bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lacosamide treatment following status epilepticus attenuates neuronal cell loss and alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis in a rat electrical status epilepticus model
Authors: Licko Thomas , Seeger Natalie , Zellinger Christina , Russmann Vera , Matagne Alain , Potschka Heidrun
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The antiepileptic drug, lacosamide, exerts its therapeutic activity by enhancing slow inactivation of voltage‐gated sodium channels. Because putative preventive or disease‐modifying effects of drugs may affect epileptogenesis, intrinsic severity, and comorbidities, it is of particular interest to assess the effect of lacosamide on the development of epilepsy and associated cellular alterations.

Methods

The effect of lacosamide was evaluated in an electrical rat status epilepticus (SE) model with a 24‐day treatment phase following induction of SE. The impact of lacosamide on the development of spontaneous seizures based on continuous video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, as well as the impact on neuronal cell loss and alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis, was assessed.

Key Findings

Neither low‐dose nor high‐dose lacosamide affected the development of spontaneous seizures. A dose‐dependent neuroprotective effect of lacosamide with significant reduction of neuronal cell loss was observed in the hippocampal CA1 region, as well as in the piriform cortex. In addition, lacosamide attenuated the impact of SE on the rate of hippocampal cell neurogenesis. Moreover, lacosamide prevented a significant rise in the number of persistent basal dendrites.

Significance

Our data do not support an antiepileptogenic effect of lacosamide. However, because lacosamide reduced SE‐associated cellular alterations, it would be of interest to determine whether these effects indicate a putative disease‐modifying effect of lacosamide in future studies.
Law and the Financial Crisis: Searching for Europe's New Gold Standard
Authors: Wilsher Daniel
Published: April 2013

The role of law in the governance of the Eurozone confronts divergent economic and political perspectives which are reminiscent of the gold standard era. The Maastricht model sought to use to law to create a sound currency. In practice, fixed exchange rates caused large trade imbalances and risky cross‐border investments resulting in a Eurozone‐wide crisis of first private, and then later, public insolvency. In the face of continued political unwillingness to either pool fiscal resources or impose massive austerity and structural reform, the European Central Bank ECB has been forced to become lender of last resort to sovereigns to maintain the single currency. Ordo‐liberal critics argue that the ECB has created a transfer union in breach of the Maastricht agreement. Keynesians, by contrast, argue that, just as under the gold standard, using ‘constitutionalised’ austerity to rebalance trade is neither just nor credible. The Eurozone's reliance on law and markets above developed political institutions has failed, but no democratically legitimate process has replaced it.
The Distinguishing Features of the Study of the Ecology of Urban Landscapes
Authors: Gagné Sara A.
Published: April 2013

The urban transformation of the planet has spurred interest across a wide variety of disciplines in the fundamental changes to human society and the environment that result from urbanization. Landscape ecology is no exception. Since the late 1980s, the number of papers devoted to the study of the ecology of urban landscapes has risen dramatically. This trend prompted the question I address in this paper: what are the distinguishing features of the study of the ecology of urban landscapes? To answer this question, I reviewed 894 papers, published between 1987 and 2011, describing the ecology of urban terrestrial landscapes. Landscape ecologists who study urban landscapes use the gradient paradigm and the urban ecosystem framework to shape their research questions. They study subjects such as land use/land cover change, the ecological effects of land use type and pattern, and human‐made habitats that receive less attention from landscape ecologists studying non‐urban areas. They also study a very wide variety of disturbances that occur in urban landscapes. And, increasingly, they are making use of citizen‐generated data to answer their questions. Knowledge of the ecology of urban landscapes is largely based on comparisons of land use types, investigations along the urban gradient, and research centered on remnant habitat fragments in an urban matrix. Future directions for the study of the ecology of urban landscapes include testing whether understanding derived in less modified landscapes can be applied to intensively modified urban landscapes, investigating the interactions between agents of global change, such as climate change, and urbanization, investigating the effects of matrix quality on the biodiversity of habitat fragments, expanding our understanding of the ecological effects of land use pattern, and assessing the trade‐offs between human needs and the needs of other species by means of transdisciplinary collaborations.
Survey of practicing dermatologists on the prevalence of sensitive skin in men
Authors: Vanoosthuyze K. , Zupkosky P. J. , Buckley K.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Today, a majority of the general population describe themselves as having sensitive skin. Although this is often considered more of a problem for women, the number of men claiming this condition is substantial. The objective of these studies was to evaluate dermatologists' perceptions with regard to the prevalence of sensitive skin among men, and the potential impact of influencing factors.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys were conducted among two groups; a European survey (1531 subjects), which included dermatologists from several geographical regions, and a US Internet survey (300 subjects).

