Do attitudes expressed in surveys predict ethnic discrimination?

Survey data on people’s reported attitudes towards ethnic minorities are sometimes used as a proxy for ethnic discrimination. However, there is weak empirical evidence of a link between reported attitudes and discrimination. In this article, we use survey data on people’s attitudes towards ethnic minorities combined with a direct measure of ethnic discrimination from a field experiment in the Swedish housing market to re-examine this policy-relevant issue. We find clear evidence of a link between reported attitudes towards ethnic minorities and the extent of ethnic discrimination: in regions where attitudes are more negative, there is more discrimination, and vice versa. Thus, in contrast to most prior studies, our results suggest that reported attitudes may be a useful predictor of ethnic discrimination.     

Dirofilariasis presenting as a breast lump.

Dirofilariasis is now recognized as a zoonosis. Infection of humans occurs when a mosquito that has obtained larvae-containing blood from an infected animal transmits the larvae, after they have developed to the infective stage, to a human. Dirofilarial infections in humans have been reported from around the world. In this paper a case is reported in which subcutaneous dirofilariasis in a human presented as a lump in the breast. The epidemiologic and pathogenetic features of this disease are discussed.     

Intact {alpha}-1,2-endomannosidase is a typical type II membrane protein

Rat endomannosidase is a glycosidic enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of di-, tri-, or tetrasaccharides (Glc(1-3)Man), from N-glycosylation intermediates with terminal glucose residues. To date it is the only characterized member of this class of endomannosidic enzymes. Although this protein has been demonstrated to localize to the Golgi lumenal membrane, the mechanism by which this occurs has not yet been determined. Using the rat endomannosidase sequence, we identified three homologs, one each in the human, mouse, and rat genomes. Alignment of the four encoded protein sequences demonstrated that the newly identified sequences are highly conserved but differed significantly at the N-terminus from the previously reported protein. In this study we have cloned two novel endomannosidase sequences from rat and human cDNA libraries, but were unable to amplify the open reading frame of the previously reported rat sequence. Analysis of the rat genome confirmed that the 59- and 39-termini of the previously reported sequence were in fact located on different chromosomes. This, in combination with our inability to amplify the previously reported sequence, indicated that the N-terminus of the rat endomannosidase sequence previously published was likely in error (a cloning artifact), and that the sequences reported in the current study encode the intact proteins. Furthermore, unlike the previous sequence, the three ORFs identified in this study encode proteins containing a single N-terminal transmembrane domain. Here we demonstrate that this region is responsible for Golgi localization and in doing so confirm that endomannosidase is a type II membrane protein, like the majority of other secretory pathway glycosylation enzymes.     

中国南部地区松树上的散斑壳菌Ⅱ.

在前一篇文章里,作者报告了我国南部地区松树上散斑壳属(LophodermiumChev.)的8个种。本文继续报道7个种,其中广西散斑壳(L.guangxiense Y.R.Lin)是新种,东方散斑壳(L.orientale Minter)为我国新记录种,乔松散斑壳(L.pini-excelsaeAhmad)等5种为国内已知种。另外,编制了中国南部地区松树上散斑壳分种检索表。     

MosA, a protein implicated in rhizopine biosynthesis in Sinorhizobium meliloti L5-30, is a dihydrodipicolinate synthase

MosA is a gene product encoded on a pSym megaplasmid of Sinorhizobium meliloti L5-30. The gene is part of an operon reported to be essential for the synthesis of the rhizopine 3-O-methyl-scyllo-inosamine. MosA has been assigned the function of an O-methyltransferase. However, the reported sequence of this protein is very much like that of dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS), except for a 40 amino acid residue C-terminal domain. This similarity contradicts accepted ideas regarding structure-function relationships of enzymes. We have cloned and overexpressed the recombinant gene in Escherichia coli, and discovered that the reported sequence contains an error resulting in a frame-shift. The correct sequence contains a new stop codon, truncating the C-terminal 41 amino acid residues of the reported sequence. The expressed protein, bearing an N-terminal polyhistidine tag, catalyzes the condensation of pyruvate and aspartate beta-semialdehyde efficiently, suggesting that this activity is not a side-reaction, but an activity for which this enzyme has evolved. Electro-spray mass spectrometry experiments and inhibition by L-lysine are consistent with the enzyme being a DHDPS. E.coli AT997, a mutant host normally requiring exogenous diaminopimelate for growth, could be complemented by transformation with a plasmid bearing the gene encoding MosA. A role for this enzyme in rhizopine synthesis cannot be ruled out, but is called into question.     

