Determination of the enantiomeric composition of mexiletine and its four hydroxylated metabolites in urine by enantioselective capillary gas chromatography

The enantiomers of mexiletine and four of its hydroxylated metabolites were directly separated by capillary gas chromatography using a heptakis(6-O-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-2,3-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin column. The method was applied to the analysis of urine samples from cancer patients who were treated with racemic mexiletine as part of a study of the use of mexiletine in the relief of neuropathic pain. Samples analyzed before and after deconjugation of the urine with β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase showed a high stereoselectivity in the formation and conjugation of these compounds. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Habitat use and early winter movements by juvenile Atlantic cod in a coastal area of Newfoundland

Acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the movements and landscape scale habitat use of age 2–3 year juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in Newman Sound, a coastal fjord of Newfoundland, during late autumn and early winter (24 October 1999 to 22 January 2000). Substratum, bathymetric relief and depth use were studied to determine if it differed from the pattern expected given an absence of selectivity (habitat use proportional to habitat availability). Prior to winter migrations, most Atlantic cod maintained small home ranges (0·5–33·4 ha, median = 2·1 ha) although a few individuals moved more widely. No relationship between total length (L_T) and home range size was detected. In Inner Newman Sound, Atlantic cod occupied depths of 10–29 m more than expected given availability, while depths of 0–9 and 40–59 m were underutilized. No significant relationship between depth and L_T was detected. Areas of medium (5–10%) or high (>10%) bathymetric relief and boulder or kelp habitats were used significantly more than expected given the availability of these habitats. Sand and eelgrass substrata were underutilized given availability, although many Atlantic cod used sandy‐bottomed areas to some degree. Flexibility in habitat use by the individuals that were studied suggested reduced predation risk relative to younger conspecifics. Winter migrations to deeper water beyond Newman Sound began in mid‐November, coinciding with the disappearance of the thermocline, and continued until 27 December. Approximately 30% of monitored individuals did not migrate and maintained their home ranges into the winter season. No significant differences in L_T between migrating and resident groups were detected, however, the condition of migrating fish was significantly higher than in resident fish. This finding supports the theory that feeding history plays a role in the decision to undertake migration.     

Effects of wave energy,topographic relief and sediment transport on the distribution of shallow-water gorgonians of Puerto Rico

Environmental factors controlling the distribution of shallow-water gorgonians of Puerto Rico were inferred from a Reciprocal Averaging ordination analysis. The data set included several samples taken before and after the passage of Hurricane David and the mass mortality of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum. We could infer only a single environmental gradient associated with the distribution of gorgonians. Stations at opposite extremes of this gradient were characterized by combinations of high wave action with low topographic relief, or low wave action with high topographic relief. This gradient was also associated with sediment transport across the bottom (bedload). A detailed examination of ordination results in relation to Hurricane David and the Diadema mortality indicated that sediment transport, rather than water movement and topographic relief, is more directly related to the distribution of shallow-water gorgonians.     

Distribution and environmental control of coral assemblages in northern Safaga Bay (Red Sea, Egypt)

Summary Coral assemblages in northern Safaga Bay, Red Sea, Egypt, are qualitatively described. Nine distinct assemblages were found, which correspond to quantitatively defined community types previously described from the area off Hurghada, northern Red Sea. Their distribution within northern Safaga Bay was mapped. Strong gradient and/or steep relief assemblages were:Acropora assemblage on windward (exposed) reefs,Porites assemblage on leeward (sheltered) reefs,Millepora assemblage on current exposed reefs,Stylophora assemblage on reef flats. Low gradient and/or low relief assemblages were:Acropora dominated coral patches in areas of good circulation to a depth of 15 m,Stylophora/Acropora coral patch assemblages in shallow sheltered environments, faviid carpet in low relief areas between 10 and 25 m which with increasing turbidity turns into a depauperate faviid carpet,Porites carpet in low relief areas between 5 and 15 m with clearest water,Sarcophyton carpet in low relief areas with high suspension load, platy scleractinian assemblage in deeper water (>25 m) with low light intensity. The distribution of coral assemblages depends basically on 1) topography 2) hydrodynamics 3) light and 4) suspension load.     

The Inhibitory Action of Cycloheximide on Respiration of Coleoptiles is Relieved by Light

Concentrations of cycloheximide which are frequently used for the specific purpose of inhibiting protein synthesis also reduce oxygen uptake in Triticum and Avena coleoptiles in darkness by up to 50%. Except at high concentrations of the chemical diffuse daylight almost completely relieves this inhibitory effect provided the coleoptiles are not submerged. In darkness oxygen consumption is rapidly affected when cycloheximide is supplied to coleoptiles; the relief by light is also fast. These observations raise questions concerning the use of cycloheximide in studies with coleoptiles.     

