bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collagen degradation during postnatal lung growth in rats
Authors: Arden M. G. , Adamson I. Y. R.
Published: March 2007

Postnatal lung growth involves remodeling of the structure seen at birth as new alveoli are formed. To determine the role of collagen degradation in this process, in particular of the basement membrane component, we studied the synthesis of total collagen and the degradation of collagen types I or IV in a series of rats from birth to 29 days of age. During the period of rapid cell proliferation to day 11, the collagen level per mg lung did not change though the rate of synthesis increased. Up to 40% of new collagen was rapidly degraded. At the end of the growth phase, the interstitium became thinner and less cellular. Collagen synthesis slowly decreased as the total collagen content increased in the lung, and less than 20% of newly synthesized collagen was degraded. Type I collagenase activity was highest during the cell proliferation phase, though less than 20% was due to active enzyme. In contrast, type IV collagen breakdown, also maximal in the first 11 days, was almost all due to enzymes present in the active form. The results demonstrate that rapid degradation of collagen, particularly the type IV form present in basement membranes, occurs during the early phase of postnatal lung growth. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary impedance as an index of severity and mechanism of neonatal lung disease
Authors: Coates A. L. , Vallinis P. , Mullahoo K. , Seddon P. , Davis G. M.
Published: March 2007

The measurement of resistive and elastic components of the respiratory system in neonates has been used to define disease severity and the response to therapy. The lung resistance RJ and dynamic lung compliance (CLdyn) partition the impediment to gas flow into two components, each of which may be altered independently. The concept of lung impedance (ZLdyn) is the combined effect of the elastic and resistive loads presented to the respiratory muscles, which determines the gas flow that will result from the pressures generated by the respiratory muscles. In a first order system where RL and C Ldyn are single values (independent of volume or respiratory rate), is the vector sum of the reactive [1/(2πfb × CLdyn)] and resistive (RJ components at the infant's breathing rate (fb), if the transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) generated by the respiratory muscles during spontaneous respiration can be modeled mathematically by a sinusoidal function. Furthermore, the phase angle (θ) between the impedance and the resistive component will represent the relative magnitude of the resistive and reactive components. The validity of this model can be established by comparing the calculated θ to the observed temporal difference (measured θ) between the Ptp and flow derived from the polygraph tracing. This hypothesis was tested in 10 spontaneously breathing neonates with lung disease of differing etiology and severity. No significant difference was found between the measured and calculated θ values (mean difference, 1.2 ± 3.9). The ZLdyn value varied between 68 and 216 cmH2O/L/s; calculated θ varied between 71° and 33° (mean, 65° ± 5° in respiratory distress syndrome and 44° ± 9° in bronchopulmonary dysplasia) with flow always leading Ptp. These results validate the use of (ZLdyn) in spontaneously breathing infants to represent the magnitude of the respiratory load presented by the lung (not including the chest wall), while θ is related to the disease process. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994; 17:41–49. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the effects of acetazolamide and aminophylline on apnea incidence and on ventilatory response to CO2, in preterm infants
Authors: Cordoba Enoch , Gerhardt Tilo , Rojas Mario , Duara Shahnaz , Bancalari Eduardo
Published: March 2007

Acetazolamide (ACTZ) reduces sleep apnea in adults exposed to high altitude and augments the ventilatory response to CO2. In order to determine the effect of ACTZ on the ventilatory response to CO2 and the incidence of apnea in preterm infants, 7 infants (BW, 1070 ± 191 g; postnatal age, 9 ± 7 days) were randomized to receive ACTZ (5 mg/kg/dose 06h for 36 hr) and 7 infants (BW, 1092 ± 292 g; post‐natal age, 5 ± 2 days) received aminophylline (AMINO; 8 mg/kg bolus then 2.5 mg/kg Q12h for 36 hr). Minute ventilation (VE), end‐tidal CO2, (P), ventilatory response to CO2 number of apneic episodes (≥15 sec duration), and arterial blood gases were measured before and 24–36 hr after starting therapy. In the AMINO group there was a significant decrease in apnea frequency from 6 ± 1 to 2 ± 2 episodes over an 8 hr epoch (P < 0.05), while no significant change was observed in the ACTZ group. The end‐tidal CO2, decreased significantly from 44 ± 7 to 38 ± 6 mmHg in the AMINO group and from 47 ± 5 to 36 ± 5 mmHg in the ACTZ (P < 0.05), which lead to a shift to the left of the CO2,‐response curve in both groups. The slope of the CO2, response curve did not change Significantly in the AMINO group and decreased in the ACTZ group. There was a significant decrease of pH from 7.43 to 7.26 in the ACTZ group, whereas in the AMINO group pH increased from 7.38 to 7.44. No significant changes in VE, tidal volume, respiratory rate, lung compliance, or resistance were observed with treatment in any of the two groups. These findings demonstrate that both AMINO and ACTZ decreased end‐tidal CO2 and caused a shift of the CO2 response curve to the left. Despite these similar effects, ACTZ did not have an effect on apnea incidence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994; 17:291–295. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of inspired air conditions on catecholamine response to exercise in asthma
Authors: Amirav I. , Panz V. , Joffe B. I. , Dowdswell R. , Plit M. , Seftel H. C.
Published: March 2007

