bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial diversity at the cloaca relates to an immune response in magpie Pica pica and to body condition of great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius nestlings
Authors: Ruiz‐Rodríguez Magdalena , Soler Juan J. , Lucas Françoise S. , Heeb Philipp , José Palacios María , Martín‐Gálvez David , De Neve Liesbeth , Pérez‐Contreras Tomás , Martínez Juan G. , Soler Manuel
Published: December 2008

Diversity of the gut bacterial community is of prime importance for optimal food digestion and, therefore, for nutritional condition of avian nestlings. Consequently, bacterial community should be considered as a predictor of the future survival and recruitment of young birds. To explore this hypothesis, we studied the cloacal microbiota, by using RISA procedure, in two avian species sharing environmental conditions during growth, the avian brood parasitic great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius, and their main host in Europe, the magpie Pica pica. As estimates of phenotypic condition of nestlings we studied two nutrition‐dependent traits, the immune response to an innocuous antigen (phytohemagglutinin), and the residuals of body mass on tarsus and wing length of nestlings. According to the hypothesis, we found significant relationships between microbial diversity and nestling phenotypic traits related to probability of recruitment. Briefly, both magpie and cuckoo nestlings having more similar microbial diversity were also those with similar immune response and body condition index respectively. Our results show a possible association between bacterial communities and variables related to the probability of post‐fledging survival and recruitment of birds, as well as possible reasons explaining magpie‐cuckoo differences in the nutritionally conditioned variables better associated with their bacterial diversity.
Effect of abutment's height and framework alloy on the load distribution of mandibular cantilevered implant‐supported prosthesis
Authors: Suedam Valdey , Capello Souza Edson Antonio , Moura Márcio Silva , Jacques Letícia Borges , Rubo Jose Henrique
Published: December 2008

Objectives: In cantilevered implant‐supported complete prosthesis, the abutments' different heights represent different lever arms to which the abutments are subjected resulting in deformation of the components, which in turn transmit the load to the adjacent bone. The purpose of this in vitro study was to quantitatively assess the deformation of abutments of different heights in mandibular cantilevered implant‐supported complete prosthesis.

Material and methods: A circular steel master cast with five perforations containing implant replicas (Ø3.75 mm) was used. Two groups were formed according to the types of alloy of the framework (CoCr or PdAg). Three frameworks were made for each group to be tested with 4, 5.5 and 7 mm abutments. A 100 N load was applied at a point 15 mm distal to the center of the terminal implant. Readings of the deformations generated on the mesial and distal aspects of the abutments were obtained with the use of strain gauges.

Results: Deformation caused by tension and compression was observed in all specimens with the terminal abutment taking most of the load. An increase in deformation was observed in the terminal abutment as the height was increased. The use of an alloy of higher elastic modulus (CoCr) also caused the abutment deformation to increase.

Conclusion: Abutment's height and framework alloy influence the deformation of abutments of mandibular cantilevered implant‐supported prosthesis.
Barriers to restorative care as perceived by dental patients attending government hospitals in Tanzania
Authors: Kikwilu E. N. , Frencken J. E. , Mulder J. , Masalu J. R.
Published: December 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  Perceptions of dental patients in Tanzania regarding barriers to restorative care were examined.

Methods:  A total of 1138 dental patients aged 15 years and above, attending 12 selected government dental clinics in January 2005, completed a pre‐tested questionnaire. anova and logistic regression were used to identify the effects of independent variables upon the barrier factors.

Results:  Ten barriers to restorative care in Tanzania were identified. The five main barriers included: No advice received from dentist (mean = 3.82); Lack of knowledge on restorative care (mean = 3.58); Lack of habits for going for dental check‐ups (mean = 3.31); Bother that one may get in seeking restorative care (mean = 3.28) and Past experience with dental treatment (mean = 3.25). Less respondents in the middle economic zone perceived issues related to beliefs and misinformation, lack of knowledge on restorative care and past experience with dental treatment to be barriers than respondents in low and high economic zones (P < 0.01). However, more of them perceived issues related to high fee for restoration, bother that one may get in seeking restorative care and few clinics rendering restorative care (P < 0.0001) to be barriers than respondents in the high economic zone did. Women, more than men, perceived few clinics rendering restorative care and no advice received from dentist as barriers to restorative care (P < 0.01). Respondents who had received a restoration and/or had relatives who had received a restoration perceived bother that one may get in seeking restorative care and no advice received from dentist more as barriers to restorative care than did those who lacked that experience and whose relatives had not received a restoration (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  No advice received from dentist and lack of knowledge on restorative care, were the two major barriers to restorative care, as perceived by dental patients in Tanzania. Implementation of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment approach may overcome many of the barriers identified.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis associated with stromal and vascular calcification, report of two cases
Authors: Song Jie , Volkov Suncica , Shea Christopher R. , Alegre Maria‐Luisa , Salgia Reena , Gregg Kevin , Curran James J. , Woodruff James , Krausz Thomas , Levine Jerrold S. , Sweiss Nadera J.
Published: December 2008