Results and Conclusion

The majority of dermatologists in both studies (82.0% and 58.3%, respectively) either agreed or strongly agreed that they have noticed an increase in male patients reporting sensitive facial skin over the past 5 years. Some regional differences were apparent in the European survey, with a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher proportion agreeing in Central/Eastern Europe (84.9%) and Asia (89.9%) compared with Western Europe (75.1%). General factors cited that could influence the incidence of perceived skin sensitivity included environmental factors, stress, increased acceptance in society and increased use of products. With the exception of UV light exposure, which was cited by a majority of dermatologists in all geographical regions, exacerbating environmental factors differed in a manner that may have been related to differing climates in the regions. In both surveys, over 90% of responders agreed that the selection of shaving products was important for men with sensitive skin.
Utility and assessment of non‐technical skills for rapid response systems and medical emergency teams
Authors: Chalwin R. P. , Flabouris A.
Published: April 2013

Efforts are ongoing to improve outcomes from cardiac arrest and medical emergencies. A promising quality improvement modality is use of non‐technical skills (NTS) that aim to address human factors through improvements in performance of leadership, communication, situational awareness and decision‐making. Originating in the airline industry, NTS training has been successfully introduced into anaesthesia, surgery, emergency medicine and other acute medical specialities. Some aspects of NTS have already achieved acceptance for cardiac arrest teams. Leadership skills are emphasised in advanced life support training and have shown favourable results when employed in simulated and clinical resuscitation scenarios. The application of NTS in medical emergency teams as part of a rapid response system attending medical emergencies is less certain; however, observations of simulations have also shown promise. This review highlights the potential benefits of NTS competency for cardiac arrest teams and, more importantly, medical emergency teams because of the diversity of clinical scenarios encountered. Discussion covers methods to assess and refine NTS and NTS training to optimise performance in the clinical environment. Increasing attention should be applied to yielding meaningful patient and organisational outcomes from use of NTS. Similarly, implementation of any training course should receive appropriate scrutiny to refine team and institutional performance.
Impairment of the Sieve Tube Sealing Mechanism of Trees Infected by Mycoplasma‐like Organisms
Authors: Kollar A. , Seemüller E. , Krczal G.
Published: April 2013

Apple (Malus pumila Mill.), alder (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaerm.), and aspen (Populus tremula L.) belong to the tree species which do not exudate if the phloem is severed. On proliferation‐diseased apple trees as well as on alder and aspen trees similarly infected by mycoplasma‐like organisms (MLOs) it was observed that at a variable number of trees the sealing mechanism of the sieve tubes was affected. From such trees up to 10 ml exudate were obtained. On apple, exudation was significantly influenced by the cultivar. Histological studies revealed that exudation is closely related to MLO colonization at the site of incision. MLOs were always found in the sieve tube sap at a concentration of at least 2400 organisms per ml.

Beeinträchtigung des Verschlußmechanismus der Siebröhren bei Bäumen mit einem Befall durch mycoplasmaähnliche Organismen

Apfel (Malus pumila Mill.), Schwarzerle (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn.) und Zitterpappel (Populas tremula L.) gehören zu den Baumarten, bei denen nach Anschneiden des Phloems kein Siebröhrensaft austritt. Bei triebsuchtkranken Apfelbäumen sowie bei Schwarzerle und Zitterpappel, die ebenfalls durch mycoplasmaähnliche Organismen (MLOs) befallen waren, konnte jedoch nachgewiesen werden, daß bei einem unterschiedlichen Anteil der Bäume der Verschlußmechanismus der Siebröhren gestört ist. In solchen Fällen konnten bis zu 10 ml Siebröhrensaft pro Baum gewonnen werden. Die Exsudation war beim Apfel in starkem Maße von der Sorte abhängig. In histologischen Untersuchungen wurde festgestellt, daß der Saftaustritt eng mit der MLO‐Besiedlung an der Stelle des Anschneidens korreliert ist. In dem gewonnenen Siebröhrensaft waren regelmäßig MLOs in einer Dichte von mindestens 2400/ml nachzuweisen.
Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni in Sunflower Seeds and the Role of Infected Seeds in Producing Plants with Systemic Symptoms
Authors: Döken M. Timur
Published: April 2013

Fully formed seeds collected from the plants systemically infected by Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni rarely gave rise to plants exhibiting systemic downy mildew symptoms. However the mean ratio of infected seeds among the matured seeds of systemically infected plants was 28%. The hyphae which proceed from receptacles to ovary from the tissues where hilum region develops, cause seed infection. In the infected mature seeds mycelium is present in testa and the inner layer of pericarp. No infection appeared in the embryo of these seeds.

Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni in Sonnenblumensamen und die Rolle von infizierten Samen in einer späteren, systemischen Symptomausprägung bei Pflanzen

Aus reifen Samen von Pflanzen, die eine systemische Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni Infektion aufwiesen, wurden Pflanzen, die systemische Mehltausymptome zeigten, nur selten erzeugt. Jedoch betrug der Prozentsatz der reifen Samen, die infiziert waren, 28%. Die Hyphen, die von den Blütenböden zu den Fruchtknoten weiterwachsen, verursachen Sameninfektionen. Bei infizierten, reifen Samen wurde Myzel in der Testa und der inneren Schicht des Perikarps gefunden. Im Embryo dieser Samen wurde jedoch keine Infektion festgestellt.
An Investigation of Pathogenicity of four Isolates of Fusarium oxysporum from South America, Africa and Malaysia to Clonal Oil Palm
Authors: Flood J. , Cooper R. M. , Lees P. E.
Published: April 2013

The pathogenicity of four isolates of Fusarium oxysporum from Brazil, Zaire and Malaysia, to clonal oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) was examined.

The isolates from Brazil and Zaire were virulent pathogens which extensively colonized inoculated plantlets, producing severe stunting and chlorosis and significantly reducing plant growth. In contrast, two isolates from Malaysia were avirulent or only weakly virulent; nevertheless, both systemically colonized plantlets and one was present in amounts comparable to the virulent isolates.