Species richness in boreal swamp forests of SE Norway: The role of surface microtopography

Question: What is the relative importance of environmental gradients and surface microtopography (variation in vertical level within sampling units) for fine‐scale plant species richness in Picea abies swamp forests? Location: 11 swamp forests in SE Norway. Methods: We recorded species richness (number of species of vascular plants, mosses, Sphagnum and hepatics), depth to water table, soil base status and vertical range (microtopographic relief) in 2400 microplots, (each 1/16 m²), in 150 1‐m² plots in the 11 swamp forests. Relationships between species richness and environmental predictors were modelled by GLMM. Results: Moss and hepatic species richness increased with increasing microtopographic relief, most strongly for wet acid sites, in which similar trends were also found for Sphagnum. Relief was a poor predictor of vascular plant species richness. Conclusions: Microtopographic relief is a good predictor of local species richness in Picea abies swamp forests, partly because larger vertical variability means higher within‐plot habitat diversity with respect to the wet‐dry gradient, and partly because qualitatively new microhabitats associated with steep slopes are added in drier sites. The relationship between species richness and microtopographic relief is context dependent, differing in complex ways among species groups and among sites with different environmental conditions.     

Reversal of antizyme-induced inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase by cations in barley seedlings

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) forms a stable complex with its antizyme (Az), a non-competitive protein inhibitor of ODC. The complex formation of ODC with Az occurs very rapidly and is dissociated by high salt concentrations e.g., 10% ammonium sulfate. When ODC and Az were mixed in the presence of increasing concentrations of Mg²⁺, a relief of ODC inhibition by Az was obtained. Complete relief of inhibition occurred at 2.0 mM of MgCl₂. Other bivalent cations Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺ as well as the monocations Na⁺ and K⁺ caused similar effect. The polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine also caused relief of the in vitro inhibition of ODC by Az. Therefore, the in vivo inactivation of ODC by forming the ODC-Az complex is dependent on the intracellular amounts of salt and polyamines.     

Plant Species with Potential as Food,Nesting Material,or Tools at a Chimpanzee Refuge Site in Caddo Parish,Louisiana

Surplus chimpanzees live in research laboratories where they will likely remain for the rest of their lives. An alternative to laboratory housing is an outdoor enclosure in a warm climate. Before construction, researchers should conduct a vegetation survey because chimpanzees use vegetation daily. Chimp Haven, Inc. is developing a chimpanzee sanctuary in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and we conducted a vegetation survey at the site to 1) characterize the abundance and structure of vegetation; 2) identify plants with utility as food, nesting material, or tools; 3) determine the abundance and distribution of useful vegetation; and 4) identify any possibly hazardous vegetation. We established 48 plots, quantified the woody vegetation, and identified potentially useful and hazardous plant species from the published literature. Vegetation at the site was secondary growth from logging of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), the most abundant tree. Other abundant trees included oak (Quercus spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and maple (Acer spp.). Small plants (1–9.9 m tall) constituted 95% of all vegetation. Forty-one of 64 plant species have edible vegetative parts, while 35 species have edible reproductive parts. We identified 55 potential nesting trees by size (dbh ≥ 25 cm) and 4 species used as tools by captive great apes. Useful vegetation was concentrated in areas with topographic relief or in a floodplain, while flat areas with fields had less. We recommend that the floodplain be cropped for fruit and browse and enclosures encompass areas with relief and fields, creating a diverse habitat.     

Energy and moisture considerations on cutover peatlands: surface microtopography, mulch cover and Sphagnum regeneration