The influence of different inspired air conditions on exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is well appreciated. However, the mechanism by which this influence is exerted is uncertain. To determine if varied inspired air conditions during exercise could affect the catecholamine response to physical exercise, we had 13 asthmatic and 6 healthy children (aged 10–18 years) undergo two bouts of cycle ergometry tests under different air conditions. One test was done while breathing cold dry (CD) air (temperature, −20.2°C; relative humidity, 0%) and the other while breathing warm humid (WH) air (temperature, 34.3%; relative humidity, 100%). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV,) and plasma catecholamine concentrations were recorded before and after exercise. Marked EIB (48 2 5% SEM fall in FEV, from baseline) developed in all asthmatics after the CD exercise, but no EIB was noted after the WH exercise. Normal controls had no EIB under either test conditions. Plasma levels of catecholamines at rest, and the changes that occurred during and after exercise, were comparable within as well as between the groups in both tests. Catecholamines did not rise in asthmatics following development of EIB. These data demonstrate that inspired air conditions do not influence the sympathoadrenal response to exercise, at least as reflected in plasma catecholamine levels. In fact, this response did not differ between asthmatics and normals, irrespective of the development of EIB. These results are consistent with previous reports about impaired catecholamine response of asthmatics to bronchoconstriction.Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994;18:99–103. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal chronic lung disease, oxygen dependency, and a family history of asthma
Authors: Hagan R. , Minutillo C. , French N. , Reese A. , Landau L. , Lesouëf P.
Published: March 2007

We examined the relationship between a family history of asthma (FHA), neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD), and oxygen dependency in an inception cohort study of all 24‐to 30‐week gestation infants admitted to the sole tertiary perinatal center in Western Australia. One hundred and forty‐four infants were admitted during the study period; 116 had data analyzed, I12 of whom survived to discharge. Respiratory morbidity was common and the prevalence increased with decreasing gestation. Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) occurred in 92 (79%) and CLD (oxygen dependency at 28 days) in 62 (53%); 35 (30%) were oxygen dependent at 36 weeks corrected age, and 16(14%) were oxygen dependent at term. Thirty‐two infants had an FHA which was equally distributed between those infants with and without CLD. Infants with an FHA were more likely to be oxygen dependent at term (relative risk 4.4; 95% Cl 1.7,11.1). Thirty‐eight percent of mothers smoked; 68% of their infants developed HMD compared to 89% of those whose mothers did not smoke. Logistic regression identified GA < 28 weeks (OR 7.3; 95% Cl 1.4,39), severe HMD (OR 4.8; 95% Cl 1.1,22), and FHA (OR 11.O; 95% Cl 2.3,53) as the only factors associated with an increased risk of being oxygen dependent at term. The duration of supplemental oxygen in infants with CLD was significantly related to decreasing gestation, greater degree of barotrauma, presence of HMD, pregnancy‐induced hypertension in the mother, duration of patent ductus arteriosus, and an FHA. An FHA may worsen chronic lung disease in the neonate, but is not involved as a causal factor. Clinicians should be aware of its influence on duration of oxygen supplementation when counselling parents of very preterm infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:277–283. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the fungicide triphenyltin hydroxide on soil fauna mediated litter decomposition
Authors: Van Wensem Joke , Jagers Op Akkerhuis Gerard A. J. M. , Van Straalen Nico M.
Published: March 2007

The effects of an organotin pesticide, fentin hydroxide (triphenyltin (IV) hydroxide; TPTH), on the soil fauna mediated decomposition of poplar leaf litter were examined. The responses of micro‐ecosystems (MES) containing soil animals were compared to MES without fauna. The isopod Porcellio scaber Latr. was chosen as a representative saprotrophic soil fauna species.

TPTH was added in four concentrations, ranging from 0.1 to 100 μg (g dry litter)−1. MES respiration was used as a measure of decomposition rate. To measure the nitrogen mineralisation by microflora and isopods, ammonium and nitrate concentrations in the litter were determined.

Analyses of the litter showed that TPTH was not degraded during the experiment. TPTH had a short‐term effect on microbial respiration, which diminished after two days. Ammonium production by isopods within the system was the most sensitive parameter for the effects of TPTH. The No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) was 10 μg g−1. It was concluded that, while TPTH is a fungicide, it does not seem to be very toxic to microbial respiration and ammonification as measured within the micro‐ecosystem; isopod activities are more sensitive.
Prospects and progress for Bacillus thuringiensis‐based pesticides
Authors: Cannon Raymond J. C.
Published: March 2007

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)‐based insecticide products constitute the overwhelming majority of biopesticides but, despite having been commercially available for over 30 years, they have made little impact (<1%) on the crop‐protection market as a whole. This has been largely due to poor cost‐performance factors relative to synthetic organic pesticides. However, recent biotechnological advances—including genetic modification—combined with a variety of emerging opportunities, have created the prospect of the commercialisation of a new range of highly effective Bt‐based biopesticides.

Bioencapsulation of single‐gene products—delta‐endotoxins from selected Bt isolates—in killed Pseudomonad cells (Mycogen Corporation's ‘CellCap’ technology), offers a flexible delivery system with enhanced persistence.

This versatile approach selects only the most appropriate biotoxins, which can be used to target a number of pest species. It is anticipated that Bt‐based pesticides will continue to fill an increasing number of gaps in the panoply of synthetic crop‐protection chemicals. Genetically modified products offer advantages in terms of efficacy, flexibility and safety but public concerns regarding perceived risks need to be addressed.
Opportunities and problems of control of foliar pathogens with micro‐organisms
Authors: Fokkema Nyckle J.
Published: March 2007

Three different strategies in biological control of diseases of above‐ground plant pans are discussed.