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a systemic fibrosing disorder characterized by the development of large indurated plaques on the skin, primarily in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Skin biopsy reveals an increased frequency of CD34+ and Factor XIIa+ cells. Microscopic calcification has been reported in the skin biopsies of rare cases of NSF. The etiology and significance of this calcification is not clear. We present two cases of typical NSF, for which marked stromal and vascular calcification was identified on skin biopsy. In both cases, the calcification was within typical NSF lesions and was intimately associated with aggregates of CD34+, Factor XIIIa+ spindle and stellate cells. This particular pattern of calcification strongly argues against either nonspecific dystrophic calcification or coincidental metastatic calcification. These findings suggest that calcification may be intrinsic to the pathophysiology of NSF, at least in a subset of NSF patients. In addition, the vascular calcification involving small arteries and arterioles in these two cases morphologically resembled calciphylaxis, which is another poorly understood complication of ESRD. This resemblance raises the possibility that NSF may predispose to or develop in the vicinity of indolent lesions of early‐stage calciphylaxis. We propose that skin biopsies performed as part of a diagnostic workup for suspected NSF should preferably include the deep dermis and subcutis, in order to assess possible vascular calcification.
Hypocholesterolemia in adult patients with thalassemia: a link with the severity of genotype in thalassemia intermedia patients
Authors: Ricchi Paolo , Ammirabile Massimiliano , Spasiano Anna , Costantini Silvia , Di Matola Tiziana , Cinque Patrizia , Pagano Leonilde , Prossomariti Luciano
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Hypocholesterolemia has been previously described in patients affected by thalassemia. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the cholesterol level in two groups of patients affected by either thalassemia major (TM) or thalassemia intermedia (TI), with the aim of establishing factors correlated to hypocholesterolemia within both populations.

Methods:  All patients referring to our Unit of Thalassemia were considered. Observation time, defined as the interval between the first and last set of laboratory test, was 2 yr (January 2005–December 2006).

Results:  We found that patients with TI had significantly lower cholesterol and hemoglobin level as compared with TM patients. In addition there was no correlation between groups with identical genotype and cholesterol levels in both populations. However, within the TI group, lower values of cholesterol were found in patients with more severe genotype and lower body mass index.

Conclusions:  Our data support the hypothesis that, independently from single genotype involved, the reduced level of cholesterol in patients with TI are sustained by active erythropoiesis which increases cholesterol requirement.
Infections of the esophagus and the stomach
Authors: Quiding‐Järbrink Marianne , Bove Mogens , Dahlén Gunnar
Published: December 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0757.2009.00320.xDOI Link
Melatonin applied to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds improves germination during chilling stress
Authors: Posmyk Małgorzata M. , Bałabusta M. , Wieczorek M. , Sliwinska E. , Janas K. M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The relationship between germination and melatonin applied during osmo‐ and hydropriming was studied in cucumber seeds. The proportion of nuclei with different DNA contents, the mean ploidy and the (2C + 4C = 8C)/2C ratio in unprimed and primed, dry and imbibed at 10°C seeds were established by flow cytometry. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein oxidation were also estimated. Melatonin and indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) concentrations in the seeds were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Being sensitive to chilling stress, seeds that germinated well (99%) at 25°C showed only 30% germination at 15°C, and almost no germination (4%) at 10°C. Hydropriming in water improved seed germination to 50–60% at 15°C and the addition of melatonin (25–100 m) also increased the rate of germination. Osmopriming in polyethylene glycol increased germination at 15°C to 78%, and 98% when combined with 50 m melatonin. Osmoprimed seeds germinated even at 10°C and reached 43%, and 83% when 50 m melatonin was applied. None of the treatments induced DNA synthesis, although during the first 24 hr of imbibition at 10°C the mean ploidy and the (2C + 4C = 8C)/2C ratio increased, which is indicative of the advanced Phase II of germination. Hydro‐ and osmopriming slightly decreased IAA content in the seeds in most of the cases; only hydropriming with 100 and 500 m melatonin increased it. Melatonin protected membrane structure against peroxidation during chilling, but excessive melatonin levels in cucumber seeds (∼4 μg/g fresh weight) provoked oxidative changes in proteins. There is still lack of information explained clearly the role of melatonin in plant physiology. This molecule acts multidirectionally and usually is alliged to other compounds.
Using programme theory to assess the feasibility of delivering micronutrient Sprinkles through a food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programme in rural Haiti
Authors: Loechl Cornelia U. , Menon Purnima , Arimond Mary , Ruel Marie T. , Pelto Gretel , Habicht Jean‐Pierre , Michaud Lesly
Published: December 2008