The implications of these findings with regard to the planting of clonal oil palm in each of these three main growing areas is discussed.

Untersuchung der Pathogenität von vier Fusarium oxysporum‐lsolaten, die von geklonten Ölpalmen aus Süd‐Amerika, Afrika und Malaysia isoliert wurden

Untersucht wurde die Pathogenität von vier Fusarium oxysporum‐Isohten aus Brasilien, Zaire und Malaysia auf geklonten Ölpalmen (Elaeis guineensis).

Die Isolate aus Brasilien und Zaire zeigten sich als virulente Pathogene, die inokulierte, junge Pflanzen sehr stark kolonisierten und starke Wachstumshemmung und Chlorose verursachten. Dagegen waren die zwei aus Malaysia stammenden Isolate avirulent bzw. nur schwach virulent. Trotzdem waren diese Isolate in der Lage, junge Pflanzen systemisch zu kolonisieren, ein Isolat war sogar genau so stark vertreten wie virulente Isolate.

Die Bedeutung dieser Ergebnisse bezüglich der Pflanzung von geklonten Ölpalmen in diesen drei Anbaugebieten wird diskutiert.
The Effect of Leaf Age on Susceptibility of Strawberry to Infection by Mycosphaerella fragariae
Authors: Harrison G. L. , Stewart A.
Published: April 2013

Leaf age was shown to have a significant effect on the susceptibility of strawberry to infection by the leaf spot pathogen Mycosphaerella fragariae (Tul.) Lindau. Young rapidly expanding leaves (1–4 weeks old) were highly susceptible to infection and a large number of characteristic red/brown lesions were formed. Bud leaves and leaves older than twelve weeks at the time of inoculation were found to be resistant to infection. Several factors that may determine the difference in susceptibility of different aged leaves to infection are discussed.

Der Einfluß vom Blattalter auf die Empfindlichkeit von Erdbeerpflanzen auf eine Mycosphaerella fragariae‐Infektion

Festgestellt wurde, daß das Blattalter einen bedeutenden Einfluß auf die Empfindlichkeit von Erdbeerpflanzen auf eine Infektion durch das Blattfleckenpathogen Mycospharella fragariae (Tul.) Lindau hat. Junge, schnell wachsende Blätter (1–4 Wochen alt) waren sehr anfällig gegenüber einer Infektion, und es wurden zahlreiche, charakteristische rot/braune Läsionen gebildet. Knospenblätter und Blätter älter als 12 Wochen zur Zeit der Inokulation dagegen waren résistent gegen eine Infektion. Diskutiert werden einige Faktoren, die für die unterschiedliche Empfindlichkeit von Blättern verschiedenen Alters auf eine Infektion verantwortlich sein können.
Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (Teleomorph Gibberella zeae Schw. Petch) — Cultural Characteristics, Pathogenicity Towards Cereal Seedlings and Ability to Produce Mycotoxins
Authors: Manka Malgorzata , Chelkowski J. , Brayford D. , Visconti A. , Kwasna H. , Perkowski J.
Published: April 2013

All 20 strains of Fusarium graminearum Schwabe isolated from cereals in Poland formed perithecia of the teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch; all except two produced zearalenone at concentrations of up to 90 mg/kg and deoxynivalenol (= vomitoxin) up to 77 mg/kg under laboratory conditions. The ten strains tested proved to be strong pathogens of wheat, rye, triticale and barley seedlings in infection experiments. Strains were pathogenic to a similar extent, irrespective of the cereal species from which they had been isolated. However, triticale seedlings were most susceptible to infection.

Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (Teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch — Kulturmerkmale, Pathogenität gegenüber Getreidesämlingen und Fähigkeit der Mykotoxinproduktion

Unter Laborbedingungen bildeten alle 20 Fusarium graminearum Schwabe‐Stämme, die von Getreide in Polen isoliert worden waren, Perithezien der Hauptfruchtform Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch, sowie, mit Ausnahme von zwei Stämmen, Zearalenon und Deoxynivalenol (= Vomitoxin) in Konzentrationen bis zu 90 bzw. 77 mg/kg. Die zehn getesteten Stämme zeigten sich als starke Pathogene an Weizen‐, Roggen‐, Triticale‐ und Gerstensämlingen in Infektionsversuchen. Die Pathogenitätsstärke der Stämme war gleich und mit der Wirtspflanze nicht gekoppelt. Die Triticalesämlinge erwiesen sich jedoch als am meisten anfällig.
Bacterial Leaf Spot of Anthurium (Anthurium spp.) Caused by a Pseudomonas sp. in the French West Indies
Authors: Prior P. , Rott P.
Published: April 2013

A Pseudomonas species is reported as a new pathogen of the leaves and spathe of anthurium. This vascular disease is characterized by black necrotic spots surrounded by greasy margins and a bright chlorotic halo on leaves and a violet halo on the spathe. Symptoms observed on naturally infected material as well as pathogenicity tests showed both local and systemic infections. Morphological, cytological, physiological, biochemical and serological characteristics of the pathogen are presented. There is evidence that this bacterium may be a new species.

Bakterielle Blattflecken von Anthurium (Anthurium spp.) in Guadeloupe und Martinique verursacht durch ein Pseudomonas sp.