(1) Microbial suppression of infection. Undisturbed naturally occurring yeast populations will create unfavourable nutritional conditions for leaf infection by necrotrophic pathogens. Application of biological control agents, operating through nutrient competition, to healthy leaves, however, is generally not very effective, because the pathogen rapidly penetrates the leaf and escapes competition. In contrast, microbial protection of man‐made wounds on fruits looks promising. Field applications of bacterial preparations or aqueous compost extract to leaves reduce disease by necrotrophs as well as biotrophs. The mechanisms are not clear, but involvement of induced resistance may make the establishment of the biological control agents in the phyllosphere less important.

(2) Microbial suppression of pathogen sporulation. Suppression of the dissemination of the pathogen is, in principle, effective against diseases with many infection cycles per season. This approach allows a long interaction period between the antagonist and the pathogen. Research on the use of mycoparasites for the control of mildews and rusts is well known in this respect. Promising, and relatively new. is this approach in relation to necrotrophic pathogens sporulating on dead plant material.

(3) Microbial suppression of pathogen survival. Mycoparasites may also interfere with the formation and vitality of sclerotia in infected above‐ground plant tissue and crop remains. Depending on the importance of initial inoculum, originating from sclerotia, treatment of infected plant material may reduce the severity of the disease in the following season.
Modulation of P‐glycoprotein‐mediated resistance by kaempferol derivatives isolated from Zingiber zerumbet
Authors: Chung Soo Yeon , Jang Dae Sik , Han Ah‐Reum , Jang Jung Ok , Kwon Youngjoo , Seo Eun‐Kyoung , Lee Hwa Jeong
Published: March 2007

This study examined the effects of the kaempferol derivatives extracted from Zingiber zerumbet on the accumulation and efflux of [3H]‐daunomycin (DNM) in P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) overexpressing multidrug resistant (MDR) human breast cancer cells, MCF‐7/ADR. Of six kaempferol derivatives extracted from Z. zerumbet, kaempferol‐3‐O‐methyl ether (1) and kaempferol‐3,4′‐O‐dimethyl ether (2) showed a potent P‐gp inhibitory effect as great as verapamil, a well‐known P‐gp inhibitor. The P‐gp inhibitory activity of these two compounds was through a 3‐fold increase of the level of [3H]‐DNM accumulation and a decrease of P‐gp‐mediated efflux. These results suggest that the kaempferol derivative components of Z. zerumbet can be used as a scaffold for developing agents that reverse P‐gp‐mediated MDR in human cancer chemotherapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric detection of glycosaminoglycan disaccharides as cesium salts
Authors: Laremore Tatiana N. , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: March 2007

Ultraviolet matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (UV‐MALDI‐MS) analysis of highly acidic, thermally labile species such as glycosaminoglycan‐derived oligosaccharides is complicated by their poor ionization efficiency and tendency to fragment through the loss of sulfo groups. We have utilized a systematic approach to evaluate the effect of alkali metal counterions on the degree of fragmentation through SO3 loss from a highly sulfated model compound, sucrose octasulfate (SOS). The lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium salts of SOS were analyzed by UV‐MALDI‐time‐of‐flight (TOF)MS using an ionic liquid matrix, bis‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidinium α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamate. The positive‐ion and negative‐ion MALDI mass spectra of five alkali metal salts of SOS were compared in terms of the degree of analyte fragmentation through the SO3 loss and the absolute intensity of a molecular ion signal. Experimental results demonstrate that the lithium, sodium, and potassium salts of SOS undergo some degree of fragmentation through the loss of SO3, whereas the fragmentation through the loss of SO3 in the rubidium and cesium salts of SOS is suppressed. A high detection sensitivity associated with the stability of sulfate half‐esters was achieved for the cesium salt of SOS using positive‐ion detection. Finally, the cesium salt of chondroitin sulfate A disaccharide was successfully analyzed using UV‐MALDI‐TOFMS. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra‐thin SiO2 on Si VIII. Accuracy of method, linearity and attenuation lengths for XPS
Authors: Kim Kyung Joong , Seah M. P.
Published: March 2007

In the study of ultra‐thin films (<10‐nm thick), there is a range of methods that can provide accurate measurements of differences in thickness. However, in a pilot study under the auspices of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM), results for the archetypal system of SiO2 on Si show that the methods have different offsets such that, at all thicknesses, positive or negative amounts in the range up to 1 nm may be observed between methods. All the methods studied give thicknesses that are greater than those measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) by amounts between 0.2 nm and approximately 1 nm. Significant parts of these offsets, of other methods with respect to XPS, may be attributed to contaminations which increase the apparent thickness but that do not affect XPS. However, not all of these offsets can yet be explained at the 0.2 nm level. The remaining part of the offsets could be thought to have arisen either from the XPS or from the other methods. In this study, by measuring SiO2 deposited in situ on amorphous Si by XPS it is shown that the XPS linearity is consistent with the previous estimate of ± 0.025 nm, down to fractions of a monolayer, with no significant offset and that, therefore, it is the offsets seen using other methods that need further study. Recent calculations of the film thickness dependence of the attenuation lengths (ALs) for this system, using NIST SESSA software, are not consistent with these data although earlier calculations are. This work shows that XPS, with the AL calibrated by one or more other methods that are valid for differences in thickness, can provide a traceable measurement of thickness in all laboratories. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dramatic decline of François' langur Trachypithecus francoisi in Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Li Youbang , Huang Chengming , Ding Ping , Tang Zheng , Wood Chris
Published: March 2007