This paper uses programme theory to assess, in the context of an effectiveness evaluation, the feasibility and acceptability of distributing micronutrient Sprinkles through a food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programme in rural Haiti. We laid out the steps related to programme delivery and household utilization of Sprinkles and used qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data on these steps. Methods included structured observations, checks of beneficiary ration cards, exit interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), individual interviews and survey data from the effectiveness evaluation. Results are as follows: (1) information on use of Sprinkles was provided before mothers first received them, as planned; (2) Sprinkles were re‐packaged and distributed as planned and in the appropriate amount; (3) almost all mothers (96%) received two monthly rations of Sprinkles and received timely information on their use; (4) mothers understood instructions about use of Sprinkles and acceptance was high, and no selling of the product was reported or observed; and (5) mothers reported using Sprinkles as instructed, every day (63% in survey; 86% at exit interviews), and for the child only (99%). FGD with staff highlighted the acceptance of the intervention, with a reported ‘modest’ increase in workload. Within this well‐established programme, it proved feasible to distribute Sprinkles and to ensure appropriate use by beneficiary mothers. Existing programme venues were suitable for distributing Sprinkles and educating mothers about their use. Use of programme theory helped to assess feasibility and acceptability of the Sprinkles intervention and provided useful information for programme replication or scale‐up.
Maternal autonomy is inversely related to child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Shroff Monal , Griffiths Paula , Adair Linda , Suchindran Chirayath , Bentley Margaret
Published: December 2008

Child stunting, an outcome of chronic undernutrition, contributes to poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. In South Asia, the low status of women is thought to be one of the primary determinants of undernutrition across the lifespan. Low female status can result in compromised health outcomes for women, which in turn are related to lower infant birthweight and may affect the quality of infant care and nutrition. Maternal autonomy (defined as a woman's personal power in the household and her ability to influence and change her environment) is likely an important factor influencing child care and ultimately infant and child health outcomes. To examine the relationship between maternal autonomy and child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India, we analysed data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)‐2. We used cross‐sectional demographic, health and anthropometric information for mothers and their oldest child <36 months (n = 821) from NFHS‐2. The main explanatory variables of autonomy are presented by four dimensions – decision making, permission to travel, attitude towards domestic violence and financial autonomy – constructed using seven binary variables. Logistic regression models were used to test associations between indicators of female autonomy and the risk of having a stunted child. Women with higher autonomy {indicated by access to money [odds ratio (OR) = 0.731; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.546, 0.981] and freedom to choose to go to the market [OR = 0.593; 95% CI 0.376, 0.933]} were significantly less likely to have a stunted child, after controlling for household socio‐economic status and mother's education. In this south Indian state, two dimensions of female autonomy have an independent effect on child growth, suggesting the need for interventions that increase women's financial and physical autonomy.
Effects of Nimesulide, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Ibuprofen and Nabumetone on Cyclooxygenase‐1‐ and Cyclooxygenase‐2‐Mediated Prostanoid Production in Healthy Volunteersex vivo
Authors: Kerola Markku , Vuolteenaho Katriina , Kosonen Outi , Kankaanranta Hannu , Sarna Seppo , Moilanen Eeva
Published: December 2008

Abstract: The beneficial actions of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), whereas some of their adverse effects are associated mainly with inhibition of COX‐1. Selective COX‐2 inhibitors reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events, but increase the risk of thromboembolic events pointing to importance of optimal COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibition in drug safety. We compared the effects of acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, nabumetone and nimesulide on COX‐1 and COX‐2 pathways in healthy volunteers in anex vivoset‐up using single oral doses commonly used to treat acute pain. In a randomized, double‐blind four‐phase cross‐over study, 15 healthy volunteers were given orally a single dose of either acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg, nabumetone 1 g or nimesulide 100 mg. Blood samples were drawn before and 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hr after the drug for the assessment of COX‐1 and COX‐2 activity. COX‐1 activity was measured as thromboxane2production during blood clotting and COX‐2 activity as endotoxin‐induced prostaglandin E2synthesis in blood leucocytes. The data show that after a single oral dose these four NSAIDs have different profiles of action on COX‐1 and COX‐2. As expected, acetylsalicylic acid appeared to be COX‐1‐selective and ibuprofen effectively inhibited both COX‐1 and COX‐2. Nabumetone showed only a slight inhibitory effect on COX‐1 and COX‐2. Nimesulide caused almost complete suppression of COX‐2 activity and a partial reduction of COX‐1 activity. This confirms the relative COX‐2 selectivity of nimesulide.
Chronic Pharmacological and Safety Evaluation of Hematide™, a PEGylated Peptidic Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agent, in Rodents
Authors: Woodburn Kathryn W. , Wilson Susan D. , Fong Kei‐Lai , Schatz Peter J. , Spainhour Charles B. , Norton Daniel
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Hematide™ is a synthetic peptide‐based, PEGylated erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent, which is being developed for the chronic treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure. To support the safety of long‐term dosing of chronic renal failure patients, a comprehensive toxicology programme was implemented including rat subchronic and chronic studies. Rats were administered 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg of Hematide every 3 weeks for 3 months via subcutaneous injection or for 6 months via intravenous injection. The dosing period was followed by a 6‐week follow‐up period. The primary pharmacology of Hematide resulted in erythroid polycythemia as measured by elevated haemoglobin levels that were time‐ and dose‐dependent. The pharmacology profiles were similar regardless of administration route. For example, for male rats at Day 90, subcutaneous dosing resulted in haemoglobin increases of 2.7, 4.5 and 6.9 g/dl for 0.1, 1 and 10 mg Hematide/kg respectively, compared to 2.8, 5.7 and 7.4 g/dl increases for intravenous dosing. Histopathological changes were related to the prolonged severe polycythemia induced in normocythemic animals administered an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent. The findings included extramedullary haematopoiesis in the spleen and liver, bone marrow hypercellularity and organ congestion. Microscopic findings were reversible, demonstrating a return towards control findings within 6 weeks following cessation of dosing. Systemic exposures, based on both area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax), were substantially greater for intravenous than subcutaneous administration. No Hematide‐specific antibodies were detected. In conclusion, Hematide is a potent erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent, and the studies provide support for the safety of clinical development, including chronic dosing, for the treatment of anaemia associated with chronic renal failure.
Floristic compositions of Inner Mongolian grasslands under different land‐use conditions
Authors: Ao Min , Ito Misako , Ito Kanji , Yun Jin Feng , Miura Reiichi , Tominaga Tohru
Published: December 2008

