of Hypernasality Compared to HONC Measures: The Role of Experience
Authors: Laczi Elizabeth , Sussman Joan E. , Stathopoulos Elaine T. , Huber Jessica 
Published: March 2005

Objectives Nasality ratings from experienced and inexperienced listeners were compared to accelerometric measures using the Horii Oral Nasal Coupling (HONC) Index to determine if one group's ratings are more closely related to the HONC Index measures. The reliability of listener ratings was studied to determine if experienced listeners had better reliability than inexperienced listeners. The influence of phonetic content was analyzed to learn if ratings of sentences with stop consonants yielded higher correlations with HONC scores than sentences containing glides. Design Experienced and inexperienced listeners’ ratings of hypernasality were correlated to the HONC measures for two nonnasal sentence productions. Analysis of variance compared experienced versus inexperienced listener ratings. Participants Ten listeners who were speech-language pathologists with at least 10 years of experience in assessing hypernasality and 10 listeners who were graduate students in communicative disorders with less than 1 year of experience. Speech samples were acquired from 13 children with varying degrees of hypernasality and 5 children with normal nasality. Results Correlations between ratings of hypernasality and HONC scores were .60 for the experienced group and .52 for the inexperienced group. In general, the experienced listeners rated the hypernasality of the speakers as less severe. Both groups had similar intrajudge reliability. Hypernasality ratings were not influenced by sentence context. Conclusions Hypernasality can be rated in a reliable fashion regardless of listener experience. The correlations between the objective measure of nasalization (HONC) and the perceptual ratings were not as high as expected. Factors contributing to obtaining only moderate correlations will be discussed.
Bilateral Asymmetry in Chinese Families with Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate
Authors: Neiswanger Katherine , Cooper Margaret E. , Liu You-e , Hu Dan-ning , Melnick Michael , Weinberg Seth M. , Marazita Mary L. 
Published: March 2005

Objective To determine if Chinese individuals with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) display more bilateral asymmetry than do their unaffected relatives. Design/Subjects A case-control study of 313 individuals with CL/P from Shanghai, China, with 201 unaffected relatives as controls. Methods Size-adjusted asymmetry scores were defined by data on middle-finger length, palm length, palpebral fissure width, and ear length. Case-control comparisons used a multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance, paired t tests, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results The ear-length measure showed a significant increase in fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in individuals with CL/P compared with their unaffected relatives, which was most pronounced in the female cleft lip and palate subgroup (p = .04). No other measures showed any increase in FA. Conclusion Evidence was found for increased FA, as measured by overall ear length, in Chinese individuals with nonsyndromic CL/P, compared with their unaffected family members. The use of bilateral measurements other than dermatoglyphics may prove to be a valuable means of assessing overall developmental stability in individuals with developmental malformations and in their families.
Human Prenatal Nasal Bone Lengths: Normal Standards and Length Values in Fetuses with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Authors: Hansen Lene , Skovgaard Lene Theil , Nolting Dorrit , Hansen Birgit Fischer , Kjær Inger 
Published: March 2005

Objective The aim of this study was to present prenatal autopsy standards for nasal bone length in normal fetuses, as well as to compare nasal bone lengths in human fetuses with cleft lip and palate with those standards. Material and Methods The material consisted of human fetuses investigated in connection with diagnosed and legally approved abortions and spontaneous abortions; 40 were normal and 26 had cleft lip and palate (7 isolated cleft lip, 12 isolated cleft palate, and 7 combined cleft lip and palate). Menstrual ages (MA) ranged from 12 to 25 weeks, crown-rump length (CRL) from 55 to 210 mm and foot length (FL) from 7 to 44 mm. All fetuses were radiographed in lateral projection, and, using these images, the nasal bone lengths were measured with a digital caliper. Regression analyses were performed. Results Standards for normal nasal bone length at different ages are expressed as menstrual age, crown-rump length, or foot length. Comparisons with normal standards showed that the isolated cleft lip group had a significantly smaller nasal bone length than the normal fetuses had. Fetuses with isolated cleft palate and fetuses with combined cleft lip and palate showed no significant deviation from normal standards. Conclusion Normal nasal bone standards can contribute to information on deviations in nasal bone length for aborted fetuses with known and unknown genotypes. The differences in nasal bone lengths in fetuses with different lip and palate clefting can contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of cleft lip and palate.
A New Protocol for Maxillary Protraction in Cleft Patients: Repetitive Weekly Protocol of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions
Authors: Liou Eric Jein-Wein , Tsai Wen-Ching 
Published: March 2005