Interviews with local people and a survey were carried out in 23 counties of south-west Guangxi Province from April 2002 to June 2003 to evaluate the conservation status of François' langur Trachypithecus francoisi and assess the extent and nature of threats to the species' survival. François' langurs were found in only 10 counties compared with their presence in 23 counties before 1990. The total population size is estimated to be 307 individuals in 14 isolated populations. This represents a 90% decrease in population size since the early 1980s and an 85% decrease since the mid 1990s. The primary threat to the langur is hunting, mainly for traditional medicine. Our results suggest that conservation efforts for the species have been ineffectual during the last decade and, even within reserves, few direct management measures seem to have been taken to protect and conserve the langurs. Without the instigation of such measures it seems likely that François' langur will disappear both inside and outside reserves. To ensure the long-term survival of Francois' langur in Guangxi Province increased investment and improved management, planning, and training of reserve managers and staff is required, with a particular focus on the key remaining reserves and sites for the langur. Some of this work is now underway.
Preparations for the reintroduction of Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica into Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Johnsingh A.J.T. , Goyal S.P. , Qureshi Qamar
Published: March 2007

Approximately 300 Asiatic lions Panthera leo persica are confined to the 1,883 km2 Gir forests in Gujarat, western India. To establish a second home for the Asiatic lion in its former range, Kuno Wildlife Division (1,280 km2, with a core 345 km2 Sanctuary) has been identified in Madhya Pradesh. To assess whether the Sanctuary has sufficient wild ungulates to support a population of lions 17 transects totaling 461 km were surveyed over an area of 280 km2 in early 2005. The density of potential ungulate prey was 13 animals km−2. There are also c. 2,500 feral cattle, left behind by translocated villagers; the cattle are considered to be buffer prey in case droughts adversely affect the populations of wild ungulates. Control of poaching, moving of two villages, grassland management and building a rubble wall around the Division to keep out livestock would lead to a substantial rise in the population of ungulates (to c. 20 animals km−2) by the end of 2007. This density would support the first group of five lions (three females and two males) due to be reintroduced in the beginning of 2008. Even if all the three females raise cubs there will be sufficient wild prey by the end of 2009 to support the males, females and cubs.
Saving the Island in the Sky: the plight of the Mount Mulanje cedar Widdringtonia whytei in Malawi
Authors: Bayliss Julian , Makungwa Steve , Hecht Joy , Nangoma David , Bruessow Carl
Published: March 2007

The Endangered Mulanje cedar Widdringtonia whytei, endemic to the Mount Mulanje massif in Malawi, has undergone a drastic decline due to increased fire incidence and illegal logging. Valued for its fine timber, attractive fragrance, and pesticide-resistant sap, the tree has been regarded as highly desirable since its discovery in the late 19th century. Because of its steep slopes and isolated high altitude plateau, Mount Mulanje is also a refuge for a number of other endemic plant species. The first assessment of the Mulanje cedar since 1994 was commissioned by the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust to ascertain the species' current extent and status. This study identified an area of 845.3 ha of Mulanje cedar, which represents a loss of 616.7 ha over the previous 15 years. Of the recorded trees 32.27% (37,242 m3) were dead cedars. Therefore, under current Department of Forestry harvest licensing, there remains in theory sufficient dead cedar to last >30 years. At this stage it is imperative that cedar nurseries are established and saplings planted out across the mountain on an annual basis, small cedar clusters are protected to facilitate regeneration, and a strict monitoring programme is followed to prevent the cutting of live cedar.
Implications for neurobiological research of cognitive models of psychosis: a theoretical paper
Authors: GARETY PHILIPPA A. , BEBBINGTON PAUL , FOWLER DAVID , FREEMAN DANIEL , KUIPERS ELIZABETH
Published: March 2007

Background

Cognitive models of the positive symptoms of psychosis specify the cognitive, social and emotional processes hypothesized to contribute to their occurrence and persistence, and propose that vulnerable individuals make characteristic appraisals that result in specific positive symptoms.

Method

We describe cognitive models of positive psychotic symptoms and use this as the basis of discussing recent relevant empirical investigations and reviews that integrate cognitive approaches into neurobiological frameworks.

Results

Evidence increasingly supports a number of the hypotheses proposed by cognitive models. These are that: psychosis is on a continuum; specific cognitive processes are risk factors for the transition from subclinical experiences to clinical disorder; social adversity and trauma are associated with psychosis and with negative emotional processes; and these emotional processes contribute to the occurrence and persistence of psychotic symptoms. There is also evidence that reasoning biases contribute to the occurrence of delusions.