The severe degradation of grasslands caused by overgrazing and other diverse human operations has become widespread in Inner Mongolia, China. In this study, the vegetations of several grasslands under different land‐use conditions were compared to examine the relationships between the vegetation and the disturbance of the grassland. Floristic and life‐form compositions of the stands representing the six different sites were researched by the quadrat method: a non‐grazed grassland (G1), a lightly grazed grassland (G2), a path (P), an abandoned field (AF) and two artificial meadows (M1 and M2). P, AF, M1 and M2 were located in a part of the grazed grassland. AF, M1 and M2 had been tilled when planted. The dominant species found in G1 and G2 were Potentilla fragarioides, Poa annua, and Cleistogenes squarrosa. Artemisia annua, Chenopodium album, Cannabis sativa f. ruderalis and Calystegia hederacea were found in P and AF, being scarce in the grassland areas. Amaranthus retroflexus, Kochia scoparia and Setaria viridis, which are cosmopolitan weeds, were dominant only in AF. Leymus chinensis, Agropyron cristatum, Potentilla bifurca, and Potentilla tanacetifolia were widely observed across all the surveyed sites. The land‐use change from grassland to path caused a decrease of perennial species and an invasion of annual species by heavy trampling. A similar vegetational change occurred with the land‐use change from grassland to abandoned field due to the destruction of original vegetation by tillage. Human disturbance such as tillage and trampling also resulted in a decrease in the species with the tufted‐ and branched‐form and an increase in the species with the erect‐form. Tillage could produce a more serious impact on the grassland vegetation as compared to grazing.
Forage and biomass feedstock production from hybrid forage sorghum and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids
Authors: Venuto Brad , Kindiger Bryan
Published: December 2008

As the bioenergy industry expands, producers choosing to shift current forage crop production to dedicated biomass crops can benefit from growing lower risk multipurpose crops that maximize management options. Hybrid forage sorghums (HFS) and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids (SSG) are capable of impressive biomass yields and tolerance to environmental stress. Multiple vegetative harvests (ratoon harvests) of sorghum are possible and there are photoperiod‐sensitive sorghums that remain vegetative. However, the response of newer HFS and SSG cultivars to harvest management practices designed for forage or cellulosic feedstock production has not been fully investigated in all environments. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine biomass production and quality characteristics of a genetically diverse range of HFS, SSG and sudangrass cultivars and evaluate their interaction with harvest system; and (ii) provide data to aid selection of sorghum cultivars for both forage and biofuel uses. Mean yield across all entries and years for a single late season harvest was 27.1 Mg ha−1 of dry matter per year. Mean total yield for a first harvest plus a ratoon crop was 25.5 Mg ha−1 of dry matter per year. However, entries varied for yield and interacted with harvest system. Mean caloric value was 16.5 Gj Mg−1 and modest differences were observed among cultivars evaluated. The best performing entry (cv. Tentaka) yielded 40.3 Mg ha−1 of dry matter for a single late season harvest, demonstrating the biomass potential of existing sorghum cultivars, specifically those possessing photoperiod‐ and/or thermosensitive genotypes.
Affiliative group size influences grazing and recumbency behaviors in heifers immediately after beginning grazing and in high‐density grazing situations
Authors: Takeda Ken‐ichi , Sato Shusuke , Sugawara Kazuo
Published: December 2008