This study examined (i) the effect of artificially created microtopography and straw mulch on the soil moisture and (ii) energy balance and the establishment of a Sphagnum cover on a cutover peatland. Straw mulch caused rainfall interception approaching 2 mm per event. Although interception represented 44% of the total rainfall over the measurement period, water that evaporated from the mulch used energy that would otherwise have been used to evaporate soil water. Thus, the net effect of interception by mulch was negligible. The soil heat flux below the mulch was only 13% of the bare soil value and was decoupled from the daily net radiation. Net radiation over the bare soil was 15% greater than over the mulch. However, because of the greater heat flux into the bare peat, the energy available for sensible and latent heat fluxes was similar between the mulch covered and bare peat. Average evaporation from mulch and bare soil was estimated to be 2.6 and 3.1 mm d⁻¹, respectively. Soil water tension 1 cm below the surface remained above −100 cm (mb) all season (100% of the time) when a mulch was used, compared to only 30% of the time in the bare soil. Correspondingly, the water table was sustained above the 40 cm depth, 60% of time in the mulch covered site, compared to only 40% of the time in the bare peat site. Negative relief elements of the microtopography were wetter and cooler than positive relief elements. However, when under a mulch, the negative relief elements provided no additional benefit, in terms of temperature or soil moisture amelioration. The control site with a mulch cover was equivalent or better than negative relief elements with a mulch cover. Taking into account the poorer performance of positive relief elements, even when mulch covered, the creation of surface microtopography reduced the overall moisture content of the site. Sphagnum established and spread only when the diaspores were protected with a straw mulch. All microtopography types tested had no effect on the establishment of Sphagnum mosses when the microtopography treatments, including positive and negative relief elements, were treated as a whole, although being in a depression helped Sphagnum establishment.     

Physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the integration of light and temperature cues in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds

The relief of dormancy and the promotion of seed germination are of extreme importance for a successful seedling establishment. Although alternating temperatures and light are signals promoting the relief of seed dormancy, the underlying mechanisms of their interaction in seeds are scarcely known. By exposing imbibed Arabidopsis thaliana dormant seeds to two‐day temperature cycles previous of a red light pulse, we demonstrate that the germination mediated by phytochrome B requires the presence of functional PSEUDO‐RESPONSE REGULATOR 7 (PRR7) and TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1 (TOC1) alleles. In addition, daily cycles of alternating temperatures in darkness reduce the protein levels of DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1), allowing the expression of TOC1 to induce seed germination. Our results suggest a functional role for some components of the circadian clock related with the action of DOG1 for the integration of alternating temperatures and light signals in the relief of seed dormancy. The synchronization of germination by the synergic action of light and temperature through the activity of circadian clock might have ecological and adaptive consequences.     

Two centuries of vegetation succession in an inland sand dune area,central Netherlands

Questions: (a) What are the rates and directions of vegetation succession in an inland sand‐dune system? (b) What are the differences in successional trajectories in different relief types? and (c) Is it possible to preserve the last areas of still active dunes and under what circumstances? Location: The study sites were located in the northern part of the Veluwe Region, central Netherlands; longitude 5°44′ E, latitude 52°20′ N, altitude 9 to 24 m a.s.l. Methods: Vegetation and relief mapping was conducted in three permanent plots, 200 m × 200 m in size, in 1988 and 2003. Phytosociological relevés (2400) were recorded in each 10 m × 10 m subplots. Age of woody species was determined by wood coring. Geographic Information System, ordination analyses, and TWINSPAN were used for data exploration and elaboration. Results: A total of 70 vascular plants and 19 bryophytes were recorded over successional stages spanning approximately190 years. The following dominant species formed the sequence of successional stages, but not all participated in all relief types: Ammophila arenaria, Festuca arenaria, Corynephorus canescens, Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris, and pine forest dominated in its herb layer at first by Deschampsia flexuosa and later by either Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus or Vaccinium vitis‐idaea. Conclusions: The successional trajectory is basically unidirectional for more than 100 years; no clear multiple successional pathways were observed, as is frequent in coastal dunes. Successional divergence was observed after approximately 130 years in the composition of the herb layer in the closed pine forest. The obvious vegetation heterogeneity in the still active sand‐blown area is related to differences in timing of vegetation establishment on particular relief types, thus the succession exhibits a terrain‐dependent asynchronous character. We conclude that the last patches of still‐active sand dunes can be preserved only by repeated strong artificial disturbances.     

Bioproduction of benzaldehyde in a solid–liquid two-phase partitioning bioreactor using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pichia pastoris</Emphasis>

The bioproduction of benzaldehyde from benzyl alcohol using Pichia pastoris was examined in a solid–liquid two-phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) to reduce substrate and product inhibition. Rational polymer selection identified Elvax 40W as an effective sequestering phase, possessing partition coefficients for benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde of 3.5 and 35.4, respectively. The use of Elvax 40W increased the overall mass of benzaldehyde produced by approx. 300% in a 5 l bioreactor, relative to a single phase biotransformation. The two-phase system had a molar yield of 0.99, indicating that only minor losses occurred. These results provide a promising starting point for solid–liquid TPPBs to enhance benzaldehyde production, and suggest that multiple, targeted polymers may provide relief for transformations characterized by multiple inhibitory substrates/product/by-products.     