Conclusions

The benefits of incorporating cognitive processes into neurobiological research include more sophisticated, bidirectional and interactive causal models, the amplification of phenotypes in neurobiological investigations by including emotional processes, and the adoption of more specific clinical phenotypes. For example, there is potential value in studying gene×environment×cognition/emotion interactions. Cognitive models and their derived phenotypes constitute the missing link in the chain between genetic or acquired biological vulnerability, the social environment and the expression of individual positive symptoms.
The Lack of Attention to the Distinction between Situations and Cases in National Laws on Co-operation with the International Criminal Court with Particular Reference to the Spanish Case
Authors: OLÁSOLO HÉCTOR
Published: March 2007

This essay examines the impact of the distinction between situations and cases under the Rome Statute in national laws on co-operation with the ICC. It argues that this distinction is likely to create difficulties in three areas: (i) the communication of the notitia criminis to the Court; (ii) admissibility issues in proceedings under Articles 18 and 19 of the Statute; and (iii) the efficacy at national level of admissibility rulings by the Court.
Conflicting Orders: How Peace Is Waged
Authors: BECKETT JASON A.
Published: March 2007

William Rasch, Sovereignty and Its Discontents: On the Primacy of Conflict and the Structure of the Political, London, Birkbeck University Press (Cavendish Publishing), 2004, ISBN 1859419844, 208 pp., £23.95 (pb).

‘War is for men, for honour and glory.’

‘And death,’ she pointed out.

‘Of course death. That is why women must be protected. Many babies must be born to replace the dead warriors.’

‘It might be better just to stop the wars.’

‘Pah! It is always useless to talk to women. They have no understanding.’
A NEW SPECIES AND A NEW COMBINATION IN AESCHYNANTHUS (GESNERIACEAE) FROM LAOS
Authors: MIDDLETON D. J.
Published: March 2007

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Aeschynanthus mendumae D.J.Middleton, is described from Laos. The new combination Aeschynanthus membranifolius (Costantin) D.J.Middleton is made. An IUCN conservation assessment is provided.
Factors that affect the adoption and maintenance of weekly vitamin A supplementation among women in Ghana
Authors: Hill Zelee , Kirkwood Betty , Kendall Carl , Adjei Eunice , Arthur Paul , Agyemang Charlotte Tawiah
Published: March 2007

Objective

To identify regimen, individual, community and cultural factors that affect adoption and adherence to weekly vitamin A supplementation in Ghana.

Design

Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who would be eligible for vitamin A supplementation, 30 with husbands, and 13 with drug sellers, birth attendants and health workers. Six focus group discussions were also conducted with women. These interviews were followed by a 4-month capsule trial with 60 women. Data from a previously conducted communication channel survey of 332 women were also reviewed.

Setting

The study was conducted in Kintampo District in central Ghana.

Subjects

Participants for the semi-structured interviews and focus groups were selected from four villages and the district capital, and women in the capsule trial were selected at random from two villages.

Results

Knowledge of vitamins was low and taking ‘medicines’ for long periods and when healthy is a new concept. In spite of this, long-term supplementation will be accepted if motives are explained, specific questions answered and clear instructions are given. Potential barriers included the idea of ‘doctor’ medicines as curative, false expectations of the supplement, forgetting to take the supplement, losing the supplement, travelling, lack of motivation, perceived side-effects, concerns that the supplement is really family planning or will make delivery difficult, and concerns about taking the supplement with other ‘doctor’ or herbal medicine, or when pregnant or breast-feeding, or if childless.

Conclusion

Successful supplementation programmes require appropriately designed information, education and communication strategies. Designing such strategies requires pre-programme formative research to uncover barriers and facilitators for supplementation.
Functional differentiation of human brain progenitor cells
Authors: MESSAM CONRAD A. , DING SHINGHUA , HAYDON PHILIP G.
Published: March 2007

Stem cells and progenitor cells derived from the developing human brain have been shown to differentiate into neurons and astrocytes. However, few studies have examined the functional, physiological properties of these differentiated neurons and astrocytes. In this study we have used immunocytochemistry in combination with electrophysiology to examine protein machinery and functional properties of neurons and astrocytes differentiated from human brain progenitor cells (hBPCs). Our results show that serum induces mainly astrocytic phenotype cells that express GFAP and have physiological properties that are typical of astrocytes. hBPCs differentiated with BDNF and PDGF develop mainly into neurons expressing mature neuronal proteins MAP-2, synaptobrevin II and vesicular glutamate transporter I in the process, plus a small population of GFAP-positive radial cells. Based on electrophysiology of BDNF/PDGF-treated cells two classes of cell were identified. Class I cells have functional neuronal properties, including functional voltage-gated Na+ and K+ currents, functional AMPA receptors and the ability to generate action potentials. A smaller subpopulation of cells (Class II cells) expresses GFAP and exhibit functional properties of astrocytes, including linear current–voltage relationship and dye-coupling.
Six-year comparison between organic, IPM and conventional cotton production systems in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, California
Authors: Swezey Sean L. , Goldman Polly , Bryer Janet , Nieto Diego
Published: March 2007