We compared grazing and recumbency behaviors of grazing heifers in affiliative groups of two and five immediately after beginning grazing and in high‐density grazing situations in a pasture. Fourteen heifers were divided into two experimental groups of two individuals and two groups of five individuals that were familiar with each other. These heifers were then grazed with unfamiliar cattle in a pasture. Four heifers from each affiliative group (eight heifers in all) were selected as focal animals in three grazing situations: (i) treatment 1, immediately after beginning grazing (0.5 ha animal unit [AU]−1); (ii) control, 1 month after beginning grazing (0.3 ha AU−1); and (iii) treatment 2, high‐density grazing (0.1 ha AU−1). Each focal animal was followed by an individual observer for 12 h beginning at sunrise. Posture and maintenance behaviors at 1‐min intervals were recorded continuously. The mean duration and total time spent grazing during the 12‐h observation period were significantly affected by group size and grazing situation (P < 0.001) and the interaction between these factors (P < 0.01). The mean duration of grazing behavior in the group of two was considerably (P < 0.05) reduced in treatment 2 compared to control, whereas there was no significant difference in the group of five. Although the total time spent in maintenance behavior (grazing and recumbency) in the groups of two and five was the same in each treatment in the former, the difference between the total time spent grazing and recumbency behaviors was greater than that in the latter (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that an affiliative group size may provide a calming effect for cattle in a pasture and contribute to the stability of their lives in a socially competitive situation. An affiliative group of five may be better adapted behaviorally to a changing grazing environment compared to a group of two.
Development of an automatic classification system for eating, ruminating and resting behavior of cattle using an accelerometer
Authors: Watanabe Nariyasu , Sakanoue Seiichi , Kawamura Kensuke , Kozakai Takaharu
Published: December 2008

Monitoring behavior of grazing animals is important for the management of grazing systems. We developed a new automatic classification system for eating, ruminating and resting activities of cattle using a three‐axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer. We fitted the accelerometer to a Holstein cow in a tie‐stall barn and to a Japanese Black cow at pasture, and measured their under‐jaw accelerations at 1‐s intervals. The behavior of the animals was also video‐recorded. The raw acceleration data was processed to create 12 variables: the mean, variance and inverse coefficient of variation (ICV; mean/standard deviation) per minute for the x‐, y‐ and z‐axis and the resultant. Quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was employed to classify eating, ruminating and resting activities, using 11 combinations of the variables as explanatory variables. In all axes and their resultant, approximately 99.6% of the raw acceleration values ranged between –19.6 m s−2 (–2 G) and 19.6 m s−2 (2 G), with an amplitude tendency of eating > ruminating > resting. Seven combinations of the variables produced total percent correct discriminations exceeding 90% in both tie‐stalled and grazing cows. Overall, the highest discriminant score was obtained in the combination of the ‘Means and ICV’. Our results demonstrate that processing acceleration data with QDA is effective in statistically classifying eating, ruminating and resting activities of cattle.
Spatial and seasonal variation of climate on steppe slopes of the northern Mongolian mountain taiga
Authors: Dulamsuren Choimaa , Hauck Markus
Published: December 2008

The local climate of two south‐facing, steppe‐covered slopes was studied in the Eroo River valley in the western Khentey Mountains, northern Mongolia, and compared to the climate of a floodplain meadow. The microclimate of these sites is of special interest because: (i) the climate‐dependent forest–steppe border runs through northern Mongolia; and (ii) the area encountered late 20th century warming far above the global average. The overall climate of the study area is characterized by highly variable, low annual precipitation (<300 mm), an annual average of air temperature around the freezing point and a high seasonal amplitude of temperature of 80°C. South‐facing slopes were warmer and drier than the floodplain. High soil temperatures with maxima of nearly 60°C at 1 cm depth and low soil moisture are capable of inhibiting tree growth on the south‐facing slopes. Soils on the open slope are warmer than at the treeline between taiga forests and grasslands and, thus, less suited for tree growth. On the open slopes, soil temperatures primarily depend on the inclination and the vegetation cover suggesting an interrelationship between the present vegetation, microclimate and the potential for the establishment of trees. Because climate in Mongolia is predicted to become warmer and drier at many places, hot and dry soil conditions inhibiting the establishment of trees may be expected to be more common in future. An expansion of such unfavorable conditions could cause the spread of grasslands to slopes in western and eastern aspects, which are presently occupied by forest.
Relevance of genetically modified crops in light of future environmental and legislative challenges to the agri‐environment
Authors: O’Brien M. , Mullins E.
Published: December 2008

A key challenge for countries like Ireland up to 2030 is to produce sufficient supplies of food, feed and fuel, without compromising on public health or negatively impacting the environment. As we progress through the technology era, certain agricultural technologies [e.g. genetically modified (GM) crops] have been championed to maximise production while minimising environmental impact. Yet, multiple arguments have been made to counter such a claim, which has led to a polarisation of opinions and a plethora of generic commentaries being made in regard to the impact of this technology. Yet, few studies within the European Union (EU) have conducted a critical needs analysis to assess the potential of specific GM traits in light of issues, such as climate change, increased environmental legislation (e.g. EU Water Framework, Nitrates Directive, proposed reform to the Pesticide Directive and Common Agricultural Policy reform), mitigating biodiversity loss and sustainable biofuel production. The goal of this study is to collate a register of GM traits such that a list of potential GM crops could be prioritised against the backdrop of the challenges facing the tillage sector. Clearly, the crops with the most significant potential for genetic modification are those that are grown widely and/or receive high applications of pesticides and fertilisers (e.g. potato, wheat, barley and maize). GM traits with significant agronomic potential include late blight resistant potato, Fusarium head blight resistant wheat and Septoria resistant wheat and herbicide‐tolerant winter oilseed rape and maize. Following on from these, crops with enhanced nitrogen‐use efficiency could provide significant input to the tillage sector in light of EU‐based restrictions on nitrogen usage, crops with elevated protein content could offset the costs of imported animal feed and crops with modified oil content/lignocellulose composition could assist in biodiesel/bioenergy production at a regional level. This study is relevant to other European countries that cultivate similar crops and like Ireland, are facing multiple challenges to their tillage sector in the near future.
GAMETOPHYTIC FACTOR 1, Involved in Pre‐mRNA Splicing, Is Essential for Megagametogenesis and Embryogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Man , Yuan Li , Liu Nai‐You , Shi Dong‐Qiao , Liu Jie , Yang Wei‐Cai
Published: December 2008