Berichtet wird über einen Pseudomonas sp., der als ein neuer Blatt‐ und Blütenscheidepathogen bei Anthurium auftrat. Diese Leitbündelkrankheit wird durch schwarze nekrotische Flecken, die von einem fettigen Rand umgeben sind, charakterisiert. Auf den Blättern werden diese Flecken mit einem hellen, chlorotischen Halo, auf den Blütenscheiden einem violetten Halo umrandet. Die beobachteten Symptome sowohl nach natürlichen Infektionen als auch in Pathogenitätsprüfungen, deuteten auf lokalen und systemischen Befall hin. Präsentiert werden morphologische, cytologische, physiologische, biochemische und serologische Eigenschaften des Pathogens. Es gibt Beweise dafür, daß das Bakterium eine neue Spezies sein könnte.
Effect of Herbicides on Rhizoctonia Seedling Disease of Soybeans in Glasshouse Experiments
Authors: Bowman J. E. , Sinclair J. B.
Published: April 2013

The effect of 13 herbicides, alone or in combination, on the seedling disease of soybeans (Glycine max cv. Williams), caused by Rhizoctonia solani, was studied in the glasshouse. Seedlings grown in soil infested with R. solani and treated with alachlor, chloramben, dinoseb, fluchloralin, or naptalam significantly decreased aspects of seedling development in one or more experiments. Metolachlor, metribuzin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, profluralin, as well as the combinations of alachlor + chloramben, trifluralin + chloramben and trifluralin + metribuzin did not significantly affect any aspect of seedling development. Treatment with trifluralin gave mixed results. No herbicide consistently improved seedling development in the presence or absence of the pathogen.

Einfluß von Herbiziden auf die Rhizoctonia‐Sämlingskrankheit der Sojabohne in Gewächshausuntersuchungen

Im Gewächshaus wurde der Einfluß von 13 Herbiziden, allein oder in Mischungen, auf die Sämlingskrankheit der Sojabohne (Glycine max, Sorte Williams), die durch Rhizoctonia solani verursacht wird, untersucht. In R. solani‐verseuchter Erde entwickelten sich Sämlinge nach einer Alachlor‐, Chloramben‐, Dinoseb‐, Fluchloralin‐ oder Naptalambehandlung deutlich schlechter in einem oder mehreren Versuchen. Die Sämlingsentwicklung wurde durch Behandlungen mit Meto‐lachlor, Metribuzin, Oryzalin, Pendimethalin, Profluralin, sowie die Mischungen Alachlor + Chloramben, Trifluralin + Chloramben und Trifluralin + Metribuzin nicht beeinflußt. Eine Trifluralinbe‐handlung führte zu schwankenden Ergebnissen. Eine stetige Verbesserung der Sämlingsentwicklung nach einer Herbizidbehandlung, bei Vorhandensein oder NichtVorhandensein des Pathogens, konnte nicht ermittelt werden.
The Coat Protein of Tobacco Mosaic Virus does not Play a Significant Role for Cross‐Protection
Authors: Gerber M. , Sarkar S.
Published: April 2013

DT‐1G, a symptomless coat‐protein‐free TMV mutant was used to induce a high degree of cross‐protection (about 90%) against U1 strain in samsun tobacco. This mutant spreads slowly from cell to cell, so that it is difficult to have all cells infected in the leaf by mechanical inoculation and to achieve 100% cross‐protection. The absence of coat protein in DT‐1G infected samsun leaves was proved: 1. by silver staining of polyacrylamide gels after separation of total proteins by electrophoresis and 2. ELISA‐test with two different enzyme conjugates. Cross‐protection effect was quantified by measuring the amount of coat protein produced by the challenging Ul strain.

The presence of TMV coat protein is not essential for cross‐protection.

Das Hüllprotein von Tabakmosaikvirus spielt keine bedeutende Rolle für die Prämunität

DT‐1G, eine symptomlose, Hüllprotein‐freie TMV Mutante wurde benutzt, um ein hohes Maß an Prämunität (ca. 90%) gegen den Ul Stamm (Wildstamm) in Samsun Tabak zu induzieren. Diese Mutante breitet sich langsam von Zelle zu Zelle aus, so daß es schwierig ist, bei mechanischer Inokulation alle Zellen in einem Blatt zu infizieren und eine 100%ige Prämunität zu erreichen. Das Fehlen von Hüllprotein in DT‐IG infizierten Samsun Blättern wurde überprüft: 1. durch Silberfärbung von Polyacrylamid Gelen nach Auftrennung von gesamtextrahierbarem Protein und 2. ELISA Test mit zwei verschiedenen Enzymkonjugaten. Der Prämunitätseffekt wurde quantifiziert durch Messung von Hüllprotein, das durch den zweitverimpften Ul Stamm produziert wurde.

Das Vorhandensein von TMV Hüllprotein ist nicht essentiell für das Auslösen der Prämunität.
Evaluation of Antisera to an Inhibitor of Virus Replication (IVR)
Authors: Gera A. , Loebenstein G.
Published: April 2013

Antisera to an inhibitor of virus replication (IVR) were prepared. The two biologically active fractions — IVR‐1 (MW 26,000) and IVR‐2 (MW 57,000) were either mixed or used separately for injection into rabbits. The mixed antiserum enabled a clear distinction in ELISA and in agar gel diffusion tests between preparations of IVR from the incubation medium of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)‐infected protoplasts, and the preparation obtained from control protoplasts. Antisera prepared against each of the two fractions were highly cross‐reactive in both ELISA and agar‐gel diffusion tests. The mixed IVR antiserum totally abolished the inhibitory activity of IVR, whereas normal antiserum had no effect on its biological activity. IVR antiserum did not react with TMV, TMV coat protein, human leukocyte interferon, or the antiviral factor (AVF). These results strengthen our previous suggestion that IVR‐2 is a dimer of IVR‐1.