Identification of soybean cultivars by the surface relief of the seed coat

Summary The relief of the outer surface of the seed coat of 16 diverse cultivars of soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, was compared on the basis of pattern, mound number and mound height in both air and water media. Significant differences among cultivars were found indicating that surface relief characteristics were cultivar-specific and could be used to describe and distinguish cultivars.     

An experimental study of the habitat preferences and movement patterns of copper,quillback, and brown rockfishes (Sebastes spp.)

Synopsis A study was designed to test whether habitat association affects the movement patterns and habitat preferences of copper, quillback, and brown rockfishes. Resighting of tagged rockfishes (512 tagged rockfishes and 726 resightings) from July 1986 through June 1988 indicated that home ranges, movements from reefs, and tendency to return from experimental displacement (up to 8.0 km) were significantly different on the three habitat types compared. On high relief rocky reefs, rockfishes maintained small home ranges (most within 30 m²) and displayed strong reef fidelity that was not affected by season; no off-reef movement was detected and rockfishes generally returned from displacements. On artificial reefs, rockfishes also maintained small home ranges (most within 30 m²), however, there were pronounced seasonal habitat preferences. In the summer, artificial reefs become less suitable; considerable off-reef movement occurred and rockfish did not return from displacements. In contrast, during fall and winter, rockfishes remained on artificial reefs and returned from displacements. On low relief rocky reefs, rockfishes maintained considerably larger home ranges (most within 400 m² and some up to 1500 m²) and habitat use was strongly affected by season; rockfishes only inhabited low relief reefs in the summer and only returned from displacements in the summer coincident when peak algal cover. In addition, there was substantial movement between artificial reefs and adjacent low relief reefs; many rockfishes leave artificial reefs in the summer, move to low relief reefs, and return to artificial reefs in the fall when kelp disappears on low relief reefs. Through habitat assessment, movement in response to habitat quality, and ability to home, these rockfish maintain a flexible behavior for optimal habitat use.     

The morphology and wear of the lingual notch in macaques and langurs

Although interspecific differences in the relative development of molar occlusal features have been documented for most primate species, wear-related changes in these features are only beginning to be understood. In the present study, the notch between the metaconid and entoconid of M₂ was examined in a skeletal sample of Macaca fascicularis, Presbytis cristatus, and Presbytis rubicunda from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. Photogrammetric analyses yielded X, Y, and Z coordinates that were used to compute three angular measurements and two length measurements at the lingual notch. Statistical analyses of measurements from unworn dentitions indicated that the mesial slope of the entoconid is steeper than the distal slope of the metaconid in all three species. In addition, interspecific comparisons demonstrated that P. cristatus has the steepest lingual notch bordered by the largest molar shearing crests, while P. rubicunda and M. fascicularis have molar shearing crests of similar size, with P. rubicunda merely having higher cusps that are closer together than those of M. fascicularis. Fanally, P. cristatus shows a smaller decrease in lingual cusp relief with wear than M. fascicularis, while P. cristatus and P. rubicunda probably show similar decreases in lingual cusp relief with wear. The differences in wear-related changes in lingual cusp relief between M. fascicularis and P. cristatus may well be related to the frugivorous/folivorous dietary differences between these species.     

Brood Relief Behaviour of the Cichlid Fish Etroplus maculatus

Quantitative recordings were made of the behaviour of Etroplus maculatus parents caring for eggs and wrigglers. Spatial and temporal aspects of brood relief behaviour are examined in connection with parent size, time of day, interval since spawning and the frequencies of occurrence of other behaviours. Function aspect of Cichild brood relief behaviour are discussed and compared with those of avian nest relief.     

BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS OF SPINAL-EPIDURAL LABOR ANALGESIA