Kinetics of nitrate inhibition of carbon tetrachloride transformation by a denitrifying consortia

The kinetics of nitrate inhibition of carbon tetrachloride (CT) transformation were examined using a denitrifying consortium. Comparison of data from fed-batch experiments to the model reported by Hooker et al. indicate that the inhibition constant ranges between 3.2 and 21 mg/L, with an average of 8.8 mg/L. This range is much lower than the previously reported value of 169 mg/L. Simulations using the corrected parameter accurately reflect this new data and the data reported by Hooker et al. In contrast, the earlier reported coefficient value does not reflect the data reported in this work. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

An investigation of the role of the copper in galactose oxidase.

Galactose oxidase is a metalloenzyme containing a single copper atom per molecule. The mechanism of action of galactose oxidase is studied in this paper by investigating substrate specificity and activation by peroxidase, and probing the copper site by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Line-shape simulation of ESR spectra are also reported and a comparison is made between observed and simulated spectra for galactose oxidase. A comparison is also reported for the enzyme from various commercial sources and enzyme isolated from a fungus in this laboratory. The results of this investigation suggest that the copper is in an environment of four in-plane nitrogens with axial symmetry.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of C-6 carbamate ketolides, a novel series of orally active ketolide antibiotics

A new series of antibacterial ketolides is reported, which features the use of a C-6 carbamate for tethering the arylalkyl sidechain to the macrolide core. The best members of this series display in vitro and in vivo activity comparable to telithromycin. Partial epimerization at C-2, unobserved in previously reported ketolides, was noted for this series.     

A case of allosuckling in wild guanacos (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lama guanicoe</Emphasis>)

Although allosuckling, the lactation of non-filial offspring, can be a costly behavior, it has been reported in several species across a wide range of mammalian orders. Monotocous species such as ungulates exhibit this behavior less frequently than polytocous species, and most cases have been reported among captive specimens. A case of allosuckling of a free-ranging guanaco (Lama guanicoe) calf is reported. Allosuckling observed in this species may represent opportunistic behavior by the calf, supporting the “milk theft” hypothesis.     

Apert syndrome with omphalocele: A case report

Apert syndrome is a genetic disorder known as acrocephalopolysyndactyly type 1 caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and characterized by coronal craniosynostosis, symmetric bone and skin syndactyly of hands and feet, and craniofacial dysmorphic features. The estimated prevalence of this syndrome is 10 to 15.5 cases per 1,000,000 live births. Apert syndrome has considerable clinical variability. We present a case of Apert syndrome and associated features reported to the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC). The reported case had omphalocele, esophageal atresia, and mega cisterna magna. The last two signs were reported several times as part of the clinical presentation of Apert syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case diagnosed with Apert syndrome associated with omphalocele. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 100:726–729, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The status of the Lutzomyia longipalpis species complex and possible implications for Leishmania transmission

The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu latu has been identified as the principal vector of American visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease that primarily affects children in several countries of South and Central America. Over the past several years increases have occurred both in the number of reported cases and the population at risk: approximately 1.6 million people reside in highly endemic areas with 16,000 cases reported annually. Several studies have attempted to relate the epidemiology of this disease to variability in Lu. longipalpis that is now recognized to be a complex of at least three sibling species. Morphological variation in this species was first noted by Mangabeira (1969). Since then physiological and biochemical differences have been reported by several investigators. Recent reports in Costa Rica of the presence of Lu. longipalpis in a focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania chagasi may be an additional indication of variability in this species. While existing evidence indicates that the morphospecies Lu. longipalpis may represent a complex of sibling species, genetic, epidemiological and ecological distinctions have not been fully resolved. Thus, delimitation of systematic boundaries within the complex and corresponding to geographic distributions and roles in transmission remain unresolved. The purpose of this review is to summarize from the literature observations of polymorphism in this morphospecies and consider what significance this reported variability may have to the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis.     

Translocation (X;9)(p11;q34) in a girl with incontinentia pigmenti (IP): implications for the regional assignment of the IP locus to Xp11?

A t(X;9)(p11;q34) is reported in a girl with incontinentia pigmenti (IP). The X breakpoint is at p11.21. Although no similar case has been reported, this breakpoint may be significant insofar IP is considered an X-linked dominant mutation and could be of help in a specific X DNA probes study.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium sacchari</Emphasis>: A Cause of Exogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis: First Case Report and Review of Literature

A case of exogenous fungal endophthalmitis due to Fusarium sacchari is being reported. It has never been reported in this clinical entity before; hence, to the best of our knowledge, this is first report of F. sacchari as a cause of exogenous fungal endophthalmitis and also the first time when this fungus has been isolated from an Indian patient.     