Bewertung von Antiseren gegen einen Inhibitor der Virusreplikation (IVR)

Hergestellt wurden Antiseren gegen einen Inhibitor der Virusreplikation (IVR). Die zwei biologisch aktiven Fraktionen — IVR‐1 (MGew. 26000) und IVR‐2 (MGew. 57000) — wurden entweder zusammen oder allein in Kaninchen injiziert. Das gemischte Antiserum ermöglicht, nach ELISA oder Agargeldiffusionstests, daß IVR‐Präparationen aus dem Inkubationsmedium von Tabak Mosaik Virus (TMV)‐infizierten Protoplasten und die von Kontrollprotoplasten voneinander deutlich unterschieden werden konnten. Antiseren, die gegen die zwei Fraktionen hergestellt wurden, hatten eine hohe Kreuzreaktion in ELISA und Agargeldiffusionstests. Das gemischte IVR‐Antiserum annullierte total die hemmende Aktivität der IVR, normales Antiserum dagegen beeinflußt deren

biologische Aktivität nicht. Das IVR‐Antiserum reagierte nicht mit TMV, TMV‐Hülleprotein, menschlichem Leukozyteninterferon oder dem Antivirusfaktor. Diese Ergebnisse bestätigen unsere frühere Hypothese, daß IVR‐2 ein Dimer des IVR‐1 ist.
Prevention of early childhood caries
Authors: Ismail Amid I.
Published: April 2013

Abstract—

This paper reviews the methods used for the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC). The education of mothers or caregivers to promote healthy dietary habits in infants has been the main strategy used for the prevention of ECC. This review found that education has a modest impact on the development of ECC. While education should be promoted especially in high risk communities and population groups (low‐income families and native populations), it should not be the only preventive strategy of ECC. Early screening for signs of caries development, starting from the first year of life, could identify infants and toddlers who are at risk of developing ECC and assist in providing information to parents about how to promote oral health and prevent the development of tooth decay. High risk children include those with early signs of ECC, poor oral hygiene, limited exposure to fluorides, and frequent exposure to sugary snacks and drinks. These children should be targeted with a professional preventive program that includes fluoride varnish application, fluoridated dentifrices, fluoride supplements, sealants, diet counseling, and chlorhexidine. Prevention of ECC also requires addressing the social and economic factors that face many families where ECC is endemic.
Public health issues in early childhood caries
Authors: Weinstein Philip
Published: April 2013

Abstract—

Early childhood caries (ECC) is primarily a disease of poor, minority population children who generally have limited access to dental services. Public health dental clinics have not made the prevention and control of ECC a priority, and the services provided have not controlled ECC. New training and early screening are recommended. Additionally, repeated accessing of mothers and children through prenatal and postnatal medical visits is recommended. At such visits behavioral and chemotherapeutic strategies need to be utilized. Examples from a demonstration project in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas are presented.
Participatory Gains and Policy Effectiveness: The Open Method of Co‐ordination Information Society
Authors: Harcourt Alison
Published: April 2013

This article provides empirical findings on the relationship between the open method of co‐ordination and participation (OMC). Empirically, it draws on within‐case analysis to examine how participation, venues and outcomes have varied in different domains of information society policy. This is a challenging case for claims about the participatory effects of the OMC because it is not a policy originally designed to address social policy concerns or unemployment problems. The main conceptual argument is that the OMC is a political opportunity structure that distributes participatory gains. The article examines this opportunity structure by separating out the dimensions of ‘procedure’ and ‘outcomes’ and including ‘transparency’ as a moderating variable. The findings point to participatory effects in all but one case, although not for the same actors and at the same level (European Union or national/sub‐national).
The Presidents of the European Commission: Transactional or Transforming Leaders?
Authors: Tömmel Ingeborg
Published: April 2013

This article analyzes the leadership of three Commission Presidents: Jacques Delors, Jacques Santer and Romano Prodi. It questions whether these Presidents performed as transactional or transforming leaders – that is, whether they ‘mattered’ as forceful promoters of the European project. Drawing on leadership theory, the article identifies three factors providing opportunities and setting constraints, as decisive for exercising political leadership: the institutional setting, the situational context and the personal qualities of the office holders. It analyzes to what extent these factors, and the interplay among them, shape the leadership of the Commission Presidents, and which of these factors are conditional for the exercise of transforming leadership. It concludes that only Delors was able to act as a transforming leader, whereas Santer and Prodi mainly performed as transactional leaders. These differences are explained by variations in the situational context and the personal qualities of the incumbents and the interplay between all three factors determining political leadership.
Dietary partitioning by five sympatric species of stingray (Dasyatidae) on coral reefs
Authors: O'Shea O. R. , Thums M. , van Keulen M. , Kempster R. M. , Meekan M. G.
Published: April 2013