Three different cotton production strategies [certified organic, conventionally grown, and reduced insecticide input/integrated pest management (IPM)] were compared in field-sized replicates in the Northern San Joaquin Valley (NSJV), California, from 1996 to 2001. We measured arthropod abundance, plant development, plant density, pesticide use, cost of production, lint quality and yields in the three treatments. Overall pest abundance was low, and a key cotton fruit pest,Lygus hesperusKnight, known as the western tarnished plant bug (WTPB), did not exceed action thresholds in any treatment. Organic fields had significantly more generalist insect predators than conventional fields during at least one seasonal interval in all but one year. While there were no significant differences in plant development, plant densities at harvest were lower in organic than conventional and IPM fields. Some measures of lint quality (color grade and bale leaf rating) were also lower in the organic treatment than in either the IPM or the conventional treatments. Synthetic insecticides, not allowed for use in organic production, were also used in significantly lower quantities in the IPM fields than in the conventional fields. Over the 6-year period of the study, IPM fields averaged 0.63 kg of active ingredient (AI) insecticide per hectare, as opposed to 1.02 kg AI ha−1for conventional fields, a reduction of 38%. Costs of production per bale were on average 37% higher for organic than for conventional cotton. This cost differential was primarily due to greater hand-weeding costs and significantly lower yields in organic cotton, compared with either IPM or conventional cotton. Average 6-year yields were 4.4, 5.4 and 6.7 bales ha−1for organic, IPM and conventional treatments, respectively. Low world cotton prices and the lack of premium prices for organic cotton are the primary obstacles for continued production in the NSJV.
Übersicht über Bildgebungs- befunde zum phonologischen Defizit der Lese-Rechtschreibstörung bei Kindern und Erwachsenen: Grundlegende Defizite oder Anzeichen von Kompensation?
Authors: Ligges Carolin , Blanz Bernhard
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung: In frühen Bildgebungsstudien zur Untersuchung der neurobiologischen Korrelate des phonologischen Defizits der LRS konnten aufgrund der radioaktiven Belastung im Rahmen von PET-Untersuchungen lediglich erwachsene Probanden mit LRS untersucht werden. Die in diesen Studien beobachteten Aktivierungsunterschiede zwischen normallesenden erwachsenen Probanden und Probanden mit LRS ließen die Frage offen, ob es sich hierbei um grundlegende Aktivierungsdefizite handelte oder ob sie als Abbild der lebenslangen Erfahrung mit schlechten Lese- und Rechtschreibfähigkeiten und somit als Zeichen von Kompensation zu werten waren. Durch den Einsatz des fMRI konnten in den letzten Jahren auch Kinder mit LRS untersucht werden, um die der LRS zugrunde liegenden neurobiologischen Aktivierungsmuster zu untersuchen. Insgesamt deuten die Bildgebungsbefunde bei Kindern und Erwachsenen mit LRS darauf hin, dass die linkshemisphärischen inferior frontalen sowie dorsalen und ventralen temporalen Aktivierungsunterschiede, die in allen Altersstufen bei der Verarbeitung von phonologischen Sprachaufgaben zu beobachten sind, als grundlegendes neurobiologisches Defizit der LRS gewertet werden können. Rechtshemisphärische Aktivierungsunterschiede, die im deutschen Sprachraum zwar bei Erwachsenen, aber nur in sehr geringem Maße bei Kindern mit LRS zu beobachten sind, könnten hingegen als Abbild von entwicklungsbedingten Kompensationsprozessen zu werten sein.
Vorboten hyperkinetischer Störungen - Früherkennung im Kleinkindalter
Authors: Esser Günter , Fischer Sascha , Wyschkon Anne , Laucht Manfred , Schmidt Martin H.
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Im Rahmen der Mannheimer Risikokinderstudie wurde die Entwicklung von Kleinkindern bis ins Grundschulalter prospektiv verfolgt. Lassen sich auf der Grundlage der im Alter von zwei Jahren erhobenen psychopathologischen Symptomatik, des kognitiven, motorischen und neurologischen Entwicklungsstandes sowie der Erziehungsbedingungen Kinder voneinander unterscheiden, die mit acht Jahren eine hyperkinetische Störung aufweisen bzw. unauffällig sind? Sind solche Vorboten hyperkinetischer Störungen für diese Störungsgruppe spezifisch? Methode: Die 26 Grundschüler mit hyperkinetischen Störungen wurden 241 unauffälligen Grundschülern sowie 25 Kindern mit emotionalen Störungen und 30 Kindern mit Störungen des Sozialverhaltens gegenübergestellt und mit diesen im Hinblick auf Auffälligkeiten im Kleinkindalter verglichen. Ergebnisse: Als bedeutsamste Prädiktorkombination erwies sich die erhöhte motorische Unruhe und Irritierbarkeit sowie das verringerte Sprachverständnis der Zweijährigen mit hyperkinetischen Störungen im Grundschulalter. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Vorhersage hyperkinetischer Grundschulkinder gelingt im Kleinkindalter wie erwartet sicherer als im Säuglingsalter, ist jedoch in großen Teilen nicht spezifisch für hyperkinetische Auffälligkeiten.
Früher Einstieg in den Alkohol- und Tabakkonsum - Indikator für eine erhöhte Suchtgefährdung?
Authors: Laucht Manfred , Schmid Brigitte
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Der frühzeitige Beginn des Substanzkonsums gilt aufgrund mehrerer US-amerikanischer Studien als einer der besten Prädiktoren späterer Suchtprobleme. In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wird der Einfluss des frühen Einstiegsalters auf das Suchtverhalten in einer Kultur überprüft, die damit vergleichsweise freizügig umgeht und in der Jugendliche daher auch früher mit dem Konsum beginnen und höhere Konsumraten aufweisen. Methodik: In einer prospektiven Längsschnittstudie an einer Geburtskohorte von 384 Risikokindern wurden das Erstkonsumalter für Tabak und Alkohol, das Alter bei Beginn des regelmäßigen Konsums sowie verschiedene Parameter des Alkohol- und Tabakkonsums mit 15 Jahren erhoben. Ergebnisse: Das Konsumverhalten (Häufigkeit und Menge) sowie das Rauschtrinken als spezifisches Konsummuster und erste Symptome von Tabakabhängigkeit können durch das Alter beim Erstkonsum signifikant vorhergesagt werden. Beim Tabakkonsum und bei den weiblichen Jugendlichen ist dieser Zusammenhang generell höher. Schlussfolgerungen: Ein frühes Einstiegsalter stellt auch bei deutschen Jugendlichen einen Risikofaktor für den Alkohol- und Tabakkonsum in einem sehr frühen Stadium dar. Zu prüfen bleibt, ob es sich dabei um einen kausalen oder nichtkausalen Zusammenhang handelt.
Dopaminerge Polymorphismen und frühkindliche Regulationsprobleme
Authors: Becker Katja , El-Faddagh Mahha , Schmidt Martin H. , Laucht Manfred
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Das Vorliegen bestimmter Allele bei Polymorphismen des Dopaminrezeptorgens (DRD4) und des Dopamintransportergens (DAT1) erhöht das Risiko an ADHS oder anderen psychischen Störungen zu erkranken. Ob eine Assoziation zwischen der Ausprägung der genannten dopaminergen Polymorphismen und frühkindlichen Regulationsstörungen besteht, soll untersucht werden. Methodik: In der Mannheimer Risikokinderstichprobe wurden im Alter von drei Monaten Verhaltensauffälligkeiten in einem ausführlichen Interview von den Eltern erfragt und zusätzlich in verschiedenen Situationen beobachtet. Die Genotypisierung bezüglich der DRD4- und DAT1-Polymorphismen wurden mittels Standardmethoden im Alter von 15 Jahren vorgenommen. Untersucht wurden 300 Kinder (145 Jungen, 155 Mädchen), deren Datensätze in Bezug auf die Fragestellung komplett waren. Ergebnisse: Es zeigten 54 Jungen und 64 Mädchen (37,2 resp. 41,3%) einfache Regulationsprobleme und 17 Jungen bzw. 19 Mädchen (11,7 resp. 12,3%) multiple Regulationsprobleme. Bei den Jungen ergab sich eine signifikante Assoziation zwischen dem Vorhandensein des DRD4-7r Allels und dem Auftreten multipler Regulationsprobleme (p = .04). Diese Assoziation fand sich weder bei den einfachen Regulationsproblemen noch bei den Mädchen. Bei beiden Geschlechtern bestand keine Assoziation zwischen dem DAT1-Genotyp (10r/10r vs. Rest) und einfachen oder multiplen Regulationsproblemen. Schlussfolgerungen: Vor Schlussfolgerungen sollte das Ergebnis erst in einer unabhängigen Stichprobe repliziert werden.
Imaging rainfall drainage within the Miami oolitic limestone using high‐resolution time‐lapse ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Truss Steven , Grasmueck Mark , Vega Sandra , Viggiano David A.
Published: March 2007