Objective It was hypothesized that, through a repetitive weekly protocol of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions (Alt-RAMEC), the maxilla in cleft patients could be protracted more effectively than with a single course of rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Methods Twenty-six consecutive unilateral cleft lip and palate patients at the age of mixed dentition were included in this prospective clinical study. The rapid maxillary expansion group included the first 16 consecutive patients undergoing 1 week of rapid maxillary expansion (1 mm/day) followed by 5 months, 3 weeks of maxillary protraction. The Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group included the next 10 consecutive patients undergoing 9 weeks of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions followed by 3 months, 3 weeks of maxillary protraction. Daily activation of the weekly expansion or constriction was 1.0 mm. Two-hinged expanders and intraoral maxillary protraction springs were used in both groups. Treatment results were evaluated cephalometrically. Results The amount of maxillary anterior displacement by the 2-hinged expander in the Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group was 3.0 ± 0.9 mm at A point, significantly greater than the 1.6 ± 1.0 mm in the rapid maxillary expansion group. The amount of maxillary advancement with intraoral protraction springs in the Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group was 2.9 ± 1.9 mm at A point, significantly greater than the 0.9 ± 1.1 mm in the rapid maxillary expansion group. The overall amount of maxillary advancement in the Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions group was 5.8 ± 2.3 mm at A point. This result remained stable, without significant relapse after 2 years. Conclusions Maxillary protraction using the 2-hinged expander, a repetitive weekly protocol of Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansions and Constrictions, and intraoral protraction springs is most effective, with stable results at 2-year follow-up.
Ventral Frontal Cortex Morphology in Adult Males with Isolated Orofacial Clefts: Relationship to Abnormalities in Social Function
Authors: Nopoulos Peg , Choe Ian , Berg Stephanie , Van Demark Duane , Canady John , Richman Lynn 
Published: March 2005

Objective In a previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, men with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate (NSCLP) were found to have abnormalities in the structure of the frontal lobe of the brain. Moreover, many subjects with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate have been described as being socially inhibited. A subregion of the frontal lobe, the ventral frontal cortex (VFC), has been shown to be related to social function. This study was designed to evaluate the morphology of the ventral frontal cortex in men with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate, and the morphology's relationship to social function. Methods Subjects were 46 men with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate and 46 sex matched controls. Social function was assessed using a standardized scale. The morphology of the ventral frontal cortex (composed of the orbitofrontal cortex [OFC] and the straight gyrus [SG]) was obtained from magnetic resonance imaging scans using the software BRAINS. Results After controlling for frontal lobe gray matter, the patient group had significant reductions in orbitofrontal cortex volume and area. The straight gyrus was not morphologically abnormal. Measures of orbitofrontal cortex morphology were significantly correlated to measures of social function—the greater the structural abnormality, the greater the social dysfunction. Conclusion Compared with healthy controls, subjects with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate showed morphologic abnormalities in the cortical surface anatomy of a brain region known to govern social function, the orbitofrontal cortex. Moreover, the structural abnormality in this brain region was directly correlated with social function.
Family Environment of Individuals with Oral Clefts in Argentina
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F. , Perandones Claudia , Yannibelli Patricia , Bennun Ricardo D. 
Published: March 2005

Objective The purpose of this investigation was to study the social environment of families of children with different types of nonsyndromic oral clefts (OC) and to compare these groups with a control population of families of children without clefts. Design The study compared three nonsyndromic oral cleft groups and the control group using the Moos Family Environment Scale, which examines cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, independence, achievement-orientation, intellectual-cultural orientation, active-recreational orientation, moral-religious emphasis, organization, and control. Setting All parents of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts from a large craniofacial clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina, were identified and were enrolled in this study between June 2000 and August 2001. Control families were ascertained from the pediatrics service of a hospital located in the vicinity of the craniofacial clinic. Participants One hundred and sixty-five parents were selected, based on having a child with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (UCL/P), bilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (BCL/P), or isolated cleft palate (ICP). One hundred and eighty control parents with no family history of congenital anomalies were selected, as well. Results There was no major difference in the social environment of families of children with different types of nonsyndromic oral clefts. When compared with families in the control group, families of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts scored better in all three subdimensions of family relationship, revealed a high level of independence, and showed better structure and organization than control families did; however, families of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts reported participating in fewer recreational activities. Conclusions Overall, families of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts displayed a good social environment. Efforts should be focused to involve them in recreational activities.
An Autogeneic Feeder Cell System That Efficiently Supports Growth of Undifferentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Stojkovic Petra , Lako Majlinda , Stewart Rebecca , Przyborski Stefan , Armstrong Lyle , Evans Jerome , Murdoch Alison , Strachan Tom , Stojkovic Miodrag 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have great potential as a source of cells for therapeutic uses, but their culture requires the support of mouse or human cells, either directly as a feeder cell layer or indirectly as a source of conditioned medium in feeder-free culture systems. Unfortunately, the risks of cross-transfer of pathogens from xenogeneic or allogeneic feeders or cell by-products limit their medical applications. In addition, not all human feeders support the growth of hESCs equally well, and ethical concerns have been raised regarding the derivation of feeder cells from aborted human fetuses.
We report here the culture of hESCs on a novel feeder cell system, comprising fibroblast-like cells derived from the spontaneous differentiation of hESCs. Isogenicity of the hESCs and hESC-derived fibroblasts was confirmed by micro satellite analysis. The nature of the hESC-derived fibroblasts was identified by the expression of specific markers. This feeder system permits continuous growth of undifferentiated and pluripotent hESCs, as demonstrated by the expression of specific hESC markers, by the formation of teratomas after injection of hESCs into severely combined immunodeficient mice, and by in vitro differentiation of hESCs into differentiated cells of ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal origin. Feeder cells derived from hESCs offers a potentially more secure autogeneic and genotypically homogenous system for the growth of undifferentiated hESCs.