Dietary characteristics and the degree of dietary partitioning by five species of sympatric stingray were assessed using stomach content and sediment analyses within a coral reef lagoon at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia (the cowtailPastinachus atrus, blue‐spotted fantailTaeniura lymma, blue‐spotted maskNeotrygon kuhlii, porcupineUrogymnus asperrimusrays and the reticulate whiprayHimantura uarnak). A total of 2804 items were recovered from the stomachs of 170 rays and 3215 individual taxa from the environment, which were used in selectivity analyses. Twenty‐four prey taxa were identified from stomach contents and pooled into 10 taxonomic categories for analysis, of which annelids, prawns, brachyurans and bivalves were the most abundant, together accounting for 96% of the diet.Himantura uarnakhad the greatest interspecific dissimilarity in diet, consuming a larger proportion of crustaceans, notably penaeids (41% of total diet) than the other four species of rays, all of which had diets dominated by annelids (71–82% of total diet). Crustacean specialization byH. uarnakmay exist to maximize resources and reduce competition among sympatric species. The remaining species may partition resources on the basis of space, rather than diet.
Psychometric Properties of the Differentiation of Self Inventory‐Revised in Turkish Adults
Authors: Işık Erkan , Bulduk Sabiha
Published: April 2013

The purpose of the current study was to examine the validity and reliability of (Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 2003, 29, 209) Differentiation of Self Inventory‐Revised (DSI‐R; Skowron & Schmit, 2003) in Turkish adults. The DSI‐R was translated, independently back‐translated, and revised. Two independent samples of adults over the age of 25 were used. The original 46‐item DSI‐R was not supported by the data derived from Sample 1 (n = 221). However, a revised 20‐item, four‐factor model fit the data well. This 20‐item model was subsequently cross‐validated with a second sample of Turkish adults (n = 187). Scale scores showed adequate internal consistency, 5‐week test–retest reliability, and satisfactory convergent and criterion‐related validity. It was concluded that Turkish DSI‐R (DSI‐T) is a valid and reliable measure to assess an individual's differentiation level. In light of the findings, implications for the use of the DSI‐T and ideas for future research are discussed.
INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN LAGGING REGIONS
Authors: Stephens Heather M. , Partridge Mark D. , Faggian Alessandra
Published: April 2013

The paper investigates what are the most important factors in fostering growth in rural, remote regions with historically low growth rates. In particular, we focus on the lagging Appalachian region and compare it to both nearby counties and other similarly lagging U.S. counties. Factors such as self‐employment, human capital, creativity, university spillovers and high‐technology clusters are considered. Our results suggest that entrepreneurship and creativity factors are key to increasing growth in the Appalachian region and in similar lagging regions nationally. However, there is little evidence that other knowledge‐based factors are conducive to growth in these regions.
Suramin inhibits PDGF-stimulated receptor phosphorylation, proteoglycan synthesis and glycosaminoglycan hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Little Peter J , Rostam Muhamad Ashraf , Piva Terrence J , Getachew Robel , Kamato Danielle , Guidone Daniel , Ballinger Mandy L , Zheng Wenhua , Osman Narin
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Suramin is a polysulfonated naphthylurea with antiparasitic and potential antineoplastic activity. Suramin's pharmacological actions, which have not yet been fully elucidated, include antagonism of the action of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) at its receptor. We investigated the effects of suramin on PDGF-stimulated proteoglycan synthesis.

Methods

Human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were incubated in the presence and absence of PDGF and suramin with [3H]thymidine or 35SO4 as radiolabels. Mitogenic response was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. PDGFβ receptor phosphorylation was assessed by western blotting. Proteoglycan size and glycosaminoglycan chain synthesis and size were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Alphascreen phosphotyrosine assay kit was used to investigate PDGFβ receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition by suramin.

Key findings

Suramin decreased PDGF-stimulated proliferation, proteoglycan synthesis and GAG chain hyperelongation. Suramin also directly inhibited PDGFβ receptor kinase activity as well as PDGFβ receptor phosphorylation in intact VSMCs.

Conclusions

These data show that inhibition of PDGFβ receptor phosphorylation in intact cells is necessary to define a fully active PDGF antagonist. They also confirm that PDGFβ receptor kinase activity is necessary for PDGF-mediated atherogenic changes in proteoglycan synthesis and support efforts to develop PDGFβ receptor antagonists as potential anti-atherosclerotic agents.
Herb–drug pharmacokinetic interaction of artificial calculus bovis with diclofenac sodium and chlorpheniramine maleate in rats
Authors: Peng Can , Lv Mengying , Tian Jixin , Huang Yin , Tian Yuan , Zhang Zunjian
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To investigate the herb–drug pharmacokinetic interaction of artificial calculus bovis (ACB) with diclofenac sodium (DS) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) in rats.

Methods

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of DS and CPM in rat plasma. The proposed method was successfully applied to compare the herb–drug pharmacokinetic interaction of ACB with DS and CPM in rats following intragastric administration.

Key findings

The proposed method had good linearity and no endogenous material interfered with the analytes and internal standard peaks. The lower limit of quantification of DS and CPM was 1 and 0.1 ng/ml, respectively. There was no apparent pharmacokinetic interaction between DS and CPM. Co-administration of ACB with DS noticeably increased the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0-∞) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of DS, while the parameters time of peak concentration (Tmax), clearance (ClZ/F) and apparent volume of distribution (VZ/F) of DS significantly decreased. Meanwhile, co-administration of ACB with CPM noticeably increased the Tmax, ClZ/F and VZ/F of CPM. A marked decline in AUC0-∞ and Cmax of CPM occurred in the presence of ACB.