Purification and properties of the soluble cytochromes c-550 and c-556 from the bacterium Aquaspirillum itersonii

Two c-type cytochromes were isolated from cells of the gram-negative bacterium Aquaspirillum itersonii grown under low aeration in the presence of nitrate. The major component, cytochrome c-550, was equated with the (single) c-type cytochrome previously reported to be present in this organism [Clark-Walker, G. D. & Lascelles, J. (1970) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 136, 153-159], although a significantly higher molecular mass was apparent in the present work. The complete amino acid sequence of this cytochrome is reported in the accompanying paper. A second soluble c-type cytochrome, designated c-556, was also isolated. The molecular mass, isoelectric point, spectrum, midpoint oxidation reduction potential and amino acid composition of this monoheam cytochrome are reported. The possible relationship of this cytochrome to other cytochromes c-556 is discussed.     

Linking the maximum reported life span to the aging rate in wild birds

Dozens of surrogates have been used to reflect the rate of aging in comparative biology. For wild organisms, the maximum reported life span is often considered a key metric. However, the connection between the maximum reported life span for a single individual and the aging rate of that species is far from clear. Our objective was to identify a pragmatic solution to calculate the aging rate from the maximum reported life span of wild birds. We explicitly linked the maximum reported life span to the aging process by employing a Weibull distribution and calculating the shape parameter in this model, which reflects the change in mortality across ages and be used as a surrogate for the aging rate. From simulated data, we demonstrated that the percentile estimator is suitable for calculating the aging rate based on the maximum reported life span. We also calculated the aging rate in 246 bird species based on published information from EURING and tested its relationship with body mass. Our study constitutes a new approach for using maximum reported life span in aging research. The aging rate calculated in the study is based on numerous assumptions/prerequisites and can be improved as more is learned about these assumptions/prerequisites.     

A Brief Sketch of the Monte Hermoso Human Footprint Site,South Coast of Buenos Aires Province,Argentina

Tracksites representing early human occupation are rare in South America. However, they have been reported in association with mammal and bird tracks from two coastal sites in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Both sites are reported in separate papers in this volume. In this paper a brief summary of the better known site is given on the basis of published information and the author's observations.     

Globalization and loss of plant knowledge: challenging the paradigm

The erosion of cultural knowledge and traditions as a result of globalization and migration is a commonly reported phenomenon. We compared one type of cultural knowledge about medicinal plants (number of plants reported to treat thirty common health conditions) among Dominican laypersons who self-medicate with plants and live in rural or urban areas of the Dominican Republic (DR), and those who have moved to New York City (NYC). Many plants used as medicines were popular Dominican food plants. These plants were reported significantly more often by Dominicans living in NYC as compared to the DR, and this knowledge was not age-dependent. These results contradict the popular paradigm about loss of cultural plant knowledge and is the first study to report a statistically measurable increase in this type of knowledge associated with migration.     

Fibromyalgia: Chronobiological Aspects

The primary fibromyalgia syndrome (Weichteilrheumatismus) shows a circadian rhythm of the symptoms and, moreover, a seasonality of pain severeness. Although the pathophysiologic mechanisms are unknown, the circadian variations are well documented in the literature; the seasonality of pain is sometimes clinically reported. In a study on “healthy” workers, the seasonality of this disease is reported.     

The caecilian amphibian Scolecomorphus kirkii Boulenger as prey of the burrowing asp Atractaspis aterrima Günther: trophic relationships of fossorial vertebrates

A report is given of an adult caecilian, Scolecomorphus kirkii, found in the gut of a specimen of the snake Atractaspis aterrima from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania. Both predator and prey are largely fossorial in soil, and their ecology is poorly known, such that this is the first reported predator of any scolecomorphid caecilian. The caecilian was ingested head first and much of the flesh from the anterior of the specimen had been digested. The prey/predator mass ratio is 0.48. This value is substantially higher than reported for A. aterrima from West Africa, and refutes the notion that this species feeds only on small prey. Most reported predators of caecilians are snakes, and a brief review is presented.     

Novel alleles of the D16S752 polymorphic genetic marker linked to E-cadherin gene--a potential population marker

Seven DNA variants that polymorphic genetic marker D16S752 reveals in Croatian population are reported in this paper. The marker is a GATA tetranucleotide repeat linked to human E-cadherin gene (CDH1). Prior studies involving this marker revealed only four DNA allele variants. The reported DNA variants contribute to the collection of hypervariable DNA polymorphisms data useful in the field of anthropological and population genetic and forensic medicine.