Pain exhibits temporal variations in intensity due to multiple factors, including endogenous neuroendocrine and various external influences that vary over the 24?h. Also, medications can vary in potency and/or toxicity according to the time when they are administered. However, there is no consensus among studies regarding the 24-h pattern of analgesia during labor. Taking into account the time-of-day when labor analgesia is administered, this study aimed to answer two questions: (i) Is there diurnal variation in visual analogue scale (VAS)–rated pain relief and duration of intrathecal analgesia in patients undergoing labor analgesia? (ii) If there is, what is the influence of the duration of labor on the diurnal variation of the level of pain relief and duration of intrathecal analgesia? This prospective cohort included 41 healthy, nulliparous women in the first stage of labor undergoing spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia using fentanyl combined with bupivacaine. Subjects had an epidural catheter fitted for additional, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) if their pain relief was unsatisfactory. The number of VAS assessments (n?=?558) was divided into six time periods of the 24?h. The adjusted coefficient of determination (r²), the proportion of the variance explained by the association between the duration of labor and the temporal pattern of the outcomes variable, was 58% (r²?=?0.58) for pain relief and 44% (r²?=?0.44) for duration of intrathecal analgesia. The peak effect of labor analgesia occurred between 02:00 and 05:59?h. However, the duration of intrathecal analgesia showed two peaks, i.e., at ～00:00 and ～12:00?h. These results demonstrate that labor analgesia achieved by fentanyl combined with bupivacaine shows a diurnal pattern in pain relief and duration of spinal analgesia. However, part of these temporal patterns was explained by the association with duration of labor. (Author correspondence: caumo@cpovo.net)     

Arrangement Characteristics of Temporary Relief Facilities: A Case Study of the Sewol Ferry Disaster Using Space Syntax Modeling

The purpose of this study was to provide a quantitative assessment of the spatial placement characteristics of temporary disaster relief facilities that were built after the Sewol ferry disaster. Among space syntax analysis indicators, we selected control value, global real relation asymmetry (RRA), local RRA, and intelligibility to use in this study. We also assessed each relief facility's accessibility by facility type and use of spatial openness. As a result of our analysis of 193 relief facilities that were classified into 9 facility types, we discovered that the types requiring control over who could access them due to their facility characteristics had RRA values confirming that such facilities used space appropriately. Furthermore, most of the facility types, including the types needing openness or awareness, showed results that were appropriate for each assessment indicator. Our study is the first to examine relief facilities, whose placements are often temporary and expedient in response to large-scale disasters, with the lens of spatial characteristics analysis. The assessment methodology used in this study can be generalized, applied regardless of region, and used as a placement plan for future temporary relief facilities.     

Maintenance treatment with esomeprazole following initial relief of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated upper gastrointestinal symptoms: the NASA2 and SPACE2 studies

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, cause upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that are relieved by treatment with esomeprazole. We assessed esomeprazole for maintaining long-term relief of such symptoms. Six hundred and ten patients with a chronic condition requiring anti-inflammatory therapy who achieved relief of NSAID-associated symptoms of pain, discomfort, or burning in the upper abdomen during two previous studies were enrolled and randomly assigned into two identical, multicentre, parallel-group, placebo-controlled studies of esomeprazole 20 mg or 40 mg treatment (NASA2 [Nexium Anti-inflammatory Symptom Amelioration] and SPACE2 [Symptom Prevention by Acid Control with Esomeprazole] studies; ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT00241514 and NCT00241553, respectively) performed at various rheumatology, gastroenterology, and primary care clinics. Four hundred and twenty-six patients completed the 6-month treatment period. The primary measure was the proportion of patients with relapse of upper GI symptoms, recorded in daily diary cards, after 6 months. Relapse was defined as moderate-to-severe upper GI symptoms (a score of more than or equal to 3 on a 7-grade scale) for 3 days or more in any 7-day period. Esomeprazole was significantly more effective than placebo in maintaining relief of upper GI symptoms throughout 6 months of treatment. Life-table estimates (95% confidence intervals) of the proportion of patients with relapse at 6 months (pooled population) were placebo, 39.1% (32.2% to 46.0%); esomeprazole 20 mg, 29.3% (22.3% to 36.2%) (p = 0.006 versus placebo); and esomeprazole 40 mg, 26.1% (19.4% to 32.9%) (p = 0.001 versus placebo). Patients on either non-selective NSAIDs or selective COX-2 inhibitors appeared to benefit. The frequency of adverse events was similar in the three groups. Esomeprazole maintains relief of NSAID-associated upper GI symptoms in patients taking continuous NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors.     

A unique pattern of toxic synthesis in pentitol catabolism: Implications for evolution

Summary All of ourEscherichia coli C mutants blocked in the first step of D-arabitol catabolism (D-arabitol dehydrogenase) became unable to grow in the presense of D-arabitol. We have shown that this sensitivity is eliminated by a defect in the second enzyme of the pathway (D-xylulokinase), leading to a pattern of toxicity and its relief which has not been previously reported. We have found a similar pattern of toxicity and its relief in the closely related ribitol pathway. The evolutionary significance of these findings is discussed.