Conclusions

This study indicated that co-administration of ACB with DS and CPM can result in an apparent herb–drug pharmacokinetic interaction in rats.
Periodontal healing after application of enamel matrix derivative in surgical supra/infrabony periodontal defects in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Shirakata Y. , Eliezer M. , Nemcovsky C. E. , Weinreb M. , Dard M. , Sculean A. , Bosshardt D. D. , Moses O.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objective

Epidemiologic and clinical studies have indicated that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease progression and healing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate short‐term healing after enamel matrix derivative (EMD) application in combined supra/infrabony periodontal defects in diabetic rats.

Material and Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were initially divided into two groups, one with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes and another one with healthy (non‐diabetic) animals. Bony defects were surgically created on the mesial root of the first maxillary molars. After root surface planing and EDTA conditioning, EMD was applied to the roots at one side of the maxillae, while those on the contralateral sides were left untreated. Animals were killed 3 wk after surgery, and block sections were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

There was statistically significant more gingival recession in diabetic animals than in non‐diabetic animals. The length of the junctional epithelium was significantly shorter in the EMD‐treated sites in both diabetic and normoglycemic rats. Sulcus depth and length of supracrestal soft connective tissue showed no statistically significant differences between groups. In all animals, new bone formation was observed. Although new bone occurred more frequently in healthy animals, the extent of new bone was not significantly different between groups. In none of the teeth, a layer of new cementum was detectable. EMD had no influence on bone or cementum regeneration. Adverse reactions such as excessive inflammation due to bacterial root colonization, ankylosis and bone fractures were exclusively observed in diabetic animals, irrespective of EMD treatment.

Conclusion

Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that periodontal healing was impaired in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. EMD had no beneficial effects on new bone and cementum formation during short‐term healing in this defect model and could not ameliorate the adverse effects in the systemically compromised animals.
Ponds in acidic mountains are more important for bats in providing drinking water than insect prey
Authors: Seibold S. , Buchner J. , Bässler C. , Müller J.
Published: April 2013

Ponds, streams and other water bodies are known to attract high numbers of bats of various species and all foraging guilds. The attractiveness of these riparian habitats for bats lies in their providing the required large amounts of drinking water for successful reproduction and a potentially high supply of both aquatic and terrestrial prey insects compared to the surrounding habitats, and in the lower ultrasound interference over water than in forest habitats, important for foraging of open‐habitat bat species. The actual abundance of prey depends strongly on the productivity of the aquatic ecosystem, and therefore eutrophic riparian habitats are highly attractive to bats, but little is known about the reasons for the attractiveness of oligotrophic habitats. Here, we compared the bat activity, bat foraging activity and insect abundance around oligotrophic and less‐prey‐rich ponds in acidic near‐natural environments to two structurally similar, simple habitats, that is, clear‐cuts and meadows, by simultaneously recording echolocation calls and light trapping of insects. Our generalized linear mixed models showed no differences in prey abundance but higher bat activity at ponds than at meadows and clear‐cuts, and all locally indigenous bat species visited the ponds. The foraging activity of bats evaluated as the proportion of feeding buzzes to commuting passes positively correlated with prey abundance at meadows and clear‐cuts but not at water bodies. We therefore conclude that ponds in acidic mountain areas are more important to bats as a source of drinking water than as a source of prey. Our results indicate that bat monitoring in such a landscape by bat‐call recording and probably by mist netting is highly promising around water bodies, and that bat conservation strategies should maintain a continuous network of water sources as an important habitat feature.
Physical properties of the drill core from the El'gygytgyn impact structure, NE Russia
Authors: Maharaj Dharmindar , Elbra Tiiu , Pesonen Lauri J.
Published: April 2013

The El'gygytgyn impact structure in northeast Russia was drilled in 2008/2009. The 3.5 Ma old structure has a rim‐to‐rim diameter of 18 km and is the only known impact structure that has been formed on a siliceous volcanic target. The petrophysical, rock‐ and paleomagnetic properties, including attempted reorientation of samples, along the El'gygytgyn drill core were analyzed. Physical properties, such as bulk density, porosity, seismic velocity, and electrical conductivity, clearly showed the propagation of shock and the associated fracturing. The grain density, however, was probably influenced by the postimpact hydrothermal activity and/or the distribution of impact melt. The highest values of electrical conductivity coincided with higher concentrations of particular metals as indicated by Raschke et al. (2012a). The rock‐ and paleomagnetic investigations showed iron‐titanium oxides with varying oxidation/reduction states as the main magnetic fraction in the core samples and indicated them as carriers for remanent magnetization. With few exceptions, most samples showed normal polarity of characteristic remanent magnetization and confirmed that the impact occurred after the Gauss/Gilbert (approximately 3.596 Ma) reversal. Shallower inclinations than that expected for a 3.5 Ma dipole field were probably due to impact‐related block movements and/or compaction.
Geminivirus Rep protein interferes with the plant DNA methylation machinery and suppresses transcriptional gene silencing
Authors: Rodríguez‐Negrete Edgar , Lozano‐Durán Rosa , Piedra‐Aguilera Alvaro , Cruzado Lucia , Bejarano Eduardo R. , Castillo Araceli G.
Published: April 2013

Cytosine methylation is an epigenetic mark that promotes gene silencing and plays an important role in genome defence against transposons and invading DNA viruses. Previous data showed that the largest family of single‐stranded DNA viruses, Geminiviridae, prevents methylation‐mediated transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) by interfering with the proper functioning of the plant methylation cycle.