RNA biogenesis is essential and vital for accurate expression of genes. It is obvious that cells cannot continue normal metabolism when RNA splicing is interfered with. sgt13018 is such a mutant, with partial loss of function of GAMETOPHYTIC FACTOR 1 (GFA1); a gene likely involved in RNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis. The mutant is featured in the phenotype of diminished female gametophyte development at stage FG5 and is associated with the arrest of early embryo development in Arabidopsis. Bioinformatics data showed that homologs of gene GFA1 in yeast and human encode putative U5 snRNP‐specific proteins required for pre‐mRNA splicing. Furthermore, the result of yeast two‐hybrid assay indicated that GFA1 physically interacted with AtBrr2 and AtPrp8, the putative U5 snRNP components, of Arabidopsis. This investigation suggests that GFA1 is involved in mRNA biogenesis through interaction with AtBrr2 and AtPrp8 and functions in megagametogenesis and embryogenesis in plant.
The Contributions of Stewart Myers to the Theory and Practice of Corporate Finance*
Authors: Allen Franklin , Bhattacharya Sudipto , Rajan Raghuram , Schoar Antoinette
Published: December 2008

In a 40‐plus year career notable for path‐breaking work on capital structure and innovations in capital budgeting and valuation, MIT finance professor Stewart Myers has had a remarkable influence on both the theory and practice of corporate finance. In this article, two of his former students, a colleague, and a co‐author offer a brief survey of Professor Myers's accomplishments, along with an assessment of their relevance for the current financial environment.

These contributions are seen as falling into three main categories:

Work on “debt overhang” and the financial “pecking order” that not only provided plausible explanations for much corporate financing behavior, but can also be used to shed light on recent developments, including the reluctance of highly leveraged U.S. financial institutions to raise equity and the recent “mandatory” infusions of capital by the U.S. Treasury.

Contributions to capital budgeting that complement and reinforce his research on capital structure. By providing a simple and intuitive way to capture the tax benefits of debt when capital structure changes over time, his adjusted present value (or APV) approach has not only become the standard in LBO and venture capital firms, but accomplishes in practice what theorists like M&M had urged finance practitioners to do some 30 years earlier: separate the real operating profitability of a company or project from the “second‐order” effects of financing. And his real options valuation method, by recognizing the “option‐like” character of many corporate assets, has provided not only a new way of valuing “growth” assets, but a method and, indeed, a language for bringing together the disciplines of corporate strategy and finance.

Starting with work on estimating fair rates of return for public utilities, he has gone on to develop a cost‐of‐capital and capital allocation framework for insurance companies, as well as a persuasive explanation for why the rate‐setting process for railroads in the U.S. and U.K. has created problems for those industries.
Brealey, Myers, and Allen on Real Options
Authors: Brealey Richard A. , Myers Stewart C. , Allen Franklin
Published: December 2008

Real options are valuable sources of flexibility that are either inherent in, or can be built into, corporate assets. The value of such options are generally not captured by the standard discounted cash flow (DCF) approach, but can be estimated using a variant of financial option pricing techniques.

This article provides an overview of the basics of real option valuation by examining four important kinds of real options:

The option to make follow‐on investments. Companies often cite “strategic” value when taking on negative‐NPV projects. A close look at the payoffs from such projects reveals call options on follow‐on projects in addition to the immediate cash flows from the projects. Today's investments can generate tomorrow's opportunities.

The option to wait (and learn) before investing. This is equivalent to owning a call option on the investment project. The call is exercised when the firm commits to the project. But often it's better to defer a positive‐NPV project in order to keep the call alive. Deferral is most attractive when uncertainty is great and immediate project cash flows—which are lost or postponed by waiting—are small.

The option to abandon. The option to abandon a project provides partial insurance against failure. This is a put option; the put's exercise price is the value of the project's assets if sold or shifted to a more valuable use.

The option to vary the firm's output or its production methods. Companies often build flexibility into their production facilities so that they can use the cheapest raw materials or produce the most valuable set of outputs. In this case they effectively acquire the option to exchange one asset for another.