The vadose zone of the Miami limestone is capable of draining several centimeters of rainfall within a fraction of an hour. Once the water enters the ground, little is known about the flow paths in the oolitic rock. A new rotary laser‐positioned ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) system enables centimeter‐precise and rapid acquisition of time‐lapse surveys in the field. Two‐dimensional (2‐D) GPR time‐lapse surveying at a 3‐min interval before, during, and after rainfall shows how buried sand‐filled dissolution sinks efficiently drain the bulk of the rainwater. Hourly repeated 3‐D imaging of a dissolution sink in response to surface infiltration shows how the wetting front propagates at a rate of 0.6–1.2 m/h traversing the 5‐m‐thick vadose zone within hours. At the same time, some of the water migrates laterally into the host rock guided by stratigraphic unit boundaries. Average lateral propagation measured over a 28‐hour period was of the order of 0.1 m/h. On a seasonal time frame, redistribution involves the entire rock volume. Comparing 3‐D surveys acquired after wet summer and dry winter conditions shows good GPR event correspondence, but also time shifts up to 20 ns caused by the change of overall water content within the vadose zone. High‐precision time‐lapse GPR imaging can therefore be used to noninvasively characterize natural drainage inside the vadose zone ranging from transient loading to seasonal variation.
European climate response to tropical volcanic eruptions over the last half millennium
Authors: Fischer E. M. , Luterbacher J. , Zorita E. , Tett S. F. B. , Casty C. , Wanner H.
Published: March 2007

We analyse the winter and summer climatic signal following 15 major tropical volcanic eruptions over the last half millennium based on multi‐proxy reconstructions for Europe. During the first and second post‐eruption years we find significant continental scale summer cooling and somewhat drier conditions over Central Europe. In the Northern Hemispheric winter the volcanic forcing induces an atmospheric circulation response that significantly follows a positive NAO state connected with a significant overall warm anomaly and wetter conditions over Northern Europe. Our findings compare well with GCM studies as well as observational studies, which mainly cover the substantially shorter instrumental period and thus include a limited set of major eruptions.
Impact of SST reanalyzed using OGCM on weather simulation: A case of a developing cyclone in the Japan Sea area
Authors: Yamamoto Masaru , Hirose Naoki
Published: March 2007