Here, we describe a novel counter‐defence strategy used by geminiviruses, which reduces the expression of the plant maintenance DNA methyltransferases, METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (MET1) and CHROMOMETHYLASE 3 (CMT3), in both locally and systemically infected tissues.

We demonstrated that the virus‐mediated repression of these two maintenance DNA methyltransferases is widespread among geminivirus species. Additionally, we identified Rep (Replication associated protein) as the geminiviral protein responsible for the repression of MET1 and CMT3, and another viral protein, C4, as an ancillary player in MET1 down‐regulation. The presence of Rep suppressed TGS of an Arabidopsis thaliana transgene and of host loci whose expression was strongly controlled by CG methylation. Bisulfite sequencing analyses showed that the expression of Rep caused a substantial reduction in the levels of DNA methylation at CG sites.

Our findings suggest that Rep, the only viral protein essential for replication, displays TGS suppressor activity through a mechanism distinct from that thus far described for geminiviruses.
Identification of Candida species in the clinical laboratory: a review of conventional, commercial, and molecular techniques
Authors: Neppelenbroek KH , Seó RS , Urban VM , Silva S , Dovigo LN , Jorge JH , Campanha NH
Published: April 2013

In healthy individuals, Candida species are considered commensal yeasts of the oral cavity. However, these microorganisms can also act as opportunist pathogens, particularly the so‐called non‐albicans Candida species that are increasingly recognized as important agents of human infection. Several surveys have documented increased rates of C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei in local and systemic fungal infections. Some of these species are resistant to antifungal agents. Consequently, rapid and correct identification of species can play an important role in the management of candidiasis. Conventional methods for identification of Candida species are based on morphological and physiological attributes. However, accurate identification of all isolates from clinical samples is often complex and time‐consuming. Hence, several manual and automated rapid commercial systems for identifying these organisms have been developed, some of which may have significant sensitivity issues. To overcome these limitations, newer molecular typing techniques have been developed that allow accurate and rapid identification of Candida species. This study reviewed the current state of identification methods for yeasts, particularly Candida species.
Targeting melanoma by small molecules: challenges ahead
Authors: Haq Rizwan , Fisher David E.
Published: April 2013

Significant progress has been made in targeting melanoma using small molecule inhibitors, but challenges remain. Here we describe the history of screening approaches in melanoma and their limitations. We propose several approaches to refine our screening models to enhance the discovery process. It is hoped that this discussion will stimulate further improvements in our development of small molecules inhibitors for treatment of melanoma patients.
Replacement Decisions for Potentially Hazardous Substances
Authors: Kraft Tim , Erhun Feryal , Carlson Robert C. , Rafinejad Dariush
Published: April 2013

As public awareness of environmental hazards increases, a growing concern for corporations is the potential negative environmental impact of their products and the chemicals these products contain. In this study, we analyze the optimal decisions of a firm when a substance within its product is identified as potentially hazardous. Although the substance is not currently regulated, regulation may occur in the future. Therefore, the firm must devise a strategy for the development and implementation of a replacement substance. In an environment where replacement costs can be millions of dollars, regulation is uncertain, and both consumer and non‐governmental organization pressures exist, a carefully developed plan that balances costs and risks is critical for a firm. Our results demonstrate that as long as a threat of regulation exists, a firm should always dedicate resources toward developing a replacement substance. However, it is not always optimal for a firm to implement a developed replacement. Regarding competitive dynamics, we find that competition between firms can offset a low chance of a shift in consumer perception about a substance and compel firms to replace; however, competition can lead to inefficient outcomes in which firms incur avoidable costs to implement ahead of potential regulation.
Molecular, biochemical and morphological data suggest an affiliation of Spongiochrysis hawaiiensis with the Trentepohliales (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Boedeker Christian , Karsten Ulf , Leliaert Frederik , Zuccarello Giuseppe C.
Published: April 2013

The aeroterrestrial, unicellular green alga Spongiochrysis hawaiiensis had been included in the ulvophycean order Cladophorales based on small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequence data, and represents so far the only fully terrestrial member of this order. Other characteristics of S. hawaiiensis that are atypical for Cladophorales include the presence of large amounts of carotenoids and a budding‐like mode of cell division. As the position of this terrestrial, unicellular alga in an order of aquatic, multicellular green algae is unusual, we re‐evaluated the phylogenetic relationships of this enigmatic organism based on supplementary SSU rDNA sequences as well as novel large ribosomal subunit (LSU) rDNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS rDNA) sequences. Additionally, we examined several morphological characters of S. hawaiiensis, as well as low molecular weight carbohydrate (LMWC) patterns of S. hawaiiensis and members of the Cladophorales and Trentepohliales as potential chemotaxonomic markers. We found S. hawaiiensis to be uninucleate. The analysis of the LMWC content detected the presence of the polyol erythritol in S. hawaiiensis and in the Trentepohliales, while this compound was missing in the Cladophorales. The phylogenetic analyses of the novel sequences placed S. hawaiiensis in the terrestrial Trentepohliales. This placement is supported by the aeroterrestrial habitat, the presence of large amounts of carotenoids, the uninucleate cells, and the presence of the polyol erythritol as a protective compound against water loss.