The authors also make the point that, in most applications, real‐option valuation methods are a complement to, not a substitute for, the DCF method. Indeed DCF, which is best suited to and usually sufficient for safe investments and “cash cow” assets, is typically the starting point for real‐option analyses. In such cases, DCF is used to generate the values of the “underlying assets”—that is, the projects when viewed without their options or sources of flexibility.
Equity Issues and the Disappearing Rights Offer Phenomenon
Authors: Eckbo B. Espen
Published: December 2008

This article presents a theoretical model based on the Myers‐Majluf framework that attempts to explain the choice of public companies among alternative methods for issuing seasoned equity primarily in terms of differences in “information‐asymmetry” and “adverse selection” costs. The key insight is that a “pure” (or uninsured) rights offering is likely to be the lowest‐cost flotation method only in cases where a large fraction of current shareholders are expected to subscribe to the offering (i.e., only when expected shareholder takeup is high). In such cases, direct flotation costs are much lower than those associated with book‐built underwritten offerings to (mainly) new investors. Even more important, because heavily subscribed rights offerings also involve minimal potential for transfer of wealth between existing and new shareholders (since they are mostly the same people), adverse selection costs are not a concern. But as the expected shareholder takeup falls—say, because increases in corporate size cause risk‐averse, wealth‐constrained shareholders to diversify their investments—the potential for costly wealth transfers from issuing mis‐priced equity leads companies to consider underwriter certification of the new issue. This is evidenced in the data by a systematic move from pure rights offerings first towards rights with standby underwriting as shareholder takeup falls and—for sufficiently low shareholder takeup—to fully marketed firm commitment offerings.

This adverse selection framework for corporate equity issuance can be used to explain a number of well‐documented phenomena in financial markets:

the disappearance of rights offerings among publicly traded U.S. industrial companies, as well as the notable switch by such companies in all developed economies from pure rights to underwritten offers, as growth leads to less concentrated ownership structure;

the continuing widespread use of rights issues in foreign jurisdictions characterized by smaller and relatively closely held firms;

the more frequent use of rights by public utilities (with less discretion over issue policy and more limited possibilities for wealth transfers) than industrial issuers;

the use of large shareholder subscription precommitments (to signal high shareholder takeup) in pure rights but not in standby rights offers;

the neutral average market response to announcements of pure rights offerings, as compared to the negative response to standby rights offerings, and the still more negative reactions to firm commitment underwritten offerings;

the absence in cases of pure rights offers of the stock price runups that precede firm commitments and, to a lesser extent, standbys; and

the preference of financially distressed companies for rights offers (as a last resort).
Estimating Risk‐Adjusted Costs of Financial Distress
Authors: Almeida Heitor , Philippon Thomas
Published: December 2008

The search for the optimal, or value‐maximizing, capital structure involves weighing the expected benefits of higher leverage against the expected “costs of financial distress.” These costs include not only the direct costs of reorganization, but less quantifiable effects of financial trouble such as damage to the firm's reputation, the loss of key employees and customers, and the loss of value from forgone investment opportunities.

This article proposes a new method for valuing expected financial distress costs. While researchers have provided estimates of the costs associated with financial distress when it takes place, whether or when these costs will be incurred is, of course, unknown at the time the financing decision. As a result, the “correct” discount rate for valuing expected distress costs is difficult to derive. Instead of adjusting the discount rate to reflect historical default rate probabilities, the authors' method uses “risk‐neutral” probabilities of encountering distress that allow for discounting at the risk‐free rate. The risk‐neutral probabilities of default are derived by incorporating the systematic risk premia implicit in corporate bond yield spreads.

This method results in a significant increase in estimates of financial distress costs. In a simple example presented by the authors, distress costs estimated at about 1.6% of firm value using the conventional method turn out to run about 5% after adjusting for the increased systematic risk associated with financial distress.
Probing the Active Site of Candida glabrata Dihydrofolate Reductase with High Resolution Crystal Structures and the Synthesis of New Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Jieying , Bolstad David B. , Smith Adrienne E. , Priestley Nigel D. , Wright Dennis L. , Anderson Amy C.
Published: December 2008

Candida glabrata, a fungal strain resistant to many commonly administered antifungal agents, has become an emerging threat to human health. In previous work, we validated that the essential enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase, is a drug target in C. glabrata. Using a crystal structure of dihydrofolate reductase from C. glabrata bound to an initial lead compound, we designed a class of biphenyl antifolates that potently and selectively inhibit both the enzyme and the growth of the fungal culture. In this work, we explore the structure–activity relationships of this class of antifolates with four new high resolution crystal structures of enzyme:inhibitor complexes and the synthesis of four new inhibitors. The designed inhibitors are intended to probe key hydrophobic pockets visible in the crystal structure. The crystal structures and an evaluation of the new compounds reveal that methyl groups at the meta and para positions of the distal phenyl ring achieve the greatest number of interactions with the pathogenic enzyme and the greatest degree of selectivity over the human enzyme. Additionally, antifungal activity can be tuned with substitution patterns at the propargyl and para‐phenyl positions.
Characterization of Peptide 20–30 of Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor as an Antagonist of Receptor Activity: Significance of Charged Residues
Authors: Dupakuntla Madhavi , Ghosalkar Jeevan D. , Mahale Smita D.
Published: December 2008