It is difficult to estimate high‐resolution sea surface temperature (SST) distributions in coastal areas under cloudy and rainy weather conditions. This study makes use of dynamical estimates of SST produced by combining satellite measurements into an eddy‐resolving ocean general circulation model (OGCM). The reanalyzed SST provides an improved surface boundary condition for mesoscale atmospheric simulations. We examined a developing cyclone passing over the Japan Sea in comparative experiments undertaken using reanalyzed and satellite‐measured SSTs. Mesoscale features of the SSTs resulting from ocean dynamics influence the development of the cyclone. In particular, the surface turbulent heat flux, precipitable water, and cloud water are sensitive to the difference between the two sets of SSTs. In these experiments, the simulation results obtained using the reanalyzed SST data are more similar to observed data than the results obtained using satellite‐measured SST.
Possible direct cloud‐to‐ionosphere current evidenced by sprite‐initiated secondary TLEs
Authors: Marshall R. A. , Inan U. S.
Published: March 2007

Video‐rate images of sprites observed from Langmuir Laboratory show slow, upward discharges from the cloud to the mesosphere following the sprite discharge. A single high‐time‐resolution (1000 fps) measurement of the tip of the upward discharge shows that it terminates at the base of the preceding sprite and persists for a total of ∼50 ms, compared to the sprite lifetime of ∼6 ms. Photometer data show that these events are likely to be predominantly blue. We propose a mechanism by which, in conjunction with intra‐cloud activity following the causative CG discharge, charge is moved within the sprite body from the ionosphere to the lower altitude edge of the sprite at ∼50 km; this transfer of charge lowers the upper capacitive plate, whereupon a second breakdown is facilitated between the cloud‐top and this charged plate, inducing electrical current between the cloud and the mesosphere and initiating the observed luminous discharges.
Effects of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) errors on the Antarctic atmospheric circulation of HadCM3
Authors: Lachlan‐Cope T. A. , Connolley W. M. , Turner J.
Published: March 2007

This paper investigate the large mean sea level pressure errors in the HadCM3 atmosphere‐ocean global climate model around Antarctica and finds them to be caused by the sea surface temperature (SST) errors in the winter tropics. This teleconnection is explained by the warm tropical SST anomalies causing anomalous ascent which strengthens the Hadley circulation and increases the high‐level (∼200hPa) divergence. This in turn interacts with the strong meridional gradient in absolute vorticity to generate Rossby waves that propagate polewards. By imposing SST anomalies, in the atmosphere only model, in different ocean basins it is shown that it is the SST errors over Indonesia and the eastern tropical Atlantic that are responsible for these wave trains; and hence, primarily responsible for the pressure anomalies. By contrast, a large SST error over the eastern tropical Pacific does not cause a wave train to be generated because it does not generate strong ascent. This study also demonstrates the difficulties in diagnosing errors within a coupled climate model since forcing, particularly in the tropics, may have a strongly non‐local effect.
Nonlinear evolution of modified two‐stream instability above ionosphere of Titan: Comparison with the data of the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer
Authors: Dóbé Zoltán , Szego Karoly , Quest Kevin B. , Shapiro Vitali D. , Hartle R. E. , Sittler E. C.
Published: March 2007

The ionosphere of Titan, moon of Saturn, is directly exposed to the streaming plasma either of magnetospheric or solar wind origin. A turbulent interaction region is formed, called here flowside plasma mantle, where both cold ionospheric and hot streaming plasma are present at comparable densities. Within the framework of a one‐dimensional electromagnetic hybrid simulation using realistic electron mass we have shown that significant wave activity may be generated because of a modified two‐stream instability (MTSI). Having its free energy in the relative drift between the streaming ion flow and the ionospheric ions MTSI is very effective in generating “anomalous viscosity” type interaction leading to significant bulk velocity loss of the proton component of the external plasma flow and turbulent heating of the ionospheric ions. The stochastic energy transfer from the streaming plasma to the ionospheric ions may also increase the tailward planetary ion escape by collective pickup mechanism enhancing the rate of erosion of the atmosphere of Titan. We predict significant wave activity within the characteristic frequency range of about 1–10 Hz and at saturated wave electric field levels of about 5–25 mV/m. Similarly, according to our model calculations superthermal charged particles of ionospheric origin with kinetic energies of about few tens of eV are expected to be detectable by the charged particle analyzers onboard of Cassini spacecraft close to the upper edge of Titan's ionosphere.
Inflammation as a causative factor in the aetiology of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Whitton P S
Published: March 2007

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting mainly the elderly, although a small proportion of PD patients develop the illness at a much younger age. In the former group, idiopathic PD patients, the causes of the illness have been the subject of longstanding debate with environmental toxins, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal protein handling and oxidative stress being suggested. One problem has been that the epidemiology of PD has offered few clues to provide evidence for a single major causative factor. Comparatively recently it has been found that in both patients and experimental models of PD in animals neuroinflammation appears to be a ubiquitous finding. These cases present with all of the classical features of inflammation including phagocyte activation, increased synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokines and complement activation. Although this process is vital for normal function and protection in both the CNS, as in the periphery, it is postulated that in the aetiology of PD this process may spiral out of control with over activation of microglia, over production of cytokines and other proinflammatory mediators as well as the release of destructive molecules such as reactive oxygen species. Given that dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra are relatively vulnerable to ‘stress’ and the region has a large population of microglia in comparison to other CNS structures, these events may easily trigger neurodegeneration. These factors are examined in this review along with a consideration of the possible use of anti‐inflammatory drugs in PD.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 963–976. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707167