We had previously reported the region (20–30) from follicle stimulating hormone receptor as being an immunodominant epitope and the smallest reported peptide capable of inhibiting hormone binding. We now report it to be an effective antagonist of ligand‐induced cAMP signalling as well. The region (20–30) of follicle stimulating hormone receptor has three charged residues, namely, E22, D26 and R29 that are specific to follicle stimulating hormone receptor and are conserved in mammals. This study aimed to verify whether the charged residues contribute to the activity of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor peptide (20–30). This was done using analogs of follicle stimulating hormone receptor peptide (20–30), each having an alanine substitution for a corresponding charged residue. The analog peptides displayed a loss of activity and could not inhibit hormone binding or the subsequent signal transduction. The ability of follicle stimulating hormone receptor peptide (20–30) to bind antipeptide antibodies against follicle stimulating hormone receptor peptide (9–30) was either decreased or abolished with the alanine substituted analog peptides of follicle stimulating hormone receptor peptide (20–30). The loss of function led us to verify whether there was a conformational change as well. CD spectral analysis did not reveal a significant change. These observations indicate that the charged aminoacids present in follicle stimulating hormone receptor peptide (20–30) are crucial for the observed follicle stimulating hormone antagonistic activity. This information could form the basis for the design of novel compounds capable of functioning as follicle stimulating hormone antagonists.
Aromatic Organic Compounds as Scaffolds for Metallocarboxypeptidase Inhibitor Design
Authors: Fernández Daniel , Avilés Francesc X. , Vendrell Josep
Published: December 2008

We have identified and characterized a set of quinoline, naphthalene and quinazoline derivatives as inhibitors of metallocarboxypeptidases, a class of metal‐dependent proteolytic enzymes. The aromatic organic compounds were selected from a high‐throughput screening survey and, with some exceptions, showed a good correlation between inhibitory potency and docking energy value. Thein vitroinhibition tests gaveKivalues in the lower micromolar range for metallocarboxypeptidases with different specificities, and a tendency to behave as more powerful inhibitors of CPB was observed for most of the compounds tested. The kinetic results were further analyzed by structural analysis via molecular docking. The most potent aromatic organic inhibitor docks to human CPB mostly through burial of its hydrophobic moiety deep into the enzyme’s active site cleft and by interacting with the catalytic zinc ion. The significance of our results in designing inhibitors against disease‐related CPs from the identified ligands is examined herein.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of (2S)‐N‐(Substitutedphenyl)‐1‐[(2R)‐2‐[(Formylhydroxyamino)Methyl]‐1‐Oxohexyl]‐2‐Pyrrolidinecarboxamides as Potential Peptide Deformylase Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhou Weicheng
Published: December 2008

Gram‐positive organisms have re‐emerged as the major hospital pathogens, which make the unmet medical needs for antibacterial therapy even worse. In searching for potent agents against Gram‐positive pathogens, novel (2S)‐N‐(substitutedphenyl)‐1‐[(2R)‐2‐[(formylhydroxyamino)methyl]‐1‐oxohexyl]‐2‐pyrrolidinecarboxamides, analogues of peptide deformylase inhibitor LBM‐415 were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activities in vitro. Many of these compounds exhibited high potency against Gram‐positive organisms compared with reference agent: LBM‐415.
The Structural and Functional Role of the B‐chain C‐terminal Arginine in the Relaxin‐3 Peptide Antagonist, R3(BΔ23‐27)R/I5
Authors: Hossain Mohammed Akhter , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Rosengren K. Johan , Shabanpoor Fazel , Zhang Suode , Lin Feng , Tregear Geoffrey W. , Wade John D.
Published: December 2008

Relaxin‐3, a member of the insulin superfamily, is involved in regulating stress and feeding behavior. It is highly expressed in the brain and is the endogenous ligand for the receptor RXFP3. As relaxin‐3 also interacts with the relaxin receptor RXFP1, selective agonists and antagonists are crucial for studying the physiological function(s) of the relaxin‐3/RXFP3 pair. The analog R3(BΔ23‐27)R/I5, in which a C‐terminally truncated human relaxin‐3 (H3) B‐chain is combined with the INSL5 A‐chain, is a potent selective RXFP3 antagonist and has an Arg residue remaining on the B‐chain C‐terminus as a consequence of the recombinant protein production process. To investigate the role of this residue in the RXFP3 receptor binding and activation, the analogs R3(BΔ23‐27)R/I5 and R3(BΔ23‐27)R containing the B‐chain C‐terminal Arg as well as R3(BΔ23‐27)/I5 and R3(BΔ23‐27), both lacking the Arg, were chemically assembled and their secondary structure and receptor activity assessed. The peptides generally had a similar conformation but those with the extra Arg residue displayed a significantly increased affinity for the RXFP3. Interestingly, in contrast to R3(BΔ23‐27)R and R3(BΔ23‐27)R/I5, the peptide R3(BΔ23‐27) is a weak agonist. This suggests that the C‐terminal Arg, although increasing the affinity, alters the manner in which the peptide binds to the receptor and thereby prevents activation, giving R3(BΔ23‐27)R/I5 its potent antagonistic activity.